When it comes to professional wrestling, few matchups ignite the passion of fans like the “Makabe vs Ishii full fight.” This legendary rivalry between Togi Makabe and Tomohiro Ishii, two of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) most formidable warriors, stands as a pinnacle of strong-style wrestling. Known for their unrelenting physicality, raw power, and sheer determination, their encounters have left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Whether you’re a die-hard NJPW fan or a newcomer curious about this epic showdown, this article dives deep into the history, key moments, and lasting impact of the Makabe vs Ishii full fight. By the end, you’ll understand why this clash remains a must-watch spectacle and how you can relive it today.
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The Origins of the Makabe vs Ishii Rivalry
The “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” isn’t just a single event it’s the culmination of a storied rivalry that spans years within NJPW. Togi Makabe, dubbed “The Unchained Gorilla,” and Tomohiro Ishii, known as “The Stone Pitbull,” brought contrasting yet complementary styles to the ring. Makabe, standing at 6 feet and weighing around 240 pounds, is a powerhouse brawler whose charisma and brute strength have made him a fan favorite since his debut in 1997. Ishii, slightly shorter at 5’8” but equally imposing at 220 pounds, is celebrated for his toughness, technical precision, and ability to absorb punishment like few others.
Their paths first crossed significantly in the mid-2000s as part of the Great Bash Heel (GBH) stable, a villainous faction led by Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Initially allies, their relationship shifted as NJPW storylines evolved. By 2009, Ishii joined the Chaos stable under Shinsuke Nakamura, while Makabe remained a cornerstone of GBH, setting the stage for a clash of former brothers-in-arms. This dynamic added emotional depth to their encounters, transforming their matches into personal battles of pride and supremacy.
The rivalry truly ignited around the NEVER Openweight Championship, a title introduced in 2012 to showcase NJPW’s hardest-hitting competitors. Both Makabe and Ishii became synonymous with the belt, trading it multiple times and delivering some of the most brutal matches in its history. Their full fights, particularly those between 2014 and 2016, are often cited as defining moments for the title and the strong-style ethos NJPW is famous for.
Breaking Down the Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight: Key Matches
To understand the “Makabe vs Ishii full fight,” we must explore their most iconic encounters. While they’ve faced off numerous times in tag matches and tournaments like the G1 Climax, their singles matches for the NEVER Openweight Championship stand out. Here’s a detailed breakdown of three pivotal bouts that wrestling fans still rave about.
Wrestle Kingdom 9
The first major “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” spotlighted at Wrestle Kingdom 9 saw Ishii defending the NEVER Openweight Championship against Makabe. This match epitomized strong-style wrestling: stiff strikes, thunderous suplexes, and an unrelenting pace. Ishii, the reigning champion, entered with a taped shoulder—a testament to his resilience after months of grueling defenses. Makabe, hungry to reclaim the title, unleashed his signature power moves, including lariats and the King Kong Knee Drop.
The match was a war of attrition. Ishii’s headbutts and brainbusters met Makabe’s forearm smashes and slams, with the crowd roaring at every near fall. After 20 minutes of back-and-forth brutality, Makabe pinned Ishii with the King Kong Knee Drop, capturing the title and cementing this as a classic. Fans and critics praised its intensity, with many calling it an underrated gem of the stacked Wrestle Kingdom 9 card.
Wrestling Hinokuni
Their rematch at Wrestling Hinokuni flipped the script. Makabe, now champion, had vacated the title earlier due to illness, allowing Ishii to reclaim it in an interim bout against Tomoaki Honma. This “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” was about redemption for Makabe and survival for Ishii. Clocking in at 26 minutes, it was a punishing display of endurance.
The opening saw Makabe dominate with shoulder tackles, but Ishii countered with vicious chops and a rare flip dive—an uncharacteristic move that stunned fans. As the match wore on, both traded lariats and suplexes, with Makabe’s powerbomb nearly ending it. Ishii’s resilience shone through, but Makabe’s final King Kong Knee Drop from the top rope secured the victory and the title once more. This bout earned a four-star rating from observers, lauded for its storytelling and physicality.
Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall
Perhaps the most celebrated “Makabe vs Ishii full fight,” this title defense at Dominion showcased their chemistry at its peak. Makabe, defending the NEVER Openweight Championship, faced an Ishii determined to reclaim his prize. The 22-minute slugfest featured everything fans love about their rivalry: brutal strike exchanges, high-impact moves, and dramatic near falls.
Ishii’s brainbuster and Makabe’s top-rope belly-to-back suplex were standout moments, each drawing gasps from the Osaka crowd. The match’s climax saw Makabe weather Ishii’s onslaught before landing a decisive lariat and King Kong Knee Drop to retain the title. Tokyo Sports hailed it as a “masterpiece,” and it remains a benchmark for NEVER Openweight matches.
What Makes the Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight Special
The “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” transcends typical wrestling matches due to several key factors:
Strong-Style Mastery
Both wrestlers embody NJPW’s strong-style philosophy, blending martial arts-inspired strikes with traditional wrestling. Their matches feel like real fights, with every chop, forearm, and headbutt carrying visceral impact. This authenticity draws fans in, making each blow a shared experience.
Contrasting Styles
Makabe’s brawling, power-based approach contrasts beautifully with Ishii’s technical finesse and resilience. Makabe overwhelms with sheer force, while Ishii absorbs punishment and strikes back with precision. This dynamic creates a compelling narrative of power versus perseverance.
Emotional Stakes
Their shared history as allies turned rivals adds layers to their encounters. Each “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” feels personal, with pride and legacy on the line. Fans invest emotionally, knowing both men are fighting for more than just a title.
Unforgettable Moments
From Ishii’s flip dive at Wrestling Hinokuni to Makabe’s match-ending knee drops, their fights are packed with highlights. These moments linger in fans’ minds, ensuring the rivalry’s place in wrestling lore.
The Legacy of Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight
The “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” has left a lasting impact on NJPW and professional wrestling as a whole. Their battles elevated the NEVER Openweight Championship from a mid-tier belt to a symbol of hard-hitting excellence. Ishii’s 2014-2015 reign, punctuated by losses to Makabe, turned him into a cult hero, while Makabe’s victories solidified his status as a top-tier star.
Their influence extends beyond NJPW. Independent wrestlers worldwide have adopted their hard-hitting style, and promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where Ishii occasionally appears, showcase his enduring appeal. Social media buzz after each match—hashtags like #MakabeVsIshii trending globally—underscores their international draw.
For fans, these matches are a gateway to NJPW’s unique brand of wrestling. They’ve inspired countless discussions on forums like Reddit’s SquaredCircle and articles on sites like Voices of Wrestling, cementing their status as modern classics.
How to Watch the Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight
Ready to experience the “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” for yourself? NJPW World, the promotion’s streaming service, offers access to their full catalog, including Wrestle Kingdom 9, Wrestling Hinokuni, and Dominion 7.5. Subscriptions start at ¥999 (about $9 USD) monthly, with English commentary available for major events. Search for “Makabe vs Ishii” or specific event names to find these matches in high quality.
Conclusion
The “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” is more than a wrestling matct it’s a testament to the power of strong-style, the thrill of rivalry, and the artistry of NJPW. Togi Makabe and Tomohiro Ishii delivered bouts that combined physicality, emotion, and storytelling in a way few can replicate. From their explosive clashes at Wrestle Kingdom to their grueling wars at Dominion, their rivalry has earned its place among wrestling’s greatest. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, the Makabe vs Ishii full fight promises an unforgettable ride. Dive into NJPW World today and witness two titans at their peak because some battles are too epic to miss.
FAQS
1. What is the most famous Makabe vs Ishii full fight?
The most famous “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” is widely considered to be their NEVER Openweight Championship match at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall on July 5, 2015. This 22-minute brawl showcased their brutal strong-style chemistry, with Makabe defending the title against Ishii in a match filled with stiff strikes, dramatic near falls, and a climactic King Kong Knee Drop finish. Fans and critics, including Tokyo Sports, hailed it as a masterpiece, making it a standout in their rivalry.
2. Where can I watch the Makabe vs Ishii full fight live or on-demand?
You can’t watch “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” live today since their peak singles matches occurred years ago, but you can stream them on-demand via NJPW World, New Japan’s official streaming platform. Key matches like Wrestle Kingdom 9 (January 4, 2015), Wrestling Hinokuni (April 29, 2015), and Dominion 7.5 (July 5, 2015) are available with a subscription starting at ¥999 (about $9 USD) per month. Check the NJPW World archives under event names or search “Makabe vs Ishii” to relive these classics.
3. Who won the Makabe vs Ishii full fight for the NEVER Openweight Championship?
The outcome depends on the specific match! In their notable trilogy of 2015:
At Wrestle Kingdom 9, Togi Makabe defeated Tomohiro Ishii to win the NEVER Openweight Championship.
4. Why is the Makabe vs Ishii full fight so popular among wrestling fans?
The “Makabe vs Ishii full fight” captivates fans due to its raw intensity and embodiment of NJPW’s strong-style wrestling. Makabe’s powerhouse brawling clashes with Ishii’s technical resilience, creating a visceral, hard-hitting spectacle. Their matches, especially for the NEVER Openweight Championship, feature unforgettable moments like Ishii’s rare flip dive or Makabe’s devastating lariats, paired with emotional stakes from their history as former allies turned rivals. It’s a perfect blend of physicality and storytelling that resonates globally.
5. How many times have Makabe and Ishii fought in a full singles match?
Togi Makabe and Tomohiro Ishii have faced off in singles competition multiple times, with at least six documented high-profile matches between 2014 and 2020, primarily for the NEVER Openweight Championship or in the G1 Climax. Key encounters include Wrestle Kingdom 9 (2015), Wrestling Hinokuni (2015), Dominion 7.5 (2015), King of Pro-Wrestling (2015), and G1 Climax bouts like July 27, 2019. Their total singles matches may exceed this, as they’ve also clashed in countless tag matches, but their championship battles are the most celebrated.
