Steenalized

Sleeze actually hit it on the head in one of his reviews. He mentioned that KENTA is at his best when he's forced to slow down, work from underneath, and sell. Matches like his Takayama beat down or against Danielson. I sincerely mean it in the best way when I say KENTA could be an all time great enhancement talent/JTTS. Him as a top level babyface ass kicker? Don't care for it.

So it's a KENTA match?

Minoru Suzuki's sleeper is over big in New Japan when he does it too. It's not a match finisher directly but it wears down his opponent so he can hit the piledriver. I'm a firm believer in almost anything can get over if you treat the move with respect.

Listening right now and at the point where you talk about why punches are illegal. I always figured that it was to differentiate the sport from boxing. If you watch old boxing, grappling and clinch work were much more prevalent than what most modern refs allow. So wrestling says no punching, boxing says no tackling/takedowns/holds, only punching. And with the taped fist match, if you punch someone full force with a bare hand, you'll likely break it. Taping your hands protects it.

I don't think that should be a surprise to anyone after the Monday Night War DVD they put out about 10 years ago, you know the one that claimed ECW was maybe the 2nd biggest promotion in the country, over WCW of course.

Akiyama and Takayama have been my two favorite guys in this project not named "Tenryu," so the marquee stands out. Especially after a year of NOAH failing to meet its old standards. Takayama and Rikio start, neither able to shoulder the other one down in the first dozen charges. Takayama, sick of that, throws a big boot that Rikio dodges, only for Rikio to finally put Takayama on his back. Sugiura and Akiyama swap in without much of a fuss. Instead of strength spots, it's proper grappling. For a few moments. Then Sugiura brings the kicks. The two get into a forearm exchange. Sugiura really looks like he wants to best Akiyama but it's Akiyama who grinds his man down. Sugiura eludes Akiyama until he can boot Akiyama off of the apron and into the guard rails. Suguira takes control but doesn't do a lot with it. Takayama comes in to swing around those tree trunk legs for a bit, which looks great as always, before locking up Akiyama. Akiyama drives Takayama back into Rikio, letting the other brute tag in. Things move at a glacial pace for a while, not that there's anything wrong with that, but it looks like Takayama learned he can't plow his way through Rikio. Him and Sugiura have to take turns stretching and beating on Rikio. Akiyama casually strolls across the ring while Rikio is in a Boston crab. There's not a lot of urgency there until Sugiura refuses to break the hold, even after a few forearms to the jaw. Rikio seizes the opening, hitting a lariat then dumping Sugiura onto the ramp. Akiyama gets his entrance ramp DDT in, plus a nice running knee. The crowd doesn't seem particularly into this, I note. Now it's Sugiura's turn to sell for the opposing tag. He's certainly more vocal about it than Rikio. He's not bad nor is he particularly noteworthy. Takyama has to step in a couple times to break up holds or at least slow down Akiyama. Sugiura spears Akiyama and tags in Takayama, who immediately tosses Rikio and Akiyama around. He either lays in those kicks like crazy or is the Jerry Lawler of side kicks. In a strange spot, Rikio slaps Takayama, Takayama high kicks Rikio, and both fall back like they got hit much harder. Takayama especially looked odd taking a bump there, Rikio barely hit him. Sugiura only knows hot to sprint around when he moves in the ring and between spots. Maybe he sapped all the life out of the other guys who have zero urgency. There's finally a bit more Takayama vs. Akiyama, giving us a great Takayama running knee, though it ends after a moment. Neat spot where Sugiura dumps Akiyama from his shoulders as Takayama throws up a rising knee. Rikio and Takayama show down again until the big vet ends their macho exchange with some knees. Sugiura follows up by sprinting and hitting another spear. His spear at least looks good. Unlike his selling and being fired up which amount to a lot of grunting and groaning. The four cycle through their match ups pretty often so the match does have a certain freshness to it. Still, it's a lot more compelling when at least one of the veterans is in there, especially if Sugiura is involved. He needs Akiyama to slow him down as Rikio either can't or won't. Big spot exchange from the four of them leaves everyone on the canvas. The crowd chants for Sugiura. Rikio and Sugiura battle it out while the 'yamas neutralize each other elsewhere. Rikio gets the pin after unloading on Sugiura. ***. I wouldn't call it action packed. Slow, slow match. Not slow as in deliberately paced, but slow as in everyone seemed kinda sleepy or like they'd rather be somewhere else. Disappointing but not actually bad. The type of thing i'll probably never watch again. Akiyama's selling was good but nothing compared to what he's been doing in previous performances. Takayama's offense is the real star of the show. The Sugiura-Angle comparison that Sleaze threw out there isn't off key.

Brutal segment, but at like Nikki harped on the point of getting humiliated on TV for weeks while Brie did nothing.

Dust Brothers heel turn tonight after a count out win. Goldust has the chops for it, hopefully he'll teach Cody.

I think wrestling's appeal to the "geeky hipster" type is still a tiny, tiny minority. Hipsters themselves are a tiny, tiny minority even in major cities (well, maybe not in Austin). I live in a pretty hipster heavy neighborhood in Chicago, an even heavier one last year. I see guys wearing random wrestling shirts, but when I go to actual shows, the amount of 'hipsters' I see is still just a little fraction.

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/01/08/nfl-2013-tv-recap-205-million-fans-tuned-in-34-of-35-most-watched-shows-this-fall/227726/ The NFL's kind of a big deal. Like funkdoc said, everyone watches football. If we drew a Venn diagram of US TV viewship, it's basically one circle saying "NFL fans" with everyone else within it.

Probably, but I am looking forward to the freak out and call of it being a failed move on those eight weeks when the NFL gives them a big hit.

Big, bomb throwing heavyweight sprint? Yes. please. It starts out with both Takayama and Sasaki trying to out-muscle the other guy to grab on some basic holds. Sasaki actually makes Takayama backpedal and grab the ropes on a cross arm breaker. Takayama's finally had enough of this catch as catch can crap. He puts Sasaki down with one of those giant knees to the chest. Takayama does work an cross arm breaker of his own but his offense is mostly switching to big boots and hard kicks. Sasaki has to fire back with hard strikes and big clothesline, including one that tosses Takayama to the outside. He works Takayama into the ring post for a few spots, none of which look especially great. All I'm saying is I've seen Stan Hansen punch the shit out of a ring post, why aren't you doing it, Sasaki? But legitimately, his offense looks lighter once they're outside and that's fine if he's playing it safe. Center of the ring show down sequence; neither guy wants to drop but both have to take a knee. They're really laying it in here. Drool leaks from Takayama's mouth in a gross visual. Takayama finally takes a bump on a Sasaki clothesline, which the crowd pops for less than I'd hope. They go nuts for Sasaki's dive from the top rope to the outside, as well they should. Sasaki finally gets a nearfall that makes the crowd erupt. Takayama drops Sasaki with a dragon suplex and follows up ASAP with that picture perfect German. Short. Sweet. Awesome. ****1/4. The two hug it out after.

It's rare that a match this length can hold my attention and leave me feeling compelled. The problem is, going this long still leaves things on the bloated end even if it's time well-filled. Sleaze has it right in that Akiyama's performance here, while once again very solid, doesn't quite have the urgency of his '00 Misawa showdown. Him desperately trying for the apron exploder was a good callback to that previous mega match, I thought it was just a tease only for them to deliver even bigger. Both guys tease being dead at this point. Akiyama gets in at about 16, Kobashi's carcass drags itself in at 19. Akiyama throws everything he has at Kobashi, including a super exploder. Somehow that's not enough. The desperate Akiyama goes for a second pin attempt on that, as if he couldn't believe Kobashi kicked out. I think Akiyama does a really strong job getting more and more determined to put Kobashi away, only for everything he does to come up just a little short against the unstoppable Kobashi. Not even the wrist clutch exploder can do the trick. Kobashi finally counters Akiyama with a quick brainbuster. They drop each other with half nelson suplexes and exploders, both full of vigor, til Kobashi plants Akiyama with that lariat. Then another. Akiyama gets to show how tough he is, even kicking out of the moonsault that beat Takayama. Only a burning hammer can appropriately end this. Both guys get ice bags and mists of water to save them from exhaustion afterwards. ****3/4. A little heavy at times and I do think in historical context it hurts Akiyama to have Kobashi withstand everything in the book. At that point, only some new super head drop could give Akiyama credibility, since as of this match why would I think Akiyama could beat Kobashi? Regardless, for just this match, they put on a hell of a show. Kobashi is the indomitable champ, Akiyama was the biggest challenge yet.

TNA moved to Wednesday and Monday Night Raw is a strong enough brand that they'll take a ratings hit but still keep pretty solid numbers. Thursday Night Smackdown hasn't been a thing in what, 10 years?

The NFL is coming out with divisional games almost every Thursday. Some of the exceptions are match ups like Bears vs. Cowboys, so one of the oldest and most popular franchises vs. the most popular franchise. The games might have a dip in actual quality because of the shortened week, but it isn't going to hurt ratings especially now that they're on CBS.

I know Thursday is a better TV night than Friday, but why? Everyone in their right mind avoids the NFL at all costs.

There's no emphasis on the "five" in "five moves of doom" as a sticking point. The myth is that Bret always used the same finishing sequence, give or take a little.

As always, I loved the show, guys. One very minor point on Sting that comes up from time to time; Dylan brought it up at the last minute here. I don't think Sting's candidacy is bolstered by "I thought he was super cool as a kid." But, I do think Sting was a character who appealed to kids more than adults. You're a 20 or 30 year old guy in the late 80s or early 90s, you're probably going to care more about Flair or Luger than Sting. But Sting's aesthetics could easily appeal to little kids. His Crow gimmick from the NWO era didn't have that, but if I may use some anecdotal evidence, Sting was easily the most popular WCW baby face with me and my peers (me being 8-10 at the time) until Goldberg eclipsed him. I think some reason why he wasn't as big of a spike in drawing compared to others (say Roddy Piper) is that the people who actually have money to buy PPVs, adults, remember and know Piper and get his appeal. Kids who are or were into Sting might have some sway in PPV buys, but a lot less so than the 18+ demo. It's a marginal point that I don't think changes the reality of Sting as a Hall of Famer, but it may be worth noting.

I get the idea of the cruiserweight title being on equal footing. I think it can be built around as much as any other title and probably should be, though I think that also requires keeping the divisions pretty distinct from each other. You obviously can't have the cruiserweight champion jobbing to the heavies and you have to avoid anyone who challenges him from doing likewise, otherwise it becomes readily apparent that it's a secondary title.

This. is. awesome. This is how a little guy heel should go against a physically bigger face. Ogawa's cheap shot at the start sets the tone. He has to use his agility to evade and counter Kobashi. Kobashi intends on teaching Ogawa a lesson but Ogawa isn't too keen on picking it up. Ogawa keeps going to a giant sack of dirty tricks to cut Kobashi down to size. In this case, that means working the knee, the classic way to slow down someone bigger than you. Ogawa's selling looks great. He's scared shitless of Kobashi and every move hurts him so much more than it would hurt Akiyama, Misawa, or other equals, so he has to do anything he can to avoid taking punishment. Poor Ogawa gets something of a visual pin after the ref takes a hard bump. Oh well, not all is lost. Time to bring the ring bell into play. Ogawa starts bleeding like crazy too. He's sporting the Crimson mask while Kobashi chops and punches away at his forehead. Ogawa staggers around while the ref weakly admonishes Kobashi for using closed fists. Because pro wrestling rules say that's illegal and all. Ogawa has to scrape by, barely surviving Kobashi's onslaught. Most American matches would have ended long ago. Heels don't usually take ass kickings like this and drag it out. Ogawa isn't done with his dirty tricks. The ref is busy struggling with Kobashi when Ogawa nails him with a low blow. Kobashi finally goes for the kill with a half-nelson suplex, only for Ogawa to counter him twice. First a foot stomp gets him some time, the second time he slips into a pin. He throws his feet up on the ropes during a school boy after that. Everything's a trick with him. Kobashi says enough is enough, I'm killing you, Ogawa. Some big lariats flatten the little challenger to wrap things up. ****3/4, I loved this. I'm pretty down on Kobashi compared to most when he has his big show downs with top dogs. I think he's really best facing off against unorthordox opponents, or at least that's where I enjoy him a lot more. Ogawa put on a hell of a show bumping, selling, and heeling his way to a damn good match.

Just not my style of match. I'm very much in the "DG/Toryumon skeptic" realm. The comedy was alright. The action is insanely fast and there are plenty of neat spots, but it's just not my bag, baby. Too cluttered and if I may beat a dead horse half to death, too little selling. Then again with 12 guys involved, I can't expect protracted agony here. I did really enjoy the train in the corner spot, only for it to get subverted, only for them to finally pull it off. The chest slap challenge was fun too, but again, I don't think it's making for a great match. This sure is something different, but different isn't a synonym (or antonym) for good. All my griping aside, I have to admit it is pretty great for what it is. Tons of neat stuff throughout the match makes this very enjoyable to watch, though not particularly great in the context of this project. ***3/4.

Seven days later, the rematch is on! Both men break clean on the ropes early, so they've got some respect for each other. They go for a violent test of strength. If you're going to do that spot, do it like this. it looks like a battle. No more clean breaks either, Tenzan breaks that tradition with a judo chop. Holy hell is he over. The crowd loved him last week, but they roar any time he speaks today. Both try to one up each other with headbutts. Akiyama throws Mongolian chops to the crowd's disdain. Tenzan controls the match as it goes to a slow pace, laying boots to Akiyama's ribs. Akiyama's jumping knee are the game changer here. Huge heel reaction for Akiyama after he drops on on the apron. A triangle leg choke wears Tenzan down as Akiyama takes his turn on top. Tenzan's had enough of this crap and he starts a mini-hulk up. Not on Akiyama's watch, a few elbows cut that off. Tenzan does a fine job selling while Akiyama is on top. The delayed piledriver looks damn good, especially considering it was done facing the camera. Akiyama getting dumped on the apron looked like he'd break his neck. Such an awkward bump. Let the selling clinic begin. Like everyone else said above, Akiyama puts in some masterful work. Tenzan and Akiyama struggle to suplex each other over the rope. If Akiyama wins, Tenzan is hitting the floor. The crowd pops at the struggle but it's Tenzan who gets the spot. Tenzan isn't really dynamic enough for this lengthy control segment of his, at least under normal circumstances. Akiyama makes this abnormal circumstances with his again stellar sell job. Tenzan smashes in a few headbutts to a standing Akiyama. Akiyama's legs wobble. Not in a Funkian spaghetti legged manner, but a more subdued yet expressive manner. Finally Akiyama is back on top. His rising knee to start it off was solid. This doesn't last long before a Tenzan clotheslines drops him. On the one hand, Tenzan in control isn't my favorite. On the other, the crowd loves it and Akiyama is so damn good. I'm trying to not by hyperbolic here but it really is some elite work. Tenzan finally gets that moonsault that he missed the last time and we get out first nearfall. Finally they shift into third gear as Akiyama drops Tenzan with two back-to-back exploders. Both men struggle to their feet. Akiyama drags Tenzan to the middle of the ring and cinches in the guillotine that basically finished Tenzan off last week. Akiyama makes a cover but Tenzan kicks out. Akiyama's flying forearm flattens Tenzan but Tenzan fights with everything he's got to avoid an exploder. Akiyama bullies him into it and makes the pin, only for Tenzan to get a foot on the rope. Tenzan elbows his way out of another exploder attempt then spikes Akiyama with a vicious backdrop driver. The crowd's eating his up. Tenzan gets a big pop on the diving headbutt, so someone can say that's happened to them. The nearfalls keep on coming, including one after a tombstone piledriver that I thought would end it. Tenzan finally ends it with the anaconda vice, cranking away at Akiyama's neck til it's all over. In a sense, Sleaze is right. Him controlling the match for so long was nothing special. The ending nearfall sequences aren't especially memorable. Yet I still loved it for two reasons: Tenzan's so damn over and Akiyama's selling. Those make this one stand out in a big way. ****1/4.

Akiyama has been my MVP of this project, at least of what I've seen (basically through '05). Tenzan is a guy that has never done much for me. I can't remember the last time a test of strength spot got the crowd to roar the way this one did. Akiyama being a smart ass, riling up Tenzan by rolling into the ring then back out to break the count was fun. I don't really get why, but Tenzan is over huge. It wouldn't be a match from this time if there wasn't a tease and then counter spot on the ramp/walkway. This time Akiyama keeps going back to that well with his three DDTs. Tenzan takes a good beating here but gets to land some of his big offense on Akiyama. Especially Mongolian chops, which the crowd is way too into. Tenzan's diving drop looks so damn awkward. Like CM Punk's elbow drop awkward. His moonsault, on the otherhand, looks like it would crush Akiyama. Too bad he misses, now we'll never know.This won't make my list. Akiyama finishes the job with two exploders. I'm a mark for that move, I'll admit it. Channeling Dikembe Mutombo made it even better. About ***. It seemed important to watch for context going into their rematch a week later.

Nagata takes an assbeating early on. Taue hits all those nodowas and lands some big knees while Nagata sinks in the corner. Somehow he weathers it all and keeps coming back. Nagata tries to rip Taue's arm off every time he can. Taue's big boot looks awesome given how lanky he is and how much shorter Nagata is. How much offense can Nagata survive? A lot, as this match set out to prove. Taue gets to put the bigger hurting on Nagata, but Nagata's offense is enough for the win to be credible. Star making performance seems like an overstatement, but Nagata gets a big build here. About ****.

Thanks to Bix's What Culture article on wrestlers' talk show appearances, I was watching the Andy Kaufman and Lawler appearance on Letterman. Letterman's a wrestling fan and Kaufman was a national celebrity at that point, but how well known was Lawler? Of course people from the Memphis territory would know him, but would someone from Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or most importantly New York know a lot?