In this Mid-South Wrestling 4/17/82 review, The Assassin has something to say before teaming with Ernie Ladd, Dick Murdoch seeks revenge on Skandor Akbar, and much more.
Let’s jump in.
- Show:Â Mid-South Wrestling
- Date:Â April 17, 1982
RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce and the returning Jim Ross hype the action, and JR says it’s the “best television wrestling card” he’s ever been around. Then they turn the discussion to Memphis, where Andy Kaufman challenged Jerry Lawler.
RINGSIDE: Bill Watts cuts a promo on wrestlers earning their spot and “some clown” challenging Lawler. Watts is PISSED at someone from the outside trying to make a mockery of wrestling.
VIDEO: ABC highlights of Lawler hitting the piledriver on Kaufman and the latter doing a stretcher job. Back to Watts, who continues to run down Kaufman, and he even takes a shot at Muhammad Ali for challenging Gorilla Monsoon. BRING BACK KAYFABE. This was something else.
One Man Gang (w/Skandor Akbar) vs. Tony Torres and Terry Gibbs – Handicap Match
Yes, this is the first handicap match we’ve seen in the Mid-South rewatch series. But it’s for good reason since they are pushing Gang like an absolute monster. Both Torres and Gibbs try to double team Gang, and the fans are salivating at the possibility of them getting the job done. They don’t, as Gang hits the splash on Torres for the win.
Bob Roop vs. Dick Murdoch
Murdoch is back, and this is a non-title match. As you’ll remember, Murdoch was “injured” at the hands of Akbar’s group (REVIEW). Speaking of which, Akbar comes out to scout and gets involved early on. It’s worth mentioning that Murdoch comes out cosplaying “Killer” Karl Kox, and that’s important since they’ve played up Kox missing bookings for mysterious reasons.
Well, Murdoch decides to grab the trenching tool out of the duffel bag and cold cocks Akbar with it. He’s out. Roop then runs away to give Murdoch the countout victory. It was short, but I’m adding this as a recommended match because the atmosphere was incredible. (Recommended)
Tully Blanchard vs. Paul Orndorff
Maybe JR was right about how great this card looked on paper. Of course, the crowd is all-in on the Orndorff babyface turn at this point after Roop’s shenanigans. Tully has made big moves in recent weeks, including his first singles win against Coco Samoa on last week’s episode.
A fun back and forth match, and they exchange submission holds. Tully locks in the Figure Four, with JR doing an awesome job pointing out Orndorff learned how to reverse it from Roop. But here comes Roop’s ass, and he jumps off the top to force the DQ. Roop and Tully seemingly form a duo after the match.
Larry Higgens vs. Iron Mike Sharpe
This show has been wild thus far. A battle of two hosses in this one. Higgens, like Sharpe, is a big dude. They both showcase their strength, but it’s Sharpe who locks in the bearhug to earn the victory.
VIDEO: Replay of Ernie Ladd going at Akbar on last week’s episode. That led to The Assassin being revealed as Ladd’s partner in making the save against The Samoans.
IN THE RING: Assassin explains his goal to be the best wrestler and make as much money as he could. Then he reveals he received a call from Akbar, who is paying him a lot more. So he calls Ladd a stupid fool and walks out on him. Tremendous stuff. Ladd leaves to find another partner, and he brings back Iron Mike Sharpe.
The Samoans vs. Ernie Ladd and Iron Mike Sharpe
Keep in mind that there’s no Akbar at ringside after Murdoch took him out. The fans are losing their shit to start the match, and Assassin makes his way back out. He loads up his mask and nails Sharpe with it. So it’s 3-on-1 until Orndorff runs in to make the save to a HUGE pop.
Orndorff and Ladd clear the ring, and JR’s commentary of this sequence is just perfect. He treats it like a big moment, and the fans eat it up. This was awesome booking and a must-watch segment. (Recommended)
VIDEO: Highlights from a CWF match between Harley Race and Terry Taylor, with Gordon Solie on commentary. Mid-South has really expanded its horizons on this episode. Race scores the win.
Buddy Landell vs. Jesse Barr
Landell’s hair is an experience. Boyd and JR are still buzzing over the events involving Ladd and Assassin. Akbar makes his way to the booth and takes aim at Murdoch. He says he’s always one step ahead of his competition and notes “this is war” on Murdoch. Buzz pushes the return of DiBiase in two weeks and Hacksaw Jim Duggan’s debut. HO! Landell and Barr fight to a time limit draw.
BLAKE’S TAKE ON MID-SOUTH WRESTLING 4/17/82
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Thoughts: Mid-South Wrestling is on a roll right now. This is the second straight episode that’s earned a 9, and it’s well-deserved. There were several must-see angles on this edition, including Assassin turning on Ladd to side with Akbar. Once again, having a running storyline throughout the entire episode works so well when done effectively. Business has really picked up in this promotion.
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