Shinya Hashimoto vs. Masahiro Chono - NJPW G1 Climax Special 1996 - Day 4 - 16/09/1996
This was a really good main event. Maybe the biggest match of the tour and a great way to re-establish Hashimoto as the guy after his poor G1 performance. He beats Chono despite Chono using Hiro Saito to gain an unfair advantage early in the match, and a busted nose to boot. Chono attacked the nose and used all the advantages he could create but Hashimoto survived and persevered in the end. Great match. ***3/4
Japan/US All-Star Tournament Quarter Final Match: Lord Steven Regal vs. Shinya Hashimoto - NJPW G1 Climax Special 1996 - Day 8 - 21/09/1996
The forgotten rematch between the two and it makes sense because this isn’t as good as their 1995 classic but it’s a great match filled with great grappling, led by Regal, and tons of stiff strikes, led by Hashimoto. The match changed between the two but both sections were compelling and got over in front of the intimate Korakuen Hall crowd, who even chanted for Regal towards the end. There were even some fighting spirit spots by Regal which was a shock considering that hadn’t been the norm yet. It was different for everyone involved. Hashimoto wins with his DDT but Regal gets a lot out of this. ****
Japan/US All-Star Tournament Semi Final Match: Shinya Hashimoto vs. Shiro Koshinaka - NJPW Climax Special 1996 - Day 9 - 23/09/1996
Surprisingly lacklustre. Good in parts but it didn't wow me at all and felt over as quick as it began. Shiro Koshinaka wins with an upset. **
Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Wild Pegasus - NJPW Climax Special 1996 - Day 9 - 23/09/1996
Considering this is Liger’s first match back after major surgery, this was a great achievement. It was full of great grappling. It never went far in terms of storytelling but it was slick as ever. Benoit was game for the wrestling as was Liger. He battered Liger with some of his moves and pretty much forced Liger to grow and become re-accustomed to the wrestling world quickly. The match went a little too long though and it led toa flat finish but it did the job. ***1/2
IWGP Tag Team Title Match: Ookami Gundan (Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Masahiro Chono) (c) vs. Kazuo Yamazaki & Takashi Iizuka - NJPW Climax Special 1996 - Day 9 - 23/09/1996
This was a good tag team match with the champions controlling the match, picking off the Iizuka, as the weak link, and getting themselves over. The match had a steady pace and never picked much in terms of pace nor drama but the match proved to be good nonetheless. ***
Japan/US All-Star Tournament Final Match: Kensuke Sasaki vs. Shiro Koshinaka - NJPW Climax Special 1996 - Day 9 - 23/09/1996
A big spot for both guys. A main event in Yokohama in front of 16,000 people and it doesn’t really deliver. They opt for a technical bout but it’s neither one’s strength and the match falls rather flat as a result. Sasaki wins though which is likely to set him up for his eventual title charge in a year’s time. **1/2
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