The NJPW Discussion Thread

[Jaysin]

I think nearly every young lion in Shota’s class has potential. Shame Kitamura got sidelined. Huge fan of the Muscle Monster.

[The Final Countdown]

<p>Yeah, their current crop of young lions is really deep. It's a big difference from when I first started actively following NJPW, where it was just YOH and SHO. If even half of those guys measure up (and the NJPW dojo seems to have a great track record), the company shouldn't be lacking for talent any time soon.</p><p> </p><p> I don't have much to say about Dominion. Well, I do, but I don't really have the time to say it right now. All I'll say is that my immediate reaction after Omega vs. Okada was that it was the best match I've ever seen.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>And do you think we're heading towards a new Tiger Mask being created one day soon? </div></blockquote><p> I was really hoping they would do that when that new Tiger Mask anime was airing awhile back. That seemed like the perfect time to introduce a 5th generation, but instead IV stuck around and we got Ibushi making a handful of appearances as a part-time, special attraction Tiger Mask W.</p><p> </p><p> The anime was about to start up when it was getting close to time for Hiromu to return from his excursion, and I remember some people saying they wanted him in that role. In retrospect I'm glad they didn't do that, because the mask and the TM character would've restricted him from being his wonderful crazy self.</p>

[milamber]

<p>1st 2 days of the G1 Climax had some good matches.</p><p> </p><p>

Suzuki vs Tanahashi - ****</p><p>

Okada vs White - ****</p><p>

ZSJ vs Ibushi - **** 1/2</p><p>

Naito vs Omega - **** 3/4</p>

[Derek B]

<p>ZSJ and Ibushi just can't have bad matches against each other, it's always a joy to watch them go at it. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

I've watched the first 3 events so far too, there has definitely been some good action so far and a fair number of unexpected results as NJPW throw in some very interesting story ideas. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch how the rest of the G1 rolls out, I just hope I have the time to watch as much of it as I possibly can. I suspect the spaces between some of the shows is there to give people that very chance, as having shows every day makes it hard for even the most dedicated of fans to watch everything.</p><p> </p><p>

Also.... Toru Yano. Just in general. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Derek B" data-cite="Derek B" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>ZSJ and Ibushi just can't have bad matches against each other, it's always a joy to watch them go at it. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> I've watched the first 3 events so far too, there has definitely been some good action so far and a fair number of unexpected results as NJPW throw in some very interesting story ideas. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch how the rest of the G1 rolls out, I just hope I have the time to watch as much of it as I possibly can. I suspect the spaces between some of the shows is there to give people that very chance, as having shows every day makes it hard for even the most dedicated of fans to watch everything.</p></div></blockquote><p> Yeah, I've watched everything from the first four shows, except I skipped EVIL'S tag match from today's show (I hate EVIL. Seriously. I want him to go away. Or stop acting like such a nerd at least.) But later on I'm sure I'll reach the point where I skip all the tag matches and just watch the actual tournament stuff. That's what's ended up happening all three of the previous years. </p><p> </p><p> It is nice to have English commentary for every night for the first time. I'm starting to warm up to Rocky Romero on commentary too. Feels like he's improved quite a bit recently.</p><p> </p><p> The B Block is blowing A out of the water right now. I don't think I'd put a single A block match in the top 5 of the tournament so far. Naito and Omega have killed it both nights.</p>

[Derek B]

<p>I'm getting caught up with Day 4 now and it's just making me look forward to seeing Suzuki annihilate Yoshihashi on Day 5 in their block match... I would lose to see Yoshihashi just run away and cry instead of fight him, but I suspect we're not going to get that. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Also, I like EVIL... I don't think he's great or anything, is probably the weakest member of LIJ but there is something about him that I like, I do seem to be in the minority on that one though. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

The English commentay on all shows is great, I tend to zone out a bit when I listen to Japanese commentary for too long. Just a shame it's not Don Callis instead of Rocky Romero.. Rocky isn't bad of course... but Don is great. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

And yeah, Block B is clearly the better block. When I saw the blocks announced ti was obvious that B was going to be better when they have guys like Ibushi, Omega, Goto and Naito all in there. While Block A is carried by Tanahashi, Okada and Suzuki with no other guys in there that even look like they belong anywhere near that level. Still some fun matches in there though, and Jay White is doing well in his performances, particularly the storyline and character work so far. Just not sure he can keep that going with some of the lesser opponents in the group... though I could see him being someone who would legit walk out on fighting Suzuki if his points tally looks like it can handle it. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Derek B" data-cite="Derek B" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm getting caught up with Day 4 now and it's just making me look forward to seeing Suzuki annihilate Yoshihashi on Day 5 in their block match... I would lose to see Yoshihashi just run away and cry instead of fight him, but I suspect we're not going to get that. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> Also, I like EVIL... I don't think he's great or anything, is probably the weakest member of LIJ but there is something about him that I like, I do seem to be in the minority on that one though. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> The English commentay on all shows is great, I tend to zone out a bit when I listen to Japanese commentary for too long. Just a shame it's not Don Callis instead of Rocky Romero.. Rocky isn't bad of course... but Don is great. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> And yeah, Block B is clearly the better block. When I saw the blocks announced ti was obvious that B was going to be better when they have guys like Ibushi, Omega, Goto and Naito all in there. While Block A is carried by Tanahashi, Okada and Suzuki with no other guys in there that even look like they belong anywhere near that level. Still some fun matches in there though, and Jay White is doing well in his performances, particularly the storyline and character work so far. Just not sure he can keep that going with some of the lesser opponents in the group... though I could see him being someone who would legit walk out on fighting Suzuki if his points tally looks like it can handle it. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> I kind of want Suzuki to go 0-9, just so I can keep watching him go crazy in the post-match press conferences on Youtube. </p><p> </p><p> Yeah, Don is better. Though to be honest, I think Don is kind of wasted when Rocky is also in the booth. Too many cooks in the kitchen, I guess.</p><p> </p><p> I knew Block B would be better, but it's been a much bigger gap than I'd expected so far, and easily the biggest I can remember in the three previous G1s. They probably should've swapped somebody like ZSJ, Ishii or Ibushi with a YOSHI-HASHI or Fale to even things out a bit more.</p>

[Jaysin]

<p>Yoshi Hashi and Fale shouldn’t even be in the G1. Garbage workers who don’t even have kayfabe reasons to be in the tournament.</p><p> </p><p>

There’s no justification for them being involved.</p><p> </p><p>

Has anyone read anything about Kitamura’s health? Hoping I’ve missed something.</p>

[Big Roguey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yoshi Hashi and Fale shouldn’t even be in the G1. Garbage workers who don’t even have kayfabe reasons to be in the tournament.<p> </p><p> There’s no justification for them being involved.</p><p> </p><p> Has anyone read anything about Kitamura’s health? Hoping I’ve missed something.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You could make an argument that in canon, Fale's consistently had good G1 appearances which earn him his spot (although this only makes sense if you look at G1 and not the rest of Fale's performances).</p><p> </p><p> Yoshi-Hashi though? No idea.</p>

[Derek B]

Has anyone read anything about Kitamura’s health? Hoping I’ve missed something.

 

All I've heard is that his concussion is pretty bad but also that somehow that isn't even the reason that he's retiring. Still hoping to find out more details and I hope that he's okay.

 

Yoshi Hashi and Fale shouldn’t even be in the G1. Garbage workers who don’t even have kayfabe reasons to be in the tournament.

 

There’s no justification for them being involved.

 

You could make an argument that in canon, Fale's consistently had good G1 appearances which earn him his spot (although this only makes sense if you look at G1 and not the rest of Fale's performances).

 

Yoshi-Hashi though? No idea.

 

Pretty much what MHero said... in kayfabe, Fale has been consistently good and due to his size has picked up lots of multi man wins though has been absent a lot recently due to injuries. He's improved in general terms over the years but he remains one of the weaker in-ring talents in NJPW along with the likes of Yujiro Takahashi and YOSHI-HASHI.

 

I have no earthly idea why YOSHI-HASHI made it into this year's G1. I assumed Taichi would get in for sure since he's recently moved up to heavyweight and a case could have been made for either or both of the Young Bucks for similar reasons, particularly since they actually have championship gold and have won matches. YOSHI-HASHI never wins matches, and even though he sometimes looks good in some of his showings, he's going nowhere unless he can reinvent himself somehow. There are better and more interesting talents out there in the world, and it isn't like they are afraid to borrow talent from other Japanese companies too.

 

I kind of want Suzuki to go 0-9, just so I can keep watching him go crazy in the post-match press conferences on Youtube.

 

Yeah, Don is better. Though to be honest, I think Don is kind of wasted when Rocky is also in the booth. Too many cooks in the kitchen, I guess.

 

I knew Block B would be better, but it's been a much bigger gap than I'd expected so far, and easily the biggest I can remember in the three previous G1s. They probably should've swapped somebody like ZSJ, Ishii or Ibushi with a YOSHI-HASHI or Fale to even things out a bit more.

 

I've now watched up through Night 6... the blocks are shaking out a bit now and it's more obvious what some of the stories are along with some of the surprises and people who will be there or thereabouts come the end of the tournament. Block A really is kind of a dud this year, which is odd to say given that it has three amazing talents in Suzuki, Tanahashi and Okada in there. I guess it helps them to push someone like Jay White (which I'm down with, he's getting great heat) but if a match doesn't have one of the big three in it then it's a bit lame, particularly with there being no champions in the block to make some of the matches mean a little more. Even if they had thrown Juice over in that side of the bracket it would be more exciting, especially since they are presumably setting him up with a bunch of challengers to overcome with his injured hand slowing him down now and giving people the chance to get one over on him.

 

Three man announce teams are rarely my favourite. Two people is generally enough, with a third man someone always ends up trying to talk over someone OR one person just stops talking and then feels out of place when the join back in. Kevin Kelly and Don Callis are a great team, Don and Corey Graves are two really good colour commentators and I've not said many good things about that position in wrestling for a while now. Rocky is alright too.

[kn23m]

YOSHI-HASHI never wins matches...

According to cagematch.net his win % this year is 52,5%, while Kazuchika Okada have only 41,3% winrate...

[Derek B]

According to cagematch.net his win % this year is 52,5%, while Kazuchika Okada have only 41,3% winrate...

 

That may be true of overall win/loss... but most of his wins are against people who didn't even make it to the G1 *like David Finlay or Toa Henare), young lions or when he is part of the faceless Chaos multiman matches, usually against Suzuki-Gun underlings. Looking through his cagematch records, he didn't have a single win leading into the G1 since his 5th match in last year's G1. He only won 2 matches in the last G1 too....

 

The lesson being... don't let percentages fool you.

[milamber]

Hangman vs Mid-Life Crisis Okada was pretty good. Haven't caught up on Day 6 yet. Read Day 7 is skippable.

[TakerNGN74]

So I've kept up with the tournament and i'm all caught up through night 7 (I think that's what night we're on). I've really enjoyed this tournament but it's been far from great. One match that is definitely must see is Goto vs. Ishii it's the only match from this tournament that is currently on my MOTY list for end of the year purposes.

 

Also I'm getting sick of the Tongan's storyline that they are using this tournament to tell, it was interesting at first but it's hurting the entire tournament as a whole. So from now on i'm skipping all the Tongan's matches unless I'm watching the shows live.

 

Also Jay White is a made man after this tournament.

 

Okada's story is very weird but I'm intrigued to see where it goes.

 

Last but not least F*ck Michael Elgin! I've skipped every single match he's had in this tournament and I don't regret my decision at all. I refuse to even acknowledge his existance even though I just mentioned him by name.

[kn23m]

That may be true of overall win/loss... but most of his wins are against people who didn't even make it to the G1 *like David Finlay or Toa Henare), young lions or when he is part of the faceless Chaos multiman matches, usually against Suzuki-Gun underlings. Looking through his cagematch records, he didn't have a single win leading into the G1 since his 5th match in last year's G1. He only won 2 matches in the last G1 too....

 

The lesson being... don't let percentages fool you.

I guess you assumed that I didn't know it...

It looks like that it is too bad that Hashi is beating up young-boys and picking up wins in faceless Chaos multi-man teams, while in the same time Okada keeps on loosing on these faceless team matches and ends up with significantly worse overall win loss record, then Hashi, but... OK - if single wins is only thing that matter, then how many single wins any of Young Bucks got leading to this years G1 if they were a way better replacement in your opinion? Or for some reason their wins in tag team matches counts just because you like them while Hashi's don't just because you don't like him?

[Derek B]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kn23m" data-cite="kn23m" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I guess you assumed that I didn't know it...<p> It looks like that it is too bad that Hashi is beating up young-boys and picking up wins in faceless Chaos multi-man teams, while in the same time Okada keeps on loosing on these faceless team matches and ends up with significantly worse overall win loss record, then Hashi, but... OK - if single wins is only thing that matter, then how many single wins any of Young Bucks got leading to this years G1 if they were a way better replacement in your opinion? Or for some reason their wins in tag team matches counts just because you like them while Hashi's don't just because you don't like him?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I did assume, since YOSHI-HASHI doesn't win matches and you somehow think he has done more than Okada. Prior to the G1, Okada was champion forever, had won a LOT of singles matches against the very best in the company (including around 8 of the field that made the G1)... compared to YOSHI-HASHI who hadn't won a NJPW singles match since Fale on August 1st 2017.</p><p> </p><p> I'm not necessarily saying the Bucks should have been in the G1... but II'd rather have a new and marketable commodity enter than have someone like YOSHI-HASHI who finished last in his block last year and has no wins of note in an entire year make the cut. I'd rather take something fresh than rehash something that has clearly failed to make the grade. That's why Taichi would also be better than YOSHI-HASHI, though he wouldl also barely be eliigible and would be earning his place. Kinda like Honma a couple of years ago when he came in as a replacement for someone (I forget who) and his story was that he was looking to prove that he belonged in the list of names, even if he was never going to win. YOSHI-HASHI has tried and failed at that already, with no signs of improvement,</p><p> </p><p> And if it sounds like I'm grumpy, I'm not. I'm just trying to explain my thoughts. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I also only just realised that YOSHI-HASHI is 36... someone as old as him should be better than he is. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[milamber]

Day 6 had some cracking matches.

[milamber]

Juice and Page are having good G1 tournaments. Elgin as well but I skip most of his matches. Kenny's starting to look on the money with what he said about the foreigners working harder in the ring.

[milamber]

<p>Juice Robinson aka Best Promo in the Game</p><p> </p><p>

 

</p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/vb7D5QMC_WE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="G1 CLIMAX 28 Night8 (July 26) - Post-match Interview [9th match]"></iframe></div></div>

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="milamber" data-cite="milamber" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Juice Robinson aka Best Promo in the Game<p> </p><p> </p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/vb7D5QMC_WE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="G1 CLIMAX 28 Night8 (July 26) - Post-match Interview [9th match]"></iframe></div></div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> LOL Juice on the same level of Naito or Kenny Omega?! Laughable. That young lion looks bored out of his mind.</p><p> </p><p> Also, Juice overuses vulgarity. Takes a lot out of his delivery when he cusses. He just seems so phony and fake. </p><p> </p><p> Though a lot of gaijin overuse the vulgarity in New Japan is awful. It doesn't make them cool, it has the opposite effect in my opinion.</p>

[TheGhost]

<p>So I must agree, I don't see the point of having YOSHI-HASHI in this year at all. I'm sure there were several other candidates who could have been a better choice.</p><p> </p><p>

But I will defend Fale being in the G1. I believe Fale the last few years has scored 10 points maybe more per G1. And I see why he's in there.</p><p> </p><p>

Fale is kind of like Kane in the Royal Rumble. </p><p> </p><p>

You know he's not going to win, but he is mainly there to **** things up and be a threat. And be the "wrench in someone's plans" when need be.</p><p> </p><p>

I have enjoyed this tournament so far tho. I am really curious to see just who will face Omega at Wrestle Kingdom.</p><p> </p><p>

It's too early for Okada to challenge Kenny again, and I can't see them letting Naito win it 2 years in a row.</p><p> </p><p>

If Okada still had the belt I could see Suzuki finally getting a chance to shine, but since he doesn't I don't see them putting him against Kenny.</p><p> </p><p>

Other than that I am really interested to see where things go.</p>

[Rhyme1234]

Any thoughts anyone wants to share as the G-1 Climax progresses?

[TheGhost]

<p>I am still in catch up mode, Iam like 2 or 3 shows behind.</p><p> </p><p>

I have however really enjoyed this series, there's a lot of moving parts, and things are starting to take shape for Wrestle Kingdom.</p><p> </p><p>

The only thing I am really worried about is WHO will be facing Omega at Wrestle Kingdom?</p><p> </p><p>

There are plenty of guys in the G1 that can go out there and tear the house down with Omega, but taking out Okada and Naito, two guys that should not win...Who gets that spot? Who really has the start power to attract a Western audience?</p><p> </p><p>

And yes they will try and capitalize their popularity right now in the states and try and get more american eyeballs on the product, but who fills that slot?</p><p> </p><p>

Do they give Tanahashi one more run as a thank you? Or do they try and rely on Omega's star power alone to draw the event?</p>

[Wrestling Century]

This might be one of the first WrestleKingdom's where the title will change between the Climax and then. However, I hope I'm wrong, because Omega is on fire (and is my favorite current wrestler). But, remember that they are gearing (mainly) towards a Japanese home market for WK, and they like non-gaijin wrestlers.

[Rhyme1234]

<p>The most correct answer right now is Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega [5]. The New Japan Pro Wrestling law consists of the Ace winning as always. </p><p> </p><p>

Sometimes at the way back at Dominion, I was reading a post in the subreddit r/njpw, which suggest that Okada might win (which was wrong), but the one suggested the logic behind it was a genius. He said that Okada would first lose the first, which would tell a story about how the champion rises through Omega and finally ends him a best fight of all. This really worked out to be the case when we compare the case at Dominion itself. At the match Omega wins, but the logic behind it was the same logic as the "person" suggested. I really don't who he is, but is prediction are always correct for the NJPW matches, and logic behind him seems to fit too, but he won't spoil it for you, just like he didn't spoil the match. lol</p><p> </p><p>

Then again, Ibushi is on a rise right now, and the Golden Lover storyline is progressing as it should, there would be some of the Bullet Club shenanigans on the way to Wrestle-Kingdom, but the upcoming challenger can be Tama Tonga, Tetsuya Naito, Jay White, Hiroshi Tanahashi,Tomohiro Ishii (I might be wrong, but then again taking the win at G-1 might set him up.). Take a look at this lol.</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="n7wkukiu4zd11.png" data-src="https://i.redd.it/n7wkukiu4zd11.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p>

Credits: Reddit.</p><p>

[ishii trying to convince Gedo for the Championship match]</p><p> </p><p>

This might work in the way. </p><p> </p><p>

Another thing I want to let you know is that "None of the G-1 Climax Winner at Wrestle-Kingdom has ever won the match itself". This can see some light if Okada reaches the WK mainevent and take the belt in an 8* classic again. lol</p><p> </p><p>

Another important thing I would say, Kenny Omega will win the G-1 Climax itself, and prove himself the champion that stands above all and help strike a new series in the way to the Wrestling Kingdom. This won't be the first time the IWGP Champion wins at G-1, as Masahiro Chono and Keiji Mutoh has done it too. Omega winning would be consideration, because there are too many ****ing good wrestlers in NJPW.</p><p> </p><p>

Hiroshi Tanahashi on the other won't do any good until he meets with Okada, because maineventing with Kenny Omega would lead to somthing new, but hey this is not the time, or it can be. There are other potential winners at G-1, but they will not be winners, but Challengers for the upcoming title defenses for the WK.</p>