WWF Royal Rumble [01.19.91]

MIAMI ARENA / MIAMI, FL
Hosted by Gorilla Monsoon & “Rowdy” Roddy Piper

The Rockers vs. The Orient Express (w/ Mr. Fuji)

• Jannetty pins Tanaka with a sunset flip [19:15]
– The Rockers’ entrance music still stands as top ten of all time
– Jannetty hits Kato with a Sweet Chin Music (“crescent kick” according to Gorilla) early in the match; remember this is long before Michaels began using that as his finisher
– It’s amazing to watch the Rockers here in what was probably their breakout match, because the crowd is in awe of every one of the high-flying moves that today’s crowds have come to expect
– “U-S-A” chant tells those dastardly Japs where they are. If nothing else, Vince was a master at creating a sense of blind patriotism during this time.
– This crowd is HOT for Michaels to break out of that headlock midway through the match, so it’s safe to say that everyone’s doing their job in that ring right now
– Michaels’ moonsault had the crowd going crazy, and I don’t think Gorilla Monsoon’s ever seen anything like it in his life
– Fuji smashes his cane across Michaels’ throat while the ref had his back turned, because the referee seems to be more concerned with keeping Jannetty out of the ring all match than he is with stopping double-teams and outside interference. This is where that faulty pro wrestling logic comes in: why isn’t he equally concerned with stopping the men who are well-known for illegal activity? In real life it wouldn’t make sense, but in that ring, the crowd reaction for when Jannetty finally tags in explains it all.
– OHHHHhhh, a double Sweet Chin Music
– The finish here is AWESOME. Kato tries to slingshot Jannetty into a Tanaka sidekick, but Michaels punches Tanaka in the gut, and Kato slingshots Jannetty into a sunset flip on a doubled-over Tanaka, for the win. I had to rewatch it three times just to explain that.
– Great opening match, and even better than I expected. And we all know the story from here, Pat Tanaka went on to become one of the greatest Superstars in wrestling history.

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WWF Superstars [01.05.91]

SUNDOME / TAMPA, FL
Hosted by Vince McMahon, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & Honky Tonk Man

“Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich vs. Tom Stone• Von Erich wins with a Discus Punch [1:46]
– Stone starts out fiesty for a jobber, jumping Kerry on the apron before the bell, but after that the guy didn’t stand a chance.
– This is the bodybuilding era, which means that it was completely natural for Vince to randomly plug Bodybuilding Lifestyles magazine during the match, complete with inset graphic.