Pro Wrestling Love vol. 36: Best of WWF 1978-1983 (Bob Backlund, Sgt. Slaughter, Greg Valentine)

Hey Yo Stud Muffins & Foxy Ladies,

Dedicated to the Titans of Wrestling, Parv, Pete, Kelly & Johnny.

Thanks for all the laughs & the memories.

Pro Wrestling Love vol. 36:

The Best of World Wrestling Federation 1978-1983

Objective:  Break up the Greatest Match Ever Project (hosted at http://gweproject.freeforums.net/) into more manageable chunks to help me build my Top 100 List for the project.

Motivation: Contribute to the discussion around these matches to enrich my own understanding of pro wrestling and give a fresh perspective for old matches and even hopefully discover great pro wrestling matches that have been hidden by the sands of time.

Subject: This thirty-sixth volume of Pro Wrestling Love is the beginning of the Top 12 countdown of the best matches to take place in World Wrestling Federation between 1978-1983. This era in WWF history is the Bob Backlund Era. Bob Backlund won the WWF Championship from “Superstar” Billy Graham in February of 1978 and held it until December of 1983 losing to The Iron Sheik. During this time period, Bob Backlund was a major draw in the Northeast especially at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This was the twilight of the Vince Sr era as Vince Jr would transition to control in 1982. Bob Backlund has become one of my favorite wrestlers upon rewatch starting back in 2013 and I am very excited to present these two volumes of Pro Wrestling Love which will showcase him at his best. I think the best way to explain Bob’s psychology is “Anything you can do, Bob can do better”. As you read these match reviews this will become readily apparent. I cant do this era justice so please I implore go listen to the greatest podcast of all time: Titans Of Wrestling which chronicles the Bob Backlund years of the WWF starting in 1979. You can revisit past Pro Wrestling Love Volumes at ridingspacemountain.blogspot.com. You can check out the full version of these reviews in ProWrestlingOnly.com by going to the forums and finding the folders associated with the date of the match.

Contact Info: @superstarsleeze on Twitter, Instagram & ProWrestlingOnly.com.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

DisHonorable Mention

WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Don Muraco – Spectrum 10/17/81

In the very first volume of Pro Wrestling Love, I set out the mission statement of this project to celebrate pro wrestling. However, any pro wrestling fans knows pro wrestling is far from perfect and there are some real stinkers out there. I don’t know if there is anything stinkier than this match right here. If you had to ask me what the worst match of all time is right now, this would be my choice. Not only is one of the dullest experiences of your life they go 55 MINUTES! I wrote as the conclusion to my review that silver lining is that at least they did not go a full sixty minutes.

Honorable Mentions

Greg Valentine vs Chief Jay Strongbow - Spectrum 7/21/79

Greg Valentine vs Chief Jay Strongbow – MSG 7/30/79 Indian Strap Match

The Hammer sure had a beef with Indians in the 70s. He broke Wahoo’s leg in Mid-Atlantic and he injures Strongbow here in this surprisingly hot, blood feud. This is one of the many hidden gems uncovered by Titans of Wrestling. For my Dad and my Uncles, Strongbow is one of the most memorable pro wrestlers and I was happy to finally find some great Strongbow matches.

WWF Tag Champions Rick Martel & Tony Garea vs Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito – MSG 12/29/80

WWF Tag Champions Rick Martel & Tony Garea vs Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito – WWF TV 4/4/81

WWF Tag Champions Rick Martel & Tony Garea vs Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito – WWF TV 10/17/81

“RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH NOTHING BUT PURE SALT!” One of the all-time great Vince McMahon calls. This is a shoutout to the best tag team feud in the WWF in what was usually a dire tag team division.

Sgt. Slaughter vs Pat Patterson – MSG 4/6/81

The lead in for the famous Alley Fight match that is a great match in its own right. I highly recommend watching this before for the Alley Fight to get you hyped for that match.

WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Buddy Rose – MSG 8/30/82

WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Buddy Rose – Spectrum 11/25/82 Lumberjack 

Buddy Rose is famous for the red-hot Rockers feud in the AWA and being the lead man in Portland in the late 70s/early 80s. He also had a stint as the heel challenger to Backlund in 1982. These two matches show off why Buddy Rose is such a great Backlund opponent as he is a high-energy bumping stooge, definitely check these out as they build on both men’s legacies.

WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Sgt. Slaughter – MSG 5/23/83, 

Match of the Year 1983

The year 1983 is a year of transition for the WWF as it is the first full year under Vince Jr. It is not considered one of the great years in WWF history as Vince is trying to get his building blocks in place for his national expansion thus he keeps the belt on Bob Backlund for the year and uses retreads as his challengers (Muraco & Slaughter) with Masked Superstar being the one new challenger. Slaughter, being such a great bumper, is one of Backlund's best opponents. While this is not as good as their '81 Philly series, this is still a great Backlund title defense.

Top Twelve Matches of World Wrestling Federation 1978-1983

#12. WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Ivan Koloff – MSG 8/28/78

WWF Match of the Year, 1978

Tremendous Bob Backlund match! Pretty much everything you want out of a Backlund match and more! The best part of Backlund matches are his raw power, lots of struggle, interesting, dynamic wrestling strategy and logical progression. Here you get the added bonus of more Backlund selling and his opponent getting a chance to work on top. I thought the first half of this match was the more entertaining version of the Murdoch/O'Connor Headscissors AJPW 75 match. I loved how Backlund first got into the hold as there was a ton of struggle over a hiptoss so Backlund used Koloff as a base wrapped his legs around his head and took him over that way. They traded headscissors in really compelling fashion for 15 minutes. Backlund showed his usual dogged determination. If something is working for him, he sticks with it. Koloff ALWAYS had to use the hair to keep Backlund in the headscissors or to gain the upper hand, which is a great touch. Backlund got to show off his power with incredible bridging. Koloff actually placed Backlund on the top rope and Backlund was none to pleased about that and delivered a nice short knee there. Overall, the beginning of the match was very solid established Backlund as the better wrestler and Koloff needing to use the hair. I thought everything was snug and Backlund really wrenched his stuff. Koloff began to kick Backlund in the head and drop the knee as things picked up. Backlund caught Koloff's foot on a kick and we transition into the next phase. Backlund begins to work Koloff's leg ferociously. This is exactly the opportunity Backlund looks for in a match. The leg work is super energetic, lots of movement and he is always going back to it even when Koloff gets a move in here or there. Eventually, Backlund gets a little overzealous on a wrenching and goes out to the apron. Koloff suplexes him back in and then applies a short arm scissors. Koloff works a nice rolling short arm scissors with plenty of teases to the big spot. Backlund deadlifts Koloff up and places him the top rope. That always gets me! Backlund slaps the piss outta him! This was set up nicely by Koloff putting Backlund on the top rope earlier. Backlund goes to back to the leg with a modified figure-4, but again Koloff grabs the hair. Double stomp, but sells the leg! Backbreaker by Koloff. Very rare to get to see the heel pour it on, but it is refreshing. They knock heads and Backlund goes out to the floor. I smell countout. Not so fast! Koloff rams him into he turnbuckle and suplexes him in. He misses the top rope knee drop to a big pop! Backlund sets his head too early and Koloff kicks him. This sends him outta the ring that was kinda lame. The finish was pretty cool with Koloff coming off the top rope with a stomp to Backlund's head on the apron to draw blood ending the match on cuts. Backlund gets his heat back by kicking Koloff's ass including an atomic drop.

Really entertaining match, held back by just some slow portions in the holds. This was a classic Backlund match where everything progressed nicely. You had the battle of the headscissors that established face/heel dynamics and put over Backlund's power. Then when Koloff was roughhousing; Backlund made him pay by going after the leg. You have the big Backlund highspot of the short arm scissors deadlift into his possible finish with the figure-4, before a pretty hot finish run by Koloff set up by the hair pull. Another Backlund classic!

#11. WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Ken Patera – MSG 1/21/80

I have never seen this match before and it is really awesome classic Bob Backlund. Anybody who says Bob does not sell well or cant sell should watch this match because he does a masterful job in a bearhug and maybe the best selling of a bearhug of all time. Throughout the rest of the match, Backlund continues to sell the pain and exhaustion. Before that, it was classic Backlund showing up his opponent early. Patera tried to use strength (takedowns and shoulderblocks), but was thwarted by Backlund's wrestling acumen and speed. There were some really fun one-upping shots. Now Backlund could not get anything going because Patera kept continuing to retreat to the safety of ropes. Patera carries Backlund to a corner off a side headlock, damn, stealing Bob's spot, ballsy. Patera goes after arm and uses hair pulls to keep Backlund in the armbars. Patera uses an armstretcher. Backlund was pissed about all these hair pulls so he used a boot to the face to break the hold. Backlund is classic here because he is going to beat Patera at his own game by applying an armstretcher. The rowing of the armstretcher was super over with the MSG crowd. Patera does the classic roll up counter, but Backlund expertly wraps up a headscissors. Patera escapes, only to end up back in armstretcher. Patera stomps Backlund's head to get out. Patera bodyslam only gets one with Backlund military pressing him off and Patera suplex does not fare much better. Then Patera applies the bearhug. Wow, one of the best bearhugs sequences ever. Backlund struggles so hard to get out and finally pries the arms off and hiptoss. Only to have Patera drives elbows into the back and reapplies the bearhug. Backlund's selling was perfect in how he was limp and Patera gets his shoulders to the mat. Backlund fires up only to collapse again, really well done. I love the payoff being a quick inverted atomic drop. Patera's sell of this is fucking awesome. Backlund wins a suplex struggle, but eats knees on a splash attempt. Patera hits an axehandle off the middle rope. He is looking Full Nelson to put the staggered Backlund out. Backlund slipped out and hit a massive atomic drop for a super hot nearfall. It was the first fall to go to a two count with Patera only getting his foot on rope. Patera pushed Backlund into the ref, which would trigger a No Contest, but there was an awesome heated slugfest post-match. Backlund kicked some serious. Everyone talks about the Texas Death Match, but this is a classic in its own right. The awesome Backlund shine was so much fun, loved the armstretcher tit for tat, one of the best bearhug sequences of all time and a super hot finish run with both men totally staggered and exhausted makes for an awesome match. Patera was great at his bumping and selling to really get Backlund over. I consider this one of the all-time best Backlund performances.

#10. WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Sgt. Slaughter – Spectrum 1/10/81

I can hear Johnny Sorrow of Titans of Wrestling fame talking about Kal saying Backlund was "pumping pain" into Slaughter. Kal explains that these two are just living on weird street in this match.

It is Gomer Pyle vs Howdy Doody. Dick & Kal blames Vince for getting Gomer Pyle over. Right in the front row there is a sign says "Kill Gomer Pyle" and there are constant chants of Gomer. Slaughter is really frazzled by all this and has a hard time concentrating. He muffs his ears. This is a really fun shine with the typical Backlund showing up his opponent, but Slaughter is extra good at taking the bumps. Slaughter tries to sneak attack with the swagger stick after giving Backlund the thumbs down. Them's fighting provocations. Slaughter totally whiffs on a punch and tumbles over the top rope. Love it. Backlund single leg pick up. Slaughter rams his shoulder into the post. The Backlund arm work is actually unusually lackluster. Slaughter uses headbutts to break the hold. He uses the headlock to cover up driving knuckles into Backlund's head. Backlund is really WOAHING tonight. I like Kal description of Slaughter looking like a cartoon character with his jaw, big eyes and his expressive face. The ref catches Slaughter cheating and thus he switches to the back with backbreaker and then using trunks to pull Backlund into hard strikes on the back. Backlund fires back and knocks Slaughter onto weird street with a big headbutt. HUGE PILEDRIVER! Slaughter needs a quick jab to the throat and Dick says that Backlund opponents have no alternative because Backlund is so good. He signals for the unbreakable Cobra Clutch, but Backlund slips out. Slaughter is press slammed off the top. Slaughter kicks off Backlund in the O'Connor Roll sending him crashing to the floor. Backlund is knocked loopy. This is when the match goes into overdrive. The fans are urging Backlund on as Slaughter gets a chance to recuperate. Slaughter drives Backlund back first into the railing and backbreaker on outside. He drives Backlund's head into the post and turnbuckle. Backlund is busted wide open and Slaughter is very proud of his work. Slaughter bites the cut and punches Backlund's forehead on apron.Slaughter punches himself out and Backlund fires back with two headbutts into the midsection that doubles Sarge over. Backlund whips Slaughter for him to take his signature bump. The crowd goes wild and so does Backlund who is incensed and kicks the shit out of Slaughter on the outside driving him into hard metal objects. They fight on the apron and Backlund knocks Slaughter back in the ring giving Slaughter a countout win. The post-match brawl is awesome with Backlund kicking major league ass. The ref brings the title in the ring and Slaughter uses it to crack Backlund and the ref into the head.

I thought this match did a lot better job than the Backlund/Patera match in setting up the gimmick match. I really liked Backlund/Patera match as a classic wrestling match, but this is the match that makes you want to see a bloody steel cage match. Slaughter kicked the ass of Backlund and then left Backlund laying. Plus Backlund kicking ass was also awesome. A really awesome set up match for the steel cage match.

#9. WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Adrian Adonis – MSG 1/18/82

WWF Match of the Year, 1982

In the stodgy, lumbering early 80s World Wreslting Federation, Bob Backlund brings a dynamism more akin to Mid-Atlantic. I don't want to say that is overlooked by his proponents, but I don't think his critics give him enough credit for working the cutting edge style of movement in an area where everyone was accustomed to a slower pace. Yes, Backlund works holds, but he is always working the headlock or arm and peppering in spots in between. Adonis is a perfect opponent for Backlund in this regard because he excels at bumping and moving. Even though the majority of the match revolves around a long heel in peril sequence, it never drags too much because Backlund is always working the arm and Adonis working ways to get out, but ends up thwarted in a most entertaining fashion. The story was Backlund using Adonis' desperation against him by countering at every turn from the get go. This is a Backlund staple: you go running at him with a fist and he will single leg pick up you to make you foolish. So a similar effect he was always reapplying his wristlock. Adonis rolls up on the armstretcher-rowing spot. In doing so, Adonis does manage to bloody Backlund with by rubbing his palm in Bob's face, which I was surprised caused that to happen. The hardway blood definitely helps as it feels as though the playing field is level. Adonis even busts out a proto-Sling Blade. With his newfound advantage, Adonis starts throwing bombs to win the match (neckbreaker, slams, suplexes) and Backlund is getting crazy awesome kickouts. Adonis hits a piledriver, but it is only a decent one. Backlund knocks him off the top and Adonis crotches himself in most epic fashion. Backlund gets a receipt for the the stomp to the groin with his own stomp to the groin. Backlund then shows him how you muthafuckin piledrive someone. I like how Backlund threw back these moves in Adonis' face It is a shame he used that as a transition move. Good Night Irene! Backlund dives to the outside to break the hold, but shakes himself up in the process. Adonis rams Backlund's head into the turnbuckle and taps a gusher. They tease the countout, but Backlund makes it back in. I bit on the countout finish hard. A great, great boxing match breaks out; the ref loses control and awards the match to Adonis on cuts to set up the rematch, which was on an untelevised MSG card. BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

For Backlund critics, I am sure the talking point was that he dominated the match with the wristlock forever, but I thought they worked it an entertaining fashion. The home stretch was strong and the finish fantastic. This match is a great war of attrition. Adonis throws everything he has at Backlund, but Backlund is resilient. Look at that massive kickout by Backlund after the groin shot. They both are exhausted and battered. Then Good Night Irene, the countout finish tease and the bloody boxing match at the end. Definitely one of the best Backlund title defenses. 

#8. WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Greg Valentine – MSG 10/19/81

Huge kudos to the Titans especially Pete to get me to watch this in short order. This bad boy did not disappoint.

"Anything you can do, I can do better." - Bob Backlund's motto. Whether it is out-brawling Patera, out-powering Hogan or in this match out-slugging Valentine, Backlund's game is to prove he is better than his opponent at their game. It is this attitude that truly makes him a world heavyweight champion (I acknowledged it was not recognized as a World title, but damnit Bob is my boy.).

In this match, there a countless of examples of Valentine executing a move and Backlund absorbing the move and then dishing out the same move but with even more impact and ferocity. This is established early with Valentine getting three early takedowns. Backlund fires back in rapid fire those three same takedown. Anything you can do, Hammer, I can do better and don't you forget it, pal! 

The crux of the match centers around Valentine and his full court press to apply the figure-4 on Backlund. He begins by weakening the knees. There is a great spot where Backlund gets a monkey flip out of a half crab. Anytime, Backlund looks to turn the tide, Valentine comes crashing down with a thunderous blow. Valentine tries 8 million ways to apply the figure-4, but he can't wrangle the ever-scrappy Backlund. This is just perfect pro wrestling. You can feel Valentine's frustration about not being able to apply this hold and simultaneously you feel Backlund's desperation to avoid this hold at all costs. The figure-4 becomes everything and you are totally invested in this struggle between these two competitors. Valentine tries a different tact. He turns the match into a slugfest. Against pretty much anyone else, Valentine could bully his way to victory with his vicious forearms, but not against our hero. Backlund gives as good he gets with equally vicious elbows, fists and headbutts that must have inspired BattlArts, The dynamic switch between stand up and ground really feels like you are watching BatBat match take place in early 80s WWF in MSG. It is crazy. Valentine bullies him into the ropes and goes back to the legs. He applies the figure-4 and Backlund immediately flips to his stomach. GREATEST SPOT EVER! Bow down at the altar of Bob Backlund! Again Valentine stymied switches to slugfest and this ends with a BACKLUND PILEDRIVER~! Only two for Bob, who misses the leg drop and hurts the injured leg. BattlArts headbutts from the knees ensue and they just beating the shit outta each other.

Then we get the finish. Valentine hoists Backlund up for the airplane spin, but hits the ref. Backlund ends up on top, a groggy ref counts to three, Valentine is up first and because they wearing the same trunks and have similar builds the ref hands the title incorrectly to the Hammer thus the title is held up. I get that they are setting up for a rematch and this is creative, but I didn't dig it. It is just kinda lame. I can't really explain it. It is just lame in my eyes. It knocks the match down just a peg. Still one of the all-time classics of the Backlund era, an absolute pleasure to watch and guide on how to sell the importance of a hold and a match. Terrific performance from both wrestlers.

#7. WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Greg Valentine – MSG 11/23/81

This is the rematch from last month's disputed finish show where The Hammer walked out the Champion, but did not win the match. Thus the championship is held up and there must be a winner! Backlund is red-hot to start and beats Valentine's ass from pillar to post. The Hammer was great here at selling, begging off and bumping for Backlund making him look like Superman. Valentine goes for broke rushing into the corner with double knees and jams them in the turnbuckles. Backlund gives a taste of his Hammer's medicine to the Hammer working over the leg. I will say the one thing that did bring it down for me was Backlund's kicks to the leg were not the best. I recognize this is not Shoot-Style Japan, but Backlund has those killer headbutts, punches and forearms it makes his kicks look extra weak. Valentine is selling this for all its worth and when Backlund does use his fist to work the leg or an actual hold it is better for it. Valentine tries to dig himself out of this hole with desperation lunges, but it seems too deep at first with Backlund headbutting and punching his way back into control. On a figure-4 attempt, Valentine is able to punch Bob in the head and pounce on his leg. Valentine takes Backlund to school. No disrespect to the champ, but this is how you do it. Backlund fights him off and throws some wicked European Uppercuts to Valentine's leg from ground. Holy shit, both their legs are just shot and I am loving the double leg psychology. Valentine just grabs Backlunds ankle and scoots out and wraps his knee around the post. There is no avoiding it this time, Backlund is taken into the Figure-4 twice and his mettle is tested, but GOSHDARNIT HE IS BOB BACKLUND AND HE NEVER GIVES UP. With every fiber of his being and muscles bulging, Bob turns Valentine into the ropes. Both men are just exhausted. Valentine is the first one to try a suplex for a victory, but he can't capitalize. Backlund hits a magnificient, textbook German with a beautiful bridge to win the match! MSG explodes and Backlund leads him in a proto-Yes chant. I agree with the Titans this feels like the climax of Bob Backlund's reign. I thought this was exactly on par with the original 1981 match. I thought the original one just felt a bit grittier. Valentine was more frustrated and Backlund scrappier, but this one had sweet feel-good finish. It is a total toss-up; both are all-time classics.

Pro Wrestling Love vol. 28: Best of AWA 1983-1990 (Nick Bockwinkel, Curt Hennig, Shawn Michaels)

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Pro Wrestling Love vol. 27: Best of AWA 1983-1990 (Nick Bockwinkel, Curt Hennig, Shawn Michaels)

Hey Yo Stud Muffins & Foxy Ladies,

Pro Wrestling Love vol. 27:

The Best of American Wrestling Association 1983-1990

Objective:  Break up the Greatest Match Ever Project (hosted at gwe.freeforums.project.net) into more manageable chunks to help me build my Top 100 List for the project.

Motivation: Contribute to the discussion around these matches to enrich my own understanding of pro wrestling and give a fresh perspective for old matches and even hopefully discover great pro wrestling matches that have been hidden by the sands of time.

Subject: This twenty-seventh volume of Pro Wrestling Love is the beginning of the Top 12 countdown of the best matches to take place in American Wrestling Association between 1983-1990. The time period is set because this was the peak of the territorial era in regards to footage. Footage before 1983 in regards to American wrestling is a dicey proposition. There are some gaps after 1983, but for the most part from 1983 on we have everything. Originally I was going to end this countdown in 1987 as believe that to be the end of the territorial era (Crockett buys out Watts and World Class & AWA are on their death bed), but I figure I might as well include 1988-1990 because that’s when the AWA closed. You can revisit past Pro Wrestling Love Volumes at ridingspacemountain.blogspot.com. You can check out the full version of these reviews in ProWrestlingOnly.com by going to the forums and finding the folders associated with the date of the match.

Contact Info: @superstarsleeze on Twitter, Instagram & ProWrestlingOnly.com.

Rest In Peace, Bock. Thanks for all the entertainment. 

Honorable Mentions

Sheik Ayatollah Blackwell & Sheik Adnan al-Kaisse vs 

Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke Taped Fist Match 3/13/83

Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon vs. Sheik Ayatollah Blackwell & Sheik Adnan – 4/24/83

AWA World Tag Team Champions The Sheiks (Patera & Blackwell) vs High Flyers – 11/24/83

Crusher Blackwell & Sgt. Slaughter vs. Sheik Adnan, Masked Superstar & King Tonga 

Steel Cage 4/21/85

The biggest discovery of the AWA set was Crusher Ayatollah Jerry Blackwell. Call him what you will, but you will call him awesome. He looks like the most unathletic tub of goo you would ever see, but looks can be deceiving. He is one of the most agile big men there ever was and one of the most psychologically sound. His “weeble wobble” but they don’t fall down selling is so good and makes every bump mean something. I love how he uses the splash in all his matches. I don’t want to give it away but pay special attention to his splash psychology. His feud with the AWA old timers such as Mad Dog, Baron, Da Crusher (over who the real Crusher is) and of course the Boss, Verne is one of the best of all time. I highly recommend the taped fist against the Baron & Mad Dog. This serves as a lead-in for two arch-enemies, Verne & Mad Dog, coming together against a common enemy, the Sheiks! There is more to come from the Blackwell vs Mad Dog feud and more to come from the Sheiks as a tag team. There is also some great Blackwell pre-1983 that we will get to when I cover US Wrestling from 1978-1982 in a separate blog. Jerry Blackwell is a marvel and should be discussed more as an all-time great in US wrestling.

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Jumbo Tsuruta vs Rick Martel – 5/13/84

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel vs Nick Bockwinkel – 8/16/84

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel vs Mr. Saito – 4/24/85

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel vs Terry Gordy – August 1985

While the rest of the country was debating Hogan vs. Flair, the AWA put their faith in a handsome Quebecois named Rick Martel, who wrestled like a fired up babyface in the vein of a Jack Brisco or a Ricky Steamboat. The results in the ring were awesome. He would have better matches with Jumbo & Bock that will be discussed later, but I definitely recommend seeking out the Saito & Gordy matches. Saito was another gem along the lines of a Blackwell as someone who stood out as a great pro wrestler that does not get much play. Martel brings all the sympathetic selling of a Ricky Steamboat with the offensive firepower of a Tito Santana making him a contender for the greatest pure babyface in the history of US wrestling.

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler vs Curt Hennig – 7/19/88

AWA World Champion Jerry Lawler vs WCWA World Champion Kerry Von Erich 

Superclash III

Jerry Lawler spent roughly fifteen year of trying to win the NWA or AWA World Championships but could never wrest the title from Bockwinkel, Harley, Flair or Martel. Finally in the death throes of AWA, Verne Gagne had to come to Lawler as the last major free agent and give him the World Championship as Hennig was leaving for New York. Lawler & Hennig had two great matches one in Memphis and the other in the AWA. The rest of 1988 was spent around the underrated Lawler vs Von Erich feud over who the real world champion is. It is funny that the Superclash III is one of the most famous AWA matches of all time even though the AWA was basically running on fumes. The match is great even though the finish is a real stinker.

Hulk Hogan & High Flyers vs Jesse Ventura, Ken Patera & Bobby Heenan – 3/13/83

Nick Bockwinkel & Mr. Saito vs High Flyers – 3/7/85

AWA World Tag Team Champions Midnight Rockers vs. Adrian Adonis & Bob Orton – Jan. 1988

The AWA was a great tag team territory and that will be featured throughout the countdown. I just wanted to make sure these matches got shout outs. You have a wicked fun Hulk Hogan popcorn tag team match against the Heenan Family a year before Hogan vs Heenan Family would be the biggest feud of the 80s in the WWF. Bockwinkel & Saito are one of the all-time great heel tag teams and even though they only have a handful of matches together they absolutely rule. The Midnight Rockers are mostly known for their double hot feud with Rose & Somers, the match against Adonis & Orton gives you some idea of how good they could be against others.

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen vs Sgt. Slaughter – 2/23/86

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen vs Sgt. Slaughter – Bunkhouse Match 3/9/86

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen vs Nick Bockwinkel – Wrestlerock 4/20/86

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen vs Curt Hennig – 5/31/86

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel vs Curt Hennig – 12/25/86

The Stan Hansen World Championship is mired in controversy behind the scenes, but in front of the screen it is was a smash hit of great matches. Often I wondered, what did Sgt. Slaughter do after leaving the WWF in 1984 and his return in 1991, the answer is have kickass matches with Stan Hansen in the AWA. The big bully Hansen against the big bumping Sarge was a natural combination. Hansen vs Bockwinkel is a combination you might not expect to work, but by 1986 Bockwinkel had become a fan favorite! He had become Minneapolis’ jerk so to speak. Bock as a walking tall babyface against the bulldozing Hansen was a perfect fit. The last cut match from the list was a superb TV match sprint between the champion Hansen and a young white meat babyface, Curt Hennig. Hennig was definitely on the rise, but could he take down the mean, low down Hansen? Two matches from the esteemed Bockwinkel vs Hennig series make the countdown, but this one from Christmas of 1986 is also essential viewing. You see after pushing the Champion to a draw in November. He had hit beat on Christmas with a series of big moves but special referee called for a disqualification due to Bockwinkel going over the top rope. A bullshit call and thus the stage was set for the rematch in 1987 at Superclash II.

 #12. Sheik Ayatollah Crusher Blackwell vs Mad Dog Vachon - Algerian Death Match 5/22/83

As one would expect, an Algerian Death match is a Texas Death match complete with pinfalls necessary to trigger the ten count. The Mad Dog and Blackwell promos before this match are must see as Mad Dog promises to Blackwell in the pine coffin he is building. Also, it is important to note Mad Dog has been out for 2 years due to Blackwell so the feud culminates here in this Death Match.

Also a cool outcome of the last match in this feud is that Verne fulfilled his promise that the High Flyers would not have to worry about Blackwell & Adnan as contenders because Adnan has been transitioned into a managerial role. What they did not count out on was the Sheik’s oil money snagging the contract of Ken Patera who fill the void as Blackwell’s partner.

Interesting, they go the no shone route and immediately hit the heat. I think you can only do that when both wrestlers and their feud are firmly established. Since this was AWA’s hottest feud and two of their biggest stars this is fine. Mad Dog charge, but gets caught up attacking the other Sheiks, who hold him and Blackwell splashes him in the corner. Blackwell hits the powerslam/splash combo to gain the first fall and again for second fall. I have not seen much of cocky Blackwell, but it was fun to watch him count along. He is shocked Mad Dog has made it up twice. Mad Dog tries to make his comeback and Blackwell unleashes some stiff heabutts to bust him open. Blackwell gets another splash in the corner I expected him to miss and it looks bleak for our hero. Until he starts to rev up, one punch huge bearpaw swing after another has Blackwell rocking and reeling. He gets Fatwell down! He starts to bite. Blackwell tries to escape, but you cant escape the hatred of Mad Dog. There is a great struggle over a post shot. Blackwell takes it fucking hard. He blasts Blackwell with the chair, horse collaring him. Mad Dog swings it at the ref! Wow! Mad Dog sends him back in the post and bites Blackwell in the ring. Blackwell is a bloody mess. Blackwell gets a desperation knee up. Blackwell sensing his own end is imminent looks to pull the trigger on his big bomb the top rope splash. When will he learn as this has been his demise so many times, but it would be certain victory in his defense. Blackwell crashes and burns. Mad Dog is up! The crowd roars! Top rope kneedrop seals the victory.

The Texas Death Match stip both helped and hurt this match. I liked Blackwell getting those early falls as I really thought that built up the drama. The fact it took 40 seconds for Mad Dog to get his win did hurt the heat in my opinion, which is a fait accompli in a Texas Death Match. I loved the work in this match. I thought this was an awesome blowoff brawl. Blackwell kicked some major league ass and Mad Dog was wild in the middle. Could have used some more Blackwell bumps in the middle. Short, sweet and spirited brawl!

#11. AWA World Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen vs Leon White aka Vader - 3/13/86

The first time I actually watched this match was in my dorm freshman year on ESPN Classic and for some reason, two or three dudes were watching with me. I remember describing Stan Hansen as such a sourpuss and how to watch because he will fucking hit the shit out of Vader (Leon White is Vader before he was Vader, it is just easier for me to type "Vader"). Much like the lone douche screaming "boring" they were not interested until the middle of the match and man did they all get behind Vader by the end of it. It was a pretty cool moment. I do disagree with my friends on one thing is that the whole match was awesome from beginning to end.

The whole bout is dripping with struggle. They lock up with such force. Vader takes most of the beginning with a nice side headlock. They do some fun "in and out" spots from headlock base like Vader cartwheeling over a Hansen drop down back into headlock. Hansen is always struggling in the headlock, nice crossface and dropping some nasty knees. They start laying into each other and Hansen really rears back and hits him hard forearm. Hansen takes him down with an armbar and then he starts manipulating fingers. Vader is hollering. Some really nice selling from Vader. Hansen destroys the hand, stomps on it, snapping fingers and smashing hand against hard objects. The fight on the outside was wicked. Vader punches Hansen in the throat and some great selling. They tease double countout. Vader has a really nice offensive stretch late with tackles and body splashes. He charges into the turnbuckle hard and then Hansen TAKES HIS HEAD OFF WITH A LARIAT!!! AWESOME FINISH!

Great, great veteran champion versus young, upcoming rookie. Perfect layout with strong execution, lots of struggle, brutal and the finish was badass. Great, great TV!

#10. Nick Bockwinkel & Mr. Saito vs. Fabulous Ones 

So I am bitching & moaning in the Rock N Roll Express matches that they are too long, well guess what this was way too short. Wow! This was a humdinger of a tag team match. I was absolutely loving every minute of this and did not want it to end. These four were just being absolute dicks to each other. This felt very Japanese. Yes, it was double face in peril with the Fabs playing FIP, Fabs were double teaming and being pricks right with Bock & Saito. Plus there was constant nonstop run ins from the partners and just a general sense of competition and struggle. I really enjoyed it. Bock jumpstarts the match and sets the tone by dragging Keirn over to their corner and they immediately start double teaming and choking Keirn. It was just nonstop asshole tactics. You can hear Lane shout to the ref to restore some order. He had his hands full with these four. Lane bites his tongue for a bit. Bock & Saito are looking for the win early by applying the sleeper repeatedly. Keirn keeps fighting back, but has really been double teamed hard. He has to fight his way over to Lane. Lane kicks some serious ass. Lots of karate and dropkicks. A hot tag that does not end in 30 seconds!!! Thank The Lord! I think the face shine after a short heat segment is a really great idea. I think that's my major malfunction with the RnR matches is the heat segment right into another heat segment it becomes like 80% heat segment. The Fabs just throw everything back in Bock's face in glorious fashion. There is choking, double teaming, teeing off on him and just steeping on his face. Bock is such a champ at selling all this. When Bock makes the ropes, Lane yanks him by the hair and then he puts on the SLEEPER! They paid him back in every way. Saito chop Lane on the sleeper so Keirn yanks Bock back over to their corner. Saito blasts Lane. Bock is able to crawl to get a cover for 2. He then drives his thumb into the throat so Saito can get tag in. Saito promptly goes for the Scorpion Deathlock so Keirn comes over and blasts him! This is fucking awesome! BACKDROP DRIVER! Saito back for the Scorpion Deathlock and Bock pushes on Saito's head and Keirn is exhorting Lane. Lane powers out. Lane tries to crawl over and Bock is right on it with figure-4. Keirn drops the elbow. That means he is not there for the tag! Saito double judo chop and Bock punches him in the gut. One angry women wonders where the ref who she calls a "fat fucker" got his license after that count. They continue to double team Lane in the corner. Lane ab stretch on Bock. Saito baits Keirn in, goes back and then comes crashing down on Lane with a chop. That was a bitchin sequence! They knock heads and Keirn pulls Lane out for the old switcheroo and small packages Bock for the win.

The story of the match is The Fabs went toe to toe with Bock & Saito at their own game and beat them with those underhanded tactics. Sometimes you just got to fight fire with fire. I seriously believe with 5, maybe 10 more minutes this would be contender for best American straight (no gimmicks) tag match of all time. Incredible. I cant go much higher than ****1/2, but cant praise or recommend this enough.

#9. AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel vs Curt Hennig - Superclash II

I did not see any build up other than the matches. I know Larry Z had been feuding with Bockwinkel by basically being the new devious heel on the roster. I don't know if Larry Z was trying to subvert Hennig before the match because otherwise the finish seems out of nowhere. It does make sense from Hennig's growing disillusionment with the system and having been screwed out of the title. Hennig turning heel just seems so fucking stupid. The promotion needed a babyface and the crowd was behind Hennig. Plus the need for Hennig to win by cheating affirms that system is broken and that good cannot triumph. That's not good for the promotion. I think people turning because they have been cheated is a fine storyline but when AWA desperately needed a new face to keep the company afloat that was not one needed. Hennig should have triumphed by right and might with Bockwinkel shaking his hand in respect and passing the torch. Then on top of all this, Hennig did NOT even win the title by hook or by crook. The title was held up. That's just so Death of WCW. No one wins and no one is better for it. The match is damn great, but the booking really leaves a sour taste in your mouth. 

Larry Z in all his epic mullet glory challenges the winner. Unfortunately for him, there would be no winner in this match. Hennig is ready to rock n roll in this match. He throws Bock off on top wristlock. Bock tries the slap again to intimidate Hennig like in past matches. Hennig wins a headlock/headscissors battle with a headlock. They make use of movement to keep it entertaining, but Hennig always gets back on top with the headlock. Hennig rams into the post and Bockwinkel is in his element playing King of the Mountain. Bockwinkel is laying in some absolutely massive shots. Bockwinkel targets the arm with big blows and some tight holds. Hennig uses a slam to get out of the hammerlock, but Bock kicks off and gets back to the arm. I really like Bockwinkel's double wristlock takedown into a short arm scissors. I love Bockwinkel smiling and jawing with the fans. It is nice to see him having fun in there. The fans however did not like it and thought it was boring. Similar to how Hennig pried open the figure-4 on the headlock in the March match, he does it here and it leads to some phenomenal leg work. Bockwinkel sold his leg so well in this match. Hennig kicks Bock's leg out from under him and then spinning toehold into figure-4 shades of the November match. Hennig shows his mean streak and continues attacking the leg in the ropes. Bockwinkel uses hair and punches in the midsection to stop his momentum. Bockwinkel hits one of his great kneelifts, but cat capitalize due to the leg work. They slug it out and Hennig unleashes a bevy of nearfalls. It is punctuated with the AXE~! and piledriver, but Bockwinkel was too close to the ropes. They knock the heads and Larry Z gives Hennig a roll of coins to win the match until the ref sees all the dimes on the floor. Leading to the title being held up.

The match is awesome and great display of dueling limb psychology leading to a hot home stretch, but the finish sucked. 

#8. AWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel vs Jumbo Tsuruta

AWA Match of the Year, 1985

"ABA - Erm AWA - ABA was something else at some other time" - Rodger Kent? (Maybe Trongard), I lol'd

BOMBS AWAY! Wow! Do these two cut one helluva pace! Neither man backs down and this is a fight from the opening bell to the final three count. This match would not feel out of place in today's wrestling scene in fact I say they blow most matches out of the water. There are a ton of highspots and MOVEZ~! in this match, but everything feels important because it bearing on the next spot. The most critical element is it feels like two guys who are willing to do whatever it takes to win the match not entertain the fans. The fan's enjoyment is a byproduct of their struggle not their direct objective, which separates it from today's scene even if it is highspot-oriented match. The tone of the match is established early Jumbo is pissed and he wants his belt back. He hits these tremendous kneelifts and European Uppercuts and what does Martel do he fights back from his knees twice. You feel how badly these two competitors want to win the world heavyweight championship. It is a total Jumbo full court press early on with the work on the midsection of Martel being the focus (punches there and ab stretch). In one of my favorite spots, Jumbo hoists Martel to hit a piledriver but takes the time revolve so that every section can see what he is about to do. Martel gets a backbreaker to finally break momentum. He just starts ramming his knee into Jumbo's back and does not even give him a ropebreak. Ricky Martel is in a fucking fight and he fucking knows it! He wants it just as bad as Jumbo. Martel applies a Boston Crab, wow, that's a Jumbo spot, ballsy! Jumbo powers out and throws him out to the floor. Martel is PISSED! He nails a dropkick! That's Jim Brunzell level baby! They just starts throwing bombs at each other with each one building on the other. Martel crashes and burns on his slingshot splash. Jumbo abandons bomb throwing for leg work, which may be a smart play with the spinning toe hold and figure-4. Martel sells so well and in what was a bombfest up until this point, this is very refreshing. Having dismantled his knee, Jumbo runs through his offense in the finish stretch, but gets caught with a reverse crossbody for three! Jumbo nails him with a wicked knee post-match. Martel can't catch a break in the post-match. They packed a shit ton of action in this match. I mean there was literally not one dull moment. I did not want to just make this a list of moves so I just highlighted the most critical, but there was a shit ton of high end offense from both wrestlers. This match is highly recommended for those who love action and a ton of bombs in their wrestling. I think both have better classics with other opponents, but as far as a kickass summer blockbuster type wrestling match this is really hard to beat. I will never fault two wrestlers that I truely believe are fighting as hard as they can to win this match.

#7. Midnight Rockers vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers - Steel Cage 1/17/87

AWA Match of the Year, 1987

LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT!!!!! The Almighty Judas Priest! This cements the Rockers as my favorite tag team of all time.

Rose & Somers are absolutely terrified about the shitkicking they received in the last cage match so they do all they can to avoid it early. They try to prevent them from getting in the cage and then try to climb over the cage. We get some quality Buddy Moonage and he crotches himself. It is another asskicking for Rose & Somers. Poor Buddy & Doug! There are no armdrags and no armbars. Just fists to the head, BABY! Somers tries to tag Buddy and he wants none of it. Cant say I blame him. I did not feel like the energy was at the same level as the previous match. Rose hits a quick low blow and catapult into the cage to turn the tide. Michaels bleeds like a madam. Somers gnawing. Michaels is his usual awesome self at selling. He is peppering in those hope spots while doing staggered selling. Quick low blow. Jannetty tries to saves to the match double noggin knocker. Big punch knocks down Rose and pulls him up. He slams Rose into cage repeatedly and he is bleeding! Big punch and Rose falls back and he pulls him up. Jannetty rakes Rose’s face right in front of the Sherri who sells the horror of watching her charge be brutalized perfectly. Jannetty lets him tag out to Somers. Somers wins the corner battle. Somers and Rose double team Jannetty and gnaw on his forehead and rake it busting him open. Big Marty Chants! Michaels almost like he is sleepwalking comes across and attacks Rose slamming back of head into cage and biting. Jannetty and Somers duke it out tag out to Michaels. He launches an offensive on Somers and tees off on Buddy. Elbow drop on Somers, but pulls up. Shawn is so fucking out of it. Somers tags out. Michaels stops Buddy and tags out. Marty and Buddy fight on top of the cage in dramatic fashion. Buddy falls off and crotches, crazy! Battering ram on Somers looks to be the finish. Michaels pins and Marty dropkicks Buddy. HUGE POP!

Awesome match! I don’t think it was quite at the level of the Brawl in St. Paul, but this was a great cage match. For fans that like heat segments, I can see why they like this one more as Buddy & Doug get some more love in this one. I really liked the Buddy getting his head raked in the cage in front of Sherri spot. Another classic from these four!