The Wrestling Bucket

Dick Togo vs Kota Ibushi, DDT 3/27

This was a shock to the system. Not only was it was 30 minute Kota Ibushi that was not just watchable, but a great match with Ibushi being actively good throughout. Yup. There was one kickout at 1 off a Senton, which was a little dumb, but because of where it was placed in the match I almost didn't mind it, and outside of that I can't really flaw Ibushi much. He brought plenty of violence and dished out the heavy blows and kept up with Dick through the match. Some of his spots were also incredible, like a springboard dropkick to the outside. Togo was once again Dick MF Togo, on the retirement run of a lifetime. Just incredible at everything, selling, bumping, building drama, pacing the match. This was much more focused on striking and buildin heat rather than highspots and wow factor, and the 30 minutes didn't even feel too long. Makes me think Ibushi will be as good or bad as his opponent - put him against Devitt and you'll get a bland spotfest, put him against Dick Togo and you'll get an epic.

Fujita Hayato/KAGETORA/Takeshi Minamino/The Sato Bros vs Kenou/ken45°/Kenbai/Yapper Man #1 & 2, M-Pro 6/5 (Elimination)

Outside of Hayato and Kenou, no one really stood out as being particularly impressive, but the combined effort of everyone involved came together and produced something that was enjoyable all the way through. It's been a long time since this kind of eliminaion tag has been done well, and this was a lot of fun. Hayato was great at being a dick and kicking the crap out of everyone. The Sato Bros and Yapper Men did some fun spots around the apron elimintion which came off well, and the final showdown between Hayato and Kenou felt like a fitting end to the match. Good stuff.

Daisuke Sekimoto/Yuji Okabayashi/Shinobu vs Yoshihito Sasaki/Shinya Ishikawa/Ryuichi Kawakami, BJW 6/27

This was pretty good and probably the best Strong BJ has produced this year, but still not great. This was built around the continuing Sasaki/Shinobu hatred, and that aspect of the match was really well done and ultimately what makes this worthwhile. They build it up through the match with cheapshots and interference, then finally face off at the end of the match with the place going nuts for it. And the final showdown delivers, with both men going at it, and a really great, well done finish that pays off the rest of the match. Outside of this there wasn't much going on, everything was filler, though there was one fun cat-and-mouse sequence between Sek and Ish, but otherwise it was mediocre. But the story/continuity/payoff of the Sasaki/Shinobu stuff makes this a win.

Dick Togo vs Gedo, DDT 6/30

Behind the Honda and Ibushi matches, but not too far. Maybe if this had blood it could be a MOTYC. Really well laid out, Gedo's attacks on the ribs all looked nasty and he stayed on them throughout, and Togo's selling and bumping was really superb. Him flying into the turnbuckle and ringpost chest-first both looked spectacular and gave the match the sort of larger-than-life feel you want in this situation. Good use of the Gedo Clutch as a credible nearfall even though the result was never in doubt. Great match and an epic send-off to one of the best. I can't see anyone not enjoying this.

YAMATO vs Akira Tozawa, Dragon Gate 7/8

Checked this out to see Tozawa in DG, but was left dissapointed. Tozawa dished out some nasty blows and sold the legwork well, but just didn't have the same aura or bravado he had built up in the States. YAMATO is a guy I've liked in the past but he was pretty shitty here and pretty much followed Dragon Gate Wrestling 101. Poor transitions, spotty, effortlessly going on offence after taking beatings/big moves, robotically going from one move or spot to another... I havent seen Dragon Gate in over a year and this seemed like business as usual.

BxB Hulk vs SHINGO, Dragon Gate 7/8

Only checked this out as it was on the same episode of Dragon Gate as the above, and man this stunk hard. Hulk is now a heel, which means he wears black make-up and looks emo. Maybe the single least intimidating wrestler in Japan. He contolled most of the match, which consisted of him casually walking round, occasionally hitting SHINGO with some of the weakest kicks immaginable. SHINGO is still fairly unbearable but he atleast has some strikes and moves that look devastiting, which just makes Hulk's flimsy offence all the more embarrassing. Bad match.