Horangi
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Posts posted by Horangi
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Patrick Beach was immense for a young keeper, I guess the Turkish now know the difficulties of storming a beach (Obsure WWI reference).
Turkiye for all their possession rarely troubled Australia, i think we can frustrate the US similarly and probably get a result over Paraguay. I thought we'd lose this one, so very happy obviously!
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1 hour ago, Eivion said:
Wonder if either of Kasai's kids go into wrestling. Want to say both are fans.
One of them (Hinata) already has as part of DDT, I think he's teaming with his dad for the first time on an upcoming show.
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Finally caught the final, great match despite some of the criticisms I am seeing specifically on X (I really need to stop paying attention to these people). Also biggest Ota crowd since the pandemic, reasons why I think in the spoiler tag
SpoilerFor those who know YOH's story, and his trials & tribulations, the "move stealing" of former Chaos members was an homage and added to the match in my mind. Fujita was excellent here and absolutely is the MVP of the tournament. YOH is very popular with the domestic crowd, in particular women and compared to many other promotions, NJPW does have a stronger than average female fanbase. He's also seen as the last guy of his generation to never have won the big one (Super Juniors or IWGP Jr) so I think this helped as many of the diehards and longer term fans had a higher degree of interest as someone they have followed long term was finally going to win something. I still think he should have won in 2021 though...
In thinking about it, YOH needed this win more than Fujita to establish another top face junior with Hiromu gone. He should beat DOUKI, have a couple of defenses (probably Eagles and SHO, maybe Robbie X) before dropping to either Fujita or Wato, who would then be the 101st champion and thus one of the younger aces can start the junior title lineage for the 100s.
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The above really makes me want to hunt down more Titan. A long weekend and stuck at home with the flu...hmmm...
Anyway finals are set!
SpoilerAnd out ot the possible combinations they went with the least interesting. I should have seen YOH winning...new look, new theme, i guess he's probably winning the whole thing. YOH is over but he's just not exciting as a singles guy...
Fujita vs Eagles was good, but a bit disappointing for me...I think I just had lofty expectations though. Still good and the better of the two semis. The Gunma crowd was awful so that didnt help.
Probably will miss the finals live unless the rest of the card has something interesting. YOH vs Fujita last year was really good, but I'm just not that interested in seeing it again or a YOH win.
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Two really good nights at Korakuen, most matches were at least fun and nothing overly long (the longest matches on both nights are around that 15 minute mark). On 2/6, Titan and Kosei Fujita had a great match, Fujita is definitely the wrestler of the tournament and Titan as usual is pretty great. Titan is someone that really makes me want to learn and watch more of wrestling from Mexico, I just wish I had the time (and money, saving for a Europe trip at the end of the year is a killer). Kasai vs Wato as well as Wayne vs Valiente Jr are the other major highlights of this show. I like Valiente as well, but I will say some of the camera angles really exposed how much cooperation for some of his big moves is needed (especially both Wayne vs X with both guys having to cross their arms and hold them out for him to do the Valiente Special). I am not sure what Wayne's position is on the card in AEW/ROH but if there is a way he can do more New Japan tours I'm all for it, he's been great.
3/6, the final show before semi finals may be my favourite show of the tour. Kosei Fujita (again) vs Daiki Nagai may be one of the best sub-10 minute New Japan junior matches I have seen in a very long time, I'm really looking forward to the day these two are fighting over the title in a brutal 15-20 minute Korakuen Hall main event - right up there with the best matches of the tournament. Wato vs Wayne was really good too, as was Akira vs Titan. Block B opened the show with the first 5 matches, Eagles vs HYO was a lot of fun but maybe I am liking it more due to my emotional investment in it?
SpoilerLost it at the end when Wato in his limtied English with the biggest smile told Wayne he was great, and then next time he sees him he will kill him. Glad the semis fell the way they did, thought it'd be Despe over YOH due to it probably being a bigger win for Wato but YOH works fine, two teams fighting each other with (likely) the junior getting the big win over their veteran partners. Wato vs Fujita in Osaka is my match of the tournament, so looking forward to the potential rematch. Wouldn't say no to Eagles/Wato final either though.
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Not really much to say with the smaller shows, some bad atmospheres didn't help but it feels like just about everyone was going through the motions before the final Korakuen push. Numazu on the 27th may be the worst show of the tournament, both Eagles vs Ishimori and Akira vs Kasai were fine but really no need to go out to see unless you're a completionist. Similar story for the 29th in Niigata - Wayne vs Titan, Fujita vs Volador Jr and Wato vs Nagai were fun. If there was a recommendation from the 3 shows, it would be El Desperado vs KUSHIDA from the 30th in Takaoka which felt more like the Eagles match, more about wrestling than silly foot stuff. Block B has been disappointing really outside of the Despy/Eagles/KUSHIDA triangle of matches. HYO in particular I don't think has had much of a chance to show what he is capable of.
Standings (from Purolove):
Block A:
1. Titan [10]
-. Master Wato [10]
2. Jun Kasai [8]
-. Francesco Akira [8]
5. Ryusuke Taguchi [6]
-. Nick Wayne [8]
-. Kosei Fujita [8]
-. Robbie X [8]
9. Valiente Jr. [4]
10. Daiki Nagai [0]
Block B:
1. El Desperado [10]
2. SHO [8]
-. YOH [8]
-. Taiji Ishimori [8]
-. Robbie Eagles [8]
6. Daisuke Sasaki [6]
-. Yoshinobu Kanemaru [6]
-. Hyo [6]
-. Jakob Austin Young [6]
10. KUSHIDA [4]Block A is the hardest to call, Robbie X is guaranteed 10 as he beats Nagai and then likely loses to Valiente but he has some big tie breakers (Fujita & Akira). Fujita has Titan and Nagai left, so based on Titan's strong start I can see Fujita getting both so I think it'll be him plus one of Wato, Akira or possibly X. I'm leaning funnily enough now to Akira as Wato has 2 x banana peel matches in Kasai and Wayne while Akira has Taguchi and Titan on the last day (which could be a qualification decider main event, though so could Wato vs Wayne to be fair).
Block B really feels like Desperado + one other. My heart wants it to be Robbie Eagles, but I just feel like he's going to beat Young and lose to HYO (or other way around, I think he's ceiling is 10 points). I could see this being a group with a log jam at 10 for 2nd place with the four at 8 all going 1-1 which is possible as none of them face each other (SHO has Sasaki/Young, Eagles has Young/HYO, Ishimori has HYO/KUSHIDA and YOH has Desperado/Sasaki). In that case, Eagles would be the one to go through as he and YOH have 2-1 record in the group of four and Eagles has the tiebreak over YOH. I think I am just talking myself into a way Robbie does go through just to inevitably be disappointed.
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Taro Okada did state the relationship between NJPW and STARDOM is expected to continue so likely there won't be any immediate changes to how and where the IWGP Women's Title is booked. It is pro wrestling, so I do take these kind of statements with a degree of skepticism however, so I'll believe when I see.
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Need a bit of time to digest this but initial thoughts are that CyberAgent can give New Japan what Bushiroad can't through media distribution (especially international, streaming infrastructure and in cooperation with TV Asahi, broader media reach - things New Japan need to be more profitable instead of just breaking even as they currently are.
On the negative a CyberAgent wrestling monopoly cannot be a good thing for anyone but CyberAgent itself. I would hope New Japan can maintain a level of independence to a large extent.
EDIT: Seems like TV Asahi has the majority and CybrrAgent is more of an investor so likely so. Seen people worried it means they'll work with WWE over AEW but I cant see that being the case.
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Quick sum up of recommendations out of Himeji and Kobe:
HIMEJI 23/5 - Not much here really, Eagles vs YOH in the main event was fun, but compared to other main events it may be the weakest of the bunch.
KYOTO 24/5 - Nice to see KBS Hall! Akira vs Nagai was a lot of fun, Nagai is going to be something special.
Robbie X is right up there with Eagles and Akira for non-Fujita wrestler of the tournament and the Titan match is well worth checking out. Very exciting, plenty of counters and flying.
Special mention for Nick Wayne vs Jun Kasai. Kasai matches outside Fujita haven't been great (maybe Kasai doesnt do well with luchadores?) but Wayne was certainly up for wrestling Kasai's style and with the hot crowd, I was pleasantly surprised.
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Agreed on Fujita vs Robbie X. Will also add Fujita (surprise surprise) vs Wato from last night. It may in fact be my match of the tournament so far. Wato is possibly the most frustrating guy on the roster, he can be so great like here and the match with Titan a few years ago where he won the BoSJ is one of New Japan's best modern junior matches but for whatever reason he is just missing the fire or spark a lot of the time. When he's fired up like here, and has the crowd behind him, he is amazing to watch.
SpoilerWato also has my favourite German Suplex in wrestling, glad he's putting people away with this over some of his previous finishers.
In short, fired up Wato + Wrestler of the Tournament Fujita = Really good pro wrestling!
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Caught up on Hachioji and Yoyogi shows.
Nothing HIGHLY recommended from Hachioji. Did get a laugh from SHO's method of ambush on Eagles by pretending to be a fan. SHO's 3 matches have been fun, still cheats but the no HoT run-ins have made them more palatable. I feel Kosei Fujita vs Nick Wayne was very close to getting to that next level, amazing to think these two are 23 and 20 years old and are as good as they are. Give it a few more minutes and I think they get there. El Desperado vs Taiji Ishimori I think we expect to be good, and it was. Again probably needed more time with the slow start. Still worth a look if you're a fan of either.
I enjoyed Yoyogi a bit more than Hachioji, but as we saw at Hachioji the all block matches shows means a lot of the undercard is quick. Feel bad for Valiente Jr, not quite sure what happened there but hope its not serious. Thought Sasaki vs HYO was fun. Nothing better than Night 1 main, but two possible lower end (lets call them 'possible, not probable' matches of the tournament.
Kosei Fujita vs Jun Kasai was exactly what I hoped it would be. Kasai looking for ways to incorporate his style into matches is going to be a fun theme. Common theme that Fujita is going to be listed a lot as he has so many main/semi main events and so he should be. There's blood and violence but like Hachioji matches this could have used more time. El Desperado vs Robbie Eagles was the opposite, slower start with both guys targeting legs for their submissions. These two have wrestled a lot over the years with their 2022 match being their best. This was very good but with their chemistry i didn't expect any less.
Upcoming Korakuen show Wednesday looks great with Nagai/Kasai, Despy/HYO, Wato/Akira and Fujita/X all on the card. There's also another ROPPONGI 3K EXPLODES match...unfortunately they've never really had a good match together, hoping this bucks that trend.
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Night 1 was fun, I'll put match thoughts of what I watch here and then put a summary list of any match of the year contenders in its thread at the end.
Probable Match of the Tournament Contender - 14/5: Kosei Fujita vs Francesco Akira
SpoilerFull of hate and passion, this definitely delivered and Korakuen was hot for it. Akira gets cut open on Fujita's initial ambush. Intense, full of hate, these two have great chemistry. A little surprised Fujita won this, despite his new found violent streak he still hasn't really beaten anyone. Still expect him to be a possible semi finalist (two of Fujtia/Akira/Wato i think will progress)
Fun Match that won't likely be a Match of the Tournament but I loved it anyway - 14/5: Robbie Eagles vs KUSHIDA
SpoilerWhen KUSHIDA removed his shoes, its always a sign of a fun, different match. Like his match with Fujita last year, this was a very grapple/counter heavy match and despite the traditionally not being Robbie's field, he kept up and delivered (maybe Zack's been giving him pointers). For me this was phenomenonal but I'm not sure if it'll be everyone's cup of tea.
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FMW-E?
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Kento vs Mashimo was really really good (as expected). I enjoyed this year better than last year - hot Korakuen crowd split between both. Don't know if All Japan requires spoiler boxes but to be safe
SpoilerSimilar story to last year, Mashimo's arm work vs Kento's Shutdown Suplex but this time Mashimo was much more vicious with it and it was the difference.
Mashimo challenges for the TC if Kento retains against the CC winner?
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Agreed that the last few matches were really good last night, not sure if any were match of the year contenders (could see an argument for Callum/Shingo as a lower end consideration). I felt last night was more about progressing stories more than anything
SpoilerChase Owens was Tanga Loa levels bad in the TV title match. I would have even rather seen Fale wrestle a 10-15 minute TV title match than him. Glad to see SANADA back, but I hope he has taken enough time to properly heal (or heal to the best he can). I believe I am in a minority, but J5G SANADA was my favourite of his iterations and think the build to his title reign + first 2 defences were top level stuff, then Forbidden Door happened and he got injured in the middle of his reign during the G1. He'll probably never be a top guy again, but could be a lot of fun at the mid-card TV/NEVER title level.
I am hoping Evil Otto is right and we are looking at building to more non-title special singles matches, another that seems to be building is Uemura and Oiwa who had a great match during the G1. They teased a Zack/Oiwa vs Taichi/Uemura tag match which if given time could be a blast and also maybe lead to another Zack/Taichi match (a rematch from their great 2025 NJC bout).
Thought the Jr Tag title match was fine, the last quarter was great but took a while to get going. I haven't seen him in forever, but I just found Mistico in particular to be off in that were were a few times were Robbie or Fujita would just be waiting for him too long to do his spots (one in particular that stood out was when Desperado had Fujita tied up and Robbie had to stumble around for what felt like an eternity which looked silly when he could of saved Fujita instead). Think Sweet Boys should of retained but maybe this opens Fujita for a second BoSJ win. Robbie will hopefully get his revenge on Despy in the tournament.
NEVER 6 Man was fun, like O-Khan being more aggressive. Him and HENARE vs KoB should be good. Some fans are complaining that so many titles are now on AEW guys, but everyone is involved in stories that will carry on either at Super Jrs finals, Dominion or Forbidden Door which are all in the next 6 weeks so its all good to me.
I came into this knowing Callum was retaining, but they sure did make me question it during the match with Natsupoi at ringside, Tsuji making the save and some of those near falls. Agreed Callum is progressing very quickly and they've achieved what they needed by putting the title on him. I questioned how they would get back to Tsuji as a challenger, and they answered my question with the upcoming tag match (Tsuji/Shingo vs Callum/Jake Lee) which I'm sure Tsuji gets the win over Callum. Maybe my prediction of Tsuji as champ --> Uemura wins G1 --> Dome main event of Tsuji vs Uemura may still come true.
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Just a thought, would it just be easier to have one 2026 NJPW thread instead of ones for every tour? I'm not sure the engagement for individual threads really exists anymore.
Either way, night 1 thoughts. Will probably miss most of night 2 live.
SpoilerSo glad to hear Gino Gambino back on commentary, having someone being so heavy on the heel side does make a difference for English comms. Am unsure why they stopped having guests when Walker or Chris are by themselves, or why they've moved the English desk to right at the back though - maybe a cost thing somehow? Anyway I hope its not two years in between shots again for Gino, a breath of fresh air.
Shota & Takeshita make a fun team, if the crowd starts to turn on Shota again I wouldn't mind New Japan making it a permanent thing - two guys the crowds have rejected forming a frustrated team with a chip on their shoulders. Chase Owens can piss right off though, NJPW are seemingly reducing costs but still want to fly this clown in?I am enjoying Ospreay back, seeing him try to reign in two aggressive beasts in HENARE and O-Khan was fun. He and Goto mesh very well in-ring and I hope Ospreay can do the G1 (not sure what his neck could actually manage/if Tony will let him go for so long). Apparently Goto and Ospreay have never had a singles match (based on a quick Cagematch search), and now I really want to see one.
Wolf vs Fale...was perfectly fine? Probably the best match Fale could probably put on really. Wolf hulking up was crazy over and getting Fale up for both a body slam and Olympic slam looked great for him (Fale taking TWO bumps? No way...). There has been a lot of criticism about the way Wolf has been handled, so a decisive strong win over the biggest guy on the roster will hopefully help things.
Narita vs Boltin was what you would expect, Wolf running in to save Boltin hopefully brings us a step closer to them being a team. I am guessing Wolf wins back the NEVER belt at Dominion due to the media attention. After the Fale match, while I don't think Wolf is near ready for big 20 minute plus main events, 10 minute midcard matches with guys who can hide his faults while he develops are perfectly fine (I think he's further ahead than people who are saying he shouldn't be having singles at all think he is).
Main event was absolutely great and I noted this in the matches of the year thread. Tsuji has delivered in every main spot this year (the Jake match wasn't a Tsuji problem) and the meltdown people are having on Reddit/X really isn't justified. Sure, I don't know how Tsuji gets back to the title picture by Dominion and we may be in for a loner than anticipated Callum run, but losing to Andrade doesn't hurt him at all. A lot of whining about a title going back to an AEW guy, but I don't mind - Andrade I think is a better option than Kidd, he has history with NJPW and seems motivated to be there.
Pure speculation from me here, but I think Andrade probably loses in the three way to Umino. I think if Gabe won, this would have been two matches (vs. Drilla at BoSJ final maybe, Umino at Dominion) due to his history with both guys but due to possibly being unable to get Andrade for both dates, they'll compress it into one match. Shota HAS to win here, right?
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I can't compare the Trenton match as its still PPV (I think), but Tsuji vs Andrade was excellent. A mid/late 2010s style NJPW main event with just some insanely brutal spots.
SpoilerNot sure how they get back to Tsuji as champ at Dominion as people think, but he's delivering in every big match now. The DDT to the steel post at the end was crazy, when was that last done in NJPW...Omega/Naito?
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NOAH spoilers:
SpoilerShane Haste is your new GHC Heavyweight champion. Did not have that on my 2026 Japanese wrestling bingo card.
Apparently OZAWA vs Naito was decent. Naito is very washed and OZAWA is very gimmick/T2000X heavy in his matches so I was worried this was going to die a horrible death. Will check it out when its up somewhere I don't have to pay for a subscription.
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I noticed I did not add the following, see the New Japan Cup/Sakura Genesis threads for thoughts (really high recommendations here):
- 20/3/26: Yuya Uemura vs Oleg Boltin
- 20/3/26: Shota Umino vs Callum Newman
- 21/3/26: Yuya Uemura vs Callum Newman
- 4/4/26: IWGP Tag - Knockout Brothers vs Zack Sabre Jr & Ryohei Oiwa
- 4/4/26: IWGP Heavyweight - Yota Tsuji vs Callum NewmanAnd two more from Hiroshima Red Zone
25/4/26: IWGP Jr Tag - Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X vs Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita
SpoilerThese four just have insane chemistry with each other (I am sure I've said this before). The standout this time was Robbie Eagles, who seemed to be extra vicious in this one. Eagles & X control the opening with some great exchanges (I will say that X's selling is a bit iffy but bloody hell he is athletic). Frantic pace most of the match, if you like four guys just throwing everything at each other at a blistering pace, this is perfect for you. One or two of the spots were a bit convoluted but this is a very minor criticism. Great mix of high flying and technical, Eagles picking up the submission win over Ishimori which was a little bit of a surprise but did pop me (I felt Ichiban Swet Boys would win, just not over Ishimori).
25/4/26: IWGP Tag: Knockout Brothers vs Bishamon
SpoilerWhat do I even say about the Knockout Brothers reign? Sure, Bad Intentions have the longest reign/most defenses and G.O.D have the most reigns, but no other IWGP Tag Team reign in its history has produced as many top tier matches as the Knockout Brothers have had. Yuto-Ice has really been the standout in previous matches, especially the Sakura Genesis classic, but this time it felt like it was OSKAR's time to shine. His back and forward with YOSHI-HASHI (who is one of New Japan's best at fighting from underneath) was great, especially with YOSHI bumping around like a pinball for OSKAR. I didn't think KoB were losing here, but they nearly had me with the Kuma Goroshi near fall when Goto had Ice blocked and OSKAR kicked out at 2.99999. Chaotic end sequence, KoB take the win over a proper established team and the crowd was hot throughout. Still like the Sakura Genesis and New Beginning KoB matches more, but this was great.
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I'm probably the biggest New Japan defender here so hopefully I can provide a relevant perspective.
Callum as IWGP Champion: HATED it when it happened, still not completely sold on it and unless Tsuji is winning it back at Dominion I have no idea how this draws, especially over say Tsuji vs Uemura. I'm going to take this as New Japan has him on a 3 year deal and want to get the most out of it before inevitably losing him to AEW or WWE. Beating Nakamura's record just seems like a way to force Newman into a spot he may not be ready for.
Yota Tsuji losing the belt: One thing I'd like to point out is that the charismatic anti-hero archetypes rarely have long runs - Tsuji, Naito, Chono (injured yes but never getting another run makes me feel it wasnt going to be a long one), Nakamura (I feel Tsuji will be more associated with the 'white belt' like Nak) and even Choshu to a point are examples.
AEW x NJPW: Compared to a lot of the X/Reddit fanbase I don't hate the relationship, things like Forbidden Door are benefiting them financially, if i had any gripes it would just be having so much booking revolve around AEW. Newman winning makes me think we're getting an Ospreay reign and I think native fans are tired of AEW holding the top belt - Moxley was lukewarm and TAKESHITA was very much rejected. Tsuji is probably dropping the Global to Gabe which leads to the possibility of both top titles being on AEW guys. Yes, both have links to New Japan but still, most fans wish they'd prioritise their home talent which just doesn't seem to be happening. I do wish like someone else said AEW would send young guys or those they arent really using for a few tours.
The Future: All things aside, if they can sort out their long term booking, they have a lot of very talented guys, possibly one of the most talented generations they've ever had: Uemura deserves to be in the discussion for best in the world at the moment, Umino has found his groove finally, Tsuji is pretty much there as long as he doesnt get screwed by the booking, Oiwa and Yuto-Ice are very good and close to putting it together, Boltin and Wolf will be legit threats, Fujita will be a great junior ace...the problem really comes down to Gedo. I will say the Newman change is a VERY Gedo move though.
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Champions Carnival Blocks
Block A:
- Kento Miyahara
- Go Shiozaki
- Yuma Anzai
- Rei Saito
- Kuma Arashi
- Talos
- Oddyssey
- Kengo Mashimo
Block B:
-Jun Saito
- Ren Ayabe
- Hideki Suzuki
- Ryuki Honda
- Daisuke Sekimoto
- Cyrus
- Xyon
- Madoka Kikuta
Block A looks like a blast! Kento, Mashimo, Anzai and Go all together. 5/5 Korakuen is another Kento vs Mashimo match, their one last year was match of the tournament for me.
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I'm not going to use spoiler tags as I'm guessing anyone interested either already saw the match or at least knows the result.
I'm 100% fine with Callum win, which is a sign of how far he has come as I hated him challenging last year when Cobb left abruptly. I dont think he wins, nor should he (he'd be a great choice for Global champ though) with Dominion getting a terrestrial TV slot, i would think Tsuji holds until atleast then and defends against another top native (Yuya, Shota or Goto maybe?).
Yuya losing is fine, I think hes a great shout to win the G1, especially if Tsuji holds until the Dome.
Overall summary of the cup for me is despite the slow start, they achieved 3 very important things: Established Callum Newman as a top guy, Yuya Uemura as a very viable ace candidate, and revitalised Shota Umino. From a personal perspective, I completely expected to take a very long break from wrestling after the Dome but they've roped me back in and I'm very excited for the next few months.
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Will sum up my thoughts on the final in the morning, but I think Yuya Uemura needs to be in the discussion for best in the world at the moment.
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Agreed, I think that was both Newman and Umino's best match to date. Absolutely great stuff and may be my non Tanahashi retirement NJPW match of the year (need to rewatch Tsuji/Takeshita). Umino is finally clicking and Newman since going heel has improved immensely. These two just murdered each other for 30 minutes and I'm looking forward to seeing more in the future (If Shota stays a hontai guy/baby face, Newman is his best rival i think)
Yuya/Boltin was great too. Boltin doesn't get talked about enough, he's growth from young lion to here in the short period it has been is very under discussed. Give him another 12 momths and he's going to be an absolute beast. I've said plenty about how good Yuya is recently so just more of the same
SpoilerEither option to win is fine with me. Yuya is Tsuji's main generational rival and the two of them main eventing Sakura Genesis would be a true sign that the Reiwa guys are here now. Callum on the other hand is the hottest heel they have and is absolutely delivering. The only issues with Callum i have is that I want to see UE and Unbound Co separate for a while and if they're really building to something with Ospreay, I think failing to do something Ospreay achieved would add to his angst and help that story more than him winning.
NJPW G1 Climax 36.
in JAPAN
Posted
Jake Lee is perfect where he is, as an undercard oddity. Put me in as one of those that can't help but love the guy, I really wanted him to regain some of his shine he had in AJPW but between injuries and not having Kento & Yuma Aoyagi (who he worked best with), I can't see that happening.
Not a lot I want to say about the matches that hasn't been said, will add that I really enjoyed Oiwa vs Boltin. I am hoping this G1 will be Oiwa's breakout tournament, and we can get Oiwa vs Uemura in the semis. Not a fan of Oiwa's new theme though however in saying that the audio was terrible so I'll hold judgment until they are back in Japan with better audio. Surely New Japan could ask AEW for some help with production in the states? Especially with the crowd and music.
Looping back to music as that seems to be my gripe, but I am starting to really dislike a lot of the new AI lyrical stuff (Callum's has worn thin on me now, not sure if Oiwa's is AI or not or if it was just bad sound on this show). Hell, even Tsuji's new theme is a good song but just doesn't work for me as a wrestling theme. Tsuji and Oiwa (especially Oiwa) already had good music, so not sure why they are changing them (I guess in Tsuji's case, it has to do with May J being a relatively well known pop singer) . Very minor gripe from a grumpy Horangi!