Note: For those of you wanting to check out the other Wrestle Kingdom 9 reviews so far, click on these links:
Focus: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 9
AJ Styles vs. Tetsuya Naito
Kenny Omega vs. Ryusuke Taguchi (c)- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
This is the match that many consider to be the "Crown Jewel" of Wrestle Kingdom 9. In fact, many consider it to be the Best Match of 2015 period. It's the challenger, Kota Ibushi, trying to prove that he is on the level of New Japan legend Shinsuke Nakamura. The two had a match previously at the G1 Climax in 2013 that wowed many wrestling fans. This is the sequel in which Ibushi looks to take the Intercontinental Championship away from a man many believe helped make that championship equal to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Let's Do This!
Wrestle Kingdom 9
1/4/15
Tokyo Dome Tokyo, Japan
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Kota Ibushi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (c)
For those of you wanting to watch along with the match, here's the link to a video I found online for the match (with Jim Ross and Matt Striker on commentary):
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6e8ozb
You can just feel the energy for this match watching the introductions here. Ibushi has a lot of crowd support as he walks to the ring. And Nakamura... wow. Nakamura dressed like a king coming down to the ring to defend his throne is one of the great wrestling entrances ever period. There are few that can match it for awesomeness. The Intercontinental Championship almost symbolically falls off of Nakamura during his rope pose (which would be something I would point out on English commentary). Even Nakamura, a master of selling several things in one facial expression, gives a hint of doubt as he hands over his championship to the referee.
The bell rings. Both men walk and get into a fighting stance. Nakamura isn't too keen on getting into a striking contest with Ibushi this early in the match. Nakamura gets Ibushi in the ropes. Ibushi has none of Nakamura's nonsense breaks. They get in some strikes on the other. Ibushi avoids Bomaye, but he gets suckered in to a series of strikes from Nakamura. Ibushi gets Nakamura in the corner after some strikes and nails "Good Vibrations" on its master (Nakamura). Wow. Nakamura tells Ibushi to bring it. Ibushi runs in and gets his own "Good Vibrations" from Nakamura. Running knee into the corner in the midsection followed by running knee to a hanging Ibushi on the apron. Knee Drop on the apron to the hanging Ibushi by Nakamura now. Nakamura gets in the ring and waits for Ibushi to get back in. 13 count roughly before Ibushi gets in the ring.
Nakamura goes after the neck of Ibushi and drops the knee in the ring. 2 count. Back to a headlock into a Cobra Twist by Nakamura. Ibushi gets to the ropes. Nakamura demands Ibushi bring it. Ibushi strikes on Nakamura who just brushes it off. Nakamura slaps Ibushi now. Ibushi answers back. Backstabber by Nakamura. Snap Rana by Ibushi followed by a dropkick that sends Nakamura to the floor. GOLDEN TRIANGLE BY IBUSHI!!!!! (Running Leaping Top Corner Moonsault to the floor on Nakamura, for those of you wondering what that meant.)
Springboard Missile Dropkick by Ibushi on Nakamura in the ring now. Big series of strikes and a kick by Ibushi. Standing Shooting Star Press by Ibushi. Ibushi goes for another springboard maneuver, but Nakamura gets a boot to Ibushi. Nakamura gets in several strikes on Ibushi, including the trademark spinning kick and low knees. Nakamura is on the corner now, but Ibushi climbs up after him. Ibushi HITS A BEAUTIFUL SPRINGBOARD FRANKENSTEINER for only a 2 count. Wow. Snap Dragon by Ibushi followed by a Standing Corkscrew Moonsault for a 2 count. Ibushi gets a Sunset Flip on Nakamura followed by a kick to the head. LAST RIDE SITDOWN POWERBOMB! 1-2-KICKOUT BY NAKAMURA! Ibushi climbs up. PHOENIX SPLASH MISSES BY IBUSHI! BOMAYE BY NAKAMURA! (Kinshasa in WWE.)
Nakamura kicks Ibushi to the ropes and begins stomping on the back of Ibushi's head. Ibushi is getting angry. Hard strikes by Ibushi. Shoteis! Ibushi is firing back on Nakamura. Big running strike by Nakamura. Nakamura locks in the twisting armbar! Ibushi gets on his feet and STOMPS ON THE FACE OF NAKAMURA TO BREAK IT UP! NOW, HE'S KICKING NAKAMURA IN THE BACK OF HIS HEAD! Damn. Reverse Powerslam by Ibushi, further taking Nakamura's offense and using it against him. BOMAYE BY IBUSHI!!!! 1 count! Nakamura kicked out at 1!
Ibushi continues to strike the back of Nakamura's head with kicks and punches. Nakamura is now fighting back and kicks Ibushi back into the corner. Now, Nakamura is stomping and kicking Ibushi with the toe of his boot. Hard strikes by both men. Closed fist by Nakamura. Nakamura goes for Bomaye, but Ibushi counters with a double stomp to the chest of Nakamura. Holy crap! This is amazing.
Ibushi is up. Nakamura is on the apron. POWER GERMAN SUPLEX BY IBUSHI TO NAKAMURA SENDING HIM FROM THE APRON OVER THE ROPES INTO THE RING! 2 COUNT ONLY! Ibushi more than proved his worth here. Ibushi goes for the Last Ride Powerbomb again, but Nakamura just headbutts Ibushi several times and gets in a series of strikes. (The King of Strong Style is living up to his name. Ibushi has to be a Warden of Strong Style at this point, doesn't he?!) Nakamura gets on the second rope. BOMAYE FROM THE SECOND ROPE TO THE BACK OF IBUSHI'S HEAD, AND IBUSHI JUST GETS UP AND SMILES! KNEE TO KNEE BY BOTH MEN! LANDSLIDE BY NAKAMURA! BOMAYE! 1-2-3! NAKAMURA WINS!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Match Grade: A+. OH MY GOD! That was amazing. This is something we've all wanted to see from a Nakamura match in WWE: a fight. Not just "Strong Style" wrestling. But Nakamura was able to go out and tell a story by having a competitive back and forth match that focused less on sports-entertainment theatrics and more of an in-ring story told through moves.
And let's sing the praises of Kota Ibushi as well here. If this doesn't prove that Ibushi belongs on the upper-tier of any wrestling promotion that he's involved in, nothing ever will. He gave the type of performance we've become accustomed to from Ibushi in the last several years, if not even to greater heights in this match. This felt like a fight in all the best ways that professional wrestling should endeavor to do in big-time events. No screwy finishes. No writers being cute. New Japan just told a great story using two great athletes in the ring, and they produced this masterpiece. Hats off to all involved in making this match.
After the ring, Nakamura gives Ibushi respect by checking on him and giving him a fist-bump. Nakamura gets on the mic. "I'm overwhelmed. White as snow. Ashes white as now. Just kidding. I was close to becoming ashes as white as snow. This guy is the greatest. Tokyo Dome. Are You Ready? Are You? YeaOH!"
_ _ _ _
Well, how the hell do you follow that awesomeness? You bring out the greatest feud in New Japan history to finish up the night. That's right. On the final post in this series looking back at Wrestle Kingdom 9, I will review the classic encounter for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship between the challenger "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada versus the champion "The Ace" Hiroshi Tanahashi. Be sure to check out that review once it is posted as Okada vs. Tanahashi never disappoints.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
Focus: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 9
AJ Styles vs. Tetsuya Naito
Kenny Omega vs. Ryusuke Taguchi (c)- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
This is the match that many consider to be the "Crown Jewel" of Wrestle Kingdom 9. In fact, many consider it to be the Best Match of 2015 period. It's the challenger, Kota Ibushi, trying to prove that he is on the level of New Japan legend Shinsuke Nakamura. The two had a match previously at the G1 Climax in 2013 that wowed many wrestling fans. This is the sequel in which Ibushi looks to take the Intercontinental Championship away from a man many believe helped make that championship equal to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Let's Do This!
Wrestle Kingdom 9
1/4/15
Tokyo Dome Tokyo, Japan
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Kota Ibushi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (c)
For those of you wanting to watch along with the match, here's the link to a video I found online for the match (with Jim Ross and Matt Striker on commentary):
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6e8ozb
You can just feel the energy for this match watching the introductions here. Ibushi has a lot of crowd support as he walks to the ring. And Nakamura... wow. Nakamura dressed like a king coming down to the ring to defend his throne is one of the great wrestling entrances ever period. There are few that can match it for awesomeness. The Intercontinental Championship almost symbolically falls off of Nakamura during his rope pose (which would be something I would point out on English commentary). Even Nakamura, a master of selling several things in one facial expression, gives a hint of doubt as he hands over his championship to the referee.
The bell rings. Both men walk and get into a fighting stance. Nakamura isn't too keen on getting into a striking contest with Ibushi this early in the match. Nakamura gets Ibushi in the ropes. Ibushi has none of Nakamura's nonsense breaks. They get in some strikes on the other. Ibushi avoids Bomaye, but he gets suckered in to a series of strikes from Nakamura. Ibushi gets Nakamura in the corner after some strikes and nails "Good Vibrations" on its master (Nakamura). Wow. Nakamura tells Ibushi to bring it. Ibushi runs in and gets his own "Good Vibrations" from Nakamura. Running knee into the corner in the midsection followed by running knee to a hanging Ibushi on the apron. Knee Drop on the apron to the hanging Ibushi by Nakamura now. Nakamura gets in the ring and waits for Ibushi to get back in. 13 count roughly before Ibushi gets in the ring.
Nakamura goes after the neck of Ibushi and drops the knee in the ring. 2 count. Back to a headlock into a Cobra Twist by Nakamura. Ibushi gets to the ropes. Nakamura demands Ibushi bring it. Ibushi strikes on Nakamura who just brushes it off. Nakamura slaps Ibushi now. Ibushi answers back. Backstabber by Nakamura. Snap Rana by Ibushi followed by a dropkick that sends Nakamura to the floor. GOLDEN TRIANGLE BY IBUSHI!!!!! (Running Leaping Top Corner Moonsault to the floor on Nakamura, for those of you wondering what that meant.)
Springboard Missile Dropkick by Ibushi on Nakamura in the ring now. Big series of strikes and a kick by Ibushi. Standing Shooting Star Press by Ibushi. Ibushi goes for another springboard maneuver, but Nakamura gets a boot to Ibushi. Nakamura gets in several strikes on Ibushi, including the trademark spinning kick and low knees. Nakamura is on the corner now, but Ibushi climbs up after him. Ibushi HITS A BEAUTIFUL SPRINGBOARD FRANKENSTEINER for only a 2 count. Wow. Snap Dragon by Ibushi followed by a Standing Corkscrew Moonsault for a 2 count. Ibushi gets a Sunset Flip on Nakamura followed by a kick to the head. LAST RIDE SITDOWN POWERBOMB! 1-2-KICKOUT BY NAKAMURA! Ibushi climbs up. PHOENIX SPLASH MISSES BY IBUSHI! BOMAYE BY NAKAMURA! (Kinshasa in WWE.)
Nakamura kicks Ibushi to the ropes and begins stomping on the back of Ibushi's head. Ibushi is getting angry. Hard strikes by Ibushi. Shoteis! Ibushi is firing back on Nakamura. Big running strike by Nakamura. Nakamura locks in the twisting armbar! Ibushi gets on his feet and STOMPS ON THE FACE OF NAKAMURA TO BREAK IT UP! NOW, HE'S KICKING NAKAMURA IN THE BACK OF HIS HEAD! Damn. Reverse Powerslam by Ibushi, further taking Nakamura's offense and using it against him. BOMAYE BY IBUSHI!!!! 1 count! Nakamura kicked out at 1!
Ibushi continues to strike the back of Nakamura's head with kicks and punches. Nakamura is now fighting back and kicks Ibushi back into the corner. Now, Nakamura is stomping and kicking Ibushi with the toe of his boot. Hard strikes by both men. Closed fist by Nakamura. Nakamura goes for Bomaye, but Ibushi counters with a double stomp to the chest of Nakamura. Holy crap! This is amazing.
Ibushi is up. Nakamura is on the apron. POWER GERMAN SUPLEX BY IBUSHI TO NAKAMURA SENDING HIM FROM THE APRON OVER THE ROPES INTO THE RING! 2 COUNT ONLY! Ibushi more than proved his worth here. Ibushi goes for the Last Ride Powerbomb again, but Nakamura just headbutts Ibushi several times and gets in a series of strikes. (The King of Strong Style is living up to his name. Ibushi has to be a Warden of Strong Style at this point, doesn't he?!) Nakamura gets on the second rope. BOMAYE FROM THE SECOND ROPE TO THE BACK OF IBUSHI'S HEAD, AND IBUSHI JUST GETS UP AND SMILES! KNEE TO KNEE BY BOTH MEN! LANDSLIDE BY NAKAMURA! BOMAYE! 1-2-3! NAKAMURA WINS!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Match Grade: A+. OH MY GOD! That was amazing. This is something we've all wanted to see from a Nakamura match in WWE: a fight. Not just "Strong Style" wrestling. But Nakamura was able to go out and tell a story by having a competitive back and forth match that focused less on sports-entertainment theatrics and more of an in-ring story told through moves.
And let's sing the praises of Kota Ibushi as well here. If this doesn't prove that Ibushi belongs on the upper-tier of any wrestling promotion that he's involved in, nothing ever will. He gave the type of performance we've become accustomed to from Ibushi in the last several years, if not even to greater heights in this match. This felt like a fight in all the best ways that professional wrestling should endeavor to do in big-time events. No screwy finishes. No writers being cute. New Japan just told a great story using two great athletes in the ring, and they produced this masterpiece. Hats off to all involved in making this match.
After the ring, Nakamura gives Ibushi respect by checking on him and giving him a fist-bump. Nakamura gets on the mic. "I'm overwhelmed. White as snow. Ashes white as now. Just kidding. I was close to becoming ashes as white as snow. This guy is the greatest. Tokyo Dome. Are You Ready? Are You? YeaOH!"
_ _ _ _
Well, how the hell do you follow that awesomeness? You bring out the greatest feud in New Japan history to finish up the night. That's right. On the final post in this series looking back at Wrestle Kingdom 9, I will review the classic encounter for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship between the challenger "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada versus the champion "The Ace" Hiroshi Tanahashi. Be sure to check out that review once it is posted as Okada vs. Tanahashi never disappoints.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
Comments
Post a Comment