Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match #18: Terry Gordy vs. Kerry Von Erich (No DQ) (6/10/83)

I’ve been waiting for this singles match up all set. This is no DQ, with Kevin seconding Kerry, and Hayes seconding Gordy (his tag team championship partner, as they are set to defend against Kerry and Bruiser Brody at a big show coming up.)

There is a mention of a Brass Knuckles Championship, and Gordy is wearing the belt. Regardless, this is all used to forward the Von Erich/Freebird feud. Right away I’m struck with how tight the punches and whips to the ropes are. It’s got that “real for wrestling” feel to it. They go toe-to-toe, but and forth, Kerry having the slight edge as a babyface usually does in these tales. Kerry goes to work on the knee of Gordy. He’s chopping the big man down, and I’m a huge fan of an athletic guy verses a big man who can move (Flair vs Vader, Danielson vs Morishima, HBK vs Undertaker). Gordy tosses Kerry over the top rope (no DQ). Kerry, the hero, picks himself up, chases Hayes away, and goes right back at Gordy with punches. Gordy’s got a cut on his forhead, and Kerry grounds him to work on the knee again. This is developing so well stylistically. Gordy comes back with big punches that send Kerry to the ground, selling. Crowd gets behind Kerry and he flattens Gordy with a discuss punch. If only the back bumps were a bit more modern this would fit in so nicely in 2010, nearly thirty years later. It’s that good of a knockdown, drag out.

Gordy, the Dragon (in tribute to Akbar’s Dragon/Dragon slayer from “Hereos of World Class”), won’t be slain. He keeps coming back and stalking the smaller Von Erich. Gordy has a great big knee drop that he used to gain a near fall. They make sure to show a cowboy hat wearing Hayes cheer on Gordy, the crowd all the while chanting “Go Kerry Go.” Gordy driving his knee into Kerry in the corner is visceral as hell. Kerry comes back with a beautiful drop kick, hulks up (disregards selling, which is a taste thing, but I don’t like it here), and slaps on the Iron Claw. Hayes waits for Kevin to go up on the apron like he has, then while the ref is distracted (isn’t it no DQ? Maybe I’ve watched too much original ECW in my day) he climbs in and hits Kerry. Kevin gives chase to Hayes, the ref on the outside trying to stop them. Kerry grabs Hayes, and Gordy destroys him with a high knee.

Now I’m annoyed. The match is clipped for commercials here, and when we come back Gordy gets the pin. As small as it is it interrupted my flow watching it, but worse for the match no one was expecting the finish and it had no heat. Gordy gets the clean pin, which I like because of how the story went down, but the ending was flat for me. I see myself liking this a little more than most would. It had a raw feel to it and Kerry was very good (sans the forgivable no-sell), while Gordy was amazing. I’m buying the Gordy hype now more than ever, and he’s even better here than in some of his great Mid South work. This is slightly above the penalty box match for me. 3 ¼ stars and 6.9/10.