Before we start discussing the top five best matches on the independent wrestling circuit this month, we would like to discuss the absolute worst – the ACW wrestling show. We would like to mention that this show took place the night before the WWE pay-per-view Extreme Rules, and ACW decided to attempt to get their own version of an Extreme Rules pay-per-view.

They failed miserably. The wrestlers used every type of weapon including doors, trash can lids, and large cookie sheets. However, we feel that they relied too much on work outside of the ring, and not enough on the action inside of the ring. We also feel if imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, then the WWE would prefer not to be flattered. But, enough about the matches that we wish we hadn’t seen, and on to the matches that had us screaming for more. We are starting at the bottom with number five and working our way to the top ending with the best independent match this month let begin the Countdown

The number five spot on the countdown goes to a match that took place across the pond in England at the ICW versus PCW Decider pay-per-view. This pay-per-view was incredibly unique because ICW and PCW come from opposite ends of the country, the north and south respectively, while this regional United Kingdom showdown provided many wonderful matches to entertain us, it was the match of Sammy Smooth versus Moose that won the fifth spot on our countdown.

The slow start of the match was the main reason that it scored a low spot. The beginning of the match consisted of mostly chair shots and chops. Very few technical moves were used for about the first 10 minutes of the match. The early parts of the match also consisted of work which took place outside of the ring. However, once Smooth and Moose into the ring the real magic of the match began. Smooth went to work on one of Moose’s legs and continued to contort and place pressure on Moose’s leg until he rendered Moose unable to use that leg. Smooth also showed tremendous stamina and ingenuity by using the ropes to his advantage repeatedly trapping Moose’s leg in between the two ropes. However, in the end, Moose managed to pin Smooth for victory.

The number four spot on our countdown goes to a match between Anthony Henry and Fred Yehi at Style Battle season one episode five. Both competitors showed extreme heart during this match. Yehi and Henry had both wrestled twice already in the tournament, which is the reason this match didn’t make it to a higher place on the countdown. The energy seemed lacking in both competitors towards the end of the match. If we had a category for the wrestler with the most heart, the prize would definitely go to Anthony Henry in this match.

It is worth noting that Henry entered this match as a wild card only gaining entry because he won a battle royal. However, Henry definitely proved his worth to us during this match. He managed to kick out of three pin falls in a row. Also, it is worth acknowledging that Fred Yehi has a very unique way of disabling opponents he uses the technique of stepping on opponents joints. He particularly tends to step on hands and wrists. Stepping on these joints can make it particularly difficult for opponents to secure wrestling holds, however Henry managed to fight his way out of Yehi’s submission hold and pin him for a victory.

Number three goes to the match of Fred Yehi versus Joey Janela at Full Impact Pro Wrestling. Before we go any further, we would like to acknowledge that yes, we realize that we put two of Fred Yehi’s matches on this countdown, and there is a simple reason for that; he is simply that good. While Jenella showed heart while defending himself against Yehi’s vicious stomps this match was a great opportunity for Yehi to showcase his talent without the additional matches and time limits that Style Battle placed on him.

Coming in at number two on our countdown is the match at Evolve 86 to between Zach Sabre Jr and Matt Riddle. These two wrestlers put on a classic match showcasing techinical moves and grapples. It should also be noted that Zach seemed to be a much better wrestler than the one that we saw at WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic this summer. Perhaps he was trying to conform to WWE’s ideas to much.

At number one on our countdown is the match between Jason Kincaid and Timothy Thatcher. This wrestling match had something for everyone. There were technical style grapples, aerial work, and even some Japanese style moves. Kincaid’s character was strange but engaging, and his meditating in the ring in the middle of the match was a hilarious addition. In the end, it was his knowledge of Japanese wrestling maneuvers that secured him the victory.

That’s all for now, see you back here next month for another edition of T and D’s Indy Top Five.