Review: Loki vs. Steel x 2 (Thunders Arena)

I'm talking two Thunders Arena matches today. These videos are complete on their own, but they're linked. The result of mat match is referenced in the ring match. The loser on the mats wants revenge. He calls himself "the best", but the winner reminds him that he beat him, so he's only "second-best". Of course he says that was only on the mat, but the winner has a point.

This creates some tension, but honestly, these two show a natural rivalry that makes the videos move regardless of wins or losses.

The big boys meet up on the mats ...

... but they get serious in the ring.

Steel is back and looking bigger than ever. His proportions are insane, especially his massive shoulders, bulging biceps, and mountainous pecs. The young muscle beast looks monstrously powerful. Loki is no slouch in the muscle department and he's cute as fuck. But when they compare biceps or pecs, there's no comparison, in my opinion. Steel's just a Hulk.

It's interesting to see these two face off, because of the intensity. They don't seem to need any motivation to wrestle beyond being in the same room together. They're not playing casual frat boys or frenemies. There's no flirting or smirking. Steel and Loki want to prove who's the man and show little respect for one another, especially by the time they hit the ring. It's an interesting dynamic.

Steel's unreal.

Loki can't see that with your bulk pushing his head down,
but I appreciate you showing it to us.

Loki vs. Steel 1 (Bodybuilder Battle 154)

The first match between them happens in the garage on the mats. It's pretty standard Thunders' fare. The guys pose, trash talk and exchange holds. Bearhugs, a full nelson, pec claws and scissors are almost all of the action. Seeing Steel's big body flexing on top or the bottom is the big attraction here and the main reason to watch.

There's a winner, but I can't say I know why he won other than the loser goes down and gets posed over. There's no real finishing move or submission. One guy kind of goes down to nothing. So while you're watching, don't hold back waiting for the end.

Loki tries a sneak attack.

Steel's too much man for a puny nelson.

Loki powers through Steel's body scissors.

Can Loki bend Steel to his will?

Loki vs. Steel 2 (Ring Wars 90)

Next, the guys hit the ring. I really liked this one. There are a ton of great moments in it as the muscles swell and the power is unleashed. As I said, they refer to the mat match, which doesn't always happen, so I appreciate it when it does. The mat loser has a chip on his shoulder and the mat winner is arrogant and disrespectful. I don't think they're sharing a beer after this one.

Action-wise, everything is dialed up a few notches. The tension is thicker. The trash talk is crisper. The action is elevated. And there's a lot more of it. Steel is especially adept at using the ring, but both guys really go for it. It's all about manly pride between these two.

Similarly to the mat match, this has a strange ending. There is a finishing move, but it's a stretch to think the loser would go down like this. So once again, I wouldn't hold back while watching. When you see something you like, go with it.

Loki's got biceps, too.

But to my eye, it's Steel who wins the size contest.

Loki wants to crush the cocky muscle boy.

Steel's not just a ridiculous upper body.

In the end, Loki and Steel have a lot of chemistry as rivals/enemies. I highly preferred the re-match in the ring, but these two are highly watchable in both. The ring match just feels more intense with more wrestling and bigger moves. I could definitely see myself watching parts of it again. The mat match is more for fans of posing and flexing. And both videos ended oddly, so know that it's about the journey more than the destination.

What are other bloggers saying? Joe showcased the ring match here ...

RINGSIDE: MYTHIC PROPORTIONS

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

Alex