L. Anne Carrington sent this review in:
?Fearless,? the second pay-per-view installment of 2010 presented by Dragon Gate USA, is as quick-paced, exciting, fun, and as full of surprises as DGUSA’s previous events. For those who ever wondered what wrestling at its best looks like, ?Fearless? gives a perfect example with six must-watch bouts. The best way to describe this show would be a breathtaking thrill ride.
A breakdown of the March 5 premiere is as follows:
MATCH 1: CIMA & SUPER CRAZY vs. JIGSAW & MIKE QUACKENBUSH
Exceptional, quick-paced, back and forth action by of some of the best talents in independent wrestling today There was some good back and forth stuff early before CIMA and Crazy worked well together, and a very interesting pairing, to say the least. I found this to be a fun and delightful tag team match, and wrestling Lucha names were a bonus, something that is rarely seen on ?mainstream? television.
Winners: Super Crazy and Mike Quackenbush
Davey Richards cut a promo, promising to win the FIP championship. He discussed the belt’s history, referring to names such as Bryan Danielson (now Daniel Bryan of WWE’s ?NXT? program airing Tuesday nights) and Homicide. Richards promised he would take back the belt that night. A very stellar and attention-grabbing promo.
MATCH 2: TJP vs. GRAN AKUMA
These two contenders worked nonstop, from the time the bell rang right to the match’s ending. Many original moves and hard-hitting action, tons of unique offense on TJP’s part and Akuma is an outstanding heel. Not many can pull off the ?guy we all love to hate? as well as Akuma does.
Winner: TJP
Dragon Kid was shown backstage preparing for the main event.
MATCH 3:JIMMY JACOBS VS. BRIAN KENDRICK
This is what I was waiting for, I admit it! Both Jacobs and Kendrick received respectable reactions from the crowd. cut a promo on Jacobs, discussing how similar they were and how wrestling was an art. He brought out Lacey (formerly Jacobs? girlfriend/valet in ROH) to be in his corner, and then it was off to some solid wrestling, Kendrick’s best exhibition in DGUSA to date. One of the surprising moments was Lacey pleading with Jacobs to release the guillotine choke hold he had on Kendrick. After Jacobs released the hold, she kissed him, and while doing so, motioned for Kendrick to attack Jacobs. Moments later, Kendrick hit Sliced Bread No. 2 and got the pin.
This contest ended with a surprise when Jon Moxley came to the ring to help celebrate Kendrick’s victory. As Moxley, Kendrick, and Lacey were leaving, Jacobs got on the mic and commented he knew that Kendrick’s wife, Taylor, was at home. He said she might not be tough enough, but she’s good enough for him. Kendrick said he could kill Jacobs, but he would break his heart. He teased a kiss on Lacey, but instead, he moved out of the way before Moxley destroyed her with a clothesline. Brilliant heel moment!
Winner: Brian Kendrick
Segment of BxB Hulk preparing for his main event aired.
MATCH 4: FULL IMPACT PRO CHAMPION MASAAKI MOCHIZUKI VS. DAVEY RICHARDS
Awesome doesn?t even begin to describe this contest. These guys just beat the hell out of each other. Richards departed with yet another shining exhibition for DGUSA to make the PPV even better (never mind DGUSA events are already great). This is one match that has to be seen, highly recommended for fans who are discovering DGUSA for the first time, and Richards is just an outstanding athlete as a whole.
Winner and new FIP champion: Davey Richards
Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw were talking backstage. Quackenbush said people are saying they are the best American tag team in DGUSA.
MATCH 5: YOUNG BUCKS VS. MASATO YOSHINO & NARUKI DOI VS. SHINGO & YAMATO
Two aspects to describe this match: All over the place and insane! The Bucks (or Generation Me for you TNA fans) didn?t disappoint, showing off their talent as a team, facing two of Japan’s finest to work all their insane spots and Lucha skills on. High-spirited back and forth action, lots of aerial moves, awe-inspiring, and overall well-booked.. Even if the Bucks lost this bout, they still came out winners with their style of wrestling.
Winners: Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino
Nice plug done for the DGUSA website.
MATCH 6: DGUSA OPEN THE FREEDOM GATE CHAMP BxB HULK VS. DRAGON KID
The dancing girls were back for Hulk’s entrance. Even if that isn?t every fan’s fancy, it was a very nice touch. A lot of ?HOLY S**T!? moments. I don?t recall seeing an equally thrilling contest that would measure up to the twists, turns, offenses, and defenses as this one. If matches are supposed to tell a story, then consider Kid and Hulk a completed novel.
Winner and still DGUSA Open the Freedom Gate Champion: BxB Hulk
Akuma and Richards hit the ring and began beating both men. CIMA went to aid Kid but was stopped by YAMATO. Shingo arrived and attempted stop everyone, but to everyone’s surprise, he turned on Dragon Kid, laying him out. Hulk was stomped by all of the heels. Security hit the ring and beaten down along with several wrestlers. The “CHIKARA Locker Room” began brawling with the heels. What a melee, but a great way to end the show.
My Final Thoughts:
In terms of in-ring wrestling, it doesn?t get much better than DGUSA. There’s no fluff, no guest hosts, no gimmick matches, or long-winded promos. Richards’ unplanned exit, Crazy’s last appearance (at least for the moment) and a final appearance of the Young Bucks, will make ?Fearless? a memorable PPV. They say you get what you pay for, but in this case, paying $20 for this pay per view will give you entertaining, powerful wrestling ten times worth the tiny investment. With six possible PPV’s per year at $20 apiece, fans can spend less than $200 a year to view some of the best talents in wrestling, considerably half the price of six WWE or even TNA pay-per-views.
Outside of the audio issues (I had to turn up the volume a bit to hear the promos), ?Fearless? is just a fine preview of what DGUSA has to offer in its coming WrestleMania weekend events.
?Fearless? will repeat Saturday, March 6 at noon and Sunday, March 7 at 1:00PM (both times Eastern). To learn more about Dragon Gate USA, its roster, upcoming live shows, and pay-per-views, log on to http://www.dgusa.tv.