Match #13 Sep. 24, 1979, Bob Backland vs. Pat Patterson, WWF Championship (Steel Cage)

This match is joined in progress, but it doesn't hinder the quality of this match. The first Intercontinental Champion, Pat Patterson is taking on reigning WWF Champion, Bob Backland. These two guys just slug it out inside the confides of the steel cage. I will say, thus far, this has been my favorite match on the list, because these guys put it all out there in this match and it really shows. I believe this is one of the first cage matches where there is fighting a top of the cage.

Lots of drama here with near escapes and both men being bloodied. Patterson tries to use brass knuckles to gain an advantage at the end of the match to win, but Backland is able to outsmart him and escape outside the door to retain the World Wrestling Federation Championship.

My Grade: A-
A really fun match, and a good brawl to top it off.

Match #12 Aug. 21, 1979 Championship Wrestling from Florida, Harley Race vs. Dusty Rhodes, NWA World Heavyweight Title

We go back to the NWA for the world heavyweight championship on the line as Harley Race defends against 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes. Another clipped match unfortunately, as it is highlights with Dusty talking about how this match went and what it meant to him. From the looks of things, it looked to be a hard hitting, back and forth match, with both men bloodied after the match was over. Rhodes would hit and elbow drop on Race to win, what I do believe was his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Afterward, the fans and other wrestlers got into the ring to celebrate with Rhodes.

My Grade: N/A
Clipped match.

Match #11 July 1979, Stampede Wrestling, Jake Roberts vs. Big Daddy Ritter, North American Heavyweight Title (Ladder Match)

This is one of the first ladder matches featuring two wrestlers before they would get huge in the WWF. Jake Roberts and Big Daddy Ritter, who would later become the Junkyard Dog, battle for the North American Heavyweight Championship and $1000. One thing about this match that is different than most is the ladder is a leaning ladder unlike the fold up ladders you see in matches today.

The match is joined in progress, and it is a very slow type of match up. Both wrestlers are just trying to incapacitate their opponent long enough to climb up the ladder and the get the belt and money. Ritter loses a boot at one point and that becomes a weapon for him to use in the match. Roberts would try to do all he could to win here, but it would not be enough. He would get dumped to the outside allowing Ritter enough time to climb the ladder and win the North American Heavyweight Championship and the $1000.

My Grade: C+
Not what you would expect these days from a ladder match, but for its time, it is innovative.