2019 MOTY THREAD!
NEW YEAR, NEW MATCHES
All ***3/4+ matches go in here
NEW YEAR, NEW MATCHES
All ***3/4+ matches go in here
Kota Ibushi vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 1/4)
The busted lip and that wicked elbow out of nowhere absolutely made this. Wild athleticism, remind these guys wrestling is fake.
****
The busted lip and that wicked elbow out of nowhere absolutely made this. Wild athleticism, remind these guys wrestling is fake.
****
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (NJPW 1/4)
ZSJ is so good at being a relentless douche and Ishii is a sponge for punishment that just keeps coming. A simple but excellently executed match.
****
ZSJ is so good at being a relentless douche and Ishii is a sponge for punishment that just keeps coming. A simple but excellently executed match.
****
Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White (NJPW 1/4)
The return of the Rainmaker made for an excellent swerve that put the result into question. Formula Okada match yes, but kept short at least for maximum effect.
****1/4
The return of the Rainmaker made for an excellent swerve that put the result into question. Formula Okada match yes, but kept short at least for maximum effect.
****1/4
Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito (NJPW 1/4)
Parts of Jericho's heel shtick are wearing off but the brawling and match layouts remain fun and exciting.
****1/2
Parts of Jericho's heel shtick are wearing off but the brawling and match layouts remain fun and exciting.
****1/2
Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW 1/4)
A big time main event that felt like the world was at stake. Omega's added aggression helped boost the early stretches and made this feel more cohesive and compact despite its length.
****3/4
A big time main event that felt like the world was at stake. Omega's added aggression helped boost the early stretches and made this feel more cohesive and compact despite its length.
****3/4
Moustache Mountain vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (WWE NXT UK 1/12)
Excellent and hot tag team opener with escalating action and big spots. Tyler Bate is such a good hot tag, it's crazy.
****1/4
Excellent and hot tag team opener with escalating action and big spots. Tyler Bate is such a good hot tag, it's crazy.
****1/4
Rhea Ripley vs. Toni Storm (WWE NXT UK 1/12)
Ripley is a great heel and Storm a great face but some sloppiness and pace issues keeps this from the 4+ zone. A fun title match though.
***3/4
Ripley is a great heel and Storm a great face but some sloppiness and pace issues keeps this from the 4+ zone. A fun title match though.
***3/4
Daisuke Sekimoto vs. Ryota Hama (BJW 1/2)
A freak show david vs goliath match worked to pure perfection. Gets surprisingly heated and exciting towards the end, a sign of just pitch perfect pacing.
****
A freak show david vs goliath match worked to pure perfection. Gets surprisingly heated and exciting towards the end, a sign of just pitch perfect pacing.
****
Jay Lethal vs. Dalton Castle (ROH 1/13)
A rematch from their excellent title match last year. This was just an excellent back and forth championship style bout that both men sold beautifully. Great match.
****1/4
A rematch from their excellent title match last year. This was just an excellent back and forth championship style bout that both men sold beautifully. Great match.
****1/4
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade (WWE 1/15)
Mysterio is better than ever and he's always been one of the best. This was fast paced, gritty, and exciting all throughout. All action, all excitement.
****1/4
Mysterio is better than ever and he's always been one of the best. This was fast paced, gritty, and exciting all throughout. All action, all excitement.
****1/4
Violent Giants vs. Strong Big Japan (BJW 1/13)
A brilliantly worked and perfectly paced tag match that takes us as close to King's Road as possible in 2019. Sekimoto is a brilliant babyface seller and Ishikawa is a wild and intimidating force. Awesome.
****1/2+
A brilliantly worked and perfectly paced tag match that takes us as close to King's Road as possible in 2019. Sekimoto is a brilliant babyface seller and Ishikawa is a wild and intimidating force. Awesome.
****1/2+
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade (WWE 1/22)
Lucha libre at its finest on free TV. A classic game of cat and mouse spotfest given with insane athleticism, wild spots, and the brilliance of both men. SD viewers are spoiled rotten.
****1/4
Lucha libre at its finest on free TV. A classic game of cat and mouse spotfest given with insane athleticism, wild spots, and the brilliance of both men. SD viewers are spoiled rotten.
****1/4
El Barbaro Cavernario vs. Soberano Jr (NJPW 1/18)
A fun and nicely paced lucha style match with New Japan style production (meaning the crowd is better mic-ed). Great showing despite a few minor missteps. Cavernario's strikes looked killer and Soberano was spectacular.
****
A fun and nicely paced lucha style match with New Japan style production (meaning the crowd is better mic-ed). Great showing despite a few minor missteps. Cavernario's strikes looked killer and Soberano was spectacular.
****
Asuka vs. Becky Lynch (WWE 1/27)
An excellently paced opener with a great finish. Hot crowd too which always helps.
***3/4
An excellently paced opener with a great finish. Hot crowd too which always helps.
***3/4
Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks (WWE 1/27)
Oh? Ronda put on a dope match? I'm so fucking surprised. This is one of the all time great in-ring runs. This is the best Sasha has looked in years and Ronda's selling is otherworldly.
****
Oh? Ronda put on a dope match? I'm so fucking surprised. This is one of the all time great in-ring runs. This is the best Sasha has looked in years and Ronda's selling is otherworldly.
****
Women's Royal Rumble (WWE 1/27)
Slow start but WHAT A FINAL STRETCH. WHEN WRESTLING IS GOOD, IT'S GREAT.
****
Slow start but WHAT A FINAL STRETCH. WHEN WRESTLING IS GOOD, IT'S GREAT.
****
Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles (WWE 1/27)
Wrong pace for the spot on the card but I feel I enjoyed this more than most. All the little things Bryan does are signs of the best wrestler in the world working today. Also, Bryan has a Fale now which is cool.
***3/4
Wrong pace for the spot on the card but I feel I enjoyed this more than most. All the little things Bryan does are signs of the best wrestler in the world working today. Also, Bryan has a Fale now which is cool.
***3/4
Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor (WWE 1/27)
Oh something already beat Tana-Omega for MOTY? Cool. This was spectacular, not a wasted second of action and probably the best Balor match...EVER?
*****
Oh something already beat Tana-Omega for MOTY? Cool. This was spectacular, not a wasted second of action and probably the best Balor match...EVER?
*****
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. KUSHIDA (NJPW 1/29)
Very mat-based which means it has a bit of an uphill climb to engage the live audience. The spikes in action were nice but not enough. Similar to the AJ-Bryan Rumble match, it was good but made questionable choices.
***3/4
Very mat-based which means it has a bit of an uphill climb to engage the live audience. The spikes in action were nice but not enough. Similar to the AJ-Bryan Rumble match, it was good but made questionable choices.
***3/4
Shayna Baszler vs. Bianca Belair (WWE NXT 1/26)
Belair makes a surprisingly effective babyface and that hair is an amazing gimmick. The finishing stretch makes the most of both these ladies. Made a star of Belair. Great stuff.
***3/4
Belair makes a surprisingly effective babyface and that hair is an amazing gimmick. The finishing stretch makes the most of both these ladies. Made a star of Belair. Great stuff.
***3/4
Minoru Suzuki vs. SANADA (NJPW 2/1)
Fun match that kept a good pace to open and to finish, a little meandering in the middle. Lots of great strikes and counter wrestling.
***3/4
Fun match that kept a good pace to open and to finish, a little meandering in the middle. Lots of great strikes and counter wrestling.
***3/4
Velveteen Dream, Ricochet, & Aleister Black vs. Tomasso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, & Adam Cole (WWE NXT 2/3)
A fun and silly spotfest, very much a toned-down PWG six-man. Fun but generally insubstantial.
***3/4
A fun and silly spotfest, very much a toned-down PWG six-man. Fun but generally insubstantial.
***3/4
Matt Riddle vs. Drew Gulak (WWE NXT 2/6)
Great sense of struggle throughout as they had a great showing the mat and some snug strikes. Really great stuff here all throughout, a compact and fun TV match.
***3/4
Great sense of struggle throughout as they had a great showing the mat and some snug strikes. Really great stuff here all throughout, a compact and fun TV match.
***3/4
Women's Tag Team Elimination Chamber (WWE 2/17)
A fun opener with a feel good ending and great moments in between. Nothing overly special but still an easy watch.
***3/4
A fun opener with a feel good ending and great moments in between. Nothing overly special but still an easy watch.
***3/4
WWE Title Elimination Chamber (WWE 2/17)
Kofi Kingston became one of the most rootable babyfaces in the company in the span of 6 days. For the first time in years, a World Title reign for the guys feels not only believable but almost necessary. Also, Bryan is GOAT. Duh.
****1/2
Kofi Kingston became one of the most rootable babyfaces in the company in the span of 6 days. For the first time in years, a World Title reign for the guys feels not only believable but almost necessary. Also, Bryan is GOAT. Duh.
****1/2
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Shota Umino (NJPW 2/22)
A great showing for Umino. Popped huge for him killing Taka. Loved the full nelson sequeunce. Just a really tense and exciting back and forth with ZSJ looking great stretching out the young lion.
***3/4
A great showing for Umino. Popped huge for him killing Taka. Loved the full nelson sequeunce. Just a really tense and exciting back and forth with ZSJ looking great stretching out the young lion.
***3/4
Jordan Devlin vs. David Starr (OTT 2/17)
Every bit as heated as expected. Tight, brutal, and exciting. Jordan plays a brilliant ace babyface and is beloved as he goes after the dastardly bastard Starr. This was awesome, also watch the hype vid. Vid of the year so far.
****1/2+
Every bit as heated as expected. Tight, brutal, and exciting. Jordan plays a brilliant ace babyface and is beloved as he goes after the dastardly bastard Starr. This was awesome, also watch the hype vid. Vid of the year so far.
****1/2+
El Barbaro Cavernario vs. Titan (CMLL 2/22)
Really great match with an insane all action third fall. They go all out, Titan especially takes some insane bumps for this match. Cavernario meanwhile doesn't disappoint with great offense and dives.
****1/2
Really great match with an insane all action third fall. They go all out, Titan especially takes some insane bumps for this match. Cavernario meanwhile doesn't disappoint with great offense and dives.
****1/2
Jay White vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 3/6)
Probably White's best match yet. Offensively, he was at his best with a great partner in Ospreay to bump and sell for him. Ospreay's babyface performance and comebacks shone through too. Exciting despite a predictable result.
****1/2
Probably White's best match yet. Offensively, he was at his best with a great partner in Ospreay to bump and sell for him. Ospreay's babyface performance and comebacks shone through too. Exciting despite a predictable result.
****1/2
Taiji Ishimori vs. Jushin Thunder Liger (NJPW 3/6)
A legend putting in a fantastic performance to start off a farewell tour. Liger's legendary status made him a perfect sympathetic babyface against Ishimori. Good stuff here.
***3/4
A legend putting in a fantastic performance to start off a farewell tour. Liger's legendary status made him a perfect sympathetic babyface against Ishimori. Good stuff here.
***3/4
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Yuji Nagata (NJPW 3/8)
Amazing. Don't know too much about Nagata but the old man looked like a boss here. Sometimes you've just gotta hit each other really hard.
****1/4+
Amazing. Don't know too much about Nagata but the old man looked like a boss here. Sometimes you've just gotta hit each other really hard.
****1/4+
Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito (NJPW 3/10)
A fun bombfest helped by the fact that it doesn't go too long. Naito's heat segment dragged things a bit but the finishing stretch was nicely impactful.
****
A fun bombfest helped by the fact that it doesn't go too long. Naito's heat segment dragged things a bit but the finishing stretch was nicely impactful.
****
Samoa Joe vs. R-Truth vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade (WWE 3/10)
Rey is in the middle of an amazing run right now and it's honestly insane. He and Andrade really kept the pace up while Joe worked his strengths and hid his flaws in thr format.
***3/4
Rey is in the middle of an amazing run right now and it's honestly insane. He and Andrade really kept the pace up while Joe worked his strengths and hid his flaws in thr format.
***3/4
Daniel Bryan vs. Kevin Owens vs. Mustafa Ali (WWE 3/10)
Ali is an INSANE MANIAC BUMPER. Bryan is the best in the world. Owens is good for a bombfest. They won over a hostile crowd that wanted Kofi Kingston because Bryan is that damn good.
****
Ali is an INSANE MANIAC BUMPER. Bryan is the best in the world. Owens is good for a bombfest. They won over a hostile crowd that wanted Kofi Kingston because Bryan is that damn good.
****
Will Ospreay vs. Lance Archer (NJPW 3/14)
A simple story of David vs. Goliath told well. This match is made by Ospreay's energetic comebacks and fighting spirit.
***3/4
A simple story of David vs. Goliath told well. This match is made by Ospreay's energetic comebacks and fighting spirit.
***3/4
Jeff Cobb vs. Shane Taylor (ROH 3/15)
Cobb has been excelling in the.hoss right bombfest but he brings excellent looking offense and a nice intensity to his performances. Really good stuff here.
****
Cobb has been excelling in the.hoss right bombfest but he brings excellent looking offense and a nice intensity to his performances. Really good stuff here.
****
Zack Sabre Jr vs. Kota Ibushi (NJPW 3/15)
One of my favorite pairings. ZSJ's ability to take strikes to grab a hold make for a great counterpoint to Ibushi's kicks. What a well paced affair here, going all out for the whole ride through. Can't wait for ZSJ-Tana II.
****1/4
One of my favorite pairings. ZSJ's ability to take strikes to grab a hold make for a great counterpoint to Ibushi's kicks. What a well paced affair here, going all out for the whole ride through. Can't wait for ZSJ-Tana II.
****1/4
Kaito Kiyomiya vs. Naomichi Marufuji (NOAH 3/10)
A well-structured and well-thought out match with a very giving selling performance from Kiyomiya. Marufuji felt like a real mountain to climb for the young champion.
****1/4
A well-structured and well-thought out match with a very giving selling performance from Kiyomiya. Marufuji felt like a real mountain to climb for the young champion.
****1/4
WALTER vs. David Starr (WXW 3/8)
What shines through in this match is David Starr's relentlessness. He stays on WALTER so much that WALTER has to resort to a dirty trick to break his momentum. Fantastic stuff.
****1/4
What shines through in this match is David Starr's relentlessness. He stays on WALTER so much that WALTER has to resort to a dirty trick to break his momentum. Fantastic stuff.
****1/4
David Starr vs. Timothy Thatcher (WXW 1/19)
Brutal armwork, a great selling performance, and nice strikes. Not much else you could really want out of great pro wrestling.
****
Brutal armwork, a great selling performance, and nice strikes. Not much else you could really want out of great pro wrestling.
****
Lucky Kid vs. Timothy Thatcher (WXW 3/8)
Kid plays the bumping babyface to Thatcher's dominant offense and they milk his underdog status for all it's worth. Good stuff here.
***3/4
Kid plays the bumping babyface to Thatcher's dominant offense and they milk his underdog status for all it's worth. Good stuff here.
***3/4
Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 3/20)
Ospreay looked great against Okada who brought some nice bully big brother character to this. Hot finish but it took a while to get there.
***3/4
Ospreay looked great against Okada who brought some nice bully big brother character to this. Hot finish but it took a while to get there.
***3/4
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr (NJPW 3/21)
Two of the absolute best. They have a great chemistry and both sell well for each other. Loved the finishing stretch too and I love the diversity Tanahashi has been bringing to his finishes. Awesome match.
****1/4
Two of the absolute best. They have a great chemistry and both sell well for each other. Loved the finishing stretch too and I love the diversity Tanahashi has been bringing to his finishes. Awesome match.
****1/4
WALTER vs. Jordan Devlin (OTT 3/16)
The rematch I've wanted to see all year. OTT did a pitch perfect job building this up and this paid off everything that you've wanted to see in this feud. Brilliant. Currently contending for that MOTY spot.
*****
The rematch I've wanted to see all year. OTT did a pitch perfect job building this up and this paid off everything that you've wanted to see in this feud. Brilliant. Currently contending for that MOTY spot.
*****
Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii (NJPW 3/23)
Okada's offense rarely looks this good. This is his best performance of the year yet, going all out in a fast-paced, hard hitting nailbiter that keeps you hooked all the way to the count of three.
****3/4
Okada's offense rarely looks this good. This is his best performance of the year yet, going all out in a fast-paced, hard hitting nailbiter that keeps you hooked all the way to the count of three.
****3/4
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. SANADA (NJPW 3/23)
As fun as SANADA was in this match, Tanahashi was the one who really shined here. His subtle heel mannerisms mixed with a generous selling performance showed that he was the real star of the show this night.
****1/4
As fun as SANADA was in this match, Tanahashi was the one who really shined here. His subtle heel mannerisms mixed with a generous selling performance showed that he was the real star of the show this night.
****1/4
Strong Big Japan vs. Violent Giants (AJPW 3/19)
Excellent rematch from the January bout. Might have even liked this one more. Just four big dudes crashing into each other for 30 mins. Awesome.
****1/2+
Excellent rematch from the January bout. Might have even liked this one more. Just four big dudes crashing into each other for 30 mins. Awesome.
****1/2+
Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA (NJPW 3/24)
Horribly slow start but that finishing stretch had such great moments like Okada grabbing the leg to stop the moonsault or climbing the turnbuckles to reverse Skull End. This was Okada's match (boring first half included).
****1/2
Horribly slow start but that finishing stretch had such great moments like Okada grabbing the leg to stop the moonsault or climbing the turnbuckles to reverse Skull End. This was Okada's match (boring first half included).
****1/2
Will Ospreay vs. A-Kid (Triple W 3/30)
A-Kid puts in a fiery, sympathetic babyface performance. It's rare to see Ospreay play the dominant, bigger aggressor in a match. He did it well, controlling the pace and pushing A-Kid with his taunts.
****3/4
A-Kid puts in a fiery, sympathetic babyface performance. It's rare to see Ospreay play the dominant, bigger aggressor in a match. He did it well, controlling the pace and pushing A-Kid with his taunts.
****3/4
War Raiders vs. Aleister Black & Ricochet (WWE NXT 4/5)
A fun tag team bombfest as to be expected from Takeover. Big MOVEZ~!!! and a hot pace. A fitting opener.
****
A fun tag team bombfest as to be expected from Takeover. Big MOVEZ~!!! and a hot pace. A fitting opener.
****
Matt Riddle vs. Velveteen Dream (WWE NXT 4/5)
Riddle's offense is so fucking amazing that it makes Dream instantly rootable and sympathetic. Also liked how Riddle brought subtle heel mannerisms to this. Is Dream's gimmick that he loves 80s WWF? This was great.
****1/4
Riddle's offense is so fucking amazing that it makes Dream instantly rootable and sympathetic. Also liked how Riddle brought subtle heel mannerisms to this. Is Dream's gimmick that he loves 80s WWF? This was great.
****1/4
WALTER vs. Pete Dunne (WWE NXT 4/5)
This needs revisiting but I felt that it was too back and forth. WALTER works best as a dominating force with his opponent constantly working from under. Dunne got way too much. Otherwise, really good, lots of fun.
****
This needs revisiting but I felt that it was too back and forth. WALTER works best as a dominating force with his opponent constantly working from under. Dunne got way too much. Otherwise, really good, lots of fun.
****
Johnny Gargano vs. Adam Cole (WWE NXT 4/5)
Decent 1st fall. Horridly boring 2nd. 3rd fall was great, thought the shenanigans actually helped make the finishing stretch even better than it would have been. Added heat to a heatless pairing. Right guy won.
****1/4
Decent 1st fall. Horridly boring 2nd. 3rd fall was great, thought the shenanigans actually helped make the finishing stretch even better than it would have been. Added heat to a heatless pairing. Right guy won.
****1/4
Shayna Baszler vs. Io Shirai vs. Kairi Sane vs. Bianca Belair (WWE NXT 4/5)
Fast paced, good action, fun all the way through. Hot finishing stretch. Not much else to say.
***3/4
Fast paced, good action, fun all the way through. Hot finishing stretch. Not much else to say.
***3/4
Taiji Ishimori vs. Dragon Lee vs. Bandido (ROH/NJPW 4/6)
Lots of flippy fun. There is really not much else to say here.
***3/4
Lots of flippy fun. There is really not much else to say here.
***3/4
Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi (ROH/NJPW 4/6)
A great title match aided by a hot crowd that made the title change so great. Thought they kept the pace more consistently than the NJ Cup match. Dope stuff here.
****1/4+
A great title match aided by a hot crowd that made the title change so great. Thought they kept the pace more consistently than the NJ Cup match. Dope stuff here.
****1/4+
Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada (ROH/NJPW 4/6)
Okada really ups the attitude when he's in the States. As a result, he really shows up and feels like the megastar Ace that he should be. White made the perfect American-style heel to play off that. Great title match.
****1/2
Okada really ups the attitude when he's in the States. As a result, he really shows up and feels like the megastar Ace that he should be. White made the perfect American-style heel to play off that. Great title match.
****1/2
Will Ospreay vs. Jeff Cobb (ROH/NJPW 4/6)
An excellent wild sprint from a great pairing. Cobb's power with Ospreay's bumping. Perfect way to open a show.
****
An excellent wild sprint from a great pairing. Cobb's power with Ospreay's bumping. Perfect way to open a show.
****
Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins (WWE 4/7)
Full disclosure, I'm including the whole segment not just the bell to bell. The brutality of Lesnar ragdolling Rollins made the sweet, sweet victory of the comeback even better. Short, perfectly paced, welcome to WrestleMania.
****1/2
Full disclosure, I'm including the whole segment not just the bell to bell. The brutality of Lesnar ragdolling Rollins made the sweet, sweet victory of the comeback even better. Short, perfectly paced, welcome to WrestleMania.
****1/2
Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston (WWE 4/7)
Daniel Bryan is the greatest wrestler of all time. Without a doubt. Kofi Kingston kept up his side of the bargain with fire and passion. One of the best WrestleMania moments in recent memory. MOTY.
*****
Daniel Bryan is the greatest wrestler of all time. Without a doubt. Kofi Kingston kept up his side of the bargain with fire and passion. One of the best WrestleMania moments in recent memory. MOTY.
*****
Masashi Takeda vs. Jonathan Gresham (GCW 4/4)
An insane 10 minute sprint that opened with some good grappling but quickly dissolved into a brawl of strikes once blood got introduced. An awesome display of economy of time.
****
An insane 10 minute sprint that opened with some good grappling but quickly dissolved into a brawl of strikes once blood got introduced. An awesome display of economy of time.
****
Tony Nese vs. Buddy Murphy (WWE 4/9)
Murphy is one of the best going today and this performance really made that shine. He not only has fantastic offense but he's also a world class seller and bumper. What a worker.
****
Murphy is one of the best going today and this performance really made that shine. He not only has fantastic offense but he's also a world class seller and bumper. What a worker.
****
LAX vs. The Rock N Roll Express (GCW 4/7)
I had heard whispers of this match during Mania weekend. The match was great (there were better through the weekend), but the whole vibe of it was just joyous, celebratory, and just happy. Sometimes, that's enough.
****
I had heard whispers of this match during Mania weekend. The match was great (there were better through the weekend), but the whole vibe of it was just joyous, celebratory, and just happy. Sometimes, that's enough.
****
Masashi Takeda vs. Jimmy Lloyd (GCW 4/6)
I don't watch enough deathmatches to be sick of this idiocy. Maniac brutality and buckets of blood. Crazy.
****1/4
I don't watch enough deathmatches to be sick of this idiocy. Maniac brutality and buckets of blood. Crazy.
****1/4
Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr (NJPW 4/20)
ZSJ's laser focus on the neck against Ibushi's powerful strikes made for a great contrast. ZSJ only gets better and I liked Ibushi's Ace-esque vibe absorbing punishment was great too.
****1/4
ZSJ's laser focus on the neck against Ibushi's powerful strikes made for a great contrast. ZSJ only gets better and I liked Ibushi's Ace-esque vibe absorbing punishment was great too.
****1/4
Kota Ibushi, Tomohiro Ishii, & YOH vs. Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, & BUSHI (NJPW 4/24)
Fun six-man tag that focused on building up the heat for the upcoming matches between CHAOS (& Ibushi) against LIJ. EVIL & Ishii's interactions were the highlights here. Not much else to it.
***3/4
Fun six-man tag that focused on building up the heat for the upcoming matches between CHAOS (& Ibushi) against LIJ. EVIL & Ishii's interactions were the highlights here. Not much else to it.
***3/4
Kazuchika Okada & SHO vs. SANADA & Shingo Takagi (NJPW 4/24)
Loved SHO's extended shine segment towards the end, almost made me wanna see him pull off the win against SANADA although we all knew it wasn't to be. Just a fast paced fun romp here like the last match.
***3/4
Loved SHO's extended shine segment towards the end, almost made me wanna see him pull off the win against SANADA although we all knew it wasn't to be. Just a fast paced fun romp here like the last match.
***3/4
Tessa Blanchard vs. Gail Kim (Impact 4/28)
Great women's match with both women keeping a hot pace. Every single thing Tessa did looked amazing and Gail gave her a lot to work with. Feel good moment after especially with Tully at ringside.
***3/4
Great women's match with both women keeping a hot pace. Every single thing Tessa did looked amazing and Gail gave her a lot to work with. Feel good moment after especially with Tully at ringside.
***3/4
Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE 5/6)
An excellent Kofi performance bumping and selling for the GOAT. I've talked up Bryan enough, this was Kofi's match to shine. His bump over the top to the floor was PCO levels of nuts.
***3/4
An excellent Kofi performance bumping and selling for the GOAT. I've talked up Bryan enough, this was Kofi's match to shine. His bump over the top to the floor was PCO levels of nuts.
***3/4
Kofi Kingston vs. Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles (WWE 5/7)
Another great Kofi performance, really shining as the star of this title match with his big bumps and babyface fire. Run of a lifetime, good for him.
***3/4
Another great Kofi performance, really shining as the star of this title match with his big bumps and babyface fire. Run of a lifetime, good for him.
***3/4
Shingo Takagi vs. SHO (NJPW 5/13)
A great junior hoss fight. SHO put on a fantastic babyface performance and Shingo made a great mountain to climb.
****
A great junior hoss fight. SHO put on a fantastic babyface performance and Shingo made a great mountain to climb.
****
Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles (WWE 5/19)
A bombfest. Fun and nicely paced but essentially insubstantial. Great Stomp counter though.
***3/4
A bombfest. Fun and nicely paced but essentially insubstantial. Great Stomp counter though.
***3/4
Will Ospreay vs. Bandido (NJPW 5/22)
Follows the junior heavy epic format of bombfest counters. Preferred this to the Ricochet matches though because there was a greater sense of struggle and the offense looked much better too. Bandido is awesome. Kouraken is bomb.
****1/4
Follows the junior heavy epic format of bombfest counters. Preferred this to the Ricochet matches though because there was a greater sense of struggle and the offense looked much better too. Bandido is awesome. Kouraken is bomb.
****1/4
Dragon Lee vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 5/22)
SHINGO IS BEAST. Insane tope from Lee. Can't help but invest in Lee trying to take the mountain down. Back to back awesome matches from Kouraken.
****1/4
SHINGO IS BEAST. Insane tope from Lee. Can't help but invest in Lee trying to take the mountain down. Back to back awesome matches from Kouraken.
****1/4
Dragon Lee vs. Titan (NJPW 5/24)
Another great match from the BOSJ. Just a fast-paced CMLL-style sprint with lots of flashy counters, dazzling flips, and good strikes.
****
Another great match from the BOSJ. Just a fast-paced CMLL-style sprint with lots of flashy counters, dazzling flips, and good strikes.
****
Rocky Romero vs. El Phantasmo (NJPW 5/24)
Chicken soup for the soul, this match. Just old school heel stooging against a conquering hero. When simple wrestling is done well, oh my does it work. A delightful Christmastime match that keeps you biting on your nails.
****1/4
Chicken soup for the soul, this match. Just old school heel stooging against a conquering hero. When simple wrestling is done well, oh my does it work. A delightful Christmastime match that keeps you biting on your nails.
****1/4
SCU vs. #StrongHearts
Excellent opener to start the night. Everyone looked great and SCU are a ready for TV. A lot of personality and charisma. #AEWDoN
***3/4
Excellent opener to start the night. Everyone looked great and SCU are a ready for TV. A lot of personality and charisma. #AEWDoN
***3/4
Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes (AEW 5/25)
A bloodbath straight out of the Southern territories. Dustin is an unreal athlete even at 50 years of age. Emotional, personal, and intense. A truly special match.
****3/4
A bloodbath straight out of the Southern territories. Dustin is an unreal athlete even at 50 years of age. Emotional, personal, and intense. A truly special match.
****3/4
Ralph Imabayashi vs. Quatro (PWR 5/26)
A brilliantly booked title masterpiece of babyface vs heel. Genuinely moving, I was going insane in the front row. I hope we get some footage soon. This was an insane experience.
A brilliantly booked title masterpiece of babyface vs heel. Genuinely moving, I was going insane in the front row. I hope we get some footage soon. This was an insane experience.
The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros. (AEW 5/25)
This was your standard Young Bucks match with an attempt at a King's Road-esque finishing stretch that somewhat lost the crowd. In that sense, too long, but still incredibly fun to watch.
****
This was your standard Young Bucks match with an attempt at a King's Road-esque finishing stretch that somewhat lost the crowd. In that sense, too long, but still incredibly fun to watch.
****
Jay White vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW 6/5)
Much better than their IWGP Title match. Tana is great and White has an absurdly strong mind for the little nuances that make wrestling matches so good. This was awesome.
****
Much better than their IWGP Title match. Tana is great and White has an absurdly strong mind for the little nuances that make wrestling matches so good. This was awesome.
****
Juice Robinson vs. Jon Moxley (NJPW 6/5)
Mox looked great returning to his brawling and hardcore roots. Great punches, dope bumps. Juice put in the selling performance of a lifetime though. Looked absolutely amazing in defeat.
****1/4
Mox looked great returning to his brawling and hardcore roots. Great punches, dope bumps. Juice put in the selling performance of a lifetime though. Looked absolutely amazing in defeat.
****1/4
Dragon Lee vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 6/9)
Much better control of pacing than the Shingo match. Energetic, fun, despite the excessive finish. Didn't go 35 minutes which is a plus. Great match.
****
Much better control of pacing than the Shingo match. Energetic, fun, despite the excessive finish. Didn't go 35 minutes which is a plus. Great match.
****
Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito (NJPW 6/9)
Ibushi, please stop landing on your face on the apron. After that suplex spot, the match did start to fall apart but ended before the goodwill from the fun heat segment wore off. More Kamigoye counters, less death drops.
****1/4
Ibushi, please stop landing on your face on the apron. After that suplex spot, the match did start to fall apart but ended before the goodwill from the fun heat segment wore off. More Kamigoye counters, less death drops.
****1/4
Eddie Kingston vs. Thomas Shire (HMW 3/1)
Eddie Kingston has been working King's Road influenced matches for over a decade now and this was another great iteration. Simple (and a little slow to start) but incredibly purposeful.
***3/4
Eddie Kingston has been working King's Road influenced matches for over a decade now and this was another great iteration. Simple (and a little slow to start) but incredibly purposeful.
***3/4
Xavier Woods & Big E vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens (WWE 6/23)
Four guys working hard to turn around a heatless show. Good for them, really fun tag match here. Hot finish.
***3/4
Four guys working hard to turn around a heatless show. Good for them, really fun tag match here. Hot finish.
***3/4
Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet (WWE 6/23)
A little slow, a little sloppy. Generally fun though and with a great moment to finish things off.
***3/4
A little slow, a little sloppy. Generally fun though and with a great moment to finish things off.
***3/4
Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. Heavy Machinery (WWE 6/23)
A fun tag sprint made hot by a crowd recognizing the GOAT when he shows up. Heavy Machinery looked great, great shine to show them off.
***3/4
A fun tag sprint made hot by a crowd recognizing the GOAT when he shows up. Heavy Machinery looked great, great shine to show them off.
***3/4
Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin (NEW 6/14)
The plunder sent this a bit off the rails but Allin's bumping and selling made it a highlight especially in the finishing stretch. Lots to enjoy even with some questionable choices.
***3/4
The plunder sent this a bit off the rails but Allin's bumping and selling made it a highlight especially in the finishing stretch. Lots to enjoy even with some questionable choices.
***3/4
The Elite vs. The Lucha Bros. & The Laredo Kid (AEW 6/29)
A PWG spotfest. They're all essentially the same, insubstantial but fun in the moment. Flips and kicks and what not.
***3/4
A PWG spotfest. They're all essentially the same, insubstantial but fun in the moment. Flips and kicks and what not.
***3/4
Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela (AEW 6/29)
Maniacs. All the plunder was fun but the early pacing was off and it could have done with just a little more heat and story to go with all the insanity. All the credit in the world for the crazy shit they do for us though.
****
Maniacs. All the plunder was fun but the early pacing was off and it could have done with just a little more heat and story to go with all the insanity. All the credit in the world for the crazy shit they do for us though.
****
Cody vs. Darby Allin (AEW 6/29)
Cody with another great performance while Allin came in with a fantastic underdog bumping performance. Allin has such a unique physicality, that's something you can't learn.
****
Cody with another great performance while Allin came in with a fantastic underdog bumping performance. Allin has such a unique physicality, that's something you can't learn.
****
Shayna Baszler vs. Io Shirai (WWE NXT 6/26)
Easily their best match together and probably the best NXT women's match in a long while. Brutal, to the point, and with a great use of shenanigans to build spots. An inventive finish followed by a dope post-match angle.
****1/4
Easily their best match together and probably the best NXT women's match in a long while. Brutal, to the point, and with a great use of shenanigans to build spots. An inventive finish followed by a dope post-match angle.
****1/4
WALTER vs. David Starr (OTT 6/23)
A more melodramatic and theatrical take to this match-up. The body of this match is a solid story of chopping down a giant. The finishing stretch is theatrical but I think Starr pulls off the drama well. Great acting by Starr.
****1/2
A more melodramatic and theatrical take to this match-up. The body of this match is a solid story of chopping down a giant. The finishing stretch is theatrical but I think Starr pulls off the drama well. Great acting by Starr.
****1/2
Jordan Devlin vs. Kyle Fletcher (PROGRESS 5/5)
A fun back and forth indie style match with a lot of slick counters and big moves. Great finish boosts this a lot though.
***3/4
A fun back and forth indie style match with a lot of slick counters and big moves. Great finish boosts this a lot though.
***3/4
David Starr vs. Jordan Devlin (PROGRESS 5/6)
Less heated than their OTT encounter, this built nicely into a frenzied explosion of offense towards the end. Great sense of struggle and competition throughout.
****1/4
Less heated than their OTT encounter, this built nicely into a frenzied explosion of offense towards the end. Great sense of struggle and competition throughout.
****1/4
Zack Sabre Jr vs. SANADA (NJPW 7/6)
This was a fun match with a lot of back and forth and some nice struggle for holds. SANADA is still mostly bland but this was enjoyable all the way through.
***3/4
This was a fun match with a lot of back and forth and some nice struggle for holds. SANADA is still mostly bland but this was enjoyable all the way through.
***3/4
Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW 7/6)
A greatest hits match. In that sense, lacking some substance but compressed enough that all the fun stuff is in there. From a booking standpoint, an off result but forgivable given Tana's age and health.
****
A greatest hits match. In that sense, lacking some substance but compressed enough that all the fun stuff is in there. From a booking standpoint, an off result but forgivable given Tana's age and health.
****
Lance Archer vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 7/6)
Easily the match of the night. Fast paced, showcasing a fired up and hard hitting Archer pitted against the bump lord Ospreay himself. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking this might be a carry job. Archer more than impressed.
****1/2
Easily the match of the night. Fast paced, showcasing a fired up and hard hitting Archer pitted against the bump lord Ospreay himself. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking this might be a carry job. Archer more than impressed.
****1/2
Jordan Devlin vs. Ilja Dragunov (PROGRESS 7/6)
Awesome indie-style back and forth boosted by the charismatic intensity both guys brought to their performances. Devlin, man, he's the real deal.
****
Awesome indie-style back and forth boosted by the charismatic intensity both guys brought to their performances. Devlin, man, he's the real deal.
****
Juice Robinson vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 7/13)
This built very nicely with fun exchanges, hard strikes, and a hot finishing stretch. Really good!
***3/4
This built very nicely with fun exchanges, hard strikes, and a hot finishing stretch. Really good!
***3/4
Jon Moxley vs. Taichi (NJPW 7/13)
I'm feeling generous. This was fun blunder, and importantly: short.
***3/4
I'm feeling generous. This was fun blunder, and importantly: short.
***3/4
Kenny Omega vs. CIMA (AEW 7/13)
Awesome match that built up to a really intense and urgent finishing stretch as well as further proof that Omega absolutely brings it with the right restraints: a 30 min time limit.
****
Awesome match that built up to a really intense and urgent finishing stretch as well as further proof that Omega absolutely brings it with the right restraints: a 30 min time limit.
****
The Young Bucks vs. The Brotherhood (AEW 7/13)
I loved the first half as a traditional Southern tag. It did fall apart as the match went on and got overindulgent but Dustin and Cody are so damn good, it's absurd. Both Rhodes brothers having a banner year.
****
I loved the first half as a traditional Southern tag. It did fall apart as the match went on and got overindulgent but Dustin and Cody are so damn good, it's absurd. Both Rhodes brothers having a banner year.
****
Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr (NJPW 7/14)
ZSJ brought a lot of great urgency to the first act which is refreshing for an Okada match. Nice countering and heat brought out at the finishing stretch. Good stuff.
***3/4
ZSJ brought a lot of great urgency to the first act which is refreshing for an Okada match. Nice countering and heat brought out at the finishing stretch. Good stuff.
***3/4
KENTA vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW 7/14)
A much better KENTA performance here, the opening moments of this match promised something truly special. The bulk of the match couldn't live up to that though but this was still really good.
***3/4
A much better KENTA performance here, the opening moments of this match promised something truly special. The bulk of the match couldn't live up to that though but this was still really good.
***3/4
Aleister Black vs. Cesaro (WWE 7/14)
An absurdly good sub-10 minute display of constant struggle, great strikes, and fantastic selling. Wow. So concise, an awesome piece of work.
****
An absurdly good sub-10 minute display of constant struggle, great strikes, and fantastic selling. Wow. So concise, an awesome piece of work.
****
Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. The New Day vs. Heavy Machinery (WWE 7/14)
How do you transform what should just be a simple spotfest sprint and make it just that little bit more special? Oh I dunno, maybe ADD THE GREATEST WRESTLER OF ALL TIME TO THE MIX.
***3/4
How do you transform what should just be a simple spotfest sprint and make it just that little bit more special? Oh I dunno, maybe ADD THE GREATEST WRESTLER OF ALL TIME TO THE MIX.
***3/4
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jay White (NJPW 7/15)
Honestly insane that this didn't main event. This built really steadily and White might be one of my favorite heel counter wrestlers in the world today. Ishii is a great brutal babyface to contrast him.
****
Honestly insane that this didn't main event. This built really steadily and White might be one of my favorite heel counter wrestlers in the world today. Ishii is a great brutal babyface to contrast him.
****
Tetsuya Endo vs. Konosuke Takeshita (DDT 7/15)
Went in cold and left absolutely loving this. Everything I want in a big time purl main event: a sense of struggle, dramatic selling, and hell even BIG MOVEZ. Awesome match.
****1/2+
Went in cold and left absolutely loving this. Everything I want in a big time purl main event: a sense of struggle, dramatic selling, and hell even BIG MOVEZ. Awesome match.
****1/2+
Chad Gable vs. Jack Gallagher (WWE 7/16)
A fun back and forth with really great struggle wrestled for a dead crowd. That will unfortunately bring the rating down but the ring work was excellent.
***3/4
A fun back and forth with really great struggle wrestled for a dead crowd. That will unfortunately bring the rating down but the ring work was excellent.
***3/4
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (NJPW 7/18)
An awesome back and forth display of mat work and struggles for holds. These two work incredibly well together and the constant sense of struggle is what make these two shine.
****
An awesome back and forth display of mat work and struggles for holds. These two work incredibly well together and the constant sense of struggle is what make these two shine.
****
Will Ospreay vs. Kota Ibushi (NJPW 7/18)
How is Ibushi legit hurt and still no selling the legs? This was a wild, dangerous, but compelling match. The escalation of violence felt earned and Ibushi enduring to get the win was just what I needed from this match.
****1/2
How is Ibushi legit hurt and still no selling the legs? This was a wild, dangerous, but compelling match. The escalation of violence felt earned and Ibushi enduring to get the win was just what I needed from this match.
****1/2
Taichi vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 7/19)
The G1 must really be kicking into gear if Taichi is putting in a banger like this. Stiff strikes and a fast pace, great stuff.
****
The G1 must really be kicking into gear if Taichi is putting in a banger like this. Stiff strikes and a fast pace, great stuff.
****
Jeff Cobb vs. Juice Robinson (NJPW 7/19)
Played to each other's strengths, kept a good pace, unlike the Ishii match which exposed Cobb. Stick to the bumps and the kicks, elbows aren't Cobb's thing.
***3/4
Played to each other's strengths, kept a good pace, unlike the Ishii match which exposed Cobb. Stick to the bumps and the kicks, elbows aren't Cobb's thing.
***3/4
Tetsuya Naito vs. Hirooki Goto (NJPW 7/19)
My favorite match from both men in the tourney so far. Loved Naito working the leg, there was real tension too especially with White going 0-3 just before this.
****
My favorite match from both men in the tourney so far. Loved Naito working the leg, there was real tension too especially with White going 0-3 just before this.
****
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jon Moxley (NJPW 7/19)
Jesus. Hard hits and lots of brawling goodness. Exactly the kind of shift in style to shake up the G1. This was damn great.
****1/2
Jesus. Hard hits and lots of brawling goodness. Exactly the kind of shift in style to shake up the G1. This was damn great.
****1/2
Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard (Impact 7/7)
Laid out like an old school babyface-heel match. Tessa was a fantastic fired up underdog against the larger more twisted Callihan. The wrong person went over and that is unfortunate but the ride getting there was great.
***3/4
Laid out like an old school babyface-heel match. Tessa was a fantastic fired up underdog against the larger more twisted Callihan. The wrong person went over and that is unfortunate but the ride getting there was great.
***3/4
Will Ospreay vs. Kazuchika Okada (NJPW 7/20)
All right, Ospreay. Fine. You win. Sometimes your complete mastery of energetic offense and explosive pacing can be just as good as all the "little thing" goodness I like to praise. Fine. Be that way.
****1/4
All right, Ospreay. Fine. You win. Sometimes your complete mastery of energetic offense and explosive pacing can be just as good as all the "little thing" goodness I like to praise. Fine. Be that way.
****1/4
The Briscoes vs. Rush & Dragon Lee (ROH 6/29)
A sprint of a tag team brawl that doesn't let up for a second and is given even more life by an unexpected blade job.
****
A sprint of a tag team brawl that doesn't let up for a second and is given even more life by an unexpected blade job.
****
LA Park, Hijo de LA Park, y LA Park Jr vs. Rush, Mistico, y Bestia del Ring (CMLL 7/19)
A classic clusterfuck lucha trios. I'll never be sick of Rush and Park trying to murder each other, this match is worth it for their interactions alone.
***3/4
A classic clusterfuck lucha trios. I'll never be sick of Rush and Park trying to murder each other, this match is worth it for their interactions alone.
***3/4
WALTER vs. Ilja Dragunov (PROGRESS 7/8)
These two always produce quality together. Great dynamic of Ilja being the one who has WALTER's number and the champ having to take away the challenger's offense.
****
These two always produce quality together. Great dynamic of Ilja being the one who has WALTER's number and the champ having to take away the challenger's offense.
****
Jon Moxley vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 7/24)
This banged pretty hard with Shingo playing a great underdog babyface who kept on rolling. Great match and another notch in the belt for Mox.
****
This banged pretty hard with Shingo playing a great underdog babyface who kept on rolling. Great match and another notch in the belt for Mox.
****
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito (NJPW 7/24)
Though the first half felt a bit disjointed, the finishing stretch was fun and intense. That pop up headbutt was ridiculous.
****
Though the first half felt a bit disjointed, the finishing stretch was fun and intense. That pop up headbutt was ridiculous.
****
Kazuchika Okada vs. KENTA (NJPW 7/28)
A little slow and KENTA just doesn't have the explosiveness he used to. The energy dips for a little too long here but there are flashes of brilliance.
***3/4
A little slow and KENTA just doesn't have the explosiveness he used to. The energy dips for a little too long here but there are flashes of brilliance.
***3/4
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Juice Robinson (NJPW 7/28)
Started a little slow and some miscues but the hits kept on coming and damn where they good.
***3/4
Started a little slow and some miscues but the hits kept on coming and damn where they good.
***3/4
Jay White vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 7/28)
Bumping this up because on second viewing it was even better. Just crisp, well done back and forth wrestling with Shingo looking like a star and White only sneaking in the victory.
****
Bumping this up because on second viewing it was even better. Just crisp, well done back and forth wrestling with Shingo looking like a star and White only sneaking in the victory.
****
Jon Moxley vs. Tetsuya Naito (NJPW 7/28)
A few pacing issues and miscues but picked up nicely by the match end. The clashing characters helpef elevate the slower moments.
****
A few pacing issues and miscues but picked up nicely by the match end. The clashing characters helpef elevate the slower moments.
****
Daisuke Sekimoto vs. Chris Dickinson (Beyond 7/28)
A minimalist style, hard hitting dream match in the vein of something like Joe vs. Kobashi. Simple, stiff, excellent.
****1/4
A minimalist style, hard hitting dream match in the vein of something like Joe vs. Kobashi. Simple, stiff, excellent.
****1/4
Joey Janela vs. David Starr (Beyond 7/28)
There's something to be said for the kind of idiotic, ridiculous, spectacle-heavy indie maximalism that a match like this brings to the table. I'll tell you what, the 60 mins breezed by.
****1/2
There's something to be said for the kind of idiotic, ridiculous, spectacle-heavy indie maximalism that a match like this brings to the table. I'll tell you what, the 60 mins breezed by.
****1/2
Zack Sabre Jr vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 7/30)
A focused ZSJ is the best ZSJ and he was completely zoned in on Ospreay's neck here with a fantastic pay off. Fast paced and fun all thr way through.
***3/4
A focused ZSJ is the best ZSJ and he was completely zoned in on Ospreay's neck here with a fantastic pay off. Fast paced and fun all thr way through.
***3/4
Shingo Takagi vs. Jeff Cobb (NJPW 8/1)
Shingo figured out the key to a Jeff Cobb match: just keep bumping for him.
***3/4
Shingo figured out the key to a Jeff Cobb match: just keep bumping for him.
***3/4
Will Ospreay vs. EVIL (NJPW 8/3)
I still generally find EVIL's signature spots overconvuluted and inorganic but the finishing stretch in this match was so hot and fiery, it elevated everything with it.
****
I still generally find EVIL's signature spots overconvuluted and inorganic but the finishing stretch in this match was so hot and fiery, it elevated everything with it.
****
Kota Ibushi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW 8/3)
A nice follow up to their G1 final last year. Of course Ibushi completely forgoes any leg selling but what can you do? They brought a lot of intensity here and it was dope for that.
****1/4
A nice follow up to their G1 final last year. Of course Ibushi completely forgoes any leg selling but what can you do? They brought a lot of intensity here and it was dope for that.
****1/4
Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA (NJPW 8/3)
The gap between Okada and SANADA is /huge/. Still, the drama of the finish helped this a lot despite SANADA adding pretty much nothing to the Okada formula. What a bland performer SANADA is.
***3/4
The gap between Okada and SANADA is /huge/. Still, the drama of the finish helped this a lot despite SANADA adding pretty much nothing to the Okada formula. What a bland performer SANADA is.
***3/4
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Toru Yano (NJPW 8/4)
If you don't like this match, you're wrong.
Kidding aside, an awesome mix of both guys' formula.
***3/4
If you don't like this match, you're wrong.
Kidding aside, an awesome mix of both guys' formula.
***3/4
Jay White vs. Jon Moxley (NJPW 8/4)
Two of my favorite New Japan performers with an excellent match built on struggle and character. Mox is the real fucking deal, guys.
****
Two of my favorite New Japan performers with an excellent match built on struggle and character. Mox is the real fucking deal, guys.
****
Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 8/4)
Best match of Naito's G1 so far. A war of attrition from one of the most sympathetic wrestlers in the world against one of the best offensive wrestlers.
****1/2
Best match of Naito's G1 so far. A war of attrition from one of the most sympathetic wrestlers in the world against one of the best offensive wrestlers.
****1/2
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. EVIL (NJPW 7/30)
A classic Tana formula match marred by EVIL's convoluted signature spots. But what can you do?
****
A classic Tana formula match marred by EVIL's convoluted signature spots. But what can you do?
****
Blue Demon Jr vs. Dr Wagner Jr (AAA 8/3)
An awesome, brutal bloodbath. Hammers and concrete, and so much blood that Dustin and Muta felt it in their bones.
****1/2
An awesome, brutal bloodbath. Hammers and concrete, and so much blood that Dustin and Muta felt it in their bones.
****1/2
Kento Miyahara vs. Yoshitatsu (AJPW 6/30)
A really great puro title match with a fun finishing stretch. Kento's knees are dope, Yoshitatsu's fire is welcome, and things came together nicely.
****1/4
A really great puro title match with a fun finishing stretch. Kento's knees are dope, Yoshitatsu's fire is welcome, and things came together nicely.
****1/4
Kento Miyahara vs. KAI (AJPW 1/3)
A really great title match that kept an awesome pace all throughout. So easy to get into and enjoy.
****1/2
A really great title match that kept an awesome pace all throughout. So easy to get into and enjoy.
****1/2
Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr (NJPW 8/7)
IBUSHI SOLD THE LEG! The finish was way too abrupt though so that messed up the pace.
***3/4
IBUSHI SOLD THE LEG! The finish was way too abrupt though so that messed up the pace.
***3/4
Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL (NJPW 8/7)
Okada is such a fantastic big match worker especially in the G1 setting of urgent time limits. Slow start with a great finishing stretch.
****
Okada is such a fantastic big match worker especially in the G1 setting of urgent time limits. Slow start with a great finishing stretch.
****
Will Ospreay vs. KENTA (NJPW 8/7)
Ospreay provides what was missing from KENTA's G1: speed. One of the first times I can decidedly say Ospreay was decidedly the better performer in a match.
****1/4
Ospreay provides what was missing from KENTA's G1: speed. One of the first times I can decidedly say Ospreay was decidedly the better performer in a match.
****1/4
Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii (NJPW 8/8)
I like the part where they hit each other hard. What separates Shingo and Ishii from other strike exchange people is simple: selling. Fighting spirit isn't ignoring pain. It's SURPASSING it.
****1/2
I like the part where they hit each other hard. What separates Shingo and Ishii from other strike exchange people is simple: selling. Fighting spirit isn't ignoring pain. It's SURPASSING it.
****1/2
Zack Sabre Jr vs. KENTA (NJPW 8/10)
Another fun KENTA match where he looked much better with some great strikes.
***3/4
Another fun KENTA match where he looked much better with some great strikes.
***3/4
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW 8/10)
Ospreay plugs into the Tana formula with fantastic results. Tana plays sly veteran so well. Awesome match but I can sense even better ones down the line.
****
Ospreay plugs into the Tana formula with fantastic results. Tana plays sly veteran so well. Awesome match but I can sense even better ones down the line.
****
Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada (NJPW 8/10)
Torn on this match as it really highlighted both men's flaws but it was hot enough in the finishing stretch to be great.
****
Torn on this match as it really highlighted both men's flaws but it was hot enough in the finishing stretch to be great.
****
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Taichi (NJPW 8/11)
Bless the Budokan. Red hot all the way through as Ishii pulls out another banger to close off his G1 against a motivated Taichi.
****
Bless the Budokan. Red hot all the way through as Ishii pulls out another banger to close off his G1 against a motivated Taichi.
****
Hirooki Goto vs. Shingo Takagi (NJPW 8/11)
Again, the Budokan comes alive for a big stiff bombfest.
****
Again, the Budokan comes alive for a big stiff bombfest.
****
Tetusya Naito vs. Jay White (NJPW 8/11)
Fun with a good crowd but a somewhat abrupt ending. Great post match angle.
***3/4
Fun with a good crowd but a somewhat abrupt ending. Great post match angle.
***3/4
Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White (NJPW 8/12)
Actually more of a WWE stack-the-odds main event than a New Japan main event. Lots of fun shenanigans and a red hot comeback despite Ibushi's inconsistent selling.
****
Actually more of a WWE stack-the-odds main event than a New Japan main event. Lots of fun shenanigans and a red hot comeback despite Ibushi's inconsistent selling.
****
Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair (WWE 8/11)
An excellent capper to end a fantastic career. Trish went out of her way to make Charlotte look like the best and it worked. Great stuff.
****
An excellent capper to end a fantastic career. Trish went out of her way to make Charlotte look like the best and it worked. Great stuff.
****
Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins (WWE 8/11)
Brock is one of the greatest big match workers of all time and he's having a CRAZY good year. Rollins was good too but I dread his reign.
****1/4
Brock is one of the greatest big match workers of all time and he's having a CRAZY good year. Rollins was good too but I dread his reign.
****1/4
Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae (WWE NXT 8/10)
An absolutely fantastic bombfest coming out party for Io's new heel gimmick.
****
An absolutely fantastic bombfest coming out party for Io's new heel gimmick.
****
Invisible Man vs. Invisible Stan (GCW 4/5)
No this rating isn't a joke, this is a masterpiece of comedy wrestling. Worth watching, worth studying, a brilliant performance from @dabryceisright.
****1/4
No this rating isn't a joke, this is a masterpiece of comedy wrestling. Worth watching, worth studying, a brilliant performance from @dabryceisright.
****1/4
Roman Reigns vs. Buddy Murphy (WWE 8/13)
A masterwork from Roman in putting over Murphy. Murphy put in a great performance but Roman looked like the big star here.
***3/4
A masterwork from Roman in putting over Murphy. Murphy put in a great performance but Roman looked like the big star here.
***3/4
Buddy Murphy vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE 8/20)
Another starmaker for Murphy against the greatest wrestler to ever live. Bryan's variety of offense makes him so constantly compelling.
***3/4
Another starmaker for Murphy against the greatest wrestler to ever live. Bryan's variety of offense makes him so constantly compelling.
***3/4
WALTER vs. Tyler Bate (WWE NXT UK 8/31)
They didn't lie. It's a classic. Match of the Year? There's a damn good argument. Expertly laid out with a red hot crowd all throughout. Believe the hype, it was as good as they say.
*****
They didn't lie. It's a classic. Match of the Year? There's a damn good argument. Expertly laid out with a red hot crowd all throughout. Believe the hype, it was as good as they say.
*****
Kenny Omega vs. PAC (AEW 8/31)
Omega in his comfort zone: 100mph without stop. Perfect opponents for each other, big bumpers, big offense. This was fantastic.
****1/4
Omega in his comfort zone: 100mph without stop. Perfect opponents for each other, big bumpers, big offense. This was fantastic.
****1/4
Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki (NJPW 8/31)
A great show of maximizing reactions for the smallest things. Wonderfully layoutted struggle of characters. Suzuki and Okada have always had a wonderful chemistry.
****1/4
A great show of maximizing reactions for the smallest things. Wonderfully layoutted struggle of characters. Suzuki and Okada have always had a wonderful chemistry.
****1/4
Cody vs. Shawn Spears (AEW 8/31)
Big Match Cody delivers yet again against a...serviceable Spears. Let's be real, between Spears and Tully, Tully is the money. But hey, it was a territory style match with lots of interference and a personal grudge. Loved it honestly.
****
Big Match Cody delivers yet again against a...serviceable Spears. Let's be real, between Spears and Tully, Tully is the money. But hey, it was a territory style match with lots of interference and a personal grudge. Loved it honestly.
****
Will Ospreay vs. Amazing Red (NJPW 8/25)
A lot of fun especially as a greatest hits for the retiring Red but this was way too long. Not enough here to sustain 30 minutes. I get it though, let the guy have his moment. Served its purpose.
***3/4
A lot of fun especially as a greatest hits for the retiring Red but this was way too long. Not enough here to sustain 30 minutes. I get it though, let the guy have his moment. Served its purpose.
***3/4
Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (WWE 9/15)
A fun back and forth followed up by a nicely heated brawl. There was a snugness here that I haven't seen from Becky in a while.
****
A fun back and forth followed up by a nicely heated brawl. There was a snugness here that I haven't seen from Becky in a while.
****
AJ Styles vs. Cedric Alexander (WWE 9/15)
A spectacular 4 minutes. Brilliant example of making the most of very little.
****
A spectacular 4 minutes. Brilliant example of making the most of very little.
****
Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan (9/24)
Just like that, Bryan's the hottest babyface in the world again. It looks easy when you're the greatest to ever do it.
***3/4
Just like that, Bryan's the hottest babyface in the world again. It looks easy when you're the greatest to ever do it.
***3/4
Birds of Prey vs. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori (NJPW 9/16)
Something about ELP still isn't quite clicking for me but otherwise this was great. Birds of Prey on offense together are just magic. Robbie's so sympathetic. And matching tights are dope.
****
Something about ELP still isn't quite clicking for me but otherwise this was great. Birds of Prey on offense together are just magic. Robbie's so sympathetic. And matching tights are dope.
****
Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks vs. Chris Jericho, Santana, & Ortiz (AEW 10/2)
Was it just 10 minutes of random spots with a brawl in the middle? Damn right. That's what makes it awesome.
***3/4
Was it just 10 minutes of random spots with a brawl in the middle? Damn right. That's what makes it awesome.
***3/4
Adam Cole vs. Matt Riddle (WWE NXT 10/2)
A lot of flashy spotfesty stuff with a lot of silly no selling. But that finishing stretch based on the armbars was genuinely great. Real mixed bag.
***3/4
A lot of flashy spotfesty stuff with a lot of silly no selling. But that finishing stretch based on the armbars was genuinely great. Real mixed bag.
***3/4
Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (WWE 10/6)
Poor transitioning and some overly convoluted set up here but that set up does at least give us some good pay off. More fun than not to be had here.
****
Poor transitioning and some overly convoluted set up here but that set up does at least give us some good pay off. More fun than not to be had here.
****
Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper (WWE 10/6)
When you strip away the expectation of weapons, a brawl has the space to escalate naturally and create a more violent and realistic atmosphere. Awesome.
****1/4
When you strip away the expectation of weapons, a brawl has the space to escalate naturally and create a more violent and realistic atmosphere. Awesome.
****1/4
Kris Statlander vs. Ashley Vox (Limitless 1/11)
Here's a nice hidden gem from the indies that tells a nice story of escalating hardcore plunder without sacrificing intensity and urgency. Good stuff!
****1/4
Here's a nice hidden gem from the indies that tells a nice story of escalating hardcore plunder without sacrificing intensity and urgency. Good stuff!
****1/4
WALTER vs. Kassius Ohno (EVOLVE 9/21)
A nicely compact and effective match between these two with a lot of great moments.
***3/4
A nicely compact and effective match between these two with a lot of great moments.
***3/4
Nick Aldis vs. Tim Storm (NWA 10/8)
Old school piece of work, done simply and done well. Watch the promos leading up to this to get a sense of the emotion they were going for here. Good stuff. Aldis' post-match promo walking the line between face and heel was dope.
***3/4
Old school piece of work, done simply and done well. Watch the promos leading up to this to get a sense of the emotion they were going for here. Good stuff. Aldis' post-match promo walking the line between face and heel was dope.
***3/4
The Young Bucks vs. Private Party (AEW 10/9)
The Bucks working a Southern tag with their modern offense and pacing? Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full. This was awesome.
****1/4
The Bucks working a Southern tag with their modern offense and pacing? Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full. This was awesome.
****1/4
WALTER vs. KUSHIDA (WWE NXT 10/9)
A wonderful piece of David vs. Goliath booking here. Excellent performances from both men. This is the kind of performance KUSHIDA could never have had in New Japan. Awesome stuff.
****1/4
A wonderful piece of David vs. Goliath booking here. Excellent performances from both men. This is the kind of performance KUSHIDA could never have had in New Japan. Awesome stuff.
****1/4
Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Minoru Suzuki (NJPW 10/14)
The Psychology is Dead podcast discussed last year a concept in wrestling that they termed "foolish pride." That's what this match was. Might rewatch this tonight, there was so much to unpack.
****3/4 (for now)
The Psychology is Dead podcast discussed last year a concept in wrestling that they termed "foolish pride." That's what this match was. Might rewatch this tonight, there was so much to unpack.
****3/4 (for now)
Will Ospreay vs. El Phantasmo (NJPW 10/14)
Fun spots. Too long, too messy.
***3/4
Fun spots. Too long, too messy.
***3/4
Juice Robinson vs. Lance Archer (NJPW 10/14)
So great, a fun brawl with a dope energy to it. Not perfect but it was fun and concise and ARCHER YES. YES.
****
So great, a fun brawl with a dope energy to it. Not perfect but it was fun and concise and ARCHER YES. YES.
****
Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA (NJPW 10/14)
Okada and SANADA have a five star match waiting in them. Too bad it gets lost in overly ambitious 30+ minute drags. So much good surrounded by so much bland.
***3/4
Okada and SANADA have a five star match waiting in them. Too bad it gets lost in overly ambitious 30+ minute drags. So much good surrounded by so much bland.
***3/4
Kenny Omega vs. Joey Janela (AEW 10/15)
Just a whole lot of fun spots and hardcore silliness. It was fun and for a Lights Out dark match, that's all it needed to be, so good job.
***3/4
Just a whole lot of fun spots and hardcore silliness. It was fun and for a Lights Out dark match, that's all it needed to be, so good job.
***3/4
Daniel Makabe vs. Timothy Thatcher (3-2-1 BATTLE! 7/12)
Shoutout to @BrockHatesWres for bringing this series into my life. This is an amazing capper to the trilogy and I was genuinely surprised how completely sucked in I was at the end. Watch this trilogy, it's amazing.
****1/2
Shoutout to @BrockHatesWres for bringing this series into my life. This is an amazing capper to the trilogy and I was genuinely surprised how completely sucked in I was at the end. Watch this trilogy, it's amazing.
****1/2
Eddie Kingston vs. Timothy Thatcher (Beyond 10/10)
Simple stuff done with thought and nuance. Thatcher trying to smother Kingston and Kingston trying to get some space to drop bombs.
***3/4
Simple stuff done with thought and nuance. Thatcher trying to smother Kingston and Kingston trying to get some space to drop bombs.
***3/4
Eddie Kingston vs. Daisuke Sekimoto (ICW 7/27)
Something much more my speed here with Kingston able to not only show off his skill at throwing big strikes and bombs but also his unparalleled ability to sell during exchanges. Legit, no one does it better.
****
Something much more my speed here with Kingston able to not only show off his skill at throwing big strikes and bombs but also his unparalleled ability to sell during exchanges. Legit, no one does it better.
****
Timothy Thatcher vs. Yuki Ishikawa (WXW 3/9)
Wrestling just rarely looks this good and this effortless. I dunno much about Ishikawa and BattlArts but this was an amazing performance of snug, stiff wrestling with an air of legitimacy.
****1/4
Wrestling just rarely looks this good and this effortless. I dunno much about Ishikawa and BattlArts but this was an amazing performance of snug, stiff wrestling with an air of legitimacy.
****1/4
Eddie Kingston vs. JD Drake (EVOLVE 1/18)
A fun brawl with some really good hand psychology in there. Stiff strikes and a simple structure that isn't bogged down by silly hardcore gimmick set ups.
***3/4
A fun brawl with some really good hand psychology in there. Stiff strikes and a simple structure that isn't bogged down by silly hardcore gimmick set ups.
***3/4
Dominic Garrini vs. Joshua Bishop (AIW 4/4)
A crazy deathmatch style brawl with a clever finish. Dunno match about either guy but this was quite the spectacle.
****1/4
A crazy deathmatch style brawl with a clever finish. Dunno match about either guy but this was quite the spectacle.
****1/4
David Starr vs. Mercedes Martinez (Beyond 10/17)
A very indietastic epic formula here granted a little more drama from the intergender stip as well as that awesome suicide dive to the outside. Just a real fun bombfest.
****
A very indietastic epic formula here granted a little more drama from the intergender stip as well as that awesome suicide dive to the outside. Just a real fun bombfest.
****
David Starr vs. Tony Deppen (GCW 9/30)
There's a nice story here of Deppen needing to string his flashier offense together whereas Starr has the heavier hits. Played out incredibly well, loved Starr's second rope whiplash bump. Great showing for Deppen here.
****1/4
There's a nice story here of Deppen needing to string his flashier offense together whereas Starr has the heavier hits. Played out incredibly well, loved Starr's second rope whiplash bump. Great showing for Deppen here.
****1/4
David Starr vs. A-Kid (RevPro 4/28)
Another great performance from A-Kid as a scrappy underdog against an indie big name. This is Starr at his most focused and vicious too, keeping some of his worse tendencies in check. Great match.
****1/4
Another great performance from A-Kid as a scrappy underdog against an indie big name. This is Starr at his most focused and vicious too, keeping some of his worse tendencies in check. Great match.
****1/4
David Starr vs. Jonathan Gresham (PWG 3/1)
This was fucking awesome. A steady escalation of violence plus excellent limb psychology and selling that actually plays into the finish? Fuck yeah. This is great.
****1/2
This was fucking awesome. A steady escalation of violence plus excellent limb psychology and selling that actually plays into the finish? Fuck yeah. This is great.
****1/2
Daniel Makabe vs. Alex Zayne (3-2-1 BATTLE! 10/18)
An awesomely fast paced back and forth given a layer of nuance by Makabe's neck selling and heel work. It's the little things that turn something fun into something great.
****1/4
An awesomely fast paced back and forth given a layer of nuance by Makabe's neck selling and heel work. It's the little things that turn something fun into something great.
****1/4
Pitfall Jones vs. Desi Derata (3-2-1 BATTLE! 10/18)
Derata made a fan of me at #PWRHomecoming with her brute heel work but she was a great babyface in this. A classic overbooked story-heavy title main event style match, this hit all the right notes with a great atmosphere.
****
Derata made a fan of me at #PWRHomecoming with her brute heel work but she was a great babyface in this. A classic overbooked story-heavy title main event style match, this hit all the right notes with a great atmosphere.
****
Rey Fenix vs. Kenny Omega (AAA 10/19)
A big bombfest here with Kenny working over the back and then busting Fenix's face open. The finishing stretch was particularly excellent as Fenix tried to weather the storm of Kenny's relentless offense.
****1/4
A big bombfest here with Kenny working over the back and then busting Fenix's face open. The finishing stretch was particularly excellent as Fenix tried to weather the storm of Kenny's relentless offense.
****1/4
Momo Watanabe vs. Mayu Iwatani (STARDOM 9/22)
Under ten minutes? Check. Sick bumps? Check. Fast paced and stiff? Check. Loved it.
****1/4
Under ten minutes? Check. Sick bumps? Check. Fast paced and stiff? Check. Loved it.
****1/4
David Starr vs. Ilja Dragunov (WXW 10/6)
So they just beat the shit out of each other. There's some great character moments right at the end just when I thought they'd run out of ideas. Awesome match.
****1/2
So they just beat the shit out of each other. There's some great character moments right at the end just when I thought they'd run out of ideas. Awesome match.
****1/2
Matt Riddle vs. Cameron Grimes (WWE NXT 10/23)
No fat on this. A well structured sprint with awesome spots.
***3/4
No fat on this. A well structured sprint with awesome spots.
***3/4
Dinamico, Spyder Boy, Noise Boy & Aguila Oriental vs Mike, Teelo, Canibal & Voltrex (MexaWrestling 10/26)
Sloppy but creative. Despite the frenetic pace, a match that had a good eye and mind for structure. The sky is the limit for these kiss.
***3/4
Sloppy but creative. Despite the frenetic pace, a match that had a good eye and mind for structure. The sky is the limit for these kiss.
***3/4
SCU vs. Lucha Bros (AEW 10/30)
A mix of their fast paced offense and a classic Southern tag formula. This was really good stuff.
***3/4
A mix of their fast paced offense and a classic Southern tag formula. This was really good stuff.
***3/4
Daniel Makabe vs. Tony Deppen (SCI 8/2)
The matwork is so good and compelling that by the time the match escalates into bigger bumps and spots, you're already sucked in 100% anyways. Great selling by both guys too. It's the little things.
****
The matwork is so good and compelling that by the time the match escalates into bigger bumps and spots, you're already sucked in 100% anyways. Great selling by both guys too. It's the little things.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Big Cat Scott Henson (1/11)
A hot start followed by some great arm work and then big dramatic moments built around the injury and Henson going for the Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bright.
****1/4
A hot start followed by some great arm work and then big dramatic moments built around the injury and Henson going for the Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bright.
****1/4
Cameron Grimes vs. Tyler Bate (WWE NXT 10/30)
Warms the heart to see Grimes featured prominently and this was another great showing for him as a big bumping opportunistic heel prospect.
***3/4
Warms the heart to see Grimes featured prominently and this was another great showing for him as a big bumping opportunistic heel prospect.
***3/4
Thomas Santell vs. Yuta Wheeler (Beyond 10/31)
Really good piece of business here with some dueling limbwork. Loved Santell's performance here, real crisp and old school work. #UnchartedTerritory
***3/4
Really good piece of business here with some dueling limbwork. Loved Santell's performance here, real crisp and old school work. #UnchartedTerritory
***3/4
Thomas Santell vs. Jaxon Stone (Beyond 5/22)
The best of Santell's gauntlet series to this point. Solidified as a beloved babyface, Stone made a great power based heel to work over our hero. But Ovaltine prevails!
***3/4
The best of Santell's gauntlet series to this point. Solidified as a beloved babyface, Stone made a great power based heel to work over our hero. But Ovaltine prevails!
***3/4
Thomas Santell vs. Smart Mark Sterling (Beyond 6/5)
A real old school style match that built nicely to some sweet false finishes.
***3/4
A real old school style match that built nicely to some sweet false finishes.
***3/4
Thomas Santell vs. Christian Casanova (Beyond 6/19)
An awesome end to an amazing and run. Great sprint with Santell showing even more intensity and spirit than ever.
****
An awesome end to an amazing and run. Great sprint with Santell showing even more intensity and spirit than ever.
****
Adam Cole vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE 11/1)
This week on the GOAT creates miracles: a well structured Adam Cole match. A better transition to the finish would have been nice but goodness was Bryan great in this. His submission work especially was fantastic.
***3/4
This week on the GOAT creates miracles: a well structured Adam Cole match. A better transition to the finish would have been nice but goodness was Bryan great in this. His submission work especially was fantastic.
***3/4
Elliot Tyler vs. Judas Icarus (ECCW 10/26)
Awesome piece of gritty, indie brawling and hardcore work here. A lot of energy and urgency to fill the space in between all the big spots. That energy is what can differentiate this from other matches.
****1/4
Awesome piece of gritty, indie brawling and hardcore work here. A lot of energy and urgency to fill the space in between all the big spots. That energy is what can differentiate this from other matches.
****1/4
Daniel Makabe vs. Judas Icarus (PWA 5/4)
What the fuck, guys, this was great. Judas' chickenshit panic at Makabe's early grapplework was awesome. Makabe's selling of the neck was awesome. What a hidden gem of sound, well structured wrestling.
****
What the fuck, guys, this was great. Judas' chickenshit panic at Makabe's early grapplework was awesome. Makabe's selling of the neck was awesome. What a hidden gem of sound, well structured wrestling.
****
Jordan Devlin vs. David Starr (OTT 10/26)
Hottest crowd atmosphere since maybe Punk-Cena in Chicago. It does lean to the overdramatic but when it plays so well, it's hard to be upset. It's easy to forgive its faults when it's this intense and effective. Still awesome.
****1/2
Hottest crowd atmosphere since maybe Punk-Cena in Chicago. It does lean to the overdramatic but when it plays so well, it's hard to be upset. It's easy to forgive its faults when it's this intense and effective. Still awesome.
****1/2
Shinya Aoki vs. HARASHIMA (DDT 2/17)
A fun piece of shoot style grappling at the start transitioning into the bigger pro wrestling finishing stretch. Compact and fun.
***3/4
A fun piece of shoot style grappling at the start transitioning into the bigger pro wrestling finishing stretch. Compact and fun.
***3/4
Konosuke Takeshita vs. HARASHIMA (DDT 11/3)
This never came together for me the way the Endo match did but I'm probably missing a lot of context. Even coming in cold, there was a lot of good action here and a nice sense of struggle
****
This never came together for me the way the Endo match did but I'm probably missing a lot of context. Even coming in cold, there was a lot of good action here and a nice sense of struggle
****
Violence is Forever vs. They Might Be Giants (SUP 6/2)
I mean, what's there to say? Big guys and little guys, lots of blood, crazy spots. That's about it but done really well.
****1/4
I mean, what's there to say? Big guys and little guys, lots of blood, crazy spots. That's about it but done really well.
****1/4
Nick Gage vs. Kris Statlander (Beyond 10/3)
A heated brawl from the word go and a fantastic babyface performance from Statlander. Great spots and big bumps.
****
A heated brawl from the word go and a fantastic babyface performance from Statlander. Great spots and big bumps.
****
Tessa Blanchard vs. Kylie Rae (Zelo Pro 1/4)
A great 2/3 falls match worked in a very classic babyface vs heel championship match style. Excellent performances from both women.
****1/4
A great 2/3 falls match worked in a very classic babyface vs heel championship match style. Excellent performances from both women.
****1/4
Momo Watanabe vs. Jungle Kyona (STARDOM 3/3)
A wonderfully paced championship defense match with some great leg selling from Watanabe and a fun finishing stretch of big bombs. Really bit on a lot of those false finishes.
****1/2
A wonderfully paced championship defense match with some great leg selling from Watanabe and a fun finishing stretch of big bombs. Really bit on a lot of those false finishes.
****1/2
The Young Bucks vs. Proud & Powerful (AEW 10/9)
PnP have great offense and a lot of upside but The Young Bucks put in quite the performance here. Nick Jackson with an awesome selling performance.
****
PnP have great offense and a lot of upside but The Young Bucks put in quite the performance here. Nick Jackson with an awesome selling performance.
****
Riho vs. Emi Sakura (AEW 10/9)
Riho's a fantastic babyface underdog and her speed and big bumps make for such dynamic energy in her matches. She clearly has great chemistry with her trainer so this was predictably strong.
***3/4
Riho's a fantastic babyface underdog and her speed and big bumps make for such dynamic energy in her matches. She clearly has great chemistry with her trainer so this was predictably strong.
***3/4
Cody vs. Chris Jericho (AEW 10/9)
The Jericho formula improved with a little color and a lot of heat. Not a perfect match but the finish was a great call, I'd say. Still leaves all the avenues open and it's a strong progression.
****
The Jericho formula improved with a little color and a lot of heat. Not a perfect match but the finish was a great call, I'd say. Still leaves all the avenues open and it's a strong progression.
****
Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley (AEW 10/9)
Big setpieces that paid off nicely, crazy spectacular bumps, and some real urgency from both guys. Iffy transitions? Sure. Overlong? Probably. I had a great time though and that's all I can ask really.
****1/2
Big setpieces that paid off nicely, crazy spectacular bumps, and some real urgency from both guys. Iffy transitions? Sure. Overlong? Probably. I had a great time though and that's all I can ask really.
****1/2
Matt Taven vs. Rush (ROH 9/27)
They worked damn hard in this match. Lots of bumps, lots of drama, and they just kept the action hot, hot, hot for 18 minutes straight. Awesome stuff.
****1/4
They worked damn hard in this match. Lots of bumps, lots of drama, and they just kept the action hot, hot, hot for 18 minutes straight. Awesome stuff.
****1/4
Tajiri vs. Fabio Makisig (MWF 5/18)
I've softened on this since it dropped. Commentary aside, there's good ideas on dueling limbwork here and it made all the sense to have Fabio pretty much outclassed early on in the match. A crowd-pleaser.
***3/4
I've softened on this since it dropped. Commentary aside, there's good ideas on dueling limbwork here and it made all the sense to have Fabio pretty much outclassed early on in the match. A crowd-pleaser.
***3/4
Riho vs. Jibzy vs. Crystal vs. Jaye Sera (PWR 7/28)
Lemme throw this one in too. A mad sprint, a feel-good main event, and an awesome showcase for Riho before she explodes onto the international stage. Worth checking out.
***3/4
Lemme throw this one in too. A mad sprint, a feel-good main event, and an awesome showcase for Riho before she explodes onto the international stage. Worth checking out.
***3/4
Mike Quackenbush vs. Thomas Santell (CHIKARA 11/9)
It's a match based around the double knuckle lock. I do value the ambition Quack's always had with wrestling and with his 25th Anniv tour, he's been able to showcase that well. You won't see this elsewhere.
***3/4
It's a match based around the double knuckle lock. I do value the ambition Quack's always had with wrestling and with his 25th Anniv tour, he's been able to showcase that well. You won't see this elsewhere.
***3/4
Toxin vs. Dragon Bane (IWRG 9/1)
A hard hitting, high flying piece of lucha one upsmanship that really drew me in. No context needed just a lot of great action at a great pace.
****1/4
A hard hitting, high flying piece of lucha one upsmanship that really drew me in. No context needed just a lot of great action at a great pace.
****1/4
Artemis Spencer vs. Matt Sydal (PCW Ultra 8/9)
A fun back and forth title match with great offense from both sides and a hot finishing stretch.
****
A fun back and forth title match with great offense from both sides and a hot finishing stretch.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Shareef Morrow (ECCW 7/27)
Another awesome Makabe match and a great underdog selling performance from Shareef too. Loved the leg psychology in this especially the spot that kicked it off.
****
Another awesome Makabe match and a great underdog selling performance from Shareef too. Loved the leg psychology in this especially the spot that kicked it off.
****
Travis Williams vs. Shareef Morrow (ECCW 10/26)
Your standard heel-face indie championship match done quite well. Williams' redirect tope spot is one of my favorite things. Great bombs towards the finishing stretch too.
****
Your standard heel-face indie championship match done quite well. Williams' redirect tope spot is one of my favorite things. Great bombs towards the finishing stretch too.
****
Thomas Shire vs. Gary Jay (SLA 5/24)
This is...wow. One of those out of nowhere, visceral and gruesome matches that I imagine will have some staying power a few years down. Seek this one out. It's something else.
****1/2
This is...wow. One of those out of nowhere, visceral and gruesome matches that I imagine will have some staying power a few years down. Seek this one out. It's something else.
****1/2
Thomas Shire vs. Gary Jay (SLA 11/8)
Another excellent match from these two, this time with a well done endurance-style extended finishing stretch. Even without the blood, played off the first match brilliantly. What an awesome pairing.
****1/4
Another excellent match from these two, this time with a well done endurance-style extended finishing stretch. Even without the blood, played off the first match brilliantly. What an awesome pairing.
****1/4
Momo Watanabe vs. Tam Nakano (STARDOM 1/14)
A great Momo title defense with Nakano selling the arm well throughout. Fun bombfest finishing stretch.
****
A great Momo title defense with Nakano selling the arm well throughout. Fun bombfest finishing stretch.
****
Momo Watanabe vs. Arisa Hoshiki (5/16)
Momo was great in this as the ace in control but I found Hoshiki's transitions a little repetitive despite the strong final one. Still pretty good overall since it doesn't overstay its welcome.
***3/4
Momo was great in this as the ace in control but I found Hoshiki's transitions a little repetitive despite the strong final one. Still pretty good overall since it doesn't overstay its welcome.
***3/4
John Silver vs. Christian Casanova (Beyond 11/7)
Missed its peak but I liked the story of Silver's experience and explosiveness against Casanova's youth and energy. Definitely a little too long but otherwise a fun ride.
***3/4
Missed its peak but I liked the story of Silver's experience and explosiveness against Casanova's youth and energy. Definitely a little too long but otherwise a fun ride.
***3/4
PAC vs. Adam Page (AEW 11/13)
These guys go at a crazy pace when they're on TV and this was a great way to build on their PPV match up in a tighter package.
***3/4
These guys go at a crazy pace when they're on TV and this was a great way to build on their PPV match up in a tighter package.
***3/4
Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara vs. SCU (AEW 11/13)
This Inner Circle combo is a winner for me. Love seeing them work together and SCU played the babyfaces well enough. Sky vs. Jericho for the belt??? I wouldn't mind at all.
***3/4
This Inner Circle combo is a winner for me. Love seeing them work together and SCU played the babyfaces well enough. Sky vs. Jericho for the belt??? I wouldn't mind at all.
***3/4
Chris Dickinson vs. Tony Deppen (Beyond 11/14)
Just a wild sprint of stiff strikes and big spots. I enjoy Dickinson's big personality and offense and Deppen brought a fun energy. The structure was just a bit loose and the exploder trade off was ehh for me.
***3/4
Just a wild sprint of stiff strikes and big spots. I enjoy Dickinson's big personality and offense and Deppen brought a fun energy. The structure was just a bit loose and the exploder trade off was ehh for me.
***3/4
Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Martinez (Beyond 11/14)
A fun indie epic style main event with Stat playing a great babyfacee prospect against Mercedes' grizzled vet. Lots of fun to be had here.
***3/4
A fun indie epic style main event with Stat playing a great babyfacee prospect against Mercedes' grizzled vet. Lots of fun to be had here.
***3/4
Konosuke Takeshita vs. Daisuke Sasaki (DDT 4/4)
An awesomely structured title match with a fantastic finishing stretch that had me biting on all the false finishes they worked. A great pace and great work throughout.
****1/2
An awesomely structured title match with a fantastic finishing stretch that had me biting on all the false finishes they worked. A great pace and great work throughout.
****1/2
Konosuke Takeshita vs. Chris Brookes (DDT 7/21)
A little heavy on the shenanigans for my taste but the finishing stretch played out nicely and Takeshita put in another great selling performance.
****
A little heavy on the shenanigans for my taste but the finishing stretch played out nicely and Takeshita put in another great selling performance.
****
Sendai Girls vs. ALL OUT (DDT 6/24)
20 minutes of all action with fantastic interactions and sequences involving everyone in the match. A blistering pace with an awesome build, great stuff.
****1/2
20 minutes of all action with fantastic interactions and sequences involving everyone in the match. A blistering pace with an awesome build, great stuff.
****1/2
Jake Atlas vs. Jake Something (BLP 11/16)
A well structured and funly worked David vs. Goliath style match. I enjoyed how much work Atlas had to put into his comebacks. Really fun.
***3/4
A well structured and funly worked David vs. Goliath style match. I enjoyed how much work Atlas had to put into his comebacks. Really fun.
***3/4
Aussie Open vs. Violence is Forever (Beyond 4/10)
An excellent showcase for both teams who got to play with all their signature spots and bring some fun fire and attitude to the mix as well.
***3/4
An excellent showcase for both teams who got to play with all their signature spots and bring some fun fire and attitude to the mix as well.
***3/4
Rey Fenix vs. Nick Jackson (AEW 11/20)
A high octane display of athleticism, speed, and great bumps. Short and spotty, but that's what makes TV matches fun.
***3/4
A high octane display of athleticism, speed, and great bumps. Short and spotty, but that's what makes TV matches fun.
***3/4
Darby Allin vs. Jon Moxley (AEW 11/20)
A marked improvement on their match from NEW. Great handwork to allow Allin an opening for a comeback and of course all the big bumps we've come to expect from him. This was great.
****1/4
A marked improvement on their match from NEW. Great handwork to allow Allin an opening for a comeback and of course all the big bumps we've come to expect from him. This was great.
****1/4
Undisputed Era vs. The Revival (WWE NXT 11/20)
Definitely missed its peak but all the action was great and well paced and my boy O'Reilly is as awesome as ever.
****
Definitely missed its peak but all the action was great and well paced and my boy O'Reilly is as awesome as ever.
****
Chip Day vs. Gary Jay (AWE 8/4)
Chip Day was in one of my favorite indie matches of the decade and here he is with a great performance with heavy hitter Gary Jay. The strike offs are the highlights of this match even with some iffy transitions.
****
Chip Day was in one of my favorite indie matches of the decade and here he is with a great performance with heavy hitter Gary Jay. The strike offs are the highlights of this match even with some iffy transitions.
****
Lifeblood vs. Jonathan Gresham & Jay Lethal (ROH 4/14)
Amazing piece of tag wrestling here. Gresham and Williams particularly impressed with their selling and limbwork. Wonderfully paced, all building to a hot and tense finishing stretch.
****1/4
Amazing piece of tag wrestling here. Gresham and Williams particularly impressed with their selling and limbwork. Wonderfully paced, all building to a hot and tense finishing stretch.
****1/4
Jonathan Gresham vs. Michael May (FFPW 6/21)
A strong back and forth of matwork with Gresham playing the veteran coming down to work a local upstart. May was good here too but it's clear Gresham was on another level. May's facial reaction to his loss was awesome though.
****
A strong back and forth of matwork with Gresham playing the veteran coming down to work a local upstart. May was good here too but it's clear Gresham was on another level. May's facial reaction to his loss was awesome though.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Jonathan Gresham (3-2-1 BATTLE! 4/19)
SHOELACE PSYCHOLOGY. So, so, so good. Just masterful attention to detail. Great selling, brilliant pacing, every bit the dream match one might expect from these two.
****1/2
SHOELACE PSYCHOLOGY. So, so, so good. Just masterful attention to detail. Great selling, brilliant pacing, every bit the dream match one might expect from these two.
****1/2
Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston (WWE 9/20)
Even at this house show in Manila, Bryan's attention to detail and mastery of structure shine through. For his part, Kofi is an amazing babyface champion that knows how to earn sympathy and connect to a crowd. A hidden gem.
****
Even at this house show in Manila, Bryan's attention to detail and mastery of structure shine through. For his part, Kofi is an amazing babyface champion that knows how to earn sympathy and connect to a crowd. A hidden gem.
****
David Starr vs. Ilja Dragunov (WXW 11/9)
A less explosive affair than WTTF but much more focused on chickenshit heel vs. babyface dynamics. Lots of heel gimmickry and nice payback moments.
***3/4
A less explosive affair than WTTF but much more focused on chickenshit heel vs. babyface dynamics. Lots of heel gimmickry and nice payback moments.
***3/4
Dasher Hatfield vs. Mr. Touchdown (CHIKARA 4/5)
An old school style ladder match focused on ladders as weapons instead of springboards. Lots of clever touches like how they set up the final spot. Finished at the right time too.
****1/4
An old school style ladder match focused on ladders as weapons instead of springboards. Lots of clever touches like how they set up the final spot. Finished at the right time too.
****1/4
Dasher Hatfield vs. Boomer Hatfield (CHIKARA 5/26)
A fantastic babyface-heel dynamic complemented by a great structure and strong attention to detail on the mat. Don't sleep on this one.
****1/2
A fantastic babyface-heel dynamic complemented by a great structure and strong attention to detail on the mat. Don't sleep on this one.
****1/2
Warbeast vs. Outlaws Inc. (PCW Ultra 8/9)
Just a mess of a brawl in all the best ways possible. Bloody and hate filled and ugly and disgusting. This was my favorite Homicide performance in years. Warbeast impressed to with their willingness to bump and bleed.
****1/4
Just a mess of a brawl in all the best ways possible. Bloody and hate filled and ugly and disgusting. This was my favorite Homicide performance in years. Warbeast impressed to with their willingness to bump and bleed.
****1/4
Violence is Forever vs. Jollyville Fuck-Its (SUP 1/20)
A fun tag team spotfest of nonstop action for ten minutes or so. Compact and enjoyable.
***3/4
A fun tag team spotfest of nonstop action for ten minutes or so. Compact and enjoyable.
***3/4
ACH vs. Chandler Hopkins (HMW 11/22)
ACH felt like a star and he had great arm work here too. Chandler made for a good foil and his heated comeback was fun.
***3/4
ACH felt like a star and he had great arm work here too. Chandler made for a good foil and his heated comeback was fun.
***3/4
Brock Lesnar vs. Rey Mysterio (WWE 11/24)
It's been a good year for Brock experimenting with his standard formula. Here we saw a variant on the big babyface comeback that he likes to work. He sold it well despite the inevitable ending.
****
It's been a good year for Brock experimenting with his standard formula. Here we saw a variant on the big babyface comeback that he likes to work. He sold it well despite the inevitable ending.
****
Kenny Omega vs. PAC (AEW 11/27)
A quick, urgent, and hard hitting sprint with a really clever finish too. It's nice to see Omega have other ways to win than the OWA.
***3/4
A quick, urgent, and hard hitting sprint with a really clever finish too. It's nice to see Omega have other ways to win than the OWA.
***3/4
Latigo vs. Atomick Star (RCH 11/17)
Bloody. Not much else to say but that, really. They just went out and tried to kill each other and I loved it.
****1/4
Bloody. Not much else to say but that, really. They just went out and tried to kill each other and I loved it.
****1/4
Chris Brookes vs. Tetsuya Endo (DDT 11/29)
Nicely escalating match with a great selling performance from Endo that ties in wonderfully with the finish.
****
Nicely escalating match with a great selling performance from Endo that ties in wonderfully with the finish.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Effy (DOA 12/1)
Nice mix of character interactions with Makabe's attention to detail that had an inventive finishing stretch.
***3/4
Nice mix of character interactions with Makabe's attention to detail that had an inventive finishing stretch.
***3/4
Timothy Thatcher vs. Jonathan Gresham (WXW 10/6)
One of my favorite things about watching more Timothy Thatcher is seeing the ways he incorporates facial reactions and personality to his matches. It's subtle but it adds color to his technical greatness.
****
One of my favorite things about watching more Timothy Thatcher is seeing the ways he incorporates facial reactions and personality to his matches. It's subtle but it adds color to his technical greatness.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Tony Deppen (WAC 10/27)
Personally preferred the SCI match but this was really good too with bigger spots and a quicker pace. Deppen's frantic energy makes a great contrast to Makabe's detail-oriented technique.
***3/4
Personally preferred the SCI match but this was really good too with bigger spots and a quicker pace. Deppen's frantic energy makes a great contrast to Makabe's detail-oriented technique.
***3/4
Kassius Ohno vs. Tyler Bate (WWE NXT UK 11/14)
A perfectly paced match that doesn't do too much filled with great moments and details to give it substance.
****1/4
A perfectly paced match that doesn't do too much filled with great moments and details to give it substance.
****1/4
Luke Jacobs vs. Ethan Allen (Tetsujin 11/22)
A fun strikefest that escalated nicely with some decent grappling and a few nice moments mixed in as well. Great showcase for these two.
***3/4
A fun strikefest that escalated nicely with some decent grappling and a few nice moments mixed in as well. Great showcase for these two.
***3/4
Timothy Thatcher vs. Jordan Devlin (Tetsujin 11/22)
A nice piece of work that pulls Devlin away from all the big theatrics and melodrama of the OTT main event. Just a fun, compact match in a style Thatcher excels in.
***3/4
A nice piece of work that pulls Devlin away from all the big theatrics and melodrama of the OTT main event. Just a fun, compact match in a style Thatcher excels in.
***3/4
Marko Stunt vs. Kevin Ku (SUP 4/21)
A lovely compact match of returning babyface against smug heel. Short and sweet.
***3/4
A lovely compact match of returning babyface against smug heel. Short and sweet.
***3/4
Daniel Makabe vs. Ethan HD (DOA 7/7)
An excellent blend of some big spots and bumps along with some of the small moments and attention to detail that defines the best of Makabe.
****
An excellent blend of some big spots and bumps along with some of the small moments and attention to detail that defines the best of Makabe.
****
David Starr vs. A-Kid (Tetsujin 11/22)
A lot of that Tetsujin mat goodness with Starr having a great performance smothering Kid while still incorporating the big hits and bumps that I personally prefer. Good stuff.
***3/4
A lot of that Tetsujin mat goodness with Starr having a great performance smothering Kid while still incorporating the big hits and bumps that I personally prefer. Good stuff.
***3/4
Violent Giants vs. Jake Lee & Naoya Nomura (AJPW 12/9)
A really fun tag match that kept a hot pace and had a hot finishing stretch with some nailbiting false finishes. Maybe one or two too many false finishes but generally forgivable for me.
****1/4
A really fun tag match that kept a hot pace and had a hot finishing stretch with some nailbiting false finishes. Maybe one or two too many false finishes but generally forgivable for me.
****1/4
Meiko Satomura vs. Konosuke Takeshita (DDT 6/24)
Loved how Takeshita used his size advantage in subtle ways and how hard Satomura had to fight back with her strikes to gain an advantage. Excellently paced too.
****1/4
Loved how Takeshita used his size advantage in subtle ways and how hard Satomura had to fight back with her strikes to gain an advantage. Excellently paced too.
****1/4
Sareee vs. DASH Chisako (Sendai Girls 7/7)
They kept an awesome pace here, just going all out for the full duration. Didn't overstay its welcome here. Great offense and relentlessness all around.
****1/4
They kept an awesome pace here, just going all out for the full duration. Didn't overstay its welcome here. Great offense and relentlessness all around.
****1/4
Sareee vs. Meiko Satomura (Sendai Girls 4/16)
Satomura plays a great dominant veteran against Sareee's plucky underdog. Great strikes and a great pace. Easy and quality viewing.
****
Satomura plays a great dominant veteran against Sareee's plucky underdog. Great strikes and a great pace. Easy and quality viewing.
****
Dustin Rhodes & The Young Bucks vs. Sammy Guevara, Santana, & Ortiz (AEW 12/4)
It's Dustin Rhodes working a PWG match. Do I need any more reason? Fast, crowd pleasing, and didn't overstay its welcome.
****
It's Dustin Rhodes working a PWG match. Do I need any more reason? Fast, crowd pleasing, and didn't overstay its welcome.
****
Lio Rush vs. Angel Garza (WWE NXT 12/11)
Really liked the tone they set early on and the pace that they kept. Even though they deviated from the roughness of the first half, there's much more good here than bad.
***3/4
Really liked the tone they set early on and the pace that they kept. Even though they deviated from the roughness of the first half, there's much more good here than bad.
***3/4
Wheeler YUTA & Leyla Hirsch vs. AC Mack & Fred Yehi (Beyond 12/12)
This was really fun tag with classic babyface-heel dynamics. Nice intensity from everyone here.
***3/4
This was really fun tag with classic babyface-heel dynamics. Nice intensity from everyone here.
***3/4
The Brisoces vs. Jay Lethal & Jonathan Gresham (ROH 12/13)
Played out quite nicely with a strong finishing stretch. Good, sound stuff all around.
****
Played out quite nicely with a strong finishing stretch. Good, sound stuff all around.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Elliot Tyler (3-2-1 BATTLE 12/13)
Literally watched this twice in a row. As with most Makabe matches, it's great the first time. Pretty amazing the second. Tyler is no slouch either. You'll be seeing his name here way more too.
****1/4
Literally watched this twice in a row. As with most Makabe matches, it's great the first time. Pretty amazing the second. Tyler is no slouch either. You'll be seeing his name here way more too.
****1/4
Jay Lethal vs. David Starr (IPWA 4/21)
A straight up match paced well to go long with just excellent work from both men. There's a lot going against it but give it a shot.
****
A straight up match paced well to go long with just excellent work from both men. There's a lot going against it but give it a shot.
****
Jonathan Gresham vs. Jay Lethal (ROH 9/28)
A fun piece of character-based wrestling supplemented by Gresham's silky smooth technical stylings.
***3/4
A fun piece of character-based wrestling supplemented by Gresham's silky smooth technical stylings.
***3/4
Bobby Gunns vs. Timothy Thatcher (WXW 10/5)
I'm not as invested in Thatcher as some but this was the perfect match to change that. Not often that I see him play the sympathetic babyface role but he achieved it to perfection on this night. What a match, what a moment.
****1/2
I'm not as invested in Thatcher as some but this was the perfect match to change that. Not often that I see him play the sympathetic babyface role but he achieved it to perfection on this night. What a match, what a moment.
****1/2
Jordan Devlin vs. Shane Strickland (OTT 2/4)
This might be my favorite individual Devlin performance all year. Fantastic leg selling. Also, what the hell was that finishing set up? Brilliant.
****1/2
This might be my favorite individual Devlin performance all year. Fantastic leg selling. Also, what the hell was that finishing set up? Brilliant.
****1/2
Timothy Thatcher vs. David Starr (wXw 11/29)
Really compact, snug, and hard hitting match that stayed focus, well-paced, and enjoyable.
****
Really compact, snug, and hard hitting match that stayed focus, well-paced, and enjoyable.
****
David Starr vs. Absolute Andy (WXW 1/26)
Andy makes a great scummy heel champion to contrast Starr's fired up babyface. A little loose at the end but otherwise thrilling throughout. Strong false finishes even if you know the result too.
****1/4
Andy makes a great scummy heel champion to contrast Starr's fired up babyface. A little loose at the end but otherwise thrilling throughout. Strong false finishes even if you know the result too.
****1/4
Chris Jericho vs. Jungle Boy (AEW 12/18)
A piece of old school booking made to make Jungle Boy into a star. Wish Jericho worked with more urgency but Jungle Boy's hope spots were perfect especially with the set up from last week.
***3/4
A piece of old school booking made to make Jungle Boy into a star. Wish Jericho worked with more urgency but Jungle Boy's hope spots were perfect especially with the set up from last week.
***3/4
Shayna Baszler vs. Rhea Ripley (WWE NXT 12/18)
Your classic WWE fairy tale ending match. Stack the odds, crown the winner. Great stuff and a great moment. Long delayed for sure but a great match nonetheless.
****1/4
Your classic WWE fairy tale ending match. Stack the odds, crown the winner. Great stuff and a great moment. Long delayed for sure but a great match nonetheless.
****1/4
David Starr vs. Leyla Hirsch (Beyond 12/19)
Hirsch plays a great fighting babyface. Starr was excellent as the more experienced top figure. A few lulls but a lot of fun and goodness all throughout.
****
Hirsch plays a great fighting babyface. Starr was excellent as the more experienced top figure. A few lulls but a lot of fun and goodness all throughout.
****
Daniel Makabe vs. Jordon Breaks (Riptide 10/4)
A lovely piece of back and forth work that escalates nicely in its final fall with a nice wrinkle that adds a lot of urgency to the finish.
***3/4
A lovely piece of back and forth work that escalates nicely in its final fall with a nice wrinkle that adds a lot of urgency to the finish.
***3/4
David Starr vs. Terry Thatcher (OTT 1/20)
Starr's work on top as a dominating, emotional heel makes Thatcher's energetic comebacks all the more thrilling. Not to mention the brilliant finishing stretch that adds a nice wrinkle to things.
****1/4
Starr's work on top as a dominating, emotional heel makes Thatcher's energetic comebacks all the more thrilling. Not to mention the brilliant finishing stretch that adds a nice wrinkle to things.
****1/4
David Starr vs. Mike Bailey (OTT 11/30)
Just like the 5th Anniv, a little too bloated and a little too much Foxy drama. Elsewhere, the action is generally good and Starr's expressiveness is impressive if not a bit indulgent.
***3/4
Just like the 5th Anniv, a little too bloated and a little too much Foxy drama. Elsewhere, the action is generally good and Starr's expressiveness is impressive if not a bit indulgent.
***3/4
Kassius Ohno vs. Timothy Thatcher (PROGRESS 12/15)
Absolutely gross leg work by Ohno in this match. Haven't felt that engrossed by legit looking submission work since maybe ZSJ-Gresham's 2/3 Falls. Just an awesome chess match between two greats.
****1/4
Absolutely gross leg work by Ohno in this match. Haven't felt that engrossed by legit looking submission work since maybe ZSJ-Gresham's 2/3 Falls. Just an awesome chess match between two greats.
****1/4
Tetsuya Endo vs. Masato Tanaka (DDT 12/28)
Some silliness but mostly great action that keeps a good pace throughout.
****
Some silliness but mostly great action that keeps a good pace throughout.
****
Eddie Kingston vs. Erick Stevens (AIW 12/28)
My favorite Eddie Kingston match of the year. These two just beat the crap out of each other and you could really feel the wear and tear of the match from their selling by the end. Awesome slugfest.
****1/4
My favorite Eddie Kingston match of the year. These two just beat the crap out of each other and you could really feel the wear and tear of the match from their selling by the end. Awesome slugfest.
****1/4
Daniel Makabe vs. Carlos Romo (BPW 9/7)
Just a really fun, tense back and forth that makes the most of very little as most Makabe matches do.
****
Just a really fun, tense back and forth that makes the most of very little as most Makabe matches do.
****
David Starr vs. Erick Stevens (Beyond 12/31)
Your standard indie epic formula with a little blood but Starr is a guy who can make the most of that formula. Doesn't overstay its welcome either.
****
Your standard indie epic formula with a little blood but Starr is a guy who can make the most of that formula. Doesn't overstay its welcome either.
****
