Recommendations and/or reviews

[fujiwara]

Have you got a video that you would like to tell and recommend to others. tell us here.

But wait there is more if you enjoy writing reviews or just want to give it a shot feel free to add them to your recomendations. It can be of any length you don't have to review each match individualy just give a star rating or some the whole video up in one.

My recomendation is: AJPW - main events

It features some classic matches such as:

Misawa + Kobashi vs Kawada + Taue (*****)
Misawa vs Kobashi (*****)
Misawa vs Kawada (*****)
Kawada vs kobashi clips

I will add to this review soon.

So get typing!
:xyx

[Rikidozan]

Ok, if anyone has any reviews post them and i'll stick the thread for about a month so more people will read it:xyx

[fujiwara]

Thanks

Ok here is my review of the Misawa/kobashi vs Kawada/Taue match.

This is right in the midst of the Misawa v Kawada feud.

Kobashi exchanges chops with Taue to start, Taue responds with a kick to the leg of Kobashi. I will point out now that Kobashis leg is taped. Kawada gets the tag early. Kobashi goes to whip him to the buckle but Kawada ajusts and boots Misawa from the apron to the floor. Misawa shakes away the cob webs and gets tagged in and hits a few elbows. Counters by both men. Kawada ducks a kick by Misawa and kicks Kobashi in the face.

Kobashi in with Taue, chops again and then Kobashi hits the suplex and tags in Misawa who hits a roundhouse that sends Taue to the outside. Misawa dives through the ropes and hits an elbow smash! Back in double suplex by Misawa and Kobashi. Kobashi in,Taue doges a shoulderblock and tags in Kawada. Kawada goes right after that taped knee. Kicks to the leg makes Kobashi fall to the ground. Huge knee drop by Kawada to the leg of Kobashi. Half crab by Kawada. Tag to Taue who slaps on another submission. See now this is great pycology. Now he goes for a knee breaker but Kobashi sensing this quikly tags in Misawa.

Elbows by Misawa. Whip reversed but Misawa grabs hold of the ropes and hits Kawada with an elbow. Misawa puts Taue in a boston crab but Kawada breaks it up with a boot to Misawa. Kawada now gets tagged in Runing high kick!!!!!! Knees by Kawada but Misawa fires back with elbows. Taue comes in but gets a stiff elbow to the face for his troubles. Now Kawada pounces with a big Kick to the face. Kobashi in but he gets drop kicked in the bad knee by Taue. He is out of this one. Misawa fights every one off with elbows. Taue ducks an elbow and hits Misawa with his chokeslam. Misawa lands on Kobashi's damaed leg. Im in heaven. Second rope knee dop on kobash by Kawada.

Roundhouse by Misawa on Kawada. Knee drop to the face my misawa on a fallen Kawada. Taue tagged in hits the coconut crush on misawa. Taue hits a lariat 2 and 1/2. Kobashi truggles to the apron only for Kawada to boot him right back to the floor.
Taue hits a Knee crusher on the rail on Kobashi. Kawada hits the Powerbomd on misawa for a near fall. Bothmen go down with a double clothesline. misawa tags in kobashi.

Kicks by both Kawada and Kobashi. Kobashi with chops Taue comes in but takes a forearm right in the Mush!! Kawada just about has enough left in him to tag in Taue. Kobashi now turns the favour from ealier with his own dropkick to the leg o Taeu. Powerbomb bt Kobashi is blocked so miawa comes in and they hit a Double suplex on Taue. kobashi going up for the moonsault. Kawada stops him. Tag in Misawa. He hits the twisting clothesline and then a Tiger Driver for a close near fall. Misawa with a cross face but Kawada hits the BACKDROP DRIVER OF DOOM!!!!!. Misawa somehow manages to tag in Kobashi before being pinned. Kobashi Hits a german for another super close near fall. Kobashi agan goes for the Moonsault and is again stoped in his trax. Kawada goes for a running lariat but Kobashi ducks and hits a backdrop. taue now preventing the Moonsault so misawa comes in and scoop slams him. Now finally Kobashi hits the Moonsault for a 2.999 count. now Misawa hits the tiger suplex on Kawada other 2.999. Misawa hits the tiger driver but Taue breaks it up perches him on the top and hits a super chokeslam.

Misawa now rolls to the apron Taue follows him and hits a FRIGGIN CHOKESLAM FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH this is amazing. Kobashi crawls to Misawa and covers him to save him from any further mutilation. Kawada rolls Misawa back in and gets another Near fall. Now Kawada tries to finish off Misawa with a powerbomb but Kobashi crawls over and grabs hold of Misawas leg to stop it. Taue grabs Koashi away and hits a Chokeslam. Kawada hits the powerbomb finally on Misawa but he kicks out. Kobashi desperatly tries to once again save Misawa but Kawada hit a wicked chokeslam backdrop with Taue. HE IS OUT!!

Misaawa strugles up and puts seemingly all of his energy into a rolling elbow on Taue now Kawada hits a jumping kick to the back of misawas head and he still kicks out. Misawa again up to his feeat but now there is no Kobashi to save him. Kawada hits the second big move BACK DROP DRIVER OF DOOM!!! ONE.......TWO....THR....no misawa Kicks out damn another kick by Kawada and one more POWERBOMBAAAA!!!!!!!ONE.....TWO.......THREE WOW kobashi was so close from saving his partner. Kawada did it,Taue did it..........THEY DID IT!

Man that was so long But there again the match is like FORTEY minuttes long. Damn I truley do believe tat this was the best match ever non stop action great working of the leg. No one will ever top this tag match. My hands are so tired but still It was worth it.
MAN ITS LONG

[fujiwara]

Well since no one has added to this yet I think I will post another review.

This time it is of the 94 Misawa v kawada match.

The match is famous and is regarded as one of the best matches ever. Here is a little background of the match. OK so after Misawa took the tiger mask off he sterted teaming with Kawada who had been in AJPW longer than Misawa. After a while it became obvious that Kawada was a sort of lacky to Misawa. Misawa then one the triple crown in 92. Kawada soon split from him. The rest is history. NOW TO THE MATCH

HERE WE GO!!!!! the bell rings, they exchange elbows and chops. irish whip by Misawa who goes for an elbow but Kawada holds on to the ropes to stop himself,thencomes charging for a runnig kick doged by Misawa. Irish whip again by misawa, Kawada ducks a spin kick and hits a running kick followed by a roundhouse kick. Kawada has him fo the suplex but Misawa counters with a backdrop. both back up. Elbow by Misawa sends kawada outside. Misawa dives off the apron but Kawaada catches him with the elbow. ouch!!!.Misawa back up sends kawada into the rail Kawada responds with a Lariat!!!!!! . Both back in the ring. Kawada lets out all of his frustration by laying some brutal kicks to misawa.


Misawa targets the leg of K with variuos streches and kicks.

Irish whip and Misawa hits a spin kick. Miswa goes for the Tiger Driver but Kawada brings him to the corner.Misawa with elbows. Misawa whips Kawada and Misawa goes for a dropkick but Kawada again holds the ropesand then hits another big kick. Kawada with the jumping high kick for 2 1/2. Goes for a powerbomb but its backdroped by misawa. Kawada hits a dropkick to the head. Misawa down. Kawada with a jmping knee from the second rope but misawa's leg work paid off as Kawada limps away. Misawa goes for a roundhouse but it gets caughht. so misawa hits an enzugiri.

Misawa going for a tiger driver but it is backdroped he lands on his feet goes for the tiger suplex but K reverses it with a hip toss. Jumping high kick blocked by Misawa who hits a dropkick. Msawa with the TIGER DRIVER 2 3/4. Now he hits a frog splash for another near fall. Misawa goes for a elbow from the top but Kawada meets him with another high kick. Kawada going for a PB but its blocked. they exchange elbows. Kawada hits the High kick and a LARIAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now its time for the BACKDROP DRIVER OF DOOM. POWERBOMBAAAAAAA!!!!! 2.99. ohhh that was close. Kicks and a release german by Kawada droping Misawa on his head. Another POWERBOMBAAAAAA!!!!! superclose near fall. Kawada puts on the strech plum!!! Misawa is battered at this point. Misawa will not giv up so Kawada tries to pin him but only gets 2.

Misawa fighting back with elbows. Twisting clothesline by misawa german is blocked. Misawa hits a few more elbows again and then hits a relese german. Misawa with more elbows and then Tiger Suplex gets a near fall. Msawa' s german is blocked and they exchange elbows KOPPO KICK by K. K hits kicks to the head of Misawa. Misawa fires back with elbows and a rolling Elbow. Kawada's desperation kicks have no effect on Misawa. Misawa With big elbows and then TIGER DRIVER 91!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW
Kawada isn't Kicking out of that one. 1..............2...............3. Misawa wins.

The match told an intense story of will effot power and desire. Great match *****+

If this dosn't get me votes I don't know what will

[fujiwara]

Well Im back for another review. This one is Super J cup 1994.

The Final:

Great Sasuke vs Chris Benoit (wild pegasus)

Ok so every one highly recommends this one. Its the tape that got me into Puro. Just a great event all round. Whilst many believe that Liger vs Sasuke is better I think that they are just about equal and this is the final so...........

Here we go. Ok the bell rings. the two start the feeling out process ending in a big flip flop bonanza. Benoit gets hit with a spin kick and rolls to the outside, but scurries away before Sasuke hits a big ariel based assault. back in the ring Sasuke flips backwards after pushing off of Benoit. Now Chris just cuts him off with a HUGE clothesline. Benoit hits a German for a 2 count. Benoit hoists sasuke up for his WILDBOMB but Sasuke counters with an armdrag. Sasuke comes off the ropes with a full head of steam but Pegasus cuts himoff with another clothesline. Sasuke rolls to the apron but benoit hits him with a friggin springboard shoulderblock that takes them both outside to the floor. Whoa it just occuredtome hw many moves Jericho has taken from benoit. Back inside Benoit hits the Dragon suplex. 2 and 3/4. Benoit scoop slams Sasuke to the mat.........and then raises the eye brow and rips off the elbow pad and...........No he didnt really *** that would make a mockery of all wrestling in Japan. Benoit hits the Diving Headbutt. Then a WILDBOMB and then a Tilt a whirl Backbreaker. All three get 2 and 3/4!!! Man Benoit is in control.

Benoit goes for the dropkick but Sasuke holds on to the ropes and hen comes running in for the Clothesline but Benoit dukes and hits a German Suplex 1.......2.........thr no Sasuke gets the shoulder up. Dragon suplex attempt into a cradle by Sasuke which Benoit in turn counters for a near fall. Sasuke hits a high cross body. Spin kick by Sasuke Benoit to the outside. SPACE FLYING TIGER DROP by Sasuke. I love that move. Back inside Fishermans suplex by sasuke gets 2 3/4. Another spin wheel kick and Benoit to the outside again, now Sasuke climbs to the top and hits a missile Dropkick right to the outside!!!! cool. The crod is loving this. Back inside tey go. Sasuke hits the Moonsault for another near fall. Sasuke heads to the top again but benoit stops him. Sasuke kicks him away but Benoit ever relentless cuts off Sasuke again. Benoit then climbs to the top where Saske is perched and Delivers a SUPER GUT WRENCH SUPLEX!!!!!!!!!!!! Ouch sasuke is out. 1...........2............3. WOW

Well what can I say amazing match just fast paced intense stuff all round I strongly recommend this Video to any body that Doesn't (although I suspect that most reading it will) have it.

cheers

Jack Davy

:xyx

[Rikidozan]

Great review of a great match, surely Benoit's finest hour.

[greenman]

Not so much a video as 1 match id recommend Manami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada vs Dynamite Kansai & Mayumi Ozaki 2/3 falls from the 1992 dreamrush show. Amazing match thats worth watching if you wanna get itno joshi.

[Kawada_Ichiban]

OK, I've wrote a long, detailed analysis/review of the much-acclaimed Misawa vs. Jumbo match from June 1990, available on my site directly http://www.gamengiri.8m.com/gamengiri/issue1.html#ajpw

[Rikidozan]

Just for future reference, please use the 'plug forum' to promote a site;)

[fujiwara]

The next review: AJPW Champions Carnival 1995 Part 2. You can either find this video in two parts or three, depending on where you look either way this match is on Tape 2.

Kawada vs Taue:

This one is going to be good. Now these to are tag partners but they are going up against each other. Obvious choise to win Kawada, however Taue is being pushed big time at this point.
Basically this match is stiff!!!!!!


The bell rings and strait away they just lay into each other with kicks and chops. Now somehow Kawada hits his half crab on Taue but Kawada is standing on Taue's head. It is senched in high, then Kawada turns the crab into a wishbone submission. Dangerous k kicks the crud out of Taue. He rolls to the outside. Taue into the rail but he no sells it and takes Kawada out with a lariat. Snake eyes on the railing by Taue. Back inside he rolls the snake eyes again. Taue goes for the lariat ducked by Kawada who hits a nasty release german for the first near fall. Rapid chops by Kawada and then hits the running high kick. ouch right in the Face. Kawada senses the opening and applys the STRECH PLUM. Taue makes it to the ropes so Kawada drags him back to the centre and locks it on again. Taue is really being brutalised. I honestly don't know how these guys can take so much punishment. Anyways Kawada lets go and gets a near fall. K goes for the powerbomb but its blocked and Taue just destroyes Kadawa with some very stiff shots. To the outside they go. Taue hits a DDT!! on the floor. Dynamic T brings him back in. Taue hits the Nodawa Otoshi for 2.9. Kawada up, so Taue gives him the old dynamic kick and then hits the POWERBOMBAA!!!! for a super duper close near fall.

Kawada hits a back drop out of no where. They exchage more chops Kawada hits the Gamengiri high kick. K picks T up and Hits the POWERBOMBAA!!! for 2.99. Taue tries to escape but Kawada hits him with a kick to the head on the apron. He goes for another but Taue catches him and hits the Nodawa Otoshi from the apron to the FLOOR!!!!!!! Kawada is rolled back inside but just kicks out of the pin attempt. Now Taue perches him on the top rope and hits the SUPER NODAWA OTOSHI OF DOOM!!!!!!!! Kawada is out Taue picks him up and then its time for the DYNAMIC BOMB!!!!!!!! 1.............2.............3. Taue wins.

Stiff stiff match ouch!!, I mean it was just brutal. This is the pairs best match agaist one another by far. BY FAR.

its just a shade under ***** so it will have to be ****3/4. Amazing.

Jack Davy

[fujiwara]

BEST MATCH EVER ?

Ok so this match is just amazing. Misawa v Kobashi. You have to see it NOW!!!!! Either this match or the Misawa v Kawada match is the best of all time IMO.

Here we go. The two start ot with elbows a chops respectivly. Dropkick by Misawa sends Kobashi to the outside. He follows it up with the elbow suicida to the outside. Belly to back to the inside. what the Hell? But I digress, actually before I go further may I just say that THIS CROWD IS JACKED. Misawa goes for the spinning clothesline but it gets ducked and Kobashi hits a jumping DDT. Kobashi goes for an irish whip but it is block ed and Kobashi gets smashed with an elboe to the face. Misawa hits atwisting missile drop kick of the second rope variety. then misawa hits a frog splash for 2. Elbows and Kobashi once again to the outside. Misawa goes for the elbow off the apron but Kobahi moves and Misawa's arm hits the rail hard. he is out!!! the crowd gets behind Misawa. He finally gets back inside. Kobashi with several moves working on the injured arm of Misawa. Ending with a brutal half nelson suplex. Kobashi locks on the armbar but Misawa gets to the ropes. Misawa struggles up and goes for an elbow which is countered by kobashi into a friggin Fujiwara armbar. You damn right. Misawa get a foot to the bottom rope to break the hold. Kobashi with a reease geran but misawa gets up, goes for the elbow again but Kobashi turns it somehow into a jujigatame. Misawa is a mess. He desperatly goes for a kick but its countered into a capture suplex.

Kobashi goes for the larait but Misawa elbows the outstreched arm. kobashi in pain. Baseball slide and a pescada by Misawa. Back in Miawa hits the spinning clothesline. An d a release german. ouch!!! Misawa then hits the TIGER DRIVER. But it only gets a near fall. Misawa goes up but K catches him with a lariat in mid air. Here we go it ORANGE CRUSH time. one............two.............thr no. Whoa how did Misawa kick out of that. Kobashi goes for a powerbomb from the apron to the floor but Misawa counters it with a RANA!!!! back inside they go. 2 rolling elbows Misawa goes for a 3rd but Kobashi hits a release German. Kobashi goes for the LARIAT but it is countered gy a kick to the stomach. Misawa hits the Tiger Suplex. Near fall, K ducks an elbow then M ducks the chop and hits the TIGER DRIVER 91!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! one ...........two.............thre no. How in the blue hel did he kick out. Misawa waits for Kobashi to get up and then it time for the TIGER SUPLEX 85!!!!!!!! then sets up for the Running ELBOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! one..........two...........three. Yes Yes YES!!!!!! misawa wins the match.

Wow what a match. The crowd was off the charts. i used to think that Misawa v Kawada was the bast but after rewatching that I would have to say that.......Well actually they are boh equally oustanding.

Jack Davy

[Rikidozan]

Another top-notch review Fuji of a top-notch match, well done:xyx

[fujiwara]

There is nothing to do at the moment so I wiil write another review. I was going to do another All Japan match but come to think of it ive only done one NJ match so its time for another.

Best of the Super j 93.

The final. Benoit v El Samurai

I never used to like Samurai but after seeing BOSJ 1997 I changed my mind. So I decided to pick this video up and review it.

The video itself is mostly clipped. Annoying to say the least, however the action is still good and this final makes it worth your money.

Anyhow to the match.

Here we go then. Yey as its the final all the other wrestlers are standing around the ring. They circle lock up test of strength and a roll through series. Oh boy Benoit is going to carry this one. I hate Samurais outfit here. I digress, Samurai hits the reverse chinlock and an armbar. Benoit counters into the crossface?!!! works on wearing down the arm a bit more then back to the CROSSFACE. Arm bar again by Samurai so Benoit hits the belly to back a slam and the scorpion death lock Oh yell yeah go benoit. He is holding on to the arm during the scorpion so that samurai cannot reach the ring ropes, sweet. Snap suplex gets 2. they head outside whip to the railing by Benoit and then back in for a german Suplex which also gets a 2 count. Powerbombaaa gets 2 aswell. Another slam and a second rope leg drop.

ah now the tide turns slightly Samurai somehow hits a tombstone which gets two. SIDE Russian leg sweep into the wierd triangle hold...... the cross armbreaker thing, oh you know, that move. Anyways. CB fights his way free but Samurai puts it on again crowd gets behind Benoit a bit. Samurai hits a slam and goes up top for an ariel assault. its the diving headbutt. oh, OH so now hes ripping off the master. Anyway Benoit moves out of the way AHH Samurai not so tough now. benoit goes up and leaps off for HIS diving Headbutt but Samurai moves also. (actaully just for the record its not Benoits headbutt people used it before him but it is a patented move of his) Samurai hits a over head belly suplex sending Benoit to the floor Samurai follows with a flipping plllanca.
Samurai in Benoit gets in by giving Samurai a head scissors. Benoit puts Samurai on the top, he knows whats going on and bails to the outside. He's not as stupid as he looks and in that costume he does look rather the fool. Benoit hits a tope and back inside hits the Dragon suplex two count only. This match is getting really good. northern lights by chris 1.....2.....thr no. Crowd is rallying behind Samurai who hits a roll up for a near fall. more roll ups follow Samurai gets 2.

Benoit off the ropes he hits the larait 1......2......near fall. benoit goes up top but Samurai knows the score and counters whatever chris was going for with a top rope Rana (ah even i am getting behind Samurai) near fall. POWERBOMBAAAAA!!!! by Samurai. Crowd is pretty loud now. Samurai dumps Benoit on the top and Superplexes him to the mat. He goes for the same again but Benoit counters and hits a big time SUPER POWERBOMBAAAAA!!!
Samurai is out of it. Benoit covers 1........2......counto three!!!!
Benoit is the man. There again he didn't carry samurai like i suspected he would. Here is your Winner: Chris Benoit.

As Samurai does the old strecher job I am left wondering why I didn't like him in the past. probably the pre 1997 costume.
The bottom line is. Samurai rules, Benoit most definitly rules and so does this match.

BTW you can get this match on some benoit Compilations so if you like Benoit then I sugest you get it that way insted.

[fujiwara]

Now when people think about NJPW they mostly all say
" yeah the lightweight matches are great but the heavyweights not so good" Now usually I agree with that statement howver on one night in 1991 two men put together a great match on of the best. who were these 2 valiant worriors? Keiji Mutoh and masahiro chono.

This match is the final of the G-1 climax of 1991 I am not quite sure of the date. You cant actually find this one very easily but it is around if you look. Overall this video really is Quite good. One matche isnt very good, a few are clipped. There are three ***(+) matches and one ****+ match.


Any way now to the match.

The final of the G-1 climax. Motoh vs Chono. (BTW if anyone knows how you Spell mutohs' name is it with or without an h ant the end it would be greatly appreciated)

Whoh chono is super over with the fans here. Knukle lock starts things off. Mutoh ducks in and takes Chono over with a suplex nice float over by Mutoh gets a two count. Headlock take over by Muto Chono escapes with a headscissors. Muto hooks in an ankle hold, which Chono turns in to an elbow hold. Muto reaches the ropes and rolls to the outside to catch his bearings. Back inside Muto wih a snapmere and an elbow. Irish whip sees Muto going for the Handspring elbow bu t Chono moves and nails muto with a back drop driver of sorts. Cross arm scissors applyed, Muto again to the ropes. Chops are exchanged Muto latches on a leg bar that he then turns into the briged Indian Deathlock, sweet. Muto turns that into a briged inveted double chicken wing type of thing. Never seen that one beforre i dont think. Muto turns that into a armbar. He is good at all this submission lark. Chono gets out of it with a kick then hits a cool lookin Yakusa kick. Mutoh rolls outside so Chono hits a friggin tope!!!!!!!!!!! Has the world gone loopy? Chono goes up to the top and hits a P LANCHA!!!!!!! What the? Quick rip off the mask that’s not Chono? Back inside Chono drills Muto with two pildrivers. Back outside they go, Chono now goes for another piledriver on the concrete but Mutoh counters with a backdrop sending Chono in to the fans. Mutoh then returns the favour from earlier assault with a piledriver of his own, right on the Concrete. OUCH!!

Back inside Muto hits the belly to back for a 2 count. German suplex gets 2 aswell and then a cradle piledriver 1……..2…2 ½. Crowd are getting loud now. Dragon suplex by Muto 1…….2…… the ref spots Chono’s foot on the rope. Muto hits the snapmere and goes up top for the moonsault but it misses the mark. STF by Chono. HEAT!!!!!! Crowd chant for mutoh as he gets closer and closer to the ropes. Fially he reaches them, so Chono slaps on the octopus. Chono lets go and hits a BACKDROPAAAA!!!!! One……two……thr no. That was close. Crowd are at fever pitch. Suplex attempt by Chono is countered Mutoh hits 1 of his own. He goes up for a missile dropkick. OK he comes off the top rope Chono tries to Dropkick Mutoh in mid air but he (mutoh) sees that coming so he leap frogs over Chono OH MY GOD!!!!!! Sweet. Mutoh with the wristlock suplex. And then he hits a picture perfect missile dropkick. Irish whip Mutoh tries the dropkick but chono holds on to the ropes. Yakusa kick is NO SOLD. Flying forarm by Mutoh, back breaker. Yes Mutoh goes up and flies through the air with a amazing moonsault. But Chono Gets the knees up. OUCH. Crowd is deafening. Chono sets him up and plants Muto on the back of his head with the POWERBOMBAAAA!!!!!!! 1……..2…….3. Chono wins. Chono wins.

Amazing match which captivated the crowd. It was smooth, well timed. There was a good build up and an intense finish. Hats off to both men for their performances. In particular Chono who surprised me a lot with his performance. The best NJPW heavy weight match that I have ever watches bar none and one of the best mathes I have ever seen full stop **** ¾ . Get this match!!!!!


(COMING UP IN MY NEXT REVIEW NJPW VS AJPW 2001)

[Peter]

Yep, these reviews are very good fujiwara. :xyx

[Midnight Express]

The Japanese way of spelling it is Mutoh.

As for NJ heavyweights not being great on the whole, have to disagree, I've watched more great NJ heavyweight matches than I've had hot dinners! Well, maybe not that many, but a lot :)

[Rikidozan]

Just to clear up, his was born Keiji Mutoh, his first ring name was Keiji Muto, then changed to the Great Muta when he first doned the famous face paint:)

[Midnight Express]

But NJPW have used the name Mutoh in their printed stuff like programs and when they advertise him on posters over there - well at least they did when I was over there and in the programs I have from NJPW :)

[PeteR Richards]

Wow @ all of those reviews! That must've taken ages mate, nice one!

I have one I wrote for dooyoo about 8 months ago so I thought I'd put it here. It sucks big time and compared to Fujiwara's it looks kind of pointless, but there's no harm in putting it up. It's a review of the Misawa - Kawada series (bought from Si).

===
=============================================
Misawa VS Kawada. 21.10.92
=============================================
The first match on the tape and a great way to start us off. Misawa is immensely popular and his name was chanted by the fans before the bell even rang. The match starts with Kawada dropping Misawa on his head after a backdrop and doing this repeatedly. The match features ALOT of suplexes and powerbombs and Kawada dominates throughout. Kawada kicks out of a Tiger Driver late in the match but fails to repeat for the Tiger Suplex.

Winner: Misawa via Tiger Suplex.

The two combatants embrace after the bell and the crowd give them a standing ovation.

=============================================
Misawa VS Kawada. 29.07.93
=============================================
The match starts with Kawada punching Misawa under the jaw and working him over with a variety of submission moves until Misawa hits a leaping enziguri to gain the upper hand. The two exchange kicks, punches and forearms shortly after until Misawa hits a beautiful dropkick after an irish whip. Kawada attempts a powerbomb on numerous occasions until one is reversed into a Tiger Suplex and Misawa wins again.

Winner: Misawa via Tiger Suplex.

=============================================
Misawa VS Kawada. 03.06.94
=============================================
The match starts with a series of chops, forearms and punches and the crowd are into this big style popping after every blow. These are fans that enjoy and appreciate the wrestling and make it all seem worthwhile. Misawa dropkicks Kawada out of the ring then flips through the ropes onto the ring apron as Kawada attempts to sweep his legs, Misawa backflips back into the ring. This is an innovative and exciting sequence which is greatly appreciated by me and the Japanese fans. Kawada soon takes over again and hits a few nice suplexes until Misawa reversed a powerbomb into a Tiger Driver for the win.

Winner: Misawa via Tiger Driver

=============================================
Another short shoot-fight style exchange opens this match until Misawa is knocked to the outside where Kawada executes a devastating powerbomb which echoes a horrific splat throughout the arena. Kawada, in the third match in a row hits a nice series of powerbombs with the fans popping for each one. After a while both men get up and exchange big boots to the face and this looks awesome. Two Japanese guys no selling a move that is very popular in America. After Kawada in unsuccessful in hitting a leaping kick Misawa runs from the ropes and hits a running forearm and wins the match.

Winner: Misawa via running forearm.

=============================================
Misawa VS Kawada: 09.06.97
=============================================
Kawada starts the match by landing a leaping enziguri, then locks on a few submission moves including the arm bar and abdominal stretch. Misawa fights back with a huge amount of forearms until Kawada once again takes Kawada onto the outside and again hits him with a powerbomb onto the floor. The splat was equal in sound to the one in '95 and got as big a pop from the fans too. They fight back into the ring and Misawa attempts a sledge hammer from the top rope only to be dropkicked. Kawada takes control and locks in a Dragon Sleeper. The fans are chanting Misawa's name hoping he will get up and fight back and he does hitting a Tiger Suplex shortly after for the victory.

Winner: Misawa via Tiger Suplex.

=============================================
Misawa VS Kawada. 03.05.98
=============================================
A great match to a great tape to put it simply. Misawa has won five out of five and Kawada has won none. Hopefully Kawada can pull back here. Before the match footage is shown of Kawada in training in preperation for the match.
In a word I would describe this bout as amazing! Suplex after Suplex, Powerbomb after Powerbomb, Forearm after Forearm. These two men put on one of the greatest matches I've ever seen second only to an ECW match between Eddy Guerrero and Dean Malenko. Misawa dominated the majority of this match in an attempt for a perfect record over Kawada, but Kawada fought back and eventually hit a spine compressing powerbomb for his first win in his epic series with Misawa.

Winner: Kawada via Powerbomb.

The fans are chanting Kawada's name after the match.

=============================================
The End.
=============================================

A fantastic tape and I strongly recommend this to any wrestling fan.
===

Get the video. Pyschology stuff bores the pants off me, but this was intense.

[fujiwara]

TOSHIAKI KAWADA/MASANOBU FUCHI(AJPW) vs YUGI NAGATA/TAKAYUKI IIZUKA(NJPW)

AJPW guys are supposedly the heels……I think only they are pretty over with the crowd although you never can tell with the Japanese crowd unless they really mean it sometimes. Fuchi and Iizuka start. Fuchi with a lot of stalling. Iizuka has enough and goes strait for the Juji Gatame. Roll through sequence follows ending in Nagata getting the tag. He launches a few kicks and Fuci, backed into a corner tags in Kawada. The crowd goes bizerke!!! Kawada though soon puts a stop to the cheers by stretching for a long time. Stiff kicks all round from both. Kawada hits a ruuning boot. They both tag out. Fuchi and Iizuka back in. Fuchi with some wearing holds and such to the leg. Fuchi then stands on Iizuka whilst striking some sort of pose. HA HA!!! The crowd eats it up and Fuchi gets some heel heat. Kawada back in he targets the leg aswell using a 1/2 boston crab. Then he slaps on a bow and arrow. Heat!!!! Fuchi tagged back in again with the leg. ½ crab again. Nagata tries to break it up so Kawada nails him with a gamingiri!!! Nagata to the outside. Kawada follows him out. Nagata whipped to the rail. Kawada is tagged in. Fuchi rushes outside to continue the assault. Nagata is crotched on the Guardrail OUCH!!!!!!!! Kawda hits a jumping knee on Iizuka in the ring for a 2 count. Fuchi back in Double irish whip to the buckle and team All Japan hit a double running kick to the face. HA HA HA !!!!!! this rules.

Kawada begins to walk away then stops and nails Iizuka with another high kick to the face. OUCH!!!!! Fuchi is tagged in he hits a backdrop for a near fall. Fuchi goes for a suplex but Iizuka, out of desperation blocks it and hits one of his own. Crowd are behind Iizuka 100% he crawls toards the corner and is so close to taggind in Nagata but Fuchi drags him away nad tags in Kawada. Iizuka retaliates with one last rush andputs on a choke on fuchi. Kawada breaks it up. He cheaks on Fuchi allowing Iizuka to tag in Nagata. They exchange various moves. Kawada hits a high kick and a hard lariat for 2 ½
He goes for the back drop but nagata counters with 4 count em 4 enzugiri’s and a german suplex for a near fall. Nagata geets tripped. Kawada with a kick and then hits a BACKDROP DRIVER OF DOOM!!!!! 1…..2…..thr NO!! Stretch plum is applied. Nagata tried to get to the ropes but Kawada pulled him back. Iizuka finally makes the save. Nagata knees Kawada the charging Kawada and SALUTES THE CROWD!!!! Here we go….. NAGATA LOCK. Kawada now in trouble. The seemingly near dead fuchi makes the save. Nagata tags in Iizuka who hits the EXPLODAAHHH!!! Hell yeah!!!! Iizuka locks on the leg bar. Fuchi tries to make the save but Nagata catches him and puts him in the NAGATA LOCK!!! Kawada desperately nails aa enzugiri and Tags in Fuchi who somehow in his near unconscious state nils to BACKDROPS for a super close near fall. He goes for a third but it is blocked. Both men tag in their partners. Kawada and Nagata nail each other with brutally stiff kicks. Then it turns into a slapfest.. Both men block Gamengiri’s. High Kick by Kawada flying forarm by Nagata Juji Gatame is locked on and the bell rings the time has expired. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!


They realized the 30 minute time limit was almost up so they just threw every thing at each other that’s just great. I loved the story of the match (Kawada carrying Fuchi) and just the sheer brutality and stiffness of the match.

I got to say I almost didn’t think it was 5 star materiel from what I heard but after watching it fully for myself I cannot not give full marks. *****

And that ladies and gents is my 100th post on the TWO forums (Yay for me) thank you everyone and good night.
:xyx

[SiMania]

If anyone wants to send a review for my site then It's be much appreciated!

[Rikidozan]

These reviews really are excellent, maybe someone should try and reach a deal with Si to review his tapes for his site.

Just a thought anyway, keep the review coming:)

[fujiwara]

You know I havn't posted a review on here for quite a while. So last week I set about doing a new review of a match. The question was, which one? I looked for NJPW for inspiration but I couldn't find the right match to review. So I came to good old reliable AJPW and low and behold I found one.

Champions Carnival 1995...........The Final.

Arika Taue vs Mitsuharu Misawa.

Taue defeated Kobashi and Kawada and battled to a draw with Misawa. Misawa Defeated Kobashi but only drew with Kawada. So Taue has the slight advantage in that respect........Any way the match.

Bell rings, they circle. Side headlock by Taue, Misawa throws him off the ropes only to be met with a hard shoulder block. BTW Misawa has a broken bone in his face so Taue attacks looking to drop Misawa face first on the top turn buckle. Misawa blocks it and elbows Taue which itself is blocked by Taue. They circle again Taue backs Misawa into a courner and chops him Misawa responds with elbows. Taue whips Misawa to the opposite courner, charges and is met with a boot to the face. Taue dodges a top rope dropkick by Misawa. Taue oges for the running kick but Misawa ducks and smashes him with a few more elbows, Taue grabs him by the throat but Misawa counters with an armdrag. Running elbow attempt does not connect and Misawa ends up face first on the mat. Misawa rolls outside so taue rolls him back in. A few short arm lariats by Taue to soften up Misawa for a Nodawa Otoshi so Misawa grabs the ropes to stop it. Misawa shot off the ropes he ducks the boot and the lariat and then hits Taue with one of his own. Misawa locks the face lock on so Taue thumbs him in the eye and returns the favour.

Misawa reaches the ropes to break the hold. So Taue hotshots him and puts him in the dragon sleeper. Taue breaks it and hits a vertical suplex. Misawa with a go behind Taue uses the elbow for the escape and hits a DDT for 2. Taue goes for the powerbomb but Misawa reverses with a hurricanrana. Misawa starts to charge, Taue puts the boot up so Misawa puts on the breaks and hits him with an elbow Taue to the outside following a spin kick by Misawa. Misawa hits his tope elbow. Back inside Misawa floors Taue with an elbow. Misawa hits a few elbows and goes for the tiger driver. Blocked by Taue. Misawa back to the elbows and hits a ROLLING ELBOOOWWWW!!!!! 2 count.

Taue rolls out of the ring to catch his bearings and rollsback inside only for Misawa tonial a back drop. Taue blocks the tiger suplex and hits Misawa in the eye. Misawa goes down. Taue steps on the eye area picks Misawa and dumps him face first on the ropes. Dropkick and Misawa to the floor. He tries to get back in so Taue BACKDROPS HIM FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!!!!! Misawa gets back up to the apron. Taue grabs him by the throat but Misawa fires of the elbows again. He climbs back in an hits a spin kick which it caught so he gives Taue an enzugiri instead Frog Splash from the top for a nearfall. Elbows, taue ducks he goes for the back drop, Misawa flips out. He hits a german suplex 1…..2…..kickout. TIGER DRIVER, its over. One……Two……Thr no. Misawa locks him for a suplex Taue counters and dumps Misawa on the apron. Taue hits Misawa right in the eye and give misawa a NODAWA OTOSHI FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!!!!!!! Rolled back inside, 1…….2…...2.99999999999999999 Oh that was close. Misawa got his foot on the ropes Just in time. Misawa finally gets back up and hits Taue with one elbow. Misawa HAS to roll to the outside to get some rest and catch his bearings.

Misawa back in Taue hits a german for a 2. Nodawa Otoshi is blocked so Taue gives him a DDT. Dynamic BOMB 1……2……near fall. Taue picks him up for the Nodawa Otoshi Misawa nails Taue with an elbow so Taue stomps him down to hell. Taue continues the baeting with a rolling elbow. Taue perches Misawa on the top rope and grabs him by the throat but Misawa arm drags out of it. Misawa hits a running elbow and goes for the tiger driver but Taue back body drops him and looks for the german, Misawa elbows out of it and hits a ROLLING ELBOW!!!! Oh My God Misawa drives Taue down with a sick German which sets him up for the TIGER DRIVER for 2. Taue pounces on the eye but Misawa manages to fight back the pain and elbows Taue in the face. Misawa turns round Taue and hits the TIGER SUPLEX!!!!! 1…….2…….super duper close near fall. Misawa’s like tell me he did not just kick out of that. Misawa picks him up and hits a second TIGER SUPLEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1…….2……..3. Misawa wins.

Amazing back and forth match. Misawa fought through a broken bone to win. A Superb story was told in this one

A Brilliant end to a Brilliant champions Carnival. Get it

A definite ***** match.

[fujiwara]

I have decided to writ a review on an entire event this time. Because of this I cannot pay as much attention to detail in the matches. I cannot call every mve so with that in mind I give you

NJPW SUPER J CUP 94

The competitors in no order are: Wild Pegusus (Chris Benoit), El samurai, Dean Malenko, Shinjiro Ohtani, Black Tiger (Eddy), Gedo, Great Sasuke, Jushin Lyger, Super Delphin, Negro Casas, Ricky Fuji, Hayabusa and Motegi and Taka Michinoku

1. Dean Malenko v Gedo.
Nice little crowd warmer here. Malenko does a little wrist lock flip escape and works on various body parts of Gedo. The arm is defiantly being worked on here. Head scissors by Malenko. Deano Machino is doing a great job on the mat work to cover up the crappy work of Gedo. Malenko hits the Jackhammer???? For a two count tombstone countered by Gedo into one of his own. Gedo goes up top for the diving headbutt but Dean rolls out out of the way of contact. Ha! eat mat Gedo. Running clothsline by Malenko. Flying bodypress for 2. Then out of nowhere Gedo hits a powerslam for the 3 count. Damn!
Malenko is in it so that’s ** plus good mat work and it kept me entertained so ***
Rating = ***

2. Super Delphin v Shinjiro Ohtani
Yes Ohtani is here. He goes right to work on Delphin’s knee, loads of holds and such. Delphin comes back with a tilt a whirl slam. He goes for a second but gets a kick in the face for troubles. More knee work. Again Delphin comes back with a Backdrop for 2. Big brainbuster by Delphin. Ohtani back into it wityh a kick that sends Delphin to the outside. Plancha by Ohtani. Delphin dumped back in and then Ohtani hits him with the springboard dropkick. Yes I love that move! 2 count only. Ohtani with a cross knee breaker. Huh that was a cool move. Whip to the courner by Ohtani is countered with a tornado DDT and the Delphin Clutch for the pin.
Again a bit of a surprising finish. Delphin kept forgetting that his knee was hurting but otherwise fine.
Rating = ***

3. Taka Michinoku v black tiger
Taka comes out with a big sword for some reason. Oh man this one is going to be a squash. Within the First 50 seconds Taka is nailed with a sling shot senton(over the ropes) and a powerbomb. Eddie whips him off the ropes so taka hits a moonsault and then nails a head scissors. Taka with an over head belly to belly. Tiger to the outside. Taka hits his no hands springboard plancha. Hurricanrana and a german suplex by Taka both get two. He goes for another rana but gets planted with a powerbomb. Eddie hits the frog splash but Taka kicks out of it at 2.75. Eddie goes for another powerbomb but it is reversed in to a sun set flip by Taka for two. Taka hits a powerbomb and follows it up with a moonsault for 2 and ½. So Taka goes up for the moonsault again. He flyes through the air but Eddie gets the knees up and plants Taka with a brainbuster for a near fall. Eddie then hits a sweet looking tornado DDT
Droping Taka right on his face for the 3 count.
Rating: much more spot orientated than the last two. It was fun to watch but it had no real structure, still **3/4.

4. Motegi vvs El Samurai: Oh man Motegi sucks I hate this man. He can be alright sometimes but other times he extremely annoying. They start out with some exchanges. Samurai to the outside. Motegi slips on the ropes as he is going to launch himself on to Samurai. Back inside. Motegi slaps on a rear chinlock. Snore! Samurai hits a piledriver and a backdrop which both get 2 counts. Boston Crab, Motegi gets out of it and geets drilled with a tombstone for two. Now they exchange punches and such. Samurai hits a reverse (inverted) suplex. Next Motegi misses a dropkick and just lies there. Then he rolls to the outside. Samurai hits a plancha. Back inside they go. Suplex and a missile dropkick by El Samurai 1…..2 count. Motegi hits a powerbomb from when Samurai went for a rana. Bow and Arrow lock is applied by Motegi. Flying head scissors gets 2 for motegi. Motegi hits a rolling German bu as he goes for the third El Samurai reverses and rolls up Motegi which gets a near fall. Samurai puts Motegi away with a powerbomb. 1……2……3. HA HA! Get off my screen Motegi.
Rating: I hate Motegi however Samurai looked good here so I’ll give it a generous **.
5. Ricky Fuji vs Negro Casas: Ahh jeez first you give me Motegi, now this! Well that’s just great. Basically the matchis basic mat wrestling a few chinlocks here and there and a couple of headlocks and you have the match. They go to the outside then come back Fuji hits a bad back breaker. Then a second rope axe handle and a suplex for 2. he goes for a second but it is blocked and then Casas gives us la majistral for a one (?) Snapmare and a senton gets 2 ¾ a second one misses. Fuji hits some kicks and stuff and then hits a nice tiger driver for the victory.
Rating: Yeah I don’t like thesse guys so * 1/2 .

6. Hayabusa vs Jushin Lyger: Here we go. Hayabusa knocks Lyger to the outside before the bell and then hits a nice summersault Plancha. The bell rings as they enter the ring. ‘Busa works over the leg for a while but then Lyger dodges a knee drop and does some lag work of his own. Lyger hits a Powerbomb for a near fall. Lyger then hits a lariat and then perches Hayabusa on the top and delivers a superplex for a second near fall. Now Lyger hits a Shotei (palm strike) but Hayabusa ducks and hits a spinning wheel kick. He then goes up top and hits the same thing. Moonsault gets a 2. Hayabusa goes for a weird twisting rana thing but it is blocked by Lyger. Hayabusa still doesn’t give up and gives Lyger a slam. He goes up for a shooting star press but he misses it badly. Lyger teaches him the art of not blowing spots by nailing a Lyger Bomb for a close near fall. He puts Hayabusa on the top and goes up for the superplex but he is shoved off by Busa who, in turn goes for a leaping rana but Lyger reverses it into a beast of a powerbomb. Lyger then nails the fishermans buster 1…..2……3.
Rating: Well Hayabusa was still a rookie really so he looked nervous and blew the SSP but it was still a good match. I’ll give it ***.

Its time for the Quarter Finals now.

Super Delphin vs Gedo: Basically this is treated as a sort of comedy match. Its all hair pulling and stuff until the end. Delphin hits a victory roll for a 2 count. Powerslam and a moonsault by Gedo gets a near fall. Gedo goes for a clothesline but its countered in to a crucifix for 2. Delphin hits my favourite move, the bridging waist lock suplex for a near fall. A slam and an elbow drop gets a 2 aswell. Tornado DDT follows then its time for the DELPHIN CLUTCH!!!! But Gedo reverses it and rolls up Delphin for the 3 count.
Rating: actually it was an OK match although the match was sort of strange because it was comedy then serious. This affected the crowd who didn’t know quite what to do. **3/4

Wild Pegasus vs Black Tiger: Feeling out process, the usual stuff. Eddie hits the slingshot senton near the beginning of the bout. Yay! another waistlock suplex. This time it is Benoit feeling the affects of it but he kicks out at two. Eddie senches him up for a suplex but Benoit slips behind at hits a reverse suplex . Benoit then clotheslines….sorry lariats Eddie’s head off. German suplex by Benoit, 1….2..2.5. Pegasus Bomb by benoit gets a near fall. Both men back up, Benoit whips in Eddie but Eddie rolls up Benoit for 2. Benoit hoists Guerrero up but he reverses it into a hurricanrana. German Suplex gets a near fall for Black Tiger. Missile Dropkick is dodged by Benoit. Guerrero grabs the arm and hits the springboard hurricanrana. Top rope rana by Eddie! For another near fall. Guerrero attempts a Tornado DDT but Benoit throws him off. Benoit picks Guerrero up and puts him on the top for a superplex but Guerrero pushes him off. He goes for a crossbody but Benoit counters it in to a powerslam in mid air (!) for the 3 count!
Rating: Now obviously given the time constraints this wasn’t going to be a classic however it was a good match with nice work from both men ***1/2.

El Samurai vs Great Sasuke: Here we go! Some mat work to start things off.
That’s the annoying thing. You can’t reaaly do mat work because it all runs in a chain and goes quite fast. Samurai goes to work on the leg of sasuke for quite a while. Sasuke then hits a WAISTLOCK SUPLEX!!!!!! Hell Yeah! Sasuke puts on a submission that is known as a Ziplock apparently. Both men back up Sasuke hits a handspring elbow. Samurai is knocked to the outside. Sasuke then hits the SPACE FLYING TIGER DROP. Back inside Samurai his a lariat and a dropkick. Sasuke to the outside. Somersault plancha by Samurai. Back in again. Samurai hits a nice German suplex for a close near fall. Scoop and a slam by Samurai and he follows it up with a Diving Headbutt. It gets a 2.999. Samurai attemps a powerbomb but Sasuke fires off a rana for 2. Sasuke goes up top and is caught. Samurai looks for a elevator drop but Sasuke counters into a sunset flip. It gets 1 it gets 2 and it gets 2.999999999999999999999999999. How close do you want to be. Samurai ducks a kick and hits the thunder Fire bomb 1…2….2.99999. He snaps off a hurricanrana but sasuke rolls through for the victory:
Rating: Great match. Best so far. The crowd got into it and the near falls were super close so ***3/4.

Fuji vs Lyger: Do you have to ask who won this one really? Might aswell run it down though. Feeling out process to start. Lyger to the outside. Fuji hits a dive and then nails Lyger with a powerbomb on the floor!!! Lyger then dives on to Fuji on the outside. Back in Koppo Kick gets a near fall. Powerbomb and a german by Lyger who then Superplexes Fuji. But Fuji ajusts in mid air and comes crashing down on top of Lyger. That gets two. Lyger falls to the outside but eventually gets the win with a rana out of nowhere.
Rating: I didn’t really care for this one much it was mostly just lyger and I knew he was going through but the action was good so **3/4.

Semis

Benoit vs Gedo: Just mentioning this match makes me laugh. Scott Keith, who you might know did a review of the event and I read it. In this match he constantly put Gedo down. Its funny.

Anyway the mach starts with Benoit killing Gedo with chops and lariats. Gedo comes back and hits a piledrivder following a submission. He hits a somersault plancha. Back in he nails Benoit with some power moves, a slam and a northern lights. Then he goes up for a diving headbutt but it misses. HA! They do some stuff with reversals until. Benoit hits a powerbomb for a near fall and finishes off Gedo with a diving Headbutt:
Rating: Good wrestling mainly due to benoit. Good Equals ***

Lyger vs Great Sasuke: OH YES!!!! They do some mat wrestling to start. Lyger pulls off some pretty great submissions. They get going. Lyger knocks Sasuke loopy with a loppo kick and then hits a shotei. Man Sasuke is out cold. He picks up Sasuke and plants him with a tombstone. Chicken wing crossface on Sasuke. Now Lyger works on the arm with arm breakers and hammerlocks galore! Arm bar applied by Lyger. Lyger goes up top and flies through the air but sasuke telegraphs itby dropkicking Lyger in mid air. Lyger rolls to the outside. Sasuke then hits one of the most beautiful Asai Moonsaults ever, EVER!!! He then follows it up with a somersault off the top plancha. Back inside Sasuke drills Lyger almost through the mat with a Thunder Fire Bomb. It gets 2. Sasuke goes for a swanton but Lyger moves and delivers a shotei. LYGER BOMB!!!!!!!! Gets 2. Top Rope Frankinsteiner by lyger gets a 2 count then Sasuke rolls through and gets 2.999999999. That was a close near fall. Lyger hits a release German and a Fisherman’s Buster 1….2…2.999999. Lyger suplexes Sasuke over the ropes to the floor. Sasuke is out Lyger thinks that its all over. However Sasuke makes it back up to the apron. Lyger turns and Sasuke goes for a springboard rana. However he slips and lands in a heap in the ring. Ouchthat looked like it hurt Sasuke and it may have hurt the match. But they recover well. Lyger signals for the Lyger bomb but Sasuke snaps off a Hurricanrana for the 1….2…..3. Great Great Great Match. **** 3/4

Benoit vs Sasuke

Here we go. Ok the bell rings. the two start the feeling out process ending in a big flip flop bonanza. Benoit gets hit with a spin kick and rolls to the outside, but scurries away before Sasuke hits a big ariel based assault. back in the ring Sasuke flips backwards after pushing off of Benoit. Now Chris just cuts him off with a HUGE clothesline. Benoit hits a German for a 2 count. Benoit hoists sasuke up for his WILDBOMB but Sasuke counters with an armdrag. Sasuke comes off the ropes with a full head of steam but Pegasus cuts himoff with another clothesline. Sasuke rolls to the apron but benoit hits him with a friggin springboard shoulderblock that takes them both outside to the floor. Whoa it just occuredtome hw many moves Jericho has taken from benoit. Back inside Benoit hits the Dragon suplex. 2 and 3/4. Benoit scoop slams Sasuke to the mat.........and then raises the eye brow and rips off the elbow pad and...........No he didnt really *** that would make a mockery of all wrestling in Japan. Benoit hits the Diving Headbutt. Then a WILDBOMB and then a Tilt a whirl Backbreaker. All three get 2 and 3/4!!! Man Benoit is in control.

Benoit goes for the dropkick but Sasuke holds on to the ropes and hen comes running in for the Clothesline but Benoit dukes and hits a German Suplex 1.......2.........thr no Sasuke gets the shoulder up. Dragon suplex attempt into a cradle by Sasuke which Benoit in turn counters for a near fall. Sasuke hits a high cross body. Spin kick by Sasuke Benoit to the outside. SPACE FLYING TIGER DROP by Sasuke. I love that move. Back inside Fishermans suplex by sasuke gets 2 3/4. Another spin wheel kick and Benoit to the outside again, now Sasuke climbs to the top and hits a missile Dropkick right to the outside!!!! cool. The crod is loving this. Back inside tey go. Sasuke hits the Moonsault for another near fall. Sasuke heads to the top again but benoit stops him. Sasuke kicks him away but Benoit ever relentless cuts off Sasuke again. Benoit then climbs to the top where Saske is perched and Delivers a SUPER GUT WRENCH SUPLEX!!!!!!!!!!!! Ouch sasuke is out. 1...........2............3. WOW
Rating Amazing match **** 3/4.

Overall it is a simply unmissablt tape andit truly is one of the greatest events ever!

[Rikidozan]

Another thoroughly enjoyable review/read Fuji:xyx

[fujiwara]

Now this next review has taken a long time because doing a running commentary of a 75 minute match is a painfully long process.

The match is from the 1992 AJPW commercial tape. You can get it from Simania. It is the last match on the tape. The match is 4 vs. 4. Two men from each team start the match under tag rules. When one member of the tag team is eliminated then another member replaces him. Once 1 member of one of the teams is left the match ends and the team with members left wins. Got it?

Misawa, Kobashi, Kawada and Kikucki vs. Kimura, Ogawa, Tsurata and Fuchi: The 4 men to start things off are Kobashi and Kikucki and Ogawa and Fuchi. Kobashi and Ogawa start the match. Ogawa grabs a side headlock, Kobashi sends him off, ducks down and then hits a dropkick. Ogawa back up Kobashi hits an armdrag, Ogawa with a head scissors out. They do the same again and then stare each other down. Ogawa geets a cheap shot in on Kikucki. He is mad. Kobashi ducks a clothesline and nails a shoulder block. Kikucki tagged in. He fires off some elbows and then hits a leg lariat. Ogawa wants no part of Kikucki and he rolls to the outside. Fuchi is tagged in. Drop toe hold and then Fuchi streches Kikucki with a submission. Kickuki tags out and Kobashi is in again. He hits a slam and a leg drop, but Fuchi gets back up and then locks on the same submission that he gave kikucki. Ogawa back in he works over the leg, yes the same leg that has been worked on through out Kobasi’s entire career. Kobashi works out of a leg lock and hits Ogawa with an Enzugiri. Kikuchi locks on a choke on Ogawa. Ogawa breaks it up, then Kikucki rolls up Ogawa with a school boy for 2. Kikucki streches Ogawa and then tags in Kobashi who hits a suplex and then locks on a boston crab, which Ogawa breaks up by getting to the ropes. Kikucki in and he locks on a half crab. Fuchi locks in a half crab but Fuchi breaks it up. Ogawa hits a suplex and tags in Fuchi who lays in to Kikucki with boots to the face. He then bends Kikucki over the ropes in various ways. Fuchi hits a backdrop for a 2 count. Ogawa gets the tag and his piledriver gets 2. Fuchi back in, he hits a bodyslam for two. Kikuchi gets a desperation dropkick and tags in Kobashi. Kobashi gets some momentum but it is stopped when Fuchi hits a backdrop which gets 2. Ogawa in and he hits a neckbreaker. Ogawa’s attempt at a high risk move is thwarted by Kobashi, who throws him off the top rope. Kobashi gets a near fall from a backdrop. Ogawa gets slammed and then Kikucki is tagged in, he goes up and they hit a rocket launcher for a near fall. Ogawa gets a 2 count by way of small package. Ogawa with an irish whip. Kikucki goes for the springboard moonsault but Ogawa avoids the contact by dodging it. Fisherman’s suplex by Ogawa gets a near fall. He sends Kikucki off. Kikucki goes for a sunset flip but Ogawa simply drops down on Kikucki for 2. Ogawa goes for a german sulpex but its countered by Kikuchi who rolls through, however Ogawa then catches him with a wicked backdrop which he holds on to for the three count.

Round2: Misawa replaces Kikucki and starts in the ring with fuchi. Misawa right on the offensive with an elbow and a dropkick. He hammers away on Fuchi some more before Ogawa makes the blind tag. He is met with the same fate. Monkey flip out of the corner and a slam gets 2. Kobashi in, he hits some clubbing forearms to the back and then hits a leg drop for a near fall. Kobashi puts him in a slleper as the fans chant KO-BASH-AI. Ogawa to the ropes. Tag to misawa who hits a jumping knee and then a tilt a whirl backbreaker for 2. Misawa goes for a boston crab but Fuchi breaks it up with a boot to the face and is then tagged in. Fuchi hits a snapmare and then senches in a sleeper with the arm hooked behind Fuchi’s leg. Misawa gets out of it and returns the favour. Misawa throws Fuchi outside and Kobashi puts a beating on him slamming him down. Kobashi hits the running lariat for two. Ogawa in he hit a jawbreaker for 2.Kobashi boots Ogawa in the face. Misawa in and he hits his spinning lariat and a senton for a near fall. Camel Clutch applied. Kobashi in. He hits a high back breaker (o the shoulder) silgle leg crab but Fuchi breaks it up. Misawa in. Backbreaker and Misawa bends Ogawa on his knee . Kobashi in he Irish whips Ogawa to the bucle but Ogawa gets the boot up and hits a second rope dropkick. Fuvhi in. He punches Kobashi. He nails Misawa who is on the apron. Kobashi reverses an irish whip and then hits a lariat and a bulldog for 2. Half crab but Fuchi breaks it slams Kobashi and tags Ogawa who hits a double stomp ala Spike Dudley. He gets a near fall. Fishermans Suplex is broken up at 2 by Misawa. Ogawa goes for a cross body but kobashi counters it into a powerlam for 2.9999.Fuchi breaths a sigh of relief on the apron but then Kobashi hits a slam and signals for the moonsaulthe nails it and Misawa wards of Fuchi. 1…..2…..3 Ogawa is eliminated.

Round 3: Tsurtra replaces him and the match degenerates into a brief brawl.Misawa sent off the ropes by Fuchi and is caught In a sleeper. Fuchi covers and gts 2. Tsurtra in he puts on a rer chinlock and then axe handles the back of a fallen Misawa. Fuchi gets in a cheap shot. Neck crank by Tsurtra. Fuchi gets the tag and Tsurtra holds misawa up as Fuchi chokes him with a boot.The 2 wail away with elbows and punches. Fuchi puts on an STF. He chokes Misawa on the ropes. Tsurtra in he knocks down misawa. Snake eyes on the buckle by Tsurtra and then he puts on a sleeperFuchi restrains Kobashi from breaking it up. Misawa is picked up but collapses. Misawa is drilled with a powerbomb for 2.999999. Fuchi goes for a backdrop but Misawa ends up on top. An elbow knocks Fuchi down but he responds with a kick.Fuchi wails away with elbows.. misawa irish whipped in but he comes off with a springboard back elbow. Misawa tags in Kobashi who pounds away on Fuchi. He hits a shoulder block on Fuchi and a dropkick on Tsurtra.Powerslam gets a near fall on Fuchi. Suplex attempt but Fuchi dropkicks the leg . Tsurtra in and hw works on the knee. Kobashi thrown to the outside . Fuchi hits a knee breker on to the time keepers table. Boston crab. Kobashi to the ropes. Fuchi makes the tag more leg work. Tsurtra back in. He hits a knee breaker to the top turn buckle and Kobashi is sent tumbling to the floor. Yet more leg locks but kobashi manages to pull off a roll up and then gets a tag to Misawa. He hits a cross body for 2. Tsurtra respondes with a big boot. Misawa tags Kobashi in who hits flying shouder block and a lariat to buckle. He then hit a DDT for 2. Rolling cradle by Kobashi on Fuchi who is fresh in Gets 2. Misawa tagged in and he hits a frog splash on Fuchi and then locks on a sleeper for the submission. The crowd chant FUCHI in respect as he is carried out of the ring.

Round 4;Rusher Kimura replaces Fuchi. Misawa and Tsurtra start things off with elbows Misawa gets a face full of turnbuckle. Irish whip by Tsurtra so Misawa counters yhitting a springboard cross body however Tsurtra moves and slams Misawa. 2 count. Kimura in he pounds on Misawa. But Misawa hits back and Kobawshi gets the tag. Chops and headbutts by Kimura. Sleeper by Kimura but Kobashi sends him off and hits a backdrop. Misawa in. He puts a beating on Kimura with elbows. Kobashi back in. Kobashi and Misawa hit Kimura with a double dropkick for a 2. Sleeper hold applied by Kobashi. Tsurtra in but gets a lariat for his troubles. Kimura hits a slam. Tsurtra in and he locks in a BOSTON CRAB!!!!!!! Sorry little over excited today. Several other holds are applied to Kobashi’s knee. Kimura grabs kobashi and they go to the outside where Kimura beats on Kobashi’s leg with a chair. Back in Tsurtra destroys Kobashi with knees. Big sleeper on Kobashi. Tsurtra goes for the backdrop but Misawa helps to break it up. |Misawa is tagged in and he hits a diving elbow off the top and then puts on a strecking sleeper. Kimura breaks it up. Misawa pounds on Jumbo and then Kobashi is tagged and does the same. Hangman’s lariat (heart attack on WarZone for anyone who cares)it gets 2. Kobashi hits 2 leg drops and then hits a slam. He signals for the moonsault. But Kimura catches him on the way up and Tsurtra goes for a SUPER DUPER backdrop but KOBASHI COUNTERS IN MID AIR!!!!!!! For a near fall. Kimura comes in and allows Tsurtra to Backdrop Kobashi whilst he is holding back Misawa. Tsurtra is down aswell but manages to hit a SECOND BACKDROPAAAAHH 1…..2…..3 Kobashi is eliminated.

We are down to 2 on 2 as Kawada replaces Kobashi. Kawada and Rusher Kimura start it. Headbutts and kicks thrown respectively. Tsurtra in Kicks are again trown. Chops by Kawada Irish whip reversal and Tsurtra nails Kawada with a knee to the stomach sending him flying. Kimura in with some double teaming. Kawada is just beaten down with chops but responds with a a hard shot. Misawa in and he hits an Elbow for two. Dropkick by Misawa and a Gut wrench sulex for 2. Kawada in and he nails Kimura in the head but Kimura is all like OH NO YOU DID NOT!!!!!! But a spin kick shuts him up. It gets 2.999. Head Scissors by Kawada. Kimura to the ropes and Tsurtra is tagged in. Kawda ducks the jumping knee ducks the lariat and hits a spin wheel kick To The Face!!! It gets a near fall. Kawada hits a spinning splash for 2 and then tags Misawa. Misawa hits a top rope elbow but then Tsdurtra cuts him off on an offensive on slaught and tags Kimura Misawa quickly tags in Kawada aswell. They trade headbutts Kimura gets the better of it with his SUPER STRONG HEAD OUT OF HELL!!!!! The last 5-10 minutes has ruled it. Kawada gets the hell chopped out of him. Fans are chanting KI-MUR-AAA. Jumbo in double headbutt. Running knee in the corner by Jumbo. Kimura in with a bulldog which gets 2. Boston crab applied. Misawa breaks it up, Kimura unloads with headbutts but Kawada reaches way down deep and nails Kimura into the corner. Kawada with a spring board kick. Kawada kicks away then goes for a power bomb. Jumbo Tsurtra breaks it and Kimura gets a back body drop.But Kawada comes back with a lariat for a near fall. He then applies a leg scissors sleeper. The other 2 come in to defend their partners. Misawa wards Jumbo away but Kimura gets to the ropes. Kawada’s lariat is blocked and Kimura hits some headbutt’s Kawada comes back though and hits a lariat 1….2….2.99999 ohh that was close. Tsurtra and Misawa now come in and fight away. Kimura gets knee dropped but Jumbo breaks up the pin attempt. Jumbo is put in a sleeper and Kawada cinches in an OCTOPUS!!!! Jumbo crawls to get to kimura but Misawa holds him back in the sleeper just enough and Kimura gives up. KIMURA TAPS!!!!!! Misawa and Kawada win!!!

Well That’s it 75 minutes. Dang that’s long. Great match as the young stars of the company take on the older ones……and Ogawa. I can’t give it 5 stars so **** ¾.

[fujiwara]

MISAWA VS KOBASHI

This one is from Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Navigate For Evolution 2003 show. Misawa is the champion and the challenger his old rival and friend Kenta Kobashi has come back from numerous injuries to fight once again and to try to emerge at the top of the mountain with the GHC heavyweight title around his waist. The two warriors are introduced prompting the crowd to fill the ring with stremers as is customary in big matches as a salute and tribute to the athletes involved. Watching the tape there is a real buzz around the arena making me think that this match is going to be special.

The bell rings. They circle and then tie up in the center of the ring. Kobashi backs Misawa to the ropes and then goes for a spinning back chop but Misawa ducks, sweet. Tie up again side headlock by Kobashi. Misawa shoots him off the ropes, Kobashi shoulder blocks Misawa down. Both men back up they exchange elbows and chops respectively. Misawa hits a sequence of elbows but Kobashi ducks the last and goes for a Backdrop however Misawa counters into a back body drop in mid air and gets a 2 count for it. Arm drag by Kobashi, Misawa gets out with a head scissors. The two men stare each other down as the fans erupt in approval and anticipation. Tie up firemans carry into an arm bar by Misawa, Kobashi gets up to his feet they trade hammerlocks. Misawa gets Kobashi in a top wrisst lock. Misawa grounds Kobashi and puts him back in the arm bar. Kobashi again gets back up so Misawa puts Kobashi in an arm ringer. Kobashi struggles out of it and puts Misawa in one of his own. Misawa flips out of it and Kobashi goes for a half nelson suplex but Misawa gets out of it and DUMPS KOBASHI ON HIS HEAD WITH A BACKDROP!! Kobashi rolls to the outside so Misawa dives to the outside from the top rope with a DIVING ELBOW. Kobashi is a mess. Misawa then gets up on the apron and hits a rolling shoulder block off of the apron onto a barely standing Kobashi. Misawa rolls him back in and mnails a missile dropkick. Then Misawa nails the Frog Splash on Kobashi 1….2.. and a half. Misawa locks in a reverse cross arm scissors (Kobashi lying on his front). Kobashi gets to the ropes so Misawa continues his assault on the arm with elbows. Kobashi backs Misawa into the corner and then nails him with some patented chops to the neck area of Misawa. Kobashi goes for a diving Shoulder block but Misawa counters in mid air by hitting Kobashi with a brutal elbow to the face. Misawa once again goes back to the arm of Kobashi. Kobsahi reverses the irish whip Misawa puts on the breaks, Kobashi goes for the Sleeper Suplex but Misawa elbows out of it and dropkicks Kobashi to the floor. Misawa baseball slides Kobashi back to the guard rail and then comes off the ropes with a full head of steam but fakes the elbow suicida by flipping over the ropes and landing on the apron. Misawa goes for a Divivng Elbow off the apron But Kobashi ducks out of the way and MISAWA CRASHES FACE FIRST IN TO TE GUARD RAIL!!!!!! Sweet Mother of all that is good Misawa is dead his jaw was mashed into the top bar of the STEEL Guard Rail that’s STEEL. Kobashi picks Misawa up and we see the affects of that move Misawa’s mouth or Chin I can’t tell which is cut quite badly, theres not a lot of blood but it looks painful as in not a blade job. Kobashi now drapes Misawa over the guard rail and nails him repeatedly with kicks. Koabashi now cinches misawa in to position for a half nelson suplex but Misawa desperately tries to get out of it so Kobashi hits him again and then DRILLS Misawa with a HALF-NELSON SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!! Gosh Darn I’m trying my hardest not to break one of the ten commandments but God Damn that looked painful. Misawa landed on the side of his head. The fans are chanting MI-SA-WA.

Kobashi continues to work on the face by putting Misawa’s head on the metal bit which connects turnbuckle to the ring post and elbows it repeatedly. Kobashi lifts Misawa up for a suplex then drops him face first down for a near fall. Kobashi again works on the neck cranking it and chopping it Misawa responds with elbows. Kobashi kicks Misawa and hits a rocker dropper. It gets two. Misawa is hurt here. Kobashi throws Misawa on to the ramp and then hits a DDT ON THE RAMP!!! Back in and Kobashi gets to. Kobashi again with chops just wearing Misawa but Misawa sends Kobashi in to the corner and then attempts a Monkey Flip but Kobashi holds on and then Drops Misawa FACE FIRST on to the top turnbuckle. Kobashi follows this up with a HALF NELSON SUPLEX to Misawa. Kobashi picks him up and DRILLS MISAWA WITH IT AGAIN!!!!! Then Kobashi quickly puts Misawa in a Full Nelson. But Misawa rolls to the ropes. Yet More chops by kobashi to that neck and shoulder area. Kobashi just nails him with those chops. He comes down hard on the back of Misawa’s head and Misawa gets a burst of energy its as if he is saying “HIT ME AGAIN” In other words Misawa is Hulking Up. Misawa elbows Kobashi repeatedly but Kobashi ends the little rally of offence wit a BACKDROP DRIVER OF DOOM!!!!! Kobashi goes for a second Backdrop but Misawa gets out and Nails a sick Release German Suplex. Kobashi rolls and gets right back up so Misawa nails a RELEASE TIGER SUPLEX!!!! Kobashi lands on the back of his head but he gets right back up. Kobashi is Hulking up. Spinning back chop by Kobashi, Misawa responds with a ROLLING ELBOOOW!!!!!! Both men down. They slowly get up to their feet. Misawa goes for the Tiger Suplex 85 but Kobashi gets out and exchange chops and then Misawa goes for the Tiger Driver . Kobashi is hanging in there so Misawa elbows him to hell and then hits the TIGER DRIVER!!! 1……2…and 1/2 . Misawa Then nails the TIGER SUPLEX 85’ with a bridge 1…..2….2.99999. Misawa with a sleeper. Misawa breaks it and then picks up Kobashi and plants him with a second TIGER DRIVER!!! 1….2….2.999. What resiliency by Kobashi. Misawa goes for the EMERALD FROISON but Kobashi slips down the back and pushes Misawa in to the corner and then hits a HALF NELSON SUPLEX!!!!!! Misawa right back up but he is stumbling so Kobashi drills him HEAD FIRST WITH A SLEEPER SUPLEX!!!!! INSANE. This match is AMAZING!!!! Misawa gets back up eventually goes for a springboard back elbow but Kobashi nails him with a Lariat in Mid air for a near fall. Kobashi Signals for the BURNING LARIAT!!!! But Misawa elbows him Kobashi Goes for it again with the same result. Third time is Lucky for Kobashi as he puts seemingly all of his power and energy in to the BURNING LARIAT!!!!!! 1….2…..2.999999. Kobashi gets up and then pulls Misawa to the ropes. Kobashi lifts Misawa in to suplex position and it looks as if he is going to suplex Misawa to the ramp but Misawa gets out, landing on his feet on the apron. Misawa now suplexes Kobashi From the ring to the ramp. Kobashi down as Misawa gets back in to the ring. Kobashi up to his knees on the ramp. Misawa comes off of the ropes and dives through with the ELBOW SUICIDA!!!!!!!!!!!! JESUS CHRIST Misawa flew miles on that one. THE CROWD IS DEAFENING!!!!!! They both get back up. Misawa goes for a TIGER DRIVER ON THE RAMP but Kobashi just will not let that happen so Misawa elbows him and gives him a TIGER SUPLEX OFF THE RAMP TO THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY GOD DAMN HELL!!!!! KOBASHI HAS TO BE DEAD OR AT LEAST HAVE BROKEN SOMETHING. He LANDED RIGHT ON HIS UPPER BACK AND NECK!!!!! Both men lying there motionless! We could have a double count out here. Misawa gets back in at 18 and Kobashi at 19. Misawa crawls over and covers Kobashi 1…..2…..2.9999999999999 that was super duper close THE CROWD ARE GOING CRAZY. Misawa back up and Kobashi pulls himself using the ropes, he can barely stand. Misawa hits a jumping knee close near fall. Both men are exhausted. Misawa has Kobashi in the center of the ring, he pulls him up but Kobashi chops him hard with all of his might but Misawa hits a spinning back Elbow and then hits the EMERALD FROISON!!!!!!!!! That has to be it! 1….2….2.9999999999999999999999 how did Kobashi get the shoulder up?? he is super tough and is still hanging in there. THE CROWD ARE GOING INSANE!!!!! Misawa is going for the Tiger Driver but Kobashi will not go, Misawa knees Kobashi viciously but still Kobashi will not let Misawa hit him with the Tiger Driver and Kobashi Back Body Drop’s his way out. Misawa tries to put him away so he runs off the ropes going for the running elbow But Kobashi nails him with the LARIATOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! 1……2……2.9999999999 How did Misawa kick out. Kobashi Picks Misawa and Signals to the fans. He hoists Misawa up and Drops him head first with a BRAINBUSTER!! 1…..2…..2.99999999999999 CROWD IS NUKED (to quote J.B) Kobashi lifts Misawa up on his Shoulders No Way! NO WAY!!! YES WAY!!!!! Kobashi damn near kills Misawa with the BURNING HAMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1……2……..3. What an epic match.

Now people have varied opinions of this match some call it a classic and some say it was just an enjoyable match. I would fall into the first category. Now in previous encounters between these two there has been a lot of story telling building up to a great ending but this one was a bit more hit them until they cannot take any more. As a wrestling fan you should watch this match, it is your duty. I loved this match and if anything this year can over take it in the race for MOTY then I would be surprised. The only one that rivals it is Benoit vs Angle In My Opinion but I think that this match has the edge over it. This was Two men who we all know are past their primes giving it there all and creating one hell of a match. How can I not give it the best rating? *****(+)

[spidey1]

Hello Guys!!!

I just watched wrestling Gold 97 and my GOD... El Samuria Vs KojI Kanamto (?) was Wicked, also had Takada (?? sorry i'm pissed) Vs Misawa was stiff and cool!!...

But i must recommend Differ Cup from NOAH this year/last year...top stuff

Keep up the good work with this thread!!