Z-Man is full tilt in this one, standing opposite a complete novice who has no idea just who he’s up against. He looks the rookie up and down and tells him he must be mistaken about being in this ring, insinuating a body like that belongs at the pool—not in a pro wrestling match. The ripped lightweight looks more Abercrombie & Fitch model than wrestler, and Z-Man wastes no time letting him know it.
From the outset, it’s all Z-Man. Danny becomes a plaything for the mature heel as crushing bear hugs squeeze the smooth-bodied rookie while Z-Man taunts in his ear. It’s not long before Z-Man starts applying constricting classic sleeper holds and tight Cobra Clutches that have Danny fading. The repetitive holds aren’t rushed—they’re a showcase of what a skilled veteran can do against a newbie who doesn’t yet understand the depth of the water he’s stepped into.
Not content with draining him, Z-Man delivers over-the-knee backbreakers while digging his elbow into those amazing abs, talking trash the entire time. Body scissors clamp down around Danny’s ribs, restricting his breathing. A Dragon Sleeper leaves him squirming like a fish out of water, a deep Camel Clutch bends him back further—and at one point, Z-Man even sings to the jobber while keeping him trapped.
After a relentless parade of sleeperholds and clutches, Z-Man decides there’s only one way to put Danny down for good. He hoists the overwhelmed rookie high and plants him with a decisive Tombstone Piledriver—reminding everyone in the ring exactly who runs the show.
