WingedEagle

For those that usually skip the smaller shows, I'd recommend checking out yesterday's Road to Sakura Genesis show. Yagi vs. Narita was one of the better young lion matches in some time, with active, effective mat work, big chops and even a strong finishing stretch. Nagata vs. Umino wasn't quite at that level but again showed why Umino may have the highest ceiling of any young lion. The White/Goto/Ishii vs. Juice/Finlay/Henare six man was a hot, fun match that did an excellent job spotlighting three feuds that have been building which will hopefully lead to singles matches at the upcoming Dontaku shows. Similarly, the LIJ/Suzuki Gun 10 man built a couple other feuds, particularly Naito/Suzuki. That looks like a headliner for one Dontaku show and should be terrific. The Okada/ZSJ tag that headlined was arguably weaker than all of the above matches but still a nice teaser heading into tomorrow's main event. Not a must watch, as I'd check out all of the above matches before this one if you're pressed for time. And of course, stick with the Japanese commentary.

I've always considered that a distinct possibility. But between understanding calls of the big moves and an enthusiastic announcer who seems in tune with the flow of the match, its one hell of an experience -- and a vastly superior one -- even if for all I know he's reading the phone book. No doubt this has also impacted my tolerance for WWE announcing.

I'd highly recommend always sticking to the Japanese commentary. It absolutely enhances my enjoyment of the shows.

Thanks, I'd actually bookmarked this when it was posted but haven't gotten there yet. Here's one of my favorite tags and crowds -- its not quite Kobashi & Kikuchi vs. Can-Ams from '92, but I think the entire scene draws you in in similar fashion. Also one of my favorite Liger performances. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Jushin Liger & Wataru Inoue from NOAH 2/17/2002.

This would indeed be tremendous and I'm now going to be bitterly disappointed when Ellsworth makes his way out.

Has anyone checked out the 3/11 Sendai Girls show? Curious to hear if there are any matches I need to go out of my way to see.

Certainly the New Day feud (Summerslam, Hell In A Cell, Battleground, Smackdown from 9/12) and vs. Cesaro & Sheamus at Survivor Series. Those seem to be the standouts / most widely well regarded outings.

This is my biggest problem. While its conceivable that Owens & Zayn take their loss and move onto Smackdown, the situation absolutely reeks of one with a heel turn and Bryan on his back. I'm just not sure how you don't book that match to get him 3 big pops -- entrance, hot tag and finish. Well, I do know how. I just didn't think they'd screw with it that soon. We shall see.

Stardom usually gets full shows up pretty quickly, at least by my standards, given their resources and that they go to the trouble of subtitling all promos. I want to say full shows are generally up within a week or so, but you can check their Twitter feed as they post when every match goes up. That should give you a sense of timing. Stardom World is the only joshi site I subscribe to, but you can follow other promotions that don't have sub sites through the puroresudream site. Donsem and others may have some recs for other companies's subscription offerings.

Are you implying his facial expressions suck? You have not watched Tim Duncan sell a foul call.

Loved the opening Brock/Roman angle. Both looked tremendous throwing all those shots, and Brock looks dominant as hell at the end. Especially standing on the steps as Roman is down and out. Big fan of that that visual. Its unrealistic and unfair to expect that they can approach the Mania 31 match, but I'm stoked as hell to see them try.

Thanks, interesting to hear.

Apparently Kris Wolf finished up with Stardom today. Anyone know more about that situation?

Can you please go away? Immediately and forever.

This is great.

Matt, please leave me out for this week as I'm away. Back in next week.

You're really getting me excited at the idea of doing this myself. Is there a comprehensive listing of what's available chronologically on the network from this era?

Cena's promo was terrific. Between that and Roman's segment they've done a great job building those two matches.

Loved that opening segment. Not sure where its going tonight or long term, but its very different from the standard opening quarter hour promo and I'm intrigued to see things play out.

Agreed. Very much exceeded expectations.