Borne has pretty well convinced me that he was the best brawler in Portland. He's produced good ones against a wide variety of opponents, including the oft-underwhelming Grappler. They didn't waste any time getting after it with the punches, kicks and biting. Grappler slowed things down a bit when he gained control, trying to take Borne out with a chinlock. But Borne rallied out of that with a series of wild kicks (enhanced by the furry boots). Borne caught Grappler with a double kick out of the corner, but Grappler took out Sandy Barr as he fell. Out came DeBeers to bring the match to a shitty conclusion. But no, wait, Assassin came out as well, and instead of interfering, they glared at each other from the tops of opposite turnbuckles. Kind of a neat way to check the interference, and it distracted Grappler, allowing Borne to roll him up for the win. This needed blood or more time or some kind of extra kick to be a high-end match. But measured against the bulk of later Portland, it certainly earned a nomination.

 

New Portland Disc 53

Matt Borne vs. The Grappler (New Portland 53)

- Way too short to be this one sided and the finish was sloppy as all hell. No vote.