“Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (5/11/84)

 

This is non-title and it’s strange to see Kerry holding the title. The crowd was fired up for this and so was Kerry in that this was his first appearance at the Sportatorium with the title. Flair was working this very aggressively as he was out for revenge for dropping the strap to Kerry so he was chunking him to the floor and cutting him off as he would come in. It would turn into a slugfest with both men hitting some stiff shots before Kerry locked in a sleeper but Flair would counter by working on Kerry’s left leg. Flair would go for the figure-four but Kerry put the claw on him until Flair countered with a punch to the gut. The match would continue to go back and forth with Kerry throwing some fucking awesome punches leading to the discus punch for a nearfall. Kerry would soon get Flair in an O’Connor Roll for a nearfall then locked in the backslide which won him the title 5 days earlier but this time Flair kicked out. Flair went back to the left leg though as he was getting up regaining the advantage. Flair would lock in the figure-four but Kerry would soon reverse it before Flair got out but he went back for it immediately before Kerry kicked him away. The action would continue to swing for both sides with both men getting their shots in before Kerry locked in a fucking GROUNDED COBRA TWIST for the win. Then we got a fun little brawl after the match as well. Awesome finish that an awesome match and this is a slam dunk nomination.

 

Next is the debut video for Stella Mae French and one of the worst storylines ever is born.

 

American Tag Titles: The Super Destroyers (Wild Bill & Scott Irwin) vs. Iceman King Parsons & “Rock n Roll” Buck Zumhofe (5/6/84)

 

Iceman was fun here going to work on the D’s but Buck was just ridiculous in his mannerisms and couldn’t be taken seriously at least by me. Iceman would hit the Butt Butt on D #2 as Zumhofe tripped up D #1 to win the titles in a short match.

 

The great Gino Hernandez cuts a promo with his newly won American title and a great era has begun.

 

Kevin Von Erich vs. Michael Hayes (5/18/84)

 

Kevin looked great early on just keeping Hayes on the defense hitting him with big shots but would catch a knee to the ribs as he tried a running splash into the corner then ate a clothesline afterwards. Hayes then kept Kevin grounded but not for long as Kevin would go for the claw that Hayes would block but he couldn’t block the stomach claw. Hayes would counter though with a punch to the face but would soon find himself in a body scissors that Kevin was great at using. Hayes would get out of that though and hit his signature bulldog headlock then keeping him grounded again before Kevin would fight back until being chunked to the floor so Hayes could gloat. Kevin would come back in the ring pissed and went right for the claw but Gordy would run in for the DQ although he never touched Kevin because Kevin put the claw on him. Killer Khan would then run out and he would drop a knee off the top rope on Kevin’s neck before Khan would lock on the Oriental Spike before the faces would then run out clearing the ring. Kevin would bleed from the mouth and sold this very well. Great action before the DQ finish and I’m going to throw this on the block.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams & Iceman King Parsons vs. Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy & Killer Khan (5/18/84)

 

The faces come out to Beat It by Michael Jackson which was awesome. Iceman comes in with a bandaged hand that Gordy complains about but it was injured. There was a great spot early as Gordy tried to throw a punch at Iceman in the corner but he would duck and Gordy almost threw himself over the top rope. Gordy would then bump all over the ring for Iceman then Adams after he tagged in. Gordy would get the tag to Khan though who immediately took control of Adams keeping him grounded before tagging in Gordy who would hit a great looking dropkick on Adams’ face. Khan would then come back in putting a sleeper on Adams but he would break free and would tag in Iceman after Gordy would tag in leading to Iceman cleaning house. Iceman would miss a diving elbow drop though leading to the heels taking control again with Adams making it hard for Iceman as he would try to help leading to the heels double-teaming Iceman. The crowd cheers for Iceman as the heels just work him over and he would finally make it over to Adams who comes in blazing and hitting an awesome Superkick on Gordy before hitting one on Khan as Iceman would come to help out. The heels would recover then Gordy would throw Iceman over the top rope leading to Adams getting double teamed and Adams taking a kneedrop to the neck off the top rope by Khan. Iceman would clear the ring though with a steel chair. Another damn fun match with great action that had a shitty DQ finish. Still a nomination.

 

“Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. The Missing Link (7/6/84)

 

This was a fight at the bell with Link sneak attacking Kerry but Kerry would fight back sending Link to the floor where he would hit himself with a steel chair. Link would come back using his head like a battering ram on Kerry but he would fight back until Akbar would get involved for the DQ. Kerry would then waffle Link with a chair that he brought in the ring for good measure. Fun but not good.

 

Badstreet Match for the vacant World Class Six-Man Tag Titles: The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy, Michael Hayes, & Buddy Roberts) vs. Kerry, Kevin, & Mike Von Erich (7/4/84)

 

Is there any doubt on this match as it was so fucking awesome as everyone just beat the holy shit out of each other. Grand slam nomination.

 

“Handsome Halfbreed” Gino Hernandez vs. “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich (7/20/84)

 

Gino is OUR champion god dammit and Kerry is in awesome shape physically. Great action here as Gino is a bumping/selling machine for Kerry plus being an awesome chickenshit which World Class never had at this time as Garvin really didn’t do this type of stuff. There was a really good looking double collision that put both men down then they followed that up by trying a dropkick at the same time and missing which was fun stuff. Kerry worked against Gino like he would with Flair so naturally this was a great matchup but Gino had some different moves as Flair. I loved Gino using his bare knee to scrape along Kerry’s face before chunking him to the floor also Gino’s use of his knees to stop Kerry from hitting two diving body presses one from a regular spot and the other from the apron to the ring. Gino would miss his patended reverse diving elbow drop though off the top rope and Kerry would start firing the punches before slinging Gino into the corner where he would fly over the top to the floor. Gino would come back though and threw Kerry into David Manning knocking him down then put brass knux around his fist and just KOed Kerry with Manning counting the pin as the crowd goes nuts. This was a fucking awesome match and a slam dunk nomination. Gino is my hero.

 

Iceman King Parsons vs. Wild Bill Irwin (7/20/84)

 

The Irwins are unmasked now and are in full cowboy gear. Both men’s partners are at ringside here for moral support and this was a good match as both men worked hard but this wasn’t enough for nomination.

 

Next we get a promo with Gordy & Hayes about Killer Khan turning on them and this was great. Definite extra.

 

Kevin Von Erich vs. Killer Khan (7/20/84)

 

This doesn’t go long as Hayes comes running out attacking Khan causing the match to get thrown out and then there is a wild brawl afterwards with the Link getting involved and Hayes attacking Kevin before Kevin gets revenge. Extra material.

int: Skandar Akbar

 

1. Freebirds + Killer Khan vs Missing Link, Kabuki, + Super Destroyers

 

This is a fun little feud.Bam Bam was awesome taking the hot tag.

 

2. Ric Flair vs Kerry Von Erich - Kerry is world champion

 

These wrestlers just have great matches with one another. This is no exception. I loved how Flair worked over KVE leg. What was the coolest part was that Flair was on the defensive when he turned the tide and began to work the leg like a pro. KVE nearfalls on Flair were believable and that I bought as false finishes. This was just a great little bout between the 2. This is a lock for a nomination.

 

int: Chris Adams

 

 

- highlights Jimmy Garvin + Precious attacking Chris Adams; Stella Mae French is introduced - Ft Worth

God this angle should have just ended. The not so subtle burying of Sunshine happens here.

 

3. Iceman Parsons + Buck Zumhoffe vs Super Destroyers - Texas Stadium

 

I don't like Zumhoffe. Parsons was good in his work here. The Destroyers were solid. The finish was cool.

 

int: Gino Hernandez

 

 

4. Kevin Von Erich vs Michael Hayes

 

Hayes charisma is off the charts. The early portions of the bout it seemed Hayes knew he was in for a lot of potatoes. He was covering up to protect from the shots. Hayes took a big bump from a dropkick. Hayes bulldog was awesome I liked how the different versions of the claw were worked in. The story that was told was solid. I liked how Hayes tried to ground KVE, but I thought the work wasn't all that inspiring while there. The action was there, but the finish blew. I dug the post match angle. Overall, the bout didn't have a nomination feel for me.

 

int: Jimmy Garvin + Precious

 

 

5. Chris Adams + Iceman Parsons vs Terry Gordy + Killer Khan

 

This was just a blast to watch. It was the heels just beating the crap out of the faces. Both faces got the chance to be FIP, and both wrestlers rocked it. Plus Gordy was great at bumping for both Parsons and Adams early. He is one hell of a piece of talent. Khan and Gordy were super at giving the faces and ass kicking along with some neat hope spots mixed in. Gordy's dropkick and Khan's top rope knee drop are just devestating looking. Plus we get another Adam's Superkick that was tremendous. The finish blew though. It also had a fun little postmatch. angle to top it off. This was fun, and a nomination.

 

6. Kerry Von Erich vs Missing Link

 

Nothing bout.

 

7. Freebirds vs Kerry, Kevin, + Mike Von Erich - Badstreet match; Ft Worth

I think this is the Observer Moty from 84. This has got to go forward on that alone. The heat was off the charts and was there from bell to bell. This was just a wild out of control brawl. The work was super stiff which added to the heat. Overall, just a fucking match and a slam dunk of a nomination. A top 10 finish.

 

8. Kerry Von Erich vs Gino Hernandez

 

This was tremendous. Both men brought their A game. I marked huge for the showmanship both men showed here. KVE showed some serious athleticism. Gino was so awesome as the chickenshit heel. Plus I give Gino 5 points for attempting his version of an Estrada death bump. Plus I'll give him 5 more for his Flair turnbuckle bump. This is a slam dunk nomination.

 

9. Iceman Parsons vs Bill Irwin

 

Another good bout. So far from what I have seen here and elsewhere Irwin works hard and has solid to good matches but not great ones. I liked this, and am torn on nominating it. I'll throw it on the block. The post match whipping helps the cause, and the spot where Parson's holds onto the attempted bodyslam and turns it into a headlock was swank. This was a nice meat and potatoes match so i'll give it a low level nomination.

 

int: Freebirds regarding Killer Khan situation

 

Extra.

 

10. Kevin Von Erich vs Killer Khan

 

More of an angle than match. A possible extra

“Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (5/11/84)

 

This was one of the best matches these two had against each other. Slam dunk pick.

 

highlights Jimmy Garvin + Precious attacking Chris Adams; Stella Mae French is introduced - Ft Worth

 

It may have been intended as a burial, but it seems fairly tame to me. Sunshine was being portrayed as a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown (pun unintended) pretty much since her face turn. This was an odd yet somehow logical turn for the angle to take. And Stella Mae French was awesome. I don't know what's wrong with you guys. Extra material.

 

American Tag Titles: The Super Destroyers (Wild Bill & Scott Irwin) vs. Iceman King Parsons & “Rock n Roll” Buck Zumhofe (5/6/84)

 

I liked this quite a bit more than you guys did. Zumhoffe is a guy who I think usually works well as a second or as a guy working the apron, but not so much as a guy actually in the ring. But I thought even he looked OK here, although he seems to be suffering from the same mental illness as Bob Backlund. Still, this is pretty one-sided, and it's not exactly nomination material.

 

int: Gino Hernandez

 

He is back!

 

Kevin Von Erich vs. Michael Hayes (5/18/84)

 

This feels like a worthy nomination. Plenty of action here. Loved Hayes escaping the abdominal claw with the eyepoke. Plus we have a great post-match angle. It is World Class. I am used to screwy finishes.

 

int: Jimmy Garvin + Precious

 

Was this the birth of the whole "It's not my fault" thing? Because I was starting to think that was an NWA development. This goes in the Garvin file.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams & Iceman King Parsons vs. Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy & Killer Khan (5/18/84)

 

When you put these four together, it is pretty hard to go wrong. This moves forward.

 

“Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. The Missing Link (7/6/84)

 

Off-the-chain great while it lasted, but it didn't last very long. This should be an extra, though. Link fucking ruled.

 

“Handsome Halfbreed” Gino Hernandez vs. “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich (7/20/84)

 

This was a blast. Gino and Kerry worked off of each other so well, from the opening of the match where Gino is flexing for the crowd, and then Kerry armdrags him and goes straight into a pose of his own that gets Gino fuming, you know these two will be perfect for one another. There are a few minor hiccups along the way, like a botched armdrag early on. I was also a little bugged by the finish. Manning is a referee usually presented as really competent and who doesn't get bumped easily. The bump he took at the end looks like it would have hurt his lower back, and that is how he sells it, but I'm not sure why that would have forced him to miss the entire finish. But this match was too much fun to let a few little things like that get in the way. Full speed ahead on this one.

 

Iceman King Parsons vs. Wild Bill Irwin (7/20/84)

 

Watching the Super D's, I got the sense that Scott was the better working Irwin, but Bill definitely seems to be better unmasked than masked, for whatever that's worth. I guess it's worth something here, because this is a pretty great match. Iceman delivers as per usual, but I think this is actually Bill's match. He puts up a great brawling performance and takes some nice bumps. He's also pretty facially expressive, which I unsurprisingly never noticed when he was a Super D. His flipped out reaction to the fans chanting "Chauncey" at him and his stunned reaction to Iceman fending off his offense early on were pretty neat. This is also a match with some great seconds. As I've mentioned before, Zumhoffe was a much better second than he was a wrestler, and Scott Irwin covers the heel side of things quite nicely ("Where's the hero now?"). I'll back this as a nomination.

 

int: Freebirds regarding Killer Khan situation

 

Slam dunk extra. "Do not put your hands on my van" feels like an Internet meme waiting to happen.

 

Kevin Von Erich vs. Killer Khan (7/20/84)

 

Do we know how much was clipped from this match? I'd really like to see a longer singles match from these two. They really worked well together for two guys who never seem to get paired up for more than a minute at a time before somebody runs in. As is, it's an extra.