Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 14: Dutch Mantell vs. Kevin Sullivan (5/9/81)

This is our second viewing of Sullivan as a Jimmy Hart sponsored heel. He’s cut to shreds, as they say, which is funny because when I finally got to see Sullivan weekly he was a fat short guy leading the Dungun of the Doom. Here he’s in much better shape but appears tiny, even next to Mantell.
Dutch Mantell was a heck of a worker and you can see it here. He could brawl with the best of Memphis, but he’s got great technical mat work and timing here. He’s a quick wrestler who bumps well and his selling is above impressive.

This match was a very solid dull match in that these two wrestled a match based mainly around a headlock for 14 minutes. I’d call it uninspired, but both men gave a good effort. Rather it was me that they failed to inspire. Not too much to say about this one as I usually do. It was a run of the mill match that went back and forth and escalated to a point where Sullivan was getting the heat on Mantell, but that was short lived. I liked the Dutch tried to suffocate Sullivan while in the headlock by putting his hand on the mouth/nose of his opponent. Past that much of this TV Title match was forgettable. Sullivan won nearly clean when Hart was on the apron, Sullivan kicked out sending Mantell into Hart, and then rolled up Hart for the pin. A decent but dull match story and finish. Mantell’s promo after was actually better. 2 ½ and 5/10.

Match Discussion Here