Maple Leaf Gardens WWF Matchups: The Hart Foundation vs Davy Boy Smith & Junkyard Dog [Videos]

Few arenas were as important to the World Wrestling Federation’s Canadian presence as Toronto’s legendary Maple Leaf Gardens. Throughout the 1980s, WWF cards at the Gardens carried a special energy, fueled by a knowledgeable and fiercely loyal Toronto fanbase that made the building one of the promotion’s most reliable destinations outside the United States. When the television cameras were rolling, that energy only intensified.

In this tag team matchup, the 1987 villainous duo of The Hart Foundation—Bret “Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart—step into the ring against two powerful fan favorites: Davey Boy Smith and the charismatic Junkyard Dog. The Toronto crowd is into the match from start to finish, as the bout showcases the Hart Foundation’s early years in the WWF tag team division pitting them against two of the era’s most popular babyfaces.

Let’s step back inside Maple Leaf Gardens and revisit this energetic tag team clash featuring The Hart Foundation against Davey Boy Smith and Junkyard Dog.

The Hart Foundation vs Davy Boy Smith & Junkyard Dog

WWF Maple Leaf Wrestling

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

January 11, 1987

Commentary: Gorilla Monsoon, Johnny V

Junkyard Dog Promo with Billy Red Lyons

WWF Maple Leaf Wrestling

December 1987

WWF Tag Team Battles: Demolition vs The Rockers [Videos]

When The Rockers exploded onto the WWF scene in the summer of 1988, the high-flying duo of Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty instantly brought a new level of speed, athleticism, and excitement to the tag team division. Officially debuting in June, the energetic newcomers wasted little time making their presence felt. Within just a few months, they were already stepping into the ring with Demolition—the reigning WWF Tag Team Champions and one of the most dominant, intimidating teams of the era.

It was a daunting early test. Demolition, the destructive pairing of Ax and Smash, had built their reputation through raw power, relentless aggression, and an iron grip on the championship. In stark contrast, the Rockers relied on lightning-fast double-team offense, aerial attacks, and nonstop momentum, embodying a completely different vision of tag team wrestling.

This collection of videos captures that thrilling early chapter of the Rockers’ WWF run. It begins with their first two television matches, which introduced fans to their electrifying style, followed by a promo in which the Rockers address the challenge of facing Demolition. The journey culminates at the legendary Madison Square Garden, where the rising contenders squared off with the champions in a memorable clash that perfectly showcased the battle between speed and power.

For a team only months into their WWF journey, the Rockers were already proving they belonged on wrestling’s biggest stage.

The Rockers vs Steve Lombardi & Terry Gibbs

WWF Wrestling Challenge

Aired June 1988

Fresno, California, USA

Commentary: Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan

The Rockers vs Iron Mike Sharpe & The Intruder

WWF Superstars of Wrestling

Aired June 1988

Oakland, California, USA

Commentary: Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura

The Rockers Promo on Demolition

Summer 1988

"You know, being a Rocker isn't easy,

but somebody's gotta do it."

  - Marty Jannetty             

Demolition vs The Rockers

WWF Prime Time Wrestling

Filmed October 24, 1988

New York, New York, USA

Commentary: Lord Alfred Hayes, Superstar Billy Graham, Rod Trograd

🔥 Heat Without Allies: Bad News Brown’s 1988 WWF Campaign [Videos]

In 1988, the World Wrestling Federation was defined by larger-than-life heroes. Hulkamania ran wild, the Mega Powers dominated the spotlight, and patriotism and alliances ruled the Golden Era. Yet standing apart from the flag‑waving theatrics was a man who trusted no one and asked for no approval: Bad News Brown.

Born in New York City as Allen James Coage, Brown later adopted Calgary, Alberta, as his home and became a proud Canadian citizen. His worldview—and his ring persona—reflected that independence. While others relied on partners, managers, and crowd approval, Brown thrived on hostility and isolation.

This post revisits the defining moments of Bad News Brown’s pivotal 1988 WWF campaign: his striking television debut, his summer showdown with Bret Hart in Milwaukee, and his December World Heavyweight Championship challenge against “Macho Man” Randy Savage at Madison Square Garden.

In a year defined by unity and spectacle, Bad News Brown stood alone. The self‑proclaimed “baddest man in the WWF” carved out his own space in an already crowded Golden Era—and made certain no one mistook him for just another wrestler.

Bad News Brown vs Brady Boone

WWF Superstars of Wrestling Taping

Huntsville, Alabama, USA

Filmed on Tuesday, January 5, 1988

Commentary: Vince McMahon, Jesse Ventura, Bruno Sammartino

Bad News Brown vs Bret "Hitman" Hart

WWF WrestleFest '88

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Sunday, July 31, 1988

Commentary: Sean Mooney, Lord Alfred Hayes, Superstar Billy Graham

The Brother Love Show

with Special Guest President Jack Tunney

and Bad News Brown

WWF Superstars of Wrestling

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Filmed on October 25, 1988

Aired on November 26, 1988

Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura

Bad News Brown vs Bob Emery

WWF Superstars of Wrestling Taping

Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

Filmed on December 6, 1988

Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura

WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match

"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs Bad News Brown

WWF on MSG Network

New York, New York, USA

December 30, 1988

Commentary: Lord Alfred Hayes, Hillbilly Jim, Rod Trongard