HARASHIMA vs. Soma Takao (DDT, 11/30/2014)

DDT - God Bless DDT 2014 (10/30/2014)

KO-D Openweight Championship: HARASHIMA vs. Soma Takao

One of my favorite DDT matches ever and easily the best match of Soma's career. Very much doubt Soma tops this - EVER. The shift in tempo, when Soma reaches a breaking point and explodes into a flurry that leaves HARASHIMA bleeding from the head, was so well-timed and dramatic.

*****

Tsukushi vs. Emi Sakura (Ice Ribbon, 4/10/2011)

Ice Ribbon - 19'O Clock Girls Pro Wrestling #67 (4/10/2011)

IW19 Championship: Tsukushi (c) vs. Emi Sakura

Emi Sakura's genius shines bright once again! This was incredible, it has some of the best building I've ever seen, and the sense of urgency and escalation during the second half is out of this world. There's so many great moments, I don't even know where to begin. Tsukushi leading a stampede of children over Sakura, the slap exchange, Emi's violent body slams, Tsukushi trying to hit the Harukaze from a chair; brilliant stuff all over. This is a masterpiece.

*****

Kenny Omega vs. Michael Nakazawa (DDT, 2/28/2013)

DDT - KO-D Openweight Championship One Match Box Office (2/28/2013)

KO-D Openweight Championship - Last Man Standing Falls Count Anywhere Match: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Michael Nakazawa

This is the match that redeems Michael Nakazawa's career. Never been a fan of the guy, but holy shit. He was willing to go through so much punishment. Omega was putting a hurting on him, getting the crowd to rally behind the ultimate underdog. The wrestling is ultra violent; both guys get busted open hard way. They fight as if they have a death wish. There's a sequence where Omega is hitting Nakazawa with repeated unprotected chair shots that almost took me out of the action. Excellent match, not for the faint of heart.

*****

KENTA & Taiji Ishimori vs. Kota Ibushi & Naomichi Marufuji (NOAH, 7/15/2007)

NOAH - Summer Navigation '07 (7/15/2007)

KENTA & Taiji Ishimori vs. Kota Ibushi & Naomichi Marufuji 

This was one hell of a spotfest. Everyone looked amazing. The near-falls were super effective in adding drama to the match; each one of them increased the intensity of the third act, and when the referee finally does count 3 the crowd goes berserk. Fucking hell was the finishing sequence breathtaking.

*****

Emi Sakura, Kaori Yoneyama &「Kotori」vs. Riho & Buribato♡ (SAKI & MIZUKI) (Gatoh Move, 5/3/2016)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・226 (5/3/2016)

Emi Sakura, Kaori Yoneyama &「Kotori」vs. Riho & Buribato♡ (SAKI & MIZUKI)

*****

HARASHIMA vs. KUDO (DDT, 5/31/2015)

DDT - Audience 2015 (5/31/2015)

KO-D Openweight Championship: HARASHIMA (c) vs. KUDO

Oh man, these guys work so well together. They start off tenderising each other's midsections with kicks, knees and punches, and the match only gets more and more intense as it continues. HARASHIMA was the perfect asshole here, using punches to the face and smiling when he had the advantage. KUDO had to make well-timed counters to gain the win, having learned from previous encounters. This was incredible.

*****

HARASHIMA vs. Hikaru Sato (DDT, 11/14/2010)

DDT - Osaka Bay Blues Special (11/14/2010)

KO-D Openweight Championship: HARASHIMA (c) vs. Hikaru Sato

The dueling limbwork with HARASHIMA working the leg and Sato targeting the arm was sold brilliantly, and the slap exchanges were some of the best I have ever seen. HARASHIMA gives Sato a horrible beating, and Sato more than earns his comeback. There were also cruel shoot-style moments that gave the match a sense of danger. What an epic battle!

*****

「Kotori」, Emi Sakura & Sayaka Obihiro vs. Riho & Buribato♡ (SAKI & MIZUKI) (Gatoh Move, 12/31/2015)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・206 (12/31/2015)

「Kotori」, Emi Sakura & Sayaka Obihiro vs. Riho & Buribato♡ (SAKI & MIZUKI)

This was a very kinetic trios match, the action accelerates towards a very exciting peak, moves and sequences are seamlessly strung together in an incredible way. It was so simple and yet delivered so much, amazing match.

*****