NJPW Battle Formation in Tokyo Dome 1996

NJPW Battle Formation In Tokyo Dome - Apr 29th 1996 (Commercial Tape + NJPW World Hybrid Event)

Match 1: Yuji Nagata & Tokimitsu Ishizawa vs. Koji Kanemoto & Shinjiro Ohtani
Comments: The show begins with a very highly spirited opening tag match, with the young lions though I don't think Shinjiro Ohtani was considered a young lion at this point? There is some great offense by all, each having their moment along with some excellent team work by Kanemoto and Ohtani as they are both very much on the same page. Seemingly none of them were content on taking it easy as it was non stop high energy action and it fully showcased each of their strengths. Yuji Nagata ends up looking really great here and has more fire and determination than his tag partner so stood out even further.  Nagata won via a middle rope overhead belly to belly and Shinjiro Ohtani wasn’t so pleased with Nagata getting the win and they had to be separated once the bell had rang. I really would love to see the singles match between Ohtani and Nagatga as I would imagine it would have been quite special.
Rating: ***


Match 2: Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Hiroshi Tenzan
Comments: First WCW vs. NJPW match of the night and it was an incredibly dull and pedestrian match that felt it was very much just by the numbers with little to no drama or heat. Plenty of punching and not much else, so after 3 flying elbow drops and a small package Macho Man got his win. The highlight were all the bright colours on display from their tights.
Rating: *


Match 3: Lex Luger vs. Masahiro Chono
Comments: The match started with quite a lot of energy from both trying to quickly put away the other with the addition of a Luger pose showdown. Though it devolved into a lot of back and forth clubbering and stomps and both Luger’s & Chono's offence wasn't overly thrilling, Luger did have a game plan of working over Chono’s back throughout. Chono hit a lovely piledriver once he gained control with a sleeper hold and Chono forced Luger up the ramp way and Luger managed turn the tides while out there to return the favour with his own piledriver.

Eventially Luger got Chono up for the rack and a distracted ref allowed Chono to slip out and low blow Lex. The pace picked up towards the end as we had Chono drop Luger with some big Yakuza kicks, and the STF was enough for Chono to win. Luger then finds Bischoff at ringside and complains about the low blow, which is fair and he is rightly pissed off. Not the most blind blowing match or even memorable but totally inoffensive and watchable.
Rating: **


Match 4: Akira Nogami, Kuniaki Kobayashi, Shiro Koshinaka & Tatsutoshi Goto vs. Osamu Nishimura, Riki Choshu, Satoshi Kojima & Takashi Iizuka
Comments: The everyone gets a paycheck match and it was back and forth with seemingly everyone getting a little bit of the spotlight then quickly moving on to the next combination without any story or drama, the high point being a sudden Riki lariat for the win. It was very much just a match and something for Choshu to do.
Rating: *


Match 5: Jushin Thunder Liger © vs. The Great Sasuke (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match)
Comments: 90's Junior Heavyweight goodness abound here. As soon as the bell rings both charge each other with rolling kicks but both miss so Liger rolls out letting Sasuke get the upper hand with a cool tope to the outside. Back in Sasuke grounds Liger with a suplex and goes to work on Liger’s neck with chin locks and sleeper holds. Sasuke switches it to arm work and eventually a camel clutch and the match pace is quite slow and methodical it is just that early match slowness that is pretty much the norm.

A Great Sasuke bodyslam, then we get a leg drop and Sasuke is right back on the arm. Liger reverses an Irish whip and wipes out Sasuke by dropkicking his knee and thusly takes control. A top rope dropkick from Liger is aimed perfectly at Sasuke’s knee, sending him head over heels. A stiff powerbomb by Liger nets him a 2 count and Liger relentlessly ties up Sasuke’s legs. Now Liger hits a dragon screw and slams Sasuke’s knee right down into the canvas. A second dragon screw leads to a figure four. The crowd are very much appreciating this as am I.

Liger takes Sasuke outside and attempts to drop his knee on the guard rails but crotches him instead. Ouch. Back in Liger gets another top rope dropkick and stretches Sasuke some more. A massive rolling koppo kick crushes Sasuke in the corner and the knee work continues. It’s very clear here who is in control. Sasuke eventually cuts off Liger and forces him outside so Sasuke hits a picture perfect Asai moonsault to the outside and then a moonsault back in gets Sasuke 2. A sudden lionsault gets Sasuke a 2. A Japanese rollingclutch gets another 2!

Sasuke feeling risky after those back to back near falls attempts a missile dropkick but Liger is having none of it and dumps Sasuke down with a powerbomb. Another rolling koppo kick sends Sasuke to the outside and Liger decides it is his time to fly with a massive diving body attack. Sasuke eventually gets back in the ring and walks straight into a wicked Liger brainbuster, which pops the crowd big. Now Liger hits a suplex and covers for just a 2.

Liger sets up Sasuke in the corner and delivers a big top rope hurricanrana but only covers Sasuke half heartedly which allows Sasuke to tie up Ligers arms and roll him into his own pin attempt, which gets just a 2! Crowd are very much invested in this battle, fully buying into these near falls. Sasuke climbs up top and is cut off and Liger busts out the top rope fisherman buster but again all it is good for is a hearty 2 count.

Liger heads up top and this time Sasuke is the one doing the cutting off and attempts his own top rope hurricanrana but the wise Liger holds on to the ropes tightly forcing Sasuke to whiff and crash hard to the mat. Liger leaps with a knee drop to the back of Sasuke’s head and puts on a scissored crossface chicken wing but Sasuke somehow gets to the ropes.

Liger dashes towards Sasuke but a rolling solebut halts Liger but not enough to stop the follow up of a shotei strike by Liger. Liger dashes again and is again cut off but this time Sasuke hits a frankensteiner for a very close 2 count. So Sasuke musters up Liger’s heavy body and drops him with the fire thunder powerbomb and keeps the momentum alive and drills Liger with his tiger suplex. 1..2..3! The Great Sasuke is the new junior heavyweight champion and an excellent bout.
Rating: ****1/4


Match 6: Scott Norton & The Steiner Brothers vs. Power Warrior Kensuke Sasaki & The Road Warriors
Comments: Lots of big men slamming, colliding and clobbering each other. Scott Steiner is just wild unleashing his entire arsenal of suplexes without any trouble. Lariats, diving shoulders, powerbombs and even bigger suplexes with each combination of men in the ring. It’s like a giant hoss fest and it’s quite fun to watch though it feels like nothing more substantial than just a highlight reel of power moves. The match adds a further layer once it all breaks down towards the end with a crazy array of double team moves but again it’s more about the spectacle.
Rating: **¾


Match 7: Great Muta vs. Jinsei Shinzaki
Comments: This was far from a traditional match, both had no problem playing the heel and it was quite captivating to see what would happen next. Very much a Heaven vs Hell theme. Jinsei started strong leading the match off with his awesome rope walk into diving chop but the tide quickly turned. Jinsei took some crazy bumps being flung from the apron over the guard rail, then piledriven through a table. Jinsei got busted open massively after being stabbed with wood as his white gear quickly stained red and Muta’s slaughter and destruction of Jinsei began. Muta then hung the blood covered Jinsei with his belt then taunted him with his own blood, holy shit. Jinsei reversed a suplex attempt, hit a throat jab and a big backdrop but it’s all cut short once Muta avoided a drop kick and retained control. Even a Jinsei backdrop counter and diving headbutt fell short, Muta is very much the dominating force.

A Muta handspring elbow, quick backbreaker and then Muta even attempts a moonsault but Muta lands on his feet as Jinsei rolls away, so then flattens a very weakend Jinsei with a top rope hurricanrana. The pace is quite slow and deliberate but it really suits the match aura. Jinsei hits a flurry of offense and even manages to avoid the green mist of Muta by ducking. Jinsei uses this chance to choke Muta and lay in some chair shots for added measure. Jinsei decides a space flying tiger drop is what is needed and it allows him to follow up with both a diving shoulder and diving headbutt for a 2 count. Jinsei sees his chance to deliver his praying powerbomb to finally put away Muta but Muta sprays mist to counter it and a sudden Muta moonsault is all that is needed to end this bloody war. The slow pace doesn’t make for the greatest of matches but it is one dynamic spectacle and quite different from the norm.
Rating: ***


Match 8: Genichiro Tenryu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami
Comments: Holy shit the start is mental and heated with the crowd losing their minds with Fujinami’s early rush of a dragon screw and diving to the outside not once but twice. Grumpy Tenryu has had enough so punches Fujinami square in the face, seemingly breaking his nose. Blood everywhere!

With the momentum halted the match loses a lot of steam with Tenryu being in control but any Fujinami comeback is well received though it’s all for nothing and Tenryu puts Fujinami down with a lariat. Overall it was quite the let down after that super hot opening minute.
Rating: *1/2

Match 9: Nobuhiko Takada © vs. Shinya Hashimoto (IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match)
Comments: The crowd are fucking hot for this main event from the offset and are very much behind Hashimoto 100%. We begin with strikes from Hashimoto, then strikes from Takada and Takada grabs that cross armbreaker due to a brief lapse from Hashimoto and the crowd lose it. Luckily Hashimoto gets to the ropes. Hashimoto isn’t deterred and lays in knees and kicks, the crowd again erupting as Hashimoto pushes on but a sudden Takada small package catches Hashimoto unaware but the ropes save him again.

Hashimoto kicks create a massive opening and Takada’s leg buckles so the crowd have a collective orgasm and Hashimoto seizes the chance to lace in the figure four but Takada gets to the ropes. Takada’s turn to hit the kicks and then he dumps Hashimoto with a huge backdrop and grabs that arm, determined to wrench it the fuck off. Hashimoto locks those fingers so Takada changes it up with a single leg boston crab, then into a full on boston crab but Hashimoto is just too strong. Both are back on their feet now and Hashimoto unleashes the overhead chops, one after the other and the crowd just go insane!

Takada starts rallying with a series of kicks but Hashimoto tells him to sit the fuck down by sweeping his legs out and yet again the crowd go mental. It’s so great. A Hashimoto brainbuster attempt is reversed into a Fujiwara armbar by Takada and the crowd are cheering on Hashimoto to reach those ropes and he does. Takada refuses to release the hold and once he does the kicks are in full force, so Hashimoto tells Takada to sit the fuck down again by destroying him with a massive kick to the gut. A Hashimoto brainbuster attempt is reversed again and this doesn’t phase him as a powerful backfist puts Takada back down on the canvas. Takada is up so a few sharp knees are needed by Hashimoto and a wicked DDT nets him a gigantic 2 count. Hashimoto finally hits one of the most brutal brainbusters ever and the crowd have lost it, jumping up and down as they passionately cheer. Hashimoto locks in the triangle hold and puts Takada away in stunning fashion to reclaim the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Rating: ****


Overall: This is one hell of a fun show with a very receptive and hot crowd, the card offers something for everyone and the title matches delivered in spades with both the excitement and compelling action. And regardless of the star ratings the only matches worth skipping are the 8 man tag and Savage vs Tenzan, the rest all have their charm and memorable moments. I think that’s the biggest thing to take away from all this, it’s one of the most memorable and lasting shows from NJPW and it’s truly stood the test of time in being a classic show.

NJPW Sept 25th 1995 - Keiji Mutoh vs. Junji Hirata (IWGP Heavyweight Title bout)

Link to the match on NJPW World.

Keiji Mutoh a man at the forefront of NJPW and one of its long time main event headliners against someone I genuinely know nothing about. Wikipedia tells me Junji Hirata  a veteran, was once known as Super Strong Machine before losing the mask. He isn't a rank of wrestler who is likely to get a title shot often so its quite the surprising match up.

Collar and elbow tie up, which Hirata forces in to the ropes before taking control over Mutoh's arm. They tussle over control and Mutoh comes out on top now working on Hirata's arm and a cross arm breaker attempt leads to them struggling to grasp each others legs, no clear advantage just yet for either.

Hirata topples Mutoh with a shoulder block and continues to run the ropes until his momentum is cut short by a drop toe hold by Mutoh. More jockeying for position by both on the ground with it not going anywhere. Mutoh applies a full nelson but its countered by a side headlock and both are continuing this struggle to find an opening with very little happening early on with lots of ground holds. All this is nothing more than a very long feeling out process.

Hirata whips Mutoh and hits a hard back elbow and a lariat and the crowd are very much pro Hirata. A sudden Hirata DDT sends Mutoh fleeing to the outside in pain. Mutoh regains control back inside very quickly with a series of kicks followed up by dropping his flashing elbow and then putting on a tight ki lock to the grounded Hirata. Hirata forces himself free and Mutoh bails to the outside again, but once he re-enters he is greeted by a series of stiff Hirata headbutts. Its all for nothing though as a dragon screw takes Hirata down and he tumbles towards the corner, as he stands Mutoh dashes towards him with his handspring elbow but Hirata actually catches Mutoh from behind and attempts to suplex him. Mutoh struggles to escape the sudden predicament he found himself in by elbowing Hirata in the face but Hirata holds on and german suplex hims anyway!

A running Hirata lariat picks up a two count. So he follows it up for a german suplex hold and it too only gets a two count. Hirata is looking far more competitive than I think anyone expected at this point but a diving headbutt from Hirata misses the mark and allows Mutoh back to his feet. A Mutoh dropkick and patent frankensteiner only gives Mutoh a two count.

Top rope missile dropkick by Mutoh sends Hirata flying but he is instantly up (fighting spirit!!!) and levels Mutoh with a hard lariat as the crowd erupt with cheers. Mutoh gets back to his feet and connects with a spinning back kick and Hirata is looking worst for wear, very tired even though he himself hasn't took that much punishment. A sudden surge of energy forces Hirata forward hitting Mutoh again with another lariat.

Another lariat attempt is blocked with a drop kick, and as Mutoh runs back towards Hirata he is caught by a headbutt to the chest which allows Hirata to hit thunderous sit out powerbomb for a super close near fall and the crowd is buzzed and ready for an upset win,backed up by chanting Hirata's name loudly. A german suplex slams Mutoh down and Hirata climbs the top rope looking for his diving headbutt and it actually connects!

Crowd chanting along now, 1....2....ohhh kickout. Stomping feet echo throughout as the crowd really were excited by that sequence and thought Hirata had it won. Back on their feet Hirata sees his chance to go for his hammerlock DDT though Mutoh wriggles free and lays in some boots. Hirata is having none of it and lifts up Mutoh for another devastating powerbomb but Mutoh reverses into his frankensteiner hold and that just nets him a two count.

Missile dropkick pummels Hirata from behind and sends him crashing down, so Mutoh lifts him up to the top to deliver a top rope frankensteiner sending Hirata crashing again down hard to the mat. Without a moment wasted Mutoh is back to the top and hits his moonsault press for the three and victory.

Hirata very much was the underdog but the crowd loved it and Hirata made his presence known by trying to stay ahead of Mutoh's assault though as a valiant effort as it was, it just wasn't enough. It was a great match built on the drama of hope and the idea of an upset victory made for a captivating watch. The early part of the match didn't do any favours for anyone but once that gigantic sitout powerbomb was hit then the whole match became alive making for an exciting contest.

NJPW Jan 4th 1995 - Shinya Hashimoto vs. Kensuke Sasaki (IWGP Heavyweight Title bout)

Link to the match on NJPW World.

Main event match of the Jan 4th 1995 Tokyo Dome show known as Battle 7. Antonio Inoki is in attendance and Hashimoto even makes a plea to him before the contest begins. Hashimoto the veteran and the relatively younger, take no nonsense Kensuke "I will make a name for myself at your expense" Sasaki.

Gong chimes and the ref yells its time to fight! Both men do not fear one another and it isn't long before the heavy hitting strikes are unleashed setting the tone for what is a heavy handed and heated contest. Hashimoto punishes the fiery Sasaki with kicks, who in turn hits his own and levels Hashimoto with a follow up lariat showing he isn't afraid or willing to back down from Hashimoto. Battle of power here and a boat load of arrogance too.

Sasaki is in charge keeping Hashimoto down with a sleeper and body scissors then transitions into a cross armbreaker and once Hashimoto struggles to find the ropes Sasaki goes straight back to the sleeper and holds his dominant position even slapping a downed Hashimoto, again showing no fear whatsoever. A Sasaki lariat is met with a well placed Hashimoto chop to the arm and like that Hashimoto regains control and begins the destruction of Sasaki's arm.

Hashimoto lays in the kicks and boots even going to the extreme of laying Sasaki out with a top rope missile dropkick before delivering a DDT. Hashimoto tries his luck again on the top rope but is caught by Sasaki who joins him and eventually powerslams Hashimoto off the top. A follow up lariat only gets a two for Sasaki, so Sasaki hits his own DDT and attempts to lock on the strangle hold gamma but Hashimoto squirms and gets to the ropes. Sasaki feeling like he can keep Hashimoto down hits a powerbomb and a big powerslam before finally locking in the strangle hold. Sasaki can't keep it locked for long and Hashimoto over powers Sasaki and in return totally destroys him with a belly to belly suplex. Totally brutal suplex as Sasaki was dumped as if to say, "I will put you in your place".

Its not enough as Sasaki still has plenty of strength to launch Hashimoto across the ring with a massive throw and again gets the strangle hold gamma applied. Sasaki lauches Hashimoto off the ropes and delivers an all mighty ippon judo throw dropping Hashimoto square on his head and gets a very hot near fall with Hashimoto barely kicking out. Back on their feet, Hashimoto staggered and dazed yet in a flash a sudden spinning leg sweep sends Sasaki crashing down allowing Hashimoto to regain control. Hashimoto uses this chance to lay in some heavy knee strikes that the ref even tells him to lay off with followed up by a big DDT resulting in a close two count, which raises the crowd to their feet. Hashimoto hits a powerful spinning wheel kick sending his whole weight into Sasaki that nets Hashimoto a two count so Hashimoto digs deep and plants Sasaki directly on his head with a tight fisherman buster, which is enough to get the three.

Antonio Inoki gets in to the ring and presents Hashimoto with his world heavyweight belt and reassures a disappointed Sasaki. The match totally flew by, never once being dull and it was a decent length and once it got going it was delivering on the big near falls making for a great match but the finish came just a tad too early. Overall it was quite exciting and a great spectacle of power vs power with experience prevailing in the end.

NJPW Jan 4th 1995 - Scott & Rick Steiner vs. Hiroshi Hase & Keiji Mutoh (IWGP Tag Title Bout)

Link to the match on NJPW World.

A match on paper that looks like it should tear the house down and instead of getting a classic we get awkwardness mixed in with bewilderment that only resulted in a lacklustre contest. There is no focus so there is prolonged mat work that goes nowhere, no structure with the referee getting confused by the non-tags and a pace that didn't help anything.

It is a long match in front of a respectfully quiet Tokyo Dome crowd so when we get a cool spot such as Mutoh and Scott hitting frankensteiners on their opponents at the same time there is no crowd reaction, which annoys Scott. And understandably so but instead of standing around the momentum should have been used to do something else to help draw the crowd in, which by that point have been treated to some very boring action and needed more spots to help them care.

The non-legal man problem we see in tag matches became very annoying towards the end as no-one could keep track who was and wasn't legal resulting in a very obvious 3 count on Hase being waved off due to the confusion.

Meltzer gave this ****1/4 stars. It doesn't hold up well at all and I feel it was underwhelming and overall a clumsy contest though having just enough to deliver a match that wasn't bad but not good either, meaning I would say its around that **1/2 star range.