(ALL JAPAN) 2 Wins, 2 Losses, 2 Draws: "A draw—where it doesn't matter who wins or loses—isn't exciting!" Baba's wrap-up of the March 13 Budokan "6-vs-6" showdown.

1st April 1986

Weekly Pro (Issue No 136)

The first full-scale showdown between the All Japan Pro-Wrestling and Japan Pro-Wrestling factions, held on March 13 at the Nippon Budokan, was a resounding success that ended in a draw; the twelve wrestlers across six matches poured their hearts and souls into the action, delivering a high-quality event that whipped the massive crowd into a frenzy of excitement.

Notably, there was only one double count-out, zero instances of the interference or brawls typical of faction feuds, no outcomes decided by fouls, and the dueling cheers remained fair throughout. There were no persistent protests, nor were there any wrestlers expressing dissatisfaction with the match results.

The era of factional feuds—where hatred fueled brawls and opponents sought to inflict injury by any means necessary—has ended. What unfolded in the ring that day was a clash of pure strength against strength, and personality against personality. After his defeat by Jumbo Tsuruta, Animal Hamaguchi stood defiantly in the center of the ring and bellowed, "I lost!"

That loud roar symbolized the attitude of both factions as they headed into the day's battles. It was an event that left a thoroughly satisfying impression.

Cheers rang out across the arena right from the opening match between Mitsuo Momota and Shinichi Nakano, and the atmosphere of the inter-promotion rivalry heated up from the very start.

The decision to switch from the original plan—which called for three inter-promotional matches, a tag team match, and then three more matches—to six consecutive inter-promotional matches served to instantly electrify the atmosphere.

Consequently, a rare situation arose where Giant Baba—who had been left off the inter-promotional match card —stepped in to compete in the fourth match,due to Isamu Teranishi’s injury-enforced absence.  True to form, Baba—who always seems to shine at Budokan events—put on a spirited performance that delighted the fans.   

A tag team match between two foreign teams, arranged because the inter-promotional bout had taken the spotlight as the main event, also succeeded in entertaining the crowd.

It was a clash of jaw-dropping power between Crusher Blackwell and One Man Gang.

Yet, the interaction between Harley Race and Tiger Jeet Singh ultimately stole the show—a testament, perhaps, to the difference in their experience and personalities.

The first match of the inter-promotional series ended in a victory for the youth and power of Samson Fuyuki. Had veteran Masanobu Kurisu displayed such seasoned craftiness—rather than challenging his opponent head-on with raw power and big moves—Fuyuki, who was already weakened by pneumonia, might well have fallen into a trap. 

However, if Kurisu decided from the very first match that he refused to resort to evasive tactics, then that fighting spirit is truly worthy of respect.

It was predicted that the styles of Takashi Ishikawa and Kuniaki Kobayashi would not mesh well. However, the match proved that if both competitors give it their all, the contest is bound to ignite. Both wrestlers likely feel they have found a new rival.

Mighty Inoue was undone by the weight disadvantage against Killer Khan, but his willingness to stake everything on a do-or-die effort was admirable. Khan showed great intensity from the very start, letting out wild shouts; I would like to view this as a declaration that he is back in true form.

Baba heaped praise on Hamaguchi after his defeat by Tsuruta.

"You can tell the moment a wrestler steps into the ring if he doesn't stand a chance of winning, but Hamaguchi was absolutely fired up. He’s an incredible guy. He frankly acknowledged his loss and openly expressed his bitter frustration—and he’s already moving on to what’s next. Everyone should take a lesson from that..." It was a truly spirited and refreshing way to accept defeat.

The lariat from Riki Choshu that delivered the finishing blow to Tiger Mask made a bone-chilling sound. Perhaps it was his youth that caused him to let his guard down the moment he thought Choshu had abandoned the Scorpion Deathlock. As for his signature aerial maneuvers, it was less a case of Choshu shutting them down than of him choosing to cast them aside himself.

You have to give him credit for daring to jump right into the Choshu camp.

The final match between Genichiro Tenryu and Yoshiaki Yatsu was a fierce contest that went the full 30-minute distance, ending in a draw; however, a highlight was the complete absence of the mid-match lull often seen in time-limit draws, as both wrestlers remained relentlessly focused on securing a victory throughout. Even considering the backstory involving the International Tag Team title and the vacating of the UN title, it was highly significant that Tenryu and Yatsu headlined the Budokan event and succeeded in satisfying the audience.

However, if I were to offer a word of criticism, I found it unacceptable that Yatsu clapped his own hands during the match to compel the audience to applaud*. While it wasn't quite as bad as his match against Shunji Takano at Korakuen Hall last December 15th, I wonder where he picked up such a bad habit; that is simply not the behavior of a true sportsman.

"A trick performed by a show monkey"

There were even elderly fans who spat out words to that effect.

I feel for the admirable Yatsu. Applause is only truly satisfying—and valuable—when it arises spontaneously.

The inaugural inter-promotional series ended with a record of two wins, two losses, and two draws; while the stats themselves might leave something to be desired, the actual content of the matches makes the outcome impossible to dispute. Naturally, there is a tendency for bias; it is interesting to note that both Baba (leader of the All Japan faction) and Choshu (leader of the Japan faction) made comments implying that their respective sides had the upper hand in terms of performance. Yet, not a single member of the All Japan faction claimed, "If the Baba vs.Teranishi match had taken place, we would have won."

It was admirable that they refrained from saying such things; the entire competition was conducted fairly. 

While the cheering squads from both sides proudly displayed their flags and banners, they did not engage in the foolish behavior of waving them so persistently in a way that obstructed the spectators view; instead, they would quickly step aside after sending their athletes into the ring. This is what true, refined support looks like. 

"It doesn't matter who wins or loses. A draw wouldn't be interesting."

These words didn't come from a fan; they were spoken by Baba. He added, "That's why we'll do it again."

The event left a satisfying impression, seemingly making both fans and wrestlers eager for a rematch.

Notes

Applauding yourself: How times have changed!