Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 5: Bill Dundee vs. Tommy Rich (8/23/80)

Tommy Rich would go on shortly from this time period to have a short NWA World Title reign and later have a notable feud with Jerry Lawler. I saw him for the first time a decade ago as a washed up chubby manager in ECW, but here he was in his prime. Dundee we’ve already seen in several matches; a mainstay in Memphis.

Jerry Lawler is with Lance Russell on commentary here. Winner of the match gets a shot at the Southern Heavyweight title, I’d guess being held by Lawler at the time. That’s the promotion’s big belt. And I’m already wrong, as Bill Irwin is the champ. Dundee and Rich are friends who were recently tag partners. Lawler talks logically about Dundee getting a title shot and Russell has his say. I miss that about wrestling.

Really competitive and high impact amateur style stuff as well as a lot of movement in the ring. Both men are moving well and this seems like an important match in the first two minutes. Hold exchanges favor nobody as its all equal, but getting more competitive. Rich is better then I thought, or Dundee is making him look awesome. I’d say Rich has talent.

Dundee gets reversed out of Boston crab. Rich grabs a knee lock but he’s pushed off. I love the exuberance with which Dundee applies and works the sleeper. He always knows the right time to take a shot at it too. For a babyface vs babyface match with top of the card guys, they’ve really worked this well. Only major flub is a Dundee monkey flip that almost breaks Rich’s neck. Rich comes back with a vicious back drop that seems like a recipt, but may have been worked inmto the finish. Dundee sells his groin, the ref checks on him, and Rich quicly rolls him up for a pin. Russell shames him post-match, but Rich says he’s making a name for himself all over. He’s come home to get his shot now, and “that boy was just playin’ possum”. Damn right! He then heels on Lawler while the King watches on. Calls him a sissy and pushes Lawler down. He’s on fire. Great match and heel interview after. 3 ¼ and 6/10.

Update: I went back and looked. Rich head buts Dundee in the ground as he takes him over for the back body drop. Really amazing now that I see how it was executed. Also, Lawler is “retired” at the moment with an injured foot. Therefore Rich shoving him down gets huge heat because Lawler can’t defend himself. Very good angle.

Match Discussion Here