[2002-06-05-NJPW] Bas Rutten vs HiroshI Tanahashi

[superkix]

A total sub-five minute blast with Rutten showing off what he can do in a worked environment and Tanahashi playing the fiery babyfaced underdog. They open with a little slap boxing before Bas gets him in a double underhook, drilling him with knees and a nasty chest kick. Tanahashi heats back up with a couple of throws and I loved when he explodes out of the corner with the dropkick. The finishing rush from Rutten was awesome, with a nasty solebutt, a spin kick to the head, mounted shoteis and then the rear naked choke. Really good squash. 

[Jetlag]

Only a 3 minute match, but super intense stuff. Ruttens dangerous striking is just great. If he had kept wrestling, he could've reached Volk Han levels of greatness. Tanahashi looked good using palm strikes and throws instead of his later persona, altough I didn't quite buy him taking down Rutten so easily. Still he was there to take brutal shots to the liver, and he made the most of it.