Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 10: Michael Hayes vs. Kerry Von Erich (2/7/83)

The Von Erich versus Freebirds feud in full swing, we get the “leaders” of the groups in singles action.

This is the first time these two have matched up, and Hayes is hesitant before the bell even rings. He runs like hell when the bell sounds, then suckers Kerry in. Kerry is to strong, and brawls back. Hayes bails out again. He’s going to have to set up Kerry to gain the advantage, and I think we’ll see that play out (already there’s a good angle for a match story in their laps). I’m not a fan of how Hayes sells, or for that matter how he works offensively past being a good heel CHARACTER, but in this feud its working fine.

The pace is the best thing about this match. For what Kerry can do on his own (without a Flair-type in with him) he carries the load well early. Hayes expertly sells his beating every time he bails to the outside. Kerry makes a mistake, hitting his knee on the mat, and Hayes begins picking it apart. This stretch is making me pleased, as we’re getting the work on the bad knee from a heel, but unfortunately (thanks for pointing this out, Gene) Hayes forgets which leg and switches them. Kerry goes out onto the floor hard. I like the story, as you knew Hayes had to find something to do heelish after running to get an advantage.

Kerry gets some small comebacks, and when he gets the advantage Hayes bails to the outside. The pace has slowed in the last few minutes and I’m less interested in this one, but then Kerry gets him in a step over toe hold and I’m back. Kerry’s working the knee of Hayes now. That goes nowhere and Hayes is back for another slower control segment. The lame stomach iron claw makes an appearance. Hayes keeps cheating to gain the advantage, but can’t get the piledriver he wants. When Kerry comes back to attempt his own piledriver Gordy comes out to stop it for the DQ. They tease Hayes piledriving Kerry on the concrete floor (put over well on commentary as illegal in some places, a Freebirds fave), but Kevin Von Erich is out to stop it.

Overall, this did have more actual wrestling than I’d expect for a hate-fueled feud. They did have a story there, but it was slow with Hayes in charge, Von Erich gave an uneven performance, and I can’t see this above the better worked, but less storyline-oriented Gordy/Flair match I just watched. The finish doesn’t help. 2 ¾ stars and 5.5/10.