Wrestling Happiness

January was only 4 days old and already the argument that Match of the Year for 2015 should just be cancelled and given to this match could be made. Kota Ibushi stepped up to the challenge of Nakamura and the stage of Wrestle Kingdom and right from the fantastic entrances, this match just  feels  special. Two men who want what one of them possesses, a championship that means something. The match is hard hitting, the kind of match which brings physicality that makes you want to cheer and wince at the same time. Nakamura initially doesn’t seem to be too respectful of what the younger guy brings to the table. Ibushi changes that, in aggressive, physical style. He changes the mood quickly with his mockery and disrespect in return. It goes back and forth, the pace building gradually, with an explosive finale as both men go all out to achieve the vital win. This match should stick in your mind for a long time. It’s that good. I really enjoyed the English commentary from Mat...

This is a match I have remembered for years as being really quality, and only now as I think about it, I realise why. It is a perfect example of simple, classic, wrestling storytelling. Both guys bring the quality cruiserweight speed and style, but there is plenty of good solid mat wrestling from both Mysterio and Guerrero. It’s back and forth, the pace ebbs and flows. The most memorable thing (that stuck in my mind for the last 10 years since I saw it first) is how Mysterio sells an injury. It is remarkably consistent, and so rare these days. Even after hitting a fightback move, Mysterio is straight back to holding his injured leg. He never lets us forget for a minute that the knee is damaged. Its a consistant theme throughout the match, a lame Mysterio bravely attempting to fight through the pain, while Chavo takes advantage attacking the injured limb aggressively and constantly.  Remarkably simple when you think about it. Yet is is remarkably effective! A trium...

I don’t generally consider myself a huge fan of Bret Hart. While I recognise his skills and abilities, I’ve never thought his matches lived up to the hype. Not too many Bret Hart matches are what I’d consider “must-see” but this one really is. What I really like about this is the commentary, Jim Ross does (as he so frequently does), a masterwork setting the scene and calling the unfolding of events. It might have been JR’s first classic call in the WWF.  He’s crowded in by Bobby Heenan and Randy Savage, but he does a brilliant job. The way that he lays out the situation, highlights the peril Bret is facing and the severity of the danger gives the match a real sense of importance. Bigelow is rough and dominating and Bret fights from underneath, its a classic monster heel vs heroic underdog.  The fact that Bret Hart, WWF Champion just a few months earlier, is such a believable underdog is thanks to the way that he’s portrayed by Jim Ross, as a beaten down, heroic smaller gu...

If you are a subscriber to New Japan World, please try and watch this match. It is a little gem, a miniature classic of the genre. It’s 1992 so Inoki is quite old, he looks lean and nasty, but he’s worshipped by the sellout crowd. He’s good, really good. The match starts out with very classic style wrestling, both guys battling to assert early dominance. Inoki starts talking down to Hase, starts scolding him. He’s arrogant, he’s aggressive. He chokes Hase out, he throws brutal punches. He’s a rough bully, the proud old lion taking the younger cub to school. The crowd are so into Inoki, the respect for the old lion, they cheer him on even as Hase begins to mount a comeback. It’s just about 10 minutes long, but this is a match you really should watch, a real match you can learn something about the artistry of pro-wrestling. Hiroshi Hase vs Antonio Inoki from 4/1/1992. A miniature classic of the art of professional wrestling. (The best way to see this match is to sign up fo...

Welcome to wrestling happiness! I watch a lot of pro-wrestling. No matter what anyone who isn’t a fan says, it’s just one of the most joyful things for me. Sometimes, now and again, a match will leap out at me and I’ll think “Wow, that match was something special. I need to note that down so I can watch it again, and tell other people about it.” I started that a while ago, just saving the names and dates of matches that really struck me as being some kind of special. I called it my “must-see matches” list. I realise looking at it now, that not all of these matches are “classic” matches. They don’t all stand out for sheer perfection (although many of them do). These matches just stick with me for some reason, I get so much out of watching them, and I want to share that enjoyment with anyone who might stumble onto this blog, or be interested in scoping out some cool matches. I’ll just write a little profile of the match, why I like it, what stood out. I’ll always...