Posted October 29, 201312 yr comment_5569594 Should be interesting to watch Harley work a touring title defense against a limited opponent. The first fall was all about establishing Billy Jack as a legitimate threat. He scored a nearfall off a cross body just after the bell and won just about every exchange. I liked the sequence where he blocked Harley's punches and pounded the champ to the body. Some of the headlock stuff was a little slow but nothing too terrible. Harley's only offense came on dirty little shots he slipped in during rope breaks. But he managed to hook Billy Jack into a roll-up as the challenger charged into the corner. Harley held the tights to get a three-count. Billy continued to dominate in the second fall, unloading with every high-impact move he could think of. He actually hit a pretty sweet fist drop from the second rope. But Harley kept kicking out at two. And every once in awhile, he headbutted Billy Jack to back him off. With all the nearfalls, this had a very different rhythm than a normal Portland main event. Finally, Billy Jack countered out of a vertical suplex attempt and locked on the full nelson. Harley submitted in the middle of the ring to a huge pop from the crowd. On commentary, Stan Stasiak shouted, "One more Billy!" Nice touch to make it seem special. Billy Jack spent the entire third fall trying for another full nelson. Harley kept getting to the ropes or bailing to the outside. They really created the feeling that Billy Jack had the weapon to win the title if he could just get it on in time. But of course, Billy Jack lost his race with the clock; the bell rang just before he applied one last full nelson. Well, this wasn't the picture of grace, and Billy Jack didn't always look great working on top. But it was a really well-designed touring defense, with Harley working hard to make Billy Jack look like a major threat. There was a reason they kept giving him the belt. Solid nomination. New Portland Disc 40
