NJPW - TPWW ***OFFICIAL*** Discussion Thread -- New Japan of America announced

[slik]

Seems like NJPW should probably just have its own thread at this point.

Also...Wow, Zach Sabre Jr vs Sanada from NJPW on AXSTV was incredible this week.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really wouldn't mind it if it had its own sub-board. Is that the term? I wouldn't be the one putting the work in though.

I've been hearing lots of good things about Zack Sabre, Jr. I've never seen his outside WWE work, but will probably give it a go. His technical work in the CWC was brilliant. I can see the criticisms he got though. He does make it look quite like he's just swimming laps, as opposed to being in an actual match. And he's built like a swimmer too. Handsome guy, but he doesn't look "tough." I hope he can convey it in his matches. He's one of the guys I am most nervous about checking out, because I'm afraid that if I don't like him, I'll just feel like I'm on a different wavelength to everyone else, because he seems to be the golden boy. Even of Daniel Bryan. I already feel like I hate WWE more than most people, haha.

I recently watched Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii from the G1 Climax many moons ago. It was odd, because Tanahashi actually somewhat worked as I imagine a heel would, and he got booed for it. He came out playing air guitar and didn't want to clean break. They told a really great story in it.

Also watched Shibata vs. Honma from the G1 a few years ago. That match was fucking disgustingly brutal.

[Emperor Smeat]

I really wouldn't mind it if it had its own sub-board. Is that the term? I wouldn't be the one putting the work in though.

Like a few others things here, its likely too niche in terms of overall interest on TPWW to make it worthwhile.

Maybe something like a board just for modern WWE (post-Attitude Era) and a board for everything else could actually work.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, maybe. But I think there are lots of people more interested in good wrestling than bad wrestling, and would probably be less turned off by all the discussion of bad wrestling which wouldn't be in the good wrestling forum, haha.

[slik]

I would end my fictional gay marriage w/ Finn Balor to begin a fictional gay marriage with Zack Sabre Jr.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/WillOspreay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WillOspreay</a> gets the better of KUSHIDA this time around! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njHINOKUNI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njHINOKUNI</a><br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/8n90d75Nfk">https://t.co/8n90d75Nfk</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwWj9oueuk">pic.twitter.com/AwWj9oueuk</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/990491725947981824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Destor]

I do not approve of this super thread. Promotion is too large to be left in one thread.

[Ultra Mantis]

Yeah dude, this isn't TNA or the other backyards.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Well, there's been a development of some sort:

Tetsuya Naito is the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">25 years ago today: WWF Champion Hulk Hogan, in Japan for NJPW Wrestling Dontaku '93, cuts a promo saying that the IWGP title is the real title and that the WWF belt is a stepping stone. Twice. Then, when it got back to America, he falsely claimed that he was misquoted. <a href="https://t.co/5orUHIGb3A">pic.twitter.com/5orUHIGb3A</a></p>&mdash; David Bixenspan (@davidbix) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/992091397397229568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Mr. Nerfect]

Classic stuff.

[Emperor Smeat]

Tanahashi vs Okada was great.

Okada broke the title defense record and offered Omega the next title shot at Dominion to end their feud once and for all. Best 2 out of 3 Falls and no time limit for stips.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This Silence of the Lambs remake is terrifying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njdontaku?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njdontaku</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPWWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJPWWorld</a> <a href="https://t.co/R5dji1b6QX">pic.twitter.com/R5dji1b6QX</a></p>&mdash; Will Mahoney (@HeelWillMahoney) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeelWillMahoney/status/992377087418884096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Evil Vito]

My body is ready for Dominion

[Innovator]

Bullet Club is fine

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJPW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njdontaku?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njdontaku</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ULitIni5Z">https://t.co/4ULitIni5Z</a> <a href="https://t.co/WLgTtdIYVJ">pic.twitter.com/WLgTtdIYVJ</a></p>&mdash; LARIATOOOO!! (@MrLARIATO) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrLARIATO/status/992343330758561793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Emperor Smeat]

https://i.imgur.com/K0HPAEO.gif

[slik]

Watching my 3rd episode of #NJPW on @AXSTV

ZSJ, led by his his version of Paul Heyman, Taka Michinoku, taking on Tanahashi in the finals of this tournament.

[slik]

I equally respect the always sharp looking haircut and always sharply painful looking submissions of ZSJ

[slik]

This match is so good

[slik]

That match was amazing, it went on for almost the entire episode and I was never bored once.

[Jordan]

https://i.imgur.com/K0HPAEO.gif

The simplicity of this amazing spot blows my mind that I haven't seen it done before.

[Emperor Smeat]

https://i.redd.it/qdl0z0wbqvv01.jpg

[Simple Fan]

Never would have guessed Ishimori would be Bone Soldier but I like it. I was thinking a big dude. Ishimori has been o e of my favorite parts of Impact but its a great addition to Bullet Club.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bone Soldier revealed as... TAIJI ISHIMORI! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPWWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJPWWorld</a> Watch now▶︎<a href="https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP">https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njDONTAKU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njDONTAKU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJPW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/taiji_ishimori?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@taiji_ishimori</a> <a href="https://t.co/pWfTAzNI17">pic.twitter.com/pWfTAzNI17</a></p>&mdash; njpwworld (@njpwworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwworld/status/992357048904921088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Fignuts]

Slick move, right there.

[Fignuts]

Chase Owens needs to hit the gym and lay off the dumplings.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">47 years old and <a href="https://twitter.com/IAmJericho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAmJericho</a> continues to amaze me. Thankful to even watch him. Truly a pro wrestling GOAT. <a href="https://t.co/A3MfWsNAVh">pic.twitter.com/A3MfWsNAVh</a></p>&mdash; Rachereen Dream. (@WWERDream) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWERDream/status/993149754279366656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Fignuts]

NJPW is not for kids.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Kids would probably enjoy it more than cheesy WWE. Believe it or not, children have taste.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Dominion is shaping up to be a pretty stacked card. Keen to see Okada/Omega, Naito/Jericho and Rey Mysterio wrestle.

[Ultra Mantis]

Chris (FUCKING) Sabin is a guest in BotSJ this year, haven't seen him work in years and he's probably a shadow of his former self but I'm happy for the guy. Once Shelley is finished with his studies, MCMG could be a nice addition to the Jr Tags, providing they can still go.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I was never bothered by Chris Sabin, but I never loved him as much as Skippord. He was not the right choice for a TNA "World Champion" though. Still better than Eli Drake, however. Glad The Motor City Machine Guns are still wrestling. I honestly thought Sabin would have retired by now, because I remember him having a few injuries. Alex Shelley was hot shit for a couple of years there with his ROH and TNA work.

[Ultra Mantis]

TNA's World Title is a midcard belt (or maybe was, it's value is even lower now) and Sabin is a solid midcarder so it's whatever. It was pretty much another case of putting a belt on a cold guy with no build, which doesn't even work with people infinitely more talented than Jinder Mahal. Actually really looking forward to him mixing it up with KUSHIDA and Hiromu.

[Ultra Mantis]

【A Block】

Tiger Mask
ACH
Flip Gordon
Will Ospreay
YOH
Taiji Ishimori
Yoshinobu Kanemaru
BUSHI

【B Block】

KUSHIDA
Ryusuke Taguchi
Chris Sabin
Dragon Lee
Marty Scurll
El Desperado
Hiromu Takahashi
SHO

B Block is stacked, A Block seems kinda meh.

[Innovator]

Chase Owens needs to hit the gym and lay off the dumplings.

It's ok he's Tongan

[Evil Vito]

A Block being kinda meh is probably by design because they wanna give Ishimori a nice run.

[slik]

I forgot about Chris Sabin

What happened to him/did he retire?

[Simple Fan]

Nah he's been in ROH the last few years with Shelly doing MCMG.

[Simple Fan]

I'm the opposite, Block A looks better to me but its a great field all the way around. I'll take Ishimori to win the whole thing.

[Mr. Nerfect]

TNA's World Title is a midcard belt (or maybe was, it's value is even lower now) and Sabin is a solid midcarder so it's whatever. It was pretty much another case of putting a belt on a cold guy with no build, which doesn't even work with people infinitely more talented than Jinder Mahal. Actually really looking forward to him mixing it up with KUSHIDA and Hiromu.

Sabin greatly diminished the belt from memory. Yeah, TNA has been a joke for a long, long time, but it was an attempt to follow-up what they had done with Austin Aries. Prior to Aries, Roode was champion; prior to Roode, Storm; prior to Storm, Angle. There was some interest being drummed up and the guys holding it did feel like they were at the top of the company. I'm down for the KUSHIDA/Hiromu matches though.

[Fignuts]

Excited to see how YOH and SHO do. They both seem like future singles stars.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I haven't really been following the juniors, so this tournament is hard for me to compartmentalize. Ishimori seems like a good choice to win it, but KUSHIDA, Takahashi, Scurll or even a win by Dragon Lee or El Desperado don't seem like out of this world possibilities to me. They don't really seem to be invested in "a guy" in the division as much as they are others.

[Fignuts]

NJPW definitely needs to invest in better tables. That Cody vs Ibushi spot. Christ almighty.

[Ultra Mantis]

Sabin greatly diminished the belt from memory. Yeah, TNA has been a joke for a long, long time, but it was an attempt to follow-up what they had done with Austin Aries. Prior to Aries, Roode was champion; prior to Roode, Storm; prior to Storm, Angle. There was some interest being drummed up and the guys holding it did feel like they were at the top of the company. I'm down for the KUSHIDA/Hiromu matches though.

He won it cold by using a gimmick cash in, hitting Bubba Ray Dudley with a hammer then held it for a month, had no successful defences. Storm was champ for what, a day? Equally no build, was more over but not main event over, and he wasn't exactly more credible or a better champion. They only gave him the belt for the shock value and an excuse to turn Roode before they strapped him up after six months of build. They shouldn't have put the belt on Sabin sure, but it didn't damage that belt's rep in any meaningful way considering all the shit they'd already put it through. RVD and Jeff Hardy probably did the most damage to it.

[slik]

Owwwww


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Please guys....don’t do this in your next match <a href="https://t.co/cAbRhXyPdu">pic.twitter.com/cAbRhXyPdu</a></p>&mdash; Occasional Idea Havin Paul (@y2stump) <a href="https://twitter.com/y2stump/status/994589245921726465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Mr. Nerfect]

He won it cold by using a gimmick cash in, hitting Bubba Ray Dudley with a hammer then held it for a month, had no successful defences. Storm was champ for what, a day? Equally no build, was more over but not main event over, and he wasn't exactly more credible or a better champion. They only gave him the belt for the shock value and an excuse to turn Roode before they strapped him up after six months of build. They shouldn't have put the belt on Sabin sure, but it didn't damage that belt's rep in any meaningful way considering all the shit they'd already put it through. RVD and Jeff Hardy probably did the most damage to it.

That it was cheap is no defense for it being cheap. "It sucked because it sucked" still means it sucked. Storm was champ for a day, but he definitely felt more like a player than Sabin did. Everyone was on Storm's dick as a rising star for a long time.

The RVD and Jeff Hardy sagas were pretty awful, but I don't think they themselves hurt the belt as much as Sabin did by winning it as a mid-carder. Ken Anderson, on the other hand...

[Mr. Nerfect]

Eh, it's TNA, it doesn't matter.

[Ultra Mantis]

Exactly.

[slik]

I missed this week's ep on AXS...supposed to show matches from 'Genesis'....will definitely have to watch it, looking forward to Okada vs Sabre Jr.

[slik]

Catching up on NJPW on AXS tv now

[slik]

Marty Scurll has good entrance music

[slik]

What exactly is Marty Scurll's gimmick -- is he a steampunk raven?

Whatever it is, I like it.

[slik]

Does Will Ospreay always 'punch the ground' like CM Punk?

[Fignuts]

Love Will Osprey's work, but he seems like such a fucking nerd.

[slik]

Is Will Ospreay really good at selling or does he almost 'kill himself' like every 4 minutes?

[slik]

What exactly is Marty Scurll's gimmick -- is he a steampunk raven?

Whatever it is, I like it.


Just read it's based on UK 'Plague Doctors' from the 1600's.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_doctor_costume

[slik]

Ospreay might have the best superkicks of anybody out there today.

[slik]

Ospreay busted open really bad from hitting his head on the apron when he and Scurll went over the top rope to the floor.

[slik]

OMG the replay makes it worse...(this is from Sakura Genesis, the U.S. 1 hr show is finally at that point)

He is really, really lucky he didn't have a severe neck injury from that (Ospreay)

[slik]

That was a really great match, lasted the whole hour almost of the show but flew by. A little bit of 'too many finishers' towards the end but really great overall.

[slik]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wPZpT3kXEPU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ultra Mantis]

Is Will Ospreay really good at selling or does he almost 'kill himself' like every 4 minutes?

Yes

[Fignuts]

New Kushida shirt. Need to figure out how to order off njpw shop

https://i.imgur.com/U0TrSfK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LrQwIRl.jpg

[Evil Vito]

That shirt is fantastic.

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi0Et64AV7A/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi0Et64AV7A/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Wondered what it’s like to train at the dojo? WELL NOW YOU KNOW! See you soon #Investinyourself #trainingchampions #trainingathletes @toksfale @henarenz @jaywhitenz @hiku_leo @mrginogambino @alii_mareko @afamcgregor10 @michaelrichards_nz @cwalternz @ethanhd312 @j.stevenson96 @joshuastevenson94 @daniel_puru3 @notoriousmulu @jordane_aw @shankyvik @thesamoanwrestlingdiva @jackbonza @robbieeagleshsft @fullrapscallion</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/faledojo/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Fale Dojo</a> (@faledojo) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-05-15T21:48:43+00:00">May 15, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

[slik]

lol

[Mr. Nerfect]

The new New Japan President seems like a driven guy. Harold Meij has some very clear goals about where they are heading. He wants to get $90 million per year for New Japan, and he wants to eventually trouble Vince. He's identifying language and culture barriers an obstacle New Japan has to face, but said something like "I am not limited by language or culture -- I'll do business wherever I want." He used to be the President of Coca-Cola Japan, or something, and is one of their first foreign CEOs.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He apparently tripled Takara Tomy's stock price.

[LibSuperstar]

He apparently tripled Takara Tomy's stock price.

Amazing! He's on the move already.

[Mr. Nerfect]

In the past, I should specify. I'm not sure when, haha.

[Fignuts]

Yeah, can't see them ever troubling Vince, but between Meiji's business acumen, and Gedos booking, I could see njpw's us fanbase growing quite a bit.

[LibSuperstar]

Yeah, can't see them ever troubling Vince, but between Meiji's business acumen, and Gedos booking, I could see njpw's us fanbase growing quite a bit.

It will grow no doubt. Thing is having that financial backing and spot to challenge WWE.

[Innovator]

Minoru Suzuki as a child

https://i.redd.it/trvj5r2cfgy01.jpg

[Loose Cannon]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wPZpT3kXEPU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

i feel really motivated all of a sudden

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, can't see them ever troubling Vince, but between Meiji's business acumen, and Gedos booking, I could see njpw's us fanbase growing quite a bit.

"Troubling Vince" is a stretch, but if he manages to apply some of that acumen to get New Japan into the visible sphere somehow, then I can see them growing far more than a lot of people might expect, to the point where they are "known," whatever that means today.

I can see international television deals, tours, video games, cartoons, toys and merchandise.

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi6Mgfyg8-6/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi6Mgfyg8-6/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">ICHIBAAAAN !!! @hikita_t #thank_you #わざわざ #ありがとう</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzuki.d.minoru/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> MINORU SUZUKI</a> (@suzuki.d.minoru) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-05-18T06:48:53+00:00">May 17, 2018 at 11:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

[LibSuperstar]

"Troubling Vince" is a stretch, but if he manages to apply some of that acumen to get New Japan into the visible sphere somehow, then I can see them growing far more than a lot of people might expect, to the point where they are "known," whatever that means today.

I can see international television deals, tours, video games, cartoons, toys and merchandise.

I'm guessing you mean in a mainstream sense but I can definitely see those merchandise and resources becoming available.

[Evil Vito]

God dammit, Suzuki is terrifying inside the ring but so warm and fluffy outside of it

[Mike the Metal Ed]

God dammit, Suzuki is terrifying inside the ring but so warm and fluffy outside of it

People say his Instagram ruins in his mystique but I love watching him do old Japanese man things, as well as picking up his manga for the week.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm guessing you mean in a mainstream sense but I can definitely see those merchandise and resources becoming available.

I guess toy shops are closing down now, haha, but I was thinking a line of New Japan toys next to the WWE ones in Toys 'R' Us or something. That's probably an antiquated idea. Or a New Japan anime that gets dubbed and put on US television so that kids growing up here are familiar with them. Try and turn Hiroshi Tanahashi into Goku and then when kids work out he's a real person, maybe they'll be more into him than Roman Reigns?

I'm speaking very broadly and without precision here -- I mean, Tanahashi is coming out of his prime and Reigns is heading into his -- but that sort of thing. I still think that a New Japan video game with a free trial to New Japan World would be a great thing for them to implement. There's the Fire Pro Wrestling World game coming out, but yeah, something to just burst them into the imaginations of people in the United States.

[LibSuperstar]

I guess toy shops are closing down now, haha, but I was thinking a line of New Japan toys next to the WWE ones in Toys 'R' Us or something. That's probably an antiquated idea. Or a New Japan anime that gets dubbed and put on US television so that kids growing up here are familiar with them. Try and turn Hiroshi Tanahashi into Goku and then when kids work out he's a real person, maybe they'll be more into him than Roman Reigns?

I'm speaking very broadly and without precision here -- I mean, Tanahashi is coming out of his prime and Reigns is heading into his -- but that sort of thing. I still think that a New Japan video game with a free trial to New Japan World would be a great thing for them to implement. There's the Fire Pro Wrestling World game coming out, but yeah, something to just burst them into the imaginations of people in the United States.

That can definitely works. Gives people an alternative to the WWE 2K games.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That can definitely works. Gives people an alternative to the WWE 2K games.

That's what I'm thinking. Especially if they create an overall better game. The 2K games get good reviews, but they are basically updated versions of themselves and they are what they are. They're the McDonald's of the wrestling game. But if New Japan could put out something a bit more sophisticated, with rewarding gameplay, etc. they could get a lot of coverage from gaming websites, etc. Reviews for video games seem a lot more trusted, because reviewers seem to be more in-line with what the gaming community wants. So producing a game that gets a 9.0 or above on IGN is going to get attention.

[Fignuts]

New Japan having fun with the Fire Pro Sponsorship at BOTSJ. Decorating the turnbuckle pads with "View Japan" which has been Spike's fake name for NJPW throughout the decades.

https://i.imgur.com/lArpGqH.jpg

[Fignuts]

That's what I'm thinking. Especially if they create an overall better game. The 2K games get good reviews, but they are basically updated versions of themselves and they are what they are. They're the McDonald's of the wrestling game. But if New Japan could put out something a bit more sophisticated, with rewarding gameplay, etc. they could get a lot of coverage from gaming websites, etc. Reviews for video games seem a lot more trusted, because reviewers seem to be more in-line with what the gaming community wants. So producing a game that gets a 9.0 or above on IGN is going to get attention.

As long as WWE holds a monopoly on wrestling in america, they hold a monopoly on wrestling games in america. No company is going to be signifigantly boosted by a videogame. It would in fact be the other way around. A company would have to get near WWE's level to make a game that puts pressure on the 2k series.

Fire Pro has a tremendous pedigree and for decades now, has been seen as one of, if not the greatest wrestling game series of all time by hardcore fans. Even then, the New Japan deal does WAY more for Firepro than it does for New Japan.

[Fignuts]

Also, wretling games themselves are a niche genre.

Maybe if NJPW made a really good Battle Royale game lol

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hanging out with a couple Real Superstars the “Young Bucks”,much respect for these brothers,cutting edge,main event talent,doing things outside the box,and yes I know my way around Japan,if you need any guidance just call HollyWood my brothers. HH <a href="https://t.co/XmRdWpfEQJ">pic.twitter.com/XmRdWpfEQJ</a></p>&mdash; Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/997581770051727360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

As long as WWE holds a monopoly on wrestling in america, they hold a monopoly on wrestling games in america. No company is going to be signifigantly boosted by a videogame. It would in fact be the other way around. A company would have to get near WWE's level to make a game that puts pressure on the 2k series.

Fire Pro has a tremendous pedigree and for decades now, has been seen as one of, if not the greatest wrestling game series of all time by hardcore fans. Even then, the New Japan deal does WAY more for Firepro than it does for New Japan.

I disagree, in the sense that I am not talking about selling as many units as 2K, but simply getting a game out there that increases visibility and gets more people into New Japan World. The idea would be to boost up to another tier and hope that you stay steady at a level above where you are. Not to sell one million copies or anything like that.

[LibSuperstar]

I disagree, in the sense that I am not talking about selling as many units as 2K, but simply getting a game out there that increases visibility and gets more people into New Japan World. The idea would be to boost up to another tier and hope that you stay steady at a level above where you are. Not to sell one million copies or anything like that.

Incremental fame

[Mr. Nerfect]

Incremental fame

That's it. Creep into the minds of people and plant seeds. You're not going to be able to become amazingly huge overnight.

[Fignuts]

Watching day 1 of BOTSJ. First time seeing ACH or Flip Gordan in action. Initially agreed with others that block A looked a little weak, but I'm feeling a lot better about it after that match. Very impressed with both guys.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I would like New Japan to make a play for Danielson in September.

[LibSuperstar]

I would like New Japan to make a play for Danielson in September.

How likely do you think it is they will?

[Simple Fan]

He'd be stupid to leave WWE. He's not going to get any better medical attention and the pay will be better. He's got a family to think about now and NJPWs style would probably do him in for good.

[slik]

If WWE had not let him begin wrestling again I'd say chances were high -- since they have I'm not certain DBry has reason to leave WWE w/ potential big feuds with Miz, Shinsuke, AJ, Samoa Joe and so on in his future at some point.

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's the intro that I had to cut out because of Twitter. <a href="https://t.co/hD9ERep8Zd">pic.twitter.com/hD9ERep8Zd</a></p>&mdash; Dramatic Dreamer (@chinlocked) <a href="https://twitter.com/chinlocked/status/998561485851799553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Minoru Suzuki's entrance with a live acoustic performance of &quot;Kaze ni Nare&quot; by Ayumi Nakamura. <a href="https://t.co/aiziJDAj5C">pic.twitter.com/aiziJDAj5C</a></p>&mdash; Dramatic Dreamer (@chinlocked) <a href="https://twitter.com/chinlocked/status/998557655294664705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Ultra Mantis]

He'd be stupid to leave WWE. He's not going to get any better medical attention and the pay will be better. He's got a family to think about now and NJPWs style would probably do him in for good.

He would be working a lot less dates, including a lot of multi man tags and outside of the G1 there would be a lot more recovery time. He won't leave though, they're clearly saving the feuds he actually wants until after he signs a new deal, he has the reality TV gig and they just moved a bunch of his best buds over to Smackdown.

[Emperor Smeat]

He'd be stupid to leave WWE. He's not going to get any better medical attention and the pay will be better. He's got a family to think about now and NJPWs style would probably do him in for good.

He's mentioned several times before that he wants one last run in Mexico and Japan before he retires.

Agree on his WWE pay being better overall but he just came back from a lengthy battle with WWE over their invalid medical reasons to not clear him. Didn't help their stance by clearing Angle to wrestle and then clearing Bryan shortly after the big concussion lawsuit was no longer an issue.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ve come a long way. Mission Accomplished. <a href="https://t.co/QbkYEhXPcJ">pic.twitter.com/QbkYEhXPcJ</a></p>&mdash; i cant think of a good name help (@kayfaybeisdead) <a href="https://twitter.com/kayfaybeisdead/status/998537234541350912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Innovator]

Everyone needs to get on the Hironmu Takahashi hype train

[Ultra Mantis]

Never got off it. Would be very surprised if he doesn't win the block and I'm hoping he beats Bone Soldier (who could potentially go in with full points) in the final.

[Mr. Nerfect]

How likely do you think it is they will?

I think it's very likely they will contact him. I think it's less likely that he will actually go. I think the biggest factor is probably the safety net that is the WWE, who will probably pay him out the ass and offer him what would essentially be a lifetime deal at this point.

It depends what the "artist" in Bryan is feeling, to be honest. WWE sucks right now. Does he want to wrestle Styles and Joe in matches that don't matter, or does he want to try and breathe more life into an emerging promotion that takes its content a bit more seriously? I mean, like a lot of wrestling fans would rather watch New Japan than WWE, I'm sure that a lot of wrestlers would rather work there too, providing that it was viable.

Danielson has the advantage in that he's worth investing in. He's probably saved his money, Brie is probably well-to-do too. I have no doubt that he could wrangle a lot of money from New Japan. Karl Anderson was reportedly making $750,000 a year with them, if you believe that. I think Bryan could get paid within the realm of Okada and Tanahashi, and be paid above Naito and Omega. And I'm sure the WWE can offer him whatever New Japan is and just say "double it." But there are sponsorships, merchandising, other promotions he can sign big deals with for limited work (he could possibly convince Sinclair to break the bank on him) and appearances and such.

A big thing to think about for him would be where that leaves Brie's career. It obviously throws the WWE reality shows into question, and I don't know if the WWE wants to promote Danielson working in New Japan while Brie decides what outfit she wants to wear. But if Brie is looking to get out of Total Divas/Bellas and take some time off to be a mom or whatever, it may not be the biggest deal in the world to her if she and the WWE part ways too. Also, Cody is kind of setting up the template for how to use a hot wife in wrestling, to the point where Brie's value on the indies probably goes quite high being the supportive husband to Bryan and letting wrestling fans have their wrestler back.

To be perfectly honest, Bryan kind of has Vince over a barrel a little bit, because he's realistically got the option of making over $1 million a year working a few dates in Japan. If he holds out, he can try and get some concrete direction for the product he is involved in and a lot of money.

I don't think his health is as big a factor as some would suggest. Bryan is cleared. His brain is fine. Sometimes you get a brutal injury in Japan, but you also have lots of guys working into their 40's too. Plus, I'm suspicious of the WWE's medical testing of him. I don't want to cry conspiracy, but I think it was convenient that Bryan had a history of concussions for a period of time for them there. He's probably been ready to go for quite a long while and the downtime has probably allowed him to heal a bit of other wear and tear.

Honestly not sure it's "unlikely" at this point. Harold Meij seems like an ambitious guy. I'd be very surprised if he hasn't or doesn't reach out to Bryan at some point and advises him to just string Vince a long for a bit and work out where he really stands in their current plans. Bryan's reluctance to go would probably be the big lifestyle change for Brie and challenging that relationship with WWE and Vince McMahon. Buuuuuuut, he's in a position to possibly change the industry right now. Not in a "cripple Vince" sort of way, but make the declarative statement that New Japan Pro-Wrestling is good wrestling and he would rather be a part of that than the WWE circus, which has been the end-game for 20 years now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Another Crazy Noid Hypothesis:

Wouldn't be surprised if Harold Meij reached out to Conor McGregor either. If he wants to get New Japan a worldwide presence as "The King of Sports," then there is no bigger star he could bring in than Conor -- in the same vein that Mike Tyson was important to giving the WWF that spark in 1998.

Conor loves money and is currently having some legal issues and his relationship with Dana White and UFC seems "odd." Money talks in Dana's relationships, so I doubt he is done fighting, but I'm sure New Japan and UFC can open channels. There have been Conor/WWE rumors in the past despite Conor calling the entire roster, essentially, pussies, to the point where Vince has had to address them in the past. If Conor is worried about the perception of him entering the scripted promo world of WWE, where they try to talk him into selling for The Miz, then maybe an offer from New Japan would be more appealing?

Can you just imagine one of those New Japan press conference things they do with Conor talking about how he heard everyone in Japan is a pussy and where he calls Shibata a vegetable to get some heat with Goto? Fucking tremendous.

[Fignuts]

Osprey is so god damn incredible. I know he's very spotty, but it honestly doesn't matter to me. Once in a generation, you get a guy that's so good, and can do things that are so incredible, that he can get away with it, as long as there is some semblance of a story in the match.

And it's not just what he does, but how he executes it, that is incredible. The only other person in the history of this business that hits moves with such effortless speed and precision was the original Tiger Mask.

[Destor]

Think he's utter garbage

[Destor]

Might be the worst worker to get pushed by a major promotion in the history of the business.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Destor, you are TPWW's Cornette.

[LibSuperstar]

Destor, you are TPWW's Cornette.

He's gotta add a "motherfucker" for good measure.

[Destor]

Destor, you are TPWW's Cornette.

lol I'll try not to take that as an insult. :lol:

[Destor]

Tiger Mask was so flawless but his matches looked like a struggle. A contest of wills. Osprey looks like a work. Two guys playing wrestling.

[Fignuts]

That's true enough. To be fair though, osprey's recent bouts have come off more like fights than some of his over coreograpghed past work. The match with Ishimori being a great example. He's been inserting the wild acrobatics where they make sense more consistently.

[Destor]

He's been improving, I'll give you that much.

[Emperor Smeat]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WSGAxuW-Cd0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

that promo is amazing

[Destor]

Thought it was impressively bad. Like one of those kids that flips the camera off cause they think thats cool and edgy

[Simple Fan]

Thought it was impressively bad. Like one of those kids that flips the camera off cause they think thats cool and edgy

I didn't think it was bad but I think that is kind of what he's going for. Naito is the real cool one and Jericho's coming in trying to the bad cool kid so to speak.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

my name is destor and i'm a big gay boy

[Emperor Smeat]

According to the Observer, NJPW has only managed to sell around 5k so far for the next US show.

Regarding the biggest shows in the U.S. over the next few months, the 7/7 New Japan show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, at press time, they were at less than 5,000 tickets sold. One of the reasons it was as low as it was is the secondary market brokers steered clear of the show. They had steered clear of the Long Beach shows as well, which sold out instantly.

[Evil Vito]

Wonder what the G1 field will look like this year. There are only two definite openings in Yuji Nagata and Satoshi Kojima.

One of the open spots has to go to Jay White, surely? So that leaves one more. They probably can't get Cody for an entire month, so I'll assume he's not an option. So give me Taichi in the G1!

Oh, and bumping out shitbag Elgin for literally anyone would be appreciated. But we all know it won't happen.

[Innovator]

I'd be all for KUSHIDA moving up in the G1. He has nothing left to do in the Juniors

[Evil Vito]

That would be tight

[Destor]

Hope Elgin stays in he's a good talent.

[Emperor Smeat]

Next US show is officially called "G1 Special in San Francisco" and NJPW confirmed rumors of it airing live on AXS TV instead of NJPW World due to its start time being set to cater to the East Coast. Also a lot easier and cheaper to just use AXS TV crew than fly their own guys in for the event.

In terms of commentary, JR and Josh Barnett got the nod for this show.

[slik]

watching tonight's show on AXS...this is the description


New Japan Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Hi No Kuni 2018
Minoru Suzuki defends the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Tetsuya Naito. EVIL and SANADA challenge Killer Elite Squad for the IWGP Tag Team titles.

[slik]

From what I've seen I think Sanada and Zack Sabre Jr. are my favorites (so far) in NJPW

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This woman in the front row is scared of Suzuki and clutching a stuffed...penguin...cat...catguin? �� <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUpEkSTKUr">pic.twitter.com/uUpEkSTKUr</a></p>&mdash; Kenton (@TheKentonLane) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKentonLane/status/1000173248842272768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

Naito/Suzuki was good

[Fignuts]

Its a cat

[Ultra Mantis]

How do you not know a Daryl when you see one?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Tiger Mask was so flawless but his matches looked like a struggle. A contest of wills. Osprey looks like a work. Two guys playing wrestling.

I heard about that Ospreay/Ricochet match and turned it off when they did that spot where they both backflip and pose next to each other. Fucking gross.

[Destor]

Yeah and i love Richichet but that match was offensive enough that it needed a trigger warning before it

[Destor]

Might honestly be the worst match ive ever seen

[Emperor Smeat]

https://i.imgur.com/02dsKuY.gif

Was watching some block matches I missed and once I saw that happen, had the epiphany of this being too good to not be a gif somewhere. Turns out nobody else did it after a bunch of searching so I had to do it myself.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Might honestly be the worst match ive ever seen

lol I absolutely loved the fuck out of that match... in a vacuum. Not as anything I'd want to see beyond that one match in that one building.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I felt like I was watching streetfighter or something.

[Fignuts]

Yeah, I had heard about it beforehand, so I knew what I was getting going in. I just enjoyed it for what it was and didn't take it seriously.

It was a Yano match to me.

[LibSuperstar]

I felt like I was watching streetfighter or something.

I was thinking Mortal Kombat :lol:.

[Fignuts]

Holy shit balls, Dragon Lee vs SHO was good. Early favorite for match of the tournament, in fact.

Makes me really happy because I'm a big supporter of SHO, and not only do I think he'll be Jr. champ one day, but I think he could eventually move to heavyweight and be a big star for the company.

I was really looking forward to how he would perform in the tourney, and he has already exceeded my high expectations.

[Fignuts]

lol Desperado with one of the more creative chair shots I've seen.

Taguchi's sell of it is great.

[Fignuts]

Kevin Kelly just called a Blue Thunder Bomb a Falcon Arrow.

I can't even

[LibSuperstar]

Kevin Kelly just called a Blue Thunder Bomb a Falcon Arrow.

I can't even

Those two moves are barely similar.

[Evil Vito]

I've been struggling to get through BOSJ. Kevin Kelly on his own is just putting me to sleep.

[Fignuts]

Switch to the Japanese commentators. You might not understand what they're saying, but they're building excitement will keep you more invested in the match than Kelly's droning.


That's what I'm doing. Gave Kelly a chance the first two nights, but Jap coms were so much better on the next one.

[Emperor Smeat]

Apparently Naito and the rest of LIJ pranked Tokyo Sports again. Held another interview with reporters at a restaurant and just like every other time, found a way to foot the bill on Tokyo Sports' dime.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was a special LIJ anniversary lunch. Naito told his boys to order what they wanted, but at the end went to hail a cab for everyone and mysteriously vanished. BUSHI and Hiromu left to check on him leaving Tokyo Sports with the tab... again.</p>&mdash; chris charlton (@reasonjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/reasonjp/status/1001010781469663232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah and i love Richichet but that match was offensive enough that it needed a trigger warning before it

I haven't seen much of Ricochet, but when he's serious he actually seems really great. I wouldn't call myself a fan just because I haven't seen enough, but he seems to get that it's supposed to be a fight, and his charisma seems to come from him being this tough-as-nails smaller guy in that fight.

But yeah, I didn't even realize I was so "Cornette" as I was until I saw that match and almost gagged and had to turn it off. I would have paid to have been let out of the building. So disgusting. Such wank.

[Mr. Nerfect]

lol I absolutely loved the fuck out of that match... in a vacuum. Not as anything I'd want to see beyond that one match in that one building.

I can deal with us having different political views, but this is just downright disgusting, Dale, and you should be ashamed. Easily the worst post you have ever made.

(I'm kidding, ya cunt)

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really want to like Kevin Kelly, but I just can't. Maybe I needed to watch more Metal back in the day? I actually like him in shoot interviews. I can't remember why, but he tore the fuck out of Triple H -- like viciously -- and I was like "Haha, you are never going to work there again," but the balls on him.

I think he would make a great writer of articles or a podcast host for a promotion. He seems smart and like he's got a lot of knowledge and passion. As a play-by-play guy, I think he comes off as too "nerdy." Like he was the prototype for the nerd announcer before they worked out they wanted them to be good looking too. He tries hard, but I think that has become a problem in later years, because you can feel the effort -- like he's trying to be the best play-by-play in the business, instead of just being the best play-by-play guy in the business.

I'd definitely prefer Japanese or JR over him, to be honest. I also thought that Don Callis was funny for a few weeks on Lance Storm's podcast, but think he is a pretty trash announcer, really.

[Loose Cannon]

Um when did New Japan start airing Friday nights? It's on this AXS channel I never even heard of . I just randomly happened to be flipping through

[Loose Cannon]

And JR is announcing what!!!!!

[Emperor Smeat]

Um when did New Japan start airing Friday nights? It's on this AXS channel I never even heard of . I just randomly happened to be flipping through

About 2-3 years ago. Think they made a deal with NJPW for a weekly show around the same time NJPW announced Wrestle Kingdom 10 was going to air live in the US.

[Malfeitor]

Solid match between Omega and Page.

[slik]

Good episode of NJPW on AXS TV once again, just finished it.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

(I'm kidding, ya cunt)

If you were Samantha Bee, you'd be(e) in some serious trouble.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I've heard the buzz.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hope Meij's plan to increase the television profile of New Japan means that they reach a deal in Australia. I want to hear JR call wrestling again.

[Jordan]

I really want to like Kevin Kelly, but I just can't. Maybe I needed to watch more Metal back in the day? I actually like him in shoot interviews. I can't remember why, but he tore the fuck out of Triple H -- like viciously -- and I was like "Haha, you are never going to work there again," but the balls on him.

I think he would make a great writer of articles or a podcast host for a promotion. He seems smart and like he's got a lot of knowledge and passion. As a play-by-play guy, I think he comes off as too "nerdy." Like he was the prototype for the nerd announcer before they worked out they wanted them to be good looking too. He tries hard, but I think that has become a problem in later years, because you can feel the effort -- like he's trying to be the best play-by-play in the business, instead of just being the best play-by-play guy in the business.

I'd definitely prefer Japanese or JR over him, to be honest. I also thought that Don Callis was funny for a few weeks on Lance Storm's podcast, but think he is a pretty trash announcer, really.

I don't like Kevin Kelly's whole production either. His voice, his energy, his passion... he's above a guy like Mark Madden for sure, but he's a total nerd.

[Destor]

I don't like Kevin Kelly's whole production either. His voice, his energy, his passion... he's above a guy like Mark Madden for sure, but he's a total nerd.

makes him relatable for the audience

[Emperor Smeat]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oCyFDHo4BIE" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ultra Mantis]

JR fucking sucks in New Japan. Abysmal commentary from the AXS guys.

[Evil Vito]

Watching Dominion live

[Evil Vito]

Yoh and Sho/Desperado and Kanemaru

Suzuki-gun go over. Happy to see that.

[Evil Vito]

Juice and Finlay/White and Yoshi-Hashi

Juice pins White, means he's getting a US title shot at the G1 special in SF

[Evil Vito]

Is it OK to scream Kaze Ni Nare at the top of my lungs at 3:39AM?

[Emperor Smeat]

AJ Styles should study this Ishii/Yano vs Sabre/Suzuki match on how to block a low bow.

[Evil Vito]

lollllllll that was fucking amazing

[Evil Vito]

Ishii and Suzuki are such crazy bastards

[Evil Vito]

Taichi's entrance is the only thing I care about this match.

Goto is kinda meh to me, and fuck Elgin

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: at Taichi's comedic villain laugh.

[Evil Vito]

Taichi was only there to avoid Goto having to take the fall :(

[Evil Vito]

the fucking Elgin push continues. ridiculous.

[Evil Vito]

LIJ/Bucks should be excellent

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taichi went into a state of shock that his &quot;Please do something, Miho&quot; master plan actually worked. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njdominion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njdominion</a><br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/8n90d75Nfk">https://t.co/8n90d75Nfk</a> <a href="https://t.co/963ifBsxEO">pic.twitter.com/963ifBsxEO</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1005363576897499136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Emperor Smeat]

When you actually think about it, the Tower of Doom is a pretty terrible thing to do during a tag match.

Instead of saving your partner, you end up helping to hurt him during the match. Sure you also hurt your opponents but the powerbomb guy almost never takes advantage of the moment.

[Evil Vito]

What a great tag match

[Evil Vito]

I do feel like that match kind of underscored that it's pretty ridiculous to imply a direct Juniors < Heavyweights hierarchy

[Emperor Smeat]

Guess All In is going to be streamed online or air on PPV since the Bucks just gave an invitation to Don Callis.

[Evil Vito]

Don Callis hired for All In

Well that confirms the show is being broadcast somewhere, which I always assumed it would be

[Evil Vito]

GO ACE

[Evil Vito]

"Ray Mysterio Jr"

[Emperor Smeat]

Mysterio's gear makes it look like he's wearing a diaper over his pants.

[Evil Vito]

Give me Rey in G1

[Evil Vito]

Future look to Meltzer after the main event:

http://media.giphy.com/media/l41JU7zd5xed1vUaY/giphy.gif

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: NJPW didn't bother to fix Takahashi's broken Super Jrs trophy.

[Emperor Smeat]

Either Ospreay raided Taichi's locker for a sweet looking jacket or found Nakamura's long lost locker backstage.

[Evil Vito]

Feels like these singles tourney winners very rarely win the title shot they earned. Will be interesting to see what happens.

[Emperor Smeat]

Holy shit at Takahashi being spiked head first onto the mat from a powerbomb counter

[Evil Vito]

wooooooooooooo!!!

[Emperor Smeat]

Jr Heavyweight match was really great

[Emperor Smeat]

Whelp Jericho wasn't lying when he said he wanted to go for a crazy look for his match against Naito.

[Evil Vito]

glad Jericho's going with this gear. he looked pretty terrible at Greatest Royal Rumble

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: crowd cheering Jericho for the beating he's inflicting on Naito.

[Evil Vito]

Last time Naito got booed he formed LIJ

[Emperor Smeat]

Ouch at Naito's busted eye. That would explain where the blood on his suit came from.

[Evil Vito]

Waiting for Kevin Kelly and Don Callis to explain that this is a non-traditional crowd and sometimes they boo who they normally cheer

[Emperor Smeat]

Even the Japanese tables don't like Naito in this match.

Table breaks when Jericho does a move out of respect but refuses to give the same treatment for Naito's move.

[Evil Vito]

WHOA

[Emperor Smeat]

:eek:

Jericho beat Naito for the IC belt

IC match was great.

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: at Jericho's "Who the hell are you?" after seeing EVIL.

[Evil Vito]

So far

All of the titles defended have changed except Jr Tag

Think that doesn't bode well for Kenny

[Evil Vito]

My body is ready

[Emperor Smeat]

Supposedly everyone from NXT at UK's Download Festival is currently watching this match based on tweets from people at the UK event.

[Emperor Smeat]

Omega is going to be pissing blood after that bump onto the railings.

[Evil Vito]

Callis isn't exactly known for his subtlety so him mentioning the white towel Ibushi has me thinking something's going down with that. We'll see.

[Emperor Smeat]

The timing of when the Rainmaker and One Wing Angel finally hit was genius. Once one happened, the other loomed as the huge threat remaining in the match. Same for the booking of both finishers being hit the first time.

[Emperor Smeat]

:eek: Omega busting out the Styles Clash.

[Evil Vito]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Emperor Smeat]

OMEGA DID IT .... NEW IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

https://i.imgur.com/EGb1O5N.gif

IWGP Heavyweight match was legendary.

[Evil Vito]

First fall was a great twist, and Okada getting the first fall still leaves some doubt

Okada to win G1 probably

[Emperor Smeat]

Yeup. Okada getting first fall also protected him when he suffered the next 2 falls afterwards since he can still claim he would have beaten Omega if it was a normal match

[Evil Vito]

Looks like Cody will be Kenny's first defense

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Jericho vs Naito was great (just watched it). So happy he stopped trying to hold-for-hold with guys in their physical prime and instead is wrestling matches that are "supposed" to be kind of clunky and heavily based on psychology.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

and he's also somehow a babyface to the crowd lmfao guess he reminds them of Hansen/Brody with his mannerisms/style

[Evil Vito]

Osaka were the crowd that REALLY turned on Naito back when NJPW were trying to force push him like Reigns. Them still shitting on him now that he’s actually well liked is kinda cool unintentional continuity.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Not huge on Callis and Kelly's commentary but like how they acknowledge the booing.

[Simple Fan]

Pretty great show, only outcome I didn't really like was the Never Openweight 3 way. Main event was great and so was the IC match.

[slik]

How was it -- is it worth watching?

[Simple Fan]

Yes

[Emperor Smeat]

How was it -- is it worth watching?

Yes. Whole card was pretty great overall. Usually with NJPW, the undercard or early matches can be pretty skippable but they were good as well at Dominion.

[#1-norm-fan]

So The Bucks, Elgin, Omega and Jericho are all champions now. Is this just NJPW really trying to appeal to North American audiences?

[Emperor Smeat]

So The Bucks, Elgin, Omega and Jericho are all champions now. Is this just NJPW really trying to appeal to North American audiences?

Probably a mix of Dominion being the event in recent years for mass title changes and NJPW just wanting a quick boost of interest for the upcoming Cow Palace show.

Safe bet at least Jericho and maybe Elgin are dropping their belts at the US show since NJPW's upcoming UK show now lacks belts based on who has been booked for it.

[Dark One]

Just finished Dominion.

Goddamn. Feel like I just watched every Game of Thrones season finale at once.

Gonna sleep for like two days.

[Fignuts]

Love the Suzuki vs Ishii interactions. Can't wait for the inevitable singles match.

Always respected the Bucks athleticism and creativity, but never cared for their spot heavy style. In recent months they've adjusted their style and focus more on story telling and selling, and it all culminated in this match. Fantastic bout that shows just how well the bucks have evolved.

Mysterio looks and moves better than he has since WCW. No exaggeration.

Jr heavy bout delivers as usual. Expecting an obituary for osprey one of these days.

I fucking hate Elgin. Not for what he did, though that was obviously bad. I hate him because he makes me want to like him despite how gross it feels. Dude looks FUCKING AMAZING since cutting weight. And his performance was equally impressive. Someone please tell me there was an update and that chick was a lying druggie or something.

Very surprised at Jericho winning but I have to imagine he's dropping it back to naito or to evil at the g-1 special.

I haven't marked out that hard at the end of a match since Benoit won the title at Wrestlemania. Seriously, what a fucking masterpiece. Every fall telling a different story. And the whole thing backed by their storied rivalry and Kenny's journey to this match.

This is what long term booking gets you. WWE has all but abandoned it and thus haven't gotten an emotional response like this from me in 15 years.

Incredible show.

[Fignuts]

So The Bucks, Elgin, Omega and Jericho are all champions now. Is this just NJPW really trying to appeal to North American audiences?



Think it would be naive to think it didn't play a factor. That said, I don't think its a problem as they all are deserving of what they won. Not like they said "Hey we're going to India. Let's put our most prestigious title on this jobber because he's brown!"

[Fignuts]

Jericho vs Naito was great (just watched it). So happy he stopped trying to hold-for-hold with guys in their physical prime and instead is wrestling matches that are "supposed" to be kind of clunky and heavily based on psychology.

I've said for a while that part of njpw's strength is the diversity of styles on display, and Jericho being a vicious street fighter just adds yet another facet to that.

[Jordan]

Young Bucks vs. Evil & Sanada, Jay White vs. Juice Robinson, Okada & Ospreay vs. Naito & Bushi, Omega vs. Cody all at Cow Palace on 7/7

[Jordan]

To me this is Cody's first big main event, I'm pretty pumped for it. I don't see him beating Kenny and taking the IWGP Title though, so that might affect the way I view ALL IN vs Nick Aldis.

[Destor]

Watched this today wonderful card. Flawless execution throughout. Outstanding

[slik]

Cow Palace card sounds fantastic

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think I might actually check this show out. Some of the results surprise me, but none of them "shock" me. New Japan is great like that. The sporting feel means they can get away from story arcs as real life can break like that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Jericho vs Naito was great (just watched it). So happy he stopped trying to hold-for-hold with guys in their physical prime and instead is wrestling matches that are "supposed" to be kind of clunky and heavily based on psychology.

:y: I haven't watched Jericho/Naito yet, but this evolution of Jericho feels like the way a worker should age.

[Evil Vito]

Just tossed a proposed list of G1 participants into a randomizer and here's the blocks in came up with.

Block A
Cody
Kazuchika Okada
KUSHIDA
Michael Elgin (don't want him in, but he's going to be in)
Minoru Suzuki
SANADA
Tama Tonga
Tetsuya Naito
Tomohiro Ishii
Zack Sabre Jr.

Block B
Bad Luck Fale
EVIL
Hirooki Goto
Hiroshi Tanahashi
Jay White
Juice Robinson
Kenny Omega
Kota Ibushi
Togi Makabe
Toru Yano

In terms of participants, I went under the theory that there are only two guaranteed openings from last year (Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata). Jay White is definitely getting one of those spots, and I decided to give some love to KUSHIDA who as others have mentioned doesn't really have much left to achieve in the Juniors.

But at Dominion they referenced YOSHI-HASHI being on the bubble, so I was wondering who would bump him. While I'm not sure they can actually get Cody for a full month, I decided to throw him in anyway.

These blocks actually have some fun stuff. Get to see Ishii and Suzuki have their slugfest. The inter-stable battles of Naito/SANADA and Suzuki/Sabre would be fun. KUSHIDA vs. anybody would be grand.

The real highlight of Block B would of course be Omega/Ibushi. If they aren't planned to wrestle each other in the Dome, then putting them together in the final day of Block B presumably to decide the finalist is workable.

Based only on this group I'd guess an Okada/Ibushi finals, sticking with Okada winning it.

[Simple Fan]

Cody was asked about this year's G1 on twitter and said:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">0%<br><br>I've got a new project that runs mon-fri all the way to <a href="https://twitter.com/ALL_IN_2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ALL_IN_2018</a> <br><br>Those two items alone, and some pretty large matches on the schedule. I'm full up. <a href="https://t.co/d3VA6jsGw1">https://t.co/d3VA6jsGw1</a></p>&mdash; Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes/status/1004870009250832384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Jordan]

Looks like Jericho and The Bucks are going to team up for a six man on the Jericho Cruise.

[Evil Vito]

Cody was asked about this year's G1 on twitter and said:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">0%<br><br>I've got a new project that runs mon-fri all the way to <a href="https://twitter.com/ALL_IN_2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ALL_IN_2018</a> <br><br>Those two items alone, and some pretty large matches on the schedule. I'm full up. <a href="https://t.co/d3VA6jsGw1">https://t.co/d3VA6jsGw1</a></p>&mdash; Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes/status/1004870009250832384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Looks like YOSHI-HASHI might make it back in then. Although Taichi getting a run would be fantastic.

[Simple Fan]

Taichi would be my choice.

[Jordan]

What qualifies a person for G-1 throughout the year?

[Innovator]

What qualifies a person for G-1 throughout the year?

Being a competent heavyweight, or being Yano or YOSHI-HASHI

[Evil Vito]

YOSHI-HASHI and Yujiro Takahashi are pretty comparable I think. Two guys who, while talented, aren’t particularly interesting but the company’s probably not ever gonna fully cut bait as they came up through as Young Lions.

The dojo training is brutal, and the company wants to reward that and send a message that they’ll stay loyal to the guys who put themselves through it.

[Innovator]

Speaking of Yujiro, I miss Mao.

[Evil Vito]

I want Omega/Ibushi and Okada/Danielson at the Dome so badly.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm rooting for Danielson in New Japan too. And Brock Lesnar.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I should watch the show in order, but I've seen The Young Bucks vs. EVIL & Sanada and the six-man tag with the dream team babyfaces.

On the six-man:

* Rey Mysterio is a fucking gem. He looked so amazing and crisp in this thing.

* Tanahashi is such a great babyface.

* Cody Rhodes is such a geeky mid-carder.

* Marty Scurll was technically very good, but I don't get why he kept acting like a bird. It's like he's trying to be 1998 WCW Chris Jericho, but with a lot less natural charisma. He also did that geeky talking in the match. "Just kidding!" What the fuck is that?

* Hangman Page was trying his little heart out. It is obvious that he hasn't pieced it together yet, but it was a huge spot for him, I guess, so good for him.

On the Tag Title match:

* I should appreciate The Young Bucks slowing down and trying to inject some psychology into their matches. And I do. But it's very basic stuff they haven't done much of and need to get a lot better at if they're going to be true greats like they pretend to be.

* Don Callis is a fucking awful announcer. He was pissing me off in this match.

* The crowd laughed at Nick Jackson not being able to pull off the springboard. They fucking laughed at him. It was at this moment that it dawned on me that drama in wrestling may not exist anymore. The main events might change my mind.

* It also dawned on me in this match that this was exactly the sort of thing you would see in WWE. I don't mean that as an insult or a compliment. But this was just your typical WWE tag team match. They did all the match blocking like it was intended to heighten interest, ala Gargano/Ciampa vs. The Revival, but because it was a WWE tag team match, no one really bought into it the same way. It wasn't so much working that audience as it was performing a routine in front of an audience with things intended to work, in theory.

* The match wasn't bad or anything, it was just that gentrified and pedestrian "here's a tag team match; this is how tag team matches are worked these days."

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd like to see the three spots in the G1 Climax go to Jericho, KUSHIDA and SANADA.

[Evil Vito]

SANADA was already a lock I think. From last year's entrants, I would say there are at least 16 locks to remain in:

Bad Luck Fale, EVIL, Hirooki Goto, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Michael Elgin, Minoru Suzuki, SANADA, Tetsuya Naito, Togi Makabe, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, and Zack Sabre Jr.

Tama Tonga and YOSHI-HASHI are the 2 guys from last year that I'd say are on the bubble.

The only ones from last year definitely getting replaced are Satoshi Kojima (injured) and Yuji Nagata (retired from G1).

Jay White will be getting a spot as US Champion.

So that leaves one spot. Could be Taichi. But traditionally there is always at least one surprise entrant so who knows. KUSHIDA moving up? An AJPW guy? Rey goddamn Mysterio?

[Jordan]

I want NJPW to sign up a couple of indy hoss's. Keith Lee would be awesome, Walter would be great in NJPW... they need a couple hosses.

[Simple Fan]

Walter would be amazing in NJPW. I can just see him and Suzuki just beating the hell out of one another. Haven't really liked what I've seen of Lee though.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I want NJPW to sign up a couple of indy hoss's. Keith Lee would be awesome, Walter would be great in NJPW... they need a couple hosses.

Keith Lee I think has already signed to WWE.

[Simple Fan]

They've offered WALTER as well but I think him being international is holding things up. I hope he doesn't see gn with WWE though, just don't think they'd use him right.

[Jordan]

I wonder how he will do in WWE. I don't have any faith in them creating a black superstar.

[Jordan]

They've offered WALTER as well but I think him being international is holding things up. I hope he doesn't see gn with WWE though, just don't think they'd use him right.

Yeah I agree. If he can make big money doing the gambit or getting exclusive with ROH and New Japan that would be great. He still seems so young in his career, he's got a lot of room to grow into a mega star. I can imagine him fitting in perfect with Okada, Omega, Tanahashi, Naito and company.

[Mr. Nerfect]

WALTER is definitely on the WWE's radar. I would like to see Jeff Cobb or Matt Riddle get more exposure in New Japan. I've been hearing good things about Shane Strickland too.

I did think of Rey Mysterio, but I'm just not sure if working such an intense schedule is the best thing for Rey or New Japan. It would be a huge boost to the tournament.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Triple H has apparently said that he's open to working with New Japan. It could be classic pandering and Trips doing more to babyface himself when he knows full well he can't do anything with Vince still in position, but more so than ever I could see this being a possibility.

Bryan's contract coming up is an iceberg that could potentially be huge. Bryan can change wrestling. I've been thinking of it as an either/or type thing, but Bryan could push for the safety of the WWE contract with the reality show stuff for Brie, as well as getting a number of dates approved outside the WWE. I could see Vince and Trips using New Japan as a way to freshen up talent too.