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Csonka’s NJPW Kizuna Road 2016 Review 6.27.16
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Csonka’s NJPW Kizuna Road 2016 Review 6.27.16
OFFICIAL RESULTS
– Ryusuke Taguchi defeated David Finlay @ 6:43 via pin [***]
– Tomohiro Ishii, Kazushi Sakuraba, Rocky Romero & Barreta defeated Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Captain New Japan @ 12:52 via pin [**]
– Satoshi Kojima, Yoshitatsu & Matt Sydal defeated Yujiro Takahashi, Hangman Page & Chase Owens @ 9:53 via pin [*½]
– Katsuyori Shibata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata defeated Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson @ 14:27 via pin [**½]
– Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI defeated SANADA & EVIL @ 17:11 via pin [****]
– Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI defeated Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay @ 17:21 via pin [***½]
Ryusuke Taguchi defeated David Finlay: This was the usual young lion vs. established talent match, where they didn’t get a ton of tome, but made the most of it. They worked hard, Taguchi was working more on the serious side, which I always appreciate; when he does that he can go with anyone and delivers. Taguchi stayed one step ahead of Finlay for 90% of the match; Finlay got the huge fire up run near the end, but finally fell to the veteran. This was a good opener, with a lot to like mixed into a short time frame.
Tomohiro Ishii, Kazushi Sakuraba, Rocky Romero & Barreta defeated Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Captain New Japan: This came across in work and the oval vibe, as a throw away, low tier house show, eight man tag. The fans got into it at times, and it wasn’t bad. This just came across like everyone sleep walking through, playing the hits and trying not to get hurt. Ishii pinned Captain New Japan, water is wet and all is well. This is one to skip.
Satoshi Kojima, Yoshitatsu & Matt Sydal defeated Yujiro Takahashi, Hangman Page & Chase Owens: Unfortunately, this also had a lot of the vibe of the previous match. Well, Kojima and Sydal weren’t bad but Yoshitatsu was. I am over his lower card, Bullet Club hunting, Triple H CosPlay act; it’s not funny, and he’s not a very good pro wrestler. The one thing I felt here was that no one really cared about the low card Bullet Club guys, or Yoshitatsu. They liked Kojima and Sydal well enough, but not enough to care about this poorly thrown together and executed wrestling match. Kojima took out Owen with the lariat, thankfully ending my pain. This wasn’t just uninspired; it was really bad at times.
– We got our G1 Block announcements.
Katsuyori Shibata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata defeated Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson: This was another go through the motions match, but did have the redeeming quality as they did some nice work setting up the upcoming Shibata vs. Honma NEVER title match. Surprisingly, Tenzan was actually excluded from the G1, which played into the story here, as he picked up the big victory and got to cut a promo to the live crowd, questioning why he wasn’t included in the G1 I think that is for the best, because while he does pull out a few magical performances, it’s a long tour and at his age it doesn’t allow for the best performances or time to recover. I do think that the win here and promo is actually well done, in case they need an injury replacement.
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI defeated SANADA & EVIL: This made what had been a rather flat card worth my time; the CHOAS vs. Los Ingobernables had has provided some great in ring action and has really been a highlight of many of the B shows, and that was the case once again here. This was great, with EVIL and Goto playing supporting roles and working off of their issues, while SANADA and HASHI got to shine. These two have been doing some awesome work in these matches, which feel like all involved really hate each other every time they get in the ring. They had great pacing, great energy and a hot closing stretch with tons of good near falls and HASHI picking up another win on SANADA in the tag setting. SANADA and HASHI have really upped their stock over the last 30-45 days or so in these matches, and that could signal for some great stuff from them in the G1. This was easily the best thing on the entire show.
Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI defeated Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay: The main event was another strong and well done match, but never captured the energy of the previous tag match. But I do dig these pairings, because Ospreay and BUSHI really feel like the protégés of their stable leaders. They worked a god pace, they kept the crowd involved and it was a Naito night for them as they were into everything he did. Ospreay got a great run at the end, hitting a ton of his signature stuff and scoring some great near falls. BUSHI also came back with some impressive stuff, Naito took Okada out of play and BISHI hit the code breaker off the ropes (MX) to pick up the big victory. Post match, BUSHI questioned why he was not in the Super J Cup, and then declared that he was going to be in it.
* End scene.
* Thanks for reading.
“Byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye Felicia!”
