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Post by microstatistics on Jun 3, 2023 20:06:31 GMT -5
I just terminated a massive re-watching campaign in anticipation of this year's GME project. I ended up burning myself out and might need a break from wrestling once this project wraps up mid-year. Nevertheless, it was an informative and rewarding process and I am closer than ever in optimizing and pinpointing what I truly value in wrestling and what the top matches of all time are.
I am sharing the Top 100 I will be submitting in this thread, unveiled in the rollout/countdown format (i.e., inversely ranked from #100 to #1). Each match will be accompanied by a brief synopsis/assessment.
Naturally, the last 10-15 spots would have some acceptable variability with time and so are not set in stone. But the Top 85 is fairly robust at this juncture.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 3, 2023 20:08:32 GMT -5
100) Shinya Hashimoto vs. Riki Choshu (NJPW, 8/2/1996)
An efficient, no-nonsense knockout clash as the in-his-prime ace contends with an ancient nemesis who is determined to make one last impact.
99) Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk (WCW, 7/23/1989)
An aggressive, fiery brawl with the returning world champion seeking vengeance against the deranged aging legend who attempted to incapacitate him. Distinguishes itself from the pack with intelligent neck psychology.
98) AJ Styles vs. Kota Ibushi (NJPW, 4/5/2015)
The foreign heel champion defends against the athletic marvel in a world title bout with classic 70s-style build and psychology, adapted adeptly to a contemporary setting with hyper-modernized offense.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 3, 2023 21:01:12 GMT -5
97) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Osamu Nishimura (MUGA, 9/25/2006)
Minimalist 70s wrestling transposed into the new millennium with an added edge since the aging maestro seemed determined to put his protégé in his place, while the latter employed a meticulously cerebral approach to meet the challenge.
96) El Satanico/Averno/Mephisto vs. Ultimo Guerrero/Tarzan Boy/Rey Bucanero/Mascara Magica (CMLL, 9/28/2001)
Months of intricate conflicts converge in a blowoff with the ultimate personal prizes potentially on the line. Relentless brawling and a compelling morality-based narrative on different responses to an approaching tipping point (i.e., flee the sinking ship or selflessly dig in)
95) Naomichi Marufuji vs. Tatsuhito Takaiwa (NOAH, 12/9/2001)
A rare high during a nadir of Japanese wrestling that combined the exciting action of the modern era with snugness, psychology, and the timeless underdog dynamic.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 4, 2023 0:38:07 GMT -5
94) Mankind vs. The Undertaker (WWF, 6/28/1998)
A surreal, inimitable spectacle that perhaps best captures the “unstoppable force vs. immovable object” dynamic. Some deceptively clever transitions are able to facilitate a believably competitive match after the two iconic bumps.
93) Chigusa Nagayo vs. Dump Matsumoto (AJW, 11/7/1986)
A harrowing, chaotic mauling with a surprisingly focused layout (Dump targeted Chigusa’s head and face during the majority of her attack). Still, story progression-wise, this lacked the gloom and doom feel of previous encounters, a factor that was eventually paid off with maybe the ultimate “chickens have come home to roost” ending.
92) El Hijo del Santo vs. Negro Casas (CMLL, 9/19/1997)
A distinctly unorthodox structure and unique stylistic combinations are the backdrop to a hyper-hostile encounter between mortal rivals hell-bent on maiming each other.
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Post by lemming on Jun 4, 2023 9:19:15 GMT -5
Thanks, looking forward to reading through this. You've already listed a couple of matches I've not seen which I'll have to check out. (As well as my working #2!)
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Post by tetsujin on Jun 4, 2023 9:51:09 GMT -5
I really enjoy your style of writing these reviews, keep going. Already taking notes for some recs.
Also, that AJ/Kota is incredible. One of the earliest New Japan matches I enjoyed, so it helped at making me a long term fan.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 4, 2023 14:31:26 GMT -5
Thanks, looking forward to reading through this. You've already listed a couple of matches I've not seen which I'll have to check out. (As well as my working #2!) Santo vs. Casas is your #2 correct? No argument here. It really is unlike virtually every match in not only lucha but wrestling period and deserves a look just based on that.
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Post by kas on Jun 4, 2023 14:39:22 GMT -5
Looking forward to seeing this list unfold. That Kota/AJ match is great, easily among AJ's best title matches in Japan
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 4, 2023 14:56:55 GMT -5
I'm glad folks like the AJ vs. Kota match. It feels more traditional than the usual NJPW main event scene and hence might have greater universal appeal than the Okada/Tanahashi/Omega bouts, which seem to get binary (i.e., love or hate) responses depending on the online circle.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 4, 2023 14:57:29 GMT -5
91) Jerry Lawler vs. Bill Dundee (CWA, 12/30/1985)
The best elements of the style distilled into one high stakes slugfest as the debilitated territory ace attempts to repel his unhinged and sadistic arch-enemy.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 4, 2023 22:13:00 GMT -5
90) AJ Styles vs. Abyss (TNA, 4/24/2005)
A “slay the monster” tale combines modern cage spots and gimmicky violence with classic babyface fightbacks in what is likely the high-water mark for the company.
89) Io Shirai vs. Shayna Baszler (Stardom, 2/23/2017)
A gem within both modern joshi and the invading shooter vs. ace sub-genre as Shirai tries to work her way through varied assaults centered around her arm and bombard the submission artist’s back in typical fashion.
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Post by lemming on Jun 5, 2023 7:59:19 GMT -5
Thanks, looking forward to reading through this. You've already listed a couple of matches I've not seen which I'll have to check out. (As well as my working #2!) Santo vs. Casas is your #2 correct? No argument here. It really is unlike virtually every match in not only lucha but wrestling period and deserves a look just based on that. Yep, Santo/Casas is my #2 pick. As you say, a singular match in many ways, and a jewel in the crown of two all timers.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 5, 2023 23:05:57 GMT -5
88) El Samurai vs. Koji Kanemoto (NJPW, 6/5/1997)
A strategic first two-thirds sets up the underdog vs. vicious heel dynamic while bringing the animosity and stiffness to the table (Samurai damn near shattered Kanemoto's face at one point), before yielding to a barrage of artillery offense as both went for the kill.
87) Mariko Yoshida vs. Hiromi Yagi (ARSION, 2/18/1999)
A mat clinic featuring Yoshida scrambling to atone for her initial arrogance once Yagi latches on to her arm and doesn’t let go makes for a crowning achievement for the promotion, even if the match as a whole is not quite as elite as I remember.
86) Lou Thesz vs. Ruffy Silverstein (Chicago, 3/17/1950)
Expert matwork, devious tactics, and cranium-splitting shots underlie Thesz’s attempts to mangle his newest challenger, who remains dogged in his resistance.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 6, 2023 18:43:01 GMT -5
85) Kenta Kobashi/Mitsuharu Misawa/Toshiaki Kawada vs. Jumbo Tsuruta/Akira Taue/Masanobu Fuchi (AJPW, 10/19/1990)
Laser-focused heat segments (Misawa’s ribs, Taue’s back, Kawada’s back, and the infamous Kobashi’s nose) and unrelenting action drive intersecting rivalries to a fever pitch and build a certain star along the way.
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Post by microstatistics on Jun 6, 2023 18:56:32 GMT -5
84) Akira Hokuto vs. Kaoru (GAEA, 4/12/1997)
Classic hierarchy-based wrestling, effectively coupling a tight layout and extra viciousness with the standard “feisty challenger pushes the dismissive champion to the brink” formula.
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