Posted June 9, 200916 yr comment_5440473 #183 8/18/97 February 5, 1985 Strong Machine #1 & Strong Machine #2 & Strong Machine #3 vs. Kengo Kimura & Shunji Takano & Gran Hamada - I didn’t really like this match as the two earlier Machine matches I watched. Maybe it was because there were a lot of repeat spots and without heavy hitters like Fujinami in there or the speed of the Cobra, it doesn’t stand out as much. Hulk Hogan vs. Tatsumi Fujinami - The old “Hogan works hard in Japan” theory is in place here. Well, Hogan is working hard and he quickly takes control early on and Fujinami seems frustrated in not being able to gain any sort of advantage. Eventually he trips Hogan up and applies the sharpshooter. This results in Hogan getting a rope break and taking a breather. So far, so good. It looked like Hogan had it won with the Axe Bomber but Fujinami was able to put his foot on the ropes. I thought the match was done. After a tumble outside, Fujinami posts Hogan and he starts bleeding. Fujinami takes control inside and is pounding on the cut. Great ending as the ref tries to separate Fujinami fron Hogan and right after Fujinami pushes the ref away, he gets nailed with a lariat for the three count. Really good stuff from both guys here. Hogan gave Fujinami plenty and even allowed himself to be dominated later on before putting the match away. Thumbs up from me. Antonio Inoki vs. King Kong Bundy - I liked the Fujinami match better and I didn’t nominate that one. Bundy really needs Lawler.
