Akira Maeda vs. Yoshihisa Yamamoto (RINGS - 12/16/1994)

This is a great underdog rookie/underdog vs veteran/ace match, perhaps one that deserves to go into the textbook of this archetype and how to book them. Yamamoto has fought his way to new heights in 1994, truly demonstrating his graduation from "young lion" status. Advancing all the way to the Mega Battle semi-finals, Akira Maeda stands in his way. Clearly the promotion's ace and on an undefeated streak at the time, the crowd does not expect Yamamoto to last very long. Yamamoto has different ideas though and comes out swinging. Akira Maeda tries to tame the rookie on the mat, but Yamamoto proves how much he has learned by meeting Maeda inch for inch. Eventually, Maeda's strength wins in the end but the crowd was red hot for this match and bought into the story being told 100%. Excellent. ****1/2