Hulk Hogan

‘WCW BASH AT THE BEACH 1995’ Recap + Review – Hogan vs. Vader, Lifeguard Match, Coolest Wrestling Venue of All-Time

by

DATE: July 16, 1995
VENUE: Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, CA)
COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock

Bash at the Beach 1995 brings the action of World Championship Wrestling to an honest to god beach, the only place that contain a main event as big as Hulk Hogan vs. Vader in a Steel Cage. Since we’re on a beach and Baywatch is a thing we’ve also got a Lifeguard match as Ric Flair and Randy Savage continue their year-long feud, The Renegade defends the Television Championship against “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, and…Jim Duggan takes on Kamala? We sure this is a WCW show?

Read more

‘WCW BASH AT THE BEACH 1996’ Recap + Thoughts – The New World Organization, Brother!

by

DATE: July 7, 1996
VENUE: Ocean Center (Daytona Beach, FL)
COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, & “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock

Bash at the Beach 1996 features a fight for WCW’s future as Sting, Lex Luger, & Randy Savage team up to take on the invading force of Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and a mystery partner (brother). This is one of the biggest wrestling main events of all-time and it permanently alters the course of WCW’s future in both a positive and negative way. But that’s not all that’s on the show, as we’ve got additional title matches including Konnan vs. Ric Flair for the United States Heavyweight Championship, a Double Dog Collar Match between The Nasty Boys and Public Enemy, a Carson City Dollar match between John Tenta and Big Bubba, and “Desperado” Joe Gomez in his one and only singles PPV appearance against Steve “Mongo” McMichael. 

Okay fine it’s mostly the nWo thing that this show is remembered for.

Read more

WWF SUMMERSLAM 1991 Recap + Review – Match Made in Heaven, Match Made in Hell, Virgil’s Shining Moment, Hart vs. Perfect

by

DATE: August 21, 1991
VENUE: Madison Square Garden (Manhattan, NY)
COMMENTATORS: Gorilla Monsoon, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock

WWF SummerSlam 1991 features a Match Made in Heaven (the wedding between Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth) and a Match Made in Hell (Hulk Hogan & Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter, Gen. Adnan, & Col. Mustafa with Sid Justice as the special guest referee), a legendary Intercontinental Championship match, a JAILHOUSE MATCH, and arguably the biggest moment in Virgil’s career that isn’t related to meat sauce at the Olive Garden. This is the first PPV I ever watched live so the nostalgia for me is STRONG, let’s see how it holds up.

CHAMPIONS

  • WWF CHAMPION: Hulk Hogan
  • WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: Mr. Perfect
  • WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Sags)

LINEUP

  • The Dragon, The Texas Tornado, & The British Bulldog vs. The Warlord and Power & Glory (**1/2)
  • Bret Hart [c] vs. Mr. Perfect for the WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP (****1/4)
  • The Bushwhackers vs. The Natural Disasters (*)
  • Ted DiBiase [c] vs. Virgil for the MILLION DOLLAR CHAMPIONSHIP (****)
  • JAILHOUSE MATCH: The Big Boss Man vs. The Mountie (*1/2)
  • STREET FIGHT: The Nasty Boys [c] vs. The Legion of Doom for the WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (**)
  • Greg Valentine vs. Irwin R. Schyster (*1/2)
  • THE MATCH IN MADE IN HELL: Hulk Hogan & The Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter, Gen. Adnan, & Col. Mustafa [w/ Sid Justice as the Special Guest Referee (*1/4)
  • THE MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN: The Wedding of Randy Savage & Miss Elizabeth (NR)

Read more

‘WCW SPRING STAMPEDE 1999’ Recap + Review – Four Corners World Title Match, Goldberg vs. Nash, New U.S. Champ Crowned

by

DATE: April 11, 1999
VENUE: Tacoma Dome (Tacoma, WA)
COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, & “The Professor” Mike Tenay
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock

The World Heavyweight Championship is up for grabs in the main event as  Ric Flair defends against Hollywood Hogan, Sting, and Diamond Dallas Page in a Four Corners Match with the returning “Macho Man” Randy Savage as the special guest referee. Also on the show the United States Championship is decided as Booker T takes on Scott Steiner, Hak battles Bam Bam Bigelow in a Hardcore match, Goldberg finally gets his hands on Kevin Nash after losing the World Title (and streak) to him back in December, and most importantly IT’S THE FIRST PPV WITH THE NEW LOGO THAT ONLY I LIKE, APPARENTLY.

CHAMPIONS

  • WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair
  • WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Vacant
  • WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION: Booker T
  • WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: Rey Mysterio Jr.
  • WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Rey Mysterio Jr. & Kidman

LINEUP

  • Blitzkrieg vs. Juventud Guerrera (**1/2)
  • Hak vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (**3/4)
  • Mikey Whipwreck vs. Scotty Riggs (**)
  • Konnan vs. Disco Inferno (*1/2)
  • Rey Mysterio Jr. [c] vs. Kidman for the WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (***1/4)
  • Raven & Perry Saturn vs. Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko (****)
  • Booker T vs. Scott Steiner for the vacant WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (**1/2)
  • Goldberg vs. Kevin Nash (*3/4)
  • Ric Flair [c] vs. Hollywood Hogan vs. Sting vs. Diamond Dallas Page for the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (***)

Read more

‘WCW UNCENSORED 1999’ Recap + Review – BOB WIRE, Lumberjacks with Straps, Dog Collars, Oh My

by

DATE: March 14, 1999
VENUE: Freedom Hall (Louisville, KY)
COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, & “The Professor” Mike Tenay

All sorts of things are on the line at Uncensored 1999 as Ric Flair fights to become WCW World Champion and PRESIDENT FOR LIFE, challenging Hollywood Hogan in a First Blood Cage Match topped with BOB WIRE. Also on the show Rey Mysterio Jr. looks for revenge against Kevin Nash, Mikey Whipwreck makes his improbable WCW debut, Perry Saturn finally embraces the real him, and a bunch of other sh*t thrown against the wall because it’s Uncensored.

CHAMPIONS

  • WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Hollywood Hogan
  • WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Scott Hall
  • WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION: “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner
  • WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: Kidman
  • WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Curt Hennig & Barry Windham

LINEUP

  • Kidman [c] vs. Mikey Whipwreck for the WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (***3/4)
  • HARLEM STREET FIGHT: Stevie Ray vs. Vincent (*3/4)
  • Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Kevin Nash (*1/2)
  • HANDICAP MATCH: Jerry Flynn vs. Ernest Miller & Sonny Onoo (*1/2)
  • Raven vs. Hak vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (***)
  • LUMBERJACK (WITH STRAPS) MATCH: Curt Hennig & Barry Windham [c] vs. Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko for the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (**1/4)
  • DOG COLLAR MATCH: Perry Saturn vs. Chris Jericho (**)
  • Scott Steiner [c] vs. Booker T for the WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP (*3/4)
  • FIRST BLOOD CAGE MATCH: Hollywood Hogan [c] vs. Ric Flair for the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (*1/2)

Read more

‘WCW SUPERBRAWL IX’ Recap + Review – Hogan vs. Flair, Goldberg vs. Bigelow, RIP Mysterio’s Mask

by

DATE: February 21, 1999
VENUE: Oakland Arena (Oakland, CA)
COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, & “The Professor” Mike Tenay
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock

SuperBrawl IX features a very fresh and never before seen main event as Hollywood Hogan defends the World Title against Ric Flair. About time! Also on the show Rey Mysterio Jr. put his mask on the line against Miss Elizabeth’s hair (they don’t wrestle each other, don’t get excited), new World Tag Team Champions are decided, and if you love nWo interference and shenanigans YOU ARE IN FOR A GREAT NIGHT.

CHAMPIONS

  • WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Hollywood Hogan
  • WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
  • WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION: “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner
  • WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: Kidman
  • WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Vacant

LINEUP

  • Booker T vs. Disco Inferno (**3/4)
  • Perry Saturn vs. Chris Jericho (***)
  • Kidman [c] vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. for the WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (**)
  • 2 OUT OF 3 FALLS KINDA: Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko vs. Curt Hennig & Barry Windham for the vacant WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (*1/2)
  • MASK VS. HAIR: Rey Mysterio Jr. & Konnan vs. Kevin Nash & ??? (*3/4)
  • Scott Steiner [c] vs. Diamond Dallas Page for the WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP (***)
  • Roddy Piper [c] vs. Scott Hall for the WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (3/4*)
  • Goldberg vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (**1/4)
  • Hollywood Hogan [c] vs. Ric Flair for the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (**)

Read more

‘WCW SOULED OUT 1999’ Recap + Review – Goldberg vs. Hall, Flairs vs. Hennig & Windham

by

DATE: January 17, 1999
VENUE: Charleston Civic Center (Charleston, WV)
COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, & “The Professor” Mike Tenay
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock (ugh)

One month after losing both his World Championship and his streak, Goldberg seeks revenge at Souled Out as he takes on the man who cost him everything, Scott Hall, in a Ladder Match. Also on the show Ric Flair teams with his young son David Flair to take on Curt Hennig & Barry Windham, Perry Saturn and Chris Jericho battle in a “Loser Wears a Dress” match (yes that happened on a major PPV in 1999), and the cruiserweights try their best to save a cratering PPV by having a four corners match full of nonsense.

CHAMPIONS

  • WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Hollywood Hogan
  • WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
  • WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION: “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner
  • WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: Kidman
  • WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Vacant

LINEUP

  • Chris Benoit vs. Mike Enos (**1/2)
  • Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Norman Smiley (**)
  • Van Hammer vs. Fit Finlay (*)
  • Wrath vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (*1/4)
  • Konnan vs. Lex Luger (*)
  • LOSER WEARS A DRESS: Perry Saturn vs. Chris Jericho (**1/2)
  • Kidman [c] vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Psicosis vs. Juventud Guerrera for the WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (***)
  • Ric & David Flair vs. Curt Hennig & Barry Windham (**1/4)
  • LADDER MATCH: Goldberg vs. Scott Hall (**1/2)

Read more

‘WWE WRESTLEMANIA 37: NIGHT 2’ Rundown + Review – Reigns vs. Bryan vs. Edge, Owens vs. Zayn, FIEND LORE

by

DATE: April 11, 2021
VENUE: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock (Live)

WWE tries to top its excellent first night with a bevy of title matches, the return of The Fiend, and much more! 

CHAMPIONS 

  • WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION: Roman Reigns
  • WWE CHAMPION: “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley
  • SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S CHAMPION: Bianca Belair
  • RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPION: Asuka
  • WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: Big E
  • WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPION: Riddle
  • RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles & Omos
  • SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode)
  • WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Nia Jax & Shayna Bazler

LINEUP

  • Randy Orton vs. The Fiend (*1/2)
  • Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler [c] vs. Natalya & Tamina for the WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (*1/2)
  • Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (***)
  • Riddle [c] vs. Sheamus for the WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP (***1/2)
  • NIGERIAN DRUM MATCH: Big E [c] vs. Apollo Crews for the WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP (**1/2)
  • Asuka [c] vs. Rhea Ripley for the RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP (**3/4)
  • Roman Reigns [c] vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP (****)

Read more

‘WWE WRESTLEMANIA 37: NIGHT 1’ Rundown + Review – Banks vs. Belair, Bad Bunny for WWE Champion, FANS AGAIN

by

DATE: April 10, 2021
VENUE: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
VIEWING METHOD: Peacock (Live)

The first night of WrestleMania 37 features Sasha Banks defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair in the main event, Bad Bunny and Omos making their respective in-ring debuts, and Shane McMahon meeting his big ‘Mania bump quota for the year.

CHAMPIONS 

  • WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION: Roman Reigns
  • WWE CHAMPION: “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley
  • SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S CHAMPION: “The Boss” Sasha Banks
  • RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPION: Asuka
  • WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: Big E
  • WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPION: Riddle
  • RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston)
  • SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode)
  • WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Nia Jax & Shayna Bazler

LINEUP

  • Bobby Lashley [c] vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP (***1/4)
  • #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (*)
  • Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins (***1/2)
  • The New Day [c] vs. AJ Styles & Omos for the RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (***)
  • STEEL CAGE MATCH: Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon (**1/2)
  • Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison (***3/4)
  • Sasha Banks [c] vs. Bianca Belair for the SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP (****1/4)

Read more

‘WWF WRESTLEMANIA IX’ Recap + Review – Bret vs. Yoko, Mega Maniacs vs. Money Inc., Maybe I Don’t Hate Giant Gonzalez?

by

DATE: April 4, 1993
VENUE: Caesar’s Palace (Las Vegas, NV)
COMMENTATORS: Jim Ross, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Long regarded as one of the worst WrestleMania events of all-time, the 9th edition of the event really leaned into their Caesar’s Palace (parking lot) location from the graphics to mostly everyone being decked out in togas. It was an interesting experiment that many considered a failure. But was it? Was it really?

…

Okay kinda but I think I did end up liking the show a lot more than most people. Let’s run down the show and I’ll tell you why.

CHAMPIONS

  • WWF CHAMPION: Bret “The Hitman” Hart
  • WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels
  • WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Money Inc. (“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Schyster)

LINEUP (Personal Favorites in Bold)

  • Shawn Michaels [c] vs. Tatanka for the WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
  • The Steiner Brothers vs. The Headshrinkers
  • Crush vs. Doink The Clown
  • Bob Backlund vs. Razor Ramon
  • Money Inc. [c] vs. Mega Maniacs for the WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
  • Mr. Perfect vs. Lex Luger
  • The Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez
  • Bret Hart [c] vs. Yokozuna for the WWF CHAMPIONSHIP
  • A TOTALLY FINE AND NOT ALL CONTROVERSIAL SECOND MATCH I WON’T SPOIL HERE

Read more