Random Rewind: Tugboat Turns Heel

Tugboat Turns Heel

(Circa ’91)

Welcome to what may possibly go down in history as the greatest heel turn of all-time.  In the early 90’s, the man, the myth, the legend and the coolest guy ever to wear sailor pants to the ring, Tugboat, took the World Wrestling Federation by storm.  He entered the WWF as a buddy of then wrestling savior, Hulk Hogan.  And let me tell you, when you were a buddy of The Hulk’s back then, you had it made.  Tugboat recieved an instant push just by standing next to Hulk Hogan during interviews.  Not a bad gig if you ask me.  Sometimes being  friend of Hulk’s could get you in trouble though.  Tugboat was attacked by Hogan foe, Earthquake, one week and Hogan came back to save his buddy.  Eventually Hulk would take care of business, but I think Tugboat got tired of standing in the shadow of his good friend.  Well, it is hard being one of the apostles of christ sometimes. 

Fast foward to an episode of WWF Superstars in mid-late 1991.  Tugboat teamed with the a tag team called the Bushwhackers.  If you don’t know who the hell they are, don’t worry about it.  They licked people’s heads, ate sardines and got squashed in any important match.  They took on the team of the Nasty Boys and Earthquake during the show.  These three were part of Jimmy Hart’s gang.  During the match, all six men would wind up getting in a melee in the ring.  Out of nowhere, Tugboat suddenly attacked the Bushwhackers.  It was really awkward because it happened so quickly that you kind of thought maybe they made a mistake or something.  Even Vince McMahon on commentary kind of seemed like he had no idea Tugboat was turning heel.  Macho Man added “I think Tugboat was wrestling so hard that he forgot who was on his team” to explain Tugboat attacking Luke and Butch.  Maybe Tugboat realized his career was going nowhere as a babyface and decided mid match to just take it upon himself to turn heel.  Hell, it was 1991, who the fuck was watching anyway? 

Earthquake hit his finisher on Luke and got the pin.  Tugboat and Earthquake  slapped high-five and hugged each other.  Then the Nasty Boys joined in on the hug fest and all four attacked the Bushwhackers some more.  Heck, I would too.  It was always a thrill for me to see the Bushwhackers destroyed laid out.  Jimmy’s Hart’s gang would leave the ring with thier heads held high.  Before they left, Macho Man asked the viewers at home what Hulk Hogan thought of Tugboat’s actions?  Hmmm, to be honest, I doubt Hulk Hogan even knew that the WWF Superstars program existed.

Earthquake and Tugboat would eventually form a team, but not without Tugboat changing his name to Typhoon.  What was thier team name you ask?  The Natural Disasters.  Get it?

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