(taped 7.19.88) 4 - Ricky Fuyuki/Toshiaki Kawada vs. Shunji Takano/Shinichi Nakano - This was like a prototype for the high-end indy tags of the last decade, with the non-stop action and a bunch of nearfalls. The teams conveyed real dislike for one another, with Kawada and Fuyuki wrestling as underdogs. Takano especially did some really nasty shit to his smaller opponents. When Fuyuki caught him in a roll-up after taking huge amounts of punishment to his midsection, it felt like a genuine upset. Easy yes for me.

 

(taped 6-4-88) 5 - Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tiger Jeet Singh - No.

 

(taped 7.16.88) 6 - Jumbo Tsuruta/Yoshiaki Yatsu vs. Stan Hansen/Terry Gordy (PWF Tag Title) - This was merely OK for the first 10 minutes but really picked up when Gordy and Hansen started working over Yatsu, who had developed into a top-notch underdog worker. The finishing run had a wild feel with partners constantly flying in from the apron to break up falls and inflict extra damage. Jumbo hit three straight top-rope axe handles on Hansen, who was trapped in Yatsu's abdominal stretch. But shortly after Yatsu tagged out, Hansen hit one of his desperation lariats (mostly missed by the camera) to set up a double knockout. I don't think these two teams ever had a great match, but this one is at least worth further review.

All-Asia Tag Titles: Footloose (Samson Fuyuki & Toshiaki Kawada) © vs. Shinichi Nakano & Shunji Takano (7/19/88)

 

Takano makes his return to AJ Classics looking like Nobuhiko Takada. The challengers dominate the early part of the match using high impact moves to work over the champs but Footloose would get some offense in as well mainly Fuyuki as Kawada was more taking and selling punishment. Fuyuki got his turn though and Takano especially abused him hitting a big flying lariat for a nearfall then just getting pounded by the challengers both inside and outside the ring while they make quick tags to stay fresh. Takano would miss a running smash into the corner though allowing Fuyuki to get the hot tag and Kawada ran wild with Fuyuki trying to follow but he ate a vicious Superkick by Takano sending him to the floor. This set up a very hot stretch run with Korakuen & Akira Fukuzawa going crazy as both teams were going all out trying to get the win and it was a fluke cradle that would seal the deal for Footloose. This was a pretty great match between the youngsters and this definitely moves forward.

 

Hiroshi Wajima vs. Tiger Jeet Singh (6/4/88)

 

The horror.

 

PWF Tag Titles: Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu © vs. Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy & Stan "The Lariat" Hansen (7/16/88)

 

This started out strong with both teams looking solid on offense but the gaijin were more dominant working over Jumbo for a nice amount of time then Yatsu for an extended amount of time. I agree with Childs here as Yatsu was quite the babyface underdog worker at this time period getting sympathy and showing hope spots while in peril. This would get real serious as Jumbo/Gordy would come in from the apron at will to help their partners including Jumbo hitting 3 diving axehandles off the top rope while Yatsu had Hansen in a cobra twist. Jumbo would tag in and continued working over the back until Gordy came in with a steel chair to nail Jumbo then Hansen nailing a desperation lariat putting them both down on the mat. Gordy & Yatsu would brawl as Joe Higuchi called for the bell as he couldn't control the action much longer. I liked the RWTL match from 87 better than this one but this was still a very solid match and moves forward.