WWE LEGENDS OF MID-SOUTH WRESTLING (FSM 98; Oct 2013)

Information: - Blu-ray Region: B - Distributor: Fremantle Media - Price: £34.99 - Other info: 483 mins - Release: Out now - Weblink: WWE DVD

As if using last month's FSM article as a template, The Legends of Mid-South Wrestling tells the tale of Bill Watts' promotion in the form of a series of chronologically-ordered matches and profiles. These clips, for example, show that before he was "The Million Dollar Man", Ted DiBiase was an accomplished wrestler who was able to get crowds either solidly behind him, or vehemently against him. DiBiase's "Rat Pack" stable (with Jim Duggan and Matt Borne) is shown to be an important part of Mid-South history, as not only are they involved in some classic matches against The Junkyard Dog, but the subsequent feud between DiBiase and Duggan also leads to an amusingly over-stipulated bout. Thankfully it is as violent and entertaining as the rules are ridiculous.

Magnum T.A is often described a Southern version of Hulk Hogan, who could have made it anywhere were it not for a car wreck in October 1986. Footage from his run in Mid-South further enhances the legend by highlighting how much he resonated with fans. Magnum's feud with former mentor, Mr Wrestling II, is covered, and a match from May 1984 highlights the Johnny Valentine adage that "I can't make you believe wrestling is real, but I can make you believe that I am."

Butch Reed is more famous for his Doom team with Ron Simmons, so many fans will be surprised at the star quality he shows in Mid-South. This is especially notable during his series with The Junkyard Dog, which culminates in a Ghetto Streetfight that is fine as a spectacle, but can't match the explosive build-up angles.

The feud between The Midnight Express and The Rock 'n' Roll Express stands out because their matches were of such a high standard. Other wrestlers who speak about them, and the importance they played on their careers, include Shawn Michaels and Terry Taylor, whose shot at Ric Flair's NWA title from June 1985 is included, in what is a 40-minute showcase of what made Flair so special. The bout may be taped with the most basic of camera setups, but this classic house show-style match really takes you back in time.

Muhammad Ali's contributions to the promotion are also credited, as he is brought in to aid babyface heir apparent The Snowman in his feud against Jake Roberts and John Nord. The sight of Ali peppering the bad guys with jabs is something special, especially when Nord takes his bumps.

GOING NATIONAL
Watts' decision to go (inter)national with the Universal Wrestling Federation is explained, but by this time, his roster had been plundered by the WWF. The rest of the compilation focuses on matches for the UWF title from 1986 and 1987, with highlights including a fantastic match between "Dr Death" Steve Williams and Terry Gordy, a surprisingly athletic encounter between The One Man Gang and Big Bubba Rogers, and highlights of a dramatic Williams versus Rogers title change. An explanation of the company's sale to Jim Crockett Promotions finishes the collection.

The Blu-ray release, however, also contains a host of extras. The most rewarding moments include a raucous Steel Cage match with Roberts and Nord facing DiBiase and Williams, and JYD's alter-ego, Stagger Lee, teaming up with Watts to face The Midnight Express.

The undeniable strength of Mid-South was in characters and storylines that the fan-base could identify with. This collection does a good job of magnifying this star power, although only so much can be achieved over the course of 483 minutes. Some of the matches are also a product of their time, but that aside, this is another quality offering from WWE, whose move away from hiding pro wrestling's past s to everyone's benefit.