Tonight’s the night. The replay of the “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich challenging the NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for the title is aired for television audiences for the first time! In what is easily the best World Class match of 1982 so far, these two wrestling stars push each other to their very limits!
WCCW TV
Date: 08/28/1982 (originally 08/15/1982)
From: Dallas, Texas
MATCHES
1. Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich (Taped replay)
BREAKDOWN & REVIEW
- Bill Mercer welcomed us back to Reunion Arena and said that tonight, the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship was on the line! He threw to each man for some pre-taped comments before their big match.
- Kerry Von Erich provided an interview with Bill Mercer backstage next. He said that he has eaten, slept, and lived the World Championship. He wants it and is going to give 120% to get it tonight. I’m not sure if Kerry was blasted for this interview or what, but I swear he was cross-eyed. Nonetheless, I’m pulling for the long shot… I hope Kerry is able to do the unthinkable.
- Bill Mercer was then joined by the champion, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair backstage in the locker room. Flair said this would be one of the toughest challenges he has to face as the champion. He has the confidence and ability to beat any man in the world today and Kerry will find that out tonight in Reunion arena. Again, Flair giving props to Kerry for being a legit challenge for the NWA World Championship only helps both of them. A pro’s pro.
- Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich: This match NWA World Heavyweight Championship match was set for a best two out of three falls match, sixty minutes for a time limit. These guys went nose-to-nose and the arena buzzed in anticipation. Kerry was first to lock on a head scissors hold to begin wearing down Flair as quickly as possible. The two began trading holds for a few minutes. Kerry definitely had the strength advantage, but Flair showed his experience over Kerry in the bath and forth exchange. Flair resorted to throwing Kerry through the middle rope to the floor to swing the momentum his way for a few moments. An Iron Claw to the midsection was applied to Flair, cooling him off and getting Kerry back into the fight. A mistimed punch sent the referee down causing chaos. Kerry locked on a sleeper hold and Flair was fading fast. Flair seemingly was put out and a bell was sounded. The referee came to and argued with a few World Class officials and they argued for a bit. Eventually, the first fall was awarded to Flair surprisingly, due to Kerry throwing the wild punch that sent the referee to the mat. Kerry went right back to work on Flair as the second contest began, locking in another sleeper hold. Flair’s dirty tactics really were put on display here, as a sense of desperation began to set in. He targeted Kerry’s wrapped knee and went to work on it. Flair locked in a Figure Four leglock but it would be reversed by Kerry for a few seconds! The Iron Claw would be locked on next on Ric Flair in the center of the ring, busting Flair open in the process. Flair faded to the mat long enough for the referee to count his shoulders down for a three, awarding the second fall to Kerry Von Erich. The third and final portion of the bout began, Flair was beside himself with anger. The two threw fists fiercely, each pushing the referee away at separate times. The bell was sounded, ending the third fall in a double-disqualification. Officials rushed the ring to try and keep the two men apart, as fists continued to fly. Fritz Von Erich then stormed the ring to argue the decision, even putting his hands on the NWA referee! There is a good shot that this could be the WCCW match of the year. Kerry and Flair sold their asses off and played their roles perfectly. Texas came alive everytime Kerry rallied and Flair told the story from start to finish. The finish, though slightly disappointing, was the only way to keep Kerry’s star burning bright going into the fall and winter months. I full expect a return bout for these guys, very masterfully done.
- Bill Mercer closed us out for the evening, claiming Kerry Von Erich to be the uncrowned NWA World Champion in the fans hearts and minds. He alluded to this not being the last time we see these two meet to settle the score.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The final match of the card is worth checking out this hidden gem of a supershow alone. Kerry Von Erich and Ric Flair gave the people their money’s worth tonight and left fans hungry for more. With the finish of the match, we can expect a NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship rematch between Flair and Kerry. What a showing on both parts! I am looking forward to some fresh content for next’s week show, as we see how this huge story continues to unfold…
See you all then!