As a contrast to the prior match, this is worked much more in a clash of the titans style. Neither of these guys are my favorite strikers, so this didn’t reach the highs of Nagata/Ilzuka but for what they set out to acompolish, it was successful. Tenzan had a neat chinlock that was locked in tightly and had one of Nakanishi’s arms captured. Nakanishi has the crowd behind him when he does his hulk up. Tenzan counter the ending submission attempt of Nakanishi by going back to that chinlock. It looks like that may evolve into the Anacondia Vice down the road. Nakanishi kicks out of the moonsault at 1 which puts him over strong. Tenzan goes to the top once more but gets caught. Nakanishi blocks the tombstone and hits one of his own which Tenzan kicks out off. Nakanishi follows right up with the torture rack though and gains the submission. Fun match. ***1/2 (7.1)

I did like Tenzan working his sort of proto-Anaconda Vice to try to keep Nakanishi down. I also will say I really kind of like Nakanishi's goofy charisma and he feels like a big deal. Other than that, it's fine heavyweight back and forth, but I didn't think they had any real interesting ideas outside of trading strikes and proving who was ultimately tougher. Which, for these two, is perfectly fine. A fun enough slugfest with Nakanishi again snaring the torture rack when Tenzan thinks he is in the clear.

 

**3/4