10 Classic Wrestling Matches New Fans Need To See

Stu Saks, former editor-in-chief of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, called this showdown his all-time favorite match. Despite Dynamite Kid's legacy being tarnished by his out-of-ring behavior, his series of matches with Tiger Mask became a blueprint for today's ultra-athletic style of wrestling.

Their rivalry in the early 1980s lasted seven matches over three years. If styles make matches, these two were a golden duo. The match was eight minutes long, and the chain wrestling was crisp and quick. No energy was wasted, as the timing and execution of each exchange felt meaningful to the outcome.

After an even back and forth, Dynamite Kid missed his signature diving headbutt from the top rope. Tiger Mask then capitalized with a suplex and twisting moonsault from the top rope before pinning Dynamite for the win. It was a shocking finish for the American audience, many of whom never saw a rival champion from Japan beat a known star.

While fans in Japan were familiar with seeing these two wrestle in this style, it was all new to the crowd in Madison Square Garden. They brought the Japanese style to fresh eyes and planted the flag for all junior heavyweight wrestlers.