(Almost) 5-Star Match Reviews: A Collection of YOSHIHIRO TAKAYAMA Matches

Yoshihiro Takayama is one of those wrestlers more people should watch. He’s unusual as far as big guys so: rather than have his opponents bounce off him while he remains immobile, Takayama is a dangerous wrestler who’s not only heavy but capable on the mat as well. He trained in shoot-style wrestling before turning fully pro. This creates a unique presentation for his opponents: how can you take down someone so much bigger without getting in close to throw or strike since he can counter almost any strike or suplex with legitimate submission holds? This combination of attributes translated into considerable success: Takayama’s one of a tiny handful of wrestlers to win Japan’s three top world titles (AJPW’s, NJPW’s, and NOAH’s). He headlined Wrestle Kingdom, the biggest-drawing annual wrestling show in Japan, twice. He has won tag gold in six different companies. And despite losing all of his MMA fights, he became immortal thanks to his legendary fight with Don Frye at Pride 21. On the puro side he has also been in plenty of outstanding matches: two world-class singles bouts opposite Kenta Kobashi in 2000 and 2004, a tag bout with Takao Omori in 1999, and another highly emotional tag match in 2007. But as we’ll see with these other five matches, there’s a lot more to his career than that.

Yoshihiro Takayama vs. KENTA – NOAH, January 15, 2011

The Story: After Mitsuharu Misawa’s death in 2009, NOAH’s fortunes continued to sour and the roster of headline-worthy wrestlers thinned. Despite being a popular junior heavyweight, KENTA lacked the size to headline against heaviwe opponents. Realizing that he couldn’t magically gain a foot of height or 70 pounds, he decided to adopt a new attitude, hoping that would compensate for his shortcomings. As part of that, KENTA tried recruiting one of his original trainers into his new stable No Mercy by beating him so badly the older, slower, war-beaten giant would succumb to his smaller opponent’s whims and join his side.

The Match: The bell rings and KENTA boots Takayama into a corner. He lands a flurry of corner yakuza kicks, a basement dropkick, and a diving double stomp for two. A running kick leads to a ropebreak. KENTA lands a martial arts blitz but Takayama boots him down. That’s followed by another stiff barrage from KENTA concluding with a kick that may or may not have knocked Takayama out. KENTA follows with a snapmare/kick combo and covers by planting his foot on Takayama’s chest. This angers the monster so he stiffs KENTA with kicks and knees and ties him in the tree of woe. He continues blasting KENTA with knees and forearms and throws him into the barricade. Then they trade stiff shots once again until Takayama head-butts him so hard he busts his own head open. Takayama attempts a running kick but KENTA catches his foot, resists a guillotine choke attempt, and lands an overhead suplex. KENTA counters another kick with an STF. He follows with a combination snapmare/soccer kick/diving clothesline for two. He lands a springboard dropkick but Takayama hits back with a big running kick of his own. KENTA avoids a corner charge, dumps Takayama ringside, and lands a top-rope diving double stomp to the floor. KENTA lands an Orton-style draping DDT and attempts a fireman’s carry but Takayama blocks and lands an overhead throw. KENTA lands running lariats and a German Suplex for two. Both men have removed their kneepads. KENTA attempts the GTS but Takayama lands an exposed kneelift and a back suplex for two. KENTA fights out of a German and then they trade punches Takayama lands another knee and a release Dragon Suplex for two. Then the Everest German Suplex gets him the three-count to end the match.

Winner after 12:11: Yoshihiro Takayama

You can watch the full match here.

Review: That was a solid battle of violence and stiff striking the likes of which could only be found in NOAH with guys like this. Neither guy was known for pulling punches and KENTA was put in a worst-case scenario as he had to fight the biggest guy on the roster while being arguably the smallest. As such, he channeled his little man complex and compensated for his small stature with vicious, borderline concussive strikes. Takayama endured these like always, harkening back to his fight with Don Frye. As such, KENTA had to pull out all the stops and hit desperation attacks like his double stomp to the floor. By no means was this an epic but it was still fun watching KENTA act like a cold-hearted little bastard only for the wall he was trying to break down hit back.

Final Rating: ***1/2

Yoshihiro Takayama vs. Toshiaki Kawada – UWFi Sudden Death – 5th Anniversary Special, September 11, 1996

The Story: For much of 1995 and 1996, Kawada found himself uninspired by Baba’s repetitive booking. He sought external stimulation and new feuds but Baba wasn’t game until Kawada’s bout with Gary Albright in October ’95 almost blew the roof of Nippon Budokan. Thinking such unusual match-ups were the right business move, Kawada looked for more of the same. Baba would Monkey’s Paw this wish for him by making him Stan Hansen’s replacement in an interpromotional bout on a UWFi show in Meiji Jingu Stadium. At first Baba assured Kawada that his opponent, “some kid named Takayama” was just a tall skinny dude and he shouldn’t be worried. When Kawada arrived to the stadium, he saw his opponent and realized that he was definitely NOT skinny.

The Match: They lock-up and Kawada hits a high kick in a corner. Takayama taunts him but gets taken down moments later, apparently forgetting that Kawada was a NATIONAL WRESTLING CHAMPION before entering AJPW’s dojo. Kawada works a grounded headlock/wristlock combo as Takayama tries escaping with knees. Kawada hits a big knee but Takayama answers with wild haymakers. Kawada returns with slaps and another takedown. Kawada lands stepkicks and attempts a Backdrop but Takayama counters into a Sleeper Hold. Kawada gets a ropebreak so Takayama kicks his legs. Kawada catches his leg, lands some angry stomps, and applies a half crab. Takayama gets a ropebreak and eats a kick to the spine. Takayama returns fire with various strikes and attempts a Cross Armbreaker. Kawada reverses into his own. Takayama gets a ropebreak, endures more kicks, and counters into a heel hook. Kawada literally kicks out and fires more kicks until Kawada assumes a bracing position and just eats them while daring Takayama to bring it on. Takayama obliges with a roundhouse to the head. He lands a jumping knee and a German Suplex but Kawada bounces up and hits a high kick and a Dangerous Backdrop. Both guys trade different variations of kicks until Kawada catches Takayama’s foot and lands a big lariat. Kawada lands three Gamengiris for a two-count, lands a fourth, and gets the three-count.

Winner after 8:28: Toshiaki Kawada

You can watch the full match here.

Review: That was fun. Kawada wasn’t out of place whatsoever in UWFi and this mismatch fit his mindset perfectly. He was a man who practiced pragmatic wrestling and, as mentioned before, curated his wrestling for different settings. As such, he relied on his amateur origins against a more shoot-oriented opponent and the result was a short but explosive fight. It was more of an exhibition than a deep or historic encounter with Takayama getting some big hits here and there but was outdone by a man with significantly more experience. Despite hitting hard Kawada had more power and wit behind his movements which spelled doom for Takayama. Though not a world-class match by any means it’s definitely unique enough to warrant watching.

Final Rating: ***1/2

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Yuji Nagata [c] vs. Yoshihiro Takayama – NJPW Toukon Memorial Day 30th Anniversary

The Story: This was Nagata’s first defense and a match that would later be voted Match of the Year by Tokyo Sports. Following Keiji Muto’s defection to AJPW, NJPW needed a credible new champion which they found in Nagata. But a champion is only as good as his challengers and his first was outside invader Takayama. There was symbolism in this match-up as well as Nagata was a through-and-through wrestler while Takayama was active in MMA at the time (though this match took place before his world-famous fight with Don Frye).

The Match: The bell rings and they immediately get into an intense lock-up against the ropes. They jockey for control and it gets so heated the referee has to insert himself between them. Nagata rushes Takayama and lands mounted head-butts. Takayama answers with mounted forearms. Nagata wrestles into a Crossface but Takayama escapes. They grapple again and Nagata throws him overhead. Takayama answers with a high kick, leading to a stalemate. Another kick exchange ends with a Backdrop Hold from Nagata that gets a one-count. Takayama counters into a headlock which forces Nagata to the ropes. Nagata lands roundhouse kicks but Takayama blocks another Backdrop and hits the Everest German for a one-count of his own. A high kick sends Nagata to the floor so Takayama stomps him from the apron. He drags Nagata back into the ring, struggles lifting him, and then watches as an Irish whip sends Nagata back down after only two steps. When getting a KO decision doesn’t happen Takayama applies a Cross Armbreaker. Nagata gets a ropebreak so Takayama kicks the arm.

Nagata rushes to the ropes to avoid an Everest German and then counters a second with a roll-through into an ankle lock. Takayama gets a ropebreak so Nagata kicks his legs, only for Takayama to blast him with a kneelift for two. Takayama uses his weigh to trap Nagata in a kimura lock and almost gets a win by decision. He dropkicks Nagata into a corner and hits a jumping knee/butterfly suplex combo for two. He follows with a chinlock and a leg drop for another near-fall. Nagata tanks more kicks to the face but refuses to stay down. Then Takayama kicks some more, only for Nagata to land a sudden sweep to block a third roundhouse to his chest. He follows with his Nagata Lock (a modified Figure-Four) but Takayama gets a ropebreak. some kicks to the head and another Backdrop Hold yield another two-count. Takayama blocks an enzuigiri and hits another kneelift. The Everest German gets two. That’s followed by an extended Strong Style strike exchange that ends with Nagata hitting roundhouses to the head for the three-count.

Winner after 15:36: Yuji Nagata

You can watch this match on New Japan World.

Review: If you ever wanted a match that exemplified NJPW as addition-focused or attack-oriented pro wrestling, this is it. There was a clear focus on attacking and constant movement, as opposed to the slower, more defensive-inspired style of AJPW and later NOAH. These two threw strikes nonstop and left each other little room to breathe or think. They kept constant pressure on each other as a means of overwhelming one another enough for guards to be broken for a decisive strike. The story was straightforward with Nagata chopping Takayama down bit-by-bit which gradually slowed Takayama down to the point that he could no longer defend himself. Nagata winning with roundhouse kicks to the head was unexpected but thematically appropriate given NJPW’s appreciation for martial arts techniques. While not as heavy on over narratives, this was all action that makes it worthwhile.

Final Rating: ****

GHC Heavyweight Championship Match: Yoshinari Ogawa [c] vs. Yoshihiro Takayama – NOAH, September 7, 2002

The Story: Earlier in April, NOAH decided to surprise its audience by having Ogawa beat Jun Akiyama in under give minutes. It was a great idea on paper but not necessarily in practice as it really damaged Akiyama’s credibility. Still, I guess the surprise was worth it because Ogawa the fluky cheater successfully defended the GHC title against Akira Taue and Takeshi Rikio through the summer of 2002. Then in September he found himself staring down a giant who looked like he weighed twice as much. Takayama wasn’t a lumbering dolt, either, and was more than capable of answering technical exchanges in kind should the need arise.

The Match: Ogawa has a visual mind game at play as he has “GHC CHAMP” written on his ass. He rushes Takayama before the bell, ducks a boot, and gets a schoolboy cover for two. Takayama remains standing on some shoulderblocks so Ogawa pokes his eye do land another shoulderblock to drop him. Ogawa covers but Takayama LAUNCHES him across the ring on kick-out. Takayama blasts Ogawa with kicks and forearms. He lands a heaving scoop slam and knocks the wind out of Ogawa with kneelifts. Takayama lands a big butterfly suplex for two, punts Takayama’s spine, and hits a running PK Kick on the entrance ramp. Back in the ring, a belly-to-belly gets Takayama another near-fall. Ogawa resists a chinlock and hits pitiful slaps in the face of Takayama’s forearms. Ogawa dodges a corner boot and ties Takayama in the tree of woe. He attacks the weakened leg, punches Takayama’s face, and smashes his arms into the post. Takayama tries creating separation but Ogawa attacks the arm persistently, playing loose with ropebreaks.

Ogawa applies various joint locks until Takayama does the Billy Robinson deadlift and carries Ogawa into a corner. Ogawa counters this with a roll into a Cross Armbreaker but Takayama gets a ropebreak. Ogawa lands several kicks to the head and uses the arm to float over into a DDT for two. He smashes Takayama into the barricade and the post and then attempts a slam out in the stands. Takayama blocks it and smashes Ogawa into the post. He sets him up for a running charge against the post but Ogawa dodges so Takayama collides with metal head-and-arm-first. Takayama re-enters the ring by the referee’s count of nineteen so Ogawa hits three Backdrop Suplexes for some near-falls. Takayama endures a Cross Armbreaker and when he tries a counter roll-up Ogawa’s one step ahead and covers for two. He tries one arm attack too many as Takayama blasts him with a kneelift. Everest German Suplex. Two-count. Takayama attempts a standing kneelift. Ogawa counters with a school boy for two. He attempts another German. Ogawa counters with a modified takeover into a cover for another near-fall. Jackknife cover. Two-count again. Takayama powers out of a small package attempt with a slam and hits a vicious kneelift for two. Second Everest German Suplex. One, two, three! Takayama wins the title!

Winner and NEW GHC Heavyweight Champion after 16:46: Yoshihiro Takayama

You can watch the full match here.

Review: This was WAY better than I expected thanks to the mismatch dynamic between these two men. Ogawa was smaller but wilier while Takayama was slower and hit harder. These contrasts turned into complementary wrestling between two vastly different styles. Ogawa was amazing at playing the little shit with his many tricks and underhanded tactics. At first few people expected him to retain against such a gigantic threat but with careful wrestling and well-timed counters he used the giant’s momentum against him. He riled Takayama up and used gaps in his attacks to attack the arm. That worked for Misawa but despite having an excellent ground game Ogawa couldn’t parlay that same strategy into similar success. Takayama found the narrowest opening and kneed Ogawa like he owed him money. Once that happened Takayama pummeled and destroyed Ogawa with a few well-aimed smacks and full-power suplexes to win. It wasn’t the most even or back-and-forth match but it had a great story with both guys exceling in their respective roles. A sleeper hit, for sure.

Final Rating: ****

Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship Match: Yoshihiro Takayama [c] vs. SUWAMA – AJPW Pro-Wrestling Love in Ryogoku 2009

The Story: Earlier in March, Takayama beat The Great Muta to win the Triple Crown, becoming the second-ever wrestler to win what has become known as the Japanese wrestling Grand Slam: NOAH’s GHC Heavyweight title, NJPW’s IWGP Heavyweight title, and AJPW’s Triple Crown. The former champion tried reclaiming the title under his real name instead of his alter-ego but failed. After that, a new contender rose to the challenge, that being SUWAMA, a former amateur wrestler scouted by the legendary Hiroshi Hase and also a former Triple Crown Champion himself. I’ve heard great things about SUWAMA despite not having seen much of him recently, so let’s see if these two bigger dudes would put on a compelling match together.

The Match: They start with a basic hold exchange. A test of strength leads to a stiff strike exchange. They trade shoulderblocks until Takayama bowls SUWAMA over. SUWAMA counters a whip into the barricade and hits a counter overhead suplex. He suplexes Takayama back into the ring, answers elbows with chops, and hits a big discus lariat. Then he turns a kick into an Ankle Lock. Takayama reverses that and hits a running knee to the face. He follows with kicks and leg drops to the neck, along with some on the apron. SUWAMA fights back with chops but Takayama drops him with another lariat for a two-count. Takayama lands a body press with SUWAMA in the tree of woe followed by a corner knee/butterfly suplex combo for two. SUWAMA lands a sudden counter with a capture suplex, followed by a lariat/belly-to-belly combo for two. Takayama hits a sudden counter flying crossbody for a near-fall of his own. He blocks another lariat and lands a back suplex for another near-fall. They trade stiff strikes and suplexes. Takayama hits a counter kneelift but SUWAMA drops him with a lariat.

Takayama uses his reach advantage to hit big kicks but SUWAMA answers with more kicks and lariats. He clotheslines Takayama to the floor and dives through the ropes onto him. Back in the ring SUWAMA unloads more lariats for two. Then he lands an overhead suplex from the second rope that appears to go wrong as Takayama lands right on his face. That would kill an ordinary person but Takayama’s a monster and kicks out at two. A bridging German Suplex gets SUWAMA yet another near-fall. Takayama blocks a diving splash with a Superplex, lands yet more knees, and hits a Backdrop for two. SUWAMA reverses a second Backdrop with his own and hits another for yet another near-fall. Takayama escapes a Last Ride powerbomb and hits a release Dragon Suplex. SUWAMA fires up and no-sells exposed kneelifts to the face. They do the Frye/Takayama punch exchange. SUWAMA attempts a trapping suplex. Takayama blocks and hits another stiff strike volley followed by the Everest German Suplex to get the pin and retain his title.

Winner and STILL AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship after 26:21: Yoshihiro Takayama

You can watch the full match here.

Review: That was twenty-six minutes of stiff brutality between two big dudes slapping meat. Finesse, strategy, and science were cast aside in favor of displays of raw power and grit. Both guys hit each other with what looked and sounded like concussive force. They showcased controlled recklessness, hitting hard in safe places (though in one case a suplex went awry but Takayama survived because he’s made of diamond). Even with some slow moments they created an undeniable sense of struggle by escalating the risks as the match progressed. At one point Takayama hit a head-butt so nasty he bloodied himself but kept going because he no longer understood the meaning of pain. This is a restrictive kind of wrestling that few people could, or should, do. Someone with Takayama’s ability to take hits only comes around once in a while so it makes sense that he used his natural gifts for as long as they bore fruit. Anyways, if you like stiff, ugly wrestling that looks like it’s designed to be effective and impactful over being elegant and artistic, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Final Rating: ****

As always, thanks for reading.