TAKA Michinoku vs. Triple H

[thefriendsociety]

its because mainly the language barrier and the average size of japanese wrestlers that they do not main event in american wrestling....the american audience is very different especially today where its basically just nerds and people with their kids.

[neverAcquiesce]

They had you believing TAKA Michinoku of all people was about to upset Triple H for the WWF Championship. The year 2000 was amazing.

[yt82lic]

Warning.

Do Not Bump into The APA.

[gage973]

The WWF was the golden days, now the WWE is turned into garbage.

[Mrvwcc11]

This was a grate match even though Taka had no chanve of wining he put up a good fight.

[spinner96797]

Even the lowest card superstars had skill at that time wow

[bigpoppa1234]

Steph is hot even in 240p.

[stmajick]

6:42 Triple H: "I dont give a fuck"

[UnpektopJhabz]

Taka > Rey Misterio

[petezahut93]

It would have absolutely been great if Taka had won the title. I could only imagine how electric that crowd would have been back then, even if the reign lasted 30 seconds.

[John2137]

@GKSocNet what about rey mysterio and eddie guerro and i know theres a few other ppl

[edgecution234]

@GKSocNet batista was filipino

[ThePincheguey26]

@GKSocNet eddie was wwe champion and he was not mixed both his parent were mexican and mark henry is know the world heavyweight champion

[chasinglightprod]

@GKSocNet Booker T?

[Venom8419]

anyone got the video of taka getting chokeslammed and tombstoned by kane?

[21richkid]

Alberto Del Rio the first Mexican born WWE Champion, but Eddie Guerrero was the first Mexican American to win the title followed by Rey Mysterio.

[gryphonofmight]

@GKSocNet

And what about the mexicans who have been World Champions?

[gryphonofmight]

@GKSocNet

What about Booker T as WHC?

And now Mark Henry,

[MiSoto]

Taka, always a joy to watch. With HHH too, at the peak of his powers.

[wrestlemania157]

6:40 I don't give a fuck.

[jajison]

I remember watching this live and it was one of the best matches I've ever seen. Even though I knew HHH wasn't going to lose, they both sold it so well.

[ricok11]

a lightheavyweight got a shot at the wwe championship...not many lightheavyweights can say that !!!!!

[inspiredgluestick]

@ricok11 rey mysterio, eddie guerrero, rvd, jeff hardy

[thesammartin]

HHH sells Taka's punches so well

[12345678901011213]

@GKSocNet Booker t, Mark henry, rey mysterio, eddie guerreo just saying.

[Dregen1]

@GKSocNet They, TNA, and WCW have had those tendencies. Granted TNA did give Truth two NWA World Championship reigns and WWE did book Booker decently well at the Main Event level..and Rey Mysterio, Jr and Eddie Guerrero are/were Mexican. So it's not "always" I will saw the WWE has always held back Asian stars who are highly skilled going back to Akira Madea, Taka could have been huge, Ultimo Dragon as well.

[theboyswhodrinkmilk]

@GKSocNet is it really that much of a big deal to you? relax.....fuck.

[MrSpazchow]

@GKSocNet What about Mark Henry?

[joshEC222]

@GKSocNet faarooq

[HipnosisV1SvR]

WTF why did Taka lose cleanly? Whats the point of all this on the outside if he's not gonna lose dirty? lol

[KangaPanda]

Damn Mick Foley was right! Taka's a beast!!!

[mjlambert1]

A solid match...

[cstring420]

Vince McMahon's silly little hate crime.

[Simplyphenomenal07]

Taka was awesome, so quick and smooth. Wish he comes back and mentors yoshi tatsu who has a new look.

[AlbertLeeFilms]

TAKA for Champion.

[VonHOG]

Then: Taka puts up a great fight but loses a chance at being champion

Now: Everyone jobs to Rey and he gets the the championship

[TheDOTALANCER]

Норм

[marzrerro]

indeeeeed

[GamePowMasters]

Man I miss Taka... Too bad being one of the greatest wrestlers in the world can't get you the title.

[Halloffamer333]

Why not give Taka the title?

[bigevil1001]

2:22 WTF happened to Shane?

[HoseaThaGreat]

@GKSocNet What About Rey Mysterio?

[Jonoridge]

Something that's kind of shocking about WWE... there hasn't been a Japanese or British WWE Champion yet... Considering there has been amazing wrestlers from both it's kind of sad...

[thethunderbird87]

this is when Bradshaw was cool

[rokkujurakuen]

@solejunkie09 oow i dont knoww if they are awsome but i watch their battle losing is dominate.diffrent with taijiri although they come from same country but he still can fight better than two of them.

[rokkujurakuen]

this is another cheerleader battle.Taka Michinoku isn't talented wrestler.If wanna seek Japan greater wrestler in WWF is TAIJIRI!!

[solejunkie09]

@rokkujurakuen dude are u serious they both are awesome come on u obviously was born after 1999

[21richkid]

Fact is WWE have yet to crown a first Japanese World Champion. Legend Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki won the Title from Bob Backlund in the late 1970's but he was stripped due to a controversial decision. By the way, Yokozuna won the title in 1993, but he was Samoan though his character was Japanese so does that qualify for him to be the first Japanese WWF Champion? Funaki, Taka, Tajiri, and Yoshi Tatsu never got to be main event stars.

[Paintinprettypicture]

@21richkid same with Akio(jimmy wang yang), Sokoda, ultimo dragon, kenshi.

[NivekJTFZ2]

@21richkid All we can hope is that Yoshi gets a push since he still is young on the wwe.

[BarackSays]

@21richkid Ok come on, I like all those guys but I would never buy any of them as main event guys.

[GamingWithStatoke]

@21richkid I LOVED Kaientai and TAJIRI is one of by favourite wrestlers ever but they could never be main eventers. Also WWE only like cruiserweight Japanese guys. Guys like Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe and other heavyweight main eventers in Japan are not liked by WWE, probably due to racism.

[thanhbites]

 i reamber this .

[bigdaddyj1985]

Stephanie or not, Triple H is one of the greatest superstars of all-time.

[invisibleman275]

Thumbs up to that Ref.

[avb6100]

triple h is an ego maniac he fucked vince's daughter and that helped him become champion hhh sucks

[MustardLung]

@avb6100 Funny you say that, because he's actually brilliant

[Cirrus5005]

I simply can't believe how much better this is than the WWE today ... it doesn't even violate the terms of PG, it's just better in every way. So much going on, storylines occurring at all times, between all kinds of wrestlers. You care about everyone, because everyone gets fair on-screen and in-ring time. Sometimes letting things get out of control like this (off-script perhaps) is great ... yeah it looks a little messy ... but it's chaotic brilliance. Next thing you know smack! Moonsault to HHH

[thebigmarvinski]

@Cirrus5005 Good thing abut the attitude era was everyone on the card was involved in someway. Minor titles meant something and the transition to WWE title was a big deal.

[Ratmann3684]

good lord, lillian garcia's voice was intolerable.

[Gonguyen1]

HOW COULD THEY LET TRIPLE H WIN, THOSE FKN BASTARDS

[HotRodStyles]

I'm not the biggest Triple H fan, but here is where I kind of respect the guy. We all knew he'd win, but he put Taka over somewhat by making it seem like Taka had a legitimate chance.

[heez29design]

@HotRodStyles He is a true professional.

[32jview]

HES BROKEN IN HALF

[kingmula2]

although we knew taka was going to lose it was still great they gave hima chance

[marty34156]

the funny thing is triple h is nowhere near the talent of taka

[Nickman32]

Still one of my favorite matches ever.

[Type2much]

Earl Hebner was the best Referee ever !

[jhammaster]

@Type2much shame he went to tna

[TheHuss50]

vince only kicks Ron "Farooq "Simmons A black. Damn

[abelherrera11]

Best under 10 minute RAW championship match ever!

[sergiovalle21]

TAKA RULES!!!!!!!!!! lol

[ThePacmanClassic]

Damn you HHH for burying Funaki for no reason lol

[micholly]

it's just weird. If so many of the roster are too small to win the Big Gold, then why is there no Cruiserweight title?

[Graveguard1992]

is there another vid of this match anywere without the sucky quality

[bigpoppa1234]

bloody hell steph is hot.

[bigpoppa1234]

Stephanie was the Women's Champ? lol.

[JBXyooj]

Doesn't matter if you were a triple H fan that night... watching that match you were rooting for the underdog.

[jrosario022]

God, i remember this match. It was great!

[ajmain2287]

Good times very good ti e this whole segment was perfect even though you new taka wasn't gunna win after this performance he should of easily got the ic belt

[beatlegreg07]

if Taka had joined the Ministry of Darkness he could have been "the under-taka"

[jeypeepsv1]

@beatlegreg07 LOL thats funny!!

[beatlegreg07]

another great JR-King segment too

[TheOvieBot]

TAKA MICHINOKU RULES!!!!!!!

[mrassassinscreedfan1]

6:40 triple h I DON'T GIVE A FUCK WHAT YOU SAY

[316cenasucks]

HHH got outwrestled.

[drido]

@316cenasucks Taka is one of the best junior heavyweights of all time.

[StevexOwnz]

I bet outside the ring if this was a real fight

Taka would whoop Triple H AsS!

[drido]

@StevexOwnz Despite the MASSIVE size and strength difference, Taka probably could. Dude is fucking vicious and can take of himself. TAKA IS COMING, MUTHERFUCKER!

[StevexOwnz]

I bet outside the ring if this was a real fight

Taka would whoop Triple H AsS!

[StevexOwnz]

i think in real life out side of wrestling.

Taka could whoop Triple H ass.

[HBKvsTazMUDM]

Taka should have got the win on either that moonsault or the hurricanrana. After displaying awesome in-ring talent and establishing the light heavyweight division, Taka deserved to be the WWF Champion.

[recaked]

Perhaps if Taka had a money making mask, maybe he would have become a World Champion . . .

[mandude846]

Taka has more talent then 90 % of the current WWE roster

[VoorkJTV]

@mandude846 i'd venture to say 95

[LaVitaNouva]

@mandude846 Well , what do you ( in fact .. us ) expect from the company that let The Miz be the Champion ?

[inugami515]

Did you hear the crowd pop when Taka got the near fall after that moonsault? You NEVER get that kind of reaction these days.

[BUSTAxCLIP89]

I remember watchin this match I was jumpin up and down for taka to win. Good times

[cosplayercory]

Taka,Funaki and Tajiri were all beastly

[ThiSHmOng6uY]

Taka > Rey Mysterio.

[Ninjacobra9]

APA were Gods!

[tynerider]

Great Match. Totally enjoyable.

[gamelvr1]

The crowd's reaction when taka gets the near fall at 7:24 was epic. You don't get reactions like that. One of the greatest near upsets of all time.

[TheManAbove]

One of Japan's finest vs. The champion at the time? This could have been a squash, but I am glad it wasn't. TAKA is one of the best wrestlers I have ever seen and while it was obvious that Triple H was going to win, we got to see TAKA shine. Pretty good match, though I wish it was a little longer and didn't have too much outside interference. Still good, though.

[sscool100]

@TheManAbove kind of like how kaval was good but they jobed him out but at surviver series him and ziggler had the best match of the night

[cmpunk65]

This match is more entertaining than 99% of those days. Even if it was known that HHH will win.

[gamelvr1]

@cmpunk65 This was when triple h was in his prime (before the injuries inhibited his wrestling ability), and Taka is an amazing wrestler. Easily one of the most talented (top 10/15) cruiserweights/lightheavyweigh­ts in wrestling history

[JBXyooj]

When you watch this match you think to yourself.... Old Taka Back.... Good Ol Taka.

[217medusa]

TAKA moves were way more entertaining.

[Iforlyfe]

Come on if they gave the Miz a title run why couldnt they give Taka one

[extremekurt]

@Iforlyfe Because the WWE thinks that Miz is awesome...which makes Taka Michinoku a super duper awesome guy!

[Alnwick07]

@Iforlyfe Thats because Miz can actually draw

[tornadokick96]

was Triple H a heel at this time?

[SUPERSPEEDY55]

@tornadokick96 Yes Sir!!!

[CanadianGuitarist]

@tornadokick96 Yes, he had been a full-fledged heel for about ten months. Even if he wasn't, how could anyone not pull for TAKA in this match?

[gamelvr1]

@tornadokick96 Uh yeah, from March 1999 until 2005 (when he teamed with hbk again) he was heel 90% of that time. Only had 2 short face runs during that time.

[thejam1977]

As Mick Foley said ''If the WWE was based on talent alone, then Taka Michinoku would be the WWE Champion

[notsovelvet]

@thejam1977 Where did he say that, in one of his books?

[DrSanto91]

@thejam1977 yeah taka would have put up very good matches with stone cold, triple h and the rock if he got the push he needed.

[jeypeepsv1]

@DrSanto91 he wouldnt have got the push because he couldnt speak English...Triple H requested the match because he like Taka's style and was a fan.. i guess it was his way of paying homage... you could tell that by the way Trips was selling and how much offense Taka had during the match!... its a shame we dont see matches like this no more on raw! in this day and time Taka would be nothing but a Jobber in the WWE and its a shame the way things are going!

[DrSanto91]

@jeypeepsv1 yeah and to the people who thinks that triple h always buries very good wrestlers, this shows that triple h does not always s do it, just look triple h let taka get alot of offense in this match, he did not bury him and it turned out to be a very good match from taka.

[jeypeepsv1]

@DrSanto91 Dont get it wrong tho bro he does bury good wrestlers but thats only because of the foothold he has in the company, i mean he is the next chairman of the WWE after all, but back then was a different time but in recent times he has. like he burried shaemus not too long ago and shaemus is Triple H's good friend! plus there was summerslam 2007 where he downed booker T in like 7minutes! im not a huge Booker fan but the guy was a 5 time world champ. i just thought it was disrespectful

[DrSanto91]

@jeypeepsv1 yeah natch between triple h and booker t, it would have been a five star match if did not last less than ten minutes, but i guess it was triple return to the ring after his quad injury they had to make it special for him.

[jeypeepsv1]

@DrSanto91 well i guess so, maybe they could have picked someone else other than Booker. i take it your trips fan?

[TrickStar9191]

@jeypeepsv1 i woudnt say triple h is next chairman it be stephanie who will take over hhh will just be minor support

[jeypeepsv1]

@TrickStar9191 No he will be bro. its truth. remmember where you heard it first. Stephanie is head of the creative department and has been chieif writer of WWE for more than ten years now.

[madmanszalinski]

@thejam1977 I've been quoting him on that since 1997!

[guizuxuezhe]

@thejam1977

yes, i do agree,imagine if vince choose talent over looks, then it would be Taka marrying stephanie and it would be Taka vs Cena in wrestlmania 22, taka vs taker in 2011, it would be Taka reforming Dx and win the unified tag titles from jerishow XD

[y2taner]

@guizuxuezhe it would actully be taka vs daniel bryan at wm 22

[Guitaribonist]

Wow, Taka is amazing!! He's very underrated, and Triple H is super overrated

[Cidaldragon]

Wonder were HHH would be if he didan`t marry Vince`s daughter?

[monosaturated]

We need a TAKA vs Bryan vs Kaval Triple Threat heading a PPV.

[mrblob1012]

listen to the crowd do you hear that pop

[metalparkdude]

2:26 referee about to kick fuckin ass!!!

[dim432]

Taka wouldve been the champion oh he wouldve been.

[dwoverdose52]

Taka Misheenookoo LOL XD

[JardelDias619]

great referee, what's his name?

[camparianbliss]

This is a great example of how to sell offense- another good one that comes to mind was the time The Rock fought Hurricane Helms.

[2canvandam]

Awh man i remeber this and all!!.. I knew Taka wouldn win the title but the match was brilliant and half way thru I really thought Taka could get an upset. The excitment runnin the me!. This is what I watched as a kid :)

[shanomacbry]

Not to mention the fact that now, there's no WAY Taka would be given the chance to shine like he did here. Sure he lost this match, but he was given the shot to go one on one with one of the Federation's biggest names, & put on a solid effort. It reminds me of the series between HHH and Shelton. Now, a guy like Cena or Orton would just mock them, make them look like a chump, and then drop them in five seconds flat. Really, I watch both WWE and TNA, but neither is like the WWF and WCW of old...

[DrSanto91]

@shanomacbry yeah your right, shit i REALLY thought Taka was going to win, i really wanted him win the title, but still even the upper midcard wrestlers would not getbarried the main eventers.

[jhammaster]

@shanomacbry you cant say that about cena because he jobbed the wwe u.s championship to carlito in his debut.

[NoBrianNoGain]

This is when it really was a universe and not just a bunch of guys competing for the titles...it sounds anti-wrestling but it's not, it's just really noticeable when watching stuff like this nowadays

[shanomacbry]

@NoBrianNoGain I know exactly what you mean. Back then, EVERYONE had a storyline, an angle, and was involved with something. Now, the only matches that matter are the title matches, and basically people are either shoe-horned into facing off for them with little to no reason, or it's always the same people. There truly is a reason to yearn for the old days...

- $hane

[17NJDevilsfan]

Sabu would beat the shit out of Triple H in real life.

[DarkSaber22]

at 6:42, I think HHH says "I don't give a fuck!" lol

[FlukeDogg08]

6:37 ~Everyone Talks Too Much!~

"I don't give a fuck what you say!"

[skeletonchrist1503]

even taka was better than half of these new cunts

[iamcjb]

@skeletonchrist1503 What do you mean by "even Taka". Take is one of the greatest wrestlers ever. Better than pretty much everyone during the Attitude era not just the current generation.

[F0Xhound009]

awesome match

[bernard1878]

Bad ass HHH entrance Theme !!!!

[pratikh]

You look up and see both Acolytes staring down at you.... that's a BAAAAD neighborhood to be in.

RIP APA

[Gatz22]

My favourite part at 6:10

[JimmyJones]

It's good to see the small dudes going against the main eventers.

[filipenis96]

Props to Triple H for allow himself to sell to an underrated legend like Taka. They both put on a good show but Trips had to win cuz he's the Star you know. 

[codymorton1]

@filipenis96 Taka was awesome! 

[Halloffamer333]

Taka actuality came pretty close.

[starmaverick]

as amazing as this match was. It would have been a WCW style booking if Taka won the WWF title

[whitesoxfan5]

I remember seeing this match, and I actually thought that when Taka hit the driver that he would have won. I just thought maybe the next day he would lose the title or something.....it was a great match.

[caceves]

I miss JL's heel commentary so much LOL

[dillyhusla]

@ProWrestlingFan101 what move did he innovate? just asking

[808TROY]

@dillyhusla The Michinoku Driver 2 (Sitout Scoop Piledriver)

[Righton2000]

Do you know what was great about this one? The fact that you BELIEVED Taka could beat him. He sure as hell outperformed him.

[ProWrestlingFan101]

TAKA will always be better than Triple H no matter what. He won belts,innovated a move,and wrestled around the world in diffrent companies.

[Amazingjourney20]

this proves why Taka Michinoku is one of the best wrestlers that WWE screwed over

[Cristian6927]

I remember seeing this match on TV. It was pure athleticism from Taka, as he put the Number 1 man in this business (at the time) betting his life on a coin flip. Even though HHH won the match it was an instant classic!!!

Indeed.

[whitesoxfan5]

@Cristian6927 What do u mean betting his life on a coin flip? would have been cool if Taka won.

[Cristian6927]

@whitesoxfan5 What I said is very simple: Taka showed up a brilliant performance regardless the high-level magnitude of a superstar like Triple H. And agreeing with you, Taka wins = Upset victory.