Black Terry / Doctor Cerebro vs. El Hijo del Diablo / Gringo Loco - IWRG 01.24.2010

As the image reveals this isn't your usual IWRG match of competitive mat-work, fast-paced exchanges and aerial assaults. This is a simple, bloody brawl featuring a back-and-forth war between the two teams. Diablo and Gringo Loco gain the upperhand early, outsmarting Terry and Cerebro whom storm the aisle before the bell only to be ambushed from behind. Blood flows quickly with the rudos dominating for five minutes until momentum shifts. The carnage is all strikes and weapons to begin with, which is great as it allows the heat to sink in, before the bombs and dives cap it all off.

As the brawl splits apart whilst it's taped by the one person you're bound to miss parts. As such, it would've been nice if Black Terry Jr. had followed Doctor Cerebro around a bit more. That's my only criticism though, easily forgotten when you see how good what you do see is. Like Diablo shoving Terry's mangled face into front row spectators. And a wonderful close-up of Terry (again) having a cactus leaf grinded into his forehead. Sure, that sounds ludicrous. But within the context of this match it comes across as nasty. A very, very fun brawl.

Negro Navarro vs. Angelico - IWRG 01.21.2010

What I liked about this is the 'expressiveness' on display. It's more of a subtle thing in Negro Navarro's performance but it absolutely contributes to the match. After each hold both performers take time to 'react' to what they just endured. Angelico's is more of an explicit depiction of pain and admiration; Negro's a stoic hinting at underlying frustration and surprise. It adds another dimension to the taking-turns-to-prove-who-can-bend-the-other-into-a-better-pretzel convention that seems to open most IWRG contests. It also creates a slow burn through each caida building to a nice finishing stretch.

Another welcome touch in the mat-work is the twisting / bending of limbs in some holds. Most IWRG matches I've seen are usually content with the complex sequence of locking in holds which, once latched on, is enough. That's fine but here we have small moments within post-hold execution - Angelico twisting Navarro's arm between his knees, for example - which makes it look slightly more painful. It's not something I demand in these matches (the victim's selling under duress is generally enough) but it's appreciated.

Angelico and Negro Navarro stick with the mat-work mostly, allowing the emotion they portray boil over into a finish less about them taking turns to lock on holds, with one emerging on top, than two guys competing for the win simultaneously. I liked it. In place of aerial spots and brawling it did well to remain entertaining. A nod to Black Terry Jr.'s camera work: He doesn't end the footage immediately after each fall, but shows a minute or so afterwards focusing on the loser selling pain. It allows the impression that the move they eventually submitted to was on another level to all else endured. Nice.