The Young Bucks. Matt and Nick Jackson. One of the most influential tag teams of the modern era. Their high-flying, spot-heavy style has captivated audiences and inspired countless wrestlers. They’ve achieved incredible success, becoming multiple-time champions and key figures in the rise of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). But amidst all the superkicks, the spectacular dives, and the dazzling displays of athleticism, a question often lingers in the minds of wrestling fans: Have The Young Bucks ever truly had an ‘actual wrestling match’?
This isn’t a criticism of their ability. They are undeniably talented and skilled performers. However, their matches are often criticized for prioritizing spectacle over storytelling and in-ring psychology. They’re masters of the ‘spotfest,’ a style where the focus is on executing a series of impressive moves rather than building a narrative within the match. We’ll explore what defines an ‘actual wrestling match,’ examine the Young Bucks’ work through that lens, and discuss whether the criticism holds water.
So, let’s break down what makes a match ‘wrestling’ and see how the Young Bucks measure up.
Defining the ‘actual Wrestling Match’
Before we can assess the Young Bucks’ body of work, we need a clear understanding of what constitutes an ‘actual wrestling match.’ It’s more than just two people in a ring exchanging blows. It’s a carefully crafted performance that weaves together athleticism, storytelling, and audience engagement. Here are some key elements:
1. Compelling Storytelling
A great wrestling match tells a story. It’s not just about who wins; it’s about the journey. The wrestlers should have a clear motivation. There should be a sense of conflict, a build-up of tension, and a satisfying resolution. This can involve personal grudges, championship pursuits, or overcoming obstacles. The best matches create an emotional investment for the audience, making them care about the outcome.
2. In-Ring Psychology
This refers to the art of making the match believable. Wrestlers use psychology to control the pace of the match, sell their opponent’s offense, and create a sense of realism. They use subtle details, such as facial expressions, body language, and strategic positioning, to convey emotion and tell the story. This involves knowing when to slow down the pace, when to build momentum, and when to create dramatic near-falls. Understanding in-ring psychology is what separates a good wrestler from a great one.
3. Selling and Reaction
Selling is crucial. Wrestlers must convincingly portray the effects of their opponent’s moves. This involves reacting to strikes, showing signs of fatigue, and making the audience believe in the impact of the offense. A wrestler who doesn’t sell their opponent’s moves effectively undermines the believability of the match. The audience needs to see the damage being done to invest in the match. This is as important as the moves themselves.
4. Pace and Structure
A well-structured match has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning typically involves a feeling-out process, with both wrestlers testing each other. The middle builds momentum, with both wrestlers using their signature moves and near-falls. The end is the climax, with a flurry of action and a definitive finish. The pacing should be varied, with periods of fast-paced action interspersed with moments of rest and recovery. This helps to build tension and keep the audience engaged.
5. Character Work and Connection
Wrestlers need to connect with the audience through their character. This involves having a distinct personality, a clear motivation, and a believable persona. The audience needs to understand who the wrestlers are and why they should care about them. This connection can be achieved through promos, in-ring performances, and interactions with other wrestlers. Character work gives the match meaning.
6. Technical Wrestling Fundamentals
While flashy moves can be exciting, the fundamentals of wrestling are essential. This includes proper technique, safe execution, and the ability to control the pace and flow of the match. It also includes the ability to perform basic moves effectively and to chain them together in a believable manner. A solid foundation is essential for building a great match, regardless of the style.
The Young Bucks’ Wrestling Philosophy
The Young Bucks have a distinct wrestling philosophy, heavily influenced by Japanese puroresu and the independent wrestling scene. They’ve helped to popularize the ‘spotfest’ style, which emphasizes high-impact moves, creative sequences, and a fast-paced tempo. This has brought them incredible success. Let’s delve into their approach. (See Also: Are Ncaa Wrestling Championships Cancelled )
Emphasis on Athleticism and Innovation
The Young Bucks are known for their athleticism and innovative offense. They constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in a wrestling ring. They are masters of the superkick party, and they’ve incorporated a wide array of high-flying moves, dives, and complex tag team maneuvers into their repertoire. They are always trying new moves. This is exciting to watch.
Prioritization of ‘moments’
Their matches often prioritize creating memorable moments. They focus on executing visually stunning sequences. These moments are designed to elicit a strong reaction from the audience, whether it’s a gasp of awe or a burst of applause. Their matches are highlight reels.
Fast-Paced Action
The Young Bucks’ matches are typically very fast-paced, with a constant barrage of moves and sequences. There’s little downtime. They keep the action moving. This can be exciting for some viewers, but it can also lead to a lack of storytelling and a sense of repetitiveness.
Tag Team Synergy
As a tag team, the Young Bucks excel. They have incredible chemistry and execute their tag team maneuvers with precision and fluidity. They are masters of the ‘double team’ and often use their teamwork to create unique and innovative sequences. They work together seamlessly.
Analyzing the Young Bucks’ Matches
Now, let’s examine how the Young Bucks’ matches measure up against the criteria of an ‘actual wrestling match.’ We’ll look at some specific examples and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
Athleticism and Innovation: There’s no denying the Young Bucks are incredibly athletic. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ring. They bring a level of athleticism that is unmatched by many tag teams.
Spectacular Sequences: They excel at creating spectacular sequences. They are masters of the ‘spotfest’ style and can string together a series of impressive moves that leave the audience in awe. They are entertaining.
Tag Team Chemistry: Their tag team chemistry is undeniable. They work seamlessly together and execute their tag team maneuvers with precision and fluidity. They are a well-oiled machine.
Crowd Engagement: They know how to get the crowd involved. They are masters of the ‘pop’ and can generate a strong reaction from the audience. They are crowd-pleasers.
Weaknesses
Storytelling: Some critics argue that their matches often lack compelling storytelling. They may not always focus on building a narrative or creating emotional investment for the audience. The focus is often on the moves. (See Also: Are All Wrestling Matches Predetermined )
In-Ring Psychology: They can be criticized for a lack of in-ring psychology. Their matches sometimes lack the subtlety and nuance that are essential for building a believable and engaging performance. They miss the small details.
Selling: The Young Bucks have been criticized for their selling. They sometimes don’t sell their opponent’s moves convincingly, which can undermine the believability of the match. Selling is not always a priority.
Pacing and Structure: Their matches can sometimes be too fast-paced, with a constant barrage of moves and sequences. This can lead to a sense of repetitiveness and a lack of build-up. The pace doesn’t always allow for a story.
Match Examples
Let’s look at a few specific matches to illustrate these points:
Young Bucks vs. The Briscoes (various Matches)
The Young Bucks and The Briscoes have a long history of incredible matches. These matches often showcase the best of both teams. They’re known for their athleticism, high-impact moves, and tag team synergy. However, some of these matches can suffer from the same issues we’ve discussed. The focus is often on the athletic feats, with less emphasis on storytelling and in-ring psychology. While these matches are certainly exciting, they may not always meet the criteria of an ‘actual wrestling match’ in the traditional sense.
Young Bucks vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Page (aew Revolution 2020)
This match is often considered one of their best. It’s a high-quality match with a great story. The build-up was excellent, and the match itself was filled with drama and emotion. The storytelling was strong, and the wrestlers created a sense of believability. It had a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a satisfying resolution. This match is a great example of the Young Bucks’ ability to deliver a compelling performance when they prioritize storytelling.
Young Bucks vs. Ftr (aew Full Gear 2020)
This match was a throwback to classic tag team wrestling. It was a slower-paced match that emphasized in-ring psychology and storytelling. The match focused on the two teams’ contrasting styles. FTR’s old-school approach clashed with the Young Bucks’ high-flying, spot-heavy style. The match had a clear story, and the wrestlers did a good job of selling their opponent’s offense. This match is a strong example of the Young Bucks’ ability to adapt their style and deliver a different type of performance.
Note: These are just a few examples. The Young Bucks have had many matches. Assessing each one individually would be a massive undertaking. However, these examples provide a good overview of their strengths and weaknesses.
The Verdict: Do They Have ‘actual’ Wrestling Matches?
So, have the Young Bucks ever had an ‘actual wrestling match’? The answer is complex. It depends on your definition and what you prioritize in a wrestling match. Here’s a breakdown:
The Case Against
Spotfest Focus: Their matches often prioritize a series of impressive moves over storytelling and in-ring psychology. The focus is on the spectacle, not the narrative. (See Also: Are The Wwe Arm Wrestling Matches Real )
Selling Concerns: They can sometimes fail to sell their opponent’s moves convincingly. This undermines the believability of the match.
Pace Issues: Their matches can be too fast-paced, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and a lack of build-up.
The Case For
Moments of Brilliance: They are capable of delivering compelling performances when they prioritize storytelling, as demonstrated in matches like their bout with Kenny Omega and Adam Page.
Adaptability: They can adapt their style to different opponents and match different styles. This is shown in their match against FTR.
Tag Team Synergy: Their tag team chemistry is undeniable. They execute complex maneuvers with precision and fluidity.
Entertainment Value: They are entertaining. They know how to get the crowd involved and create memorable moments.
The Conclusion
The Young Bucks have undoubtedly contributed to wrestling. They’ve brought a unique style and have helped shape the modern wrestling landscape. While their matches may not always adhere to the traditional definition of an ‘actual wrestling match,’ they are still highly entertaining and often showcase incredible athleticism and innovation. Whether you consider them to have ‘actual wrestling matches’ is a matter of personal preference. They may not always prioritize the elements that some fans value most, such as storytelling and in-ring psychology, but they excel in other areas. They are a testament to the fact that there’s more than one way to deliver a compelling wrestling performance.
Final Verdict
The Young Bucks have carved a unique path in professional wrestling, influencing a generation of performers. While their emphasis on high-flying action and spectacular sequences may not always align with traditional wrestling ideals, they’ve undeniably entertained audiences and achieved considerable success. Their legacy is one of innovation and influence, regardless of whether every match fits the mold of a storytelling masterpiece.
Ultimately, the debate over whether the Young Bucks have ‘actual wrestling matches’ boils down to individual preference. Some fans prioritize storytelling and in-ring psychology, while others prioritize athleticism and exciting sequences. The Young Bucks provide a high-octane experience, and whether that’s considered ‘actual wrestling’ is up to each viewer.
They’ve proven themselves to be incredibly successful and influential. Their impact on the wrestling world is undeniable. They have a loyal fanbase and have helped to shape the landscape of professional wrestling. The Young Bucks will continue to be a topic of discussion among wrestling fans for years to come.
