Episode 454: SummerSlam 1994
2Digest
This episode of "Something to Wrestle" dives deep into the SummerSlam 1994 event, focusing on the Undertaker vs. The Underfaker storyline and its impact on the WWF. Conrad Thompson and Bruce Pritchard discuss the creation of the "Underfaker" character, portrayed by Brian Lee, and the involvement of Leslie Nielsen in the storyline. They also explore the event's sponsorship by Domino's Pizza and its influence on the WWF's business. Pritchard shares his insights on Brian Lee's career in WWE, attributing his lack of success to his unprofessionalism and unwillingness to put in the effort. He also discusses the Undertaker's influence and the industry's perception of Lee's charisma and interview skills. The episode delves into the success of Brian Lee's portrayal of The Underfaker, highlighting the makeup artists' and television production team's efforts in creating a convincing imitation. Pritchard compares Lee's resemblance to The Undertaker to Jim Hellwig's portrayal of the Ultimate Warrior. The podcast explores Paramount Pictures' partnership with the WWF and Domino's Pizza for a SummerSlam direct mail campaign, highlighting the campaign's budget and the crossover audience it aimed to reach. Pritchard discusses Vince McMahon's awareness of Hulk Hogan's presence in WCW and his potential impact on the company. He also shares his perspective on Hogan's initial foray into WCW and its lack of impact on the company's business. The episode compares the buyrates for SummerSlam 1994 and WCW's Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair event, highlighting the competitive landscape between the two companies. Pritchard discusses WCW's expectations for Hogan's arrival and the company's subsequent disappointment. The podcast explores the evolution of The Undertaker's look throughout his career, highlighting the subtle changes in his attire and appearance. Pritchard explains the use of color variations between Brian Lee's Underfaker and the real Undertaker. The episode discusses The Undertaker's international appearances during his time off from television, highlighting the need to balance creative storylines with the demand for marquee matches to sell tickets. Pritchard discusses Bob Backlund's heel turn in 1994, highlighting his new, more aggressive persona and the effectiveness of his "chicken wing" submission hold. The podcast discusses the significance of SummerSlam 1994 being held at the United Center, a new state-of-the-art facility in Chicago. Pritchard also discusses the challenges of filling a large venue and the economic considerations involved. The episode explores the end of the Underfaker storyline, highlighting Vince McMahon's announcement on Sunday Night Slam that the Undertaker vs. The Underfaker match would be a one-time event. Pritchard discusses the reasons behind the storyline's demise and Brian Lee's future in the WWF. The podcast reflects on the success of the Underfaker storyline, acknowledging its initial effectiveness but ultimately concluding that the audience preferred the real Undertaker. Pritchard discusses the importance of establishing the Underfaker character before the real Undertaker's return. The episode discusses the Owen Hart and Bret Hart storyline, highlighting its popularity and the impact it had on house show business. Pritchard shares his perspective on the storyline's potential and the effectiveness of Bret Hart's performance. The podcast explores the WWF's transition in 1994, highlighting the company's search for a new identity following Hulk Hogan's departure. Pritchard discusses the shift towards a more sports-oriented presentation and the emphasis on in-ring quality. The episode discusses the tag team title change at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the importance of live events and the need to create excitement for the audience. Pritchard discusses the historical practice of promoting events as "no TV" to encourage attendance. The podcast discusses the success of SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the importance of filling the United Center and creating a sense of excitement for the event. Pritchard discusses the company's efforts to ensure a full house. The episode discusses the incident where a nudity show was mistakenly aired instead of SummerSlam 1994 on TCI of Southern Maine. Pritchard also discusses Vince McMahon's reaction to the incident and the company's stance on performance-enhancing drugs. The podcast discusses the Headshrinkers vs. IRS match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the chemistry between the wrestlers and the match's overall quality. Pritchard also discusses the company's stance on performance-enhancing drugs during this era. The episode discusses the women's division at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the company's attempts to revitalize it with the signing of Bull Nakano. Pritchard discusses the challenges of attracting a wider audience for women's wrestling and the lack of available talent in the United States. The podcast discusses the Alundra Blayze era in the WWF, highlighting the company's attempt to build the women's division around her. Pritchard discusses the challenges of attracting a wider audience for women's wrestling and the lack of available talent in the United States. The episode discusses the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the involvement of Shawn Michaels and Walter Payton. Pritchard discusses Payton's contributions to the match and his respect for professional wrestling. The podcast discusses the Click's involvement in the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the group's friendship and their enjoyment of working together. Pritchard discusses the storyline's implications for the future of Shawn Michaels and Diesel. The episode discusses Diesel's face turn, highlighting the audience's reaction to his performance and the company's realization of his potential as a babyface. The podcast discusses The Million Dollar Man's turn on Lex Luger at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the angle's effectiveness and the audience's reaction. Pritchard criticizes The Million Dollar Man's portrayal of the character and his lack of understanding of the role. The episode discusses the Mabel vs. Jeff Jarrett match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the match's lack of significance and its potential for being cut from the show. The podcast discusses the Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart steel cage match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting its quality and the storyline's impact on the Hart family. Pritchard discusses the match's length and its impact on the rest of the show. The episode discusses the aftermath of SummerSlam 1994, highlighting Bret Hart's need for rest following the steel cage match and his use of AmazingKind products for pain management. The podcast includes an advertisement for AmazingKind.com, a family-owned business specializing in plant-based pain relief products. The episode also includes an advertisement for SaveWithConrad.com, a service that helps people save money on debt. The podcast discusses the main event of SummerSlam 1994, a match between Brian Lee (as the Undertaker) and Mark Calloway (the real Undertaker). The match received negative reviews due to its rushed nature and lack of time for storytelling. The podcast explores the impact of time constraints on the match, highlighting how the shortened match time prevented the wrestlers from fully developing their characters and storylines. The podcast discusses Brian Lee's decisions and how they negatively impacted his friendships, particularly with Mark Calloway. The podcast discusses the business results of SummerSlam 1994, noting a decline in buy rates compared to previous years. However, the event still drew a large live crowd, making it one of the highest-grossing live events in US wrestling history. The podcast discusses the impact of SummerSlam 1994 on WWE's direction, suggesting that the event's mixed results led to a shift in strategy and a search for new ideas. The podcast compares the Undertaker storyline to the "Cane" storyline, highlighting similarities and differences in their execution and success. The podcast shares anecdotes about working with Leslie Nielsen, highlighting his generosity, professionalism, and comedic talent. The podcast discusses the success of the Domino's Pizza marketing campaign for SummerSlam 1994, highlighting its impact on pay-per-view buy rates and the importance of multi-channel marketing. The podcast discusses the possibility of Owen Hart becoming world champion, exploring whether it was ever seriously considered by WWE. The podcast recommends the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match as a highlight of SummerSlam 1994, praising its quality and the collaborative effort between the wrestlers. The podcast pays tribute to Terry Funk, discussing his influence on professional wrestling and his legacy.
Outlines
SummerSlam 1994: The Undertaker vs. The Underfaker
Conrad Thompson and Bruce Pritchard discuss SummerSlam 1994, focusing on the Undertaker vs. The Underfaker storyline, Leslie Nielsen's involvement, and the creation of the "Underfaker" character. They also delve into the event's sponsorship by Domino's Pizza and its impact on the WWF's business.
Brian Lee's Career in WWE
Pritchard discusses Brian Lee's career in WWE, attributing his lack of success to his unprofessionalism and unwillingness to put in the effort. He also touches on the Undertaker's influence and the industry's perception of Lee's charisma and interview skills.
The Triple Option Podcast
Pritchard announces the launch of a new podcast, "The Triple Option," featuring Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram, and Rob Stone. The podcast will cover college football, pro football, and the culture of the game.
The Success of Brian Lee as The Underfaker
Pritchard discusses the success of Brian Lee's portrayal of The Underfaker, highlighting the makeup artists' and television production team's efforts in creating a convincing imitation. He also compares Lee's resemblance to The Undertaker to Jim Hellwig's portrayal of the Ultimate Warrior.
Paramount Pictures' Involvement in SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses Paramount Pictures' partnership with the WWF and Domino's Pizza for a SummerSlam direct mail campaign. He highlights the campaign's budget and the crossover audience it aimed to reach.
Vince McMahon's Awareness of WCW's Hulk Hogan
Pritchard discusses Vince McMahon's awareness of Hulk Hogan's presence in WCW and his potential impact on the company. He also shares his perspective on Hogan's initial foray into WCW and its lack of impact on the company's business.
SummerSlam 1994 vs. WCW's Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair
Pritchard compares the buyrates for SummerSlam 1994 and WCW's Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair event, highlighting the competitive landscape between the two companies. He also discusses WCW's expectations for Hogan's arrival and the company's subsequent disappointment.
The Evolution of The Undertaker's Look
Pritchard discusses the evolution of The Undertaker's look throughout his career, highlighting the subtle changes in his attire and appearance. He also explains the use of color variations between Brian Lee's Underfaker and the real Undertaker.
The Undertaker's International Appearances
Pritchard discusses The Undertaker's international appearances during his time off from television, highlighting the need to balance creative storylines with the demand for marquee matches to sell tickets.
Bob Backlund's Heel Turn
Pritchard discusses Bob Backlund's heel turn in 1994, highlighting his new, more aggressive persona and the effectiveness of his "chicken wing" submission hold.
SummerSlam 1994 at the United Center
Pritchard discusses the significance of SummerSlam 1994 being held at the United Center, a new state-of-the-art facility in Chicago. He also discusses the challenges of filling a large venue and the economic considerations involved.
The End of The Underfaker Storyline
Pritchard discusses the end of the Underfaker storyline, highlighting Vince McMahon's announcement on Sunday Night Slam that the Undertaker vs. The Underfaker match would be a one-time event. He also discusses the reasons behind the storyline's demise and Brian Lee's future in the WWF.
The Success of The Underfaker Storyline
Pritchard reflects on the success of the Underfaker storyline, acknowledging its initial effectiveness but ultimately concluding that the audience preferred the real Undertaker. He also discusses the importance of establishing the Underfaker character before the real Undertaker's return.
The Owen Hart and Bret Hart Storyline
Pritchard discusses the Owen Hart and Bret Hart storyline, highlighting its popularity and the impact it had on house show business. He also shares his perspective on the storyline's potential and the effectiveness of Bret Hart's performance.
The WWF's Transition in 1994
Pritchard discusses the WWF's transition in 1994, highlighting the company's search for a new identity following Hulk Hogan's departure. He also discusses the shift towards a more sports-oriented presentation and the emphasis on in-ring quality.
The Tag Team Title Change at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the tag team title change at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the importance of live events and the need to create excitement for the audience. He also discusses the historical practice of promoting events as "no TV" to encourage attendance.
The Success of SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the success of SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the importance of filling the United Center and creating a sense of excitement for the event. He also discusses the company's efforts to ensure a full house.
The Nudity Show Incident at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the incident where a nudity show was mistakenly aired instead of SummerSlam 1994 on TCI of Southern Maine. He also discusses Vince McMahon's reaction to the incident and the company's stance on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Headshrinkers vs. IRS at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the Headshrinkers vs. IRS match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the chemistry between the wrestlers and the match's overall quality. He also discusses the company's stance on performance-enhancing drugs during this era.
The Women's Division at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the women's division at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the company's attempts to revitalize it with the signing of Bull Nakano. He also discusses the challenges of attracting a wider audience for women's wrestling and the lack of available talent in the United States.
The Alundra Blayze Era
Pritchard discusses the Alundra Blayze era in the WWF, highlighting the company's attempt to build the women's division around her. He also discusses the challenges of attracting a wider audience for women's wrestling and the lack of available talent in the United States.
Razor Ramon vs. Diesel at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the involvement of Shawn Michaels and Walter Payton. He also discusses Payton's contributions to the match and his respect for professional wrestling.
The Click at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the Click's involvement in the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the group's friendship and their enjoyment of working together. He also discusses the storyline's implications for the future of Shawn Michaels and Diesel.
Diesel's Face Turn
Pritchard discusses Diesel's face turn, highlighting the audience's reaction to his performance and the company's realization of his potential as a babyface.
The Turn of The Million Dollar Man
Pritchard discusses The Million Dollar Man's turn on Lex Luger at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the angle's effectiveness and the audience's reaction. He also criticizes The Million Dollar Man's portrayal of the character and his lack of understanding of the role.
Mabel vs. Jeff Jarrett at SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the Mabel vs. Jeff Jarrett match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting the match's lack of significance and its potential for being cut from the show.
Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart in a Steel Cage Match
Pritchard discusses the Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart steel cage match at SummerSlam 1994, highlighting its quality and the storyline's impact on the Hart family. He also discusses the match's length and its impact on the rest of the show.
The Aftermath of SummerSlam 1994
Pritchard discusses the aftermath of SummerSlam 1994, highlighting Bret Hart's need for rest following the steel cage match and his use of AmazingKind products for pain management.
AmazingKind.com - Plant-Based Pain Relief
This segment is an advertisement for AmazingKind.com, a family-owned business specializing in plant-based pain relief products like bombs, creams, and gels for muscles and joints. They also offer infused oils for mood support and sleep. All products are high quality and GMP certified.
SaveWithConrad.com - Debt Relief Services
This segment is an advertisement for SaveWithConrad.com, a service that helps people save money on debt, even if they don't have perfect credit or money out of pocket. They have helped listeners save thousands of dollars per month.
Undertaker vs. Brian Lee at SummerSlam 1994
The podcast discusses the main event of SummerSlam 1994, a match between Brian Lee (as the Undertaker) and Mark Calloway (the real Undertaker). The match received negative reviews due to its rushed nature and lack of time for storytelling.
The Impact of Time Constraints on the Match
The podcast explores the impact of time constraints on the match, highlighting how the shortened match time prevented the wrestlers from fully developing their characters and storylines.
Brian Lee's Decisions and the Impact on Friendships
The podcast discusses Brian Lee's decisions and how they negatively impacted his friendships, particularly with Mark Calloway.
SummerSlam 1994 Business Results
The podcast discusses the business results of SummerSlam 1994, noting a decline in buy rates compared to previous years. However, the event still drew a large live crowd, making it one of the highest-grossing live events in US wrestling history.
The Impact of SummerSlam 1994 on WWE's Direction
The podcast discusses the impact of SummerSlam 1994 on WWE's direction, suggesting that the event's mixed results led to a shift in strategy and a search for new ideas.
Comparing the Undertaker Storyline to the "Cane" Storyline
The podcast compares the Undertaker storyline to the "Cane" storyline, highlighting similarities and differences in their execution and success.
Working with Leslie Nielsen
The podcast shares anecdotes about working with Leslie Nielsen, highlighting his generosity, professionalism, and comedic talent.
The Success of the Domino's Pizza Marketing Campaign
The podcast discusses the success of the Domino's Pizza marketing campaign for SummerSlam 1994, highlighting its impact on pay-per-view buy rates and the importance of multi-channel marketing.
The Possibility of Owen Hart Becoming World Champion
The podcast discusses the possibility of Owen Hart becoming world champion, exploring whether it was ever seriously considered by WWE.
SummerSlam 1994 Match Recommendations
The podcast recommends the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match as a highlight of SummerSlam 1994, praising its quality and the collaborative effort between the wrestlers.
Remembering Terry Funk
The podcast pays tribute to Terry Funk, discussing his influence on professional wrestling and his legacy.
Keywords
Underfaker
A character created by the WWF in 1994 as a fake Undertaker, portrayed by Brian Lee. The Underfaker was designed to create a mystery and intrigue surrounding the real Undertaker's return.
Domino's Pizza
A pizza chain that sponsored SummerSlam 1994, marking the first time a pay-per-view event had a title sponsor. The sponsorship included vignettes featuring Leslie Nielsen and helped generate significant revenue for the WWF.
The Click
A group of wrestlers in the WWF during the 1990s, including Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, and Kevin Nash. The Click was known for their friendship and their influence within the company.
Sunday Night Slam
A one-off call-in show on the USA Network that followed SummerSlam 1994. The show featured Vince McMahon and was an attempt to create interactive content for the audience.
Alundra Blayze
A female wrestler in the WWF during the 1990s, known for her athleticism and her attempts to revitalize the women's division. She was the WWF Women's Champion at SummerSlam 1994.
Walter Payton
A legendary NFL running back who appeared at SummerSlam 1994 as Razor Ramon's cornerman. Payton was known for his knowledge of professional wrestling and his contributions to the Razor Ramon vs. Diesel match.
The Million Dollar Man
A character in the WWF, portrayed by Ted DiBiase, known for his wealth and his use of money to influence others. At SummerSlam 1994, he turned on Lex Luger, revealing his true intentions.
The Triple Option
A new podcast featuring Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram, and Rob Stone, covering college football, pro football, and the culture of the game. The podcast is designed to provide insights and analysis from a variety of perspectives.
Plant-Based Pain Relief
Natural pain relief products derived from plants, often used for muscle and joint pain, inflammation, and other conditions. Examples include creams, gels, and bombs.
GMP Certified
A certification indicating that a manufacturer meets specific quality standards for production, packaging, and labeling of products.
Q&A
What was the main storyline at SummerSlam 1994?
The main storyline was the Undertaker vs. The Underfaker, a mystery surrounding the return of the Undertaker and the introduction of a fake Undertaker, portrayed by Brian Lee.
How did Leslie Nielsen get involved in SummerSlam 1994?
Leslie Nielsen was brought in to help solve the mystery of the two Undertakers, acting as a celebrity detective. His involvement was part of a marketing campaign sponsored by Domino's Pizza.
Why did Brian Lee not enjoy more success in WWE?
Bruce Pritchard believes Brian Lee's lack of success was due to his unprofessionalism and unwillingness to put in the effort. He also suggests that Lee lacked the charisma and interview skills necessary for a national main event.
What was the significance of SummerSlam 1994 being held at the United Center?
SummerSlam 1994 was the inaugural event at the United Center, a new state-of-the-art facility in Chicago. It was a significant event for the WWF, but it also presented challenges in terms of filling a large venue.
What was the audience's reaction to The Million Dollar Man's turn on Lex Luger?
The audience was not particularly enthusiastic about The Million Dollar Man's turn on Lex Luger, as they were more invested in Luger's potential turn. The turn was seen as a bit of a switch at the end, and the audience did not care as much about The Million Dollar Man's character.
What were the main criticisms of the Undertaker vs. Brian Lee match at SummerSlam 1994?
The match was criticized for being rushed and lacking time for proper storytelling, which prevented the wrestlers from fully developing their characters and the storyline.
How did the time constraints impact the match's quality?
The shortened match time prevented the wrestlers from fully developing their characters and storylines, resulting in a rushed and underwhelming match.
What was the impact of the Domino's Pizza marketing campaign on SummerSlam 1994?
The Domino's Pizza marketing campaign significantly increased pay-per-view buy rates for SummerSlam 1994, demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-channel marketing in promoting wrestling events.
What is the significance of Terry Funk's legacy in professional wrestling?
Terry Funk was a highly influential figure in professional wrestling, known for his innovative style, intense promos, and dedication to the business. His legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and fans today.
Show Notes
On this episode of Something To Wrestle. Bruce and Conrad take us back 30 years for SummerSlam 1994! Bruce shares stories of how the double Undertaker storyline development, the mega sponsorship deal the WWF made with Dominos Pizza, and why he says the main event was robbed! All that plus, Bruce discusses his relationship and time with Hollywood icon Leslie Nielson and why he believes NFL legend Walter Peyton was the MVP on the event.
THE TRIPLE OPTION - Get into the game today – follow and subscribe to The Triple Option on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch The Triple Option on YouTube, new episodes drop Wednesday mornings!
GAMETIME - Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and redeem code WRESTLE for $20 off your first purchase (terms apply). Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
BLUECHEW - Try BlueChew FREE when you use our promo code WRESTLE at checkout--just pay $5 shipping. That’s https://bluechew.com/, promo code WRESTLE to receive your first month FREE
THE AMAZING KIND - The Amazing Kind, plant-based pain relief balms, creams & gels for muscles & joints and infused oils for mood support and sleep, only at TheAmazingKind.com - Buy now at https://theamazingkind.com/ and get 20% off all orders with promo code: Wrestle – Your body will thank you!
FREEBIRD ROAD: https://youtu.be/kd6MCIEkztQ?si=iMmg4L-7_N6VXp0P
SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing your money on rent! Get into a house with NO MONEY DOWN and roughly the same monthly payment at https://nationsgo.com/conrad/
ADVERTISE WITH BRUCE - If your business targets 25-54 year old men, there's no better place to advertise than right here with us on Something to Wrestle You've heard us do ads for some of the same companies for years...why? Because it works! And with our super targeted audience, there's very little waste. Go to https://www.podcastheat.com/advertise now and find out more about advertising with Something to Wrestle.
FOLLOW ALL OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA at https://nationsgo.com/conrad/
On AdFreeShows.com, you get early, ad-free access to more than a dozen of your favorite wrestling podcasts, starting at just $9! And now, you can enjoy the first week...completely FREE! Sign up for a free trial - and get a taste of what Ad Free Shows is all about. Start your free trial today at https://adfreeshows.supercast.com/
Get all of your Something to Wrestle merchandise at https://boxofgimmicks.com/collections/stw
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Table of contents
United States
