QUOTE (KFR42 @ Feb 12 2006, 16:32)
QUOTE (Leicester Lantern @ Feb 12 2006, 16:21)
QUOTE (KFR42 @ Feb 12 2006, 16:14)
Although im semi familiar with both of those guys, Im not that big on Puro. I really enjoyed the match, but the whole mask thing was really nothing special. To tell you the truth I didnt really notice any crowd reaction at all, as Japanese crowds tend to be very quiet anyway.
No. That's a myth. You obviously haven't watched any Japanese wrestling ever.
Well I watched that match, and you could hear a pin drop. And its often the same with a lot of japanese matches I've watched over the years. But Im not a avid follower so you obviously know more than me.
We've clearly watched different matches then, because the entire crowd have a 'holy shit' reaction.
And if you really think that a wrestler having their masked ripped off isn't a big deal you obviously don't get the whole meaning of masks in wrestling. It's ALWAYS a big deal for a wrestler to get de-masked. They built (and indeed, build) whole feuds off that very concept. Lyger was demasked in the ring, but he outpsyched Muta by having the face paint and the mist in store.
Absolutely awesome moment, if you get the psychology behind it, and just a brilliantly executed pro wrestling event if you don't. Muta sells it brilliantly.
And is it just me, or is Lyger built like a frickin' tank? I've seen the guy with his shirt off, and he's ripped! I always figured he'd be kinda skinny... it's the resemblance to the red power ranger that does it.
Concerning the crowd reaction thing, go to Youtube, do a search for any KENTA match, and watch it. You will hear a distinct dearth of silence. Japanese crowds often START quiet, but they build to a fever pitch, and for me they give a far more genuine response than the average WWE crowd who just seem to cheer everything near-mindlessly.