Background: In the opening round of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla’s annual epic tournament, former PWG Heavyweight champion Chris Hero took on relative new comer Willie Mack.
Battle of Los Angeles
Reseda, CA
August 20, 2011
Chris Hero vs. Willie Mack
Willie Mack did a great job hanging with the much quicker and arguably better technician in Chris Hero, but the grappling prowess of Hero allowed him to get free of several submissions and attain a couple of pinning combinations. When the pace quickened, Hero went for a leapfrog, but didn’t get high enough to sail over the somewhat vertical Mack, getting head-butted in the nuts. Hero immediately rolled to the floor, into the crowd to collect himself while asking, “What the f***?” WTF indeed.
Mack used the somewhat illegal action to his advantage, arm dragging Hero over and over again. Hero was sick of the wrestling, throwing knife-edge chops. Mack fired back with some chops of his own, sending Hero to the floor again. When Hero reentered, he met a World Star Hip Hop influenced elbow drop. Not one to have his hip-hop knowledge questioned, Hero flying clotheslined Willie. Hero measured Mack, using one of those flash kicks before unleashing a senton splash. The crowd was split down the middle as Mack turned this into a brawl against after being locked in the cravat. Rolling elbow by Hero! Hero was so busy mocking Mack that he forgot to go for the pin, allowing Mack to recover when Chris did use the lateral press. Hero’s kicks and forearms had Mack hurt, but angered. The same thing happened for Hero when Willie started kicking him in the chest, using another sick forearm. Mack no sold several right fists to the head. What did hurt was a poke to the eyes of Willie.
Suddenly, Mack exploded with a flying kick after being whipped into the ropes, knocking Hero to the floor for a beautiful somersault plancha! Mack and Hero reentered, with Hero taking a clothesline-back elbow-shoulder tackle combination. Samoan drop-standing moonsault combo couldn’t put Hero down. The fans were supportive of both competitors still as Hero missed the flying elbow in the corner. Stinger splash set up Mack’s MCX and a tribute to the Human Tornado with a little dancing and the patented Tornado split kick to the balls. Mack took too much time playing to the crowd, allowing Hero to unleash a big boot … for a two count!
Hero scaled the ropes, missing the moonsault. Hero landed on his feet, only to get turned inside out with a flying clothesline. Mack went to hoist Hero up, but got suplexed on his head. Flying forearm by Hero set up the Liger Bomb … and another near fall!
Hero couldn’t believe it when the Ripcord Elbow couldn’t get the job done either. Taking his elbow pads, Hero peppered Mack with elbow. Somehow, some way, Mack survived another Rolling Elbow, avoiding KTFO to splash Hero. Chris recovered in time to knee Mack in position for the Cyclone Kill. Rather than go for the pin, Hero hooked Mack for the Hero’s Welcome. Mack reversed the maneuver, jackknife backsliding Hero for the upset!
Winners: Willie Mack (19:17)
Is It A Classic: An absolutely fantastic way to open the show with a surprising ending. Just magnificent stuff all around.
