[2023-02-23-YMZ-Kaori Yoneyama Gokigen Birthday] Dick Togo vs Yasu Urano

[corwo]

Every movement in the opening exchange felt purposeful. Take, for example, the moment where Togo had Urano down on the mat and drove his knee into the point of Yasu’s arm. That quick-witted thinking briefly allowed Togo to gain the upper hand. Togo remains one of the great punchers in wrestling, and he softens up Urano on the floor. When Togo tries to re-enter the ring, Urano trips him, and the tide changes.

Urano’s attack is focused and spiteful. He ruthlessly hones in on Togo’s leg, pulling it down to the mat and bending it at unsightly angles. Urano takes his eye off the ball and goes for a splash from the top rope, but Togo gets the knees up. Togo’s selling is phenomenal. He hobbles around the ring, occasionally sneaking in a cheeky eye poke. Flip bumps can often feel over-the-top, but Togo’s body control ensured he always landed on his bad leg, making him even more sympathetic.

Desperately, Togo attempts to climb the ropes and falls out of the ring due to his bad wheel. That spot serves as both a reminder of the injuries Togo has accumulated throughout the match and as a transition for Urano to regain control. Urano realizes Togo’s mistake and locks in a Figure Four on the floor, not letting go until the count of fifteen. Togo summons enough strength to hit a back body drop. He can barely stand as he clings onto the ropes for dear life. Togo conveys the feeling of someone with a mountain to climb as he ascends to the top for the match-winning senton.

Togo stuck with what worked for him, but it all came down to a few crucial mistakes from Urano. If you enjoy thoughtful body part work that pays off, or want to see what Togo still has in the tank, give this a whirl. You won’t regret it.