EC3 vs Rockstar Spud Appreciation

[MrBRulzOK]

So I haven't watched TNA in awhile, I admit, but I heard that this particular match was worth going out of my way to see. So I checked it out earlier, and it certainly delivered.

It was far from a work-rate classic, but it told a perfect story. It was a great brawl with the fiery hometown babyface struggling to shut up the dastardly heel and even give him a taste of his own medicine. I didn't even have a problem with the interference because it also played into the story. Sure, you had Tyrus showing up to powerbomb Spud to get the initial advantage, but then later in the match you had Borash trying to get his own measure of revenge on EC3 to cost him his first match.

There were even points where I genuinely thought Spud might actually win the whole thing. But, as he probably should have, EC3 won in the end. And then the post match with him feigning a show of respect, it almost felt genuine. Of course it turned out to be a way for him to humiliate poor Spud even more.

And of course the main topic would be the crimson mask Spud was supporting near the end. I do have to say that stood out quite a bit since we haven't really had too many blade jobs in recent years, at least on television. So when they happen it makes them alot more significant, which they absolutely should.

All in all I have to give TNA kudos. It wasn't perfect and it wasn't the best match I've ever seen, but it was probably one of the most memorable matches I've seen in TNA, and not because it involved a Barbed Wire Christmas tree or involved a strip tease. It didn't really convert me to start watching the product again, but I probably will check more stuff out every now and then in the future.

Also I have to say I'm glad Bateman is doing as well as he has in TNA.

[Emmet Russell]

I think it's highly likely this might end up being TNA's match of the year - it was truly great.

It's sad, because it shows that TNA has talents that are capable of performing matches this good, it's just they rarely get the chance and they're put in matches that are overbooked and hurt by it. It's always great when they show what they can do, though.

[Magic knows Black Lives Matter]

I said it in the production thread.

It was a really good match that should have been great but was hindered by idiocy of the people putting the show together in post production.

[MrBRulzOK]

Yeah, I see where you're coming from there. It was really annoying that they just cut away as quickly as they did, and the whole black-and-white thing for like two seconds was ridiculous. NO doubt it could've been alot better without those two production snafus.

So credit to Spud and EC3, and no credit to the monkeys in the production booth.

[Seth Drakin of Monster Crap]

It was TNA's match of the year so far. It was built up greatly with mostly segments that were always a highlight....as long as Tyrus wasn't wrestling that is. I don't care about the production snafus as much as Magic Ali does because we got a great match out of it and this also may have been TNA's best show of the year as well.

[Deleted]

Just saw the show (well, skimmed it to the parts I wanted to watch), and EC3/Spud and Magnus/Bram had more heat behind it than any match on the WrestleMania card. Say what you want about TNA's production or scaled back talent roster, but every segment they have matters within the context to building towards a feud or storyline, and while some of the stuff they do can be repetitive (i.e. I've seen enough Roode/EY matches to last 5 lifetimes) they are doing a pretty decent job given their lack of bodies.

EC3/Spud was not only a good match with a hot crowd but had a lot of build up behind it. That's a match that would have benefitted from a PPV format, but since no one buys TNA PPV's anyway, I guess it was better off on TV.

[Mozenrath]

I have a lot of problems with TNA, but EC3 and Spud aren't really on the list. They're two guys who have made a lot work, and with names and gimmicks I was initially quite skeptical of.

Spud's still a really stupid name, but it's his, if that makes sense.

[jimmyjames]

I'll admit, ECIII had me with the fake congratulations, only to turn and prove why he's the man. Props to both for making what in all rights should have been a total crap storyline, into one of if not the best in wrestling today.

[Emmet Russell]

I just watched this match again, and damn if this match doesn't prove that wrestling in it's simplicity is an amazing thing: You have a undefeated heel with the size and power advantage over the smaller underdog with a great story behind it, and the match is treated as a big deal with the blood and the home-town advantage for the face - it all just works.

Reminds me why I sit through all the bad wrestling, because I know the good stuff is still out there. This match was the perfect example of a great professional wrestling match.

[Celgress]

Honestly one of the best North American matches I've seen in years, bar none. As others have already stated sometimes less is more. The match proves a simple good build and wrestlers who know in-ring psychology is all you need.