Bob Backlund vs Adrian Adonis (3/20/82 Philadelphia, PA)

WWF Heavyweight Title: Bob Backlund vs. "Golden Boy" Adrian Adonis (3/20/82)

Some really good back and forth action early on as Adonis was pinballing for Backlund then got the advantage working over Backlund's left wrist then working the arm in full. Backlund was extremely good here as well trying to get free with some good hope spots but Adonis was a fucking bulldog always finding his way back to the arm. Adonis going for a bulldog with Backlund lauching him crotch first into the corner was a tremendous spot and kicked off Backlund's comeback where he went nuts on Adonis who was flying all over the place. Backlund would hit a big piledriver but Adonis would pop up and got his sleeper hold on Backlund who looked like he was in trouble. The fans were going nuts for Backlund firing up which he ended up getting the corner springing off into an Adonis O'Connor Roll but Backlund cut that back with one of his own with a bridge to win the match. This was a damn good match that Backlund needed after his last match with Ventura in Philly. Adonis was awesome here then cut a pissed off promo afterwards saying he got screwed but replay showed him what happened and this is a fairly easy nomination.

#27 BOB BACKLUND vs ADRIAN ADONIS (03/20/1982; WWF Philadelphia Spectrum; 00:25:33) (WRONG FILE) (ON YOUTUBE)
-    Bob quickly frustrates Adrian but Adrian was able to hook in a full nelson beautifully reversed by Bob. Adrian is much more active in working in and out of Bob’s full nelson. Damn, Adrian hooks a side headlock and they tumble to the ropes. As Bob tries to get back in, Adrian rammed Bob’s  arm into the ring post and yanks him back in to the ring by his bad arm. Adrian is controlling with a wrist lock and does nasty work like a full 180 twist. Bob is working the hold but it’s slow going. Despite a bodyslam, it goes right back to the arm. Even whipping Adrian into the corner doesn’t allow him to be free. Damn, Bob looked to be free but rams his shoulders into the corner after a missed charge and Adrian hooks it again. This has been a master class in arm control. 20 minutes in and they are still working that arm. Adrian gets a bulldog for two. He tries a second but gets thrown into the corner. The crowd is electric for Bob’s comeback (head ramming, patented Adrian Irish whip corner flip; piledriver). Bob swings and misses and Adrian hooks in Goodnight Irene! Adrian rolls Bob but Bob rolls through for the bridge and flash three. Great match. EASY NOMINATION… but you gotta be patient with that arm work.