WWF Wrestling Challenge

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Wrestling Challenge
Image:Wrestlingchallenge archivlogo.jpg
Genre Sports Entertainment
Running time 46 minutes per episode
Creator(s) Vince McMahon
Starring World Wrestling Federation
Country of origin Flag of United States United States
Original channel Syndicated(1986 - 1996)
TV.com summary


WWF Wrestling Challenge was a syndicated weekly World Wrestling Federation show that aired from 1986 to 1996.

Wrestling Challenge was the "B" show of the WWF's syndicated programming, behind WWF Superstars of Wrestling. The show was typical of televised wrestling fare of the era: Matches pitting top tier and mid-level talent vs. jobbers; pre-taped interviews with the WWF's roster of superstars; and promos featuring the wrestlers. At times, there was a "feature" match between main WWF talent.

[edit] History

Wrestling Challenge premiered in September 1986, replacing All-Star Wrestling

While most angles and title changes happened on Superstars (and, starting in 1993 "Monday Night Raw"), Wrestling Challenge got one title change in October 1992 – when Money Inc. defeated the Natural Disasters for the World Tag Team Championship.

Wrestling Challenge also featured the early weeks of "The Brother Love Show," an interview segment hosted by the smarmy, charismatic preacher (portrayed by Bruce Prichard) and styled after "Piper's Pit." This segment, which debuted in the summer of 1988, was quickly switched to Superstars. When Challenge debuted so too did "The Snake Pit", an interview segment, modeled after Piper's Pit, hosted by Jake "The Snake" Roberts. However, it wasn't long after the final Piper's Pit had aired on Superstars, that The Snake Pit was moved to that show.

Another somewhat famous angle on Wrestling Challenge took place in January 1992, and saw Shawn Michaels turn heel on his tag team partner, Marty Jannetty, by throwing him through the (supposed) plate-glass window on the set of "The Barber Shop" (an interview segment hosted by Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake).

While the "B" show in the WWF's lineup of programs, Wrestling Challenge frequently re-played highlights from WWF Superstars (such as developments in major storylines), so as to provide Challenge viewers with the context behind a current feud or angle.

In 1995, Wrestling Challenge was re-christiened simply Challenge and – after the July 26, 1995 taping of the show – became simply a weekly highlight show hosted by Dok Hendrix; he was assisted at times by Mr. Perfect. The show ended in early 1996.

[edit] Hosts for Challenge

The hosts for the first three episodes were Gorilla Monsoon, Ernie Ladd and Luscious Johnny V. After that, the latter two were replaced by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.

Other hosts included:

  • Gorilla Monsoon, Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan
  • Gorilla Monsoon and Tony Schiavone
  • Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby Heenan and Jim "The Anvil" Niedhart
  • Jim Ross and Bobby Heenan
  • Jim Ross and Gorilla Monsoon
  • Stan Lane and Ted DiBiase
  • Gorilla Monsoon and Ted DiBiase
  • Dok Hendrix and Mr. Perfect.
Former World Wrestling Entertainment programming
Action Zone | All American Wrestling | All-Star Wrestling | Championship Wrestling | Confidential | Excess | Friday Night's Main Event | Jakked/Metal | LiveWire | Mania | Prime Time Wrestling | Shotgun Saturday Night | Sunday Night Slam | Super Astros | Superstars of Wrestling | The Main Event | Tuesday Night Titans | Velocity | Wrestling Challenge
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