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. 22: Best of WWF 1984-1987 (Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Sgt. Slaughter)

Hey Yo Stud Muffins & Foxy Ladies,

Pro Wrestling Love vol. 22:

The Best of WWF 1984-1987

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-second volume of Pro Wrestling Love is the conclusion of the Top 12 countdown of the best matches to take place in WWF between 1984-1987. This is the first half of the Hulkamania Era. The starting point is pretty self-explanatory. For wrestling fans, the 1984 is basically the year 1 AD as Vince McMahon & Hulk Hogan are in full force and completely change the pro wrestling landscape. I chose 1987 as the end date for three reasons. The year 1987 saw the end of territories. Crockett bought out Watts. In 1988, World Class, AWA & Memphis on their last legs tried to form a triple alliance that went nowhere. The year 1988 also sees Vince McMahon try for the first time to go on without Hogan as they do the screwjob title change to lift the belt off Hogan. I also feel that 1988 sees a shift in the WWF presentation to brighter colors and more vibrant gimmicks. All this makes 1987 feel like it is the last year of WWF as a territory and it is also the peak of Hulkamania with Hogan vs Andre in the Silverdome at Wrestlemania III. 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.

History Beckons The Macho Man

The Top Six Best Matches of World Wrestling Federation 1984-1987

#6. Randy "Macho Man" Savage & "Adorable" Adrian Adonis vs.
Tito Santana & Bruno Sammartino - MSG 7/12/86 Steel Cage Match

WWF Match of the Year, 1986

As we saw in the excellent April No DQ match, that Savage was able to turn that to his favor by nailing the ref to avoid being pinned. It is not that we needed No DQ per se, what was really needed was a troubleshooting ref. Now who in the WWF could walk tall against the Macho Menace. Enter The Living Legend Bruno Sammartino. In May, Tito had a rematch with Savage for the IC Title with Bruno as special guest ref, but Adrian Adonis ran in and helped his newfound friend. This was at the height of Adonis' role in WWF stirring shit with Hogan/Orndorff and right before Piper's return. The next month in June they have a really fun tag match where the babyfaces beat the shit out of the heels before they run away. Finally in July, so no could run away and no refs would needed and once and for all Bruno & Tito could exact some revenge they put these four in the confines of the STEEL CAGE! This was some really high end month to month booking by Vince & Co. It climaxed with an absolute barnburner of a cage match.

Savage & Adonis sell the Pearl Harbor attack by keeping their ring attire on and then jumping them. Adonis kicking the shit out of Bruno with a pink scarf on is awesome. The babyfaces don't stay down for long and Bruno starts kicking Savage's ass while still in his ring attire. Bruno's punch and kick is perfect for this violence of the steel cage. Savage tries to escape, but Bruno holds him back. Adonis eats the cage. He tries to leap over Bruno and Savage to get out the door, but ends up in the top turnbuckle. Savage is choked out by Bruno on the top rope. Savage is able to kick some Tito ass and tries to scramble over the top. Bruno is on Macho Man duty. Adonis tries to take advantage by leaping out the door again. Adonis is able to pull Tito down. This has been total chaos. The heels desperately trying to get out is so entertaining. Savage ends up upside in the turnbuckles and that is the first time I have seen take that bump. Adonis is able to hit a suplex and Macho Man has just been getting his ass kicked. As Bruno is distracted by trying keep Adonis from escaping, Macho Man tries to crawl out the door, this is hilarious. Santana is able to grab the boot while Bruno drags Adonis down and crotches him on the top rope. Bruno is a one man gang in here! Savage lawn darts Santana into the cage! Adonis eats the cage! Santana is busted! Adonis rakes Tito's face into the cage. Bruno and Savage fight over who is going into the cage. Bruno has been saving Tito this whole match. Bruno whips Adonis into the door and almost a mistake. Santana catches Savage coming off the top rope. Adonis rips the top board off the steps being dragged back in by Bruno. Tito starts ramming the Macho Man hard into the cage repeatedly and he is busted! Santana tries to escape. Adonis takes the Blackwell bump but all the way off the cage!!!! HOLY SHIT! HE COULD HAVE KILLED BRUNO! Remind me to never call Bruno old because he is kicking ass! Savage has one foot over the top. Santana blasts Savage off the top colliding with Adonis and then Bruno throws Savage into the cage for the definitive victory.

A total blast! The heels were excellent in this. They were selling how badly they were getting beaten by constantly trying to run for their lives. The babyfaces were perfect ass kickers. Tito definitely did more selling as Bruno showed no weakness. I love steel cage tag team matches. This was another bloody, violent and excellent one. 

#5. WWF Intercontinental Champion Greg "The Hammer" Valentine vs.
Tito Santana - Baltimore 7/6/85 Steel Cage Match

WWF Match of the Year, 1985

YES! I FINALLY FOUND IT! I loved watching the Valentine/Santana matches about two years ago, but couldnt find the big steel cage blowoff. The whole Valentine breaking Tito's leg only for Tito to learn the figure-4 to do the same to Valentine is one of the best damn angles I have ever seen. I have been watching a lot of WWF, but no Valentine so far. My God, he is playing a whole different game. He absolutely crushes Tito with those blows. The cage seems weird or maybe it is just Tito was super awkward trying to climb the cage but it seemed both men were having a hard time climbing it. I loved how they were just constantly beating the shit out of each other near top of the cage or the door. It was nasty and gritty. Valentine was dropping the hammer down on Santana with a big clubbering blows, but couldnt get Tito eat steel. Tito did not get much of a shine he was revved up but Valentine really blasted him to start. Tito was great fighting from underneath. There were some really awkward falls that added to the realism of the fight for the Intercontinental Championship. The amount of struggle in this match just blows everything out of the water in WWF at this time. I love the Hogan popcorn matches, but those are fun like a summer blockbuster. This is the Oscar film. Valentine clobbers Tito when he tries to get out. I mean he is just reigning the blows down on Tito. He is going to apply the figure-4, but Tito kicks off. Valentine is so awesome. FLYING BURRITO~! It was a beauty really nailed him in the forehead and great bump by Valentine. I was starting to think Tito of Savage is the best WWF worker but Valentine has reminded me why he is right there. Santana droptoehold stops Valentine. Valentine hotshots Tito into the cage. Nasty. Now he is just ramming him into the cage. TI-TO! TI-TO! TI-TO! The Hammer is brutalizing him and Santana is showing his worth a selling, underneath babyface. Tito lunges at the last minute to stop Valentin from getting through the door and once again it is a gritty struggle at the door. VALENTINE FUCKING SMOKES TITO! THEN TITO PUNCHES VALENTINE SO HARD HE SMACKS THE BACK OF HIS HEAD INTO THE CAGE! AWESOME! Hammer tries figure-4, but shoved off into the cage. Santana climbs the cage from the center and again it seems like the cage is further away from the ropes. Valentine gives up on trying to stop Santana and tries to beat him out the door. TITO SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT ON VALENTINE'S HEAD WITH HIS FOOT! Best cage match finish ever! Totally lives up to the hype. My two favorite WWF wrestlers having a total war for the Intercontinental Championship in a Steel Cage with the best steel cage match finish ever! 

#4. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine vs Bob Backlund - MSG 4/23/84

A lot of people say this is the least of their series, I am the polar opposite, I think it is the second best match of their series. I pretty much love all Backlund/Valentine matches; they bring out the best in each other. This is my third time watching it and it has not lost any of its luster. Where it succeeds where so many matches fail is the natural transitions between limb work through the match and the sustain selling in and out of segments by both men. The commentators are going on that Backlund may have to hang it up if he loses this one. I think Backlund had no place in Vince's WWF and that commentary shows it, but I wish he stayed wrestling elsewhere full time because he was so damn good.

The early part of the match is fun with Backlund doing single leg pickups to show up The Hammer and they have some fun amateur exchanges. Backlund gets into a forearm exchange with Valentine, which is a bad idea. Backlund has a lingering arm injury from when he lost the belt to Sheiky Baby and Valentine focuses his attack on it. It is very compelling arm work and it is nice to see Backlund on the defensive. Backlund does his bridging spots, but Valentine stays on the arm. Backlund cant backslide because of the bad arm. Huge clubbing blows to the arm. Valentine misses a second rope leg drop. Meaning his leg is susceptible to work and Backlund jumps on it. It becomes a massive struggle to see if Valentine can re-establish arm control or if Backlund can gain a foothold in the match by working the leg. Backlund does a great job selling the arm as he ties Valentine up. He can do a crossface. but he is able to use a deathlock to at least by himself time and then he picks Valentine up and throws him down. Valentine escapes to outside. He trips Backlund up and wrenches Backlun'ds leg against post and then throws a chair at it. AWESOME! Valentine was desperate he grabbed whatever limb he could get and it also sets up for figure-4. The Hammer keeps selling his own leg as he works Backlund's leg. Backlund is fighting from his back to attack Valentine's injured leg. This is so awesome. Valentine tries figure-4 multiple times, does get Boston Crab on onre, but Backlund powers out because he is a stud. Valentine is frustrated that he tried the figure-4 three times and no success. BACKLUNDZIGUIRI!!!! Valentine is dazed and pissed. He recovers and ties Backlund up. He wants the damn figure-4. He misses a second rope elbow. Backlund's knee gives out on an atomic drop. FIGURE-4!!!! Valentine is finally going to one over his archrival. Valentine uses ropes for leverage and ref breaks it up. Backlund O'Connor Roll for the win. As is his MO, Valentine is a sore loser. He decks the ref and puts Bob in the figure-4.

Awesome match! Incredibly compelling loved the selling, the work and the transitions from body part to body part. I thought the finish was a little anti-climatic. I guess they were not exactly ready to put Bob out to pasture yet. 

#3. WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat - Maple Leaf Gardens 2/15/87

I could have sworn I had seen this match before, but I don't think I have. What a tremendous match! Perhaps even better than the Mania match, which I need to rewatch now. Steamboat made his return at the January Saturday's Night Main Event during Savage and Steele's match. I really enjoyed the Savage vs Steele feud and SNME matches. The turnbuckle stuffing spot is pretty funny. It was the perfect feud to put even more heat on Savage, but it was all to really get that heat on Savage for the Steamer.

After crushing having larynx crushed and needing to re-learn how to talk, many have criticized the Mania for the lack of violence and hatred from Steamboat. Around the horn in the Northeast loop (Boston, Philly, NYC and Toronto) for two shows in each city they saw Steamboat win or lose by DQ and not win the title. This explains the cleaness and neatness of the Mania match as Steamboat had gotten his licks in and now was coming from the title. Besides a single pinfall cover by Ricky which I think was out of force of habit. Steamboat focused on using his energy and technique to set up his chops and this maybe the most violent Steamboat ever looked. Savage was great at selling the discombobulation and tries to head for the hills, but Steamboat chucks him back in. Again, Macho Man powders and this time with some cat and mouse game Savage nails The Dragon and throws him over the top. Savage sells well, but once recuperated he sends Steamboat into the railing. Big bodyslam by Macho man on the floor. I like how this match has more selling and more drama. Savage is matching violence with Steamboat. The big spots on the floor is allowing more time to breathe. Finally, Savage lays Steamboat across the top rope and drills that throat with an elbow. I think if we got some choking and coughing from Steamboat that would have sealed the deal as this being a tippy top great match. Still Savage is coming off the top with the double axe handle and now a kneedrop to throat. Camera is not letting us see if he is choking or coughing. Classic Savage clothesline stymies a Steamboat rally. Savage is here to preserve his title reign so it makes more sense for him to go for all these covers. Steamboat is draped throat first across the middle rope and Savage looks to really hurt him by crushing with all his weight, but Steamboat moves! Love that spot! There was so much drama if he would or would not move. Somehow, Savage has a minor cut on his forehead, but dont know how.Steamboat does the skin the cat spot, but Savage dont play that and he just clobbers him with a clothesine. Savage looks to hit the double axehandle on the railing, but gets a punch in the stomach. Steamboat uses speed and armdrags and then chokes the hell out of Savage. I love how Steamboat is using his normal offense to create opportunities for violence. Now, it is a larynx for a larynx as he snaps Savage's throat against the top rope. Steamboat mocks Savage's throat selling. he drops Savage on the top rope. How does a taste of your own medicine feel! Savage powders and tries to send him in teh railing, but it is the Macho Man that tastes the steel. Savage with that awesome tippsy selling right into a Steamboat big karate shot from the top. Catapult and now Savage is busted wide open. The way Savage's body conforms to the turnbuckles on that spot was awesome. Savage is straight money in this match. He is selling so well! he always trying to escape, but he is so disoriented that he cant escape the Dragon. Savage has enough wherewithal to grab the tights to send him out. Savage drills from behind on the ramp with a high knee. Great use of the ramp! Steamboat chants and he is pissed! He goes for the sunset flip and only gets two and now they do the Mania match finish with a ton of nearfalls for Steamboat. It is the O'Connor Roll that does him as Savage is able to reverse and pull tights.

Awesome match! Savage is covered in blood with the championship, but Steamer is so pissed he runs down the ramp and blasts him. I think you can see the change in Steamboat within this match. Up until the end, he wants to get his licks in first with chops then targeting the larynx and finally busting Savage wide open. Eventually after all this payback, he does want to add on top of that taking the championship away from Savage thus why he goes for the pinfall barrage. The pinfall barrage plays right into Steamboat's wheelhouse of quickness. The object of wrestling is put your man down for three the more attempts you make that better chance you have of getting that win. I think this match and the other matches in Northeast showed Ricky he could get his revenge or he could get the championship, but not both. After two months of kicking ass, he set out to win the title at Mania. Savage's performance in this is just tremendous. I think above all his selling was just perfect. He was discombobulated from the being and that just sold how much fire Steamboat had. When he was on top, he slowed it down and really targeted the neck. The cheap win with the tights covered in blood and leaving with the title is just a great heel ending. One of the best matches in 80s WWF and one of the all-time classics. I really want to rewatch this one to see where it will place in my Top 100 matches of all time.

#2. WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs 

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat - Wrestlemania III

WWF Match of the Year, 1987

History beckons the Macho Man! One of the all-time great promos and singular lines in pro wrestling. I had forgotten that during the Steamboat promo that they do mention this is the Dragon's last shot, which is only further proof why the match was worked the way it was and the correct way to go about it. I always loved how they weaved in the George Steel story into this match. I love how Savage moves Liz away from Steele because of what happened at the last SNME where he kidnapped her. Well-played spot. The finish is just awesome with Steel saving Steamboat from the bell. It is too bad that Savage could not get himself to be hit with the bell a little bit more convincingly.

Much like Hogan vs Andre, this match has been talked to death and I don't have a completely revolutionary fresh take, but I did enjoy this match more than I ever have in the past. The first time I watched this was probably about ten years ago and I hate to admit I was pretty underwhelmed. It just seemed like guys moving really fast, but without much substance to it. This match for me at least has gotten better with each subsequent watch and I really enjoyed it this time around. The Toronto match really helps put things into perspective. I highly recommend watching the Toronto match before this one to get the full experience. In fact, I would imagine if you go back and watch 2 or 3 of their 86 matches it would help even more. It is actually surprising how many spots are similar to Toronto but they work them in different fashions, but it is still organic. They even played off the Toronto finish with Savage reversing a O'Connor Roll, but this time Steamboat kicked out.

I think there are times when Steamboat does show aggression that have been brushed over like the choke on Savage at the beginning and the aggression of his chops. Savage is a particularly nasty heel in this and in general that is his style. He takes shortcuts and uses nasty short strikes to keep his opponents at bay. The eye rake when Steamboat was unleashing all that karate popped me. I really loved his use of the high knee in this match. It was a well-delivered attack and it was always to the back. Great dick move. Around this time, he decks Steamboat in the midst of the skin the cat and Jesse delivers my all time favorite line "You have to get up pretty early in the morning to get one up on the Macho Man."

This is a type of feud that I think could benefit wrestling more and that is the one-sided hate feud. Steamboat hates Savage and that's clearly evident. Savage does not actually hate Steamboat. He is lashing out in fear of losing the title. It makes sense for Savage to cheat like a muthafucka and go for a ton of pinfalls. Steamboat does actually work aggressive at times, but this is tempered by the fact that this maybe his last shot for the IC title.

Do they move too fast in this match? Yes and no. I think this match is very influential on the current style used today. Pack in a ton of action and lots of nearfalls at the end = This Is Awesome chants. I think they move way too fast at the beginning. There are way too many momentum shifts and there is very little rhythm. it does not feel like a struggle. I would say around the high knees that match settles into a nice structure with Steamboat fighting underneath due to Savage's cheating. I actually dig the urgency of Steamboat's nearfalls. It is a really heightened sense of drama. I think during the finish the speed at which they were going was warranted and was a boon to the match.

Overall, I thought they moved a bit too quickly early on, last half was wicked hot. It was downright revolutionary for the WWF at the time. Those nearfalls were wicked hot. You always think of the one after the karate chop near the ropes that gets a monster pop because everyone thought Steamboat had won. I also did not think there was one consistent thread through the entire match like a real cool overarching story. Because of how it influenced the fans, wrestlers and the promotion, I am giving this one the nod of their Toronto match. 

#1. Sgt. Slaughter vs Iron Sheik - Madison Square Garden 6/16/84 Bootcamp Match

WWF Match of the Year, 1984

What some call the greatest match in WWF history, still lives up to the hype. I have seen this before as I have seen all the Slaughter/Sheik matches before, but never in one day and man what a helluva series. This took the May Match and just amplified everything hundredfold. Slaughter charging to the ring with the helmet and blasting Sheik was the perfect opening shot. Slaughter using his swagger stick (always found that to be an oddly sexual name for it) to beat Sheik and then headbutting him with the helmet on was a great babyface shine. Slaughter takes his usual nasty spill over the top turnbuckle onto the floor. He really lets it all hang loose on that bump! Sheik bounces a chair off Slaughter's back and then whips him like a dog. I love a good belt whipping. Sheik is choking him with the belt and whipping him with the riding crop. That's awesome. Slaughter bucks him off to the floor and now Slaughter has the belt! Payback is a bitch, Sheik! Sarge is still quite disoriented and beaten up from the Sheik's devastating attack. Sheik is looking to destroy Sarge by ramming his head into the loaded boot after several attempts he gets it and we get that big bladejob from Sarge. Here comes the Sheik's spit. There needs to be more spit in pro wrestling. It is fucking gross and you immediately hate that muthafucka for doing it. Sarge takes his patented bump over the turnbuckles again. This is an absolute ass kicking. Slaughter in a last ditch effort loads his boot and comes crashing down on Sheik's head busting him open. Finally, The Iron Sheik bleeds! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! Big windup and an uppercut gets a massive pop, but only a two count. Both men are absolutely spent. I say it a lot, all wrestling fans say it a lot, Triple H says it way more than all of us, but this is a WAR~! They are both just collapsing, but each man has too much pride to let their shoulders stay down for three. Sheik gets one last string of offense: two big suplexes and when neither one win him the match. He looks to end the match and possibly the career of Slaughter with his boot. He takes the boot off and loads against the turnbuckle. A wild swing and a miss! SLAUGHTER CANON! HE NEARLY TOOK OFF HIS HEAD! The boot goes flying and someone tosses it back in. They both crawl for the boot and it is Slaughter that gets it. LOVED THAT SPOT! Sarge loads up the boot and clobbers Iron Sheik for 1-2-3! HUMONGOUS POP!

Awesome match! Loved how it built around the boot and paid off all the boot-related offense in the earlier matches. One of the biggest disappointments in WWF wrestling of the 80s is the lack of quality, violent heat segments. This match was the exception as Iron Sheik beat the living shit out of Sgt Slaughter. Slaughter earned every inch of that comeback. The selling down the stretch is magnificent and the crowd is molten. I dont know if it is the best match in WWF history, but it is currently in my top 5 with Cena/Umaga, Hart/Austin (I Quit), Hart/Hart (WM X) and Savage/Warrior. Awesome, awesome brawl!