Walking the King’s Road (Part 3)

Welcome to Part 3 of Walking the King’s Road, an introductory guide to one of the greatest periods in wrestling history. Over the first two parts, we’ve explored how Giant Baba was forced to rebuild his roster and how that lead to one of the greatest rivalries the wrestling world has ever seen. However, Misawa vs Kawada wasn’t the only legendary rivalry that All Japan would have during the 90’s. From 1995 onwards, Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi would enter into a feud that would rival that of Misawa vs Kawada. It would showcase the same level of hard hitting innovation, deep storytelling and intense fighting spirit.

Before we get Part 3 under way, if you have missed either Part 1 or 2 then you can find them using the links below:

Part 1 – The Birth of a Dynasty
Part 2 – Mitsuharu Misawa vs Toshiaki Kawada

Part 3 – Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi

If Misawa vs Kawada was a feud built on a deep personal hatred, then Misawa vs Kobashi was a feud built on respect. While neither man would hold nothing back in the ring, they would still maintain a healthy respect for one another. This rivalry would morph from who was the better man into who was the true Ace as we entered the latter part of the 90’s. Kobashi was so beloved by the fans that his popularity would start to rival that of Misawa’s and thus lead to his challenge as the Ace of All Japan.

Before we dive into this feud, I’d like to shed a little light on Kobashi’s history and growth leading up to his first match against Misawa in 1995. This time period would feature many struggles for the young Kobashi. However, these hurdles would help to shape Kobashi into the fearless, ferocious warrior he’d become.

Kobashi would apply and be accepted into the AJPW Dojo in the summer of 1987. He would debut in February of 1988 and go on to lose his first 63 matches, all of them singles bouts. On the surface that might sound like a burial but it was all part of Baba’s plan as Kobashi would shine even in defeat.

Showing incredible heart, fire, passion, determination and fighting spirit, Kobashi was far from an easy out in these matches. And as time passed, the fans became drawn to this young rookie who would never quit. Willing him on in the hope of seeing his first victory. So strong was this reaction that Kobashi would win multiple Rookie of the Year awards from the Japanese press.

That elusive first win would come in February on 1988 and in April of 1990 he would win his first championship gold. This would come in the form of the All Asia Tag Team Championship alongside Tiger Mask II. The reign itself would be short lived, in May Misawa would unmask and soon vacate the titles to focus on his singles career. Undeterred by this set back, Kobashi would join forces with Misawa in his war against the old guard of All Japan. During this time Kobashi would serve two roles.

When teaming with the higher ranking Misawa and Kawada, Kobashi would be the fiery underdog. When teaming with Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, Kobashi would serve more as a big brother coming to the rescue. This partnership with Kikuchi would give Kobashi his first Match of the Year in 1992. The two would challenge Dan Kroffat and Doug Furnas for the All Asia Tag Team titles (a match we’ll look at in Part 5).

1993 to 1995 would be a period of tremendous growth for Kobashi. He would primarily serve as Misawa’s tag team partner which would lead to Kobashi’s first World’s Strongest Tag Determination League win and first World Tag Team title reign. Singles success would slowly start to come as well. Wins over former Triple Crown champions would lead to a number of Triple Crown challengers for Kobashi. The most notable of these was the 60 minute time-limit draw against Kawada which was mentioned in Part 2.

With a wealth of experience now under his belt, Kobashi was finally ready to make his first challenge against Misawa for the Triple Crown. This leads us to the first match we’re going to take a look at in this part.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS KENTA KOBASHI – OCTOBER 25^TH 1995

Before the bell even rings, the respect these two men have for each other is on full display as they exchange a handshake. Kobashi is still working with the knee injury we saw in his and Misawa’s World Tag Team title match against the Holy Demon Army a few months prior. You can’t tell Kobashi is battling injury as the opening five minutes features beautiful chain wrestling as both men feel the other out.

Both have an answer for the other’s strikes until Kobashi side steps a Misawa flying elbow strike. Keen to prove himself, Kobashi takes advantage of this opening by delivering an Orange Crush on Misawa. The veteran Misawa roles out of the ring seemingly away from danger. However, Kobashi has other plans as he follows Misawa to the outside to deliver a vicious powerbomb on the floor.

Kobashi proceeds to press the advantage and take the fight to a now reeling Misawa. Several big shots are not enough to keep Misawa down, who desperately attempts to create separation. Even when he does escape Kobashi’s grasp, Misawa is unable to hold the advantage for long. A series of hard and heavy blows from Misawa only fires up Kobashi who shows his fighting spirit and heart by pushing through the pain to regain the advantage. Ultimately, Kobashi costs himself the advantage with a failed attempt at a backdrop suplex off the apron. Here we see Misawa’s resiliency on full display as he’s weathered the storm and begins to take control of the match.

As the matches reaches its closing stretch we see a return of the frantic pace. The momentum swings back and forth with neither able to maintain an advantage. A combination of Tiger Suplex and Tiger Drivers aren’t enough to keep the plucky Kobashi down for three. It take Misawa dropping Kobashi on his head with a nasty Tiger Driver to keep him down.

Post-match, Misawa shows tremendous respect for his opponent and friend. First, by checking on his condition and then thanking him in the post-match interview as Kobashi is being carried to the back. While Kobashi might not have won the title on this night, he proved that he belonged with the elite of All Japan. A position he would solidify on the 24^th of July 1996 by beating Akira Taue to earn his first Triple Crown Championship.    

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: KENTA KOBASHI (C) VS MITSUHARU MISAWA – JANUARY 25^TH 1997

This would be the first of three Triple Crown Championship matches Misawa and Kobashi would have in 1997. Here Misawa is challenging the more confident and seasoned Kobashi. The story of this match is a wonderful reversal of roles from their encounter in 1995. It’s Misawa that controls the opening portion of the match with a hard hitting fast paced attack. The answer from Kobashi shows his growth as he manages to slow down sections of the match with a variety of submissions. Kobashi utilises his wealth of experience to avoid an elbow suicida which injuries Misawa’s right elbow after it impacts the guard rail.

With Misawa’s greatest weapon now in jeopardy, Kobashi wastes no time going on the offensive. Each attack is targeted at the arm through a combination of submissions and rakes using different parts of the ring. Again, we see another example of the incredible resiliency and heart Misawa had. Fighting through the pain racing through his elbow, Misawa throws caution to the wind and continues to use his greatest weapon to regain control.

We now reach a stalemate as both Misawa and Kobashi search for a way to maintain the advantage. In an act of desperation, Kobashi attempts to powerbomb Misawa off the apron to the floor. An act that would cost Kobashi greatly as Misawa is able to counter it into a hurricanrana.

Nearly 35 minutes into the match and both men slowly drag themselves into the ring. Completely spent, both slowly crawl towards one another to resume the fight. This closing stretch is a series of big moves as each man attempts to finish the other. Eventually, Misawa is able to prevail with a Tiger Suplex followed by a vicious flying elbow that keeps Kobashi down and end his first Triple Crown Championship reign.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS KENTA KOBASHI – OCTOBER 21^ST 1997

The final match in their 1997 trilogy would receive the Bout of the Year award from Tokyo Sports. Despite meeting twice that year, the third match is just as dramatic and breath-taking as their previous encounters. Kobashi would again be fighting though a knee injury, one of many throughout his career. As with their 1995 encounter, this injury wouldn’t slow down Kobashi as the two wrestle at a frantic pace. This is the first time we see dives start to take a prominent place along with an increased focus on both men dropping the other on their head. These two characteristics would go on to define this feud and increase with each passing match.

We also see a new tactic from Kobashi in this match, one that focuses on a strong submission game. While submissions had played a part in their previous matches, Kobashi’s injured knee eventually forces him into the ground game. The target on this occasion is Misawa’s neck as Kobashi slowly grinds down the champion. I also like to think this is another sign of growth from Kobashi. In their previous meetings, it was the high risk offence that cost Kobashi. Maybe this is a sign of him adapting and trying to find a different way to win.

As with many of the matches in this series, we reach a stalemate towards the end of the match. Despite the pain and exhaustion of an intense battle, neither man is willing to back down or give up. This is reflected in a moment where both men charge at the other to deliver their signature strikes. The result is both Misawa and Kobashi crumbling to the mat. Again, Misawa has to rely on a Tiger Driver to dump Kobashi on his neck to secure the win. A move that would force Kobashi to retaliate with a vicious move of his own. But through all of this we see another sign of respect as Misawa and Kobashi exchange a handshake post-match.

JINSEI SHINZAKI & KENTA KOBASHI VS MITSUHARU MISAWA & TAKAO OMORI – OCTOBER 24^TH 1998

While this is the shortest match we’ll look at, it carries great significance. This was the moment when Kobashi would introduce one of, if not the, most dangerous moves to his arsenal. The Burning Hammer would become synonymous with Kobashi as it was an instant match ending move. The shock and horror on the announcers voice is plain to hear as he tries to process what he’s just seen. Remember, it took Kawada minutes of double team moves with Taue to earn his first pinfall over Misawa. For Kobashi, the Burning Hammer ended the fight within minutes and earned him the right to challenge Misawa for the Triple Crown.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA ( C ) VS KENTA KOBASHI – OCTOBER 31^ST 1998

I’ll be completely honest here, this is my personal favourite match of all time so I’m a little biased. Instead of doing a deep dive, I’ll only highlight a few points and let you enjoy this incredible match for yourself. Like with Kawada’s challenge in July of 1995, this is the first time Kobashi is seen as Misawa’s equal. In fact at this point in history, Kobashi had taken Kawada’s place as Misawa’s greatest rival. This is reflected in the match as Kobashi is able to control large portions and has an answer to many of Misawa’s moves. Which leads to Misawa having to create new moves to gain the advantage. Perhaps the most important aspect of this match is that Kobashi is unable to hit the Burning Hammer on Misawa.

A moment that truly stands out to me is in the post-match once Misawa is backstage. Seeing the need for him to have his neck stretched is a sobering reminder of the price this style took on the wrestler’s bodies. Both this match and the previous one we looked at would take home the Best Bout Award from Tokyo Sports. The first of all two times such a feat was accomplished (Omega vs Okada in 2017 and 2018 were the second).

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA VS KENTA KOBASHI – JUNE 11^TH 1999

The final Triple Crown encounter between these two titans is wrestled at a very different pace. From the opening bell this is a technical, largely mat based masterpiece. Yes the big dives, hard strikes and brutal power moves are still there. But they are used to compliment the work that has already been done on the mat. The submissions, counters and transitions are a testament to just how technically sound both Misawa and Kobashi were.

Kobashi controls the opening pace by targeting the head and neck of Misawa. After all the years of abuse, Misawa’s neck is his weak point and he tries desperately to escape Kobashi’s clutches. As Misawa starts the striking game, Kobashi turns his attention to Misawa’s arms in an attempt to take away his greatest weapon. A weapon that had repeatedly knocked out Kobashi in the past and cost him the match. This game of chess continues as Misawa repeatedly tries to get Kobashi to wrestle his match by unloading huge dives. However, Kobashi manages to withstand this attack and bring the pace back to his liking.

Eventually, Misawa is able to hit a big enough move to create the space he so desperately needs. And with that the momentum brings to swing as Misawa is able to put together some sustained offence. While Kobashi wouldn’t go down without a fight, the pace slowly turns to the advantage of Misawa. The closing stretch see a return of the pace we’re familiar with as again both men try to hit that one big move to keep the other down. Once more, Kobashi is unable to hit the Burning Hammer on Misawa who manages to muster enough strength to connect with the Emerald Flowsion for the win.  

GHC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA ( C ) VS KENTA KOBASHI – MARCH 1^ST 2003

Okay, I know this is technically cheating as the match happened in Pro Wrestling NOAH. But it would be remiss of me to not include this match. Neither man misses a beat as we see the same fast paced, hard hitting offense that is on display during their previous encounters. In fact, this is by far the most brutal and violent of their battles. Misawa and Kobashi repeatedly drop the other on their head both in the ring and on the floor.

Misawa’s mouth is cut open early on from reversed dive that sends him face first into the guard rail. Kobashi follows this up with a half-nelson suplex that plants Misawa on the top of his head on the floor. Misawa would eventually return the favour with one of the most dangerous spots of all time. With both men on the walkway, Misawa proceeds to deliver a Tiger Suplex off the ramp and onto the floor below. Somehow, Kobashi manages to reach down and battle back to deliver a Burning Hammer to seal his first GHC Heavyweight title. This would be the first time Kobashi would beat Misawa in a singles match with championship gold on the line.

The sheer brutality and violence of this match perfectly encapsulates this rivalry as a whole. Both men would constantly push each other to their absolute limit and challenge the other to innovate in order to win. It’s a battle of heart, spirit and will between two of the greatest to step foot in a ring. And yet throughout the course of these wars, both men retained a level of respect for the other. This was purely about the thrill of the fight and who was the better man.

Having two of the greatest rivalries of all time in one promotion at the same time is a rarity in wrestling. It speaks to the incredible talent and depth that All Japan possessed at this point in history. And to the vision Giant Baba had to place this amazing talent in a position to succeed. However, it wasn’t just the Four Pillars of Heaven that contributed to AJPW’s success. Baba would rely on a deep and equally talent pool of gaijin who would serve as the backbone of the promotion. We will take a look at some of these gaijin in Part 4 as we continue our journey down the King’s Road.

Walking the King’s Road (Part 2)

Welcome to Walking the King’s Road, an introductory guide to one of the greatest periods in pro wrestling history. In Part 1 we looked at how AJPW laid the ground work for this golden age by building arguably their biggest star in Mitsuharu Misawa.

But this time period wasn’t just dedicated to moulding Misawa into an Ace. Baba also worked tireless to build a strong young core around him. This would not only catapult AJPW into the spotlight but provide the wrestling world with one of its greatest rivalries. Welcome to Walking the King’s Road, an introductory guide to one of the greatest periods in pro wrestling history.

Part 2 – Mitsuharu Misawa vs Toshiaki Kawada

Misawa vs Kawada. A rivalry that spanned over a decade, built around one man’s obsession with beating the other and proving he deserved the spotlight. This blood feud would produce countless classic matches which showcased deep storytelling, tremendous psychology, innovation, fighting spirit and brutal hard hitting offence. It would divide loyalties, forge new alliances and help to launch new stars. Truly, it is the pinnacle of the King’s Road style.

However, these bitter rivals were once friends and allies. As we saw in Part 1, it was Kawada who unmasked Misawa and stood by his side in the “generational war” against the old guard. In the early 90’s, this bond would lead to the creation of a strong tag team unit that would serve as a proving ground for both men. This provides us with the first match we’re going to look at in this part.

AJPW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA & TOSHIAKI KAWADA VS TERRY GORDY & STEVE WILLIAMS (SATSUJIN GYORAI) (C) – JULY 24^TH 1991

A rematch from their clash on the 24^th of February, an encounter that ended when Misawa essentially took himself out of the match. A missed plancha to the floor gave Gordy the opening he needed to brutalise Misawa on the outside. This culminated in Gordy powerbombing Misawa on the concrete floor. Kawada would bravely fight on but ultimately fall to the two-on-one attack of the veteran team.

As this match begins you can sense the urgency in Misawa and Kawada to avenge their previous loss. This leads to Misawa throwing huge elbows early but is caught by Gordy with a viscous clothesline. One that would break Misawa’s nose and leave Kawada fending for himself again.

With Misawa out of action, Gordy and Williams press the advantage with frequent tags and tandem offence. Kawada shows incredible heart by creating enough of an opening to make the tag. A rested Misawa enters the match on fire but the grizzled veterans target his broken nose to regain the advantage.

As we reach the closing stretch, we see history almost repeat itself. This time it’s Kawada who is brutalised on the outside and piledriven onto the concrete floor. Somehow Kawada is able to scramble back to the ring to save Misawa. After a frantic ending sequence it’s Misawa and Kawada standing tall.

This match is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it would gift Misawa his first title since shedding the Tiger Mask character. It would also serve as Kawada’s biggest title win to this point. Secondly, it shows the incredible heart and fighting spirit that Misawa possessed. Not only fighting through a broken nose but also surviving the repeated attacks after it was broken. Thirdly, it continues the growth of both Misawa and Kawada who would use this experience later in their careers. Finally, it shows the unity that Misawa and Kawada once shared. An important fact to remember as we move forward.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – OCTOBER 21^ST 1992

After defeating Stan Hansen to earn his first Triple Crown Championship, Misawa’s first challenger would be his close friend. At this point in history, Misawa and Kawada were still a cohesive unit and one that tagged regularly. While both men have respect for the other, Kawada opens with a huge shot right out the gate. A sign that while he respects Misawa he’s here to win. Misawa attempts to return the favour but Kawada wisely backs away.

The match now settles down with both men feeling the other out. This respectful pace is maintained until Kawada starts to utilise some underhanded tactics. A kick to Misawa’s face as he’s in the ropes visibly pisses off Misawa who starts to unload with vicious strikes, the first sign that there may be some resentment between the two men.

As the match progresses we see Misawa trying to maintain the early respectful pace with Kawada continually taking shots and even mocking Misawa. This is enough to make Misawa snap and now the fight is really on. Neither man holds back with the momentum swinging back and forth at a frantic pace. Ultimately, Misawa shows his incredible fighting spirit and gains his first successful defence in what would be a near two year reign with the Triple Crown.

Despite the hostilities shown during the course of the match, it wouldn’t be the end of Misawa and Kawada’s friendship. In fact they would not only team less than a month later in World’s Strongest Tag Determination League but go on to win the tournament that year. It wasn’t until Kawada’s second challenge for the Triple Crown on the 29^th of July 1993 that the friendship would truly end.

During that encounter, Kawada would show little respect to Misawa in his desperate attempt to not only win but prove he was better than Misawa. Kawada’s jealousy and resentment for Misawa being the “golden boy” starts to really come through in this match. In Kawada’s mind, and that of some of the fans, he should be the Ace leading the company forward.

Soon after the match mentioned above, Kawada would break ties with Misawa and in a shocking turn of events would side with one of his greatest rivals in Akira Taue. The Holy Demon Army would become the most decorated teams in All Japan’s history with a record-setting six World Tag Title reigns.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – JUNE 3^RD 1994

The now six-star rated match is truly worthy of such praise as it is one of the greatest matches in wrestling history. A master class in ring psychology, each move and reversal carries such weight. Every blow is at full force as neither man is holding back here. Kawada’s ruthless nature shines through as he lives up to the moniker of Killer K.

It’s also the first time we see both men starting to drop each other on their heads. This shift would come to define the King’s Road style in the latter part of the 90’s. Instead of deep diving into the match, I will simply let you enjoy it for yourself as my words would not do it the justice it deserves.

AJPW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA & KENTA KOBASHI (C) VS THE HOLY DEMON ARMY – JUNE 9^TH 1995

From one of the greatest singles matches of all time to one of the greatest tag team matches of all time. It’s a rare occasion where the Four Pillars of Heaven are all in the same match together and they prove why they were given that moniker. This isn’t simply a continuation of the Misawa/Kawada rivalry as there are multiple stories being told here.

After Kawada broke his ties with Misawa it would be Kobashi who would stand by his side. Both men had been friends since 1990 when they joined forces to challenge the old guard in AJPW. From that point on, their friendship would grow with Kobashi seconding Misawa in many of his Triple Crown wars.

In the intervening years, we’ll look deeper into those in the following parts, Kobashi had grown into one of the top babyfaces behind only Misawa. This period included Kobashi challenging Kawada for the Triple Crown in January of 1995. That match would go to a 60 minute time-limit draw and it’s clear that Kobashi still has a score to settle with Kawada. On top of this story is that of Misawa and Taue who in April of ’95 would square off in the Champion Carnival Final (a tournament similar to NJPW’s G1 Climax).

Misawa would be victorious that night and go on to win the Triple Crown from Stan Hansen in May. There is still resentment from Taue towards Misawa which is also present during the course of the match. All three of these storylines combined to make incredible viewing.

The match starts at a respectful pace with Kobashi and Taue trading shots back and forth. However, it wouldn’t take long for the heels to reveal their tactics as Taue starts to attack Kobashi’s injured left leg along with Kawada taking cheap shots at both Misawa and Kobashi on the apron. These actions draws the ire of the crowd, Misawa and Kobashi as tensions start to boil over. This beautifully sets the stage for what’s to come in match filled with wonderful little stories as the faces fight to overcome the dastardly tactics of The Holy Demon Army.

It’s Kobashi’s heart that shines the brightest in this match as he fights through the pain in his leg to continue the fight. No matter how many times Kawada and Taue attack his leg, Kobashi fires up and finds a way to push through the pain. This leads to two truly beautiful and heartfelt moments.

Despite all the damage done to his leg, Kobashi manages to crawl over Misawa’s body to shield him from the attack of Kawada and Taue. He literally takes the pain and abuse to try and protect his fallen partner. The defining moment of the match comes at the finish as Kawada pins Misawa clean for the first time.

This pinfall would be viewed as such a monumental moment that it would earn Kawada the right to face Misawa for the Triple Crown the following month.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – JULY 24^TH 1995

For arguably the first time in this legendary rivalry, Kawada was viewed as Misawa’s equal with a legitimate chance of beating him. Certainly, Kawada was carrying the momentum into this match after his pinfall victory over Misawa in the previous match we looked at. This is reflected throughout the ensuing war as both men reverse the big moves that had caught them off guard in their previous meetings.

These call backs are a wonderful touch as it shows that both men have learned from their previous encounters. Ultimately, Kawada gets the better of this exchange and uses this opening to press the advantage. We see the ruthless, unrelenting side of Kawada in full effect here. The strikes are so stiff that it blurs the line between reality and fiction. As with their previous battles, each move carries such weight and depth that they tell their own story.

At the heart of this match is Kawada’s dominance of Misawa. Whenever Misawa would fire up his incredible fighting spirit, Kawada would have an answer to put him back down. After three years of battling each other, Kawada had almost figured out the perfect game plan to beat his arch rival. However, it was not to be on this night as Misawa managed to ride out the storm and survive with his title intact. But this was different from Misawa’s previous victories over Kawada as he had to knockout Kawada to gain the win. No longer was it Misawa earning a convincing win but barely surviving the onslaught. Kawada was now firmly seen as Misawa’s equal.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – MAY 1^ST 1998

Six years after their first meeting for the Triple Crown and Kawada was one of the most decorated wrestlers in the history of AJPW. A former Triple Crown Champion, a seven time World Tag Team Champion, a two timer winner of the Champion Carnival and a three time winner of World’s Strongest Tag Determination League. Despite all of these accolades there was still one glaring whole in his legacy. He had never definitively beaten Misawa in a singles match for the Triple Crown. In the main event of All Japan’s first show in the Tokyo Dome, Kawada would finally accomplish a feat many said he would never achieve.

The match is just as captivating six years on as it was the first time these two legends locked horns. They manage to add new wrinkles to the layout while paying homage to their previous encounters. Despite all of the punishment both men have taken in their careers to this point, they still move and strike with the same fluidity and intensity shown during their first encounter. In fact, I would argue that this is one of their most brutal matches as we’re fully into the “drop on their head” era of the King’s Road style. Some of the bumps they take directly on their head and neck makes for painful viewing at times.

After six long years it takes two devastating powerbombs for Kawada to finally vanquish his arch rival and take the Triple Crown from him. The backdrop of the Tokyo Dome crowd erupting in a combination of shock, excitement and celebration makes for one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.

While this wouldn’t be the final meeting between these two titans, I feel it is a suitable place to bring our join in this part to an end. For me, the matches we’ve explored not only encapsulates this legendary rivalry but is also a showcase for what made the King’s Road style so successful. You have a long term story spanning six years which expanded to include other wrestlers both into the story and branching off into their own feuds.

It features some of the greatest matches ever seen while continuing to adapt and innovate. Every little detail is building to that moment where Kawada finally beats Misawa. It’s a level of storytelling that is rarely seen in wrestling and as such makes for wonderful viewing.

If you would like to watch some of the matches mentioned but not shown or some of the subsequent matches then they are listed below.

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – JULY 29^TH 1993

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – JUNE 6^TH 1997

AJPW TRIPLE CROWN TITLE MATCH: MITSUHARU MISAWA (C) VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – JULY 23^RD 1999

NOAH DESTINY 05: MITSUHARU MISAWA VS TOSHIAKI KAWADA – JULY 18^TH 2005

In the midst of this rivalry another legendary feud would blossom and grow to rival that of what we’ve just seen. In a cycle that would continue throughout his career, a close friend of Misawa’s would raise up to challenge him. This time that challenge would come in the form of Kenta Kobashi. We will focus on this incredible feud in Part 3 as we continue our journey down the King’s Road. I look forward to seeing you then.

Walking the King’s Road (Part 1)

There are very few periods in wrestling history that are as revered as ‘90’s All Japan Pro Wrestling. Years before I took my first steps into the world of puro, I heard whispers of the legendary matches that took place during this time period. Built around the Four Pillars of Heaven (Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, Kenta Kobashi and Akira Taue), these four men would raise AJPW to heights very few companies have experienced. From 1990 until 2000, AJPW produced 12 five star matches and one six star match as awarded by the Wrestling Observer. Four matches took home the prestigious Best Bout Award from Tokyo Sports with three wrestlers being awarded the publications MVP award.

But how was such an incredible legacy created? What made the company so compelling to watch? Who were the key players? And what were the major feuds? Over the coming weeks I aim to answer those very question. These articles will feature full length matches with the background surrounding them and a brief overview of what to expect. This isn’t a comprehensive guide to AJPW, but more an introduction for those who’ve wanted to explore this wonderful period but have no idea where to start. To cover so much ground without it being an overwhelming experience, I’ve broken our journey into six parts:

• Part 1 – The Birth of a Dynasty
• Part 2 – Mitsuharu Misawa vs Toshiaki Kawada
• Part 3 – Mitsuharu Misawa vs Kenta Kobashi
• Part 4 – Gaijin Greatness
• Part 5 – Tag Team Heaven
• Part 6 – Where Do We Go From Here?

Before we dive in I would just like to take a moment to thank ClassicsPuro83 on YouTube. The majority of the matches you’re about to witness come from the massive library they’ve created. If you enjoy what you see then subscribe to their channel.

Part 1 – The Birth of a Dynasty

As with all dynasties, the formula for success was built over many, many years. AJPW was formed in late 1972 by Giant Baba. Baba was a student of legendary wrestler and the father of Japanese wrestling, Rikidōzan. After Rikidōzan’s death in 1963, the promotion he formed (Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance) went into decline causing Baba to eventually leave and form AJPW. The early years of AJPW where built around Baba who became a true Ace and legendary figure in his own right. By the early 80’s, Baba was able to take a step back from the spotlight as two new faces had emerged. Jumbo Tsuruta became the new Ace of All Japan with Genichiro Tenryu being his greatest rival for that spot. Backed by an impressive collection of gaijin (foreign wrestlers) and a strong working relationship with the NWA, All Japan would rise to challenge NJPW for the number one promotion in Japan.

Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu’s rivalry brings us to the first match we’re going to look at.

AJPW Triple Crown Championship Match: Jumbo Tsuruta (C) vs Genichiro Tenryu – June 5^th 1989

A critically acclaimed match in its own right, this Triple Crown Championship encounter would win the Tokyo Sports Best Bout award for 1989 and receive a 5 star rating from the Wrestling Observer. What truly makes this match special is the style that is on display. The fast paced, hard hitting action is filled with outside brawling, outside dives and moments where fighting spirit is on full display. Such a formula would serve as a blueprint for the King’s Road style of booking that would catapult All Japan to their greatest success. Tenryu would win his first Triple Crown Championship here and was poised to be the new face of All Japan heading into the new decade.

However, this never became reality as Tenryu would lead the first of many talent exoduses from AJPW buy joining the ill-fated Super World of Sports. With his top star gone and an aging Ace in Jumbo, Baba was forced to push a crop of young talent if he wanted to survive. The four men selected to build AJPW’s future where Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, Kenta Kobashi and Akira Taue (known collectively as The Four Pillars of Heaven).

Tiger Mask II & Toshiaki Kawada vs Samson Fuyuki & Yoshiaki Yatsu – May 14^th 1990

Baba chose Misawa to be the new Ace of AJPW but before Misawa could ascend to this status, he had to build his own legacy. Since 1984, Misawa had been wrestling as the second generation Tiger Mask. Starting out as a junior he graduated to the heavyweight ranks in 1986. While Misawa found success under the mask, this success was attributed more to the Tiger Mask character than to the man behind the mask. This would all change here in a moment that has gone down as one of the most pivotal in wrestling history. The action between the ropes might not blow you away but the story being told shines brightly. For the opening part of the match both Misawa and Kawada are being beaten down and mocked by their opponents. Unable to find an opening and sick of getting his ass kicked, Misawa demands Kawada remove his mask. The crowd erupts with chants of “Misawa, Misawa, Misawa” as Misawa starts to beat the living crap out of Fuyuki and Yatsu. With the tables now turned, Kawada starts to fire up and join in on the ass kicking. Misawa connects with a Tiger Suplex to pick up the win and start his journey to becoming one of the greatest wrestlers to have ever lived.

Mitsuharu Misawa vs Jumbo Tsuruta – June 8^th 1990

The match that made Misawa a star almost had a very different outcome. Less than a month after his unmasking, Misawa was already set to challenge Jumbo’s reign as the Ace of AJPW. Baba’s original plan was to have the young lion fall in a valiant effort to the grizzled Ace. So what changed his mind? The story goes that Baba was walking around the merchandise tables before the start of the show and was taken aback by the excitement the fans had for Misawa as they filed into Budokan. This prompted Baba to change the outcome of the match which was no easy decision. Just three days before this match, Jumbo had suffered a shocking loss to Terry Gordy that cost him the Triple Crown Championship. Having your Ace lose two high profile matches in such a short space of time could be seen as damaging. But Baba saw an opportunity to skyrocket his young star into the limelight and create an everlasting moment. For me, the decision Baba made that night is the perfect example of the incredible mind he had for wrestling.

The match itself is one of many classics that Misawa would have from this point onwards. As the action begins you can see that Jumbo isn’t taking this challenge as seriously as some of his previous encounters. He’s almost disrespected by the audacity this young man has to challenge him. But with each passing minute, Jumbo slowly comes to the realisation that he’s in for one hell of a fight. Each time he puts Misawa down the young lion comes roaring back with the crowd right behind him. With every shot that rocks Jumbo the crowd starts to reach a fever pitch as they come to the realisation that Misawa could actually do the unthinkable. After an intense closing stretch Misawa scores the pinfall and Budokan becomes unglued. Not only is the pop deafening but fans are crying tears of joy as they rush forward to try and congratulate their hero. It’s a moment that, to this day, still gives you chills.

AJPW Triple Crown Championship Match: Mitsuharu Misawa vs Stan Hansen – July 27^th 1990

Misawa’s first shot at the Triple Crown would come just over a month later. Gordy’s reign with the Triple Crown would come to an abrupt end after he was forced to vacate the title due to being hospitalised. Misawa’s win over Jumbo earned him the right to fight for the vacant title. Even though he was riding a wave of momentum his path to the Triple Crown would not be an easy one. Before him stood a veteran of AJPW and a legend in his own right, Stan Hansen. Hansen had been with AJPW since 1981 and had risen through the tag team ranks to become a five time World Tag Team Champion and a four time winner of World’s Strongest Tag Determination League. Just three days after beating Jumbo for the Triple Crown, Gordy would lose the title to Hansen who in turn would lose it back to Gordy 39 days later. As the last man to hold the title before Gordy, Hansen was chosen as Misawa’s opponent.

Hansen’s greatest weapon was The Western Lariat. A knockout blow so feared that Misawa attacks from the bell with a Western Lariat of his own. This shot knocks Hansen to the outside where Misawa continues his attack. Misawa whips Hansen with his own bull rope, rains down chair shots and whips into the guard rail and ring post all with one goal in mind. To weaken Hansen’s left arm and take away his best weapon. So vicious is Misawa’s attack that any attempt by Hansen to regain control is neutralised by Misawa going back to his left arm. Ultimately, it’s this aggression that costs Misawa, as a failed diving body press to the outside gives Hansen the one opening he needs. Throwing caution to the wind, Hansen hits the Western Lariat and takes home the Triple Crown.

This match serves as an important step in Misawa’s development. He takes the fight to Hansen with an almost perfect game plan. But just falls short as his frustration gets the better of him which leads him to take an unnecessary risk. A sign that the young future Ace still had much to learn.

Mitsuharu Misawa/Toshiaki Kawada/Kenta Kobashi vs Jumbo Tsuruta/Masanobu Fuchi/Akira Taue – April 20^th 1991

Just how good is 90’s All Japan? One of their finest matches is a 51 minute six man tag on a fan appreciation show that has the Korakuen Hall crowd rocking throughout. Misawa wasn’t alone in challenging the old guard of All Japan. Toshiaki Kawada had been by his side since the unmasking and they were soon joined by Kobashi. On the surface this match is a continuation of this “generational war” with this young trio battling two of the elder statesmen in Jumbo and Fuchi. But the stories in this match run much deeper than the young lions trying to prove themselves. June 8^th wouldn’t be the only meeting between Misawa and Jumbo, as they would do battle many times both in singles and tags. You can feel the bitterness Jumbo still holds towards Misawa over his loss the previous year. However, the real hatred is between Kawada and Taue. Taue debuted in 1988 and would soon form a successful team with Jumbo. The team of Jumbo and Taue would feud with the team of Misawa and Kawada which lead to the intense rivalry between Kawada and Taue.

At the onset of the match, Taue takes several cheap shots on Kawada who is stood on the apron. After several of these cheap shots, Kawada can’t take anymore and storms the ring to get at Taue. This sets in motion a hotly contested back and forth match full of hot tags, dirty heel tactics from the veterans and brutal strikes that doesn’t slow down for a second. After the thirty minute mark is announced the crowd starts to grow into a frenzied state as they come to realise that they could be about to witness a sixty minute draw. By the fifty minute mark all six men are reaching their limit with just one big shot required to finish it. With the ring clear, Misawa seizes the opportunity and hits Taue with the Tiger Driver to give the young lions a hard fought win.

AJPW Triple Crown Championship Match: Stan Hansen (C) vs Mitsuharu Misawa – August 22^nd 1992

The two years between Misawa’s first Triple Crown Championship challenge and his eventual win was a period of growth. He would face Jumbo two more times, the first was a rematch from their June 8^th meeting but this time Misawa fell to Jumbo. Their second meeting would be Misawa’s second challenge for the Triple Crown. For the second consecutive time he would fall to Jumbo and fail to capture this Triple Crown. While singles championship success may have eluded him, Misawa formed a successful tag team with Kawada. The two would win the World Tag Team titles twice along with a winning the World’s Strongest Tag Determination League. He also had two strong showings in the Champion Carnival finishing with ten points in ‘91 and making the finals in ’92 before losing to Hansen in the Finals. We’ll take a deeper look at these two years in later parts.

With a number of failed attempts to win the Triple Crown, Misawa vowed this would be his final attempt at winning the biggest prize in All Japan. The ensuing match is an all-out war that features some of the stiffest shots you’ll see in any match. In a reversal of roles from their 1990 encounter, it’s Hansen who is relentless in his attack and attacks Misawa’s left arm. This includes a nasty shoulder breaker on the guard rail. Just a few months prior to this match, Misawa had submitted Jumbo during one of their tag team encounters and Hansen did not want to suffer a similar fate. With the opportunity slipping away from him, Misawa reaches down and shows the immense fighting spirit he would become famous for. The closing stretch sees Misawa nearly repeat the same mistake that cost him the championship in their first meeting. A missed frog splash seems to give Hansen the opening he needs to finish Misawa. However, this time Misawa is able to fight through Hansen’s counterattack and land his famous knockout right elbow shot for the win. After two long years of waiting, the Budokan crowd erupts in celebration at the fact Misawa has finally cemented himself as the Ace.

It wouldn’t be long before Misawa was challenged by his friend and former tag team partner, Toshiaki Kawada. This friendship would turn into one of the most heated and critically acclaimed rivalries in wrestling history. It would propel AJPW to claim the spot of not just the best wrestling promotion in Japan, but arguably the best promotion in the world. The story of this legendary rivalry is what we will explore in part two of our journey along the King’s Road.