[2018-05-24-AJPW] Kento Miyahara vs Naomichi Marufuji

[nivvad]

The rematch between two greats from two different (yet similar) worlds clashing once again. This match was very similar to their first Champion Carnival finals match, but with some slight differences. Marufuji was much more cocky this time around, which would probably lead to his inevitable loss later on. Also there was a lot more selling from both men in this match than in the previous one. Unfortunately for Marufuji, the dream of being Triple Crown and GHC champion at the same time was thwarted by Kento’s undying resilience to hold onto his title, ****1/2.

[Richeyedwards]

Another excellent match between these two, not a patch on the masterpiece that they had in the cc final but still great. I really liked the character work of maru as he was the cocky veteran with his great headlock work for a good few mins that set the tone of maru being the older and more Wiley one who could reverse every counter kento had. Maru and his control segment over kento's face to set up for his knees later in the match was really good, for a maru control segment that is a miracle. There was one moment of the match I did not like when after the pile-driver there was a short no sell sequence before they went back to selling which was really bad and did not work. The cc match was the best match I have seen in several years this one was great but it was missing some of the drama behind the match it was something transcendent in that first match. ****

[ShittyLittleBoots]

So much better than their Carnival match. The story in this one was so good; Marufuji is the crafty veteran who is clearly one or two steps ahead of Kento, and the champ is in real trouble trying to figure him out. The headlock sequence was absolutely wonderful, as was Marufuji chopping the soul out of Kento & I loved the couple of British -esq escapes Marufuji had for Kento's attempts to do his German. The match does have quite a few of the typical, generic puro championship match tropes by the end though & those eat away some points, but it was still a very good one. ***3/4

[Boss Rock]

Terrific follow-up to the CC finals. The finishing stretch is the hottest of fire, but the way they get there is really good. Marufuji is the wily veteran who is literally one step ahead while Kento is the hotshot ace looking to prove himself after his previous failure. Great selling by Kento, great offensive sequences, and the finishing stretch is tremendous. ****1/2.

[G. Badger]

Oh wow! Another great match which featured allusions to their CC 2018 Final. I liked that Marufuji & Kento sorta address the issue of Kento's burst offence. In this match, 'Fuji just about cuts him off every time and with authority.

 

If this was a cognizant decision then, they are in the headspace of the 90's greats of AJ & AJW. Hopefully, we get a rubber match because with the over-time/match-to-match psychology it appears they're employing, that bout has the potential to be a classic.