World Wrestling Federation (1990-)

[Autistic Dragon]

As first revealed on NBC and expanded upon in the December edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Vince McMahon has reached an agreement with HBO for a two hour weekly series called WWF Prime Time. The show has been described as "an all encompassing recap show designed to keep fans up to date on all the major happenings in the World Wrestling Federation." While the new show won't have any original matches, it will contain matches first seen on other WWF programming as well as never before seen (to most fans) matches recorded on the various live events or "house shows" as their called in the industry. Titan Sports -the WWF's parent company- has also released a schedule of the year 1990.

TV shows.

WWF Raw is War -syndicated, originally airing on Monday 9pm. 

WWF Prime Time Tuesday 8pm on HBO.

WWF Wrestling Challenge -syndicated, airtime varies by market.

TV Specials and Pay Per Views.

January 1990- Saurday Night's Main Event  1/4 - Royal Rumble -PPV 1/19

February-

March 1990 - Saturday Night's Main Event in early March

April 1990- WrestleMania VI -PPV

May 1990- Saturday Night's Main Event in mid May.

June-

July 1990- King of the Ring -PPV

August 1990- SummerSlam -PPV

September-

October 1990- Saturday Night's Main Event in mid Oct.

November 1990 - Survivor Series -PPV

December-

Non-kayfabe author's note: I'll be taking a hiatus for the rest of December but I wanted to go ahead and set this thread up. I'll be using some of this time to watch as much 1990 WWF to make sure I have a feel for how to structure shows going forward. The SNME on Jan 4 will be the official start of my version of the WWF. Hope to see you there.

[LowBlowPodcast]

20 minutes ago, Autistic Dragon said:

Non-kayfabe author's note: I'll be taking a hiatus for the rest of December but I wanted to go ahead and set this thread up. I'll be using some of this time to watch as much 1990 WWF to make sure I have a feel for how to structure shows going forward. The SNME on Jan 4 will be the official start of my version of the WWF. Hope to see you there.

I am excited to see your take on the WWF - I've written it time and time again and I know that it can be tedious and rewarding at the same time. The IP with Rumble, Mania, King of the Ring, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series are all worth it and fun to plan. Looks like SNME is going to be a staple as well... can't wait to see you get back in action in January.

[spaldoni]

Looks like you've got things mapped out well and are ready to go. Can't wait to watch what you do with the WWF in 1990! 

[kevinmcfl]

Great plan.  Good luck and enjoy!!!

[Control21]

Looking forward to what WWF will bring in the new decade. Lots of exciting opportunities and talent ready to make the jump to super stardom.

[Autistic Dragon]

WWF Magazine December 1989 edition.

Keeping it in the Family.

As the World Wrestling Federation heads into the new decade Bobby Heenan has every reason to believe it will belong to his family. The Barbarian and The Warlord -collectively known as the Powers of Pain- stand atop the tag team division. The powerhouse duo were already an imposing force but ever since capturing the gold they've been all but unstoppable, tearing through whatever duo has been put in their path. Haku reigns as King of the Ring, lording over the WWF with an iron fist. Any challenge to his rule is met with a ferocity befitting a wild beast. And last but certainly not least, the jewel in the Heenan Family crown, "Ravishing " Rick Rude has a iron clad grip on the WWF title. A title he has controlled -with only a brief interruption- since June. That the Heenan Family is in a position of dominance cannot be denied but it would be a mistake to say there were threats to their positions. Demolition -former Tag Team champions themselves- have reasserted themselves in the title hunt and have made clear they are not afraid of the Powers of Pain.The Ultimate Warrior and Andre the Giant have both positioned themselves as opponents of the Family, the latter in particular being the sole man to disrupt Rude's grip on the WWF title. Whether or not his Family can weather this myriad of challenges remains to be seen but as 1990 dawns across the world I can't be argues that Bobby Heenan is poised to shape the entirety of the World Wrestling Federation in his image.

Oh, Canada.

After the sudden departure of their manager Jimmy Hart it seemed the Canadian quartet of Dino Bravo, Earthquake and the Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond) had lost their sense of direction. So it took some observers by surprise when the group were able to rally and claim victory at Survivor Series. The real shock however came n Nov 30th at the Meadowlands when Jacques and Earthquake (Raymond had travel issues) defeated the Steiner Brothers to capture the US Tag Team Titles. The reason for this sudden resurgence was revealed on a recent episode of Raw in the form of a new manager. Frenchy Martin, or as he prefers to be called "Le Commandant", has proven to be an effective leader of what he's dubbed "The Northern Invasion". Invoking what he calls "Canadian rules" he's convinced President Jack Tunny to allow any two members of the Invasion can defend the US Tag Titles ,which he and his men have taken to calling the Canadian Tag Team Titles. This means that potential challengers could be facing the Rougeau Brothers one night then Bravo & Earthquake the next. While many have naturally questioned the validity of this rule -and President Tunney's decision to honor it- it must be said the Canadian contingent has used it effectively and whomever seeks to take the United States/Canadian Tag Team Titles from them will have to be ready for anything.

[spaldoni]

Looks like 1990 is going to be a big year for the WWF. 

It's so great seeing the POP and Haku getting the pushes they deserved IRL. 

I'm looking forward to the challenges that await Rude and the world title. 

Frenchy has given the Canadians a serious resurgence. 

Can't wait for your shows! 

[kevinmcfl]

Enjoyed the update and I think you're right that the Family seems to be in control... for now!

[Autistic Dragon]

Happy Holidays friends! Consider this a Christmas present to you all.

Saturday Night's Main Event Full Card.

January 4, 1990.

William B. Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Airing live on NBC.

Main Event.

"8th Wonder of the World" Andre the Giant & The Ultimate Warrior vs The Heenan Family (WWF Champion Rick Rude & King of the Ring Haku) w/Bobby "The Brain" Heenan

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs Terry Funk

Big Bossman vs Mr Saito w/Mr Fuji

Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs "World's Strongest Man" Dino Bravo w/"Le Commandant" Frenchy Martin

"The Boy from New York City" Jimmy Valiant w/"The Guiding Light" Capt Lou Albano vs The Iron Sheik

[rainmakerrtv]

Nice! Definitely looking forward to that main event. 

[kevinmcfl]

Looking forward to your first big event

[LastStopTour]

That is an ambitious lineup of content, not only on a yearly level but weekly. Good luck with it.

[spaldoni]

The WWF isn't wasting any time kicking off the 90s! 

I love these match ups. 

[Autistic Dragon]

 

January 4, 1990.

William B. Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

*Andre the Giant & Ultimate Warrior stand in from of a WWF banner*

Warrior: As the celestial powers usher in a new decade and the Warriors around the world brace themselves for the challenges that await them in the coming solar cycle, the Gods have decreed that the Wonder of the World and myself are to strike the first blow that shall lead to the crumbling of the Heenan Famly!

Andre: Bobby Heenan, so help me you stick your nose in our business i'll knock you into the next millennium!

*Smash cut to Bobby Heenan, King Haku & Rick Rude in front of the same banner*

Heenan: Listen up humanoids! You thought the 80s were something? The 90s are gonna rock your world and it starts tonight when the Heenan Family solves two of its biggest problems in one fell swoop. Tell'em champ.

Rude: Nobody brings the New Year in with as much style as the Heenan Family and tonight we close the book on the so-called Ultimate Warrior and the 8th Blunder of the World, Andre the Giant.

*Haku fires three rapid fire jabs at the camera as it cuts to Terry Funk, Manny Fernandez & Dick Murdoch*

Funk: 1990 is gonna be the year the Texas Outlaws take over the one horse town that is the World Wrestling Federation and it starts tonight when I leave our mark on that yellow bellied mongrol Jim Duggan.

*Funk jabs the end of his branding iron as it cuts to Jim Duggan*

Duggan: There's nothing like wringing in the New year in the greatest country on God's green earth and there's no better way to celebrate then in a WWF ring. Terry Funk you say you want to make a mark on me? All I got to say is, step right up and show me what you got (thrusts his 2x4 into the air) TOUGH GUY!

*Cut to Big Bossman*

Bossman: Now i'll admit I don't know much about how the law works over in Japan but I know dang good and well that Mr Saito and Mr Fuji have run afould of the rules here in the World Wrestling Federation long enough. Saito get ready boy cause tonight your in for some hard time!

*The SNME intro plays to the theme of the name but Douglas Grama as the camera pans the sold out Pavillion before cutting to our commentary team for the evening Vince McMahon and Gorilla Monsoon who hype up the card for tonight as well as the upcoming Royal Rumble Pay Per View. They also say WWF President Jack Tunney will join us "live via satellite" with an announcement that will have "major ramifications throughout the new year" which we will hear after our first match. They then send us to Sean Mooney.

*Mooney is wearing a three peice suit and standing in front of a SNME banner*
Mooney: Thank you Vince, Gorilla. Joining me at this time are the self proclaimed "Worlds Strongest Man" Dino Bravo and the self styled Commandant of the Northern Invasion Frenchy Martin. (the duo walk into view. Martin is wearing a light blue set of army fatigues, a black beret, a monocle and is carrying the flag of Quebec. Bravo is in his usual light blue tights and a darker blue cape.* Gentlemen tonight will see a major test for Dino Bravo as he stops into the ring and goes one on one with Jimmy Snuka.

Martin: (casts a disgusted look at Martin) A "major test" momsieur? Surely you jest, that island Savage has no place in the ring with an athlete the caliber of Dino Bravo, a man who has sold out the largest arenas throughout Canada . This match is beneath my client's dignity.

Bravo: It certainly is Frenchy, yet I confess i'm glad it's happening because it will give me an excellent opportunity to show Tito Santana exactly what's in store for him. You have something that I want Tito, something that I deserve to hold and that's the WWF Intercontinental Championship. So I want you to pay very close attention to what I do to this barefoot heathen tonight because it's just a fraction of what's coming for you.

*We send it back to commentary who hype Bravo's hunt for the IC title before t"The Boy from New York City" by Manhatten Transfer comes over the PA system signaling its time for our first match.* 

Howard Finkel: Ladies and gentlemen, this is our opening contest for Saturday Night's Main Event and is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by the Guiding Light of the World Wrestling Federation, Capt Lou Albano. Weighing 251 pounds, He is the Boy from New York City, Jimmy Valiant!

*The duo groove their way to the ring slapping hands and taking the time to dance with a few kids. A few ladies can't resist giving Handsome Jimmy a peck on the cheek as he dances by. They get in the ring and try to get Howard Finkel to join in but the ring announcer politely declines. There's a party atmosphere in the Pavillion until a gong rings out followed by a suitably "middle eastern" theme picking up.*

Finkel: And his opponent, from Tehran, Iran. Weighing 117 kilograms, the Iron Sheik!

*Sheik marches to the ring, waving the Iranian flag in defiance of the boos that rain down on him. He enters the ring, marches up to Finkel and snatches the mic away from him.*

Sheik: Now you listen to me Penn-sol-vahn-ia I no want to hear any USA USA chant while I make this Valiant Jimmy humble!

*On cue, a massive a"USA" chant breaks out to the anger of the Sheik*

The bell rings and while it's not a work rate classic by any measure it's still a match between two established vets who know what they're doing. Sheik has a gift for getting heat while Jimmy has a knack for getting a crowd behind him. Sheik eventually gets frustrated and grabs the Iranian flag and is lining up a shot when Albano gets on the apron and snatches it away from him. Sheik is yelling at him allowing Valiant to swing him into the ropes and knock him down with a back elbow before putting things away with the "Groovin elbow". It's party time in Villanovos!

*Commercial break including a ad for the Royal Rumble airing live on Pay Per View January 19th from the World's Most Famous Arena Madison Square Garden! Call your cable provider for details on how you can watch this monumental event.*

We return from break to see President Tunny sitting in his office. He informs the fans that due to the success of last years event, it's been decided that the King of the Ring shall return in 1990! Furthermore it's been determined that at that event -who's date and venue are still being determined- the reigning King of the Ring shall challenge for the WWF Championship regardless of whomever holds the title. Due to the significance of this decision, it has been determined that the current leading up to that event wrestlers who have been deemed worthy shall be permitted to challenge Haku for the crown, The first such challenge shall take place at the Royal Rumble when Haku defends his status as King of the Ring against a man who's seen repeated success against him, The Ultimate Warrior!

*We return to commentary where they hype Tunney's announcement and speculate on what this means for the Heenan Family which currently controls both the King of the Ring and the WWF Championship. Their discussion continues until interrupted by a echoing call of...*

"Super...Super...Superfly"

Finkel: The following contest is a singles match and is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, form the Fiji Islands, weighing 235 pounds Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka!

*The crowd cheers as Snuka claims the ropes and flashes the "I love you" sign. The good vibes vanish as "La Marseillalse" come over the pa system.*

Finkel: His opponent. accompanied by "Le Commandant" Frenchy Martin and representing the Northern Invasion. From Montreal, Quebec, Canada, weighing 112 kilograms. He is the self proclaimed "World's Strongest Man" Dino Bravo!

WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana joins commentary to put over Bravo's chase of the IC title. He admits Bravo is a formidable contender but says he's a fighting champion who won't run from the Canadian strongman. The finish sees Snuka go for a crossbody but Bravo turns it into a Powerslam for the win. Bravo stares down Santana while making the "belt around waist" gesture.

*Commercial break including a ad for the Royal Rumble airing live on Pay Per View January 19th from the World's Most Famous Arena Madison Square Garden! Call your cable provider for details on how you can watch this monumental event.*

*"Mean" Gene Okerlund wearing his Saturday Night best is in the Heenan Family's private luxury locker room. Heenan is in a bedazzled tuxedo with the smuggest possible grin on his face. Rude is wearing a white robe with golden trim with the WWF Championship over his shoulder. Haku is his full royal regalia and is going through a series of martial arts poses.*

Okerlund: Welcome back fans, "Mean" Gene Okerlund here with one half of tonight's main event. The WWF Champion "Ravishing" Rick Rude, the King of the Ring Haku and the man behind it all, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Gentlemen it's the first big event of 1990 for the World Wrestling Federation and tonight may just be the biggest challenge for the Heenan Family to date. Tag team action against Andre the Giant and the Ultimate Warrior.

Heenan: Biggest challenge? I guess if you're speaking literally you might be on to something because Lord knows Andre weighs as much as the entire population of the  city of Philadelphia combined but if you're talking about the effort it's gonna take for YOUR WWF Champion Rick Rude and YOUR King Haku to dispose of these two ham n eggers then you could not be more wrong. I mean i've lost count of how many times Rick here has run circles around that beached whale you call Andre and as for Warrior? That painted freak should be in an asylum somewhere instead of being let out among the general public let alone in the ring with two world class athletes like you have right here. 

Okerlund: Well you certainly sound confident but i'm curious to what you think of President Tunney's announcement about the reigning King of the Ring challenging for the WWF Championship at this years event?

Heenan: I think it's a wonderful idea actually.

Okerlund: Oh really?

Heenan: Yes really.

Okerlund: I presume you expect Haku to still be King when the time comes?

Heenan: Well of course.

Okerlund: And of course you believe Rick Rude will still be WWF Champion at his time?

Heenan: Naturally.

Okerlund: And of course, being the Brain you've realized, that being the case it would result in Haku challenging Rick Rude for the WWF Championship. My question would then be, exactly who's corner are you in for that one?

Heenan: (slight paniked look) Well you see...the thing about that is....I mean if it were to happen....(panic replaced by anger) now listen here humanoid, I see what you're trying to do and its not gonna work. You got to wake up pretty early in the late afternoon to outsmart Bobby Heenan. My men are professionals, you understand? And more importantly than that, we're a team. We are a unit, we are a FAMILY and my men know that as long as the WWF Championship stays in the Family then that's all that matters. Now get out of here will ya? We've got strategizing to do.

*cut to Finkel in ring*

Finkel: The following contest is a singles bout set for one fall. Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by "The Devious" Mr Fuji. From Tojyo, Japan, weighing 265 pounds...Mr Saito!

*Saito demonstrates martial arts poses as Fuji waves the Japanese flag*

"If you're ever down in Cobb County..."

Finkel: And his opponent....from Cobb County, Georgia....weighing 330 pounds...the Big Boss Man!

The two barreled chested men beat the tar out of each other with Saito match Boss' brawling while also adding a dash of more scientific grappling for flavor. Boos Man takes the momentum but as he looks to perhaps put things away, Slick and Zeus come down to ringside with the former shouting abuse the whole way. Boss Man prepares to defend himself but as he's got his focus on the intruders, a tall blond man in an orange prison jumpsuit jumps the rail and attacks Boss Man from behind! He pounds away as referee Mike Chioda calls for the bell signaling the disqualification. Slick orders Zeus into the ring and the and the blonde man work over the Boss Man together. Saito is on guard but Slick talks to Fuji who collects Saito and the Japanese duo walk away. The blonde man takes Bos  Man's nightstick and scores several stiff shots as Zeus holds Boss Man's arms back. Finally security and a group of lower card faces hit the ring and Slick leads Zeus and the mystery blonde away. Who the heck is this guy?

*Commercial break including a ad for the Royal Rumble airing live on Pay Per View January 19th from the World's Most Famous Arena Madison Square Garden! Call your cable provider for details on how you can watch this monumental event.*

*Commentary are still in shock over the events that occurred before the break. We're told that Slick, Zeus and the mystery man have been escorted from the building while the Boss Man has been taken to the trainers room to be checked out.*

*A video plays advertising Wrestlemania VI which will air live on Pay Per View from the Skydome in Totonto, Ontario, Canada!*

"HOOOOOOOOOO"

Finkel: The following contest is a singles match and is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first....from Glens Falls, New York...weighing 270 pounds "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan!

*Duggan has the crowd pumped marching around and waving Old Glory. But the mood in the arena suddenly shifts when the ominous sounds Ennio Morricone's "Man with a Harmonica" come over the pa system.*

Finkel: And his opponent, representing the Texas Outlaws...from the Double Cross Ranch outside Amarillo, Texas...weighing 247 pounds...Terry Funk!

Neither man gives an inch leading to an heated bout that ends in controversy when Fernandez sneaks down and cracks Duggan in the back with his own 2x4 as Duggan is running the ropes. Duggan stumbles forward allowing Funk to scoop him into his unique variation of the Piledriver.

*Commercial break including a ad for the Royal Rumble airing live on Pay Per View January 19th from the World's Most Famous Arena Madison Square Garden! Call your cable provider for details on how you can watch this monumental event.*

Finkel: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your main event of the evening *pop* It is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.

*A woman breathlessly says "Simply Ravishing" before "Smooth Operator" by Sade plays throughout the arena.*

Finkel: Inroducing team number 1...they are accompanied by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and are representing the Heenan Family....first from the Kingdom of Tonga,weighing 275 pounds, he is the King of the Ring, Haku! And his partner Robbinsdale, Minnesota, weighing 252 pounds, he is your World Wrestling Federation Champion., "Ravishing" Rick Rude!

*Rude swaggers up to Finkel and swipes the mic away without sparing the announcer so much as a sideways glance*

Rude: Cut the music. What'd I'd like to have right now is for all you fat, sweaty, beer bellied Pennsylvania Pit stains to keep the noise down while I take my robe off and show the ladies what a real man, and especially what a real champion looks like, hit the music.

*"Smooth Operator" hits up again as the boos rain down but as soon as the robe is off it's drowned out by a distinctively feminine cry of appreciation. He poses with the title around his waist, ending by flicking whatever he has sprayed on at the camera*

*No music is needed for the next man through the curtain can light up a crowd with his presence alone.*

Finkel: And their opponents. first from Grenoble in the French Alps, standing 7 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 550 pounds, he is the *the Wonder of the World, Andre the Giant!

*The massive man stops just at the end of the aisle way and looks at his opponents with a thoughtful expression before adopting a wry smile as he turns back to the entrance as loud, energetic music bursts through the arena.*

Finkel: And his partner, from Parts Unknown, weighing 280 pounds, The Ultimate Warrior!

*Warrior sprints down the aisle and dives in the ring. His frantix entrance sends Heenan and Rude diving to the floor. Haku however, stands his ground even as Andre joins his partner in the ring.*

It quickly becomes clear that the Heenan Family strategy is based around keeping Andre out of the ring as much as possible. Utilizing frequent tags -and a healthy dose of rulebreaking- they wear down the Warrior to the frustration of Andre and the crowd alike. Finally however, the Warrior breaks through and makes the tag and Andre comes in and goes on a slow motion rampage. The crowd erupts when he scoops Rude up in a massive bodyslam followed by a 550 pound elbow drop. Earl Hebner starts to make the count but before he gets to three, the Powers of Pain rush in and jump on Andre. Hebner throws the match out as a 4-2 beat down begins. Thankfully the cavalry arrives in the form of Demolition. With this brawny backup the faces rally and drive the entire Family from the ring. Heenan orders a retreat leaving the faces standing tall as the show closes.

[LowBlowPodcast]

Just as the joker said… here we go and the WWF is off and running. You’ve got all the nostalgia down… you’ve set up a great energy and environment… it clicks.

 

Bossman is my lead candidate for 1990… he’s got momentum and challengers plus he can go in the ring.

 

Andre and Warrior along with Demolition against the Heenan Family will surely be marquee to get the year going as well.

 

 

awesome stuff!

[spaldoni]

Props to you for truly capturing the SNME feel. Amazing job with the scene and promos. 

Boogie Woogie Man gets things going as he takes down the heat generating Iron Shiek. I'm sucker for these types of match ups. 

Tunney drops a bombshell as the KOR returns this year. This could set up something interesting for the Heenan Family, unless Warrior dethrones Haku first. 

Bravo sends a strong message to IC champ Tito. 

Oh man! Nailz has arrived and Bossman is the target! I've been waiting for this feud. 

Funk (with Manny's help) takes care of Duggan. I'm looking forward to watching what the Outlaws do here. 

Main event ends in chaos as the story continues. Some big hitters involved in this feud. 

The WWF is off to an incredible start

[jeff5819]

Good strong old school Saturday Night's Main Event feel with all the action and stars that we love from the WWF.

Can't wait to see what the King of the Ring brings.

[Autistic Dragon]

Originally airing on January 8th, 1990 on HBO.

Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan welcome fans to the new show which they promise will feature all the major goings on throughout the World Wrestling Federation. Gorilla says they'll have new on the Royal Rumble which will air live on Pay Per View Jan 11th from Madison Square Garden including who will challenge Rick Rude for the WWF Championship on that event. Heenan says when they play the footage later in the broadcast everyone with eyes will agree he and Rude were the victims of a CON JOB the likes of which the world has never seen before! Gorilla says the fans will decide that for themselves but first it's time for their first match of the evening.

Match #1. Originally airing on a recent episode of Monday Night RAW.

"Hacksaw" Jim Dugan defeats "Tough" Tyler Burke with the 3 point lariat. A pre tape played during the match in which Duggan calls out Manny Fernandez for interfering at Saturday Night's Main Event. Says if Manny wanted a fight all he had to do was ask. Says Fernandez won't have to worry about getting jumped from behind cause Duggan will just walk up and punch him square in the mouth "and we'll she how it goes from there TOUGH GUY!"

After we return from our first commercial break, we get a skit of Monsoon on the phone saying the Pay Per View providers who aren't carrying the Royal Rumble are violating people's constitutional rights! He doesn't explain how that works but you can tell he's fired up about it.

We cut to "Mean" Gene Okerlund in the "WWF Update". He hypes the Royal Rumble, 30 men will enter and the last man standing will head to WrestleMania VI to challenge for the WWF Championship regardless of who the champion is. He switches gears and shows footage from a recent WWF Live Event in Nova Scotia where The Powers of Pain defended the WWF Tag Team Championships against Demolition. All four men are in the ring brawling and eventually the ref throws the match out. Okerlund says the rematch has been signed and it will take place at the Royal Rumble!

Match #2. Originally airing on a recent episode of WWF Wrestling Challenge.

"The Walking Natural Disaster" Earthquake w/Frenchy Martin defeats James Sexton with the "Earthquake splash". Quake hits a second splash after the bell at Frenchy's instruction. 

Heenan and Monsoon put over the damage a man like Earthquake can do in the Royal Rumble. Gorilla asks Heenan point blank how anyone is supposed to get him over the top rope and Heenan says he doesn't think there's anyone who can do it alone and if it happens it will require a team effort. 

We see a recap of the mystery man attaching Big Boss Man at SNME with Zeus. We're told the man's name is Nailz and SLick has promised to tell his story to the entire world on this week's episode of RAW!

We see footage of a recent episode of RAW where Bobby Heenan & Rick Rude join "Mean" Gene and are going into their usual shtick when Andre lumbers into the promo zone to a huge pop. Andre says Rude's been running from him for months now and he's getting tired of Rude running away. He says he wants one more crack at the WWF Championship. Rude dismissively says he's beaten Andre more than any man alive and has nothing more to prove. Andre says he has a contract that says if Rude beats him one more time he'll never challenge for the title again! Okerlund interjects asking if Andre's sure he wants to do that and Andre says he'll do anying to become champion again. Rude smugly says "if it'll get this 500 pound weight of my sculpted chest, then sure i'll lower myself into getting into the ring one more time with the 8th Blunder of the World." and signs the contract. Andre says he's glad Rude agreed but he should really learn to read contracts BEFORE he signs because that match he just agreed to? It'll be at the Royal Rumble...INSIDE A STEEL CAGE!

We cut back to the studio where Heenan says what we just saw was a travesty and he's got the best lawyers money can buy on the case to get Rude out of this. Says Rude is a national treasure who should be put on a pedestal with men like Ronald Reagan not locked in a cage like some comments criminal and he certainly shouldn't have to waste one second more on "that beached whale pretending to be a wrestler." Gorilla simply says that he hopes this will teach Rude to be more careful with legal documents going forward.

Match #3. Originally airing on a recent episode of Monday Night Raw.

Mr Saito w/Mr Fuji defeats Dale Wultz with the "Saito suplex". A pre tape airs during the match in which Fuji says he'll rebuild the Fuji Clan bigger and stronger than ever!

Sean Mooney hypes the WWF's upcoming return to the Boston Garden on Jan 11th. Says the event will mark the return of Hillbilly Jim to the WWF but the big man from Mud Lick, Kentucky won't have an easy return as he goes one on one with the big Earthquake. We cut to a pre tape where MFrenchy Marting is disgusted that one of his "elite Canadian athletes" has to share the ring with an unwashed Hillbilly. Earthquake says that he actually thinks Jim is a lot like him...just less so. See Jim's a big man, but not as big as the Earthquake. Jim's a strong man but not as strong as the Earthquake and while Jim's a tough man to be sure but he's not tough enough to take on a former NCAA collegiate wrestler and undefeated sumo wrestler like the big Earthquake. Says he hopes Jim enjoys his return while it lasts because when he drops the big quake on Jim, it'll break every Richter scale in North America! We cut back to Mooney who Gives the full rundown of the Boston card which fans throughout New England can watch on the New England Sports Network.

Main Event.

WWF Championship.

"Ravishing" Rick Rude(c) w/ Bobby "The Brain" Heenan vs "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes

Big Boss Man vs Nailz w/"Doctor of Style" Slick

Four Corner Elimination Match. Winners challenge for the WWF US Tag Team Championship at the Royal Rumble.

The Buskwhackers (Luke & Butch) vs The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff & Boris Zhukov) The American Eagles [the nightmares] (Liberty & Justice) vs Badd Company (Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond) w/Slick

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs "Raging Bull" Manny Feranadez

Hillbilly Jim vs Earthquake w/Frenchy Martin

Vic Steamboat vs Virgil

Alex "The Pug" Pourteau vs Black Bart

Match #4. From a live event in Landover Maryland, footage originally aired on Home Team Sports.

"Captain Redneck" Dick Murdoch defeats Koko B. Ware with a Brainbuster.

Capt Lou Albano joins the set and goes off on any PPV provider that isn't showing the Royal Rumble. Heenan is so impressed he says he takes back some of the things he's said about Albano over the past week.

Match #5. Originally airing on a recent episode of WWF Wrestling Challenge.

Badd Company w/Slick defeat The Wickerson Brothers with a thrust kick/German suplex combo.

Mean Gene provides the Royal Rumble report. He confirms the WWF Championship Steel Cage match has been made official as well as recapping the rematch for the WWF Tag Team Championship. He says his sources tell him that not only will Mr Fuji be bringing Mr Saito to the Royal Rumble but he'll be bring a brand new client who will debut in the Rumble itself!

Match #6. From a recent episode of RAW.

"Shooting Star" Hiroshi Hase defeats The Nightstalker with the "Shooting Star press."

Feature match. (i.e main event) Originally airing on a recent episode of RAW

WWF Intercontinental Championship.

Tito Santana(c) defeats The Genius with a figure four leglock. After the match Dino Bravo comes down and there's a tense stare down. Santana invites Bravo into the ring. Bravo seems to agree but Martin talks him out of it.

[spaldoni]

Duggan and Manny will be one brawling feud. 

Can't wait for more Demolition and POP. 

Earthquake has got to be a rumble favorite. 

Man, I'm looking forward to the Nailz/Bossman feud. 

Andre and Rude in a cage! Bring it on! A manager should always read the contract carefully hahaha

Always a big Saito fan and he always delivers.

Damn, that Boston card is loaded!

Badd Co. has one of the best finishers in the game. 

I think Hase can shine in 1990

The plot thickens between Tito and Dino. This has had a solid build and puts a good shine on the IC title. 

So much good stuff going on. I wonder if Rude will make it to Mania as champion, with all these big name contenders chasing him. 

The Rumble is getting close! 

[Autistic Dragon]

WWF Live @ The Boston Garden in Boston Massachusetts 1/11/90

Airing live on New England Sports Network. Vince McMahon & Lord Alfred Hayes on commentary.

Black Bart defeats Alex "The Pug" Pourteau with the "Texas Trash Compactor". As Bart was heading to the back, Manny Fernandez met him in the aisle way and the two were in some kind of conversation as they went through the curtain together.

Vic Steamboat defeats Virgil with a flying bodypress.

Hillbilly Jim defeats "The Walking Natural Disaster" Earthquake w/Frenchy Martin by countout when Jim nailed Quake tried to splash Jim against the ring post but Jim moved out of the way sending colossal Canadian crashing into the steel and unable to answer the 10 count. 

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan defeats "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez after ducking under the "Flying Burrito" and scoring with the "Three point" lariat. As Duggan was celebrating, Black Bart rushed the ring and attacked him from behind. He paused to help Fernandez up and the two tough Texans beat down Duggan until the threat of suspension convinced them to depart.

Four Corner Elimination match. Winners challenge for the WWF United States Tag Team Championship at the Royal Rumble.

The Buskwhackers (Luke & Butch) vs The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff & Boris Zhukov) The American Eagles [the nightmares] (Liberty & Justice) vs Badd Company (Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond) w/Slick

Order of elimination:

The Bolsheviks were eliminated when Liberty (Ken Wayne) pinned Zhukov with a second rope sunsetflip.

The American Eagles were eliminated when the Bolsheviks reentered the ring and assaulted them allowing Tanaka to pin Justice (Danny Davis)

The Bushwhackers eliminated Badd Company when Slick accidently tripped Diamond leaving him vulnerable to the "Bushwhacker Battering Ram"

The Bushwhackers are going to the Rumble!

Big Boss Man vs Nails w/Slick went to a double DQ after they both took turns shoving the ref during a fistfight. They kept pounding away on each other and it seemed to take all the security in the Boston Garden to separate them.

Main Event.

WWF Championship.

"Ravishing" Rick Rude(c) w/Bobby "the Brain" Heenan defeats "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes lined up for the "Flying Apple" while Rude was in the corner getting advice from Heenan. Rhodes charged in but Rude not only moved out of the way he pulled Early Hebner into the corner causing him to take the hit. Heenan quickly grabbed the WWF title belt and passed it to Ride who ko'd Rhodes with it. Heenan revived Hebner who made the groggy three count. 

[spaldoni]

Looks like Manny is recruiting

Hillbilly Jim is off to a great start. Nicely booked finish

And it looks like Bart accepted Manny's offer 

Look at that, the Bushwhackers are heading to the Rumble for a chance at some gold

We're in for a hard hitting Bossman/Nailz feud 

Heenan and Rude make a great team. Rude survives this one but can he survive a cage match with Andre? I can't wait to find out 

[kevinmcfl]

Loved all the effort you put into SNME.  The promos were spot on.  Awesome job!

Really excited for KOR.  I always thought that it was a great event.

Heenan has a great Family but also has some serious people coming after him.  This is going to be awesome.

Bossman-Nailz is great booking.  Looking forward to this one.

Also think Manny and Duggan are great for each other... two bulls beating the crap out of each other seems like a great watch to me.

 

Very realistic Prime Time with each segment hyping up a future show.  Between the Royal Rumble and Boston Show, the WWF is rolling.  This switch of territories really seems to have re-energized you.  Awesome job!!!!

[Autistic Dragon]

Originally airing on January 15th on HBO.

*Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan welcome fans to the show with the former thanking the fans for making Prime Time a smash hit on its first week while the latter insists he's the real key to success. Regardless both men hype the Royal Rumble which is just four short days away!*

Match 1. Originally airing on a recent episode of RAW.

Ranger Ross defeats "Hollywood" Bob Holly with the "Combat Kick". Ross celebrates by waving Ol' Glory to the delight of the fans.

*Monsoon is clearly impressed with Ross and speculates how his army training and discipline could help in the Royal Rumble match. Heenan says he respects the Armed Forces as much as anyone but he doesn't think there's any kind of training that can prepare you for a match as chaotic as the Rumble. Monsoon concedes Heenan may have a point.*

WWF Update: Series of promos for the Royal Rumble. Hiroshi Hase says (in Japanese with subtitles) that the Royal Rumble will launch his career into the stratosphere! The Texas Outlaws (including new addition Black Bart) say they're gonna put down 26 egg sucking dogs then go onto Mania and take the WWF Championship back to Texas! Tugboat says life on the high seas teaches you to be ready for anything and at the Royal Rumble he's throwing 29 other men overboard and sailing all the way to WrestleMania! The Northern Invasion cut a group promo running down their various opponents. The Rougeau's say the Bushwhackers are gonna "fumble at the Rumble", Bravo says Tito is a great wrestler but there's nothing he can do against the World's Strongest Man and Earthquake finishes by saying thatthe only thing he has to worry about is trying not to bring Madison Square Garden crumbling down when he drops the big quake on 29 other men!

Match #2. Originally airing on Wrestling Challenge.

"The Human Wrecking Machine" Zeus w/"The Doctor of Style" Slick defeats 2 local talent.

*Heenan & Monsoon do a skit where they tear into Viewer's Choice for not giving their viewers the choice of watching the Royal Rumble.*

Match #3. Originally airing on RAW.

The Commonwealth (Dynamite Kid & Chris Benoit) win a tag match with a double diving headbutt. A promo airs during the match in which Kid says Benoit is the future of the business and he's proud to help him fulfill his potential while Benoit says it's the dream of a lifetime to team with the man who inspired him to get into wrestling.

*Monsoon hypes the new tag team pointing out that Benoit is a product of the Hart Family Dungeon in Calgary which has produced some of the toughest wrestlers in the world today. Heenan says that's all where and good but they better not get any ideas about challenging the Powers of Pain or they'll  be going back to their home countries in pieces. Though he says they'll have still gotten off easy compared to what his men are gonna do to Demolition at the Royal Rumble.*

Match #4. Orginally airing on RAW.

Non title.

WWF Champion "Ravishing" Rick Rude w/Bobby "The Brain" Heenan defeats Jaime Dundee with the "Rude Awakening". Split screen promo sees Rude say that after he's through with Andre at the Royal Rumble he'll be the 8th Wonder of the retirement home.

*We see the sit-down interview Gene Okerlund conducted with Nailz & Slick. Nailz admits to doing some "stupid kid stuff" that got him sent to the Cobb County Correctional Facility. He gives a detailed list of all the ways the prison was horrible but he says the guards were the worst and the head guard was the worst of them all. A beer bellied sadist who would throw you in solitaire If you looked at him the wrong way. One word from him and you went with dinner for a week. He's got a real name of course but the fans of the WWF know as the Big Boss Man! Okerlund says point blank he doesn't believe it causing Nailz to get up, walk over and lean down to ask if Okerlund's calling him a liar. A nervous Gene says that he just meant that doesn't sound like the Big Boss Man he and the fans have come to know. Nailz, returning to his seat, says that watching Boss Man yuck it up with the fans like he's some kinda nice guy made him sick but now he's here to make sure Boss Man pays for all the misery he dished out not just to Nailz but all the inmates back in Cobb County.*

*Heenan appears to be crying as he praises Nailz for being brave enough to share his story while Monsoon says he wants to hear Boss Man's side of things before he comments.*

Match #5. Originally airing on Wrestling Challenge.

The American Eagles (Libery & Justice) defeat The Celestial Bodies (Nebula & Quasar) [Brian Christopher & Jamie Dundee in masks] with the "Star Spangled Splash" (rocket launcher) on Quasar (Dundee).

Feature Match. Taped at a recent live event in Glenn Falls, New York.

Terry Funk defeats "Dr" Tom Prichard with a Piledriver.

Monsoon & Heenan give one final hard sell for the Royal Rumble with a rundown of the card.

Main Event.

30 man Royal Rumble match. Winner challenges for the WWF Championship at Wrestlemania VI.

Steel Cage match for the WWF CHampionship. If Andre loses he can never challenge for the WWF Championship again.

"Ravishing" Rick Rude(c) w/Bobby Heenan vs "The 8th Wonder of the World" Andre the Giant

WWF Tag Team Championship.

The Powers of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord)(c) w/Bobby Heenan vs Demolition (Ax & Smash)

WWF Intercontinental Championship.

Tito Santanna(c) vs "The World's Strongest Man" Dino Bravo w/"Le Commandant" Frenchy Martin

WWF United States Tag Team Championship/

The Fabulous Rougeau (Jacques & Raymond)(c) w/Frechy Martin vs The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch)

King's Court Match.

King Haku w/Bobby Heenan vs The Ultimate Warrior.

[spaldoni]

I think Ranger Ross can get this gimmick over in this WWF era for sure.

Fun set of promos to hype the Rumble.

Zeus gets in a good showcase. The Rumble is a match that suits him well. 

Commonwealth looks good, but Heenan doesn't think they can handle the POP. We shall see. 

Rude seems ready for Andre. I can't wait to see what goes down in the cage. 

Great sit down with Nailz. I can totally see Mean Gene getting nervous. I'm with Monsoon, let's see what Bossman has to say. 

American Eagles seem to be soaring towards a title shot

Funk handles the Doctor. I still expect big things from Prichard in the WWF. 

Bring on the Rumble!! 

[Autistic Dragon]

January 19th 1990.

New York City/

Madison Square Garden.

Live on Pay Per View/

After the opening video package we get a panning shot of a sold out MSG before cutting to Gorilla Monsoon & Vince McMahon at the commentary booth. They hype the Rumble match, 30 men competing for the chance of a lifetime, to main event WrestleMania. They also hype the Steel Cage match for the WWF Championship. It's Andre's last chance, can he make it count. Gorilla says he'll have all of MSG rooting him on. Vince doesn't doubt that but he says you can never count Rude out. Their speculation is cut off by the bell ringing which means it's time for our first match.

King's Crown Match.

Haku(k) w/Bobby "The Brain Heenan vs The Ultimate Warrior.

We get a proper hoss fight to start us off. Haku's strikes have a martial artist's discipline while Warrior is all power and intensity. They both take turns throwing each other to the outside where we see a difference in how the court reacts to them. When Warrior hits the floor, occasionally a heel will try something but a face manages to sut it down allowing Warrior to get back in without issue. Meanwhile when Haku is thrown out, it's clear that nobody wants to mess with him. Inevitably the court starts fighting among themselves allowing Heenan to sneak into the ring and trip Warrior as he has Haku in a military press. Haku lands on top of Warrior which gets a two count but when Warrior staggers to his feet, Haku nails him with a thrust kick to the throat for the three.

Winner and still King: Haku

Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana joins Mean Gene to hype his title defenses later tonight. Tito says since he's won the IC title it's been his honor to travel the globe and face the best it has to offer and Dino, whatever his personal falings, certainly qualifies as a world class athlete. Tito says he doesn't know about whether Dino is the strongest man in the world like he claims but he is undoubtedly a powerful man but the strength of the arm is nothing compared to the strength of the heart and he knows Dino doesn't have the heart to take the IC title from him. Especially with a sold out MSG behind him. Ariba!

We get a segment of people picking their numbers....Kevin Von Erich says he's ready to bring a fight the size of Texas no matter where he lands....The Bolshieviks each draw their numbers before shaking hands and agreeing that all that matters is winning it for Mother Russia...Capt Lou draws for each of his men then hands them out randomly, The Bees worry about it all coming down to them fighting each other but Jimmy says the universe will show them the way. Blair & Brunzell don't look like they get it but Lou is nodding like it's safe wisdom...Earthquake draws his and says it doesn't matter what spot he gets because there's not a man alive who can throw him over the top rope!

WWF United Stares Tag Team Championship.

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond)(c) w/"Le Commendant" Frenchy Martin vs The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch)

A decidedly less intense match than the one before it. We do get some good comedy with the Rougeau's not quite knowing what to make of the New Zealanders. A fun contrast in styles with the Rougeau's as more well rounded technicians and the Bushwhackers straight brawlers. Martin tries to interfere but catches a stiff right hand from Luke. Despite a couple close calls, the Rougeau Brothers knuckle down and put Butch away with the "Quebec Crunch" (Jacques picks him up in a Spinebuster position while Raymond comes off the second rope with a Thez press)

Winners and still US Tag Champions: The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers

Sean Moony is in the Heenan Family locker room where Heenan is grinning like the Cheshire cat. Says the would-be usurper that is the Ultimate Warrior was put down as will all foolish enough to challenge the King. Says that next his Powers of Pain are gonna send Demolition back to the wasteland in a shoe box and then all that'll be left is the Steel Cage. Rude takes over and says he's tired of having to deal with Andre, tired of seeing that giant shadow looming over his title reign. Tonight in the cage, in front of the entire world he ends Andre's hopes of becoming WWF Campion again FOREVER!

More guys picking their numbers...Slick picks for all three of his men, Badd Company both take their numbers in stride while Zeus is excited he gets to beat up 29 other men in one night *cue nervous looks between Badd Company*....Jim Duggan says he's winning the whole thing and dares anyone who thins they're a TOUGH GUY to try and stop him...Mr Fuji picks for both his clients (though only Saito is with him) looks at them and just laughs....Ranger Ross says he's survived the toughest battlefields you can imagine and he's ready to do it again tonight.

WWF Intercontinental Championship.

Tito Santano(c) vs "World's Strongest Man" Dino Bravo w/Frenchy Martin

Tito may have questioned whether Dino is the strongest man in the world but he certainly sells like that's who he's in the ring with. The champion tries to stick and move to wear the bulkier man down. To Dino's credit, he proves to not be entirely out of his depth in the scientific game. Thee's a few spots where Dino just tosses Tito which make for great visuals. Dino whips Tito across the ring and charges after him but Tito scales the ropes and connects with a reverse crossbody for the surprise three count. Tito celebrate but Dino & Frenchy are raising a ruckus saying Dino's shoulder was up. A replay show that it's definitely close. We may need a ruling.

Winner and still WWF Intercontinental Champion:Tito Santana.

Demolition join Mean Gene and say their just minutes away from getting back something they should have never lost. They've been without the gold for far too long and nothing is gonna stop them from getting it back especially not two goofs who get their Holly's pretending to be Conan the Barbarian.

More numbers!...Dusty Rhodes gets his and says the Dream is alive but like any dream he's gonna have to fight for it...Bad New Brown says he was born to fight in a match like the Rumble where its every man for himself...Big Boss Man says there's gonna be a lot of chaos in that ring tonight so he's gonna have to work overtime to bring Law & Order....The Texas Outlaws take turns drawing their numbers and while their reactions vary, Funk just stares at his. The other three gather around and you get the feeling it's bad but Funk just shrugs and says the toughest battles are saved for the strongest warriors and there's no challenge his Yankee company can summon to take down a true son of Texas!

WWF Tag Team Championship.

The Powers of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord)(c) w/Bobby Heenan vs Demolition (Ax & Smash) 

Nothing even close to pretty in this one. There's a recurring gag where every time Heenan looks ready to interfere he gets scared off by one or both of Demolition. He finally musters the nerve to grab one of the tag titles and try to throw it to Barbarian. Unfortunately for them Smash intercepts it and after polling the fans, cracks Barby in the head with it. Unfortunately for him, he also did it right in front of the referee who has no choice but to call for a disqualification.

Winners and still WWF Tag Team Champions: Powers of Pain

Andre is with Sean Mooney. The Giant says it took him over 20 years to become WWF Champion and Rude cheated him out of it in less than one month. Says he's willing to put it all on the line to become champion again but assures Mooney that just as he's willing to give up anything he's prepared to take anything from Rude!

WWF Championship Steel Cage Mach. If Andre loses he can never challenge for the WWF Championship. 

(Before Rude steps into the cage he demands the house mic and tells the fat, sweaty, out of shape New York Nitwits to keep the noise down while he takes his robe off and shows the ladies what a REAL man looks like.)

"Ravishing" Rick Rude(c) w/Bobby Heenan vs "The 8th Wonder of the World" Andre the Giant

There's just an auto when Andre is in the ring that nobody else can really match. That combined with the cage do a lot to make up for Andre's limited ring work. To his credit, Rude understands his role and sells Andre's offense as best he can. We get a memorable finish as Andre manages to get Rude up and toss him into the cage wall causing one side of it to fly off its hinges. Rude clings to it until it stops moving and you can see him have a moment of realization before letting himself drop to the floor. The ref calls for the bell and all the air is let out of MSG when its announced that Rude has won via escape.

Winner and still WWF Champion: Rick Rude.

We see a promo for WrestleMania VI which will air Live on Pay Per View from the Skydome in Toronto, Ontario Canada on April 6th!

Howard Finkel explains the rules to the Royal Rumble match. Two men start with another entrant entering every 2 minutess. Eliminations occur when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. He then introduces the first two entrants.

Entrant #1 from the Double Cross Ranch outside Amarillo Texas, Terry Funk!

Entrant #2 from Oyabe, Toyama Japan "Northern Light" Hiroshi Hase!

Funk immediately goes on the attack but Hase refuses to be pushed around. We get an incredibly even two minutes until the buzzer goes off.

Entrant #3 Nikolai Volkoff

The Russian Giant goes right after Hase and seems to want to form an alliance of sorts with Funk who looks less than enthusiastic. Still Hase has to endure face tow dangerous men but he manages to hold on.

Entrant #4 Ranger Ross

Ross makes a beeline for the Soviet giving Hase a bit of a reprieve as he's able to focus on Funk exclusively.

Entrant #5 Jim Brunzell

Capt Lou is doing his best to pump has man up as they head to the ring. It seems to pay off as the Killer Bee nails everyone with  dropkicks before working with Ross to try to get Funk out. They're still struggling when the buzzer goes off.

Entrant #6 Manny Fernandez

The Raging Bull hits the ring and wastes no time rescuing the man who trained him. The two Texas Outlaws work together to take everyone else down and together are able to toss Brunzell out.

Jim Brunzell has been eliminated.

They turn their focus on Hase and seriously work him over leaving the Japanese star scrambling to stay alive.

Entrant #7 Zeus

Slick is all smiles as he sends his Human Wrecking Machine to the ring. Zeus enters just as Volkoff is trying to toss Ross over the ropes. Without hesitation Zeus marches over and lifts Volkoff up and over sending them both crashing to the floor.

Nikolai Volkoff & Ranger Ross have been eliminated.

Zeus spends the rest of the period manhandling the three men left In the ring.

Entrant #8 Bob Holly

Hollywood Bob struts to the ring, jawjacking with the crowd and preening for the ladies. He takes the time to blow a random lady a kiss before he gets in...and immediately clotheslined back out by Zeus.

Bob Holly has been eliminated.

Entrant #9 Big Boss Man

He actually manages to stand up to Zeus and they brawl until the next entrant.

Entrant #10 Tonga Kid

Kid wisely avoids the two brawling brutes and focuses on a downed Fernandez instead.

Entrant #11 Iron Sheik

Again nothing really exciting happening,

Entrant #12 Nailz

No points for guessing who his target is. He and Boss Man are pounding away on each other and end up near the ropes allowing Zeus to send them both out.

Big Boss Man & Nailz have been eliminated.

They're too busy beating on each other to be mad about getting eliminated and security has to be called in to separate these two.

Entrant #13 Koko Ware

Ware immediately goes to the top rope and scores a missile dropkick on Zeus who staggers back into the ropes. Hase sees this and links arms with Ware for a double clothesline.

Zeus is eliminated.

Entrant #14 Boris Zhukov

Big Russian headbutts for everyone!

Entrant #15 Jimmy Valiant

Funk catches Sheik off guard while he's working over the Tonga Kid and shoves him over.

Iron Sheik is eliminated.

Entrant #16 Silver King

Some Luch Libre to liven things up.

Entrant #17 Tugboat

The big man is in and uses his size to assert himself.

Entrant #18 Rip Morgan

The towering Aussie downs everyone with a big boot. He tries to toss Hase out but he grabs hold to the top rope. The ring is getting rather full.

Entrant #19 Earthquake

Tonga Kid tries to meet the big Canadian but gets caught and tossed.

Tonga Kid has been eliminated.

Quake goes up behind Zhukov working on Valiant in the corner and ousts him.

Boris Zhukov has been eliminated.

Morgan lines up another big boot but Quake moves out of the way leaving Morgan straddling the rope. One big shot and down he goes.

Rip Morgan is eliminated.

Quake turns to see Silver King and goes for a clothesline but King ducks under it and springs off the second rope for a crossbody but Quake catches him and tossed him out onto Morgan.

Silver King has been eliminated.

Entrant #20 Paul Diamond

He enters the ring and Quake immediately splashes him against the ropes before shoving him back out.

Paul Diamond has been eliminated.

Tugboat spins him around and they start throwing hands but Quake ends it with a knee to the gut before scooping Tugboat up and dumping him out.

Tugboat has been eliminated.

Quake is winded from that and takes a second to catch his breath against the ropes. Valiant tries to capitalize by locking on a sleeper but it backfires a Quake is able to throw Valiant over his shoulder.

Jimmy Valiant has been eliminated.

Quake stand tall as commentary is wondering who can possibly stop this monster.

Entrant #21 The Ultimate Warrior

Fans and commentary alike are shocked to see the Warrior again with the later questioning what he's got left after his match with Haku earlier. Still he hits the ring with gusto and rocks Earthquake with three consecutive tackles the last of which sends the big man into the ropes and a massive clothesline sends him over.

Earthquake has been eliminated.

Warrior soaks up the cheers of the fans but he turns around to see Manny Fernandez charging him. Thinking quickly, he ducks down and backdrops the Raging Bull over the top.

Manny Fernandez has been eliminated.

Entrant #22 Pat Tanaka

Things start to settle down and Tanaka who's able to score some fast paced offense on his tired opposition.

Entrant #23 Dusty Rhodes.

Bionic elbows for everyone. Funk is wobbled by the one he takes which allows Rhodes to grab him by the scruff of his neck and send him out.

Terry Funk has been eliminated.

Funk shakes off the cobwebs and realizes what just happened. He flips out and looks to reenter the ring but security is trying to hold him back. 

Entrant #24 Dick Murdoch

Murdoch comes up behind Rhodes, caught up in Funk's meltdown on the floor and sends him over.

Dusty Rhodes has been eliminated.

Funk pounces on Rhodes and we have our second pull apart of this Rumble.

Entrant #25 Tom Prichard

Highlight of this round is Prichard catching Tanaka in a back suplex that sends him over the top.

Pat Tanaka has been eliminated.

Entrant #26 Mr Saito

Hard strikes and harder slams are the name of the game as Saito looks to show everyone why he is Mr Torture.

Entrant #27 Black Bart

Another Texas team-up gives Murdoch & Bart something of an edge but not enough to really take control.

Entrant #29 Bad New Brown

Brown puts his judo skills to good use and a well timed "Ghetto Blaster" finally ends the run of an exhausted Hase.

Hiroshi Hase has been eliminated.

The final buzzer sounds and unknown music plays. Mr Fuji comes out first before being followed by....What in the world?

Entrant #30 Vader

Fuji's new client sets his elephant like headpiece down, causing it to emit some smoke, before entering the ring and daring anyone to hit him. Prichard is first to try and his shots do nothing, Finally Vader catches a punch before pulling Prichard up into a fireman's carry and just launching him over the top rope.

Tom Prichard has been eliminated.

Bad News is next to try his luck but he initially fares no better. He fires off another "Ghetto Blaster" but that just makes Vader stumble into the corner. Brown charges but Vader sends him up and over and although Brown catches himself straight right hand, delivered with a bestial roar, sends him crashing to the floor.

Bad News Brown has been eliminated.

Murdoch & Bart, seeing the danger, decide to jump on the newcomer, pounding away with fists and forearms. They whip him into the ropes and go for a double clothesline but Vader simply runs through it and comes back with a double clothesline of his own which wipes them both out.Bart is the first to pull himself up and for his troubles gets another clothesline that sends him to the floor.

Black Bart has been eliminated.

Murdoch desperately charges but Vader simply steps aside and uses Murdoch's own momentum to send him over.

Dick Murdoch has been eliminated.

Final Four: Kevin Von Erich, Mr Saito, Ultimate Warrior & Vader

Von Erich lights Vader up with a serious of chops, punches, dropkicks whatever ha can think of. Finally he goes for broke and applies the "Iron Claw". It seems to be working but Vader rears back and brings his fists down on Von Erich's arm in a mini ax handle breaking his grip. He then grabs Von Erich by the throat before planting him with a chokeslam before picking him back up and throwing him out of the ring.

Kevin Von Erich has been eliminated.

This leaves Warrior alone with both of Fuji's beasts and they work him over for a good while. Eventually Saito gets complacent and charges Warrior who's against the ropes. Warrior low bridges him but Saito is able to catch himself on the apron. An angered Vader charges in but Warrior again evades this time allowing Vader to crash into Saito sending him to the floor.

Mr Saito has been eliminated.

It's down to Vader and the Warrior. Warrior tries to get Vader into a military press but Vader clubs him in the gut to get out of it. Vader plants Warrior with a powerbomb before shocking everyone watching by going to the top rope and coming off with a moonsault! Fortunately Warrior is just able to roll to safety and when Vader gets up he's so shaken by the landing he has to fall back onto the ropes. Summoning all his remaining energy, Warrior runs the ropes and charges across the ring and scores one final shoulderblock that sends Vader up and over.

Vader is eliminated.

Winner of the 1990 Royal Rumble match: The Ultimate Warrior!