After a day off (during which I was silly enough to watch Battlegrounds) the G1 is back with one of the more exciting cards being served up by B Block. Kojima vs. Elgin, Juice vs. Suzuki, Evil vs. Tonga, Okada vs. SANADA and let’s face it, Yano vs. Omega, what’s not to like?
The matches are coming thick and fast and keeping up with the G1 now feels as much like a challenge as a pleasure. Thankfully, it’s far from a chore as New Japan continue to deliver a sensational in-ring product. This is a catch-up as we round up days 3, 4 and 5 and it’s also going to be the moment where I tap out on the undercard. I did watch it, but it all blurs together and one tragic incident aside, I don’t have much to say. Anyway, on with the puro!
After a fantastic opening night of the G1 Climax from Block A, it was Block B’s turn to step up to the plate. It’s perhaps the weaker of the two, but there’s still a hell of a lot of talent on show, and once again New Japan had a card perfectly capable of delivering match of the year contenders. So let’s start dishing out those stars.
It’s beginning to look a lot like G1… Yup, it’s that time of the year, folks. If you are into the puro, wrestling is about to take over your life. Whether you’re planning on watching every second (no cheating, that includes the undercard) or dipping in and out when you hear Ishii has done something amazing or Okada went and did Okada stuff again, it’s hard not to be excited for what’s to come. If for some reason you weren’t, then I can’t imagine that apathy extended past night one. New Japan did what New Japan does and put on one hell of a show. Here is that, but in a lot more words.
Should we be worried about the colour Brock’s face turns? Credit: WWE
Great Balls of Fire, a show name so ridiculous that we’re still waiting for the punchline. Yet, despite that (and posters that look suspiciously like a penis) this may be the best build to a WWE show since the brand split. Samoa Joe has suddenly found his feet on the main roster, and there are hints of interesting programs throughout the entire card. It’s just possible, this could be a good show. So here are ten observations from Great Balls Of Fire.
One of the moments of the PPV. Credit: Impact Wrestling
After years of chaos, Slammiversary is the company formerly known as TNA making a statement. Following a takeover which has seen them become Impact and now GFW, they are back under the control of Jeff Jarrett and moving into a new future. The question is whether that future is one we can be excited about or just more of the same.
There aren’t any pictures up of the second night yet, so these all come from the first. Credit: NJPW
For months now we’ve been building up to New Japan invading America. For one weekend, the wrestling in Long Beach got a little bit puro, and I don’t think it’s a stretch to call it an unqualified success. We got some brilliant wrestling, a little bit of storytelling and a new champion crowned. So here are ten things we observed when New Japan came to Long Beach.
For all of Ring of Honor’s problems, they are on a bit of a roll when it comes to big shows. Their PPVs very rarely fail to impress, and they will usually have at least one or two gems hidden away. Take Best In The World. While there was a lot of fluff on this card, it still had an exciting tag match between three of the best teams in the world and KUSHIDA vs. Scurll. So let’s get down to talking about it. Here are nine things we observed during Best In The World.
After months of build up, New Japan has announced the first batch of matches for their G1 Special (which has nothing to do with the G1) in Long Beach next month. On the first and second of July American fans (plus anyone who decided to make the journey) will be treated to two nights of wrestling featuring the incredible talents of Okada, Omega, Naito and… Billy Gunn.
Money In The Bank has become one of WWE’s better PPVs. In the last few years, it’s tended to be notable and not just because of the briefcase that’s on the line. However, with the brand split era meaning these Network Specials are becoming less and less unique, it’s tough to build up enthusiasm for events you don’t care about, and WWE’s booking sometimes suggests that they agree. Don’t let that put you off too much, though, as here are ten observations that we made about Money In the Bank.