Csonka’s NJPW on AXS TV Review 9.18.15

NJPW on AXS TV Review 9.18.15

– The matches come from the NJPW Power Struggle 2014, which took place in November.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM: IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match: Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish beat Champions KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley (17:29) when O’Reilly pinned KUSHIDA after the Chasing The Dragon to become the 39th champions. [****¼]: This wasn’t a MOTY contender or anything, but it was pretty damn awesome. Fish and O’Reilly had another outstanding showing here, and were making a late case for Tag Team of the Year. They were upping their profile and simply delivering great matches, and the added run in Japan was great for them. The final six or so minutes of this is where all of the money is, and they took a really well worked match and made it great. The finish saw Fish hit a falcon arrow from the top rope, and then O’Reilly and Fish hit chasing the dragon to win the titles. Again, this was a great match and I have loved Fish and O’Reilly in NJPW. Post match we had the former champions; new champions, the Bucks and Hooligans had a big staredown.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM: IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title Match: Champion Ryusuke Taguchi beat Taichi (15:18) with the Dodon (2nd defense). [**¼]: I was not into the Ryusuke Taguchi title run, and that unfortunately continued here. The match wasn’t bad, but it had too many extracurriculars with TAKA and Desperado, which simply became annoying. They also were doing so much and kicking out of shit like the Gotch Piledriver through a table, that when they went to the finish it came off like a limp dick on prom night because no one bought it as the finish. The thing that made this worth anything was the Bullet Club appearing and revealing Kenny Omega as their new member and challenger.

* Jushin Liger was the special interview this week. Liger spoke enthusiastically about the NWA, saying that it makes him think of Flair, Race and the Funks. He felt that these men were the kings of the NWA and wrestling as they got to wrestle all over the world. He had kind words for Owens, saying he may be a basic wrestler, but can be devastating in his execution. At this stage, it becomes harder for him to wrestle in new Japan, but he has a big heart and will always give it his all…

FULL MATCH: NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Title Match: Jushin Thunder Liger beat Champion Chase Owens (c) (9:27) with a brainbuster to become the new champion. [**½]: Bruce Tharpe as the evil Ganjin manager is a great man and he works perfectly for his role. I liked Owens’ first match with BUSHI at the King of Pro Wrestling event, he worked hard and looked as if he belonged. This time the match felt off. It’s not all on Owens, as Liger was having some hit or miss performances during this time. Yes he is a legend, the crowd heat was good and the fans reacted to Liger winning the title, but the wrestling itself was average at best. Bruce Tharpe’s tantrum post match was tremendous, I appreciate things like him blowing up because his guy lost his belt, because it feels that the title means something. I was not thrilled that this was the focus of the show, because the tag match was worlds better. But since they needed one of the top or big name Japanese guys for the special interview, we get this. The best part of this match was Ranallo and Barnett putting over the NWA lightweight title, and did such a good job that it almost made it feel like a major victory for Liger. It’s not the match I would have highlighted, but it’s hard to argue with Liger getting some love.

* We then get the post match interview from Liger, where he spoke about winning the title and wanting to travel around and defend it. he feels as if he is writing the final chapter of his career, but wants to keep going forward. Winning the title in Osaka meant a lot to him, and spoke about wanting to face the new challenges of Kushida, Alex Shelley and Kenny Omega and also have one final match with Tiger Mask.

* End scene.

* Thanks for reading.

“Byyyyyyyyyyyyyye Felicia.”

7.0

The final score: review Good

The 411

This week was an overall good show, showcasing the junior heavyweights. We have two average matches, one great match and some very good storytelling from the commentary team, who has been great on these shows, made it a fun watch. While not a collection of blow away matches like some weeks, the specialized shows like this one are a nice change of pace. You’re still highlighting action from one event, but giving time to the junior heavyweights was a nice change. One of New Japan’s weaknesses is the booking of tag teams and the junior heavyweights; but the commentary team made them feel as if they were special. It’s also a fun show if you’re a Liger mark.