ROH Best In The World Recap and Review: 6/29/18

To say I was hyped for this PPV would a large understatement (given I'm an ROH fanboy, but it would still be true even if I wasn't). The card is stacked as fuck, so let's not waste any more time and unpack this bad boy.

The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O’Ryan and Vinny Marseglia) vs. Los Ingobernables De Japon (EVIL, SANADA and BUSHI), World 6-Man Tag Team Championship Match

EVIL and O’Ryan start the match out. The Kingdom try for some double-team offense, but to no avail. EVIL gets a thumb to the eyes for his troubles as O’Ryan tags in Taven, who immediately is planted with a sidewalk slam. SANADA is tagged in; after hitting a back elbow/standing moonsault combo, he and Taven jockey for position for a bit before BUSHI is tagged in. Marseglia is tagged in and immediately tries to remove BUSHI’s mask. Not long after, all six men brawl in the ring.

As LIJ are sent to the outside, Taven teases a tope but then taunts his opponents with their leader Tetsuya Naito’s signature “Tranquilo” pose. SANADA responds with a sliding dropkick, then hip-tosses O’Ryan onto Taven. EVIL is tagged back in and just when he tries build up momentum, The Kingdom counter with a triple-team flapjack onto the ropes. The Kingdom then start working EVIL over, getting the upper hand for the moment.

After receiving much abuse, EVIL finally manages to tag in SANADA, who goes to work on The Kingdom with a series of dropkicks then a dual Paradise Lock dropkick to O’Ryan and Taven. Following a distraction from Marseglia, SANADA is knocked off the top rope and The Kingdom attempt their Rock Star Supernova triple-team powerbomb finisher. SANADA counters with a hurricanrana and he and EVILattempt their Magic Killer finisher on Taven, who counters with a hurricanrana of his own.

After O’Ryan spears EVIL, Taven connects with a running knee to SANADA. After a kick-out. Taven attempts his Climax finisher; SANADA counters and tags BUSHI in, who missile dropkicks Taven then hits Taven and O’Ryan with a double hurricanrana. LIJ then nail Taven with some triple-team offense, only for O’Ryan to break it up, allowing The Kingdom answer back with some triple-team offense of their own (a particularly impressive german suplex/springboard elbow drop combo from Taven and O’Ryan).

The action breaks down once again as EVIL breaks up the pinfall as O’Ryan nails him with a pele kick; Sanada attempts to lock O’Ryan in the dragon sleeper, only to be met with Taven’s Kick Of The King. Despite Marseglia being momentarily subdued, Taven and O’Ryan still manage to hit BUSHI with Rock Star Supernova to secure the victory and retain their titles.

Thoughts: Despite the somewhat abrupt finish, it was still a fun match and a nice way to start the show. The counters and triple-team were all crisply executed; exactly what you need in a good 6-man tag match. It was a much more grounded tag title match, focusing on ring psychology and double/triple-team maneuvers rather than over-the-top spots; it was certainly a treat to see, though I’m not entirely opposed to the former.

A solid opener to what should be a great show. The Kingdom are a great 6-Man Team, and they proved why once again with this match. Here’s hoping they keep the belts for a while, because they definitely deserve it.

Flip Gordon vs. Bully Ray

Ray tries sneak up on Gordon to start the match; Gordon evades, nailing a combo of superkicks, then a spear and a slew of punches. This opening flurry of offense culminates with a pescado from Gordon to Ray on the outside. Gordon continues it with a somersault tope then an outside springboard forearm, Ray in a state of utter disarray at the moment. Back in the ring, Gordon gets Ray up for a samoan drop, then connects with a standing shooting star press/second-rope moonsault combo.

Ray counters Gordon’s offense, taking some time to collect himself and absorb the heat he’s receiving. He then attempts a vader bomb, only for Gordon to move out of the way. Gordon attempts his Star-Spangled Stunner finisher, only for Ray to counter with a low-blow, ending the match in disqualification. He then proceeds to beat down Gordon and other young ROH talent before Colt Cabana comes down to the ring to break it up.

Thoughts: I’m not really a fan of this new Bully Ray angle, but if it gets Flip Gordon over as an in-ring talent then I’m all for it. He’s really grown on me as a performer and he deserves the spotlight he gets. Plus, Ray still manages to draw a huge reaction from the crowd, so I guess it’s working. Not an interesting story, but decent display of Gordon’s in-ring ability nonetheless.

Oedo Tai (Hana Kimura, Kagetsu and HZK) and Kelly Klein vs. Jenny Rose, Mayu Iwatani, Tenille Dashwood and Sumie Sakai

Sakai and Kagetsu start the match out; Kagetsu throws numerous strikes and attempts to get Sakai up for her samoan driver finisher, only for Sakai to counter with attempt on her Smash Mouse finisher. Kagetsu and Sakai trade pinfall counters before Kagetsu rolls through and tags Kimura in. Sakai tags Dashwood in; Kimura taunts Dashwood, who responds with a tilt-a-whirl russian legsweep. She then tags in Rose, who nails Kimura with a bridging fisherman suplex.

Kimura dropkicks Rose and tags in Klein, who nails Rose with a lariat. Rose breaks out numerous pinfall attempts; Iwatani and HZK are tagged in. HZK throws elbows and Iwatani responds with a sling blade. Sakai is tagged and the two double-team HZK. Kagetsu trips up Sakai and the heels take out the faces, leaving her and HZK to double-team Sakai. Klein is tagged in and distracts the ref while Kagetsu and HZK continue the Sakai double-team.

Klein continues working Sakai over until she’s met with a DDT; Sakai tags in Dashwood who goes to work clotheslining all of her opponents. She sends Klein to the apron and hits her with a rope-hung neckbreaker. Kagetsu and Kimura attempt to double-team Dashwood, only for her drop toe-hold Kimura and deliver her signature Taste of Tenille corner crossbody. Dashwood then hits Klein with a diving crossbody after hanging her up in the rope with a tarantula hold.

Dashwood dodges another Kimura/Kagetsu double-team and tags in Iwatani, who missile dropkicks both of them. Kimura is then met with a butterfly suplex/frog splash combo from Dashwood and Iwatani. After a pinfall break-up, Oedo-Tai gangs up on Iwatani while Klein distracts the referee. Kimura gets Iwatani up in a vertical suplex, which Iwatani counters with guillotine choke. Kimura, however, powers out and delivers a delayed vertical suplex; Iwatani kicks out.

Chaos erupts as members of both teams brawl on the outside. Sakai goes up top for diving crossbody to the outside. Back in the ring, Iwatani plants Kimura with a bridging dragon suplex and picks up the win for her team.

Thoughts: A decent exhibition tag match that showed off the talent of both the women of STARDOM and Women of Honor. If I had to pick an overall standout from this match, it’d be Iwatani or Dashwood on the face side and Kagetsu for the heels, though to be honest, each competitor looked great out there considering the time each of them spent in the ring.

I like the partnership between ROH and STARDOM because it works two-fold; it exposes ROH fans to STARDOM and vice versa (as predicted, but whatever). Here’s hoping they keep it up.

Kenny King vs. Austin Aries

The two start the match jockeying for position with a series of rest holds, with neither side really getting the advantage. Aries manages to get King up over the ropes, only for King to slide right back in to block a suicide dive attempt. The two counter each other’s finishers before King hits Aries with a backbreaker/lariat combo. After a series of legsweeps, King puts Aries in a grounded abdominal stretch/chin lock combo.

Another legsweep on the outside, the two get back in the ring. Aries gets out of a chin lock and dropkicks the ropes just as King attempts to springboard. He then delivers a diving double axe handle to King on the outside, then whips into the guardrail and throws King back in the ring and hits him with a slingshot somersault senton. He then snapmares King and deliver a second-rope elbow drop to the back of King’s head, seemingly in control.

King rolls to the outside, baiting Aries, who is met with a springboard blockbuster. After corner back elbow and an exploder suplex, King seemingly has the advantage. This changes after an eye rake and ear clap from Aries, who then puts him the Last Chancery. King manages wriggle out of it and get to the outside, only for Aries catch him in a rope-hung neckbreaker. Aries attempts the suicide dive once again only to be met with a last-second enzuguiri from King.

King gets Aries up for his Royal Flush finisher, but Aries uses some mind games and convinces King to get the both of them back in the ring. Aries attempts for a small package, but King kicks out, who delivers a tossing variation of the Royal Flush; Aries gets his hand on the bottom rope. He tries to leave only to be met with a slingshot corkscrew plancha from King. He teases hitting Aries with one of his belts (a callback to Aries’ World TV Title match with Young), only to drop it, allowing Aries nail him with a brainbuster.

Back in the ring, Aries kicks out of a small package attempt, hits a rolling elbow then plants King with another brainbuster for the W.

Thoughts: A damn good match, but that’s to be expected from performers as talented as King and Aries. The back-and-forths these two had were excellent; it really did seem like it could’ve gone either way as no one really had control for that long in this. That also really speaks for the chemistry these two have with one another, having previously faced each other in TNA/Impact wrestling.

And apart from the in-ring work, the ring psychology/storytelling was also really good. They went at it with mind games, baiting each other when they could and pouncing when the other one fell for it. I dug the spot when King picked up one of Aries’ belts and teased hitting him with it; as I mentioned before, a nice callback to Aries’ World TV Title match with Silas Young. Another storytelling spot I really liked is when Aries talked King out of giving him the Royal Flush on the outside. At that point, it seemed like King was putty in Aries’ hands.

So yeah, this match was really fucking good. It provided a good balance between crisp in-ring action with solid storytelling.

Jay Lethal vs. KUSHIDA

It’s a battle for leverage at the beginning as the two competitors exchange various rest holds and counters. They bounce off the ropes for a bit before Lethal hip-tosses KUSHIDA, hoping for his signature cartwheel dropkick. KUSHIDA dodges and delivers one of his own, sending Lethal outside then nailing him with three consecutive somersault topes. Back in the ring, KUSHIDA hits Lethal with three consecutive diving double axe handles then a standing moonsault; Lethal kicks out.

KUSHIDA wriggles out of a suplex attempt and tries for a handspring back elbow, but Lethal counter with a kick to KUSHIDA’s legs. He then goes town on KUSHIDA, targeting the legs. He continues this attack on the legs with a cloverleaf variation and a series of legbreakers. He tries for the figure-four leglock, but KUSHIDA blocks; Lethal sends him to the ring apron and hits him with a springboard dropkick. Lethal is successful with two consecutive suicide dives but KUSHIDA blocks the third attempt with a fujiwara armbar.

Back in the ring, KUSHIDA delivers a series of arm-targeted to kicks to Lethal. He then counters a Lethal Combination with a roll-up pin attempt, only for Lethal to kick out, this time successful with his second Lethal Combination attempt. Teasing a figure-four, Lethal goes up top for his Hail To The King elbow drop. KUSHIDA gets back to his feet and Lethal evades him. KUSHIDA then attempts a rolling thunder DDT, only for Lethal to catch him.

Lethal blocks another KUSHIDA handspring attempt with a rolling torture rack slam and then goes up top once again. KUSHIDA catches Lethal in a cross armbreaker; Lethal fights out of it slaps on the figure-four, but KUSHIDA gets to the ropes. The two then deliver a series of shoot kicks, with Lethal targeting KUSHIDA’s legs and KUSHIDA targeting Lethal’s arms. Lethal bicycle kicks KUSHIDA, only to be met with a pele kick.

KUSHIDA delivers another kick to Lethal’s arms; he sets himself up in the corner only to be met with a bicycle kick/enzuguiri combo from Lethal. A Lethal Injection attempt is then countered with a Hoverboard Lock. Lethal gets up as KUSHIDA attempts his Back To The Future finisher; Lethal rolls through and attempts the figure-four once again but KUSHIDA counters with another BTTF attempt, but counters that with a cutter. Lethal finally hits the Lethal Injection and picks up the victory.

Thoughts: I know I’m one to gush and exaggerate about the quality of matches (what smark isn’t?), but trust me when I say this match was damn near perfect. Each sequence, each counter was delivered with the utmost precision, with nary a botch in sight, if at all. The chemistry these two men have is simply remarkable. It seems like they’ve been wrestling each other for their entire careers, that’s how good it is.

And the in-ring storytelling. OH. MY. GOD. THE IN-RING STORYTELLING (Andrew sneaks away to fap quick, then returns). Lethal attacking KUSHIDA’s legs, KUSHIDA attacking Lethal’s arms; you literally couldn’t ask for anything better. The way these two told this story might as well have been written by an Oscar-winning screenwriter. That kind of dedication to ring psychology is something you don’t see too much of nowadays.

And while we’re on the subject of storytelling, another facet of the match I loved was KUSHIDA taunting Lethal. He refused the standard ROH handshake (only to deliver it when Lethal was prone), did the diving double axe handle while mocking Lethal’s Randy Savage tribute and delivered three somersault topes, seemingly laughing at Lethal’s trio of suicide dives and taking it up a notch.

Another part of storytelling I loved was Lethal matching KUSHIDA’s cockiness. When working the legs over, he could’ve gone for multiple submissions, but chose instead to either attempt a pinfall or go for the Hail To The King. And when delivering his suicide dives, he was a bit more deliberate and delivered them with much more swagger, really morphing into a Randy Savage/Ric Flair combination.

I’ve written WAY too much about this match than I probably should have, so I’ll just end it right here. Go watch it. Right now.

Hangman Page vs. Punishment Martinez, Baltimore Street Fight for the ROH World Television Championship

Before Bobby Cruise can even finish announcing their names, Martinez and Page start throwing clobbering blows at each other. Page clotheslines Martinez over the top rope and the two brawl on the outside. Martinez tries to get the action back in the ring only to be met with a suicide dive from Page. After throwing Martinez into the barricade, Page then reaches for a table underneath the ring. Martinez stops him halfway then catches a breath while Page gets back in the ring with a chair.

Back in the ring, Page tosses the chair at Martinez, then sets it up in the corner. The two counter each other’s irish whips before Page manages to toss him back-first into the chair. While Martinez is out on the floor, Page attempts for his patented apron shooting star press. Martinez dodges, powerbombs Page on the ring apron then chokeslams him into the guardrail. And just as they get back in the ring, the action immediately returns outside as Martinez drives Page into the guardrails.

Martinez sets up an array of chair and attempts the South of Heaven chokeslam, but Page counters. Martinez then irish whips Page into a chair near the guardrail; Page manages to dodge a Martinez strike and suplex him off the guardrail. Back in the ring, Page tries to continue his momentum but is met with a Martinez lariat, who brings a chair into the ring. Martinez tries to slam Page down only for him to counter it into a cradle tombstone piledriver; Martinez kicks out.

On the apron, Martinez counters a Rite of Passage with a curb stomp. Back in the ring, he zipties Page and curb stomps into a chair; Page kicks out. Martinez sets a table up in the ring and attempts another chokeslam, which Page fights out of. Breaking the ziptie, Page goes to the outside and spears Martinez through a table, then delivers a moonsault to the outside. But as soon as they get back in the ring, Martinez then bicycle kicks Page out onto his chair structure, then just as quickly gets him back in.

Martinez brings in a bag of thumbtacks to the ring, hoping to powerbomb Page onto them. Page counters, then backdrops Martinez onto the thumbtacks. He tries for the Rite Of Passage, but Martinez counters and chokeslams Page through a table, securing the victory and retaining his new World Television Title.

Thoughts: While the ending was weird and somewhat abrupt, I quite liked this match. Eschewing the technical prowess of the match before it, this was just a straight-up brawl. Two dudes beating the piss out of each other from bell to bell. Martinez and Page are two of the best brawlers in wrestling right now, and they proved their prowess with this match.

The spots that were delivered were brutal and sold to absolute perfection. My favorite one has to be apron powerbomb/guardrail chokeslam spot; both men sold it like a million bucks. Outside of that, I loved the powerslam counter into a cradle tombstone piledriver onto the chair as well as the patented Page moonsault to the outside. You know it’s coming, but you always pop no matter the circumstance.

Not too much more to say about it. The story was simple, but effective: have two dudes who hate each beat the living shit out of one another through increasingly violent means. Add title gold onto it, and you can’t lose. While the ending was weird, this was nonetheless a great match.

The Briscoes (Mark and Jay) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), ROH World Tag Team Championship

Nick and Mark start the match out attempting to gain leverage over the other. Nick delivers a springboard somersault arm drag to Mark and then attempts a dropkick, which Mark blocks. Nick takes down Jay, who quickly recovers and assists Mark in irish whipping him to the floor. Nick nails Jay with a side kick and evades Mark back in the ring, only to be met with a back elbow from Jay. Matt dropkicks Mark, Jay throws punches at the two teams square up.

The Bucks superkick The Briscoes, then hit them with an elevated dropkick/crossbody combo. Matt is tagged in and the two hit their dual hip toss/backflip dropkick on Jay. They then try to hit their headscissors/dropkick combo, only to be met with a couple of Jay Briscoe clotheslines. Matt gets hit with the Redneck Boogie (Razor’s Edge/neckbreaker combo), but kicks out and The Briscoes continue working him over.

On the outside, Matt superkicks Jay then dodges a sliding dropkick from Mark and hits him with a somersault cutter off the apron. He tags Nick in, who delivers a springboard corkscrew plancha to The Briscoes; Nick then brings his trademark hot tag offense to the outside. The Bucks then deliver dual suicide dives to them; as the action gets back inside, Nick hits Jay with a corner knee strike. He attempts a superplex, only for Mark to momentarily trap him in a rear naked choke.

After Jay plants Nick with a lariat, Mark hits Matt with a wrecking ball dropkick, then an apron blockbuster. The Briscoes then try for a super Redneck Boogie, only for Matt to pull Jay off the apron; Nick then counters Mark’s crucifix powerbomb with a super hurricanrana. Matt is tagged in and he immediately throws punches at Jay and Mark; The Briscoes try to double-team and Matt counters with a double leaping clothesline. Matt goes off the ropes only to be met with a death valley driver from Jay.

After Jay taunts Nick, Matt superkicks him, then Nick superkicks Mark. The Bucks attempt more superkicks but are met with superkicks from The Briscoes. Matt and Nick respond with superkicks of their own and just as they’re about to follow up, The Briscoes plant them with dual clotheslines. Jay spikes Matt with his Jay Driller finisher, but Nick breaks up the pinfall. The Briscoes then set up Matt for the Doomsday Device, only for Nick to nail Mark with a springboard cutter and Matt to roll up Jay, who kicks out.

The Bucks pull off a springboard variation of the Doomsday Device, but Jay kicks out. They then deliver More Bang For Your Buck, only for Mark to Froggy Bow the referee. While the referee is down, Mark brings a chair in, only to be met with a double superkick from The Bucks. They hit Jay with the Meltzer Driver only for Mark to break it up. They try for a Meltzer driver again, only for Mark to throw a chair at Nick and Jay to plant Matt with a Jay Driller on the chair; surprisingly, Matt kicks out.

Despite The Bucks putting up a fight, The Briscoes deliver a super Redneck Boogie to Matt to pick up the W and retain their titles.

Thoughts: There’s a reason I call these two teams my absolute favorites, and it’s because of matches like this. While it may not fit the traditional mold, this is still a damn good example of when tag team wrestling is at its best. The sequences they pulled off were mind-blowing; a spot in particular I’d like to point out is the moment right before the finale. I have it detailed above, so here are the cliff notes: Bucks pull off Briscoes’ offense, then their own, Briscoes play dirty, but Matt fights through.

Spots like that are an example of the picture-perfect chemistry these two teams have with one another. They’ve faced each other several times before, but every time they do it somehow feels fresh and exciting. That’s because they work so well with one another, they know how to change it up and make it unique, topping what they did before. I can watch these guys duke it out 1000 times and never get bored, and that really speaks to how talented they are as teams.

Was it the overall best tag team match of the year (so far)? No, but it’s still great and deserves to be talked about. You’re really doing yourself a disservice by not partaking in one of the best long-running tag teams feuds wrestling has to offer.

Cody vs. Marty Scurll vs. Dalton Castle, ROH World Championship

Right off the bat, Scurll attacks Cody and sends Castle to the outside. The two trade blows and jaw-jack for a brief spell for Cody goes to the outside. Castle irish whips him into the ring barricade then gives Cody a running knee strike. Scurll attempts to get Castle back in the ring, only to be met with a rebound hurricanrana off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Castle starts working Scurll over while Cody watches on the outside.

Cody tries to springboard dropkick Castle, who moves out of the way and he hits Scurll instead. The two go back-and-forth, Castle landing a few strikes and Cody planting him with a rope-hung flatliner. They get to the outside, where they are met by Scurll on the ring apron. He superkicks Castle, delivers a tornado DDT to Cody. Back in the ring, Cody pleads for mercy from Scurll; the two throw chops and forearms before Cody pulls off a tossing vertical suplex on Scurll.

Castle gets back in and starts unloading on the two with a series of knees and elbows, tossing Scurll to the outside while leaving him and Cody alone in the ring to duke it out. Castle places Cody on the top rope, hits him with an apron knee strike before tossing him from the second rope. Scurll breaks up a Castle submission attempt with his patented Crossface Chickenwing, then Cody slaps a figure-four leglock on Castle, who gets to the ropes and leaves Scurll and Cody alone in the ring together.

Scurll tries to lock in the Chickenwing, but Cody counters with a DDT. Frustrated, he exits the ring and grabs the ROH Title belt, looking to hit Scurll with it. When the referee is distracted, Cody attempts to low-blow Scurll, who blocks, teases a finger break but slaps him instead. Following a distraction from Brandi Rhodes, Cody low-blow Scurll then attempts a small package pinfall; Scurll kicks out. Cody calls for his signature ring and demand Scurll kiss it; he obliges, then not long after breaks Cody’s fingers.

He takes the ring from Cody and attempts to punch Castle with it, only for Castle to counter it with his Bangarang finisher. The NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis, at ringside the whole time, pulls the referee out of the ring, a nod to his possible title match with Cody at All In. After Aldis tosses The Boys around, Cody hits him with a springboard plancha. With the referee distracted, Scurll hits Castle with the ROH title belt; Cody then pulls the referee out of the ring to break up the pinfall attempt.

The three men trade roll-ups, then strikes for a brief respite. Scurll teases a superkick to Castle only to stomp on Cody fingers, sending to the ring apron. Castle knocks him off, then he and Scurll throw clobbering blows at each other. Cody brings Scurll’s signature bag of white powder into the ring; Scurll smacks the powder into his, but Cody is still able drill him with the Cross Rhodes. Castle tosses Cody out of the ring and attempts the pinfall; Scurll kicks out.

Scurll counters a Bangarang attempt, then locks in the Chickenwing. Cody breaks it up, attempts the Cross Rhodes, only for Scurll to counter with one of his own. Castle then hits Scurll with the Bangarang to pick up the W and retain his title.

Thoughts: Going into this match, I had some nagging doubts. Given there wasn’t that much time left in the show, I feared the match would be quick and empty, ending abruptly and not being allowed to breathe. While it was quick, I was dead wrong about my other suspicions, because hot damn they managed to pull off a great match, all things considered. They managed to jam pack a whole mess of action in the small time window given.

What I liked most about this match was the story being told between Scurll and Cody. The way they interacted with each other was brilliant. Granted, allegiances are usually always thown out the window in triple-threat matches, but this one felt different. Each time they faced off, you could tell the relationship is fracturing and it’s only a matter of time before one turns on the other. But let’s not take anything away from Castle. He fulfilled his role and then some as the babyface champion determined to take on all comers in order to hold onto his title.

There were two particular sequences I loved: the double submission attempt on Castle and the spot before the finale where three men traded roll-ups and strikes. They were executed with crisp precision, which to just how well these guys move inside a ring.

Was it the best world title match? No, but still pretty damn good all things considered.

Overall

A great show from start to finish. While not as good as Supercard (one of my favorites of the year so far), it still manages to be an absolute delight and was definitely better than a lot of other PPVs this year. Match of the night by far goes to Lethal/KUSHIDA, though Briscoes/Young Bucks and the main event definitely managed to be great, rounding out the top three.

It’s honestly one of the best shows I’ve seen all year. It absolutely fits the description of being well-rounded. The negatives were minute at best; the only thing I can muster up is that the endings for some of the matches were a little weird. Other than that, I can’t anything bad about this show. Do yourselves a favor and check it out ASAP.

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.

ROH Wrestling Episode #349 Recap/Review: 5/28/18

In this week's episode of ROH Wrestling, we take a look at the last leg of their War Of The Worlds Tour in Chicago. Let's not waste any more time and get right into it.

The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara) vs. Cheeseburger and Jushin Thunder Liger

Titus and Cheeseburger start the match out, with Titus easily gaining control with his size and power advantage over Cheeseburger. Ferrara gets tagged in as well as Liger; The Dawgs retreat to the outside but are met with dual cannonballs from Cheeseburger and Liger. Back in the ring, Liger puts Ferrara in the surfboard hold while Cheeseburger locks in an octopus hold on Titus, seizing control for their team.

This control is short-lived, however, as Titus tags himself in and goes to work taking out Liger and dominating Cheeseburger. He tries to fight back, but to no avail as The Dawgs start working him over with some tag-team offense. Following quick evasive maneuvers, Cheeseburger manages to tag in Liger. After a quick exchange, Ferrara nails Liger with a hammerlock lariat and tags Titus back in. The Dawgs try to team up on Liger, but are unsuccessful. Following multiple Shotei palm strikes from Cheeseburger and Liger, Liger plants Titus with a brainbuster to pick up the W.

Thoughts: A fun way to open the show. All four competitors play their roles well here; The Dawgs being hilariously obnoxious heels, Cheeseburger being the ultimate against-all-odds babyface and Liger being the fearless veteran willing to put over younger talent no matter the cost. While it wasn't a barn-burner of a match, it didn't need to be. Its purpose was to be a quick slice of entertainment, and the purpose was fulfilled in spades.

Jenny Rose vs. Sumie Sakai, WOH Championship

Sakai gains the early the advantage with a series of strikes and corner stomps, then hits an outside crossbody. She has control until Rose hits her with a sidewalk slam counter and starts working her over with a single-leg boston crab. Sakai starts throwing forearm smashes, then hits a fisherman's neckbreaker, seemingly taking control. This is short-lived as Rose knocks her to the outside with a heavy shoulder block.

On the outside, Rose drop toe-holds Sakai onto a chair. Back in the ring, Rose goes to the top rope and nails Sakai with a diving clothelines, then a bridging fisherman suplex. Rose goes to the top rope once again, only to be met with a hurricanrana from Sakai. Following a back elbow, Sakai hits her Smash Mouth finisher on Rose to secure the victory and retain her title.

Thoughts: Another good match. It showcased both competitors' strengths (Rose's power and Sakai's striking) and highlighted their chemistry with one another, while also telling the story of their falling out and Rose's frustration with Sakai as champ, all within a sub 10-minute time frame. If anyone takes the belt off Sakai in the near future, I'd definitely want it to be Rose, because she's definitely proven that she more than deserves it.

SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian, Christopher Daniels and Scorpio Sky) vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia), ROH 6-Man Tag Team Championship

Kazarian and O'Ryan start this match off, after a quick balloon distraction via Marsegllia, the action breaks down in the ring and all six men go at it. Marseglia and Daniels duke it out in the ring while the rest go at it outside. O'Ryan and Sky get tagged in, and the two jockey for position. Kazarian gets tagged back in and SCU start making quick work of O'Ryan with classic tag-team offense. But just as SCU take control, The Kingdom take it back with an assisted Stun Gun to Sky.

O'Ryan and Marseglia hit Sky with a spinebuster/diving headbutt/jackknife pin combo; Sky kicks out. Taven is tagged in, and The Kingdom continue working Sky over; he tries to fight back, but The Kingdom continue the beatdown. But after a double stomp to Marseglia and a running headscissors to O'Ryan, Sky manages to tag in Kazarian, who starts going to work on The Kingdom (Marseglia in particular) with the assistance of Daniels.

Taven tags himself in, then Kazarian tags in Daniels. Taven nails him with a tope suicida over the top rope, only to be met with a slingshot hurricanrana from Kazarian. Marseglia hits a springboard corkscrew senton onto Kazarian and O'Ryan tries to follow suit. Sky hits him with a jumping knee strike, then lands a somersault tope onto The Kingdom. Following a series of attempted weapon strikes, SCU pick up the disqualification victory when the referee mistakes Kazarian smacking himself with a chair for an attack from The Kingdom.

Thoughts: I absolutely love 6-man tag matches, and this one was no exception. Each spot was executed with absolute precision, and the chemistry these six men have with one another is off the charts. And while we're at it, hats off to them for making a heel vs. heel feud work in this day and age. They're just a lot of sneaky, underhanded bastards trying to one-up each other in the lowest way possible. Even though the finish was weird it fits into the narrative and continues the feud, which definitely isn't a bad thing.

Overall

Not anything amazing, but pretty damn good for a weekly show. Even the low point (the WOH Championship match) was still a bunch of fun. Consistency seems to be the key for ROH, and it was definitely shown here. While nothing outright amazing happened, the show as a whole was good from start to finish. If you have the time, check it out (especially the main event). Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

ROH Wrestling Episode #348 Recap/Review: 5/21/18

I decided to take a break after exhausting myself covering the War of the Worlds Tour. But rest assured, I'm back at it again. We've got Jay Lethal/Punishment Martinez and Bullet Club/SoCal Uncensored for the ROH 6-Man Tag Team Titles. Let's get to it.

Jay Lethal vs. Punishment Martinez

After sending Martinez to the outside, Lethal hits seven consecutive suicide dives. The action gets back in the ring as Lethal starts working Martinez' legs, taking control at the beginning. Martinez tries to gain the advantage, but is unsuccessful as Lethal continues his game plan. After a series of counter-strikes, Martinez plants Lethal with a sidewalk slam, seemingly getting the upper hand.

Fighting back, Lethal continues working the legs of Martinez, targeting his left knee in particular. Despite the constant attack, Martinez is still able to connect with a top-top spinning heel kick; Lethal kicks out. Lethal slaps the figure-four leglock on Martinez, doing everything he can to damage Martinez' knee. Following a Lethal Injection counter, Martinez drops Lethal with a lifting full nelson toss then follows it up with a curb stomp; Lethal kicks out once again.

Martinez gets Lethal on the top rope, hoping to deliver a super chokeslam. Lethal counters and delivers his Hail To The King diving elbow drop; Martinez kicks out and the two trade kicks. Martinez tries to gain momentum but his knee buckles; Lethal takes advantage with a superkick, then a Lethal Injection to pick up the W.

Thoughts: A damn fine way to start off a show. Take two elite performers and put them in a match, and you can't go wrong. I really dug the story that was told with Lethal constantly working Martinez' legs as if he were a lumberjack chopping a tree down. Even deeper, it's a story of Lethal's path to redemption following a string of losses. Despite taking the L, Martinez still looks strong as always; he loses no momentum in defeat here. Not much more to say here.

Joey "Diesel" Daddiego vs. Shane Taylor

Daddiego throws a flurry of punches, then tries to get Taylor up on his shoulders. Predictably, he's unsuccessful as Taylor fights off and goes to work punishing him. After ducking a corner cannonball attempt, Daddiego goes right back at it with the punches to Taylor, then delivers a Death Valley Driver. The two end up on the outside, where Taylor counters Daddiego; the punishment commences once again as Taylor rag-dolls Daddiego around the outside. After setting him up on two chairs, Taylor nails Daddiego with an apron splash, then attacks a referee as well as several security members.

Thoughts: For a squash match, this was actually quite entertaining. It seems like they're rebuilding Taylor's monster heel persona by having him just destroy literally everyone within his immediate vicinity. I dig it, and I'd like to see where it goes from here.

Bullet Club (Hangman Page, Cody, Marty Scurll) vs. SoCal Uncensored (Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky)

Cody and Sky start the match off with a series of rest holds. Cody plants Sky with a delayed standing gourdbuster. After the commercial break, we see Daniels put Scurll in a headscissors, who quickly maneuvers out of it. He tags in Page while Daniels tags in Kaz; it's an evenly-matched affair as the two exchange arm drags, hip tosses and rest holds. The two then start throwing punches, throwing technique out the window.

Page throws a rolling elbow at Kaz, then hits a signature dropsault/moonsault combo on Daniels and Kaz. Cody is tagged in and inadvertently hits Scurll with a Disaster Kick. Following the mistake, SCU start a methodical beatdown on Cody. Scurll and Sky get the hot tags, with Scurll getting the advantage. Kaz tries to break it up but is met with a superkick to the knee; Scurll and Cody the execute a drop toe-hold/sliding dropkick combo on Sky, then Page puts a cresecendo on it with a standing shooting star press.

Scurll nails Sky with a patented apron superkick, only to be dumped outside and met with an arabian press moonsault from Daniels. Cody then executes a double-jump plancha to Sky and Daniels, but is then met with a slingshot hurricanrana from Kaz, who the receives a shooting star press off the apron from Page. After this whole ordeal, Cody and Daniels end up on the top rope, jockeying for position; Cody ends up suplexing Daniels onto all of the other featured competitors.

Getting back in the ring, Daniels delivers an STO to Scurll following an eye-poke; Page then hits him with a flip-over release powerbomb, only for Kaz to send him out to the apron and nail him with a slingshot cutter. Following a springboard cutter to Cody, Sky tries to nail Scurll with a jumping knee strike; Scurll counters and plants him with a pumphandle neckbreaker onto the knee. Daniels and Kaz break up a Crossface Chickenwing attempt, only to be met with a dual Buckshot Lariat from Page.

Cody plants Sky with his Din's Fire vertebreaker, then Page nails him with the Rite of Passage for the W.

Thoughts: For just being an exhibition match, this was nevertheless a damn fine way to end a show. It was expected to be a spotfest (not in a high-flying sense, but you get it), with each wrestler delivering their signature moves. And I'll be damned if I didn't say they looked great doing it. The back-and-forth sequences were absolute magic, showing the impeccable chemistry all six men have with each other. Plus, I loved the closing sequence; really digging that they're putting Page over more frequently, because he sure as shit deserves it.

Overall

A really good episode. I wish I wasn't so basic about it, but that's really all I got for it; just a solid show from top to bottom. It's hard to pick, but I think I preferred the Lethal/Martinez match over the main event, though not by much. Also, I surprisingly dug the Shane Taylor squash match. One of the better episodes they've put out in recent weeks, I'd say.