Kenta Kobayashi vs. Makoto Hashi
Headbutts go brrrrr
The next available match I can find is KENTA facing off with headbutt maniac himself, Makoto Hashi in AJPW on the 31st of May, 2000. This match is structured around KENTA working an armlock on Hashi. And it works! For a minute or two and then Hashi flips the script and starts brutalising KENTA’s own arm instead. And he’s not easy with it. This man is throwing KENTA around, constantly twisting and applying pressure. The hold looks really good for something so basic. But that’s Hashi for you. A beast of a man. He elbows and headbutts the arm for good measure. In what an otherwise mundane match this could be, these little details on the hold keep the match interesting. KENTA is fighting for every inch in this match too. He’s not just taking this offense, there’s a struggle and THAT DOG IN HIM TO FIGHT BACK. Whether that be crawling to the ropes or finding some leverage to escape through the movement of his body.
This match works well to show off the rookie moveset KENTA is working with. So, let’s get familiar with it. He’s got his trusty forearm he will throw… usually at someone’s chest. Perhaps it’s a safety thing and not allowed to throw them in the face yet. He’s got his trusty dropkick. He loves the dropkick. Some simple locks for the arm and head. I would say that is the bulk of his moves currently. But his executions of these moves are downright impressive. I’m sure he’s been in the AJPW dojo for two years or so, but he looks clean in everything he does.
Back to the match, KENTA finds himself back in control, an armlock securely fastened on Hashi and all that battering he endured before he throws right back. It’s a nice way to show that KENTA can keep up with the more seasoned competitor. But eventually, Hashi escapes and the two exchange blows with FOREARMS!… to the chest! Honestly, it’s fine. Forearms to the face aren’t always cool in my opinion, so really I’m more surprised forearms to the chest aren’t more common these days. Maybe it’s because chops have become synonymous with the chest instead. Either way, after the blows exchange Hashi maintains steady control of the match. Basically, he no longer toys with KENTA and just bullies him with bodyslams and headbutts to KENTA’s back followed by the crab to be extra cruel. But fear not! KENTA’s showcases that fighting spirit and refuses to give up… crawling on his belly to the ropes for FREEDOM!!! But Hashi is quick to lock in another hold, inflicting more damage on the back of KENTA. Then there’s a switch.
When Hashi goes for the pin, KENTA kicks out. It’s not a flashy kickout or anything. KENTA is just able to throw his legs up and lift his shoulders just a bit off the mat to survive. He’s tired, battered and at his limit. But when Hashi whips him into the ropes KENTA bounces back with renewed energy and hits some dropkicks and a barrage of other miscellaneous offense. At the end of this string, Hashi positioned for KENTA hits a dropkick of the turnbuckle. It is a sight of elegance and beauty.
Unfortunately, there’s a flaw with these dropkicks he’s used. The user typically ends up landing on their back. This is a problem for KENTA, in that it has diminishing returns. The pain to himself outweighs the damage he is dishing. And that is a flaw exploited by Hashi. Sure, KENTA has a bit more fire left in him, but Hashi just brute forces victory as KENTA fights desperately to survive. Honestly, this finishing stretch is great. I’m surprised by how well the match overall holds up but this finish… it’s really good. Hashi is throwing bodyslams and suplexes, just doing whatever to hurt the back of KENTA. KENTA clings to life by rolling through some moves or crawling to the ropes or doing flash pin attempts. Just anything to survive a few more seconds or win the match. But, it’s not enough. Hashi shrugs it all off. KENTA is finally put away with a combination of a backbreaker, diving headbutt and the camel clutch. The camel clutch looks vicious and really proved the lengths, that this young rookie - KENTA - will go through to win a match.
This match does a lot of things right. It establishes KENTA and who he is really well. He’s someone who’s not gonna be pushed around easily. He’s a fighter. And he’s got a killer instinct. Right now he doesn't have all the tools, but when he does I won’t be surprised when I see the fear of God in his opponents’ eyes.