Occasionally, you just have a feeling. Granted, it didn’t require naive optimism to be hopeful for the first-time matchup between AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes, but I was particularly bullish about this scenario. It had been a thin few years for Styles, as uninspired creative combined with frankly overdue injuries for some of his weakest […]
AJ Styles vs. Cody Rhodes (WWE Backlash) Match Review Read More »
In October, Bryan Danielson and Zack Sabre Jr. brought their much anticipated dream match to life, producing one of 2023’s finest bouts. The all-star grappling clash was a rematch well over a decade in the making, as the pairing had wrestled twice in the late 2000s. That time apart certainly didn’t show inside the ropes
Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka) Match Review Read More »
There are very few feuds in AEW’s brief but eventful history that compare to the war between Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland. At Full Gear, their rivalry produced an instant classic, cementing Strickland as a headline act while rejuvenating Page in defeat. In distinctly un-AEW fashion, they’ve remain linked since then too, seemingly embroiled
Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland III (AEW Dynamite) Match Review Read More »
Last August, Ilja Dragunov clobbered Trick Williams towards his first hit singles match. That was notable, as while his personality and presence had always jumped off the page, Williams was a visibly raw prospect inside the ropes. Even since then, his limitations were on display against Dominik Mysterio, not quite wrestling to the level of
Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams (NXT Vengeance Day) Match Review Read More »
To be frank, it’s been the kind of week that leaves you questioning your own investment in this medium. That’s not the story obviously, there are far bigger concerns than my or anyone else’s distaste for it all. With that being said, the in-ring highs and lows feel even more secondary than usual with such
While it’s been anything but quiet outside the ring, this week has been 2024’s first exhale inside the ropes. To be clear, that still didn’t prevent a couple must-see bouts from emerging, it just allowed for a detour or three along the way. I wasn’t able to cover the latest war between Chihiro Hashimoto and
It was an especially eventful weekend in pro wrestling, as NJPW and TNA accompanied AEW’s usual Collision offering. Beyond anything else though, Shingo Takagi is the story of this edition, producing two of the week’s top matches, starting in Dragongate and then battling Jon Moxley at Battle in the Valley. Elsewhere, Kenoh makes another notable
Well, you made it! Somehow, you’ve all fought through two excruciating weeks without Hulbert’s Weekly Match Guide but at last, it’s back! What a week to return to also, as NJPW produces their biggest show of the year: Wrestle Kingdom 18, LIVE from Tokyo Dome. Before that though, both TJPW and Stardom produce major hits
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom, AEW tV Triumphs | Hulbert’s Weekly Match Guide 1/9/24 Read More »
It’s the final Match Guide of 2023 and after doing this for almost eight months, that seems significant. Admittedly, it feels like much longer to me, but such is modern wrestling. Yes, the Bad Bunny match was only May, I’m surprised too. Either way, it’s a packed week to close my year, including another Continental
ROH Final Battle, Gunther – Miz II | Hulbert’s Weekly Match Guide 12/19 Read More »
For the guide at least, it’s all about tournaments as we near 2024. In AEW, the Continental Classic is heating up in a major way, with Bryan Danielson unsurprisingly leading the charge. Meanwhile in Japan, both AJPW and NJPW earn a slot with their respective tag leagues, including an ambitious effort from the latter’s final.
Iron Survivor Triumph, All-Star Tags & Tournaments | Hulbert’s Weekly Match Guide 12/12 Read More »