WWF Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Backlund (c) vs. Hussein Arab - WWF on MSG Network - 04/06/1979
Unless I've totally lost the plot, I think I'm right in saying this: this is some of the finest work that has ever taken place in a WWE/F title match. Hussein Arab is the Iron Sheik, and he won the title match earlier in the show in a battle royal. Neat set up. Very simple. Both are well touted amateur wrestlers, Sheik in particular and they make the most of it. The first spot of the match was the two trying to gain control of the inside of the others bodies and they were relentless in their attempts, ending with Backlund pushing Sheik into the corner, causing Sheik to complain and get mad. This happens a few times where Backlund bests Sheik in an exchange, including an incredible spot where Backlund had Sheik on a full nelson and recaptured it again when Sheik attempted to roll out of. I'm not giving it justice with words. It's spectacular looking. One of my favourite spots of the match is Sheik trying to trip Backlund while he's got the leg and Backlund just bounced around and was able to counter it by grabbing the head and monkey flipping Sheik. The match has tremendous back and forth grappling with great momentum transitions like Backlund hitting a flying head scissors to retake control after he's been stuck in an arm lock. Backlund's crowd working is very underrated. He was able to get the crowd chanting along with his pull version of the arm breaker while he falls backwards like he's on a rowboat or something. And he did that consistently. Moreover, just when I thought the match was on the edge of losing its steam when Sheik nails Backlund with a chair, and it doesn't get called as a DQ (it must have not been an official rule) but the crowd visibly gets angry and rise to their feet like they are about the riot. And Backlund is able to masterfully harness that heat by getting his revenge with a chair shot of his own and building to his eventual comeback win which was a climatic win that practically had the fans throwing babies up in the air. And perhaps I'm a mark for Bob Backlund but I adore Backlund using Atomic Drop as his finisher. Sensational match. Perhaps I'm slightly over rating this match but ****3/4
WWF Heavyweight Title Match: Bob Backlund (c) vs. Pat Patterson - WWF on MSG Network - 30/07/1979
High praise by Vince Jr on commentary to call this one of the greatest matches he's ever seen. And while that could be a good promotion ploy, I can believe that. This had both great technical work while still retaining the gritty, fight-like nature. Patterson and Backlund are magic together. Backlund's violent tendencies come out and Patterson pinballs himself around the ring to sell it all. Patterson was a badass himself, showing solid skill when working the leg and after the match by wanting to continue the match despite bleeding profusely from his head while Backlund was in the corner showing his class as a champion. That reminded me a little of Lou Thesz. It was a draw but Backlund was the clear victor. However that's not how wrestling works and the feud must continue. ****1/4
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