NXT Takeover Phoenix Review: Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Aleister Black (NXT Championship)

Introduction

This is the main event of the evening.

Ciampa has shown himself to be a phenomenal heel. I still remember how great it was in his match against Johnny Gargano when he walked out to no entrance music, and all you could hear were the boos of the crowd. Since then he's only gotten better, and he's picked up the NXT Title along the way. The previous holder of the belt Aleister Black is looking to get his title back, and this should be an excellent encounter between these two.

I would like Black to win, but I think Ciampa is going to retain.

Moments

• Black uses the 2nd rope as a springboard for a backflip. Very impressive.
• Ciampa is shocked on the outside. Black sits down cross legged in front of Ciampa. Ciampa gives him a boot to the face.
• Beautiful Tope con hilo from Black.
• Leg sweep by Black. Running knee to the head, kip up, 2nd rope moonsault onto a standing Ciampa. A two count. Wonderful sequence.
• At this point in the match, Ciampa is outclassed by Black, and as I was writing this, that's when the tables turn. Ciampa whips Black into the steel steps, his knee hitting hard.
• Ciampa suplexes Black onto the steel steps, tweaking his knee further.
• Ciampa starts dissecting the left knee of Black.
• Black's knee is tied up in the ropes. Ciampa delivers a running knee strike to it!
• Ciampa slams Black's knee down onto the Spanish announce table. Ciampa applauds and pats himself on the back. Ciampa sits cross legged on the table to mock Black.
• Ciampa is down on the mat. Black stalks over to him, and Ciampa hops up just enough to deliver a dropkick to snap Black's leg out from under him.
• Black delivers a beautiful Enzuigiri type of kick to Ciampa on the turnbuckle.
• Black catches Ciampa off guard with a kick from his non-injured leg.
• A roundhouse kick to Ciampa's arm. A second roundhouse to his head. A bridging German Suplex, and Black holds his injured leg in the air.
• Black is on the top rope. Ciampa delivers what the announcers call the Tower of London onto the apron. It's like a reverse DDT. Black hits hard. This gets a 2 count.
• A lariat rocks Black.
• Ciampa exposes the concrete on the outside of the ring.
• Black delivers a diving double knee strike from the apron to Ciampa, but his knees come down on the exposed concrete.
• Black hits the Black mass! As he crawls over to make the pin, Ciampa rolls onto his stomach.
• Ciampa hits a DDT followed by his finisher, the Fairytale Ending. Black kicks out.

Finish: Ciampa delivers another Fairytale Ending to Black. Instead of pinning, he picks him up for one more. Black clocks him with a kick clear on the side of the head. Black attempts another Black mass, but his leg gives out. Ciampa hits another Fairytale Ending and gets the 3 count to retain his championship.

Thoughts

I loved the story told in this match. How Black was the better wrestler, but Ciampa was able to take advantage of a weakness and turn the tables. As tough as Black is, in the end, too much damage had been done. Both men looked great during this fight. A satisfying main event.

Rating: 8/10

As Ciampa walks up the ramp, Johnny Gargano comes out with his new North American Championship belt. He raises it next to Ciampa. Ciampa raises his belt and the two stand tall.

That was a really enjoyable show. I hope you enjoyed reading about it. I look forward to watching and maybe writing another review for NXT Takeover: New York this weekend.

NXT Takeover Phoenix Review: Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Bianca Belair (NXT Women's Championship)

Introduction

This is the 4th match of my NXT Takeover Phoenix Review.

This is the match I'm least looking forward to. Shayna Baszler has been a dominant and fun to watch champion, but as I don't watch NXT from week to week, this is my first time seeing Bianca Belair. From the video package, she seems a little too much like the divas from a few years ago, or that her gimmick is Sasha Banks' The Boss-lite. That is a mighty fine ponytail though.

I'm looking for Shayna to retain her championship in dominant fashion.

Moments

• Baszler uses Bianca's hair to pull her face and shoulder into the ring post.
• It takes until the 9 count for Belair to crawl back into the ring.
• Baszler in a full mount starts unloading on Belair.
• Baszler has Belair's arm at a nasty angle with her hand trapped underfoot. Baszler jumps up and stomps down hard on Belair's elbow. Belair screams and flails around in pain.
• Baszler with an armbreaker to the already injured arm.
• Baszler gets in Belair's face and calls her overrated. Belair delivers a thunderous slap.
• Belair is standing, Baszler on the ground. Baszler is trying to lock in an armbar. Belair stomps a mudhole through her.
• Baszler with a step-up knee strike. 1,2, no.
• Belair uses her hair as a whip? Well... that's silly. It left a nasty welt on Baszler's midsection too.
• Baszler reverses a double chicken wing attempt. Ref bump.
• The KOD from Belair (her finisher), but there's no ref to make the count.
• Baszler's goons get involved. Belair fends them off.
• Baszler locks on a Kurobuta clutch.
• Belair stands up while still in the hold and turns it into a suplex.

Finish: Belair launches into a top rope 450 splash, but Baszler catches her and locks in the Kurobuta clutch again. Belair tries to stand up in the hold again. She crumbles to the mat. Belair pulls herself to her feet once more, and then falls over. The ref calls for the bell. Baszler retains.

Thoughts

Belair showed a lot of guts and heart. The standing up while still in a painful hold was great, and I liked how the finish reflected that you can only do that so many times. The hair whip was ridiculous, and the ref bump and interference was unneeded.

Rating: 6/10

The next match is the main event. Tommaso Ciampa vs Aleister Black for the NXT Championship.

NXT Takeover Phoenix Review: Ricochet (c) vs. Johnny Gargano (NXT North American Championship)

Introduction

This is the third match of my NXT Takeover Phoenix review.

Johnny Gargano has had a tough time in NXT. After being betrayed by his tag team partner, Tommaso Ciampa he's been on a losing streak and has started to embrace his dark side. Ciampa has been pushing him in this direction too, suggesting that he go after the North American Championship. Ricochet holds the belt at the moment. I remember Ricochet from Chikara, but it was as Prince Puma in Lucha Underground and then his work in New Japan where I became a fan of his acrobatic stylings.

This match is an odd clash of styles on paper. A high flyer versus a mat technician.

I'm hoping that Ricochet retains his championship.

Moments

• The first few minutes of the match are trading holds and Ricochet flipping out of danger. Neither man has an advantage.
• Ricochet's movement seems non-plussed. Not quite lazy, but it seems too smooth. Too easy. His acrobatics are amazing but in this match it looks like he's going through the motions.
• Gargano with a nasty dropkick to the back of Ricochet's head.
• Reverse neckbreaker by Gargano, but the back of Ricochet's head came down right on the point of Gargano's knee. 2 count.
• Gargano dives through the ropes from the outside for a spear. Ricochet sidesteps and slams Gargano down to the mat followed by a standing moonsault.
• Ricochet rolls over Gargano, picks him up, delivers a northern lights suplex, rolls through, and hits a brainbuster. 2 count.
• Gargano on the apron. Enzuigiri! Gargano jumps over the ropes for a DDT. Ricochet blocks it, and sends Gargano hurtling back over the ropes, bouncing off the apron, and tumbling to the floor.
• Standing shooting star press followed by a top rope moonsault by Ricochet.
• Gargano tries for a top rope Frankensteiner. Ricochet turns it into a top rope powerbomb, but Gargano reverses it back into the Frankensteiner. Ricochet somersaults and lands on his feet. Gargano lies in the corner absolutely stunned.
• Long sequence of trading blows ended with a nasty backflip kick by Ricochet.
• A springboard back elbow reversed into the Gargano escape.
• Ricochet picks Gargano up while still in the hold and just tosses him into the corner.
• Ricochet goes to the top rope. Gargano rolls across the ring. Ricochet chases, and Gargano drops to the floor. Ricochet shrugs and then runs up to the corner turnbuckle and flips over it onto Gargano.
• Ricochet rolls Gargano back in the ring. Springboard 450 over the ropes. 1, 2, no!
• Gargano runs up and delivers a huge superkick to a sitting Ricochet, sending him crashing to the outside. Gargano dives outside but Ricochet catches him. Gargano reverses it into a reverse spiked rana. Gargano rolls Ricochet in. Slingshot DDT! 1..2..no!
• Gargano removes the padding outside the ring, exposing the concrete. He's about to DDT Ricochet onto it from the apron. The ref talks Gargano out of it. Gargano rolls Ricochet back in. Rollup by Ricochet for 2 1/2.
• Phoenix splash! Gargano rolls out of the way. Ricochet lands on his feet, and rolls through but Gargano clocks him with a boot. Ricochet recovers and slams Gargano, putting on a Gargano escape of his own.

Finish: Fed up with Ricochet, Gargano drags him outside and delivers a sickening brainbuster on the exposed concrete. Gargano rolls Ricochet back in the ring, and hits the Slingshot DDT, pinning for the 3 count. We have a new North American Champion.

Thoughts

While the end was absolutely sickening, and there were plenty of "holy shit" moments, I was underwhelmed by this match. I wonder if it's because they did too much. So many of their sequences could have been the end of the match, and they just kept going. I appreciated that Ricochet got to show off his strength as well as his high flying ability, and Gargano was keeping pace with him, but something felt off about the whole affair.

Rating: 6/10

The next match is for the NXT Women's Championship. Shayna Baszler vs Bianca Belair.

NXT Takeover Phoenix Review: Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno

Introduction

This is the 2nd match in my NXT Takeover Phoenix review.

I've been a Chris Hero fan ever since I started watching Chikara in 2007. He even headlined an indie show here on the Gold Coast of Australia that I got to see him at years ago. Since heading to NXT, his new character of Kassius Ohno hasn't had much success at all which saddens me. Matt Riddle has already defeated him twice since joining NXT, in quick fashion. This is sort of a redemption match for Ohno, to prove he can actually win on a Takeover, and that he won't let Riddle walk all over him. Riddle used to be an MMA fighter, and has kind of a beach bum stoner gimmick. I like what I've seen so far.

I'm hoping Ohno can get his first Takeover victory.

Moments

• The announcers keep saying things like "Kassius Ohno has an encyclopaedic knowledge of sports entertainment" that sounds so stupid to me. Just say "wrestling".
• Riddle has a phenomenal physique.
• Deadlift suplex to Ohno, and as chunky as he is, that's no mean feat.
• Very nice leg drop by Ohno.
• Vicious kicks to Riddle's face by Ohno.
• Forearms and backfists in the corner by Ohno punctuated with a vicious boot to Riddle's skull.
• Riddle reverses a vertical suplex into a rear naked choke.
• Riddle tries to suplex Ohno. Ohno stomps on Riddle's foot. I imagine that's why wrestlers usually wear boots.
• Deadlift bridging German suplex by Riddle. 2 1/2 count.
• Ohno starts biting Riddle's toes. A knee to his head!
• Ligerbomb by Ohno. A 2 count.
• Ohno with a moonsault from the top rope but he overshoots, not hitting Riddle with most of his body. Only a 2 count.
• Riddle ducks Ohno's rolling elbow. Ohno kicks him in the face. Running back senton by Ohno. A second senton, but Riddle reverses it into a rear naked choke. Ohno scrambles to the ropes.
• Riddle starts stomping on Ohno's head.

Finish: Ohno asks for a fist bump, a show of friendship. Riddle was fooled by this once before, but not again. He knee strikes Ohno in the face, delivers a sleeper suplex, and starts elbow striking the fuck out of Ohno's head. Ohno taps.

Thoughts

I thought this was a great showcase for Riddle. He persevered and Ohno's disrespect and power awakened some aggression inside the laid back beach bro. I liked how vicious the finish was too. Poor Kassius can't catch a break, but I'm interested in seeing what Riddle does next, especially since at the weekend's Takeover he's fighting Velveteen Dream.

Rating: 7/10

The next match is Johnny Gargano vs Ricochet for the North American Championship.

NXT Takeover Phoenix Review: The Undisputed ERA (c) vs. The War Raiders (NXT Tag Team Championship Match)

Introduction

So in the leadup to Wrestlemania weekend, I wanted to try my shot at reviewing another complete show. I hadn't watched the first NXT Takeover event of 2019 yet, so it seemed like a good opportunity to try my single match style of review out while watching a show from start to finish. I'm still writing these in single match posts, but will publish them all within a few minutes of each other. Takeovers are usually a fun time so I'm looking forward to it.

First up we have the War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) vs The Undisputed ERA (O'Reilly & Strong). Hanson and Rowe really impressed me during the Wargames match last year, especially Hanson's athleticism for such a big man. I have to confess that I'm not a fan of any of The Undisputed ERA. To me they're just a bunch of guys I don't particularly like watching.

I guess it's easy to see that I'd like the War Raiders to win this one and become the new Tag Team Champs.

Moments

• The War Raiders come to the ring after a long intro involving a large group of viking warriors banging on their shields to the beat of the song. A cool visual, even if it dragged a bit.
• Rowe picks Hanson up while standing on the apron and slams him down onto O'Reilly and Strong on the outside.
• Again Rowe picks Hanson up, slamming him onto O'Reilly.
• Mauro Ranallo's commentary is ridiculous and I love it.
• Rowe is holding Strong. O'Reilly forearms Rowe. Rowe glares at O'Reilly before tossing Strong into him!
• Hanson dives to the outside with a tope suicido. Nobody home and he eats mat.
• Rowe elbows O'Reilly across the ring, allowing Strong to tag himself in.
• Strong does have a nice backbreaker.
• Rowe suplexes O'Reilly into the corner ropes, knocking Strong off the apron.
• Rowe powerbombs O'Reilly. O'Reilly lands on his knees, averting disaster. Rowe knees him in the face. Disaster.
• Hanson's back body drop sent Strong into space.
• Hanson's cartwheel clothesline is impressive for a man his size, if not a little slow.
• Double team pop-up powerslam on O'Reilly. Hanson tope suicido to Strong on the outside. Rowe covers O'Reilly for the 2 count.
• Rowe powerbomb drops O'Reilly. Hanson with a top rope splash! Strong breaks the pin.
• Strong superplexes Hanson! O'Reilly with a top rope knee drop. Cover. 2 count.
• The announcers make a point that no one has kicked out of the high low once Hanson does. To me it's always been weak sauce as a double team so I wasn't too invested in the unprecedented kickout.
• Hanson cartwheels out of a 2nd high low and springboard handstands himself into the ropes delivering a double back elbow to Strong and O'Reilly.
• Rowe is holding both Strong and O'Reilly stacked up on each other. It's kind of a powerslam for one and a powerbomb for the other.

Finish: Rowe holds O'Reilly up while Hanson brings a leg drop down on him from the top rope. The announcers call this the Dead Weight. Pin for the 3 count. We have new Tag Team Champions.

Thoughts

This was an exciting and impressive opening match. The War Raiders showed off their power and agility. There was some great double team action too. As much as I dislike Strong and O'Reilly, it takes both teams to make a good tag team match, and The Undisputed ERA held up their end magnificently.

Rating: 8/10

Coming up next we have Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno.

Antonio Inoki vs Jack Brisco (10th May, 1979)

Introduction

Over at the NJPW subreddit, there is a spreadsheet of recommended matches from New Japan's history. I thought it could be fun to go through the 'highly recommended' ones and write about them. This will increase my knowledge and enjoyment of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and my skill in writing about wrestling, as well as hopefully entertaining others.

When I watch the match, I have a pad and pen and write down anything that I find interests me. Perhaps a high impact move, perhaps an exchange, perhaps a bit of character work. I'll write these out in bullet point form, then write my overall thoughts and give a personal rating out of 10.

I have an idea of what to expect from an Inoki match now. I have an idea what to expect from a 1970s New Japan match as well. A lot of mat wrestling punctuated by high impact moves. It's been a delight as well as an education in earlier styles of wrestling, and how that evolved into what I enjoy today. I have only heard the name Jack Brisco before so this is my first exposure to the man.

Moments

• Brisco shoves Inoki into the ropes faster than anyone I think I've ever seen. This running the ropes spot was punctuated with a dropkick.
• That move that I was unsure of in the last review, I found out listening to the commentary in this match, it's the Indian deathlock.
• Inoki has Brisco in the Indian deathlock on his back.
• Brisco sits himself up and punches Inoki in the head to release the hold. Brisco puts both his hands around Inoki's neck and starts choking him. Brisco stomps on Inoki and lifts him up for a brainbuster. On the way down, Inoki reverses it, falling on Brisco for a pin attempt. Brisco gets up, stomps on Inoki some more and then puts him in a front face lock.
• Inoki reverses this into a true Indian deathlock with Brisco on his stomach. Each slam to the mat causes Brisco to try and scramble out of the hold. Inoki transitions into the bow & arrow submission.
• Inoki hits a beautiful Saito suplex. There's a pin attempt followed by a standing dropkick when Brisco gets to his feet. Inoki picks Brisco up and delivers a Butterfly suplex. Inoki attempts some strange suplex or slam but Brisco escapes. This is followed by a leg drop.

Finish: Inoki kicks Brisco's thigh until he drops to the mat. Inoki body slams him before running to the top rope for a knee drop. Brisco rolls out of the way as Inoki crumbles. Brisco tries to capitalise with a hold but Inoki hooks his leg around Brisco's head, leveraging his shoulders to the mat for the 3 count.

Thoughts

What impressed me the most about this match were the sequences. There were multiple times where moves were linked together, or there was a series of reversals and capitalising on the advantage. For the most part, Brisco was the superior mat wrestler which is why I think he became so furious with Inoki after that Indian deathlock. It also makes Inoki's transition into the final pin all the more impressive.

Rating: 9/10

If you have access to NJPW World, the match can be found here.

Antonio Inoki (c) vs Bill Robinson Review (2 out of 3 falls, 11th Dec, 1975)

Introduction

Over at the NJPW subreddit, there is a spreadsheet of recommended matches from New Japan's history. I thought it could be fun to go through the 'highly recommended' ones and write about them. This will increase my knowledge and enjoyment of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and my skill in writing about wrestling, as well as hopefully entertaining others.

When I watch the match, I have a pad and pen and write down anything that I find interests me. Perhaps a high impact move, perhaps an exchange, perhaps a bit of character work. I'll write these out in bullet point form, then write my overall thoughts and give a personal rating out of 10.

This is my first Inoki match against someone of similar size. This is my first time seeing Robinson. As a fan of Zach Sabre Jr, I could easily see how he was heavily influenced by Robinson's style. The smoothness of hold transitions, bending the fingers, etc.

This match is for the NWF Title and is held in Kuramae Kokugikan.

Moments

• A lot of this match was hold vs hold, punctuated by impressive moves. It created a nice flow to the match of peaks and valleys.
• Saito suplex by Robinson after a long stalemate.
• Robinson cartwheels out of a hold attempt.
• Inoki has Robinson in a headlock. Robinson picks Inoki up and bodyslams him. Inoki rolls through and keeps the headlock applied.
• Inoki springboard dropkicks out of a hammerlock.
• I was very impressed by how smoothly Robinson transitions into holds, from hold to hold, and from hold to pin. Especially for a man of his bulk.
• After a tense exchange, both men rise to their feet and Robinson slaps Inoki. The crowd gasp and Inoki looks pissed.
• The two shove each other. This leads to a forearm exchange on the ropes. Robinson grabs Inoki and saito suplexes him over the ropes while holding onto him. Both tumble to the outside.
• I'm unsure of what this hold is called (if you know, please tell me in the comments) but Inoki puts Robinson is what looks like a reverse figure-four around one leg. He then stands up and slams his back into the mat causing Robinson to cry out in pain.
• Robinson lifts Inoki up to chokeslam height and brings him crashing down over his knee in a thunderous backbreaker.
• Inoki uses his head to power out of a Boston crab, shoving Robinson off his feet.
• Inoki has Robinson trapped in a head-scissors. Robinson uses every trick in the book to try and escape but Inoki's legs are too strong. Eventually Robinson rolls Inoki onto his back for some pin attempts, but Inoki rolls him back. Finally after 5 whole minutes (it seemed a lot longer than it was), Robinson squirms out to applause.
• Beautiful combo of moves by Robinson. Dropkick, snap mare, knee drop on the throat and a pin attempt. Inoki jumps to his feet and shows Robinson what a proper dropkick looks like. Then a second one! This one sends Robinson into the ropes. They shake hands after this exchange.
• Robinson has Inoki in a sitting position with his head pressed down. Robinson jumps and brings his knee down on the back of Inoki's neck.
• In a scuffle, Inoki throws a wild elbow. Robinson's demeanour instantly changes. He looks like he's saying "Oh, so you want a fight do you?"
• Piledriver by Robinson
• Legbreaker by Robinson

First Fall (around 43 minutes): Robinson catches Inoki in a backslide for the 3 count.

• The instant the second fall starts, Robinson goes for a backslide again, but only gets a two count.
• A back elbow from Inoki sends Robinson over the ropes to the outside.
• Vertical suplex from Inoki.
• Inoki tosses Robinson halfway across the ring.
• A sickening back body drop to Robinson by Inoki.
• Inoki has turned into a monster.
• Bow & arrow on Robinson (I think it's the bow & arrow. Inoki is on his back and has Robinson stretched perpendicularly across, knees in the back).
• Robinson looks exhausted and outclassed by this point. Sweat is dripping off him. Right after this fatigued look though, he delivers a flurry of European uppercuts to Inoki!
• Butterfly suplex by Robinson!
• German suplex by Robinson. 2 count. Multiple pinning attempts to no avail.
• Inoki with a bridge to stop Robinson pinning him. Robinson jumps up and slams his weight down on the bridged body of Inoki, but he does not crumble. Robinson tries this a couple more times before giving up, letting Inoki get to his feet. I recently saw this spot with the young lion Ren Narita vs Marty Scrull at Honor Rising.
• Robinson keeps backing away from Inoki, goading him. Inoki steps up and slaps Robinson. Inoki traps Robinson in the corner and starts unloading vicious slaps on his head.
• Two armdrags and a standing dropkick by Inoki, followed by a second standing dropkick.

Second Fall (around 16 minutes): Inoki puts the octopus hold on Robinson in the middle of the ring. Robinson taps.

• The instant the third fall starts, Inoki delivers a standing dropkick to Robinson. Then 2 more!
• Stiff elbow exchange in the corner between the two.

Finish (around 1 minute): As the two are grappling, the bell for the hour time limit sounds. Both men are angry, wanting to continue the bout, wanting a definitive winner. In the end, Inoki keeps his title, and Robinson gets the trophy.

Thoughts

This match was fantastic. I'm unused to such a long match, with so much of it dedicated to holds and counter holds (you know, classic wrestling), but not only was there drama in these exchanges, writing down my notes there was a lot more strikes and big moves than I remember. It speaks to the quality of the pacing. If anything let the match down, it's that there was no definitive winner at the end. I wanted to see these two continue the match. I was very impressed with the ability of both men. Robinson had great charisma and when Inoki turned into a maniac in the second fall, I bought it.

Like the previous review with Andre vs Inoki, I would love to see another match between Inoki and Robinson.

Rating: 8/10

If you have access to NJPW World, the match can be found here. If not, I imagine the match is not hard to find.

Antonio Inoki (c) vs Andre the Giant (15 Dec 1974) Review

Introduction

Over at the NJPW subreddit, there is a spreadsheet of recommended matches from New Japan's history. I thought it could be fun to go through the 'highly recommended' ones and write about them. This will increase my knowledge and enjoyment of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and my skill in writing about wrestling, as well as hopefully entertaining others.

When I watch the match, I have a pad and pen and write down anything that I find interests me. Perhaps a high impact move, perhaps an exchange, perhaps a bit of character work. I'll write these out in bullet point form, then write my overall thoughts and give a personal rating out of 10.

This match is my first exposure to Antonio Inoki. I know Andre from my childhood watching the WWF. This match is for Inoki's NWF Championship and is in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Moments

• After the bell, Inoki speeds around Andre to get better positioning, and trips. He recovers like nothing happened.
• Andre intimidates the referee. Inoki uses the distraction to dropkick Andre in the upper back. Inoki has a nice dropkick but there are limits to how high he can jump.
• Andre has Inoki in a headlock. Inoki keeps jumping up and uses gravity to flip Andre over him onto his back with a flying mare.
• The referee is scolding Inoki for using a closed fist on Andre. Inoki doesn't care and keeps hammering away.
• Andre is standing with Inoki's neck between his legs. He jumps up and performs an atomic drop on Inoki's neck, slamming him to the mat.
• Inoki dropkicks Andre into the ropes, and his arms get twisted in the top and second rope trapping him there. The ref helps to get him out and falls to the floor. Inoki whips Andre into the opposite side and one arm gets caught in the same way. As there is no referee, Inoki starts stomping on Andre.
• Inoki uses a chop block to the back of Andre's knee to fell the giant.
• Andre picks Inoki up in a giant bearhug. Inoki forearms Andre in the face to release the hold.
• Inoki runs to the top rope but Andre is already on his feet. Andre grabs Inoki and delivers a nasty body slam all the way to the mat below.
• Andre uses headbutts to drop Inoki to the floor.

Finish: Inoki takes Andre to the ground and has him in an armlock. Andre gets to his feet, carrying Inoki on top of him with the armlock still applied. The two fall over the top rope to the outside. The ref checks on both and then calls the match. It's a double ring out.

Thoughts

The ending confused me. I thought perhaps it was a countout victory for Inoki as he dived back in the ring before the bell, but listening to the Japanese announcer, the words "double ring out" were clear. I was surprised that despite Andre being this giant monster and Inoki being the champ, Inoki was the badguy here. The closed fist and just his general demeanour. He was tormenting the giant and never really payed for it. I'm also astonished that no one went for a pin attempt during the whole match.

It was great seeing Andre in his prime, and him and Inoki have great chemistry in the ring together. I'd love to see another face off between the two.

Rating: 7/10

If you have access to NJPW World, the match can be watched here.

NEW JAPAN ROAD “Takashi Iizuka Retirement Match” Review

Hey hey folks, and welcome to my first New Japan Pro Wrestling review. The New Japan road tours are house shows. They tour the country and put on non-televised matches in front of a crowd that paid to see wrestling. Most of the matches are tag matches and many pair ups and bouts are repeated throughout the tour.

This one is special because it is the retirement show for Takashi Iizuka. It was the New Beginning in Sopporo shows, listening to Hiroyoshi Tenzan try to appeal to the man who once betrayed him that I became interested in Iizuka, this bald madman with a mask who would enter each building through the crowd. Tenzan and Iizuka used to be a tag team until Iizuka betrayed his friend. Then years later Iizuka would betray his tag partner Toru Yano, joining the faction Suzuki-gun, where he is now.

Iizuka has over 30 years in New Japan, but it's only since 2008 that he's been in the form we see him in today, rampaging around, biting his opponents, and using the Iron Glove to attack exposed throats.

For a better understanding of his history, check out this video on the New Japan YouTube channel (turn on closed captioning for English subtitles).

I will be linking to the backstage interviews after each match. They are released for free on the New Japan channel and can give you insight into the personalities of the wrestlers.

Ok, let's start the show

Match 1

Yuya Uemura & Jyushin Thunder Liger VS Taiji Ishimori & Robbie Eagles

Uemura is a Young Lion (a wrestler in training). There are always a few on tour, and they often tag with veterans like Liger. Ishimori is the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, and Robbie Eagles is an Australian high flyer who has returned to Japan. Ishimori and Eagles are part of Bullet Club.

Uemura is very loud. He yells at Liger to be tagged in, he yells at Eagles as they exchange blows, it seems to be his defining trait at the moment. He does have an absolutely beautiful corner dropkick he delivers to Eagles.

Finish: Eagles delivers a 450 Splash to Uemura.

While the match ended, Ishimori and Liger had been beating each other up on the outside. This continues after the bell.

The backstage interview hyped up the upcoming match between Ishimori and Liger for the IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship.

Match 2

Toa Henare, Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe VS Yota Tsuji, Ren Narita, Satoshi Kojima & Manabu Nakanishi 

Tsuji and Narita are Young Lions. Nakanishi and Kojima are veterans. Henare is relatively new to the roster and I'm becoming a fan of his charisma and powerful strikes. Tiger Mask, Honma, and Makabe are all veterans.

The story of this match is Ren Narita taking an unbelievable amount of punishment. Tiger Mask uses his knees, his feet, and a well placed slap to drop Narita. Henare delivers a devastating gut punch to Narita followed by some nasty slaps and chops. Makabe bodyslams him twice, and Honma delivers a huge backdrop to the Young Lion.

Tsuji is another Young Lion with a beautiful dropkick. He hits Henare with it followed by a running forearm. There's a great spot where Tsuji puts Henare in the Boston Crab and Tiger Mask comes in the ring and keeps kicking Tsuji in the chest until he lets the hold go. Henare delivers a nasty headbutt to Tsuji after a forearm exchange, followed by a thunderous clothesline.

Finish: Henare delivers a Urinage to Tsuji

The backstage interview highlights a feud brewing between Henare and Tsuji. Makabe and Tiger Mask seem impressed by the youthfulness of the Young Lions and want to make things harder for them. Henare calls out Goto.

Match 3

Shota Umino & Yuji Nagata VS Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI

Nagata is 50 and is teaming with Umino, the Young Lion. Ishii is known as the Stone Pitbull and usually has intense hard hitting matches. Yoshi-hashi recently came back from an injury and I have to say I have not discovered his appeal yet. At the New Years Dash event, Nagata and Ishii got into a brawl. This match is likely escalating that brawl until we get a singles confrontation.

The match started off with this confrontation. Nagata gets the most of these exchanges with brutal kicks to Ishii. They even brawl on the outside. Umino gets a turn but Ishii slaps the fuck out of him before dropping the Young Lion with chops and forearms. More stiff kicks to Ishii from Nagata. Nagata puts an arm lock on Ishii which Yoshi-hashi comes in and breaks, causing the crowd to boo him.

Umino has Yoshi-hashi in a Boston Crab. Ishii comes in and headbutts Umino to drop the hold. Umino delivers a standing dropkick to Ishii that looked great. This crop of Young Lions all have beautiful dropkicks. Nagata uses his feet to almost kick Yoshi-hashi's head off. Tagging in Umino, Umino slaps Yoshi-hashi, and Yoshi-hashi delivers a superkick.

Finish: Yoshi-hashi puts Umino in the Butterfly Lock and he taps.

After the match, no one can hold back Ishii and Nagata from laying into each other.

In the backstage interview, Nagata disparages Ishii's height, saying that he likes such a low sandbag to kick, so he hopes he can keep fighting Ishii to get a workout in.

Match 4

Roppongi 3K (Sho & Yoh) VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado

The Junior Tag Division is a triangle at the moment. Shingo Takagi and BUSHI are the champs. Sho & Yoh already delivered a challenge, so this match against Kanemaru and El Desperado is to prove they deserve that title match. To be honest, I'm not a fan of either of these teams at the moment.

As per usual with any member of Suzuki-gun (Kanemaru and Desperado), the match quickly moves outside the ring. I love Kanemaru's Slicing Leg Drop where he uses the barrier to launch himself up before bringing his leg down across the back of his opponent's neck. Kanemaru delivered a really nice One Leg Dropkick to the head of Sho while Desperado held him draping off the apron of the ring.

Ok so Kanemaru did impress me in this match. He hits Sho with his finisher Deep Impact, but Yoh dives in to break the count. Kanemaru delivers a Yakuza Kick to Sho. Later on he goes for his whiskey bottle to deliver the Santori Surprise, but it fails and Sho knocks Kanemaru over with a lariat.

Finish: Sho & Yoh deliver the 3K to Kanemaru

After the match, Takagi and Bushi come out in their street clothes. Yoh cuts a promo in the ring which causes Takagi and Bushi to enter the ring and put the challengers down. Takagi cuts his own promo and leaves. The promos are always part of the same video that has the backstage interview. I recommend this one as Takagi is very entertaining on the mic.

In the backstage interview, Desperado calls Sho & Yoh teenagers who just think they've gotten stronger. Yoh is always known for saying the wind is at their backs. This time he says if the wind isn't at their backs, they'll just have to make their own.

Match 5

Rysuke Taguchi & Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr and Taka Michinoku

Taiguchi is a comedy wrestler these days known for his hip attacks (butt slams). Hirooki Goto is much more of a serious competitor. This is an odd pairing. Meanwhile on the Suzuki-gun side, Taka always accompanies Zack to his matches, and acts as his announcer and hype man. I love his introductions for Zack and this match is no exception.

Taguchi plays around with Taka but the story of the match is Taguchi and Goto screwing up their double teams. They do work it out later in the match, but there's some bad communication that costs them early.

Zack throws some European Uppercuts at Taguchi's buttcheeks. Trying to take out his most potent weapon before locking in the Bow & Arrow. when Taka gets back in the match I was shocked how fast he is. Ishimori is one of the quickest in the company at the moment, but Taka is definitely no slouch. Taka delivers a fast knee to Taguchi's face in the corner.

Taguchi gets off some more hip attacks including a rather brutal one to Taka's head. One of the highlights of the match was Zack holding both Taguchi and Goto in separate holds at the same time. Zach's ingenuity with submission wrestling is always a delight. Taka and Taguchi have duelling kick up Enzuigiris.

Finish: Taguchi hits Taka with the Dodon. Taka rolls through before the slam, but Taguchi rolls through again into a pin.

In the backstage interview Zack says this has been a waste of his time. He calls Jay White (the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion) a joke and says he'll be champ by the end of the year. Goto feels the win with Taguchi is the start of something. Taguchi reminds the audience that he and Goto used to tag together and they were good out there, but now it's time to think of his next step.

Match 6

Will Ospreay & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr)

Will Ospreay is one of my favourites these days. His match against Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom was my favourite on the card (and that was the opener). Despite losing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Jay White, Tanahashi is still the Ace of New Japan. I haven't really gotten to see the skills of the Killer Elite Squad yet, but they are part of Suzuki-gun so that means they're looking to cause pain.

Throughout the match Lance is shouting at the crowd to shut up as they cheer for Tanahashi and Ospreay. He also shoves Red Shoes the referee. Archer delivers a huge shoulder tackle to Ospreay that sends him flying halfway across the ring, crumpling into the corner. Smith holds Ospreay up for a looooooooong Vertical Suplex. Lance holds up Ospreay for a Vertical Suplex but on the way down, Ospreay reverses it into an Enzuigiri.

Smith delivers a nasty looking kick to Tanahashi before falling on him with a Hogan Leg Drop. Tanahashi delivers a Twist and Shout to Smith. Smith delivers a deadlift German Suplex to Ospreay. Ospreay fires off his wrap around kick but a double team sends Ospreay down. Smith picks Ospreay up to the second rope and delivers a huge Powerslam. Tanahashi breaks the count at 2.

Finish: Ospreay hits the Oz Cutter on Smith.

In the backstage interview, the Killer Elite Squad are mad and have words. Tanahashi praises Ospreay, saying he sees something. Ospreay calls out Jay White, saying he beat him all the time in Ring of Honor so he'd like to fight him at the NJPW Anniversary show on March 6th.

Main Event

Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Toru Yano, & Kazuchika Okada VS Takashi Iizuka, Taichi, & Minoru Suzuki

If you watched the intro video I linked, you'll know who Tenzan is. Yano is an absolute goof, and Okada is one of the stars of the company. Taichi has a special connection to Iizuka, and Suzuki is the leader of the Suzuki-gun faction. He is legit scary. My friends and I call him "murder Dad".

This match had me grinning ear to ear.

Shinpei Nogami comes out to call the match. He was a commentator that Iizuka always used to torment. Iizuka makes his entrance rampaging through the crowd, and the crowd is loving it. Iizuka spies Nogami, runs over, attacks Nogami and tears his shirt off. Nogami calls the rest of the match shirtless. There's a huge Iizuka chant from the crowd. They explode as well when Tenzan's music hits. Tenzan grabs the mic and begs Iizuka to wake up. A brawl erupts.

Iizuka goes after Red Shoes, Yano plays around by tugging Iizuka's beard, and Tenzan gets some of his stupid looking Mongolian Chops off. Tenzan goes after Suzuki and Suzuki ties him up in the ropes. Iizuka attacks Tenzan across the back with a chair on the outside and Tenzan just barely makes the 20 count back in the ring.

Taichi takes Iizuka's mask off and things get real. Iizuka bites the head of Tenzan. Iizuka bites the head of Yano. Iizuka bites the head of Okada. Iizuka goes after Red Shoes but Red Shoes bolts. Iizuka bites Tenzan's fingers while he's in the ropes. Suzuki shrugs and bites the fingers on Tenzan's other hand. Taichi delivers some Mongolian Chops to Tenzan and they look a lot better.

Yano comes in and does his schtick of untying the protective mat covering the turnbuckles. Taichi hits Yano with the protector and then goes to untie the other corner but he's too slow. Yano hits him in the back with the protector. Taichi is about to tear his pants off revealing his trunks but Yano stops him before tearing them off himself. Taichi looks embarrassed.

Suzuki forearms the fuck out of Okada. Okada tries to trade blows, but the next one from Suzuki rocks him even harder. Then an even bigger one! Suzuki hits Okada with a PK. Suzuki goes for the Gotch Piledriver but Okada reverses it into a Back Body Drop.

Iizuka bites Okada's head, and then blocking a kick, starts to knaw on Okada's foot. Iizuka puts Okada in a devastating looking hold and the crowd are chanting for Okada to tap out. After failing a Rear Naked Choke on Tenzan, Iizuka grabs the Iron Glove. Tenzan confronts Iizuka and there is conflict on Iizuka's face. Yano lowblows Iizuka and Okada performs the Tombstone Piledriver.

Tenzan doesn't want to end the match by pinning his friend. He grabs the friendship tag shirt of when they were a team, and drapes it over Iizuka. Tenzan makes his way to the top rope.

Finish: Tenzan performs a Moonsault onto the shirt draped Iizuka.

Tenzan is weeping for his friend. Iizuka pushes Tenzan away. The crowd is cheering for Iizuka to reform. There's conflict on Iizuka's face. This is hurting him. Tenzan extends his hand. Iizuka resists, but something is going on inside him. Finally he reaches out and shakes Tenzan's hand. The crowd erupts. Iizuka then starts biting the top of Tenzan's head. He hasn't changed.

Suzuki-gun attack and clear the ring. The entire faction is out. Chair shot to the face of Tenzan. Suzuki holds Tenzan as Iizuka attacks with the Iron Glove. Iizuka then rampages through the crowd to the exit.

Taichi gets on the mic and tells Iizuka to come back. It's his final night. Suzuki grabs the bell and delivers the 10 gong salute as Iizuka rampages out of the building.

The Iron Glove is left in the middle of the ring. Taichi picks it up. He teases putting it on. The crowd gasp. He smirks and then walks away with it.

In the backstage interview Okada is about to praise Iizuka but instead calls him a heel bastard. Tenzan laments not being able to reach his friend. Taichi thinks Iizuka's spirit is in the Iron Glove. He decides he's going to hold onto it.

--

And that's the show. Thanks for reading. That New Japan was able to make me care about these two wrestlers I haven't really seen much of (Tenzan and Iizuka) is a testament to their storytelling. Please watch the final backstage interview because it contains Iizuka shaking Tenzan's hand. That was a great moment. Until next time.

Introduction

Hey hey folks. My name's Dave and I'm a lifelong wrestling fan. I subscribed to New Japan World this year after becoming a fan of the promotion since about 2014. I've finally decided to try my hand at writing overviews or reviews of the shows I watch, relating the parts of the match I found entertaining. I'll probably do the same with WWE PPVs or the NXT Takeover shows as well as the upcoming Double or Nothing from AEW, but my primary interest at the moment is covering New Japan. I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.