For Boston, For Boston, Thy Glory Is Our Own

Kevin Sullivan VS Buzz Sawyer - GCW 4/5/1982

JJZ:  So we are staying in the same era for Sullivan so instead of the Prince of Darkness (even though it says it in the upload description) we have the Boston Battler. Again in this match Kevin showcases some real technical wrestling abilities combined with a two dollar steak level of toughness. I've never been too high or low on Buzz. He wrestles like a gritty legit hard nosed heel. Honestly he just looks like a real brick. Perfect bad guy for the 80s. I've had to watch a lot of Sullivan's matchs to get to this one and I'll say this period of his in ring career is definitely my favorite.  The ending left me a little disappointed, but it was 80s wrestling so I should see it coming. The beginning and middle had enough story that the finish didn't matter too much. Both guys really laid it in for the entire match and you know I'm all about the meat slappies. Hope you dig it brother.

CJD: I love this era of Sullivan, I wish he had incorporated more of this into the rest of his career. Although I do appreciate how far he pushed the envelope for his time. This match was as snug as it gets. Every transition was earned and logical, with bad intentions. Which is also impressive because, as you said with Kevin's work in these early days, there was some real technical work compared to what I'd expect. These two suspended my disbelief so thoroughly I went through a few Sullivan interview clips to see if there was a real issue there. And while he confirmed just about nobody "got along well" with Buzz, he said they actually had good working relationship. That makes me appreciate the level of give and take here that much more. And I didn't mind the very 80s finish at all, I'd love to see the next match they were setting up. I know you had to put in some work to land on this one babycakes and I appreciate that blue collar effort, much like the workmanship that went into this match!

Super Fabulous The Patterns Have Been Updated

Kevin Sullivan (c) VS Steve Keirn - GCW NWA TV Title 2/28/1981

CJD: You want to talk about suspending disbelief and exceeding expectations. This match right here is exhibit A. This is the earliest I've seen from either guy and it's definitely a novelty seeing this flavor of the Taskmaster compared to what he went on to become. The promos before and after the match are a nice bonus, nothing special but really help build that ambiance. The match would stand on its own merits either way. This is really a piece of kick ass pro wrestling especially by 1981 standards. It makes me want to watch every match Sullivan and Keirn ever had against each other. When I think about the craft of pro wrestling this is the kind of work I look for. These are clearly two students of the game and it shows. And I love that the tiny studio crowd is so along for the ride!

JJZ: Chris, this was delightful. Loved the before and after promos. And I fully agree. I want more of this feud. Also I got such a kick out of Gordon repeatly going back to the body building competition. Didn't know Kevin ever was that ripped up. He did look like a million bucks. The match itself was so good. I mean just a great feud building match. The mindset of the Taskmaster to milk the clock was such a smart heel move. First just slapping on headlocks and armbars. Then running away to push Keirn over the edge. Just great stuff.