MOTW 103: Go Shiozaki & Akiyama vs. Marufuji & Sugiura"
"M.O.T.W. #103: Go Shiozaki & Jun Akiyama vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Takashi Sugiura (Go 20th Anniversary Match)" - ink & digital illustration
We're up to the 103rd addition to our 'Match of the Week' illustration series & this week, we again find ourselves on the good ship Pro Wrestling NOAH. And dang if this wasn't the most 'NOAH' match that I've seen in a long while!
This tremendous 20th Anniversary match of one of my all-time favourites took place on June 19th of 2024, at NOAH's 'Limit Break 3 Go! Go Shiozaki Debut 20th Anniversary Memorial' event at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo.
One of my most loved things about Japanese Wrestling is the concept of anniversary shows & special anniversary commemorative matches. A moment to give someone their flowers (both literally & figuratively) as an acknowledgement of a wonderful career. It always gets me in the feels & this one was no different.
As a long-time fan of NOAH, I love all these dudes a whole bunch & feel that each one has a very special significance to the promotion. In that way, this whole thing was just so perfect as a tribute to Go & also just a tribute to my favourite Pro Wrestling promotion. We even got a rare exemption from the pandemic restrictions era streamers ban! And dang those green streamers in Korakuen is such a beautiful thing!
The match itself rocked so hard. A real testament to the Stoicism meets fierce escalation spirit of NOAH. From the contemplative stares & subtle reactions, to some of the most fierce chops you ever did see!
The pageantry was also totally wonderful. From the special entrance of Go's mentor, Kenta Kobashi, to the final exit to the theme music of Noah founder, Mitsuharu Misawa. This whole thing just made me really happy!
ENJOY!
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