Steamboat had his newly won world title but God, the fans didn't give two shits about him. He worked really hard in the match, chopping the shit out of Takano, taking some damn hard shots in return and tossing in high-end offense like a superplex and cross-body off the top. The fans did get into Takano's nearfalls, and Steamboat's timing and selling helped make him look like a legit badass. I was honestly surprised how long and good this match turned out to be. Will, as a Steamboat mark, you should check this out. For me, it was at least a low-end nomination.

 

1989 All Japan TV Disc 5

Ricky Steamboat vs. Shunji Takano, AJ TV 3/5/89 (TV 5)

- Takano controls with the headlock early on and mixes in an armbar every now and then. However, the work they do in and out of the hold is nondescript and I am starting to drift about 5 minutes in. The bump to the floor by Ricky was good stuff. I have no problem with the NWA champion going toe to toe with an established All Japan star but Takano is taking way too much of this match. I like underdog Steamboat but he shouldn’t be dominated this much against this guy. Towards the end of the match, it seems like Takano is blown up because everything he hits looks really sluggish and Steamboat is just leading him through the steps after awhile. I am as big of a Steamboat mark as there is and I just was not into this match at all. I tried to like it but I just didn’t. Steamboat has had a couople of really good performances in All Japan (Snuka, Sheik, Tenryu) but several of the matches have left me cold.

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Shunji Takano (3/3/89)

 

Flair was supposed to be on this tour but he lost the title to Steamer so Steamer took his spot. This was one of the final straws for Baba to leave the NWA as well. This was an okay match but I'm with Will in that Steamer gave way too much to Takano who definitely wasn't in his league here. They also struggled at the end to keep things moving along and I don't think this is a nomination.