Jim Breaks dominated British wrestling in the 1960’s and 70’s, often holding a championship belt thanks to his in-your-face aggression and mad wrestling skills. He loved to break arms, which may be why they called him “Jim Breaks.”
“Cry Baby” Breaks was easy for the fans to despise, frequently bullying and destroying his young opponents, while throwing a loud temper tantrum to the ref the minute something didn’t go his way. He used every trick in the book to stay on top; he was like that sneaky, devious manager at your job who throws you under the bus but you can’t retaliate because he is higher on the totem pole — he is older and has more seniority so he can get away with abusing and bullying you.
In this match, Breaks squares off against Jon Cortez, a skilled young grappler in his own right, and a sympathetic figure who soon gains the love and support of the audience. His black singlet advertises his skills as an amateur wrestler, as if he kept that singlet ever since his days on the wrestling team at school. The match up feels like an eager but out-matched high school boy thrown into the ring against a full-grown and experienced ring veteran.
The match follows the traditional story line — clean, honest rookie (Cortez) uses his skills to take control of the Champ, who eventually resorts to rough tactics to punish the rookie for his cockiness.
We see Cortez enjoying some early success thanks to his Headlocks, Leg Locks, and Headscissors, which demonstrate his aptitude in the ring, and serve as justification for the punishment that is coming. Cortez has “poked the bear” by out-wrestling the Champ, so we fully expect him to be tortured and broken once the bad guy gains the advantage.
Soon Jim Breaks is in his wheelhouse, working on the left arm like a dog chewing a toy. He repeatedly twists, snaps, and bends the arm while Cortez sells the pain beautifully, clutching his damaged limb as if it was broken. Not since Arn Anderson has a beefy heel focused so relentlessly on the arm, weakening and damaging it over and over.
To finish off poor Cortez, the Champ suddenly lifts him by the twisted arm, a brutal hold which he calls the “Breaks Special.” He is well aware, everyone in the audience is aware, that this move is certain to snap the arm, yet he applies it anyway, deliberately injuring the young man. Breaks has broken dozens of arms this way. The sadistic nature of this evil bad-ass is intimidating and intoxicating to witness. He can and will hurt you.
Apparently the rookie should have acted more submissive and respectful to avoid suffering this excruciating fate. To see this match on YouTube, check out “Part 1” and “Part 2.“
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