SlingshotSuplex

I love the four faces of Flair theory, especially the obsessive sociopath aspect. Back in the '80s, I detected the subtle difference in character and in-ring performance of challenger Flair v. champion Flair. The whole gimmick depended on his obsession with being the man. When he dropped the strap, his very identity was at risk. Without the title, the level of desparation borders on destructive. He must regain the title or lose his very sense of self. I think you're right that, as champ this desperation steadily simmers under the surface, though. Just started Part 2 on promos. Upon first glance at the list of promos, I was shocked that an episode on Flair & the art of the promo would contain only WWF examples, but two promos in, I can't believe how much I love those interviews. Your analysis of what they accomplish is spot on.

I know some people love Worldwide because of the unique and random mid-card undercard match ups, but this was my take at the time. The syndicated shows suddenly screamed non-canonical and no need to watch once they hit Disney. Maybe that was the inevitable fate of the syndies in the Monday Night era, but the move to Orlando sped up the process.

Crockett takes the blame for the collapse, as it all happened on his watch, but I find the discussion on Jr's candidacy tends to overlook the ten year span that led the big semi-national run. HIs dad ran a tight regional promotion. Jr turned the Carolinas into the crown jewel of the NWA for an extended period culminating with Starrcade '83, which as a closed-circuit spectular was a seminal moment that really welcomed wrestling into the modern PPV age. Dusty may be credited with the name, but he wasn't the booker in '83 and didn't make that show happen. And while the fall can't be ignored, the company did reach amazing heights in '85 & '86.

I love the '84 Observers. Dave is still finding himself stylistically, to the point it's a borderline 'zine. I hope some more super-early Observers pop up from time to time.

This is an essential listen, and Boricua really brought it. Previously, I would have placed Colon as a fringe hall of famer--I think he should be in, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to vote for him, if I could. The evidence presented here is beyond overwhelming,though.

One of the real revelations for me has been how great the Guerreros were as heels. Chavo is particularly awesome character-wise, but Hector & Chavo have awesome heel tag team chops. Seeing Chavo as not just a strong working babyface junior, but also as a solid heel and superior tag worker makes me feel his overall career value is somewhat underappreciated. The TA/2 v. MX program was electric. As someone who LOVED Jim Cornette & the MIdnight Express with JCP back in the day, it's great to see how strong the act was right away. Cornette, barely more than a rookie performer, is already an all-time great heat-seeking manager in '84. Unearthing some of these '84 matches also helps build a case for Dennis Condrey's greatness and provides additional support for those who favor the Condrey/Eaton combo to Eaton/Lane (I hold both combos with equal respect, although for slightly different reasons). The Fantastics look great, as expected, but I've also enjoyed the work of Tony Anthony & Len Denton as Dirty White Boys, a rough, nasty heel combo that's a perfect antagonist both in style and substance to the pretty boy/rock n' roll combos of the era.