Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie v. Buck Zumhoffe

 

Nothing match. Buck worked like Steve Regal here which is not a compliment and Adnan is only really good when he is in a blood feud scenario which this wasn't.

 

DJ Peterson v. Super Ninja

 

I was amused at least with the trading handshake stuff even if it didn't lead to anything the least bit interesting. This is a rare AWA match that seemed to gain momentum when they did the heel face falls to the floor bit. Peterson was nice selling and his reversal into a backslide when he came in the ring was a very good nearfall. Ninja goes on to hit some nice offense including a diving knee and a really cool Boston Crab where he inched Peterson over by planting his knee in the back of Peterson's spine. Ninja misses a splash and Peterson gets off a run of nice offense for nearfalls but can't pick up a pin. Ninja hits a spin kick for a nearfall after DJ misses a dropkick. Peterson gets a sunset flip nearfall as time expires. Parts of this were pretty good but it's nothing that will make you want to go out of your way to see it again.

 

Sherri Martel v. Madusa

 

Sherri is great pre-match refusing to give up her belt screaming at the ref, complaining about hair pulling before the match even starts, et. Unfortunately that was the highlight. Madusa just doesn't look very good on offense and this match is structured where she gets a lot of offense. Plus the finish sucked.

 

Curt Hennig v. Nick Bockwinkel

 

Already nominated.

Sheik Adnan el-Kaissey vs. Buck Zumhofe (5/2/87)

 

This was pretty bad.

 

D.J. Peterson vs. Super Ninja (Shunji Takano) (5/2/87)

 

The crowd is into this match which is good for these guys especially Peterson who was being pushed as a rising star here. Takano hits some of his signature spots that you would find after watching his AJPW work like his sweet savage kick and legdrop. Peterson would eventually make a comeback which was decent but Takano would come back with a flying reverse kick to daze Peterson. DJ fired back though getting some nearfalls before the bell rang for the time limit. This was fine for what it was.

 

AWA Ladies Title: Sensational Sherri Martel vs. Madusa Miceli (5/2/87)

 

Madusa is working babyface here and has a great 80's look going on. The match isn't that great as Madusa is very green and Sherri doesn't do enough to carry her.

 

AWA World Heavyweight Title: Nick Bockwinkel © vs. Curt Hennig (5/2/87)

 

Zbyszko comes out before the match and challenges the winner so the table is set for him to get involved. Some good back and forth action early with Hennig pinballing around including a great bump to the floor off a missed shoulderblock into the corner. Bock would then work on the left arm relentlessly before Hennig breaks out of a short arm scissors and starts working over Bock's left leg. Hennig would then lock on the figure-four for a while before Bock would break free and this is where the match kicks into high gear with both men pulling out all the stops trying to put the other away. This was very fun as Bock is working his ass off to hang with Hennig and after a double collision, Zbyszko gives a roll of coins to Hennig who KO's Bock to win the title. The fans are sorta conflicted here as they were cheering Curt and still did afterwards but some were booing. Ray "The Crippler" Stevens came in afterwards to tell the referee that something was used and pulled coins out of Larry's coat in front of Stanley Blackburn. There would be a conference in the ring between everyone as Hennig poses around the ring like a dick which is awesome. Blackburn announced that the title would be held up to everyone's anger. This was a very solid match and a fairly easy nomination.