10 Amazing Hidden Gems From WWE Superstars Of Wrestling
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To fans of a certain age, it was the WWE Network news that had been anticipated since the service first launched in 2014. Former company A-Show Superstars was, for millions now deep into their third and fourth decades as fans, the first hit that triggered an addiction.
Trademarking issues around the old 'Superstars Of Wrestling' name that blessed the broadcast between September 1986 and April 1992 resulted in the show being kicked into the weeds by the company for decades. Even occasional features used in DVDs or documentaries from the original broadcasts required banners and branding to be blurred in much the same way the company had to during the worst of the WWF/WWE fallout in the mid-2000s.
Starting from the April 18th 1992 edition - the first to feature the simple 'Superstars' rebrand - the episodes reflect a time when much of the product was undergoing substantial change too, not least that an entire generation of fans were forced to adapt to life without Hulk Hogan after his acrimonious WrestleMania VIII exit.
'Hulkamania' had ruled for eight years up to that point, but what came next - and can now finally be seen again - attempted to usher in a brave new era...
10. The Ultimate Return
The Ultimate Warrior went f*cking ballistic when he returned to WWE in 1992, and Superstars played host to almost all of his utterly insane banter.
It began with promos against Sid Justice for a programme that ultimately went nowhere because the softball enthusiast went everywhere but where he was booked and bailed on the organisation. With Plan A goosed, a self-penned Plan B against Papa Shango crafted some of the most insane storytelling in company history - but more on that in a minute.
Beyond the voodoo, Warrior moved back into the main event against Randy Savage in a match which helped for lunatic duo The Ultimate Maniacs before he linked back up with original rival Sid by f*cking clean off right before a blockbuster Survivor Series main event in November.
Like an extended version of his chaotic 1996 or abridged equivalent of the 1989 megapush, Warrior had smaller biceps but a bigger imagination than any other time in his career. Short on stars, a desperate McMahon gave him enough rope to creatively hang himself and then some. Almost without exception, the results were mesmerising. And in the eyes of some, cursed...