Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Brad Armstrong vs. Great Muta (WCWSN 5/30/92)

I liked Brad Armstrong in his Mid South matches, and I was actually a bigger advocate for his title match on TV with Dibiase then the longer formed house show match. So I think Armstrong had talent and could go in a shorter TV match. Likewise, I like Muta, though I’m less of a fan of the Muta character than of Keiji Muto the worker. So going in I was excited about this match, especially since it was singled out by people I trust and spotlighted.

My problem with this match (it’s really the first fall because it’s 2/3 with TV time remaining) is that it is a wonderful display of holds and mat wrestling, but it barely ever gets out of first gear. You can make a case that at times they shift into second gear, but they shut it back down and head down roads they’ve already seemed to travel. There is no feeling of great struggle or urgency in what they do, it instead feels like they are treading water. And that’s okay. You can make a case that this is a different style of match that errors on the side of tactical and has the story of one man waiting for another’s mistake. But because it goes twenty minutes, it really wears on you and might have been more suited for audiences a decade or two earlier. Having said all that, the last twenty seconds was really good and exciting, and I liked the finish to the first fall. Then they head to the second fall and it feels like they go to second gear, but stay in a holding pattern. Maybe I was stunned by the first fall and I carried feelings over. It’s possible.

It doesn’t seem like I liked the match, but I did. Armstrong was a really strong “background” wrestler, and Muta was so smooth, his pace is simply to deliberate for me in this character. As always, depending upon the performer, I’m a hypocrite. I think I have a problem with Muta having the same mannerisms whether he’s selling or in control. I did like the way Muta closed out the match and shut the door for the definitive pin fall.

Also of note is Riki Rachtman, the host of MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, on commentary. Now it seems kinda lame, but in 1990 it must have been cool to have a youth celebrity on a show like that. He doesn’t add much, but he’s careful not to detract from the wrestling going on, so I had no problem with it. Ratchman went on to host WCW Monday Nitro parties, a dream fulfilled I’m sure.