Animal Hamaguchi vs. Mighty Inoue (IWA, 9/26/73)

While the slow burn of a 60:00 time limit draw can be a good way to settle into bed, perhaps a fast-paced 15:00 exhibition between two junior heavyweight hosses is a better way to start your day. At times, this felt like a 2017 “NOAH the Reborn” match, with the double stomps, somersault sentons, and the open-hand slaps exchanged. Hamaguchi plays the bastard grump to Inoue’s plucky protagonist, smacking and boxing Inoue’s ears, gouging his eyes, and at one point, tossing him clear out of the ring in frustration. Inoue has a lot of unique offense for a 1973 match and I liked his early neckwork with the springboard and headscissors takedowns, and that rolling necksnap. After he avoids a top rope legdrop from Hamaguchi, Inoue hits an atomic drop and a somersault senton but when he tries for a second, Animal has him scouted out. He tries to submit Mighty with the crab hold but Inoue is able to roll him up for the victory. Cool little match here.