Friday, April 1, 2016

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn (NXT, 4/1/16)

This is American puroresu. Tons of emotion, a molten hot crowd, great selling, blood (but not too much), stiff strikes, head droppery. I can't think of a better showcase for Nakamura's debut, and although I was skeptical of Zayn being the man to do the job, Zayn couldn't have been more perfect. He held his own in the striking and slapping department. That elbow battle was something out of an Ishii match, and when Nakamura was hung up in the ropes, Zayn just kicking at him was so great. And man, that Blue Thunder Driver nearfall was so well-timed. Nakamura didn't look like he was holding back either. His shots sounded loud and hurty, and while he missed with that top rope Boma Ye, that final lights out kick looked solid. It's hard to believe we live in a world where Nakamura is wrestling in a WWE ring and Kota Ibushi is watching from ringside. Easily the best WWE match I've seen in a long while. Not a flawless match -- there were a few minor missteps -- but for in-ring debut, a pretty damn awesome exhibition of talent on both sides. The atmosphere was insane. WrestleMania is going to have a hard time following this up.

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