Jushin Liger vs. El Samurai, April 30, 1992

[Guest wolverine]

Jushin Liger vs. El Samurai, Top of the Super Jr. ’92 Final, 4/30/92

 

At its best, pro wrestling in some ways can resemble theater. A morality play of sorts, in which certain themes are ever-present and stories are told through the emotional struggles that are depicted in the characters’ ultimate quest for success. But above and beyond that, we sometimes stumble upon an individual with that extra something special. For many, Jushin Liger is that person. As a performer, this was his defining moment. However, it wasn’t just the extraordinary athletic feats on display that made it so.

 

Unfortunately for Liger, this match wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. El Samurai had every dirty trick under his sleeve ready, with the image of him spitting on Liger to open this almost being a metaphor for the hatred that was about to be unleashed.

 

The intensity during the opening tie-ups, followed by Sammy ripping at Liger’s mask, made it clear that this was more than just a wrestling match – it was personal. The crowd knew it, as they voiced their displeasure over these cheap tactics that were being used. But more than anything, these actions lit a fire under Keiichi Yamada that few could've ever expected.

 

Liger proceeded to punish Sammy with a barrage of palm strikes, with the fury and anger of someone in pursuit of vindication. But that wasn’t enough. Liger was determined to make Samurai feel every second of what he went through earlier, and began to do some mask ripping of his own. Sammy had felt Liger’s wrath shortly before, as he would be powerbombed on the outside, with the mat having been removed in this game.

 

The vengeance would continue – now with Sammy’s mask being completely torn off – as Liger hit a missile dropkick and kneedrop off the ropes, followed by a spectacular moonsault to the outside onto a beaten Samurai. When Liger re-entered the ring, his dominance was clear, and it was now time to exhibit another element of his game.

 

Samurai would be in store for some of the most VICIOUS arm submissions ever seen in a Juniors match, including a cross armbreaker that you’d almost believe Liger wanted to actually rip Sammy’s arm out of its socket. Only the ropes could save day at that point, but a ducked clothesline and hard flying elbow smash by Sammy would turn the tables once again.

 

Sure, Liger was king when it came to showcasing flashy, high-risk maneuvers. But Samurai was no slouch himself. He hit Liger with a great missile dropkick, followed by an amazing plancha con hilo to the outside. Sammy sensed that this was his final opportunity for victory, as he used every move he could think of to try to stop the veritable juggernaut. This included a neck breaker and reverse DDT for a near fall, then a Russian Leg Sweep turned into an arm submission, cranking on Liger’s neck as well. But he went to the well one too many times, as an attempted superplex earned him another HUGE shotay to the face, and a Liger splash.

 

As the momentum shifted again, Sammy tried another last ditch type effort to catch Liger off-guard in the form on an attempted huracanrana. But that’s all it was – an attempt. Liger was one step ahead, as he caught Sammy and powerbombed him down to the mat for the best near fall of the match thus far. It was clear that the end was near, but Sammy still managed to rattle off one last great German suplex for a near fall before the inevitable was to occur.

 

Legendary careers are sometimes defined by transcendent performances. This match showed us all that adversity, even when it seems to be at its bleakest, can be conquered by putting in that extra special amount of energy and heart into the things that you believe in the most. For Jushin Liger, there was only one thing he wanted to be on that night, and he succeeded. The best. (21:15) ****3/4

[Guest J*ingus]

It was clear that the end was near, but Sammy still managed to rattle off one last great German suplex for a near fall before the inevitable was to occur.

Just curious, what's the deal with some puro reviewers and not saying what the actual finish was? I've noticed that Jubuki does that a lot on his website, and some of the DVDVR guys do too. Do you just think that the specific finishing move wasn't important, or what?

[Guest Pegasus Kid]

Just curious, what's the deal with some puro reviewers and not saying what the actual finish was?  I've noticed that Jubuki does that a lot on his website, and some of the DVDVR guys do too.  Do you just think that the specific finishing move wasn't important, or what?

 

As someone that's been taken to task for calling my recaps reviews, I'll field this one. Wolverine elected to review the match. In doing so, he gave his thoughts on the major points and his interpretations as such, without actually detailing each step as it goes along or its conclusion. It's just as if you were looking at a movie review. You wouldn't expect the movie critic to give away the ending, otherwise no one would want to see the show.

[Guest goodhelmet]

I agree with Baisden. Sometimes, it is more effective to pimp a match and its merits, rather than just to recap and give the whole damn thing away. While I appreciate the efforts of the many websites and writers who have helped me search out some great matches, sometimes it would have been just a little more exciting if I had to guess for myself who would be victorious. Although I have already seen the match Wolverine discussed, for those who haven't, it is a great way to dangle the carrot in front of their face!

[EL DANDY~! 0]

I personally believe that in situations where most wrestling fans haven't seen too many matches from outside of the US, like this match, it's best not to give away the ending, simply because of the fact that it keeps you interested.

 

The reason that most US matches give away endings is because most fans have seen the match. In this case, I like how Wolvy didn't give away the ending, because it made me want to go out and buy the match just because the drama was built up.

 

Great review.

[Guest RickyChosyu]

I don't think he really had to name the specific finish of the match in this case. He made it clear that Liger won. If you know Liger, you know his bag of tricks. There's only so many ways his matches end.

 

As for the review, it's great to hear your thoughts on this match, Wolverine. This is my favorite performance by Liger and probably my favorite juniors match from the ninties. I think you were right when you said that it pretty much sums up his entire career as the God of juniors.

[Guest DragonflyKid]

Nice write up Wolverine of my favorite Juniors match ever. The punishment Liger dished out for El Samurai's lack of respect was great, the corner spot was similar to what Misawa/Kawada would do years later. ES was hitting Liger with Elbow after elbow until Liger had enough and asserting his superiority by hitting a single Shotay that knocked ES down. Liger then precedes to abuse ES including big moves that could have put ES away but Liger was more intent on teaching a lesson than covering and gaining a win even against the ref's admonishments.