Solar I/Super Astro vs. Negro Navarro/Shu El Guerrero, Arena Coliseo De Monterrey 5/18/08

This was really enjoyable. A little on the soft side to be a MOTYC or anything like that, but it was everything they could deliver on paper.

Solar/Navarro is the best match-up in wrestling. No matter how many times you see it, you just wanna see it again. Three times they squared off and each time they flaunted their maestro reps. The opening fall was worked around wristlock takedowns and arm drags, mostly for show. The second fall had a few pin attempts, with both guys trying to score the most elaborate pinfall. The final caida was the trump card and featured nothing but mat-based submission work and painful looking holds. The best matwork I saw all year was Navarro vs. Terry. This slots in at number two.

Super Astro might not be as good as he was in the early-mid 90s (I saw him work a breathtaking exchange with Blue Panther the other day), but he's gotten himself into shape and operates with vigour. And while it's difficult to imagine that Shu El Guerrero once had the classic bodybuilder physique, having a fat guy who can take tumble and work holds adds to the carnival. The finish was awesome, with Super Astro nailing a straight drop tope and Navarro and Solar working a final stand-off. The double pin was a stupid decision, but Navarro is death on the mat.

If I was gonna barrack for anyone as wrestler of the year, it would be Navarro.