Another day, another wrestling event but the question is, was NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed worth going out your way to see? Let’s get this reaction started so we can get to the answer or you can just scroll down to the bottom if you’re in a lazy mood to read stuff:
ACH, Jushin Liger, and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Sho, Yoh & Rocky Romero, along with Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels vs. Hangman Page and Chase Owens were fun crowd pleasers, but inconsequential in the end. If you’re looking for a story that advanced in the NJPW world then you won’t find it in these matches. Feel free to skip these matches if you don't have the time; however they do fly by pretty quickly and again, they are good.
Flip Gordon, Chris Sabin, and Jeff Cobb vs. Chuckie T, Beretta & Hirooki Goto/ Tetsuya Naito, Sanada, and Evil vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr., Lance Archer & Zack Sabre Jr./ Kushida and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White and Gedo had a bit more story development in terms of the NJPW world and were solid matches as well. Despite NJPW’s love for tag team matches (and there’s nothing wrong with that), nothing ever felt rehashed and similar to previous matches.
The tease of another Goto/Cobb match is exciting as well as the development of Evil’s character. Is he turning heel out of frustration due to his continuous loses against Zack Sabre Jr.? These were nice little moments that has me intrigued to see what’s next.
White beating Tanahashi was a nice setup for their eventual one-on-one rematch with the Wrestle Kingdom title shot on the line. I don’t see White winning though (of course I could be wrong) so the dramatic aspect of this storyline doesn’t click with me.
Again solid matches above, but you don’t need to go out of your way to see them if you’re pressed for time. You can easily see these developments in a highlight package and live the rest of your life drug filled and happy.
Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll in an IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title tournament match started fast and was a fun little thrill ride till the end. Personally, my second favorite match of the night. These two have amazing chemistry together and never fail to have a bad match. A strong match that would’ve been stronger with more time.
The Young Bucks” Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson vs. “Guerrillas of Destiny” Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (w/Haku) for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Titles was a really good match with a surprising outcome. Bucks deviated from their style and once again showcased just how good storytellers they can be. Not the best Bucks match you’ll see this year, but still a very good one and GOD capturing the titles continues this feud between the bullet club warriors.
Juice Robinson vs. Cody (w/Brandi Rhodes) for the IWGP U.S. Championship was a good match with a nice story. Cody winning here did surprise me but I guest I should’ve known a title change was going to happen when Robinson declared himself the new American Dream.
Last but not least, The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi) vs. Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii was my match of the night. The match was a blast from beginning to end and I loved the tease of Okada and Omega facing off throughout the match. All four men shined here (which should be no surprise) and really kept me on the edge of my seat.
Awesome match indeed and the announcement of Kota Ibushi vs. Cody vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight title has me looking forward to seeing what these three can do.
So yes, this is a show worth seeing. You won’t get any classics here, but the show moved at a brisk pace (less than 4 hours) and it never dragged. If you’re pressed for time then just see Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll and everything after that.
Once again, a exciting night for wrestling and If you were too broke to watch the show on New Japan World then you can catch the replay this Friday.