[2001-06-08-AJPW-Super Power Series, Night 10 Budokan] Toshiaki Kawada vs Hiroyoshi Tenzan

[Superstar Sleeze]

Toshiaki Kawada vs Hiroyoshi Tenzan - AJPW 6/8/01

Kawada takes on TenCozy in two singles matches two days apart. On 6/6/01 in New Japan, Kawada fought Kojima in a heralded match that is considered one of the best of the year in Japan, which I probably need to rewatch because I think low on it. Now he takes on Tenzan here in All Japan. 
 

I think I figured something out with Tenzan who have grown fond of over the years is that I think he is a great defensive wrestler. When his opponent is generating offense, he establishes himself as a mountain to summit through his no-selling and constant cutoffs. It creates a real tension in the match and I love it. However I think I find him kind of boring when he is working the match on top and his opponent is working hope spots. I have come to the conclusion based on this match where Tenzan works on top and I found it boring. As I watch more Tenzan we will see if it holds. 
 

These two do the stand & bang macho pissing contest. I liked Tenzan no-selling and roaring through Kawada’s trademark spin heel kick. Kawada tries to up the ante with Headbutt but immediately takes a seat as soon as Tenzan Headbutts him. I am not fond of too many headbutts because they very rarely look as devastating as a punch or kick and yet are so much more devastating to the wrestler. If it doesn’t look good and it hurts, I would rather you not do it. Tenzan nominally works the arm but nothing significant or very interesting. It is Arm work and Tenzan clubbering. 
 

Tenzan goes for his diving Headbutt but Kawada catches him with a kick. Massive running Yakuza Kick by Kawada. Stretch Plum. Powerbomb gets reversed. Tenzan Driver -> Tenzansault is Tenzan big nearfall. I like that as a Tenzan nearfall but I thought transition out was weak. Kawada hits a barrage of Jumping High Kicks and Dangerous Back Drop Drivers! And I do mean DANGEROUS~! He was really dumping on his head. I loved Tenzan’s no-sell roar on each one and until he finally out away. He really came off like the Creature of the Black Lagoon rising again and again. I wish they came up with a more interesting bridge between the Tezansault and the Kawada finish stretch. Also I think in getting a little burnout on the style. I think might be time switch soon. Still a good match. *** 1/4