#121: Rikidozan vs. Masahiko Kimura, JWA Japanese Championship (12/22/1954).
Hello, readers!
This week, we are traveling the furthest back in time that I've ever gone, as we begin in the 1950s to cover some of the career of Rikidozan, arguably the biggest wrestling superstar in the history of Japan.
If you aren't already aware of his legacy, Rikidozan is the man credited with introducing Professional Wrestling to Japan during a time when the country needed a distraction. Because of this, Rikidozan was immediately elevated to national hero status.
Despite his tragic death in 1963, his legacy lives on in present day Puroresu. If not for him, there would be no Misawa, Kobashi, Tanahashi or Okada. His two disciples - Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki - each went on to found All Japan and New Japan respectively.
Up first is a bout from 1954 between he and Masahiko Kimura for the Japanese Heavyweight Championship.
They lock up and Kimura gets Rikidozan into the ropes. Another lock up, and we get a clean break. A third lock up now, and Kimura takes Riki down. Nice arm takedown by Riki, into a head scissors.
Kimura tries to turn his body to escape the hold, and he eventually pops his way free. Kimura takes control of the back, and Riki grabs his foot in response. Riki switches to a hammerlock and takes Kimura down.
Powerslam by Riki, and now he takes a body lock next. He gut wrenches Kimura up and places him on the apron. Back in the Ring, both men grab the other's backs, and look for an opening. Not a lot going on here, as it looks like both are hugging.
Riki takes Kimura down, and applies a front face lock. Kimura escapes and takes control of the arm. They're back to their feet, and lock up once again. Riki with a powerslam, and right back to the lock up. So many lock ups in this match, it's like I'm watching amateur wrestling.
Riki threatens Kimura with a few strikes. Kimura cowers in fear from a chop attempt, which is funny. Guillotine choke by Riki next. Riki with palm strikes to Kimura into the corner next, and Kimura is caught off guard.
A couple of penalty kicks from Riki daze Kimura, followed by more punches. A left hand slap drops Kimura, and the referee counts him down to 10. It's over. Rikidozan knocked that guy the fuck out.
This is definitely a match of its time. I didn't hate it, but I probably wouldn't watch something like this often. I did like how legitimate it felt. This really felt like a theatrical amateur wrestling contest between two athletes.
Anytime Rikidozan was in control, he felt like a menace, which I enjoyed. A slow match, but one I'd recommend just to say that you've seen a snapshot of Pro Wrestling from 1954 Japan.