NJPW on AXS TV: Episode 2

New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV

Episode 2, January 23rd 2015

New Japan Cup 2013

(2013/3/23)

Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku) vs. CHAOS (Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii, Jado)

This was a fun and really good 6-man tag that lasted 14 minutes but these guys only aired like 4-5, they showed the opening ambush brawling and the last chapter. Fortunately, I have the entire match on my disk and was happy to revisit it, super sweet contest where everyone did their part well, especially MiSu and OMGISHII.

***1/2

We cut to Okada talking about New Japan Cup and his focus on regaining the heavyweight belt, he also discusses Goto, both his good and bad sides.

New Japan Cup 2013

(2013/3/23)

New Japan Cup 2013 – FINALE: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hirooki Goto

Excellent match-up that was tons of fun to revisit with Ranallo and Barnett on commentary, they did great job once again, especially Barnett, love the guy. This was a battle of the two guys whose offense if neck based, and this match was no different, they did a great job in building towards the finish, and both guys sold very well too, they paced everything well and it paid off in a very dramatic and exciting climax. Another testament to New Japan style where they create an epic without sacrificing logic and basics of the game, plus another subplot that ruled was Okada’s freaky athleticism going against Goto’s in-your-face brawling, this was just excellent, top notch entertainment.

****1/4

Post-match stuff was Okada, Gedo and Tanahashi building the upcoming Invasion Attack main event, then we cut to Okada once again reflecting on this match and his ambitious future.

Another awesome episode, this time they focused on NJC, everything was simple, effective and well presented, just like what pro-wrestling should be. I’m seriously enjoying this series.