My big goal was to set up a playoff situation where both Uemura vs Tsuji and Takeshita vs Zack came back around. I'm still committed to Yuya winning but I think Umino has earned a playoff spot and that this top 6 is really fun. Takeshita and Yuya in the final because I think New Japan does really want people to worry and bite on the tease they give it to Take.
As far as block matches I had to predict: I think Shota going up on Takeshita would be a hype as hell highlight of his G1/not being washed tour. It might even reach people who don't watch and talk about him anyway. For Narita, missing out on the finals due to losing to Shingo and Takeshita also felt like a good way to progress his character. I also like the idea of Tana reaching 101 wins after his Evil match.
I feel like Boltin, Oiwa, Newman, Shingo, and Sanada also all look strong despite not making it out of the block in this scenario.
by kihp