[2001-06-04-NJPW-Best of the Super Juniors VIII, Night 11] Keiji Mutoh vs Satoshi Kojima

[Superstar Sleeze]

Keiji Mutoh vs Satoshi Kojima - NJPW 6/4/01

A big week for Mutoh who has this match, a 40 minute match with Hase and a 5 star classic with Tenryu for the Triple Crown. Kojima has a heralded match with Kawada two days later. Both Mutoh & Kojima have not yet defected to All Japan yet but this has an All Japan feel because who is involved. 
 

I can see how many of Mutoh’s detractors might point to this match as a point against the 2001 Shining Wizard Renaissance. I liked this instead of loving it which as many know I am a big proponent of 2001 Mutoh. This one lacked the urgency and energy of the truly sublime 2001 Mutoh matches but I still really enjoyed the psychology and logic of the match. It is that mid-tempo rocker you can vibe to. I would say this is still safely very good just not as good as his other stuff in 2001 but that is a very high bar. 
 

Customary New Japan chain wrestling to start. I enjoy it as a way to ease into a match but nothing to write home about. Kojima hits a somersault splash. Mutoh dropkicks high instead of low interesting. Kojima finger gun elbow drop not yet super over. I really love how hard Kojima struggled against Mutoh’s Dragon Leg Screw. It really put over how dangerous it is. Then I loved how it was Kojima who targeted the knee first with the same tactics Mutoh would have used. I love when Mutoh’s opponents throw the dropkicks to the knee and Dragon Leg Screw back in his face. Kojima worked a toehold rather than a figure-4. Mutoh of course is able to mount a comeback using his tried and true 2001 strategy of dropkicks to the knee, Dragon Leg Screw and the Figure-4. I love the dueling psychology. Kojima chop blocks Mutoh to get back on top. Very heelish. Kojima is still Team 2000 4 Life I believe. Kojima now uses the Figure-4. Loved how Mutoh used the Kappou Kick to rock Kojima to set up more knee based attacks. Loved it! Mutoh feels like he has enough opening to finish him off with a Moonsault Bur Kojima Powerbombs him off the top. Lariat. Top Rope Ace Crusher. Mutoh blocks another with a sleeper. Another Lariat and Michinoku Driver and it looks like Kojima is out of gas. Frankensteiner… SHINING WIZARD! 1-2-3

Like I said this is a mid-tempo rocker you can vibe too. I wish the knee-based work played more into the finish. I liked the body of the match and the finish as well. Another feather in Mutoh’s cap. *** 3/4