MOTW 149: Tsuji vs Shingo
"M.O.T.W. #149: Yota Tsuji vs. Shingo Takagi" - ink & digital illustration
Today brings us to the 149th edition of our Chris Things Art 'Match of the Week' illustration series! And this week we keep the G1 train a chuffin' with another big-time favourite match of this years' tournament thus far!
This positively delightful A Block bout took place on July 25th, the main event of Day 6 of New Japan's G1 Climax 36 tournament at Ota Ward Gymnasium in Ota City, Tokyo.
So this is a match that really took me by surprise. Don't get me wrong; I'm a long-time fan of Shingo & have been finding myself enjoying Tsuji more & more as time goes on but man, on this night, these two just totally hit it out of the park!
A clash of former Los Ingobernables De Japon members, who clearly knew one another very well (Which played into things in a very cool way on that finishing stretch). A wonderful mix of smart in-ring storytelling & big 'ol meaty, very satisfying clubberin'! The younger Tsuji is clearly at the top of his game as current reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion (thank you so much for bringing that back by the way!) so in addition to utilising his explosively & general brute force that we all know & love him for, Shingo is going to have to utilise his Wiley veteran know-how to get the better of the champion. I really loved this dynamic of Shingo staying one step ahead of the 'Gene Blaster' as the crafty old dog. I found myself really invested in this one as it went on more than your standard fare.
And then of course we got a boat-load of great, big ol' forearms, chops, Tenryu-esque punches & one of the greatest sweat-flying counter-lariats that I've seen in my life!
This rocked! I'm finding myself enjoying this years' G1 more than I have in a long while. And it ain't over yet! ...Bradley I think I'm officially a Tsuji fan now!
Highly recommended!
ENJOY!!
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