Posted February 29, 200817 yr comment_5428840 All Japan Classics 52 Giant Baba vs. Bugsy McGraw (6/10/81) - I don't like Bugsy McGraw. Baba ends it quickly with the BIG Boot. Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Nick Bockwinkel (AWA Title, Minneapolis, MN on 6/22/80) - This has been one of my least favorite matchups so far in going through these Classics. I remember enjoying the Bock-Hennig matches, Bock-Lawler and Bock-Martel but Bock-Jumbo isn't doing it for me. Since this is AWA, I'll let KHawk sit through this. Harley Race vs. Giant Baba (NWA Title, 9/4/80) - You can tell Baba is excited in this one because he is bringing it. It really helps that Race sells and bumps like a madman. What makes this stand out is Race's inability to hit any of his big moves. Instead, it is Baba firing on all cylinders. Race tries to suplex Baba in the ring, Baba falls on top for a pin. In a strike battle, it is Race who goes tumbling out of the ring. Race's piledriver is blocked. Baba's piledriver hits the mark. This battle continues where you could feel Race getting frustrated up until Baba hits his sweet Hart Attack clothesline for the win and a HUGE pop from the crowd. This will be one of the higher ranking Race matches on the set along with the Flair match and deservedly so.
August 18, 201015 yr comment_5454648 Giant Baba vs. Bugsy McGraw (6/10/81) Odd matchup and wasn't very good either. Next is Bock/Jumbo from the AWA which I'll wait on. NWA World Heavyweight Title: "Mr. Pro Wrestling" Harley Race © vs. Giant Baba (9/4/80) Baba gets two nearfalls early and you can already tell he wants this one bad. Baba was dominant here getting the best of Race on all the big moves of the match as it seemed anytime Race was about to hit a big move on Baba, Baba somehow reversed it in his favor. Race was great here selling for everything and bumping around for Baba like a Jr. Heavyweight. Baba was on the money on all of his big moves but Race found a way to kick out or get the ropes to keep himself alive until Baba just nailed him with his neckbreaker drop to win the title. The fans went nuts for Baba winning the title in what was a very good match. This moves forward easily.
