2002: Jun Akiyama vs Yuji Nagata

2002: Jun Akiyama vs Yuji Nagata – GHC Heavyweight title
Wrestling World 2002 (attendance: 52,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00159_1_10

GHC Heavyweight title? Yes, New Japan continues the co-operative approach with Pro Wrestling NOAH guest Jun Akiyama defending the Global Honoured Crown against NJPW’s Yuji Nagata.

Jun Akiyama came through All Japan’s system and debuted against Kenta Kobashi in September 1992. He would rise up through the tag division and in 1995 began to team with the promotion’s ace Mitsuharu Misawa. AJPW was known for the four pillars that the company was built around in the 1990s (Misawa, Kobashi, Akira Taue and Toshiaki Kawada) and Akiyama was considered the fifth in that group. He had numerous attempts at the Triple Crown but was unsuccessful. In August 1998 he began to team with Kenta Kobashi and together the two formed the group ‘Burning’. Akiyama was among the group that left AJPW for the newly formed NOAH and in July 2001 he defeated Misawa to become the 2nd GHC champion.

We covered a young lion named Yuji Nagata back in 1995 with his match against junior heavyweight Koji Kanemoto. Since then Nagata’s stock has risen significantly. His profile rose as battled on the side of NJPW against the UWFi invaders in 1995/96 and went on excursion to World Championship Wrestling in 1997. While there he had a series of matches with Ultimo Dragon and gained a fanbase in the west. When he returned he came into the IWGP Heavyweight title picture unsuccessful against Scott Norton for the vacant belt in September 1998. In March 2000 he formed the group Fighting Club G-EGGS alongside Manabu Nakanishi and others but the group was short-lived. He was unsuccessful in wrestling the Heavyweight title from Kazuyuki Fujita in June 2001 and in August defeated Keiji Mutoh in the finals of the G1 Climax.

Nagata also at times teamed with a man named Jun Akiyama, the two winning an award for Tag Team Best Bout from New Japan for their October 2001 match against Keiji Mutoh and Hiroshi Hase. This match took place four days after Yuji Nagata’s mixed martial arts debut. All 21 seconds of it. Nagata took an embarrassing TKO loss against Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, so had plenty to prove coming into this.

It’s 2002 and it’s Akiyama vs Nagata. GHC title on the line! Let’s go!

Jun Akiyama with hair? An odd sight when you’re used to his 2017 look. Introduced first is the challenger Yuji Nagata who has earnt some colour since 1995. Here he wears his trademark blue. Next is the defending champion, who’s chosen white for the occasion.

The two are slow to start, each weary of the man they’ve teamed with. Nagata tries his luck with a kick but Akiyama lets it through. They tease a lock up and Nagata’s in with a takedown attempt, blocked by Akiyama. They jockey for position and it’s Akiyama with his back against the ropes. Nagata is slow to break but does so cleanly. Too slow for Akiyama’s preference so he gets a forearm in. This fires Nagata up who then delivers a number of kicks that eventually send the champ to the floor. He’s being admonished by the referee for kicking the man while he was on the ropes. Akiyama did throw the first blow… Akiyama regrouping outside and meanders back towards the ring, Nagata’s not going to let him. Referee backs Nagata up and Akiyama gets in eventually. His positioning is poor though as he’s open for a Nagata rush to the corner.

The two demonstrate that they do indeed have amateur background with an exchange of holds and counter holds before Nagata takes control of the arm. He locks a hammerlock, gets behind the champ and turns it to a rear naked choke. The referee’s right in there though and Nagata placates him by moving the arms up across Akiyama’s face. Works around to a cross armbar attempt, but Akiyama’s holding on. Nagata’s on his back and Akiyama works to a pinning position. Just a 1 count before Nagata releases the hold and opens himself for a stomp. Both men back up and it’s time to exchange strikes with the wo trading forearms. Nagata switches to the boots. They keep the theme of exchange going as they each dish out Exploder suplexes, Akiyama’s is more effective and he follows it up with a Shining Wizard. Nagata down.

As Nagata uses the ropes to get himself up, Akiyama comes in with a kick. Nagata comes back with a guillotine choke. Akiyama eventually to the ropes. Nagata’s not interested in breaking the hold but the referee gets involved. The style that Nagata is wrestling is very much rooted in strong style. Piledriver from Nagata and the champ gets dropped right on his head. The tension between these two is easy to see. Nagata with a few stomps and tries the piledriver again. Akiyama fights out, but Nagata gets it after a few strikes. 2 count. Kicks to the chest from Nagata. Akiyama’s in trouble. Thrown to the ropes and he dodges a spinning wheel kick, gets a dropkick. Nagata rolls to the outside and Akiyama follows him. Trying an Exploder off the entrance ramp but settling for a DDT on it. They’re on the floor now and Akiyama drops Nagata with a tombstone piledriver on the floor. Akiyama back in the ring as Nagata struggles to regain himself.

Nagata almost in, Akiyama gives him a hand. Sets him up for a piledriver – rotates around to give each side of the crowd a shot of their hero in trouble and then drops him. Rear chinlock and a driving elbow to the head. Knee drop. Sleeper hold applied by Akiyama. It’s effective and Akiyama is in complete control. Until Nagata gets to the ropes at least. Once up, Akiyama sends him to the ropes and meets him with a jumping knee. Tries again and eats a belly-to-belly. Nagata thinking Exploder but Akiyama gets in the crossface! (Or as it’s better known in this situation – the Nagata Lock II). Nagata’s working around looking for some ropes and gets there on the second side.

Akiyama breaks. Sends him corner to corner and follows Nagata in with a knee. He goes to the top rope and eats a kick on the way down. Nagata covers for 2. Lifting DDT and Nagata Lock II on Akiyama. Akiyama finds the ropes. Nagata tries it again but Akiyama blocks and the two are back on the strikes. Nagata takes an edge with a series of slaps, hits the ropes and meets a forearm, and a brainbuster. Akiyama slow to cover. 1. 2. Kick out!

Guillotine choke from Jun Akiyama, right in the middle of the ring. Nagata’s stuck and Akiyama eventually rolls him over for a pin attempt. A kick out at 2 and the cover may have been a mistake. Akiyama goes for an Exploder, Nagata fights it off. Akiyama off the ropes met with a kick to the head. Cover for 2 and a cross armbar from Nagata. Akiyama a little too close to the ropes, but far enough away that he has to work to get there. Nagata breaks. Squares him, jumping enzuigiri and a backdrop. For 2. Nagata’s not happy.

Another jumping enzuigiri, but Akiyama ducks it and hits an Emerald Flowsion! Both men down. Both men slow to their feet, but Akiyama takes a chance and gets in two Exploder ‘98s (the wrist-clutch variation). The second one does the trick. 1. 2. 3 and Akiyama retains in 19 minutes and 58 seconds.

Still no music, so here’s a link for Jun Akiyama’s theme song – Sternness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk-MWpLc_tk

2001: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Toshiaki Kawada

2001: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Toshiaki Kawada – IWGP Heavyweight title tournament (semi-final)
Wrestling World 2001 (attendance: 52,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00157_1_6

It’s 2001 and a lot has happened in the last twelve months. Since both promotions came into existence in 1972, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s main competitor had been All Japan Pro Wrestling. NJPW was formed by Antonio Inoki and AJPW by Giant Baba – both were students of Rikidozan. Giant Baba passed in January 1999 leaving the leadership of the promotion to top star Mitsuharu Misawa and the majority ownership to his widow Motoko Baba. Misawa was voted out of the position in May 2000 and broke away to create Pro Wrestling NOAH. In this breaking away, he was joined by the entire native roster, with the exceptions of Masanobu Fuchi and legendary rival Toshiaki Kawada.

Hurt significantly by the departure of most of the roster, AJPW welcomed back Genichiro Tenryu (whom Baba had said would never be welcomed back after he left to form Super World of Sports in 1990). They also changed their talent philosophy. AJPW had previously worked with the NWA during the 70s and 80s, but in the 80s adopted a closed-borders policy and for the most part, didn’t book talent from outside the promotion. The gaijin that they did use were generally long-term commitments.

This all changed in August 2000 when Masa Fuchi (who had been with Baba and AJPW since day one) appeared on a New Japan Pro Wrestling event to ‘break down the walls’ between the two long-time rival promotions. The offer was accepted by Riki Choshu and the two promotions began sharing talent and working together.

Toshiaki Kawada defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kensuke Sasaki in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome at NJPW in October 2000. This was a non-title match so Kawada didn’t win the belt, but as Sasaki had lost the match – he vacated the title. The 27th champion would be determined in a tournament to be held at Wrestling World 2001.

In the quarter finals that opened the show, Kensuke Sasaki defeated Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Yuji Nagata. Masahiro Chono and Toshiaki Kawada had received byes to the semi-finals. Sasaki defeated Chono; Tenzan and Kawada would face off with the winner meeting Sasaki in the main event of the evening with the title on the line!

After the ring introductions the bell rings and the two are straight into it with a collar-and-elbow. Tenzan has already wrestled once tonight and it’s in his best interest to jump right in and try to get it over and done with. Kawada’s no stranger to pacing and conditioning, frequently going 30+ mins with Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi over the years, but the quicker this ends the more he’s got left in the tank. Tenzan breaks the lock and goes straight to the headbutts. Side headlock and Kawada shoots him off, but gets steamrolled with a shoulder block. Mongolian chops from Tenzan and Kawada fires back with a few of his famous kicks and a scoop slam. Tenzan’s straight back up in his face and the two are trading chops. Tenzan mixes it up with a couple of headbutts and splits himself open. Oh what we’ve learnt about brain injury since then… Knee drop and then a chop to the grounded Kawada.

The Violent Bull continues with headbutts and takes Kawada to corner, switching back to some chops. Sends him into the ropes and drops with a back body drop variation. Tenzan dishing out the offence early on. Mongolian chops! And another headbutt. Tenzan goes to eyes and backs Kawada to the corner. Steps up off the rope to deliver a headbutt from another angle and then bounces off the ropes with a spinning wheel kick. Cover for 1. Takes Kawada down with a scoop slam and ascends the ropes. A diving headbutt misses and just as Kawada is about to start mounting some offence, Tenzan cuts him off with a headbutt to the gut. I guess if you’ve got a head like that you’d want to make the most of it. Tenzan just keeps going with the headbutts. Picks up Kawada and he’s looking to end it early with a TTD (Tenzan Tombstone Driver – not to be confused with the DDT). Tenzan back to the top rope and connects with a diving headbutt. Cover for 2.

Tenzan picks Kawada up and seats him on the top rope. Back body drop off the top! 2 count only. Tenzan very clearly in control here, but Kawada not willing to concede defeat just yet. Tenzan throws him to the corner but Kawada collapses halfway. Tenzan picks up him and puts him there, and hits a few clotheslines. Tenzan setting up for something but Kawada has other ideas. A straight right hand to the jaw of Tenzan and the referee is admonishing him for it. It’s illegal, but effective.

Tenzan to his feet and comes in off the ropes, met with a boot by Kawada that staggers him, and sets him for Dangerous K to deliver another. Kawada with a jumping kick that Tenzan manages to block. Tenzan to the corner and Kawada fires in with a running boot to the face! And a few kicks as he slumps for good measure. Off the rope and another vicious boot to the face of the grounded Tenzan. Picks him up and goes for a dragon sleeper but Tenzan counters with a throw. A few kicks and Tenzan catches one with a dragon screw. Tenzan picks Kawada up and another dragon screw. Kawada’s kicks are dangerous weapons and taking them out of play is smart strategy. Figure four from Tenzan. Kawada makes his way to the ropes. Tenzan takes some convincing to break the hold. But he does and then goes straight back on offence. Another dragon screw attempt but met with an enzuigiri. Doesn’t take him down and Tenzan comes in with a lariat. Scoop slam and it looks like moonsault time. Kawada’s on a different clock though and attacks Tenzan on the way up. Lariat to the back and Backdrop Driver!

Tenzan somehow with a kickout at 2! Kawada picks him up, and the two trade strikes. Mongolian chop, slap, headbutt, jumping enzuigiri and Tenzan is down. Kawada picks him up and hits another jumping kick for good measure. 1. 2. Kickout. Kawada looking to end it with a powerbomb but Tenzan manages to break free. Boot to the face. Kawada goes to the well again. Tenzan is heavy. But he gets it! 1. 2. 3! Kawada to the final in 10 minutes and 45 seconds!

Still no music for matches on NJPWWorld at this time so here’s Holy War for your listening pleasure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkI1aDifGc0

Kawada was unsuccessful in the final which saw Sasaki begin his third title reign. The alliance between the two companies would last until January 2002 and was critical to maintaining All Japan’s existence after the exodus. Following this time Keiji Mutoh would leave New Japan (taking Satoshi Kojima and Kendo Kashin with him). Mutoh had held AJPW’s top prize, the Triple Crown Championship during the alliance and was unhappy with the direction that New Japan had began to take with regards to integrating more mixed martial arts. He spent ten years with AJPW and took the role of company president, as well as the stock in the company that the Baba family had.

And as for Hiroyoshi Tenzan? He would eventually win the title but more notably go on to set the record for most reigns with the IWGP Tag Team titles, both as an individual and as a team alongside Satoshi Kojima as TenKozy. (His other reigns were with Masahiro Chono as Cho-Ten)

2000: Keiji Mutoh vs Masahiro Chono

2000: Keiji Mutoh vs Masahiro Chono
Wrestling World 2000 (attendance: 53,500)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00155_1_11

Two years ago in 1998, it was NWO Japan member Keiji Mutoh challenging Kensuke Sasaki for the IWGP Heavyweight title while the group’s leader Masahiro Chono cheered him on from ringside. It’s the start of the new millennium and the two are now facing off against each other. How did it come to this?

Kensuke Sasaki remained champion until April of 1998 when he lost to veteran Tatsumi Fujinami. Fujinami would lose the belt in August 1998 to “Mr. August” (named as such for his success in G1 Climax tournaments) Masahiro Chono. Chono held this title until September where he was forced to vacate it and take a hiatus from NJPW due to a neck injury.

In Chono’s absence Mutoh would lead NWO Japan, and the villainous group was received a little better by the fans under Mutoh. The title would come back to the group two days after Chono vacated it when Scott Norton beat Yuji Nagata for it. Norton would lose the belt to group leader Mutoh at Wrestling World in January 1999. Mutoh held the title through to December 1999 where he lost it to Genichiro Tenryu.

Chono returned to NJPW in February 1999 rather than go back to group he once led, he formed a new group – Team 2000. Chono was unhappy with the babyface position that Mutoh had led NWO Japan to become and recruited defectors Michael Wallstreet and NWO Sting (who later changed his name to Super J, no relation to the Junior Heavyweight tournament). AKIRA would soon follow.

NWO Japan and Team 2000 would battle throughout 1999 and this would come to head here on January 4, 2000. It’s Mutoh vs Chono, a battle of leaders, and the loser’s group is forced to disband!

The introductions are made and Chono’s gone black and adopted the look of a Yakuza boss. A far cry from the green and white tights we saw in 1993. Mutoh’s not too big a departure from the last time we saw him (1998), but unfortunately, he has shaved the beard off.

Two of the three musketeers circle and eye each other off. They’ve got a storied past and neither wants to be the first one to make an error in this high-stake match up. Finally they go to tie up with a collar-and-elbow but Mutoh slips it for a waistlock attempt and Chono catches an arm. Mutoh down with a drop toe hold and floats over looking to grab a hold but Chono’s in the ropes. They know each other well.

They lock knuckles and Chono gets into position to try the arm once again. Mutoh rolls threw, takes the leg and tries to set in with a leglock. Chono steps over, Mutoh tries the first half of Chono’s STF and they separate.

The battle for position continues with Chono working towards a headlock. Mutoh slips it for a waistlock which Chono breaks and goes behind for one of his own. He works Mutoh down with a front facelock. Mutoh stands it up but Chono works it back down. It’s enough to trap Mutoh, but not really do much more, so Chono tries a side headlock. Mutoh breaks it by shooting him off the ropes and gets a shoulder block for his trouble. Headlock takedown on Mutoh and Chono’s back to the arm. Finally gets an arm wringer that he has to really earn and keeps the wristlock applied. The pacing is deliberate here. Chono sends Mutoh to the ropes and Mutoh rolls under the Yakuza kick that’s waiting for him and tries one of his trademark low dropkicks. Chono’s aware of it and narrowly avoids it. A shot to Don Frye at ringside supporting his Team 2000 leader, Chono.

They tie up again and Mutoh looks to take the early control. Chono’s too powerful and Mutoh needs to use his speed to get a throw on Chono. He grabs a side headlock. Chono to a standing position and Mutoh holds the headlock, using it take him down. Chono back to standing, shoots Mutoh off the ropes and goes down with a shoulder block. Snap mare from Mutoh and a flashing elbow. Cover attempt but Chono doesn’t let the shoulders hit the mat. Short arm scissors from Mutoh. Chono breaks free and we see more shots of the group members at ringside. Team 2000’s Frye and AKIRA supporting Chono from the blue corner. NWO Japan’s Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito behind Mutoh in the red corner.

They’re up and Chono hits a toe kick, met by a spinning kick from Mutoh. Mutoh fires in with a punch and then sends Chono to the corner. Chono dodges the handspring back elbow. Chono sends Mutoh in and Samoan drops him on his head. Chono obviously full of concern for Mutoh drops an elbow. Mutoh tries to get back up but Chono lays the boots in. Chono heads the ropes, Mutoh sees an opening and takes him down with a Frankensteiner. Both men down now.

Chono first to his feet and drops Mutoh with a cradle piledriver. Double underhook submission hold applied, but Chono has to work to lock it properly. Mutoh too close to the ropes once he does. Clubbing blow from Chono who then comes off the ropes with a Yakuza kick for 2. Elbow to the top of the head and Mutoh catches the next yakuza. Dragon screw attempt but Chono plants his foot and Mutoh’s in the perfect position to eat a cross armbar!

Chono’s got it on well and this could be the end of NWO Japan. Mutoh eventually gets free, but probably wishes he didn’t after Chono drops him with another piledriver and goes back to the double underhook hold. Mutoh just out of reach of the ropes initially, but slides forward to reach them and break the hold. Both men to adjoining sides of the ring on the apron and Chono flies with a shoulder block, taking them both to the outside. Chono first to his feet and throws Mutoh into the corner post. He’s dragging him over to the commentary position, looking to put him through a table, but Mutoh executes a dragon screw from the table. No furniture was harmed in this manoeuvre.

Referee counting both men out at this point. Mutoh with his low dropkick and it looks like he’s found a target. Chono attempts to get back to the ring and Mutoh takes him down with another dragon screw. The referee’s taken a pause in the count to encourage both men to get back in the ring, Mutoh throws Chono in and then comes off the top with a missile dropkick.

Chono rises back to his feet but Mutoh keeps locked on that target with another low dropkick to the Team 2000 leader. Mutoh takes him to the corner and lifts him up for a Franksteiner! Mutoh’s still trying to get himself together after being on the end of a beating from Chono earlier and doesn’t capitalise with a cover. Chono up, Mutoh low dropkick. Followed up with a dragon screw and a figure four in the middle of the ring! Team 2000 may peril here!

Chono’s only escape is to roll the hold over and reverse the pressure. He attempts it, but is unsuccessful. It gets him closer to the ropes though, which is another way to escape. Mutoh breaks and gets into position, measuring Chono and landing yet another low dropkick to the knee. Rinse, and repeat. The grounded Chono lunges at Mutoh trying to mount something and break this roll, but it doesn’t work and he’s met with another dragon screw. Mutoh goes for a double leg takedown and Chono catches him, rolling it through to the double underhook hold! Tenzan enourages Mutoh from the floor. Don Frye is up on the apron in a similarly pointless position to Chono during Mutoh’s match with Kensuke Sasaki at this same event back in 1998. Chono slumps to the corner. And gets up for another low dropkick. Followed up by another dragon screw. You can’t say this plan isn’t effective. Figure four once again! The bigger Chono uses his size advantage to drag Mutoh to the ropes and break it. Mutoh then comes off the ropes for what looks like yet another low dropkick, but Chono gets a spinning calf kick in to take the NWO Japan leader down.

Both men to feet and Mutoh with a jumping overhead kick you may best recognise as the Pele from AJ Styles. Mutoh with a burst of energy, a backbreaker, a moonsault and a 2 count. Goes for another figure four but Chono tries a small package, doesn’t lock it for a pin but comes through with the double underhook hold. Mutoh finds the ropes rather quickly though. Chono up, off the ropes and caught with a Frankensteiner. Mutoh back to the cross armbar, pretty close to the ropes though and Chono gets there.

Mutoh first to his feet, another backbreaker and up for another moonsault. Chono gets the knees up and then locks in the STF! Mutoh struggles for the ropes. The fate of these two teams hangs in the balance. Chono rolls Mutoh over, puts the legs into an inverted Indian deathlock position and then gets a variation of the STF known as the Deathlock STF on. Mutoh submits! It’s over and so is NWO Japan! Your winner in 25 minutes, the leader of Team 2000 – Masahiro Chono!.

Here’s Chono’s music from the time, the appropriately titled ‘Team 2000 Crash’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5CsgwHqiyo

With Chono’s victory, the stable that he founded has been forced to disband. Mutoh would go on to take a break from NJPW to try and recover the knee injury that once forced him to give up the Tag titles. The former members of NWO Japan, now left leaderless by Mutoh’s defeat joined Team 2000 to once again be led by Chono and the group would persist until 2002.

1999: Jushin Thunder Liger vs Koji Kanemoto

1999: Jushin Thunder Liger vs Koji Kanemoto – IWGP Junior Heavyweight title
Wrestling World 1999 (attendance: 52,500)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00153_1_4

Last time we saw Jushin Thunder Liger was at 1997’s event where he defeated Ultimo Dragon for 8 belts (the J-Crown). One of those was of course the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. This began his 8th reign with the title which he lost to El Samurai in July of that year. Samurai had a month before Shinjiro Otani, whom Liger beat in February 1998. 11 months later and this is Liger’s 7th defence.

Last time we saw Koji Kanemoto he was landing an awkward looking Shooting Star Press on young Yuji Nagata back in 1995. Since then he’s had a taste of the gold as well, coming into this matchup already a 2-time champion, having beaten Norio Honaga back in September 1994 and a month after losing it to him, beating Sabu (of all people) in June 1995. Kanemoto’s second reign was ended by none other than Jushin Thunder Liger.

The history between these two paints a rather uneven picture. They first clashed in April 1992 in the Top of Super Junior tournament where Liger was victorious. Liger would then go on to defeat Kanemoto another three times that year. Kanemoto got his first victory over Liger in May 1993 as the third Tiger Mask. Liger would take the next two battles, which included taking the mask from Kanemoto at the Tokyo Dome in 1994 (we were looking at Hashimoto and Chono from that event). Kanemoto got the next win in December 1995 but once the title was on the line a month later at the 1996 Tokyo Dome event (we had Mutoh and Takada from that one), Liger would take it away, just as he had taken the mask. February 1997 saw Liger keeping the gold away from Kanemoto when he successfully defended the J-Crown. The two would trade wins over the next few matches.

The 1998 Best of the Super Junior tournament was won by Koji Kanemoto who then once again came up short against defending Junior champion Jushin Liger. By this point the record was 11-4, heavily in Liger’s favour. And up to this point – Liger is undefeated in title matches between the two. Will that continue in 1999?

Kanemoto is introduced first and is taking the no nonsense approach with the traditional black trunks. Liger in the red and white he’s most well-known for. The defending champion parading over with in arms in the air to Kanemoto during the intro. He knows the score. The two are chest to chest and eye to eye. They separate for the referee’s checks and the bell rings. Circling each other to start. We’re off with a collar-and-elbow and Kanemoto pushes Liger straight back to the ropes. He’s straight onto the offence with a few punches and then a snap mare followed up by some kicks to the leg. Goes for a calf kick which Liger catches and turns into an ankle lock and Kanemoto’s on the ropes. Liger breaks it and then tries to break him with some stomps. Kanemoto’s not having a bar of it and is right back up in Liger’s face with a slap. They’re face to face and exchanging blows before Kanemoto takes him down with a chop and stands on his throat. A mask grab for a snapmare, a stomp and then he moves down for a leglock. Kanemoto lets it go after a few good shots, and stands up to deliver a few more. Picks Liger up by the hair and then kicks the leg to take him back down. Kanemoto traps the leg and gets a few more shots in. Up to a toe hold. Liger tries to break it by grabbing hair to no avail and Kanemoto moves on. Works it around to an inverted toe hold. Breaks it, throws Liger to the corner and kicks the leg a few more times. Kanemoto’s just having his way with the champ here until a kick is caught and Liger gets a dragon screw in. Looks like it took more out of Liger as Kanemoto is straight back up to stomp him in the head. Back to the legs. Liger gets on top of and starts throwing shots. Kanemoto’s fighting from his back though. Liger with a cross armbar attempt. Kanemoto rolls it around and goes back to the toe hold. Catches Liger with a front facelock while he keeps the toe hold. Breaks it in favour of kicking the crap out of Liger. A few kicks send the champ outside. Kanemoto’s not here to play. Liger’s trying to get back in the ring and Kanemoto is just daring him to do it. The referee creates a bit of space, just enough for Liger to get in and Kanemoto kicks the leg, as expected by this point.

Kanemoto showing nothing but disdain for the man who took his title. He picks Liger up, if for no other reason than to best kick his leg and takes down with his trademark ankle lock. Kanemoto popularised the hold or so I’ve heard through the grapevine he puts on with it here. He’s back up, and he’s back to kicking Liger. A handful of chops and Liger’s had enough of this. He fires back with a few Shotei palm strike. Sends Kanemoto to the ropes, tilt-a-whirl but Kanemoto lands on his feet, counters with one of his own and slams the champion down. Koji Kanemoto very much in control as he stands over the champ, and then gets a triangle choke on. Liger’s out of it and gets a modified version of the Romero special before taking that to a double armbar. Kanemoto breaks with the ropes. Liger breaks with a knee drop for good measure. Takes the challenger down and gets a headscissors on, mid-ring. Kanemoto’s stuck here as Liger works it around to a kimura hold and transitions that a double arm bar. Kanemoto is face down which makes all of this look a lot more impressive.

Kanemoto rolls out of this, but Liger stays on him with some stomps. Picks him up and keeps the arm going with an armbreaker. Over the corner and he’s thinking Liger Bomb. But Kanemoto’s thinking about kneeing him in the face. Body slam from Kanemoto who goes up and misses a corkscrew senton from the second. Rolling koppu kick from Liger which sends Kanemoto the corner. Liger runs in for attack – but Kanemoto catches him. Backhands to the champ. Another bodyslam and Kanemoto has another go at that senton. Successful this time. Drags Liger back to his feet by the mask, something he’s got to resent Liger for taking from him back in 1994. Tries to whip him cross-corner but Liger breaks the whip and Shotei! Kanemoto in the corner and Liger gets some room for a running Shotei to the back of the head. German suplex. Takes Kanemoto to corner, lifts him up and pulls off a Frankensteiner. Kanemoto rolls out to the apron where Liger catches a rolling koppu kick to knock him off. Liger climbs up and follows Kanemoto out with a flying body press from the top. Both men down outside. They’re up and Liger drops Kanemoto with a brainbuster on the floor! Liger back in, referee counting to 20. Doesn’t make it as Kanemoto makes it to the apron where he’s met by Liger and a Shotei. Liger off the ropes, Kanemoto in and cuts him off with a kick. Both men down again.

Liger with a wasitlock and attempts a German suplex, but Kanemoto lands on his feet. Kanemoto gets a belly-to-belly on the champ and goes straight to the ankle. Will Liger looks for ropes but Kanemoto keeps him away. Will he finally beat Liger for the belt?! Not with this as Liger finds ropes, but Kanemoto breaks just long enough to try again with a grapevine. Liger to ropes again and breaks.

Kanemoto picks him up and seats him backwards on the turnbuckles after a kick. Reverse rana attempt! Liger holds on and the challenger goes down. Liger turns around and rains down with a Shotei from the top. The champ is thinking Liger Bomb, but Kanemoto flows through the lift for a sunset flip into the corner pad. Kanemoto takes Liger up and brings him down with a super exploder suplex! Only 2. A scoop slam and a moonsault. Only 2. Kanemoto in the driver’s seat here but just can’t park the car. He’s not phased as he picks Liger up for a Tiger suplex. Liger kicks out at 1 and the Beast God is fired up! Liger with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a Shotei while Kanemoto is draped across his knee! Whips him to the corner and follows him in. Shotei! Liger Bomb! 2 count! Takes him back to the corner, picks him up and it’s a super brainbuster! Kanemoto gets back to his feet through sheer fighting spirit and Liger takes him down with a Shotei to the back of the head. For 2!

Liger lines him up, another Shotei coming, but Kanemoto cuts him off, and then delivers one of his own! Both men slow to get back into it, but Kanemoto is in control. Grabs Liger by the mask, spits on him and slaps him. Any respect between these two is long gone. Positions the champ with a slam and goes to the top. Gets good height on a corkscrew senton and decides against a pin attempt. What’s he got in mind? Picks Liger up by the mask, throws him to corner and then takes him to the top. Looks like a possible Franksteiner but Liger cuts him off with…. A Shotei! It’s a long way down for Kanemoto. Liger puts Kanemoto in a similar position and it’s another super brainbuster! 1. 2. Kanemoto attempts to kick out but can’t get out. 3. As has been the case in every title match between these two so far, this time in 23:11… your winner and still IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion, Jushin. Thunder. Liger!

We’ve already had a Liger victory in this series, so today we’ve got his alternate theme to celebrate. The Fire. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO7ZKD5K00s

An amazing match between two of the top Junior Heavyweights in the country at this point. Liger’s career is legendary and his legacy wouldn’t be the same without these battles with Koji Kanemoto. The good news for Kanemoto, is he would get a rematch and finally slay his dragon. He beat Liger for the title the very next month.

1998: Kensuke Sasaki vs Keiji Mutoh

1998: Kensuke Sasaki © vs Keiji Mutoh – IWGP Heavyweight title
Final Power Hall in Tokyo Dome (attendance: 55,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00150_1_9

Final Power Hall was the last stop on the Riki Choshu retirement tour and the departing star wrestled a series of matches dubbed the Riki Road Final Message 5. These were a short series of match against Kazuyuki Fujita, Yutaka Yoshie, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Takashi Iizuka and Jushin Thunder Liger. Choshu was victorious in all of these, except for the one with Iizuka (who would later change his name to Takayuki Iizuka, shave his head and become a deranged mad man allied with Chaos, and later Suzuki-gun).

Today we’re looking at the final match of this event featuring the 20th IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kensuke Sasaki defending against Keiji Mutoh. Sasaki got his start wrestling for Riki Choshu’s Japan Pro-Wrestling in February of 1986. Following Nobuhiko Takada’s defeat of Mutoh for the title, he lost it to Shinya Hashimoto in April 1996 (for the third time, it’s a great match that you should go and check out). Hashimoto’s record-setting reign would be ended by the G1 Climax winner Sasaki in August 1997.

Keiji Mutoh, who we are getting quite familiar with in this series takes on a different look here in early 1998. The NJPW/UWFi invasion led to World Championship Wrestling creating the New World Order, which lead to NJPW creating NWO Japan. NWO Japan was led by Masahiro Chono and throughout 1997 Mutoh fought with the group. Muta was a part of the group. In September, Mutoh turned on Kazuo Yamazaki and Kensuke Sasaki to join Chono and NWO Japan

The bell rings and the two stare each other down, each well aware of how they got to this stage. A collar-and-elbow tie up to begin. The more powerful Sasaki has the edge in this and backs Mutoh to the ropes. Clean break. Another collar-and-elbow attempt but Mutoh uses his speed to get around for a waistlock. He works around to the arm and gets a wristlock that takes Sasaki to his knees. A headlock takedown from Mutoh which he holds. Sasaki rolls him back for a one count but Mutoh keeps the headlock. They’re up and Sasaki comes out with a top wristlock that takes Mutoh down. Sasaki to the headlock and traps the arm. Picks Mutoh up and hits him with a clubbing blow and two chops. Sends him to the ropes, Mutoh ducks the clothesline and gets a dropkick, dragon screw and attempts a figure four. Sasaki kicks him off, takes him down with a snap suplex and goes for an armbar. The two separate and stare each other down.

A bit of a breather and they lock up with a test of strength. Sasaki is the stronger of the two and drives Mutoh to the mat for a 1 count. Mounts him for another 1. They get up and Mutoh gets an arm drag in. He gets a short arm scissors on the grounded champion. After having that in for a bit, tries to transition to a cross armbar but Sasaki holds him off. Sasaki powers up and drops Mutoh with a high angle German suplex. He goes for a cross armbar of his own but Mutoh finds ropes. Sasaki gets a boot in and lays Mutoh out with a DDT. He gets a kimura lock on and then transitions to a cross armbar, via a quick headscissors. Mutoh’s in trouble and rolls up, escapes and then hits a flashing elbow. With the damaged arm. Mutoh attempts what looks like a homage to the retiring Choshu, but struggles to turn Sasaki over for the Scorpion Deathlock. He instead takes it to ground with the legs hooked. Sasaki tries to reverse the leverage, but rolls too close to the ropes.

Both men are aware of what the other can do. Mutoh goes for Sasaki’s legs for a takedown, but Sasaki steps back, takes advantage of Mutoh going to ground and gets an armbar on. Mutoh tries to work up to a standing position but Sasaki is anticipating and takes him back down with a cross armbar attempt. Too close to the ropes on the way down and Mutoh escapes.

Another lock up looks imminent but Sasaki’s not interested and kicks Mutoh in the leg. Mutoh’s ok with strikes and hits a weak elbow before Sasaki tries a takedown. Mutoh catches him in a front facelock, takes him down and covers him for 1. Mutoh to the legs now. With the solid stocky build of Sasaki, taking out the strong power base of his legs is a sensible strategy. The leglock is working for Mutoh and he sits on top of Sasaki for leverage. Sasaki starts kicking and Mutoh breaks it. Sasaki rises and Mutoh hits a strong forearm. Shot into the corner and a handspring back elbow followed by a bulldog from Mutoh. Mutoh goes to the apron, gives NWO Japan leader Masahiro Chono the ‘too sweet’ hand signal, springs to the top rope and delivers a Missile dropkick. Could be a handy precedent for the Young Bucks to cite…

Mutoh takes Sasaki to the corner, seats him on the top and takes him down with a Frankensteiner. Sasaki rises to his feet and Mutoh is waiting with a dragon screw. Figure four applied and the champ is feeling it. He struggles but makes his way to the ropes for some respite. Mutoh back to leg for a dragon screw attempt, Sasaki fights him off and takes him down with a judo throw. Champ sends challenger to the ropes and another judo throw. Cover for 2. Mutoh up, Sasaki off the ropes and a hard lariat. Mutoh doesn’t go down, but the second one gets him there. 2. Sasaki with his signature Strangle Hold y (stepover armbar). Takes it down a butterfly lock attempt but can’t get it. Sasaki to his feet and Mutoh’s in trouble. Another lariat attempt is met with a low dropkick from Mutoh. The champ is hurting.

Sasaki back up, Mutoh dragon screw attempt, Sasaki fights it, lariat attempt, Mutoh blocks it and gets the dragon screw. Mutoh showing his experience edge in big match strategy. He allows Sasaki to get up which puts more pressure on the knee and follows it up with a targeted dropkick to it. A scream to assert his dominance and Mutoh repeats the rise and fall strategy with another dropkick to the knee. He gets knocked down, he gets back up again and he gets dragon screwed. Too sweet Mutoh, too sweet. Mutoh watches the champ rise back up again from the second turnbuckle and drills him with a missile dropkick to the knee. Mutoh in 1998 is a far better strategist than he was in the previous appearances he’s had in this project.

Sasaki back to his feet and is obviously sick of being exploited here, gets a gut shot in on the way up, but it’s for nothing. Dragon screw, figure four. Chono jumps up to the apron to shout advice to Mutoh. Or possibly referee Tiger Hattori. Nobody’s really interested though. Sasaki struggles to the ropes. Mutoh utilising almost all of the 5 count before breaking. Drags the champ out, and goes back to the figure four. Sasaki to the ropes again to break the hold and temporarily halt the punishment. Mutoh scoops him up for a backbreaker, and delivers a moonsault to the prone champion. For 2. Mutoh back outside, springs up and gets a missle dropkick. Sasaki is seated in the corner wearing his pain on his face and Mutoh zones in to continue the assault. Mutoh seats Sasaki on the top rope and tries another Frankensteiner. No luck as he’s caught with a powerbomb! Sasaki finally getting some momentum. An excellent display of fighting spirit from the wounded (Power) warrior. He picks up Mutoh for a brainbuster but the knee gives out. He tries the scoop variation (Northern Lights Bomb) and is able to distribute the weight to the healthy leg. Drops the challenger and continues the momentum shift. Adrenaline’s on his side as he fights through the pain, nails Mutoh with the traditional Brainbuster for the one, the two and the three. Your winner and still champion after 25 minutes and 18 seconds, Kensuke Sasaki!

Sasaki’s theme at this time is the fantastic ‘Take the Dream’. I’m not 100% of the version that was used at this event – but the vocal version is great! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26kDHHIAvoc

1997: Ultimo Dragon vs Jushin Thunder Liger

1997: Ultimo Dragon vs Jushin Thunder Liger – J-Crown title
Wrestling World 1997 (attendance: 62,500 / 52,500)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00148_1_9

You know that famous shot of Ultimo Dragon holding 10 belts at once? Well 8 of those are what makes up the J-Crown – a short-lived unification of weight class limited titles between 8 different promotions. A knockout tournament was held in August 1996 featuring the following champions, defending the following titles.

Jushin Thunder Liger (British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship – Michinoku Pro)
The Great Sasuke (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship – New Japan)
Masayoshi Motegi (NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship – NWA)
Negro Casas (NWA World Welterweight Championship – CMLL)
Shinjiro Otani (UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship – UWA)
Ultimo Dragon (WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship – WAR)
Gran Hamada (WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship – WWA)
El Samurai (WWF Light Heavyweight Championship – WWF… yes, that one)

The tournament was one by The Great Sasuke who defeated Ultimo Dragon in the final. Ultimo Dragon defeated Sasuke at a WAR event in October 1996. At this stage Ultimo was already the NWA World Middleweight Champion (a title he won at a WAR event in 1994) and managed to pick up the WCW World Cruiserweight title from Dean Malenko at WCW Starrcade in the last week of 1996.

January 4 rolls around and Ultimo Dragon is off to the Tokyo Dome with New Japan to defend the 8 belts that make up the J-Crown (was also supposed to be the WCW title but this didn’t eventuate) against the man behind the Super J Cup and one of the driving forces in this era of junior heavyweight, Jushin Thunder Liger.

Before we jump into the match, what is also worth noting from this event is that it was the debut of the Super Liger character. Intended to be a counterpart to Jushin Liger in the same way that Black Tiger is to Tiger Mask. The man under the mask was Chris Jericho. The same Chris Jericho that will be making his first NJPW appearance in 20 years against Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Hopefully that goes a little better than his first NJPW appearance did here. In the words of Riki Choshu; “Chris Jericho very good. Super Liger very bad.”

Meanwhile back to the task at hand, it’s Ultimo Dragon, it’s Jushin Liger and it’s more titles than most guys would win in a career up to that point.

We’re in-ring for the introductions and Dragon has an entourage to display all of his gold. He does a quick stocktake and hands the belts over. Dragon is wearing the light blue that he typically wore during his time in WCW, Liger is sticking with a theme and wearing gold.

The bell rings and we’re off. The two men circle and lock up collar and elbow style. Liger takes Dragon to the corner, Dragon switches it and breaks clean. Back to the collar and elbow, Liger pushes Dragon to the ropes, gets a few good knee shots in and shoots him off. Dragon reverses, drop down, Liger slides under a leapfrog, Dragon hits the ropes, lands on his feet from a back body drop attempt, Liger dodges a spinning wheel kick, comes in for a Shotei palm strike which Dragon ducks and tries a waistlock, can’t get it but grabs a leg for a dragon screw attempt, Liger counters this to an enzuigiri which Dragon ducks. Dragon grabs a stray arm and attempts a Magistral cradle, but Liger escapes before he can get it on. A brief separation has Liger rushing back in but Dragon catches him a drop toe hold and has a bit more luck this time with the Magistral. The luck of a 1 count and Liger heads outside. Dragon hits the ropes and looks like he’s about to join him but pulls out at the last minute with an intimidating Tiger Feint kick. Now more commonly known as a 619 thanks to Rey Mysterio. Dragon looks to the fans and this is the first break in the opening sequence. These two world class juniors have come right out of the gates here at a hundred mile an hour pace.

Liger decides it’s time to come back inside, Dragon’s not too keen on that idea and meets him with a knee and a flurry of kicks on the way in. Whips him into the ropes, Liger reverses and Dragon falls victim to a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Liger’s in the driver’s seat now and hooks the legs, and after a fight the arms to apply the Romero Special (see surfboard). Dragon’s out and Liger gets him with a standing Liger Bomb. Goes back to holds with a single leg crab. Has a bit of an arm in there first before transitioning over to the more traditional crab. Too close to the ropes. Liger breaks, but not without an elbow drop on the way through, pulls Dragon away and tries a Camel Clutch. It’s quite effective and Liger takes it down into what may have been intended as a pin attempt but ends up quite a handy armbar. Liger finds ropes and then finds a snap mare. Liger follows it up with a seated abdominal stretch which he can roll around for a 1 count pin attempt. Dragon kicks out and grabs a toe hold, targeting Liger’s leg. Rolls him over, picks him up, sends him to the ropes and hits a drop kick. Liger’s too close to the ropes but Dragon decides to cover him anyway. Drags him away and back to the toe hold. Liger gets a leg around for a headscissors and gets into position for a cross armbar. Dragon rolls back to escape before Liger can lock it, ties up his legs in an inverted Indian deathlock and wrenches it. With a few uncharacteristic gyrations to keep the people happy. Liger heads towards the ropes but Dragon breaks the hold and gets a few stomps in before sending Liger to the ropes. Ducks down for something but only opens himself to a sunset flip. Pin attempt from Liger for 2. As both men rise, Dragon comes in with a small package for 2 and Liger works that around for a traditional cover (w/ leg hook). Dragon kicks out at 2.

Liger’s knee starting to give him grief which Dragon immediately kicks. Drags him closer to centre ring and gets a leglock on. Referee breaks it and both men separate. Or at least Ultimo Dragon does. Liger fires straight in backing him into a corner and it’s time for a strike exchange. Liger with some knife edge chops, Dragon with some overhand slaps and Liger decides the Shotei might be more effective. It is. Dragon’s reeling so Liger sends him across to the opposite corner and follows him with a rolling koppu kick. Dragon’s seated in the corner. Liger comes in with what looks like the early evolution of the ‘face wash’. Picks him up and tries to send him back to the opposite corner, Dragon reverses it and meets Liger in the corner with a monkey flip. A dropkick follows which gets Liger back to the corner and Dragon charges in with another monkey flip, Liger catches it this time and seats Dragon on the top rope. Good place to try and hit a Shotei. Good position to block the arm with a kick. Liger turns around Dragon comes off the top with a flying headscissors. Liger back to feet and Dragon hits a little short shoulder block to get some additional space, heads to the ropes and springs off with the Asai moonsault that he made famous (until Jericho called it a Lionsault and made it even more famous). Cover for 2. Dragon’s a bit shocked this didn’t work and tries a handspring back elbow to the now risen Liger. He’s caught with a German suplex. And caught well. Liger hesitates with a cover and gets 2. Picks him up, shoots him off, Dragon holds the ropes and avoids the front dropkick. Dragon decides to hit the ropes and is met with another koppu kick which sends him outside. Liger to the top and a body press to the outside takes Dragon down.

The referee starts to count Dragon out, but he makes it back in at 17. Liger is waiting for him with a few stomps. Sends him into the ropes, catches him with a kick to the midsection and takes him up for a Fisherman’s buster. Kick out at 2. Liger going for a more traditional brainbuster this time but Dragon grabs an arm and takes him to ground Crossface-style. Doesn’t grab a hold though, instead a Magistral for 2. Back up and Dragon ducks a shotei, heads for the ropes, flips out of a back drop attempt in his unique way. Liger to the ropes, slides under a leapfrog, Dragon to the ropes and a double lariat takes both men down.

Dragon’s the first up and charges with a lariat which Liger ducks and Dragon turns into a shotei! Liger covers for a long 2. Liger’s a bit unsure as to what will actually put him away, so he picks him and goes big by seating Dragon on the top rope. Frankensteiner attempted, but Liger falls to the mat in a heap. Dragon’s in prime position as Liger rises and is caught with a diving hurricanrana. Liger up and Dragon comes in for a more traditional hurracanrana, except a spin takes both men over the top rope. Dragon’s quickly back into the ring and feints a springboard with a backflip reminiscent of the Asai moonsault before a tope suicita that hits Liger flush. Dragon’s back in and climbs the ropes for a somersault senton to a now-standing (but not for long) Liger. They’re back in and Dragon hits a fallaway slam that positions Liger for a moonsault. Both men are up and Dragon goes for a Tiger suplex but Liger’s straight to the ropes. While there Dragon switches to a full nelson and pulls him away from the ropes where he gets his Tiger suplex. For 2. A tombstone piledriver is Dragon’s next move (hey it has a pretty good record on shows of this magnitude), but Liger reverses it into one of his own. Dragon happens to be perfectly positioned for Liger to ascend the ropes. Also perfectly positioned to get up and cut him off. Dragon follows him up and the two exchange strikes. Twisting frankensteiner takes the challenger down for 2. Dragon signals that it’s time to end it. Liger has other ideas as kicks out at 2 from Dragon’s version of the Running Liger Bomb – the Dragon Bomb. Dragon drops Liger with a little powerslam right on the B.V.D. logo in centre-ring and then proceeds to miss an Asai moonsault as Liger rolls away. Liger digs into Dragon’s bag of tricks with a Magistral for 2. Dragon seeks respite in the corner and Liger charges in to get booted in the mid-section. Time for another Dragon Bomb, time for a hurricanrana counter. Liger’s signalling it might be time to wrap this up and does so with a Brainbuster that landed more like a driver. It’s 3, and it’s a new champion in 18 minutes and 21 seconds.

The themes are still missing here which is an absolute shame as Jushin Liger’s theme is one of the best in wrestling. Here it is – Ikari no Jyushin by Yumi Hiroki. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L5lOh1CJIQ

This match is absolutely outstanding. Two legends in their primes showing why junior heavyweight wrestling in the 1990s is held in such high regard. A lot of the stuff these two used would go on to be adapted and used by others as they influenced the next generation.

1996: Keiji Mutoh vs Nobuhiko Takada

1996: Keiji Mutoh © vs Nobuhiko Takada – IWGP Heavyweight title
Wrestling World 1996 (attendance: 54,000)

Back in August 1995, New Japan Pro Wrestling found itself in the midst of an invasion. The shoot style Union of Wrestling Forces International (UWFi), led by Nobuhiko Takada claimed that New Japan was fake and they were real. Note the use of the phrase ‘shoot style’ here. UWFi was still professional wrestling, just presented differently. The 1996 Tokyo Dome event, Wrestling World saw a NJPW vs UWFi theme as the two organisations battled for control. There were three NJPW vs UWFi matches and with a six-man tag victory (featuring that young lion Nagata from yesterday) and a Riki Choshu win over Masahito Kakihara, New Japan won the series on points. But the main event was for something more important than points. The IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Following the Hashimoto/Chono match from 1994’s event – Shinya Hashimoto would lose the belt to Tatsumi Fujinami for a month before claiming it back for his second reign. Hashimoto’s second reign broke the one-year mark before he lost it to Keiji Mutoh. Mutoh is in his second reign here defending against Takada.

The bell rings and we’re off, Mutoh circles Takada for a bit before Takada throws the first shot, a low kick. Goes for a mid kick and Mutoh attempts to catch. Takada’s strategy is throwing kicks early on but Mutoh is out of range. Mutoh attempts a spinning back kick which is more for show than anything. They go for a test of strength which Takada sees as the perfect opening to throw some kicks and a slap in. Mutoh grabs a leg and takes it to the corner. The referee’s got to work a break and Mutoh throws a slap of his own on the way out. Back to centre ring and they toy with locking up again. Takada goes for a kick to the chest which Mutoh catches and eventually wrestles his way to a front facelock. The two go to ground and exchange some holds before Mutoh settles on a waistlock. Goes for an armbar but Takada doesn’t let him lock it and works around for a mount and goes for what looks like a kimura. Mutoh grapevines and Takada is on top. A great position to sneak a few slaps in. Mutoh gets him to ground and winds up on top.

He breaks off and goes to the ropes but Takada’s positioning is too good for it to be of any use. Back to ground with Mutoh on top. They’re now in centre-ring. Takada gets on top and goes for a front facelock. Works this around to the leg and Mutoh gets an arm. Goes for a judo throw, doesn’t work and finds himself at Takada’s legs. This is a very different match than what we’ve been accustomed to so far in this journey. All this shoot style wrestling and Mutoh tries to bust out a figure four leglock. Yeah no. Back to a standing position and Mutoh feigns a spinning back kick, tries to get in with a single leg. It doesn’t really work. They’re facing off again and each is having a go at trying to land some kicks, Takada is not very effective, but looks far better at this kicking game than Mutoh. They’re wrestling again and Mutoh goes to ground with Takada on top in an almost headlock position. Takada tries to add to this and get something happening with the arm, but Mutoh has pro wrestling on his mind and rolls Takada back for a pin attempt.

Takada works to a lateral press position and tries a kimura. Mutoh’s not really interested. Mutoh grapevines him, and he works out of it to a better position. He’s got a wristlock on and transitions it down to what is accepted as the pro wrestling version of a kimura. Almost. After realising Mutoh’s not real keen on being caught in the hold he swings around to try a cross armbreaker. It’s a nope again from Mutoh who by this point has had a gutful and breaks it up with some fiery headbutts, stomps and his flashing elbow. Mutoh drags him up which puts him in a better position for two knees and spinning back kicks. Takes him down with a backdrop which sets up for a moonsault. Mutoh connects and rather than trying a pinfall victory, he attempts a to serve the shoot style pioneer with that kimura he didn’t want earlier and after realising Takada’s priorities lay in applying the hold rather than receiving, swings around for a cross armbar. Takada finds ropes and Mutoh’s gotta be regretting trying to play submission specialist here.

Takada fires up with a series of kicks, a backdrop and a grapevine toe hold. Mutoh’s in big trouble here. He finds the ropes. Takada breaks the hold and then assaults Mutoh with a barrage of kicks. Mutoh’s down and the referee’s counting. He fights his way back up to be met with a kick. He catches the followup and takes Takada down with a dragon screw. Now seems like an opportune time for the figure four leglock and he gets it in. Adrenaline’s pumping for Mutoh who’s giving the hold all he’s got. Takada’s hunting for the ropes and eventually gets there. He rises and Mutoh goes back to the leg trying to get a takedown. He gets Takada down with another dragon screw and then goes back to the figure four. Takada’s figured it out though and through it, grabs the toe hold from earlier. To the ropes.

Takada to the corner and Mutoh on offence, going for this dragon screw again perhaps. Again Takada’s figured him out – gets a few knees in and takes mutoh fown with a judo throw. Perfect position for the cross armbreaker, perfect position for Mutoh to roll to the ropes. Mutoh back the leg, met with the knee again. Taken down with a few kicks and Takada’s back to the cross armbar. Mutoh’s done. The winner and 18th IWGP Heavyweight Champion in 17 and 51, Nobuhiko Takada.

New Japan may have won the night on points, but Takada won the prize. Post-match Takada calls out Hashimoto who has been watching from ringside and the two are nose to nose. The tension is real here as UWFi guys and NJPW guys surround them. They separate and Takada is carried on the shoulders of his boys. A taped up Antonio Inoki is in the ring, calls Takada back for a congratulatory handshake before the new champ and co. head to the back. Inoki is left to close the show and send the crowd home on a high after watching the invaders leave victorious.

As mentioned in the 1994 article, the Takada/Hashimoto follow up to this in April is amazing. http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00143_1_1

Here’s Takada’s theme (which you may recognise from the Rocky IV soundtrack – War by Vince DiCola – https://youtu.be/DWRCDYcDQg4 (Note: Wikipedia has him using this from 1986-1988 and I am unsure as to what he was using at the time of this event)

The crowd was electric throughout the match and the atmosphere around the event spectacular. The three Tokyo Dome events that this program spanned each drew 64,000+, including 67,000 in October 1995 to set the record as the largest crowd (and gate) in puroresu history at the time. The success of the program inspired a similar invasion in the U.S. I am talking of course, about the New World Order.

1995: Yuji Nagata vs Koji Kanemoto

1995: Yuji Nagata vs Koji Kanemoto

Battle 7 (attendance: 52,500)

We make a departure from the IWGP Heavyweight title picture for 1995 and head to the undercard as the third Tiger Mask battles young Yuji Nagata. Kanemoto was one of Jushin Liger’s top dance partners through the 1990s and was an important part in building the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title to the heights that it reached during that time. Nagata was a successful amateur wrestler who representing Japan at the World Championships. Since graduating from the New Japan dojo in 1992 he had been toiling away as a young lion.

The two begin with a handshake showing respect and then each tries to catch the other with kicks. Nagata misses some palm strikes and Kanemoto catches a kick. Nagata rolls with the takedown attempt and neither man gets an advantage. Nagata again throws kick and backs Kanemoto up. A belly-to-belly takedown by Nagata and Kanemoto goes for a headscissors which is escaped. They’re back up and Nagata again employs some striking, trying to land one to effect. Kanemoto knocks him down with a spinning back kick and then gains an advantage. He slams Nagata to ground and hits a moonsault for 2. Nagata rises to some chest kicks but catches the fourth and turns it into an exploder suplex.

Follows it up with kick, including one to the back of the head. Nagata takes him down with a hammerlock. Comes out to a wristlock and then steps over for an armbar. Kanemoto works it around to a leglock, and some boots to the face attempt to break it. He breaks the hold and then follows it up with a series of kicks. Kanemoto raising the intensity here. Nagata is up and catches Kanemoto with a clutch and some knees. An enzuigiri puts Kanemoto to his knees and Nagata grabs a sleeper. Kanemoto tries to break it by going for a leg, but Nagata turns it over to a armbar. The positioning isn’t effective as Kanemoto can apply a leglock. Nagata tries something that looks like half a sharpshooter but it doesn’t work and he breaks Kanemoto’s hold with the ropes. Once apart Nagata uses his amateur background to wrestle Kanemoto to ground and tries to cinch in a wristlock. It doesn’t lock but the follow-up armbar does. Too close to the ropes however. Back to the BVD logo in the centre of the ring and Nagata tries again. He leaves the leg open though and Kanemoto is back to the leglock. Nagata meets it with an ankle lock but Kanemoto keeps his hold. And delivers some boots to Nagata’s head for good measure. They roll it towards the rope and the hold is broken. Nagata drags Kanemoto back to centre ring and gets on a toe hold. Follows it up with a leg bar. Kanemoto tries to break the grip but it’s not effective. Not as effective as digging his elbow into Nagata’s face and mounting him with a top wristlock.

This turns into a cross armbar after a bit of a struggle, but Nagata finds ropes almost immediately. A low kick from Nagata, two high, one to the back of the head and a German suplex for two. Nagata hesitates just slightly after the kickout and the more experienced Kanemoto takes the opening with a kimura. Nagata to the ropes. Kanemoto attempts a full nelson but quickly realises it won’t work on the bigger Nagata and gets him in a Fujiwara armbar. Nagata again to the ropes. Another go at the full nelson and Nagata takes him down with a rear chinlock. Kanemoto finds the ropes, Nagata finds some kicks, a German suplex and a two count. Crossface chickenwing attempt from Nagata who can’t quite get the crossface part before Kanemoto finds the ropes. After a few stomps Nagata pulls him up, whips him to the ropes, and hits an overhead belly-to-belly. This time he gets the full crossface chickenwing in and things look grim for Kanemoto. Until he gets to the ropes. Nagata lands a few kicks and bounces off the ropes, only for a Kanemoto dropkick to turn things around. Kanemoto with a sidekick, slap, sidekick combination takes Nagata to ground. Kanemoto heads up and comes off the top with a rolling wheel kick. Hits a brainbuster on Nagata and attempts a Shooting Star Press. Under-rotates it and lands rather awkwardly, but it’s enough to put Nagata away. After 14 minutes and 43 seconds… Koji Kanemoto is the winner.

Here’s Kanemoto’s theme Junction – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNg4Whxyjd4

A valiant effort from the young lion Nagata. I wonder what will become of him.

1994: Shinya Hashimoto vs Masahiro Chono

1994: Shinya Hashimoto © vs Masahiro Chono – IWGP Heavyweight title

Battlefield (attendance: 48,000)

Yesterday we looked at Mutoh and Chono, today we throw the third musketeer into the mix. Shinya Hashimoto. The Three Musketeers each used a different style of wrestling. For Mutoh it was speed, Chono used a more power-based game and Hashimoto the strike-based strong style.

Between the Muta/Chono match yesterday and this match today, Hashimoto defeated Muta to win the IWGP Heavyweight title. Until just recently Shinya Hashimoto was the longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time with his third reign. Let’s take a look back at one of the matches from his first.

Prior to the match the two are locked focus. They circle each other, not breaking eye contact. Both miss with a kick, fired as a warning shot to the other party. They lock up in a test of strength and are very evenly matched until Hashimoto delivers a boot to Chono. Chono holds on and backs Hash into the corner. Clean break. Back to the ready position and Hash connects with a low kick. Chono fires back with of his own to the inside. A collar and elbow and Hash aggressively backs Chono into the corner. Referee Tiger Hattori has to work hard for the break here. Another attempt at a test of strength is quickly thwarted by a slap from Hashimoto. They go back to it and Chono gets the advantage with some shoulders and a not very effective Yakuza kick. Hash returns with a kick of his own. Very even matchup here.

Back to the lock up and Hash tries an armbar hold but Chono finds the ropes. After the break a rush from Hash sends Chono into the far corner and the break this time, is not clean. They’re back to the middle with a face off and Chono quickly turns a collar and elbow into a side headlock. Hash shoots him off the ropes and the two meet with a shoulder block. Hash off the ropes and takes Chono down with a shoulder block. Hash with a standing leglock and then delivers an elbow to the knee, transitioning the hold to ground. Chono tries to fight out but Hash moves to a more advantageous position and improves his hold. He breaks it with a stomp to the knee and Chono delivers an Inoki-Ali style low kick before Hash gets some of his own in. He takes Chono to the ropes and continues to work over the knee. They’re back to a lockup with Hash having the advantage. Chono takes him down with a drop toe hold and uses a leglock of his own. After breaking a few stomps to the head of the rising Chono and a headbutt serve only to fire up the champ and he gets a few good shots in. This isn’t enough as Chono returns with some more of his own. Hash hits an enzuigiri and the takes Chono down with a Yakuza kick.

Follows it up with an elbow drop and then a half crab. He breaks, slams the leg and then Chono rises to meet a series of strikes. Chono interrupts it with a yakuza kick but is met with a spinning back kick that takes him to ground. He gets back up only to cop three kicks to the chest, the last of which takes him down. Hash locks in a crossface chicken wing, converting it to a rear chinlock before Chono finds the ropes. Hash breaks with a kick on the way out. Back up and Chono tries to mount some offence with knees to the gut. He’s met with a lariat for his trouble which Hash follows up with a Kimura attempt but he struggles to bend the arm. Chono begins to rise and Hash converts over to an armbar. Chono rolls his way out of trouble while Hash hangs on. Hash delivers a backdrop and then a belly-to-belly suplex for 2. Hash goes for a trademark DDT but Chono has him scouted. He doesn’t scout the German suplex however which leads to a 2 count. Hashimoto in control here. Hash drops Chono with a suplex slam and it’s good for 2. He goes back to the kimura with a bit more luck this time and transitions Chono’s fight back into a cross armbar attempt. Chono escapes it by grabbing a leglock, but it’s futile as Hash finds the ropes, and Chono finds himself with a few kicks to the chest.

Hash going for a Brainbuster to finish it, but Chono explodes out of and hits a desperation backdrop. Chono climbs to the top rope which isn’t a wise idea given that Hashimoto meets him up there and tries to superplex him back down to earth. Chono fights off and maybe it was a good idea because he hits a flying shoulder block. Chono tries to rally the fans and knocks Hash back down with the second of two yakuza kicks. Two is the magic number as Hash kicks out. Chono shoots him off the ropes and musters the strength for a Samoan Drop that scores two. Chono goes back to the leg with a half crab that he converts into an STF. This could be it for a now-bleeding Hashimoto as he’s not showing much struggle. He edges towards the ropes and Chono decides a Sleeper Hold may be more effective. It’s not. Hash breaks free and the two separate. Hash definitely looking like that exchange took a lot of him. Chono in control with a yakuza kick and a running forearm. Hash stays steady and meets an incoming Chono with a judo arm drag that reminds Chono who’s the champ. A DDT attempt is countered with what looked like a low blow (inner thigh) and Chono goes for a rolling leg lock. Looks as if Chono didn’t lock it properly as he breaks it in favour of the STF.

Hash breaks free, but looks just about done. Chono wondering what it will take as he catches a breath. He goes back to the well with a yakuza kick to the rising Hashimoto. A second attempt is met with a dropkick. Both men to feet and Hash sweeps the leg before locking in a leg bar. Hash takes Chono up with a Finlay Roll for 2. Looks pretty impressive from someone the size of Hashimoto. Hash picks Chono back up looking for a brainbuster but is countered with a small package for 2. Not to be discouraged he tries again but Chono backs into the ropes. Hash says “if you want to play on the ropes, we can” and takes him up, only to bring him down with a superplex. 2. Chono hits a flurry of offence, but doesn’t get much in before an enzuigiri from the champ. Hash follows it up with a rolling wheel kick that doesn’t quite connect and a front facelock. Perfect position to deliver some knees. Also the perfect position to finally hit that Brainbuster. This match has taken a lot out of him though as he is slow to cover, and the time helps Chono to kick out. Hash tries another cover for the same result. He fires up, steadies Chono and comes off the ropes to spike him with a DDT for the victory. Your winner in 28 minutes, Shinya Hashimoto.

Cue the music. ‘Bakushu Sengen’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM9OaeB3yq0

I feel Shinya Hashimoto – while legendary in Japan and a record-setting champion – is someone that is underrated by western fans newer to puroresu (myself well and truly included here). While this is the only match of his that will be covered in this series, his match with Nobuhiko Takada from Battle Formation in the Tokyo Dome in April 1996 is well-worth a watch (http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00143_1_1)

Unfortunately Hashimoto died in 2005 from a brain haemorrhage but his wrestling legacy lives on through his son Daichi.

1993: The Great Muta vs Masahiro Chono

1993: The Great Muta © vs Masahiro Chono © – IWGP Heavyweight & NWA World Heavyweight title

Fantastic Story in Tokyo Dome (attendance: 63,500 / 53,500)

http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00114_1_7

From looking to the past, to looking to the future (as of the time of the match anyway, it’s all looking to the past for us). Keiji Mutoh and Masahiro Chono (alongside Shinya Hashimoto) were known as the Toukon Sanjushi, or The Three Musketeers. In 1984 the three graduated from the NJPW Dojo and adopted the name while on excursion in Puerto Rico together. Mutoh and Chono clashed in the first ever G1 Climax tournament final in 1991, which Chono won. (The tournament was known under many different names prior and contested annually from 1974 to 1989).

Here is Mutoh under his facepainted ‘Great Muta’ persona (which he is more familiar in the west) defending the IWGP Heavyweight title against the defending NWA World Heavyweight champion Chono.

The match starts with the two feeling each other out and after Chono gets the better of one exchange Muta rethinks his game plan on the outside. Muta comes back in and takes the advantage with speed, agility and a well-placed spin kick. Muta takes control on the mat with a side headlock, but Chono powers back to a standing position and regains control with a Samoan drop and a Yakuza kick, sending Muta back outside. January’s quite cold in Japan which explains the ice pick that Muta finds under the ring. Surrendering it at the request of the referee he jumps back in and takes control of Chono, using his signature Flashing Elbow and then takes things back to the mat. Chono manages to bring it back up again using his power. Power is the game plan as Chono wins a test of strength and takes Muta to ground and applies a variation of Muta’s own Muta Lock (inverted Indian Deathlock). Muta finds the ropes. Back up and Muta wins the next test of strength thanks to his quick kicks. A quick trip to the outside sees Muta throw Chono into the guard rail and then back in, where Muta chooses the aerial option and meets him with a flying chop. They’re then out to the elevated ramp where Muta hits a running bulldog. Muta gets some distance and then fires in with a long run-up to deliver an effective lariat.

Muta’s back in and the ref starts the count on Chono. Chono is obstructed by Muta in making his way back in so clocks him with a forearm from the outside and attempts to get in via the top rope. He is again obstructed by Muta who catches him with a superplex, and follows it up with a backdrop. Kick out at 2. Muta tries the pin again, this time with a bridging German Suplex. Again, kick out at 2. Chono retreats to the corner and Muta charges at him with a Handspring Back Elbow. The follow up Moonsault is avoided and Chono capitalises with his STF. Mutoh to the ropes to break the hold. Chono comes in with a Yakuza kick and Muta returns fire with a dropkick. Chono tries the same, and is met with the same result. Another three times. This looks to be taking more out of Muta than Chono however. The fourth and fifth Yakuza Kicks are met without reply and Muta heads outside to the ramp. Chono tries to suplex him back into the ring, but Muta counters with a Brainbuster to the ramp. Muta props Chono up against the rope and tries his Handspring Back Elbow, but Chono moves and Muta crashes into the ropes. Chono picks Muta up and gives him a backdrop to the ramp. Chono crawls back to the ring leaving the referee to count Muta. Reminiscent of earlier, Muta dives over the ropes and hits Chono with a flying forearm. Brainbuster countered into a cradle from Chono for two, who then heads up top and connects with a shoulder block. 2. Chono drops Muta with a powerbomb, who kicks out. Shot off the ropes and a Samoan Drop from Chono who then goes back to the STF.

Muta struggles, but finds the ropes. Muta looking more like Mutoh now the facepaint has worn off. Back to their feet and Chono tries to send Muta to the ropes but is countered and Chono caught with a frankensteiner for two. Muta up for the moonsault but Chono puts the knees up. Chono’s turn to fly and Muta steps aside avoiding the shoulder block. Scoop backbreaker, Muta up for the moonsault, hits it this time and Chono’s out at 2. Muta tries again, this time successful for the 3 and retains the IWGP Heavyweight title, as well as adds the NWA World Heavyweight title to his collection in 19:48.

Again, this match is sans music so here it is, The Great Muta’s theme – “MUTA” by Osamu Suzuki.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njYO3v7mNuA