WrestleMania V
Date: 2 April 1989
Location: Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, NJ
Commentary: Gorilla Monsoon & Jesse Ventura
We're back at Trump Plaza once again, despite the ho-hum casino crowd that made WrestleMania IV even harder to watch. This show also has a pretty lousy reputation, despite the main event being synonymous of the era, and the roster arguably the strongest for at least another decade. The WWF was pretty much at the peak of its powers at this point (no Mania got more PPV buys until WMXV), so let's see what this show has in store.
The Mega Powers explode! Jesse and Gorilla welcome us to the show, before Rockin' Robin takes to the ring for America the Beautiful. She basically butchers this with *by far* the worst musical performance ever on a WWF PPV, only salvaged by Jesse's ruthless suggestion that she not quit her day job. Well, they had to acknowledge how crap that was.
Hercules def. King Haku (6:57)
So, Hercules decided being a slave wasn't all that great and split from Bobby Heenan, turning babyface in the process. I don't think that really worked out for him, but at least he's free. This isn't exactly the profile of match I'd book as an opener (it's all power moves and roughhousing as opposed to anything fast-paced or exciting), but you have to appreciate two hosses duking it out. There's a particularly good spot here as well, as Hercules comes off the top for an axe-handle, only to be caught by Haku's "sit down bitch" thrust kick. In the end, two power slams is enough to win it for Hercules (the second coming after an impressive catch mid-air), giving him a first WrestleMania victory. I'm perfectly content with this one. **
The Twin Towers def. The Rockers (8:02)
Hell yeah, Rockers debut at WrestleMania! This is basically an extended squash, but it kind of rules. The Rockers have such great underdog energy here, while the heavies are very giving to them, so Shawn and Marty don't come off badly at all despite the convincing defeat. I love how crazy the crowd go for the Rockers' stereo offense, which wasn't exactly en vogue in the predominantly northern style of the WWF. People seem to react like they're watching wrestling for the first time when these guys are in the ring (or flying out of it, whatever). Boss Man ends up winning it for the heels with a big splash and would continue as a heel for the remainder of 1989 before turning babyface against Akeem (more on that later). Possibly generous on the rating but this was fun as hell! ***
Hey, Tony Schiavone is in the WWF and talks to "Million Dollar Champion" Ted DiBiase backstage. It's a totally unofficial title for now, but it would be defended and exchanged eventually.
Brutus Beefcake fought Ted DiBiase to a double count out (10:01)
It's a battle of the sleeper holds here. Speaking of sleeper holds, this is an exceedingly boring match, as DiBiase wasn't the kind of guy to go out and drag the babyface along (and lord knows Beefcake needs dragging along). At some points, DiBiase actually has to audibly yell at Beefcake to get him in position for spots, in case you needed any further indication that Brutus truly sucked as a worker. To be honest, I'm not even sure what this feud was about, and there's no way Ted was ever letting Brutus near those luscious locks. As if this thing wasn't dull enough, we get a non-finish for our trouble, as both guys end up brawling out on the floor, leading to the double count out. That was worth ten minutes. *
Post-match, Brutus teases a haircut on DiBiase, but Virgil wakes up from the sleeper and the heels scarper. Meanwhile, we get a clip of Alfred Hayes brunching with The Bushwhackers. Cool.
The Bushwhackers def. The Fabulous Rougeaus (5:23)
Plus five minutes for a Bushwhackers match should be a criminal offence or something. This is your fairly standard comedy faces vs. arrogant heels, and of course the latter would never lose to such jokers. Alas, this is wrestling. Despite the whole marching thing being over, the crowd didn't really care about this, and most of it is just Luke and Butch goofing the Rougeaus and making them look like jackasses. A lot of the match was based around the Rougeaus avoiding the battering ram, but they get hit with it eventually and that's a wrap. Pretty bad and would be worse if Jacques and Ray weren't so giving. 3/4*
Mr. Perfect def. The Blue Blazer (5:38)
Damn, this Blue Blazer guy isn't bad, I wonder what he looks like beneath that mask. This is another extended squash, basically, but the quality of the work is on another level compared to most of this show. Perfect remains perfect at this point, while the Blazer is a very young Owen Hart. Despite the length, these two work through a very athletic, crisp match, with Owen working more of a high-flying style than what we'd become accustomed to with his 90s run. The Perfect Plex ends it. Nice! **3/4
Another Lord Alfred pre-tape now, as he takes us to a Boardwalk 5k run. Mr. Fuji wins somehow. Hmm, I call bullshit. Back in the ring, Run DMC are here to perform the WrestleMania rap. Damn, hip hop really evolved didn't it, but this was cool.
World Tag Team Championships: Demolition (c) def. The Powers of Pain & Mr. Fuji in a Handicap Match (8:20)
Wow, Fuji is such a is such a good manager he'll stop his teams from having to job. As mentioned in the Survivor Series '88 review, Fuji turned on Demolition and hitched himself to the Powers, which was a good decision booking-wise as Demolition were over like crazy. In terms of aura, this match looks great, as your physically dominant babyface champions are up against an equally badass, beefy team, but the execution is not so terrific. Obviously Fuji being involved doesn't help matters, as he has the tendency to turn this contest into a bit of a comedy, when it should really just be four massive dudes throwing bombs at each other. At the same time, I just don't think the styles of the two teams meshed and the Powers were basic as hell (especially Warlord). Fair play to Fuji for taking the Demolition finisher though, as that doesn't look like sunshine and rainbows. *1/2
Backstage, Schiavone tries to get up in Macho's face but he doesn't DIG IT. Back at ringside, Jimmy Snuka is here (for some reason). This was the beginning of his final proper run with the company, which would effectively culminate two years later at WrestleMania VII.
Dino Bravo def. Ronnie Garvin (3:06)
Hands of Stone! Garvin was (briefly) a former NWA Champion, but you wouldn't guess it from how he was shunted down to the lower midcard almost immediately. This is just classic, early WM filler, as Bravo's strength game went up against Garvin's brawling style. Garvin takes most of the hits here actually, which is good as Bravo can't sell ice to the Inuits. A side slam ends a pretty pointless, but not entirely offensive, encounter. Garvin got some heat back after the match, but there was no way he getting any kind of push after this. *
The Brain Busters def. Strike Force (9:17)
Man, seeing Arn and Tully work a WrestleMania is so cool (and this is the only match either would have at the granddaddy of them all). As much as this is easily one of the better matches on the undercard, as all four guys could work their ass off, it's mostly notable for the Strike Force explosion and the birth of Martel's heel persona. After Tito hits Martel accidentally with the flying forearm, Martel says f*** that and leaves Tito high and dry, which leaves Tito at the Busters' mercy. After a spinebuster and some more punishment, Tito eventually succumbs to a spike piledriver. The angle is great but damn, this could have easily been a MOTN contender if they let these teams go full-tilt. **1/2
Post-match, Martel gives an interview to solidify the heel turn. Remember, Tito Santana is a LOOOSSSER.
It's time for Piper's Pit, as Roddy returns to the WWF around two years after "retiring". Oh, wait a minute, that's Brother Love. His guest is Morton Downey Jr. (no relation to Iron Man, btw), and oh god this segment becomes unbearable immediately. For what it's worth, Morton is somehow even more detestable than Brother Love; you know the gimmick that is factory-engineered to be as annoying as possible. The real Piper then arrives, as we get the infamous moment of Morton blowing smoke in his face. Piper then blasts him with the fire extinguisher, which mercifully extinguishes this segment. That was 20 minutes long! Oh yeah, Piper stole Love's kilt and made him look like an ass too. Welcome back, Hot Rod!
The main event is still several matches away, but in case anyone forgot, we get a retrospective of Savage and Hogan's brotherly bond turned bitter feud, which of course reached its apex at The Main Event. Hogan then speaks to Gene, babbling for four minutes about the collapse of the world and other apocalyptic imagery before promising victory over Macho Man.
Jake Roberts def. Andre the Giant via DQ (9:44)
Okay, when this is one of your feature matches, I see why people aren't too high on this show. Jake really tries but Andre can barely keep himself upright and had no business being involved in any kind of singles match at this point. Big John Studd is the special guest referee in basically his last notable appearance for the company, reversing the heel-face dynamic him and Andre worked for many years. There's not much to say about this other than it's very bad, as Jake can't really do much to Andre, and all of Andre's offence is choking and rest holds. Eventually, Studd crosses Andre and gets assaulted, leading to a DQ. But Jake is the real winner, as he gets to terrify Andre one last time with Damian to end this feud. 1/2*
Backstage, Sherri shit-talks Elizabeth, signalling her union with Savage shortly after WrestleMania.
The Hart Foundation def. Greg Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man (7:40)
The Harts were kind of in the midcard mire at this point, and they could have easily split Bret off from the team to start his solo run. As it turned out, I think Bret went single at the right time. Valentine and Honky would of course form Rhythm & Blues later in the year, but their just a thrown together team both managed by Jimmy Hart at this stage. With the time they're given, this is a pretty standard formula tag, and not bad by any means. It's just not a tremendously exciting use of The Hart Foundation. Bret gets his hand on Jimmy's megaphone and clobbers Honky Tonk for the pin. You couldn't even let them win clean? **
Video package now for our next match, as we go back to the Rumble for the POSE DOWN between Ultimate Warrior and Rick Rude.
Intercontinental Championship: Rick Rude def. The Ultimate Warrior (c) (9:36)
This is the first of three PPV matches between Warrior and Rude between 1989 and 1990, and it's not the best (but not the worst). That being said, these two definitely had a lot of chemistry, perhaps because Rude understood how to sell for Warrior and make his limited move set look good. Too much of this match is bogged down by rest hold spots, but once Warrior cranks up the juice (no, not like that) and starts levelling Rude with his big shoulder blocks, the crowd comes to life and this gets a bit more exciting. This all looks like a routine Warrior power-up and win, but then comes Bobby's crowning moment, as Warrior suplexes Rude back into the ring, only for Brain to hold his feet down, allowing Rude to steal a pin and the IC title. Finally, Bobby Heenan manages a champion in the WWF. The SummerSlam rematch is *way* better. **3/4
Warrior clearly has Hogan syndrome, as he must get his heat back after the match and gorilla presses Heenan to ensure everyone knows who the real champion is. Poor Bobby!
Jim Duggan fought Bad News Brown to a double DQ (3:49)
I mean, what else did you expect from this? Duggan and Brown both work a pretty similar style, insofar as their offense consists of punching and kicking people. So this was a lot of that, plus a bullshit finish because there's no way in hell either one was putting over the other. This does produce a cool visual I suppose: that is, a chair vs. 2x4 duel in 1989 WWF. If there was a Hardcore title in 80s WWF, I think I know who would be fighting over it. All in all though, this was HORRIBLE. 1/4*
Backstage, Terry Taylor (a.k.a. the Red Rooster) gets amped up for his match against erstwhile manager Bobby Heenan. For those unfamiliar, Taylor was working an intentionally crappy gimmick, initially joining the WWF as a heel jobber who Heenan claimed he could turn into a champion through the sheer power of his managerial prowess. That obviously didn't work and like most of Heenan's charges, Rooster turned against his manager.
The Red Rooster def. Bobby Heenan (0:32)
Heenan, still bruised from Warrior's heinous attack, is out with Brooklyn Brawler, one of the WWF's most enduring jobber gimmicks. This is over in a flash, as Heenan misjudges a turnbuckle splash, hits the corner, and takes the pin. No rating, this was just a semi-satisfying end to the whole Heenan/Rooster deal, which did nothing for Heenan and somehow even less for Rooster.
Post-match, Brawler attacks Rooster, but ultimately gets overpowered. Backstage, Elizabeth vows to remain in a neutral corner.
WWF Championship: Hulk Hogan def. Randy Savage (c) (17:54)
Overall
There's a lot of people down on this WrestleMania and I can understand to an extent. There's a lot of filler and a few flat-out bad matches (a near-crippled Andre vs. Jake, and the non-match that was Hacksaw vs. Bad News the biggest offenders) and it once again takes place in Trump's Atlantic City casino with a half-interested crowd, despite how hot the WWF was at this time.
At the same time though, there's a lot to appreciate on this card. For starters, this has the best main event of WrestleMania to this point with Savage vs. Hogan. My most recent watch is probably the most I've enjoyed the match. Savage heels it up superbly and there's great drama here; just enough overbooking to paper over Hogan's weaknesses. We also get really fun WM debuts from The Rockers, Mr. Perfect and The Brain Busters, even if their matches aren't especially substantial. It's a definitively "okay" show in my book, but nothing too offensive. 5/10.
Date: 2 April 1989
Location: Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, NJ
Commentary: Gorilla Monsoon & Jesse Ventura
We're back at Trump Plaza once again, despite the ho-hum casino crowd that made WrestleMania IV even harder to watch. This show also has a pretty lousy reputation, despite the main event being synonymous of the era, and the roster arguably the strongest for at least another decade. The WWF was pretty much at the peak of its powers at this point (no Mania got more PPV buys until WMXV), so let's see what this show has in store.
The Mega Powers explode! Jesse and Gorilla welcome us to the show, before Rockin' Robin takes to the ring for America the Beautiful. She basically butchers this with *by far* the worst musical performance ever on a WWF PPV, only salvaged by Jesse's ruthless suggestion that she not quit her day job. Well, they had to acknowledge how crap that was.
Hercules def. King Haku (6:57)
So, Hercules decided being a slave wasn't all that great and split from Bobby Heenan, turning babyface in the process. I don't think that really worked out for him, but at least he's free. This isn't exactly the profile of match I'd book as an opener (it's all power moves and roughhousing as opposed to anything fast-paced or exciting), but you have to appreciate two hosses duking it out. There's a particularly good spot here as well, as Hercules comes off the top for an axe-handle, only to be caught by Haku's "sit down bitch" thrust kick. In the end, two power slams is enough to win it for Hercules (the second coming after an impressive catch mid-air), giving him a first WrestleMania victory. I'm perfectly content with this one. **
The Twin Towers def. The Rockers (8:02)
Hell yeah, Rockers debut at WrestleMania! This is basically an extended squash, but it kind of rules. The Rockers have such great underdog energy here, while the heavies are very giving to them, so Shawn and Marty don't come off badly at all despite the convincing defeat. I love how crazy the crowd go for the Rockers' stereo offense, which wasn't exactly en vogue in the predominantly northern style of the WWF. People seem to react like they're watching wrestling for the first time when these guys are in the ring (or flying out of it, whatever). Boss Man ends up winning it for the heels with a big splash and would continue as a heel for the remainder of 1989 before turning babyface against Akeem (more on that later). Possibly generous on the rating but this was fun as hell! ***
Hey, Tony Schiavone is in the WWF and talks to "Million Dollar Champion" Ted DiBiase backstage. It's a totally unofficial title for now, but it would be defended and exchanged eventually.
Brutus Beefcake fought Ted DiBiase to a double count out (10:01)
It's a battle of the sleeper holds here. Speaking of sleeper holds, this is an exceedingly boring match, as DiBiase wasn't the kind of guy to go out and drag the babyface along (and lord knows Beefcake needs dragging along). At some points, DiBiase actually has to audibly yell at Beefcake to get him in position for spots, in case you needed any further indication that Brutus truly sucked as a worker. To be honest, I'm not even sure what this feud was about, and there's no way Ted was ever letting Brutus near those luscious locks. As if this thing wasn't dull enough, we get a non-finish for our trouble, as both guys end up brawling out on the floor, leading to the double count out. That was worth ten minutes. *
Post-match, Brutus teases a haircut on DiBiase, but Virgil wakes up from the sleeper and the heels scarper. Meanwhile, we get a clip of Alfred Hayes brunching with The Bushwhackers. Cool.
The Bushwhackers def. The Fabulous Rougeaus (5:23)
Plus five minutes for a Bushwhackers match should be a criminal offence or something. This is your fairly standard comedy faces vs. arrogant heels, and of course the latter would never lose to such jokers. Alas, this is wrestling. Despite the whole marching thing being over, the crowd didn't really care about this, and most of it is just Luke and Butch goofing the Rougeaus and making them look like jackasses. A lot of the match was based around the Rougeaus avoiding the battering ram, but they get hit with it eventually and that's a wrap. Pretty bad and would be worse if Jacques and Ray weren't so giving. 3/4*
Mr. Perfect def. The Blue Blazer (5:38)
Damn, this Blue Blazer guy isn't bad, I wonder what he looks like beneath that mask. This is another extended squash, basically, but the quality of the work is on another level compared to most of this show. Perfect remains perfect at this point, while the Blazer is a very young Owen Hart. Despite the length, these two work through a very athletic, crisp match, with Owen working more of a high-flying style than what we'd become accustomed to with his 90s run. The Perfect Plex ends it. Nice! **3/4
Another Lord Alfred pre-tape now, as he takes us to a Boardwalk 5k run. Mr. Fuji wins somehow. Hmm, I call bullshit. Back in the ring, Run DMC are here to perform the WrestleMania rap. Damn, hip hop really evolved didn't it, but this was cool.
World Tag Team Championships: Demolition (c) def. The Powers of Pain & Mr. Fuji in a Handicap Match (8:20)
Wow, Fuji is such a is such a good manager he'll stop his teams from having to job. As mentioned in the Survivor Series '88 review, Fuji turned on Demolition and hitched himself to the Powers, which was a good decision booking-wise as Demolition were over like crazy. In terms of aura, this match looks great, as your physically dominant babyface champions are up against an equally badass, beefy team, but the execution is not so terrific. Obviously Fuji being involved doesn't help matters, as he has the tendency to turn this contest into a bit of a comedy, when it should really just be four massive dudes throwing bombs at each other. At the same time, I just don't think the styles of the two teams meshed and the Powers were basic as hell (especially Warlord). Fair play to Fuji for taking the Demolition finisher though, as that doesn't look like sunshine and rainbows. *1/2
Backstage, Schiavone tries to get up in Macho's face but he doesn't DIG IT. Back at ringside, Jimmy Snuka is here (for some reason). This was the beginning of his final proper run with the company, which would effectively culminate two years later at WrestleMania VII.
Dino Bravo def. Ronnie Garvin (3:06)
Hands of Stone! Garvin was (briefly) a former NWA Champion, but you wouldn't guess it from how he was shunted down to the lower midcard almost immediately. This is just classic, early WM filler, as Bravo's strength game went up against Garvin's brawling style. Garvin takes most of the hits here actually, which is good as Bravo can't sell ice to the Inuits. A side slam ends a pretty pointless, but not entirely offensive, encounter. Garvin got some heat back after the match, but there was no way he getting any kind of push after this. *
The Brain Busters def. Strike Force (9:17)
Man, seeing Arn and Tully work a WrestleMania is so cool (and this is the only match either would have at the granddaddy of them all). As much as this is easily one of the better matches on the undercard, as all four guys could work their ass off, it's mostly notable for the Strike Force explosion and the birth of Martel's heel persona. After Tito hits Martel accidentally with the flying forearm, Martel says f*** that and leaves Tito high and dry, which leaves Tito at the Busters' mercy. After a spinebuster and some more punishment, Tito eventually succumbs to a spike piledriver. The angle is great but damn, this could have easily been a MOTN contender if they let these teams go full-tilt. **1/2
Post-match, Martel gives an interview to solidify the heel turn. Remember, Tito Santana is a LOOOSSSER.
It's time for Piper's Pit, as Roddy returns to the WWF around two years after "retiring". Oh, wait a minute, that's Brother Love. His guest is Morton Downey Jr. (no relation to Iron Man, btw), and oh god this segment becomes unbearable immediately. For what it's worth, Morton is somehow even more detestable than Brother Love; you know the gimmick that is factory-engineered to be as annoying as possible. The real Piper then arrives, as we get the infamous moment of Morton blowing smoke in his face. Piper then blasts him with the fire extinguisher, which mercifully extinguishes this segment. That was 20 minutes long! Oh yeah, Piper stole Love's kilt and made him look like an ass too. Welcome back, Hot Rod!
The main event is still several matches away, but in case anyone forgot, we get a retrospective of Savage and Hogan's brotherly bond turned bitter feud, which of course reached its apex at The Main Event. Hogan then speaks to Gene, babbling for four minutes about the collapse of the world and other apocalyptic imagery before promising victory over Macho Man.
Jake Roberts def. Andre the Giant via DQ (9:44)
Okay, when this is one of your feature matches, I see why people aren't too high on this show. Jake really tries but Andre can barely keep himself upright and had no business being involved in any kind of singles match at this point. Big John Studd is the special guest referee in basically his last notable appearance for the company, reversing the heel-face dynamic him and Andre worked for many years. There's not much to say about this other than it's very bad, as Jake can't really do much to Andre, and all of Andre's offence is choking and rest holds. Eventually, Studd crosses Andre and gets assaulted, leading to a DQ. But Jake is the real winner, as he gets to terrify Andre one last time with Damian to end this feud. 1/2*
Backstage, Sherri shit-talks Elizabeth, signalling her union with Savage shortly after WrestleMania.
The Hart Foundation def. Greg Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man (7:40)
The Harts were kind of in the midcard mire at this point, and they could have easily split Bret off from the team to start his solo run. As it turned out, I think Bret went single at the right time. Valentine and Honky would of course form Rhythm & Blues later in the year, but their just a thrown together team both managed by Jimmy Hart at this stage. With the time they're given, this is a pretty standard formula tag, and not bad by any means. It's just not a tremendously exciting use of The Hart Foundation. Bret gets his hand on Jimmy's megaphone and clobbers Honky Tonk for the pin. You couldn't even let them win clean? **
Video package now for our next match, as we go back to the Rumble for the POSE DOWN between Ultimate Warrior and Rick Rude.
Intercontinental Championship: Rick Rude def. The Ultimate Warrior (c) (9:36)
This is the first of three PPV matches between Warrior and Rude between 1989 and 1990, and it's not the best (but not the worst). That being said, these two definitely had a lot of chemistry, perhaps because Rude understood how to sell for Warrior and make his limited move set look good. Too much of this match is bogged down by rest hold spots, but once Warrior cranks up the juice (no, not like that) and starts levelling Rude with his big shoulder blocks, the crowd comes to life and this gets a bit more exciting. This all looks like a routine Warrior power-up and win, but then comes Bobby's crowning moment, as Warrior suplexes Rude back into the ring, only for Brain to hold his feet down, allowing Rude to steal a pin and the IC title. Finally, Bobby Heenan manages a champion in the WWF. The SummerSlam rematch is *way* better. **3/4
Warrior clearly has Hogan syndrome, as he must get his heat back after the match and gorilla presses Heenan to ensure everyone knows who the real champion is. Poor Bobby!
Jim Duggan fought Bad News Brown to a double DQ (3:49)
I mean, what else did you expect from this? Duggan and Brown both work a pretty similar style, insofar as their offense consists of punching and kicking people. So this was a lot of that, plus a bullshit finish because there's no way in hell either one was putting over the other. This does produce a cool visual I suppose: that is, a chair vs. 2x4 duel in 1989 WWF. If there was a Hardcore title in 80s WWF, I think I know who would be fighting over it. All in all though, this was HORRIBLE. 1/4*
Backstage, Terry Taylor (a.k.a. the Red Rooster) gets amped up for his match against erstwhile manager Bobby Heenan. For those unfamiliar, Taylor was working an intentionally crappy gimmick, initially joining the WWF as a heel jobber who Heenan claimed he could turn into a champion through the sheer power of his managerial prowess. That obviously didn't work and like most of Heenan's charges, Rooster turned against his manager.
The Red Rooster def. Bobby Heenan (0:32)
Heenan, still bruised from Warrior's heinous attack, is out with Brooklyn Brawler, one of the WWF's most enduring jobber gimmicks. This is over in a flash, as Heenan misjudges a turnbuckle splash, hits the corner, and takes the pin. No rating, this was just a semi-satisfying end to the whole Heenan/Rooster deal, which did nothing for Heenan and somehow even less for Rooster.
Post-match, Brawler attacks Rooster, but ultimately gets overpowered. Backstage, Elizabeth vows to remain in a neutral corner.
WWF Championship: Hulk Hogan def. Randy Savage (c) (17:54)
- Classic cowardly start from heel Macho, using Elizabeth as a human shield and nibbling at Hogan with little strikes here and there.
- Hogan peppers some comebacks in there, causing Savage some damage, but the match is worked at Savage's pace for the first half of so, as Elizabeth looks on with concern.
- Hogan eventually gets pissed and just hurls Savage out of the ring, which attracts the sympathy of Liz. Hogan is also bleeding from the eye at this point, which Savage takes advantage of with a few gouges. That's real 80s stuff, baby.
- Liz's sympathies turn to Hogan next after Savage rams him into a post, and Macho doesn't appreciate that, getting her ejected from ringside before axe-handling Hogan throat-first onto the rail.
- More Savage offense obviously builds up to the big elbow drop, which Savage connects with. Hogan powers out though and HULKS UP. Big boot and leg drop finishes it, and Hogan is champion once again.
Overall
There's a lot of people down on this WrestleMania and I can understand to an extent. There's a lot of filler and a few flat-out bad matches (a near-crippled Andre vs. Jake, and the non-match that was Hacksaw vs. Bad News the biggest offenders) and it once again takes place in Trump's Atlantic City casino with a half-interested crowd, despite how hot the WWF was at this time.
At the same time though, there's a lot to appreciate on this card. For starters, this has the best main event of WrestleMania to this point with Savage vs. Hogan. My most recent watch is probably the most I've enjoyed the match. Savage heels it up superbly and there's great drama here; just enough overbooking to paper over Hogan's weaknesses. We also get really fun WM debuts from The Rockers, Mr. Perfect and The Brain Busters, even if their matches aren't especially substantial. It's a definitively "okay" show in my book, but nothing too offensive. 5/10.
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