Posted October 8, 200817 yr comment_5435077 The Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs (Six Man Tag) (18:00) "Dey be clubberin', Tony!" This is the best Von Erichs/Freebirds match yet. Pretty straight-forward tag formula, but there ain't nothing wrong with that, and these guys add an extra layer of hatred to the proceedings that puts this above and beyond a lot of similar matches. Plus, there's some good comedy from Buddy Roberts, who dares David to put him in the Iron Claw while he's wearing his headgear, only to end up in an abdominal claw not long after. Then the 'Birds take over, and Kerry gets his head rammed into Buddy's loaded headgear a bunch of times, and Gordy busts out a running somersault senton, just because he can. Also has an elusive clean(-ish) heel win, with Gordy locking Kerry in the Oriental Spike for about a minute while the other Von Erichs are fended off, putting him out and allowing Hayes to score the pin. Also features an awesome entrance for the Freebirds with guys dressed as Rebel soldiers waving Confederate flags accompanying them to the ring as "Georgia On My Mind" plays in the background. For their part, the Von Erich intro features the public introduction on Mike Von Erich, but even the sense of dread that generates can't put a damper on my enjoyment of this match. This was what World Class was all about. Slam dunk nomination. Michael Hayes, Kimala & The Mongol vs. Adams, Parsons & David Von Erich I think Kamala is probably one of the best worked gimmicks in modern wrestling history. Effectively portrayed himself as an Abdullah-esque wild savage monster, but also effectively peppered in cooning comedy schtick and even Blanchard-esque cautious backpedaling heel stuff, and he did it without ruining the initial illusion of scary monster heel. All of this comes forward in this match, and the result might strike some as awkward or disjointed. It struck me as awesome, I loved this match. The second the bell rings, Chris Adams runs the ropes and knocks Skandor Akbar off of the apron, and from that moment on, there always seems to be something happening in this match. There's the subplot/running gag of Kamala not being familiar with the mechanics of tag team wrestling. Hayes slaps him on the back to tag him in, and Kamala assumes he's being attacked, and Akbar and Friday have to jump in the ring to stop him. They try to explain it was a friendly thing, like shaking hands, so Kamala gets in the ring and immediately tries to shake hands with Hayes, thus tagging him back in. At several points, Hayes gets tagged in, but Kamala doesn't understand that he has to leave, etc., etc. Of course, once Kamala really gets in the match, he starts destroying fools, until David manages to lock on the Iron Claw. Kamala survives and escapes, but now is a bit hesitant to get back in the ring with David, and if Kamala doesn't want to fight David, his teammates sure don't, either! Kamala is finally coerced into getting back in the ring, and actually retakes control, at which point Hayes tags in and promptly loses it, ultimately leading to the faces winning the match. Hayes is fed up with Kamala's nonsense, shoves down Akbar, and then Kamala leaps in the air, "goes bonzo" in the words of Mark Lowrance, and chases him off. Weird, wild, and amazing match. I don't know how others will react to it, but I will go to the wall for this one. Michael Hayes vs. Jose Lothario I liked this a lot better than the previous Hayes/Lothario. Lothario actually looked pretty spry here, even broke out a running somersault senton at one point. Lothario of this match against the Hayes of their first match might have been worth a nomination. Freebirds Interview (2:40) I'm sure this was good. Michael Hayes vs. Mike Reed Michael Hayes attacks Mike Von Erich/ Freebirds Interview (8:00) Jimmy Garvin Interviews Buddy Roberts & Terry Gordy vs. Kerry Von Erich & Johnny Mantel (11:40) This is the main event of the show where Kerry gave Mike his old ring jacket as a gift to commemorate his upcoming debut, only for Michael Hayes to tear it up. As you could imagine, Kerry is pissed, and boy does he let it show. Terry and Buddy give as good as they get, and Mantel isn't afraid to get down and dirty in between throwing kickass armdrags like a Texan Angel Azteca. Slam dunk nomination, and really, this whole show needs to end up on the set in some form or another. Michael Hayes-Kerry Von Erich Confrontation (3:57) This is where Hayes challenges Kerry to the loser leaves town match at the upcoming Star Wars. Jimmy Garvin vs. Chris Adams Garvin takes another shot at Adams' TV Title. This one has Adams once again control Garvin on the mat at first, but after Garvin makes two nifty escapes from a camel clutch, he takes over and starts beating on Adams something fierce. Plenty of great kneelifts and kneedrops from Garvin. Then Adams makes his comeback and hits a big roundhouse kick to Garvin's jaw that looks just as cool as his superkick usually does. Finish is pretty important in the development of both Garvin's feud with Adams and Garvin's eventual split with Sunshine, as her interference backfires, but Precious' interference wins Garvin the match and the belt. All in all, it's an easy nomination. Jimmy Garvin Interview Jimmy's always gold on the mic. Kimala vs. David Von Erich Fun brawl with Kamala usually dominating but always being wary of the claw. Jimmy Garvin vs. Jonny Mantel (Garvin Leaves Sunshine) This is for Garvin's TV Title. The angle at the end makes it pretty notable, of course, but should note that the match itself is amazing. Mantel took it to the mat like nobody's business, and I can never say enough good things about Garvin. He is such a slimy bastard, and when he gets his from the unassuming Mantel, it's great. Slam dunk nomination right here.
August 19, 200916 yr comment_5443019 Michael Hayes, Kimala & The Mongol vs. Adams, Parsons & David Von Erich I thought this was a fun bout that told an easy story. I feel it falls short as a nomination, but I wouldn't argue it going on. Buddy Roberts & Terry Gordy vs. Kerry Von Erich & Johnny Mantel This was awesome and a nomination. Jimmy Garvin vs. Chris Adams This was another good bout between the 2 that goes forward. Jimmy Garvin vs. Jonny Mantel Another tremendous Garvin showing and a nomination. Garvin has been a revelation so far in World Class.
November 26, 200915 yr comment_5446035 World Class Six-Man Tag Titles: The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy, Michael Hayes, & Buddy Roberts) © vs. David, Kerry, & Kevin Von Erich (9/5/83) Mike Von Erich shows up at ringside for this one and gets introduced as the next superstar before the match. This might not have been up to par with the previous two matches between the families but this was still tremendous and it lived up to expectations as being a hate filled stiffly fought match. Gordy broke out a sweet somersault senton here as well as using the Oriental Spike again on Kerry leading to the finish and this show really got that move over. Again this was awesome and a definite nomination. "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Iceman King Parsons, & David Von Erich vs. Michael Hayes, Kamala, & The Mongol (10/3/83) The story here is that Kamala doesn't know how tag team matches goes and anytime he gets tagged in, he tries to attack Hayes because he thought he was being attacked then just makes tags randomly which was pretty hilarious seeing the monster heel playing around. Hayes is completely frustrated but won't do shit because he would get killed. Kamala ends up getting serious and just pounds on David as he tries to save the Iceman who is getting choked in the corner. David would eventually get the iron claw on Kamala to a huge pop because it was the first time that happened. Kamala gets to the floor and tries to leave because he doesn't want any part of David so he tags out to Hayes who also doesn't want to come in. Kamala then is like fuck it and comes back in for more punishment but immediately tags back out to Hayes. Adams would get the hot tag and would run wild hitting a Superkick on Mongol then on Hayes after he breaks up the pin before going back to pinning Mongol. Hayes & Akbar get into it after the match making Kamala go nuts and Hayes went running for the hills. This was loads of fun with a great story and solid action and I'll co-sign a nomination. 2 out of 3 falls: Michael Hayes vs. Jose Lothario (10/10/83) Jimmy Garvin was supposed to wrestle Lothario here but he comes out on crutches due to David Von Erich "fracturing" his foot. Lothario looked as good here as he has on the whole set and Hayes was fine but the match wasn't anything special especially with Garvin on commentary pushing his feud with Adams as the main focus here which took away a little from the match. Garvin would use his crutch on Lothario in the 2nd fall to get Hayes the win. Then we get a promo by the Freebirds and this is great stuff with Gordy calling out everyone. Mike Reed vs. Michael Hayes (10/17/83) Hayes hems and haws before the match and gets into it with David Manning who proceeds to punch him allowing Reed to schoolboy him to get the huge upset win. This is a definite extra. Then we get the Mike Von Erich ring jacket angle again. Next are great promos by the Freebirds & Garvin. Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy & Buddy Roberts vs. Johnny Mantell & Kerry Von Erich (10/17/83) Kerry is wired up big time after what happened earlier between Hayes & Mike Von Erich so he attacks the Birds at the bell. Mantell looked really good here throwing some crisp armdrags and working well with the Birds and Kerry of course was on point here throwing some great punches especially on Gordy who was bumping like crazy. Mantell works as the FIP and takes some punishment but Kerry would just run in to kick more ass as Bronko Lubich couldn't keep up. The action would eventually go back to a regular tag but the action continued to be fast and furious with a lot of quick tags. Gordy would eventually lock on the Oriental Spike on Mantell for the win but Kerry would immediately go back punching Gordy as the match ended. This had some great action and a easy nomination. Then we get the angle with Hayes challenging Kerry to a loser leaves Texas match at Reunion Arena on Thanksgiving night at Reunion Arena and this is a definite extra. World Class TV Title: "Gentleman" Chris Adams © vs. "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin (10/24/83) Garvin doing pushups before the match was funny so Adams does his little flip to piss off Garvin. Adams dominates early trying to keep Garvin grounded in a camel clutch but Garvin would break free hitting some big knees in Adams' back. Garvin was ruthless with his knees and kept Adams at bay until Adams hit a roundhouse kick to start off his comeback. Adams then connects with a Superkick clean but doesn't go for the pin allowing Garvin to recover enough to drop Adams on the top rope throat first. Garvin then held Adams for Sunshine to pop him but he ducked and ate it instead then Precious would end up tripping Adams and Garvin dropped him on his head in a DDT variation to win the match. The hint at the future breakup with Garvin and Sunshine was subtle and it really added to this solid match. Solid nomination. Then we get another great promo by the Freebirds regarding their feuds and Garvin gloating his victory. David Von Erich vs. Kamala (10/17/83) Kamala attacks David early but as soon as David starts to tease going for the iron claw, Kamala ducks out quickly due to his fear of the move which is great since he is the monster heel. Besides Brody, David had the most competitive matches with Kamala at this time and gave as well as he took with Kamala doing more selling for him than anyone else but Brody. Kamala would get on David on the mat with his nerve hold and started his control section but David would come back with his high kneelift leading up to the iron claw. David would get the win as Friday would throw in the towel in a pretty shocking finish because this wasn't even in the main Fort Worth arena. Akbar attacked Friday after the match for throwing the towel in then nailed David with the riding crop allowing Kamala to attack David until Kerry made the save with the Discus Punch. Mike Von Erich then came down and was being held back from attacking Akbar but got a punch in on him as the crowd went nuts. This isn't a nomination but a definite extra. World Class TV Title: "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin © vs. Johnny Mantell (10/31/83) This is the full match here from the breakup angle. Mantell hangs with Garvin on the mat in some pretty damn good exchanges with both men working in and out of holds. Mantell continued to frustrate Garvin who would try to keep Mantell grounded so he couldn't get any offense. Mantell was pesky though and made a fiery comeback using some nice uppercuts and forearms sending Garvin to the floor. Mantell would suplex him back in with Precious pulling Mantell's feet from under him but he rolled over on Garvin and won the title. The angle went down after the match and this is a nomination although I'm not as high on this as others.
