Weekly Pro Wrestling Tokyo Dome 04/02/1995

Shinya Hashimoto def. Masa Chono in 15:58

This match was at the big Weekly Pro Wrestling (Japanese wrestling mag) Tokyo Dome show in 1995. Different promotions presented an offer match, and these two had the displeasure of going on last and following a 30-minute All Japan TLD with Kawada, Taue, and Johnny Ace vs. Misawa, Kobashi, and Stan Hansen. There are many other matches where companies are in first-date mode, trying to make the best impression. Jesus, shoot me now if I have to beat all that. Chono started working the right leg early, which wasn’t surprising because Hashimoto had laid a few solid-looking kicks in by that point. Please put me in the group with Chono, who has zero desire to be kicked by Hashimoto. Chono eventually locked in the STF, but the crowd cared less the longer Hashimoto stayed in the hold when it became obvious he wasn’t submitting. Most of Hashimoto’s comeback consisted of armholds, so this never found another gear. There was a bit of snug work at times, but there were too many fucking holds and crowd dragged. Hashimoto was repeatedly kicked in the face, but mustered up his spinkick. Then, he hulked Chono up for a brainbuster and the win. This was solidly worked, but too flat for a Tokyo Dome main event, and I love both these guys. *3/4