Rey Mysterio vs. Jushin Liger from WCW’s Starrcade 1996

Recap from TJ Hawke:

Mike Tenay said this was the first meeting between these two.  Liger was in control to start the match.  Mysterio eventually sent Liger to the floor with a hurricanrana and then did a feint 619. Mysterio went to suplex Liger back into the ring, but Liger just reversed it and suplexed Mysterio to the floor. Liger then powerbombed Mysterio onto the floor. Ouch.  Back in the ring, Liger locked in the Mexican Surfboard.  Mysterio came back with a German suplex and a standing moonsault.  Mysterio hit a springboard missile dropkick. Mysterio went for another one, but Liger blocked it with a standing dropkick. Liger hit a koppou kick, but Mysterio came back with a spinning heel kick and a headscissors takedown. Mysterio sent Liger to the floor and hit an Asai Moonsault.  Back in the ring, Liger got hung up in the ropes. Mysterio then hit a springboard legdrop: 1…2…NO!  Mysterio went for a springboard backsplash, but Liger avoided it. Liger then hit a diving headbutt: 1…2…NO! Mysterio went for a springboard hurricanrana, but Liger blocked it. Liger then hit another koppou kick and a Liger Bomb: 1…2…3

I think I knew this match was considered a disappointment going in, but I was still surprised by how unremarkable the match. Liger and Mysterio have to be considered two of (if not) the most important junior heavyweights in the history of wrestling, but this match really didn’t show it. It’s such a cool matchup that it’s worth watching, but you should keep your expectations relatively low.

Match Rating: ***1/4