When Minoru Suzuki puts in the big match effort I'm not sure there's anyone who can capture the aesthetics of what makes pro wrestling great. Lovable loser Goto has been my favorite long running New Japan storyline and there wasn't a more fitting match up than this. All of Suzuki's attempts to brutalize Goto felt perfect. The sleeper spot had me completely convinced that they were going to just end the match there. Everything that ensued felt exactly like a hair vs hair title match at the biggest show of the year should feel like. Suzuki's murderous drop kick! the failed Suzuki Gun run in! A bloody mouthed Goto firing out of one last piledriver attempt! All capped off by a triumphantly evil Suzuki refusing to even give a last bit of satisfaction to the winner and shaving his own head.
This match ruled. It's one thing for a wrestling feud to constantly tell you it's personal, but this one felt personal. Easily my favorite match of the dome show and I can't imagine I forget it all year.
****1/2
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