Today In Pro Wrestling History: May 6th

These articles get more interesting when I’m trying to find actually interesting things to highlight, instead of just a list of facts like an AI Chat Bot. We get some classics, something fairly recent and a couple in between. May is starting off a little sparce, but at least I think it’s interesting!

• AWA Green Bay Show: AWA World Tag Team Titles: Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera (c) vs The Crusher & Baron von Raschke (1984)

This title change was tied to the infamous incident at a McDonald’s in Waukesha where Ken Patera apparently through a rock through the drive through window when they refused to serve him. So with impending prison time on the horizon, the AWA decided to give The Crusher a victory lap of sorts, giving the beloved legend one last title run for a “feel good” moment. Patera was gone from the AWA shortly after.

• WCCW 1st Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions: NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair (c) vs Kerry von Erich  (1984)

While the event drew a record house, most people are even loosely aware of this, because of this match. The event was set in place as a memorial for David von Erich, and the match against Flair was supposed to be his. But Kerry stepped up, and took Ric down with a Backslide Pin, for the overwhelmingly huge pop and emotional moment. Fitz von Erich even came out of retirement for this event, but Kerry’s short NWA World Champion run, was a big moment for Texas wrestling fans.

• WWF Insurrextion (2000)

The inaugural Insurrextion show, so that’s always historic in its own right, but not the only thing of note. This show was Davey Boy Smith’s final title win. With the event taking place in England, it felt right for Bulldog to defeat Crash Holly for the Hardcore title. For a fun note, in the history of these events, 2000-2003, Triple H was in the main event of all of them. So a few interesting facts attached to this event.

• NJPW Dissidence: IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs Manabu Nakanishi (2009)

Many current fans who know Nakanishi, just know of his “Monster Morning” weird veteran status interactions. But this was important in the overall health of New Japan. 2009 was the tail end of the dark ages, and the beginning of Tanahashi’s salvation. Nakanishi was a decorated amateur wrestler, so he fit the Strong Style and Shoot Style very well, but never managed to win the title in his previous 17 years. Tanahashi chose Nakanishi, expecting a regular defense. The upset went down as pivotal because it was a feel good moment, it happened at Korakuen Hall in a period where titles didn’t change hands on “smaller” shows and seen as a nice bridge between Inoki-ism and Ace Era.

• WWE Backlash (2023)

Somewhere PC Tunney is glad I didn’t overlook this because he loves referencing this event and the Bad Bunny effect. This entire event was historic and did record numbers in regards to crowds, buys and social media views. It had cameos from Savio Vega and Carlito, Brock Lesnar was on his first Backlash event in 20 years and it was the first WWE event in Puerto Rico since New Years Revolution 2005. The event was fun and very significant, especially to Puerto Rican fans.

Usually it takes me a second to notice a thread, but every event here, was a feel good moment. The Crusher, Kerry, Nakanishi, Bulldog and Bad Bunny…May 6th is for the local fans and legends. Kind of nice to not have to navigate bittersweet moments, failed angles or company/arena closings.

Did I miss anything? How far did I stretch the events today? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. And if you don’t do anything else today, remember, Always Use Your Head!