One of my best pals, and longtime Wrestling Recaps contributor, Austin Skinner has been a fan of WCCW, World Class Championship Wrestling, for a long time. While Austin and others would mock my borderline obsession with Smoky Mountain Wrestling a few years ago, Austin will sing the praises of WCCW. I wish I could sit here and say I’d mock him, but frankly, I’m sure it’s better than SMW. I’ve literally never watched anything WCCW related. In the past, I have wanted to, but I simply never took the time to watch the footage. Austin has been doing WCCW reviews for the site and can be found HERE.
With the recent release and success of the Iron Claw the interest in WCCW has popped up again. I’m not going to get into TV reviews and such because that’s Austin’s lane and I jump around far too many promotions as it is. This series will be me reviewing available matches or often talked about matches within a rivalry. It is different than the Reliving A Feud series since that series only focuses on the story behind the rivalry.
The first rivalry I decided to check out is between Kerry Von Erich and Ric Flair over the NWA World Championship in the early 1980s. I don’t know how many times I’ve opened up YouTube and a match of theirs is in my suggestions, but I haven’t watched it. That ends with this series. There are a lot of matches between available and I’m looking forward to seeing how the rivalry evolves over time.
NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich — Best 2/3 Falls Match — WCCW TV August 28th 1982
Flair backs Von Erich into a corner, but cleanly backs off as the referee gets between them. Flair takes Von Erich down with a headlock, but Von Erich counters with a head scissors quickly. Flair counters out of the head scissors to put a headlock on Von Erich, but Von Erich counters again with a head scissors. Flair manages to reach the ropes to break the hold. Von Erich keeps a headlock on Flair to maintain the advantage. Flair tries to throw Von Erich into the ropes, but Von Erich holds onto the hold. Flair counters with a top wrist lock, but Von Erich powers out of the hold and takes Flair down to the mat. Von Erich stomps Flair and puts an arm bar on the champ. Von Erich switches to a headlock, but Flair fights out with a top wrist lock. Von Erich breaks free and they have a standoff. Flair shoulder rams Von Erich and tries to get arm control, but Von Erich takes Flair down to the mat and wrenches on the left arm. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair and runs the ropes. Von Erich counters a leapfrog and almost gets a cover on Flair, but they end up in the corner. They lockup again where Flair backs Von Erich into a corner and delivers a boot to the midsection and chops. Flair rams Von Erich into the corner face first.
Von Erich tries for a sunset flip, but Flair staggers towards the ropes. Von Erich takes Flair down for a two count and Flair stumbles into the corner to backoff. Von Erich controls Flair with a side headlock, but Flair fights out only for Von Erich to hip toss Flair. Von Erich takes Flair over with a headlock to maintain control on the mat. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair after getting out of a headlock. Flair dumps Von Erich to the floor. Flair tosses Von Erich back into the ring from the apron and delivers strikes in the corner. Von Erich fires back with right hands to knock Flair to the mat. Flair backs off into the corner, but Von Erich stalks to deliver a backdrop out of the corner. Flair snapmares Von Erich to regain control with a chin lock. Von Erich tries to get out with a top wrist lock, but Flair takes Von Erich down to the mat to keep control with a headlock. Flair backs Von Erich against the ropes and delivers a strike against the ropes. Flair chops Von Erich several times followed by an overhand strike. Von Erich delivers a few strikes and shoulder blocks Flair. Von Erich runs the ropes, but is stopped by an elbow strike. Flair tries for a cover, but Von Erich kicks out at two. Flair slams Von Erich and misses an elbow drop out of the corner.
Von Erich comes off the ropes and locks in an abdominal stretch in the middle of the ring. Flair refuses to give in to the pain. Von Erich applies the claw to the ribs of Flair, but Flair breaks free with an eye rake. Flair chops Von Erich and ducks a strike to deliver a back suplex for a near fall. Von Erich dropkicks Flair a couple of times. Von Erich misses a third dropkick as Flair held onto the ropes. Flair drops Von Erich throat first over the top rope. Flair nails Von Erich with a knee drop and covers for a two count. Von Erich fights back with a strike to the midsection. Flair spikes Von Erich with a piledriver for a two count. Flair tries for another piledriver, but Von Erich counters with a backdrop. Von Erich connects with a knee drop and tries for the claw, but Flair avoids it with an elbow strike. Flair chops Von Erich in the corner several times. Flair tosses the referee away and chops Von Erick in the corner. Von Erich misses a discus punch and accidentally decks the referee. Von Erich punches Flair several times. Flair misses a chop and Von Erich hits a crossbody off the ropes. A new referee enters the ring as Von Erich locks in a sleeper hold. Flair drops to his knees trying to reach the ropes, but falls to the mat instead. The bell sounds and Von Erich believes he’s won the title. The referee raises Von Erich’s arm, but the original referee comes in and discusses the outcome. The original referee believes he was punched on purpose. Von Erich has been disqualified for the first fall. Flair: 1 — Von Erich: 0
Von Erich pummels Flair in the corner with right hands to drop Flair to the mat. Von Erich puts a sleeper on Flair. but Flair dumps Von Erich through the ropes to the floor. Von Erich pulls Flair to the mat from the floor and slams Flair’s leg over the apron. Von Erich returns to the ring to elbow drop the knee, but Flair eye rakes Von Erich. Flair chops Von Erich to the mat and delivers a few chops before choking Von Erich. Von Erich delivers an elbow strike from the middle rope. Von Erich sends Flair upside down into the corner. Flair drives Von Erich down with a knee breaker. Flair stomps Von Erich’s right knee several times. Flair wraps Von Erich’s leg around the bottom rope to continue the advantage. Flair knee strikes Von Erich’s knee over the middle rope. Von Erich crashes to the floor wile hobbling. Flair hooks Von Erich for a suplex and drives Von Erich down to the mat. Flair elbow drops Von Erich and locks in the figure four leg lock in the middle of the ring. Von Erich manages to rollover to counter, but Flair reaches the ropes and lets go of the hold. Flair stomps Von Erich on the knee and tries for the figure four, but Von Erich puts the claw on! Flair drops to his knees, but gets up and staggers around the ring before dropping to the mat. Flair has been busted open at this point. Flair can’t reach the ropes and fades to the mat where Von Erich gets a two count on the cover. Von Erich keeps the hold on and manages to pin Flair to tie the match at one fall. Flair: 1 — Von Erich: 1.
A bloodied Flair recovers in the corner as the third fall begins. Von Erich pummels Flair with right hands in the corner, but Flair delivers a knee strike and chops. Flair pummels Von Erich with strikes and a snapmare. Flair punches Von Erich several times on the mat. Von Erich decks Flair with a discus punch and mounts Flair to deliver more right hands. They begin to trade strikes and the referee called for the bell. Flair tosses the referee to the mat as the match appears to have been thrown out. Several officials and wrestlers enter the ring to keep them apart, but Flair and Von Erich continue to brawl for a bit. Von Erich decks Flair over the top to the floor. The match ends in a draw at one fall a piece. (**1/2. For the first encounter it’s obvious that they are setting up another match down the line. Kerry getting essentially screwed over should make for his eventual title win much more rewarding for the crowd. The action was decent here, but nothing overly memorable or worthwhile. The crowd is electric and makes the match come across better than it likely is for me.)
NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich — Steel Cage Match — WCCW Christmas Star Wars ’82 — special referee: Michael PS Hayes (there’s another referee in the ring, too)
Hayes cuts a promo and says how important a title match is and thus Terry Gordy is out there watching the door, as well. Von Erich tries to take Flair down, but the champ backs off quickly. Von Erich takes Flair down to the mat and delivers a couple of elbow drops to the left knee. Von Erich maintains the advantage wrenching on the left leg, but Flair isn’t going to give in this early into the match. Flair counters out of the hold with an arm bar, but Von Erich dropkicks Flair and the champ tries to escape, but there’s no way to escape the cage. Von Erich hammers away on Flair, but Flair delivered a couple of chops. Von Erich nails Flair with a flurry of strikes causing Flair to drop to the mat. Flair knee lifts Von Erich and continues with chops in the corner. Flair snapmares Von Erich and delivers a knee drop. Flair chops Von Erich, but Von Erich responds with strikes. Flair drops Von Erich with a chop to the chest. Hayes backs Flair off of Von Erich for using a closed fist. Von Erich punches Flair several times to drop the champ. Von Erich pummels Flair with strikes in the corner. Hayes backs Von Erich out of the corner, as well.
Flair chops Von Erich and tries for a suplex, but Von Erich counters with a sleeper. Flair tries to reach the ropes, but settles for a back suplex and both men are down. Von Erich leaps off the top hitting a forearm drop. Von Erich knee drops Flair a few times before pummeling Flair with strikes on the mat. Von Erich tries for the claw, but Flair avoids it. Flair kicks Von Erich and sends Von Erich into the ropes to deliver an elbow strike. Flair drops Von Erich throat first over the top rope. Flair chokes Von Erich over the ropes until Hayes stops him. Flair delivers an elbow drop as both referees make the count. Von Erich fires back with right hands, but Flair kicks Von Erich in the midsection. Von Erich comes off the ropes and puts an abdominal stretch on Flair. Flair hip tosses free, but misses an elbow drop. Von Erich sends Flair into the cage face first a couple of times. Von Erich rubs Flair’s head into the cage, but Hayes pulls Von Erich off. Von Erich presses Flair’s had into the cage and Flair has been busted wide open. Von Erich rams Flair into the cage and ducks a wild strike to drop Flair with another strike. Von Erich tries for the claw, but Flair strikes Von Erich to avoid it.
Flair wraps Von Erich’s right knee over the middle rope, but Hayes and the referee pull Flair off. Hayes teases punching Flair, but doesn’t do it. Flair trips Von Erich and splashes onto Kerry’s right leg. Flair strikes Von Erich in the corner several times followed by knee lifts. Flair takes Von Erich down with a snapmare and tries for the figure four, but Von Erich kicks Flair away. Von Erich sends Flair into the cage head first. Von Erich pummels Flair with right hands and a bloodied Flair is dropped to the mat. Von Erich misses a knee drop and holds his knee in agony. Flair chops Von Erich in the corner and locks in the figure four in the middle of the ring. Von Erich remains in the hold, but tries to block out the pain. Von Erich tries to rollover and manages to reverse the hold. Flair is freaking out in agony, but lets go of the hold. Von Erich stomps on Flair’s right knee several times. Von Erich wraps Flair’s right leg around the bottom rope. Von Erich strikes Flair on the top rope several times until Flair crashes to the apron.
Von Erich pummels the bloodied Flair and rams Flair into the cage again. Kerry rakes Flair’s head against the cage, but Flair fights back with a knee lift and chop. Flair climbs to the top rope, but Von Erich avoids a strike and locks in the claw! Flair is fading as the crowd erupts. Flair is laid out on the mat, but Flair gets his foot on the bottom rope. Hayes tries to break the hold and pulls Kerry’s hair. Hayes pulls Kerry off of Flair and explains his reasoning. Kerry is pissed, but Flair knee lifts Kerry from behind. Gordy has opened the door, but the door is closed. Flair chokes Von Erich on the mat as Hayes pulls Flair off. Flair tosses Hayes away, that causes Hayes to deck Flair and tells Kerry to make the cover. Hayes tosses Kerry onto Flair, but Kerry doesn’t want to win that way. Hayes goes to leave the ring and shoves Kerry. Flair knee lifts Kerry from behind knocking Hayes to the floor. Gordy whacks Kerry in the head with the cage door! Flair covers Kerry and Hayes counts a three, but Kerry rolled to his stomach at two. The referee clearly waves off the count. Flair sends Kerry into the cage. Hayes and Gordy have left the ringside area. Flair pummels Kerry in the ropes and on the mat. Flair tries for a cover after a snapmare, but Kerry kicks out. Flair rams Von Erich into the cage head first. Flair covers, but Kerry rolls out at one. Von Erich fights back with strikes, but Flair responds with chops and right hands of his own. Von Erich decks Flair with a discus punch. The referee checks on Von Erich, and calls for the bell saying that Von Erich can’t continue. Flair retain the title. (***1/4. The finish is a bit bizarre for me. I understand needing to be creative to keep the title on Flair and not job out Kerry, but to do it in this manner didn’t come across as a satisfying end to the match that took place on Christmas for goodness sake. This had a big match feel and the crowd was electric throughout the entire time. I honestly would have expected Kerry to win the title, but Hayes and Gordy turning ended up being a fantastic business decision for WCCW. I still can’t get over the finish to the match, though. It’s the only thing that bugs me. I loved how this came across as a true fight inside a cage as they brawled and fought well together. Kerry jobbing after the cage door shot would have been more satisfying.)
NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich — WCCW Parade of Champion ’84 – 5/6/1984
Von Erich backs Flair against the ropes, but cleanly backs off. Flair drop toe holds Von Erich, but Von Erich quickly gets to his feet for another standoff. The crowd is going nuts for Kerry. Flair tries to get control on the mat, but Von Erich avoids it and they have another standoff. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair and hits a couple of dropkicks causing Flair to bail to the corner. Flair gains the advantage with a top wrist lock, but Von Erich manages to take Flair down to the mat and keeps arm control. Von Erich maintains arm control as Flair backs Von Erich into a corner. Flair shoulder rams Von Erich a few times in the corner followed by chops. Von Erich fires back with a flurry of strikes to drop Flair to the mat. Von Erich press slams Flair to the mat. Flair backs off into the corner and rolls to the floor to regroup. Von Erich kicks Flair into the corner, but Flair delivers a shot to the midsection and a chop to knock Von Erich to the mat. Flair continues with strikes to stagger Von Erich into the ropes. Flair sends Von Erich to the floor, but Von Erich gets on the apron quickly and tries for a sunset flip leading to a near fall. Flair chops Von Erich in the corner, but Von Erich sends Flair into the corner and locks in a sleeper hold. Flair breaks free with a back suplex. Flair snapmares Von Erich and comes off the ropes to deliver a knee drop.
Flair hooks Von Erich to hit a vertical suplex leading to a near fall. Von Erich fights back with a dropkick to send Flair into the ropes. Von Erich comes off the ropes and locks in an abdominal stretch. Flair breaks free with a hip toss. Von Erich knee drops Flair a couple of times. Flair knee strikes Von Erich a few times and runs the ropes, but runs into the claw! Flair breaks free with a knee strike to the lower midsection. Flair snapmares Von Erich and heads to the top rope. Von Erich stops Flair and press slams Flair to the mat. Von Erich strikes Flair in the corner and sends Flair upside down into the corner. Von Erich continues with strikes, but Flair responds wth chops. Flair snapmares Von Erich and tries for a figure four, but Von Erich kicks Flair away. Von Erich kicks Flair away a second time. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich. Von Erich counters a hip toss with a backslide and pins Flair to win the title! The crowd erupts! (**. It’s clearly a big moment for the Von Erich’s to finally win the NWA World Championship. The finish was not expected by me to end in the manner that it did. Kerry winning with a backslide almost comes across as flukey instead of a convincing win for Kerry. Coming off the cage match from over a year ago, I was expecting a longer bout and more drama attached to it. Of course the context of David Von Erich passing away prior to the show and being a memorial show for him is important to note.)
NWA World Champion Kerry Von Erich vs. Ric Flair — WCCW TV 5/11/1984
Von Erich backs Flair against the ropes, but Flair gets control with a hammerlock for a moment. Von Erich quickly counters and knee drops Flair while keeping a hammerlock on the challenger. Flair slaps Von Erich in the corner and backs off telling Von Erich to bring it on. Flair gets wrist control, but Von Erich rolls through and dropkicks Flair. Flair and Von Erich trade chops in the corner. Von Erich drops Flair to the mat and keeps a headlock on Flair. Flair rams Von Erich into a corner and delivers a chop followed by right hand strikes. Flair chops Von Erich before tossing Von Erich to the floor. Flair elbows Von Erich on the apron and Von Erich goes to the floor again. Flair drops Von Erich throat first over the top rope. Flair rams Von Erich into the corner and continues with strikes. Flair and Von Erich trade strikes in the corner. Von Erich puts a sleeper on Flair in the middle of the ring, but Flair breaks free with a knee breaker. Flair chops Von Erich and delivers several stomps on the mat. Flair chokes Von Erich on the mat while taunting the cameraman. Flair knee drops Von Erich and puts the figure four on Von Erich, but Von Erich locks in the claw submission! Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich, but Von Erich delivers a slam and Flair begs off into the corner. Von Erich stomps Flair in the corner followed by right hands.
Flair and Von Erich trade strikes in the corner. Flair drops to the mat after a strike by Von Erich. Von Erich nails Flair with a discus strike for a two count. Flair begs off, but delivers a headbutt to the lower midsection and chops Von Erich. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich, but Von Erich nearly wins with a rollup. Von Erich counters a takeover with a backslide for a near fall. Flair chop blocks Von Erich and controls Von Erich with stomps to the knee. Flair pummels Von Erich on the mat with right hands. Flair puts a figure four on Erich in the middle of the ring. Von Erich counters by rolling over, but Flair lets go of the hold. Flair takes Von Erich down again, but is kicked away. Von Erich press slams Flair and continues with strikes. Flair stops Von Erich with chops. Von Erich ducks a chop to hit a crossbody off the ropes for a two count. Flair chops Von Erich, but Von Erich counters a hip toss with an abdominal stretch rollup and pins Flair cleanly. After the match, Flair tried to attack Kerry, but Kerry drops Flair with a discus punch causing Flair to bail to the floor. (**1/2. Apparently this was a non-title match, but it still had a good heated vibe to it. Kerry winning cleanly is the right call to give him creditability as champion. A decent TV match with a hot crowd.)
NWA World Champion Kerry Von Erich vs. Ric Flair — Best 2/3 Falls —AJPW Grand Champions Night 6 — 5/25/1984
First Fall: They lockup with Von Erich backing Flair against the ropes and cleanly backs off. Flair takes Von Erich down to the mat, but can’t get clear control and they have a standoff. Flair takes Von Erich down to the mat, but Von Erich gains control with a knee drop to the back and keeps a hammerlock on Flair. Flair backs Von Erich into the corner while still in a hammerlock. Flair breaks free from the hold and they have a standoff. Flair tries to take Von Erich down with a top wrist lock, but Von Erich counters and delivers a leg drop on the mat. Von Erich keeps a wrist lock on Flair, but Flair backs Von Erich against the ropes. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair and runs the ropes to hit a dropkick a couple of times. Flair backs into a corner to avoid further punishment. Flair knee lifts Von Erich and tries for a suplex, but Von Erich avoids a suplex attempt. Flair drop toe holds Von Erich to the mat, but Von Erich counters to knee drop Flair while keeping a hammerlock on the challenger. Flair shoulder rams Von Erich in the corner and delivers a few chops. Von Erich decks Flair and misses an elbow drop. Flair chops Von Erich in the corner a few times. Flair knee drops Von Erich to maintain the advantage. Flair tries for a cover, but Von Erich prevents his shoulders from being down for three count. Flair snapmares Von Erich, and delivers a few chops. Von Erich sends Flair into the corner and puts a sleeper on Flair. Flair breaks free with a back suplex and both men are down. Flair chops Von Erich and shoulder blocks Von Erich. Von Erich stops Flair with a press slam and a knee drop for a two count. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair, but Flair dumps Von Erich through the ropes to the floor. Flair drops Von Erich throat first over the ropes causing Von Erich to hit the floor. Flair suplexs Von Erich into the ring from the apron for a near fall. Flair puts an abdominal stretch on Von Erich, but doesn’t get a submission. Von Erich hip tosses Flair to break free. Von Erich elbow strikes Flair to the mat. Von Erich drops Flair with a right hand strike. Von Erich nails Flair with a discus punch, but Flair reaches the ropes.
Von Erich punches Flair on the mat several times. Flair atomic drops Von Erich out of the corner. Flair punches Von Erich on the mat several times. Flair spikes Von Erich with a piledriver for a two count. Flair misses an elbow drop and Von Erich responds with a right hand and misses an elbow drop, too. Flair chops Von Erich in the corner and snapmares Von Erich to the mat. Flair misses a knee drop and Von Erich tries to put the claw on Flair. Flair manages to avoid the hold and gets back to his feet delivering a strike to the midsection and they trade strikes. Von Erich sends Flair upside down into the corner and Flair leaps off the top, but is met with the claw. Von Erich keeps the claw on Flair and manages to get a three count to win the first fall. Von Erich 1 — Flair: 0
Second Fall: Flair ducks a chop, but Von Erich puts the claw on until Flair breaks free with a chop and Von Erich goes to the floor. Flair and Von Erich trade strikes in the corner. Von Erich powerslams Flair for a two count. Flair tosses Von Erich to the floor to maintain control of the match. Von Erich shoulder rams Flair from the apron and tries for a sunset flip, but Flair kicks free at two. Flair sends Von Erich into the corner and delivers an elbow strike. Flair elbow drops Von Erich for a two count. Flair drives Von Erich down with a knee breaker and splashes down onto Von Erich’s knee. Flair knee drops Von Erich on the knee before putting a figure four on Von Erich in the middle of the ring. Von Erich struggles in the hold, but refused to give in. Von Erich collapses in the hold and the referee awards the second fall to Flair. Von Erich: 1 — Flair: 1.
Third Fall: Flair kicks Von Erich in the midsection followed by knee strikes in the corner. Flair punches Von Erich several times in the corner and yanks Von Erich to the mat. Flair controls Von Erich with a leg lock on the mat. Flair tries for a figure four, but is kicked away. Flair tries for a spinning toe hold, but Von Erich puts the claw on Flair. Von Erich keeps Flair on the mat, but Flair reaches the ropes to break the hold. Flair avoids a splash by getting his knees up. Von Erich tries for a backslide, and nearly wins with it. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair and both men go down. Flair heads to the top rope, but Von Erich press slams Flair off the top. Von Erich knee drops Flair to maintain control of the match. Von Erich goes for a cover, but Flair kicks out at two. Flair knee strikes Von Erich, but Von Erich delivers a shoulder block and puts an abdominal stretch on Flair. Von Erich puts the claw on Flair’s ribs. Flair hip tosses Von Erich to break free from the hold. Flair hooks Von Erich for a suplex, but Von Erich blocks the hold and drives Flair down with a suplex. Von Erich covers, but Flair kicks out at two. Von Erich dropkicks Flair for a two count. Flair avoids a dropkick by holding onto the ropes. Von Erich avoids a chop and hits a crossbody for a two count. Von Erich decks Flair to the floor with a discus punch. Flair dumps Von Erich to the floor from the apron. Flair tries to suplex Von Erich into the ring, but Von Erich counters with a rollup only for Flair to roll through and pins Von Erich to regain the NWA World Championship. (**1/4. It was a bit slower than the other matches, but I’m wondering if it was because it took place in Japan instead of WCCW. There wasn’t much excitement action wise here. The atmosphere between these two is much better and noticeable in front of the Texas crowd. I don’t even want to know what the Texas crowd would have done if Kerry lost the title in front of them after just a couple of weeks holding the title.)
NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich — WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1984 —12/25/1984
Flair takes Von Erich down with a headlock, but Flair quickly pops free from a head scissors on the mat. Flair puts a top wrist lock on Von Erich, but Von Erich breaks free in the corner. Von Erich puts a hammerlock on Flair, but Flair drop toe holds Von Erich. Von Erich knee drops Flair while keeping a hammerlock on the champion. Von Erich keeps the hammerlock on Flair and knee drops Flair on the mat. Von Erich keeps a wrist lock on Flair to maintain the advantage. Von Erich controls Flair on the mat for several moments, but Flair prevents his shoulders from remaining on the mat for three seconds. The referee is struck by Von Erich on a kick out by Flair, and they have a standoff. Flair knee lifts Von Erich and tries for a suplex, but Von Erich blocks the attempt and stares at Flair. Von Erich keeps a headlock on Flair for a few moments. Flair knee strikes Von Erich in the corner. Von Erich tosses Flair across the ring and takes Flair over with a head scissors and keeps a head scissors on Flair. Flair doesn’t give up despite the extra torque by Von Erich. Flair counters with a leg lock on the mat, but isn’t able to get a submission. Von Erich counters with a sleeper on the mat, but Flair breaks free. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair and runs the ropes. Von Erich dropkicks Flair into a corner and head scissors Flair out of the corner and keeps a head scissors on the mat.
Flair manages to reach the ropes to break the hold. Flair stomps Von Erich in the corner several times. Flair punches Von Erich in the corner and the referee gets in Flair’s face. Flair chops Von Erich followed by strikes in the corner. Flair knee drops Von Erich leading to a near fall. Flair takes over Von Erich with a suplex for a two count. Flair dumps Von Erich to the floor. Flair elbow strikes Von Erich on the apron followed by a strike to the chest. Flair tosses Von Erich back into the ring and chops Von Erich. Flair shoulder rams Von Erich in the corner a few times. They trade strikes in the corner with Von Erich decking Flair with a discus strike. Von Erich is stopped by a knee strike to the lower midsection. Von Erich stops Flair coming off the ropes with a sleeper hold. Flair counters with a knee breaker. Von Erich backslides Flair for a two count. Flair chops Von Erich and delivers a shoulder block. Von Erich press slams Flair for a near fall. Von Erich drives Flair down with a suplex and gets a three count, but the referee sees Flair’s foot under the ropes. Von Erich strikes Flair several times. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich leading to a near fall with his feet on the ropes for extra leverage. Von Erich blocks a strike and punches Flair several times. Flair is sent upside down into the corner, but runs the apron and leaps off the top. Von Erich catches Flair with the claw! Flair knee lifts free and takes Von Erich down to the mat. Flair staggers and flops to the mat. Flair tries for a knee drop, but Von Erich blocks the attempt. Von Erich takes Flair down and locks in the figure four leg lock. Flair has been busted wide open. Flair tosses the referee to the floor and tries to reach the ropes. The referee returns and doesn’t disqualify Flair. Flair reaches the ropes to break the hold. Von Erich pummels Flair with right hands in the corner. Flair sends Von Erich into the corner chest first. Flair heads to the top rope, but Von Erich press slams Flair to the mat. Von Erich puts the claw on Flair! Flair drops to his knees as Von Erich keeps the claw locked in. Flair dumps Von Erich over the top rope to the floor and the referee is forced to call a disqualification. (**1/2. They absolutely have a formula that they seemingly stick to when they are wrestling in WCCW. The finish is lame, though. I feel like the crowd energy was a little lower compared to their other matches. With the constant non-finishes for Kerry against Flair, I’m wondering if the crowd became disinterested in the chase by Kerry for the title. It’s a decent match, but nothing overly memorable by any means.)
NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich —2/13/1985 — Hawaii
They lockup with Von Erich backing Flair into a corner, but cleanly backs off. Flair takes Von Erich down to the mat, but Von Erich counters with a head scissors on the mat. Flair fights out of a head scissors and backs off into the corner complaining of a hair pull that never happened. Flair drop toe holds Von Erich and they trade some mat wrestling leading to another standoff. Von Erich keeps a waist lock on Flair, but Flair gets to the ropes and is pushed down by Von Erich. Flair puts a top wrist lock on Von Erich, but Von Erich counters and takes Flair down to the mat. Von Erich keeps arm control on the mat. Von Erich controls Flair on the mat with an arm bar and delivers a knee drop while keeping a hammerlock on Flair. Von Erich switches to a wrist lock, but Flair backs Von Erich against the ropes and cleanly backs off. Von Erich knee drops Flair on the back and keeps a hammerlock on Flair as the show went to commercial.
Flair tries to fight out of a top wrist lock, but Von Erich keeps control with a headlock. Von Erich keeps Flair on the mat for a few moments with a headlock. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair, but Flair shoulder rams Von Erich in the corner followed by chops. Flair dumps Von Erich to the apron, but Von Erich quickly rolls back into the ring. Von Erich and Flair trade strikes in the corner with Von Erich getting the advantage. Von Erich decks Flair to the mat with a discus strike. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich, but runs into a press slam by Von Erich. Flair bails to the floor tor regroup. Flair returns to the ring and begs off in the corner. Von Erich delivers a kick to the midsection, but misses a spear and hits the ring post shoulder first. Flair punches Von Erich in the corner several times followed by chops. Flair argues with the referee for a moment. Von Erich kicks Flair away and follows up with a series of strikes in the corner. Von Erich decks Flair with a discus strike for a two count. Von Erich keeps Flair on the mat with a front face lock. Flair gets to his feet and hits a suplex, but Von Erich pops on top of Flair for a two count. Von Erich controls Flair on the mat with a front face lock for several moments. Flair rams Von Erich into the corner, but Von Erich maintains a front face lock as the program goes to commercial.
Von Erich backs Flair against the ropes and keeps a headlock on the champion. Flair rams Von Erich into the corner and delivers a chop. Flair avoids a dropkick by holding onto the ropes. Flair kicks Von Erich in the ribs to continue to control the bout. Flair knee strikes Von Erich in the midsection. Flair pummels Von Erich with more strikes on the mat and another kick to the ribs. Flair chokes Von Erich on the mat. Flair dumps Von Erich to the floor, but is backed off by the referee. Von Erich walks around ringside to regain composure. Flair stops Von Erich on the apron with a headbutt. Flair stomps Von Erich on the mat and chokes the challenger on the mat. Flair keeps Von Erich on the mat with a headlock, but can’t keep Von Erich down long enough on the pin attempt. Flair rams Von Erich into the corner and delivers a few more chops. Flair dumps Von Erich to the floor. Von Erich is pulled to the apron where Flair elbow strikes Von Erich. Flair chops Von Erich, but Von Erich sunset flips into the ring and nearly wins the match. Von Erich decks Flair with strikes, but Flair delivers a shoulder block. Von Erich puts the claw on Flair’s midsection. Flair drops to the mat as Von Erich clutches to the midsection. Flair eye rakes Von Erich to break free as the show goes to commercial.
They trade strikes until Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair. Flair puts a sleeper on Von Erich to stop his momentum. Flair keeps a sleeper on Von Erich, but Von Erich prevents his arm from dropping three times. Flair sends Von Erich into the corner face first. Flair chops Von Erich to the mat. Flair rams Von Erich into the corner face first and continues with chops. Von Erich keeps a sleeper on Flair. Flair drops to the mat struggling to reach the ropes. Von Erich keeps control as Flair drops to the mat. Flair gets his boot on the bottom rope to break the hold. Von Erich comes off the ropes and misses a splash as Flair managed to get his knees up and both men are laid out on the mat. Flair chops Von Erich against the ropes. Flair tries for a suplex, but Von Erich counters with a sleeper. Flair drops Von Erich with a back suplex and both men are down again. Flair chops Von Erich, but Von Erich responds with a strike in the corner. Von Erich sends Flair upside down into the corner. Von Erich punches Flair several times in the corner. Von Erich sends Flair upside down into the corner and Flair falls to the floor. Flair returns to the ring struggling as Von Erich attempts to apply the claw. Flair knee strikes free and chops Von Erich. Flair misses a knee drop and Von Erich locks in the figure four leg lock in the middle of the ring! Flair manages to reach the ropes to break the hold. Von Erich yanks Flair off the ropes and locks in the figure four, but Flair breaks free with an eye rake.
Von Erich puts the claw on Flair’s kneecap. Von Erich drags Flair to the corner and wraps Flair’s leg around the ring post a couple of times. Von Erich keeps leg control on Flair in the middle of the ring, but doesn’t get a submission. Von Erich pulls himself up using the ropes as Flair struggles to walk around. Von Erich knee strikes Flair against the ropes. Von Erich misses a knee drop and holds his knee on the mat. Von Erich goes to the floor to try and walk off the injury, but returns to the ring where Flair chops Von Erich to the mat. Flair sends Von Erich into the ring post. Flair punches Von Erich in the corner several times. Von Erich tries for a sunset flip, but Flair delivers a few strikes. Von Erich misses a dropkick attempt. Flair spikes Von Erich with a piledriver and covers for a two count. The program goes to commercial.
Flair tries to steal the match with his feet on the ropes, but Von Erich kicks out. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich, but Von Erich comes back with a rollup for a two count. Von Erich shoulder blocks Flair, but is dumped to the floor by Flair. Flair chops Von Erich on the floor, but Von Erich sends Flair into the ring post. Flair forearms Von Erich coming off the ropes. Flair knee drops Von Erich for a two count. Von Erich suplexs Flair for a two count. Von Erich keeps control as the show goes to commercial, again.
Von Erich controls Flair in the corner with several right hands, but Flair delivers a low blow as there are four minutes left in the time limit. Flair heads to the top rope, but Von Erich stops Flair and press slams Flair off the top to the mat. Von Erich dropkicks Flair to the floor. Flair takes Von Erich down to the mat and tries to cover Von Erich managing a two count. Von Erich forearms Flair against the ropes. Flair responds with chops. Flair misses a chop, but Von Erich hits a crossbody for a two count. Von Erich knee strikes Flair into the corner. Flair flips in the corner and runs the apron before leaping off the top, but Von Erich puts the claw on Flair! Flair fades to his knees as Von Erich keeps the claw locked in. Flair is laid onto the mat, but Flair tries to reach the ropes. Von Erich takes Flair down to the mat again, but Flair kicks out at two. The bell sounds as Flair kicked out at two. That means the time limit has expired and Flair retains the title. (***1/2. I was not expecting this match to be the best match of the series thus far, but here we are. The finish doesn’t bother me as it’s a far less convoluted finish than they’ve done in the past. The crowd ate up the closing minutes and I enjoyed the action. They ran their formula well here and there wasn’t much of a lull despite the match being an hour, or 45-minutes shown on TV.)
NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich — 4/28/1985 —Tulsa
Von Erich takes Flair down to the mat with a headlock. Flair tries to roll out of the hold, but Von Erich keeps control of Flair. Von Erich has a top wrist lock on Flair, but Flair pulls on Von Erich’s hair to break free from the hold. Flair knee lifts Von Erich and tries for a suplex, but Von Erich blocks the move and struts to taunt Flair. Von Erich controls Flair in a test of strength. Flair chops Von Erich in the corner several times. Flair rubs Von Erich’s eyes on the ropes and goes to the apron to eye gouge Von Erich. Flair snapmares Von Erich and controls Von Erich with a nerve hold. Flair chokes Von Erich over the ropes. Von Erich nails Flair with a discus punch and Flair drops to the mat and bails to the corner to regroup. Von Erich works over Flair in the corner with strikes. Von Erich backdrops Flair out of the corner. Von Erich punches Flair several times, but a blow to the lower midsection stops Von Erich. Flair tosses Von Erich through the ropes to the floor and follows to keep control of the match. Flair rams Von Erich into the railing chest first. Flair continues with chops on the floor and rams Von Erich onto railing. Von Erich walks around ringside holding his ribs. Flair drops Von Erich throat first over the top rope a few times.
Flair stomps Von Erich on the mat several times and chokes Von Erich. Von Erich fights back and misses a dropkick as Flair sidesteps the attempt. Flair kicks Von Erich on the mat. Flair goes for a sleeper, but Von Erich struggles and goes down to his knees. Von Erich appears to be fading, but prevents his arm from dropping three times. Von Erich gets to his feet and rams Flair into the corner chest first. Von Erich fights out of the corner with strikes and a discus punch to drop Flair. Von Erich sends Flair into the corner and hits a press slam. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich, but runs into the claw on Flair’s midsection. Von Erich drops Flair to the mat and nearly wins the title on a cover attempt. Von Erich tries for a splash, but Flair manages to get his knees up. Flair tosses Von Erich through the ropes to the floor. Von Erich tries for a sunset flip from the apron and gets a two count. Von Erich backslides Flair for a near fall. Von Erich sends Flair upside down into the corner and Flair crashes to the floor. Flair pulls Von Erich to the apron and rams Von Erich’s knee over the apron. Flair comes off the top to strike Von Erich. Flair snapmares Von Erich and manages a two count.
Von Erich avoids a knee drop and locks in a figure four leg lock in the middle of the ring. Flair avoids being pinned in the hold and rolls over in the hold. Von Erich prevents the reversal, but Flair reaches the ropes. Von Erich yanks Flair out of the corner and misses an elbow drop attempt. Flair strikes Von Erich and chops Von Erich in the corner several times. Flair elbow drops Von Erich and covers for a two count. Flair keeps control in the corner with right hands and Von Erich drops to the mat. Flair knee strikes Von Erich in the midsection and heads to the top rope following a snapmare. Von Erich stops Flair with a press slam off the top rope. Von Erich covers, but Flair kicks out at two. Von Erich sends Flair into the corner and Flair goes to the top rope where Von Erich puts the claw on the champion. Flair tosses Von Erich over the top to the floor! Flair brings Von Erich into the ring with a suplex. Flair puts a figure four on Von Erich, but Von Erich doesn’t submit. Von Erich counters the hold by rolling over, but Flair lets go of the hold. Flair chops Von Erich to the mat and Von Erich strikes Flair in the midsection. Flair shoulder blocks Von Erich. Von Erich press slams Flair and misses an elbow drop.
Von Erich puts a sleeper on Flair coming off the ropes. Von Erich keeps the sleeper on Flair for several moments, but Flair doesn’t fade. Von Erich finally gets Flair down to the mat, but Flair reaches the ropes with his boot until Von Erich pulls it off, but Flair puts it back forcing a break of the hold. Von Erich strikes Flair against the ropes, but Flair delivers a strike to the lower midsection while the referee was out of position. Flair misses a chop and Von Erich hits a crossbody, but the referee had been knocked down moments earlier. Flair tries for a suplex, but Von Erich counters with a sleeper. Flair drops Von Erich over the top rope groin first and they’re both down. Flair gets up and elbow drops Von Erich leading to a cover and three count to retain the title. Von Erich had gotten his boot on the bottom rope, but the referee didn’t see it and Flair pulled it off. (***. They get the formula going and it was a fine encounter. The finish continues the trend of protecting Von Erich from essentially doing a clean job. It’s a weaker finish, but I’m not sure how else Flair can manage to win matches other than using the figure four.)
That wraps up looking at the rivalry between Kerry Von Erich and Ric Flair with the available matches on YouTube and Peacock that I could find. Which match was your favorite? What did you think of the rivalry between the two?
Thanks for reading.