September 14, 201411 yr comment_5624982 Interesting dynamic here with Ivan having a massive amount of back hair that would make George Steele blush. Moto gets a great reaction disrobing by his attendant and he has the sandals and all to play up the Japanese Culture gimmick Match had its moments. I thought Ivan's forearms smashes especially looked good and stiff. Moto did a ton of judo throws to the throat that didn't look overly impressive but he had some glimmers to like when he puts both of his fingers into Ivan's ears billed as a Japanese nerve hold. Ivan keeps working for a hammerlock and has it locked in. The crowd seems really confused on who to really cheer for in this one and as a result, mostly indifferent. Moto gets pissed and eventually gets DQ'd for not breaking while choking Ivan on the ropes. Another abrupt ending that didn't really portray the escalation they were working toward.
September 27, 201411 yr comment_5629009 This match was a bit slow. Moto's thumbs to the ears to break the bearhug was the highlight of the match. I liked the way that Ivan jumped and kicked. I read that Ivan hurt his back in 1946 and had fusion surgery, so he was probably on the downside of his career here. I wish that there was footage of him in his prime.
August 7, 20169 yr comment_5761883 Interesting seeing the amount of give in the ring during the close up of Moto's footwear before the match. I liked the power vs technique dynamic on display here. Story saw Moto using a combination of technical prowess and underhanded tactics to repeatedly get Ivan in compromising positions, but he just couldn't get past Ivan's size and strength to finish it. Towards the end, the frustration builds until we get the shit finish. As an aside, I agree that Ivan threw some good strikes and it was refreshing to see a guy who just let the punches speak for themselves instead of having to stomp with every blow. ***
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