NJPW Battle in the Valley
San Jose Civic in San Jose, California
Fred Rosser, Shota Umino & Jacob Fatu def. Team Filthy (Tom Lawler, Jorel Nelson & Royce Issacs) — Shota Umino received a great reaction. Lawler and Rosser began with some nice mat wrestling. Rosser offered a handshake but Issacs and Nelson attacked him. Nelson rocked Rosser with a running boot. Issacs followed with a sliding elbow for a near fall. Issacs planted Rosser with a German suplex for two. Nelson caught Rosser with a running crossbody against the ropes in an awkward spot. Lawler tagged himself into the match. Issacs tagged himself into the match. Rosser responded catching Issacs with a Death Valley Driver. The crowd cheered as Fatu planted Lawler with a Samoan Drop. Fatu delivered a Fosbury Flop onto Lawler and Issacs on the floor. Fatu connected with a Swanton Bomb. Fatu followed with a handspring moonsault to Lawler for two. Umino launched Nelson with an Exploder Suplex. Umino planted Lawler with a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Umino called for Death Rider but Issacs made the save. Team Filthy delivered a Triple Powerbomb to Umino but Rosser made the save. Issacs and Umino exchanged strikes. Umino rocked Issacs with a running forearm smash. Umino hit for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a fun action packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. The story here is the ongoing dissension between Tom Lawler and his partners who couldn’t get on the same page. A tremendous showing from Fatu as he came off a huge star who’s ready to breakout for a major wrestling promotion. I would love to see Fatu join WWE at sometime. There’s a perfect story waiting with the Bloodline. A nice showing from Umino who also looked great getting the win for his team. (***¼)
Jack Perry Appears In NJPW
The big angle came after the match. Umino gave fans high five at ringside. Someone in a masked mask appeared attacking Umino. It was revealed as Jack Perry who’s been off AEW TV following his suspension with CM Punk from All In. The crowd did reaction to Perry when he removed his mask Perry is now sporting a full beard. Perry planted Umino with a Hangman DDT on the floor. Perry whispered something into the camera. Perry rocked Umino with a running knee strike. Perry ripped up his AEW contract. Perry wore a wristband that said “SCAPEGOAT” The crowd booed as Perry stood on the turnbuckle.
Amin’s Thoughts — This is a pretty newsworthy way to start the show. Jack Perry is a good wrestler who had good to sometimes great matches on AEW. Perry hasn’t done anything interesting in AEW when it comes to his character. Perry is mostly known for is his backstage involvement with CM Punk at All In. CM Punk is now in presented as a top star in WWE who’s likely going to main event WrestleMania. Meanwhile, Perry hasn’t been seen since or name been mentioned on AEW. This could be a good way to refresh Perry by having be part of NJPW and for him to get the incident at All In. I’m guessing Perry ripping up the AEW contract was likely a work as they have a working relationship with NJPW.
Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr. def. Rocky Romero & Soberano Jr. — Rocky teased starting the match but instead rolled to the floor. Rocky took time to stretch. Dara’s shined early catching Soberano with a flying crossbody. Darada caught Rocky with a hurricanrana. Soberano stopped Darada nailing him with a superkick. Rocky yanked Volador to the mat. Soberano took control rocking Darada with a palm strike. Soberano launched Darada who caught Rocky with a sloppy looking hurricanrana. Darada and Volador made a comeback delivering stereo dives to the floor. The crowd chanted Lucha Libre. Rocky took back control hitting a series of Forever Clothesline. Rocky followed nailing Volador with a rewind kick for two. Volador responded nailing Rocky with a superkick. Volador connected with a back cracker to Rocky for two. Volador went for a powerbomb. Rocky reversed spiking Volador with Strong Zero. Soberano caught Darada with a flying corkscrew splash. Darada responded catching Soberano with an Electric Chair into a Death Valley Driver for two. Darada tagged Volador into the match. Volador laid on the mat after getting the tag. Darada leaped over Rocky catching Soberano with a hurricanrana. Darada followed with a dive onto Soberano on the floor which got a nice pop. Volador caught Rocky with a Canadian Destroyer for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a solid match as the action kept moving for the most part with everyone getting a chance to shine. There’s some nice high flying spots but nothing here really felt special or something you haven’t seen before. (***)
David Finlay vs. TJP — TJP attacked Finlay as he was making his entrance. The match got underway as TJP launched Finlay into the ring post. Finlay took control planting TJP with a suplex on the floor. Finlay rocked TJP with mounted strikes. Finlay connected with a backbreaker for a two count. TJP battled back pulling on Finlay’s arm. TJP took control hitting a pair of Mamba Splashes. TJP rocked Finlay with a running boot. The crowd chanted one more time so TJP rocked Finlay with a second running boot. TJP connected with a springboard DDT for two. Finlay caught TJP charging with a Blue Thunder Bomb. Finlay connected with an Irish Curse Backbreaker for two. Finlay planted TJP with a spinning backbreaker. Finlay connected with a Dominator for two. Finlay grabbed his shillelagh, but the referee stopped him. This gave TJP the advantage to blow mist into Finlay’s face. TJP connected with a running knee strike for a close two count. TJP connected with a Mamba Splash for another two count. TJP went for an Octopus Hold but Finlay broke free. Finlay planted TJP with a piledriver for two. Finlay delivered an Upside Down Knee Strike for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a solid action packed match. A really good showing from TJP who’s a junior tag team champion and got a chance to work an even match with Finlay who’s NJPW secondary champion. I was impressed with Finlay as he looked great in the win while working to TJP’s speed. This is the best match on the show to this point. (***½)
Tom Lawler joined Walker Stewart and Veda Scott on commentary.
Guerrillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) [c] def. Bullet Club War Dogs (Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors) to retain the NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Titles — The match started quickly between both teams. Hikuelo caught Coughlin with a DDT. Connors gave his team the lead catching Hikuelo with a chop block. Connors rocked Hikuelo with a running shoulder tackle in the corner. Connors and Coughlin isolated Hikuelo in their corner. Hikuelo battled back rocking Connors and Coughlin with a double clothesline Phantasmo ran wild delivering a pair of atomic drops to Connors and Coughlin. Phantasmo hit a pair of moonsaults onto Coughlin. Phantasmo followed planting Connors with a DDT on the floor. Phantasmo planted Coughlin with a Tornado DDT. Hikuleo and Phantasmo delivered a Burning Hammer/boot combo to Coughlin for two. Coughlin battled back catching Hikuelo with a German Suplex. Connors and Coughlin delivered Hit-and-Run to Hikuleo for two. Coughlin and Connors hit a Suplex/Spear combo to Hikuelo but Phantasmo made the save. Hikuelo battled back catching Coughlin with a snap powerslam. Hikuelo planted Coughlin with a chokeslam. Hikuelo and Phantasmo delivered a Rocker Launcher to Coughlin for the win to retain the tag titles.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a solid tag team match. Connors and Coughlin are really fun to watch working a great aggressive style. Another fun showing from Hikuelo and Phantasmo as there style of power/speed make for a real fun team. Hikuelo has come along way and is showing great strides working this babyface role. (***)
Giulia [c] def. Trish Adora to retain the NJPW STRONG Women’s Title — Giulia came out as she felt like a huge star. Walker Stewart mentioned on commentary Giulia disbanding her STARDOM group. Adora offered a handshake. Giulia accepted. Giulia went for a backdrop suplex but Adora blocked. Adora took control early rocking Giulia with chops. Adora caught Giulia charging with a spinning backbreaker. Adora connected with a bridging suplex for a two count. Giulia battled back catching Adora with a suplex. Adora got the better of Giulia in a strike exchange. Giulia responded applying an STF but Adora grabbed the ropes. Giulia connected with a missile dropkick for two. Adora battled back catching Giulia with a release German Suplex. The crowd popped as Giulia no-sold it. Giulia sent Adora flying with a German Suplex. Adora responded catching Giulia with a German Suplex. Giulia stopped Adora catching her with a Saito Suplex. Giulia called for a Norther Lights Bomb. Adora responded yanking Giulia’s arm to the mat. Adora caught Giulia with a Bubba Bomb. Adora applied a reverse Butterfly Lock but Giulia reached the ropes. There was a split chant for Adora and Giulia. Adora planted Giulia with a running powerslam on the floor. Giulia battled back planting Adora with a snap suplex on the floor. Adora and Giulia battled for position on the ropes. Giulia delivered a Super Double Underhook Suplex but Adora kicked out at one to a great reaction. Giulia rocked Adora with a knee strike for a two count. Giulia delivered a Northern Lights Bomb for the win to retain her title.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really good match. I was impressed with Adora as she looked great holding her own against one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world. A tremendous showing from Giulia worked just a great match. There should be no worry as Giulia showed she would adjust perfectly to the WWE style of match. Giulia has such amazing charisma and presence as she just screams superstar when you see her. I would love to see Giulia in WWE to see her get the chance to become a major superstar for the biggest wrestling promotion in the world. Giulia will be a major star wherever she ends up going. (***½)
Mustafa Ali Video Package
They aired a Mustafa Ali video package who was speaking at a Presidential campaign. Ali challenged Hiromu Takahahsi to a match at Windy City Riot in Chicago on April 12th. The crowd chanted Ali.
Amin’s Thoughts — I liked the video package with Ali going on a Worldwide tour after his release from WWE. Ali came off a star here and a match with Takahashi sounds great.
Matt Riddle & Jeff Cobb def. TMKD (Zack Sabre Jr. & Bad Dude Tito) — Jeff Cobb was revealed as “X” the mystery partner. Riddle went for a gut wrench suplex. Sabre countered into a triangle choke but Riddle broke free. Cobb and Tito exchanged strikes and big shoulder tackles. Riddle delivered an assisted Floating Bro to Tito for a near fall. Tito stopped Riddle running him into his corner. Tito connected with a slingshot splash to Riddle. Tito rocked Riddle with a short-arm lariat for a near fall. Riddle battled back rocking Sabre with a PK. Cobb ran wild planting Sabre with a running back suplex but Tito made the save. Cobb went for a standing moonsault but Sabre moved. Sabre caught Cobb with a neck screw. Sabre went for a European Clutch but Cobb broke free. Cobb called for Tour of the Islands. Sabre reversed into a Crucifix for near fall. Sabre caught Cobb with a Tornado DDT for a double down. Riddle ran wild rocking Tito with an overhead kick. Tito responded planting Riddle with a German Suplex but Cobb made the save. Sabre placed Cobb in a Rear-Naked Choke on the floor. Tito planted Riddle with a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Riddle responded catching Tito charging with a Floating Bro. Riddle went for an overhead kick. Sabre countered into an ankle lock but Riddle broke free. Cobb launched Sabre into a Riddle flying kick. Cobb planted Tito with a German Suplex. Tito no-sold it. Tito launched Cobb with an Exploder Suplex. Riddle rocked Tito with a ripcord knee strike. Riddle connected with Bro Derek for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a good action packed match. Cobb and Sabre were both great as always especially if you’ve seen any of their work in NJPW. A nice showing from Tito who looked impressive as the powerhouse for TMDK. This was all about wanting to give Riddle a showcase match. Riddle looked fine but this was mostly just more of same from his time in WWE. (***¼)
Eddie Kingston [c] vs. Gabe Kidd ended in a Double Count Out for the AEW Continental Crown — Eddie Kingston received a big reaction from the crowd. Kidd and Kingston brawled around ringside before the match began. The match eventually got underway as Kidd and Kingston exchanged big chops which popped the crowd. Kington caught Kidd flying with a T-Bone Suplex. The crowd popped as Kingston rocked Kidd with rapid fire chops. Kidd responded rocking Kingston with forearm smashes. Kidd planted Kingston with a Brainbuster for two. The crowd chanted “F—U Kidd” Kingston responded planting Kidd with a Half/Half Suplex. Kingston followed rocking Kingston with a spinning back fist for two. Kidd responded catching Kingston with a backdrop suplex. Kidd planted Kingston with a Tombstone Piledriver for two. Kidd and Kingston exchanged bulldog head butts. Kidd repeatedly spat in Kingston’s face. Kingston fired up rocking Kidd with a series of combination strikes. Kingston connected with a spinning back fist. Kidd rolled to the floor. Kidd and Kingston exchanged strikes on the floor just past the 10-minute mark. The ring announcer began his count. Kingston launched Kidd with a T-Bone Suplex on the floor. Kingston was about to go back inside the ring. Kidd grabbed the microphone. Kidd called Kingston a “Fat B*tch” Kingston went back after Kidd. Kingston snapped as he attacked Kidd. The match ended in a double count out.
Amin’s Thoughts — Kidd and Kingston were working a really good hard hitting match. They ran into a problem when two companies work a joint show. Kingston is signed to AEW so he wasn’t going to lose the title. NJPW sees something big with Kidd so they didn’t want him to take the loss either. They instead just gave the audience a finish that absolutely sucked. (***¼)
The crowd chanted “Let Them Fight” The brawl continued around ringside. Kingston was heading to the back. Kidd entered the ring and tossed away the AEW Continental Classic Crown. This led to another brawl. Bullet Club War Dogs appeared attacking Kingston. Kidd gave Kingston a Piledriver onto the AEW Continental Classic Crown. The crowd booed as Kidd posed and tossed the title away. Kidd headed to the back with War Dogs.
Jon Moxley def. Shingo Takagi in a No Disqualification Match — Jon Moxley came out to a huge reaction. Moxley came out to his NJPW theme song. Shingo received a great reaction as well. Moxley and Shingo began exchanging strikes. Walker Stewart asked Lawler what Shingo’s mindset when he challenged Moxley to the match? Lawler noted Shingo was looking for something. Lawler noted Naito is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He mentioned Hiromu is the still the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Uhhhhh….Hiromu Takahahsi lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title to El Desperado at Wrestle Kingdom. Walker Stewart did his best throughout the show. The commentary on the show wasn’t great. Shingo grabbed a pair of kendo sticks. The crowd cheered as Shingo handed Moxley a kendo stick. Moxley fishhook Shingo’s mouth with a kendo stick. The crowd was split chanting for Moxley and Shingo. Moxley whacked Shingo with a trash can lid. Shingo was busted open five minutes into the match. The crowd chanted for tables. The crowd popped as Moxley stabbed Moxley with the kendo sticks. Moxley delivered a piledriver for two. Shingo battled back rocking Moxley with a jab/lariat combo. Moxley went for a dive but Shingo whacked him with a trash can lid. Moxley was busted open as well. Shingo planted Moxley with a superplex. The crowd chanted “This Is Awesome!” Lawler said this was “Justified This Is Awesome” chant. That was a stretch. Shingo caught Moxley with a German Suplex. Moxley no-sold it. Moxley connected with a Saito Suplex. Shingo no-sold it. Moxley caught Shingo with a Paradigm Shift. Shingo bounced up rocking Moxley with a sliding elbow as both men were down. Lawler on commentary said he would try to put some thought a table. The crowd chanted tables. Shingo grabbed a chain rocking Moxley with a running clothesline for two. Shingo grabbed a table to the biggest reaction of the match. Moxley responded chocking Shingo with a chain. Moxley delivered a flying elbow as Shingo went crashing through the table. The crowd chanted “Holy S*it” Moxley grabbed another table at the 20-minute mark. Moxley went for a Super Death Rider but Shingo blocked. Shingo blew mist into Moxley’s face. Shingo delivered a Super Death Valley Driver sending Moxley crashing through a table. Shingo rocked Moxley with a Pumping Bomber. Shingo delivered a Straitjacket Powerbomb for two. Shingo connected with Made In Japan onto a chair for a good two count. Shingo called for Last Of The Dragon but Moxley blocked. Moxley caught Shingo with a Cutter. Moxley followed hitting a Curb Stomp. Moxley followed with a Death Rider DDT but Shingo kicked out for a great two count. The crowd chanted Fight Forever at the 25-minute mark. Moxley placed Shingo in a sleeper hold. Shingo tried to break free. Moxley transitioned planting Shingo with a Sleeper Suplex. Moxley rocked Shingo with a Regal Knee for a one count. Moxley rocked Shingo with a King Kong Lariat. Moxley delivered a Death Rider DDT onto a chair for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was fantastic. I really enjoyed this because Moxley and Shingo went in working a hard hitting brawl for a blowoff feud. Moxley was tremendous as he looked to have a blast working a match right down his alley. I thought Shingo had a tremendous showing working to Moxley’s style of match. (****½)
Moxley showed Shingo respect as they bumped fists after the match. Moxley asked for the microphone. Big chants of Moxley from the crowd. Moxley delivered a promo challenging Tetsuya Naito to a match. Moxley said the time has come.
Kazuchika Okada def. Will Ospreay — Okada came out first as he got a superstar reaction from the crowd. Ospreay also got a huge reaction from the crowd. This felt like a huge match. The match began with a feeling out process. Okada rocked Ospreay with a shoulder tackle. Ospreay knit-up. Ospreay took control catching Okada with a hurricanrana. Ospreay went for a slingshot plancha but Okada moved. Okada planted Ospreay with a DDT on the floor. Okada followed planting Ospreay with a Hangman DDT on the floor. Okada placed heel doing a showboating cover. Ospreay battled back planting Okada with a vertical suplex. Ospreay nailed Okada with a handspring kick. Ospreay followed hitting a slingshot plancha to the floor. Ospreay connected with a springboard forearm for two. Okada responded catching Ospreay with a flapjack. There was a split chant from the crowd. Okada connected with an Air Raid Crash for two. Okada applied a Money Clip but Ospreay broke free. Ospreay nailed Okada with a rolling enzuigiri. Ospreay went for a powerbomb. Okada missed his timing on the landing but recovered smoothly. Okada went for a German Suplex but Ospreay landed on his feet. Okada went for a dropkick but Ospreay grabbed hold onto the ropes. Ospreay went for a Shooting Star Press but Okada got his knees up. Okada rocked Ospreay with a dropkick. Ospreay responded hitting a pair of hook kicks. Ospreay followed hitting an OzCutter for two. Ospreay went for a corkscrew splash but Okada moved. Okada responded sending Ospreay flying with a Woo Dropkick at the 15-minute mark. There was a light Fight Forever chant. Okada planted Ospreay with a Tombstone Piledriver on the floor. The crowd light chanted Red Shoes. Okada connected with his signature InSane Elbow Drop. The crowd cheered as Okada delivered his Rainmaker pose. Red Shoes held Okada back as he mocked Ospreay booting him in the face. Ospreay went for a OzCutter but Okada blocked. Ospreay blocked a Rainmaker into a Spanish Fly for two. Okada responded catching Ospreay with a Landslide. Okada went back for the Rainmaker but Ospreay countered into a rolling sunset flip. Ospreay maintained control transitioning into a Styles Clash for a great two count. Walker told Lawler on commentary Ospreay has come so close to putting Okada away. Lawler noted he has to be locking to hit that Rainmaker at some point. Veda Scott immediately jumped in Ospreay won his match against Okada after using the Storm Breaker. Just checking in and letting you know commentary for this show hasn’t been great. The crowd popped as Ospreay teased hitting Kenny Omega’s V-Trigger. Okada responded catching Ospreay with a dropkick. Okada and Ospreay both went for the Rainmaker. Okada caught Ospreay with a backslide. Okada maintained control hitting a Storm Breaker for a great two count. Okada delivered a Rainmaker but Ospreay kicked out just past the 20-minute mark for a great two count. Okada placed heel as he gave the crowd the finger in a bizarre twist. Okada went for a dropkick but Ospreay caught him with a jumping powerbomb in a great spot. Okada and Ospreay exchanged strikes. Ospreay caught Okada with a running forearm smash. Ospreay did Okada’s Rainmaker pose. Ospreay connected with a standing dropkick. Ospreay connected with a Rainmaker for two. Okada went for a reverse Rainmaker. Ospreay reversed hitting a Storm Breaker for a great two count. Ospreay called for Hidden Blade but Okada caught him with a dropkick. Okada caught Ospreay charging with a Cobra Flosion. Okada maintained wrist control. Okada rocked Ospreay with a series of clothesline. Ospreay fell to his knees. Okada lifted Ospreay up and delivered a Landslide. Okada followed with a Rainmaker for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — I’ve seen Okada and Ospreay have much better matches together at Wrestle Kingdom and in the G1 Climax. I’m really not sure if it was the arena, the crowd lighting or the audio set up but it took away from the enjoyment of matches on the show. That’s why I’m giving Okada and Ospreay even more credit as they still managed to already work a match of the year candidate just three weeks into the New Year. The counters and transitions were just incredible to watch. I really liked the story with Okada and Ospreay pulling out all the stops by using each other’s signature moves wanting to get the win. Okada winning was the right call because he’s still with NJPW and Ospreay is leaving. Just an amazing well paced match from start to finish featuring two of the very best wrestlers in the world. (*****)
Okada offered Ospreay his hand. Ospreay extended his hand. The crowd cheered as Okada and Ospreay shared a hug. Bullet Club War Dogs came out. David Finlay attacked Okada with a shillelagh. The crowd cheered as United Empire and Eddie Kingston came out to finally make the save. The crowd chanted Thank You Ospreay. He delivered a promo saying the crowd can thank him when he whips the floor with Bullet Club in a steel cage. He said David Finlay and his Sex Slaves (what he called them) can keep running but will see them in Osaka. He said he owed Kingston one. He thanked United Empire for having his back. The crowd thanked Ospreay. He said it’s been a fun eight years. He said NJPW gave him a chance to make mistakes and grow from it. He called Okada the best wrestler ever. He thanked NJPW for letting him compete in his final series of matches. He thanked United Empire. He said he’s going to know the United States crowd for the next couple of years. The crowd began chanting You Deserve It. He hyped his last NJPW match in Osaka.
Overall Thoughts
This was a very enjoyable show. There was a nice mix of different style of matches on the show. The show featured two standout matches from Okada/Ospreay and Moxley/Shingo. The rest of the matches on the show were good ranging to great. Giulia came off as a huge star on the show. I was also impressed with Jacob Fatu as he looks ready to breakout. This was also a very newsworthy show with Jack Perry making his first appearance since his AEW All In suspension. NJPW also bringing on Mustafa Ali, Nic Nemeth and Matt Riddle is a good way to try to get new viewers and bring some freshness to the show. Overall, this was a good show. Good to see NJPW is starting the New Year off in a strong way.
