[2024-04-14-Kenko Pro] Outsider Negoshi vs Dekai Ichimotsu

[corwo]

The match-opening mat work often feels like a lost art these days, so seeing two competitors I’d never heard of until now immediately set the tone for the match by having Negoshi target the leg drew me in. Ichimotsu, in turn, goes after Negoshi’s arm. Ichimotsu’s offense is basic but effective, largely consisting of brutal stomps, and he does everything in his power to lock in a Fujiwara armbar. Negoshi works well in his role here, but Ichimotsu is the star of the show. His selling is believable and realistic. 

Every bit of offense in this match is intentionally and meticulously crafted to further the narrative. Negoshi doesn’t do anything outwardly heelish, but he’s the clear aggressor as Ichimotsu fights from underneath. Negoshi’s Dragon Screw Legwhip in the ropes looked nasty, and he wasted no time in following that up with a figure four. Ichimotsu frantically tries to punch away at Negoshi’s leg while he’s trapped in the hold, to no avail.

The early arm work comes back into play when Negoshi attempts a bodyslam, and Ichimotsu rolls through into a Fujiwara armbar. At one point, Dekai tries to apply a reverse Clover Leaf and, in a nice but subtle touch, collapses due to his bad wheel. The finish fits the story they were telling perfectly. Ichimotsu attempts a body slam, and Negoshi reverses it into a roll-up, hooking the leg to keep him down for a three count.

I love a good limb-focused match that feels like everything is done with a purpose, and this paid off in spades. Beyond the in-ring work, there’s a charming, small-room quality to this that you don’t get from bouts in bigger venues. The match almost feels like a window into a bygone era wherein clinical limb work was commonplace. Well worth seeking out.