[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

[Superstar Sleeze]

Kota Ibushi vs Brian Kendrick - WWE CWC 8/26/16 
 

Another excellent 90s workrate match in 2016. I don’t know if they boys were putting these together or if there was a specific agent but man if every Penta match or AEW spot fest was this good I’d never complain. 
 

I thought of the big Ibushi matches in Thai tournament this really showcased him as an offensive dynamo. On three occasions his kicks made me audibly go wow. The Pele was killer! He was going off with moonsaults and missed Phoenix Splash. The German from the apron over the ropes into the Ring showed off his strength. Yet it never felt like overkill. They let the spots breathe. On the flip Side Kendrick added his salt & pepper took this match to the next level. He filled in the gaps with absolutely massive spots starting with the big transition the reverse neck breaker on the exposed buckle. Ibushi looked like he was running away with the match and now Kendrick was in it. He let Ibushi shine But he made sure he got his with well-timed high spots like Sliced Bread, ripping Ibushi by the neck into a Bulldog Choke and a NASTY BURNING HAMMER! The missed Phoenix Splash into a Bulldog Choke ruled so hard. I love Ibushi’s reaction on escape play time is over bitch HEAD KICK-> LAST RIDE POWERBOMB! These are like the best possible Nitro Cruiserweight matches but reaching heights they never reached! Another banger! **** 1/4