The Puroresu (Japanese Wrestling) thread

Angron · 28-02-2016 3:52pm

I'm enjoying Omega's shift into the leader role, he's adapting pretty well I think. I need to get myself a bit more Bullet Club merch while the going is good.

gnfnrhead · 01-03-2016 5:10pm

token101 wrote: »

Not a huge NJPW fan, only watched a few clips on YouTube and the likes, but in Tokyo and tempted to head along to this show. Who should I be looking out for? Ive heard Bad Luck Fale is decent?

Fale isn't that great. As said, he's decent but nothing more. He works very well with Tanahashi (as does pretty much everyone) and to a lesser extent Okada. Other than that, he's just kinda there. Unfortunately, The Elite aren't on this show so you'll miss three of the best. Otherwise, Tanahashi, Ishii, Naito and Elgin usually deliver. Tama Tonga has improved a ton over the last year and is moving up the list of people to watch. Three of the four in the tag match are incredibly good. Sakuraba isn't terrible, just old and beaten up. Kojima vs. Honma could be a great match. Yano vs. Yujiro is really the only weak match on the card. Everything else should be at least pretty good so it would be a good show to go to.

gnfnrhead · 03-03-2016 9:35pm

A lot of really good matches I thought. Ended up having to watch Yano vs. Yujiro again. So used to the countout spot where they make it back in on 19, that I was checking my phone and missed the finish. A good idea to throw it in every now and then to prevent people expecting them to make it back in every single time like I did. Will Ospreay being announced was a nice surprise. Was expecting him to just show up but they seem to be getting behind him straight away.

The big news though has to be the return of the Super J Cup in August. NJPW, CMLL, ROH, Dragon Gate, Kaientai Dojo, Noah, Zero-1 and RDPW are apparently all going to be involved so I would expect an incredibly stacked line-up. Hopefully it becomes a regular fixture going forward.

The second round is tomorrow and has the following matches:

Bad Luck Fale vs. Michael Elgin.
Tama Tonga vs. Hirooki Goto.
Satoshi Kojima vs. Yano Toru.
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito.

Not hard to pick what should be the stand out there. Tonga vs. Goto should be pretty good too. Don't expect much from the other two.

Palo Alto · 04-03-2016 1:07am

Nah Fale Elgin should be great. Calling it now.

gnfnrhead · 04-03-2016 8:44pm

Tama Tonga is fast becoming one of my favourite wrestlers right now. Guy has improved so much in recent years.

Semi Finals and Finals are both on the 12th. Yano vs. Naito and Goto vs. Elgin. Think Naito's streak of great matches in the New Japan Cup is about to come to an end.

Palo Alto · 06-03-2016 3:58pm

God Ishii/Naito was so damned good. Really fun. Naito punking out Ishii and posing was amazing.

gnfnrhead · 08-03-2016 7:17pm

Naito has said if he wins the Cup, he will not challenge for any title! Assuming Naito beats Yano, he will have defeated three CHAOS members in a row. Okada is a member of CHAOS so it would be a nice story to have Okada challenge Naito in pursuit of vengeance. Have Naito blow him off, do whatever in April and May, then have Naito accept the challenge for Dominion in June. Dominion is in Osaka. Naito gets unreal heat in Osaka so him winning the Championship there would be amazing.

Andersonisgod · 23-03-2016 11:29am

This thread needs to be rescued from page 3 purgatory. Anyone catch the finals of the NJ Cup? Naito has been absolutely killing it since his heel turn and him vs Okada is probably the hottest pairing possible right now in New Japan. That match, on top of a pretty solid looking undercard, makes Invasion Attack a must see event.

On Monday there was the big DDT Judgement show from Sumo Hall, it was long, it was bizarre, the big matches delivered and it was a tonne of fun, your typical big DDT show.

Stardom have launched their own streaming service "Stardom World" via YouTube. You get all the most recent events plus translated promos and exclusive content. Slowly they will likely even put up their excellent archive. Stardom is probably the number 1 joshi promotion around and it's well worth checking out via their 14 day free trial.

Palo Alto · 23-03-2016 7:46pm

Looking forward to seeing Osprey v Kushida at start of April too.

Ageyev · 02-04-2016 8:44pm

Spent ages trying to find a NJPW New Japan World thread to no avail....

They put up Road to Invasion Attack on their website for free.

http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00384_1_1

Clegg · 17-04-2016 5:53pm

I'm sure there's at least a few people here who've seen this match. But for those who haven't, and even for those who have, here's a link to Ishii v Shibata at the G1 Climax in 2013. The night we saw strong style on steroids.

https://vimeo.com/81761258

Andersonisgod · 17-04-2016 5:58pm

Clegg wrote: »

I'm sure there's at least a few people here who've seen this match. But for those who haven't, and even for those who have, here's a link to Ishii v Shibata at the G1 Climax in 2013. The night we saw strong style on steroids.

https://vimeo.com/81761258

Absolutely killer match. Obviously their WK10 bout was longer but I loved the G1 sprint style mixed with the super intensity that these 2 bring. Bell to bell you'd struggle to name many better than Ishii right now.

Andersonisgod · 19-07-2016 10:22pm

So there's been the BOSJ, a show in Osaka Jo Hall (with a great main event) and a pretty killer opening show for the 26th edition of the G1 Climax and nothing....

How did everyone enjoy Mondays G1 show? Shock results, emotionally stirring performances and a sense after the show that so much of what transpired really will matter down the line.

beakerjoe · 25-07-2016 11:07am

Andersonisgod wrote: »

So there's been the BOSJ, a show in Osaka Jo Hall (with a great main event) and a pretty killer opening show for the 26th edition of the G1 Climax and nothing....

How did everyone enjoy Mondays G1 show? Shock results, emotionally stirring performances and a sense after the show that so much of what transpired really will matter down the line.

Im waaaaay behind on my New Japan this year, life just getting in the way. Havent seen a sausage of G1 this year, after I did so well following it last year.

ERG89 · 07-08-2016 10:00pm

Ishii vs Okada was something else

Clegg · 12-08-2016 10:21am

Another MOTY contender from Okada and Ishii showing yet again why he's bleedin brilliant.

Angron · 13-08-2016 3:42pm

Feeling pretty happy that Omega is into the finals of the G1 Climax, I'd like to see him win it.

ERG89 · 13-08-2016 11:21pm

Okada vs Tanahashi, then Omega vs Naito 2 superb Main Event matches. The first 2 have without question the best chemistry of their generation, always deliver no matter what & the latter was just fantastic storytelling 101.

Angron · 14-08-2016 12:39am

I've watched the Omega and Naito match twice today, it was just so good. Haven't had a chance to see Okada vs. Tanahashi, I'll try and watch tomorrow, maybe after the G1 finals.

gnfnrhead · 16-08-2016 2:51pm

I wonder does Ibushi turning down a WWE have anything to do with Omega winning. Ibushi has to know NJPW want to do that match and with Omega now in contention for the World title, it's a guaranteed main event on almost any show.

Angron · 20-08-2016 3:30am

I'm hoping this gets Bullet Club back to being a bit stronger now, they'be felt a bit listless the last while (hardly surprising given Styles, Gallows, and Anderson all left in the last year).

I was thinking I'd grown to like LIJ, but I think it's more that I just really enjoy Naito, cause I don't really care too much about the other three (I love Lethal, but he's part-time LIJ really).

Also, I really don't get Toru Yano. Feels like he's a comedy wrestler, but I'm just not getting the joke. Must be what the rest of Europe felt like when we sent Dustin the Turkey to the Eurovision.

gerrybbadd · 12-12-2016 9:51am

The full Wrestle Kingdom 11 card:

Wrestle Kingdom 11 Full Card

#Wrestle Kingdom 11 (January 4th) Card:

**3:00am Eastern / 12:00am Pacific / 8:00am UK / 5:00pm Japan**

* Pre-show Rumble

* Tiger Mask W (Kota Ibushi) vs. Tiger The Dark
* **IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag-Team Championship:** The Young Bucks (c) vs Roppongi Vice
* **NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag-Team Championship:** Satoshi Kojima, Ricochet, & David Finlay (c) vs. LIdJ (SANADA/EVIL/BUSHI) vs. CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii/Will Ospreay/YOSHI-HASHI) vs. Bullet Club (Hangman Page/Yujiro Takahashi/Bad Luck Fale)

* **Special Singles Match:** Juice Robinson vs. Cody Rhodes
* **RoH World Championship:** Kyle O'Reilly (c) vs. Adam Cole
* **IWGP Tag-Team Championship:** Guerillas of Destiny (c) vs. Great Bash Heel
* **IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship:** KUSHIDA (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi
* **NEVER Openweight Championship:** Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
* **IWGP Intercontinental Championship:** Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito.

* **IWGP Heavyweight Championship:** Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kenny Omega

#Road to Tokyo Dome Day 1 (December 16) Card:

**4:30am Eastern / 1:30am Pacific / 9:30am UK / 6:30pm Japan**

* Jushin Liger and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hirooki Goto and Jado

* CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada, YOSHI-HASHI, & Gedo) vs. Bullet Club (Kenny Omega, Bad Luck Fale, & Yujiro Takahashi)

* Yuji Nagata, Ryusuke Taguchi, & Yo****atsu vs. Manabu Nakanishi, Tiger Mask IV, & Henare

* **Special Singles Match:** Tomohiro Ishii vs. Chase Owens

* Great Bash Heel and Juice Robinson vs. Bullet Club (Guerillas of Destiny and BONE SOLDIER)

* TenKoji and David Finlay vs. LIdJ (BUSHI, EVIL, and SANADA)

* Hiroshi Tanahashi and KUSHIDA vs. LIdJ (Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi)

#Road to Tokyo Dome Day 2 (December 17) Card:

**4:30am Eastern / 1:30am Pacific / 9:30am UK / 6:30pm Japan**

* Jushin Liger and Henare vs. Ryusuke Taguchi and Yo****atsu

* CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii and Gedo) vs. Bullet Club (Yujiro Takahashi and BONE SOLDIER)

* Great Bash Heel and Juice Robinson vs. Bullet Club (Guerillas of Destiny and Chase Owens)

* **Special Singles Match:** Yuji Nagata vs. Manabu Nakanishi

* CHAOS (Hirooki Goto and Jado) vs. Katsuyori Shibata and Tiger Mask IV

* TenKoji, Hiroshi Tanahashi, KUSHIDA, & David Finlay vs. LIdJ (Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi, & BUSHI)

* CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI) vs. Bullet Club (Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale)

Andersonisgod · 12-12-2016 2:35pm

Very excited! Imo it's the bedt time of year to be a wrestling fan. Definitely don't sleep on those last 2 Korakuen shows before Tokyo Dome, they're usually a lot of fun. Also that main event of the 1st Korakuen show is killer.

In terms of the WK card I like it. Ok maybe there are some guys on the card who deserve more prominent spots like Ishii, Sanada, Ricochet ect. but there's only so many of those spots to go around. I've no doubt it'll be another top contender for show of the year 2017.

Andersonisgod · 14-12-2016 8:27am

Tetsuya Naito announced (deservedly) as MVP of the Tokyo Sports Awards for 2016. His speech, which you can find a translated transcript on Chris Charlton's Twitter, was so very typically Naito. Not many people will care here but the awards are a fairly big deal for wrestling in Japan.

Cherry_Cola · 14-12-2016 10:55am

Moving to Tokyo with work in a few weeks, can't wait to get stuck into the wrestling when there, seems to be a show in Tokyo every night from at least one promotion

LeeJM · 14-12-2016 12:09pm

Cherry_Cola wrote: »

Moving to Tokyo with work in a few weeks, can't wait to get stuck into the wrestling when there, seems to be a show in Tokyo every night from at least one promotion

No way thats cool, congrats. Yea chances are every night there will be some promotion running Tokyo. Will also be an easy way to meet people and maybe build a friendship or two with people you work with.

Lithium93_ · 27-12-2016 7:58pm

To those who regularly watch New Japan, I'm looking at branching out in terms of wrestling in 2017, is it worth spending money on a NJPW subscription?

Andersonisgod · 27-12-2016 8:17pm

Lithium93_ wrote: »

To those who regularly watch New Japan, I'm looking at branching out in terms of wrestling in 2017, is it worth spending money on a NJPW subscription?

I've had it for 2 years now and its my most essential and favourite subscription and that includes Netflix and Spotify. You get all their shows, most of them (and all of the big ones) with commentary and full tv production. Their really big shows have English commentary. You can watch their stuff live, you can go back through the years and get to present day (that's what I did 2 years ago). For me, it's the best product in terms of ring work and intricate stories told brilliantly. If you ars open to it, you'll fall in love with NJPW and it might expand your interest into following other Puro companies.

Granted they could do more in terms of subtitling their content but if you follow the right people on twitter that problem is sorted too.

Andersonisgod · 28-12-2016 1:43pm

Also for anyone tempted to check out NJPW. All title matches from 2016 are now free to view for the next 7 days (which is the run up to Wrestle Kingdom). No sign up required, available on New Japan World.

beakerjoe · 28-12-2016 6:37pm

Lithium93_ wrote: »

To those who regularly watch New Japan, I'm looking at branching out in terms of wrestling in 2017, is it worth spending money on a NJPW subscription?

It depend son you tbh. I can say that if you have the spare cash and the time, its a no brainer. The top tier matches rarely disappoint.

chopperbyrne · 04-01-2017 2:37pm

Surprised nobody's posting about Wrestle Kingdom 11.

Didn't get to watch it myself, but by all accounts it's supposed to be a damn good show.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 4:01pm

chopperbyrne wrote: »

Surprised nobody's posting about Wrestle Kingdom 11.

Didn't get to watch it myself, but by all accounts it's supposed to be a damn good show.

I watched the whole thing, from pre show at 7am to the very end of a 48 minute main event. It was, I think, the best wrestling show I've ever seen and the main event was, again at this moment I think, the best wrestling match I've ever seen.

I don't want to get anyone's backs up and I understand the GMT time of the event isn't ideal and pro wrestling itself is a fairly niche hobby so Japanese pro wrestling is a niche within a niche. That being said the reason I didn't bother commenting about it on here is due to the total lack of interest shown both before and during the sho from users that frequent this Board. Say what you like, but to me a wrestling board where there is scant mention for the biggest wrestling show of the year not held under a WWE banner borders on embarrassing. I know that the majority of users on herd only watch WWE and that's fine, everybody has time constraints and real life gets in the way of things but the reality is that this is a WWE board and any attempt to discuss anything outside of the E is almost pointless.

LeeJM · 04-01-2017 4:16pm

I wouldnt go along with that at all. I would have watched this morning only for my broadband provider being a bag of pr*cks. I know BeakerJoe has watched NJPW in the past and Im sure some other regular posters have talked about Japanese wrestling previously. And while not watching this morning I was on Twitter all morning following along during the show and reading the opinions of the people I respect. From what I am reading the semi main of Naito Tanahashi was the best match on the show and the main event was very divisive. Also from all accounts I have seen the undercard was just there and nothing special at all. Once my broadband is sorted (hopefully this week) I will watch the show myself and give my own opinions on the show, but like I said from what I am reading to call this the greatest event of all time is very much OTT or else you have an inherent bias to anything NJPW.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 4:22pm

LeeJM wrote: »

I wouldnt go along with that at all. I would have watched this morning only for my broadband provider being a bag of pr*cks. I know BeakerJoe has watched NJPW in the past and Im sure some other regular posters have talked about Japanese wrestling previously. And while not watching this morning I was on Twitter all morning following along during the show and reading the opinions of the people I respect. From what I am reading the semi main of Naito Tanahashi was the best match on the show and the main event was very divisive. Also from all accounts I have seen the undercard was just there and nothing special at all. Once my broadband is sorted (hopefully this week) I will watch the show myself and give my own opinions on the show, but like I said from what I am reading to call this the greatest event of all time is very much OTT or else you have an inherent bias to anything NJPW.

I'll only comment on the wrestling part of that. Nothing bad on the undercard, worst was only ok, best was the jr tag or heavyweight tag title matches, both of which could be 4 stars. The final 4 matches all begin at the 4 and a half star match and you could make a reasonable case for 2 of those being 5. All 4 main matches were different, all 4 told a story, all 4 had logical winners. Like I said, to me, the main event might be one of the best wrestling matches ever, certainly it's my favourite at least. Different strokes for different folks and all that but the quality and effort of both Okada and Omega is undeniable.

I watch a fair amount of pro wrestling, I follow NJPW more closely than any other promotion and so the stories told in those matches inevitably resonate a bit more.

Actually I'd also like to mention that I had the same broadband issues last year. Messed up Nakamura vs Styles for me (I'll never forgive it for that) changed broadband providers and I have to say the stream held up brilliant for me on NJPW World. Chromecasted it to my tv, not a single buffer, freeze or pause in almost 6 hours of viewing.

beakerjoe · 04-01-2017 4:23pm

I just havent gotten around to it yet myself. With the draft and work and my daughter (who I try not watch wrestling around at her impressionable age) its hard to find time.

That being said Im going to start watching now.

I agree that its majorly a WWE board here to a degree, but many on here love other grappling too. Myself, MNG, thebostoncrab, Bounty Hunter and others to name a few.

I dont keep up with NJPW as much as Id like to personally, and like you said for most its a niche within a niche. Id say most if not everyone here would be primarly a WWE fan first and others graps second mainly because we grew up with WWF and WWE and its easier to access than NJPW.

To say its an embarrassment is just ridiculous. It may be the best show ever, but I havent seen it yet and I will soon enough.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 4:26pm

beakerjoe wrote: »

I just havent gotten around to it yet myself. With the draft and work and my daughter (who I try not watch wrestling around at her impressionable age) its hard to find time.

That being said Im going to start watching now.

I agree that its majorly a WWE board here to a degree, but many on here love other grappling too. Myself, MNG, thebostoncrab, Bounty Hunter and others to name a few.

I dont keep up with NJPW as much as Id like to personally, and like you said for most its a niche within a niche. Id say most if not everyone here would be primarly a WWE fan first and others graps second mainly because we grew up with WWF and WWE and its easier to access than NJPW.

To say its an embarrassment is just ridiculous. It may be the best show ever, but I havent seen it yet and I will soon enough.

I'd say even the lack of hype on here for it was crazy. I'm not sure there was more than 3 or 4 comments about it beforehand.

LeeJM · 04-01-2017 4:32pm

Andersonisgod wrote: »

LeeJM wrote: »

I wouldnt go along with that at all. I would have watched this morning only for my broadband provider being a bag of pr*cks. I know BeakerJoe has watched NJPW in the past and Im sure some other regular posters have talked about Japanese wrestling previously. And while not watching this morning I was on Twitter all morning following along during the show and reading the opinions of the people I respect. From what I am reading the semi main of Naito Tanahashi was the best match on the show and the main event was very divisive. Also from all accounts I have seen the undercard was just there and nothing special at all. Once my broadband is sorted (hopefully this week) I will watch the show myself and give my own opinions on the show, but like I said from what I am reading to call this the greatest event of all time is very much OTT or else you have an inherent bias to anything NJPW.

I'll only comment on the wrestling part of that. Nothing bad on the undercard, worst was only ok, best was the jr tag or heavyweight tag title matches, both of which could be 4 stars. The final 4 matches all begin at the 4 and a half star match and you could make a reasonable case for 2 of those being 5. All 4 main matches were different, all 4 told a story, all 4 had logical winners. Like I said, to me, the main event might be one of the best wrestling matches ever, certainly it's my favourite at least. Different strokes for different folks and all that but the quality and effort of both Okada and Omega is undeniable.

I watch a fair amount of pro wrestling, I follow NJPW more closely than any other promotion and so the stories told in those matches inevitably resonate a bit more.

Hey its all opinions. And I am not saying you are wrong just that your opinion would be in the minority from what I have seen thus far. I understand following NJ and thus being more invested, no harm in that but it would then follow to being biased towards NJ in your own rankings of events. Like I said no harm in this just dont take it as a personal shot at you. NYD tomorrow will tell us alot about where NJ are going this spring/summer.

Any thoughts on the "G1" shows in LA? Personally I think they have gone at it half arsed and to use another cliche its like they are half pregnant. 2 showcase (read ; House shows) events are not gonna sell out a 13,000 capacity arena in LA. Feels very much like they have blown an opportunity to take a big shot at the US market at a time when the whole industry seems to shifting to a more global market

sky88 · 04-01-2017 4:36pm

i actually watched the show as i was off today and to be honest it wasnt that special as a show overall. The main event for the first 15 mins was plodding along but then omega turned it on and put in a hell of a display.

i dont think it was even the best match on the show it goes to Naito vs Tanahashi for me. Great match and storytelling. For me i find it hard to watch a lot of NJPW as wwe and other companies evovle, progress are ahead in the line cause i find them more enjoyable to watch.

Not a shot at yourself anderson but NJPW always seems to get overhyped in general.

sky88 · 04-01-2017 4:42pm

LeeJM wrote: »

Hey its all opinions. And I am not saying you are wrong just that your opinion would be in the minority from what I have seen thus far. I understand following NJ and thus being more invested, no harm in that but it would then follow to being biased towards NJ in your own rankings of events. Like I said no harm in this just dont take it as a personal shot at you. NYD tomorrow will tell us alot about where NJ are going this spring/summer.

Any thoughts on the "G1" shows in LA? Personally I think they have gone at it half arsed and to use another cliche its like they are half pregnant. 2 showcase (read ; House shows) events are not gonna sell out a 13,000 capacity arena in LA. Feels very much like they have blown an opportunity to take a big shot at the US market at a time when the whole industry seems to shifting to a more global market[/QUOTE]

Seems a totally halfarsed job on this not to do a an actually G1 show as that would create interest and a buzz which i dont think showcases will. you wont get people travelling to LA to go see showcases.

I think vince showed in the 80s you have to be daring to expand.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 4:43pm

LeeJM wrote: »

Hey its all opinions. And I am not saying you are wrong just that your opinion would be in the minority from what I have seen thus far. I understand following NJ and thus being more invested, no harm in that but it would then follow to being biased towards NJ in your own rankings of events. Like I said no harm in this just dont take it as a personal shot at you. NYD tomorrow will tell us alot about where NJ are going this spring/summer.

Any thoughts on the "G1" shows in LA? Personally I think they have gone at it half arsed and to use another cliche its like they are half pregnant. 2 showcase (read ; House shows) events are not gonna sell out a 13,000 capacity arena in LA. Feels very much like they have blown an opportunity to take a big shot at the US market at a time when the whole industry seems to shifting to a more global market

That's fair enough, I'd never begrudge anyone an opinion on wrestling. My only point was that I didn't feel this show was talked about enough on this Board pre, during or post show.

Strange way of going about it alright. I do like the fact that they are promoting a show in America solo (rather than teaming up with ROH as has been the norm.) However I have doubts as to how well those 2 shows will do. Not being proper G1 shows is certainly a hit and running an arena that big in a market where their drawing power has not been properly tested is risky to say the least. That being said, a theme running through the show this morning was about NJPW going global and I do admire their sheet gumption. I hope it pays off, and I'd love for it to play a part in more eyes being on the product. Though I do think they could do more to help western fans watching to become more acclimatised.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 4:50pm

sky88 wrote: »

i actually watched the show as i was off today and to be honest it wasnt that special as a show overall. The main event for the first 15 mins was plodding along but then omega turned it on and put in a hell of a display.

i dont think it was even the best match on the show it goes to Naito vs Tanahashi for me. Great match and storytelling. For me i find it hard to watch a lot of NJPW as wwe and other companies evovle, progress are ahead in the line cause i find them more enjoyable to watch.

Not a shot at yourself anderson but NJPW always seems to get overhyped in general.

Honestly that's fair enough. Wrestling is all opinions. To me it was a special show, much larger attendance than last years show, coming at the end of a year where people wrote off the company after the 4 guys left for WWE, only for NJPW to create new stars, a new feel and emerge stronger and this show felt like a celebration of that. I completely understand not everybody is as invested in NJPW to get that or that maybe it just didn't matter. In ring I thought it was a huge success.

Loved the semi main event too, the duel leg work, the selling, how beautifully the big spots were spaced out, that feeling that these 2 guys, despite representing 2 very different ideals, are very similar individuals. It's a great story, a great match.

I really enjoy Evolve too, and I watch WWE. I totally get that puro is very different to those 2 (and britwres like Progress) and everyone has their favourites. I'd absolutely never take it personally or fault you for preferring Evolve, WWE or Progress to NJPW, nor would I fault you. It's all wrestling, we're all fans of it in some form or another, enjoy it.

sky88 · 04-01-2017 5:00pm

i thought i read on twitter the attendance was only a thousand than last year more no clue to be honest.

Honestly i think one of the reasons i dont watch a lot of Japanese wrestling is not understanding the commentary. its fine today with the english even if i have to listen to the dreadful kevin kelly. i almost find the Japanese commentary distracting as i start trying to figure it out. tbh i think thats more me than anyone else

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 5:52pm

sky88 wrote: »

i thought i read on twitter the attendance was only a thousand than last year more no clue to be honest.

Honestly i think one of the reasons i dont watch a lot of Japanese wrestling is not understanding the commentary. its fine today with the english even if i have to listen to the dreadful kevin kelly. i almost find the Japanese commentary distracting as i start trying to figure it out. tbh i think thats more me than anyone else

Not sure of the exact numbers in the difference but as far as I'm aware paid attendance was up a couple of thousand this year. Certainly the arena looked fuller this year and pre sale tickets were definitely up.

Ye the language barrier is tough to overcome admittedly. I've tried watching the English stream a couple of times when it's available but I can't, for me puroresu will always be associated with a middle aged, respectable looking Japanese man screaming at the top of his lungs down his headset, that's how I like my puro. I do think New Japan could do more to appease their English speaking fanbase, such as subtitling promos when their shows go up on VOD (which Stardom do) but I tend to overcome that by following bilingual speakers on Twitter, eg. Chris Charlton who was at the Dome today and translated Okada's post match promo.

DM_7 · 04-01-2017 6:40pm

Embarrasing? Nice, that is a great way to stimulate conversation.

I don't bother discussing New Japan as its not easy to talk about. Feck all worth talking about happens. Did you seen that stiff elbow/kick? That 4/5 star match between insert names here was great.Conversation over.

WWE for example is easy as you end up talking about the stuff that annoys you.

Look at AJ styles, brilliant year for him but little to say other than 'that was great' as everything went so well overall. Back when he was losing to Jericho lots was posted about him as it looked like they may waste him.

den87 · 04-01-2017 6:57pm

For those who have NJPW World- Can you pay with a debit card to watch? And would WK11 be up straight away?? Thanks

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 7:13pm

DM_7 wrote: »

Embarrasing? Nice, that is a great way to stimulate conversation.

I don't bother discussing New Japan as its not easy to talk about. Feck all worth talking about happens. Did you seen that stiff elbow/kick? That 4/5 star match between insert names here was great.Conversation over.

WWE for example is easy as you end up talking about the stuff that annoys you.

Look at AJ styles, brilliant year for him but little to say other than 'that was great' as everything went so well overall. Back when he was losing to Jericho lots was posted about him as it looked like they may waste him.

But that's utterly ridiculous. To me, that's the equivalent of saying "well Eastenders is better than Mad Men cos there's more to talk about" It's even more bizarre considering the main event of the Dome show today might be the most hotly debated match in recent memory. You could talk about what you thought of the match, story leading into the match and the part it played, where do both guys go from here, where does the match rank historically ect. Not to mention discussing the actual intricacies of the match and giving your own view of it. Yes, the storytelling is more subtle in puroresu but ultimately, I find at least, the payoffs are far greater.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 7:14pm

den87 wrote: »

For those who have NJPW World- Can you pay with a debit card to watch? And would WK11 be up straight away?? Thanks

Ye you can, they also take paypal. It's not that bad a price considering the content you get. And yep, WK11 is up already with both English and Japanese feeds.

beakerjoe · 04-01-2017 7:18pm

den87 wrote: »

For those who have NJPW World- Can you pay with a debit card to watch? And would WK11 be up straight away?? Thanks

i use a Visa debt and Its fine. Think they use other secure payments as well like paypal. It will be up in both English and Japanese commentary too.

Andersonisgod · 04-01-2017 7:20pm

beakerjoe wrote: »

i use a Visa debt and Its fine. Think they use other secure payments as well like paypal. It will be up in both English and Japanese commentary too.

We are in sync.

beakerjoe · 04-01-2017 7:22pm

Andersonisgod wrote: »

We are in sync.

We are not, you've seen the show, Ive just watched the battle royal and the jr tag match. Im playing catch up

The Puroresu (Japanese Wrestling) thread

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