Text By Simon Rawls

What if...The Gobbledy Gooker didn’t hatch from the egg at Survivor Series 1990?

Part I

Our story begins on Thanksgiving Night 1990 at the Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut for the WWF’s annual Survivor Series pay-per-view. The crowd has just watched the five main “Survivor” matches and was waiting for the “Ultimate Match of Survival” with the night’s surviving babyfaces to take on the night’s surviving heels. However, before that happened, everyone waiting with baited breath to find out what exactly was inside the gigantic egg that the WWF had been showing on television for weeks on end and carrying to house shows, proclaiming it will hatch on this night. “Mean” Gene Okerlund was by the egg and was ready to find out.
 
November 22, 1990: Survivor Series
 
“I can hear it starting to crink and crack right now.” Gene said. Everybody has speculated as to what might be in the egg. Is it a dinosaur, is it … balloons … is it the Playmate of the Month? Huh, who knows? Well, the way it sounds to me right now, the speculating is all over. Oop! Stand back! Stand back! I think that egg is ready to blow!
 
And out of the egg came … “Why it’s The Red Rooster!” Gene exclaimed! “Welcome to Survivor Series, Rooster!” “Thank you, Gene! It’s great to be back here in the World Wrestling Federation! Cock-a-doodle-doo!” Noticing the Rooster was in a tuxedo and missing his trademark rooster comb, Gene asked him “But Mr. Rooster, you’re not wearing your traditional rooster garb.” “Well Gene, it being a special night and all, I wanted to look good for my fans. Cock-a-doodle-doo!” “I can understand that.” Gene said with a chuckle. “Well Mr. Rooster, what would you like to do now to celebrate your return? “Well Gene,” the Rooster replied, “I’d really like to go down to the ring and dance a jig with you!” “Oh you can’t be serious … I mean …” “Come on ‘Mean’ Gene, it’ll be fun!” The Rooster grabbed Gene by the arm and brought him to the ring walking with his patented rooster peck.
 
All of a sudden, a rock n roll version of “Turkey in the Straw” started to play. The Rooster s begins to clap and move his knees and eventually a reluctant Gene followed suit. The crowd was not very amused and scant boos could be heard. Trying to cover up the displeasure, announcer Gorilla Monsoon said “The crowd is really happy to see The Red Rooster back here in the World Wrestling Federation.” Gene and The Red Rooster started barn dancing and it went on for a couple of minutes. “Mean Gene and the Rooster then locked arms once again to go round and round again … and to the absolute shock of everyone, The Red Rooster grabbed Gene by the arm and nailed him with a clothesline! The crowd was then stunned and silenced as the Red Rooster stomped Gene mercilessly as “Turkey in the Straw” continued to play. Occasionally stopping to give a sarcastic rooster’s crow, the Red Rooster continued his assault. He finally stopped stomping Gene … only to pick up the bruised and battered announcer and put him in his signature rooster wing (lifting hammerlock) submission hold, causing Gene to scream in great pain. He then dropped Gene and continued the stomping. Finally, Rene Goulet, Tony Garea, James J. Dillon and other Federation officials went out to the ring and got the Rooster to end his assault. He pushed and punched at them, not wanting to quit, “Just wait! Your turn’s coming!” he yelled as they told him to leave, pointing to the entrance ramp.
 
After Gene is carried out on a stretcher, the babyface Survivor team, being interviewed by Sean Mooney immediately expressed their disbelief and anger. Hulk Hogan, almost at the point of tears said “Well you know something Sean Mooney, ‘Mean’ Gene and I go way back. And watching what I just saw … well it makes me sick! I know right now I have to worry about Ted Dibiase and the Visionaries, but Red Rooster, you want to pick on an announcer, well you had better watch out, because you just jumped on Hulk Hogan’s best friend. And when I get my hands on you, you no good rooster, your goose is cooked, BROTHER! “RED ROOSTER!” The Ultimate Warrior now chimes in, “Red Rooster-you think that beating up ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund makes you a warrior? Well, I’ll tell you this: you will never be a Warrior. Because you pick on only that which is eternally weak and I am what is eternally strong!” Tito Santana chimed in “Gene, brother, though we got a match, I’m still praying for you. I know your going to recover. Ariba!”
 
November 23, 1990: The Main Event
 
The next day the entire World Wrestling Federation was abuzz at the prior night’s event. The replay was shown to the fans, the announce team expressing shock and dismay. “Gene is thankfully in stable condition.” Vince McMahon said. But he was really roughed up last night.” Vince then asks fans to send the beloved announcer cards and letters to: Get Well Gene c/o of Titan Towers PO BOX 3857, Stamford, CT, 06905-3857. A picture of Gene with the address pops on the screen, which would be repeated for the next couple of weeks on all WWF programming. An interview with The Red Rooster was promised for the upcoming Wrestling Challenge show where he will be asked to explain his actions at the Survivor Series.
 
November 1990-January 1991
 
On the Wrestling Challenge, the crowd was eager with anticipation to hear from The Red Rooster. Announcers Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan speculated all night as to what the Rooster’s motivation was. Finally, the moment arrived. Sean Mooney was in the ring waiting. Howard Finkel got on the microphone and said “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the ring, Terry Taylor!” The crowd booed the Rooster, now apparently using his more real sounding name (his real name is Paul Taylor), as he arrogantly approached the ring wearing his signature red jacket with “Terry Taylor” written across the back. He then entered the ring. After the crowd dies down, Sean Mooney started, “So Mr. Taylor …” only to have the microphone grabbed from him. “Oh so now it’s Mr. Taylor, huh Mooney? Don’t want to end up like your little bald friend, do you? Wise move! Keep your mouth shut and you might just accomplish just that. So everyone wants to know why I beat up Mean Gene. Well, I tell you, though it should be obvious. When I came to the World Wrestling Federation over two years ago, I thought this was it. I had finally reached the big time. Terry Taylor, wrestling’s hottest new star in the big time. And what happened to me. I was dressed like a chicken and humiliated, that’s what happened. Everywhere I go people laugh at me and call me ‘The Rooster’! And then I get a call from that no good SOB Jack Tunney telling me he wants to come back and humiliate myself again at Survivor Series, saying everyone will get a big laugh out of it?” … “Well, I got a big laugh out of it.” the Rooster said now chuckling. “And if you stupid fans think that was bad, well you haven’t seen anything yet. Because I accepted Jack Tunney’s invitation for one reason and one reason only; Revenge! I am going to humiliate every WWF Superstar I can. And there is nothing anyone can do to stop me. Watch out. You wanted a rooster? Well you got a rooster, alright- a ReTaylored Rooster! And this time I’m not cluckin’ around!” At that, Terry Taylor threw the microphone back at a perplexed Sean Mooney and stormed out of the ring.
 
“Not cluckin’ around?” said an astonished Gorilla Monsoon. “Boy the Rooster has some major screws loose!” “Monsoon,” Bobby Heenan replied “did you see the look in that man’s eyes? He is not all there. I can tell you right now that this is NOT good.”
 
Shortly after his appearance on Wrestling Challenge, Terry Taylor made his WWF in-ring return on a match televised for Prime Time Wrestling, facing Duane Gill. Now coming to the ring with hard-core heavy metal sounding music he had a no-nonsense look on his face. “Duane Gill had better be careful” Vince McMahon commented. Truer words have rarely been spoken, as Terry Taylor tore into Duane Gill like a man possessed, combining his natural in-ring talent with brawling tactics, punching and kicking the lesser skilled and smaller Gill whenever he got the chance. After three minutes of pummeling Gill, he locked in the turkey wing which Gill quickly submitted to. Taylor kept it on for several seconds longer, only breaking at referee Joey Marella’s 4 count. He then gave a sarcastic rooster’s crow to the crowd and started to kick Gill relentlessly until finally backing off.
 
This same sadistic pattern continued on for several weeks. After beating “Pistol” Pez Whatley with the cock of the walk (sharp-shooter) leg-lock, he continued to pound Whatley into the ground, causing the entire referee crew to have to come out and separate the two of them. Bob Bradley, Jim Powers, Mario Mancini and a host of others are all subjected to this harsh treatment at the hands of Terry Taylor. But it would be a match against Randy Mulkey where things would REALLY get out of hand.
 
On a match in mid-December on WWF Superstars, Taylor continued his streak of beating and humiliating his opponents, this time against the out-talented Mulkey. After hitting Mulkey with his five arm (flying forearm smash) and then locking him in the rooster wing causing Randy to submit, he then proceeded to his standard operating procedure of beating his opponent down. Taylor then escalated the situation by getting a chair from the floor and prepared to nail Randy Mulkey with it when Randy’s brother, Bill, ran down to ringside to save him. But, Terry Taylor saw him coming and nailed the incoming Mulkey with a steel chair. He then left the ring and pulled a bag and a bucket from underneath the ring. He opened the bucket and dumped tar on the fallen brothers and to the shock of everyone, opened the bag and covered both poor Randy and Bill with red feathers. “Now, you know what the ReTaylored Rooster has in store for those who humiliated him!” Taylor screamed out. The fact that neither Randy nor Bill had ever done anything to Terry Taylor in their lives was not relevant to him.
 
This trend continued on en masse with no seeming end in sight. Taylor had no qualms about humiliating anyone who got in his way (or merely signed to wrestle him). Pete Sanchez, Pat Armstrong, Moondog Moretti and many others felt the Rooster’s vicious peck, followed by a tarring and feathering. So much that he was eventually told he was to appear for an interview with WWF President Jack Tunney on Superstars to discuss his behavior.
 
On the scheduled episode of Superstars, President Tunney was introduced and walked to the interview platform. Then Terry Taylor’s music played and he was introduced completely ignoring the loud boos and hisses from the crowd. When things died down, Jack Tunney began. “Now Mr. Taylor, since your return to the World Wrestling Federation at Survivor Series, you have been on a relentless tear, beating and destroying anyone in your path.” Taylor laughed and grinned at this assessment while nodding his head. “Well we here in the World Wrestling Federation cannot tolerate that kind of behavior.” Jack Tunney continued. “I am hereby fining you $5,000 and giving you a stern warning NOT to assault anymore of your competitors after your matches let alone tar and feather them!” Taylor face turned to a beet red as the crowd cheered their approval at the president’s proclamation. “Just a minute, Mr. President!” Taylor countered. “For almost two years I was made the laughing stock of the World Wrestling Federation! I was told to come to the ring and peck and crow like a rooster, … to crow like a rooster … hell I was told I had to be a rooster. What kind of crap was that?” Your language, Mr. Taylor.” warned Tunney sternly. “To HELL with my language Jack Tunney. And to hell with you! I was humiliated while all the people at home laughed at me, while all these idiots at ringside laughed at me and while all the meatheads in the back laughed at me. You know what JACK? Now it’s my turn to laugh. It’s the ReTaylored Rooster’s turn to have some fun!” Jack Tunney retorted “Be that as it may Mr. Taylor, no one put a gun to your head and made you act like a rooster. You did it on your own account.” “No you didn’t put a gun to my head,” Taylor countered. “You only threatened to fire me if I didn’t do it, which you did anyway you worthless twit.” “Yes, but we did rehire you for Survivor Series, as The RED ROOSTER- which as far as I am concerned, that is who you will always be regardless of what you now call yourself- Terry Taylor, ReTaylored Rooster or otherwise.” Taylor’s eyes got wide. Jack Tunney knew that he had made a mistake. A split second later, the ReTaylored Rooster had slugged Tunney and knocked him to the ground. He then stomped him a couple of times before jumping on top of him and barraging him with punches. The entire group of WWF suits came to their president’s aid and many of them took a shot from the Rooster as they pulled him off their president. “You hired me to be a rooster, Tunney?” Taylor yelled out. “Well cock-a-doodle-doo!” He then leaves the fallen president.
 
In the face of continuing fines and threats of suspension, Terry Taylor, was becoming more of his ReTaylored Rooster persona with each passing day, refused to quit beating opponents up post-match and even continued to tar and feather them. In a match with Jim Brunzell, a talented high-flying veteran who has a lot of similarities with Taylor, Brunzell actually gave the Rooster the best fight since his return to the WWF, catching the angered Rooster off-guard with an array of technical moves and high-flying drop-kicks causing the Rooster who was not expecting much of a workout to have to step up his game. But, after Taylor dodges a drop-kick, he quickly counters with a knee-drop, lifts Brunzell up and quickly got the rooster wing on the dazed competitor who then promptly submitted. He then stomped Brunzell a few times, then threw him out the ring. Taylor then demanded a microphone. “I just want to let you people know that even though I’m not near through humiliating people, I do have a purpose here in the World Wrestling Federation and you’re going to find out what it is real soon. In fact, if I were a betting man, I’d say ‘Expect to see some fireworks at the upcoming Royal Rumble.’” At this he threw down the microphone and exited the ring, leaving everyone in wonder of what exactly his intentions were.
 
January 19, 1991: The Royal Rumble
 
The stage is set for the WWF’s first pay-per-view event of the year. The 16,000 strong crowd at the Miami Arena in Florida witnessed a memorable event to say the least. They saw The Big Bossman beat Haku after the rugged islander wound up on the wrong end of the Cobb County correction officer’s nightstick in his continuing efforts to avenge his mother after Bobby Heenan repeatedly insulted her. They saw Virgil finally stand up to Ted Dibiase, knocking him out cold after the “Million Dollar Man” slapped him and told him to pick up his Million Dollar Belt. Most disappointing was seeing the traitorous Sgt. Slaughter defeat the Ultimate Warrior for the WWF Title with interference from the “Macho King” Randy Savage. And the fact it happened a mere two days after the beginning of Operation Desert Storm made it all the worse.
 
Nonetheless, the crowd was still looking forward to an intense Royal Rumble match. The first names were called and out came … Bret “the Hitman” Hart. He would be joined in the ring by fellow Canadian Dino Bravo and the Rumble was on. The action continued for a while with new competitors entering every two minutes and various participants being eliminated. At the 36 minute mark, number 20 was called … and out came Terry Taylor. “And they used to say I was wacky.” commentated “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. “Well he promised us something big.  We’ll see.” responded Gorilla Monsoon. The action continued with Crush, Earthquake, Jim Neidhart, Bushwhacker Luke and the Warlord joining the fray. At this point there were 10 men left. Luke and Crush had been eliminated quickly and Davey Boy Smith, Hulk Hogan, Rick Martel, Shane Douglas, Demolition Smash and Hercules Hernandez were all still in the game. Number 26 was then called and out came The Barbarian. “What a number for this monster.” Gorilla Monsoon commented. “Well Boobsy’s hopes are riding on him, thanks to the Bulldog taking care of Mr. Perfect earlier.” Roddy Piper said very laughingly. “He took quite a bump to the noggin, too.” Gorilla added. The giant Barbarian entered the ring and wasted no time going right after The British Bulldog, trying to avenge his stable member’s earlier defeat. The Rooster who was doing very well for himself succeeded in avoiding a near elimination by Shane Douglas and in turn was able to throw the young superstar overboard. The Barbarian, fresh from eliminating “The Anvil”, started to refocus on Davey Boy. “What’s the Rooster, doing?” Gorilla Monsoon asked. “He’s digging in his tights for something.” Sure enough, Taylor put something in his hand, b-lined for the Barbarian and threw a handful of powder in his face blinding the giant. Everyone stopped fighting and stared stunned at what they’d just seen. The Rooster then proceeded to pummel his much larger opponent, who blindly grabbed onto him. The two struggle towards the ropes and in the fray pull each other over causing both their eliminations. This didn’t faze the ReTaylored Rooster one iota as he landed on his feet and hurled the still blinded Barbarian into the guardrail, following up with a vicious clothesline. He then proceeded to punch, kick and even bite the massive Barbarian. Every referee in the building had to pull the Rooster off The Barbarian and apparently succeed only to have him break their grip and run back toward his nemesis. Realizing this would probably be his last chance to inflict punishment, he grabbed The Barbarian by his hair and rammed his head straight into the ring post. The officials then succeed in permanently subduing the Rooster and forced him to return to the dressing room. The Barbarian though badly hurt, managed to walk back to the dressing room, albeit with the help of two referees. The normally hated heal received a standing ovation from the Miami crowd on his walk back. The ReTaylored Rooster made a promise that he would deliver fireworks … and an explosion there indeed was.
 
January 1991
 
By now the whole wrestling world was abuzz at the actions of The ReTaylored Rooster. Things now made sense. Yes, he wanted to humiliate anyone in his path to vindicate his past embarrassment, but he was even more focused on the man who drove him to being The Red Rooster in the first place; his former manager, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. On the next episode of Prime Time Wrestling, Heenan was absent, being substituted by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. The two fan-favorite announcers, neither fans of Heenan nor the Rooster, speculated deeply as to what may come. “Boy I tell you, Roddy, Bobby better watch out. That rooster is crazy.” Gorilla Monsoon articulated. “Yes he is.” Piper replied. “But maybe a little too crazy. I don’t know if I would have gone after The Barbarian like that. He’s big and he’s bad. And the Rooster may have bit off more than he can chew.”
 
Later on, Sean Mooney interviewed the entire Heenan family. A clearly distraught Bobby Heenan came out with his three men- all bruised and battered. “Bobby Heenan, it is apparent to all that the Royal Rumble was not a good night for the Bobby Heenan family.” “No it wasn’t a good night. First that rent-a-cop uses his nightstick against Haku busting him open (Heenan conveniently left out/forgot that he had tried to throw the nightstick to Haku in the first place and that the Bossman had intercepted it), then that Bulldog who has been a thorn in my side for years now tries to take out Mr. Perfect andthen … well Taylor, since you’ve been back I haven’t breathed a word of our past. I figured you not mentioning it and the fact you had wised up and were not trying to impress these humanoids out here meant that you would let bygones be bygones. But noooo … you had to try to take out one of my men. And Taylor, what a mistake you made. Look at this man; 6’2, 300 pounds, eats raw meat- hell he kills wild game with his own hands. And you throw powder in his face and attack him while he’s blind? You call yourself a rooster? Well you are a yellow-belly chicken! Well guess what, Rooster? I just got off the phone with Jack Tunney- you remember him? And February 1, at The Main Event in Macon, Georgia, you’re gonna have to face this man (points to The Barbarian). And Terry, this time he’s waiting for you. You won’t be able to blindside him. And last time Haku and Mr. Perfect were both injured and I was attending to them. This time, not uh. We’re all going to be watching The Barbarian’s back. You’re going to find out that when you jump on one member of the Bobby Heenan family- you jump on us all. See you at The Main Event, Terry. The Heenan family then exits, leaving the wrestling world with the impression that The ReTaylored Rooster may indeed have bitten off more than he could chew.
 
February 1, 1991: The Main Event
 
The stage is set for The ReTaylored Rooster’s biggest match since his World Wrestling Federation return. Moments before the match, he is interviewed for the first time since his assault on The Barbarian at the Royal Rumble. Sean Mooney: “ReTaylored Rooster, I have to ask you, everyone has been wandering ‘Why on Earth you would go after a monster like The Barbarian?’” “Well Mooney, I wouldn’t expect a little shrimp like you to understand. But I’m an athlete and a competitor. And my career was almost ruined by that weasel, Bobby Heenan. He thought it was fun to deride me, say I had limited size, skill, charisma, limited muscle. He made me feel like I wasn’t worth two cents. Well, he nearly broke me, but he failed. And now I’m coming after him. And what does Bobby Heenan value more than anything? Success. Not that he cares about his men one iota, I know that first hand. But they work with him and you know what they say- birds of feather flock together. And me taking out his men and ruining his precious Heenan family is just what I am going to do to humiliate Bobby Heenan the way he humiliated me.” The Rooster then VERY sarcastically ended the interview by slowly saying “Cock-a-doodle-doo.”
 
The Barbarian came down to the ring with Heenan. No longer bandaged, he looked angrier than ever. “I would not want to be in Terry Taylor’s shoes right now.” Vince McMahon commented. Then a loud rooster’s crow is heard, followed by Taylor’s music. He is now wearing his signature red robe with “ReTaylored Rooster” written across with a huge psychotic looking rooster on the back, something one would expect to see on a motorcycle gang member’s jacket. Howard Finkel introduced him as “The ReTaylored Rooster” Terry Taylor. He came down the aisle fast, but slowed down as he neared the ring. Taylor knew he must be very methodical when dealing with the massive Barbarian and a manager with Bobby Heenan’s intelligence. A shouting match ensued from the ring to the apron between Bobby Heenan and the Rooster and the match went to a commercial break without any action.
 
When The Main Event resumed, the Rooster had finally entered the ring. The bell rings and the two went at it. Taylor was careful to keep his distance from The Barbarian, knowing the power difference between the two of them. Finally though, they lock up and predictably The Barbarian overpowered the Rooster. This was repeated, to the crowd’s delight. The Barbarian then followed up with a gorilla-press slam lifting his opponent several times abovehis head before finally slamming him down- and then hitting the Rooster with a clothesline. “Looks like the Rooster may’ve met his match” Gorilla Monsoon commented. “We’ll see.” Vince McMahon said back. “Doesn’t look good now for him, though.” The Barbarian’s onslaught continued for several more minutes until Taylor took advantage of a hesitation on The Barbarian’s part and poked his eyes. Once again blinding the big man, he then started to punch and kick him, then hip-tossed him and put him in a chin lock, in large part to recover from the beating he had just taken. “Hebner, you better start doing your job!” an irate Bobby Heenan yelled from the floor. Rooster then lifted The Barbarian up and bodyslammed him, following up with a dropkick. He went for the cock of the walk, but The Barbarian still had too much juice left in him and quickly kicked the Rooster away. He then recovered and started an onslaught against his opponent pounding away at the Rooster. It looked like The ReTaylored Rooster’s reign of terror was about to come to an end. The Barbarian whipped him across the ring into the turnbuckle and followed up with a clothes line … only to have the Rooster dodge it at the last second, leaving the Barbarian stunned, his head hitting the turnbuckle. Seizing the moment, the Rooster hit his five arm clothesline and attempted a pin. Propping his feet on the ropes, the Rooster was able to get the 1-2-3. But his success will not be celebrated long. Bobby Heenan charged into the ring livid and slapped the Rooster across the face. Before he can retaliate, The Barbarian is up, requiring much more of the ReTaylored Rooster’s attention than “The Brain”. Before he knows it, Haku and Mr. Perfect storm the ring and a four on one attack began. Luckily for the Rooster, they briefly laid off him while wondering what to do next and he jumped through the first and second rope and ran to safety. But looking back in the ring at a very confident Bobby Heenan family, he then knew that he was now the hunted as opposed to the hunter.
 
February-March 1991
 
Indeed the tides of the Heenan Family-ReTaylored Rooster feud had quickly changed. Instead of wrestling jobbers or lower mid-carders, the Rooster now found himself challenged by Haku or The Barbarian on WWF house shows and some television programs. The Rooster, the consummate tactician and athlete was occasionally able to score pinfall victories. More often than not, however, he was the victim of a Bobby Heenan family run-in that resulted in a double or triple team. It looked as though Taylor had lost his edge to the shrewd “Brain”.
 
On an episode of WWF Superstars, The Brooklyn Brawler, a former Heenan family member, was in a match vs. Frankie Lancaster, a large wrestler who had a fairly large degree of success outside the World Wrestling Federation. It was a grueling match, but the roughhousing Brawler eventually won it with his superplex. He did not have much time to celebrate though, because as soon as he had his hand raised, The ReTaylored Rooster stormed the ring and punched him out. Rooster then threw Lancaster over the top rope and proceeded to stomp a mud hole in the Brawler. He nailed him with a chair several times and finally left the battered Brawler in the ring. The Brawler was eventually carried out in a stretcher.
 
Bobby Heenan, when asked about it on Prime Time Wrestling laughed. “It shows you what this Rooster is really made of.  Instead of going after me or one of my men he went after a wrestler who I stopped associating with ages ago. I think it’s safe to say the Rooster has had his wings clipped.”
 
The next week on Superstars, The Brooklyn Brawler was interviewed on the Brother Love Show. “Welcome. Welcome, Brother Brawler.” the crooked preacher said with his typical phony sincerity as he greeted his guest. “You are obviously the worse for wear after being brutally assaulted by The ReTaylored Rooster last week on Superstars.” “Well, Brother Love, you’re right in the fact I am a little banged up. But don’t think I’m done- not at all. Iwas raised on the streets of Brooklyn and I’m not about to let a little birdie with an attitude get the best of the Brooklyn Brawler. It’s only a matter of time before I …” The Brawler’s diatribe was cut short by the appearance of Terry Taylor who calmly walked up to Brother Love’s stage. “Why BrotherRooster, please, this is a place of LOOVVVE, not violence. I implore you to…” “Shut up, fat man!” the Rooster angrily interrupted. If I wasn’t here on business, I’d knock you on your oversized rear end on principle alone. Now back off before I change my mind!” Brother Love wisely backed away. “Now Steve” said the Rooster addressing the Brawler, “I know you’re mad at me, but I want to remind you of something. You in the back, role the footage.” Sure enough a clip of a Prime Time Wrestling from 1989 came on, showing the Brooklyn Brawler- on orders from Bobby Heenan- cheap shooting the Red Rooster with a stool and pounding him mercilessly while Heenan egged him on. After the clip ended, the Rooster continued. “Now Steve, I had never done anything to you in my life. But you snuck attacked me and beat me up because ‘The Weasel’ promised you fame and fortune, right?” The Brooklyn Brawler nodded. “And what did Bobby Heenan do for you? He took a big, tough talented man and dressed you like a bum. I mean it looks like you haven’t taken a bath in a year. And let me ask you, at WrestleMania V, did you get the match against me? No! Heenan took it himself. A manager overstepping his own talent that he promised the stars to. And then what does he do? He pushed you to the side and makes fun of you after I settle our business- and Brawler, I consider that business settled and strongly suggest you do the same. We’re even. I didn’t tar and feather you for a reason: I want you on MY side. I need you to get my revenge on Bobby Heenan. But right now he has goons protecting him. Come join me, and you WILL be a star. You will fly first class. You will wear nice clothes and you will date beautiful women. What’s your choice Brawler?” Terry Taylor stuck his hand out and after a moment’s hesitation, the Brawler who looked very dejected from the Rooster’s speech, took the hand, shook it and the two men embraced and left Brother Love’s “chapel” together- leaving the shifty preacher with an egg on his face as the camera closed in on it to end the show.
 
At The ReTaylored Rooster’s next match (vs. Tom Stone) he was accompanied by a very different Brooklyn Brawler. Gone was the dirty, poorly groomed, unshaven shoddy dressed wrestler of years past. He now sported an Armani suit, a fedora hat and was fresh shaven. He kept watch for the Rooster, while noticeably pulling a cigar out of a Diamond Crown cigar case, who quickly disposed of Stone. Afterwards the Brawler brought in the tar and red feathers to the ring and helped the Rooster humiliate his outclassed opponent to the crowd’s chagrin. “Heenan, we comin’ after ya.” The Brawler said to the camera.
 
And indeed the feud between The Bobby Heenan Family and “The Brain’s” two former charges heated up. They are now in tag-team and singles matches all across television and the house show circuit. The singles matches almost all ended in a disqualification or a double disqualification with a run-in. The tag matches went back and forth with Rooster and Brawler fighting various combinations of Heenan’s three men. The matches seemed to have gotten even more intense when it was announced during a WrestleMania VII update that Mr. Perfect would be defending the Intercontinental Title against The ReTaylored Rooster.
 
Interviewed by Lord Alfred Hayes on Superstars, the IC champion with “The Brain” was as confident and arrogant as ever. “So that no good Red Rooster is getting a shot at my Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania, the biggest event of the year? Well, will wonders never cease? First off, he doesn’t deserve a shot. He is a second rate never will be who couldn’t wear my used tights on his best day.” “But, Mr. Perfect,” Alfred responded, “surely you must admit he has been on quite a winning streak since his World Wrestling Federation return?” “Yeah he’s won a few matches … but against who? A bunch of nobodies, that’s who. He thinks he’s all cute tarring and feathering people. Well let’s see him try that against the Heenan family. And he may have taken a bum off the street and dressed him in an Armani suit. Well guess what?  A pig with lipstick is still a pig, and a bum in an Armani suit is still a bum! And a loser is always a loser and Rooster, at WrestleMania, I’m going to show the whole world that is what you are and will always will be!” “And Brawler” Bobby Heenan chimed in, “You had better watch out. Because, brother you just opened a can of worms and good luck putting them back in the can. You want war on my family? Well war is hell and you’re about to find out why. Let’s go, Perfect.” At this the two left.
 
Later on Superstars, Lord Alfred interviewed the Rooster and the Brawler. Terry Taylor started by saying “So Mr. Perfect, you think I’m a loser? Well, at WrestleMania, I’m gonna show you whose the loser. Let me tell you, it’s not a coincidence that I’ve destroyed everyone in my path since returning to the World Wrestling Federation. I’ve also beaten both your buddies Barbarian and Haku, but I guess you forgot that little fact, huh? Shows what you think of them. I’m not afraid of you or your family. And come March 24, I’m taking the Intercontinental Title from the Bobby Heenan Family.’ “That’s right, ‘Perfect’” The Brooklyn Brawler added. “And I’m no bum. It was Bobby Heenan that made me dress like that way, and now I’m done with that. First class all the way with the Rooster. And Haku, I would like to now officially challenge you for a match in LA at WrestleMania VII. You’re going to be eating raw fish through a straw when I’m done with ya.” The two then started laughing and the interview concluded.
 
It was shortly announced that Haku had accepted the Brawler’s challenge. A tag-match between the four competitors was announced for Madison Square Garden nine days before WrestleMania, airing on the MSG Network. Clips were shown of both factions entering the building and it was clear tensions were high. Later on, a clip was shown of Mr. Perfect looking for Bobby Heenan. Apparently he went to get a soda and could not be found. Neither The Barbarian nor Haku knew of his whereabouts. All of a sudden they hear a woman scream and run out of their locker room. It’s was a cleaning lady who had just opened a broom closet door. She has a shocked look on her face. All of a sudden, out fell Bobby Heenan, beaten and covered with red feathers.
 
The Rooster-Brawler team made their way to ringside first. Then came an irate Perfect-Haku. The Barbarian had gone to the hospital with Bobby Heenan. Referee Earl Hebner stood in between the two teams demanding a legitimate match. After much verbal exchange they begrudgingly agree, with the Brawler and Mr. Perfect starting out. In spite of Earl Hebner's warnings, the match more resembles a streetfight than a wrestling match, at least at first. This favored The Brooklyn Brawler who got an early advantage and tagged The Red Rooster. It became slightly more scientific but not much as the bad blood between the two groups had reached a boiling point. A couple of minutes later Perfect tagged in Haku and the rugged islander went berserk, wanting revenge for his fallen manager. Taylor was able to use Haku’s anger against him, dodging a misplaced judo chop and catching him in a drop toe hold, then getting up and pounding Haku. He then drags him to his corner for a double team. Mr. Perfect tried to intervene, causing Earl Hebner to force him back to his corner, intensifying the tactics of his opponents even more. After a few minutes of he and the Brawler both wearing Haku down, Taylor tried putting Haku in the rooster wing only to have Haku squirm enough to force his release. Haku then nailed him with a superkick. Both men struggled to their respective corners, Rooster tagging in Brawler first … but Haku was able to tag in an irate Mr. Perfect! He pummeled the Brawler and was not taking prisoners. After a second the Rooster came in only to be knocked outside the ring by a single punch. Perfect then went back to work on the Brawler looking to finish him off. He applied his Perfect-Plex getting 1 2 only to have the Rooster make the save at the last second. Haku, by now refreshed, came in, and it’s a pier six brawl. Hebner made the Rooster go back to his corner by threatening disqualification and then quickly did the same to Haku. While Hebner’s back was turned still arguing with Haku, The Red Rooster threw brass knuckles to The Brooklyn Brawler who swung and missed at Mr. Perfect. Perfect then kicked the Brawler, took the brass knucks and was about to wallop the Brawler with them when Earl Hebner, who had just got Haku out of the ring and back in his corner, grabbed Mr. Perfect’s hand preventing the punch and gave the Rooster and the Brawler the dq win. As Perfect got in Hebner’s face, the Rooster and the Brawler took the opportunity to head for higher ground before the Heenan family members could figure out they had exited. When they realize revenge for their fallen mentor would not happen that tonight, Mr. Perfect and Haku both looked down the aisle, Perfect pointed at his nemeses and simply said “Just wait until WrestleMania.”
 
March 24, 1991: WrestleMania VII
 
The Sports Arena in Los Angeles and wrestling fans all around the world were waiting for three things: 1) To see if Hulk Hogan could win the WWF World Title from the turncoat Sgt. Slaughter who was now going as far as parading around in an Iraqi military uniform. 2). To see who would have to retire: The beloved Ultimate Warrior or the hated “Macho King” Randy Savage. 3) To see who would leave WrestleMania VII with the Intercontinental Title: Champion Mr. Perfect or Challenger The Red Rooster, in what was shaping up to be the biggest heel vs. heel match in wrestling history.
 
Before any of these matches took place, Haku would be facing The Brooklyn Brawler. Interviewed moments before his match by Sean Mooney- alone even though the segment called for both he and the Rooster- the Brawler was not at a loss for words.
“I tell you, Sean Mooney, this is my night. My first WrestleMania vs. Heenan’s goon. And Haku, I’m taking ya down. Then after the Rooster beats Mr. Not So Perfect, we going down to Hollywood to celebrate!” Sean Mooney asked the Brawler if he was worried about how angry he had made the Heenan family by attacking Bobby Heenan then tarring and feathering him. “Listen that weasel had it comin’ to him! He shouldn’t have been wondering around Madison Square Garden- right in the Brawler’s home town I may add- without an escort!” “And Mr. Brawler, The ReTaylored Rooster was supposed to be a part of this interview. Where is he?” “Listen Mooney,” the Brawler angrily responded, “Mr. Rooster’s a busy man! He doesn’t have time to waste squabbling with your puny self! In fact, I’m a busy man myself. And I have a match. Move outta my way, ya pipsqueak!” At this the Brawler left for his match against Haku.
 
Haku came to ringside alone, looking determined to avenge Bobby Heenan’s manhandling. Then The Brooklyn Brawler approached the ring, not nearly as braze as he had been in his interview moments earlier. The two started off right away. Haku relying more on martial arts and power, the Brawler with streetfighting, roughhousing and any shortcut he could find. The two went back and forth for about twelve minutes. The Brawler after landing a low blow put Haku in his swinging neckbreaker slam and got a close two count. He then set the islander for a superplex, but Haku fought out of the front facelock and pushed the Brawler hard down to the mat. Taking advantage of a stunned Brawler, Haku hit his diving headbutt. Having one of the hardest heads in wrestling, this was enough for three.
 
Right after this match, Haku joined Mr. Perfect in the interview area with Lord Alfred Hayes, who already was accompanied by The Barbarian. Haku gave both men big high-fives. “Now Mr. Perfect, you are about to meet a man who has been a thorn in the side of you and the entire Heenan family for the last two months. What are your last minute thoughts? “Alfred,” the Intercontinental Champion responded, “that man has caused more trouble to me and the Family than I would have ever thought possible. But tonight, at the biggest event of them all, WrestleMania, I’m going to show him why I’m perfect and he’s just a perfect nobody. Haku already took care of his stooge, and I’m finishing the job tonight; for Bobby and for the whole family! “Do you think it is wise to underestimate the Rooster, Mr. Perfect?” asked Lord Alfred. “Listen, I know what Terry Taylor is capable of. He’s dangerous, vindictive and he is sick. And Mr. Perfect NEVER takes a match lightly. Never has, never will. To do so would be less than perfect, which for me, is impossible.” At this, the three exited and Mr. Perfect prepared to head to the ring for his title defense.
 
Before the introductions to the match, Howard Finkel made an announcement to the over 19,000 in attendance. “Ladies and gentleman, I am now pleased to welcome back to our announce team, “MEAN” GENE OKERLUND!” The crowd came out of their seats as Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” (sung by Gene himself) played. The beloved announcer took time to shake fans hand and give fives as he joined “Gorilla” Monsoon and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan at ringside for play by play. He was warmly greeted by both men.
 
Then The ReTaylored Rooster’s music played. He came down to the ring, being introduced just as “The ReTaylored Rooster” no longer using his given name but even more noticeable, in a throwback to his old rooster’s comb, now had the entire top of his head spiked and died red, while his sides were his natural blonde. “He looks like a raging lunatic.” commented “Gorilla” Monsoon. Noticing “Mean” Gene glaring at him, the Rooster paused and turned toward the announce table. But “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan standing up with his 2X4 removed any funny ideas from his head as he turned back his head and entered the ring. “Don’t worry Gene, he ain’t botherin ya tonight.” the Hacksaw insured his good friend. Mr. Perfect’s music then played and down came the IC champion calmly and coolly. He had his trademark towel, but was NOT tossing it around. He silently entered the ring. Introductions were made and the bell was rung.
 
What proceeded next was a five-star classic match that will forever go down in WrestleMania lore. Yes, there was bad blood and more than once referee Danny Davis, chosen for this role because he himself was once a hated heel, had to intervene to restore order. But this did not stop two of the finest technicians ever to lace up a pair of wrestling boots from giving the fans the show of a lifetime. There were several near falls on both ends as the advantage swapped back and forth. More than once Mr. Perfect narrowly escaped the rooster’s wing and the cock of the walk. After over 35 grueling minutes, it looked as though Mr. Perfect would be able to set up the Rooster for his patented Perfect-Plex. But, the Rooster succeeded in blocking it with his right foot. Perfect then went on the offensive with jabs and elbows. He then put the Rooster in a corner and threw him against the other side and charged. The Rooster dodged at the last second stunning the champion. The challenger then once again attempted the Rooster’s wing, but Mr. Perfect, close to the ropes, used them to kick away in the air. The Rooster lost his balance, but ever the consummate professional, shifted his body and slammed an unsuspecting Mr. Perfect’s head into the mat. He then rolled the champion up and by putting his legs on the ropes for added leverage (not to mention grabbing Mr. Perfect’s singlet) got the three count and became the new Intercontinental Champion. The Brooklyn Brawler immediately ran down to ring and hugged his comrade, putting the belt on the new champion’s shoulder at the same time. The two quickly exited while a frustrated Mr. Perfect just shook his head in the ring, furious at himself.
 
March-April 1991
 
The ReTaylored Rooster had largely fulfilled his WWF mission. He reigned terror on the entire Federation, he badly roughed up, not to mention tarred and feathered his former manager, Bobby Heenan who gave him his “Red Rooster” moniker, and at WrestleMania VII, he won the WWF’s second most prestigious singles title against the man many say was the finest technical wrestler of that era in a mat classic for the ages. All in just over four months! He wasted no time in reveling in his new found glory, defeating all three Heenan Family members in rematches or having his minion, The Brooklyn Brawler run-in for him, causing a disqualification but saving the title. The frustration built up for Mr. Perfect to the point he nearly lost a match to Jim Powers on Wrestling Challenge. “Boy, Mr. Perfect dodged a bullet on that one.” commented Gorilla Monsoon.
 
Then on an episode of Superstars on April 14, one of the most emotional events ever seen in a wrestling ring happened. Howard Finkel announces “May I please welcome to the ring Bobby “The Brain” Heenan!” The crowd gave the formerly hated manager a warm welcome as he briskly walked down to the ring. “The Brain” took the microphone and began. “If he would, I would like Mr. Perfect to come down to the ring. After a moment, he obliged, without his usual music or arrogant fanfare.
 
“Mr. Perfect,” The Brain said, “I just want to let you know what a pleasure it has been managing you this last year. Not to mention Haku and The Barbarian and all the other great wrestlers I’ve managed over the years. An absolute pleasure. But there was one man I managed who I wronged.” Mr. Perfect started shaking his head as Heenan stated “And it was the Rooster.” “Bobby …” Mr. Perfect began … “No, it’s true. I can’t deny it. I saw a talented wrestler with limitless potential who was having a hard time adjusting to the World Wrestling Federation. I thought I could push him over the edge and create an unstoppable wrestling machine. Well, I did … it just took a little longer than I expected and boy did he ever go over the edge. But the thing I really regret about it is I dragged you, The Barbarian and Haku into it. My miscalculation and arrogance cost you three dearly. “Now wait Bobby, it wasn’t your fault that …” “Yes it was.” the Brain interrupted Mr. Perfect, yes it was. Now listen very carefully. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years. And I’ve managed the best of the best. The cream of the crop. And let me tell you, I knew that the Rooster was the best technical wrestler I ever managed. That why I was so damn frustrated with him losing. But that was until I started managing you Curt (the use of Mr. Perfect’s real name was lost neither on him nor the Las Vegas crowd). I knew you were the best ever. And one day I know you will be the World Wrestling Federation Champion. But I have to say regrettably I will not be managing you then. I have been doing a lot of thinking- that is why I took so much time off. And I realize it is time for ‘The Brain’ to hang it up. I plan on becoming a full-time broadcast journalist and am announcing my retirement from managing.” Mr. Perfect’s face dropped and he quickly responded “Bobby you can’t let him …” “Wait” said Bobby Heenan, interrupting Mr. Perfect a third time. “Now I wronged Terry, but he took it WAY to far. And he went after my boys. You don’t do that. ‘The Brain’ does NOT leave business unfinished. Never has, never will. And I know you have a rematch in two weeks at Saturday Night’s Main Event. And I’m here to tell you that at the rematch I WILL be in your corner one last time. And that you WILL become the first three-time Intercontinental Champion ever. Bank on it!” At this the two embraced and in a moment for the ages, the two long hated heels turned face as the crowd roared its approval.
 
April 27, 1991: Saturday Night’s Main Event
 
The crowd in Nebraska was geared for a guaranteed historic night. Any night that is Bobby Heenan’s last as a manager was guaranteed to bring attention. The ReTaylored Rooster, arrogant as ever, showed no remorse in a pre-match interview. “So, Bobby Heenan’s giving up. Well if he thinks retiring will keep him safe from me,” he said as he and The Brooklyn Brawler start laughing, “he’d better think again.” “And tonight I’m going to put the nail in his and Mr. Perfect’s coffin.” “If they think they’re getting this belt back,” he said while stroking the IC Title “they had both better wake up to the rooster’s crow.” “Curt, watch out. I’m coming after you, and this time I’m definitely not cluckin’ around! Brawler, let’s go.” And at this the interview ended.
 
Later Mr. Perfect and Bobby Heenan are interviewed by Sean Mooney. “Gentleman, earlier you heard the harsh words of The ReTaylored Rooster. Any response? “Yeah, only one.” said Mr. Perfect. “Rooster, our match at WrestleMania, great as it was, lacked two things; Mr. Perfect’s complete attention and ‘The Brain’. Well tonight both those things are here. And Rooster you can be assured this will come to pass (he holds up three fingers). And I’m not cluckin’ around either.” He then said a very sarcastic “cock-a-doodle-do”.
 
Match time approached and breaking with tradition, The ReTaylored Rooster came down to ringside first. Mr. Perfect and “The Brain” then made their way down to the ring. Howard Finkel introduced them by saying “Being led to the ring by his legendary manager, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, who after an illustrious 25 year career will be making his final appearance tonight as a manager, from Robbinsdale, Minnesota, weighing in at 260 lbs., Mr. Perfect!” Heenan and Perfect hug and Heenan then left the ring. While “The Brain” was giving Mr. Perfect some last second advice on the apron, the Rooster charged Perfect from behind, knocking him into his manager, to get an early advantage. Joey Marella rings the bell and the match was now officially underway with the champion having an unfair early advantage.
 
This match was much more of a street fight than their WrestleMania affair. The ReTaylored Rooster used every shortcut he knew to keep the advantage. But Mr. Perfect, ever the seasoned veteran and having Bobby Heenan at his side, was eventually able to turn the tide. He showed about as much give as the Rooster which is to say none. The two went back and forth using every dirty trick they knew. At one point Perfect pinned the Rooster against the ropes and waylaid him causing Joey Marella to get in between them. Bobby Heenan- never one to hesitate with a short-cut, choked his former charge as Marella castigated Perfect for not following his orders. The two went back and forth a bit more, but it was obvious that it was Mr. Perfect’s night. So much so that The Brooklyn Brawler tried to storm the ring. However he is quickly joined by Haku and The Barbarian, who made sure he never gets anywhere near the ring. The match continued on and after a short offensive onslaught, Mr. Perfect hooked the Rooster in his Perfect-Plex and became the first three-time Intercontinental Champion in history!
 
The crowd roared as Joey Marella raised Mr. Perfect’s hand. Bobby Heenan went into the ring and embraced Mr. Perfect, who then raised his manager’s hand to the roar of the crowd. After the camera shut off, Haku and The Barbarian joined the celebration, and “The Brain” was seen off in a great last hurrah.

To be continued....