SummerSlam 1989: The Heat of the Battle Turns Personal

SummerSlam 1989: The Heat of the Battle Turns Personal

Venue: Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date: August 28, 1989
Attendance: 20,000+

MAIN EVENT:

The Mega Powers (Hulk Hogan & Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, w/ Miss Elizabeth) vs. The Macho Man Randy Savage & Zeus (w/ Sensational Sherri)

The tension from WrestleMania V hadn’t cooled off—in fact, it had gotten hotter. Now enemies, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage were on opposite sides of a high-drama tag team match, this time complicated by the cinematic crossover presence of Zeus, the towering villain from No Holds Barred. WWF blurred the line between film and ring by inserting actor Tiny Lister (as Zeus) into a top feud, banking on the movie’s momentum and Hogan’s star power.

Brutus Beefcake was inserted to support Hogan, while Savage countered with Sensational Sherri, who added venom to every promo. Elizabeth, once central to both men, returned to neutralize Sherri—her appearance again pivotal in the match’s climax. In the end, Hogan and Beefcake overcame the odds, with Hogan pinning Zeus after multiple chair shots and a leg drop.

Why it Mattered:
While critically divisive due to Zeus’ in-ring limitations, this match exemplified WWF’s late-80s direction—larger-than-life, star-studded, and spectacle-first. It marked the conclusion of the No Holds Barred crossover storyline and paved the way for a Hogan/Zeus rematch at the No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie PPV later that December.

WHAT TO WATCH:

The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard) vs. The Hart Foundation
A pure wrestling clinic that showcased tag team storytelling at its finest. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, under the guidance of Bobby Heenan, were calculating, methodical, and in complete control of the ring. Bret Hart’s execution was razor sharp, displaying the poise and finesse that would define his solo career. Neidhart brought power and explosiveness that perfectly complemented Bret’s technical prowess. The match structure—constant tags, building tension, and near falls—demonstrated the Brain Busters’ ring IQ and the Hart Foundation’s resilience. Though it was a non-title bout, the stakes felt high, and the action was crisp throughout. A hidden gem that’s aged beautifully.

Rick Rude (c) vs. Ultimate Warrior – Intercontinental Championship
The rematch from WrestleMania V delivered in every way. Rick Rude bumped like a madman, turning Warrior into an unstoppable force of nature. Warrior, still developing his in-ring game, was carried to one of his best matches thanks to Rude’s timing and psychology. The addition of Bobby Heenan at ringside added drama, especially during the chaotic finish. Warrior overcame Heenan’s interference with help from a surprise distraction by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, electrifying the crowd. Warrior’s gorilla press and big splash sealed his redemption and recaptured the title. It was a pivotal moment that solidified Warrior as a top-tier talent on the rise.

Dusty Rhodes vs. The Honky Tonk Man
Not a technical masterpiece, but an example of pure character-driven entertainment. Dusty Rhodes, debuting his polka-dotted persona, was all charisma, crowd connection, and timing. Honky Tonk Man leaned heavily into his Elvis gimmick, doing everything he could to draw heat. The match built slowly, with Honky stalling and using cheap tactics, only for Dusty to rally with his signature bionic elbows and jabs. Jimmy Hart’s attempted interference added stakes, but Dusty prevailed in the end, hitting the big elbow and dancing post-match to the crowd’s delight. It was a feel-good moment that introduced the WWF audience to Dusty’s brand of southern charm.

WHAT TO SKIP:

Jim Duggan & Demolition vs. Andre the Giant & The Twin Towers
Too many big men in one match, and the pacing suffers for it. A basic house-show style six-man tag with little consequence.

Hercules vs. Greg Valentine
Plodding and forgettable. Despite both men’s physicality, the match lacked energy and crowd investment.

AFTERMATH:

SummerSlam ’89 served as a transitional moment. While Hogan remained the face of the company, the Warrior was clearly ascending. The tag division shined through the Hart Foundation and Brain Busters, while Savage pivoted into a partnership with Sherri that would carry him deep into the next year. Meanwhile, the cartoony experimentation with Zeus symbolized WWF’s push toward mainstream entertainment—even if it didn’t land with all fans.