Goto/Tana x2

NJPW Destruction 2007

(2007/11/11)

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi ©

This is one of the most critically acclaimed matches of 2007 and it’s also Goto’s breakout match so let’s check it out. First things first, Tanahashi was fantastic here, practically flawless. He was being a dick to Goto who had the crowd support behind him for being an underdog, so why not go all the way and help him connect with fans even more, that’s where Tanahashi thrives, it was so well done. This would’ve been a legit classic if Goto managed to even remotely match Tana’s high end quality. Tana would work his leg for awhile early in the match and Goto didn’t sell any of it. Okay, it’s early stages, I’ll let it slide. But then it happened again later and Goto again refused to sell, and that’s when I got pissed at him. One of the best Tana tricks is when he busts out a desperate dragon screw somewhere in a finishing stretch that can elevate a match to super big heights, but it requires an opponent willing to sell it. Nakamura does it, Nagata does it, Goto does not. That was the turning point that could “save” the match, but Goto blew it. Yikes. Fortunately, the legwork once again came into play when Tana did his HFF on Goto’s “damaged” leg which transitioned into a Texas Cloverleaf that led to Goto submitting eventually. That sequence was great and well done, it gave an illusion the legwork led somewhere, but it didn’t it takes two to tango, and Goto refused to dance in between. Hence this match is just good instead of great.

***1/2

NJPW Dominion 2011

(2011/6/18)

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi ©

The pre-match video package is excellent and really makes Goto a sympathetic underdog warrior who won’t give up until he wins this damn championship, and Tanahashi is his everlasting foe, the ace of the company. Goto has another piece of gear, it’s samurai influenced of course. We begin with a normal, basic feeling out process on the mat before Goto take control of the pacing, then it’s Tanahashi’s turn and he works Goto’s leg, but unlike in 2007, Goto actually sells it this time, so far so good. Then it’s time for some fighting spirit and elbow/slap exchanges, it’s done in a good manner and you could feel desperation, emotion behind it. The final chapter of the match was some pretty damn high end stuff with so much drama and suspense, we see few deeply intelligent tweaks and tricks from both guys, Tanahashi was selling his neck like a motherfucker, there was few callbacks, etc. All in all, what a marvelous match, Tanahashi was superb in 2011, but then again, isn’t he always superb?

****1/2