After over a year of no fans at shows in America, New Japan Pro Wrestling finally welcomed a crowd back at their Resurgence show.
With last-minute additions to the card and plenty of high stakes and titles on the line, it was jam-packed with wrestlers from both America and Japan.
Here is a look at all the matches from the show ranked from the worst to the best!
8. Juice Robinson vs. Hikuleo
The match between Juice Robinson and Hikuleo was announced the day before the show, and it did seem unexpected. Compared to the other matches, it was the shortest bout on the card but seemed to be more focused on building a storyline for the future.
For many fans, it was also nice to see the bubbly Juice Robinson, who always knows how to put on a good show.
In terms of the match itself, it showcased both men’s skills in a limited time frame. Juice combined his charisma with a dynamic and flamboyant style.
On the other hand, Hikuleo made sure that his height and power advantage was on show throughout, even if he failed to win after Juice pinned him with a victory roll.
However, the main focus point came after the match. When the bell rang and Robinson was announced as the winner, Hikuleo continued beating his opponent up in a fit of rage.
With New Japan Strong continuing to produce amazing matches and storylines, this is one to watch in the future!
7. 10-Man Tag Team Match
With so many different wrestlers, this match was always going to be chaotic, and it definitely lived up to expectations.
Within the line-up, there were veterans, staples and the future of wrestling in one ring, all showcasing their different styles that ranged from Juniors to Heavyweights.
Considering the number of personalities and styles in one match, each wrestler was given their own time to shine. Because of this, there was a lot of offence that fans of New Japan are not used to and more of a focus on the entertainment aspect.
There wasn’t a second without action and, if you blinked, you definitely would’ve missed something.
Yet, for many, the moment that stood out the most was the finish. Many expected Yuya Uemura to be the one taking the pin, considering he was still in his young lion attire.
It couldn’t have been more different as Uemura not only didn’t get pinned, but he was the one who won the match by beating a veteran in Danny Limelight.
It was a match that showcased the past, present, and future of professional wrestling.
6. Jon Moxley & Yuji Nagata vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
Compared to the other matches on the card, there was no real certainty of what to expect in this match.
With no partner set for Moxley, due to travel restrictions, many had theories on who it could be. Yet, despite the excitement about it possibly being Sami Callihan, fans were met with the legend that is Yuji Nagata.
The match started with Moxley and Anderson. But, as expected, Nagata was brought in and that was an obvious sign of how the match was going to go.
Although Nagata is still fit as a fiddle and showcased his talent, it was obvious that he would take the fall as Gallows inflicted pain on Blue Justice.
Despite some of the biggest names on the card, the match was below average compared to the other bouts.
For many, it was easily forgettable and there was a lack of investment in both the wrestling and the storyline.
With Gallows and Anderson back to their heel ways, it seemed like an inevitable result, and missing the match would not impact a dedicated New Japan fan.
5. Rocky Romero, Fred Rosser & Wheeler Yuta vs. Ren Narita, Clark Connors & TJP
Like the other multi-man tag match, this bout was the perfect example of New Japan showcasing the company’s past, present, and future. There was a mix of styles, personalities, and knowledge with veterans, upcoming stars, dojo graduates, and young lions.
Throughout the match, fans saw strength from the heavyweight Rosser but high-flying offence from the rest of the junior wrestlers. Yuta and TJP started the match showcasing some high-risk moves and fancy footwork from both men.
This was balanced by the Japanese Strong Style utilised by Narita and the more power-based offence from Connors and Rosser. Within a short amount of time, each was able to shine and showcase what they could do.
Although many expected a simple outcome with Ren Narita being pinned, the result couldn’t be more different. With Romero and Connors in the ring, Romero should’ve had the advantage.
Yet, the new graduate beat the veteran with a beautiful back suplex and a mamba splash from TJP. It was the perfect example of the company protecting its veterans and allowing the newest talent to shine.
4. Karl Fredericks vs. Alex Coughlin
Going into this match, despite having no title on the line, the stakes were high. As one of the only original LA Dojo young lions who hasn’t graduated, Alex needed a win.
It was vital to take the next step in his career. With this in mind, many expected that Alex would go full-on. However, Karl met him with all his aggression and passion.
Alex went in from the very beginning, not only showcasing his basic young lion offence but showing fans that he is ready to move on from the simplified offence. There was passion, power, and desire in each move.
Yet, as Karl has graduated, we saw how much his offence has expanded during the past year. Considering how well the two men know each other, it was no surprise that they had perfect in-ring chemistry.
Although Alex didn’t get the win in the end, this match should be more than enough to persuade Shibata that he deserves to graduate.
It also shows that the LA dojo fulfils its potential and creates talent that New Japan can be proud of. Both wrestlers put on their very best show and had fans confident in their talent.
3. Tomohiro Ishii v Moose
When this was announced, many people expected a match between two beefy men who would just beat the hell out of each. Unsurprisingly, this is exactly what fans got.
Unlike many of the later matches in the card, there was no title or any real stakes to this match apart from pride. Luckily, that was enough to create a match that could have easily been for a title.
The match started with a series of chops from Ishii, which, as expected, did not faze the bigger Moose. Yet, the action quickly sped and fans saw a flurry of offence from both men, including strikes and suplexes.
There were also spectacular dropkicks that looked as good as any Jr Heavyweight. Although there was a huge height difference between the two, the wrestlers were on an even playing field throughout and it could’ve gone any way.
In the end, it was Ishii who managed to come out the victor. After countering a dangerous-looking lariat, Ishii hit an enziguri and, despite being beaten down, Ishii managed to hit his vertical drop brainbuster on a man almost twice his size for the win.
With another win, Ishii continues to gain momentum which is vital coming up the G1.
2. Lance Archer (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – IWGP US Championship
After beating Jon Moxley for the title over a month ago, having Tanahashi as your second defence would definitely be a stand-out match.
The two had only met on a handful of occasions in New Japan, but only in three singles matches during the G1, where Tanahashi got the win each time. These two men couldn’t be more different regarding style and personality, yet it just added to the match.
Archer tried to take the match outside to his advantage to start. Yet the Ace quickly found his momentum and the two were trading holds and submissions. With over 20 years of experience, Tanahashi was able to counteract any Suzuki Gun-esque offence.
This ranged from his claw, strikes and forearms. He brought his Japanese Strong Style mixed with a dynamic offence that fans love.
It was this diversity from both wrestlers that had fans on the edge of their seats. One minute Lance would be chopping Tanahashi and, the next, walking on the ropes followed by a flip senton.
Whereas Tanahashi would execute a perfect Slingblade and Dragon Screw but also meet Archer with his own chops.
As the match got near the 20-minute-mark, Tanahashi hit three High Fly Flows to get the win. He also became the ultimate grand slam champion.
After the match, Archer showed an uncharacteristic sign of respect to Tanahashi. With an invitation given to The Ace to come to All Elite Wrestling to wrestle Archer again, fans would happily see this bout again.
1. Jay White (c) vs. David Finlay – NEVER Openweight Championship
Out of all the matches on the card, this had the most history and higher stakes. These went beyond just the NEVER Openweight title. The two met in the dojo and not only lived and trained together but also wrestled as both partners and opponents.
When Jay returned from excursion with a new personality, the two clashed immediately. It added fire to the company’s newest rivalry.
With so much history, it was unsurprising that both men started aggressively. Whether inside or outside the ring, both men put in 100% to weaken their opponent.
As expected, Jay showed a more ground-based style compromising of his blistering chops, picture=-perfect suplexes and flatliners. Finlay also showcased his power but with planchas and STF’s, emphasised his diversity.
Many expected White to have some Bullet Club shenanigans throughout, whether through cheating or interference. Yet, aside from a low blow that Finlay returned, the two were able to put on a proper match showcasing their skills.
In the end, with his usual defensive wrestling style, White reversed an acid drop cutter into a Blade Runner for the win.
Although it might not have been the best match the two have had, it was another stand-out match in a thrilling saga. Without any Bullet Club members, White cemented that he can win a match clean.
Finlay showcased that he is deserving of a main event title match. With rumours surrounding Finlay’s status in New Japan uncertain, it feels like this rivalry is far from over.
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