MOTW 45: Takeshita vs Uemura
“M.O.T.W. #45: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Yuya Uemura” - ink & digital illustration
Hi pals! I’m back again with the 45th edition of our ‘Match of the Week’ illustration series & I’m delighted to present a somewhat current G1 Climax art-squiggle for your consideration.
This excellent bout took place just a few weeks back on July 25th, 2024, on Day 4 of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax 34 tournament at Sunmesse Kagawa, in Takamatsu.
So this was just such a delight to watch in every way! Easily my favourite match of the tournament thus far & a match that makes me quite optimistic about New Japan’s future (which tbh, I haven’t been in quite a while).
I’ve become a big fan of both of these gentlemen. Takeshita has been honestly great for so long. From his time as ace of DDT, to some great matches in AEW & he somehow seems to just keep getting better! I recall Uemura being my favourite of his crop of NJPW Young Lions - with a fantastic amateur base & some absolutely beautiful suplexes. That bridging double overhook suplex! Oh my gosh!! But again, he really seems to be properly coming into his own just now as the 'Heat-Storm'. To the point that to me, he’s clearly New Japan’s best & brightest to carry the company going forward. He reminds me a lot of an early 90s Keiji Mutoh or Hiroshi Hase ...& that is a massive compliment!
So this match just totally rules! I thought it told an excellent story with Uemura’s targeting of Takeshita’s arms & the struggle of Takeshita powering on despite some of his biggest weapons being severely compromised. Both men’s top tier wrestling skills & undeniable natural charisma really carry this to that next level of greatness. A totally excellent finish too!
There’s always something very special as well about having such a total banger on a smaller town show like this. Those Kagawa fans were lucky on this night!
Man, Uemura better win this whole darned thing!
ENJOY!!
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