Well, since no other Joe voter wants to step up and help him win this like he should, I'll gladly do the job. Can't let Joe get the Edge/HBK like win.
Canek is the one man in this bracket whose power truly negates Joe's size. Canek not only bodyslammed Andre - he also did the same thing to Yokozuna (albeit s slightly smaller, 460+ lb version named Kokina) and holds a victory over Hulk Hogan.
Very impressive indeed.
But, let me ask you this... has El Canek ever been in the ring with someone not only the size of Samoa Joe, but someone who was also as athletically gifted as him? I don't think so, man.
Samoa Joe, in my opinion, is one of the most impressive specimens throughout the history of pro wrestling. Bitch about in-ring 'psychology' and promo ability all you want, but on Raw, athletic talent... this guy is truly unbelievable. I mean, when you look at him, you don't see a guy who can run a 4.5 40 (something Kurt Angle claims Joe has done), and can jump over that top rope like any Lucha Libre star you could ever name. No, at first glance, you just see a fat slob, but Samoa Joe is anything but. He's one of the most gifted athletes I've ever seen in pro wrestling, and I just don't see someone like El Canek could ever slow this man down.
I also have to invoke "The Thesz Rub." Thesz was the UWA Champion who put Canek over and on the map. The fact is, Thesz was and is an absolute legend and the man didn't lose to just anybody. Nor did Hogan. Nor did Andre. Nor did Inoki.
Honestly man, let someone like Samoa Joe be around back then... his size, family origin, and his athletic ability... Thesz would have respected the guy deeply, no doubt, and I'm sure he would have given him the rub. Of course, that's pure speculation and there's no way I could ever prove it, but all I can say is that I truly believe it. Maybe you'll end up agreeing with that though...
There is one rival Canek has not been able to defeat, and that's Mil Mascaras.
Somebody's been doing their homework, I see.
Samoa Joe is no Mil Mascaras.
I know; he's better.
At least, let me put it this way... Joe could do things in that ring than Mil Mascaras couldn't dream of pulling off. Joe can not only fly like a Cruiserweight, but he contains unbelievable brute strength within him as well and can pull off INNOVATIVE power moves on pretty much anybody below 300/350 pounds, including El Canek (or Mil Mascaras, for that matter).
Don't vote for Joe because he has a nickname like "The Samoan Submission Machine." Canek gets the gold because he has the power the neutralize Joe and the submission repitoire to make the fat man tap.
I'm not voting for Joe because of his nickname my man, but for the simple fact that he's twice the athlete El Canek could ever dream of being, and because he's just as tough, if not tougher, as Canek, too.
20 minutes into the match, a beat up El Canek gets a second wind, makes a little comeback, and goes for the Gorilla Press Slam... but on his way up, Joe is able to get behind Canek, and proceeds to lock in the choke, where Canek has two choices: Tap Out or Go to Sleep. Which one does he do, IC? I'll let you decide that part.