[2016-08-26-WWE-Cruiserweight Classic] Kota Ibushi vs Brian Kendrick

[GOTNW]

Another very good match from the CWC that had many of the qualitites you'd want in a workrate match without going overboard in excess with big moves and nearfalls and managing to have a coherent and logical narrative. Ibush outclasses Kendrick in direct showdowns so Kendrick avoids them, and follows up on his first big chance with the neckbreaker on the ringpost rope by dedicating his game plan to attacking Ibushi's neck. The way Kendrick uses his surroundings at all times was neat and reminiscent of Finlay, and the structure of this match was reminiscent of the kinds of matches Misawa, Kobashi, Takayama, Akiyama etc. would have in NOAH against lower ranked opponents, where they'd throw out everything to try and make you believe they could pull off the upset. They really hit the sweet spot in giving Kendrick enough to produce the drama without it turning into him hitting big move after big move, and I loved the High Kicks Ibushi used to quickly cut him off in the finishing stretch. ***1/2

[ShittyLittleBoots]

Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding. This was even better on a re-watch; just a masterful performance by The Brian Kendrick - full of emotion, his strategy of trying to work over the neck of Ibushi was wonderful, and he executed it to perfection through his work, facial expressions, desperation. Ibushi was really good in his role as the unstoppable favorite juggernaut too. My favorite match of the CWC. ****3/4