Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 102: Chris Benoit vs. Booker T (Nitro 6/8/98)

Benoit leads the series 3-2. Looks like Booker’s gonna find a way to reverse the Crossface tonight.

Right away this match seems more important than the last two. Not that they weren’t, or that the guys weren’t very tight early, but this starts with a stare down, less movement, and quick reversals. It’s a good natural progression from earlier matches since this is deep in their series together. You can tell Booker especially feels like ever missed move is a missed opportunity. They also seem a bit more 50/50 in this one, and not it an even-steven way.

Booker does have the early advantage. The announcing the whole series was good, but Tenay actually adds something with a comment about the guys watching tape of their prior matches. Benoit ducks the flying forearm, which he’d been hit with in prior matches. The crowd is completely distracted by something in the crowd unfortunately.

It’s working out to have the same layout as the other matches. Hopefully the middle third will mean more with Benoit in control, which I think was solid but a bit dull in the others. He’s always trying to grind a guy out with rough offense, and in some cases it’s not engaging because it looks like a collection of moves. I can’t believe I’m saying that about Benoit, but I guess it’s on Booker to show more with his selling too. Benoit hits the diving head butt, but sells with Booker on the mat.

Here we go. Last third again. Stevie Ray comes down to support Booker with tough love. He pulls him out of the ring and shakes him up a bit. It seems to work, so it’s got story telling points. Both guys really sell fatigue after every move. Booker shows fore with a comeback. We’re at 11 minutes as Benoit pours it on, refusing to back down. Decent drama with Booker in peril. Great finish comes moments later with a Booker roll up and win. You’d have to see it. Looked great. Stevie Ray pulls Benoit off an exhausted Booker T. 3 ½ and 7/10.