All Japan Champions Carnival Finals: Toshiaki Kawada vs Steve "Dr. Death" Williams (4/16/94) Review

(by Justin Lee)

Introduction:
In my review of Spring Stampede '94, I mentioned that it was part of quite possibly the best one month period in wrestling history, along with Wrestlemania X and the legendary Super J-Cup: 1st Stage. Well, here's show #4 in that one month period. In fact, this one was on the same night as the J Cup. I am so glad I wasn't living in Japan at this time, as it would be a total hell for me to choose which show to attend. Anyway, this tape features one match only: the main event for the 4/16/94 show and the finals for the 1994 Champions Carnival, Kawada vs Williams.

On with the match...

The match starts slow, with the two tying up twice before Williams locks in a headlock. Kawada breaks free of the hold, but the Doc lays him down with two straight running shoulderblocks. Williams goes for the early win and attempts a backdrop driver, but Kawada reverses it and hits one of his own. Kawada brings Williams to his feet, and the two trade blows around the ring. Williams temporarily gets the advantage after no-selling Kawada's chops, but Kawada comes back with a series of kicks that only Kawada can do. Outside the ring, Dangerous K throws Williams into the railing but he no-sells it and comes back with a lariat. Back in the ring, Williams works the sleeper. A northern lights suplex gets 2. Kawada makes it back to his feet, and the two trade kicks. Kawada gets the best of hit, with a running high kick to the head, but Williams uses a takedown to even things up and lays in a few kicks to the ribs of Kawada. Williams tries to ram Kawada's head into the turnbuckle, but Kawada reverses it and applies a sleeper hold of his own. Williams breaks, no-sells a series of chips and kicks, and takes down Kawada with a lariat. Williams goes back to a sleeper, and then moves into a double chicken wing, leading to a TIGER SUPLEX!!! The crowd pops huge, but Williams only gets 2. Kawada rolls outside. Williams tosses Kawada into the railing, but while attempting a follow-up splash into the steel, Kawada lifts his boot in a last-ditch effort to stop him. Back in the ring, Williams is able to recover fist and sets Kawada up for a top rope splash, but Kawada moves, and executes a second rope flying kneedrop. Kawada straps on a fujiwara armbar, but the Doc gets to the ropes. Williams then hits a bitchin' spinebuster out of nowhere for 2. Kawada is able to get out of an Oklahoma stampede attempt, but Williams responds with a splash into the turnbuckle and a powerslam for 2. A lariat gets another 2. Kawada makes his comeback with a series of kicks and applies a standing stretch plum. Williams reaches the ropes, shrugs off a few stiff kicks, and knocks out Kawada with a punch. A gorilla press into a stun gun gets a 2 count. Williams then locks on a submission hold that looks like a combination of an octopus hold and a wakigatame. Doc attempts a backdrop driver again, but once more, Kawada gets out of it and lays him out with a jump kick. Once Williams gets up, Kawada charges at him with a lariat, but he ducks it.... BACKDROP DRIVER! Kawada rolls outside the ring, and is more or less dead. Williams brings him back into the ring and covers for 2. A doctor bomb gets another 2. Kawada blocks an attempt at another backdrop driver, and hits a somersault kick for 2. A Dangerous K powerbomb gets another 2. Stretch plum!! Williams passes out in the hold and Kawada covers for 2. Kawada charges at Williams again, and the Doc catches him with a punch. Kawada responds with a kick, and both are down. Kawada gets up first and hits two jump kicks and powerbombs Williams for 2. Kawada tries for another powerbomb, but Williams fights it like hell. He eventually is able to hit it to end the match at 25:48. RATING: **** 1/2

so...

Let's Review...
Best Match: Kawada vs Williams (**** 1/4)
Worst Match: Kawada vs Williams (**** 1/4)
Historical Significance: Kawada wins his first carny
Why should I buy this tape?
This match is probably Williams's best match ever. The thing is 26 minutes long and it is pretty much wall-to-wall action. There were some slow and boring spots in his 1993 match with Kobashi that aren't in this one. Kawada's best match ever would come only 2 months after, in his epic bout against Misawa. If you're a big fan of All Japan, and you've seen it all, this tape is a good compliment to the collection, as you won't find it on any compilation. It may be only one match, but if you are a fan of the stuff, it won't disappoint. It should also be noted, for all you video quality freaks
out there, this tape is in excellent condition.

Get this tape from Ultimo Tape World by clicking http://www.ultimotapes.com/tapes/tape233.htm

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