MOTW 83: Takashi Sugiura vs. Masa Kitamiya

“M.O.T.W. #83: Takashi Sugiura vs. Masa Kitamiya” - ink & digital illustration

Hi friends! It's that time of the week for the 83rd addition to our 'Match of the Week' illustration series. And today is quite the gruff one!

This blistering sprint of a match took place last year - May 4th, 2024 at Pro-Wrestling NOAH's 'WrestleMagic' big show at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall.

So I stumbled upon this one during my latest ill-fated attempt at my never-ending NOAH catch ups & had no idea what I was in for. This match took place just third on the card but that did not stop the 'Killing Machine', Daddy Sugz & 'Go For Broke' Masa from going to absolute war for about 10 minutes of what many will see as totally unnecessary brutality.

I was looking forward to this one as these two always have a bewildering level of chemistry & physicality (they've had some absolute classics in years gone by that I'd also highly recommend). But I had no idea that they would go this hard in a match that early on in a pretty massive card.

Things started at about a ten & just went up from there. I feel this is about as manly as Professional Wrestling can possibly get. So starkly contrasting with much of what we see in big-time American Pro Wrestling these days. Two big ol' burly boys, big strikes, big fire-ups, hard-way crimson and crazy intensity from start to finish. What more could you ask for? This was guttural, and at times uncomfortable. But also an ugly yet beautiful testament to the human will & dare I say 'Fighting Spirit'.

This was so awesome! I love both of these dudes a whole bunch. I'm so happy to see Masa continue to get better & better. Sugiura will forever be my favourite cyborg-wrestler. This is such an underrated gem of a match!

Give it a watch!

ENJOY!!

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