MOTW 35: Terry Funk vs. Abdullah The Butcher

“MOTW #35: Terry Funk vs. Abdullah The Butcher” - ink & digital illustration

Hi pals! I’m back, (fresh after hanging my latest solo art show at Scratch) for the 35th instalment of our ‘Match of the Week’ illustration series!

This tremendous, chaotic sprint of a match took place on December 1st, 1978 on Day One of All Japan Pro Wrestling’s Real World Tag League ‘78 in the magical setting of Korakuen Hall.

So this was just so awesome! I ended up on a Terry vs Abdullah watching kick the other day & just watched all of their singles matches that I could find from 1978 - this one ended up my favourite. It was the shortest of the lot (like 5 minutes). And also more of a precursor to their upcoming tag league match. But I think that actually added to it as from start to finish, the wild intensity was just off the charts!

As you likely are already aware, Terry & Abby are two of my all-time favourites & watching this match is a perfect explanation as to why. Both are just so undeniably unique & authentic & brought a special kind of magic to Pro Wrestling like nobody else.

This match was basically a slasher film come to life. It didn’t necessarily have the components that I would usually expect from a 'great' match. It was really short, with nothing in the way of spectacular ‘moves’/sequences & not even a satisfying finish. But despite the lack of these things, it was still absolutely INCREDIBLE! Just really focusing on the actual moments of magic throughout & properly soaking them up - this was such a blast! The atmosphere was electric. Abby at his most masochistic. The stabbing of Terry’s ear/temple & the gusher that followed. Terry’s wonderful fire & incredible selling. The white-hot Korakuen crowd!

So, so bloody great! Easily the best thing I watched this week.

ENJOY!!

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