12/27/98 and whatever else comes up

[Guest Tim Cooke]

12/27/98 Juvi v Rey Jr. v Kidman

 

This match appeals to me so much because of the way they used the dreaded 3 way dance concept, the energy that the match was able to capture, and the overall goodness of the match.

 

3 way dances suck.  We all know that.  Yet, in this case, I think that the 3 way idea was not only used the best it could be but was also more effective than in prior singles matches between the 3 participants.  

 

Figured it would be better to start a new thread that has a new focus rather than sorting through the older thread.

 

Tim

The prior Kidman v Juvi feud (which I am kinda fogged on in my mind because I havent seen them in quite a while) seemed to be more of a spot to spot to spot set of matches, which while fun to watch at the time where nothing more than that, spots.  Kidman and Rey had some matches as well but I don't remember any of them prior to 12/27 being anything more than good for TV quality.  Yet, the 3 way seemed to incorporate the spot to spot to spot style and add to it with double teams and a good blend of face v heel and face v face match up's to keep the match better paced.

 

The energy they brought to the table also helped make this match awesome in my eyes.  While the 6/3/98 Koji v Wagner Jr. match was technically good (though still run of the mill for Juniors action) it didn't seem to have the energy and passion that I found in Rey, Juvi, and Kidman on the 27th of December.

 

In the end, it is more a personal choice that I like the match so much.  It just fits what I like in terms of what WCW through out in Junior action during that time period and how it still holds up.  That said, the 6/3 match may be superior in match quality (though I would debate that) but the 12/27 was the *last* time I saw such pure action from the Cruiserweights that had some thought put into the matches.

[Guest zergdude]

"The prior Kidman v Juvi feud (which I am kinda fogged on in my mind because I havent seen them in quite a while) seemed to be more of a spot to spot to spot set of matches, which while fun to watch at the time where nothing more than that, spots."

 

Agreed.  They were all over the place, like most of the Cruiser matches that got aired on TV in that time.  Nothing great or even just good for that matter.  

 

"Kidman and Rey had some matches as well but I don't remember any of them prior to 12/27 being anything more than good for TV quality."

 

I haven't seen these in a while so I won't comment, but I'm sure they were nothing out of the ordinary.

 

"Yet, the 3 way seemed to incorporate the spot to spot to spot style and add to it with double teams and a good blend of face v heel and face v face match up's to keep the match better paced."

 

I don't know about the pacing because I haven't seen this match in a good year, but I remember the double teams being pretty clever.  I don't remember the face/heel alignment being as good as your making it out to be either.  Maybe it was a decent blend is what you're trying to say, but I don't think it was anything special for those matches that would make that one great other than the fact that it's actually a logical three way.

 

"The energy they brought to the table also helped make this match awesome in my eyes."

 

All of those matches that got attention were high energy.  Many highspots often amounted to a hot crowd and a lot of energy in WCW Cruiser matches.  The way they portrayed the team ups was very energetic though, but this was pretty standard three way stuff without the stupid material often included into them.  The psych is just so boring, there's only so much you can do to make them semi decent.    

 

"While the 6/3/98 Koji v Wagner Jr. match was technically good (though still run of the mill for Juniors action) it didn't seem to have the energy and passion that I found in Rey, Juvi, and Kidman on the 27th of December."

 

It was run of the mill indeed, but it had better build, work, psych, spots, and energy than the 12/17 match IMO.

 

"In the end, it is more a personal choice that I like the match so much.  It just fits what I like in terms of what WCW through out in Junior action during that time period and how it still holds up.  That said, the 6/3 match may be superior in match quality (though I would debate that) but the 12/27 was the *last* time I saw such pure action from the Cruiserweights that had some thought put into the matches."

 

I would say it was pure action, but not in the sense of most of the lasting Junior matches WCW held.  I just don't think it holds up well against the others and I don't think it's even debatable that Koji/Wagner was the better match, but hey, you might be able to bring something up.  Those two matches aren't exactly the easiest matches to compare because of their style and the often psychologically bland 3 way dances.

[Guest Tim Cooke]

"I don't remember the face/heel alignment being as good as your making it out to be either.  Maybe it was a decent blend is what you're trying to say, but I don't think it was anything special for those matches that would make that one great other than the fact that it's actually a logical three way."

 

I found in intriguing that they kept it simple, had Rey and Kidman double team Juvi, then have that accidental punch to make them fight.  Then, instead of fighting the rest of the match, it is a competitive fight, not an instant "hate" thing like the WWF tends to do.

 

But I understand how the work in the 6/3 is technically better and can definetly accept it.  But if questioned to list a top 5 WCW Cruisers list, the 12/27/98 match would make it at 5.

 

I have a lot more I want to talk about but have a ton of work to get done first.

 

Tim

[Guest zergdude]

"But I understand how the work in the 6/3 is technically better and can definetly accept it.  But if questioned to list a top 5 WCW Cruisers list, the 12/27/98 match would make it at 5."

 

Well what divisions are you including?  Just the '96-'98 one?  If you were to go earlier I can think of better matches, like Ohtani/Eddy and both Liger/Pillman matches.