Pro-Wrestling On My Mind

Confession: Today's title is a lie. A double lie, actually, because 1)  I actually learned two things and 2) I learned both of those things yesterday. However, I learned both of these things too close to bedtime, so writing about them happens today. That, and I can rarely resist a reference. So what did I learn? First, I learned that I need to ruminate more. Or perhaps I learned that I should not trust my first instinct. The result of the main event of New Japan's anniversary show last night was that Goto beat Tanahashi to retain the title. Based on what I wrote yesterday about my reconsideration of my initial thoughts on the match, it makes sense. Also, Tag Team Partner watched the match and said he doesn't think Tanahashi's knees are capable of another title run. Sad to hear, and it also puts the kibosh on my thoughts about Tana having a G1 run, though I thought that was a pretty unlikely scenario. On the plus side, maybe I am not as bad at predicting NJPW outcomes as...

Been thinking lately about why I like the wrestlers I do. One great thing about New Japan is that I can say I’m a fan of pretty much everyone on the roster. But, as we all know, there is a difference between being a fan and being a stan. In a match with two wrestlers I like, I light my penlights for the one I stan more than the other. But what makes me stan someone? Having given some thought to this topic, I think it boils down to the following four points: 1) Ability/Style Wrestlers can do so many amazing moves, but I definitely have a style preference. When I was a child, I was deep in the trenches of the Monday Night Wars. One of the things that initially kept me tuned in to WCW was the cruiserweight division. The speed, power, and athleticism that comes with being in the lighter weight class has always fascinated me more than the heavyweight division. I’ve been to more New Japan Best of the Super Junior shows than any other type for that very reason. As I once told a friend who ask...