paul sosnowski Posted January 29, 2019 Report Share Posted January 29, 2019 This is Kushida's final match in NJPW, and it is non-title. Talk about it here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmartMark15 Posted January 29, 2019 Report Share Posted January 29, 2019 A little too heavy on the matwork for my personal taste but that was probably to be expected given the face vs face dynamic these two had going for them. The matwork was good though and the limb psychology did remain throughout the match and even played into the finish. A few miscues when they started trading the bigger blows meant that the pacing was a little thrown off. Some fun moments in there though. ***3/4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superkix Posted January 29, 2019 Report Share Posted January 29, 2019 This ruled. Good dueling limbwork which escalated throughout the course of the match and culminated in the finish, Tanahashi getting heat from the fans, KUSHIDA's "fuck you" slap, the cloverleaf teases, KUSHIDA's hope spots. A simple formula done well, lean and concise, not bloated like NJPW main events tend to be. KUSHIDA will be missed more than any of the Elite dorks. Great match. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShittyLittleBoots Posted January 30, 2019 Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 KUSHIDA's selling was pretty awful. It's a shame, because other than that, this was super compelling. Loved all the matwork, the dueling limb work, Tana heeling it up a little & KUSHIDA answering to that by slapping the taste out of his mouth + the atmosphere was great throughout & they also played up the Jr. vs. Heavy dynamic real great with KUSHIDA not being able to put on a show on the mat as well as he usually does, because of the size difference. Some more leg selling by him & this could've and probably would've been a MOTYC. ***3/4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenese Sarwieh Posted January 31, 2019 Report Share Posted January 31, 2019 Really did enjoy the simplicity if this match. You knew Tanahashi would work the leg and Kushia working on the arm. Everything gelled perfectly and built to the finish at a nice pace, great stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boss Rock Posted February 1, 2019 Report Share Posted February 1, 2019 I was surprised this was such a mat-based and submission-heavy match, but they did a really good job with it. The limb work was well-done and the story of Tanahashi challenging KUSHIDA with slaps served as great preludes to KUSHIDA's comebacks. The finish (not the result) was a bit surprising but still worked. A fitting farewell to one of the best and most consistent wrestlers in NJPW. **** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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