In this Mid-South Wrestling 2/20/82 review, Dusty Rhodes makes his return to take on Ed Wiskowski, The Junkyard Dog and Mr. Olympia team up, and much more.
Let’s jump in.
- Show:Â Mid-South Wrestling
- Date:Â February 20, 1982
RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce and Bill Watts run down the card and recap the recent storyline developments with Skandar Akbar and Ernie Ladd.
Bill Ash vs. Coco Samoa
Our first look at Coco here (at least in the ones we’ve reviewed going back to late 1981) as Watts details his recent venture to Mardi Gras. Coco’s look and style resemble Jimmy Snuka, and my research tells me there was a strong friendship between the two so that makes sense.
Watts also reveals Ash has not yet lost on Mid-South television. I think he’s been in several standby matches that didn’t have a finish. These two go back and forth for a bit, but it’s Coco hitting the splash off the top to score the win. (*)
BACKSTAGE: Reeser Bowden with Akbar. He taunts all the top babyfaces, including using “The American Nightmare” to describe Dusty Rhodes.
The Samoans (w/Skandor Akbar) vs. Brian Blair and Frank Monte
This is a non-title match, so Blair and Monte fans shouldn’t get too excited about their tag title hopes. The babyfaces did their best in this spot, but you know how this was gonna unfold. Eventually, it’s the Samoans using their savage nature to notch the victory. (SQUASH)
Larry Higgens vs. Ted DiBiase
Another non-title match here. Watts announces that DiBiase will defend the North American title against The Grappler next week. Higgens is a big dude, and DiBiase works his usual style by taking things to the mat. Then DiBiase locks on the Figure Four for the win. (SQUASH)
Bob Roop vs. Rick Ferrara
Ferrara gets in more offense than you would expect in this kind of match, with Roop playing the frustrated heel. But our friend Rick wasn’t gonna come out victorious, as it’s Roop who hits the shoulder breaker for the victory. (*)
The Grappler and Bob Sweetan vs. The Junkyard Dog and Mr. Olympia
This is the first we’ve seen of Sweetan since we started this review series, and well, to say that he had an interesting career would be an understatement. You can do the research on the one. Watts hypes the jealousy between Grappler and Olympia since they both wear masks, which is both ridiculous and awesome at the same time.
As always in these tag matches, the action breaks down, and Sweetan uses an illegal move to get the better of Olympia. But miscommunication from the heels leads to JYD hitting the slam on Sweetan to earn the win. (*1/2)
Ed Wiskowski vs. Dusty Rhodes
THE AMERICAN DREAM IS BACK. It’s his first appearance in a month since the six-man tag team match (REVIEW). The crowd loves Dusty, and his charisma keeps them hooked throughout the match. I’m gonna continue to refer to Wiskowski’s strikes as “clubbing” his opponent since that’s basically what he does.
Wiskowski decides to come off the top with a splash, and that wasn’t a great idea as Dusty gets the knees up. Then it’s Dusty hitting the elbow to pin Wiskowski for the victory. Short and sweet. (*1/2)
Paul Orndorff vs. Tony Torres
Once again, I love Orndorff’s run in this era. Regular readers know I’ve also been reviewing WWF Wrestling Challenge, and Orndorff’s ’86 work against Hulk Hogan is terrific stuff. Orndorff controls the match and puts on the Figure Four to mock DiBiase for the victory. (SQUASH)
RINGSIDE: Boyd and Watts reveal Dusty will be the guest commentator next week. That should be a treat.
BLAKE’S TAKE ON MID-SOUTH WRESTLING 2/20/82
Overall Rating: 5.5/10
Thoughts: Not much from a storyline standpoint in this one as it was mostly about the matches. But the crowd enjoyed Dusty’s return, and there was at least an interview from Akbar to continue to push his agenda of destroying everyone. And there was also mask jealous between Grappler and Olympia!
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