In this Mid-South Wrestling 2/13/82 review, The Junkyard Dog defends the Louisiana Heavyweight title against Bob Roop, The Samoans are in action, and much more.
Let’s jump in.
- Show:Â Mid-South Wrestling
- Date:Â February 13, 1982
RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce is joined by Skandor Akbar, who was the center of controversy on the previous week’s must-see episode (REVIEW). Boyd basically calls him a gangster, and Akbar responds with accusations of Ernie Ladd being responsible for The Iron Sheik being sent back to Iran.
VIDEO: Highlights of Akbar swooping in to take The Samoans from Ladd. As I said in the review, a terrific angle. Back ringside, and Boyd wants to know the identity of the mystery man who attacked Ladd, but Akbar won’t reveal who it is. Boyd tells him off and they throw to another video with The Samoans winning the tag titles via shenanigans. Akbar says he has his army in place, and Boyd goes off again.
The Samoans (w/Skandor Akbar) vs. Rick Ferrara and Bill Ash
This is a non-title match, but let me just say how fantastic that start was to the show. It was a hot angle, and they replayed it for anyone who may have missed it. Then, they transition to the Samoans in action. Great, old school storytelling. Boyd is still pissed about The Junkyard Dog and Mike George being injured by the Samoans. Dominant performance from the tag champs to secure another win. (SQUASH)
Paul Orndorff vs. Brian Blair
If you missed last week’s episode, Orndorff had a tremendous match with Mr. Olympia (***1/2). Blair goes the technical route early on, and he uses a roll-up for a two count. More back and forth a few near falls, as they both go to the mat for their offense. Blair nearly gets another roll-up pin but Orndorff kicks out.
Boyd is STUNNED that Orndorff is using legal maneuvers in this match. How can you not love Boyd? A clothesline sends both over the top, but it’s Orndorff who regroups and comes off the top with the knee to Blair to score the win. (**1/2)
Bob Roop vs. (c) The Junkyard Dog – Louisiana Heavyweight Title
Boyd points out the trend of two title changes in consecutive weeks (Mr. Olympia winning the Mississippi title and the Samoans winning the tag titles), which is a nice touch. JYD uses his power for some emphatic offense and that sends Roop retreating to the outside.
The momentum changes when Roop hits a running knee to JYD’s face, then they work to Roop’s leg getting tangled in the ropes. A rare mid-match commercial and we come back to Boyd revealing that the match ended during the break. But since he’s a generous man, he’s gonna show us what happened.
Orndorff comes down to help Roop, then he goes to hit JYD but he ducks and Orndorff clocks Roop. JYD throws Orndorff onto Roop and he’s not done yet because he throws Bob Orton Jr. onto Orndorff on the outside. JYD then pins Roop for the victory. I like the development of having a match end during commercial, as it adds the thought that you can’t turn the channel or you may miss something. (**)
Ed Wiskowski and Bob Orton Jr. vs. Ted DiBiase and Mr. Olympia
Love this group of talent. I’d be fine with a future Olympia vs. Wiskowski match, which I assume we’ll get at some point. Boyd pushes that the winner could get a tag title shot soon. They build up to Olympia getting a hot tag, but the referee doesn’t see it so he’s sent back out.
Orton uses underhanded tactics to regain the advantage, but Olympia turns the tide. We’ve got a BROUHAHA now with all four in, and Orton is tossed as DiBiase pins Wiskowski for the win. (**)
Ron Cheatham vs. Frank Monte
Another standby match, so I think you know what’s coming here, folks. Give Frank Monte a win! Monte works on Cheatham for a bit, then Cheatham takes it to the mat for a few technical exchanges. Monte gets several near falls but that’ll do it as the bell rings for the time limit draw.
BLAKE’S TAKE ON MID-SOUTH WRESTLING 2/13/82
Overall Rating: 7.0/10
Thoughts: Entertaining episode as usual with a variety of engaging storylines. I loved the opening sequence with Akbar pushing his alliance with the Samoans, and there several solid matches on the card with lots of star power on display.
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