Raw Retro Review: Episode 6: Tatanka and The Nasty Boys vs. Shawn Michaels and The Beverly Brothers
By Mike Smith
WWE.com
The sixth episode of Monday Night Raw is another episode from the Manhattan Center in New York City. Vince McMahon, Rob Bartlett and “Macho Man” Randy Savage are on commentary.
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Scott Taylor
Bam Bam won with three headbutts, one from the top rope, followed by one from the mat, and another from the top rope. Bam Bam was so impressive, just when he does something big that impresses people with his strength, he then does something that shows incredible athleticism for his size.
Hulk Hogan pre-taped interview w/ Vince McMahon
Vince asked Hogan about the future of Hulkamania. Hogan said that the people have carried Hulkamania, even with his absence from the ring. Hogan said that he needed to address Hulkamania’s past. He said that he made some mistakes in his past that have proved that he is a human being. He said he was ready to get back in the WWF. Hogan was referring to the steroid allegations that caused him to take the hiatus he was returning from. Hogan sounded a bit somber in this interview, but he sounded sincere. This story was so big, WWF couldn’t have gotten away with just ignoring it, this was the perfect way to address it.
The Beverly Brothers and Shawn Michaels vs. The Nasty Boys and Tatanka
Tatanka gets the win by reversing a Teardrop Suplex into a sunset flip pin for the win over Michaels. This was a solid six-man tag. This was the second straight match for Tatanka pinning the Intercontinental Champion Michaels, as part of the build to their WrestleMania IX match for that very title.
Sean Mooney outside the building
Mooney is outside the building interviewing fans. The fans were really excited for Hogan’s return and were ready to see him clean house in the WWF.
Crush vs. “Terrific” Terry Taylor
Crush picks up the win with the most ridiculous submission hold of all time, the Skull Crush. During the match, Crush kicked out of a pinfall attempt and launched Taylor really high in the air. Many big men utilize kickouts like this at one point or another, but this was one of the most impressive examples of it that I’ve ever seen. The announce team did one of their mock phone interviews during this match. Vince McMahon mentioned that President Clinton was considering putting Hulk Hogan on a health and fitness team, so Rob Bartlett did an impression of an outraged Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Hulk Hogan, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake and Jimmy Hart in-ring interview w/ Vince McMahon
Hogan talked about his best friend, Beefcake. He talked about how happy he was to see Beefcake return, but how scared he was when Beefcake took the shot to the face from IRS and his briefcase. Hogan announced that Beefcake escaped with just a broken nose. Hogan then thanked “The Big Man Upstairs” for being with Beefcake, and Hart, who tried to stop Money, Inc.’s attack last week, then rushed to Beefcake’s aid when he couldn’t stop them. The Manhattan Center went crazy when Hogan officially announced his return and said his sights were set on Money, Inc. He then introduced Beefcake, who made his way to the ring with a bandaged nose, decked out in Hogan’s signature red and yellow. Beefcake’s sights are also set on Money, Inc. Hogan then introduced Hart as his and Beefcake’s new manager. Hart vowed he would take his vitamins, and warned Money, Inc. that they should start saying their prayers, and he said that he would help make Beefcake and Hogan the greatest tag team of all-time.
The Undertaker vs. Skinner
Not much of this match was shown. The Undertaker made his entrance, then Raw went to commercial. When they returned, the match was already in progress and Vince McMahon promised that the rest of the match would air on next week’s edition of Raw.
Overall Impression
This was a fun hour. The show was mostly based around Hulk Hogan, and that would never be considered a bad thing at that point in time. The wrestling on this show was pretty good too. It was interesting for them to try and use one Undertaker match to sell two different shows. I like the idea, but that’s something that would never work today.
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