Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 3: Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Dynamite Kid (2/5/80)

The new WWWF junior champ. Fujinami, takes on a juniors darling in Dynamite Kid. If this is better than the Keirn match I’ll be beside myself.

They shake hands before the bell. Dynamite is essentially a heel here, but I’m not sure if he’ll work it like Keirn did in Match # 2. I like the hip tosses and arm drags form these guys. The direction of Fujinami working from underneath is in the layout, and I like that formula. There are awkward moments for each guy right at the point when they gain control, but it’s small quibbles in the feeling out process. Dynamite goes more than once for the Octopus, and when he gets it it really looks like it hurts. They end up in a standoff on the floor after that one. Fujinami pulls out his great body scissors once again. Dynamite is agile enough to make the move mean more. Dynamite gets 90 % of the first ten minutes, Fujinami’s head busted open again. The fans seem to response to a bloody Fujinami firing back.

Dynamite continues to work over the forehead, opening up the cut, while Fujinami gets some hope spots. Both goes throw some rough amateur inspired suplexes. Dynamite goes back to the octopus again. These guys really run the ropes, and the hope ends when Dynamite walks away from a Fujinami drop kick. A great moment 12 minutes in where Dynamite hits the head butt and confidently pins, only for Fujinami to kick out at two. That got the crowd vocal. Dynamite is frustrated, and keeps Fujinami on the outside. Fujinami pulls a great sunset flip back in for a flash pin attempt. Dynamite again goes for the diving head butt, this time missing. He gets some offense, goes for a crazy dive to the outside, and again Dynamite just walks away. A moment later Fujinami wins with a quick comeback and a pin. Well done. Good 15 minute match that kept dynamite kid strong. My favorite so far. 3 ½ and 7/10.