UWF U-Cosmos

 This show is the next show to take place in the new Tokyo Dome. The reborn UWF is our next promotion to run the Dome. Maeda had recently left NJPW again after another falling out with Management and continues to push the envelope on what wrestling can be.

Tatsuo Nakano vs Shigeo Miyato

Really frantic strikes out of a clinch to begin. The mat work is not either mans strength however the strikes out of a standing clinch is quite excellent. This is very much shoot style, two guys going for legitimate techniques centered around pro wrestling ideas and is done quite well. The standing work and grappling whilst standing is definitely the highlight of this match, whilst the grounded work is kinda just there. They do it cause they feel they have to. Miyato knocks downs Nakano but Nakano is able to meet the count but is quickly downed again in a flurry of action; is able to keep fighting through but Miyato finds a nasty variation of a half crab. Miyato is now the one to be knocked down by a heavy handed strike. Before submitting to Nakano. Really excellent shoot style match.

55/80

Minoru Suzuki vs Maurice Smith

I am skipping the previous match as it was a shoot fight and I am not knowledgeable enough to write about that. Suzuki and Smith begin with leg kicks to work here. I really enjoy the way Suzuki sets up the take down with the leg kicks to stop Smith from being able to move into range. The technique and dynamics are fantastic Smith having to use rope breaks anytime Suzuki manages to shoot in for the takedown but Suzuki cannot risk it often cause that puts him in punching range. Suzuki is knocked down by a heavy cross and his lip is bleeding now. I really like the way Smith immediately sprawls on any takedown attempt from Suzuki not giving Suzuki any chance to submit hi. Suzuki keeping Smith at bay in the frantic exchanges us fantastic and at least some of Smith's shots are landing for real. Suzuki barely survives round three. The testing out strikes followed by the live ones are my favorites as Suzuki and Smith tumble out of the ring. Smith wins by knockout, i have feelings that they knew when it would end but chose to mostly spar for 3 and a half rounds.

60/80

Yoshiaki Fujiwara vs Dick Leon Virj

Fujiwara in red and gold boxing shorts is really cursed they work frantic kicks and punches before Fujiwara hits a takeover. I really enjoy this match so far, which is not shocking with Fujiwara in it. Its odd watching Fujiwara have to cower but is making Virj seem like the biggest deal ever. Virj doesn't seem to be fully involved in the fact that this is a work but he does tap on the heel hook which Fujiwara doesn't let go of starting a fracas. This was more angle then match and is interesting.

40/80

Chris Dolman vs Kazuo Yamazaki

Both in Gi for this one as Yamazaki throws leg kicks before shooting for a take down. The Standing grappling into traditional mat grappling is quite interesting as is Dolman as a worker but Yamazaki more then hold his own. Very frantic leg kicks in this one are awesome. Pretty evenly matched as the round comes to an end. This is cool but rather boring and much prefer the Smith vs Suzuki match. Dolman has incredible technique but absolutely nothing interesting about him to make his technique fun to watch. Round 3 at least starts a little more frantic but is still mostly Yamazaki's personality making it work before he taps to an armbar. This was not really great at all.

30/80

Nobuhiko Takada vs Duane Koslowski

Much more interesting start with Takada getting a knock down with a head kick very early on. Takada is excellent in this one truly one of the greats and Koslowski is there and does stuff. Takada is beyond fantastic in this one but I find Koslowski incredibly boring and isn't great at making his work look captivating unlike a Maurice Smith. That's been a theme of the non wrestlers in these matches. There's also someone chanting USA the whole time probably Koslowski's coach maybe he can make him interesting. Takada wins by arm bar after a very boring 10 minutes.

30/80

Akira Maeda vs Willy Wilhelm

Quick opening with Wilhelm getting a take down. However Maeda is able to takeover and bring it back standing, once again we have one of the most charismatic wrestlers ever working someone who is absolutely not that and trying his best. Read my thoughts on Takada Koslowki for my views on this match except Maeda's a little better then Takada so the match is marginally less boring. Maeda wins in round 2, this was a match that happened and exists.

35/80

This show was mostly not good, two really good matches in Suzuki vs Smith and Nakano vs Miyato. However the rest is mostly boring shoot style matches with really good wrestlers working non wrestlers and doing their best as the non wrestlers are charismaless logs.

3/10