Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 2: Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich (2/3 falls) (8/15/82)

A big Diaries with a lot to cover. There’s a whole bunch of recommended lead up to this match I’ve got to watch to get the full effect. I’ll detail it here along with the match itself, which should be awesome. It’s Flair in his prime, along with one of his best opponents, in that man’s home promotion. Hey, they ruled in Mid South. This CAN’T suck.

First we get a remote production of Von Erich Patriarch Fitz Von Erich introducing the folks from their family ranch. We get introduced Doris and the boys, and the dog, and then there’s a segment with old clips of Fritz that’s both nostalgic and well-minded of getting over the family. They also put over the iron claw big, which I appreciate. This appears to be a segment from later in the 80s. We see Fritz’s retirement match in the middle of the end zone in Cowboy Stadium. Can’t say I loved the match (Fritz wins and retires as champion), but it puts over the family afterwards. All the interviews back then seemed much more real, genuine, like regular sports interviews. However, they were also effective promos. Fritz (eerily given what happens) stands with his boys claiming that he’s dedicating his life to making each son a world champion.

Kerry faces Harley Race for the number one contendership to the NWA World Title (held by Flair). Great opening to this match, Kerry moving well and hitting a great drop kick. A great main event style match, and I’m not sure why it’s not on the official voting set. Good high spots on the outside, with Harley working for piledrivers and brainbusters, while taking several bumps of his own. Both guys looked good. Kerry with a sleeper late that gets good heat. Harley keeps finding a way to escape, playing a very good heel. Both guys get color in this one. This might be my favorite Harley Race match (of what I’ve seen I enjoyed Race vs Lawler, but never saw much in Flair vs Race). Kerry Von Erich wins when he rolls through a crossbody for the pin. They really put over that Kerry is getting a title shot with Flair.

Then we get a sit-down interview with Kerry talking about his battles with Harley Race, going over his win, and talking about Kerry trying to take the title from Ric Flair. Flair interview with beautiful “Texas women.” He does his usual Flair shtick, and makes fun of Kerry for being a country boy and lifting weights. Then I watch a Kerry interview from the gym saying he’s ready for the fight of his life. So am I. Let’s get to the match.

From Reunion Arena we get this World title bout. The brilliance of the Flair formula (and all it’s modified versions) shines here. Kerry overpowers Flair with headlocks and leg scissors. Flair’s struggle and failure in all of this (especially with the test of strength) is enjoyably physical and theatrical. The crowd loves all of this, and it’s definitely keeping my attention. Flair does a bump off a wrist lock I had to rewind it was so fun. Kerry works over Flair’s shoulder. They run the ropes, get a little sloppy, but make up for it making it seem heated, a small blemish on the match. Flair finally cheats to get the advantage. Kerry comes back with a pin and Flair begs off. The crowd is off the charts. The story is right in front of us. Really good first seven minutes with little movement and effort needed. Kerry overpowers Flair at every turn, and Flair is desperate enough to cheat as the match moves forward.

Flair spends the rest of the first fall barely hanging on while delivering some good offense. At times he’s hanging on Kerry in such a way that makes you think he’s seriously afraid of a Kerry comeback, the character stuff is so strong. They turn up the pace just before the fifteen minute mark. Von Erich moves from the abdominal stretch to the Iron Claw to the stomach (so lame, but people loved it). More cheating and panic from Flair, who regains control and reacts great to losing the near falls. Big dropkicks from Kerry, and then Flair holds onto the rope so he misses a third. Flair is pacing it nicely here so that his control segments sink in for a bit. This really has the story and the roller coaster of emotion I want in a match. Flair’s theatrical selling and Kerry playing to the crowd is making the match.

Almost twenty minutes in Flair gets tangled up with the ref, and then Kerry send a discuss punch right into the ref’s head. Kerry destroys Flair, get a visual fall without the ref, and then ref David Manning comes in to call for the bell in about twenty minutes when Flair passes out from the sleeper. But wait. The original ref (Alfred Neely) is in to argue the ruling, claiming Von Erich hit him with an intentional punch. Flair wins the first fall while laying nearly unconscious in the corner. Awesome first fall. This is an 8.5/10 so far.

Second falls starts with Flair still in trouble. Kerry clamps on another sleeper and the place goes ballistic. Flair shoots Kerry out to the floor and lays face first on the canvas, selling his beating. Kerry dominates for several minutes until Flair takes out his knee, and then “we go to school.” Kerry sells the knee well during this stretch, and you sense that the crowd is feeling the peril. In this stretch Flair lands a perfect standing delayed suplex, and clamps on the figure four. Kerry rallies the crowd and makes the comeback. Iron claw on the second figure four attempt. Long claw that ends in a pin. Kerry wins the second fall, and they mention that Kerry should actually be the champion at this point. Very good psychological ten minute fall. Probably an 8/10.

Third fall starts with the ref looking at the cut on Flair’s forehead made by the Iron Claw. Flair is screaming at the ref to get out of his way. Flair goes after Kerry like he’s a wounded dog protecting his life. Both guys shove off the ref as they go through a slugfest, and the ref throws the match out. A bummer finish, but as we know they were setting up a story for the rest of the year. They brawl all over the place in a pull apart. Third fall wasn’t much to rate, and slightly hurt the overall match for me, as the finish is pretty important to me. Flair retains the title and Fritz gives the official a stern talking to. Ref Neely even shoves Fritz. The angle itself was great for it’s time as a lead up to the rematch.

Overall, I really enjoyed the match, and the finish wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Kerry leaving as the uncrowned champion, to controversy, is a good story. The match itself was an excellent show. 4 ¼ stars and 8.4/10.