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. 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 Japan Classics 170

This one didn’t really do it for me. It wasn’t bad, but I couldn’t say it was really good, either. The first 10 minutes are a pretty dry run, with some sloppy moments. It picks up (as Childs said) once they start picking on Yatsu. I can always get behind Hansen stomping on someone’s face, who couldn’t!? The camera misses the desperation comeback lariat so it just ends with Jumbo and Stan lying there. This wasn’t a bad way to spend almost 20 minutes, but no nomination from me.

Jumbo Tsuruta/Yoshiaki Yatsu vs. Stan Hansen/Terry Gordy (PWF Tag Title), 7/16/88 (AJC 170)

- I love the way Hansen starts out matches just pounding the shit out of people. When these guys are going all out, it is all good. However, both Gordy and Hansen get a little chinlock heavy at points. Coming off the 12/6 tag where they killed Yatsu, it is harder to get excited for this match. Solid work with both gaigin cutting off the ring and working on Jumbo but I have been spoiled. It doesn’t help when all four men get in the ring and they brawl, it looked like a schoolyard fight where no one was actually hitting anyone else and was followed by the most awkward collision between Hansen and Yatsu. They take it outside briefly but not long enough for me to get excited. The match also suffers from a lack of focus where they never stick to one story long enough to get engaged. Add the fact that the execution and moves were not exciting enough to carry it through and I am going no on the tag.

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.