On paper this looks like a bloodbath, but this was weirdly free of plasma, as this was worked more like a title match. Still a really great match, with Dandy looking like the legend he is and Monarca with him hold for hold. I loved the tope causing the countout and double shaving, such a cool finish. Well worth a set spot, although I really wish we had their 1986 match which was a legendary gore fest.

 

 

Classic Lucha Vol 3

This was not incredible, unquestionable, upper tier type of match, but it was a great match. Sort of funny that the nasty brawl you might have expected didn't really touch off until both guys had gotten counted out. I really loved the submission that ended the first fall and thought the second fall was really cool as Cruz took a crazy head bump as the momentum swinger and it sort of followed from there. Finally fall had some really sweet bumps from Dandy, a good dive, some fun mat spots and the cool double shaving finish.

What's really weird about this match is that while it is bloodless, and I agree with Phil's comments about it being worked almost like a title match, it still felt really hateful and violent to me. Not a lot of extended brawling segments, but the shots thrown were nasty. They also both ate offense spectacularly. Cruz took the Baba falling neckbreaker by doing a horrific bump on the back of his head, and then Dandy tried to top it by landing right on his face off of a flapjack. An apuestas match ending in a draw feels like something that shouldn't work, but damned if they didn't pull it off here. I loved Cruz pulling Dandy off of the apron just as he was about to beat the count, and Dandy just going "you fucker!" and kicking the shit out of him. Easy nomination.

Caballera contra Caballera: Javier "El Monarca" Cruz vs. El Dandy (10/26/84)

 

I agree with the others in that this wasn't the epic brawl you wanted to see here but the way they worked this match worked out very well as it was the deliberate brawling that shined here with both guys laying in the shots trying to cause pain not just blood. Both men were very solid in everything they did whether it was matwork, brawling, diving, selling, bumping whatever they were great. The 3rd fall was really great with the finish working fine for me because these guys worked this so even that a draw finish didn't bother me and I always dig the double countout finish in hair matches. The beatdown after the match was awesome as well as Dandy was fucking pissed at being pulled off the apron. Great stuff and a solid nomination.