STW - Royal Rumble 1989 [Show Notes] (Patreon)

Welcome to Something to Wrestle With…Bruce Prichard!

Bruce - we had to cover at least one Royal Rumble this year and we will cover the first pay-per-view version of Royal Rumble…in 1989!

We’re coming off Survivor Series 1988…which we covered back in the archives…

No doubt in your mind coming out of this show - you knew that the next pay-per-view was going to be Royal Rumble coming off the success of the last year right?

Saturday Night’s Main Event two nights later is built around Hulk’s appearance on the Brother Love Show which featured him basically beating the shit out of you. How did that feel Bruce?

Ron Garvin comes into the company coming out of the Survivor Series - why was Rugged Ronnie brought in? Is that a Vince idea?

Dusty Rhodes resigns from JCP/NWA/WCW - whatever you want to call it. It would take months for the final break to happen but how did you hear about this - and did you think Dusty would be a good fit for the WWF?

You can hear more all about it in our first episode - in the archives - but does Vince go to you and say - we need that man - and we need him in polka dots?

AWA SuperClash III takes place on pay-per-view with Jerry Lawler vs. Kerry Von Erich on top - is this something that’s on Vince’s radar? Do you watch the show? Did anyone care?

After that Starrcade 1988 takes place on pay-per-view as well…was it weird not to run pay-per-views that competed against them?

When 1988 comes to an end - how big did you think 1989 was going to be?

Women’s Division

The WWF decides to reactivate the Women’s Division in 1987, a few months after you get arrive.

Do you have any input in that, or is it something already decided when you get there?

Rockin’ Robin, Robin Denise Smith, also arrives in ‘87? She’s the real-life sister of Sam Houston and Jake Roberts, as well as the sister-in-law of Nickla Roberts, who we know as Baby Doll from World Class and the JCP. What do you remember about Robin coming in? Are Sam Houston and Jake Roberts pushing for her?

As a reminder, the women’s title in the WWF throughout the late 80s — at least on TV and PPV — was spotty. After Wendy Richter wins the title from the Fabulous Moolah at WrestleMania I in 1985, Moolah wins it back as the Spider Lady a few months later in what has been termed the “original screwjob.” Velvet McIntyre wins the belt from Moolah in July of ‘86 but only holds it for a few days before Moolah wins it back. Then in July of ‘87 at a house show in Houston, Moolah drops the belt to Sensational Sherri. Sherri holds the title until October of ‘88, losing it to Rockin’ Robin in Paris, France.

Was that on a European tour? Was it common to feature womens wrestling on the cards on tours in this era?

Let’s talk about Harley Race.

This is the era where we don’t acknowledge other promotions, so we can’t say that Harley Race is a legend from his NWA days. So, when he comes in 1986, we have him win a tournament to be crowned King of the WWF and pair him with Bobby Heenan.

After a notable feud with the Junkyard Dog that culminated at WrestleMania III, he injures his abdomen in a match against Hulk Hogan on Saturday Night’s Main Event. It’s a pretty unique spot at the time, as Race dives off the ring apron trying to headbutt Hogan who’s laid out on a table outside the ring. Hogan moves and Race busts the table, falling inward toward the ring. What do you remember about Harley’s injury here?

Race would be out for hernia surgery, then make a brief babyface comeback feuding with Haku, the new king, and Heenan. But he left the WWF shortly after Rumble ‘89. About leaving the company, Race has said in interviews:

"Time and stuff was starting to catch up with me. I started wrestling when I was

15 years old, and back when I was world champion, I was wrestling 7 nights a

week. I would have a complete week off every four weeks. With Vince, there was

no time period off, just every day….[Working for Vince] was pretty tough because

he was in the process of trying to take wrestling over on a worldwide basis.”

Is that why you remember Harley exiting?

Haku is found guilty on two of three charges in connection with biting the nose off somebody in a bar fight. When do you hear about this happening originally?

“Outlaw” Ron Bass

We don’t spend too much time talking about Ron Bass on the show. But he’s wrapping up here in ‘89. After the Rumble, he’ll be gone about two months later.

Do you have any fun Ron Bass stories? What do you remember about him leaving?

Big John Studd

Studd was a mainstay of the WWWF throughout the seventies and early eighties, feuding with Andre the Giant. Their feud reached its peak at the first WrestleMania in a "$15,000 Bodyslam Challenge" match. At that time, Studd was a heel and Andre was a babyface. Then Studd retires in 1988, after teaming with King Kong Bundy for some time as a part of the Heenan Family.

What led to Studd’s decision to retire?

Then in December of ‘88 our good friend Brother Love welcomes Big John Studd as a surprise guest. Brother Love says that Studd’s success was only because he was managed by Bobby Heenan and then welcomes the Brain to the set. Studd wants nothing to do with him and calls Heenan a “weasel,” then Studd announces he’s no longer part of the Heenan Family. It looks like we’re about to rekindle the old feud, this time with Studd as the babyface and Andre as the heel.

How did Studd come back and why was the Brother Love Show the right place to debut him?

Is this something Vince is pushing for?

What did you see in having Studd back in the fold? Did you see him being able to work on top against Hulk eventually - or an underneath babyface?

He is originally programmed with Akeem and Big Bossman - did Vince see Studd and Andre eventually working together again?

At this point in January ‘89, what was the plan with Andre?

Ultimate Warrior and Rick Rude

The Warrior wins the Intercontinental belt from Honky Tonk Man at SummerSlam ‘88 in 31 seconds. Then Rude becomes the #1 contender, after a memorable feud with Jake the Snake.

To set the tone for the feud they’d have for the next two years or so, you have them compete in a pose down instead of a match. This is an interesting way to introduce a feud. Why a pose down? Was it just because of Warrior’s in-ring limitations?

You’ve talked about Rude being the perfect guy to work with Warrior during Warrior’s World Title run in 1990. But why was he the perfect guy here? Did you foresee Rude being able to get so much out of Warrior, or was the pose down simply a way to test their chemistry?

Mega Powers

It’s a few days after the Rumble that we see the Mega Powers fall apart on The Main Event during a match with the Twin Towers. Elizabeth gets knocked off the apron and Hogan carries her to the back and Randy bellows the famous, “You’ve got lust in your eyes!” line then attacks Hogan backstage.

Bruce, you’ve talked at length about the long-term storytelling plan with Savage and Hogan. But what was the specific vibe here at the Rumble? Was the finish line in sight, or were you still working out some issues?

Did this go exactly as you all wanted?

HOUSTON

This is your first WWF PPV in Texas since joining the company in ‘87.

What was it like being back in Houston for the first time on a big WWF stage like the Royal Rumble? Was it at all difficult or emotional to be back? After all, at that point it was less than two years since Paul Boesch closed up shop.

Boesch would pass away from a heart attack on March 7, about two months after this show. Was he there? What was your last interaction with him?

The show takes place at the Houston Summit, now the home of Lakewood Church’s Central Campus. Why was it chosen for this event? What are some of your favorite memories from the Summit?

Rumble ‘89 begins a string of Rumbles held in Texas over the years. It was held again in Houston at Minute Maid Park in 2020; at the AT&T Center in San Antonio in 2007; and of course at the Alamodome several times, including 1997, 2017, and it’ll be there this year.  What is it about Texas and the Rumble that go so well together?

There are several guys on this card that came through Houston on their way to the WWF, including Andre, Barry Darsow, Greg Valentine, Jim Duggan, Jake Roberts, and Shawn Michaels. When you think back to working with them in Houston, who surprised you the most with their success?

RUMBLE MATCH

This is the second Royal Rumble on PPV. What had Pat and Vince learned, and what did they want to change for this one?

Why 30 this time instead of 20? Who’s call is that?

The match is a masterwork in storytelling. You’ve got all of these storylines intersecting. You have to keep them going, while also telling the story of the match. Talk us through how you structure a Rumble.

During early Rumble matches, guys entered the ring without music, except for the first two participants. Was there a logistical reason for this, or was it just not something you thought of yet?

From the Observer: “It wasn’t that bad of a show, but you really have to dig deep to come up with much good about it.” With so many pay-per-views in such a short time between the AWA & JCP, and all the TV specials being run - was it hard for a show like this to really come across as special?

The show draws a sellout. That has to feel good in Houston does it not?

Dark Matches

1. Jim Powers defeats Barry Horowitz

Barry Horowitz isn’t someone that we spend too much time talking about on the show. Do you have any stories about Barry?

1. Sam Houston defeats Steve Lombardi

You recently talked about how Steve Lombardi came up with the Abe Knuckleball Schwartz gimmick in ‘94/’95 on our Worst Gimmicks episode. But in January ‘89 Lombardi was still wrestling under his own name, not yet as the Brooklyn Brawler. Whose idea is the Brawler gimmick?

Was it important to get Sam on the show considering it’s in Houston?

Match 1

Hart Foundation & Hacksaw Jim Duggan v. Fabulous Rougeaus & Dino Bravo with Frenchy Martin (2 out of 3 falls - International rules) w/ Joey Morella refereeing

We saw these 2 out of 3 falls tag matches pretty regularly in this era. When and why would you book them, as opposed to a traditional 1 fall matches?

This was originally billed as a flag match - do you know why the change?

Was there a method as to who would take the pinfalls in these matches, or was it storyline-specific for each match?

This is about a year after Bravo dyes his hair blonde, starts playing up his Québécois roots, and gains Frenchy as his manager. Prior to that, Bravo was managed by Luscious Johnny V and worked as part of the New Dream Team with Greg Valentine, after Brutus Beefcake turned face at Wrestlemania III in ‘87.

What was behind the gimmick change? Just something to make Brave different?

Results:

• Ray Rougeau picks up the first fall over Bret.
• Bret pins Ray Rougeau for the second fall.
• Bret picks up the third fall, after Duggan hits Bravo from behind with the 2x4.
• Total Time: 15:42

From the Observer: “Duggan looked terrible, so what else is new? Only because of Hart, and slightly Jacques, the match was a decent way to open a show.” **¼

Backstage

Next we hear some pre-recorded comments from participants in the Rumble match. DiBiase draws a number he’s unhappy with, so he calls in Slick to make a deal for one of the numbers drawn by the Twin Towers.

This is some good shit isn’t it pal?

We also hear from Honky Tonk Man, the Buschwackers as they swap numbers, Bad News Brown, Jake Roberts who cuts a promo on Andre, and the Rockers as they wish one another good luck.

Match 2

Rockin’ Robin (Women’s Champion) v. Judy Martin w/ Earl Hebner refereeing

Gorilla points out that Robin enters the ring to Sam Houston’s music. It’s curious he’d point this out, especially when Robin was Houston’s real life brother. It almost feels like he’s accidentally breaking kayfabe, which is so unlike him.

Was this just a mistake or a negligible observation he made at that moment? Furthermore, why use the theme that was already associated with someone else?

Sherri interrupts at the beginning, challenging the winner. Then she joins the commentary booth.

Result:

• Robin picks up the win by pin with a cross body block off the middle rope
• Total Time: 6:42

From the Observer: “Both women worked hard and they did a lot of moves, but the timing was below average and there was absolutely no heat whatsoever. *½”

We never see the payoff because the Women’s Championship was quietly deactivated in 1990. What do you remember about the struggles of the Women’s Division and deactivating the title?

WrestleMania 5 Graphic

Next we see a WrestleMania 5 motion graphic pop up on the screen. But it’s not the sort of in-your-face PPV advertisement we’re used to seeing with the signature Jim Johnston music and voiceover. It’s just a pink and blue screen with the WrestleMania logo in the middle, stars moving around it, and a soft drone in the background.

Who’s responsible for the graphic and why the difference?

Backstage

Next up we see Sean Mooney interviewing Slick and the Twin Towers about the Towers’ chances in the Rumble. Mooney confronts Slick about DiBiase’s attempt to buy one of the Towers’ numbers. This is a neat thread throughout the show.

Is this your idea, Bruce?

Super Pose Down

Next up the Fink introduces Mean Gene to emcee the Super Pose Down between Ravishing Rick Rude w Bobby Heenan and the Ultimate Warrior.

Gene explains that the two participants will compete in a series of poses and fans will decide the winner.

This feels like a Vince idea from what we know about his interest in bodybuilding. Is Vince directing Rude on the poses? Or was Rude already into it?

Does anyone work with Warrior to teach him posing techniques? I would guess not by watching this.

After the first bicep pose, Heenan gets on the mic to remind fans that they need to be objective. That’s a great little way to get some heat because we know pretty much everyone is rooting for Warrior.

The next pose is Best Abs.

Heenan asks for a 15 minute break to prep Rude for the third pose. Gene says no. Rude does “Most Muscular.” Warrior is obviously more jacked. Warrior gets impatient before 4th pose; Rude calls for a medley of poses

Heenan sprays Warrior in the eyes with body oil and Rude attacks Warrior with his steel workout bar. Then Heenan and Rude are off to the back. When Warrior comes to, he attacks the officials trying to help him and runs out after Rude.

From the Observer: “The highlight was when the medics came out to help the Warrior and Dr. Nicholas Warren Bockwinkel came out and Warrior went berserk and threw the officials around and Nick the Doc showed better timing taking a bump from a slap than 70 percent of the wrestlers employed by Titan Sports. As entertainment, it was too slow-paced and way too predictable. As wrestling, it was a waste of time, except it saved us from something worse, and that is having to watch the Warrior in a match. As bodybuilding, it was a joke. Whoever heard of wearing long tights in bodybuilding? Rick’s body is nothing special (you can find guys in any gym who don’t even take drugs who look more like bodybuilders than him) and Warrior is positively freaky. -* (I’d call it a dud except I know people who find this thing severely taxing)

Go ahead Bruce…

Backstage

More pre-recorded interviews, this time with managers. Mr. Fuji reminds us that the Powers of Pain are coming for Demolition.

Then Mean Gene grills Ms. Elizabeth on whose corner she’ll be in - Savage or Hogan? She remains neutral, further setting up the Mega Powers explosion.

Then Jimmy Hart cuts a promo on behalf of “Double Trouble,” Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine. This is before Valentine dyes his hair black and they become Rhythm & Blues. Do you remember Double Trouble being the team’s original name?

Match 3

King Haku w/ Heenan v. Former King Harley Race w/ Joey Morella refereeing -

The winner gets to claim that he is the real king of the WWF.

Haku is carried to the ring on a caravan by a bunch of jacked up dudes.

When you are planning this entrance, where do you recruit the guys that are carrying the caravan? Are they enhancement talent? Guys from a local gym?

The “King” gimmick is used as a temporary title to tell stories. We see it here with Haku and Harley Race, we’ll see it again with Owen Hart. But Lawler’s full-time gimmick is literally that he’s the king. Why not give him a more distinct song to set him apart when he comes in?

Harley Race comes down and dumps Haku off the caravan to start the match. Then we’re off to the races. It’s a brutal fight.

Result:

• Ultimately Haku wins with a reverse thrust kick and Hernan sides with him.
• Total Time: 9:01

It’s tough doing heel vs. heel isn’t it? Meltzer would say the only heat came from Heenan cheering on whoever had the advantage. “Race wrestled like the ghost of Harley Race, doing all the old bumps but so slow and pathetic and to no reaction. Haku is all wrong for the gimmick as well, but it’s really just a venue for Heenan. Both tried, but zilch for heat and I was truly saddened watching the once-great Race in this position. DUD”

Backstage

We see some more promos from competitors in the Royal Rumble, including Brutus Beefcake, Greg Valentine, Mr. Fuji again – this time with the Powers of Pain, Mr. Perfect, Randy Savage, and the returning Big John Studd. Studd’s is a real babyface promo talking about how he’s been training for the last couple years and he’s ready to make a comeback.

Next up we see the final interview with Ted DiBiase as Mean Gene grills him about his transaction with Slick.

As we’ll find out, DiBiase purchased the number 30 spot. Is this little storyline to help Studd so that when he wins his comeback seems more impressive?

Then Sean Mooney interviews Bobby Heenan, the Brain Busters, and “the odds on favorite” Andre the Giant.

And finally Mean Gene interviews Hulk Hogan, who’s calling for the “Resurrection of Hulkamania,” and makes it clear he and Savage are not friends in the Rumble match.

This really hits home - every man for himself right?

Well nothing slams it home anymore than the first two in the Rumble…

Rumble Match

1. Ax
2. Smash
   1. Research reveals this is the only time Barry Darsow and Bill Eadie competed. Whose ideas is it to have them face off here?

From the Observer: “The two minutes between entrances were legit this year, unlike last year”

Do you think Meltzer was the only one who cared about this?

The Rumble is built around how invincible the likes of Andre, Hogan, Studd, Akeem & Bossman are…and Meltzer would write this:

“All the great workers took all the great bumps, but their offense had little no affect on the freaks. Curt Hennig worked great with the little guys, but his offense had no effect against the big guys. Terry Taylor is still portrayed as a wimp, which I suppose in a warped person’s eyes could have helped him as a heel, but kills him as a face. This is all smart on Vince’s behalf because he employs all the freaks and his opposition employs wrestlers, and when freaks go against wrestlers, wrestlers come off as wimps.”

Is that how you think Vince portrayed these guys?

Some of the memorable moments here besides Demolition squaring off with each other is Jake Roberts being eliminated by Andre but comes back with Damian to get revenge. Andre eliminates himself to escape the snake. Why don’t we see the showdown between Andre and Big John Studd here?

Did Andre really hate snakes?

Ron Bass comes in with his head freshly shaved off after losing a Hair vs. Hair match against Brutus, Shawn Michaels is in there showing off some impressive action with Curt Hennig - you had to have seen something with those two down the line did you not?

Savage enters and eventually Hogan 3 people later who cleans house and even will eliminate the Warlord in a record 2 seconds. Is this an idea of Vince’s…did Warlord have any issues with it?

The top story obviously is Hogan eventually eliminating Savage and Savage hopping back in the ring to get in Hogan’s face. Was there ever any consideration of not putting the World Champion in the match - or did you need it for the angle?

It’s not the end of the Mega Powers but we’re right there…as Boss Man and Akeem are in next and eventually the Twin Towers toss out Hogan. You get Hogan out of there to make sure the spotlight is on Studd at the end…but man the heat just dies at this point doesn’t it?

Was there any thought that would happen?

Hogan would pull Bossman out to eliminate him…and that’s not the last time we’d see Hogan pull someone out of the ring as he did it to Sid in the 92 Rumble. Hulk was quite the heel wasn’t he? Bobby Heenan was always right…

Eventually Big John Studd enters at #27 and lasts 12 minutes and 21 seconds before eliminating Akeem & Ted DiBiase to get the victory.

From the Observer: “Nobody seemed to care, since Studd has had so little TV exposure and the whole thing didn’t seem to help Studd as much as they wanted to. They are grooming Studd for big things, first a feud with Akeem, and then this summer, a fued with Andre, both are which are in top money spots. **½”

Why did Studd exit so quickly? It feels like we’re really building him to be a top guy into the rest of the year.

If not Studd - who would have or should’ve it been?

Looking back - the show has sentimental value to you I’m sure being in Houston…but thumbs up, thumbs in the middle, thumbs down?