NJPW - TPWW ***OFFICIAL*** Discussion Thread -- New Japan of America announced [Archive] - Page 7

Emperor Smeat

07-18-2019, 06:45 PM

Apparently Chris Charlton is staying on as commentator for NJPW's English commentary after NJPW's home tv network, TV Asahi, recently backed down from their demands to have him pulled from the booth.

The network got flooded with complaints when the news was first made public and the amount of support shown towards Charlton was enough for network officials to change their minds on his status.

The situation is that TV stations have this idea of voice and look for announcers and Charlton doesn’t have the traditional voice that they would expect. He’s more a guy with incredible historical and trivial knowledge of New Japan that would appeal to hardcore fans, and NJPW World, in English, is a pure hardcore fan service.

After answering a question about what fans should do on the 7/16 show, both New Japan and TV-Asahi were flooded with correspondence regarding Charlton’s role. New Japan was always behind him but the outside forces who made the decision, in seeing so much reaction, made the call on 7/17 to have Charlton back in his former role starting with the shows this week

Evil Vito

07-18-2019, 10:29 PM

EVIL and SANADA wasn’t as fun as their G1 match from two years ago which I remember loving but it was still good.

Ibushi/Ospreay was amazing as expected.

Though I wasn’t huge on Mox/Cobb the other night, I’m happy I’ll have Mox/Ishii waiting for me when I get home.

Jordan

07-19-2019, 10:38 AM

Ibushi and Ospreay was amazing. It's a classic.

I have a feeling that Osprey's best gimmick is his neck injury. He's gonna milk it forever.

Jordan

07-19-2019, 10:43 AM

I'm going in for the latest show. First time I've keep up with G1 as best as possible. If AEW uses a round robin on weekly tv that is going to be such strong TV.

Ultra Mantis

07-19-2019, 04:12 PM

I've given myself time to get used to it, but I think I can safely say that Undead Pirate SANADA is a massive downgrade from Oni Horn SANADA, Cold Skull SANADA and perhaps even the Ugly Blonde Beard Oni Horn SANADA variant. Still nowhere near as bad as White Bull Wearing A White Vest SANADA though. Hope his next regeneration is better.

Ultra Mantis

07-19-2019, 04:15 PM

Also I was really worried they were going to build up Goto with the Shibata angle and then just have Switchblade cuck him, so really glad that didn't happen.

But now I'm sure he's going to lose all of his other matches in the tournament and look like an even bigger loser than before. Goto is suffering.

Evil Vito

07-19-2019, 08:59 PM

Mox/Ishii was probably my most anticipated match of the whole tournament and it didn’t disappoint.

Jordan

07-19-2019, 11:10 PM

Mox/Ishii was probably my most anticipated match of the whole tournament and it didn’t disappoint.

I loved it. I was hoping for more shot for shot action rather than brawl around the room but we got plenty of both and it was really good. Mox was awesome. I was interesting how much bigger he is that Ishii but Ishii of course stood toe to toe. Great match.

Emperor Smeat

07-20-2019, 01:43 AM

Got around to watching yesterday's G1 show and Ishii vs. Moxley was great.

Doesn't top Ospreay vs SANADA or Ospreay vs Ibushi as my favorite G1 matches soo far but its a lock to be on "Best of" G1 matches lists that will get made for this year's tournament.

Volare

07-20-2019, 02:14 AM

DaveWadding

07-20-2019, 06:37 AM

My neck hurts just watching Ibushi and Ospreay. Jesus fucking Christ.

Evil Vito

07-20-2019, 01:28 PM

Glad ZSJ is on the board. While I'm pretty much "over" Fale, two of his losses were to countout and a roll-up so they're clearly still trying to protect him.

Was hoping Archer would go over Tana but I didn't think it would happen. At least he also got the roll-up treatment.

I thought my Twitter feed would be spoiler free based on who I follow but I logged on this morning and was immediately greeted by Drew Gulak liking a KENTA tweet saying he was 4-0 so unfortunately that made it harder for me to get into the match since it killed the suspense.

Ibushi and SANADA was great stuff.

Loved Ospreay and Okada as well. Going into this night I really thought Ospreay might beat Okada to set up the Royal Quest match but I was also torn on if they'd actually put the Junior champion over the Heavyweight champion. But then after KENTA's match they mentioned Okada was next and I knew they weren't going to pass on doing 4-0 vs. 4-0.

Tom Guycott

07-20-2019, 04:15 PM

Seems Ospreay's status for the next 2 G1 shows are currently in doubt. Suffered a neck injury at yesterday's show although the good news is that it doesn't seem to be a serious one.

Not a good night for Osprey's nuts

Tom Guycott

07-20-2019, 04:17 PM

Mox/Ishii was probably my most anticipated match of the whole tournament and it didn’t disappoint.

I didn't realize how much I needed to see a match like this until after I watched it.

Jordan

07-21-2019, 12:35 AM

I love Moxley's attitude in NJPW. He own's his moments. Currently watching the lasted A Block, just turned it on. Tag match with Mox right now.

Jordan

07-21-2019, 12:38 AM

Young Takayama is pretty good!

Jordan

07-21-2019, 12:40 AM

Man I love Mox's G1 Tag matches! That Hart Attack finish into the crab was great. And they let him hold it for a while before the tap, nice touch. NJPW young lions are strong this season.

DaveWadding

07-22-2019, 05:34 AM

Finally caught up. Last 2 nights have been very good. Okada is kinda boring me though just because he seems so unstoppable.

ClockShot

07-25-2019, 04:40 PM

Tickets for the NJPW Boston/Lowell-NYC-Philly shows in September go on sale tomorrow.

Gonna try to get tickets and a room for the Boston-Lowell show tomorrow after work. Here's hoping.

Evil Vito

07-26-2019, 01:09 PM

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT

I’m off today and totally forgot the Hammerstein tickets went on sale an hour ago. Already sold out.

Meh, I probably would’ve missed out anyway.

ClockShot

07-26-2019, 04:35 PM

Not going.

Folks wanted to come along again, but scheduling issues put the kabosh on this.

We'll catch them next time.

Jordan

07-27-2019, 09:21 AM

I missed out on Hammerstein tickets too ��

Evil Vito

07-27-2019, 03:44 PM

Pissed off at how much jobbing SANADA has been doing.

Ultra Mantis

07-27-2019, 04:14 PM

He's been consistently great (behind only Ishii and Ospreay IMO) but yeah, they're jobbing him out a lot. I think he wins the rest of his matches (he's got KENTA / Okada / Archer / Fale), but it doesn't really matter because half of them are against the underneath guys and he's already been eliminated and he's just going to lose to Okada again later in the year. Wouldn't even be surprised if they let Archer or Fale beat him. :(

Seems like Gedo booked himself into a corner with so many guys having poor starts and had to eliminate SANADA or Tanahashi early. Not sure why EVIL went over with how far behind he's fallen as a singles act though.

ClockShot

07-28-2019, 08:26 AM

Playing catch up and starting watching the Hiroshima show last night.

Nice to see Pieter drop by with the Bullet Club to give me something different to see than just Miho Abe. :drool:

07-28-2019, 11:27 AM

Presentation question: Why do they have certain names in English (Kenta, EVIL, Sanada) and others in Japanese?

Jordan

07-28-2019, 12:00 PM

Presentation question: Why do they have certain names in English (Kenta, EVIL, Sanada) and others in Japanese?

That is a good question. I think it can be answered the same way that Fumi recently answered a similar question on his F4W podcast with Jim Valley.

Wrestling came to Japan from the USA,
Karl Gotch I think gets the credit. They've always had certain English elements to keep that tribute. Such as the ring count being in English, certain names have been chosen to be printed in English, probably more for style than anything.

It's weird, like NJPW or AJPW always presented quite an English friendly product but took so long to get English commentary for us and a way to watch it.

I know that NJPW aired in some places in the UK and Europe throughout the 90's, that may be one of the reasons they kept the tradition of using English alive.

Ultra Mantis

07-28-2019, 01:35 PM

Those names are purposefully stylised in English (Upper case apparently because Japanese language does not use capital letters and this helps drive the point home to English speakers) rather than being written in Kanji to make them stand out more, it's essentially the same as Western wrestlers just going by one name but since the names they use are, for the most part, fairly common it would be the Japanese equivalent of being a wrestled called "Smith" or "Johnson" in their native language.

EVIL, on the other hand, is just extra as fuck.

I've also read that Okada and Hiromu's names are actually billed in Katakana (which I think is more like phonetics) instead of Kanji to make them stand out more since they both have very common names.

Evil Vito

07-28-2019, 02:44 PM

Well, if Naito/White is meant to decide B Block, it means they also have to have Mox choke away a 5-0 lead.

Jordan

07-28-2019, 02:58 PM

I think the final will be Mox and Okada. Mox wins, rematch at Dome with Okada in victory.

Jordan

07-28-2019, 03:02 PM

I didn't see Mox and Naito yet and I don't know who wins. But damn I'm pretty excited to watch it.

Emperor Smeat

07-28-2019, 04:22 PM

Moxley vs Naito was very good overall.

Shocked that Moxley actually won.

Kind of amazing that in such a short period of time, he's already main evented 2 NJPW shows and also got to do the "send the crowd happy" promo spot.

Evil Vito

07-28-2019, 05:40 PM

Mox is getting Yano'ed Thursday. If he doesn't, a whole shitload of people are eliminated including Naito and Shingo whose main event next Sunday would end up not meaning anything.

They've booked themselves into a corner where Naito can't even be mathematically alive going into his last B Block match unless Mox goes no better than 0-3-1 from here. And after a 5-0 start and being booked so strongly, that would kinda make him look like shit.

Emperor Smeat

07-28-2019, 07:55 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">Replay ‘G1 CLIMAX 29 Night 9’ (July 27th, 2019) post-match videos on New Japan World!! Watch FREE▶︎<a href="https://t.co/pP2Qyjo4L8">https://t.co/pP2Qyjo4L8</a> <br><br>7月27日(土) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/g129?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#g129</a> のバックステージを <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%96%B0%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89? src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#新日本プロレスワールド</a> で無料公開中▷<a href="https://t.co/pP2Qyjo4L8">https://t.co/pP2Qyjo4L8</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G1Climax?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G1Climax</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpwworld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpwworld</a><br><br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/zacksabrejr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zacksabrejr</a> <a href="https://t.co/vJUpCHtQrk">pic.twitter.com/vJUpCHtQrk</a></p>— njpwworld (@njpwworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwworld/status/1155333387428564992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DaveWadding

07-29-2019, 04:55 AM

OGoda seems goddamn unstoppable.

Mr. Nerfect

07-29-2019, 05:19 AM

Mr. Nerfect

07-29-2019, 05:20 AM

Kind of surreal that Dean Ambrose left WWE and went to New Japan. It’s a pretty big jump that I normalized really quickly. Jericho’s initial spot with New Japan really fucked me up.

Evil Vito

07-29-2019, 09:33 AM

Would not surprise me if the plan was never for Naito to be alive at the end.

It's possible, but it would be a departure from the norm. New Japan announce the tournament schedule AND match order in advance. Generally you can look at the schedule and know that the final match of the block is going to mean something for both guys.

That said, they could change it up this year where only Switchblade is alive in that main. Or they change the match order to put Mox/Juice on last.

Evil Vito

07-29-2019, 09:35 AM

OGoda seems goddamn unstoppable.

I'm starting to think he's actually going to win the tournament. He's going to lose to somebody (probably SANADA) along the way to ensure the last night of the block is compelling...but I could totally see Okada/Switchblade or Okada/Mox as the finals with Okada winning and simply picking his own Dome opponent.

I mean they keep harping on how the IWGP Champion rarely wins the tourney anymore, in wrestling that's usually code for "it's going to happen".

Droford

07-29-2019, 06:16 PM

I'm starting to think he's actually going to win the tournament. He's going to lose to somebody (probably SANADA) along the way to ensure the last night of the block is compelling...but I could totally see Okada/Switchblade or Okada/Mox as the finals with Okada winning and simply picking his own Dome opponent.

I mean they keep harping on how the IWGP Champion rarely wins the tourney anymore, in wrestling that's usually code for "it's going to happen".

I still think Mox vs Kenta even though Okada beat Kenta and is leading A block

Evil Vito

07-29-2019, 06:39 PM

I don’t see them booking an outsider straight into the main event of the Dome.

SlickyTrickyDamon

07-29-2019, 06:49 PM

I don’t see them booking an outsider straight into the main event of the Dome.

They might if AEW and NJPW have something brewing for All Out.

NJPW gets some buzz and then the G1 Winner faces Kenny Omega on PPV.

Mr. Nerfect

07-29-2019, 09:06 PM

I can't remember if I've said this elsewhere, but I really want to see Jericho vs. KENTA. It won't be the most athletic match since both guys are older and past their primes as athletes, but as workers, they're both so fucking good. I want Jericho to start taking the piss out of Shibata and heckling the broken man like a real piece of shit.

Could see Okada winning the whole thing and choosing Naito so that when he loses at the Dome he falls on his own sword to build to him winning the belt back. Who is technically alive?

I think the pressure for New Japan to start working with AEW is going to hit after the Dome shows when contracts start coming up, and guys like Mox and Jericho are harder to secure, and the talent that is really excellent but can't get past Tanahashi, Okada, etc. get big North American offers. I'm not sure how long Naito is signed for, but I can see guys like him, Ishii and Goto, as well as guys like Juice Robisnon, ZSJ and Will Ospreay putting a bit of pressure on New Japan to relax when it comes to AEW.

Emperor Smeat

07-31-2019, 05:05 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seems like Japanese fans really hate KENTA: “I really hope he never comes back for another G1, he’s half the reason for A Block’s problems.”<br><br>“Just send him back to Noah, never ever come back to New Japan you boring trash.” <a href="https://t.co/p67xl4P5YV">pic.twitter.com/p67xl4P5YV</a></p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1156512788623155203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

08-01-2019, 02:25 PM

White vs Taichi was surprisingly very good overall.

Not a good night for either guy's nuts though.

Mr. Nerfect

08-01-2019, 10:17 PM

Ouch. Poor KENTA. I've heard his matches are really good. Maybe he just needs to be a heel due to his long NOAH association? Maybe he should "kick" Shibata in the head?

Evil Vito

08-03-2019, 01:14 AM

Mr. Nerfect

08-03-2019, 01:57 AM

Good post.

Emperor Smeat

08-03-2019, 02:29 PM

Okada vs SANADA was amazing.

SANADA pretty much had to win unless NJPW was actually serious about Okada pulling off a historic undefeated block run this year.

The very high stakes for this match also made for a very great payoff to SANADA's winless streak against Okada.

Also :fu: SANADA for costing me the crown in this season of TPWW NJPW Survivor.

Emperor Smeat

08-03-2019, 08:08 PM

According to some news from Japan, SANADA's contract with NJPW recently expired and there have been rumors again of him being interested in potentially working for WWE.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Free agent, period. And the WWE rumblings are happening again.<br><br>If I were NJPW, i'd attempt to lock him up. Three straight sellouts vs Okada, and regardless of what anyone might think of his work, he has an obvious crowd connection and superstar upside. <a href="https://t.co/r4aAqR183X">https://t.co/r4aAqR183X</a></p>— Voices of Wrestling (@voiceswrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/voiceswrestling/status/1157701299166687232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

slik

08-03-2019, 08:17 PM

Sanada is my NJPW fave, keep away from WWE Sanada, they won't know what to do with you!

Mr. Nerfect

08-04-2019, 07:52 AM

Would rather see Sanada go to AEW than WWE, but that's basically the case with everybody. I think he will stay in New Japan though. I wish some talent would put the pressure on New Japan to work with AEW though.

ClockShot

08-04-2019, 12:39 PM

All he's gotta do is go ask KENTA about his time at WWE there and that's all the info he needs.

08-04-2019, 02:06 PM

I have like 0 interest in Kushida since his arrival, whilst Sanada has a great look I don’t foresee him piquing my interest should he go to WWE.

08-04-2019, 02:07 PM

Maybe if they did a big Bullet Club/OC (ugh) takeover with them running roughshod over the company and they bring in a few NJPW guys to fend them off but I’m a stickler for faction warfare.

Emperor Smeat

08-04-2019, 03:07 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's that time again! <br><br>Checking in on how <a href="https://twitter.com/JonMoxley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JonMoxley</a> is doing in New Japan.<br><br>c/o <a href="https://t.co/EBkLi6EmEu">https://t.co/EBkLi6EmEu</a> <a href="https://t.co/1TkkUY24tp">pic.twitter.com/1TkkUY24tp</a></p>— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/1157128207210037249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DaveWadding

08-05-2019, 12:48 AM

Mox vs. Yano was an 8 star classic.

ClockShot

08-06-2019, 09:30 AM

Should be caught up today, but jesus, Okada vs. SANADA was great.

Ultra Mantis

08-09-2019, 07:46 AM

I'm aware the boards have been dead all week but if anyone out there is browsing, the latest season of TPWW Survivor Japan (https://www.tpwwforums.com/showthread.php?t=136395) begins at the A Block Finals tomorrow and the more people involved the better.

Survivor Vets Jordan X, RP, Lock Jaw, Sixx, arrogance and Helmsphere are all MIA. Also DAMN iNATOR never goes in that thread so it's great.

Jordan

08-09-2019, 08:09 AM

My bad bro! I'll be right there

Evil Vito

08-09-2019, 11:59 PM

This is kinda why I was against Mox starting 5-0 with a huge lead on everyone, because he was inevitably going to have to piss it away.

Jordan

08-10-2019, 08:02 AM

Feeling down that Mox and Kenta didn't and won't make it.

Thinking it's SWITCHBLADE vs RAINMAKER in the finals.

Jordan

08-10-2019, 08:28 AM

I was wrong!

Emperor Smeat

08-10-2019, 05:50 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ibushi_kota?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibushi_kota</a>'s match preparation pays off huge, knowing Okada's tendency for the dropkick and reversing it! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/g129?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#g129</a><br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/nA6zFRMmxQ">https://t.co/nA6zFRMmxQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/DKvdCJU0Zs">pic.twitter.com/DKvdCJU0Zs</a></p>— TDE Wrestling (@tde_wrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/tde_wrestling/status/1160303886160334848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Volare

08-10-2019, 09:41 PM

That was brilliant.

Mr. Nerfect

08-11-2019, 12:35 AM

I'm fine with Okada vs. Ibushi at the Dome, if that's the way they want to go.

Jordan

08-11-2019, 11:35 AM

Well I dropped off in the middle of G1 due to a long vacation. But I will say the end doesn't seem to hold up to the beginning on paper at least. While I do support Jay White... he was excellent when I saw him main event MSG against Okada. I am not fully behind his big big push but it is happening it has been happening and it will continue. White is the new Kenny Omega, at least as in the lead white guy for NJPW.

Evil Vito

08-11-2019, 09:27 PM

Vastardikai

08-11-2019, 10:11 PM

I think this tournament just solidified what everybody’s fears were for Naito coming out of Dominion: he’s the new Shinsuke. He’ll always be featured prominently of course but he’s not getting above the IC Title again despite being insanely over.

Which is dumb to me because I'd be pushing him as one of my top guys, instead of trying to force Jay White to be a thing.

Emperor Smeat

08-11-2019, 11:24 PM

For Ibushi's neck, White eliminating Naito was the best thing to happen in B Block this year.

Emperor Smeat

08-12-2019, 03:42 AM

Ending of KENTA, YOSHI-HASHI, & Ishii vs. GoD & Fale was freaking amazing.

KENTA turned his back on his tag partners to join Bullet Club.

Then Shibata came out and started beating the shit out of KENTA before he got beaten up by the other members of Bullet Club

hb2k

08-12-2019, 07:16 AM

Evil Vito

08-12-2019, 09:36 AM

Shingo confirmed in his post-match press conference that he's officially moved up to heavyweight from now on.

That means Hiromu is finally coming back.

Evil Vito

08-12-2019, 05:10 PM

I found it interesting how Rocky kept harping on point totals on the last days of the blocks, pretty much saying anybody who entered the final block days with 6 points was in real jeopardy of being passed over for next year's G1 if they didn't win their last match. But Suzuki had 10 points last year, a better finish than Fale, SANADA, Juice, Goto, and Yano yet he was left out.

It's obvious now why Suzuki was kept out - he invariably would've had to lose more often than he should. Plus I believe Meltzer or someone else had reported that Suzuki had simply asked to not be in as he's 51 and keeping a lighter schedule for himself. But purely in terms of storyline you had Suzuki mad at being out and vowing to injure people in the preview tags to ruin the tournament and unless I missed something there was never a storyline reason given why the decision makers kept him out in the first place, they just did it.

So for that reason I'm sure by June of next year the 2019 point totals will be bunk. And hopefully so because Archer was the only one to finish with 6 points and he was one of the most entertaining parts of this tournament.

Ultra Mantis

08-12-2019, 05:54 PM

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK that Bullet Club angle was so good.

Seriously hoping Goto & Ishii win the tag league while Shibata gets KENTA at WK. Not sure which of those is more far fetched.

Fignuts

08-12-2019, 06:14 PM

Yeah it's mostly rooted in KENTA being a NOAH trueborn. Japanese culture seriously values company loyalty. A portion of the audience will always hate KENTA, because he will always be seen as a representative of NOAH. You can see in pretty much every KENTA match so far, the crowd has generally cheered his opponent because he's not seen as 'their guy'.

It's why despite his popularity, SANADA (orginally an All-Japan guy) will never surpass Naito in terms of popularity and will probably never break out from under his shadow.

Even Okada isn't fully exempt from this. He at least went to the NJPW dojo and through the Young Lions program, but he still originally started at Toryumon. Yes he is still extremely over and a megastar by Western standards, but there is still a small pocket of the audience who would never accept him as a true representative of NJPW. That's why, while popular, he's still not as popular with the NJPW audience as Tana.

Yeah, a lot of people don’t realize how the intricacies of Japanese society play a large part in booking. Naito not being the top guy despite being even more popular than Okada is another example.

Naito isn’t a surging star, and he’s over with Japanese fans because he doesn’t get the top spot. Japanese society is highly predetermined in some ways. You’re tracked at a young age and by like age 18 your future is set. Naito is the guy who wasn’t chosen. He’s the hero for the slackers. To US fans that means he should win. But to the Japanese fans it would feel too unrealistic. That’s why LIJ gets hotter with Japanese fans where, in the US, people would have given up on Naito by now.

Moreover, a decent portion of Japanese fans would reject Naito as the top guy for that reason. They view Okada as naturally the top guy and deservedly so. To put Naito in that spot would be insulting to how society is supposed to be.

Naito won’t win till he’s no longer part of LIJ.

This is very similar to why Kawada was so rarely champion in AJPW and Misawa was always the top guy.

Emperor Smeat

08-12-2019, 07:08 PM

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

Mr. Nerfect

08-13-2019, 08:01 AM

That angle sounds pretty hot. Are we allowed to talk about it without spoiler tags yet?

Meltzer seems unsure it will come to what everyone hopes it comes to, but I don’t think they would dangle that carrot without it being something they’re heading to.

Dave also blew the shit out of the finals. Basically said Ibushi is better than Ric Flair. I’m sure he was just excited, but I’m down for Okada/Ibushi as I said earlier. Kind of getting hyped about WK already.

Jordan

08-13-2019, 08:28 AM

Evil Vito

08-13-2019, 09:06 AM

I've always felt we can talk spoiler free in here, you shouldn't go into a promotion-specific thread if you don't want spoilers.

Royal Quest card announced:

Ryusuke Taguchi, Ren Narita, and Shota Umino [Sekigun] vs. YOH, SHO, and Rocky Romero [CHAOS]

Kota Ibushi and Juice Robinson [Sekigun] vs. Yujiro Takahashi and Hikuleo [Bullet Club]

Will Ospreay and Robbie Eagles [CHAOS] vs. Taiji Ishimori and El Phantasmo [Bullet Club]

Tetsuya Naito and SANADA [LIJ] vs. Jay White and Chase Owens [Bullet Club]

IWGP Tag Team Championship: TBD (Rev Pro Tag Tournament Winners) vs. Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa [C] [Bullet Club]

NEVER Openweight Championship: KENTA [Bullet Club] vs. Tomohiro Ishii [C] [CHAOS]

Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi [Sekigun] vs. Zack Sabre Jr. [C] [Suzuki-gun]

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Minoru Suzuki [Suzuki-gun] vs. Kazuchika Okada [C] [CHAOS]

Emperor Smeat

08-13-2019, 07:01 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Royal Quest likely to be tape delay for NJPW World - FITE are paying a substantial amount of the production costs (not only video production but lighting, staging, pyro etc.) so they get exclusivity for three days</p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1161256003683229696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DaveWadding

08-13-2019, 09:28 PM

FUCK JAY WHITE FOREVER.

Vastardikai

08-14-2019, 02:27 PM

Has anyone considered what a Suzuki vs Ibushi would be like for the IWGP at WK!?!

I don't think this will happen, as much as I wish it would. Geo has his tropes, one of them being that, with rare exceptions (foreign tours), top guys aren't losing singles matches from post G1 to Wrestle Kingdom.

Also, it's funny how they don't need Suzuki until they do.

Ultra Mantis

08-14-2019, 02:53 PM

There's a very good chance Suzuki actually requested not to work the G1 tournament because he can't bump that frequently. He also would have had to lose a lot so it worked out better for him really.

Makes sense to have him challenge in the UK too because he frequently does shows here with Rev Pro and he is incredibly popular, I mean everyone all the way down to your Yujiros are over in the UK, but Suzuki / Ishii / Okada are your non-native headliners.

Fignuts

08-14-2019, 05:37 PM

KENTA is winning that title from Ishii. Also, should be a slobber knocker with those two.

Evil Vito

08-14-2019, 06:24 PM

Yeah it's clear why Suzuki wasn't in the tournament from a backstage standpoint. But from a storyline standpoint it's kinda ridiculous that there was NO explanation given why a guy who got 10 points last year and is still on the roster got kept out.

Then again Honma went 0-9 one year and was right back in the tournament the next year so there's no real rhyme or reason for a lot of this. But it's no different than the Royal Rumble, there is no kayfabe reason why some random 60 year old legend would be allowed to contest for a WrestleMania title shot but we're not meant to think too hard about it.

DaveWadding

08-14-2019, 09:06 PM

KENTA is winning that title from Ishii. Also, should be a slobber knocker with those two.

Ishii is going to murder KENTA.

Fignuts

08-15-2019, 01:31 AM

https://i.imgur.com/dnC94IS.png

Mr. Nerfect

08-16-2019, 03:16 PM

Watched the angle. Marvellous. Ishii trying to grab the leg of KENTA after the GTS was fucking heartbreaking. Shibata has that big dick energy. KENTA has a glorious shit-eating face. Even the Tongans, who I’m not super-invested in bumped like crazy.

I also watched the final. Jay White has come a LONG way. I like that there is at least an intention for him to be a different sort of wrestler there. Ibushi is cut like hell. Didn’t love the match though. I guess I just don’t get Japanese psychology. Ibushi’s legs are hurting but his default strategy is to do a bunch of moonsaults. Even Jay White is like “hit me” and just stands around waiting to get knocked out. It turned into a bunch of moves at the end. Felt like they could have truncated it and left the crowd with more energy and wanting more. I guess it was the G1 Climax though.

Dave Meltzer overrated the hell out of it. He was like “Ibushi did these spots on one leg.” He didn’t, lol. Kevin Kelly is someone I generally like, but he was pretty Michael Cole-ish with some of his rehearsed lines. It’s sweet he still gets into wrestling though.

I think Jay White is a good investment for New Japan. He seems interested in telling a story. As he gets more and more comfident, he will settle down more and more and is going to be more in-line with the great storytellers than the best acrobats. Not that his execution wasn’t great. It was superb. But he’s my sort of wrestler way more than an Omega or Ibushi. He’s going to be more akin to a Tanahashi or Okada, I think.

A lot of people aren’t yet sold on him, it seems. I get that, but I think my irregular viewing helps, because this was my first watch of him in months, and it’s scary how much better he has gotten in that time. He was a deer in the headlights when he first went against Tanahashi as Switchblade, but it’s like Gedo, Tanahashi and/or whoever is involved in this push knew it was going to click way before it was anywhere close to clicking. Like they knew he was going to be adaptable when he was thrown into the deep end after a bit of meandering.

Emperor Smeat

08-22-2019, 04:34 PM

According to the Observer, had Omega not left for AEW, Gedo's grand plan for this year's G1 Finals would have been Ibushi vs. Omega.

Also confirmed what people have speculated for months that Jay White's big push is just him taking over Omega's stuff and not something that was actually planned out for him.

ClockShot

08-22-2019, 06:33 PM

In time, Jay White will come back down to Earth.

Sorta concerned on how long this Omega-to-White transition period is going to play out.

Emperor Smeat

08-22-2019, 07:56 PM

G1 Finals is probably where White stops piggybacking on the Omega storyline.

It lines up with what Omega mentioned a while ago about him and Ibushi wanting a high profile match together and Gedo never having any real plans for them to face off at the Dome this year or for Omega keeping the belt past ROH's MSG show.

Mr. Nerfect

08-24-2019, 12:40 AM

Gedo could have easily done something else. Jay White was with Gedo before they knew 100% that Omega was leaving. There were negotiations going on after Wrestle Kingdom. I think the White push is completely intentional.

ClockShot

08-24-2019, 07:27 AM

Is the Super-J Cup on a delay on NJPW World?

Was looking around Thursday night and all they had was the free match from the '16 finals with KUSHIDA and Kanemaru.

Jordan

08-24-2019, 09:49 AM

Yes It's only airing on PPV via Fite. Airs in a few weeks on Japan World.

Mr. Nerfect

08-25-2019, 03:13 PM

It seems New Japan might be doing a 4 wrestlers, 3 title matches, 2 nights, 1 champion thing between Okada, Ibushi, Naito and maybe Jay White. Although it could very easily be Tanahashi in place of White. Ibushi said he wants to defend the IWGP Title on 5th.

So many interesting possibilities. I mean, there’s nothing stopping them from having Omega get back into things and doing Okada/Naito and Ibushi/Omega on Liger’s retirement show. It will probably be White, but that lends itself to a better story.

There’s stuff brewing between Tanahashi and Suzuki, and Shibata and KENTA. You’ll likely have Moxley dropping the US Title to somebody (probably Juice). It should be an amazing weekend.

Any word on who Liger is likely to face? Who is the guy holding together the junior heavyweight side of things? Think they give it to someone emerging?

Fignuts

08-25-2019, 03:22 PM

https://i.imgur.com/oHTRYzU.png

Mr. Nerfect

08-25-2019, 03:41 PM

I would rather see Suzuki win the US Title. Not sure they go that route though.

Mr. Nerfect

08-25-2019, 03:42 PM

I’ve got this odd desire to see Goto vs. Sanada.

Mr. Nerfect

08-25-2019, 07:51 PM

They've protected Jericho vs. Tanahashi, haven't they? I imagine that's a Dome match, so maybe that does free up Suzuki for Mox?

Emperor Smeat

08-25-2019, 07:52 PM

Any word on who Liger is likely to face? Who is the guy holding together the junior heavyweight side of things? Think they give it to someone emerging?
Seemed for a while NJPW was hinting at Suzuki vs. Liger for Liger's retirement match but who knows if they actually go ahead with it.

Mr. Nerfect

08-25-2019, 08:08 PM

I could go for Suzuki beating Mox night 1 for the US Title and then beating Liger night 2.

Emperor Smeat

08-26-2019, 03:27 AM

NJPW teasing another potential matchup for Liger's retirement based on last night's Super J-Cup Finals.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ELP won the J Cup beating Dragon Lee in the finals. Teasing Liger vs. ELP at the Tokyo Dome.</p>— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) <a href="https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/1165820837234008065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Spoiler tag used since it reveals who won the tournament for those interested in watching it once it gets uploaded to New Japan World.

Ultra Mantis

08-26-2019, 08:12 AM

The Young Lions Cup is returning during the DESTRUCTION tour, Round Robin style again.

Shota Umino
Ren Narita
Yota Tsuji
Yuya Uemura
Clark Connors (LA Dojo)
Karl Fredericks (LA Dojo)
Alex Coughlin (LA Dojo)
Michael Richards (Fale Dojo)

You'd think Shota would easily take this to lead to his excursion but they've been putting over the LA Dojo boys over strong lately.

mike adamle

08-27-2019, 04:23 PM

Don't worry everyone, I just scored front row seats to the Hammerstein show. Once I saw Ishii on the card I had to.

ClockShot

08-27-2019, 04:50 PM

Sold out. So, I assume you got them from one of the other ticket outlets or from a private seller.

Pay a lot? Or get a steal?

mike adamle

08-27-2019, 05:15 PM

Ticketmaster has resale tickets on their seat map.

Well considering the other front row seats on there are going for $700 and $800 my $350 ticket wasn't too bad!

I love the Hammerstein, I try to go to every show I can and get the best seats I can.

Also gonna be front row for Bloodsport but not as excited for that considering Moxley is out now and the lineup is pretty lame.

Jordan

08-28-2019, 08:50 AM

The last row of Hammerstein is going for $80 ... I may pick up a single. Thoughts? I went to MSG by myself and still had fun.

mike adamle

08-28-2019, 09:30 AM

Go for it! Hammerstein shows have such a fun atmosphere. You'll have fun either way. I went to Mania on my own and had a blast.

ClockShot

08-28-2019, 10:06 AM

Hammerstein is like 1 or 2 blocks away from MSG. Really can't get lost.

Also, if you're an Okada fan, it'll be your last chance to see him since he's not going to Philly. Just Boston and NYC.

DO IT!, Jordan.

Jordan

08-28-2019, 11:45 AM

I won't get lost, I use to live above the Hammerstein! It was my dorm!

I'm gonna buy the ticket. Anyone going we should have a beer or two before!

Emperor Smeat

08-31-2019, 12:54 PM

Emperor Smeat

08-31-2019, 02:43 PM

KENTA vs Ishii was very good overall despite KENTA likely suffering a concussion at one point.

KENTA won the NEVER title

Emperor Smeat

08-31-2019, 03:10 PM

Tanahashi vs. Sabre Jr for the RevoPro British title was pretty great overall.

Tanahashi won the belt.

Emperor Smeat

08-31-2019, 03:19 PM

:lol: at the Kaze Ni Nare chant for Suzuki blew out FITE's audio for a brief moment.

If it wasn't for Impact's Wrestlemania weekend show, this show would go down as the worst I've seen soo far this year in terms of production issues. Wrestling-wise, its been pretty good to great.

ClockShot

08-31-2019, 03:24 PM

This Royal Quest show is a bit of a mess right now in terms of production.

First the commentary audio got busted early on, then stream keeps lagging and losing connection, and now part of the entrance tron broke.

And FITE wants a few days of exclusivity before this pops on NJPW World in exchange for production costs, pyro, etc.

Mmmmhmmmm. Must be one cheap setup they're using.

Emperor Smeat

08-31-2019, 03:57 PM

Suzuki vs Okada was great despite FITE deciding to take a rest break in the middle of it.

Royal Quest was very good overall.

slik

09-02-2019, 05:16 AM

ClockShot

09-02-2019, 05:23 PM

Sweet. Royal Quest is up on NJPW World.

Got something to watch tonight.

Mr. Nerfect

09-02-2019, 06:29 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kenta looked badly concussed at NJPW Royal Quest. �� <a href="https://t.co/QVpc6M81mT">pic.twitter.com/QVpc6M81mT</a></p>— Meltzer Said What? (@MeltzerSaidWhat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeltzerSaidWhat/status/1168367294323527680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That’s uncomfortable to watch.

KENTA has been so good in 2019. I said it at the Royal Rumble, but he’s such a good worker. His facial expressions and demeanour and all that. The angle with him and Shibata was the best thing in wrestling this year.

AEW has made me appreciate New Japan more. I want AEW to succeed, but their goofy philosophy just doesn’t click with me. New Japan might again be my best hope to enjoy pro-wrestling.

mike adamle

09-04-2019, 06:51 AM

Ive gotta say it; Kota Ibushi is way better without Kenny Omega

Jordan

09-04-2019, 07:32 AM

Royal Quest was really good. All the shows this weekend were really good it hard to say the best one.

mike adamle

09-04-2019, 07:34 AM

Ive gotta say it; Kota Ibushi is way better without Kenny Omega

Eh nevermind. I thought he was pretty decent during most of his G1 run but just got around to watching the final where he was terrible. Why did he look like he was about to cry after every pin attempt?

Mr. Nerfect

09-07-2019, 10:27 PM

mike adamle

09-07-2019, 11:00 PM

He just has the worst facial expressions sometimes. You don't have to look like your dog died after every near fall

Mr. Nerfect

09-08-2019, 02:37 AM

I can’t believe I heard Dave say he was a better seller than Ric Flair, lol.

ClockShot

09-08-2019, 07:08 AM

Kota Ibushi is weird to me. I think of him as good, and I get excited about match concepts with him, but whenever I see him against anyone that isn't Tanahashi or Nakamura, he bothers the fuck out of me. That being said, I am looking forward to Okada vs. Ibushi at WK.

That haircut he has pisses me off. He's good. But I always ask "how can he see through those bangs across his eyes?"

Emperor Smeat

09-09-2019, 11:21 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROCK 'N' ROLL EXPRESS TO MAKE NJPW DEBUTS!<br><br>The legendary tag team join Roppongi 3K and Lance Archer as the latest names confirmed for Fighting Spirit Unleashed! <br><br>Check out the details, including a special video from Ricky and Robert!<a href="https://t.co/Fo9z6bpHje">https://t.co/Fo9z6bpHje</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPWFS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJPWFS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://t.co/cVrMKMnuO1">pic.twitter.com/cVrMKMnuO1</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1171258156963508224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mr. Nerfect

09-09-2019, 11:57 PM

I don’t know how I feel about that. They’re still two excellent workers, but it’s just odd to imagine how old they are. Good for them though.

ClockShot

09-10-2019, 08:47 AM

Chase Owens will finally prove the critics he's better than Ricky Morton once and for all.

Emperor Smeat

09-16-2019, 10:53 PM

Based on Suzuki's post-match promo from earlier today, evil Liger (Kishin) is basically a lock to happen one last time.

Maybe even for his retirement match if NJPW holds off Suzkui vs. Liger for that long.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aUXzc-FU2X0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

mike adamle

09-22-2019, 08:37 AM

So have they announced any matches for any of the cards on the east coast next week?

ClockShot

09-22-2019, 10:09 AM

Only tidbits that came out are the names confirmed for the tour and that tweet Smeat posted a few posts above.

As far as an acutal card, probably hear something this week.

Emperor Smeat

09-22-2019, 09:01 PM

Kishin Liger ended up making a special appearance at today's Destruction in Kobe event.

Figured NJPW would have saved that moment for a later event this year or possibly Wrestle Kingdom but instead got it out of the way pretty quickly.

Vastardikai

09-22-2019, 10:40 PM

The only thing more shocking than Kane being bald is Liger being bald.

Emperor Smeat

09-23-2019, 05:06 PM

Tom Guycott

09-24-2019, 02:34 AM

Seems NJPW is doing a bit of a shakeup with their current batch of Young Lions.

They released a video revealing Ren Narita is heading over to the LA Dojo and Jon Moxley's adopted son Shota Umino teased in a recent promo that he wants to start his excursion phase.

I'd love to see him open a package with a note saying "Give em hell, Shooter", and the box contains a leather jacket with Shota spray painted on the back in orange kanji.

Tom Guycott

09-24-2019, 03:22 AM

The only thing more shocking than Kane being bald is Liger being bald.

Eh. I was more surprised at the Joker makeup. Surprise is kinda the wrong word... it's just... a Joker cosplay is kinda played out at this point. Equal parts "OH SHIT!" and "Oh, shit." Liger has been around forever and the hair doesn't like to stick around that long.

mike adamle

09-24-2019, 05:35 AM

Really disappointed with the NYC card. Thinking of selling my tickets

Evil Vito

09-24-2019, 06:57 AM

Yeah that card is kinda lame considering the insane price to get in.

Ultra Mantis

09-24-2019, 07:49 AM

Narita and Umino have officially gone on excursion. Narita is heading to the LA dojo, which is odd since those guys just seem to work local indies. No mention of ROH. Shota is heading to Rev Pro where he should easily be a top guy. Might not get to reunite with his adoptive father for a few years though.

Emperor Smeat

09-24-2019, 02:30 PM

NJPW doesn't really use ROH for excursions and tend to favor CMLL more for that stuff.

They must be very pleased with Shibata's work at the LA Dojo to consider it as excursion worthy.

ClockShot

09-24-2019, 03:02 PM

Ooof.

Judging by those cards, I think Boston got the best card of the bunch for this weekend.

NYC looks decent, Philly got the short end of the stick.

Ultra Mantis

09-24-2019, 03:13 PM

NJPW doesn't really use ROH for excursions and tend to favor CMLL more for that stuff.

They must be very pleased with Shibata's work at the LA Dojo to consider it as excursion worthy.

They had Jay White there not too long ago, EVIL also had his there and a lot of the guys they sent to CMLL worked there later into their excursions (Hiromu, SHO, YOH). I guess Finlay was also unofficially on excursion there before he got hurt.

Emperor Smeat

09-24-2019, 03:55 PM

Completely forgot EVIL went to ROH first.

Ultra Mantis

09-24-2019, 05:44 PM

To be fair, I think ROH forgot he was there for his most of his run.

Emperor Smeat

09-24-2019, 06:18 PM

Think his time away also coincided with NJPW still having a partnership with Impact and where I would have been more familiar with guys sent there like SANADA.

Ultra Mantis

09-26-2019, 06:31 AM

Not sure about YOH's new gimmick...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'Truth is, I've always liked poo. My mum came to my Yutenji exhibit and said "You've always been interested in sh*t". She was right'<br><br>YOH talks about his unique art in this revealing interview!<a href="https://t.co/iEfkH0Ye6V">https://t.co/iEfkH0Ye6V</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpwFS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpwFS</a> <a href="https://t.co/48JXFx4O69">pic.twitter.com/48JXFx4O69</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1177161080080084992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jordan

09-26-2019, 10:14 AM

NJPW just announced that New Year's Dash 2020 will be from Ota City Gymnasium this year. Some were thinking the 2nd day of WK could have been "New Years Dash" but no they are running a legit two day super card at Tokyo Dome and a bigger arena (4,000 seats) for New Years Dash. Very ambitious.

ClockShot

09-28-2019, 01:13 PM

Anybody catch or hear anything from the Lowell show.

Good, bad?

mike adamle

09-29-2019, 09:40 AM

Can't believe no one is talking about NYC last night. New Japan thinks someone tried to sabotage the show. Apparently yesterday morning someone called the private ambulance company that the Hammerstein hires to do their shows and told them the New Japan show was cancelled. Come showtime New Japan thinks the ambulance is stuck in traffic. When they call they come to find out the ambulance company was told the show was cancelled and now doesn't have any ambulances available. The FDNY agreed to lend an ambulance but apparently it's against the rules to do that and it has to be from a private ambulance company. Took an hour and a half before someone got there and the show started.

Other than that great fucking show though.

Ultra Mantis

09-29-2019, 11:25 AM

I've seen the video of the executive in ring pleading for forgiveness, poor guy. You'd think the company providing the ambulance would at least verify that instead of just taking some rando's word for it. Glad the show was worth the wait though,

Jordan

09-29-2019, 12:03 PM

Sounds very suspect!

Emperor Smeat

09-29-2019, 09:14 PM

Apparently the ambulance story is a bit more complicated than simply the ambulance being late or someone prank calling the ambulance company.

The story about someone claiming the show was cancelled was legit but NJPW had a replacement one arrive on time. Problem was it came from the NY fire department which meant they legally needed two at the venue in case one had to leave for an emergency.

Somehow that led to 4 ambulances being at the venue with the 2 from the fire department getting sent away and 2 from an ambulance company staying. NY Commission still refused to allow the show to start until the remaining ambulances were properly set at the venue.

The short version of the story as to why the New Japan show last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom started 90 minutes late, the ambulance story is pretty much legit, but it's far more than that. The company that usually provides ambulances for the building was called the morning of the show to say it was canceled. Those backstage found out at about 5:30 p.m. and ended up getting an FDNY ambulance to the building in time for the show to start. The Athletic Commission rep said that if there was a shooting nearby the ambulance would have to leave and wouldn't accept it or allow the show to go on. A second FDNY ambulance came but it was the same story. Two other ambulances ended up being brought in so at one point there were four ambulances there. At this point the two FDNY ones left since the commission wouldn't accept them. Then somebody tried to tell one of the ambulances (a commission person) that two weren't needed and one of the others could go, but those associated with the show asked, what if somebody needed an ambulance and thus, with only one, there wouldn't be one there, and the commission said they would have to stop the show at that point until the ambulance got back. So they kept two. They also had four doctors, three more than necessary, on their own including one that spoke Japanese. At the time the video played, the two ambulances were there but the commission would not allow the show to start until they were in the back of the building and a stretcher was in the building, as they were in the front of the building when they wanted to start the show and were told they couldn't. NJPW was also told the barricade couldn't be used to throw wrestlers in, no fighting outside the ring, no tables and no blading. For union reasons, the show was supposed to end by 11 p.m. but we're told even with rushing the show, NJPW decided to run overtime even with the added cost.

Emperor Smeat

09-30-2019, 04:26 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nothing to see here except... TANAHASHI PLAYING AIR GUITAR WITH THE ROCK N ROLL EXPRESS!!!<br><br>That’s the show everyone! NJPW <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPWFS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJPWFS</a> Philly show ends on a high note. <br><br>�� <br><br>- <a href="https://twitter.com/WIncRebel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIncRebel</a> <a href="https://t.co/aLQ3xJmy8E">pic.twitter.com/aLQ3xJmy8E</a></p>— WrestlingINC.com (@WrestlingInc) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestlingInc/status/1178450436719808512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">dispatches from the ecw arena: tjp was doing that “try to be noticed while staying incognito” walk through the lobby after the show when a disembodied voice with a heavy philly accent yelled “hey TJP!” he looked up, and the guy just yelled “you suck!”</p>— Chris (@funkyassdg) <a href="https://twitter.com/funkyassdg/status/1178479488633585665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

10-05-2019, 04:17 PM

Vastardikai

10-06-2019, 12:57 AM

According to Voices of Wrestling, Suzuki is rumored to be leaving NJPW soon. Hasn't been happy with his spot in the company and likely would have left earlier if it wasn't for the Liger feud. Current rumor is him going back to Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Also rumored to be leaving soon is NJPW's president Harold Meij.

I can't say I blame him. He's been an afterthought since Meij took over. Which is a travesty. Meij wants an American following, but doesn't push the most over guy with American audiences. Fucking idiot.

Mr. Nerfect

10-06-2019, 11:18 AM

Suzuki leaving is sad. Can see WWE making him a huge offer.

Ultra Mantis

10-06-2019, 02:42 PM

I can see why somebody like Suzuki would be dissatisfied being pushed down the card, but honestly unless you want to give him a sympathetic thank you run with the top belt (which doesnt really make sense for his character) there just isn't room for him at the top. You have so many other guys who are going to be around for a long time and are better investments. He at the very least isn't treated like the others from his generation, who pretty much only get to beat the rookies now and he still gets featured programs occasionally.

Being left off WK definitely pissed him off and not having him in a featured role at MSG in particular was a total mistake. If the G1 wasn't his own decision then that's understandable too. Cant see him ever leaving Japan completely though, he apparently hates travel and I doubt he wants to move to the US at this point in his life.

Mr. Nerfect

10-06-2019, 04:23 PM

New Japan has got the problem of having too much talent. There’s a log jam at the top.

Ultra Mantis

10-06-2019, 05:20 PM

Yeah, but we have the high ground Noid.

Emperor Smeat

10-06-2019, 05:46 PM

I can't say I blame him. He's been an afterthought since Meij took over. Which is a travesty. Meij wants an American following, but doesn't push the most over guy with American audiences. Fucking idiot.

Would blame the rest of NJPW's management and not Meji for that since they are the ones handling the US expansion stuff and Meji mostly handles the UK and elsewhere. Meij's biggest problem was setting way too high goals for the company and likely going to lose his job since they won't reach it.

In terms of status, he's in the right spot but problem is it involves the NEVER division and UK stuff which NJPW treats as an afterthought (NEVER) or given lesser status (UK) in favor of the US expansion.

Jordan

10-06-2019, 10:40 PM

Well I am for Suzuki doing some AEW shows if he leaves NJPW. I don't watch NOAH so I hope that's what happens.

Emperor Smeat

10-06-2019, 10:49 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Regarding the Suzuki / Meij rumours, we asked around and our sources have heard nothing on either. Said that Suzuki was possible but Meij didn’t sound right. I’m not saying I don’t think it’ll happen, but a lot of people have asked us so there you go.</p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1180708714983985152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Probably will know very shortly after Wrestle Kingdom 14 if those rumors had any truth to them since it was originally hinted that is when Meij was expected to leave.

Evil Vito

10-06-2019, 10:51 PM

If Suzuki is going, I think they’ll try to keep him around til the Dome to put over ZSJ so that they can turn Suzuki-gun into Sabre-gun.

Tom Guycott

10-07-2019, 12:54 AM

Suzuki leaving is sad. Can see WWE making him a huge offer.

I don't. Not a viable one, anyhow.

I mean, they can throw money at the guy for sure, but when you factor age and the idea of him being not happy with being misused... him going to WWE spells more of a disaster than Steiner Math.

Someone like Shinsuke apparently doesn't give a shit since he's content with getting money and fucking off to go surf. Minoru Suzuki's ceiling would sadly be NXT. He would become a bigger "afterthought" than he is now on the main roster, and there aren't many guys like a Regal or Taylor or Finlay around to put up with the requisite stiffing a match with him would entail.

I'm not saying AEW should make an offer, but as it stands, it would be better for everyone: him, the company, and wrestling fans. I'd selfishly like to see him come in and add to what Corgan is doing with NWA and beat up a couple guys during the next set of Power tapings. Would make a lot of noise for that product.

Evil Vito

10-09-2019, 11:13 AM

http://content.invisioncic.com/r229509/monthly_2019_10/0.png.13b536189df10e09e2eec272b50d45e0.png

Evil Vito

10-09-2019, 11:14 AM

Dragon Lee was meant to be teaming with Titan but he got pulled in wake of his CMLL firing. NJPW doesn’t want to book a guy on bad terms with their partner.

Ultra Mantis

10-09-2019, 12:52 PM

I hope it's more that they had already booked a CMLL team and didnt want to go back on it rather than outright just dropping Dragon Lee. I heard rumours he has already worked out a deal somewhere so if that isn't New Japan that could also be a factor. No LIJ reps or interesting guests either. :'(

Emperor Smeat

10-10-2019, 12:40 AM

ClockShot

10-10-2019, 06:45 PM

With all the stuff New Japan got going on between upcoming departures, the stuff with CMLL, I sure hope they're at work with contingency plans.

Emperor Smeat

10-10-2019, 07:02 PM

NJPW announced Fantastica Mania is returning next year and very likely means Dragon Lee's time in the company is done due to CMLL.

Ultra Mantis

10-11-2019, 01:51 PM

LIJ not having any reps makes sense since Shingo moved up to heavyweight and no Himoru around to tag with BUSHI.

Wouldn't be surprised if NJPW kills off their partnership with CMLL by the end of the year or at least is watching very closely to see if CMLL actually splits any time soon. If it does split, they probably will side with Sofia Alonso's version and not the one being run by her uncle since it likely gets them Dragon Lee back.

I've been waiting for Hiromu to come back since BOSJ and it still stings every time they announce something he wont be part of. Feels like Dragon Lee would be a perfect fit for LIJ if he came in full time. Oh well :(

slik

10-14-2019, 03:54 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As Jon Moxley is unable to appear for a scheduled IWGP United States Championship defence tonight at King of Pro Wrestling, his title has been declared vacant. <br><br>Lance Archer and Juice Robinson will wrestle for the vacated title tonight.<br><br>Details: <a href="https://t.co/9eMFbQI2pw">https://t.co/9eMFbQI2pw</a> <a href="https://t.co/TH2MLQOfjE">pic.twitter.com/TH2MLQOfjE</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1183630108965265408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ClockShot

10-14-2019, 06:42 AM

Mother Nature is a mean bitch.

That being said, I don't think they'll bounce the title back to Juice again with Archer in the match. Would they?

Ultra Mantis

10-14-2019, 08:03 PM

I thought Mox would actually retain, even though Juice keeps talking about the belt needing to be defended on US soil. It's just boring for Juice to keep winning it back the first chance he gets. Hopefully the new champion can put some shine back on and we still get the Mox / Juice no DQ match somewhere down the road. Mox / Archer would be pretty cool too and I never thought I would be saying that a year ago.

Emperor Smeat

10-15-2019, 10:54 PM

Squared Circle Sirens recently hinted NJPW might be debuting a women's division in the near future.

Another rumor elsewhere hinted that NJPW might have bought out all-women's promotion Stardom.

Jordan

10-16-2019, 12:28 PM

I am hoping that the new on NJPW is related to a womens promotion rather than a deal with WWE.

I think I am buying the story that WWE is going to more of less buy BJPW as NXT Japan.

Who do you guys think Liger will have his final match with?

Evil Vito

10-16-2019, 01:09 PM

Who do you guys think Liger will have his final match with?

Hiromu Takahashi, unless we all collectively had a fever dream and he never actually existed.

Ultra Mantis

10-16-2019, 01:34 PM

Liger is going to come out for his retirement match against Ospreay, wrestle for 25 mins, win the Jr Heavyweight title clean, then take his mask off and reveal he was actually Hiromu for his entire career.

Ultra Mantis

10-16-2019, 01:44 PM

Best case scenario on this "big news" is that Bushi Road has bought STARDOM, they partner with New Japan and do a joint tour every year (get rid of CMLLs).

NXT Japan can fuck right off.

Mr. Nerfect

10-16-2019, 05:48 PM

The New Japan/WWE working agreement is looking less likely with WWE trying to buy-in. It’s a shame, because it would have been smarter to prop-up New Japan, but they’ve got to do things their way.

Emperor Smeat

10-16-2019, 10:47 PM

NJPW bought Stardom according to a report from Yahoo Japan.

Yahoo Japan reported this evening that Bushiroad, the parent company of New Japan Pro Wrestling is acquiring STARDOM, the preeminent women's promotion in Japan.

Serious negotiations to take over STARDOM has been ongoing since early September. There had been interest on Bushiroad's end since this past Spring.

The official announcement will come tomorrow.

Emperor Smeat

10-17-2019, 01:05 AM

More details regarding NJPW's parent company purchasing Stardom via the Observer.

World Wonder Ring Stardom, the Japanese women's pro wrestling company best known as Stardom, has been sold to Kix Road, a subsidiary of Bushiroad, in a deal announced Thursday afternoon in Japan.

The story is likely to be misinterpreted as either New Japan buying Stardom, a merger between the two groups, or that New Japan will start using women wrestlers on their shows. None of this would be accurate.

But what is accurate is New Japan and Stardom would both be owned by the same parent company, but they are being run and kept completely separate. Stardom will be under the umbrella of Kix Road, which is the parent company of Knock Out, the Bushiroad kickboxing company.

As part of the deal, Kix Road, on 12/1, Kix Road Co,. Ltd will have its name changed to Bushiroad Fight Co, Ltd. There are no plans for any interaction between Knock out and Stardom.

Hiroshi "Rossy" Ogawa will remain CEO of the women's wrestling promotion, which will main using the name Stardom, but World Wonder Ring Stardom will no longer exist as a company.

There will be people at Bushiroad joining Stardom to work in the front office but the Stardom staff will stay in place.

Bushiroad's role will be attempting through advertising and television to build the popularity of the brand, similar to how the resurgence of New Japan Pro Wrestling was built.

As part of the deal, a TV show will air on BS NTV and Tokyo MX starting in January, with the BS NTV show being a 30 minute show on Thursdays.

The streaming service Stardom World will remain the exclusive for Stardom events. New Japan World will not be streaming Stardom, and with New Japan World part-owned by TV-Asahi and the Stardom TV deal with rival NTV, politically that would be almost impossible to work out.

There are no plans at present for Stardom talent to appear on New Japan shows, or vice versa. However, if New Japan does see a demand for women's matches on foreign shows, where there is no sign of any at this point, this will give them easier access to broker a deal for such talent.

slik

10-17-2019, 01:28 AM

Very cool!

slik

10-21-2019, 02:12 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: NJPW officially announces US subsidiary, named New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America. <br><br>More details to follow on <a href="https://t.co/GsbwNuSDkw">https://t.co/GsbwNuSDkw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJoA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJoA</a> <a href="https://t.co/b49dNqPEiS">pic.twitter.com/b49dNqPEiS</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1186160727838490624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

10-21-2019, 02:45 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Events will be run in West Coast, Texas, South East and Mid areas, with tours running through cities in those four key areas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJoA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJoA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1186162848226930688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Seems odd they are skipping the East Coast considering how successful their last tour of the region was. They did have a big dud with a show in Charlotte earlier in the year as part of the New Beginning tour but that was due more to visa related issues.

Mr. Nerfect

10-21-2019, 04:21 AM

Cool to see New Japan expanding.

Evil Vito

10-21-2019, 06:35 AM

And that should be the final death blow for ROH.

ClockShot

10-21-2019, 06:46 AM

Sweet.

But, yeah. They gotta hit the Northeast. Huge wrestling hotbed they can tap into regularly.

Evil Vito

10-21-2019, 06:57 AM

If it’s basically just American talent with the occasional Japanese name thrown in I’m probably going to struggle to stay interested.

But I don’t think the LA Dojo guys are ready, so they’re probably going to need to use the main roster pretty regularly for at least the first year or two until they have a crop of homegrown stars.

Jordan

10-21-2019, 12:38 PM

Maybe I'm just being hopeful but I think that they will feature main roster guys because the US tours will be between Japanese tours. Maybe Tana will get to have his time off and someone else will get to play that big star role on the US tours... just as example.

Interested to see what this does for the light relationship with AEW.

Xero

10-21-2019, 03:45 PM

I don't watch New Japan for Lance Archer, that's for God damn sure.

Evil Vito

10-21-2019, 04:13 PM

Lance Archer is excellent.

Tom Guycott

10-22-2019, 12:03 AM

Emperor Smeat

10-27-2019, 08:56 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ve been told by a few people on the street... Stardom will have a match at Wrestle Kingdom. We discuss on our most recent show .</p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1188554378015334400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Assuming its true, probably going to have a RevPro match featured on one night and a Stardom match featured on the other night.

Doubt ROH is getting their spot back since NJPW went with RevPro instead of them at this year's Wrestle Kingdom show and that was before everything that has happened since the G1 Supercard show.

Mr. Nerfect

10-27-2019, 09:10 PM

Good for Stardom and all that, but even with the two shows it’s going to be tight getting everything in.

Emperor Smeat

10-27-2019, 09:25 PM

Depends on how many extra matches get added to the overall card since recent WK events have been 10-11 matches long and NJPW usually runs 7-9 matches for regular events.

If they do 7 per night, that's an extra 3-4 matches and plenty to pass around for their roster and partnership showcases. 8 per night might be overkill even with Liger getting two matches, 3 matches involving the IWGP and IC belts, and the extra partnership match.

Evil Vito

10-27-2019, 11:31 PM

I thought they’d be able to fit everything onto two nights of Wrestle Kingdom no problem but it sounds like they want all of the stars to work both nights so it’s not really going to alleviate much.

Emperor Smeat

10-29-2019, 02:31 AM

Based on a recent poll, a sizeable majority of NJPW's male fanbase supports the idea of women's wrestling being featured in the company while a vast majority of their female fanbase opposes the idea.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">this is a japanese poll result from <a href="https://t.co/TtI9V3SuHW">https://t.co/TtI9V3SuHW</a> RE: women in NJPW (hat tip to <a href="https://twitter.com/RockTheEytys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RockTheEytys</a> on finding it). tbh the gender split here is pretty much exactly what i would have expected. men are more open to women in NJPW, but the vast majority of women are not <a href="https://t.co/Nf9mmj1JJ9">pic.twitter.com/Nf9mmj1JJ9</a></p>— john (@toshanshuinLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/toshanshuinLA/status/1188856057382215680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mr. Nerfect

10-29-2019, 03:45 PM

It does seem that women’s wrestling turns women off. Whether that’s because of its fetishistic undertones or because of the same principles that leads to women largely not enjoying women comedians and the like.

It’s not necessary and you can probably keep them separate except for a feature match here and there.

Fignuts

10-29-2019, 07:30 PM

https://i.imgur.com/PLvQmg5.png

Emperor Smeat

11-03-2019, 02:14 AM

Chris Jericho vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for Night 2 of Wrestle Kingdom 14 just got announced during tonight's on-going Power Struggle show.

Jericho made the announcement via video where he beat up a bunch of people dressed as Tanahashi while they were doing Tana's air guitar shtick.

Emperor Smeat

11-03-2019, 03:10 AM

:lol: at everything that happened during the post-match of the Super Jr Tag finals.

Chris Charlton saying out loud that the trophy broke and then quickly realize its supposed to do that in order to be 2 mini-trophies for a tag team.

El Phantasmo and Ishimori's attack on SHO & YOH involved El Phantasmo spitting on the Jr Tag belt and nailing YOH in the head with it. Then teased doing the same to SHO but punched him in the balls instead. Then spit on the belt again and nailed SHO for good measure.

Then both Phantasmo and Ishimori acting as if they had won the finals and celebrating with the trophies while heading to the back.

Emperor Smeat

11-03-2019, 03:32 AM

NEVER Openweight title match was very good overall but also had arguably the worst looking GTS's ever done by KENTA.

Emperor Smeat

11-03-2019, 03:51 AM

IWGP Jr Heavyweight title match was great.

:D
Teaser video for Hiromu Takahashi's return just aired.

:D And now he showed up in person.

Him vs. Will Ospreay now set for the IWGP Jr Heavyweight belt at Wrestle Kingdom 14

Evil Vito

11-03-2019, 08:13 AM

Naito/White for the IC and Ibushi/Okada for the IWGP on night one of Wrestle Kingdom with the winners competing on Night 2 to crown a double champion.

Ultra Mantis

11-03-2019, 06:41 PM

Hiromu is still an absolute madman / sweet boy. :rofl:

I have missed him.

Ospreay really leaning into being the Kenny Omega replacement with that "mist extraction" spot. Almost thought he was going to plant one on Hiromu too.

Ultra Mantis

11-03-2019, 06:44 PM

Naito/White for the IC and Ibushi/Okada for the IWGP on night one of Wrestle Kingdom with the winners competing on Night 2 to crown a double champion.

To Goto is to suffer.

I'm still not into White, and I kind of hate that he's in he mix there because it would be so Gedo to have him be the guy to beat Naito and Okada to win it all, but at the same time I know he's going to lose, but there's a chance he won't and I hate it. I don't hate Jay White himself. It's more that I hate the concept of Jay White.

Emperor Smeat

11-05-2019, 01:26 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE DOUBLE GOLD DASH IS ON!<br><br>Double title match is set for night two of Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 5; winners of Jay White vs Tetsuya Naito and Kazuchika Okada vs Kota Ibushi on Jan.4 to meet in historic match.<a href="https://t.co/tJ83EVyyTG">https://t.co/tJ83EVyyTG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njwk14?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njwk14</a> <a href="https://t.co/3ZxWpw0XCd">pic.twitter.com/3ZxWpw0XCd</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1191597353867923456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The losers of those title matches will compete against each other for night 2's card.

ClockShot

11-05-2019, 05:48 AM

Naito called it first.

Really hope he gets it.

Emperor Smeat

11-05-2019, 05:48 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/WillOspreay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WillOspreay</a> got <a href="https://twitter.com/TIMEBOMB1105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TIMEBOMB1105</a> a new friend for Daryl, Carol, Daryl Jr. and Naoru... meet Percy! �� <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njwk14?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njwk14</a><br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/nA6zFRMmxQ">https://t.co/nA6zFRMmxQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/aBDLpO84s1">pic.twitter.com/aBDLpO84s1</a></p>— TDE Wrestling (@tde_wrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/tde_wrestling/status/1191605260797849600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mr. Nerfect

11-06-2019, 07:06 PM

I can see Okada/Naito happening, but I can also imagine Okada/White with Okada looking for redemption from last year. They could do that with either Okada beating Ibushi or not. I can imagine White beating Naito so that Okada and Naito can both win their matches.

Ultra Mantis

11-07-2019, 08:54 AM

World Tag League teams and schedule were announced yesterday. Competing this year (In order of importance):

DEATH PIRATE [EVIL / SANADA]
Guerillas of Destiny [Tama Tonga / Tanga Loa]
CHAOS [YOSHI-HASHI / Tomohiro Ishii]
Fin Juice [David Finlay / Juice Robinson]
Dangerous Tekkers [Taichi / Zack Sabre Jr]
Boom Thief [Colt Cabana / Toru Yano]
Suzuki-gun [Minoru Suzuki / Lance Archer]
Los Ingobernables [Shingo Takagi / Terrible]
Bullet Club [KENTA / Yujiro]
The Mighty Don't Elgin [Mikey Nicholls / Jeff Cobb]
The Area 51 Experience [Bad Luck Fale / Chase Owens]
Great Bash Heel [Togi Makabe / Tomoaki Honma]
TenCozy [Hiroyoshi Tenzan / Satoshi Kojima
Team DAD [Manabu Nakanishi / Yuji Nagata]
A Spade for The Ace [Hiroshi Tanahashi / Toa Henare]
LA Dojo [Hirooki Goto / Karl Fredericks]

Only the top four teams listed there really have a chance and I'm actually hoping EVIL and SANADA don't win. Instead, I want them to face each other at WK. Ishii has the most beef with Bullet Club right now and YOSHI desperately needs to win something so I'm pulling for CHAOS. Or GBH or Tencozy to help me out in Survivor. Look to Cabana and Yano for the upsets.

No Goto / Ishii super team could mean we're getting Goto vs KENTA at WK, unless Shibata manages to get cleared. It's not like Goto is a priority though, sadly.

Suzuki vs Shingo is also rumoured, we could see that develop here.

Cabana's presence was set up back in January, but he's a ROH guy never the less. Partnership isn't quite dead yet, and that could partly be because they don't want to lose Cobb. CMLL still in the mix with Terrible too.

Evil Vito

11-07-2019, 10:43 AM

As much as I enjoy EVIL and SANADA, them winning their tournament for a third year in a row right after R3K also won their tournament for a third year in a row won't exactly do much to dispel the opinion that Gedo totally phones it in with tag division booking.

Emperor Smeat

11-07-2019, 10:42 PM

According to this week's Observer Newsletter, NJPW is rumored to have been trying to get Kenny Omega banned from working in Japan for the next 10 years.

3rd time he's traveled to Japan since leaving the company and each time he was initially stopped from entering the country.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"When Kenny Omega went to Japan for the DDT show, he was stopped going into the country. It’s the third time this has happened since he left New Japan. Something happened where there was an attempt to get him banned from going to Japan for ten years."</p>— Trevor Dame (@TrevorDame) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrevorDame/status/1192617957299372032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ultra Mantis

11-08-2019, 06:04 AM

That sounds a bit far fetched, isnt he a Japanese citizen? He had a big press conference about it last year.

Emperor Smeat

11-08-2019, 02:30 PM

Some of the speculation online is that he might not actually be a full citizen yet due to some of the rules Japan has for the process and might still be using his work visa that was sponsored by NJPW.

Ultra Mantis

11-08-2019, 02:47 PM

Ah, if that's the case then it's probably more down to Kenny trying to get in to work for DDT using a New Japan employment Visa and it's his own fault for not arranging a new one. I've seen people saying that the source on New Japan being behind it is Nick Jackson, so yeah.

Emperor Smeat

11-08-2019, 03:15 PM

Yeah its been a very odd situation overall.

ClockShot

11-08-2019, 05:04 PM

Ya know, I've heard of people/companies holding a grudge, blackballing, starting a smear campaign, etc.

But going so far as to have someone blocked from entering a country for years is just nuts. That's if this rumor/story is true.

Now here's the thing. We know Kenny has a clause in his AEW contract in which he can continue to do some work for New Japan. They haven't called him, and I don't think Kenny's made an effort to call them. Why neither hasn't done anything is beyond me.

Ultra Mantis

11-08-2019, 07:41 PM

Based on what he's said in interviews, Omega wanted to be courted and seems like he was hoping New Japan would chase after him and offer him big money to come back and do marque matches with Ibushi or Okada once or twice a year. I'd say both sides feel slighted and neither will make the first move to repair the damaged relationship.

I wouldn't have thought 2019 New Japan would have anywhere near enough political pull to ban people from entering the country.

Emperor Smeat

11-08-2019, 08:24 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One day I’m gonna have a lot of wild stories to tell about my 2019 that a lot of people won’t want to believe. But the truth is actually way worse than what’s been rumored and/or reported. Until then, one day until <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWFullGear?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWFullGear</a></p>— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) <a href="https://twitter.com/KennyOmegamanX/status/1192928959694024705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

11-13-2019, 06:14 PM

Last week a report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter came out that Kenny Omega was stopped from entering Japan for a third time since leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling, earlier this year. Omega was headed to the country to appear at DDT Pro Wrestling Ultimate Party 2019. The report also noted there was an attempt to ban Omega from the country for ten years ...

It should be noted in the original report there was no mention of NJPW being the ones who attempted to block Omega, just more about the timing of when Omega's travel problems began.

Earlier today, NJPW President Harold Meij posted some thoughts on NJPW's website, including the "unbelievable rumor" of NJPW having any involvement with Omega's travel issues. The follow comments were translated in English by @thesuperjcast Twitter account:

"By the way, there's this unbelievable rumor going around that NJPW tried to prevent Kenny Omega from entering Japan, there's no way a company (meaning New Japan) could do that, no reason to do that or would even want to do that," Meij wrote. "I just thought I'd address it because I want to be clear about these things. It was a rumor spread by someone's wild speculation. Kenny Omega made a huge contribution to New Japan and we wish him all the success in the world."

Ultra Mantis

11-26-2019, 04:32 PM

Stumbled upon this earlier and need to share it.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pU_ZgiZ95l4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wtf Makabe :rofl:

Emperor Smeat

11-28-2019, 09:38 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">��There's a good chance you know that Satoshi Kojima enjoys bread. But just how much? We spoke to him to find out. ��<br><br>Spoiler: It is a lot. He likes bread a lot. <a href="https://t.co/mYQNvkmuHQ">https://t.co/mYQNvkmuHQ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njpw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#njpw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREADCLUB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREADCLUB</a> <a href="https://t.co/n4fOiHS6Tz">pic.twitter.com/n4fOiHS6Tz</a></p>— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1199961976048214017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No Honor Rising next year! <a href="https://t.co/6mE0g0nPJ7">pic.twitter.com/6mE0g0nPJ7</a></p>— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesuperjcast/status/1199990878636367873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emperor Smeat

11-29-2019, 05:43 PM

Observer held a recent interview with Kenny Omega and one of the topics discussed was the recent attempts to have him banned from entering Japan.

Turns out it wasn't anyone from NJPW who was trying to have him banned and instead just some random businessmen and possibly from NJPW's parent company.

Regarding Japan, we had a long discussion that was not on the show. He said he knew who was behind his having trouble getting in and was outright told at customs, and that there was an attempt to keep him out of the country for ten years. For legal reasons he didn’t want to discuss it in detail and that it’s an ongoing issue, but said he took care of everything beforehand when going back so he was allowed in, even though there was an attempt to block him all three times he went this year. He said it was not anyone he had dealt with and categorized it as businessmen just doing what they perceived was their jobs and that he felt those people in New Japan proper probably wouldn’t have known about it and that he was not against working for New Japan in the future.

Emperor Smeat

11-30-2019, 10:14 PM

According to NJPW president Harold Meij, the company hasn't closed the door on an AEW & NJPW partnership happening in the future.

He hinted NJPW will start considering the idea after AEW has had more time to establish a solid foothold and identity as a company. Once that happens, NJPW will have a better idea on how AEW could fit or complement their own style of wrestling for a potential partnership.

FOX Sports Australia has a Q&A with NJPW president Harold Meij ...

Meij responded to a question about whether NJPW would work with AEW: “We’re very open to working with anyone, we don’t exclude anyone. But it does take time to create that trust between companies. And right now AEW is still in the exploratory phase; they’re trying to establish themselves as a brand, what is that brand? They’re about one year in, and we’re starting to see what their brand is all about. Then we’ll have to see if that brand fits our brand of course. At this stage, they still have different styles than we do, and that’s the only thing. We’re looking at what their brand positioning is and whether it complements ours.”
Link: https://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/njpw-harold-meij-qa-kenny-omega-relationship-with-all-elite-wrestling-ring-of-honor-wrestle-kingdom-main-event/news-story/542c70d6fc694e872e6e368b44a36dc9

Ultra Mantis

12-03-2019, 03:20 PM

Looks like World Tag League is down to EVIL / SANADA and Juice / Finlay already. Gedo's booking of tag teams is truly baffling.

Jordan

12-03-2019, 08:42 PM

I haven't watched any due to them not having English streams. Will watch the shows coming up.

Mr. Nerfect

12-05-2019, 01:57 AM

Ultra Mantis

12-08-2019, 02:14 PM

Bunch of cool moments at the finals.

Ibushi finally snapping and bludeoning dickhead Okada.
New Japan Moxley somehow being much cooler than AEW Moxley.
Dragon Lee is back.
Yano / Cabana making a Fale match fun.

Emperor Smeat

12-08-2019, 03:26 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We've been told Ryu (ex-Dragon) Lee signed a 1-year deal with New Japan</p>— Voices of Wrestling (@voiceswrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/voiceswrestling/status/1203764037634396162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jordan

12-10-2019, 10:53 PM

Night 1

IWGP Heavyweight Championship -- Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
IWGP Intercontinental Championship -- Jay White (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship -- Will Ospreay (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi
IWGP United States Championship -- Lance Archer (c) vs. Jon Moxley [Texas Death Match]
IWGP Tag Team Championship -- Guerrillas of Destiny (c) vs. FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson)
Chaos (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi) vs. Bullet Club (Kenta, Bad Luck Fale, Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens)
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Sanada, Evil, Shingo Takagi & Bushi) vs. Suzuki-gun (Zack Sabre Jr., Minoru Suzuki, Taichi & El Desperado)
Jyushin Thunder Liger, Tatsumi Fujinami, The Great Sasuke & Tiger Mask vs. Naoki Sano, Shinjiro Otani, Tatsuhito Takaiwa & Ryusuke Taguchi

Night 2

IWGP Heavyweight Championship & IWGP Intercontinental Championship -- Winner of Okada-Ibushi (c) vs. Winner of White-Naito (c)
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Chris Jericho
Loser of Okada-Ibushi vs. Loser of White-Naito
NEVER Openweight Championship -- Kenta (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
IWGP Heavyweight Championship -- Winner of Archer-Moxley (c) vs. Juice Robinson
British Heavyweight Championship -- Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Sanada
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship -- Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo (c) vs. Roppongi 3K
Jyushin Thunder Liger & Naoki Sano vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Ryu Lee

Jordan

12-10-2019, 11:04 PM

Trying to think ahead with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship booking for the new year...

Meltzer predicted that Naito ends up double champion with Okada eventually taking the titles and becoming double champ himself. When I think about it I think that is probably the best course for a great weekend of events and for the championship as well as the fan base who have been clamoring for a solid Naito run.

Moxley did say that he would be wrestling in Japan for as long as he is wrestling. Does that mean his loyalties lie there? I'm not sure. But I can say that I don't see him touring to the US with NJPW of America, because of AEW of course. So if that is the case then he should probably loose to Juice on Night 2. But is Juice a better draw for NJPW of America or Archer? Also if Juice wins the tag titles with Finlay then, is it a good idea to put the US Championship back on him?

I really feel like Jericho is due a big win in NJPW and this would be the time. He would be a great contender for Okada, Naito or Ibushi should they win the double titles.

I was a little disappointed with Liger's final match being a tag but at the same time, I'm sure it will be a fantastic opener and mean a lot, it will be a great moment.

Tom Guycott

12-11-2019, 04:02 AM

Welp... I had no idea I would be led to believe I would want to see Dean Ambrose vs. Lance Hoyt in 2020, but here we are.

Would be funny if a Delta Airlines flight attendant makes a run-in.

ClockShot

12-11-2019, 07:40 AM

Sooooooo, all that teasing with Shibata and KENTA, and it ain't happening.

Don't know if Shibata isn't cleared or doesn't want to fight. Or if they are keeping it super quiet and springing it at the last minute. But boy, I wanted to see that match.

Ultra Mantis

12-11-2019, 09:11 AM

If Shibata is actually cleared to wrestle again then I'd assume KENTA to retain against Goto and then they run a hot angle at New Years Dash or maybe even in the post match. I really hope so.

Emperor Smeat

12-24-2019, 04:49 PM

According to Stardom, Wrestle Kingdom 14 will feature a women's match from the promotion.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!<br>Stardom will have a match at Wrestle Kingdom 14!</p>— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) <a href="https://twitter.com/we_are_stardom/status/1209453909594345475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Only catch is that it won't air live on New Japan World or FITE and instead is just for the live audience.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">STARDOM will have a match at Wrestle Kingdom 14.<br>But it was announced that NO TV SHOW and we can see it only at TOKYO DOME.</p>— ゆか (@senayuka1011) <a href="https://twitter.com/senayuka1011/status/1209459365167583233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fignuts

12-24-2019, 09:04 PM

https://i.imgur.com/EGBWJoe.png

Emperor Smeat

12-25-2019, 01:33 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy Merry Christmas��<br><br>I received a "DEATH RIDERS" jacket as a gift from my master.(<a href="https://twitter.com/JonMoxley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JonMoxley</a> )<br>Someday I will wear this again and be together.<br><br>I always climb the top of the harshest mountain with this jacket.<br>And there will be something at the end of the dream.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOX</a>×<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shooter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shooter</a> <a href="https://t.co/GrjByURXeQ">pic.twitter.com/GrjByURXeQ</a></p>— 海野翔太〈Shota Umino〉 (@njpw_shota) <a href="https://twitter.com/njpw_shota/status/1209624962417512448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>