Dick Murdoch vs Rick Nelson January 9th 1988
This is pretty much a Squash match but interesting cause Murdoch is managed by Jim Cornette. He had just tuned on Dusty Rhodes. Murdoch destroys the poor jobber with punches, elbows and going after the Shoulder. He finishes it off with a Brainbuster right on the neck. Dick then cuts a promo on Dusty Rhodes and just buries him, his family and talks about a Cage match coming up. Good entertaining Squash.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
25 days of Murdoch Day 3
Dick Murdoch vs Butch Reed September 22nd 1985
Going in I knew this was an hour long match so it was going to be worked like that. Butch was at the peak of his career here as he had been wrestling Flair and was pushed to the moon. First 20 minutes or so of this is Murdoch going after Reed's arm and Ribs. Also Reed did a 5 minute Headlock which was interesting seeing Murdoch try to get out of. Around the 30 minute mark is where the match gets really good. Murdoch starts to get angry and brings the punches and kicks while Reed has some of his own. Few men sell a punch like Murdoch does. Forty minutes in and it starts to resemble a boxing match with punches and they are obviously gassed out as they start leaning on each other. Reed goes after the leg with a figure four. So what does Murdoch do? He lays on his back and just up kicks Reed right in the face in a awesome way. Match ends in a double countout and they continue to brawl before Tommy Gilbert and Grizzly Smith break it up. Long match but good.
Going in I knew this was an hour long match so it was going to be worked like that. Butch was at the peak of his career here as he had been wrestling Flair and was pushed to the moon. First 20 minutes or so of this is Murdoch going after Reed's arm and Ribs. Also Reed did a 5 minute Headlock which was interesting seeing Murdoch try to get out of. Around the 30 minute mark is where the match gets really good. Murdoch starts to get angry and brings the punches and kicks while Reed has some of his own. Few men sell a punch like Murdoch does. Forty minutes in and it starts to resemble a boxing match with punches and they are obviously gassed out as they start leaning on each other. Reed goes after the leg with a figure four. So what does Murdoch do? He lays on his back and just up kicks Reed right in the face in a awesome way. Match ends in a double countout and they continue to brawl before Tommy Gilbert and Grizzly Smith break it up. Long match but good.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
25 days of Murdoch Day 2
Dick Murdoch, Hacksaw Duggan and Bill Watts vs Kamala, Kareem Muhammad and Skandar Akbar July 28th 1985.
So it's about Midnight on the 2nd so this would be the second day of the topic. Murdoch and Company arrive on a MONSTER TRUCK to the ring as it's held at Wrestlefest 85 on what looks like a big fairgrounds type thing. Akbar fakes a injury before the match starts but no one buys it. Grizzly Smith comes out and lays down the law. Fun match with tons of punches and USA chants. Murdoch takes a beating even from Akbar which looked a little weird. Then Watts gets the tag and gets the pin by Bodyslaming Kamala. Yeah when Watts came back he was basically superman.
Time for another match:
Dick Murdoch vs Dr. Death Steve Williams 9-20-1985
Murdoch is the North American champion at the time and Dr. Death is second by Bob Sweetan. This is a weird match since Dr. Death dominates it and it mostly worked as a amateur bout. The finish is crazy as Sweetan interferes which brings out Reed and Reed accidentally hits Murdoch and Murdoch beats up Reed all while the Ref is down. After the match Reed and Murdoch brawl which leads to the next match which I will review tomorrow.
So it's about Midnight on the 2nd so this would be the second day of the topic. Murdoch and Company arrive on a MONSTER TRUCK to the ring as it's held at Wrestlefest 85 on what looks like a big fairgrounds type thing. Akbar fakes a injury before the match starts but no one buys it. Grizzly Smith comes out and lays down the law. Fun match with tons of punches and USA chants. Murdoch takes a beating even from Akbar which looked a little weird. Then Watts gets the tag and gets the pin by Bodyslaming Kamala. Yeah when Watts came back he was basically superman.
Time for another match:
Dick Murdoch vs Dr. Death Steve Williams 9-20-1985
Murdoch is the North American champion at the time and Dr. Death is second by Bob Sweetan. This is a weird match since Dr. Death dominates it and it mostly worked as a amateur bout. The finish is crazy as Sweetan interferes which brings out Reed and Reed accidentally hits Murdoch and Murdoch beats up Reed all while the Ref is down. After the match Reed and Murdoch brawl which leads to the next match which I will review tomorrow.
Monday, November 30, 2009
25 Days of Murdoch day 1
I bet you people thought I would forget this but I didn't. Most of these matches are from my dvd collection. Day 1 starts with a match from Mid South Wrestling and the great DVDVR(Death Vallyey Driver board) set,
Kamala and Kareem Muhammad vs Dick Murdoch and Hacksaw Duggan July 14th 1985
Kamala dn Kareem are managed by Skandar Akbar and part of Devastation Inc. I'm pretty sure this is from a house show in Tulsa but not postive. Duggan and Akbar have had a long running feud and he brought in Murdoch to help against Akbar's charges. Akbar has always been a favorite of mine and it's a shame he didn't like to travel cause he would have been great in WWE as manager of Sgt. Slaugther. Best thing about this match is Murdoch trying to dance when Duggan does his foot stomping thing. This isn't the best match but man it's fun. I'd say 99% of the match was just punches and there is no one better at doing that than Dick Murdoch. Duggan tries to bring in Akbar but Kamala stops him. After that it turns into a total brawl before Dr. Death and Ted Dibaise come in but Murdoch and Duggan get the upper hand on them and the crowd goes ape shit. Murdoch and Duggan win by DQ and challenge the tag champs Death/Dibiase.
I know it's supposed to be one match for the day but screw it, Here's another:
Dick Murdoch vs The Nightmare from July 14th 1985
That's right 2 matches in the same day. Not uncommon in wrestling during the 1980s. The Nightmare is Randy Culley aka Moondog Rex aka Detroit Demolition. He got a big push in Midsouth and was the North American champion at the time. He's also managed by Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert. Pretty funny stuff as Murdoch keeps doing heel type things like going after Nightmare's mask, Punching him and going after the manager but the crowd keeps loving him. That's what makes Murdoch so great, he can do that stuff or the little things but the crowd still loves him. Another great moment is Murdoch punching Nightmare and the ref grabs his hand to stop so Murdoch just uses his other hand to punch him. The finish is a ref bump and Murdoch hits Nightmare with a cane for the win.
Kamala and Kareem Muhammad vs Dick Murdoch and Hacksaw Duggan July 14th 1985
Kamala dn Kareem are managed by Skandar Akbar and part of Devastation Inc. I'm pretty sure this is from a house show in Tulsa but not postive. Duggan and Akbar have had a long running feud and he brought in Murdoch to help against Akbar's charges. Akbar has always been a favorite of mine and it's a shame he didn't like to travel cause he would have been great in WWE as manager of Sgt. Slaugther. Best thing about this match is Murdoch trying to dance when Duggan does his foot stomping thing. This isn't the best match but man it's fun. I'd say 99% of the match was just punches and there is no one better at doing that than Dick Murdoch. Duggan tries to bring in Akbar but Kamala stops him. After that it turns into a total brawl before Dr. Death and Ted Dibaise come in but Murdoch and Duggan get the upper hand on them and the crowd goes ape shit. Murdoch and Duggan win by DQ and challenge the tag champs Death/Dibiase.
I know it's supposed to be one match for the day but screw it, Here's another:
Dick Murdoch vs The Nightmare from July 14th 1985
That's right 2 matches in the same day. Not uncommon in wrestling during the 1980s. The Nightmare is Randy Culley aka Moondog Rex aka Detroit Demolition. He got a big push in Midsouth and was the North American champion at the time. He's also managed by Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert. Pretty funny stuff as Murdoch keeps doing heel type things like going after Nightmare's mask, Punching him and going after the manager but the crowd keeps loving him. That's what makes Murdoch so great, he can do that stuff or the little things but the crowd still loves him. Another great moment is Murdoch punching Nightmare and the ref grabs his hand to stop so Murdoch just uses his other hand to punch him. The finish is a ref bump and Murdoch hits Nightmare with a cane for the win.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Matches I've been watching 11/10/09
Tarzan Goto vs Super Medico 4 Chain match May 29th 1991
Super Medico is from the WWC I think. Fun match thanks to Tarzan totally squashing the guy. Pogo was seconding Medico and interfered a lot. Goto wins with the Lariat and Pogo attacks him with a ring bell.
Tiger Mask IV and Mistico vs Tomoshiro Ishii and Okumura August 13th 2009 New Japan
Mostly a Mistico show off match. Okumura did most of the work in his match since he lives in Mexico now and can work with Mistico. Mistco wins with the La Mistica.
Steel Kevin Quinn and Apollo Dantes vs Atlantis Lizmark sr. and Mr. Neibla July 6th 1997 CMLL
For those that don't know Steel is Val Venis under a mask. He was a big time rudo at the time. First Caida was won by the Tecnicos when they triple teamed Steel and Neibla got a roll up. Kevin Quinn looked pretty good this caida with some nice moves. Rudo's get Dq'd in the second caida due to excessive violence. on Mr. Neibla. Ok match but mostly to further the Neibla/Steel feud.
Atushi Onita vs Grigori Vetichev May 29th 1991 FMW
This is early FMW and for some reason, Onita loved bringing in the European guys. Weird match cause Griogori isn't very good and only does Judo suplexes. and he bumps weird too. BS finish with Onita winning when the russian couldn't answer the bell when it was clear he was up. The fans boo the finish. Onita is awesome though cause when he cuts a promo, he always cries in emotion.
Caballero Del Ring and Reptil vs Sergio Romo and Ferrari AAA
Early AAA for ya. I'd say this was 1992 or so. The only guy I know is Romo because he's pretty popular in Monterrey. Reptil is basically a giant lizard and Ferrari looks like Jerry Estrada but it's not him. Romo and Ferrari win the first Caida and it wasn't that good of a caida. Lots of feeling out and mat work. Caballero and Reptil are the rudos I guess. Segunda Caida wasn't much better as it was just rudo brawling. Third Caida was a little better with some dives and Romo wins the fall and the match. Pretty crappy match.
Kikuchi vs RG HUSTLE
RIP HUSTLE. I liked the promotion. This is from one of the final cards they had. Fun match as Kikuchi just kills the poor guy but RG brings the comedy.
Super Medico is from the WWC I think. Fun match thanks to Tarzan totally squashing the guy. Pogo was seconding Medico and interfered a lot. Goto wins with the Lariat and Pogo attacks him with a ring bell.
Tiger Mask IV and Mistico vs Tomoshiro Ishii and Okumura August 13th 2009 New Japan
Mostly a Mistico show off match. Okumura did most of the work in his match since he lives in Mexico now and can work with Mistico. Mistco wins with the La Mistica.
Steel Kevin Quinn and Apollo Dantes vs Atlantis Lizmark sr. and Mr. Neibla July 6th 1997 CMLL
For those that don't know Steel is Val Venis under a mask. He was a big time rudo at the time. First Caida was won by the Tecnicos when they triple teamed Steel and Neibla got a roll up. Kevin Quinn looked pretty good this caida with some nice moves. Rudo's get Dq'd in the second caida due to excessive violence. on Mr. Neibla. Ok match but mostly to further the Neibla/Steel feud.
Atushi Onita vs Grigori Vetichev May 29th 1991 FMW
This is early FMW and for some reason, Onita loved bringing in the European guys. Weird match cause Griogori isn't very good and only does Judo suplexes. and he bumps weird too. BS finish with Onita winning when the russian couldn't answer the bell when it was clear he was up. The fans boo the finish. Onita is awesome though cause when he cuts a promo, he always cries in emotion.
Caballero Del Ring and Reptil vs Sergio Romo and Ferrari AAA
Early AAA for ya. I'd say this was 1992 or so. The only guy I know is Romo because he's pretty popular in Monterrey. Reptil is basically a giant lizard and Ferrari looks like Jerry Estrada but it's not him. Romo and Ferrari win the first Caida and it wasn't that good of a caida. Lots of feeling out and mat work. Caballero and Reptil are the rudos I guess. Segunda Caida wasn't much better as it was just rudo brawling. Third Caida was a little better with some dives and Romo wins the fall and the match. Pretty crappy match.
Kikuchi vs RG HUSTLE
RIP HUSTLE. I liked the promotion. This is from one of the final cards they had. Fun match as Kikuchi just kills the poor guy but RG brings the comedy.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Matches I've been watching 11/8/09
Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I got the New Japan set and have been watching that. Currently on Disc 7 which has some good matches on it but some really bad ones like Brody/Inoki. I also got some old school Lucha dvds that I bought from Alfredo at Slambamjam.com. Mostly mid 90's cmll and some Classic Lucha. I'll review those soon. Also coming soon(next month) is a project i'm working on: The 25 days of Murdoch. From December 1st to December 25th, I'll be reviewing 1 Dick Murdoch match a day. Should be fun. Anyways, onto what i'm watching tonight:
Dave Finlay vs The Black Prince World of Sport Not sure of the date:
If you want to see a Finlay Squash match, this is for you. Black Prince does absolutley nothing and Finlay just destroy's him in every aspect, brawling, Mat wrestling etc. Kinda felt bad for the Prince watching this as he looked like a English Keith Hart.
Todd Morton vs Chase Stevens May 29th 2009 XCW Midwest
Chase Stevens is formally of the Naturals tag team with Andy Douglas. They broke up last year and have been in a bitter feud in southern indy's like SAW and USWO. Before the match we gets some great mic work from Todd Morton just burying the crowd and Douglas with insults. He is a awesome awesome guy. Pretty good match all thanks to Todd Morton. I mean Stevens wasn't bad but Morton's selling and the way he worked the crowd was just great. Stevens screws up the finish but still gets the roll up win. Good match.
Jamie Dundee vs Mitch Ryder May 29th 2009
Oh man you know this is going to be great when Dundee comes out to some rap song and a cowboy hat. OK match but not much. Jamie does some good Heel stuff and his outfit is great. That's about all I can say about this match that was good.
Dave Finlay vs The Black Prince World of Sport Not sure of the date:
If you want to see a Finlay Squash match, this is for you. Black Prince does absolutley nothing and Finlay just destroy's him in every aspect, brawling, Mat wrestling etc. Kinda felt bad for the Prince watching this as he looked like a English Keith Hart.
Todd Morton vs Chase Stevens May 29th 2009 XCW Midwest
Chase Stevens is formally of the Naturals tag team with Andy Douglas. They broke up last year and have been in a bitter feud in southern indy's like SAW and USWO. Before the match we gets some great mic work from Todd Morton just burying the crowd and Douglas with insults. He is a awesome awesome guy. Pretty good match all thanks to Todd Morton. I mean Stevens wasn't bad but Morton's selling and the way he worked the crowd was just great. Stevens screws up the finish but still gets the roll up win. Good match.
Jamie Dundee vs Mitch Ryder May 29th 2009
Oh man you know this is going to be great when Dundee comes out to some rap song and a cowboy hat. OK match but not much. Jamie does some good Heel stuff and his outfit is great. That's about all I can say about this match that was good.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Matches I've Been Watching 10/1/09
Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Great Sasuke & Kota Ibushi vs Koji Kanemoto, Ryusuke Taguchi, Dick Togo & TAKA Michinoku August 30th 2009 New Japan/ Jado Gedo Produce
This match was ok but it could have been much better without Tiger Mask. That guy just sucks period. The best part about the match was Sasuke's crazy bumps including one on the ring apron back first that had to hurt and Togo's Lucha inspired bullet dive where he lands in the 3rd row. Tiger Mask win the match for his team pinning Taguchi.
William Regal vs Christian September 13th 2009 WWE Breaking Point ECW title match
Awesome match from two of the best workers not only in wwe but in the world. The story of this match is at Summerslam, Christian beat Regal in a matter of seconds with the Killswitch. Here he tries it 3 times but Regal keeps finding a reversal. Regal brings the Brutality here with Knees to the head and dangerous Suplexes. Finally Regal screws up and Christian is able to hit the Killswitch for the win. Great match
Akebono/Kono/Hama vs. TARU/Zodiac/Doering August 30th 2009 All Japan
Hama and Akebono are probably 400 pounds each. It's like the new Awesome Kongs. Horrible match as all 6 guys aren't very good. Zodiac and Doering are ok but they get sucked down to TARU's level and he's imo the worst guy on the roster. Most of the match is built around Zodiac's problems with his partners. He would turn in September. Hama wins with a screwed up Jack Hammer on Zodiac that had to hurt. Best part of the match was the Sumo guy at ringside hitting Taru with chops.
Riki Choshu/Shiro Koshinaka vs. Osamu Nishimura/Manabu Soya August 30th 2009 All Japan
Fun match with the old guys Choshu and Koshinaka bringing the ASS BASED OFFENSE and the Lariats. Nishimura gets angry at Soya and Turns on him. Shiro does a Top Rope Ass bump on Soya for the win.
This match was ok but it could have been much better without Tiger Mask. That guy just sucks period. The best part about the match was Sasuke's crazy bumps including one on the ring apron back first that had to hurt and Togo's Lucha inspired bullet dive where he lands in the 3rd row. Tiger Mask win the match for his team pinning Taguchi.
William Regal vs Christian September 13th 2009 WWE Breaking Point ECW title match
Awesome match from two of the best workers not only in wwe but in the world. The story of this match is at Summerslam, Christian beat Regal in a matter of seconds with the Killswitch. Here he tries it 3 times but Regal keeps finding a reversal. Regal brings the Brutality here with Knees to the head and dangerous Suplexes. Finally Regal screws up and Christian is able to hit the Killswitch for the win. Great match
Akebono/Kono/Hama vs. TARU/Zodiac/Doering August 30th 2009 All Japan
Hama and Akebono are probably 400 pounds each. It's like the new Awesome Kongs. Horrible match as all 6 guys aren't very good. Zodiac and Doering are ok but they get sucked down to TARU's level and he's imo the worst guy on the roster. Most of the match is built around Zodiac's problems with his partners. He would turn in September. Hama wins with a screwed up Jack Hammer on Zodiac that had to hurt. Best part of the match was the Sumo guy at ringside hitting Taru with chops.
Riki Choshu/Shiro Koshinaka vs. Osamu Nishimura/Manabu Soya August 30th 2009 All Japan
Fun match with the old guys Choshu and Koshinaka bringing the ASS BASED OFFENSE and the Lariats. Nishimura gets angry at Soya and Turns on him. Shiro does a Top Rope Ass bump on Soya for the win.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
matches I've been watching 9/30/09
TUAREG(Arkangel, Loco Max and Dr. X) vs Maximo, mascara dorada y metro September 6th 2009 CMLL Arena Puebla
The Tuareg is a group of lowercard rudos that banded together cause they aren't used right. The group is awesome though as they are great bumpers for the tecnicos. Dorada is the best of the bunch in this match when he's on and Maximo is pretty boring with the gay gimmick but I give him a pass cause he's the son of SUPER PORKY. First Caida started out good with a insane Loco Max bump off of a Monkey Flip where he got major air and a Metro tope for a Tecnico win. Nothing else really stood out till the 3rd Caida when Dorada hit a beatiful running senton to the outside and the Tecnicos won that fall. This was average and better than the other matches on the card.
XCW Midwest Legends of the Garden Night 2 3/4/09
XCW Midwest is a southern promotion in Indiana ran by longtime memphis wrestler and former Chikara guy Mitch Ryder. Reminds a lot of people of the old USWA. Here's a review of the card. Some match reviews shorter than others:
Jeff Daniels vs Buddy Landell
Mitch Ryder vs Tracy Smothers
Daniels reminds me of Dutch mantell in his look. He's a Nashville guy who works for USWO now. Buddy looks really bad here and wrestled in a short in a very short match. He got DQ'd for using Brass knux in a cheap finish.
Ryder/Smothers was better cause Tracy is awesome at getting crowd heat. It's a taped fist match and these guys brawl all over the place. Ryder gets a roll up win and gets beat down for it.
Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson vs Tommy Rich & Doug Gilbert vs Shawn Cook & Cody Hawk
I thought seeing Landell like that was sad but man it looks like Tommy Rich is going to have quadruplets. He's got to be over 340 now and can hardly move. Gilbert and Morton look about the same. Cody and Cook are new guys who are pretty good. The match was fine for what it was with Cook and Hawk getting the win.
Todd Morton vs Bill Dundee
Morton is your classic Memphis style heel that stooges and cheats to win. He did that to a tee here and made the match enjoyable. The way he sells a punch is great. Dundee is a little older but he's still in good shape and was ok in the match. Morton wins when he uses THE CHAIN on Dundee. Great fnish.
Bull Pain vs Flash Flanagan
Both these guys are vets of the sport. Bull Pain has been all around the world and now looks like a biker while Flash is a mainstay these days in Puerto Rico for IWA. He's also the XCW champion and the title is on the line. Good match but not great. Flanagan gets the win after a ref bump and Todd Morton comes in and attacks Pain so Flash can get the win.
The Tuareg is a group of lowercard rudos that banded together cause they aren't used right. The group is awesome though as they are great bumpers for the tecnicos. Dorada is the best of the bunch in this match when he's on and Maximo is pretty boring with the gay gimmick but I give him a pass cause he's the son of SUPER PORKY. First Caida started out good with a insane Loco Max bump off of a Monkey Flip where he got major air and a Metro tope for a Tecnico win. Nothing else really stood out till the 3rd Caida when Dorada hit a beatiful running senton to the outside and the Tecnicos won that fall. This was average and better than the other matches on the card.
XCW Midwest Legends of the Garden Night 2 3/4/09
XCW Midwest is a southern promotion in Indiana ran by longtime memphis wrestler and former Chikara guy Mitch Ryder. Reminds a lot of people of the old USWA. Here's a review of the card. Some match reviews shorter than others:
Jeff Daniels vs Buddy Landell
Mitch Ryder vs Tracy Smothers
Daniels reminds me of Dutch mantell in his look. He's a Nashville guy who works for USWO now. Buddy looks really bad here and wrestled in a short in a very short match. He got DQ'd for using Brass knux in a cheap finish.
Ryder/Smothers was better cause Tracy is awesome at getting crowd heat. It's a taped fist match and these guys brawl all over the place. Ryder gets a roll up win and gets beat down for it.
Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson vs Tommy Rich & Doug Gilbert vs Shawn Cook & Cody Hawk
I thought seeing Landell like that was sad but man it looks like Tommy Rich is going to have quadruplets. He's got to be over 340 now and can hardly move. Gilbert and Morton look about the same. Cody and Cook are new guys who are pretty good. The match was fine for what it was with Cook and Hawk getting the win.
Todd Morton vs Bill Dundee
Morton is your classic Memphis style heel that stooges and cheats to win. He did that to a tee here and made the match enjoyable. The way he sells a punch is great. Dundee is a little older but he's still in good shape and was ok in the match. Morton wins when he uses THE CHAIN on Dundee. Great fnish.
Bull Pain vs Flash Flanagan
Both these guys are vets of the sport. Bull Pain has been all around the world and now looks like a biker while Flash is a mainstay these days in Puerto Rico for IWA. He's also the XCW champion and the title is on the line. Good match but not great. Flanagan gets the win after a ref bump and Todd Morton comes in and attacks Pain so Flash can get the win.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Matches I've been watching 9/28/09
Jim Breaks vs Johnny Saint March 14th 1973
I'm not sure if that's the right date or not. These are two of the best WoS(World of Sport) guys ever. Saint was recently in CHIKARA at the age of 60 something. It's really amazing how fast and agile Saint is when you watch him. He kinda reminds me of Kevin Von Erich with better maneuvers. Breaks is known as the "Crybaby" and is a great heel. The match is pretty good with Breaks stooging out of moves and crying and Saint is just such a technical master he can get out of anything. The first pinfall occurs around the 4th fall and it goes to Saint. Some good drama is added as Breaks tries to come back in the final round down 1-0 and with a bloody nose but it's not enough as Saint gets his 2nd fall and gets a title shot.
Johnny Saint vs Ken Joyce June 24th 1981
I don't know who Joyce is but he looks like a veteran. Saint at this time is the Light Heavyweight champion. Joyce kinda looks like Sam the Butcher from Brady Bunch. This is a fun match with lots of wacky holds and counters. Saint wins 2-0 but Joyce looked good for a old timer.
Jerry Lawler vs Jeff Jarrett December 20 1993
Jarrett is the heel here in his Double J gimmick and Lawler had been fired from WWF after his Rape scandal. I really wanted to like this match but two things about it just bothered me. One was the heel schtick by Jarrett. He was brand new as a heel after having his whole career as a face up to this. He wasn't very good at it and it showed against one of my favorite wrestlers ever in Lawler. The second reason is the horrible commentary by Corey Maclin. Maclin was deep into his "Black Lance Russell" voice here. Plus the match was uber long( over 25 minutes) and the finish was very predictable. Normally I like matches like that but this wasn't the case.
Dick Murdoch vs Otto Wanz December 21st 1986 Germany
Murdoch is right up there with Lawler and Savage as my favorite wrestler ever. Otto Wanz is HUGE in Germany and is a big fat guy so I'm looking forward to this. If you like punches and fat guys laying on the ground selling the leg, you'll love this match. Murdoch was his usual great self but carrying Otto Wanz is like fight a beached Whale. Wanz won by the way but that shouldn't shock you.
I'm not sure if that's the right date or not. These are two of the best WoS(World of Sport) guys ever. Saint was recently in CHIKARA at the age of 60 something. It's really amazing how fast and agile Saint is when you watch him. He kinda reminds me of Kevin Von Erich with better maneuvers. Breaks is known as the "Crybaby" and is a great heel. The match is pretty good with Breaks stooging out of moves and crying and Saint is just such a technical master he can get out of anything. The first pinfall occurs around the 4th fall and it goes to Saint. Some good drama is added as Breaks tries to come back in the final round down 1-0 and with a bloody nose but it's not enough as Saint gets his 2nd fall and gets a title shot.
Johnny Saint vs Ken Joyce June 24th 1981
I don't know who Joyce is but he looks like a veteran. Saint at this time is the Light Heavyweight champion. Joyce kinda looks like Sam the Butcher from Brady Bunch. This is a fun match with lots of wacky holds and counters. Saint wins 2-0 but Joyce looked good for a old timer.
Jerry Lawler vs Jeff Jarrett December 20 1993
Jarrett is the heel here in his Double J gimmick and Lawler had been fired from WWF after his Rape scandal. I really wanted to like this match but two things about it just bothered me. One was the heel schtick by Jarrett. He was brand new as a heel after having his whole career as a face up to this. He wasn't very good at it and it showed against one of my favorite wrestlers ever in Lawler. The second reason is the horrible commentary by Corey Maclin. Maclin was deep into his "Black Lance Russell" voice here. Plus the match was uber long( over 25 minutes) and the finish was very predictable. Normally I like matches like that but this wasn't the case.
Dick Murdoch vs Otto Wanz December 21st 1986 Germany
Murdoch is right up there with Lawler and Savage as my favorite wrestler ever. Otto Wanz is HUGE in Germany and is a big fat guy so I'm looking forward to this. If you like punches and fat guys laying on the ground selling the leg, you'll love this match. Murdoch was his usual great self but carrying Otto Wanz is like fight a beached Whale. Wanz won by the way but that shouldn't shock you.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Matches I've been watching 9/25/09
El Dandy and Satanico vs MS-1 and Maskare CMLL 8/11/89
Satanico is a former partner of MS-1 and Maskare in Los Infernales. The first Caida is all Dandy/Satanico as they just dominate the rudos with wacky submissions and a pinfall. The Segunda Caida features the rudos making a comeback and bloody up Satanico. MS-1 hits a beatufiul Superfly splash for the win. Things get out of control in the 3rd Caida when Dandy and Satanico bloody up the rudos and the finish is a foul(kick to the nuts) by the rudos and the Tecnicos win. Good match but a little too much of a brawl for my taste.
El Dandy vs Bestia Salvaje CMLL sometime in 1992
Two of the best mat workers in Lucha put on a classic. It's a title match so you know they bring it. Pretty much a feeling out process in the 1st caida with Bestia getting the win with some sitting submission. Segunda Caida is a little better with Dandy coming back and winning the fall with a roll up. These are usually how these matches go, 2 short falls and one long dramatic fall. The 3rd Caida is just outstanding. Lots of back and forth action and crazy ass topes. Bestia wins when Dandy goes for a superplex but Satanico trips him up and Bestia lands on him for the win. Great stuff and must see.
Atlantis vs Jerry Estrada November 1984
This is rare Lucha as both guys are young and you don't get to see a lot of early 80's Lucha. Pretty awesome match as Altantis is just a rookie here and Estrada is in tights which is weird. Estrada bumps like a freak like always and Atlantis gets the win. Good stuff.
Satanico is a former partner of MS-1 and Maskare in Los Infernales. The first Caida is all Dandy/Satanico as they just dominate the rudos with wacky submissions and a pinfall. The Segunda Caida features the rudos making a comeback and bloody up Satanico. MS-1 hits a beatufiul Superfly splash for the win. Things get out of control in the 3rd Caida when Dandy and Satanico bloody up the rudos and the finish is a foul(kick to the nuts) by the rudos and the Tecnicos win. Good match but a little too much of a brawl for my taste.
El Dandy vs Bestia Salvaje CMLL sometime in 1992
Two of the best mat workers in Lucha put on a classic. It's a title match so you know they bring it. Pretty much a feeling out process in the 1st caida with Bestia getting the win with some sitting submission. Segunda Caida is a little better with Dandy coming back and winning the fall with a roll up. These are usually how these matches go, 2 short falls and one long dramatic fall. The 3rd Caida is just outstanding. Lots of back and forth action and crazy ass topes. Bestia wins when Dandy goes for a superplex but Satanico trips him up and Bestia lands on him for the win. Great stuff and must see.
Atlantis vs Jerry Estrada November 1984
This is rare Lucha as both guys are young and you don't get to see a lot of early 80's Lucha. Pretty awesome match as Altantis is just a rookie here and Estrada is in tights which is weird. Estrada bumps like a freak like always and Atlantis gets the win. Good stuff.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Matches I've been watching 9/23/09 Japan part 2
Kenta Kobashi and Johnny Ace vs Akira Taue and Honda All Japan
Not sure of the date on this. If I had to guess it was probably late 90's. This was ok with most of the focus on Taue vs Kobashi since I think they were heading towards a singles match. It's really short(only 7 minutes with lots of cuts). Taue beats Kobashi after a lot of moves like a High Kick and chokeslam. Best thing about this is after the match Ace turns on Kobashi and forms a group with Johnny Smith and Jim Steele. Akiyama makes a save a and brawl breaks out. Good angle right there.
Keiji Muto 25th Anniversary Special Tag Match: Keiji Muto & Masakatsu Funaki vs Masahiro Chono & Minoru Suzuki August 30th 2009
This is a pretty special match as not only is it Muto's 25th anniversary match but it's Funaki's return to pro wrestling after many years. Funaki is probably the biggest name in Japan MMA as he co founded Pancrase with Minoru Suzuki and was very popular there with a lot of big time wins over Ken Shamrock, Bas Rutten and others. He was also big in the New Japan and UWF. As for the match, It was pretty cool to see Chono as he's pretty bad now due to all the injuries but he still has that presense that he's the god damn man. Funaki didn't look bad although he screwed up a few moves like a dive but that's ok for his first match back. The finish was nice too as Muto just hit the shining wizard on everyone and put the moonsalt on Chono for the win. Good match
Mil Mascaras & King Krow[Dan Kroffat] vs Seiji Sakaguchi & Masa Saito, (JWA 6/12/72)
Real old school puro here. Dan Kroffat is not the guy that wrestled in WWF as Phil Lafon. He's the original guy that wrestled in Puerto Rico. I'll be honest, I didn't like this match too much. It was just boring as hell. The Japanese team won the first fall while Mascaras won the 2nd fall for his team with a nice bodypress. Mascaras team wins the match and they brawl to finish it.
Not sure of the date on this. If I had to guess it was probably late 90's. This was ok with most of the focus on Taue vs Kobashi since I think they were heading towards a singles match. It's really short(only 7 minutes with lots of cuts). Taue beats Kobashi after a lot of moves like a High Kick and chokeslam. Best thing about this is after the match Ace turns on Kobashi and forms a group with Johnny Smith and Jim Steele. Akiyama makes a save a and brawl breaks out. Good angle right there.
Keiji Muto 25th Anniversary Special Tag Match: Keiji Muto & Masakatsu Funaki vs Masahiro Chono & Minoru Suzuki August 30th 2009
This is a pretty special match as not only is it Muto's 25th anniversary match but it's Funaki's return to pro wrestling after many years. Funaki is probably the biggest name in Japan MMA as he co founded Pancrase with Minoru Suzuki and was very popular there with a lot of big time wins over Ken Shamrock, Bas Rutten and others. He was also big in the New Japan and UWF. As for the match, It was pretty cool to see Chono as he's pretty bad now due to all the injuries but he still has that presense that he's the god damn man. Funaki didn't look bad although he screwed up a few moves like a dive but that's ok for his first match back. The finish was nice too as Muto just hit the shining wizard on everyone and put the moonsalt on Chono for the win. Good match
Mil Mascaras & King Krow[Dan Kroffat] vs Seiji Sakaguchi & Masa Saito, (JWA 6/12/72)
Real old school puro here. Dan Kroffat is not the guy that wrestled in WWF as Phil Lafon. He's the original guy that wrestled in Puerto Rico. I'll be honest, I didn't like this match too much. It was just boring as hell. The Japanese team won the first fall while Mascaras won the 2nd fall for his team with a nice bodypress. Mascaras team wins the match and they brawl to finish it.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Matches I've been watching 9/22/09 Japan version
So I have a whole bunch of Puro matches on my comp that I haven't watched, here are some of them:
The Destroyer vs Mil Mascaras July 25th 1974
Old school Puro right here. I've always liked the little i've seen of Destroyer and haven't been too keen on Mascaras. He's always been known as the main luchador to come out of Mexico but I've found him to be pretty boring. I figured this was going to be a match that is 99% on the Mat and I was right but there is hardly ever been a better mat worker than Destroyer. It's a 2 out of 3 falls match so Destroyer wins the first fall with a nice looking(for it's time) knee drop from the top rope. The second fall is shorter with Mascaras doing a lot of nice highflying moves and wins the second fall with a top rope body press. The third fall is what really makes this a classic. Destroyer keeps trying to put on his famous leg work but Mascaras keeps getting out of it. When he finally does put it on, the place goes crazy with Photogrophers(including one that looks like about 7 or 8} getting on the ring apron taking pictures and the young boys pushing them away to leave. The end of the match features Mascaras getting injured about a Destroyer headbutt to the leg and forfiting. Kind of a let down ending yet drama filled. Great match though and a must see.
Stan Hansen, Johnny Ace and Dr. Death Steve Williams vs Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa and Kikuchi May 18 1994
A lot of people say that All Japan 90's might be the best era of wrestling ever. I'm not one of those people but I admit they had some great matches. Hansen and Dr. Death are Japan legends and well Johnny Ace is known as head of talent relations in WWE and riding a skateboard with Shane Douglas. However, I've been told he was great in Japan so I figured I would try this match out. The Problem with a lot of these 6 man All Japan matches to me is they all blend together and few rarely have something that stand out. That's not to say they are bad but they just aren't that interesting to me. I wanted to like this but it was just to run of the mill type stuff. It wasn't bad but nothing stuck out. The finish was nice as Hansen hits a brutal looking Lariat on Kobashi and Misawa lands on his head after a Dr. Death backdrop driver for the win.
Hansen vs Misawa from the Champions Carnival 1991 JIP
This is joined in Progress and only ten minutes is shown. Now this is a great match for what's show. It's hate filled and has tons of drama. Plus they go in the crowd and scare the women and people throw stuff and Hansen. Hansen wins the match after a few lariats and a sick looking Samoan Drop where he puts all his body weight on Misawa's cheast. I'd really like to see the full match though but what's show is great.
Triple Crown match: Stan Hansen vs Misawa August 22nd 1992
Hansen is the champ coming in. It gets off to a slow start but the crowd is hot and that helps things a little bit. The match had a epic feel going into the final stretch the announcer going absolutley crazy and the fans too. Misawa hits a insane forearm and knockouts of Hansen for the 3. The problem is right after that Hansen gets up and leaves not selling anything. The hell man?
Satoshi Kojima, KAI & Hiroshi Yamato vs Kenta Kobashi, Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Akihiko Ito All Japan August 30th 2009
This is Kobashi's return to All Japan after almost a decade when he left for NOAH. Kobashi now reminds me of 2008 Ric Flair, sometimes he can pull out some ok matches but he's pretty much a one trick pony now and it's sad. All he does anymore is chops. I respect the guy for coming back from Cancer and other problems but man he should really retire. Especially after what happened to Misawa. To me Japanese wrestling is hard to watch these days. It's mostly just spots, Forearms, kicks and FIGHTING SPIRIT. That can work at times when the right guy do it but after a while it just gets boring. After saying that, This match was great. Maybe because I'm a Kobashi mark and seeing him back in All Japan makes me giddy but i loved this. All the guys brought their A game to the table especially Kobashi and Kojima. Kikuchi as always looks great and I"m a big fan of KAI. It was almost like for one night the old Kobashi came back. Sure it's a little bit slower but it's still Kobashi. The match has a nice ending stretch with Kojima just killing Ito with a Hansen like Lariat. Fun match to watch if you are a Kobashi fan.
The Destroyer vs Mil Mascaras July 25th 1974
Old school Puro right here. I've always liked the little i've seen of Destroyer and haven't been too keen on Mascaras. He's always been known as the main luchador to come out of Mexico but I've found him to be pretty boring. I figured this was going to be a match that is 99% on the Mat and I was right but there is hardly ever been a better mat worker than Destroyer. It's a 2 out of 3 falls match so Destroyer wins the first fall with a nice looking(for it's time) knee drop from the top rope. The second fall is shorter with Mascaras doing a lot of nice highflying moves and wins the second fall with a top rope body press. The third fall is what really makes this a classic. Destroyer keeps trying to put on his famous leg work but Mascaras keeps getting out of it. When he finally does put it on, the place goes crazy with Photogrophers(including one that looks like about 7 or 8} getting on the ring apron taking pictures and the young boys pushing them away to leave. The end of the match features Mascaras getting injured about a Destroyer headbutt to the leg and forfiting. Kind of a let down ending yet drama filled. Great match though and a must see.
Stan Hansen, Johnny Ace and Dr. Death Steve Williams vs Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa and Kikuchi May 18 1994
A lot of people say that All Japan 90's might be the best era of wrestling ever. I'm not one of those people but I admit they had some great matches. Hansen and Dr. Death are Japan legends and well Johnny Ace is known as head of talent relations in WWE and riding a skateboard with Shane Douglas. However, I've been told he was great in Japan so I figured I would try this match out. The Problem with a lot of these 6 man All Japan matches to me is they all blend together and few rarely have something that stand out. That's not to say they are bad but they just aren't that interesting to me. I wanted to like this but it was just to run of the mill type stuff. It wasn't bad but nothing stuck out. The finish was nice as Hansen hits a brutal looking Lariat on Kobashi and Misawa lands on his head after a Dr. Death backdrop driver for the win.
Hansen vs Misawa from the Champions Carnival 1991 JIP
This is joined in Progress and only ten minutes is shown. Now this is a great match for what's show. It's hate filled and has tons of drama. Plus they go in the crowd and scare the women and people throw stuff and Hansen. Hansen wins the match after a few lariats and a sick looking Samoan Drop where he puts all his body weight on Misawa's cheast. I'd really like to see the full match though but what's show is great.
Triple Crown match: Stan Hansen vs Misawa August 22nd 1992
Hansen is the champ coming in. It gets off to a slow start but the crowd is hot and that helps things a little bit. The match had a epic feel going into the final stretch the announcer going absolutley crazy and the fans too. Misawa hits a insane forearm and knockouts of Hansen for the 3. The problem is right after that Hansen gets up and leaves not selling anything. The hell man?
Satoshi Kojima, KAI & Hiroshi Yamato vs Kenta Kobashi, Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Akihiko Ito All Japan August 30th 2009
This is Kobashi's return to All Japan after almost a decade when he left for NOAH. Kobashi now reminds me of 2008 Ric Flair, sometimes he can pull out some ok matches but he's pretty much a one trick pony now and it's sad. All he does anymore is chops. I respect the guy for coming back from Cancer and other problems but man he should really retire. Especially after what happened to Misawa. To me Japanese wrestling is hard to watch these days. It's mostly just spots, Forearms, kicks and FIGHTING SPIRIT. That can work at times when the right guy do it but after a while it just gets boring. After saying that, This match was great. Maybe because I'm a Kobashi mark and seeing him back in All Japan makes me giddy but i loved this. All the guys brought their A game to the table especially Kobashi and Kojima. Kikuchi as always looks great and I"m a big fan of KAI. It was almost like for one night the old Kobashi came back. Sure it's a little bit slower but it's still Kobashi. The match has a nice ending stretch with Kojima just killing Ito with a Hansen like Lariat. Fun match to watch if you are a Kobashi fan.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Matches I've been watching 9/19/09
Ole and Arn Anderson vs Rick and Scott Steiner WrestleWar February 1990
Before I downloaded this match I had no idea Ole was still wrestling into 1990. This was a good match but Scott was still green here as I don't even think he had been in wrestling for a year yet. I know he started in Memphis though. Arn and Rick do a good job holding the match together and Rick wins with a roll up.
Barry Windham vs Brian Pillman April 6 1991 WCW Pro
Pillman comes in with a injured arm yet he does a perfect arm drag with it. I'm not the biggest fan of Windham as I think he's a little overrated. The funny thing about this is it's Pillman that goes after Windham's arm for half the match and it's about 7 minutes into the match before Windham finally goes after Pillman's injury. Once Windham start his attack he continues with it. Pillman tries to come back but Windham rolls him up and holds the tights for the 3. This was an ok match with Windham looking good. The best part is after the match Pillman keeps on attacking Windham when Larry Z tries to talk to him and Windham just destroys the arm. El Gigante makes the save.
Scott Steiner vs Steve Austin March 14th 1992
Austin is a member of the Dangerous Alliance and Paul E is on commentary with JR so you know that's going to be entertaining. Madusa is at ringside and right away she interferes in the match. Steiner is reckless as he almost drops Austin on his neck during a Tilt a Whirl move. Paul E is really classic in commentary as he just bashes the company and even Jesse Ventura. If it wasn't for Paul E, this match wouldn't have been worth watching as Scott isn't really motivated and Austin is not what he was later in the year. The Alliance come in for the DQ and Rick Steiner makes the save.
Scott Steiner vs The Bounty Hunter July 7th 1989
This must have been one of Steiner's first WCW matches. He comes out to "Hot Stuff". I'm trying to think who the Bounty Hunter is. He kinda looks like a smaller version of Hercules Hernandez. It's probably Jack Victory though as he was almost every masked gimmick in NWA in the late 80's. The match was pretty bad as it went on way too long and neither guy was really good. It reminded me of one of those Memphis TV studio squash matches where it's competative but it shouldn't me. Bounty Hunter is no Ken Raper though. Steiner hits his fallaway backflip slam move for the win which would have looked nice if he didn't screw it up.
Steiner Brothers vs Lex Luger and Mr. Hughes November 23rd 1991
Luger was the WCW champion at the time and Hughes was his body guard. Luger and Rick had just fought Rick Steiner at the previous week's Clash. This match is short but I will never tire of The steiners belly to belly suplexing guys like Hughes and Vader. Hughes is a crazy man as he takes a Rick Steiner Power Slam and then Rick gives him a back drop but Hughes lands right on his head and that had to cause a Concussion as Hughes didn't get up for a few seconds. Right after that Rick hits him with a vicious bulldog but Hughes took most of Rick's Body weight on his neck and the Steiners win. Shot but Brutal match.
Steiner Brothers vs Arn Anderson and Steve Austin WCW Saturday Night June 1992
This is a couple weeks before Beach Blast so the announcers plug the Steiners/MVC match. Ole Anderson is the ref and this was when he was the lead WCW official. The Dangerous Alliance were at it's peak during the summer of 1992 and Anderson/Austin were great in this match. Of course this is Bill Watts WCW so everyone worked hard. The Steiners win the match after Ole doesn't see a tag by Arn and Rick hits the Sunset Flip on Austin. Good match
Before I downloaded this match I had no idea Ole was still wrestling into 1990. This was a good match but Scott was still green here as I don't even think he had been in wrestling for a year yet. I know he started in Memphis though. Arn and Rick do a good job holding the match together and Rick wins with a roll up.
Barry Windham vs Brian Pillman April 6 1991 WCW Pro
Pillman comes in with a injured arm yet he does a perfect arm drag with it. I'm not the biggest fan of Windham as I think he's a little overrated. The funny thing about this is it's Pillman that goes after Windham's arm for half the match and it's about 7 minutes into the match before Windham finally goes after Pillman's injury. Once Windham start his attack he continues with it. Pillman tries to come back but Windham rolls him up and holds the tights for the 3. This was an ok match with Windham looking good. The best part is after the match Pillman keeps on attacking Windham when Larry Z tries to talk to him and Windham just destroys the arm. El Gigante makes the save.
Scott Steiner vs Steve Austin March 14th 1992
Austin is a member of the Dangerous Alliance and Paul E is on commentary with JR so you know that's going to be entertaining. Madusa is at ringside and right away she interferes in the match. Steiner is reckless as he almost drops Austin on his neck during a Tilt a Whirl move. Paul E is really classic in commentary as he just bashes the company and even Jesse Ventura. If it wasn't for Paul E, this match wouldn't have been worth watching as Scott isn't really motivated and Austin is not what he was later in the year. The Alliance come in for the DQ and Rick Steiner makes the save.
Scott Steiner vs The Bounty Hunter July 7th 1989
This must have been one of Steiner's first WCW matches. He comes out to "Hot Stuff". I'm trying to think who the Bounty Hunter is. He kinda looks like a smaller version of Hercules Hernandez. It's probably Jack Victory though as he was almost every masked gimmick in NWA in the late 80's. The match was pretty bad as it went on way too long and neither guy was really good. It reminded me of one of those Memphis TV studio squash matches where it's competative but it shouldn't me. Bounty Hunter is no Ken Raper though. Steiner hits his fallaway backflip slam move for the win which would have looked nice if he didn't screw it up.
Steiner Brothers vs Lex Luger and Mr. Hughes November 23rd 1991
Luger was the WCW champion at the time and Hughes was his body guard. Luger and Rick had just fought Rick Steiner at the previous week's Clash. This match is short but I will never tire of The steiners belly to belly suplexing guys like Hughes and Vader. Hughes is a crazy man as he takes a Rick Steiner Power Slam and then Rick gives him a back drop but Hughes lands right on his head and that had to cause a Concussion as Hughes didn't get up for a few seconds. Right after that Rick hits him with a vicious bulldog but Hughes took most of Rick's Body weight on his neck and the Steiners win. Shot but Brutal match.
Steiner Brothers vs Arn Anderson and Steve Austin WCW Saturday Night June 1992
This is a couple weeks before Beach Blast so the announcers plug the Steiners/MVC match. Ole Anderson is the ref and this was when he was the lead WCW official. The Dangerous Alliance were at it's peak during the summer of 1992 and Anderson/Austin were great in this match. Of course this is Bill Watts WCW so everyone worked hard. The Steiners win the match after Ole doesn't see a tag by Arn and Rick hits the Sunset Flip on Austin. Good match
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