March 1978

This didn't do much for me. I liked the early stalling but whenever there's stalling, a long hold etc. I try to give the workers the benefit of the doubt and see where the match goes. I didn't like where this one went. It went straight into babyface armdrag/keylock spots, which weren't particularly interesting. I like the spot where the babyface picks Rose up in the air and slams him, and generally they'll work the hold enough that watching it doesn't bore me to death but not enough where I'll got much out of it. Wonder whether the missed elbow drop is something Rose relied on as a transition. Rose is a lunatic bumper and deserves credit for that. Finish was very workrate…

This match is part of a team tournament where the 'TV All-Stars' (of which Faulkner is a member) are taking on the 'Liverpool Skinheads'. Paul is not a skinhead, but it transpires that at least he is Liverpudlian. These tournaments see each team comprise of three men and there are three single bouts before a one final six man at the end of the night. This is my first time seeing Paul and he is wearing what looks like Daisy Dukes with a pair of braces! Paul sets the tone for the bout early by healing it up (attacking Faulkner when he's on the ropes, using headbutts), almost admitting that he's is not going to be able to compete with Faulkner is a scientific contest…

Never broadcast in the U.S. Aired on Japanese TV 4/7/78. Talk about it here

Krupp is already doing the roman salute during the introductions and proceeds to warn everybody of ZE GERRRMAN KLAH!. Very subtle there, mein Freund. For a guy who is so outwardly heelish, he starts this off with a lot of wrestling. Lothario was clearly a world class pro wrestler at this point. I really dig the detailled selling, such as Lothario leaving his arm up his back after escaping from a hammerlock. The first minutes of this are great, if you can get into this kind of 70s rolling on the mat like I can. Then Krupp locks on some kind of under the shoulder claw hold, to which Lothario responds by attempting to break his nose and I am in love with this match. Then you…

WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Spiros Arion - Philly 3/25/78 Never seen Spiros Arion, I kinda have a natural inclination to like him because he has very similar hair to me. Bob Backlund's first title defense and it makes sense as this is an old Bruno rival from the mid-70s (famous heel turn that was covered on Titans). What didn't make sense was that Backlund was not put over clean and Arion was still protected. I know this is 1978, but still new champ that could use a win over the old guard and I don't think Arion was used much after. Pretty standard Bob match, which I always enjoy. Arion does not add much. Standard heel cheating (choking, eye rakes),…

We get this amazing promo from JJ Dillon with Abby having his back to the camera. In the background their was this Abby bill board'. This really gets Abbyy over as special. This from Champion Carnival and it's one heck of a bloody brawl. I love JJ commentary while the match is going on.This didn't have any bells and whistles. Just hate. 3 1/2*