NJPW - TPWW ***OFFICIAL*** Discussion Thread -- New Japan of America announced [Archive] - Page 10

Evil Vito

01-12-2021, 12:08 AM

So now Mox has formally responded to KENTA, the question is where and when their match will finally happen. Japan's under new travel restrictions and beyond that, it's a two and a half week process just to get there and back between travel and mandatory quarantine. I don't see him doing that with a pregnant wife at home, and we're still a long way away from being out of this pandemic.

Given he was in the LA Dojo I'm assuming they'll eventually have their match there, KENTA lives in the US so he'd presumably be coming home eventually anyway, and if he's still got Japanese residency he might be able to head back quickly unlike the true foreign talent. I'd guess they could tape the match and air it during the ring cleaning intermission at a show.

As far as I know, AEW have to clear all of Mox's bookings in the US but given there would be no fans and it's not running up against AEW programming or anything, I'd hope they're OK with it especially if they want to work together eventually. At the same time, even if they do want to work together I'm not sure they'd want to draw too much attention to one of their biggest stars dropping another promotion's tertiary championship.

Jordan

01-12-2021, 09:06 AM

Honestly the best thing would be for Mox to defend against Kenta at a NJPW of America show and have Kenny and Don show up and screw him.

Evil Vito

01-14-2021, 08:26 PM

Jay White removed from the roster page. Man I hope this winds up a work.

Evil Vito

01-14-2021, 08:29 PM

I can't even picture what a Jay White in WWE looks like. There's no way he keeps the nickname. There’s no way he keeps the gimmick and aesthetic. I can see them telling him to shave the beard. He'll be wrestling WWE style and cutting 'my guest at this time' scripted promos. At best, he's Rollins with an accent.

Ultra Mantis

02-03-2021, 03:27 PM

Not been keeping up with the New Begginning tour that much, but I have watched a bunch of the backstage comments and the character work being put in by Naito / Hiromu / SHO and Ibushi is ridiculously entertaining. They're constantly teasing SANADA is going to get involved in the backstage shenanigans too and hopefully he does because SHO needs someone there who can keep a straight face. Who would have thought 2021 Honma would bring more greatness out of Naito than EVIL?

Also popped for a wild Goto suddenly rampaging on GOD and Jay White after yesterdays show. Tama Tonga still looks wrong.

Evil Vito

02-03-2021, 03:32 PM

Glad White is sticking around.

Ultra Mantis

02-03-2021, 03:48 PM

Jay is such a troll its brilliant. Blaming his emotional breakdown on Ishii of all people.

Baby face Taichi and anti hero Zack are killing it too, Tama has gone full ham speaking fluent Japanese as the spirit of Iizuka's iron finger is driving him insane. What is going on.

slik

02-04-2021, 10:20 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New Japan Pro-Wrestling Sets Roku Channel TV Deal in U.S., U.K, Canada <a href="https://t.co/HsQQ0uirfK">https://t.co/HsQQ0uirfK</a></p>— Variety (@Variety) <a href="https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1357343345866018816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Damian Rey 2.0

02-04-2021, 09:05 PM

Evil Vito

02-04-2021, 11:03 PM

Yeah I'm really pumped about this. I enjoy NJPW but I don't stay subscribed all year, this will help give me my fix.

Damian Rey 2.0

02-05-2021, 01:10 AM

1 hour means they'll likely showcase their best stuff. Like how axs tv would segment the best 4 or 5 matches from wrestle kingdom into a months worth of tv. If that's the plan than fuck yes.

Damian Rey 2.0

02-05-2021, 01:10 AM

Okada coming to my roku? Boner alert.

Jordan

02-05-2021, 02:22 AM

I had been considering a Roku but I don't NEED it. This does make it more appealing.

erickman

02-05-2021, 03:07 AM

wonder who will call the matches will they get jr back

Damian Rey 2.0

02-05-2021, 04:10 AM

Is Kevin Kelly still doing their English language pbp? He was actually better than JR. Way more enthusiastic and engaging.

Emperor Smeat

02-05-2021, 04:35 PM

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, NJPW deal with Roku was the best offer they had on the table.

What hurt them a lot was not having any real valuable viewership data that could have been used to sell this new weekly show to a better network. Part of it was due to the lack of tv exposure in the US after they got booted from AXS TV and the other part was due to AXS TV not being a Nielsen subscriber until last year.

They did have an offer from CBS Sports but they would only earn money via getting a share of ad revenues during shows like Impact's situation during their time on POP TV.

ClockShot

02-05-2021, 07:04 PM

Man, CBS Sports would have been the way to go. Easily accessible on most, if not, all cable providers. And maybe get some big shows either on replay or live on the flagship channel.

I guess Roku will get them on their way. But, I wish they would focus on getting NJPW World available on smart TVs, game consoles, etc. instead of being tied into either the website or use of a Fire stick. Better way of getting exposure if you ask me.

DaveWadding

02-05-2021, 07:07 PM

Is Kevin Kelly still doing their English language pbp? He was actually better than JR. Way more enthusiastic and engaging.

Yeah, he's still there, still shouting Destino

Damian Rey 2.0

02-05-2021, 09:08 PM

That's the only part of his commentary I didn't like. I wonder if he's still a hermaphrodite...

Emperor Smeat

02-10-2021, 06:50 AM

IWGP Tag title and IWGP Jr. title match at Night 1 of New Beginning in Hiroshima 2021 were great.

The ending to the Tag title match is likely going to be very divisive because of all the shenanigans but felt it was one of those rare times where it actually helped more than hurt the match because of the storyline between Tama Tonga and Taichi over Iizuka's glove. Only big downside was that match didn't really need to be almost 30 minutes long for the finish it got even if the finish itself made sense based on how things went down during it.

Emperor Smeat

02-11-2021, 02:09 AM

Yano's ring entrance merch hawking announcement during tonight's Night 2 of New Beginning in Hiroshima show might have been longer than the Yano & Okada vs. Dock Togo & EVIL match.

Emperor Smeat

02-11-2021, 02:16 AM

Gedo must have been drunk when he wrote the EVIL vs. Okada stuff for tonight's show.

Pretty much WWE style shit booking for match layout and finishes.

Emperor Smeat

02-11-2021, 03:02 AM

:lol: at Zack Sabre Jr suddenly showing up for guest commentary for this IWGP Double title match and just starts making fun of both guys when asked for expert advice on the competitors.

Made fun of SANADA for his goofy looking entrance attires and Ibushi for his comedic wrestling work during his time in DDT Pro Wrestling.

Emperor Smeat

02-11-2021, 03:42 AM

Just like with Night 1, both of the title matches were the best stuff from tonight's Night 2 of New Beginning in Hiroshima show.

The stuff involving EVIL & Okada was easily the worst thing from both nights.

Post-match stuff from the IWGP Double title match:
Ibushi beat SANADA.

Naito comes out to challenge Ibushi but only for his IC belt.

If that happens and Naito wins, that would be a bit surprising since NJPW's original long term plan for the Double title was for Okada to hold it at least once before they'd split up the belts.

Ultra Mantis

02-11-2021, 02:38 PM

SANADA really cementing his position as the new Goto :'( Not sure what he does next, at best they could build to him taking the IC off Naito somewhere down the line but he's pretty much written off for the rest of the year as a legit contender for any of the tournaments.

Emperor Smeat

02-11-2021, 06:14 PM

I could see him be a finalist in the upcoming New Japan Cup tournament but its going to just lead to the same outcome of him losing in the end.

NJPW and Gedo has made it clear he's not going any higher in status nor winning any top tier gold until he signs an actual contract with them.

Ultra Mantis

02-11-2021, 06:38 PM

His New Japan Cup pattern was broken by EVIL's heel turn last year so I think he might even be on the shortlist for this years annual first round upset. Giving him a deep run so early even seems counter productive to me and is just wheel spinning. I'd like to see him get a bit of development and maybe realise he needs to switch up his moves, maybe add an impact finisher or even just lose his cool when a feud calls for it.

Really strange that he hasn't signed a deal yet though, he does absolutely nothing else and doesn't even work random indie shows or have a side business like Suzuki. Even fellow himbo Ibushi managed to figure out signing up was a good idea.

Damian Rey 2.0

02-12-2021, 02:11 AM

NJPW Roku debut features a banger between Jay White and Naito from Wrestle Kingdom last year. I saw it last year but this is such a great match, and was my first intro to the Switchblade.

Emperor Smeat

02-14-2021, 04:12 AM

NJPW had a new Young Lion named Yuto Nakashima debut on tonight's Road to Castle Attack show and he got struck by some very awful bad luck.

Suffered a serious arm injury very early into his debut match.

Emperor Smeat

02-17-2021, 04:23 PM

According to the Wrestling Observer, NJPW had the chance to return to AXS TV for their new US television deal but turned it down due to them wanting their weekly show to be on a service or channel with a bigger reach.

Also the deal with AXS TV would have been exclusive while their current deal with Roku allows them the ability to have their weekly show air on multiple platforms.

NJPW apparently had the opportunity to return to AXS TV recently, but turned them down in favor of their Roku deal. It was noted on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio that AXS TV was interested in bringing New Japan back, but that the Japanese wrestling company decided to go with Roku was better in terms of strategy.

The report noted that NJPW wants to be on a bigger network and their deal with Roku is not exclusive, so it gets the company in the US market while not locking them down the way they would be if they signed a deal with AXS TV.

NJPW aired on AXS TV from 2014 to 2019, exiting the channel when their TV deal expired after Impact owners Anthem Sports & Entertainment bought AXS. The company premiered on Roku last week, with new episodes airing Thursday at 5 PM.

Damian Rey 2.0

02-18-2021, 03:05 PM

Good for them. So far they only have wrestle kingdom 2020 matches on there. I wonder if whatever they're producing going forward is going to summarize the current storylines and feuds.

Emperor Smeat

02-22-2021, 07:11 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: After medical assessment, Hiromu Takahashi's left pectoral injury will leave him out of action for an estimated six months. More information will follow.<br><br>LIVE: <a href="https://t.co/jRz0TtYVmE">https://t.co/jRz0TtYVmE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njcattack?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njcattack</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1363776388616974340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ClockShot

02-22-2021, 08:11 PM

Great. How's out again.

No. Not really.

Soooooooo, another Jr. Heavyweight Tourney for the belt for Taiji Ishimori to win back?

Ultra Mantis

02-22-2021, 09:05 PM

Ishimori is somehow the most boring full time Jr which is weird because when you see him live he's like 4 feet tall but shredded. He's like that child bodybuilder except he's a grown man. Time for SHO or Despy to ascend the ranks, please. Probably will be stuck with ELP as the champ though until Hiromu comes back for the cardboard belt :(

Emperor Smeat

02-22-2021, 09:28 PM

Doesn't help that he's also lost a step in his ring skills ever since he suffered a serious injury a couple years ago.

Emperor Smeat

02-24-2021, 05:52 PM

According to Fightful and Fanbyte, Marty Scurll worked at NJPW's set of tapings last month for their weekly Strong series.

He did a storyline angle segment with Rocky Romero that hasn't aired yet.

On Wednesday, Fightful reported Marty Scurll was backstage at a recent NJPW Strong taping in Los Angeles and had expressed interest in rejoining the company. Further details regarding his involvement at the tapings were not known.

Emily Pratt of Fanbyte reports Scurll did have an on-screen role at the tapings on January 22 and was involved in a post-match angle with Rocky Romero. The angle has yet to air on television.

The source told Pratt, "They weren’t trying to hide him. I thought we were going to be the company that wasn’t booking these guys to get some buzz. They’re going to get buzz alright, but probably not the kind they’re looking for. And it just reeks of letting things slide because these people are all friends or whatever. I really just think fans should know his involvement beforehand, so they can choose to tune in or not.”

Volare

02-26-2021, 07:02 AM

Volare

02-26-2021, 07:03 AM

Also give the title to ELP.

Emperor Smeat

02-26-2021, 10:52 PM

The finish to the IWGP US title match between Moxley and KENTA was very interesting.

Moxley beat KENTA via the Death Rider and retained his title instead of dropping it as everyone had speculated would happen.

This week's Strong show was the best one so far in series history.

AEW & NJPW partnership got a lot more interesting after tonight's show.

Volare

02-27-2021, 01:12 AM

Emperor Smeat

02-27-2021, 04:37 AM

Night 1 of Castle Attack was a nice show overall. Only matches really worth watching were the final two of Ishii vs. Jay White and Okada vs. EVIL. The rest were all right but nothing worth catching if you missed the show.

Ishii vs. White was simply amazing while Okada vs. EVIL was one of EVIL's better matches since he turned heel and split from LIJ.

Mr. Nerfect

02-27-2021, 05:59 PM

Mox retaining the belt was predictable. He’s a much bigger star than KENTA. It’s why they put the belt on him in the first place.

Emperor Smeat

02-27-2021, 06:27 PM

Mr. Nerfect

02-27-2021, 06:33 PM

:lol: at thinking Moxley retaining was predictable.

NJPW's been trying for months to get that US belt back in their hands for their Strong shows since its been severely hampering their plans for Strong during this coronavirus pandemic.

Them deciding to keep the belt on Moxley the first time he's able to wrestle on Strong means they have some bigger plans for this AEW-NJPW partnership than some originally speculated.

I’ve been calling it for fucking months. KENTA is a 40-something older Japanese dude who worked for NOAH and his best years are behind him. They weren’t going to use the hottest non-WWE talent available to put over that guy when they could knight someone for their US expansion. If they wanted the belt off Mox, they could have just stripped him and had him come back when he was available. Use some common sense, dingus.

Mr. Nerfect

02-27-2021, 06:34 PM

This is like when people were surprised Okada — you know, the biggest star in the promotion — beat Naito at WK in 2018. When you have a long reign like that, you don’t use that as a drawing point just to have it end at the first chance you get.

Gedo is not as stupid as people on the internet.

Emperor Smeat

02-27-2021, 06:56 PM

I’ve been calling it for fucking months. KENTA is a 40-something older Japanese dude who worked for NOAH and his best years are behind him. They weren’t going to use the hottest non-WWE talent available to put over that guy when they could knight someone for their US expansion. If they wanted the belt off Mox, they could have just stripped him and had him come back when he was available. Use some common sense, dingus.

They've been building up KENTA for months to be the one to take the belt off of him. This was before any "forbidden door" got opened. Maybe watch the actual shows instead of commenting on stuff you don't know about since you made it clear before you don't watch NJPW and the tirade you had about losing all respect for them because they committed the sin of working with Impact.

NJPW doesn't really do belt stripping if the person is not injured. Moxley's first reign ending via a belt strip was only due to a very unforeseen circumstance at the time. They didn't want to do it again with him which was part of the reason why they suspended the 6 months defense rule for all their belts early into the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr. Nerfect

02-27-2021, 08:02 PM

They've been building up KENTA for months to be the one to take the belt off of him. This was before any "forbidden door" got opened. Maybe watch the actual shows instead of commenting on stuff you don't know about since you made it clear before you don't watch NJPW and the tirade you had about losing all respect for them because they committed the sin of working with Impact.

NJPW doesn't really do belt stripping if the person is not injured. Moxley's first reign ending via a belt strip was only due to a very unforeseen circumstance at the time. They didn't want to do it again with him which was part of the reason why they suspended the 6 months defense rule for all their belts early into the coronavirus pandemic.

No, they’ve built up KENTA for months to be a heel that loses to Mox before he drops the belt to guy they really want to use. That’s why KENTA lost. It’s not a grand shocker. I am evidently right because of what actually happened, not what a bunch of dweebs on the internet speculated would happen.

Don’t give a shit what New Japan does or doesn’t normally do. A typhoon is unforeseen circumstances yet coronavirus is something completely normal? Fuck off with that shit. If they wanted the US Title off Mox it would be off Mox. Stop being such a mark.

Lol, doesn’t matter if I watch or not. I was right. You can’t really discredit my opinion when it’s the correct one.

Emperor Smeat

02-27-2021, 08:26 PM

The typhoon stuff was the reason NJPW gave since it happened too close to the date of their King of Pro Wrestling event and neither Moxley nor Zack Sabre Jr. were able to travel to Japan in time for the show because of travel issues with its aftermath.

Them stripping the belt was also due to them being unsure if Moxley would be able to compete at Wrestle Kingdom 14 or any events leading up to it due to his AEW commitments and didn't want to delay their WK plans for the US belt at the time.

The coornavirus stuff is different because NJPW announced early into it that no title stripping would be happening to any of their champs because of the pandemic. Plus they were not going to do back-to-back title stripping for Moxley since the last time they did it, it didn't really benefit Lance Archer nor Juice Robinson.

Mr. Nerfect

02-27-2021, 08:40 PM

Emperor Smeat

02-27-2021, 08:59 PM

Mr. Nerfect

02-27-2021, 11:53 PM

You literally complained about my post about the typhoon while also saying how you didn't give a shit about what NJPW does or doesn't do normally.

They already stripped the title off of Moxley before and it didn't work out that well for them so why would they do it again just to repeat a similar outcome. Unlike WWE, NJPW doesn't like to change their plans or match card announcements unless it is completely out of their hand and even then they usually wait till near the last moment to make any official announcement. Once they made that announcement of no title stripping because of the coronavirus, they were sticking to it.

Because it doesn’t matter why they do or don’t normally do. If they wanted the belt back for US defenses they could have just stripped him. You’re not making any sense, lol. If they wanted the belt on KENTA, you just announce that Moxley is vacating the belt but reserves the right to challenge so KENTA is now champion. But they didn’t want to do that so they didn’t.

They’re not at the mercy of this thing like it’s a shoot, lol. It doesn’t matter if they like changing plans or not. You actually have to be a bit of a mark to think your line of reasoning makes any sense.

Moxley is US Champ because New Japan want him to be US Champ. It’s that simple.

Emperor Smeat

02-28-2021, 02:53 AM

IC title match result from Castle Attack Night 2
Ibushi defeated Naito.

El Desperado, who won the vacant IWGP Jr. title match earlier, challenged Ibushi for both of his belts. Ibushi accepted and wants it at NJPW's Anniversary show later this week.

Evil Vito

02-28-2021, 05:57 PM

Despy Dos Belts :y:

Emperor Smeat

02-28-2021, 09:30 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tokyo Sports is reporting that the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships will be unified and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship will be newly established with a new belt & Ibushi will be recognized as the first champion.<a href="https://t.co/UXoWykmv8Y">https://t.co/UXoWykmv8Y</a></p>— Chris Samsa (@TheChrisSamsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChrisSamsa/status/1366183806307336193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

NEVER Openweight title likely taking over as the new "IC" or #2 belt in the company since its prestige has been built up by a ton over the past year.

No other belt would really fit as a #2 title based on NJPW's current structure and way of doing things.

Emperor Smeat

03-01-2021, 05:21 PM

Ultra Mantis

03-01-2021, 05:52 PM

Ibushi is somehow the biggest heel in New Japan now. If the NEVER belt is filling the #2 belt slot then that probably means it's not going to be the two guys beating the fuck out of each other chanpionship anymore. That's three titles destroyed in one fell swoop.

Ultra Mantis

03-01-2021, 06:05 PM

NJPW revealed the full field of competitors and bracket for this year's New Japan Cup.

https://www.njpw1972.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/%E3%83%88%E3%83%BC%E3%83%8A%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88%E7%94%A8600400en.png

Okada vs. Shingo and Ishii vs. SANADA should be fantastic but the right side of the bracket looks pretty weak compared to the left side.

I dont know if I agree there, looks like Ospreay / Sabre, Ishii / Nagata & White / Tanahashi in round 2 which seems pretty stacked compared to the left side. YOSHI / Finlay has potential to be better than expected. Heel Cobb / Heel Evil, Suzuki / KENTA, Naito / Yano and whatever combination we end up with from Okada / Shingo / Taichi / Goto dont really live up to the sum of the parts imo. Poor Naito looks like hes going to have to face EVIL for the 1000th time even though he pleaded not to have New Japan put us through it ever again while feels to me that the winner of Okada / Shingo seems pretty much set to win the whole thing.

Whats going on with Makabe lately? He's at all the shows but he very rarely seems to work.

Emperor Smeat

03-01-2021, 06:42 PM

Was looking at it more in regards to the first round matchups and the left side having more guys I like. The right side does get more interesting once it reaches Round 2.

In regards to Makabe, I'd assume its related to the big filming project he took a break from wrestling for late last year. Japan did have some serious coronavirus pandemic issues late last year so that might have messed up the filming schedule he was on. Plus he did mention it would be a while before he'd return to the ring.

Volare

03-01-2021, 08:09 PM

Emperor Smeat

03-03-2021, 06:13 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per sources, Marty Scurll will not be appearing on NJPW Strong or any other New Japan programs for the foreseeable future.</p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1367113533389905920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

03-04-2021, 01:02 AM

Assuming a recent report from Fanbyte is true, NJPW purposely leaked Marty Scurll's involvement at their past tapings of NJPW Strong solely to gauge the fan reaction and backlash it would generate.

Had it not been that bad, they likely would have kept using him while if it was very negative, they could act as if they had listen to their fans and scrub all the plans they had for him.

The Scurll news was first reported by Fightful a week ago with few details, just a scoop that Scurll was backstage at a Strong taping and interested in working for NJPW again. Almost immediately, someone with experience working for New Japan leaked more details of the story to me, sharing that Scurll had been working on-screen at the tapings, and how disappointed they were with the company about this situation. Today, podcast The Super J-Cast shared through their Twitter account that “per sources, Marty Scurll will not be appearing on NJPW Strong or any other New Japan programs for the foreseeable future.” My source from the initial report expressed that they believe this and the Fightful story were intentional leaks by NJPW to gauge what the fan reaction would be if they used Scurll.

Assuming all these reports are true, NJPW deciding to work with Scurll, even temporarily, is the most wildly ill-advised decision of their international expansion yet. While not using what they filmed with him is the most effective thing they could do as damage control, it won’t repair the full extent of the PR damage. The Scurll situation should have never happened, and that it did should raise some red flags for NJPW about its long-term international viability.

Also according to Fightful, a lot of talent involved in the recent NJPW Strong tapings were not happy that Scurll was brought it nor told beforehand of NJPW's plans for him.

“Several members of the roster weren’t thrilled with his involvement either.” It was also said that “numerous people who worked the tapings that said if they would have been made aware of Scrull’s involvement ahead of time, they would have made it clear that they didn’t want to work at the tapings.”

Emperor Smeat

03-04-2021, 01:14 AM

Current rumor coming out of Japan is that Antonio Inoki might have passed away recently.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/lxd7pj/unconfirmed_antonio_inoki_may_have_passed_away_on/

Edit: The Observer's Jim Valley debunked rumors of Inoki passing away a couple days ago but hasn't confirmed if that's also the case for last night.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Up on Thursday for <a href="https://twitter.com/WONF4W?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WONF4W</a><br>subscribers, <a href="https://twitter.com/Fumihikodayo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Fumihikodayo</a> & I recorded a bonus Pacific Rim. He talks about a rumor a few days ago that Antonio Inoki passed. That rumor is confirmed FALSE. I don't know about the past few hours, but anything from a few days ago is 100% false.</p>— Jim Valley (@JimValley) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimValley/status/1367364022073397251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

03-04-2021, 03:52 AM

NJPW doing another baseball stadium event and returning to the Tokyo Dome in May as part of a Wrestle Grand Slam tour this year.

Emperor Smeat

03-04-2021, 05:13 AM

New Japan Cup 2021 First Round results from 49th Anniversary Event:

Jeff Cobb beat Satoshi Kojima via Lariat counter into Tour of the Islands.
Great-O-Khan beat Naito via Ref Stoppage (submission)

Despy vs. Ibushi was amazing.

Ibushi won after hitting back-to-back Kamigoyes. First one got kicked out because he hit it too weak but nailed Despy hard with the 2nd one.

Emperor Smeat

03-06-2021, 05:05 AM

Night 2 of New Japan Cup 2021 tournament was great.

Suzuki vs. Honma was like last year's Suzuki vs. Nagata in terms of two old guys just beating the crap out of each other.

Juice vs. KENTA was very good and one of KENTA's better singles matches since he showed up in NJPW.

Shingo vs. Okada was amazing and current front-runner for match of the tournament.

Ultra Mantis

03-06-2021, 09:39 AM

I meant to post this earlier but my prediction for the final is Shingo / Ishii and I can't wait to see how wrong I am when he books Yano vs Jay White instead.

Evil Vito

03-06-2021, 12:32 PM

https://i.redd.it/yen932l1eel61.jpg

Snug.

Ultra Mantis

03-06-2021, 01:27 PM

I'm surprised Honma's neck didnt shatter into a million pieces taking those strikes.

Emperor Smeat

03-07-2021, 03:10 AM

Both New Japan Cup 2021 tournament matches on Night 3 were very good.

Kidd vs. Sabre Jr. was a fine grapple based bout and maybe Kidd's best match in NJPW so far.

Tenzan vs. Ospreay was surprisingly good and way better than I had expected.

DaveWadding

03-07-2021, 04:22 AM

Finally watched Ibushi/Naito from last week. V good. Ready to watch Okada/Shingo when they upload the English.

Emperor Smeat

03-09-2021, 06:44 AM

Night 4's New Japan Cup 2021 tournament matches were very entertaining.

Yota Tsuji vs. Yugi Nagata was a splendid young guy vs. grizzled vet type match.

Ishii vs. SANADA was great. SANADA is still the dumbest wrestler in NJPW though since he keeps letting go his Skull End submissions for moonsaults that miss way too often.

Emperor Smeat

03-10-2021, 06:48 AM

Night 5 of New Japan Cup wasn't bad but easily the weakest out of all the nights so far in terms of tournament matches.

David Finlay vs. Chase Owens was all right but also nothing really special.

The less that's said about Yuijo vs. YOSHI-HASHI the better.

Toa Henare vs. Jay White was mostly very good but that match didn't need to be one of those NJPW style 20+ minute main events either.

All three tournament matches also had pretty anti-climatic or flat finishes as well.

Emperor Smeat

03-11-2021, 06:49 AM

Night 6 of New Japan Cup was way better than last night's show.

:lol: at the booking of the Yano vs. Great-O-Khan match not because of anything about the match itself but what it meant for an earlier match in the tournament.

Great-O-Khan's big win over Naito in the First Round ended up being completely meaningless since he lost to Yano in the next round via a kick in the nuts and roll-up. Their match was decent though.

EVIL vs. Jeff Cobb was very good. Cobb's upper body strength is pretty amazing whenever he gets to bust out power spots during his matches.

:lol: at Cobb also losing due to getting whacked in the nuts at the end.

Emperor Smeat

03-13-2021, 06:27 AM

Night 7 of New Japan Cup was great, more so for the tournament matches while the undercard was mostly fine and enjoyable.

KENTA had a death wish with the utter disrespect he showed to Suzuki's entrance.
He lied down and read a newspaper that eventually pissed off Suzuki enough to result in a wonderful hard hitting match. KENTA won with an GTS OUTTA NOWHERE.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">KENTA gives zero fucks about Kaze Ni Nare<a href="https://t.co/YCKTFJJeYE">https://t.co/YCKTFJJeYE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njcup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njcup</a> <a href="https://t.co/6XWhy6Mc5K">pic.twitter.com/6XWhy6Mc5K</a></p>— Ciaràn (@CiaranRH) <a href="https://twitter.com/CiaranRH/status/1370683522810269696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hirooki Goto vs. Shingo Takagi was excellent and currently my match of the tournament.

Takagi is easily among the best NJPW currently has on their roster for matches just based on the amount of great ones he's been producing these past couple years.

DaveWadding

03-14-2021, 12:18 AM

Shingo is so fucking good. His matches are must see for me.

erickman

03-14-2021, 04:02 AM

now finjuice have the impact tag belts new japan of america?

Emperor Smeat

03-14-2021, 05:22 AM

Night 8 of New Japan Cup was a very fine show overall. In terms of tournament matches, last night's show felt the better of the two but both matches tonight were very good to great.

Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr. was easily among the best of this year's tournament matches. Had its fair share of hard hitting moments and was a bit crazy with the amount of counters at times.

Emperor Smeat

03-16-2021, 06:12 AM

EVIL suddenly now has Fiend-like powers with the ability to do the lights out trick and show up outta nowhere.

Emperor Smeat

03-16-2021, 06:46 AM

Didn't catch Night 9's show live yesterday but that show and tonight's Night 10 show were very good overall.

Of the 4 tournament matches, Shingo Takagi vs. KENTA was the best while David Finlay vs. YOSHI-HASHI was one of the best performances those two have had recently and Tanahashi vs. Jay White was very good.

Only lukewarm match was Yano vs. EVIL but it did have a pretty cool finish even if it was also goofy.

1st Semifinals matchup:
EVIL vs. Shingo Takagi

Volare

03-16-2021, 09:10 AM

Interesting spoiler.....one is semi obvious to pick but then again....

Emperor Smeat

03-18-2021, 10:00 PM

Got around to watching Night 11's show from earlier in the day and the tournament matches were very good in general.

David Finlay vs. Jay White was very good and also had the biggest shock moment of the tournament happen.

Will Ospreay vs. SANADA was great and in the upper tier of matches for this year's tournament.

Based on who's remaining probably going to get this matchup for the finals:
Shingo Takagi vs. Will Ospreay with Ospreay probably winning to give his United Empire stable some needed big momentum as a heel group coming out of this tournament.

Volare

03-19-2021, 02:18 AM

I hope the spoiler is true dammit! Dude deserves the moon IMO.

Emperor Smeat

03-20-2021, 05:17 AM

Holy shit, a very large earthquake just hit the area where NJPW is having tonight's Night 12 show.

Caused the on-going Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, & Kota Ibushi vs. Yujiro Takahashi, KENTA, & Jay White match and show itself to be halted for the time being for safety reasons.

Was large enough that its possible the rest of the show will get called off if the venue doesn't pass post-quake damage inspections.

Edit: Ring announcer just stated moments ago that the rest of tonight's show will go on but if an aftershock happens, whatever is left of the show will be cancelled on the spot.

Emperor Smeat

03-20-2021, 05:54 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake hits off eastern Japan - warning center</p>— BNO News (@BNONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/1373200493544112128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Holy shit, an earthquake has happened in the middle of the match <a href="https://t.co/YCKTFJJeYE">https://t.co/YCKTFJJeYE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njcup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njcup</a> <a href="https://t.co/RmoktTtguV">pic.twitter.com/RmoktTtguV</a></p>— Ciaràn (@CiaranRH) <a href="https://twitter.com/CiaranRH/status/1373200850567495683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Link with video of the incident: http://skullsmedia.com/2021/03/20/earthquake-happens-during-new-japan-cup-live-event-3-20-2021/

Emperor Smeat

03-20-2021, 06:50 AM

Night 12 of New Japan Cup 2021 was mostly very entertaining overall.

Finals of New Japan Cup 2021:
Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi

Ospreay vs. Finlay was very good and like with EVIL last year, this year's tournament was a star making showcase for Finlay.

EVIL vs. Takagi was very good as well in terms of hard hitting action but also went a bit too much with the Bullet Club style shenanigans.

Depending on the situation with aftershocks, wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow's show doesn't happen for safety reasons. NJPW got very lucky they were able to finish tonight's show unscathed in terms of tournament matches.

Volare

03-20-2021, 08:45 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JayWhiteNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayWhiteNZ</a> taking all the advantage of the earthquake and crowning himself a Triple Champion in the process.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njcup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njcup</a> <a href="https://t.co/QDj1Rtfn0a">pic.twitter.com/QDj1Rtfn0a</a></p>— Soumik Datta (@Thesoumikdatta9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thesoumikdatta9/status/1373207337763102729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

slik

03-20-2021, 01:05 PM

That is nuts, wow, re: Earthquake

ClockShot

03-20-2021, 06:12 PM

Abe-San should brush up on his Michael Buffer impersonation.

"LLLLLLLLLLLLET'S GET READY TO RUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

*earthquake*

"EVERYBODY KEEP CALM! I WAS JUST KIDDING! THIS WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!"

Emperor Smeat

03-21-2021, 03:29 AM

Finals of New Japan Cup 2021 was amazing.

Shingo and Ospreay somehow managed to top their best matches of the tournament with the match they just put on tonight.

Will Ospreay won after an amazing back-and-forth last few minutes that included Takagi channeling his own Psycho Ibushi persona and Ospreay busting out a 450 splash to the outside onto a table.

Ospreay vs. Kota Ibushi set for the new IWGP title at Sakura Genesis in a little over a week from now.

Volare

03-21-2021, 09:10 PM

Kinda wtf-ish on what he did to Bea after.

Emperor Smeat

03-21-2021, 10:19 PM

According to Voices of Wrestling, a lot of people in NJPW's locker room were not happy over that Oscutter spot to Bea.

Also probably not the good hype and publicity NJPW was hoping for out of that show since the general talk afterwards online was mostly people bringing up Ospreay's past controversial incidents with women.

ClockShot

03-23-2021, 04:48 PM

Sakura Genesis card announced.

Mostly blah. Ospreay vs. Ibushi is sure to be one for the books.

What the hell, I've got something to watch on Easter Sunday aside from the bible movie marathons on most networks.

Volare

03-30-2021, 10:42 AM

The new title.

https://411mania.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/njpw-iwgp-worldheavyweighttitle2021-645x370.jpg

I personally like the look.

ClockShot

03-30-2021, 10:54 AM

I like how they went a different route with the strap in general. Silver instead of the traditional black. Looks sharp.

Fignuts

03-30-2021, 12:16 PM

That thing looks like trash, what are you talking about?

Volare

03-30-2021, 12:25 PM

https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Yano_Shrug.jpg

Jordan

03-30-2021, 02:48 PM

They went from the best looking title of all time to "based on the creative designs of the WWE Divas's Championship". Horrible.

Evil Vito

03-30-2021, 03:08 PM

That belt looks like Cody's neck tattoo.

Evil Vito

03-30-2021, 03:08 PM

https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/167189426_458644768798447_3801219865230220146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=s1KxOf0ryGQAX-lU33E&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=9123327ccd117a6ae5a5a7314d76edf5&oe=60896AF2

Fignuts

03-30-2021, 03:54 PM

https://th.bing.com/th/id/Ra961172df50739386be7d9116f833d04?rik=x2%2fIBMDYCRYSUA&riu=http%3a%2f%2fpm1.narvii.com%2f5685%2fdc46ae525abbf2625201dfc7ed6738b33d7dcc86_00.jpg&ehk=vy2qTzIu%2fEi3Nl48kkYcHC5Sd5KevHoEVZcJQUVeDOU%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw

https://th.bing.com/th?id=OIF.v251J9%2ffKoDPODMeNoo94A&pid=ImgDet&rs=1

https://th.bing.com/th/id/R9e79736443542be9fae6357d25d0a4d3?rik=eJp%2bzAg4oNM6oA&riu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.okmoviequotes.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2014%2f05%2f4-The-Godfather-quotes.gif&ehk=4NclM4%2f9T9U7aiusQmjU8gGIeKqm9sYm1r5DYbstSG0%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw

Emperor Smeat

03-30-2021, 07:53 PM

Belt looks somewhat ugly compared to the old one.

Maybe it would look a tad better had there not been all that empty space on the sides of the main plate.

xrodmuc316

03-30-2021, 07:56 PM

They went from the best looking title of all time to "based on the creative designs of the WWE Divas's Championship". Horrible.

Totally Butterfly belt inspired lol

Volare

03-31-2021, 05:19 AM

Ok was some weird lighting....When Kota holds it, it looks different again.

<iframe width="891" height="501" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RhfwacHYLiI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Emperor Smeat

03-31-2021, 06:27 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/oi8EsX7HSn">pic.twitter.com/oi8EsX7HSn</a></p>— Thauros (@thauros_) <a href="https://twitter.com/thauros_/status/1377090035586101250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

04-02-2021, 11:11 PM

NJPW introducing a new title belt soon for their weekly Strong series.

Winner of this year's upcoming New Japan Cup USA tournament will be crowned as the inaugural NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The New Japan Cup USA winner will not be a contender. <br><br>The New Japan Cup USA winner will be a champion!<br><br>Introducing the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship!<br><br>Watch NOW: <a href="https://t.co/odTSfH1aXO">https://t.co/odTSfH1aXO</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpwSTRONG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpwSTRONG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njcupusa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njcupusa</a> <a href="https://t.co/tp6Xwdjo51">pic.twitter.com/tp6Xwdjo51</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1378166297247145987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jordan

04-03-2021, 09:23 AM

They already have a US Championship though...

Volare

04-03-2021, 11:09 AM

US could be their main title though and the new one the mid?

Emperor Smeat

04-03-2021, 05:32 PM

They already have a US Championship though...

I assume they wanted a belt to be exclusive to Strong which this new one likely will be while the US belt stays as a belt that shows up on both Strong and NJPW's Japan shows.

Could also see this lead to a US version of Sakura Genesis where the US Champ takes on the Strong champ in a special match every year.

Emperor Smeat

04-04-2021, 04:55 AM

United Empire's newest member was revealed to be

Toa Henare.

That would explain the heelish outburst he had at New Japan Cup 2021 Finals last month after losing the opening tag match.

Emperor Smeat

04-04-2021, 05:08 AM

Maybe its the new hair cut but Henare now has a way too eerie resemblance to Austin Theory in NXT and/or Austin Gunn in AEW.

Emperor Smeat

04-04-2021, 05:50 AM

Roppongi 3K got a new theme and it sounds all right.

Very heavy in the piano and less upbeat or dance style like their previous theme.

Emperor Smeat

04-04-2021, 06:54 AM

HOLY SHIT WTF.

Ospreay beat Ibushi to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight champ.

Gedo's gone crazy with his booking ever since NJPW came back from their coronavirus break last year.

IWGP World title match was great but wtf at that ending.

Emperor Smeat

04-04-2021, 07:00 AM

Also Ibushi took some really nasty and scary bumps to his neck and head that he might legit have been out of it late in that match.

Was stumbling around at times and botching moves he usually hits or takes well.

Emperor Smeat

04-04-2021, 07:12 AM

Next IWGP World title match should be great but NJPW pretty much hinted Okada is getting the belt soon based on that post-match promo interaction with Shingo Takagi getting first dibs and Okada getting second dibs as the title challenger.

Ultra Mantis

04-04-2021, 07:34 AM

SANADA jobbing to Henare, SHO back to being stuck in Jr Tag Champ limbo, Ibushi losing his monstrosity of a belt immediately. Ospreay winning the big one as a shitty heel. I'm a sad man, write what you want about me.

Wehttam

04-04-2021, 07:54 AM

drop it to shingo plz

Evil Vito

04-04-2021, 09:32 AM

Fuck NJPW. I’m out.

Jordan

04-04-2021, 10:38 AM

I've been out all year. I just can't invest with NJPW anymore. It just feels repetitive as hell, even reading the results. And with all of the amazing action they've produced over the past few years they are constantly forced to top the last great match. So every match that is supposed to be great is a long series of combos and transitions, near falls and more combos, do a finisher on the apron, on the floor off the top and then end with a lariat. It's just not for me anymore. Also I think after following them more closely for the last 5 or 6 years I'm just tired of all the tournaments, even the G-1 it's just too much to keep up with.

Evil Vito

04-04-2021, 10:56 AM

I still enjoy a lot of the in-ring action. I do agree that the tourneys get to be a bit much. They’ve always been tourney focused, but it’s tough to not just wait and see what people recommend as the “must watch” matches for that show cause following an entire tourney it’s near impossible to not fall behind unless you have 3 hours to blow every night.

But this decision......NJPW failing to read the fucking room.

Volare

04-05-2021, 01:23 AM

Fignuts

04-05-2021, 09:37 AM

Hey remember when Okada had that long reign that gave the belt an aura of prestige unmatched in the industry at the time? I memba'.

This is why I don't watch njpw regularly anymore. I'll still watch some Shingo, Ishii, and Suzuki matches though.

fundiddle

04-05-2021, 10:19 AM

i watched the ospreay/ibushi match and rather enjoyed it. probably because i haven't watched it consistently in over a year either

slik

04-07-2021, 01:07 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yesterday, Kazuchika Okada received the incredible honour of running with the Olympic flame through the streets of Anjo City in Aichi!<br><br>Full report:<a href="https://t.co/3OaV47YAhz">https://t.co/3OaV47YAhz</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/UaGBUgaBtr">pic.twitter.com/UaGBUgaBtr</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1379660967173234696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Volare

04-07-2021, 04:05 AM

OUR NEW OLYMPIC HERO!!

Emperor Smeat

04-22-2021, 09:37 PM

Japanese government is currently expected to declare a new State of Emergency covering the next 2 weeks due to the recent COVID-19 surge in the country.

All events during that time period will be asked to not have any fans in attendance.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The government intends to request that events be held without spectators during the state of emergency.<a href="https://t.co/RNtrB8THH2">https://t.co/RNtrB8THH2</a> <a href="https://t.co/xY8tV373VH">pic.twitter.com/xY8tV373VH</a></p>— Shigeo �� Oji-San Michel (@sg_oxxt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sg_oxxt/status/1385221733662158850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That would affect both nights of Wrestling Satsuma no Kuni, both nights of Wrestling Dontaku 2021, and a bunch of Road to Dontaku and Road to Wrestle Grand Slam shows for NJPW.

Emperor Smeat

05-04-2021, 02:05 AM

NJPW ended up making a late change to the card of tonight's Night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku show because one wrestler developed a fever recently and is being tested for COVID. As well as another wrestler who had been wrestling on recent shows also had to undergo testing for precautionary reasons.

One wrestler who was scheduled to appear on today’s Wrestling Dontaku Day 2 card presented with a fever this morning. This individual is currently undergoing thorough examination and PCR and antibody testing.

In addition, another wrestler who has been a part of events since May 1 in Beppu is also undergoing evaluation.

In an abundance of caution, neither will be participating in today’s event.

After careful consultation with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s medical committee, and in accordance with government rules and procedures, today’s event will proceed; however the following changes have been made to today’s card.

2nd Match

Kazuchika Okada & SHO vs Minoru Suzuki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

Master Wato & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Taiji Ishimori & Yujiro Takahashi

4th Match

Master Wato, Ryusuke taguchi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Dick Togo, Taiji Ishimori, Yujiro Takahashi, EVIL & Jay White

Ryusuke Taguchi, Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Dick Togo, EVIL & Jay White

5th Match

El Desperado vs YOH

This match has been removed from the card
https://www.njpw1972.com/96676

Emperor Smeat

05-04-2021, 03:08 AM

Emperor Smeat

05-04-2021, 04:32 AM

Shingo Takagi vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP World title was pure gold in terms of greatness. Very strong Match of the Year contender and the last 10-15 minutes were insane for action.

Ospreay retained after a 40+ minute match and faces Okada later this month

Whatever NJPW is paying Takagi isn't enough with all these amazing bangers of matches he's been doing these past couple years.

Ultra Mantis

05-04-2021, 06:57 AM

:lol: at the results for tonight's on NJPW's website.

Someone backstage must have asked Sabre what was the name of his submission move and he gave a comedic response back since this is what they have listed for winning move:

"Hurrah! Another Year, Surely This One Will Be Better Than the Last; The Inexorable March of Progress Will Lead Us All to Happiness"

All of his submissions have always had ridiculous names, popularised by his run in PWG. They're mostly music references. He was an emo kid and this is how it seeped into his wrestling persona.

Wehttam

05-04-2021, 10:34 AM

yea, i have heard kevin kelly say that one a few times

Emperor Smeat

05-04-2021, 04:37 PM

All of his submissions have always had ridiculous names, popularised by his run in PWG. They're mostly music references. He was an emo kid and this is how it seeped into his wrestling persona.

Yeah. Just found it funny since at one point NJPW thought he was trolling them and started asking for video proof of these moves being called those ridiculous names outside of the company.

Emperor Smeat

05-05-2021, 12:33 AM

The two wrestlers who got pulled from yesterday's Wrestling Dontaku Night 2 show ended up testing positive for COVID-19.

Two NJPW wrestlers have tested positive for COVID-19.

All New Japan Pro-Wrestling talent is subject to daily temperature monitoring, as well as blood oxygen saturation checks and frequent testing. Before the Road to Dontaku tour began, all wrestlers and staff returned negative PCR tests, clearing them for competition.

On the morning of the May 4 Wrestling Dontaku day two event, two wrestlers presented with a high temperature. According to protocol, they were taken for immediate testing, while those that had close contact with the individuals in the last two events were removed from proceedings. NJPW has learned that the individuals’ tests were positive for COVID-19.

The two are currently experiencing mild symptoms, and are acting under medical advice for treatment and recovery. Other wrestlers, as well as staff who have been in contact with the individuals are currently being thoroughly monitored in a controlled environment and receiving relevant tests. Updates will be provided in due course.

Evil Vito

05-05-2021, 12:23 PM

So it's two of SHO, YOH, Okada, Suzuki, Despy and Kanemaru.

Emperor Smeat

05-06-2021, 04:43 PM

The Japanese government extended their State of Emergency over the coronavirus pandemic but will relax restrictions when it comes to large scale public events.

The newly extended declaration will allow up to 5,000 fans for events unlike the intital declaration which recommended no fans allowed at all.

Basically it means NJPW can still hold their upcoming Stadium events without having to worry about cancelling them or holding them without fans.

ClockShot

05-06-2021, 06:10 PM

Watched night 2 of Dontaku. I never really had interest in night 1.

Man, I would have just said fuck it and put the title on Shingo and make him into a monster. Of course, don't let him get as big as Naito and cause friction within L.I.J., but someone formidable who can hold the belt and you know can give you quality matches with almost whoever.

I can see Willy Boy holding on to it for most of summer. Gedo's insane if he's going to let Okada beat Ospreay again at the stadium show. They're committed now, even if it was the wrong decision to have Ibushi drop it so suddenly.

Ultra Mantis

05-06-2021, 11:35 PM

The Empire have really dulled my interest right now. As a collective they kinda suck. Ospreay is great in ring but his shitty heel character is not a good world champ. Gedo loves these bullshit heel title runs though, like EVIL last year. They're always a lull. Then you've got Henare trying to suddenly act like the coolest mother fucker which really exposes how uncool he is when he's in there with SANADA or Naito or Shingo or even fucking BUSHI. He's still a boring promo. Still a boring wrestler. His new name is also lamer somehow. O-Khan is a comedy midcard dude no matter who you have him beat. Even Bullet Club is more interesting.

Vastardikai

05-07-2021, 01:51 AM

:lol: at the results for tonight's on NJPW's website.

Someone backstage must have asked Sabre what was the name of his submission move and he gave a comedic response back since this is what they have listed for winning move:

"Hurrah! Another Year, Surely This One Will Be Better Than the Last; The Inexorable March of Progress Will Lead Us All to Happiness"

I think something simpler, like the Sabre-Lock or the "Good Lord, he doesn't bend like THAT!" Hold.

ClockShot

05-07-2021, 07:21 AM

Emperor Smeat

05-07-2021, 08:27 AM

NJPW ended up postponing both of their upcoming Stadium events due to the extended State of Emergency declaration.

New Japan Pro Wrestling has delayed both of their stadium shows that were to take place later this month in Yokohama and Tokyo.

NJPW said the following in a statement on their website:

"On Friday May 7, the Japanese government announced an extension to the state of emergency currently in place in Tokyo and other prefectures. In light of this announcement, as well as current COVID-19 infection status, and in order to prevent any potential further spread of the virus, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has arrived at the decision to postpone the Wrestle Grand Slam events in Yokohama Stadium and the Tokyo Dome previously scheduled for May 15 and 29 respectively."

The company said that new dates for the upcoming shows are currently being finalized ...

Originally set to expire on May 11, Japan extended its state of emergency until the end of May. This applies to the Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto prefectures. Two more prefectures, Aichi and Fukuoka, have been added to the list.

Volare

05-07-2021, 08:45 AM

I got a feeling that might happen here in the U.S. when "things get slowly lifted."

Ultra Mantis

05-07-2021, 08:53 AM

Crazy thing about Khan is that he's being put to better use when he got back than Wato. Honestly think that guy is on life support unless they do something big with him ASAP. Having him hang around as Tenzan's lackey is stupid.

The Wato gimmick just HAS to be a punishment for his failed excursion, there's no way this was designed to get him over.

Fignuts

05-07-2021, 11:36 AM

I don't mind Ospreay as Champ, as he's put in the work to bulk up, integrate more heavyweight style wrestling, and develop better storytelling in his matches, all without losing the spectacle of his acrobatics and agility. He deserves it, imo, but I still wish they would have held off until Ibushi had a good run.

Emperor Smeat

05-09-2021, 12:19 AM

NJPW currently dealing with a COVID outbreak.

Besides the two wrestlers who tested positive earlier this week, another 7 have also recently tested positive. Current speculation is everyone who got pulled from Wrestling Dontaku Night 2 ended up testing positive.

As a result of PCR testing conducted across the roster following the May 4 Wrestling Dontaku event in Fukuoka, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has learned of seven positive tests for COVID-19.

As previously reported, two wrestlers who presented with a fever on the day of the May 4 event were immediately tested in accordance with COVID protocols, with the tests returning positive.

In light of this news, all those who had close contact with the infected parties, in addition to every wrestler on the roster, received PCR tests, with a further seven wrestlers testing positive.

All those who tested positive are experiencing mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. According to protocols and under medical advice, all are isolating and receiving appropriate treatment.

Evil Vito

05-09-2021, 11:41 AM

Got to looking at how Japan’s vaccine rollout is going and it’s...not good.

Emperor Smeat

05-18-2021, 12:35 AM

According to Fit Finlay, both his son David Finlay and Jay White were among those who recently tested positive for COVID in NJPW.

Fit Finlay was on Gerald Brisco & John Layfield's podcast and Finlay said that the COVID outbreak in New Japan included his son. He said that several wrestlers when they were leaving the country to go home and had to take a test to get on the plane tested positive. The names he gave were his son and Jay White, so both had to stay in Japan to quarantine before they could travel home. He also said that his son was confused about his next move career-wise. We were able to confirm the story but Finlay and White were the only other names we heard that tested positive and are remaining in Japan. At this point, with New Japan back running, on 5/25, it makes sense for them to stay since White for sure was booked for Dominion and both could work shows shortly.

Wehttam

05-20-2021, 07:58 AM

big willy ospreay has an injured neck and will be vacating the title

Evil Vito

05-20-2021, 08:42 AM

Put it on the line in the G1

ClockShot

05-20-2021, 10:15 AM

That would make the most sense.

But Gedo might still off his meds these days, I expect a tournament to be held before then.

Emperor Smeat

05-21-2021, 12:12 AM

G1 might be too long of a wait since its rumored to be happening in August at the earliest which would mean a mid to late September date to crown a new champ.

Might be a bit tough to pull off because of travel and quarantine reasons but if there was ever a time to expand Kenny Omega's "belt collector" storyline to include NJPW, this would be the best chance to do so.

Emperor Smeat

05-23-2021, 07:13 PM

Current rumor going around the net is that Will Ospreay's neck injury is not as severe as originally assumed but him dropping the title is also rumored to not be due to it.

Supposedly he wanted to go back home in the UK for an unknown amount of time while NJPW officials want him to stay in Japan for medical treatment. That led to the two sides being involved in a big dispute backstage leading to him getting stripped of the title. Him not offering a return date from his trip also added to the frustrations between both sides.

We were able to gather more information on the "gaijin unrest" situation in New Japan.

Regarding Ospreay, several Japanese wrestlers inside the company are insisting that the Will Ospreay neck injury is in fact legitimate, adding that the dispute stems from New Japan wanting Ospreay to remain in Japan for treatment, but Ospreay refusing, having already made up his mind that he was going home.

Others have noted that while Ospreay may be hurting, the official neck injury story coming out of New Japan may be an office cover reason for Will leaving the country. In addition to whatever injury he may or may not have or the true severity of that injury, there is built up frustration among the gaijin (including Ospreay) over the promotions handling of the COVID situation, with the abrupt scheduling of the latest tour being a tipping point. Once Ospreay left the country, whether due to legitimate injury that will keep him shelved, or out of sheer frustration and an unknown date of return (or a combination of both), at that point the promotion had no choice other than to strip him of the World title.

It should be noted that when RevPro's official Twitter account was asked about the status of Ospreay, the company was very non committal on whether he would be stripped of their version of the top title, noting that Ospreay would address this himself on an upcoming show.

Ospreay gave a short, vague statement to Dave Meltzer in this weeks Wrestling Observer Newsletter, saying "he would be fine and just needs time". Neither Ospreay or RevPro directly addressing the alleged injury is worth noting ...

Specifically in regards to the gaijins, the situation has been described by more than one source as a potential "mutiny", with the fly-ins already being frustrated with the constant quarantine and bubble arrangements, and the latest round of positive tests being a breaking point.

ClockShot

05-23-2021, 08:12 PM

Personally, I'd like to know Zack Sabre Jr. and Gabe Kidd's state of mind right now.

I think they're the only 2 foreigners who have been in New Japan since the outbreak began. I could be missing 1 or 2 others. But I feel like they're taking this in stride.

Emperor Smeat

05-23-2021, 09:23 PM

Okada recently confirmed that he was among those in NJPW who have recently tested positive for COVID.

Kazuchika Okada has stepped forward to reveal he tested positive for COVID-19.

In an interview with Radio Oshabering (via Tokyo Sports), Okada admitted he was one of the handful of positive tests coming out of NJPW following Wrestling Dontaku on May 4. Okada, along with SHO, YOH, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were pulled from Wrestling Dontaku and with the company saying they were undergoing thorough examination and PCR and antibody testing.

Okada stated he repeatedly tested negative, but over time felt a fever and was unwell before he finally tested positive. He stated that he is feeling better now.

Emperor Smeat

05-24-2021, 06:39 PM

Add Taichi to the pile who tested positive for COVID recently.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taichi Reveals Positive COVID-19 Test <a href="https://t.co/9DO5HZdrXW">https://t.co/9DO5HZdrXW</a></p>— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fightful/status/1396831611811860480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ClockShot

05-24-2021, 07:42 PM

The U.S. State Department added Japan to it's "COVID Do Not Travel" list.

Oh boy.

Emperor Smeat

05-25-2021, 01:14 AM

Current rumor going around the net hints that Will Ospreay might be done with NJPW and might be considering signing with WWE for their NXT UK brand.

Edit: Some more details regarding the NXT UK part of the rumor and the conflicting stories about it.

Multiple Japanese wrestlers and at least some in the office believe that Ospreay could be NXT UK bound. The way the NXT UK speculation was described to me, reads more of a general misunderstanding of what NXT UK is, in that some of our Japanese sources don't fully understand the difference between NXT and NXT UK, and also a connecting of the dots scenario due to the feeling that Ospreay was homesick and anxious in the heart of a COVID crisis in a foreign country. It should be noted that Ospreay is under New Japan contract, so even if he wanted to leave, he would have to be granted a release. There is no indication that he has asked for a release, that New Japan would be willing to grant him one, or whether he even wants one to begin with.

On its face, the NXT UK speculation makes very little sense. Assuming Ospreay were able to secure himself a release, it would be foolish to take an NXT UK level deal when he could unquestionably score a much larger contract from AEW or elsewhere (ROH). From WWE's perspective, it would be foolish to sign a star the level of Ospreay to a contract fair to his market value, and then use him on such a low priority brand. It would seem some on the Japanese side may have a misunderstanding of what NXT UK is and it's place in the WWE pecking order, and it should be noted that the NXT UK rumblings are not coming from anyone on the western side. Still, the talk among the Japanese wrestlers is that they believe Ospreay is NXT UK bound, and at least one person in the office is telling people he is convinced that NXT UK is Ospreay's end game. One source close to several Japanese talents chalked up the NXT UK talk to "ignorance of the western wrestling landscape" and went on to say that he wouldn't be surprised if the office is equally uninformed.

There is also talk among the Japanese roster is that there is a very good chance of "a mass foreign exodus" in January, when several contracts come due. It is unknown if Ospreay's contract is up in January of 2022, but it should be noted various media reports in 2019 indicated that Ospreay had signed a 5-year contract.

Emperor Smeat

05-26-2021, 02:50 AM

Add El Desperado to the growing COVID pile for NJPW.

The current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado took to Twitter and revealed that he contracted Coronavirus as well. Desperado listed off symptoms he is dealing with such as: 39 ℃ Fever, back pain, incredible levels of malaise, dizziness, decline in cardiopulmonary function, coughing, a strange taste of drinks, Gastrointestinal issues and pain in his muscle and joints.

Fignuts

05-26-2021, 03:36 AM

I thought Japan was handling the pandemic better than anyone at one point. How did they turn into such a shitshow?

ClockShot

05-26-2021, 07:00 AM

Restrictions ain't tough enough, open borders, poor vaccine distribution, who knows.

But Suga flipping the state of emergency switch on and off every few weeks ain't doing the trick.

If it ain't going to get any better, NJPW either needs to shut down for a little while or take a page out of the WWE/AEW playbook and find an venue to hole up, put up a bubble, and shoot shows in isolation.

Evil Vito

05-26-2021, 08:13 AM

Japanese citizens largely trust holistic stuff vs. vaccine so unfortunately they're gonna go through wave after wave for a while.

Jordan

05-26-2021, 10:38 AM

Ringside news has a rumor that Will Osprey could be interested in getting out of his NJPW deal to work FOR NXT UK. They said he isn't hurt bad enough to justify a title vacate and that he was tired of dealing with Japan during covid.

Emperor Smeat

05-26-2021, 05:16 PM

I thought Japan was handling the pandemic better than anyone at one point. How did they turn into such a shitshow?

Part of of it is due to the Olympics and Japan trying to get things going back to as normal as possible for the lead up to it.

Doesn't help that the IOC has already said that if it gets delayed again, Tokyo is going to lose it outright and not just be bumped to the 2024 Games or be put in the back of the current line of host cities.

That was the reason why their handling at the start of the pandemic was very shaky since they didn't want to lose the Games. Once the IOC approved of the Games being delayed a year, that's when they started to crack down hard on the pandemic and had it mostly under control.

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 08:09 AM

According to the Observer, NJPW and WWE have held recent talks regarding a potential partnership between both companies.

Dave Meltzer reported that there were talks somewhere around this past March or April but the current status or details of these talks are not known.

The biggest issue for any deal is WWE supposedly wants to be the exclusive US partner for NJPW meaning NJPW would have to drop their current partnerships with ROH, AEW, and Impact to make this possible.

In what could end up being among the biggest wrestling stories of the year, or a non-story, depending on the end result, Nick Khan has been in talks with New Japan Pro Wrestling about WWE being the exclusive American partner with the promotion. Right now New Japan has been working with AEW (KENTA, Yuji Nagata, Rocky Romero and Ren Narita plus Jon Moxley working New Japan Strong) and Impact (Juice Robinson, David Finlay, El Phantasmo and Satoshi Kojima) and has had a relationship with CMLL and ROH, but things have slowed down with those companies since COVID.

Obviously there are a million questions regarding such a deal if it was to happen, and there are no indications where talks are at past they date back to late March or early April. But it would include WWE sending talent and WWE top stars being allowed to work in New Japan if talks go anywhere. With Khan, the former isolationist attitude of WWE vs. everyone is changing with the idea WWE is part of the wrestling landscape and not separate from the pro wrestling landscape. Obviously it’s also to keep New Japan, which pre-pandemic was the third strongest company in the world, away from working with other companies which could strengthen the opposition and also be a factor with WWE gunning for the same talent as other companies because there is a percentage of younger talent that grew up on watching New Japan either via tape or YouTube where working there is a much bigger part of their career goals than the prior generation, and AEW talent has been willing to allow its talent to work outside its walls and Impact would allow talent to work with other promotions.

Evil Vito

05-28-2021, 08:16 AM

Please god no. We only just got the AEW partnership I've wanted since the company started. I'd just stop watching NJPW if WWE was involved.

erickman

05-28-2021, 08:21 AM

damn i was loving the wrestlers going to work impact

Evil Vito

05-28-2021, 08:25 AM

erickman

05-28-2021, 08:31 AM

yeah new japan should know better then to work with vince.

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 08:54 AM

Lol, I always thought there was a better chance of New Japan working with WWE than AEW. The WWE is just so much more professional and has a much broader range. The Network has been amalgamated into Peacock in the US, but they could still give New Japan its own platform. Plus the quality of the match-ups would just be better.

WWE gives New Japan access to Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn and WALTER. Who can AEW offer? Kenny Omega & The Bucks? PAC? Lance Archer?

Even if this is just used to spice up NXT or for a random match here or there on Raw, it’s a better deal for all involved.

Volare

05-28-2021, 08:57 AM

I'm sure Rollins or Cesaro or whatever could go to NJPW and work bangers (even though the NJPW style of booking has led to a lot of matches that feel samey).

But I'd have no trust in WWE not misusing any talent that went to the States.

Vince (or his "writers") booking NJPW would be the following...

Evil Japanese is here to "steal" a title or start a "war" while feuding with Otis in the opening match. Will also bow all the time.

One would think Nakamura would be phoning NJPW and warning them to get away from the E.

Evil Vito

05-28-2021, 10:29 AM

That awkward moment when Jon Moxley is told he has to go to Raw to defend the US Title against Baron Corbin.

Fignuts

05-28-2021, 10:43 AM

I doubt NJPW would enter a partnership if WWE wanted control of their booking. Probably just a few caveats on how their talent is used from both sides.

As much as I dislike WWE, there are far more exciting potential match up there, than what we'd get with an AEW partnership.

Fignuts

05-28-2021, 10:47 AM

Ishii vs Walter and Sheamus, please

Jordan

05-28-2021, 10:58 AM

Evil Vito

05-28-2021, 11:23 AM

The ideal thought: dream matches galore

The reality: Hirooki Goto jobs to The Fiend

Fignuts

05-28-2021, 01:33 PM

I love Goto, but given his position on the card there's no reason why he should be going over Bray.

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 02:53 PM

Rather NJPW not even bother with toying with the idea of a partnership with WWE since its just going to lead to very bad things for them in the end.

Short term-wise, the partnership would be very interesting for the talent swaps but long term wise, all its going to do is give WWE that strong foothold in Japan they desperately want for their planned NXT Japan brand and set things in motion to hurt NJPW in Japan and ensure their US expansion plans don't become successful.

All you have to look at is the UK or EVOLVE to see what happens when WWE decides to be friendly with others these days. NJPW is of higher status than those other affiliates but the end result is likely going to be the same.

They sign that deal and they might as well start the timer to when they lose Okada to WWE and he starts jobbing to Corbin in his debut feud.

ClockShot

05-28-2021, 03:27 PM

Moxley and KENTA were probably guys who would call up NJPW and say don't do it.

On the other hand, guys like KUSHIDA, Finn Balor, and Nakamura would probably be calling and saying make the deal.

Either way, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 04:30 PM

Vince (or his "writers") booking NJPW would be the following...

Evil Japanese is here to "steal" a title or start a "war" while feuding with Otis in the opening match. Will also bow all the time.

One would think Nakamura would be phoning NJPW and warning them to get away from the E.

Yes, because Nakamura is so sad earning more money than he’s ever made in his life, living with his family by the beach, and being more recognised than he ever has before in a company that gave him 15 months to acclimate to US living and make sure his family was settled.

There’s no way a guy like Nakamura, who re-signed with the WWE after AEW had been announced, would be excited for cross-promotional material between him and his old friends and co-workers. Better go and tell them to work with the promotion pushing their even less realistic answer to Toru Yano into their World Title picture, and also enabled Chris Jericho to get fat, bloated and erode his mass appeal, AND turned Jon Moxley into just another guy.

WWE, the largest wrestling promotion in the world, with the most talented wrestlers in the world, would absolutely SUCK lending their world class talent to New Japan. It would just be a disaster. Gotta have “The King of Sports” cross over with the TBS Comedy Revue.

Imagine being a fan of Okada’s presentation just to see him go to AEW and feud with a former WWE mid-carder over video games.

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 04:37 PM

P.S. Thought experiment: Imagine Okada coming out on Dynamite vs. coming out on SmackDown. What’s the reaction going to be like on Dynamite? Pretty raucous right? On SmackDown? Much more tepid. If you think for a minute, you might be able to figure out why the latter is actually better.

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 05:53 PM

According to PWI, WWE is trying to use Daniel Bryan as the bridge piece for a potential partnership.

Basically trying to entice him to sign a new deal with them by going out and having these talks and entice NJPW to ditch all of their current partners for them instead by dangling Bryan in front of them.

Thing is Bryan technically could just work for NJPW on his own since his current contract with WWE expired but he knows the moment he does that, the level of pettiness WWE is going to unleash his way will be massive. He also likely knows that will tank his wife's chances of returning to WWE and not get hit with the petty treatment by association.

There was a report earlier today from Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer about WWE reaching out to New Japan Pro Wrestling about a potential working agreement. Since that report began making the rounds, we've heard from a number of readers asking whether there is anything to it. We are told there is and there isn't.

PWInsider.com has been told today by sources from each company that there have been communications between the two sides for several months but the main crux of it was over the potential of Daniel Bryan being able to potentially work some dates in NJPW. Whether anything has come from those discussions remain to be seen. Is it possible the two sides could build a bridge to each other? Sure, but if so, it's not happening right now and it's not something that has happened yet despite talking for some time off and on.

So, This is not a case where any sort of talks are about to lead to New Japan immediately pulling up stakes with their current working agreement or NJPW talents making some sort of shocking appearance on Raw. AEW's Jon Moxley has possession of the IWGP United States title, plus Yuji Nagata worked for them several weeks ago plus Roppongi Vice just reunited in AEW. Meanwhile, Satoshi Kojima just made his Impact Wrestling debut. Don't expect anything in regard to those promotions' relationships with NJPW to change anytime soon, if at all.

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 06:37 PM

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 06:52 PM

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 06:59 PM

Or Bryan just wants to simply check off wrestling in NJPW and CMLL before he retires like he's mentioned a bunch of times before for his final career goals.

He's basically pulling a page out of Brock Lesnar's book by using his free agency as a huge bargaining chip to get it potentially done while also staying in WWE's good graces.

Yeah, and there’s nothing wrong with that. And it doesn’t make the WWE any more or less evil than they already were. And it could be beneficial to the entire industry.

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 07:12 PM

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 07:44 PM

:lol: at the idea this would be beneficial to anyone but WWE for the long run.

Whatever benefits NJPW would get for the short term would be erased once NXT Japan pops up because Triple H hasn't been shy at all about what his real goals are for NXT's global expansion.

Last time WWE wanted to partner with someone in Japan, it almost led to two promotions being bought out and shut down. Only reason their first attempt at NXT Japan failed was Wdue to WE being too upfront about what the future of anyone who partners with them in Japan would be.

You’re not smart, Smeat. All your thinking is borrowed from hucksters who have eroding sources in the industry.

The exposure New Japan would get from working with WWE would be immense. Their access to talent is far greater than with AEW. They aren’t working with a promotion that is any less credible. For all the zombies and Fiend bullshit, you get equally bad or worse shit in AEW. It potentially gives them a platform for their content via Peacock. WWE also live in a content-driven world. The landscape has changed dramatically since the last time you whinged about how the WWE we’re getting rid of long-term executives who wanted to cling to their already ageing OTT model instead of signing a $1 billion deal with NBC Universal. Because everything WWE does = bad. All they care about is ruining the market they thrive in. You fucking moron.

Think, you fucking stooge. Put down the second-hand opinions and form your own.

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 07:45 PM

What we really need is more KENTA in AEW! That’s good for wrestling! *fart noise*

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 08:00 PM

You’re not smart, Smeat. All your thinking is borrowed from hucksters who have eroding sources in the industry.

The exposure New Japan would get from working with WWE would be immense. Their access to talent is far greater than with AEW. They aren’t working with a promotion that is any less credible. For all the zombies and Fiend bullshit, you get equally bad or worse shit in AEW. It potentially gives them a platform for their content via Peacock. WWE also live in a content-driven world. The landscape has changed dramatically since the last time you whinged about how the WWE we’re getting rid of long-term executives who wanted to cling to their already ageing OTT model instead of signing a $1 billion deal with NBC Universal. Because everything WWE does = bad. All they care about is ruining the market they thrive in. You fucking moron.

Think, you fucking stooge. Put down the second-hand opinions and form your own.

And your just someone who's shtick on these forums got very old and annoying fast.

Why the fuck would you even care about NJPW since you already mentioned before they lost whatever respect you had for them that you rarely ever showed around here when they partnered with Impact. Same for coming back to TPWW since you also mentioned about not caring about these forums anymore.

You also must be bored or got kicked out from being an annoying twat at other places if you crawled back here again.

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 08:20 PM

And your just someone who's shtick on these forums got very old and annoying fast.

Why the fuck would you even care about NJPW since you already mentioned before they lost whatever respect you had for them that you rarely ever showed around here when they partnered with Impact. Same for coming back to TPWW since you also mentioned about not caring about these forums anymore.

You also must be bored or got kicked out from being an annoying twat at other places if you crawled back here again.

No points, just more “wah, your opinion sucks.” At least I explain why you’d full of shit without deferring to someone else’s cliched talking points.

I would care about New Japan way more if they worked with WWE instead of one of the bush leagues. I haven’t watched in ages, but why does that matter? My points are salient. All you’ve got is “Well, actually it would be bad because WWE is evil and NXT Japan and Vince is old.”

And yeah, I had some spare time to come and visit these dead fucking forums. You should consider yourself lucky. :lol: at “crawled back” like signing in and calling you on your shit was some sort of ordeal.

My shtick is to tell the truth, by the way. It gets old because it’s nicer to live with the fantasy that wrestling outside the WWE is some haven and WWE is this actively evil entity that wants to shit on all their potential business partners.

Fignuts

05-28-2021, 08:42 PM

Mr. Nerfect

05-28-2021, 08:46 PM

Fignuts

05-28-2021, 08:51 PM

Yeah, Japanese fanbases are much less fickle then western audiences,and typically very loyal. It usually takes something monumental to get fans to turn away en masse. See: The AJPW exodus to the newly formed Noah, The Death of Misiwa, and New Japan's disastorous early 00's booking combined with the rise of Pride FC.

Emperor Smeat

05-28-2021, 09:21 PM

I don't think people would stop watching NJPW, just because NXT Japan showed up. There's a huge difference between the UK scene and Japan, so I don't think those results would be the same. And if both companies are willing to cross promote each other's services, NJPW would get boatloads of new subscribers.

They would if NJPW were to no longer exist or be just a hollow shell of itself and not like the early to mid-2000s phase in the company's history.

This whole partnership idea assumes WWE and NJPW would be treated as equals when neither does that for their partnerships both in the current and past. Even if the short term they were seen as equals, WWE isn't going to let NJPW get any strong foothold in the US while using NJPW as the backdoor into a stronger foothold in Japan and toss them to the side when NJPW no longer has any real use for them.

All you have to do is look up some of Triple H's past interviews and he paints a very clear picture what his goal is for NXT's global expansion plans and WWE suddenly being cozy with other promotions. Only reason NXT Japan's first attempt was a huge bust was due to WWE skipping the cozy part and went right into the end game part.

Mr. Nerfect

05-30-2021, 01:20 AM

Drew McIntyre is now teasing the working arrangement. Could be nothing, but Drew seems like a pretty plugged-in company guy. Seems less likely to go into business for himself like the AEW guys.

DaveWadding

05-30-2021, 05:53 AM

Ishii vs Walter and Sheamus, please

Ishii vs. Everyone

Mr. Nerfect

05-30-2021, 05:55 AM

Ishii is the perfect sort of guy to bring in, because he can win some and lose some and it doesn’t cripple anything.

ClockShot

06-01-2021, 07:45 PM

Well, Dominion is this coming Monday.

As of right now you're looking at :

Okada vs. Takagi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

El Desperado vs. YOH for the Jr. Heavyweight Championship

Kota Ibushi vs. Jeff Cobb.

More matches to be announced to the card later in the week I'm guessing.

Fignuts

06-01-2021, 10:22 PM

I really want Takagi to have a run with the belt, but I think the smart move is to put it on Okada to regain some stability in the title picture and try to build it back up after all this tumultuous booking.

Mr. Nerfect

06-02-2021, 05:30 AM

I don’t see a wrong outcome to that IWGP Title match. Okada is the guy that brings a bit of status quo back to the belt, but Shingo winning it would be an amazing lark and something out there and exciting too.

ClockShot

06-04-2021, 03:46 PM

Missed you, Miho Abe. :kiss:

Now all we need it Pieter to come back and shake her ass and things will almost be back to normal in NJPW land.

Evil Vito

06-07-2021, 09:02 AM

Well I'll be damned

Shingo has done it :eek:

Imagine going back to when the pandemic started and telling someone that in the span of a year you'd have EVIL, Ibushi, Ospreay, and Shingo all having IWGP title reigns

Jordan

06-07-2021, 09:15 AM

They should try to keep him Champion for a long run. They gotta use the G1 wisely this year. I haven't watched NJPW pretty much since AEW started because the roster feels like a rerun constantly. I don't know who they can make at the G1 this year but I hope they make a new star. Gonna be tough with covid and travel restrictions. I can't imagine they will get the sellouts they are accustomed to.

Fignuts

06-07-2021, 11:03 AM

Yeah, if they're not going with Okada then they at least have to give Shingo a good long run. And let's not have any 1st time champions for a while. Winning the iwgp title for the first time used to mean something but we've had 4 in the span of just over a year, and I feel that definitely takes away some of the prestige of the belt as well as that special feeling when someone does win it for the first time.

Mr. Nerfect

06-08-2021, 06:48 AM

I’m pretty sure Gedo will let Shingo run with it for a while. He’s probably aware he crowned a few first-time champions.

Fignuts

06-08-2021, 09:59 AM

Okada publicly shitting all over the title unification. I love it.

Evil Vito

06-08-2021, 03:06 PM

Seeing this before every IWGP title defense was great

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6drBazNsdGE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

So much for that when you blow it up and start a new title lineage

Mr. Nerfect

06-09-2021, 05:08 PM

They should have just dropped the US Title. Not feeling this unification or even there being no IC belt myself. Keep Heavyweight, IC and NEVER Openweight as your Triple Crown. Don’t know if you need two tag divisions. Maybe keep the Jr. Heavyweight and NEVER Six-Man as something novel.

Jordan

06-09-2021, 05:19 PM

I don't understand what has changed? Is this about The IWGP/IC unified title? Did they start a new linage?

Fignuts

06-09-2021, 07:24 PM

When they created the new belt they started a new lineage with Ibushi as the first champion.

Because they've lost their fucking minds.

Fignuts

06-09-2021, 07:25 PM

And then Ibushi lost it, and then Ospreay got hurt shortly after and had to vacate, so you know, off to a rollicking good start.

Jordan

06-17-2021, 01:23 PM

Have you guys any knowledge on G1 for this year? I haven't seen anything about it yet.

ClockShot

06-17-2021, 02:07 PM

Probably nothing until after the Olympics. Even then, with the way things are going there pandemic-wise those outside the country might be skeptical about coming back.

Mr. Nerfect

06-18-2021, 07:20 AM

New Japan and WWE don’t need to be equal in a partnership for it to be beneficial to both companies. The WWE wants content, and New Japan bring a different flavor to Peacock and wherever else they end up. They also get fresh talent and a morale boost to their locker-room, while also blocking the far-distant #2 from using a potential relationship to sweeten their deals by pretending they are more artistic.

New Japan gets way, WAY more exposure than they ever would working with anyone else out there now, and also get access to talent who better fit their style. And huge name talent that would freshen up BOTH sides. I’m sorry, but even if you don’t think his “style” fits New Japan, Randy Orton hitting RKOs in the Tokyo Dome is a bigger deal than The Bucks working. It also allows guys like Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler and WALTER work over there and get a fresh coat of paint (if they need it).

Jordan

06-18-2021, 07:39 AM

I haven't been watching NJPW but it does seem like they should skip G1 or at least replace the Tag League with a late season G1. I can't imagine a highly successful G1 without foreign workers. This is a great time to get some of the NJPW of America over in Japan.

Evil Vito

06-18-2021, 08:09 AM

There's no way they're skipping the G1 entirely, but yeah without foreigners in there it's just not gonna be the same.

Without foreigners their next resort would be to see if they can work a deal with any of the other Japanese promotions to have a couple guys from outside of NJPW in the tourney as they used to.

Jordan

06-18-2021, 08:14 AM

Working with other promotions in Japan would definitely be interesting! I'd probably have to get into that.

Jordan

06-18-2021, 08:15 AM

Btw Tom Lawler retired from MMA last night. Hopefully he gets a shot in Japan proper.

Fignuts

06-18-2021, 09:38 AM

Evil Vito

06-18-2021, 09:59 AM

I'd be all for AJPW involvement.

It's not even like they can't do a G1 with the roster currently on the mainland, but we've seen so many of those matches a thousand times and while many of them will be good, you just gotta throw some outsiders in there to mix it up a bit.

Fignuts

06-22-2021, 10:51 AM

Pieter is back.

That is all.

ClockShot

07-09-2021, 07:07 PM

G1 is going to be a late summer/early fall thing again. Obviously due to the Olympics.

September 18th – Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan
September 19th – Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka
September 23rd – Ota Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo
September 24th – Ota Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo
September 26th – Kobe World Memorial Hall in Hyogo
September 29th – Korakuen Hall in Tokyo
September 30th – Korakuen Hall in Tokyo
October 1st – Hamamatsu Arena in Shizuoka
October 3rd – Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Aichi
October 4th – Korakuen Hall in Tokyo
October 7th – Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in Hiroshima
October 8th – Kochi Prefectural Gymnasium in Kochi
October 9th – Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka
October 12th – Xebio Arena Sendai in Miyagi
October 13th -t Xebio Arena Sendai in Miyagi
October 14th – Yamagata City Sports Center in Yamagata
October 18th – Yokohama Budokan in Yokohama
October 20th – Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo
October 21st – Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo

Evil Vito

07-13-2021, 11:37 AM

Mainland Japan dealing with another COVID wave, only 18% of the country fully vaccinated and only a third of the country has had a single shot. It's possible that, like last year, you'll have your Jay Whites and Juice Robinsons doing a quarantine and coming in but there's not really any room for the G1 field to look any different aside from Ospreay being replaced by O-Khan and Yujiro maybe being heaved out.

Think I'm gonna struggle to care about it this year tbh.

Fignuts

07-13-2021, 02:45 PM

Fucking call AJPW and Noah

Evil Vito

07-20-2021, 04:19 PM

Jay White turned up on Impact, presumably will be working some dates with them along with NJPW US stuff. No idea when he'll be returning to mainland Japan but he's gonna at least have stuff to do stateside.

On the Impact tapings he also recruited the newest member of Bullet Club

Chris Bey

ClockShot

07-20-2021, 04:36 PM

Would like to see him drop in on Dynamite soon if AEW-NJPW-Impact and work something out schedule/storyline wise.

ClockShot

07-22-2021, 08:02 PM

As you probably know, Kota Ibushi has been out due to issues from his Covid shot.

He's now been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia.

He's out for his tag matches for today, tomorrow, and Saturday. Honma is taking his place. World Title match at Wrestle GrandSlam is now up in the air.

https://www.njpw1972.com/100159

slik

07-23-2021, 02:18 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WOW! What an inventive finish, it's a draw!! <a href="https://t.co/jY4ctXZbAR">pic.twitter.com/jY4ctXZbAR</a></p>— Ciaràn (@CiaranRH) <a href="https://twitter.com/CiaranRH/status/1418148920451125251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Evil Vito

08-16-2021, 02:30 PM

Roppongi 3k have finally disbanded with SHO turning on YOH after starting 0-4 in the Super Junior Tag League

Fignuts

08-16-2021, 04:25 PM

Good. They've done all they could as a team. SHO is one of my favorites too.

ClockShot

08-16-2021, 06:53 PM

About damn time.

Emperor Smeat

09-04-2021, 05:36 AM

Holy crap, next year's Wrestle Kingdom is going to be a 3-night event next year.

Jan 4th, Jan 5th, & Jan 8th with Jan 8th being part of NJPW's 50th anniversary celebrations next year.

Just got announced during tonight's Wrestle Grand Slam show at the MetLife Dome.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three Wrestle Kingdom 16 shows in 2022. 1.4 and 1.5 in Tokyo Dome, and 1.8 in Yokohama Arena. Mental.</p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1434087825763278850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jordan

09-04-2021, 11:48 AM

Fignuts

09-04-2021, 11:52 AM

They better get their covid situation under control by then.

Fignuts

09-04-2021, 11:53 AM

Yeah they haven't had a good roster shake up in quite some time.

Emperor Smeat

09-04-2021, 06:08 PM

I don't get it. Haven't watched NJPW for a long time going now but their roster is quite thin and full of rematches every show I read about. 3 "mega" shows in one week sounds like overkill without a lot of outside talent coming in. I wish them well but truly I've just got no interest in NJPW anymore.

Its less about their roster being thin and more of it being too rigid with how its broken down for divisions. The pandemic exposed how inflexible it is once they started losing a bunch of people due to COVID and travel issues. That in turn screwed up Gedo's long-term style booking mentality and him rushing big pushes that mostly didn't pan out the way he wanted (ex. EVIL, Will Ospreay) or rushing his plans for the year that led to very deflated results (ex. Naito's double title reign, Ibushi's merged title reign).

Like they should have merged their tag divisions during this pandemic even if only for the short term and that would have solved issues people have had with it over the years. Mostly about the lack of star power it has and being spread too thinly over 2 divisions. WWE has the exact same problem with their main roster tag divisions over the years.

ClockShot

09-05-2021, 07:19 AM

Your G1 31 Blocks.

A Block:

Kota Ibushi
Tetsuya Naito
Shingo Takagi
Zack Sabre Jr.
Toru Yano
Tomohiro Ishii
Yujiro Takahashi
Tanga Loa
KENTA
Great-O-Khan

B Block:

SANADA
Taichi
YOSHI-HASHI
Hirooki Goto
Jeff Cobb
EVIL
Tama Tonga
Chase Owens
Kazuchika Okada
Hiroshi Tanahashi

So along with the usual suspects, Chase Owens, G.o.D., and Khan got brought in to round it out.

Evil Vito

09-05-2021, 11:35 AM

Wow, that looks like shit.

Fignuts

09-05-2021, 11:59 AM

Awful. Should have struck a deal with Noah or ajpw instead of throwing a bunch of midcarders in there.

Emperor Smeat

09-09-2021, 09:21 PM

Apparently NJPW's recent creative woes and issues isn't all Gedo's fault and instead Dick Togo shares a lot of the blame as well since he's been gaining a lot of influence backstage when it comes to creative ideas and plans according to Voices of Wrestling.

The creation of the new "House Of Torture" sub-unit (EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi, Dick Togo) represents the latest example of the growing Dick Togo influence in New Japan.

The idea behind the unit (which was pitched by Togo) is to continue EVIL's long term push as a top star by surrounding him with an entourage, which would lead to an eventual split from Bullet Club and subsequent feud with Jay White (who would presumably go babyface). The obvious comparison point would be The Elite's internal war with the Tongan led Bullet Club a few years ago. For now, House Of Torture will team with other Bullet Club members. House Of Torture will have a heavy presence on the G1 Climax tour, with the goal of establishing the sub-unit as a "constant presence" for EVIL's matches.

HoT members have been directed to focus on character work, storytelling, and "heat". This will be a full-on heel cheating unit, with heavy emphasis on outside interference, in the same vein as EVIL's singles bout.

The Roppongi 3K split was debated internally. Gedo was initially opposed, citing among other issues, merchandise sales. Togo was in favor, as were SHO & YOH themselves, who are eager to work singles and had been pushing for a split for a long while. Once the decision was made, Togo pitched SHO for House Of Torture and was responsible for the booking of the turn angle and the layout of the singles match at Wrestle Grand Slam. SHO's matches moving forward will feature layouts similar to EVIL bouts, with a heavy emphasis on "heat". SHO is said to not be completely sold on his new character directives and unit alignment, but is happy with the opportunity for a singles push.

Togo is not winning all of his battles. Togo pitched a short term EVIL title reign, with EVIL defeating Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World title at Wrestle Grand Slam and then losing it back quickly, in order to establish HoT as an immediate main event force, but the idea was shot down by Gedo, who feels the title needs a long, stable reign after all of the quick changes earlier in the year. In addition, Shingo continues to butt heads with Togo on match layouts. Shingo was not happy with many of the ideas for his match vs EVIL at New Japan Cup. Shingo had similar issues with today's match, but perhaps due to having more pull as champion, was able to veto some of the spots.

Regarding the G1 lineups, nothing should've come as much of a surprise for those following the situation. The last remaining puzzle piece was Aaron Henare. There had been some hope Henare would be ready in time, but it was never considered likely and plans were made at least a month ago to proceed with the idea that he wouldn't be available. Using non-NJPW outside talent to fill out the field was fan fueled speculation and never something we heard discussed internally to any serious degree.

ClockShot

09-10-2021, 06:06 PM

The only thing I got out of all that was that Gedo wants to keep the belt on Shingo for a while. Which I'm cool with.

Everything else just sounds like garbage.

I might just tune into the G1 and probably opt-out of NJPW World for a little while until things stabilize/improve.

Emperor Smeat

09-11-2021, 06:45 PM

Will Ospreay currently teasing Buddy Murphy will be making his debut soon for NJPW and as the newest member of Ospreay's United Empire stable

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’ve been talking to a ʙᴜᴅᴅʏ of mine.<br>Invited him to Dallas September 25th & 26th.<br><br>Think he would fit in great with the crew. <br><br>�� <a href="https://t.co/2dLQrHdJLr">https://t.co/2dLQrHdJLr</a></p>— ᵂⁱˡˡ ᴼˢᵖʳᵉᵃʸ • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillOspreay/status/1436672148450562048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mr. Nerfect

09-17-2021, 06:00 PM

Buddy Murphy was just a Kenny Omega premier skin, so while I think he’s boring in the ring, New Japan will probably get more out of him than anybody. Hope they call him Matt Silva. Buddy Murphy was a terrible name.

Emperor Smeat

09-18-2021, 04:34 AM

:eek: at the result of the first G1 Climax tournament match.

Yujiro Takahashi beat Kota Ibushi in a shock upset.

Match itself was really good and maybe Yujiro's best G1 match in a long while.

Also Yujiro brought the Bunny with him tonight and she's sticking around for the whole G1 tournament.

Emperor Smeat

09-18-2021, 06:08 AM

Naito vs. Sabre Jr. was awesome and almost bit on it hitting a time limit draw with the way it went on.

Only downer was Naito might have suffered a legit serious knee injury during it.

Sabre Jr. hit a vicious looking double stomp square on Naito's knee and leg that looked legit painful based on Naito's reaction afterwards and him struggling to finish the match.

Emperor Smeat

09-18-2021, 06:23 AM

Either Takagi owes Ishii money or both guys just said eff it and are trying to go for the stiffest hitting match in wrestling history.

Ishii basically beating the shit out of Takagi during their match so far.

Emperor Smeat

09-18-2021, 06:42 AM

Think I need a smoke after that magnificent hoss war Ishii and Takagi had tonight.

Legit might have been a harder hitting stiff slugfest than WALTER vs. Dragunov was at NXT TakeOver 36 last month.

Jordan

09-18-2021, 09:54 AM

I'll have to try and find Ishii & Takagi, thanks.

Was coming here to post about NJPW in the US. Seems like a complete flop right now. The attendance for the upcoming shows is going to be tragically bad. Crazy how the scene changed for NJPW without Kenny and The Bucks in the US.

I think if AEW really wanted to help out they'd be loaning more stars to the NJPW US Tour. It's really tough going without some big names. I know they have a lot of old guard Japanese guys in for the tour but Omega and The Bucks would probably make a big difference. At least be able to get the attendances from 200-400 to over a thousand perhaps.

The fucking HEAT of that NJPW show in California when Omega/Ibushi faced The Young Bucks. What a great show that was. It felt like a true rebirth for NJPW with possibilities of real major shows in the US. And of course MSG too. I was there. Didn't really feel like NJPW because of the huge ROH influence on the show.