AKIRA vs Kanemoto, 20/2/00
This one rocked. They go at it from the bell, and Kanemoto opens things up blasting AKIRA with a bunch of full pelt kicks and ripping off his jacket and mask. AKIRA must have really loved that jacket because he had a fire lit under him from the off, and these guys were trying to tear each other’s heads off. Scrappy match with both guys getting as many shots in as they can. I always dig Kanemoto putting the boots in while working the ankle lock, and I have to say I enjoy the way AKIRA does his to rope splash in all these matches. He isn’t a big guy but he looks like a kid belly flopping into the pool, just full weight on a guy. Towards the end AKIRA rips off Kanemoto’s knee pad and tries to dislocate his kneecap with a bunch of stomps, really spiteful shit. Kanemoto could have sold the damage better for his brief come back but fuck it he didn’t win, and this was only 10 minutes so it was go-go from the start. I have no idea who started this beef but fuck me did they both try and end it.
Tanaka vs AKIRA, 10/12/00
This version available is JIP after the first 3rd so we don’t get the full match, but what we do get is awesome. AKIRA’s first Jr title shot in years and he is super motivated. We open up with a great tope into the crown and when in the ring he takes off all his wrist tape and other shit before going to town on Tanaka, like a mobster taking off all his jewellery before working a guy over. Already the 2nd match in the post I’m revisiting there are clear themes running through these matches – a mix of aggression, targeted leg attacks, and clever technical spots. All things AKIRA brings to the party and Tanaka can hang with them all too. Finals minutes get very hot and I really dug the final scramble with both guys trying to catch the other in an arm or leg bar. No idea what we missed but as long as it wasn’t a stinker there’s a good chance this is one of the best IWGP Jr title matches of the 2000s.
AKIRA vs Tanaka, BOSJ 28/5/01
This was more of the same goodness, albeit not as big and dramatic as it’s a mid-tourney match rather than for a belt. This was much more deliberately paced, with AKIRA being happy to slow things down and stretch Tanaka out for a lot of the way. These two just meshed very well stylistically and we get some nice work on the mat with it feel like a game of chess. AKIRA going for a big dive to the floor only for Tanaka to snatch him into an armbar mid-flight was a pretty cool spot, and once again they finish with each other trying to grab tricky submissions on each other. I haven’t watched a New Japan Jrs match in quite some time, as a division it could really do with an AKIRA-like veteran for a new generation.
Kanemoto vs AKIRA, 23/3/03
Kanemoto for his part doesn't do much you wouldn't see him do anything you wouldn't see in any other Kanemoto match. But the story is AKIRA being all fired up for a big title match and putting on a strong Big Match effort to make this feel important. The first half is all good if nothing special, but the second half sees both guys target each other's legs and that's when we start getting some very cool stuff. They get some good drama out of an STF, and I love how when in the Ankle Lock AKIRA is basically climbing over the ref in desperation. AKIRA later escaping another Ankle Lock by pulling Kanemoto's pad down and BITING HIS KNEE is tremendous. Kanemoto goes for a moonsault, AKIRA gets his legs up and both guys take the damage. AKIRA slamming Kanemoto's knee into the mat repeatedly while in an Ankle Lock is also very cool and something I cannot believe I've never seen anyone else do. Finish has Kanemoto busting out some swank wishbone submission. Good shit, definitely Nogami’s career match!
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