'Good' Pro Wres Streaming Links

[gwffantrav]

lwpd said:

Terry Funk vs Jerry Lawler - Empty Arena Match 5/81



This was a classic angle from the old Memphis based Mid Southern territory. Lawler was among the strongest draws of the old system with incredible charisma that gained mainstream area appeal. TF was a recurring foil of his who who would travel into the area for shots on top. This was one such angle designed to sell an upcoming house show.

For those of those who have never read Terry Funk's book, there is a great story about this match.

(I've hid it in case anyone wants to read it)

He thought it was the most hilarious and ridiculous thing in the world to see Jerry Lawler show up at an empty arena street fight wearing his crown and robe. When I read that, you couldn't help but laugh along with Terry as he was probably cracking up when telling/writing the story as well.

[LWPD]

Dynamite Kid vs Marc Rollerball Rocco 1/16/82

tinyurl.com/zpzrc

Marc Rocca is one of the most 'forgotten' talents of the 1970's-early 80's...a victim of the decline of pro wres in the UK. He toured New Japan as the original 'Black Tiger' and worked a great series with Sayama. A young DK is shown here in his prime. This is a nice glimpse of Euro style with two of the best practitioners from the time period.

Like Watching Paint Dry (it's a shame that the working art of Euro style has largely disappeared from the scene...but at least some of it is re-emerging and was captured for prosperity through footage like this)

[LWPD]

The Great Muta vs Shinya Hashimoto 9/23/92

tinyurl.com/o6ej5

This was among the greatest rivalries in New Japan throughout the 1990's. Muta perfected the 'sports entertainment' elements that he picked up on while touring the US. SH was respected for his stiffness and 'fighting spirit'. Together they would be recurringly programed to battle over the IWGP Title many times throughout the years. This is a good sampling of how these two top NJPW Heavyweights worked the 'Strong Style' of the era.

Like Watching Paint Dry (Hashimoto had a mix of charisma and athleticism that made him truly revered in some circles...RIP)

[LWPD]

Terry Funk vs Eddie Guerrero 6/89

tinyurl.com/jlj7z

This was a standard TV 'jobber squash' designed to put over the then headlining heel Terry Funk. The 'middle aged and crazy' Funker busts out the Giant Swing and the Baseball Slide Dropkick while mixing in his trademark goofy selling. Eddie shows his early Lucha traits with the tumbling and acrobatics that were his foundation at that point. It's amazing to see how small little Eddy was when he started out. Two of the all time greats making the most out of very little to work with while Jim Ross does the honors on commentary.

Like Watching Paint Dry (taking into account all aspects of performing both TF and EG were among the most complete pro wrestlers I've ever seen)

[canadianpittbull]

Great posts LW, very awesome matches, some I haven's see in quite sometime. Thanks again and keep them coming!!

[LWPD]

Hulk Hogan/Andre the Giant vs Big John Studd/King Kong Bundy 11/2/85

tinyurl.com/eulvk

This was from an early Saturday Night's Main Event. At the time the 'Hulkamania' concept was still young, there was only one annual PPV and Vince's national expansion was in full swing with the outcome still uncertain. The 'monster heel' team of Bundy/Studd were used as a 'double threat' with Bundy getting the still to come WM 2 title shot...and later setting up the Orndorff heel turn. Hogan and Andre were the two 'main line' attractions.

This one brings back a lot of memories: An Andre that could still somewhat go, Hogan with healthy knees before the yellow trunks, Gorilla Monsoon's son Gino Marella doing the ref substitution spot, Jesse doing the 'I'll come out of retirement' spiel, Andre's incomprehensible promo....elements that helped to make early 80's WWF so much fun. Note the 'storyteller' role that both VKM and Jesse assume while on commentary...when the goal is to 'make money' your time needs to be focused like a laser beam on selling the product. Take note Joey Styles...you're not in the Bingo Hall anymore!

Like Watching Paint Dry (Saturday Night's Main Event was initially used as a promotional tool to give fans 'a taste' of the caliber of matches they would normally only find by going to a house show...the goal was to effectively tease that more conclusive finishes could be found _IF ONLY_ one was wiling to pay to see them)

[LWPD]

Ric Flair vs Magnum TA 7/85

tinyurl.com/n6788

This match took place under the Mid South promotion which for a time had a slot on TBS called Power Pro Wrestling. Magnum TA was a hot prospect during the early/mid 1980's and at his peak in JCP he would be considered a potential 'heir apparent' to Ric Flair's throne. Here he's shown working under the auspices of his old boss Bill Watts at a spot show as he challenges for the 'World Title'..

This match is a good example of just how strong the then traveling NWA World Champion Ric Flair was often booked when working 'outside' the Dusty Rhodes 'chicken heel' formula. Bill Watts in particular would often use clean finishes whenever the Champ came to town...especially when it didn't involve hurting anyone on his main roster.

Like Watching Paint Dry (that's none other than the owner Bill Watts doing the commentary...note the way he puts over outside events concerning the NWA World Title...even mentioning Kerry Von Erich (who worked for a different NWA member)...a reminder of the cooperation and in a sense 'shared creative destiny' that once existed among the different territorial promotions aligned with-in the NWA body)

[LWPD]

RVD and Sabu vs Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki 10/98

tinyurl.com/k8z7v

This was from the ECW PPV Heatwave 98. Shinzaki worked in the WWF previously under the name Hakushi. This is a good sampling of the 'high spot heavy' style that was popular with fans at the time. The criticism was and still is that such an approach comes at the expense of other core pro wres elements such as a staggered build, extensive use of selling and 'realistic' in ring content. Regardless of ones preferences the athleticism and work ethic displayed here was off the charts and worthy of praise.

Like Watching Paint Dry (who can't help but believe an ECW version of RVD would have a much better shot at 'making it big' if only WWE Creative took off the invisible handcuffs)

[LWPD]

Dynamite Kid vs Tiger Mask (MSG)

tinyurl.com/ga4mw

At the time this was considered to be 'revoluionary'....even though it was a routine the two had long established together in England. This stands as a good compare and contrast with the earlier posted TM/DK match from Japan.

Like Watching Paint Dry (Sayama and Billington were both innovators and the quality of their work still stands the test of time)

[LWPD]

Bret Hart Vs 123 Kid 7/4/94

tinyurl.com/lj633

The young upstart vs established superstar formula. Sean Waltman shows promise with his acrobatics and willingness to take bumps....while Bret is Bret...a solid ring general who guides the kid to the match of his career.

Like Watching Paint Dry (the way the then WWF booked the 123 Kid was at times really goofy...including when as a heel he lost a 'Loser Gets Powdered and Diapered Match')

[LWPD]

Jumbo Tsuruta VS Mitsuharu Misawa 9/1/90

tinyurl.com/hmrvj

This is the famous 'passing of the torch' match. Gates were down after the defection of Tenryu and 'something new' was needed to prop up business. Did Jumbo have what it takes to help get Misawa 'over' to the point of being a credible main event player? Watch and judge for yourself.

Like Watching Paint Dry (All Japan was blessed to have had a decade plus franchise figure in Jumbo Tsuruta replaced by three of the best in ring workers of the 'next generation' in their youth...watching AJPW today shows that this streak of good fortune would eventually come to an end)

[LWPD]

Hulk Hogan/George Steele vs Randy Savage & Adrian Adonis 6/86

tinyurl.com/zsjpq

At the time house show business was on fire and Hulkamania was in full swing. This was ran shortly after the GS face turn. Adonis showcases his amazing bump taking skills...among the best I've ever seen for a man his size. A healthy Savage was running on all cylinders with his amazing mix of athleticism and physical charisma...while the Hulkster was still mobile and could tell his standard story effectively. This is 80's style WWF at it's peak.

Like Watching Paint Dry (one of the most important elements of 1980's WWF Style was a focus on building crowd rapport that made the house shows 'special' and worth paying to watch. The characters and angles were clearly defined through the weekly infomercials and the matches featured a mix of safe in ring content and old school 'carnival' showmanship....today many of the wrestlers get little to no reaction even though they use 'cooler' moves worked at a faster pace because their personas aren't as effectively marketed by the television nor are they as effectively projected by the performers themselves)

[LWPD]

Bret Hart vs Triple H 10/6/97

tinyurl.com/ltggq

This was one of the few matches the two ever wrestled together in a singles format and occurs on a televised Raw from Canada . Note that while Hunter hadn't yet fully perfected his working style at this point...he does show solid bump taking skills, sells moves in a theatrical manner (similar to Shawn at the time) and does make a concerted effort to interact with the crowd 'in between' his offense. To his credit in a relatively short period of time he would improve radically beyond the HBK flunky gimmick he's saddled with here and would hit his 'in ring' peak by 2000.

This was at the tail end of the Bret Hart/WWF era. Booked as a non-title match The Tripster was set to 'go over' the soon to be departing Champ and get the pin...Bret himself said he vetoed the idea and instead we get the finish you see.

Like Watching Paint Dry (this serves as a reminder of how frightening looking Chyna was before the surgery)

[LWPD]

Brock Lesnar vs Randy Orton 9/5/02

tinyurl.com/o6szx

At the time Brock Lesnar was the strongest young prospect that Vince had found in years. Gifted beyond his experience he had a combination of youth, size, athleticism, physical charisma and an intense work ethic that made him look like a lock to be a main line force in WWE for years to come. In the end...it wasn't meant to be.

This Smackdown match was just five months into his WWE debut and is a reminder of just how strong he was pushed at the time. Here he decimates fellow OVW Alumni and WWE rookie Randy Orton...who himself shows flashes of potential in the process.

Like Watching Paint Dry (the Brock push was among the strongest I have ever seen where in an incredibly condensed period he would earn solid victories over Hulk Hogan, The Rock & The Undertaker...given the creative investment made by Vince and the raw talent and potential of Lesnar..that BL would later leave WWE is a blow that's still felt to this day)

Bonus:

Brock Lesnar Training Promo

[LWPD]

Mistico vs Averno 2/11/05

tinyurl.com/q5pjy

This is from the CMLL promotion in Mexico and is for the NWA Middleweight Title. Mistico is one of the best young 'acrobatic' performers in the business and has yet to feel the effects of 'wear and tear' on his body. Averno is the veteran Champion who does an excellent job of guiding the tempo of the match while playing to the strengths of both performers. The conclusion of the match is telling as fans are seen actually throwing money into the ring in a sign of respect and appreciation. I can't recall ever seeing that here in the US.

Like Watching Paint Dry (it's possible that fans stateside will have an opportunity to see Mistico appear via TNA in connection with the upcoming World X Cup)

[LWPD]

Clive Myers vs. Steve Grey 11/22/75

tinyurl.com/lrrwy

This was originally aired on England's World of Sport TV show from the Fairfield Hall in London. It's the West Indian 'Iron Fist' Clive Myers against 'Golden Boy' Steve Grey under a 'round system'. A glimpse of two great European style wrestlers working the type of match you really don't see too much of anymore.

Like Watching Paint Dry (hopefully demand from the nostalgia market will help to unearth more 'forgotten gems' like this in the future)

[LWPD]

Robbie V vs Scotty Flamingo 8/2/93

tinyurl.com/olkkn

Here is a 'before they were stars' flashback for the performers now known as RVD and Raven. This was Rob's debut in WCW. He wrestled bare foot and was pushed as having a kickboxing background. Even in the early stages of his career you can see the acrobatics and uniqueness in his style. Given the limitations of what this was SF was still able to show theatric skills and an understanding of the importance of generating rapport with the audience. Note that Bill Watts had just come into WCW as the new booker and was on a cost cutting mission. He was upset at Scotty because he refused to restructure his contract to the downside and as a result he would be jobbed out in short TV matches like this for months on end in an effort to make him quit.

Like Watching Paint Dry (RVD always had an unorthodox style...and received praise in the Apter Mags of the day for his split legged moonsault finisher)

[LWPD]

Curt Hennig vs Nick Bockwinkel 5/2/87

tinyurl.com/o7kur

This is from Verne Gagne's AWA promotion. It's the classic story of the veteran Champion vs the young challenger. Take into account while watching this match that Nick Bockwinkel was 53 years old by this stage while CH was just hitting his stride. This is match is clipped and I'd highly recommend seeking out their program from this year in full...including a phenomenal 60 minute draw!

Like Watching Paint Dry (Curt was an outstanding in ring performer who mixed good athleticism and timing with theatric bump taking skills...it's a shame he left us so early)

[LWPD]

Samoa Joe vs Necro Butcher 6/11/05

tinyurl.com/lnozm

Promoted by IWA Midsouth this was presented as fan 'dream match' that's somewhat akin to the Brody/Abby wars of yesteryear. Note that while attendance is sparse the intention was to turn a profit on video/DVD sales. SJ has been booked very strong on the Indy circuit and lives up to his billing as a killing machine while playing to his strengths. Necro is known as a 'garbage style' wrestler and has carved a circle of respect among fans who enjoy his willingness to bump and bleed. The 'smark' announcing style is indicative of the small niche audience such content has come to be marketed toward...for better or for worse.

Like Watching Paint Dry (while pro wres today stands as a folk art that from an industry standpoint is in a marked state of decline...one can still find fun matches like this popping up from time to time)

[LWPD]

Jim Cornette/Midnight Express vs. Dusty Rhodes/Magnum TA/Baby Doll 7/6/86

tinyurl.com/pyvzh

This was a six man match from Jim Crockett Promotions during their 'Great American Bash' summer tour. The venue used was originally converted from a supermarket which carried the acoustics and gave the TV shows a high energy feel. Cornette was visually effective in the comedic 'chicken sh#t out of his element wrestler' role...one he would be called upon to use in select scenarios over the years. Eaton and Condrey were as always a well oiled machine that set the pacing while Magnum is shown at his athletic peak. Dusty serves as wrestler/booker as he mixes his 'less is more' style and picks his spots with all the little things in between the 'rasslin moves' that help get his connecting storylines over. A reminder that a promotion other than Vince's once made money doing this stuff just 20 years ago.

Like Watching Paint Dry (the strength of Dusty's booking during this time frame was his use of multiple layers of storytelling that maximized the creative depth of his entire roster...this is an element that runs counter to WWE's current 'big star approach'...with the finished product suffering accordingly)