Post by danespina on Feb 16, 2012 1:02:06 GMT -5
The was written at the end of 2010 but thought I'd share for those looking into the older DGUSA shows.
I'll have a similar top 30 list for 2011 after the final event is released on dvd.
-----------------------------------------------
Hello everyone,
Having finished Freedom Fight 2010; the last event of its year, I decided to compile a list of my favorite 30 DGUSA matches from 2009-2010. Also at the end, I’m going to generate points using the list, to see which wrestlers contributed the most.
Let me know what you think, Enjoy.
My 30 Favorite DGUSA Matches of 2009-2010
#30 - Masaaski Mochizuki vs. Akira Tozawa (Uprising)
Dragon Gates rising star meets the companies veteran. The two produced a highly energetic match-up perfectly suited to open up a card.
#29 - CIMA & Ricochet vs. Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi (Untouchable 2010)
A star is born as Ricochet nails what is possibly the greatest move in DGUSA history. In Cima’s words “Holy S***”.
#28 - Cima & Genki Horiguchi vs. Yamato & Akira Tozawa (Bushido: Code of the Warrior)
A frantic bout that managed to tie in a nights worth of storylines through its aftermath.
#27 - Susumu Yokosuka vs. Yamato (Mercury Rising 2010)
Yamato had Yokosuka's number in this subtly brilliant match.
#26 - BxB Hulk vs. Masaaki Mochizuki: Open the Freedom Gate Title Match (Enter The Dragon 2010)
BxB Hulk toughened out a title defense against Masaaki Mochizuki, an opposite to Hulks charismatic personality.
#25 - Shingo vs. Dragon Kid (Untouchable 2010)
Shingo and Dragon Kid used their strength to counter the others; a great example of speed versus power. While Shingo clearly stood dominate in this contest, Dragon Kid gained respect for his unwillingness to give up.
#24 - Shingo & YAMATO vs. BxB Hulk & Pac (Open The Northern Gate)
Pac debuts with three of the top DGUSA stars to produce a chaotic blend of flight, brawls, and wrestling.
#23 - Yamato vs. Masato Yoshino (Freedom Fight 2010)
A much slower, more methodical main event then DGUSA is used to, but also a success. I thought the finish was perfect and thankfully the crowd seemed to enjoy it to.
#22 - Austin Aries, Genki Horiguchi & Ricochet vs. Chuck Taylor, Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann (Freedom Fight 2010)
Personality sparkles off this great 6-man match debuting the Ronin. In my mind the younger American’s used this opportunity to show the native stars they could match up with them.
#21 - Yamato vs. Bryan Danielson (Untouchable 2010)
A large feeling out process broken into a more aggressive style of wrestling. Yamato and Danielson are two guys who can do just about anything in the ring, and from ground work to flying off the top rope, they almost did.
#20 - Shingo & YAMATO vs. CIMA & Dragon Kid (Uprising)
At this time Shingo and Yamato had developed their heel roles perfectly, and with CIMA and Dragon Kid as the faces, we got some great contrast in personality mixed in with the usual controlled chaos.
#19 - Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson (Untouchable 2010)
Danielson’s promise of kicking Jon Moxleys ****en head in describes what kind of match this was. Great fight and possibly the best heel showcase of Moxley in DGUSA.
#18 - Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jon Moxley – I Quit Match (Bushido: Code of the Warrior)
Moxley and Jacobs entered their ideal environment to create a blood covered war with no limits.
#17 - Gran Akuma, Icarus, Amasis & Hallowicked vs. Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Soldier Ant, & Fire Ant (Open The Historic Gate)
An excellent lucha-like battle with great comedy to boot. The choreography gets your heart racing and only becomes more and more extravagant as it goes on. Thank you Chikara.
#16 - Masaaki Mochizuki vs. Davey Richards – FIP Heavyweight Title Match (Fearless)
These two have similar striking repertoires that were used to their advantage. Fantastic finishing stretch and unbelievable action in general.
#15 - BxB Hulk vs. YAMATO (Open The Historic Gate)
The first Dragon Gate USA match and to this date, still my favorite opener in the companies history. What better way to start a wrestling promotion then with a great crowd, a great face/heel dynamic, and a rocket bout where just about everything connects? Superb.
#14 - Masato Yoshino vs. Dragon Kid – 2/3 Falls Match (Open The Northern Gate)
Yoshino and Dragon Kid’s display of athleticism had been a highlight since the first show, but the jewel of their series came in front of a small Windsor crowd. This one dared to slow down and focus on how well versed the wrestlers were with one another. A great conclusion to a great feud.
#13 - Adam Cole vs. Arik Cannon vs. Chuck Taylor vs. Ricochet (Enter The Dragon 2010)
A complete spotfest, but one where the moves are so great and the chemistry’s so good, that you can’t help but love it. This match came out of nowhere and thrust a new batch of American talent into DGUSA, as well as launched the freestyle match onto subsequent shows. An important match, but at its core just pure entertainment.
#12 - Shingo vs. Naruki Doi (Open The Historic Gate)
The first main event of Dragon USA and a great one at that. Some strong physical action, as well it contained my favorite counter in DGUSA thus far. Cannonball senton? Shingo doesn’t think so.
#11 - Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw vs. Naruki Doi & Pac (Uprising)
From corkscrew moonsaults to shooting star dropkicks, this adrenaline rush of a match entertained while remaining surprisingly fluid. While PAC made his DGUSA debut at Open The Northern Gate, this was the bout were he truly made his mark.
#10 - Jon Moxley, YAMATO, Akira Tozawa & Gran Akuma vs. Masato Yoshino, Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & Hallowicked (Enter The Dragon 2010)
The Kamikaze/Chikara rivalry erupted in spectacular fashion, creating absolute mayhem without forgetting about story. This is a battle with many layers of entertainment.
#09 - Young Bucks vs. CIMA & Susumu Yokosuka (Open The Historic Gate)
The Young Bucks pulled out their whole arsenal to drop the jaws of any new fans such as myself. Innovative tag offense galore, more bang for your buck indeed.
#08 - Bryan Danielson vs. Naruki Doi (Untouchable 2009)
Both competitors were forced to dig further and further into their move-set for this one. An epic match that escalated not in pace, but in impact.
#07 - Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino vs. Shingo & Dragon Kid (Freedom Fight 2009)
An excellent representation of what Dragon Gate can bring to tag team wrestling. This included outstanding double team spots and years worth of chemistry.
#06 - BxB Hulk, Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino vs. CIMA, GAMMA & Dragon Kid (Mercury Rising 2010)
Fast and furious as to be expected. This installment of the Dragon Gate 6-Man kept the Wrestlemania weekend tradition strong. I loved Gamma’s comedic kendo stick spots as well as the twist on the top rope hurricarana. BxB Hulk had a bit of an off night, but that wasn’t enough to bring this down from anything below amazing.
#05 - Davey Richards vs. YAMATO (Freedom Fight 2009)
At the time this was my favorite American wrestler going against my favorite DGUSA wrestler. These two didn’t disappoint and tore the house down. I remember jumping up after Davey’s dangerous tope con hilo into the crowd; just one of the many thrilling moments in this match.
#04 – BxB Hulk vs. Shingo (Bushido: Code of the Warrior)
The animosity between these two could be felt with every strike and impact, thus creating one of the harder hitting matches in DGUSA history. From the opening shoulder block, to Shingo’s horseplay around the ring, I felt myself drawn into this in a really masterful way. This match also had some of my favorite kick-outs in DGUSA, due in no small part to the fact that for the first time in BxB’s reign, the feeling of a title change could be felt in the air.
#03 – Shingo, YAMATO & Akira Tozawa vs. BxB Hulk, Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi (Way of the Ronin)
Possibly my favorite American Dragon Gate six-man since the original one in 2006. I found it cleaner then the one at Mercury Rising and appreciated the stories and feuds intertwined within all the craziness. Match has a great moment were after a barrage of madness, the crowd goes silent before slowly churning into a standing ovation. Suffice to say, I was standing for most of this one as well.
#02 - Davey Richards vs. Shingo (Untouchable 2009)
Wrestling Observers 2nd highest rated match of 2009. Great intensity and unbelievable counter wrestling mixed within a big match aura. Danielson dared Davey to prove he was the new best in the world, and dam if he didn’t come up with a good argument.
#01 - Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo (Enter The Dragon 2010)
Wrestling Observers 3rd highest rated match of 2010 and the highlight of Bryan Danielson’s return to the Indy’s. Simply seeing Danielson back from WWE put excitement in the air, but the skilled performance between both these veterans took things to levels I didn’t expect. All the incredible near falls and death defying action that I love in DGUSA were here, but it had the guts to take things one step further, and the brains to keep it all together.
-----------------
Top 5 Individual Contributors:
I gave each wrestler a point depending on what matches they were in. 1 point for match 30, 30 points for match 1. This isn’t a scientific equation to see whose best, but I’m curious on what results we will get none the less.
#05: BxB Hulk (Matches #26, 24, 15, 6, 4, 3)
Total Points =108
The first and only Open The Freedom Gate Champion of 2009-2010. While some criticized his reign’s quality, I believe from Dragon Kid, to Masato Yoshino, to Masaaki Mochizuki, to Shingo, BxB Hulks defenses have only gotten better and better. Hulk is a huge focal point of DGUSA and a great contributor.
#04: Masato Yoshino (Mattches #29, 23, 14, 10, 7, 6, 3)
Total Points = 125
I’m not surprised to see the fastest man in wrestling on the list. His most notable 1 on 1 contests were against Dragon Kid, however he’s a fantastic athlete who makes an impression no matter how many people are in a match.
#03: Yamato (Matches #28, 27, 24, 23, 21, 20, 15, 10, 5, 3)
Total Points = 134
Yamato has made my list more than anyone else. In fact he’s on a third of it. With great charisma, a well rounded arsenal, and a hard work ethic, YAMATO is perhaps my personal favorite of the DGUSA roster. Yet somehow he only made number 3?
#02: Naruki Doi (Matches #29, 12, 11, 8, 7, 6, 3)
Total Points = 141
Naruki Doi at number 2 is a huge surprise for me even though I’m the one who made the list. Perhaps it shouldn’t be however. From main eventing the first DGUSA event, to his epic with Danielson, to his battle with Mochizuki, to being involved in a vast majority of the promotions top tag and multi-man matches, Doi has been a huge contributor to the company, even if he hasn’t always taken the spotlight.
#01: Shingo (Matches #25, 24, 20, 12, 7, 4, 3, 2, 1)
Total Points = 181
Every match Shingo’s been involved with in 2009-2010 has either made the list or was one of the close picks for the number 30 spot. Not only that, he dominated my top 5. Shingo is powerful but still fast. A great versatile wrestler, but one who understands psychology very well and can play to the crowd. Shingo’s been plastered onto the wrestling observers top matches for the past two years, but for some reason I still don’t think he’s properly recognized for what he is, and that’s one of the best wrestlers in the world.
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Bonus: Top Events
#03-#13: Between 51 Total Points to 0.
#02: Open The Historic Gate aka. Enter The Dragon 2009 (Matches #17, 15, 12, 9)
Total Points = 71
#01: Enter The Dragon 2010: 1st Anniversary Celebration (Matches #26, 13, 10, 1)
Total Points = 74
No surprises here. The Enter the Dragon events are in my opinion the staples of the promotion. These two events were fantastic within themselves, but they also seemed to establish what the next year has in store for us.
I'll have a similar top 30 list for 2011 after the final event is released on dvd.
-----------------------------------------------
Hello everyone,
Having finished Freedom Fight 2010; the last event of its year, I decided to compile a list of my favorite 30 DGUSA matches from 2009-2010. Also at the end, I’m going to generate points using the list, to see which wrestlers contributed the most.
Let me know what you think, Enjoy.
My 30 Favorite DGUSA Matches of 2009-2010
#30 - Masaaski Mochizuki vs. Akira Tozawa (Uprising)
Dragon Gates rising star meets the companies veteran. The two produced a highly energetic match-up perfectly suited to open up a card.
#29 - CIMA & Ricochet vs. Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi (Untouchable 2010)
A star is born as Ricochet nails what is possibly the greatest move in DGUSA history. In Cima’s words “Holy S***”.
#28 - Cima & Genki Horiguchi vs. Yamato & Akira Tozawa (Bushido: Code of the Warrior)
A frantic bout that managed to tie in a nights worth of storylines through its aftermath.
#27 - Susumu Yokosuka vs. Yamato (Mercury Rising 2010)
Yamato had Yokosuka's number in this subtly brilliant match.
#26 - BxB Hulk vs. Masaaki Mochizuki: Open the Freedom Gate Title Match (Enter The Dragon 2010)
BxB Hulk toughened out a title defense against Masaaki Mochizuki, an opposite to Hulks charismatic personality.
#25 - Shingo vs. Dragon Kid (Untouchable 2010)
Shingo and Dragon Kid used their strength to counter the others; a great example of speed versus power. While Shingo clearly stood dominate in this contest, Dragon Kid gained respect for his unwillingness to give up.
#24 - Shingo & YAMATO vs. BxB Hulk & Pac (Open The Northern Gate)
Pac debuts with three of the top DGUSA stars to produce a chaotic blend of flight, brawls, and wrestling.
#23 - Yamato vs. Masato Yoshino (Freedom Fight 2010)
A much slower, more methodical main event then DGUSA is used to, but also a success. I thought the finish was perfect and thankfully the crowd seemed to enjoy it to.
#22 - Austin Aries, Genki Horiguchi & Ricochet vs. Chuck Taylor, Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann (Freedom Fight 2010)
Personality sparkles off this great 6-man match debuting the Ronin. In my mind the younger American’s used this opportunity to show the native stars they could match up with them.
#21 - Yamato vs. Bryan Danielson (Untouchable 2010)
A large feeling out process broken into a more aggressive style of wrestling. Yamato and Danielson are two guys who can do just about anything in the ring, and from ground work to flying off the top rope, they almost did.
#20 - Shingo & YAMATO vs. CIMA & Dragon Kid (Uprising)
At this time Shingo and Yamato had developed their heel roles perfectly, and with CIMA and Dragon Kid as the faces, we got some great contrast in personality mixed in with the usual controlled chaos.
#19 - Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson (Untouchable 2010)
Danielson’s promise of kicking Jon Moxleys ****en head in describes what kind of match this was. Great fight and possibly the best heel showcase of Moxley in DGUSA.
#18 - Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jon Moxley – I Quit Match (Bushido: Code of the Warrior)
Moxley and Jacobs entered their ideal environment to create a blood covered war with no limits.
#17 - Gran Akuma, Icarus, Amasis & Hallowicked vs. Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Soldier Ant, & Fire Ant (Open The Historic Gate)
An excellent lucha-like battle with great comedy to boot. The choreography gets your heart racing and only becomes more and more extravagant as it goes on. Thank you Chikara.
#16 - Masaaki Mochizuki vs. Davey Richards – FIP Heavyweight Title Match (Fearless)
These two have similar striking repertoires that were used to their advantage. Fantastic finishing stretch and unbelievable action in general.
#15 - BxB Hulk vs. YAMATO (Open The Historic Gate)
The first Dragon Gate USA match and to this date, still my favorite opener in the companies history. What better way to start a wrestling promotion then with a great crowd, a great face/heel dynamic, and a rocket bout where just about everything connects? Superb.
#14 - Masato Yoshino vs. Dragon Kid – 2/3 Falls Match (Open The Northern Gate)
Yoshino and Dragon Kid’s display of athleticism had been a highlight since the first show, but the jewel of their series came in front of a small Windsor crowd. This one dared to slow down and focus on how well versed the wrestlers were with one another. A great conclusion to a great feud.
#13 - Adam Cole vs. Arik Cannon vs. Chuck Taylor vs. Ricochet (Enter The Dragon 2010)
A complete spotfest, but one where the moves are so great and the chemistry’s so good, that you can’t help but love it. This match came out of nowhere and thrust a new batch of American talent into DGUSA, as well as launched the freestyle match onto subsequent shows. An important match, but at its core just pure entertainment.
#12 - Shingo vs. Naruki Doi (Open The Historic Gate)
The first main event of Dragon USA and a great one at that. Some strong physical action, as well it contained my favorite counter in DGUSA thus far. Cannonball senton? Shingo doesn’t think so.
#11 - Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw vs. Naruki Doi & Pac (Uprising)
From corkscrew moonsaults to shooting star dropkicks, this adrenaline rush of a match entertained while remaining surprisingly fluid. While PAC made his DGUSA debut at Open The Northern Gate, this was the bout were he truly made his mark.
#10 - Jon Moxley, YAMATO, Akira Tozawa & Gran Akuma vs. Masato Yoshino, Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw & Hallowicked (Enter The Dragon 2010)
The Kamikaze/Chikara rivalry erupted in spectacular fashion, creating absolute mayhem without forgetting about story. This is a battle with many layers of entertainment.
#09 - Young Bucks vs. CIMA & Susumu Yokosuka (Open The Historic Gate)
The Young Bucks pulled out their whole arsenal to drop the jaws of any new fans such as myself. Innovative tag offense galore, more bang for your buck indeed.
#08 - Bryan Danielson vs. Naruki Doi (Untouchable 2009)
Both competitors were forced to dig further and further into their move-set for this one. An epic match that escalated not in pace, but in impact.
#07 - Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino vs. Shingo & Dragon Kid (Freedom Fight 2009)
An excellent representation of what Dragon Gate can bring to tag team wrestling. This included outstanding double team spots and years worth of chemistry.
#06 - BxB Hulk, Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino vs. CIMA, GAMMA & Dragon Kid (Mercury Rising 2010)
Fast and furious as to be expected. This installment of the Dragon Gate 6-Man kept the Wrestlemania weekend tradition strong. I loved Gamma’s comedic kendo stick spots as well as the twist on the top rope hurricarana. BxB Hulk had a bit of an off night, but that wasn’t enough to bring this down from anything below amazing.
#05 - Davey Richards vs. YAMATO (Freedom Fight 2009)
At the time this was my favorite American wrestler going against my favorite DGUSA wrestler. These two didn’t disappoint and tore the house down. I remember jumping up after Davey’s dangerous tope con hilo into the crowd; just one of the many thrilling moments in this match.
#04 – BxB Hulk vs. Shingo (Bushido: Code of the Warrior)
The animosity between these two could be felt with every strike and impact, thus creating one of the harder hitting matches in DGUSA history. From the opening shoulder block, to Shingo’s horseplay around the ring, I felt myself drawn into this in a really masterful way. This match also had some of my favorite kick-outs in DGUSA, due in no small part to the fact that for the first time in BxB’s reign, the feeling of a title change could be felt in the air.
#03 – Shingo, YAMATO & Akira Tozawa vs. BxB Hulk, Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi (Way of the Ronin)
Possibly my favorite American Dragon Gate six-man since the original one in 2006. I found it cleaner then the one at Mercury Rising and appreciated the stories and feuds intertwined within all the craziness. Match has a great moment were after a barrage of madness, the crowd goes silent before slowly churning into a standing ovation. Suffice to say, I was standing for most of this one as well.
#02 - Davey Richards vs. Shingo (Untouchable 2009)
Wrestling Observers 2nd highest rated match of 2009. Great intensity and unbelievable counter wrestling mixed within a big match aura. Danielson dared Davey to prove he was the new best in the world, and dam if he didn’t come up with a good argument.
#01 - Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo (Enter The Dragon 2010)
Wrestling Observers 3rd highest rated match of 2010 and the highlight of Bryan Danielson’s return to the Indy’s. Simply seeing Danielson back from WWE put excitement in the air, but the skilled performance between both these veterans took things to levels I didn’t expect. All the incredible near falls and death defying action that I love in DGUSA were here, but it had the guts to take things one step further, and the brains to keep it all together.
-----------------
Top 5 Individual Contributors:
I gave each wrestler a point depending on what matches they were in. 1 point for match 30, 30 points for match 1. This isn’t a scientific equation to see whose best, but I’m curious on what results we will get none the less.
#05: BxB Hulk (Matches #26, 24, 15, 6, 4, 3)
Total Points =108
The first and only Open The Freedom Gate Champion of 2009-2010. While some criticized his reign’s quality, I believe from Dragon Kid, to Masato Yoshino, to Masaaki Mochizuki, to Shingo, BxB Hulks defenses have only gotten better and better. Hulk is a huge focal point of DGUSA and a great contributor.
#04: Masato Yoshino (Mattches #29, 23, 14, 10, 7, 6, 3)
Total Points = 125
I’m not surprised to see the fastest man in wrestling on the list. His most notable 1 on 1 contests were against Dragon Kid, however he’s a fantastic athlete who makes an impression no matter how many people are in a match.
#03: Yamato (Matches #28, 27, 24, 23, 21, 20, 15, 10, 5, 3)
Total Points = 134
Yamato has made my list more than anyone else. In fact he’s on a third of it. With great charisma, a well rounded arsenal, and a hard work ethic, YAMATO is perhaps my personal favorite of the DGUSA roster. Yet somehow he only made number 3?
#02: Naruki Doi (Matches #29, 12, 11, 8, 7, 6, 3)
Total Points = 141
Naruki Doi at number 2 is a huge surprise for me even though I’m the one who made the list. Perhaps it shouldn’t be however. From main eventing the first DGUSA event, to his epic with Danielson, to his battle with Mochizuki, to being involved in a vast majority of the promotions top tag and multi-man matches, Doi has been a huge contributor to the company, even if he hasn’t always taken the spotlight.
#01: Shingo (Matches #25, 24, 20, 12, 7, 4, 3, 2, 1)
Total Points = 181
Every match Shingo’s been involved with in 2009-2010 has either made the list or was one of the close picks for the number 30 spot. Not only that, he dominated my top 5. Shingo is powerful but still fast. A great versatile wrestler, but one who understands psychology very well and can play to the crowd. Shingo’s been plastered onto the wrestling observers top matches for the past two years, but for some reason I still don’t think he’s properly recognized for what he is, and that’s one of the best wrestlers in the world.
-----------------
Bonus: Top Events
#03-#13: Between 51 Total Points to 0.
#02: Open The Historic Gate aka. Enter The Dragon 2009 (Matches #17, 15, 12, 9)
Total Points = 71
#01: Enter The Dragon 2010: 1st Anniversary Celebration (Matches #26, 13, 10, 1)
Total Points = 74
No surprises here. The Enter the Dragon events are in my opinion the staples of the promotion. These two events were fantastic within themselves, but they also seemed to establish what the next year has in store for us.