Review: Dash Decker vs. Rex Bedford (88Wrestling)

SPOILER ALERT. THIS IS A SPOILER-FILLED REVIEW.

Review: Tanner Hill vs. Zack Johnathan (88Wrestling)

Recently, there was a sale on Tanner Hill videos at 88Wrestling, so I picked up three matches, including Tanner Hill vs. Zack Johnathan. While I like Tanner, he's never been a must-buy or must-watch. However, my interest was piqued by some recent pics I've seen. Tanner seems to have gone through a transformation from chiseled frat boy to rugged muscleman. I'm wowed by his new look and had to check him out. Turns out, his body in action is even better.

Tanner and Zack visit Flex City.

Review: Ethan Andrews vs. Zack Johnathan (88Wrestling)

Full disclosure: This video was provided to me by 88Wrestling.

I like extra drama in my wrestling beyond just hot guys grappling. Stories, contrasting studs, gear, setting, whatever. Just give me some overt and clear reason why they're wrestling and I'll be much happier. This probably surprises no one, but it's in my head because recently, Joe made a request for a simple wrestling video without a story, posing, porn ...just two guys hitting the mats.

That’s so not me.

If a match doesn’t have a story, I’ll add it. I’ll add dialogue. And conflict. Ethan Andrews vs. Zack Johnathan is all about the story. And the story is the big reason why I like it so much.

Apparently, video games give you strong fingers,
which are perfect to claw a muscle jock's abs.

Review: Dash Decker vs. Ethan Andrews (88Wrestling)

Rematches are tough to do, especially when they follow a great first match. I used to avoid them, but I have done more than a few now, mostly from Thunders Arena or the same guys facing off at a different promotion. Regardless of my feelings, when 88Wrestling announced Dash Decker vs. Ethan Andrews, it was pretty much a must-buy. How'd it go?

Hm, Dash vs. Ethan? Yes, I'm all in.

Review: Ethan Andrews vs. Rex Bedford (88Wrestling)

Full disclosure: This video was provided to me by 88Wrestling.

I believe that I have Ethan Andrews videos from seven different companies now (BGE, 8W, MOV, MBW, RHW, UCW, W4H). I think that's tied for the most with Austin Cooper/Frey (BGE, Can-Am, 8W, JF, RHW, TA, W4H). The guy definitely gets around. Outside of UCW and Movimus, he's usually a cocky, nasty heel. And he's usually a winner, unless he's facing an even tougher heel.

The frequent and varied videos means I've seen a lot of Ethan. Part of keeping things fresh is trying new things, like Ethan Andrews vs. Rex Bedford. It's the second ‘Tic Tac Toe’ match that I've seen (first one reviewed here). Guys are required not to just win, but win in a specific way. TTT can only end in one of three ways: win-lose-draw. So, which one is this?

Boys playing games.

Review: Ethan Andrews vs. Chad Daniels (88Wrestling)

Full disclosure: This video was sent to me by 88Wrestling.

Any new venture takes some time to figure out. Even with my blog, I've switched a lot of things around. 88Wrestling grew out of Rock Hard Wrestling, but a few of my favorite things didn't make it to the new group. On the production front, the black background that made bodies pop was missing, as was the crisp videography and closeups. With the more recent videos, they've returned and everything is better for it.

Ethan Andrews vs. Chad Daniels is the first video I've seen with the new approach and it really does make a huge difference.

Superstar heel plan a takeover.

Review: Dash Decker vs. Tito Santos (88Wrestling)

Dash Decker vs. Tito Santos is the culmination of 88Wrestling's inaugural King of the Ring tournament. It features a former King against a brand new wrestler who made it past superstar Austin Cooper to make it here. I'm always down for anything Dash-related, so I decided to check this one out.

The King of the Ring concept carries over.

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.

Review: Dash Decker vs. Sasha Savvin (88 Wrestling)

Of all the surprises with the launch of 88 Wrestling, the return of Dash Decker to the ring is the biggest for me. I honestly never thought he'd be back. In fact, one of my custom match wishes at the end of August was buying him out of retirement and sending him to Thunders Arena. This isn't that, but I'll take more Dash anyway I can get him.

Dash is back!

Review: Tanner Hill vs. Chase Lundquist (88 Wrestling)

It's probably not a huge surprise that I bought both 88 Wrestling debut videos. This evolution of Rock Hard Wrestling intrigued me right away and I was curious to see how it would go. It might be a surprise that I've chosen to review Tanner Hill vs. Chase Lundquist first. I think this makes a more interesting video to review because it doesn't feature anyone I really like.

Tanner Hill makes the move to 88 Wrestling
to face Chase Lundquist

Update on Rock Hard Wrestling and 88Wrestling

Guys,

I received the below email from the owner of 88Wrestling as a 'press release' of sorts. It explains what 88 is and its relationship with Rock Hard Wrestling. I figured I'd share this with all of you, since it seems relevant. And I added a couple of pics just for interest's sake.

Why is Tanner vs. Chase an 88 video? Let's find out ...

Update on Rock Hard Wrestling and 88Wrestling

There’s been quite a bit of talk and speculation over the past several months about what’s happening at Rock Hard Wrestling. And, what is this new 88Wrestling site all about? I haven’t been able to share any insight up to this point out of respect for the business decisions that were being made at RHW. Essentially, the decision to bring RHW to a close was a mutual decision between myself and the other co-owner. My business partner moved on, but, I was persuaded to stay in the wrestling business by some close associates, and thus went on to create 88Wrestling. The new site’s goals are; 1) to bring the next generation of superstar wrestlers to the underground wrestling scene, along with some favorite blasts from the past, 2) to bring exciting, never seen before match series for our fans and customers to enjoy, and 3) to bring quality videos at reasonable prices to our fans and customers. We welcome all of the RHW fans and customers, along with all the other underground wrestling fans, to come join us.

About 88Wrestling (which can be found on our Contact Us Page)  

We are the next generation of superstar wrestlers in the online wrestling scene. You’ll see fresh, young, aesthetic, hard bodied wrestlers that flex and show off their real muscle, along with some hot, sexy favorite blasts from the past. These two factions collide and fight to lay claim to the crown of the federation. In addition, you’ll discover never seen before new match series along with a fierce attitude. Come join us for a world of intrigue and excitement!

Located deep in the heart of south Florida in the baddest part of town is the 88th Street Gym. Every week wrestlers train in the heat and grit inside this professional ring and gym to improve their skills in an effort to scratch, scrape, and sweat their way to the top. We film the best of these wrestlers in high definition and produce high quality videos for you to enjoy.

Will 88 Wrestling be a winner?

Alex

What is 88wrestling.com?

Well, well, well ... it appears there's a new player coming. Or, I suspect a re-branded old player.

I received this teaser in my inbox for a new site called 88wrestling.com. It sure looks like Rock Hard Wrestling to me. The look, tone and feel are similar and the featured guy, Chase Lundquist in black and blue square cuts, is very RHW.

I know that this new site must be linked to someone I've bought from, because it didn't come to my gmail account. So it's not someone teasing me as a blogger. They're teasing me as a (former?) customer.

Also teasing us is Austin Cooper/Frey via Twitter ( @Austin_Frey1 ).

The question is, who's doing it and why? NHB became Movimus, so it has happened before. New management? Did someone buy RHW and want a fresh start? Was the name Rock Hard Wrestling off-putting to wrestlers? Is someone just copying RHW? Or am I completely wrong and this has nothing to do with RHW at all? I highly doubt that last question.

So what do you think? We've got four days to speculate. Is it interesting to you? Does it excite you? Will you be checking them out on 9/21?

Alex