Masaaki Mochizuki vs. Tomohiro Ishii

[6.0] "Good match, but only worth finding if you're interested in the early career of either/both guys. Be warned that neither are anywhere near the level they would be in future years. 3*"

[9.0] "For someone who's only really watched Ishii in NJPW, this is like a fever dream but in a really good way. Ishii is basically unrecognisable, and the same can be said for this version of Mochi given I'm used to old man Mochi in DG. This ruled, the strikes were stiff, and Mochi just kept putting out Ishii's flame at every turn. When they really got into it at the end it was really awesome, I need to watch more WAR!"

[5.0] "Not into this match. Ishii takes a bunch of abuse early on but when he starts to even the playing field his comeback lacks impact. And Mochi has alot of hard strikes but it doesn't make him feel like the dominant worldbeater like in his other big matches. Probably an issue of neither guy having the charisma yet early in their careers to present their actions as big moments."

[8.0] "This was nothing like I expected it to be. Tomohiro Ishii was an incredible striker already, of course, but the approach he took to this match was unique when you consider the wrestler he has become. The kicks, the high-flying offense, and the variety of suplexes were all pleasant surprises as Ishii showed out when on the offensive. Across the ring was Masaaki Mochizuki, who beat the tar out of Ishii with a bevy of kicks of his own and a Falcon Arrow variation all the way to the outside of the ring. He knotted up one leg, attacked the knee on the other, and proved resilient when the legs had gone numb and Ishii managed to fight through the pain. He had several unique offensive attacks in this one, as well as some of the nastier leg kicks you will see. I was thinking of going 3.75 stars here, but the final five-to-eight minutes were incredible. The finish was fantastic, yes, but everything that led to it was, too. Ishii selling out on the offensive, including a Diving Headbutt, a Super Hurricanrana, and a Tiger Suplex. Mochizuki staying true to his gameplan and delivered a Twisting Brainbuster that made me think Ishii had broken his damn neck. A match that fit the title of the promotion. 4 stars, 8 out of 10. I might even give it that rating if the match happened today, but the fact this transpired in 2000 is pretty nuts."

[8.0] "When some people say Ishii is doing his things from 20 years, well, if you watch this match you can see for yourself. However, this was a really fun fight. ***3/4"

[8.0] "Quite a good match, which justified the expectations placed on it. Mochizuki and Ishii proved themselves excellent wrestlers much later, but even then it was clear what they are and what they were promising for the Japanese industry. Masaaki wasn't much more experienced, but he controlled Tomohiro and kept him from going crazy. Kicking from Ishii and his flying, this is a separate aesthetic that I really miss. The last minutes made the match much better. Good fight (****)."