[2000-10-11-NOAH] Kenta Kobashi vs Takao Omori

[soup23]

Kudos to Omori for not just standing around and attacking Kobashi walking out on the ramp. DDT out there and he gains the advantage. This is an interesting contrast as a feud for 2000 as this is the 3^rd singles match we have seen and all serve a purpose and are different. Kobashi fires off a half nelson suplex to break the momentum and disrobe. Kobashi then goes apeshit on the outside DDT’ing Omori on the concrete and kicking his ass. Takayama begs Kobashi for mercy as Kobashi rolls Omori back inside bloodied up. Some great character work for Kenta as he realizes he is becoming this vicious monster but ends up liking it. Orange Crush and a sleeper choke for Kenta with him wrenching on Omori’s head squeezing the blood out. Crowd goes nuts at hint of Takayama entering the ring and Kenta challenges him. Man, I love NOAH. We get a clip to Kobashi beating Omori up on the outside some more with chops. Clip back inside and finally Omori is firing off somewhat and he hits a lariat and both men are down. Omori pulls down his knee pad and hits the jumping knee for a nearfall. He tries some more strikes in the corner but Kobashi comes back with chops and a lariat to regain the advantage for good. Kobashi then slams about 20 more chops with the blood flying off Omori in a great visual. Kobashi then delivers a Burning Lariat and goes for another with the referee pleading for him to no do it. Omori is out and the match is called. We only got about a minute edited which makes it weird why it wasn’t shown in full but this is a great little 10 minute match. ***3/4 (7.5)

[Edwin]

This match ruled. So many good things:

• Omori attacking Kobashi before the bell.
• Kobashi fighting back with a nasty half nelson suplex.
• Kobashi hitting Omori with a nasty discus chop which makes Omori's head bounce off the ring post which makes him get color.
• Kobashi's punches which are really underrated.
• Kobashi dropping a chop straight on Omori's bloody face.
• Takayama at ringside confronting Kobashi.
• Omori's comeback with the Axe Bomber.
• Kobashi knocking out Omori with a Burning Lariat.

Really fun match.

[AstroBoy]

This ruled.  I am loving the booking in NOAH as they have mixed in typical big match structures with shorter matches and brawls like this one.

Used sparingly, blood here really gives this an edge with Kobashi seeking vengeance on Omori.  His attack is just awesome and he unloads a great measured right hand to the head going after the cut.

The interplay between Takayama and Kobashi is great and even Omori looks like a tough guy in defeat.  Great stuff all around.

 

***1/2