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Post by elliott on Dec 11, 2017 21:16:24 GMT -5
Jerry Lawler vs Bill Dundee (Dundee’s Hair vs Lawler’s Title - Memphis - 8/22/1977)
Yet another classic match from the Lawler vs Dundee rivalry that is right there at the top of the best rivalries in wrestling history list. This is their I think 5th match against each other that I've nominated. This isn't at the level of 12/85 or 6/83, but it compares well to the 1986 match and thus deserves strong consideration. Great match with all the usual great punching, selling and psychology from two of the best ever.
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Post by Cap on Dec 13, 2017 18:30:41 GMT -5
Second
Good stuff as always from these two. Its a long shot for my list, but I'll take another look at some point. I remember thinking that this was - much like Hokuto/Kandori II a sort of unfortunately lost in the shuffle match, one that gets underrated despite having many of the qualities of the more talked about, elite matches in the rivalry.
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Post by mattsdmf on Jan 9, 2018 19:20:27 GMT -5
Just watched this and thought this was very great as well. I do think it's essential viewing for those seeking out Memphis footage or just getting a more indepth view of the long rivalry between Lawler and Dundee. I thought the video footage was really great as you got to see a lot of minutia that you don't really get to see in most wrestling matches such as how Lawler handled the chain. The punches in this were absolute perfection. I'd recommend people to seek this one out.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Mar 18, 2019 11:58:07 GMT -5
How long is the footage we have? Is it 15-16 minutes? Is it complete? I would like to watch this soon.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Mar 18, 2019 20:06:09 GMT -5
The video I found online is 15:40, BUT it is missing the finish. Does anyone know if there is a video with just the finish?
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Post by elliott on May 10, 2022 1:25:10 GMT -5
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Post by superstarsleeze on Apr 23, 2024 0:56:18 GMT -5
Five years later finally cross posting from PWO. Thank you Elliot & PeachChaos. Re-read my review. This sounds amazing! I need to revisit this. This rocks!
Southern Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler vs Bill Dundee - Memphis 8/22/77 Title vs Hair
Great Dundee promo before this match about taking all of Lawler's money and buying himself a Caddie. Lawler tries to interfere in a Dundee match and gets a knuckle sandwich right over the top rope. Great bump!
So I am a novice when it comes to Memphis Wrestling History. Having watched a lot of 80s footage, I came in with the natural presumption that Lawler was the face and Dundee was the heel. What I love about this is that from the first punch exchange I could tell I was wrong. Lawler tags Dundee good after a lengthy cautious feeling out process. Dundee comes right back and knocks him off his feet. Immediately, I knew I was wrong. Could you say the same thing about today's wrestling? Could you tell the characters so readily? I dont think so and I think that is a shame. Wrestling is a dance. It is important to know the roles. There is another great punch exchange that Dundee gets the better of. Lawler sells it as a HEEL so well! I go back to this talking point so often. Selling as a babyface and heel is very different and people are only being taught how to sell as babyfaces. The way Lawler sells this punch, you dont feel sympathy for him rather you want him to get punched in the face again. Dundee goes after the leg because Lawler has incurred a previous injury at the hands of Dundee. I loved this work. Both men are so cautious. It really sells the importance of this. Dundee gradually is able to make in-roads on the leg. Going for Figure-4s but Lawler keeps avoiding them. I love the time Lawler comes charging in after one attempt and just gets knocked off his feet for his trouble. Dundee works a single leg crab and a modified Figure-4 because Lawler is defensing so well. I love that because it protects the Figure-4 if Dundee could get it on you believe he would win, but Lawler is just playing defense so well. Lawler makes the ropes, powders and then slams Dundee's knee against the apron. Now it is classic heel Lawler. His manager chokes Dundee with the towel and then it becomes all about the chain. He busts Dundee open and then the footage ends, but thanks to a good brutha I have the finish now!
I love when Dundee shows life, Lance exclaims "DUN-DEEEEEEE" it makes me smile. This is pretty much all Lawler with a smattering of Dundee throwing a punch here and there. Lawler is just kicking ass. Lawler overwhelms him in the corner. Lance declares that Dundee is out on his feet in the corner as Lawler pours it on. The NWA rep agrees with Lance's assessment and calls for the bell. Dundee pleads with him to restart the match otherwise he loses his hair. The NWA rep recants and calls for the bell to restart the match to a big pop! Lawler is pissed. Lawler unleashes a furious flurry of punches that needs to be seen to be believed! It was incredible. Dundee survives and lunges at Lawler. There was a blown spot where Lawler misses an elbow drop and the ref counts two, but Lawler forgets to kick out and the ref just stops the count. These two just beat on each other. Lawler misses a second rope elbow drop and Dundee covers him for three to win the title. Lawler's lanky manager, Mickey Poole, who I have never heard of also lost his hair and looked quite ridiculous bald I will say. There needs to be more hair matches in wrestling!
I love that even as a heel Lawler found a way to work the majority of the match underneath. It does not drag like most heel in peril segments because Lawler is so good at selling and because you they stakes so well. You are not worried about being entertained. You are worried about the outcome. You really want to see the hero prevail. Lawler was great pouring it on in the corner causing the stoppage and then right after the stoppage was an amazing barrage of punches. I will admit I thought the finish was anti-climatic. I know it is 1977 but an elbow drop from the middle rope c'mon. Also, even if Lawler missed a bigger move, it is more impactful to have the miss and then have the hero hit a move to win. Anyways that aside, this is a great war of attrition match and I have at #3 of the four Lawler vs Dundee matches I have seen. ****1/2
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