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| Hiroshi Hase vs. Genichiru Tenryu (WAR) | |
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They followed a simple formula, just do what you do best. Since Tenryu was involvied it was really stiff. Actually, the first half of the match was mainly stiff strikes. Hase really made the match with his work and attitude. The fans were really into him, and the match was worked so they'd really support him down the stretch because he proved he had a legitimate chance of beating the legend. There really wasn't a lot to the structuring, but they saved the big moves for the end and it could have gone either way. Since it was the main event of a major show and both men were really over, the near falls seemed more dramatic than they normally would have. Tenryu picked the pace up at 8:00 when he tried to pin Hase with his lariat and powerbomb. Tenryu went for his diving elbow drop, but Hase cut him off on the second and gave him a nadare shiki no uranage that didn't really look very good because Hase didn't get any lift and Tenryu didn't jump for him, so they went down like a nosedive. Hase also gave Tenryu a uranage outside the ring. At 14:30, Hase avoided Tenryu's lariat in the corner and did his uranage. Hase was unable to cover because he collapsed from exhaustion, which was goofy because Hase had just been in control and was showing no real signs of fatigue. Hase tried another uranage, but Tenryu DDT'd him. Tenryu got a near fall with his powerbomb, so he did an enzuigiri and tried another powerbomb. Tenryu was so confident that this would be it that he stood over Hase with his hand in the air. Hase knocked Tenryu over when he kicked out and nearly flash pinned him for a huge pop. Tenryu hit another lariat, but Hase ducked his body attack and once again nearly flash pinned him. Hase went right to his Dragon suplex for a big pop, but Tenryu just got his shoulder up. Hase tried another Dragon suplex, but Tenryu ran his head into the corner. Tenryu had a big flurry with abisegeri, enzuigiri, and lariat, but Hase was surviving on his will. Another powerbomb followed by the WAR special was just too much for him though. For the most part the Liger match was better, but this match was more exciting because the outcome was in doubt and the fans were more into it. Hase could have gotten a lot more near falls, but because of his attitude it seemed like he was doing better than he was. 19:06
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