One of the things that is going to be toughest about the selection process, is going to be picking what juniors matches stay and which go, it isn’t a style I particularly care for, and it is going to be hard to narrow down a big pile of similar matches. I am going to go ahead and nominate this, as it had a hot crowd and some stuff in it I really liked, there were points that it looked uncooperative which was cool, and Hase is really smooth in what he does. Still I am going to have a hard time distinguishing this from dozens of other similar matches.

 

NJPW Sky A 91

This stood pretty clearly above the junior pack. Hase was already a tremendous offensive wrestler -- smooth, forceful, innovative with his matwork and suplexes. Kobayashi, as champion, was perfectly capable of hanging with him and was the better seller. Together, they produced a memorable title change that earns an easy yes vote from me.

12/27/87 Kuniaki Kobayashi vs. Hiro Hase

- Great story early on with Kobayashi wanting to mix it up and trying to engage Hase with strikes. Hase lets him know who is in control and tries to keep the match grounded. I like that neither guy is content to sit in a hold and if it doesn’t seem to get them anywhere, they end up nailing the guy with a forearm or kick or fist. I love how Kobayashi couldn’t get the Boston Crab over so he just drops down and shoves his forearm across Hase’s face. After Hase’s sharpshooter, he smells blood and just murder’s Kobayashi’s back. Keep an eye for the kick that Hase eats in the corner. Brutal. I love how Kobayashi’s injured back is still a factor up until the end and allows Hase to capitalize and end it with a Northern Lights. Shit, this is an easy thumbs up.