[1995-09-23-NJPW] Shinya Hashimoto & Junji Hirata vs Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

[Superstar Sleeze]

IWGP Tag Team Champions Shinya Hashimoto & Junji Hirata vs Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan - NJPW 9/23/95

Yes Chono & Tenzan won the vacant belts on 6/12 but according to everything I read had to vacate them because Chono’s Dad which might be true but I think this was to play into NJPW company screwing over Chono. Hashimoto & Hirata defeat Scott Norton & Mike Enos for the titles on 7/13 and then successfully defend against Chono & Tenzan on the 18th. Youre telling me they couldn’t wait 5 days. Definitely a booking move. After Hashimoto dropped the title to Mutoh in May and until he became the Defender of NJPW against UWFI this was his main feud. Four major matches against the Wolves…three of which I found, this is the 3rd chronologically.

I think this was a clear step down from 6/12. This was more disjointed. Each segment didnt really depend on the last. The work within segment was right and looked good but never seemed to serve a higher purpose. Also I find Chono & Hirata to be pretty bland and I like Tenzan in a very specific environment so it led to very little investment in the characters. The work did not feel heated. There was only so much Hashimoto could do.

Pre-bell the Wolves steal the belts and open a Can of whoop ass on the babyfaces on the outside but Hashimoto & Hirata are able to reverse the tide in the Ring and nothing really happens. The fun shine where Hashimoto double stomps Tenzan and Hirata sentons is done again. Chono is able to take over on Hirata with Yakuza Kicks. Hirata is not Chono-stopper like he was on 6/12. Hirata wins a pretty intense Headbutt battle with Tenzan. Chono needs help from Tenzan to get one over on Hashimoto. Honestly I just watched this match and I am blanking on the middle portion. There was not a lot that was sticky. It was just solid work. They gain control of Hirata and I know he tags out to Hashimoto who goes into full Destroyer mode. He is on a tear when Chono ball shots him. This is when the match picks up. Chono hits top rope shoulder block. STF with falling Tenzan headbutts to the back. Glorious. Love Hirata saving Hashimoto with his own top rope Headbutt. Hashimoto makes his comeback! All the Hashimoto staples knocks Hiro Saito off the apron. Then Brainbuster Chono while Hirata restrains Tenzan for the win.

Last 5 minutes or so get this on the right side of the Mendoza Line but I don’t know the body of match really didnt much for me. *** 1/4