Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 108: Dick Slater vs. Jake Roberts (2/14/86)

I could have sworn the whole point of Match # 106: Terry Taylor vs Jake Roberts was to determine a number one contender for the North American Title, yet Taylor won and Jake is in the title match. What’s this all about?

This is no disqualification and Dark Journey is nowhere to be found at the start. Apparently Jake DDTed the young lady the week before, but he asks about her over the house mic anyway. Slater attacks straight out.

No detailed play-by-play reviews for a bit here. Trying new stuff. I liked that they took advantage and established the no DQ from the start w/ Slater choking Jake with the robe. The match layout seems to fit the story of Slater’s North American title run so far as well as the feud. By the way, the match IS for the title

Jake’s selling isn’t as pronounced in this match but it’s fine. I don’t need everyone to ham everything up, but Jake looks normal selling instead of above great, as he often can be. Just an observation.

Slater kills him with a big beatdown and heel stuff the fist seven minutes straight from the bell. Maybe one or two hope punches/kicks, which is a plus as Jake was great at desperation stuff. Stupid Tommy Gilbert interjects himself as the match escalates with Slater using wrist tape to choke Jake. Just as good are Slater’s punches, and his right fist being taped fits the match well.

Gilbert allows Jake to have a great emotional comeback by killing Slater with his boot. So that’s okay because he’s a face? At least Gilbert wasn’t threatening either with a DQ. Jake really connected to the Houston crowds, which is why I’d imagine this run was so effective with Slater as the main nemesis. Builds to a DDT tease, which Jake highlights well always. Slater’s reversal and suplex elevate the tease and the match. Also a great false finish where Jake gets his boot on the rope.

Jake comeback a second time lands the DDT. Jake is bloody by the way, which doesn’t add quite as much as I’d hoped. Jake wins clean with the DDT in around ten minutes. I’m not sure if this was a Dusty finish later on, but apparently that was it and Jake leaves immediately with the title.

Match was really getting good (and was already very entertaining), but that finishing sequence and clean pin was so quit it cut off the enjoyment too soon. Still, a good match and a fun feud. 3 ¼ stars and 6.6/10.

Match Discussion Here