I think only time can tell in the case of classic matches. If it's easily forgotten, was it ever really a classic? Some matches are remembered for being really, ridiculously good; some are remembered for being cornerstone moments and a lot are often a combination of the two.
It doesn't always come down to whether somebody you like is in the match. I don't see why it has to be that way and it certainly isn't for me. I'm not saying I'm immune to overrating those I mark for from time to time but that still doesn't mean I can't be objective. I'm not telling you your list is incorrect, I'm telling you it's wrong. I'm saying that I don't see how half the stuff on there actually belongs there.
Bold part is exactly my point. You're not, and while I'm not saying you can't be objective, you're not completely objective and that's my whole point. Telling me I'm wrong is wrong, but if you don't agree or don't understand, then so be it.
As far as Taker/Show goes, I have it as high as I do because to me, that's how a big man vs big man match is worked at it's best. It told a simple story... basically Taker had to avenge his loss to Show the month prior, and would come out of the box even harder than he did at No Mercy. He came at Show with everything and Show, due to his size, had the upper hand physically and with his defeat over Taker at No Mercy, even had the edge mentally to some degree. The match reminded me of Taker/Batista WM, not quite as good, but in the intensity and action of it just being super fun to watch. That was a battle of super heavyweights as well and this one is just like that. Taker's win also kept Show looking strong, but showed Taker could get the job done.
So when I initially put it as a classic, those were my thoughts. Though I'll admit when you do put it up there in the same category as Taker/HBK (classic, not 5 stars), then it does seem really off. But it was a fantastic match and I still stand on that.
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I think only time can tell in the case of classic matches. If it's easily forgotten, was it ever really a classic? Some matches are remembered for being really, ridiculously good; some are remembered for being cornerstone moments and a lot are often a combination of the two.
This is an interesting definition, though it makes the term "forgotten classic" an oxymoron. Benoit/Angle isn't talked about all the time, and I'd even bet some forget about it until it's brought up again, but plenty have it at *****, including myself.
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So when I initially put it as a classic, those were my thoughts. Though I'll admit when you do put it up there in the same category as Taker/HBK (classic, not 5 stars), then it does seem really off. But it was a fantastic match and I still stand on that.
So now it's a fantastic match but not a classic right? I think you just proved my point here lol.
This is an interesting definition, though it makes the term "forgotten classic" an oxymoron. Benoit/Angle isn't talked about all the time, and I'd even bet some forget about it until it's brought up again, but plenty have it at *****, including myself.
On the topic of ridiculously good matches, I have a hard time believing most would forget Angle/Benoit. A match may not be constantly talked about but it doesn't mean it is forgotten.
Yeah, the problem with that definition I gave is that it's much easier to forget a match that wasn't fundamental to the story of wrestling. No one is forgetting Rock/Cena, but something like Punk/Bryan at OTL coming up, if they don't pull some crazy ten star bullshit out I can see it fading within a few years.
If you're purely looking for good, fun matches to watch, I guess there'd be a plethora of options in that sense. But maybe the true classics are those that made feuds legendary, created mega stars and what have you.
I wish I could forget Rock/Cena. Only remember it because of how bad everything was about it; god awful lengthy build, boring and mostly shitty match, no consequences to the outcome. Plus 2 guys I don't care for .
I've noticed people are doing top 5s, how about your top 5 matches by your favorite in-ring talents, based solely on the ring work? All matches must involve the same wrestler in one form or another.
Dean Malenko -
Vs. Chris Benoit - Spring Stampede 1997 *****
This is far and away my favorite match from both Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit. The tests of strength, the face offs... The brilliant fluidity in sequences that only Malenko can provide and the intensity that you'll only see from Benoit, everything came together perfectly. The ending is weird, but it works in a strange way. Neither Malenko nor Benoit should have beaten the other clean here.
A real whopper of a match, nearly 30 minutes long. The two greatest in-ring talents in the world putting on a clinic in front of a horrible crowd. I'm basing my star ratings completely off of the in-ring performances though, and not including big match feel or crowd presence. The only real downside to this match is that they started repeating moves near the end.
Vs. Ultimo Dragon - Starrcade 1996 Cruiserweight Title/J Crown Unification Match ****3/4
Great, great match. Easily my favorite WCW cruiserweight division match aside from the Malenko/Benoit matchups. Great counters and a lot more flashy than the Benoit matchups, as somebody of Ultimo Dragon's size is able to twist his body around more.
Vs. Rey Mysterio, Jr. - Halloween Havoc 1996 ****1/4
Awesome match with Mysterio in his prime. The Malenko/Mysterio feud in 1996 put on so many great matches, and this one lives up to the others. Some great high flying from Rey mixed in with technical sequences and awesome power moves from Malenko. Such a great finish to the match as well.
Vs. Eddie Guerrero - ECW 8/26/1995 2 Out of 3 Falls *****
IMO the best 2 out of 3 falls match of all time. Eddie Guerrero had an amazing intensity about him and he was definitely up there with wrestling ability. The back and forths, the energy and the submission/pin sequences are really captivating in this match. The ending was so fitting for their farewell match, and I would put this as Eddie's best in-ring work.
Official DVD/Match/Show Discussion Thread
Re: Official DVD/Match/Show Discussion Thread
I'm saying that I don't see how half the stuff on there actually belongs there.
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. UPDATE (09/04/2013): Weekly Wrestling Roundup Episode 74 & 75!!!
