BILL IRWIN VS. DAVEY BOY SMITH

 

Before the match, Eric Bischoff is on the raised platform, joined by Maxx Payne, Bischoff plugs the WCW Hotline as we see Dustin Rhodes talking to a fan. Eric Bischoff rambles on before Maxx Payne asks to talk. Maxx Payne says the shoulder injury is unfortunate for Ron Simmons but he will beat Dustin Rhodes tonight. It was a weird promo that ended with Payne playing guitar until Bischoff tells him we get the point. Bill Irwin makes his way out as commentary tells us Maxx Payne was paying “Taps” to psyche Rhodes out. British Bulldog makes his way out and gets a great crowd reaction for his WCW debut.

Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura are on commentary for this match.

 

BILL IRWIN VS. DAVEY BOY SMITH

WCW SuperBrawl III (21^st February 1993)

  They circle and lock up, Davey Boy Smith shoves Irwin away and they go back at it. Bill Irwin is dropped on his ass as Smith waits patiently.

  Davey Boy Smith gets the crowd behind him with zero effort and shoves Bill Irwin down after a stalemate in a top wristlock. Bill Irwin is backed into the ropes, he switches positions and connects with forearms and shots to Bulldog’s midsection. Smith is sent off the ropes but he knocks Irwin down with a shoulder tackle, he hits the ropes for another one before they criss-cross. Bill Irwin stops but is clotheslined over to the floor. Ventura calls for a disqualification but Schiavone reminds him it’s only if you get thrown over the top rope. That rule seems to get worse the more you hear about it. Irwin is frustrated, charging at Bulldog. Davey Boy Smith goes prone and leapfrogs over Bill Irwin before lifting him overhead for a military press slam. Bill Irwin begs off taking a cool bump through the ropes before getting back in the ring. Irwin connects with forearms and puts a headlock on Smith. Davey Boy Smith sends Irwin off the ropes and a shoulder tackle does nothing for anyone.

  Bill Irwin runs into a hip toss, he kicks Davey in the midsection, putting him in an arm wrench to continue the attack. Clubs to Davey’s back as Irwin takes it to the corner and Bulldog’s head hits the turnbuckle. Bill Irwin sends Smith across the ring and meets him with a clothesline, Smith is sent off the ropes into a back elbow and Irwin thinks that’s enough to cover. Davey powers out at 1 but is hit with an elbow to the top of his head before he can get back to a vertical base. Irwin sends Smith’s throat into the top rope and covers again for 2. Bill Irwin puts on a chinlock, Davey gets to his feet and they slug it out until a delayed vertical suplex drops Irwin. Davey Boy Smith whips Irwin into the corner and shoves him back into the turnbuckles. Irwin is sent off the ropes into a clothesline as Schiavone educates Ventura that it’s an irish whip because it was first used in a match in Ireland. Davey Boy Smith covers but only gets 2. Smith sends Bill Irwin into the corner but runs into a boot.

  Bill Irwin jumps from the middle rope into a Powerslam and that’s enough to end it.

WINNER: DAVEY BOY SMITH

This was a short basic match to showcase the new signing. Bill Irwin was a decent enough opponent and got some shine, but the match was about showing Davey Boy Smith’s power and the fans were into it. [**] 3.75/10