Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 124: Billy Kidman vs. Psicosis (Nitro 4/12/99)

I’ll skip the lengthy preamble. I dig Billy Kidman’s high end Nitro stuff, and I always thought Psicosis held up his end of the bargain during the 90s. This looks like a fun match on paper.

Psicosis is working the fans over right from the opening bell, and though it gets a mild response, it shows the comfort and growth the guy was going through even if he was a luchadore cruiserweight in WCW. Psicosis also makes a lot of good choices early on and gives Kidman a fair amount after bullying him at first. Every time Psicosis gains control he pauses to play to the crowd and slow it down after a sprint. Kidman actually seems to be regressing as a face. Suicide dive by Psicosis is your big spot of the first five minutes. I know, I know, heels shouldn’t be flashy. This is Lucha influenced. An exception to every rule.

Kidman’s selling isn’t stirring any sympathy, but I’m not completely apathetic. His hope spots get some reaction and they’re executed well.. The man takes big chances and it looks great. He dives over to the outside, then drop kicks a diving Psicosis. Hot Shit! Kidman ends up winning clean with the Shooting Star Press. I honestly was lost in thought about how Evan Bourne is the new Kidman, but with better skills. 8 minutes that had great moments, but little passion. Kidman’s fatal flaw. 3 ¼ and 6.3/10.