Isami Kodaka vs. Kankuro Hoshino

[8.0] "The rule to make a good deathmatch is to make a good wrestling match, in addition of the crazy spots. So, I didn't really like the beginning because the spots follow each other without much logic. It becomes very good then. Some really crazy spots with the ladder, for example. Kodaka is a god. As very often in deathmatches, the selling is secondary, which is a pity, but it was still fun and really enjoyable."

[9.0] "A hidden classic. Hoshino's limb work pays off repeatedly in the match. Kodaka's giga ladder is used a few times for crazy high falls. I was surprised I hadn't heard about this match until looking through the dm title's history."

[9.0] "This was quite insane as Kodaka's selling was on another level here. I loved the escalation of using light tubes and concrete blocks to build up to the use of the ladder. Hoshino's work on Kodaka's leg was great here too as he stopped the latter's momentum just by going for that leg, which was sold really well by Kodaka throughout the match. The leg work even played a factor into the finish which is always cool to see. The spots were pretty brutal too, especially Kodaka's signature knee drop off of the ladder, ****1/2."

[7.0] "One of the best Deathmatch defenses in recent memory (as usual when one of the contenders is Isami Kodaka, ins't it? ). Isami works hard to sell for Kankuro and keeping it interesting enough, making this the best effort of Hoshino after facing Ito. In the last stretch, Isami goes on no-selling mode, however taking some nasty bumps to cap it off in great fashion. ***1/4"