Welcome, one and all, to another instalment of the Match of the Year Tournament! This month, we decide the second semifinalist as the E block comes to a close. So, let's see who advances, shall we?
The Pre-Quarterfinalists
 |
| The E Block Pre-Quarterfinalists |
I've made it no secret that it's been difficult for me to watch wrestling this month, but I was thankful to find at least a few quality matches this month that were worthy of contention. My mental health has been in a real downswing recently and, despite my best efforts, even my one true love of wrestling can't pull me out of the hole I'm slowly sinking into. But still I press on, because if there's one thing I refuse to let slip between my fingers, it's the consistency of the Wrestling Vault.
Konosuke Takeshita vs. Mike Bailey - 10/19/2024
A standout match from 2024 at Maple Leaf Wrestling's "Forged in Excellence" show, Bailey proved that he is more than equal to the task of standing toe to toe with the Alpha of professional wrestling, Konosuke Takeshita. Despite the difference in size, it was equally fought and highly competitive, keeping me on my toes through the entirety of the match. I've always known Bailey had this kind of wrestling in him, given his work in DPW especially, so it was a real treat to get to see him spread his wings again and have a match like this against one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin - I Quit Match - 10/18/2025
In an attempt to answer the age old question of what will give in first, the unstoppable force or the immovable object, Darbs and Mox put their iron wills to the test in a match that, realistically, could have gone on for a solid week without either man giving an inch. It was about 90-10 in favour of Moxley, with Darby getting momentary offence at the start but spending the majority of the match getting tossed around and beaten like a heavy bag. The finishing moments were incredibly exciting and surprising, with Darby actually finding the kryptonite needed to put Moxley away. Exceptional work.
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Konosuke Takeshita - 10/13/2025
The focus of Weekly Watchlist 071, the crowning of Takeshita was a real highlight for 2025 and further proved my point that this is the year of the Alpha. My full thoughts can be found in that post, but just know this, every expectation you could possibly have for this match, it met and exceeded.
The Quarterfinalists
 |
| The E Block Quarterfinalists |
Easily one of the best matches from the year, ZSJ and Takeshita had an utterly fantastic showing after Takeshita won the G1, only further proving why he is known as the Alpha. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of their match and hope Takeshita has a lengthy, proper run with the gold. He's more than deserving. But is he deserving of advancing to the semifinals?
The Semifinals
 |
| The E Block Semifinalists |
In my humble opinion, yes, absolutely. While I enjoyed 'Dido and Hechicero's match a lot, there was more about Takeshita and ZSJ that I enjoyed more, it was a lot closer to the type of match I usually seek out. So for that reason, it's advancing. Although I don;t think it's going to be able to beat out Mox and Hangers, I'll tell you guys that right now.
Next month is December, which means we get to learn about who advances in the F block! We won't learn about the finalists until the beginning of January and I don't want to break the format we've been keeping up with this whole year, so we'll be a bit behind in deciding what the best of 2025 was. But we'll get there in the end! trust the process, folks.
Until next month, take it easy friends!
No comments:
Post a Comment