NJPW on AXS TV: Episode 5

New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV

Episode 5, February 13th 2015

We’re at the final show of Kizuna Road 2013 tour, in Akita on July 20^th. We start with the clipped version of the 8-man tag that had Anderson, Terrible, Fale and Tonga of Bullet Club taking on New Japan’s babyfaces Tana, Makabe, Liger and Captain. It was fun stuff with hot crowd and everyone did their thing well.

Kizuna Road 2013

(2013/7/20)

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Prince Devitt vs. Kazuchika Okada ©

I liked this better now, on a rewatch, just like Makabe/Okada. This time I noticed some neat things that went under my radar 18 months ago, such as few nifty psychological battles in the first half of the match. I also loved the finishing stretch, particularly the very climax of the match, and Gedo interfering to help his client was awesome touch. The announcers did a nice job in explaining why Devitt and Bullet Club had such a big heat in New Japan while they were interfering in the match a lot. I know people don’t like Bullet Club hindering their matches but it can be lots of fun when done right, and here in this one – it was done right and led to some dramatic moments in the closing run, because the fans wouldn’t normally buy into Devitt as a true threat to Okada’s dominant reign, but now with the gaijin jackals – everything is possible. Although not touching the Tana and Makabe classics, this was still a great match in its own way.

****

Devitt is shown backstage, he’s disappointed but he’s going to get his revenge against Okada as the G1 is around the corner.

Okada and Gedo are doing their usual post-match thing inside the ring to say goodbye to the fans. Okada said it was tough fighting the entire Buller Club at once, and thanked Gedo for saving him from Fale.

Back in the studio, Okada’s talking about the match and how Devitt surprised him with his unusual strength. He already knew he was very quick. He said he wouldn’t have won without Gedo’s help.