Johnny Saint vs. Robbie Brookside

[9.0] "An extremely good and shockingly modern feeling match. Robbies speed and size adds such a nice dynamic to the traditional catch style that johnny saint is so famous for."

[9.0] "This match was all about making Brookside as good as possible. When it was Brookside's time to get himself over he was great, and when it was Saint's turn to show why he's a decorated champion and the wall to overcome, he was excellent as well. WoS-style is peculiar and specific, but it's also versatile enough to tell a simple 'youth vs. experience' story. ****+"

[8.0] "Very good one, enjoyed this not as much as I expected tho but still good one maybe if it was a little shorter I would have liked it more, but still the technical abilities were impressive here specifically Johnny saint, I wish the ending was better but its still a good ending and it makes sense to me."

[7.0] "This was so enjoyable to watch. I haven't delved into a lot of stuff like this from the UK, but it's amazing how little would look out of place if this match happened today. The technical skill on display is unreal, the only thing I didn't like was that the finish felt a bit flat."

[8.0] "A masterclass in WoS-style in full effect here. Brookside is the younger and more driven of the two, consistently pushing for advantage: Saint is obviously the older and more experienced: he can't push back as well as his opponent can but he is much more able when countering and manoeuvring out of Brookside's aggressive plays. I love the grin he pulls out early when Brookside tries arm dragging him to the mat (much like how Saint had done prior) only for him to perfectly handspring back to his feet; it perfectly encapsulates what this match is all about in terms of one-upmanship. Brookside has some good work around the leg and tries for some cutesy pins, but Saint has tricks up his sleeve to get around them. I would say he gets a bit too pretentious in areas (ESPECIALLY with the bumping, Christ it was extra) but I really liked how innovative he would get in places, especially when finding new ways to stretch and bend Brookside around. Sometimes he'd just forgo technique and throw the guy, which in these settings felt particularly brutal. Brookside really makes these moments feel as such as well with how he get in some small moments of annoyed defiance, but nothing concrete. Saint just makes him look like a fool for the first half or so but slowly loses that advantage as Brookside's youth and ability allow him to get in more offence and start to adapt. Brookside for his credit keeps up really well for someone only four years in the business and looked mostly very solid when it came to the catch sequences, including some fairly high-pace stuff. The first fall comes when he outsmarts Saint during a scramble for pins. Tone shifts as he wrenches Brookside's fingers and rubs his knee on his arm, though there are still some well-done comedic segments here by the two, ending with Brookside losing a fall after getting overeager. and from then on it really feels like Brookside stops playing. He does go a bit heelish as he pulls out the first strikes of the match with some nasty European Uppercuts, with Saint responding with knees to the face. Finish was a bit lacking as Saint lands a dropkick, a backdrop and then a crossbody for the win. Outside of some WoS mannerisms that will very likely turn you off this match, this was very well put together with a ton of fantastic technical sequences, alongside some very understated agility from Saint in particular. Brookside isn't as good in comparison but I did think he keeps up well and didn't look overwhelmed with the task at hand. Incredibly solid."