After postponing the show due to COVID-19, New Japan Pro Wrestling successfully held their Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome. Going into the show, although there were many matches to get excited about, there was also a lot of uncertainty with the main event.
Yet, in the end, fans were treated to a mixture of title and special matches. Over the four hours show, there was something for everyone in a top-quality card with some high-quality wrestling. Here is a look at all the matches from Wrestle Grand Slam ranked.
6. King of Pro-Wrestling Rambo
Credit: NJPW1972
With the King of Pro-Wrestling trophy, you never know what to expect from a match and this Rambo was no different. After a poll confirmed that the bout would have a handcuffs stipulation, the match itself lived up to the division’s chaotic and almost unbelievable nature.
The first entrants were Chase Owens and Great O-Khan. After a quick burst of offence, the remaining 20 participants made their way into the ring. Before fans knew it, there were bodies everywhere and it was almost impossible to keep track of all the action. It seemed as if the action never stopped from pins, submissions, and wrestlers being handcuffed to railings.
Yet, for all its chaos, there were some nice interactions between wrestlers. Fans got to see Suzuki and Nagata square off, as well as members of Bullet Club and CHAOS. Yet, despite Toru Yano coming in last, he was surrounded by Bullet Club and, with a package piledriver, Chase Owens became the second-ever trophy holder.
It may not have been the wrestling masterpiece seen during the rest of the show. However, it was a great way to start the event, allowing fans to see some of their favourite wrestlers who didn’t make the main card. Also, with a new winner, it begins a new chapter for the trophy, which could change the complexion of the division.
5. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori (c) v Ryusuke Taguchi & Rocky Romero – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
Credit: NJPW1972
After ELP and Ishimori beat Roppongi 3k for the titles, there didn’t seem to be anyone left to challenge for the titles. Yet, Rocky Romero and Ryusuke Taguchi surprised everyone by earning a shot at the titles during the Summer Struggle Tour.
From the very beginning, the four men started as they meant to carry on by treating fans to a mixture of diverse Jr wrestling. From ELP’s athleticism, Ishimori’s strength, Romero’s Sneaky Style, and Taguchi’s ass, there was something for everyone.
What was nice about this match was the mix of pure wrestling but also comedy. Whether it was Romero using Taguchi’s ass for a Tornado DDT or the back raking, it was different. Yet, there was also phenomenal wrestling that included a beautiful moonsault over the rope and barricades. The storyline surrounding the shoe added an extra layer to the match, making it more than just your regular defense.
Although curious about ELP’s shoe, it played against Taguchi. With the referee distracted, ELP hit Taguchi with a low blow and hit a CR2 to get the win. It even progressed the story of ELP’s dangerous boot. Even though the Mega Coaches lost, they are a breath of fresh air in the Jr tag division. Also, with one successful defence under the belts, maybe the Bullet Club duo might break the inconsistency the title has seen the past year.
4. Kazuchika Okada v Jeff Cobb – Special Singles Match
Credit: NJPW1972
Out of all the matches on the card, this special singles match was a battle of pride rather than titles. Going into the match, neither Kazuchika Okada nor Jeff Cobb had any real momentum after losing their past matches. In the warmup matches, both men seemed as motivated as any championship match.
From the very beginning, fans could see that Cobb was motivated to beat one of the best wrestlers in the world. Whether in the ring or outside, it was a flurry of action with a mixture of heavy dropkicks and a nasty neckbreaker outside the ring. Yet, as expected, Okada quickly found his momentum and suddenly found a flush of adrenaline despite being warn out early. With a draping DDT on the barricade, Okada found his feet.
As expected, fans were treated to a wrestling masterpiece between two very similar athletes. On the one hand, they hit strikes and forearms like pure heavyweights. They also flew in the air like Jrs, whether through moonsaults or picture-perfect dropkicks.
Like the rest of the match, the final moments were a flurry of offence. Cobb hit Okada with a painful-looking headbutt, which Okada managed to counter with several short Rainmakers. Yet, in the end, it was a roll-up that got the win reflecting the sense of urgency from Okada. With yet another loss for Cobb, The Empire is at risk of falling into the background. With a vital win, could Okada be the next in line for a title shot?
3. El Desperado (c) v Robbie Eagles – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
Since winning the vacant Jr Heavyweight title, El Desperado had proved his dominance as the champion. When Robbie Eagles challenged him during the Summer Struggle Tour, it seemed as if Despy’s wrestling and personality would bring him another win, especially after targeting Robbie’s leg during the previous show.
At first, it seemed to be going that way, with El Desperado continuing his onslaught on Robbie’s leg, which, like most Jrs, was one of his best weapons. From dropkicks and a rough dragon screw, it felt like Robbie was just playing time. Yet, Robbie fought back without any warning and went on a flurry of offence targeting Despy’s leg. These body parts are integral for their submissions for both men, and they attacked them as if their lives depended on it.
What made this match stand out was the diversity. Both Eagles and Desperado have distinct styles. While Desperado is more power-based, Eagles is also mat-based but combines it with a more standard Jr style. Because of this, fans were treated to drop kicks, elbow strikes, and various submissions.
Just as the clock neared the 20-minute mark, the action seemed as hot as ever, with both men continuing to attack each other’s knees. Yet, after a few failed attempts at the Ron Miller Special, Eagles hit a 450 splash to Desperado’s leg landed flush. From there, it’s back to the Ron Miller Special, which got Eagles the win. It was a spectacular match showcasing what the Jr division has to offer and was a well-deserved win for Robbie.
2. Shingo Takagi (c) v Hiroshi Tanahashi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
Going into the show, fans expected to see a fast, dynamic and even dangerous match between Shingo Takagi and Kota Ibushi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. However, due to illness, Ibushi was unable to wrestle. At the last minute, New Japan called on the Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi. Nobody knew what to expect from a match with no build-up or real preparation, yet fans were treated to a spectacle.
From the minute the match started, you could see the determination in both men’s eyes because they each had something to prove. As expected, both men put 100% and treated fans to a mixture of styles, reflecting their personalities. Shingo made the most of his strength and power but also mimicked Tanahashi with his patented Dragon Screw. The Ace continued to use his speed and athleticism and slowed it down when he had to.
Yet, despite both men channelling their inner Japanese Strong Style, it was a match that was continuously changing tempo. One minute, both athletes were utilising their speed and zooming across the ring making the most of the moment. The next, the duo would be standing in the centre of the ring throwing forearms. As the time passed, the two found new adrenaline and momentum.
In the end, Shingo got the win with his Last of the Dragon just as the clock reached the 37-minute mark. Both men benefited greatly and came out looking strong. For Shingo, he got past the first defence by beating one of the best New Japan has ever seen. For Tanahashi, he proved that the Ace can still kill it in the main event of a big show and hold his own against the company’s newest talent.
1. Tetsuya Naito & SANADA (c) v Dangerous Tekkers – IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
Credit: NJPW1972
For years, New Japan fans have found fault in the New Japan tag division. Whether it is the lack of teams, lack of consistency, or lack of real chemistry, it was one of the company’s weaknesses. However, the latest feud between the LIJ team of Naito and SANADA against TAICHI and Zack Sabre Jr brought something new. Their match at the Tokyo Dome was one of the best tag bouts seen in a long time for many.
With four very different personalities and styles, fans were treated to a diverse mix of styles throughout the match. Whether it was the strength of TAICHI, the unpredictability of Naito, the speed of SANADA, or Zack’s submission style, it was action-packed from start to end. In particular, the sequence of roll-ups between ZSJ and SANADA looked like a beautifully choreographed dance.
It seemed like the LIJ team focused on ZSJ’s leg throughout the match, weakening his offence dramatically. Yet, it seemed as if every time Naito targeted the knee, the fans got more behind Zack, willing him to find adrenaline. It seemed to work, and both TAICHI and ZSJ found new momentum to push forward.
Despite being worn out and having his leg targeted, Zack Sabre Jr managed to pin Naito with his patented European Clutch to bring the titles back to Suzuki Gun. Although many thought the match’s length was too long, it perfectly allowed the four athletes to put on a wrestling spectacle and tell a story. It was a match combining humour, perfect wrestling and amazing storytelling. It also brought out the best of all four men, showcasing just how good they all are.
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