All Japan Triple Crown Title June 6, 1997: Mitsuharu Misawa (c) vs Toshiaki Kawada

This was another all-time classic between these two. Although it wasn't quite as memorable or dramatic as their legendary 6/3/94 match, this match had more spectacular moves. The match began with the usual exchange of stiff blows before Misawa gave Kawada a tiger driver on the arena floor. Kawada came roaring back and dominated the next several minutes, mainly focusing his attack on Misawa's right arm. Misawa then dominated the match, folding up Kawada with a German suplex. Misawa countered a powerbomb with a huracanrana, but Kawada's momentum was only temporarily broken. He gave Misawa a wicked backdrop driver at the 15 minute mark and later powerbombed him on the floor in a great revenge spot. Misawa sold that move like he was shot. Misawa fought back and hit a tiger driver for a near fall at 19:20. Kawada gave Misawa two backdrop drivers before applying the stretch plum. More great spots from these two down the stretch. Misawa German suplexed Kawada twice but Kawada nailed a leaping kick to stay in the match. Misawa gained another near fall with a German suplex. After another stiff exchange of blows, Misawa knocked Kawada out with an elbow and hit another German suplex for the pin at 31:22. Lots of great moves and near falls, and the crowd was into the match from start to finish, but the psychology and selling were not as "rich" or as sophisticated as in their 6/3/94 epic. That said, this was about as good a match as these two could put together. *****

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