Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 45: Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero (Nitro 11/18/96)

This is break neck speed work from the onset. It’s all really good tight work, but neither guy is at the point where they are given the air time, nor do they have the experience, to fully engage the crowd in all the great stuff they are doing here. They just move from place to place, and while the movement is good, the crowd doesn’t get emotionally involved. I don’t fully commit either, but it is really good action.

Benoit slows it down and works submissions after the first minute or two and I like that bit of build to the match. Certain head scissors combos I dislike here were edited from Eddie’s routine as his career went on, and for good reason. Benoit goes with whatever Guerrero wants to do, and that’s not always pretty, but they were still ahead of their time. Benoit’s choices, like a great top rope superplex, I like a bit more. Eddie’s selling doesn’t blow me away here. Lacks a lot of emotion.

The final minute is excellent, from both men falling out of the ring, Woman getting involved to distract Eddie, a great flash small package near fall when they get back in, to Benoit eventually reversing into a roll up for the pin. 2 ¾ and 5/10.