Kevin Steen vs. Claudio Castagnoli from C*4’s Rise Above 2009

 

This match features Kevin Steen defending the C*4 Title against Claudio Castagnoli, who was given the name, Antonio Cesaro in WWE Developmental.

 

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TJ Hawke’s Analysis

For the first five minutes, neither man got in any serious offense, but a shoulder takedown by Steen opened the door for him to do some damage.  The crowd told Steen to get “mean” so Steen ripped the band aid off of Claudio’s head.  Steen started selling his knee (this was right before ROH was teasing his retirement due to knee injuries).  Claudio left the match and got a microphone.  Claudio made fun of Steen and the fans for not being in as good shape as him. That is definitely true.  Claudio asked Steen to just hand over the title or he will end his career.  Steen slapped him and rolled him up for a nearfall.  Claudio quickly recovered went to town on Steen’s injured knee.  Claudio used a chair to do damage too.  Claudio locked in a half-crab on the injured knee, but Steen crawled to the ropes.  Claudio then locked in the Sharp Shooter!  Steen managed to make the ropes again.  Steen came back and hit a tornado DDT to slow the giant man down.  Steen hit the pumphandle neckbreaker, but it ws on Steen’s injured knee. Steen went to the top rope, but Claudio met him up there.  Steen bit Claudio’s head.  Steen went for a senton, but Claudio got his knees up. Brogue Kick from Claudio! Alpamare Waterslide: 1…2…NO!  Claudio locked in another single leg crab, but Steen made the ropes again..  Claudio went for the Ricola Bomb, but Steen rolled through and locked in the Sharp Shooter!  Claudio taps!

 

I really enjoyed this match.  If you have only seen them work the fast ROH style, then this match may surprise you.  They worked it slow, but very smart and very crowd engaging.  Steen spent most of 2009 selling his knee seemingly, so he pretty much had it down pat in this match.  I really miss Claudio on the independents; he is an incredible talent.  Both of these men should be making millions in wrestling.