MoS

Dave Meltzer on Observer Radio recently started comparing the AJPW 90s pillars to the current NJPW top guys - funnily enough, it started with him saying "Misawa, Kawada and Kobashi are on the level of the modern NJPW guys" which made me laugh for many reasons - but I thought it would make for an interesting discussion. He compared Tanahashi to Kobashi which I agree is a good analogy. He said Tanahashi has more charisma than 90s Kobashi which is insane to me. I do think there's a spiritual connection between the two. Tanahashi idolised Shawn Michaels and Kobashi was Michaels with excellent offence and a bit less drama. I think Kobashi blows Tanahashi out of the water in pretty much every aspect, including crying. Maybe it's a cultural thing with Tanahashi and I'm missing it. He said Okada is better than Misawa. I think Misawa came across as the ace more than Okada to me ; I don't think anyone in wrestling has had that kind of aura. I do think Okada is better than Misawa overall though. He has more creative ways to structure his matches imo, and he is more versatile and has had a lot of good matches with many different kind of opponents. His dropkick > Misawa's elbow and I never thought I would write that. He said Kawada was a more complete Ishii but I would say Ibushi in a lot of ways is a better parallel (I was about to ask if this means Omega is Taue but then I slapped myself). It is not perfect because Ibushi is from a later generation, unlike Kawada, who was a peer. I think Ibushi, as he is transitioning to heavyweight, is adopting a strike-based arsenal reminiscent of Kawada. One thought that struck me while watching WK this year was that Ibushi might have the most viscerally exciting style in current New Japan, much like Kawada did in All Japan. Of course, he is a natural babyface while Kawada was a prick badass, but Ibushi has started showing a more "psycho" side recently and it might be the direction he goes to as his career evolves. He might one day become better than Kawada. But as of now, Kawada is better. He has a more engaging character, and is actually better at selling and getting sympathy than Ibushi is imo. Dave did not discuss Taue. I have honestly no idea who Taue would be. No one can be Taue he is too awesome. It would also be interesting to compare Gedo's booking to Baba's in the 90s. Gedo, much like Baba, has the reputation of being conservative, but I think he has done a better job elevating talent and creating new stars than Baba.

Do you know if Lance Archer was there? He was advertised for the show but he did not appear on TV.

MJF in his promo also challenged Mox. I am interested in how all these stories pan out. Still don't care about Dark Order, but Baker is becoming a really good character.

PARADIGM EFFECT

Darby is excellent at selling. He has Rey Mysterio-like potential in my opinion.

I don't mind the Death Triangle name. They set the stage for the war games match - that should be a nice build-up. MJF taking shots at Cody's tattoo might make the tattoo worth it.

The commentators mentioning altitude as a factor in wrestling matches in this town is a nice little touch.

Either him or Brodie Lee. That turning his back walk off was cool.

On the one hand, fans love Cody. On the other hand, how do you chant the name of someone who has that tattoo on his neck.

Lol imagine Bryan Alvarez getting quoted on national cable to try and put a match over.

I would say yes, with the caveat that Jericho's face runs have historically never been as good as his heel runs.

I still think the Dark Order gimmick sucks.

"You suck ass" made me laugh

It's weird to see Jericho without the belt. It's amazing how much better promos become if you just let wrestlers say things they can mean

Moxley is so over

Orton was excellent. Also, props to WWE for finally booking McIntyre like they should book babyface challengers in general - tough and smart and really good. Brock when he gives a shit is excellent, and the way he sold for McIntyre really put over Drew as a legit threat. I really hope they pull the trigger on Drew at WM.

Thanks guys, that's good to know. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Vince tries to purchase the classic footage from the TV station at least.

Will that mean all the AJ classics on YouTube will be taken down? There will still be ways to watch them, of course, but them being on YT have made them so accessible.

Some wholesome content for the day -

My personal top 3 of the show is 1) Allin v. Sammy; 2) Cassidy v. Pac; and 3) Jericho-Mox. I think the crowd really elevated Darby-Sammy to another different level.

I thought the commentators did a good job of saving the spot. Darby is so good at selling and garnering sympathy that botches don't seem too jarring to me. That pop when he hit the Coffin Drop was ridiculous.

https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/john-cenas-return-gives-big-boost-wwe-smackdown-ratings-305341 John Cena's still the man

I loved the show overall. The main event was great, Pac-Cassidy was great, Guevera-Allin was awesome. I thought Cody-MJF was fine - and I don't think it's their first match - and all the other matches were solid. They also did a great job of building storylines further and creating interest in what's going to happen next. AEW are stumbling here and there but they are definitely on the right path imo.

I don't know if I agree with the decision to put the world title on Mox, but he is def a big draw and at least for the night, it was the right decision because the crowd was bummed by MJF and Pac winning. I loved this match. Jericho put over Mox big time, credit to le (former?) Champion for that.

I absolutely loved this match. This crowd being so hot has really helped make this event feel special.