tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59986558524722601972024-03-05T19:06:44.390-08:00The Kevstaaa's Wrestling BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.comBlogger1151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-69884173288761959102018-08-18T06:13:00.005-07:002018-08-18T06:13:55.331-07:00NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180801_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_EC3_Velveteen--a60986dbe1f51814da4fbc3e5365d134_zpsc5xghosn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180801_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_EC3_Velveteen--a60986dbe1f51814da4fbc3e5365d134_zpsc5xghosn.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">How good is the Velveteen Dream? This dude is special and everything he does is outstanding. I like EC3, but he hadn't been too interesting in NXT until coming up against the Dream. It's a tough match to call because I think Dream needs the win more, thanks to a poor TakeOver record, but EC3 hasn't felt like a major deal yet. I guess I'll say EC3, but Dream should win.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: EC3</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180716_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Shayna_Kairi--c2fca05cadc20dc904524ec78dcabccd_zpsilhqv2aq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180716_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Shayna_Kairi--c2fca05cadc20dc904524ec78dcabccd_zpsilhqv2aq.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This is gonna be good and it's still my least favorite match on the card. That's saying something about this show. Their Mae Young Classic Finals match good and I think this will be better. Kairi has the one win over Shayna so far and, while she'd make a fine champion, I don't think it's time to end Shayna's run.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Shayna Baszler</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180801_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Kyle_Roderick_MoustacheMountain--b2ac92b5889ac074b3d17c1906f1b2cf_zpsmjlwokpd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180801_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Kyle_Roderick_MoustacheMountain--b2ac92b5889ac074b3d17c1906f1b2cf_zpsmjlwokpd.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">What a series. Screw whatever is happening in any other tag team division (most aren't any good in 2018). This has been spectacular. Their first two matches were awesome. The first gave us a feel good moment to cap a banger and the second was one of the best told stories in a tag match ever. As great as Mustache Mountain is, I get the sense Undisputed retains. They're around more consistently. This might be MOTN.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winners: The Undisputed Era</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180801_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Cole_Ricochet--7b5a434496bc46d5b920f0b1c9697019_zpsrxqtdr6n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180801_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Cole_Ricochet--7b5a434496bc46d5b920f0b1c9697019_zpsrxqtdr6n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Two guys who I thought were good, but nothing special during their runs on the indies. Since coming to NXT, Adam Cole has improved dramatically and has become a weekly highlight. Ricochet has also been great, so I'm excited for a match that wouldn't have given me that feeling a year ago. I'm going to say Ricochet wins.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Ricochet</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180809_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Ciampa_Gargano--ccb4d16d3f08c5f37a7dd44fec5b6475_zpsjvmsa9yl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180809_NXTtakeover_Brooklyn_Ciampa_Gargano--ccb4d16d3f08c5f37a7dd44fec5b6475_zpsjvmsa9yl.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Their two matches have gotten ****3/4 and ***** from me. That's insane. The only combination of singles matches to get that across a six month stretch from me was Hart/Austin in 1996-1997. It's so hard to call this. I've never seen Gargano as a long reigning champion (as great as he is, it doesn't really fit his character), so I just can't see Ciampa having a short reign before his. I also have trouble seeing Ciampa beating him again. It's tough. I'm going with Ciampa.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Tommaso Ciampa</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-8630836315949306802018-08-12T09:29:00.002-07:002018-08-12T09:29:23.999-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Finals Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Finals<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 12th, 2018 | Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 12,112</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It all comes down to this. After eighteen block shows, we’re left with Kota Ibushi against Hiroshi Tanahashi. Does Ibushi pull out the improbably or does the Ace get one final ride into the Tokyo Dome main event? With so many shows, I only focused on tournament matches leading up to this. Today, I cover it all.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Ayuto Yoshida, Shota Umino, and Yuji Nagata vs. Great Bash Heel and Michael Elgin</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Great to see Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma back together again. This also marks the main roster debut for Yoshida. Nagata sent his kids to attack quickly. It worked somewhat, but they quickly found themselves in trouble. Honma surprisingly hit Kokeshi on his first try! He’s a new man. Give him the title, Gedo. Commentary noted that Yoshida was at the top of the Kaientai Dojo. Makabe and Nagata got to hit their stuff. I’ve missed Nagata, man. His sendoff in the G1 was great, but he’s so damn good still. The G1 could’ve used him this year. Anyway, Yoshida ate the pin on a King Kong Knee Drop at 7:12. Your standard NJPW opening tag. Fire from the young guys, the dads and Honma were fun, and Elgin existed. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Bad Luck Fale vs. Toa Henare</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Fale wasn’t pinned and didn’t submit during the entire G1. The only guy who can make that claim. His six losses came via DQ. Henare brought a TON of fire to attack Fale. Fale weathered the storm and hit the Grenade, followed by the Bad Luck Fall to win at 1:49. That certainly went quickly. Fale could’ve sent similar messages in the G1 but instead chose to have dumb DQ finishes that accomplished nothing. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Taichi and Takashi Iizuka <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Miho Abe</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">As much as I missed Nagata, I’d say the opposite for Iizuka. According to commentary, some people wanted Taichi in the G1. I don’t think that, but he couldn’t have been worse than Tama Tonga, Fale, or YOSHI-HASHI. The best part of this match was seeing the fire Taichi brought because he feels wronged by being left out of the G1. Other than that, Iizuka was his absurd self, while Goto and YOSHI continued their tournament trend of kind of just being there and doing a lot of nothing. Taichi used a head kick and nailed a powerbomb to beat HASHI at 8:03, the guy people felt he should’ve replaced in the G1. Mostly lethargic. When Taichi is the best part of a match, you’re in trouble.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"> [*½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Cody and Hangman Page vs. David Finlay and IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Our first look at Cody since the loss to Omega. He sided with the babyface Bullet Club guys, yet was still acting heelish here. The fans gave a lot of thumbs up for David Finlay, who got a tiny trophy of the same pose for winning the “C Block.” The crowd also seemed ready to cheer for Cody. The Cody/Juice interactions were probably the highlight. Both teams have experience as partners, so the chemistry was there. Juice wrestled without his cast, free to use the left hand as he pleased. He got the hot tag of sorts of this, though only Cody seemed to be working as a heel. He mocked Juice’s signature punches and it backfired. In a surprise finish, Cody countered Pulp Friction and hit Din’s Fire to win at 8:56. With Juice already taking SIX G1 losses, you’d think his plate was full (though Omega and Ishii won’t ask for shots at his title, I suspect). I get him struggling with the bad hand, but after removing the cast, he should’ve done better. The match was mostly fun, with good action throughout. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Post-match, Cody cut a promo saying Juice hadn’t improved and is just doing a bad impersonation of Kairi Sane. He held the US Title and said he’d be the next champion.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship: Marty Scurll and The Young Bucks [c] vs. The Guerrillas of Destiny and Taiji Ishimori</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Originally, this wasn’t a title match, but Tama demanded the champs put them on the line. The way the Firing Squad has handled things and how mad NJPW was with them, you’d think they’d prevent this. Ishimori was handpicked for the Bullet Club by Tama Tonga, so he seems to have sided with them. At least he should be a fun member of the group. Hearing Matt call his team the best wrestlers in the world was comical. The match was about what you’d expect. Ishimori was the highlight and his stuff against Marty was strong. The Bucks and G.O.D. were kind of just there. They did their usual thing and wasn’t that interesting to me. In the end, Marty wanted the crowd to hush for his finger snap spot and got hit with the Gun Stun to give us a title change at 11:26. Like the rest of the Bullet Club feud, this was meh. Ishimori and Marty saved it from sucking, and there’s just little reason to be interested in any of it. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Wrestle Kingdom 13 was announced and, as always, it falls on January 4th.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA, and Tetsuya Naito vs. El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Zack Sabre Jr. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ TAKA Michinoku</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Though it was Sabre who spoiled Naito’s hopes of winning the G1 again, Naito and Suzuki were the focal point of the match. They picked up where they left off the IC Title. You remember that title, right? Naito was a placeholder with it so some dude in makeup could win it. Anyway, at one point, everyone got off the apron to watch Naito vs. Suzuki. As always, LIDJ are the masters of the multi-man tag. They’re so fluid with the in and out, while having chemistry with almost anyone. Even the eternally dull Kanemaru was kind of fun in this one. Following some great action, a staple of LIDJ stuff, SANADA got the win via Skull End on Kanemaru at 10:41. A fun match with some strong interactions. I also dug SANADA getting the win as a reward for a great G1. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Chase Owens, IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega, and Yujiro Takahashi <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ PIETER</span> vs. Jay White, Tomohiro Ishii, and Toru Yano</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It would seem this is here to build to Ishii’s eventual shot at Omega’s title. Jay White normally doesn’t come out with his CHAOS mates. He did here, maybe because Ishii kind of scares him. In better news, YUJIRO BROUGHT OUT PIETER! Yujiro is the Bullet Club GOAT. Interestingly, Jay was a team player here. He cheered on his guys and seems to want to hammer home the idea that he’s the new CHAOS leader. There was a fun spot where the BC guys did a group row boat spot while PIETER danced in the middle. Everyone stopped to get mesmerized by her, except Kenny. Great stuff. Owens kind of played the underdog babyface I didn’t expect and did it well. He couldn’t hit the Package Piledriver and Ishii wrecked him with a lariat and Brainbuster at 9:40. A good blend of light hearted fun and serious moments. I enjoyed this quite a bit. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">After the match, Ishii made it clear that he wanted his shot at Omega. The champion seemed to accept.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Kazuchika Okada and Roppongi 3K <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Gedo</span> vs. KUSHIDA, Pro Wrestler Sengoku Enbu, and Rey Mysterio Jr.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Sengoku is just a wacky masked character played by Ryusuke Taguchi. This was mostly just here so we could get a Rey Mysterio Jr. appearance. KUSHIDA rode a Hoverboard to the ring. It started with Mysterio against Okada, hyping it as a dream meeting. It isn’t for me. Commentary and the wrestlers had gun with Sengoku’s identity. They went after his mask and got some fun spots involving him using Taguchi’s moveset. In the end, Rey won with the 619 and springboard splash at 12:27. Nothing special. Just a Rey appearance in a decently fun match. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">G1 Climax Finals: Hiroshi Tanahashi <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Katsuyori Shibata</span> vs. Kota Ibushi <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Kenny Omega</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Tanahashi beat Kota in the G1 25 (****¼) and in an IC Title match last year (****½), but Ibushi beat him in last year’s G1 (****¼). A win for Kota makes him the first man to win the G1, BOTSJ, and New Japan Cup. As expected, Omega cornered Ibushi. However, in massive news, KATSUYORI SHIBATA cornered Tanahashi! There was so much to love about this match. They had each other scouted fantastically. I loved how Tana expected the Golden Star Moonsault, which Kota already expected and had a counter ready for his counter (leap and double stomp to avoid a low dropkick on the apron). Tanahashi knew how much the Lawn Dart affected him last year and avoided it this time, following up immediately with a Shibata like corner dropkick. Awesome. For everything that made Ibushi/Omega great last night, this was great in a different way. It wasn’t about the high impact moves, though there were several. It was more about Tanahashi’s usual game plan battling against Ibushi’s penchant for the unexpected and the impactful. The fatigue set in and led to a strike exchange that was fantastic. Tanahashi should theoretically lose that, but he seemed to channel Shibata and hung tough. It’s such an intense battle that continues even after both men fall out. Ibushi threw A TON at Tana near the end, including a sick Lawn Dart, deadlift apron German and Last Ride, only for two. That was excessive. Tana fought back with THREE High Fly Flows after avoiding Kamigoya and won at 35:01. A stellar main event, but one that did have some flaws to keep it from the full five. For one, like a lot of NJPW main events, it went overboard near the end. A bit too much on the big spots and kick outs. For another, Kota could’ve sold the leg better, especially after all the dragon screws and such. That being said, again, this is a stellar way to close out the tournament. It’s a beautiful match that played so well off their history and had great moments like the Shibata dropkick. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I know some people were upset about Tanahashi’s win, but I don’t get that. Kota’s not under contract, so I couldn’t see him winning. Now, we get one of two things happening.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">1) Tanahashi loses the briefcase. I suspect Jay White (who beat him) gets a shot and probably Okada (who went to a draw). It would be a way for Gedo to get Okada back in the title match without having him win a G1. And he’d get to do Tana/Okada again. He’d love it!</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">2) Or, the scenario I’m hoping for, Tana/Omega headlines the Dome. It’s the only “big four” match we’ve only had once. Tana wants his spot at the top back and to show he can beat Omega. Omega bests him, giving us the one final hurrah for the “Ace.”</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">6.5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> Most of that show was wildly average. The undercard has nothing you need to see other than the Ishii/Omega challenge and a bit of the LIDJ tag. You came here for the G1 Finals and that delivered in a big way.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-48811339295699822582018-08-11T08:50:00.000-07:002018-08-11T08:50:06.509-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Eighteen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Eightteen<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 11th, 2018 | Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 12,023</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The excellent B Block has blown away what those chumps on the other side have done. Will the trend continue for them the way it did for the A Block on their final night? Like the A Block, only three guys are still in place. There are two matches on the line for that, while some others see a small feud reignited and a battle of champions. Also, shoutout to the B Block for drawing about double what the A Block did last night.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kenny Omega makes his third straight final with a win.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Tetsuya Naito wins the block if he beats Sabre and Ibushi beats Omega.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kota Ibushi wins the block with a win and a Naito loss.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Michael Elgin def. Shota Umino and Toa Henare in 7:00</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. Chase Owens and Hangman Page in 3:57</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Marty Scurll and the Young Bucks def. Jay White and Roppongi 3K in 5:56</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki in 7:38</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, and Tomoaki Honma def. Gedo, Kazuchika Okada, and YOSHI-HASHI in 9:00</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tama Tonga [6] vs. Toru Yano [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">These two have kind of feuded in multi-man tags for a while, with Yano usually scared of him. Yano beat him in the New Japan Cup last year (½*) and again in the G1 (*¾). Yano is also fresh off a win over Omega and has been awesome in this G1, while Tonga’s done a lot of nothig. This was kind of the same match Tama has had with most guys. They did some stuff that was only mildly fun because Yano’s great. The Firing Squad showed up and a bunch of officials arrived to hold them back. Kevin Kelly calling this stupid on commentary was great. Yano won via DQ at 5:08 when Tama hit a Gun Stun on the referee. I appreciated Tama saying he didn’t care about star ratings before the match, because no wrestler should concern themselves with that. But when he said he didn’t care about points, that was dumb. Your goal is to win. This ultimately felt like another waste of time by the Tongans. Yano’s cool, though. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[¾*]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [6] vs. IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Here’s two champions who you might think were going through a storyline of struggling. Juice is, due to his hand, but Goto’s just below average. Juice has pinned Goto in tags, but lost two NEVER Title matches to him. Once at New Beginning 2017 (***¾) and earlier this year at Road to Wrestling Dontaku (****). Juice removed the cast as soon as the bell rang, hoping to avoid the issues he’s had throughout the tournament. Though this was a back and forth match, they made sure you got the sense that Juice wanted it more. There was a bit extra on everything he did. Juice kept missing the big left handed punch, but managed to look better than he has in a lot of matches in terms of control. They went into the typical closing stretch of countering moves. Juice won out and got the singles win over Goto he’s craved with Pulp Friction at 10:36. Even with the champions out there, it lacked some drama as a Gedo trope is to have basically everyone bottom out at 6 points, so a Juice win was expected. However, the in-ring stuff was strong and I liked the story of Juice finally getting back on track. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It was announced that the Firign Squad left the building. It was better when we got that announcement about Tyler Breeze on NXT shows.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: SANADA [8] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [8]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA beat Ishii in his first G1 (***¾), but Ishii evened the score in the New Japan Cup last year (***½). This was great from the opening bell. They managed to make a chinlock spot, usually a moment of rest and uninterestingness in a match, work to dramatic effect in the first five minutes. SANADa ran into the same problem Omega had with Ishii. He threw everything at him, but this man was not to be denied. However, SANADA showed he could hang with Ishii as he would no sell strikes or popup after getting hit with a bit of offense. When SANADA’s knee became a problem, he started keeping the attack high, avoiding any issues. It was smart wrestling and one of those little things that is sometimes missing from his game. The finishing stretch was bonkers, with both men just giving it their all. The lariat bump SANADA took on his head was scary. Though he survived that, he could’t when he got hit with the Brainbuster, losing at 17:00. They did what other matches involving eliminated guys couldn’t. They made this dramatic and sucked me in. It felt like SANADA put everything together here and capped his best string of matches ever with a banger. Excellent exchanges and some unexpected emotion down the stretch. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tetsuya Naito [12] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [10]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">A win for Naito keeps him alive. Sabre said he was determined to play spoiler. Naito beat him in the G1 last year (***¾), while Sabre made him tap in this year’s New Japan Cup (****¼). Naito played some mind games to start, only for Sabre to grab at his “tranquilo” arm and wrap it in a submission. There was no time for games against someone as dangerous as Zack. He had an answer for everythig Naito did. There was a counter ready or a hold to catch him in. It wasn’t until Zack mocked his tranquilo taunt that Naito seemed to flip a switch and pick up the pace. From there, the battle was more evenly matched, but it still felt like Sabre had the upper hand. Naito was doing everything he could to not submit, wanting to stay alive in this important tournament. I must point out that the European Clutch continues to lead to fantastic near falls. In fact, every Sabre pin attempt seems to do that. Naito hit Destino, but since that move has been poop all year, he wanted another. However, Sabre countered into the finisher he’s been teasing all tournament, the Zack Driver. That got him the win in 18:17. Naito’s hopes of winning the tournament are dead. The match was great, with both guys playing to their charactes perfectly, filling things with drama, and giving us a great finish. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">In typical Gedo form, it all comes down to the main event. No way Naito was going to be allowed to be alive here.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [12] vs. Kota Ibushi [10]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">This hasn’t happened in six years. They’re best friends. Kenny started 6-0, but lost two straight. An Ibushi wins ties him with Omega/Naito/Sabre, but he’d make the finals due to tiebreakers over them all. Kota seemed to want to take this match as friends, but Kenny was more aggressive than expected. Maybe the thought of losing two straight forced Kenny to truly bring it. It threw Ibushi off his game and Kenny basically dominated the early stages. He wasn’t even holding back in terms of dropping his buddy on his surgically repaird neck. Ibushi finally had to stop taking his friend lightly and bring just as much aggression to level the playing field. Ibushi’s neck stuff added a lot to Omega’s V-Trigger to the back. I believe Omega became the first person to kick out of the Kamigoye, which was interesting since Ibushi is the only man to ever kick out of the One Winged Angel (though that was back in 2012). Ibushi nearly countered the One Winged Angel into a reverse rana, only to get dropped on his head. Omega wanted the super One Winged Angel, only for Ibushi to counter with a massive double stomp to the back of the head. He added the Golden Star Bomb off the top and the Kamigoye to advance to the finals in 23:13. I absolutely LOVE when NJPW main events stay under 30 minutes. Kenny had something similar with Okada in last year’s G1. Non-stop action. Their chemistry made everything click and they threw BOMBS at one another. Kenny came in aggressively and it took Kota stepping up to match him in that category to pull out the win. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ibushi wins the block, facnig Tanahashi in the finals tomorrow. Regardless of how that match turns out, I can’t put this G1 near the top of the ones I’ve seen. It was about half a stellar G1. The B Block was incredible, but the A Block (and Tama Tonga) truly held this back. The A Block was the worst block I’ve ever seen in a G1, with only one match getting ****+ from me. Off the top of my head, I’d probably go 24 > 27 > 26 > 28 > 23 > 25. </span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">8.5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> It started with a whimper thanks to Tama Tonga, but it picked up right after. Goto/Juice was strong and the final three matches were all fantastic. Ishii/SANADA was awesome, Naito/Sabre was a dramatic battle of two guys playing to their strengths, and the main event was outstanding. The B Block ended with the same kind of bang they opened with.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15 (7-1-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13 (7-2-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-53809027117800410032018-08-10T18:32:00.002-07:002018-08-10T18:32:24.267-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Seventeen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Seventeen<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 10th, 2018 | Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 6,180</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Since I began watching the G1 Climax, the final set of shows was held in Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall. This year, we’re in Budokan Hall to wrap things up for each block. The lackluster A Block is coming to an end today. Only three members of the block are still alive, that being Jay White, and the obvious Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada. Will the A Block tell a compelling story on their final night? Or will we get more of the same?</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">White wins the block with a win and Tanahashi loss.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Tanahashi wins the block with a win or draw. A loss knocks him out.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Okada wins the block with a White loss and a win.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and Tomohiro Ishii def. Shota Umino and Toa Henare in 6:07</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. Gedo and Toru Yano in 4:11</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Hirooki Goto and YOH def. David Finlay and Juice Robinson in 5:25</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. in 6:16</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens, Marty Scurll and Kota Ibushi vs. Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks ended in a no contest in 5:20</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Michael Elgin [6] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Surprisingly, this has never happened before. Entering our final night, neither man has anything on the line, so the match loses a lot of interest. Commentary kept hyping how much Budokan means to Elgin and how this was his first ever match in this arena. I’m sad that Makabe didn’t get to keep his 8 point streak in the G1. Anyway, this was a solid battle of two hard hitting brutes. It’s the kind of match that works for Elgin, and especially for Makabe at this stage in his career. Elgin held serve for a lot of this, until Makabe rallied and started in with some desperation moves. He used the King Kong Knee Drop to pull into a tie with several others at six points at 8:46. As I said, a fine hard hitting match. It did suffer from a lot of what late G1 matches Gedo has booked suffer from. There was nothing at stake and no drama. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [6] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Another first time ever match. A win for YOSHI-HASHI prevents him from sitting alone at the bottom of the standings. They managed to give this a greater sense of urgency than the previous match. It felt like two guys looking to prove themselves. YOSHI because he’s basically a scrub, and Page because it’s his first G1 and he’s only had two pinfall wins, though they did come over Suzuki and Makabe. They had some solid exchanges, but a few things feel like they didn’t click right. It was about as good as can hope for from YOSHI, who found a sweet Rite of Passage counter with a Destroyer. He then hit Karma and won in 10:22. Good stuff from two guys who work hard. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [6] vs. Minoru Suzuki [8]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Oh, boy. Fale and all his tournament shenanigans against Suzuki and his Suzuki-Gun antics. However, Minoru is the master and can have bangers because he’s one of the best in the world. Minoru is able to match up with Fale in the brawling department, having the kind of fight that mostly fits them. The Guerrillas of Destiny made their expected run-ins, though it came at a sensible time when Fale was in serious trouble. El Desperado got involved, showing Suzuki-Gun wasn’t going to go down without a fight. In the end, a Gun Stun led to the DQ at 8:51. Fale didn’t get pinned at all during this tournament. Three wins and SIX disqualification losses. And people complain about Raw. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [8] vs. Jay White [12]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">A loss for Jay White would complete a monumental collapse after starting 3-0 and beating Tanahashi and Okada. Of course, that’s exactly what happened. But, before we get to the official result, there’s the match to discuss. Thankfully, we got some legitimate moments of drama and intrigue as they went at it. Commentary noted how the people who beat White so far were the guys who didn’t play by the rules, Fale and Suzuki. That style was right up EVIL’s alley and he gave Jay a lot of trouble. They had a strong battle that mostly played to their strengths. Like the rest of this card, it was kept short and that’s good due to the lack of importance for most of them. We got the usual ref bump and EVIL ducked a chair shot, before hitting Everything is Evil to win in 11:36. Best thing on the show so far.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½] </span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi [14] vs. Kazuchika Okada [12]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Of course it comes down to this. Classic Gedo. A ton has been said about this feud and some call it the best ever, though I’d put it behind more than a handful. Okada must win to take the block, while Tanahashi can just kill time for a draw. That works for the story as it allows Tanahashi to take a methodical pace. It’s his match to dictate. It works so the usual slow Okada start make sense. They kill about ten minutes, focusing on each other’s leg. Nothing major went down there. It was strange to see Okada struggle so much with Tanahashi’s knee work. You’d think he’d have figured it out after beating him so often. Tanahashi did what he could to pull me back in at a few turns. Fatigue set in and Okada couldn’t get the job done, with time expiring to give Tanahashi the block at 30:00. It wasn’t bad, but it kind of felt like a compilation of their matches rather than one that stood out among the crowded field. Going the route of the draw felt like the rest of this Okada “redemption” angle. Half-assed. It’s hard to take someone’s fall seriously when they go 7-2-1 in a tournament. At the very least Okada could’ve been stopped at the gates by his old rival. His character work also hasn’t been great in this tournament and it wasn’t here. Their chemistry always allows them to have a good match, but this wasn’t ANYWHERE near their best work. Though, it was still above their WK10 stuff. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">6/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> It was the A Block’s final opportunity to step up. They missed the mark and delivered more of the same. There was a sense of consistency from everyone. Some guys were solid (White, EVIL, Makabe, Page), some guys disappointed (Okada, Fale), some dudes were lame (HASHI), and one was strong (Tanahashi). In the end, this block was once again a massive letdown and it held back this G1 from being great. </span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15 (7-1-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13 (7-2-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-57927839085831015072018-08-08T09:37:00.003-07:002018-08-08T09:37:27.212-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Sixteen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Sixteen<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 8th, 2018 | Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium in Yokohama, Kanagawa | Attendance: N/A</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’re almost to the end of the line, folks. It’s the final B Block show before we hit Budokan for the last three shows of the tournament. We’ve got one of the most anticipated matchups of the entire tournament, as LIDJ members collide when Tetsuya Naito meets SANADA. Kenny Omega, Naito, and Kota Ibushi are all still alive with potential to win the blocks.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Toa Henare and Togi Makabe def. Michael Elgin and Shota Umino in 7:05</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Hangman Page def. SHO and YOSHI-HASHI in 6:22</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki in 5:52</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. Jay White and YOH in 5:46</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Hiroshi Tanahashi def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 6:55</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [4] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The two men to beat Omega in Osaka the last two years. A first time ever meeting. Juice still can’t use his cast as a weapon, but Ishii said he could if he wanted. Because Ishii is one bad dude. Juice refused to back down, taking it right to Ishii with shoulder blocks and strikes that nearly matched his badass opponent. It was almost as if Ishii was challenging Juice to step up. He started busting out Juice’s jabs and Juice responded with a series of headbutts. It felt like a true test of just how tough Juice was. Juice waited until he was ready to remove his cast, rather than when Ishii dared him to. I thought that was a nice bit of storytelling as he wouldn’t let Ishii set the tone. Still, Juice fell into the trap of wrestling Ishii’s style and that’s not a battle he could win. Ishii hit the Brainbuster to go 3-0 against the champions in this G1 at 12:24. It lacked some of the drama that the top G1 matches had, but they told a great story and Ishii continues to be stellar in this tournament. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [6] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [8]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Last year, Goto went 2-0 against Sabre, beating him at Sakura Genesis (***½) and the G1 (***¼). Like those matches, I felt this was laid out the way it should be. Sabre came right at Goto with offense. Though he knows he has no shot at winning the block, he might as well try to earn himself a title shot. Goto was having none of that, throwing Sabre around outside the ring and using his power. It became a battle of Sabre’s technical acumen and Goto’s raw strength. They had a strong series of counters as the match progressed, ending with Sabre using the European Clutch to win at 10:43. He posed with the NEVER Title after the match, no holding wins over the US and NEVER Champions (and coming hella close to beating Omega). A good battle of power against mat work. It played to their strengths and featured a good crowd. I’m thinking the eventual title match will have the drama this lacked. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Kota Ibushi [10] vs. Tama Tonga [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Surprisingly, Tonga was out by himself. He could ruin the big Golden Loves match on night eighteen by taking out Ibushi. He hid during his entrance and jumped Ibushi from behind in the aisle. It took several minutes before Kota got any offense in. Kota did well to bump for Tama, but a lot of the Tongan’s offense isn’t interesting enough to hold that portion of a match. Similar to Yujiro Takahashi’s old G1 runs. They fought into the crowd, where Kota disappeared to run up a flight of stairs and nail a moonsault off the balcony. HE’S AN ABSOLUTE MADMAN! Unfortunately, the match peaked there. Tanga Loa made a run-in, we got a ref bump, and Bad Luck Fale hit the scene. Kenny Omega showed up and drilled Fale with a V-Trigger, which got a pop. He then got taken out with a spear and Kota fell to a popup Gun Stun at 14:17. Some of the late stuff didn’t fully work as it felt too familiar. The middle portion was solid and saved this from being as dire as the other Tama matches. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kenny then got hit with a powerbomb. Kota’s hopes of winning the block are in danger. Page and Owens showed up with chairs to send the Firing Squad away.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [12] vs. Toru Yano [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Omega beat Yano in the G1 26 (***) and 27 (*¼). A win for Yano would be the greatest points differential upset ever. Though Kenny was down, he gave the okay to start the match. Yano went for the pin instantly, but Omega kicked out. Yano exposed every turnbuckle, but Owens kept finding ways to prevent Omega from going into them, even throwing himself in the way as a shield. The fun stuff continued with spots like Yano suplexing Kenny onto a soft turnbuckle pad and Kenny getting taped to Young Lion Ren Narita, forcing him to slide back in the ring with Narita and beat the countout. Following a series of rollups and ref bumps, the Firing Squad showed back up. Kenny got hit with a Gun Stun and Yano covered to pull off the “greatest upset in G1 history” after 9:06. Another fun Yano match and a creative way to get him to beat Kenny without the champion getting embarrassed. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: SANADA [8] vs. Tetsuya Naito [10]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">First time ever meeting. There’s been intrigue here, as SANADA hasn’t fist bumped Naito in tags at all during the tour. Naito offered one at the start of the match and SANADA finally gave it, but Naito pulled him in to start some action. Right off the bat, their knowledge of one another was clear, as SANADA tripped Naito before his tranquilo pose. Considering the athleticism and quickness of SANADA, it was almost like Naito was wrestling a version of his younger self. SANADA wasn’t intimidated, returning the favor when Naito disrespected him by spitting at him. Their history played a major part throughout the match, but the actual action was also great. SANADA hitting his own Destino legitimately popped me. In fact, SANADA kept having Destino scouted and found all sorts of ways out of it. Naito was in trouble in Skull End, but he managed to avoid the moonsault. Their next exchange was won out by Naito, who hit Destino and got the three count at 19:52. A great main event that lived up to the hype. We’ve only seen LIDJ members meet three times in the G1 and all delivered strong outings. I enjoyed the play off their friendship/mentorship, and the exchanges throughout ruled. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I usually ignore the show closing promo stuff, but this was special. EVIL and BUSHI showed up, with the former carrying Hiromu Takahashi’s ring jacket out. Naito put over LIDJ and when he got to Hiromu, the fans chanted for the Jr. Heavyweight Champion. Naito didn’t know when Hiromu would be back, but that he will at some point. The group all fist bumped to end things.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Naito must defeat Sabre and have Ibushi/Omega end in a draw to win the block.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ibushi needs Naito to lose and to beat Omega to win the block.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kenny just needs to win since he holds the tiebreaker over Naito.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7.5/10</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">. As we wrap up the pre-Budokan segment of the G1, the B Block ended on another high note. Tama Tonga wasn’t as bad as usual and everything else was at least good. The three guys you’d expect to be alive in the end are and I appreciated the creativity it took to set up Kenny’s loss. Naito and SANADA gave me the main event I wanted from them, Ishii/Juice was a blast, and Sabre/Goto was strong.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14 (7-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-61316455113253135632018-08-05T07:51:00.002-07:002018-08-05T07:51:31.260-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Fifteen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Fifteen<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 5th, 2018 | EDION Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan | Attendance: 5,480</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">We remain in Osaka for the second of back to back G1 shows here. Unfortunately, the A Block is up, but this is admittedly one of their strongest cards on paper. I mean, I guess it is. It’s still nothing special outside of a main event that is a rematch of one of the better G1 matches last year.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and Tomohiro Ishii def. Juice Robinson and Shota Umino in 8:14</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. David Finlay and Toa Henare in 6:35</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Hirooki Goto and YOH def. TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. in 5:44</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi in 3:31</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Kenny Omega def. Gedo and Toru Yano in 6:42</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [6] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">YOSHI bested Fale in last year’s G1 (**¼). Fale has still not be pinned or submitted in this tournament. These are the least intriguing guys in the A Block because Fale has been unusually terrible in this G1. They went through the motions of a match that bored me to tears. Tanga Loa and his shitty introduction speech got involved a few times because that’s all he’s done in this tournament. When HASHI took out Tanga Loa and got Fale in trouble, Tama Tonga ran out with a chair for another shit DQ at 8:31. A terrible match before the extra BS and then we got that trash ending. Sigh. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[DUD]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [4] vs. Minoru Suzuki [8]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Commentary wondered if Page would be intimidated by this first time ever match. He attacked Suzuki instantly and then took out both his opponent and El Desperado with a moonsault off the stage. That set the tone for a fun brawl that was a nice change of pace from the previous match. The fact that Page took it right to him seemed to anger Minoru and when he gets pissed, it can be glorious. He began to bully Page around, but Hangman, with nothing to lose at this point, didn’t back down. It was great to see and made a match that meant nothing feel somewhat important. Near the end, Page began to fade while in the sleeper hold. However, when Suzuki went for the Gotch Style Piledriver, Page found a way to counter into the Rite of Passage and score the massive upset at 12:05. Page didn’t win many matches in this G1, but he’s beaten Makabe and Suzuki by pin. That’s big, especially the latter. An intense win for Page. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Jay White [10] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">There’s an interesting set up here. Jay White has been all about mind games and playing up his brain over his brawn. However, with Makabe being so old and past his prime, Jay just went right at it. It was somewhat disrespectful because he took the legend so lightly. As he beat on Makabe and fired him up, he even mockingly said, “There he is,” as if he finally got a Makabe worthy of a match. When Makabe got going, it led to some good exchanges that felt different from what we’ve mostly gotten on this tour. However, it eventually just broke down into the same Jay White closing stretch we’ve seen in almost every G1 match. That included the ref bump and a chair shot (it’s either that or a low blow), which set up the Blade Runner for the finish at 10:22. They were heading towards something very good, only to give us more of the same late. With a better, different ending, this would’ve ranked towards the top of G1 matches for either guy. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi [12] vs. Michael Elgin [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">A first time NJPW battle between teammates. Though they aren’t a regular tandem, they’ve worked the World Tag League together in the past and were part of countless Taguchi Japan matches. I got a kick out of watching Elgin use some of their old tag moves in an aggressive manner for offense. It was a nice, original idea. Of course, there was also a case of knowing what the other was bringing to the table because of familiarity. Elgin entered with a bad arm, but Tanahashi went after the leg. Probably a combination of sticking with your best stuff and not wanting to attack his friend’s injury. It became a battle of Elgin’s strength against Tanahashi’s veteran knowhow. Tanahashi knows how to win G1 matches, so when he saw how outmatched he was even by an injured Elgin, he began going for flash pins. That played into the finish, as Tanahashi scored another win by turning an Elgin Bomb into a cradle at 16:03. Unfortunately, that spot came off awkwardly and Elgin kind of had to pin himself. Still, this was the best thing on the show so far and the first A Block match worth going out of your way to see in a while. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [8] vs. Kazuchika Okada [12]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">EVIL bested Okada in this building in last year’s G1 (****), but lost an IWGP Title match in October (***¼). The pressure was on Okada to win, but even in his “redemption” storyline, he continues to just win as if he never lost the IWGP Title. Like their G1 battle last year, EVIL was vicious and attacked Okada like a man possessed. They called back to their previous outings and did a lot of fighting outside. Luckily, outside brawling is something EVIL is great at. EVIL also brought a touch of innovation to this, utilizing Red Shoes to help him on a Magic Killer. It came off great. He hit Okada with a lot of his big offense, putting the former IWGP Champion on the ropes. Both men used each other’s finishers, which I feel is something we saw in a recent Okada match that I can’t exactly remember. Anyway, Okada eventually won with the Rainmaker, as expected, at 18:27. The best Okada match of this G1, but still unable to crack four stars. The result never feeling like it was in doubt didn’t help. Good action and an intense battle to cap the show. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> I’ve still yet to give an A Block match **** since night one, but this was probably the Block’s best effort since then. Even with the awful Fale/HASHI match, this was a consistent show. Page/Suzuki was a fun match, while White/Makabe just needed a better finishing stretch to stand out. The final two matches were very good and just shy of great.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14 (7-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-6)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-58399929484437236462018-08-04T10:26:00.000-07:002018-08-04T10:26:05.584-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Fourteen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Fourteen<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 4st, 2018 | EDION Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan | Attendance: 5,550</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ah, it’s time for the annual Osaka show. Traditionally, this is a big night for the G1. It usually comes near the end of the tournament and features some big time battles. Last year we got Juice/Kenny & Okada/EVIL, 2016 gave us Okada/Ishii & Marufuji/Tanahashi, 2015 had Okada/Goto, and 2014 had Tanahashi/Nakamura and Shibata/Honma. So yea, some big events here. B Block, already a stellar block (except you Tama Tonga) puts on one of their stronger cards of the entire tournament.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. SHO and YOSHI-HASHI in 5:34</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. Chase Owens and Hangman Page in 8:05</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Jay White and YOH def. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe in 7:07</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Michael Elgin def. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shota Umino in 8:21</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 6:17</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: SANADA [6] vs. Toru Yano [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA won their prior G1 meeting last year (**¼). Yano, with just one win so far, attacked SANADA during his entrance to gain the upper hand. Oddly, they rang the bell while they fought on the aisle so SANADA nearly got counted out when he was tied up into the Paradise Lock. He had to hop back to the ring to beat it. With the match in the ring, we got a complete blast of a match. Yano called for Rocky Romero to help him escape the Paradise Lock. He did and when SANADA questioned him, he did the Yano shrug. Amazing. SANADA put Yano back in the Paradise Lock and tied him to the guardrail. Rocky tried helping again and got put in the Paradise Lock while still on commentary! SANADA won by countout at 5:22 as Rocky shouted, “HELP ME! SOMEBODY GET MILANO! HE’S THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS THE KEY!” on commentary. Yano continues to be a nonstop source of fun. Outstanding. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [4] vs. Tama Tonga [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Goto beat Tama in the 2016 New Japan Cup (**¾) and again in that year’s G1 (***). This match means nothing. Usually, though both men are eliminated, Tama would be fighting for a potential NEVER Title shot. Instead, he doesn’t care about winning. Tanga did his shitty TAKA impersonation. Goto’s G1 has been like his career. He’s had some good matches and a few wins, but had no shot against the big dogs in the block. Anyway, there’s no need to recap this because it was everything the Firing Squad has given us in this tournament. They had a boring match until the run-ins and shenanigans began. Red Shoes ran down after a ref bump to take over and flipped off the Firing Squad. It was less effective here than when he did it earlier in the tournament. It led to a DQ win for Goto at 11:15. What a giant waste of time. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[½*]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [4] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Sabre eliminated Juice from the US Title Tournament at last year’s G1 Special in USA (***¾). TAKA’s pre-match promo featured him saying Zack would become the US Champion, so this match now has meaning. THANK YOU! Juice has always been a “heart on his sleeve” kind of guy. He has more guys than brains and against a guy like Sabre, that’s not good. Cocky Sabre was more than happy to goad him into stupid mistakes and would capitalize by twisting him up when given the chance. It was like Sabre took pride in bending and cranking on Juice’s injured hand. There were great exchanges that told the story it needed to from start to finish. Speaking of the finish, it was a wild one. Sabre twisted Juice up, but the US Champ refused to give up. Sabre just kept adding new variations on his existing submission, to the point where he used some kind of inverted figure four stump puller chicken wing. You must see it to believe it. That got the win in 13:39. Damn good match featuring two great wrestlers playing to their strengths. I’m pumped for their eventual title match. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [12] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Last year, these two had a stellar trilogy. Ishii won in the New Japan Cup (****¼), while Omega won in the US Title Finals (****½) and at Wrestling Dontaku (****½). There’s the added intrigue of Ishii possibly getting a title shot with a win and Omega wanting to avoid another Osaka upset after last year. I’ve criticized Kenny for feeling like a moves machine at times. Here, like the Sabre match, he brought a lot more. He showed a big arrogant side early, seemingly overconfident after two straight wins over Ishii and six straight in this G1 (plus the wins over Okada and Cody since June). It’s such a good contrast from his Sabre match where he felt desperate. After winning that, the man thinks he’s bulletproof. However, Ishii was a different animal tonight. As Omega kicked away at him, Ishii laughed it off. WE GOT A SMILE FROM ISHII! After Omega hit his tope con hilo, he seemed to favor his heel, showing his first signs of weakness in the tournament. Ishii started to get going and it became a case of Kenny having to throw everything at him to try and keep him down. It meant he threw an ABSURD amount of V-Triggers. My buddy Dante counted and he threw 13 of them in this match (38 in the entire tournament). It was a bit much, but I popped when Ishii no sold some. That set a tone for Ishii being able to survive whatever Omega threw at him. We got a great visual late of Omega bleeding from the mouth as it was clear he was in danger. Ishii finally hit the Brainbuster and secured the win at 22:42. A banger of a match. Again, Omega brought more than just moves and it was masterful. Ishii, a guy who typically doesn’t win big matches, beat the IWGP Champion in a war. They beat the hell out of each other and told a masterful story that opens the block for Naito (and possibly Ibushi), while hopefully setting up an Ishii title match. Intense action and dynamite storytelling. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Kota Ibushi [8] vs. Tetsuya Naito [10]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ibushi beat Naito in his first G1 in 2013 (****) and in the 2015 New Japan Cup (****). Naito won their G1 25 meeting (***¾) and an incredible G1 match last year (****¾). These two are willing to land on their necks for the sake of a match and they did a fair amount of that here. Early on, Naito brought out more heel tactics than he has lately, turning the crowd against him a bit. He went after Ibushi’s knee to start but they sort of drifted away from that rather quickly. That portion of the match didn’t work that well for me. However, once Naito went after the next, things picked up. It made more sense because of Ibushi’s history and the set up for Destino. This featured some horrifyingly unsafe looking spots that would make anyone cringe. They threw bomb after bomb, fitting of the matches we’re used to from these two. Ibushi, like almost everyone else, survived Destino. That move really means nothing anymore. I did truly like Ibushi hitting a Boma Ye before the Kamigoye to win in 25:09. Not quite on the level of Ishii/Omega, but a worthy follow-up and main event. Insanity in terms of spots and a crazy pace that made for a wild main event. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">8.5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> Again, if it wasn’t for Tama Tonga, this would be an all-time great single block G1 show. He and Goto sucked the life out of the building. Other than that dire match, everything ruled and was different. SANADA/Yano was a delightful sprint, Juice/Sabre set up a future title match with great storytelling, Ishii/Omega did something similar but in a completely different and epic way, while Ibushi/Naito was a ridiculous main event. The B Block delivers yet again.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-6)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-37023141338073014422018-08-02T11:03:00.000-07:002018-08-02T11:03:08.851-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Thirteen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Thirteen<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 2nd, 2018 | Fukuoka Citizen Gymnasium in Fukuoka, Japan | Attendance: 3,580</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It’s officially the back third of the G1. Each block only has three shows left. With things winding down, there are a few questions. Can A Block finally come close to the B Block standards? Will Jay White find a way to win this block? Will Gedo have it come down to Tana/Okada yet again? Will the Firing Squad continue to suck? Is it really Okada struggling if he’s winning most of his matches?</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Gedo and Toru Yano def. Ren Narita and Toa Henare in 4:53</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. Hirooki Goto and YOH in 6:14</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Juice Robinson def. TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. in 6:13</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and Tomohiro Ishii def. Chase Owens and Kenny Omega in 6:16</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi in 6:52</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [6] vs. Michael Elgin [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">No prior G1 meetings for these two but they split New Japan Cup matches in 2016 (***) and 2017 (*). These two managed to have some decent back and forth during this match. It was two powerhouses hammering away on one another. That’s fine. Of course, it couldn’t stay that way. Things had to go south. We got the ref bump, interference, chair stuff, etc. The biggest issues are that A) it’s redundant, B) it’s dumb in an important tournament, and C) it’s inconsistent from a character standpoint. If you don’t care about winning, why waste our time with lengthy matches? A Tama Tonga run in caused a DQ at 11:13. They destroyed Elgin’s arm with a chair. Lame. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[½*]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [2] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">A first time ever meeting between an ROH guy getting a big NJPW show and a G1 veteran. Togi, especially at this point in his career, is best suited for G1 sprints. That’s what we got here. He and Page had a little war with brawling around the ring and some hard hitting strikes. It felt like Makabe took Page lightly and Hangman was throwing out his best because he was desperate to get that first pin in his G1 career. Still, Makabe knows what he’s doing and got in control. He went for the King Kong Knee Drop but missed. Page surprisingly won a lariat battle and hit his first Rite of Passage in this tournament for the win at 9:10. About as good as I could’ve asked for from these two. A physical sprint that didn’t overstay its welcome. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Jay White [8] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Another first time ever meeting. Though White has attempted to take over CHAOS, one assumes YOSHI would stand by his buddy Okada over White. White jumped HASHI before the bell, as if one really needs that advantage against a guy of HASHI’s stature. He did a lot of his usual underhanded tactics, including threatening to bring a chair into play, a low blow, and a ref bump. Yes, there was another ref bump in the G1. Shocking. YOSHI brought his usual brand of fire. It was alright at best, like everything else he does. One thing I liked was how he didn’t go for a ton of Butterfly Lock attempts. That’s bitten him in the ass in past G1 matches. Still, he wasn’t good enough as the ref bump set up the low blow and Blade Runner finish in 9:48. Keeping this short worked to its advantage, but it’s just so hard to get invested in anything Tacos does. The fact that it was ripe with the worst of Jay White stuff and it didn’t work.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"> [**½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [8] vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi [10]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">A win would be huge for EVIL in his hopes to stay alive. These guys split matches last year, with EVIL winning in the New Japan Cup (***¾) and Tanahashi taking the rematch at Wrestling Toyonokuni (***¼). They worked this with EVIL being the bully who beat Tanahashi up. However, the crowd hasn’t been keen on booing LIDJ guys, so it made for a strange dynamic. Still, the in-ring action was strong. There were good back and forth exchanges, with it being clear that they’ve developed some chemistry during their Taguchi Japan/LIDJ tags. My biggest gripe with this match was that it never truly felt like EVIL would pull this out. When Omega, atop the B Block, wrestled yesterday you got the sense Sabre would best him. I never felt that here. Tanahashi won with the High Fly Flow at 12:57. It was a fine match, but probably their worst together and not what you want from two guys near the top of the block. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Kazuchika Okada [8] vs. Minoru Suzuki [8]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I still get a laugh out of how I’m supposed to take Okada as a guy struggling when he’s doing so well. Okada beat Minoru in the awesome G1 24 (****¼) and in last year’s title match at New Beginning (*¾). They also went to draws in last year’s G1 (***¾) and at Suzuki’s 30th Anniversary Show this year. Anyway, Minoru jumped Okada during his entrance, done with his stupid balloon nonsense. Parts of this felt similar to Suzuki/Tanahashi, in that Suzuki just beat the hell out of his opponent. He was sadistic and dominated most of it. And yet, like EVIL/Tanahashi, it never felt like the outcome was in doubt. That’s one of the pitfalls of announcing matchups ahead of time. We all know that Tanahashi/Okada is on the final show and a loss here would’ve effectively eliminated Okada, so there was no way that happened. They have wrestled a lot and have strong chemistry, but this wasn’t their best effort together. Okada won the final exchange and stayed alive with the Rainmaker at 18:20. A fine main event, but one that felt hollow at times. We knew the outcome, they never pulled me in to believe anything else, and that kept it from being great. Still, very good stuff. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">6/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> I guess this was one of the better A Block shows. I mean, there’s not a lot of good coming from this side. Everything seemed to be wildly average. Fale/Elgin was trash, while White/HASHI was kind of just there. Makabe/Page and EVIL/Tanahashi were both good, but nowhere near great. Okada/Suzuki was a fitting main event as they delivered a strong match, just not one that will stand out or be memorable.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-6)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-5)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-67267284452326322312018-08-01T15:07:00.002-07:002018-08-01T15:07:25.579-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Twelve Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Twelve<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />August 1st, 2018 | Kagoshima Arena in Kagoshima, Japan | Attendance: 3,490</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Time for some B Block action. Another relatively loaded card from the superior block. Can Kenny Omega remain perfect in a first time ever battle with Zack Sabre Jr? That’s the big question. We also must see if Tetsuya Naito can keep up.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tonga Loa def. Michael Elgin and Shota Umino in 4:57</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Hangman Page def. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe in 6:40</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and YOSHI-HASHI def. Jay White and YOH in 6:37</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. David Finlay and Hiroshi Tanahashi in 6:55</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 7:34</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tama Tonga [2] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Tama won their only prior G1 meeting, in 2016 (**¾). Of course, Tanga Loa was with his brother here and did another cheap TAKA Michinoku rip off introduction. For most of this match, we didn’t get the typical Firing Squad nonsense. In fact, most of this was a straight up one on one match. Unfortunately, Tama is just not interesting enough for that to make up for things. Loa did eventually get involved and we got things like a ref bump and steel chair antics. How come nobody from CHAOS chooses to help each other? That’s a stable I’d never want to be part of. Ishii survived their attacks once or twice, but it became too much for him. He got put down by the Gun Stun at 10:34. It was better than most Tama matches in the G1 so far. The back half was too much of the same and it was nothing special to begin with. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [2] vs. SANADA [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA won their G1 match last year (***¼). Juice is fresh off his first win in this year’s G1. Like that match, this was good but never sniffed great. It was ripe with Gedo booking tropes, like the double countout tease. The interesting part of this might have also been the biggest issue. Juice had SANADA totally scouted. He was one step ahead of him from start to finish. That included him applying his own Skull End on the master himself. That would’ve been great, except it made for an awkward atmosphere as the crowd seemed unsure of how to react to this. Maybe it was because they like SANADA a lot. Anyway, as the match neared its end, we got the sense that SANADA was too quick for Juice. The US Champ had to remove his cast to get back on track and keep up with SANADA. It worked as he scored with Pulp Friction to win in 12:39. I dug the story they told, it just had a strange crowd and some redundant Gedo stuff to make it stand out in a crowded tournament like this. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tetsuya Naito [8] vs. Toru Yano [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Naito won their G1 matches in 2016 (**¼), 2015 (**½), and a bloody one in 2014 (***) Yano won in 2010, 2011 and 2013 (**¾). Or maybe Naito got busted open in the 2013 one. I can’t remember. This time around, we got a fun twist on the usual Yano formula. This year, he’s been trying to be less of a cheat. So, it was Naito who was playing games. He refused the lockup, he taunted, he tied Yano up in the guardrail. Yano was in trouble, so he resorted to his old ways by removing the turnbuckle pad. It backfired as Naito swung it like a baseball bat at him. Yano survived that, but not Destino, losing in 8:28. The outcome never felt like it was in doubt, but this was silly fun. Naito looked like he had a blast. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [10] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I praised the B Block for having versatility in their main events, but there’s no way this shouldn’t go on last over Ibushi/Goto. I understand this show is in Kota’s hometown. Kenny remained the one NJPW Big Four guy that Sabre hasn’t beaten in 2018. They only met once before and it was years ago before they reached the levels they’re on now. Omega held serve with Zack on the mat at the start, but was quickly proven to be out of his element. So, he moved to using his power and aerial offense. Sabre cut those off with his brand of picking apart a limb, choosing Kenny’s right leg. I loved how Sabre easily got out of Kenny’s “YOU CAN’T ESCAPE” spot. Only Naito has done it that I’ve seen and it hammered home how great Sabre was in that aspect. Zack had an answer for everything and like his match with Okada in April, it forced the IWGP Champion out of his comfort zone. That’s a good thing, folks. A lot of what Kenny did felt like it was out of desperation and not like his usual tendency to throw big moves for the sake of extra stars. The One Winged Angle countered into the European Clutch made for a tremendous near fall, while Zack catching a V-Trigger into a submission was stellar. Though Sabre dominated, Omega refused to give up and used a rollup to steal this in 15:16. Great match that showed a different side of Kenny. It was the kind of performance that we should get more often from him. There was a lot of emotion and sympathy here, as Omega felt more like a great wrestler than a moves machine. Sabre was spectacular. Booking wise, I liked how great Sabre looked, but it does take a lot of away from the drama of the block as Kenny is nearly unreachable. I’m also happy they kept this relatively short. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [4] vs. Kota Ibushi [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Goto won their only prior G1 meeting (***), which was last year. This is Kota’s hometown, so he was the clear favorite. Also, he’s Kota and his opponent is Goto. Goto worked a slow style early, feeling out Ibushi and seeing how he’d react to the pressure. If Kota lost, in his hometown, he’d be eliminated. Goto controlled most of the early stuff and seemed keen to take advantage of Ibushi landing on his neck. It’s not a true Ibushi tournament run if he doesn’t get dropped on his head. Goto focused on the neck. The crowd came alive for Ibushi’s big comeback sequences. Those were the best parts of the match and it admittedly got better as it went on. They gave us the strong exchanges late, with Kota using Kamigoye to win in 18:10 and stay alive. A strong main event, but it was hard to live up to the previous match. Plus, they’ve goth had better in this tournament. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7.5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> Guess what? The B Block put on another good show. Shocker. Tama Tongs wasn’t completely awful, helping the consistency of this show. It didn’t have as high a ceiling as many B Block shows, but Juice/SANADA and Goto/Ibushi were very good, while Yano/Naito was fun. Omega/Sabre was one of the better matches of the tournament so far. We’re about to hit the back third of the tournament, where things usually pick up again.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 (6-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-5)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-63720958469610175012018-07-30T13:28:00.002-07:002018-07-30T13:28:51.304-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Eleven Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Eleven<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 30th, 2018 | Takamatsu City Gymnasium in Takamatsu, Kanagawa | Attendance: 2,555</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Following another night off, the G1 Climax returns with just eight nights left until the finals. That’s kind of crazy. It feels like this just started, yet also somehow feels like it’s been on for a while. Anyway, I noted that due to the Firing Squad and this A Block, we’re only getting about half a great G1. Let’s see if the A Block can turn it around. On tap today is a rematch from something I feel got overrated last year (Okada/Elgin), the blandest guy in the block against the ace (Tanahashi/YOSHI), a WK8 rematch (Fale/Togi) and a Super Strong Style Evolved rematch (White/Page).</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Juice Robinson def. Shota Umino and Toa Henare in 5:05</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. SHO and Tomohiro Ishii in 5:55</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. Gedo and Toru Yano in 6:43</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Kenny Omega def. TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. in 5:29</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi def. Hirooki Goto and YOH in 6:31</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [4] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">These two met in the G1 last year (**½), in 2016 (**¾), and 2015 (**½), as well as at Wrestle Kingdom in 2014. Fale won all the G1 meetings but lost in the Tokyo Dome. Interestingly, only Fale and Omega have yet to be pinned in the G1, as all Fale losses came via DQ. So, Tanga Loa did the big intro for Fale, which was dumb. It made sense for Sabre/Tonga because of TAKA. Here, it was just a waste of time. Speaking of wastes of time, that was most of this match. They did the brawling we’ve come to expect from these two for most of the match. Fale continued to be a thorn in Makabe’s side. Makabe rallied and nearly won, but Tanga pulled out the referee and we got the typical Firing Squad nonsense. Only Tanga Loa can not be booked in the G1 and still be the worst part of it all. Fale hit Makabe with his chain and won in 7:51. This was bad, but at least didn’t last long. It’s tiresome to go over why the Firing Squad stuff is shit. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[¾*]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Things have gotten hectic for me today, so the rest of this review will probably be shorter than usual.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [2] vs. Jay White [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Back in March, White retained his US Title against Page (***) on the US show. Page has only won via DQ, while White has dropped two straight after beating Okada, Tanahashi, and Elgin. This was another case of White playing up the cunning yet vicious heel, while Page continued to wow the live crowd with his athleticism. Page is basically eliminated, yet you never got the sense that he was willing to do anything to get some points on the board. There was some ref shenanigans again, as well as a few spots involving a steel chair. White got back on track with the Blade Runner in 17:10. Like their US match, this was fine but nothing special. The extra stuff with the chair and ref felt unnecessary. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [8] vs. Minoru Suzuki [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Last year, EVIL bested Suzuki in the G1 (***). When you get these two in a match, you’ve come to expect some hard hitting brawling. It started just that way, with some around the ring. It was a lot of striking. In this match, bringing the chair into play worked and made much more sense than in the previous one. I always get a kick out of EVIL’s signature double chair spot. It just looks cool. EVIL won out during a forearm battle in the ring, before they moved into finisher counters and the bigger stuff. Minoru won out there and hit the Gotch Style Piledriver to tie him with eight points at 12:13. A good, stiff battle between two of the better brawlers out there. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi [8] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The man at the top of the block against the man at the bottom. Tanahashi won their match last year (**½). This was more of the same. Like the Page/White stuff earlier, you never got the sense that YOSHI-HASHI was bringing any sort of urgency to the table. I did like the note about how nervous he looked coming into the match and how his confidence grew as the match progressed. That was honestly about all I enjoyed about this. It’s just nearly impossible to buy HASHI as any kind of threat, especially to someone like Tanahashi. HASHI got his knees up on the High Fly Flow and went right into the Butterfly Lock. Tanahashi countered and rolled up HASHI to steal it in 12:36. HASHI got in Tana’s face after the match to argue the three count. This was fine but like the rest of the show, it never sniffed being great. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Kazuchika Okada [6] vs. Michael Elgin [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Okada bested Elgin in the G1 25 and G1 27 (both ***¾). We’re still getting the Okada who doesn’t take things seriously. He flexed and mocked Elgin while having fun. I mean, I’d be the same way if my “struggles” involved me being 3-2 in the tournament so far. Like their match last year, Elgin caught him with the high impact offense he’s known for. He threw Okada around with ease at points. Yet, he could never do enough to keep Okada down. In fact, from the pure standpoint of moves being done, this was great. But there’s more wrestling than the moves. There was nothing behind any of them. The match lacked emotion or a true story that mattered or made sense. Okada won with the Rainmaker after 20:56. Man, for someone who is supposed to be struggling after losing the IWGP Title, Okada is doing well. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> I’m sick of these mediocre A Block shows. Only Fale/Togi was flat out bad, but most of the other stuff wasn’t memorable. Okada/Elgin was solid, yet hollow and EVIL/Suzuki was the best match on the show, yet capped out at ***¼. There’s just nothing interesting going on with this block from an action or story standpoint.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 (5-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-4)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-4)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-5)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-4)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-7969688533615262612018-07-29T10:58:00.002-07:002018-07-29T10:58:27.599-07:00PROGRESS Chapter 73: Fourth Shade of Green Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/progress-ch73-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C393" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="179" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/progress-ch73-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C393" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">PROGRESS Chapter 73: Fourth Shade of Green<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 15th, 2018 | O2 Academy Birmingham in Birmingham, West Midlands</u></span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">With a few days off from the G1 Climax, I’m taking the time to check out the latest chapter of PROGRESS wrestling. Chapter 73 continues things like the Thunderbastard Tag Team Series, Jimmy Havoc’s journey to rediscover himself, and the road to Wembley. However, it does have an interesting card, considering there are no titles on the line.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Jim Small started with one of his signature opening spiels.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">El Phantasmo vs. Mark Andrews</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">It’s the chapter debut for Phantasmo, while Andrews looked for momentum heading into his eventual big showdown with Eddie Dennis. This was more lighthearted than anything relating to Andrews and Dennis. They opened by showcasing their athleticism. Phantasmo hung with Andrews, who is great in that department. There was a fun spot where Andrews broke free of a Phantasmo rope walk, so he completed it with the referee instead. Things kept going at the even playing field level, with Phantasmo showing that he could hang with one of the best from PROGRESS. However, the pace slowed down the stretch, which I didn’t expect given the two involved. Phantasmo had some near falls, but never truly threatened to pull out the big debut win. Andrews hit Stundog Millionaire and the Shooting Star Press to win in 8:46. A good way to start the show. I’m intrigued at seeing more Phantasmo at some point. Back and forth outing that didn’t go overboard with the spots, which is nice for your opener. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Number One Contender’s Match: Rob Lynch vs. TK Cooper</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">The winner gets a shot at Doug Williams’ Atlas Championship. TK continued to push the idea that he’s bulked up to be 205 pounds+. Originally, it was a straight up singles match, but Lynch requested it be turned into a number one contender’s outing because of how he’s struggled since the London Riots split. This Atlas stuff for TK is a strange booking call. Seeing him clearly get overpowered was rather funny. However, he worked a more methodical pace and that doesn’t suit him. His ability to fly and be quick was key to why the South Pacific Power Trip worked so well. I understand changing things up after his injury last year, but this is a bit much. I’d rather he used the speed to stand out within the division. As for the match, it saw TK in control for most of it and that wasn’t too exciting. The crowd barely reacted to anything. TK did pull out a rather impressive avalanche Kiwi Krusher to win in 11:05. I just couldn’t get into this and it was a styles clash that didn’t work. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*¾]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Danny Jones vs. Eddie Dennis</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Before the show, Dennis said he only wanted to wrestle if it was against Mark Andrews. Clearly, that wasn’t happening here. Dennis complained that he got booked against someone who considers him a mentor, which Jones clearly disagreed with. When the bell rang, Dennis clocked Dennis for an instant DQ in 0:03. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[NR]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Dennis sarcastically congratulated Jones, who slapped him. They brawled and Dennis hit a crucifix bomb into the ring post. Mark Andrews ran out for the save and attacked Dennis, giving us the first bit of these two fighting, despite this being a long feud. Officials separated them while the fans chanted, “Let them fight!”</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Non-Title Match: PROGRESS World Champion Travis Banks <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ TK Cooper</span> vs. Tyler Bate</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Since Bate refused to defend his title, he was punished by being on the mid-card. This is a rematch of the Super Strong Style 16 Finals from 2017 (****½), which Banks won. Bate opted for some strange gold shorts as his gear for this one. The roles have reversed since their SS16 match last year. Banks had no problem bailing outside when he found himself in trouble or taking shortcuts. Banks took control after some brawling outside. Bate would find openings to do his “BIG STRONG BOI” things. Those included stiff strikes and suplexes. Some of the exchanges were great, like Banks being ready for Bate’s rebound spot and suckering him into Slice of Heaven. When Banks realized Bate wouldn’t easy to put down, he went to use the title as a weapon. Referee Joel Allen took it from him, leading him to walk into BOP and BANG. Banks escaped outside and Bate went after him. TK got involved, so Bate beat him up and beat the count, but Banks took the easy countout at 15:41. A very good match, but nowhere near a mark on what they’re capable. Maybe they’re saving stuff for the rematch in Boston. Bate looked dumb for not thinking Banks would take the countout when that’s what he’s been all about lately. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">British Strong Style vs. The Kings of the North</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Pete Dunne looked to be in the mood to have fun. He was messing with the ring crew before the match. This is the first PROGRESS match for the Kings of the North in about a year. Surprisingly, the babyface BSS attacked before the bell. Still, they remained the crowd favorites. Commentary did a good job putting over how Trent Seven was unsure of what comes next. Dunne has Ilja Dragunov on his schedule, while Bate has another battle with Banks, making Seven kind of the forgotten man. BSS dominated the opening minutes and the Kings looks outmatched. The only way the Kings were able to get anything going was to work together and use tandem offense. The finish saw a bunch of moves get hit and Seven put down Bonesaw with Burning Hammer in 10:16. I’ve never been overly impressed with the Kings, yet this still felt like a disappointment. It wasn’t very competitive and didn’t serve much purpose with the tag team scene being dominated by the Thunderbastard stuff.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Killer Kelly vs. Toni Storm</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">The PROGRESS debut of Killer Kelly. It’s odd to see a women’s match that doesn’t involve the House of Couture. There’s history, as Toni took Kelly’s wXw Women’s Title at the start of the year. Toni is known for hitting hard, yet Kelly was hitting her back just as hard. It was a good way to show that Kelly belonged in the division. They did a good combination of blending those big strikes with solid mat work and exchanges that played off how well they knew each other. Kelly’s highlight came with a sick looking hanging dragon sleeper from the top rope. It looked brutal. She added a Shibata style dropkick and straightjacket German for a near fall. Toni survived, won a chop battle, and hit Strong Zero to get back on the winning track after 9:58. My favorite match of the night. I love Toni and she continues to deliver. Kelly looked great in her debut and gained a lot here, showing she could hang. Toni was the perfect opponent for her thanks to their past. Great exchanges, an invested crowd, and good action. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Thunderbastard Tag Team Series: Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Haskins [4] <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Vicky Haskins</span> vs. Sexy Starr [0]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Haskins and Webster are 2-0, while this was the first series match for Sexy Starr, consisting of Jack Sexsmith and David Starr. Sexy Starr worked well together, though their penchant for playing to the crowd cost them a few times. For example, what should’ve been stereo dives got interrupted because they wasted time setting it up for a crowd reaction. It’s a good contrast to former babyfaces Haskins and Webster, who don’t care about that anymore and are doing well because of it. Sexsmith played the face in peril, which made sense because he’s better in the sympathetic role than Starr. To go hand in hand, Starr was great as the hot tag guy and the fans ate up everything he did. The 198 weathered the storm and Sexsmith eventually became the legal man again. Starr took a nasty spill on a missed dive when Vicky pulled her husband out of the way. Sexsmith fought valiantly, but had to tap to a Haskins Sharpshooter at 12:49. Most of this series has been good and this was another one. The Haskins/Webster team is really growing on me, especially after I was worried about them since I wanted Havoc/Haskins originally. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Post-match, Webster got on the microphone and kind of put Haskins over as a mentor figure. He said Mark and Vicky gave him the support he needed to wear gold for the first time at Wembley. He hugged Vicky and Mark, after taking Vicky’s barbed wire bat away. Wild Boar hit the ring, returning for to PROGRESS for the first time in years. He attacked Mark while Flash held Vicky back. Flash and Boar left together and Flash said his best friend, brother, and mentor was Boar, not Mark, who he would win gold with at Wembley. Apparently, Boar is now replacing Mark in the Thunderbastard Series. I’m not sure what to make of this. I was excited for Haskins/Havoc and was just getting into Haskins/Flash, only for this to happen. Strange.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">No Disqualifications Match: Drew Parker vs. Jimmy Havoc</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">The big Havoc/Ospreay Death Match has been postponed due to some contract issues, but the Havoc storyline pushes forward. He’s searching for the old Havoc. The one who was a king of Death Matches. Since the big Alexandra Palace win over Mark Haskins last year, Havoc has gone 0-5 in No DQ matches. Parker cut a promo before the match to say he didn’t want “James.” He wanted Jimmy FUCKING Havoc. The story of the match was Parker trying to both earn his stripes and bring out the best in Jimmy. They used cheese graters, chairs, staple guns, and more. Parker mimicked some of what Havoc did, since he idolizes him. He would do that while also giving Jimmy openings to get back on track as a Death Match guy. They racked up the wild spots as the match neared its conclusion, before Parker curb stomped Havoc into thumbtacks and add a 450 splash to win in 12:20. I enjoyed the story they told while throwing out some big spots. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">After the match, Parker said he didn’t want James and yet James showed up. He called Havoc an embarrassment and slapped him, before positioning himself for a shot with the axe on the ropes. Paul Robinson ran in and stopped Havoc from doing it. Robinson is head of security. Ring crew members came out and Havoc hit some of them before leaving in frustration.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">6/10.</span><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;"> Possibly the worst PROGRESS Chapter of the year and still, not a bad show. Cooper/Lynch was a drag and I didn’t think too highly of the British Strong Style tag. However, everything else clocked in with at least three stars and the show was ultimately an easy watch, especially since it’s less than three hours. While PROGRESS has been consistently good this year, they haven’t come close to their 2017 highs and with questions heading into Wembley, it may not turn around soon.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-41407703623011914832018-07-28T09:42:00.002-07:002018-07-28T09:42:49.628-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Ten Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Ten<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 28th, 2018 | Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Aichi</u></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Typically, the middle nights of the G1 Climax are a cool down. We get lesser main events and guys take some nights off to rest before picking up the pace in the final stretch. However, this is the B Block, and it might be too loaded to have an off night. We have the IWGP Champion facing off against SANADA in our main event, plus the NEVER Openweight Champion against the man who has won everything in NJPW, and a battle of two of the best in the world. Yes, this block rules.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe in 6:14</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Hangman Page def. Jay White and YOH in 6:20</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. BUSHI and EVIL in 7:06</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SHO and YOSHI-HASHI def. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shota Umino in 7:47</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Michael Elgin def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 8:40</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tama Tonga [2] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [4]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Tanga Loa did an impersonation of TAKA’s hype intro for his brother, which included, “He doesn’t need to cock his fist.” The Roman/Tonga feud continues. Though, Tama wishes he was in Roman’s league as a worker. Tonga quickly realized that he wasn’t going to hang with ZSJ on the mat. Loa took out TAKA and Tama took control with some brawling tactics in the ring. Sabre’s comeback did see him get in some cool spots. Of course, we had to get a ref bump to set up some nonsense. Sabre got a visual submission win but there was no referee. That brought out Bad Luck Fale to hit him with the Grenade for another DQ after 10:59. This is just so stupid. Why are you in this tournament if you don’t care about wins? It’s so repetitive and dull. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [0] vs. Toru Yano [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">After losing to Kenny Omega, Juice cut a great promo and said if he goes 0-fer in this G1, he’ll hand the US Title in and go back home to Chicago. Juice beat Yano last year (**¼). Yano surprised many with a clean break, but didn’t keep it going when he offered Juice a handshake. He continued to be a man between styles, as he’d do some wrestling and some cheating, back and forth. They had some fun with this as we got a turnbuckle pad sword fight and an airplane spin that led to both dizzy men collapsing. Yano came close with several rollups and cheating spots, but fell to Pulp Friction in 8:28. This was entertaining. Though they threw out some comedy spots, it never felt like Juice wasn’t desperate to win. He brought out the new airplane spin and removed his cast despite the injury to hit a left hand. I can’t help but think this struggling story is what they should be telling with Okada instead of Juice. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Kota Ibushi [4] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [4]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Ibushi beat Ishii in last year’s G1 (****¼), but Ishii won a NEVER Title match back in 2014 (****¾). Right from the opening bell, these two went to war. It was just what I wanted from them. They just delivered strikes, slaps, and kicks galore. All that while throwing in some strong style moments, a stalling avalanche vertical suplex, and a signature Ibushi balcony moonsault. The point of the match near the end where they just disrespectfully slapped each other and chopped one another in the throat was insane. It was a battle of two warriors trying to outdo each other. Ishii hitting his own Kamigoye was incredible and the powerbomb near falls had me on the edge of my seat. It reminded me of the awesome Shibata/Ibushi match from the G1 25. The crowd was fantastic, which was an issue with their match last year. They hung on everything these guys did. When they began stealing each other’s moves and bringing the dramatic near falls late, it sent this match over the edge. Ibushi finally hit the Kamigoye that was enough to rack up the win after 16:13. Ishii and Ibushi are two of the best in the world and they showed why. An outstanding match and the best of the tournament so far. Each time it seemed to peak, it got better. Tremendous wrestling. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¾]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [4] vs. Tetsuya Naito [6]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">A lot of history here. Naito beat him in last year’s G1 (**¾) and the 2016 New Japan Cup Finals (***¾). Goto won at WK10 (***¼) and the G1 24 (***¾). I didn’t see it, but Goto won in the G1 22. These poor guys have to follow the last match. Goto feels like an A Block kind of guy at points. Matches like this are why. It was a good outing, but it lacked anything that felt like drama or urgency. Maybe it was because it follow Ibushi/Ishii, but they had a similar issue last year. They had some strong back and forth moments. It took two Destinos for Naito to win in 13:26. A good match, just one that felt extremely hollow. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [8] vs. SANADA [6]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Omega won a good match between these two last year (***½) in their only ever meeting. SANADA entered this with the momentum of three straight wins, including one over Ibushi. He felt like the most credible threat to Omega since Naito. Still, Omega took him lightly and slapped him around. SANADA got the upper hand and sent Omega outside, before holding the ropes to cleanly allow him back in. MIND GAMES. Though SANADA gave the clean opening, Omega, taking him more seriously now, didn’t let him back in and dropkicked him. It was a nice bit of him realizing that he was in some trouble. From there, the match was played out on a more even level. One thing that I didn’t care much for was how this felt extended. It seemed like they were working to extent this to the 20 minute mark purely because it was the main event. It’s an issue NJPW has too often. Their exchanges and counter sequences were great and very smooth. It was clear how great both men are. Omega struggled in Skull End, but avoided the moonsault and hit the One Winged Angel to win in 20:12. This was a very good match, though it suffered from some of the stuff I’m used to by now. It felt like they stretched it out a bit and Omega, great as he is, sometimes wrestles like he’s in WWE 2K18. Rather than do some logical things in matches, he can have a tendency to throw out moves purely in an attempt to raise his star ratings. Still, a strong main event that didn’t quite feel as big as it could have. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7/10.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> Even on a middle of the tournament night where the B Block didn’t fully deliver, they provided us with the match of the tournament. As expected, Tama Tonga delivered the worst match of the night. Goto/Naito lacked, but was fine, while Juice/Yano was entertaining. Omega/SANADA was a very good main event. Ibushi/Ishii is a must see match that was right up there with their 2014 classic.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">EVIL</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 (4-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kenny Omega</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">10 (5-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 (4-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tetsuya Naito</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 (4-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Minoru Suzuki</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">SANADA</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jay White</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kota Ibushi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kazuchika Okada</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Michael Elgin</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Togi Makabe</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hirooki Goto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bad Luck Fale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Juice Robinson</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hangman Page</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Toru Yano</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tama Tonga</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-15794042738225950632018-07-27T09:43:00.002-07:002018-07-27T09:43:58.978-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Nine Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Nine<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 27th, 2018 | Act City Hamamatsu in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka | Attendance: 2,800</u></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">It’s probably not a good thing that we’re reaching the midway point of the tournament (usually a time for people to not put on matches as great as early or late) and I’m already sad when A Block shows come up. The B Block is exciting, fresh, and full of fun matches. The A Block is kind of there. However, this show is in Act City Hamamatsu, and we traditionally get good matches here (Tanahashi/Ishii last year, EVIL/Naito in ’16, Okada/Ishii in ’15, Shibata/Kojima in ’14, Suzuki/Nagata in ’13).</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Hirooki Goto and YOH def. Shota Umino and Toa Henare in 6:41</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. in 5:45</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Juice Robinson def. Gedo and Toru Yano in 3:54</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi def. SHO and Tomohiro Ishii in 7:08</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. Chase Owens and Kenny Omega in 8:22</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Michael Elgin [4] vs. Minoru Suzuki [4]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Last year, Elgin beat Suzuki in the G1 (**½), but lost the NEVER Title rematch in September (*). I didn’t care much for either. Elgin started 2-0 but has lost two straight, while Suzuki started 0-2 and won two straight. Like their past matches, this was a big brawl between two brutes. Suzuki kicked his ass in the crowd and then no sold his chops because he’s Minoru Suzuki. Being the brilliant, sadistic bastard that he is, Suzuki targeted Elgin’s arm, which has been worked over for most of the tournament. Elgin did much better to sell it here than in previous matches. Thankfully, the arm also played into the finish. It allowed Suzuki to slip free of his grasp and hit the Gotch Style Piledriver for his third straight win after 14:10. Elgin has had a solid, but unspectacular tournament. I’d say this followed that trend of good but not great. I’ll give it the extra quarter point for Suzuki being awesome and Elgin selling the arm. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [6] vs. Hangman Page [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Page’s only win has come via DQ over Fale, while EVIL is having another strong year in the G1. Early on, this was more sluggish than you’d expect. Something about it didn’t seem to click the way you’d hope. For example, Page threw out some flips that only seemed to be there to try to pop the fans and show off his athleticism, more than to win a match. However, as it progressed, it improved. The fans got more into it and it felt more like a match where points were important. They threw bigger bombs, yet did so with a sense of being fatigued from a tough battle. That’s always appreciated. Page survived a lot of what EVIL threw at him, but couldn’t get up from Everything is EVIL, falling in 15:40. Page is like Elgin in that his matches have been good, but not great. Same here. I do think some of his matches have gone too long. This bordered on that. It got better late and could’ve used a minute or two cut off from the start. EVIL continues to be a consistent performer. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [2] vs. Jay White [6]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Guess what? Tanga Loa cornered Fale. White at least had the smarts to slide out of the ring and attack Loa. However, from there we got more of the same. Fale and White fought outside, following a similar formula to Fale’s tournament so far. I dislike this because I’m one of the people who typically enjoys Fale in the G1. He’s usually a safe bet for some solid matches. Not this year. Fale eventually won a boring match with the Bad Luck Fall. It only went 11:42, but felt longer than both prior matches. It sucked like most of what the Firing Squad has been involved in. The only thing of interest was how Naito had LIJ help yesterday, but it was clear that nobody from CHAOS was out to back up White. Though I don’t recall Okada getting help either. Also, classic Gedo to have White beat two top stars and then lose two straight </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi [6] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">This almost feels like an annual match, similar to Tana/Fale. They met in 2013 (***½), 2015 (***½), 2016 (***), and 2017 (**¾]. Tanahashi won them all except 2016. That’s just the ones I’ve seen, as Tanahashi also won in the G1 2004, 2005, 2010, and 2011, Makabe won in 2008, and they went to a draw in 2009. Wow. Anyway, you know what to expect here. Makabe can’t go the way he used to and a lot of his matches feel familiar. Like their battles the past two years, this was fine, but nothing more. The crowd was into it, since both guys are hugely popular. It just never seemed to have much urgency or energy behind it. They did the stuff you’d expect, it had a house show main event feel to it, and Tanahashi tied EVIL at the top of the standings with a High Fly Flow in 12:00. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Kazuchika Okada [4] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">The balls it takes to run this as a damn main event. It’s the top guy in CHAOS against the low man on the totem pole. He’d the low man in pretty much any stable, to be honest. This was their first singles match since shitting the bed at Wrestle Kingdom 6. I don’t think you’ll find another combination of guys who wrestled in 2012 to have their careers go in such opposite directions after. Anyway, the match trudged along similar to Makabe/Tanahashi. It was just there. It wasn’t bad, yet it never threatened to be any good. They had some callbacks to their past, which were appreciated. Okada hit a poor sitout Rainmaker and HASHI kicked out. Remember when only Tanahashi, Naito, and Omega had done that? Anyway, that set up a section of the match where HASHI got fired up and took it to Okada. However, many of their transitions and exchanges came off clumsily and you just never bought Okada tapping to the Butterfly Lock. Another Rainmaker ended this in 19:40. Booking that to go twenty minutes was a wild decision. Inoffensive, but nowhere near worthy of a main event. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Overall: 5/10. Another ho-hum outing by the A Block. The two best matches went on first and it was downhill from there. Elgin/Suzuki was a fun powerhouse battle, while EVIL/Page saw them both put in the effort. White/Fale was more Firing Squad trash and the last two matches screamed “middle of the G1 filler.” At least the B Block is back soon.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">EVIL</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 (4-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kenny Omega</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 (4-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 (4-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">SANADA</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Minoru Suzuki</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tetsuya Naito</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jay White</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kota Ibushi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kazuchika Okada</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Michael Elgin</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Togi Makabe</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hirooki Goto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bad Luck Fale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Toru Yano</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-3)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hangman Page</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tama Tonga</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-3)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-4)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Juice Robinson</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-4)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-55477966271479108352018-07-26T10:25:00.001-07:002018-07-26T10:25:54.407-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Eight Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Eight<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 26th, 2018 | Aore Nagaoka Arena in Nagoka, Niigata | Attendance: 3,106</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">After a whopping three days off, the G1 Climax returned with a B Block show. The A Block has been lackluster in almost every way, but the B Block has delivered on almost every show. Today, an intriguing first time ever matchup is on tap (SANADA/Ibushi), and rematches from two bangers in last year’s G1 (Ishii/Sabre and Juice/Omega).</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. Michael Elgin and Ren Narita in 9:24</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. Chase Owens and Hangman Page in 5:16</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tama Tonga def. Rocky Romero and YOH in 5:10</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Hiroshi Tanahashi def. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe in 6:56</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and YOSHI-HASHI def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [2] vs. Toru Yano [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Will we get “wrestler” Yano or “sublime master thief” Yano? After his matches with Omega and Ishii, Goto needs the latter for a night off. He got that version of Yano. In their G1 24 meeting, Yano won a fun 1:21 match. Here, he went after the turnbuckle early and hit Goto with it before the bell. Yano hit a nice belly to belly, but that was about the total of his offense. Goto hit the GTR and won in a quick 2:17. It went short, barely had any fun Yano gimmicks, and was still better than the Firing Squad stuff. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tama Tonga [2] vs. Tetsuya Naito [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">They’ve never met in the G1 before. They teased Tanga Loa heading to the back, only for Tama to hit Naito from behind and call his brother back. Oh, joy. He tripped up Naito early to give Tama the upper hand. Thankfully, he kind of stayed out of it for a while. When he did, he powerbombed Naito onto the aisle. Wouldn’t you think that Naito, a smart guy with a stable, would have LIDJ guys ready to watch his back? Eventually, EVIL arrived for help, which triggered a Bad Luck Fale run in, and then one by BUSHI, who misted Fale. That left it down to a one on one encounter. Tama hit a low blow but Naito blocked the Gun Stun and returned the favor. A Destino later and Naito won in 10:06. The best match involving Tama Tonga. It had a lot of action and though some of the early stuff lacked, it picked up late. I enjoyed Naito turning the tables on Tama with the low blow. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tomohiro Ishii [4] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">In the G1 Special in USA last year, Ishii won (****½), while Sabre won the rematch in the G1 (***¾). However, earlier this year, Ishii won the RevPro Title from Sabre in a match I didn’t get to see. Ishii came in throwing his usual array of strikes. Sabre was ready, catching some into submissions. Sabre’s a smart, wily wrestler like that. Not to be outdone, Ishii also showed smarts, doing his own holds and goading Sabre into a strike battle. The cool thing is, each man can hold their own when it comes to the strength of the other. Sabre targeted the arm, while Ishii went after the ankle. This built to the bigger submission and strike spots. They know each other so well that nearly everything they tried saw a counter or fake out. It made for some stellar close calls. Commentary noted how Ishii has fallen to ref stoppages before, but has never tapped out. The finish was fantastic. Ishii tried to powerbomb out of an armbar, only to get caught in a more vicious looking armbar and he tapped out at 14:35. Tremendous psychology and great plays off their previous outings. Better than last year’s G1 match, but not quite on the US match level. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [0] vs. IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [6]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Last year, Juice scored a massive upset over Kenny (****), though Kenny won the US Title rematch later in the year (***¾). Juice, with a broken hand, is now US Champ but winless, while Kenny is Heavyweight Champ and unbeaten. They shook hands before the match, because they’re both lovable babyfaces now. Due to that, Omega avoided the cheap shots on the broken hand. That put him on the defensive, as Juice came out desperate to get the two points. Rollups played a part, considering that’s how Juice beat him last year and how Juice won the title. Omega avoided Pulp Friction, but Juice kept finding ways to avoid V-Triggers. And you know Kenny likes to throw a lot of those. They went into a ton of counters late, including one to call back to Juice’s upset win last year. Kenny wasn’t going to let that happen again, and he eventually hit a V-Trigger leading into the One Winged Angel at 15:31. I really liked this. They played off last year well and Juice showed the desperation you want when you’re winless. I did prefer last year’s though. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Kota Ibushi [4] vs. SANADA [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">See, this is a reason I love the B Block. A Block is dominated by Okada main events, while B Block is versatile enough to give us this. It’s a first time ever meeting I’m stoked for. They opened with a standoff exchange that would’ve made RVD and Jerry Lynn jealous. It was a way to showcase how evenly matched they were. The comparisions are there, from athleticism to hybrid style to their dashing good looks. There were great spots, like Ibushi missing the Golden Star moonsault and SANADA answering with his own moonsault off the apron into Skull End. SANADA kept hitting a low dropkick, but Ibushi learned and avoided one late into a big double stomp. SANADA continually had the Kamigoye scouted, while Ibushi kept finding ways to survive the Skull End. There were so many great exchanges down the stretch and things were helped by the fact that neither man is a dominant wrestler. We had no clue who would win and fans bought into most close calls. SANADA avoided another Kamigoye and applied the Skull End again. Ibushi faded and SANADA hit the moonsault to win in 22:23. SANADA gets a massive main event win in his hometown. Excellent match featuring guys mirroring one another and working in front of a hot crowd. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7.5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> Every single B Block show features at least three very good to great matches. The same held true here. Yano/Goto wasn’t much, but at least it was short. You need those in a tournament like this. Naito got the best match out of Tama Tonga so far. Then, the show picked up. Ishii/Sabre was a fantastic match, while Juice/Omega delivered a very good battle. The main event was the best part of the show and showed the versatility and depth of this B Block field.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 (4-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-4)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-32623478076551373832018-07-25T08:41:00.002-07:002018-07-25T08:41:53.493-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Seven Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Seven<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 22nd, 2018 | Tokyo Esforta Arena Hachioki | Attendance: 4,399</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">We’re getting to that point of the G1. You know the one. It’s when people watching their first G1 get confused because they’re led to believe that everything in the G1 is great. However, when we hit these middle of the tournament nights, things tend to slow down. The B Block has delivered in spades so far, but this is an A Block. A middle of the tourney A Block show, so I don’t have high hopes. Let’s see if they can prove me wrong.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. Toa Henare and Shota Umino in 4:36</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Hirooki Goto and YOH def. Gedo and Toru Yano in 5:09</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and Tomohiro Ishii def. TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. in 4:47</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Juice Robinson def. Chase Owens and Kenny Omega in 6:30</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Tetsuya Naito and SANADA def. Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi in 7:32</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Michael Elgin [4] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I enjoyed their G1 26 match and match during the G1 25 finals (both ***½). Elgin won both. They’ve been booking YOSHI as kind of a sympathetic underdog, only nobody cares because it’s YOSHI-HASHI. He had momentum in the G1 two years ago. Now, he’s just a scrub. Elgin dominated the early stages, with HASHI looking especially rough. It’s not just that he’s losing, he’s also looked sloppy at points. His injury plays a factor in that. At least HASHI’s comeback stuff looked better. He seemed to figure out that bringing the fire in those spots is better than having early fire that dies out. He saved his best stuff for when it mattered more. YOSHI had great last second kickouts and survived a lot, before getting his first win with Karma in 14:22. These guys work well together, even when this year hasn’t been strong for either one. Like Elgin/White, if you shave off a few of the early minutes, this would’ve been better. YOSHI got going and things picked up in the back half. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [2] vs. EVIL [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Fale defeated EVIL in the New Japan Cup Semi-Finals last year (**¾). This is their first G1 meeting. EVIL is the one guy so far to be smart against Fale. He opened by baiting Tanga Loa into possibly hitting him for the DQ. He used their numbers against them, though it backfired after a bit. Still, at least he came in with a game plan. It played off previous Firing Squad matches, which is probably the most positive thing I can say about matches involving that group so far. The brawling outside was fine, though the in-ring stuff lacked. Following another ref bump, Tanga got involved. That brought out BUSHI, Tama Tonga, and eventually Tetsuya Naito, since Naito faces Tama on the next G1 show. EVIL hit the STO but the ref was out. Tama then hit EVIL with a Gun Stun right in front of the official for a DQ in 12:13. If you were just going for the DQ, why waste so much of our time? I get wanting to make an impact, but this is the wrong place. The Firing Squad don’t care about winning the G1, so why even be in it? It makes it feel unimportant to these guys. This was better than Tama/Kenny since EVIL at least had a plan, but was still shit. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Jay White [6] vs. Minoru Suzuki [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">White is the lone unbeaten man left in the A Block. This is a first time ever meeting and White was lucky enough to be a Young Lion during the time when Minoru was over in NOAH. Jay came in with a plan to frustrate Suzuki. Minoru is a guy who likes to fight, so when Jay stalled, it bothered him. However, Suzuki is no idiot. He’s been around the block and didn’t let Jay get into his head. Once the match got going, it was clear that it was Jay who may have been outmatched for the first time from a psychological standpoint. Even with all the preparations he made, once White got in there with Suzuki, he learned the hard way. Suzuki destroyed his arm. The heel/heel dynamic meant there wasn’t a major comeback sequence, but they made up for it with the psychological story. White took his first loss to the Gotch Piledriver in 10:35. Not the most exciting of matches, but I appreciated the time taken to tell this narrative. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [2] vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I heard many were excited for this. They had a match in ROH recently, but I can’t bring myself to care enough about ROH to check the results. There was a light start to this with some air guitar antics. However, Page quickly got serious. He came close to beating Okada and understood that a win over one of the top guys in the block could go a long way. His only win has come via DQ. Interestingly, both men went after the leg. Page did it because Suzuki ripped Tanahashi’s apart and Tana did it because, well, he’s Tana. However, going this route kind of limits what you can do since both men will have bad legs. Anyway, Page called out Cody on a Figure Four spot. Despite that, he had the crowd behind him at points. Just when the match seemed to be kicking into the next gear, Tanahashi hit his signature flurry and won with High Fly Flow in 12:08. That was…lackluster. It was not the big star making performance Page needed. Tanahashi is usually game for that (See SANADA and Sabre the last two years), but this never truly got going. When it seemed like it might, it abruptly ended. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Kazuchika Okada [2] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">These two usually have better chemistry than you’d expect. Okada beat him in a title match at Dominion 2013 (****), but Makabe evened score in the G1 23 (****¼). Okada won again in the G1 24 (****) and G1 26 (**¾). Makabe always gets a main event or two towards the middle of the tournament, against guys like Tanahashi, Okada, or Goto. They’re not very good. This was more of the same. Okada still feel uncertain about how to handle his new character. He can hit the carefree attitude at certain times, but look kind of lost at others. He randomly reverts back to RAINMAKER Okada before realizing it. It’s understandable, as it’s potentially a big change. It felt like a paint by numbers, middle of the G1, Okada match. Slow start, lots of using your popularity to carry the action, and a pretty hot finish. The Rainmaker ended it in 15:11. It felt like a house show main event and a match that both men were using to take a rest before picking it back up late. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">4/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> The A Block underwhelms again. They already had the worst night of the tournament on night five and this was a fair amount worse. Elgin/HASHI was pretty good and that was the match of the night. I quite enjoyed White/Suzuki, too. Okada/Makabe felt like they were sleepwalking, while Page/Tanahashi didn’t hit the levels it probably had the potential to. EVIL/Fale was another bad Firing Squad match. At least the B Block has SANADA/Ibushi, Omega/Juice, and Ishii/Sabre on the next show.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 (3-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-3)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-3)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-7400798894098028442018-07-22T07:58:00.001-07:002018-07-22T07:58:19.459-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Six Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Six<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 21st, 2018 | Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 1,734</u></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">The awesome B Block is up tonight! The card looks mostly great, especially when compared to a night five that was the worst of the tournament so far. We’ve got a rematch of a Wrestling Toyonokuni banger last year, a Bullet Club battle with some heat after the San Francisco show, and a main even pitting two guys who usually deliver against each other.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SHO and YOSHI-HASHI def. Michael Elgin and Ren Narita in 6:40</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. BUSHI and EVIL in 6:06</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. Jay White and YOH in 6:00</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Hangman Page def. David Finlay and Hiroshi Tanahashi in 7:01</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Toa Henare and Togi Makabe def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 6:54</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Kota Ibushi [4] vs. Toru Yano [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Yano has been one of the tournament MVPs so far. Of course, so has Ibushi. Yano has promised to wrestle a more traditional style, and while the matches have been so much fun, he sits at 0-2. In 2013, Ibushi beat Yano in the G1 (**¼), but in 2015, Yano evened the score with a win in 0:50. Yano went right into rollups and was back to being our favorite Sublime Master Thief. Kota proved to be a good opponent, willing to get involved with the turnbuckle and ringside tape spots. Another slight ref bump came towards the end to set up a low blow and chop block. Yano then used a rollup to get his first win in 8:25. OG Yano is back! It was cool to see him go back to what has worked for him in the past. Ibushi played his role perfectly, making for a fun, light opener. Variety is key in a tournament, folks.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: SANADA [2] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Sabre made SANADA tap out during the New Japan Cup (***½). SANADA came in prepared. He was honestly outwrestling Sabre and winning the technical battle. It threw Zack way off his game. He’s not used to this. The Korakuen crowd reacted perfectly to each instance of SANADA outwrestling Sabre. Nearly every exchange featured some sort of cool moment. It would be crisp or SANADA would frustrate Sabre. The Sabre Driver into the Skull End into the European Clutch sequence was delightful. That was followed by another Skull End into rollup spot, only for SANADA to counter that into his own rollup and take the win in 10:52. Sabre was infuriated at being outwrestled. Tremendous storytelling and wrestling here. Sabre’s usually confident because he can best anyone on the mat. But, SANADA had his number after learning from the New Japan Cup. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [0] vs. Tetsuya Naito [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Juice pinned Naito in a tag at Sakura Genesis last year, before losing an IC Title match to Naito at Wrestling Toyonokuni (****¼). Right off the bat, commentary did well to explain some of the history between these two. Naito honed in on Juice’s hand to the point where he got booed. Juice is such a great babyface that he got Naito booed. Naito brilliantly modified pieces of his offense to target the hand, like his corner dropkick. He worked this like a genius. When Juice fired up, Naito spat at him, trying to entice him to use the cast and get DQed. The things Naito did lit a fire under Juice, but his momentum would get stalled by Naito attacking the hand. Juice was prepared for Destino, countering into Pulp Friction, but Naito had an answer for that as well. In the end, Juice survived Destino, but couldn’t get up after a second, falling to 0-3 after 16:38. I loved that. The work on the hand made sense and was masterfully done. Naito was a vicious, arrogant bastard, while Juice continued to shine as an underdog babyface. The crowd was molten for this and it was better than their IC Title match last year. Outstanding. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [4] vs. Tama Tonga [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Omega beat Tonga in last year’s G1 (***), but there’s more at stake here after the Firing Squad’s attack in San Francisco. Of course, the Firing Squad jumped Omega before the bell until Chase Owens and Hangman Page made the save and allowed this to be a one on one contest. Or so we thought. They had some back and forth until Tanga Loa returned to attack Kenny. Chairs got involved and Tama teased a Styles Clash on a chair. When Red Shoes moved the chair out of the way, Tama hit him with a Gun Stun for a DQ in 9:52. Hot garbage. It’s been three years and Tama still hasn’t stepped up in the G1. He’s just not that good. Throw in MORE shenanigans from the Firing Squad and I’m over this. They’re ruining shows and the Bullet Club story is a drag. I’m done with this shit. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[¼*]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">As Larry Csonka pointed out today, 12 of the 29 G1 matches up to this point had some form of a run-in, low blow, interference, or a ref bump. “Genius Booker” Gedo is at it again.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [2] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">They had a NEVER Title banger in 2014 (****½), a wild match in the G1 25 (****½), a good one in the G1 26 (***½), and a great one in the G1 27 (****). Ishii won the title match, but Goto won all three G1 meetings. This was just what you want from these two. They went to war. WE just got nearly twenty minutes of them beating the shit out of each other. Sometimes, that’s all you want. I’ve seen some call it a MOTY contender, though I wouldn’t go that far. Not that it wasn’t a banger, I just think their G1 25 and 2014 matches were better. Anyway, This was kind of a case of two guys trying to see who can dish out more punishment and who could take more. Lots of strong style here. The dueling headbutts spot near the end were great and the crowd popped for everything. Ishii finally got one over on his CHAOS stablemate with the Brainbuster in 18:20. Great match, providing us with one of the better HOSS battles you’ll see anywhere. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">8/10.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> This had potential to be an all-time great G1 show. It had the variety you hope for. We had a fun Yano match, a technical battle, a hoss fight, a classic in Juice/Naito, and a shenanigan filled match in Omega/Tonga. However, the Tonga match was so bad, it brought the show down as a whole. I was probably the low man on it and was extra harsh, but I’m over it. Skip that match and watch the rest of the show.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jay White</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kenny Omega</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Michael Elgin</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kota Ibushi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">EVIL</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tetsuya Naito</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Togi Makabe</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">SANADA</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hangman Page</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hirooki Goto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bad Luck Fale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kazuchika Okada</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Toru Yano</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Minoru Suzuki</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tama Tonga</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Juice Robinson</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-3)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-49176415214168845302018-07-21T06:50:00.003-07:002018-07-21T06:50:34.980-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Five Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Five<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 20th, 2018 | Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 1,683</u></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">I woke up to the news that Dave Meltzer gave Omega/Goto and Omega/Naito five stars. I mean, I can kind of see it on the latter, but the former? Dave’s such a parody. Anyway, the A Block is up today, with Kazuchika Okada looking to get his first two points against G1 rookie Hangman Page, Jay White trying to go to 3-0, and the annual Bad Luck Fale/Hiroshi Tanahashi match.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. def. Shota Umino and Toa Henare in 7:04</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi def. Gedo and Toru Yano in 4:36</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. David Finlay and Juice Robinson in 7:58</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. Chase Owens and Kenny Omega in 5:40</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SHO and Tomohiro Ishii def. Hirooki Goto and YOH in 6:58</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Jay White [4] vs. Michael Elgin [4]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Two guys entering unbeaten. Something has to give. White’s coming off wins over Okada and Tanahashi, but this is his toughest physical challenge yet. He’s been great as a heel and the crowd was way into this. They badly wanted him to get his comeuppance. Early on, White learned that he couldn’t match Elgin and the pace was slow. Around ten minutes, things picked up as White found ways to level the playing field. If there’s one thing his character has done well, it’s being cunning/smart. We got a frightening spot where they tried some sort of suplex on the apron and both tumbled to the floor in a heap. Elgin beat the countout back in and went wild with offense, but a Buckle Bomb saw him throw White into the referee. Someone should keep count of the ref bumps in this tournament so far. A low blow and Blade Runner kept White unbeaten after 17:44. If you cut off some of the early stuff and make this around 13 minutes, it would’ve been better. The final ten or so minutes are strong, but I’m already over ref bumps here. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Minoru Suzuki [0] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Both men entered 0-2, but Minoru has kind of dominated his matches. They met in a NEVER Title match last year (**½], which Minoru won. YOSHI brought fire at the start again, this time jumping Minoru before the bell. Suzuki responded by attacking his bad shoulder. It took away a lot of YOSHI’s signature offense. He lost a lot of the energy he brought at the start and the match suffered. Parts of it were dull and other parts saw some ugly bumps. YOSHI kept going for the Butterfly Lock, which has failed him in the tournament thus far. Minoru wasn’t about to fall victim to that shit. He survived that and an inside cradle, before putting YOSHI out of his misery with the Gotch Piledriver in 13:44. Most of what HASHI did felt flat and it killed the middle of this match, which felt way longer than it was. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Minoru hilariously threatened to fight Kevin Kelly after the match.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [2] vs. Togi Makabe [4]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">First time ever meeting here. You know what this was? A good old fashioned HOSS FIGHT. And yes, they fought this like one. It was two big dudes beating the hell out of each other all over Korakuen. They fought where Hiromu and Desperado did twice earlier this year. Of course, their war was much different. When things got back to the ring, EVIL took control and wore Makabe down. Just as Makabe was fighting back and starting to get things going, EVIL delivered the STO to get the win in 10:16. They kept this short and to the point. I’m a sucker for a good battle of big lads. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [2] vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">This is Fale’s fifth G1. He’s faced Tanahashi each year. In 2014 (***½) and 2015 (***½), Fale won. In 2016 (***¼) and 2017 (***), Tanahashi won. That’s not counting two matches outside of the G1 in 2016 (***¼ and ***) and one in 2015 (***¼). Tanahashi knows how to get the best out of Fale. This was standard for them. Fale dominated at points, with Tanahashi garnering the sympathy from the crowd. Fale threw him around outside and Tanga Loa got in some cheap shots. Tanahashi made his big comeback and the fans ate it up. He hit the High Fly Flow and would’ve won, but Tanga pulled the referee out. Oh, look. Another ref bump spot. Tanahashi fought them off, but got hit with a Gun Stun when Tama Tonga arrived. Fale draped an arm over Tana, but Red Shoes flipped off the Firing Squad and called for the DQ at 16:27. This was every Fale/Tanahashi match ever, but with a finish that made the Firing Squad regret their actions. Maybe they cut it out because they’ve been a drag all tournament. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">The Firing Squad jumped Tanahashi after the match. Fale complained to commentary that they can’t win with refs like this. Dude, you just had a 3-on-1 beating.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [2] vs. Kazuchika Okada [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Page’s first main event. Okada’s been a different man since losing the IWGP Title. I predicted he start 0-3, with this being the biggest upset, before winning out the rest of the way. Okada was all smiles, which angered Page. He said this wasn’t the Okada he wanted. Page started beating on him, but went overboard with the, “THIS IS OKADA NOW” stuff he shouted. Less is more, buddy. He does better with the action portions, stealing Okada’s signature spots and coming across like he was better. It seemed like getting outclassed by this G1 rookie finally woke Okada up. He got going and began to look a bit more like the Okada we’ve seen for the past few years. It took only one Rainmaker for Okada to put down Page in 17:31. A good match. It was another strong showing for Page, who has had two in a row. Okada has looked and wrestled differently, which is appreciated. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Overall: 5.5/10. The worst night of the G1 so far by a wide margin. The opener and main event were both good, but never seemed to sniffed greatness. I enjoyed the EVIL/Makabe fight. Fale/Tanahashi was nothing we haven’t seen before and I didn’t care much for Suzuki/HASHI. I’m ready for a new B Block show.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jay White</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 (3-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kenny Omega</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Michael Elgin</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kota Ibushi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">EVIL</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tetsuya Naito</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hirooki Goto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Togi Makabe</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hangman Page</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">SANADA</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bad Luck Fale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kazuchika Okada</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tama Tonga</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Minoru Suzuki</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Juice Robinson</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-2)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-3)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Toru Yano</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-2)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-73714503459266232052018-07-20T11:15:00.002-07:002018-07-20T11:15:22.492-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Four Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Four<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 19th, 2018 | Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 1,730</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">After two nights off, the G1 Climax returned for more B Block action. Their first show featured some great matches, though this card is less interesting on paper. However, we still have a G1 26 Finals rematch, one of the best in-ring rivalries in the world, and an intriguing first time ever bout involving the US Champion.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The show opened with a tribute to Masa Saito, who recently passed away.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Jay White and YOH def. Michael Elgin and Ren Narita in 8:11</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. SHO and YOSHI-HASHI in 9:07</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe in 6:14</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. David Finlay and Hiroshi Tanahashi in 6:15</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Hangman Page def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 5:44</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: SANADA [0] vs. Tama Tonga [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">They’ve met in the past two G1s (***¼ and ***), with Tonga winning both. He comes in with more momentum after a win on night two and the way the G1 Special in San Francisco ended. Commentary tried getting over how even these guys are because of their athleticism. To anyone watching, it’s clear SANADA is superior. Tonga tried stealing the Paradise Lock but couldn’t do it properly. Anyway, the Firing Squad have had their matches riddled with interference lately. Tanga Loa got involved but was ejected. With him gone, it allowed Tonga and SANADA to compete at the level we were used to in their past two matches. Alas, that couldn’t last. We got a ref bump, followed immediately by another. SANADA hit his own Gun Stun and out came the Firing Squad. Surprisingly, it didn’t lead to the finish. SANADA survived an attack, knocked Tanga off the apron and won with an O’Connor roll in 10:46. The middle portion was pretty good, but we got too much of this interference and overbooking stuff. I get it at times, but having it in every match is already tiresome. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[*½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Toru Yano [0] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">After their interactions in the San Francisco tag, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this. Yano’s vow to just go out and wrestle immediately was turned on when he went for the turnbuckle. Still, Yano surprised many by wrestling and trying to trade holds with Sabre. When he finally got the upper hand, Korakuen went nuts. Sabre kept trying to win by countout to give Yano a taste of his own medicine, but Yano kept surviving. Though he was twisted like a pretzel a bunch, Yano still found a way to nearly this thing on more than one occasion. He made the mistake of trying for the turnbuckle again. Sabre ducked and pulled him into the European Clutch to win in 10:34. That was so much fun. Yano is 2-2 in good, fun matches. The crowd was into it, it was different from other G1 matches, and they did plenty of great things throughout. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [0] vs. Kota Ibushi [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I was so excited for this match. They shook hands before the bell because they’re both good boys. Juice had Kota scouted early, avoiding the Golden Star Moonsault and hitting a somersault off the apron. Surprisingly, that drew boos from the usually pro-Juice Korakuen crowd. When Kota got going, Juice again had the moonsault scouted and cut it off. The champion did his homework. He just had an answer for everything Ibushi tried. It wasn’t until Kota busted out a SICK rana off the apron that the tide was turned and he hit a moonsault, but this time off the ring post. Insane. That triggered a great finishing stretch, capped by Kamigoye and an Ibushi win in 13:03. I’ll probably be the high man on this, but I loved it. Juice had Kota’s number at every turn. Kota had to do something crazy to turn things around and go higher risk than usual. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tetsuya Naito [0] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">What can I say about this rivalry that I already haven’t? Naito beat him in the New Japan Cup (****¼) and in an IWGP Title match (****½) in 2016. Ishii bested him in the US Title tournament (****¼) and G1 last year (****), but Naito got the last laugh at King of Pro Wrestling (****¼). Ishii took it right to Naito with a ton of chops. Naito spat at him and smiled, acting like they didn’t bother him. There were ref shoves in this one but it wasn’t to set up interference nonsense. It was done as a way to show how aggressive these guys are with one another. They played off their past matches and used a more dramatic build than one filled with big spots. Granted, there were still big spots, just not as many as we sometimes get from these two. Once things truly got going late, the crowd was in the palm of their hands. Naito countered the Brainbuster into a modified Destino for a near fall. He added another to win in 19:13. Another great match from these two. Despite having wrestled eight times in the past, they always manage to bring us something different. This felt fresh, was entertaining, and had some great drama. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [2] vs. IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [2]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kenny beat Goto in the finals of the G1 26. I’ve still never watched that match. Kenny beat him again that October (***). Commentary hyped an intriguing idea that Kenny might want a NEVER Title shot if he won here, to complete the Grand Slam of heavyweight singles titles. For reference, Naito is also only one title away (US). This picked up early, with Kenny looking for a springboard dive, only for Goto to launch a chair at him. That drew plenty of boos. Not to be outdone by his fellow Golden Lover earlier, Omega busted out a huge moonsault in the crowd. As the match got back to the ring, they began to reel off some of their bigger moves. The crowd was invested, even buying into the wild notion that Goto might pull out the victory. Of course, a series of V-Triggers and the One Winged Angel eventually put Goto down for good at 19:25. It was a good main event and though the fans bought a near fall, I never believed there was any chance of a Goto win. They kept up a quicker pace than expected, which was nice to see. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7.5/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> Other than the highly disappointing opener, this was a fun show. Sabre/Yano was a really fun blast, while Omega/Goto was a strong main event. The show really hit on the great Naito/Ishii match and Ibushi/Juice. If it wasn’t for the Firing Squad, the B Block would have all-time great block potential.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 (2-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-1)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-2)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-2)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-2)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-33539942442781872942018-07-19T09:47:00.002-07:002018-07-19T09:47:32.115-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Three Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Three<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 17th, 2018 | Hokkaido Prefectural Gymnasium in Hokkaido, Sapporo | Attendance: 6,489</u></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">B Block closed out their first show with two stellar matches. A Block returns following a good start with a show in Hokkaido, where the G1 has traditionally started in recent years. We’ve got rematches set from Wrestling Dontaku 2017, this year’s Anniversary Show, and Wrestle Kingdom 12.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. Shota Umino and Toa Henare in 6:40</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. def. Jado and Toru Yano in 5:38</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Juice Robinson def. Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi in 6:11</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. SHO and Tomohiro Ishii in 7:16</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Hirooki Goto and YOH def. Chase Owens and Kenny Omega in 5:30</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hangman Page [2] vs. Michael Elgin [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Page won his first G1 match via DQ, while Elgin bested EVIL. Kevin Kelly made note of the ROH roots of both men and how they went to the same training camp for the company. Elgin also came in with a 3-0 record against Page. Page was overpowered from the start. He went high-risk early, hitting the apron SSP. That gave him some room to breathe and he wore down Elgin for a bit. Once that was over, this progressed into more of an even, back and forth match. The fans know Elgin as a big hoss, but they got to see that Page could hang with a guy like him. His powerbomb into a rana counter was great and the middle rope neckbreaker near fall that followed was a highlight. Page was more than willing to trade forearms with his larger opponent. In the end, he fell to a Tiger Bomb and Elgin Bomb in 17:17. It went longer than expected and felt like it at points. However, the action was better than expected. This was all about Page. He showed that he could flat out go in this environment against a big dude. It makes me want to see when Page battles a better hoss, like EVIL. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [0] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">HASHI lost a hard fought battle to Togi Makabe, while EVIL dropped one to Michael Elgin. Their G1 26 was very good (***½). Unfortunately, HASHI seemed to be missing some of what made his match on night one work. There wasn’t as much energy behind a lot of his stuff. It started off hot, but faltered as it progressed. There was a scary powerbomb spot that sent both men tumbling to the outside. HASHI kept going for the Butterfly Lock, which cost him on night one. Nobody believes it’ll win a match, so it barely got a response from the crowd. EVIL ended him with the STO for the win in 12:37. For the third straight show, the second match takes a dive in quality. It wasn’t bad, but it needed a lot more to stand out. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Minoru Suzuki [0] vs. Togi Makabe [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">This is the Anniversary Show rematch, where Suzuki beat Makabe (***½). As soon as the bell rang, these two came out and beat the hell out of each other. It’s exactly what you want from Suzuki and Makabe. Chairs were brought into play and we got the usual ref bump in a Suzuki-Gun match. At least with Makabe, he was more than up to brawling with Suzuki and bending the rules. It was during this time that Suzuki took full control. Makabe refused to give up and stood toe to toe with Minoru, even when getting his ass kicked. Makabe managed to hit the Spider German. Suzuki stood back up, but ate the knee to the face. King Kong Knee Drop ended this in 14:58. It reminded me of Tanahashi/Suzuki in that Minoru dominated at points, yet still loss. It was different from everything else in the tournament thanks to the violent nature of it. The kind of war you want from them, though they may have overdone some of the ref bump stuff. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [0] vs. Kazuchika Okada [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Fale usually dominates the top guys in tournaments. He’s unbeaten against Okada in tournaments, including a G1 win in 2016 (**¾), though he did lose to him later that year (**) and again in a title match in 2017 (***½). Carefree Okada was back. He had fun with Fale, taunting him, slapping him, and giggling. He’s a totally different person since dropping the title. It pissed off Fale and set up Tanga Loa, who was at ringside, attacking Okada. From there, Fale threw him into the chairs outside and beat him down. Okada made the expected babyface comeback and though he’s acting like a different guy, most of his in-ring stuff remained the same. However, instead of going for the Rainmaker, he went for the Tombstone, which nearly cost him in their title match. HE did hit two Rainmakers, but Loa distracted him. We got another ref bump moment, bringing out Tama Tonga to hit the Gun Stun. A Bad Luck Fall later and Okada was 0-2 after 13:38. Okada does okay with Fale, but not nearly as good as Tanahashi, Shibata, or Nakamura. This had some moments and I’m digging the changes in Okada. However, the Firing Squad continue to have their matches plagued by shenanigans. It’s like early Bullet Club stuff. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi [2] vs. Jay White [2]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">At Wrestle Kingdom, Tanahashi retained the IC Title over White (***¼), but it was before White got into the groove he’s in now. This is the building where White beat Omega, while Tanahashi has lost to SANADA and Sabre here the last two years. Considering what Suzuki did to Tanahashi’s knee on night one, it made sense for White to target it. Though Tanahashi was outwrestling him in the early stages, a shot to the knee would put Jay back in the driver’s seat. White showed how much he’s grown as he adapted his game plan. After Tanahashi got dropped on his neck, Jay put the attention there, hitting things like a Saito suplex outside. However, I wasn’t a fan of White trying to use a chair. I get that he wanted to damage Tanahashi, but going for a shot with it right in front of the referee was just dumb. That did set up a finishing stretch that the fans were completely invested in. Tanahashi got close to winning, but White knocked the ref into the corner, crotching Tanahashi. He hit the Blade Runner to win in 24:02 and has now beaten Omega, Okada, and Tanahashi in the same year. I liked most of this. White continues to nail his new character and he’s grown into it. The chair stuff was stupid and doing more spots involving the referee after Suzuki and the Firing Squad felt like a bit much. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7/10.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> There were three good matches on this show and two that kind of missed the mark. Nothing was great, but everything was watchable. Elgin/Page went too long, yet still managed to be better than expected. EVIL/HASHI was decent and Fale/Okada didn’t do much for me. Suzuki/Makabe was a fun brawl and White/Tanahashi felt like a worthy main event. There were too many ref bumps and shenanigans, though.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jay White</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kenny Omega</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Togi Makabe</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kota Ibushi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Michael Elgin</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (2-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hirooki Goto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tama Tonga</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">EVIL</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hangman Page</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tetsuya Naito</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bad Luck Fale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kazuchika Okada</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">SANADA</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Minoru Suzuki</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Juice Robinson</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-2)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Toru Yano</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-28539773550002852782018-07-16T09:10:00.001-07:002018-07-16T09:10:12.826-07:00WWE Extreme Rules Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://biggoldbeltgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/wwe-extreme-rules-2018-match-card-previews-start-time-and-more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://biggoldbeltgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/wwe-extreme-rules-2018-match-card-previews-start-time-and-more.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Extreme Rules<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 15th, 2018 | PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Andrade Almas <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Zelina Vega</span> vs. Sin Cara</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Not enough people are talking about it, but these two had a damn good TV match on Smackdown. Zelina looked incredible tonight. Sin Cara came out hot, but they’ve been telling a story that they’ve known each other for a long time. That made Almas being ready for his offense and countering a sensible thing. Following the obligatory Kickoff Show commercial, they revved things up. Big spots on the apron, a Destroyer, and even Cara busting out a Frog Splash. Zelina provided enough of a distraction for Almas to hit the corner knees and win via Hammerlock DDT in 7:01. Like the Smackdown match, this was a banger for the time given. They did a lot without ever feeling like they did too much and they kept it within the story they should’ve told. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Tables Match: The New Day vs. SAnitY</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I came in more excited for the two Kickoff matches than most of the rest of the card. Lots of action in this one. All six men went right at one another from the opening bell. They had creative spots like Big E nearly going through a table with his apron spear, only to eat a pair of knees from SAnitY. They also provided us with one of the more innovative tower of doom spots. Even with the commercial break, they kept the pace strong throughout. The finish was also quite creative. Kofi wanted to suplex Wolfe from the apron through a table. Wolfe bit him to break free and Young came off the top with an elbow that put him through the table at 7:35. It was kind of short, but was fun. They came up with some cool ideas for a stipulation that has been done to death. Kudos. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Raw Tag Team Championship: The Deleters of World [c] vs. The B-Team</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Was not expecting this to open. This has been one of the stranger programs in recent memory and not just because of how weird everyone is. The B-Team have dominated the match results in the build, so the champions came out hot. They looked to take Bray and Matt off their games. From a character perspective, Bray seemed more motivated than ever. The action moved at a quicker pace than expected. Bray seemed on the verge of a win but got cut off. Bo surprised everyone when he hit a hanging neckbreaker variation to give his guys the titles in 7:58. Better than I expected. It was a fun little sprint. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Post-match, Charly Caruso interviewed the new champions. It was funny and Axel likened the feeling to “Stretch Armstrong” landing on the moon.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Baron Corbin vs. Finn Balor</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Finn debuted new gear for this. Corbin wrestled in his constable slacks. Despite the strange attire, Corbin was all about bringing out some interesting moves. He busted out a sneaky sunset flip style spot and hit the always awesome looking Deep Six. He talked smack and played the bully, while Finn was the resilient underdog little man. It’s not an ideal role for Finn, who can do much more, but it worked for this match and the program. Finn hit the corner dropkick, but Corbin cut off the Coup de Grace. However, Finn found a way to counter the End of Days into a small package for the win in 8:18. Another solid, yet unspectacular match. They told a fine story and the stuff in the ring worked. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Backstage, the Bludgeon Brothers attacked Team Hell No.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship: Carmella [c] vs. Asuka</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">James Ellsworth was in a shark cage above the ring. He joined Paul Ellering, Chris Jericho, and Enzo Amore as people in that position since 2016. Right off the bat, he dropped a weapon to Carmella. She didn’t get to use it, but it was perfect character stuff for them. They’re all about trying to outsmart people. With Asuka in firm control, Ellsworth manages to escape the cage and got stuck hanging upside down from it. Asuka lit him up with kicks. Officials tried putting him back in, only for Asuka to beat them up and attack Ellsworth again. Asuka got too focused on Ellsworth, allowing Carmella to shove her face first into the shark cage and steal it in 5:23. Technically great? Hell no. Strong storytelling and character work? Yup. Carmella and Ellsworth continue to find ways to best their opponents. Carmella beat Charlotte because of the Iiconis and then because Charlotte hurt her knee. She beat Asuka because of Ellsworth last time and this time was because Asuka was too focused on him. Brilliant. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE United States Championship: Jeff Hardy [c] vs. Shinsuke Nakamura</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">In a fantastic move, Nakamura hit Jeff with a low blow before the bell. As soon as this started, Nakamura hit Kinshasa and won in 0:06. Again, perfect character stuff. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[NR]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Nakamura’s celebration was cut short by the arrival of Randy Orton. People expected Randy to go after Nakamura, but instead, he attacked Hardy. Good, because face Orton is incredibly dull.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">WWE traditionally doesn’t do well with cage matches. Also, why should we cheer Braun? He’s just been bullying Owens. They told the proper story with this. Owens wanted nothing to do with Braun and avoided him at all costs. He tried escaping, but couldn’t. Braun was in full control. However, Owens wisely handcuffed him to the ropes. Instead of leaving, he taunted him and got chokeslammed. He added another taunt and blew a kiss to Braun on his way out, but Braun broke the cuffs and caught up to him. Braun met him at the top and chokeslammed him off and through the announce table. It was a wild spot, but also one that got Owens the win in 8:06. The story made sense, but it was too boring until the final big spot. It was a doozy of a spot, though. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship: The Bludgeon Brothers [c] vs. Team Hell No</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The dominant champions against the newly reformed Team Hell No. At least that’s what we thought. Kane was too hurt to come out, so Bryan went at it alone. Handicap matches typically don’t work well. This one mostly did. Bryan was clearly at a disadvantage, but fought with a ton of heart. He found ways to get hope spots in and even caused the champions to hit each other by mistake. With all three men down outside, Kane’s music hit and he came out in a walking boot. Kane did his thing without using much of his leg. Bryan fired off YES kicks. But they didn’t have enough. A Doomsday Device on Bryan ended this in 8:17. Bryan did most of this without Kane and gave the champs their toughest and best match to date. It was a fun handicap match with the crowd hanging on everything that happened. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Backstage, Roman Reigns walked around and the B-Team stopped him. They told him he could join them if he beat Bobby.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Bobby Lashley vs. Roman Reigns</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">During the build, Roman made it clear he wasn’t intimidated or impressed by Lashley. That was clear in the match as he acted cocky, talked smack, and tried lackadaisical pins. He also refused to break holds until five, showing that he was aggressive. The match was going along fine until Lashley took a ridiculously huge bump. He got dropped over the top and to the floor, smacking it with an awful sound. From there, things picked up for a more physical battle. Lashley suplexed him over the announce table, before Reigns responded inside with a massive Superman Punch. Roman looked to win there, but Lashley interrupted him with a huge Spear for the clean as a whistle win at 4:51. That started okay but truly picked up and turned into one hell of a hoss fight. I love that it ended cleanly. The best Lashley match since his return and a return to form for Reigns in PPV singles matches. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Raw Women’s Championship Extreme Rules Match: Alexa Bliss [c] <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Mickie James</span> vs. Nia Jax <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Natalya</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Nia beat Alexa at WrestleMania (*¾) and again at Backlash (**). Alexa cashed in Money in the Bank last month to take the title back. The big story was Ronda Rousey at ringside. Right off the bat, Alexa ran from Nia and got weapons. Nia just kept knocking them away from her. During all this, Natalya and Mickie started fighting because Mickie tried getting involved. That caused Ronda to hop the guardrail and DESTROY Mickie. The fans chanted for her as she stared a hole through Alexa. She chased her down but Mickie attacked her with a kendo stick. With Ronda and Nattie down, Alexa and Mickie beat up Nia with weapons. A DDT on a chair ended this in 7:22. It was a lot of nothing until Ronda made things exciting.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"> [*¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Championship: AJ Styles [c] vs. Rusev <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Aiden English</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I haven’t been this hype for a WWE Title match since 2016. AJ’s chemistry with Kevin Owens never clicked and his stuff with Nakamura was lackluster. However, he had bangers with Jinder freaking Mahal, so I knew he’d step back up once he had someone new to work with. He did. Rusev was awesome here. Though he’s popular, he worked like a great bruising heel. AJ as the face fighting from under is a place he excels, so that made this work. They gave us several near falls and even though it seemed obvious that AJ would retain, I bit on several of the close calls for Rusev. It says something about a match when you can pull me in the way this one did. AJ took to the leg to chop down his larger opponent, while Rusev worked the back to set up the Accolade. Smart, sensible wrestling. It’s not hard, people. After AJ took out Aiden English, he used the Phenomenal Forearm to retain in 15:32. Match of the night. Great work building a smart match that played to the strength of both men. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">WWE Intercontinental Championship Ironman Match: Dolph Ziggler [c] <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Drew McIntyre</span> vs. Seth Rollins</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ironman matches can be tricky. Some work well, but others have issues. Look at Sasha/Bayley for a great example and Sasha/Charlotte for one that struggled. This was one worked at a faster pace than some considering all the falls that took place. Seth went up 1-0 in less than five minutes. He added another pin a few minutes later and then Drew attacked him for a DQ that made it 3-0. However, the beating put Rollins in trouble and Dolph used him being worn down to rack up four straight falls and take the lead. The crowd proved that the negative reactions to stuff like Reigns/Joe at Backlash weren’t just because of Roman. The fans got a fresh PPV main event and still reacted by paying attention to everything but the match. They spent their time counting down the last ten seconds of every minute like it was the Royal Rumble. It was annoying and hurt the match. Stop trying to get yourselves over. Watch the show you paid for. Anyway, Seth tied it late and was about to win as the clock expired. Dolph seemed to retain but Kurt Angle arrived and sent us into sudden death. Drew McIntyre, who had been ejected, returned and set up Seth to fall to a Zig Zag at 30:17. Why do sudden death if that was what you did with it? The match was technically strong and had some good moments throughout. The finish was dumb, the crowd was awful, and some of the overused Ironman tropes were there. Those things kept it from being something memorable. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">6/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> An above average show. I’ve seen people crap all over it, but there was nothing outwardly bad. The worst match to me was Alexa/Nia and it wasn’t even that terrible. Everything had something of an enjoyment factor and we got strong stuff from Lashley/Reigns, Cara/Almas, and especially Rusev/AJ.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-90513911886507686572018-07-15T10:18:00.002-07:002018-07-15T10:18:40.118-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Two Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night Two<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 15th, 2018 | Ota City Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 3,826</u></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">After a solid start to the tournament, the B Block takes center stage. On paper, this block is WAY stronger than the A Block. It has all three champions in the tournament and is just loaded. Night two features rematches from two of the best matches of 2017. I’m ready.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Chase Owens and Hangman Page def. Michael Elgin and Shota Umino in 6:18</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">BUSHI and EVIL def. SHO and YOSHI-HASHI in 5:21</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki def. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe in 6:44</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Bad Luck Fale and Tanga Loa def. Gedo and Kazuchika Okada in 6:08</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">David Finlay and Hiroshi Tanahashi def. Jay White and YOH in 8:05</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Tomohiro Ishii [0] vs. Toru Yano [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Surprisingly, this is a first time ever meeting. Interestingly, they’ve been within two points of each other in each G1 together, yet never in the same block. The tag partners faced off and we saw a different Yano at first. Instead of his “BREAK” spot, he got back in the ring and traded forearms with Ishii. Yano seemed like he’d avoid cheating, but still eventually tried to use a chair and exposed the turnbuckle. Yano won out in a strike exchange that blew the crowd’s mind. The same went for Yano popping up on a German and busting out a belly to belly. GIVE YANO THE TITLE, BABY! The finish was a cool twist, as it was Ishii who hit a low blow and rolled up Yano at 8:52. Look, I might be the high man on this, but I loved it. You probably won’t find something more fun in the entire tournament. They played off their personalities, brought some surprises, and gave us a clever finish. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Juice Robinson [0] vs. Tama Tonga [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Two guys who had their big moments at the G1 Special in San Francisco. Juice won his first title, while Tama jumped Kenny Omega and Cody to form the Firing Squad. Will this be the year Tama finally breaks out in a G1? Tama beat Juice in last year’s tournament (***). If Juice uses the cast he gets DQed, but Tanga Loa was also outside. They wrestled this at a slower pace than expected, with Juice not wanting to risk something happening to his hand. A Tanga distraction put his brother in control. Tama attacked the hand, even standing on it at one point. Juice rallied and Tanga got on the apron. Juice brought him in and laid him out with the cast covered left. Tama countered Pulp Friction into the Gun Stun to win in 14:06. It wasn’t bad, but it was the worst match of the tournament so far. It felt long, Tama still doesn’t work an interesting heat segment, and as much fire as Juice had, it didn’t help things. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto [0] vs. SANADA [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">SANADA beat Goto in his first G1 in 2016 (***). SANADA got off to a slow start, with Goto getting in the driver’s seat. Part of it could be experience, but part of it could be SANADA focusing on the big match with Naito later in the tournament. SANADA changed the tide a bit with some brawling outside. From there, it was an evenly matched battle. Goto hit one of the nastiest looking USHIGOROSHIS I’ve ever seen. Following some fun GTR/Dragon Sleeper teases and counters, SANADA hit his own USHIGOROSHI. The finish played into the GTR/Dragon Sleeper stuff, setting up a rope draped reverse GTR. Goto hit another for two points after 13:38. Back on track with some very good wrestling. The finishers and how well they play off each other was a highlight. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: Kota Ibushi [0] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Oh, baby. Ibushi beat Sabre in last year’s G1, while Sabre bested him in the New Japan Cup this year. Both matches got ****½ from me. Commentary hyped Sabre as the best tournament wrestler around, with wins in BOLA, New Japan Cup, Super Strong Style 16, and more. Ibushi surprisingly tried keeping up with Sabre on the mat. It should be clear by now that’s where Sabre thrives. He switched tactics and started throwing harder strikes and brutal kicks. Sabre got sick of getting the shit kicked out of him, so he started bending and twisting Ibushi’s leg in vicious ways. Ibushi used it for offense, but it came back to haunt him. Each time Kota seemed to get something going, Sabre had a counter ready. They nailed some of the little things, like Kota kicking out at one from a PK and when Sabre hit another, he lifted his feet to do it again, but couldn’t and had to wait until two to kick out. Sabre continually had the Kamigoye scouted and checked it. They also teased a similar finish to last year’s G1 bout. They went into an incredible series of counters late, giving us fantastic teases and near falls, before Kota hit Kamigoye to win in 22:58. Just an outstanding combination of striking, counter wrestling, technical work, and drama. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B Block: IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [0] vs. Tetsuya Naito [0]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">In 2016, Omega beat Naito to win the B Block (****½). In 2017, Naito beat Kenny to win the entire G1 (*****). It’s the rubber match. They started this out by playing up their character work. Little things like Naito stealing Kenny’s gun taunt and both men being cocky. We saw them play up their history with callbacks to the other G1 matches. They had each other well scouted. I particularly liked Omega dropping to one knee for Naito’s corner sweep spot. Naito remained one step ahead of Kenny throughout and it felt like Kenny was getting outwrestled. He switched gears and brought out a wild dropkick spot that turned the tides. Combine that with Naito being a bit too tranquilo and the playing field was leveled. Once they built to the final minutes, this kicked up into the next level. So many breathtaking counters. Both men were looking for the death blow, yet the other was always ready for it. In the end, Kenny turned Destino into a STEINER SCREWDRIVER OF SORTS! A V-Trigger and One Winged Angel later and Omega wrapped it up in 23:19. Awesome match. It didn’t top their final last year, but was about on par with 2016. They so well off their past, it had a big fight feel with a crazy hot crowd that made for a unique atmosphere, and it gave us some dramatic final moments. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****½]</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">9/10.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"> The B Block is awesome and they delivered as expected. Ishii/Yano was a blast of an opener, before Goto/SANADA delivered a good back and forth match. Juice/Tonga ended up dragging things down in the middle. No worries, because the last two matches picked it up. Sabre/Ibushi was outstanding and my favorite match of the night. Naito/Omega was just behind it and capped things in wild fashion.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">B BLOCK</u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">POINTS</u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jay White</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kenny Omega</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kota Ibushi</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Michael Elgin</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hirooki Goto</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hangman Page</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tama Tonga</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Togi Makabe</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 (1-0)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Kazuchika Okada</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tetsuya Naito</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Minoru Suzuki</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">EVIL</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">SANADA</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bad Luck Fale</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Juice Robinson</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">Toru Yano</span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;">0 (0-1)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-29125546300547039362018-07-15T06:12:00.000-07:002018-07-15T06:12:16.247-07:00WWE Extreme Rules Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180710_ER_Match_NewDay_Sanity--3deddc7c8b5ba93939a04183ef92121c_zpsht92dnrt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180710_ER_Match_NewDay_Sanity--3deddc7c8b5ba93939a04183ef92121c_zpsht92dnrt.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">These cards are massive. Way too many matches and I'm a bit too pressed for time to give long details. Anyway, if done right, this actually has a chance to steal the show. Two great stables with a stipulation that has potential. Sometimes Tables matches are dull, but if they can go the Hardys/Dudleys route from the original match, we've got a banger. Just give me less of the fans chanting "we want tables." I'm going with SAnitY, who badly need a win.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winners: SAnitY</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_Finn_Corbin--4883a72e743d4c05c0211c0194dada8e_zpsnmaih4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_Finn_Corbin--4883a72e743d4c05c0211c0194dada8e_zpsnmaih4th.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I really like both guys, but this feud has been boring. I'm gonna pick Finn to win. However, that's a guy who has done a whole lot of nothing over the past year.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Finn Balor</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_RomanBobby--52c34bb2ed9c23362fcff86238fe381a_zpsfumg5mkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_RomanBobby--52c34bb2ed9c23362fcff86238fe381a_zpsfumg5mkg.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This might have the big match feel they were gunning for if Lashley wasn't involved in shit feuds since his return. A big win or two would make him seem like a real threat to Roman Reigns. Instead, it's clear he's not on Roman's level. Big Dog gotta eat, baby.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Roman Reigns</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_BraunKevinOwens--3811825c937c13e6aae5dc045c890028_zps7gds9lzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_BraunKevinOwens--3811825c937c13e6aae5dc045c890028_zps7gds9lzz.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I really enjoy most of what the WWE does. However, they're been bad in a few aspects lately. One: They've gone way overboard with Braun. It's too much and I'm pretty bored of him by this point. Two: Angles like the port-a-potty one with Braun and Owens. It's just not funny at all. Three: And this one goes back for years. They rarely ever put on good cage matches. Remember Seth/Orton in 2015? Or Bray/Cena in 2014? Braun wins for obvious reasons.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Braun Strowman</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_Dolph_Seth--0d062483b00c2f42b73ef86a117cb600_zpsmdyxo6hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_Dolph_Seth--0d062483b00c2f42b73ef86a117cb600_zpsmdyxo6hs.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Their Raw main event was very good and went nearly thirty minutes. Still, an Ironman match can be tricky to book. I wonder how this plays out. Also, Dolph is still boring as champion. The only guy to make him interesting in recent memory was The Miz. I'm gonna say Seth regains the gold.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Seth Rollins</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_HardyNakamura--6c3bf546da1b18ada96ebb212358fbc5_zpsvptljcxx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_HardyNakamura--6c3bf546da1b18ada96ebb212358fbc5_zpsvptljcxx.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">When you come up short in winning the WWE Title, five or six times, you move down to the US Title? This is kind of an interesting matchup, because it's two guys with charisma who aren't great on the mic. I'm picking Shinsuke because the dude has to win something at some point. Right?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/DhyarJcW0AAzQnP_zps9yqdpxos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/DhyarJcW0AAzQnP_zps9yqdpxos.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I've heard people whine and moan about Carmella's title reign, but I love it. Is she a technical wizard? No. But, she's playing the ultimate opportunist role better than anyone since Edge. She beat Charlotte once because of the Iiconics and the second time because she outsmarted her. She beat Asuka because of James Ellsworth. It's a brilliant run. Still, I think Asuka wins here, but she kind of died in the water when Charlotte beat her.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Asuka</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_BludgeonHellNo--6f509de9dc89d2594431fffb44afce94_zpsgjsum3p6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_BludgeonHellNo--6f509de9dc89d2594431fffb44afce94_zpsgjsum3p6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I saw people complain that Daniel Bryan isn't in the main event picture. I get that. I also get that the company might not be sure how long Bryan's sticking around, so why invest a ton in that? Instead, they put him with Kane to reunite one of the most tag teams of the past twenty or so years. I think they get the titles for a feel good run.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winners: Team Hell No</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_Tag--d837a6538fc8953cd235e1383a37cdf3_zpsaia395ng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_Tag--d837a6538fc8953cd235e1383a37cdf3_zpsaia395ng.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The B Team has won basically everything heading into this match. That's usually a sign for a loss at the PPV.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winners: Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_BlissNia--c675f2b64ea5a763a0ce6a8ef97d155d_zpsmzg68e5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_BlissNia--c675f2b64ea5a763a0ce6a8ef97d155d_zpsmzg68e5b.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This match sucked at WrestleMania and again when they rematched it. Nia's character flipping for the Ronda feud didn't help her sympathy. It's clear what happens here, right? Alexa is Charlotte 2.0. They're booked way above and beyond everyone else. Nia will lose because Ronda/Alexa is the money match for SummerSlam.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: Alexa Bliss</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_StylesRusev--d17e2f860381b600ea6cf07004b65ee3_zpswi5kpf0q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb320/Lthomascsonka/20180703_ER_Match_StylesRusev--d17e2f860381b600ea6cf07004b65ee3_zpswi5kpf0q.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Other than the Tables match and the Team Hell No reunion, this is the only truly interesting match on the show. Rusev is finally getting a WWE Title and it comes against AJ Styles. AJ's still one of, if not the best wrestler in the world. People like to forget that because his chemistry with Owens ruined most of 2017 and facing Shinsuke "phone it in" Nakamura has killed his 2018. But, the dude had two bangers with Jinder Mahal and was awesome against basically everyone not named Owens or Nakamura. Expect Rusev and him to deliver one hell of a main event. As great as this is for Rusev, AJ will retain.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Winner: AJ Styles</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>2018 Prediction Record: 26-17</b></span><br style="font-family: Play; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2017 Prediction Record: 81-37</b><br style="font-family: Play; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2016 Prediction Record: 72-41</b><br style="font-family: Play; font-size: 13.2px;" /><b style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2015 Prediction Record: 60-35</b></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Extreme Rules Prediction Record: 17-4</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-17878988376108499332018-07-14T08:04:00.001-07:002018-07-14T08:04:19.737-07:00NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night One Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://i2.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/njpw-g1climax28-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C394" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night One<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 14th, 2018 | Ota City Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan | Attendance: 3,907</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It’s become a tradition. The G1 Climax ranks towards the top of the list for my favorite times of the year to be a wrestling fan. Sure, not every show is great, but there’s a barrage of wrestling matches to enjoy and we usually get some bangers. The B Block looks way stronger than the A Block this year, which was the case in previous years and in the BOTSJ. We start with the A Block, though. Night one usually gives us at least one great match (Shibata/Nakamura in ’14, Shibata/AJ & Ibushi/Tanahashi in ’15, SANADA/Tanahashi in ’16, Sabre/Tanahashi and Ibushi/Naito in ’17) and an upset (Marufuji over Okada in ’16, SANADA and Sabre over Tanahashi in ’16 and ’17). As always, I’ll only be reviewing the tournament matches.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Hirooki Goto and Jado def. Ren Narita and Toa Henare in 6:23</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SHO and Tomohiro Ishii def. Toru Yano and YOH in 7:15</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Guerrillas of Destiny def. David Finlay and Juice Robinson in 6:13</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">TAKA Michinoku and Zack Sabre Jr. def. Kota Ibushi and Yujiro Takahashi in 5:29</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">SANADA and Tetsuya Naito def. Chase Owens and Kenny Omega in 5:45</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Togi Makabe [0] vs. YOSHI-HASHI [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Let’s get this out of the way. I don’t mind Togi, but he’s not interesting anymore, while HASHI is probably the worst guy in the tournament. He had momentum in 2016 for the tournament. He’s done nothing of value or note since other than beating Yuji Nagata in a good match to open last year. Makabe beat HASHI on the final night last year (**¾). It seemed like HASHI was out to prove he belonged in the tournament after being mocked for his selection. He brought aggression to this, hitting Makabe as hard as he got hit back. HASHI kept trying different things, from aerial stuff to the Butterfly Lock to throwing strikes. Seeing him pop up from a German was a cool moment. Makabe got him up top and hit the Spider German, followed by the King Kong Knee Drop to end it in 11:06. Better than I thought it would be. HASHI brought more fire than expected, but it just wasn’t enough against the former IWGP Champion. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Bad Luck Fale [0] vs. Hangman Page [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It’s the G1 debut for Page. However, it’s also the debut of a slimmer Fale. He typically does well in the G1, averaging 11 points. Fale jumped Page during his entrance, kind of showing that he’s siding with Tama Tonga and the Firing Squad in the dull Bullet Club feud. Fale pounded on Page in the crowd for a bit. Page worked as a face, getting in some high flying hope spots. While he got in some of those, Tonga Loa strolled to ringside for a closer look. Page took them both out with a big moonsault that the crowd seemed to enjoy. When Page went for the Rite of Passage, Tama Tonga ran out and attacked him. Tama shoved the referee for the DQ finish in 8:05. Surprised at that finish, but it helped build the Firing Squad angle. I just can’t buy into throwing potential points away in a tournament that means so much. Anyway, the match was fun while it lasted. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Kenny Omega, Chase Owens, and Kota Ibushi hit the ring to send the Firing Squad packing.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: EVIL [0] vs. Michael Elgin [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">EVIL is awesome. Elgin? Not so much. These two have met in the last two years, with both matches getting ***½ from me. They split those. Also, this is a battle of the two shortest reigning NEVER Openweight Champions. This was the typical HOSS FIGHT we’ve come to expect from these two. EVIL put a target on Elgin’s arm, which may seem random to some, but was a sound strategy as it would logically take away some of Elgin’s power based offense. With the bad arm, it felt like Elgin was unsure what to do. At points, he tried different things like a tope suicida, but at other moments, he just used the arm like nothing. Throwing all sorts of clotheslines and doing stalling Germans. It cost him on a press slam attempt and EVIL went back to the arm. EVIL came close with Darkness Falls, but Elgin went back to hitting moves that used his arm, like another German, Falcon Arrow, superplex, etc. I know adrenaline plays a factor, but goodness. They went into a counter battle late that Elgin won with Splash Mountain and the Elgin Bomb at 16:08. They went out and tried for an epic. It didn’t work. The match was good, but a severe lack of the arm work coming into play killed things. Elgin mostly shrugged it off, making it useless. EVIL was awesome. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi [0] vs. Minoru Suzuki [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">This is a big match considering Minoru beat Tanahashi for the Intercontinental Title in February (****½). They also had one of my favorite matches ever at King of Pro Wrestling 2012 (*****). Suzuki came out looking to hurt Tanahashi. He laid into him with slaps and strikes, before going to the knee like he did earlier this year. He grounded Tanahashi with all sorts of leg based submissions for several minutes. Whenever Tanahashi got something going, it was out of desperation. When he missed something, it felt like a huge blow that would put him back in major trouble. A desperate Tanahashi evened the score a bit with a brutal looking inverted dragon screw. Minoru screamed in agony in a way we hadn’t heard before. Tanahashi used that advantage to nail two High Fly Flows and surprisingly pull this out in 13:59. That was awesome. I love the G1 because it gives us great matches that don’t typically go the NJPW route of being overly long. They kept this short but packed a lot of story into it. Minoru was his vicious self and Tanahashi had to fight from behind. He got dominated, but did the one move that completely changed everything and Suzuki was done. It was such a cool change of pace for a guy like Minoru. I’m intrigued by where this goes next. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A Block: Jay White [0] vs. Kazuchika Okada [0]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Since joining CHAOS, White has barely been involved with the group and seems interested in splitting them from within. Okada is a broken man with a bad new hairdo, stupid long pants, balloons, new theme, and no title. White also lost his title recently, but is young, hungry, and coming into his own as a villain. Interesting that Okada went from shell shocked during Kizuna Road, but came out more carefree tonight. That attitude carried over into the early stages of the match. Things got serious once White avoided his guardrail cross body. From there, he was the vicious White we saw in San Francisco. He threw Okada into guardrails and wore him down with all sorts of aggression. Okada’s back became the focus and near the end, White suplexed him into the guardrail. Commentary getting upset at his tactics was great, especially from fellow CHAOS member Rocky Romero. Okada seemed to get back on track with the Rainmaker, but White brilliantly clocked the referee as he was hit, so he wasn’t able to make the count. White hit a low blow and threw a chair at Okada, before nailing Blade Runner to win in 25:37. It went a bit long, but I dug it. There was submission spot that lasted forever and nobody bought into. However, the story of carefree Okada getting it taken to him by the vicious and rogue CHAOS member was great. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Post-match, White cut a promo saying it was now his CHAOS and we could do nothing about it. I said it coming into the tournament, but I’d rather Okada lost and have it be because of White, leading to a personal rivalry to take him into the Tokyo Dome. Sounds more interesting than another Okada Dome title match. I can dream, can’t I?</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">8/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> As is usually the case, the tournament gets off to a strong start. Fale/Page was the worst match and even that was solid. HASHI/Makabe was a surprisingly fun match, while Elgin/EVIL was good despite flaws. Tanahashi/Suzuki was excellent, while White/Okada told the story it needed to and gave us the upset win we needed.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></span><br />
<table style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B BLOCK</span></u></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">POINTS</span></u></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay White</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hirooki Goto</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiroshi Tanahashi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice Robinson</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Elgin</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny Omega</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangman Page</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kota Ibushi</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togi Makabe</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (1-0)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SANADA</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kazuchika Okada</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tama Tonga</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minoru Suzuki</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tetsuya Naito</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EVIL</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomohiro Ishii</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad Luck Fale</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toru Yano</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOSHI-HASHI</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-1)</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack Sabre Jr.</span></span></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0 (0-0)</span></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-83562794080912183062018-07-12T07:32:00.002-07:002018-07-12T07:32:24.342-07:00PROGRESS Chapter 72: Got Got Need Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i0.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/progress-ch72-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C393" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="179" src="https://i0.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/progress-ch72-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C393" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">PROGRESS Chapter 72: Got Got Need<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />June 24th, 2018 | Electric Ballroom in Camden, Greater London | Attendance: 700</u></span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Back to the long, three plus hour events for PROGRESS. As we continue our trek to Wembley, the Thunderbastard Tag Team Series continues, while the Natural Progression Series comes to an end. Plus, there’s an Atlas Title match, World Title match, British Strong Style is in action, and there’s a highly touted match involving Jordan Devlin.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Jim Smallman’s opening consisted of discussing the World Cup and pointing a couple who got married the day prior, with the bride coming down to Jack Sexsmith’s theme, “I Touch Myself.” Cool stuff.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">PROGRESS Atlas Championship: Doug Williams [c] vs. Michael Dante</span><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Williams won the title to snap a losing streak, while Dante earned this shot with a win on the last chapter. The fans were hot for their first official look at Doug as champion. Like his last appearance, Dante showed potential and could make for a useful addition to the BIG LADS division, especially with WALTER moving on. However, Williams has an ongoing story of saying he’ll retire with his next loss. That meant that nobody in the building believed Dante would win this one. He did come close with a flash pin counter, but the outcome was never really in doubt. Williams won with the Bomb Scare Knee Drop in 7:02. It was technically fine, but lacked anything even resembling drama. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**½]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Charlie Morgan <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ The House of Couture </span>vs. Laura Di Matteo</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">I’m really happy Di Matteo is back. She has history with Jinny, so it makes sense that Jinny would send her goons to take her out before she earns a title shot. Morgan attacked early and had no problem using little underhanded tactics to remain in control. She was on the offensive for way longer than I expected. The crowd was way into Laura. She used hat for a comeback, but had to deal with members of the House of Couture. Even after Laura took out most of them with a tope suicida, they still found a way to break up her submission. Laura kicked out of a rollup, sending Charlie into Nina Samuels. Laura then rolled her up to get the win in 10:21. A bit slow at points, but the hot crowd helped things along. Both girls are still raw, but have a lot of talent. This worked as the first chapter of a larger story. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Post-match, Laura stared down Jinny on her way out.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Jordan Devlin vs. Will Ospreay</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">This is the match that has gotten all the hype. With the loud crowd before the bell even rang, this had a big fight feel. That crowd reaction played a role. Ospreay seemed annoyed that Devlin was besting him at his own game early, and even more peeved that he was getting the cheers from the fans. As the match progressed, they just began throwing some of their wildest offensive bombs at one another. That’s one thing, but to do it with the speed they did is insane. If I were trying to do play-by-play in this review, I’d be lost. It neared Dragon Lee/Hiromu Takahashi levels of fast, yet they don’t have the history of those guys. Ospreay lifted the “land on our feet Spanish Fly” spot from BOLA. He looked so pleased with himself, you just wanna smack him. He also started throwing some signature Jimmy Havoc offense to build their Wembley match. The final moments were nuts and Ospreay won with his best looking Storm Breaker ever in 15:59. An absolutely bonkers match. It’s not a MOTYC like I’ve heard, but it’s great. This is usually when Will is at his best. When he can go all out in this environment. When he tries other stuff, it’s usually a whiff. Devlin looked great here, keeping up with one of the fastest, most agile guys around. A banger. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Post-match, Ospreay attacked a crew member with an Acid Rainmaker and Curb Stomp, furthering the build for his match with Jimmy Havoc. Surprisingly, Paul Robinson, the producer from the back, made the save and scolded Ospreay to the back.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Besties in the World (Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett) and Josh Alexander vs. British Strong Style (WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne and NXT Tag Team Champions Trent Seven and Tyler Bate)</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">The Besties in the World came out to “Truly Madly Deeply,” which was fantastic. The pop for seeing the NXT Tag Titles was insane. The champs mocked Undisputed Era at every opportunity before the bell. This was filled to the brim with typical BSS antics. If you love them, like me, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re sick of them, you probably won’t. Though it was a chapter show debut for the other team, the fans seemed to know a fair amount about them. Alexander played the “walking weapon” very well. I enjoyed what I saw of him in Alpha-1. It broke down into a more serious affair once the Besties and Josh took control. During that time, they showed off an impressive array of tandem offense, especially from the Besties. I’m all for having them come back. I was surprised to see Seven pin Alexander following a Seven Star Lariat and Burning Hammer, ending the match in 20:25. It was a good six man tag, though not up to the high level I’m used to from British Strong Style. The antics were fun, though they dragged at times. I was impressed with the losing team, as well. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">The teams showed respect to one another after the match. Dunne addressed the challenge of Ilja Dragunov, which brought out Christian Michael Jakobi. He teased Ilja coming out, but said fans had to pay to see him again. Dunne attempted to leave with nothing further, but CMJ goaded him back with insults and a slap. Dunne chased him away through the crowd to end the segment.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">The start of the second half of the show was interrupted by the arrival of Eddie Dennis. He announced that he’s now medically cleared to wrestle, which was the provision Mark Andrews gave him for his return. Dennis was pissed about Andrews being on vacation and that fans think the match happens at Wembley, because he wants it sooner. It awesomely ended with Eddie going to merchandise to recoup losses from this wasted trip.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Thunderbastard Tag Team Series: #CCK [0] vs. M&M [0]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">It’s the first match in the series for #CCK, as Kid Lykos just came back from injury. M&M have impressed, but are winless. Like the previous tag match, this followed the trend you’ve expected from these teams. #CCK showed off their “sick fucking tag moves,” and how they haven’t missed a step in their time apart. M&M brought all the heart and effort, despite being winless. It would be wild if M&M lost the entire series, only to win the Thunderbastard in the end. A Praying Mantis Bomb and Brainbuster at the same time got #CCK their first two points in 12:50. A fine tag team match, with both teams playing their roles well. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">We were supposed to get Natural Progression Series Finals next, but Travis Banks and TK Cooper came out instead. Banks chastised the fans for not showing the same support for him here that they did in the Royal Albert Hall. He knew that the winner of the series gets a title shot, so he wanted his match on now so there would be no cash in.</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">PROGRESS World Championship: Travis Banks [c] vs. Chuck Mambo</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Mambo earned this title shot by winning the PROGRESS World Cup. Unfortunately, I was too pressed for time to catch that show, like the “Live at the Dome” events. I wish I could. TK went to the back before this officially began, as he’s Banks’ partner but also has a web series with Mambo, so he wasn’t picking sides. I thought that was cool. Banks seemed annoyed with how well Mambo was doing early. It’s as if he took this title defense lightly, which is understandable after facing the likes of WALTER. He turned the tide when the match went outside, but Mambo fought back and picked up some near falls inside. After some of Mambo’s best shots, Banks hit a Kiwi Krusher that got him a near fall. Then, we got a ref bump. TK showed up with a chair and chose to hit Mambo to no one’s surprise, but Chuck still kicked out. Mambo still nearly won with a Frog Splash, only for TK to pull the referee out. In the end, Banks stomped on Mambo’s head over and over, before another Kiwi Krusher ended things in 20:14. This went too long. It was going fine and could’ve ended on a high note, but we got the TK interference and it just reached overkill levels. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Natural Progression Series V Finals: Chris Ridgeway vs. Mark Davis <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Kyle Fletcher</span></span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">I feel like this tournament has gone on forever. Like, it may have even started back in 2017. Anyway, this was a hard hitting main event. The advantage Ridgeway had was taking things to the mat. Ridgeway likes to strike, but Davis is just a BIG BOI, so he found himself in serious trouble. He began throwing kicks to make up for the losses he was taking from forearms and chops. After taking a beating for a while, Ridgeway seemed to snap a bit. The fight moved outside where he threw headbutts and a double stomp onto a chair. Davis was so strong, Ridgeway had to change his plan and go out of his comfort zone. He went the route people have gone against WALTER, attacking the hand to take away Davis’ chopping power. A wild series of kicks brought Ridgeway close. However, Davis countered a piledriver into his own Close Your Eyes pullup piledriver. He rolled over into a second and got the win in 18:00. A very good main event and the best match of the tournament, so it was a fitting finale. Davis continued to be great, while Ridgeway had his best showing so far. Davis made Ridgeway try new things and while some of it worked, Davis was just too much for him. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¾]</span><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7/10.</span><span style="font-family: Kefa; font-size: 12px;"> I feel like I give so many PROGRESS shows this score. This year, this has been their bread and butter. Good shows that usually don’t tip the scales towards bad or outstanding. There are two standout matches (Devlin/Ospreay and Davis/Ridgeway), with a lackluster World Title match and a bunch of solid stuff surrounding it all.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998655852472260197.post-32946560284511250252018-07-10T13:06:00.003-07:002018-07-10T13:06:59.394-07:00NJPW G1 Special in San Francisco Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i0.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/njpw-g1specialsanfrancisco-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C345" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="700" height="157" src="https://i0.wp.com/backbodydrop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/njpw-g1specialsanfrancisco-logo.jpg?zoom=2&fit=700%2C345" width="320" /></span></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><u style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NJPW G1 Special in San Francisco<br style="max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" />July 7th, 2018 | Cow Palace in San Francisco, California | Attendance: 6,333</u></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">After the success of last year’s G1 Special in USA and this year’s Strong Style Evolved, NJPW is back in the United States. There are five title matches listed for tonight, including the Bullet Club feud in the Heavyweight Title picture, and an already legendary rivalry in the Jr. Title match.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Chase Owens, The Guerrillas of Destiny, King Haku, and Yujiro Takahashi vs. Gedo, Rocky Romero, Roppongi 3K, and YOSHI-HASHI</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">MY GOD! THAT IS HAKU! He was at the top of the list of reasons I wanted to watch this show. AND HAKU STARTED THE MATCH! The Bullet Club were the clear favorites, as dull ass YOSHI-HASHI got booed when he dropkicked Haku. Other than Haku, Roppongi 3K were the only guys to really feel like they were working hard. Chase Owens was fine, too. The finish came when Gedo got tagged in, unsurprisingly. The booker man was near winning when he got put in the Tongan Death Grip! I popped. That set up a Gun Stun that ended this in 9:20. It was a fine NJPW multi-man tag opener, with nothing special going on. But, it had Haku, so it gets a small boost because I love that mad man. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Suzuki had a strange cover of “Kaze Ni Nare.” The crowd still sang along. This was here to continue the Suzuki/Ishii rivalry. They went right at it from the opening bell, continuing their wars. Sabre and Yano had great interactions together. Yano’s wackiness makes for a great foil for serious dick heel Sabre. Their G1 match is probably going to be a ton of fun. Minoru’s the only guy not in the same block as everyone else. Obviously, Yano took the heat, getting torn apart by his vicious opponents. It came down to Sabre and Yano while the other two fought outside. Sabre blocked low blows twice, but took an Ishii lariat and Yano got the pin in 9:42. That was quite fun. Ishii/Suzuki was badass again, while Yano/Sabre was a blast. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Hangman Page and Marty Scurll vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and KUSHIDA <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Ryusuke Taguchi</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">A bit of a preview of the upcoming Page/Tanahashi G1 Climax match we’ll be getting. I’m surprised they brought Taguchi on this trip to have him not wrestle. After Marty and KUSHIDA reignited their ROH TV Title program, we got the Page/Tanahashi battle. They recently met in ROH, but I didn’t watch it because it’s ROH. Scurll and Page worked well together, to the point where ROH might want to consider making them a tag team. Page picked up the victory with the Rite of Passage on KUSHDA in 9:52 to gain momentum heading into the G1. This was a good little tag. The Bullet Club guys worked well together and it gave us a preview of stuff to come. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¾]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">NEVER Openweight Championship: Hirooki Goto [c] vs. Jeff Cobb</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I like Jeff Cobb. He’s a good wrestler. But he’s kind of bland if he’s not Matanza. Meanwhile, Goto is a guy who is very good, yet NJPW have booked him into oblivion. He’s almost impossible to care about. When you see a match involving these guys, you expect something hard hitting. That’s mostly what we got here. It was interesting to see Goto working as a heel. He knew the crowd wasn’t going to be into him and he seemed to relish in it. Maybe they should consider turning him full on heel, because he DESPERATELY needs something to freshen him up. Cobb came close a few times, and the fans bit, but Goto avoided the Tour of the Islands. He hit the GTR and retained in 12:10. A good, hard hitting match, as expected. However, the crowd was more anti-Goto than pro-Cobb, making for a strange atmosphere. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">IWGP Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks [c] vs. EVIL and SANADA</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">The match these two had at Dominion was one of the better tags all year (****¼). Let’s see if the rematch can live up to it. The teams traded big offense for most of the match, continuing to show the fluid chemistry that we first saw at Dominion. Matt Jackson continues to sell his back, which he has done since January. It’s as if they went into 2018 looking to show everyone who doubted them (myself included) that they can wrestle more than one style. I’ve appreciated it, as they were serious one-note wonders before this year. However, as good as this was, it never touched the Dominion match. It started well enough, but they went a bit overboard with the near falls and big moves. LIDJ hitting their own Indy Taker onto a chair should’ve been a finish. Instead, a save was made and this came shortly after a ref bump. By the way, NJPW has relied way too heavily on ref bumps this year. IT’s not a welcome trend. Matt busted out EVIL’s own STO on him, before they retained following the Meltzer Driver at 16:05. This was on its way to be great, but they took things a bit too far for some spots. It lacked what made the first match special. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***½]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Well, it’s clear why BUSHI is in this match, isn’t it? Also, remember when Naito should’ve won the Heavyweight Title in January? The Okada Defense Force is STILL posting on Twitter about how NJPW made the right call. Yikes. Anyway, Okada and Naito felt like they took the night off here. Their interactions weren’t up to their usual standards, even after they mostly disappointed at Wrestle Kingdom. BUSHI and Ospreay were largely fine, but nothing special. It’s Ospreay, so unless he’s working someone better or motivated, you’re going to get average. Combine that with a lack of effort from the stars and you’ve got just that. An average match. Ospreay obviously pinned BUSHI following Storm Breaker in 11:58. Completely skippable. If it wasn’t for the names involved, nobody would’ve cared. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[**¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi [c] vs. Dragon Lee</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">It’s the best in-ring rivalry going. The floor of their series has been ****¼. Really think about that. As usual, this was worked as a fast pace from the start. Lee attacked Hiromu with a rana to the outside that set the tone for what we’ve come to expect from them. They traded German suplexes, strikes, and scary dives throughout. It’s been said so often, but nobody matches these two in terms of chemistry and fluidity, especially when you consider how wild their battles are. Of course, you can’t talk about this match without discussing THAT spot. Lee hit a Dragon Driver that saw Hiromu land awfully on his neck. He reportedly broke his neck on the spot and it’s hard to watch. Especially on the replay. I’ve seen morons discuss the style in NJPW, causing morons (like Dave Meltzer) to attempt to justify things by mentioning WWE injuries. Like, a fantastic wrestler may have just had his career cut way short due to injury and people are worried about pushing the WWE/NJPW stuff. Stop. Hiromu managed to finish the match and score with the Time Bomb to retain in 16:18. Somehow their worse match ever and it was still a banger. They went at a wild pace, though it’ll always have a bit of an asterisk because of what happened. Great match, though. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Jay White [c] vs. Juice Robinson</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">This feud heated up at Kizuna Road when Juice broke his hand. Jay continually went after it. That played into the story, as Juice couldn’t use his cast as a weapon. The challenger came out aggressively, partially because of the rivalry and partially because he’s come so close to winning gold before (against Naito, Omega, and Goto twice). He understood that something needed to be done. The physical style kept up, with both men throwing each other into the guardrail with impressive velocity. Jay pulled out great heel stuff, like going after the damaged hand even though Juice couldn’t use it for offense. He also mocked Juice at every turn. Commentary was pissed all match about people getting thrown into guardrails. When White did it and knocked JR over, Barnett said, “You done fucked up now,” and got in the ring to legitimately do something about it. Cooler heads prevailed and nothing but some on screen cursing happened. Even if it wasn’t real, it came off well and the crowd was hotter than ever after it. From there, the intensity was at its highest. Jay hit a low blow, so Juice responded with the illegal left hand to a great pop. The Pulp Friction near fall was extraordinary. Juice managed to counter a Blade Runner into a rollup to finally win the big one in 23:22. Match of the night and moment of the night. Juice has spent two years chasing titles and finally wins the US Title in front of a US crowd, without overplaying the US angle. The match was tremendous, with a ton of intensity and a molten crowd. They played the babyface and heel roles to perfection. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[****¼]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Small note, but I remember people complaining about White/Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom. I thought it was good, but far from great. It was clear that Jay needed time to get comfortable in his new role. Fast forward to this show and he’s figured it out. He was the PERFECT heel in this one. Dude is a star.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kenny Omega [c] <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ The Young Bucks</span> vs. Cody <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 8pt; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">w/ Brandi Rhodes</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">I didn’t see their ROH match, but heard reports it was overly long. Right from the start of this one, Cody was playing such a good heel. He nails all the old school heel stuff like putting Brandi in harm’s way like a coward. He just gets it. Though the feud has been intense and there’s a long history, the match lacked some of the intensity from the previous match. That’s even with them bringing tables, ladders, and chairs into play. It almost became an impromptu TLC match for no real reason. They brought some big spots, like a superplex off a ladder and powerbomb onto a table. Cody used Brandi to gain one more upper hand, but other than a single Cross Rhodes, he never really threatened to win. Kenny hit the One Winged Angel to seal it after 34:14. A good main event that didn’t seem sure of what it wanted to be. It felt like they brought the weapons into play because they had no other way to fill half an hour. Overly long, a trademark issue with some NJPW main events. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">[***]</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Post-match, Kenny helped Cody up before going into his show closing speech. As he and the Bucks left, the Guerrillas of Destiny and Haku appeared on stage to celebrate with them. However, the Tongans attacked the Golden Elite and brought them down to the ring. They removed their Bullet Club shirts to reveal shirts that said “FIRING SQUAD.” Other Bullet Club members came out to try and help, but also got laid out. Cody was last and got offered a chair by Tama Tonga. He hit them, but also got taken out. Haku planted Omega with a piledriver on a chair to end things. Gedo. Book Haku vs. Omega. Do it, ya coward.</span><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Overall: </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">7/10.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> I’d consider this something of your typical NJPW show. Most of the undercard ranged from average to good, with nothing there being must-see. I was disappointed in the Okada tag, too. However, most of the big money main event matches delivered. Cody/Kenny was solid, yet unspectacular. Lee/Hiromu was great again, while Juice/White was stellar. I loved that match and it made this show memorable.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12763671836767674037noreply@blogger.com0