Alberto Del Rio vs Dolph Ziggler, Main Event 2/13

This was just a really, really fun match. It started off pretty ordinary, like something you'd see them work on a house show, but once Del Rio took that wicked shoulder bump into the post this became something worth highlighting. As you'd expect from this match, both guys took some really wild bumps that you wouldn't necassarily expect for a B-Show. Del Rio getting launched over the top and planted face first on to the steps and the huge reverse superplex were both spectacular. But there was some meat on the bones of the match too, and I thought Dolph did a really good job when in control. Entertaining offence and great timing on the cut-offs. Del Rio has transitioned into a face role almost shoickingly well - his mannerisms, body language, and the emotion he shows leaves you wondering why he was ever a heel in the first place. The crowd were hot, and Del Rio brought them to boiling point. Ricardo was also wonderful as always, loved the spot with him tossing a bucket ineffectually at Big E., and him drumming on the apron in anticipation for the superkick.


I haven't paid much attention to Main Event, but with matches like this it could quickly fill the void left by Superstars' descent into mediocrity. No angle or nonsense to ruin things, just two talented workers having an awesome match together and having a blast doing it.

So with Ditch's big Best Of Japan 2000s vote in the final stage, I will also be re-watching and reviewing some of the biggest and best matches from the decade in Japan here as well. We start with a match I had as my MOTY for 2000, a probably lock for a Top 10 finish. These may be longer and more in-depth than my usual reviews, largely because context is often important in understanding why some of these matches are so great, but also because, hey, I like talking about stuff I enjoy.

Mitsuharu Misawa vs Jun Akiyama, All Japan 2/27/00

Context is important. At this point in time, Akiyama was coming into his own and establishing himself as a serious main event threat, no longer just a secondary wrestler. Misawa meanwhile had dropped the title to both Kawada and Kobashi over the couple years beforehand, he was no longer seen as unbeatable. Going from stablemates, to tag team partners, to rivals, the young lion had grown up and was ready to overcome the old lion.

The opening exchange with both men dodging each other's attacks before Misawa gets the advantage with a big dive on the overly-zealous Akiyama is so great and totally King's Road. Playing off both men's familiarity with each other and their respective personalities - Misawa, keeping a cool head as ever; Akiyama, fired up and letting his emotions get the best of him. Misawa controls the early portion of the match but it isn't long until Akiyama finds an opening to give him a signficant advantage. One drop toe-hold throat-first into the guard rail and the complexion of the match totally changes. Akiyama targets the now-hurt neck of Misawa and absolutely goes to town on it. Unlike a bunch of legwork, this is a strategy that could (and would) pay dividends due to Akiyama's Exploder finisher. Akiyama exploits the weakness and really lays on the attack, with offence ranging from piledrivers to the floor, funky neck cranks and an ungodly Exploder onto the apron.

Misawa valiently tries to mount comebacks but, every time, Akiyama cuts him off with more attacks to the neck. This strategy allows Akiyama to believably control most of the match and gain enough momentum where the idea of him winning doesn't seem absurd like it may have done in years gone by. When Misawa does attempt comebacks, his offence is explosive and he continues to sell the damage to the neck. There is one great instance where he briefly gets a reprise, and goes straight for the Facelock of Doom in attempt to neutralize Akiyama. Moments later, Akiyama dropkicks him off the top rope to floor and goes back to the neck crushing.

Akiyama's strategy builds to truly epic final minutes as he throws bomb after bomb at Misawa, all doing more damage to the bad neck. At this point, there is an undeniable sense that Akiyama is drawing closer to the win. In true Misawa fashion, the green one manages to catch his second wind and the tide turns. Misawa matches are often structured this way, with him getting demolished for most of the match then catching a second wind, and gaining enough momentum to become near-unstoppable. And, just as it seems this is the case here, with Misawa inching closer and closer to victory himself, it's Akiyama who gets a second wind of his own and shuts Misawa down in an instant. The final minute of the match may be the most defining of Akiyama's career - he gets to his feet, still with plenty left in the tank despite having weathered Misawa's comeback, and proceeds to once again drop Misawa with bomb after bomb until the Wrist-Clutch Exploder seals the deal in decisive fashion.

A truly phenomenal match, and for my money, Akiyama's defining moment as a singles wrestler. This is almost certainly the best "student overcomes his teacher" match ever. Misawa was also incredible in his performance, selling huge for Akiyama and absolutely dying for the big spots. Combine this with a crowd that was electric for all the key moments, and the historical significance of the outcome, I can't see this falling outside of the Top 5 for me. I still have a couple matches from the year that could change this opinion, but after re-watching, this still stands firmly as my MOTY for 2000 and the best singles match of Akiyama's career.