Peeters seems to have Tamura's number throughout, with better strikes and plenty of good counters. And he's COCKY AS HELL. Aw yiss.

This is Tamura's second match in RINGS, but Peeters, a Dutch kickboxer, is the guy who steals the show. He's just a tornado of actiivity during stand-up, constantly throwing spin kicks and spinning backfists at Tamura from a distance, while also catching him with some awesome-looking belly-to-belly suplexes. But every time they go to the mat Tamura seems to get the advantage, which is eventually what nets him the victory. On top of his great offense, Peeters does some terrific selling, somehow putting over Tamura's holds while still coming off as arrogant and full of himself. He's eclipsed Dick Vrij for the best character work in RINGS.

Kiyoshi Tamura vs Willie Peeters - RINGS 7/16/96

 

After a great Sasha/Alexa match, Finn/Bray were putting me to sleep so I threw on some Tamura. Tamura is great, but WILLIE FUCKING PEETERS stealing the show! Peeters is a Dutch kickboxer with a fuckin' attitude, kid. He looks like every kid I went to middle school with his haircut, tank top and oversized pants. Peeters is a tornado in there throwing kicks Willie-Nilly. I had to! Awesome belly-to-belly suplex by him and a great side headlock RIP! Basically Tamura looks overwhelmed at first, but then he figures Peeters out. He goes toe-to-toe with him standing up. He figures out how to quash every single takedown and turn everything on the mat to his advantage. Peeters is cocky but is a fish outta water on the mat. He is great saying Tamura's kicks aren't affect him "You cant hurt steel" routine, only to tap like a baby in a heel hook after he already got the ropes. Perfect bully psychology. Tamura is taking it to the mat at will and it is just a matter of time. Triangle choke and Peeters taps. Very entertaining. Tamura has a great asskicker vibe to him. Peeters was able to bewilder Tamura early, but once Tamura figured him out it was academic. More Willie Fuckin' Peeters, bro! ****

This was Willie Peeters' best performance since 1992 (the '95 Nagai match was pretty good too) but basically, it's Peeters as his shitty best, throwing full rotation suplexes and being aggressive with the strikes. Tamura almost looks lost in there at times as he tries to get stuff going on the mat but Peeters is always near the ropes. Loved Willie's shit-eating grin when Tamura tells the referee to count him down on a missed kick attempt. Of coruse, Willie mocks Tamura's kicks and it becomes clear that Tamura really wants to submit him. Peeters wants none of ti, taps even after he manages an escape, and finally gives up the ghost to a triangle. Good stuff.