Allie Kitsune
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Post by Allie Kitsune on Aug 29, 2020 15:08:37 GMT -5
Who did Kawato piss off to get stuck with this gimmick? I don't get it. It's a weird gimmick that doesn't suit him and one he doesn't have the charisma to pull off. Tenzan really doesn't seem like a fitting mentor figure, either.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 29, 2020 15:20:32 GMT -5
I don't get it. It's a weird gimmick that doesn't suit him and one he doesn't have the charisma to pull off. Tenzan really doesn't seem like a fitting mentor figure, either. It also doesn't help that Tenzan always tries to have him talk in the post-match interviews, and Kawato just looks like he'd rather be anywhere else on the Earth.
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Convoy
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Post by Convoy on Aug 29, 2020 15:35:58 GMT -5
I almost hope this is another Rainmaker set-up, because as-is, I've never seen a Japanese wrestler look more lost before Kawato's return. Prior to his excursion, he was arguably the most talented YL at just 19. Since his return he just looks shook. Like a child playing wrestler instead of a trained competitor. The Tanahashi superfan that faced him on that game show is a more-convincing wrestler.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 29, 2020 15:45:13 GMT -5
Judging from their Twitter feeds, it seems that El Desperado and SANADA are now due for a feud.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Aug 29, 2020 16:31:29 GMT -5
I almost hope this is another Rainmaker set-up, because as-is, I've never seen a Japanese wrestler look more lost before Kawato's return. Prior to his excursion, he was arguably the most talented YL at just 19. Since his return he just looks shook. Like a child playing wrestler instead of a trained competitor. The Tanahashi superfan that faced him on that game show is a more-convincing wrestler. That fire he had in '17 had many pegged him as a future Jr ace, now, he looks like a guy at a TNA show in '14 who makes it obvious he doesn't want to be here
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Giul T.
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Post by Giul T. on Aug 29, 2020 16:54:49 GMT -5
While I believe thats its not all over for Wato, in wrestling it just takes one strong idea to turn it all around, NJPWs first big mistake was keeping him in CMLL, after it was clear he was having an awful time, then bringing him back in the middle of lockdown, where he has barely anyone to fued with, and not putting him in NJC or KOPW.
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Allie Kitsune
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Post by Allie Kitsune on Aug 29, 2020 18:06:22 GMT -5
So, does Naito winning mean that NJPW thinks they're gonna have Jay back in Japan before WK?
Because I tend to think that otherwise, they'd leave the belt on EVIL to try to set him up as more of a "Leader".
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 29, 2020 19:16:01 GMT -5
So, does Naito winning mean that NJPW thinks they're gonna have Jay back in Japan before WK? Because I tend to think that otherwise, they'd leave the belt on EVIL to try to set him up as more of a "Leader". I think the plan was always to have Naito chase again, while giving EVIL the boost he needed to be in the top tier of New Japan. Even if his reign didn't last too long. And, if reports are true, travel restrictions in Japan could be lifted for guys like White and KENTA sooner rather than later. So that was an extra boost to their decision to give Naito the belts back.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 29, 2020 22:25:41 GMT -5
A couple of other stray thoughts I've had on this show:
-It's nice to see a decent crowd at a wrestling show. Sure, they couldn't cheer much but, they were respectful and, most importantly, they adhered to the guidelines. It makes me jealous because let's be honest, that's not going to be a common sight here in the States. Not with the amount of people who act like putting a piece of cloth on their face is like the second coming of the Killing Fields of Cambodia.
-It didn't really hit me until Naito did the roll call that yes, indeed, EVIL is out of LIJ. It's very noticeable because he's the first one to be called out.
-Yano doing his best Eric Young impression at the smoke during his entrance got a good belly laugh out of me.
-Okada pointed this out but, apparently, he ended up eating a pin in less than 10 minutes. That's impressive for the man who's the top babyface in the company. Yes it was a fatal four way but, that's still very odd. He was also the first to throw his hat in for the G-1. As if anyone had any questions about that.
-Nobu catches a lot of unnecessary crap from fans for the fact that he has lost a step but, I think he showed excellent ring situational awareness by not allowing Wato's botches to ruin the match's flow. Give him that much. He deserves an extra bottle of Jimmy Bean for that.
-Speaking of Nobu, I think Ishimori winning tonight makes the decision to have him beat Nobu in the cup all the more baffling. There's a ready made story there. Ishimori, for all his credentials, has never beaten Nobu. Not in New Japan, and not in NOAH. But, that went away early in the NJC.
-It really feels like New Japan wants to pull the trigger on Despy but they're very hesitant. I was certain he'd get a big push coming out of a good showing against #TOMO in the New Japan Cup but, he's only lost two straight title matches. I don't get it.
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ronin705
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Post by ronin705 on Aug 30, 2020 0:33:08 GMT -5
Thank. f***ing. God!!! 2 Belts Naito with another reign babbay!!
Edit:I also think the EVIL turn was wrong time wrong place, cuz yes, the roll call is weird as shit now
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Captain Stud Muffin (BLM)
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Aug 30, 2020 2:37:32 GMT -5
So, does Naito winning mean that NJPW thinks they're gonna have Jay back in Japan before WK? Because I tend to think that otherwise, they'd leave the belt on EVIL to try to set him up as more of a "Leader". EVIL didn't need the belts for the BC stuff to still have relevance They needed a new main eventer and made one in EVIL, while still having time to put the title back on Naito before the G1 which always seemed to be the plan G1 is going to set up the long term stuff. I still think we get Naito vs Ibushi for the title at WK. Jay White vs Okada will probably be the co main event for the IC title or they really want to split the BC it will be EVIL vs White Naito will lose the IC title between now and WK but i'm 60% sure he walks into WK as champ
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Post by corndog on Aug 30, 2020 9:15:08 GMT -5
Finished the show last night, good stuff. Shingo/Suzuki was my match of the night and EVIL/Naito was much better than last time. Overall a good show and I didn't mind any of the results. Shingo losing the belt is going to free him up for something bigger after the G1. Can't quite see him winning, but definitely could see him pinning anyone in that tournament. Have to agree with thinking Ibushi wins it and challenges Naito at WK.
Have to agree, Wato losing is strange. Not to say I don't like Kanemaru, just surprised to win. I still have a feeling Wato ends up turning heel.
Also, Suzuki-Gun is continuing their streak of success, they had a good night despite Despy losing.
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Captain Stud Muffin (BLM)
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Aug 30, 2020 9:33:07 GMT -5
Finished the show last night, good stuff. Shingo/Suzuki was my match of the night and EVIL/Naito was much better than last time. Overall a good show and I didn't mind any of the results. Shingo losing the belt is going to free him up for something bigger after the G1. Can't quite see him winning, but definitely could see him pinning anyone in that tournament. Have to agree with thinking Ibushi wins it and challenges Naito at WK. Have to agree, Wato losing is strange. Not to say I don't like Kanemaru, just surprised to win. I still have a feeling Wato ends up turning heel. Also, Suzuki-Gun is continuing their streak of success, they had a good night despite Despy losing. I don't think Ibushi wins the G1 tho I think he gets cheated out of it by Jay White, which leads to probably Okada winning. In my scenario, Ibushi will beat all 3 people he was in contention with last year. He will beat Jay White in the G1 but probably lose to not make the finals. He will beat Okada for the briefcase before WK, therefore setting up him vs Naito. He will beat Naito at WK to win the IWGP championship
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Captain Stud Muffin (BLM)
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Aug 30, 2020 9:34:34 GMT -5
Also, since we have seen that Okada is all about chasing other titles this year and failed on the KOPW and NEVER 6 man
I still think he gets the IC title at some point between now or at WK but with Suzuki having the NEVER title, having Okada go after it would be fun
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Post by Some Baritone guy IS REDEEMED! on Aug 30, 2020 14:17:58 GMT -5
So assuming that the Foreign residents will be back for the G1 Climax, here's my prediction for the field:
1:Tetsuya Naito 2:Kazuchika Okada 3:Kota Ibushi 4:Jay White 5:Hiroshi Tanahashi 6:EVIL 7:Will Ospreay 8:Sanada 9:SHINGO 10:Minouru Suzuki 11:KENTA 12:Zack Sabre Jr. 13:Taichi 14:Tomohiro Ishii 15:Hirooki Goto 16:Toru Yano 17:Hiromu Takahashi 18:SHO 19:Bad Luck Fale 20:Juice Robinson
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 30, 2020 18:17:39 GMT -5
Also, since we have seen that Okada is all about chasing other titles this year and failed on the KOPW and NEVER 6 man I still think he gets the IC title at some point between now or at WK but with Suzuki having the NEVER title, having Okada go after it would be fun I'd be more than okay with Okada and Suzuki facing off again. Those two are awesome together.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 30, 2020 18:58:18 GMT -5
So assuming that the Foreign residents will be back for the G1 Climax, here's my prediction for the field: 1:Tetsuya Naito 2:Kazuchika Okada 3:Kota Ibushi 4:Jay White 5:Hiroshi Tanahashi 6:EVIL 7:Will Ospreay 8:Sanada 9:SHINGO 10:Minouru Suzuki 11:KENTA 12:Zack Sabre Jr. 13:Taichi 14:Tomohiro Ishii 15:Hirooki Goto 16:Toru Yano 17:Hiromu Takahashi 18:SHO 19:Bad Luck Fale 20:Juice Robinson I still think you're looking at one surprise from outside the NJPW roster for the G-1. Who that could be? No clue. There will be many more for the BOSJ
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Post by Clash, Never a Meter Maid on Aug 30, 2020 23:16:50 GMT -5
See, Wato is someone who I do feel desperately needs a heel turn, because the grandmaster thing isn’t clicking. The outfit doesn’t look intimidating, and he looks like he’s trying hard not to mess up as opposed to just having fun out there and/or letting the more experienced worker lead. Maybe some time in Suzuki-Gun or BC would give him a needed jolt of confidence, at least to wash this current funk off.
As of now I’m leaning towards Ibushi repeating as G1 because there is a good redemption story for him avenging his “double loser” status at WK14. With him as champ, there’s a strong opportunity for a World title rivalry with Jay through 2021, IMO.
Okada going after the IC belt would be a significant character development for him- maybe he could come to the conclusion of “I will elevate this title to where I feel the Heavyweight belt is”.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Aug 31, 2020 1:08:28 GMT -5
See, Wato is someone who I do feel desperately needs a heel turn, because the grandmaster thing isn’t clicking. The outfit doesn’t look intimidating, and he looks like he’s trying hard not to mess up as opposed to just having fun out there and/or letting the more experienced worker lead. Maybe some time in Suzuki-Gun or BC would give him a needed jolt of confidence, at least to wash this current funk off. As of now I’m leaning towards Ibushi repeating as G1 because there is a good redemption story for him avenging his “double loser” status at WK14. With him as champ, there’s a strong opportunity for a World title rivalry with Jay through 2021, IMO. Okada going after the IC belt would be a significant character development for him- maybe he could come to the conclusion of “I will elevate this title to where I feel the Heavyweight belt is”. The biggest indicator that something needs to change is when a wrestler has zero confidence in what he's doing. That's preciously where Kawato is now.
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Mozenrath
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Post by Mozenrath on Aug 31, 2020 3:59:21 GMT -5
See, Wato is someone who I do feel desperately needs a heel turn, because the grandmaster thing isn’t clicking. The outfit doesn’t look intimidating, and he looks like he’s trying hard not to mess up as opposed to just having fun out there and/or letting the more experienced worker lead. Maybe some time in Suzuki-Gun or BC would give him a needed jolt of confidence, at least to wash this current funk off. As of now I’m leaning towards Ibushi repeating as G1 because there is a good redemption story for him avenging his “double loser” status at WK14. With him as champ, there’s a strong opportunity for a World title rivalry with Jay through 2021, IMO. Okada going after the IC belt would be a significant character development for him- maybe he could come to the conclusion of “I will elevate this title to where I feel the Heavyweight belt is”. On the last note, it would be interesting in that it'd reflect Nakamura's tenure as leader of CHAOS, and his own association with the IC title. It'd be full circle.
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