[2004-07-22-AJPW] Yuki Ishikawa vs Ryuji Hijikata

[Jetlag]

It's Ishikawa facing the most insignificant first period BattlARTS guy on a random AJPW card in the 2nd match on the card. It can't be more than just a fun little exhibition? And well that's WRONG because these two just do one of the most brutal under 5 minute sprints of the decade. Crowd brawling that looks legit (why is Ishikawa, a quasi shootstyle working Inoki worshipper arguably the best crowd brawler in japanese wrestling history?), some of the stiffest slaps you'll ever see, and then probably the stiffest Enzugiri you'll see ever, insane Maeda/Fujinami blood, stoppage drama... yeah this kicked ass.

[cactus]

This sounds like my kind of match! Is this available to watch anywhere? @Jetlag

[ohtani's jacket]

If you ever wanted to see a crazy match that lasts less than 4 minutes, this is it. Better than the vast majority of Japanese wrestling in 2004 thus far.