WWE Great Balls of Fire Review

WWE Great Balls of Fire
July 9th, 2017 | American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas

I still can’t believe this is a real Pay-Per-View name.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Neville (c) vs. Akira Tozawa w/ Titus O’Neil
Not enough people are talking about it, but Neville has been one of the best things in all of wrestling in 2017. Unfortunately, despite being the best booked champion in WWE (against a hot babyface) they were regulated to the Kickoff Show. Their chemistry was evident early, harkening back to their Dragon Gate days. Tozawa was game to bump for Neville, and his comebacks also looked great. It was helped by a crowd who loved his battle cry. They also bought into the near falls, thinking we’d have a new champion. The finish was odd. Tozawa got crotched on the ropes and Neville kicked the rope. With Tozawa on the mat, Neville delivered a spin kick to the gut and won at 11:35. Other than the weird finish, this was damn good. Lots of action, a hot crowd and two guys, with great chemistry, playing their roles well. LONG LIVE THE KING! [***½]

Bray Wyatt vs. Seth Rollins
I know it would never happen because of their name value, but this belonged on the Pre-Show. It’s so hard to care. I don’t know if I ever cared this little about a Seth Rollins match. Honestly, they could’ve come out and attempted to legitimately murder each other, and I would’ve found it hard to get invested. The stuff they did was fine, it was just hollow. Like two guys going through the motions on a house show. Wyatt used a poke to the eyes to set up Sister Abigail and get the win at 12:04. Nobody cared and it all fell flat, though not quite as flat as the entire feud. Honestly, just repackage Bray at this point.[**¼]

Big Cass vs. Enzo Amore
Enzo got a lengthy promo before the match. The message was clear and cool, but the delivery got a little lost in the middle. Then, Cass came out to his new theme. It, like him and his gear, was incredibly bland. The match itself was pretty much exactly what it needed to be. Enzo got his ass kicked and had all his comeback attempts cut off. Cass won with the big boot in 5:21. He was too big, too strong and knew too much about Enzo to be fazed by him. Mostly a squash. [*]

WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Ironman Match: Cesaro and Sheamus (c) vs. The Hardy Boyz
Ironman matches can be tricky to pull off. Knowing a match is going 30 minutes can make some fans tune out of the opening stretch. They tried avoiding that here, as Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick for the 1-0 lead within 20 seconds. Somewhere, Daniel Bryan had flashbacks. From there, we got the tired Ironman match formula where the babyfaces fall behind and have to rally. Honestly, the WWE uses that formula too often in other things, like the Best of Seven between Cesaro and Sheamus last year. The Hardys found themselves down 3-1, before rallying to tie it (sorry Indians and Warriors). The final stretch where they desperately fought to tie it was easily the highlight. Matt got a nasty cut after a dive off the top. Jeff hit the Swanton, but Cesaro rolled him up to take a 4-3 lead with about 25 seconds left. He ran away but got caught with a Twist of Fate, only for time to expire before Jeff could get the three. Though the finishing stretch was the best part, the Hardys were clearly gassed. This is not the match for them to be working in 2017. Good match. The beginning was a bit slow, but it picked up nicely, even though the formula was predictable. [***¼]

WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Sasha Banks
It’s been widely noted that these two are not friends in real life. Sasha seemed to touch upon it on Raw Talks, saying Alexa doesn’t have any respect for the business and is fake. All I can judge on is performance. For months now, Sasha’s been lackluster, while Alexa has thrived. Here, their animosity came to the forefront. The match was snug and felt more intense than any main roster women’s match since Sasha/Charlotte at SummerSlam. There was a great spot where it looked like Alexa’s arm popped out of socket or something, but it was just a trick to lure Sasha in. She nails those little things. The finish was disappointing (notice a trend?) as Alexa got counted out at 11:48. I usually don’t mind the finish. It’s a smart way to keep a feud going. However, the WWE has gone to that well too often lately. Anyway, even with the finish, this only trails Alexa/Bayley at Payback for best Raw Women’s Title match of 2017. [***¼]

After the match, Sasha was a sore loser and attacked Alexa. Alexa tried to DDT her through the announce table, but Sasha fought her off. She jumped off the stage with the double knee attack, but mostly caught Alexa with a crotch attack.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: The Miz (c) w/ Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel and Maryse vs. Dean Ambrose
The story here was that The Miz had the numbers advantage and if Dean could overcome it. Early on, Dean hit everything moving, including Axel and Dallas. It quickly was too much and Miz got him down. Miz focused on the leg, which Dean sold well at times. He held it in pain, couldn’t stand at points and limped. However, he also shook it off enough to hit a few too many high flying moves for my taste. It’s okay to use adrenaline here or there, but he did it over and over. This suffered from the same problem as Bray/Seth. Nobody really cares about the feud. Both guys were much better off on Smackdown and their stock has fallen on Raw, not helped by this lesser version of their Smackdown feud. The Miztourage got involved, leading to the Skull Crushing Finale for the win at 11:48. Inoffensive and it told a solid story, yet nobody cared. It felt like something I’d see in the middle of Raw. [**½]

Ambulance Match: Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns
Has there ever been a great Ambulance match? Anyway, their match at Fastlane was solid, but the Payback outing was an improvement. This had the slight edge as their best outing together. It felt like a war between two guys who hate one another. They threw bombs at one another and brought the big moments, like Strowman getting thrown through the stage. Still, Strowman wouldn’t die. Reigns got tossed off the stage, but came back by hitting Strowman with a light fixture. He went for the Spear, but Strowman sidestepped him and he hilariously flew into the ambulance. Strowman closed it to win after 16:33 of war. This was exactly what it needed to be. Two guys trying to kill each other and they both came out looking great. Reigns took another loss to Braun, but was protected just enough.[***½]

Post-match, Reigns was pissed and threw Braun into the ambulance. He drove to the parking lot and we got cheesy camerawork as we watched his “internal struggle” with the decision he was about to make. Roman backed the ambulance into a parked truck, crushing the back. THAT’S ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE! I was hoping Braun would still pop out and brush it off like nothing. Kurt Angle and other officials arrived as Roman walked off, to try and free Braun.

Curt Hawkins vs. Heath Slater
This served no purpose. The fans chanted “We want Balor” and there was no reason not to include him on this card. Since his return, he’s been on a Kickoff MizTV, eaten the pin in a main event and was a healthy scratch on three PPVs. Slater won but we didn’t see it because the camera was out with the ambulance. [NR]

They finally pried open the ambulance. A bloody Braun shook off medical help and walked off on his own power. People felt this was a double turn, since Reigns attempted murder and Braun walked off like a hero. I don’t think it is, since commentary was careful not to condemn Reigns for his actions. Good monster movie segment, though.

WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Samoa Joe
During introductions, Joe attacked Brock and put him through the announce table. ADVANTAGE JOE! Brock made it back in to start the match and we got Joe kicking his ass. Brock fought back with several German suplexes, but Joe kept coming back with the Coquina Clutch. The submission has been expertly built and each time it was applied, you felt like Brock was vulnerable. Brock came in prepared and managed to counter or escape it each time. Joe countered the F5 into the Clutch, which Heyman sold masterfully at ringside. Brock fired up and hit the F5 to win at 6:26. Great stuff until the finish. Everyone kicks out of the F5 these days, so one seems flat. I don’t like people kicking out of finishers, so I’d have had Brock hit it and deliver another for good measure, to make sure his monster opponent was down for good. Besides the flat finish, this was basically just what I wanted. [***¾]

Overall: 6.5/10. The tradition of me not giving a Raw PPV match **** continues, but like Payback two months ago, this was a consistently solid show. The worst matches still managed to get more than two stars (except for the Cass squash). There was a lot of good action, just hampered by some of the booking decisions and lame finishes. Joe/Brock and Reigns/Strowman were a very strong way to close out an event, while Sasha/Alexa, Neville/Tozawa and the Tag Title matches all delivered. Thumbs up.

WWE Great Balls of Fire Predictions

I've stated my issues with the cruiserweight division several times, but they've finally become arguably the most interesting thing on a show. I was excited for Neville/Aries, but there were more interesting matches at Mania. Here, Tozawa/Neville is easily the highlight if the main event goes a certain way. They've never met before, so it's fresh. Neville as the "King of the Cruiserweights" has been one of the best things going in all of WWE, for quite some time. Tozawa has momentum and the Titus Brand stuff is a great addition. At first, I thought maybe Titus inadvertently costs Tozawa, but I think they do the change here. Tozawa wins and we get a pre-show rematch at SummerSlam. This should be match of the night.

Winner: Akira Tozawa

I still say this split was a bad idea. Enzo Amore hit the nail on the head on Raw when he said that Cass' merchandise checks without him will have ZERO DIMES. Cass without Enzo is bland and Enzo without Cass is unthreatening. I could see Enzo winning with a flash rollup or something, but I don't think they did the big heel turn for Cass to lose his first time out. Expect Cass to dominate and win, with Enzo drawing more sympathy.

Winner: Big Cass

Holy shit. It's hard to fathom how little I care about this match. When it was the Shield vs. The Wyatt Family in 2014, I absolutely did. Now, in 2017, it's the pits. Seth has been a lackluster babyface and Bray just cuts the same rambling promo each month, regardless of his opponent. Both guys are in funks and this feud isn't helping. It feels like they're killing time until Seth gets his shot at Brock. I'll go with a cheap Bray win here, before Seth wins the rematch at SummerSlam and eventually, the feud. Why? Because that's the Bray Wyatt way. 

Winner: Bray Wyatt

For the first time in a while, it's hard to predict a Roman Reigns match. I always go with the BIG DOG eating, yet I was wrong at Payback. Part of me can't see Braun Strowman beating Roman Reigns again, but I also don't think they do Reigns/Lesnar at SummeSlam. I think they're saving that for Mania. So I say Braun wins, without having to pin Reigns. Braun then gets served on a plate to Brock at SummerSlam, before Reigns eventually comes back and beats him in their next match.


Winner: BRAUN

Their series has been good, but not quite good enough that I want to see a thirty minute match between them. Still, it should be one of the better matches on the card. I was close to picking a babyface win here, because I have so many heels winning but I just can't see the Hardys winning back the titles. They had their nostalgia run. I get the feeling they lose here and it either causes Matt to go Broken or it starts him on that path.

Winners: Sheamus and Cesaro

On Smackdown, this feud was a nice bit of fun. On Raw, it has fizzled out and doesn't interest anymore, despite my love for Miz. The awful Lavar Ball segment did nothing to change my interest. At this point, it's hard to care. I honestly think the best option would be for Miz to feud with Finn Balor over the title. I'd have Finn dethrone him and a Finn IC Title reign main eventing shows with Brock out could do wonders for the title. Of course, that won't happen. Miz retains here, because why not?

Winner: The Miz

This should be clear. After coming in with a lot of hoopla, Sasha Banks (along with Charlotte and Bayley) hasn't done a ton. Sure she's racked up accolades (Women's Titles, main events, etc.) but the performances on the mic and in the ring haven't been near the level of her NXT work. Meanwhile, Alexa Bliss came in with little hype and (like Carmella) has done what the Four Horsewomen (excluding Becky) haven't. She delivers character and promo work in spades. Remember the Superstar Shakeup? Bayley and Sasha were in the ring together, but it was Alexa who got the biggest pop. Imagine thinking that would happen in 2015. Alexa should absolutely win here. She's the top heel, Sasha remains a shitty babyface (and I say this as a big Sasha fan) and the title switches too often. That being said, I predict Sasha taking the title here because, WWE.

Winner: Sasha Banks

I want to love this. The buildup has been perfect. Samoa Joe looks like a legitimate threat who wants to kill Brock. His promos have been awesome and Brock looks vulnerable, yet still confident. Yet, I'm very worried. This is Brock. I've been excited for Brock matches that go nowhere (vs. Seth, vs. Dean, etc.) before. I'm so worried that Brock suplexes Joe into oblivion and they waste everything. Joe should get the Coquina Clutch on early, weakening Brock. Brock reaches the ropes to break it, showing he can't escape it and giving Joe an opening. Brock withstands Joe and wins, but Joe looks great in defeat. Hopefully, that happens.

Winner: Brock Lesnar

2017 Prediction Record: 32-23
2016 Prediction Record: 72-41
2015 Prediction Record: 60-35

The Architecture of NXT: Episode #126

The Architecture of NXT
Episode #126
July 18th, 2012 | Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida

Byron Saxton and William Regal are on commentary. They plug the main event pitting former WWE Tag Team Champions against each other when Heath Slater faces Justin Gabriel.

Kaitlyn vs. Tamina Snuka
Babyface Tamina is a strange sight. Kaitlyn won season three of NXT and is about six months away from a Divas Title run. Tamina shows her power and sends Kaitlyn to the apron. If this was about four years later, Kaitlyn would be muscular enough to ragdoll Tamina. Kaitlyn gets in some stuff but is too overconfident, so Tamina hits a cross body for a near fall. Tamina withstands another Kaitlyn run and hits some boots. Kaitlyn grabs Tamina’s leg to stop her from going up top and then applies an interesting submission. Tamina powers out and hits the Superfly splash to win at 5:19. Kaitlyn is much better as a plucky babyface than the weird heel she played here. Meanwhile, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a good Tamina match. [*]

VIGNETTE ~ The Big Ending is coming because Big E. Langston ins on his way to NXT.

Jinder Mahal vs. Percy Watson
Like Kaitlyn earlier, “Showtime” Percy Watson competed on a previous season of NXT, though he didn’t win. Regal puts over Mahal’s uncle, who used to wrestle. It’s a small thing but he excels at adding those tidbits. Watson starts hot, including a hip toss, but Mahal uses a cheap shot to turn it around. Watson is in trouble but then rallies and hits the Showtime Splash for two. Mahal hits a high knee and wins with the Camel Clutch at 4:02. Like the opener, there wasn’t much to this. [*¼]

Jinder Mahal slaps the submission back on after the match.

Leo Kruger vs. Richie Steamboat
Kruger is not yet the “hunter” and far from Adam Rose. He stops the quickness of Richie with a school boy into the turnbuckle. Again, Regal excels by pointing out how smart it is to use the entire ring as a weapon. He throws in some digs by doing Steamboat like arm drags. After a suplex, Kruger takes time to pose a bunch. Steamboat starts in with the babyface fire and comeback. Kruger makes Richie chase him around the ring. Once inside, Kruger counters a cross body into a pin with his feet on the ropes at 4:28 to steal it. This was the best thing so far, but didn’t do much for me. I do like how it should set up a better rematch though. [**]

Paige vs. Raquel Diaz
It’s funny to me that Paige is used as a jobber in these early episodes. Raquel cuts a promo on a headset on her way to the ring, saying she was here to rid NXT of ugliness. She has the mannerisms down but is a bit over the top. Paige gets an actual entrance here. She has no character yet but is already quite over. Diaz starts by rubbing Paige’s face in the mat and talking smack. She cowers in fear when Paige turns it around. She blocks a kick and hits the Gory bomb to win at 1:37. A squash but we all know Raquel went nowhere fast. [NR]

Backstage, Alex Riley asks Aksana where catering is. She flirts a bit when Antonio Cesaro comes in. She complains that Riley was flirting with her. Cesaro calls it very “American” of Riley to do and a match is made for next week.

Jim Ross joins the booth.

Heath Slater vs. Justin Gabriel
I remember randomly finding an episode of FCW before the original Nexus run and these two were in an FCW Title match. Slater spends a good chunk of the opening run wearing down Gabriel on the mat. It doesn’t make for exciting TV, but is a smart strategy. Sure enough, Gabriel turns things around with a series of kicks and fast paced offense. A blue thunder bomb gets a near fall. Heath comes back with a spinebuster for two and argues with the official. They continue to trade near falls until Gabriel hits a nice moonsault like DDT for the win at 8:53, though it looked like Slater kicked out. The finish was flat and the match was alright. The closing stretch was decent. [**¼]

Overall: 4/10. Back down to an episode I didn’t care much for. In terms of entertainment, it was kind of just there and none of the matches stood out. I liked that Kruger/Steamboat is developing a story and Raquel’s character looked interesting. However, shining a light on people like Tamina and Justin Gabriel, especially knowing they don’t really go anywhere with it, is odd.

Lucha Underground 7/5/17 Review

We opened to a shot of Dante Fox jogging, only to have flashbacks from his time as a POW. His rescue, just seconds before being beheaded, was also shown.

Cueto Cup First Round Match: PJ Black vs. Sexy Star
Sexy Star vs. The Worldwide Underground continues! PJ worked the arm and used his power advantage, something he doesn't get to do often. Sexy retaliated with her quickness. A super rana from Sexy was the highlight of her offensive outburst. Things were going smoothly until Taya arrived and tripped Sexy. PJ failed at using brass knux and when Sexy tried using them, the referee caught her and called for the DQ at 4:14. Lame finish that hurt a fun little match. At least Striker explained the rare DQ by saying the referee's were told to be extra strict during the tournament. [**]

Another excellent Mundo/Mysterio hype video was shown. I wasn't excited for the match, but even I'm interested after these videos.

Cueto Cup First Round Match: Son of Havoc vs. Son of Madness
Everyone was weirded out by the Son of Madness stuff. They brawled on the steps and commentary noted that Havoc seemed to recognize Madness. There were a few fun moments as they played up the doppleganger stuff, with each guy knowing what the other would do. Madness is the bigger version, so Havoc had to fight from behind, which worked because he's way over. In the end, Havoc missed the Shooting Star Press and kicked out of a school boy. He then immediately used his own to advance at 8:42. I enjoyed this. It had a fair amount of action, while telling the story of how well they knew each other and how Havoc did just enough to survive. [***1/4]

Madness jumped Havoc after the match and stole his vest

Cueto Cup First Round Match: Prince Puma vs. Ricky Mandel
We got dark Puma tonight, as he had his hoodie on. Mandel is the big Mundo fan, who was introduced as a Worldwide Underground intern. He cut a promo, only to get hit with a huge knee strike. Puma kicked his ass and won via sitout driver at 1:12. Exactly what it needed to be. [NR]

In the back, Rey Mysterio met up with Dragon Azteca Jr. He said he wouldn't miss Dragon's comeback. Dragon said he would win the tournament and face Rey for the title at Ultima Lucha. Prince Puma arrived (THE FORMER TRIOS CHAMP REUNITE!) and told Rey to beat Mundo so he can get his Ultima Lucha rematch, which he promised not to lose.

Next week, round two begins. Paul London faces Mil Muertes, Jeremiah Crane takes on Taya and Fenix faces Marty Martinez!

Cueto Cup First Round Match: Dante Fox vs. Dragon Azteca Jr. w/ Rey Mysterio Jr.
This had potential to be the best match of the first round. They delivered the kind of match I was hoping for. It was fast paced and had non-stop action. These are two hella athletic guys and they showcased it here. From a Spanish Fly to dives outside to ranas, I got what I wanted. Then, things got dulled down by run-ins. The Worldwide Underground attacked Mysterio to soften him up for Mundo. Azteca went to save his mentor and it cost him. Once back inside, he ate a superkick and the Fox Catcher to lose in 9:03. Lots of cool stuff in here, only to get overshadowed by the stuff in the end. It adds intrigue and sets up a potential angle between Mysterio and Azteca. [***]

Overall: 7/10. An episode mostly focused on wrestling and less on the wild stories, but it still worked. Two of the matches are good, one is decent and the other allowed Puma to dominate. The intrigue of Puma's recent stuff is great, while the possibility of Azteca/Mysterio sounds dope.

Want to watch Lucha Underground, Raw and Smackdown and don't have cable? Try signing up for Fubo.tv. Stream USA, El Rey, NBA TV, SyFy and many other channels by getting Fubo.tv right here!

PROGRESS Chapter 50: I Give It Six Months Review

PROGRESS Chapter 50: I Give It Six Months
June 25th, 2017 | Electric Ballroom in Camden, Greater London, England | Attendance: 700

My favorite wrestling promotion returns with their milestone 50th chapter in their home away home in Camden. Coming off an excellent Super Strong Style 16 Tournament, PROGRESS is red hot. This show is named after the doubters who had little hope for the company that now stands here five years later, stronger than ever.

We got the typical PROGRESS opening with a Jim Smallman promo. He put over Super Strong Style 16 and had some fun with the audience.

PROGRESS and WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne came out to address the fans. He stepped on the PROGRESS Title once he got inside, drawing the ire of Smallman. Dunne brought up Travis Banks (Super Strong Style 16 winner) gets a title shot in September, so he said he won’t defend the title until then. He owns PROGRESS and the WWE in his mind. He went to leave, but Jim had his music cut. Jim said they pay him to be here and nobody’s booked him a flight to Florida. He’ll compete tonight in a non-title match and if anyone beats Dunne between now and Banks’ title shot, they’ll get a shot of their own. A fair, likable guy running things? What a concept!

PROGRESS Women’s Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Kay Lee Ray
At the Super Strong Style 16, Toni Storm became the first PROGRESS Women’s Championship, while Ray earned the right for the first title shot. They have a history together and know each other well. Due to that, the feeling out process saw some solid exchanges and neither woman wanting to make the first mistake. Storm has better ass based offense than Ryusuke Taguchi. Once they got going, they brought bombs. Big suplexes, stiff strikes and some aerial offense. The highlight was Storm countering a springboard attempt with a German suplex. Storm survived the Koji Clutch by reaching the ropes with her tongue. Creative. She then retained after a wild top rope piledriver in 11:26. Their chemistry was evident as they worked a good back and forth match with some badass spots. The finish was impressive, though having it open might be tough since it’s a tough finish to follow. [***½]

Post-match, Storm and Ray embraced.

The London Riots vs. The Origin: Banter Edition
Due to copyright issues, the Origin lost their theme music, so Mastiff asked the crowd to sing their music for them. The fans flubbed the lyrics, leading to plenty of laughs. Fun was kind of the theme here. When Ligero busted out an impressive German suplex, Mastiff reminded him that he was the big guy of the team. After tagging in, he then busted out a hurricanrana! There was also a fun trust fall spot, which the Riots couldn’t correctly do after getting distracted by beer. In the end, the Riots got their first win in five months after a popup spear at 10:46. Nothing special, but enjoyable nonetheless. [**¾]

Flash Morgan Webster vs. Jack Sexsmith
Both men are babyface, but Webster played the de facto heel by a bit here. It worked because Sexsmith has become one of the most popular and likable guys on the roster. The fans ate up everything Sexsmith did, dying to see him continue his winning ways. It was interesting to watch Sexsmith, as his style seemed to change a bit. He looked more focus and less prone to throwing caution to the wind. Webster goaded him on a fake handshake, showing that small bit of heel tendencies I mentioned. The moves got bigger as things progressed (pun intended), until Sexsmith pulled out the condom for the Crippler Cockface. However, a siren went out and out came Chief Deputy Dunne (kayfabe brother of Pete apparently). He whacked Webster with a megaphone to cause the DQ as 12:13. The match was going along smoothly, with some fine back and forth and character progression from Sexsmith, until the finish. [***]

Dunne attacked Sexsmith and claimed he and the fans were having too much fun. He’s a member of the Anti-Fun Police.

Non-Title Match: PROGRESS Champion Pete Dunne vs. Donovan Dijak
Donovan Dijak was Pete’s surprise opponent and he got a hearty pop. Dijak was quick to show unfamiliar fans that he’s wildly athletic for a 6’7 guy. He overwhelmed Dunne with it, but the champ fought back with the explex. Dunne targets the legs, looking to chop Dijak down to size. Dijak’s selling of it wasn’t too great, as this was more about him showcasing his stuff for the PROGRESS faithful. After Dijak survived a Pedigree, they started trading big blows to the crowd’s liking. When Dijak hit Feast Your Eyes, Dunne wisely rolled out of the ring. He tried it again, but Dunne got in a cheap shot and won via Bitter End at 11:06. Solid, clean win for Dunne. Dijak got to impress in his PROGRESS debut. I got why Dunne went after the leg, but it didn’t come into play enough to merit it. [***¼]

Jimmy Havoc and Mark Haskins vs. The Origin
It was Haskins’ birthday, so he got a party hat and the fans made sure Havoc got one too. The Origin ran them down for that, which got things started with a brawl. It continued that way for the majority of the match. The referee went down, so Havoc brought out a birthday gift for Haskins. He unwrapped it to reveal a steel chair. Haskins tried throwing it at Gibson, but he ducked and Havoc took the chair shot instead. Haskins was then rolled up for the loss at 12:22. I know I didn’t write a ton for this match, but it really was mostly a brawl. Not as good as I was hoping for, but it did further the issues between Havoc and Haskins. [**½]

James Drake vs. Travis Banks
Banks is the hottest act in PROGRESS, fresh off a Super Strong Style 16 victory. He was greeted with “Travis our champion” chants. Drake got kicked all around the ring early, but caught one and slammed Banks on the apron to turn the tide. Travis got in some hope spots that the crowd loved. He fired up, begging Drake to hit him harder. Banks used a series of kicks and knees, before a tope suicida looked to have him in the driver’s seat. Drake would not go down though, until taking the Slice of Heaven at 10:54. Good way to keep Banks’ momentum going, but I’d say it was his worst match in quite some time.[***]

PROGRESS Tag Team Championship: British Strong Style [c] vs. #CCK
A great video package aired before the match. This is arguably the biggest Tag Title match in PROGRESS history. With BSS taking forever to get in the ring, CCK dove onto them outside, kick starting the action. There was too much action for the cameras to completely catch and the bell hadn’t even rung yet. Both teams used chairs (Seven had an imprint of one on his back) and they fought atop the stage. Once the match finally officially began, it became the wildest sprint of the year. There was no tagging or structure, but that worked for what they were going for. Just a bunch of crazy offense, that played off each guy’s signature stuff. Everything came off smoothly. Just when CCK looked to have it, Pete Dunne ran in. Travis Banks blew past him and cut him off before fighting him to the back. Lykos stopped Bate from hitting the Spiral Tap and won after nailing the BRAINBUSTAAA on the top turnbuckle at 9:11. The title change felt like a big deal, which is what it needed. CCK got their opportunity and delivered, while Seven and Bate added another great match to their 2017 resumes. I’m dying to see what they would do in a more traditional tag environment against each other. [****]

Overall: 7/10. Top to bottom, another strong showing from PROGRESS. It isn’t on the level of the Super Strong Style 16 outings, but I never expected that. They did a good job setting things up for the future (Dijak’s debut, #CCK’s title win, building Dunne/Banks), while putting on an entertaining show. If pressed for time, check out the main event, but the whole show is solid.

NJPW G1 Special in USA Night Two Report

The same video package from yesterday’s show opened this one, showing highlights of NJPW.

David Finlay, Jushin Thunder LIger and IWGP Jr. Heavyweight and ROH World Television Champion KUSHIDA vs. Sho Tanaka, Yoehi Komatsu and YOSHITATSU

Liger’s team features three of my favorite juniors. YOSHI is ass though. They play with the crowd cheering LIger’s team and booing anyone associated with YOSHITATSU. They put the referee on the ropes and he gets a pop. Finla ystarts with TATSU and they work some wristlocks. Their exchange ends evenly. Tags to Liger and Komatsu. Liger overpowers him but takes a hip toss. They collide and Liger back drops him to the outside. He follows with a baseball slide. Back inside, Liger goes for the surfboard, but his opponents break it up to a ton of heat. Liger takes triple team offense and the Tempura Boyz hit a double flapjack for two. Liger escapes them and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, followed by shotei. He makes the hot tag to KUSHIDA, who runs over both Tempura Boyz. He hits his hiptoss/cartwheel/dropkick combo. TATSU gets loads of heat for his offense. KUSHIDA takes he and Komatsu out with a double handspring elbow. He takes out the Tempura Boyz with a dive to the outside. Tanaka gets left alone inside with KUSHIDA, who tries a Hoverboard Lock. It gets blocked and the Tempura Boyz hit a tandem flapjack/DDT. At least that’s what it looked like. Tanaka looks for a Package Piledriver, but KUSHIDA gets free. He eats some strikes and comes back with a kick. Tanaka slaps him, so KUSHIDA hits an overhead bicycle kick. Tanaka counters a handspring back elbow with a German suplex. Tags to Finlay and TATSU. TATSU hits a springboard dropkick and fires off strikes and kicks, before snapping off a powerslam. TATSU goes up but Finlay goes under and dropkicks him. Charging elbows in the corner followed by a seated uppercut for two. TATSU hits a hip toss into a knee but the pin is broken. He crotch chops the crowd and wants the Pedigree but it gets countered into a backbreaker for two. Finlay applies the Stretch Muffler, while Liger slaps the surfobard on Komatsu. KUSHIDA traps Tanaka with the Hoverboard Lock and TATSU taps.

Winners: David Finlay, Jushin Thunder LIger and KUSHIDA in 8:53 [***]

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Jay Lethal vs. Kenny Omega

No time limit in this round. Omega gives a clean break on the ropes, only to get in a cheap shot on Lethal’s taped ribs. The camera missed exactly what kind of shot it was. A boot sends Lethal outside, where Omega drives him into the guardrail. Inside, Omega misses a splash but flips over him in the corner. He avoids a kick from Lethal and gets hi up for the One Winged Angel. Lethal fights it off and counters into a pin. It goes nowhere and he hits a superkick. Omega avoids Lethal Injection but eats two superkicks. Lethal hits Lethal Injection but Omega rolls outside to avoid the pin. Lethal follows with his trio of suicide dives. Lethal goes up and hits a diving elbow for two. Lethal keeps selling the ribs, despite being in control. Lethal targets Omega’s left leg with a series of kicks, followed by a kneebreaker attempt. Omega rolls through and blocks a figure four, but takes a dragon screw. Lethal Injection is countered into a backstabber and Omega rolls over to sell the leg. Crowd is about 75/25 in favor of Kenny. Omega hits a forearm to the lower back before removing the tape and driving his knee into the ribs. Omega hits a kitchen sink, staying in control. Bow and arrow submission from Kenny. Lethal survives, but keeps taking body shots. Lethal fights back until Omega goes low with a dropkick, then punts him in the ribs. Lethal avoids a Fameasser like move, countering into the Blue Thunder Bomb. Lethal hits an enziguri but has Lethal Injection stopped again. Snap dragon suplex by Kenny, who follows with Aoi Shoudou. Lethal avoids V-Trigger, but eats two anyway. Omega hits a third that was very Boma Ye like, for a near fall. Lethal trips up Omega for a figure four but Omega pulls him into a small package for two. Omega connects on a doctor bomb for two. Another V-Trigger hits, but Lethal tries countering the One Winged Angel into a rana. Omega holds on to block it, powers him back up and hits One Winged Angel to win.

Winner: Kenny Omega in 12:57 [***]

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

A rare CHAOS/Suzuki-Gun match that sounds cool. Sabre has the balls to try and get into a fight with Ishii. He fires off uppercuts that don’t have an effect, so Ishii knocks him down with one shot. More uppercuts from Sabre, but Ishii takes him down with ease. Sabre tries a headbutt and nit hurts him more. Ishii hits a headbutt of his own. Ishii proceeds to beat on him in the corner, so Sabre goes to his wheelhouse, snapping the arm. He takes Ishii to the mat and works a modified armbar before turning Ishii over for a near fall. Sabre goes to a version of the Tequila Sunrise, but with a toe hold. Sabre’s aggressive as he snaps off the leg to a chorus of boos. Crowd is probably 65/35 in favor of Ishii. Now that Ishii is wounded, Sabre fires off kicks. Not much effect still, as defiant Ishii spits at him and headbutts him to the mat. Sabre sells each shot like it stuns him. Ishii sets Sabre up on the top, so Sabre twists his arm in strange ways. Ishii uses strikes to get free and then hits the stalling superplex for two. Sabre blocks a lariat with a high kick to the arm. He hits a leaping Northern lights suplex that he transitions beautifully into an arm submission. Ishii escapes but Sabre pounces on the wrist and arm again. Sabre bends it a bunch until Ishii hits a backdrop driver. They counter each other a few times until Sabre gets the prawn hold pin for two. It’s such a good pin that I almost always buy it as a finish. Kick to the arm by Sabre, but Ishii stops him with a headbutt. Sabre catches the sliding lariat into an armbar that he wrenches hard on. Ishii gets his foot neat the ropes, but SAbre grabs it and pulls it away into a submission too. Ishii is twisted in awful ways but won’t give up. As he gets his arm close, Sabre pulls it away too somehow! Ishii then rolls and gets his foot on the ropes in a great spot. Sabre can’t believe it. He kicks at Ishii’s arm a bunch but Ishii fires up and shoves them off. He then wallops Sabre with a shot, but continues to sell the arm. Sabre leaps into the Kimura position. Ishii fights off but Sabre hits a PK. Ishii no sells and hits a lariat. He hits the Brainbuster to win.

Winner: Tomohiro Ishii in 11:42 [****1/2]

Dragon Lee, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Titan and Volador Jr. vs. BUSHI, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi, SANADA and Tetsuya Naito

Naito and Volador start things off, but Naito calmly avoids the lockup twice. TRANQUILO. When they finally start, Volador goes way fast, they avoid each other and Naito does his signature taunt. Hiromu runs in while Naito taunts on the mat and jumps Volador with BUSHI. Volador fights them off, avoids an attack and takes them out with a great Asai moonsault. BUSHI and Titan have a fun exchange, before SANADA just takes him out. BUSHI uses his shirt to choke Titan, while everyone brawls outside. Naito pulls Juice by his hair up the ramp. Things calm down and SANADA gets the tag. He ties Titan up and Juice comes in, only to get tied up too. SANADA dropkicks them in the ass. Barnett: That’ll make your brown eye blue. Naito and BUSHI work tandem offense that ends with a Naito dropkick. Naito hits an enziguri but Titan lands on his feet on a German. He Matrix avoids a clothesline and hits a back kick. Hot tag to Juice and the jUICE IS LOOSE! He hits leg sweeps and spinebusters galore. SANADA and Naito are in opposite corners, so Juice gives them clotheslines and cannonball attacks. Hiromu stops his run and Naito nails his slingshot dropkick in the corner. Hiromu gets the tag to a pop. Juice blocks a kick and they have a fun exchange before a leg lariat from Juice. Lee gets the tag and the RIVALRY LIVES ON. Lee with a dropkick for two. They trade brutal sounding chops for what seems like an eternity. The crowd comes to their feet, they avoid each other adn Hiromu tries a rana. Lee cartwheels out but gets caught in a wheelbarrow German. Lee comes back witha rebound German and high knee. Hiromu overhead tosses him into the corner to stop the pace. EVIL and White both get tags. White wins a strike battle, ducks a clothesline and hits a back elbow. White tries a backdrop driver but EVIL blocks. EVIL hits a big forearm, so Jay gives it back .SANADA kicks him in the back and snaps him off the top rope. Tilt-a-whirl slam by EVIL, then the tag to BUSHI. BUSHI hits a missile dropkick and does a spinaroonie. DDT by BUSHI. White gets hit with kicks galore from the NEVER Six Man Champs. BUSHI gets two on a cradle neckbreaker. He goes up for MX, but White avoids it. Lee dropkicks BUSHI, but gets taken down by Naito. Naito has his tornado DDT blocked by Juice, who clotheslines him. SANADA and EVIL eat double clotheslines from Juice. Juice rocks Hiromu with a left hand and signals as Titan delivers a springboard moonsault to take out Hiromu. White blocks MX and Lee delviers a superkick. Backstabber into White’s uranage for two. He hits Sister Abigail (or whatever he calls it) to pick up his second win of the weekend.

Winners: Dragon Lee, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Titan and Volador Jr. in 12:28 [***3/4]

The Guerrillas of Destiny and Hangman Page w/ Chase Owens and HAKU vs. Michael Elgin and IWGP Tag Team Champions War Machine

OH MY FUCKING GOD IT’S HAKU! Elgin didn’t get dressed up like War Machine, which sucks. He starts with Page and levels him. Page works a headlock but Elgin doesn’t fall on a shoulder block. Elgin dares him to try again. Page fails and wants Elgin to hit the ropes. He does, Page tries a boot and gets caught. Elgin ends up hitting a slam from out of the corner. Tag to Tama and Loa comes in with him. Tag to Hanson and War Machine enter. Dropkicks by GOD before they fire off shots in the corner. War Machine turn it around and hit stereo tosses. Elgin enters and delivers a stalling vertical on Page. Pump kick by Elgin, dropkick by Rowe and GOD get run over by Hanson. Hanson uses his beard to add insult to injury, raking it on Tama. Tama comes back with a variation of Cross Rhodes. He shouldn’t really do that with Cody in the stable. The Bullet Club isolate Hanson in the corner. He takes a heat as Tama lays into him with headbutts. Hanson takes down Loa and Page and Elgin get the tags. Elgin knocks down Page and hits a slingshot splash. Corner clothesline from Elgin but Tama comes in. Elgin sends him outside and drops Loa onto the middle rope. He hip tosses Page onto Loa and nails the falcon arrow (HE DID THE DEAL) for two. Elgin ducks a shot from Page and hits a German. Page avoids a second one but gets caught by Rowe. Elgin then launches Page into Rowe, before Hanson comes in for a double team move. The pin is broken up. Things break down and War Machine want Fallout. It gets cut off and GOD hit their tag finisher (I don’t recall the name). Hanson remains crotched up top, but he fights off GOD. Things are happening off camera that the crowd pop for. Elgin pulls GOD away from Hanson and fires off forearms. GOD shout for him to bring it, so Elgin does. He eats a series of strikes and takes a neckbreaker. Hanson comes off the top with a somersault. GOD still turn it around and hit a Samoan drop/neckbreaker combo. They look for their finish on Rowe but he fights it off and slams Loa down. Tama gets tossed over and eats a vicious knee. Page turns Rowe inside out with a lariat and hits the Rite of Passage to win.

Winners: The Guerrillas of Destiny and Hangman Page in 11:16 [**]

The NJPW Chairman entered the ring to thank the fans for their support. He announced they will return to the United States in 2018!

Intermission.

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks (c) vs. Roppongi Vice

This is their third match in 2017. It’s probably their 100th together in the past few years. Romero and Matt start things off. Headlock by Rocky and a shoulder block. They work at a quick pace and counter one another a bunch. Matt slaps on a Sharpshooter, but Rocky quickly gets to the ropes. Matt slaps Rocky and talks shit. Rocky slaps him but in come Nick. Beretta enters and everybody tries sentons but miss. They all go for dropkicks at the same time and whiff. They pair off with some hockey fights. The Bucks get sent into each other, swing around and have superkicks blocked. Both teams miss stuff in the corner until RPG Vice hit clotheslines. Beretta sends Nick into Matt. Rocky hits a back elbow but a knee strike attempt is stopped by stereo superkicks. Matt hits a dropkick through the ropes and helps NIck nail a springboard moonsault on RPG Vice. Rocky’s legal and takes a knee and diving knee for two. Rocky gets his knees up on a swanton. Nick cuts Rocky’s tag off, while Matt tries a sunset flip bomb on Beretta. Beretta holds on but eats a superkick and then Matt takes him out with a running powerbomb on the ramp. Rocky gets hit with a tandem somersault move outside, but kicks out. Mounted punches by Nick. The Bucks isolate Rocky with some of their signature annoying offense. Rocky fights back with chops but then gets pulled into Meltzer Driver position. He counters and sends Matt into Nick. Rocky goes for the tag but Beretta is down at ringside. It’s the same story they told at WK11. Rocky escapes two back suplexes and runs into a double superkick. He fires up with a double clothesline to take them down. Beretta finally comes in with a flying elbow and some offense. Beretta has a tornado DDT cut off, but fights through and hits one anyway. He climbs to the top but Matt knocks him down. He lands in ugly fashion. Bucks hit tandem offense and the Sharpshooter is back on. Or Scorpion Death Lock as commentary calls it. Rocky breaks it up, but gets powerbombed onto Beretta. Rocky fights them off after a near fall and hits a double rana. The Bucks retaliate with double superkicks. They sweep Beretta and double superkick him. Matt goes to set up Beretta but drops him. NIck is confused but Matt picks him back up they hit a version of More Bang For Your Buck onto Beretta’s back, leading to a quality near fall. Nick argues with the official. Beretta pulls Matt into a small package for two, then eats a backbreaker. Scorpion Death Lock gets put back on. Nick goes to springboard in but Rocky stops him. Nick boots him down. Nick hits a swanton onto Beretta’s back before he can reach the ropes. He still won’t tap, as Rocky uses a springboard dropkick to break the hold. He fights Nick and has sliced bread countered into Meltzer Driver position. Rocky gets free but takes a superkick on the apron. Rocky escapes another Meltzer Driver on the apron and RPG Vice hit a Doomsday Knee Strike off the apron. Beretta and Nick fight on the apron, where Beretta piledrives him on the apron! He slides him in and delivers the Gobstopped (Busaiku Knee). A Gotch piledriver earns a near fall. Beretta struggles and Nick chops him. Rocky returns and they hit double knees. Rocky takes Matt out with a suicide dive. RPG Vice connect on Strong Zero but Nick somehow kicks out. Rocky and Matt trade strikes. Rocky hits a jumping knee and Matt gets a superkick. Enziguri by Rocky and a running reverse cutter. Hie suicide dive gets awkwardly caught. They hit a horrible looking Meltzer Driver on the outside but the degree of difficulty was high. Inside, Beretta chops the Bucks, who talk trash because they’re in complete control. Beretta spits at Nick and dares them to bring it. He eats consecutive superkicks, with the last shot being a double one to the back. They call out the move being for Meltzer and hit the driver on Rocky. Scorpion Death Locks are applied on both RPG Vice members that finally end it.

Winners and Still IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions: The Young Bucks in 22:42 [**1/2]

Unfortunately, my internet went out for a moment and when it returned, Ricochet was in the ring. He says he wanted to be here soon, but a certain underground fighting promotion were being pricks. He says he’s here now and he wants to be the next Jr. Tag Champs with Ryusuke Taguchi.

After a short break, Rocky gets on the microphone and talks about the accomplishments they’ve gotten. He includes the Jr. Tag Title reigns and the Super Jr. Tournament win. Rocky says that since they lost, he thinks it’s time to be done. He gives Beretta his blessing to be a heavyweight in NJPW on his own. They hug and leave together.

Bad Luck Fale, ROH World Champion Cody, Marty Scurll and Yujiro Takahashi vs. The Briscoes, IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay

Brandi comes out with Cody but he shows her love before sending her to the back. Scurll opens against Mark. Scurll gets free from a wirstlock and delivers a right hand. He gets the crowd into it, Mark avoids some shots and brings out some of his kung fu. Kung Fu against Marty’s bird thing he does. Marty offers a too sweet and gets hit with a brutal chop. Jay and Cody become the legal men. Cody and Marty tag in and out, teasing actually getting into the action. Fale and Yujiro seem put off by this. The crowd chants “We want Fale.” Instead of giving them Fale, Cody gets in and there’s a “Yujiro” chant. “Okada” chants start and once Okada gets in, Cody scurries outside and into the crowd. It’s been nearly five minutes since any contact. Cody and Jay finally lock up and Cody snaps off a powerslam. He stops to taunt, opening the door for Jay to snap off a rana. Tag to Ospreay, who kicks Cody a few times. He sweeps Cody down and delivers a corner dropkick. Ospreay takes a big fall from the top, Yujiro comes in and everyone brawls around the ring. Things calm down and we get SLEAZY MARTY! Cody kicks Ospreay and we get SLEAZY CODY, complete with the double birds. Yujiro did his too, but I didn’t note it because it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. They tag Fale and we almost get sleazy Fale but he just sits on Ospreay instead. Scurll cuts off Ospreay’s tag and kicks him in the leg. You’d think Ospreay would know that was coming at this point. Scurll calling for the Chicken Wing gets a massive response, so Ospreay’s ready and hits a big enziguri. Tag to Jay, who comes in with lariats on Yujiro. Superkick to interfering Cody. Jay lays in jabs on Yujiro and a dorpkick. Stiff neckbreaker connects for two. Yujro fights back but eats a discus forearm. Fale and Okada get tags. Fale accidentally hits Scurll. Okada takes him down and kips up. His bodyslam attempt fails and then he escapes Fale’s attempt. Okada hits a running forearm and gets the bodyslam to work. Up goes Okada for the diving elbow but Fale’s up. Okada leaps over him and runs into a Samoan drop. Splash by Fale gets two. Cody’s back in now that Okada is weak. They trade blows and Okada ducks the Disaster Kick. Cody avoids the Rainmaker but runs into a flapjack. Cody works with Ospreay, who hits STUNDOG MILLIONAIRE! Marty enters to break Will’s fingers. Marty celebrates but eats a Mark Briscoe lariat. Yujiro hits him with a fisherman’s buster. Jay and Fale get in offense before Okada takes out Fale with a dropkick. Okada gets distracted by Marty’s umbrella, allowing Cody to hit the Disaster Kick. Ospreay interrupts their enjoyment with a handspring moonsault before hitting a handspring dive out onto Scurll. 720 kick by Ospreay back inside but as he goes for the Oscutter, Cody jumps with him and hits the Disaster Kick. Cross Rhodes finishes it.

Winners: Bad Luck Fale, Cody, Marty Scurll and Yujiro Takahashi in 14:00ish (stopwatch issues) [**1/4]

IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Billy Gunn

ACE VS. ASS! They lock up, which really shows how much bigger Gunn is. Tanahashi gives a clean break on the ropes. Headlock by Billy and then he looks for a test of strength. He toys with Tanahashi and wins it easily. Tana goes to a headlock and traps Billy enough to take him to the mat with it. Gunn escapes after a while and nails a back suplex. Billy hits a single arm DDT, targeting Tana’s injured arm. Billy just dumps him outside. He wraps Tana’s arm around the ring post a few times. Billy kills some time by jawing with the fans. Back inside, Gunn gets two on a modified Jackhammer. He moves to a top wristlock. it’s basically hit a strike, go to the arm. Wash, rinse, repeat. Tana gets his feet up on a charging Gunn, but leaps into a shot to the ribs. A funny spot comes when Tana reaches for Billy and pulls his pants down, showing off Billy’s underwear. He leaves it like that as he fights, eating a bunch of strikes. Forearms by Tana and a hip toss. Tana’s butt gets exposed a bit before he takes a cobra clutch slam for two. Tana counters a tilt-a-whirl attempt with a rolling neckbreaker. High Fly Flow misses and Billy connects on the Fameasser for a near fall. There were some dueling “Go Ace/Go Ass” chants. Gunn crotch chops Tana, which costs him as he takes a slingblade. High Fly Flow hits this time, complete with crotch chop and Tana retains.

Winner and still IWGP Intercontinental Champion: Hiroshi Tanahashi in 14:26 [**]

Billy and Hiroshi shake hands.

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Kenny Omega w/ The Young Bucks vs. Tomohiro Ishii

They split their first two matches this year. Lock up and Ishii goes to a headlock. Omega gets out and doesn’t fall on a shoulder block. He brushes it off and goes for his own, but Ishii doesn’t fall. Forearm from Ishii, who sells the arm from earlier in the night. THANK YOU! Ishii with a shoulder block that works and he runs into a boot after avoiding a V-Trigger. He avoids another, Omega avoids the sliding lariat and we have a standoff. Omega slaps Ishii in the head twice and delivers a kick to the back. Ishii sits there, daring him for more. He takes another kick, straightens up, but doesn’t move. Omega hits another and Ishii stands up, so Omega rakes him in the eyes. Suplex from Ishii. The fight goes outside and into the crowd, where Ishii chops Kenny. He throws him into a row of chairs. The Bucks distract the official so there’s no count. They brawl by commentary and back over the rail to ringside. Omega blocks a whip to teh guardrail and tries a springboard but Ishii pulls him down. Ishii wants a German outside, but Omega blocks and holds onto the rail. Ishii just throws him into the rail and then hits the German. Omega tries landing on his feet but barely does and comes back with a snap suplex outside. Ishii beats the count and runs right through Omega. Ishii starts in with strikes and headbutts. Omega now wants Ishii to bring it. No shin guard for Ishii though, so his kicks are rough. He lays into Omega’s back. Omega removes his elbow bad and chops Ishii. They trade those for a while, with Ishii winning out. They move into trading forearms, with both men nearly falling on each. Ishii runs into a boot but snaps off a powerslam for two. They go through a small counter exchange until Omega connects on a DDT that Ishii takes a wild bump on. He bumped like his name was Rob Van Dam. Omega nails a Finlay roll and moonsault for two. Chops from Omega, who hen uses his speed for a sliding kick. He hits the high angle leg drop bulldog and Ishii falls outside. Omega follows with his Terminator tope con hilo. Red Shoes checks on Omega, opening the door for the Bucks to set up a table outside. Omega comes off the top with a sick missile dropkick to the back of the head. Ishii stumbles around the ring, dazed, and takes a back elbow. Omega continues the assault in the corner, taking time to disrespectfully slap him. Ishii begins to fire up, no selling the strikes. He starts leaning into OMega’s forearms, which begin to hurt Omega. Ishii coms back with his own, and again sells the arm work from earlier. Frankensteiner by Omega stops his momentum. Ishii ends up on the apron and OMega looks to knock him off through the table. Ishii stops him and tries a suplex through the table. Omega fights out and wants a German off the apron. Ishii holds the ropes for dear life. The Bucks try to help and get moved by Red Shoes. Omega keeps trying, looking for the dragon suplx. In an incredible moment, Ishii BITES THE ROPES TO BLOCK IT! Still, Omega wins out and delivers the move through the table! Both men beat the count, with Ishii doing so at nineteen. Omega calls for the gun taunt, but Ishii clings to his ankle. Omega fights him off and hits a brutal V-Trigger. A second connects and Ishii looks out of it. A third is grabbed by Ishii, who fires off forearms before walking into a knee. Another running knee hits but Ishii kicks out. Omega wants the One Winged Angel but Ishii counters into a DDT. Ishii uses a lariat to avoid another knee and both men are down. They get up in opposite corners. Ishii runs across with a lariat. Superplex by Ishii gets a near fall. They trade strikes again. Omega with a V-Trigger, Ishii with a headbutt. Omega hits a running Ishii with a V-Trigger and Ishii turns him inside out on a lariat. Omega gets two with Ishii’s own finisher. Ishii avoids another knee, Omega hits a German and Ishii nails a knee of his own. Sliding lariat connects for another near fall. Brainbuster is blocked but Ishii gets a forearm. V-Trigger hits. Omega wants the bulldog but Ishii counters into One Winged Angel for another two count. Backslide by Omega, who rolls through into yet another V-Trigger. They both struggle to stand but trade shots. Omega wins out and hits the cross legged neck breaker on his knee. Gun taunt and Omega hits V-Trigger. Ishii fights him off with forearms. Snap dragon suplex and V-Trigger only get a one count! Reverse rana by Omega but Ishii pops right up. Another V-Trigger. One Winged Angel connects while Ishii fights him off and that’s all.

Winner and first IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion: Kenny Omega in 31:21 [****1/2]

Marty Scurll comes out to join in on the celebration. Cody Rhodes follows in a suit and snatches the title from him. They seem like they’re gonna fight, but Cody embraces him and they hug. He puts the title on Omega and the rest of the Bullet Club guys join the celebration. Omega ends things with a babyface inspirational promo and put over NJPW.

Overall: 8/10. A slight improvement on night one. Night one had issues with the undercard. This undercard was actually a highlight. The opener was fun and Lethal/Omega was solid. Sabre/Ishii was arguably the match of the night and I'm ready for the G1 rematch. The LIDJ tag was a fucking blast as well. The two Bullet Club tags didn't click for me. The second one (with Cody and Okada) felt like it went on forever. The Jr. Tag Title match was too similar a story to their first match in 2017 (WK11), while overdoing a ton down the stretch and the IC Title match was dull, though it was the best they could do with Gunn. The main event was awesome, with my one major gripe being overdoing the V-Trigger stuff. All in all, it's a great show and it was four hours that didn't feel like it went long for the most part. A fitting end to a great tournament.