DNA 1

DNA 1

(2014/11/28)

1.       Suguru Miyatake vs. Kouki Iwasaki

Solid enough. There are always problems when you watch two virtually same-looking rookies going at it and trying to present us their not-yet fleshed out characters, but these two did relatively good job. They’re two pretty boys with too similar outfits and physiques, and easy-going dudes such as me have difficulties in telling them apart. Whatever, tho, I made through it. Nice and smart structure, with meaningful holds and hellish strikes, and that one strike battle was placed so well, it automatically surpassed almost every New Japan strike battle from the last 18 months. Really good and grounded body of work here, but not enough effort in trying to distinguish themselves as respective wrestling personas, however it’s no biggie, tbh.

**3/4

2.       Shunma Katsumata vs. Dai Suzuki

See, this one was much easier! While the “work” work might be better in opening match, this one had – clear cut character dynamics. These two guys are basically discount Keita Yano and Yutaka Yoshie. While we’re there, can you imagine a potentially bizarre awesomeness of Keita Yano vs. Yutaka Yoshie? This was a good match.

***

3.       Kazusada Higuchi vs. Kota Umeda

Higuchi is amazing, a real deal, such a natural and charismatic wrestler with gigantic game IQ and superstar presence. All of that was already obvious and on display in this very match. Awesome storytelling and layout, with Higuchi having a size and power advantage, and Umeda trying to make it even via smashing kicks, this was a beautiful rookie match, it had everything.

****

4.       Tomoya Kawamura vs. Ryota Nakatsu

Nothing special, just an average match. A match! I was ready to give it two shurikens, but then a Kyle O’Reilly happened for the finish. You know what I’m talking about.

bad

5.       Suguru Miyatake & Shunma Katsumata vs. Kazusada Higuchi & Ryota Nakatsu

Holy smokes, this was glorious! Everyone had a role here, and they played it perfectly. Higuchi is the star and biggest fella, therefore everyone goes the extra mile against him because he’s clearly presented as the best DDT rookie, and rightfully so. Nakatsu is his tag team partner whose only purpose is to be the face-in-peril to Higuchi’s hot tag flashes. Katsumata is your resident ratboy and Miyatake is the only real danger to Higuchi. Wonderful tag clash with captivating structure and storytelling, this is a must-see. All hail Higuchi!

****1/2