Posted July 17, 20178 yr comment_5807521 This was exactly what it needed to be - an ugly brawl between two bruisers. I loved it. ***1/2
July 17, 20178 yr comment_5807540 Smart move in making this a clunky brawl and the length was better on this match than Nagata vs YOSHI-HASHI. Still, Makabe is just not able to match the intensity or strikes in a brawling aspect and when that is about all you have at this point, it is a slow haul for me to gain much investment. The match worked best with Togi in the clear underdog role and having to fight from underneath against the big monster Fale. His King Kong Knee to the standing Fale looked good and him getting caught was a clever way to lead right into the finish. Not good but not awful either so a success. **3/4
July 18, 20178 yr comment_5807592 I found this one a little boring. Makabe looks like he is in pretty good shape for this tournament but he did not really wrestle like it. I think that this was really the best chance for either of these two to shine and the match didn't live up to my expectations despite a promising start. I am sort of over seeing people wriggle out of the early Bad Luck Falls. The actual finish they came up with was pretty cool though.
July 18, 20178 yr comment_5807625 I didn't feel this overstayed its welcome, pretty standard formula that works against Fale. Share the same rating as soup there. From Ioan's review at PTBN: Makabe downed Fale with a shoulder block, then the fight went to the floor, where Fale used Makabe’s chain against him, twice flinging him into chairs. Back in the ring, a big scoop slam and sitting pin got two, as did a Samoan Drop, and the concerned referee checked on Makabe. He slipped out of the Bad Luck Fall, however, and a counter lariat brought some respite. Mounted punches in the corner were followed with a lariat, but Fale flattened him and landed a splash for two, then Makabe blocked the Grenade with another lariat. Fale wasn’t deterred, but again the Bad Luck Fall failed, and yet another lariat earned two for Makabe. A diving knee strike looked to set up the finish, but Makabe was caught by the throat as he dived from the top-rope and Fale nailed him with the Grenade for the win! A solid effort here, with a simple story of Makabe’s fighting spirit meeting an unstoppable monster in Fale. About as good as could be expected. ***
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