[1996-06-11-NJPW-BOSJ] Shinya Hashimoto vs Satoshi Kojima

[Superstar Sleeze]

IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shinya Hashimoto vs Satoshi Kojima - NJPW 6/11/96

BABY KOJIMA~! I have never seen Kojima this young. Tenzan got a monster push in 1995 so it looks like Kojima was the new young gun getting pushed but I’m not sure if there is more context. Hashimoto’s first title defense since vanquishing the invading Takada for the championship. 
 

This is such a good Lo-fi rookie challenging for the World Title Match. Kojima is full of piss & vinegar and ready to rock. Hashimoto has been there done that and is apt to let Kojima come at him and feel him out. Kojima drawing a stalemate on the knuckle lock was a big deal. Him felling the Champion with the first lariat felt huge. Hashimoto powders on the second. Hashimoto wrestles him down into an armbar. Hashimoto seemingly wakes up when Kojima starts going for the knee. He starts throwing the Hand of Hashimoto. Like how Kojima in his exuberance ends up in a bad hold so he rope breaks. Hashimoto guzzles him in a front chancery and spikes him with a DDT when get gets too feisty. Kojima’s home stretch is fun it is all Lariats because he has not learned the Ace Crusher. His Elbow Drop isn’t as over as it would become. He looked lost on his submission attempt. OMG THE MOONSAULT! I thought obliterated Hashimoto face with his knee. Ugly moonsault you can see why he stopped doing it. Not the first but the second HAND OF HASHIMOTO! He just CLOBBERS him on receipt! Hashimoto The Destroyer kicks ass and Brainbuster for the tidy win! Fun take on the Champion vs Young Lion match *** 1/4