Professional wrestling is all about intense rivalries that capture the imagination of fans worldwide. One such legendary rivalry was between two of the biggest names in Japanese wrestling history, Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi, and their arch-nemeses, The Holy Demon Army. This article will take you through the epic matches, the key players, and the significance of this storied rivalry.
Introduction
Pro wrestling in Japan has always been known for its hard-hitting, intense, and physical style of wrestling. And two of the most prominent names in the history of Japanese wrestling were Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi. These two legends had a long-standing feud with the Holy Demon Army, comprising of Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue. Their rivalry is considered one of the greatest in wrestling history, and this article will delve into the various aspects of this epic battle.
The Origins of the Rivalry
The Misawa/Kobashi vs Holy Demon Army rivalry began in the late 1980s when Misawa and Kobashi were part of the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. The two young wrestlers were being groomed for future stardom and were on a meteoric rise through the ranks. The Holy Demon Army, on the other hand, were the established veterans of the promotion, led by Toshiaki Kawada, who was known for his hard-hitting style of wrestling.
The Epic Matches
The first significant encounter between these two factions was in 1992 when Misawa and Kobashi teamed up to face Kawada and Taue. The match was a barnburner, with all four men putting on an incredible display of wrestling skills. In the end, Misawa and Kobashi emerged victorious, but the Holy Demon Army vowed revenge.
Over the years, these two factions would engage in some of the most epic and brutal matches in wrestling history. In 1994, the two teams faced off in a tag team match that is widely considered one of the greatest matches of all time. Misawa and Kobashi once again emerged victorious, but the Holy Demon Army continued to pursue them relentlessly.
The rivalry continued to escalate, and in 1995, the two factions faced off in a six-man tag team match that is still talked about to this day. Misawa, Kobashi, and Toshiaki Kawada engaged in a brutal, hard-hitting encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, Misawa’s team emerged victorious, but the Holy Demon Army continued to seek revenge.
The Key Players
Mitsuharu Misawa was the heart and soul of the Misawa/Kobashi team. He was a master in the ring and had an incredible connection with the fans. Kenta Kobashi was his loyal partner, and together they formed an unstoppable force. Toshiaki Kawada was the leader of the Holy Demon Army and was known for his hard-hitting, intense style of wrestling. Akira Taue was his partner and was equally skilled in the ring.
Significance of the Rivalry
The Misawa/Kobashi vs Holy Demon Army rivalry is significant for many reasons. Firstly, it was a classic example of the traditional Japanese style of wrestling, which was characterized by hard-hitting, physical encounters. Secondly, it showcased the incredible skills of some of the greatest wrestlers in Japanese history. Lastly, it had a profound impact on the wrestling industry in Japan and influenced many wrestlers who came after them.
Conclusion
The Misawa/Kobashi vs Holy Demon Army rivalry was one of the greatest in wrestling history. It had all the elements that make pro wrestling so compelling – intense rivalries,
