Your American Express, Oh That Great, Great American Excess

The Battens VS The Nightmares - CWA 12/29/1984

JJZ: I don't know where the hell we've gone CJD but I don't know who the Nightmares are either! With the Battens being twins but also faces, I was wondering if they would still do the switch a roo when the ref wasn't looking. They did! I like it. There's a finish in this match I've never seen before. It's easy to argue that it was unnecessary and the other Batten should've ran in but I think it legitimately gives and shows the ref's power in the ring. Great flow to the match with both teams showing off good offense. The Nightmares gave off such good sleazy 80s heel energy. All while looking like rec league softball players. These last few matches have been so much fun man. Love Debutting wrestlers to PIF.

CJD: Rec League Softball Players indeed baby. What a perfectly 80s territory tag team match. The Nightmares were a treat. Memphis is a huge blindspot for me, stylistically it's just not my bag, even if I'll always have a soft spot for matches like this. Matches that go to Fist City, if you know what I mean!! I'm so fascinated to see what I dig up with the Beer league boys, I can't imagine that's the more famous Danny Davis before he started ripping shit up at the gym. Maybe they did a tour of All Japan?!? Also yeah, that finish was an interesting one indeed. Just a fun oddball match in general my friend.

Forever Forward Fridays

Masha Slamovich VS Jacob Fatu - Wrestling REVOLVER 11/16/2023

JJZ: So Fatu is so violent I was super curious how stiff this was gonna be. Masha can really bring it, you know she wasn't going to back down at all. Wrestling Revolver brings a high standard with the production quality. Just a little shout out. I thought both wrestlers really fucking went for it without going over the line with the physicality. Just a stiff straight forward shot for shot match that was a lot of fun with a hot crowd. A ton of big pop spots. Some good falsies and a lot of hard striking. Enjoy.

CJD: I don't know about that Tussle Cam John. Not a fan. And that's my only criticism of this match! What a banger and clanger. I thought this was actually a little more even than Masha VS Bayne. Which is a credit to both matches, and how the different opponents brought a different approach, with Masha adapting beautifully to both. She looked like a total world beater against Fatu and it was very realistic how even it felt. The show of respect post match was a nice touch. I'm so glad we found our way back to Slamovich, she always brings it, and I've watched way too much MLW to check out what Fatu was up to. Looking forward to seeing some more of his contemporary work... perhaps??

A Mad Dog, You've Got Nothing I Can Use

Buzz Sawyer/Matt Borne VS Bart Batten/Brad Batten - World Class 8/22/1986

CJD: I don't think I watched quite as much Buzz as you did Sullivan, but I did watch much more than it normally takes to play a match forward. Mad Dog was a personal favorite once upon a time but over the years as I've seen more and more I'd struggle to call him great. Maybe great in small doses which would help explain why he bounced around so much. Now I'm going to shoot straight on this one brother. I have no fucking clue who the Battens are. The US Express? Seriously? If this isn't the match of their career I'd be blown away. But even if it is that's nothing to be ashamed of. Both teams had the Sportatorium rocking and rolling and the booking is really effective leading up to a tag tournament. The Maniac and the Mad Dog are such a natural team, and Borne is someone I have more and more time for over the years. Although I am very curious if you can find a MAN UP Batten VS Batten hidden gem to come back at me with instead!!

JJZ: US Express? Who-ttens? Babycakes, the fact that these two wrestlers are so brand new to me is crazy. They were over. That crowd was so into them. Buzz and Matt beat the living shit out of them. That suplex to the concrete was sick. I know Cactus taking the powerbomb to the outside from Vader was considered insane, but a standing suplex positions you even higher. Ridiculous do to in a quick TV match. Shout out to Buzzy boy on those boots. Love it! 80s wrestling movesets are so interesting because they always drop in little things that I wouldn't expect. That knee off the top was pretty brutal. Really enjoyed how I spent these last 10 minutes.

Forever Forward Fridays

Masha Slamovich VS Megan Bayne - Beyond Wrestling 11/11/2021

CJD: Happy 4th PIF fam!! And what's more American than comic books?? John I know you love talking comics! Well this match was Wolverine VS Thor. Masha just wouldn't. Stay. Down. This wasn't always pretty but a match like this shouldn't be. I watched a good bit of the Megasus before landing on this match, and you can consider me a big fan. She does so many little things that draw you in. I've seen some opinions really go both ways on her but I think part of that is she legitimately garners heat in more of a throwback way. Masha is always a blast, I hadn't watched her in a little while, and I'm very curious to see what you come back with!

JJZ: Dude! That dead lift powerbomb popped the fuck out of me. This was such a good one. The aggressive non stop energetic offense of Masha was perfect to try to combat Megan's power and strength. Masha coming out of the gate with some sneaky shit was great psychology. Haven't seen Masha in a minute also. Really love her in ring style. Megan is really good. Her two matches we played forward really impressed me. I think she has star power. Masha is an indy darling but I think Megan will be in WWE at somepoint. Or not. Who fucking knows. Great match either way!