Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 11: The Fabulous Freebirds vs. The Von Erichs (Lumberjack Match) (2/18/83)

Now the feud comes into full bloom with Buddy, Hayes, and Gordy trotting out for a showdown with the three Von Erich brothers, lumberjacks included. A fun stip for this feud that has better-than-average potential.

Good entrances for both teams. Freebirds get heat, and the Von Erichs get mobbed. This is so over with the crowd. Kerry wants Hayes, but he gets Gordy (and a great crowd reaction when Hayes steps off the apron to the floor). First minutes of this are great. The interactions are quick and look good, while still connecting with the crowd. I can’t really keep up with the action, but the first few minutes consists of the heels bumping and being outdone by the brothers in quick, tight spurts. Buddy Roberts is sneaky enough to gain the advantage back. The Von Erichs let emotion overtake their heads: lots of unruliness with the brothers constantly getting in the ring and the heels interfering. I can’t keep up.

I’ll try to sum it up at the finish, but the longer heel control segments—and the comebacks/hopespots by the Von Erichs—are all very well-paced and timed. This is great. It breaks down into an all out brawl. The heel and face lumberjacks each grab a guy and hold him. All kinds of stuff is going on in the ring. David Manning (ref) gets bumped. You think Gordy is going to piledrive a brother (I think Kevin), but he gets hit in the back of the head and David pins Gordy.

Didn’t like the finish because the faces shouldn’t have won so early (debatable since I’m supposed to judge the match more than booking), but by winning the 11 minute match the Von Erichs earn a shot at the WCCW six man titles the Birds have. Still don’t think Gordy should have taken the pin though when Roberts is there. Really great action, and had it gone further and had a heel victory I might have liked it more, but that’s a matter of taste. 3 ½ stars and 7.2/10.