1. Chief Jay Strongbow Vs. "Bulldog" Don Kent - Shark Cage Match, Big Time Wrestling
Maybe it's a bit of a cheat to include this one on the list. But then why does it feel so right? The basic concept of a cage match is simple and wonderful: There's nowhere to run, so get fighting or get climbing. The Shark Cage Match between Strongbow and Kent ensured that neither of these two dictums could be followed, because the cage was barely larger than the two men trapped inside of it. The move sets for each competitor was limited to pretty much three moves: punch, slap, and choke. That's all the space would allow. At one point, Strongbow attempts to hoist himself up using the cage bars so he could finally use any other appendage and kick his opponent. It was not convincing. Also not convincing? The idea that it was somehow difficult for either man to "escape" the cage, which was the only way to win the match. For one, the door kept popping open accidentally, leading to several unintentionally hilarious moments with both performers pretending they didn't notice (despite the fact that the door is all of 9 inches away from their bodies) while an obviously frustrated referee hastily closes it again. To add insult to injury, when Strongbow actually does want to open the door to win the match, it gets jammed. That's right, the door spends about 75% of the match wide open only to remain stubbornly closed the one time nobody wants it to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOxv-LkhMI Good try, guys. Good try.
