Posted April 29, 201015 yr comment_5450199 Interesting contrast to the Malenkos match on the same disc, because it was also partner vs. partner. Jumbo and Yatsu also started with respectful grappling. Then, Yatsu slapped Jumbo and it was on. Big brother had to slap back harder of course, but Yatsu had more fire than he expected, emptying his arsenal in hopes of pulling an upset. In one neat spot, Yatsu caught Jumbo's high knee and slammed him directly into a nearfall. Jumbo had the bigger guns in the end, but I liked that Yatsu kept teasing comebacks until Jumbo hit his faster, harder version of the backdrop suplex. This wasn't a Jumbo classic but was entertaining enough to make the set. All Japan Classics 187
June 15, 201015 yr comment_5452030 Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Yoshiaki Yatsu, 9/2/89 (All Japan Classics 187) - Early on, Jumbo gets the head scissors on and does the scoot that rubs the face across the mat that I mark out so much for. I enjoyed the match overall. It was like they decided to dispense of the early build and just start unloading big bombs to put the other guy away. Seriously, this was fun and I was never bored but it was almost my spot-your spot in its structure. The one difference is that Yatsu is kicking out of all of Jumbo’s signature posts so I don’t know it this was trying to elevate Yatsu but the match definitely made him look like a big time player even if he lost in the end. Nomination.
September 17, 201015 yr comment_5455809 Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Yoshiaki Yatsu (9/2/89) Big match between the Olympic heroes and a chance for Yatsu to prove himself to his partner that he is an equal. Partner vs. partner again and they have the respect matwork thing going on early but the mood changes when Jumbo attacks Yatsu while caught in the ropes not breaking clean and Budokan is ready for them to explode. Yatsu then starts slapping Jumbo which pisses him off and he starts pounding on him but Yatsu was tough though. Yatsu catching a Jumbo high knee then slamming him down on the mat for a nearfall was fun then he kept bringing the offense trying to put Jumbo away but Jumbo would come back with his own offensive barrage. Yatsu kept countering though getting some nearfalls before getting the Prison Lock which Jumbo sold well for. The stretch run was hot with Yatsu hanging tough with Jumbo until he ate a big backdrop driver for the finish. This was a damn solid match and moves forward easily.
