New Japan Pro Wrestling 5/25/1989 - Big Van Vader vs Salman Hashimikov

New Japan Pro Wrestling 5/25/1989 - Big Van Vader vs Salman Hashimikov

 

 

 

Slow start early until Salman judo throws Vader. Vader gets some gut punches, a headbutt then a splash in. Vader then gorilla presses him and slams him for 2. Vader then nails him with a lariat and throws him out hard.

Sal gets back in and takes some clubs then hits a nice belly to belly. Salman then headbuts him into the gut out of the ring. Sal gets under him and does a cool throw into a reverse leglock but Vader hits the ropes. Vader hits some clubs to the back and bounces him with a vertical suplex. Vader puts him in a fujiwara armbar then puts him into a hammerlock, but Sal hits the ropes.

Sal hits a slow speed arm throw then armbars him, but Vader hits the ropes. Vader gives him a hard body slam for 2 then lariats him. Vader misses a lariat and gets hit with a waterwheel drop for the win! The two continue to go at it after.

Look, Hashimikov is limited and I won't pretend he isn't. But he hit some nice throws here and even though it wasn't perfect, the idea was there and I thought it was fun little heavyweight match. It should have gone on longer as both guys needed more offense and Sal could have hit harder.