Background: In a battle of the wild men of Eastern Championship Wrestling, the future “Taz” in The Tazmaniac took on wrestling legend Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.
Hardcore TV
Philadelphia, PA
June 26, 1994
Jimmy Snuka vs. The Tazmaniac
“Superfly” seemed intrigued watching The Tazmaniac stomp in the ring before warning the referee to stay out of his way. Stern collar & elbow tie up saw Snuka not only back his opponent against the ropes, but also break clean. The Tazmaniac showed his respect and arrogance at the same time by backing “Superfly” into the ropes and breaking clean as well. Snuka seemingly enjoyed making The Tazmaniac believe that at any moment “Superfly” could strike him illegally. A shoulder block collision happened soon after, resulting in neither man taking a step backwards. Growing more infuriated with his inability to scare or even mentally faze The Tazmaniac, Snuka backed his opposition into the corner, chopping his opposition. Happily telling the fans to get ready for something big, Snuka whipped The Tazmaniac toward the ropes, only for The Tazmaniac to reverse his intended illegal maneuver. Snuka couldn’t stop himself or his manager, Hunter Robins, from hitting “Superfly” in the back. Snuka stumbled right into a northern lights suplex. The Tazmaniac bridged upon impact, holding “Superfly” down for a shocking three count.
Winner: The Tazmaniac (4:54)
Is It A Classic: A very interesting encounter that was more about the psychology of two primal-esque grapplers wrestling for the first time. Not great, or a classic, but very unique and entertaining at the same time – a very good precursor of what was to come.
