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Post by AwamoriRock on Oct 26, 2020 22:38:48 GMT -5
You never win bets with the safe pick so I’m gonna lob this out there as my call: Ibushi loses at WK and walks sobbing to the back like Okada.
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Oct 27, 2020 3:30:35 GMT -5
You never win bets with the safe pick so I’m gonna lob this out there as my call: Ibushi loses at WK and walks sobbing to the back like Okada. Ibushi was ready last year but Gedo made him wait a whole year as he usually does with these payoffs so it is Ibushi time to be GOD What Naito does is something that isn't talked about. He's about to wander aimlessly like Okada has because there is no real feud to stick him into unless they pull the trigger on Shingo trying to take LIJ from him
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Post by AwamoriRock on Oct 27, 2020 5:11:59 GMT -5
You never win bets with the safe pick so I’m gonna lob this out there as my call: Ibushi loses at WK and walks sobbing to the back like Okada. Ibushi was ready last year but Gedo made him wait a whole year as he usually does with these payoffs so it is Ibushi time to be GOD What Naito does is something that isn't talked about. He's about to wander aimlessly like Okada has because there is no real feud to stick him into unless they pull the trigger on Shingo trying to take LIJ from him That’s the thing. Naito needs something to do if he wins or loses. If Ibushi falls short (long term story” defenders somehow will quiet up here) then there’s a fascinating issue. Still calling it, Naito wins at WK.
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Post by Mozenrath on Oct 27, 2020 5:40:38 GMT -5
I think that, if Ibushi and Naito make it to WK as-is, Ibushi wins. Naito will have more than made his point by then, and it'd solidify Ibushi as one of their pillars. It feels like Okada, Naito, Ibushi, and Jay White are being set up as like the four top guys, whereas Tanahashi, Suzuki, and now EVIL will be making up the rung below.
As for the Jr. Tag belts, I could see LIJ taking it, if only because leaving the Tekkers and Suzuki, if he retains, as the only SUZUKI-Gun title holders may further increase the tension between them, especially if Suzuki loses, too. Speaking of, the group having three of the titles to themselves, even if it's not the world or IC titles, is some nice success for a group that had previously often taken a backseat to LIJ, CHAOS, and Bullet Club, especially the latter. It makes sense, though, given they've been stepping into an oddly popular group of lovable rogues, maybe since Bullet Club is currently so solidly heel.
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Post by Duke Cameron on Oct 27, 2020 6:47:25 GMT -5
I think that, if Ibushi and Naito make it to WK as-is, Ibushi wins. Naito will have more than made his point by then, and it'd solidify Ibushi as one of their pillars. It feels like Okada, Naito, Ibushi, and Jay White are being set up as like the four top guys, whereas Tanahashi, Suzuki, and now EVIL will be making up the rung below. As for the Jr. Tag belts, I could see LIJ taking it, if only because leaving the Tekkers and Suzuki, if he retains, as the only SUZUKI-Gun title holders may further increase the tension between them, especially if Suzuki loses, too. Speaking of, the group having three of the titles to themselves, even if it's not the world or IC titles, is some nice success for a group that had previously often taken a backseat to LIJ, CHAOS, and Bullet Club, especially the latter. It makes sense, though, given they've been stepping into an oddly popular group of lovable rogues, maybe since Bullet Club is currently so solidly heel. The lack of SANADA on that list of top guys hurts me.
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Post by Mozenrath on Oct 27, 2020 7:42:34 GMT -5
I think that, if Ibushi and Naito make it to WK as-is, Ibushi wins. Naito will have more than made his point by then, and it'd solidify Ibushi as one of their pillars. It feels like Okada, Naito, Ibushi, and Jay White are being set up as like the four top guys, whereas Tanahashi, Suzuki, and now EVIL will be making up the rung below. As for the Jr. Tag belts, I could see LIJ taking it, if only because leaving the Tekkers and Suzuki, if he retains, as the only SUZUKI-Gun title holders may further increase the tension between them, especially if Suzuki loses, too. Speaking of, the group having three of the titles to themselves, even if it's not the world or IC titles, is some nice success for a group that had previously often taken a backseat to LIJ, CHAOS, and Bullet Club, especially the latter. It makes sense, though, given they've been stepping into an oddly popular group of lovable rogues, maybe since Bullet Club is currently so solidly heel. The lack of SANADA on that list of top guys hurts me. Honestly, I think he'll be up there sooner than later, especially in the IC division. It feels like he's putting the pieces together, but it's tough to tell what's in store for him. Maybe he'll end up like Goto and considered sort of an almost-was, but he's also more popular and younger than Goto, so he's probably going to be fine.
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Post by chrom on Oct 27, 2020 10:35:46 GMT -5
Really don't think Ibushi is going to lose in the Main Event two years in a row there.
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Oct 27, 2020 11:28:50 GMT -5
I think that, if Ibushi and Naito make it to WK as-is, Ibushi wins. Naito will have more than made his point by then, and it'd solidify Ibushi as one of their pillars. It feels like Okada, Naito, Ibushi, and Jay White are being set up as like the four top guys, whereas Tanahashi, Suzuki, and now EVIL will be making up the rung below. As for the Jr. Tag belts, I could see LIJ taking it, if only because leaving the Tekkers and Suzuki, if he retains, as the only SUZUKI-Gun title holders may further increase the tension between them, especially if Suzuki loses, too. Speaking of, the group having three of the titles to themselves, even if it's not the world or IC titles, is some nice success for a group that had previously often taken a backseat to LIJ, CHAOS, and Bullet Club, especially the latter. It makes sense, though, given they've been stepping into an oddly popular group of lovable rogues, maybe since Bullet Club is currently so solidly heel. No feels like, they are the top 4 pillars of NJPW and have been since last year when Ibushi signed his deal and took over for Tana Ibushi isn't losing two years in a row. He has been the de-facto ACE in NJPW over the last two years even over Okada. He's gotten the big babyface storylines and now with 2 G1's won in a row, he's set to become GOD On a related note, I can see Naito going into his asshole phase for the stretch run until WK. It has been a long time since he has been able to act like that and it would fit into the story they want to tell
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Post by Clash, Never a Meter Maid on Oct 27, 2020 12:01:37 GMT -5
I don’t see any reason Ibushi shouldn’t win both belts at WK15. Gedo loves these slow burn stories where someone achieves just a bit more glory each time (Okada wanting a Dome victory over Tanahashi despite already beating him for a title, Naito frustrated with missing the main event a couple of years, then wanting that main event title win, etc).
Ibushi was already a big star through his runs outside NJPW, and now that he’s tasted the WK main event fruit (at least one night), all that’s left for him is to win the whole kaboodle and he’ll be even more massive. Naito’s already reached the New Japan pinnacle and has pretty much done it all. Now he’s the standard bearer champ after playing the upstart renegade for so long, so it makes a ton of sense IMO for him to be Kota’s Final Boss.
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Post by Duke Cameron on Oct 27, 2020 12:41:47 GMT -5
The lack of SANADA on that list of top guys hurts me. Honestly, I think he'll be up there sooner than later, especially in the IC division. It feels like he's putting the pieces together, but it's tough to tell what's in store for him. Maybe he'll end up like Goto and considered sort of an almost-was, but he's also more popular and younger than Goto, so he's probably going to be fine. Never thought EVIL might end up the more successful of the two.
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Post by Fundertaker on Oct 27, 2020 12:48:45 GMT -5
He has been the de-facto ACE in NJPW over the last two years even over Okada. He's gotten the big babyface storylines and now with 2 G1's won in a row, he's set to become GOD The complete lack of IWGP Heavyweight Title reigns in that period descredits that statement though. And he won't be the "de facto" ace, especially going to age 40. He'll be there in the main-event for a long ass run if he so wishes, but Okada is the ace for the forseeable future. This and probably next year will be rest years for him as he had clear title fatigue, but he'll get a lot more title programs (and wins at that) than anyone in the company for the next 5-7 years.
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Oct 27, 2020 12:53:31 GMT -5
He has been the de-facto ACE in NJPW over the last two years even over Okada. He's gotten the big babyface storylines and now with 2 G1's won in a row, he's set to become GOD The complete lack of IWGP Heavyweight Title reigns in that period descredits that statement though. And he won't be the "de facto" ace, especially going to age 40. He'll be there in the main-event for a long ass run if he so wishes, but Okada is the ace for the forseeable future. This and probably next year will be rest years for him as he had clear title fatigue, but he'll get a lot more title programs (and wins at that) than anyone in the company for the next 5-7 years. I never said he is replacing Okada, I said he has been the ACE the last year and a half which an argument can be made he has been. Okada only got the title to make the double championship match a bigger event and his storyline has been stagnant almost the last two years NO ONE is replacing Okada
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Post by corndog on Oct 27, 2020 17:04:00 GMT -5
Dangerous Tekkers have really made me care about the tag titles again. Not looking forward to G.O.D. returning and bringing the division back down. Is it possible Despy and Kanemaru drop the belts? That would make Hiromu a double champion, can't see that leading into Wrestle Kingdom. But I have a feeling or maybe just hoping, Despy will win BOSJ. They were building up to a match between him and Hiromu before his injury that left him out of last year's tournament. Plus his NEVER title shot against Shingo, this feud between Despy and LIJ is nothing new. But I suppose we should see the field for BOSJ, before assuming winners. I also wonder what gaijin could come in. If they can, definitely can see ACH, TJP, El Phantasmo, Gresham and Rocky coming in for this. Hiromu dropped the Junior belt to Ishimori at Jingu, so LiJ can win the tag belts without it causing any issues.
With regards to the BoSJ & WTL tournaments, I believe that we're going to be see each tournament consist of 10 entries in a single-block format. As far I'm aware, the first day of the tour will feature the first round of both tournaments, then they'll swap between each tournament until the penultimate & final show which also consists of both tournaments. As such, I don't think they're going to bring in as many gaijin for this tournament as they did for the G1. To be honest, I think Ryu Lee is the only one they'd go out of their way to ensure is present for the tournament.
Those 3 shows sharing both tournaments will need to have good pacing in the booking, but the rest of the tour will be an easy watch like the G1 was with just C-Block in the undercard. My prediction for BoSJ is: Ishimori, Hiromu, Bushi, SHO, Despy, Kanemaru, DOUKI, Gedo, Taguchi, Wato.
I forgot about Hiromu losing the belt until after he challenged for the tag belts. Maybe G.O.D. makes the trip over for the tag league. I agree though, they probably won't bring as many over for BOSJ considering they are splitting the tour with World Tag League. So each should only be single blocks with 10 teams/wrestlers each. As far as the entrants, looks about right, but I was wondering where the heck is Tiger Mask? I much rather have him in than Gedo, who is just worthless in the ring these days. Hell, I would rather have Yuya Uemura in the tournament.
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Post by chrom on Oct 27, 2020 17:13:08 GMT -5
Hiromu dropped the Junior belt to Ishimori at Jingu, so LiJ can win the tag belts without it causing any issues.
With regards to the BoSJ & WTL tournaments, I believe that we're going to be see each tournament consist of 10 entries in a single-block format. As far I'm aware, the first day of the tour will feature the first round of both tournaments, then they'll swap between each tournament until the penultimate & final show which also consists of both tournaments. As such, I don't think they're going to bring in as many gaijin for this tournament as they did for the G1. To be honest, I think Ryu Lee is the only one they'd go out of their way to ensure is present for the tournament.
Those 3 shows sharing both tournaments will need to have good pacing in the booking, but the rest of the tour will be an easy watch like the G1 was with just C-Block in the undercard. My prediction for BoSJ is: Ishimori, Hiromu, Bushi, SHO, Despy, Kanemaru, DOUKI, Gedo, Taguchi, Wato.
I forgot about Hiromu losing the belt until after he challenged for the tag belts. Maybe G.O.D. makes the trip over for the tag league. I agree though, they probably won't bring as many over for BOSJ considering they are splitting the tour with World Tag League. So each should only be single blocks with 10 teams/wrestlers each. As far as the entrants, looks about right, but I was wondering where the heck is Tiger Mask? I much rather have him in than Gedo, who is just worthless in the ring these days. Hell, I would rather have Yuya Uemura in the tournament. Before New Japan resumed shows, TMIV fell sick with an illness and has been inactive since then.
Uemura would make a better choice than Gedo who's less mobile than Nakanishi now.
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Post by corndog on Oct 27, 2020 17:47:44 GMT -5
I forgot about Hiromu losing the belt until after he challenged for the tag belts. Maybe G.O.D. makes the trip over for the tag league. I agree though, they probably won't bring as many over for BOSJ considering they are splitting the tour with World Tag League. So each should only be single blocks with 10 teams/wrestlers each. As far as the entrants, looks about right, but I was wondering where the heck is Tiger Mask? I much rather have him in than Gedo, who is just worthless in the ring these days. Hell, I would rather have Yuya Uemura in the tournament. Before New Japan resumed shows, TMIV fell sick with an illness and has been inactive since then. Uemura would make a better choice than Gedo who's less mobile than Nakanishi now.
I was wondering what happened to Tiger Mask, he actually was pretty good in last year's tournament. Gedo is awful, he adds nothing to this tournament except for a day off, he wasn't even good the last time he was in the tournament a few years back. I would rather have Dick Togo in it, at least he can still work properly.
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Post by chrom on Oct 28, 2020 10:37:41 GMT -5
With Daylight Savings Time starting Sunday, all of New Japan's shows will be airing an hour earlier now.
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Post by corndog on Oct 28, 2020 12:44:00 GMT -5
I think that, if Ibushi and Naito make it to WK as-is, Ibushi wins. Naito will have more than made his point by then, and it'd solidify Ibushi as one of their pillars. It feels like Okada, Naito, Ibushi, and Jay White are being set up as like the four top guys, whereas Tanahashi, Suzuki, and now EVIL will be making up the rung below. As for the Jr. Tag belts, I could see LIJ taking it, if only because leaving the Tekkers and Suzuki, if he retains, as the only SUZUKI-Gun title holders may further increase the tension between them, especially if Suzuki loses, too. Speaking of, the group having three of the titles to themselves, even if it's not the world or IC titles, is some nice success for a group that had previously often taken a backseat to LIJ, CHAOS, and Bullet Club, especially the latter. It makes sense, though, given they've been stepping into an oddly popular group of lovable rogues, maybe since Bullet Club is currently so solidly heel. I'm also glad to see SUZUKI-GUN having success. Taichi has been incredible since moving up to heavyweight and he keeps getting better. Overall, they are an incredibly talented group that just felt like they didn't have the proper motivation and were just used as Minoru Suzuki's goons. With LIJ basically full blown faces, despite Naito's attitude sometimes, SUZUKI-GUN is in the early LIJ role and Kenny led Bullet Club of being heels, but heels that are likeable and have redeeming qualities. Taichi having such a chip on his shoulder is very reminiscent of Naito's Los Ingobernable character. Also much like Naito, rather than use the bitterness as an excuse, he uses it for motivation. It has also bled out to the rest of the group being motivated. Despy has always been a favorite of mine and it's great to see Douki wanted to step up to be more than just pin fodder.
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Post by YAKMAN is ICHIBAN on Oct 28, 2020 19:31:55 GMT -5
Late to the party. Catching up on the G1. Haven’t watched any NJPW since Wrestle Kingdom.
Just got through Ibushi/Suzuki and Okada/Takagi. Holy f*** what a pair of matches.
Yano vs ZSJ was one of the funniest matches I’ve seen. Angry ZSJ plays off Yano so well. In general Yano had been a huge highlight. Taping Sanada to a young lion was gold.
Another highlight has been Yoshi-Hashi kicking it up a notch. I just about screamed at the TV at the finish of him and Evil, I wanted the upset so bad by the end.
Really it’s all been great, everyone brings their A-game to the G1 as usual. Yujiro is probably the bottom of the pile but even his matches haven’t been bad. Loved him refusing to lay down for Jay White.
My wife is going kinda crazy with me trying to binge through a 30 day wrestling tournament in a week or so and monopolizing the TV. Oh well!
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Post by Some Baritone guy IS REDEEMED! on Oct 28, 2020 19:54:58 GMT -5
Ibushi was ready last year but Gedo made him wait a whole year as he usually does with these payoffs so it is Ibushi time to be GOD What Naito does is something that isn't talked about. He's about to wander aimlessly like Okada has because there is no real feud to stick him into unless they pull the trigger on Shingo trying to take LIJ from him That’s the thing. Naito needs something to do if he wins or loses. If Ibushi falls short (long term story” defenders somehow will quiet up here) then there’s a fascinating issue. Still calling it, Naito wins at WK. I think his heartbreaking defeat moment happened last year though, with him losing to Okada on night one, and White on night two. I think this will be the end of Naito's time as a #1 superstar. I think they move him to where Tanahashi went after his WK loss to Okada. Still a big star, but not really in the IWGP title scene constantly. As much as I like him, Naito already got his moment and holding back the overdue Ibushi Title win would be just as dumb as what happened at WK12.
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Post by chrom on Oct 28, 2020 22:05:08 GMT -5
Gabriel Kidd has a couple interviews up detailing his experiences in Japan on njpw1972
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