Matches from ICW-NHB Detroit 10/1

Deathmatch Circus 

Justin Kyle vs. Tank

PAS: The Kyle matches work best as violent sprints, and this had some big violent moments. At one point Kyle unloads with five big forearms to the side of the head which looked like it might pop Tank's head off, and there were some big shots with table pieces too. I think this went a bit long though and by the end got sluggish, with both guys looking a bit gassed. Finish was cool with Tank spearing Kyle through a door only to get caught in a choke, but I would have liked it more after 5 hot minutes instead of 14 warm ones.

Sadika vs. Mickie Knuckles

PAS: A battle of party aunts from different cultures, and the biggest match of Mickie's 2021 comeback run. Mickie comes out early and dominates, including crossfacing a bunch of lighttubes into Sadika's face. They brawl into the crowd, which was my favorite part of the match, Mickie is really great at that kind of reckless Coliseo Coacalco style dirt floor fighting, and Sadika is a veteran of the indy lucha wars. I really love how Mickie sells these glass shots, she has a great silent movie shocked face. Sadika has really gotten great at coming across dangerous. The ref stoppage finish is tricky in a promotion with this many insane bumps, but Sadika really does come off like she is going to go dig a hole in the woods. I liked this a lot, but feel like the rematch is really going to blow the doors off, with Mickie coming back at it.

The Pit 4 

Justin Kyle vs. Isaiah Broner

PAS: Big fan of these Kyle fist fights and Broner is a great opponent for him. Kyle clears the pit of chairs and doors to show this is going to be all knuckles. Broner has really nice body shots, and it seemed pretty clear that he was basically just digging in the ribs as hard as he could, also landing a right on the temple which splits open Kyle. Kyle hit a hard looking spin kick which looked even cooler with all of the dirt flying off his boot. Finish was a big jumping knee to the temple that slumped Broner. Really fun stuff, and Kyle in his element is one of the most fun guys in the world to watch.

Hoodfoot vs. Tank

PAS: I thought this was a little heavy on the exchanging punches, and not enough actual fighting. I also find stuff like gusset plates more gross than engaging. There were some moments I really liked, though: Hoodfoot took a big bump into the guardrail which looked great, and the finish with Tank stomping a steel chair right on Hoodfoot's head was sick, way sicker then any thumbtacks or other pokey things. Hoodfoot's best matches - like Kyle's - feel out of control, and there were too many moments of control here.