10 Things You Learn From Watching 1990 On The WWE Network
The beginning and the end of an era.
The colossal showdown at WrestleMania VI between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior shall never be forgotten. Dubbed 'The Ultimate Challenge', top babyfaces went nose-to-nose on the biggest show of the year, with the winner leaving as both WWF Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion.
It was a historic night, but historic could be said of 1990 as a whole. Not only did Hogan face Warrior in an unprecedented main event at 'Mania, The Undertaker also made his debut at the Survivor Series, and a man dressed as a turkey burst free from a giant egg. Meanwhile, people paid for the privilege of watching.
That classic WWF sheen was still there in 1990, but nobody could have foretold what was to come over the next few years. Business would take a real dip, but in 1990 Vince McMahon and his WWF juggernaut simply chugged along.
Across four pay-per-view events and multiple Saturday Night's Main Event specials, 1990 makes for fascinating viewing on the WWE Network.
Let's look at what can be learned or observed when looking back over that year in particular...
10. Hearing Tony Schiavone Commentate Over WWF Action Is Still Weird
Tune into any World Championship Wrestling pay-per-view on the WWE Network from the early-1990's onward, and you'll be met with the familiar tones of Tony Schiavone's voice. As WCW's lead play-by-play announcer during the 'Monday Night Wars', Schiavone became synonymous with the promotion, but he also plied his trade in the WWF from 1989 through the early months of 1990.
At the 1990 Royal Rumble, Schiavone was there on commentary duty alongside Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, and it just feels strange. Tony does an excellent job, making it surprising that the WWF didn't do everything they could to keep him, but his style is so associated with WCW that it's bizarre to hear him narrate classic WWF action.
The fact Tony Schiavone called a Royal Rumble pay-per-view feels strange, more so from a long time fan perspective rather than any judgement on his performance. Also, Ventura wearing Mickey Mouse ears just adds to the unique feel of the event!
Schiavone would be gone from the company by April of that year, settling into his more familiar role in WCW.