Posters Choice: PW Rate 'Em Thread

Rjd2

It was a fun match, where from a technical viewpoint little was done wrong. Both guys hit their moves crisply and the selling from AJ especially was very good. I like most feel he is best at playing heel, but he seems very comfortable as the hateful, arrogant heel here. Pluumtree while he may be no Flair, is good fun to watch as the manager.

Red was very good as the underdog in peril, however like many I do feel he blew some of his spots to early. The middle of the match suffered and while I understand the success of the underdog beating the big bad heel booking philosophy, I think it kind of made AJ look like a geek as he was so dominant and he lost.

Anyways despite the questionable booking of the match, It was fun enough.

6/10

flahavaj

I think 3 days is grand meself, there will always be times when a couple of peopel can't be online, so I'd say keep going as is tbh. We're still waiting on two lads to post so that shows 3 days is a decent amount of time.

Enjoying it so far.

gimmick

Ive give you my effort, a short, stiff affair between Japns two bright lights for the present and future - KENTA Vs defending new ROH Champ Takeshi Morishima

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7fkw-lJB14

Despite this only going 10 minutes, it shows off some of the best of the two involved. Basic story would be Morishima is something of a monster, while KENTA needs to use all his speed and agility to overcome the massive and strength difference.

KENTA arries this match all the way, but nothing unusual there. His opening offense at the start and his aerial offense later on is beautiful, while Morishima soaks it all up and uses his power to counter KENTAs skill.

With all that said, I cannot gibe this more than 6.5/10 as it runs just too short and all seems a little rushed. I am sure they could do a better match in 20 minutes or so. But with that said, it is a great little spectacle and if nothing else, introduces you to how good these fellas can be.

Machismo Fan

That was stiff as hell. They really pounded each other. I was a little disappointed they didn't build up KENTA slamming him a little more as he lifted him for a Back Drop after only two minutes but I suppose they may have fell victim to time constraints there. Morishima is a monster though - he seems a match made in heaven for Joe - were their matches any good? They did a great job of making KENTA seem like the underdog that just won't stay down. I don't like those kind of finishes - where a guy hits somebody with a finisher and he kicks out so he just hits him with it again and pins him, it always seems to me like a lost opportunity for a big comeback.

Great match for the time that was given and really stiff but it did seem rushed - 6.5/10 seems right alright.

waltersobchak

Have to say i really really enjoyed that match.Loved the stiffness of both mens offense and the opening minute of punches and kicks into Morishima massive Lariat was extremely entertaining, and the match itself kept me entertained for the whole 10 minutes, tbh it didnt feel too rushed, obviously the match would have been better if they had 20+ mins, but the limited time certainly didnt take away from it. I enjoyed KENTA literally throwing the kitchen sink at Morishima, and the finish was very nice, overall a deserving 7.5/10

gimmick

Machismo Fan wrote: »

he seems a match made in heaven for Joe - were their matches any good?

Not quite as good as his match Vs Kobashi, but very very good nonetheless. Must dig it out and rewatch actually.

flahavaj

Good choice gimmick.

Good little match with plenty of stiffness which is always fun. I remember being surprised at the time when I heard that Morishima had beaten KENTA in 10 minutes as at the time KENTA was getting a strong push himself. But when you look at the match Morisihima actually gives KENTA a huge chunk of the offence and keeps him looking strong.

In fact one of my problems with Morishima at that time was the way he'd give far too much offence to smaller wrestlers, ones he should have been manhandling with ease. It was a feature of his ROH title reign that annoyed me a lot.

Not sure what hapened with Morishima since then actually, he was booked as an unbeatable monster, but now hes just another guy on the roster. Think he's had problems with his weight. I agree with MF about the KENTA suplex's they could have built that into a bit more of a meaningful spot. The way he caught Morishima in the German Suplex was a pretty savage spot though, if again, a bit unrealistic.

I'll go 6/10 with this one: good match.

As for teh Joe/Morishima match, I was a little disappointed tbh, I thought they didn't click quite as well as you would have imagined given their styles.

chordtype

Really good choice.

Good match but it's certainly a case of 'if only they had more time'. It just seems like the kind of match that needs 20+ minutes. Everything happens too quick. To me KENTA was getting too much offense in, especially early on against a guy like Morishima who is so much bigger than him, but that's probably because they only had 10 minutes.

Both of these guys are super talented and it shows here. The action was pretty stiff and some of the spots were awesome, the double stomp to the outside and the caught german suplex but you were left expecting more. When you are use to seeing both guys go 20+ it's a bit of a shock when the end comes after 10.

Still this match would probably serve as a decent introduction to modern Puroresu for those not too familiar with it. It's certainly more accessible than some of the Misawa/Kobashi/Kawada encounters because of it's length.

It's still great for 10 minutes so 7/10.

On a side note will any of the NOAH guys be coming back to ROH? Morishima or KENTA against Tyler Black or Davey Richards would be awesome.

flahavaj

chordtype wrote: »

Really good choice.

Good match but it's certainly a case of 'if only they had more time'. It just seems like the kind of match that needs 20+ minutes. Everything happens too quick. To me KENTA was getting too much offense in, especially early on against a guy like Morishima who is so much bigger than him, but that's probably because they only had 10 minutes.

Both of these guys are super talented and it shows here. The action was pretty stiff and some of the spots were awesome, the double stomp to the outside and the caught german suplex but you were left expecting more. When you are use to seeing both guys go 20+ it's a bit of a shock when the end comes after 10.

Still this match would probably serve as a decent introduction to modern Puroresu for those not too familiar with it. It's certainly more accessible than some of the Misawa/Kobashi/Kawada encounters because of it's length.

It's still great for 10 minutes so 7/10.

On a side note will any of the NOAH guys be coming back to ROH? Morishima or KENTA against Tyler Black or Davey Richards would be awesome.

Not sure ROh have the money for flying in big Japanese workers anymore I'm afraid, unless maybe once a year for Glory by Honour or something.

chordtype

flahavaj wrote: »

Not sure ROh have the money for flying in big Japanese workers anymore I'm afraid, unless maybe once a year for Glory by Honour or something.

That kinda sucks. Some of my favourite ROH matches where with the NOAH guys. Danielson/Morishima and KENTA/Low Ki.

gimmick

The Danielson Morishima series were incredible. The last one at Final Battle 2008 is beyond brilliant. An absolute stunner of a match.

flahavaj

gimmick wrote: »

The Danielson Morishima series were incredible. The last one at Final Battle 2008 is beyond brilliant. An absolute stunner of a match.

+1 class little series of matches, that told a story as it went along. Loved the eye injury angle, simple but brilliant.

Diabhal Beag

Decent match. My favourite spot was the german suplex spot. I don't really enjoy the stiffness after the whole Misawa death. It has really put a dampener on Japanese wrestling for me.

Stiff as **** match. Some really hard punches to the head that just make me wonder why the Japanese still treat this as if it was a legit sport.

I'd give it a 5/10. It was good but the stiffness put me off a bit. Couldn't really get into the match.

flahavaj

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Decent match. My favourite spot was the german suplex spot. I don't really enjoy the stiffness after the whole Misawa death. It has really put a dampener on Japanese wrestling for me.

Stiff as **** match. Some really hard punches to the head that just make me wonder why the Japanese still treat this as if it was a legit sport.

I'd give it a 5/10. It was good but the stiffness put me off a bit. Couldn't really get into the match.

The match was a couple of years before Misawa died AFAIK. Though working stiff didn't kill Misawa, wrestling long after he should have retired out of a sense of duty to the company did.

Diabhal Beag

flahavaj wrote: »

The match was a couple of years before Misawa died AFAIK. Though working stiff didn't kill Misawa, wrestling long after he should have retired out of a sense of duty to the company did.

I know it was before Misawa but even the Dynamite Kid video I saw blew my mind. These guys work stiff and get nothing in the way of a secure life after their career is done. They even risk their senses just for the sake of having great matches.

Look what it did to Benoit. Maybe I'm the only one who feels terrible in hindsight for these guys while they do what makes them happy.

flahavaj

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

I know it was before Misawa but even the Dynamite Kid video I saw blew my mind. These guys work stiff and get nothing in the way of a secure life after their career is done. They even risk their senses just for the sake of having great matches.

Look what it did to Benoit. Maybe I'm the only one who feels terrible in hindsight for these guys while they do what makes them happy.

Most stiff wrestling involves chops and kicks to the chest though. The way they take suplexes undoubtedly takes its toll, but Japanese wrestling also gives the wrestlers lots of time to recover from their injuries - they work 2-3 week tours but then have the same amount of time off again to give their bodies a rest. I'm no expert but the WWE routine of working 250-300 nights a year must surely be harder on the body.

The way I see it, Japanese wrestlers seem to almost always live till an old age and even work well into their 50's whereas we are all familiar with the stereotype of the US wresters that die early, end up addicted to painkillers or end up near crippled.

I'd say that wrestling too often and for too long into your life is far worse for the health than simply working a stiff style.

waltersobchak

In fairness FAR more high profile WWE/TNA/WCW/ECW/Indie wrestlers have died in the last 10 years than Japanese guys..

Diabhal Beag

Just my opinion I guess. If I want to watch people bayte each other I'd watch MMA.

flahavaj

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Just my opinion I guess. If I want to watch people bayte each other I'd watch MMA.

Or the Ulster Final.

Diabhal Beag

flahavaj wrote: »

Or the Ulster Final.

Only if I wanted to fall asleep.

Kenta is great. Hope he gets a GHC heavyweight title run

Jolt2007

Thought that was a great little match, but it really needed more time. Much too rushed but it did leave me wanting to see more from both guys given more time to work. Morishima does get thrown around and beaten down too easily for my liking for a guy his size against a guy the size of KENTA. Some great little spots thrown in (stomp to the floor, the german) but at the end of it all all I'm thinking about "what if" instead of "what was".

I'll give it a 7/10

D2D

Sorry this is so late,

KENTA vs. Takeshi Morishima

I'm not really into Japanese wrestling (I know, I know...) but I really, really enjoyed that match. Very stiff match with KENTA giving everything against Morishima. The match was entertaining for the 10 minutes but if it had been 15-20 mins, it would've been significantly better. I loved the stomp from KENTA in the middle of the match and the finish but overall, it did feel fairly rushed.

Overall, I'll give it a 7.5/10. Really enjoyed it but if it was longer, it would've been much better

Rjd2

KENTA vs. Takeshi Morishima

Well I have nothing original to add to this match debate. [nothing new their:pac:]

I'm not exactly a devotee of Japanese wrestling but I was most entertained by that. It was incredibly stiff which I can understand putting off some, but ultimately it didn't bother me. Their was no heart in your mouth spots, and I don't think their was any botches if their was I missed them.

The finale was good and I genuinely believed that Kenta was going to find a way to win, which obviously means that he played his role excellently in the match. It may have needed another 10 minutes to be deemed a masterpiece but for ten minutes I found little wrong with it.

7/10

gimmick

Dare 2 Defy is up next. Those who have not reviewed, please do so.

D2D

gimmick wrote: »

Dare 2 Defy is up next. Those who have not reviewed, please do so.

Will I stall on until the rest vote??

gimmick

Give it a few hours sure. Who is left to go? Think its just Voltwad to go and thats everyone?

D2D

gimmick wrote: »

Give it a few hours sure. Who is left to go? Think its just Voltwad to go and thats everyone?

Cool, I'll leave it for a while then.

The Volt

KENTA vs. Takeshi Morishima

Having only seen glimpses of these two in the past, I have to say I was very impressed. I'm not up on my Japanese knowledge as much as I probably should be but I thought that this match flowed quite well.

I'll echo the point made by previous posters in that there was a few rushed moments and probably would have scored higher had it been allowed go on for longer. Morishima looks ridiculous but he makes the monster role quite believable.

Without copying too muc what everyone else is saying, I'll just pop up my score which is a respectable 6.5/10

D2D

Right, it's my choice. Originally, I was going to choose a very sh***y match for ye to rate but I've changed my mind.

My choice is Eddie Guerrero vs Chris Benoit from ECW One Night Stand 2005

Linky to match

Even though I find it hard to watch a match involving Benoit after what he did, I really love this match. Very technical stuff from both Eddie and Benoit. Imo, it really could've done with more time and the crowd's heat on the SD/Raw invaders does take away from the in-ring action but I really enjoyed it.

Overall, I'd give it an 8/10

chordtype

Decent match IMO.

When you have two guys who were as talented as these two they are unlikely to have a bad match with anybody let alone against each other. The crowd was a major distraction for a good bit of the opening of the match and they actually take away from it a bit. The in ring work is solid as you'd expect but it just came across to me as if Eddy wasn't really that interested in being there. For me also the ending sequence could have done with a bit more and the match as a whole could have used another couple of minutes.

Also I don't want to turn this into another Chris Benoit debate but I get really uncomfortable when I see him do the diving heatbutt. Is there anyway that you can do that move safely?

Despite the lack of heat (for parts of the match at least) it's still a really nice technical match. Nothing spectacular but still better than most of the stuff that you would see on your average WWEPPV undercard.

7/10

flahavaj

I remember being desperately disapointed with this match when I saw it at the time and tbh it gets no better on second viewing. There was nothing wrong with it at all until the sudden and inexplicable finish, a decent enough little bout, but these two should be able to produce something far far better.

Eddie in particular looked like he kinda wasn't bothered. The finish left me scratching my head, there was one lovely reversal from a German suplex into a roll up which had me rubbing my hand thinking they were finally gonna break out the awesome sh*t, then Benoit slaps on the cross face, Eddie just lies there for 20 seconds, without struggling or trying to get to the ropes and then just taps out. Did someone call time on the match from the back or something? WTF like???

Either way, this was way way below the calibre of match you'd expect from two of the best ever. Desperately disappointing. No doubt people will mark it highly just for who was in it rather than judging it on its own merits (TM Johnny Giles:pac:), but thats wrong IMO. Can't give this any more than 5/10. Desperately disappointing and a big opportunity missed. I think it was their last televised match as well AFAIK.:(

Vince135792003

You could see in Eddies last year that as an all round performer he was reaching his peak but in the ring, he just wasn't able to reach the heights he set for himself during his career. His body was breaking down.

Machismo Fan

That match never seemed to pick up steam. It was your typical good Benoit/Guerrero match but not much more. It lacked any spark and was never firing on all cylinders. It wasn't even close to their match at Vengeance '03 (that was an excellent PPV actually).

That said it was still a pretty fun match but not the masterpiece that you'd expect from those two. 6/10

waltersobchak

Was never a massive fan of this match to be quite honest, even when i watched it at the time i thought it was a poor showing from 2 such tremendous wrestlers, i dont know if it was to do with Eddies heel gimmick at the time or not that dictated the slow pace of the match but either way this match deserves no more than 5/10

gimmick

I remember really looking forward to this match, and being EXTREMELY let down (see what I did there?). And on watching it again now, I remember why. It was a terrible match. It never got going. Both men totally just went through the motions, especially Guerrero. Given what these two were capable of, it felt like a smack in the face.

Added to the horrid match, I was also reminded that Joey Styles has no business calling any sort of match, apart maybe from a straight to DVD indy show. Foley is also a piss poor commentator.

All in all, I got to give this 3/10. I might be being a tad harsh, but as I said, given the participants, they should have delivered alot more.

Jolt2007

I hadn't seen this match before, and after reading the reviews that have already been posted I tried to go in with low expectations but even still came away feeling underwhelmed. Not that it was bad, but it never got going enough to become good either. It just all felt very by the numbers and bland but what they did do they did well. Those guys still are better than most even off form. Another few minutes building to the end would've helped quite a bit likely.

I'll give this a 5/10

The Volt

First time seeing this match, went and did a bit of research on the build up to it as my interest had wavered at that point in time. When you have two of the greats in the ring with each other then you expect the best, unfortunately it wasn't delivered. I'd agree that Eddie's heel persona may have affected the match but it's still no real excuse for what was a let down.

5/10

waltersobchak

Will i throw up my match or wait for the last 2 to vote??

Rjd2

Yeah it was a match that nothing really happened in it wasn't it? I do remember reading that Benoit was furious with Eddie after this match for his performance. I don't blame him really, Eddie just is going through the motions here, and even saying that is kind to him.

Its not exactly a vintage performance by Benoit either, neither told a decent enough story in the ring for me to emotionally invest in them.

The apathy from the crowd due to this is obvious, they pop for some spots but for the most part they seem totally underwhelmed. The commentators do little to get the match over sadly, Foley should never be in the booth ever, he just spouts a load of terrible cliches in a monotone voice and their seems to be very little passion in him.


Its all very ordinary stuff from all parties really, and thats a shame when you consider the impeccable careers they both had before their deaths.
4/10

gimmick

Walter, post your match please. All reviews are done.

Chordtype is due to do his tomorrow.

Diabhal Beag

Eddie - Benoit

decent match but those two could have done more. I don't know why but it disappointed me really.

Crowd were not as into it as they could have been which didn't help.

I'd give it a 6/10

waltersobchak

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd7po2_the-dudley-boys-vs-the-eliminators_sport



Heres my match up boys..
The Dudley Boys vs The Eliminators from ECW Barely Legal.

Anyone who was in the draft this year, knows im a massive fan of The Eliminators and this match up is the perfect example of why, Kronus and Saturn where insanely original and innovative, they could fly as high as any Cruiserweight, they could Brawl with any Brawler they where as Technical as any Technician..

As far as the match goes, well to be honest its just a really fun match, Kronus and Saturn just take out the Dudleys(to a degree ive never ever seen before, and would be a glorified squash match, other than the fact the Dudleys where hardly jobbers) also theres some seriously innovative spots in the match and considering the size of Saturn and Kronus its simply incredible, enjoy lads.. 8/10 and very deserving of the rating:cool:

The Volt

A very fun match. The promo was a bit irritating after a while, The Eliminators should have interrupted earlier. It was built up far too much and was a slight bit of a let down.

The match itself seems to be solely built on the spots (which I'll admit were savage for the most part). Why they had The Dudley's squashed is beyond me and even some of the impressive moves, Bubba sold terribly.

All in all though I did enjoy watching it and you're correct when you comment on the talent displayed by Saturn/Kronus.

6.5/10

chordtype

Decent match. Lots of decent spots by Saturn and Kronus that were made extra impressive by the size of each guy. The cynic in me says it was just a 6 minute squash match with lots of spots. However, I did really enjoy it. Yes the selling left a lot to be desired and there was no real story told just a bunch of moves, but it was 6 minutes of actiom, had no real major botches and got the Eliminators over huge. The crowd was awesome. Puts the Orlando TNA crowd to shame.

6/10

To stop the dates getting messed up I'll post my video today also. Don't worry it's short and if you don't enjoy it then there is something wrong with you. It was between this or Jenna vs. Sharmell. Do I want people to laugh or cry? Laugh.

Colt Cabana v.s Kikutaro

From Ring of Honor - Ring of Homicide May 13, 2006 - Edison, New Jersey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3Zfea_-RI

I will admit to be a huge fan of comedy wrestling when it is done right. This is done right. They might only use about 4 or 5 moves throughout the match but it doesn't matter. In 10 minutes I cant remember laughing so much. No technically amazing moves but it doesn't matter. Cabana was so misused in WWE and the fact that he didn't get to shine there was a huge disappointment.

For what it is 8/10.

gimmick

Jesus Christ Walters, your match is taking an age to load up fully.

Hope to watch yours as well this evening Chord.

waltersobchak

gimmick wrote: »

Jesus Christ Walters, your match is taking an age to load up fully.

Hope to watch yours as well this evening Chord.

Dailymotion sucks, its worth the wait gimmick i promise:pac:

gimmick

Almost there now.

EDIT: Decent match for what it was. Reminded me alot of why I have never liked the Dudleys. That match showed zero offense fom them really. But The Eliminators are class. I have seen some very good matches with them, but this would not rate too highly in that list. While I did enjoy watching The Eliminators, the fact that this match was essentially a glorified squash prevents me from rating this any higher than 5.5/10.

The Joey Styles factor could be on my mind as well. His screaming of "total elimination" is really cringey.

D2D

Yay, 2 matches to review.

I'll watch Walters match later on (DailtMotion is being a b**ch to load) and I'll watch Chordtype's match there

waltersobchak

I really really enjoyed Cabana and Kikutaro's match, i wouldn't normally be a huge fan of comedy wrestling, but this was legimately hilarious, and both guys had unbelievable chemistry together, the only drawn back to the match was the horrific commentary, which ruined the match, as the play by play guy was trying to be completely serious and was constantly putting over Cabana as trying to reclimb the ROH ladder whilst trying to be a Joey Styles clone with unnessecary shreaking, but 7/10 from me

gimmick

There is no one better at the comedy match in wrestling that Colt Cabana. And when he is not doing the comedy schtick, he aint to shabby in the ring either. I liked this match. A decent opener to a show. Kikutauro is funny and has contibuted to some excellent comedy matches in ROH, mostly notably as part of a 4 Corner Survival where he and Delirious were outstanding.

Anyway, it was fun, it ticked all the boxes a comedy match should, so from that point of view, I would score it very highly. Of course, on the other hand, being a comedy macth we did not see a whole lot of actual wrestling.

Comedy 9/10, wrestling 3/10, so overall 6/10