Rambles about the wonderful world of wrestling.
There are rumblings of discontent in the New Japan stratosphere. Triple Threats, Gaijin champions and a worry that creative is struggling to get the most out of certain stars (*cough* LIJ *cough*). However, if there’s one thing NJPW does well, it is big events, and King Of Pro Wrestling is one of their biggest. Could this be the moment they get everyone back onside? Let’s find out.
It might surprise you to know that New Japan ran a show in America recently. Has anyone made that joke yet? Yes, it’s true, New Japan’s latest trip to the US didn’t quite have the hype their previous journeys did. I’m not necessarily sure that’s a disaster, though. The more they come, the less exciting it will be, that’s only natural. They did recently sell out Maddison Square Gardens (let’s not pretend ROH had anything to do with that), so it can’t be going that badly. Anyway, I’m not actually that bothered by how big New Japan’s crowds are. I’m more interested in good wrestling. Time to find out if they delivered.
Continue reading “NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed (30/9/18) Review”
After an underwhelming Destruction tour (the G1 hangover is significant in New Japan), NJPW returns to the feud that built the modern day direction of the company. Okada vs Tanahashi. It doesn’t matter how many times these two do it, it never fails to get the blood pumping. Will Tana keep his spot in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Okada finally extinguish those post-title blues and get back to where he belongs? Time to find out!
Continue reading “NJPW Destruction in Kobe (23/9/18) Review”
Destruction rolls into Beppu with, at least on paper, the weakest main event of the tour. The last time Suzuki and Naito faced off, it wasn’t great, but two guys that talented can’t muck it up again, can they?
Continue reading “NJPW Destruction in Beppu (17/9/18) Review”
Destruction in Hiroshima, an event name that will always make me cringe. I assume NJPW know what they’re doing with it, but from the outside looking in? Yea, I might change that one. Anyway, that’s not the important part. The important part is that it’s headlined by Kenny Omega vs Tomohiro Ishii. That is never going to be a bad thing. Go murder him, Wide Tom!
Continue reading “NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima (15/9/18) Review”
You thought I was finished? Of course not. It’s time for the G1 round-up. I am going to do report cards for each wrestler involved, a rundown of my favourite matches and links to all my reviews. The idea is that if you’ve missed the G1 and are looking for hints as to what to watch and what to avoid, this might serve as a helpful guide. Also, if anyone has enjoyed my G1 coverage and would like to give back a little, please consider donating to my Ko-Fi. Right, let’s get on with it.
It’s Kota vs Kenny time! I don’t think I need to say anything else, do I? Kota Ibushi and Kenny Omega are going to do a wrestle, and we’re going to have a lovely old time!
Continue reading “NJPW G1 Climax Night Eighteen (11/8/18) Review”
Golly gosh we’re close to the end. With only four shows left (including the final), the G1 is coming to a head. I could try to do the maths and tell you what the various results on this show would mean, but I studied English, and it’s easier to figure it out at the end. Let’s watch the graps and then worry about the equations.
Continue reading “NJPW G1 Climax Night Sixteen (8/8/18) Review”
We are in the business end of the G1, folks. New Japan is back in Osaka, and you can bet that the wrestlers are kicking off that mid-tour lethargy. B Block has been the holy grail of wrestling in the last few weeks, and this show looked set to be no different. Juice Robinson vs Zack Sabre Jr, Tomohiro Ishii vs Kenny Omega and Tetsuya Naito vs Kota Ibushi? Damn, sign me up.
Continue reading “NJPW G1 Climax Night Fourteen (4/8/18) Review”
We are deep into this tournament, and in many ways, these are the toughest days of the G1. The wrestlers are all banged up, and I can only imagine how hard it is to motivate yourself to go out and give 100%. It’s no surprise that we begin to see a few matches not quite hit the level they might have a couple of weeks ago. Still, this is B Block which is rammed with some of the greatest wrestlers on the planet. If they work at 80%, they’re still going to be pretty damn good.
Continue reading “NJPW G1 Climax Night Twelve (1/8/18) Review”
Ramblings About Wrestling 