This match is ugly, folks. But really fun too. But ugly, really. The one issue that appears really quick is that Makabe, a few weeks removed of being renamed Togi, is not very good. Not good even. So the beginning of the match with a long sequence against Honda just drags forever. Each time Takayama tags in, the match comes alive. Each time Makabe gets back in, it's a yawnfest with his boring, plodding brawling style. So, from there, Kobashi beats the shit out of him and now it gets fun, as soon enough after another heat sequences that works a bit better (Takayama gets things moving), the match loses it's structure and it's just a bunch of brawling outside, Honda suplexing Takayama from the ramp to the inside, Makabe getting blood and Kobashi beating the fuck out of him even more. And finally, a short but nice teaser sequence between Kobashi & Takayama, foreshadowing a title match in the future maybe. Kobashi was just the Man at this point, he could adapt to any situation. So he brawls, tries to make Makabe's stuff look good (but fails, as Makabe can't even do a powerslam right) and then, fuck it, beats him even more. Meanwhile, some Honda ugly goodness too with him trying to smothers the outsiders one after another. Well, it's an ugly match, that moves from boring to a fun mess, to the point I'd call it quite good in the end, but man, Makabe was not good and really took that one down a bunch of notches. Watching the other three make up for it and Kobashi beating on Makabe (who 's only good for that use at this point) unmercifully finally made the match fun, basically.

This was like a delicious meal but you gotta be patient. Once it gets done and out the oven, it's worth the wait. Here things really pick up once Makabe, Takayama and Kobashi are on the apron/ring ramp. Honda Dead End German suplexes the blonde giant back into the ring and Kobashi eats chair shots to the back for breakfast. Let ultra stiff chopping begin. Honda is an acquired taste that I've never fully gotten used to but here I liked him. He uses his wide variety of sleeper and neck holds to great effect (which masks his physical limitations). Makabe was great all the way back in 2003. And Kobashi vs Takayama you already know about. Great match...Recommended.