Jump to content
Pro Wrestling Only

[2017-05-29-NJPW-Best of the Super Juniors] KUSHIDA vs Ryusuke Taguchi


ShittyLittleBoots

Recommended Posts

Paced like one, structured like one; this was a junior heavyweight epic through & through. Loved the early mat work - fantastic feel of competition there. The dueling limb work ruled - both guys are great when targeting arms & legs. The finishing stealing was done super well & the big counters + drama were superb. This was my most awaited match up on the tournament alongside Hiromu/Liger & it did not disappoint me one bit - after having the best junior heavyweight matches of 2016 & 2014, they went here & delivered the best one of 2017. Fantastic match. ****1/2

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This was my favorite BOSJ match thus far. it was a great showcase for Kushida on the mat while Taguchi hung with him the entire way. Taguchi is quick to rely on comedy spots these days, but they were all business here with fast, crisp action that highlighted the juniors division as a contrast to the rest due to the speed and precision, while also incorporating a number of seamless transitions that worked within the context of the match and the overall strategies of both performers. They also put together an unpredictable, well executed finish that didn't run too long at all. I liked night 1, but between teasing and then killing a prominent final run for Liger, as well as other promising pairings opting for mindless spotfests, the tourney has progressed without too many highlights. This was very much a worthy standout.

 

****

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, I agree. This was my favorite match of the tournament. They managed to put together a really energetic match-up without being overly bombastic or mindlessly spot-tastic. Some of the submission swapping was a little silly but it, more or less, played into the competitive nature of the match. I really enjoy when KUSHIDA is working the more grounded "arm killer" role and some of his takedowns and counters were silky smooth. His frustration at Taguchi being able to keep pace played a fun role in the match with him being more aggressive with the armwork and pulling off dick moves like hand stomping. Taguchi had his big boy boots laced tight and I loved their slap exchange with them getting cheap shots in to the injured limbs. It didn't drag on, wasn't overkilled, and once again established KUSHIDA's new finish as the "Game Over" screen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • GSR changed the title to [2017-05-29-NJPW-Best of the Super Juniors] KUSHIDA vs Ryusuke Taguchi

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...