September 20th 1986
World Wrestling Association
WWA World Lightweight Championship Two Out Of Three Falls Match
Olympic Auditorium Los Angeles, California
The WWA World Lightweight Championship is yet another title that seemingly materialized out of nowhere. Mano Negra is the first name shown associated with it, and according to luchawiki.org, it was "decided thru unknown means" in 1986. The belt is more likely familiar to most by association with the earlier matches between Rey Misterio Jr. and Juventud Guerrera. The record-keeping in Mexico, along with its affiliated promotions, had been subpar for an extended period. However, our bout today stands out as a solid starting point for anyone attempting to delve into the history of the title.
In 1985, El Hijo del Santo's focus was on being the UWA World Light Champion, a title he had secured by defeating Negro Casas the year before. He engaged in a feud with Aristóteles, who managed to defeat Santo for the title in July. This rivalry intensified, leading to a mask vs. mask match two weeks later, which Santo ultimately won. Interestingly, Aristóteles' "brother" (whether this was true or not remains unclear), named Aristóteles II, later challenged Santo to a mask vs. mask match, with revenge on his mind (that or a nice payday) but ended up losing the confrontation. Throughout the year, Santo would also defend that title successfully against Espanto Jr on a few occasions. Off of those defenses, the two of them would transition into a feud that involved an excellent mask vs. mask match in August 1986. Espanto Jr. would eventually win the title from Santo and would lose in a mask vs. hair match against Santo in the summer of 1987. Between those two apuestas matches, we have Santo against Black Shadow Jr. for the vacant WWA World Lightweight Championship.
Juan José Salazar Alanís started his pro wrestling career at the age of 13, and in a similar fashion to Santo, would wrestle on shows without his parents knowing. There's a great story about his mother discovering this and showing up at the show on luchawiki.org. In January 1985, Alanís would start working as Black Shadow Jr. after getting permission from the original Black Shadow. He'd eventually lose a mask vs. mask match against Santo in December 1991.
It'll be hard to really assess this match since my copy of it is missing mostly everything in the second fall. Conducted a brief search in an attempt to find a match in its complete form, but unfortunately, no luck. So if anyone out there can help, that'd be great (unless I find out I have another copy or if it's just out there incomplete), but for now, I can talk about the first and third falls.
We start off with some grappling on the mat. Shadow Jr. comes into this with 22 years of experience, and Santo with only four, but Santo is clearly several steps ahead. It also helps being a decade younger. There are a few pin attempts crossing over with the holds, but both guys stay on their toes by countering. Eventually, Shadow Jr. gets the upper hand and delivers some running bulldogs to Santo. Shadow Jr. dives and delivers a crossbody and puts Santo in a submission similar to a Romero Special but without raising up the opponent. You'll come to find throughout this project I'm terrible at naming some moves, which doesn't exactly help in the world of the written word.
The second part of this match begins with Shadow Jr. taking control of Santo's arm and wrenching down when Santo is down. They both begin a battle of more submission and pin attempts. At some point, they begin to pick up the pace, and Shadow Jr. gets knocked to the floor. This is where my copy craps out, and it cuts to Santo's arm being raised for the second fall.
Going in with one fall each, the third section begins with a more picked-up pace. Both guys are hitting the ropes and evading each other until Santo gets knocked to the outside. Shadow Jr. takes advantage and hits a plancha suicida. Santo eventually stumbles back into the ring, clearly dazed, and turns to see where Shadow Jr. went. Shadow Jr. comes back in by flanking Santo with a dive from the opposite side of the ring. Shadow Jr. keeps up the momentum and hits the ropes, presumably to attack Santo; however, Santo dodges and sends Shadow Jr. crashing to the floor. Santo dives to the outside! Both men are down and slowly make their way back to the ring where Shadow Jr. revives faster and gets the upper hand. Shadow Jr. slams Santo and makes his way to the top rope in the corner before Santo pops up and stops him. Santo rolls Shadow Jr. over his shoulder for a slam off the top rope. Santo applies la de a caballo for the submission.
Disappointed that I couldn't watch this match in its completion, but I suppose it was an interesting exercise for now, seeing a match just jump up in intensity without the crescendo you'd typically see. I wouldn't put this match first for showing off how good a young Santo was, but it is impressive to watch him shine a whole lot brighter than most people only four years in.
No comments:
Post a Comment