Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 106: Jerry Lawler vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (Texas Death) (9/7/86)

We’ve got a very green Bam Bam playing monster heel to Lawler’s home town dragon slayer. A perfect formula for a match that had a very good formula. They hide that Bigelow at this point in his career can’t do much. He sells damn well when he has to, and it’s compelling, but mostly he dominates with punches to the gut and jumping head butts. It actually looks a lot cooler then it reads.

We also have a great stipulation for the match. The story told has time to come together dramatically because every time there’s a pin you get the corner men in to get the crowd going and a build up to a ten count. Each man rises just in time with great selling beforehand.

This match flows so well because it’s paced to the strengths of both. Bigelow isn’t a moves guy or speedy, and Lawler has to sell much of the time. Lawler out smarts Bigelow early after eating some shots, but that only lasts so long before the big man catches him. He pins Lawler twice until the old Lawler punches start getting through and he gets to pins. Each man gets up to more heat then before.
Sure this match has its shortcomings, and it’s not Dundee-Lawler, but it’s the best Lawler vs big man I’ve ever seen (including but not limited to Hogan, Bundy, Brody, Blackwell). The middle stretch with Bigelow trying submissions is dull but effective, if there’s a clear knock to give.

There’s this great moment after Bam Bam gets a pin, where they both sell, and as Lawler gets up he pops the strap down. Bam Bam looks exhausted and when he gets punches takes a huge bump. The place was so hot for that moment because the whole match had been booked the lead up to it. Twenty plus minutes in.

Also of note: The Mid South Coliseum finally has steel ring barriers instead of ropes. Welcome to the modern day, Jarrett Promotions.

Match was a bit clipped at the last break so we’re missing 7-8 minutes of it. That’s a bummer. Bigelow survived a Lawler come back and but can’t survive a Larry Sharpe (Bam Bam’s own corner guy and mentor) chair shot. Both men are down and the first man up wins. Again, crazy atmosphere and this really worked. Lawler makes it up first. Bad ass! 3 ¾ and 7.8/10.
Match Discussion Here