NJPW Thread (New Japan Pro Wrestling)

[Dominator83]

Well Callihan came in as a big deal, the gimmick didn't help but he admits he was complacent, not sure what they where doing with Juice though, given how good he is now.

I think the main issue with Callihan is that WWE just doesn't mesh with what he does well. He's brilliant at playing the violent psychopath. He's basically what Dean Ambrose should be but isn't because WWE is PG and crazy actually means wacky.

As for Juice, I guess I kind of get it, because he didn't really make the leap until he went to NJPW.

Still, though, seems like they really dropped the ball with two super talented guys by giving them the worst gimmicks imaginable. They were potential stars who got enhancement talent gimmicks.

Callihan and Ambrose were a great tag team just because of their promos and lunacy. Its a shame WWE didn't think to reunite them

[Spens1]

Well Callihan came in as a big deal, the gimmick didn't help but he admits he was complacent, not sure what they where doing with Juice though, given how good he is now.

I think the main issue with Callihan is that WWE just doesn't mesh with what he does well. He's brilliant at playing the violent psychopath. He's basically what Dean Ambrose should be but isn't because WWE is PG and crazy actually means wacky.

As for Juice, I guess I kind of get it, because he didn't really make the leap until he went to NJPW.

Still, though, seems like they really dropped the ball with two super talented guys by giving them the worst gimmicks imaginable. They were potential stars who got enhancement talent gimmicks.

Callihan and Ambrose were a great tag team just because of their promos and lunacy. Its a shame WWE didn't think to reunite them

or at least have them feud (what a feud that would have been).

[Spens1]

Night 12 finished and i'm convinced, the best in the world isn't Naito, Okada or Omega, its actually Ibushi, its just that Ibushi is actually insane

Didn't care too much about the opening tag match (it was a match)

2nd tag match itself was interesting in terms of storyline, Hangman going to act the heel in that and maybe Henare being robbed a singles match pushes him more to Bullet Club (and he messes up Owens)

The CHAOS tag team match was the most interesting, the CHAOS civil war is setting up nicely itself. White was about to injure Sho but Yoh stopped it and watched Yoh tap out again. Its clear that Jay is going to turn on CHAOS (and probably go to Bullet Club), the question is, do we get Jay White vs the entirety of CHAOS first.

Tama Tonga vs Ishii was very good i thought, it wasn't a technical masterpiece but i was sports entertained. Ishii took on two people and nearly won but that counter from the brain buster to the gun stun was so smooth (also Tonga's defensive style i think worked nicely against Ishii). Technically, whilst it isn't a masterpiece, it was entertaining as hell.

Juice beat Sanada and i was shocked, like where the hell did that come from, this was irritating, he came within an inch of beating Kenny Omega and then he loses to a desperately out of form Juice (who probably is in the bottom 2-3 wrestlers in this entire tournament). This was very dumb i thought

Yano vs Naito was pretty funny actually, good balance between comedy and wrestling, Naito nearly outcheated Yano which was interesting. Naito had to work for it but at least we had no shock upset there.

Omega vs ZSJ went as you would expect, very technical with ZSJ torturing Omega for 90% of the match with Omega occasionally powering out. The end was sus, i don't think it is a botch but if it was i wouldn't be surprised. a rollup is interesting but clearly they have a convinient excuse for Omega to lose at least 1 match (i'm thinking loss to Ishii to get the title match there, win against Yano and either time draw or BCOG shennanigans against Ibushi).

Ibushi vs Goto was very good, not a top 3 match but still very good, Crowd was super hot for Ibushi (wrestling in his hometown) so that really brought the match up a bit.

In Block B, only Kenny (12pts; 6-0); Naito (10pts; 5-1) and Ibushi (8pts; 4-2) have a chance to get out of the block.

I'm calling it now though, either Naito wins his last 3 and Kenny wins 1, loses 1 and draws 1 to finish on 15 (1pt behind Naito) and Ibushi gets 2 wins 1 draw (taking him to 13).

The other option is Ibushi wins his last 3 (taking him to 14 and he wins the Kenny match), Kenny wins 1 match (the Yano one), setting up KOPW and WK (whoever wins block B better win, i have no interest in Okada being in the main event again so quickly) and Naito winning 2 but losing to Ibushi which would mean he loses both tiebreakers (even though he'd be equal on points). Setting up Ibushi vs Omega at the Dome so they can kill each other.

I think at this point those would be the only acceptable options, but option B (which probably is the preferable option in terms of the feud) would only happen IF by some unlikely occurance Ibushi was actually sane and signed a contract (he'd get 7 figures from New Japan no doubt, but Ibushi don't care about money).

[Spens1]

Missed last nights one cause i was out (though i watched highlights of Omega vs Ishii and damn it was good, Ishii needs an IC run, maybe even a transition HW title run).

Tonights one (which started really damn early and ran like 2 hours 30 which is really short) was solid i guess but nothing special either (then again last night had the two big time matches).

First off for the main event LolOkadaWins (is this a Roman Reigns type crisis, he's tied 2nd in the block ffs, he better not make the final, no desire to have him in the main event so quickly again after that stupidly long reign). Gedo honestly hasn't made EVIL look that good this tornuament, especially for someone who is about to get an IC title match and probably win the title (at least he probably should, Jericho is an absent champ so far). The match though as a whole was very good, that last bit was fantastic.

Anyway didn't watch the prelims (found out that the show started and turned in just in time for Yoshi Hashi vs Fale.....), Fale vs Yoshi Hashi as a match was pretty bad actually. Nothing really redeeming about it other than Tama Tonga coming in and murdering young lions, the ref and Yoshi Hashi after the match as well as going into the crowd. As a leader he's brilliant.

Hangman pulled off the Upset of the tournament, he was getting murdered before the right of passage out of nowhere (not sure how's that possible). Suzuki will probably hunt him down though and kill him sadly.

Jay White beat Makabe relatively clean (i say relatively, he did chair shot him at the end), honestly White is probably winning the block unless he loses to EVIL, if he beats EVIL. Okada should beat Tanahashi, then again no one from this block is winning the G1 (or at least they shouldn't).

Tanahashi vs Elgin, that end was a botch for sure, how the hell do you no sell high fly flow. Elgins selling i swear...... This prick for as good of a wrestler as he is just is not selling (cause you can't tell me he can't sell, he's just trying to be tough clearly). Anyway Tana got that roll up which is good i guess (Tanahashi would have been done basically).

Anyway I'm thinking the finals ends up being either Ibushi vs White or Naito vs White (I mean Ibushi vs White would be the better for storyline purposes, but in terms of draw, you kind of have to go Naito vs White cause Naito is the biggest draw in the company right now and is the only one out of the big 3 not to have had a meaningful title run).

[improper]

I think the money match-up is either Omega/Naito or Omega/Ibushi.

Either way, I'm all in on that match.

[Dominator83]

I think the money match-up is either Omega/Naito or Omega/Ibushi.

Either way, I'm all in on that match.

Speaking of which, i tried getting tickets to that but they sold out in like 10 minutes and after market prices are insane

[improper]

Omega/Pentagon is expected to be added to All In.

[Spens1]

That will be such a good match. Would like to see the Lucha Bros in World Tag League as well (and Unbreakable F'n Machines also, since Chosen Bros won't happen).

[Spens1]

Night 16 Done in the G1 and there are some interesting implications with this.

Henare finally got a pin (against Umino but still)

I'd laugh if Hangman Page loses to Yoshi Hashi i really would (then again Bullet Club may just pull some nonsense here cause that would be a humiliation)

Poor YOH, getting bullied by Jay White as always

Tanahashi is totally losing to Okada first of all. I'm thinking surely that Jay White has to go through, if for no other reason than them protecting Okada like crazy (then again, in saying that, Naito-Okada G1 final is money and there's a storyline there, but Ibushi vs White or Naito vs White would be better for Okada than taking a clean loss)

Ishii was always going to murder Juice but at least Juice did alright.

ZSJ has 2 title shots and i could honestly see him with one of them (He'll probably beat Juice lets be honest)

The Tongans have finally learned how to run interference well cause that was a lot of heat (a reminder that he is tied with Goto on 6)

Omega vs Yano was more a DDT styled match and i loved them for it, was a very good comedy match, of course the Tongans weren't done and they did a run in and cost Omega the match (cause Red Shoes has a HP of about 1).

Naito vs Sanada was brilliant, loved this match so much, the storyline here was nicely done. Destino though is not going to get the job done anymore, people are kicking out of it regularly. The destino to win the match i did not see coming though.

The show ended with a nice roll call and a shoutout to Hiromu as well.

Night 17 and the A block final on Friday (Early morning for the Americans, Evening for those in asia or the pacific, late morning for any europeans and even into the afternoon)

[Spens1]

Night 17 and what a night it was. Match quality, not really good at all actually (except the main event which was a legit 5 star match and one of the matches of the tournament, only match i think this entire tournament that was better was Omega vs Ishii.

Nice return to the Budokan (after 15 or 16 years) and they filled the house (at 14k too)

Anyway watched from start to finish.

Shota Umino is a big boy, i didn't realise exactly how big he was, i thought he was a junior but he could be a heavyweight. He's going to follow in his fathers footsteps and join LIJ Seriously though both him and Henare was great.

Gedo at the beginning was brilliant, that look of just 'ah great, these guys'. both Yano and Gedo not wanting to get into the ring was funny. quick match either way

Finlay & Juice vs Goto & Yoh was of no consequence at all

LIJ vs ZSJ & Taka was pretty much the same outside Taka getting caught in the paradise lock, SANADA making Michinoku JUST TAP OUT (as Rocky so nicely put it ) Also Naito mocking ZSJ at the end was hilarious I suspect that may mean though that Naito is losing his last match (then again, losing 2 matches in a row to a mid-upper mid carder like ZSJ, when Naito is the #2-3 guy, doesn't make sense really).

Kenny & the Bucks vs Ibushi, Marty and Chase started off a bit funny, but it got old quickly, like just hit someone ffs. Gladly the BC Og's came in and attacked everyone.

Makabe vs Elgin was a solid hoss fight, not the greatest but good enough i suppose. Glad Makabe got the win (Elgin's poorest G1 performance also, only 6 points)

YOSHI HASHI vs Page was actually solid, also Tacos Whipped out a Canadian destroyer out of the Rite of Passage, i repeat, he counted the Rite Of Passage with a freaking Canadian Destroyer, one of the cooler spots of the tornuament, from Tacos. Great to see him getting the win also.

Fale vs Minoru was a match to see who would get DQ'ed first. Both were going for it with illegal stuff, if Red Shoes was there it would have been a no contest probably. Anyway Tama Tonga came in and attacked Suzuki and gun stunned him and El Desperado. Once Suzuki recovered though he went to hunt them down which was amusing.

EVIL vs Jay White was quiet good but most of the match was on the outside. Somehow EVIL won, which mathematically eliminated White (something i wasn't happy with at the time since i thought they were about to pull a LOLOKADAWINS on us). Either way great showing for White first time out. EVIL also had a very good tournament.

Then the main event, what can i say, just a brilliant match with brilliant storytelling. Tanahashi with another shot in the limelight, reminded me a bit of the wrestler in a way for some reason. Like I said, 2nd or 3rd best match of the tournament (ironically 1 and 2 are both Ishii matches against the Golden Lovers). Tanahashi is everyone you could possibly dream of in an ace (seriously, Vince wishes he could have an American version of him, well i guess that would be mid 90's Micheals minus the coke and attitude + ego), he is the definition of Over, my god, the sellout crowd were all chanting Go Ace (high energy will always be a superior theme than go ass) and Tanahashi, that has to be some degree of a failure since no one really was chanting for Okada despite the mega push as champ for 2 years + the near year he was champ before that (not including the 2 month Naito reign). Sadly for the Ace, i think if Naito wins the block (well, he should unless Ibushi signs the damn contract, like seriously just sign already you madman) then he's going to WK.

Tomorrow Night though, someone gonna die, firstly Naito vs ZSJ (which should be fine) and then Ibushi vs Omega, they're totally both going to find a way to get banned again. Someone bring out the Fireworks (no, i mean actual fireworkers) and sparklers. We're going full DDT on this one.

[Spens1]

quick correction, was a sellout but not a sellout crowd, not even close. only got 6180, which actually is not great at all (not even half the capacity). they've had issues with scalpers but regardless that's still not very good. Looked more like a smackdown crowd after seeing the pictures properly.

[Spens1]

Night 18 and the B-Block final is done.

Actually pretty irritated with it. Ibushi vs Omega was actually, somewhat rather tame, then again I did see the DDT match beforehand and that was insane, this was kinda like a slightly more than usual match from the two. I mean i know Meltzer will give it like 6 stars but honestly i'm not sure i'd give it 5, sure i liked spots in here and certain aspects but its hardly an instant classic (probably why they didn't want to do it in the block). Left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth in truth actually in terms of quality but right winner here. Ibushi absolutely needed to win.

Why the **** did they not have Naito win, like why, when the **** are you going to pull the trigger then, like ffs he's your 2nd biggest star yet he's probably going to fight for the **** IC belt again like an idiot, there is one storyline here for him and its that World Title and winning the big one, everything else is a **** waste of time. This pissed me off big time as you can tell, like if they have him in the IC title match AGAIN they can **** right off. Just put the world title on him already ffs. I mean luckily they're doing Omega vs Ibushi (and honestly i'd be ok if Ibushi went over in truth). At this point i wouldn't mind an excursion to ROH or Impact and him winning either World title there, better than wasting his time in New Japan right now. Gedo is good with booking, but his booking of Naito has been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster this year. You have the most popular star in Japan yet you still haven't had him win a major match at WK nor have a solid world title reign and have had him do sweet **** all, first half of the year sure, it was a funk, now though? **** Gedo's booking of Naito this year, should have won the title and WK (it was the perfect time) and now who knows if he even wins it at all, **** it, send him to WWE if that's the case, he's cooked.

Juice beating Goto, have them two and ZSJ in a match to unify both titles already (and have ZSJ go over).

Anyway clearly Meij likes BCOG's since he's willing to do a storyline with them which is cool, also giving them some more depth than just screwing with the Elite.

Jay White walking out of the tag match after YOH hit him, when the trigger is pulled i'm not sure.

Sanada vs Ishii was very good (in fact i liked this more than the main in certain ways) Ishii is the MVP of the tournament, they need to look into him being IC or world champ next year.

Oh yeah, Finlay won Block C (but lets be honest, without the singles match it took out the heat of it and wasted everyone's time).

But yeah, you can see my salt here. **** stupid decisions were made tonight, i mean as good as Ibushi vs Omega could be, they've **** over their #2 and most popular wrestler, that is how you get situations like Nakamura walking out of the company, and Naito is a better #2 than Nakamura was (cause Naito doesn't phone it in).

[Spens1]

AND the final is done and the Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi has won the G1 for the third time. I'm glad for him, but chicanery is about to be in play, i'd be very surprised if this was the main event for Wrestle Kingdom. Then again Ibushi vs Tanahashi isn't drawing any more people.

It would be unfair to not talk about what an epic match this was, wow, just wow. Like I said, Ibushi truly could be the best wrestler in the company. Tanahashi also looked the best he's looked in years. What an epic back and forth, started of slow but the build up and frenetic pace at the end, beautiful. Very emotionally charged match and the crowd was absolutely electric for both men, but especially Tana as they willed him over the line. Shibata cornered Tanahashi and Omega for Ibushi. Ibushi was absolutely devastated at the end too. We did get to see a side of him though we hadn't before and that was a proper mean streak. The pure boy that is Ibushi showed a mean streak in this and it was amazing.

Anyway should talk about the rest of the card also i guess.

Tongans were indeed not banned, just escorted from the arena.

Fale squashed Henare more or less (shouldn't say squashed, Henare did get some offense in at the start).

Taichi back at it again with his Visual Kei, karaoke and stripper pants.

Cody it seems is still a heel and he joins one of the million people with a title shot at the US championship (seriously, i think the only ones who don't have a shot are Goto, Elgin and Yoshi Hashi to be honest).

Bullet Club (G.O.D + Ishiimori) baited The Elite (Bucks & Scurll) into putting the 6 man titles and then they promptly lost. The match wasn't important, they then threw the titles at Harold Meij and said they don't really want them and also threw the Tag team titles out with it. That's gimmick infringement if i've ever seen it (Naito about to Destino some fools).

Speaking of Naito, it looks like LIJ vs Suzuki is the plan at least for a little bit. Suzuki targeted Naito's knees, probably still hasn't forgiven him for taking the IC title at Sakura Genesis. Had him in a figure 4 and Naito was basically just laying there like 'not in the final, do what you want'. Anyway Sanada did make Kanemaru tap out but it was an all out brawl.

Omega, Chase and Yujiro vs Ishii, White and Yano and comedy hijincks ensued. Omega got Pieter to leave (ruining all our fun). Anyway main point is Ishii wants his title match.

CHAOS (Okada + R3K) vs Random sekigun members (ok, it was just Taguchi in bad cosplay + Kushida) and Mysterio, including Taguchi in a really bad cosplay, promoting some game, i mean i know they are but its worth asking, are they taking the piss Anyway Mysterio got the pin on YOH. Also just checked twitter, Okada has split from Gedo, Gedo will no longer be Okada's manager (no more COME ON RAINMAKAA )

That brings a wrap to the G1, i believe the next show is Fighting Style Unleashed for the 50th show in California (seriously though, theirs been so many) and then a long layoff till KOPW in september or October (as well as the Destruction tours and Power Struggle).

[improper]

I ended up missing a lot of this tournament just due to a general lack of time. Plan to go back and watch the top matches over the next week or so as I have the opportunity. Easier to just watch the stuff that's four stars and up than sit through the entire thing anyway. Plus probably gonna watch all of Sabre's matches because that dude is just a technical wizard in the ring.

I did catch the finals, though. I think that match got over-hyped a bit by various people. Not that it wasn't a great match. It was great. I just read Csonka's review where he said it was one of the best matches he's ever seen, and I tend to be on the same page with his thoughts more than most other reviewers so I went in with sky high expectations. What I got was a very good match but probably not one that will end up in my top five or ten for the year. I don't even think I'd call it the best match in the tournament.

I will say that the commentary during the match was excellent. They did a wonderful job of telling the story, both what was happening in the ring and the history between the two guys. I find that NJPW's commentary can occasionally be a bit much, but in this one they were spot on.

Also, that moonsault into the double knees that Ibushi did near the end of the match was disgusting. Probably my biggest complaint was how, just a few moments later, Tanahashi was totally fine and easily jumped to the top rope to do three splashes (guess the second one wasn't technically a splash but you get the idea). Dude kind of no-sold the most brutal move in the entire damn tournament.

I'd probably give it ****3/4. Great match, but I don't think I'd rank it above either Gargano/Ciampa match, and I feel like I've seen at least two matches during the tournament that I liked more, although I'd have to double check because I've watched so many NJPW matches the past month that it's hard to keep track of them all.

[Spens1]

I ended up missing a lot of this tournament just due to a general lack of time. Plan to go back and watch the top matches over the next week or so as I have the opportunity. Easier to just watch the stuff that's four stars and up than sit through the entire thing anyway. Plus probably gonna watch all of Sabre's matches because that dude is just a technical wizard in the ring.

I did catch the finals, though. I think that match got over-hyped a bit by various people. Not that it wasn't a great match. It was great. I just read Csonka's review where he said it was one of the best matches he's ever seen, and I tend to be on the same page with his thoughts more than most other reviewers so I went in with sky high expectations. What I got was a very good match but probably not one that will end up in my top five or ten for the year. I don't even think I'd call it the best match in the tournament.

I will say that the commentary during the match was excellent. They did a wonderful job of telling the story, both what was happening in the ring and the history between the two guys. I find that NJPW's commentary can occasionally be a bit much, but in this one they were spot on.

Also, that moonsault into the double knees that Ibushi did near the end of the match was disgusting. Probably my biggest complaint was how, just a few moments later, Tanahashi was totally fine and easily jumped to the top rope to do three splashes (guess the second one wasn't technically a splash but you get the idea). Dude kind of no-sold the most brutal move in the entire damn tournament.

I'd probably give it ****3/4. Great match, but I don't think I'd rank it above either Gargano/Ciampa match, and I feel like I've seen at least two matches during the tournament that I liked more, although I'd have to double check because I've watched so many NJPW matches the past month that it's hard to keep track of them all.

hell no, probably top 5 for the tornuament but certainly Ishii vs Omega, hell Ishii vs Ibushi and Okada vs Tanahashi were all better (i'm sure you could argue Omega vs Ibushi or Sanada vs Ishii were also better but i'd probably take the final over those two) but like you said its hard to keep track (saw well over a hundred matches over the last month just from new japan alone).

[Spens1]

Going to make an early card prediction:

Main Event - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kota Ibushi (c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Hear me out on this, what is the storyline coming out of Ibushi vs Omega. Kenny still cannot get it done against Ibushi, i mean he lost to him in the B Block final after all, clean as a whistle in under 30 minutes at that. I think after the Ishii defense, Ibushi (who clearly has shown himself to be more aggressive) will heed Tanahashi's advice and step out of Omega's shadow and go his own way, effectively splitting from the Elite to go after the Championship (which has still eluded him after being in the company most of the decade and being a heavyweight for almost 4-5 years at this point). Also due to that loss, Omega owes Ibushi a title match anyway and i think that mains KOPW. I wouldn't worry too much though, Kenny i expect will be a 2 time champ before long (he wins the title at MSG, if they're not getting the Dome Main event, what's the other big stage they'll get, that's right, MSG, especially with a main event that will be super over with American fans).

Tana is so not losing this unless they really are intent on making Okada the biggest heel in professional wrestling (he'd get Roman levels of heat i'd imagine, he's already getting booed enough as is).

Semi Main - IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs Kazuchika Okada

This could go like 3 ways i think. they could do Naito vs Jericho again (which would be pretty bad to be honest, Naito has been involved with the title for the better part of 2 years at this point), Okada on the other hand has had very little to do with this, it would certainly be a good start to a redemption arc.

IWGP United States Championship: Zach Sabre Jr (c) vs Tetsuya Naito

Juice is so losing the U.S title, not to Cody though (3 star savior has no business being near any gold in new japan other than the 6 man tag with his schedule), i don't think he drops it to Tonga (i mean i love Tama Tonga but that is like putting the title on Yoshi Hashi, the matches would not be that good), so i think ZSJ picks it up, especially since he won the New Japan Cup and tied for first and cost Naito the block (so fair to say, fairly big push). Also the storyline already is being set with these two and LIJ vs Suzuki-Gun going into Autumn. Its pretty fresh as well and like Okada, would be a good way for Naito to rebound after a disasterous 2017 (probably winning the NJC again or picking up the world title by dominion, i mean after all, that Okada-Naito Main event for WK14 on Saturday, best chance at a 60k crowd).

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Kushida (c) vs Will Ospreay

Do they have a choice, no Hiromu hurts them so badly. Kushida absolutely has to do something here. Could see Bushi being thrown in but it wouldn't be a big thing if he wasn't anyway.

NEVER Openweight Championship: Hirooki Goto (c) vs Tomohiro Ishii

This is just a guess, its horrible because if all was right in the wrestling world Ishii would be at least in the IC title match (he was the MVP of G1, hell, Tokyo Sports should consider him for their MVP award for 2018 also). A good old CHAOS slugfest could happen to be honest. Suzuki also needs to do something, Taichi may win the title, Elgin i'm sure has something to say about it also. May not even be a singles match.

IWGP Tag Team Championship: Young Bucks (c) vs Guerillas of Destiny

The Elite vs Bullet Club. Basically the leaders of each faction (i'm sorry, The bucks are the real leaders of the Elite, lets be real here). I'd expect shenanigans in truth and possibly a GOD win (i expect them to win World Tag League also). Sanada & EVIL could be involved also cause it doesn't look like they'd make the card elsewhere.

ROH World Championship: Marty Scurll (c) vs Jay Lethal

Cause ROH is a superindy at this point i expect a throwaway title match here.

IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship: Roppongi 3K (c) vs Kanemaru & El Desperado vs Bone Soldier & ACH?

Complete guess to be honest, i mean ACH going to New Japan would make a lot of sense and to bullet club, sounds about right. Not that it really matters

NEVER 6 man tag titles: Fale, Henare, Hikuleo (c) vs Jay White, Toru Yano & Yoshi Hashi vs Sanada, EVIL & Bushi

This is a guess, unlike the top 3 matches. Idk this probably has Sanada, EVIL and Bushi winning the titles (cause they have nothing better to do) with Jay White then perhaps turning on CHAOS at New Years Dash and being confirmed as Ace of the new Bullet Club (i mean at some point it will happen).

Below this is mostly throwaway matches like the rumble, young lions tagging and that sort of thing.

[Spens1]

Observer ratings for 17-19. I think Meltzer is on crack for the Ibushi vs Omega match, that match is nowhere near 5 stars, not even remotely close. It was a good match but he is off his rocker if he think its better than basically any match in history. This wasn't historic really (if this is 5.5, the DDT match is 7 stars). I'd say Ibushi vs Omega is 4.25 - 4.5 stars, it was a very good match but nothing more, it ultimately didn't lift to a level where you'd expect a match of 5 star match would.

Night 17

Ishii/SHO vs. Henare/Umino: 3

GoD vs. Gedo/Yano: 0.5

Goto/YOH vs. Robinson/Finlay: 2

Naito/SANADA vs. Sabre/TAKA: 2.25

The Elite vs. Ibushi/Scurll/Owens: 1

Elgin vs. Makabe: 3.5

Page vs. YOSHI-HASHI: 3.75

Fale vs. Suzuki: 3.25

EVIL vs. White: 3

Okada vs. Tanahashi: 5

Night 18

Elgin/Finlay vs. Henare/Umino: 3.5

Fale/Loa vs. Owens/Page: 1.5

White/Roppongi 3K vs. Scurll/Young Bucks: 2.5

BUSHI/EVIL vs. Suzuki/Desperado: 3.25

Tanahashi/GBH vs. Okada/Gedo/YOSHI-HASHI: 3.25

Tonga vs. Yano: DUD

Goto vs. Robinson: 3.25

Ishii vs. SANADA: 4.5

Naito vs. Sabre: 4.25

Ibushi vs. Omega: 5.5


Night 19

Elgin & GBH vs. Nagata/Umino/Yoshida: 2.5

Fale vs. Henare: 1

Goto/YOSHI-HASHI vs. Iizuka/Taichi: 1

Cody/Page vs. Finlay/Robinson: 2.25

BC Elite vs. BC OG: 3.25

LIJ vs. Suzuki-gun: 2.5

Ishii/White/Yano vs. Omega/Owens/Yujiro: 2.75

KUSHIDA/Mysterio/Sengoku Enbu vs. Okada & Roppongi 3K: 3.5

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi: 5.75

[improper]

I hate when people rate on a five point scale but then give matches more than five. It's dumb.

[Spens1]

I hate when people rate on a five point scale but then give matches more than five. It's dumb.

yeah he broke his own scale. I think he should have kept the 5+ for the very best of the best. Honestly i think Okada vs Tanahashi (my match of the tournament) was a solid 5 star and that would have sufficed.

The only match in recent memory that really deserved to break that was Okada vs Omega IV at Dominion.

[Spens1]

Road to Destruction show and damn that main event was good. Ishii & Ospreay vs Golden Lovers (Omega & Ibushi).

I did see a lot of comments saying Ospreay to HW, yeah and then do what though, he's good but is he getting a title higher than the US title at this stage, hell no. Also he still can't sell. Still though its clear that him and Hiromu (as well as Kushida) are now establishing themselves in their own little class at the top of the Junior Heavyweights. He could also do what Devitt did and have him challenge whilst Junior Heavyweight Champion.

Also Okada goes to the back with his balloons despondently. Just him being a dick and getting his comeuppance when it comes to Honma has been hilarious, i'm genuinely enjoying him so much more now he is free of that title run.