[2016-02-11-NJPW-New Beginning in Osaka] Katsuyori Shibata vs Tomohiro Ishii

[cactus]

Another match better than the previous one at the Tokyo Dome. This match actually focuses on selling and psychology as apposed to the spectacle (a great spectacle none the less) of two guys taking turns hitting each other hard. I had my worries this would just be a repeat of the Tokyo Dome match when they let each other hit suplexes on each other, but they proved me wrong, even if that spot did bug me a lot. A total war that's more than a spectacle. ★★★¾

[superkix]

Not as cringe-inducing as the 1/4 match, which may be a good thing, but still the same high thresholds of pain tolerance and friendly violence. This felt a little more complete to me. The suplex spot is silly but works in this kind of macho showoff match. Another fun 'modern strong style' parody match.

[Superstar Sleeze]

NEVER Openwwight Champion Katsuyori Shibata vs Tomohiro Ishii - NJPW 2/11/16

They managed to have an even worse match than 1/4 which is impressive. The beginning where Shibata taunts Ishii to hit him but always strikes first was actually entertaining dick character work and then match is derailed into the Pain Olympics. Each man takes turns hitting the other. They take it a step further. Each allows the other to hook the other up and suplex them repeatedly. I have never come closer to turning off a match mid-match and walking away. In fairness to the match and them I kept watching. Nothing was egregious as that but there was nothing redeemable about this match. They had a cool undercurrent of Shibata being the better the counter wrestler using flash submissions like the Triangle Choke on the Powerbomb and a flying armbar after a sliding clothesline but other than that. This was just Bloody Knuckles wrestling. Who could tolerate the most pain? There is no more cynical and nihilistic take on pro wrestling than Bloody Knuckles wrestling. This was so cynical and nihilistic that it was almost impressive. Key word almost. Absolutely wretched pro wrestling, I loathe this match and everything it stands for.