Pirata/Faraon

CMLL 1990/11/16

Cabellera vs. Cabellera: Pirata Morgan vs. Faraon

Totally legendary hair match, and rightfully so, because it really is fucking amazing, to the point I’m putting it right behind Casas/Bestia on an imaginary Top Apuesta Matches of the 90s list. Like, this match would be 2A and Casas/Fiera would be 2B. Yes, this match is that fucking great. And unlike most of the seen apuesta matches of that era(s), this one was worked in a hectic workrate style, as opposed to Satanico’s, Santo’s, Casas’ and Estrada’s minimalism. Pirata and Faraon basically worked the best possible workrate industrial, full of hard slams, selective flying and unbelievably awesome punches. Everything was paced perfectly, so the spots and flow were super catchy and easy to remember. I don’t recall another match where ringposts were used in a deadly manner like in this one, it was so fucking brutal and barbaric. Every time they shoved each other’s heads into it, you could feel the end approaching. Both warriors bled a lot, with Pirata bleeding much more. Everything about this match is perfect, especially the insanely dramatic closing stretch that had the crowd going wild. I loved the doctor stoppage ending, it was nice to see refs not being the ones calling a TKO for once.

Timeless classic.

*****

Emilio/Atlantis

CMLL 57 Aniversario

 (1990/09/21)

Campeonato Mundial Peso Medio de NWA: Emilio Charles Jr. vs. Atlantis ©

Emilio and Atlantis had quite a rivalry back then, but I never watched any of it. I don’t even think more than two mano a manos exist on the almighty internet. Obviously this is one of them. There’s a whole bunch of trios, though, and I should hop on those soon (I hope). This match was good, really good considering the time it got. There’s a clear cut story here – Emilio can barely keep up with the crazy fast and too spirited Atlantis, hence Emilio getting annoyed and embarrassed, but he still manages to take primera by cutting off Atlanits, which gives him enough confidence to do a big dive in segunda, but that was about it, because he lost that fall, and then again the SUPER short tercera via Atlantida. I can totally see some people getting upset with Atlantis beating other luchadors so quickly in decisive falls via Atlantida, but it really puts over the move as a killshot weapon, and that dividend is paying off to this day. That’s how you protect and invest time in your character. Very good match.

***3/4

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