4/16/94: Jushin Liger (NJPW) vs Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro)

This was a world-class effort on the part of both men. Fans were super hot throughtout the match, especially over the last few minutes. Sasuke was brilliant again, doing his uncatchable Asai moonsault as well as his ryder kick from the top turnbuckle to the floor. Liger's main hot move was a plancha off the top turnbuckle, and Sasuke really showed his superiority in terms of flying as Liger seemed to be past his physical peak. Still, Liger paced the match well and used his spots effectively, including his shodas (which were not used as set-ups or finishers yet) and his Liger bomb. Near the end of the match, Sasuke went for an in-ring dive off the top rope, but slipped and fell off the ropes into the ring. Liger sold this beautifully, playing tha part of the cagey veteran capitalizing on the inexperienced opponent's overambition. He attempted his Liger bomb, but Sasuke countered it into a huracanrana for the pin in 18:10. The fans went nuts and both men sold the result perfectly, including Sasuke sporting a reaction of surprise. This match put Sasuke on the map as a superstar and super worker. Although many have a different viewpoint, I thought this was the best match by a hair on the show. Also this was a match that, if I could, I would give it ****7/8- it was that close to perfection. ****3/4

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