[1997-10-21-AJPW] Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Loss]

This isn't nearly as great as their match in January, but that was a MOTD contender, so I won't fault them too much for that. I thought it was interesting that Kobashi entered this match with a huge bullseye on his leg and Misawa never targeted it, so I don't know if they were trying to recapture the Kawada dynamic or what. I thought this match was really well-worked, but I also thought it was unusually slow paced for these guys for big parts of it, and I'm not sure what new ground was broken in the rivalry. I can appreciate it a lot as a standalone title defense, but Misawa vs Kobashi as a series doesn't really seem to have the same match-to-match progression and overarching theme that Misawa vs Kawada did.

[MJH]

Misawa vs Kobashi as a series doesn't really seem to have the same match-to-match progression and overarching theme that Misawa vs Kawada did.

I'd disagree. In January, whilst Kobashi came in as champ, he's clearly below Misawa. Here, they work as equals. It's almost too contrived in how much their early controls mirror each other, but when you're talking the two heavyweights with the deepest arsenals of any, it's novel. A few other guys have done it, though with less offence and I guess you could tag the "guy works an arm vs. guy works a leg" idea in the same bracket. This is a strong match, great in some ways, but, yeah, it's not the January match (and I'd put the '98 match over it too though I seem to like that more than most).

 

But back to the arc, by 10/98 Kobashi is dominant and it's only the apron Tiger Driver trick that allows Misawa to get the win. The booking fucked the series by the next year, similar to 6/97 Misawa/Kawada, and they had nowhere else to go with Misawa still going over. Kobashi went over in the 2000 Carnival but because of his injuries it wasn't until the 3/03 GHC match where they finally got to finish the story, essentially repeating 10/98 with the ramp Tiger Suplex in place of the apron Tiger Driver and this time Kobashi is able to fight through it, make the drawn-out Misawa-style comeback, win and solidify himself as the ace.

[Kevin Ridge]

I wonder if because Misawa’s offense is delivered more to the upper body that they didn’t bother going after Kobashi’s leg. The corner charge from each guy with the Lariat versus the Elbow is a big bravado moment. Don’t remember January clearly as so much has happened over the course of this year. This is excellent though and maybe just a bit below January version. Nice to see AJPW deliver a strong match again as I haven’t seen too many great ones that we were accustomed to seeing previously.

[soup23]

One minor step below their January classic but majestic stuff overall to me. This was the least familiar of their big matches to me so I was interested to rewatch. MJH hit on most of my points but the mirroring of the spots and the even-ness of everything was really refreshing. This had moments that could had teetered on being overblown (Misawa kickout of the moonsault, Kobashi hulking up after the suplex) but they just skirted the line where I was ok with it. I especially loved the early progression of Misawa being worked over and having to use his elbow as the neutralizer and then he goes on a early offensive flurry and tries to put away Kobashi. On the first move, he gets a one count, on the next he gets a two count. Its beautiful progression. Misawa makes his great comeback at the end stage of the match like always but Kobashi this time is up to the challenge with chops and it takes the Tiger Driver 91 to put Kobashi away. Fantastic stuff all around.

[fxnj]

I've always loved the reaction of the woman in the front row to the finish, where she bursts out crying as Misawa hits the TD 91 and then desperately screams for Kobashi to kick out. Match is worth watching just for that.

 

I don't really see this as a "mirrors" match at all. In fact, I think there's a pretty clear speed vs power dynamic here, with Kobashi generally slowing down the pace while in control to work on Misawa's neck to set up for power moves while Misawa fights back with high flying and absolutely vicious elbow strikes. That said, it certainly does lean towards bomb throwing and lacks the storytelling depth of the 1/97 match. As a bomb throwing match, though, I do think it is wrestled in the best possible way with both guys making it clear from the beginning that they're not fucking around and Misawa, in particular, hitting knockout blows every time he gets the chance to throughout the match. Stretch run also has some really cool psychology with the battle between Kobashi's chops to Misawa's battle damaged neck and Misawa's hard elbow shots.

 

Still, though definitely great, I'd have this solidly behind 1/97 and, even if it's not that popular here, the 6/97 Kawada match for having a similar bomb throwing format with Kawada's disrespect and frustration. I've always thought it was interesting, though, that this still win MOTY in both AJPW's own year end review and the Tokyo Sports awards. I can only guess that it was simply a more high profile with it occurring at the Budokan for the 25th anniversary show. If it makes sense, I see this as more a perfect AJPW 25th anniversary match than a perfect 3rd Misawa/Kobashi match. The bomb throwing structure and mutual respect really allowed both guys to highlight their own unique style and that of the promotion as a whole, whilst also making it clear how Kobashi had been elevated to Misawa's level and giving something accessible to the folks who might not regularly watch. In that respect, there could have been no better post-match than to have the fans chanting the promotion's name as both guys laid on the mat with neither looking like the clear winner.

[Jingus]

I've always loved the reaction of the woman in the front row to the finish, where she bursts out crying as Misawa hits the TD 91 and then desperately screams for Kobashi to kick out. Match is worth watching just for that.

Wait, what? The TD91 isn't at the finish, the match still goes another five minutes after that. And you can't see anyone in the crowd when he hits that, the camera zooms in and all you can see is the ring in the camera frame for both the impact and the pin attempt.

 

The ref freezing in place for a moment after the kickout, as if to say "I cannot believe that just fucking happened", was pretty boss though. And the actual finish is brilliantly sold, with Kobashi slowly crumpling into unconsciousness rather than just taking a gunshot-bump like pretty much everyone else would have done. Stuff like that, little touches nobody else would even try, are one reason why I still like him better than any of his peers.

[fxnj]

Wrong match. You're thinking of 1/97, but this thread is for 10/97.

[Jingus]

Actually we're both wrong, I accidentally clicked on 10/31/98 and was describing that one. You're right, the woman is funny, especially how her entire face just dies when the pinfall is counted.

[PeteF3]

I'm with Chad in that 1/97 is my favorite AJPW match (though not my #1 overall) and that this isn't as good, but that this is still a MOTYC in its own right. I honestly didn't see much in the way of "mirroring" here and I knew this match had a rep for that going in. But it's just a tremendous, well-executed, and at times heartstopping Triple Crown defense--I bit on several near-falls even though I knew the final result going in. Maybe it's not one of the all-time psychological masterpieces by comparison, but it's one of the best bomb-throwing contests of this or almost any other year.

[Superstar Sleeze]

Good job fxnj pointing out the female Kobashi fan in the front row. I watched this late last night and did not see it. Going back and watching the last three minutes or so was great, The joy ofo Kobashi hitting a desperation lariat, the urging for him to avoid the TD '91 and how scared she is when Misawa hits and finally that face she makes when the pinfall is counted. Pure gold. Someone should make that into a meme.

[Superstar Sleeze]

AJPW Triple Crown Champion Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi AJPW 10/21/97

 

Since winning the title from Kobashi in January of 97, Misawa has been on tear defeating each of the other Pillars in Budokan defenses and top gaijin, Dr. Death. The only blip was his loss to archnemesis Toshiaki Kawada in the Champions Carnival (came after a grueling match with Kobashi). It only made sense to make a rematch at the 25th Anniversary show at the Budokan featuring two biggest stars in All Japan.

I have read a handful of reviews of this rather untalked about match and I have a generally different take on it. I have read great bomb throwing match, power vs speed and explanation on how this continues the progress of Kobashi, some call it slow and plodding. My feel for the match is this your Clash of the Titans match. I think it does not have some stereotypical Clash of the Titans elements like tests of strength and no-sold shoulder tackles. This match that is very macro and very macho in focus. It has a lot of selling off big moves and generally just milking spots. Also there is a lot of charging at your opponent and not giving an inch. This something Kobashi excels at better than any wrestler in history. I would say in the other matches Misawa let Kobashi be Kobashi in his match, but this time we got a Kobashi match with Misawa in it.

Obviously, this is also a rematch of perhaps the great match of all time, so there will be some letdown. I do think this is a significant step down. Some say it is still match of the year candidate (read: ****1/2), I disagree because I think the match is very routine in the first half and surprisingly lacks urgency. I think the back half and the general testosterone fueled chest beating make it a great match, but I dont think it is a classic.

I said the first half was routine and lacked urgency. Do I dare say it was boring? I think it was actually. We start with Kobashi dumping Misawa on his head and then half nelson suplex. Opens like 95 match and like 95 match Koashi goes for powerbomb on floor, but Misawa-rana. Pretty routine Misawa, not much urgency. They sit in a hold. Diving elbow. Front facelock a little more struggle, but still not much drama. Kobashi tries to suplex him to floor. Misawa floats over elbows injured knee. Kobashi falls on top of him. Kobashi gets the high ground and flying bodypress off top onto floor. That was cool. Pretty routine Kobashi, cool on Irish Whip when Misawa put on brakes to elbow him, Kobashi followed up quickly with a lariat (a learning from 1/20/97). Kobashi sits in holds. Then Kobashi hits half nelson suplex on the floor at about 15 minute mark to wake me and the crowd up.

Kobashi rolls him in and gets two. DDT. PowerbombMisawa-rana. Kickout and chops Misawa in neck. Powerbomb ->2. Goes for powerbomb again, but Misawa back drops out. Roaring Elbow puts Misawa in drivers seat. Diving elbow from top rope. Lots of selling, not much drama or heat. No Tiger Driver settles for Buterrly suplex and flying bodypress for two. Misawa gets Tiger Driver. Swings and misses with elbows and Kobashi drops him on his head with a German. This is Kobashis strategy going forward. Nasty powerbomb into the turncukles. Hits not one, but two Half Nelson Suplexes. Goes for moonsault with fist pump, Misawa gets up. So Kobashi throws him down with a Powerbomb and then moonsault but only two. There is a lot of macho redundancy that you are just going to pound your submission with the same moves. Just very Neanderthal by both men.

Kobashi misses lariat charge in corner. Misawa elbow and then sleeper suplex. Puts Misawa in control. Kobashi just runs right into elbow. Thats when it really dawned on me how this felt like a Clash of the Titans. Just two Alpha males, bulls, gorillas, rams pick your masculine animal just colliding. No brains, all brawn.
Fight Breaks Out! Kobashi runs into another elbow. The pig-headness is very endearing in its own Kobashi way. Misawa collapses to his knees. The selling feels very epic, but the match just does not feel that way to me. They run right at each other and collide. Alright that was a pretty badass spot. Level the playing field.
Kobashi misses two lariats. Misawa hits a Dragon Suplex and Roaring Elbow! Tiger Driver gets two. Blowaway elbow, the move that him the titles in January. Chops and elbow exchange and Kobashi wins with Lariat. They are just throwing shit out there. Kobashi keeps coming and is relentless unlike before. Which is where I can see the progression argument, he is not staying down AND still mounting offense. Roaring Elbow sends him down. Misawa definitely struggling more to put Kobashi away at every turn he is throwing chops and still seems to be hanging around. Kobashi poised twice to hit a lariat and eats elbow twice. Misawa only gets two. Great defensive performance from Misawa. More chops to the bitter end. I watched this late last night, but reading reviews I came across a comment to check out the female Kobashi fan in the front row during the finish stretch. Her reactions definitely made it better for me. She goes through a roller coaster of emotions, jubilation when he hits a Lariat, hope as he covers, disappointment when Misawa elbows him, fear when he hits the TIGER DRIVER 91!!! The face that says it all when he gets pinned. You got to see it.

I can see the argument for progression that Kobashi was definitely more active in the finish stretch (chops & lariats) and Misawa was definitely doing more excellent counterpunching. Definitely has the feel of a Clash of the Titans in the way they sold and just that caveman beat your opponent into submission and just big, dumb wrestling. I did not feel like there was an interesting hook. Thought the first 15 minutes was pretty pedestrian. I had fun in the back half and thought it was great, but too little too late to call this a MOTYC. To me it is a great match and a unique match in their series. ****

[Zenjo]

This incredible late 90's rivalry produced Triple Crown Classics in three successive years. This instalment didn't have the scope or ambition of the other 3 in comparison. It was still a really good match.

 

Misawa was in better shape than he had been at other points during '97. The wrestling quality was strong. There weren't that many highspots or forays to the floor during the build. They kept the combat in the heart of the ring and utilised a wide variety of moves. The selling was good. Probably the biggest problem was that of crowd conditioning. They knew none of these main events would end early. Until a flurry of head bumps signalled the start of the stretch there was little audience involvement.

 

They went full out in the closing stages. Momentum only shifted occasionally so both men took punishment in turn. Whilst the quality was certainly there it was more a match to appreciate than one to get excited by. There wasn't enough storyline. Misawa got the duke with the Tiger Driver '91.

[JKWebb]

http://placetobenation.com/countdown-top-500-matches-of-the-90s-200-151/2/

 

#162

 

This started off huge. Lots of big moves. Great bumping and selling and letting the moves sink in. I love the Kobashi submissions and the facial expressions and emotion displayed by Misawa as he was fighting out. Lots of brutal shots in this thing. Awesome stuff With Kobashi kicking the hell out of Misawa on the rails then bringing back out there for another stiff kick. I typically prefer that a DDT be sold as a finisher, or at least portrayed as one, but I loved the way Misawa sold it here in his neck. Then you get Kobashi coming from behind him and beating on his neck with super hard strikes. The visual was awesome. Perfect counter from Misawa then creatively Kobashi stopped it with a chop to the back of his neck. The struggle is epic... they're battling their way out of each other's moves... then that sick power bomb from Kobashi to Misawa in the corner was insane. What a war. Amazing. ****1/2

[fxnj]

Pretty much agree with my thoughts from when I watched this a few years ago that it's more a great AJPW 25th anniversary match than it is a great Misawa/Kobashi TC match. Just like you'd expect from these guys, you get lots of cool sequences and the match builds really well to a blazing crescendo. The crowd gets pretty hot for the finish and it's hard not to have a smile on your face watching the reactions of the Kobashi superfan in the front row. The bomb throwing approach worked for what they were going for, but from an artistic perspective I don't think this comes close to touching the depth of what they'd already done on 1/97 or 10/95 (hella underrated match, BTW). I also agree the match was hurt a tad by the fact that you knew they weren't ending it before bringing out all their big moves. There's a spot where Kobashi has Misawa in a rear-naked choke and is basically in the perfect position to kill Misawa if he wanted to, but the crowd is dead the whole time Misawa goes for the rope break as they know there's no way that has a shot at being the finish.

[Superstar Sleeze]

I found myself at first disagreeing with my initial review on rewatch but coming around it. I was too harsh. Yes this is probably the most forgettable of their matches. The beginning 20 minutes or so is very routine Misawa and routine Kobashi. This is their fall out of bed Match. One point I missed was how Kobashi had to earn the Half Nelson Suplex on the floor with leg drops to the neck on the railing. How after he showed great urgency and focus in trying to chop off Misawa’s neck with all the chops. I think the transitions were all really well done. I didn’t see the Clash of Titans but once I read my review I get it. There was a lot of charging headlong with reckless abandon in this match. The offensive fireworks was cool as was Kobashi surviving and getting offense but ultimately succumbing. I still think it’s the least of all their matches but I was being a bit harsh before. ****1/4

[Boss Rock]

Apart from the middle dragging a bit, I think this is a super underrated chapter in their rivalry if admittedly their "worst" championship match together. The desperation in Misawa's offense and elbows is off the charts and Kobashi's onslaught is excellent. I also love how Misawa can only get his foot on the rope to survive, proving that Kobashi is getting closer to besting him. The ending is also a great bit of "Chekov's gun" with Kobashi hurting his injured knee that Misawa targeted earlier on.

****3/4

[fxnj]

It took me some time to finally get it, but I can finally see what MJH was on about when he talked about their control segments mirroring each. I'll lay it out here for the benefit of future readers, based on this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9Z22pyWRDU

6:41 Misawa flying lariat, body slam, and top rope elbow into abdominal stretch -> 14:12 Kobashi delayed brainbuster, irish whip to knee strike, and leg sweep into grounded shoulder lock

8:25 Misawa top rope neck breaker followed by ace crusher-> 15:55 Kobashi running neck-breaker counter

9:17 Misawa top rope back elbow -> 16:25 Kobashi top rope drop kick

9:27 Misawa elbow suicida -> 13:20 Kobashi top rope cross-body to outside

10:38 Misawa face lock -> 16:40 Kobashi face lock followed by reverse north-south choke

11:30 Misawa elbow flurry -> 15:50 Kobashi neck chop flurry 

12:17 Misawa floor backdrop attempt, thwarted by Kobashi cross-body -> 18:55 Kobashi successfully hits a half nelson suplex on the outside

After the half nelson, the mirror structure breaks down. Since Kobashi succeeded in hitting his big outside move where Misawa failed his, the rest of the Kobashi control segment that follows has no parallel. Fitting, since it's built around Kobashi attacking Misawa's neck, whereas attacking an injured body part just wasn't something ace Misawa did. That said, after Misawa regains control, there's an inner-match call-back with Misawa going for his own top rope elbow to the outside at 23:18. The wide shot of Misawa on the inside and Kobashi recovering on the outside at 23:53 is also a call-back to a similar shot with the reverse happening at 12:56, itself probably a call-back to the famous staredown at the end of 6/3/94.

And that's about it as far as the mirror stuff goes, since following this is the stretch run. Just to be comprehensive, though, there's also Kobashi going for a rotating leg drop towards the end, paralleling how Misawa does the same at 30:50. And, of course, there's the amazing running elbow vs running lariat spot as well.

Moving on from moveset parallels, the injuries they both come in with also seem something of a parallel as well that highlights their different match philosophies. Kobashi comes in with a taped up thigh that Misawa refuses to target, while Misawa comes in with an injured neck that Kobashi works over the entire match.

Even though Kobashi tries to ignore the injury as much as possible, he talked in his book about how it actually was pretty hellish for him to finish this tour with that injury. He discusses it as the point where he felt an obligation as the top guy to not take time off like he might have done if he was lower on the card, and he felt he had to be there supporting the roster. Looking back on this now with what happened to both these guys when they continued that philosophy in NOAH, it's actually a pretty sad situation, but it adds yet another parallel.

Kobashi's selling of the knee actually is very interesting. I said he tries to ignore it, but "tries" is the key word there. If you pay attention, there's several instances where he can't hide the pain he's in. Most obvious is him limping up after hitting the top rope cross-body at 13:20. I'm doubtful of if it was intentional, but the end spot with Kobashi slow to get up due to his thigh issues, this giving Misawa a split second extra to recover, is an awesome pay-off to it all. Overall, the role of the injured thigh is such an awesome thing blurring the line between work and shoot.

By the way, if anyone was wondering if Kobashi's Carnival win over Misawa earlier in the year was ever brought up on TV, the answer is yes. During the match, the commentary team, which includes Baba, brings up the record for the rivalry as 1 Kobashi win, 7 Misawa wins, and 1 draw. They also repeatedly stress how they're equals and how this is the biggest match possible for AJPW to match. One more interesting thing I picked up on is it's mentioned how Misawa is aware of the massive expectations people have for their singles matches, and he wants to put on a match that lives up to those expectations. So for the people complaining about newer wrestlers openly saying they want to steal the show (a complaint that exposes said complainers' lack of combat sports knowledge, BTW, since real MMA fighters and boxers say that sort of thing all the time), just know that that's just another thing AJPW did earlier and better.

All of this narrative-focused stuff barely even touches the quality of the work itself. Things like Misawa's GOAT-tier neck selling, the sickening head drops, the incredible elbow vs. neck chop exchanges, Kobashi's beautiful moonsault, or the many biting near falls down the stretch. Still, I've wrote enough about this match for now. It really is an immaculately structed match with multiple layers of storytelling and top-tier work all around. Somehow, despite probably being better than any match from the last 15 years or so, this remains only their 6th best singles match together.