Forever Forward Fridays

Maya Yukihi VS Yurika Oka - Sendai Girls 3/22/2024

JJZ: Yurika Oka is the blonde female wrestler. It was so tempting to go back to that same promotion but I really wanted to see the depth that Maya has. This was an above average opener/mid card kinda match. Slow start, nice build to some really slick offense and transitions. Maya made me a big fan of her's, mostly because she can crack! She hits hard and with purpose. Love it. Oka was also good. I was surprised how smooth she was during the second half of the match. I wasn't getting that vibe during that start. You know I love a single cam no commentary match. Brings a great vibe. These last two Friday matches were indie as fuck homie.

CJD: Single hard cam no commentary makes me feel like I'm sitting right next to JJZ watching this match. It's safe to say Maya has a mean streak after these two matches. She has been a revelation, I'm so glad we took a detour down this road! Oka brought some pep and snap to her, dare I say, plucky underdog babyface performance. The pace was one of my favorite parts of this match,  when they took it to overdrive for a half second to finish things off it popped me big time. I bought on a falsie and a half. Great little piece of action here baby, I'm glad you brought the variety with some Sendai Girls!!

Like Nikita Koloff, You Don't Wanna Make That Fatal Faux Pas

Magnum TA VS Nikita Koloff - NWA Worldwide 8/16/1986

JJZ: Baby cakes. Man oh man do I want to watch all of these matches! This is the sixth match of Koloff and TA's best of seven series. If I had to describe this match in one word it would be energy. From the crowd but more so from the wrestlers. Being 5 matches deep I thought they would be approaching it slower, but Nikita and Magnum really pushed the pace. I knew who won this already going in but the finish is what put this match over the top for me. Thought it came at a good time in the series since I'm sure they build up to it with a similar situation in an early match. Koloff is a wrestler I don't usually seek out but man have I loved both his matches we've featured. I was definitely selling him short. Way better in the ring then I remembered. Enjoy homie!

CJD: Nikita Koloff is definitely a PIF poster boy. Those wrestlers you never quite gave a fair chance, that when you check your biases at the door, often will surprise you. I'm familiar with this best of 7 series but don't think I've ever watched an entire match. So glad you got me to watch this one. The body language from both of these guys. Students of the game should take notes. It's not just selling, it tells a story beyond the physical toll. It projects the size, the scope, the stakes. This is fantastic American heavyweight pro wrestling, a style that isn't always synonymous with work rate and high energy. This match is proof they aren't mutually exclusive. That finish, and the way it's sold after, seal the deal on this all-time great match. Beautiful stuff!!

Forever Forward Fridays

Chris Brookes VS Maya Yukihi - BAKA GAIJIN + FRIENDS Vol 3 3/7/2023

CJD: Annnnnddd we're back!! So we've watched some bar type venue matches when we get together for our nights of wrestling viewing. But never on the blog before. And it's high time we change that! I believe Yukihi was new to me and I'm so excited to see what you come back with from her. These two work really well together in this unique setting. I was rewinding little spots and strikes like I was watching the nuance of a Fujinami VS Choshu classic. This wasn't just fun and games, although it was a highly entertaining watch. Brookes is a hell of a talent, I watched him in a lot of different styles of matches seeking this one out, and no matter where you plug him in he shines bright.

JJZ: Chris this is incredible man. This might be the most unique match we've ever shared. Definitely the smallest ring. I popped when Brookes put his foot out of the "ring" to break the hold. Besides the ambiance this was a pretty stiff, well executed match. Great back and forth with nice falsies. I literally loved every second of this match. Not gonna lie with your blessing I might dig into this promotion more and share some goodies with our friends. The tightness they were able to perform with in such a unfamiliar setting showcased the talent that both Chris and Maya have. Both wrestlers are elevated to the next level in my eyes with this match.