MOTW 120: Black Tiger Eddie Guerrero vs Great Sasuke

"M.O.T.W. #120: Black Tiger II (Eddie Guerrero) vs. The Great Sasuke" - ink & digital illustration

Today marks the 120th edition of our 'Match of the Week' illustration series! And this week we travel to a glory period of Japanese Junior Heavyweight Pro Wrestling in '96 New Japan for a deep-cut dream match!

This delightful inter-promotional Jr. heavyweight clash took place on June 17th, 1996 - the main event of New Japan's groundbreaking all-Jr-Heavyweight title matches 'Skydiving J' event at Budokan Hall, Tokyo, for the IWGP Jr. heavyweight Championship.

So I was back on a Sasuke kick & this was another of those matches that I must have seen previously but upon rewatch, on this week, with todays' eyes, it really spoke to me!

I feel like this one is a real sleeper as it definitely is not the all-action spotfest that I imagine some might expect, but what we get is such a wonderful combination of submission wrestling, domination, survival & ultimately a spectacular upset.

All in all, with todays eyes, the insane quality of Professional Wrestling here really stood out. I mean, we are talking about two of the greatest Junior Heavyweight wrestlers of all time, but still! It had its spectacular moments but overall felt like a gruelling fight.

I absolutely loved the combination of Eddie seemingly outclassing & bullying Sasuke throughout, but the all time great underdog never giving up. Despite some tremendous punishment! (Man that powerbomb & the #Brainbuster!) Eddie gets much more offence than Sasuke in general but the whole thing just really works. Sasuke's scrappy comebacks & the sheer insanity you expect from him (like the totally ridiculous rider kick from the top turnbuckle to the outside) put the biggest smile on my face! And what a finish!!

This brought me a lot of joy! Both these dudes rock so hard!!

ENJOY!

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