[2000-08-11-NJPW-G1 Climax] Osamu Nishimura vs Manabu Nakanishi

[soup23]

This was a good looking match based on the clips. Nishimura really worked in his submission holds and Nakanishi played the monster well powering through everything. I especially liked Nakanishi doing his claw as a counter to being in the armbar. The final torture rack was also brutal looking. A workman’s style match and one that showcases Nishimura in being able to get the best out of his opponent. NR

[AstroBoy]

Strong Nishimura performance portraying skill, savvy, and real toughness around a monster in Nakanishi. Nish comes off like a real fighter and tough guy for surviving some big shots and finding openings for his octopus hold and he DRILLS Nakanishi with those missile dropkicks. Only real downside here is that Nakanishi just kind of shrugs all of it off and puts him away. I would have preferred at least some sense of effort or exhaustion on Nakanishi's part.