Great stuff as always! As a resident RINGS enjoyer, I must say that I think 1996 is their most pivotal year as well. Yoshihisa Yamamoto is being set up as Maeda's successor at the beginning of the year, but the collapse of UWFi and the subsequent arrival of Kiyoshi Tamura makes things very interesting to say the least. They start experimenting with the work-shoot spectrum more, and Kohsaka breaks out as a legitimate all-time great. He has some wicked matches with Volk Han as well. It really sets the tone for the next few years in RINGS and there's a reason why most people think 1996-1999 is peak RINGS. I would go even further and say RINGS' most important match in 1996 is actually the Mega Batle semi-final between Kiyoshi Tamura and Yoshihisa Yamamoto in December, which is a worked shoot and the start of a tremendous rivalry between Tamura and Yamamoto.
@fourpillarsofhell3331
6 ай бұрын
Thank you! I agree, 96 is the company’s most important year for setting things up for the future, but I could easily hear someone out if they argue 97 or 99 as the year where the in-ring work reached its peak
@rizeorfall
5 ай бұрын
You really tie these matches and their stories together with your insight. Channels like yours are so great for the art form of wrestling. Then you add in this background music that is just so unexpectedly perfect and folks are getting hooked on this channel!
@dukedude7460
6 ай бұрын
Hashimoto vs Takada contains one of my all-time “single sell” moments in wrestling: during the early feeling out process, Hashimoto kicks Takada in the leg/thigh area, and Takada’s selling of stumbling back into the ropes and his wide eyed disbelief at the power of Hash’s kick is *chefs kiss*. Muta was probably never as fully realized as a gimmick/character than he was in that WAR match against Tenryu; the match also made me think of how great a “Poison Muta” vs Stan Hansen brawl could have been.
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
Hansen selling the mist would change pro wrestling forever That single sell is one of my favorite moments in the match, for something so bombastic and character-driven those subtle moments make it stand out from so much else
@khaldub
5 ай бұрын
Love the intro. Almost hoped the entire video was dope Japanese wrestling over jungle beats. 🔥
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
If you want more from that album, it’s called Sumo Jungle and it absolutely rules
@khaldub
5 ай бұрын
@@fourpillarsofhell3331 you're the best!
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
@@khaldub the rest of the music comes from the album “THE DEEP” by SOUL SCREAM!
@sithari518
5 ай бұрын
That german suplex catch into the barbed wire explosion was insane. I can't stop re-watching that. The psychology for that match was amazing.
@wrestlemap
4 ай бұрын
Really nice work on this!
@mattkeepingazoriustactical
5 ай бұрын
Looks like the Megumi Kudo vs. Combat “Mother in Law” Toyoda Electrified Barbed Wire Death Match is here.
@szczesciejestkoloruczarneg749
5 ай бұрын
Great content! I'm here to stay.
@prashantmishra6446
5 ай бұрын
Nice video mate, good job. For me Manami Toyota is THE standard bearer for professional wrestling between 1992 and 1995. If you get a chance to watch more of her I would. Her work rate is still unmatched to this day.
@bigvanpapi
6 ай бұрын
Thank you YT algorithm/recommends for this channel!
@dddave666
6 ай бұрын
As soon as I saw Volk Han in the first 30 seconds I knew I was going to love this video. Keep up the good work!
@willisouthside
5 ай бұрын
Awesome video. New to the channel but I feel like I’ve known you for years. Kindred souls. Will be digging through your crates to see what I’ve missed and what I remember. Looking forward to the next video like this one.
@us3l3ssknowl3dg3
5 ай бұрын
Another high quality vid keep up the good work 🔥 I hope you consider making a video documenting the under appreciated genius of my all time favorite wrestler, Kiyoshi Tamura
@sagbag856
6 ай бұрын
goated compilation. i always resort to this era cause it feels like peak wrestling to me
@Jokesterloki
5 ай бұрын
That Combat Toyota and Megumi Kudo match really sparked my passion for wrestling to a new level despite me never being a death match fan. Without me needing to know Japanese that match and the presentation of it told a story that can rival the best storylines today despite its lack of exposure to most western fans.
@eugeneenyaosa6397
5 ай бұрын
Highest Praise to your video here. Excellent piece of work. Ive been a fan of the puroresu art for nearly 20 yrs and although ive always read of these famed bouts via online blogs etc....Ive never had the pleasure of witnessing their story (aside from 12/6/96 Holy Demon Army vs Misawa/Akiyama) Thanks for enlightening me to the greatness of puroresu outside of AJPW/NJPW
@DeMizeGxM
5 ай бұрын
bro who made these funky ass beats i love them lol
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
All of them come from the album “THE DEEP” by SOUL SCREAM!
@DeMizeGxM
4 ай бұрын
@@fourpillarsofhell3331 thanks bro :)
@Kaltagstar96
Ай бұрын
Honestly, I'm glad that Michinoku Pro got some love in the top spot, it's the kind of wrestling that I absolutely love and it's why Lucharesue is my personal favourite type of puro, you can keep your Kings Road and Inokiism / Strong Style. The only match I can think of that comes close to the Michinoku Pro six-mans is that insane ROH 6 man tag team match from the Dragon Gate lads. But Michinoku Pro wins out on the basis that they had Gran Naniwa in a crab mask instead of a mere dragon mask (no disrespect to Dragon Kid, it's fucking insane that the dude is still going!)
@SomiariTobin
6 ай бұрын
You did it again my guy ! Proud of the work you’re putting out !
@jpd632
5 ай бұрын
Wow. Bummer. Loved this channel and enjoyed your content. Best wishes. Always sad when creators leave the platform form
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
??? Not leaving the platform.
@deathsnitemaresinfullust2269
5 ай бұрын
Almost 2 minutes in and I haven't seen a single person that looks like they knew this was "predetermined". 😆👍
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
That’s how you know it’s the GOOD stuff.
@sunbrodaveftw6131
6 ай бұрын
That tag match was fire
@classicviolence
5 ай бұрын
1997 was my all time favorite year in wrestling. To me 96 was a solid lead in.
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
97 is the other year I was considering, you get the best WWF match ever by most people’s standards, my pick for the best apuestas match ever in Casas vs Santito, Kudo-Tsuchiya, the rest of the Han-Tamura series, and so so much more
@kford13
6 ай бұрын
Megumi Kudo vs. Combat Toyada and Kudo's retirement match against Shark suchiya got me to immediately go to IVP Videos and buy every Best of Megumi Kudo volume they had.
@guitarhero640
6 ай бұрын
Goat posted omg lessgoooo
@theredraven
5 ай бұрын
It was 2005 when I first started getting into Puroresu and probably 2006/2007 when I first saw the famous December 1996 AJPW tag league final. Even now, some 17 years later and with a lot less interest in wrestling than I had then I would still put that up there as the greatest match I've ever seen. Just perfect. It's even better when see the 1988 tag league match where Kawada teams with Tenryu against Stan Hansen and Terry Gordy, with Kawada playing the same role Akiyama would play in 1996, the youngster in with the grizzled veterans. Almost poetic how one of Kawada's greatest triumphs mirrors him being on the losing side eight years earlier. (That 1988 match is incredible too). Also, great shout on the Hashimoto/Takada match. Given how boring I found the two Takada/Mutoh matches that preceded it, it was refreshing to see two guys have a lively quasi shoot style kind of match. I don't think I've ever heard a Tokyo Dome crowd get that excited. Every little move gets a buzz rippling through the building. Just a shame NJPW decided to book the UWFi guys into the ground (Takada excepted). I wonder if in the alternate universe where Takada goes for a UWFi/AJPW feud instead if his guys would have fared better? (Imagine how much Takada Vs Kawada would have been).
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
I think Takada sent out challenges to the heads of every big wrestling company in 1996, which is why we got the Hash and Tenryu matches, but sadly Misawa declined because All Japan didn’t like working with other companies
@theredraven
5 ай бұрын
@@fourpillarsofhell3331 I know Baba was very reticent about cross promotional stuff. I've read that Kawada was supposed to win the Triple Crown in 96 but he pissed off Baba over an argument to do with working with other promotions so Taue got the nod to beat Misawa for it instead (or something to that effect). Funny thing is, later that year (September), Kawada did work the UWFi's last stadium show at Jingu, beating Yoshihiro Takayama!
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
@@theredraven In a really great match that showcased exactly the type of beast Takayama would become in a half decade! I know working with a rival promotion is like sticking your hand in a hornet’s nest and hoping you don’t get stung, but it would all be worth it to see a fully grown Taue up against Ace of the company mode Tenryu.
@crimestick6648
5 ай бұрын
Megumi Kudo & Mother-in-Law (Combat Toyoda) always put on good matches. Highly recommended!
@MadKingFan69
5 ай бұрын
The Hashimoto vs Takada match was fire.
@MadKingFan69
5 ай бұрын
And of Course everything All Japan in the 90's is amazing
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
@@MadKingFan69 Watch Tenryu-Muta your life will change
@MadKingFan69
5 ай бұрын
I have seen my dude
@jamminmusicman
5 ай бұрын
Awesome Video 💯 would love to see you do more Best Matches Of The Year videos 💪 and I recently checked out some classic Battlarts shows from watching your video keep up the amazing content buddy 🤘 #FourPillarsOfHell
@heathmcrigsby
5 ай бұрын
ECW, nWo and Austin in 96
@williambotner2317
5 ай бұрын
I am super jumbo. Fan. Good years when new generation. Was trying and successful To become ace
@Brando-Lee3725
5 ай бұрын
I listened to your comments on AJPW and to me that stuff is still some of the greatest . But Im interested in what you think has topped that stuff ? I mean that in a good way . What are you into that you could turn me on to ? Matches , Promotions ? Im always looking for badass wrestling !!! Hook me up !
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
I think it entirely depends on what you love from All Japan most. For me, it’s the emotion, violence, constant escalation of every move, and how at its best, they made every move matter. What I’ve gravitated towards is stuff like Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe, BattlARTS, FUTEN, WAR, and Mid-South in particular
@williambotner2317
5 ай бұрын
Great job
@arnavverma5783
5 ай бұрын
Damn I got the underated channel! Love Puro Wrestling
@artirony410
5 ай бұрын
I've been getting more into 90s stuff lately but before that I would've said either 2005, 2007, or 2023 for what years IMO had the highest number of amazing matches, although those aren't exclusive to Japan.
@willisouthside
5 ай бұрын
Kudo was and still is the best female wrestler ever.
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
I’ve watched more since recording and it’s close, Aja will always have my heart but Kudo’s body of work speaks for itself. The true queen of hardcore wrestling.
@christiananderson263
6 ай бұрын
I love Aja kong so goddamn much good she’s in a video of yours
@justtakingawalk1555
6 ай бұрын
i see four pillars of hell. i click. simple as
@Jokesterloki
5 ай бұрын
Although I agree with all your match choices I disagree with your commentary of some of this legends/performers that which you were too harsh on in my opinion. I am a Gen Z 90s NJPW fan and here is my constructive criticism/rant. Combat Toyota: Don’t get me wrong she was a great rival to Megumi Kudo but Kudo should be at the top of your Joshi/FMW research check her out first I’d recommend Bret FMW’s video on her she was the female ace of FMW for good reason. Manami Toyota: like Bro really she is good, a Joshi GOAT even. Hey I don’t get Aja Kong so fair game, regardless checkout both and don’t underrate Toyota and Joshi. Watch “AJW Dream Slam 1” 1993 if you haven’t already and if you have watch it again. Great Muta: Come on you and I both know that was a questionable opinion but you have the right to think it. Don’t disrespect Muta and by extension Mutoh. Tenryu’s best match’s in the late 90s and early 00s was with him as you have just proven. All Japan: Yeah there is better stuff it is true but it indeed sits as a standard to the rest of the world of what puro can offer so at least don’t knock them for that. In conclusion I respect your opinion and I thank your amazing videos for educating me on shoot style and puro as a whole.
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
-I’m slightly more familiar with Kudo, which is why I didn’t mention her specifically as someone I need to dive way deeper into as much as Toyoda, whose work is very up my alley -“Don’t underrate Toyota and joshi” I am simply stating an opinion, Toyota doesn’t do nearly as much for me as her peers in Aja, Bull, Hokuto, Kandori, Hotta, or LCO -Again, I am allowed to have whatever opinion I want on a wrestler, Muta is not very interesting to me for a lot of his career. -Never said All Japan was bad, called it a necessary starting point in fact!
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
I never said “Tenryu’s best matches in the late 90s and early 00s were with Muta,” only one of them was.
@indigoknives
5 ай бұрын
“Don’t disrespect Muta” did he consider not disrespecting my time with his shitty matches first?
@Jokesterloki
5 ай бұрын
@@fourpillarsofhell3331 Once again I respect your opinion I’ve said that a thousand times now. I just wanted to say this as a moment of education for us both as you’ve have done for me with these videos. Valid (Combat and Kudo) When I said underrate I meant give another chance/ look at. Same thing with me and Kong (be open minded). I HAVE NEVER SAID YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO YOUR OPINION (Muta). I NEVER PUT THESE WORDS IN YOUR MOUTH (Tenryu) I was agreeing with you and adding on how much of a good hand Mutoh is. (All Japan) I was agreeing with you in different words nor did I put words in your mouth.
@Jokesterloki
5 ай бұрын
@@indigoknives Did you consider giving his matches another chance?
@sodlaflare
5 ай бұрын
Where is it possible to find these matches in high quality? 90s wrestling is my favorite era, and Japanese wrestling is my favorite style. But when I find these matches (usually on youtube) the quality is so bad it takes away from the match. *yes I know its not gonna be 1080p but 144p doesn't work for me brother
@heathmcrigsby
5 ай бұрын
The footage is from vhs tapes. Soooooooooo... 7:16 is as good as it gets
@mirocastillo1715
6 ай бұрын
22:53 you are goddamn right. TENRYU SUPREMACY
@TheJesster
Ай бұрын
How about Eric Bischoff debunking the whole “nWo ripped off a Japanese faction” recently?
@GrizzlyBear000
6 ай бұрын
Hol up U GOT A PODCAST?!!!
@anthonyrobertson419
5 ай бұрын
Me too I was floored
@Yoni123
5 ай бұрын
Funny jab at the Sting AEW fiasco :D
@Andyboylettuce
5 ай бұрын
But AEW just got their lowest rating In 3 years Its dead!! JK Great video man! Keep them coming. Sub'd 4 Life 🤟🏻
@ushireborn
5 ай бұрын
Matsunagas stopped paying various workers in AJW in 1996. Kudo retiring HURT FMW. UWFI was done. New Japan had the worst matches of the decade up to that point in 1996. All Japan had some bangers. overall, 1996 was plagued with bad booking, poor gates, and money problems in Japan
@kylegreen2768
5 ай бұрын
If you listen to anything Eric Bischoff said he didn’t use the UWFI as a template. Listen to episode 1 of 83 weeks.
@Yoni123
5 ай бұрын
Show video, not pics..
@fourpillarsofhell3331
5 ай бұрын
I do for most of the video, can’t show New Japan clips without threat of a copyright strike.
@Yoni123
5 ай бұрын
@@fourpillarsofhell3331 theres tons if njpw footage on KZitem
@prowrestlingoutsider727
5 ай бұрын
@@Yoni123 And most of it is uploaded by NJPW themselves.
@Yoni123
5 ай бұрын
@@prowrestlingoutsider727 plenty isn't
@denisdegaspari9723
5 ай бұрын
Njpw mix wcw mix WWE mix ecw mix Aaa ecc.........mix in the world wrestler 1996
@San-li9ml
6 ай бұрын
Wait you actually put a NJPW match here? Rip your channel
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