[1995-01-04-NJPW] Norio Honaga vs The Great Sasuke

[Calvin]

This is for Honaga's IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship.

This isn't dissimilar to the match that precedes it (Otani vs. El Samurai), flaws and all, but it's worked tighter with a stronger face/heel dynamic.

**3/4

 

[TheBean]

So here's where the junior early portion typically goes wrong: guy works a body part and that guy getting beat on does nothing to escape, counter, reverse or defend himself. He just sells and goes to the ropes over and over. That's what starts to happen here. Sasuke, the most agile wrestler of this era could try to flip out, roll through, escape etc. but he slinks away or grabs the ropes. Thankfully, they sort it out and the rest of the match was a lot of fun! Thank goodness!! Nice moves from Sasuke & Honaga had great timing. A good pairing since it always seems like Sasuke vs Liger or Ultimo in NJPW.