DORY FUNK JR. vs. HORST HOFFMAN

Dory Funk Jr. vs. Horst Hoffman
ALL JAPAN, The World Open League
Dec. 15 1975 Miyagi Sports Center (Sendai)

In this league series many unbelievable cards came true, and this match was the representative fight of it. Dory was the top wrestler of NWA and the former world champion, and on one hand Hoffman was a famous wrestler in Europe and the able technician of AWA. There were some mysterious and random things in this series, but it was truly Baba's merits that they showed us these fights of dream one after another. You think about Inoki's hardship that he couldn't invite any famous wrestler in those days.

I saw Hoffman for the first time in this league. He had fought on the ring of KOKUSAI (INTERNATIONAL) PRO-WRESTLING, but KOKUSAI's matches were not on the air in my hometown. I think it is difficult to estimate his true ability. Though he was surely a technician, he might have not adapted himself to the fight-style of ALL JAPAN. As a German wrestler, the most impressive person was Roland Bock who defeated Inoki regardless of the fact that Bock hardly visited to Japan.

Dory took a fall with Clutch Hold

At the first half, there was a quiet movement like an amateur wrestling match. Dory locked Hoffman's neck persistently, and Hoffman tried to escape from it with all his might. When they stood, Dory used Double Arm Suplex and Russian Leg Sweep. Hoffman counterattacked by Side Suplex and Back Drop. Like the reputation, Hoffman's Suplex was exact and speedy. Dory attacked with Arm Bar, and turned to Clutch Hold. A wonderful finish.

That was a good fight that they showed their specialty to their hearts' content. After that Hoffman took part in ALL JAPAN, but he could not gave us a deep impression. I think the reason was that he could not make impressive stories. Dory and Terry were also technician like Hoffman, but they created the intense stories that they were hated by The Butcher, The Shiek, and Hansen. A display of emotion is a very important part of PURORESU in the same way of showing technique and strength.