Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 144: Chris Adams vs. Terry Taylor (4/19/87)

These two men were partners and tag team champions recently. We reviewed one of their matches with Hot Stuff International. Now they’ve decided to be singles competitors, though I’m not sure if Adams has turned yet. I can almost bet cash it won’t be Taylor who plays the heel in Mid South.

A great extended opening where both guys exchange holds and reversals. Really solid and well paced stuff that must have seemed quite fast and tight as work for the time. Both guys are considered by history to be strong workers (good hands), but on a rung below a top level inside the ring. Translation is they had great matches with Flair and higher level opponents. The series ends when Taylor runs the ropes and perfectly trips over Adams so that he falls outside the ring to the floor. He grabs his knee in pain. Neat match story developing.

Back in the ring Taylor doesn’t really want to slow down. He grabs a hold and shakes out his injured knee. Back and forth they go with more hammerlocks, arm bars, and a few strikes. Crowd isn’t sure who to root for. Commercial break. I can’t believe I’m almost used to these by now.

Adams reverses Taylor for a quick two a two. A moment later Taylor misses a knee drop on that back knee. Adam is in control. Taylor gets a few quick pin attempts, but mostly it’s just back and forth wear down fighting. Both men are beat up, but Taylor does have the suspect knee. Double clotheline at the side of the ring. Adams rolls out to the announcer’s desk. Taylor comes out after him. Taylor is climbing in but he might not beat the ten count. He hops in and sells the knee, and I just wonder how hot this would be with the right players. Taylor ends up counted out of the ring as the fans go unconcerned. This match should be sent to anyone who asks “why wasn’t Taylor ever NWA Champion?”

The match lacked some fire and passion, and you could tell the fans had no idea how the heck to feel, but it was so solid and well laid out you had to like it. I just got a little bored at great wrestling here and there, so the personalities (or lack thereof) hurt this match. Crowd heat and finish were just too flat, as was the heart. The work had it’s flaws, but it was very good most of the time. 2 ¾ and 6/10.

Match Discussion