NJPW Sakura Genesis 2018 Results and Review

Sakura Genesis 2018 Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr. 

The opening day of pro wrestling’s greatest week started with an event featuring all of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s best talent, and there were 9 matches. Lots went on in this 4 hour event and I was absolutely thrilled to get to see it all go down. After 4 plus hours of competition, I am not sure how the WWE could compare with some of the amazing talent that the New Japan Pro Wrestling camp has. Let’s talk about how it all went down, and my thoughts on the event that started April 2018.

NJPW Sakura Genesis 2018 Results and Review

The Young Bucks defeated Bullet Club Members (Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi)

The opening match wasn’t very long, and it was the same style that the Young Bucks showed off in Long Beach. It was a fast paced, back and forth, standard high flying match with lots of tag team elements. The end came with the Bucks getting the win, in what seemed to be a predictable fashion if you ask me.

Chaos (Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) defeated Suzuki-Gun (Taichi and Takashi Iizuki)

This was another tag match with some good comedy moments from Chaos, and some great action from Suzuki-Gun. I didn’t hate this match by any means, but it seemed like the two teams just put on the same match I’ve seen before. That didn’t mean that I didn’t like it, but for those harsh critics out there, you may find it repetitive. I found it fun to watch, and it was only around 8 minutes long anyway.

Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa) defeated Michael Elgin, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Togi Makabe in the Never Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Match

This was a fast paced affair with a lot of back and forth action. Michael Elgin is a beast! And Taguchi with Makabe were fun to watch as well, but the Bullet Club were on their game and it was hard for them to not win this one. I loved it. They were able to throw down some clever moves, reversals, and power elements that reminded me of the speed of the Usos, only bigger, badder, and more intense. I loved it.

Taguchi Japan (Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, and David Finlay) defeated Chaos (Hirooki Goto, Jay White, and Yoshi-Hasshi)

Another six man tag team match here, and while it was under 10 minutes, it just seemed like a lot of tag matches for the show. After the starting point, however, I didn’t mind, because the guys really put on some great moments. Lots of tag team momentum, and lots of high spots, with a mix of psychology and focus on submissions here and there. I had fun with this match, even if it ended a bit too swiftly for my taste.

Suzuki-Gun (Minoru Suzuki, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Evil, and Sanada)

This was another six man tag, believe it or not, and the guys tore down the house with some good back and forth. I’m still very impressed with Davey Boy Smith Jr. here, and he truly needs more attention in the states, he’s really good here. Archer and Suzuki are good too, but the Ingobernables de Japon were no slouches here. I had a blast watching them all beat down each other, and the Suzuki and Naito element was great too! Good match, a bit short though.

Suzuki-gun (El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (Bushi and Hiromu Takahashi) and Roppongi 3K (Sho and Yoh) for the IWP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

A triple threat match for the titles and it was a fast paced match with lots of back and forth. I found it to be great, and while I was already tired of so many tag matches, I still had fun with it. I think it’s because I grew up with Lucha Libre, and there’s a ton of tag matches in those events. This was fast, and only 13 minutes long, but it had some great back and forth action, double team moves, and even a ref pull. Great action, and the champs retain.

Will Ospreay defeated Marty Scurll in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match

This went 30 minutes and it was incredible Marty Scurll seemed to have Will Ospreay’s number in nearly every single way here. He had some amazing moments, including focusing on Ospreay’s neck and really causing damage to his head, including a cut at one point. There’s a lot of back and forth, and it wasn’t just Scurll getting some hard hits either. Every major counter to high spots could’ve been seen here, and the two eventually landed into a nice ending sequence that had Ospreay pulling out the win, but not necessarily winning the war. He looked hurt, and there were some major hits taken to pull this match together. Marty Scurll is an incredible talent, and wow, this match proved it yet again.

Bullet Club (Cody and Hangman Page) defeated The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi)

Another great tag team match, only this time it featured two heavy hitters from the Bullet Club, and it was action packed. Cody is a great heel, and Hangman Page is deceptively strong. He has Cesaro strength, and it showed several times during this match. Cody is a great heel, and was able to make this a great counter point to Kenny Omega and Ibushi’s good guy act. Omega and Ibushi were like well oiled machines in the ring, and they put on a show, but even though they busted Cody wide open, it didn’t matter, Cody and Page were able to get the win. Great match, and lots of action with a slight shift due to the Young Bucks coming out and asking what this is all for anyway.

Kazuchika Okada defeated Zack Sabre Jr. in the IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match

I am calling it here, this was one of the best matches I’ve seen all year. Zack Sabre Jr. had nearly every single counter to everything Okada did, and whenever Okada would get a little bit of breath, Sabre Jr was right there to stop him. He is truly the man with 1,000 holds, because he knew everything and how to counter it. Okada had to really work to stop him, and instead of focusing on hard hitting back and forth action, the finishers were in place, and wow, just wow. Lots of back and forth but mainly Zack Sabre Jr. putting on a clinic of submissions that never got old. This match went over 30 minutes, and I was all in from the start. Zack Sabre Jr. may be my favorite wrestler right now, even though he lost after a couple of rain makers to finish things off. Zack Sabre Jr. put Okada through the ringer, and he survived, and I’m impressed.

This was one hell of a show, and the main events were great to watch. There’s so much talent on this show, that I am not sure how WWE is going to top any of this. I was just beyond thrilled to catch it, and am a huge fan of this type of wrestling compared to WWE.

NJPW Strong Style Evolved March 25, 2018 Results and Review The Long Beach Spectacle

NJPW Strong Style Evolved March 25, 2018 Results and Review 

Over the weekend, New Japan Pro Wrestling returned to the United States and were in Long Beach. I couldn’t make it because I live in Indiana now, but if I lived in Los Angeles still, you would better believe that I would be there watching and drinking with the rest of my friends in the Bullet Club. For those that know me, you know that I saw Matt and Nick Jackson in Culver City many times, as they were once called Slick Nick and Mr. Instant Replay. Anyways, I was able to check out all 4 hours and plus of the event that went down on March 25, 2018 in Long Beach, California. Here’s how it went down, and my two cents on the matches and more.

NJPW Strong Style Evolved March 25, 2018 Results and Review

The start of the show had Jim Ross and some random dude on commentary. I kid, he’s not random, but I don’t care. Let’s talk the show from Long Beach, California.

Roppongi 3K defeated SoCal Uncensored in a six man tag match

I thought for sure SoCal Uncensored would win here, considering they are in So Cal and they were riding high from their wins in ROH. R3K were way better here and it was interesting to see overall. Lots of high spots, fast paced wrestling, back and forth, and so much work from all sides of this one. I liked how it all worked out, and you got to see a great deal of focus on precision timing and more. Kazarian seemed to mess up his knee at one point, but it was a fast paced match with lots of action, and a great opener for only 11 minutes or so.

Taguchi Japan defeated Chaos in a tag team match

Another tag team match, and it wasn’t half bad. I was impressed with Juice Robinson and David Finlay’s toughness as the Japanese team were berating the bricks off of them in many ways. They were definitely getting a lot of offense in, despite the receipts getting cashed for some careless punches and kicks. The ending was nice, but the match was somewhat short overall.

Killer Elite Squad defeated Chaos in a tag team match

This was another team of Chaos guys and KES was fascinating to watch. Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr were in tune here, and the son of The British Bulldog really impressed me. He reminded me of his father here, more than when he was in the WWE that’s for sure. I was so impressed with how it was all turning out, and was just impressed with the focused energy of the Killer Elite Squad overall. Chaos was good, but their pairing wasn’t as fun as the Taguchi Japan match.

Bullet Club Cody and Marty Scurll defeated Guerillas of Destiny

Both of these teams have elements of Bullet Club and Cody tried to stop the match overall. But it wouldn’t stop. The match was fast paced, and definitely one of the best match for tonight. GOD are insane, and wow, they are like the The Usos only bigger and somewhat stronger overall. I was so impressed with the fight and the moves. The Usos and GOD could have an insane overall match if they were able to get forward progress.

Los Ingobernables de Japon and Hiromu Takahashi defeated Taguchi Japan in an eight man tag team match

Another match with Taguchi guys, and I won’t spell them all out. However, this was a good match overall, with a lot of different elements of high flying action, lots of kick outs, lots of reversals, and a lot of elements that were no doubt a great work overall. Los Ingobernables de Japon are impressive here, and they won big here. I liked it a lot, and it was fun to see overall.

Will Ospreay defeated Jyushin Thunger Liger

This was supposed to be a match with Rey Mysterio, but after an injury, NJPW changed things up. Ospreay is one of the best high flyers in the world, and in this match it was fun to see how things worked out well enough. It was fast paced, Liger had some nice moves, including a brain buster to the outside, but it was Ospreay that would get the win after around 10 minutes. It was fun to watch.

Suzuki-Gun (Suzuki and Zack Sabre Jr) defeated Chaos (Okada and Ishii) in a tag team match

Overall a fun match for under 20 minutes. This was a match that went forward to a lot of great back and forth action. It was fast paced throughout, and it featured some great high impact hits. I liked Zack Sabre Jr. and his constant reversals and submissions, he got the one up on Okada several times. Suzuki was great and Ishii were great hitting back and forth. It was fun.

Jay White defeated Hangman Page in the IWGP US Title Match

This was great. This was fun. However, it was slow. This was slow, but in the 25 minutes that it went, the two were able to throw everything but the kitchen sink at one another. It was fun to see the match go back and forth several times. White nearly broke Page’s chest with chops, and he wasn’t backing down. Lots of fighting to the floor, lots of back and forth, on the apron, reversals and more. This had room to breathe and it was White that got the big win. Nice fluid match, although a lot slower than everything else.

Golden Lovers defeated The Young Bucks

Nearly 40 minutes of match, and wow, everything you could expect from a wrestling match. There was high drama, there was a great story told, and the Young Bucks were all over the place. I was surprised by how good Omega and Ibushi worked together, and The Young Bucks were throwing themselves around the arena and it was fun to see go down. I enjoyed every aspect of this, and it was fun to see the shots that were taken out. To start Kenny Omega wasn’t that vicious with Matt Jackson due to his back injury, but over the match’s time frame, things picked up and they focused on it, then things went all out with table breaks, and double team moves, great back and forth, but then it was all over with double knees to the face to Matt Jackson and that’s that. Loved the 40 minute match, and it truly was a lot of action to see. Five stars all the way for me.

Post match, Cody Rhodes showed up and shoved Nick and yelled at Matt for losing. Then came Kenny Omega and fended him off, and tried to shake hands with the Young Bucks, but that wasn't going to go down. 

In other elements, Rey Mysterio got jumped by Marty Scurll! That was fun. Mysterio apologized to the crowd for the injury but promised he’d be back.

Another thing that occurred was Jay White got beat up by Finlay and was challenged for the title next time.

Overall, New Japan Pro Wrestling lived up to the hype and though it was 4 hours and 20 minutes long, it never felt like it was boring or tired. I loved every second of it, and that main event, wow. Great stuff, and great overall night of wrestling. I can’t wait to see ALL IN in September, and I am definitely ALL IN!

WWE Smackdown 5/5/2016 Results and Review Making The Good Brothers Look Weak

Here we go, the other flagship show for the WWE, and something that I just am now getting around to watch and review. Opening up the show was Chris Jericho. The Highlight Reel opened up with Sami Zayn, and Jericho called him a sore loser. The Miz came out and cut a promo on Sami Zayn. All images, by the way, owned by WWE.

Sami Zayn versus The Miz

This match was entertaining to watch, with lots of action between both men. However, Kevin Owens came down to ringside, eventually interfering, then out came Cesaro and the match was called when everyone started brawling. Cesaro was left standing tall with the Intercontinental championship. No finish here, no winner, just a thrown out match up.

The Vaudevillains defeated The Social Jobbers

This match ended fast. It was a fast paced match, with the Vaudevillains burying The Social Jobbers. That’s about it. I love the Vaudevillains gimmick. The guys can work, and despite that mistake at Payback, they still deserve a push and am glad to see them getting such a heated reaction. After the match, Cass came out and it was rad, the crowd was all over it!

Curtis Axel got into the ring and tried to be Enzo, but for his trouble he got beat down, and that was the end. Great promo, Cass is awesome, Enzo is great, the Vaudevillains are great, and man, the crowd was all over this mess. Great stuff, Cass is way over, Axel is not, the Social Jobbers lose more, and yet they still have a job while Sandow doesn’t. What a bunch of BS.

Becky Lynch and Natalya defeated Emma and Charlotte

Where’s Sasha Banks? That’s the first thing that I considered when this match was announced. Not only that, I couldn’t help but consider that the DIVAS revolution hasn’t really garnered much. Did you know that Revolution means a circle? Think about that for a second. Anyways, we got a pretty good tag match here, and I wonder how long it will be before we get a women’s tag team championship. This was a really good match between 4 competitors that are vastly improved over the previous generation of women. Emma impressed me in this one, taking on a lot of punishment and giving out a lot of fight as well. Natalya got the win for her team after putting Emma into the sharpshooter. Great match, but still, where’s Sasha Banks?

Rusev defeated Zack Ryder

Rusev took on Ryder and put the boots to him. Rusev did get thrown into the ring post and got a nice goose egg on his forehead, but other than that, Ryder got beat down the hard way. He lost via submission. Kalisto came out after the match and hit a few shots before running. Rusev is most likely going to win the U.S Title, thanks to Ryback leaving and going home crying about money.

Goldust and Fandango danced backstage alongside R Truth and Tyler Breeze. Must be nice to get paid to just dance around and do nothing.

The USOS Vs. The Good Brothers (No Contest)

Ronallo called the Bullet Club guys, “The Good Brothers”, so there’s that. Roman Reigns no longer comes out of the crowd, which I just noticed, because I’m dense. This match has happened several times already, or at least it feels as though it did. Fascinating how things move forward, or backwards, or repeats on Smackdown. Jason Solomon of Solomonster Sounds Off Podcast said it best, if it happens on Smackdown, it never happened.

Let’s take a moment to look at two tag teams that The Good Brothers attire reminds me of. They are The Nasty Boys and Disorderly Conduct, two teams that have similar outfits, suffice to say that I hate the white sleeveless coats.

As for the match, the Good Brothers should be dominating, and beating down teams, but not here. They were getting beat up systematically by The Usos. Anderson kicked Reigns, and the match was thrown out as Aj Styles and Roman Reigns got involved, which led to everyone getting separated after a brawl in ring.

The Usos and Roman Reigns defeated Aj Styles and The Good Brothers

After the first match was thrown out, a rematch from Raw was booked. Of course, this match made Roman Reigns look strong, and Aj really works well with him. Taz put it best, Styles is a very professional guy, and he is incredible, I agree. He can really make Roman look strong, without letting himself get buried in the process. Anderson got speared out of his boots, and of course The Roman Empire wins, and the boos come pouring in. Fun match, great moments, but come on, another Reigns win? Oh well.

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10 - good matches, a little filler, nothing terrible though, solid. 

WWE Smackdown 5/5/2016 Results

Sami Zayn versus The Miz (No Contest)
The Vaudevillains defeated The Social Jobbers
Becky Lynch and Natalya defeated Emma and Charlotte
Rusev defeated Zack Ryder
The USOS Vs. The Good Brothers (No Contest)
The Usos and Roman Reigns defeated Aj Styles and The Good Brothers

Yo! If you’re going to shop for WWE crap, might as well click here and save some money by going to Amazon. We get a kickback, you get more stuff, and everyone wins, except Roman.

WWE Payback 2016 Predictions

Ryback versus Kalisto (WWE U.S. Championship)

This is a match that should see a lot of commentary on how small Kalisto is against the big guy. Look to see Ryback win this one, get the title and get a good run against all comers. In fact, I wouldn't put it past WWE to put in Apollo Crews in a feud with Ryback as two big guys going at it is a Vinnie Mac wet dream. 

Winner: Ryback for the U.S. Championship 

Vince McMahon Announces Who Controls WWE 

Look at Vince to state that at the next Pay Per View, Team Authority will face Team Shane winner will get control over the show. 

Winner: No One, Setting Up A Match For Next Pay Per view

Charlotte vs. Natalya (WWE Women's Championship)

I don't think that Bret and Flair can get too physical. Hart has stated that he can't really do a lot of bumps, so if there is any interaction, look for Flair to get hit hard on this one, and the unpopular solution of Natalya winning via disqualification and Charlotte once again not losing the belt. 

Winner: Natalya via DQ

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

I honestly think that this is going to be a brawl, and it won't end with a finish. What it's going to do is simple, it's going to go quite a while, but double dq or double countout with this leading to a serious second match with weapons, ladders, or something else. Last man standing most likely. This is a money feud, there will not be a definitive winner here, in my opinion. 

Winner: No Winner, Double Countout or DQ

The Miz vs. Cesaro (Intercontinental Championship)

The Miz will put on a good match, Cesaro will beat the crap out of him, but The Miz will retain the title after the Skull Crushing Finale. 

Winner: The Miz

Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose

Look for Jericho to win this one, and BURY Dean Ambrose. Then get Jericho into a feud with Roman Reigns as his last major feud before retiring for good. 

Winner: Chris Jericho 

Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler is enhancement talent, nothing more at this point. Ziggler is going to put on a showcase of wrestling, but will most likely lose this one yet again. Look for Baron Corbin to look strong yet again. 

Winner: Baron Corbin 

Enzo and Cass vs. The Vaudevillains 

In this final match in the tag team title tournament, look for The Vaudevillains to win big here. I think Enzo and Cass are great, but their time is not now, and they will end up losing this one, setting up a return of Blue Pants and Carmela down the line. But in this match, The Realest Guys in the room will go down to the throwback tag team of The Vaudevillains. 

Winner: The Vaudevillains 

Roman Reigns vs. Aj Styles (WWE Championship)

Here it is, the match you'd never think you'd see since Aj Styles was so loyal to TNA. Well, while a lot of people are hoping for Bullet Club to help Aj Styles win the big one, I think it's going to be Roman Reigns getting the victory. If by chance Aj does win, it will be by disqualification, and it will lead to him getting a rematch. 

Winner: Roman Reigns

The Wild Card Bullets 

No pun intended here. What will happen other than the aforementioned matches? Watch out for: 

• The Bullet Club and Finn Balor showing up to beat up Aj Styles. 
• Look out for a Roman Reigns heel turn by aligning with The Bullet Club and Balor. 
• Watch out for the Wyatt Family!

And there you have it, Payback 2016 predictions! I'll have results and review on Monday, and a new column coming to you weekly. 

Have you checked out the deals via amazon.com? WWE merch, blu rays and much more are available right here! Get the latest for less than you would pay at WWE Shopzone and your local Walmart, with free shipping and more. Click here. Support this blog, and help us get a dot com and a podcast going. 

WWE Monday Night Raw 4/18/2016 Results and Review The Bullet Club Destroys Reigns

Here we go again, Raw live from London, and again we have a Raw that features a mixed bag. This time yet again, Shane McMahon is in charge, making that Hell in A Cell match from Wrestlemania, pointless. Whatever the case is, this is a review of the HULU edition of WWE Monday Night Raw from 4/18/2016, and here are my thoughts, and what not. Images sourced from wwe.com

WWE Monday Night Raw Review

The Ambrose Asylum opened the show, and Shane McMahon came out…sigh. Kevin Owens came out and talked Sami Zayn. Zayn came out and the two verbally sparred. Then Jericho came out, and everyone was crashing the Ambrose Asylum! This ended in a brawl, and Shane setting up a couple of matches for Payback.

People on the internet already say that the show is predictable. Oh well. This was a nice opening, but I’m tired of talking for openings on Monday Night Raw. I’d prefer things to be a bit different, perhaps even wrestling related, instead of the South Park style talking B.S. openings.

Chris Jericho defeated Sami Zayn

I smell a burial! This match was competitive for sure, but I can’t help but thinking that Zayn losing clean to Jericho is just showing that the WWE doesn’t really want the smaller guys coming up getting one over on veterans. I don’t know. I like Jericho enough, but he seems to be killing the momentum of the up and comers.

The Bullet Club interrupted an Aj Styles interview, and they all seemed friendly.

Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated The Dudley Boyz

Here we go, the newcomers actually win! They are going to the finals. The Dudley’s focused on Enzo most of the match, but it was Big Cass’s hot tag that really shifted things. Enzo got a beat down, but in the end, a second wind would help the team recover and get the victory, making for a good, fast paced match.

Roman Reigns came out, and there were massive Boos. Aj Styles came out and verbally sparred with Roman Reigns. It wasn’t half bad. The Bullet Club came out and decimated Reigns, which was great. Aj said he had nothing to do with it.

The Women's 8 Man Tag Match

This was a slow moving, boring match, in which the crowd was dead. This wasn’t great, it just was the same old formula you would get from the “divas” division. I was bored, you know you were bored, and well, this wasn’t their best effort. I don’t even want to list all the participants.

The Vaudevillains defeated The Usos

I believe I called this one. The Vaudevillains defeated the Usos in a somewhat short, and well, ok overall match up. This was a beat down. The finals will be an NXT type main event, so that’s interesting.

Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens

Not a bad match, don’t get me wrong. But the crowd didn’t seem into it, the match didn’t have a lot of psychology, and well, I was just not impressed with the same old same old from these two. Not only that, Ambrose wins to look strong against Jericho, at the expense of Kevin Owens? It seems like only the WWE talent that has been in their development system for a while gets the wins. This bored me, even when Jericho interfered after the match, I didn’t care anymore, same old BS show on Raw.

WWE Monday Night Raw Results

Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated The Dudley Boyz
Chris Jericho defeated Sami Zayn
The Divas 8 Man Tag Match
The Vaudevillains defeated The Usos
Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens