Tag Archives: Recommended

(02/24/1994) El Dandy vs. Javier Llanes (CMLL)

El Dandy vs. Javier Llanes
CMLL
02/24/1994
CMLL World Middleweight

Year: 1994
Type: Title Match Style
Other: Recommended

Synopsis:

This match is as tough, gritty, and realistic of a mat based match you will see outside of the high end Japanese shoot style matches. For anyone that mistakenly thinks lucha mat work (and lucha in general) is loose and unrealistic, this is the match to watch. The match is very dense with the appeal resting in the details – the up-close selling, the struggle for holds, and the struggle for escapes – which doesn’t necessarily make it an easy watch. If you are in the mood for a match steeped in struggle and realistic offense/selling, this is a great one to watch.

Additional Reading:

Accolades:

(05/03/2015) Titan vs. Cavernario (CMLL)

titan vs. Cavernario
CMLL
05/03/2015
Mexican National welterweight

Year: 2015
Type: Title Match Style
OtherRecommended

Synopsis:

Cavernario failed in his first attempt to capture Titan’s Mexican National Welterweight title in July 2014. It was a title shot he earned by virtue of winning the 2014 En Busca de un Idolo tournament. That was a good match but both wrestlers upped their game for this re-match, which is among the best lucha matches of 2015. Titan and Cavernario put their own stamp on the usual title match format. The result is a match that plays to both wrestler’s strengths while not straying too far from what makes the lucha title match style such a time tested format.

Additional Reading:

  • Cross Arm Breaker Review (PDF, Match Guide)
  • luchablog review
  • Segunda Caida (Phil & Eric) Review
  • Segunda Caida (Matt) Review
  • Bill Thompson Review
  • Dylan Harris Review (2015 Voices of Wrestling MOTY Poll)

Accolades:

(04/12/2015) Virus vs. Avisman (Chilanga Mask)

VIRUS VS. Avisman
Chilanga mask
04/12/2015

Year: 2015
Type: Maestro
Other: Recommended

Synopsis:

It is always a treat to when we get to see a maestro style match that does not involve the usual participants. Here it is IWRG mainstay Avisman that provides the welcomed diversity. Avisman is the clear underdog in this match. Positioning Avisman as the underdog helps this match avoid descending into a meaningless exchange of holds and mat wrestling. There is something at stake – Avisman’s big opportunity to show he can hang with someone of Virus’ caliber – that is palpable throughout the contest. One of the best mat-based matches of 2015.

Additional Reading:

Accolades:

  • n/a

(06/18/2009) Trauma II vs. Zatura (IWRG)

Trauma II vs. Zatura
IWRG
06/18/2009
Intercontinental Lightweight

Year: 2009
Type:  Title Match Style
Other: Recommended

Synopsis:

Great matches can can come from unusual places. Given some of the wrestlers IWRG booked in 2009, you would not exactly expect a young Trauma II and Zatura to produce the best IWRG title match of the year, but that’s almost certainly what this match is. The match has the feel – structure, pacing – of a quality lucha title match but pairs it with truly innovative and effective offense and sequences. The creative offense is executed very well and Zatura’s flying spots serve as a perfect complement to the hold-intensive portions of the match. This holds up as one of the more enjoyable and interesting matches of 2009 anywhere in the world.

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Accolades:

(12/23/2001) El Hijo del Santo vs. LA Park (Monterrey)

El Hijo del Santo vs. LA Park
Monterrey
12/23/2001

Year: 2001
Type:  n/a
Other RecommendedBloody

Synopsis:

The bloodbath to end all bloodbaths. Santo and Park wrestle a violent, heated match where Santo loses an incredible amount of blood. This match is likely not for everyone. The blood loss is extreme and the rudo/tecnico structure is really blurred to the point of almost being non-existent. However, this is not a match where the wrestlers used blood as an excuse not to have an actual match. There is a lot of great wrestling underneath everything else and of course loads of drama.

Additional Reading:

  • Cross Arm Breaker Review
  • Slam Bam Jam DVD Description
  • Ohtani's Jacket (2008)

Accolades:

  • N/A