I just don't get it, but i'd like to

[Guest ManKinnd]

I have heard that these two matches embody (sp?) what a wrestling match should be, with anyone talking about them saying they were both easily *****. I've seen the Misawa/Kawada gansobomb match and loved it, but when I saw the one in 94, you know the one I mean, I just didn't get it. I don't know what was special about it. I saw Flair/Steamboat at the Chi Town Rumble and the rematch that went 55 minutes. Both times I held up my hands and asked "What was so special?" This isn't to bash all of the fans that loved these matches, because while I don't get it, I want to. I don't know if anyone's up to doing this, but I'd heavily appreciate someone walking me through the match and telling why each section is good or whatever. That way I could watch it again with more education. I really don't get it though; I agree with almost all the other classics, but these two are different. Thanks in advance for any help here.

[Guest Brian]

The 1994 match is a culmination of almost five years of history. Admittenly, when I first watched, I thought it was a really great match but nothing special about it. Ask this question in the puro section as Tim Cooke has probably gone through it a couple hundred time with nebies, including what prior viewing is recommended. I don't really feel like going through it.

[Guest]

If I had the tape of Flair/Steamboat with me right now, I would walk you through it but my friend is borrowing it. I will tell you though, that their match at the Chi Town Rumble isn't nearly as good as their two out of three falls match, and the WrestleWar '89 classic. However, all of these matches are universally loved because of the fact that these matches represent wrestling at it's finest. The psychology is so amazing that you will probably never find a better example of selling ever again. Almost every move is done with a purpose. The pacing is great, and the physicallity is awesome. This is wrestling... this is talent. I guess if you've only been watching wrestling the past two or three years, it might be harder for you to get into because of what you've been trained and taught is wrestling by the attitude era of the WWF. However, I can't think of a better example of what wrestling truly is supposed to be, what it was meant to be... then the Flair/Steamboat encounters.

 

This probably didn't help you understand it all that well, but I was just giving you my two cents.

[Guest ManKinnd]

Just to let you know, I've been watching wrestling all 17 years of my life. So there goes that theory.

[Guest]

I wasn't necessarily referring to you exactly. Sorry I didn't clear that up and I didn't realize it until now that I didn't write was I was planning on. What I meant was that I have alot of friends who just recently got into wrestling (recently being either the past few months for the past two years) and they are bored to death when watching Flair and Steamboat.

[Guest JHawk]

I don't my have tape of Flair-Steamboat handy, but what makes them so special is the psychology involved.  Every move has a purpose.  It's not a headlock for the sake of using a headlock.  Watch Flair and Steamboat's bodies on the restholds.  The one in the hold makes a certain facial expression, makes an attempt to break the hold...they're not really stopping to rest at all.  Something is always going along.  Plus their previous meetings come into play as part of that.  In the WrestleWar match, Steamboat is working on Flair's back to set up for a double chickenwing, the move Flair submitted to in the second fall of the 2 out of 3 encounter.  It's just little things that made it so special, but you're right, somebody might need to walk you through it.

[Guest Special K]

Plus, for Misawa Kawada, the AJPW style is sort of weird at first, especially if you're new to japanese matches in general. It took me a while to get used to some of the stuff (delayed/no-selling with a purpose, continuity between matches) but it's rewarding once you do.

 

    Unfortunately, I've never seen any Flair Steamboat, so revoke my smark card now. I will once I start making some $ this summer. I'm sure I'll like them though, since I like Flair, I like Steamboat, and I like long matches.

[Guest Singular]

It's just like eating Sushi.  Some people have a taste for it and some don't.  It doesnt mean you don't like asian food in general, just not that kind of food.

 

I had Sushi last night, so forgive the comparison.

[Guest Mark4steamboat]

Flair Steamboat is "boring" to casual fans(no insulting anyone that doesnt get this match) its the psychology, the athleticsm, the workrate, the all around chemistry that these two have.

misawa/kawada i have never seen seeing as that l'm starting to get into puro and have been advised not to see this for a while.