Jumbo Tsuruta vs Mitsuharu Misawa (AJPW - 6/8/1990)

Second

The lesser of their two matches from the year in my book, but still a really really good match. I wouldn't be surprised to see people disagree with me. I agree that it would be fun to put this feud up against some other things from 2000s, especially as a set of matches that accomplished something somewhat profound for both their careers (and a whole section of wrestling as a whole). The clear dynamics here make the match. Everything is tight early. the action builds well. Both men play their parts. This is just a great match with a good shot at being on my list and a good shot at making the overall 100 I think.

I think based on work it is great but would miss the cut but historically you could claim this is the most important match in Japanese wrestling history which may elevate it onto the list.

Jumbo Tsuruta vs Mitsuharu Misawa - AJPW 6/8/90



Battle of generations is one of the oldest stories but I don't know if it was ever told better than Jumbo vs Misawa. I think argument can be made for this as the most important match in history. Launched Misawa into superstardom in turn creating the Kings Road style which along with the NJPW Juniors is probably the strongest influence on today's wrestling worldwide.



The match itself tells the great story of youthful resilience and elderly stubbornness. I love the beginning because Jumbo is not taking Misawa lightly he wants to beat as quickly as possible trying the high knee and back drop driver. A quick victory would be more damaging and embarrassing to Misawa than toying with him. Great psychology!



The problem is Misawa is no chump so he can thwart these attempts and the take to air. He hits multiple dives and an elbow that rocks Jumbo. This is Misawa I'm here to play and I won't go quietly.



They settle into more customary All Japan stuff the surfboard, ab stretch and slaps on rope breaks. It does meander. Jumbo runs through his offense and the idea is that the beginning established Misawa as a threat now can he take Jumbos best shot and keep on ticking. Such as butterfly duplex, which put away Jack Brisco. As the Match as settled down so has Jumbos intensity. He is taking his foot off the gas pedal and is content just throwing him up the air. The second time he gets caught with a dropkick. Surprising how aerial Misawa is but shouldn't be the announcers are calling him Tiger Mask still. By being so aerial it makes for more contrasting styles than mid 90s Misawa would. Misawa gets a frogsplash for two but then gets HOTSHOTTED! Funny seeing Jumbo do the move. Now Jumbo pours it on STIFF lariats, knees, powerbombs and piledrivers. Establishing the youthful resilience and the extended comeback which would be Misawas calling card.



Culminating in that vicious high knee from the top and just when Misawa seems out it is his ELBOW that saves the day. I don't know when Misawas Elbow became MISAWAS ELBOW but it is funny how in both the Six-Man and here it is a game changer. Jumbo sells it like death and rolls out. Big dive to the floor. Misawa feels like he is ushering in a new era.



Misawa goes for a German but settles for flooring him with a spin wheel kick. That kick was way better in 1990. Jumbo finally has some defense for the aerial moves when he gets his knees up in the frogsplash. Jumbo starts clobbering him with stiff lariats. No finesse trying to blast his way through. Back drop driver but Misawa kicks off ropes and Jumbos head hits first. Great selling!



It is funny Misawa did all those fancy moves but what kept him in this match was those head rocking elbows. Fancy moves almost cost him the match. Gets that German but no on Tiger Driver. Jumbo gets high knee but hurts himself playing Misawas game of elbows and aerial dropkicking the ropes. Which was cool basically Misawa can play Jumbos game and add stuff but the Old Dog can't play the new kids game. The finish makes little sense other than they wanted Misawa to win in a clean finish but not too decisively. ****1/2

One of the most important matches ever for sure, but as a actual match I don't love it as much as others and prefer the september rematch. The crowd was with Misawa even before the entrances started, and their crazy reaction to the finish is only second to Misawa's own reaction. One of the most special moments in puro history, definitely.

I think this was a bit longer than needed, considering Misawa wasn't gonna win decisively they could've make the actual finishing spot earlier and the shock value would've still be there. I liked the story of Jumbo learning to counter Misawa's flashy offense but their dynamic together gets more polished in the following matches.