Pro Wrestling Chronicle

A new compilation disk has arrived with fun goodies, so I figured I’d post some thoughts on the lot of random matches. Here’s the first…

Murdoch & Adonis vs Fujinami & Kimura 12/5/84

Great moment at the beginning when they give the ceremonial flowers out and Murdoch launches them into the crowd. I’m surprised at how hold-based the match is, and coming off of see the first Dragon Gate USA show live, it’s a big switch. I love the progressions and logic, though at times it’s a bit too slow for my tastes right now. I think a commentary I could understand over the match would help with some dead spots, but it’s really a question of mood anyway.

Murdoch and Adonis are a great team, who are really great at controlling the ring and making quick tags. It’s a bit lost on the newer style, which is usually tagging to set up a big double high spot. I’m reminded that I own a Murdoch/Adonis in NJ comp, and I’m hoping the NJ 80s set will make me wanna bust that out as I see what made the ballot and what didn’t. I should also mention that Murdoch and Adonis bump great for these guys when they do lose control of the match. I have trouble telling Fujinami and Kimura apart (same black tights and boots) since I’m new to seeing them (read about them forever), but they are really great fiery babyfaces when they make their runs, and the heel cut offs are great too.

I loved the section where Murdoch kept getting greedy for a second shoulder block, and Adonis would have to come in and make the save for him after he got caught. I learned from Mid South to love Murdoch and his punches, but in this match it’s all about how great he is at selling punches and swinging wildly back. This match is awesome for how the heel control segments flow into the Japanese hope spots and comebacks. They keep coming so close to getting over on those big ugly Americans, and then it’s snatched away continually. Adonis’ bumping might be more impressive in some respects than Murdoch, and that was a revelation for me (forgiving some of the theatrics at times).

The finish came a bit out of nowhere for me, but not every match is perfect, and this was a good primer for the NJ set. I do think Murdoch and Adonis got to much of the match, but I’m guessing this was a match with some overall booking thought long term or storyline wise, so who knows what came after this (perhaps the NJ 80s committee does). Oh, and the Murdoch/Adonis celebratory handshake is classic!