Feeling pretty disappointed lately. I might skip Wrestling Dontaku. I don't know how much of Cobb's departure had to do with the front office, or if he sprang it on them. I don't know why Shota Umino gets two world title matches in a little over three months despite doing almost nothing last year. I don't know why House of Torture and War Dogs are being rushed to a conclusion (at least, it feels rushed to me).
I compare this year with 2018, which I am going through sporadically, and the Bullet Club Implodes storyline involving Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Cody Rhodes, Hangman Page, Young Bucks, etc, was incredibly good. Some of the matches, they didn't even need to have any preview tags or builds. They just announced it, and it was good. This storyline lasted for a while, which eventually had Omega vs. Ibushi / Omega vs. Cody vs. Ibushi. It was left to simmer, and wasn't rushed.
Okada's long reign had credible challengers, even if they were people he had faced before. Naito got a shot by winning G1 2017. Zack got a shot by winning New Japan Cup. Tanahashi got a shot by having a rivalry with Okada. Omega got a shot by having a great year, and having a rivalry. It all made sense, and was fun.
Then I look at this year- the failure of Sanada vs. Taichi / Uemura, the burial of Sanada by having him turn again, the aging 40+ year old roster with no immediate relief in sight, the misfire of Wrestle Dynasty, it's just not good.
I would like to give Gedo the benefit of the doubt, if indeed he is still booking the shows. But if the last few months are any indication, I can't see why he should remain as booker. The magic doesn't feel like it's here any longer. It feels closer to Misawa's "paint-by-numbers" booking that sent NOAH into a decline once they lost their big stars.
by Ok_Conversation_9418