What sold me on this video is Jonny Firestorm and the promise of seeing him kick Joe's ass. I knew I'd have to endure the reverse, but I figured that would only make it sweeter. I also knew if anyone could get a great performance out of the big man, it'd be Jonny.
It's okay, Jonny. I know you're cooking up something good. |
I thought I wanted this ... |
... but I actually liked this. |
And I loved this. |
First reason? Performances. In the first half, the action plays into their strengths. Yes, Jonny is one of the best heels of all-time, but he's also one of the best jobbers. He knows how to sell and he's cute as fuck as a victim. I love his character here - the cocky sore loser. Jonny refuses to give Joe his due even as he gets thoroughly destroyed, submitted and pinned over and over. Very Xaq (one of my most popular story characters). Joe is a good dominator, but doesn't really play victim well.
Ouch! Even I felt that! |
With authority! |
Like. He's. Nothing. |
When he gets his turn, Jonny is more limited in what he can do to Joe because the big guy is dead weight. It's not that the second half is bad. I love Jonny destroying big guys, but Joe is not one of the best jobbers. He just doesn't sell nearly as well and he doesn't help enough to make the action sing.
Standout moves are Joe's suplex where he holds Jonny upside-down for over 20 seconds before bringing him down hard. There's the crazy suspended leg scissors in the opening image where Jonny sways for 25 seconds. All Joe's slams are huge, his rack vicious, and his backbreakers made MY back hurt. All first half. It's pure humiliation as might makes right and the only thing not wrecked is Jonny's cockiness.
Jonny's reversal comes via low blows. He does bend Joe's big body into some good stretches and uses the ropes and ring apron well to go at the big guys knee. The most memorable parts of the second half are a lot of hair pulling and a potential wardrobe malfunction (that never comes) as Joe's trunks open up a little in back. I so wanted them to split, even though I knew that Joe's not that kind of guy.
In the end, this is great value - two action-packed matches that are bound to please anyone. I prefer the first part as both guys get to shine. Joe's power moves are amazing and Jonny makes them even hotter. However, Jonny is a star in both halves and it is nice to see Joe get his ass kicked. It's not like you're paying extra, so enjoy both parts. I'd just re-visit the first half.
What are other bloggers saying?
So, that's my take. What's yours?
Alex
Wow! This looks super hot. Young Jonny was one of the best jobbers, I hope there's more of his matches in the vault.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I love these old matches. I can’t believe they hold onto them, but it’s good that they do.
DeleteI have always found Joe a little too... would the word be "boring"? His body is insanely hot but, I dont know, maybe he lacks some camera wise. I might be wrong.
ReplyDeleteWell, if you’re wrong, I’m wrong there with you. I called it going through the motions, but boring works, too. I really wanted to like him, but gave up after a few matches.
DeleteI thought I might get a response from a Joe fan, but none yet.
Yeah, another one who isn't a big fan of Joe. He's definitely handsome like you mentioned, but I haven't been too impressed by his matches. I've bought some of his stuff (Rio Garza, Braden Charron, Joshua Goodman and Damian Rush)in the past from BGEast, but it was for his opponents, not him.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike. I was hoping that someone would come in and tell me a great Joe match I’d missed, but you named a few heavy hitters. I’m guessing he is what I think he is.
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