Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 16: Dean Malenko vs. Brian Pillman (Nitro 1/22/96)

A future Horseman meets a current Horseman. Malenko, not far removed from his ECW days with Eddie G., takes on a fully Loose Cannon in Pillman. In fact, Pillman was only a half a month or so away from showing up at the ECW Arena himself.

Fans don’t want to react early, but Pillman forces them to. Pillman makes this match with how maniacal he is. I wish wrestlers worked the fans and camera with the same intensity and commitment as Pillman. Malenko fires up after a slap to the face and puts on a wrestling clinic. Both are really good, but the dynamic of a good worker w/ charisma, against a great worker w/o charisma actually makes this match more fun. Malenko finally pulls some reactions out of the crowd with his devastating moves.

Fun 6 and a half minute match that felt longer in a good way. Finish is creative as Malenko’s foot gets stuck in the bottom rope just before a pin, and Pillman sneaks in past the ref (which was pulled off alright, not perfectly) for the heel win. 3 stars and 6/10.