Posted May 5, 200817 yr comment_5431072 New Japan Classics 83 April 3, 1980, Tokyo Gran Hamada vs. Babyface (UWA Light Heavyweight Title) (4/3/80) - Early on, they do some decent matwork and then break out the huge lucha spots that pique the crowd’s interest. I am really digging the way yhtey work seamlessly from the mat into the spots and counters. Both guys did their out of the ring dives that would look impressive in 1996. The ending brings it down a bit as the ref counted three even though it looked like it was a two count. I’ll throw this on as low-level because I think there are plenty of matches that smoke it but the change of pace and lucha style will work well on the set. Seiji Sakaguchi & Riki Choshu vs. The Spoiler & Iron Sheik (NWA North American Tag Title) (4/3/80) Pretty decent match early on with Sheik and Spoiler beating on Choshu. This continues until Spoiler goes to the top but Sakaguchi tosses him off. This allows Choshu to reach the corner for the tag. Sakaguchi ends it in short order with a Boston Crab to take the first fall. The heel offense wasn’t especially interesting but was solid enough to keep things moving along. The 2nd fall starts with Sakaguchi abusing the Spoiler but when Choshu comes in, the tides turn and Sheik takes over on offense. Sheik looked like he was working really hard in the 2nd fall with non-stop offense. However, Choshu catches him with a belly-to back suplex and takes the 2nd fall. I don’t know if there was enough here to make the cut. The foreigners dominated but lost falls. This doesn’t bother me but there offense wasn’t really interesting even though it made sense. If this was on the Portland footage, it wouldn’t even sniff a spot so I am going no. February 1, 1980, Sapporo Antonio Inoki & Riki Choshu vs. Stan Hansen & Allen Coage (2/1/80) - This one was JIP and didn’t last long before they start brawling outside and go all over the building. Too short to be anything meaningful.
