WHO WAS THE MASKED MAN?: written by: Barbi Barker
Barbi describes the decision making of retooling a character on television by dressing a wrestler up in a different attire to continue their fading career. She sends some shade towards the Doink the Clown character as being a career killer. She also reveals that Repo Man had previously been Smash from Demolition. Barbi expresses frustration with Razor Ramon (Diamond Studd in WCW) for going to the WWF instead of remaining in WCW due to lack of respect received in the WWF. Skinner, Tatanka, Papa Shango and El Matador are also considered career ending characters. It’s noted that the Undertaker was seen as a potential career ender, but that ended up being a good idea due to turning Undertaker into a “clean” character.
THE TOP CONTENDERS FOR THE WWF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE: written by: Jeff Gorman
Gorman takes a look at potential challengers for the new WWF World Champion, Randy “Macho Man’ Savage.
The Undertaker: Taker is likely the most dangerous man in the WWF with his overwhelming desire to destroy his opponents. Taker has recently destroyed the Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan and Jake Roberts. If Savage has to defend against the Undertaker it’s likely that the title changes hands on the first encounter.
Bret “Hitman” Hart: Hart matches up well with Savage and has a wider range of moves. Savage, meanwhile, has the advantage in the aerial department. A match between the two would be impossible to call.
Shawn Michaels: Michaels has failed to defeat Bret Hart or Randy Savage in recent title opportunities, but the failures are building blocks for his young singles career in the WWF. Michaels greatest asset is Sherri Martel, who had turned on Savage back at WrestleMania VII after the retirement match with Warrior. Michaels could outwit Savage if given the opportunity to do so.
Kamala: Nobody knows what Kamala is capable of and he’s unpredictable. Kamala failed to win the title many years ago, but with a new manager in Harvey Wippleman Kamala is a dangerous force. Kamala could be a problem for Savage as he’s a larger wrestler, and has more mobility compared to Andre the Giant, another man that Savage previously had a difficult time against.
Curt Hennig: Mr. Perfect would be on more equal footing challenging Savage for the title compared to previous attempts against Hogan and Warrior. Hennig wrestles like a true champion and knows how to finish a match. It may take Hennig a bit to return to form after recovering from a major back injury.
DEMOLITION DERBY: CRUSH VS. REPO MAN: written by: Jeff Gorman
Crush and Repo Man had previously teamed as Demolition just as recently as last year, but they’ve both encountered changes in their appearances. They both have the chance to gain some attention with many top stars having recently departed the WWF. Gorman goes over their history as Demolition and winning three tag team championships. When the team crumbled, Crush returned to Portland and became a quick fan favorite winning the tag titles with Steve Doll fro the Bruise Brothers. Crush has thrived since disassociating from Demolition. Repo Man has had some success, but tends to be more concerned with being sneaky and hurting people. As of now, Crush seems to be more serious about stepping out of the shadows, but time will tell the whole tale.
WRESTLING’S SEXIEST MEN: written by: Sheba Sheet
Marcus Alexander Bagwell is mentioned first and it’s noted that Bagwell provides a level of attraction that is uncontrollable by women who see him. A woman is quoted as being smitten by Bagwell back when he was known as the Handsome Stranger. Bagwell is the example of being the total package of what women look for in a man with his mixture of sensitivity and masculine drive. Bagwell is Zorro, Superman and Cupid all mixed into one.
Jim Powers is brought up next as being an All-American sweetheart. Powers has the good looks of a genuine casanova, but has an innocence to keep woman at ease. Scott Steiner gets credit for being sexy because he’s intelligent and changed the perception of wrestlers being seen as dumb.
Tom Prichard reminds women of a younger version of Roddy Piper. Prichard has worked harder on his body and a woman would faint at the sight of him sweating. Despite Tom having harsh words, it doesn’t scare women away at all. Jeff Jarrett gets credit for being sexy, as well. Jarrett should be seen as the crown prince of wrestling, according to a fan. Jarrett is seen as a prince charming in the USWA.
Dustin Rhodes must be the American Fantasy if his father is the American Dream. Tatanka is a hot commodity because of he’s wild and free from restrictions. He’s a man of native integrity. One fan especially likes his war paint.
Shawn Michaels is a heartbreaker, but women can’t figure out why they still want him. Michaels is so good looking that women can’t breakaway from him no matter what he does.
PUMP IT UP WITH HIGH ENERGY: written by: Jeff Gorman
Owen Hart and Koko B. Ware are two high flying wrestlers who also remain skilled on the mat. Owen recently gained experience in Japan, Mexico and Germany. Koko, meanwhile, found success in IWCCW and USWA while being away from the WWF. Koko won the USWA Heavyweight Championship from Kamala in a major upset to save Frankie, his parrot, from being devoured by Kamala.
After Jim Neidhart was let go by the WWF in early ’92, Owen was left without a partner until Koko arrived shortly after WrestleMania VIII. While they are a smaller team compared to the other top teams in the WWF, High Energy has found success early on. Recently, High Energy has competed in tag matches against the Nasty Boys, a much larger team. In those bouts, they have traded wins, but High Energy has proven in a short time they belong. High Energy earned a tag title shot against Money Inc., but were unable to win the titles due to IRS hitting Owen with a briefcase causing a count-out.
They’d need to use their mat wrestling ability to combat the likes of Legion Of Doom, should LOD win the titles. Koko’s birdbuster (brainbuster) is noted as a move that he doesn’t use often, but when Koko executes it nobody kicks out. They have an uphill battle to conquer the titles as aerial tag teams have a poor history in the WWF.
THE YOUNG LIONS OF WCW: written by: J. Michael Milner
Dustin Rhodes: Dustin has worked for many promotions including the WWF where he helped his father Dusty in a feud with Ted DiBiase. Dustin won the WCW Tag Team Championships in November ’91 and has been involved in a heated feud with the Dangerous Alliance since then.
Van Hammer: Hammer was a once a rulebreaker that got compared to Sid Vicious due to his demeanor. However, upon arriving to WCW Hammer has been a babyface feuding with Cactus Jack, which he lost due to Abdullah The Butcher. Hammer has been successful against JT Southern, and could be in line for a title shot soon.
Marcus Alexander Bagwell: Bagwell quickly aligned with Sting in WCW, but has been on the wrong side of the beatings by the Dangerous Alliance. Bagwell has been struggling against the likes of Terry Taylor, Vader, Zbyszko and Greg Valentine. However, it’s still early in his career adn the future can still be bright.
Johnny B. Badd: Badd hasn’t found success in WCW as of now since he’s failed to win a feud, or title. However, Badd recently dumped Teddy Long as his manager and embraced the fans, which could lead to the success he’s capable of.
Scotty Flamingo: Flamingo found success prior to WCW working in the Pacific Northwest area. Flamingo thrives as a rulebreaker and won the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship on June 20th from Brian Pillman. Since he’s dropped the title, Flamingo will do whatever it takes to regain it.
KERRY VON ERICH: DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE: written by: P.S. Larue
In the 1980’s Kerry was a popular in Texas prevailing over evil with his family. Despite personal tragedies, they remained close with each other and fans. Von Erich family were the modern day version of the biblical story JOB, the man who suffered much but never lost his faith. Kerry was tested by death, disease and other issues that would have driven a lesser man insane, but each issue made Kerry stronger. Kerry took the loss of his brother David into a match with Ric Flair and won the NWA World Championship. In 1986, Kerry suffered a broken ankle in a motorcycle accident, but against all odds returned to the ring.
Overcoming all of this, Kerry deserves to be in the limelight. Von Erich should focus on winning a championship or running the evil out of the area. Kerry could bring Kevin into the WWF and challenge for the tag titles. Kerry has rededicated himself and we could all learn a lot about love and strength from “the Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich.
ASTROLOGY & WRESTLING: written by: P.S. Larue
October 6th: Bruno Sammartino: Bruno will get even more secrets about Vince McMahon Jr. off his chest.
October 11th: Sam Houston: He will need to be careful of a mysterious person who will try to lead him into the world of sensational. He will discover love of the mystic.
October 16th: Terry Daniels: Terry needs to let out his anger otherwise it will cost him his career.
October 29th: Paul Orndorff: Orndorff needs to swallow his pride and show some of his buried sensitivity in a personal matter.
November 12th: Dusty Rhodes: Needs to get red of ‘yes men’ and find people to give him honest feedback.
November 15th: Randy Savage: Savage needs to use self control, and could find himself in trouble if he put Elizabeth down for showing pride.
Kevin Sullivan is described as being an independent person, who takes the ups and downs of his career similar to how people ride a rollercoaster. If you stick around to deal with his fury you’ll experience physical, mental and emotional pain. Sullivan is the master of torture. Sullivan embracing fantasy has made him appealing to everyone. Sullivan is romantic and trusting to people who prove themselves to him.
Jerry Lawler’s success should be seen as lucky as it would be impossible for him to fail. Lawler is able to make you think you’re getting your way, but you’re only getting a fraction and he’s getting all of what he wants. Lawler’s biggest flaw is that he has a big heart and that can lead to him being imposed upon.
WRESTLING’S RISING STARS: written by: Rikki Wilde
Chris Walker:
Could be mistaken for someone that was in the WBF instead of the WWF. Walker has only been wrestling for three years and is ready and willing to learn the ropes to reach success. Walker has a surprisingly high level of speed in the ring and looks to rise up the ranks just as quickly. Once Walker learns how to use his titanic strength he’ll be unstoppable. Walker has mastered the top rope crossbody and splash along with a dropkick to defeat opponents. Walker lives the lifestyle that Hulk Hogan only preached.
Rex King:
King doesn’t physically look overpowering, but his motto is to last the test of time instead of being physically overpowering. King needs to develop more self esteem and knowledge to handle the bigger men in wrestling. King reminds people of Ricky Morton with his speed and agility. King has enough strength to perform his moves, but additional muscle mass wouldn’t hurt him. Rex has mastered his version of the DDT. King knows how to get the fans behind him and does a lot of good deeds making the fans flock to him.
Bob Bradley:
Early into his career, Bradley once defeated the man known as Ultimate Warrior prior to becoming the Ultimate Warrior. Bradley continues to put time and effort into his body and when the time comes people will have to step aside. Bradley moves quickly in the ring and keeps his thinking cap on during matches. Quickness is his claim to glory. If he can’t win with his strength, he will win with his creative energies. Bob may not be the most liked, but he will be on the most unforgettable.
Jeff Gaylord:
Gaylord has a chiseled physique that it could have been sculpted by Michelangelo. Gaylord is a bit predictable in the ring and that could be helped with a manager or a few more years of experience. Gaylord tends to run out of energy in matches and should pace himself better at the start of the matches. Gaylord’s greatest strength is his raw power. Gaylord has learned a lot from tag partner Jeff Jarrett and the more holds he can defend against the more he can attack with. Jeff has the type of personality to take him to the top.
EDDIE GILBERT: THE CROWN PRINCE OF EVIL: written by: P.S. Larue
Gilbert recently mocked Jerry Lawler by tricking fans into thinking it was Lawler during his entrance, but it was Gilbert instead. Gilbert demands attention and whether it’s love or hate, he has an unbreakable bond with fans. Gilbert is able to get fans on his side even if he’s in the wrong. Jerry Lawler considers Gilbert to be a mental case. Lawler thinks that Gilbert is a true schizophrenic. Some actions by Gilbert are tough to defend, such as running down Lawler with a car in the parking lot on USWA TV. Gilbert has won titles from Lawler, burnt Lawler and mocked Lawler by declaring he’s the King of Memphis Wrestling. One USWa official says that Gilbert can’t be king because he’s too passionate. Lawler remains true to the people of Memphis and his image. Gilbert jumps federations a lot, as well. Eddie’s wish to be king could be a ploy to get underneath Lawler’s skin.
Gilbert keeps focus on something once he’s makes his mind up. Gilbert has won every title he’s ever wished to win. Gilbert won Missy Hyatt away from John Tatum by giving her plenty of gifts to the point she couldn’t resist. Other fans remember Gilbert being associated with Russia in the 1980s and attacking Bill Watts. Gilbert also broke Dr. Death Steve Williams arm. Gilbert could have been successful without cheating because he’s a fighter. Gilbert has what it takes to be one of the most memorable wrestlers to ever compete. He’s pure excitement with an evil twist.
HONKY TONK TELLS ALL: written by: Nate Birnbaum
Honky Tonk can discuss anything and nothing is off limits since his departure from WWF. Honky left two years ago and has no plans to return to the WWF. Honky grew tired of the travel and doesn’t believe that after 15-years in the business he should be working 300 days a year. Honky enjoys controlling his own destiny on the independents. Honky suggests booking wrestlers on the same coast instead of going back and forth on a daily basis. It’s impossible to keep sanity with how he was scheduled in the WWF. Honky claims that drugs have found their way into the WWF due to the traveling. Honky believes there should be some kind of wrestlers union. Honky believes that merchandise sales need to be distributed far more evenly. However, Honky doesn’t see anything changing in the next five years. Honky notes that not all the wrestlers make a good living as some wrestlers make less than the fans in attendance make at their jobs. Honky admits to using steroids in the past, but is completely clean now.
BOBBY EATON: TIME TO LEAVE THE ALLIANCE: written by: Louis Devincentis
Eaton is one of the most underrated wrestlers, but a highly successful tag team wrestler having won tag titles on several occasions. Eaton also won the WCW Television Championship from current tag partner Arn Anderson. As it stands now, Eaton may be the odd man out similar to Larry Zbyszko as the other members of the Dangerous Alliance are vying for singles championships and Eaton isn’t. Eaton could stay loyal to the stable, or jump ship to the WWF or USWA to seek singles success. Eaton has to lookout for what’s best for him and there’s plenty of roads he could go down.
BRAD ARMSTRONG: INCHES FROM THE BRASS RING: written by: P.S. Larue
Brad has been close to the brass ring on a few instances, but hasn’t been able to fully grasp it for whatever reason. Brad had great success in his rookie year teaming with his father Bob Armstrong to win the National Tag Team Trophy and won the UWF Tag Titles with Tim Horner. Brad earned a title shot against NWA World Champion Ric Flair, but came up short in his effort. The main thing holding Brad back at this point is his in-ring image. Brad became frustrated and joined Diamond Dallas Page as the masked Badstreet. Brad played around as a bad guy for a bit, but when the Diamond Exchange folded Brad grabbed another mask to become Arachnaman. That lasted a year before Brad returned to his true self. Brad deserves the opportunity to be at the top because of his values and respect he shows for others.
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