[1984-07-31-AJPW] Stan Hansen vs Giant Baba

[JKWebb]

These two have a great chemistry. This starts out at a really incredible pace. This feels like a war. It's brutal and violent and very back and forth. The crowd is really hot for the match, and Jumbo wins quickly with a roll up. The crowd gets molten, and Hansen goes on a rampage. Too short without enough content to be called great to me, but hell this one is entertaining.

 

Edit: Jumbo... did not win this match:)

[Superstar Sleeze]

"Jumbo wins quickly with a roll up" - They all look the same to you don't they.

 

PWF World Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen vs Giant Baba - AJPW 7/31/84

 

The last of their great series where they have odd chemistry with one of another. Somehow these two every different wrestlers figure out a way to make it work. A lot of that is Hansen changing and adapting to Baba. The way he sells every piece of Baba offense makes this match. Whether it is tying his arm up in the ropes, bouncing the entire length of the ring off the turnbuckle due to his bad shoulder, the way he sells Baba's backfists, he does everything to make Giant Baba look just that, a Giant. I thought Baba brought more to the table here than in March and was really launching some offense against Hansen. I loved the beginning with Hansen charging in the midst of streamers and Blears still in the ring. That's the beauty of Hansen, the chaos. It is the standard Hansen/Baba story. Baba targets the arm and Hansen tries to run roughshod by bullying Baba, but the problem is you cant bully Giant Baba. Hansen tries a new tact working the legs. They move in out of toeholds and cross armbreakers. Baba gets his Russian Legsweep. Hansen is up and really starts to throw his weight around. Nice dropkick by him. He goes for the Lariat, but Baba blocks with a big boot to a big pop! LARIAT! 1-2-NO! WOAH! Baba small package 1-2-3! Big Pop! Hansen is of course LIVID! He starts beating the shit out of everyone including the old ref and ancient Lord James Blears. Now that's a heel. The young boys corral Hansen to the back. Baba is able to soak in his World Championship victory with the fans.

 

I thought the wounded bear selling from Hansen was better in the March match (check that one out too), but this was a more even performance from both. Still have the 82 match as their best, but this felt like a Clash of Titans. The Irresistible Force vs Immovable Object! ****1/4

[JKWebb]

Haha, too funny! I was plowing through these rapid fire. Totally sucked into that set. It was incredible.