NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Title Storm Catch Rules Match: Yuya Uemura (c) vs. Great-O-Khan
Uemura has a throwback rep among some New Japan fans which isn’t exactly a great thing to many but if this is what that means, give me more of what this is. To me, this was what technical wrestling should be. It’s not just working a limb and selling it. To me, it’s the work that should be implemented towards that. The jostling for possession, the micro movements that you should do in order to apply a hold or a suplex, the defensive work. All of it. O-Khan and Uemura worked a fucking match. They reacted to each other which is what wrestling is. Uemyura’s arm work was great but they set up the groundwork to make it great. The battle of positioning before the suplex popped me big. So yes, I enjoyed this a lot. Exactly what I want in wrestling. Something that would fit 80s New Japan with zero issues. O-Khan hasn’t really shone in New Japan because most of the roster suck at technical wrestling and he’s an odd fit. Unsurprisingly though, when he’s in with someone on the same wavelength, he looks great. A good title victory for him. ***3/4
NJPW World Television Title Match: Jeff Cobb (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii
This took a while for me to get invested. The opening was fast but then they slowed again and it took awhile to pick up steam once more. And then the bombs started to come and I got interested in this really fast. Ishii is a small guy who hits hard and will bump harder which suits Cobb really well. The frankensteiner reversal was a little sloppy but still a cool spot, the suplexes always look great thanks to Cobb’s strength. The nearfalls were well done and the counters never got overwrought either. Good match. ***1/2
NEVER Openweight Title Match: Shingo Takagi (c) vs. HENARE
The double count out finish was interesting. But it happened to be the only interesting thing about this match. I got bored of this style of match eight years ago. I wish Shingo will go back to doing the style of matches he would have against Masaaki Mochizuki instead of this style. No hate to anyone involved but I don’t care for it whatsoever. Zzzzz. **1/2
IWGP World Heavyweight Title Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. EVIL
There was a strong angle that the fans loved with EVIL and HOT spray painting Kidani on the floor before the match. A good despicable heel action, even if the fans loved it. The match was okay but not something I really liked. It was a battle between the good older generation and Moxley against the bad House of Torture and it was fine from that perspective but it was a little boring. The gimmick had its merits but the wrestling wasn’t strong enough, and that’s most important. Moxley wins the match and gets challenged by Naito for Forbidden Door. Not much else to it really. **1/2
Best Of The Super Junior 31 Final Match: Taiji Ishimori vs. El Desperado
This match was a big climax for El Desperado who finally wins the BOSJ. He’s been one of the best New Japan wrestlers in the past half a decade, maybe longer. And I’m glad for him. The match was a little underwhelming however. There was solid performances by both guys, who played their roles well. Ishimori was a strong foil that kept Desperado down until the finish. But there wasn’t that big moment where I go from watching it to being compelled be it. Can’t fault the wrestling, it was just one of those things. A big moment for Desperado and the Juniors in general though. ***
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