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Complete Playbook: AJPW Classics on Samurai TV March 3, 2001

May 23, 2007 | Posted by Ryan Mancuso
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Complete Playbook: AJPW Classics on Samurai TV March 3, 2001  

Hello, again. I return with another review from All Japan Classics. This episode aired on March 3, 2001. The first two matches were taped on April 17, 1990 and the main event is Randy Savage vs. Genichiro Tenryu as a continuation of the “Japan-U.S. Wrestling Summit” Tokyo Dome card from April 13, 1990. Let’s get this review started:

April 17, 1990:

Terry Gordy & Steve Williams vs. Doug Furnas & Dan Kroffat

A really fun tag match with two of the best foreign tag teams to compete in Japan during the early-to-mid 1990’s. The MVC was on the offense for most of the match. Furnas and Kroffat kept making comebacks, but the MVC found a way to regain control. The fans really got into it towards the end when they were cheering Furnas and Kroffat, and booing the MVC for using double teams. MVC won after using a double team powerbomb on Furnas.

Giant Baba, Andre the Giant & Great Kabuki vs. Masanobu Fuchi, Shunji Takano & Shinichi Nakano

Not a good match, but booked to showcase the dream team of pro wrestling legends Giant Baba and Andre. There was some comedy with Fuchi, Takano and Nakano trying their best to knock Andre down, but always failing. Andre got the pin after using an elbowdrop on Fuchi.

April 13, 1990:

Genichiro Tenryu vs. Randy Savage

This match was really good. It had a really great Memphis vibe to it. Savage plays the heel who needs to cheat at all costs since he couldn’t defeat Tenryu straight up. Tenryu is the fiery babyface who gets the crowd going nuts just by doing one of his trademark chops. Yes, the crowd is really hot for this match. They cheered every offensive move Tenryu did, and booed Savage whenever he was on offense. This match was also back when Randy Savage was known as the Macho King and Sherri was his Queen. Here is the play-by-play:

Savage tries to intimidate Tenryu early by pushing him. Tenryu, not falling for Savage’s mind games, pushes back. Savage punches Tenryu, and tries to Irish whip him to the ropes. However, Tenryu reverses and wants to chop Savage down as he is coming off the ropes. Savage puts on the breaks, and rolls out of the ring to the dismay of the crowd. After a brief rest, Savage reenters the ring by jumping over the top rope. The crowd is booing Savage for stalling, and Sherri responds by flipping them off.

They tie up. Savage attempts a vertical suplex, but Tenryu blocks. Tenryu attempts his own vertical suplex. He succeeds in lifting Savage up, but Savage counters by flipping over Tenryu’s back. Tenryu fires off a few chops that sends Savage into the corner, and then unleashes more chops as Savage falls down. The crowd is going nuts, and Savage is selling the chops like they were gunshots. Sherri jumps on the apron to distract Tenryu. It gives Savage time to recover, and nail Tenryu in the back with a running double-axe handle. Savage breaks the rules by choking Tenryu. Savage picks Tenryu up to whip him to the ropes, but Tenryu again reverses it. This time Tenryu catches Savage off the ropes with a lariat. Tenryu Irish whips Savage to the ropes for a backdrop attempt. However, Savage counters with a kick that sends Tenryu back to the ropes. Savage bounces off the ropes, but Tenryu gives him a backdrop that sends him flying over the top rope.

Tenryu isn’t done as he jumps off the apron with a diving crossbody on Savage. Sherri distracts Tenryu, and gives Savage another cheap shot opportunity with a knee to the back. Savage slams Tenryu’s head into the commentators table, and then throws him back into the ring. Savage punches Tenryu a few times, and Irish whips him to the corner. Savage charges, but Tenryu gets the boot up. Tenryu knocks Savage down with an enzugiri. Both men are down as they are feeling the effects of this match. Savage gets up first and knocks Tenryu down with a lariat. Savage wears Tenryu down with punches and chokes. Savage is getting frustrated as he shoves the ref. Savage Irish whips Tenryu to the ropes, and knocks him down with another lariat. Savage chokes Tenryu again. Tenryu rolls to the floor to try and recover.

While Tenryu is on the outside, Savage climbs the top rope and jumps off with a double-axe handle. Savage elbowdrop’s the prone Tenryu. Sherri gets in a few cheap shots on Tenryu. Savage throws Tenryu back in the ring. Savage climbs the top to once again nail Tenryu with a double-axe handle. Savage picks up Tenryu for a bodyslam, and then gives him a kneedrop. Savage climbs the top rope again and is seemingly calling for the Flying Elbowdrop. However, Savage uses a kneedrop from the top instead. Seeing how successful he has been at nailing Tenryu from the top rope, Savage climbs it again and tries another double-axe handle. However, Tenryu counters with a punch to the midsection.

Tenryu wants to finish off Savage here with the powerbomb, but Savage reverses it with a backdrop. Savage climbs to the top, and jumps off with a diving crossbody. However, it may have done more damage to Savage because he was holding his knee after the crossbody. Savage got up, and was clutching his knee. This gave Tenryu the opportunity to capitalize with a big time enzugiri. Tenryu goes for the kill by using a powerbomb on Savage. 1! 2! 3! This match is over, and the Tokyo Dome is just about to throw a party for Tenryu’s win.

The 411: Another good episode of All Japan classics. The tag match between Gordy & Doc vs. Furnas & Kroffat was good. The six man tag wasn't good, but that match was also meant to showcase the team of Baba and Andre. Savage vs. Tenryu was a really great match. It had a Memphis vibe of Savage & Sherri as the heels doing anything to win, but Tenryu was making sure that he was not going to lose in front of his fans in this dream match. I'll recommend this show with Tenryu vs. Savage as a must see.
 
Final Score:  7.5   [ Good ]  legend

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