10 Classic Matches Bettered By Spiritual Sequels

3. Blitzkrieg Vs. Juventud Guerrera - WCW Spring Stampede 1999

Backlot Brawl Chicago Street Fight
WWE.com/NJPW

Bettered by: Prince Devitt Vs. Kota Ibushi - NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 8

Fittingly enough for a bout contested by Blitzkrieg, it was fought with lightning pace. Stuffed with aerials cutting edge for their time, it was one of the more dazzling entries in WCW's seminal cruiserweight canon. That said, it was too ambitious to keep up with itself. There are at least three moments in which everything unravelled - Blitzkrieg at one point tried to hit an avalanche twisting casadora driver, only to lose his footing and land ignominiously in a crumpled heap.

Devitt vs. Ibushi was also built upon a similar narrative - Devitt, as the slightly less spectacular aerialist, was more driven to ground his opponent than take flight himself. It was a more slow-burning affair, and a successful attempt at layering the cruiser template with a more nuanced structure.

A satisfying exercise in restraint and psychology, Devitt with the help of his interfering Bullet Club brethren managed to contain Ibushi, achieving multiple objectives in the process. By employing a sound and realistic strategy, Devitt ensured that when Ibushi did take to the skies, the fans were far more receptive to his awe-inspiring arsenal through rapt anticipation.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!