Throwback Match Reviews: Dynamite Kid vs Tiger Mask (08/05/1982)

Dynamite Kid vs Tiger Mask (NJPW) 08/05/1982

This was a great match between Tiger Mask and Dynamite Kid. It started out extremely hot with both wrestlers going at each other with quick moves. It was a continuation of a match they had a couple weeks prior. The pace of this match was pretty insane. It was a 16 minute match that felt half of that length. The match had great flow as they transitioned seamlessly into each other’s control periods. 

Unlike their other matches this one was built around both of their offensive movesets rather than Tiger Mask’s offense and Dynamite Kid’s defense. Other matches were built around Dynamite Kid trying to escape Tiger Mask’s holds and reverse his offense. Dynamite Kid kept progressing with each match to learn and overcome Tiger Mask’s offense. Tiger Mask also continued to grow by adding new moves to his repertoire. He was always a step ahead of Dynamite Kid. This match took that dynamic to the next step. They were on a more level playing field here. Dynamite not only had Tiger Mask’s moves scouted but also had a deeper level of focus and composure. Kid took more of the match than he had previously done before. The match exceeds because it develops both wrestlers to a higher level. Dynamite Kid is now on Tiger Mask’s level and Tiger Mask still shows he can continue to evolve by still being able to beat Dynamite Kid.

The main reason this match is great is because it serves as a major transition in this feud. They evolve from their old dynamic and a new one has taken its place. They are able to communicate this solely through the structure of the match and the actual wrestling.

Final Rating - ****½

Throwback Match Reviews: Dynamite Kid vs Tigers Mask (07/23/1982)

Dynamite Kid vs Tiger Mask (NJPW) 07/23/1982

This match was pretty good. It was similar to a lot of their other matches in terms of the sequences and the pacing. The match did not add much to this ongoing feud. What stood out the most was that Dynamite Kid showed another level of composure during the match. In moments of frustration during prior matches he would lose his cool. In this match he was able to remain more focused and composed. This is an added layer to his character that I feel will play into other matches. The match spiraled out of control and it ended in a count out victory for Dynamite Kid. I really did not like that finish. It did accomplish what it was going for but the execution was lacking. The interference was really out of place in this match and feud. The feud continues to escalate with this match and that was really the only reason for it to exist.

Final Rating - ***½

Throwback Match Reviews: Jumbo Tsuruta vs Ric Flair II

Jumbo Tsuruta vs Ric Flair (AJPW) 06/08/1982

This match was for the NWA World Championship. The back and forth struggles throughout the entire match were all great. Tsuruta had some great offense with his suplexes and running knee strikes. Flair had great defensive wrestling. The first third of the match was a little uneventful but was helped with the aforementioned sequences that played into the rest of the match and even the finish. Everything in the match was pretty much a spoiler to the finish. It foreshadowed the result of a tie as both wrestlers were even throughout the whole match. The figure four leg-lock spots in the match were great because they were well built with prior leg work and the crowd was very hot during them. They were also placed appropriately in the match. Putting those spots right before the final back and forth battle ensured for the best possible reactions from the crowd. The technical aspects of the match were great as well. 

What hurts this match a lot is the actual finish. I would have preferred a double countout, a time limit draw or even a double DQ. I hate the double pin. It has never made sense to me. Aside from the fact that it is incredibly contrived, it also makes everyone involved seem incredibly stupid. The wrestlers look stupid because they should know that they are being pinned and should try to kick out immediately. The referee looks stupid because he out of everyone should know better than to count a double pin. He needs to break it up and reset the wrestlers. They wanted to go the “nobody really won, nobody really lost” route but they chose the worst possible way to go about it.

Despite my gripes with the match I still thought it was great but it obviously could have been better with a sensible finish.

Final Rating - ****

Throwback Match Reviews: Steve Wright vs Tiger Mask

Steve Wright vs Tiger Mask (NJPW) 04/01/1982

This was a very good match with really good work. There really wasn’t much in terms of a story but that is fine for a match like this. Tiger Mask’s high flying was as good as I have seen of it and Wright’s technical wrestling was very solid. The two styles meshed nicely and made for good back and forth action. The finishing stretch of the match took it to a new level. It was really good.

Final Rating - ***3/4

Throwback Match Reviews: Dynamite Kid vs Tiger Mask III

Dynamite Kid vs Tiger Mask III (NJPW) 01/28/1982

This match furthered the feud between the two wrestlers. In a match that I watched but did not review Tiger Mask defeated Kid for the WWF Junior Heavyweight Title. Tiger Mask was defending the title here against Kid as well. A lot of this match mirrored their earlier bouts but was done so in order to provide some well placed callbacks rather than lazily rehashing past moves. The difference in this match than in previous matches is that Kid was much more prepared for Tiger Mask’s flurry of offense. He also did not get frustrated as Tiger Mask began to escape and reverse everything he threw at him. This was vital in showing Kid’s growth as a person and as a performer. He was more calm and more focused than before. Tiger Mask also showed a new aspect to his game as he slowed down and wore Kid down with some holds. That is also important in keeping up with Kid’s growth. 

As always the technical aspect of the match between these two was great. Kid did a great job selling and Tiger Mask’s offense looked amazing. The hot crowd also helped this match. This match’s main purpose was to introduce these new moves to each wrestlers’ moveset and to show the personal growth of each guy. The finish of the match supports this as it was basically the same finish as their first match with Tiger Mask winning in a quick fashion. It prepares the audience for the next phase in this rivalry.

Final Rating - ****

Throwback Match Reviews: Andre the Giant vs Stan Hansen

Andre the Giant vs Stan Hansen (NJPW) 09/23/1981

I love going back to watch pre-WWF Andre the Giant and realize that he was a great wrestler as well. This match had a great babyface/heel dynamic with Hansen playing a good sympathetic babyface. I have a hard time seeing Andre the Giant as a cowardly heel. He wasn’t over the top cowardly but it was present. A big giant like Andre should never be cowardly. I don’t mind cowardly heels but when all heels are cowardly in the same promotion it comes off as lazy. This is not the case here but I wanted to lay out my opinions on cowardly heels. 

The action in the match was brutal. Both guys beat the hell out of each other. The crowd was also a highlight of the match. They reacted to everything appropriately. Andre and Hansen proved that foreigners can get over with the Japanese crowds if they invest their time in Japan. The screwy finish(es) hurt the match a little but it was well done. 

Final Rating - ****