Riki Choshu vs. Stan Hansen - 09/09/1986

PWF Heavyweight Title/NWA International Heavyweight Title Match: Riki Choshu (c) vs Stan Hansen (c) - AJPW Summer Action Series II 1986 - Day 21 - 09/09/1986

The start of the match was interesting. Hansen was coming towards Choshu and Choshu switched the grip, forcing Hansen into the ropes with an unorthodox Irish Whip that felt uncooperative in the best ways. Choshu sported injured ribs but he was the first one to attack an isolated part of the body, attacking Hansen's weapon of mass destruction (the left arm) with persistent submissions. Hansen is too strong to be kept on the floor for too long and goes for the ribs. Hansen launched Choshu into the turnbuckle with the ribs exposed and locked on a bear hug. The fans are cheering for Choshu but Hansen has his fans in the building and make some noise when Choshu takes offence, just as Choshu fans did. The first sign of the Scorpion Hold comes off Hansen missing a running knee in the corner with Choshu pouncing right away, only just turning him over before Hansen powered out off it like the mammoth he is. Hansen blasts with a sweet back elbow to the ribs but misses an elbow to a grounded Choshu which takes them outside for the you know what. Disappointing finish but the match was a delight. Surprising considering the reputation of these two together aren't exactly glowing with positivity. Instead of a dramatic encounter, they offered a more pragmatic approach with some cool counters but not much selling. ***1/2