Photo credit: West Smith
It’s that time of the week again. It’s time for the fifth installment of Match Exchange Monday. If you don’t know by now, every week Andrew Semkow and I exchange five matches from various independent wrestling promotions, give our thoughts and rate them. For those who didn’t read the first four articles, you can check them 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. Give us some feedback, we would love to hear from you. With all that said, thanks to everyone that has read or shared any of our exchanges in the past. Be safe everyone.
Andrew’s Recommended Match #1
Kris Wolf vs. Shotzi Blackheart – Sabotage Wrestling
March 2, 2019
New Braunfels, Texas
Andrew:
Kris Wolf is a tragedy she could have been an “It” wrestler in the same capacity as Joey Ryan or Orange Cassidy. A somewhat-comedic match which takes them all over the arena and features some fun spots. In terms of actual wrestling, Shotzi shines. We can see why she was heading to NXT.
Luis:
I’m a big Shotzi Blackheart fan but I haven’t seen this match so I was really looking forward to it. It’s also one of Kris Wolf’s last matches before retiring from wrestling. Shotzi announces that the match will be a no disqualification match and I get even more hyped. The match starts off fast with both women scouting eachother. Then the two fight all over the venue, including at the bar. This was a really fun match that I really enjoyed. Might not be the best match this week but it’s definitely the one I enjoyed the most.
***½
Andrew’s Recommended Match #2
Alexia Nicole vs. Jody Threat – Barrie Wrestling
March 7, 2020
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Andrew:
This match is a little more barebones than others on this list. Jody Threat and Alexia Nicole take a bit to warm up but when they did it gets good. This match also features a nice ending with everyone’s favorite table alternative, a door. I like it because it’s a showcase of two of Ontario’s notable female wrestlers.
Luis:
While I’m a Jody Threat fan, I’ve barely seen any Alexia Nicole matches. I have to admit that I wasn’t crazy about this match. The single camera makes it highly unenjoyable for me. There’s even a part where the camera doesn’t catch some action on the outside. The work from both women was decent.
**
Andrew’s Recommended Match #3
Kevin Blackwood vs. Scotty O’Shea – Smash Wrestling
August 26, 2018
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Andrew:
Kevin Blackwood to me is one of the names you’ll be hearing about in wrestling. A solid match with one of SMASH’s better storylines. In terms of action, we get a gutsy spot involving the crowd and some solid ring work. Plus a double stomp I’m surprised Blackwood was able to pull off.
Luis:
A video package before a match to catch you up with a feud is always a plus. Especially when you’re unfamiliar with a feud or promotion. They’ve been a big help during these exchanges. By now I’m guessing that Smash Wrestling is Andrew’s favorite promotion. This was an enjoyable match from the promotion out of Canada. Look out for Kevin Blackwood once wrestling starts up again.
***¼
Andrew’s Recommended Match #4
Chris Dickinson vs. Channing Decker – Greektown Wrestling
January 24, 2019
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Andrew:
A Greektown/Beyond Wrestling crossover. I like this match because although there are elements of hardcore wrestling it doesn’t solely rely on them. We get more athleticism from both men and some insane spots including one of the ballsiest moonsaults I’ve ever seen.
Luis:
In one of the previous weeks Andrew shared a Channing Decker vs. Sabu match from Greektown Wrestling. I was surprised that Decker was able to get a really good match out of current day Sabu. This match is no carry job but it’s just as hardcore. I was really enjoying this match until it became a triple threat, but that’s just a minor complaint from me. Check out this match, there’s some pretty crazy spots.
***¾
Andrew’s Recommended Match #5
SHLAK vs. Nick Gage – Game Changer Wrestling
February 16, 2019
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Andrew:
Matches like this are why he’s called “The King” Nick F’n Gage. Turn off your brain and enjoy some insane hardcore action featuring a plate glass window spot and plenty of bloodshed. If you’re squeamish you may want to sit this one out.
Luis:
This is the only match shared by Andrew this week that I have previously seen. This deathmatch is insane and not for the faint of heart. Check out this bloody war. It even includes from great commentary from Denver Colorado and Joey Janela.
****
Luis’ Recommended Match #1
Jeff Cobb vs. Schaff – DEFY Wrestling
September 8, 2018
Seattle, Washington
Luis:
Schaff has been a discovery of mine during quarantine. With Defy now being on IWTV I’ve seen Schaff have great matches with Darby Allin, Shane Strickland and WALTER. This match is no exception. This is two big meaty men slapping meat. Jeff Cobb is awesome and Schaff is my new favorite wrestler.
Andrew:
Jeff Cobb and Schaff are two giants clashing for prowess. That’s the best way I can describe these men. A contest featuring tests of strength, some high flying and some loud strikes. Of course, once again Defy uses that great lighting set up that makes this whole thing cinematic and feels like an epic battle.
****
Luis’ Recommended Match #2
Joey Janela vs. Donovan Dijak – Beyond Wrestling
April 29, 2017
Enfield, Connecticut
Luis:
Joey Janela recently said on the Janela Zone that he ate edibles the night before this match and was still messed up during this match. I have seen this match before and never noticed it until it was pointed out. Even being in the condition he was in, he ends up having a great match with Dijak. There’s also an insane apron bump that you’ll want to see.
Andrew:
Donovan is quick to establish himself as a heel in this match with a brutal knee to Penelope Ford. This along with his previous match have shown that he can be great at making his opponents look good as they battle back. A solid match with some great heelwork, a brutal piledriver, and some good storytelling.
***½
Luis’ Recommended Match #3
Daniel Makabe vs. Jonathan Gresham – 3-2-1 BATTLE!
April 19, 2019
Seattle, Washington
Luis:
This is a battle between two of the best technical wrestlers in the world today. Daniel Makabe has had some great matches in 3-2-1 BATTLE! with most of them being on YouTube. This match is an excellent showing of what both men could do. Also, Jonathan Gresham has the best entrance song in independent wrestling.
Andrew:
A great technical match-up for the people who enjoy mat wrestling. At times their wrestling IQ is dizzying with some amazing holds, quick and creative reversals, with a middle-rope moonsault thrown in for good measure. The ending was tense and was so close I wasn’t sure who was gonna pull out the victory. I’m not familiar with the work of either of these men but I’ll be sure to lookup more matches by them. I can’t recommend this match enough. It’s gotta be my match of the week.
*****
Luis’ Recommended Match #4
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace – Women’s Wrestling Revolution
March 25, 2018
Worcester, Massachusetts
Luis:
Me and Andrew have been sharing a lot of matches from recently released WWE superstars. I’m not sure if that’s on purpose but here’s another one. People usually say this a lot, but I genuinely think WWE really dropped the ball with Deonna Purrazzo. She was the hottest free agent at one point in her career. Here’s a match between two of my favorite women wrestlers.
Andrew:
Jordynne Grace is a beast. A large portion of this match is technical. We see some good back and forth at a slower pace than the last match. Near the end, we switch gears and it feels more like a traditional match which fits as an evolution past their submission wrestling.
***¾
Luis’ Recommended Match #5
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Mike Quackenbush – IWA Mid-South
September 30, 2006
Midlothian, Illinois
Luis:
Throwback to 2006 for this one. Say what you want about IWA Mid-South, but there’s one thing you can’t deny, they bought us some classic matches. This match is one of those classics and it still holds up today. The things done in this match is totally insane.
Andrew:
Despite this being a shorter match it’s jam-packed. Claudio (Cesaro) has always been an incredibly gifted wrestler and this match shows that off. That’s not to say Mike Quackenbush isn’t as skilled. Some amazing high-flying acrobatic moves as well as some technical wrestling all in a neat little package. This match is getting a four star for doing all of this in less time than some matches need.
****