NXT Takeover: Chicago II Recap and Review 6/16/18

NXT makes it way back to the Windy City as we see the second annual Takeover: Chicago. It's a bit redundant to say this was an action-packed, as that's to be expected. Anyways, let's get into it.

Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch vs. Undisputed Era (Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong), NXT Tag Team Championship Match

Lorcan and Strong start the match out, trading rest holds and jockeying for position. Burch and O'Reilly are tagged in; Burch gets out of a side headlock and the two being throwing strikes. Burch comes out on top and he and Lorcan execute some tandem offense on UE. After a rest outside the ring, O'Reilly tries work Lorcan over with strikes following a distraction from Strong. He's unsuccessful as Lorcan answer back with a series of stiff chops.

Burch is tagged in and the two take O'Reilly down with a low dropkick. Burch gets Strong in the corner and goes to town on him with strikes, culminating in a front missile dropkick from the second rope. Just when he has the advantage, O'Reilly provides a distraction on the outside and Strong delivers a wrecking-ball dropkick to Burch and UE take the control back as Strong and O'Reilly work Burch over.

Burch delivers a desperation headbutt to O'Reilly and Lorcan gets the hot tag; he comes in like a Bat Out Of Hell, throwing uppercuts, chops and lariats at UE before nailing them with a somersault plancha. Back in the ring, Strong kicks out of a pinfall attempt and Lorcan tries to single-handedly take both him and O'Reilly on once again. Lorcan counters the double-team attempt with a double running blockbuster and tags in Burch.

Burch and Lorcan hit their signature double-team elevated DDT on Strong, but O'Reilly manages to break up the pinfall attempt. Burch and Lorcan then attempt a Doomsday-style tag team maneuver, but O'Reilly shoves Lorcan off the rope and he goes crashing down to the outside. O'Reilly gets tagged in, and he and Burch throw strikes; O'Reilly gets the upper hand and plants Burch with a brainbuster, then floats over into a cross armbreaker.

Following a rope-break, Strong is tagged in and UE hit an impressive modified facebuster/penalty kick combo on Burch, who kicks out. He manages to send Strong and O'Reilly to the outside and tags in Lorcan, who delivers a double apron blockbuster to UE. Burch and Lorcan hit O'Reilly with a Doomsday european uppercut, only for Adam Cole to drag him out of the ring to break up the pinfall. Cole is ejected by the referee and Burch and Lorcan try to finish UE off once again.

Strong drags Burch to the outside and O'Reilly locks in a guillotine choke on Lorcan, who fights out of it. Strong is tagged in, and he and Lorcan throw hands; Lorcan plants Strong with a folding powerbomb, then floats over into a single-leg boston crab. O'Reilly tries to break it up with a another guillotine choke, only for Burch to come in and put him in the crossface. O'Reilly breaks up Lorcan's hold and the two teams throw hands in the center of the ring. UE hit Lorcan with a lariat/legsweep combo to pick up the win and retain.

Thoughts: Mighty fuck, what a way to start a show off. I've become way more of a fan of tag team wrestling recently and matches like this are an example why. Everything came together when it came to the in-ring work. Every sequence, every hot tag, every single fucking move was handled with expert precision and technique. You felt every single strike thrown by all four of these men. Above all else, the chemistry here was impeccable; after a first-time viewing, you could've sworn these four men were teaming with and fighting against each other for years.

It's hard to say who was the MVP of this match, because all four men were absolutely impeccable. Everyone looked strong here; Strong and O'Reilly proved their credibility as champions, and Burch and Lorcan showed they deserve to have a constant seat in title contention. If they continue this feud, then count me the fuck in. I love every single second of it. Between those ropes, these four guys can do nothing wrong in my eyes.

Ricochet vs. Velveteen Dream

The two start the match off with a series of collar-and-elbow tie-ups, both trying to gain leverage over the other. Ricochet seemingly has the advantage at the start, with Ricochet employing a much more technical game at the beginning. Dream tries for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, but Ricochet lands on his feet; the two dodge each other's attacks, displaying some impressive agility. After an exchange of slaps, Ricochet tries for a roll-up, then hits a headscissors/dropkick combo on Dream.

After countering Ricochet on the apron, Dream gets him back in the ring and lands a flurry of punches and stomps in the corner. He then drags Ricochet out of the corner and starts working him over. Dream sends him to the outside, then delivers a springboard somersault plancha. Getting back in the ring, Dream slows the pace down, momentum seemingly in control. Ricochet attempts to take it back with a series of counters, then a tope suicida, then a Fosbury Flop plancha.

Ricochet then hits a corner 619/springboard european uppercut combo; Dream kicks out, only for Ricochet to deliver a jumping neckbreaker/standing shooting star press combo, which Dream also kicks out of. Dream counters whatever top-rope offense Ricochet was conjuring and attempts some of his own; Ricochet dodges as Dream gets hung up on the ropes. Before Ricochet can even think of pulling off more offense, Dream spikes him with a second-rope death valley driver.

Following a kick-out, Dream goes to the top rope, which Ricochet counters.While Dream is on the apron, Ricochet attempts to superplex him from the second rope, only for Dream to counter it and suplex Ricochet to the outside. Back in the ring, Dream connects with another rolling death valley driver; Ricochet kicks out. Staggered, both men throw punches for a bit, just trying to gain some semblance of leverage.

Dream tries for his signature swinging flatliner into a DDT, only for Ricochet to counter. He tries for his northern lights/deadlift vertical suplex combo, only for Dream to block it with a superkick. Dream tries for some more top-rope offense, only to be met with a Ricochet lariat. Dream counters Ricochet's fireman's carry and finally lands his swinging flatliner/DDT maneuver; Ricochet kicks out and Dream talks trash. Ricochet delivers a rolling death valley driver to Dream of his own, then a diving elbow drop, which Dream kicks out of.

Ricochet goes to the top rope once again, hoping for his finishing 630 senton. Dream senses this and rolls further away from him, egging Ricochet on to continue with it. Ricochet then goes for a shooting star press, only for Dream to get the knees up. Following this, Dream attempts a corner-to-corner Purple Rainmaker elbow drop. Ricochet dodges, then is successful with the 630 senton for the victory.

Thoughts: While not as great as the opener, it was certainly a damn fine follow-up. There was nothing but pride on the line here, and both men worked their ass off for it. While he's not one of my favorites, I do have to acquiesce that Ricochet is a fantastic in-ring worker; the combos he pulled off were marvelous, plus I dug the fact he attempted a more technical game at the start, wearing Dream down before he really pulled out the big high-flying guns.

And while we're on the subject, can we just talk about how fucking awesome Dream is for one hot minute? Because holy shit, the work he's been doing is absolutely incredible. Not only does he hold his own and then some in the ring, his character work is off the charts. He's constantly evolving; he tried to out-strike Aleister Black, he tried to out-fly Ricochet. Now all that's left for him to do is fully be the Dream. What that is, I have no idea, but I'm excited for it.

Nikki Cross vs. Shayna Baszler, NXT Women's Championship Match

Cross starts the match off in a rather unorthodox way, refusing to adopt the tradtional style of professional wrestling, opting instead to bait Baszler into attacking her, employing mind games in order to confuse and disorient the champ. It seems to be working, as Baszler doesn't know what the hell to make of Cross begging her to attack. Taking the bait, Baszler attempts the Kirifuda Clutch, only for Cross to counter in the corner.

Baszler then tries for an apron knee strike, only for Cross to counter and trap her in the apron for a series of forearm smashes. Cross tries for sleeper hold for Baszler to drop her on the entrance ramp. Back in the ring, Baszler delivers a knee strike to Cross, who kicks out; this prompts Baszler to hammer Cross with a series of elbow strikes. After toying with her for a bit, Baszler delivers back-to-back knee strikes, only for Cross to come out smiling, seemingly begging for more.

Cross catches another knee strike attempt, then counters a Kirifuda Clutch attempt with a back suplex. Looking to gain the advantage, Cross throws a series of forearms then stomps Baszler down in the corner. Cross then delivers a diving crossbody to Baszler, then a reverse DDT on the ring apron; Baszler kicks out. Cross attempts for her fisherwoman's neckbreaker finisher, only for Baszler to counter with another knee strike.

Baszler attempts the Kirifuda Clutch once again, only for Cross to counter with a rope-hung swinging neckbreaker. Cross attempts for a crucifix pin, only for Baszler to counter with a Kirifuda Clutch, making Cross pass out and retaining her title.

Thoughts: While not as good as the first two matches, this one was still entertaining as hell. I love the dynamic between these two women; one minute Baszler is punishing Cross with strikes and in control, the next minute she's confused as hell and Cross takes advantage of this. I think this plays into how well Cross portrays her character. Whether she's heel or face, you can tell she's 100% committed to being a psychopath, which I absolutely love.

And at the ending, you see Cross with a smile on her face, which seemingly hints that she's not through with Baszler yet and the feud is seemingly going to continue. I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely on board with this.

Aleister Black vs. Lars Sullivan, NXT Championship Match

After a lengthy staredown, Black starts rapidly throwing strikes at Sullivan. He then tries for his Black Mass spinning heel kick, only for Sullivan to catch it. However, Black manages to land a side head kick, sending Sullivan to the outside. Black starts throwing rapid strikes once again at Sullivan, then a double knee strike off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Black delivers a jumping Knee to Sullivan, who kicks out at one. After a quick exchange on the apron, Black attempts a lariat, but Sullivan runs through it and delivers one of his own.

On the outside again, Black shoves Sullivan into the ring post and attempts an asai moonsault, only for Sullivan catch him and dump Black onto the apron. Back in the ring, Sullivan starts working Black over, seemingly in control for the time being. Black attempts to mount a comeback, only for Sullivan to answer back each time. Sullivan goes to the top rope, but Aleister catches him with a big boot and the two jockey for position. Sullivan attempts a diving headbutt, but Black gets his knees up.

Taking advantage of the situation, Black throws several strikes and kicks at Sullivan, then hits him with a springboard moonsault. Sullivan kicks out and Black attempts the Black Mass once again, only for Sullivan to catch it again and deliver a chop block. He then starts working Black's leg over with a stretch muffler. Sullivan tries for the Freak Accident, but Black counters it with a DDT. The two brawl on the apron, with Sullivan coming on top after powerslamming Black.

Back in the ring, Sullivan is finally successful with the diving headbutt; Black kicks out. Sullivan tries for the chop block once again, but Black evades and delivers a double stomp, then connects with a Black Mass; Sullivan kicks out. Sullivan attempts the Freak Accident once more; Black wriggles out, hits another Black Mass and then another to secure the victory and retain his title.

Thoughts: I would consider this match on par with the previous one. Not as good as the first two, but still pretty damn good, all things considered. It was more or less another case of "smol boi taking big boi" down, but it was still entertaining nonetheless. The spots they pulled off (loved the DDT counter off the Freak Accident attempt) caught my attention enough, plus it was nice to see Sullivan break out a stretch muffler (an underrated submission move).

Not the best by any stretch of the imagination, but a decent first-time championship defense from Black. Hopefully this leads to more interesting feuds in the future, because I like the guy and he definitely deserves it.

Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa, Chicago Street Fight

Both men come out wielding crutches; Gargano takes Ciampa down and throws a flurry of punches. On the outside, Ciampa is nailed with an apron superkick then a cannonball. After Gargano tosses Ciampa over the announce the table, the two brawl throughout the crowd. After revealing a Stop Sign from a fan sign, Gargano proceeds to beat Ciampa down with it. Ciampa tries to recover, only for Gargano to deliver a crossbody off the sound stage.

Getting back in the ring, Gargano brings out various weapons. Gargano tries to hit Ciampa with a trash can lid, but Ciampa counters with a german suplex. After Gargano throw more punches, Ciampa delivers another german suplex and holds on for two more. He tries for another, only for Gargano to counter with one of his own. Ciampa rolls to the outside and Gargano nails him with a tope suicida. Gargano tries to get another weapon out from under the apron, but Ciampa drills with a running knee strike before he can get the chance.

Taking control, Ciampa brings out some weapons, taking great pleasure in doing so. He places Gargano's head between a steel chair and throws him into the steel steps. With Gargano kneeling at the steel steps, Ciampa tosses a trash can at Gargano's head. Back in the ring, Ciampa uses his own shirt to try and strangle Gargano; he maintains control as he continues the Gargano beatdown. Ciampa exits the ring to find handcuffs underneath the apron.

On the apron, Gargano plants Ciampa with a slingshot spear; he then takes his belt off and whips Ciampa with it. Gargano the puts Ciampa inside a trash can and superkicks him. Gargano wedges the trash can in between the ropes and attempts the lawn dart, only for Ciampa to rake the eyes and deliver a powerbomb lungblower. Ciampa then drills Gargano with a trash can lid-assisted knee strike; Gargano kicks out.

Ciampa hits Gargano with another trash can lid knee strike, then plants him with an Air Raid Crash on the steel steps. Ciampa brings out a pair of bolt cutters and starts cutting the ropes out in order to peel back the canvas and exposing the hard part of the ring. He attempts a second-rope Air Raid Crash; Gargano wriggles out and attempts a sunset flip powerbomb, only for Ciampa to fight out of it. With Ciampa caught up in the ropes, Gargano nails him with another superkick.

The two throw staggered punches for a while before Gargano delivers an enziguiri. He then superkicks Ciampa once again and hits him with a trash can lid; Ciampa kicks out. Gargano tries for a slingshot plancha, only to be met with trash can lid shot from Ciampa. He tries to hit Gargano with a knee strike on the steel steps, only for Gargano to roll out of the way. Back in the ring, Gargano starts attacking Ciampa's knee. Ciampa then sends Gargano into corner trash can and locks in Gargano's own finisher on him.

Ciampa hits Gargano with the crutch; Gargano kicks out. The two make their way up to the entrance; Ciampa tosses Gargano into the LED boards then lands another knee strike, reminiscent of last year's Takeover: Chicago. Ciampa drags Gargano up upon some stage equipment; Ciampa is distracted by Gargano's wedding ring, allowing Gargano to deliver an Air Raid Crash of his own through a few tables.

Before Ciampa can get stretchered out, Gargano gets him back down to the ring, fighting off security. He then locks in the Gargano-Escape, then fights off secuirty once more. He handcuffs Ciampa and delivers superkick after superkick, locking in the Gargano-Escape once more. Security makes their way back, only for Gargano to fight them off once again. He makes his way up the apron, only for Ciampa to plant him with a DDT on the exposed boards, finally securing victory.

Thoughts: Dear. Fucking. Lord. Who would've thought the show would start with an epic match, then end with one. Watching it again, words really do escape me trying to describe it. They saw their first match and seemingly raised to another level, in terms of emotion and brutality. The Gargano/Ciampa story is one of the best things in WWE right now (not just NXT), and matches like this one prove it.

Whereas the Tag Title match was perfect in terms of pure in-ring work, this match was perfect in terms of storytelling. Here we have two men who to best friends for quite some time, only for one to betray the other. Now, nothing is left but hatred and vitriol; it's evolved past petty squabbling into a pure blood feud. The fighting won't stop until one man is left truly broken and unable to fight. In some ways, it stopped being just professional wrestling and became cinematic, even Shakespearean almost.

Given that each man a victory over the other, I can only figure a third match will be coming down the road. It will be more epic, more violent and it will truly determine the victor in this feud. As far as rubber matches go, I can only ascertain it will go down in the record books as one of the best of all time. And fuck hyperbole, I'm calling it. I might be wrong on that call, but we'll never know until it happens.

Overall

I know it's somewhat douchey and smarky to call NXT the superior brand, but when they put on shows like, can you honestly blame me? This was an absolutely fantastic show with unbelievable opening, solid middle and practically perfect ending. If I had to point out any weak spots, I'd say they were the NXT and Women's Championship matches. While good matches in their own right, they couldn't hold a candle to the rest of the show.

I'm torn between what I want to call to the absolute best part of the show. On one hand, the Tag Title match was the absolute best for the in-ring action, while Gargano/Ciampa told the best story. I'll just say both were the best in their own respective right, because I can't honestly choose. If you do decide to watch the show, make it ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you watch these matches.

I can't recommend this show enough. If you really need to go out of your way to watch it, then please do so. We don't get shows like this in WWE very often, so take the chance and experience it for yourself.

Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-Jo Hall: Omega vs. Okada IV Recap and Review 6/9/18

Well, here it is. The main event of Dominion. The epic rivalry comes to ahead as the longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada takes on the Best Bout Machine Kenny Omega. Will Omega finally come out on top? Or will Okada retain once again? Let's find out.

Recap

The match starts out fairly simple with a series of rest holds, each man jockeying for position. It’s a chess match at the beginning as each competitor is just trying to find a weakness and gain the advantage. The pace then speeds up rapidly as both Okada and Omega attempt various signature moves. Omega attempts the One-Winged Angel, but Okada counters and sends both men to the outside. On the floor, the two trade clubbing blows.

Okada boots Omega over the guard rail and attempts his signature leaping crossbody, but Omega counters with a knee. After slamming him onto a combination of chairs and guard rail fragment, Omega gets Okada back in the ring and starts hammering him with elbows. Okada taunts him, asking for more and Omega delivers, firmly in control. After absorbing seemingly endless punishment, Okada finally manages to get some offense in with a flapjack.

Okada, attempting to mount a comeback, gets in more offense on Omega as he throws elbows, uppercuts, plants Omega with a DDT and executes a slingshot plancha to the outside. Back in the ring, Omega and Okada jockey for position once again, with Omega coming out on top with a snap hurricanrana. Okada rolls to the outside and Omega delivers a slingshot springboard crossbody. The action goes back into the ring as Omega hits the Kotaro Krusher then the Aoi Shoudou onto the knee.

Omega attempts a V-Trigger; Okada dodges and attempts a german suplex, which Omega flips out of. Omega attempts the V-Trigger again and Okada blocks it this time, but is successful the third time around. He then tries for a reverse hurricanrana, but Okada blocks it and nails Omega with a bridging german suplex. Omega kicks out and backs Okada into the corner, getting him up on the top rope to attempt a dragon superplex. Okada fights out and drills Omega with a tombstone piledriver on the ring apron.

Okada then delivers a front dropkick to Omega, practically shooting him off the apron, seemingly turning the tables and taking control in this match. He then delivers a missile dropkick, then goes up top again for a diving elbow drop. Okada taunts and hits the Rainmaker pose, which allows Omega to deliver a snap dragon suplex, then a somersault tope. Omega follows it up with a brutal missile dropkick. Omega sets up Okada for the One-Winged Angel; Okada slips out only to be met with another V-Trigger.

Omega gets Okada up once again to deliver Croyt’s Wrath, his former finisher; Okada kicks out. Omega nails another V-Trigger and tries for the One-Winged Angel once again. Okada gets out of it, hits two dropkicks and attempts the Rainmaker; Omega dodges and hits the Rain-Trigger. Omega attempts a double underhook piledriver, only for Okada to counter it with a hurricanrana, then delivers another tombstone piledriver.

Okada tries for the Rainmaker, but Omega counters with a crucifix pin, only for Okada to counter with a rana pin for the first fall. After the rest period, Omega starts delivering clobbering blows to Okada, who blocks and dropkicks Omega off the top rope. As the action spills to the outside, Okada is clearly in control. Omega tries to fight back with an attempted moonsault off the guard rail, only for Okada to block it, sending him to the second barricade.

Okada then drills Omega with a rail-hung DDT, also feeling the effect of the match. They get back in the ring, Okada absorbing multiple stiff chops from Omega. Okada boots Omega and puts him in a cobra clutch. Omega breaks out of it, delivers more chops then a back suplex, then another back suplex on the apron. Omega throws a table onto Okada and delivers a double stomp off the ring apron. He then sets back up, only for Okada to counter out of desperation.

Omega attempts for his signature rolling slam/moonsault combo, but Okada counters it with a neckbreaker slam and sends Omega into the corner with a front dropkick. Okada goes to the top rope, only for Omega to counter with a series of chops, then a super Aoi Shoudou. Omega attempts the rolling slam/moonsault combo again, only for Okada to get his knees up and deliver a European uppercut. Okada attempts to send Omega to the outside through the table, but Omega blocks and plants him with a swinging DDT.

Omega then attempts a dragon suplex through the table. Okada blocks and attempts the Rainmaker, but is met with a reverse hurricanrana. Back in the ring, Omega hits another V-Trigger and attempts another One-Winged Angel, but Okada gets out again and attempts another Rainmaker, only for Omega to block that with a uranage. Obviously exhausted, the two men trade strikes; Omega nails another dragon suplex and Okada pulls off another dropkick.

Omega gets off a dropkick of his own, then counters a dropkick with a powerbomb. After another V-Trigger, Omega once again sets Okada up for a butterfly piledriver. Okada counters similarly to the first fall, only for Omega to kick out, deliver yet another V-Trigger and finally plant Okada with the butterfly piledriver. But Okada kicks out yet again; Omega gets another V-Trigger off and finally lands the One-Winged Angel to tie the match up 1-1.

The third round starts up, and Omega immediately goes for the One-Winged Angel. Okada counters and hits the Rainmaker; Omega kicks out. The two men jockey for position; Okada attempts the tombstone piledriver, Omega attempts the gutwrench powerbomb. Both practically running on empty at this point. Okada misses the dropkick and Omega attempts to take advantage with a powerbomb; Okada tries to counter but Omega answers with a Styles Clash.

After another V-Trigger, Omega attempts for another One-Winged Angel, but collapses. After some time elapsed, Omega tries for the One-Winged Angel again, only to be met with a tombstone piledriver attempt. Omega counters it with a cradle version of the tombstone, then attempts a phoenix splash. Okada dodges, then nails a dropkick; Okada tries for another tombstone, but Kenny counters with a V-Trigger. Omega hits two more V-Triggers in a row and attempts for a third, but Okada counters and lands another dropkick.

Okada hits another dropkick, then tries for another tombstone; after another blocked attempt, Okada tries for the Rainmaker and collapses. Both men, at the end of their ropes, throw whatever they can each other at this point. Okada finally nails a Rainmaker, and then another one; he attempts another one, only for Omega to counter with a german suplex. Holding on, he hits another one, only for Okada to counter with a german suplex of his own. Okada tries for the Rainmaker again, only to be met with another german suplex from Omega, then another reverse hurricanrana.

Okada hits another dropkick as Omega attempts one more V-Trigger. Omega hits another One-Winged Angel after countering a Rainmaker. Omega pulls off one last V-Trigger before hitting Okada with the penultimate One-Winged Angel, getting the last fall and becoming the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion, ending Okada’s legendary reign.

Thoughts

There's a reason for why I dedicated an entire recap/review post solely for this match. There's also a reason why smarks (myself, admittedly included) cum their pants anytime somebody evens mouths  the names Okada and Omega. It's because they've proven time and again that against each other, they always produce wrestling gold. And this time around was no different. This match might just be not only the best world title match they've put on together, but the best match they've put on together as a whole. 

Everything just seemed to click here, which I know sounds cliche to say at this point, but it's the truth. The entirety of the match seemed as if had been laid out by an expert scribe ages ago, waiting for once-in-a-lifetime talents to perform it; if that had been the case, then holy fuck Okada and Omega were the absolute perfect choices to do it. Both completely fulfilled what was expected of them and then some.

The spots were too numerous to count, so I'll just say all of them were my favorite. If I literally had to pick a favorite, it'd be the final sequence where Omega hits the One-Winged Angel, then another V-Trigger then the one last One Winged Angel. It was just the perfect ending to an obvious labour of love. If I had to pick another one, it'd be where Omega got his first pin; learning from his previous mistake, he countered Okada's roll-up attempt. Also, seeing him get his finisher off before Okada got his added to the story of the match. Like you knew how it was going to end, but you just HAD to watch it.

And speaking of the story to the match, it played itself out quite well. I love that only pinfall Okada got was from a roll-up counter pin, yet Omega's pinfalls were both from One-Winged Angels. It's like he was a King refusing to accept his kingdom was crumbling, and it would be at the hands of his strongest enemy. The fact it's tied up 2-2 in this rivalry is a possible sign there's going to be ONE final match, ONE last epic encounter to determine who truly is the best in the world. If that's the case, then I'm 1000000% behind it.

10/10. This is the last thing I'm going to say about it. An absolutely perfect match from start to finish. While it was exhausting, the payoff was most certainly worth it. For those who aren't used to the New Japan style, I still say you should give it a shot. If you still don't like it, I understand. I just ask that you understand why I love it so much. Matches like this one are why I'm a diehard NJPW fan, and will stay one for quite some time.

Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-Jo Hall Recap/Review: 6/9/18

 

It's once time to look at one of NJPW's biggest shows of the year: Dominion in Osaka-Jo Hall. Full disclosure: I skipped the first 3 matches since I couldn't be arsed to give a shit about them, plus I'm saving Okada/Omega for a separate post, as there's WAY too much detail in it. Anyways, let's get started.

Hirooki Goto vs. Michael Elgin vs. Taichi, NEVER Openweight Championship Match

The match starts off with Taichi backing off from the advances of Elgin and Goto and exiting the ring. Just as Elgin and Goto lock up, Taichi attempts to roll up Goto, but Elgin breaks it up. He and Goto go at it again, while Taichi exits the ring once again. He gets back in and briefly teams up with Goto to take down Elgin. This partnership ends just as it started as Goto suplexes Taichi onto Elgin, then tries the same with Elgin, who blocks it.

Elgin sends Goto to the outside and goes at it with Taichi before sending him to the outside. While Taichi and Goto brawl on the outside, Elgin delivers a somersault plancha to the both of them. All 3 eventually get back in the ring; Taichi and Goto take Elgin out once again. Taichi attempts the superkick, only to be met with an Ushigoroshi from Goto. Elgin gets back in and attempts a superplex to Taichi; Goto delivers a back suplex to Elgin. Goto tries for the superplex again, only for Elgin to deliver a springboard sunset flip powerbomb, taking them both down.

Elgin sends Taichi to the outside while he and Goto brawl in the ring. Following an Ushigoroshi, Goto nails Elgin with an inverted version of his GTR finisher; Elgin kicks out. Miho Abe distracts the referee while Taichi hits Elgin and Goto with his signature microphone stand. He then superkicks Goto, who kicks out. Elgin gets back in, bucklebombs Taichi, then into Goto, then delivers his finishing spinning powerbomb to secure the win and become the new champ.

Thoughts: To be perfectly honest, I was really only interested in his match for my mans Taichi. But as I watched the match, I was pleasantly surprised. The match quality was quite decent, all three men are perfectly capable in-ring performers. Plus, I loved the story being told of Taichi coming in just to fuck up Elgin and Goto's little affair. He's an extremely underrated talent and deserves to be used more.

Not much more to say here. It's decent match, but you don't absolutely HAVE to see it (unless you love Taichi like I do).

Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) vs. EVIL and SANADA, IWGP Tag Team Championship Match

Nick and SANADA start the match off. Both display impressive agility, with Nick in particular, who gets the upper hand following a tilt-a-whirl headscissors/dropkick/rope-walk somersault arm drag combo. EVIL and Matt are tagged in; the Bucks break off a little tag-team offense on their opponents, taking the advantage for the time being. Getting back in the ring, EVIL and SANADA turn the tables thanks to a sidewalk slam from EVIL to Matt and a tag-team maneuver to Nick.

The two go to work on Matt, taking advantage of his past back issues. They keep it up until Matt evades an EVIL senton and a SANADA plancha, tagging in Nick, and he shows off his special brand of hot-tag offense as per usual. EVIL dodges an apron kick from Nick, who hurts his foot on the ring post. EVIL and SANADA take the momentum back for a brief respite. The two attempt their Magic Killer; Nick counters with a desperation headscissors to SANADA while Matt dropkicks EVIL and lifts SANADA onto the top rope.

The Bucks attempt a double superplex, but EVIL counters with a double powerbomb, with SANADA also receiving some of the damage. Matt and SANADA are tagged in following a quick exchange from Nick and EVIL; the two trade blows, with Matt getting the advantage and setting SANADA up for the Meltzer Driver. The attempt is blocked as EVIL pulls Nick off the apron. SANADA then attempts a dragon sleeper and Matt counters with a sharpshooter attempt. EVIL breaks it up, only to be put in a sharpshooter himself.

SANADA then puts the dragon sleeper on Matt once again, only to be met with a missile dropkick from Nick, still nursing his foot. SANADA manages to tag in EVIL, who promptly plants Matt with Darkness Falls. Matt manages to get him up for the Meltzer Driver, but Nick slips on the ropes, feeling the effect of his foot injury. EVIL and SANADA then hit Matt with their variation of the Meltzer Driver, but Nick somehow manages to break up the pin. Matt gets hit with the Magic Killer, only for Nick to once again break up the pin.

Getting Nick out of the ring once again, EVIL and SANADA attempt to double-team Matt, who manages to clothesline EVIL but is met with a SANADA dropkick. After spinning Matt around with a dragon sleeper, SANADA attempts a moonsault; Matt dodges and spears him. The Bucks then delivers their patented superkicks to their opponents. They hit SANADA with More Bang For Your Buck to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.

Thoughts: I understand that it's commonplace to shit on New Japan's Tag Division, given that the booking isn't the best, but when two of the top teams in the world go out there and really give it their all, you have to give props. All four men involved are excellent performers who are at the top of their game, and they really made you (at least me) care about the state of the Tag Team Division. The back-and-forths were absolutely excellent; the chemistry between the two teams is absolutely impeccable and I'm all for seeing them wrestle each other again in the near future.

On top of that, it also told a great story. It combined Matt's back issues with Nick's broken foot, as well as the over-arching story of this being their first time vying for Heavyweight Gold in NJPW. EVIL and SANADA fulfilled their role fantastically as Heavyweight mainstays looking to teach the new (seemingly) fresh meat a lesson. There's a mighty fine chance if you don't give a shit about Tag Teams in New Japan, you will after this match.

Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Rey Mysterio vs. Bullet Club (Marty Scurll, Cody and Hangman Page)

Mysterio and Scurll start the match off, only for Tanahashi and Page to be tagged in. After a quick exchange between the two, Cody is tagged in. They trade bits of offense before Mysterio and Scurll are tagged in. Following a few quick evasions, Mysterio hits Scurll with a hurricanrana and then tags in Liger, his team seemingly in control. Liger delivers a baseball slide dropkick to Scurll and then puts him in a surfboard lock back in the ring.

Cody and Page knock Tanahashi and Mysterio off the apron and break up the hold; BC start working Liger over for a while. Liger eventually manages to build up enough strength to deliver a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to Scurll and tag in Mysterio, who returns the favor and works Scurll over for a bit. He attempts a 619, unaware Page tagged himself in. Tanahashi tags himself in to prevent the attack and delivers a springboard crossbody to Page, then dropkicks Cody off the ring apron.

Page sets up Tanahashi for his Rite of Passage finisher, but The Ace wriggles out and delivers a swinging neckbreaker to Page. Both teams deliver counters to their respective opponents, and Liger and Cody get tagged in. Liger delivers a series of roll-up pin attempts then a Shotei palm strike to Cody. Mysterio hangs Scurll up in the ropes for a 619 attempt; Page tries to break it up and powerbomb Mysterio, only for Tanahashi kick him in the gut while Mysterio hurricanranas him into the ropes and delivers a 619 to the both of them.

Outside the ring, Mysterio delivers a hurricanrana to Scurll while Tanahashi plants Page with a slingshot plancha. Liger hits Cody with a super hurricanrana, then tries for a brainbuster. Cody counters with a Cross Rhodes for the victory.

Thoughts: Normally I'd pass on on these kinds of exhibition matches (insert joke about New Japan multi-man tag matches here), but since it's got my Elite boys and Mysterio, I had to watch it. While it wasn't anything special, it was certainly a fun little match. All six competitors looked strong and lose no momentum either way here. This match wasn't going to be anything special, but then again it didn't need to be. It fulfilled its role perfectly as a decent exhibition match that eased the crowd into what would be a show growing in intensity.

 Will Ospreay vs. Hiromu Takahashi, Junior Heavyweight Championship Match

Ospreay and Takahashi immediately start the match off throwing stiff forearms, pulling no punches. Ospreay gets Takahashi in the corner only to get hit with a belly-to-belly suplex. Takahashi attempts his signature sunset bomb. Ospreay blocks it and the two battle for leverage on the outside. Ospreay pulls Takahashi off the ramp and delivers a running somersault senton onto him. Getting back in the ring, Ospreay sweeps the leg and is successful with a low corner dropkick, seemingly gaining full control.

Ospreay works Takahashi over for a while, employing a more technical strategy. Takahashi finally counters with a hurricanrana, then delivers a corner clothesline/sliding kick combo, then follows it up with a shotgun dropkick off the ring apron to the outside. The action gets back in the ring as Takahashi hits Ospreay with a shotgun missile dropkick, then a pop-up powerbomb for his troubles. He gets Ospreay in the corner, who counters with a series of kicks, then a springboard forearm smash.

Takahashi dodges the Robinson Special kick, gets out of a lifting slam and puts a rope-hung headscissors choke on Ospreay. He gets out and nails Takahashi with a Sasuke Special plancha. Back in the ring, Ospreay plants Takahashi with a lifting slam and attempts an OsCutter; Takahashi counters with a german suplex. He then delivers another german suplex to Ospreay following an impressive series of counters.

Ospreay hits Takahashi with a pair of reverse hurricanranas, then tries to set him up for his Storm Breaker finisher; Takahashi counter with a sunset flip powerbomb. The two end up on the ring apron, where Takahashi attempts his Time Bomb finisher. Ospreay slips out of it, hits a side kick then a second-rope superplex off the ring apron. He drapes Takahashi over the ropes, gets him with a shooting star press then executes a corkscrew shooting star press; Takahashi kicks out.

Ospreay attempts the Storm Breaker once more; Takahashi gets to the ropes, plants Ospreay with a diving flip piledriver then locks in a triangle choke. Ospreay first delivers a one-arm powerbomb, then a side powerslam (or whatever the hell that was), then follows it up with a Robinson Special. He then tries for an OsCutter, but Takahashi send him to the apron and delivers a sunset bomb. Back in the ring, Takahashi drills Ospreay with a variation of the Emerald Flowsion, but Ospreay kicks out.

Ospreay attempts the Storm Breaker once more, only to be met with Takahashi’s triangle choke again. He tries to power out of it, but Takahashi counters with a butterfly piledriver. Following a running death valley driver to the turnbuckle, Takahashi finally manages to hit Ospreay with the Time Bomb to secure his victory and his new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Thoughts: Hot damn, this was great. The kind of action I expect top-tier performers such as Ospreay and Takahashi. Each sequence and counter was crisp and precise; there was absolutely no wasted motion. The moves they were able to pull off still confound me, even I should be used to it coming from these two (did Ospreay seriously counter a triangle choke with a fucking one-armed Emerald Flowsion?).

What also stood out for me was the dynamic between the two performers. Ospreay was much more deliberate and methodical here, trying to slow the momentum down, which was an interesting change of pace. Don't get me wrong, Ospreay still had plenty of time for some fast-paced, high flying action; but I definitely liked how he's changed his game up. It's made him a much more well-rounded performer. Takahashi came with his usual brand of frenetic energy, which is always fun to see. I really dug how Ospreay seemingly pumping the brakes while Takahashi kept his foot firmly on the gas pedal.

So yeah, fantastic match. Not much more to say here.

Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito, IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match

Before Naito even makes his way to the ring, Jericho cheap shots him and the two brawl out on the floor. After hitting Naito with several foreign objects, Jericho powerbombs Naito through a table set up on the outside. The action continues on the outside as Jericho DDTs Naito on an announce table. Once the bell is rung, Jericho continues the punishment, utterly beating him down. Following a butterfly backbreaker, Jericho delivers a Lionsault.

Jericho continues the carnage, taunting Naito in the process as he tosses him around. Jericho then attempts the Walls of Jericho, but Naito makes it to the ropes. After spitting in his face, Naito takes Jericho down and throws a flurry of punches. After delivering a neckbreaker/sliding kick combo, Naito gets Jericho in the corner and gets him with a legsweep/slingshot dropkick combo. Naito then delivers an apron neckbreaker, then a neckbreaker to the floor.

On the outside, Naito seems firmly in control now as he hits Jericho with a broken piece of the table he got put through. He piledrives Jericho on the other announce table; back in the ring, Naito missile dropkicks Jericho, then attempts a super hurricanrana. Jericho counters with a ganso bomb, then puts Naito in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho attempts a corner catapult, but Naito manages to get to the second rope and deliver a hurricanrana to Jericho, then a springboard tornado DDT.

Naito attempts his Gloria side slam, but Jericho rolls out and countera with the Walls of Jericho once again. Naito manages to get to the ropes; Jericho argues with the referee, which helps Naito as he sends him onto the ropes with a flapjack, then german suplexes him. He nails Jericho with the Destino, who manages to get to the ropes. Jericho then counters Naito’s flying forearm with a Codebreaker. 

Naito kicks out of the pinfall attempt and the two throw hands for a brief spell.

Jericho attempts the Lionsault once again, but Naito gets his knees up. Naito then nails him with Gloria and sets him up for Destino. Shoving the referee out of the way, Jericho low blows Naito and gives him one final Codebreaker to become the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

Thoughts: To this was an interesting change of pace from the last match is an understatement. If Ospreay/Takahashi was a supremely crisp and precise display of athleticism and technique, this match was just a straight-up fight from beginning to end. And to be honest, it's refreshing to see especially considering how New Japan matches usually are. 

Don't get me wrong, I love New Japan with all my heart. But this match was a welcome twist on the usual fare. Whereas most NJPW matches are sticklers for precise technique, this one just said, "Fuck it, this is going to be a straight-up brawl. Foreign objects are going to be used, and it's gonna be kind of a hot mess." And I think this company needs more matches like this in order to rope in much more casual wrestling fans who aren't used to the NJPW style.

My favorite thing about this match is that it's just a contest of "Who can beat the piss out of their opponent more," which feeds into my previous statement. Jericho had firm control for the beginning of the match, punishing Naito for the sole purpose that he could. Then when Naito got the advantage, it turned into a straight-up revenge story. I love Jericho got the win, because him as IWGP Intercontinental Champion is going to bring in a LOT more casual Western viewers.

Overall

9/10. Even without the EPIC last match which I'm dedicating my next post to, this was still an excellent show from top to bottom. It started off pretty good, then seemed to ramp up the quality as it moved, which is to be expected from a New Japan show. Even the "weak" points (the NEVER Openweight Championship match and the 6-Man exhibition match) were still quite good, and I'd recommend checking them out.

Outside of You Already Fucking Know What, I'd have to say match of the night belongs to Jericho/Naito. It told the best story and just entertained me the most.

Stay tuned for Okada/Omega.

ROH Wrestling Episode #350 Recap/Review: 6/4/18

We're in Chicago this week as ROH wraps up their War Of The Worlds tour. The main event is Silas Young vs. Austin Aries, so needless to say, I'm beyond excited.

Cody/Marty Scurll Promo

The episode kicks off with Cody cutting a promo about the past few months in his life: how he supposedly gained control of Bullet Club, his campaign for the Texas State Senate, and his aspirations to be NWA World's Champion. He then laments that his next shot at the ROH World Championship is a triple-threat match involving the champion Dalton Castle, himself and his Bullet Club stablemate Marty Scurll.

This prompts Scurll to come out to the ring and cuts a promo of his own, pointing out that Cody adores bragging about himself, while stating he doesn't need to because everyone else already knows it. He then goes on to say Cody is frightened and intimated by how good Marty is, and that he has no problem going through him in order to secure his first World Title. He asks Cody for a gentleman's handshake, then teases breaking his fingers before leaving the ring.

Thoughts: An excellent way to start the show. The segment superbly displayed both performers' characters: Cody being the power-hungry, somewhat delusional egomaniac and Scurll being the cunning strategist seeking out people's weaknesses and manipulating them for his benefit. These guys are excellent mic workers, and they definitely proved it here. Beyond psyched for Best In The World.

Tenille Dashwood vs. Karen Q

The match starts out with a series of rest-holds, Dashwood seemingly taking control. Dashwood gets tripped up on the ring apron and Q takes advantage, landing a series of corner elbow strikes and kicks then nailing an exploder suplex. She holds control for a while; Dashwood tries to change the advantage multiple times, but Q always having an answer. Q tries for another boston crab, but Dashwood counters with a roll-up pin for the W.

Thoughts: A brief, but relatively decent match. Despite a few awkward moments (that tilt-a-whirl attempt, though), the match was relatively crisp, as both competitors are solid in-ring workers. Not too much more to say about. Nothing special, but decent nonetheless.

Austin Aries vs. Silas Young, World Television Championship match

The two start this match out attempting to gain leverage with rest holds, both men displaying their technical prowess. Following repeated taunts from Young, Aries smacks him in the face and the two throw hands. Aries gets the advantage, nailing a second-rope elbow drop then an ear clap on the ring apron. He attempts a suicide dive, but Young counters and takes control. He punishes Aries on the outside of the ring for a while, then brings him back in and nails a slingshot stomp.

Young then puts Aries in a full nelson and spins him around. Aries manages to shrug him off and finally nails his signature suicide dive following a rope-hung neckbreaker. After a full nelson knee strike, Young and Aries take turns attempting their respective finishers. The action makes it way to the apron again as Aries plants Young with a death valley driver. Aries then attempts another corner dropkick but Young counters and nails Aries with his signature handstand arabian press.

The two then trade off roll-ups and forearm strikes. Young sets Aries up for Misery, but knocks the ref out in the process. Aries gets out, hits Young with a rolling blow then finally connects with his corner dropkick. He tries for a 450 Splash, but Young knocks  him off the top rope after being distracted by an altercation between Beer City Bruiser and Kenny King. Young tries to hit Aries with the title belt, but King pries from his grasp and nails him with it instead.

Aries pins Young, seemingly winning the match and securing another title. However, following a meeting between the officials, the decision is reversed into a disqualification victory for Young because of King's outside interference. Frustrated, Aries low-blows Senior Official Todd Sinclair and begins attacking him. King attempts to calm him down, only to be met with a low-blow himself, then a brainbuster and a Last Chancery from Aries.

Thoughts: Excellent main event. These two men proved once again they're elite talents in the wrestling industry following this superb performance. If I had to explain why I love Silas Young to someone, I would just tell them to watch matches like this; he's one of the best heel champions and midcard champions wrestling has to offer. Plus, the post-match altercation further pushes Aries' heel transformation; the heat he was getting was incredible. Fantastic match and a fantastic way to end the show.

Overall

This was, to quote Special Agent Dale Cooper, a DAMN FINE episode. The highlights of it were for sure the opening Cody/Scurll promo and Aries/Young, though Dashwood/Q isn't without merit as it proved to be, for what it was, an entertaining slice of filler. Definitely check this episode out right away, if only for Aries/Young.