Isamu Teranishi vs. Mitsuo Momota

[7.0] "The TV version has ~8:45, the Classics version is in full. This is an interesting variation on Momota's other title challenges and defences in this period: against Fuchi, he works from underneath; against Nakano, he pushes for parity, and contrasts his technical acumen with Nakano's strikes; against Smith, he is overpowered but much more experienced. Here, both men are old as time itself and both excel on the mat, so they train control segments with no clear advantage. It's "AJPW lucharesu" of the late 70s and early 80s, and has some really nice passages. Momota gets to do some cool things on the mat, sticking in oddball submissions (like a key-hold armlock, and a Full Nelson Bodyscissors after he ducks a lariat and moves like quicksilver behind Teranishi). He also does the Suicida Tope Con Hilo! Teranishi hits a LOT of stuff, and just about makes himself credible with his good movement - though only two years older than Momota, he looks a lot older and doesn't always have the aura of a serious challenger. I think the fact he gets to hit stuff is in part an attempt to put over the challenge. The finish is surprisingly 50-50, though it relies on Momota having taken charge - Momota wants the Figure Four to finish Teranishi off, Teranishi pushes one off and then turns the second into a small package but Momota reverses and gets the pin, with Teranishi getting his leg on the rope as 3 is counted. I don't know why Teranishi needed this strong booking. This is good, anyway. 3.5/5"

[6.0] "This is a defense of Momota's AJPW World Junior Heavyweight title, and was broadcast as a JIP of approximately the last 8:45. Perhaps a somewhat old-fashioned affair by this point as far as "junior heavyweight wrestling" goes, but I really enjoyed what we got. Teranishi is getting up there at this point but even if he wasn't as good IMO as Mighty Inoue his talent shines through. Very nice matwork, and a good finishing run. Momota looks like a credible champion here. ***"