Childs

Styles-Mahal was excellent. In AJ we trust.

Pretty bizarre to say Dandy's greatest exposure came as a C-show worker. That presumes you'd define his legacy by what he did in the U.S., which would be insane. That's why this conversation can't even really be had unless we defined what "underrated" actually means. Underrated to who? Because to people inside the PWO bubble no one in the OP is underrated. Even outside of that it and onto twitter it seems like Bobby Eaton is very highly regraded as is Brad Armstrong. If we're just talking "general audience, only ever watched WCW/ECW/WWE" then those guys would probably be underrated. El Dandy certainly would be since "Who are you to doubt El Dandy?" still comes up just about anywhere his name is talked about outside of somewhere like PWO and DVDVR. Agreed. I always hate the overrated/underrated questions because they're far more about who's doing the rating than about the subject. And I frankly don't give a fuck who's underrated by Joe casual fan.

Pretty bizarre to say Dandy's greatest exposure came as a C-show worker. That presumes you'd define his legacy by what he did in the U.S., which would be insane.

He's had PWG matches against Keith Lee and Janela that I liked. But his case relies heavily on CWF, where, as you say, he's tremendous.

I'm a little surprised Riddle is still near the top of some lists. Thought he took a step back this year. He still brings enormous charisma, and his best matches have been terrific. But I find him less interesting as he becomes more of a pro wrestler and less of an ex-MMA guy. He now has a clear formula that relies on some spots--the upkick counter, that awful looking tombstone, the suplex no-sell--that I dont like at all. And he never has mastered worked strikes. I was in love with him 18 months ago. Now I'm not. I'm also not a fan of Starr, though I haven't studied his work closely enough to make a good argument. The Walter series struck me as a really good big man against an okay little man, with Starr bringing a lot of energy but little else of note. The guy who really won me over this year was Sabre. Loved his EVOLVE stuff early in the year against Hero and Thatcher, thought he maintained a high level in PWG highlighted by his miracle match against Chucky T and found his New Japan work in the G1 and against Tanahashi consistency interesting. I was a skeptic on him for years, but he's streamlined his work and thrives as a heel. Don't know that he's my WOTY but he's right in the mix.

He's said repeatedly that he doesn't love it and never did. I agree he's naturally gifted at parts of it that you'd associate with a committed worker. And I think he tries to hold himself to a reasonable standard of athletic performance. But I have no reason to believe he loves it.

Yatsu wrestled for Japan in the Olympics. I believe that's why he wore the tights.

I loved this. Pair this with Ringkampf vs. the Briscoes from the night before, and WXW had itself one hell of a tournament. I'm normally not a fan of matches that stay outside the ring as long as this one, but Ki and especially Homicide are so good at creating mayhem. And it was cool watching Thatcher and Walter adjust to a different style of match. Ki is still such an amazing athlete, and he killed it on his few big spots in this match. I also loved the fight he showed whenever Walter tried to get him up for a power move. Too bad he screwed up his knee on that double stomp to the outside. I hope Ringkampf stays together for a long run taking on all comers.

This was a good hierarchy match, and Walter always holds up his end. But I don't get the MOTYC buzz. Starr brings a lot of energy, but some of his offense just doesn't click for me, and I don't find him captivating as an underdog. If I did stars, it'd be in the ***1/2 range.

Speaking to the spottiness of NJ World, there were two other matches in their '83 series (another April one and one in September) that added richness to the whole thing, though the series still didn't come to a definitive conclusion. Then they hooked it up again in 1988.

That whole thing was about setting up five months of McMahon horseshit. Ugh.

Shane McMahon, lead babyface. Gag.

Can't imagine them booking the 5-on-5 in a less compelling fashion. All the guys I don't care about are still in it.

Styles-Lesnar was tremendous. AJ was AJ, but Brock worked hard and sold for him in a real way. The ragged nature of a few spots, such as the tornado ddt counter, actually added to it for me. Exactly what I wanted from that match.

I have been thinking about this the last couple of days. I think this could be Hero's way to the main roster. He should debut as Samoa Joe's third degree cousin "Samoa Chris" or "Kassius Samoa" (like Cocoa Samoa) and should form a tag team with him. Then in a big match against Sheamus & Cesaro (ideally for the tag team championship) Hero should turn on Joe Horseman-style and form a three man team with them and together they should rule Raw for a year Shield-style. I realize you'e joking (I hope), but Chris Hero is barely a factor in NXT - it wouldn't shock me if he never makes it to the main roster. If he does, it will be in a Rhyno-level enhancement role. If Chris is happy where he is, more power to him. But as a fan, it's depressing to think about his 2017 vs. his classic 2016.

I'm way more interested to see how Meltzer rates the match than see that actual match itself. The wrestler he's a giant fanboy for vs. his WWE source, I don't think he goes less than *** even if the match is a complete train wreck.He certainly never acknowledged how awful Jericho was in the Styles series.

It's an awful card, frankly. Naito-Okada is a fitting main event but not one I'm looking forward to, and the rest is shit.

I'm no fan of Dave's interactions on Twitter, which reflect well on no one. But I don't get why people on here are suggesting his love for PWG is some gimmick. It's a style of wrestling he's always loved, and he goes to the shows, which probably are legitimately fun live experiences. He's a terrible match critic, sure, but that's hardly new.

How many times have we seen the injured guy return from the back in the last three months alone? Stop.

What a horrid main event after an otherwise good show. Not only garbled but boring.

Miz's team captain speeches rule.

I have no use for Balor but that was a damn good match. And not just because AJ is the best guy in the company.

This is shaping up as another underwhelming card that has a chance to go down as a good show. The Asuka booking was the only weird thing so far and the match was still solid.