NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Tour Matches Rated

4. CHAOS (Goto, Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI) v Bullet Club (KENTA, Yujiro & Ishimori) – NEVER 6-Man Championships – 19/4/21

Going into this match, the main storyline was the rivalry between KENTA and YOSHI-HASHI with the battle for the Bo Staff. Yet, despite the trivial motives, the match proved to be surprisingly good, showcasing the talents of six very different athletes in New Japan.

The match started as expected, with Bullet Club playing mind games and trying to take the match outside where rules can be broken. There were referee bumps, the presence of the Bo Staff and many more cheating tactics trying to get the win. Yet, as expected, the CHAOS trio stuck to their guns, throwing all of their best offence to try and get back on an equal playing field.

With the nature of the NEVER division, the diversity of athletes shined throughout the match. Fans saw the strength and power of Goto and Ishii, the speed and athleticism of Ishimori, the mat-based game of KENTA and even the talents of YOSHI-HASHI and Yujiro which have been overlooked. In the end, after 20-minutes, Goto managed to hit the GTR on Ishimori for the pin.

As the CHAOS trio hitting the 200-day mark for the reign, it feels like the titles are slowly gaining more respect and prestige. It has also proved that, despite all the shenanigans, the Bullet Club is capable of putting on good matches.

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3. Roppongi 3k v El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru – IWGP Jr Tag Championships – 28/4/21

For many, the idea of seeing another match between Roppongi 3k and the Suzuki Gun duo of El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru wasn’t on the top of their lists. Yet, despite seeing it repeatedly, there is no denying that the four men produce perfect matches every time. This one was no exception.

The match was the perfect example of four very different styles blending together. From a more methodical beginning, the match started to pick up the pace. As expected, the Suzuki Gun duo continued to target YOH’s knee as they had done the entire tour. They also attempted to weaken SHO in any way possible. Even though they were at a strong disadvantage the entire match, it was their heart and soul that kept them fighting through the

Even with eyes firmly on YOH and El Desperado, all four men showcased just how talented they are. From Kanemaru’s Slicing Leg Drop, YOH’s Butterfly Suplex, SHO’s forearms and El Desperado’s Spine Buster, there was something for every fan. When the match hit the 25-minute mark, none of the men involved showed any signs of slowing down. Yet, SHO and YOH seemed to find a new surge of energy. One which allowed them to hit their new finisher Strong X to retain their titles.

This should have been the perfect lead-up to the Jr title match between YOH and El Desperado. It was a shame it couldn’t take place. However, there will be plenty more opportunities for all of the men to prove that they can carry the division and keep the momentum going.

• new japan pro wrestling
• Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Jay White
• Shingo Takagi
• NJPW
• Will Ospreay

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