The Internet Is Going NUTS Over This Spanish Wrestling Match

A Kid Square Up
White Wolf Wrestling

Instantly, you feel the heat smack you in the face. Appropriately enough, it’s like walking off the plane and entering a Mediterranean country: the crowd creates an amazing atmosphere for the entrances alone.

In one corner stands Zack Sabre, Jr., a technical specialist that is to the 2010s what Daniel Bryan was to the 2000s: a genius of realistic in-ring storytelling with an underlying streak of pure viciousness. He has advanced the art beyond Bryan’s achievements as Bryan Danielson, in that he can apply an ornate submission hold with the awesome suddenness of an impact power move.

In the other stands A-Kid: a wrestler you may not have known about prior to the match, but who emerges from it having left an indelible impression with a scorching brand of babyface fire.

Like all great wrestling matches, the tone is set before the bell rings. Sabre squares up to Kid immediately. They clash jaws. Sabre sends a message, through body language, to those unfamiliar with his opponent. A-Kid is a big deal. The belt he holds is a big deal. He wants it. He needs to throw his d*ck on the table to intimidate him.

The commitment to realism is immediate. Immaculate. As Sabre attempts to grab hold of Kid’s arm in the opening exchange, every bit of Kid anticipates it. He snatches his arm back reflexively. He ducks his shoulder almost imperceptibly. There’s a look of apprehension etched on his face. He knows what Zack, his much-travelled opponent, one of the world’s very best, is capable of.

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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!