[2002-07-26-NOAH] Yoshinari Ogawa vs Takeshi Rikio

[Superstar Sleeze]

GHC Heavyweight Champion Yoshinari Ogawa vs Takeshi Rikio - NOAH 7/26/02

Imagine how much better RAW would be if Dirty Dom watched nothing but Yoshinari Ogawa tapes and wrestled like Rat Boy weekly. Rat Boy’s title reign is known for his fun fluke victory over Akiyama and his epic title loss to Takayama. In between, he had two title defenses: one against Taue I couldn’t find and one against Rikio. 
 

Ogawa is the antithesis of a typical Japanese pro wrestler and this really allowed Rikio to shine in a way that he never really has for me. He established his strength and dominance early. Steamrolling the Champion and manhandling him. I liked how when he grabbed a side headlock and Ogawa tried to back suplex out, Rikio no sold. Ogawa was going to have try other ways to win this match because this young lion came to fight. Ogawa powdered after being clobbered and this is when Rar Boy shone in all his underhanded glory.

He tied Up Rikio’s knee in the ropes in a way I have never seen before and absolutely went to town on it. Great leg laces and stomps. Wrapping it around the post and the figure-4 on the post. He had such a scummy sleazy way about him as he was doing it. I loved Rikio whipping him hard into the railing and the thunderous bodyslam on the outside to regain the advantage. This was the highlight of the match.

Rikio’s control segment was strong again it was all about steamrolling and manhandling Ogawa. You really got the sense that Rat Boy was in over his head. I liked how when Ogawa went for a Guillotine, Rikio duplexes out or when Ogawa duplexes Rikio he no-sold. This was a great way to stay true to both characters. I liked how the first opening for Ogawa came from Rikio charging hard on a clothesline and eating the buckles.

The match let me down on the finish. No interesting wrinkles. Just a barrage of Enziguiris and Dangerous Backdrop Drivers wins the day for the Champion. I thought they were telling such an interesting story of Rat Boy being outgunned by the powerful young lion and his only way to survive and thrive was based on his guile and shamelessness but then it became a routine finish. First 3/4ths were awesome even if the finish was banal. *** 3/4