In the newest installment of Blake’s Best Of series, the focus is on the first Clash of the Champions.
And if you’ve never watched the show, let’s just say it’s one of the best in wrestling history.
Let’s jump into the best of Clash of the Champions I.
Tag team classic, Pt. 1
The first of the two stellar tag matches on this show featured The Fantastics squaring off against The Midnight Express. Awesome opening sequence that set the tone for the entire match, which the crowd absolutely loved. Of course, the match also included an NWA staple: the Dusty finish. Even with that, it was still an awesome match with an incredible atmosphere. The fans went nuts when they thought the Fantastics had won the titles.
Tag team classic, Pt. 2
If you read my Pro Wrestling 1988 Year in Review book, my personal enjoyment of the Barry Windham/Lex Luger vs. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard match is rather clear. This match only went nine and a half minutes, but it was pure entertainment the whole way. I gave this one a higher rating than the Fantastics/Midnight Express match mainly due to the lack of a Dusty finish.
Ric Flair and Sting put on a Match of the Year candidate
Everyone knew that Sting was a star, but this was the match that made him a star. Flair, as usual, helped craft a tremendous story in the ring, and it had everyone buying into Sting winning the title. The drama was just insane, and the five-minute stretch at the end of the match was one of the best ever because of the near falls. Incredible main event on an incredible show.
For my thoughts and match ratings for the entire Bunkhouse Stampede 1988 card, check out the Pro Wrestling 1988 Year In Review on Amazon.
Blake Knox is a pro wrestling writer and author. You can find his Pro Wrestling Year In Review series on Amazon.