This was Kobashi's first shot at the Triple Crown. You could tell by then that he would make it one day, but he still wasn't fully ready for that spot: he was still the rising underdog that was slowly breaking through from under Misawa's shadow. Williams, on the other hand, had a new aura to himself as the Triple Crown Champion: he exuded confidence, and everything he did looked devastating, but not only that: he was such a physical monster that he took a lot of punishment during the match and he still won, and now he was more resourceful as a champion and started doing moves that you normally wouldn't see, such that the Backdrop Driver into the Turnbuckle. Even with his reign being short when compared to that of Misawa's, Williams was legitimized as World Champion and it made him arguably the top gaijin in Japan by being the one guy that dethroned Misawa and had overcome the future ace in Kobashi in his first defense.
The finish of this match absolutely encapsulates kings road for me. Kobashi’s inability to keep champion down despite successfully hitting him with all his signature moves. Dr Death acknowledging the danger that Kobashi poses and just wants to put him away. Proceeds to land disgusting backdrops one after the other and Kobashi instinctively knowing that he needs to get away from this monster and crawling away. What a master class this match is.
'"Cause life's getting shorter and shorter
So sing for the moment right now then"
This was Kobashi's first shot at the Triple Crown. You could tell by then that he would make it one day, but he still wasn't fully ready for that spot: he was still the rising underdog that was slowly breaking through from under Misawa's shadow. Williams, on the other hand, had a new aura to himself as the Triple Crown Champion: he exuded confidence, and everything he did looked devastating, but not only that: he was such a physical monster that he took a lot of punishment during the match and he still won, and now he was more resourceful as a champion and started doing moves that you normally wouldn't see, such that the Backdrop Driver into the Turnbuckle. Even with his reign being short when compared to that of Misawa's, Williams was legitimized as World Champion and it made him arguably the top gaijin in Japan by being the one guy that dethroned Misawa and had overcome the future ace in Kobashi in his first defense.
Happy Birthday to KENTA KOBASHI
The Dr Death and Orange Crush. Great highlights
Wow I never knew Steve Williams was that great of a wrestler
You’re missing out then
He was great in Japan where he could be stiff and hard hitting, when he came to WWf, he was broken down and past his prime
dedication of the two that made me even more connected.
My Ratings 5/5*
Williams is legend
The finish of this match absolutely encapsulates kings road for me. Kobashi’s inability to keep champion down despite successfully hitting him with all his signature moves. Dr Death acknowledging the danger that Kobashi poses and just wants to put him away. Proceeds to land disgusting backdrops one after the other and Kobashi instinctively knowing that he needs to get away from this monster and crawling away. What a master class this match is.
RIP DR DEATH