Stingers

Chase Michaels vs Nero Angelo, Match 774 - Who's the Bitch (UCW)

This rematch against Nero Angelo, against whom Chase debuted in the old cinderblock fight space five-plus years ago, is high among Chase Michael's best work. Nero is in fine form, too, with less ham and a lot more energy. In Match 774, they present a more menacing version of man-on-man aggression than their first meeting. Both wrestlers are aiming for career highs in this match, and to my eye they have achieved them.

Chase's banzai-flip in the fourth GIF is the latest of his reckless attempts to stagger his opponent even while risking self-injury. This is a classic, earrings-off catfight, where disfigurement is a more important goal than victory. Two men tearing into each other like this is exhilarating and, at its best, intense. Chase leans towards dark-sided confrontations, and he has fought UCW's most intimidating streetfighters - notably, Derrick Cole, Axel (multiple times), Eli Black, Quinn Harper, Coleman Free, Austin Tyler, El Fuego, and current UCW champion Zack Reno. Winning or losing, Chase throws everything he's got against his opponent, and you can be sure that Nero throws everything he's got back.

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