Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 76: Ronnie Garvin vs. Eddie Gilbert (11/17/84)

Garvin is the National Heavyweight champion and your babyface here. Jimmy Hart leads Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert into this one. Studio match with Solie and Russell on the commentary.

The early lock ups and exchanges have a real legit feel to it that is missing in a lot of these Memphis matches. Maybe legit isn’t the word, but it’s more of a sport-like feel then the Memphis brawl I’ve become bored with. Eddie fakes a knee injury to get the advantage, but it’s not a cartoonish fake, so I dig this match early.

The pin falls in this match have been pretty realistic. Garvin always kicks out at one very solidly, and Gilbert kicks out at two with purpose. Lots of roll ups in this one. Gilbert has Garvin tied up in the ropes and he goes ape shit on him. The match picks up, then cools off. Gilbert has a real feel for pacing a match. Crap, a minute later Garvin gets a single crab submission and Hart’s heels (Hickerson) hit the ring. Another good one ruined, just like the last match. 3 and 6/10.