Posted December 9, 200816 yr comment_5436297 Tiger Mask came out hot against his new rival with a missile dropkick and an out-of-control tope suicida at the bell. Kobayashi responded by taking control with mat holds and submission attempts. That became the story of the match. When they were in motion, Tiger Mask generally got the better of things, with some of the stiffest kicks I've seen him throw outside of UWF. When they grappled, Kobayashi had the advantage. In one nice sequence, Tiger Mask came up short on a diving headbutt only to roll through into striking position. But Kobayashi was ready and hooked him into a fisherman suplex for a nearfall. Shortly after, Kobayashi dodged a plancha on the outside to take the advantage, but instead of going for the win, he ripped a piece of Sayama's mask off to earn the DQ. A vicious post-match brawl ensued, with Tiger Mask throwing some serious punches. This match was really effective on several levels. First, it showed a more intense Tiger Mask, brought to life by a new challenge. It also showed that Kobayashi had answers, even for this revved up version of Tiger Mask. Finally, both men conveyed real hatred, with Kobayashi fighting to wreck the hero myth around Sayama and Sayama fighting desperately to keep his identity. Slam dunk nomination. Appears on NJ TV 11/5/82 and NJ Classics 135
June 12, 200916 yr comment_5440636 Tiger Mask vs. Kuniaki Kobayashi (WWF Junior & NWA Junior Titles) - Nice little receipt for the end of the last match as Tiger Mask attacks before he even has his belt off. Kobayashi is pissed now but the ref won’t let him attack until the match has started. Good solid move and counter stuff in the early portions. Tiger Mask covered up for a flub where he was going for a splash but Kobayashi ducked so TM landed on his back but he carried the move through to an arm drag. Another awkward spot (but kinda cool) where Kobayashi deadlifts TM but they both go tumbling over the top rope. Sounds cooler on paper than the actual execution. This one ends also with the mask tearing leading to a DQ and another fun post-match. We gotta throw this one on the block also.
August 23, 200916 yr comment_5443207 This was worlds better then their previous match, this is one of the few times that I have seen Tiger Mask hit all of his stuff cleanly, the moonsault double knees was great, and the post match brawl was nuts. Good shit, slamdunk match.
August 23, 200916 yr comment_5443219 Coming into this afraid after last match but yeah this was awedsome. Not just the nutty standing and flying stuff but really the matwork too here felt like guys actually doing stuff instead of just laying out for a minute.
