The Destroyer vs Mil Mascaras (AJPW - 7/25/1974)

The “Destroyer” Dick Beyer and Mil Máscaras were two of the most successful gaijin workers of 1970s puroresu. They performed a great display of mat wrestling. There were plenty of great counters, reversals and escapes. I loved it when the Destroyer put Mil Máscaras in the figure-four leglock; the Japanese crowd started screaming and they were getting their cameras ready. Probably the best Mil Máscaras match ever.

I just watched the 73 match and this back to back. I think the 73 match is a big more grabbing, but this is probably the better, more well constructed match. 73 had a bit more pace and urgency to it I think and this felt a bit more like a chess match. They are pretty close to me. Regardless, both are great and both are shining examples of why The Destroyer was awesome. I am not a big mascaras fan and Destroyer works with him in a way where you really can't notice his limitations. Really top-shelf work.