I have probably said this before, but 1996 is the most important year in modern wrestling history. In the shadows of the “worst year in wrestling history”, the two gimmicks that will create the pop culture boon were just born. From here on in, the retro diary will be analyzing the most crucial moments and shows that lead to the WWF and WCW being on the cover of TV Guide, getting mainstream coverage and crossing over into pro sports.
The groundwork for all of this was fascinating to watch and made up this seventh Flairiod (period of time consisting of 16 shows established as the standard recap duration in homage to Ric Flair and Grantland). We covered some solid territory here and it snuck up on me more than any other recap thus far. I am itching to get back into the mode of watching PPVs on a regular basis and seeing the evolution of current ideas, debuts of future legends and continuation of bad ideas.
This pace hasn’t been brutal, but life has been pretty wild over the past 16 weeks. Of course, it coincides with the time in wrestling history I’ve wanted to revisit the most because I remember it so vividly. My parents were just married, I’m no longer a little kid and becoming an older kid with an idea of what he wanted to do with his life and a crazy imagination and I remember everything.
As I get older, my memory isn’t as good as it once was. That’s why it’s important to summarize the superstars and jabronis from the precipice of wrestling infamy. Let’s get to it!
Here is my Top 5 Overall MVPs for the Seventh Flairiod
1. Stone Cold Steve Austin- This was a late charge, but it was as undeniable as the future Rattlesnake’s ascension to the top of the industry. Even in the infancy of the character, Stone Cold was a cut above on the microphone, in the ring and in aura. It’s going to be one hell of a ride from here. (Ranked as number 5 overall MVP in Flairiod #4 and number 5 disappointment in Flairiod #3)
2. Shawn Michaels- The Heartbreak Kid almost went back-to-back at the top here, but he had a couple subpar showings and his face character feels inauthentic as of late. All of that aside, he’s still the greatest athlete and entertainer in the wrestling world at the moment. He’s approaching Bobby Heenan’s overall MVP record already and who knows how high we will make that mark when he gets it. (Ranked as number 1 overall MVP in Flairiod #6 and number 3 uncrowned MVP in Flairiod #3)
3. Jim Cornette- As his stable became the main event heel faction in WWF, that meant the motormouthed man from Louisville was going to have more at bats (or rackets). His promos and ringside antics always stand out and it makes me sad that I feel like this has an asterisk because of his current status as pariah. Don’t forget that he’s an all-time manager even in his later years. (Ranked as number 4 overall MVP in Flairiod #1)
4. DDP- There are so many things that the master of the Diamond Cutter deserves credit for throughout his life and career, but his development into a fantastic character, bumper and talent prior to his main event run deserves to be at the top of the list. If you’re reading this, Dallas, give yourself a high five one last time. (Ranked as number 1 surprise in Flairiod #6 and number 2 disappointment in Flairiod #3)
5. Sting- Things will be very different for Steve Borden from this moment on, but his last stretch as the colorful Stinger didn’t show any signs of letting up or growing stale. If anything, he was reinvigorated and produced quality matches and moments while not being the focus. (Ranked as number 3 overall MVP in Flairiod #3 and number 5 overall MVP in Flairiod #1)
Here is my Top 5 Overall LVPs for the Seventh Flairiod
1. Lex Luger- Throughout this process, I’ve given the Total Package as much rope as possible and all he’s done has hung himself over and over again. Nobody has been LVP more than him and it’s been earned because he’s always messing up promos, overselling or botching moves and being a big waste of potential. (Ranked as number 1 overall LVP in Flairiod #5, number 2 overall LVP in Flairiod #4 and number 5 overall MVP in Flairiod #2)
2. Ed Leslie-I’m not sure if nepotism crosses over into friendship, but I’m going to make the argument in Ed Leslie’s case. It didn’t matter if he was the nonsensical Zodiac or the obnoxious Booty Man. He’s not a good wrestler, he’s not a good promo and he’s only on TV because of Hulk Hogan. Shake your ass elsewhere. (Ranked as number 3 surprise in Flairiod #1)
3. Scott Norton- Every time a popular gaijin gets a push in WCW, I’m left wondering why they left Japan. In this case, it’s the former arm wrestler that I’m convinced barely knows how to use those arms (or any of his other limbs) in the squared circle. He sadly won’t be gone in a flash. (First Flairiod appearance)
4. Diana Smith- I never like to punch down to a non-wrestler who may be thrust into a position that didn’t necessarily want to find themselves in. Diana isn’t that case for me because it feels like she’s the one pushing to be there and she’s so bad at what little she is tasked to do. There’s no need to have her around and with as much spotlight as she has. (First Flairiod appearance)
5. Steve McMichael- I had quite a few candidates for this final spot and it probably should go to Dusty Rhodes, but his charm on the mic trumps the “so bad, it’s good” nature of Mongo. His first singles match is too fresh and too rotten in my memory to not honor him here and get excited for what’s to come in the future. (First Flairiod appearance)
Here is my Top 5 Uncrowned MVPs for the Seventh Flairiod
1. Eddie Guerrero- Besides one dicey promo, the future Latino Heat has come out firing on all cylinders inside the ring. The crowd loves his fire and prowess in such a short time and he’s destined to crossover to the MVP list. It may take a makeover. (First Flairiod appearance)
2. Ahmed Johnson- I had an explanation for what I feared was perceived bias last Flairiod when HBK was the number one MVP. I feel like I need to do the same here because I’ve gone on record many times for how over the Pearl River Powerhouse was with me during this time period. I’m not going to because all you have to do is watch his matches and see his explosiveness and desire and listen to the crowd get behind him. He’s a bigger “What if” than people remember. (First Flairiod appearance)
3. Sunny- Much in the same vein as Jim Cornette earlier, I get how it’s difficult to heap praise on someone that’s mired in turmoil at the moment. My head, my heart and my boner won’t allow me to do that here. She’s the best female manager at the moment and possibly ever because she’s so easy to hate while being so desirable and charismatic. If I had a time machine, I’m plucking her from this era and saving what should have been an all-time career. (First Flairiod appearance)
4. Dean Malenko- In the same vein as Eddie Guerrero, the Iceman has come on strong as of late as the lynchpin of the new Cruiserweight division. His 1,000 holds and no-nonsense demeanor has made him instantly adorned and important to not only the company, but the direction of the industry as a whole. (First Flairiod appearance)
5. Mike Tenay- As important as Guerrero, Malenko and the other cruiserweights are, the Professor deserves quite a bit of credit as well for jumping in and putting over their importance and being a needed voice at a chaotic commentary table. He’s the best in the business at a very early stage. (First Flairiod appearance)
Here is my Top 5 Uncrowned LVPs for the Seventh Flairiod
1. Konnan- While a positive influence behind the scenes in bringing in the luchadores, Konnan has been a negative influence in my viewing history because he’s put on so many clunkers in the ring and failed to connect with the audience in any way despite the massive spotlight on him. (First Flairiod appearance)
2. Stevie Ray- I’ve missed having someone to try and catch in one of these recaps. Booker T’s brother is continually sloppy, brutish and distracting in an otherwise burgeoning tag team scene. I can’t dig this sucka at all. (Ranked as number 1 uncrowned LVP in Flairiod #6 and number 2 disappointment in Flairiod #5)
3. Ultimate Warrior- Everything infamous and terrible about his 1996 run makes his previous tenure worse in retrospect. His time has passed, but that didn’t stop the company and the man from trying to force his ego and uninspired shit in amidst the New Generation. He looked worse that the Huckster and Nacho Man the company was actively making fun of. (First Flairiod appearance)
4. Phineas Godwinn- While his tag partner is an underrated workhorse, this bumpkin is the white Stevie Ray in his personality, ring work and distracting focus in the Sunny story. I was fine keeping Henry and now we’re stuck with his version of Evad. (First Flairiod appearance)
5. Ahmed Johnson- This is unprecedented that someone can wind up on the uncrowned MVP and LVP list in the same Flairiod. Only Ahmed could do it. Any time he talks, it’s nonsense and sometimes he’s so uncoordinated and clumsy that it’s a miracle his injury stretch hasn’t started already. He’s a rare bird. (Ranked as number 2 uncrowned MVP in Flairiod #7)
Here are my Top 5 Surprises for the Seventh Flairiod
1. British Bulldog- Davey Boy Smith has been so up-and-down over the course of this project and his initial heel appearances weren’t anything special. As I was about to write him off, he found his footing and became a great partner for some classic bouts and even carried a couple of outings with his newfound attitude and vigor. I hope he keeps this up. (Ranked as number 2 uncrowned MVP in Flairiod #1, number 2 surprise in Flairiod #4 and number 3 uncrowned LVP in Flairiod #6)
2. Sycho Sid- I cannot believe that I gave Sid an MVP and I can’t believe that you can argue he deserved more accolades earlier by doing good business with his jobs, being over beyond belief and getting his character down. If I give him anymore awards, I may go psycho myself. (Ranked as number 3 overall LVP in Flairiod #3, number 3 overall LVP in Flairiod #6 and number 5 surprise in Flairiod #2)
3. The Belfast Bruiser- It’s only from one appearance, but Fit Finlay was an absolute beast straight away and I firmly believe the combination of the nWo and an ill-timed injury prevented him from becoming a bigger star in America earlier. I wish I was watching him pummel people now. (First Flairiod appearance)
4. Big Bubba- The former Big Boss Man is not as much of a focus as he used to be and I think that suits him better because he seems reinvigorated and stands out more as a lower card heel foil than a mid-card face. Good for him keeping a spot and owning it. (Ranked as number 4 disappointment in Flairiod #4)
5. Akira Hokuto- Call her the female Belfast Bruiser. My only recollection of her before this was uninspiring matches with Madusa. Now, I’m questioning if those are going to be good as well. For all of the start and stops in women’s wrestling during this point in history, nobody makes me sadder at the inconsistency than Mrs. Kensuke Sasuke (First Flairiod appearance)
Here are my Top 5 Disappointments for the Seventh Flairiod
1. The Giant- Everyone speaks in fondness about Paul Wight’s rookie year and I’ll admit that he has all the potential in the world. He also hasn’t figured out how to cut a promo that isn’t goofy and he’s still way too green for the role he’s been thrust into. I can see why he was sent to OVW in a few years. (First Flairiod appearance)
2. Marc Mero- This is twofold because the Johnny B Badd schtick was getting old as he was wrapping up in WCW. As the Wildman, he’s one of the most miscast wrestlers I’ve ever seen and his wife looms over him more than any partner since everybody Elizabeth Taylor ever married. (First Flairiod appearance)
3. Ric Flair- It was bound to happen, but I figured it would come later. This is the timeframe in which the Nature Boy finally got a little too nutty, his body started wearing down a bit and whatever else is going on in his life interfered with The Man. His upcoming injury means things aren’t going to get much better. What a run. (Ranked as number 1 overall MVP in Flairiod #3, number 1 disappointment in Flairiod #1 and number 3 overall MVP in Flairiod #5)
4. Hunter Hearst Helmsley- It’s not often an MVP in the period finds themselves in this section, but here is Triple H. Once he stole the show at In Your House, he underwhelmed as the Rumble iron man, got squashed by Warrior and bored in singles action. Now, he’s in the doghouse. He’ll bounce back, but he’s cooled considerable in this guy’s mind. (Ranked as number 2 surprise in Flairiod #6)
5. Chris Benoit- I gave a ton of praise to the Crippler’s compatriots earlier and I wish I could include him in those sentiments, but I’m left feeling a little cold. His future has nothing to do with it. It’s all about his lack of charisma/promo skills and his indulgence sometimes with action versus story. Kevin Nash still isn’t right, but he’s closer here than any other time. (First Flairiod appearance)
Here are my Top 5 Favorite Matches during the Seventh Flairiod
1. Shawn Michaels vs Diesel at In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies
2. Savio Vega vs Stone Cold Steve Austin at In Your House: Beware of Dog
3. Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII
4. Rey Mysterio Jr vs Psychosis at Bash at the Beach 1996
5. Bret Hart vs British Bulldog at In Your House 5
Here are my Top 5 Least Favorite Matches during the Seventh Flairiod
1. Ultimate Warrior vs Goldust at In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies
2. The Tower of Doom Cage Match at Uncensored 1996
3. Konnan vs One Man Gang at SuperBrawl VI
4. Steve McMichael vs Joe Gomez at Bash at the Beach 1996
5. Fire and Ice vs Big Bubba and Stevie Ray at Slamboree 1996
Here are the Top 5 Win Totals in Retro Diary History
1. Sting- 40
2. Hulk Hogan- 32
3. Randy Savage- 29
4. Ric Flair- 28
5. Bret Hart- 27
Here are the Top 5 Loss Totals in Retro Diary History
1. Arn Anderson- 28
2. Ric Flair, Bret Hart and VK Wallstreet- 22
3. Lex Luger- 21
4. Meng, Barbarian, Randy Savage and Big Bubba- 18
5. Shawn Michaels, Jake Roberts and Greg Valentine- 17
Here is the Top 5 in My All-Time Favorite Matches
1. Ric Flair- 20
2. Shawn Michaels- 18
3. Bret Hart- 17
4. Randy Savage- 13
5. Sting and British Bulldog- 12
Here is the Top 5 in My All-Time Least Favorite Matches
1. The Undertaker- 9
2. Hulk Hogan, Jim Duggan and Goldust- 8
3. The Taskmaster- 7
4. Mabel and Lex Luger- 6
5. Ultimate Warrior, Sid, Bam Bam Bigelow, Steve Austin and VK Wallstreet- 5
Here is the All-Time MVP Leaderboard
1. Bobby Heenan- 9
2. Shawn Michaels- 7
3. Ric Flair- 6
4. Vader and Bret Hart- 5
5. Randy Savage and Sting- 4
Here is the All-Time LVP Leaderboard
1. Lex Luger- 5
2. Ed Leslie, Nikolai Volkoff, Bob Caudle and Nailz- 3
Here are the Top 5 UNPROTECTED HEAD SHOT Recipients
1. Mankind- 25
2. Johnny Grunge- 22
3. Jerry Sags- 21
4. Vader- 19
5. Brian Knobbs- 17
Here are some of the other things I’m tracking
Billy Gunn is STILL batting a perfect 100% on appearing like Billy Bitchcakes (and finally earned an LVP to boot).
Ric Flair’s top rope success rate now sits at 45%.
Triple H has been THE guy 38% of the time and done something surprising 62% of the time.
Undertaker added six Tombstones to his tally and it has looked like death 60% of the time.
DDP has now hit eight Diamond Cutters and Stone Cold has now hit three Stunners.
Jerry Lawler and Sid Vicious joined the “MVP and LVP” list.
Eddie Guerrero and Phineas Godwinn are the active wrestlers with the most losses without a win at five each.
Half of the shows were recommended and half of the shows were not, so it was a pretty boilerplate era. Two shows entered the all-time top 10 and they were the ones most integral to the birth of the New World Order. From here, I expect the top to really get shaken up because we are at war and both companies are going to be swinging for the fences on a regular basis.
The eighth Flairiod is going to be bonkers. The hottest thing going keeps rolling and almost tanks with its own show, the Dead Man and Austin 3:16 evolve, attitude starts seeping into Bret and Shawn’s story, the cruiserweight division continues to grow, goofy shit like Flash Funk and Glacier makes little Mullet happy and some guy currently named Flex Kavana smiles his way into our lives.
PPV Rankings
1. WrestleMania 3
2. Royal Rumble 1992
3. Spring Stampede 1994
4. Great American Bash 1996*
5. Survivor Series 1987
6. Great American Bash 1989
7. WrestleMania X
8. SuperBrawl 2
9. Bash at the Beach 1996*
10. Royal Rumble 1993
11. Survivor Series 1988
12. Starrcade 1986
13. Royal Rumble 1990
14. SuperBrawl 3
15. Chi-Town Rumble
16. WrestleMania VI
17. WrestleWar 91
18. Starrcade 1983
19. Starrcade 1992
20. WrestleWar 90
21. SummerSlam 91
22. Starrcade 1988
23. Royal Rumble 1995
24. Halloween Havoc 1990
25. King of the Ring 1993
26. King of the Ring 1996*
27. Royal Rumble 1996*
28. WrestleMania VII
29. Survivor Series 1995*
30. Great American Bash 1990
31. Survivor Series 1991
32. Great American Bash 95
33. World War 3 95*
34. WrestleMania 2
35. Great American Bash 88
36. WrestleWar 89
37. SuperBrawl I
38. SummerSlam 95
39. Survivor Series 1992
40. This Tuesday in Texas
41. WrestleWar 92
42. King of the Ring 94
43. Slamboree 95
44. Halloween Havoc 93
45. Starrcade 95*
46. In Your House 2
47. Starrcade 93
48. In Your House 1
49. Survivor Series 1994
50. WrestleMania XII*
51. The Wrestling Classic
52. Starrcade 1987
53. Beach Blast 1992
54. SummerSlam 1993
55. WrestleMania VIII
56. In Your House 5*
57. Royal Rumble 1991
58. Good Friends, Better Enemies*
59. Slamboree 1994
60. SummerSlam 1988
61. SummerSlam 1989
62. Starrcade 1989
63. Survivor Series 1989
64. SummerSlam 1992
65. Slamboree 1993
66. SuperBrawl IV
67. SummerSlam 1994
68. Survivor Series 1990
69. Bash at the Beach 1994
70. In Your House 3
71. Halloween Havoc 1989
72. Great American Bash 1992
73. Beach Blast 1993
74. Royal Rumble 1994
75. Starrcade 1985
76. Beware of Dog*
77. Bunkhouse Stampede
78. The Big Event
79. Royal Rumble 1989
80. Survivor Series 1993
81. SummerSlam 1990
82. WrestleMania V
83. Fall Brawl 1994
84. Hog Wild 96*
85. In Your House 6*
86. Slamboree 96*
87. SuperBrawl V
88. Uncensored 96*
89. Fall Brawl 1995
90. International Incident*
91. Battlebowl
92. Halloween Havoc 1992
93. Royal Rumble 1988
94. Halloween Havoc 1991
95. WrestleMania 1
96. Halloween Havoc 1994
97. SuperBrawl VI*
98. Bash at the Beach 1995
99. WrestleMania XI
100. WrestleMania IX
101. Halloween Havoc 1995
102. Starrcade 1991
103. Starrcade 1990
104. WrestleMania IV
105. In Your House 4
106. Starrcade 1994
107. Capitol Combat
108. Starrcade 1984
109. Fall Brawl 1993
110. King of the Ring 1995
111. Great American Bash 1991
112. Uncensored 1995