(Almost)Perfect
Let me preface this review by noting that normally I'm no fan of outdoor matches, so keep that in mind reading ahead.
With that out if the way, I will say that I can easily overlook the locale of this match in favor of the content. The action isn't overly flashy, nor unnecessarily complex. Just two bros having a wrestle out in the yard, like one might remember doing with buds in their youth.
It's a testament to their self restraint that these big guys can keep all the action on the mats. You'll be treated to a lot of back and forth action and taunting, but it will be clear throughout the match who will be coming out on top.
And then towards the end came the selling point for me. The reason I was quick to buy this match when one of the guys slips their sock over their fist and goes for a mandible claw, a la mankind.
I know I'm not alone, though not exactly in the majority when I say that these shows of dominance and humiliation during matches, stuffing your sweaty gear into your opponents face for example, really gets me excited!
And now, the bad news.
This match would have been a 5 out of 5 for me except, well. They never made contact.
The signature move that could have ended the match in a spectacular and unique way for a Thunder's match never actually panned out. Some half hearted attempts were made and easily resisted. The offending hand only ever coming a couple inches away from it's target before being fought off. And then the match ends rather normally.
In and of itself it's a fine match. Really a 4 out of 5. But the fact that it came so close to perfection just to end after taunting us with that enticing finisher left me sighing in disappointment.
But I'll be fair. To those of you who enjoy a casual style fo wrestling more akin to rough housing, and outdoor matches will find very little to complain about. But if you, like me, are enraptured by the prospect of socks and wrestling (obviously not a huge target demographic.(harumph)) then you might want to give this one a pass.