Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 22: Randy Savage vs. Fit Finlay (Nitro 3/25/96)

Savage deserves a lot of credit for his early Nitro run. Not only did he rule in main event matches with people like Flair, but he had forgotten great matches like this one. He had done the same thing with Benoit in a match that had great moments, but didn’t completely click (Match # 18). Here we got a hot crowd, and it’s all about what Savage can do with the little known Belfast Bruiser.

Right off the lock up is intense. Savage, as usual, elects to sell a lot earlier than many babyfaces, especially again lesser known guys. Maybe it was a lack of TV time for the slot, but it feels like a good thing to do for lower card guys working up. Savage does a great knee sending Finlay to the outside. He takes several post shots really well, which allows Finlay to look good working over the shoulder/arm and stalking Savage. Savage also had an unrated bump into the guard rails/over the guard rails.

The crowd is really hot and into this match, looking for Savage to come back. They milk that fact well, and Finlay is not afraid to get snug with Savage. Nice solid work.

Savage moves, Finlay hits his shoulder charging the corner, and the big elbow finishes clean for a Savage win in 5 minutes. That’s a CRIME! No, why did it end so suddenly and criminally short? My crying aside, it was great while it lasted. 2 ¾ and 5/10.