[1972-01-31-WWWF-MSG, NY] Karl Gotch & Rene Goulet vs The Rugged Russians (Igor & Ivan)

[paul sosnowski]

Karl Gotch & Rene Goulet defend the WWWF Tag Team Titles against The Russians (Igor & Ivan) in a 2 out of 3 falls match.   Available on the Network, Vault, Hidden Gems, 1972.    "The Great Gotch, January 31, 1972"

[conker8]

Love the match. Total domination by the babyfaces with few cut off from the heels. I didn't expect Gotch doing some kung fu shit !

[shoe]

I absolutely blew my mind seeing the Russian dance or to Happy Days fans the dance that won Fonzie the dance off with Joanie as his partner. This is a good length match which more or less was an exhibition for Gotch. The faces got long shine segments throughout. When the heels had a chance to do some stooge spots they were a lot of fun.The timing was spot on.  Gotch's full nelson spots ruled. Gotch  had a Billy Robinson vibe going. I totally digged Gotch holding onto the armbar. Gotch shows a lot of character here. Weird seeing Gotch eat a fall. Fun stuff.