New Japan Pro Wrestling kicked off their Wrestling Dontaku weekend on Thursday. Since the show began at 4am EDT, here’s a spoiler-free match guide for the non-nite-owl New Japan Fans. Every match receives a Need To Watch Rating of 0.0-10.0. New Japan Wrestling Dontaku is available at NJPWWorld.com.
FIRST MATCH: Yota Tsuji & Shota Umino vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi)
Very solid tag match that gave everyone the ability to shine. Tsuji is quickly growing into a vicious striker. Nothing essential, but definitely a good start to a very solid show.
Need To Watch Rating: (4.5)
SECOND MATCH: Ren Narita, Tomoyuki Oka & Yuji Nagata vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, Jushin “Thunder” Liger & Tiger Mask
Much like the last match, this one was a wild match that let the Young Lions shine. Taguchi, subbing for the injured Tetsuhiro Yagi is quickly forming a sold unit with Liger & Tiger.
Need To Watch Rating: (5.0)
THIRD MATCH: Roppongi 3K (Sho, Yoh & Rocky Romero) vs. Suzuki-gun (Lance Archer, Takashi Iizuka & Davey Boy Smith Jr.)
A David & Goliath story. Roppongi 3K are brutally outmatched. The ending is not to be missed.
Need To Watch Rating: (6.0)
FOURTH MATCH: Juice Robinson, Toa Henare, Togi Makabe, David Finlay & Michael Elgin vs. CHAOS (YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Jay White)
Despite 10 men being involved in this match, much like those that came before it, Toa Henare is the star.
Need To Watch Rating: (4.4)
FIFTH MATCH: NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Champions Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) vs. Bullet Club (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson & Marty Scurll)
Easily one of the best NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Title matches. Both teams are brimming with respect for one and other, but are utterly vicious from bell to bell. Definitely recommended viewing.
Need To Watch Rating: (8.1)
SIXTH MATCH: Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL, BUSHI, SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito) vs. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr., Taichi, El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
These two teams are destined to fight forever. This match is a stellar reminder of why that’s such a good thing. Definitely recommended viewing, if only for the reunion of Zack Sabre Jr. & El Desperado.
Need To Watch Rating: (7.9)
SEVENTH MATCH: Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA vs. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay)
A very solid tag match that brings the co-main event feuds of Wrestling Dontaku to a fever pitch. Must see viewing for anyone looking to catch up before Ospreay/KUSHIDA & Okada/Tanahashi.
Need To Watch Rating: (8.0)
EIGHTH MATCH: Kota Ibushi vs. Cody
Better than their Wrestle Kingdom match in every way. This match makes a great case for Cody Rhodes in this year’s G1, and it also continues Kota Ibushi’s marquee return to NJPW’s good graces after his 2016 excursion. Seek. Out. This. Match.
Need To Watch Rating: (10.0)
MAIN EVENT: Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page
Hangman Page is ushered into NJPW’s main event scene with one of the best. While not quite to the level of Ibushi/Rhodes before it, this is a mighty fine contest. Definitely must-see, cringe-inducing action.
Need To Watch Rating: (9.9)
