Posted September 19, 200817 yr comment_5434695 Like most good Andre opponents, Inoki proved that he could be dangerous early with hit-and-run offense. So the big man turned to holds that forced Inoki to fight against his tremendous mass (he even worked the leg for awhile.) Andre's mat control segment wasn't the most dynamic but it came across as a logical approach for a 450-pound man with no quickness. Andre tossed in a piledriver, which I've never seen him do. He also did a mocking dance in rhythm to the "Inoki, Inoki" chant. Nice touch. Inoki eventually rallied with kicks to Andre's legs. Again, very logical and nicely sold by the big guy. Inoki went to the top for a knee drop. Andre was supposed to get his boot up, but they mistimed the spot pretty badly. To their credit, they worked past it quickly as Andre missed a boot off the ropes and Inoki caught him with the enziguiri. Andre sold that he'd been knocked loopy and the crowd was totally ready to see Inoki land another enziguiri and pin the giant. But Andre managed to dump him outside and toss him over the rail for a DQ. Good heel copout that worked with the story of the match. This is one of the longer Andre matches I've seen and even if it wasn't technically great, it was smartly laid out and grabbed the crowd. I think it's at least worth discussing. Shown on NJ TV 6/22/84 and NJ Classics 170.
June 11, 200916 yr comment_5440576 Antonio Inoki vs. Andre the Giant (IWGP League '84) (6/11/84) - I enjoyed this much more than Hogan-Inoki. I am not used to 20 minute Andre the Giant matches but it always a spectacle to see him go flying over the top rope or to see an opponent one-up the Giant. Unfortunately, by throwing Andre in a twenty minute match, you are setting yourself up for some extended restholds. Ifthey would have cut this down by ten minutes or so, this could have been something worth nominating. Still, haven’t seen any Andre matches that come close to the Hansen match.
September 2, 200916 yr comment_5443757 Man this has to go on just for Andre's little asshole dance, what a hateable fuck he can be when he wants to be. I am a mark for this match up, and I think this is a solid representation of it. Andre is bumping pretty big for 84, flying out of the ring, eating headscissors. I liked Inoki working over Andre's legs it felt like Marco Ruas v. Paul Varlanes, the big timber and the top rope knee were awesome. Great match. Slam dunk
September 27, 200916 yr comment_5444577 Phil was supposed to walk me through the greatness but after two more solo viewings I still like tons of other Andre on the set. The "working" of holds was still long and drawn out (ie. standing around) but I will give higher marks for things like Andre's dance.
