Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match #18: Midnight Express vs Bill Dundee/Porkchop Cash (4/6/84)

Well, we know who the heels are. Here’s a hint: They get to have Cornette run interference on the outside. Faces are two old Memphis workers, Dundee and Cash. In fact, all these men came as part of a Watt-Jerry Jarrett trade. Watts made out on the deal. My guilty pleasure (if I had shame) as a fan is Memphis Wrestling. It’s the tasty French bread pizza with 2000 calories…of pro wrestling.

I’ve never seen Porkchop Cash before, only read about him. He’s a lot more fit than the name suggests. Dundee is a classic old time undersized worker. His feuds with Jerry Lawler are legendary, and he’s the father of J.C. Ice (Jamie Dundee) of PG-13. PG-13 is the epitome of my Memphis entertainment guilt.

I’m such a mark for a creative/involved headlock spot, and we get one here. Eaton can’t shove Cash off to the ropes. He’s tried twice and he ended up in Dundee’s corner. Dundee, on the apron, calmly walks by and slides Eaton’s leg out so that he goes down on one knee. I love the little things, and a move like that shows a thin line between cheap heel tactics and brilliant babyface ring general. See Ric Flair.

Porkchop does a weird butt move (I’m being picky) and throws goofy Memphis punches, but he’s very charismatic. He reminds me of the Human Tornado of PWG. Dundee’s tactics in the corner make up for Porchop’s shortcomings. Apparently Dundee is a sub in this match, at least storyline-wise.

Dundee gets to work. Right away I’m aware of what a smart, well traveled worker he is. Also, the Midnight Express sell blows to the face so well.

Have I mentioned how great the Express is? They do the heel “I’m hurt, hold me!” to each other for heat, take double noggin’ knockers, and basically bump all over for these guys. It’s not a technical classic, but no one shows bad technique either. Besides, judging it like that would take all the enjoyment out of this Memphis style match, and it would miss the point.

Lots of stuff with all four in the ring. You know who’s selling. Wishbone spot on the heels. Last time I saw that was actually on a NOAH house show with ROH wrestlers.

Eaton regroups. Match has excellent pace and the fans are eating it up. The Midnights do lots of asking Cornette what to do, bumping big to the outside, heel hugs, and a ball stomping spot. Dundee asked the crowds permission, so it’s okay.

Dundee with the sleeper on Eaton, but Condrey distracts. Knux to the head from Eaton. Ten minutes in and the Midnights are turning their bump-and-sell show into some heel heat. Check out this formula: Cornette – racket. Condrey – distraction. Eaton – kills Dundee with the racket. Quick tags, heel combos, you know the drill. One heel entices the babyface on the apron to come in, and the other does something illegal.

Good hope spot. Cornette cracks Dundee with the racket, pin attempt, and his leg is on the rope. Midnights show frustration and almost gets rolled up.

MNX regroup and use quick tags. They allow Dundee to crawl across to his partner. They were great at this. Crowd pops anytime Dundee gets halfway or closer. So of course each time he gets a bit closer. 10th time or so Dundee finally makes the tag.

Pork chop is your “House of Fire” leading to a roll up attempt. That attempt goes into the ropes were Cornette uses the racket from the outside. Great timing. Eaton pins Cash. 1-2-3.

Honestly, this was the Midnight Express Show. I got a great introduction to their work in Mid South with the TA/Wrestling II match. You get a sense of their overall heelness and collision course with the Rock N Roll Express next, but this was them showing you without much help. Dundee/Cash aren’t horrible, but the Midnights bumped like crazy for ten minutes, got great heat on the faces for another ten minutes, and the finish was all them. They just needed something resembling faces in the ring with them. A good showcase I really enjoyed, but with all the goodness of Mid South, this is going to land outside my top 30-40 most likely. 3 ¼ and 6/10.