Hans Schmidt

[Tim Cooke]

Recent WON HOF'er who is having more matches circulated with the recent Japanese Comm releases (though many of those were already available from Lynch prior).

 

Schmidt vs. Verne Gagne (Buffalo - early 60's)

 

This is from Lynch Oldies #1 and is a terrific match. I can't pin down a date but it would appear to be the early 60's as the TV announcer mentions the SF 49'ers as "long standing" team in the NFL and they started in the NFL in 1950. 10 years seems like a decent length for a long standing team this early into a league's history.

 

Schmidt starts out very Stan Hansen like (as has been described by Steve Yohe and jdw) with clubbering forearms, a knee drop, and a snap mare to open. Gagne hits a couple of neat shoulder blocks to come back, very much in the lucha style of bouncing off your opponent to create some distance to run the ropes. It's much more theatrical here and a very cool visual. At one point early on, Gagne tries for a soccer kick to Schmidt's face. Schmidt tries to bring a chair into the ring, creating a stir at ringside (ala Hansen again). They run through a test of strength spot, then Gagne gets a body slam, followed by a series of arm drag reversals with Gagne holding on to keep in control. This wouldn't look out of place in the early 80's so it's really cool in the early 60's. Schmidt does an Eddy like boot scrape on the face but Gange is able to get a go behind and a nice takedown into a reverse crucifix, another mat high spot that is fantastic. Gagne works the arm with some arm wringers, which Schmidt wants no part of and he actually jumps the top rope to get out of the ring and away from Gagne, a nice piece of athleticism and a spot you don't see at all these days. While on the outside, Schmidt stooges by slapping the ring apron angrily.

 

Schmidt gets a side headlock and takeover, with Gagne reversing with a bridge out, similar to what All Japan Women wrestlers were all taught to do at some point in most matches. The next "wow" mat high spot is Schmidt in Gagne's guard, which is closed. Gagne lifts his legs and does a Santo headscissors takeover. Again, early 60's, in Buffalo? Just awesome. They continue with a whip off a side head lock and do a criss cross, ending with both cracking heads in a realistic manner. It didn't come off as theatrical or WWF 80's cartoony, just high impact. Schmidt was able to get up first for a 2 count. Gagne does a really nice punt to the ribs, along with a stiff stomp. Schmidt lands an elbow smash and a nice backbreaker for 2. Schmidt tries for another backbreaker but Gagne reverses with a flying headscissors take over. It's the 1960's heavyweight version of Rey Jr. vs. Eddy.

 

Gagne starts to work on the knee, slamming it into the mat 7 times and the bell rings for what I believe was the 20 minute time limit. Schdmit attacks from behind as Gagne tries to leave. He raises his hands and gets nice heat from the crowd. Gagne gets back into the ring and they brawl. The TV announcer starts yelling, "How do you like them apples" at Schmidt as Gagne pays him back and throws him out of the ring. They go to a three judge decision. Gagne wins 1 card, the other 2 are draws, thus the match is a draw.

 

Terrific match, almost worked in a sprint style. I put this in the Schmidt thread since I have more of him to watch but this match is also every bit the showcase for Verne.