NJPW on AXS TV: Episode 13

New Japan Pro-Wrestling on AXS TV

Episode 13, April 10th 2015

This edition is dedicated to the Yokohama Arena show, NJPW’s first show in there since 2003 (I think). They aired the entire Suzuki & Benjamin vs. Yano & Iizuka angle where Iizuka turned on his tag team partner to join SZKG.

Okada talks about the upcoming rematch with Styles.

Back to Yokohama Arena

(2014/5/25)

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs. AJ Styles ©

Very similar to their first match, only this one barely had anything good in it, unlike the Fukuoka meeting. Again, there was a lot of dead meat and unnecessary parts in there, and I’m saying this again – these two need to have sprints instead of epics, especially with the Bullet Club version of AJ, which is a strange and not so logical character. AJ’s always been the best as a stoic asskicking figure who bumps like a madman and does impressive offense sequences, so putting him in all these heel shenanigans modes takes away from his true being. The Bullet Club AJ is not a true AJ, not even close. AJ’s current role would’ve been perfect for Eddie Guerrero or Bryan Danielson, AJ is a different sort of badass, he’s not cut for cockiness and “dat swag”. It’s no coincidence his title matches underdelivered in New Japan, that’s because Gedo and Jado insist on something he can’t fulfill, plus all the American style interference bullshit, but if you give AJ the ball and let him run with it, miracles will happen. See G1 Climax 24.

**1/2

Backstage, Okada is fucking CRUSHED and Gedo is there for his client. Fantastic selling of a defeat.

Bullet Club celebrates inside the ring, Karl Anderson cuts another LAME slow-talking promo.

Okada reflects on the match, and like a true Jap he only blames himself, not the interferences. Says he’d like to face with AJ one more time, he’s impressed with his skills and super rich moveset.