NJPW Golden Series: Title Matches Ranked

7. EVIL v Tomohiro Ishii – NEVER Openweight Championship

Since moving to Bullet Club, EVIL has managed to make enemies of New Japan fans with his change in style. Even Ishii hasn’t managed to allow him to have a good match in the past. Although this was miles better than their previous matches, it again showcased why fans are tired of EVIL and House of Torture matches. In particular, the lumberjack stipulation made it even more chaotic.

The lumberjacks were equal parts CHAOS, equal parts House of Torture. As expected, EVIL tried to avoid any contact with Ishii, but CHAOS worked to get him back in the ring. With the presence of the lumberjacks, it was tough to know where to look as both EVIL and Ishii alternated in gaining the upper hand.

Unsurprisingly, rather than just moving Ishii back into the ring, the House of Torture got involved, with Yujiro power bombing Ishii from the top rope before a Magic Killer. In the end, both men showcased offence, but as Ishii looked for a finish, EVIL reversed his brainbuster attempt and transitioned into “Everything is evil” for the win. Even though it is one of EVIL’s better matches in recent months, it is still worlds away from the King of Darkness.

• SANADA
• Tetsuya Naito
• El Desperado
• Bullet Club
• Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW

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