Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 79: Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko (Nitro 11/17/97)

This is the match that was set up at the end of our last match (Match # 78: Guerrero vs Mysterio). Eddie is the WCW cruiserweight champ here, and as we begin the match the announcers are talking about the recently acquired Bret Hart. That’s right, we’re in the midst of Montreal Screw Job hysteria.

Eddie takes control early and he’s definitely getting a crowd response. They actually pop for Malenko’s offense, and Dean was never a huge fan favorite (he had a good run against Jericho on Nitro). There’s nothing to descript I can tell you about the first half of the match. Eddie does a great groveling heel at one point midway through. There’s a good flow, but nothing stands out until Eddie kicks out Dean’s knee and takes full control. Guerrero moves so well in this match that you really wonder what would have happened had he not been injured in a car accident and gotten so much bigger in WWE.

Eddie makes the match flow with his movement, and Malenko makes it work with his counter moves off Eddie. Great suplex in there that I can’t remember the name of for the life of me. They tease the Texas Cloverleaf once or twice. Guerrero hit the super plex but can’t capitalize. Malenko with a back drop superplex. They milk the ten count. No, that’s the finish in about nine minutes. Double ten count with no winner. A good tease towards a PPV match and a good showing from both. 3 ¼ and 6/10.