I wasn't sure what to expect today, with recent disappointments, but Dominion 2025 was genuinely good.
I did not expect Bad Luck Fale to join House of Torture in the opening match. Chase Owens instantly turning on a dime- after being choked by Fale- and then looking down at Finlay with disgust…it was so good. I did expect Douki to join the faction, but not in the junior tag match. Then, this all this culminated in the dog collar match between Evil and Finlay which looks like it might continue the feud between War Dogs and House of Torture.
The only objection I had to all of this is when the G1 Climax participants were announced, the announcer still used his low tone of voice for the heels to announce War Dogs members. I am excited to see Goto and Tsuji get a rematch from last year, where they won Tokyo Sports Best Bout at the 2024 New Japan Cup. There weren't any guests from other promotions this time- unless those are discovered from among the qualifying participants.
Daiki Nagai impressed in the opener, even if his mustache looks like a little silly on him. He's too young for it.
I feel sorry for Great O-Khan, going from world title contender last September to playing hot potato with the TV and tag belts. But at least he'll have a better G1 this year. At least, I hope that's the case. Taichi and Ishii winning the tag belts was a surprise, but a good one. They fit better as tag champs at the moment, especially if the company wants to feature Callum Newman as a singles guy.
I enjoyed Gabe Kidd's win. It may be a bit overdue, but it's here. He's on a path to the main event, and few deserve it more than he does. Yota is so good he doesn't need a title at this point; only to avoid going 50/50 on big shows like some others do. I thought El Phantasmo was getting pinned to set up a TV title challenge, but that didn't happen. It was refreshing. And Zack is still as good as ever.
Goto looked as good at Dominion as I've seen him this year. I hope he gets to keep the world title for a while. Shingo Takagi looked like a worthy challenger, one whom I hope continues to get opportunities.
No idea what's coming with New Japan Soul, other than perhaps some young lions debuts. Also surprised no one came out after Goto's victory to offer another challenge, as often happens. I thought perhaps Will Osprey or Kenny Omega would have asked for a shot at Forbidden Door. I suppose not?
House of Torture finally looks like a threatening, interesting group instead of the cheating / disruption team it's been for a while. With so many betrayers in their ranks now, I can see how they might break apart eventually. For now, though, giving War Dogs the disadvantage is a great thing to continue the feud with.
To repeat: Dominion is quite good this year.
by Ok_Conversation_9418