Welcome to another “Unearthing the Gems” review. This week, we have a loose July 4th theme as WWE releases a rare, early match between two patriotic professional wrestling icons. Of course, rarity does not automatically equal quality. So, let’s head back to early 1981 (or late 1980 depending on what you class as the “official” date) and see what exactly it is that we’ve been given:
American Pride
Sgt Slaughter vs “Big” Jim Duggan from WWF Championship Wrestling
Date: 01/03/1981 (according to WWE)
Location: Agricultural Hall, Allentown, PA
Context: Despite WWE marketing this as a showdown between two patriotic legends, the match we’re given here couldn’t be further from that statement. By January 1981, Slaughter was a few months into his first run as a heel in the WWF (after already being a star for the NWA) and was using his “Cobra Clutch challenge” as a vehicle to build him as a challenger for then-champion Bob Backlund (who he was battling for the championship on house shows around this time). In contrast, Jim Duggan was probably a lower mid-carder at best and was about 2 years into his career. Jim was still a couple of years away from making his mark in Mid-South, let alone as the 2×4-wielding American hero he came to be known as in the mid to late 80’s. So no, this really isn’t a clash between two legends and was, in fact, a squash match designed to make Backlund’s latest challenger look good.
Review: This video is a little over 9-minutes in length and nearly half of it is taken up by the preamble. First, the ring announcer lists every official at ringside. Then we get the entrances. All of that is to be expected. However, Slaughter then decides to spend at least two or three minutes arguing with an obviously planted obese member of the audience. When the cameraman kept focusing on this heckler so much I assumed that I should recognize him and that it was part of introducing someone new. I can’t find any evidence of that though, so I’m at a loss as to what the purpose of this was other than padding. If I’m missing something obvious, please let me know in the comment section. Whatever this was meant to accomplish, Duggan looks like a fool for just standing there while his opponent is distracted. Even Pat Patterson calls him out for it on commentary.
Around halfway in and we finally get a lockup. Slaughter pushes Jim to the ropes and tries to intimidate with a clubbing blow to the chest. Duggan stands his ground though so Sarge throws a tantrum and starts arguing with the “fan” again. When old-timers show pride in being able to do more with less, this usually isn’t what comes to mind. After more stalling, we get another lockup and Duggan is pushed into the corner where Slaughter misses an elbow and the future “Hacksaw” gets in a big punch. Slaughter finally takes control with some knees to the gut and clubs his opponent against the ropes. Basically, the future WWF Champion just hits a lot of punches (and holds a choke) while Jim staggers around. Unless you count the collar and elbow tie-up, there’s been zero actual wrestling moves so far. When Slaughter gets distracted by the crowd again for a moment, Duggan starts trying to fight back but it doesn’t last long. We then get an Irish whip from one corner to the other by the Sarge, followed by more forearm clubs and a snap mare. Once on the mat, Jim gets hit with some driving knees to the head. He gets pulled to his feet, only get knocked straight back down with a chop. As he does it for the second time, it appears like heel Sarge prefers to push his opponent into the ropes.
Out of nowhere, Duggan reverses another Irish whip and starts to get some momentum back, which the crowd reacts well to. It all comes to an end though when he charges into the corner and gets caught with Slaughter’s knee. Recovering, the Sarge hits a piledriver (which gets no reaction) followed by a really weird looking tombstone piledriver which early 80’s Vince McMahon has no clue how to call. With “big Jim” stunned, the Cobra Clutch is locked in. “Hacksaw” tries to fight it but eventually fades and submits.
Result: Sgt Slaughter def. “Big” Jim Duggan via submission (Cobra Clutch)
Slaughter initially refuses to release the clutch until the referee begins to count for a disqualification.
Final thoughts: This was a little rough. Putting aside the style of the time, (as I’m someone who thinks any style works when done right) there was just a little too much stalling for me. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I really wasn’t a fan of that random bit with the fan (or at least its execution) and feel like the same results could have been achieved in half the time. As cool as it is to see Jim Duggan so young, I can’t really recommend this.
Recommendation: Safe to skip
Another week, another hidden gem unearthed. While I love looking back on these and giving my honest opinion, feel free to state yours in the comment section. If you think this match was great and I just don’t “get it”, please tell me why. Hopefully, we can spark a civil conversation.
Finally, remember to check back later today here at WWE Network News as we’ll have the exclusive reveal for the latest hidden gem set to land tomorrow! See you soon!