Retro Review: Most Unusual Matches Ever

We’ve been wrestling fans a long time and it’s always fun to pull out something from the past, whether it’s a VHS tape, a DVD, a book or a record. You’ll find those treats from the past in the SlamWrestling.net Retro Reviews.

WWF Most Unusual Matches Ever

1985
1 hour and 27 Minutes
Host: Jesse “The Body” Ventura
Source: WWE Network

You cannot blame fans for claiming false advertising with this release. The Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart ladder match depicted on the cover is not even included in this release. Looking to capitalize on the success of the original Most Unusual Matches release, the WWE put together another compilation tape hoping that more gimmick matches would be just as popular. I know that I am a complete sucker for anything involving a cage, a ladder or a garbage can full of “plunder” as Dusty used to say.

As host Jesse Ventura describes them, gimmick matches are designed to “give the fans that extra measure of excitement” and “when the feeling between rivals become so bitter that special matches have to be arranged so both contestants will be forced to stay in the squared circle by a new set of rules long enough to complete a bout.” Most Unusual Matches Ever starts out very strong but doesn’t stick the landing because there are too many short segments, matches. You might be tempted to turn this one off after the monumental, historic cage match between Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and “The Magnificent” Muraco or at least skip through to the final match which is a blast from the past for sure.

Content Listing

Greg Valentine (c) versus Tito Santana (Lumberjack, Intercontinental Championship Match, 1985)

Valentine has Santana all tied up. Courtesy: Peacock, WWE Network.

This was one of those legendary feuds when I was growing up. A “must-see” feud so to speak. Valentine had put Santana on the shelf with a devastating knee injury courtesy of his figure four leglock. Santana was not only looking for revenge but to also wrest the championship from Valentine. Ventura claims the idea for this match came from the “Northwest Canadian woods” where loggers would settle their differences surrounded by their colleagues who would pitch them back into the center of the circle if they tried to take a powder. “There was no running away and there won’t be any running away in Madison Square Garden,” says Ventura. Some of the lumberjacks include John Studd, Charlie Fulton, The Junkyard Dog, Rocky Johnson, Ricky Steamboat, etc. As you would expect when Valentine exits on the side of the heels, he is given some time to catch his breath before he is returned to the match. This outrages the faces at ringside and Santana. During a funny moment Valentine attempts to push past the lumberjacks and jump the rail into the crowd. Valentine also pushes Santana back out as the lumberjacks try to throw him back in. Santana’s downfall is taking a swipe at John Studd.

Rating: 8 / 10

Greg Valentine vs. Chief Jay Strongbow – (Indian Strap Match, 1979)

A fan becomes part of the action. Courtesy: Peacock, WWE Network.

Ventura says this is the first time Madison Square Garden has sanctioned an Indian Strap Match. This is a bloody, brutal affair but the footage is a little rough around the edges. This when the WWE didn’t shy away from blood. Both men use the strap in innovative ways. An usual moment has Valentine reaching for a steel chair and a fan pulling it away from him. Valentine gives him a couple of shots. The match is too short at just seven minutes though.

Rating: 7 / 10

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Cowboy “Ace” Bob Orton versus “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and The Junkyard Dog – (Texas Tornado Match – 1985)

Just as chaotic as you think it would be with the action spilling out to the floor. It the “Pier Six Brawl” as “Mean” Gene Okerlund describes it.

Rating: 7 / 10

WWF Women’s Title #1 Contender’s 10-Woman Battle Royal (196-?)

The women must be pinned in the middle of the ring instead of being thrown over the top rope. It is an interesting look and take on the usual battle royal rules.

Rating: 6 / 10

20-Man Battle Royal (1984)

It features such participants as Sgt. Slaughter, Antonio Inoki, The Iron Sheik, Paul Orndorff, Adrian Adonis, Dick Murdoch, etc.

Rating: 7 / 10

Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka versus “The Magnificent” Muraco (Intercontinental Championship, Steel Cage Match, 1983)

Superfly lives up to his name. Courtesy: Peacock, WWE Network.

This one is recycled from the original Most Unusual Matches collection. One of the most infamous and greatest matches in wrestling history. It is the match that inspired so many to don tights and boots, like Mick Foley. Foley was in attendance for this match. Both bleed and bleed. Snuka does his often duplicated dive off the top of the steel cage onto a prone Muraco.

Rating: 10 / 10

Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and Arnold Skaaland versus “The Magnificent” Don Muraco and Captain Lou Albano (1983)

The Snuka and Muraco feud continues but this time their managers, advisors are dragged into it. Skaaland, who is 58 at the time, gives even Muraco a run for his money. Muraco shoulders most of the match for his team.

Rating: 6 / 10

Haystacks Calhoun, Larry Zbyszko and “High Chief” Peter Maivia versus Butcher Vachon, Strong Kobayashi and Moose Monroe (Six Man Tag Team Match, 197-?)

This match is feature to spotlight the big man, Haystacks. Too short to matter, really.

Rating: 1 / 10

Andre the Giant, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Pedro Morales, Rocky Johnson and Salvatore Bellomo versus Magnificent Muraco, “Superstar” Billy Graham, Ray Stevens, Buddy Rose and Mr. Fuji (Ten-Man, Three out of Five Fall Match, 1983)

You couldn’t ask for a more star-studded match. Ventura calls it an entire night of wrestling in one match. This has a two-hour time limit. The other weird rule is that the two men involved in a pinfall must be begin the next fall. This match takes up a lot of the collection’s time and that is with cuts, edits that have been made to the bout.

Rating: 8 / 10

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