Mitsuharu Misawa vs Jumbo Tsuruta 9/1/90
This was the big rematch of their historical match three months earlier in which Misawa pulled off one of the biggest and most historically significant upsets in wrestling history. This was also better than that match, with more focus and more cohesive pacing. Although the moves were not as state-of-the-art as in future All Japan classics, the other elements like psychology, selling and drama were present. Also, the heat was unreal from start to finish as fans were going nuts hoping for history to repeat itself. Tsuruta established his intent for revenge early as he pounded Misawa with stiff blows, although Misawa was up for the challenge as he gained an early near fall with a senton. The two traded offense several times, although Tsuruta eventually dominated Misawa for a sizeable period using his stiff strikes combined with submission holds. Misawa fought back using his elbow strikes, although Tsuruta gained a heated near fall with an elbow of his own. He gained subsequent near falls on Misawa with a piledriver, a double arm suplex and a Thesz press. They repeated the 6/8/90 finish, this time with Misawa and then Tsuruta gaining a near fall, but not a pin, in a really cool spot. Tsuruta took the fight outside the ring, dominating Misawa and even hitting him with a chair, something rarely seen in All Japan. Misawa fought back and hit Tsuruta with an impressive running tope over the top rope. Misawa gave Jumbo an elbow off the top rope for a near fall and then pounded him with a slew of elbow strikes. Jumbo gained a near fall after headbutts and a well-used dropkick that made the move mean something. Misawa German suplexed Tsuruta for a very heated and dramatic near fall at 22:00. Misawa attempted a rollup but Tsuruta countered it and gained a near fall of his own. Tsuruta superplexed Misawa and gave him a backdrop driver for a super near fall. After an aborted Misawa comeback, Tsuruta hit a lariat and then back suplexed Misawa for the pin at 24:51. The heat for most of the match was amazing and the match built as well from start to finish as most future All Japan all-time classics. Both men played their roles to perfection with Jumbo really showing his greatness in knowing how to make the most of his abilities. Although Sano vs Liger from 1/31/90 was far more spectacular and revolutionary, the psychology in this match was richer and the heat and pacing were stronger. *****