Samoa Joe vs Rainman (IWA MS, 9-18-2004)

IWA Mid-South Ted Petty Invitational, Highland, IN

On to the semifinal round! Joe being here is no surprise, he was a tournament favorite and has beaten Roderick Strong and Nigel McGuinness in two terrific matches. Rainman, on the other hand, is the real Cinderella of the tournament, upsetting both Chris Sabin and 2003 TPI winner Danny Daniels.

This one is short and violent. Rainman, tired and knowing the enormous challenge that faces him, decides to do the one thing that gives him the best chance: as soon as his name is announced in the ring, Rainman charges Joe and aggressively attacks with forearms and body shots.

Rainman whips Joe to the opposite corner, runs in with a forearm, runs in with a boot, and then as Joe staggers toward the center of the ring, Rainman bounces off the ropes and DRILLS him with a boot for the cover.

One count. Joe’s awake, and he’s pissed. Rainman lays in shots that have no impact, hits the ropes, misses a clothesline, and Joe comes literally screaming off the other side with a monster lariat for the win in 54 seconds.

I love this match, really, it’s as fun a one-minute match as you’ll ever see. The logic of it is super tight, with Rainman tired and worn down, knowing the best chance he has is to catch Joe cold early. It doesn’t work, but he gave it the legitimate shot instead of just being gradually picked apart and overwhelmed for 12 minutes or whatever. (Also, the show was running really long, everyone was getting tired, and we needed something like this.)

Rating: 3/5