[1995-02-03-NJPW] Keiji Muto vs Scott Norton

[Calvin]

This match has its moments, but it's marred by Muto being .... well, Muto. It's filled with pointless limb-work that ultimately leads nowhere. He's popping up and down constantly without much consideration for selling. And it's plodding -- Muto tries to wear down the big man to neutralize his power, but I'm the one getting fucking tired.

**1/4

[Grimmas]

Although this started off a little slow, with Muto trying to keep grounded, it sure ended up delivering. After Norton got control, the match was a classic. The offense by Norton was just vicious! The hope spots were so well planned out, and the cut-offs by Norton were perfect. The crowd was rabid for Muto. He got in some nice nearfalls as the match built to the finish, with some that had me bite. The finish was so well done, with Norton just having enough of Muto, who wouldn't go away, so he goes to the top. Must watch match.

Rating: 9.25/10

[Superstar Sleeze]

Keiji Mutoh vs Scott Norton - NJPW 2/3/95

Scott Norton finally wrestles like how you want Scott Norton to wrestle. A big burly barrelchested Powerhouse like Norton is my weakness but more often than not I am left wanting more and am disappointed that he is not throwing his size around. Finally we get Norton the Brick Wall throwing Lariats with reckless abandon like he is swatting gnats. 
 

Immediately I pick up on this being a different Norton the violent Headbutt, the slashing chops, bulldozing Mutoh’s very attempt at offense. Mutoh bumped and sold for him so well.  He made him a killer. Mutoh went to the playbook so many have when they overwhelmed target a body part and injure the stronger opponent. Here is the arm and I love he takes a Short Arm Scissors in a wrestling exchange. Take what the match gives you. He works the arm with various holes and good subtle selling by Norton. Norton bucks him off and he does great Monster Heel work on the outside using the hard metal objects and delivering stuff blows. He press slams Mutoh on the ramp. Where there is a ramp, you know what Mutoh will do. Bulldog. He comes running down only to run into a BRICK WALK~! Fuck yeah! Thats the perfect microcosm of how Norton worked so effectively in this match. Again they work outside so well. Mutoh evades a charging Norton who rams himself into the railing. A perfect setup for the Back Handspring Elbow taking what match gives you. Mutoh gets cocky and tries again In The Ring. Waist lock! Genius! Mutoh goes back to the arm! Hell yeah! I love how Norton absorbs all the Mutoh blows and just keeps swinging lariats. Perfect Big Man Brick Walk wrestling. Mutoh goes up top and finally knocks him down but it is not quite the collision you want to pump your fist. Mutoh misses the moonsault pretty bad when it was supposed to land. We get a top rope Frankensteiner and another Arm bar. Mutoh is fading, he gets a Misawa Rana out of a Powerbomb. Then Norton cleans up Bulldog Powerslam, Top Rope Shoulder Block and a Powerslam win it for the Brick Wall.

Body of the match was damn near perfect. It did Peter out in the finish. I wish there was a big turning point where Norton’s steamrolled Mutoh and took it home. A little more heat on those Mutoh near falls. Tied for the best Norton match I have seen with Nagata match from 98. Great performances by both men wish we got this Norton more! *** 3/4