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Post by LWPD on Nov 9, 2011 7:04:00 GMT -5
Ric Flair vs Kerry Von Erich 8/24/82This was from World Class Championship Wrestling based out of Texas. NWA World Champion Ric Flair (age 33) defends against local hero Kerry Von Erich (22 years old, with just 3 years of ring time). The format was best two out of three falls. Special referee Alfred Neely (normally inconspicuous around the loop) gives one heck of a dramatic performance in the role of an 'NWA designate' with a chip on his shoulder. This is a reminder that Kerry was had something special at a very young stage. One of the better matches of the multi-year Flair/KVE program.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 10, 2011 7:29:29 GMT -5
Antonio Inoki vs Akrum Pelwan 12/12/76This was a special challenge match from Karachi National Stadium in Pakistan. The format was 6 rounds, three minutes each. Touted as 'undefeated', Akrum Pelwan was part of a famous wrestling lineage and was considered a national hero. Antonio Inoki answers his challenge in what devolves into a pure shoot. The aftermath left Pelwan with a broken arm and severe public humiliation. It is rumored these events were the impetus of his eventual suicide. Historically significant.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 14, 2011 7:24:38 GMT -5
Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant 6/21/80This was from the World Wide Wrestling Federation, at a house show from the Spectrum in Philadelphia. A heel Hulk Hogan is seen at age 26, sporting under 3 years of ring time. Even at this formative point, Hulk shows signs of stage presence, crowd psychology and an ability to connect with the audience. Andre The Giant is seen at age 34, a 17 year veteran. ATG could still go at this stage, arguably his peak as a worker. While U.S. fans would rarely get to see Andre going full throttle under the friendly Giant formula, his athleticism is apparent. Watch for a nice high vertical suplex!
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Post by LWPD on Nov 15, 2011 7:32:23 GMT -5
Steiner Brothers vs Dudley Dudley & Vampire Warrior 7/28/95This was from Extreme Championship Wrestling at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, NY. Rick & Scott Steiner are seen in their ECW debut. Vampire Warrior was later known in his WWF run under the name Gangrel. Dudley Dudley was played by journeyman Jeff Bradley. A good look at the Steiners outside of their regular settings. A reminder that Scott at his peak was something special.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 16, 2011 7:14:33 GMT -5
Harley Race vs Superstar Billy Graham 1/25/78This was a special world title unification match from the Orange Bowl in Florida. Marketed as the Super Bowl of Wrestling, NWA World Champion Harley Race took on WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham in a best 2 out of 3 falls format. Highlights are shown of what went 60 minutes, a strange heel vs heel bout marred by rainfall. Watch for Gorilla Monsoon and Don Curtis in the role of alternating guest referees. Before the PPV era, joint promotional ventures in large venues served as a way for promoters to take a shot at a big payday. The expense of renting out the Orange Bowl while only drawing 12,000 paid met with no follow up card the next year.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 17, 2011 7:19:31 GMT -5
Ric Flair vs Barry Windham 2/14/86This was from Florida Championship Wrestling at a supercard labeled Battle of the Belts 2. NWA World Champion Ric Flair (age 37) defends against Barry Windham (age 25, 6 years experience). These two worked a program in 86-7 that remains highly praised to this day, including matches that went 60 to 90 minutes around the JCP loop. This was arguably the best Flair/Windham match preserved on video.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 21, 2011 7:32:19 GMT -5
Jerry Lawler vs Terry Funk 4/6/81 This was from Jerry Jarrett's Memphis based promotion. The format was an empty arena match between local legend Jerry Lawler (age 32) and recurring heel Terry Funk (age 37). Props to announcer Lance Russell for doing a standout job in getting the tone and consequences down to a science. A famous angle in hardcore circles, and a booking lesson in what 'not to do', never leave money on the table.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 22, 2011 7:12:25 GMT -5
Carlos Colón vs. Ric Flair 10/16/82 This was from the World Wrestling Council based in Puerto Rico. NWA World Champion Ric Flair (age 33) battles local legend Carlos Colon (age 34) in a non-title match. An excellent viewing for those unfamiliar with Carlos' work, as he is seen at his peak, in a lengthy setting, with the supportive element of a super hot crowd!
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Post by LWPD on Nov 23, 2011 7:26:11 GMT -5
Bruiser Brody vs Leon White 5/13/86 This was from Verne Gagne's AWA promotion. 'King Kong' Bruiser Brody is seen at age 39 with 13 years of ring time. 'Baby Bull' Leon White is seen at age 31 with under two years experience. An interesting look of the future Big Van Vader at a formative stage.
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Post by LWPD on Nov 28, 2011 7:29:33 GMT -5
Paul Orndorff vs Brian Blair 4/81 This was from the Mid South Wrestling promotion. Paul Orndorff is seen at age 32 with 5 years of ring time. A 24 year old Brian Blair is seen with 4 years behind him. Both men had legit athletic backgrounds before entering the business, a trait which shows in the way that they work. Listen as Bill Watts uses his commentary time productively, seamlessly putting over a variety of storylines and upcoming event dates from bell to bell.
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