The biggest story coming out of this October edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event – the second-to-last episode to be shown on NBC during its original run – was the introduction of “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes’ son Dustin to WWF audiences. Dustin – who would go on to stardom as Goldust just five years later – sat in the front row for his dad’s match against “Macho King” Randy Savage.
The match was little more than a set-up for the angle that would follow, with Savage getting the win by countout to blow off the feud that had taken up much of 1990. But the only reason the elder Rhodes lost was because “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and bodyguard Virgil came down to ringside to sit next to Dustin, paying off the people in those seats so he could antagonize the future “Natural.” Dustin and DiBiase didn’t take very kindly to each other and the Million Dollar Man and Virgil ended up attacking Dustin. And then they attacked Dusty when the father came to his son’s aid. Shockingly, DiBiase hit Dustin with a chair, causing the kid to bleed, which is not something you expect on a nationally-televised program.
DiBiase had been a thorn in Rhodes’ side since SummerSlam, when he bought off Rhodes’ valet, Sapphire, helping Savage gain the upper hand in their feud, but this was the first time that DiBiase had really gone after Dusty in earnest. It would be the Dream’s final program in thos WWF run, as he’d be out of the company and on his way back to WCW after January’s Royal Rumble.
Best Match: Ultimate Warrior and the Legion of Doom defeated Demolition Ax, Smash and Crush – Lots of energy and an exciting match-up between the LoD and Demolition – a dream match since the Demos debuted in the WWF back in 1987 – helped this match anchor this edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. It wasn’t all that great, but it was entertaining and that’s all you can ask for in a quick late-night main event.
Worst Match: Sgt. Slaughter defeated Koko B. Ware – Sarge was just returning to the WWF here – he’d be WWF Champion in just a few months – and wasn’t really all that great in this match. It was a basic squash to end the show.
Theme Show – Of course, since we’re getting a show in October, this Saturday Night’s Main Event was all about Oktoberfest! Everyone was in lederhosen and had steins of beer. The bumpers between matches featured a sausage-stuffing contest and a dance off between manager Slick and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Hosted by “MEAN” GENE OKERLUND, the skits were fun, punctuated by Okerlund trying to throw to “Lord” Alfred Hayes, who was deep in conversation with some random guy. His Lordship was none too pleased to find Okerlund a mess after a food fight at the end of the show, so he gets a cake in his face. Much better than the “Wild Kingdom” segments of the last show.
Ranking Saturday Night’s Main Event XXVIII
1 – Ultimate Warrior and the Legion of Doom defeated Demolition Ax, Smash and Crush
2 – Intercontinental Championship Match: “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich defeated Haku
3 – Hulk Hogan and Tugboat beat Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine by disqualification
4 – “Macho King” Randy Savage beat Dusty Rhodes by countout
5 – Sgt. Slaughter defeated Koko B. Ware
DISCLAIMER* The Top 10 rankings are for discussion purposes only and in no way reflect an official or authoritative list. It is simply my opinion. If you disagree, let me know in the comments. New arrivals to the Top 10 are in bold.
1 – WWF Championship Match: The Ultimate Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan (c) – WrestleMania VI
2 – NWA Tag Team Championship Match: The Steiner Brothers (c) defeated Doom – Clash of the Champions X
3 – World Tag Team Championship 2-out-of-3 Falls Match: The Hart Foundation defeated Demolition (c) – SummerSlam 1990
4 – Steel Cage Match: Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson beat The Great Muta, Buzz Sawyer and the Dragonmaster – Clash of the Champions X
5 – Rock n Roll Express defeated the Midnight Express – WrestleWar 90 Wild Thing
6 – NWA Tag Team Championship Match: The Steiner Brothers (c) defeated Ole and Arn Anderson – WrestleWar 90 Wild Thing
7 – United States Tag Team Championship Match: The Midnight Express (c) defeated the Southern Boys – Great American Bash 1990
8 – United States Championship Match: Lex Luger (c) beat “Nature Boy” Ric Flair by disqualification – Clash of the Champions XII
9 – Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake defeated “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig – WrestleMania VI
10 – “Macho King” Randy Savage defeated “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan – Saturday Night’s Main Event, Jan. 27, 1990
That’s all for this edition of the 1990 Top Ten! We’ll be back in two weeks for some costumed fun and WCW’s Halloween Havoc!