It Was In The Bleak December

Raven VS AJ Styles - TNA NWA World Heavyweight #1 Contender's Match 3/12/2003

CJD: This match is so fucking TNA. The good, the bad, the ugly, the unintentionally hilarious. I love it. They packed a lot into not a ton of time, maybe a little too much, but I certainly didn't leave this one disappointed. Raven is an interesting figure in wrestling history. I never cared a ton about him in particular, but he was always involved in stuff I enjoyed. He brought a great creative energy with him, and clearly tried to elevate a lot of the younger guys along the way. I'm glad we spent a little time with Johnny Polo these past few weeks and I'm wondering if this is the first time we've ever featured the Phenomenal One?? Side note this AJ entrance song is such a guilty pleasure

JJZ: WHO WON! WHO WON! Lol wow. That was a lot of fun to watch babycakes. I fully agree that this match is so TNA. Raven was good in this match. I was never really a fan of him post WCW but he put together a good story and all of his moves actually looked pretty good. And not just because he was working AJ. Styles really could have a good match with a broom. I got a kick out of the commentary table and Double J's shirt. So fucking tight. The ending was what it was but I didn't even care. This was pure 2000s wrestling junk food in the best way.

Forever Forward Fridays

Lady Frost VS Vita VonStarr - CFU 3/12/2022

CJD: On the subject of different flavors for a FFFriday match, I present you with exhibit B. This match wouldn't particularly get any sort of star rating from me. But I really enjoyed the presentation, the slightly goofy backstage interviews, and the different setting for these wrestlers than I was expecting. I'm positive if I dug deeper I could find better matches from both ladies. But for what this was I was very entertained, and I bet you will be too. Variety is the spice of life, and I was pleasantly surprised by the extra seasoning and then the simplicity of how they wrapped this one up.

JJZ: Man do I wish they gave this more time. The production quality was great, I liked the little before match interviews. Loved the idea of rounds in a cagematch. Vita and Frost felt like they were building to something big before the suprise finish. Now we have both been live for a out of nowhere earlier than expected finish (Bryan Danielson vs Colt Cabana for example) that really built into a good longterm story line. So maybe that is what they are going for? I dunno. Either way I like the cut of CFU's jib and will look out for more of their stuff in the future.

Forever Forward Fridays

Lady Frost (c) VS Chelsea Green - Hurricane Pro Women's Championship

JJZ: OK, so I watched this match and loved how indy wrestling it was but felt it lacked enough that I said I'll find another match to play forward. I watched a couple Green matches but I kept thinking about this match with Lady Frost. The very patchy crowd that when someone yelled something you could hear and see them so clearly. The weird ring announcer at the start of the match. Chelsa basically committing a crime after crawling out from under the ring. The fake snowballs from Frost. Did they give her power? The beautifulness and weirdness of independent wrestling wrapped into twelve minutes. Super curious to read your review.

CJD: Well this was a different flavor for us, even on a FFFriday. I'd seen a little of Lady Frost before so I had an idea of what to expect there, but this side of the Hot Mess was totally new to me. And it was certainly a wild ride! It had to be so tough for young wrestlers learning their craft through the pandemic years. For so many reasons. But when they finally got the chance to try some of this stuff out in front of thriving crowds, it must've been so worth all the struggles. This match was goofy as hell but it also had a little extra pop and sizzle. They put some stank on it, and for any criticisms you can make, I won't ever forget this match! I for one applaud your choice to play it forward. And I loved your comments on what a beautiful package of indie wrestling this is.

Forever Forward Fridays

Pentagon Dark VS Reklusa - Lucha Underground 10/10/2018

CJD: I know I should be familiar with Chelsea Green. But I'm not, and that's the beauty of FFFridays. This match I never would've watched otherwise broadens my horizons with a very talented wrestler, in the early stages of her career, who I now have an entire world of possibilities for when I check out more of her work in the future. I can't wait to see what you come back with. Even 4 years into the business she brings so much life to this match, a must-see energy that you know Penta is going to match. As with most Lucha Underground they're trying to weave this into a larger storyline and I don't know if it's entirely necessary, but it's part of their charm. This was a wild ride for a match that I totally picked on a whim. I think you'll enjoy hopping on!

JJZ: I've been wanting to watch this match for a while. I honestly never checked the Tube for it because I've never had luck with Lucha Underground on that platform. Also I didn't know her name was Reklusa in LU. I should be calling her Chelsea Black and Blue after this match. (Sorry for the horrible joke) Man CJD, this was a blast. Lucha Underground is always such a joy to watch and matches like this are exactly why. Super stiff with a ton of "oh shit" spots. Reklusa went all out trying to have an even offensive output despite her size difference. Penta should teach a class on thigh slappies. Sounded so good. Really enjoyed the little theater we got treated to after the match. Honestly wouldn't put it past Lucha Underground to set Penta on fire!