offical wwe thread

jro said:

A few years ago, when Ric Flair had some legal issues (I think that that brought things to light), the salaries that they were paying were made public. Flair was making like $350,000 to work a part-time schedule, and no one else on the roster made anywhere near that other than Jeff Hardy and Kurt Angle (they were both around that same number). The regular tv performers tended to make around $100K-150K, and the lower card guys came in at around $60K-90K.

That was before purging days (i.e. when they lowballed Styles and requested that he re-sign for a third of what he had been making), so I would guess most guys make even less now. Basically, the salary structure was and likely still is very top-heavy.

Re: Raw- okay show, not horrible, but not good. Neville sells the Irish Curse better than anyone I've seen. Maybe Lana's finally transitioning to working matches. Creative clearly has no idea how to use Neville, which is really too bad.

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I like how TNA was telling AJ if he comes back they'll put him in their HoF

Trey Burnout said:

I like how TNA was telling AJ if he comes back they'll put him in their HoF

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What's their HoF? The men's room wall at the bus station?

jro said:

A few years ago, when Ric Flair had some legal issues (I think that that brought things to light), the salaries that they were paying were made public. Flair was making like $350,000 to work a part-time schedule, and no one else on the roster made anywhere near that other than Jeff Hardy and Kurt Angle (they were both around that same number).

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If I remember correctly, SpikeTV was paying the Hogan and Flair contracts.

jro said:

Creative clearly has no idea how to use Neville, which is really too bad.

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That is traditional booking. The baby-face loses by taking a risk to impress the fans.

The KOTM match wasn't bad at all, now that I've sat down and watched it. I make fun of JJ but the guy can still work for a dude in his mid to late 40s.

Also Paragon Pro Wrestling announced two matches for their first TV show this Saturday morning.

Jessy Sorenson will defend his PPW world title and there will also be a battle royale featuring Ganrel, Hammerstone, etc.

My DVR is going to be loaded with wrasslin. PPW, ROH, NJPW, LU, TNA... good time to be a wrasslin fan, even if it's impossible to sit through a whole three hours of RAW.

It takes me about an hour to watch an episode of RAW on the DVR. Sure, I miss some things initially. but they re-cap so much, that I catch it on the next show.

Not worth it.

If I were going to watch anything WWE puts out it would be NXT.

Anyone watching Tough Enough? I have a hard time taking it seriously after Andy whatshisname won the rigged competition the last time, but I suppose that's what the "$250,000 one year contract" is for.

Seeing the challenges and hearing what the judges have to say is interesting, at least. Hogan, D-Bry, and Paige all are actually really candid/critical when they evaluate.

I don't like the presentation of it, though. Very much influenced by American Idol.

Already can see at most two guys who could win (Tanner the MMA guy and Patrick, the black guy), and one clearly front-running girl (Dianna).

The best wrestler to ever come from Tough Enough didn't even win (Kenny King).

Anyway, the crowd at the old ECW Arena was hot for that AJ Styles/Adam Cole match on ROH last night. Same for Addiction vs Okada and Gedo.

Looks like Chavo got legit injured on Lucia Underground

Bobby Roode will be at the first GFW TV tapings

Nice to see EC3 get a world title reign. Wish he would have won without Tyrus though.

AJ is the best...not from a marking out perspective; he just flat out is the ace.

I'll tell you why.

Amidst all the worry about the Styles Clash (and AJ for that matter) being unsafe...HE TOOK HIS OWN FINISHER FROM A GUY W/ A BAD ARM.

Also, because 2 piledrivers + SC= no paralysis win.

Paragon is a ridiculously bad joke

holy shit

like, I knew it would be low level indie stuff but man

WWE Network Special: Tokyo, Japan match results: 7-4-15

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). This took place at 5:30 am EDT/ 2:30 am PDT this morning in Tokyo.

1 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. NEVILLE

Charles Robinson has made the trip to Japan as the referee for the opening match. "Y2J" chant early on. They went through a feeling-out process, then Jericho used his veteran's advantage to take control on Neville. Meanwhile, Cole and Saxton went through both wrestlers's history in Japan. Jericho came off the top with a cross-body splash for a two count, drawing applause from the crowd.

Jericho teased the Walls of Jericho, but Neville twisted out of Step One. Neville tried a top-rope move, but Jericho cut him off and crotched him on the top turnbuckle. Jericho wanted a superplex, but Neville blocked and punched him down to the mat. Neville wanted the Red Arrow, but Jericho rolled out of the way. So, Neville adjusted mid-air, rolled to his feet, and ran right into the Walls of Jericho. Neville used his crazy ab strength to pull both men toward the bottom rope and he got there for a break. Neville whipped Jericho to the floor, then Neville caught his breath and splashed Jericho on the floor.

Neville slid Jericho back into the ring, then delivered a springboard dropkick. Neville followed with a running Shooting Star Press for a two count. Applause from the crowd. Suddenly, Jericho avoided a follow-up and nailed the Lionsault for a close fall of his own. "Y2J" chant from the crowd. Jericho started disrespecting Neville, though, which drew boos. Neville suddenly got a burst and went for a springboard, but Jericho caught him with a mid-air Codebreaker, RKO-style. Jericho was unable to make an immediate cover, allowing Neville to kick out.

Reset at 15:00. Jericho got upset, pounding on Neville. Suddenly, a dueling chant broke out: "Let's Go Neville / Y-2-J," popping Cole and Saxton on commentary. Neville came back with a standing suplex, then a standing sidekick. Neville hit another sidekick, positioning Jericho in the corner. Neville climbed to the top looking for the Red Arrow, but he missed again, this time with Jericho getting his knees up, wowing the crowd on the counter. Jericho went right to the Liontamer and Neville was forced to tap out.

WINNER: Jericho via submission at 16:20. What a great opening match. The vibe in the building, the engaged crowd, the great story of veteran Jericho vs. up-star Neville, and both men looked really good in the ring. Nice to see Jericho in this setting. (***3/4)

2 -- Divas champion NIKKI BELLA vs. TAMINA SNUKA vs. PAIGE -- three-way match for the Divas Title

As the bell sounded, Cole talked about the rare occurrence of a WWF/E title changing hands in Japan. Cole cited Bull Nakano taking the Women's Title from Alundra Blayze in Tokyo 20 years ago. Coincidentally, that title change happened on a huge joshi show back in 1994 and WWE is reportedly scouting joshi talent in Japan while overseas.

Back in 2015, Nikki took a cue from Cena audibly calling spots while battling Paige. Tamina, who had been selling on the floor, re-entered the ring for a big Tower of Doom spot in the corner. She could not secure a pin on either competitor, though. Paige then went for the PTO submission on Nikki, but the champ held on long enough for Tamina to superkick Paige. Nikki recovered, then forearm-smashed Tamina. And it was good for the pin and the win. Cole hyped Nikki's title reign continuing.

WINNER: Nikki at 7:03 to retain the Divas Title. It would have been interesting to see a title change in Tokyo, but alas that's why Tamina was in there to take the fall and keep Paige on the chase.

3 -- BROCK LESNAR vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Cue the bell and Kofi ran out of the ring trying to run away from Brock. Kofi ran back into the ring, where he was met by knee strikes. Brock intercepted a top-rope turnaround splash, then tried a German Suplex, but Kofi landed on his feet. Kofi dropkicked Brock to the corner, but Brock no-sold and stayed on his feet. Kofi tried more kicks, but Lesnar grabbed Kofi and nailed a German Suplex. "Suplex City" chant from the crowd. Brock paced the ring, then delivered another release German.

Lesnar paced the ring, then delivered another suplex. Lesnar paced the ring, then picked up Kofi and delivered the F5. And it was good for the win. Cole warned WWE World Hvt. champion Seth Rollins that Lesnar is back and he is going after Seth this Monday on Raw in Chicago.

Post-match, Lesnar decided that he was not done. Lesnar shook his hand contemplating a follow-up suplex, then he scooped up Kofi for one more German Suplex for good measure. Lesnar smiled, then heard a "One More Time" chant. So, Lesnar picked up Kofi one more time and this time delivered the F5 in the middle of the ring.

Suddenly, Xavier Woods and Big E. hit the ring. Brock clotheslined them, then hit an F5 on Xavier. And Brock just lifted Big E. into the air like he was nothing to deliver another F5. Lesnar's music played as the announcers hyped Lesnar vs. Seth for the title in two weeks.

WINNER: Lesnar at 2:41. A quick piece of business for Lesnar giving viewers their Suplex City fix and setting up Brock as a dominant force heading into the title match against Rollins. In other words, the opposite of Raw TV booking thus far. Satisfying to cover up the heelish post-match attack on that poor soul Kofi Kingston.

4 -- NXT champion KEVIN OWENS vs. FINN BALOR -- NXT Title match

As soon as the bell sounded, Balor exploded on Owens with a corner boot, surprising Owens as he hung out in the corner. Balor teased the Coup de Grace, but Owens rolled out of the ring. Balor gave chase, but Owens got the advantage luring him back in the ring. Owens roughed up Balor to boos as Cole hyped Owens challenging John Cena for the U.S. Title at Battleground in two weeks. Cole hyped Balor's New Japan title and tournament success, then Owens bowed to the crowd, drawing boos. Saxton said Owens just has a certain way of getting under everyone's skin.

Owens settled on a reverse chinlock, drawing a rally clap for Balor. But, Owens maintained control, knocked Balor to the floor, and chucked Balor into the ring steps. More boos for Owens when he returned to the ring waiting to see if Balor would be counted out. Balor made it back just before ten, then Owens chucked Balor out of the ring. Owens told the crowd to count along with him, but they booed instead. Balor made it back at eight, then Owens teased a high-impact strike, but went for a dramatic chinlock instead. Owens talked trash while maintaining the hold, then suddenly lost control when Balor nailed a two-foot pumpkick to the face.

Reset at 8:00. Owens responded with shoulder tackles and John Cena's finishing set, drawing boos. Owens then delivered the Five Knuckle Shuffle to more boos. Owens wanted the AA, but Balor slipped out and hit a mini foot stomp. Owens pulling out Cena's offense drew a note from Cole that Cena is in the main event tonight. On-cue, Owens teased the AA again, but Balor blocked and hit the Pele kick. Both men sold on the mat as the crowd rallied behind Balor.

Balor got up and knocked Owens to the floor, then nailed a flip-dive on the outside. Balor rolled the big man back into the ring, then climbed to the top turnbuckle to nail a kick to the head. Balor then scooped up Owens for a reverse Bloody Sunday, calling back to his Prince Devitt days, but Owens kicked out of a pin. Balor followed with the Slingblade, then he climbed to the top turnbuckle looking for the Coup de Grace, but Owens got up and grabbed Balor's leg. Owens with a headbutt. Then he walked into a kick to the head. Balor wanted the big finish again, and this time he connected. Balor covered, but Owens kicked out. Balor could not believe that did not get the job done.

Reset at 15:00. Balor got up throwing rights and lefts in the corner, nearly getting himself DQ'ed. Balor then took Owens to the top turnbuckle, but Owens fought back. Owens teased a big top-rope move, but Balor slipped out and kicked Owens in the thigh. The crowd wanted a big move, but Owens suddenly grabbed Balor and emphatically nailed a top-rope rolling senton for a close two count. Owens tried to figure out his next move, then the big man climbed to the top rope. Owens tried a top-rope Swanton, but Balor got his knees up to block. Balor then scooped up Owens and nailed Bloody Sunday. Balor covered, but Owens kicked out again. Disbelief from Balor.

Reset at 17:30. Owens grabbed Balor and nailed a clutch overhead suplex, but Balor kicked out of a pin. Balor sold being injured as Owens slowly made his way to his feet. Owens contemplated his next move, then stalked Balor. "You can't beat me!" he shouted, then disrespected Balor by slapping him. Balor fought back, then Owens wanted the pop-up powerbomb, but Balor landed on his feet and hit an inside-out clothesline. Balor dropkicked Owens hard into the corner, then hit a running double-foot kick to the corner. Balor scrambled to the top turnbuckle, then hit the Coup de Grace again. Balor covered and this time it was good for the pin and the win. New NXT Champ.

WINNER: Balor at 19:25 to capture the NXT Title. What a match. Big fight feel for Balor returning to Tokyo and pulling off the underdog victory against Owens, who was a terrific heel leading this match. WWE had to pull the title switch after all the hype that went into Balor and this was a nicely-executed title change with the culmination of a journey. Owens appearing on Raw without the NXT Title belt will feel weird, but it's part of the progression of Owens challenging Cena for the U.S. Title at Battleground. (****1/4)

5 -- U.S. champion JOHN CENA & DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KANE & KING BARRETT

"Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chant from the crowd, which Cena smiled at and played along with. Ziggler started against Barrett as Cole and Saxton went through current mid-card WWE storylines, focusing on the Ziggler/Lana-Rusev/Summer Rae business. Kane then tagged in and Dolph tagged in Cena, who slowly entered the ring like a top star. Kane, who was refreshingly presented like a big deal in this match, towered over Cena, who sold being in awe of facing the monster. They did a sequence where Cena tried to run over Kane with shoulder blocks, but Kane shook him off, then uppercut Cena to the mat.

Kane gave way to Barrett, who teed off on Cena, then settled on a headlock. Kane re-entered and uppercut Cena before stomping on him. Cena tried a scoopslam, but he sold like Kane was Andre the Giant and Kane collapsed on top of Cena for a two count. Meanwhile, Cole relayed a tweet from Triple H congratulating Balor on winning the NXT Title. It's a conflict between Hunter's heel Authority personality and Proud Papa NXT personality, as Owens has loosely been affiliated with The Authority on main TV.

Barrett continued to work that chinlock on Cena, who tried to get the tag to Ziggler, but Barrett kept him grounded. Kane tagged in and intimidated Cena. Cole noted that Kane has been a monster through the years, filling in the blank on why The Authority's emasculated henchman is suddenly a giant force. Kane then climbed to the top rope, wowing the crowd, and he landed a flying clothesline for a two count. The crowd tried to rally behind Cena, who kicked Kane in the gut, but Kane dropped him with a sidewalk slam for another two count.

Kane tagged in Barrett, who came off the top with an elbow for another nearfall. Ziggler was really antsy wanting to get in the ring, but the heels continued to isolate Cena in their corner. Barrett got too cocky and missed a second-rope elbow, giving Cena room to finally tag in Ziggler. Ziggler flew at The King with high-impact offense, then stalked him for the Fameasser, but Barrett slid under and nailed a big boot to the face. Kane tagged in and maintained the pressure on Ziggler, knocking him out of the ring to the floor.

Ziggler returned to the ring and took a pounding from the heels as Cena played cheerleader during this segment of the tag match. Ziggler got some room with a crucifix pin countering Winds of Change, but Barrett smashed him with a lariat to bring in Kane. Kane roughed up Dolph, continuing to play a monster. Kane suddenly dropped Dolph with a powerbomb after catching Dolph off the ropes, but Ziggler kicked out. Enter Barrett once again. Barrett smashed Ziggler to the outside with a big boot, then applied more pressure back in the ring.

At 20:00, Ziggler sold fading out to a loosely-applied sleeper, but Ziggler got to his feet and elbowed out. But, Barrett caught Ziggler with Winds of Change for a two count. Enter Kane. The crowd became nervous for Ziggler, wanting to see him make the comeback. But, Ziggler continued to take punishment as Cena tried to encourage his teammate. Kane suddenly caught Ziggler for a chokeslam, but Ziggler slipped out and nailed a desperation DDT.

Hot tag to Cena at 23:00. Barrett also tagged in and the comeback was on. Cena nailed the sit-out slam and Five Knuckle Shuffle, then teased the AA, but Kane entered the ring to block. So, Cena gave Kane the AA. Cena then caught Barrett with an AA following a sidekick from Ziggler. Cena covered Barrett for the win, drawing applause from the crowd.

WINNERS: Cena & Ziggler at 23:50. Standard house show main event with the heels dominating for a while before the faces hit their finisher(s) for the win. Perhaps the biggest take-away from the match was how much Kane has been wasted on main TV for years locked into an Authority storyline that has emasculated him as a monster. Kane was presented like Andre the Giant here, not leaving his feet and being taken seriously as a threat. WWE has to look at this match and re-evaluate their main TV presentation, as so many characters like Kane have become just ordinary guys having the same matches on Raw and Smackdown in the over-exposed, under-hyped main TV environment.

Just when you think Kevin can't be any more of a heel, he throws the ceremonial flowers out of the ring. Damn amazing match and very happy to see Finn with the title.

NJPW Dominion PPV Results: 7-5-15 (next two posts)

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results.

1 -- IWGP Jr. Hvt. tag champions YOUNG BUCKS (NICK & MATT JACKSON w/Cody Hall) vs. RPG VICE (ROCKY ROMERO & BARRETA) vs. REDRAGON (KYLE O'REILLY & BOBBY FISH) -- three-way match for IWGP Jr. Hvt. Tag Titles

Young Bucks represented the Bullet Club and ReDragon represented Ring of Honor in this match. RPG Vice was also technically representing ROH. The match started off as "everyone dislikes the Young Bucks," who tried to avoid a four-on-two situation with cunning tactics. They almost got a count-out win, but ReDragon chucked Romero into the ring to stop a 20 count. After fun & games in the first few minutes of the match, they went rapid-fire offense and high-flying, reflective of the Jr. Hvt. tag division style. Some close nearfalls for all three teams, then Young Bucks took out ReDragon with a self-inflicted spike Tombstone and hit More Bang For Your Buck on fan favorite Rocky Romero for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Young Bucks at 14:30 to retain the IWGP Jr. Hvt. Tag Titles. So much action and so many interesting sequences that differentiate the division from everything else in New Japan. Well done to start the PPV. (***1/2)

2 -- BULLET CLUB (YUJIRO TAKAHASHI & BAD LUCK FALE) vs. NAITO & HONMA

Bullet Club came out first, then Honma for the non-Bullet Club duo, but Naito just kind of slowly strolled down to the ring, allowing Bullet Club to ambush Honma. The bell sounded before Honma even removed his ring jacket. Meanwhile, Naito just hung out on the ring apron selling indifference towards life. Honma wanted a tag, but Naito ignored him, drawing boos for disrespecting a great man like Honma. Naito started to walk away from the ring, but decided to walk back to his position on the ring apron.

Honma broke free of Bullet Club and tried to tag in Naito, but Naito bailed again. "Honma, Honma" chants from the crowd. Honma finally got Bad Luck off his feet with clotheslines and tagged in an indifferent Naito. Big boos for Naito. Disrespect to Honma = biggest heel in Japan. Naito casually climbed the turnbuckles and splashed Bullet Club on the floor, then casually rolled back into the ring and posed, soaking in boos. Honma eventually tagged himself back in when Naito just stared at him in their corner. They built to the conclusion of Naito holding off Bad Luck Fale while Honma hit his top-rope Kokeshi diving headbutt on Takahashi. Honma covered, Naito just kind of stood there, and it was good for the win. Naito reluctantly celebrated with Honma, then left the ring by himself.

WINNERS: Honma & Naito at 8:50. Great booking pairing up Honma and Naito to contrast Honma's rising babyface stardom with Naito's indifference two years removed from winning the G1 Climax.

3 -- SHIBATA vs. SAKURABA

This should be a physical, hard-hitting MMA-style match. They felt each other out with holds and strikes, Shibata mixed in a slap to the face to the veteran MMA fighter, and they came to a stand-off. Sakuraba eventually rolled to the outside looking for a breather. Shibata gave chase, then Sakuraba heelishly rolled back into the ring. Both fighters have acted like heels thus far. Sakuraba caught Shibata coming back into the ring, which only angered Shibata, who went off on Sakuraba with repeated strikes.

But, Sakuraba made a comeback and removed his footwear, which he chucked at Shibata. Sakuraba kicked the crap out of Shibata, who called for harder strikes to the chest. Bring it. More. Shibata slumped down to the mat, but continued the match. Then, Sakuraba surprised the crowd with a big splash to the outside that took out Shibata. Shibata made it back into the ring at 17, then exploded on Sakuraba with a kick strike. But, they came to their feet and Sakuraba put Shibata in the most painful-looking standing submission ever. Shibata had to break the hold by biting the middle rope with his teeth.

Sakuraba then tried to choke the life out of Shibata with a vice grip using his feet, but Shibata made the ropes again. The crowd tried to rally behind Shibata taking an inordinate amount of punishment, and he eventually caught Sakuraba in the ropes to deliver a release German suplex. They returned to their feet for an exchange of sleepers and submissions. Shibata eventually drove Sakuraba to a seated position with the sleeper, suddenly released it, and charged the ropes to nail the Penalty Kick on a stunned Sakuraba. Shibata covered for the win. Such a smart ending.

WINNER: Shibata at 11:48. That was a great simulated MMA fight. The crowd is hot for Shibata right now and this was a big win as he advances toward bigger things as a singles wrestler independent of Goto. (***1/2)

4 -- IWGP Jr. Hvt. champion KENNY OMEGA (w/Young Bucks) vs. 2015 BOSJ Winner KUSHIDA -- IWGP Jr. Hvt. Title match

Before the bell, KUSHDIA pointed to his imaginary Timesplitter watch, Omega spit at KUSHIDA, and Omega too-sweeted the Young Bucks. KUSHIDA then charged the ring with a corner dropkick and the bell sounded to officially begin the match. The action quickly moved to the floor, where KUSHIDA dropkicked the trashcan that Bullet Club brought to the ring into Omega, sending the champ reeling over the barricade into the front row.

The match continued ringside, where Omega grabbed KUSHIDA and suplexed him hard across the ring apron, drawing a reprimand from the ref. Omega then removed KUSHIDA's kneebrace, ripped off athletic tape, and hammered away at KUSHIDA's injured right knee. Omega followed by slamming KUSHIDA over the barricade knee-first into a TV monitor at the timekeeper's table. Back in the ring, Omega pounded away at KUSHIDA's knee. Just worked him over with a variety of holds and attacks. KUSHIDA suddenly got a burst with a handspring leg attack to Omega near the ropes, sending the champ to the floor. KUSHIDA then flew off the top turnbuckle with a splash onto Omega and the Bucks.

Back in the ring, Omega and KUSHIDA wrestled for control of the match. KUSHIDA targeted Omega's left arm/shoulder with a corner kick, then surprised the champ with the Hoverboard Lock, but Omega reached the ropes for a break. And, Omega went right back to the injured knee with a kick strike. Omega then took KUSHIDA to the top turnbuckle for a knee-clutch fisherman suplex, but KUSHDA escaped a pin attempt. Omega decided to try a powerbomb using one good arm, but KUSHIDA kicked out again. Omega then smashed KUSHIDA with a running knee strike to the face. Omega tried to follow with his electric chair finisher, causing the crowd to go into a panic, but KUSHIDA managed to slip out at the last second and flow into the Hoverboard Lock. KUSHIDA locked it in tight and Omega tapped, giving KUSHIDA the win. Big career moment right here.

WINNER: KUSHIDA at 20:46 to capture the IWGP Jr. Hvt. Title. This felt like Finn Balor/Prince Devitt's NXT Title victory over Kevin Owens the previous night in WWE - the culmination of a journey and well-told story. Very nice match focusing on KUSHIDA's knee and telling the story of KUSHIDA overcoming the odds to capture his second Jr. Hvt. Title, almost exactly one year after he won his first Jr. Hvt. Title. Now, KUSHIDA comes to the U.S. for Ring of Honor in August with the Jr. Hvt. Title. (***1/2)

5 -- NEVER Openweight champion TOGI MAKABE vs. TOMOHIRO ISHII -- NEVER Openweight Title match

This should be a very hard-hitting, physical match between two big bulls in the ring. In the opening minute, Ishii slammed Makabe to the mat and Makabe sold a shoulder injury. Makabe slowly rolled to the outside as referee Tiger Hattori checked on Makabe. Ishii then decided to try a top-rope somersault splash and just grazed Makabe on the way down. Ishii stuck the landing to cover for the high-flying attempt, then kind of smirked toward the crowd. Back in the ring, the typical Ishii vs. Makabe match broke out with standing forearms and strikes, no-selling, and trash-talk. They took it to the next level with about 60 straight seconds of standing blows until Makabe nailed a big lariat into a powerbomb for a two count.

They returned to their feet for another classic Makabe-Ishii standing exchange. Makabe showed a bit of tiredness, so Ishii capitalized with a running lariat for a two count. Ishii followed with a top-rope brainbuster for a two count. And both men sold the effects of the battle on the mat, including Ishii now selling a shoulder injury to match Makabe. The ringside doctor even came over to check on Ishii, but the match continued. Makabe wanted a top-rope move, but Ishii punched him in the gut and nailed a release German into the corner turnbuckle.

Reset at 13:00 with another standing exchange. They eventually just knocked each other down simultaneously, but Ishii got to his feet first and nailed a running lariat on a seated Makabe for a two count. Ishii followed with another lariat to a standing Makabe, but it was again only good for two. Ishii tried to a brainbuster, but Makabe blocked and nailed a Tiger Suplex targeting the shoulder. Makabe then took Ishii to the corner and smashed the shoulder with repeated punches. Ishii slumped down to the mat, prompting the ringside doctor to check on Ishii again. Makabe then put Ishii on the top turnbuckle and clutched him for a release German off the top. Makabe followed with a diving boot to the head for the pin and the win, ending Ishii's night.

WINNER: Makabe at 17:50 to retain the NEVER Openweight Title. Jim Ross should do a voice-over call of this match. It was the kind of hard-hitting, physical action that brings out the best in Ross. Makabe is just a tough, mean wrestler who punished equally tough Ishii and . (***1/2)


6 -- IWGP World Hvt. tag champions THE KINGDOM (MIKE BENNETT & MATT TAVEN w/Maria Kanellis) vs. BULLET CLUB (KARL ANDERSON & DOC GALLOWS w/Amber Gallows) -- IWGP World Hvt. Tag Title match

The story early on was Anderson doing everything he could to impress Maria, who wanted nothing to do with Karl. Bullet Club continued to work on Bennett, including Amber slapping Bennett from the outside. Gallows talked some major smack to Bennett, who fought back out of the heel corner to tag in Taven. Chaos broke out in the ring, then Anderson called for the end on Taven with a spinning neckbreaker, but Taven kicked out of a pin. Maria sensed her team was in trouble, so she tried to lure in Anderson, but Doc wised him up to Maria's plot. Amber eventually knocked down Maria and threw her into the ring, but Maria ducked a punch from Gallows, who took out Anderson. Maria then kicked Doc in the groin, drawing in Amber to fight Maria.

Eventually, a tag match resumed with Kingdom hitting a combination jawbreaker on Anderson for a two count. More chaos and it appeared Maria was KO'ed off-camera. Bennett angrily went after Doc, but he took a Gun Stun from Anderson for his trouble. Taven was left alone with Anderson & Doc, who threw down Taven with a 3D, then hit the Magic Killer on Taven for the pin and the win. Bullet Club gets the belts back.

WINNERS: Anderson & Doc at 10:08 to capture the IWGP World Tag Titles. Too much "U.S. TV wrestling" in this one, but they continued to play up the story of Anderson's infatuation with Maria, which back-fired for Kingdom in this match. Now it's time to establish some tag teams to go after Anderson & Gallows.

7 -- TANAHASHI vs. TORU YANO

Fun-loving, yet mischievous Yano wanted to play games early on, so Tanahashi caught him in the ropes and stretched his plump mid-section. But, Yano nearly surprised Tanahashi with a quick pin, which is how this feud started months ago. Yano then removed the ringpost cover, so Tanahashi thought about it, too, but Yano beat Tanahashi to the punch smacking him with the pad. Yano suckered in Tanahashi to eat an exposed turnbuckle, then he whipped him to the mat.

On the floor, Yano again suckered in Tanahashi, this time ducking a splash, which sent Tanahashi flying over the guardrail into the front row. Yano then put Tanahashi inside a pile of ringside chairs and nearly scored a count-out win, but Tanahashi crawled back into the ring at 19. Yano whipped Tanahashi into the exposed steel again, then tried to re-arrange his teeth and nose. Yano then did his trademark RVD-like pose, but that left him exposed for Tanahashi to grab him from behind for a bridging German Suplex for a two count. Tanahashi wanted a top-rope move, but Yano shoved the ref into the ropes, crotching Tanahashi. Yano followed with a powerbomb for a two count.

Reset, then Yano again suckered in Tanahashi, who splashed the ref in the corner. Yano brought in his trademark folding chair to inflict damage to Tanahashi, but Tanahashi ducked a chair shot and hit the Slingblade. Tanahashi then climbed to the top for the High Fly Flow, but Yano used the chair to the mid-section to block. The ref eventually returned to the ring to count a nearfall for Yano. Yano almost got another three count with a quick roll-up, but Tanahashi kicked out just before three, causing a near-panic in the crowd. Tanahashi returned the favor and appeared to get a three, but the ref stopped his count. There was silence, then a rallying cry for Tanahashi. Slingblade, then Tanahashi tried to win back the crowd with High Fly Flow. He connected and covered Yano for the win.

WINNER: Tanahashi at 12:33. A change-of-pace for top star Tanahashi getting his win back against Yano in a light feud not having to have an epic match before going to the G1 Climax tournament. It was fine for what it was bridging to the two main events featuring the other members of the Big Three, Shinsuke Nakamura and Okada.

8 -- IWGP IC champion HIROOKI GOTO vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA -- IWGP Intercontinental Title

Nakamura came to the ring as a red ninja, wowing the crowd with his latest costume selection. Goto used his size advantage early on to control the match, but Nakamura gained control on the outside by driving Goto over the guardrail into the front row. Back in the ring, Nakamura worked over Goto. But, he got too cocky and Goto responded with forearms into a big lariat. Goto then nailed a running bulldog out of the corner for a two count. Nakamura responded with a Codebreaker, then an overhead suplex. He then measured Goto for a big corner attack, but Goto exploded on him with a lariat.

Both men sold on the mat, then Goto took Nakamura to the top turnbuckle, where he pulled him out to deliver a hangman's neckbreaker. It looked like Goto wanted the Shouten, but Nakamura blocked. Nakamura followed with a powerbomb, then he nailed a jumping Boma Ye knee from the second rope, popping the crowd. But, Nakamura was too worn out to make the cover. Both men sold on the mat before returning to their feet for a standing exchange. Nakamura won the exchange, then measured Goto for a running Shining Wizard, but Goto kicked out just before three. Nakamura could not believe it.

Nakamura reset by looking for the Boma Ye knee again, but Goto grabbed his leg and lifted him into the air for a big suplex. But, Nakamura kicked out just before three. They had the crowd going nuts anticipating the finish and Nakamura tried to recover one more time, but Goto caught him and nailed Shouten. Goto stacked up Nakamura for the pin and the win. After the match, Nakamura was helped out of the ring, then Goto took the house mic and addressed the crowd in celebratory fashion.

WINNER: Goto at 22:11 to retain the IWGP IC Title. That finish was amazing. Slow build to a strong middle and epic conclusion, typical for Nakamura's best matches. Meanwhile, Goto should be able to find some good opponents in the G1 Climax tournament for title matches post-tournament. (****)

NJPW Dominion PPV Results: 7-5-15 (conclusion)

9 -- IWGP World Hvt. champion A.J. STYLES Iw/Bullet Club) vs. "RAINMAKER" KAZUCHIKA OKADA (w/Gedo) -- IWGP World Hvt. Title match

Okada displayed strong confidence early on, playing the role of self-assured challenger who has been waiting a while for the title shot. Almost like Stephen Curry in the NBA Finals. Okada cleared Styles to the outside early on, prompting Styles to stand at attention and glare back into the ring feeling shown up by the challenger. Styles returned to the ring and continued to take punishment from Okada. So, virtually the entire Bullet Club hopped on the ring apron trying to intimidate and distract Okada. This allowed Amber Gallows to sneakily trip up Okada from behind, allowing Styles to attack Okada and take control of the match.

Styles knocked Okada to the outside, where Bullet Club put the boots to Okada to loud boos while Styles pulled the ref aside for a chat. The ref ended up reprimanding Gedo for voicing his displeasure, then Styles went back on the attack in the ring. Meanwhile, the crowd chanted for Bullet Club to leave the match. Suddenly, Styles snapped off a textbook dropkick. That sent Okada to the outside, where Bullet Club again put the boots to Styles. Karl Anderson tried to call off the troops when Red Shoes turned around, but the ref sent Bullet Club packing to the back. But not before dropping a "Suck It" toward Bullet Club and Styles back in the ring, popping the crowd. Red Shoes eventually returned to the ring to resume officiating the match.

Gedo remained ringside cheerleading Okada, who fought back against Styles with a lariat. He then caught Styles off the ropes with a flapjack for a one count. "Okada" chants from the crowd as the challenger regrouped. But, Styles nailed his trademark backflip reverse DDT, which got a replay on the broadcast. Styles tried to follow with a springboard move, but Okada crotched him, then nailed his own textbook dropkick that sent Styles crashing to the floor. But, on the floor, Styles back dropped Okada over the barricade into the front row. Styles then jumped onto the barricade and nailed a flying forearm smash that sent Okada into the laps of fans.

Back in the ring at 16:00, Styles nailed a wheelbarrow facebuster for a two count. But, he missed a corner attack. Okada also missed a corner attack, then Styles went for a springboard dive, but Okada intercepted with a mid-air dropkick. Great counter. Okada then climbed to the top for a diving elbow drop. Rainmaker Pose with the big zoom-out. But, Styles suplexed Okada into the corner turnbuckle. He then nailed his springboard flying forearm on the second try. Styles teased the Clash, but Okada blocked and dropped Styles neck-first across his knee. Both men down on the mat.

Both men to their feet for a standing exchange. Forearms. Strikes. Okada then walked right up to Styles and dropped three forearms. Styles followed with six or seven elbows into multiple stomps. Okada sold being KO'ed, but he came to attention when he saw an opening to catch Styles with a textbook dropkick. Okada teased a Tombstone, but Styles blocked. Counter. Reverse. Tombstone by Styles. Styles then nailed a springboard 450 splash, but Okada kicked out. Ringside, Gedo freaked out at the sight of Okada continuing to fight.

Reset at 22:22. Styles dragged Okada to the corner, then stalked him for a Super Styles Clash. But, Okada blocked. And then kind of dropped Styles hard across the ring apron. A replay showed both men falling down as a hush fell over the arena. Okada regrouped and climbed to the top turnbuckle for a big pump kick as the champ returned to the ring. The crowd could sense Okada on the verge of winning, then Okada scooped up Styles for a Tombstone. Rainmaker Pose. Okada scooped up Styles, spun him around, and Styles ducked the Rainmaker Lariat into a Pele Kick. What a sequence. Both men sold on the mat again.

Styles scooped up Okada for the Clash, but Okada spun out, then he scooped up Okada again for the Clash, but Okada escaped again. Another escape. Okada then dropped Styles on his neck, hit the Rainmaker, tried a second one, but Styles ducked, and Okada nailed a German Suplex. Another lariat attempt, and this time Okada spun Styles inside-out with the Rainmaker. Okada covered and it was good for the pin and the win. New IWGP World champion.

WINNER: Okada at 26:18 to capture the IWGP World Hvt. Title. Wow. One of those matches that you just didn't want to see end. The finishing sequence was just magical after a very strong middle of the match post-Bullet Club interference. Styles and Okada have such great chemistry in the ring. And, what a great journey for Okada, who fell short against Tanahashi at the Tokyo Dome in January, but got the IWGP Title seven months later from Styles. This is a must-watch match. (*****)

Post-match, Styles was helped out of the ring as the fallen champion. Meanwhile, Okada posed with the IWGP World Title belt as the crowd continued to roar. Gedo took the mic and talked about Okada's journey to get back to the top two years after he last won the title. Okada then took the mic and talked about the G1 Climax. He excitedly finished off his promo before the money dropped for a Rainmaker pose complete with confetti. Okada marched out of the ring with the title around his waist before posing atop the stage with Gedo.

And, the G1 Climax just went to a new level with the title change setting up a world of potential title match situations heading into the 2016 Tokyo Dome.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Must-watch show. Okada vs. Styles was amazing, Nakamura vs. Goto in the semi-main event was excellent, and there were some very good undercard matches. New Japan's product is ridiculously good right now.

scrubsy said:

Just when you think Kevin can't be any more of a heel, he throws the ceremonial flowers out of the ring. Damn amazing match and very happy to see Finn with the title.

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And throughout the match yell out how he hates Japan

At least Last Nights Main event gave us some Chain Wrestling. I love me some chain wrestling.

norton9478 said:

At least Last Nights Main event gave us some Chain Wrestling. I love me some chain wrestling.

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Arcademan said:

And, the G1 Climax just went to a new level with the title change setting up a world of potential title match situations heading into the 2016 Tokyo Dome.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Must-watch show. Okada vs. Styles was amazing, Nakamura vs. Goto in the semi-main event was excellent, and there were some very good undercard matches. New Japan's product is ridiculously good right now.

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I haven't watched the whole thing yet, but caught bits and pieces (and most of the main event) throughout the night. Kind of surprised that Nakamura lost, but hopefully that sets up a showdown with Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 10. Naito's new attitude cracks me up.

And really looking forward to G1. Had NJPW World last year but was out of town for most of it.

Give Titus O'Neal Byron Saxton's job. When he's not wrestling, I mean. He, Owens, Cena, and Cesaro were the only things that didn't bore me to tears last night.

During last nights tag match in NXT I forgot all about Blake/Murphy until Graves mentioned they're still the tag champs. Those two need a personality really bad

Vaudevillains third theme I'm starting to dig, it's manly

Trey Burnout said:

During last nights tag match in NXT I forgot all about Blake/Murphy until Graves mentioned they're still the tag champs. Those two need a personality really bad

Vaudevillains third theme I'm starting to dig, it's manly

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I don't get what the goal even is with Blake and Murphy. It's like well, let's make sure no one who's actually worth watching is tag champs or something. Maybe the one thing from there that I really have no idea what Hunter's doing.

jro said:

I don't get what the goal even is with Blake and Murphy. It's like well, let's make sure no one who's actually worth watching is tag champs or something. Maybe the one thing from there that I really have no idea what Hunter's doing.

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And then they added Alexa Bliss randomly, I get that they're light on female heels but wasn't anything being done with her either.

Ty Dillinger and Gable are more interesting then Blake & Murphy and those two haven't even had a match air yet *pulls out mini towel with Gable written on it

Trey Burnout said:

And then they added Alexa Bliss randomly, I get that they're light on female heels but wasn't anything being done with her either.

Ty Dillinger and Gable are more interesting then Blake & Murphy and those two haven't even had a match air yet *pulls out mini towel with Gable written on it

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I thought it was Jordan (Dillinger's ex-partner) that was hounded by Gable for a tag team match up.



Those guys became champs because they're actually good wrestlers and they work well together. They don't have a personality that's a fact and I'm ok with that. Enzo & Cash are just show, next to no wrestling and Vaudevillains are somewhat OK. I know I'm one of the few that prefers wrestling over entertainment.

Enzo has a great future ahead of him..







As a manager