[1980-04-21-WWF-MSG, NY] Pat Patterson vs Ken Patera

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[SAMS]

1980-04-21
WWF
Pat Patterson (c) vs. Ken Patera
WWF Intercontinental Title Match
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USA
Card
★★★

I thought that this dragged on for the first 10 minutes or so. They worked some hold exchanges and Patterson took the lead with an armbar but nothing was grabbing me. I do love how when Patera does his version of begging off, it’s not a sign of weakness but instead a projection of his arrogance. He gets into the ropes, turns his back to his opponent and dismissively waves his opponent away. It’s a real “we’re doing this on my terms” dick move and it fits his character perfectly as going down the more snivelling route would show too much weakness for him specifically.
Patterson was sent to the outside and they tried to milk this for all it was worth with Patera constantly kicking him back to the floor. Finally, after several minutes, they got back in the ring. At this point Patera locked on the Bear Hug and this is when the match came alive. Patterson flipped a switch and from hereon in it was a masterful performance by him for a variety of reasons. Firstly, this Bear Hug, with Patterson lifted off the mat, looks much more impactful than when they were doing the standing cuddle version, secondly, Patterson sold this like death and then began the slow burn comeback. When he finally got loose and began wailing on Patera the place was on fire. Patera’s selling was so spot on, there’s big bumps sure, but I think he aligns it with his strong man gimmick to a tee.
At the death we had a referee bump which led to the win for Patera. The woozy referee was on the wrong side of the action and missed Patterson resting his leg on the ropes and Patera got the pinfall victory. As far as fuck finishes go, this one I didn’t mind at all and now Patera gets the much coveted gold.
If the first half of the match had been the same standard as after the Bear Hug, this would have been a real classic. From that point onwards I thought both men delivered top tier performances and I just wish that there had been more substance in those first ten minutes or so.

[tcg91]

A few minutes are clipped, but this was a blast and I really enjoyed it. Same can be said for the MSG, they were on fire for this. Patterson is not at his best at the beginning when he has to dictate the pace, but he gradually makes Patera look like a million bucks, like when he jumps over the top rope for him or sells the bearhug in a very dramatic way. Patera is another one I was never really too high on, but he looks the part and has good ring presence; everything he does makes sense. We get an actual finish, it might be tainted but it was well done and it's good enough for me. I can't go higher than this because the match wasn't complete.
***1/2