1988 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling. List of notable promotions These promotions held notable shows in 1988. Calendar of notable shows Notable events January 24 - WWE Royal Rumble was aired on USA Network against the NWA Bunkhouse Stampede that aired live on Pay Per View. March 27 - Clash of the Champions I was aired on free TV via TBS against the WWE pay-per view event WrestleMania IV. April 3 - WCW Main Event Premired on TBS. July 16 - Bruiser Brody was stabbed by Jose Huertas Gonzalez before a WWC live event in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Brody died hours later in a local hospital. November 1 - Turner Broadcasting Systems purchased Jim Crockett Promotions the biggest National Wrestling Alliance territory. November - Jerry Jarrett buys 50 percent of WCWA from Ken Mantell December 13 - AWA World Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler defeated WCWA World Heavyweight Champion Kerry Von Erich in Chicago, Illinois at AWA Superclash III to unify both the AWA and WCWA World titles. Tournaments and accomplishments JCP WWF Awards and honors Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestling Observer Newsletter Title changes WWF Births January 16 - Bull Dempsey January 19 - Tyler Breeze February 26 - Reid Flair (d. 2013) March 11 - Katsuhiko Nakajima March 16 - Brett DiBiase March 20 - Jonathan Gresham April 17 - Dasha Fuentes May 5 - Brooke Hogan May 6 - Dakota Kai May 22 - Santana Garrett May 26 - Babatunde Aiyegbusi May 30 - No Way Jose June 1 - Ross Von Erich June 2 - Grado June 19 - Daga June 25 - Mark Haskins July 6 - Lars Sullivan July 26 - Marty Scurll August 7 - Marti Belle August 8 - Veer Mahaan August 12 - Tyson Fury August 31 - Ember Moon September 13 - Markus Crane (died in 2021) September 23 - Kairi Hojo September 26 - Buddy Murphy September 27 - Cathy Kelley September 28 – Jason Jordan October 11 - Ricochet November 2 - Dezmond Xavier November 3 - Gran Metalik November 29 - Dana Brooke Debuts Uncertain debut date Gangrel Sandra Margot Perry Saturn February 20 - Raven September 13 - Dustin Runnels Retirements Alexis Smirnoff (1970 - 1988) Rufus R. Jones (1969 - 1988) The Crusher (1949 - 1988) Emile Dupree (1955 - 1988) Mr. Hito (June 8, 1967 - March 25,