[1986-09-16-AWA on ESPN] Nick Bockwinkel vs Boris Zhukov

[Superstar Sleeze]

AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel vs Boris Zhukov - AWA 9/16/86

A return bout on ESPN as AWA has little in the way of heels. It is too bad they didn’t give us a random title defense against Buddy Rose as we get another Zhukov match in November and a Nord match this month.

I thought this was about the same level as the July match. Zhukov is a solid wrestler he is going to do his part. Bock seems ill-suited for this role as much as I like him. He doesn’t have much in the way of offense to get a shine going or fiery comeback. Nick flusters Boris early evading him as Zhukov charges and misses. Classic 80s sequence but seen done better a bunch of times in Backlund matches. It is a shame Backlund wasn’t pushed in the AWA in 85-87. Bock works the headlock. Zhukov’s leg work is very good just as good as the arm work in the previous match. Bock is selling well. I liked the leg yank on the apron into the chops. Indian Deathlock was nice surprise. Good heavy blows by Bock to get out. I liked Zhukovs headbutts to take back over. He needs to tighten up that Full Nelson. Bock pushes off the buckles. Is it a double pin? No! Bock wins! Another good match but AWA is sad at this point. It is funny Bock/Hennig and Rockers/Rose & Somers both have Top 100 matches of all time in 1986 but the depth is not there to support week to week television. ***