Hidden Gems: Harley Race And The Voodoo Man

Rather unique pairing this time around.

 

NWA World Title/WWWF Title: Harley Race vs. Billy Graham
Date: January 25, 1978
Location: Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida

Title for title and 2/3 falls. This is from the Super Bowl of Wrestling and Gorilla Monsoon/Don Curtis are guest referees. Before the match, we see a bit of a press conference with the NWA President Eddie Graham (complete with “hello, my name is” name tag) explaining the whole thing. Race and Graham both talk about how great this is going to be and want to prove themselves as the best.

They both sign and we seem to be ready to go. We also get Gordon Solie with both wrestlers, who talk about how they know they can win and become double champion. Race doesn’t seem impressed with Graham, even when he takes his shirt off. We finally go to the match, which is narrated by Solie and Curtis. I say narrated because this is a collection of highlights instead of the actual match.

Graham wins the first fall with the bearhug at about 40 minutes (two and a half shown) and Race ties it up at about 53 minutes (after about three minutes shown). Time ran out with Graham mostly done in a sleeper and both guys rather bloody. It seemed like a great match, but you can only get so much out of less than six minutes show and a lot of clipping. Also, and at least partially due to weather, the stadium was horribly empty.


Papa Shango vs. El Matador
Date: April 4, 1993
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendance: 16,891
Commentator: Jim Ross

Now this should be interesting as it is the dark match from Wrestlemania IX and Jim Ross’ first ever match in the company. I’ve heard of this match for years but I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen the thing. Shango drives him into the corner to start and then chokes on the ropes for a bit. They head outside with Matador getting the better of a slugout and hitting a pretty messy high crossbody back inside. Matador cranks on the wrist but Shango tosses him over the top for a big crash.

Back in and a hard clothesline drops Matador, setting up the shot to the rather low abdomen. A dropkick of all things gives Shango two and a side slam is good for the same. Matador is right back with the flying forearm and a backdrop but another running forearm is knocked out of the way (JR: “And I’m sure Bruce will tell me exactly what it is called because I don’t know.”). Shango misses a top rope elbow though and Matador covers him for the pin at 7:39.

Rating: D. This was FAR sloppier than you would expect out of a Santana match but maybe the atmosphere messed with him a little bit. JR was the most interesting part here though and that line about Bruce made me laugh. I’m not sure what this was for, but maybe it was a practice run or something. Either way, he was doing commentary in a toga and that is all that matters.

 

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Daily News Update – August 17, 2023

Make sure you check out a recent review:

Dynamite – August 16, 2023


And Done: Superstar Officially Gone From WWE After Heavily Hinting At Departure.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/done-superstar-officially-gone-wwe-heavily-hinting-departure/

Showdown: Chris Jericho Reveals How Special Match With Mike Tyson Almost Came Together.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/showdown-chris-jericho-reveals-special-match-mike-tyson-almost-came-together/

Let’s Go? Sami Zayn Offers Medical Update On Elbow Injury.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/lets-go-sami-zayn-offers-medical-update-elbow-injury/

Remember That One? WWE May Be Bringing Back Multiple Classic Events.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/remember-one-wwe-may-bringing-back-multiple-classic-events/

New Plan: Logan Paul Has An Interesting New Goal In WWE.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/new-plan-logan-paul-interesting-new-goal-wwe/

Slow And Steady: Injured WWE Superstar Gives Update On Her Recovery (It May Be A Bit).

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/slow-steady-injured-wwe-superstar-gives-update-recovery-may-bit/

WATCH: Kevin Owens Takes A Trip To The Detroit Zoo (And Has A BLAST).

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-kevin-owens-takes-a-trip-to-the-detroit-zoo-and-has-a-blast/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 16, 2023

Make sure you check put a recent review:

NXT – August 15, 2023


Special Counsel: Paul Heyman Offers Special Advice To Jey Uso After He Quits WWE.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/special-counsel-paul-heyman-offers-special-advice-jey-uso-quits-wwe/

Done? WWE Superstar May Be Hinting At Leaving Company Very Soon.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/done-wwe-superstar-may-hinting-leaving-company-soon/

WATCH: Surprise Return Takes Place This Week On NXT.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-surprise-return-takes-place-week-nxt/

Over What? CM Punk Reportedly Involved In Another Backstage “Argument” At AEW Taping.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/cm-punk-reportedly-involved-another-backstage-argument-aew-taping/

It Worked: WWE Reportedly Happy With Buzz Over Recent Storyline.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/worked-wwe-reportedly-happy-buzz-recent-storyline/

The Big Return? Former World Champion May Be Teasing A Return To The Ring (Or Something Else).

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/big-return-former-world-champion-may-teasing-return-ring-something-else/

WATCH: WWE Superstar Attempting To Find Former Tag Team Partner, Meets Someone Else.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-wwe-superstar-attempting-find-former-tag-team-partner-meets-someone-else/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 15, 2023

Make sure you check out a recent review:

Monday Night Raw – August 15, 2023


 

Hindsight Is 20/20? WWE Has Interesting Take On Controversial Decision Earlier This Year.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/hindsight-20-20-wwe-interesting-take-controversial-decision-earlier-year/

Uh Oh: Important Detail On CM Punk’s Hangman Page Comments And It Might Not Be Good.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/uh-oh-important-detail-cm-punks-hangman-page-comments-might-not-good/

WATCH: New Champion Crowned In Unique Way On Monday Night Raw.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-new-champion-crowned-unique-way-monday-night-raw/

Next In Line: Seth Rollins’ Next World Heavyweight Championship Challenger Set.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/next-line-seth-rollins-next-world-heavyweight-championship-challenger-set/

Another Role: Former WWE Champion Set For Role In Upcoming Film.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/another-role-former-wwe-champion-set-role-upcoming-film/

Not This Time: WWE Hall Of Famer Reveals WWE Turned Him Down For Special Summerslam Role.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/not-time-wwe-hall-famer-reveals-wwe-turned-special-summerslam-role/

Farewell? Report Suggests That Edge Is Wrestling His Retirement Match This Week.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/farewell-speculation-edge-wrestling-retirement-match-week/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 14, 2023

Make sure you check out some recent reviews:

One Night Stand 2008 (2023 Edition)

Monday Night Raw – June 2, 2008

ECW On Sci Fi – June 3, 2008

Smackdown – June 6, 2008


Over There: WWE Makes Big Change Involving Jey Uso After He Quits.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-makes-big-change-involving-jey-uso-quits/

She Would Know: How Vince McMahon Completely Canceled Storyline Over TMZ Report.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/know-vince-mcmahon-completely-canceled-storyline-tmz-report/

Not So Fast: WWE Reportedly Tapping The Brakes On The Bloodline For A Little Bit.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/not-fast-wwe-tapping-brakes-bloodline-little-bit/

The Reign Continues? Important Update On Roman Reigns’ Injury Status After WWE Summerslam.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/reign-continues-important-update-roman-reigns-injury-status-wwe-summerslam/

Go For It? WWE Attempting To Catch AEW Dynamite In Demographic, How It Could Change NXT.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/go-wwe-attempting-catch-aew-dynamite-demographic-change-nxt/




Daily News Update – August 13, 2023

Make sure you check out some recent reviews:

NXT LVL Up – August 11, 2023

Collision – August 12, 2023


WATCH: Former WWE Star Nia Jax Reveals Return To In-Ring Training, Talks Possible WWE Return.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-former-wwe-star-reveals-return-ring-training-talks-possible-wwe-return/

One More Time: 47 Year Old Former World Champion Planning To Return To The Ring After 11+ Years.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/one-time-47-year-old-former-world-champion-planning-return-ring-11-years/

It Couldn’t Be Much Worse: 51 Year Old Wrestling Legend Reveals 2020 Stroke, “Almost Didn’t Make It”.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/couldnt-much-worse-wwe-hall-famer-reveals-2020-stroke-almost-didnt-make/

WATCH: CM Punk Cuts Scathing Promo On Hangman Page After AEW Collision.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-cm-punk-cuts-scathing-promo-hangman-page-aew-collision/

RUMOR KILLER On Story Involving Jey Uso’s WWE Contract.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/rumor-killer-story-involving-jey-usos-wwe-contract/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 12, 2023

Make sure you check out some recent reviews:

Ring Of Honor – August 10, 2023

Impact Wrestling – August 10, 2023

Smackdown – August 11, 2023

Rampage – August 11, 2023


 

HE DID IT! Title Changes Hands On SmackDown In Impromptu Match.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/title-changes-hands-smackdown-impromptu-match/

He’s Out? Jey Uso Says He’s Done With WWE On SmackDown.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/done-jey-uso-says-hes-done-wwe/

Never Before: Special First Time Ever Match Set For Next Week’s SmackDown.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/never-special-first-time-ever-match-set-next-weeks-smackdown/

Beast Down: Brock Lesnar Reportedly Injured During Summerslam Match.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/beast-brock-lesnar-reportedly-injured-summerslam-match/

Warn Us Next Time: WWE Hall Of Famer’s Special Surprise Return May Have Been Spoiled.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/warn-us-next-time-wwe-hall-famers-special-surprise-role-may-spoiled/

The Next Generation: Update On WWE Planning To Sign A Former AEW Star.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/next-generation-update-wwe-planning-sign-former-aew-star/

One More Time? 39 Year Old Former WWE Star Has Plans For One More Feud With Close Friend.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/one-time-39-year-old-former-wwe-star-plans-one-feud-close-friend/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 11, 2023

Make sure you check out a recent review:

Smackdown – May 30, 2008


 

They Did It: AEW All In Breaks Another All Time Record.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/aew-breaks-time-record/

One More Time: Legendary Tag Team Reuniting For The First Time In Seven Years.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/one-time-legendary-tag-team-reuniting-first-time-seven-years/

Getting Better: Injured 51 Year Old WWE Superstar Teases Possible Return To The Ring.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/getting-better-injured-51-year-old-wwe-superstar-teases-possible-return-ring/

WATCH: Brock Lesnar On Stage At Zack Bryan Concert.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-brock-lesnar-stage-zack-bryan-concert/

Big Step: Important Update On Bray Wyatt’s WWE Return, New Detail On His Health Issue.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/big-step-important-update-bray-wyatts-wwe-return-new-detail-health-issue/

No More Twice? The WWE Contracts Of Two Former Champions Do Not Have Long Left, Future Unknown.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/no-twice-wwe-contracts-two-former-champions-not-long-left-future-unknown/

VIDEO: Go Behind The Scenes Of WWE Summerslam.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/video-go-behind-scenes-wwe-summerslam/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 10, 2023

Make sure you check out a recent review:

Dynamite – August 9, 2023


 

LOOK: Another WWE Superstar Teases Major Change In Appearance.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/look-another-wwe-superstar-teases-major-change-appearance/

Back To Work: Injured AEW Star Returning To The Ring After Six Month Absence.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/back-work-injured-aew-star-returning-ring-six-month-absence/

Happiness: AEW And WWE Stars Announce Their Engagement.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/happiness-aew-wwe-stars-announce-engagement/

Other Side? Omos Offers Very Interesting Take On Possible Turn.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/side-omos-offers-interesting-take-possible-turn/

Switch Them Up? WWE Reportedly Considering Change To Missing Superstars.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/switch-wwe-reportedly-considering-change-missing-supestars/

WATCH: Longtime AEW Stable Officially Splits In Emotional Way.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-longtime-aew-stable-officially-splits-emotional-way/

LOOK: Former NXT Superfan And Personality Izzy Making In-Ring Debut.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/look-former-nxt-superfan-personality-making-ring-debut/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).




Daily News Update – August 9, 2023

Make sure you check out a recent review:

NXT – August 8, 2023


 

WATCH: Surprise Turn At The End Of Monday Night Raw May Signal New Title Challenger.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-surprise-turn-end-monday-night-raw-may-signal-new-title-challenger/

Him Too? WWE Reportedly Brings In Former World Champion For Special Role.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-reportedly-brings-former-world-champion-special-role/

This Could Be Bad: Roman Reigns Reportedly Injured At Summerslam.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/bad-roman-reigns-reportedly-injured-summerslam/

Not So Soon: Update On Brock Lesnar’s WWE Status, Original Report Not Quite Accurate.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/not-soon-update-brock-lesnars-wwe-status-original-report-not-quite-accurate/

Rounding The Final Turn: Huge Change For WWE Likely Coming Next Month.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/rounding-final-turn-huge-change-wwe-likely-coming-next-month/

Hometown Special: Bonus Segment Took Place Off Camera At Monday Night Raw For Live Crowd.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/hometown-special-bonus-segment-took-place-off-camera-monday-night-raw-live-crowd/

WATCH: Former WWE Champion Leaves Summerslam Still In Gear, Refuses To Answer Questions.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-former-wwe-champion-leaves-summerslam-still-gear-refuses-answer-questions/

As always, hit up the comments section to chat about what is going on and get on the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (featuring news stories written by ME).