Pro Wrestling Chronicle

1.13.08 KENTA/Ishimori vs Marufuji/Aoki (NOAH)

The first stop on my look at any possible Match of the Year Candidates (MOTYC from here on out).This match didn’t get huge buzz, but for almost the first two months of the year this was considered a pace setter. Besides, anything over 3 ½ stars or considered Very Good by most is worth seeing, after all.

This match is done at the ol’ bowling alley, North Star Lanes. KENTA has his young protégé in Ishimori, who he works well with, and KENTA’s most famous partner is across the ring, Marufuji. Marufuji is packing the even greener by experience Aoki, who hasn’t even had his 10 match trial series yet. Thing is, Aoki is a scary good talent, and Ishimori is a hell of a spot performer; Though there’s more to him as well.
Marufuji and KENTA start out doing there fast and furious “I know you. No, I know you” counter move stuff. Always awesome no matter how much I’ve seen it already. They won’t end up being the story though. Marufuji finishes with the advantage and they each tag in their junior members.

Ishimori has some great acrobatic head scissors and fake out moves. He frustrates Aoki, who is really technically solid, and KENTA comes in for the stiff stuff. Aoki sells a lot these days, as the old All Japan/NOAH system brings up it’s top young boys in this way.

Nevermind. They duck out of that without much heat. Odd, since KENTA looked to beat his ass and just let him tag out. Then Marufuji takes control of KENTA.

Aoki can’t keep the advantage, and he starts to sell again. KENTA and Aoki have some nice stiff forearm exchanges, but mostly KENTA just stiffs the crap out of him. Good tags in and out from KENTA/Ishimori. They don’t work on any one thing, just beat the crap out of Aoki.

Great hope spots from Aoki and being cut off. Marufuji has a subtle talent as the partner in the corner waiting for the hot tag. Not in getting the crowd going, but in being concerned and trying for the tag. Sadly, Ishimori isn’t as urgent once tagged in.

Everyone in this match throws a beautiful dropkick. Aoki comes back and makes the tag to no reaction or drama, and Marufuji runs wild. His dragon screw leg whip and the majority of his offense is amazing too. Having seen him live several times in ROH I’ve have to say Marufuji is extremely undervalued.

Okay, no selling has finally gotten to me. He super kick is a transitional move used often in these matches, and Ishimori shrugs off big stiff moves to little effect. It’s a desensitization I’m very opposed to. Big moves need consequences, and only some NOAH matches have those consequences.

By the way, Ishimori hit a hurrancanrana that has to be seen it was so beautiful. Moments like that make me worry less about these matches as it was a great nearfall. KENTA once tagged in is so motivated he fills several quotas for fiery babyfaces.

Marufuji takes all the escalating KENTA offense, shakes out of the Go To Sleep, and hits a Sliced Bread # 2 for a nearfall. We’re into the all out nearfall big finish.

This one is a lot slower moving. So is the crowd heat. Aoki has a great double overhead suplex move that reminds me of Eddie’s 3 Amigos the way he floats over.

Everyone gets to hit some moves and/or submission attempts, but Aoki’s reversals for pins were my favorite. I really enjoy this kid’s work. KENTA finally gets him with the GTS in a very good match.
Not MOTY quality, but a very good fifteen minutes or so. I’d say 3 ½ stars and 7/10.