CHAOS (Jado, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI vs Captain New Japan, Tama Tonga & Wataru Inoue [*1/2]
YOUNG BOYS FIGHT! I have no confidence in Captain New Japan to win anything but his team actually won. Tama Tonga has a complete Jimmy Snuka gimmick and showed the most charisma out of the bunch. He won with a K.I.D. into a DDT.
Hiromu Takahashi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs BUSHI, KUSHIDA & Ryusuke Taguchi [**]
This was a dark match on the card and these six men gave a solid effort, I hate seeing a team with Tiger Mask and Liger losing. BUSHI gets the pin after the 450 splash of death on Takahashi.
CHAOS (Takashi Izuka, Toru Yano & Yujiro Takahashi) & Bob Sapp vs Muscle Orchestra (Manabu Nakanishi & Strongman), Akebono & MVP [**]
If you like big bulls going at it, this is for you. Nakanishi getting who I believe was Yano up in the torture rack was awesome, it also got a massive pop from the crowd. This was not the match for MVP as he kinda gets lost in all the big man offense but hits his elbow and a couple other moves. Akebono against Bob Sapp was crazy fun. The cool thing about big men is that if you get a little bit of work out of them it goes so far, whereas a Junior has to work a lot harder to get the same reaction. Nakanishi gets the win with a torture rack.
Masato Tanaka© vs Shelton Benjamin - NEVER Openweight Title [*3/4]
I like the idea of the NEVER title, a very NXTish idea. Shelton Benjamin got some good pops for his athletic stuff and got all of his moves in. This match was going along fine until Tanaka's seconds got involved and it fell to crap. Benjamin went between the ropes only to hold on two or three full second until he was hit with the cane. Tanaka hit the Sliding D elbow to retain the title.
Killer Elite Squad (Davey Boy Smith Jr & Lance Archer)© vs Hirooki Goto & Karl Anderson - IWPG Tag Team Titles [**3/4]
I thought this was good, not great. The problem is that there wasn't a great story being told in the ring. I like kicks to the face and there were no shortage of them here. KES hit the Killer Bomb on both members of the Machine Guns, and on Goto twice for the win. I like the Killer Bomb, very impressive move when performed by two tall guys.
Minoru Suzuki vs Yuji Nagata [***3/4]
Nagata is amazing and puts on a fantastic performance. This had kicks and slaps to the face which are a definite plus. Nagata weakened Suzuki's arm which game him an avenue to counter the slaps and completely negate half of them. Nagata's facial expressions are so good, he looks like he is mustering all his energy into putting on holds like an armlock. It helps to give the match more of an epic feel. Nagata got the pin with a backdrop Suplex hold.
Prince Devitt © vs Kota Isbushi vs Low Ki - IWGP Jr Heavyweight Title [***1/2]
These three put it all on the line for this one, as we get non stop action for the entire bout. We get the awesome Tornado Enzaguri's and even some moves out on the ramp. Low Ki apparently is running with a Hitman gimmick complete with tattooed bar code on the base of his skull. Sadly we did not get to see if he does that crazy scream when doing the top rope double stomp. Isbushi was awsome and flew all over the place. The match felt like Isbushi and Ki vs Devitt, it is great to pin the champion but you can pin the other guy for the belt too. Devitt took the win with a Top Rope Single Underhook Vertical Drop DDT.
Kenji Muto & Shinjiro Otani vs TenKoji (Hiroyoshi Tenzen & Satoshi Kojima) [***]
Good match and very cool to see the fans so into both teams. The crowd knew all four wrestlers big spots and popped loudly for all of them. I would have popped huge to see a power drive elbow from the 50 year old Muto, but no dice. Muto's pose during the count after the powerbomb was fantastic. Kojima laid in the chops and Otani returned the favor with a great face wash sequence. The arm and legwork were nice but ultimately did not lead anywhere. Tenzen got the pin on Otani after a moonsault.
Katsuyori Shibata vs Togi Makabe [***3/4]
These two hated each other and it shows. From the outset it was all out action. They threw stiff kicks and forearms aplenty. Makabe even put Shibata through a ringside table which ruled. The story was based around Shibata's penalty kick against Makabe's lariat. Makabe won with the Top Rope King Kong Kneedrop. Fun match and much different than the rest of the card.
Shinsuke Nakamura© vs Kazushi Sakuraba - IWGP Intercontinental Title [****]
I loved this match. There wasn't so much of a story just who could outlast the others strikes. We got an awesome pro wrestling/MMA hybrid that the fans ate up. When Nakamura popped up and hit a running knee strike the crowd was all over it. Nakamura picked Sakuraba up in a Death Valley Driver and the fans popped for it. This had a believability factor unlike any other match of the night. This is the type of stuff Hayato does in M-Pro. I popped so many times this is well worth taking a look.
Hiroshi Tanahashi© vs Kazuchika Okada - IWGP Heavyweight Title [****]
I wanted to like this more than I did, while being a very good match I think it is a case of a match not being able to live up to the hype given. This had a story of Tanahashi trying to stay away from The Rainmaker while also working over Okada's leg. Okada sold that leg to the end and had me thinking he was going to take the match after surviving all of Tanahashi's best shots including the High Fly Flow. Luckily Tanahashi found a way to win and keep the 68th title reign from becoming the 69th. This match had a very slow build and may have killed the match for some. Through the loss Okada still looks like a tough SOB having to take two High Fly Flow's to be beaten. Tanahashi may be NJPW's John Cena but I have become a fan of his anyhow. Some seem to be put off by his dominance of the title picture, and at least in the short term that may not change, but I really like him. Tanahashi puts on great matches, have a great look and a fun moveset. Love it or hate it it is an important match that is worth an hour of your time.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
WWE Main Event 01/02
Miz and Cole inform us we will hear from CM Punk's doctors to see if he will be cleared to wrestle Ryback Monday on RAW. They also hype the main event which is billed as a big match. I said last week I thought Khali would go over so Cesaro could assent to greater heights.
Cesaro comes out with more hype and video packages. Khali is so going over, this is the biggest platform the US Title has ever been featured since its return. This is made to look like a big deal and I know Khali is going over.
Antonio Cesaro vs The Great Khali - United States Championship
I can't believe it but I was completely wrong. Cesaro and Khali have a pretty good match revolving around Cesaro cutting Khali down to size by destroying his legs. Also Cesaro has to stay away from the mammouth chops Khali throws as when he is in position for one he has no way to counter them. Cesaro gets Khali up in the neutralizer and it is awesome. I find it odd (and Cole even mentioned it) that an Indian, Canadian, and an Irish midget would chant USA USA. I guess it may be one of those McMahon ironic twist type of things he seemingly loves to book. Impressive win for the Swiss native.
Cesaro and Miz have a verbal confrontation where Miz defends America.
Replay shows I shouldn't have skipped RAW as Wade Barrett won the IC Title from Kifi Kingston.
The WWE physician says CM Punk is 100% and Punk can wrestle Monday against Ryback.
Wade Barrett JTTS Gauntlet Match
Yoshi Tatsu
One of the hardest elbows you will see in WWE...that was it.
JTG
JTG puts up more of a fight, Bull Hammer elbow for the win.
Justin Gabriel
Barrett gets a tougher test here having to deal with the strikes and air tactics of Gabriel. This match put over how close Gabriel is to breaking through. I think he will break in the tag ranks but apparently my instincts aren't the best tonight. So far the gauntlet is putting over the Bull Hammer as a death blow to be feared.
Kofi Kingston
Wade said he would challenge anyone and the face pulls the wool over the heels eyes. Barrett is so shocked he get nothing in and is dominated by Kofi who hits him with all of his moves. Trouble in Paradise ends it and Kofi has the upper hand going into the Smackdown rematch.
Main Event is a great wrestling show, maybe the best WWE runs on a weekly basis. It is easy to watch being only and hour and does not feel like overload as RAW can easily do.
Cesaro comes out with more hype and video packages. Khali is so going over, this is the biggest platform the US Title has ever been featured since its return. This is made to look like a big deal and I know Khali is going over.
Antonio Cesaro vs The Great Khali - United States Championship
I can't believe it but I was completely wrong. Cesaro and Khali have a pretty good match revolving around Cesaro cutting Khali down to size by destroying his legs. Also Cesaro has to stay away from the mammouth chops Khali throws as when he is in position for one he has no way to counter them. Cesaro gets Khali up in the neutralizer and it is awesome. I find it odd (and Cole even mentioned it) that an Indian, Canadian, and an Irish midget would chant USA USA. I guess it may be one of those McMahon ironic twist type of things he seemingly loves to book. Impressive win for the Swiss native.
Cesaro and Miz have a verbal confrontation where Miz defends America.
Replay shows I shouldn't have skipped RAW as Wade Barrett won the IC Title from Kifi Kingston.
The WWE physician says CM Punk is 100% and Punk can wrestle Monday against Ryback.
Wade Barrett JTTS Gauntlet Match
Yoshi Tatsu
One of the hardest elbows you will see in WWE...that was it.
JTG
JTG puts up more of a fight, Bull Hammer elbow for the win.
Justin Gabriel
Barrett gets a tougher test here having to deal with the strikes and air tactics of Gabriel. This match put over how close Gabriel is to breaking through. I think he will break in the tag ranks but apparently my instincts aren't the best tonight. So far the gauntlet is putting over the Bull Hammer as a death blow to be feared.
Kofi Kingston
Wade said he would challenge anyone and the face pulls the wool over the heels eyes. Barrett is so shocked he get nothing in and is dominated by Kofi who hits him with all of his moves. Trouble in Paradise ends it and Kofi has the upper hand going into the Smackdown rematch.
Main Event is a great wrestling show, maybe the best WWE runs on a weekly basis. It is easy to watch being only and hour and does not feel like overload as RAW can easily do.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
MPro 11/10/12
Kenbai vs Ayumu Gunji
Not much here, Kenbai has some nice holds while rookie Gunji has an excellent dropkick and nice facial expressions. Kenbai destroys Gunji with a top rope double stomp for the win.
Yapper Man #1, Yapper Man #2 & Yapper Man #3 vs Kinya Oyanagi, Katsuo & Mika Iida
Must stay positive, must stay positive, must stay positive. Yapper Man #3 and Mika Iida both had fantastic dropkicks. Katsuo looks like a giant baby in a diaper. I am not sure I am a fan of comedy wrestling, I like Colt Cabana but I did not like this.
Ultimo Dragon & Kesen Numagirolamo vs Rasse & Owen Phoenix
Ultimo Dragon is good, Rasse is good, Owen Phoenix tries hard, Numagirolamo sucks. Numagirolamo has the worst shining wizard I have ever seen and one of his moves is an assbutt. Of course he gets the win with a Muscle Buster on Pheonix.
Rui Hyugaji vs Daichi Sasaki
This was more of a beating than I expected. Once Hyugaji nailed Sasaki with the Singapore Cane in the knees he went to work on them and did not stop. Sasaki got one last gasp but the Texas Cloverleaf finishes him off for good. Hyugaji scored points with me for putting the figure four on correctly (the injured leg is the straight leg not the stepover toe hold leg) but his timing was off for a few spots. This was good enough for an indy, not New Japan or All Japan worthy however.
Asura (Kenou, Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei) vs Hayato Army (Tekeshi Minamino, Manjimaru & Ken45° )
Though it was entertaining enough, this was a complete garbage match. I like the Brahmans, they are always crazy. Their big spot is trapping an opponent in the corner with a chair to brace the street cone near their nuts and rolling a bowling ball up the incline of the chair which drives the cone squarely into the opponents jewels. Ken45° hit a tombstone piledriver out of the death valley driver position and it ruled! Asura, always the opportunists, use a run in, and salt for Kenou to dragon suplex Ken45° for the pin.
Fujita Hayato Jr. © vs Great Sasuke - Tohoku Jr Heavyweight Title
Sasuke has a sound strategy to work on the arm and go back to the Kimura Lock any time the opportunity presented itself. Besides the arm work he also worked over a leg and gave Hayato a piledriver on the ring apron. Hayato survived this encounter and it felt like when he found an opening for the K.I.D. Sasuke panicked and got to the ropes. The second time Hayato locked in the maneuver it was over. Great match well worth tracking down.
Not much here, Kenbai has some nice holds while rookie Gunji has an excellent dropkick and nice facial expressions. Kenbai destroys Gunji with a top rope double stomp for the win.
Yapper Man #1, Yapper Man #2 & Yapper Man #3 vs Kinya Oyanagi, Katsuo & Mika Iida
Must stay positive, must stay positive, must stay positive. Yapper Man #3 and Mika Iida both had fantastic dropkicks. Katsuo looks like a giant baby in a diaper. I am not sure I am a fan of comedy wrestling, I like Colt Cabana but I did not like this.
Ultimo Dragon & Kesen Numagirolamo vs Rasse & Owen Phoenix
Ultimo Dragon is good, Rasse is good, Owen Phoenix tries hard, Numagirolamo sucks. Numagirolamo has the worst shining wizard I have ever seen and one of his moves is an assbutt. Of course he gets the win with a Muscle Buster on Pheonix.
Rui Hyugaji vs Daichi Sasaki
This was more of a beating than I expected. Once Hyugaji nailed Sasaki with the Singapore Cane in the knees he went to work on them and did not stop. Sasaki got one last gasp but the Texas Cloverleaf finishes him off for good. Hyugaji scored points with me for putting the figure four on correctly (the injured leg is the straight leg not the stepover toe hold leg) but his timing was off for a few spots. This was good enough for an indy, not New Japan or All Japan worthy however.
Asura (Kenou, Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei) vs Hayato Army (Tekeshi Minamino, Manjimaru & Ken45° )
Though it was entertaining enough, this was a complete garbage match. I like the Brahmans, they are always crazy. Their big spot is trapping an opponent in the corner with a chair to brace the street cone near their nuts and rolling a bowling ball up the incline of the chair which drives the cone squarely into the opponents jewels. Ken45° hit a tombstone piledriver out of the death valley driver position and it ruled! Asura, always the opportunists, use a run in, and salt for Kenou to dragon suplex Ken45° for the pin.
Fujita Hayato Jr. © vs Great Sasuke - Tohoku Jr Heavyweight Title
Sasuke has a sound strategy to work on the arm and go back to the Kimura Lock any time the opportunity presented itself. Besides the arm work he also worked over a leg and gave Hayato a piledriver on the ring apron. Hayato survived this encounter and it felt like when he found an opening for the K.I.D. Sasuke panicked and got to the ropes. The second time Hayato locked in the maneuver it was over. Great match well worth tracking down.
Why I Love Professional Wrestling-1
This is a set I purchased a few years ago because it sounded like a fun random set. I was blown away at the randomness this set offers. Please note I am breaking most of these sets by how much I watch per day as opposed to breaking the setup by disc. This should allow for a better flow in doing multiple shows or sets at one time.
Ron Wright interview (WWOW Knoxville 1973)
If you like southern mountain wrestling then this segment is for you. Everyone involved save for the announcer has a thick southern accent straight from the mountains of Tennessee. Ron Wright is your typical heel manager/wrestler who had a match the previous night that got him fined and suspended due to his conflict with the referee. The interview consists of a rant by Wright celebrating what happened last night until he is informed of his suspension and fine. This little piece of information sets Ron off and he has another confrontation with the referee that includes the weakest backhand slap in the history of wrestling. Favorite quotes include calling the referee's stripes black, yellow and white, as well as calling all of them nitwits. It is such a fun little interview that is simply amazing and does its job in making me wish the footage from the wrestling match that was made between the referee and Ron Wright for Lenior City was available somewhere. There are a few full shows of Knoxville wrestling from this time period on YouTube that may be worth searching out.
Gran Apache/Faby Apache/Polovo de Estrellas/Mini Abismo Negro vs Oscar Sevilla/Cynthia Moreno/Pimpinella Estrella/Mascarita Sagrada (HUSTLE 05/08/04)
If I was looking for randomness you cannot beat this match. It has everything from women to cross dressers to midgets. Pimpinella Estrella is better known as Casandro and is a crowd favorite. This match felt like a Lucha intro for the Japanese crowd. It had crazy holds and flipity flopity goodness you expect from Lucha. Mascarita Sagrada who I believe was Max Mini in the WWF is the star of the show. Just amazing athleticism encased in his tiny frame. At one point he does a flying hunanconrada from the top rope over the barricade. Mascarita Sagrada pulls the upset with a roll up on the elder statesman of the match, Gran Apache. This is classic Lucha booking with the man you least expect to win the match wins the match against the person you would least expect him to win it over.
The Texas Outlaws in a Bar (The Wrestler 1974)
The Wrestler was a 1974 movie produced by Verne Gange and it is as cheesy as anything in wrestling. This scene is Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch in a bar trying to stay out of trouble but as always trouble finds them. They end up defending wrestling in a bar fight against two karate masters from Japan. I like my Rhodes and Murdoch as much as anyone but I this clip isn't for me.....save for the slam on the pinball machine, that was awesome.
Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio Jr. (WWE Smackdown 06/23/05)
Eddie Guerrero was such a master of his craft. Here he leads Rey to an unbelievable TV match that had the crowd on the edge of their seat the entire match. It is rare in this day and age of the WWE that a crowd is so hot for a match by the finish. I say Eddie was the mastermind behind the match as since Eddie's death Rey has not had a match anywhere near as good as what was featured in this series of bouts. They start with a decent little wrestling match and it hits a different level when Eddie snaps and shoves Rey off the top rope off of a clean break, Eddie spends the remainder of the match working on Rey's spine. Rey rebounds with a flurry of offense ending in a 619, hunanconrada roll up into a pin. This furthered the storyline that Eddie could not defeat Rey. A simple wrestling storyline told so well can still hook fans in the 21st century.
Ron Wright interview (WWOW Knoxville 1973)
If you like southern mountain wrestling then this segment is for you. Everyone involved save for the announcer has a thick southern accent straight from the mountains of Tennessee. Ron Wright is your typical heel manager/wrestler who had a match the previous night that got him fined and suspended due to his conflict with the referee. The interview consists of a rant by Wright celebrating what happened last night until he is informed of his suspension and fine. This little piece of information sets Ron off and he has another confrontation with the referee that includes the weakest backhand slap in the history of wrestling. Favorite quotes include calling the referee's stripes black, yellow and white, as well as calling all of them nitwits. It is such a fun little interview that is simply amazing and does its job in making me wish the footage from the wrestling match that was made between the referee and Ron Wright for Lenior City was available somewhere. There are a few full shows of Knoxville wrestling from this time period on YouTube that may be worth searching out.
Gran Apache/Faby Apache/Polovo de Estrellas/Mini Abismo Negro vs Oscar Sevilla/Cynthia Moreno/Pimpinella Estrella/Mascarita Sagrada (HUSTLE 05/08/04)
If I was looking for randomness you cannot beat this match. It has everything from women to cross dressers to midgets. Pimpinella Estrella is better known as Casandro and is a crowd favorite. This match felt like a Lucha intro for the Japanese crowd. It had crazy holds and flipity flopity goodness you expect from Lucha. Mascarita Sagrada who I believe was Max Mini in the WWF is the star of the show. Just amazing athleticism encased in his tiny frame. At one point he does a flying hunanconrada from the top rope over the barricade. Mascarita Sagrada pulls the upset with a roll up on the elder statesman of the match, Gran Apache. This is classic Lucha booking with the man you least expect to win the match wins the match against the person you would least expect him to win it over.
The Texas Outlaws in a Bar (The Wrestler 1974)
The Wrestler was a 1974 movie produced by Verne Gange and it is as cheesy as anything in wrestling. This scene is Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch in a bar trying to stay out of trouble but as always trouble finds them. They end up defending wrestling in a bar fight against two karate masters from Japan. I like my Rhodes and Murdoch as much as anyone but I this clip isn't for me.....save for the slam on the pinball machine, that was awesome.
Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio Jr. (WWE Smackdown 06/23/05)
Eddie Guerrero was such a master of his craft. Here he leads Rey to an unbelievable TV match that had the crowd on the edge of their seat the entire match. It is rare in this day and age of the WWE that a crowd is so hot for a match by the finish. I say Eddie was the mastermind behind the match as since Eddie's death Rey has not had a match anywhere near as good as what was featured in this series of bouts. They start with a decent little wrestling match and it hits a different level when Eddie snaps and shoves Rey off the top rope off of a clean break, Eddie spends the remainder of the match working on Rey's spine. Rey rebounds with a flurry of offense ending in a 619, hunanconrada roll up into a pin. This furthered the storyline that Eddie could not defeat Rey. A simple wrestling storyline told so well can still hook fans in the 21st century.
Dragon Gate: Crown Gate 2012 Tag 7 11/17/12
BxB Hulk & Kzy vs Don Fuji & Masaaki Mochizuki
MAD BLANKEY vs Team Veteran Returns. Fuji & Mochizuki are the Twin Gate champions but are not defending. They are a fantastic team and pull out fun offense like a rubber band to the eye. It is some of the crazy random things I love about DG. The champs opened Kzy's bodysuit to the point his arms were trapped which is a smart ploy. Fuji pinned Kzy after an crazy chokeslam off the tope rope. Dragon Gate rules because everyone is so light they are able to do all sorts of insane spots. I like the tag champs, they work very well as a team and hope to see more from them soon.
Kotoka vs Mondai Ryu
Mondai Ryu interfered in the last match and grabs the mic when it is over and challenges Kotoka and the match starts immediately. Kzy and the tag champs are still around the ring and both get involved in the early going including a chokeslam on the floor by Fuji. I love that man! Kotoka is going to be good and very well could have a breakout year in 2013 or 2014. He FLIES around the ring, I assume he downs a lot of Red Bull before a match. He looses to Ryu after hit head hits the exposed turnbuckle and is schoolboyed for the pin. Afterward Ryu argues with Fuji & Mochizuki presumably setting up a title match down the road.
Jimmy Kanda vs Super Shisa
I liked Super Shisa because his move set was more interesting than what Kanda brought to the table. Shisa did the headstand on the turnbuckle spot and when Kanda came rushing in he did a leg split to throw him off guard. It is little things that make me like a wrestler. He also did a nice riff on the shoulder block spot that many DG matches employ. Instead of just shoulder blocks he goes in between the ropes and comes off with a drop kick. Kanda ends up winning with an elbow off the top rope.
Shingo Takagi, Super Shinlong & YAMATO vs Akira Tozawa, Cyber Kong & Scott Reed
We get a nice DG sprint with the always awesome Cyber Kong. He is always shows his strength over the smaller DG wrestlers. Scott Reed looked pretty good. Match is fun but nothing memorable in a long line of DG sprints.
Jimmy Kagetora, & Jimmy Susumu vs CIMA & Dragon Kid
I have become a Team Veteran Returns and not just because they hold every title in Dragon Gate. With members like CIMA, Dragon Kid and Fuji they are technically proficient and a lot of fun. This match had a slow build that turns into a hot match by the end. There were some cool spots like kicking the legs of the guy swinging around on a 619. That is such a great defense of the move. TVR had Jimmy Kagetora tied up in the corner trading chops on him. CIMA removes the bottom turnbuckle pad and wallops Kagetora with it. The pad hitting Kagetora was so loud, awesome effect. I thought CIMA had the victory after coming off the top rope with a swank knee drop. Dragon Kid's Dragonrana picks up the victory for TVR. Fun match well worth looking up.
GAMMA, HUB & Magnitude Kishiawa© vs Genki Horiguchi, Kyukyu Toyonaka Dolphin & Rio Jimmy Saito vs Masato Yoshino, Naruki Doi & Syachihoko BOY - Open the Triangle Gate Title Elimination Match
This was awesome, no other way to put it. Anything one might be interested in (save for blood) was in this match, high flying, sprinting, brawling, weapons, everything. Once this match breaks down it is crazy just something happening at all times. Sadly Team Veteran Returns looses the belts to WORLD-1 International (Yoshino, Doi & Syachihoko BOY) but the match was awesome.
After the match GAMMA took off Syachihoko BOY's mask. His face could not be seen and the mask was returned. Good show worth a look.
MAD BLANKEY vs Team Veteran Returns. Fuji & Mochizuki are the Twin Gate champions but are not defending. They are a fantastic team and pull out fun offense like a rubber band to the eye. It is some of the crazy random things I love about DG. The champs opened Kzy's bodysuit to the point his arms were trapped which is a smart ploy. Fuji pinned Kzy after an crazy chokeslam off the tope rope. Dragon Gate rules because everyone is so light they are able to do all sorts of insane spots. I like the tag champs, they work very well as a team and hope to see more from them soon.
Kotoka vs Mondai Ryu
Mondai Ryu interfered in the last match and grabs the mic when it is over and challenges Kotoka and the match starts immediately. Kzy and the tag champs are still around the ring and both get involved in the early going including a chokeslam on the floor by Fuji. I love that man! Kotoka is going to be good and very well could have a breakout year in 2013 or 2014. He FLIES around the ring, I assume he downs a lot of Red Bull before a match. He looses to Ryu after hit head hits the exposed turnbuckle and is schoolboyed for the pin. Afterward Ryu argues with Fuji & Mochizuki presumably setting up a title match down the road.
Jimmy Kanda vs Super Shisa
I liked Super Shisa because his move set was more interesting than what Kanda brought to the table. Shisa did the headstand on the turnbuckle spot and when Kanda came rushing in he did a leg split to throw him off guard. It is little things that make me like a wrestler. He also did a nice riff on the shoulder block spot that many DG matches employ. Instead of just shoulder blocks he goes in between the ropes and comes off with a drop kick. Kanda ends up winning with an elbow off the top rope.
Shingo Takagi, Super Shinlong & YAMATO vs Akira Tozawa, Cyber Kong & Scott Reed
We get a nice DG sprint with the always awesome Cyber Kong. He is always shows his strength over the smaller DG wrestlers. Scott Reed looked pretty good. Match is fun but nothing memorable in a long line of DG sprints.
Jimmy Kagetora, & Jimmy Susumu vs CIMA & Dragon Kid
I have become a Team Veteran Returns and not just because they hold every title in Dragon Gate. With members like CIMA, Dragon Kid and Fuji they are technically proficient and a lot of fun. This match had a slow build that turns into a hot match by the end. There were some cool spots like kicking the legs of the guy swinging around on a 619. That is such a great defense of the move. TVR had Jimmy Kagetora tied up in the corner trading chops on him. CIMA removes the bottom turnbuckle pad and wallops Kagetora with it. The pad hitting Kagetora was so loud, awesome effect. I thought CIMA had the victory after coming off the top rope with a swank knee drop. Dragon Kid's Dragonrana picks up the victory for TVR. Fun match well worth looking up.
GAMMA, HUB & Magnitude Kishiawa© vs Genki Horiguchi, Kyukyu Toyonaka Dolphin & Rio Jimmy Saito vs Masato Yoshino, Naruki Doi & Syachihoko BOY - Open the Triangle Gate Title Elimination Match
This was awesome, no other way to put it. Anything one might be interested in (save for blood) was in this match, high flying, sprinting, brawling, weapons, everything. Once this match breaks down it is crazy just something happening at all times. Sadly Team Veteran Returns looses the belts to WORLD-1 International (Yoshino, Doi & Syachihoko BOY) but the match was awesome.
After the match GAMMA took off Syachihoko BOY's mask. His face could not be seen and the mask was returned. Good show worth a look.
Why I love Professional Wrestling Part 2
Buildup for AJ Styles vs Dusty Rhodes (NWA-TNA 10/03)
There was good here, but my goodness do I hate Russo. Why on Earth he thinks putting himself on screen makes the product better I will never know. There is some good booking in this build with Dusty challenging AJ for the title pissing off Dusty's friend Jeff Jarrett. Eric Watts promises Jarrett that he has a shot set in stone. Meanwhile AJ slapped Russo, who was his manager at the time, then apologized and Russo leaves him on his own for this match. There is a lot going on in the build and all the Russo stuff could be left out and it would give it a less is more dynamic. As it is it is ok but TNA then is a far cry from TNA now and there is good and bad that goes with it. Production values are up but that is not always a good thing. I like the feeling of old TNA being closer to reality than we have today. At least I didn't have to see any of the Dupps!
The Sheephearders vs The Fantastics (NWA Crockett Cup 4/19/86)
These four had more of a wrestling match than I remembered. My recollection of this match was only of the wild brawl this turned into at the end. The Sheephearders are good in their element, brawling, they are wild and unpredictable. The Fantastics are great wrestlers and it is odd to see them in this setting fighting for their lives. This brawl was wild for a prestigious tournament with a $1million dollar purse. All four of the competitors end up a bloody mess and one of Tommy Rodgers drop kicks reveals a huge bloodstain on the bottom of his boot. Would hate to be on the recieving end of that drop kick. The New Zealand flag is the only weapon used and everyone including Jack Victory gets hit with it. The referee DQ's all four and the match is thrown out. Fun match from a time period where this wasn't the norm.
Clive Myers vs Steve Grey (World of Sport 11/22/75)
I have watched very few bouts from World of Sport in England, but know if carried a reputation of good wrestling, Both participants show a great knowledge of holds and timing. They counter holds and counter the counters and believe it or not it is a wrestling match. This is certainly a grapplers delight as there are few slams or throws. Steve Grey impressed me with a comical counter to a couple of Myers holds where he would roll into a ball where Myers could not grab a limb to put into a hold. It has the same protective effect of a turtle or hermit crab retreating into its shell. I think this day and age that the amount of striking that goes on in a wresting match would negate this move. Myers wins with a schoolboy roll up in the fourth round.
There was good here, but my goodness do I hate Russo. Why on Earth he thinks putting himself on screen makes the product better I will never know. There is some good booking in this build with Dusty challenging AJ for the title pissing off Dusty's friend Jeff Jarrett. Eric Watts promises Jarrett that he has a shot set in stone. Meanwhile AJ slapped Russo, who was his manager at the time, then apologized and Russo leaves him on his own for this match. There is a lot going on in the build and all the Russo stuff could be left out and it would give it a less is more dynamic. As it is it is ok but TNA then is a far cry from TNA now and there is good and bad that goes with it. Production values are up but that is not always a good thing. I like the feeling of old TNA being closer to reality than we have today. At least I didn't have to see any of the Dupps!
The Sheephearders vs The Fantastics (NWA Crockett Cup 4/19/86)
These four had more of a wrestling match than I remembered. My recollection of this match was only of the wild brawl this turned into at the end. The Sheephearders are good in their element, brawling, they are wild and unpredictable. The Fantastics are great wrestlers and it is odd to see them in this setting fighting for their lives. This brawl was wild for a prestigious tournament with a $1million dollar purse. All four of the competitors end up a bloody mess and one of Tommy Rodgers drop kicks reveals a huge bloodstain on the bottom of his boot. Would hate to be on the recieving end of that drop kick. The New Zealand flag is the only weapon used and everyone including Jack Victory gets hit with it. The referee DQ's all four and the match is thrown out. Fun match from a time period where this wasn't the norm.
Clive Myers vs Steve Grey (World of Sport 11/22/75)
I have watched very few bouts from World of Sport in England, but know if carried a reputation of good wrestling, Both participants show a great knowledge of holds and timing. They counter holds and counter the counters and believe it or not it is a wrestling match. This is certainly a grapplers delight as there are few slams or throws. Steve Grey impressed me with a comical counter to a couple of Myers holds where he would roll into a ball where Myers could not grab a limb to put into a hold. It has the same protective effect of a turtle or hermit crab retreating into its shell. I think this day and age that the amount of striking that goes on in a wresting match would negate this move. Myers wins with a schoolboy roll up in the fourth round.
Monday, December 31, 2012
WWE Smackdown 12/28/12
Not sure if it is me but I feel as if Smackdown is insignificant. I think I can just watch Raw and not miss a beat on what is going on in the WWE. But being the wrestling addict that I am there is always that chance I could miss a great Midcard match so here I sit for another two hours of Smackdown!
Shaemus is out to call out the Big Show. Shaemus is trying to get a shot at the championship and Show is doing everything in his power to not face Shaemus again. Show was absolutely right in that Shaemus cannot beat show when it matters. Bookers plan for the night includes a drawing to see who faces Show for the title in the main event. I had Shaemus winning but Santino won the drawing and I could see a scenario where he wins the title too. Show is way overconfident he will win and Santino has almost won the crown once before. This will be interesting.
Primo vs Brodus Clay
This was the very definition of a squash. Primo got one offensive move in...a kick. Brodus cleans up with the big ass splash. This was pointless, and didn't move anyone up. Brodus should be past these squashes and onto more competitive matches as he has been in the WWE close to a year. Maybe Primo pissed off someone up the ladder and this is his punishment. This one sided squash makes no sense to me.
Shaemus is trying to teach Santino the Brogue Kick and Santino pulls a major hamstring, great.
Kofi Kingston and Team Hell No vs Wade Barrett and Team Rhodes Scholars
There feels like there are a thousand tag team matches on Smackdown and RAW. This fell somewhere in the middle. It was all about Barrett and Kingston. Team Hell No literally did nothing of note. Kingston is going to be a world champion at some point maybe by the end of this year.
Because of Santino's injury he cannot compete and another name will be drawn out of the tumbler. We may see Shaemus winning the World Title tonight. After the break it turns out Ricardo's name was drawn from the hopper and Big Show is ecstatic. He doesn't like Ricardo's announcing and knocks him out.
Zack Ryder vs Antonio Cesaro
This was a squash a couple of steps above the Brodus squash. Ryder gets a big pop coming out and a USA chant to motivate him to get out of a hold but he doesn't even connect with the Broski Boot. Cesaro's neutralizer easily puts Ryder away.
The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler
Talk about phoning it in, this was rest hold after rest hold with little or no crowd involvement until the end. The most interesting stuff about this Ziggler win involved AJ (though Big E Langston catching Dolph in mid air was impressive). Miz blew AJ a kiss that pissed her off and after the match more or less called her a whore and that really pissed her off. The post match brawl was more energetic and entertaining than the match and ended with Langston destroying Miz. Langston is huge and garners great reactions every time I have seen him.
Brad Maddox shows up while Booker is trying to figure out if Ricardo will be ok. He drops a " Can you dig that sucka" on Booker and it is awesome. He gets a match next, then Alberto comes to console his friend and gets a championship match tonight with the Big Show. So much for drawing a random name I guess.
Brad Maddox vs Shaemus
Shaemus is the surprise opponent and I am hoping for a good match...and a Maddox win. Sadly it still isn't Maddox's time just yet. This is another squash and is Maddox's last chance to earn a contract on Smackdown.
Prime Time Players vs The Usos
The Usos so cheated to win! The PTP's should be challenging Team Hell No for the titles as they are better than any other challenging team save for Team Rhodes Scholars. This match was extremely quick and I bet the intros were longer. Cutting a squash match would have given this more time.
The Shield sent in a video. They claim they are just getting started and 2013 is going to be their year. I love The Shield they are 10000 times better than Aces & 8's.
Big Show is pissed ADR got the title shot but he is ready to knock him out.
Big Show © vs Alberto Del Rio - World Heavyweight Title
Del Rio gets a monster pop coming out. This match wasn't much since they didn't have much time to really develop a deep story. Alberto finally gets the upper hand and is about to turn Show over for the cross arm breaker then Show leaves. Shaemus stops him and gets ADR disqualified, while the entire locker room forces Show back to the ring for ADR and Shaemus to get a little revenge. Shaemus is extremely over and would not be surprised if he wins the Rumble and beats Show at Wrestlemania.
This was a down show tonight with a lot of short squash matches, hopefully things will pick up in the new year.
Shaemus is out to call out the Big Show. Shaemus is trying to get a shot at the championship and Show is doing everything in his power to not face Shaemus again. Show was absolutely right in that Shaemus cannot beat show when it matters. Bookers plan for the night includes a drawing to see who faces Show for the title in the main event. I had Shaemus winning but Santino won the drawing and I could see a scenario where he wins the title too. Show is way overconfident he will win and Santino has almost won the crown once before. This will be interesting.
Primo vs Brodus Clay
This was the very definition of a squash. Primo got one offensive move in...a kick. Brodus cleans up with the big ass splash. This was pointless, and didn't move anyone up. Brodus should be past these squashes and onto more competitive matches as he has been in the WWE close to a year. Maybe Primo pissed off someone up the ladder and this is his punishment. This one sided squash makes no sense to me.
Shaemus is trying to teach Santino the Brogue Kick and Santino pulls a major hamstring, great.
Kofi Kingston and Team Hell No vs Wade Barrett and Team Rhodes Scholars
There feels like there are a thousand tag team matches on Smackdown and RAW. This fell somewhere in the middle. It was all about Barrett and Kingston. Team Hell No literally did nothing of note. Kingston is going to be a world champion at some point maybe by the end of this year.
Because of Santino's injury he cannot compete and another name will be drawn out of the tumbler. We may see Shaemus winning the World Title tonight. After the break it turns out Ricardo's name was drawn from the hopper and Big Show is ecstatic. He doesn't like Ricardo's announcing and knocks him out.
Zack Ryder vs Antonio Cesaro
This was a squash a couple of steps above the Brodus squash. Ryder gets a big pop coming out and a USA chant to motivate him to get out of a hold but he doesn't even connect with the Broski Boot. Cesaro's neutralizer easily puts Ryder away.
The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler
Talk about phoning it in, this was rest hold after rest hold with little or no crowd involvement until the end. The most interesting stuff about this Ziggler win involved AJ (though Big E Langston catching Dolph in mid air was impressive). Miz blew AJ a kiss that pissed her off and after the match more or less called her a whore and that really pissed her off. The post match brawl was more energetic and entertaining than the match and ended with Langston destroying Miz. Langston is huge and garners great reactions every time I have seen him.
Brad Maddox shows up while Booker is trying to figure out if Ricardo will be ok. He drops a " Can you dig that sucka" on Booker and it is awesome. He gets a match next, then Alberto comes to console his friend and gets a championship match tonight with the Big Show. So much for drawing a random name I guess.
Brad Maddox vs Shaemus
Shaemus is the surprise opponent and I am hoping for a good match...and a Maddox win. Sadly it still isn't Maddox's time just yet. This is another squash and is Maddox's last chance to earn a contract on Smackdown.
Prime Time Players vs The Usos
The Usos so cheated to win! The PTP's should be challenging Team Hell No for the titles as they are better than any other challenging team save for Team Rhodes Scholars. This match was extremely quick and I bet the intros were longer. Cutting a squash match would have given this more time.
The Shield sent in a video. They claim they are just getting started and 2013 is going to be their year. I love The Shield they are 10000 times better than Aces & 8's.
Big Show is pissed ADR got the title shot but he is ready to knock him out.
Big Show © vs Alberto Del Rio - World Heavyweight Title
Del Rio gets a monster pop coming out. This match wasn't much since they didn't have much time to really develop a deep story. Alberto finally gets the upper hand and is about to turn Show over for the cross arm breaker then Show leaves. Shaemus stops him and gets ADR disqualified, while the entire locker room forces Show back to the ring for ADR and Shaemus to get a little revenge. Shaemus is extremely over and would not be surprised if he wins the Rumble and beats Show at Wrestlemania.
This was a down show tonight with a lot of short squash matches, hopefully things will pick up in the new year.
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