I think this has been on WWE Classics a few times, but it's still worth watching and also notable for being the match that basically spurred the creation of the ***** match rating system. Terry Funk is the MAN at this point and it's actually kind of uncomfortable watching Lawler kick the shit out of him.
I think this has been on WWE Classics a few times, but it's still worth watching and also notable for being the match that basically spurred the creation of the ***** match rating system. Terry Funk is the MAN at this point and it's actually kind of uncomfortable watching Lawler kick the shit out of him.
"but it's still worth watching and also notable for being the match that basically spurred the creation of the ***** match rating system." Say what? Regardless of that statement's factuality or not, I say this match is an example of something that completely breaks the system. You're not going to rate it for its technical precision, crazy bumping, transitions, or crowd response, at least.
ReplyDeleteHey, a version of this match that I can actually make out! Super.
ReplyDeleteLove Lance Russell lighting up and thinking no one will show like it's a western and Pat Garrett is waiting for Billy the Kid.
I love it. It goes against everything Vince McMahon thinks wrestling is. It's just 2 regular guys beating the hell out of each other. Neither of these guys would ever get hired by the WWE today, and yet they are two of the most influential wrestlers of all time. Because this business is about passion and emotion, not selling toys. He can keep hiring all the bodybuilders and "divas" he wants. Wrestling was built on the Arn Andersons and The Sheiks and the Brunos and The Funks and The Kings.
ReplyDeleteThere was nothing about that that wasn't awesome!
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what of make of this.
ReplyDeleteTerry's selling the eye was fantastic
Basically the story was that matches were rated on a **** system before like movies, but this was so fantastic that Cornette and Meltzer had to create a fifth star for it.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic angle, a fasinating odditty based on how real it all comes across sure, but 5-star match seems like it's pushing it
ReplyDeleteokay, then let's say it's a ***** match ending/angle. but who cares?
ReplyDeletebtw: on the Foley dvd during their alternative commentary for the Funk/Dreamer vs. Edge/Foley match, Foley and Joey Styles do an awesome and hilarious impression of Funk, including Mick going "my eye! my eye!"
ReplyDeleteI plead complete ignorance to Jerry Lawler's contributions to the sport but damned if I don't plan on doing my homework.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna get killed for this, but I enjoyed the meat of the Mankind/Rock empty arena match more than the first 13 minutes of this one. The ending of this one is obviously phenomenal while the ending of Rock/Foley ruins the whole thing, though, so... yeah. Call it a wash?
ReplyDeleteLawler talks in his book about how stupid he felt walking out in his cape and crown to no music and no reaction. Funk screaming and yelling during the match is awesome - "Ask Him!!! Tell Him!!!" I love Memephis wrestling.
ReplyDelete"Lawler please..get me help, get me help!!" "Lance please don't leave me here!!" "Lawler come back here - you YELLOW PIG!!!"
I almost referenced this match in the Lawler/Savage post...so many great matches and moments from Memphis in that era, it's hard to list them all.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the no-DQ match between the two on 3/23.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this before and thought it was one of the best things I'd ever in wrestling. Therefore I won't be rewatching - it's never going to live up to the memory I have of seeing it for the first time.
ReplyDeleteI love how calm and collected Lance is in contrast to how calm and collected Lance is in contrast to Terry at the end. I can't stop laughing about how he goes in to check on him and then gives into Terry's begging and agrees, "Okay, I'll go call someone." It was like he was hoping for Funk to toughen up and take it and then finally accepted that it wasn't going to happen.
ReplyDeleteVince's commentary is unbearable.
ReplyDelete