Posted April 26, 200817 yr comment_5430905 Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Steve Keirn (2/3 Falls) (NWA International Junior Title) (2/8/80) - Keirn works the arm again early which is taking a page out of the first match. What I like is that the work is different and he doesn’t use the same holds even if it is the same strategy. And in a great turnabout, Fujinami gets onto his feet only for Keirn to his a SWEET German Suplex pin to score a quick fall. That was unexpected and a great way for Keirn to take a fall. In the 2nd fall, Keirn tries to take advantage but keeps getting caught in the quick pins like a sunset flip and a small package. Eventually, Keirn loses his control again, ties Fujinami up in the ropes, pounds away and gets DQed again. The first two falls are all about playing off the first match and that is what makes this great to watch, especially since I just finished watching the 2/1 match. IN the 3rd fall, Fujinami tries to control wit ha head scissors which turns into another segment where Keirn works the leg. Again, he doesn’t use the same moves as the first match but uses the same strategy. Eventually, Keirn gets caught in a flash pinning combination and loses the third fall. Damn, this is turning out to be a great matchup! I love the story of this match but it relies heavily on the first match for you to fully appreciate it. If the first one gets bounced, this one can’t go on the set. But as a follow-up, it is awesome. (NJC 80)
November 27, 200816 yr comment_5436015 I agree this had some cool shoutbacks to older matches, but as a match on its own, it didn't do it for me. Keirn's german was awesome, but I am pretty sure the finish to the second fall was blown, and the third fall was pretty short too. Felt almost like a current CMLL main event in its brevity. I go no.
November 27, 200816 yr comment_5436017 Story of this was neat but the execution on that story seemed really hit and miss. Fujinami comes into match having stolen Sam Houston's gear. The German that finishes first fall was awesome. Don't know how much of that was Keirn and how much was Fujinami. Second fall criss cross into leapfrg and fall out of the ring looked really awkward like he was supposed to get caught in the ropes and they had to adjust to get the caught in ropes spot. Third fall had some neat mat work but there were a bunch of really off things. I think at one point they did headlock int conversation abut who should be n offense followed by switch of who is on offense with no real transition outside of the two talking it out. Third fall had some of the best stuff in it but also was messy as all fuck. I'd say no.
May 6, 200916 yr comment_5439145 Loved the German, both as a nasty looking move and as a shoutback to the first match. But the work went downhill from there. I'm good with leaving this one off.
