Choshu vs Fujiwara (Way of the Blade Art Print)
"Riki Choshu vs. Yoshiaki Fujiwara" - ink & digital illustration
NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1987 (Day 22) - 06.09.1987, Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
Another of my favourite illustrations from the original Way of the Blade book & another match that I loved dearly. An excellent excerpt from the fantastic NJPW vs. UWF feud of the 80s, this match is just the definition of a heated, bloody brawl done to perfection!
I make no bones about my complete love for Karl Gotch's favourite disciple. Fujiwara-San to me is one of the absolute greatest to ever step foot in a professional wrestling ring and a first-ballot hall-of-famer in anyone’s book. His influence on the world of 'Shoot-Style' can't be overstated but there are still so many things to appreciate about him outside of that. From his facial expressions, to his general magnetic presence and innate ability to get you invested in a match in a whole different level to most. His actual wrestling also just blows my mind more & more each time I watch him. It took me a while to garner a proper appreciation of Choshu. But I totally got on board as soon as I saw his Chochu Ishin Gundan invasion of All Japan, just prior to his return to New Japan that we see here. Fujiwara and Choshu represent their respective promotions with all of the violent pride that you’d expect. Just an absolute war of a brawl. Headbutts, some amazing punches, lariats and a whole lot of blood. This is what professional wrestling is all about!
ENJOY!!!
Fancy, high quality art prints of this book illustration are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!
HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).
'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. 1cm additional border for easy framing unless otherwise requested. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!
Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.
