‘’Danger & Pleasure Tour ‘96’’ is the actual name of this show and I respect it.
Chris Brookes © vs. Mecha Mummy – DDT Extreme Title
Very pleased to report that there’s been a big production upgrade since the last Brookes Produce. We can actually hear the commentary now! Also, this match ruled. Brookes has limits as a straight-up wrestler, but endless potential as a nerd with crazy ideas. I just can’t say no to a monster comedy match with an ominous David Lynch soundtrack.
They did a great job establishing the Mecha Mummy character early on (weak against water, unstoppable otherwise) and managed to spread out his wacky weapon spots just enough to keep the action engaging. Good use of Shota and Masa Takanashi in manager roles + brilliant finish that saw all of the best Mecha Mummy tropes come together in genius fashion. ***
MOKUJIN KEN saved Brookes from the heel beatdown and I instantly shed a tear of pure nerd happiness. Someone get Dean Rasmussen to review 2021 DDT. I am no longer qualified.
MEN’s Teioh, Makoto Oishi & Hagane Shinno vs. Yuki Ueno, MAO & Keigo Nakamura
I missed the initial MEN’s Club run, but judging by this lineup of characters, I’m going to guess it was a pretty good time. They went for the same Lucharesu nostalgia vibe as the Super Delfin 6-man from Kawasaki Strong and delivered high-flying fun for the whole family. Teioh looked sharp guiding the kids through his vintage sequences, including the always-classic HIPTOSS’O MATIC.
Clearly, everyone was having a blast trying their hand at the retro Michinoku Pro layout – ‘’Strongest Green Boy’’ Nakamura effortlessly hanging with the veterans and springboarding his way into your heart. Bonus points for having Shota on commentary to add some perspective to the MEN’s Club legacy. ***1/4
HARASHIMA vs. Baliyan Akki
Choco Pro ICON Baliyan Akki had a fun match with Takeshita on the last Brookes Produce and this was even better. A full-on Epic Structure with dueling limb work and late-stage fighting spirit forearm showdown is a tough sell in an empty arena setting, but I’ll be damned if these two didn’t pull it off. In large parts because HARASHIMA is such a pro at laying out generous matches for lower-ranked opponents while fully maintaining his Ace facade.
He knows when to sell and when to remind you who’s boss, which is the exact balance I want from my top wrestlers. If you need any more proof that the man just gets pro-wrestling, look no further than him saving Akki’s botched 450 by selling the legs to the stomach like white hot death. Lots of gnarly striking from both guys and a super satisfying ending stretch filled with callbacks to the earlier leg story. ***1/2
