Where the Big Boys Play #36

[JerryvonKramer]

Where the Big Boys Play #36 – Wrestlewar 89: Part 2

 

 

Chad, Parv, Lee Maughan and Jason Mann wrap up their review of Wrestlewar 89. In this episode: does Summerslam 91 have the worst main event ever?, in-depth review of the third part of the Flair vs. Steamboat trilogy including comparing and ranking the three matches, analysing the motivations of Terry Funk in the famous post-match attack angle, the life and times of Joe Pedicino and Boni Blackstone, and end of show awards.

[PeteF3]

Just barely in, but big props to Jason for bringing up the Sting/Sheik Persian clubs segment. I thought that was a brilliant subversion of a cliched angle.

[JerryvonKramer]

After the Clash 7 show (at the end of GAB 89) we're going to do a big round up on comments, so what would be great is if people -- even if they haven't listened to the show -- could give their thoughts on ranking the three Flair-Steamboat matches to see if there is any consensus.

 

I think the general feeling from the panel on the show was:

 

1. Clash 6

2. Wrestlewar

3. Chi-Town

 

I think some people are really high on that Wrestlewar match though. My own feeling is that it's less exciting than the Chi-Town match and less intense than both of the other matches. It's slower, more technical and much more Steamboat-led. What it gains in structure and psychology, I think it might lose in balls-to-the-wall fierceness. The Funk angle is not part of the match, so can't serve to bump it up.

 

So my ranking on reflection is:

 

1. Clash 6 - epic, perfect multi-layered match for the ages

2. Chi-Town - perfect 20-minute main event, very big match feeling

3. Wrestlewar - also very very good, but for me this is firm #3

 

Genuinely interested in people's views on how they place these matches.

[BrickHithouse]

1. Wrestle War - Although it's third in the series, it's the first one I saw. I was 11 and was totally blown away by the match, and the Funk angle put it over the top. This match alone got me hooked on watching WCW every single week. Before this I was only a casual WCW viewer. The first two Flair-Steamboat matches may have done the same thing for me had I seen them first, but didn't, so this is #1.

 

2. Chi Town

 

3. Clash

[soup23]

Just re-iterate my rankings for those that didn't listen to the podcasts:

 

1. Clash 6 - one of the greatest matches I have seen

2. Wrestlewar- Strong MOTYC every year and pretty ambitious in thought

3. Chi Town Rumble - MOTYC in weaker- solid years (it would have been my #3 match in 2012 for example) but a really great 22 min main event that I would put at 4.75 stars.

[Ricky Jackson]

1. Clash 6--The extra time allows this match to hit another level that puts it slightly ahead of the other two.

 

2. Chi-Town--Great, great match, with the feel good ending of Steamboat finally winning the big belt.

 

3. Wrestle War--For me, less memorable than the other two for some reason, but still amazing.

[Loss]

I'm happy that you've mentioned the stiffness in those matches, Chad. I'm not typically a mark for that type of thing, but there is a noticeable difference in how hard Flair and Steamboat are hitting each other compared to everyone else on the roster, and it's one of the strong points of the series.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Wrestlewar

Chi-Town

Clash

[shoe]

For me it goes

 

Clash

Wrestle War. I actually would have liked a few more minutes of Flair working the leg while Steamboat trys to protect it.

Chi Town

[JerryvonKramer]

For the guys putting Clash last, what's the reasoning behind that?

[Dylan Waco]

For years I would have gone with Clash at number one, but a couple of years back I watched them all back to back and came away thinking Chi-Town Rumble was clearly the best match. At this point of the tv matches from 89 I'd go Chi-Town, Clash and then Wrestlewar

[Jimmy Redman]

Clash

WrestleWar

Chi Town

 

Clash I love the best, for an hour it flies by and is just an incredible 'epic' title match. I actually dig the judges gimmick from WrestleWar quite a bit, watching it from that angle puts it over the first match for me, although of course that is nothing against the first match.

[WingedEagle]

Chi-Town

Wrestle War

Clash

 

Clash is 20+ of intensity and go go go awesomeness. Wrestle War is epic and has the post match angle. Clash VI simply doesn't, and basically loses by default through no fault of its own other than when it occurred on the calendar.

[shoe]

Another good show. Having good subject matter really helps . You guys seem like you have a good groove. When it's just the 2 of you it seems like you guys know your roles and it makes for enjoyable listen.

[JerryvonKramer]

Thanks shoe. I think the idea of it just being Chad and I on the Clash shows works, but I do value the guest contributions. I found Lee very entertaining and Jason said quite a few perceptive things.

 

I'm not sure if I'm ever going to forgive Jason for picking Steamboat Jr as the MVP though, ruined our history books he has!