They worked this very evenly and mostly on the ground as you might expect. They took the even thing a bit far at times, following a clashing-cross-bodies spot with a clashing-dropkicks spot. It definitely came off more as an exhibition of their style of wrestling than as any kind of fight. But they did a lot of neat counters and holds. The crowd didn't respond to it, and I'm not sure I did either. But it was interesting enough that everyone should take a look.

All Japan Classics 187

Joe Malenko vs. Dean Malenko, 7/11/89 (All Japan Classics 187)

- Some pretty work from both guys early on ending up with both guys grabbing the leg of the other. Next round, they work out of Joe trying to control with the full nelson and more pretty work from both guys. Next round, Dean tries to capitalize on a mistake by Joe and starts working on his legs and Joe escapes by kicking Dean’s knee… that looked painful!So far, the amtch is worked like a non-existent rounds system where each guy wins a round and they go back to square one. After 15 minutes of one-upmanship, they start trying to put the match away with some big moves. Eventually, Joe catches Dean in a roll-up and the match. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I enjoyed the entire match. A mixture of dance and contest. Good stuff.

AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Joe Malenko © vs. Dean Malenko (7/11/89)

 

Brother vs. brother and this is what you would expect from these two as they are like mirror images and this was very fun watching the brothers try to outdo each other on the mat with some really solid wrestling and counter wrestling. This was bordering on going too long though but the action would pick up at the end leading to the finish which was well executed. I liked this one a lot and I think this moves forward.