Kevin’s Top 20 Matches of July 2017: Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito Rules The Month

I’m back with another edition of the best matches in wrestling during the month of July. June wasn’t full of the highest quality matches, but July had a fair amount more. With Dragon Gate running their biggest show, PROGRESS holding three chapters, Lucha Underground continuing the Cueto Cup and NJPW running the G1 Special in USA and starting the G1 Climax, there was plenty to like. The only major show from July that wasn’t included was NOAH’s 7/27 event, as it isn’t available yet. As usual, to qualify the match just had to take place during the month of July.

Honorable Mentions – Kazuchika Okada vs. Cody (G1 Special in USA); Bobby Roode vs. Roderick Strong (NXT 7/5); KUSHIDA vs. Kyle O’Reilly/Matt Riddle vs. Tomohiro Ishii (British J Cup); Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Timothy Thatcher (Evolve 88); Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe (Great Balls of Fire); YOSHI-HASHI vs. Yuji Nagata/Juice Robinson vs. Satoshi Kojima/Kenny Omega vs. Michael Elgin (G1 Climax); Toni Storm vs. Laura Di Matteo (PROGRESS Chapter 52), James Davis vs. Rob Lynch/Keith Lee vs. Travis Banks (PROGRESS Chapter 53); Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles (Smackdown 7/25)

20. Kazuchika Okada vs. Michael Elgin – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/22/17

Elgin’s first match in NJPW was against Okada in the G1 two years ago (***¾). Regardless of my feelings on whether he’s had the best year in wrestling, I can’t deny how grueling Okada’s matches have been. He went the distance with Omega, got murdered by Suzuki, pounded on by Fale, etc. Like Fale, Elgin’s power was big here, as he brutalized Okada. For example, he caught Okada’s signature guardrail cross body, and body slammed him on the outside twice. He also made the ring move on some badass corner clotheslines. Okada eventually rallied with his trademark shit like the elbow and the dropkick to send Elgin to the outside. Elgin was ready once back in though, countering a missile dropkick with a powerbomb for two. The crowd was way into Elgin by this point, making him the favorite. He kept avoiding the Rainmaker and delivered a vicious lariat of his own. He coupled it with the Elgin Bomb for the best near fall of the night. The crowd totally bought it. Okada fought off the Buckle Bomb and deadlift superplex to get an opening. Elgin eventually hit those two moves, avoided a Rainmaker and hit another powerbomb for two again. OKADA WITH THAT ROMAN REIGNS RESILIENCY! Elgin wanted Burning Hammer, but Okada got out and hit the Rainmaker. He did his “I HOLD THE WRIST SINCE IT WORKED ON TANAHASHI” spot for another one. Elgin avoided a third, but ate a tombstone. A third Rainmaker finished things at 25:49. I dug how this didn’t fully follow the typical Okada formula. Elgin had a purpose to his early stuff. The finishing stuff felt formulaic and a bit overdone, but I loved how the crowd got way behind Elgin. You believed he would win. With a more original finishing sequence, this would’ve ranked higher. [****]

19. Tetsuya Naito vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/29/17

It’s one my favorite in-ring rivalries ever. This combo and Shibata/Ishii are the only ones I’ve given at least **** each time they’ve met. ****¼ in both the 2014 and 2016 New Japan Cup, **** in the G1 Special earlier this month, ****¾ at New Beginning in 2014, ****½ at Invasion Attack 2014 and ****½ again at Wrestling Dontaku last year for the IWGP Title (the best IWGP Title match besides Shibata/Okada in years). Anyway, the crowd was pro-Naito here, chanting his name loudly during his entrance. We got the typical Naito antics to start, like spitting at Ishii and taking a powder outside. Naito grounded Ishii and held serve. Ishii had enough of his shit and kicked his ass in return. Naito focused on the neck in cutting off his hope spots. He hit his signature rebound attack and a gorgeous dragon suplex, but Ishii responded with a German. He got slapped, so he just headbutted Naito, before both men picked up more near falls. A series of counters led to Naito nailing a variation of Destino for a near fall. He hit another after a series of strikes, only for Ishii to pop right up with a lariat. Ishii turned him inside out with another lariat and won via BRAINBUSTER at 20:40. As usual, these two were great together. It started slow, but really picked up down the stretch. Naito working the neck was wise and well done. The hot crowd helped, as they loved Naito but couldn’t help but pop for Ishii’s stuff too. [****]

18. Cueto Cup Second Round: PJ Black vs. Prince Puma – Lucha Underground 7/19/17

Puma wrestled in skinny jeans. Oh. Despite that, he moved around effortlessly and we got a fast paced opening sequence. Puma did a great job mixing in the athletic offense the fans love with some more aggressive traits, fitting of his recent story. PJ went after the neck. As the match progressed, the offense continued to get bigger and bigger from both guys. When Black kicked out of a super rana, the fans couldn’t believe it. Puma played into potentially losing control so well. He finally delivered a brutal dropkick and won with the 630 at 15:53. Awesome match. Puma was so good in his new role, while Black was at the best I’ve ever seen him, regardless of company. I feel like if that same match took place in an NJPW ring, people would talk about it nonstop, but it’ll most likely go overlooked. That’s a shame, because it ruled. [****]

17. Tetsuya Naito vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW G1 Special in USA; 7/1/17

With Shibata done, I’d say Ishii and Naito have the best chemistry in all of wrestling. I’ve never given one of their matches less than four stars. Another production gaffe when Ishii’s music played, then instantly turned to Naito’s. Naito started with a cheap shot and taunted. Like their NJC match last year, Naito was disrespectful, leading to Ishii kicking his ass for it. There were moments where we saw how well they know one another, countering signature moves. Ishii stopping a Naito rebound attack with a headbutt was great. the crowd loved Naito during his entrance, they got pulled into rooting for babyface Ishii. Ishii’s just so good in that role. There was a rare flub, as Naito botched the tornado DDT twice, but stayed with it and hit it on the third try. Both guys came close down the stretch, but Ishii continued to have Destino well scouted. Naito kicked out of two lariats, but couldn’t do the same after a brainbuster, losing in 15:51. Great, hard hitting match. It’s what the show needed. Their chemistry is top notch and, outside of the DDT spot, they nailed everything. Naito was a total dick who unmercifully went after the head, but Ishii was too tough for it to keep him down. This is somehow their worst match I’ve seen together. [****]

16. Hirooki Goto vs. Yuji Nagata – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/21/17

I saw them meet in the G1 25 (***) and the 2016 New Japan Cup (***) and neither wowed me, but both were good. Nagata went for the armbar early, but Goto escaped and just wore him down. Like YOSHI-HASHI on night one, Goto slapped Nagata, which awoke and angered the vet. Nagata proceeded to kick his ass like only a dad can. After more exchanges, Nagata looked to be out cold, but was playing possum as he pulled Goto into the armbar. Goto reached the ropes, but took a Backdrop Driver for a great near fall. They moved into an awesome battle of strikes that had the crowd going nuts. Goto countered a Backdrop Driver to a sleeper that Nagata countered by going after the arm. Goto headbutted him and won with the GTR at 15:02. Nagata is trying to go out with great performances and I love it. Both guys left it all in the ring and I love the story of Nagata giving his best, only to come up short. He did it on night one as well. It’s like Liger’s final story and I dig it. The perfect match for Korakuen. [****]

15. The London Riots vs. War Machine – PROGRESS Chapter 51: Screaming for PROGRESS; 7/9/17

Big. Lads. Wrestling. This is what happens when four big, bad dudes just go at it. War Machine had lost to the London Riots in the past, but times have changed. War Machine entered as the IWGP Tag Team Champions and wanted their win back. Knowing what the crowd wanted and what their strengths were, the teams agreed to throw the rulebook out the window. That allowed them to have one of the craziest matches of the year. For 16:02, these two teams beat the hell out of each other in and out of the ring. They did big lad things, like Hanson nailing a powerbomb/world’s strongest slam combo on Lynch or everyone participating in a massive German suplex/powerbomb tower of doom spot. They also showed off their athleticism, with insane dives and even some springboard spots that got a standing ovation. Some of the near falls down the stretch blew my mind. If you like watching big dudes hammer each other, this is the match for you. Unbelievable. [****]

14. EVIL vs. SANADA – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/20/17

Los Ingobernables de Japon explodes! SANADA’s new mask sucks. EVIL was quick to resort to cheating, with a cheap shot and bringing a chair into play. That made SANADA the babyface, as he fought back with his incredible athleticism. He still managed to do just enough cocky heel stuff to not fully be face, like posing after tying EVIL up on the mat. They had some great exchanges, including a massive cutter to the floor by SANADA. It felt like they were trying to outdo the other, not just for the tournament, but to solidify themselves as the number two man in LIDJ. Callis made a great point that Naito seems to see EVIL as his go-to guy, while SANADA is his project. As things progressed, we got a look at how evenly matched they are. A great series of counters led to the Skull End, which the crowd went NUTS for. Easily the biggest pop of the night. EVIL made the ropes, but was still down, so SANADA hit a moonsault to win in 15:46. Shit, that ruled. They went hard at one another, with both men out to prove something. They nailed the little things throughout and built to a great finishing stretch. SANADA screams major star. [****]

13. Hirooki Goto vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW G1 Climax 7/17/17

In 2015, they had one of the best matches of the tournament (****½) and their match last year was damn good (***½), but not on that level. This got off to the right start, as they just charged at each other and delivered big blows. They had some great exchanges of vicious strikes and running the ropes to see who would hit a lariat. Goto won out in that regard. Speaking of lariats, we got an exchange of them where neither man would fall down until Goto finally hit one hard enough. Ishii used headbutts to stop Goto’s momentum, but it ended up hurting him too. Goto targeted the head with some of his offense, which was different and I liked it. Ishii refused to die, as always. At one point, they just hammered each other with forearms in a war. Ishii kicked out at one and dared Goto to bring more. Goto knocked him loopy, hit a kick to the chest and two GTRs to win at 13:43. Wow. This was a goddamn war, which is just what I want from these two. Who could outlast the other? That’s what this was built around. No bullshit or fluff here. Just two bad motherfuckers doing what they do best. [****]

12. Open The Twin Gate Championship: CIMA and Dragon Kid [c] vs. Masato Yoshino and Naruki Doi – Dragon Gate Kobe Pro Wrestling Festival; 7/23/17

Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino were formerly known as DoiYoish or Speed Muscle. They were one of the most exciting tag teams I’ve ever seen, but they hadn’t teamed regular in a few years, at least from what I could gather. For Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year, they got a shot at the Twin Gate Titles against two other Dragon Gate mainstays, CIMA and Dragon Kid. When I was first introduced to Dragon Gate eleven years ago, these were four men who stood out. This was a beautiful match. They moved at an absurd pace, yet everything was precise and expertly executed. It takes true brilliance to do what these guys did and make it look as easy as they did. Not everyone loves the Dragon Gate style of tag matches, and that’s understandable, but this was something I think everyone could enjoy. After 21:37 of wild action, Dragon Kid busted out the Dragonrana, which we don’t see often anymore, to retain the titles. I disagree with the decision, since CIMA and Dragon Kid have had a lackluster reign. Lackluster outside of this match though, which was tremendous. [****¼]

11. Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW G1 Climax 7/23/17

Not booking this match in Osaka, Ryogoku or Korakuen is a travesty. Their 2014 match was incredible (****¾) and this was only behind Ibushi/Naito for the match I was most excited for this year. My favorite thing about Ibushi is that he’s fast and known for aerial stuff, but he can strike with the best of them, so Ishii’s style is in his wheelhouse. After a short opening exchange, they went right into murdering each other. Ishii popped up from a brainbuster, but Ibushi caught him with a gorgeous dropkick. It might be the best in the business. Styles, Okada and SANADA are all up there. Ishii gave zero fucks about Ibushi’s kicks, brushing them off like nothing. Ibushi responded with disrespectful kicks to the head, so Ishii fired up and they just went into a brutal strike exchange. Slaps, headbutts and kicks galore. They traded suplexes, with Ishii hitting the stalling superplex and Ibushi nailing a snap German. Ishii wanted a German of his own, but Ibushi landed on his feet. Both guys kicked out at one after big moves, before a dragon suplex got Ibushi two. Some barbaric slaps led to a lariat. Ibushi hit the Golden Star Bomb to win in an awesome 17:14. That was what I wanted from them. Just beat each other up for 15 or so minutes. It reminded me of Shibata/Ibushi from the G1 two years ago. This was below their 2014 match, as a hotter crowd and better finish would’ve put it over the top. [****¼]

10. Kenny Omega vs. Michael Elgin – NJPW G1 Special in USA; 7/1/17

Last year, I gave their matches a lower score each time. **** for Road to Wrestling Dontaku, ***1/2 for the Dominion ladder match and ***1/4 for the G1 Climax. JR claimed Elgin never lost to Omega in a singles match, but he did in their first match last year. Omega had some fun with the Bucks and the referee early, but Elgin was all business. He looked focused and his strategy to overwhelming Omega with his power worked. Kenny used a series of counters to swing the momentum and nearly win via countout. From there, they proceeded to throw bombs at one another. Omega brought his best and still bumped and sold like an ace for Elgin. He completely folded when taking a wild German suplex on the apron. Not done, Elgin followed it with a middle rope crucifix bomb for one of the best near falls of the year. Out of desperation, Omega got an inside cradle for two, before trading strikes with Elgin. His hands weren’t gonna do it, so Omega started in with V-Trigger after V-Trigger. One came after Elgin dared him to bring it. On his second attempt, he hit the One Winged Angel to advance at 22:31. A wild match that was exactly what I wanted. It started slow, like a lot of big NJPW matches, but didn’t have the nonsense segment where limb work is done for the sake of it. They didn’t want to have the limb work effect the back half of the match, so they never went to it. Brilliant. That limb stuff has affected some big NJPW matches for me this year. This was their best match together. Just balls to the wall action, with Omega doing a fantastic job making Elgin’s offense look even better than usual. [****¼]

9. WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship: The Usos [c] vs. The New Day – WWE Battleground; 7/23/17

Putting Xavier Woods in there with Kofi Kingston instead of Big E was a great move. I do like what Big E brings to the table, with Woods and Kofi are capable of going full throttle with the Usos. This match moved at a wild pace and was the best straight tag I’ve seen all year outside of British Strong Style vs. The South Pacific Power Trip. Kofi took a sick powerbomb outside and was out of it for most of the match. That left Xavier in big trouble, but he was resilient and survived the best the Usos threw at him. One of the best spots of the year in ANY COMPANY came when Woods did his rope walk elbow, only to get caught with a masterfully timed superkick. It was the best superkick since HBK made Shelton Benjamin a Pez dispenser. Yes, I’m including all people who do superkicks. Unfortunately, once that didn’t end it and a superfly splash didn’t either, New Day winning was rather clear. Trouble in Paradise and the Woods elbow gave us new champions at 13:46. I’d have preferred if the Usos retained, but I can’t be upset after that match. Fantastic work from both teams, having their best match against each other. Awesome pace, great tag team wrestling and hot near falls. I loved it. [****¼]

8. Kazuchika Okada vs. Satoshi Kojima – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/27/17

They met in the G1 23 (****) and exactly two years ago today in the G1 25 (***¼). Okada made note of how he felt guys like Kojima and Nagata shouldn’t be in the G1 because they’re old and have no chance of winning. Dick. The fans were way into Kojima and booed Okada’s early offense. The disrespectful little shit even goes after Tenzan. He got too cocky and opened the door for Kojima to wail on him with MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Okada did the Rainmaker pose and went for the elbow, but Kojima fired up and knocked him outside. Okada beat the count, only to get lit up with chops. Kojima came close with a bit Koji Cutter and brainbuster, but we know Okada survives a ton. Kojima avoided the Rainmaker and hit a lariat to the back of the head, before countering a second with his own lariat, leading to a great near fall. Okada avoided another lariat, hit a dropkick, tombstone and Rainmaker to win at 15:26. See? Okada doesn’t have to work 20+ minutes for it to be great. He didn’t use his tired formula, making for an interesting match. He was a dick throughout, which is when he’s at his best. The atmosphere was insane for Kojima, who fought valiantly but it wasn’t enough. This was my second favorite Okada match of the year, behind only the Shibata one. [****¼]

7. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/17/17

Sabre’s G1 debut and it’s against THE GOD. Kevin Kelly noted that the best time to draw Tanahashi is night one, where he traditionally hasn’t done well. Tanahashi still had his arm wrapped up. Right from the start, Sabre took Tanahashi to the mat with relative ease. That was a great way to showcase how good he is on the mat to unfamiliar fans. After a bit of mat work, Tanahashi may have gotten too cocky. He stopped to do his air guitar taunt and almost immediately after, Sabre caught a senton attempt into an armbar. Tana reached the ropes, but now Sabre had a target. The joint manipulation here was great, as was Tanahashi’s selling. Tanahashi’s comeback saw him quicken the pace and target the leg with dragon screws and the Texas Cloverleaf. Tana hit one High Fly Flow, but Sabre got his knees up on the second (after a Desperado distraction) and locked in a sick looking submission. In a great moment, he ripped the tape from Tana’s arm and Tana had no choice but to tap out at 17:18. I loved that this wasn’t CWC Sabre, who did submissions for the sake of it, this was all done with a purpose and he was a great asshole. Like he did on night one with SANADA last year, Tana put over someone in a big way to start this year’s tourney. Perfect booking for Sabre’s G1 debut. Great work, top notch selling, a hot crowd and a big win for Sabre. I’m thinking they top this if we get a rematch for the IC Title. [****¼]

6. PROGRESS ATLAS Championship: Matt Riddle [c] vs. WALTER – PROGRESS Chapter 51: Screaming for PROGRESS; 7/9/17

Matt Riddle captured the PROGRESS Atlas Championship, a title exclusively for wrestlers over 205 pounds, in January. During his 175 days as champion, he made 11 defenses, across three countries. A successful defense came against WALTER, in one hell of a match at Chapter 46. They went out and bested it at Chapter 51. To know what this match was all about, just know that within the first minute, both of their chests were bright red. By the time it was over, Riddle’s looked like ground meat or something. They chopped each other from bell to bell and brought the kind of strong style match that would rival even the best ones NJPW could put on. Riddle got dominated at times, getting himself into trouble because he was simply outmatched. WALTER made sure this wasn’t just hard hitting, as he wisely kicked out Riddle’s leg before applying an ankle lock. Well done. Riddle refused to die, so WALTER just had to try harder to kill him, finally hitting a series of powerbombs and applying a rear naked choke. Riddle knew it was over and tapped out after 11:38 of incredible action. [****¼]

5. Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/21/17

Kevin Kelly said this had been booked about five times in the past, but never officially took place. Ha. They both tried goading the other into their game, Sabre to the mat and Kota with the strikes. Sabre gained control first, twisting Kota’s leg in odd ways. He used it to take away Kota’s kicks, before turning his focus to the neck. Commentary was good at noting how Kota took way more damage than Sabre on night one. Each time Kota found an opening, Sabre closed it by trapping him in some kind of submission. The fans popped for Sabre’s impressive work. Kota fought back by bringing strikes and kicks, but again, Sabre caught the Pele into an ankle lock, wowing the crowd. Kota nearly knocked Sabre out with a brutal knee. Sabre ended up catching him in a triangle choke, but may have made a mistake by doing a head stand for extra leverage. It allowed Kota to power up and counter with the Golden Star Bomb to win at 15:51. They lived up to the hype. Sabre came in with a plan that mostly worked. He took Ibushi off his game and Kota had to find small windows to get anything going. Sabre lost, but honestly dominated until Kota finally hit the one move that was just enough to win. [****¼]

4. IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Kenny Omega vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NJPW G1 Special in USA; 7/2/17

They split their first two matches this year. Lock up and Ishii goes to a headlock. Omega gets out and doesn’t fall on a shoulder block. He brushes it off and goes for his own, but Ishii doesn’t fall. Forearm from Ishii, who sells the arm from earlier in the night. THANK YOU! Ishii with a shoulder block that works and he runs into a boot after avoiding a V-Trigger. He avoids another, Omega avoids the sliding lariat and we have a standoff. Omega slaps Ishii in the head twice and delivers a kick to the back. Ishii sits there, daring him for more. He takes another kick, straightens up, but doesn’t move. Omega hits another and Ishii stands up, so Omega rakes him in the eyes. Suplex from Ishii. The fight goes outside and into the crowd, where Ishii chops Kenny. He throws him into a row of chairs. The Bucks distract the official so there’s no count. They brawl by commentary and back over the rail to ringside. Omega blocks a whip to teh guardrail and tries a springboard but Ishii pulls him down. Ishii wants a German outside, but Omega blocks and holds onto the rail. Ishii just throws him into the rail and then hits the German. Omega tries landing on his feet but barely does and comes back with a snap suplex outside. Ishii beats the count and runs right through Omega. Ishii starts in with strikes and headbutts. Omega now wants Ishii to bring it. No shin guard for Ishii though, so his kicks are rough. He lays into Omega’s back. Omega removes his elbow bad and chops Ishii. They trade those for a while, with Ishii winning out. They move into trading forearms, with both men nearly falling on each. Ishii runs into a boot but snaps off a powerslam for two. They go through a small counter exchange until Omega connects on a DDT that Ishii takes a wild bump on. He bumped like his name was Rob Van Dam. Omega nails a Finlay roll and moonsault for two. Chops from Omega, who hen uses his speed for a sliding kick. He hits the high angle leg drop bulldog and Ishii falls outside. Omega follows with his Terminator tope con hilo. Red Shoes checks on Omega, opening the door for the Bucks to set up a table outside. Omega comes off the top with a sick missile dropkick to the back of the head. Ishii stumbles around the ring, dazed, and takes a back elbow. Omega continues the assault in the corner, taking time to disrespectfully slap him. Ishii begins to fire up, no selling the strikes. He starts leaning into OMega’s forearms, which begin to hurt Omega. Ishii coms back with his own, and again sells the arm work from earlier. Frankensteiner by Omega stops his momentum. Ishii ends up on the apron and OMega looks to knock him off through the table. Ishii stops him and tries a suplex through the table. Omega fights out and wants a German off the apron. Ishii holds the ropes for dear life. The Bucks try to help and get moved by Red Shoes. Omega keeps trying, looking for the dragon suplx. In an incredible moment, Ishii BITES THE ROPES TO BLOCK IT! Still, Omega wins out and delivers the move through the table! Both men beat the count, with Ishii doing so at nineteen. Omega calls for the gun taunt, but Ishii clings to his ankle. Omega fights him off and hits a brutal V-Trigger. A second connects and Ishii looks out of it. A third is grabbed by Ishii, who fires off forearms before walking into a knee. Another running knee hits but Ishii kicks out. Omega wants the One Winged Angel but Ishii counters into a DDT. Ishii uses a lariat to avoid another knee and both men are down. They get up in opposite corners. Ishii runs across with a lariat. Superplex by Ishii gets a near fall. They trade strikes again. Omega with a V-Trigger, Ishii with a headbutt. Omega hits a running Ishii with a V-Trigger and Ishii turns him inside out on a lariat. Omega gets two with Ishii’s own finisher. Ishii avoids another knee, Omega hits a German and Ishii nails a knee of his own. Sliding lariat connects for another near fall. Brainbuster is blocked but Ishii gets a forearm. V-Trigger hits. Omega wants the bulldog but Ishii counters into One Winged Angel for another two count. Backslide by Omega, who rolls through into yet another V-Trigger. They both struggle to stand but trade shots. Omega wins out and hits the cross legged neck breaker on his knee. Gun taunt and Omega hits V-Trigger. Ishii fights him off with forearms. Snap dragon suplex and V-Trigger only get a one count! Reverse rana by Omega but Ishii pops right up. Another V-Trigger. One Winged Angel connects while Ishii fights him off and that’s all in 31:21. It was better than the New Japan Cup, but not as good as Wrestling Dontaku. Parts of it were better, but there were too many V-Triggers and such down the stretch. [****1/2]

3. IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – NJPW G1 Special in USA; 7/2/17

A rare CHAOS/Suzuki-Gun match that sounds cool. Sabre has the balls to try and get into a fight with Ishii. He fires off uppercuts that don’t have an effect, so Ishii knocks him down with one shot. More uppercuts from Sabre, but Ishii takes him down with ease. Sabre tries a headbutt and nit hurts him more. Ishii hits a headbutt of his own. Ishii proceeds to beat on him in the corner, so Sabre goes to his wheelhouse, snapping the arm. He takes Ishii to the mat and works a modified armbar before turning Ishii over for a near fall. Sabre goes to a version of the Tequila Sunrise, but with a toe hold. Sabre’s aggressive as he snaps off the leg to a chorus of boos. Crowd is probably 65/35 in favor of Ishii. Now that Ishii is wounded, Sabre fires off kicks. Not much effect still, as defiant Ishii spits at him and headbutts him to the mat. Sabre sells each shot like it stuns him. Ishii sets Sabre up on the top, so Sabre twists his arm in strange ways. Ishii uses strikes to get free and then hits the stalling superplex for two. Sabre blocks a lariat with a high kick to the arm. He hits a leaping Northern lights suplex that he transitions beautifully into an arm submission. Ishii escapes but Sabre pounces on the wrist and arm again. Sabre bends it a bunch until Ishii hits a backdrop driver. They counter each other a few times until Sabre gets the prawn hold pin for two. It’s such a good pin that I almost always buy it as a finish. Kick to the arm by Sabre, but Ishii stops him with a headbutt. Sabre catches the sliding lariat into an armbar that he wrenches hard on. Ishii gets his foot neat the ropes, but SAbre grabs it and pulls it away into a submission too. Ishii is twisted in awful ways but won’t give up. As he gets his arm close, Sabre pulls it away too somehow! Ishii then rolls and gets his foot on the ropes in a great spot. Sabre can’t believe it. He kicks at Ishii’s arm a bunch but Ishii fires up and shoves them off. He then wallops Sabre with a shot, but continues to sell the arm. Sabre leaps into the Kimura position. Ishii fights off but Sabre hits a PK. Ishii no sells and hits a lariat. He hits the Brainbuster to win at 11:42 .[****1/2]

2. Matt Riddle vs. Travis Banks – PROGRESS Chapter 52: Vote Pies; 7/23/17

This was nearly the finals of Super Strong Style 16. Pete Dunne picked Riddle as Banks’ opponent. Typically, I write down my thoughts as I watch a match, but I didn’t here because I was too hype. They had a very good match over in Lucha Forever, but this was much better. Banks matched Riddle on the mat and in intensity. He popped up from a German, giving us Terminator Travis. Riddle was stunned that Travis just no sold his vicious chop. If you want a visual on how brutal this was, Riddle came out with cornrows, but they were knocked loose during the match. Think about that. Banks survived a Bro to Sleep. Riddle survived a Kiwi Krusher. What would be enough to keep the other man down? Riddle caught Slice of Heaven into a seamless ankle lock that Banks then countered into the Lion’s Clutch. When that didn’t work, they went back to trading bombs until Riddle hit a tombstone for a goddamn one count! Callum Leslie literally said, “Fuck off,” when it happened. Pete Dunne appeared, distracting Banks and allowing Riddle to win with a Gotch Tombstone at 12:18. Wow. The second best match I’ve seen in PROGRESS this year. It was a war, where they packed a ton into the time. The booking was great too, keeping Banks strong while making sure he wasn’t invincible heading into his title match. It also rehabs Riddle after losing the ATLAS Title and establishes him as a threat to the top guys again. This was stellar. [****½]

1. Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito – NJPW G1 Climax; 7/17/17

I know we have Okada, Tana, Nakamura, Shibata, Ishii, etc., but these two have been my favorite Japanese wrestlers for years. It’s great having Ibushi back. These two had three matches between 2013 and 2015 (****, **** and ***¾), with only the last one coming after Naito’s heel turn. Ibushi was having none of Naito’s antics, leveling him from behind after he avoided a grapple. Naito went to work on Ibushi’s neck, which has been injured in the past. He sure loves taking bumps on it though, for those who remember him taking a Burning Hammer in the CWC last year. A great moment came when Ibushi had Naito’s corner dropkick scouted, so Naito used a rare sweep to get him in the corner and hit the dropkick to the back of the neck. Ibushi retaliated with brutal kicks and a sick fucking lariat. They fought up top, where Naito hit a goddamn super reverse rana, continuing the neck work for a near fall. Ibushi countered Destino with a wild lawn dart into the corner. It was Ibushi’s turn for a close call after his dead lift apron German. Both men were exhausted, but Ibushi dug deep for a Pele kick before hitting FUCKING MIDDLE ROPE PILEDRIVER! Are you serious? Naito somehow kicked out. Naito weathered a storm of strikes and nailed a running Destino for another crazy near fall. A second one was enough to end Ibushi at 24:41. Holy shit. That was incredible. The fans were heavily invested in everything and they loved Naito, making for a great atmosphere. The neck work was magnificent, with both men doing the little things to make this special. They didn’t go the overdone finisher kickout route, with only one such instance. Maybe I’m coming off the high of seeing it live and it featuring my two favorites, but fuck that was outstanding. This is the first match I’m giving this score to in 2017. [*****]