3 questions thread

[Guest Coffin Surfer]

1. 5 desert island matches and a quick why?

 

2A. Favorite aerial move performed by which wrestler?

2B. Favorite Power move or Suplex and who's version?

2C. Favorite move(or sequence) that ended a particular match?

2D. Most annoying move(The Rolling Cradle is not an option as most cannot grasp it's true greatness thus attack it out of ignorance!).

 

[

1. Hokuto vs. Kandori 4/93-Blood, cool moves, stiff brawling, tons of emotion, and great storytelling. Not to mention one of the greatest performances ever.

 

Kawada vs. Jun 7/93-not one of the greatest matches ever, but one of my personal favs. I could watch Kawada punt Jun in the face all day long.

 

Kawada/Taue vs. Misawa/Kobashi 12/93, 6/95-I love the 94 match too, but these two go so well together back to back. Sure Kobashi acts all bitchy in the 95 match, but after watching what he did to Kawada in the 93 match, it's great to see him crying and bitching when the situation is reversed.

 

Benoit vs. Black Tiger 11/96?-I just really get into this match. From Benoit's heel offense of Sleepers and Chinlocks to Black Tiger's superface comebacks. Hell, they even effectively tease some spots from their 94 matches like the Super Tombstone.

 

 

2A. Misawa's Elbow Suicida

2B. Beniot's Wild Bomb

2C. 6/3/94-Kawada finally escapes Misawa's Germans, the stare down, the symbolic corner spot, Kawada's heart breaking comeback attempt, Tiger Driver 91. Best ending sequence ever.

2D. STF=Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[Guest DragonflyKid]

1. Male/female comparisions -Example: Toyota & Kobashi; tendendancy to be goofy when not held in check by their opponent. Taka Michinoku & Momoe Nakanishi; Momoe's size, speed and grace reminded me of Taka. Aja Kong & Vader; World class monsters. Who else is comparable?, is Hokuto and Kawada comparable? Hokuto is vocal while Kawada is stoic but they are both pychologically strong, is Hokuto's injuries preventing her from winning the championships she would have won and Kawada's futility against Misawa and his multiple injuries when he finally achieved success comparable? Jumbo helped establish 4 superstars, he helped Misawa, Kobashi and Kawada look crebible while taking Taue as his protege; Jaguar helped train a generation of the very best female wrestlers after revolutionalizing joshi puroresu herself.

 

2. Recent/future viewings? -I recently been watching joshi, I went through alot of 90's AJPW and now am hooked on the women. The Double Destiny '99 Kong/Satomura match was great, reminded me of Jumbo/Misawa somewhat. I saw some older stuff, Chigusa/Dump hair vs hair had a great atmosphere but I didn't think the match was good; Riot in the Rising Sun was good as I finally got to see Jaguar, wasn't blown away but for that time period I could tell she was ahead of her time. The announcing was god-awful though, every move is a slam, every submission is a scissor hold, everything else is tricky, tricky and the stocky mexian girl may or may not have eaten burritos for breakfast. Watched T2P comes to Japan, definitely a style I've never seen, complex submissions and tricky, tricky, tricky moves everywhere. I liked it but instead of building a match they seemed to go out there and do all this elaborate stuff until one submission finally ended it. I currently have 7 joshi tapes on the way, more mid 90's AJW stuff as well as some comps of '98-'02 AJW and other promotions.

 

3. Signs one watches too much prowres -I admit to considerable goofiness by hulking up Kobashi-like when I stub my toe or get hurt playing a sport. I even test my fighting-spirit by ending my showering sessions by turning off the hot water and seeing how long I can fight the bitter cold while hulking up. I also get into the wrestling matches by counting along with the ref on nearfalls then raise my hands displaying the fact it was only a two count before applauding.

 

 

 

1. Male/Female comparisions.

 

2. Recent/future viewings?

 

3. Signs one watches too much prowres.

[Guest wolverine]

"1. Male/Female comparisions."

 

I don't like the Momoe/Taka comparison at all. Hell, I don't remember one Taka match where he got me emotionally involved in a match with his actions. Momoe actually reminds me of a young Kenta Kobashi, without the moveset. Inconsistent selling at times, but a whole hell of a lot of fire and passion for what she does.

 

"2. Recent/future viewings?"

 

Kiyoshi Tamura and Volk Han...nuff said.

 

"3. Signs one watches too much prowres."

 

I dunno, thinking about what matches you're going to watch when you get home from work?

[Guest Jubuki]

Stubbed Toe Fighting Spirit~!

 

I need to start making Ohtani faces when my tests and experiments don't go as planned.

[Guest RickyChosyu]

3. Signs one watches too much prowres.

 

I've actually pictured Aja Kong hitting the Uraken on teachers I strongly dislike, believe it or not.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

3. Signs one watches too much prowres.

 

Two words: Sofa Plancha.

[Guest DragonflyKid]

"1. Male/Female comparisions."

 

I don't like the Momoe/Taka comparison at all. Hell, I don't remember one Taka match where he got me emotionally involved in a match with his actions. Momoe actually reminds me of a young Kenta Kobashi, without the moveset. Inconsistent selling at times, but a whole hell of a lot of fire and passion for what she does.

 

That's why I made comparisions between their size, speed and grace, Taka may not have the emotion but he was very fluid and athletic. The Kobashi comparision when it comes to fire and passion I'd agree with, I loved the part in the 9/16/01 Ito match where Ito placed Momoe in the corner hanging upside-down, gave her three lariats before Momoe pulled herself up and screamed. Don't know I'd call her goofy but some of the same things I love about Kobashi, Toyota and Ohtani I see in Momoe.

[Guest cynicalprofit]

3. Signs one watches too much prowres.

Sure I can survive a 15 foot jump off a building.

[Guest The Mighty Damaramu]

Greatest thread ever.

 

"3. Signs one watches too much prowres."

When going to the kitchen I often hold my hands above my head like Steve Austin did. Or I used to take my friends fake WCW World Title when I was in High School and stand on the top of a car in the school parking lot challenging him to come get it with it held high over my head. Or how about imagining yourself having the greatest pro wrestling match of all time during an important lecture in college?

 

Here's my questions:

 

1. If you ever think of yourself as a wrestler. Are you the greatest wrestler ever? Putting on constant 5-star matches over and over?

 

2. Which wrestler in Japan(so nobody can say HHH) do you wish would drop off the face of the earth?

 

3. M-Pro or Toryumon!?

 

For me:

 

1. Damn straight. I have a 4-5 star outing on ever PPV and 3 1/2 star matches on TV. I use my political powers for good. I've held multiple world titles in every promotion and am responsible for WWE/NJ/AJ having a great relationship resulting in an America vs. Japan Wargames(with me doing the JOB to Kawada)...sigh......if only I had a genie.

 

2. Umm.....don't watch much current Japan. But from what I've heard it'd be nice if Mutoh fell off the Earth but left the TC behind.

 

3. Haven't seen Toryumon so M-Pro all the way baby!

[Guest DragonflyKid]

cynicalprofit Posted on Dec 4 2002, 10:46 AM

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QUOTE  

3. Signs one watches too much prowres.

 

Sure I can survive a 15 foot jump off a building.  

 

If one were to jump 15 feet off a building one must make sure that if they feel they incured any serious injuries that they must hulk-up and no-sell the fall immediately.

 

 

1. If you ever think of yourself as a wrestler. Are you the greatest wrestler ever? Putting on constant 5-star matches over and over? Oh yes I daydream about being the greatest, after growing up training in the martial arts I started training to become a wrestler when I was 15. I made my debut at age 16, after refusing several offers from the WWF and WCW I headed to Japan after turning 18(Around '97) because I was serious about the art of wrestling and felt SE would be degrading. I was a natural who dominated the NJ Juniors before moving onto and dominating the Heavies than defected to NOAH where I put on great matches including classics against Vader, Kobashi, Misawa and Akiyama, I only spent a year there before mounting injuries made me take time off before returning to Japan to feelance while contemplating starting a promotion of my own in the states. During my brief carrer I executed moves never attempted before and revolutionalized the business much like Dynamite Kid and Liger while being the top draw in Japan.

 

2. Which wrestler in Japan(so nobody can say HHH) do you wish would drop off the face of the earth? -Mutoh, I don't want to sound sentimental and I know after the Misawa-led exodus AJ was not ever going to be the same but Mutoh's current booking does alter tradition and not in an improving way.

 

3. M-Pro or Toryumon!?

Having only seen a Michinoku Pro '96 comp which was great and T2P comes to Japan which I was impressed with I can't really judge.

[Guest The Mighty Damaramu]

Well see I totally changed the SE WWE Style. There is no more WWE style. There is my style. That's why I was able to form a working relationship with Japan. Because the style i brought was better. And I have so much political clout that i changed the entire promotion.

[Guest DragonflyKid]

1. Favorite series of matches, Misawa vs. Kawada or Misawa vs. Kobashi? -I admit the psychology is more rich in the Kawada/Misawa series but I seem enjoy the Kobashi/Misawa series more. Whereas some hated the later MM/KK matchs I still enjoyed them and 10/31/98 is one of my all-time favs. From a consistency standpoint the MM/Kawada may have won out but I think KK/MM had more great matches(****1/2+).

 

2. Dump/Chigusa (Hair vs. hair) 11/7/86, Overrated? -I'm aware that School girls were the target audience and that the match is over 15 years old but I still find this match to be pimped as if it were great. The pre match stuff was cool and the atmosphere for the match was great but the match itself wasn't very good, certainly below the Kong/Toyota matches.

 

3. Favorite wrestlers(Not who one thinks is best):

3A. Kobashi or Kawada. -Kobashi's my favorite no matter who he's up against.

3B. Misawa or Kawada. -Toss-up, I'd watch either one equally.

3C. Misawa or Kobashi. -Again Kobashi slightly wins.

3D. Hokuto or Toyota. -Another close call but goofiness wins out, I like Toyota's energy, I'll admit she's not the complete wrestler Hokuto is but she has the wrestling style I prefer more.

3E. Kong or Hokuto. -I love watching both of them, again a cop-out toss-up.

3F. Liger or Ohtani. -As much as I enjoy watching Ohtani I like watching Liger more. I have seen more Liger matches so maybe my opinion will change in the future as Ohtani has the potential to be up there with Toyota and Kobashi on my favorites list.

 

1. Favorite series of matches, Misawa vs. Kawada or Misawa vs. Kobashi?

 

2. Dump/Chigusa (Hair vs. hair) 11/7/86, Overrated?

 

3. Favorite wrestlers(Not who one thinks is best neccessarily):

3A. Kobashi or Kawada.

3B. Misawa or Kawada.

3C. Misawa or Kobashi.

3D. Hokuto or Toyota.

3E. Kong or Hokuto.

3F. Liger or Ohtani.

[Guest wolverine]

1. Favorite series of matches, Misawa vs. Kawada or Misawa vs. Kobashi?

 

Misawa vs. Kawada in a heartbeat. While the 1/97 and 10/97 Misawa-Kobashi matches rank very highly on my AJ list, I can't stand their matches afterwards, when the promotion went to Hell in a Handbasket with Headdropping. Whereas I find myself rewatching the Misawa-Kawada matches from 3/93-7/95 all the time and continue to enjoy them immensely.

 

3. Favorite wrestlers(Not who one thinks is best neccessarily):

3A. Kobashi or Kawada.

 

Kawada

 

3B. Misawa or Kawada.

 

Kawada

 

3C. Misawa or Kobashi

 

Misawa

 

3D. Hokuto or Toyota.

 

Hokuto by a mile.

 

3E. Kong or Hokuto.

 

Hokuto, but not as big of a gap.

 

3F. Liger or Ohtani.

 

Probably Ohtani, but Liger's One Man Show during the 4/92 Sammy match was really something else to watch and made me a huge fan of his.

 

I'm not one to ask questions on this board, so I'll just leave it at that.

[Guest Tim Cooke]

1. Favorite series of matches, Misawa vs. Kawada or Misawa vs. Kobashi?

 

Misawa v Kawada easily. A feud steeped in rich history, with a start, a set of climaxes. It is missing the ending, but don't most wrestling feuds?

 

2. Dump/Chigusa (Hair vs. hair) 11/7/86, Overrated?

 

Maybe in ring work but important for many other reasons.

 

3. Favorite wrestlers(Not who one thinks is best neccessarily):

3A. Kobashi or Kawada.

 

Kawada.

 

3B. Misawa or Kawada.

 

Kawada

 

3C. Misawa or Kobashi.

 

Misawa

 

3D. Hokuto or Toyota.

 

Hokuto

 

3E. Kong or Hokuto.

 

Hokuto

 

3F. Liger or Ohtani.

 

Liger

 

Tim

[Guest DragonflyKid]

I rewatched Misawa/Kobashi 10/31/98 and 6/11/99, I guess it is a matter of preference but I don't see the reliance on headdrops. The selling wasn't goofy, they did pop up after a few headdrops but that was always met with another move and the toll of the match selling was great. I decided to do a review, my first and in all likelihood my last since I realize my lack of writing skill. It won't make anyone who doesn't like the match change their minds much like the criticism the matches receive won't keep me from enjoying them a great deal.

 

 

Misawa vs. Kobashi© 10/31/98

 

0:00

 

Kobashi comes in looking for a big victory after numerous losses to Misawa including a title loss in their 1/20/97 match. Kobashi has momentum on his side after pinning Misawa in a tag match on 10/24/98. A stare-down sets the mood, a nice sequence of moves and counters ends with a Kobashi Powerslam for a two count. Another sequence of moves and reversals, Kobashi starts working on Misawa's left arm with strikes and holds. Strange that he would work Misawa's right arm considering Misawa's right elbow has proven to be dangerous.

 

3:00

 

Kobashi continues the assault on Misawa’s arm, Misawa gets loose and tries shaking off the effects. After some trading of moves back and forth Kobashi hits a Russian Leg Sweep variation for a two count. Kobashi applies a wear-down hold which turns into a test of strength.

 

6:00

 

Misawa escapes the hold, Kobashi comes back with a flying shoulderblock. Kobashi hits a nice Delayed Suplex for another two count. Back to a wear-down hold before a stiff Chop and elbow exchange.

 

9:00

 

More strike exchanges, Kobashi chops away at Misawa’s neck before hitting a Rolling Chop. Misawa forces Kobashi to the outside after a spin kick, Misawa contemplates an Elbow Suicida but Kobashi moves out of position, Misawa instead opts to hit a slingshot Plancha.

 

12:00

 

The action moves back into the ring as Misawa hits a Summersault Dive for a two count. Misawa with a flying Lariat for another two count. A Senton get a two count. More Misawa elbows as Kobashi goes down. Misawa then hits a jumping Ace Crusher for a two count.

 

15:00

 

A strike exchange with Misawa getting the better of Kobashi, Misawa attempts a German Suplex but Kobashi counters with back elbows. Misawa dropkicks Kobashi to the outside. Misawa again thinks about the Elbow Suicida but Kobashi moves again before Misawa can attempt it. Misawa opts for a Diving Elbow from the apron but Kobashi dropkicks him in the gut. With Misawa placed over the guardrail Kobashi delivers two Axe Kicks.

 

18:00

 

Kobashi then placed Misawa over the 2nd rope and delivers two running leg drops. Back into the ring Kobashi is able to hit consecutive High-angle Backdrop Suplexes for a 2 1/2 count. The crowd is starting to make a little more noise. Kobashi applies a headlock and works it well, he then hits a German Suplex but Misawa pops right up only to gets caught with a Sleeper hold.

 

21:00

 

Misawa counters the Sleeper with a Jaw Jacker. Kobashi back with a chop for a two count then he goes for a Powerbomb, Misawa tries to counter with a Huracanrana but Kobashi holds on and applies a Boston Crab variation. The move is broken after Misawa reaches the ropes, Kobashi then gives Misawa a hard knee to the stomach then hits more chops. A Half-Nelson suplex is teased but Misawa avoids that potential pain by reaching the ropes.

 

24:00

 

Misawa goes for a Jumping Back Elbow but Kobashi catches him in a Half-nelson, Misawa reaches the ropes again. Misawa regains the advantage with an Enziguri and then the a Rolling Elbow! Both men are selling the effects of the match. Fans begin a Mi-sa-wa chant. Misawa knocks Kobashi off the apron with an Elbow then finally hits his Elbow Suicida. Misawa rolls Kobashi’s limp body in, Misawa with a Diving Elbow. Both men continue to sell the toll of the match well. Misawa is finally able to attempt a pin but only gets 2. Misawa then attempts a Tiger Driver which Kobashi avoids by flipping Misawa off him. A strike exchange ensues with Misawa gaining the advantage, he delivers a German Suplex, it has no effect as Kobashi is right back up but is met with an Elbow.

 

27:00

 

Misawa hits a Tiger Driver for a 2 3/4, the crowd picks up after the first near-fall of the match. Misawa then hits a Frogsplash which gets a 2 1/2. Misawa goes up top again to attempt a Diving Neck-breaker drop which ended their 3/31/96 match, Kobashi is prepared and catches Misawa with a Neck-breaker Drop. The fans now start a Ko-ba-shi chant. Misawa tries a Monkey-flip but Kobashi catches him and drops him on the top rope before hitting a wicked Half-nelson Suplex. Kobashi can’t do anything right away as the brutality of the match is evident.

 

30:00

 

Kobashi looks for a Powerbomb, after some struggle he viciously hits it on Misawa into the corner. That is followed by a DDT and then a Dragon Suplex for a great nearfall! Kobashi sees that the momentum is on his side and attempts an Orange Crush Bomb but Misawa responds with an Elbow, Misawa then tries a Rolling Elbow but a Kobashi Lariat is waiting for him followed by the Orange Crush Bomb for another great near-fall! Kobashi stays down having given up a lot of energy in an attempt to finish Misawa off. Kobashi tries to set-up the Burning Hammer of Doom which he used to beat Misawa a week previously in a tag match but Misawa realizes it and hits some back Elbows. Kobashi releashes the hold but gives Misawa a running knee to the back, he then sets Misawa up in the corner for the Burning Hammer again. Kobashi gets Misawa in the rack but Misawa luckily flips off but unluckily is rocked by a Burning Lariat which gets a fantastic near-fall! Seemingly out of desperation he tries another cover but it only get 2.

 

33:00

 

DDT by Kobashi, a legdrop to the back of Misawa’s head follows. Kobashi ascends the ropes for a Diving Legdrop which was the move he won his first Triple Crown with in his 7/24/96 match with Taue but Misawa barely kicks out. Another count only nets 2 1/2. Kobashi signals for the Burning Lariat, Misawa is aware of his intention and Elbows Kobashi’s arm, Kobashi comes back with a Rolling Chop then attempts a Powerbomb in the corner which is countered with a Huracanrana sending him into the corner. Both men move onto the apron. Kobashi sets up for an apron Half-nelson Suplex but Misawa wants none of that and fires back with Elbows.

 

36:00

 

Misawa hits an apron to floor Tiger Driver!!! Kobashi is out of it after the big impact of the move. After Misawa gains his composure and both men are back in the ring they exchange strikes as both are groggy at this point. Misawa with a Rolling Back Elbow, a Koppo Kick followed by a Tiger Driver ’91!, the same move he used to beat Kobashi in their 10/25/95 and 10/21/97 encounters but was unsuccessful with in their 1/20/97 match.

 

39:00

 

Misawa can only get a near-fall as Kobashi barely has enough left to kick out. Misawa attempts a Running Elbow smash but Kobashi nails him with a Lariat. Both men go down, Kobashi crawls to make a cover by draping his arm over Misawa for a nearfall. Kobashi hits a Rolling Chop, Elbow by Misawa, Rolling Back Elbow by Misawa, Rolling Elbow by Misawa and the crowd goes nuts. Kobashi goes down for yet another near-fall, Misawa has had enough and hopes a Tiger Suplex hold which defeated Kobashi in their 4/12/93 match will be enough.

 

42:00

 

Misawa hits the Tiger Suplex hold for a nearfall. Misawa uses a running Elbow Smash which put Kobashi away in their 1/20/97 match on Kobashi for another dramatic near-fall! Both men up as Misawa gives Kobashi a flurry of Elbows, Kobashi doesn’t get up this time as Misawa gets the 1, 2, 3 and the hard-earned victory.

 

43:29

 

The atmosphere was very good, the crowd wasn’t as vocal as in Misawa/Kobashi’s previous big matches but were still loud. After Misawa hit Kobashi with the apron-to-floor Tiger Driver it was only a matter of time before Kobashi lost which took a liitle away from the end.

 

The build was great and logical, the pace was a little slow early on but picked up. The big moves were teased well and hit later in the match after each wrestler was worn down making them seem important. The progression of 2 counts to 2 1/2 counts and then to nearfalls was done very well.

 

The selling was also strong, Kobashi’s goofiness was held in check. There was some no-selling in the strike exchanges which isn't anything new and some of the brutal-looking Suplexes where under-sold but were instantly met with offense to negate their lack of effect.

 

The drama zone was great as there were plenty of great near-falls that had been built to. The big moves that were built up in previous encounters as well as in this match were hit later in the match, when they were at last hit anyone of them could have signaled the end. Kobashi being basically taken out with the Apron TD and the TD ’91 hurt the drama late as it was evident he had no shot of winning.

 

The match felt epic, it had a slow build but wasn’t dull. Both men took large amounts of punishment but wouldn’t give in.

 

****1/2

 

 

 

Misawa vs. Kobashi 6/11/99

 

0:00

 

Kobashi goes straight for Misawa’s left arm, Kobashi counters a Backdrop Suplex attempt by keeping his Burning Headlock of Doom. Misawa is unable to dislodge himself from Kobashi’s headlock despite numerous attempts. Misawa finally gets to the ropes and the hold is broken

 

3:00

 

Kobashi chops Misawa and applies the dreaded Headlock again, several moves later there is a standoff. Misawa sells the after-effects of the headlock. Misawa goes for Kobashi’s left arm. A Hammerlock exchange turns into a test of strength, Misawa retakes the advantage.

 

6:00

 

More back-and-forth with neither man able to gain an advantage, Kobashi finally has a chance to hit a German Suplex but Misawa avoids it and gains the advantage. He gets Kobashi in a wear-down hold which turns into another test of strength.

 

9:00

 

Kobashi breaks the test of strength and goes for a Backdrop Suplex which Misawa flips out of then takes down Kobashi at the legs. An Elbow to Kobashi’s back followed shortly by a dropkick gets a 2 count. Chops and Elbows are exchanged as Kobashi goes down, Misawa is able to hit a Gutwrench Suplex for two. Misawa wins a strike exchange, Misawa then wins another strike exchange but Kobashi reverses an Irish Whip. Kobashi wins a third strike exchange decisively after a Rolling Chop followed by a Spinning Thrust Kick and another Rolling Chop.

 

12:00

 

Misawa goes down, both men are selling the punishment of the exchanges. Kobashi Irish Whips Misawa and gives him a knee to the stomach and then repeats it, he picks Misawa up and drops him stomach first onto his knee and covers for a two count. Kobashi applies a Boston Crab, Misawa gets to the ropes quickly. Kobashi places Misawa in the corner and throws several punches targeting Misawa’s mid-section. Kobashi then drops Misawa stomach first from a suplex position which gets a two count. More chops and another Irish Whip with a knee being delivered to Misawa’s stomach.

 

15:00

 

Misawa with an elbow and then a Flying Lariat as the momentum starts to shift. Senton then a sliding Dropkick sends Kobashi to the outside but Misawa can’t attempt an Elbow Suicida. He goes for a Diving Bodypress from the apron but Kobashi counters it into a Powerslam. Misawa is violently whipped into the guardrail, Kobashi teases an apron-to-floor Powerbomb. Misawa has enough to avoid the Powerbomb attempt but Kobashi attacks his arm before grabbing it and jumping while forcing Misawa’s right elbow into the guardrail. A Mi-sa-wa chants breaks out as Misawa sells the devastation on his favorite weapon.

 

18:00

 

Kobashi works Misawa’s arm on the guardrail before working on it in the corner. Inside the ring he gives Misawa consecutive single arm DDTs. Kobashi applies an arm hold but Misawa reaches the ropes. Kobashi also worked Misawa's right elbow in their 1/20/97 match, Kobashi wasn't successful then but must see some glimmer hope in taking out Misawa's main source of offense

 

21:00

 

More arm work as Kobashi is unrelenting, he goes for the Half-nelson Suplex to no avail but rolls through and applies the Jujigatame to huge applause. Misawa gets to the ropes then a short while later mounts a comeback with kicks. Kobashi then comes back and hits a German Suplex on Misawa who pops right up but is caught with an Armdrag and a Half-Nelson Suplex followed by an arm submission hold. The crowd becomes louder as Misawa gets to the ropes once again, Kobashi starts bleeding from the nose. It was possibly broken at this point as he wore a face mask for several matches after this. Kobashi stomps Misawa’s arm but Misawa counters Kobashi’s arm work with a DDT.

 

24:00

 

Misawa hits an Enzugiri sending Kobashi to the outside. Kobashi fires back with chops to Misawa’s neck then attempts a Suplex while Misawa is in the ring. Misawa lands on his feet and catches Kobashi with a Backdrop suplex on the floor. Kobashi tries to recover but there is no time as Misawa hits an Elbow Suicida!

 

27:00

 

Kobashi is in trouble at this point, Misawa hits a Missle Dropkick followed by a Frog-splash for a 2 1/2 count. Misawa tries for a Tiger Driver but Kobashi flips him away. Misawa with another attempt at the Tiger Driver but releashes him early in mid-air due to his injured arm. Misawa teases an apron-to-floor Tiger Driver like they had in their last match which decimated Kobashi he flips him to the floor.

 

30:00

 

Kobashi goes after Misawa teasing a Half-nelson Suplex on the floor, he can’t do it so he whips Misawa into the guardrail but Misawa manages to stop in time only to get caught and hit with a Half-nelson Suplex on the floor! A Mi-sa-wa chant ensues. Inside the ring Kobashi hits a German Suplex hold for a two count. Powerbomb by Kobashi and looks like he is going for a second but instead drops Misawa onto the top rope. Orange Crush Bomb for a great near-fall and the crowd is going nuts. Kobashi with a Moonsault for another dramatic near-fall as the crowd erupts.

 

33:00

 

Kobashi signals for the Burning Lariat, Misawa ducks but is hit by a Burning Enzu-lariat. Kobashi sets Misawa up in the corner for a Burning Hammer, Misawa fights back. Kobashi to the apron and hits a Lariat resembling the one he was decapitated with in his match with Hansen on 7/29/93. Misawa touches the rope with his foot at the two count as the crowd shows their enthusiasm again. Both back to the outside where Kobashi goes for a Powerbomb on the unpadded floor but instead gets Huracanraned into the guardrail!

 

36:00

 

Misawa is still selling the arm, both men roll into the ring in bad shape. Kobashi with a Jumping Knee, he missed a Burning Lariat and Misawa hits him with a German Suplex. Kobashi gets up and goes for the Burning Lariat again but Misawa elbows his arm, Kobashi tries to deliver chops but Misawa elbows his arm again to both defend him self and possibly take the Burning Hammer out of the equation. Misawa attempts a Tiger Driver but fails so he hits a Tiger Suplex hold for a great near-fall! The crowd is hyped again. Misawa with a Running Elbow Smash, he goes for a Tiger Driver but cannot get Kobashi up so he settles for a Koppo Kick.

 

39:00

 

The Koppo Kick dazes Kobashi enough that Misawa is able to hit a Tiger Driver ’91! Kobashi kicks out right before the three count, this is the second consecutive match where that once-lethal moves has not put Kobashi away! The crowd is jacked. Misawa with an elbow, Kobashi ducks a Rolling Elbow and drops Misawa on his head with a Camel Clutch Suplex but he cannot cover right away. The desperation move now gives Kobashi some much-needed time to recuperate. Burning Lariat from Kobashi for a near-fall! Kobashi tries for the Burning Lariat again but Misawa responds with an Elbow, another try at the Burning Lariat but Misawa hits another Elbow followed by a Rolling Elbow!

 

42:00

 

Kobashi is down in a bad way, Misawa hits a Summersault Senton from the second rope to Kobashi’s back as he was trying to make it to his feet. He then hits a Tiger Suplex ’85 which put away Kobashi in their 3/26/95 match for an amazing near-fall! Strike exchange followed with Misawa’s newest weapon of destruction... the Emerald Frosion which gets the 1, 2, 3 to end the battle.

 

43:40

 

The crowd made for a fantastic atmosphere, Kobashi was in it until the very end. Kobashi failed to finally defeat Misawa but his effort was great.

 

The Big Spots were again held off until the second half of the match and teased well throughout the the early stages. Kobashi attacked Misawa’s arm well but it only factored in a little towards the end as he stopped targeting it. The Half-nelson on the floor was unnecessary as that move was hit in their 10/21/97 match and those type of big moves should only be used once and teased in later encounters to have them be special and associated with a particular match.

 

They sold the toll of the match great, there were Suplexes that were undersold but it wasn’t an outrageous head-dropathon. The head-drops weren't completely needless and weren't pulled off one after another to the point where they could be considered excessive and a substitute for a lack of psychology.

 

This match had an epic feel to it much like some of their other recent bouts, some of the work repeated the work of their past meetings but they pulled off enough new material to still put on an exciting match. The amount of punishment needed to put Kobashi away has continued escalating throughout their series to the point where the Tiger Driver '91 was no longer a sure thing thus the arrival of the Emerald Frosion.

 

****3/4

[Guest The Mighty Damaramu]

Ok here we go. I'll ask some GOOFY~! questions.

 

1. Super Delfin: Method to his madness or just plain insane!?

 

2. Favorite Goofy Gimmick!

 

3. Coolest Costume.

 

For me:

 

1. The guy is nuts. I mean have you seen the colors and the craziness and the names and that weird guy that follows him to the ring!?

 

2. GRAN NANIWA!

 

3. Tiger Mask all the way.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

1. Delfin annoys the hell out of me, and nothing I've seen has impressed me much outside of a killer match w/ TAKA.

 

2. Ken the Box. I've never seen him wrestle, but the mystery and sheer absurdity is enough for me to love him.

 

3. Sasuke.

 

------------

 

1. Better worker: Kawada in 94 or Benoit in 94?

 

2. Who's your favorite gaijin?

 

3. What do you consider to be the best match of your fav. gaijin?

[Guest RickyChosyu]

1. Better worker: Kawada in 94 or Benoit in 94?

 

Kawada.

 

2. Who's your favorite gaijin?

 

Benoit, at present.

 

3. What do you consider to be the best match of your fav. gaijin?

 

Benoit/Sasuke 4/16/94 is what I consider Benoit's best match. Probably the deffinitive juniors match, and a stellar performance by Benoit. Sasuke followed along wonderfully, as usual.

 

1. Favorite comedy spot?

 

2. Favorite wrestler to watch right now and why?

 

3. Most hurty spot you've ever seen.

 

By the way, mine would be the Naniwa Arm Breaker Machine, Benoit, and the Diving Foot Stomp off the cage, respectively.

[Guest wolverine]

1. Favorite comedy spot?

 

I'm not big on comedy spots/wrestling - I tend to avoid it like the plague - so somebody else can answer this.

 

2. Favorite wrestler to watch right now and why?

 

Kiyoshi Tamura based on the 6/27/98 match with Kohsaka. Absolutely awe inspiring mat work. Really looking foward to his matches with Volk Han.

 

3. Most hurty spot you've ever seen.

 

Oh man, you've got to check out the Kaoru Ito vs. Etsuko Mita JGP Final from 8/20/00. Sickest fucking Double Foot Stomps I've ever seen. The cage ones are amazing, but this was a hell of an eye opener in particular. What a great match as well.

[Guest RickyChosyu]

I've often wondered what is is about Mita that allows her to take those. I can't imagine how you would keep that from being incredibly painfull, and it's downright sickening to watch.

 

I'm working on the 2000 AJW, by the way. The second LCO cage match is currently on the way.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

"3D. Most overrated wrestler?"

 

Keiji Mutoh (who else?)

How can he be overrated when everyone seems to hate him?

[Guest wolverine]

If you're going to add something, then ADD IT. Quit wasting everyone's fucking time with these types of posts. Is there some kind of "Poster Ignore" botton around here?

[Guest RickyChosyu]

"How can he be overrated when everyone seems to hate him?"

 

Are you basing this statement just on what you've seen from this board? If so, I should tell you that this place isn't an accurate portrayal of what the general populace thinks, and never has been. This is true on several levels.

 

"Is there some kind of "Poster Ignore" botton around here?"

 

Something to look into, I think. We might have a problem with certain users putting too many people on their ignore lists and using up too much memory, though.

[Guest Black Tiger]

1. The most brutal ass kicking you've seen in a Puroresu match?

 

2. Mutoh vs. Hase 6/6/01 or Mutoh vs. Kawada 2/4/02, which is worse?

 

3. The best cover you've seen for a botched spot?

[Guest PlatypusFool]

1. The most brutal ass kicking you've seen in a Puroresu match?

 

Benoit vs. Gedo - Super J Cup 95 - fucking glorious beatings. Makes me love Gedo.

 

2. Mutoh vs. Hase 6/6/01 or Mutoh vs. Kawada 2/4/02, which is worse?

 

Ugh, I don't think I could watch either of these fuckfests again. To quote a friend of mine - "Two of the things best described as 'train wreck' or 'shit factory'"

 

3. The best cover you've seen for a botched spot?

 

Got to by Lyger vs. Sasuke in the J Cup 94 - if you weren't thinking you might think it was meant to happen. No other cover up has ever worked into the match psych so well.

[Guest Jubuki]

If you think that's a good cover up, you need to see the Fans vs. Malenko/Kikuchi match from 9/90.

[Guest Evil Ash]

1. The most brutal ass kicking you've seen in a Puroresu match?

 

Tatsuhito Takaiwa vs. Hayato Nanjyo (2/8/98)

 

Takaiwa breaks Nanjyo's jaw with a clothesline, and gives him a bunch of DVDs that don't look nice. One of them comes off the top rope, and is completely unprotected. Just brutal.

[Guest DragonflyKid]

1. Most emotional moments inside the ring -The Jumbo Tsuruta retirement speech is up there, it's made even sadder knowing he'll pass away less then two years later. I have yet to see his Memorial show but I figure that's very sad as well.

 

I always thought the showing of respect after a fued was great. Just the little hand slapping gesture between Kandori and Hokuto after their 3/27/94 tag match victory over Kong and Nakano told alot. Kong and Nakano hugging and joking on the mic after they had won a tag match was also very cool after the fued they had.

 

Kawada's rare displays of emotion. Like when he ascended the turnbuckles and raised his arms in triumph after a big victory(I hate the fact I forgot what match that was since I've been heavily into Joshi and haven't watched AJPW in a while.). which contrasts to the stoic Kawada who normally shows no emotion after a win. I liked when he laughed during a backstage interview with a women around '93. I liked seeing him with a big smile on his face pouring champagne over his future nemisis Misawa after MM had won his first triple crown over Hansen in '92. Kawada may not try to show large amounts of emotion like Kobashi but his subtle facial expressions and body language say alot more than most can emoting and vocalizing all they want.

 

2. Like/Love -I like how Kroffat would play to the crowd after cheating and being a prick, I love how Kawada or Taue wouldn't acknowledge the booing crowd after they had fought dirty. It's like Kawada and Taue are naturally inclined to be bad-asses without seeking or needing the crowd's validation to prove the point.

 

I like Kobashi from the late 90's, I love Kobashi from the early and mid 90's.

 

3. Bigger dreammatch: 70's Jumbo vs. early/mid-90's Misawa, Kobashi or Kawada? -I've watch many clips and a few full matches of Jumbo in the 70's, most of them were against gaijin but he also fought Baba a few times. I liked the 70's Jumbo and was wondering if he could be transported to the early/mid- 90's who would you rather have him face?

 

 

1. Most emotional moments inside the ring?

 

2. Like/Love.

 

3. Bigger dreammatch: 70's Jumbo vs. early/mid-90's Misawa, Kobashi or Kawada?