Pro Wrestling Chronicle

-3.5.08 Marufuji vs Kikutaro:

The match is from a NOAH house show. This was a fun nine minute comedy match clipped a few times to about four minutes of extended highlights. Marufuji is pretty awesome whether he’s tagging with KENTA, being a top Jr. Heavy or heavyweight contender, or guest staring in Ring of Honor over here in America. Kikutaro has been to ROH as well. He’s a masked comedy act that’s been paired with Mick Foley in the past, and does tours or different dates for most companies in Japan.

The great thing about Kikutaro is he does comedy homages to different famous wrestlers. He starts out here with what I assume is a tribute to his opponent. He’s backed into the ropes and holds his hands up dramatically (11 and 2 o’ clock) to show he’s not going to attack. Marufuji playfully slaps his chest before separating and doing the same. When Kikutaro backs ‘fuji up, Kikutaro quickly slaps his chest before backing off and putting his hands up in the air. Funny stuff.

Kikutaro does a poor man’s comedy Misawa move set for fun. He even gets a one count. Later he gets Marufuji on his shoulders and announces “Go To Sleep”! Unfortunately he can’t execute the move, instead doing a sit out Falcon Arrow type move. We even get the slaps and back chop along with the buuski knee.

Next Kikutaro shows us his attempt at the coast-to-coast springboard drop kick. He gets about half way. Marufuji hits his attempt, showing us how it’s done. Kikutaro has a smart idea on how to block the Shirunui. Why not just hold on to Marufuji so he can’t lead him? Exactly!

Marufuji hits it soon enough for the win. He was even kind enough to sell some of Kikutaro’s slower comedy spots. It was quick and great fun. If you have a chance see any Kikutaro. He had a fun match with Colt Cabana back in May of 2006 for ROH that’s worth going to see. This one is short enough you may not want to bother tracking it down.