MOTW 49: Minoru Suzuki vs Yoshihiro Takayama

“M.O.T.W. #49: Minoru Suzuki vs Yoshihiro Takayama” - ink & digital illustration

Hi friends! I’m back for the 49th edition of our ‘Match of the Week’ illustration series & this week I have a very special one for you.

This heartwarming match took place just a few days ago ago at Takayamania Empire III on September 3rd, 2024 at a sold-out Korakuen Hall, Tokyo.

A 'No-Time-Limit Emergency Match' between two of my all-time favourite Professional Wrestlers. This took place as a wonderful surprise, following the absolutely tremendous Suzuki vs Katsuyori Shibata main event of the third Takayama charity tribute show that Suzuki puts on for his injured Tokyo Gurentai team-mate & dear friend.

Takayama made a very special surprise appearance at the end of the show. Marking the first time in over 7 years that he had been able to attend a show & be in a Professional Wrestling ring. As if that wasn’t enough, Suzuki challenged the Emperor to a surprise match! The bell rang & Suzuki challenged his friend to stand up & fight him.

“If you’re upset, just stand up & kick me in the face, you bastard!”

As both fought back tears & Takayama tried his best, to no avail, the bell rang to conclude the bout. Suzuki promised to continue wrestling until his friend was able to stand & return to the ring.

“I’ll wait for you.”

I cried a lot while watching this. A transcendent moment of Pro Wrestling that I’ll never forget. This was so very touching, weird & absolutely beautiful.

All profits from this artwork will go to Takayama-San to aid his ongoing recovery.

Sometimes life is tough & sad & difficult. But we have to just keep going. Trying our best, day by day. No Fear!!

ENJOY!!

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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).

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Pre-Framed Art Prints (HQ Basic): For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Pre-framed basic art-prints (pictured) printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).

Pre-Framed Art Prints (Premium): For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Pre-framed art-prints printed on Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Black or Oak-finish frame (Medium-density fibreboard) w/ double-mat border. Total size: 20cm (H) x 25cm (W). Since I send these out myself, they come hand-signed & I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!

Original Pen Illustration: The one & only original pen sketch (pictured) that spawned this illustration can be yours & yours alone! Hand-drawn on lovely, thick, slightly textured, eco-friendly, wood-free paper stock, straight out of my mole-skin drawing book. Available until it's not!

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