[7.0] "GREAT ass match. Despite it being in that median lane that alot of satisfactory matches are in, it's very long, 27 minutes like damn, but as I review I have loved this match more, the 27 minutes go away, cut out a lil in the beginning maybe, as the after the turning point 20 minutes allows the match to simmer. Corino comes in as the vet but is outclassed by a young Kevin Steen, which based on Corino's aftermatch promo has built up a great reputation by this time, in many small interactions like shoulder blocks, even ones Corino has started. But those are athletics, bodies age and break down especially in wrestling, so we the viewer and to a lesser extent Corino have an "out" for him, some leeway in our reactions. But eventually Corino let's some frustration slip and slaps Steen's face after a headlock. Steen's like "wtf man" and Corino pushes him but eventually raises his hands up and offers handshake which Steen accepts to restore order. But in their next interaction, Steen belly-back suplexes him and does a much more snarky disrespect move and swishes his hands in Corino's hair. Steen then offers his hand as an apology and right there, in Corino's mind and to the viewers somewhat, Corino is trapped. He's futher soiled by going for a cheap attack but Steen wins that interaction as well. Steen is simultaneously giving Corino some payback, more playful, and the big stinger, he's the more charismatic one when both executions are compared. It's just embarrassing how many steps had to happen to get there and youre 5-42. So what do you do here if you're Corino? You man up and push through it, prove yourself later in the match. Now Corino retreats to the outside and mopes, rethinks for a lil bit before Steen interrupts him and starts beating his head off the apron and chopping him with impatience but Corino chops back. Boom right there, Steen has given Corino the out to push right through the embarrassment and to the journey of proving himself in this match (a noble move by Steen, intentional or not, which doesnt matter because the underlying mind of Steen has proven itself as honorable here. Built from experience in the background, it will color Steen's conscious actions). And it continues that way, Corino beats him down, tries a Suplex but Steen reverses with a wrist lock and throws Corino in the ring (Steen restoring order himself once again despite his opposing snarkiness, smartassery), and as Steen reeneters the ring Corino chooses to kick his leg out, and Corino becomes a loser here. The whole interaction of Corino's turn is so impressively seamless and smooth, it's sick. Great job. He ruthlessly attacks Steens leg, kicking it repeatedly as Steen begs him not to, throws chairs on to it, and there's this one particular throw, the 2nd one to the outside where Steen has this very nasty landing on the leg, no give on the concrete floor the leg just crunches beneath him. And Steens position now let's him embody in totality a underdog babyface, and he's great. He begs, he writhes, but he still hits the ring over and over to build the crowd and make his comeback. He starts punching Corino, Corino selling a lil stoic to regain any mental power and dignity he can over Steen (Corino's whole act under his control is the Diginity Climb), but he kicks Steens leg out and Steens pained "OOH! ", the delivery is just right that it hits me in the heart a lil bit. There's a mean moment that mirrors Steen's trapping of Corino, where Corino sets up a table and whips Steen towards it but Steen collapses and faceplants (great sympathy bump) before he reaches it "hey, Steen ruined it cause his leg is fucked up and weak cause he's losing. Cant say I tried". Meanness that is dampened by its logic being total bullshit, but brilliant. Would be amazingly effective if done today. Corino's stoicness during his control is totally a defence mechanism. When he does a half boston- crab to Steen but Steen reaches the ropes, Corino's whole expression is just "siiigghhhhh". Don't show too much emotion. But Corino isn't a complete loser, some of his ways to regain dignity are legitimate. Steen tries to make a comeback but Corino hits an impressive enziguri that makes the crowd go "Oooohhhh" and some nervousness and pity hits me for Steen, like shit, Steen was legitimately outclassed there, and Steen's sell adds to it, again searing me in the heart and eyes like Sami does today. There's a Corino Combo where he hits a shin breaker, holds Steen up for a nasty backhand, and then a forearm to knock him down on HIS terms. Getting back dignity completely on his own terms in these situations, reminding you he's the functional veteran at the end of the day. Steen eventually makes another comeback, a punch exchange that ends with a very square punch right into Corino's temple, and he whiplashes into a back bump, brutal and beautiful moment. Steen seemingly forgets about his injured leg during the comeback, hitting a spinning heel kick and a overhead belly to belly (hold on). Corino gets his leg in the rope and Steen let's out an "AW", the loudness from his snarkiness popping through now that he's not in crisis. Corino comesback but Steen kicks out at 1! Steen comesback but no leg sell again? , Corino through the table, Steen hits a moonsault to win but his leg injury comes back (! great rebound, leeway usage for power through injury trope), causes Corino kickout. Steen gets distracted by Ghostface before his 2nd finish, Corino wins, LOVELY MATCH TO PUT STEEN OVER. I LOVED IT THE MORE I WENT BACK TO REVIEW IT, WENT FROM A SATISFACTION TO SOMETHING MORE TO ME."
[9.0] "Für mich einfach der Showstealer lange vor den ROH Matches gab es 2004 dieses unbekannte Hidden Gem bei EWR welches einfach nur fantastisch ist (****1/4)."
