[1986-03-01-WWF-Saturday Night's Main Event] Hulk Hogan vs Don Muraco

[Superstar Sleeze]

WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan vs Don Muraco - SNME 3/1/86

 

When compared to other builds to Mania, this is by far the least (Hogan/Piper/Lauper/T, the Andre turn, DiBiase buys the belt/Two Refs, MEGAPOWERS EXPLODE~!), but it is very traditional & simple. Prior to this match, King Kong Bundy squashes Steve Gatorwolf. Bobby Heenan & Bundy are hollering for Hogan. In traditional McMahon booking genius, he has Muraco beaten around the loop first and then puts the match on TV that way he has gotten all the money out of Muraco as a heel challenger. Mr. Fuji has come down with the flu and Muraco accuses the Hulkster of biological warfare so he has gone out and gotten the Brain as a last minute sub.

 

I think this is one of the better Muraco performances. Good bumping especially the atomic drop. Heenan takes a right off the apron. Hulkster giving back the back rakes that Muraco gave him. The bearhug by Hogan is an odd choice. Thought Muraco worked hard on top actually got pretty good heat with the kneelifts and Asiatic Spikes (one from the top!). HULK UP! Brain triggers the DQ. Hogan attacks the Brain, but Bundy saves his manager. Muraco holds as Bundy gives him Three Avalanches in the corner and two splashes! Muraco gives him Last Rites too. They should have done the five count. It was the only thing that really would have put this over the top. They load Hogan up in the ambulance. It is not as flashy as Lauper & Mr. T or as shocking as the Andre stuff or as personal as the Macho Man rivalry, but there is a traditional feel to this that is nice. How many times did Hogan ever end up in an ambulance? Or really ever look this beaten down? It is surprisingly rare when you think about it. At the time before, the Andre turn, I really cant think of anytime in 1984 or 1985 that Hulk Hogan ever looked this vulnerable. It might not be the flashiest, but it is an effective build to WrestleMania II in the Steel Cage: Hulk Hogan vs King Kong Bundy.