9. United States Championship Match - Brian Pillman vs. Lex Luger (Halloween Havoc 1989)
One look at Brian Pillman vs. Lex Luger on paper suggests that Pillman should have had no realistic chance of leaving Halloween Havoc 1989 as the new United States champion. After all, he was a much smaller competitor than the Total Package and was more known for his high flying than his ability to match power with power. Luger was a physical specimen, a competitor chiseled out of stone. He had power, good looks and a face management could throw on merchandise and promotional materials and sell as a main event star. Luger was cocky and arrogant. A great heel. He was *the* guy. Pillman was simply a good mechanic. At least that's what those in power at WCW thought. As it turned out, Pillman was a skilled in-ring worker, the type that did things years before they were cool. He was an innovator and one of the best wrestlers on the planet. Together, he and Luger worked to deliver an outstanding match that was both dramatic and competitive. Fans in Philadelphia, smarks before smarks were cool, ate it all up. They appreciated the work of those involved and even greeted Luger with a fairly impressive pop. That was the ultimate sign of approval and it was clear that the U.S. champion was motivated as a result. Luger retained his title, delivering a vicious stun gun to halt the momentum of his opponent and score another impressive victory.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
