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Post by elliott on Dec 3, 2017 17:42:03 GMT -5
Yoshiaki Fujiwara vs Riki Choshu (NJPW – 6/9/1987) If this was a favorites list, this is a top 10 contender. Just a total blast. Shortish match, but they make everything matter. Awesome story with Fujiwara jumping Choshu before the bell, bloodying him and forcing Choshu to make the big wounded comeback. Fujiwara’s selling in this is masterful and this might be my favorite finish for a guy who put together a shit ton of memorable finishes throughout his career. Superb match.
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Post by tetsujin on Jan 5, 2018 12:38:26 GMT -5
Second. One of my favourite brawls of all time, but I'm not sure it's going to make my list. I love it, and used to think about it as my 1987 MOTY (now is Flair/Windham TV match), but I miss more Choshu brilliance. Maybe it's because this totally is the Fujiwara show (again), idk. But I want it to be nominated and see what happens.
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Post by GOTNW on Jan 5, 2018 13:27:30 GMT -5
Thirding this. Everything just came together on this magical night. Looks like a pretty solid lock for my list.
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Post by philschneider on Jan 5, 2018 13:51:58 GMT -5
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Post by microstatistics on May 2, 2018 1:43:35 GMT -5
One of the all time great sprint brawls with nuclear heat. Loved how Fujiwara went from the hyper aggressive heel to a sympathetic figure in a span of 13 minutes.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Nov 1, 2018 21:39:43 GMT -5
I think this will make my list...so much good wrestling...
Riki Choshu vs Yoshiaki Fujiwara - NJPW 6/9/87
I wish I knew the context of many of these New Japan matches. Why do these two hate each other so much? Is New Japan vs UWF still in effect? How does Choshu's recent return play into this? I love how we fade into Fujiwara attacking Choshu during his entrance and drawing first blood by ramming Choshu into hard, metal objects. You gotta watch Fujiwara's face during this he has a sadistic, maniacal grin on his face. It is all Fujiwara early the usual headbutts to the wound, punches and stomps too. Piledriver, but he pulls him up so you know Choshu will start his comeback soon. I love how gradual it is. Kicks at first as he uses the ropes to get back up, but Fujiwara starts blatantly choking him. Choshu tries to punch Fujiwara in the head, bad strategy, brutha. Fujiwara keeps choking him to quell the rally, but from the choke, Choshu hurls Fujiwara over his shoulder with Saito Suplex. Choshu, bloody & battered, with his first advantage goes for Scorpion Deathlock, great idea saps Fujiwara's energy allows him to regain his wind. Great Scorpion Deathlock too look at the placement of his right hand for extra leverage. I am a mark for that shit. Fujiwara makes the ropes. Choshu is thinking suplex FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Wow! Fujiwara moves to a top wristlock, stand back up and punches/headbutts the arm. Fujiwara makes a rare, rookie mistake turning his back on Choshu to take off the turnbuckle pads. He hits Choshu with the pad but it is he for who is whipped into the exposed steel. Choshu hits a wicked lariat and wants another one FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Roof damn near comes off the place while I pop out of my seat over 30 years later. That was hot. Choshu makes the ropes. Outside the ring, Choshu slams Fujiwara's head into the post drawing blood and getting his receipt. Fujiwara is a tough muthafucka and is still throwing headbutts with a crimson mask, but is on jelly legs. Definitely watch Fujiwara sell from the post shot on, even though he is on offense you can tell he is not long for this match. The headbutts take too much out of him and Choshu hits two monster lariats and it is KO victory. The bell rings and Choshu add a little stomp for good measure. Stone cold bloody brawl classic. I love how the match does a great job transforming from all Fujiwara bloodying Choshu and dominating to gradually Choshu making in-roads then finally Choshu bloodies Fujiwara and Choshu wins with dominant Knockout victory. A strong contender for match of the year globally in 1987 in what is actually a rather weak year. ****3/4
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Post by mvz on May 9, 2021 17:44:51 GMT -5
This match is all killer no filler and they told quite a story in just a few minutes. Fujiwara was a total bastard in the early going, the head it’s, the pick up after the 2 count and dismantling the turnbuckle. Watching him get his comeuppance was a blast. Choshu may have a limited move set, but He makes them count and everything feels big. I find his matches satisfying and this was no exception.
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Post by mrjmml on Feb 2, 2024 17:38:26 GMT -5
Underrated classic. I don't know why people don't talk about this match more.
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Post by KB8 on Feb 3, 2024 13:59:21 GMT -5
I have this as the third greatest match of all time. Fujiwara's performance might be my favourite single-match performance of anyone in history.
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