[2001-08-17-AJW-Japan Grand Prix] Momoe Nakanishi vs Kumiko Maekawa

[ohtani's jacket]

This was the yusho for the Japan Grand Prix '01. Both women had already wrestled once that evening, so they worked a sprint for the yusho. Some people would argue that a sprint is the best type of match for them because it trims the fat (and they don't have to watch them for as long), but I'll take their longer matches, warts and all. It made sense to work a sprint here after exerting so much energy earlier in the evening, but it was over in a flash and didn't settle into the sort of groove I'm used to. It was cool that they put Momoe over, but her match with Ito seemed more epic. She earned herself a title shot, and I loved the look on Ito's face when she shook Momoe's hand. How can you not love Ito? Easily the most badass champion in Japan at this point. I don't think it's even close.