Gunnar vs Wildcard (No Holds Barred 126) - Thunders Arena

Much like my last review this one is about some big guys duking it out. But only two of them this time. 

"Three taps and I'm kicking your ass"

There's almost no preamble. No showy flexing or bumping chests. Gunnar and Wildcard get straight to it in Thunders' 126th edition of their No Holds Barred collection. It's clear from the start of the self-described "Battle of the Big Boys" that these two titans are well-matched in a fairly honest grappling bout. "Big Boys" feels like an understatement when you have two brick shithouses on a wrestling mat.

The muscles aren't all for show. Gunnar and Wildcard clearly have some wrestling experience that they put to good use against each other. Barely a minute into the match and you can see both men glistening with sweat. 

This is the kind of match I like watching and if you were to ask me about my favorite matches, it's videos like this that would make up the majority of my list.

The match is full of intense ground work, spladles, splits, bearhugs, etc. It's a great back-and-forth contest as control switches from one guy to another on a whim. Watching Gunnar and Wildcard strain their muscles as they push and roll around the increasingly sweaty mat is a real treat. It feels much more authentic than a lot of Thunders Arena matches (not that I dislike the more showy displays every so often), which is why this sits high on my list.

That's not to say this match isn't showy at all. It wouldn't be a Thunders Arena video without that performative element to it. 

How could you not flex if you look like this?

As with many even contests, the likelihood of unsportsmanlike behavior occurring rises over time. Ball claws aplenty (and some spanking) take some precedence over more traditional grappling moves. But what else would you expect from a no holds barred match on the internet?

Shortly after the halfway mark is where things really heat up. At one point Gunnar and Wildcard land a ball claw and choke on each other at the same time! They both collapse to the mat in pain and continue their tussle for dominance. Easily my favorite part of the match.

Gunnar trying to force his way out of a headlock

So even is this contest that both men knock each other out with sleepers at different points. But of course, knocking out their opponent clearly wasn't enough for these two. They want more out of this match, and I'm grateful. More huffing and sweating follows as these two continue their battle. Their bodies become slick, highlighting their muscles excellently in the light.

A final, painful split piles on the pressure for one unlucky beefcake. It's a battle of muscle, skill, and resilience right until the end. The aftermath is an acknowledgement of their great battle. They wipe down and admire each other. A satisfying conclusion to a match I thoroughly enjoyed watching. But who wins? That's up to you to find out.

Gunnar vs Wildcard - No Holds Barred 126 has a runtime of of 20:45. It can be found on Thunders Arena's official site here.