In this episode of Grilling JR, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson discuss the highlights of Starrcade 1989 "Future Shock!" They cover topics such as the tournament concept, the magic of 1989 wrestling, and the challenges of being a mediator. They also touch on the failed tag team card, Sting's title win debate, the significance of the round robin tournament, and the importance of effective communication. Additionally, they analyze the importance of athleticism in wrestling, the intense matches at Starrcade 1989, and their experience working with certain individuals. They wrap up with discussions on selling skills, Gary Hart, sponsorships, and health progress.
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Quick takeaways
The round robin tournament at Starrcade 1989 showcased top talent and added excitement to the event.
Ric Flair, Terry Funk, and Ricky Steamboat delivered exceptional in-ring performances in 1989, emphasizing storytelling and athleticism.
The departures and returns of wrestlers, along with the significance of the Thanksgiving show, were discussed in the podcast.
The tournament format in the podcast episode received mixed reviews, with a focus on in-ring action rather than easy-to-follow storytelling.
Deep dives
Summary of the Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, several topics are discussed, including the round robin tournament at Starrcade 89, the return of the Road Warriors, the status of various wrestlers, and the in-ring performances of Ric Flair and Terry Funk. The episode also touches on the booking committee, the importance of selling in matches, and the success of the Flair-Steamboat feud. Additionally, there is mention of Kevin Sullivan's match with Alex Porto and the significance of Thanksgiving and Christmas shows in wrestling.
The Tournament and Return of the Road Warriors
The episode highlights the round robin tournament at Starrcade 89, featuring singles wrestlers like Ric Flair, The Great Muta, and Lex Luger, as well as tag teams such as The Road Warriors and The Skyscrapers. It is mentioned that The Skyscrapers are replaced by The Samoan SWAT team due to an injury to Sid Vicious. The tournament is seen as a way to showcase top talent and add excitement to the event.
In-Ring Performances and Importance of Selling
The podcast emphasizes the exceptional in-ring performances of Ric Flair, Terry Funk, and Ricky Steamboat, particularly during their matches in 1989. Their matches are praised for their storytelling, technical skills, and athleticism. The importance of selling in matches is also discussed, with Flair and Steamboat being recognized as masters of making their opponents look good and engaging the audience.
Other Topics Discussed
The podcast covers various other topics, including the departures and returns of wrestlers, such as Jimmy Garvin and the Armstrong family. There is also mention of the company-imposed vacation for Jimmy Garvin and the significance of the Thanksgiving show, which drew a large audience. Additionally, the episode looks at the financial aspects of the Road Warriors' contract, as well as the political and management changes happening within WCW during that time.
Complicated tournament format and fan engagement
The tournament format in the podcast episode was deemed too complicated for the average wrestling fan to follow. It required the audience to keep track of point systems and match outcomes, which may have been overwhelming for some. The concept was catered more towards hardcore wrestling fans, with a focus on in-ring action rather than easy-to-follow storytelling. This resulted in mixed reactions and little fan engagement.
Insights on Gary Hart as a manager
Gary Hart, who managed the Great Muta in the episode, is regarded as a top-tier manager in the wrestling industry. His mind for storytelling and ability to manipulate situations gave him an edge. While he excelled in managing talent, his unconventional methods and conflicts with others sometimes limited his long-term success as a booker. Gary Hart's impact and influence cannot be understated, making him one of the top managers of all time.
Evaluation of the tournament and final matches
The tournament presented in the episode was a new and experimental concept. While it received mixed reviews, it offered a fresh experience for fans. The final matches showcased the road warriors and Sting as the winners. The event was focused on providing exciting in-ring action, favoring the hardcore wrestling audience. The matches contained various missed moves and had a complex format, but standouts like Ric Flair and Lex Luger delivered solid performances, with Luger surprisingly receiving a four-star rating.
On this episode of Grilling JR, the voice of wrestling Jim Ross and host Conrad Thompson revisit Starrcade 1989 "Future Shock!" JR shares about how he came up with the tournament concept for this PPV, the magic of 1989 in professional wrestling, and having to be the "middle man" between the booking committee and Jim Herd. All that plus so much more on this week's edition of Grilling JR!
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