Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 47: Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit (Nitro 12/23/96)

I wasn’t as high on their earlier Nitro matches (Match # 40 & 45) as some people because either they needed a bit more time to fit what they had mapped out doing, or they lacked the right feel for me as a fan to connect with them. They were really good matches, but I wasn’t ready to lavish full praise on them. This match starts off with an intensity and crowd atmosphere that could vault it into a great match. These guys had a little feud going by this time, some history, and I’m hoping we get something great as I view on.

Well, WCW did a lot to kill this match after the guys opened with a very Japanese gun slinger approach. While they work we get a screen inset promo from Kevin Sullivan, and then DDP comes out to the announcers both and they take the cameras off the ring.

I like they way there bringing it up and down, trading moves and takeovers then going back to a side headlock on the map. It’s the chess game style that I prefer because it builds better. Benoit couldn’t out strike or intimidate Eddie, and now he can’t stay out of the headlock. He’s got to subtly cheat, and even then he gets caught with quick Guerrero stuff.

Benoit takes control and does some vicious stuff that pops the crowd. A power bomb rocks Eddie, and after each big move he goes for a pin. He’s also showing more personality and crowd interaction. Eddie is less Lucha and a bit more NJPW tight. Definite improvements.

Guerrero fighting form the bottom against a machine like Benoit is pretty great stuff. This is everything I’d hoped for. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker comeback, Eddie gets caught going for the frog splash. Benoit turns into a superplex. Eddie won’t stay down. Eddie turns the tables, hits the frosh splash, and wins clean in a very exciting ten minute match. That’s the best ten minute match you’ll see, even with the WCW distractions. 3 ½ and 7.5/10.