February 2021 Matches Of The Month

 

A month in which we saw an extremely high volume of high calibre matches. Regrettably, we also saw disappointing carelessness relating to Speaking Out from a number of companies. Therefore, I cannot advocate PPVs or subscription services here in good conscience. I recommend people look carefully before deciding whether a promotion's conduct is worthy of your money.

  1.  Eruption vs. Konosuke Takeshita & MAO (23/2 – DDT)

A fantastic tag match. Higuchi and Sakaguchi have great, badass chemistry and compliment each others strengths perfectly. Takeshita was the world class worker we are accustomed to. MAO was the star, dynamic, passionate and unpredictable.

  2.  Suzu Suzuki vs. Tsukasa Fujimoto (23/1* – Ice Ribbon)

This match managed to combine a relentless pace with innovative offence and an intense feeling of a real fight. A thrill ride that grabs you from the opening bell and doesn’t let go while also telling the story of the young champion facing the challenge of the established star. This match is available here.

  3.  Giulia vs. Starlight Kid (13/2 – Stardom)

The best Stardom match of the year so far and the highlight of Starlight Kid’s career. Giulia highlights how far she has come in the ability to structure a match. Great drama and character work from both participants.

 4. Jun Akiyama & Naomichi Marufuji vs. Kaito Kiyomiya & Yoshiki Inamura (12/2 – NOAH)

The highlight of NOAH’s major Budokan event was this classic style generational tag match. The younger team were put over strong and Inamura in particular exuded the energy of a star in the making. This felt like an occasion.

  5.  Jon Moxley & Lance Archer vs. Kenny Omega & KENTA 

(10/2 – AEW)

An even better main event than the previous week. The falls count anywhere stipulation was well executed to provide a sense of unpredictability. Omega and Moxley continued to build their feud, KENTA impressed in his AEW debut and Archer put in one of his best performances.

  6.  Adam Brooks vs. Slex (6/2 – MCW)

The year’s best indy match so far. The three stages of hell gave each fall a distinctive feel and it benefited immensely from being on the first show to take place in front of a hot crowd in close to a year.

  7.  Toru Sugiura vs. Toshiyuki Sakuda (9/2 – FREEDOMS)

FREEDOMS has been the best place for deathmatch wrestling in recent years and this was no exception. Brutally violent without sacrificing drama or workrate. The excessive bleeding, while concerning, added to the effect. This match is available here.

  8.  MSK vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (14/2 – WWE NXT)

A really well executed throwback tag team match that was a satisfying tournament end. Carter and Lee displayed hitherto unseen levels of fiery babyface energy and dynamic offence. Gibson and Drake are a master heel team, cutting off the ring and gaining heat without dragging down the pace or breaking rules.

  9.  Jun Akiyama vs. Tetsuya Endo (14/2 – DDT)

A great main event with logical bodywork, heat and an exciting finish Akiyama is one of the very best of all time and can still rise to the big occasion. Endo was compelling in his desperation for the win. DDT have made this match available on their YouTube channel.

 10. ASUKA, Hagane Shinnou & Shinichiro Tominaga vs. HARUKAZE, Keisuke Ishii & Kouki Iwasaki (21/2 – Ganbare Pro)

Non-stop, thrilling trios action that still managed to tell a compelling underdog story. A pure delight from start to finish.

  11. Miu Watanabe vs. Rika Tatsumi (11/2 – TJPW)

High quality technique and intensity on display from both participants. Tatsumi instantly looked like an established and credible champion in her first defence. Watanabe showed excellent selling and elevated herself to a believable challenger.

  12. Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi (28/2 – NJPW)

Refreshingly not as tedious and bloated as many recent New Japan main events. These two added some intriguing groundwork to their match before moving on to the customary high impact bumps.

  13. Johnny Gargano vs. Kushida (14/2 – WWE NXT)

The over the top melodrama that has accompanied much of Gargano’s work in recent years was refreshingly kept to a minimum, replaced by exciting action. Kushida’s best match since joining WWE.

  14. Yukio Sakaguchi vs. Yuki Ueno (14/1 – DDT)

A really well worked match that utilised the story of Ueno delving into MMA training to counter Sakaguchi’s submission based style.

 15. Jon Moxley, Rey Fenix  & PAC vs. Kenny Omega & Good Brothers (3/2 – AEW)

A really entertaining and fast paced TV main event. Some nice face in peril spots and the moves and energy of Fenix were spectacular. The ending with KENTA's arrival felt like a huge deal.

  16. Arisa Nakajima & Nanae Takahashi vs. Momo Watanabe & Saya Iida (10/2 – SEAdLINNNG)

A heated and hard hitting inter-promotional affair with the host team surprisingly working heel. Though it was building to Watanabe and Takahashi’s singles match, Nakajima’s attacks and Iida’s selling were the highlights.

  17. Riho vs. Serena Deeb (17/2 – AEW)

One of the best matches from AEW’s women’s division. Really good chain sequences, impressive workrate from Riho on her return and an extremely strong performance from Deeb.

  18. ASUKA & Emi Sakura vs. BestBros (13/2 – ChocoPro)

One of the best examples of what you can find from ChocoPro’s unique environment. Available from the Gatoh Move YouTube channel.

  19. Giulia vs. Saya Iida (27/2 – Stardom)

An anger filled and hard hitting display of strength and technique with some good targeting of injured body parts.

  20. Go Shiozaki vs. Keiji Muto (12/2 – NOAH)

Yes, it stretched credibility, had some sloppy spots and was absolutely the wrong result, but it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

*Match that took place earlier is eligible due to being broadcast in February.