LogFAQs > #942951903

#10 - Kenta Kobashi
Score: 213
Lists: 11
1st place votes: 2. Voltch, Iceman

Writeup: NBIceman

One.

Thats the number of times Ive ever heard of a Japanese wrestler being told theyre training too hard. Japanese training methods are famously tough and relentless, especially so decades ago, so for Giant Baba to tell a guy that he might need to dial it back a bit, he mustve been working like an absolute lunatic. Kenta Kobashi was that guy. The first word that usually comes to mind when you think about him is heart, and he had it long before he ever even stepped in a ring. A story like that sums him up. He was always the most expressive of the Four Pillars and arguably embodied the idea of fighting spirit better than anyone else ever has.

63.

Thats the number of singles losses Kobashi took before he won his first. Not everyone could get over like that, obviously. It takes a very special kind of guy to have that sort of losing streak and not be eternally regarded as a loser. But Kobashi was special. He always worked against midcard-level wrestlers as opposed to guys of his experience level, and he always got shine, getting closer and closer every day to that first win. Fans gladly rallied behind him. They enjoyed the journey of this rookie coming within inches of beating competitors with much more renown. His fiery never-stay-down attitude gave him an underdog charisma that would follow him for at least the entirety of his AJPW run, and he was such a gifted seller and storyteller that it always worked to perfection.

21.

Thats the number of Kobashi matches rated five stars by Dave Meltzer. And yeah, thats just one mans opinion, but theres plenty of people who would happily tell you that they think he actually deserved more. Singles or tags. The other Pillars, younger guys on the come-up like Akiyama or Shiozaki, other stalwarts like Hansen and Sasaki; Kobashi could have an amazing match with any of them. Its very common for someones all-time favorite match to involve Kobashi. I myself am usually inclined to name 6/9/95 as the best ever. His unparalleled crowd connection crossed with his innovativeness and willingness to sacrifice his body guaranteed that there would always be something memorable that happened in his important bouts, whether it was his desperate, heart-wrenching attempts to crawl over and shield Misawa in the aforementioned tag match, the absolutely insane Tiger Suplex where Akiyama threw him off the entrance ramp, or the legendary five-minute-long chop exchange with Sasaki at Destiny 2005. No one will make you want to leap out of your chair and cheer, even if youre alone in your own house, the way Kobashi will.

Seven.

Thats the number of times Kobashi broke out the Burning Hammer, maybe the most infamous move in history among hardcore wrestling fans. There was something poetic about the man who could hardly ever be kept down having the most effective finisher ever created. It was the cherry on top of his almost mythical status to have a super move that was never kicked out of, and it speaks to his deep understanding of wrestling that he protected it so well, only utilizing it at the most important and perfect of times.

735.

Thats the number of days Kobashis only reign as NOAHs GHC Heavyweight Champion lasted. It took him nearly two years to win it, and then he spent a whole two years holding onto it, during which he defended against such names as Jun Akiyama (phenomenal match), Yuji Nagata, Yoshihiro Takayama, Masahiro Chono (on an NJPW card, no less), Minoru Suzuki, Akira Taue, and even Mike Awesome. The reign was as much a success at the box office as it was in the ring - Kobashi was even more popular than Misawa during this period. That Akiyama match took place at NOAHs first Tokyo Dome show, and they filled the building.
Three.

Thats the number of matches Kobashi had on American soil. One of them, bizarrely, came for Harley Races World League Wrestling promotion against some guy named Wade Chism, and of all the matches in pro wrestling that never made tape, Id have a tough time coming up with one Id be more excited to watch. The others were a little more high profile, both coming on a single weekend in Ring of Honor, both times standing across the ring from Samoa Joe. The tag match on the second day is awesome in its own right, but the singles is the real legendary show. Humble, friendly Kobashi expected no one in the crowd to know who he was and had it in his mind to play a Mr. Fuji-style heel to Joes face, up to and including throwing salt in his eyes. Joe reportedly smiled and just told him No, man, trust me, they know who you are. Ill never get tired of watching Kobashis bemused face as he comes out of the entryway and hears an absolutely thunderous roar of cheers before he decides to just go with it and excitedly throws his hands up. The match that follows is unforgettable, boasting what is for my money the greatest overall atmosphere ever in a wrestling match. Japanese stars, especially in this era, didnt often go all out when they came to the USA, but Kobashi only ever knew one speed; the idea of giving less than 100% wouldve been incomprehensible to him.

17,000.

Thats the number of fans that packed into Budokan Hall to see Kobashis 8-man tag retirement match at NOAHs Final Burning. Well, sort of. Budokan Hall doesnt really hold quite that capacity. Worked attendance numbers are fun. Regardless, though, the number isnt that far off. The building was packed, people wedged in shoulder to shoulder, and for every man, woman, or child that was there chanting the mans name and showering him in a massive pile of streamers and maybe even shedding a few tears, there were a thousand more wishing they got that chance. Its not uncommon to see even steadfast lovers of wrestling making the claim that its ultimately an inherently stupid form of entertainment, but when you look at a star the level of Kobashi and see the effect he had on his fans, the amount of joy he brought to the people that watched him and continue to watch him to this day, and hell, even the number of future wrestlers that he inspired to follow their passion, its hard not to see it as something far greater.

There was nothing you could ever desire in a pro wrestler that Kobashi lacked. Potentially the greatest in-ring worker and babyface ever. A fantastic look. A huge drawing success in multiple companies. An entrance theme that is guaranteed to get you motivated any time you really need to get something done. A lasting legacy. Influence that continues to this day. Even cancer only barely managed a 1-count on him. Add all of that up and youll come to the final number that matters.

Zero.

Thats the number of wrestlers better than Kenta Kobashi.
[Maniac: Or 9 according to Board 8...]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qng13D2kKBo; Kenta Kobashi & Tusyoshi Kikuchi vs. Dan Kroffat & Phil LaFon (May 25, 1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsapUcvA6M; Kenta Kobashi vs. Mitsuharu Misawa (Jan 20, 1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAIWOBVL2AE; Kenta Kobashi vs. Kensuke Sasaki (July 18, 2005)
https://www.bilibili.com/video/av54588273/; Burning (Akihiko Ito, Atsushi Aoki, KENTA & Kenta Kobashi) vs. Kensuke Office (Katsuhiko Nakajima, Kensuke Sasaki, Kento Miyahara & Takashi Okita) (August 17, 2008)

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