Hiromu Takahashi braves a game challenger in Hokkaido
The main event February 5 in Sapporo saw the fourth title match of the weekend, Hiromu Takahashi putting IWGP Junior Heavyweight gold at stake against YOH.
A high speed start would see each competitor try to one up the other as high speed misdirection played out in ring. Outside though it was the champion’s aggression that had the edge, taking YOH to task into the steel guardrails around ringside. Pushing the advantage, Hiromu delivered a brutal suplex onto the concrete floor of Hokkai Kita Yell; YOH survived the ensuing referee 20 count only to be stretched with rare submission offence from Takahashi.
YOH fired back with the stinging chops that have defined their exchanges over the last five years, before a beautiful dropkick clean on the button saw the challenger start to tap into a well of confidence that hadn’t been seen before in YOH. A tope con giro got all of Hiromu on the floor, YOH, building steam, went for a Dragon Screw, only to be frantically swatted away. The desperate escape from Hiromu, followed though it was with an effective pop up powerbomb, gave a huge hint to YOH, who went back downstairs with determination. Now YOH had the champion on the ropes, and pulled him away to lock in a Figure Four dead center.
Once in control, Hiromu’s offense was now fleeting, but still effective, the Unnamed Hiromu Roll slowing YOH and the Hiromu Chan Bomber, thrown wild from the hip, stopped the challenger in his tracks. Yet YOH wasn’t done yet, and swung his own wild lariat, the crowd coming alive for both men with a mixed chant for champion and challenger; YOH in response sought Direct Drive, but as Hiromu held on, a poison rana and then a crisp superkick almost claimed victory instead.
Sensing victory, YOH hit the DNV, and then a Dragon Suplex for two, but Hiromu escaped Direct Drive again. Time Bomb connected for the champion, who went for the move’s sequel, but YOH kneed his way out of the move and instead dropped the champion neck first on his knee. Yet again, YOH wanted Direct Drive and yet again Hiromu countered with a stunner and cross arm Piledriver; though the Five Star Clutch so nearly got a flash pin, there was to be no new champion crowned, and the Time Bomb 2 brought Hiromu his first defence.
