Matt D

I'd argue that you can't just jump into Blue Panther without some legwork to prepare you though. I'd argue the opposite. For the most part, you can watch Blue Panther's big matches and just from those get a sense of who he was, what he did well, and what the match was about. Maybe he changed as he got older but in his thirties Panther didn't surround his singles matches with the kind of buildup and followup that make for great feuds and add to the one on one match. I think it works for the Barr match and for some of the fun stuff that's popped up in Japan where Panther's working more broadly as a stereotypical rudo, but in general, you understand what makes Blue Panther so special, you need to understand lucha (trios organization and how he's so good at directing traffic, how title matches operate and why, the role he played when teaming with guys like Fuerza, what makes maestros matches special, etc.). Otherwise, he's just a guy who can get in and out of matwork quickly. I assume Bryan sees more in him than that but who knows? Technical matches are not something unique to Mexico. Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit was wrestled with the same sort of principles as those of a Blue Panther title match, even though the styles were different. Anyone watching Blue Panther vs Atlantis is going to quickly understand what is going on, although some might wonder why Panther does not just kick Atlantis in the leg over and over. The Love Machine matches are the ones where I think you'd MOST want to watch the six mans that surround the famous matches, but then if someone asks for a best of Blue Panther recommendation I'm probably not going to suggest watching him against Love Machine. Have you seen Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit lately? I'm not sure that's the best example. You don't usually see multiple German suplexes in a Blue Panther match. I get what you're saying though and no, it's not completely alien. I'd put it this way and you're free to disagree. What makes Blue Panther so good is clearly evident in his matches. What makes him so great, however, requires an understanding of the nuance. Could you say the same thing about a Jerry Lawler (for example)? Maybe? As for Panther vs Love Machine, there's understanding the story and understanding the style and those are two different things.

I'd argue that you can't just jump into Blue Panther without some legwork to prepare you though. I'd argue the opposite. For the most part, you can watch Blue Panther's big matches and just from those get a sense of who he was, what he did well, and what the match was about. Maybe he changed as he got older but in his thirties Panther didn't surround his singles matches with the kind of buildup and followup that make for great feuds and add to the one on one match. I think it works for the Barr match and for some of the fun stuff that's popped up in Japan where Panther's working more broadly as a stereotypical rudo, but in general, you understand what makes Blue Panther so special, you need to understand lucha (trios organization and how he's so good at directing traffic, how title matches operate and why, the role he played when teaming with guys like Fuerza, what makes maestros matches special, etc.). Otherwise, he's just a guy who can get in and out of matwork quickly. I assume Bryan sees more in him than that but who knows?

I havent been to one since 2004 probably! Thats sad though.

I'd argue that you can't just jump into Blue Panther without some legwork to prepare you though.

It dawned on me that I never read what 1995 Dave had to say about Hogan burning the observer, so I went back and looked.

I wonder if the E and C podcast didnt help Edge too.

They had those in MA in the late 90s at least. I think they still do now. Im pretty sure the issue is you and your Mean Street Posse mentality, my friend.I may not be from Brockton or Lawrence but I ain't from Lexington or Concord either. Don't make me out to be some boojie mutha. Matt D, you'll get this being from Mass, it sounds like Hot Topic is like a more widespread Newbury Comics. Genius idea! I make a West Newbury Comics and devote to selling Cena merch! Less comics, movies and music. More T-shirts and goth and or punk paraphernalia. More mall driven. Otherwise were getting a little bit closer.

Im as comedically stereotypical as it comes on limb selling. If Im ok with it, its probably ok

They had those in MA in the late 90s at least. I think they still do now. Im pretty sure the issue is you and your Mean Street Posse mentality, my friend.

I veto this. Maybe a nice Mile Zrno shirt instead.

Its like Spencers Gifts.

I'm annoyed that Lewin wasn't helped or hurt by the Houston footage probably (out of region anyway I guess). He had one of the best face turns I've come across in years in that footage, one legitimately great Terry Funk match, a few fun grumpy old man babyface performances, and lots of stinkers as a heel.

We were all assholes for resenting Xavier so much in 2002. We can admit that now as we show disdain for the younger generations.

That's why the Insane Clown Posse thing is brilliant.

Do millennials hate Hogan for the whole ALLEGED> racism thing?

That's brilliant. ICP/Amell/Bullet Club/Lucha supercard. If they loop in Corgan and have the NWA champ defend with weeks and weeks of youtube build up, all the better.

Part of me thinks the key to all of this might be Amell. Hes got a way bigger following than the Bullet Club. Molly style.

This isn't a promotion though; it's Woodstock 1999.

I didn't NECESSARILY say it as a "bad" thing. It's working people. This time, instead of getting them to pay to see the local hero (Let's say David Von Erich) finally defeat the shifty, shady champion (Let's go with Harley Race), you're having them pay to see the modern day heroes of Hot Topic, Trolling, and Triforces on Boots (Who are just like them!) defeat the evil of Dave Meltzer's old man doubts and Vince McMahon's Roman Reigns pushing out-of-touchnness. It's wrestling. I mean, I guess?

And I said that'd be 60% of the fight, so those numbers make me think 6000 is possible without Daniel Bryan!

I think 60% of this fight is conning a bunch of people on the internet into thinking that they'd be accomplishing something and making a grand statement and would be part of history if they travel to the show. It's not about the card. It's not about what NJPW talent they get. It's about working a bunch of young rubes that feel entitled to be part of the show.

I regret not having Henry higher in my GWE list from last year but then I would have had to put Michaels higher too to make the joke work.

How tragic was Jeff waxing poetic about how the 2017 crowd would just like him to please stop trying to get them angry so that they can watch the match, chant about it in peace, and give it star ratings.