Written by: Bob Colling
World Wrestling Federation presents Superstars
Date: 1/27/1996
From: San Jose, CA
Matches:
1.) Duke Droese defeated Steve Rizzono
2.) Justin Hawk Bradshaw defeated Bob Holly
3.) Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Tim Patterson by disqualification
4.) Shawn Michaels defeated Tatanka
Angle Developments/Notes:
1.) After Duke Droese won his enhancement match, Hunter Hearst Helmsley slid into the ring from behind and hit Droese over the head with a trash can. Helmsley hit Droese with the Pedigree onto the trash can lid. Helmsley has scissors and proceeds to cut Droese’s hair.
2.) WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust shared some pre-tape comments. Goldust says we’ll never forger his name and he’s directed by Marlena.
3.) Ahmed Johnson suffered a concussion at the Royal Rumble, but he’s back in action already and he’s going after Jeff Jarrett.
4.) This is Justin Hawk Bradshaw’s debut on WWF television and he’s managed by Uncle Zeb.
5.) Bradshaw goes right after Holly with right hands in the corner to gain the early advantage. Bradshaw scoop slams Holly and delivers a few elbow drops. Holly kicks Bradshaw followed by strikes, but is met with a big boot to the face. Bradshaw plants Holly with a pump handle slam. Bradshaw sends Holly into the corner back first to maintain control of the contest. Bradshaw drives Holly down to the mat with a vertical suplex for a two count. Bradshaw kicks Holly in the corner and continues with right hands. Bradshaw takes Holly down with a side Russian leg sweep and taunts the fans. Holly battles back with kicks and a clothesline attempt. Holly ducks a big boot and clotheslines Bradshaw. Bradshaw knee lifts Holly and after avoiding a splash in the corner manages to deliver a lariat for the win. After the match, Bradshaw stomps on Holly, but Uncle Zeb pulls him off. (*1/2. Bradshaw looked solid in there, but the crowd didn’t have any interest in this one.)
6.) Duke Droese runs into the ring during Helmsley’s match and hits Helmsley’s opponent with a trash can as Helmsley runs away.
7.) Michaels taunts Tatanka and hides behind the referee. Tatanka knee lifts Michaels followed by strikes to keep control of the contest. Michaels hip tosses Tatanka followed by a standing hurricanrana. Michaels backdrops Tatanka over the top to the floor. Michaels taunts Tatanka by sitting in the ring. Michaels slingshots Tatanka into the ring from the apron. Michaels tries for another hurricanrana, but Tatanka drops Michaels over the top throat first and the show goes to commercial.
Tatanka sends Michaels into the corner to keep control with strikes. During the commercial, DiBiase put the Million $ Dream on Michaels. Tatanka backdrops Michaels for a two count. Tatanka misses a clothesline and Michaels hits a flying clothesline. Michaels kips up and hammers away on Tatanka. Michaels nails Tatanka with a flying forearm smash. Tatanka slides to the floor to avoid the Sweet Chin Music. DiBiase gets in the ring and Tatanka attacks from behind. DiBiase holds Michaels on the apron, but Tatanka nails DiBiase with a strike. Michaels hits the Sweet Chin Music for the win. (*1/4. I really didn’t understand why Michaels would taunt Tatanka in a manner that would likely not fly very well in 2021 standards. Michaels hit his usual spots, but Tatanka didn’t provide much here at all.)
Final Thoughts:
Another lackluster episode despite a Shawn Michaels appearance and a new wrestler making their debut. I wish that they’d find something more meaningful for Helmsley instead of feuding with Droese.
Thanks for reading.