Review: Dash Decker vs. Tanner Hill (88Wrestling)

Full disclosure: This video was provided to me.

Dash Decker vs. Tanner Hill pits RHW 1.0 against RHW 2.0, but proves to me that 88 Wrestling is more than just a re-branded Rock Hard Wrestling. Like Tanner's first match in the promotion, it breaks from the standard format, challenging my assumptions and keeping me on my toes. And it does it while still delivering a really good video that I enjoyed a ton.

Dash vs. Tanner is the best 88 Wrestling
video I've seen so far.

One thing that hasn't changed is Dash Decker's hotness. While not in the same league as Dash's red speedo against Colt Stevens, I like him in these red squarecuts. Personality-wise, Dash has opened up, becoming less Terminator and more arrogant veteran. He's fully buying into his "Chosen One" moniker, confidently strutting around the ring and doing his business. I think he has a great performance here.

Of course when it comes to the cocky frat boy thing, Tanner Hill is definitely the epitome of that persona. There are no heels at RHW/88, because everyone is a bad boy just waiting to mock his opponent. Tanner can't quite manage Alex Waters' charming arrogance, but he looks good and I like seeing him punished. Physically, I love Tanner's torso. His gear here isn't as amazing as the light gray trunks, but they do hug his ass nicely.

The Chosen One? Yep.

Tanner's torso is just so beautiful.

The two alpha males of the hottest frat on campus.

This intense battle features multiple submissions, but only one round. It was a little strange and confusing not to see the "Round Two" title card come up after the first submission, but also exciting. At the start, Tanner declares that he's going to knock Dash out in the end. With no rounds, it creates a new tension ...

"Will he or won't he?"

The submissions are almost secondary as the question lingers until the very end whether Tanner can make good on his promise. I can only remember Alex Waters knocking Dash out completely, so it would be interesting to see it happen. If it happens. Will it? With that question firmly lodged in my brain, I was fully engaged until the very end.

Tanner tries to wear down the muscleman.

Who's going to put who to sleep?

Dash showers Tanner in humiliation.

The smaller stud certainly tries to lock on a sleeper. He jumps on Dash's back multiple times early on, getting thrown off repeatedly, but he keeps trying. The rest of the action is pretty standard with punching, choking, suplexes, camels, bearhugs and crabs. Dash dominates more, but Tanner does get his moments.

That right there? It's called domination.

Dash is supremely confident.

Can Tanner fulfill his opening promise?

In the end, I really enjoyed this for the guys, the action and the suspense. Dash delivers a really good performance, assuming his role as veteran muscleman. Tanner tries to hang with him, doing his best to propel himself to popularity. Maybe it's just me who thinks this way, but the shift in format made it all the more exciting for me.

What are other bloggers saying?

RINGSIDE: JOSTLING FOR POSITION

So that's my take. What's yours?

Alex