[1993-10-23-RINGS] Volk Han vs Masayuki Naruse

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Graham Crackers]

Han always manages to make dominating an opponent really interesting. I always love that spot where Han grabs a wrist and drags someone around the ring and here it looked devastating. Naruse had some good desperate selling that made this seem really dramatic. I'm not very familiar with Naruse but here he looked like he would be good in a similar role to that of Kazuo Takahashi in PWFG.

[Loss]

I think this is one of my favorite RINGS matches factoring in everything from '93 and '96. Han is a MACHINE in this match, and Naruse's selling is incredible. I have liked other Han matches, but to be honest, this is the first time everything about the RINGS style and Han's matwork has really clicked for me in a meaningful way. Naruse's selling seems to be the difference maker, hobbling to get back to a standing position just before meeting his demise. This is a match that should be on any RINGS primer. Superb.

[tomk]

Is this the match with the kind of capture arm ddt finish?

I think Han and Naruse matched up more than once, I always liked the way they worked with each other (did a nice job of doing junior v heavyweight in this context).

 

I'm not very familiar with Naruse

He was in Battlarts for a bit and then went to New Japan where he had an IWGP jr title run, a match with Bass Ruten and the Kikuchi/Kanemaru v El Samurai/Naruse match from NOAH in 2002.

[Zenjo]

Given that it only went 8m and was pretty much a squash it's surprising how much fun this is. Han had a decided height and weight advantage, manhandling his opponent. He ruled it hard on the mat and the hot crowd were behind the underdog. The Russian had all these innovative holds that would simultaneously neutralise one limb whilst attacking another, or even causing pain to both.

[Kevin Ridge]

That double leg thingy move Han does looks so cool. Volk Han will going after one limb with his hands but then wrap his legs around limb too. Good scientific demonstration by Han on the mat. His constant movement with trying to get a submission makes the mat wrestling interesting.

[PeteF3]

Han is ridiculous. If there's one flaw in this it's that there are like 8 times where he's CLEARLY got Naruse completely helpless, and the only reason the match isn't over right then and there is because it's a work. His takedowns and holds are incredible but I was also a big fan of Naruse getting in a shot to the gut for a sudden knockdown. I'm not always comfortable using wrasslin' terminology like "hope spot" in talking about shootstyle, but that was a great one. Han and Vader are the best squash match workers of 1993.

[cactus]

I usually prefer my shoot style to have a bit of pro-style mixed in, but I dug this a lot. There is no better technician than Volk Han and this match is proof. You can make a serviceable Volk Han moves compilation video with just this video alone. Some of his throws and submissions in this match were insane. Naruse sold the effects of Han's holds well and there's a lot of drama in the closing minutes of the match. It's essentially an extended squash match bar one hope spot where Naruse gets a lucky body shot in, but it's got Volk Han in it, so you know it's worth your time.

[ohtani's jacket]

#279

 

Volk is pretty to watch even when it's just him dismantling an opponent. Not sure how this got so high considering it was little more than a squash, but it was fun to watch.

[garretta]

This was a lot closer on the scoreboard than it ever was in the ring, as Han dominated on the mat from beginning to end. Lucky knockdown or no, Naruse never really stood a chance.

 

I'd have loved to see Han work a regulation-style pro match just to see how he would do. You couldn't put him in against the heavyweights until he got some experience, but he could certainly work some excellent mat-based matches with the juniors (assuming, of course, that he was light enough to be considered a junior).

[JKWebb]

#279 - placetobenation.com/countdown-top-500-matches-of-the-90s-300-251/

 

I'm thinking this is the first Han match I've seen. I was really impressed, and it's got me hyped for what's likely in store in this countdown, and as I dig into the rest of his career down the line. I didn't come away thinking this was a great match, although I was entertained by Han the entire time. This was fun, and has built a higher degree anticipation for this style than I've previously had.

[soup23]

This has to be one of the best sub 10 minutes matches I have ever seen. Han is just a master and him rag dolling Naruse around putting him in intricate arm bars and leg locks was masterful. Naruse felt like a student that is ahead of the rest of his class in the dojo and then the trainer gets into the ring and puts him into his place real quick. This match wasn't about who was going to win or lose but how long Naruse would survive. I loved every second of it and it made me contemplate if I had Han too low on my GWE list. ****1/4

[superkix]

What a great squash by the master Volk Han, who has to side slam the fire out of underdog Naruse, who comes out of the gate hot, trying to stun Han with open hands and knee strikes. Of course, Han uses some awesome takedowns and submission holds thoughout, including a split-legged kneebar and a standing armbar. Naruse's just trying to hang on at points, either onto Han with a sleeper attempt or onto the ropes. His selling of Han's holds is terrific for a shoot-style match and his hope spot punch to the ribs was a cool moment that lit the crowd up. Naruse ultimately falls victim to Han's stepover armbar but he gave a spirited effort and Han continues to showcase why he's one of the best wrestlers in the world.