15. Mohammed Yone Vs. Jun Akiyama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBEDOqBme_A When putting together a wrestling show, there are often serious time constraints that limit the possibility for longer matches. As such, when people see a match go less than five minutes, it tends to end up in the dust bin of wrestling history, to be forgotten as another filler match for that weeks show. Pro Wrestling NOAH understands the importance of packing as much action into short amounts of time, which is how this match turned out so well. The actual match itself is just over four minutes long, but the video includes entrances and pre-match fighting. When the actual match begins, young NOAH upstart Mohammed Yone (affectionately nicknamed Mr. Afro) tries to jump NOAH mainstay Jun angry aging man Akiyama. Needless to say that Yones plan doesnt go that well. This match is four minutes of non-stop stiffness and brutality unleashed by both sides. It also features one of the best examples of a Japanese rest-hold, which is actually code for slap-each-other-in-the-face-as-hard-as-possible-until-one-man-falls-down. This isnt one of those typical Japanese wrestling matches where youre in awe of the physical pain the competitors can withstand. Its almost like a squash match, except both men are evenly-matched, and one combatants underhanded tactics blow up in his face at nearly-hilarious levels. Lesson learned kids: never p*ss off Jun Akiyama.
Alexander Podgorski
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
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