New Japan Classics 80

 

February 8, 1980, Tokyo

Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Steve Keirn (2/3 Falls) (NWA International Junior Title)

- 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.

 

 

Antonio Inoki vs. Stan Hansen (NWF Title)

- I know these two met a bunch in the 70s so I am not going to try and revisit those matches to judge this series. Early on, Inoki tries to keep Hansen grounded because when Hansen hits an elbow, Inoki has to go outside to collect his thoughts. Inside, Hansen applies a full nelson but eventually Inoki gets him on the ground and locks in the Indian Deathlock. They continue to trade holds but nothing inspiring or nasty looking. Inoki locks on the Octopus but Hansen falls back to break the hold. Shortly after, Hansen hit sthe lariat and the match begins to pick up. However, it ends shortly after Hansen knocks Inoki off the apron with a sick Lariat and gets the countout win. The hot stretch didn’t last long enough and the match was too dull to consider for nomination.

I am going to go a 180 on you here Will

 

Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Steve Keirn (2/3 Falls) (NWA International Junior Title)

 

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.

 

Antonio Inoki vs. Stan Hansen (NWF Title)

 

I thought this was pretty great, sure it started slow, but it was a early 80's title match, and I thought the mat work was pretty cool. The finish run I thought was great, and that final larait was decapitating. Plus post match with all the shit talking and celebration was great. Nomination for sure.