We're back with more wrestling action! Let's take a look at AJPW 2002!

Arashi & Koki Kitahara vs. Genichiro Tenryu & Yoji Anjo (01/14/02): Almost got this mixed up thinking it was 2001...anyhow fun match here. Tenryu basically gets to hit Arashi as hard as he wants. Kitahara is badass as is Anjo who pulls out the shoot style moves to keep things spicy. 

Kawada vs Hase (01/14/02): This is shown in full on the Gaora YT page below. Good to very good match. It wasn't fully developed though. Hase was only working part time so this felt more like a novelty rather than a challenge for Kawada. Don't get it twisted, this was really fun stuff - good mat wrestling at the start, nice strikes from both, suplexes. However, Hase wasn't really putting Dangerous K in trouble. In fact, it felt like he steam rolled the former Olympian in 13 minutes. Everything looked great though so if you're a fan of either guy then, you want to watch this!

Keiji Mutoh vs. Toshiaki Kawada (02/24/2002) is one I highly recommend you watch. I know some people may not like it and I'm not a Muto devotee but I think it's a classic.

Now we're on to the 2002 Champion Carnival!

Kojima vs Mitsuya Nagai (03/23): 2nd half shown.. it was good but I think I missed the story aspects completely. Really dug Kojima's lariats!

Muto vs Dr Death (03/24): Badass 15 minute Champion Carnival match! This was well paced & built. This match works because both guys are long in the tooth...down but not out at all. I don't have much else to add because this felt like a perfect TV episode main event match between two of AJ's biggest stars. It's got the build but it's not too long. It's got the moves but it's not all about them. Very good to great match. Gaora has shared this below. Stick around for the Dr. Death promo/interview at the end - RIP:

Kea vs Rotunda (03/26): 1/2 shown which was about 30 minutes... and I thought this was a really good old school match. It could have taken place in 1984 in the best way. Don't know if this is available in full anywhere but what is shown was very enjoyable.

George Hines vs Muto (03/26): Too damn short since it was a real quality headlock match. This could have went on a couple minutes more and I would have been happy.

Kea vs George Hines (03/27): Another edited match but I have no idea where the cuts were. This has a lot more going on the the Muto one. Too short to call it very good but I really liked this one.

Tenryu vs Dr. Death (03/27): Fun under 10 minute match! Mainly punches and chops. Of course they could have done more but I ain't gonna hate on it.

Yoji Anjo vs Mitsuya Nagai (03/28): Only a third shown, it was rough around the edges but in a fun way. I'm not sure I want to see the full thing though But it sure was a battle.

Muto vs Mike Rotunda (03/28): They said this was 13 minutes but this looked shown in full at around 8 minutes. Anyway, I liked this a bunch since 95% of it was wrestled like it was 1987 Over way too soon though but **spoiler** the Shining Wizard was the big move in wrestling.

This is a very good start to the year. If nothing else the roster is really getting along well after 2001. More good stuff to come