Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 8: Terry Gordy vs. Kevin Von Erich (1/10/83)

I’ve grabbed Gene Boyer for a dorkfest of wrestling proportions. So this probably won’t be as detailed a review, but it’s the kick off of Freebirds and Von Erich feud.

The buildup consists of sitdown interviews with David Manning and Kerry (in a ridiculous fur coat) giving the background on what went down in the ring Christmas night when the Freebirds turned heel. They make their case that it was ego that got in the way, Gordy firing Hayes up from the outside. In several Freebird interviews they call the Von Erichs– Kerry in particular– stupid, saying they tried to help him and he attacked Hayes from behind in the cage, so they are justified. They insult Texas, saying they can’t wait to run the Von Erichs out of Texas. Oh, and Georgia rules the south.

First time for Kevin on the set. He’s athletic and slim. A good foil for Gordy’s size and girth, though Gordy moves well too. Not much to say about the first five minutes other than they keep it moving. Kevin does seem reckless with punches, but Gordy can take it, and Gordy sells well for a big guy, bumping even better. Kevin continually goes for the claw, getting it several times. Gordy gets out and beats on him. Hayes comes down to ringside to cheerlead. The fans want Kerry. Kevin gets a hope spot pin attempt that looked cool. Hayes interferes once Kevin is in control, causing the DQ, so Kerry runs in. Oddly enough he dances instead of killing Hayes, but they do double drop kick Gordy. Gene and I agree on this one. Fun sprint that had the mind set of Von Erichs as faces in the feud, but nothing really developed. Could have been so much more, but it was building a longer, bigger feud between factions. Part of the mosaic of this feud. 2 ¼ stars and 4.5/10.