ALL JAPAN PRO WRESTLING 30
June 1, 1996
1. Toshiaki Kawada vs Kenta Kobashi
Kawada gained a heated near fall with a powerbomb early in the footage. Kobashi blocked a jumping kick and scored with a neckbreaker for a near fall. Kobashi applied a sleeper and slammed Kawada while maintaining the hold for a near fall. Kawada missed a jumping kick but did land a high kick and a second jumping kick. Kawada hit a third jumping kick but hurt his leg in the process. Kawada recovered and pinned Kobashi (3:02 aired). This looked excellent, but not as great as most of their more prominent matches.
2. Triple Crown: Mitsuharu Misawa (c) vs Akira Taue
Taue got the better of Misawa and dropkicked him out of the ring. Taue hit a tope suicida and DDTd Misawa on the floor. He attempted a nodowa off the apron but Misawa countered with an elbow. Misawa landed a series of elbows and a flying lariat. Misawa hit a tope with an elbow strike on Taue. Misawa hit a top rope dropkick that sent Taue out of the ring. Misawa hit a somersault dive off the apron on Taue. Misawa gave Taue a standing senton and a top rope splash for a near fall. Misawa applied a facelock and gained a near fall. Taue blocked a kick and fought back with a tackle but missed a dropkick. Taue dropped Misawa neck-first on the top rope. Taue gave Misawa a high kick. Misawa countered a powerbomb with a huracanrana but Taue then dropkicked Misawa. Taue dropped Misawa on his head with two released German suplexes. Taue gained a heated near fall with a dynamic bomb at 9:26. Misawa blocked a nodowa attempt but Taue DDTd him. Taue legdropped Misawa and hit a nodowa for a near fall. Taue attempted a powerbomb on the floor but Misawa countered with a backdrop. Misawa gave Taue a released German suplex and a tiger driver for a near fall. Taue fought back with some of Baba’s old legdrives. Taue landed a high kick but Misawa responded with an elbow. Taue gained a near fall with a modified lariat. Taue went for a nodowa out of the corner but Misawa countered with an armdrag. Misawa gained a near fall after a couple elbows. After a series of counters, Misawa scored with an elbow. Misawa came off the top rope but Taue gave him a nodowa in mid-air and pinned Misawa at 16:06 to win the Triple Crown. As good a 16 minute match as it could have been. ****1/4
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