[2005-04-24-NJPW-New Japan Cup] Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Manabu Nakanishi

[Superstar Sleeze]

Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs Manabu Nakanishi - NJPW 4/24/05 New Japan Cup Finals

This match has two key takeways: 1. It makes 2009 Tanahashi look like a Wrestling God for getting two great matches out of bland ass Nakanishi 2. It makes Tenzan look incredible.  Nakanishi is a little more a traditional power wrestler whereas Tenzan is more of a clubberer. There’s a good amount of overlap and Tenzan is so much more engaging and compelling of a wrestler than Nakanishi. Tanahashi just was not the Ring general he would become. Tanahashi formula was not a thing yet. 
 

There is not much to say about this boring ass match which was hovering around the three line until the terrible finish. There was the New Japan chain wrestling. Nakanishi worked the headlock well and Tanahashi did a nice strike exchange. Tanahashi slapped Nakanishi which seemed dumb and turned it out to be a bad idea as the bigger more powerful Nakanishi dominated the strike exchange with chops and work outside. He nominally attacked the back. There was a bear hug into a belly to belly. Tanahashi worked in a nice hope sequence the best part of the match hurling his body at Nakanishi with a vicious suicide dice and some dropkicks. Nakanishi gets back over with the power game: Boston Crab, Argentine Backbreaker a couple throws. He does some Shawn Michaels stomps to get the crowd into it but hits a pretty weak lariat. His Torture Rack which I remember was his signature in the 2009 series was also lame. Chono was on the outside telling him to wrench it in but he kinda just said Tanahashi on his shoulders. He gently let Tanahashi down so he could his finish sequence a couple duplexes and Tanahashi wins on one Sling Blade with Nakanishi kicking out at three to keep his heat as his heel crew members plead his case. 
 

Everything after Torture Rack left a bad taste in my mouth. Before Torture Rack it was inoffensive and boring but that was just bad. Tanahashi was capable of greatness at this stage but needed a great dance partner he was not able to lead and carry a match.