Dash sweaty, pumped and flexing |
Austin is ripped for his chance at the belt |
So how'd it go?
Before I go any further, let me issue a warning about SPOILERS ...
I will try not to spoil the ending or reveal too much, but I cannot guarantee 100% that I won't let something slip. As well, the commenters might spoil things, too.
If you plan on watching this match, you might want to wait.
This match does have five falls and goes for 35 minutes. This match is very consistent with RHW in terms of video quality, content and value for the money.
The guys are in great shape, their muscles pumped and ready for the cameras. There's lots of classic RHW goodness, with cocky posing and familiar moves. Both guys get their time to shine and both guys get punished. Dash suffers as well as ever, which are my favorite parts. There's a decisive winner. And the King even gets a belt this time!
A classic move - looking good, guys |
Austin applies a great bearhug to the big man |
Flexing and stretching |
Jose at La Sustancia P called me the biggest RHW fan he knows. So I feel bad for saying this, but the other KOTR matches felt epic and this one didn't. It's good, not great. And based on its predecessors and the talent involved, I don't think it's worthy of the title 'King of the Ring'.
But, but ... it has all the elements of a great RHW match! What’s your problem, Alex?
The big problem is chemistry, pure and simple. You have the incredibly hot, muscular, undefeated in singles, exclusive to RHW, two-time reigning King against the incredibly hot, muscular, Rock Hard original returning stud who's gone on to become one of the most prominent competitors in underground wrestling.
Wow! Awesome!
Sadly, no. These guys just aren't that into each other or the match. It all feels very functional and low energy. They don't seem to like each other, but they don't seem to hate each other, either. At least that would have been interesting, to see the action get a little rougher, a little tense. They seem completely indifferent to one another.
Guys, can you try not to look so bored? |
Now, there are moments where I got very excited thinking that things were going to heat up, like the early low blow by Dash. Over at La Sustancia P, Wrestling Arsenal said he wanted Dash to finally go "100% Bad Boy". I thought he might be right. However, there's no real follow up or continuation of it. On the other side, Bard has talked about Dr. Cooper as Austin's heel bad side. It flashes, but doesn't get unleashed in any significant way.
Dash goes low |
From a production standpoint, I also question some of the holds used. There were some interesting positions if you're the one wrestling, but I'll be honest - holds that hide their bodies don't work for me on video.
No, not a fan of this hold (Dash is the one being punished) |
Interesting move, not a great visual |
GIF courtesy of La Sustancia P |
Dash trapped by Ethan |
Dash trapped by Austin |
Would I recommend it? It depends.
If you're an RHW veteran fan, you should like it as long as you don't let your expectations get as out of hand as maybe I did. So I'd recommend it to you.
If you're new to Rock Hard, perhaps drawn in by the hype and hot studs, this is not the best match to try first. I'd recommending going for KOTR 2 or 3 to see what RHW is really all about.
Here's the order I would rank the King of the Ring series along with my rating out of 5 Flexing Dash Deckers:
Or will they use it to elevate a lesser-known or even an unknown guy? Alex and Dash were built by facing lesser known guys or jobbers. I'm not sure who's on the horizon like that. I assume Josh Steel is gone, but he's probably the only guy on the roster I can think of who's worthy and SPOILER ALERT ... Josh is technically still a reigning King. What are Will Stanley or Lucas Payne doing these days?
So what do you think? Am I crazy? Am I being too harsh? The comment box is just waiting for you to share how you feel!
Alex
Hey Alex, I agree with you 100%. There was a lack of chemistry between Dash and Austin and the match itself was a bit sluggish and formulaic. Nevertheless, I'm still a fan of both guys and hope they can rectify this showing later on.
ReplyDeleteI think it would serve RHW well to recruit some seasoned indy wrestlers who look good and are hungry to have good matches. Once one or two new stars are established then you can feed them the green fitness models.
Thanks for the validation! I'm glad it wasn't just me. I was actually kind of worried about posting this, so on Sunday, I sent it to someone else that I knew had watched the match for a second opinion to make sure I was being fair.
DeleteI think RHW should do something about recruiting some new talent for sure. They hit home runs with guys like Alex, Dash and Bruce, but it seems like they haven't developed their next big thing.
Chad Daniels caught my eye, but they fed him to Austin and Dash right away. Those brown trunks didn't help.
I like Chad as well, I think he'd make a nice teammate for Josh Steel. He's pretty green but he's got potential for sure.
DeleteRegarding Austin's overexposure: I think it would help if he changed his hair and gear style a bit more. Imagine Austin with long hair, or as a white knight babyface. That would be something new.
The 'Flexing Dashes' are killing me!!!
ReplyDeleteWe agree on many levels here, but I do have my hypothesis as why the lack of chemistry and intensity. Just as W.R. says, I hope we get more chances to see them improve on it over time. Perhaps a rematch at some point?!
Thanks Jose! The flexing Dash Deckers rating system was just a bit of last minute fun, so I'm glad you like it.
DeleteI think both these guys are hot, and often churn out very good matches, but Coop is just so ubiquitous these days. Sometimes we wait months for a (pick your company) catalogue update, and boom, there's Coop again. As much as I like him it would be nice to see some other wrestlers returning, or even new faces. Had the same sentiment towards Eli Black last year (though imho Coop is a better wrestler and performer) but luckily for me he's taken a step back it seems.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I have felt the same way about guys who do so many matches in so many places. The last few Austin matches I bought were actually not to see him, but the other guys (eg, Jersey, Dash). I figure Austin must sell great, though, because everyone keeps paying him.
Delete