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Post by rickyjackson on Jan 14, 2018 14:15:49 GMT -5
Another peak Bruno match before a sold out, rabid MSG crowd. This is against one of his greatest opponents, perhaps in their first encounter, as Graham was just new to the territory. These two would have better matches (specifically in 1977) but I can't find them on YouTube. Like a lot of 70s matches, this one takes a bit to get going, but it builds to a very dramatic peak. Another example of Bruno's greatness as a performer, but also Graham at his best too youtu.be/Ko2-DqAiFWY |
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Post by elliott on Nov 18, 2018 15:08:48 GMT -5
The link says this is 10/13/75. is this the correct match?
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Post by elliott on Nov 18, 2018 15:34:39 GMT -5
Whatever the date, I really liked this. It is pretty basic even by 70s match standards. Really based around test of strengths and bear hugs. But these two are ridiculously charismatic so it is really enjoyable. Definitely going to seek out more matches with these two as Ricky said they had even better stuff later.
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Post by midsouthratpack on Dec 22, 2018 9:15:58 GMT -5
I am going to go ahead and throw my nomination in for this match. This was a match between two Mega Stars in the North East at the time and it showcases just how popular Sammartino is with the people and how he could transform a building into pure electricity. The crowd in this match is as lit as any crowd can get with every movement being special and important. You will see no dives , flips or top rope ring work in this one. This is simple , easy but most importantly MEANINGFUL. These two workers manage to do more in one minute with a simple hold then most guys can do in a 20 min high paced workrate.
This will definitely be considered to make my list and maybe top 75. I also echo the sentiment that these two had better and bigger matches before but they just never have resurfaced yet. Maybe the only Superstar Graham work that will make my list.
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Post by wrestlingfan on Jan 13, 2019 19:46:39 GMT -5
No way. Really boring. This project helps me to discover how much I dislike Sammartino and prefer Backlund by far.
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Post by conker on May 19, 2023 6:41:28 GMT -5
It's their first encounter and it might be my favourite. It's like Rock/Hogan, they don't need to do much and they the crowd in the palms of their hands. Graham was so cool. RIP.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Apr 23, 2024 0:49:01 GMT -5
Went on a big Bruno/Graham kick when I was in Ireland in December and holy shit these two bring out the absolute best in each other. My choice for each’s best opponent. Everyone knows the kicksss working class hero Bruno but Superstar was a revelation. I have always loved Superstar’s rap & image, hell I named myself after him, BUT everyone said the mutha can’t work which is true in the 80s but he kicked ass in the 70s, bumping & stooging with the best of them. Don’t let rep scare you off, Superstar rules!
WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino vs Superstar Billy Graham - WWF 1/12/76
Superstar Graham is such a magnetic personality that it overcomes almost all his limitations in the ring. I really enjoyed the title change so I am going back to their first encounter at MSG. According to Cagematch this is the correct date and the date I saw on the video of 10/13/75 belongs to Ivan Koloff.
The crowd heat for this match is off the charts. There is a very vocal quarter or third of the crowd that is chanting for Superstar. There is a loud Bruno chant to drown them out early. The crowd is whipped into a frenzy by the simplest of moves such as a top wristlock. Vince is positively drooling over Superstar he still calls the match in Bruno’s favor but there’s no denying his love for Superstar. Hogan was basically a more athletic and mobile Superstar. I loved the pre match ritual with the Grand Wizard I have seen it done with Ken Patera but this is next level great. Someone needs to steal this.
This is such an easy match to review every highspot is so big and so sticky. Every transition so intelligent and logical. This is such a classic WWF heavyweight main event. The crowd was red hot for the whole thing. They start off some shadow boxing but Superstar runs away like the yellow belly he is. The crowd reacts to everything. Superstar demonstrates his strength by shoving off Bruno during collar elbow tie ups but on the third Bruno shoved him hard into the buckles ricocheting into a top wristlock. The crowd roars! I know most will not have the patience for ten minutes of tests of strength but I am here for it! The top wristlock battle is compelling as Superstar yanks Bruno down by the hair. Bruno comebacks with a bodyslam as Superstar flails and writhes. Brilliant heel selling. They of course do the Greco-Roman knuckle lock test of strength. Superstar wins early but Bruno comes roaring back only for Superstar to butt him low. Off comes the wrist tape and he chokes Bruno. The crowd is hot! Bruno breaks free and he uses it on Superstar. Again Graham’s flailing reaction makes this all the better. Now we get the Bearhug. Great selling by Bruno and Superstar rams wicked hard into the buckles. It was insane! I thought Superstar concussed himself. Now Bruno back with his own Bearhug. This is such great heavyweight Clash of Titans wrestling. They knock heads and Bruno spills out of the ring to lose by countout to set up the rematch. Bruno sends Superstar packing over the top rope with a knuckle XZ sandwich. Bruno declares it is supposed to be a 20 count on the outside. lol.
Workrate marks recoil, heavyweight main event fans rejoice! This was incredible! So much fun! Simple but oh so effective. ***3/4
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