If this isn't a reason to love pro wrestling, nothing is. The segment is about JJ Dillon prepping Buddy Landel for his match with Ric Flair by analyzing tape on Flair. JJ even says "He is not infallible", Landel shrugs all of it off in his overconfidence. This is when the awesomeness explodes. Smooth Operator starts playing, and much to JJ's dismay, Landell goes on the town with two ladies. JJ follows him and just shakes his head. It is a harmless fun segment that I wish were still around in wrestling today. I do not know where this was leading but based on the time period I wonder if this leads to JJ turning on Landel to manage Flair and start The Four Horsemen. However, that is just speculation on my part.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Why I Love Professional Wrestling 3
Buddy Landel: Smooth Operator (JCP 1985)
Eddie Gilbert© vs Jeff Jarrett - Southern Heavyweight Title (USWA Texas 1990)
What a clinic these two put on. This is Eddie Gilbert 101 as he is spot on being the best southern heel in the business. They start with dueling arm work, which Jarrett wins since it affects Gilbert down the line. Double J does a simple spot I wish today's stars would keep alive when working the arm. It is dropping a knee on the arm when you have the opponent on the mat in an armbar or hammerlock. Gilbert yells constantly in this match with stuff like "He is breaking my arm!" Gilbert switches his attention to the leg and really puts a hurting on Jarrett. He even loosens Jarrett's boot which the commentator emphasizes will make Gilbert's legwork that much more deadly. There is great continuity here as Jarrett tries to knee Gilbert's arm as before but uses the hurt knee and it stops him dead in his tracks. They do several double knockout spots they get to in a variety of ways. These spots do not hurt the match as they do not stay stagnant for more than a four count before stirring up to their feet. It puts over how tired both are, yet are willing to sacrifice everything for the Southern Title. The ending is the only flaw in the match. Gilbert goes for a chain he has wrapped in a towel, but misses and Jarrett gets it, rolls Gilbert up for a two count that the ref counts three on but the match continues anyhow. Jarrett hits Gilbert with the chain to give him a taste of his own medicine. Instead of doing the smart thing and throwing the chain outside the ring after using it, he drops in into his tights. When Gilbert tells him about Jarrett's schinanigans the ref checks Jarrett, finds the chain and DQ's Jarrett giving the title back to Gilbert. If Jarrett had only known possession is 2/3rds of the law he would have claimed the title. This was a fantastic match that had the crowd into it from the start. Just amazing.
Ken Patera or Tony Atlas: Who's Stronger (JCP 1978)
We get a fun segment leading to a Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title bout between the two where Atlas will take the title from Patera. Ken is cocky claiming he is better in every way than Atlas. Tony Atlas comes across as simple minded as he did in his WWE run, but he strength is second to none matching every feat of strength Patera does for the audience. These include driving a nail though a board with his hand, bending a bolt, popping a nylon bag, and bending a bar around his neck. This was a well produced segment that put over Atlas being equal with the champion. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't mention the crazy dance Atlas did after completing the first two feats. Just the wackiest babyface dance I have ever seen.
Killer Khan vs Terry Gordy - Texas Death Match (WCCW 11/22/84)
This match was at the '84 Thanksgiving Star Wars show and the fans are JAKKED to see this match. The crowds in Dallas are some of the Most consistently loud crowds I have ever seen. Kerry Von Erich was the special referee as I assume he is the only person that can control these beasts. Khan and Gordy go on to have a gory brawl. Khan's blade job ends with blood all over the back of his bald head, and Gordy wears the crimson mask. This is literally all kicking and punching with a could of moves thrown in. It is an entertaningly intense brawl that ends when Khan is down for a seven count and The Missing Link runs in and both Von Erich and Gordy dispatch him. The aftermath is the bigger story as the former enemies shake hands and the place comes unglued.
Don Muraco Interview: Have A Doughnut (WWF 1986)
I am not sure I have the words to do justice to this interview. Absolutely nothing is accomplished but at the same time it is the most entertaining thing I have ever seen. I am not sure if Muraco was high but it made someone laugh and that is why it hit the airwaves. There is a lot of good in today's product, however there is stuff I miss and randomly entertaining promos are one of those things. This is a spectacle that has to be seen, no idea how Gene keeps it together.
El Trio Fantasia vs Los Thundercats - Mask vs Mask (Monterrey, Mexico 12/8/91)
This is the most extreme match you will ever see involving characters from a childeren's TV show. I will fully admit to not being a student of Lucha Libre. This match had dives and blood and gets a pass from me.
The Chris Colt Experience (George Cannon's Superstars of Wrestling 1979)
I don't know where to begin here as I was not a fan of Chris Colt. Chris claims to be the Alice Cooper of wrestling complete with Alice's eye makeup and entrance music. Chris is about Alice's size too which is not a good thing when it comes to pro wrestling. His match against a jobber was not very impressive nor was it complete. There are several cuts throughout the match but what was seen shows Chris to not be a good wrestler. His promo following the match is a different matter altogether, as he rocks the mic putting everyone on notice that his lawyer has given him full legal clearance to injure and maim anyone who is put in front of him. I had never seen Colt before this DVD and hope I will see no more of him even if he did cut a good promo.
Steve Austin vs Chris Adams - Street Fight (USWA 1990)
This is billed as a "Come As You Are" Street Fight and they do not show up in jeans and t-shirts but rather gear that reflects their backgrounds prior to wrestling. Austin comes out in football shoulder pads and helmet while Adams has a judo outfit and keno stick. This is a pier six brawl with Austin's pads protecting his upper body so Adams uses the keno stick on Austin's legs and stomach. One big spot has Austin line up for a shoulder block on Adams who is against the ring post but the gentleman moves and Stunning Steve nails the post and his helmet goes flying. The fans saw Adams get some revenge as he got a clear elbow to the balls on Austin and hit Pringle with the kendo stick. This match is a lot of fun even if it is without a finish. Austin's manager Percy Pringle runs in for the DQ finish.
$500 Per Punch (Memphis 83/84)
Nick Bockwinkle is in Memphis for a title fight with Lawler. After the first match which was a DQ Bockwinkle says he will put the title up if Lawler puts up $500 per punch thrown because Lawler cannot wrestle. The second match is thrown out because Bockwinkle was thrown over the top rope before Lawler got the pin. Lawler is also shown with a disappointed interview but he moves on to defending the Southern Heavyweight Title. Lawler's stuff is okay but Bockwinkles interviews are amazing.
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