MOTW 124: Mil Mascaras vs Destroyer
"M.O.T.W. #124: Mil Máscaras vs. The Destroyer" - ink & digital illustration
Today marks the 124th edition of our 'Match of the Week' illustration series! And this week we travel back to early 70s Japan for on of the greatest Pro Wrestling matches I've ever seen!
This incredible WRESTLING bout took place on October 9th, 1973, on Day 3 of All Japan Pro Wrestling's Giant Series '73 tour, at the famed Kuramae Kokugikan in Tokyo - 2/3 falls for the PWF United States Heavyweight Championship.
Oh my gosh, this was just such a delight in every way! So after our 'Enigma De Muerte' poster the other day, I ended up on a Mil Máscaras kick & promptly realised I'd never really actually seen this Lucha legend in his prime! I found myself just enchanted by 'Mr. Personalidad' in every way. The look, the masks, the general presence, bodily charisma, but most of all, his actual wrestling skill! And this match captures all of that so darned well!
So as an interesting tidbit, I believe this may actually be the first ever match between two masked wrestlers in Japan (if not one of the first). But dude, this thing is just an absolute clinic/masterclass in Professional Wrestling! There were so many amazing little subtleties, amazing showmanship, masterful pacing, some moments of humour, terrific selling & in-ring storytelling & more than anything, incredible, top-tier competitive wrestling.
Destroyer is a guy who I've known of his amazing talents & crazy level of esteem as one of the all-time great gaijins in Japanese wrestling but one I've just never gotten around to watching a lot of for whatever reason. But I think that changes now! In this match, he is one of the greatest to ever do it!
I adored every moment of this 2/3 falls classic. It sums up so much of what is magical about the world of 70s Wrestling. There were even a bunch of moves that I'd never seen before! Both guys won me over something fierce & certainly have got me wanting to check out more of their 70s era work.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended!
ENJOY!!
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