10 Introductory Matches To The Unrivalled Art Of Japanese Wrestling

9. Mitsuharu Misawa Vs. Toshiaki Kawada - AJPW Budokan Hall Show 03/06/94

In the face of Misawa's shocking in-ring death in 2008, his matches are sometimes hard to watch in retrospect, given the excruciating degree of stiffness with which he received and doled out punishment.

But that would do his in-ring oeuvre, arguably wrestling's best ever, a gross disservice. Misawa wasn't just a stoic striking machine who popped reserved Japanese crowds by dangerously slamming his opponents neck-first to the mat. He was an incredible in-ring storyteller, able to sustain audience interest across thirty minutes in countless stipulation-free matches.

Misawa established his elder statesman role in this classic, the first of several on this list to have been awarded the full ***** rating from the Observer. Both men would channel the repertoires of their rival mentors to both pay homage to them and continue the rich lineage of the King's Road - but thrillingly, their effects are subverted to instil a sense of unpredictability to the proceedings.

The lineage was enhanced by the finish, which saw Misawa pin Kawada with his cringe-inducingly lethal Tiger Driver '91 finisher. Kawada was expected by many to win the match, but the herculean effort he put forth didn't disgrace him in the eyes of the All Japan fanbase.

Misawa went over, but Kawada got over.

There is one sobering reminder of the toll paid on the King's Road; Kawada, who infused his approach with Strong Style leanings, kicked Misawa so hard in the early exchanges that blood poured chillingly from his ear.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!