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Post by stunninggrover on Feb 10, 2018 0:08:06 GMT -5
Nick Bockwinkel vs. Curt Hennig (AWA World Heavyweight Championship - AWA SuperClash 2 in San Francisco, California, 5/2/1987)
AWA SuperClash 2 in San Francisco, CA. Nick Bockwinkel defended the AWA World Heavyweight Championship against Curt Hennig. There was a tremendous spot where Hennig tried to ram his shoulder into Bockwinkel, but Bockwinkel moved away – sending Hennig through the ropes all the way to the outside of the ring. Larry Zbyszko was at ringside and the fans were shouting things at him. I like how when Hennig slammed Bockwinkel, it almost looked like he wanted to slam him through the mat. And when Hennig executed a sunset flip, Hennig jumped with great determination over Bockwinkel. Great execution by both Bockwinkel and Hennig. I like how everything looked like a struggle.
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Post by joeg on Feb 10, 2018 14:25:31 GMT -5
Second.
Their hour long draw is going to make my list for sure. This has an outside shot. I think the fact that they are wrestling in front of an empty Cow Palace at a show that wasn't advertised or promoted on TV kind of hurts the match's atmosphere. Its hard to get into a match when the entire show has a bad crowd. But man that spot in the corner where Hennig flies out of the ring, is one of the craziest things I've ever seen in wrestling. That spot and following that spot Bock methodically took control and worked Hennig's shoulder, it was just awesome.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Dec 31, 2018 20:24:03 GMT -5
Third.
I love the Bockwinkel vs Hennig from a work perspective but I think the story puts more heat on the promotion & the system than Bock. Great double limb psychology. I don't think it will make my Top 100, but these worked great together.
AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel vs Curt Hennig - AWA Superclash II 5/2/86
I did not see any build up other than the matches. I know Larry Z had been feuding with Bockwinkel by basically being the new devious heel on the roster. I don't know if Larry Z was trying to subvert Hennig before the match because otherwise the finish seems out of nowhere. It does make sense from Hennig's growing disillusionment with the system and having been screwed out of the title. Hennig turning heel just seems so fucking stupid. The promotion needed a babyface and the crowd was behind Hennig. Plus the need for Hennig to win by cheating affirms that system is broken and that good cannot triumph. That's not good for the promotion. I think people turning because they have been cheated is a fine storyline but when AWA desperately needed a new face to keep the company afloat that was not one needed. Hennig should have triumphed by right and might with Bockwinkel shaking his hand in respect and passing the torch. Then on top of all this, Hennig did NOT even win the title by hook or by crook. The title was held up. That's just so Death of WCW. No one wins and no one is better for it. The match is damn great, but the booking really leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
Larry Z in all his epic mullet glory challenges the winner. Unfortunately for him, there would be no winner in this match. Hennig is ready to rock n roll in this match. He throws Bock off on top wristlock. Bock tries the slap again to intimidate Hennig like in past matches. Hennig wins a headlock/headscissors battle with a headlock. They make use of movement to keep it entertaining, but Hennig always gets back on top with the headlock. Hennig rams into the post and Bockwinkel is in his element playing King of the Mountain. Bockwinkel is laying in some absolutely massive shots. Bockwinkel targets the arm with big blows and some tight holds. Hennig uses a slam to get out of the hammerlock, but Bock kicks off and gets back to the arm. I really like Bockwinkel's double wristlock takedown into a short arm scissors. I love Bockwinkel smiling and jawing with the fans. It is nice to see him having fun in there. The fans however did not like it and thought it was boring. Similar to how Hennig pried open the figure-4 on the headlock in the March match, he does it here and it leads to some phenomenal leg work. Bockwinkel sold his leg so well in this match. Hennig kicks Bock's leg out from under him and then spinning toehold into figure-4 shades of the November match. Hennig shows his mean streak and continues attacking the leg in the ropes. Bockwinkel uses hair and punches in the midsection to stop his momentum. Bockwinkel hits one of his great kneelifts, but cat capitalize due to the leg work. They slug it out and Hennig unleashes a bevy of nearfalls. It is punctuated with the AXE~! and piledriver, but Bockwinkel was too close to the ropes. They knock the heads and Larry Z gives Hennig a roll of coins to win the match until the ref sees all the dimes on the floor. Leading to the title being held up.
The match is awesome and great display of dueling limb psychology leading to a hot home stretch, but the finish sucked. ****1/2
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Post by elliott on Sept 6, 2023 11:35:34 GMT -5
Great match as usual with these two.
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