[2003-02-02-NJPW-Fighting Spirit, Night Two] Yuji Nagata vs Osamu Nishimura

[Superstar Sleeze]

IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yuji Nagata vs Osamu Nishimura - NJPW 2/2/03

Nishimura is a cult favorite and have seen a couple of his matches. I would say I like him but don’t love him. Cool that he got a title shot against Nagata who in the middle of a lengthy title reign. Unfortunately I am 
 

This one started off very promising with Nagata beating Nishimura like he owed him money. Nagata’s strikes looked real good. The boyish Nishimura finally lights him up with his Hoss Funk Uppercuts. I was kinda excited we were going to get this tempers flared out of control Inokiist style of brawl. Instead we eventually ground back down. Lots of really cool bridging from Nishimura. That’s what we need more in wrestling…bridging. It is the wrestler’s wrestler move. You have me in a predicament…BRIDGE~!
 

Nagata controls most of the ground game attacking the arm. Nishimura eventually gets a Double Wristlock takedown and begins to frustrate Nagata as he is taking control. Nagata gets frustrated and punts him out the Ring. Nishimura is able to dragon leg screw and gets a Bombs Away Knee Drop across the shin and then the Funk Spinning Toehold. A very very nice 70s sequence. Nagata tries to mount a comeback but Nishimura clamps on an Abdominal Stretch then gets the Octopus Stretch to a big pop. He releases to hit a Bombs Away Knee Drop which was a cool near fall. Nishimura loses control when he commits the cardinal sin of 70s wrestling by whipping Nagata into the corner. By creating the space willfully, Nagata took advantage with a spinning heel kick. Nagata proceeds to demolish Nishimura first with a Knee then the Disarmor followed by a Wrist Clutch Exploder. Finally wins with the Crossface. 
 

A very tight 20 minute title defense. Efficient and great progression. I thought it was a bit dry which I find both these guys to be. It is a match that checks all the boxes but lacks soul so I have it just under “great”. *** 3/4