Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 22: Magnum TA vs Ted Dibiase No DQ (Tulsa 5/27/84)
These two rematched in Tulsa for a night show just hours after the first match I reviewed (Match # 21). They boo Dibiase out of the building, but they love Magnum. I probably would have too in 1984. I was three.

Clever fake out to begin with for anyone who did the day/night shows as a fan. Stare down and jawing before the bell are the same. Ted walking to his corner, prompting TA to do the same, then turning and jumping TA – also the same. But TA fights out and beats Ted pillar to post, and it’s TA who throws him, but again differently.

Dibiase should have been a Horsemen. Twice he begs off exactly like Flair, and another time he gets enough beg off time to kick the bread basket of Magnum. Later, while on his knees taking punches he comes in at TA, grabs his tights, and “Tully’s” him to the outside while selling a beating. Very good run away and brawl. Some strong mix of brawling and wrestling with a bunch of subtle changes. Dibiase elbows from the second rope and TA’s bump are perfect. Not a lot of weak stuff. They work well together. Roll up for a TA hope spot was well timed. Dibiase screaming at TA to “get up!” was a level of realism I appreciated.

TA gigs again, probably the same cut. Again, dramatic, and his hope spots combined with Dibiase cutting him off are awesome. TA bloody in Dibiase’s sleeper is a great close up visual, until I hear them going over spots. Still, the crowd didn’t hear, and they cheer on a comeback ferociously.

Big comeback and TA plays it well. Dibiase is definitely calling the match though. Dibiase shows ass until they collide in the middle signaling the finish. Similar, yet again different, to earlier. An “A Game” to the warm-up of their first match. Dibiase loads his glove, swings, and misses. Atomic drop, belly-to-belly, and TA wins clean. I should note in both cases Dibiase kicked out just after three and got his heat back with the crowd by acting as though he didn’t lose.

A great match where they elevated their game from earlier in the day and changed it up enough the art and care for their craft. A better match in the same amount of time. 3 ½ and 7/10.