[2016-07-30-NJPW] Katsuyori Shibata vs Tetsuya Naito

[superkix]

Naito was in top “smug weasel” form, taking advantage of Shibata’s injuries and generating a lot of drama around the leg locks, especially toward the end after Naito avoids the PK. Hot opening, Shibata’s got no time for Naito’s shenanigans and takes him on a guardrail tour around the ring. Naito bumps hard off that big boot apron spot before snapping on Shibata and attacking the injured shoulder and knee. Loved Naito’s aggressive back-and-forth limb work and the way he uses his shoulder to crank the reverse armbar. Even when he badgers Shibata to a breaking point, he’s still able to worm his way out and go back to an injured body part. Shibata wins out on the elbow battle and rocks Naito’s world with a sleeper suplex! The final “shhhhh, just sleep” finish after Shibata kills Naito with a well-placed PK was the icing on the cake.