Really fun stuff, kind of a WWE Attitude style match with ref bumps and Choshu run ins, Vader is still pretty green but this is a big main event match, and you can see why it was such a big deal.

 

NJPW Sky A 91

I'm a little confused about what Phil reviewed, because the Choshu/Inoki and Vader/Inoki matches from the same night could be taken as a piece but were technically separate. Basically, Choshu shot his mouth off enough to earn an impromptu match with Inoki. Inoki kicked his ass, busting him open badly and ruthlessly working the cut. But Choshu was awesome in his role, refusing to die and kicking Hase aside when he tried to stop the match. He even attacked his protege after he threw in the towel. Vader then emerged and essentially squashed Inoki, who mustered virtually no offense. As a whole spectacle, this was great, but I'm not sure either match was a nomination on its own. It's also possible that something was cut from the TV version, and I just didn't notice.

Okay I am pretty sure that this is the 1/4/88 match after re-watching it. Stand by my nomination. Will could you switch the date?

Solid match. Inoki tried to control the monster with armbars and other holds. Vader invariably powered his way out and tossed Inoki around. Choshu, of all people, helped Inoki with a lariat to Vader after the big man obliterated the ref. Match ended in chaos. I don't think it's a nomination, but they did an effective job of building Vader, years away from his vintage form, into the scariest guy in the company.

1/4/88 Antonio Inoki vs. Big Van Vader

- I like ass kicking Vader. Not trade arm bars with Inoki Vader. It picks up with Vader missing the shoulder block in the corner. After watching so many kickass matches today, this didn’t even get me to raise an eyebrow. Add a shitty ending and that seals the deal. I hope the other Vader-Inoki matches are better because this was such a letdown after watching some elite matches. Going with Childs on the no.