World Wrestling Federation

[KingBoggs33]

The World Wrestling Federation is reportedly working on a deal with the Universal Wrestling Federation to send Chris Benoit to Japan for an extended series of tours in what is being described internally as a developmental move aimed at refining his in-ring ability.

Benoit, who has recently gained attention on WWF television for his hard-hitting style and technical approach, is seen by many behind the scenes as having significant long-term upside. However, the feeling within the company is that additional seasoning, particularly in the Japanese style, will help elevate him to the next level. Japan has historically been used as a proving ground for younger talent looking to sharpen their skills, and this appears to be a similar situation.

One of the key figures pushing for this move is Dynamite Kid, who has taken a strong interest in Benoit’s development. Dynamite is said to see a great deal of potential in Benoit and believes that working tours in Japan will give him the experience needed to fully realize that potential. Given Dynamite’s own background and success internationally, his influence in this decision is said to carry considerable weight.

The arrangement with UWF is part of a broader effort by the WWF to establish working relationships that allow talent to gain experience outside of the traditional North American system. Sources indicate that Benoit could be departing for his first tour in the coming months. If the move proves successful, it would not be surprising to see similar arrangements made for other younger talent in the future.

[KingBoggs33]

Primetime Wrestling
04/01/1991
Gorilla Monsoon and Brutus Beefcake

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSRf3rcjQih3S8sT9biTLJReM2pC8x4ZKzIVCfbL_6T4GKZQwgGe-xtmOAVUu3EUMqQAXWmyeykc7D7/pub

[ErictheDragon]

Gary Hart's arrival may have just signaled High Energy's demise. Also, wasn't expecting Ware's theme at the time to be such a bop.

Orton shows Tatanka what's in store for him.

Great set of promos which demonstrate the differences between challenger and champion.

Dan reminds everyone how Dangerous he is.

Love the poem by the Genius. It's actually a regret of mine that all the while I was writing him, I could only come up with one poem worth putting in a promo.

Duggan lets Earthquake know he hasn't forgotten about the IC title.

Nailz did some more hard time an he's making it everybody's problem.

A tough loss to the Fantastics has Herc deciding that he's better off with Slick and co than sticking with the Warlord.

Jack Tunney may have just made the biggest mistake of his career in pissing off Jake Roberts and Andre.

Ya know, if anybody could piss the fans off so much they cheer for the Nasty Boys, it'd be Slick.

Capt Lou & crew liven things up a bit

They may have been the most authentic Warrior promo in the game.

Jake & Andre show Ric what happens when you try to cut in line ahead of them.

[KingBoggs33]

WWF House Show
04/02/1991
WWF @ Providence, RI – Civic Center

Power and Glory with Slick and Dan Spivey defeated The Bushwhackers
Paul Roma made his return to the WWF, tagging with Hercules. Slick brought them to the ring. Looks like Slick has built his own army. After the match, though, the fans got a nice pop when The Warlord showed up and cleaned house!

The Z-Man with Gary Hart defeated Alex Pourteau

Brutus Beefcake defeated The Genius

The Nasty Boys and Earthquake with Jimmy Hart defeated The Killer Bees and Jimmy Valiant with Capt. Lou

Ultimate Warrior defeated Manny Fernandez

[Before intermission, as Mean Gene was announcing the next town. We get a shocking moment when BOB BACKLUND appeared. The former WWF Champion shows up. He takes the microphone and cuts what can only be described as a crazy promo before leaving the ring, obviously upset about how he has been received.]

Jake Roberts with Andre the Giant defeated Billy Jack Haynes

WWF Tag Team Championship
The Fantastics defeated The Twin Towers with Slick
This was a SHOCKING WIN! The win happened when Bundy missed a splash and was hit with a Double Dropkick. One Man Gang attempted to break up the pin with his Splash, but Tommy moved out of the way, and One Man Gang splashed his Bundy instead! One Man Gang was shocked, and Slick is screaming, but Gang is forced out of the ring by referee Earl Hebner! The Fantastics take advantage and hit THE ROCKET LAUNCHER! The Fantastics win the shocking match, and Slick is upset with Gang and Bundy as Power and Glory, along with Dan Spivey, come out to try to bring some peace, but this will be discussed on Prime Time Wrestling on Monday.

Ric Flair defeated Dynamite Kid

WWF Championship
Tito Santana defeated "The Ace" Bob Orton

[KingBoggs33]

WWF House Show
04/03/1991
WWF @ Lowell, MA – Memorial Auditorium

The Z-Man with Gary Hart defeated Alex Pourteau

Power & Glory and Dan Spivey with Slick defeated The Bushwhackers and The Warlord
Warlord and Hercules fight up the ramp, as Roma lands a top rope elbow on Luke for the win.

Brutus Beefcake defeated The Genius

The Nasty Boys and Earthquake with Jimmy Hart defeated The Killer Bees and Jimmy Valiant with Capt. Lou

Ultimate Warrior defeated Manny Fernandez

[Before intermission, as Mean Gene was announcing the next town, this is when BOB BACKLUND appears again. This time, he goes on a rant about how he lost his title to Bruno Sammartino and demands a rematch for the WWF Championship.]

Andre the Giant with Jake Roberts defeated Billy Jack Haynes

WWF Tag Team Championship
The Fantastics defeated The Russian Pitbulls

Ric Flair defeated Dynamite Kid

WWF Championship
Tito Santana defeated "The Ace" Bob Orton

[ErictheDragon]

Power & Glory, together again. Can't say I expected to see Warlord play face but you're making it work.

Mr Backlund seems rather perturbed.

What a rebound for the Fantastics. Not only are the tag champs but they've got one more crack at the Nasty's.

[spaldoni]

Oh man! A lot going down in the WWF. 

I couldn't believe it! Ric Flair showed up! WOOOOO! And of course gets himself in the world title picture right away 

Flair's arrival was huge but Gary Hart showing up was pretty damn big as well. His association with Zenk will be very interesting 

I'm liking the resurgence of Bob Orton. 

The tag team division is insane right now. Zenk leaves High Energy. Herc turns on Warlord and gets back with Roma. And the Fantastics throw everything out of whack by winning the titles ahead of the unification bout 

Loved all the promos. You're fleshing out their gimmicks and characters well. 

The Nailz promo was intense 

Beefcake vs. Lawler is a good program and the Genius is a fun way to elevate it. 

Earthquake puts down the hammer but Duggan awaits 

It was only a day but Tito and Flair get a damn good build up. Hey, these two can deliver and did. I could just feel Flair's annoyance with Jake and it costed him dearly as Santana scores the huge win to retain. I really thought Flair was going to walk right in and win the title. Nice swerve. 

Fun house shows especially with an unhinged Bob Backlund return.  

Tito's title run is off to a rock'n start! 

Great job setting up your direction. You're right, anything can happen in the WWF right now. 

 

[KingBoggs33]

04/01/1991
Gorilla Monsoon and Lord Alfred Hayes

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSWvWhesnfp68VJlgx9pB0pxPiiodFbiWB5-lQEjbdVFESg7gECnHRTcKgj9eh871p72r7MjGOhP2lO/pub

[Control21]

I'm loving how you are running WWF so far. Everything feels fresh and exciting. 

Ric Flair vs Dynamite Kid sounds like a dream match. That probably would have been great in real life if both wrestlers were healthy.

 

[KingBoggs33]

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the kind words. I’m having a great time running my own version of the WWF in this game, and I hope you’re all enjoying it as well. I’ve got some HUGE things planned over the next few months, and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds.

The only thing I’m considering changing is the show structure. When I started, I felt like Primetime Wrestling was more true to the time period, which I’m really trying to stay faithful to. But now I’m starting to think I should have kept Raw as the main show and used Primetime as a secondary program. I haven’t fully decided yet, but I’m definitely on the fence. I’ll be making a decision soon, especially since Raw would likely be much easier to format than a full Primetime Wrestling episode.

 

[KingBoggs33]

In a notable recent departure, King Kong Bundy is no longer with the World Wrestling Federation. Bundy, a former WWF Tag Team Champion as part of The Twin Towers, finished up with the company following the expiration of his contract, with both sides unable to come to terms on a new deal.

The title change involving The Twin Towers was directly tied to Bundy’s exit, as management opted to move the championships due to his final contracted date. Sources indicate this had been anticipated internally, with plans adjusted accordingly once it became clear an agreement would not be reached.

From a behind-the-scenes standpoint, the split appears to come down largely to Vince McMahon’s perception of Bundy’s effort and conditioning. While still viewed as a recognizable name, there was a growing feeling that Bundy was not keeping up with the company’s expectations, with one source noting McMahon believed he had become “lazy.”

With the WWF continuing to prioritize a more active and consistent roster, Bundy’s departure reflects that shift. His exit, while not unexpected internally, marks the end of his latest run with the company.

— Dave Meltzer