The "I've just watched ..." thread

[zep81]

CM Punk vs Mark Henry (WWE Monday Night RAW 04/02/2012)

Talking about David & Goliath; This right here is another great example. I know Punk/Henry is usually talked about (think it's this match), but fuck this is a tremendous TV match.

Ah, the Johnny Ace era. How I remember thee. Punk called John Lauranitis a toolbox at the top of the show, so he's put into a match with the world's strongest man.

Henry is getting a title shot and he's going to make the most of it and punish Punk to the max. This is the night after WM, where Punk defeated Jericho of course (need to watch thst match again along with their ER match). So he comes into this Henry match with an injured back.

Perfect target for Mark Henry to fully exploit.

I fucking love Henry's trash talk throughout this match. 

The ref starts counting to get Henry to back off, so Henry goes "You wanna count? Count this" and we get Mark Henry counting along to each stomp he gives to Punk's back.

"Did I tell you to move? You only move when I tell you to move"

The match is all about trying to survive the big bear with a bad back. Henry throws him around the ring, pounds on him, stomps on him and generally mauls Punk. Punk valiantly tries fighting back with his kicks, but his back keeps giving way and Henry takes full advantage.

He stamps and stands directly on his back, Punk tries to fight back but is bought right down with a clothesline.

"I own you"

Henry's trash talk again :done

Henry continues to punish Punk and his poor back. Punk is in serious trouble, but still tries a comeback and the crowd get behind each one and he gets a DDT on Henry and gets s 2 count. He starts kicking Henry and clocks one off his head for another 2 count. Punk is turning this around but his back is still giving him trouble. He makes a critical mistake by going to the top turnbuckle. He jumps off but straight into the arms of Henry, who sends him crashing hard into the corner.

Punk still fights back with forearms but Henry has had enough of this shit and knocks Punk flat on his face with a tree trunk foot right to his face. Henry misses with a big splash from the top rope, so Punk tries to capitalise by jumping off the rope at Henry, but he's flattened by a Henry right hand.

Back from a break and again Punk tries again, but again he's flattened by Henry. This is a great story of a big bad mofo in Henry trying to maul and kill Punk, who's doing all he can to run, dodge and hit Henry with what ever he's got left.

Punk starts a very spirited comeback by delivering a flurry of kicks to Henry over and over again. One big kick finally managed to knock the monster down. Punk goes to the top ropes to hit the big elbow. He hits it but further injured his back in the process and is unable to go for the cover. He somehow runs at Henry in the corner and plants a high knee. Then another one. He tries to hit a bulldog, but Punk just lifts him up and throws him outside.

Punk is on the outside and Henry is still dazed, but needs to get Punk back in if he wants/cares about winning the title. Punk though ends up being counted out and Henry realises this and is PISSED!!!!

He goes straight for Punk and slams his back onto the floor to finish him off.

This is a tremendous match. Punk's selling and fighting through the pain with his bad back was soooo good. Mark Henry played the monster role to perfection. He gave CM Punk openings, but he also knew when to cut him off and get the heat and crowd to invest in Punk's comebacks. Henry's trash talk was another highlight of the match and it fitted perfectly into the story of the match. Punk kept trying to weave and dodge and time his big moves, but couldn't every time because of his back and he displayed this great. You were fully behind him as he fought through the pain amidst the power onslaught of Henry.

Fantastic performances by both and it's an excellent match.

[NoUseforaUsername]

Was watching Lex Luger v Buff Bagwell at Starrcade and just realised how much Lex Luger resembles mulleted Hardcore Holly. I'm surprised WWE never gave him The Total Parcel gimmick. And Vincent looks the spit of Scatman Crothers from The Shining.

Was alright match. Never really found Buff interesting.

Edited January 9, 2018 by NoUseforaUsername

[zep81]

Nick Bockwinkel vs Jerry Lawler (Memphis 11/08/82) (No DQ) (Title vs Hair)

More glorious Jerry fucking Lawler.

Lawler puts his hair on the line here and from the first minute I bet Lawler is regretting it as he takes a complete shit kicking from Bock. 3/4 of the match is Nick being a sadistic, violent bastard, who's intent on killing Lawler.

From the first minute they lock up and Nick gives Lawler a thunderous punch that sends Jerry crashing into the corner. Bock nails Lawler in the throat and knees him in the stomach  and Jerry doesn't know what's going on. No idea which side of bed Bock woke up from that morning, but I wouldn't want to be in the opposite corner like Jerry is.

He doesn't let up as he gobrs Lawler a hefty palm strike to the eyes that damn nearly blinds Jerry, who says fuck this shit and bails to the outside to try and get some rest from this. Bock stays in the ring but is still stalking Lawler, just waiting for him to get back within his graap.

Lawler tries to brawl but is quickly swatted away and Bock again targets the eye. Lawler's selling as usual is great here. Bock unloads with more relentless punching to the midsection and the face and Jerry is already in big trouble. Bock just won't stop kicking the shit out of him. He even rotatrs his hand to signify the punching is wearing it out!!!

Lawler is trapped in the corner and Bock just stamps on him and is choking him out with his foot. The ref tries to pull Bock back, but he just don't let go. The ref ends up grabbing Bock's hair and physically pulls him off Lawler. It's a no DQ match, but there's still safety to consider. Lawler continues to take a shit kicking as Bock punches, chokes, kicks and dismantles poor Jerry.

He manages to kick out of a pinball at 2. 5 minutes gone and Lawler hasn't had a single offensive move on Bock. He hasn't had the chance to, Bock is on a mission to destroy him and don't let up. Just as Bock bends down though over him, Jerry nuts him in the old gonads :proud

Bet that felt good. Don't rub em Bock, count em ~~~~!!!

Crowd go ape as they sense a Lawler comeback now, finally. He gets up and starts pounding away at Bock with dome of his own heavy punches right to the face.

Hey Bock, how do you like it Son?????

Bock starts to beg off but Lawler is obviously having none of it and continues to punch and kick him in the corner. Bock is dazed and confused now as he takes a wild swing at Jerry but misses by a mile. Lawler nails him with some great looking boxing esque left handers before sending him down to the mat with s right.

He starts choking Bock with his own towell as the ref tries to pull him back. Lawler stamps on his head and punches him some more before hitting a PILEDRIVER!!!! He covers......but Bock gets a lucky foot on the ropes. Lawler hits a very nasty looking knee right to the back of Bock's head to signify "This shit ain't over yet".

Bock rolls to the outside and the ref, Lawler and the crowd start counting him out in unison. He gets back in the hits Lawler in the midriff with a punch and now it's Bock back on offense. He's right back where he started as he gives Lawler s punch with such thunder, it knocks him flying down to the mat and busts him open. So Bock kicks him full force right in the face for good measure. He sends Lawler to the outside and dumps him on the timers table. He does it s second time as Lawler is now heavily bleeding from his right eye as Bock leaves him and gets back in the ring.

Lawler is trying to get up but Bock slams him into some chairs. He continues to punch him to death. He sends him back into the ring........then immediately sends him flying over the top rope and back to the outside.

Fuck Bock has been an absolute animal throughout this match.

Bock goes out and slams Jerry's face off the top of s rope stand. Lawler selling here is really tremendous. It was a brutal spot considering the state of Lawler's eye at this point.  Lawler is a mess but Bock couldn't give two shits and continues to pound on Lawler with right hands and kicks. Bock tries for a PILEDRIVER, but Lawler reverses it and dumps him backwards into the corner straight into the referee.

Ref bump ~~~!!!!

Jimmy Hart them comes running in and nails Jerry in the back of the head with an object and flattens Lawler. Bock goes for a bridge pin but the ref can just about make a count.....1, 2....LAWLER KICKS OUT!!!

Bock starts punching him again but this time; Lawler is having none of it. He's like "Yeah, that all you got you SOB". Straps come down and he starts giving Bock a heavy dose of his own medicine by landing heavy punch after heavy punch as the crowd shout at every punch landed.

Crowd is loving this as Lawler continues to dish out his revenge after all the shit he's took in the match. Bock takes some great bumps and Lawler is so great at a comeback. It takes three flying fist drops off the top rope for Lawler to get the pinfall and to finally finish Bock off.

What a fucking match. Lawler took an absolute shit kicking here but kept hanging in there best he could. His selling was as always fantastic as he sold his eye and getting best up as bad as he did. Bock though was equally as great as the sadistic mofo who was intent on destroying and punishing Lawler throughout. He just wouldn't stop and even the ref had to hold him back. Even I wanted to go back in time and tell him to back the fuck off Lawler.

Lawler's comeback of course ruled and i liked what it took to finally pin Bock at the end. Great, great match and a special look at Bockwinkel being a vicious bastard.

HIGHLY recommended.

Edited January 10, 2018 by zep81

[tiger_rick]

On 05/01/2018 at 9:42 AM, Liam O'Rourke said:

Got the notes completed yesterday amigo, it may be as soon as two weeks (WrestleKingdom review coming next....). It's uhh...not WCW's finest month. Just as a preview, I believe I counted seven ref bumps on the July 12th Nitro.

Jesus Christ, the Hogan blade job on July 26th is one of the worst things I've ever seen. Blatantly slices himself, stands up, you can see the blood, takes a pathetic chair shot from Nash and then the blood is all over his head instantly.

[zep81]

Jerry Lawler & Bam Bam Bigelow vs Austin Idol & Tommy Rich (Memphis 03/23/1987) (Texas Death Match)

Yeah baby, Jerry and Bam Bam as a team.

This starts out with Bigelow throwing some steel steps into the ring. Yeah he isn't messing about with cartwheels on this one. He's just running around the ring with furious anger wanting to seemingly kill Rich/Idol, who don't want any of it and refuse to enter the ring. Bogelow even throws the ref down as he's so pissrd and wants to get on with wrecking shit :lol

The bell finally rings and Lawler/Bam Bam go right ahead and begin to beat the crap out of Rich and Idol. Lawler and Idol are out in the arena furiously brawling with one another whilst Bam Bam/Rich are doing their own thing. Idol grabs a 2x4 and hits Jerry with it, but Bigelow comes running over and helps him out. Lawler/Rich continue to brawl as Lawler sends Rich's head into the ring post.

Meanwhile, Bam Bam is out chasing Idol, who doesn't want anything of him. Bigelow is just a big bad bear wanting to kill him. Idol hits Bigelow with the 2x4, but Bam Bam no sells it in a beat spot and just goes 'Nope, that shit ain't gonna work with me'. Idol runs back into the ring bit as soon as he turns around, he's met with one of Lawler's infamous right hands.

So Bigelow turns his attention to Rich in the corner. Man, he just wants to fight here and gives zero fucks. Lawler/Bigelow continue to kick ass until Idol low blows Lawler

'Dont rub em Son, count em'.

Idol/Rich then double team on Bigelow and Idol low blows Bigelow too. The heels are now in control as Lawler is down as he's being kicked to death by Idol. Rich tries to hit Bigelow, but Bam Bam is having none of it and growls at him, so he low blows him yet sgain. Meanwhile Lawler is being choked out by Idol on the outside by an extension cord.

Rich works on Bigelow's mid section with a series of big kicks, whilst Idol dumps Lawler on some steps on the outside. Yeah, the heels are in control and they're loving it. Idol rams Lawler's head straight into the ring bell then takes it into the ring hits Bigelow with it. Idol continues to attack Lawler and sends him over the guardrail whilst Bigelow is dead on the mat in the ring.

Bigelow manages to hit a dropkick on Rich, who sells it brilliantly. Idol is punching Lawler but Lawler now is not feeling anything.

STRAPS ARE DOWN ~~~~~!!!!!

Lawler starts getting his long awaited revenge and lands a series of heavy punches on Idol. All 4 men ate now finally in the ring and Bigelow/Jerry ate kicking the shit out of them both. Idol gets tied up in the ropes as Lawler jumps off the top turnbuckle and nails Rich with a right hand.

This is so fucking great; Idol is still tied up in the ropes and is forced to watch as Bigelow/Lawler drag Rich by both of his legs and they send him BALLS FIRST into the ringpost.

OOOOOOOUUUUUCCCCCHHHH!!!!!

Lawler pins him for the fall. Rich gets counted out and this one is over.

Post-match Bam Bam goes POSTAL again and drags Rich to the post again. He throws ring steps and then almost gets the ref too. Bigelow isn't satisfied until he fucking kills Rich.

Fuck, Lawler/Bigelow were a fucking awesome team. This match was a whole heap of fun and violence. Bigelow was like a wild, untamed animal throughout and had a sole mission of killing Idol/Rich. Great brawling and a proper finish too. Crowd as usual in the Mid South were super hot. I just love the crowds and one other thing too; Lance Russell. He's just so good on commentary and adds an extra element and enjoyment to these matches.

Another HIGHLY enjoyable match that is certainly recommend.

Edited January 13, 2018 by zep81

[PUNQ]

Following-up with week two of marathon watching, trying to keep up with everything relevant as it comes available.

 

Top-20 Matches Week 2, 2018

1. December 30, 2017 - Pete Dunne (c) -vs- Jack Gallagher - (WWE United Kingdom Title) [****] (PROGRESS)
2. December 30, 2017 - Travis Banks (c) -vs- Will Ospreay - (PROGRESS Title) [*** 3/4] (PROGRESS)
3. January 2, 2018 - Joe Doering (c) -vs- Zeus - (Triple Crown Title) [*** 1/2] (AJPW)
4. January 1, 2018 - Masato Tanaka (c) -vs- Yusaku Obata - (ZERO1 Title) [*** 1/4] (ZERO1)
5. January 13, 2018 - Zack Sabre Jr. (c) -vs- Darby Allin - (EVOLVE Title) [*** 1/4] (EVOLVE)

6. January 7, 2018 - Zack Sabre Jr. (c) -vs- Martin Stone - (RevPro British Heavyweight Title) [*** 1/4] (RevPro)
7. January 14, 2018 - Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Kazusada Higuchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [***] (DDT)
8. January 14, 2018 - WALTER -vs- Zack Sabre Jr. [***] (EVOLVE)
9. January 6, 2018 - Pete Dunne -vs- El Phantasmo [***] (RevPro)
10. January 13, 2018 - WALTER & Timothy Thatcher -vs- Dominic Garrini & Tracy Williams [***] (EVOLVE)

11. January 10, 2018 - Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Yukio Sakaguchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 3/4] (DDT)
12. January 14, 2018 - Konosuke Takeshita -vs- Keisuke Ishii - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 3/4] (DDT)
13. January 7, 2018 - Pete Dunne -vs- Chris Brookes [** 3/4] (RevPro)
14. January 11, 2018 - Jiro Kuroshio -vs- Keisuke Ishii - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 3/4] (DDT)
15. January 13, 2018 - Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Soma Takao - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 3/4] (DDT)

16. January 14, 2018 - Shingo Takagi & Naomichi Marufuji -vs- Masato Tanaka & Masa Kitamiya [** 1/2] (Riki Choshu)
17. January 6, 2018 - Trent Seven & Tyler Bate (c) -vs- Chris Brookes & Travis Banks - (RevPro British Tag Title) [** 1/2] (RevPro)
18. January 13, 2018 - Kazusada Higuchi -vs- Mike Bailey - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/2] (DDT)
19. January 5, 2018 - Kagetsu & Hana Kimura (c) -vs- HZK & Momo Watanabe - (Goddesses of Stardom Title) [** 1/2] (STARDOM)
20. January 12, 2018 - Titán -vs- Rey Cometa - (Lighting Match) [** 1/2] (CMLL)

 

WWE Universe

WWE - "Monday Night RAW/Main Event" - January 8, 2018, Memphis, Tennessee, USA - (3 hrs)
January 8, 2018, Memphis, Tennessee, USA - FedEx Forum
Main Event #275
1. Alicia Fox -vs- Dana Brooke [1/2*]
2. Akira Tozawa & Mustafa Ali -vs- Ariya Daivari & Drew Gulak [*]
Monday Night RAW #1285
3. Sasha Banks & Bayley -vs- Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville [* 1/4]
4. Matt Hardy -vs- Curt Hawkins [*]
5. Enzo Amore (c) -vs- Cedric Alexander - (WWE Cruiserweight Title) [* 1/2]
6. Titus O'Neil & Apollo Crews -vs- Cesaro & Sheamus [*]
7. Samoa Joe -vs- Rhyno [3/4*]
8. Finn Balor & Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows -vs- Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan [** 1/4]

I'm loving WWE are resorting to going the Bullet Club direction. We all know they'll mess it up in the end for something WWE created, but lets just enjoy it for the moment. Otherwise it was a lackluster RAW.

WWE - "SmackDown Live/205 Live" - January 9, 2018, Birmingham, Alabama, USA - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 9, 2018, Birmingham, Alabama, USA - Legacy Arena at The BJCC
SmackDown Live #960
1. Becky Lynch -vs- Ruby Riott [*]
2. Harper & Rowan -vs- Konnor & Viktor [1/4*]
3. Mojo Rawley -vs- Zack Ryder - (WWE United States Title Tournament - Round 1) [*]
4. Fandango & Tyler Breeze -vs- Rusev & Aiden English [3/4*]
5. AJ Styles & Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura -vs- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn - (No-DQ/No-Count Out) [* 1/2]
205 Live #59
6. Gran Metalik -vs- TJP [* 3/4]
7. Cedric Alexander -vs- Tony Nese [* 1/4]

205 Live is back to being the bland guys show and Smackdown seems set to destroy everything they've got going for them. Rusev was just about to take over the world with "Rusev Day", so yeah, lets have him lose to Fandango. And the main event, just stop it with the Shane McMahon stuff. He's surpassing his sister's negative screen presence.

WWE - "NXT #282" - January 4, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - (1 hr)
January 4, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - Stage Center
1. Shayna Baszler -vs- Dakota Kai [1/2*]
2. Kassius Ohno -vs- Raul Mendoza [* 3/4]
3. Lars Sullivan -vs- Lio Rush [1/2*]
4. Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly (c) -vs- Aleister Black & Roderick Strong - (NXT Tag Title) [**]

First proper NXT show of the year and it had a decent tag title defense, but the best thing was that little Baszler moment. Talk about twisting the arm in a nasty direction!

 

US Indys

IMPACT - "Impact #704" - November 9, 2017, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - (1 1/2 hrs)
November 9, 2017, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Aberdeen Pavilion
1. Ethan Carter III -vs- Petey Williams [* 1/2]
2. Laurel Van Ness (c) -vs- KC Spinelli - (Impact Knockouts Title) [*]
3. Dezmond Xavier & Garza Jr. & Sonjay Dutt -vs- Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley & Hakim Zane [* 3/4]
4. Lashley & KM -vs- Eddie Edwards & Moose [* 1/2]

This weeks Impact wasn't anything special. They're pushing KM, which killed the main event. And the rest was routine stuff.

ROH - December 16, 2017, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - (1 hr)
December 16, 2017, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA -     2300 Arena (800 Fans)
1. Silas Young (c) -vs- Simon Grimm - (ROH Television Title) [* 3/4]
2. Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe -vs- Ryan Nova & ? [1/4*]
3. Marty Scurll -vs- Flip Gordon [** 1/2]

I enjoyed the main event. While Flip can be a very generic flipper. Scurrl brings something different to the table and makes the match interesting. Silas's token defense had it's little moments.

EVOLVE - "EVOLVE 98" - January 13, 2018, New York, USA - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 13, 2018, New York, USA - La Boom
1. Jason Kincaid -vs- Brody King -vs- Jarek 1-20 -vs- Snoop Strikes - (4-Way) [* 1/4]
2. WALTER & Timothy Thatcher -vs- Dominic Garrini & Tracy Williams [***]
3. Chris Dickinson -vs- Parrow - (No-DQ) [*]
4. AR Fox -vs- Matt Riddle [** 1/4]
5. Austin Theory (c) -vs- Fred Yehi - (FIP Title; Anything Goes Match) [**]
6. Jaka -vs- Keith Lee [** 1/2]
7. Zack Sabre Jr. (c) -vs- Darby Allin - (EVOLVE Title) [*** 1/4]

EVOLVE - "EVOLVE 99" - January 14, 2018, New York, USA - (3 hrs)
January 14, 2018, New York, USA - La Boom
1. Brody King -vs- Darby Allin [* 1/2]
2. Jarek 1:20 -vs- Snoop Strikes [3/4*]
3. Kyle the Beast -vs- Wheeler YUTA [1/2*]
4. Austin Theory -vs- Jason Kincaid [* 1/4]
5. Timothy Thatcher -vs- Fred Yehi [** 1/2]
6. Odinson & Parrow -vs- Dominic Garrini & Tracy Williams - (Tornado Tag Match) [*]
7. Matt Riddle -vs- Jaka [** 1/4]
8. WALTER -vs- Zack Sabre Jr. [***]
9. Keith Lee (c) -vs- Chris Dickinson - (WWN Title) [**]

EVOLVE is always a mixed bag, but when you have such guys as Zack Sabre Jr, WALTER, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, etc, you can sit through the shit knowing some great stuff will come. 

 

NJPW

No shows this week.

DDT Universe

BASARA - "VAJRA 55 ~ UTAGE" - January 6, 2018, Tokyo - (1/2 hr)
January 6, 2018, Tokyo - Shin-Kiba 1st RING (210 Fans)
1. Trans Am Ryuichi & FUMA & Yusuke Kubo & SAGAT -vs- Isami Kodaka & Tank Nagai & Takumi Tsukamoto & Yasu Urano - (New Year Elimination Match) [* 3/4]

BASARA - “VAJRA 56 ~OSAKA WINTER TEAM AND PEOPLE~” - January 8, 2018, Osaka - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 8, 2018, Osaka Hirano Community Hall (204 Fans)
1. Akiyori Takizara & Yuki Aoki -vs- Daichi Kazato & Takato Nakano [* 1/4]
2. Kuishinbo Kamen -vs- Gouma Ryu -vs- Atsushi Maruyama - (Reversal Pro Wrestling Trial 3-Way) [1/4*]
3. Manabu Hara -vs- SAGAT [* 1/4]
4. Trans-Am Ryuichi & Yusuke Kubo & HUB -vs- Ryuichi Sekine & Ryota Nakatsu & Fuminori Abe [* 1/2]
5. Takumi Tsukamoto & Yasu Urano -vs- Naoki Tanizaki & Shoichi Uchida [*]
6. Isami Kodaka (c) -vs- FUMA - (Union MAX Title) [**]

The BASARA brand suffers from not understanding what it wants to be. A bunch of random indy ideas mixed together with only really Isami Kodaka coming out of it undamaged. Not too impressed with my first look at their brand.

DDT "D-OH GRAND PRIX 2018 IN OSAKA 2DAYS - DAY 2" - January 8, 2018, Osaka, Japan - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 8, 2018, Osaka Hirano Kumin Hall (335 Fans Fans)
1. Danshoku Dino Sometimes Throws Away The Heavy Responsibilities Of A Producer To Hit The Desire Of Man New Year’s Special 9-Person Battle Royal [*]
2. Keisuke Ishii -vs- Masahiro Takanashi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [**]
3. Soma Takao -vs- Mike Bailey - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [**]
4. HARASHIMA -vs- Jiro Kuroshio - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 1/4]
5. Daisuke Sasaki -vs- Kazusada Higuchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/2]
6. Konosuke Takeshita -vs- Joey Ryan - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [* 1/2]
7. Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Akito - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/4]

DDT - "D-OH GRAND PRIX 2018 IN NERIMA" - January 10, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 10, 2018, Tokyo - Nerima Coconeri Hall (356 Fans)
1. Mike Bailey & Makoto Oishi & Shunma Katsumata & MAO -vs- KUDO & Masahiro Takanashi & Kouki Iwasaki & Nobuhiro Shimatani [* 1/2]
2. Kazusada Higuchi -vs- Akito - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [**]
3. Joey Ryan -vs- Keisuke Ishii - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [* 3/4]
4. Daisuke Sasaki -vs- Soma Takao - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [**]
5. Tetsuya Endo -vs- Jiro Kuroshio - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 1/2]
6. Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Yukio Sakaguchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 3/4]
7. Konosuke Takeshita -vs- HARASHIMA - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 1/4]

DDT - "D-OH GRAND PRIX 2018 IN YOKOHAMA" - January 11, 2018, Yokohama - (2 hrs)
January 11, 2018, Yokohama Radiant Hall (241 Fans)
1. HARASHIMA & Antonio Honda & Mizuki Watase & Rekka -vs- Kazusada Higuchi & MAO & Daiki Shimomura & Nonbuhiro Shimatani [* 1/4]
2. Tetsuya Endo -vs- Joey Ryan - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [* 1/2]
3. Soma Takao -vs- Akito - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [* 3/4]
4. Jiro Kuroshio -vs- Keisuke Ishii - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 3/4]
5. Mike Bailey -vs- Yukio Sakaguchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/2]
6. Masahiro Takanashi -vs- Konosuke Takeshita - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [**]
7. Daisuke Sasaki -vs- Shuji Ishikawa - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/4]

DDT - “D-KING GRAND PRIX 2018 IN SHIMIZU” - January 13, 2018, Shizuoka - (2 3/4 hrs)
January 13, 2018, Shizuoka Shimizu Marine Bill (235 Fans)
1. Makoto Oishi & Shunma Katsumata & MAO -vs- Konosuke Takeshita & Antonio Honda & Kouki Iwasaki -vs- Daisuke Sasaki & Mad Paulie & Nobuhiro Shimatani [*]
2. Akito -vs- Yukio Sakaguchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/4]
3. Joey Ryan -vs- Jiro Kuroshio - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [3/4*]
4. Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Soma Takao - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 3/4]
5. HARASHIMA -vs- Masahiro Takanashi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [**]
6. Kazusada Higuchi -vs- Mike Bailey - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/2]
7. Keisuke Ishii -vs- Tetsuya Endo - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 1/2]

DDT "D-KING GRAND PRIX 2018 IN SHINKIBA" - January 14, 2018, Tokyo - (3 hrs)
January 14, 2018, Tokyo - Shin-Kiba 1st RING (328 Fans)
1. Makoto Oishi & Shunma Katsumata & MAO -vs- Kouki Iwasaki & Mizuki Watase & Yuki Ueno [* 1/2]
2. KUDO -vs- Akito -vs- Mad Paulie -vs- Toru Owashi -vs- Kazuki Hirata -vs- Antonio Honda - (P-King Grand Prix) [1/2*]
3. Soma Takao -vs- Yukio Sakaguchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [**]
4. Joey Ryan -vs- Masahiro Takanashi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [*]
5. Mike Bailey -vs- Daisuke Sasaki - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [** 1/2]
6. Shuji Ishikawa -vs- Kazusada Higuchi - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block B) [***]
7. Konosuke Takeshita -vs- Keisuke Ishii - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 3/4]
8. HARASHIMA -vs- Tetsuya Endo - (D-Oh Grand Prix - Block A) [** 1/4]

We can clearly say the D-Oh Grand Prix was a success. A indy G-1 with a bunch of good matches and a excellent service from the DDTUniverse.com airing all of the shows live! Kept the nonsense to a minimum too.

 

 

STARDOM

Stardom - "NEW YEAR STARS 2018 - DAY 2" - January 5, 2018, Nagoya, Japan - (1 3/4 hrs)
January 5, 2018, Nagoya, Japan - Nagoya City Village Sports Center (255 Fans)
1. Konami & Hiromi Mimura -vs- Kaori Yoneyama & Shiki Shibusawa [*]
2. Mari Apache & Nicole Savoy -vs- Kay Lee Ray & Xia Brookside [* 3/4]
3. Sumire Natsu -vs- Io Shirai -vs- AZM - (3-Way) [* 1/2]
4. Rachael Ellering & Miranda -vs- Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora [* 1/4]
5. Kagetsu & Hana Kimura (c) -vs- HZK & Momo Watanabe - (Goddesses of Stardom Title) [** 1/2]

Stardom - "NEW YEAR STARS 2018 - DAY 3" - January 6, 2018, Osaka, Japan - (1 1/4 hrs)
January 6, 2018, Osaka, Japan - Osaka Konohana Ward Citizen Hall (265 Fans)
1. Hiromi Mimura & Konami -vs- Mari Apache & Shiki Shibusawa [* 1/4]
2. HZK & Momo Watanabe -vs- Kay Lee Ray & Xia Brookside [* 1/2]
3. Nicole Savoy & Rachael Ellering & Miranda -vs- Kaori Yoneyama & Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora [* 1/4]
4. Kagetsu -vs- AZM [* 1/2]
5. Io Shirai -vs- Sumire Natsu [* 3/4]

Two shows uploaded to their service this week. Light fun shows if you prefer your product cute, but one match stood-out. The Goddesses of Stardom Title was at least good and shows they can deliver when they want to. The main focus however is building up for the Korakuen Hall show on January 21st.

 

The RealHero Archive

They uploaded a ton of shows this week, many older ones from 2012-13, as well as from December 2017, but I'll focus on the ones from 2018...

ZERO1 - "HAPPY NEW YEAR" - January 1, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - (2 hrs)
January 1, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (835 Fans)
1. Ganseki Tanaka & Tsugutaka Sato -vs- Towa Iwasaki & Shoji Fukushima [* 1/2]
2. Shinjiro Otani & Yuko Miyamoto -vs- TARU & Yuji Hino [* 1/4]
3. Super Tiger (c) -vs- KAMIKAZE -vs- Yoshikazu Yokoyama -vs- Hartley Jackson - (NWA UN Title; 4-Way) [* 1/2]
4. Sean Guinness (c) -vs- Tatsuhito Takaiwa - (NWA Junior Title & International Junior Title) [** 1/4]
5. Ikuto Hidaka & Takuya Sugawara (c) -vs- SUGI & Masamune - (NWA International Lightweight Tag Title) [** 1/2]
6. Kohei Sato & Hideki Suzuki (c) -vs- Yutaka Yoshie & Masayuki Okamoto - (NWA Intercontinental Tag Title) [**]
7. Masato Tanaka (c) -vs- Yusaku Obata - (ZERO1 Title) [*** 1/4]

Not as fun as last year’s January 1 show, but ZERO1 has been in such a slump since it’s positive they actually delivered a good show for the start of 2018. Let’s hope Z1 can turn things around. The main event was a brutal affair!

AJPW - "NEW YEAR WARS 2018" - January 2, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - (2 hrs)
January 2, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,522 Fans)
1. Keiichi Sato -vs- Yusuke Okada [**]
2. Masanobu Fuchi & Dick Togo & Atsushi Maruyama -vs- Osamu Nishimura & Ultimo Dragon & Yohei Nakajima [* 1/2]
3. Kento Miyahara & Yoshitatsu & Naoya Nomura & Yuma Aoyagi -vs- Ryouji Sai & The Bodyguard & KAI & Hikaru Sato [**]
4. 18-Man New Year Openweight Battle Royal [* 3/4]
5. Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa & Atsushi Aoki -vs- Jun Akiyama & Takao Omori & Koji Iwamoto [** 1/4]
6. Tajiri (c) -vs- Kotaro Suzuki - (AJPW Junior Title) [**]
7. Joe Doering (c) -vs- Zeus - (Triple Crown Title) [*** 1/2]

AJPW gets off to a positive start, getting the most out of the undercard with quick matches and continuing to deliver in the main events as Zeus gets his Triple Crown Title shot! The main event is one of this week's big matches.

SENDAI GIRLS - "New Year Senjo 2018" - January 6, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
January 6, 2018, Tokyo - Shinjuku FACE (485 Fans)
1. Ami Sato -vs- Manami [*]
2. Eiger -vs- Sakura Hirota [1/4*]
3. Chihiro Hashimoto & Hiroyo Matsumoto & Hikaru Shida -vs- Aja Kong & Heidi Katrina & Cassandra Miyagi [** 1/2]
4. DASH Chisako & Hana Kimura -vs- Alex Lee & Mika Shirahime [** 1/4]
5. Ayako Hamada -vs- Meiko Satomura [**]

The veterans didn’t do this show any favors. But there was some positives here, let’s hope 2018 keeps the attention of the younger girls.

Riki Choshu Produce - "POWER HALL 2018 ~ SET BACK THE CLOCK" - January 14, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
January 14, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,687 Fans)
1. Katsuhiko Nakajima -vs- Keisuke Okuda [* 1/2]
2. Andrew Everett & Jay Bradley -vs- Daisuke Harada & Tadasuke [**]
3. Takashi Sugiura & Yoshinari Ogawa & LEONA -vs- Maybach Taniguchi & Hajime Ohara & Mitsuhiro Yoshida [**]
4. Go Shiozaki & Quiet Storm & Hideyoshi Kamitani -vs- Shiro Koshinaka & AKIRA & Akitoshi Saito [** 1/4]
5. Shingo Takagi & Naomichi Marufuji -vs- Masato Tanaka & Masa Kitamiya [** 1/2]
6. Riki Choshu & Kota Ibushi & Gota Ihashi -vs- Tatsumi Fujinami & Daisuke Sekimoto & Taka Michinoku [** 1/4]

Fun show from Riki Choshu, but of course for these one-off shows it's mostly exhibition wrestling than anything important. At least we got a bunch of unique matches. Who's idea was it to bring Gota Ihashi into this?! Well, he was both the heart and frustration of this crash!
 

CMLL

CMLL - "Lunes Arena Puebla" - January 8, 2018, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico - (1 3/4 hrs)
January 8, 2018, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico - Arena Puebla
1. Ares el Guerrero & Guerrero Espacial -vs- Centella Roja & Vega [* 1/2]
2. Flyer & Millenium & Pegasso -vs- Hijo del Signo & Fuerza Chicana & Police Man [* 3/4]
3. Stuka Jr. & Guerrero Maya Jr. & Stigma -vs- Hechicero & Polvora & Universo 2000 Jr. [** 1/4]
4. Mr. Niebla & Felino & Euforia -vs- Valiente & Dragon Lee & El Soberano Jr. [**]
5. Diamante Azul & Pierroth & Gran Guerrero -vs- Marco Corleone & El Terrible & Rey Bucanero [* 1/4]

The first Arena Puebla show to air on Youtube and the main event was a shocker! Their most protected guy, Marco Corleone, jobbed to Diamante Azul in two quick falls! They are really making Azul the focus before 18 of their top stars go over to Japan for the joint tour with New Japan. CMLL has a big enough roster to cover for their loses the next couple of weeks, they just got to make things interesting with the guys they have and Azul will be challenging for two belts during that time.

CMLL - "Martes Arena Mexico" - January 9, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 hrs)
January 9, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena Mexico
1. Magia Blanca & Retro -vs- Akuma & Yago [* 1/2]
2. Drone & Fuego & Star Jr. -vs- Nitro & Arkángel de la Muerte & Sangre Azteca [**]
3. Puma -vs- Disturbio - (Lightning Match) [* 3/4]
4. Sam Adonis & Johnny Idol & Okumura -vs- Niebla Roja & Ángel de Oro & Rey Cometa [** 1/2]
5. Rush & Dragón Lee & Soberano Jr. -vs- Máscara Año 2000 & Sansón & Cuatrero [**]
6. Carístico & Atlantis & Volador Jr. -vs- Último Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & Euforia [* 1/4]

The international trio of Adonis, Idol & Okumura are getting their profile heightened. Now each one have the American, New Zealand and Japanese flags on their tights. And with Adonis coming off a hair loss to Negro Casas, he was sporting a long curly wig which came off during the match for a crowd pleasing moment. And I got to say he looks much better bold than with their lightweight blond hair of his. Something a little more Steve Austin about that. This stable might get hot during 2018. Second day in a row the main event was the least interesting match on the show.

CMLL - "Super Viernes" - January 12, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 12, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena Mexico
1. Eléctrico & Stukita -vs- Mercurio & Pequeño Nitro [* 3/4]
2. Raziel & Cancerbero & Universo 2000 Jr. -vs- Pegasso & Flyer & Stigma [**]
3. Virus & Sagrado & Tiger -vs- Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther & Tritón [** 1/4]
4. Titán -vs- Rey Cometa - (Lighting Match) [** 1/2]
5. Valiente & Blue Panther & Stuka Jr. -vs- Mephisto & Ephesto & Sam Adonis [** 1/4]
6. Carístico & Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone -vs- Terrible & Kráneo & Vangellys [**]

Good, but nothing exceptional. A lot of the stars were missing because of the Japan tour, so I guess they did okay covering up. Titán/Rey Cometa had a good speed match and Azul's big push continues. That and Adonis getting a new American flag.... with a bald Trump!

 

AAA

AAA - December 2, 2017,    Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico - (1 1/4 hrs)
December 2, 2017,    Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico - Arena Xalapa
1. Histeria & Psicosis -vs- Dave The Clown & La Parka [* 1/2]
2. Monster Clown & Murder Clown (c) -vs- Cuervo & Escoria - (AAA Tag Title) [* 3/4]
3. Dr. Wagner Jr. & El Hijo del Fantasma & Psycho Clown -vs- El Texano Jr. & Hernandez & Rey Escorpion [**]

AAA - December 9, 2017, Ciudad de Mexico, Distrito Federal, Mexico - (1/2 hr)
December 9, 2017, Ciudad de Mexico, Distrito Federal, Mexico - Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera
1. La Parka Negra & Joe Lider & Super Fly -vs- Aerostar & Drago & Raptor [* 3/4]
2. La Parka & Cuervo & Escoria -vs- Dave The Clown & Monster Clown & Murder Clown [**]

Real messy wrestling from this weeks AAA output. Part of Vampiro's lazy booking, just throwing a ton of pointless stuff in there to create heat. Sure, some of it was wild, but ugly in every way possible.

AAA - January 12, 2018,    Ciudad de Toluca, Mexico - (1/2 hr)
January 12, 2018,    Ciudad de Toluca, Mexico - Plaza Sendero Toluca
1. Hahastary & Tiger Boy -vs- Ashley & Angelikal [1/2*]
2. Máscara de Bronce & Raptor -vs- Carta Brava Jr & Mocho Cota Jr [* 3/4]
3. La Parka & Niño Hamburguesa -vs- Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria [* 1/2]

Then for something different. Hand-held mall show, far away from the glitz and glamour of AAA's TV taped shows. The fans were still packed and hot for this. Nothing must see, but a alternative AAA world.

 

Lucha Libre Independents

IWRG - January 7, 2018, Naucalpan de Juarez, Estado de Mexico, Mexico - (1 1/2 hrs)
January 7, 2018, Naucalpan de Juarez, Estado de Mexico, Mexico - Arena Naucalpan
1. Dragon Horus & Super Brazo Jr. -vs- Leroy & Lunatic Extreme [*]
2. Odin -vs- Shadow Boy [* 1/4]
3. Capo Del Norte & Capo Del Sur & Obett -vs- Chico Che & Danny Casas & Veneno [* 1/2]
4. Trauma I & Trauma II -vs- El Hijo del Pantera & El Pantera II [**]
5. Aramis -vs- Black Dragon -vs- Alas de Acero -vs- Diablo Jr. I -vs- Dinamic Black -vs- Dragon Fly -vs- El Hijo del Alebrije -vs- El Pantera I -vs- Eterno -vs- Freelance -vs- Heddi Karaoui -vs- Imposible -vs- Leo -vs- Mike -vs- Rafy -vs- Teelo - (Zona de Ejecucion) [** 1/4]

This weeks IWRG show was a little more traditional, slower lucha style. A couple of good matches, but this promotion still got to grow on me.

 

UK

DEFIANT - "DEFIANY #5" - December 11, 2017, Leeds, England, UK - (1 hr)
December 11, 2017, Leeds, England, UK
1. Jurn Simmons -vs- Luke Menzies [* 1/4]
2. Zack Gibson -vs- Flash Morgan Webster [* 3/4]
3. Mike Bailey -vs- Drake [**]
4. Austin Aries -vs- Travis Banks - (Defiant Title) [** 1/4]

DEFIANT is basically your cost-saving version WhatCulture. Not really feeling the product that much, even with Aries there. We'll see what they can do once the rebranding gets established.

PROGRESS - "Chapter 60: Unboxing Live! 2 - Unbox Harder" - December 30, 2017, Camden, England, UK - (3 1/2)
December 30, 2017, Camden, England, UK -     Electric Ballroom
1. Tyler Bate & Chris Brookes & James Drake & Mark Davis -vs- Trent Seven & Zack Gibson & Inflatable Kid Lykos & Kyle Fletcher - (Elimination) [** 1/2]
2. Jack Sexsmith -vs- Joe Coffey [**]
3. Millie McKenzie -vs- Candyfloss -vs- Chakara -vs- Charlie Morgan -vs- Charli Evans -vs- Sierra Loxton - (6-Way) [* 1/2]
4. Jimmy Havoc & Mark Haskins -vs- Clint Margera & Drew Parker - (Hardcore) [* 3/4]
5. Rampage Brown -vs- Morgan Webster [** 1/2]
6. Travis Banks (c) -vs- Will Ospreay - (PROGRESS Title) [*** 3/4]
7. Pete Dunne (c) -vs- Jack Gallagher - (WWE United Kingdom Title) [****]

PROGRESS is my favorite promotion in the UK at the moment and this was sweet! Especially the last two matches which were pretty amazing! Those are essentials. Just to think the generic Brit gimmick that is Jack Gallagher can barely have a good match in the big WWE, but here in a guest appearance rules the earth!

RevPro - "Live At The Cockpit 24" - January 6, 2018, Marylebone, England, UK - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 6, 2018, Marylebone, England, UK - The Cockpit
1. Martin Stone -vs- Dan Magee [**]
2. Zoe Lucas -vs- Zan Phoenix - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Round 1) [*]
3. Deonna Purrazzo -vs- Sammii Jayne - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Round 1) [* 1/4]
4. Josh Bodom & Zack Gibson -vs- Kurtis Chapman & Ryan Smile [* 1/2]
5. Pete Dunne -vs- El Phantasmo [***]
6. Jinny -vs- Nina Samuels - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Round 1) [* 1/2]
7. Millie McKenzie -vs- Charli Evans - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Round 1) [* 1/4]
8. Trent Seven & Tyler Bate (c) -vs- Chris Brookes & Travis Banks - (RevPro British Tag Title) [** 1/2]

RevPro shows can go either way. Here a mixed bag, with the women's matches being fairly lackluster, but Dunne and Mustache Mountain showing their worth!

RevPro - "Live At The Cockpit 25" - January 7, 2018, Marylebone, England, UK - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 7, 2018, Marylebone, England, UK - The Cockpit
1. Gideon Grey -vs- Eddie Dennis [* 1/2]
2. Deonna Purrazzo -vs- Zoe Lucas - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Semi-Final) [* 3/4]
3. Jinny -vs- Millie McKenzie - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Semi-Final) [*]
4. Will Ospreay & Travis Banks & Kurtis Chapman -vs- Zack Gibson & Josh Bodom & Rob Lias [**]
5. Pete Dunne -vs- Chris Brookes [** 3/4]
6. Charli Evans & Nina Samuels -vs- Sammii Jayne & Zan Phoenix [* 1/2]
7. Zack Sabre Jr. (c) -vs- Martin Stone - (RevPro British Heavyweight Title) [*** 1/4]
8. Jinny -vs- Deonna Purrazzo - (RevPro British Women's Title Tournament - Final) [** 1/4]

Again the women's matches don't bring enough, but I guess they need to find their way being fairly fresh on the scene. And again you have Pete Dunne, and most of all ZSJ showing pure class!
 

[Philjax]

PUNQ is back! I love it.

 

[NoUseforaUsername]

Perry Saturn, Raven, Bam Bam Bigelow, DDP, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Scott Steiner are some of the wrestlers off the top of my head who had entertaining matches that weren't pure squashes with Goldberg but his match with Meng on Saturday Night (Jan 98) was a bit of a mini disaster. Goldberg manages to drop Meng and Jimmy Hart on their heads in quick succession.

[gadge]

Eagerly awaiting PUNQ getting to see tonight's Rev Pro show at York Hall. Zack Sabre Jr and Minoru Suzuki vs Trent Seven and Tyler Bate in the main event was brilliant. My favourite match in this country for quite some time.

[HarmonicGenerator]

9 hours ago, gadge said:

Eagerly awaiting PUNQ getting to see tonight's Rev Pro show at York Hall. Zack Sabre Jr and Minoru Suzuki vs Trent Seven and Tyler Bate in the main event was brilliant. My favourite match in this country for quite some time.

That sounds like it would be a great match! Will it be available online anywhere at some point?

[gadge]

3 hours ago, HarmonicGenerator said:

That sounds like it would be a great match! Will it be available online anywhere at some point?

Rev Pro has a Pivotshare - RPWondemand.com I think - and I guess it may or may not appear on NJPW World (Tyler and Trent being WWE UK guys, who knows?). They usually get the shows on demand in 24-48 hours too which is ace.

Edited January 21, 2018 by gadge

[gadge]

On 21/01/2018 at 9:01 AM, HarmonicGenerator said:

That sounds like it would be a great match! Will it be available online anywhere at some point?

It's up on Rev Pro on demand now! 36 hour turnaround!

[PUNQ]

Hey, people still remembers me! Not been able to see the newest RevPro show, but I definitely will! Looks awesome. I'll post about it next week. Or sooner. Might post more often instead of binge-drop massive lists like this. Hell, maybe even daily, as it takes too long to compile my excessive viewing habits on a weekly basis 

 

Top-20 Matches Week 3, 2018

1. January 2, 2018 - Masashi Takeda (c) -vs- Takumi Tsukamoto - (BJW Death Match Title; Five Nails Board, Fluorescent Lighttubes & Cage Death Match) [*** 3/4] (BJW)
2. January 19, 2018 - Niebla Roja (c) -vs- Gran Guerrero - (CMLL Light Heavyweight Title) [*** 1/2] (NJPW/CMLL)
3. January 14, 2018 - Will Ospreay -vs- Adam Brooks [*** 1/2] (PROGRESS)
4. January 21, 2018 - Volador Jr. (c) -vs- El Barbaro Cavernario - (NWA Historic Welterweight Title) [*** 1/4] (NJPW/CMLL)
5. January 6, 2018 - Kenou (c) -vs- Kaito Kiyomiya - (GHC Title) [*** 1/4] (NOAH)

6. January 14, 2018 - Pete Dunne (c) -vs- Joseph Conners - (WWE United Kingdom Title) [*** 1/4] (PROGRESS)
7. January 2, 2018 - Daichi Hashimoto (c) -vs- Ryuichi Kawakami - (BJW Strong Title) [*** 1/4] (BJW)
8. January 19, 2018 - Soberano Jr. (c) -vs- Sanson - (Mexican National Welterweight Title) [*** 1/4] (NJPW/CMLL)
9. January 2, 2018 - Shuji Ishikawa & Kohei Sato -vs- Daisuke Sekimoto & Hideki Suzuki [***] (BJW)
10. January 15, 2018 - Hechicero -vs- Guerrero Maya Jr. - (Lightning Match) [***] (CMLL)

11. January 22, 2018 - Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero -vs- Mistico & Dragon Lee - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - Final) [***] (NJPW/CMLL)
12. January 14, 2018 - Travis Banks (c) -vs- Chris Brookes - (PROGRESS Title) [** 3/4] (PROGRESS)
13. January 19, 2018 - Angel de Oro (c) -vs- Cuatrero - (CMLL Middleweight Title) [** 3/4] (NJPW/CMLL)
14. January 16, 2018 - Carístico -vs- Euforia [** 3/4] (CMLL)
15. January 3, 2018 - Jun Akiyama & Takao Omori (c) -vs- Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa - (AJPW Tag Title) [** 3/4] (AJPW)

16. January 21, 2018 - Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero -vs- Niebla Roja & Angel de Oro - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - Semi Final) [** 3/4] (NJPW/CMLL)
17. January 19, 2018 - Jacob Fatu & The Almighty Sheik (c) -vs- Jimmy Jacobs & Joey Janela - (PCW ULTRA Tag Title) [** 3/4] (PCW Ultra)
18. January 19, 2018 - Kráneo -vs- Hechicero - (Lightning Match) [** 3/4] (CMLL)
19. January 22, 2018 - Sanson & Cuatrero -vs- Niebla Roja & Angel de Oro - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - 3rd Place) [** 3/4] (NJPW/CMLL)
20. January 19, 2018 - ACH -vs- Rey Fenix [** 3/4] (PCW Ultra)

WWE Universe

WWE - "Monday Night RAW/Main Event" - January 15, 2018, San Antonio, Texas, USA - (3 hrs)
January 15, 2018, San Antonio, Texas, USA - AT&T Center
Main Event #276
1. Rhyno -vs- Curt Hawkins [* 3/4]
2. Mustafa Ali -vs- TJP [* 1/4]
Monday Night RAW #1286
3. Apollo Crews & Titus O'Neil -vs- Cesaro & Sheamus [**]
4. Cedric Alexander -vs- Tony Nese [*]
5. Asuka -vs- Nia Jax [* 1/2]
6. Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson -vs- Aaron Solow & Ricky Starks [1/2*]
7. Roman Reigns -vs- Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel [* 1/2]
8. Sonya Deville -vs- Sasha Banks [3/4*]
9. Matt Hardy -vs- Heath Slater [*]
10. Seth Rollins -vs- Finn Balor [** 1/2]

In short. The first hour was good. The Titus tag was fine and they kept the show interesting with Braun on the loose. Then things got uninteresting the middle-hour, before Balor/Rollins sent to show off on a positive. The Main Event C-show was better than usual, but nothing one has to go out of one's way to see.

WWE - "SmackDown Live/205 Live" - January 16, 2018, Laredo, Texas, USA - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 16, 2018, Laredo, Texas, USA - Laredo Energy Arena
205 Live #60
1. Gran Metalik -vs- TJP [* 1/2]
2. Goldust -vs- Ariya Daivari & Drew Gulak & Tony Nese [1/2*]
SmackDown Live #961
3. Jinder Mahal -vs- Xavier Woods - (WWE United States Title Tournament - Semi-Final) [* 3/4]
4. Bobby Roode -vs- Mojo Rawley - (WWE United States Title Tournament - Semi-Final) [* 1/4]
5. Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan -vs- Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch & Naomi [*]
6. Bobby Roode -vs- Jinder Mahal - (WWE United States Title Tournament - Semi-Final) [* 1/2]
Mixed Match Challenge #1
7. Finn Balor & Sasha Banks -vs- Shinsuke Nakamura & Natalya - (WWE Mixed Match Challenge - Round 1) [* 3/4]

I'm going try and stay positive. Not that the wrestling was any good. Or the promos. Aw, failed already, but at least the show had a focus instead of just throwing random stuff out there, which is what they do every week. The US Title tournament deciding rounds and a women's match as intermission. I prefer to have my matches longer than 5 minutes too, but I appreciate them presenting the tournament that way. They just selected the worst possible guys to do it with.

For 205 Live the Metalik stuff was okay, but Goldust -vs- Ariya Daivari & Drew Gulak & Tony Nese was a complete waste of time and pretty much also killed 205 Live and the cruiserweigths as a waste of time with 3 of them losing to a washed-up heavyweight. The Mixed Match Challenge starts to a expected average. Colorful blend, but really nothing one need to go out of their way to see.

WWE - "NXT #283" - January 4, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - (2 hrs)
January 4, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - Stage Center
1. Riddick Moss & Tino Sabbatelli -vs- Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight [*]
2. Roderick Strong -vs- Fabian Aichner [* 1/4]
3. Lacey Evans -vs- Aliyah [3/4*]
4. Akam & Rezar -vs- Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford [* 1/2]

The matches were decent this week, but only from a presentation point-of-view. Glorified squashes and nothing big being presented, building for more important stuff happening in the weeks to come. So, forgettable.

US Indys

IMPACT - "Impact #705" - November 9-10, 2017, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - (2 hrs)
November 10, 2018, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Aberdeen Pavilion
1. Taiji Ishimori (c) -vs- Dezmond Xavier - (Impact X-Division Title) [** 1/4]
November 9, 2018, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Aberdeen Pavilion
2. Kongo Kong -vs- Chandler Park [1/4*]
BCW - December 3, 2017, Detrit, Michigan, USA
3. Eli Drake (c) -vs- Alberto El Patron -vs- Johnny Impact - (Impact Global Title; 3-Way) [* 1/2]
November 10, 2018, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Aberdeen Pavilion
4. Rosemary -vs- KC Spinelli [*]
November 9, 2018, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Aberdeen Pavilion
5. Homicide & Ortiz & Santana -vs- Sami Callihan & Dave Crist & Jake Crist - (Barbwire Ropes Match) [** 1/2]

This weeks Impact was at least interesting. First off, it had a good X-Division defens. It also had a brief look at the Impact Title being defended in Border City Wrestling. But most of all, it had a Barbwire match! If it's among the great hardcore matches in history is highly doubtful, but it made for something different on Impact TV and I loved how Chris got rolled in it!

ROH - December 16, 2017, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - (1 hr)
December 16, 2017, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA -     2300 Arena (800 Fans)
1. Jay Lethal -vs- Will Ospreay [***]
2. Kenny King -vs- Brian Milonas [1/2*]
3. Dalton Castle & Brandon & Brent -vs- Matt Taven & TK O'Ryan & Vinny Marseglia [** 1/4]

Good episode of ROH too. Much thanks to a fine performance from Ospreay and Lethal. Castle proving himself championship quality, at least within the ROH "universe", ended to show nicely too. 

Style Battle #01.08 - January 14, 2018, New York, USA - (2 hrs)
January 14, 2018, New York, USA - Saint Finbar Catholic Church Gym
1. Matt Riddle -vs- Rayo - (Style Battle #8 - Round 1) [1/4*]
2. Kyle The Beast -vs- Brody King - (Style Battle #8 - Round 1) [* 1/4]
3. Joey Janela -vs- Brandon Watts - (Style Battle #8 - Round 1) [* 1/2]
4. Nick Gage -vs- WALTER - (Style Battle #8 - Round 1) [*]
5. Matt Riddle -vs- Kyle The Beast - (Style Battle #8 - Semi-Final) [* 1/2]
6. Jimmy Lloyd -vs- Jack Gallow [1/2*]
7. James Bandy (c) -vs- Liam Gray -vs- Jaxon Vile -vs- Adrian Alanis - (WWA4 Title; 4-Way) [* 1/4]
8. Matt Riddle -vs- Joey Janela - (Style Battle #8 - Final) [** 1/4]

I enjoyed EVOLVE 98 & 99, but in the middle of this weekend WWN also produced this Style Battle show, and this wasn't really for me. Too many barely known wrestlers along with some big indy guys for quick matches in front of very few fans. The final was alright, but by that time I had given up omn the show.

PCW ULTRA - "PCW ULTRA 2K18" - January 19, 2018, Wilmington, California, USA - (3 hrs)
January 19, 2018, Wilmington, California, USA - ILWU Memorial Hall
1. ACH -vs- Rey Fenix [** 3/4]
2. Kikutaro -vs- El Mariachi Loco [1/2*]
3. Shane Strickland -vs- Brody King -vs- Flip Gordon - (3-Way) [** 1/4]
4. Alexander Hammerstone -vs- Brian Cage [** 1/2]
5. Douglas James (c) -vs- Ganseki Tanaka - (PCW ULTRA Light Heavyweight Title) [**]
6. Jacob Fatu & The Almighty Sheik (c) -vs- Jimmy Jacobs & Joey Janela - (PCW ULTRA Tag Title) [** 3/4]
7. Great Muta & Penta El Zero M -vs- John Ultra & Sami Callihan [** 1/4]

The Great Muta in the US... last time? He can't move much anymore, but he has the aura. Funny moment saw his mask fall off!!! He also threw fire and blew mist. Not much else except the Shining Wizard, if it was that Muta was trying to execute. Penta had to do most of the work, and Johnny Whatever-promotion-I-work-for and Sami certainly had a lot of the offense before falling victim to the legendary tricks. It's not a great match, but a feel-good one. The show had plenty of other good offerings like Cage/Hammerstone for a heavyweight speed match, Fenix/ACH for a compeitive opener and a tag title bout for bloody violence. So a pretty good show, but none of that MOTYC stuff.

NJPW

NJPW - "NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2018" - January 12, 2018, Nagoya - (2 hrs)
January 12, 2018, Nagoya International Conference Hall Event Hall (1,554 Fans)
1. Drone -vs- Disturbio [* 1/2]
2. Puma & OKUMURA -vs- Star Jr. & Fuego [**]
3. Cuatrero & Rocky Romero & YOH & SHO -vs- Angel de Oro & Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi [** 1/4]
4. Volador Jr. & Niebla Roja & Soberano Jr. -vs- Gran Guerrero & El Barbaro Cavernario & Sanson [**]
5. Rush & Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI -vs- Satoshi Kojima & KUSHIDA & Dragon Lee & Hirai Kawato [** 1/4]
6. Atlantis & Mistico & Hiroshi Tanahashi -vs- Ultimo Guerrero & Kazuchika Okada & Gedo [**]

This one didn't air on their network, but instead a Samurai TV exclusive which can be found at RealHero Archive. The opening day of the Fantastica Mania 2018 tour and pretty much what one could expect. A bunch of showcasign tags. Fun, but it wasn't on this show they were going to go all-out.

NJPW - "NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2018 - DAY 6" - January 19, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 19, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,522 Fans)
1. Okumura -vs- Fuego [**]
2. Rush & Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI -vs- Satoshi Kojima & Star Jr & Dragon Lee & Hirai Kawato [** 1/4]
3. Atlantis & Mistico & Volador Jr. & Drone -vs- Ultimo Guerrero & El Barbaro Cavernario & Puma & Disturbio [**]
4. Angel de Oro (c) -vs- Cuatrero - (CMLL Middleweight Title) [** 3/4]
5. Soberano Jr. (c) -vs- Sanson - (Mexican National Welterweight Title) [*** 1/4]
6. Niebla Roja (c) -vs- Gran Guerrero - (CMLL Light Heavyweight Title) [*** 1/2]

The Fantastica Mania 2018 tour comes to Korakuen Hall for the first of three nights. And what a way to bring lucha to Japan with three title matches to end the show in a great manner! Easily the best night of the tour!

NJPW - "NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2018 - DAY 7" - January 21, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 21, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,590 Fans)
1. Puma & Disturbio -vs- Drone & Star Jr. [* 1/2]
2. Ryusuke Taguchi & Soberano Jr. & Fuego -vs- Okumura & SHO & YOH [**]
3. Tetsuya Naito & Rush & Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI -vs- Satoshi Kojima & Atlantis & KUSHIDA & Hirai Kawato [** 1/2]
4. Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero -vs- Niebla Roja & Angel de Oro - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - Semi Final) [** 3/4]
5. Mistico & Dragon Lee -vs- Sanson & Cuatrero - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - Semi Final) [** 1/2]
6. Volador Jr. (c) -vs- El Barbaro Cavernario - (NWA Historic Welterweight Title) [*** 1/4]

Day 2 at the Korakuen Hall brings more goodies. Especially the main event, which felt familiar to Barbaro's big singles match in Japan from the previous year. Great effort with a couple of good siblings tags to boot.

NJPW - "NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2018 - DAY 8" - January 22, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 22, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,546 Fans)
1. Ryusuke Taguchi & Fuego -vs- Puma & Disturbio [* 1/2]
2. Okumura & Rocky Romero & SHO & YOH -vs- Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA & Star Jr. [**]
3. Sanson & Cuatrero -vs- Niebla Roja & Angel de Oro - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - 3rd Place) [** 3/4]
4. El Barbaro Cavernario & Gedo -vs- Atlantis & Hirai Kawato - (Hirai Kawato Send Off Match) [** 1/4]
5. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI -vs- Volador Jr. & Soberano Jr. & Drone [** 1/2]
6. Satoshi Kojima -vs- Rush [**]
7. Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero -vs- Mistico & Dragon Lee - (CMLL Brothers Tag Tournament - Final) [***]

Okay, this one's from week 4, but it happened before I had this list done and it was the tour ender, so I'll include it with this post. I enjoyed the other two Korakuens better, but this did have Kawato's send-off and the finals of the brothers tournament to offer. Plus I might criminally underrate Rush/Kojima. Need to see that one again. Had moments.

DDT Universe

BASARA - “VAJRA 57 ~OSHU KAIMICHI~” - January 14, 2018, Tokyo - (1/2 hr)
January 14, 2018, Tokyo - Sendai City Miyagino Ward Cultural Center (148 Fans)
1. Isami Kodaka & Ryuichi Sekine & Ryota Nakatsu -vs- FUMA & Yusuke Kubo & SAGAT [* 1/4]

After 2 weeks with nearly a dozen live shows and extras, in week 3 DDT Universe brings us.... ONE match.... on tape-delay. And it was a very indy match from their sub-brand BASARA, not really worth your time. They have uploaded 2 shows with English commentary, which might be interesting for those that don't care about Japanese commentary.

STARDOM

STARDOM - "NEW YEAR STARS 2018 - DAY 4" - January 7, 2018, Hamamatsu, Japan - (1 1/2 hrs)
January 7, 2018,     Hamamatsu, Japan - Shimizu Marine Building Multipurpose Hall (205 Fans)
1. Momo Watanabe -vs- Shiki Shibusawa [1/2*]
2. Kay Lee Ray & Xia Brookside -vs- Mari Apache & Konami [* 1/4]
3. Hana Kimura -vs- Hiromi Mimura [* 1/2]
4. Kagetsu & Natsu Sumire -vs- Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora [* 3/4]
5. Rachael Ellering & Nicole Savoy & Miranda -vs- Io Shirai & AZM & HZK [**]

House show wrestling. Cute and forgettable, but builds for Rachael Ellering challenging for the title.

STARDOM - "NEW YEAR STARS 2018 - DAY 5" - January 13, 2018, Yokohama, Japan - (1 1/2 hrs)
January 13, 2018, Yokohama, Japan - Yokohama Radiant Hall (275 Fans)
1. Ruaka -vs- Hanan -vs- Miranda - (3-Way) [*]
2. Mari Apache & Hiromi Mimura -vs- Kaori Yoneyama & Natsuko Tora [* 1/4]
3. Kagetsu & Hana Kimura & Sumire Natsu -vs- Kay Lee Ray & Nicole Savoy & Xia Brookside [**]
4. Viper & AZM & HZK & Momo Watanabe -vs- Jungle Kyona & Starlight Kid & Konami & Shiki Shibusawa [* 3/4]
5. Io Shirai (c) -vs- Rachael Ellering - (Wonder of Stardom Title) [** 1/4]

And here it was, Rachael Ellering challenging for a Japanese belt 37 years after her father actually held a title in Japan, The IWA Tag Title in old IWE. Not the prettiest of matches, and Io might have ruined it more than Ellerings limitations, but it had a "hunting" feeling with Rachael lurking and trying to keep the champ down.

BIG JAPAN

BJW - "NEW YEAR 2018" - January 2, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
January 2, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,568 Fans)
1. Yuya Aoki & Masaki Morihiro -vs- Takuya Nomura & Takuho Kato - (Kato's Debut) [* 1/4]
2. Kazuki Hashimoto & Tatsuhiko Yoshino & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Shinobu & Tsutomu Oosugi & Hercules Senga [* 1/2]
3. Yuko Miyamoto & Isami Kodaka & Minoru Fujita & Ryuichi Sekine -vs- Tajiri & Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei & Kankuro Hoshino [*]
4. Ryota Hama & Yasufumi Nakanoue & Taishi Takizawa -vs- Hideyoshi Kamitani & Yoshihisa Uto & Kazumi Kikuta [** 1/4]
5. Abdullah Kobayashi & Ryuji Ito & Jaki Numazawa -vs- Masaya Takahashi & Takayuki Ueki & Toshiyuki Sakuda - (Barbed Wire Board Death Match) [**]
6. Shuji Ishikawa & Kohei Sato -vs- Daisuke Sekimoto & Hideki Suzuki [***]
7. Daichi Hashimoto (c) -vs- Ryuichi Kawakami - (BJW Strong Title) [*** 1/4]
8. Masashi Takeda (c) -vs- Takumi Tsukamoto - (BJW Death Match Title; Five Nails Board, Fluorescent Lighttubes & Cage Death Match) [*** 3/4]

Not on BJW's streaming service yet, but can be found other places as it's a Samurai TV episode. A great card, really getting 2018 off to a fantastic start. Two quality Strong matches and my favorite bout of thr week. The Death Match Title in a real violent fight wasting no time!

BJW - "DEATH MATCH KING DEATH" - January 4, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
January 4, 2018, Tokyo - Shin-Kiba 1st RING (328 Fans)
1. Kazumi Kikuta -vs- Masaki Morihiro [*]
2. Kazuki Hashimoto & Tatsuhiko Yoshino & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Tsutomu Oosugi & Hercules Senga & Yuya Aoki [* 3/4]
3. Daichi Hashimoto & Hideyoshi Kamitani -vs- Yoshihisa Uto & Takuya Nomura [**]
4. Ryota Hama & Yasufumi Nakanoue -vs- Daisuke Sekimoto & Ryuichi Kawakami [* 3/4]
5. Abdullah Kobayashi & Ryuji Ito & Yuko Miyamoto -vs- Minoru Fujita & Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei - (Battlefield New Year´s Party) [1/2*]
6. Isami Kodaka -vs- Kankuro Hoshino - (G Shock Death Match) [** 1/2]
7. Masashi Takeda & Jaki Numazawa & Takumi Tsukamoto -vs- Masaya Takahashi & Takayuki Ueki & Toshiyuki Sakuda - (New Year Bloodbath Fluorescent Lighttubes Death Match) [** 1/4]

The first 2018 show to be uploaded to the new bjwcore.com site. Small show, but good house show action. I appreciated Kodaka/Hoshino in a match which mixed shoot-style and hardcore. Bizarre. They also had this years first real Lighttubes Death Match as well as a decent effort underneath.

The RealHero Archive

AJPW - "NEW YEAR WARS 2018 - DAY 3" - January 3, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 3, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - Korakuen Hall (1,438 Fans)
1. Yohei Nakajima -vs- Yusuke Okada [*]
2. Ultimo Dragon & Koji Iwamoto -vs- Osamu Nishimura & Masanobu Fuchi [**]
3. Atsushi Aoki & Hikaru Sato -vs- Kotaro Suzuki & Keiichi Sato [* 3/4]
4. Tajiri & KAI -vs- Joe Doering & Black Tiger VII [* 1/2]
5. Ryouji Sai -vs- Naoya Nomura [** 1/2]
6. Kento Miyahara & Yoshitatsu & Yuma Aoyagi -vs- Zeus & The Bodyguard & Atsushi Maruyama [** 1/4]
7. Jun Akiyama & Takao Omori (c) -vs- Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa - (AJPW Tag Title) [** 3/4]

Solid show, but the main event took some time before it got interesting. Typical when there are tired old veterans involved. Nomura/Sai had it's moments, but I had hoped Nomura was going to look stronger in that match-up. The rest okay without being anything special.

AJPW - "NEW YEAR WARS 2018 - DAY 5" - January 14, 2018, Kofu - (1 3/4 hrs)
January 14, 2018, Kofu - Ai Messe Yamanashi (512 Fans)
1. Ganseki Tanaka -vs- Yusuke Okada [3/4*]
2. Atsushi Aoki & Naoshi Sano -vs- Black Tiger VII & Atsushi Maruyama [*]
3. KAI -vs- Yohei Nakajima -vs- Keiichi Sato - (3-Way) [1/2*]
4. Joe Doering & Hikaru Sato -vs- Ryouji Sai & Koji Iwamoto [* 1/4]
5. Suwama -vs- Yoshitatsu [* 1/2]
6. Kento Miyahara & Keiji Muto & Naoya Nomura & Yuma Aoyagi -vs- Jun Akiyama & Zeus & Yutaka Yoshie & Tajiri [**]

Small AJPW show which doesn't really offer anything apart from a fairly poor Yoshi Tatsu singles match. The guy has no chemistry for one-on-ones, but tagging with Miyahara he's shining like few others! Plus there's a guest appearance from Keiji Muto.

NOAH - "NAVIGATION FOR THE FUTURE" - January 6, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
January 6, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,598 Fans)
1. Yoshinari Ogawa -vs- Junta Miyawaki [1/4*]
2. Mitsuya Nagai & Yuko Miyamoto & Cody Hall -vs- Mohammed Yone & Quiet Storm & Akitoshi Saito [* 1/2]
3. Minoru Tanaka & Hi69 & Hajime Ohara & Hitoshi Kumano & Seiya Morohashi -vs- Daisuke Harada & Tadasuke & HAYATA & YO-HEY & LEONA [** 1/4]
4. Takashi Sugiura -vs- Jay Bradley [1/2*]
5. Katsuhiko Nakajima & Masa Kitamiya -vs- Go Shiozaki & Atsushi Kotoge [**]
6. Naomichi Marufuji -vs- Maybach Taniguchi [* 3/4]
7. Taiji Ishimori (c) -vs- Andrew Everett - (Impact X-Division Title) [** 1/4]
8. Kenou (c) -vs- Kaito Kiyomiya - (GHC Title) [*** 1/4]

NOAH gets the year started in a positive way. 21 year old Kaito Kiyomiya has returned and it has a positive effect on everyone. The undercard lacked something special, but the main event was class.

DRAGON GATE - "OPEN THE NEW YEAR GATE 2018" - January 16, 2018, Tokyo - (2 3/4 hrs)
January 16, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,850 Fans)
1. Kaito Ishida -vs- Yuki Yoshioka [*]
2. Ben-K & Genki Horiguchi & Jason Lee & Kotoka -vs- Kagetora & K-ness & Shun Skywalker & Mondai Ryu [* 1/4]
3. Takashi Yoshida & Yasushi Kanda -vs- BxB Hulk & U-T [*]
4. Shingo Takagi -vs- Punch Tominaga [1/2*]
5. Ryosuke ♡ Santa Maria & Hyosuke ♡ Santa Maria & Yosuke ♡ Santa Maria -vs- CIMA & Gamma & Don Fujii - (Kissing-Style Pinfall Match) [1/4*]
6. Desmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz -vs- Flamita & Bandido [** 1/4]
7. YAMATO & Kzy -vs- Masaaki Mochizuki & Susumu Yokosuka [* 3/4]
8. T-Hawk & Eita & El Lindaman -vs- Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino & Big R Shimizu [**]

Stuggling to get into Dragon Gate these days. They are really running out of ideas with few changes to their roster the past 15 years. That's why their fresh batch of foreigners was the most positive thing on their first televised show of the year. The kissing match was abysmal! Really off-putting.

CMLL

CMLL - "Lunes Arena Puebla" - January 15, 2018, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 15, 2018, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico - Arena Puebla
1. Meyer & París -vs- Guerrero Espacial & Sombra Diabólika [* 1/2]
2. Flyer & Príncipe Diamante & Rey Samuray -vs- Hijo del Signo & King Jaguar & Perverso [**]
3. Stigma & Audaz & Lestat -vs- Raziel & El Malayo & Universo 2000 Jr. [* 3/4]
4. Hechicero -vs- Guerrero Maya Jr. - (Lightning Match) [***]
5. Carístico & Kráneo & Valiente -vs- Vangellys & Rey Bucanero & Terrible [**]
6. Marco Corleone (c) -vs- Diamante Azul - (CMLL Title) [** 1/2]

The singles matches were easily the best thing going on in Puebla. Hechicero had a real good week, having one-fall matches with both Guerrero Maya Jr. and Kráneo, both stealing the shows they were on. Here Azul and Corleone had a cool battle of over-the-top-rope leaps!

CMLL - "Martes Arena Mexico" - January 16, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/2 hrs)
January 16, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena Mexico
1. Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia -vs- Acero & Aéreo [* 1/2]
2. La Vaquerita & La Jarochita & Sanely -vs- Dalys & Metálica & Reyna Isis [* 3/4]
3. Starman & Magia Blanca & Pegasso -vs- Virus & Nitro & Templario [* 1/2]
4. Sam Adonis & Johnny Idol & Vangellys -vs- Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther [**]
5. Valiente & Stuka Jr. & Titán -vs- Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno [** 1/4]
6. Carístico -vs- Euforia [** 3/4]

With 18 men touring Japan with NJPW, it's the singles matches that saves CMLL's Mexican shows. Here Caristico (the original Mistico and original Sin Cara in WWE) does alright with Euforia. Unfortunately most of the show wasn't very interesting. They were missing a few good men here.

CMLL - "Super Viernes" - January 19, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 19, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena Mexico
1. Mercurio & Pequeño Nitro -vs- Fantasy & Último Dragóncito [* 3/4]
2. Princesa Sugehit & Lady Maravilla & Marcela -vs- Zeuxis & Amapola & Tiffany [* 1/2]
3. Tiger & Raziel & Sagrado -vs- Rey Cometa & Esfinge & Tritón [** 1/2]
4. Kráneo -vs- Hechicero - (Lightning Match) [** 3/4]
5. Euforia & Felino & Mr. Niebla -vs- Valiente & Stuka Jr. & Titán [**]
6. Carístico & Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone -vs- Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Vangellys [** 1/4]

Kráneo/Hechicero is a real happy match! It'll put a smile on your face. The rest was very average, but leads to Azul getting a title match with Terrible next week. Maybe.

AAA

AAA - December 16, 2017, Apizaco, Tlaxcala, Mexico - (1 1/4 hrs)
December 16, 2017, Apizaco, Tlaxcala, Mexico - Plaza de Toros Monumental
1. Lady Shani (c) -vs- Faby Apache - (AAA Reina de Reinas Title) [* 1/2]
2. Dave The Clown & Mr. Aguila -vs- La Parka & Pagano [**]
3. Monster Clown & Murder Clown (c) -vs- Cuervo & Escoria -vs- Histeria & Psicosis - (AAA Tag Title; 3-Way) [** 1/4]

Like ROH and Impact, AAA are still in 2017 for a couple of more weeks. A semi-good show, leading up to a bigger show. Part two comes next week.

Lucha Libre Independents

IWRG - January 14, 2018, Naucalpan de Juarez, Estado de Mexico, Mexico - (1 hr)
January 14, 2018, Naucalpan de Juarez, Estado de Mexico, Mexico - Arena Naucalpan
1. Odín & Shadow Boy -vs- Demonio Infernal & Lunatic Xtreme [* 1/2]
2. Bombero Infernal -vs- Danny Casas [3/4*]
3. Dragón Yuki & Fly Warrior & Séptimo Rayo -vs- Emperador Azteca & Hijo del Alebrije & Veneno [* 1/2]
4. Cerebro Negro & Dr. Cerebro & Eterno -vs- Ovett & Trauma I & Trauma II [**]
5. Pantera I (c) -vs- Aramis - (IWRG Intercontinental Lightweight Title) [** 1/4]

Poor crowd, but the main event was likable as Aramis tries the dethrone an old panther. Otherwise it was anothing 'nothing special' offering from IWRG.

Luchando por Ellos - January 20, 2018, Mexico - (1 1/4 hrs)
January 20, 2018, Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México, Mexico - Deportivo Morelos (2,000 Fans)
1. Luzbel Jr. -vs- Tanque Infernal -vs- Sucesor -vs- Rider -vs- Pequeño Warrior -vs- Canibal-vs- Súper Bufon -vs- Alfa -vs- Omega-vs- Hip Hop Man -vs- Saru - (Copa Lucha) [**]
2. El Hijo de Dos Caras -vs- Apolo [*]
3. Mini Rey Misterio & Sexy Star -vs- Lady Sensación & Mini Psicosis [* 3/4]
4. Caristíco & Tinieblas Jr -vs- Psicosis II & Luzbel Jr. [* 1/2]
5. Dos Caras Sr. & Octagón & Solar I -vs- Canek & Fuerza Guerrera & Pirata Morgan [*]
6. El Patrón Alberto & El Hijo del Fantasma -vs- Dr. Wagner Jr. & Cibernético [* 3/4]

This was Alberto's indy show. Allegedly for charity. Brought a few stars for a decent crowd. The matches wasn't anything special and the Casas family won everything they were involved in. 

UK

PROGRESS - "Live At The Dome #3" - January 10, 2018, UK - (2 1/4 hrs)
January 10, 2018, Tufnell Park, England, UK - The Dome
1. William Eaver -vs- Kip Sabian [* 1/4]
2. Nina Samuels -vs- Charli Evans [*]
3. Charlie Carter & Oisin Delaney -vs- Gabriel Kidd & Saxon Huxley [* 1/2]
4. TK Cooper -vs- Mike Bird [**]
5. Millie McKenzie -vs- Bea Priestley [* 3/4]
6. Roy Johnson -vs- Amir Jordan [*]
7. Maverick Mayhew -vs- Connor Mills - (Natural Progression Series V - Qualifying) [3/4*]

PROGRESS in house show mode without the stars. A little frustrating, but a good practice ground from the lowcarders. The main event unfortunately rubbed me the wrong way. Felt like kids having seen Japanese wrestling, imitating it backyard-style. Really, REALLY fake choreo of an epic fight. Not impossible they'll become big news one day, but they need a legit reality check first. I felt bad for them. They were not ready for this. This really wasn't good. Not surprised Will Ospreay was endorsing it. Great as he is, he himself has issues wrestling like a kid when he should be fighting like a man.

PROGRESS - "Chapter 61: Don't Touch Me ... Don't ... Don't Touch Me" - January 14, 2018, UK - (3 hrs)
January 14, 2018, Birmingham, England, UK - O2 Academy Birmingham
1. Zack Gibson & James Drake (c) -vs- Trent Seven & Tyler Bate - (PROGRESS Tag Title) [** 1/2]
2. Drew Parker -vs- Chris Ridgeway [**]
3. Charli Evans & Millie McKenzie -vs- Bea Priestley & Nina Samuels [* 1/2]
4. Pete Dunne (c) -vs- Joseph Conners - (WWE United Kingdom Title) [*** 1/4]
5. Will Ospreay -vs- Adam Brooks [*** 1/2]
6. Mark Haskins & Jimmy Havoc -vs- Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher [** 1/4]
7. Travis Banks (c) -vs- Chris Brookes - (PROGRESS Title) [** 3/4]

Then for the proper PROGRESS! Yes, this was more like it. Along with BJW's January 2 show and the CMLL/NJPW at Korakuen Day 1, as my favorite shows of the week. Ospreay brings something unexpectedly great out of Adam Brooks and Dunne gets down to business with Conners in a awesome way. The main event was also good, but a little too much shenanigans for my liking.

DEFIANT - "Defiant #6" - December 11, 2017, Leeds, England, UK - (1 hr)
December 11, 2017, Leeds, England, UK
1. Rampage -vs- Alex Gracie [* 1/2]
2. Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher -vs- Primate & Jimmy Havoc [* 3/4]
3. Joe Coffey & Travis Banks -vs- Joe Hendry & El Ligero [**]
4. Mark Haskins -vs- Martin Kirby [** 1/4]

Defiant continues to be medicore, but the inter-promotional feud with IPW:UK might turn things around. I've yet to explore IPW:UK, so it serves as an introduction.

[Kaz Hayashi]

I.J.W - a cracking match on YouTube between AJ Styles and Yoshi Tatsu in NJPW while AJ was in the bullet club. Cracking match.

I’d be happy for Yoshi to return in this current climate. He was before his time in WWE. I think he’d be really good enhancement if nothing else. Always had a bit of a soft spot for him. I don’t think he won a match in his last year.

Edited January 22, 2018 by Kaz Hayashi

[Cousin Jim Bob]

I'm a lurker from the old days. Great to see you back Punq. Love reading about Japanese and Mexican sleeze.