Review: Duke Russo vs. Apollo (Movimus)

I'm impressed how Movimus has made each Duke Russo match feel different, even if the outcome is essentially the same. While pro action allows for guys to be unstoppable one match, helpless the next, and anything in-between, submission is more a meritocracy. It's unlikely Duke's just going to lie down and job for someone. If and when he loses, it'll be hard-fought and to a great opponent.

Duke Russo vs. Apollo is unique in its story and tone, featuring Duke as trainer. What's not different is that it still showcases sexy muscle studs rolling around the mat in a sweaty struggle.

Welcome to Movimus, Apollo.
Hope you survive the experience.

Newbie Apollo might be facing the toughest guy in Movimus right now, but at least he looks like a star. He's muscular and well-proportioned. Clearly he knows his way around the gym. His smooth skin pops in bright yellow briefs. And I really like his attitude here. He's a good sport throughout the match, which I appreciate.

Duke's back, ready to break in a total rookie.

Apollo looks like a formidable foe.

Hm, maybe rookie muscles are for more than show.

Rookie Apollo has the body and the spirit to challenge Movimus' current champ. He just lacks the skills. I mean that literally. He's not just new to Movimus, he's brand new to wrestling. This works out, because we get to see a new side to Duke. A kinder, gentler Duke. He's giving back here, helping groom potential future stars. Movimus had shared a video of these two studs running moves (here). This match is the output of that.

I can empathize with Apollo's challenge. When I first wrestled submission, the hardest part was figuring out how to get an actual submission. It's easy to roll around. You can get a guy down. You can fight and struggle. You can even control him. However, it's a whole different thing to actual make a guy decide to tap.

And it's even harder when you're facing a guy that even more experienced wrestlers haven't been able to submit. Case "CT" Thornton got the closest that I've seen. Even when Duke gives the rookie an opening, he doesn't necessarily know what to do with it. Been there.

Apollo gets wrapped up early and often.

Can Apollo close the deal?

So, what're going to do now, stud?

It's not totally one-sided. Apollo does occasionally get control of Duke. Several of these moments are suspenseful. Duke helps by keeping it friendly and easy on the mats, saving his big lifts for guys like Robert Biggs. Still, Duke gets submissions early and often. I'm no expert, but I felt like Apollo needs to use his legs more effectively.

I think there are probably a ton of guys with whom Apollo could compete. He's powerful and sexy with lots of flexibility and stamina. Learning from Duke can only help set him up for a bright future at Movimus should he choose to return. Duke, however, is just out of his league at this time. Of course, he's been out of everyone's league so far.

Hey, buddy. How you doin'?

Gasp! Duke in trouble?

Movimus' resident Superman keeps flying.

In the end, this was an energetic and engaging mismatch. Duke dominance is his thing and he does it well. He's 'nicer' here, holding back on the trash talk, but not the wrestling. And Apollo certainly does his level best, impressing me with this debut. I like his positive attitude and interest in wrestling. It's not a complete squash, but the outcome is never in doubt.

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RINGSIDE: PRESSURE POINT

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

Alex