Saturday 7 September 2013

New Japan vs WAR - Genichiro Tenryu vs Riki Choshu, New Japan (4/6/93)

Overall this was really really good, atmosphere was absolutely fantastic whenever Choshu looked to be on top and him basically wrestling the match of his life to try and put an end to Tenryu was a really engaging story. First half of the match is rather tepid but its all about building to the explosion and making the crowd wait for them to start throwing bombs and lumping the shit out of each other. Tenryu's punts looked vicious and I love how during this time they're really put over as lethal and dangerous on top of his usual offence. Bit where Choshu slaps the shit out of him after an intial lock up was brilliant and Tenryu's shocked 'oh that's how we're gonna do it' expression just sealed it. Second half of the match really kicks into another gear like you want this to. Choshu lands a fucking hideous (in a good way) superplex which looked to have collapsed Tenryu's spine on impact, and he follows this up with some really good consistent lariats targeting Tenryu's damaged neck and head before hitting one of the nastiest knee drops I can recall seeing: looked absolutely filthy and Tenryu's superb selling just added to the horrific visual. Tenryu sort of progressively staggering after each blow and looking more and more hampered by his injury really added to the heated atmosphere and really got you behind Choshu, in many ways the way they explored this actually made me not hate Choshu's surprise backdrop after Tenryu hits his diving elbow: really felt like it was timed well enough to come off as an important spot to highlight Choshu's resolve and make him a continuing thorn in Tenryu's side.

Thought the way they teased the struggle in hitting the powerbomb was really well done, especially when Tenryu managed to hit it later on but got only get marginal impact because of the strain it put on his head and neck. Last couple of minutes are amazing, crowd loses their shit for everything Choshu throws at Tenryu who staggers and looks more and more beaten with every blow he takes and the finish is suitably satisfying for the crowd reaction alone (though from a booking perspective I probably do question the choice in winner).



NEW JAPAN VS WAR - WHEN THE TIGERS BROKE FREE. 

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