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Post by Some Baritone guy IS REDEEMED! on Feb 4, 2023 9:44:03 GMT -5
That main event did not need 30+ minutes. Cut like 10 minutes off of that and it would have been something really good.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 10:29:22 GMT -5
I agree that it didn't need to be over half an hour long.
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Post by BayleyTiffyCodyCenaJudyHopps on Feb 4, 2023 10:31:48 GMT -5
I know that win was to build Ospreay back up after Kenny ate him alive, but man Taichi is looking good. I say let him upset Okada and have a troll run for a couple of months.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 11:40:28 GMT -5
The TV Title match has a 15 minute time limit.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 12:04:45 GMT -5
Catch 2/2's 4th defense tied Desperado and Kanemaru's 1st reign for most defenses in the past five years.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 15:24:31 GMT -5
Bushi and Titan are likely the next challengers at FantasticaMania.
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Convoy
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Post by Convoy on Feb 4, 2023 15:59:19 GMT -5
Sounds like people on split on the main. Japanese Twitter especially seems harsh to not only Umino’s performance, but also his general gimmick (namely the Roughneck moniker with his outfit, style and demeanor). One hilarious poster commented on the weirdness of having “death rider” in pink on his kneepad. That all seems a bit picky to me, but I do like seeing what the native fans think.
I’ll plant my flag and say that I didn’t like it, and Umino stills feels off to me. He has plenty of time to improve, but he need to tighten up the screws in various areas. His overall presentation is honestly all over, and I think the best characters are always the true person turned up to 11. My biggest issue with the match was how it felt like he was trying to do too much, when the crowd isn’t yet sure what his big moments should be. Botches happen, but his cardio and structuring will need help as he grows in the ring.
Ideally we have another 15+ years to see his progression, and this match will likely be a distant memory by that time.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Feb 4, 2023 16:03:54 GMT -5
I didn’t care for the main event at all. I think I’m now officially a bit down on the Mox/Tanahashi hybrid gimmick, and I think that main event was also proof that Naito can’t carry someone by himself.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Feb 4, 2023 16:09:31 GMT -5
I'll also plant my flag here to say it's matches like the one against Umino that proves why Naito has never been the top guy in New Japan.
Okada, Ospreay, Omega, and Tanahashi would have been able to cover the gaps in Umino's performance and presentation. Naito failed to do that. That's why he's never been the guy. No matter how much merch he sells. He can't elevate anybody the way other NJPW main eventers can.
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Fundertaker
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Post by Fundertaker on Feb 4, 2023 16:44:05 GMT -5
I liked the main-event, but I do agree that Shota still has some stuff to tighten up, but that's ok. He's kinda like how Jay White was when he returned from excursion in that he needs to work big matches against top talent to get to the big level he needs to be, including what needs to do more or do less. Hopefully he gets a nice run in the New Japan Cup so he can get some of those matches in. Roughneck has got to go though. Seems like that's something someone in the office thought of and Umino's like "whatever, I'm never gonna use it" and sticks with the Shooter stuff.
I do love the Bret Hart-like acknowledge and give something to kid in the audience gimmick, but I love when we get wholesome stuff in wrestling anyway.
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Convoy
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Rusev admits to being a sex addict to large applause.
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Post by Convoy on Feb 4, 2023 17:04:14 GMT -5
I'll also plant my flag here to say it's matches like the one against Umino that proves why Naito has never been the top guy in New Japan. Okada, Ospreay, Omega, and Tanahashi would have been able to cover the gaps in Umino's performance and presentation. Naito failed to do that. That's why he's never been the guy. No matter how much merch he sells. He can't elevate anybody the way other NJPW main eventers can. I love Naito, but he has his limits and in a place like New Japan they matter more than any other company. Okada is hit-or-miss for me personally, but those others (and Ibushi) are what I’ve referred to as “dynamic performers” that can step up and deliver constantly with anybody. Another example of covering gaps is how most of those guys handled matches with Moxley, whereas Naito’s G1 match was flawed with phantom knees and such. |
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 17:33:38 GMT -5
HoT continue to claim that The Never Trios have been retired.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 17:38:02 GMT -5
I like that Sabre is yelling out advice to Fujita on how to apply and put on holds during their matches.
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 21:40:25 GMT -5
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Mozenrath
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Post by Mozenrath on Feb 4, 2023 21:54:25 GMT -5
I wonder if any freelancers will get in, like Ultimo Dragon or, I guess, Yoshihiro Tajiri. Like, I think he left AJPW or will be doing so.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Feb 4, 2023 21:58:12 GMT -5
I wonder if any freelancers will get in, like Ultimo Dragon or, I guess, Yoshihiro Tajiri. Like, I think he left AJPW or will be doing so. Ultimo is considered a member of the Dragon Gate roster as of now, I believe. |
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Feb 4, 2023 22:00:25 GMT -5
Billy Ken Kid is the oldest participant so far at 49.
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Mochi Lone Wolf
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Post by Mochi Lone Wolf on Feb 4, 2023 22:03:29 GMT -5
What are the chances CMLL's representative is anyone other than Titán?
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 22:04:08 GMT -5
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chrom
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Post by chrom on Feb 4, 2023 22:05:35 GMT -5
What are the chances CMLL's representative is anyone other than Titán? If not him than Volador. |
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