Roughhouse

Zack Sabre Jr. vs Roderick Strong, EVOLVE 45 (EVOLVE)

As further proof that old-school wrestling persists in an era of new-school, Dr. L sent me the link to this 2015 match. The match is a collision between cool (Sabre, UK) and hot (Strong, USA), but it rises above issues of wrestling styles with a sweaty, hard-hitting, and constantly explosive battle between these guys, personal favorites of mine and, I'm sure, Dr. L's. Watching the reversals is like staring into a high-velocity fan, straining the eyes to see the separate blades, until, of course, the sweaty battlers are worn down, drunk with pain, hurling themselves at each other till the decisive finisher. 

The speedy reversals alternate with grueling, punishing mat work and out-of-ring chaos. Thirty seconds doesn't pass before Strong or Sabre introduces a surprising new element. Of course, by the end, both men are worn down, tied into each other, but losing no opportunity to inflict pain. These guys know how to put on a fight and possess a gift for blending wrestling styles. I wouldn't call the outcome predictable, even though, by chance, the guy I thought would win does win. 

This match hits peaks of greatness even compared to EVOLVE's usual. Sadly, for me, the promotion was bought out by WWE in 2020. Another fine promotion turns into a Walmart.

Thank you again, Dr. L, for the link. We have these memories, at least.