[1983-09-02-NJPW] Tatsumi Fujinami vs Riki Choshu

[superkix]

In many ways, the final title match between Fujinami and Choshu mirrored their very first contest. Fujinami is once again the proud company champion and Choshu the unpredictable outsider. However, at this chapter in their rivalry, the bigger story arc has already been told and the in-ring work now feels run down and uninspired, and unfortunately, the chapter ends with a shit double countout. Choshu and his Ishingun boys take care of Inoki before the bell and at times, the camera seems more interested in what’s happening to Inoki then what Choshu and Fujinami are doing in the ring. It’s the same well-tread structure, with the two working the mat for dominance, the old heat ups and cool downs, the frenzied interactions during offensive runs. I liked Fujinami’s armwork in execution but it was merely filler as the sasori-gatame once again becomes the hold of holds. When Choshu’s finally able to put it on in the end, it’s poorly applied and unconvincing as a possible means to Fujinami’s end. Instead, the match and the feud over the WWF International Heavyweight title ends on account of a weak double count out finish.