Kenta Kobashi vs Minoru Suzuki (NOAH - 1/8/2005)

I can't believe this hasn't been nominated yet. What a fantastic match. I know the stablished "best Kobashi title defence" goes to Takayama, some might say Akiyama, Ogawa or Honda as well, but damn I MIGHT, just might, think this is the best one. It is that good.

Everything they do here feels meaningful and special, from Kobashi's legendary headlock(s) to MiSu's armwork strategy. Kobashi rellys purely on bombs to have any chance at coming back, because his arm is so fucking destroyed and he almost didn't touch Minoru throughout most of the match, so he gotta hit him really hard the few times he can. The only thing I didn't like as much is Kobashi's lack of selling when he starts using his bad arm again, it's shocking coming from Kobashi, who knows better than anyone how to sell a limb. But the character work is mesmerizing, I really like that this wasn't a big NOAH match focused on spots and hard hitting, with Suzuki bringing his way of working to help the match feel more unique; a really cool clash of styles and personalities. Everybody needs to watch this and consider it for this year's list. I'm almost certainly gonna have it on mine, becuase right now I would say is a top 25 contender.