I think it’s fair to say that the Americans have it all wrong when it comes to wrestling; erm, I mean, “sports entertainment.”

Sure, there was that short period of time when the WW(F)E was truly entertaining, when wrestling was predominant, competition was rampant, and innovation was really innovative. Rather, every week we get to see some fat oily guy running around in a thong, a DX reunion happening for the very first time ever, and Vince McMahon acting like the evil emperor that we all seem to love.

Truly innovative.

Yet, I also think it’s fair to say that tag team wrestling has been on a steep decline for the better part of the last decade.  Tag team wrestling used to mean something in the states. Teams like the Hart Foundation, the Rockers, the Hardy Boyz.. all of which were natural tag teams that boosted individual stars (even My Man, Marty Jannetty). But, no worries. Tag team wrestling still means something in Japan and I’ve got quite the holiday present for our Double AxHandle visitors!

The following is a NOAH NTV Jr. tag round robin tournament match between KENTA & Ishimori vs Marufuji & Ibushi from earlier this year.  Some of you may recognize KENTA and Marufuji as NOAH’s rising stars.  Both of these guys are considered to be the future of puroresu (japanese wrestling).  This specific match is exactly why wrestling in the WWE will never be anything close to entertaining.

This is easily a five star match, and probably a match of the year candidate. And, wait.. it’s a tag team match, too?  But, it’s not all KENTA and Marufuji.  Ibushi and Ishimori can hold their own, and exhibit their ability in carrying an excellent match.