Pro Wrestling Chronicle

A masked man and an old school counter wrestler. I don’t think either of these guys dropped into 2008 would work because of narrow wrestling views by mainstream promotions. That’s why this match is pleasant viewing for today’s Mid South diaries. It’s something different

Match #5: Mr. Olympia vs Bob Roop

I feel a rant coming on, and that’s not necessarily an anger or negative thing. I’m just seconds into the match and I see what in this day and age might be blown moves. They aren’t blown, so much as wrestling in a slow motion that makes it look worked. I’m taken out of the illusion. But before I detract in my head, it gets me to thinking. With my perceived sloppiness I’m got to figure out if it was or if I need to adjust for time period and territory wrestling style. WWE can warp the mind after a few years into thinking wrestling should be a softer ballet of five perfectly executed moves. I actually find WWE to have more in common with lucha libre than the stylistically elitist major brand would want you to think. That is to say I think WWE is a bit overly fluid to the point of looking to “dancing cooperation” at times, much like lucha if it’s not your home product (or if you’ve spent a weekend watching MMA and lucha somehow gets in your DVD player.

I find it refreshing whenever I see a more rugged or even out of place spot or style being employed in a wrestling ring. It brings with it the opportunity for experimentation and creativity, not only for the wrestlers, but for a fan. I thought A LOT of wrestlers and styles weren’t my thing the first time I saw them. Now I’ll watch anything and at least find a strain of something I like or find different in a positive light. It’s one of the more beautiful things about places like PWG, Chikara, IWA:MS, and ROH. It’s also something I can see on all of the Mid South matches I’ve watched so far.

My rant concluded, at the start we get Watts logically explaining why it might appear that Mr. Olympia is in JYD’s shadow, but that he’s just as big a star who has respect for “the Dog”. Great touch.

Good spot early where Roop (heel) comes off the ropes several times with big boots, so Olympia holds him up with his leg to prevent forward progress. Very lucha/Euro looking. Then Roop bumps big and silly. Oh well, can’t have everything ya want.

Watts says Roop has devised a counter to the Figure Four. In 1982? Really? I must see this mythical counter. It certainly fits into his style.

I think I’m more in love with Bill Watts’ commentary than the match. Watts talks about upcoming matches and events, as well as wrestlers coming in. A very real sports/MMA feel to the promotion, which I love. I personally wish ROH actually went MORE towards this side of things. Lenny Lenard is fine, but send Prasak back to Dun & Dragons in his mom’s basement. Great aggressive moves and movement by Olympia, who looks better here than before. Roop is still solid, literally running away from Mr. O until he does a dive on Roop. Watts allowed a dive?!

Differences to today: reversals in control of match are very subtle. You see a lot of sleepers (the submission move, not picks) as well. Some people actually lose to the move. It’s apparently Olympia’s hold. Also, as was passingly noted, when the AWA and NWA belts aren’t around, it’s the North American title that is the Mid South main belt. Olympia is your Mississippi Champion, one of the secondary belts.

T hey trade sleepers and Olympia puts him out. Good fire and everything was solid, but nothing blow away. 2 ¼ stars and 4/10.

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