Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match #95: John Tatum vs. Scott Casey (9/2/85)

One of my mid-card favorites, Hollywood John Tatum’s first appearance on the World Class set, and Sunshine is managing the cowboy across the ring, Scott Casey.

Johnny Mantel is on commentary with Marc Lawrence talking a Middle East tour World Class did. Awesome opening spot where Tatum gets caught in a full nelson and ends up taking a HARD back bump. Tatum bumps around a few times for the more powerful Casey, who looks like a million bucks for it. Casey’s offense looks good, and they both move well. Casey gets 95% of the first five minutes, slightly focusing on the shoulder. Even Mantel’s commentary enhances this one. Five minutes gone.

Casey knocks Tatum around with punches, kicks, and chops after a rope break, and a desperate Tatum kicks to Casey’s face from his butt. Tatum takes over for his heel control segment, and he moves through it just fine. He tosses Casey to the outside, then follows him out to kick him in the head. Casey gains control and I feel like it meanders a bit, but they go toe-to-toe brawling and I’m back. Casey gets control at the ten minute mark.

Tatum gets whipped to the buckle but gets a high knee up, giving him a pin attempt. A great finishing sequence that includes some reversals, ending up in a roll up where Tatum grabs Casey’s tights for the pin in eleven minutes. Sunshine’s reaction is priceless.

Tatum could really bump and had a great persona. I wish he would have been bigger than he ended up being as he’s a personal favorite. Scott Casey was actually very capable in the match, even if he lacked personality (plus he had Sunshine anyway, and I love Sunshine). I liked this match. You never feel like you’re dealing with master workers or great stakes, but it had a follow to it, they really didn’t fumble, and I thought Tatum’s heel persona carried the personality. Add to that I loved the finish, and the only thing this was missing was Missy Hyatt in Tatum’s corner and a Missy/Sunshine face off. 3 stars and 6.2/10