The NJPW Discussion Thread

[thecoolestjedi12]

Only disappointment about WK11 was Shibata dropping the belt to Goto of all people.

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="thecoolestjedi12" data-cite="thecoolestjedi12" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Only disappointment about WK11 was Shibata dropping the belt to Goto of all people.</div></blockquote><p> I much prefer Shibata as well, but I think both this and the tag title change make a lot of sense after having watched New Years Dash. Seems like the belts needed to become CHAOS heavy to set up a showdown with Suzukigun.</p><p> </p><p> On that note: MINORU SUZUKI! God, I missed that guy.</p>

[Koholos]

<p>So, I don't know much about Japanese wrestling (actually, I only know a little about any wrestling. TEW 2013 is what got me to start watching it). </p><p> </p><p>

But I watched that Okada vs Omega match, after hearing it was amazing. And holy crap, it was amazing. Between this, and loving SMASH's joshi matches, I think I'll be signing up for NJPW.</p><p> </p><p>

If someone's willing to indulge me, I have a couple questions about that match. Are Japanese wrestling 'rules' different from in WWE? The red shoes ref seemed to take a very different role from the striped shirts. Also, count outs seem to go to 20? </p><p> </p><p>

And are people generally allowed at ringside, because it's assumed they won't interfere as much?</p><p> </p><p>

Lastly, does Japan use heels and faces in the same way as the WWE? Or is it a bit more malleable? Because several of Okada's tactics seemed very heely. And I wasn't sure whether he was foreshadowing a turn, whether he was showing that this was a grudge match, or whether this was just more acceptable in Japan.</p><p> </p><p>

Thanks for any enlightenment.</p>

[thecoolestjedi12]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I much prefer Shibata as well, but I think both this and the tag title change make a lot of sense after having watched New Years Dash. Seems like the belts needed to become CHAOS heavy to set up a showdown with Suzukigun.<p> </p><p> On that note: MINORU SUZUKI! God, I missed that guy.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Very True, much rather have Suzuki-Gun and Chaos match up then Shibata Vs Suzuki-Gun, hopefully it frees Shibata up for that IWGP Heavyweight Title run sometime this year. I was hoping to see Suzuki Vs. Styles one more time, but I could settle for him and Tanahashi to mix it up again.</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>So, I don't know much about Japanese wrestling (actually, I only know a little about any wrestling. TEW 2013 is what got me to start watching it).<p> </p><p> But I watched that Okada vs Omega match, after hearing it was amazing. And holy crap, it was amazing. Between this, and loving SMASH's joshi matches, I think I'll be signing up for NJPW.</p><p> </p><p> If someone's willing to indulge me, I have a couple questions about that match. Are Japanese wrestling 'rules' different from in WWE? The red shoes ref seemed to take a very different role from the striped shirts. Also, count outs seem to go to 20?</p><p> </p><p> And are people generally allowed at ringside, because it's assumed they won't interfere as much?</p><p> </p><p> Lastly, does Japan use heels and faces in the same way as the WWE? Or is it a bit more malleable? Because several of Okada's tactics seemed very heely. And I wasn't sure whether he was foreshadowing a turn, whether he was showing that this was a grudge match, or whether this was just more acceptable in Japan.</p><p> </p><p> Thanks for any enlightenment. </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> 1. A couple of key differences in NJPW and most Japnese companies to WWE is the 20 count for being outside the ring, not a 10 count. There is a 60 minute time limit to 1 on 1 matches unless being previously stated. Pretty much the most striking rules that have a huge impact on the match really that I can think of now. </p><p> </p><p> 2. Ringside people in NJPW became popular a few years back, it wasn't so prevelant, but now everyone either has their faction buddies with them or their manager( kada and Gedo, Kenny and The Bullet Club, Styles and The Bullet Club, Tanashashi and Captain New Japan). There are also young guys who help escort wrestlers to the ring and stand at ringside and assist after the match, doing various things.</p><p> </p><p> 3. There isn't really a set in stone heel and face divide, the crowd will cheer those they enjoy, see Nakamura even though he was apart of CHAOS and they are the heel stable in NJPW so to speak. You got guys like The Bullet Club who are heels, but are cheered by the crowd because they were so cool when they first appeared and pretty over with the NJPW audience. Generally big guys are heels like Albert(A-Train), Vader, etc. Okada is a real up in the air in my opinion, he is the new ace of that company and is more of a cocky, brash, young guy unlike Tanahashi who was really all about loving the crowd and what he does and loving this company. Okada is more of, I'll make this company money and I'm the only guy who can do that.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="thecoolestjedi12" data-cite="thecoolestjedi12" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> 1. A couple of key differences in NJPW and most Japnese companies to WWE is the 20 count for being outside the ring, not a 10 count. There is a 60 minute time limit to 1 on 1 matches unless being previously stated. Pretty much the most striking rules that have a huge impact on the match really that I can think of now. </p></div></blockquote><p> It seems to me that 60 minute time limits are generally reserved for tournament finals and championship matches (all championships, though I'd be very surprised to see anything other than the IWGP heavyweight go past 25-30 minutes at this point.)</p>

[dannydevia2]

<p>Signed up for njpworld just a day before the Wrestle Kingdom. So glad I did cause that show was awesome even watch New Year's Dash that was also pretty good. Suzaki-Gun is back!</p><p> </p><p>

And by the way listening to people talk about wrestle kingdom leading up to the event what was up with the hate on Cody Rhodes?</p><p> </p><p>

Also does anyone like Tanahashi's new theme song. I don't I liked his old one although I could understand why he wanted to change it but why to this Go Ace thing.</p>

[thecoolestjedi12]

Signed up for njpworld just a day before the Wrestle Kingdom. So glad I did cause that show was awesome even watch New Year's Dash that was also pretty good. Suzaki-Gun is back!

 

And by the way listening to people talk about wrestle kingdom leading up to the event what was up with the hate on Cody Rhodes?

 

Also does anyone like Tanahashi's new theme song. I don't I liked his old one although I could understand why he wanted to change it but why to this Go Ace thing.

 

Dont know too much about the hate for Cody, only reason I dislike his run on the indies is him costing on his name and not losing cleanly to indie guys, I get he is a big name, but he should not be winning so much especially if he is gonna jump everywhere

 

I enjoy Tanahashi's new theme song, the GO ACE stuff is pretty cool, I'm hoping to see him back challenging for a major title soon,but I fear that won't last.

[dannydevia2]

Dont know too much about the hate for Cody, only reason I dislike his run on the indies is him costing on his name and not losing cleanly to indie guys, I get he is a big name, but he should not be winning so much especially if he is gonna jump everywhere

 

I enjoy Tanahashi's new theme song, the GO ACE stuff is pretty cool, I'm hoping to see him back challenging for a major title soon,but I fear that won't last.

 

By the sounds of thing you must be the only person who likes his new theme

 

On the Cody part I was probably exaggerating when I said that people seems to hate him, I don't follow the indies at all so it could just be that most people feel the same way, but I'm hoping he's going to be used differently in NJPW at least.

[The Final Countdown]

<p>Has there ever been a better four match stretch on one show in wrestling history than the final four matches of WK11? Not one that I can remember.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dannydevia2" data-cite="dannydevia2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Signed up for njpworld just a day before the Wrestle Kingdom. So glad I did cause that show was awesome even watch New Year's Dash that was also pretty good. Suzaki-Gun is back!<p> </p><p> And by the way listening to people talk about wrestle kingdom leading up to the event what was up with the hate on Cody Rhodes?</p><p> </p><p> Also does anyone like Tanahashi's new theme song. I don't I liked his old one although I could understand why he wanted to change it but why to this Go Ace thing.</p></div></blockquote><p> You weren't alone; I think it was Meltzer that said there were over 10k new NJPW World subscribers who signed up the day before WK, which is a staggeringly high number for them. Over half of those were American, which suggests two things to me:</p><p> </p><p> A) The show on AXS TV is converting some viewers into paying subscribers;</p><p> </p><p> B) Kenny Omega is a big draw to Western audiences. If they're serious about expanding internationally, he needs to win the title at some point in the next six months or so.</p><p> </p><p> I don't hate Cody Rhodes. I always liked him in WWE and wished they would do more with him, and I have no problem with him coming to NJPW. I wouldn't be on board if they gave him the kind of push they gave to AJ Styles or now Omega because he's not in their league, but as a mid-tier Bullet Club heel he's fine with me.</p><p> </p><p> Tanahashi's new theme stinks. I'm curious to see what they do with him though. Maybe he's going to get the fall and redemption arc it looked like WWE might do with Cena after he lost to Rock (which they kind of pretended they did after the fact with Cena saying he had a down year, even though he turned around the next month and beat Brock freaking Lesnar in Brock's first match back.) Or maybe he'll fall so far and lose so much confidence in himself that he'll embrace the <em>tranquilo.</em> <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Has there ever been a better four match stretch on one show in wrestling history than the final four matches of WK11? Not one that I can remember.<p> </p><p> </p><p> You weren't alone; I think it was Meltzer that said there were over 10k new NJPW World subscribers who signed up the day before WK, which is a staggeringly high number for them. Over half of those were American, which suggests two things to me:</p><p> </p><p> A) The show on AXS TV is converting some viewers into paying subscribers;</p><p> </p><p> B) Kenny Omega is a big draw to Western audiences. If they're serious about expanding internationally, he needs to win the title at some point in the next six months or so.</p><p> </p><p> I don't hate Cody Rhodes. I always liked him in WWE and wished they would do more with him, and I have no problem with him coming to NJPW. I wouldn't be on board if they gave him the kind of push they gave to AJ Styles or now Omega because he's not in their league, but as a mid-tier Bullet Club heel he's fine with me.</p><p> </p><p> Tanahashi's new theme stinks. I'm curious to see what they do with him though. Maybe he's going to get the fall and redemption arc it looked like WWE might do with Cena after he lost to Rock (which they kind of pretended they did after the fact with Cena saying he had a down year, even though he turned around the next month and beat Brock freaking Lesnar in Brock's first match back.) Or maybe he'll fall so far and lose so much confidence in himself that he'll embrace the <em>tranquilo.</em> <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> </p><p> Honestly if the Cody push was gradual and subtle I would accept it. I think he is capable of being a Main Eventer in any company its just he has never been given the chance.</p>

[Mootinie]

<p>I've seen Okada vs. Omega twice now. I thought it was better second time around but I think a lack of consequential happenings in the first 15-20 minutes stops it from being an all-time classic in my estimation. I can excuse long match times if I have a personal investment in the story but Okada vs. Omega was just a standalone match and not a blow-off to a long term storyline. It was also dangerous too, the top rope Dragon Suplex was memorable but they could have done any move in its place so I wasn't so much a fan of that given the risk involved.</p><p> </p><p> I'd go four and a quarter stars on it and I would rate the other three headline matches on the card above it, it's crazy how good the Junior division is in post-Ibushi and Devitt days. Shibata vs. Goto was up there alongside their last Dome match three years ago and I feel with Naito retaining that Okada vs. Naito is the direction they need to go in next year, that should headline the next Dome show with the alignments reversed; Okada as the Corporation-style chosen one heel and Naito as the renegade refusing to accept second place from the company. I've seen this theory elsewhere and I am all aboard it.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Honestly if the Cody push was gradual and subtle I would accept it. I think he is capable of being a Main Eventer in any company its just he has never been given the chance.</div></blockquote><p> I hope that Cody makes like many international talents and improves tremendously whilst in Japan. He should be in the G1 Climax and that will give him an opportunity to really test himself physically and technically against the best wrestlers in the world. New Japan are wise in giving him eight months to get his ring work up to scratch for that. Here's hoping he starts busting out four star matches in his sleep and then returns to the U.S. to make RAW watchable again.</p>

[thecoolestjedi12]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> I'd go four and a quarter stars on it and I would rate the other three headline matches on the card above it, it's crazy how good the Junior division is in post-Ibushi and Devitt days. Shibata vs. Goto was up there alongside their last Dome match three years ago and I feel with Naito retaining that Okada vs. Naito is the direction they need to go in next year, that should headline the next Dome show with the alignments reversed; Okada as the Corporation-style chosen one heel and Naito as the renegade refusing to accept second place from the company. I've seen this theory elsewhere and I am all aboard it.</p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> This, the junior division is probably so deep and young, I don't see any other title scene in the world topping it in the next 5 years, just so much talent and they all wrestle so well with one another.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It was also dangerous too, the top rope Dragon Suplex was memorable but they could have done any move in its place so I wasn't so much a fan of that given the risk involved.</div></blockquote><p> Yeah, as much as I loved the match, I could've done without that. It wouldn't have hurt my enjoyment of the match one bit if Okada had just flipped over and landed on his front rather than risking a broken neck. I cringed watching the replay of that landing/</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>I'd go four and a quarter stars on it and I would rate the other three headline matches on the card above it, it's crazy how good the Junior division is in post-Ibushi and Devitt days. Shibata vs. Goto was up there alongside their last Dome match three years ago and I feel with Naito retaining that Okada vs. Naito is the direction they need to go in next year, that should headline the next Dome show with the alignments reversed; Okada as the Corporation-style chosen one heel and Naito as the renegade refusing to accept second place from the company. I've seen this theory elsewhere and I am all aboard it.</div></blockquote><p> It's funny; the main event might have legitimately been my favorite match ever, and it still seems perfectly defensible to me that someone would rank it the fourth best on the show. </p><p> </p><p> The junior title match was so good. Takahashi is a freaking <em>star</em>, though I wish he'd be a little less reckless. The division does indeed seem primed for an excellent run, even if Ricochet winds up going to WWE once he's free from his Lucha Underground contract. I hope Takahashi holds onto the belt for a little bit, and Ospreay is the one to eventually take it from him.</p><p> </p><p> I did really enjoy Goto vs. Shibata, though I'd probably rank it last among the final four (all fantastic) matches. I would love it if Shibata became a main event guy now, but I'm just not sure that's ever happening at this point.</p><p> </p><p> Naito vs. Tanahashi was awesome. Naito in general is awesome. I was disappointed initially that he didn't win the G1, though I can't exactly fault that decision now after how much I enjoyed the Omega/Okada match. Whether it's against Okada, Omega, Suzuki or whoever, Naito definitely deserves to headline WK next year.</p>

[milamber]

<p>I agree with everyone who said the final 4 matches were great. The rest of the matches I didn't care much for but I'm only a casual NJPW fan. I watch WK and a couple of G1 shows each year. Between WWE and LU I can't find the time to watch more.</p><p> </p><p>

So does anyone think there's even a 1% chance Kenny jumps ship? And if he did who would lead Bullet Club?</p>

[Mootinie]

Yes, Okada vs Omega is a match for me that lives and dies by your personal investment in it. I can see why somebody would see it as five stars (or six in Dave's case), but it just never hit that height for me.

 

With regards Katsuyori Shibata being a main event player, it hasn't escaped me that they have made a concerted effort to keep him and Okada at a distance. This dates back over three years now, their one and only singles match happened in the 2013 G1 Climax with Okada winning.

 

In 2014, after the New Beginning, Shibata was the only realistic Challenger left for Okada and they teased a match but Okada told Shibata to go win the New Japan Cup since Invasion Attack was the next event. Then Styles showed up and that was the end of that. There still hasn't been a singles match between the two despite there having been three G1 Climax tournaments since.

 

Shibata has also pinned Nakamura and Tanahashi and he headlined two events last year (Wrestling World vs EVIL, Kizuna Road vs Honma) so I have reason to believe that not only do they want him to succeed but they also see some potential in a money-spinning feud with the Rainmaker somewhere down the line.

 

I agree with everyone who said the final 4 matches were great. The rest of the matches I didn't care much for but I'm only a casual NJPW fan. I watch WK and a couple of G1 shows each year. Between WWE and LU I can't find the time to watch more.

 

So does anyone think there's even a 1% chance Kenny jumps ship? And if he did who would lead Bullet Club?

I don't think so. WWE won't know how to use Omega, Vince won't understand his appeal and they will obviously strip him of most of his creative freedom. He'll also command such a high asking price that unless Vince sees some serious money in him and wants him to win the main event of WrestleMania, it's really not worth their investment. Finn Balor is WWE's main priority right now, I think he's definitely going to be their top babyface and considering they have limited spending power at the minute, throwing a boat load of money at Omega just doesn't sound all that wise.

[Poputt]

<p>I think almost 100% of people who said the main was the best match on the card (who aren't just bandwagoning) are fans of Omega. There were really interesting stories behind the two matches before it that deserved a bit more time. I think the head honchos at NJPW (the Yakuza) knew that they didn't really have much to sell with Okada v Omega except that they're good wrestlers, so they just gave them a lot of time and told them to do some really gnarly spots. It's one of the more cynical matches I've seen NJPW book and it paid off.</p><p> </p><p>

I mean you had Naito v Tanahashi where veteran Tanahashi is going to try to teach Naito a lesson in respect (that's why he attacked the uninjured knee), then you had Goto v Shibata before that where Goto needs to win the match or his career is basically over because he's Buffalo Bills'd the big match so many times. Both of those had some personal level to them, whereas Okada and Omega just had the title alone to tell a story, so they just kind of back-and-forth fought over it. Omega didn't even play up the heel thing.</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Poputt" data-cite="Poputt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think almost 100% of people who said the main was the best match on the card (who aren't just bandwagoning) are fans of Omega. There were really interesting stories behind the two matches before it that deserved a bit more time. I think the head honchos at NJPW (the Yakuza) knew that they didn't really have much to sell with Okada v Omega except that they're good wrestlers, so they just gave them a lot of time and told them to do some really gnarly spots. It's one of the more cynical matches I've seen NJPW book and it paid off.<p> </p><p> I mean you had Naito v Tanahashi where veteran Tanahashi is going to try to teach Naito a lesson in respect (that's why he attacked the uninjured knee), then you had Goto v Shibata before that where Goto needs to win the match or his career is basically over because he's Buffalo Bills'd the big match so many times. Both of those had some personal level to them, whereas Okada and Omega just had the title alone to tell a story, so they just kind of back-and-forth fought over it. Omega didn't even play up the heel thing.</p></div></blockquote><p> I'd say there were interesting stories behind all of the last four matches, as well as the junior tag titles with Rocky breaking through his slump by winning the match himself when Trent got hurt. That's a big part of why I thought the last four matches were so great; all four told a different story, and did so exceptionally well.</p><p> </p><p> Okada and Omega was a story chiefly about the title, yes. I see nothing wrong with that. I certainly don't consider myself a bandwagon fan since I've been subscribing to NJPW World for about a year and a half now. I'm honestly an Okada fan moreso than Omega. On that note, it bothers me how often I've read people (elsewhere, not here) going on about what an amazing one man show Kenny put on at WK, like Okada was just a bit player along for the ride. Many people act like Okada is just an average worker who doesn't deserve his position, and it annoys the hell out of me.</p>

[Poputt]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'd say there were interesting stories behind all of the last four matches, as well as the junior tag titles with Rocky breaking through his slump by winning the match himself when Trent got hurt. That's a big part of why I thought the last four matches were so great; all four told a different story, and did so exceptionally well.<p> </p><p> Okada and Omega was a story chiefly about the title, yes. I see nothing wrong with that. I certainly don't consider myself a bandwagon fan since I've been subscribing to NJPW World for about a year and a half now. I'm honestly an Okada fan moreso than Omega. On that note, it bothers me how often I've read people (elsewhere, not here) going on about what an amazing one man show Kenny put on at WK, like Okada was just a bit player along for the ride. Many people act like Okada is just an average worker who doesn't deserve his position, and it annoys the hell out of me.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I've really fallen off with Omega in the past year. He doesn't really have a consistent character. He's simultaneously a weasel comedy jobber and the strongest man with the most devastating finisher. He does the goofy dead fish selling and then hulks up like a bad mofo. He's a coward but he does daredevil moves. I don't get it. I'd say get rid of the comedy heel stuff but I imagine that's what a lot of "Westerners" on the internet (wait) like about him. <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Poputt" data-cite="Poputt" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've really fallen off with Omega in the past year. He doesn't really have a consistent character. He's simultaneously a weasel comedy jobber and the strongest man with the most devastating finisher. He does the goofy dead fish selling and then hulks up like a bad mofo. He's a coward but he does daredevil moves. I don't get it. I'd say get rid of the comedy heel stuff but I imagine that's what a lot of "Westerners" on the internet (wait) like about him. <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> I get that. It's almost like there are two different Omegas. When he's wearing the black trunks/pants, it's all business. When he comes out in those multicolored pants, say hello to the goofy weeaboo who wrestled a little girl and a blowup doll in DDT.</p>

[Questlove]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="40971" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>On that note, it bothers me how often I've read people (elsewhere, not here) going on about what an amazing one man show Kenny put on at WK, like Okada was just a bit player along for the ride. Many people act like Okada is just an average worker who doesn't deserve his position, and it annoys the hell out of me.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I feel like there's a few reasons for this.</p><p> </p><p> 1 - Much less flashy than Kenny, so he didn't stick out as much.</p><p> 2 - Has been having amazing main event matches for 5 years now (hard to believe he's 29, right?) so is somewhat taken for granted.</p><p> 3 - Western fans gravitating more towards Kenny.</p><p> </p><p> That said, I have seen one or two people say that Kenny carried the match, which is pure madness. They were both excellent beyond belief.</p>

[Jaysin]

I dig Omega and everything, but Okada is amazing. One of my favorite workers and in my opinion easily top five performers in the world of the last decade.

[dannydevia2]

I'm one of those guys saying that the main event is the best match on the card, but I'm not an Omega fan by any means. In fact I was rooting for Okada the entire match.

[SanX]

<p>I believe Okada is one of those guys who just makes his opponent looks so good that people think Okada himself is not doing good work at all.</p><p> </p><p>

BTW I still think that WK11 main event was awesome also one of the greatest matches ever though it wasn't 6* ,it was your typical WK main Event- 5 to 4.75 not 6* or something.</p>

[Poputt]

I don't know why anyone is criticizing Meltzer's grade. It's just his opinion based on some loose metrics he looks for. I mean one of the things that bumps up his rating is "workrate," which doesn't have any bearing at all on whether or not I personally think a match is great.

[Mootinie]

I don't know why anyone is criticizing Meltzer's grade. It's just his opinion based on some loose metrics he looks for. I mean one of the things that bumps up his rating is "workrate," which doesn't have any bearing at all on whether or not I personally think a match is great.

 

I believe he grades matches not critically but more in terms of how badly he feels they need to be seen.