[1982-05-22-WWF-Philadelphia, PA] Bob Backlund vs Bob Orton Jr

[Superstar Sleeze]

WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund vs Bob Orton – Philly 5/22/82

Tremendous Backlund shine! Seriously, one of my all-time favorite Backlund offensive sequences and just shows how crazy athletic Backlund was. I believe the feud is predicated on Backlund ducking Orton in amateur matches so early on we get some great amateur sequences, which I was always lap up. From there, Backlund just goes into one awesome highspot after another first a great monkey flip/bodyscissors sequence out of a test of strength. In a different body scissors, there is just a crazy series of bridges. These are the more nuanced strength/athletic spots that I mark out for more than a modified slam/suplex that is en vogue in the 21st century. When Orton breaks out of the bodyscissors, he is on his feet trying to attack Backlund, who is on his back, but Backlund is an early practioners of BJJ and is able to ward him off and flummox Orton.

I will say the disappointing thing about this match is that a true, blue heat segments does not materialize. I finally got to see some Orton in 88 against the Rockers in the AWA and he lived up to the hype as a offensive dynamo, but he is stooging and bumping from Backlund even taking the Slaughter bump in the corner. He is trying to score something but the superplex is blocked. Hell, Backlund sold his own piledriver more than any Orton offense because there was not much in the way of Cowboy Bob offense. Ortonbomb eats knees, even as a Backlund fan this is a bit excessive. Orton eventually has enough of this and turns tail to run, but Backlund ain’t done yet. Orton finds a strap and chokes Backlund out to win by countout!

The fact that Orton won that match is hilarious. He got his ass handed to him. It was a bit silly to give Orton the win given that layout. If you are a fan of Backlund, you will find plenty to love. If not, this will be Hell on Earth. Not a great match, but more of a fun Backlund performance. ***