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Post by childs on Jan 12, 2018 12:37:53 GMT -5
This was the last match in their fantastic series and probably a touch less acclaimed than their '84 matches. But on some days, I like it the best, because by this point, they had figured out what they wanted shootstyle to be. The core dynamic was the same as ever--Sayama's flashy striking against Fujiwara's grappling and defensive brilliance. It was such a great dynamic that Fujiwara essentially rode it in a lot of his best rivalries over the next decade. I want to revisit the entire series before voting, but it's the rare match-up that could merit multiple placements in a top 100.
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Post by microstatistics on Jan 31, 2018 13:51:02 GMT -5
Second. Need to rewatch but I had this #3 for the series. Yeah, they continue the main grappler vs. striker theme and this is slightly more refined as compared to the 84 bouts (even though I think those are better). Amazing finish.
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Post by tetsujin on Feb 1, 2018 5:08:30 GMT -5
Third. I don't think any of the Fujiwara/Tiger matches would make my list, but this is my favourite by far and I wanna give it a chance. I feel like they finally perfected their style here, with great matwork and striking, pyschology (which I kinda miss in the 84 matches), character work and yes, one of the most brutal endings I've ever seen in a match. God bless Fujiwara. ****.
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Post by superstarsleeze on Oct 16, 2018 0:30:19 GMT -5
For me September 84 and December 84 (a #1 contender) will make my list, but this is still great pro wrestling that everyone should check out.
Super Tiger vs Yoshiaki Fujiwara - UWF 9/11/85
The final match of the final show of the Original UWF features its greatest rivalry: Super Tiger vs Yoshiaki Fujiwara. Sayama is without his mask, which he stopped wearing in February of 1985. I agree with the general consensus that this match is more reminiscent of the first match in that it is more pro-style. Still there are no Irish Whips, moonsaults or Tombstones, but does not feel as shoot-y as the previous matches. It is more of a Greatest Hits sendoff match. Lots of great callbacks. Fujiwara catching Sayama's kicks into a kneebar which was the finish of the May or June match. Then there was Sayama catching Fujiwara with a lightning roundhouse to the midsection and then Sayama following up with a ton of jumping enziguiris. Those head rocking kicks were reminiscent of the December 1984 match. Sayama had more success on the mat here, but it was Fujiwara working his usual magic going for armbars, wristlocks and chokes. There was a very pro style sequence worked around headbutts. Sayama would get another riveting flurry of kicks before the match kicked into the finish run. Fujiwara is trying to wrestle him to the ground for his signature armbar when Sayama hits a mule kick to the head that rocks Fujiwara. Sayama looks for the German to finish but Fujiwara grabs the arm and applies his Fujiwara armbar for the submission victory. I was expecting Sayama to go over in the last show, but great flash submission finish. These two couldnt have a bad match against each other if they tried. ****1/4
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Post by KB8 on Dec 10, 2018 13:41:01 GMT -5
Yeah, at least one of these matches is a lock. C&P from a couple years ago:
I don't remember if this was their best match together, but all of them were great so I guess it doesn't really matter. I did remember Fujiwara being incredible in the whole series, and yeah, he was incredible in this match. I wouldn't necessarily say it was a carry job, but Sayama was there to kick hard and full force kneedrop Fujiwara in the head. Other than that you watch this for the Fujiwara. Their dynamic was always pure striker v grappler. That was the thread running through all of their bouts. Fujiwara doesn't want to stand up with Sayama, and why would he when he's the grandmaster of submissions? Sayama has quick feet and isn't in Fujiwara's league on the deck, so he has no reason to want to take it there. It's the simplest shoot style dynamic you can get (behind the Ikeda/Ishikawa "smash each other in the brain until we forget basic motor skills" dynamic, I guess). Fujiwara does a few feints early on and the crowd picks up on this by chuckling, which I love because it's Fujiwara being a carny and everyone appreciates that. He then takes Sayama down and completely dominates him. Sayama cannot do a thing and Fujiwara knows it. The half crab is one of those dogshit early shoot style holds that would often bring a match to a halt, but watch Fujiwara work it in this match to completely opposite effect. He works the kneebar initially, transitions into the crab, uses his own foot to kick Sayama's other leg out as he's trying to alleviate pressure. He leans back on it and MAKES Sayama try and fight out. When they go back to the kneebar - another hold that could be lifeless - Fujiwara makes a point of covering his face with his free hand because he knows Tiger will try and kick him to get free. Sure enough Tiger tries to heel him in the face, but Fujiwara has it scouted. It's that attention to detail that makes him the king. After about ten minutes of this Sayama finally scores a knockdown, then hits a jumping kneedrop with his entire body weight coming down on Fujiwara's head. When Fujiwara gets back up he forces Sayama into the corner and motherfucking cracks him with a closed fist, and things only escalate from there. Sayama's kicks are thrown with more venom and when they connect Fujiwara is feeling them. He isn't catching them like he was at the start, they're getting through his defence and dropping him for 8 and 9 counts. Fujiwara throws headbutts and Sayama rubs his head and looks at Fujiwara like he would love nothing more than to cave his face in. Finish is typical Fujiwara. You let your guard down for one second, leave yourself open even a little, he'll make you pay. Nobody is better at the out-of-nowhere submission than Fujiwara. This was a master at work and I now feel like I need to watch this entire series all over again.
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Post by elliott on Sept 4, 2023 9:09:52 GMT -5
The usual awesome match between these two. Not their best but that's a credit to how great these two are together.
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