Makai Club #1

The beginnings of this inner NWO Civil War story that was meant to carry WCW through the rest of the year. This is a big deal as every Hogan vs Savage match is, and with the cage being around the ring, that added even more stakes. And as a match goes, the ideas were solid. Savage was game for taking bumps, selling wonderfully and dishing out big bombs. Hogan, however, lacked that midas touch that he usually has. I don't think he suited the cage gimmick in this cowardly hellish role. He needed to be a bit more of a brute and he felt a little light. Too light for this match. But I did think Savage put in a good performance. The crowd responded to him very well. It's not a surprise that WCW would put the title on him at Spring Stampede which leads me to the horrible finish and angle that truly gives this match its reputation. The match is thrown out (a cage match is supposed to prevent that) when the Disciple attacks the refs and enters the cage. Savage looks to be trapped and out numbered when Sting repels from the ceiling to rescue Savage. There is an awkwardly long standoff between the four, before Savage shockingly turns on Sting. We are first to believe that he's in cahoots with Hogan but thankfully, Savage makes a point to spit at Hogan and tells him that he doesn't like him. Savage is indeed a tweener. He is a lone wolf, aiming for the title but he won't let that affect his issues with Hogan. Bad match despite Savage's best efforts. It wasn't to be for him. **

If I remember correctly, Page and Omega were like two partners who weren't really friends but linked in someway and happened to work well as a team. The whole story a small chapter of what AEW will focus on in the next year as Kenny Omega turns heel and joins with the Bucks and Page drifts emotioanlly until he's ready to confront the Elite. Edit: I find it a little amusing that you didn't LOVE this match, considering everyone was ready to declare it the greatest tag team match ever once the closing bell rang. I never thought it was too amazing myself because of my near-fall fatigue but I enjoyed it much more than most Young Bucks matches. Even a few years removed, you'd might come across people still raving about how great this match is. So yes, this has a major reputation.

Ospreay is pretty great but he's layerless. Goes one speed, does his thing regardless of opponent and it either clicks or it doesn't. Compares to the true all time greats, with the exception of maybe Flair, they all are much more varied and layered in what they have to offer. Ospreay is about as good as you can get for someone who doesn't emotionally move me. But there are plenty that I think are better and do move me when I'm watching them. And that's what this is about. If there is any mention of objectivity when it comes to wrestling, you've adopted the wrong mindset already.

That's the issue with replacing the booker. The guy you bring in may not work either. Jun Akiayama did okay in All Japan but he didn't grow them past the occasional show at Ryogoku. Is there any indication that he would be able to help New Japan? Liger has potential because he was the one booking the Jrs during the 90s boom. But whole knows if he could do it 30 years later. I think Gedo just needs to get off the pot with Yota Tsuji and Shota Umino. Tsuji is on the cusp and Umino is a little inauthentic in the role but he has something and the fans like him. Stop cutting them off by having them lose like you have options.

Been following Ospreay since he was 20 working the British Indies. I'm glad that he has gotten as far as he has. He's always been a fun but flawed wrestler but emphasis on fun. He's excelled in every role he's undertook. He was a great Junior Heavyweight, transitioned to Heavy well, had good-great matches with almost every he's had with maybe the exception of Shingo Takagi. Something about those two together leaves me cold and unmoved. And he seems to have instantly connected with the American audiences, although he's been in and out for years, so it's not exactly an instant thing. If I had to rank him among the european peers, I'd rank him beneath Gunther (AKA WALTER) and Zack Sabre Jr and that it. I would put Jim Breaks but I haven't seen enough in my mind to justify it. Ospreay just isn't my particular tastes to rank him over these two, let alone some of the best wrestlers of all time but I'll find a spot for him somewhere.

The AEW run has been a cool run but it ultimately doesn't change him being a 70-80 ranked wrestler for me.

One of the more underrated rivalries of the 90s. Far from the high level bouts of Hart/Austin, Sting/Vader or Kawada/Misawa but they had some memorable moments, drew some great houses and helped establish AAA during their infancy.

There is definitely some interest on my part. Bloodsport has been pretty tepid in prior years (basically since Timothy Thatcher went to WWE - he was integral for those first few shows) but a different environment, more suitable talent pool to choose from, the venue. This ignites my interest. Hopefully the likes of Timothy Thatcher, Hideki Suzuki, Takuya Nomura are involved in some capacity.

Enjoyed the read. Didnt necessarily agree with everything but that doesn't really matter. It's quite comprehensive and varied.

It's about to come into cinemas in the UK. And it seems like it's got the most advertising from my local cinema. So it should do well. As for Oscar noms, it's a very strong year. It was gonna struggle, especially without the big name director behind it.

It'll be very easy to overrate this because of the two wrestlers in it, the arena and based on the fact that it’s actually good unlike many dream matches. In fact, their first match wasn't very good, due to injuries amongst other things. However, I thought this was a great match. Danielson working the arm was very compelling. Strong storytelling and great wrestling to boot. Danielson doing submissions can vary from interesting to boring and this is the former. He crafted some wonderful submission sequences and would occasionally throw a disgusting kick to the bicep. Danielson was doing some of his best work in that regard. He was excellent. Okada sold very well and helped enhance those submissions by doing so. Okada attempted to tell a story with Danielson's eye in return, but he lacked the aggression and follow through. It was a nice idea though, and Danielson did a good job at selling it himself. The closing stretch focused more on the rainmaker being hit (and a pin attempt to follow) than whether it'll get the three which is refreshing. And a preferable way to end the match, although they could've milked it a little longer. But enough of that, the faults are very little. And the highs are terrific. A strong MOTYC. ****1/4

Despy has been very good for much longer than that. 2017 at least. That's six years. And apparently he was good in CMLL as Namajague. And he's been arguably the best Jr Heavyweight since 2019. And that's even whilst being stuck in the small Jr tag team division. The feud with Kanemaru against R3K was really awesome. I dunno if history will reflect that though. Hiromu Takahashi might be seen more favourably in ten years time when he's at the back end of his career but right now, all I'm seeing from him in a strong peak and a whimpering return from injuries baring a few good matches with El Desperado and Ospreay. Again, he got injured and that hurt his run because then he lost all the danger of his work and a lot of the appeal. It's a shame. And now he's just an oddball with a tiresome match format. Even his latest title reign was an endless list of dull matches, even when fighting against other promotions guys. That YAMATO match was so underwhelming.

End of an era. Either Austin goes or Vince does. Neither can exist in the WWF (for at least a month and a half, apparently). It’s a year in the making, with the build going back to last year’s King Of The Ring when Taker cost Austin the WWF title in a first blood match, and then so much more has happened since. Too much to cover in a little review (I could but I won’t). In the recent weeks, both guys have been very keen on making each other bleed before this match, which makes it even more likely that they would pour open easily. Makes perfect sense to me. Both have bleed on the show already so they are even coming into the match. The match starts similarly to the prior match. No waiting for the official stuff like ring entrances; immediate fight on the floor. Taker wins the exchange of punches and Austin wisely covers up. The crowd seems much more buzzed for this match though. The stakes are high and the match is wrestled like it. Taker digs his nails into Austin’s head and makes extra care in his aim while punching. Austin’s selling is really good in these moments too. His desperation is palpable. Vince McMahon is on commentary cheering on the Undertaker, going crazy when Taker is in control and is in despair when he’s not. I find it very effective in selling the stipulation. Austin starts working the leg as a defence but that just forces Taker to start using a steel chair but he can’t connect with his wild swings. The match gets to its next level after Taker gets his arms trapped in the ropes Andre style and Austin grabs a chair. Shane McMahon runs to make the save and gets smacked in the face for his troubles but it allows time for Taker to escape. More interference follows whenever someone is in real trouble. First Vince and then X-Pac. Austin gets the rub of the green and hits Taker with a video camera and draws a lot of blood! But the ref is down, because of course but eventually sees and rewards the match to Austin. Vince McMahon is gone! Triple H attacks Austin, his future opponent and the Rock follows to continue the utter chaos. Taker has lost but he’s not very accepting and still tries to fight. Both are bloody and slugging it out on the floor before the refs separate them. Austin humiliates Vince McMahon once more with a stunner, not his first one of the PPV and celebrates to a great reaction. And breathe….****

This had a wicked fast start with Muto hitting a dropkick before almost getting caught with an STF by Chono and that being followed up by a dragon screw and a figure four attempt by Muto, setting up what this match was intending to be. Parity is established further on with both having success with side headlocks and other wear down moves and both having trouble catching the other out once they try to add a little pace to it. They did a great job at getting drama out of simple holds, such as a standard switch around spot where Muto had a full nelson applied and Chono used a classic trick to escape and apply one of his own but rather than Muto escape quickly, Chono kept it locked in. A small but effective way to add to a move’s significance. The match progresses in such a way that keeps the technical wrestling involved but establishes more layers, such as Chono using dirty tricks to gain an advantage over Muto after Muto looks to be getting ahead. The match has a terrific transition to the final portion of the match with Muto setting up for a frankensteiner only for Chono to powerbomb Muto on his head and lock in an STF for an incredible false finish. There is a cool subtle heel moment where Chono gets the STF on Muto on the outside and goes back inside, showing his willingness to win the match in a cheap way like a count out but Muto makes it back in to the crowd relief. Then they fight to the crowd where Muto runs into the entrance way and back, likely to hit a running lariat, but Chono kicks him in the stomach and winds Muto. Muto finally hit the frankensteiner but missed the moonsault! STF is applied but Muto gets the ropes after a moment. Chono tries to follow up with the kick but gets the dragon screw instead. Muto hits the moonsault but has his knee kicked out from under him by Chono in a piece of genius from Chono and rolled up to lose the match. Chono advances!!! Incredible match. Terrific escalation from the grappling to the closing stretch. Great character work from Chono and what a finish. ****1/2

The story of Hashimoto’s G1 continues here. Hashimoto’s knee has gotten progressively worse and Sasaki wastes no time in making it the worst it can be. Hashimoto is immediately on the backfoot and gets little offence during the early exchanges. His selling is excellent in this part but gets stronger as Hashimoto starts to get a little more here and there. Hardly anything he does retains his usual range of skill and control, it’s all done with vulnerability and desperation, which makes it easy for Sasaki to cut off. The finish is similar to the Choshu/Hashimoto match. Sasaki is hitting lariat after lariat with Hashimoto not going down, spitting in his face as he does it until one final lariat knocks Hashimoto backwards into the ropes with enough momentum for Sasaki to hit a seoi-nage, albeit a rough one, for the 3 count. A great recovery match for Sasaki after being bested by his mentor. And a terrific performance by Hashimoto. ****

Out of all Tenryu's Tokyo Dome dream matches, this may be my favourite. There isn't a lot of meat on the bones but it's a simple match, made simpler by the fact that Fujinami's nose explodes within minutes. Fujinami gets the better of Tenryu and starts launching topes that send Tenryu crashing into the barricade head first but he pushes his luck on the 3rd attempt as Tenryu is able to scout it out and blocks it with what I can only imagine is a wicked punch to the nose (photographer is in the way so we miss the punch but we do see the follow up punches that land right on the mark). This puts Fujinami into an immediate vulnerable position. It's fight or flight time and it's amazing. Tenryu works the nose the only way he can, brutal punches and kicks, while Fujinami desperately attacks Tenryu's leg to get the quick win before Tenryu inevitably punishes him for his earlier mistake. The drama is palpable with Fujinami struggling to see or breath fighting for his life. Fujinami is able to snag a Dragon Sleeper but that was his last chance before being put away with a running lariat to end this classic. ****1/2

It’s too funny how similar the Junior Heavyweight matches of the 90s are to the 2010s New Japan main events in terms of their structure and how they build to their closing stretches. I’ve long not been too impressed with the style itself but Otani makes it work better than most have, including Liger. Something about his infectious passion and amazing ability to make it seem so real to him is the key to it all. Solid as you can get grappling that turns into an amazing series of false finishes and high risk spots with the main story being Otani being so close to achieving greatness only to close it at the final hurdle due to his own mistake. ****

Bryan could never get the Row a Boat Armbar spot over like Backlund did

I'm another one that finds his ROH run rather soulless. He's obviously insanely talented and has tons of good matches but I'd much rather watch the average Austin Aries ROH match than the average Bryan Danielson match. He definitely clicks more in the WWE environment where he was more limited, which made him more focused and cohesive, by the house style and perception of being a small guy. I wouldn't go as far as to say that he cosplays wrestlers and imitates styles but I think there is something to there being more interesting wrestlers within those styles that Bryan is influenced by. I guess Fujiwara is the comparison but I tend to compare him to Fujinami more so because of the aerial and brawling capabilities. But the result is the same, I don't see Bryan better than either of them. And quite a few people on top of that.

I think it's best to look at this match along with the earlier tag team title match where Benoit also wrestled. It adds a little more stakes to the match, which is good since Kane is a weak PPV challenger even for Benoit.

There is not much more to say about Tenryu. He's not only able to project this amazing character but create compelling matches from it in any format, in any role. He's capable of being one of the best sympathetic sellers, just as well as being one of the most sadistic ass kickers. And he was able to keep up that consistent quality in his performances for nearly 20 years, with a not too bad pre-peak and post peak either. A career to envy. Top 5 candidate for me.

I'm not sure where exactly I'll rank him but I will and it'll be shockingly high. Top 50s, I'll say. Maybe higher. Chono is someone who just connects with me. I think he embodies everything great about wrestling. Charisamatic to the hills, not the most expansive wrestler - basic wrestler, basic brawler, not the most amazing signature moves either, but gets a ton of milage out of what he has, even before his neck injuries caught up to him (He won the G1 with a shoulder block, remember), has a very respectable match resume (top level singles matches, tags, gimmick matches, etc), and has links to a more classical era of wrestling, which doesn't matter to most people, but to me, the fact that Thesz helped trained him means the world. I think the Tenzan-Chono tag team run was really strong, more so than the Tenzan-Kojima team. I rate the fact that it elevated someone who was fresh off an excursion in Europe to someone for the future. Post peak Chono was still capable as well and still one of the hottest acts in the promotion all the way until the mid 00s. Not a bad career for someone who's career could've ended in 1992.

I thought this was a strong outing between the two. The added psychology with Nakajima breaking Shingo’s ribs and targeting them for the remainder of the match added some drama to the mix. Nakajima showed off some of his sadist personality that most enjoy him for, not only with his kicks but his menacing facial and body expressions. Shingo was solid when selling and working his way to a victory, gutting through the pain and surviving Nakajima’s best moves, such as the Vertical Spike and eventually winning with the Last Of The Dragon. This didn’t have that great match spark but it had some good character work and selling to hold it together. ***3/4

The match began with some solid wrestling spots between the two, which included a roman knuckle lock battle between the two. Okada also drew the ire of the Osaka crowd with some unclean attacks on Shingo Takagi’s neck, using the rail. Following the little smattering of boos, Okada went more aggressive towards Shingo and more antagonistic against the crowd in a rather subtle way. He didn’t taunt them but he wasn’t friendly while playing to them either. Shingo was much more receptive to his crowd, by comparison. Some of the middle portions of the match felt a little too methodical but the story didn’t stray too far - Okada continued his targeted assault on the neck, using the money clip several times and dropping Shingo on the floor with his tombstone. I thought the match truly kicked into another gear when Shingo was trying to mount a comeback, first besting Okada slightly coming out of the elbow exchange and hitting a Made In Japan on Okada. Some of their sequences were really good, both bringing something new and exciting to a tired match routine. I liked how Okada hit a german suplex when Shingo had blocked his rainmaker attempts and returned back to an attempt that was then blocked. And that was followed up with a terrific counter by Shingo from the rainmaker into the last of the dragon. The crowd made a heck of a noise at the close two count. And of course, they concluded a terrific ending with a Rainmaker and Okada getting his first title defence in the books. My feelings are the same. This was a great match and a fantastic closing stretch, along with some good character work. But some of the wrestling felt a little too methodical and slow. ****

Well shit. They did it. Honestly, I thought it would be good-great but, like a lot of highly touted matches, wrestled like a match trying to be the greatest match unlike what this was, which was them going out there, following the story they were actually telling and wrestling the match and not the moment. There was no gratuitous let’s soak in the crowd moment, or something similarly manufactured. They simply tried to win. Both wrestled with intent, aggression and with follow through. Omega was aggressive from the off, hurting Ospreay quickly with his approach and spent the whole match following up on that with some of the most dangerous stunts he could think of. In classic Kenny fashion, there were some call backs to his previous matches, like the table spot with Okada, but in this case, they linked into the story of the match in a natural way. Omega put the table on the injured back of Ospreay, after he just crashed into the edge of the ring. Exactly the right thing for the right moment. Moreover, Ospreay proved that his best self is him selling for his opponent and working from beneath. His selling was great at times, playing into the blood extremely well and the effect it should have on you, while still providing some excellent offence when he could. This match was Omega heavy however, but luckily, this was the best Kenny Omega performance since 2018. I’ve never been in love with Omega’s work during his AEW. He was usually good but rarely great and NEVER this good. And he showed up big time in this match. This was nothing short of amazing. A quality dome match. ****1/2