[1995-12-11-NJPW-Battle Final] Shinya Hashimoto & Junji Hirata vs Masa Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Ditch]

Third time Double-H has to defend against TenChono, and the fourth match between the teams in six months. Kinda repetitive to do that but hey, if the end result is a quality match who are we to complain? It's not like the AJ tag scene was less monotonous in '95. This is the last time these teams faced each other (...like the RWTL final). Anyways, I really enjoyed the finishing run, and the finish really feels meaningful (as opposed to the RWTL final). It really helped that all these IWGP tags weren't overlong. 15-20 minutes is a very good length for a match to be fully fleshed-out while avoiding too much downtime, unless you've got superworkers. Hirata is likeable but NOT a superworker.

[Loss]

Hash treating Tenzan with such disgust is great. I also like Chono trying to do sneak attacks behind the referee. This is a really good match that I think nicely shows off everything great about Hashimoto. Everyone contributes to this in their own way, but he stands out the most in the reaction he gets and how he times everything he does so well. Chono is such an asshole, sneaking in a low blow at the most unexpected time. I love it. Great finishing sequence, with Tenzan accidentally clotheslining Chono, making him prone to a Hirata pin. 1995 has been a fun year for New Japan.

[Tim Evans]

Saito going nuts on Hash was pretty cool. This was a good match. Not much to say about it that hasn't already been said. How come Hirata isn't talked about more like Tenzan, and other 90's stars are?

[PeteF3]

Another awesome Southern tag involving TenChono. We get a FIP heat segment, some interference, some cheating, a hot tag and house afire sequence by Hashimoto, and even a heel miscommunication spot leading to the pin. Hirata pins Chono! Probably didn't do a ton for Hirata's career but it sure exposes the RWTL finish even more.

[Zenjo]

A tag bout with an unusual and clearly defined structure. It began with a Tenzan FIP segment. Okay he was a heel, but you know what I mean. Once he tagged out Hirata was then the face in peril for a while. Then they moved onto the stretch. It would've benefitted from a hotter crowd as the action was really solid. In a surprise finish Hirata downed Chono. It was done in a way that made the pinfall seem just right.

[Superstar Sleeze]

IWGP Tag Team Champions Shinya Hashimoto & Junji Hirata vs Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan - NJPW 12/11/95

Fourth Tag Team Title Match pitting these two teams in 1995 who have dominated and defined the tag team division in the second half of 1995.

More subdued than the out of control, hate-filled atmosphere that permeates most Wolves matches of 1995. It is cold in New England and my hand is freezing so this going to be short. They work an 80s WWF style heel in peril on Tenzan enjoyed the double stomps and leg sweep by Hashimoto and throwing the bell at Tenzan. They work a face in peril on Hirata which is totally unmemorable except it starts with a totally illegal Chono tag, he was in the Ring and a reverse atomic drop sold like a nut shot. 
 

The finish stretch is worth a watch a great five minutes. Hashimoto in Destroyer Mode. Brainbuster! Hirata top rope Headbutt doesn’t get the duke. Chono Ballshot! STF!!! Hashimoto and Hiro Saito go at it. Tenzan accidentally levels Chono. Hirata sit out Powerbomb on nemesis Chono 1-2-3!

Now that I know the story of Chono’s heel turn is that he thought teaming with Hirata was beneath him in 1994 giving Hirata the win over Chono was the right call in that context BUT! I do mean BUT! The UWFI invasion trumps that. Takada was going to beat Mutoh and Hashimoto was going to be the Defender of the Realm it would make sense to relieve him from these titles and give them to the hottest heel act in the company. I always forget the Wolves are NOT the Champs because they feel like the Champs and they should’ve gotten a run. Nice nod to Hirata and a one year story but there were others ways to honor that but also acknowledge times have changed! *** 1/4