[1963-03-24-JWA] Rikidozan vs Haystacks Calhoun

[Superstar Sleeze]

Rikidozan vs Haystacks Calhoun - JWA 3/24/1963

Haystacks Calhoun is one of those wrestlers that my Dad's and uncles always, always cite as someone they fondly remember so anytime I get a chance to see him in action. I jump at the chance. I cant believe Haystacks made the trip across the Pacific in 1963! That must have been tough. 

Excellent David vs Goliath match. All of Rikidozan usual power spots fail because Haystacks is just too damn big. He cant throw him around. Haystacks is just absorbing his strikes. Haystacks offense is chest bumps in the corner and a full nelson and I am here for it! He wins the first fall I believe with a Full Nelson. Second fall Rikidozan roars back with is patented slashing chop to the neck which Haystacks sells well but comes back with more girthy offense. He goes for the Full Nelson but Rikidozan kicks off the ropes and Haystacks is a turtle on his back and cant get his shoulders up. Crazy that finish has been around since at least 1963. Third Fall Haystacks misses the World's Biggest Splash. Rikidozan try as he might can barely get the Giant over only for Haystacks to roll through. Haystacks back to the Full Nelson they tumble to the floor for what I believe is a double countout. Really fun match. Too clipped to rate, but I enjoyed this.