The Wrestling Memory Grenade

The latest Wrestling Memory Grenade rolls into August 1989 with WWF news and house show action as the road to SummerSlam heats up! We discuss Jake Roberts’ planned return to his rivalry with Ted DiBiase, Hulk Hogan’s injury troubles, and Jimmy Powers being sidelined. Roddy Piper boosts Prime Time Wrestling while the short-lived Bobby Heenan Show rides a ratings roller coaster toward its final episode. Plus, the Brain Busters’ controversial championship victory, prospective WWF newcomers, competing bids for WrestleMania VI, and plans for a December pay-per-view(?). André the Giant makes headlines with his arrest in Iowa, while his lightning-fast losses...

Welcome to this special edition of the Wrestling Memory Grenade, as guest John Poz (of the Two Man Power Trip Empire) joins Ray Russell to break down and discuss all thing Saturday Night's Main Event from July 29, 1989. Recorded for "THE BIG ONES" collection over at the Ultimate Tier of the WrestleCopia Patreon, we've decided to bring the discussion to the public! It's a special bonus summertime edition of Saturday Night's Main Event. Things continue to heat up on the road to SummerSlam '89 as Brutus Beefcake looks for revenge on The Macho Man, but Zeus has something to say...

This week it's a special DOUBLE EDITION of the Grenade as Ray Russell covers TWO WEEKS of WWF TV as we close out the month of July 1989! It's a jam packed episode as The Ultimate Warrior calls out Andre the Giant on The Brother Love Show, Dusty Rhodes takes the "toys" of The Big Boss Man, even crazier promos from both sides of the SummerSlam main event from Macho Man/Zeus/Sherri and Hulk Hogan/Brutus Beefcake, Referee Ron Garvin's patience is tested multiple times by Barry Windham, Dino Bravo, and Mr. Perfect... Plus, the full SummerSlam card is...

We continue the journey through the summer of 1989 in the WWF by discussing the weekend of July 15th - 17th TV programming! The road to SummerSlam has begun as Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake accept the challenge issued by The Macho Man & Zeus! Plus, Bobby Heenan QUITS Wrestling Challenge before he debuts his own Talk Show, Roddy Piper debuts as the new co-host of Prime Time Wrestling, The Genius gifts Brother Love an honorary PhD, the Rick Rude/Ultimate Warrior feud intensifies as Rude finds himself a new bodyguard in Andre the Giant, President Jack Tunney warns Referee Ron...

Grenade #206 looking at the weekend of July 8 - 10, 1989. Guest Matt Crowder returns to discuss all the goings on as we begin the road to SummerSlam! Randy Savage aligns himself with Zeus to issue a challenge to Hulk Hogan and "Beef-cake Bar-ber". Plus, Bobby Heenan officially QUITS Prime Time Wrestling as he prepares to launch his own brand new TV show, Ron Garvin continues to stick it to Greg Valentine & Dino Bravo, Rick Martel & Tito Santana exchange words, The Hart Foundation reunite, Tag Champs Demolition, Brain Busters, Twin Towers, Ultimate Warrior, IC Champ Rick Rude, and more!

If...

We kick of JULY 1989 WWF TV this week on the Greande as it's Independence Day week in the States as the Bobby Heenan/Gorilla Monsoon bickering escalates to a new level, a wild brawl takes place on the Brother Love set as Rick Martel & Tito Santana throw down, Dusty Rhodes performs the first ever "Triple Potty Bypass", The Hart Foundation reform, The Genius makes his syndicated TV debut, Rick Rude and Warrior have words, Ted Dibiase makes another example of his opponent, Red Rooster is POULTRY in Motion, Rockers vs. Bravo & Valentine, King Duggan & Hillbilly Jim celebrate America, the...

The Grenade is back discussing JULY 1989 WWF News & Results. As SummerSlam '89 is announced, the WWF is finalizing its biggest story, featuring Hulk Hogan/Brutus Beefcake vs. Randy Savage/Zeus headlining the event. We'll also cover roster and television changes, including Roddy Piper's return, commentary shakeups, incoming talent like the future Tugboat, and several notable departures. We'll look at the latest on No Holds Barred, Hulk Hogan's Hollywood prospects, and a spoiler-filled preview of the major feuds the WWF is already lining up for the fall. From there, Ray Russell debuts the new structure of looking at the house...

This week on the Grenade we close out the month of JUNE TV for 1989 in the WWF! The Ultimate Warrior has a RUDE AWAKENING for IC Champ Rick Rude, we see the debut of "The Widowmaker" gimmick as Barry Windham returns, Ted Dibiase confirms Jake Roberts is out with a neck injury, The Macho Man supports ZEUS in his quest to end Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan is no fan of Tony Schiavone (or Mean Gene), Honky Tonk Man has words for the Superfly, Dusty Rhodes is still on his way in, we get our first signs of SUMMERSLAM season...

It's a special watchalong edition of Grenade #202, as old co-host Steven Xstat returns for the festivities and joins host Ray Russell for 2 hours of fun, talking the weekend of June 17, 1989 in the WWF! The Honky Tonk Man plays a tune on "Brother-Fly" Jimmy Snuka, pumping gas with the American Dream, Hulk Hogan threatens fans who haven't seen his movie yet, Battle of the boroughs when Bad News Brown battles The Brooklyn Brawler, Randy Savage is impressed with Zeus, King Duggan has a word for the Heenan Family, the Ultimate Warrior is hot on the trail of IC Champ Rick...

This week on the Grenade, host Ray Russell continues on into the month of June TV for 1989 in the WWF. The Dusty Rhodes "Common Man" vignettes continue as the American Dream works in a butcher shop and a Mexican restaurant! Plus, the push to go see No Holds Barred continues, Honky Tonk Man responds to the Superfly, John Studd has words for Andre the Giant, does Hercules side with "Great Taste" or "Less Filling"(?), Bad News Brown cuts his best promo ever, the Rougeaus new capes, a "romantic" side of Hulk Hogan, Event Center Soundbites return, & more!

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This week marks the 200th edition of the Wrestling Memory Grenade as host Ray Russell jumps back in time to kick off JUNE TV for 1989 in the WWF! We celebrate this milestone event with the arrival of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, as both a pizza delivery man AND a stable boy (complete with sound bites)! Plus, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka makes an impactful return on The Honky Tonk Man, "KIng Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and Big John Studd deal with the Heenan Family's Andre the Giant & Haku, The Ultimate Warrior plans to recapture the IC Title from Rick Rude, the...

Special Guest Matt Crowder makes his Grenade debut as he joins host Ray Russell to discuss JUNE 1989 NEWS & RESULTS. Topics include No Holds Barred at the Box Office, Dusty Rhodes arrival, Superfly's return, Big John Studd & Owen Hart quit, Roddy Piper signs a new contract, Twin Towers on Arsenio, Savage vs. Hulk selling out arenas, Jake Roberts undegoes surgery, MSG undergoes renovations, Ronnie Garvin as Referee, Barry Windham is The Widow Maker, Hillbilly Jim vs. Andre the Giant, Women's Division dismantled, Honky Tonk injured, Elizabeth perfume(?), Warrior vs. Rude, Rick Martel, The Genius, Mr. Perfect vs. Bret Hart, the...

The Grenade is back with #198 as host Ray Russell looks at the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event from May 27, 1989. The Big Boss Man challenges WWF Champion Hulk Hogan inside the STEEL CAGE! Plus, a surprise appearance by ZEUS, Tag Champs Demolition vs. The Brain Busters, IC Champ Rick Rude vs. King Duggan, The Macho Man vs. Jim Neidhart, the return of THE SUPERFLY, & more!

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The Grenade returns with two more weeks of MAY 1989 WWF TV goodness! As we prepare for the upcoming SNME with Boss Man vs. Hogan in a Cage AND the premiere of No Holds Barred (at a theater near you... maybe), the WWF machine just keeps on trucking. The Rougeau Brothers attack the Rockers after Shawn & Marty try a hand at singing their own theme song! Plus, the coronation of new KING "Hacksaw" Duggan, Red Rooster vs. Brooklyn Brawler, Gorilla Monsoon takes a jab at Zeus after an appearance on the Brother Love Show, Miss Elizabeth pledges her allegiance to...

New Grenade #196 as we kick off MAY TV for 1989 in the WWF. Looking into the first 2 weeks of May, the WWF debuts a new intro and look for it's Superstars TV program, ZEUS arrives in the ring, Ronnie Garvin is retired from wrestling but has a new job as WWF Trouble Shooting Referee! Speaking of referees, Danny Davis returns as an official while under probation, Warrior wants the IC Title back from Rick Rude, Brutus Beefcake vows revenge on the Macho Man & Sherri, Miss Elizabeth plans to stick with WWF Champion Hulk Hogan, Tag Champs Demolition defend against Honky...

Welcome to a Special Edition of The Wrestling Memory Grenade #195 as Mike Mills of Booking the Territory joins Ray Russell to discuss WCW 1994, the talent, the structure change upon Hulk Hogan's arrival, and all of the good... AND bad things it caused for both the business, and the fans... Brother! As Mike would say.. Book It, Bitch!

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Guest John Poz joins Ray Russell as they discuss MAY 1989 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! Jake Roberts Arrested, Zeus begins to tour, Dusty Rhodes Arrives, Roddy Piper steps back in the ring, Hulk Hogan vs. The Macho Man takes a new turn with Sherri at ringside, Vince continues to screw with the NWA, No Holds Barred coming soon, David Sammartino apologizes, Bad News Brown finds a partner(?), Tag Champs Demolition vs. Twin Towers, IC Champ Rick Rude vs. Ultimate Warrior, Andre vs. John Studd, Dibiase vs. Jake, Duggan vs. Haku, Rockers vs. Rougeaus. Mr. Perfect vs. Bret Hart, Bushwhackers vs. Brain...

This week on the Grenade, Ray Russell continues the journey back to April 1989 WWF TV to close out the month with two more weeks of storylines, gimmicks, and action galore! A double dose of Brother Love, one comedic and one very serious in demeanor. While the Bushwhackers play pranks filled with sardines on poor Brother, Brutus Beefcake is assaulted and has his hair cut by the Macho Man & Sensational Sherri! Plus, Greg Valentine vs. Ronnie Garvin in a "Retirement Match", IC Champ Rick Rude vs. The Mighty Hercules, Danny Davis back to officiating, Rick Martel reveals his new manager...

Coming out of WrestleMania V it's a "new season" of WWF action as we look at the first two weeks of April 1989 WWF TV. We see a post PPV angle where Hulk Hogan saves Elizabeth from the hands of the Macho Man, leading to the subsequent announcement of The Sensational Sherri as the new manager of Randy Savage! Plus, we're treated to the first two poetic vignettes featuring "THE GENIUS" Lanny Poffo! Several new house show feuds begin to kick off, ranging from Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect to the Twin Towers vs. Demolition. Big John Studd wants revenge...

This week on the Grenade begins the new "season" of the WWF in 1989 as former WMG co-host Steve "XStat" stops by in a guest spot to discuss the Mania fallout. With WrestleMania V now behind us, The Macho Man finds himself a new manager as he comes back for "his" WWF title in rematches with Champion Hulk Hogan. Plus, we discuss the Tag Team scene, partners disband for a fresh start, new feuds, new gimmicks, new matches, new roles, No Holds Barred is coming, what happens when you refuse to bow down to King Haku, the WWF tours Italy...

It has arrived, PART 2 of the Grenade's WRESTLEMANIA V Definitive Edition Review! NEARLY FOUR HOURS OF AUDIO and THREE Guests covering everything from the return of one "Rowdy" Roddy Piper to the MEGA POWERS EXPLODING right before our very eyes (ears?)!

Guest #1: We kick off Part 2 with a bang as OVP's Joe Marotta stops by to visit Ray Russell and discuss a portion of the WrestleMania V Review. It's 90-plus Minutes of nonstop laughs and fun as the duo discuss the return of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Piper's Pit, Brother Love, Morton Downey Jr., cigarette throwing...

The time has arrived! It is Part ONE of the Wrestling Memory Grenade's Definitive Edition WWF WRESTLEMANIA V Review! FOUR Guests join this episode as we cover everything from Rockin' Robin to the Martel heel turn! Three hours of memories and fun throughout!

Guest #1: We kick off the show as Jammie Ward joins to talk being live at the actual event, his memories of Trump Plaza, Rockin' Robin singing the anthem (kind of), King Haku vs. The Mighty Hercules, and the Rockers battle Jammie's favorite team at the time, the Twin Towers!

As we prepare for next week's Definitive Edition of the WWF WrestleMania V Review, this week the Grenade brings you a BONUS episode from a recent interview conducted by Ray Russell over at the Regional Rasslin Podcast, featuring Special Guest Brian R. Solomon to discuss his latest book "Irresistible Force", talking the storied career of Gorilla Monsoon. This episode covers a variety of topics including Gorilla's time as commentator, working with Jesse Ventura, the Bobby Heenan chemistry, getting physical with the Brooklyn Brawler & Vader, health issues, if there were plans for any other post-retirement Gorilla angles, being replaced by...

It's a very special episode of the Grenade this week as Jammie Ward joins Ray Russell to discuss the behind the scenes battle between the WWF and their WrestleMania V "Mega Powers Explode" PPV event being challenged by the Ted Turner led NWA's Clash of the Champions VI "Ragin' Cajun" event featuring Steamboat vs. Flair. Topics discussed on the program include the REAL reason the NWA ran the famed April 2nd event, how the cable and PPV companies themselves played a part in resuming the wrestling war, what got George Scott terminated as booker and how things changed for...

It's the final stop on the Road to WrestleMania V, the final 3 weeks of WWF TV closing out the month of March heading into April as we hear final comments from Hulk Hogan and WWF Champion Randy Savage before the Mega Powers EXPLODE! Plus, the finalized card for WrestleMania V and all of the last minute happenings before the big event featuring The Million Dollar Man, Brutus Beefcake, Demolition, Powers of Pain, Ultimate Warrior, RIck Rude, Red Rooster, Bobby Heenan, Jake Roberts, The Hart Foundation, Rick Martel, the Rougeaus, Hacksaw Duggan, the Rockers, and much more!

If...

The Road to WrestleMania V continues this week in this two-parter. First, Guest John Poz (of the Two Man Power Trip Empire) joins Ray Russell early in the program to talk the explosion of the Mega Powers, and everything leading up to Hulk vs. The Macho Man, plus some other fun discussion about the big PPV event. Then from there, Ray breaks down the 20th edition of the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event. Hulk Hogan vs. Bad News Brown, Brutus Beefcake vs. Rick Rude, the Rockers vs. Brain Busters, Ted Dibiase vs. Blue Blazer, Red Rooster vs. Brooklyn Brawler...

The Grenade is back with an extra big BANG this week as we play catch-up by tackling TWO WEEKS of March 1989 WWF TV heading into the big WRESTLEMANIA V event! The Million Dollar Man unveils his Million Dollar TItle Belt on the Brother Love Show, the finalized card for Mania is announced, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage with amazing "My Side of the Story" vignettes, Hacksaw confronts Bad News, Bobby Heenan accepts the challenge of the Red Rooster, last minute build to SNME where Elizabeth will announce whose corner she will be in when the Mega Powers explode, the...

This week we cover the final month of news & results leading into the big one, WRESTLEMANIA V. It's all about March 1989 in the WWF! On the news side of things.. Roddy Piper returns, John Studd's job in jeopardy, Lanny Poffo undergoes a change, John Tenta tryouts, Superfly Snuka sightings, spring cleaning releases galore (of wrestlers and agents alike), No Holds Barred coming soon, Randy Savage injured, plus all of the latest build to WrestleMania! Then from there, we look into March results with Jake Roberts vs. Andre, Macho Man vs. Bad News in the Harlem Street Fight, big time...

The Grenade is back in 2026 with Episode #183 looking at the final week of February 1989 in the WWF! The Randy Savage/Hulk Hogan "My Side" Stories Continue with Part 2 while everyone ponders whose corner Elizabeth will be in! Plus, Jake Roberts Haunts Andre the Giant, Ted Dibiase gets his Million Dollar Belt, the Brain Busters prepare for battle while Rick Martel unhappy with Strike Force reuniting(?), Rick Rude is ready for the Ultimate Warrior, The Red Rooster vs. Mr. Perfect, Frenchy Martin gets a haircut courtesy of Brutus Beefcake, Bobby Heenan is no fan of the Outlaw, the Powers of...

Things heat up this week on Grenade #182 as the former Mega Powers begin the "my side of the story" vignettes where Randy Savage puts up a good argument as to why Hulk Hogan was "showboating & hotdogging", meanwhile the Hulkster cuts one of the heel-est babyface promos perhaps in wrestling history. Is there lust in the eyes of Hulk? You be the judge after listening to a series of interviews throughout this episode. Plus, the 4 headline matches for WrestleMania V are announced, the Rockers vs. Brain Busters turns into an all out brawl, Tag Champs Demolition defend against the Powers...

This week on the Grenade we continue through February TV in 1989 of the WWF. The super focus this week is all on the falling out between the Mega Powers after last week's "Main Event" on NBC. We hear from both the Hulkster, who pushes for a title match versus the Macho Man... then we hear from the other side as the Champ Randy Savage sees LUST in the eyes of Hogan for the lovely Elizabeth. Will Randy grant the Hulkster a title shot? Tune in to find out! Plus. "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase seeks to have a special "...

This week on the Grenade, we kick off February 1989 WWF TV as the announcers begin to discuss the fallout of the Mega Powers implosion from the Main Event. Plus, several feuds begin to take shape on the Road to WrestleMania V. Akeem promises to be the first "BLACK" World Heavyweight Champion, Brooklyn Brawler damn near kills a jobber, Bret "HItman" Hart battles former stablemate "Dangerous" Danny Davis, Sam Houston faces "Million $ Man" Ted Dibiase in a fun TV match, who is "Mark Bow"(?), Jake Roberts is the Guest of Brother Love, Big John Studd feuding with everyone, Bobby Heenan...

The time has arrived for the big tag team showdown at the WWF's MAIN EVENT on NBC! We go back to February 3, 1989 as the Mega Powers (Randy "Macho Man" Savage & Hulk Hogan) battle the Twin Towers (Big Boss Man & Akeem)! Relive the action, the drama, the story telling, as the Mega Powers implode before our eyes. An injured Elizabeth, a helpful Hulkster (maybe TOO helpful?), and an accusing Macho Man combine for a dynamite explosion of epic proportions. We cover every aspect of the match, the angle, the lust in the eyes, the live mishaps, & more! Plus, The Mighty...

This week on the Grenade, we look into all of the news and House Show Results for February 1989 in the WWF! We talk Vince McMahon vs. Ted Turner, Roddy Piper's potential return, JJ Dillon & Tony Schiavone jump to the WWF, the McMahons publicly announce that WRESTLING IS FAKE(?), The Main Event Ratings, Red Rooster earns a stripe (down his head), the final Spectrum event aired on PRISM, MSG under repair, we say goodbye to Superstar Graham, Dick Graham, Kal Rudman & Rod Trongard,  Mean Gene gets physical with Slick, Duggan knee injury, HEEL Randy Savage vs. Bad News Brown in a...

This week on the Grenade, we close out January 1989 with the final weekend of WWF TV. It's non-stop hype for the Friday Night Feb. 3 LIVE NBC Special "The Main Event" where the Mega Powers will take on The Twin Towers! We hear from both sides as the Hulkster explain the "Love Triangle" between he, Randy, & Liz. Meanwhile, the Slickster has Akeem and the Boss Man ready for battle in what it being billed as "the Greatest Tag Team Match in History"! The Brooklyn Brawler makes his in-ring debut. The Fabulous Rougeaus pick the Bushwhackers as their next feud, and...

The Grenade returns with the fallout from the 1989 Royal Rumble as we look at the weekend of January 21st - 23rd of 1989 in the WWF! The Mega Powers story continues to build as WWF Champ Randy Savage battles Akeem, leading to interference from the Big Boss Man, and Hulk Hogan arrives to save the day! But rather than check on the Macho Man, Hulk elects to pose for the fans, leading to a near showdown with excellent story telling overall and amazing selling from the Savage. The Rougeau Brothers debut their self-sang theme "All American Boys"!!! Gorilla Monsoon is...

We continue to talk the 1989 WWF Royal Rumble with two halves to this edition! First, we go in depth on the big 30-Man extravaganza this week and all of stories within it... friend vs. friend, foe vs. foe, every man for himself... Then, a special guest as Ray's brother Jesse returns to talk their childhood memories and thoughts on the event. Ax vs. Smash, Andre vs. Jake (and Damian), Mr. Perfect & Shawn Michaels impress, Macho Madness comes after Bad News Brown, another wrinkle in the Mega Powers storyline, Big Boss Man vs. Hulk Hogan (sore loser), a bald Outlaw...

It's time to R-R-RUMBLE! It's time for the 1989 WWF Royal Rumble review! Talking the Super Posedown - Rick Rude vs. Ultimate Warrior leads to much more, 6-Man Tag (2 out of 3 falls) Hacksaw Duggan & The Hart Foundation vs. Dino Bravo & The Rougeaus, Women's Champion Rockin' Robin vs. Judy Martin, Battle for the Crown: King Haku vs. Harley Race! Plus, did Ted Dibiase PURCHASE a higher number from the Dr. of Style(?), Demolition in for a "long night", Jake Roberts looking for Andre the Giant, Sensational Sherri joins commentary, who will Elizabeth be siding with if it comes down to the...

The Grenade is back with episode #173 and it's Royal Rumble weekend here in 1989! It's all the last minute build to the big 30-Man PPV extravaganza, plus the fallout from last week's Saturday Night's Main Event, the Mega Powers/Twin Towers saga heats up, and Bobby Heenan debuts his BROOKLYN BRAWLER on the set of Prime Time Wrestling... A truly shocking transformation from Steve Lombardi to the Brawler character as he attacks not only the Red Rooster but also Gorilla Monsoon with a barstool! Plus, we talk random cabinets(?), and action with IC Champ Ultimate Warrior, Rockers, Brain Busters, King...

This week's Grenade dives into the January 7th, 1989 edition of the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event! The Mega Powers saga continues as Hulk Hogan battles Akeem, with the Big Boss Man in his corner. Will the Macho Man aid in the Hulkster's corner, or will Randy Savage allow his Mega Partner to take a Mega Beatdown? Plus, last chance match for the Honky Tonk Man who challenges IC Champion The Ultimate Warrior one final time in an attempt to regain "his" title belt. Plus, HAIR vs. HAIR when Brutus Beefcake takes on "Outlaw" Ron Bass, Mr. Perfect shows off...