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Post by LWPD on Mar 4, 2006 6:49:55 GMT -5
Rikidozan vs. Lou Thesz 1957 tinyurl.com/e78f4This is among the best surviving samples of Lou Thesz that exists on video...where his smooth mat work, timing and ability to work the crowd really shines through. Since he's playing the role of 'heel' it's also a unique opportunity to watch his bumping and stooging skills come into play. Note the composition of the audience was almost exclusively Japanese business men wearing suits and ties. Through use of the 'less is more' working style Thesz & Riki were able to hold the interest of the crowd with content as simple as an extended headlock sequence. Watch at the end as the normally gentleman like Thesz shows 'poor sportsmanship'...takes a comedy bump for his troubles and then extends his hand to the native hero just to reinforce that Riki's a man worthy of respect. This was a classic old school puro 'foreigner vs native' finishing touch that would carry on for decades to come.
Like Watching Paint Dry (xenophobia has always been a pro wres staple and the booking formula in Japan at the time traditionally featured 'heel' gaijin vs 'face' native Japanese in stark black and white terms) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 5, 2006 9:52:39 GMT -5
Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio Jr. 10/26/97 tinyurl.com/n9azkThis was from the WCW PPV Halloween Havoc 97 and stands as one of the best matches of either man's careers. A case can be made that at this point EG was the best wrestler in the world. Here he performs at his absolute peak. Rey had also hit his peak as a performer and had yet to be inhibited by the inevitable wear and tear that would plague him in later years. This was considered 'innovative' for it's time as through Eddie's 'lead' all the elements of Lucha and New Japan Juniors style were brought to the forefront...carefully wrapped with deep psychology and rich story telling elements. Mike Tenay does an excellent job of laying out the history that would 'make sense' to anyone who had never even seen the two until that very match. This represents was one of the strengths of the Kevin Sullivan WCW booking era. He adopted from his mentor Eddie Graham the 'give something to everyone' concept of diversity booking while allowing the wrestlers to perform to their strengths. Looking back this often led to very strong PPV undercards that would outshine the 'money matches' themselves. If the plan is to 'resell' the material to a nostalgia market down the road...more of 'these' is better than less. In this particular case a masterpiece was delivered.
Like Watching Paint Dry (the later WWE Style matches from Rey & EG program is a great example of how the best pro wres performers are able to effectively adapt their work to meet a different set of creative objectives) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 7, 2006 9:17:30 GMT -5
Tatsumi Fujinami -VS- Akira Maeda 6/12/86 tinyurl.com/ekufpA classic New Japan 'strong style' match from the 1980's. Maeda was known to be a legit tough guy who would take liberties with his opponents. Fujinami has a willingness to absorb the pain while bridging together a great story. Contextually this represents the Final Match of the IWGP Championship Tournament...winner take all!
Like Watching Paint Dry (astounded Akira Maeda's name rarely comes up when players mention 'wants' for Japanese Legends cards) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 8, 2006 8:11:14 GMT -5
Hijo del Perro Aguayo, Hector Garza, Halloween & Damian 666 -VS- Universo 2000, Heavy Metal, Negro Casas, Mascara Magica & Mistico 3/1/05 tinyurl.com/j5mh9Five on Four cage match...Mask vs Hair. This was teased at the time as a confrontation between Aguayo and Mistico. Who will win?
Like Watching Paint Dry (one of the most brilliant aspects of Lucha is the delivering of effective payoffs...the simple loss of a mask or hair symbolizes the loss of identity...a consequence that fans have historically been willing to pay to see generation after generation)
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Post by LWPD on Mar 9, 2006 8:48:37 GMT -5
British Bulldogs vs Malenko Brothers 1/28/89 tinyurl.com/klr9rThis took place after the Bulldogs WWF run came to an end. Joe & Dean were masters on the mat and force DK & DBS to work a more technical style match than WWF fans were probably used to seeing. The result is one of the best tag matches I've ever seen.
Like Watching Paint Dry (I haven't seen a better WWF/E based tag team than the Bulldogs with the possible exception of the brief Angle/Benoit combo) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 11, 2006 8:28:57 GMT -5
Rey Mysterio Sr/Jr vs Fuerza/Juventud Guerrera 3/2/95 tinyurl.com/oumcgThis was from AAA and represented a unification match for the WWA World/Mexican Tag Titles. Lucha legend Fuerza is the father of Juventud. Lucha legend Rey Mysterio is the uncle of Rey Jr. The feud between the seniors was carried forward by there juniors...both of whom would go on to find success in the States after their incredible talent was 'discovered'. In a time before Rey & Juvy hit super-stardom who will win this drama filled battle of family pride?
Like Watching Paint Dry (it's a shame that due to personal problems Juvy couldn't find the same level of success as RMJ...they were both two of the best pound for pound in ring performers of their generation) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 12, 2006 9:14:43 GMT -5
Great Muta vs. Jushin Thunder Liger 10/20/96 tinyurl.com/p5upjThis is a face/heel structure match respectively featuring the greatest NJPW Heavyweight and greatest NJPW Junior Heavyweight of the decade. Note the strong presence of 'sports entertainment' elements that would follow and impact much of the booking Muta and others would engineer in puro in later years. A stellar performance by both which has become somewhat 'famous' due to the playing out of said SE elements.
Like Watching Paint Dry (seeing how today's New Japan stands in such dire straits is a lesson in how relatively quickly the life span of a pro wres promotion can rise and fall...not too long ago business was off the charts!) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 14, 2006 9:04:14 GMT -5
Ricky Steamboat vs Tully Blanchard 11/22/84 tinyurl.com/r7brwThis was from Starrcade 84 and represented a multi month blow off match for the NWA TV Championship. These were two of the best workers of the 1980's. Watch as they use basic moves with an expert mix of the 'stuff in between the moves' to tell a great story. RS works an 'injured ribs' angle to perfection as Tully deals with the underlying 'No Run' rule where he could lose he title in the event of 'stalling'. Great match.
Like Watching Paint Dry (shortly after this match Dusty Rhodes began his power run in JCP taking full control of the book and putting himself over Tully the first night in...Steamboat would leave for the WWF shortly thereafter) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 16, 2006 9:02:27 GMT -5
El Hijo del Santo vs Dr. Cerebro 12/21/00 tinyurl.com/g7j59Outside of WWE there is no greater individual draw in the world over the past decade than El Hijo del Santo. This match is a great sampling of him working all the classic lucha elements. His opponent is the diabolical IWRG Intercontinental Welterweight Champion...evil super genius Dr. Cerebral. Note the advanced mat work and extensive use of submissions. Truly solid storytelling that hints at why Santo has been so successful.
Like Watching Paint Dry (who loves watching good lucha)
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Post by LWPD on Mar 17, 2006 10:29:02 GMT -5
Owen Hart vs. Jushin Thunder Liger 4/27/91 tinyurl.com/fx8o9This was from New Japan's Top of the Super Juniors Tournament. Owen was technically sound and shows a more diverse offensive arsenal than fans only familiar with his WWE work may be accustomed to seeing. He was a very talented performer and mixed the acrobatic skills of an RVD...with the technical proficiency few then or now have been able to combine. Note how both Owen and Liger mix the elements of selling, playing to the crowd, structured timing and a logical sequence in between the execution of the 'cool moves' they pull off. It's unfortunate that story telling elements like these have largely become minimized by today's generation of wrestlers...who emulate the 'cool moves'...but don't prioritize the glue that held the body of quality matches like these together.
Like Watching Paint Dry (a strong case can be made that Liger may be the greatest in ring performer of the last two decades) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 18, 2006 9:34:40 GMT -5
Terry Funk vs Jerry Lawler - Empty Arena Match 5/81 tinyurl.com/mek97This was a classic angle from the old Memphis based Mid Southern territory. Lawler was among the strongest draws of the old system with incredible charisma that gained mainstream area appeal. TF was a recurring foil of his who who would travel into the area for shots on top. This was one such angle designed to sell an upcoming house show.
Like Watching Paint Dry (Lawler tends to be underrated by fans today...in his prime he was a credible draw and a respected force in the industry) |
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Post by gwffantrav on Mar 20, 2006 14:07:40 GMT -5
That was an awesome match LWPD. I remember seeing it when I was just watching wrestling, like 8 years old.
And you are right about Lawler LWPD. It's a shame they only see the "King" character he portrays in the WWE now a days.
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Post by LWPD on Mar 21, 2006 9:44:21 GMT -5
That was an awesome match LWPD. I remember seeing it when I was just watching wrestling, like 8 years old. And you are right about Lawler LWPD. It's a shame they only see the "King" character he portrays in the WWE now a days. It's tough watching Lawler these days having known what he was like in his prime. I always felt a JL run in the WWWF during the Backlund era would have been a nice drawing program. He definitely had the charisma to carry the mic work. There's more of his stuff I'd like to add to this archive down the road...especially the Jack Brisco title defense.
Like Watching Paint Dry (who would love to see a Jerry 'The King' Lawler career retrospective DVD series with matches and interviews put out by Vince...but questions how much watchable quality footage exists)
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Post by gwffantrav on Mar 21, 2006 10:16:42 GMT -5
you actually read my mind about the Brisco title defense LWPD.
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Post by LWPD on Mar 21, 2006 21:33:17 GMT -5
Lou Thesz vs. Antonio Rocca 1/5/53 & 3/24/53 tinyurl.com/n76lbThis was an interesting contrast of styles between 'Hooker' and NWA World Champion Lou Thesz and money draw showman/Northeast 'Champion' Antonio Rocca. Watch as Lou pulls off a power bomb which Rocca 'no sells' with Thesz returning the favor as he 'no sells' the famed AR Backbreaker!
Like Watching Paint Dry (these matches took place in Madison Square Garden where the showmanship of Rocca was a massive draw for the time period)
"The epitome of gallantry Rocca offers Thesz his hand. No wonder they're friendly...in this battle of wrestling titans nobody wins and nobody loses...Thesz and Rocca wind up 'Even Steven'" -The announcer putting over the 'curfew' finish in this 2 out of 3 falls bout! |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 22, 2006 21:18:54 GMT -5
Lou Thesz vs Vic Christy 1952 tinyurl.com/fdrevThis opens with a back stage 'intensive one on one' style promo with the man himself. This is classic footage from the old DuMont Television Network. A decent look at the legend working a short 'squash match' during his prime.
Like Watching Paint Dry (who wonders if Vince would ever buy the surviving DuMont footage,,,or if there's even enough to warrant such a purchase) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 24, 2006 9:22:12 GMT -5
Steve Williams vs. Kenta Kobashi 9/3/94 tinyurl.com/kf7k6Very stiff match that incorporated the underlying elements that made All Japan phenomenal during this time period. Watch for SW's then dreaded Back Drop Driver as it's teased throughout the match. In later years 'head drop' moves like this would be shifted from 'one shot one kill' finishers to more of a repetition/no kill role (which hurt the product drastically). Kobashi plays one of the best babyfaces I've ever seen. The main reasons he's become so acclaimed here in the States is that even given the language barrier he's able to use facials and gestures mixed with technical proficiency to tell a story that's visually accessible and can connect on a visceral level with anyone watching.
Like Watching Paint Dry (producing such a high quality of in ring content ultimately became a handicap for All Japan...the native 'big four' were never adequately replaced by Japanese talent and the new generation of touring gaijin from America weren't Williams/Hansen level good...which failed to give fans what they came to expect) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 25, 2006 20:00:58 GMT -5
Don Leo Jonathan vs Antonio Rocca 1950's tinyurl.com/jj7xnAR was a phenomenal showman who's used a mix of acrobatics and comedy elements to get himself over...much to the dismay of the pro wres purists of his day who wanted to preserve 'sport' elements of 'working'. His act was successful at the box office and he was a perennial main eventer each month at MSG throughout the 1950's as he worked under Vince's father. Here Rocca takes on 'big man heel' Don Leo Johnathan. It's part and parcel of a successful booking formula that would be passed down from one generation of McMahon's to the next for a period of many decades to come.
Like Watching Paint Dry (it's a shame that Rocca's drawing power often gets forgotten simply because most accounts of Northeast pro wres seem to begin with the formation of the WWWF and Bruno....accounts of Capitol's history and the success of Antonio Rocca tends to gets lost in the mix) |
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Post by LWPD on Mar 26, 2006 10:35:33 GMT -5
Stan Hansen vs Abdullah the Butcher 8/29/88 tinyurl.com/ezw4wThis was a 'tribute match' put on by All Japan at an event dubbed the Bruiser Brody Memorial. Note the ceremony beforehand with respects being paid by several who worked with him over the years including Jimmy Snuka and now head of WWE Talent relations Johnny Ace. Hansen enters the ring with BB's trademark steel chain while Abby refuses to publicly break kayfabe. While not the greatest sampling of either man's best work...the unique time mixed with the emotion behind what is taking place make it an interesting viewing.
Like Watching Paint Dry (there is a tendency for people to be critical when speaking of Brody and label him as a selfish performer who took liberties with both promoters and his fellow workers...but there is no denying that he was a success in this business who made money everywhere he went...leaving behind a legacy that saw promoters around the world try to sell 'memorial shows' in his honor) |
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Post by Graymar on Mar 26, 2006 11:12:26 GMT -5
WOW...this may be the lightest that I have seen Abby.
Graymar
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