The "I've just watched ..." thread

[wandshogun09]

Their Taboo Tuesday match didn’t have a gimmick either did it? The one where H worked the leg the whole match. 

But yeah the late ‘03 Raw match is my favourite Shawn vs Trips effort. I loved the SummerSlam match as well. They also had a singles on Raw back in 1996 that I know I liked at the time but remember fuck all of now. Don’t know how that would hold up.

It’s weird but I find there’s not that much of Shawn’s initial babyface run, 95-97, that I’m particularly fond of now going back to it. Loved it at the time but hasn’t held up as well as some of his other stuff for me. I love the Jeff Jarrett match at IYH, Mind Games vs Mankind, the tag on Raw in ‘97 with him and Austin vs Owen and Bulldog. But a lot of the rest has lost something IMO. Or it never had it to begin with like the Ironman match with Bret. Much prefer his heel stuff in 92-94 and 97 and his comeback post-2002 (apart from his cheesy over-acting at times). 

[WeeAl]

Correct you are, Wand. For some reason I had that one in my head as a cage match, despite knowing Orton and Flair had a really good cage match in the main event. 

[PUNQ]

Hey, remember last year when I tried to cover the whole wrestling world every week and only got to the early weeks of February. Actually through the year I quietly got half-way into May '18 before 2019 started. That's what happens when one's a completist. One lose out on so many goodies trying. Well, it's 2019, so I'll start at zero and try again with anything taped from January 1 and on. We'll see how long I last this time!

 

 

TOP-30 - Week 1, 2019:

1. January 4, 2019 - Kenny Omega (c) -vs- Hiroshi Tanahashi - (IWGP Title) [**** 1/2] (NJPW)
2. January 4, 2019 - Kota Ibushi (c) -vs- Will Ospreay - (NEVER Openweight Title) [**** 1/4] (NJPW)
3. January 3, 2019 - Kento Miyahara (c) -vs- KAI - (Triple Crown Title) [*** 3/4] (AJPW)
4. January 3, 2019 - CIMA & T-Hawk & Duan Yingnan (c) -vs- Konosuke Takeshita & Akito & Yuki Iino - (KO-D 6-Man Tag Title) [*** 1/2] (DDT)
5. January 4, 2019 - Chris Jericho (c) -vs- Tetsuya Naito - (IWGP Intercontinental Title; No-DQ) [*** 1/2] (NJPW)

6. January 6, 2019 - Kaito Kiyomiya (c) -vs- Kenoh - (GHC Title) [*** 1/2] (NOAH)
7. January 4, 2019 - Dragón Lee -vs- Cavernario [*** 1/2] (CMLL)
8. January 4, 2019 - Sansón & Cuatrero & Forastero (c) -vs- Niebla Roja & Ángel de Oro & Soberano Jr. - (Mexican National Trios Title) [*** 1/4] (CMLL)
9. January 4, 2019 - Tomohiro Ishii (c) -vs- Zack Sabre Jr. - (RevPro British Heavyweight Title) [*** 1/4] (NJPW)
10. January 1, 2019 - Parka Negra & Villano III Jr. -vs- Mexica & Sádico -vs- Cometa & Concord -vs- Alex Extreme & Ángel Cósmico - (4-Way) [*** 1/4] (AAA, LEGEND)

11. January 6, 2019 - Eddie Edwards -vs- Moose - (Falls Count Anywhere) [*** 1/4] (IMPACT)
12. January 4, 2019 - Jay White -vs- Kazuchika Okada [***] (NJPW)
13. January 3, 2019 - Naoya Nomura & Yuma Aoyagi (c) -vs- Takao Omori & Black Menso~re - (All Asia Tag Title) [***] (AJPW)
14. January 4, 2019 - Meiko Satomura -vs- Reika Saiki [***] (TJP)
15. January 1, 2019 - Dragón Lee & Penta 0M & King Phoenix -vs- Cuatrero & Forastero & Templario [***] (CMLL)

16. January 6, 2019 - Sami Callihan -vs- Willie Mack [***] (IMPACT)
17. January 4, 2019 - Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa (c) -vs- EVIL & SANADA -vs- Nick Jackson & Matt Jackson - (IWGP Tag Title; 3-Way) [***] (NJPW)
18. January 4, 2019 - Titán -vs- Tritón - (Lightning Match) [***] (CMLL)
19. January 3, 2019 - Nobuhiro Shimatani -vs- El Lindaman [***] (DDT)
20 January 4, 2019 - Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (c) -vs- SHO & YOH -vs- Shingo Takagi & BUSHI - (IWGP Junior Tag Title; 3-Way) [** 3/4] (NJPW)

21. January 6, 2019 - Johnny Impact (c) -vs- Brian Cage - (Impact Title) [** 3/4] (IMPACT)
22. January 4, 2019 - Gran Guerrero & Ephesto & Templario -vs- Stuka Jr. & Guerrero Maya Jr. & Rey Cometa [** 3/4] (CMLL)
23. January 5, 2019 - Will Ospreay & Hirooki Goto & Tomihiro Ishii -vs- Yuji Nagata & Jeff Cobb & KUSHIDA [** 3/4] (NJPW)
24. January 3, 2019 - HARASHIMA & Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata & Yuki Ueno & Keisuke Ishii -vs- Daisuke Sasaki & Soma Takao & Tetsuya Endo & Mad Paulie & Puma King [** 3/4] (DDT)
25. January 6, 2019 - Rich Swann -vs- Ethan Page -vs- Jake Crist -vs- Trey Miguel - (Ultimate X Match; Impact X-Division Title Decison) [** 3/4] (IMPACT)

26. January 1, 2019 - Hijo del Signo & Yago -vs- Akuma & Camorra - (Mask vs Hair) [** 3/4] (CMLL)
27. January 6, 2019 - Maybach Taniguchi & Yuji Hino (c) -vs- Katsuhiko Nakajima & Go Shiozaki - (GHC Tag Title) [** 1/2] (NOAH)
28. January 5, 2019 - Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado -vs- Tetsuya Naito & EVIL & SANADA & BUSHI & Shingo Takagi [** 1/2] (NJPW)
29. January 1, 2019 - Bandido (c) -vs- Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. - (The Crash Cruiserweight Title) [** 1/2] (ARENA AZTECA)
30. January 6, 2019 - Ortiz & Santana (c) -vs- Pentagón Jr. & Rey Fénix - (Impact Tag Title) [** 1/2] (IMPACT)

 

 

NJPW

NJPW on njpwworld.com - "BIG PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL 2019" - January 3, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (1 hrs)
January 3, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Studio Coast (2,200 Fans)
1. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask -vs- Ren Narita & Yuya Uemura [* 3/4]
2. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi -vs- Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare [*]
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima -vs- Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino [* 1/2]

Throw-away exhibition like every year. Just a little showcase during all the build-up to the Tokyo Dome show with leftover talent not getting a spot on the big show the next day.

NJPW on njpwworld.com - "WRESTLE KINGDOM 13 IN TOKYO DOME" - January 4, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (5 hrs)
January 4, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo Dome (38,162 Fans)
1. Togi Makabe & Toru Yano & Ryusuke Taguchi -vs- Yuji Nagata & Jeff Cobb & David Finlay -vs- Hirooki Goto & Beretta & Chuckie T -vs- Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. -vs- Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll - (Gauntlet) [**]
2. Kota Ibushi (c) -vs- Will Ospreay - (NEVER Openweight Title) [**** 1/4]
3. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (c) -vs- SHO & YOH -vs- Shingo Takagi & BUSHI - (IWGP Junior Tag Title; 3-Way) [** 3/4]
4. Tomohiro Ishii (c) -vs- Zack Sabre Jr. - (RevPro British Heavyweight Title) [*** 1/4]
5. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa (c) -vs- EVIL & SANADA -vs- Nick Jackson & Matt Jackson - (IWGP Tag Title; 3-Way) [***]
6. Cody (c) -vs- Juice Robinson - (IWGP US Title) [**]
7. KUSHIDA (c) -vs- Taiji Ishimori - (IWGP Junior Title) [** 1/2]
8. Jay White -vs- Kazuchika Okada [***]
9. Chris Jericho (c) -vs- Tetsuya Naito - (IWGP Intercontinental Title; No-DQ) [*** 1/2]
10. Kenny Omega (c) -vs- Hiroshi Tanahashi - (IWGP Title) [**** 1/2]

On last year's Tokyo Dome show they tried to make every match a epic. This year they tried to make the show easier to digest going through the midcard matches faster than felt necessary, while making the important matches count. This was a real closing of an era style show, with the AEW guys putting over the New Japan stars in a big way on their way out. Worst match was Cody/Juice, but Brandi's cute boxing and a very decisive finish gave it some positivity. Shingo showed he's a great addition to their junior division. Same with Ishimori, who they are keeping surprisingly strong. It became clear EVIL & SANADA will be an important part in the company going forward. Ishii/Sabre was quality, but Sabre looked a little awkward during the middle stages. Okada/White was good, but bland. Not sold on White at this level. Naito bumped like a madman to make old Jericho look like a million bucks. Ospreay/Ibushi was amazing for what it was. Superbly executed, making Ospreay look like the most dangerous foreigner in the company. Maybe they see the same as me. Ospreay being the perfect rival to Okada in the future. Omega/Tanahashi = the heart of the show. Typical epic Omega, but with Tanahashi's fighting spirit as the main focus. Classic on so many levels! 

NJPW on njpwworld.com - "NEW YEAR DASH !!" - January 5, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 5, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,730 Fans)
1. SHO & YOH & Rocky Romero -vs- Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer & Takashi Iizuka [**]
2. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens -vs- Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare [* 1/2]
3. Juice Robinson & David Finlay -vs- Beretta & Chuckie T [* 3/4]
4. Will Ospreay & Hirooki Goto & Tomihiro Ishii -vs- Yuji Nagata & Jeff Cobb & KUSHIDA [** 3/4]
5. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa & Taiji Ishimori (c) -vs- Togi Makabe & Toru Yano & Ryusuke Taguchi - (NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Title) [**]
6. Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado -vs- Tetsuya Naito & EVIL & SANADA & BUSHI & Shingo Takagi [** 1/2]
7. Jay White & Bad Luck Fale & Gedo -vs- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI - (YOSHI-HASHI's Return Match) [**]

Following a great Tokyo Dome show comes a indication on the road forward, and honestly the first step is a major letdown. The wrestling was okay, but the angles and guys in focus are hardly my first choice category. I'm still not feeling Jay White as a top-tier guy, so having him challenge for the IWGP Title feels very forced trying to fill the void of Omega. Wasting Okada with Fale is another big question mark in the current booking. YOSHI-HASHI 's comeback was very underwhelming. Not too high on Taichi feuding with Naito either, but Naito is the only one getting good matches out of Taichi and the angle between the two was the only good one on the show, so I won't complain about that. Chuckie's mental problems and Beretta's mom were memorable moments. The best bout was the Ospreay 6-man where Nagata and Ishii got heat. The rest was very average. Going to be interesting to see what NJPW will do from now to freshen up their product without the AEW guys. 

 

AJPW

AJPW on ajpw.tv - "NEW YEAR WARS 2019 - DAY 1" - January 2, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 2, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,440 Fans)
1. Atsushi Aoki & Hikaru Sato -vs- Atsuki Aoyagi & Danji Tamura - (Atsuki Aoyagi & Danji Tamura's Debut Match) [* 1/2]
2. Black Tiger VII & Gianni Valletta -vs- Jake Lee & Hokuto Omori [* 3/4]
3. Osamu Nishimura & Tajiri & Masanobu Fuchi -vs- Jun Akiyama & Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Maruyama [* 1/4]
4. 15-Man New Year Openweight Battle Royal [*]
5. Kento Miyahara & Naoya Nomura & Yuma Aoyagi & Yoshitatsu -vs- Zeus & KAI & Takao Omori & Black Menso~re [**]
6. Koji Iwamoto (c) -vs- Yusuke Okada - (AJPW Junior Title) [** 1/2]
7. Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa (c) -vs- Joe Doering & Dylan James - (AJPW Tag Title) [** 1/4]

AJPW's first show of was a little disappointing. Unremarkable effort on the undercard and when the main event did't become the heavyweight explosion it promised to be, the experience was a letdown. One thing's sure, Violent Giants next big one WILL be a explosion! BJW's Sekimoto & Okabayashi challenging. One of the positive things to come out of the show was AJPW's talented young guy Okada getting to challenge for the AJPW Junior Title. Was never going to be a great match, but it was a elevating one for someone who might become a player for the promotion in a few years. Okada showed he could step-up for a profile bout and Iwamoto has improved since I last saw him. He seems to be growing with the push. 

 

AJPW on ajpw.tv - "NEW YEAR WARS 2019 - DAY 2" - January 3, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (2 3/4 hrs)
January 3, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,585 Fans Fans)
1. Yusuke Okada & Atsuki Aoyagi -vs- Hokuto Omori & Danji Tamura [* 3/4]
2. Osamu Nishimura & Hikaru Sato -vs- Masanobu Fuchi & Yoshitatsu [* 1/4]
3. Jake Lee & Koji Iwamoto & Ryouji Sai -vs- Jun Akiyama & Zeus & Atsushi Maruyama [** 1/4]
4. Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa & Atsushi Aoki -vs- Joe Doering & Dylan James & Gianni Valletta [**]
5. Tajiri (c) -vs- Minoru Fujita - (GAORA TV Title) [* 1/2]
6. Naoya Nomura & Yuma Aoyagi (c) -vs- Takao Omori & Black Menso~re - (All Asia Tag Title) [***]
7. Kento Miyahara (c) -vs- KAI - (Triple Crown Title) [*** 3/4]

"Much better than the day before! Even the meaningless undercard bouts were better. But what stole the show was the main title matches. First the All Asian tag Title bout. Cool match. Felt the challengers were a little sloppy, but that only helped get me excited whenever they were close to winning, as I really didn't want to see the belts on Omori & Menso~re. The champs showed good form in a very old school All Japan way. They dragged me into the action in a positive way. The show stealer was naturally the Triple Crown bout with Miyahara/KAI giving it their all, oozing of energy and determination. Lacked perhaps a clear thread, but what they were doing was excellent! In many ways they were mirroring each other in what became a climatic battle, and where KAI showed how great he can be when motivated. Miyahara was superb as always!

 

AJPW on ajpw.tv - "CHIBA EXTRA DREAM 21" - January 5, 2019, Chiba, Japan - (1 3/4 hrs)
January 5, 2019, Chiba, Japan - Chiba Blue Field (181 Fans)
1. Hokuto Omori -vs- Atsuki Aoyagi [3/4*]
2. Atsushi Aoki & Hikaru Sato -vs- Atsushi Maruyama & Danji Tamura [*]
3. Jun Akiyama & Yuki Sato -vs- Takao Omori & Black Menso~re [* 1/4]
4. Joe Doering & Dylan James & Gianni Valletta -vs- Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa & Yusuke Okada [* 1/2]
5. Zeus -vs- Yuma Aoyagi [**]
6. Jake Lee & Koji Iwamoto & Kaji Tomato -vs- Kento Miyahara & Naoya Nomura & Yoshitatsu [* 3/4]

I don't really like the atmosphere of Chiba Blue Field, the home of Kaientai Dojo. While the AJPW stars managed to create some noise in the small arena, a lot of the show just felt dead. Did get mildly into Zeus vs Aoyagi the elder, so that's the match to seek out from this All Japan house show. 

 

AJPW on ajpw.tv - "SPRING CITY REVITALIZATION SPECIAL ALL JAPAN CHARITY ATSUGI EVENT ~ I'LL ENERGIZE ATSUGI! OI!!" - January 6, 2019, Atsugi, Japan - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 6, 2019, Atsugi, Japan - Atsugi Ogino Sports Park Sub Arena (514 Fans)
1. Zeus -vs- Danji Tamura [* 1/2]
2. Naoya Nomura & Yoshitatsu -vs- Jake Lee & Koji Iwamoto [**]
3. Atsushi Aoki & Hikaru Sato & Yusuke Okada -vs- Atsushi Maruyama & Black Menso~re & Black Tiger VII - (Tire Match) [* 1/2]
4. Jun Akiyama & Atsuki Aoyagi -vs- Takao Omori & Hokuto Omori [* 3/4]
5. Joe Doering & Dylan James -vs- Kento Miyahara & Yuma Aoyagi [**]
6. Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa & El Excellente de Atsuki -vs- Mitsuya Nagai & Gianni Valletta & Mushuku no "Akatora" [* 1/2]

This was a fun house show, but it was also one where the biggest stars wasn't very noticeable. Thankfully the midcard guys were more in a mood to entertain. The main event was watered down by it's guest masked wrestlers and their lame gimmicks. For something different there was a tire match. Kind of fun for the gimmick of rolling wrestlers around.

 

 

NOAH

NOAH on Samurai TV - "NAVIGATION FOR THE FUTURE 2019 - DAY 1" - January 6, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (3 hrs)
January 6, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,577 Fans)
1. Masa Kitamiya -vs- Kinya Okada [*]
2. Takashi Sugiura -vs- Yoshiki Inamura - (Yoshiki Inamura Moushin 7 Match Series 1st) [* 1/2]
3. Hi69 & Minoru Tanaka -vs- Atsushi Kotoge & Masao Inoue [* 3/4]
4. Hajime Ohara & Hitoshi Kumano -vs- Seiya Morohashi & Junta Miyawaki [** 1/4]
5. Akitoshi Saito & Mohammed Yone & Quiet Storm -vs- Mitsuya Nagai & KAZMA SAKAMOTO & Cody Hall [* 1/2]
6. YO-HEY & Yoshinari Ogawa & Kotaro Suzuki -vs- Daisuke Harada & Tadasuke & HAYATA [**]
7. Maybach Taniguchi & Yuji Hino (c) -vs- Katsuhiko Nakajima & Go Shiozaki - (GHC Tag Title) [** 1/2]
8. Kaito Kiyomiya (c) -vs- Kenoh - (GHC Title) [*** 1/2]

Kaito Kiyomiya at 22 years of age might not be 100% ready to carry NOAH, but it sure feels refreshing having him on top of a promotion that not that long ago was the most stale company in Japan. He keeps impressing and grows with each opportunity. And battling a former GHC Champion in Kenou to start the year was the right thing to create a positive vibe for what's to come in 2019. A slow builder of match. Very NOAH, but in a positive way, for the excitement increased, things got more intense, and they paced out the important moves in fine style! Kenou is excellent, and by the time the match was over, the same thing can be said about young ace. The rest of the card was a little lackluster and screwy with the Hooligans making their presence felt, but the GHC Tag Title clash was alright if you look past the lame invasion. 

 

GATOH MOVE

GATOH MOVE on YouTube.com - "Japan Tour #401" - January 1, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (1 1/4 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Ichigaya Chocolate Hiroba (74 Fans)
1. Yuna Mizumori -vs- An Chamu [*]
2. Baliyan Akki & SAKI -vs- Antonio Honda & Mei Suruga [* 1/4]
3. Emi Sakura & Masahiro Takanashi -vs- Mitsuru Konno & Riho [*]

Gatoh Move shows have a wonderful intimate atmosphere, but I personally struggle to take the setting seriously as it relates to match quality. It's all so very niche with no rings, jumping onto walls and all that. As for this show, one of the first wrestling shows on 2019, the opener had it's issues. but I was loving the closing stages. The middle match was probable the most entertaining. Still very routine as far as indie wrestling goes. The main event had Emi Sakura working hard, but it also had Mitsuru Konno, who wasn't clicking in this match. Very average stuff, but still must have been cool for those fans who managed to fit into the small room.

GATOH MOVE on YouTube.com - "Japan Tour #402" - January 2, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (1 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Ichigaya Chocolate Hiroba (74 Fans)
1. Baliyan Akki -vs- Mitsuru Konno [* 1/4]
2. Antonio Honda -vs- Jaki Numazawa -vs- Sayaka Obihiro - (3-Way Monoboke Death Match) [1/4*]
3. Emi Sakura & Masahiro Takanashi & Yuna Mizumori -vs- Makoto & Mei Suruga & Riho [-]

My second Gatoh Move of 2019 and it opened nicely with a fun little bout between Baliyan Akki vs Mitsuru Konno without it being anything must see. Okay, perhaps the leap that finished it is something worth seeing. The second match you probable have to be Japanese to understand. Comedy where they had to act out various references to things I don't have a clue about. Unfortunately the main event, which by the sound of things was good, was ruined as the picture froze on the stream a few minutes in. Both shows was shown on YouTube, but have since been removed.

 

DDT

DDT on ddtpro.com - “DDT LIVE! MAJI MANJI SUPER ~ NEW YEAR BALL SPECIAL! ALL SEATS 2,000 YEN BOX OFFICE!! 2019” - January 3, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (3 1/2 hrs)
January 3, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,750 Fans)
1. Nobuhiro Shimatani -vs- El Lindaman [***]
2. KUDO & Yukio Sakaguchi & Masahiro Takanashi & Saki Akai -vs- Mike Bailey & Sammy Guevara & Veda Scott & Hoshitango [** 1/4]
3. 7-Man New Year’s Day! Burst Out Laughing! First Laughter Rumble [1/2*]
4. Daichi Hashimoto -vs- Kota Umeda - (Kota Umeda “Mad Dog” 7 Match Series – 6th Match) [** 1/2]
5. MAO & Jun Kasai -vs- Super Sasadango Machine & Antonio Honda -vs- Kazusada Higuchi & Mizuki Watase - (New Year! 3-Way Ladder Match) [**]
6. HARASHIMA & Toru Owashi & Kazuki Hirata & Yuki Ueno & Keisuke Ishii -vs- Daisuke Sasaki & Soma Takao & Tetsuya Endo & Mad Paulie & Puma King [** 3/4]
7. Shinya Aoki (c) -vs- Tanomusaku Toba - (DDT Extreme Title; Boxing Glove Match) [*]
8. CIMA & T-Hawk & Duan Yingnan (c) -vs- Konosuke Takeshita & Akito & Yuki Iino - (KO-D 6-Man Tag Title) [*** 1/2]

The opener for DDT's year was a surprise. I've never really liked Lindaman and I still can't remember Shunatani's name when I see him, but here they did a real fun short and sweet exchange. Every little thing counted and put a smile on everybody's face.To boot, the main event was hot! CIMA bringing his OWE project to DDT for a chaotic spectacle against ALL OUT. At times super amazing! One where Iino really shined with his power among the athletic boys. So entertaining that I might be underrating the effort! And most of the things in between was solid too. A good start for DDT in 2019.

TOKYO JOSHI PRO on ddtpro.com - “TOKYO JOSHI PRO ’19” - January 4, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - (2 3/4 hrs)
January 4, 2019, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,381 Fans)
1. Hikari Noa & Miu Watanabe & Pinano Pipipipi & Raku -vs- Marika Kobashi & Mina Shirakawa & Haruna Neko & Pom Harajuku - (Marika Kobashi Return Battle) [** 1/4]
2. Veda Scott -vs- Yuna Manase -vs- Hyper Misao - (Queen of USA Title Decision; 3-Way) [1/2*]
3. Natsumi Maki & Millie McKanzie -vs- Nodoka Tenma & Yuki Aino [* 3/4]
4. Saki Akai & YUMI -vs- Yuki Kamifuku & Himawari Unagi - (Himawari Unagi's Debut Match) [* 1/2]
5. Meiko Satomura -vs- Reika Saiki [***]
6. Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki (c) -vs- Shoko Nakajima & Riho - (TOKYO Princess Tag Title) [** 1/2]
7. Miyu Yamashita (c) -vs- Maki Ito - (TOKYO Princess Of Princess Title) [**]

The highlight of TJP's first show of '19 was Satomura vs Saiki. While TJP wrestlers isn't known for taking too much damage, it was a thrill seeing how the powerful beauty Reika Shiki would tackle Satomura's dangerous offense. They kept it basic and worked smart. Stuff mattered, but I wouldn't have minded a longer climax portion. The tag title match was also good. More a energy match than anything else, but they good a solid doze of action and excitement into the game, giving the fans their money's worth. Unfortunately the main event between TJP ace Miyu and crazy idol gal Maki Ito didn't live up to the hype. Couldn't get a proper flow and there were a few weak points. Still early days for Ito, but she does have a lot of improving to do before she should challenge for another shot at the title.

 

CMLL

CMLL on YouTube.com - "Sin Piedad" - January 1, 2019, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena México
1. El Coyote & Grako -vs- Arkalis & Robin [* 1/2]
2. Dalys & Amapola & La Seductora -vs- Lluvia & La Jarochita & Avispa Dorada [* 1/2]
3. Hijo del Signo & Yago -vs- Akuma & Camorra - (Mask vs Hair) [** 3/4]
4. Kráneo & Hijo de LA Park & Volcano -vs- Hijo del Villano III & Villano IV & Felino [* 3/4]
5. Dragón Lee & Penta 0M & King Phoenix -vs- Cuatrero & Forastero & Templario [***]
6. Carístico -vs- Último Guerrero [** 1/4]

Lucha Brothers teaming with Dragon Lee topped CMLL's first, and very uneven, Arena Mexico show of 2019. Lucha Brothers really shakes things up in CMLL and I hope they keep bringing guys like that in to give the often stale booking in CMLL some color. Fine heated stuff. The hair match was ugly and many will crap on it, but I appreciated the effort. Signo was killing himself in there trying to make a impossible match good. The main event was good, but way too short. It was on all the way, but ones always hopes for a true main event style match to close a show, which often doesn't happen in CMLL.

CMLL Guadalajara on YouTube.com - January 1, 2019, Guadalajara, Mexico - (3/4 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Guadalajara, Mexico - Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1. Esfinge & Flyer & Tritón -vs- Okumura & Kawato San & Difunto [** 1/4]
2. Gran Guerrero & Cavernario & Mephisto -vs- Niebla Roja & Ángel de Oro & Místico [** 1/2]
3. Terrible -vs- Vangellys - (Mexican National Heavyweight Title) [**]

Solid Guadalajara outing from CMLL, but nothing outstanding. The main event was supposed to be Terrible against Diamante Azul, but Azul had been injured the day before, so they had Vangellys replace him. Hardly a good replacement, but the match was more interesting than it had any right to be. Kept it very simple, which I guess was the only way to not stink it up. 

CMLL on YouTube.com - "Super Viernes" - January 4, 2019, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 4, 2019, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena México
1. Gran Guerrero & Ephesto & Templario -vs- Stuka Jr. & Guerrero Maya Jr. & Rey Cometa [** 3/4]
2. Titán -vs- Tritón - (Lightning Match) [***]
3. Carístico & Valiente & Volador Jr. -vs- Último Guerrero & Euforia & Mephisto [** 1/2]
4. Rush & La Bestia Del Ring & Terrible -vs- Atlantis & Kráneo & Volcano [**]
5. Dragón Lee -vs- Cavernario [*** 1/2]
6. Sansón & Cuatrero & Forastero (c) -vs- Niebla Roja & Ángel de Oro & Soberano Jr. - (Mexican National Trios Title) [*** 1/4]

This was a quality show from CMLL! A real Friday night spectacular. Damn good undercard with two matches which was allowed to built into something important closing the show. Dragón Lee/Cavernario was very CMLL formula, with a long final fall, but there was a terrific effort from the two giving us a exciting singles match. La Sangre Dinamita defending the Mexican National Trios Title was almost as good. Got enough time to feel special and of course there is enough history between the wrestlers for it to have some meaning. Definitely one of the better shows CMLL will have this year. 

 

AAA

AAA, LEGEND on Hand-Held YouTube.com - January 1, 2019, Tlalnepantla, Mexico - (1 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Tlalnepantla, Mexico - Arena Lopez Mateos
1. Bucker & Monje Solitario Jr. -vs- Marraneitor & Puercules [* 1/2]
2. Big Mami & Keneisha Moon & Lady Shani -vs- La Hiedra & Lilith Dark & Star Fire [* 1/2]
3. Parka Negra & Villano III Jr. -vs- Mexica & Sádico -vs- Cometa & Concord -vs- Alex Extreme & Ángel Cósmico - (4-Way) [*** 1/4]
4. Argenis & Bengala & Drago -vs- Chessman & Dave The Clown & Monsther Clown [* 3/4]
5. Máximo & Psycho Clown -vs- Goya Kong & La Máscara [** 1/2]

Arena Lopez Mateos is a cool arena which gives a loud and intimate atmosphere. Perfect for some Brazo family drama as Goya Kong beats up her own father, Super Porky, and low blows her two brothers Máximo & Psycho Clown. Especially for the crowd brawling was exciting. Overbooked in true AAA style, and hardly good from a technical perspective. But the crowd was eating it up! For some more spectacular wrestling the 4-way tag was amazing at times. Too spectacular as Sadico get injured doing something insane. A real lively fight worth seeking out.

AAA, Sanchez, Invasion on Hand-Held YouTube.com - January 1, 2019, Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico - (1 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico - Arena Neza
1. Ancla & Hantar & Kronoz -vs- Capricornio & Karma I & Karma II [* 1/2]
2. Bizarro & Turipache 2000 & Xibalba -vs- Príncipe Caballero & Príncipe Neza & Radiante [* 3/4]
3. La Máscara & Estrella Divina -vs- Máximo & Mamba [* 1/2]
4. Rey Escorpión & Texano Jr. (c) -vs- Pentagón Jr. & Psycho Clown - (AAA Tag Title) [**]
5. Pagano & Joe Lider & Mr. Águila -vs- Averno & Chessman & Súper Fly -vs- Carta Brava Jr. & Mocho Cota Jr. & Tito Santana II - (Cage; Copa Fusion 2019) [** 1/4]

AAA house show with a couple of matches with a purpose. Pentagón Jr. turned up as a surprise to team with Psycho Clown to challenge for the AAA Tag Titles. A little chaotic and simple, but it wasn't bad. The cage main event was better, but naturally it got a little messy as well. That's just the way AAA is. Even on smaller shows. 

IWRG

IWRG on Hand-Held YouTube.com - "23. ANIVERSARIO" - January 1, 2019, Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico - (1 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico - Arena Naucalpan
1. Güero Palma & Marduk & Taurino -vs- Divino & Juan Diego & Kid Jaguar -vs- Flyman & Flyman II & Gallito Colorado -vs- Manchitas & Psique & Puercules -vs- Atomic Star & Chicanito & Death Metal - (Cage; 5-Way; Mask vs Hair) [**]
2. Dragón Bane (c) -vs- Rey Horus - (IWRG Rey del Aire Title; Cage) [** 1/4]
3. Capo del Norte & Capo del Sur (IWRG c) -vs- Karaoui & Zumbi (TWS c) -vs- Oficial 911 & Oficial AK47 (hair) - (IWRG Intercontinental Tag Title vs Lucha Libre TWS Tag Title vs Hair) [* 1/2]
4. Leo & Mike -vs- Dinamic Black & Eragón -vs- Ra-Zhata & Shil-Kah -vs- Freelance & Relámpago - (Cage) [* 1/4]
5. Máscara Año 2000 Jr. -vs- Toscano - (Cage; Bull Terrier; Hair vs Hair) [*]

They did the all-cage match show last year, and it was just as ridiculous as this years. The main event is a hilarious mess worth seeing as to why you don't chain your wrestlers to the ropes in a ladder match. Hope no one ever books a similar match, but I love the novelty of having seen one! The rest of the cage matches weren't bad. Some were actually good in their messy state. Dragón Bane/Rey Horus was the best of the bunch, even if a little short for my liking (as Horus had other bookings to make that day).

 

LUCHA INDIES

LUCHA on Hand-Held YouTube.com - "BANDIDO: THE MOST WANTED" - January 1, 2019, Torreón, Mexico - (1 1/4 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Torreón, Mexico - Arena Azteca
1. Chris Stone Jr. & Ciclón Ramírez Jr. & Emperador Azteca -vs- Ángel Azteca Jr. & Galeno Del Mal & Zyrus [**]
2. Bandido (c) -vs- Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. - (The Crash Cruiserweight Title) [** 1/2]

The hand held footage wasn't of the best quality, but you do get a decent feel of the action going on. The tag bout was long. Too long and very uneven. Does have some quality portions, as well as equally embarrassing spots. But it was the main event which was the entire show! Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. against one of the hottest rising stars at the moment, the recently ROH signed luchador, Bandido. And it was a cool match. Definitely Bandido's match, showing he'll be a important addition to ROH roster in 2019. This match however had some odd down moments, always at the wrong parts of the match. I'll blame those on Dr. Wagner III who looked a little lost without his father nearby.

MexaWrestling on Hand-Held YouTube.com - "WAR OF STYLES" - January 1, 2019, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico - (1 1/2 hrs)
January 1, 2019, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico - Arena San Juan Pantitlan
1. Chico Che & Demasiado & Homero Simpson -vs- Diva Salvaje & Mike & Ñoño [**]
2. Auzter & Baby Star & Fly Warrior & Juve Venegas & Príncipe Aéreo & Tromba & Yoruba -vs- Amnesia & Arañita & Fandango & Freelance & Hausser & Máscara Mágica Jr. & Vaquero [** 1/4]
3. Keyra -vs- Lady Flammer -vs- Zeuxis -vs- Diosa Quetzal -vs- Hija De Gatuebla - (5-Way) [1/4*]
4. Amnesia & Fly Star & Gato De Ecatepec -vs- Demus & Diablo Jr. & Fantasma de la Ópera [* 1/2]
5. Fulgor I & Fulgor II & Metaleón & Mr. Leo -vs- Alas de Acero & Impulso & Iron Kid [* 3/4]
6. Alan Extreme & Centvrión -vs- Loco Max & Ricky Marvin [** 1/2]
7. Flamita -vs- Rey Horuz [** 1/4]
8. Carístico & Dragón Bane & Templario -vs- Aramis & Arkángel Divino & Toxin [** 1/2]

Found all the matches (of various lengths in hand-held form) on YouTube, and it was a fun show. Not a blow away one, but most of the matches where entertaining. The opener had some guy in a Homer Simpson costume fighting Michelangelo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with a few transvestites thrown in. Clusterfuck for sure, but one that'll easily put a smile on ones face. Flamita and Rey Horuz, who know each other well, had a solid short bout. Loco Max was on form in his tag and the main event was a easy pleaser with CMLL stars mixing with a few of the rising stars on the indie scene. 

 

IMPACT

IMPACT - "HOMECOMING" - January 6, 2019, Nashville, Tennessee, USA - (2 3/4 hrs)
January 6, 2019, Nashville, Tennessee, USA - The Asylum
1. Rich Swann -vs- Ethan Page -vs- Jake Crist -vs- Trey Miguel - (Ultimate X Match; Impact X-Division Title Decison) [** 3/4]
2. Allie & Su Yung -vs- Jordynne Grace & Kiera Hogan [**]
3. Eddie Edwards -vs- Moose - (Falls Count Anywhere) [*** 1/4]
4. Sami Callihan -vs- Willie Mack [***]
5. Eli Drake -vs- Abyss - (Monster's Ball) [**]
6. Ortiz & Santana (c) -vs- Pentagón Jr. & Rey Fénix - (Impact Tag Title) [** 1/2]
7. Tessa Blanchard (c) -vs Taya Valkyrie - (Impact Knockouts Title) [** 1/4]
8. Johnny Impact (c) -vs- Brian Cage - (Impact Title) [** 3/4]

Impact starts their new chapter in a good way! A little weird that I ended up with Edwards/Moose ass my favorite match on the show, but it was the best told story which didn't have any major issues about it. The main event was on it's way to become a real killer, but some major problems with some sequences, including a devastatingly poor finish, ruined the impression. Same with Valkyrie's big moment being sloppy. The X-Division bout had one purpose. Having people executing movies hanging on the ropes over the ring. Got a bit repetitive and choreographed for it's own good, but it had it's spectacular moments. I've seen people love the LAX vs Lucha Bros tag, but to me it was mainly a rushed spotfest. Fun for what it was, but not in any way a MOTY type deal. I don't get LAX anyway. Comes across as a gimmick which was out-of-date 20 years ago. They should really freshen their style.

 

DEFIANT

DEFIANT - on YouTube.com - "LOADED #5" - January 5, 2019, Newcastle, England, UK - (1 hrs)
January 5, 2019, Newcastle, England, UK - O2 Academy
1. El Phantasmo -vs- Man Like Dereiss [*]
2. BT Gunn -vs- Lucky Kid [**]
3. Kanji (c) -vs- Roxxy - (Defiant Women's Title) [* 1/2]
4. Joe Hendry -vs- Rory Coyle [3/4*]

Easy Defiant show. Light matches as it's only a TV taping and not one of their big events. Still Gunn vs Lucky Kid got good and Kanji came out of her match alright. Fun song for the final match, but the bout itself was a deliberately  lazy one.

--PUNQ--

[Philjax]

I love you PUNQ. And as usual I shall attempt to get back into AJPW on your advice and fall away by April

[gmoney]

I have never seen any of the original Saturday Nights Main Events. I don't know why I haven't thought to do this before, but I just picked one at random (October 90) and came across a fantastic angle I'd never seen or ever heard mentioned. It's Dusty vs Macho Man with Dustin sitting in the front row cheering him on. During the match Million Dollar Man and Virgil buy all of the rest of the seats in the front and sit either side of young Dustin. They end up getting in a ruckus and knocking the shit out of him with a chair, busting him open. In the ensuing chaos, Dusty covers up his son to save him from a further beating as he is counted out. This was amazing! Did I just get lucky or have I discovered a treasure trove? 

[BomberPat]

I watched Wrestlemania X8 last week, off the back of a 2002 discussion on this board - what an absolute shambles of a show that is. Undertaker/Flair still holds up, and I think the match combined with the build is arguably the best thing WWE have done post-2001, and the treatment of Flair as an aging veteran, and as a kayfabe owner having to be cajoled into returning to the ring, and risking his position of authority to do so, Vince using the suspension of Flair's power as a means to pursue his own agenda - it's light-years ahead of Shane McMahon as an on-screen boss just booking himself in big matches without consequence, as far as storytelling goes.

Beyond that, almost all the matches go less than ten minutes, most of them don't feel Wrestlemania quality at all (Page/Christian? Regal/RVD?), Austin/Hall is one gif-able Stunner amid an absolute slog of a match, and Booker T/Edge is built around the daft shampoo commercial angle which had uncomfortable racial undertones I wasn't picking up at the time (JR saying Booker didn't get the endorsement because of his "Medusa hair", for example).
Of course there's Hogan/Rock, which is still a spectacle, but not nearly as impressive the better part of twenty years removed - it's a great example of people remembering the "moments", and the big visuals, and forgetting the weird ref bumps and false finishes and so on.

 

Then, God help me, I watched Capital Carnage 1998, as I was in the mood to watch shows I used to own on VHS, apparently. I've mentioned on here before that my first run of wrestling fandom ran roughly '93-'97, and picked back up in 2000, so I missed the majority of the Attitude Era until I went back to fill in the gaps. This was a show a mate lent me on VHS back in 2000, and a lot of the wrestlers on it I knew only either by reputation, or because they were in the PS1 games. 

It's bonkers. The heel/face dynamic is all over the shop. Gangrel beats Al Snow because The Brood do a run-in, but then later on in the show Christian teams with Sable in a babyface team, and Edge faces evil foreigner Tiger Ali Singh. Val Venis and Goldust are both babyfaces, but Val works de facto heel against Goldust because he'd had an affair with Terri, but Terri's faked a pregnancy with Val too. 

They play footage of Vince giving a speech at the Oxford union (!), and follow it up with Shane and Vince cutting an extraordinary cheap heel heat promo that goes on forever. Shane heels on Vinnie Jones, accusing him of being George Michael's boyfriend (it's the Attitude Era, have some homophobia!), and Vince goes full evil foreigner, slagging off every single British stereotype he can think of in that American chocolate box view of England that always makes me cringe when it's someone other than William Regal camping it up - "teatime", thinking anyone in England gives a shit about the Boston Tea Party, and so on. He gets tremendous heel heat for suggesting that all English people secretly wish they were American, though.

He caps it off, though, with one of the only things to ever come out of Vince McMahon's mouth that genuinely knocked me aback. He gives his prediction for the future of the UK, saying that it will be abandoned by the Americans, "and sold off to the French and the Germans. My prediction for the future of the United Kingdom is a cesspool. A cesspool of sexual deviancy, governed by a Prime Minister, most likely of Pakistani extraction." It's fucking horrific, and genuinely shocking even by Attitude Era standards, but Vince's delivery of "...of Pakistani extraction" is so dramatic it pushes it into complete absurdity.

That promo is immediately followed up by Tiger Ali Singh, with Jerry Lawler on commentary repeating "IS HE PAKISTANI?!", and JR saying "I don't mind someone being proud of their heritage, but this guy takes it too far" before Singh has done or said anything. Singh then does the voice, and dedicates the match to his forefathers who struggled under the yoke of the British Empire, because using the Raj for cheap heat moments after using the word "Pakistani" as a scare tactic at the height of the WWF's supposed golden era is perfectly fine.

 

That said, no pay-per-view has ever had a better storyline running through it than, "what surprise does Gerald Brisco have in store for Vinnie Jones?". Imagine being in the writing room and pitching that sentence.

[HarmonicGenerator]

I don't remember any of that about Capital Carnage - I too was lent the VHS by a mate in the early 2000s and it was some of my earliest exposure to full-on Attitude.

I remember Vinnie Jones, I remember Jacqueline's top getting ripped off. I remember Tiger Ali Singh feeling strangely prominent on the show. I remember a lot of replays of Paul Bearer being chucked down the manhole. And very little else - the VHS was a doubler with King Of The Ring 2000, which was given more due time and attention.

That Vince promo, though... no recollection of that at all. It sounds horrifying. Was there particularly strong anti-Asian feeling in this country at that time? 

[CL Punk]

I watched The Destruction of The Shield documentary which was just okay and then watched the DDP Positively Living documentary which I thought was a lot better. 

[The Gaffer]

Capital Carnage was the first tape I owned, in a double set with King of the Ring 2000. To my knowledge the only other double set Silvervision done was SummerSlam 2000 + Mayhem in Manchester, which still strikes me as a far better deal. I didn't get that. I got the evening gown match and Vinnie Jones in his Lock Stock costume.

KOTR was a damp squib and by far the worst event of WWE's best year ever, and Capital Carnage was my first insight into the madness of the Attitude Era before I started watching in 2000, so Capital Carnage got played a lot. As a result, I have an unshakeable nostalgia for that show. You know the way they say that your life flashes before your eyes before you die? In my case, I'll probably have that clipped opening audio of Michael Cole going "It's capital, capital. At the London, London arena" echoing in my head.

I love the quasi house show vibe of this show. Right down to how the pyro looks like it was done by some local dodgy boys. It's WWF Attitude, the PlayStation game, in the form of an actual card. In retrospect sending Tiger out like they did was obvious race bait but, y'know, 'rasslin. Vince's infamous 'Pakistani extraction' promo to me remains nothing more than a TV character doing a hilariously over the top cheap heat bid.

No, it's not One Night Only. It's still better than Mayhem in Manchester and No Mercy UK, though. The four way main event with Vince on commentary is a fun brawl, with awesome entrance atmosphere for all the guys. I remember X-Pac and Rock being really, really good and need to watch it back now to see how it holds up.

Rebellion 99 is another good UK one. Solid stuff, that.

Edited January 14, 2019 by Gay as FOOK

[Accident Prone]

46 minutes ago, Gay as FOOK said:

Capital Carnage was the first tape I owned, in a double set with King of the Ring 2000. To my knowledge the only other double set Silvervision done was SummerSlam 2000 + Mayhem in Manchester, which still strikes me as a far better deal. I didn't get that. I got the evening gown match and Vinnie Jones in his Lock Stock costume.

I had an Invasion+Best Of WCW double VHS set and I think there was one for WrestleMania 2000 too but I don't remember what it was doubled with.

EDIT: WrestleMania 17 also came doubled with No Mercy In Manchester.

 

Edited January 14, 2019 by Accident Prone

[PunkStep]

RIGHT I'M BACK ON THE WAGON

The WWE Network wagon that is. I think I must've cancelled last April, as the Greatest Royal Rumble is the last thing I watched in there. I'm back, somehow with three months for free (without having to set up a new account or work for it), so I'm looking for shit to watch.

So far on my list I'll be sure to include:

-Mae Young Classic 2018, I really enjoyed the first one

-Probably all of the NXT Takeovers I've missed

-NXT UK Takeover, plus some of the weekly shows

-The Brock/Bryan match and Lynch/Charlotte main event from Evolution (in fact, probably the entire Evolution show)

 

What else? Are there any must-see WWE PPVs or matches from the past 8 months? Any particular NXT episodes I should watch? Any decent original stuff, documentaries or classic footage added that's worth a watch? What about the evolution of Becky Lynch- anything in particular to watch so I might love her as much as you all do? Hook me up, Bruce.

[air_raid]

On 1/14/2019 at 2:03 AM, gmoney said:

I have never seen any of the original Saturday Nights Main Events. I don't know why I haven't thought to do this before, but I just picked one at random (October 90) and came across a fantastic angle I'd never seen or ever heard mentioned. It's Dusty vs Macho Man with Dustin sitting in the front row cheering him on. During the match Million Dollar Man and Virgil buy all of the rest of the seats in the front and sit either side of young Dustin. They end up getting in a ruckus and knocking the shit out of him with a chair, busting him open. In the ensuing chaos, Dusty covers up his son to save him from a further beating as he is counted out. This was amazing! Did I just get lucky or have I discovered a treasure trove? 

I recently watched all of them from 88 to 92 and they're excellent fun. A massive wealth of scene-setting for PPV matches and the ins and outs of how guys transition from their last house show feud to their next.

[HarmonicGenerator]

46 minutes ago, PunkStep said:

RIGHT I'M BACK ON THE WAGON

The WWE Network wagon that is. I think I must've cancelled last April, as the Greatest Royal Rumble is the last thing I watched in there. I'm back, somehow with three months for free (without having to set up a new account or work for it), so I'm looking for shit to watch.

So far on my list I'll be sure to include:

-Mae Young Classic 2018, I really enjoyed the first one

-Probably all of the NXT Takeovers I've missed

-NXT UK Takeover, plus some of the weekly shows

-The Brock/Bryan match and Lynch/Charlotte main event from Evolution (in fact, probably the entire Evolution show)

 

What else? Are there any must-see WWE PPVs or matches from the past 8 months? Any particular NXT episodes I should watch? Any decent original stuff, documentaries or classic footage added that's worth a watch? What about the evolution of Becky Lynch- anything in particular to watch so I might love her as much as you all do? Hook me up, Bruce.

Your list above will do you well!

I would add:

 - Randy Orton vs Jeff Hardy from Hell in a Cell. One of my favourite matches of last year

- The second UKCT from Royal Albert Hall. Second night better than the first.

- Any episode of 205 Live where Buddy Murphy has a match (see also his hometown match at Super Showdown)

- Any Ronda Rousey PPV match.

For specific NXT episodes, they’re all of a decent standard so none particularly come to mind except maybe if you missed the Ricochet-Velveteen Dream confrontation in early summer, and the one main evented by Moustache Mountain vs Undisputed Era.

[Lorne Malvo]

31 minutes ago, HarmonicGenerator said:

- Any episode of 205 Live where Buddy Murphy has a match (see also his hometown match at Super Showdown)

I'll second this, especially if it's against Cedric Alexander or Mustafa Ali.

[Accident Prone]

1 hour ago, PunkStep said:

RIGHT I'M BACK ON THE WAGON

The WWE Network wagon that is. I think I must've cancelled last April, as the Greatest Royal Rumble is the last thing I watched in there. I'm back, somehow with three months for free (without having to set up a new account or work for it), so I'm looking for shit to watch.

Ha, I just did the same thing last weekend! Three months free and all I did was change my payment option.

Apart from catching all the Road-to-'Mania action, I'll probably be watch a few of those 24 docs that always get praised as well as that Nigel one that recently got uploaded. I'm also really intrigued at looking back at a few 2002 shows after that throwback thread earlier this month.