REVIEW: WWF Los Angeles Live Event – August 13, 1988: Golden Era Goodness

Welcome to KB’s Old School (and New School) Reviews. I’ve been reviewing wrestling displays for over ten years now and feature reviewed over 5,000 displays. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I’ll be posting a brand new evaluation right here on Wrestlingrumors.internet, beginning lately. It might be the rest from fashionable WWE to old skool to indies to the rest in between. Note that I price the usage of letters as a substitute of stars and I don’t price fits below 3 mins as in point of fact, how just right or dangerous can one thing that quick be?

WWF House Show
Date: August 13, 1988
Location: Los Angeles Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Gorilla Monsoon, Superstar Billy Graham

It’s any other display that was once not too long ago added to the Network and it’s from my favourite generation so let’s have a look. Randy Savage is the World Champion right here and protecting towards Andre the Giant whilst Hulk Hogan is taking slightly of a smash. We’re additionally bobbing up on Summerslam so you’ll be expecting to listen to moderately slightly concerning the display. Let’s get to it.

The announcers communicate concerning the World Title fit slightly with Graham pondering Miss Elizabeth made a mistake by means of signing Savage to the contract. Since when can she do this?

Sam Houston vs. Black Jack

From what I will to find, Jack is an area wrestler whose occupation began again in 1963. No surprise he’s below a masks. Graham thinks Houston wishes to position on some weight, which most probably method doing a little steroids. To be honest he stated the similar factor about Elizabeth so the fellow isn’t all there once in a while. Sam dances across the ring as is his customized however Jack bails to the apron. It works so neatly that they do it once more because the announcers stay speaking about Houston desiring to achieve weight.

Some hiptosses have Jack down and naturally he’s complaining a few masks pull. A headlock slows Jack down once more because the enthusiasts aren’t precisely delighted with this. The answer? Talk about Jack’s beard. Back up and Sam slugs away however we’ll hit any other headlock as a substitute. A foul taking a look slam places Sam down however he avoids an elbow. Even the announcers indicate how time and again Houston is the usage of a headlock. Not that it issues as Jack sends him in however walks into the bulldog to provide Sam the pin at 5:48.

Rating: D-. Terribly uninteresting fit right here with maximum of it spent on a headlock. That’s an excessively deficient selection for an opener too because the enthusiasts didn’t care and the entire thing felt like an exhibition in the way to do a headlock. You can all the time inform when the announcers are bored and it’s now not just right when that’s the case not up to ten mins in.

Blue Angel vs. Barry Horowitz

Horowitz isn’t as large of a loser as he would transform simply but. Angel is after all Owen Hart beneath a masks. Graham’s bet on why everyone seems to be dressed in mask: they owe again kid give a boost to. Yeah Graham was once more or less the Booker T. of his observation of his day. Angel does his conventional spin out of a wristlock prior to bouncing all over for a wristdrag. It’s off to the hammerlock for slightly prior to Angel will get shouldered down, proper right into a nip up.

The armbar assists in keeping Barry in hassle and Angel works on a sequence of arm locks. Barry in any case will get up and chills within the nook for slightly, drawing a rely for some explanation why. Billy says he can move to the hoop for a twenty rely if he wishes. Since when is that this Ring of Honor? A hammerlock slam units up any other armbar on Horowitz however a superkick of all issues will get him out of hassle.

Instead of following up although, it’s time to pat himself at the again. Barry drives Angel’s head right into a boot prior to poking during the masks to the attention. A butterfly suplex provides Barry two because the enthusiasts try to stick with this one (as they will have to be capable to do). Another comeback is bring to an end by means of a kneelift, which continues Barry’s technique of conserving issues easy. The announcers aren’t even positive if Barry is aware of any further strikes, which is ready a condescending as you’ll get, particularly from Graham.

Angel manages a sundown turn for 2, which after all has Horowitz complaining a few pull of the trunks. Horowitz takes WAY too lengthy going up and it’s a nip up right into a missile dropkick to have Barry in some actual hassle. A abdominal to abdominal (Gorilla: “Suplex City coming up.”) provides Angel two however he finishes with a tight taking a look moonsault at 14:36.

Rating: B-. Well that labored. Owen was once obviously miles forward of maximum wrestlers of this time, which is even sadder whilst you imagine how lengthy it took the corporate to determine how just right he was once. Keep in thoughts that this was once 1988 and he simply did a MOONSAULT. That was once insane again then (simply have a look at Great Muta within the NWA) and one thing you simply didn’t see round then. Horowitz appeared just right too, which isn’t unexpected given how forged he in point of fact was once. You don’t stay a role that lengthy by means of being terrible.

Powers of Pain vs. Bolsheviks

This is throughout that bizarre face run for the Powers of Pain prior to the corporate learned the most obvious. The Bolsheviks do their Russian nationwide anthem till the Powers leap them from in the back of (capitalist jerks) to transparent the hoop in a rush. The bell rings for a 2nd time because it rang as soon as throughout the blindside assault and once more when the Bolsheviks were given again in, making me surprise how incompetent this Hebner man is.

Nikolai and Barbarian shove each and every different round to start out because the announcers communicate concerning the measurement of Boris’ head. Neither Russian can transfer Barbarian so it’s a powerslam for 2 on Boris. Nikolai makes the save and makes sense sufficient to drag Boris over to his nook. Score one for the Russian faculty gadget. It’s off to Warlord for a take a look at of power and extra dishonest takes Warlord down. They check out the similar factor once more however Warlord is able for them this time (as a result of Warlord is clever).

It’s off to Barbarian because the arm paintings starts, leaving the announcers to match American and Russian athletes. A large boot provides Barbarian two however Warlord misses a fee, permitting the Russians to get in some token pictures. All it takes is a double clothesline to position them each down although and it’s a sizzling tag to Barbarian. Everything breaks down and a powerslam right into a flying headbutt is sufficient for the pin on Boris at 9:12.

Rating: D. Long and uninteresting right here with the Powers of Pain profitable a fit only a step above a squash. That being stated, who on the planet appears on the POWERS OF PAIN and thinks they will have to be a face crew? The fit was once uninteresting after all, principally as a result of there was once undoubtedly over who was once going to win the object. Then once more, the Bolsheviks are hardly ever price the rest within the first position.

Jesse Ventura comes out for observation.

SD Jones vs. Curt Hennig

Hennig has handiest been round for a couple of weeks right here. Feeling out procedure initially just about not anything occurring within the first minute. At least Jones lasted longer than the “eight seconds” at Wrestlemania. Jones cranks on a headlock because it’s lovely simple to peer why he wasn’t precisely a most sensible celebrity round this level. It’s off to a hammerlock whilst Graham talks about Ventura short of to be a lover in Hollywood. Hennig in any case takes him down and drops some knees (albeit now not completely).

We hit the Boston crab with Curt grabbing a rope, sending Jesse and Gorilla into a controversy over breaking regulations. I’ll mean you can work out who’s on which facet. A foul taking a look backbreaker provides Hennig two as that is hardly ever lights up the arena. Instead, Graham asks Jesse some aggravating questions on Hollywood that you’ll inform he doesn’t really feel like answering. Jones fights again with some left palms and a headbutt because the enthusiasts simply don’t care.

The comeback appears to be in sluggish movement so let’s evaluate Hollywood to being a Navy SEAL. A powerslam provides Jones two (with probably the most worst covers I’ve noticed in a very long time) and is good sufficient to face there whilst Hennig hammers away. Back to the Hollywood dialogue as this fit simply received’t freaking finish. Some proper palms within the nook don’t do a lot on Hennig so he pops out of the nook with a difficult forearm (one in all his dad’s outdated finishers) for the pin at 13:08.

Rating: F+. I really like Hennig however MY GOODNESS Jones was once dragging this during the flooring. This was once some of the dull, boring fits I’ve noticed in a just right whilst as neither man gave the impression fascinated by being in the market and Jones seemed to be about 59 years outdated. There was once no fireplace and even power right here and it felt find it irresistible will have to were about ten mins shorter. Just terrible stuff.

That’s it for Jesse. Thank goodness as I don’t suppose he may have treated any further film questions.

WWF World Title: Andre the Giant vs. Randy Savage

Savage is protecting after all and this will have to wake the enthusiasts up slightly. Actually grasp on a 2nd because the referee ejects Bobby Heenan prior to we’re able to move. Liz will get to stick after all although for the reason that referee is reasonably sexist. Andre isn’t happy and if there’s something I’ve realized in wrestling, it’s that you just don’t desire a 7’ 500lb large ticked off at you. Savage fees right into a headbutt and falls outdoor in a heap.

Back in and we hit the choke as that is already taking a look like a squash. Andre chokes together with his strap so Liz will get at the apron, permitting Andre to choke much more. Thanks so much Liz. Another headbutt sends Savage outdoor however fortunately Andre doesn’t practice. Back in and Andre fees right into a knee so Savage can get in some proper palms, handiest to get dropped with any other headbutt. I really like how easy Andre’s offense was once, as a result of in point of fact what else did he want to do?

We hit the bearhug for slightly till Savage clotheslines him into the ropes, which means Andre is tied up. Savage rips on the nostril like a….neatly like a savage in truth, till Andre will get an arm unfastened. More choking within the nook have Savage in hassle and Andre makes it worse by means of starting up a turnbuckle pad.

Naturally Andre headbutts it by means of mistake and Savage rams it in once more a couple of extra instances. About 5 rams in a row FINALLY put Andre down and the flying elbow will get two. Andre is principally out on his toes so that they fall outdoor with Savage ramming him into the stairs. For some explanation why Andre grabs Liz by means of the leg, sending Savage outdoor after him for a double countout at 10:25.

Rating: C+. They had been shut right here and if Savage had pinned Andre it will have blown the roof off where. Andre was once attempting in the market however there was once handiest such a lot he may just do by means of this level. I had numerous a laugh with this one although and that’s greater than I used to be anticipating given how boring such a lot of this card has been.

Savage carries Liz to the again so Andre throws the identify over his shoulder.

Earlier lately, Rick Rude didn’t like Gorilla Monsoon calling Bobby Heenan a snake. Heenan calls Jake Roberts’ spouse a slimy snake and Rude talks about being able to handle Roberts this night. Just a snappy filler as we’re more than likely on intermission.

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers love America and will’t wait to transport right here.

Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs. Hart Foundation

This will have to be just right. Raymond begins with Neidhart and makes use of the referee to turn out of a wristlock. Well he’s resourceful. A shoulder block doesn’t move in addition to Raymond is shipped into the nook. Graham: “Neidhart reminds me of a block of granite.” A shaggy dog story like that writes itself. Raymond flips out of a powerslam try and hits a dropkick to little avail, although he does get a hug from Jacques.

Neidhart is correct again with a dropkick of his personal to ship Raymond outdoor and it’s off to Bret. The enthusiasts give moderately the notable response when he is available in, which Monsoon ties again into the struggle royal at Wrestlemania IV. Back in and Jacques assists in keeping providing a left passed handshake, with even Gorilla seeing what’s coming. Bret reverses the following Irish whip however Jacques flips over him to…..do not anything.

That’s sufficient for some stalling, together with a chest therapeutic massage for Jacques. The Harts are in poor health of ready round although and take Raymond into the nook for a difficult stomping. A backbreaker will get two on Raymond and we hit a unprecedented face chinlock. Thankfully Graham will get the risk to say chatting with his fighters whilst preserving a chinlock as some way to provide an explanation for spot calling. Fair sufficient in point of fact.

Back up and Bret will get despatched again first into the nook so we will have a goal. It’s off to the opposite chinlock with the Brothers doing the in the back of the again transfer. I understand it’s a in point of fact commonplace spot however that doesn’t imply it’s a foul one. Jacques will get two off a dash and it’s proper again to the opposite chinlock. As same old, we get the new tag however the referee doesn’t see it (nonetheless a vintage).

We hit the stomach stretch with Gorilla being RIGHT THERE to bitch about Jacques’ shape. The villains cheat and Gorilla is pronouncing Neidhart will have to use his 5 seconds to come back in for the save. Sweet goodness why did Ventura have to depart??? That would were a box day. Bret in any case reverses an Irish whip however nonetheless can’t make the new tag. Therefore, let’s hit the FOURTH opposite chinlock. Come on other folks: get a hold of one thing else already.

With not anything else running, Bret rams Raymond face first into the mat. An atomic drop FINALLY lets in the new tag to Neidhart and the enthusiasts are proper again into this. Neidhart whips them into each and every different however there’s no referee to rely. Egads those Los Angeles referees are getting dumber by means of the fit. The Harts hit one thing like a Demolition Decapitator (now not discussed by means of observation) for 2, adopted by means of Bret planting Jacques with a piledriver. Raymond makes the save with a center rope ax take care of although and steals the pin at 17:43.

Rating: B-. This was once extra lengthy than just right with the by no means finishing opposite chinlocks bringing it down so much. That being stated, it’s additionally reasonably entertaining every now and then with the Harts choosing the Rougeaus aside and beating the heck out of them for awhile till they were given to the second one section of the fit. It was once just right stuff although because the tag department was once at its height round this time.

At this level, there was once a Ron Bass vs. DJ Peterson fit. Bass received, however extra importantly prior to the fit he challenged Monsoon to a battle. Monsoon were given up and was once able to move, even starting up his sun shades. Graham calmed him down, although that was once a reasonably fascinating concept that I’m positive they did more than one instances. This was once lower from the WWE Network model and would possibly now not were filmed.

Before the principle tournament, right here’s Savage once more to mention that Elizabeth is injured in point of fact dangerous. And Savage simply left her again there with Andre probably again there as neatly? Anyway he has an open contract for the following time they’re in Los Angeles and he’ll kick Andre’s….I didn’t suppose you have to say that during 1988. They would have a rematch subsequent month with Savage profitable by the use of DQ.

Rick Rude vs. Jake Roberts

Big time feud at this level (Rude had presented a fan an opportunity to kiss him prior to the fit, as was once his customized. It simply took place to be Jake’s spouse and that’s now not cool.) and a rematch from final month when Rude received by the use of countout. No Heenan right here for some explanation why, most probably any other pesky referee. We do the commonplace pictures of ladies as Rude is available in and one is KNITTING. Well to be honest you’ll do it and watch the display on the identical time so it’s now not the worst factor I’ve ever see.

Jake begins speedy with a knee elevate however the specter of a DDT sends Rude bailing to the ground. Back in and Rude misses an ax take care of, banging up his arm within the procedure. Gorilla makes use of the smash to recap the feud as a result of he’s a just right announcer who is aware of the way to do his process. Back in and Jake cranks at the arm with Rude’s hilarious promoting resulting. Rude will get lifted up by means of the dangerous arm and we hit the armbar. An try at a breather is going badly for Rude as neatly with Jake sending the dangerous arm into the submit.

Back in and Rude tries for the snake bag however the referee throws it away as speedy as he can. We hit one thing like an stomach stretch at the mat with Graham pondering it’s over. The quick clothesline misses and Rude hits an ordinary one in all his personal, albeit with the dangerous arm. Rude is just right sufficient to take him outdoor for any other posting.

Back in and we hit a one arm hip swivel as somebody says one minute. We hit the opposite chinlock for slightly prior to Jake fights up for a difficult whip into the nook. Jake can’t get the DDT so Rude throws him excessive and will get in any other posting. Rude tries a slam again in however Jake grabs the rope….and falls on most sensible for the very speedy pin at 13:24.

Rating: B-. Well it was once higher than their mess at Wrestlemania IV. This was once slightly rushed (particularly the finishing), although it felt like a teaser for a 3rd fit as a substitute of the blowoff. These two had an extended operating feud and having them do that round the home display circuit made numerous sense for the 2 of them. Good fit, although not anything nice.

We’re off the air possibly thirty seconds after the display, which makes me suppose they lower one thing off the top.

Overall Rating: C. This were given a lot, a lot better in the second one part however there was once some terrible stuff on right here to chop it down. It’s now not the largest space display on the planet however it’s cool to peer a display with some continuity from month to month. The enthusiasts looked as if it would find it irresistible and in point of fact, so long as they retain purchasing a price tag for the following display, you’ll’t ask for a lot more. Not dangerous, although lovely usual for its time.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has noticed over 50,000 wrestling fits. He has additionally been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 complete displays lined. You can to find his paintings at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or take a look at his- Amazon creator web page with 30 wrestling books. Get the most recent and largest in skilled wrestling information by means of signing up for our day-to-day e-mail e-newsletter. Just glance beneath for “GET EXCLUSIVE UPDATES” to enroll. Thank you for studying!

The submit REVIEW: WWF Los Angeles Live Event – August 13, 1988: Golden Era Goodness seemed first on WrestlingRumors.internet.