[1985-08-28-AJW] Chigusa Nagayo vs Dump Matsumoto (Hair vs Hair)

[Microstatistics]

Maybe the most emotional match in the history of pro wrestling. Never have I ever seen a crowd that emotionally invested in a match, excluding maybe only Atlantis vs. V3. It has some issues that prevent it from being absolute top tier but it is one of those definitive must see matches. **** 1/2

[Brian Elliott]

I look at this as more of an angle than a match. When you add it all up, it's incredibly dramatic, but for in-ring content the 1986 re-match is far superior.

[cactus]

This might just be one of my favourite brawls of all time. The crowd is red hot for this and both women have a posse leading them to the ring and watching them all get involved added greatly to the atmosphere. This is my first time seeing Nagayo and she comes across as such a natural babyface. The way she weaves some flashy counters into this hot as hell fight so effortlessly tells me that I need to seek out more of her work. Dump Matsumoto may not be as stiff as say Aja Kong, but she ups the violence by cutting open Nagayo with a chain and a pair of scissors. Even the poor referee ends up getting stabbed when he tries to break things up! 

The finish might come about too suddenly, but the post match head shaving was so emotional that it makes up for it. Dump dragging Nagayo to another side of the ring so she can force another group of crying fans to get a closer look was a total bitch move! 

★★★★¾

[Tenese Sarwieh]

This was pure hate and heat, a nonstop action spectacle where the crowd hung on every move Nagayo made as the beloved babyface, desperate for her victory. Dump's performance was godly—an unstoppable menace who reveled in inflicting pain on Chigusa and anyone who stood in her way. The post-match angle was emotionally devastating, with Dump shaving Chigusa's head and taunting the tearful audience, humiliating their fallen hero. This unforgettable bout is a must-see for anyone exploring the history of Joshi.