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Okay, having rewatches it tonight I can say that Shigehiro Irie vs Akito from 17 May 2015 is one of my favourite matches from the 2010's.
Not saying its a moty level match, but I love it.
Not saying its a moty level match, but I love it.
1. It's a Last Man Standing match (actually a Texas Death Match). Irie has the advantage as Akito has no impact moves and Irie is all impact. So Akito has a long term game plan. Irie can't win if he can't stand up. So Akito targets the leg. A lot. A hella lot.
2. In the first 30 second the top rope breaks. They take it in their stride and Akito powders to the outside after Irie has initial control.. A very quick chat with his 2nd Harashima and the Akito siezes an opportunity to start the leg work.
3. Akito is incessant on targeting the leg. An early attempt by Irie to bait Akito into a strike exchange still sees Akito kick the leg. Even when Irie manages a scoop slam due to Akito's overconfidence, Akito grapevines the ankle from the mat.
4. The match starts slow as its clear that Akito is planning to drag the match out and let Iries bodyweight do some of the work on the leg. Irie's leg selling is wonderfully expressive and he is incredibly sympathetic while looking utterly dangerous if Akito gets too close.
5. Irie is practically stationery a lot of the time on offence, trying to avoid running and often being slow when he does run. Akito bumps and sells to make Irie's strikes look even better. While Irie is often fighting from underneath, he always looks like a threat.
6. One of my favourite sequences is when Akito hits a double knee crusher. Irie takes a wild swing and Akito is expecting it, ducking under and applying a submission. It naturally builds and leads into an organic, well earned biting the ropes spot.
7. Irie's big comeback relies on Akito's cockiness and Irie immediately relying on big bombs. Irie gets the 1st pinfall and then immediately tries to follow with a Lariat that Akito is expecting.
The story builds both in the leg selling vs power and the sense of familiarity.
The story builds both in the leg selling vs power and the sense of familiarity.
8. Irie's uses some incredible Big selling moments in this match. His leg gives out as he tries to walk away, he struggles to climb the top. Rope. He only survives that because of Akito's over confidence. Even when Irie is waiting to see if Akito gets to his feet, Irie is selling
9. Akito takes a powder on the outside at the exact moment when he sees victory escaping him. The sequence on the outside is all about frustration and exasperation as both men try to stop victory slipping from their grasps.
10. The leg selling then gets even bigger and the desperat Irie just starts busting out headbutts. Big headbutts. I'm talking almost on the Ikeda vs Ishikawa level at times.
11. One of the most memorable sell job that I've ever seen has Irie run the ropes but his leg goes out and he ends up falling out of the ring due to the leg damage.
It may be a little bit of "limb selling porn" but the first time I saw it it blew me away.
It may be a little bit of "limb selling porn" but the first time I saw it it blew me away.
12. When Irie was in trouble trying to avoid a Sasorigatame he just removes his elbow pad and relies on nasty elbows. Honestly, the elbows and Lariats by Irie are magnificent at times here.
13. All in all this match is a slow build to a very dramatic finish. Its very melodramatic at times and won't be for everyone but it's a perfect example of great limb work, GREAT limb selling, big strikes and a very engaging clash of styles and strategies.
Sorry for spamming your time lines with this but Irie vs Akito 2015 is a match that I want more people to see. Even if it's just for them to tell me "what are you on about, its rubbish."
