Posted June 3, 200916 yr comment_5440136 Vladimir Zarasov vs. Italian Stallion (5/17/89) Stallion was quite the amateur wrestler in New York in the early 80’s so he can show off his prowess here. Stallion plays heel here shouting at the fans which is funny and does chickenshit heel schtick like complaining about his tights being pulled and actually doing the Fargo Strut making the commie Russians actual babyfaces here since they play by the rules. Stallion works this like a normal US style match while Zarasov works holds. Zarasov would catch Stallion with a nice German Suplex hold to win. Wahka Eveloev vs. Rip Morgan (5/17/89) It’s rare seeing Rip actually portrayed as an American. Stallion trying to rally the Japanese fans on the floor to chant USA was great. Eveloev was great here for this short match as Morgan tried to work his normal style but he would lock on a flying jujigatame to get the win. “Dr. Death” Steve Williams vs. Vladimir Berkovich (5/17/89) Now it’s time for some action as we know that Doc loves facing the Russians. Doc posing before the bell then Berkovich sneaking in with a fireman’s carry was great. Berkovich not letting Doc slam him forcing Doc to deadlift him was awesome as Doc used his brute strength to get him down. There was lots of dead lifting here on both sides as there was some issues but Doc would eventually get Vlad in the Oklahoma Stampede for the win. Doc shakes hands with Vlad after the match. If this went longer then it could’ve had nomination potential. Victor Zangiev vs. Darryl Peterson (Max Pain) (5/17/89) The great Zangiev makes his Japanese debut here I think although I could be wrong. There was some good takedowns early and Zangiev showed his power by belly to bellying Peterson down to the mat then Peterson counters with his own. This was the most like a pro wrestling match as Zangiev got the style and he just kept throwing Peterson around and caught him with a double-arm suplex to get the win after Peterson missed a diving body press off the middle rope. Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Salman Hashimikov (5/17/89) The fans are into this one as here are the big guns of the respective teams facing off. Hashimikov throws Bammer early and locks on a jujigatame but Bammer would counter into an ankle lock in a good reversal. Salman would then soon take Bammer down with a single leg before locking on a standing ankle bar cranking it in but Bammer would again find a way out. Bammer would get a chinlock on Salman but of course he would find a way to counter it getting to the ropes so Bigelow goes the regular wrestling route and hits a vertical suplex for a nearfall. Salman would try to use his strength to get Bammer down again and finally got him in a half-hatch suplex before picking him up again but this time Stallion jumped on the apron with Doc sneaking in to pull his foot out with Bammer falling on him for the win. The US team would leave as the Russians are pissed and that was quite the ending. This series was interesting to watch but the matches weren’t nomination calibur.
