WWF 1993 - Wrestling Challenge 05/23! Undertaker Returns!

26th April 1993

Monday Night Raw kicks off from the Manhattan Centre NYC with Vince McMahon and special guest commentator for the evening Rob Bartlett welcoming us to the show! McMahon welcomes Bartlett to the WWF and Bartlett says he’s excited to be there and he’s looking forward to seeing ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage in action against Jerry Lawler later tonight as Savage has always been one of his favourites!

MATCH 1: Marty Jannetty vs. Skull Von Crush
A good outing for Jannetty here as he uses his speed to take control of the match. Jannetty wins the match after a cross body from the top turnbuckle! After the match, Vince McMahon announces that Marty Jannetty has been added to the KOTR qualifying brackets.
Rating: C-

We go to a King of the Ring promo package in which Vince McMahon reveals all 16 participants in the opening round of the KOTR! They are Razor Ramon, Lex Luger, Bob Backlund, Rick and Scott Steiner, Mr Hughes, Doink the Clown, Rick Martel, Crush, Marty Jannetty, ‘The Rocket’ Owen Hart, Bam Bam Bigelow, El Matador, Papa Shango, Tatanka and Ted Dibiase! McMahon announces that the qualifying round will begin on Superstars this week as ‘Narcissist’ Lex Luger faces Bob Backlund!

MATCH 2: Money Inc. vs. Jim Bell and Tony Roy
A solid tag team display by Money Inc who cut the ring in half, not allowing Bell to tag his partner in. They use some under handed tactics but eventually they pick up the victory after I.R.S hits Bell with the Write Off!
Rating: C-

We see a promo video for a new tag team in the WWF, two coyboys riding through the desert. They are Billy and Bart Gunn and they are riding in to the World Wrestling Federation as The Smoking Gunns! Coming Soon….

After this, Vince McMahon shows us highlights from the closing moments of last week’s Raw with Owen Hart helping his brother Bret against The Headshrinkers. Next week’s main event will be The Hart Brothers teaming for the first time to take on The Headshrinkers in a tag team match!

MATCH 3: Razor Ramon vs. Damien Demento
This one isn’t as easy as some may think for Razor here as Demento gets some offence in wearing his opponent down. Eventually though, Razor gets into the match and hammers away on Demento hitting a fallaway slam followed by the Razor’s Edge for the 3 count!
Rating: C

When we come back, Gorilla Monsoon has joined the broadcast team and Vince McMahon is in the ring. He introduces Mr. Perfect! The fans go crazy as Perfect makes his entrance. McMahon asks Perfect about the Intercontinental Title situation and how he feels about Shawn Michaels seemingly rejecting a rematch? Perfect states that Michaels is nothing but a coward and he probably doesn’t even have the guts to show up tonight. This brings out the IC champion, Shawn Michaels! Michaels is reluctant to get into the ring and stands on the outside. Michaels tells Perfect that he is not scared of him, he just doesn’t think Perfect deserves a title match! Michaels states that he beat Perfect fair and square at Wrestlemania. Perfect says that’s a bunch of crap and if Michaels was the man he says he is, he’ll face Perfect in a rematch at KOTR! Vince McMahon interjects and tells both men that WWF President Jack Tunney has requested that McMahon read a statement from him. McMahon tells both men that Jack Tunney has signed the match at the King of the Ring and to avoid any controversey, this match will be a 2 out of 3 falls match! McMahon explains that there will be three matches and the man who wins two of them wins the WWF Intercontinental Championship! Perfect has a huge grin while Michaels is beside himself!

We go to commercials but when we come back we see ad advert for ICO PRO followed by Gorilla Monsoon, Rob Bartlett and Vince McMahon talking about the King of the Ring as well as next week’s Raw in which Mr. Hughes will be in a qualifying match against Marty Jannetty as well as Bret and Owen Hart battling The Headshrinkers in the main event!

MATCH 4: ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage vs. Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler
Before the match starts, Jerry Lawler comes out on crutches!! Lawler states that due to an unfortunate accident he suffered during the week when he fell down some stairs at home, he cannot compete tonight against Savage. Vince McMahon on commentary states that he thought Lawler lived in a bungalow! Savage looks furious at Lawler’s blatant attempt at weaseling out of the match but Lawler informs Savage that he has got a replacement lined up! Suddenly from the crowd, Doink The Clown attacks Savage from behind!

MATCH 4: ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage vs. Doink The Clown
Doink hammers away on Savage as the crowd boo. Doink really works on Savage showing his technical skills in the ring as he chuckles. Lawler watches on from the entrance way and loves what he sees. Doink goes for a top rope sit down splash but Savage moves! Savage then takes control of the match with a few dropkicks, mounted punches and a nice hanging bulldog over the top rope. Savage hits Doink with a slam and then goes up for the Flying Elbow Drop which connects! Savage covers, 1…….2……3!
Rating: B

After the match, Savage makes his way towards Lawler who tries to back away but Doink hits Savage from behind and Lawler hits Savage with his crutches! Lawler wasn’t hurt as we suspected! Lawler hits Savage numerous times as him and Doink put the boots to the Macho Man in the aisle way! Tatanka rushes out and Doink and Lawler hightail it through the crowd as Raw goes off the air!

1st May 1993

Superstars this week kicks off with Jim Ross and Gorilla Monsoon welcoming us to the show! They are interrupted by Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler who joins them at the table. Lawler says he’s here to add a bit of class to the show this week. Jim Ross questions Lawler about his antics on Monday Night Raw this week, Lawler laughs and says that Savage is a loser and he proved that on Raw! Monsoon hypes up the King of the Ring tournament and the start of the tournament on this week’s Superstars with Bob Backlund taking on ‘The Narcissist’ Lex Luger in the main event!

MATCH 1: The Nasty Boyz vs. Scott Bazo and Bob Young
The Nasty Boyz use their strength and power advantage in this one picking up a fairly easy win over Bazo and Young. The Nasty’s take Bazo to Pitty City before rolling him up in a school boy pin for the three count.
Rating: D+

We go to pre recorded comments next from The Hart Brothers regarding their upcoming first ever match as a team against The Headshrinkers on Raw next week. Bret says that him and Owen have been working hard on their team work but blood is thicker than water and as brothers they will always be on the same page and work as a cohesive unit. Owen says they will need to fight dirty against two savages but they are ready and confident of picking up the win. Bret then warns Yokozuna not to get involved in the match.

MATCH 2: Virgil vs. K C Clerie
A good showing for Virgil here, he’ll feel hard done by not to be involved in the King of the Ring tournament. Virgil shows good athleticism and picks up the win after using the Million Dollar Dream, sending Clerie to sleep.
Rating: C-

We go a promo for a new tag team that are heading to the World Wrestling Federation. There are two cowboys riding through the desert and they are Billy and Bart Gunn, known as The Smoking Gunns! Riding their way to the WWF soon!

When we come back, Lawler makes fun of The Gunns saying that cowboys have no place in the World Wrestling Federation not while a King is present! Jim Ross then interrupts Lawler and tells him that Jack Tunney is standing by ready to address Jerry Lawler! Lawler is taken aback and we see a split screen with Lawler and Tunney. Tunney tells Lawler that his actions on Raw this past week were uncalled for and he will be punished for feigning injury and not competing. Tunney has no choice but to make the match against Randy Savage for the King of the Ring pay per view! Tunney tells Lawler that he either competes against Savage at King of the Ring or he will be suspended! Lawler protests this decision and tries to talk his way out of it but to no avail, Jerry Lawler is facing Randy Savage and the King of the Ring!

MATCH 3: Mr. Perfect vs. Terry Zeller
Mr Perfect shows his class in this match and shows exactly why he has an Intercontinental Title showdown with Shawn Michaels at the King of the Ring! Perfect displays his technical excellence throughout with an array of submission holds as well as beautiful dropkicks. Perfect picks up the win after a Perfect Plex!
Rating: C+

We go to the event centre with Gene Okerlund who talks about the King of the Ring tournament and the qualifying match on this week’s Wrestling Challenge between Doink The Clown and ‘El Matador’ Tito Santana! We hear short pre recorded comments from both Doink and Tito.

MATCH 4: Kamala vs. Larry Ludden
A throwaway match here on Superstars, Kamala uses his size to squash Larry Ludden and picks up the win after a big splash. Kamala looking dominant.
Rating: D-

We go back to the announcers, Lawler is still angry that he has to face Savage at the King of the Ring or else he’s suspended! Lawler states that he will appeal this decision and feels he is being treated unfairly by Jack Tunney! Lawler says he will go above Jack Tunney and try and get him removed from office! Monsoon tells Lawler that he thinks he is just scared to face the Macho Man and that is why he is so upset! Lawler tells Monsoon to mind his business and changes the subject to Wrestling Challenge this week. Jim Ross talks about the King of the Ring qualifying matches this week and says that we are ready for our main event! The first ever King of the Ring match!

MATCH 5: Bob Backlund vs. ‘The Narcissist’ Lex Luger (King of the Ring qualifying match)
This one is a very technical match, Backlund using his technical know how to try and one up Luger throughout including quick leg sweeps and amateur wrestling holds. Luger asserts dominance however after a sneaky rake to the eyes which allows Luger to execute a body slam followed by clotheslines. Luger gorilla presses Backlund and locks in a chin lock. Backlund has the fans behind him and reverses into a nice side suplex. Backlund locks in the Chicken Wing but Luger uses his power to throw Backlund to the mat and catches him coming back with that Forearm to the head! Backlund is knocked out of the ring! The referee counts to 10 and Lex Luger advances via a count out win. Luger will be in the quarter finals at the pay per view!
Rating: B-

The commentary team question the use of Lex Luger’s forearm (other than Lawler) as Superstars goes off the air!

3rd May 1993

Vince McMahon alongside Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler welcome us to Monday Night Raw from the Manhattan Centre from NYC! Lawler wastes no time in telling us that ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage is not at Raw thanks to the attack by himself and Doink last week! Lawler laughs about it and calls Savage a coward. McMahon then talks about tonight’s matches including Mr Hughes in a King of The Ring qualifying match against Marty Jannetty!! Also tonight, ‘The Bad Guy’ Razor Ramon in action as well as The Hart Brothers facing The Headshrinkers in the main event!

MATCH 1: ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan vs. Duane Gill
Hacksaw opens up Raw this week with a good performance against Duane Gill! Duggan hits the running shoulder charge for the victory.

We go to Gene Okerlund for the King of the Ring report! Okerlund runs down the remaining participants in the tournament and announces this week’s qualifying matches will feature Scott Steiner taking on Papa Shango on Superstars this week as well as Crush taking on Bam Bam Bigelow on Wrestling Challenge! Okerlund talks about the tournament brackets before going to comments from the Steiner Brothers about the King of the Ring tournament. Scott says it would be a dream for both Steiners to get to the final and battle it out for a chance to become King. If that happened, they would have to fight just like when they were little boys but their bond would never be broken regardless of which Steiner won the King of the Ring.

MATCH 2: ‘The Bad Guy’ Razor Ramon vs. Kamikaze Kid
The first appearance from the Kamikaze Kid who gets thrown around the ring by Razor. Ramon displays a cocky attitude but despite this, the fans are still behind him as he displays his power. Ramon hits a Razor’s Edge for an easy win.

We go to Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler on commentary and they discuss Lawler’s upcoming match at the King of the Ring against Randy Savage! Lawler says he still wants to sue Jack Tunney for making him compete in this match but Lawler states he’s not as bothered now that he took Savage out last week. McMahon states that Macho Man will return to Raw next week to confront Lawler! Lawler is in shock and says that it’s a shame but he’s busy next week so he wont be at Raw! Lawler says if Savage was a real man, he’d appear tonight but yet again Savage is showing next week when Lawler isn’t there, proving Savage is a coward!

MATCH 3: Rick ‘The Model’ Martel vs. Bobby Young
Rick Martel with another good showing this week showing his technical ability. Martel locks in the Boston Crab on Bobby Young for the victory.

We go to an interview with the Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels! McMahon speaks to Michaels from the commentary table in a split screen and asks Michaels about using the Perfect Plex this past week on Wrestling Challenge. Michaels states that he is just trying to get in Perfect’s head and he knows that he is far superior. McMahon states however that he has an announcement from Jack Tunney that Shawn Michaels MUST defend his Intercontinental Championship next week on Raw due to length of time since his last title defence. Vince announces that next week we will see Shawn Michaels defend the IC title against……….Marty Jannetty!!! Michaels is irate and McMahon tells Michaels not to shoot the messenger!

MATCH 4: Mr. Hughes vs. Marty Jannetty (King of the Ring qualifying match)
Mr Hughes over powers Jannetty for the majority of this match but Jannetty shows good fight and doesn’t give up. Hughes hits Jannetty with a side walk slam and is about to cover but suddenly the lights in the Manhattan Centre flicker! Mr Hughes gets to his feet and Harvey Whippleman is shook up! The lights continue to flicker and we see Paul Bearer make his way down the ramp!! Hughes is distracted by Bearer and tells him to stay away or else……Hughes turns around but Jannetty is perched on the top rope and delivers a missile dropkick which sends Hughes down! Jannetty hooks the leg, 1……..2…….3!! Jannetty advances!!!

What a week it may be for Marty Jannetty! Hughes can’t believe it and Marty Jannetty is going to the King of the Ring!

We go to a King of the Ring promo video before we head back to the announce team. Vince McMahon hypes up Superstars and Wrestling Challenge reminding us of the King of the Ring qualifiers between Scott Steiner and Papa Shango as well as Crush taking on Bam Bam Bigelow! McMahon reminds us that next week’s Raw will see Randy Savage in action as well as Marty Jannetty challenging Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental Championship!

MATCH 5: Bret and Owen Hart vs. The Headshrinkers
Time for the main event! This is a really good match, the styles of these men gel really well with the speed and technique of the Hart Brothers and the physical power of The Headshrinkers. Owen is isolated over a period of time, Samu and Fatu dominating Owen. Owen eventually hits an enziguri kick to the back of Samu’s head and it able to tag in his brother, the WWF Champion Bret Hart! Hart goes to work on both Headshrinkers including knocking their heads together! Bret throws Fatu out of the ring and hits Samu with an atomic drop before locking in the Sharpshooter!! Bret is near the ropes, but Afa waffles him over the head with the bamboo cane!!

The referee calls for the bell with bits of bamboo everywhere! Fatu returns to the ring and The Headshrinkers dominate the Hart Brothers! Suddenly outcomes the number one contender, Yokozuna!!! Yoko accompanied by Mr Fuji enters the ring and drags Owen to the corner and hits the Banzai Drop!! Bret is held by The Headshrinkers and Yoko takes Bret down with a headbutt and then drags him to the corner. Yoko jumps and hits Bret with a Banzai Drop! Raw goes off the air with Yoko sitting on top of Bret Hart with officials trying to get him off and Bret struggling to breathe!

9th May 1993

Jim Ross and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan welcome us to this week’s edition of Wrestling Challenge! Ross talks up the KOTR qualifying match between Bam Bam Bigelow and Crush in this show, as well as the challenger to the WWF Champion Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart, Yokozuna taking on Virgil!

MATCH 1: Mr Hughes vs. Terry Zeller
Mr Hughes states that he is not scared of The Undertaker and he wants to put the deadman down once and for all at the King of the Ring! Hughes dominates Zeller with his sheer power and finishes him with a sidewalk slam.

We go to the event centre with Gene Okerlund! Gene talks about the upcoming King of the Ring qualifying match between Bigelow and Crush and what a clash it will be! We hear comments from both men regarding the match. Gene then talks about this week’s upcoming Raw with the return of Randy Savage! We are just about to hear from Savage but we are interrupted by the screen going fuzzy and we see a man by the name of Johnny Polo warning the WWF that he is coming to drop a bomb on the World Wrestling Federation soon! We see an image of a nuclear bomb dropping and see a close up of a man’s eyes that have a yellow tint, the promo ends with Adam Bomb…..coming soon….

MATCH 2: ’El Matador’ Tito Santana vs. Mark Ming
A good showing for Tito despite the disappointment of losing to Doink in the King of the Ring qualifying match last week. Tito used his quick offence to outsmart Ming and Tito wound up the flying forearm for the victory!

We go to Jim Ross and Bobby Heenan and they hype up Monday Night Raw this week with the Intercontinental Championship match between Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty as well as Macho Man Randy Savage in action! They then talk about next week’s Wrestling Challenge as Rick ‘The Model’ Martel will compete in his King of the Ring qualifying match against Owen Hart! Also next week, Mr Perfect will be in action!

MATCH 3: Yokozuna w/Mr Fuji vs. Virgil
Virgil tries to take Yokozuna off his game early with numerous running dropkicks which stagger Yoko slightly but Virgil gets caught with a hard thrust to the throat to knock him to the mat. Yoko takes control and clubs away at Virgil before hitting a belly to belly suplex followed by a huge legdrop! Yoko pulls Virgil to the corner and hits a Banzai Drop for the three count!

After the match, Mr Fuji gets on the mic and tells Bret Hart that this is his future come the King of the Ring!

Jim Ross and Bobby Heenan run down the card for King of the Ring so far including the superstars who have already qualified for the first round, Lex Luger, Doink, Marty Jannetty and Scott Steiner and we are about to find out who’s joining them!

MATCH 4: Crush vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (King of the Ring qualifying match)
This one goes about 20 minutes with both men showing their power, a real battle between two big power houses! It looks like it may be over when Crush reverses an axe handle attempt from the top by Bigelow into a modified powerslam! Crush covers but only a two count. The two continue to exchange blows but after a ducked clothesline attempt, Bigelow hits a nice running cross body. Bigelow takes control and slams Crush hard before attempting a flying headbutt which misses! Crush takes advantage and goes for the Cranium Crunch and locks it on Bigelow! Bigelow however breaks it and hits a jaw breaker followed by a big splash! With Crush down, Bigelow heads to the top again and this time hits a moonsault and hooks the leg for the 1……..2…….3! Bigelow advances!

Bigelow is helped to the back by Luna Vachon as Wrestling Challenge goes off the air!