After the momentum from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s New Japan Cup, the company continued to shine with their recent Hyper Battle show. The card was extremely packed with almost all the company’s titles put on the line. Each match brought something unique to the card and also allowed new and ongoing storylines to be evolved, with all the wrestlers being showcased in the best light.
Here is a look at all the title matches at the show.
6. King of Pro Wrestling Provisional Championship – Toru Yano (c) v TAICHI
Credit: NJPW1972
Since the King of Pro Wrestling title was created, there have been some random stipulations. Whether it was getting your opponent in a dog cage, drinking alcohol, or body slamming content, fans have been treated to various matches. The bout between TAICHI and champion Toru Yano was no different as the wrestlers fought in a ropeless ring.
With both men wearing sumo belts for weight, it was a battle to push your opponent out of the ring. There was a sense of wariness from Yano as the speculation went in TAICHI’s favour. Whereas the CHAOS wrestler seemed reluctant to raise the danger, TAICHI continued with his offence and sumo—inspired moves.
It might not have been a wrestling masterpiece, but it was exactly what fans wanted from the title. Compared to the seriousness of New Japan, it was light-hearted, fun, and focused on the personalities of the wrestlers. TAICHI got the win and is determined to raise the title’s prestige, selecting Shingo Takagi as his next rival.
5. NEVER Openweight Championship – EVIL (c) v Hiromu Takahashi
Credit: NJPW1972
Going into the NEVER Openweight match, there was a lot of personal animosities. When EVIL betrayed Los Ingobernables de Japon, Hiromu seemed to be affected by it most. After beating his former faction mate in the New Japan Cup, it was the opportunity for Hiromu to get revenge. It was seen even before the match started when Hiromu came out in grey ring gear with EVIL’s name on it.
From the very beginning, EVIL went for his Bullet Club shenanigans, and it seemed to be going the way all of his matches have. Yet, Hiromu seemed to bring small glimpses of the old EVIL, but inevitably, Dick Togo would get involved. The duo did everything to gain retribution for the embarrassing loss, but Hiromu kept fighting.
Yet, despite Hiromu’s heart, EVIL managed to get the win. Compared to EVIL’s other matches, it seemed like there were glimpses of the King of Darkness fans loved. However, the loss for Hiromu was upsetting for viewers, and with Tama Tonga as the next challenger, many hope that the title will go to a fighting champion.
4. IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Championship – Master Wato & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) v El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori
Credit: NJPW1972
When the team of Master Wato and Ryusuke Taguchi won the IWGP Jr Tag Championships, nobody knew what to expect. Taguchi is known for his combination of comedy and submission wrestling. Whereas Master Wato has been slowly improving and gaining the love of fans. Their match against Bullet Club’s Taiji Ishimori and El Phantasmo proved how worthy they are of the belts.
The wrestlers in the match were so diverse, showcasing their style. There wasn’t a single second that wasn’t full of action, but the storytelling between the wrestlers was equally as good. It was fast, dynamic, and full of charisma, which is something the division has sometimes lacked. The ending sequence was perfect, with Taguchi’s Funky Weapon being exposed and by sitting on ELP, Taguchi got the win.
In the past, the Jr tag division has been massively overlooked due to the lack of teams. Yet, this was the perfect showcase of the division in a match combining comedy and quality wrestling. Master Wato and Taguchi are the most unlikely team. Yet, the Coach has brought the young wrestler out of his shell and given him some personality.
3. IWGP Heavyweight Tag Championship – Hirooki Goto & YOSHI HASHI (c) v Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan
Credit: NJPW1972
From the minute the CHAOS and The Empire teams stepped into the ring, there was something fresh in the air for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles. The Great-O-Khan started by showcasing his certificate for saving a young girl. Yet, it was quickly forgotten about as soon as the match began and all four men showcased their determination to win.
CHAOS’s YOSHI HASHI and Hirooki Goto have proven to be top-tier champions. Their teamwork is undeniable, and this was the only way to resist the strength and power of O-Khan and partner Jeff Cobb. With such a diverse set of wrestlers, there was a mixture of speed, strength, and athleticism throughout the match.
Despite their inexperience in teaming together, it was teamwork that got Jeff Cobb and Great-O-Khan the win. In the closing moments, O-Khan applied the Claw and hit a chokeslam on YOSHI HASHI, which Cobb followed up with a Tour of the Islands for the win.
After a series of disappointments for The Empire, this win was vital for them. CHAOS has elevated the tag division and has left it in good hands. Although they might be heels, The Empire has showcased it doesn’t need cheating to win, and it will only benefit them as champions.
2. IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship – El Desperado (c) v SHO
Credit: NJPW1972
If fans had seen SHO facing El Desperado for the IWGP Jr title a few years ago, it would have been a true babyface v heel match. With SHO joining Bullet Club, the crowd was firmly behind El Desperado, who has showcased his fighting spirit since winning the title last year.
As expected, SHO started the match before the bell even rang, throwing El Desperado into the ring post. When the match started, the opening moments seemed to be on the outside. Even when they got inside the ring, it was just as brutal. In particular, El Desperado showcased his unpredictable side as he flew out of the ring, crashing into SHO and the guardrail.
Even as the match got to the closing moments, both wrestlers continued to showcase their momentum and determination. The strikes got harder, the moves riskier, and the pace quicker. In the end, after SHO failed to hit a piledriver, he resorted to a low blow. Yet, El Desperado countered it with a Pinche Loco for a clean win.
It was absolutely the right decision for El Desperado to win. Since becoming champion, he has raised the standards of the Jr division and is a true fighting champion. SHO has proved that he can still wrestle. Hopefully, fans can see more of this than the Bullet Club shenanigans. With the Best of Super Junior tournament around the corner, it’s time for the Jr division to shine.
1. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – Kazuchika Okada (c) v Zack Sabre Jr
Credit: NJPW1972
Four years after his first New Japan Cup win, Zack Sabre Jr beat a huge field of wrestlers to win the tournament again this year. With another shot at the IWGP title against Okada, many thought it was the perfect time for ZSJ to reach the top of NJPW. On the other hand, Okada went into the match in top form, with only one singles loss since winning the title.
Going into the match, both men seemed more determined than ever. As soon as the bell rang, the crowds loved the match with a methodical start, followed by a series of reversals. There was a good mix of styles combining ZSJ’s submissions and Okada’s athleticism throughout the opening minutes. Throughout the match, every move had a purpose.
What was very interesting was despite being the “heel,” the Japanese crowds were behind ZSJ throughout. It only seemed to motivate Okada and the ending moments seemed to contain a flurry of offence, despite both men being worn out. In the end, Okada’s athleticism gave him the advantage again. Okada hit a beautiful Michinoku Driver, followed by one Rainmaker clothesline to get the win.
Although many thought it wasn’t up to the same standard as the duo’s match, it was impossible not to praise Okada and ZSJ. Okada is the perfect champion and deserved to retain as much as fans wanted ZSJ to finally win gold. There is no denying that ZSJ’s time will come and he will take the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship when the time is right.
To make sure you stay updated with all the latest wrestling news, add WrestleTalk.com to your Google Discover feed and follow us on Twitter!
Comments.
Loading comments…