This isn’t my kind of match, but it is definitely something I could see doing well. There is one point where Cobra completely whiffs a Space Flying Tiger Drop, in a totally comical moment. It really looked like something a Diva would try, like if CM Punk loaned a Bella Twin his 94 Super J tape. Still lots of other stuff looked good, and only one awkward Cobra fuck up is pretty good on the Cobra scale. Nomination.

 

NJC 226

We kept waiting for this to go off the rails, but it really didn't. They started fast and never really slowed down, hitting all their big stuff and tossing in a nasty headbutt exchange for good measure. Even the Cobra mishap was entertaining in its sheer ridiculousness. This wasn't the best period for the juniors, but the voters will enjoy this match. Nomination.

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: The Cobra © vs. Shiro Koshinaka (2/6/86)

 

This match was all about the fast pacing and Koshinaka being the glue that kept it together due to Cobra’s nuttiness which included him almost killing himself with a cartwheel into a somersault plancha to the floor with Koshinaka barely keeping him from breaking his neck. Watching Koshinaka work here makes you wonder what a Koshinaka/Sayama match would’ve been like because Cobra was basically a bigger flashier version of Tiger Mask. I liked the cradle exchanges that led up to the wicked looking Space Flying Tiger Drop screwup by Cobra which shockingly didn’t break Kosh’s shoulder. Kosh then worked his way into a German Suplex hold and got the big win over Cobra. This was very fun and should move forward.

That first Cobra dropkick looked absolutely lethal. I can't believe Phil didn't point out the incredibly weak looking head vice Cobra attempted to apply. I thought Cobra had some nice kicks but this match did nothing for me. Between big spots, they did nothing with the submission attempts. Big ending but I wouldn't fight for this to be included. Maybe we could use that botched Space Flying Drop as an EXTRA. No vote.