10 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe

Despite all of the chaos and very-real violence, Joe and Necro were telling a story.

Joe was the elitist, superior in-ring worker, but Butcher had that trusty 'never say die' attitude. Fans at IWA Mid-South were charmed by that, and they began rooting for him the longer he sold. This part of the doc shows the importance of selling, but also kicks off a debate about how much of the extreme violence in deathmatch wrestling is actually necessary. Like, if someone can get this kind of passion and reaction from taking a few boots, then why do all of the other stunts?

Conversely, maybe being able to withstand that kind of punishment is why people reacted. It’s up for debate, but this part of VICE's deep dive truly was fascinating; it shows a different side to the match. Also, the suplex from the ring apron was what Necro called “long-term storytelling”. He’d suplexed one of the ROH trainees at Chikara, and now Joe was doing it to him as revenge. However, both guys relent it was “a happy accident”.

That part of the psychology wasn't planned, at least. Everything else? It was well thought out. Joe's relentless smash mouth attacks were akin to slamming his fists against a fleshy brick wall, because Necro just wouldn't stay down. He did sell though, which is stunning to see considering Butcher made a name for himself by working big stunts and gnarly violence that had people reaching for some sick bags.

There was more psychology to the match than most would expect, basically.