WCCW 02-05-83

Will Kevin retain the American title against Gordy? How will David fare against the wily Checkmate? Plus, a bonus match is included. What’s better than that?

Unlike previous weeks, Checkmate wore his “Grappler” mask instead of his “minx” mask.
David backdropped him, but Checkmate landed on his feet. Nifty!
In response, David dropkicked him out of the ring.
He then countered a step-over toe hold with a mule kick sending Checkmate into the corner.
When Checkmate grabbed David’s leg, he exited the ring and rammed it into the ring post. OUCH!
David rebounded with a high knee for 2.
As David hooked a sleeper, Hussein got up on the apron but didn’t interfere.
David won as Checkmate became OUT COLD.

Summary: Against a technically-savvy opponent, David used less brawling than usual to achieve victory. That’s a plus in my book.

Mercer then interviews the Freebirds at a drive-in. It looks like the Freebirds got their custom-made van from Tom Stimus, and they’re wearing matching white varsity jackets. Gordy states that after he defeats Kevin that he’ll be “one step closer to the World title.” They then leave the drive-in and the check with Mercer. HA!

Yatsu monkey-flipped Adias but ate a dropkick.
As Yatsu hooked a bear hug, he transitioned it into an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for 2. Woohoo!
He then delivered a back elbow and tossed Adias to the floor for some bad-mouthing from Hussein.
When he chopped Adias in the midsection, Yatsu ate another dropkick.
Adias then hit a swinging neckbreaker for 2.
After Yatsu rebounded with a powerslam, he applied a cobra clutch.
1-2-3.
Yatsu won.

Prior to the main event, Mercer interviews Kevin who isn’t worried about his title. Rather, he’s worried about “if there’s enough room for the ambulance to get Gordy out of (here).” Whoa! That’s a serious albeit subtle threat.

Match 3 for the NWA American title: Kevin Von Erich (champion w/ David Von Erich) versus Terry Gordy

Gordy reversed a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through. In fact, he flew over the top rope to the floor.
Upon his return, Kevin dropkicked him back over the top rope to the floor.
With Gordy on the apron, Kevin returned him to the ring via a flying headscissors.
Gordy rebounded with a slam but received one in return.
While the Dallas faithful chanted “go home, Freebirds,” Kevin gave Gordy a cross corner whip resulting in a Gordy flip.
Gordy then guillotined Kevin with the top rope twice, and David checked on his younger brother on the floor.
When Gordy delivered a delayed vertical suplex, he got 2.
Kevin then hit a cross body block for 2.
As the Dallas faithful rallied for Kevin, Buddy Roberts came to ringside.
Hayes then joined him while Kevin leap-frogged Gordy.
After Kevin applied an Iron claw, Roberts got up on the apron.
Seeing Roberts, Kevin rammed Gordy into him returning Roberts to the floor.
Kevin then reversed a cross corner whip and attempted a slam.
With Michael Hayes distracting referee Larry Hayes, Roberts tripped Kevin. How dastardly!
In the process, Gordy fell atop Kevin.
1-2-3.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Summary: The Freebirds collect yet another title to accompany their American and six-man tag titles.

Before the program leaves the air, Mercer interviews the NEW American champion along with Hayes, Roberts, and the Georgia state flag. Once again, any complaints about it can be filed with former President Jimmy Carter. Gordy gloats about having all but one title, yet, next week, he’ll face “Nature Boy” Ric Flair to obtain the masterpiece.

Conclusion: Gordy becomes the top wrestler in WCCW by capturing the American title. In doing so, the Freebirds are on a proverbial roll. Also, in his quest to vanquish the Freebirds, David looks sharp against Checkmate. Those matching white varsity jackets have to be seen to be believed.

Oh, yes, Sarah. If you’ve got a thirst for vampires, Check out The Hunger with Susan Sarandon and David Bowie.

BONUS MATCH for the NWA World title: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (champion) versus NWA American champion Terry Gordy (w/ Michael Hayes)

This match took place on 2/4/83 for the 2/12 show. Heaven knows why the episode and the one following it are not included on the WWE Network. Any complaints can be filed with HHH.
Methinks since this was a heel versus heel match, Kerry made his presence felt by not only being in the ring at the onset but also tossing Hayes out on his ear. He also supplied Gordy with a discus punch. As you’d expect, the Dallas faithful ate it up with a spoon.
Flair then chopped and tossed the bewildered Gordy down to the floor.
When Flair leap-frogged him, Gordy slammed him twice.
He then hooked an abdominal stretch until Flair hip-tossed him to escape.
As the younger members of the Dallas faithful chanted “go Ric, go,” Gordy delivered an elbow smash for 2.
While referee Bronko Lubich was allegedly dreaming of his after-work smoked brisket dinner and not paying close attention, Flair nailed Gordy in his little bam-bams.

Flair then gave Gordy a cross corner whip that resulted in a Gordy flip.
After he suplexed Gordy, Flair hit a knee drop for 2.
He then applied a Boston crab and followed with a belly-to-back suplex for another 2.
When Flair attempted another suplex, Gordy escaped and hooked a sleeper.
Flair then escaped by making the ropes; however, Gordy nailed him sending Flair over the top rope to the floor.
As Gordy guillotined Flair with the top rope, he suplexed Flair for 2.
Gordy then missed an elbow drop, so Flair gave him a cross corner whip followed by a back elbow.
Upon delivering an elbow drop, Flair attempted a figure-four leg lock.
On the other hand, Gordy countered with an inside cradle for 2.
He then hooked a backslide for another 2.
When he gave Flair a cross corner whip, Gordy backdropped him.
Flair rebounded with a knee crusher and successfully applied a figure-four leg lock.
As Gordy reversed the hold, Flair escaped.
Flair then jumped on Gordy’s back and hooked his own sleeper.
After Gordy escaped, he attempted a cross body block, but Flair evaded him.
That sent Gordy directly into the ropes, and Flair pinned him to retain the World title.

Summary: Fantastic match as Gordy followed the Flair formula but came up just short.