#1 Contender Match for the Unified Heavyweight Title: “Gentleman” Chris Adams vs. “Dirty” Dutch Mantell (6/16/89)

 

Odd seeing Dutch working here. This started out really fun with Dutch being a stooging heel and Adams being solid as usual. We had a fun spot here where Adams took Dutch down by the beard and worked into a jujigatame before the match went to the floor where they almost broke the house mic. Dutch is relentless here as he keeps Adams on the floor and gives him a big clothesline keeping Adams down. Adams would come back to the ring for a slugfest with both men throwing some good punches and Adams getting the better end of the battle. Dutch would regain the advantage though as Adams would miss a running elbow smash into the corner. Adams would fight back though after a couple of sleeper holds and he would take Dutch to the floor where he would smash his head into a steel chair twice then posted him as he ran into the ring to beat the count getting the win by countout. Screwy finish but this was a damn fun match and a nomination.

World Class' attitude towards foreign object shots continues to baffle me during this period, but what are you going to do? Match is still a load of fun, and I co-sign it as a nomination. Adams' superkick to the gut almost had me jumping out of my chair.

Chris Adams vs. Dutch Mantell 6/16/89 (Bix's WCCW 6/89 - 6/85)

- Solid early on but really basic stuff with Dutch establishing himself as the heel. Sweet spot as Dutch goes for a hip toss but Adams catches and drops him in a Fujiwara armbar. Dutch breaks and clotheslines Adams out of the ring to gain control and continuing his attack on the outside. This plays a role in the finish as the tide turns and Adams injures Dutch on the outside enough to roll-in and win on a countout. I don’t think this is the best Adams match I have ever seen and it isn’t the best Dutch either (though it may be the best Dutch singles match in World Class). A good solid mid-level match that should probably be on the set but won’t light the world on fire.