Background: One of wrestling’s then-modern day dream matches occurred in Mid-South Wrestling by fan request featuring some of the biggest names in the history of wrestling – Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Dusty Rhodes vs. “Big Cat” Ernie Ladd and the original Wild Samoans Afa & Sika.
Mid-South Wrestling
January 1982
Junkyard Dog, Dusty Rhodes & Andre The Giant vs. Ernie Ladd, Afa & Sika
The Rhodes led team took control early by isolating Sika with clubbing attacks. Afa eventually became the legal man, but didn’t fare too well either when coming chest to Andre’s butt. The Giant wanted a piece of his near match in Ernie Ladd. Pushing Andre against the ropes, Ernie was chopped down and headlocked. Unfortunately for Andre, his ring positioning allowed Sika to grab his hair and pull him into the wrong corner so The Wild Samoans could choke him. Showing incredibly strength, Andre literally dragged Sika and Ernie across the ring to tag out to Dusty. A hot ball of Texas fire was Dusty, as was JYD when he tagged in to drop the big head-butt. Afa ran in, getting knocked down as well. Things were breaking down as The Samoans double team slammed Andre for Ernie’s big splash … that gave Ladd a near fall!
Andre’s partners ran in, looking to avenge their fallen ally. After disposing of Afa & Sika, JYD and Dusty double team back dropped Ladd in position for Andre’s splash off the middle rope. Andre The Giant held down Ladd for the three count.
Winner: Junkyard Dog, Dusty Rhodes & Andre The Giant (6:17)
Is It A Classic: That’s was a fun little sprint, but for a dream match that left something to be desired even by 1982 standards. Great for novelty, but not much else.
