G1 Climax 25 - Final Day

G1 Climax 25

(2015/08/16)

EVOLVE 37 (Cherry-Picked)

EVOLVE 37

 (2015/1/10)

Timothy Thatcher vs. Roderick Strong

Thatcher might be charisma free, but he’s a damn fine seller, I’ll give him that. But his total lack of charisma makes it really hard to root for him during FIP segments, as evidenced in this match once again. I just don’t buy into Thatcher being this Billy Robinson-like mat wizard messiah of catch-as-catch-can and semi-shoot style, I just don’t see it, no way. He does have many fancy grappling moves and combos, but there’s something off-putting about him and the way he does it. Roddy was better on the mat here, and better overall, especially the way he roughed it up was awesome, he’d stomp on Thatcher’s head every time possible. The strikes later in the match were all good, basically the whole match was laid out quite well, it’s just that, like I already said, Thatcher’s not that good or interesting character capable of spicing things up, hence why I can’t go ****+ on this match, it lacked on emotional side.

***3/4