[2002-01-23-T2P] Shuji Kondo vs Jun Ogawauchi

[Jetlag]

I will never not find T2P nifty. Sure, these matches are a littly exhibition-y, and you can't help but think that they could use some of the spots they throw out in the opening here for greater effect later, but they were experimenting after all. Surprised no US Indy has ripped off T2P yet, to be honest. I'll take this stuff over the movezzz matches that PWG et al are doing these days. And there is even a little story here, as you have a power vs. technique matchup and Ogawauchi attacks Kondo's legs to make up for Kondo's short distance lariat and slam attacks. Especially liked how Jun bumped huge for a Kondo german suplex to put over his strength. Ogawauchi lands some world class kick aswell that wouldn't look out of place if Daisuke Ikeda threw them. Some great counters in the last couple minutes. Come for the weirdo grappling, stay for the classier things. Surprised no T2P stuff made it into the Best of 2000s Japan project.

[Calvin]

Cute little exhibition where Ogawauchi and Kondo riff on the mat in the beginning, but the match takes an urgent turn when Ogawauchi begins focusing Kondo's leg and the latter responds by trying to overpower him.

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