Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 100: Chris Benoit vs. Booker T (Nitro 5/25/98)

Match one of the semi-famous best of seven series between these two. I’m pumped. I remember these being great. The only downside is not seeing them all, since a few matches happened on Thunder and one on PPV.

The first two minutes of this match are so much better than the openings of 90% of TV matches. Tight lock up, solid chops and psychology, and a story developing. Booker is the better after two Benoit powder outs, as he just out-quicked the man, including a beautiful roll up attempt. Booker counters an early Cross Face attempt perfectly.

Benoit goes to work on the mid section and has the advantage. A typically solid Benoit control segment where everything is really measured and hard as nails. The crowd is behind Booker, but not completely. It does get a tad dull during the middle with Benoit controlling. Maybe methodical is a better term for this level of talent. Booker definitely sells a beating. Benoit uses rear chin locks as the rest hold of the day.

They seem to lose the crowd except for the impact of big moves, but get them back after Booker’s comeback with a series of reversals. Booker takes control, but misses the Harlem hangover. Finlay is the cruiserweight champ at this point and comes out on the ramp to scout. Benoit hooks in the crossface. Benoit wins in 11:45. These guys can do better, but this was appropriate to start the series. 3 ¼ and 6.5/10.