New here!!

[sak39rvd]

Hello all!
I have been a lurker on this site for a while, and have enjoyed the great discussions/arguments! I have always been a fan of Japanese style wrestling ever since I first saw the Great Muta in the NWA back in the 80's.
My question to everyone is simple yet I'm sure it will cause some debate;
I am a very big fan of ROH much more so than any other US wrestling, I recently got the Joe vs. Kobashi DVD and was curious if anyone else has seen this match? If so, do you guys believe that it deserves the 5 star rating the Observer gave it? I honestly am not that familiar with Kobashi's work or at least that I can remember (I watched alot of Japanese wrestling when I was younger).
I liked the match, but that is largely because I am such a huge Samoa Joe mark. He is friends with my friend Rampage Jackson of Pride fame, so I am partial!
Anyway, I wanted to jump in on this forum, and this was the first topic that came to mind. Thanks for the great enjoyment you guys have given me in the past reading your thoughts on things!!

[Hisaharu Tanabe]

First of all, welcome to the Forum.

I saw the match and really enjoyed it but not sure about the 5-star since I don't use the star-rating system. In my personal opinion, the art of pro-wrestling is much deeper than just a number of star symbols.

[sak39rvd]

Thanks for the welcome!
I understand what you mean about rating systems. I see pro-wrestling in the same light I see martial arts. There is no need for a rating or belt ranking system. It is the "Western" mind-set that demands a need for them.
I used the 5-star comment to show the high praise the match was given.
To some ratings are all they understand, just like those same people who ask the absurd question of are you a black belt?
Comparing wreslting to an art is a great way of looking at it, and such a breathe of fresh air compared to other comments I get about it in other places!

[The Great Gouki]

Oh man....I think Samoa Joe is one of the best that American wrestling has to offer, and Kobashi is probably one of the best "pound for pound" wrestlers in the world!!! I WANNA SEE THE MATCH SO BAD!!!!

[sak39rvd]

I highly reccomend getting that match from wherever you may find it. I totally agree about Joe being one of if not the best American wrestler. Kobashi impressed the hell out of me in that match. On a very funny side note, I read today that Joe is having a problem with his contract in TNA. Apparently his deal guaranteed him a raise if he did well in the company, and now that he has become the MVP of the company TNA is trying to delay giving him the raise. They have to pay for Sting first.

I recenlty saw the All Japan show from 11-19, I believe was the date.. and was curious if poor D-Lo Brown is okay after taking that sick bump on the table? Also explain to me why Akenbono (sp) is whoring himself out everywhere now? I know he was bankrupt after Sumo, but come on; K-1, WWE, All-Japan, Pride (supposedly), what's the deal? Also I have been out of touch with Japanese wreslting for awhile, and was wondering who was it that Muta faced on that show? He looks very familiar to me but I can't place a name with his face?

[El Pollo Guerrera]

First, welcome to the board.

Second, I checked puroresupower and it says that Muta faced The Great Ruta A.K.A. TARU. Is this the former Crazy Max TARU?