Posted April 12, 201015 yr comment_5449374 This was Jumbo's AWA title win. The match started with a long section of Bockwinkel working Jumbo's arm. He really wrenched on the holds, and Jumbo never stopped trying for counters and escapes so it ended up as a nice example of old-school time killing. Jumbo finally got out with an enzuigiri and from then on, he was the dominant guy, producing a bunch of nearfalls with his signature offense. Bock got increasingly desperate, first trying to go back to the arm, then whipping Jumbo into the ref (a very entertaining Terry Funk) and finally throwing him outside in hopes of a countout. But as Bock tried to suplex Jumbo back in from the apron, Jumbo countered and nailed a sweet bridging German for the win. I guess some might find the opening 10 minutes a little tedious, but this was a solid match overall and something I'd like to see on the set. All Japan Classics 100
June 21, 201015 yr comment_5452189 Nick Bockwinkel vs. Jumbo Tsuruta, 2/23/84 (AJC 100) - For reference, the retired Terry Funk is referee with a horrible tuxedo on. Right away, Bock hits a body press right out of the corner taking Jumbo off guard. In some Bock matches, that is the biggest impact move you would see. Bock latches onto the arm early and it’s a little slow paced but they keep working through the hold, enough to keep me from getting bored. This is definitely a change of pace form the high energy shit I have watched today but I am digging it. Bock just won’t let go of the arm and Jumbo is frustrated by his inability to escape. Some of Jumbo’s pin attempts look cool as shit though but Bock keeps flipping him back into the arm bar. Bock even resorts to cheating and grabbing Jumbo by the hair to keep him down. Jumbo finally breaks it with an enziguiri and starts the big knee. However, after Bock gets a breather, he is back to the arm but Jumbo is back and executes a couple of piledrivers to gain control. Now, they start hitting the stretch run with both guys going for broke. Nice spot as Jumbo charges the corner but Bock hits a knee to Jumbo’s leg. SO Bock sees his chance and goes back to the arm. Big stretch run with Jumbo trying to finish Bock off but coming up short every time. Funk ends up getting hit out of the ring with Jumbo and Bock regroups and tries to finish off Jumbo. However, when Bock tries to suplex Jumbo back in the ring, Jumbo hits the back suplex pin for the win. This may be the best Bockwinkel match I have ever seen. Some slow parts early on but the strategy was sound. This is definitely on the set. I don’t know where it will land in the final rankings but it should do well.
July 2, 201015 yr comment_5452651 AWA World Heavyweight Title: Nick Bockwinkel © vs. Jumbo Tsuruta (2/23/84) Terry Funk is the special referee here in his snappy tux looking like he just left a prom in 1977 and this is Jumbo's Moby Dick as he defeated the white whale in Bockwinkel becoming a world champion and a made man forever in Japan. The match is damn great as well and there is no shadow of a doubt this is a slam dunk nomination.
