WWE
Classic Graded: WrestleMania V Final Results and Grades
The Mega Powers are exploding! The fifth installment of the “showcase of the immortals” brings us one of the biggest WrestleMania matches of all time. But, many critics say WrestleMania V is a one match show. Is that correct? Let’s review the grades and find out.
History Lesson
This is the second WrestleMania in a row to take place in “Trump Plaza” in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The headlining match is the main event clash of Hulk Hogan and WWF Champion “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Miss Elizabeth refuses to take sides, but she still supports both Hogan and Savage.
The Mega Powers united at the previous year’s SummerSlam to take on the Mega Bucks (Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase). After Savage accused Hogan of trying to steal Elizabeth from him, Savage snaps and attacks Hogan, breaking up the team and setting up this ‘Mania main event.
Hercules def. King Haku
Final Grade: B-
Stellar opener for WrestleMania V. It doesn’t get much better as the show goes on, not counting the main event.
Hercules gets the feel good win in the opener. Times in the match are slow, but the high spots make up for it.
The Twin Towers def. The Rockers
Final Grade: B-
Not a bad match for two lumbering giants against two smaller, more agile wrestlers. Big Boss Man catches a top rope hurricanrana and turns it into a spinning powerbomb. Akeem hits a bodysplash for the win.
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase ends in a double countout
Final Grade: C+
A no contest finish, unfortunately, takes a lot away from a match. It’s especially true when the build up to a potentially good finish. Still, DiBiase and Beefcake ends in a double countout.
The Bushwakers def. The Fabulous Rougeaus Brothers
Final Grade: C+
The Bushwakers are one of the best comedy based wrestling teams of all time. To see them defeat a heel team like the Rougeaus at WrestleMania is both funny and surprising to see.
Not a lot to take away from this match. It’s entertaining, but nothing too memorable happens.
Mr. Perfect def. The Blue Blazer
Final Grade: C+
Owen Hart in a mask wrestling Mr Perfect five years before his classic battle against older brother Bret? Yeah, it’s quite something to see, knowing what’s in store for both of these men.
WWF Tag Team Championships 2-on-3 Handicap: Demolition def. The Powers of Pain & Mr. Fuji to retain the titles
Final Grade: C
In a rare occurrence, the tag titles are defended in a handicap match.
Dino Bravo def. Ronnie Garvin
Final Grade: C+
The Brain Busters def. Strike Force
Final Grade: C
Special Guest Referee Big John Studd: Jake Roberts def. Andre The Giant via disqualification
Final Grade: D+
The Hart Foundation def. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & The Honkey Tonk Man
Final Grade: B-
WWF Intercontinental Championship: Rick Rude def. The Ultimate Warrior to win the title
Final Grade: C
Bad News Brown vs “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan ends in a double disqualification
Final Grade: D
Double dq’s and double countouts always suck the joy out of matches.
The Red Rooster def. Bobby Heenan
Final Grade: D+
WWF Championship: Hulk Hogan def. “Macho Man” Randy Savage to win the title
Final Grade: B+
Match of the Night
Moment of the Night: Hogan kicks out of the Elbow Drop
The Mega Powers finally explode. Miss Elizabeth can’t choose between the two, so she stands in a neutral corner. Macho Man gives it everything he has, but it just isn’t enough to overcome Hulkamania.
With the way wrestling is nowadays, it’s hard to call this a masterpiece. But if looking at this match from the eyes of a fan from 1989, then this is surely one of the best matches of the year.
To the surprise of everyone, Hogan kicks out of the Elbow Drop. Savage goes for more offense, but Hogan Hulks himself up and fires back with his own punches. Big Boot, Atomic Legdrop, 123, and Hulk rules once again.
Overall WrestleMania V Final Grade: C
And so concludes the last WrestleMania of the 80’s. A lot of people say this is a one match show and, despite a few pretty good under-card matches, that can definitely be confirmed after watching this back.
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