This week's matches of the week are dominated by NJPW as the 25th annual G1 Climax reaches it's conclusion. Exceptional matches between Tanahashi/Styles, Shibata/Tanahashi and Goto/Okada feature in this week's best matches along with an incredibly hard hitting contest between Chris Hero and Tommy End. This week's matches of the week begin with a the main event of this week's ROH TV as tension between Adam Cole and The Kingdom continued to grow in a highly entertaining main event.
The Kingdom vs reDRagon
Available to watch here:
The hottest tag division in pro wrestling threw together two of the hottest tag teams in the world in this week's main event of ROH TV. This week, reDRagon faced The Kingdom to jockey for position in a highly competitive tag division.
Accompanied to the ring by the 1st lady of ROH, Maria Kanellis, The Kingdom make their way to the ring having experienced their fair share of turmoil as of late. Adam Cole's perceived dissension in the ranks has divided The Kingdom culminating in Maria announcing that she will be looking to find a new member in The Kingdom to challenge for the ROH Title. reDRagon, partly the cause of the problems in The Kingdom due to Cole's relationship with Fish and O Reilly in particular, are next to arrive. After adhering to the code of honour, Tavern and Bennett pay rock, paper, scissors to determine who will start the match- Tavern is victorious. No such frivolities by reDRagon as Kyle O Reilly and Matt Tavern get things under way as Adam Cole makes his way to the ring to take a position on commentary. Tavern and O Reilly trade arm wrenches before O Reilly momentarily manages to lock in the arm bar- Tavern breaks the hold almost immediately by reaching the ropes before tagging in his partner, Michael Bennett. O Reilly uses the opportunity to tag in Fish, who delivers some stiff kicks to the chest before a series of quick tags allow reDRagon to stay on top.
O Reilly, during the commercial break, locks in the arm bar assisted by the ropes before delivering a running knee to Tavern on the outside. A distraction from Maria allows The Kingdom to beat down O Reilly ringside despite Bobby Fish's protest. Now back in the ring, randomly, O Reilly channels his inner Rock to land a few blows a la The Rock on Bennett before Bennett channels his inner Stone Cold Steve Austin, landing a lou thesz press followed by Stone Cold's signature elbow drop. A series of double team moves wear down O Reilly before he makes the hot tag to Bobby Fish, who once again delivers several fierce kicks to the chest of Tavern. Fish connects with the exploder on the turnbuckle followed by a samoan drop on the incoming Bennett. Signature reDRagon offence halts The Kingdom's momentum before the match descends into chaos as all men four men brawl in the centre of the ring. The Kingdom emerge victorious from this particular battle, delivering their 'tribute' to the Hardy Boys- a Twist of Fate followed by a Swanton Bomb. The Kingdom look to end things with the spike piledriver variation but a reversal by Fish allows reDRagon to hit more double team offence.
O Reilly trades blows with Tavern in the centre of the ring before O Reilly attempts the rebound lariat- a superkick by Bennett sends O Reilly crashing to the outside. Despite Adam Cole's objections, The Kingdom deliver a devastating Hail Mary to the protective matting outside the ring to Kyle O Reilly. A two on one assault is halted temporarily by Bobby Fish before Bennett connects with a devastating spear. A second Hail Mary connects-this time to Fish- as Tavern makes the cover to pick up the victory. The Kingdom begin a vicious post-match assault on Fish which is broken up by Adam Cole. Tensions further rise in The Kingdom as Maria tells Bennett and Tavern to stop before leaving- without Adam Cole.
Katsuyori Shibata vs Hiroshi Tanahashi
Available to watch here:
During NJPW's nadir, it was Katsuyori Shibata that left the sinking ship to wrestle else where. Tanahashi, amongst others, helped resurrect the company from the embers to re-establish NJPW as one of the biggest promotions in the world. The comparison was made between Tanahashi/Shibata and John Cena/ The Rock; in a word, these two men hate each other. Tanahashi considers Shibata a glory hunter. Shibata considers Tanahashi the golden boy who needs dethroning.
As the match gets under way, Shibata gains the initial advantage locking on an indian death lock early on- Shibata transitions into a bow and arrow submission but Tanahashi rolls through. Not many compare to Shibata's technical acumen but the face of NJPW is certainly one of them who could challenge Shibata's technical nous. Tanahashi locks in an inverted indian death lock of his own before Shibata reaches the ropes. Shibata attempts an abdominal stretch-but Tanahashi escapes momentarily before Shibata applies the figure four. A series of kicks to the leg by Shibata are evidence of an attempt to ensure Tanahashi can not perform the High Fly Flow. Shibata delivers more stiff kicks in the corner before looking for the basement dropkick- wisely, Tanahashi gets out the way before he begins work on Shibata's legs to negate his kicking ability. A dragon screw leg whip sends Shibata to the outside before Tanahashi tosses Shibata into the metal guard rails. Back in the ring, Tanahashi delivers some strikes in the corner but quickly this is made to seem like a bad idea; not many in the world can match Shibata strike for strike. Shibata, after winning the strike battle, delivers a basement dropkick followed by an arm trap suplex- Tanahashi kicks out at 2. Shibata, now targeting the neck, applies an octopus stretch in the centre of the ring. After a considerable length of time in the submission hold, Tanahashi breaks out to deliver a shot to the leg as both men fall to the ring under the weight of their pride. Tanahashi locks in a clover leaf after several stomps to Shibata's hamstrings- Shibata, somehow, claws his way to the ropes.
Tanahashi heads up top looking for the High Fly Flow but Shibata is on his feet- Shibata catches Tanahashi before delivering a gorilla press, attempted Penalty Kick attempt ducked under by Tanahashi, who then delivers the swingblade. Shibata is straight to his feet and delivers a death valley driver to the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion as both men hit the mat again. Shibata is first to his feet but Tanahashi delivers a corkscrew neck breaker before heading up to the top rope to successfully land the High Fly Flow on a standing Shibata- a second High Fly Flow attempt is met by the knees of Shibata who, sensing his opportunity, locks in the sleeper as Tanahashi begins to fade before Tanahashi rolls backwards to pin Shibata's shoulders to the mat for the three count in what was a fantastic back and forth contest. Hitherto his match with AJ Styles, this was easily Tanahashi's best performance of the tournament and a crucial 2 points gained over long time rival, Shibata.
Tomohiro Ishii vs Hirooki Goto
Available to watch here
In one of the most eagerly anticipated contests in this year's G1, Tomohiro Ishii met IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Hirooki Goto, in a match that had widespread implications in Block B. Both men entered the match tied on eight points a piece and a win here for either man would effectively eliminate the other thus ensuring the winner could mount a challenge in the final week of the tournament.
As the match begins, both men trade stiff strikes in the centre of the ring but neither man is moving. Goto and Ishii trade what seem like thousands of forearms as both men finally come crashing to the mat at the same time. Ishii is the first man to his feet and takes the opportunity to talk a little trash to the IWGP Intercontinental Champion- Goto responds with a series of brutal chops to the chest before huge strike by Ishii sends Goto crashing back into the mat. Ishii delivers a brainbuster for a near fall before the shorter man, Ishii, decides to slap Goto back into consciousness. Angered by such temerity, Goto offers Ishii a free attempt to knock him down- rebounding of the ropes, Ishii delivers a lariat that doesn't succeed in grounding Goto. Ishii returns the favour, offering Goto a free attempt to try and knock him over- Goto delivers a lariat of his own which doesn't succeed in grounding Ishii either- this continues six more times before Goto delivers a devastating lariat that sends Ishii to the mat.
Goto, sensing his opportunity, delivers a neck breaker to the knee before heading to the top rope- Ishii follows Goto to the top as the two exchange blows in the high rent district. Goto delivers a powerbomb from the top rope as both men crumble to the mat. Again, both men encourage one another to hit harder but, again, both men are not willing to budge before Goto sends Ishii crashing to the mat- Ishii immediately returns to his feet before delivering a ferocious lariat of his own that sends Goto crashing to the mat.
Goto and Ishii trade shots as they gradually return to their feet- Goto attempts a headbutt which is met by the fist of Ishii, who delivers a headbutt of his own. Goto's headbutts succeed in knocking Ishii off balance- Goto lifts Ishii to deliver the Ura Shouten to ensure he enters the final day of Block B with a chance of progressing to the finals.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs AJ Styles
Tied on 12 points a piece going into the final round of Block A matches, Hiroshi Tanahashi and AJ Styles knew that the winner of the match would have the opportunity to face the winner of Block B to determine who will be in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 10 at the Tokyo Dome competing for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Only a few months ago, it was AJ Styles, with the assistance of the Bullet Club, who defeated Tanahashi for the the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. But now, both men enter chasing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
As the match gets under way, a series of reversals ensue to illustrate how well these two competitors know each other. Tanahashi slaps AJ before going to work on AJ's left leg, sending his knee hurtling towards the ring post on several occassions before some viscious stomps to the left hamstring of AJ. Styles manages to send Tanahashi to the outside and quickly follows suit, dropping Tanahashi from up high on to the steel barricade. AJ rolls Tanahashi back into the ring and maintains control through several stomps in the corner working over Tanahashi's left leg. AJ, clutching his left leg, delivers a beautiful drop kick followed by Okada's Rainmaker pose-a signal of his intentions to recapture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Tanahashi ducks under a splash to grant him some time to regain his composure before the seven time IWGP Heavyweight Champion grounds AJ with a cross body. AJ rolls to the safety of the outside but Tanahashi halts AJ's attempts to catch his breath delivering the High Fly Flow to the outside. Tanahashi, first to his feet, drags AJ by his hair to the apron- AJ delivers a facelock jawbreaker on the ropes followed up by the springboard inverted ddt-Tanahashi kicks out at 2! AJ attempts a springboard 450- Tanahashi catches him to deliver a bridging german after AJ blocked the dragon suplex for another close fall. Tanahashi continues to work the left leg of AJ with a dragon screw leg whip before accidentally taking down the referee. AJ Styles delivers a vicious low blow greeted by vehement boos before attempting the Styles Clash- wild cheers greet Tanahashi as he manages to wriggle free before delivering a wild low blow of his own as both men fall to the ground. Tanahashi and Styles trade closed fist blows as they clamber to their feet-AJ lands a strike that sends Tanahashi cashing to his knees but Tanahashi strikes the left leg of AJ, who goes crumbling to the mat too.
Motivated by the desire to headline the biggest show of NJPW's calendar, Tanahashi and Styles return to their feet again-AJ lands several kicks to the hamstring of Tanahashi before locking in the Calf Killer in the centre of the ring! Tanahashi desperately claws at the mat in a futile attempt to reach the ropes- AJ has it locked in tight on the injured left leg of Tanahashi, who pulls at the shirt of the referee whilst writhing in pain. Eventually, Tanahashi reaches the ropes as AJ takes his frustrations out on the ref. AJ delivers an enziguri before attempting the Bloody Sunday brainbuster- reversed by Tanahashi who delivers a corkscrew neck breaker of his own. Attempted Swingblade by Tanahashi reversed by AJ into an implant buster- another kick out at 2. AJ follows it up with a springboard superman punch before looking for the Styles Clash-reversed by Tanahashi who successfully lands the Swingblade this time. Tanahashi lifts AJ, looking for the Styles Clash- AJ reverses into the ankle lock on the injured left leg of Tanahashi before Tanahashi summons what little leg strength he has left to send AJ head first into the turnbuckle!! Tanahashi looks for the Styles Clash again- this time he is successful!!..1...2... AJ is saved the embarrassment of being defeated by his own finisher with the latest kick out possible!
Tanahashi, meanwhile, heads up top looking for the High Fly Flow but is thwarted by the raised knees of Styles, who heads to the top himself and connects with the High Fly Flow!...1....2... Tanahashi kicks out! AJ, incredulous, returns to his own move set this time successfully connecting with the Bloody Sunday brainbuster before pointing the gun at Tanahashi, signalling his intentions. AJ lifts Tanahashi for the Styles Clash but Tanahashi reverses with a dragon screw leg whip followed by consecutive shots to the hamstring of the injured left leg of AJ. A second dragon screw leg whip grounds AJ temporarily as Tanahashi heads to the top rope- Tanahashi connects with the High Fly Flow on a standing AJ. The audience in attendance sense this one could be nearly over as Tanahashi heads up to the top again- this time Tanahashi connects with the High Fly Flow on a grounded AJ Styles to pick up the victory and advance to the G1 finals where he will meet either Okada, Nakmura, Goto or Karl Anderson. Both men lay broken in the ring before AJ bows his head to Tanahashi before taking his exit. Tanahashi, ice on the injured neck, proceeds to deliver a more subdued air guitar session than usual.
This was a legitimate five star classic and my favourite contest between these two in ring generals. Arguably, this was the best match of the tournament thus far between the two major players in Block A. Over to you, Okada and Nakamura.
Chris Hero vs Tommy End
Tommy End has been on a roll as of late; in tag team action, with the Sumerian Death Squad, End has featured in fantastic matches against the N.A.K and The Hunter Brothers. In singles action, Tommy End has featured in fantastic, hard hitting matches against the likes of Drew Galloway, Roderick Strong and Chris Hero, the man he faced for a third time at Southside Wrestling on the 8th August. Chris Hero, too, is putting on some of the best matches of his career against the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Drew Gulak, Brian Cage, Roderick Strong and Tommy End- and that is just PWG matches.
Tommy End has been on a roll as of late; in tag team action, with the Sumerian Death Squad, End has featured in fantastic matches against the N.A.K and The Hunter Brothers. In singles action, Tommy End has featured in fantastic, hard hitting matches against the likes of Drew Galloway, Roderick Strong and Chris Hero, the man he faced for a third time at Southside Wrestling on the 8th August. Chris Hero, too, is putting on some of the best matches of his career against the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Drew Gulak, Brian Cage, Roderick Strong and Tommy End- and that is just PWG matches.
After meeting twice in the past couple of months at PWG and wXw, Tommy End faces Chris Hero at Southside Wrestling, both tied at one victory a piece, in the rubber match of the series. Twice before these men have met and twice before these two men have delivered two of the most hard hitting matches you will ever likely see. At Menace II Society V in Nottingham, Hero and the Anti Hero met for the third time in an international dream match that did not disappoint and delivered in every way imaginable.
As the match begins, Hero and the Anti Hero jockey for position, exchanging submission holds before Hero attempts to dislodge Tommy End, who stands precariously positioned on the ring apron. Hero delivers a huge boot, followed by an even bigger one but End wont shift. Hero takes a run up but still can't dislodge End. Hero goes to the outside and pulls End's legs from underneath him sending his face crashing down on the ring apron. Hero rolls End back in the ring and delivers a running senton- End kicks out at 2. Hero attempts to begin working over the arm of Tommy End- End powers out as Hero and End trade ferocious shots in the centre of the ring, each one greeted by an ooh and a grimace from the crowd. Hero with the elbows, End with the kicks. Hero delivers a devastating elbow turning End's legs into jelly. Hero lifts End- looking for a piledriver- but End rolls through only to walk into a savage spinning forearms smash that sends him straight to the mat.
Hero, after dragging End to his feet, takes the opportunity to talk a little trash to Tommy End, asking the Dutch man how it feels to barely be able to stand up before End shuts him up with a monstrous roundhouse kick as both men fall to the mat.
Somehow, End manages to throw an arm over Hero as the referee begins the count to three...1....2... Hero grabs the ref's hand to stop him making the three count! Once more, Hero and End exchange fierce shots- End hits an ace crusher but Hero gets straight to his feet and roars in the face of Tommy End. Stunned by Hero's resilience, End is in disbelief as Hero lands the Hero's Welcome- only two.
Somehow, End manages to throw an arm over Hero as the referee begins the count to three...1....2... Hero grabs the ref's hand to stop him making the three count! Once more, Hero and End exchange fierce shots- End hits an ace crusher but Hero gets straight to his feet and roars in the face of Tommy End. Stunned by Hero's resilience, End is in disbelief as Hero lands the Hero's Welcome- only two.
End manages to get to his feet again and Chris Hero must be wondering what it will take to pin Tommy End again. End delivers a series of stiff kicks to ground Hero before hitting the Crescent Moon Double Stomp from the top rope followed by a shining wizard....1....2... only two again! Tommy End towers over Hero who desperately clutches at the ropes to help him up to his feet. Hero and End trade some more hellacious shots in the centre- Hero hits a huge spinning elbow sending End to the mat. Hero tucks End's head between his legs, slowly using what little remaining strength he has to deliver a piledriver. That must be it...1...2... another kick out by End!
Hero removes the protection to expose his elbow. Hero looks for that piledriver but End rolls through but keeping hold of Hero's waist to deliver a thunderous german suplex. End, perched on the top rope, looks for the Crescent Moon Double Stomp- Hero moves out of the way just in time. For the final time, End and Hero trade shots in the centre of the ring- End with kicks, Hero with elbows. Hero lifts End looking for the piedriver again but End somehow rolls through whilst driving Hero into the mat to roll Hero up for the three count. Every single person in Rushcliffe Leisure Centre stood to their feet to applaud the piece of history just witnessed. Hero interrupts the chants of "that was awesome" to state how proud he is to have been a part of this match and how proud he is of what Tommy End has become before leaving the with the parting shot that if the two meet during PWG Battle of Los Angles, he is going to kick End's ass.
Words can not do justice to how good this match was. Just buy the DVD. The price is worth it for this match alone.
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