Post: #51

Jinder Mahal is the new champ? What the H!!!!

Post: #52

Thread title fixed

Post: #53

Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata:
Ryōgoku Sumo Hall
Sakura Genesis 2017
IWGP Heavyweight Championship



Rating:





Review: After five years, Katsuyori Shibata makes his first foray into the NJPW IWGP Heavyweight scene. For half a decade, 'The Wrestler' has been 'stiffing' his way back into the good graces of the New Japan Elite. With WWE's blight spreading further across the globe, and their immediate talent raids of bustling markets/promotions, loyalty has become a virtue as integral as Puroesu's 'Fighting Spirit'. Therefore it's poetic for a wrestler whose loyalty has always been in question, to graduate to the main event scene and with an instant classic. Though ironically, this match which has cemented his position in the upper echelon of New Japan talent, may well be his last. See: 1st & 2nd gif from the bottom.

Shibata has never been one to suppress blows, and this match showcases the wrathful striking which has gained 'The Wrestler' universal acclaim in the industry. The pacing and formatting of the match was readily intended to 'put Shibata over', even in the face of defeat. This is the benefit of having a well-booked and 'overpowered' finishing maneuver; something in which NJPW excels over all other promotions. Kazuchika Okada's 'Rainmaker' is a devastating maneuver which spells 'DEATH' for anyone who collides with this Wristlock Lariat. Especially after the maneuver's maturation during Okada's 'passing of the torch' match against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom XI. Now, rather than a single 'Rainmaker', Okada keeps his grasp on the wrist tight, even after the initial 'Rainmaker'; a stronger, more vicious variant customarily follows. Therefore, Okada can afford to spend most of his matches selling, only to comeback with his signature for the pinfall. Majority of this match, sees Okada fall to Shibata's superior technical prowess; up until the match shifts to a series of strikes and tests of will. Both Shibata and Okada are stoic in demeanor; Okada more materialistic and arrogant in his own right, whilst Shibata remains firm when struck. Like other Shibata matches, he challenges his foe to strike him, and wins out when they crack under his series of forearm or lethal slaps. Shibata invokes the archaic stoicism of an Inoki or Sakuraba, though in the essence of the 'Fighting Spirit' rather than 'Strong Style'.

Overall, the match is yet another classic added to Okada's collection of stellar main events. The new 'Ace' is being booked by Gedo to lead the charge into Japan' mainstream and the US. This match gets 4.5 stars from me; it would've been 5 stars, had it not felt like the introduction or prelude to a future program. Might've been 4.25 had I not realized that it pulled off the rare feat of having only one pinfall attempt; one which turned out to be the finish. Required viewing, even if you aren't into the shit.

Post: #54

^What did you think of that Kenny Umaga fight recently?

Post: #55

Post: #56

(05-23-2017 09:39 AM)Lordless Wrote:  Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata:
Ryōgoku Sumo Hall
Sakura Genesis 2017
IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Though ironically, this match which has cemented his position in the upper echelon of New Japan talent, may well be his last. See: 1st & 2nd gif from the bottom.

Good review, thanks for the puroresu update! So why may this be his last match? Did he get a concussion or skull fracture from that headbutt?

Post: #57

(05-23-2017 10:12 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  ^What did you think of that Kenny Umaga fight recently?

Star-making performance by Omega. NJPW talent is allowed to book/plan their own matches without an Agent. Essentially, creative freedom with the way their matches go; with a few changes for booking purposes. So all of the spots were of their own volition, which speaks to how talented both guys are. NJPW has had Match of the Year, ever year since 2012; this year will be no different. As of 2015, all of which have taken place at the same event, Wrestle Kingdom. To put Kenny/Okada into context, it was exactly a year after WWE raided four guys from the NJPW roster. Two of which, were considered to be the best in the world at that time. Exactly a year later, Omega(considered a junior heavyweight up until this point), comes through with a classic performance. I still look at a match like Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kota Ibushi(Match of the Year 2015) as being a grade above, but Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Okada will be renowned for being thee catalyst for NJPW's newfound prosperity. The threshold for quality matches has been set high by this promotion. By bringing that quality to the West, it will either force WWE to meet that standard or try their best to sign guys before they can perform at such a level. I'd say Kenny/Okada deserved all of the attention it got; definitely in my Top Ten Matches of All Time.

Match of the Year 2015:




Omega and Okada are booked to have a rematch at Dominion in July. If he doesn't decide to sign with WWE after a match with Kota Ibushi(which would top this match against Okada), he's slated be the biggest gaijin since Stan Hansen.

(05-23-2017 03:36 PM)DamienCasanova Wrote:  Good review, thanks for the puroresu update! So why may this be his last match? Did he get a concussion or skull fracture from that headbutt?

The headbutt did him in; suffered a hematoma from it. After the match, he kept collapsing until he lost consciousness. Shortly thereafter, he was blind in his right eye and couldn't move that same side of his body. Recently, it's been reported that he's up and walking, though the doctor that's looking over him isn't optimistic about a return. Shibata fully intends to return one day. Though he'll have to sacrifice the stiff shots if he hopes to have a long career.

He's needed if they plan to run more shows after Long Beach, California in July.

Post: #58

Kenny Omega should be in the WWE yesterday! He's as good or better than most of the top talent.

Post: #59

G1 Special is live in Long Beach, CA! Jim Ross & Josh Barnett's commentary is as bare as my right buttcheek. Definitely recommend it with Japanese commentary to retain the feel of a NJPW show.

Smooth sailing so far, but I would've preferred less gaijin talent. ROH guys are needed to draw, but the card is near identical to any NJPW/ROH card in the past. It's the first NJPW show on US soil though, so it can slide.

Post: #60

(05-23-2017 09:39 AM)Lordless Wrote:  Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata:
Ryōgoku Sumo Hall
Sakura Genesis 2017
IWGP Heavyweight Championship



Rating:





Review: After five years, Katsuyori Shibata makes his first foray into the NJPW IWGP Heavyweight scene. For half a decade, 'The Wrestler' has been 'stiffing' his way back into the good graces of the New Japan Elite. With WWE's blight spreading further across the globe, and their immediate talent raids of bustling markets/promotions, loyalty has become a virtue as integral as Puroesu's 'Fighting Spirit'. Therefore it's poetic for a wrestler whose loyalty has always been in question, to graduate to the main event scene and with an instant classic. Though ironically, this match which has cemented his position in the upper echelon of New Japan talent, may well be his last. See: 1st & 2nd gif from the bottom.

Shibata has never been one to suppress blows, and this match showcases the wrathful striking which has gained 'The Wrestler' universal acclaim in the industry. The pacing and formatting of the match was readily intended to 'put Shibata over', even in the face of defeat. This is the benefit of having a well-booked and 'overpowered' finishing maneuver; something in which NJPW excels over all other promotions. Kazuchika Okada's 'Rainmaker' is a devastating maneuver which spells 'DEATH' for anyone who collides with this Wristlock Lariat. Especially after the maneuver's maturation during Okada's 'passing of the torch' match against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom XI. Now, rather than a single 'Rainmaker', Okada keeps his grasp on the wrist tight, even after the initial 'Rainmaker'; a stronger, more vicious variant customarily follows. Therefore, Okada can afford to spend most of his matches selling, only to comeback with his signature for the pinfall. Majority of this match, sees Okada fall to Shibata's superior technical prowess; up until the match shifts to a series of strikes and tests of will. Both Shibata and Okada are stoic in demeanor; Okada more materialistic and arrogant in his own right, whilst Shibata remains firm when struck. Like other Shibata matches, he challenges his foe to strike him, and wins out when they crack under his series of forearm or lethal slaps. Shibata invokes the archaic stoicism of an Inoki or Sakuraba, though in the essence of the 'Fighting Spirit' rather than 'Strong Style'.

Overall, the match is yet another classic added to Okada's collection of stellar main events. The new 'Ace' is being booked by Gedo to lead the charge into Japan' mainstream and the US. This match gets 4.5 stars from me; it would've been 5 stars, had it not felt like the introduction or prelude to a future program. Might've been 4.25 had I not realized that it pulled off the rare feat of having only one pinfall attempt; one which turned out to be the finish. Required viewing, even if you aren't into the shit.

Wow man, I have seen all kinds of crazy wrestling matches, but that is without a doubt one of the most brutal matches i've ever seen. And both those guys have been in a LOT of wars too, but still, that is a life shortening match right there. Yeah it seems like it would be building to a feud between these two if Shibata didn't give himself brain damage with those headbutts. Hope he can come back after such a savage beating, because he has always deserved an IWGP Title run as one of the 3 Young Lions (with Nakamura & Tanahashi) that revitalized the company. Classic match 4.7 Stars

Post: #61

"Strong Style Evolved", the tagline for the Western Expansion. A callback to the hellish climate of the promotion under Inoki's fist. The restructuring and resurrection of NJPW has come to an end. They're on the offensive now, with a stacked locker room and an untouchable in-ring product. The post-match press conference confirms Omega's desire to revitalize the vision once had for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Whether that be taking the belt to independent promotions, or laying the foundation for a US circuit is still to be determined.

What's left is to shift the promotion away from one year contracts. Lock guys down while they can to keep long booking plans intact. Otherwise, Gedo will be left scrambling again, should WWE come a-knocking. This is key when dealing with US talent; most would jump ship to the big 'E if Triple H sniffs bankability. Loyalty is more exclusive to Japan's Puroesu culture. If a US circuit is to work, there must be a generation of US dojo-bred talent. Rocky Romero's split from RPG Vice and rumored, extended stay in LA for a possible dojo is good news in that regard.

(07-02-2017 02:41 AM)DamienCasanova Wrote:  Wow man, I have seen all kinds of crazy wrestling matches, but that is without a doubt one of the most brutal matches i've ever seen. And both those guys have been in a LOT of wars too, but still, that is a life shortening match right there. Yeah it seems like it would be building to a feud between these two if Shibata didn't give himself brain damage with those headbutts. Hope he can come back after such a savage beating, because he has always deserved an IWGP Title run as one of the 3 Young Lions (with Nakamura & Tanahashi) that revitalized the company. Classic match 4.7 Stars

Shibata became That Negro for me after his G1 Climax match with Tomohiro Ishii. It was back in 2013, three years prior his feud with Ishii over the NEVER Openweight Championship. About to post that shit up next. I don't see Shibata accepting full retirement, but these updates don't make a return to the ring viable. A part of me suspects that his role in the G1 was slated to be bigger than his past performances though.

Post: #62

Some titillating GIFs from G1 Special Night 1:

Post: #63

I don't know if you've seen the whole thing yet so I won't talk about Night 2, but both the G1 USA Shows were pretty good. Omega definitely had all the best matches, It felt like a showcase show for him as their top gaijin, and a reward for all the classic matches he's been having lately.

Post: #64

Cross-posted from the Hillary thread....this is the funniest wrestling gimmick i've seen in a while!

(06-27-2017 05:18 PM)TheOllam Wrote:  

Don't call it a heel turn, Hillary has always been bad. But this local wrestler has a gimmick not even the Russians can hack.

Meet the "Progressive Liberal" bringing the heat to Kentucky wrestling, promoting Hillary as the true president, and even Feels the Bern for Secretary of State.

But we have not yet hit the bottom for Hillary Clinton yet.

Post: #65

Better PPV tonight. Roman Reigns gets tossed in the ambulance and loses, subsequently turns into Trevor from GTA.

Samoa Joe vs. Lesnar. Lesnar comes out on top, but got no offense besides a few Germans and an F-5. Joe comes out looking strong, but one F-5 does no favors.

Post: #66

Samoa Joe/Lesnar/Reigns RAW segment was some legit shit. Samoa Joe is a Different One for real. Reigns let his pussy show, Samoe Joe outshines him when it comes to talkin' real shit.

Post: #67

I've been getting back into it lately. That segment was the best promo I've seen this year. Hopefully Braun interferes next week so we get a fatal four way. All four of these guys are on fire right now. Even Reigns is getting better. This darker turn is a far better act for him than saying bullshit about Jack and the Beanstalk and sufferin' succotash. Hopefully RAW can keep it up because prior to the start of Joe/Lesnar it was downright unwatchable even if you wanted to see some of the people on the show.

Post: #68

That Ambulance Match & GBOF was awesome.

The finish cracked me up, especially w sound effects

And fuck it, might as well try to murder Strowman after the match right...
They basically did a double turn, if Roman wasn't a full heel before he is now, and Strowman looks like the baddest babyface on the roster.

Joe vs Lesnar was pretty good too! A nice sprint, but a little too short, could have gone another couple minutes, have one kickout of the F5 then another for the finish maybe, but Joe still looks tough as hell.

Can't wait for Strowman to come back and murder everyone at SummerSlam and win the belt.

Post: #69

Anyone else watching NJPW's G1 Climax this year? There have been some GREAT matches so far, basically everything involving Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr, Tanahashi, Naito, Omega, Okada....

Naito vs Ibushi - Day 1
Tanahashi vs ZSJ - Day 1
Omega vs Suzuki - Day 2
ZSJ vs Ibushi - Day 3
Okada vs Elgin - Day 4
Ibushi vs Ishii - Day 5
Tanahashi vs Nagata - Day 5
Okada vs Sanada - Day 6

Omega vs Yano - Day 6 - Just watched this, EL -Oh -EL! Fucking hilarious comedy match, Yano is killin me here w his schtick. The DVD full of powder, the dueling hair pulls, taping each others ankles...I was laughing my ass off by the end. Omega can do it all

Also, RIP Daryl Takahashi. Gone too soon

Post: #70

(07-26-2017 01:20 PM)DamienCasanova Wrote:  Anyone else watching NJPW's G1 Climax this year? There have been some GREAT matches so far, basically everything involving Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr, Tanahashi, Naito, Omega, Okada....

Naito vs Ibushi - Day 1
Tanahashi vs ZSJ - Day 1
Omega vs Suzuki - Day 2
ZSJ vs Ibushi - Day 3
Okada vs Elgin - Day 4
Ibushi vs Ishii - Day 5
Tanahashi vs Nagata - Day 5
Okada vs Sanada - Day 6

Omega vs Yano - Day 6 - Just watched this, EL -Oh -EL! Fucking hilarious comedy match, Yano is killin me here w his schtick. The DVD full of powder, the dueling hair pulls, taping each others ankles...I was laughing my ass off by the end. Omega can do it all

So far, I've been blown away by majority most matches all the way through Day 1-8. Elgin vs. Omega was essentially an AJPW King's Road match; ending on a Burning Hammer, the most sacred and protected of maneuvers. That win will carry him to a match against Omega for the US belt no doubt, so his role in this G1 is fulfilled.

In regards to the most anticipated match of the tournament, I predict Omega goes over Okada on the last day of Block B setting up a possible fourth bout should it needed. Overall, I'll make a bold prediction and say Okada wins the G1, and challenges Omega at WK12. Otherwise, my dark horse is Naito, who I don't see going for Tanahashi's IC title; I predict Tanahashi is holding that belt tight much like Nakamura did. I'm rooting for Kota Ibushi the most; guy is merciless with his kicks and has gotten so much exposure this past year. But I presume he's only in to set up for some confrontation between he and Omega, to conclude their long-standing rivalry. Some dank Ibushi shit:

Post: #71

(07-29-2017 10:03 PM)Lordless Wrote:  So far, I've been blown away by majority most matches all the way through Day 1-8. Elgin vs. Omega was essentially an AJPW King's Road match; ending on a Burning Hammer, the most sacred and protected of maneuvers.

That Burning Hammer was wicked. Yikes!

Post: #72

A Block
– Hiroshi Tanahashi: 4-2 (8pts.)
– Tomohiro Ishii: 4-2 (8pts.)
– Tetsuya Naito: 4-2 (8pts.)
– Zack Sabre Jr: 4-2 (8pts.)
– Hirooki Goto: 3-3 (6pts.)
– Togi Makabe: 3-3 (6pts.)
– Bad Luck Fale: 3-3 (6pts.)
– Kota Ibushi: 3-3 (6pts.)
– YOSHI-HASHI: 2-4 (4pts.)
– Yuji Nagata: 0-6 (0pts.)

Post: #73

Yooo, Omega vs EVIL was crazy

Post: #74

This was clever. I'm still impressed that they filmed this half-way thru Queens and NYPD never broke this up.

Post: #75

EVIL kept to his word and actually defeated Okada. The story being, Okada was too arrogant to put EVIL away with one Rainmaker. Now both EVIL and Naito have finishers that are diametrically opposed to Okada's Rainmaker. From where things stand in the G1 Climax, I'd go with an Naito vs. EVIL final. Surprising, but beneficial to the Los Incognerables stable. I'm genuinely surprised how well-booked this G1 has been, since all of my bets have gone to buttcheeks.


Edit: 100th Post!