[1981-10-07-Joint Promotions] Alan Kilby vs King Ben

[Jetlag]

Really unique match. I know Alan Kilby can be pretty great, while King Ben hasn't done anything for me, but they both went all out here in a contest that was basically worked greco roman mixed with some shootstyle holds and stiff strikes. Forget about the classy british grappling and reversals, most of this was built around really intense lockups, attempted and failed throws and struggling over pin attempts. At one point Ben breaks out a top wristlock, Kilby starts working an armbar on the ground... add in some stiff, awkwardly landing strikes (including a flying headbutt from Ben that almost KOd Kilby) and sheer wild eyed determination from Kilby and you've got yourself one hell of a match. This match felt like it belonged in the 1960s rather than 1981, but the folks sat there in awe and really appreciated this contest that just kept building and building. Great finish too.

[tcg91]

The title presentation of this match, with the announcer hyping it and the anthem being played, is fantastic. And, shocker, the match was fantastic as well. This was clearly more gritty and physical then the average Joint Promotion match (let alone most of the scene at this point), also helped by the fact that two babyfaces were going at it and so they had a "pure" match (also refreshing, as Marc Rocco was the previous champion). Kilby looked great, had a good timing and called the match well, while Benn used his physique wisely and seemed comfortable in exchanging strikes with Kilby. Despite the sportsmanship, they were so intense that breaking the rules would have been less harsh on their bodies. Really cool reaction and moment once Kilby picks the victory
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