Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including Jeff Jarrett, Colt Cabana and Katsuyori Shibata appearing on Dynamite, a full review of the show, NXT from Tuesday, WWE conference call notes, Crown Jewel and New Japan both running this weekend, GCW to Fite+ and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Katsuyori Shibata, Colt Cabana, Jeff Jarrett appear on Dynamite
11:30: WWE financials
22:35: Ratings
28:59: Bodhi Hayward cut
31:16: Jake Paul talks Anderson Silva buyrate
33:55: GCW, other promotions joining Fite+
37:10: Saudi Arabia and Crown Jewel, NJPW this weekend
Katsuyori Shibata will take on Orange Cassidy this Friday on Rampage.
Cassidy defeated Luchasaurus and Rey Fenix Wednesday on Dynamite, retaining the All-Atlantic Championship and thus was able to pick an opponent of his choosing for Friday. PAC entered the ring and attacked Cassidy until Shibata, along with the Best Friends, came to the ring. Cassidy then presented Shibata a contract for the match this Friday, with Shibata signing, confirming the match.
Shibata returned to pro wrestling for the first time in nearly five years back at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in January, scoring a win over Ren Narita. His career as a pro wrestler had largely ended since suffering a hematoma during a match against Kazuchika Okada in 2017.
Along with the All-Atlantic title match, a tag match pitting Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter against Madison Rayne and Skye Blue has also been added to the card.
Here is the new lineup for Friday’s Rampage:
All-Atlantic title: Orange Cassidy defends against Katsuyori Shibata
Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter vs. Madison Rayne & Skye Blue
Katsuyori Shibata made an appearance at tonight’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event, aiding Orange Cassidy and Roppongi Vice.
After Will Ospreay successfully defended the IWGP United States Championship against Orange Cassidy, he and Aussie Open attacked Cassidy. Roppongi Vice came out for the save, but they were laid out as well. Shibata’s music then hit as he made his way out and cleared the ring. He put Ospreay in the rear naked choke, but Aussie Open grabbed Ospreay out of harm’s way as they retreated to the back.
After the United Empire left, Orange Cassidy returned to the ring and met Shibata. He started to put on his glasses, but then stopped and put them on Shibata. The two posed as the segment ended.
Shibata serves as the head coach of NJPW’s dojo in Los Angeles. He has largely been retired since 2017 after suffering a subdural hematoma in a match against Kazuchika Okada. However, he returned to the ring earlier this year on the January 4 Wrestle Kingdom 16 card, where he defeated Ren Narita.
NJPW’s Katsuyori Shibata went off-script in his return to the ring at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Shibata’s impromptu promo before his match with Ren Narita was indeed Shibata calling an audible and going forward with a different match than was planned.
“Everybody was freaking out backstage, nobody knew what was going on. This includes, like, the main people in the company, like [NJPW booker] Gedo and stuff like that. They didn’t know,” said Meltzer.
“He absolutely, 100 percent, nobody, I mean it’s possible somebody knew this, but nobody essentially knew Shibata was going to go out there and do a real match.”
Shibata vs. a mystery opponent was announced for night one of Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, with the opponent turning out to be Shibata’s LA Dojo student Ren Narita. It was announced that the match would be held under catch wrestling rules, with no strikes allowed. Shibata took the microphone before the bout began and declared that the match would now be held under regular pro wrestling rules.
“100 percent. He went out there, he told the ref and he told the fans that we’re going to do a regular match, and they went and did a regular match,” Meltzer said.
Aside from a five-minute grappling exhibition against Zack Sabre Jr. at the G1 Climax finals in October 2021, the Wrestle Kingdom bout was Shibata’s first match since suffering a life-threatening subdural hematoma in a match with Kazuchika Okada in April 2017.
NJPW has announced the set of rules for Katsuyori Shibata’s return match at Wrestle Kingdom 16.
At Wrestle Kingdom 16 night one on Tuesday, January 4, Shibata will face off against a mystery opponent. It was revealed at a press conference/contract signing event overnight that the match will be contested under “catch wrestling rules.”
“Stretches and submissions will be in use, as well as throws. Victory will be attained as usual, via pinfall, submission, countout etc. However, strikes of any kind will be prohibited,” NJPW announced.
Shibata, who is the head coach of NJPW’s LA Dojo, was forced out of action for more than four years after suffering a subdural hematoma in a match against Kazuchika Okada at Sakura Genesis in 2017. He made his return to the ring at this year’s G1 Climax finals in October, going to a five-minute draw against Zack Sabre Jr. in a grappling exhibition.
Shibata spoke about the rules for his match at Wrestle Kingdom 16:
I wanted to give this a different name to the grappling exhibition match I had with Zack (Sabre Jr.) and set it apart as something else. Grappling rules is a concept that is already common in MMA, where strikes are banned. Catch wrestling rules is something that I think can be specific to pro-wrestling, and that’s why the name change is there.
To explain (those differences with grappling rules) more specifically, I think it allows for moves using the ropes, or more pro-wrestling styled, ‘three dimensional’, if you will, expression (than a grappling match). Victory to a pro-wrestler comes down to skill and technique in this environment, and it strips pro-wrestling right down to its essentials.
To go to the roots of wrestling a bit, pro-wrestling sprung out of what we call the Lancashire style in England, and that’s something we mustn’t lose sight of. I want a fusion in NJPW that brings the base fundamentals to the fold. This is something that’s just beginning, and I think these rules, match times and things of that nature can change as the concept evolves. That’s it!
Wrestle Kingdom 16 is a three-night event. The first two nights will be held at the Tokyo Dome on January 4 and January 5. The third night will be an NJPW vs. Pro Wrestling NOAH event at the Yokohama Arena on January 8.
Katsuyori Shibata announced his imminent in-ring return for night one of Wrestle Kingdom 16 on January 4 in the Tokyo Dome. Shibata made the announcement just before intermission at today’s Best of the Super Juniors and World Tag League finals show in Sumo Hall. No opponent has been announced.
Shibata’s announcement was one of the selling points of today’s event, but The Wrestler kept it short and sweet. While fighting back tears, he simply stated that he will have a match on January 4.
The announcement coming at Sumo Hall was symbolic. Shibata’s last official match came in the same building against Kazuchika Okada in April 2017. Shibata suffered a subdural hematoma in the match and was forced to retire as a result. Shibata appeared at the G1 finals that same year in the same building, walked to the ring, took a flat-back bump and declared “I am still alive!”
Shibata returned to the ring at this year’s G1 Climax finals in October, facing Zack Sabre Jr. in a five-minute UWF rules exhibition match. The exhibition was mostly an exchange of holds and grappling, with Shibata not taking bumps.
NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors 28 and World Tag League 2021 tournaments wrap up today in Ryogoku.
The BOSJ finals will main event, as Hiromu Takahashi faces YOH. Hiromu will be aiming for his third career BOSJ win. YOH rebounded after losing his first four tournament matches to earn a spot in the finals.
The World Tag League finals will take place in the semi-main, with Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI taking on Bullet Club’s EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi. Goto and YOSHI-HASHI finished the tournament at 9-2, while House of Torture made the finals on tiebreakers with an 8-3 record and wins over the other two 8-3 teams.
A “major announcement” from Katsuyori Shibata has also been advertised for the show. Shibata returned to the ring at the G1 finals on October 21 for a five-minute exhibition match against Zack Sabre Jr., promising that the next time he was in the ring, it would be for a real match. Shibata was forced to retire after suffering a subdural hematoma in an April 2017 IWGP Heavyweight title match against Kazuchika Okada.
Wrestle Kingdom 16 opponents will be on opposite sides of a tag tonight as well. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi will team with BUSHI, facing Okada and Robbie Eagles. Shingo defends the IWGP title against Okada on night one of Wrestle Kingdom on January 4.
A series of tag matches will fill out the undercard. Tetsuya Naito & SANADA take on Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata face Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens. Toru Yano, Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Master Wato take on Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo face Tiger Mask & Ryohei Oiwa. Ryusuke Taguchi, Yuto Nakashima & Kosei Fujita take on Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & DOUKI in the opener.
Our live coverage begins at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time.
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DOUKI, TAKA Michinoku, and Minoru Suzuki defeated Kosei Fujita, Yuta Nakashima, and Rysuke Taguchi
This was fine and to the point.
Fujita opened the match against Suzuki and momentarily succeeded in taking control on the mat. On the mat, Suzuki caught Fujita in a crossface, forcing a rope break and a tag. Nakashima tried his luck against Suzuki, but a Suzuki forearm dropped the young lion.
TAKA tagged in after Suzuki’s success to immediately lose control to Nakashima. Taguchi tagged into the match and continued to advance his team’s lead. The lead continued as the young lions and DOUKI entered the fray.
A deep Boston crab from Nakashima incited a brawl as team Taguchi attempted to prevent Suzuki-Gun interference; this failed as the struggle spilt into the ring. The struggle favoured DOUKI and company. All three Suzuki-Gun competitors locked in submissions inside the ropes, leading to a tap-out victory.
El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori defeated Ryohei Oiwa and Tiger Mask
The match itself was extremely brief. It served future ends, setting up more for the junior belts.
ELP and Ishimori teased Tiger Mask following the opening bell by trading tags before engaging. To their dismay, Tiger Mask gained offensive control and maintained it even as both heels hit the ring. Oiwa tagged into the match and was doing quite well before an ELP superkick broke up a Boston crab, allowing Ishimori to pin Oiwa for an abrupt ending.
After the match, ELP and Ishimori began to beatdown Tiger Mask. Robbie Eagles hit the ring but failed to save his partner. Rysuke Taguchi then hit the ring and successfully fought off Bullet Club, only to attack Tiger Mask and Eagles after saving the day. Taguchi posed with both junior tag belts before scurrying off after the champions, Eagles and Tiger Mask, regained their footing.
Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr, El Desperado, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Master Wato, Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe, and Toru Yano
Nothing special in this one.
The match opened with an eight-way brawl, initiated by Suzuki-Gun. After things calmed down, Wato and Desperado had a typical opening sequence. This lasted for a moment before another brawl restarted the chaos.
Once the match resumed, ZSJ and Taichi cornered Wato. Once Wato escaped, Makabe tagged in and gained control for his team after running through all of his opponents. A kick from Taichi reset the match.
Taichi and Makabe traded blows before ZSJ and Honma entered the match. Honma tried and failed at submitting ZSJ, but Makabe prevented ZSJ from even attempting a submission. ZSJ avoided the headbutt, and Taichi flattened Honma. ZSJ then successfully locked in a triangle, forcing the submission.
After the match, there was a brief scuffle that ended with Suzuki-Gun standing tall.
Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale, Tanga Loa, and Tama Tonga
This was a bit of a mess, but the matches purpose was fulfilled, I suppose; Owens is a mini-rival for Tanahashi before Tanahashi gets another run at KENTA.
Imagine this — the match opened with a brawl. Kojima and Loa took turns striking each other after the brawling ended. Loa emerged with control, allowing each member of Bullet Club to tag in and beat down Kojima.
After Kojima finally tagged out, Nagata overwhelmed Tonga to reset momentum momentarily. Tonga was able to withstand the rally, before tagging in Owens, but due to a miscommunication, Nagata regained control.
Tanahashi tagged into the match to focus down his apparent rival, Owens, but Bullet Club chicanery caused the match to break down into a brawl. After the brawl played out, Owens and Tanahashi were alone once more. Owens avoided High Fly Flow. Two C-triggers (knee strikes) left Tanashi laid out. Owens hesitated, allowing Tanahashi to roll up the Texas Heavyweight Champion to close the match.
After the match, KENTA appeared on the tron to challenge Tanahashi to a rematch. KENTA agreed to the match so long as it was held with no disqualifications. Tanahashi agreed.
Katsuyori Shibata’s Announcement
Shibata entered the ring with tears in his eyes. Shibata then announced he had a match on January 4th’s Tokyo Dome show and left the ring. The Wrestler will be back for Wrestle Kingdom.
SANADA and Tetsuya Naito defeated Jeff Cobb and Great-O-Khan
This was enjoyable enough for a preview tag. It seems Cobb Naito is the singles match in the making.
LIJ opened the match by jumping O-Khan and Cobb. SANADA then tied O-Khan up with the paradise lock while pulling on the braid. As SANADA stood the match up, O-Khan found his first opening. After catching a strike from SANADA, O-Khan took control, and the match spilt to the outside.
Once back inside, Cobb tagged in, slowing the pace as he worked over SANADA. This pace continued as O-Khan tagged back in.
SANADA caught a Mongolian chop, probably because O-Khan screamed before trying it. SANADA then landed a dropkick before tagging Naito into the match. Cobb, now legal, was on the receiving end of a Naito rally.
Cobb eventually caught Naito, driving him into the turnbuckle pads to end Naito’s offence. O-Khan then hit the ring, aiding Cobb in turning the match around. SANADA tried saving his partner but fell to O-Khan. SANADA did succeed in buying Naito enough time to catch Cobb with a rana. The rana turned into a pin, leading to the finish.
After the match, Cobb jumped Naito but failed in his attack. Naito left standing tall, with a smile on his face. After Naito made it through the curtain, Cobb tried to jump him again.
Robbie Eagles and Kazuchika Okada defeated Shingo Takagi and BUSHI
There was a lot to like in this match. It was excellent at teasing the upcoming Shingo/Okada title match without over-exposing the match-to-be.
This match opened with Shingo and Okada grappling; they traded control multiple times before a ducked rainmaker turned into a failed last of the dragon. Okada and Shingo are equals, at least in this moment.
BUSHI and Eagles tagged into the match and increased the pace ten-fold. A tope into the barricade left BUSHI in control. BUSHI choked Eagles with a shirt before tagging Shingo back into the match.
Eagles tried striking down Shingo but fell to one blow from the reigning world champion. Shingo eventually slipped from control as a quick rana allowed Okada to tag back in. Okada succeeded in reversing momentum, at least for a moment.
Shingo eventually fought to a standing position to trade strikes with Okada. The pair again tried to finish one another but failed to deliver anything substantial. BUSHI tagged back into the match, focusing Okada while Shingo focused Eagles outside the ring.
Okada withstood the BUSHI attempt at offence, delivering an air raid crash neckbreaker before locking in the money clip. Shingo hit the ring to break up the hold, and Eagles hit the ring to fight off Shingo. Eagles and Okada succeeded in fighting off Shingo, and a dive from Eagles left Okada alone once more with BUSHI. Okada landed the rainmaker and pinned BUSHI to close the match.
World Tag League Finals: YOSHI-HASHI and Hirooki Goto defeated EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi
This match wasn’t good, but seeing YH with a Tag League trophy might be worth enduring the chicanery.
The match opened with a Bullet Club favoured distraction. YH fought through, however, and gained control. Goto and YH then grabbed the would-be distractor, Dick Togo, and beat him down in an attempt to even the odds.
EVIL removed a turnbuckle pad while YH and Goto were dealing with Togo. EVIL then succeeded in throwing both of his opponents into the exposed buckles. The match then worked its way outside, where Bullet Club slammed YH and Goto into the barricade and EVIL beat down YH with a chair. Back in the ring, Yujiro and EVIL maintained this momentum.
A dropkick to the knee of EVIL allowed YH to tag out. Goto connected with some offence but was grabbed by a recovered Togo. Togo and Yujiro slammed Goto into the barricade while EVIL distracted the referee. Back in the ring, EVIL focused the knee of Goto.
It took YH hitting the ring for EVIL’s momentum to wane. Goto connected with a reverse GTR, yielding a near fall. Then, with his back against the wall, EVIL distracted the referee again, allowing Togo to choke Goto with a rope. Goto fought through this interference and delivered a backdrop suplex to EVIL after escaping.
YH tagged in, as did Yujro. The pair tried moves but were successful in stopping one another. Finally, a money shot landed, forcing Goto to break up the pin. EVIL then hit the ring and hit Goto with darkness falls. YH tried to claw his way back into the match, but pimp juice left him laying. After a failed pin, Yujiro grabbed his cane, forcing Goto to hit the ring again.
Goto saved YH and fought off EVIL and Togo before he could interfere. YH and Goto hit DYW, but Togo pulled the referee to the outside before he could finish his count. Togo and EVIL then hit the ring with a rope and chair, respectively. This triggered Tomohiro Ishii to hop the barricade, fighting off Togo to even the odds.
YH and Goto fought off Bullet Club again, surviving another referee bump and an attempted low blow, before delivering a tandem move to close the match.
Best of the Super Jr Finals: Hiromu Takahashi defeated YOH
I loved a lot of this match. SHO’s involvement is a negative, but overall it was a meaningfully-dense outing even with its extended run time. YOH’s determination and ultimate heartbreak were tangible and drove the match into something special.
This match’s opening sequence consisted of back-and-forth grappling. While Hiromu led most of the exchange, YOH held on. Hiromu and YOH traded strikes, and again, Hiromu maintained a lead, but again YOH stayed focused. This cat-and-mouse game continued for a while, with YOH dawning his new confidence.
Hiromu eventually landed a dropkick on the outside, seemingly stifling YOH’s persistence for the first time. Back in the ring, YOH was chopped down, his chest turning a blistered red. Even as he wore the effects of substantial striking, he continued to resist. A quick drop toe hold followed by a dropkick grounded Hiromu. A falcon arrow left YOH with a lead for the first time, a lead that became substantial after a dragonscrew. YOH locked in stargazer, his leglock variation. Hiromu climbed into the ropes to force a break.
Hiromu caught YOH before he could follow up with a submission of his own, but YOH survived. YOH then reversed an attempt at offence into a German suplex. YOH chased this opening, landing a knee strike, but Hiromu didn’t fall. Instead, Hiromu caught YOH with a sit-down powerbomb, resetting the match.
This late reset initiated a back-and-forth sequence of moves that ended with a nasty throw into the corner that laid out YOH. Hiromu then hoisted YOH to his shoulders on the ring’s apron, delivering a brutal death valley driver against the ring corner. YOH managed to make his way to his feet before being counted out. Hiromu attempted to block YOH, but a rana brought him to the floor. YOH followed up with a beautiful dive that left both men laid out. Enter SHO.
SHO dropped his former partner YOH with a piledriver. This infuriated Hiromu, who stood up to the would-be invader. Hiromu met the same fate; a piledriver to Hiromu also left him lying. SHO then grabbed the microphone and declared the match a no-contest; the referee ignored this declaration, insisting that the match continued. Enter LIJ and CHAOS. The factions ran off SHO, allowing the match to continue.
YOH was the first to strike once the match began again, but Hiromu responded immediately. A series of quick pin attempts YOH followed, but again, Hiromu was ready, this time with a suplex. YOH and Hirmou slipped in and out of each other’s attempts at a finish before a headbutt sent both men to their knees. A lariat flattened YOH, opening him up for victory royale; YOH kicked out.
YOH caught Hiromu with a dragonscrew to slow Hiromu down once more. YOH hoisted Hiromu to the top rope and hit a superplex. Hiromu recovered immediately, attempting a rollup. After YOH kicked out, he hit a beautiful thrust kick followed by a dragon suplex. The kick out that followed was as close as possible. Hiromu then caught YOH himself before delivering a timebomb. Not only did YOH survive, but he also connected with a lariat after being on defeat’s door. Hiromu returned the favour with a lariat of his own before hitting a back-to-belly piledriver; YOH held on. Hiromu then lifted YOH and hit him with timebomb 2 to close BOSJ.
After the match, Hiromu cut a promo. He told YOH to step up and deal with SHO. He also called out Desperado, saying he would win in their title match. Hiromu made it clear he was to be on top, even if it means going through his faction-mates. He then hoisted the BOSJ trophy as he was showered with confetti.
Katsuyori Shibata will make a “major announcement” at the December 15 NJPW World Tag League Finals and Best of the Super Juniors 28 Finals show in Sumo Hall in Ryogoku.
According to a post on the NJPW website, “Shibata has expressed he has a major announcement that he would like to deliver directly to the fans.”
Although Shibata faced Zack Sabre Jr. in a five-minute UWF rules exhibition match at this year’s G1 Climax finals on October 21, he has not had an official match since NJPW Sakura Genesis in April 2017.
After winning the 2017 New Japan Cup, Shibata was challenging Kazuchika Okada at Sakura Genesis for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. During their match, Shibata suffered a subdural hematoma and had to have emergency surgery as a result of the injury. His in-ring career was thought to be over, though after he got physical during an angle with KENTA at the 2019 Power Struggle show, it was reported that he had sought to be medically cleared to return to the ring.
In an interview with NJPW’s website, Shibata said that he treated the October grappling match with Zack Sabre Jr. as a comeback match.
“I mean, Budokan felt like a comeback to me. That grappling match was Katsuyori Shibata’s pro-wrestling. Everything about these last four and a half years was Katsuyori Shibata’s pro-wrestling, and I’m proud of it, all of it. Now whether it counts within some official rules or not, I don’t know, but take from it what you will,” Shibata said.
“But that wasn’t the end point. There’s more to this.”
Shibata has served as the head coach at NJPW’s LA Dojo in Los Angeles, California since 2018.
Katsuyori Shibata made a surprise return to in-ring action during this morning’s G1 Climax 31 finals, competing in a five-minute exhibition match.
As intermission ended, Zack Sabre Jr. came out. Katsuyori Shibata then entered and it was announced that a five-minute UWF rules exhibition match would take place. Shibata didn’t take bumps but had a competitive back and forth match, with Shibata reversing a cobra twist from Sabre and applying one of his own as the time limit expired.
After the match, Shibata and Sabre shook hands as Sabre left. Shibata then cut a promo saying next time he would be in the ring, it would be for a actual match.
Shibata has not wrestled since April 2017, when he suffered a hematoma while wrestling Kazuchika Okada at Sakura Genesis 2017. Shibata was forced to retire as a result of the injury. In the years since, he has become the head trainer for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s dojo in Los Angeles, which opened in 2018.
Joseph Currier looks at Rey Mysterio’s current WWE run and the value he could still have to the company. Plus, Vinny’s TV reviews.
After three years away from the company, Mysterio made his full-time return to WWE last fall. His current run hasn’t been a failure, but this is the time when he’s freshest to WWE and the fans. That hasn’t really been capitalized on.
Mysterio won the US title from Samoa Joe at Money in the Bank, but his reign never got a chance to begin. He had to vacate the title after separating his shoulder. Wherever WWE was going with Mysterio’s son Dominick being by his side against Joe, that’s seemingly been dropped. When Mysterio returned, he was demolished by Bobby Lashley in his first match back.
Mysterio also participated in a number one contender’s battle royal last month, with Rollins winning and advancing to challenge Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Mysterio defeated Zayn at Raw Reunion, though the segment was mostly about returning legends getting to appear. RVD, Sgt. Slaughter, The Hurricane, and Kurt Angle stopped Zayn from walking out. Mysterio then hit the 619 and a frog splash to get the win.
Raw Reunion capitalized on the nostalgia of returning wrestlers from previous eras. Mysterio appearing on the same episode as them showed how much of an opportunity WWE is missing with him. Even at 44 years old, Mysterio is such an incredible in-ring performer. He can still be one of the most marketable people on the roster and one of the wrestlers with the most mainstream appeal. He can still connect as a top babyface. He’s a Hall of Fame wrestler that still has a ton of value to the company. WWE moved on from John Cena too quickly when he should have had time left as a top star, and they shouldn’t make the same mistake with Mysterio.
The early career of Harley Race, his road to the world title and his battles with Hulk Hogan is the lead story of a special double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We examine why Race made such a convincing champion, the story behind his seventh world title win over Ric Flair and how Vince McMahon attempted to sabotage what at the time was the biggest pro wrestling event in history. We look at how the Flair vs. Race storyline at the first Starrcade went down, how Flair first became NWA champion, McMahon’s big move right before Starrcade, how many modern wrestlers copied him, what he was known for in Japan, the incident with Hogan and the story behind why there was so much of a delay in the Hogan vs. Race program in WWF and why it didn’t draw well.
We look at how Race first got involved in pro wrestling, the auto accident that killed his wife and nearly ended his career, his early career, how he got his first major career break at the age of 21, the legend of Bruiser & Crusher vs. The Dolly Sisters tag team, Race the street fighter, the creation of the world tag team championships in Australia, and his rise in the NWA. We look at the unique situation that led to his first world title reign, why it was never planned and how his work in seven weeks as champion changed his entire career. We also look at the road to his second world title.
We also update the G-1 Climax tournament with coverage of all the shows this past week with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results.
We cover the biggest event of the year in Mexico, TripleMania, with business notes, lots on the debut of Cain Velasquez, the story behind his moves, the return of L.A. Park, The Elite, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.
We also explore how the creative changes impacted the SummerSlam show, with notes on the different changes, the Takeover card, and the ticket demand going into the big weekend.
We look at yet another new WWE television show being proposed, Dwayne Johnson retiring as a wrestler, notes on Hobbs & Shaw, NXT business, WWE rules regarding U.K. talent, Goldberg pay, WWE looking at a major acquisition, WWE thinking about house show changes and why, WrestleMania 2021 news, an update on WWE show in Saudi Arabia, and an update on WWE touring schedule.
We have notes on how TV will be routed come October, Fox talks abut Smackdown, lots of WWE injury updates, intergender matches, WWE ticket sales, Mae Young Classic 2019, a new WWE producer, Reigns talks Dean Ambrose, Lio Rush update, a surprise return to WWE in two weeks, complaints at NXT live events about fans, Evolve news, WWE market value, most-watched shows on WWE Network, as well as a rundown on all WWE live events held over the past week with results, highlights and business notes.
We’ve got full coverage of the UFC event in Newark headlined by Colby Covington’s win over Robbie Lawler.
We also look back at the PWG 16th anniversary show, the rise of PWG, and the Battle of Los Angeles participants.
We also have full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.
As always, we have in-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows,the key demos for the WWE shows and what can be learned from them.
We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back talking Raw, SummerSlam, UFC next weekend and all the wrestling and MMA news with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
Regarding last night, Katsuyori Shibata has not been cleared to wrestle. We don’t have more info and very very few people knew about the angle last night before it happened. The angle was one of the best angles you’ll ever see, with an in-depth story of Shibata being the person who got KENTA his job in New Japan and trained him for his comeback, only to have KENTA join Bullet Club and Bullet Club beat down his proteges Clark Connors and Karl Frederick in the brawl. Shibata ran in and everyone flew with every blow he did but the number got to him and KENTA gave him a PK, the move he popularized and choked him out and then sat on him and mocked him. The pop when he started on offense was unreal and the heat when KENTA laid him out was as well.
When you saw the angle you for sure would figure it’s building KENTA vs. Shibata, which should be a super hot program, and that makes all the sense in the world. I guess we’ll know tonight or tomorrow when the new cards are announced if there’s any follow-up. Shibata has always wanted to return but doctors have said in the past that there is no way he’d be cleared. Still, he did a lot more than you’d think, and medical diagnosis can change over time. But we were told this morning shortly after the show that the word was Shibata was not cleared for a match. Edge was told he would never be allowed to do anything physically in the ring but was cleared to do that spear spot last night, so never in pro wresting is a funny term.
Lots of talk regarding Sasha Banks. Becky Lynch cut a promo with Kenny McIntosh on Banks which led to speculation, especially since a few months ago the idea was Banks would probably return late summer. Everyone has been mum on Banks of late and nobody infernally has denied an imminent return, but nobody has confirmed it either.
For Google trends over the weekend, SummerSlam did 500,000 searches making it the most searched for item on the Internet yesterday. That’s the equivalent of a weak UFC PPV show. 500,000 should be considered expected level for the show. Also yesterday, Mike Perry was the No. 11 searched item with 50,000 and Trish Stratus was No. 13, also with 50,000. On Saturday, UFC 241 was No. 12 with 50,000, which is amazing for a show a week in advance where the topic really only came up on the ESPN television Cormier doc on E:60, and during the live show from Uruguay, which had a limited audience on ESPN+. Valentina Shevchenko was No. 13 also with 50,000.
Will Ospreay is in the Super J Cup tournament. NJPW hasn’t officially announced it, but he talked about it earlier today and he was on the original poster and had talked about wanting to wrestle Amazing Red, who is in the tournament. But the lineup for Super J Cup in two weeks and the London show in three weeks should be announced imminently. .
WWE
They are doing a TV angle where Brock Lesnar will not be given a rematch with Seth Rollins.
Steve Austin will appear on Raw tonight on Skype to promote his Straight Up Steve Austin show that debuts at 11 p.m. after Raw.
Raw in particular tonight should get a big rating coming off SummerSlam. The key thing to watch for is if they’re able to keep the third hour strong like they’ve been doing the past several weeks.
NXT is taping on Thursday at Full Sail University.
Regarding last night’s Observer radio, when Dolph Ziggler was using the term “failing to show up” for Goldberg, it wasn’t about the idea he didn’t show up for matches, but it was a sports term for being there and not doing anything.
UFC
Jessica Eye returns to action on the 12/14 show in Las Vegas, a PPV show, against Viviane Araujo.
MMA Junkie reported Kevin Holland vs. Antonio Arroyo on 11/16 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Holland talked about it in social media but the story said the bout is in the works but not confirmed.
MISCELLANEOUS
ITV officially announced what we reported a few days ago, that the 8/31 AEW All Out show will air on regular PPV in the U.K. on ITV Box Office. In addition, ITV 4 will be airing the one-hour Buy In preshow,which will include the women’s Casino Royale match to determine one person who will challenge for the AEW title on the 10/2 television debut when the championship will be determined.
Defyance Forever on 8/23 in Tacoma,a WA at the Temple Theater has announced Jushin Liger & Karl Fredericks & Alex Coughlin vs. Brian Pillman Jr. & Mike Santiago & Ethan HD, Juice Robinson vs. Randy Myers, Dragon Lee vs. Douglas James, Rocky Romero vs. Clark Connors and Matt Cross vs. Cody Chhun vs. Guillermo Rosas vs. Judas Icarus.
TMart Promotions is running The Gathering a Mid Atlantic legends reunion from Thursday through Sunday at the Charlotte Hilton University Hotel. Names listed are Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham, Kevin Sullivan, Lanny Poffo, Ron Fuller, Jake Roberts, Tommy Dreamer, Kurt Angle, Boogeyman, Brutus Beefcake, Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, Bobby Eaton, Stan Lane, Lex Luger, Kendo Nagasaki, Greg Gagne, Marc Lowrance, Carlos Colon, Missy Hyatt, Hollywood John Tatum, Larry Zbyszko, Fidel Sierra, Ricky Santana, Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey, Shane Douglas, Dark Journey, Baron Von Raschke, Al Perez, Jimmy Golden, Bobby Fulton, Rob Parker, Mr. Hughes, Swoggle, Scarlett Bordeaux, Katarina Leigh, Lodi, Tommy Young, Tim Horner, Leilaini Kai and many others.
Santana Garrett debuted ten years ago this week, on August 15, 2009. They are celebrating that at Team Vision Dojo with $10 training sessions with Garrett in Orlando.
AWA on Saturday night in Queensland, Australia: EC Diamond won Battle Royale, Xadner Sullivan won three-way over Adam Brooks and Sebastian Matters, Mitch McCarthy won three-way over JL Gold and Zeke Andino, Retro Bros b Divine Darkness, Punch Drunk Instria b Gino Gambino, Xander Sullivan b Mitch McCarthy to win AWA open weight title in tournament final, Jessica Troy b Kellyanne, High Manatee b Jake Nova & Jesse Daniels & Tim Kade in a ladder match. This was Gambino’s last show in Australia for the near future. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Chris Jericho has a new website.
CWE from Saturday night in Winnipeg: Mentallo b Chad Dazzle, Kevin Cannon b Maverick West, Sam Davidson b Dragneel, Kevy Chevy b Kelly Russell-DQ, Adam Knight b Math Magician, Bobby Jay & Kevy Chevy b Kevin Cannon & Scott Ripley. Next show is a free show Saturday in Arborg, Manitoba.
Tenille Dashwood was announced as returning to Australia in August for NHPW.-
KENTA is the latest member of the Bullet Club, turning his back not only on his tag team partners during the G1 Climax finals but also the person who brought him into NJPW.
The angle happened during a match between KENTA, YOSHI-HASHI and Tomohiro Ishii, who teamed up to take on the Bullet Club team of Bad Luck Fale and the Guerillas of Destiny. KENTA never interacted with the Bullet Club during the match nor was ever tagged in. As Tomohiro Ishii finally went for a tag, KENTA bailed and stood outside the ring as the match continued. After a few minutes, he came back in and laid out Ishii with the running knee, allowing Tama Tonga to pin Ishii.
After the match, Katsuyori Shibata ran in and immediately attacked KENTA to a huge ovation. The rest of the Bullet Club tried to cut him off, but Shibata kept them at bay and set up KENTA for the PK. As Shibata hit the ropes, Jado struck him with a kendo stick. The rest of the Bullet Club regrouped and attacked Shibata with kendo stick shots.
KENTA sat cross-legged on Shibata, his own pose, as he gave the “too sweet” hand gesture of the rest of the Bullet Club. Shibata later left the ring under his own power.
Katsuyori Shibata has been named head coach of New Japan’s Los Angeles dojo.
New Japan made the announcement tonight, with New Japan’s English site confirming the news shortly thereafter. It was also announced that Scorpio Sky, who currently wrestles for Ring of Honor as a part of SoCal Uncensored, will be the assistant coach.
“With rehab and training, I’ve been sensing it’s time to move past the struggle of finding what I am capable of doing” Shibata told the website. “These days, I’ve had a burning desire to take on a new challenge… What can I do in my current state? I thought a change of pace was needed, and the next thing I knew, I found myself in Los Angeles.”
“The good, classic Japanese pro-wrestling is starting to disappear from the current wrestling world” he added. “But we must never lose that fighting attitude and spirit of traditional Japanese pro-wrestling. I have accepted the mission to open the gates and transcend the cultural differences to pass down our knowledge to the younger generation.”
Shibata’s career ended last year after suffering a subdural hematoma in a match against Kazuchika Okada at last April’s Sakura Genesis. The last time he appeared in a New Japan ring was at the G1 Finals in August when he appeared in front of the crowd, simply remarking that he was alive.
New Japan’s LA dojo starts their spring camp on March 19. The first session will run through March 23. Another will start on March 26 and will end on March 30.
I don’t know about you, but as much as I enjoyed Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata from Sakura Genesis, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that Okada retained the title. As great as Okada’s matches and title defenses have been, I’m ready for a new champion, and Shibata is just as deserving as anyone else. He’s been so good for so long, but hasn’t had too many shots at New Japan’s top title.
Unfortunately, that may have been his last one. The post-match buzz I get after watching something great in the ring soon turned to concern when I read that Shibata was hospitalized after the match due to an injury which he received from a sickening, and unnecessary, headbutt spot. But that concern quickly turned to relief with a dash of mild annoyance when reports came in that it was simply a work to get over the physicality of the match.
I don’t mind when wrestling blurs the line between a work and reality. In fact, it usually makes for good television. But hearing news that a wrestler has suffered a subdural hematoma only for it to turn out to be false, well, I guess that’s where I draw the line.
But as this rollercoaster ride of a story continues, word is that Shibata’s injury and hospitalization wasn’t a work after all, and it’s actually worse than first expected. Shibata reportedly suffered from dehydration as well as the head injury, and had some paralysis to his right side. The crushing blow is that it’s believed Shibata won’t be cleared to wrestle again.
I know I just complained about using a performer’s health for a work, but I’d happily accept that if it meant this news wasn’t true. First Tomoaki Honma, now Shibata. The careers of two of pro wrestling’s modern greats are now in serious jeopardy.
I don’t know if Shibata’s headbutt was solely responsible for the damage, or know for sure if the injury was real, though at this stage it unfortunately appears to be. Either way, New Japan has got to put an end to those unprotected, skull-on-skull headbutts. Simply put, they’re not worth it.
Atlantis
By Chris Aiken
My favorite this week is a luchador that is indeed an actual living legend. Atlantis first debuted in the early 1980s. His lengthy career continues to this day where he headlines the Friday night card at Arena Mexico challenging Ultimo Guerrero for the NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship.
Atlantis finds himself in a familiar position as part of a title match. He recently tweeted a photo of himself holding the first title he captured back in 1984.
In one of his many main event matches at Arena Mexico, Atlantis defeated Guerrero to take his mask at the annual CMLL anniversary show in 2014. They renewed their rivalry ahead of Atlantis issuing a verbal challenge last Friday, wanting a title match with Guerrero. Title matches are still relatively protected in Mexico, and such attractions take place much more sparingly as compared to pro wrestling in the United States.
Moreover, Atlantis is far from a nostalgia act as the challenger. While the nostalgic factor does play a large part in his enduring popularity, Atlantis still performs at a top level.
Nonetheless, this could be the last challenge by Atlantis for a singles title in the main event at Arena Mexico as he inches closer to the end of a career he began decades ago. The storied career of Atlantis has already spanned three decades. At some point every luchador or wrestler eventually does the job for father time.
The Undertaker most recently left his gloves and gear in the ring to signify the end of his career. Yet Atlantis debuted several years before Undertaker, and Atlantis is seemingly still going strong. He could even main event another anniversary show in Arena Mexico before he retires.
Dylan Miley
By Jeremy Peeples
It’s been a big couple of weeks for NXT, and yet despite things like new championships being unveiled at TakeOver and Shinsuke Nakamura getting a fantastic sendoff, my big takeaway from NXT this week was that WWE has something in Dylan Miley.
On the surface, he looks like a big bald dude — but he’s got tremendous facial expressions and a giant beard and gives off an intimidating aura. He worked against DIY, which I’m sure didn’t hurt him, but he looked like an absolute beast tossing them around before finally beating up his partner.
He used basic stuff, but done in a different way. He used a backbreaker, but made sure his knee brace hit the ribs to add a bit more damage before also hitting a rewind powerslam off of it.
He came out of nowhere for me and made a fantastic first impression. I don’t see “top of the brand” heel in him, but as a constant thorn in the side of a babyface NXT Champion, he has real potential to shine if put in the right spot on the card.
David Starr
By Mike DellaCamera
I haven’t seen a ton of wrestling this week, due to “real life” getting in the way, so I’ll use this space to talk about someone that I’ve been enjoying for quite a while now, David Starr.
The Cream in Your Coffee, Your Favorite Wrestler’s Favorite Wrestler, The Jewish Cannon, The Physical Embodiment of Charisma, The Most Entertaining Man in Pro Wrestling, Mr. Americanrana, Davey Wrestling, The 104 Minute Man, The Main Event, The King of Taunts is deserving of all these nicknames — and probably more.
The former wXw Shotgun Champion is one of the more versatile and impressive wrestlers on the independent scene. The ability to work any style of match, and do it well, is typically a sign of someone who has an enormously bright future. Recently, his champion vs. champion match with Matt Riddle in CZW was a great, short sprint, and his anything goes match with Joey Janela at Beyond Wrestling back in January was out of control and fantastic — I was there for that match and can’t recommend it enough.
Wrestling acumen aside, Starr is fairly outspoken about equality not just in wrestling, but in every aspect of life. He has spoken about the anti-Semitic things that have been said/done to him over his years as a performer. The use of his platform as a public figure to speak out against inequality is something that deserves praise and more attention than it gets.
Zack Sabre Jr., someone who feels like a fixture in this column, said after winning the EVOLVE title, “Pro wrestling is for everyone. We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate. The Earth is for everyone and professional wrestling is for everyone.” Here’s hoping more wrestlers do what ZSJ and David Starr are doing.
Big title matches headline New Japan’s Sakura Genesis PPV late tonight, streaming live on New Japan World from Sumo Hall. The show will feature English commentary, with Kevin Kelly and Don Callis calling the action.
2017 New Japan Cup winner Katsuyori Shibata challenges IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada in the main event. Aside from a G1 bout from 2013, they have been kept largely apart, which should make it an intriguing bout.
In the co-main event, we have a Wrestle Kingdom rematch as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi defends against KUSHIDA. Hirooki Goto will defend the NEVER title against Zack Sabre Jr, Tencozy defends their IWGP tag team titles against ROH’s War Machine, and Suzuki-gun comrades Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defend against Jado & Gedo.
The elusive Tiger Mask W will also make an appearance, teaming with Tiger Mask IV, Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata to square off against Chase Owens, Tama Tonga, Tanga Roa & Yujiro Takahashi.
Join us for live coverage starting at 2:40 a.m. EST/11:40 p.m. PST.
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David Finlay, Jushin Thunder Liger & Manabu Nakanishi defeated Katsuya Kitamura, Tomoyuki Oka & Hirai Kawato
Young lions jumped their opponents at the bell. Oka and Kitamura put Finlay and Nakanishi in stereo torture racks. Good opener, showcased all the young lions pretty fairly. Kawato looked the most solid out of the three, but Oka and Kitamura will go far if they continue to improve, if only for their size. Finlay came in and hit the diving stunner on Kitamura for the win.
Kawato shoves around Liger after the match, continuing what seems to be a feud of sorts between the two.
Standard tag team match which built up to a Tiger Mask W save. He wiped out his opponents on the outside with the Golden Triangle moonsault. Tiger Mask looks to go for the finish, but Owens distracts him long enough to walk right into a gun stun by Tama Tonga for the win.
YOSHI-HASHI and Roppongi Vice defeated Minoru Suzuki, Taka Michinoku & El Desperado
Suzuki jumps YOSHI-HASHI as he poses during his intro, which led to a lot of the match having him be the center of the match. This was fine, but kinda short and never felt super hot or anything. YH fought off against Suzuki and ended up getting the win with Karma on Taka Michinoku for the win.
Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Taichi defeated Gedo & Jado to retain the IWGP Junior tag team titles
Gedo & Jado started things early as they took down the faces with dual crossfaces but got their comeuppance on the outside. Kanemaru took out Gedo with a legdrop on top of the barricade and Jado was jumped after a distraction by Taichi’s valet.
Jado made the hot tag and after putting Kanemaru in the crossface nearly had it won, but Desperado pulled the referee out and freely ran in to interfere. Roppongi Vice came in for the save and wiped it out Desperado. Everybody got in at one point, with the finale being Taichi hitting Jado in the throat with the microphone stand.
He blasted Jado with the superkick and Kanemaru followed with the moonsault, but Jado kicked out. Finally Kanemaru drilled Jado with the DDT off the top rope for the win. Subpar by New Japan title match standards, these four guys don’t mix together well style wise and most of it was ref bumps, brawling and setting up for the future title match.
Roppongi Vice came back in after the match and argued Taichi’s use over the ring bell hammer. Taichi shrugged. They challenged for the junior tag team titles, setting up the next title program.
Kenny Omega and Bad Luck Fale defeated Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano
Pretty solid match. A lot of the early stuff was Yano comedy, undoing the turnbuckles and the like. Omega and Ishii worked together until Yano low blowed Omega while he was going for the One Winged Angel. Omega rallied back after he whipped Ishii into one of the exposed turnbuckles, hit a few knee strikes then defeated Ishii with the One Winged Angel.
Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Ricochet defeated EVIL, SANADA, BUSHI & Tetsuya Naito
I liked this match, probably the best out of the tag matches tonight. Lots of good back and forth action. Naito went for the Destino on Robinson but Tanahashi wiped him out with the slingblade. Everyone came in for a bit of offense before it came back down to Naito and Robinson. Naito lifted him up and went for a swift kick to the netheregions but Robinson grabbed his leg, hit Naito with a big punch and pinned him with the Pulp Friction for the biggest win of his career.
Robinson called out Naito after the match, straight up challenging him to a match for the Intercontinental title.
War Machine defeated Tencozy to win the IWGP Tag Team titles
Rowe and Hanson work over Kojima a good while before finally Kojima gets an opening and tags in Tenzan who cleans house on Rowe. Rowe went to do a double press slam on both Kojima and Tenzan but they countered and laid him out, then moved when Hanson went for a splash, hitting his partner in the process.
Hanson mounted a comeback but missed a moonsault and ate a cutter. Rowe is tagged in as Hanson hits an assisted pop up powerslam as Rowe covers for a nearfall. Hanson wiped out Tenzan on the outside with a suicide dive. Kojima started to rally and came back with a giant lariat that bent Rowe in half.
Kojima went for a second lairat but Rowe countered with a German and a knee strike. Hanson launched off the top rope as they hit Fallout to win the IWGP tag team titles in a really good back and forth match.
Tenzan came up to the new champions after the match, saying they wanted one more match. Hanson and Rowe agreed as they shook hands with their opponents and bowed.
Hirooki Goto defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to retain the NEVER Openweight title
I thought this was a pretty good match, not great but very well worked one and Sabre’s offense is so great. Afters some back and forth to start, Sabre gains advantage and focuses on the arm, wrenching the fingers, then takes apart one of Goto’s legs. He twists and torques the body parts in all sorts of painful ways. Goto gets a brief flurry of offense but Sabre transitions into a guillotine, trying to kimura the arm. Goto counters with a suplex.
Goto went for an elbow, but Sabre grabs one arm, then both and torks one shoulder until Goto gets to the ropes. Sabre continued to wrench until Goto hit the ushigiroshi. Desperado comes in to distrct Goto, leaving him open to be jumped by Suzuki. Goto fights them off, but again is open to Sabre making a comeback.
He goes for a gogoplata but Goto lifts him up and hits a one armed powerbomb. He follows with the GTR to retain the title.
Goto raises the title after the match in front of Suzuki. He didn’t take too kindly to that, making a beeline towards Goto and starting a pull apart brawl. Needless to say, we have a new NEVER title program.
Hiromu Takahashi defeated KUSHIDA to retain the IWGP Jr. title
This didn’t even get two mintues. KUSHIDA came out flying with a tope con hilo off the top rope to the floor, wiping out Takahashi. KUSHIDA is on the apron when Takahashi counters with a giant sunset flip bomb to the floor. Takahashi takes him inside, hits a running death valley driver into the turnbuckle then pins KUSHIDA with the time bomb just like that. For such a short match, this was pretty fast paced with some crazy moves.
Kinda surprising the co-main was so short, but I’m probably thinking this is just a storyline for KUSHIDA as he enters the Best of the Super Juniors next month.
Takahashi berates KUSHIDA after the match, posing with the title and eating his wrist tape with a watch drawn on. He continues to beat upon KUSHIDA’s prone body until Ricochet runs in to make the save. He grabs a mic, saying it’s time for the belt to go where it should have gone a long time ago, around his waist. Takahashi slithers away, not really ready to answer.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Katsuyori Shibata to retain the IWGP title
This was an incredible match, I think even exceeding Okada/Omega from the Tokyo Dome earlier this year. As far as intensity goes, this had the most out of anything I’ve seen in a long time. Just stiff, brutal shots and incredible psychology and storytelling. This is one of those matches that you need to go out of your way and see because it’s that good — everything just felt like it was on point and couldn’t be executed any better.
Shibata outwrestled Okada early, sending him to the outside. Okada doesn’t do a clean break and they’re off, striking one another with hard shots. Shibata grinds Okada back down, focusing on the knee but Okada strikes back by crotching Shibata, then sending him down to the floor with a dropkick.
Shibata starts to absorb punches until he strikes back with one that sends him to his knees. He pelts Okada with punches, sending him to the floor and drilling him with a dropkick, then does it again with the barricade on the outside.
Okada makes a comeback, doing the rainmaker pose and going for the rainmaker but Shibata counters with an STO. Incredible striking follows. Every strike in this match so far has been on point, in fact. Okada goes for a pin but Shibata grabbed an arm and wrenches it in with an armbar.
Okada escapes as they get into another scary slap battle. Okada manages to get Shibata into the corner and hits a running dropkick. Shibata follows with a dropkick, similar to Okada’s. He goes for the penalty kick but Okada follows with a dropkick.
They get back up and start trading some insane offense, including Shibata dropping Okada right on his neck with a German. Okada goes for the rainmaker but Shibata peppers him with kicks. Okada manages to hit it anyway, but Shibata no sells it and hits a giant headbutt, splitting himself open in the process. Gruesome.
After a long abdominal stretch, Shibata kicks Okada in the chest and goes for the sleeper. Okada fights it, getting to his feet, but falling to the floor. He gets back up, but Shibata drills him with a half nelson suplex. He motions like he’s going for the rainmaker but instead slaps him and just DRILLS him with kicks. He goes to whip Okada but he retaliates with the rainmaker.
Maintaining wrist control, Shibata tries to fight back but knows he’s in trouble. Shibata lifts his arm like he is going to block the rainmaker but Okada gets it anyway and pins him to retain the title. Incredible.
Okada prepares to celebrate with the title when Bad Luck Fale ran in and beat him down. He said a bad word on the mic then laid him out with the Bad Luck Fall. Yep, he challenged Okada. Kind of weird as they didn’t even telegraph it with the booking tonight, but I guess we can just go to this well again for a while.
Kazuchika Okada and Katsuyori Shibata started their build towards Sakura Genesis by competing in tag action. Shibata scored the win for his team, giving him the upper hand heading into the April 9th event.
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Bad Luck Fale defeated Tomoyuki Oka
Fale got his heat back from the New Japan Cup loss quickly, pinning Oka with the Grenade.
Taka Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka & El Desperado defeated Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Hirai Kawato
Kawato jumped in immediately but was dominated by the heels as they worked him over. Tiger Mask came in to clear house and landed the Tiger Driver on Taka. Liger and Desperado brawled to the outside where Liger blasted him with a chair.
Kawato was in and he and Desperado had a pretty good back and forth. Taka flattened him with a kick, and Desperado soon followed with the Guitarra de Angel. This was a good match, especially towards the end. Kawato is really good at showing off the young lion intensity.
Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Togi Makabe defeated David Finlay & War Machine
This turned into a good back-and-forth match. War Machine never have an off day and looked really good here. Hanson tried to take out Makabe with a suicide dive but instead hit Ray Rowe, taking them both out. Finlay was left in the ring with Kojima, and soon enough the leader of the Bread Club picked up the win with a lariat.
This was an okay brawl between the two teams. Taichi got the heat on Jado after striking him with his microphone. Goto and Suzuki went at it and had some good action. Kanemaru was tagged in, as well as Gedo, who went for the Gedo clutch, but it was broken up.
Gedo had the advantage but Suzuki grabbed him. Goto cleared Suzuki out of the ring, but Taichi came in and hit Gedo with one of the IWGP Jr. tag belts after missing with the mic stand. Kanemaru followed with the pinfall after the DDT off the top rope.
Omega worked a lot of the match, which was fine but nothing special. Ishii and Omega had their exchange, which was okay. Omega and Yano did comedy together. Owens came in and avoided the exposed turnbuckle by Yano, but still got caught up in the funny business, being pushed into the ref, low blowed, then blasted with a lariat as Yano rolled him up for the win.
This also was pretty good; nothing revolutionary but everyone got to work together. Tanahashi was going for the High Fly Flow when EVIL shoved the ref into the ropes, crotching him.
It boiled down to Juice and SANADA. The latter was going for the Skull End when everyone came in and did brief flurries of offense. Juice transitioned out of the Skull End and instead landed the Pulp Friction for the win.
LIJ immediately jumped Juice after the bell, with Naito putting the boots to him and the rest of his tag team partners.
Okada and Shibata started things off, but were tentative with one another as they tagged in their partners. Okada and Nagata were in, and at one point when Okada had Nagata laid out, he sat down and posed much like Shibata does, mocking him.
This was weird in that everything looked good, the match itself wasn’t bad at all, but the crowd wasn’t as into it as you’d imagine.
Nagata worked on YH’s arm until Okada broke it up. Okada went for the Rainmaker on Shibata but he transitioned to the sleeper. He was going for the penalty kick when YOSHI-HASHI attacked Shibata. He tried to land the lariat several times but Shibata countered with a hard shot and the sleeper. He took out Okada, then followed with the penalty kick for the win.
The match picked up a bit towards the end, but otherwise it was just a perfectly fine match.
Shibata cut a promo after it was over, calling out Okada who was on the outside. Okada walked to the ring, then he and Shibata exchanged brief words with one another as the show closed.
Final Thoughts —
This had nothing you need to see, honestly. Everything was well booked and built well towards Sakura Genesis, but if you’ve seen one New Japan show with just tag team matches, you’ve seen them all.
