Welcome to the second installment of Match Exchange Monday. Every week me and Andrew Semkow, our resident AEW writer, exchange five matches from various independent companies, give our thoughts and rate them. For those who didn’t read the first article, you can check it out HERE.
We suggest everyone go ahead and add these matches to your watchlist. Let us know what you think by responding to the PWPonderings Twitter and Facebook posts, or send us a tweet at @zerepwrestling or @andrewsemkow. You can also share your own match recommendations with us. We would love to hear from you. With all that said, thanks for reading and be safe everyone.
Andrew’s Recommended Match #1
Joey Janela vs. Kris Statlander – Beyond Wrestling
June 12, 2019
Worcester, Massachusetts
Andrew:
One of the best matches Statlander or Janela have had. Both show off some amazing back and forth when it comes to strikes and submissions. When the debate comes up, this match is one I like to point to as an example of good intergender wrestling.
Luis:
Andrew starts off by sending me a match that I’ve seen a zillion times. Ok, maybe not a zillion times but a lot. There’s plenty of things I could say about this match. One of the best intergender matches of all time, one of the best matches in Beyond Wrestling history. But one thing is definitely true, this is one of the best matches from Uncharted Territory Season 1. It also got my vote for one of the best matches of 2019.
****¾
Andrew’s Recommended Match #2
Ophidian vs. Speedball Mike Bailey – Demand Lucha
August 7, 2019
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Andrew:
Mike Bailey has always been one of the best and at times gutsiest performers in wrestling. Ophidian is someone who can wrestle but also knows how to play funny. This match is serious with some risky spots as well as humor. Credit for falling on unpadded floors.
Luis:
Here’s a match between two of the most underrated wrestlers on the independent scene today. The match starts off a little slow but there’s some pretty crazy spots down the stretch. Watching this made me miss Mike Bailey on the US indie scene. Please come back!
***¼
Andrew’s Recommended Match #3
RJ City vs. Space Monkey – Greektown Wrestling
March 24, 2019
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Andrew:
RJ City is one of Canada’s funny men in the wrestling world. Meanwhile, Space Monkey is a regular in the Toronto wrestling scene. Some good heelwork and a bit of classic comedy. Not the best but a good intro to some of the weirder parts of Toronto wrestling.
Luis:
RJ City is someone I always see on social media such as Twitter but I don’t think I’ve ever seen the man wrestle. As for Space Monkey, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him in a singles match. This was an okay match, definitely the weakest Andrew has sent me, but there’s a really funny ref bump in this match.
**¾
Andrew’s Recommended Match #4
MJF vs. Marko Stunt – AAW
August 31, 2018
Chicago, Illinois
Andrew:
I’m not a fan of AEW Marko Stunt. I don’t like him floss dancing or being used as the rosters wrestling buddy. This match really uses his size to his advantage as MJF scolds and belittles Marko to the point of making him angry. In the process, we get a match that takes Marko seriously.
Luis:
This match between MJF and Marko Stunt is from AAW Defining Moment 2018. The event took place at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago, Illinois a day before All In. Both of these guys were on that card and now are part of the AEW roster. The crowd is great in this fun match.
***
Andrew’s Recommended Match #5
Jody Threat vs. John Silver vs. Puf vs. DL Hurst vs. Harlow O’Hara – Limitless Wrestling
September 6, 2019
Portland, Maine
Andrew:
A match that offers a little bit of everything. It takes a bit to get off the ground but we start to see it pick up once they’re all outside the ring. What follows is some inventive stuff and one of the few times a skateboard wasn’t a weapon. A good match with a bit of everything. Now I’m just waiting for Jody to perfect a kickflip elbow drop.
Luis:
I had seen this scramble match before but all I remembered what is that I really enjoyed it. Rewatching it I can say that this match is really good. Everyone plays their part and is able to shine. Another solid match bought to you by Limitless Wrestling.
***½
Luis’ Recommended Match #1
Lio Rush vs. Ken Broadway – House Of Glory
December 17, 2016
Jamaica, New York
Luis:
Here’s a match from the New York promotion House of Glory. Ken Broadway is a great talent that I’m surprised is not a bigger star than he is now. HOG brings in some of the top talent on the indie scene to square off against Broadway and he hangs with them all. As for Lio Rush, I can’t wait for him to thrive again on the independents once everything is back to normal. Check out this fun match between the two.
Andrew:
If you ever told me I’d be cheering for Lio Rush, I would have called you a liar, but then I saw this match. Rush may be known for his acrobatics but this match is more than that. Some brutal strikes a bit of submission and some high flying all in this match. Not to mention the emotion involved as Rush is throwing everything he has at Broadway.
****½
Luis’ Recommended Match #2
Matt Riddle vs. Shane Strickland – Evolve
May 19, 2018
Summit, Illinois
Luis:
This was Shane Strickland’s return to an Evolve ring and he was coming in with a huge chip on his shoulder. Even though this is during Matt Riddle’s Evolve Championship run, this match is a non-title match. This match told an excellent story and had some fantastic action in it.
Andrew:
Matt Riddle makes his second appearance in the exchange, this time against Shane Strickland. Riddle is three years into his career by this point and is starting to show, even doing a superplex. Shane Strickland does some nice heelwork and the ending of the match only adds to the heat his character has.
***½
Luis’ Recommended Match #3
Josh Alexander vs. Josh Briggs – AAW
July 12, 2019
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Luis:
Here’s one between two big dudes from AAW. This match is from Milwaukee, not AAW’s homebase but the crowd is just as hot and the venue is just as beautiful. Watch these two guys battle it out.
Andrew:
Josh Alexander is a treasure here in Canada. This match gives off an old school feel with both men going for powerful slams and strike. Though both men do some top rope moves and it’s an amazing sight. Traditional wrestling fans are sure to enjoy this one.
***½
Luis’ Recommended Match #4
John Silver vs. Erick Stevens – Beyond Wrestling
October 12, 2019
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Luis:
Erick Stevens’ return to wrestling has been nothing short of spectacular, filled with awesome matches. When John Silver is not part of the Dark Order, he is one of the best in the Independents. Check out this hard hitting contest between the two. You can watch the full Sodom And Gomorrah event on IWTV.
Andrew:
The crowd surrounding the ring only adds to the atmosphere as both men feed off and are able to control them. Audible strikes and slams with some beautiful mat wrestling in the opening of this match.
****
Luis’ Recommended Match #5
Ashley Vox vs. Daniel Garcia – Limitless Wrestling
February 22, 2020
Yarmouth, Maine
Luis:
This match from Limitless Wrestling is my favorite match from Limitless Wrestling’s Practice What You Preach. Garcia is becoming more and more comfortable in his heel role in Limitless. Vox fights for her life against Red Death in this one. Check out the match and check out the full show on IWTV. Highly recommend.
FYI Andrew and I shared matches from 3 common promotions, AAW, Beyond Wrestling and Limitless Wrestling.
Andrew:
To use an old cliche “You could cut the tension with a knife” Vox is furious at Garcia and you can see it when she attacks. Meanwhile, Garcia is like a stone-cold killer when it comes to his demeanor. He’s not just heartless but brutal, applying moves like the Mexican Surfboard and suplexes onto the hard wood floor. This is probably the best match storytelling wise this week.
****