6. The Brain Busters Get Disqualified - Survivor Series 1988
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xz2c3n_survivor-series-88-1-3_sport In 1988, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard left Jim Crockett Promotions amid pay disputes and arrived in WWE, many expected them to rocket to the top of the tag team division immediately. They were both head-and-shoulders above the majority of the workers in Vince McMahon's promotions and, with Bobby Heenan guiding them, could enhance the already outstanding tag team division. As was the case with the first Survivor Series, the top tandems in the business would battle in a huge 10-on-10 Tag Team Survivor Series Elimination match. Dubbed "The Brain Busters," the team would partner with the Bolsheviks, the Conquistadors, the Fabulous Rougeaus and Demolition to take on the Hart Foundation, The Rockers, the Young Stallions, the British Bulldogs and the Powers of Pain. Based solely on the lack of quality teams on the heel side, it was all-but a sure thing that Anderson and Blanchard would be one of the last remaining teams. Right? RIGHT? Wrong. Anderson and Blanchard were working Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels on the house show circuit and their issues were spilling over onto television. In order to fuel that program, the two teams brawled with each other, ignoring referee instruction and getting themselves disqualified. Suddenly, the heels were left with Demolition and a merry band of misfits, none of which could convincingly defeat any of their babyface opponents. There were so many other options that could have been explored to continue the rivalry between the Brain Busters and Rockers that did not involve Anderson and Blanchard losing in such an underwhelming manner. Instead, they were sacrificed to further a story that never really did anything for either team but produced several excellent matches for fans. On one hand, the booking protected both teams. On the other, it was a very underwhelming and dissatisfying way to utilize a hot new team.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
