PWG FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE (FSM 89; Jan 13)

Information - DVD Region: All Regions - Distributor: Pro Wrestling Guerilla - Price: $14.99 - Other info: 150 mins - Weblink: www.ProWrestlingGuerrilla.com

The die-hard fans in Reseda, California are no strangers to the "card subject to change" speech, but rarely does it yield such a positive result as that which came with PWG's latest DVD release, entitled Failure To Communicate.

With just a few days' notice, Kenny Omega returns to the promotion he once called home, bringing with him his trademark athleticism and engaging charisma. Omega and former rival El Generico take on The Young Bucks in what is easily the show's most exciting contest, and with everything from simultaneous tope-con-hilos from the babyface duo, to an extremely heated arm wrestling match, the battle offers the fast-paced action and light-hearted fun that fans have come to expect from Omega.

It may struggle to follow the semi-main event, but Kevin Steen's PWG World title defence against Michael Elgin and Ricochet is another highly-entertaining match. Making the most of the Three Way Dance stipulation, there are some fun multi-man spots, including Elgin demonstrating his monstrous strength by carrying Ricochet in his arms and Steen on his shoulders at the same time. Elgin gives Omega a run for his money as the show's MVP, as he also works a stellar undercard contest against Eddie Edwards, which is the sleeper hit of the evening.

Other stand-outs include Rich Swann, who, following an impressive year elsewhere, makes his PWG debut in a solid effort against Roderick Strong. While some nerves are evident, Swann's high-flying offence gets the crowd on their feet from the early going, and the back-and-forth nature of the match keeps them engaged until a very satisfying conclusion.

In a battle of PWG's young stars of recent times, Brian Cage and Willie Mack deliver an enjoyable grudge match that feels more like a set up for another encounter in the future, rather than a one-and-done. Cage shines as a cocky heel here, in opposition to Mack's explosive babyface character.

While still meeting the lofty standards of a PWG show in 2012, Failure To Communicate is closer to the bottom end of the scale for the promotion. An uncharacteristically quiet crowd in parts, and some underwhelming undercard contests such as Ryan Taylor versus Joey Ryan, mean that this is a less superlative showing than some of the company's other offerings of last year.

With that said, the top matches are very satisfying, and the show still comes with a strong recommendation for fans of great wrestling.