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Post by LWPD on Nov 29, 2011 7:21:30 GMT -5
Masked Superstar vs Eddie Gilbert 8/27/83This was from the World Wrestling Federation on their weekend syndicated show All Star Wrestling. The Masked Superstar is seen at age 36 with 10 years experience. A 22 year old Eddie Gilbert is seen with just 3 years experience. A rare injury angle designed to put over the effectiveness of the masked man's neckbreaker finisher. Years removed, still an example of technique at its best. Props to a game Gilbert for his willingness to take that type of high end bump on the concrete, RIP!
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Post by LWPD on Nov 30, 2011 7:12:37 GMT -5
Eric Embry vs PY Chu-Hi 8/4/89This was from World Class Championship Wrestling. A steel cage format carrying the stipulation that the winner would gain control of the promotion. Eric Embry doubled as booker/lead face and is seen representing the face USWA faction. PY Chu Hi, who was better known on the Southern territory circuit under the name of Phil Hickerson, represented the Skandor Akbar/Tojo Yamamoto controlled interests of World Class. A historically significant viewing for fans of the territory era. Watch at the close as Embry and a young Paul Bearer pull the once respected WCCW banner down from the walls of the Sportatorium! Looking back, Eric Embry's run as WCCW booker is among the most impressive of the late 80's. He cast himself as a headliner and crafted storylines that revitalized business to levels not seen in years. When Fritz sold his remaining interest in the company to Jerry Jarrett, the rights to use of the World Class name weren't a part of the deal. This blow off was a very creative way to make the transition in name somewhat palatable to long time fans of World Class.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 1, 2011 7:10:40 GMT -5
Swede Hansen vs Pete Sanchez 1/29/83This was from the World Wrestling Federation, at an All Star Wrestling television taping in Hamburg, PA. Grizzled veteran Swede Hanson is seen at age 49. Enhancement talent 'Pistol' Pete Sanchez was a staple on the northeast circuit. An example of two types of wrestlers whose roles have become nearly extinct on the contemporary mainstream scene. Watch for a somewhat awkward forerunner to the implant DDT at the close.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 5, 2011 6:31:59 GMT -5
Stan Hansen & Harley Race vs Road Warriors 9/2/85This was from a joint promotional show in Tampa, FL that was marketed as Battle of the Belts. AWA World Tag Team Champions Hawk (age 27) and Animal (age 25) take on the one night super team of Stan Hansen (age 36) and Harley Race (age 42). Despite the fact that the Road Warriors had under three years of ring time, established big name veterans throughout the territory system were more than happy to be programmed with this super hot drawing act. Making the gimmick work required short burst paced 'wild brawls' that played to the RWs strengths and hid their weaknesses. A fun look back as two legends, who were renowned for their toughness, are largely reduced to selling, bumping and stooging their way through a passable match.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 6, 2011 7:20:08 GMT -5
Harley Race vs Dusty Rhodes 12/6/75This was from All Japan. 'Handsome' Harley Race (age 32, 15 years of ring time) is seen between his first and second reigns as NWA World Champion. Dusty Rhodes (age 30, 7 years of ring time) is seen on tour early into his run under the American Dream gimmick that worked so well in the US. A fun look back at two legends in younger days.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 7, 2011 7:26:22 GMT -5
Terry Funk & Dory Funk Jr. vs Riki Choshu & Yoshiaki Yatsu 8/31/85This was from All Japan. In context, The Funks run as headliners/bookers in AJPW was coming to a close. Terry is seen at age 41, DFJ at age 44. Riki Choshu (age 33) and Yoshiaki Yatsu (age 29) were among the new blood moving into the main event scene. The fast paced style shows a sign of things to come, but was still booked with the standard Funk finish.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 12, 2011 7:28:07 GMT -5
British Bulldogs vs Joe & Dean Malenko 1/28/89This was from All Japan. The British Bulldogs are seen after their popular WWF run, working a tour for Giant Baba. Dynamite Kid (age 30, 14 years ring time) was still an amazing performer but had been slowed by back injuries. Davey Boy Smith (age 26, 11 years ring time) didn't carry the same level of wear and tear on his body, and is seen toward the tail end of his run working with his cousin. The Malenkos were second generation talents born into the business through their father (Boris Malenko). Here Dean is seen at age 29 with 10 years experience, while older brother Joe is seen at age 34 with 12 years of ring time. A lengthy sport style match between two of the most technically sound teams of the era.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 13, 2011 7:31:10 GMT -5
Jake Roberts vs Lord Humongous (Steel Cage Match) 11/29/85This was from Bill Watts Mid South promotion. A face Jake Roberts is seen at age 30 with 10 years of ring time. This version of Lord Humongous was played by Jeff Van Camp, who left the business shortly thereafter. A great example of just how over Jake was when given promotional backing. Look for Oliver Humperdink and The Nightmare in stooge roles.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 19, 2011 7:25:11 GMT -5
Jushin Liger vs Naoki Sano 8/10/89This was from New Japan. Both Naoki Sano and Jushin Liger are seen at age 24 with just 5 years of experience. The Sano/Liger series is regarded as one of the true classics in NJPW Junior Heavyweight history. Both were technically proficient far beyond their years. Watch as Liger sells the arm injury like a champion, telling a great story in the process.
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Post by LWPD on Dec 20, 2011 8:21:56 GMT -5
Billy Robinson vs Nick Bockwinkel 12/11/80 This was from All Japan. Nick Bockwinkel is seen at at 46, Billy Robinson at age 41, with both men having 25 years of ring time! A solid technical battle between two legends on tour.
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