WingedEagle

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.

Love these blogs, but you need to keep the star ratings in tact! They're there on the WWE 02-04 reference, but not he on the 84-87 blog. Just a minor note to assist us nerds.

After missing the last 2 weeks I check in tonight for the first half hour. My bad. Looking forward to Smackdown tonight though. I really hope things pick up here next year. The prospect of a show built around the McMahons, a Brock/Seth feud and Goodwill Dean does not make for an exciting build to Mania.

IN-SANE. You can be selective on the Korakuen shows. Night 2 main event is required viewing, and I enjoyed the young lions opener because its fun to see them get a chance to go that ong, but beyond that go for whatever looks appealing. Nothing else is really required.

This was the credited response during her 2016 heel run. It just took a brief hiatus during her smiley babyface days.

Brilliant.

What was the finish? I went to the other room to ask the wife a question. It wasn't interesting, but I have no doubt it was still more compelling than the finish. I'm just curious.

Haha what a point. Offering that fist is really crossing a line. I know none of this matters, but why go out of your way to make things seem that silly?