SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 12:19 Min.
Recorded for the WCW Main Event TV series, this WCW World Championship bout occurred on August 2, 1992, in Baltimore, MD. With a previously-scheduled Sting now ‘injured,’ a random lottery of eight contenders’ names sets up Ron Simmons getting a historic World title showdown vs. champion Big Van Vader. Vader’s ringside advisor is the legendary multi-time NWA World Champion Harley Race.
Included are post-match cameos by Barry Windham; Brian Pillman; Tom Zenk; Van Hammer; and Dustin Rhodes. The unseen commentator is Jim Ross.
Note: Coincidentally, in the summers of 1990 and 1991, Sting and then Lex Luger scored their own first WCW World Title victories in this same city.
REVIEW:
Given it’s a pivotal first in pro wrestling’s mainstream history, this slugfest exudes 34-year old Ron Simmons at his best. The brawny, hard-working Simmons looks superb in the ring with the monster-sized Vader, whose own strength and mobility are plausibly daunting.
With all of the raw power involved, it’s no surprise that the bout itself is relatively short. Still, with Simmons absorbing several of Vader’s best shots and vice-versa, the outcome is electrifying. Suffice to say, fans won’t be left disappointed.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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