WingedEagle

I think the last two legs of the Joe vs. Punk trilogy hold up incredible well, with the 60 minute draw being a MOTY contender and the final outing a legit classic. The first meeting at the show titled titled World Title Classic is far from a classic but still a solid outing and while I wouldn't skip it if you've never seen these, its not something you need to see if the goal is to catch either man's best. But those last two (Joe vs. Punk II and All Star Extravaganza)? Incredible wrestling matches that exceed what you'd expect given where Punk was at that stage of his career.

Any consensus on what matches I need to watch here?

Exactly -- he watches a ton, churns out reviews and is a vital reference when looking to filter what I watch. I don't know him at all but everything I've seen from and about him online suggests he's a good guy. Hopefully he and the family pull through this.

Hopefully Larry has a swift recovery and plows through rehab and PT like a champ. His absence these last few weeks has been huge.

Is all of this on the network?

Maybe I'm missing something, but what's the fuss about a chop? It leaves a mark and probably hurts like hell, but that's pain rather than injury. No one's risking their career or livelihood taking a chop.

Ha will have to give that a shot. Haven't gone to the TV yet for late nights but its bound to happen sooner or later.

We just had a baby this month and while I've somehow caught more wrestling than I expected (Wrestle Kingdom, Takeover/Rumble and most Raws/Smackdowns), its definitely happening at odd times whenever I can squeeze it in and a lot of things I may have watched in prior years is getting left aside. I'm trying to keep an eye out for highly recommended matches from companies like BJW, DDT, Dragon Gate and others domestically and in Japan that I followed but didn't quite watch regularly, but it is TOUGH. All worth it, but my 2019 list of rated matches will definitely be a lot shorter than in prior years.

Meltzer reported last night that the Best Friends are headed to AEW. More interestingly, the move sees Beretta apparently break a verbal commitment he had given NJPW. Curious to see how that type of activity impact the company's efforts to supplant ROH as NJPW's domestic partner.

Did anyone watch today's Road To show? Curious if anything worth checking out there.

Bumping this in light of Brock/Finn at tonight's Rumble.

Amazing.

That tag was a ton better than I thought possible. Really enjoyed it.

Becky/Asuka started a bit slowly but built very well between the dueling submission work and counters with real struggle down the stretch. Loved the decisive finish even if I didn't necessarily love the decision. Gut says it leads to Becky entering and winning the Rumble because otherwise this night is quite the burial, but a very good match regardless. ***3/4

So this match was very underwhelming. And then these last 5-7 minutes they've absolutely torn the roof off with the dives, counters and near falls. A tale of two matches.

I wish Ohno worked a style that utilized his body more. Its great when there's a diversity of looks on the roster, but people should work a style that capitalizes on such differences. If your body and style are suited to flying, fly. If you're bigger and thicker then put that to work in your offense or bumping. Ohno's work doesn't seem to take advantage of that difference. More a wasted opportunity than a big deal.

That was an outstanding opener. They worked a near sprint-like pace but with real heat, selling and teases before the hot stretch run.

Imagine War Raiders losing after that entrance. I'm amped.

I'm glad to see Roman engaged in something beyond treatment. Hopefully things are going well and he makes a full recovery. I can't imagine how difficult a time this must be for the family.

Glad to hear that you're okay and all is well. Don't be a stranger!

Where do I find all these recent Hidden Gems on the network? Does it make a difference if I'm accessing via PS4?

Anything on last night's show worth going out of my way to watch?

Bryan also had an entire Wrestlemania built around him. Its not a perfect analogy, but somewhat analogous to winning a Super Bowl or a title in another major sport. Not only that, but arguably one of the more important Manias in history given it was the Network launch.

They ran the exact same angle at the MSG show on Wednesday. Curious if Raw is the payoff or they'll remember it the next time they swing into tonw.

The possibilities for him as a HW are easily what most excite me about NJPW heading into G1. A Never title run, challenges to other belts, the NJ Cup and a G1 run are all on the table. Fres matches that on paper all look incredible.