[2001-01-04-NJPW-Wrestling World 2001] Tatsuhito Takiwa & Shinya Makabe vs Koji Kanemoto & Minoru Tanaka

[soup23]

Probably not the best setting for this type of match, but I really loved it and in particular thought Tanaka put a stamp as a contender as WOTY.  He has a lot of brutal exchanges especially against Makabe just kicking the shit out of him.  Him and Kanemoto work great as a prick pair.  Makabe for his part did good in not looking overmatched and offering up some moments of hope for the underdog.  He even gets in a some flash pins and submission attempts on Tanaka as IWGP Junior champ.  In the end, he succumbs to the onslaught of damage and Kanemoto/Tanaka end up winning.  I am not sure how much of them as a team we get in 2001, but I want to consume all of it. **** (7.8)

[superkix]

This was solid tag action, if not a hair too long. I thought Makabe looked pretty good, between the suplexes and his big ass slaps. Takaiwa didn't do a whole lot, which is fine - he's good for a clobbering or two - but I thought Minoru in particular looked really good here. His armbar takedown always looks super slick. I mean, I won't remember this match a month from now but it was fun for what it was.