Another day, another quality Ken Patera match. This wasn't as frenetic as the Bruno match from '77, and where the Andre tag was sort of whimsical this had STAKES attached, namely the Intercontinental title. So it's cool to see him in a few different settings (within the broader setting of the WWF, at least). I loved the beginning with Patterson working the arm. It really ebbed and flowed, they'd bring it to the mat, come up for air, bring it back down again, and Pat wrenching on the arm wringer leading into Patera taking a big flip bump ruled. Patera is also one of the more incredible athletes of the era, a legit Olympic-level weightlifter with hops to the moon and a leapfrog to match, so of course the rope-running sequences were awesome. Patera taking over by just heaving Patterson over the ropes was badass. I mean you're the strongest guy in the fucking state of New York, obviously you can just take over like that. Vince sells it on commentary like Patterson was thrown in a volcano and it's ridiculous how good this Vince was, especially compared to later Vince. That boy fell off worse than Dele Alli. Patera works an extended King of the Mountain segment with the crowd getting more and more pissed, then he goes to the bearhug and the sense of dread from the crowd is sort of insane. When he winds up for the full nelson and stalks down Patterson that sense of dread somehow increases tenfold. Patterson's work on the leg in the back half is really good and Patera sells it all well, really hobbling around while Patterson wraps the leg around the post or tries repeatedly for the figure-four. I wasn't sure who actually won this either, so I was into everything towards the end and even popped for Patera bringing home the belt (despite him being the heel. I am very edgy, yes). Every time I see Patterson I think he needs the proper deep dive treatment. Patera probably does as well but I suppose there are only so many hours in the day.
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