The Puroresu Thread

Mootinie · September 10, 2014

I re-watched Tanahashi vs. Okada from Invasion Attack last year. It's even better than I originally thought. Easily one of the best matches I've ever seen.

Mootinie · September 28, 2014

Dave Meltzer rated Tanahashi vs. Shibata from Destruction five stars.

Rone Rivendale · September 28, 2014

You want a new Monday Nite War? Give NJPW a weekly show broadcasting against Raw and see how quickly Vince and Co. fumble to catch up.

All the people who love watching Punk/Bryan/Ziggler/etc will enjoy seeing wrestling where the matches actually matter and are the main focus.

Give them 2 English speaking announcers and even the people who wouldn't normally watch Japanese wrestling would surely give it a fair chance. (Personally I don't mind listening to the original Japanese commentary. It's exciting to listen to even without knowing what they're saying.)

Tterrag · October 10, 2014

What're good resources for someone wanting to look up how to get into wrestling in Japan? I mean, somewhere like NOAH or NJPW probably doesn't want you unless you're at least a moderate star already, but it's something I've found myself thinking about before and not being sure where to start looking.

(Though "build up experience in the States first" is probably a good start, and IIRC NJPW has a dojo in LA.)

The Swanton825 · October 10, 2014

You want a new Monday Nite War? Give NJPW a weekly show broadcasting against Raw and see how quickly Vince and Co. fumble to catch up.

All the people who love watching Punk/Bryan/Ziggler/etc will enjoy seeing wrestling where the matches actually matter and are the main focus.

Give them 2 English speaking announcers and even the people who wouldn't normally watch Japanese wrestling would surely give it a fair chance. (Personally I don't mind listening to the original Japanese commentary. It's exciting to listen to even without knowing what they're saying.)

Yeah, I doubt that they'd do that good out of the gate. I do think that if New Japan was given a slot on a sports network like Fox Sports (or if they're really lucky, ESPN) they could hit it big. But sports entertainment is too deeply entrenched in American pop culture to ever be uprooted.

Lo-Drew · October 21, 2014

I think Jado and Gedo are good bookers, but they might need a break to recharge. They have a good idea in building up new draws but Fale is not a guy you can push fast. Styles has the experience and seems to be winning over the fans. Fale is big, but not their only big gaijin, and he's only decent. J&G need some new ideas.

See the thing with Fale is that J&G are behind him similar to like they were Okada. OK, not exactly like that but he did come up from the dojo and J&G do have big plans for him. They view him as someone who potentially could be a monster heel for them and granted he is being fastracked but being risky is what the J&G/Kidani regime is all about. I mean remember, Okada's first IWGP title win two years ago at New Beginning 2012 was the ultimate risk and lucky for them it panned out.

I think for them they're viewing it like this. I assume Okada will beat Tana at Tokyo Dome; officially officially beginning the new era in New Japan. When Okada finally becomes Ace, the others around him are just as important. Tana will be 40 next year. Ishii as well. Shibata technically isn't a full time NJPW as he hasn't signed a full time contract with NJPW(similar to Ibushi, who only works big NJPW shows and Korakuen rather than full tours). Although in Shibata's case, him working the full tour for this upcoming tour is an encouraging sign. Naito obviously will be an inevitable IWGP champion. Goto has always been the guy that's so close, yet so far away. Styles has been a top guy for NJPW but he's 38, a gajiin and nearly kills his body by wrestling everywhere. So even that's short term. So besides Goto, Shibata(maybe), Naito and probably still Naka(he's still 34 although he is a part of the soon to be past Tana era); they really have no one else that could join them from the current era. A big reason why they're so gaijin dependent(especially in the junior division; which hasn't produced native stars from the dojo in a while but Komastu and Tanaka could change that soon.)

I do agree Fale needs to improve though as he'll be a key component to the NJPW engine going forward. A wild card could be Takaaki Watanabe, who's in ROH for his excursion, when he comes back to Japan. Either way, New Japan after WK next year should be fascinating.

Tigerkinney · October 23, 2014

Completely random thought regarding NJPW-

I wouldn't mind seeing Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito team up together for this years World Tag League. Long term I see both guys as being important singles wrestlers, but for the short term them teaming up together could give them a more focused direction and could lead to some fresh match ups for the IWGP Tag belts.

Stylistically they are similar, both are flashy high flyers who graduated from the Junior Division.

Both are long haired 'bishonen' who attract lots of fangirls (Though I think that's probably more debatable when it comes to Naito- Infernalmiko would be the best person on here to offer her opinion when it comes to those matters )

And they even have a ready made tag team name, if you just put their nicknames together Golden Stardust

Lo-Drew · November 1, 2014

Completely random thought regarding NJPW-

I wouldn't mind seeing Kota Ibushi & Tetsuya Naito team up together for this years World Tag League. Long term I see both guys as being important singles wrestlers, but for the short term them teaming up together could give them a more focused direction and could lead to some fresh match ups for the IWGP Tag belts.

Stylistically they are similar, both are flashy high flyers who graduated from the Junior Division.

Both are long haired 'bishonen' who attract lots of fangirls (Though I think that's probably more debatable when it comes to Naito- Infernalmiko would be the best person on here to offer her opinion when it comes to those matters )

And they even have a ready made tag team name, if you just put their nicknames together Golden Stardust

This would be awesome. At the moment though, I'm hoping for a GBH Wrestle Kingdom IWGP Tag Title challenge. Might not happen but I really want that to happen.

Tigerkinney · November 4, 2014

NJPW Power Struggle Preview/Predictions

Just for fun, I'd thought I'd preview and give my predictions for the upcoming NJPW show Power Struggle, that is set to take place this Saturday (unfortunately they've still not sorted out an iPPV provider in place of Ustream, but there will be other ways to watch the show).

Those highlighted in BLUE are my pick for who I think will win the match.

0. Tiger Mask & Fuego vs. BUSHI & Mascara Dorada

So the two CMLL luchadors get to have one last match, in their latest excursion to Japan. Expect this to get about five minutes and have lots of flips and dives. I think BUSHI and Dorada will win this, because I get the impression that of the two imports Dorada is taken a bit more seriously by the NJPW office, whilst Tiger Mask is just a nostalgia act these days. (Anticipation Grade: E)

1. SUPER Jr. 3WAY Tag Match: 'Forever Hooligans' Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. 'Suzukigun' TAKA Michinoku & El Desperado vs.'The Young Bucks' Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson

Between this and the 'dark' match, you may want to skip the start of the show, if you don't particularly like lots of flips and dives. I would expect to see lots of shenanigans in this match, with all three teams coming from heel factions (though to be honest CHAOS aren't really heels anymore, at worst their tweeners). Though it's not unfeasible that the Hooligans or the Suzukigun pair could win this, my money would be on the Young Bucks setting themselves up for another shot at the Junior Tag Titles at Wrestle Kingdom. (Anticipation Grade: D)

2. Special Tag Match: Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka

What's specials about a match, we've already been forced to endure a zillion times already?! The MiSu vs Sakuraba singles match can't happen soon enough, to put this tedious feud to bed. Yano and Sakuraba will probably win by some crappy DQ, and the match will end with another pull apart brawl between Suzuki and Sakuraba. In their defence, these matches are usually mercifully short. (Anticipation Grade: F)

3. NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match: Chase Owens vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

This looks like this is being set up to spark one more strong singles run for Liger, before he hangs up the boots (wouldn't surprise me if Liger's retirement match is at Wrestle Kingdom 10), so I expect the legend to successfully challenge for the belt here. (Anticipation Grade: D)

4. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan vs. 'Bullet Club' Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi

Oh joy, it's another Bullet Club vs Babyfaces with nothing better to do, 8 Man Tag!

Bullet Club had a terrible (in Kayfabe terms) time at King of Pro Wrestling, so I expect them to bounce back a little here, besides the babyfaces have regular jobbers Captain NJ and Tomoaki Honma in their line up, whilst Bullet Club's resident fall guy Tama Tonga is absent from this match. (Anticipation Grade: E)

Also when was the last time 'Guns and Gallows' were actually made to defend their tag belts?, seems like an eternity now since they had a tag title defence.

5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match: 'Time Splitters' KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. 'reDragon' Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish

There are rumours that a new Bullet Club member is going to be unveiled, and I'm just hoping it's not going to be Alex Shelley turning on KUSHIDA, as I really like the Time Splitters as a team. I would like to see Shelley and KUSHIDA both get strong singles runs at some point, but on this occasion, I'm not high on the idea of going down the tired and cliched route of one partner making a 'shock' turn on the other.

Possible shock heel turn or not, I think reDragon will win the belts here, and will either defend them against the Young Bucks at Wrestle Kingdom or in a 3-way against the Bucks and the Time Splitters. (Anticipation Grade: C)

6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Taichi

Whilst Kota Ibushi vs Ricochet from earlier this year, would have been of the most eagerly anticipated Junior Title matches in recent memory, this will surely rank as one of the least anticipated, as the Charisma by pass of a champion Taguchi takes on the fairly entertaining (but very much in a lower midcard heel kind of way) Taichi from Suzukigun. I'd expect this to be a relativelty routine (outside of endless interference from Taichi's buddies) defence for Taguchi, who will then be challenged by the in-coming Kenny Omega. (Anticipation Grade: E)

7. Special Singles Match: Yoshitatsu vs. AJ Styles

This one for me is the biggest coinflip of the night, as I'm unsure of just how strongly the former WWE man Yoshitatsu is going to get pushed. Given that Styles has just been dethroned as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, my feeling is that they are going to want to keep him fairly strong and have him bounce back from his defeat, but it wouldn't surprise me too much if Yoshitatsu gets some kind of mega push right out of the gate. (Anticipation Grade: C)

8. NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Hirooki Goto

Just as his CHAOS stable mate Nakamura, has made the IWGP Intertcontinental belt 'his', the NEVER belt is becoming the Tomohiro Ishii belt. This should be a good hard hitting match, but I'll be shocked if Ishii fails to come through his first title defence of his second reign with the belt. (Anticipation Grade: B)

9. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI

YOSHI-HASHI's stock has risen a little this year, but in this company he's there to take the fall- and on this occassion he will be putting over Kota Ibushi (who I expect will go on to challenge Nakamura for the Intercontinental title), whilst Tanahashi and Okada will cancel each other out. (Anticipation Grade: C)

10. IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Katsuyori Shibata

With no IWGP Heavyweight title match until Wrestle Kingdom 9, the show needed a strong main event and Nakamura putting his Intercontinental belt on the line against Shibata is indeed a strong main event, a very strong main event. This should be a great match, but I'd be shocked if Shibata dethrones Nakamura for the belt. (Anticipation Grade: A)

_______________________________________________________

Tigerkinney's Anticipation Grade Scale:

A- A match that should on paper be fantastic, and something that I would go out of my way to watch. This level of match should ideally be the main event of the show.

B- A match I'm really looking forward to and expect will be really good. A few of these level of matches on the under card, should lead to a very promising looking show.

C- A match I think should be pretty good, but wouldn't sell the show by itself. These level of matches should be expected to make up the bulk of the under card.

D- A match of this level is something that neither particularly interests me nor completely disinterests me. It's the kind of match I expect should at the very least be OK but is unlikely to steal the show. One or two of these type of the matches on the lower card is perfectly acceptable.

E- A match that disinterests me- more than likely it features performers I'm just not interested in or is match-up I've likely seen too many times already.

F- A match that looks dreadful on paper, likely to feature terrible performers and/or a feud that has seriously outstayed it's welcome

Mootinie · November 5, 2014

Great post Tiger. This is one of those shows I'll watch once it's on Dailymotion and so I'll probably skip the first four matches and then maybe Taguchi's match. I'm interested in everything else though. I hope you post a review of some sort.

With regards Shelley, I hope they don't turn him heel. I have no time for another evil gaijin. But at the same time, if they lose the belts, a Shelley heel turn will keep the Time Splitters away from the Hooligans and The Bucks, so... I don't know. Let's hope J&G swing a curveball and do something none of us expect.

Tigerkinney · November 6, 2014

Great post Tiger. This is one of those shows I'll watch once it's on Dailymotion and so I'll probably skip the first four matches and then maybe Taguchi's match. I'm interested in everything else though. I hope you post a review of some sort.

With regards Shelley, I hope they don't turn him heel. I have no time for another evil gaijin. But at the same time, if they lose the belts, a Shelley heel turn will keep the Time Splitters away from the Hooligans and The Bucks, so... I don't know. Let's hope J&G swing a curveball and do something none of us expect.

Ideally I would like to see the Time Splitters, each aim for singles glory for a bit, without ever officially splitting up. Apollo 55 (Devitt & Taguchi) were able to split their time between the singles and tag ranks for years, before the Devitt heel turn.

Talking of Taguchi, he's someone I think should be tagging with someone, rather than being the Junior champ right now. He's a solid enough wrestler, but he's just super dull.

Either that or turn him heel, as I think most wrestlers tend to find their inner charisma when they make a heel turn- Taguchi's former tag partner Prince Devitt was a fine example of this- Devitt only found a 'character' when he turned heel, before that he was a generic white meat babyface.

Tigerkinney · November 9, 2014

Tigerkinney's- NJPW Power Struggle 2014 Review

So here's my review for Power Struggle..... Results of the matches, are in spoiler tags, along with any post match happenings.

I'm still of the opinion that the traditional star system, with people giving out 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 stars for matches is too finite for my liking, but I have come up with my own grading scale, to show my enjoyment of each match on the show.

A- MOTYC...An awesome match that likely stole the show.

B- A really good match, not a MOTYC but certainly worth seeking out, if you don't want to watch the whole show.

C- A decent match. Not something to go out of your way to see but fine and reasonably entertaining for what it was.

D- An OK match, but one that didn't really engage me at all as a viewer.

E- A poor match that felt like a waste of time being the show.

F- The drizzling shits.

0. Tiger Mask & Fuego vs. BUSHI & Mascara Dorada

Exactly as I expected, they did some flippy lucha stuff and all did dives to the floor. It was perfectly fine for what it was, a technically sound but forgettable pre-show match. I must say I do really like the middle turnbuckle ropewalk thing that Mascara Dorada does, and wouldn't mind seeing more of him in NJPW beyond short tag team matches.(Grade D)

~Spoiler~ Result: Mascara Dorada pinned Fuego in 6:42 with a Jumping Cradle. ~Spoiler~

1. SUPER Jr. 3WAY Tag Match: 'Forever Hooligans' Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. 'Suzukigun' TAKA Michinoku & El Desperado vs.'The Young Bucks' Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson

This was a really fun opener, with some inventive (albeit some did feel very choreographed) spots, and the match was a nice mix of high energy Junior Division wrestling and quirky comedic stuff. The match however did finish rather abruptly, given a few more minutes this could have been a great opener, rather than merely a good one ©

~Spoiler~ Result: Matt Jackson (Young Bucks) pinned TAKA Michinoku (Suzukigun) in 7:33 after the More Bang For Your Buck (450 Splash, followed by a moonsault) ~Spoiler~

2. Special Tag Match: Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka

Kaze Ni Nare !! - Awesome, This feud- Not Awesome.

It saddens me (well not just me, just about every other Puroresu fan too), that Minoru Suzuki- a man still capable of having MOTY caliber matches when put in a more prominent spot - is being wasted in this dross. This was no worse, or no better than all the other endless matches these four have had with each other, which isn't saying a lot. At least it was as I said in my preview, mercifully short. ( E)

~Spoiler~ Result: Who the hell cares but Sakuraba got a flash pin on Suzuki in 4:25

Post match Suzuki gets on the mic and challenges Sakuraba to a one on one match with UWF rules at Wrestle Kingdom 9- Hopefully that truly is the blow off to this feud and Suzuki can move on to better things. ~Spoiler~

3. NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match: Chase Owens vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

Bruce Tharpe is always good entertainment as the jerk gaijin manager. This wasn't the most dynamic of matches, but they managed to get me (and the very pro Liger crowd) invested into the story of the veteran legend up against the arrogant up-start. Acceptable midcard fare that was fine for the spot it was in. ©

~Spoiler~ Result: Jushin Thunder Liger won the NWA World Junior Heavyweight title in 9:27 after drilling Chase Owens with a Brainbuster. ~Spoiler~

4. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan vs. 'Bullet Club' Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi

This could have been any other Bullet Club multi man tag, from any 'Road to' house show- and if this was on one of those 'Road to' Cards I'd be perfectly fine with this, but on a major show like this, these sort of matches just feel like dull filler. This wasn't a bad match by any stretch, but it was just sort of 'there'. (D)

~Spoiler~ Result: Bad Luck Fale (Bullet Club) pinned Captain Jobber in 9:47 after the Bad Luck Fall. ~Spoiler~

5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match: 'Time Splitters' KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. 'reDragon' Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish

A damn fine match between two excellent Junior Heavyweight tag teams, but that was to be expected. The slow build stuff early on dragged a little, and probably prevented this from reaching MOTYC levels, but once the match got going it became fantastic. Things picked up after an amusing spot where Shelley kept managing to roll away from a double team diving headbutt from ReDragon and then they really kicked it up a notch during the frenetic closing stretch. (B)

~Spoiler~ Result: ReDragon became the new IWGP Junior Tag Team Champions in 17:29, after Kyle O'Reilly pinned KUSHIDA following the Chasing the Dragon (Kick assisted Brainbuster) Post match the Young Bucks and Forever Hooligans come down to the confront the new champs but the Time Splitters want a rematch, it leads to the top four teams in the NJPW Junior Tag ranks having a staredown/shoving match with another- So it looks like things are being set up for a 4-way over the IWGP Tag belts at Wrestle Kingdom. ~Spoiler~

6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Taichi

With all the (to be expected) interference from Taichi's Suzukigun cronies this match felt really disjointed. They actually did some pretty cool stuff here and there (such as a spot where Taguchi gets cradle piledrived through a table, though Taguchi pretty much no selling the effects of Taichi's piledriver once he's back in the ring, spoils the spot) but the match just had no flow to it and I didn't believe for one second that the belt would change hands here, despite the never ending shenanigans.

As expected this was one of the weakest IWGP Junior title matches in recent memory, and hopefully we are done now with this feud between Taguchi (or as tne guys on the Voices of Wrestling podcast call him ' Japanese Matt Hardy' ) and the three super junior stooges of Suzukigun over the belt. (D)

~Spoiler~ Result: Ryusuke Taguchi retained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title in 15:18 by pinfall following a Dodon-The-End ( Argentine Backbreaker Rack transitioned into a Wheelbarrow Facebuster)

Post match the Bullet Club come out and reveal their new member- 'The Cleaner' Kenny Omega. The former DDT man had been telling everyone that he was going to be fighting for NJPW but he lied and he's only in NJPW for the money and that he's coming for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. This was a really well done angle, with Kenny Omega having really great presence in the role of a dick heel (personally I'm already enjoying this version of Omega more than the goofy babyface one that competed in the BOSJ) and he could be the fresh injection that the Bullet Club needs to make them a bit more interesting again. ~Spoiler~

7. Special Singles Match: Yoshitatsu vs. AJ Styles

Yoshitatsu had an OK though not great re-debut here, in what ended up being a passable match with AJ Styles, with the crowds support of Yoshitatsu as the incoming babyface helping to make the match a little more engaging than the in-ring action that was being presented.

The expected interference from Styles second Jarrett, was to it's defence at least not too over the top and quite subtle. Styles did his best to get the match to a reasonable level but the chemistry was lacking and Yoshitatsu was a bit sloppy here (taking a Styles Clash incorrectly). So it looks like Yoshitatsu will need to get some of the WWE jobber rust off him, if he wants to make a strong impression again in NJPW. ©

~Spoiler~ Result: AJ Styles pinned Yoshitatsu in 12:58 following the Styles Clash (Belly to Back Inverted Mat Slam)

Post match Jarrett smashes one of his endless supply of Balsa wood guitars over Yoshitatsu's head to add further insult to injury for the self proclaimed 'Bullet Club Hunter', and then a trio of babyfaces (Tanahashi, Honma and Naito- a bit late mind, all things considered) come out to clear the ring of the Bullet Club members. Naito gets in Styles face, sewing the seeds for a likely singles showdown at Wrestle Kingdom 9. ~Spoiler~

8. NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Hirooki Goto

If you like seeing two manly men, beat the proverbial out of one another , then this is the match for you. I must say I do rather like these 'Fighting Spirit' matches myself and this got insanely good down the closing stretch. Another thing worth noting is the electric Osaka crowd (on the edge of their seats for every nearfall) who helped raise the match from very good to awesome. (A)

~Spoiler~ Result: Tomohiro Ishii retained the NEVER Openweight title in 17:15 by pinfall after drilling Hirooki Goto with the Brainbuster.

Post match Togi Makabe got into the ring, and then got into it with Tomohiro Ishii' setting up a challenge for Ishii's NEVER Openweight Belt, so it looks like we are getting another strong singles match added to the Tokyo Dome card. From what looks like is being set up so far for Wrestle Kingdom 9, that show is going to be stacked (only worry is with such a stacked card, will the matches get all the necessary time they need to reach their full potential?)~Spoiler~

9. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI

This was never going to outshine the last match, but this match was in exactly the right spot, so that the crowd weren't going to be too burned out before the main event. Not that this was some half speed cool down match, they just didn't take it to levels where the crowd wasn't going to completely lose their shit (as in the previous match). Plenty of convincing nearfalls (even for Yoshi-Hashi) and some cool stuff (especially from Ibushi) down the stretch helped to make this an entertaining semi main event. (B)

~Spoiler~ Result: Kota Ibushi pinned Yoshi-Hashi in 15:56 following a Phoenix Splash. ~Spoiler~

As to be expected post match, we got the staredown between Tanahashi and Okada, with Okada holding up his Tokyo Dome title shot Briefcase- just to remind everyone that match will be headlining Wrestle Kingdom 9.

10. IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Katsuyori Shibata

The main event showdown between Nakamura and Shibata, sizzled but didn't quite explode. The slow build stuff here, was really good but the finish itself felt a bit rushed. Overall the match met expectations but didn't surpass them, and in the end it was definitely outshined by the Ishii vs Goto match for the NEVER belt and arguably even the Junior Tag title match between the Time Splitters and ReDragon. Not a disappointment by any stretch but not the MOTYC some may have been hoping for. (B)

~Spoiler~ Result: Shinsuke Nakamura retained the IWGP Intercontinental title in 17:05 by pinfall following the Boma Ye (Knee Strike to the Face).

Post match Nakamura is doing his celebratory speech, when Kota Ibushi rushes down to the ring and then gives the I.C champ a German Suplex. Ibushi then gets on the mic and declares that he wants a shot at Nakamura's belt, Swagsuke duly accepts and we have yet another potentially awesome match added to an already insanely stacked card for Wrestle Kingdom 9. ~Spoiler~

Overall Verdict : This was another really good PPV from NJPW, that delivered some good to great in ring action, and also did a stellar job of setting up several matches for what looks like could be a phenomenal card for Wrestle Kingdom 9.

The Swanton825 · November 13, 2014

So, JR is going to be calling Wrestle Kingdom 9. Also, Wrestle Kingdom 9 is going to air in America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tttKo1F-Bw

Infernalmiko · November 14, 2014

So, JR is going to be calling Wrestle Kingdom 9. Also, Wrestle Kingdom 9 is going to air in America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tttKo1F-Bw

I'm curious to see how it goes. If JR is still a great announcer then it'll be awesome. At last having English commentary should be a boost to their ratings in NA.

Kitarzu · November 14, 2014

I'm curious to see how it goes. If JR is still a great announcer then it'll be awesome. At last having English commentary should be a boost to their ratings in NA.

A Jim Ross - Jeff Jarrett would be a great duo.

I'll hope someone would say Lariato!, especially with Satoshi Kojima, if he'll be in the card.

Kitarzu · November 14, 2014

Speaking of gaijin, what do you think of Joe Doering?

For me he's one of the last of a dying breed of old school american heayweights.

Tigerkinney · November 17, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Kitarzu" data-cite="Kitarzu" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="30254" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>A Jim Ross - Jeff Jarrett would be a great duo. I'll hope someone would say Lariato!, especially with Satoshi Kojima, if he'll be in the card.</div></blockquote> What's the over/under on Jim Ross calling Tomohiro Ishii vs Togi Makabe a 'Slobberknocker' <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="30254" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Speaking of gaijin, what do you think of Joe Doering? For me he's one of the last of a dying breed of old school american heavyweights. </div></blockquote> Can't say I'm a massive fan, though I don't really follow AJPW all that closely (more of a not enough time in the world thing than anything else), but from what I've seen he seems serviceable/carriable as what you said he is an 'old school' American style heavyweight- which as you said is something of a dying breed these days.

Tigerkinney · November 17, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">Tigerkinney's NJPW World Tag League Preview

</div>

So New Japan's World Tag League kicks off on Saturday 22nd November. It's not a tournament that excites the fans as much as the G-1 Climax, but I'll be following it as close as I can.

The main problem with the Tag League is the time of year that it's held, in my opinion it needs to be moved forward to October/November, rather than November/December (swapping places with Power Struggle) because with so many big names already being booked/penciled in for matches for Wrestle Kingdom on Jan 4 at the Tokyo Dome,it's fairly obvious a large chunk of the teams entering this tournament are highly unlikely to win.

Samurai TV in Japan will be broadcasting the opening show from the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on 22nd November, the 3rd show from the Kyoto KBS Hall (the really unique looking venue with the big stain glass window) on 24th November and the final round of block matches from the Osaka Central Gymnasium on 5th December.

These shows should find a way on to the internet (Dailymotion is a good place to go- as long as you have an ad-blocker- because without an ad-blocker the non stop interruption of ad breaks is infuriating to the point of wanting to do murderous things to your computer:mad:).

The Finals are on 7th December from the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, more than likely this will be an iPPV (via Niconico)- if it's not an iPPV or you simply can't be bothered with all of the hassle of trying to order an iPPV from a Japanese provider, then once again it should easily find it's way on to the internet. Whether footage makes it onto the internet from the other events, remains to be seen- but I plan to watch (and share my opinions) on the three shows broadcast on Samurai TV plus the finals.

A Breakdown of the Blocks and the teams in it:

Block A

A.J Styles & Yujiro Takahashi

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/395.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/032.jpg

This could be a pretty decent team to watch. Yujiro's far from anyone's favourite, though personally I think he's settling into his role of a midcard 'dick' heel pretty well. The reason why this team could be a good from an in-ring perspective, is that Yujiro was in a tag team called No Limit for a good number of years- with a partner who works a similar(ish) in ring style to A.J Styles in Tetsuya Naito.

I think they have a good chance of picking up more wins, than they do losses but I very much doubt they will win their Block, yet alone win the tournament because A.J is pretty much pencilled in to face Yujiro's former tag partner Naito at the Tokyo Dome.

Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/416.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/855.jpg

The reigning IWGP Tag Team champions (who haven't defended their titles in what feels like an eternity.) For me 'Guns & Gallows' have always come off as a poor man's Bad Intentions since starting their run in NJPW. The main problem is with Gallows, who I'm not convinced has what it really takes to raise his game.

However despite my own personal malaise with this team, they will be booked strongly and have a strong chance of winning the Block, and they also have a chance of winning the tournament (if Jado & Gedo want to re-establish the team's dominance of the tag division).

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/016.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/906.jpg

Apparently Captain New Japan was heartbroken, when he saw that Tanahashi chose the returning Yoshitatsu, as his tag partner over him. As much as the Captain may be heartbroken, NJPW audiences are spared having to watch the hapless masked man job match after match, whilst Tanahashi takes it easy on the ring apron/the floor.

Yoshitatsu, looked a big rusty in his return match with AJ Styles (highlighted by the fact that he failed to tuck his head in on the Styles Clash- which could have been been more horrific than it actually was) at Power Struggle. But this tag tournament tour, should provide a good chance for Yoshitatsu to work the WWE rust off and reacclimitise to the NJPW style.

They are booked in what looks like could be a potential Block Deciding match against 'Guns & Gallows' on the final show, so they should at least be in with a chance of winning the Block going into the final day. However if they do happen to win their Block, it's still unlikely they will win in the finals.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/018.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/065.jpg

After losing the NWA Tag titles at King of Pro Wrestling, Tenzan and Kojima got into a shoving match and left separately- many saw this as being the end of their team, but we come to this tournament and their still together. I personally never saw the shoving match as an official break up, and pretty much knew that was just sowing seeds of tension.

What I think will happen is that the longtime best friends/rivals will end up splitting after this tournament is done, leading into a feud against one another. More than likely they'll be in with a chance of making the finals but will screw up the opportunity, leading to them blaming each other for their failure.

Rob Conway & Jax Dane

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/841.jpg<img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRE5OhoyimZ8wY-5powdVwt0JVoo-nXwRyJN4H2jWRoJQiloygqDg" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRE5OhoyimZ8wY-5powdVwt0JVoo-nXwRyJN4H2jWRoJQiloygqDg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The NWA 'hoss' team make a Tag League appearance for the second year in the row, last year they manage to accumulate a credible 6 pts out of 12, but this year I think they are simply here to make up the numbers and look likely to battle out the 'wooden spoon' spot with the other all gaijin team in the Block (The ROH pair of Bennett & Taven).

Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/778.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/780.jpg

Yoshi-Hashi is still pretty much there to be Okada's 'fall guy' but I expect this team to be a little more competitive (and perhaps even be in with a chance of winning the block) than in recent years, due to Yoshi-Hashi gradually moving up from jobber status to more of a midcard role (Getting a NEVER title shot, being part of the semi main event at Power Struggle- highlight Yoshi-Hashi's growing stature).

I doubt they will win their Block, but they may well end up with a winning record this year and with Yoshi-Hashi's improvement and the always excellent Okada, they should be a fun team to watch.

Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/902.jpghttp://s17.postimg.org/kwxahz3mn/matt_taven.jpg

Some people may be disappointed that ROH didn't send over a stronger team (some were hoping for the Briscoes) than this, but more than likely ROH didn't want to see their bigger names jobbed out for their most of the tournament- because that is what the ROH pair will be doing here. I see their best case scenario as picking up a couple of upset wins and scoring 4 pts, whilst it's not unfeasible they could lay a goose egg.

At least Maria Kanellis, will be looking hot at ringside, to distract from the probable mediocrity of their matches.

Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/164.jpg<img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZL68INJMHiWJ7f0Kqjt1P9FNZEcUkzjHej7s6mihL25w7iJhy" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZL68INJMHiWJ7f0Kqjt1P9FNZEcUkzjHej7s6mihL25w7iJhy" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

I was hoping for a Naito/Ibushi team for this tournament, but I guess Ibushi's dual contract and continued commitment to DDT as well as NJPW prevents him from working this tour. However I do also like La Sombra (have always been impressed with him whenever he makes an appearance in NJPW) and this should be one of the most exciting teams to watch from an in-ring perspective.

As for how well they will do, this pairing has 'dark horse' written all over it- it's hard to say how well they will do. I could easily see them being 'surprise' block winners but on the other hand I could easily see them being a middle of the pack team that posts up 3 wins and 4 losses.

Block B

Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/848.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/565.jpg

Fale's megapush appears to have had the brakes put on it, since losing the Intercontinental title back to Shinsuke Nakamura in September at the Destruction in Kobe show. Going back to being part of throwaway 8 Man Tags on the PPV, and now he's teaming up with the Bullet Club's designated jobber Tama Tonga, instead of being paired up with a strong partner like A.J Styles.

Though I don't think he's as bad as some people make out (with the right opponent Fale is a carriable big man), I can't say I'm disappointed about Fale dropping back into midcard obscurity, because there are plenty more New Japan talents I'd rather see pushed over him.

In ring wise, I don't think this team will be as bad as some people may expect it to be, as I said Fale is not as bad a some people make him out to be, and Tonga is actually pretty decent. I'm not saying Tonga is some fantastic talent who is being seriously held back, but the fact he jobs a lot hurts his perception as a capable wrestler.

As for how well this team will do- I very much doubt given Tonga's current standing that they will be in the mix for making it to the finals, but they should pick up a few wins, all in all they have 3-4 (6 Pts) written all over them.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/819.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/705.jpg

The current NWA Tag champions (and former IWGP Tag champions) are now one of the most experienced and established teams in NJPW. Unlike most of the teams in this tournament that are part time affairs, K.E.S are a full time pairing and that experience as a team will always make Suzukigun's gaijin big man pairing, more dangerous than the sum of their parts.

K.E.S have yet to win this tournament and they will be hungry to win it, to re-assert themselves as the most dominant tag team in New Japan. This is a pairing I expect will be right in the mix to win the Block and the tournament, however I think they will just be pipped to winning the Block on the final day, by a team that are everyone's overriding favourites to not only win Block B but the whole thing.....

Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/008.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/064.jpg

The hard hitting pair of 'Meiyu Tag' Goto and Shibata are everyone's runaway favourites to win the tag league, as they are the biggest names on the NJPW roster not to have anything booked or be pencilled in for something at Wrestle Kingdom 9, other than challenging 'Guns & Gallows' for the tag titles. To be honest I can only see one of three scenarios....

1. Goto and Shibata win the Tag League and challenge the Bullet Club pair for the title's at Wrestle Kingdom. (The most likely and logical scenario)

2. Goto and Shibata win their Block but lose to Anderson and Gallows in the final. However they still challenge for the belts at Wrestle Kingdom 9- due to BC shenanigans (The scenario I'd least like to see happen, but not unfortunately not something you can rule out)

3. Goto and Shibata win their Block but lose to the Block A winner that isn't 'Guns and Gallows'. However the Block winner features someone that has another marquee match lined up for Wrestle Kingdom (Tanahashi/Okada/Styles/Naito. As tournament runners up Goto and Shibata still challenge for the tag belts at Wrestle Kingdom 9 and the winner of the tag title match, goes on to defend it against the surprise winners of the tournament (The most unlikely scenario, but one the NJPW bookers might go with- if they feel Shibata/Goto winning is too predictable)

Toru Yano and Kazushi Sakuraba

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/030.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/818.jpg

It appears we have entered some bizarro world, where Sakuraba is now working whole tours, instead of just PPV events. This oddball pairing, will of course be one of the worst teams in terms of delivering quality in-ring action, and because they are in the same block as rivals Suzuki/Iizuka the audience are forced to suffer another one of their matches from their tediously never ending feud. Thankfully that match up is on one of the minor shows of the tour, that isn't being televised.

I can't see any chance of this team winning or even being in the mix to win the Block but they'll play the part of 'spoiler' and likely pick up a couple of upset wins.

Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/020.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/021.jpg

Right now the veteran Yuji Nagata is probably the most under-utilized member on the NJPW roster. Nagata who can still perform to a good level, is reduced to performing in throwaway undercard matches (if he can manage to make his way onto the card) on PPV's for NJPW and enjoys much stronger pushes as an 'outsider' in rival promotions such as NOAH.

This year Nagata finds himself paired up with his generational friend, the slow and broken down big man Manabu Nakanishi. As both are former IWGP Heavyweight champions, they'll pick up a couple of wins out of respect for their past accomplishments but I don't see them being in with any kind of chance of winning the Block.

Minoru Suzuki and Takashi Iizuka

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/119.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/002.jpg

As much as Nagata might be lucky to even make it onto an NJPW PPV card these days, at least he's not being wasted in a dross tag team like Minoru Suzuki. MiSu is still fantastic, but his current tag partner of choice fellow veteran Takashi Iizuka sucks. Iizuka's gimmick was fine (even kind of fun) for a while, and it's clearly extended the shelf life of someone that was just a bland/average midcarder before he became a crazed heel, but this whole schtik (the tearing through the crowd/threatening the wimpy looking announcer/the stupid iron finger) has just become really tired and played out.

Much like their rivals Yano/Sakuraba I expect this team will pick up a few wins (likely going 3-4) but won't have any hope of winning the Block.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Tomohiro Ishii

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/022.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/099.jpg

It's not the first time Nakamura and Ishii have teamed up together, but where as in previous years Ishii was a 'fall guy' for Nakamura, he's now a star name in his own right. Featuring both the current Intercontinental (Nakamura) and NEVER (Ishii) champions, this pairing can now be considered a Superteam!

Because of that, I'll expect them to be booked strongly in this tournament and they should be in the hunt for winning the Block (especially as they are booked to face Block favourites Goto/Shibata on the final day- in a potential Block deciding match). However due to the fact that both Nakamura and Ishii are already booked to defend their respective singles titles at Wrestle Kingdom, I'd be shocked if they end up winning the tournament.

Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma

http://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/029.jpghttp://www.njpw.co.jp/mobile/images/vga/fighter_art/196.jpg

After failing to win the IWGP Tag titles, as part of the 'Super Team' Ace To King (with Hiroshi Tanahashi) earlier in the year Makabe has gone back to pairing up with long time ally Tomoaki Honma, as the sole remaining flag bearers of the GBH name.

Because Makabe is already booked to challenge for the NEVER belt at Wrestle Kingdom 9, I would be surprised if this team ends up winning the Block, but I think they do have a chance of posting up a winning record and I can see them posting up a respectable 4-3 (8 Pts).

Samurai TV Cards

Night 1: Tokyo- Korakuen Hall (November 22nd)

1. Ryusuke Taguchi, Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. 'Bullet Club' Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

2. KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs Matt Taven & Michael Bennett

3. World Tag League Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs Rob Conway & Jax Dane

4. World Tag League Block B: Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka vs 'Killer Elite Squad' Davey Boy Smith Jr & Lance Archer

5. World Tag League Block B: Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs 'Meiyu Tag' Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata

6. World Tag League Block A: A.J Styles & Yujiro Takahashi vs Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra

7. Special Six Man Tag: Kota Ibushi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano

8. World Tag League Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu vs Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi

- The first half of the Korakuen card looks nothing to get too excited about, but the second half of the show has the potential to be pretty good- Goto/Shibata vs Nagata/Nakanishi could be surprisingly decent (Nakanishi is broken down but is still good fun in small doses), Styles/Yujiro vs Naito/La Sombra has the potential to be a really good match, the special six man tag is a relatively fresh combination with some great performers and I expect that because it's in the main event slot at Korakuen Tanahashi and Okada will have their working boots on for the main event.

Night 3: Kyoto KBS Hall (24th November)

1. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu vs Rob Conway & Jax Dane

2. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan vs Hirooki Goto, Katsuyori Shibata & BUSHI

3. World Tag League Block B: Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka vs Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

4. Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Taichi & El Desperado

5. World Tag League Block A: A.J Styles & Yujiro Takahashi vs Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

6. World Tag League Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs 'Guns & Gallows' Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows

7. World Tag League Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu vs Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra

8. World Tag League Block B: 'GBH' Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

- A much weaker looking card than the Korakuen show but that is to be expected, with only really the semi-main and the main event significantly piquing my interest in anticipation of a really good match, whilst just before those matches 'TenKoji' vs 'Guns & Gallows' should at the very least be relatively decent, in the vein of TenKoji's matches against fellow gaijin bullies K.E.S.

Lower down the card MiSu/Crapizuka vs Fale/Tonga has 'Wrestlecrap' car crash written all over it- whilst I also wonder if will get some kind of simultaneously hot/lame ringside catfight during the Styles/Yujiro vs Bennett/Taven match. We all know that Maria Kanellis will be supporting her man Bennett at ringside, but will Yujiro be cheered on by his main squeeze Mao?

Night 10 (Final Block Stage Matches): Osaka Central Gymnasium (5th December)

Order of card subject to change......

1. Captain New Japan & BUSHI vs Taichi & El Desperado

2. World Tag League Block B: Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs 'K.E.S' Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer

3. World Tag League Block B: 'Meiyu Tag' Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

4. World Tag League Block B: Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

5. World Tag League Block B: 'GBH' Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka

6. World Tag League Block A: Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs A.J Styles & Yujiro Takahashi

7. World Tag League Block A: Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra vs Rob Conway & Jax Dane

8. World Tag League Block A: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs Mike Bennett & Michael Taven

9. World Tag League Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu vs 'Guns & Gallows' Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows

- From an overall standpoint this card doesn't get my juices flowing as much as the opening card at Korakuen Hall. However it does feature what looks to be on the paper the standout match up of the tournament, the showdown between Goto/Shibata and Nakamura/Ishii- which I expect will go a long way to deciding the winners of Block B. Over in Block A Okada/Yoshi-Hashi vs Styles/Yujiro and Tanahashi/Yoshitatsu vs Anderson/Gallows also have the potential to be solid matches that will likely have an effect on the final standings.

Kitarzu · November 18, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Tigerkinney" data-cite="Tigerkinney" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="30254" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What's the over/under on Jim Ross calling Tomohiro Ishii vs Togi Makabe a 'Slobberknocker' <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Can't say I'm a massive fan, though I don't really follow AJPW all that closely (more of a not enough time in the world thing than anything else), but from what I've seen he seems serviceable/carriable as what you said he is an 'old school' American style heavyweight- which as you said is something of a dying breed these days.</div></blockquote> No bets allowed! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Just two thing to avoid, too much relaying on a face/heel commentary and call the right moves. In the latest years he was forgetting a lot of trademarks and finishers.

Kitarzu · November 18, 2014

Block A winners: Bullet Club (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) or Tencozy.

Block B winners: Goto and Shibata or K.E.S.

Probable winners: Goto and Shibata. Title victory at WK9, embracing again like this year.

Strange they will not broadcast the Styles-Tanahashi encounter.

Mootinie · November 18, 2014

I agree that they shouldn't be announcing WK matches until the WTL is finished. Goto & Shibata to win then win the tag titles. Okada & Yoshi-Hashi to do well whilst Ishii & Nak shouldn't be tagging, they're too good to take clean losses. Where's Kota Ibushi and why isn't he tagging with Naito as Golden Stardust? Still, should be a good tournament.

Infernalmiko · November 20, 2014

Great write up, Tiger. And it sums up things pretty well. WTL for me is pretty much always filler, my interest level for it is pretty meh. But with some new talent rising I'm interested to see how this goes. The heavy use of foreign talent can help with going international, though they have to balance it with not going too heavily foreign and alienating some Japanese fans.

Teh_Showtime · December 1, 2014

http://njpwworld.com/

$8.40 per month. Just bought it so it does accept foreign money

Organized so much better than the also awesome wwe network. With things like filter based on Venue, time period, pbp announcer, title match, etc. Also has seemingly every wrestler and grouped their matches together

http://i.imgur.com/VeIP3QX.png

Tigerkinney · December 4, 2014

Just subscribed to NJPW world myself and it's very much a worthwhile purchase, not only will I be able to follow current New Japan easily, it also has a rich catalogue of classic matches, I can just go to one place for.

Just watched Naoki Sano vs Jushin Thunder Liger for the IWGP Junior Championship from 1990 - Awesome match with a priceless post match 'celebration'

Infernalmiko · December 7, 2014

Just subscribed to NJPW world myself and it's very much a worthwhile purchase, not only will I be able to follow current New Japan easily, it also has a rich catalogue of classic matches, I can just go to one place for.

Just watched Naoki Sano vs Jushin Thunder Liger for the IWGP Junior Championship from 1990 - Awesome match with a priceless post match 'celebration'

Wow, it's been forever since I saw tapes of the Liger-Sano matches. I recall them being great. I'll have to give NJPW World a look.

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