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Post by andylfc on May 11, 2019 17:17:43 GMT -5
This was a total blast and quite refreshing watching it for the first time in years. After a tentative few opening minutes Taue brings the bombs. Nagata clearly not wanting to go up for the chokeslam spot on the exposed floor outside did end up looking weak, but apart from that both guys looked great. They did a lovely transition with Nagata taking control by avoiding Taue charging to the corner and hitting a backdrop suplex. There is something really satisfying about the way Taue absorbs offense - whether it's the thud of taking an exploder suplex or or eating accurate stiff kicks. Taue was on fire with his selling also staggering and fighting through the onslaught of jumping high kicks from Nagata. Nagata looked strong with his comebacks and the crowd were hot cheering for their NOAH homeboy.
At 16 minutes it was a breeze to watch...If only current day NJPW could something like this with their main event scene.
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Post by tetsujin on May 11, 2019 17:37:23 GMT -5
I don't remember this match at all but what I do remember is how it made me feel. I thought this was one hell of a match and one of the most underrated ones I've ever seen. This needs to be nominated.
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Post by bossrock on May 11, 2019 19:33:40 GMT -5
Third.
I feel like Taue's NOAH run has been criminally overlooked (admittedly by myself as well) as it seems to be filled with so many gems like these.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Nov 17, 2019 0:44:22 GMT -5
I remember how efficient and compact this is. Every single move has a consequence and they build to a great climax in short order. This is what pro wrestling should be more often than not. Taue's "less is more" philosophy will always get over. Navigation With Breeze is the greatest tour title ever! Yuji Nagata vs Akira Taue - NOAH Budokan 6/6/03 This is one of the best establish a challenger matches I have ever seen. You have New Japan badass, Yuji Nagata coming off breaking the IWGP Title Defense record looking to prove he is best wrestler in Japan by taking on Kobashi, but first he has to get through a Four Corner of Heaven, Akira Taue. This match is all about setting up the Kobashi match, which oddly is not as good as this match. Nagata repeatedly takes Taue's best shot and will not be denied. Early on, he takes three Nodowas including one on the floor (but not off the apron gotta protect the gimmick  ), but Taue cant negotiate the pinfall. He is able to mount a mini-comeback by going after Taue's arm to setup his unbreakable NagataLock III, but Taue scores a DDT to turn the tide. Taue hits two big boots to set up the top rope Nodowa, a Nodowa and then a DYNAMIC BOMB~! Nagata still kicks out. You have established he can take a lickin', but keep on tickin'. From there, it is clear that Nagata is going to mow down Taue and showcase his offense, which means exploders, enziguiris and back drop drivers. Credit to Nagata as he starts the finish run with a kick to the bad arm and applying a Crippler Crossface. He works to get the vaunted Nagatalock III on, but has to hit his other moves first to weaken Taue to apply the hold. True to form, he secures the victory and earned the right to face Kobashi at the next Budokan with the Nagatalock III. In a tidy 16 minutes, this match accomplishes that Nagata can take the best shots of one of Kobashi's biggest rivals and that he will be targeting the arm (a huge source of Kobashi's offense) and Kobashi is in trouble if the Nagatalock III is applied. Mix in this is New Japan's hottest star versus NOAH's hottest star and you have yourself some serious box office. **** |
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Post by elliott on Sept 21, 2023 14:31:43 GMT -5
Good one!
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Post by mrjmml on Apr 23, 2024 18:11:05 GMT -5
Akira Taue vs Yuji Nagata (NOAH - 6/6/2003)
Although this match doesn’t really need any context to be enjoyed I’ll provide it anyway. From 2002 to 2004 NOAH and NJPW worked together and as a result many dream matches took place and this one particularly is my favourite of the bunch it’s like they were made to wrestle each other, both their styles are based on heavy striking and they’re the best at it. Yuji Nagata was in his prime after a phenomenal 2002 a year which saw him become IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a very dominant one at that, sadly he lost that title to Yoshihiro Takayama a month before this match so it’s a great opportunity to make a comeback against an aging (but competitive) veteran like Akira Taue however he’s not going down without a fight, if he wants that win he’ll have to earn it because as we all know by now Taue is not an easy opponent for anyone. The pace is relentless, they go at each other’s throats as advertised, it’s really entertaining to watch, probably the hoot of the year if you like any of these guys you’ll enjoy it. It’s perfect if you want to introduce someone to either Yuji or Taue, it’s also booked really well, I have the need to shout out NOAH’s creatives because it’s the best way they could have thought of to push Nagata. With a crafty veteran and former Triple Crown holder will always present a threat so there will be some intrigue about the result which is great because intrigue keeps the crowd at the edge of their seats and that’s done perfectly here. I find cross-promotion feuds fascinating and this match encapsulates the greatest things about them in 17 minutes. I love simplistic pro wrestling when it’s done right, I strongly recommend it, in fact, if Misawa vs Kobashi didn’t happen this one would be MOTY.
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), but Taue cant negotiate the pinfall. He is able to mount a mini-comeback by going after Taue's arm to setup his unbreakable NagataLock III, but Taue scores a DDT to turn the tide. Taue hits two big boots to set up the top rope Nodowa, a Nodowa and then a DYNAMIC BOMB~! Nagata still kicks out. You have established he can take a lickin', but keep on tickin'. From there, it is clear that Nagata is going to mow down Taue and showcase his offense, which means exploders, enziguiris and back drop drivers. Credit to Nagata as he starts the finish run with a kick to the bad arm and applying a Crippler Crossface. He works to get the vaunted Nagatalock III on, but has to hit his other moves first to weaken Taue to apply the hold. True to form, he secures the victory and earned the right to face Kobashi at the next Budokan with the Nagatalock III. In a tidy 16 minutes, this match accomplishes that Nagata can take the best shots of one of Kobashi's biggest rivals and that he will be targeting the arm (a huge source of Kobashi's offense) and Kobashi is in trouble if the Nagatalock III is applied. Mix in this is New Japan's hottest star versus NOAH's hottest star and you have yourself some serious box office. **** 
