Posted June 6, 201015 yr comment_5451660 Basically, Baba wanted to knock Abby down with a heavy blow and submit him with an armbar. Abby wanted to knock Baba down with a quick thrust to the throat and try his elbow drop at the first opportunity. Pretty simple formula, and of course, neither guy brought any speed or grace to the table. But the crowd hung on every move. Abby got frustrated when he couldn't beat Baba with the elbow drop and resorted to the weapon in his trunks. So Baba bled and kicked out after a bunch more elbow drops. He finally caught Abby's leg and dropped him in a suplex-type move that didn't look very good, because, you know, he didn't have a prayer of lifting Abby. But that led to the pin. I'm torn on this one because it was an example of how two guys could captivate a crowd without being able to rely on athleticism at all. On the other hand, some of the sequences really did look shitty. Hell, you guys take a look. 1989 All Japan TV Disc 20
June 21, 201015 yr comment_5452188 Giant Baba vs. Abdullah the Butcher, 9/2/89 (TV20) - What the hell is this? Abby wrestling Baba in a straight wrestling match? Nice spot early as Abby takes Baba down with some thrusts and a headbutt, hits the big elbow but Baba is saved by the ropes. Later on as Baba takes Abby down and hooks on the armbar, Abby tries to reach for the ropes but his leg is too short. Abby the mat wrestler isn’t working so he goes back to his evil ways and grabs the fork, busting Baba open. This is the Abby I love to see. He works on the cut with some headbutts but Abby gets caught with a big boot for a two count. Nice. Baba starts kicking Abby in the head and Abby is bleeding just because he can. Later on Baba goes for the big boot again but Abby avoids it and counters with a thrust. So far so good although the Hart Attack clothesline looked awkward. You almost feel bad because by the end, you can tell both guys are gassed but they are trying hard for the big finish. Abby is getting frustrated because he keeps getting twos with the big elbow and misses his third. Baba gets the pin with an ugly backdrop. It wasn’t Brainbuster ugly. It was god, that was not a good idea and looked like shit ugly. I liked the match but on a set this loaded, this would be the #1 contender for #150 or #175 or whatever the final number is. I can’t vote for this with a clear conscience.
October 18, 201014 yr comment_5457364 Giant Baba vs. Abdullah the Butcher (9/2/89) This was a big match at Budokan with great heat but this was sorta sad watching these two who had awesome singles matches in the 70's but were just trying to survive here. The match was fun for what it was but due to some of the sloppiness and other factors I can't get behind a nomination.
