Posted May 23, 201015 yr comment_5451166 If you like watching Kawada get his ass kicked, this is the match for you. It was a long, punishing affair built around hierarchy. Jumbo and Yatsu knew their best plan was to isolate Kawada, and Kawada's absolute determination to prove he could play on the same level fed right into their hands. The beatdown segments dragged a little, but overall, Kawada mixed in enough hope spots and actual comebacks to keep the match compelling. He was already great at unloading his kicks. Tenryu was a supporting player, but he really kicked the shit out of Yatsu when Kawada managed to tag out around the 25-minute mark. We got the punts to the back, the multiple enzuigiris, even a powerbomb for a nearfall. Eventually, the match came down to Jumbo vs. Kawada and the fundamental storyline of grumpy ace shaking off fiery youngster. They did that about as well as anyone. This deserves a nomination, even if it lacked the ball-out action to be a classic. 1989 All Japan TV Disc 2
September 16, 201015 yr comment_5455792 Yoshiaki Yatsu & Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Toshiaki Kawada & Genichiro Tenryu, AJ TV 1/22/89 (TV2) - Like most of these match-ups, Tenryu and Jumbo play ace while Kawada and Tenryu play the ace. First ten minutes or so were unremarkable but solid enough with each guy playing his role. Tenryu did rip Yatsu’s head off with a sick lariat about 12 minutes in. Kawada plays whipping post for a nice chunk of the match but nothing is happening that screams … GREAT MATCH! When Tenryu comes in, he abuses Yatsu like we are accustomed to seeing. I enjoyed this match and it went really long but I can’t think of a really defining moment in the match. I think we’ll have to decide what matches make the cut and how many of this matchup are left on there. Nomination while reserving the right to cut it in the end.
October 13, 201014 yr comment_5457201 Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu vs. Toshiaki Kawada & Genichiro Tenryu (1/20/89) This features one of my favorite stories in Japanese wrestling and that is the youngster who is in a big match with the big guns and he wants to prove that he belongs on the same level as them so he goes all out on offense and then gets his ass handed to him when on defense. Jumbo & Yatsu are two great guys to dish out that type of beating as well and then you have the Jumbo/Tenryu dynamic which was always awesome and you have a formula for a great match. There are a lot new truths that will spawn from this set and one of them will be that Kawada was a better worker than Misawa in the 80's with half the push. Everyone knows how great Kawada was in the 90's but his work from 88-89 was pretty damn great. I think this is a easy nomination.
