Random Racks

Sometimes I think about changing the title of my blog to "Bodyslam and Torture Rack Fan", but since the current name has such strong brand recognition, it's probably best not to mess with it.  Still, that doesn't mean I can't post awesome pictures of torture racks (since it's my blog, I guess I can post whatever I want).  I like shoulder racks for many of the same reasons I like bodyslams.  It's a great lift and carry move that gives the alpha wrestler the opportunity to show who is in charge.  And it's easier to pick up and carry around your victim in a rack than it is for a bodyslam.  But from a jobber's perspective it can be different.  A bodyslam can be kind of fun at first because you get picked up and carried around before the pain of the slam, but with a torture rack, the punishment comes immediately with being carried around.  And if you want to be a super alpha wrestler, you can make the jobber suffer for as long as you want with a rack.  Several of the pics above come from Thunders Arena because the wrestlers there do a great job with torture racks.  But the move has universal appeal among all wrestlers, so you can see it pretty much anywhere.  It's just an awesome move.

Wrestling in Japan

I've said before that I lost interest in WWE style wrestling many years ago.  It revolves too much around drama and theatrics outside the ring, focusing more on the "Entertainment" in WWE and less on the "Wrestling".  But not all pro wrestling is like that.  Not long ago the Ringside at Skull Island blog had a link to a match from Japan which reminded me why I enjoy watching Japanese style pro wrestling.  It's a  main event bout from Dramatic Dream Team Wrestling featuring Konosuke Takeshita and Kota Umeda, both 20 year old wrestlers.  I like it because there's so much "real" about the match.  Take the wrestlers, for example.  Both are athletic young dudes, but physically not the type you would see with WWE superstars, especially when featured in a "main event" bout.  They actually look like real athletes.  And while there's some drama and theatrics, mostly for its comic effect, this match is all about the wrestling.  Both wrestlers execute moves and endure punishment so convincingly that it looks like a real wrestling match.  Hell, for all I know, most of it really is real competition.  And that's why it's such an fun match to watch.  Check out Joe's Ringside blog for a link to the match and for his own commentary which is much more insightful that anything I could ever say.

Of course, to be true to my blog, I have to mention that Konosuke Takeshita delivers some excellent bodyslams during the match (see above), and looking the alpha wrestler in the process by grabbing a handful of Umeda's ass.  And pardon me for playing spoiler here by showing you how Konosuke wins the match, executing a sick suplex and wrestler's bridge that leaves Umeda dazed and pinned in defeat.  You've got a new fan in me, Konosuke!

Backbreaker Monday

It's Monday.  The first day of the work week. Seems like a good day to have a tribute to the backbreaker because a job can be backbreaking work, amiright fellas?  Too bad we all can't be pro wrestlers.  I know these dudes put in a lot of hard work, but in the ring they make it look like too much fun for it to be just a job.  Have a good week, guys, and keep up the good work!

Kota Ibushi

Japanese wrestler Kota Ibushi comes in at a strapping 5'11" and 190 pounds.  Very good stats for a wrestler, in my opinion.  In the past he's appeared at Ring Of Honor, but his current home is Dramatic Dream Team (DDT) wrestling in Japan.  DDT has several videos on YouTube that are worth checking out.  They have put on shows in some creative locations outside of a ring, including an apartment complex, a camp ground, and a parking lot.  I like the originality of it.  They think outside the box (or squared circle).