Curt controlled Oliver with armwork for most of the first fall -- typically solid work from both guys. Oliver finally cut Curt off with a taped thumb to the midsection, which he followed up with some nasty running kicks to the ribs. But Curt fought back and they delivered a really nice back-and-forth section, with neither guy able to gain control. Finally, Curt posted his shoulder on a missed tackle into the corner, and Oliver finished him with the shoulderbreaker. Excellent first fall. Oliver methodically worked over the shoulder to start the second. Curt countered with a roll-up for a nearfall, threw Oliver over the top rope and then suplexed him back in. He finished the fall with a missile dropkick that landed a little low on Oliver's body. Still, another strong finish. Curt jumped Oliver with a flurry of punches to start the third fall. This was cruising to an easy nomination when Curt ascended the ropes for another dropkick, only to be tossed off by Assassin for the DQ. Man, I liked the first two falls enough to put this on the block, but that finish left a sour taste.

 

New Portland Disc 45

Curt Henning vs. Rip Oliver (New Portland 45)

- Curt really loves that arm lock. This is a small complaint but I wish he would do more arm work to mix it up. I have the same complaint about the Fantastics actually. Oliver takes over with a punch to the gut. Man, Hennig loves selling that abdomen area. A missed charge allows Oliver to get the shoulder breaker for the fall. 1st fall was solid but unspectacular.

- Oliver takes over in the 2nd fall early on but Curt makes his comeback by forcing Oliver over the ropes. Curt eventually hits the missile dropkick to take the fall. This was fun. I like Oliver working the arm more than Curt working the arm.

- 3rd fall was rolling along nicely until the Assassin throws Hennig off the top after he went for another dropkick.

- Overall, this was solid but nothing that will make me remember it a month from now. Add the bad ending and I think we can leave it off.