[1961-06-30-NWA Chicago] Pat O'Connor vs Buddy Rogers

[paul sosnowski]

 

[paul sosnowski]

Very strange that the most famous match of the 1960s was never reviewed or posted here before...

[Makai Club #1]

A historic match giving Rogers his first and only NWA World title win after being a top draw for the era. Pat O'Connor was the straight laced veterean that dominated in the beginning but Rogers played counter defence perfectly and baited Pat into a knee getting the first fall meaning he was playing catch up the whole time. Rogers had some awesome heel mannerisms. When he was doing a criss-cross spot with Pat O'Connor, he quickly grabbed the ropes and then strutted out of the way of the incoming collisions. I thought that was great and the crowd ate it up. The finish of the 2nd falls did really well. The seamless counter from O'Connor into the O'Connor roll was perfectly fluid. The final fall was pretty short but it was similar to the first fall. O'Connor dominated with his technical\ wrestling but he added a few more stiff strikes which Rogers was more than happy to give back. Rogers got the win and the title after O'Connor missed a drop kick and landed on the ropes. Rogers could've had more offence to really solidify the win but it was still a good match. ***3/4