Why We Watch....Exhibit K

We watch for the opening montage of our weekly syndicated wrestling program. I have embedded two classic examples for your consideration. The first is the opening sequence from NWA Pro Wrestling (which yours truly watched faithfully every Saturday morning on Channel 23 in 1986-1987) featuring the mainstays of Jim Crockett Promotions and the moves that made them famous....Tully Blanchard and his slingshot suplex, the high-pitched scream inducing double drop kick of Rock and/or Roll Express, Niktia Koloff's Russian Sickle clothesline, Dusty Rhodes' jiggly breasts, and the centerpieces of this clip, Magnum T.A.'s impeccably kept shlong cut and devastating belly-to-belly suplex, delivered to what has to be the most pathetic, scruffy looking jobber (you've just been usurped, Don Herbert) ever captured on videotape.




The second is the World Wide Wrestling opening theme that supplanted the more well regarded 1984-1988 version shortly after Ted Turner bought out Crockett. I included this not only for the catchy riffage, but Flair's sharply dressed run-in to save Sting and brawl with a formal wear clad Terry Funk and The Great Muta and Jim Ross' histrionic play-by-play (is the man even capable of any other kind?).

I would have included the old World Class Championship Wrestling opening (complete with timpany drums and a cavalcade of Von Erich offensive maneuvers on display), but I have yet to locate the footage.

Thanks to the fine folks at Mid-Atlantic Gateway for making these memories available to share! Enjoy.