Before we get to the final 3 shows of new Japan this year before WK20. I'm curious about everyone's thoughts on this year for new Japan.
This year, we saw a noticeable shift in the promotion with Naito leaving, along with departures from others like BUSHI and Jeff Cobb. We also finally got the long-awaited coronation of Goto at the top of the company, and his run has been one of the more exciting highlights for New Japan. There were also some electric matches, such as Tsuji vs. Gabe in Osaka and Goto vs. ZSJ.
Overall, there were good shows here and there(new beginning, tana homecoming) and many of the tournament matches ranged from very good to nearly excellent. However, for me, New Japan felt like it was lacking in terms of booking decisions across much of the year. While the matches still hit a top-level standard when they land, I personally wasn’t as invested in many of them this year.
I also don’t feel there’s been much change in how the younger talent has been presented compared to last year. Yes, Tsuji and Gabe won the Global title, but I wouldn’t say either reign truly elevated them beyond where they already were—great wrestlers, but without the kind of impactful run that fans have been hoping for.
On top of that, the treatment of the junior division has been baffling, given how poorly it’s been handled throughout the year.
Overall, I’d give the year a 6/10
by DeathTriangle720