WingedEagle

Curious where people are on Tanahashi after another stellar year in 2015 and a 2016 already including what to me was the best Tanahashi-Okada match yet and a solid Omega match. I can't imagine anyone who wasn't sold on him when this thread was busy in '14 have changed teams here, but how high are his fans going?

Really enjoying this. Kobashi's also a strong #1 contender in my book and I've been going back to some of his NOAH run lately. While I knew it before, it was striking how big a contrast there is from GHC Kobashi to All Japan rising star. He's older, thicker and often looks like Hansen has permanently shut his eye, but is just at a completely different level from just about anyone who ever lived when it comes to selling, in-ring charisma and ability to perfectly time his big spots. It'll be interesting to see what mood I'm in when Mania comes and its time to turn in a list, as that'll be about the only way to rank my top 3.

Parv, don't forget Misawa & Kobashi.

Parv, which Kane/Big Show matches with Taker did you rate that highly?

Do we know yet if Shane is back in some capacity beyond special attraction at Mania to plug the gap created by injuries?

Absolutely subscribe to this. We give people much too much credit for things that just occur in the course of folks going about their business and looking out for themselves.

This seems plausible. But it also seems perfectly normal for the wrestling business, where bookers have their favorites and pet projects. This "political hit" talk makes it sound a whole lot more atypical and sinister than what is likely just the latest round of deciding who to push.

#whywrestlinggetstheadvertisersitgets

I've probably enjoyed most things he's done on TV. Don't know why, but he's entertained me. I also think he's a lot better choice than dozens of prior nominees. But would still kill myself rather than rank him.

Haven't made a list but would be very surprised to see him there.

Kobashi & Takayama would top this one in '04. Should also check out Misawa-Takayama from the following year. 4/15/01. A real classic. 4 3/4 in my book.

Wow times are tough. No pyro for Brock.

Yes, I think Shane is a world's better option and will make for a more interesting match than Strowman ever would. But still not sold its going down like that. If it is, Taker has clearly entered the Rasheed Wallace phase of his career.

So I firmly believe it will not be Taker vs. Shane at Mania. I really don't believe that. Maybe I'm crazy but just don't see that as the end game. On the other hand, I like Shane in a cell a lot more than Strowman or any similar ideas. The roster is barren of credible opponents. Might as well make a spectacle of it.

Don't buy it for a second. Cena will be slotted in there within a week or 2 if not by the end of the night.

Can't wait for the Warren Commission report on this one.

I thought Jericho looked pretty bad last night and brought the match down a ton, though AJ looked very uncomfortable as well. But I don't understand for a second how we know what match anyone wanted to have last night, much less whether they had the leeway to go in their own direction. Unless I'm missing something I don't see how we can come to any conclusions about that kind of intent.

So after Fastlane it looks like we may actually get Brock-Ambrose to go with Hunter-Reigns, and I'm guessing Cena-Taker will follow. Just like that I am stoked about the card. Amazing what SuperCena and the absence of Wyatt can do for a show.

Going to bed now, but Vince in the opening minutes of the E&C show was a riot.

Makes more sense. That was also spectacular. Didn't think tonight would approach that but it absolutely did. Brock for President!

4.5 here, but one I'll definitely want to rewatch for MOTY purposes later this year. Brock's performance and the layout were incredible, and the booking (particularly absence of Wyatts) may very well push it higher.

What was the second one?

Wow. That was sudden. Brock-Ambrose at Mania? Is the magic show somehow off?

IT LIVES!

Indeed. Really well put together.