My Top 5 Takeaways From NJPW And AEW WrestleDynasty.

    Intro.

As this time of year comes around, what used to be the norm, was to look at what NJPW were going to offer us fans, and this year, that feeling has been ignited in me. I could talk about the down turn that the company has seen in recent years, but that's already been well documented, so i'm going to focus on what was in front of me, because this was a beyond solid card.

5 The Womens 4 way Match For The International Cup.

I liked this. In this Match there was some stand out performances, and the Matches within the Match, like Willow Nightingale vs Persephone, and. Mono Wantanabe vs Athena, made for a fascinating insight, however what we got was a reminder that Womens wrestling isn't just vital, it's needed.

4 Ricochet vs Zac Sabre Jnr.

This. Is. A Match of the year contender, as men both gave everything in order, to create a form of magic, that's difficult to muster up, but these two did it effortlessly. I loved this Match.

3 Katsuyouri Shibata vs Hiroshi Tanahashi.

5 Minutes of two men bombastically smacking the taste out of each others bodies. Perfect, just perfect.

2 Shota Umino vs Claudio Castagnoli.

I don't think this Match gets the love it deserves. My god these guys leathered each other.

1 Kenny Omega vs Gabe Kidd.

This. Is. A Match of the decade contender. This. Was a flawless, majestic, contrast in bloodsoaked storytelling. Both men were a study in contrast. This wasn't one man making another man, it was one man taking another man to the next level. Every hit that Kenny dropped, was performed with ease. Kenny hasn't lost his step, and. Gabe was a perfect foil. Both men battered each other, to the point of no return, dodgy table spots, and unprotected chair shots, all added to the romance of the occasion. Omega got the win, after a fantastic series of incredible exchanges. I think this is one of the best Matches I have ever seen. Hiroshi Tanahashi was in tears at the conclusion of this masterpiece. Pure liquid Gold was created in Tokyo last night, because. Kenny by God Omega is back.

 

My Wrestling Hopes And Fears For 2024.

Intro.

With WWE's  live TV move to Netflix just two days away at the time of writing. I feel that it's important to levy out the playing field. The industry is everchanging, and as the years unfold, the shape of Pro Wrestling will change, and it all starts here. 2025 lets go.

AEW Needs To Come Back To Prominance.

It's no secret, that within the last couple of years. AEW has faced it's form of self implosion, that has wreaked havoc, in the terms of the company creative, and the overall feel, towards how the product is viewed. I want to see them put there best foot forward, and give things a red hot go, because there are things to get excited about, when you dig beneath the surface. Darby Allin potentially winning the main prize. Will Osperay putting on even more earth shattering Matches, and the mouthwatering prospect of Kenny Omega, rematching Kazuchika Okada, and. Gabe Kidd, later this, after this weekend. Oh my brothers and sisters testify, because ALL In, and. Forbidden Door, are starting to look appealing.

My Excitement Levels Are Starting To Reach Fever Pitch.

2025 in the realm of Pro Wrestling, is looking to be very exciting. WWE on Netflix, and. AEW, carving out their own path, in all shapes of the game, not to mention TNA Impact, making significant moves, in there own right. This. Is. Going to be a pivotal year.

Fears

My Fears for this year, come in the way of creativity. Last year, both WWE, and. AEW, showed some pretty sketchy plans, when it came to there creativity. 2025, needs to be a restart year, for both companies.

 WWE On Netflix My Top 5 Takeaways.

      Intro.

With the TV Market everchanging, it's important that studios, and distributors stay ahead of the curb, as multiple competitors, try and vye for our attention, like us consumers are the prettiest girl at the dance. Almost one year ago. WWE announced that their flagship show. Monday Night Raw would be heading to Netflix, with the WWE Network closing down in certain markets, including my neck of the woods, the UK. New Years Day, when I got home from my day job, was a lot of fun.

     Old School PPV's.

Be still my old school Fed loving heart. Every Wrestlemania. Every Royal Rumble, including the one from the year 2000. Near enough all PPV's from this time period. I ate a chinese whilst watching the Royal Rumble 2000, so with that said, you could say, that there's more than one way to get well Fed.

    PLE's And Live TV.

Over here, in my country, were getting every TV show live, and every PLE Live, this means one thing. My intake of sweets, and crisps is going to go through the roof.

     Is It Worth The Hype.

Is it worth the hype, well umm, let me think, Oh my God yes it is. I'm going to have ours of fun with this weekend. I'm going to feel bloated.

AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen Review 2.1.2024.

         Intro.

It's 2025, and in this early stage of the year. It's nice to see the wrestling world show its heart, and soul. The area of Ashville in North Carolina, has gone through hell over the past year. From true hardships, to the ever growing show of support. This. Is wrestling in it's purest form.

       New Theme Song.

The Pointer Sisters song. I'm So Excited, is the new theme song for AEW Dynamite, and all I have to say, is that. I'm so excited. I'm so excited. I'm So Excited. I'm so scared. I LOVE YOU JESSIE SPANNO.

Mox Promo.

I loved this. It was visceral. And it was vital. Mox called out Adam Copeland, as he took us on a journey, from the start of AEW, through the pandemic era. to the current day, because as he stands, he wants to takeover the company. Rated FTR, answered this back, right afterwards.

Orange Cassidy vs Hangman Adam Page.

I liked this. The Match was a superb reminder of just how great these guys are. Their physicality was on point, and their chemistry was on another level. The near falls were great, and the final exchange saw. Hangman get the win, and attack Cassidy with two deadeyes. Christopher Daniels tried to intervine, but as a result, he got decked.

Jay White Segment.

Jay White, said that he will beat. Roderick Strong, and. Swerve Strickland, to advance to the Casino Gauntlet Battle Royal. Roderick Strong, and. Swerve answered this back later on, oh and. Happy New Year, to as well Nana.

The Acclaimed vs The Hurt Syndicate.

I didn't like this. The thread of seperation has been done to death, and if i'm honest i'm bored of it. The Match was flat in my opinion, and it never recovered. But at least we were treated to MVP on commentary. Max Castor was choked out by Bobby Lashley. The Hurt Syndicate got the win.

Jamie Hayter vs Julia Hart.

I liked this Match, but. I just feel that there was something. Hart got the win. I know it's a hot take. I just can't get my head around the fact there's something missing from this Match, in my opinion.

Kenny Omega Vingnette.

Kenny Omega is back. Sunday when he faces Gabe Kidd is going to be epic. I can't wait to see It.

Mercedes Mone Segment.

Mercedes Mone, then gas lit the fans, by showing the fans a video, of how great her year was. ( umm ok. She didn't have a great year in the ring ) And on Sunday she's coming for Mina shirakawa's RevPro Championship. I didn't like this segment.

Roderick Strong vs Swerve Strickland vs Jay White.

This. Was electric from the start, all three men managed to weave out a way, to get in their energetic bursts, which allowed the violence of the Match, to become the centrepiece. Ricochet, then became Ricochet Scissor Hands, when he busted open Swerve Strickland, this allowed White to hit Strong with his bladerunner finsher, for the win. Ricchet then continued his attack on Swerve, as the former champion, was left in a bloody mess.

Jeff Jarrett Segment.

This. Was. A stark reminder, that all good things must come to an end. This will be Jeff Jarretts final wrestling contract. He spoke with hope, and passion, as talked about growing up in the business, and how after when WCW folded, he decided to take a chance on himself. And if he's going out, then he wants AEW Gold, the main prize. If this is Jeffs swansong. then so be it. I will miss you mr Slapnuts.

Marieh May Segment.

Marieh May said that she wants the AEW Womens division, to prove themselves to her, if they want a shot at her Championship.

Hook Segment.

Hook called out Christian Cage. Alright i'm bored of this, just get on with it AEW.

Powerhouse Hobbs Match.

Powerhouse Hobbs wrecked a couple of Local Jobbers in a pointless TV Match.

MJF Segment.

In the words of Eminem, will the real MJF please stand up, oh wait he has. I liked this, as he called out Moxley.

Deathriders vs Rated FTR.

I liked this. from the insanity that we got at the end. The superb Matches within the Match, made for a great paradigm shift, as the physicality, and chemistry, from both teams allowed for a story to be told. Rated FTR, got the win after they hit a Shatter Machine, and a spear combo on Wheeler Yuta. Oh and hello Jay White.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen.

With simulcast culture now in full effect, AEW have taken full advantage of how the market is working, and were the industry is heading. This was a decent broadcast, and has deepened my excitement as we head into 2025. Long may this continue.

AEW Dynamite Fight For The Fallen is a high 8/10.

 

My Top 5 Royal Rumble Events.

Intro.

It's no secret that I love The Royal Rumble. It's my favourite PPV of the year, and it almost never lets me down. ( Almost he says )

5. The Royal Rumble 2005.

The show, wasn't very good, it's just worth to watch an awful human being, completely badgering his knees.

4. The Royal Rumble 1999.

The He Who Shall Not Be Named's saga against Stone Cold Steve Austin, and. The Rock vs Mankid, in an I Quit Match. I had a blast watching this a 11 year old.

3. The Royal Rumble 2023.

Both men, and womens Rumble Matches delivered, the return of Cody Rhodes, and of course. Sami Zayns turn on The Bloodline. I loved this event.

2. The Royal Rumble 1998.

The Undertaker getting buried alive. HBK suffering that awful back Injury, and. Austin winning the rumble.

1 The Royal Rumble 2000.

From Mae Young causing multiple people to go into therapy. The Rock Controversially winning the Rumble, and of course HHH vs Cactus in that glorious Street Fight. Please Channel 4, can I have another.

 

My Top 5 AEW Rampage Matches, And Moments

 Intro.

I have a soft spot for this show. I don't know what it is about this show. It acts like a nice mug of Hot Chocolate, whilst walking home from my day Job. AEW Rampage you shall be missed.

5 Kenny Omega vs Christian Impact World Heavyweight Championship.

I liked this. It was a great look at what this show could look. This Match was solid.

4 Bryan Danielson vs Minoru Suzuki.

This. Match was a fluid, majestic masterpiece. If I could describe what pure gold looks like, in the form of a wrestling Match it would look like this.

3 Eddie Kingston Calls Chris Jericho Live On Air.

This. Was pure comedy. I don't know what else to say, other than I pissed myself laughing.

2 Jon Moxley vs Wheeler Yuta.

This. Was my favourite TV Match of 2022, and I still go back and watch it now.

1 Cm Punk

From his First Dance debut, to his epic feuds against Eddie Kingston, and. MJF. It all went downhill  after this.

My Top 5 Takeaways From AEW Worlds End.

5. It's Great To See JR Looking Healthy.

I'm just going to say it. It's great to see JR back, and looking healthy. It's not been an easy year for JR, and it's nice to see him with a glow.

4. MJF And Adam Cole Needs To Be Left In 2024.

It's clear that I have not liked this feud of late, yes the Match was good, but it managed to lower its own standards, by giving AEW's critics rope to hang the company with. This was the second Match on the card to feature blood, which is a critism that has plagued the company since it's early days. Too much, could be overkill.

3. The Women Nearly Stole The Show.

Both of the Womens Matches on this card were a study in contrast. From the brutality of Thumbtacks, to the awesome physicality, and superb chemistry, from both sets of Ladies. Both Womens Matches, nearly stole the show.

2. The Returns.

Adam Copeland is back, and of course, there's one more guy, but more on him in a minute. 

1. The Continental Classic.

These Matches were another example of two things, being a study in contrast, both Matches felt differant, yet the outcomes weren't just gratifying, they were awe-inspiring. Osperay vs Fletcher, was a bloodsoaked masterclass in booking, whilst Okada vs Ricochet was a stiff fluent battle. Will, and. Okada won their Matches, setting up a mouth watering final, and it didn't disapoint. The Near falls, and all round execution, was simply stunning. Okada got the win, with his rainmaker finisher, and then it happened. Christopher Daniels came out onto the stage. He told Okada that as of today, he was no longer an EVP, so he couldn't hand over the Continental Championship to him, but he knew someone who could. And out he came. Kenny By God Omega. This. Was an awesome stand alone moment in time, as both faced each other, this isn't just a tease, it's a promise, that makes me very excited for AEW in 2025.