Genichiro Tenryu vs. Jumbo Tsuruta (8/31/87)

 

This is a non-title match at Budokan between the former long-time partners now rivals. This was great stuff as you had two guys who know each other so well that they have to beat the hell out of each other to get the other one in position to be beaten so they give it everything they have to achieve this mission with Budokan rockin and rollin on every big move or nearfall. Jumbo breaking out a fucking plancha from the second rope to the floor was so awesome and proved that these men were doing whatever it took to gain the upperhand. Jumbo missing his high kneelift into the corner gave Tenryu the opportunity he was looking for as he went to work on the left knee but after an enzuigiri Jumbo planted Tenryu with a huge backdrop suplex. Their momentum would soon take them to the floor where Jumbo tried to piledrive Tenryu but he countered with a backdrop forcing Jumbo to hit an enzuigiri knocking Tenryu over the railing. Tenryu fought back though and rammed Jumbo on the table then dropped him knee first on the table but couldn't get back in the ring as Jumbo grabbed him hitting another enzuigiri. Tenryu countered with two of his own while both were on the apron as this took epic proportions with Tenryu ramming Jumbo who got his knee stuck in the ropes hanging off forcing the referee to count him out. Tenryu got a huge victory although it was a countout but this match was so fucking great it didn't matter. This is a grand slam nomination.

Yeah, this was pretty great. I loved all the blocked moves in the first few minutes. Jumbo unleashed absolute hell on Tenryu after Tenryu pissed him off by using the high knee. His dive from the second turnbuckle to the floor really helped set the match apart as something special. I dug Tenryu pulling the turnbuckle pad down so Jumbo would hurt his knee charging into the corner. It almost felt like a WWE main event moment, and Jumbo did a great job dragging his leg around as he tried desperately to put Tenryu away. The finish was great too, with crippled Jumbo trying to fight his way back into the ring and Tenryu gradually knocking him out on the apron with a lariat sandwiched by multiple enzuigiris. This was a hell of a way to kick off their singles series, and it's kind of cool that they managed to outdo themselves several times.

1987 All Japan TV Disc 19

Genichiro Tenryu vs. Jumbo Tsuruta, 8/31/87 (TV19)

- Damn, this starts off strong with Jumbo trying to dominate with the big knees and a headlock. However, Tenryu executes some nice offense to let him know that he isn’t 2nd fiddle anymore. Oh shit, nasty big knee in the corner as Tenryu tries to crouch to avoid the knee but takes it worse. Jumbo knows he has Tenryu’s bell rung so he is punishing the head. Love it. Hell, Jumbo turns an ab stretch into an octopus because he knows it will put pressure on his head. Awesome. That makes Tenryu’s hope spots and comeback more impressive because Jumbo is vicious here. He is breaking out baseball slides and attacks from the top rope to the floor. He goes for the big knee in the corner one too many times and injures his knee so Tenryu can capitalize with the Scorpion. Damn, I love this match. Oh Christ, Jumbo hits an enziguiri to counter and this stretch run is HOT! The battle outside was violent enough that I didn’t hate the finish. Hell, I am loving the enziguiri battle on the apron and can accept the countout ending giving Tenryu a much-needed win. This isn’t as high up there as the 6/5/89 match but I could see it cracking my Top 30-40.