Rare stuff here as this disc starts with a match right out of the gates. I strongly disagree with Kris on this, as I thought the opening stuff was fine, and in fact was well done. You could argue that it went on too long, but I've seen fuck tons of Southern tags that have segments that go just as long and feature performers that didn't work it half as well as Jaggers and Kroffat here. I loved the crybaby stuff from Jaggers and Kroffat was awesome showing frustration, flying around with big bumps and generally playing the fool. I wasn't didn't love some of the Battens offensive choices, but they weren't bad and were effective over all. I also really liked the way the heels took over here and the work when they were in control was good stuff, including a nice hopespot on a sunset flip, and a cool drop down/lariat combo. It's possible that I am overrating this because I was expecting it to be much worse based on Kris review, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

 

I know this is getting pedantic, but this is sort of a "high low end" nomination, as have been several of these other matches I've nominated recently. Honestly I think a lot of this stuff merits serious consideration

Bart & Brad Batten vs. The Kansas Jayhawks ("Hangman" Bobby Jaggers & Dan Kroffat) (November 1988)

 

Battens were fun here using the double switch and the referee was gobsmacked because he couldn't tell who was who since they are identical. Kroffat would have to use a low blow to get a tag to Jaggers but that still didn't work as the Batten's maintained control thanks to Kroffat hitting his partner by mistake numerous times and this became a theme here as the Battens would throw these guys into each other to go along with them hitting each other. This domination by the Battens lasted quite a while until Jaggers would get a cheapshot on Bart as he ran the ropes. The tables turned here as the heels now are working together nicely as a tandem and use some adept doubleteaming to work over Bart. The Battens would eventually make a comeback but this would end up going to a time limit draw. This was a decent match but I think there was way too much goofiness with the heels hitting each other.

The heel misdirection spots and stalling was fun for the most part. It went on a bit too long but didn't detract from the match too much. I loved the test of strength spots in this especially the one that went into a surfboard tease by Kroffat. Kroffat's post bump was nasty as hell and was my favorite bump in the shine section. I was really getting into the heat section with all the goofy double team moves of the Jayhawks and the stiff lariats and shit. Then there's a fucking time limit draw. That finish was bad enough to prevent me nominating it. It just ended abruptly right as it was getting good. I hate that shit. That's too bad but this is a NO.