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Sports Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread

So, Thoughts on the new logos for Raw/Smackdown?
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Hey guys, since it's the middle of the year, I figured I'd do my first rating of the top matches of 2016 so far. The idea was also brought up in the Pro Wrestling room on PS and after a bit of discussion, we created a poll of what we thought, or most of us thought, were the top 8 matches (due to poll limitations) of 2016 so far. Although the poll no longer exists, I will leave a picture:

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Now since I am not exactly a multi-cultured wrestling fan, the only matches I had watched on this list were Nakamura vs. Zayn and Owens vs. Zayn. Don't get me wrong, these are both great matches, but I figured if I was going to make a fair choice on the poll, I would watch all of the matches. After watching some truly beautiful matches, I think I should definitely expand my horizons. In this post I will be doing a half review of each match and why I put it where I did on this list. So without further ado, this is the order I would put each of these matches from worst to best!

Unfortunately I was unable to find Chris Hero vs. Zack Sabre Jr. - Evolve 60 or Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi - Fantasticmania. These matches won't be included in the list, which is quite sad cause I have been wanting to watch some Zack Sabre Jr. after all of the buzz I've been hearing.

This one is tough for me. As far as these matches go I enjoyed this one the most, and the distance between it and #2 most enjoyed is quite a gap. A friend told me though to keep in mind that when judging these, you always put the wrestling/elements of a match before your own personal liking. And after taking that statement into deep consideration, I truly believe that I have put one of my new favorite matches in the right position. This would be a completely different situation if that high paced action was what wrestling is all about, but it isn't. This match could actually be used as a great example, cause I believe a fine line between this and a completely technical match will make a match the best. The constant creativity did keep me on the edge of my seat however, but until wrestling starts to go in that direction I don't think you consider this a true MOTY.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that this is probably the first actually good match I've ever watched live. It was an incredible atmosphere, the crowd and the PW chat on Showdown. The first time seeing Shinsuke in a WWE match was a great sight. The match itself was so back and forth that it got me involved, it made me want to see the finish, but at the same time not want to see it end. The physical attribute was about the closest thing to strong style as you can get in WWE. However, the component that this match is missing that puts all of the other matches ahead of it is story telling. Yes, I did get the vibe that both wanted to win, but I should get that in every match. I didn't see anything truly special in this match, in fact the most energy I got was actually from the crowd. Perhaps if it had a better story I would rate it higher.

It's actually kind of funny, seeing the amount of fighting going on between which match was better, this or the previous match. As you can see, I chose this one, and for a couple of different reasons. First off, and probably the thing that made this match for me, was the story. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn is one of the most known rivalries for indy fans. The story of jealousy, and wanting to top each other, was not shown better in any other match I've seen between these two. They put their bodies on the line but not even for a title, just to beat the former friend. Not to mention after the springboard botch, Zayn sold that and it played into the match even more, showing that Owens would stop at nothing to beat his old friend. The wrestling is some of the best you could ask for in WWE, and I was quite pleased with this match.

I honestly don't understand how people can rate the NXT Takeover: Dallas match higher than this. From what I saw, this match was superior to it in every way. I could pick up on the story despite not watching a bit of NJPW, thanks to the English commentary. The momentum in the match was always back and forth, and there was very little resting throughout the match. Selling was crazy in the match, and this match actually made me feel like it was, real. Maybe that's cause it was? Not sure, but the stiff shots coming from both sides and AJ playing the heel role amazingly is was made this match.

What a match. These guys are truly something. This is my first time ever watching either one of these guys and I was truly impressed. They kept selling the body parts that had been damaged throughout the match, and if you can't tell I think selling is a huge part of a wrestling match. The match started out a bit slow for my taste and I was left thinking this was going to be at the bottom, that was until around the 30 minute mark give or take. The match picked up and never stopped, vicious attacks in side and outside of the ring, submissions to damage the already damaged body parts, constant trying for the end of the match but the opponent would counter and come back with something that would top the last move used. Once you hit that mark in the match, it's hard not to enjoy the marvelous wrestling that takes place. If you noticed earlier when I said a good inbetween of extreme high-flying moves and technical wrestling is what makes a match great, this is the perfect example. But, it only started to do this once you hit the mark I keep talking about, and before that it was more holds than anything, which is why I give MOTY (so far) to...

This match was truly something special. It is sad that the poll ended with the majority votes going to one of the WWE matches. They were great matches, but these top 3 are true wrestling classics. Of course, it's hard to make one of these ratings without a little bit of bias thoughts. What I think makes a great wrestling match is different from what somebody else may think, but that's fine. This match was two superstars giving 100% throughout the entire match and having the perfect mix of high-flying risk-taking action and technical wrestling. Not only that, I think is was amazing how I was able to figure out which body part(s) were injured just by watching these two in the ring (there was no English commentary). KUSHIDA focusing on the arm the entire match to make sure when he locked in his armbar that would be the end of the match, but sadly he wouldn't get the win. Not to mention on of the best counters I have ever seen in my life, if not the best. When O'Reilly was going for the dive onto a sitting and fatigued KUSHIDA but KUSHIDA was able to jump up and lock in an armbar mid air and then both would land on the chair. That was truly excellent. In the end it was Kyle O'Reilly locking in an armbar and not getting the full pressure until he was on the arm that would put KUSHIDA away. That's the only thing that I question in this match, and I can only assume that his armbar is a very protected move since he mostly worked on the legs all match. All in all, I would definitely give this match MOTY (so far).

Those are just my thoughts since we are halfway through the year. I hope you enjoyed this read!
 
So how does everyone feel about Bo Dallas getting a push for the Intercontinental Title here in the next couple of months? To be honest, his mic work is in need of some work. However, if he could possibly have a little more air time and do some darker matches against someone like Axel then I do believe he could possibly be a force to be reckoned with.
 
Bo Dallas is on Raw, the IC title is exclusive to SD as of the draft, also dark matches mean nothing since they're just crowd pleaser matches/crowd rallying matches.
 
Bo Dallas and IC title should NEVER be in the same sentence......EVER. I am not a fan of people suggesting jobbers to be champions. but that's just me.
 
The Great Hokage said:
So how does everyone feel about Bo Dallas getting a push for the Intercontinental Title here in the next couple of months? To be honest, his mic work is in need of some work. However, if he could possibly have a little more air time and do some darker matches against someone like Axel then I do believe he could possibly be a force to be reckoned with.
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It could happen eventually, you just gotta BO-LIEVE hard enough.
 
Blue and white together like that create the least intimidating colour scheme since the fucking rainbow. While it looks nice and all, it looks like we're more likely to watch a water sport than some wrestling.
 
Eva is innocent :( tbh I could see Eva's suspension being a work since they seem to talk about suspensions more freely (Roman). Would probably increase her insane heat too. Plus Nikki Bella is apparently ready to return.
 
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2 just got done. Pretty good show overall from what I saw. I missed the opener and the first women's match. As far as ratings go I give Bayley vs Asuka 3.5 stars, Joe vs. Nakamura (which honestly kind of disappointed me) 4 stars, and the tag match which was absolutely brilliant 4.25 stars. Looking forward to Summerslam tomorrow.
 
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