Mitsuharu Misawa vs Jumbo Tsuruta 6/8/90
Aside from being a great match, this is perhaps the most historical "upset" of the 1990's as it ushered in the modern era of classic matches with clean finishes in All Japan rings. Also, Misawa had unmasked less than 4 months earlier as Tiger Mask and this was his first major match under his true identity. Tsuruta used a knee early and hit a boot to Misawa's face. Tsuruta then hit a lariat for an early near fall. Misawa hit a dropkick off the ring apron and an elbow that knocked Tsuruta over the ringside barricade. Misawa hit a tope and continued his early dominance of the veteran Tsuruta. He used a dropkick that was reminiscent of his days as Tiger Mask. Tsuruta gave Misawa his jumping knee and took over from there, including whipping Misawa into the ringside barricade. Misawa turned the tables with a cool dropkick and another off the top rope for a near fall. Misawa gained a near fall on Tsuruta with his tiger splash, but was dropped neck first on the top rope when he charged at Tsuruta. Jumbo gained a few near falls, including one with his jumping knee. He also hit a dropkick for a near fall. Tsuruts gave Misawa a boot to the face for a near fall and a jumping knee off the top rope for a great near fall. Jumbo gained another great near fall with a powerbomb. Misawa fought back and gave Tsuruta a plancha. Misawa gained a couple near falls but met Tsuruta's knees on a tiger splash attempt. Tsuruta stiffed Misawa with a lariat for a near fall and hit a back suplex. Misawa gave Tsuruta a German suplex for a great near fall. Tsuruta hit his jumping knee and stiffed Misawa with an elbow but hurt his own arm in the process. Misawa went for a back suplex, Jumbo landed on top of him for a near fall, then Misawa turned Jumbo over and pinned him at 24:08 for the huge upset. Fans went nuts and many of them cried. A fitting start to the Misawa era. ****3/4