Coffin Surfer

Oh no, the last two sentences were directed towards Kibs. Sorry, I'm a bad writer afterall.

bitch, bitch, bitch. Your constant nagging about the old days is almost as bad as my constant nagging about losing matches.

Uh no, that's not what I'm saying at all. I understand his intentions perfectly, I'm not arguing what his intentions are. I'm just pointing out that the actual wrestling doesn't effectively display his intentions as well as they could have. Sometimes just intending something isn't enough. If for whatever reason my posts have a foul tone I apologize, though I would be baffled as to why one would think that. When I was writing the comments, I didn't think I would offend Kibs. People normally like criticism, I will stay clear of your matches from now on.

"I just see Danny as a tad too much of a paragon where he doesn't have an area where he would be in 'deep shit' if a match goes in that direction. Thats basically what I was going for..." He's well rounded but he's not the best at everything. Williams isn't the athletic or speed equal of a Wildchild or most cruiserweights. He isn't gonna outwrestle Flesher, Francis, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Ejiro was to outwrestle him(I had him do that in one of our last couple of matches). He's not gonna dominate the Thugg in a power match. Like I said, it's up to the opposition. "Basically I think about Danny I think of a stern, no frills wrestling machine. I see kip up and think Shawn Michaels. I don't think I could come up with two more diametrically opposed characters. " Williams has always been modeled after the Dynamite Kid, who used the kip up after his Missile Dropkick. Besides Williams hasn't been that stern recently, didn't you read the match against Matthews?

For people complaining about the "headlock" stuff. I'm sorry I thought this was the match commenting thread, god forbid we comment on the show. This shouldn't turn into an argument though, and why Kibs wants to shove words into my mouth and suggestively stereotype me is a mystery to me. Anyway: "The fact was that squashes don't win unless they're facing no-shows in the SWF, so he had to give Cortez some respect and some offence. " Your totally missing the point. I'm saying that it would have been better if Cortez controlled early instead of Kibs. Kibs controlling the early portion makes it more of a squash than that would, which is the point of the underdog using the early control offense. Both guys still get to look strong! Instead of one guy dominately hanging on a headlock of the underdog you get the underdog surprisingly controlling the upper carder even though he can only do it with a basic move it's still an accomplishment. Kibs has given an explanation for using the spot, I'm just pointing out that he's really using an underdog sequence. Sure he gave his own meaning to it, but it's not quite as effective as the original/real meaning of the sequence.

"Talk about a weird oversell, but the knee in the ropes has to be the longest most overblown start to a match I may have evcer seen." I kind of see Duran's knees as the equal of Danny's elbows. I also wanted to make Duran look strong and deadly from the start. " seems like Danny makes this strike out to be the most dastardly thing you have ever seen in your life. " Thanks that was I was going for. "You know, when writing against Danny in the past I was always left with the same questions... how the hell are you supposed to beat him realistically? " I don't think your gonna find alot of realism in pro wrestling. I never had a problem writing myself to lose against TNT, Dace, Francis, and countless others. "Does anyone else ever get the impression that its a character that doesn't have any flaws?" I'm not sure what you mean here, I can guess though. For a while I tried to establish some injuries, but I didn't want to limit other people's offense by forcing them to conform, so now I just leave it up to them to do what they want when on offense. It's open season, do as wil. Like if I have a bad knee, Ejiro's entire offense is based around the arm, so you'd be scratching your head even more. "Maybe its just me... but I like my heros to have a bit of a soft spot that can be used to draw some drama out of it. " Well, I have tried very hard to make Williams look inferior to his opponents in the past three matches. He got by with fluke roll ups in the last two, and in this one Duran kicked his ass around the ring for the majority of the match. ] "I personally would never have Danny kip up again... it doesn't fit the way the character has felt in the past. "? He was a heel in the past too, and total techncial guy even further back. As a face, I've tried to give Williams more high flying. I am guilty of making Williams very well rounded, but that's only because I love to write so many different types of matches. "I hate comebacks that come out of nowhere. I really do." Well, Duran stalled alot, and went for his finisher which he's used on Danny before. So it's kind of like Williams came up with a couner to it. Duran was also using alot of punching in the match, so it makes since that Williams finally caught on. There's a double k.o spot, and Williams is still too weak to take over, allowing Duran to go for an ill advised big move that he ends up taking alot of punishment trying to set up. "Its like a switch went off and Danny decided to fight back despite that he was getting pulled up a few minutes ago and it was seemingly the only thing keeping him from getting pinned. " I would have liked to have used a bigger more epic comeback, but the last 2000 words or so was last minute rushed in addition to the match coming close to going over word limits. So I would agree that it could been better.

"Your argument assumes that every time somebody hangs onto a headlock, it looks like desperation." Hanging on to a simple move at all costs certaintly comes off like a sign of desperation to me. If he's so dominate why is he willing to absorb punishment and go the extra mile to keep it on? It's not the best way to show superiority over someone, it just doesn't appear to be the actions of a confident man. Refusing to use anything but a simple headlock comes of as being precautious, like Kibs is timid about taking the fight to the crusierweight. Like he's scared of making a mistake, and is sticking to the basics. And yes, traditionally it's always been used as an underdog spot. "This isn't much of an argument; this is your perception of what the headlock means. Other people seem to see very different things in this headlock. I eagerly await your factual, objective explanation of how your perception is superior to everyone else's." Oh god not this bullshit, whatever. Always nice to see words getting shoved into my mouth. You'd be better off waiting for it to snow in hell or something stupid like that.

"Yes, the headlock is stupid in Kobashi/Honda, but this isn't Kobashi/Honda. Kobashi doesn't have the sketchy streak that Kibagami does and Honda is not facing Kobashi in his first singles match. What the headlock means in Kobashi/Honda doesn't affect the headlock in Kibagami/Cortez because they're two different headlocks in two different matches with two entirely different sets of participants. The only solid comparison you can draw is that the headlock is really long." No, both involve a veteran wrestler behaving like an underdog agianst somebody that he shouldn't. It's even worse here, because this is Cortez's first singles match is it not, not to mention that he's not even in your weight class. That's where the comparision comes from. "The headlock is there to illustrate Kibagami giving absolutely no respect or quarter to Cortez because he's green as all hell and Kibagami doesn't need anything other than a headlock." This is the same argument people used to justify the headlock in Kobashi/Honda. Are you sure you think the headlock in that match is stupid? If he wants to beat him with the headlock that's cool, but the way he keeps going back to it makes him look desperate. For the part, the headlock is notpresented in a "I'm so much better than you" way. Off the top of my head, the nip up spot was the only time it was effective, but the rope run is just...ugh. Desperately hanging on to a headlock on the rope run isn't the most effective way to show your dominace, punting him around and casualy finishing him did. Toying with him during the nip up spot did. I will say that this was a good match, but it would have been more effective had Cortez been the one desperately trying to keep Kibs in check. Not saying he had to use a headlock, there are thousands of ways to get the same point across.

No, it's not symbolic since it does have a literal purpose. It makes sense that someone who is less experienced or overmatched couldn't just go out there and kick ass, the only thing they can hope to do is control their better wiser opponent. Than the vet gets to look experienced and wise since he's the one who's smartly working out of everything the youngster can throw at him. If your truely stronger than your opponent, than you wouldn't have to desperately hang on to any one move, you can do whatever you want. If it's because Kibs is broken down and weaker than Cortez that's fine, but that's not the impression I got from the match, especially by the casual way he won it. It's just like everything that's wrong with Kobashi/Honda, though it's slightly better since at least Kibs didn't outfly Cortez like Kobashi outwrestled the mat specialist

Than the problem goes beyond the match, and is rooted in Kib's stats. Nothing wrong with wearing down a cruiser, but hanging on to the headlock off the ropes is a bad spot for him to be using, considering who he is.

Todd Cortez vs Nathaniel Kibagami Make no mistake, the headlock sequence was good. However, it would seem that Kibagami is suffering from Kobashitis. By that I mean, the work is good, he's just playing the wrong role in the match. Since the 70s and probably even before than, the control sequence has not been seen as a sign of dominance but weakness almost desperation. It's something that is reserved for extreme under dogs or over matched challengers. This goes back to Hansen controling the Destroyer with the headscissors, Jumbo controling Terry Funk with the armbar, and later Tenyru hanging on to Jumbo with the headlock, and most famously Kawada's use of the headlock against Jumbo. As possibly the most experienced vet in the fed, who also happens to be a big heavyweight, Kibs controlling a cruiser with a headlock makes no sense. Sure, you can play the Kobashi/Honda defenders argument; it shows how strong he is....that he can win with something as simple as a headlock. Yeah, just like one head drop kills you, and a second wakes you up so that you can hit a Lariat. In short, good simply structured match. If this was real, it would be fairly obvious that it was almost a carry job. Kib's controls, lets Cortez hit his spots, than Kibs takes over and takes it home.

All Japan top 10s have been done to death, so I'll just throw out a New Japan top 10. I would really like to see more of the heavies when I get the money. Top 5 Heavies: 1. Mutoh/Chono vs. Hase/Sasaki 7/4/91 ****1/4 -This match represents the peak of the awesome early 90s New Japan heavyweight tags, it's also a rare point in history where they were clearly better than their peers in All Japan. While this style of tag matches usually climaxed with a brief sprint of nearfalls, they just keep going and going here not unlike Baba's boys would be doing a little ways down the road. Knowing what he would become, it's almost tragic to watch Mutoh performing like the great wrestler he always had the potential to be. Really fun match with monster crowd heat. 2. Mutoh/Chono vs. Hase/Sasaki 11/1/90 ****1/4 -While they didn't have the personality and intensity of their All Japan peers, they were no doubt working the more advanced matches at this point. Unlike in the above match, Sasaki and Chono play a much bigger role, showing the potential that they would never live up to. 3. Mutoh vs. Chono 8/11/91 ****1/4 -If it wasn't for all the goofy poorly executed dropkick counters at the end, this match would most likely be regarded as highly as Jumbo's great matches that year. The smart build to the signature moves has much more in common with King's Road style than New Japan's Strong Style. As others have commented, the lay out is similar to the type of matches that Misawa and Kawada would be working in the following years. 4. Mutoh vs. Hashimoto 8/15/95 ****-****1/4 -The mat work is kind of meh, and the big transition at the end doesn't really make any sense. Still, this match has so many wonderful moments it's easy to see why it's regarded as the last great New Japan heavyweight match. And get this, Mutoh actually sells inbetween transitions. As usual, Hash is great. Sadly, when compared to what Taue and Misawa were doing that year.... 5. Vader vs. Inoki 1/4/96 **** -This match is all Vader, and it's damn good. One of the big guy's finest performances, better than any of the supposed Flair broom stick matches. Top 5 Juniors: 1. Liger vs. Samurai 4/30/92 ****3/4 -Some of the finest storytelling I've ever seen. Absoultely compelling to watch, a match that drew me in like no other. If only the outcome wasn't so obvious, this match could find itself mentioned amongst 6/3/94 and Hokuto/Kandori as one of the best singles matches of all time. 2. Samurai vs. Ohtani 1/21/96 ****3/4 -Probably the best usage of limb working and submissions I've ever seen. Watch Ohtani go from "ouch that kind of hurts my arm" to "Oh god, this is the worse pain ever" throughout the course of the match. Very stiff and bloody too. 3. Liger vs. Ohtani 3/17/96****1/2 -Great selling for a junior match or any match. Excellent near falls and story telling. 4. Ultimo vs. Ohtani - 8/4/96 ****1/2 -One of Ohtani's funest performances. His body language, selling, reactions to nearfalls, and mannerisms are such a blast to watch. Probably Ultimo Dragon's best match as well. 5. Benoit vs. Guerrero 6/11/96 ****1/2 -A unique junior match where Beniot and Eddy control a crowd like few can.

I haven't read Laz, but I'm sorry, JHawk's reviews suck. That's not saying he doesn't work hard, and from time to time he's been much more level headed than say Scott Kieth with the star ratings. But sadly he's just like everybody else, play by play, and here's some snowflakes.

The "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibese comes to mind. Atomic Drop him and he'd bounce over the top rope and take a splat bump on the floor, essentially turning a weak looking move into a sick spot. He would also somersault to put over gut punches for whatever reason. Oh, and I remember in Greg Valentine vs. Randy Savage at Wrestlemania IV, the Hammer put over ever single move by turning limp and flopping face down on the mat. So every little hit pretty much killed him, but in a few seconds he'd be fine.

Thank you, that's what I was trying to say. I just don't have a gift with words like that.

I don't have to dodge anything, if you must I will directly respond to your shitty argument. "This kind of thought should be saved for the great classics of literature, art, and music. It's like writing a 30 page dissertation on a Tom Clancy novel: the care by the reviewer exceeds what is put in by the reviewer." The double subject in the sentence doesn't make much sense, so I wasn't sure how to respond. Are you saying that Chris's care exceeds how much he writes? WTF does that mean? Also, people have a right to care about something as much as they want to. If you love great classics of literature and want to write about it, pursue it, I will not look down on you. If you love wrestling and want to write abou it, pursue it, I will not look down on you. Obviously, I'm not one to judge as I'm sure most people are puzzled by they ways I spend my time(posting in shitty threads like this). "Oh and it looks to me like YOU are the one with the holier than thou attitude. believe me, I read an understand what he said there. believe it or not you condescending, limp-wristed asshole, I'm actually a pretty smart guy. What did I get out of it:" I responded to this. "This guy has wasted his talent on reviewing Joshi. And he likely doesn't get out much. " I didn't respond to this, because I'm not Chris. If you think he's wasting his talent and doesn't get out much, take it up with him.

Because it looked like you were being sarcastic, I guess you weren't. To Mr. Z: "I have to take this thread's rating down a bit... Coffin Surfer just no sold the post he was replying to and put some stuff in to pop the crowd. It didn't make a lick of sense. I'd expect stuff like this from HBK... not him. " Uh, I didn't no sell your post. It was kind of like a Terry Funk sell, it was there, it was just goofy. It's the only way I could make your pedestrian offense mildly entertaining.

I just don't understand your response. Dumbing down my post for BPS: I don't see why non-wrestling fans give a fuck about how much Chris loves wrestling. If they do, their entitled to their opinion, however what's the fucking point?

For someone who claims to be smart, you really don't act very intelligent. I'm an asshole, but I'm not limp wristed. I don't think claiming to be smarter than you makes me holier than thou, because that's not saying very much. If I was dellusional, I would set my sights a little higher.

"No...everyone here likes wrestling." If they don't care than why are they reading Chris' posts and reviews? If you don't post here about wrestling, fine say what you want about us lunatics. If not, than quit wasting your own time by trying to argue some since into us.

This is what prompted me to ask if he was (maybe, just maybe) taking it all a tad seriously. Come on be honest, that post just went over your head. You were trolling, so get the fuck over it. Everyone here has an unhealthy obsession with wrestling, so let's quit playing the "holier than thou" bullshit.

He, along with wolverine, created a horrible stigma around the Puro folder that turned it into a target of venom for everyone else on the board. And all he had to do was be a total asshole to anyone who knew just a little less about Puro then he did. I got on his bad side for (gasp!) suggesting that he was taking Joshi matches a little too seriously. "Everything that guy just said was bullshit, thank you."

"I'll buy a show from a decade ago if I think it has a shot of having at least one or two 'very good' matches on there... " Uh, a decade ago is when most of the best matches did happen. 93-94. So yeah, that's where you'll find "very good" to legit classics at. And what's wrong with buying shows from a decade ago, when that's when the best matches happened? You don't think the present is the peak of wrestling quality? "That's like saying Flair vs Steamboat is on par with Lyger vs Sano, because even though they're both highly regarded, they're two complete diferent styles." Not different styles as much as one is just better than the other. But as far as the 80s go, Santo/Casas 2/3 falls and Jumbo/Tenytru 6/89 kills them both.

SWF Favorite Writer(s): Edwin, TNT, Thugg, Dace, and now Duran. Favorite Promo(s): Probably that bizarre Frost promo where he was pimping his new double secret new move with the Raiders of the Lost Arc face melting scene cut in. Favorite Match(es): Duran vs. Matthews is the only thing sticking out in mind at the moment. Favorite Stip to Write: Singles match. My Biggest Accomplishment: defeating a very game Ejiro for the World Title. I Regret That: I have no time to write. I Wish: I had time to write. Dream Matches Involving Yourself: Frost in SWF, Edwin, Thugg, Magnifico, Dream Matches: Edwin vs. Flesher maybe? I've Become Most Friendly With: I have a hard enough finding time to spend with my friends in the real world. I Hope: see I wish. Personal Name (First name works, last name if you don't care): Daniel Single: Aside from one or two brief "flings", I've been single since last January. Have Most Trouble: Keeping GPA up. Favorite Things to Do: Watch wrestling, listen to music, watch movies, watch adult swim, basically sitting on my ass. Most Recent Accomplishment: Your talking to the wrong guy. Most Recent Failure: Too many to mention. Favorite Bands: Misfits, Cure, Stooges, Opeth, Gang of Four. Favorite Book: H.P. Lovecraft short stories. Favorite Movie: Evil Dead II, Battle Royale, This is Spinal Tap, The Big Lebowski, Five Deadly Venoms....etc. Favorite Actor: Chow Yung Fat...when he used to be in good movies. One Song to Listen to On Repeat: Kick out the Jams, MC5. One Item You'd Save During A Fire: My own ass. Something You Want to Get Into To: Lucha, I need more Santo! Biggest Regret/Mistake: Going to College. Biggest Turn On: Like sexually? Biggest Turn Off: Christians and Republicans. (name movie reference, and you get......nothing.) If You Died and Went To Heaven, What Do You Want God to Say: Yes, there's sex in heaven. How About Going to Hell, Devil says: Don't believe the hype, this place really isn't THAT bad.

Matthews vs. Duran I thought this was an excellent match. The match was built extremly well with them gradually progressing into more threatening moves as the match moved on. It's nice to see the limb work used as a device to move on to bigger things rather than the overused done to death big finish where the leg or back gives out. The bearhug was built to well, and Duran coming up with different escapes for it everytime was a nice touch. It's not without faults though with a few awkward transitions sticking out in an otherwise great outing. Most notably is when Grappler fights out of the Gutwrench Suplex to take over. There's no real reason for him to suddenly fight out of the suplex and transition back to offense. Why is it Duran can toss him around one minute, and all of a sudden, now Grappler can put the breaks on and stop him. It would come off better if he was recycling a move he had done used or was attempting to land a big bomb that's a step up from the midrange suplexes. Still, I must say that this is one of the better matches I've read here.