Masahiro Chono vs. Keiji Mutoh (NJPW, 8/11/91)

I'm sure there are other early examples but this match, to me, felt like the blueprint for the epic NJPW G1 Climax style that still persists today, full of nearfalls and one-upmanship. They work through the early minutes of the match trying to establish dominance, with Mutoh going after the leg and Chono controlling the arm. It's slow, it's methodical, it doesn't really pay off in the end but there is some cool moments, especially from Mutoh. I loved him dragging Chono back to the middle of the ring in the Indian deathlock to set up the sickle hold. He works that awhile before transitioning into a dope Cattle Mutilation (possibly the earliest example?). After Mutoh piledrives Chono on the concrete, the match shifts into the next gear, with both guys working in some bigger offense. Mutoh is able to deliver a German and a dragon suplex but misses the moonsault press, while Chono locks in the STF and hits a sick backdrop but can't finish him off before it escalates into the big back-and-forth. Loved Chono trying to sneak in the final STF attempt but Mutoh gets to the ropes. After blocking the Mutoh's moonsault, Chono powerbombs him for the win in what may be one of his best singles performances. Normally, I'm not a big fan of this layout but the build was great, both guys worked their asses off, and the crowd was buying into almost everything down the stretch. Plus, the flying seat cushions raining down on a victorious Chono. Sweet.