Giant Baba vs. Crusher Risowski
JAPAN PRO, International Championship Match
Dec. 6 1967 Tokyo Taiikukan
They say this was one of the cruelest matches in the history of pro-wrestling of Japan. Rikidozan, the father of pro-wrestling in Japan suddenly died in 1963, and a new star Giant Baba became International Champion. Baba fought against many great wrestlers until he became independent in 1972, for example Bruno Sammartino, Bobo Brazil, Gene Kiniski, Dick The Bruiser, etc. But in a sense Crusher was the most terrible challenger for Baba. Crusher did not have beautiful moves. He only kicked, and punched his opponent. Nevertheless he gave us very deep impression. I think Crusher was a great and strange wrestler.
At the first round, Crusher suddenly kicked Baba's vital spot, and he took a fall easily. In the intermission, Crusher kicked and kicked Baba violently. That was a shocking scene. But more shocking situation came true at the next round. Baba knocked the enemy's head against an iron post, and Crusher was bloodied harshly. The close-up of him was very cruel, and instantly many mothers in Japan turned off TV sets. Baba won the second round with a wonderful Drop Kick. And at the last round, they struggled bloodily, and they drew on a count-out.
This match is now regarded as a legend by wrestling fans in Japan. And in the next year, Jan. 3 1968, Baba fought against Crusher again. But in the same day, another legend was born in Tokyo. Kokusai Pro-Wrestling, a rival organization of Japan Pro, held a big event in Nichidai-Koudou (former sumo hall). Kokusai invited Lou Thesz, and they tried to make a young champion for themselves. But Lou Thez refused this selfish story. The expected young star, Great Kusatsu was fainted by Thesz with Back Drop at the first round. So that Kokusai failed to get a big chance, and Japan Pro won the business war.
