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

[PUNQ]

After a SUPER January, where everybody wanted to start 2018 with a bang, February brings us back to the usual house shows and B-main events, which made for a fairly frustrating week for someone like me who watches "everything". Some good matches popped up here and there, but apart from New Japan's big Osaka show, there wasn't that much else that was must-see, and even that wasn't New Japan at it's best.

Top-20 Matches Week 6, 2018

1. February 10, 2018 - Will Ospreay (c) -vs- Hiromu Takahashi - (IWGP Junior Title) [*** 1/4] (NJPW)
2. February 4, 2018 - Io Shirai (c) -vs- Nicole Savoy - (Wonder of Stardom Title) [*** 1/4] (STARDOM)
3. February 10, 2018 - Kazuchika Okada (c) -vs- SANADA - (IWGP Title) [***] (NJPW)
4. February 2, 2018 - Kenou (c) -vs- Yuko Miyamoto - (GHC Title) [***] (NOAH)
5. February 9, 2018 - Matt Taven & TK O'Ryan & Vinny Marseglia -vs- Cody & Hangman Page & Marty Scurll [***] (ROH)

6. February 6, 2018 - Cuatrero -vs- Ángel de Oro [** 3/4] (CMLL)
7. February 6, 2018 - "King of Darkness" EVIL & SANADA (c) -vs- Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto - (IWGP Tag Title) [** 3/4] (NJPW)
8. February 4, 2018 - David Starr -vs- Mike Bailey [** 3/4] (RevPro)
9. February 9, 2018 - Jay Lethal -vs- Jonathan Gresham [** 3/4] (ROH)
10. January 27, 2018 - Centvrión -vs- Metaleón [** 3/4] (MEXA)

11. January 10, 2018 - Matt Sydal & Taiji Ishimori -vs- El Hijo del Fantasma & Rohit Raju [** 3/4] (IMPACT)
12. February 1, 2018 - Eric Young & Killian Dain & Alexander Wolfe -vs- Adam Cole & Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly - (Tornado Tag Match) [** 1/2] (NXT)
13. February 4, 2018 - Zack Sabre Jr. -vs- Travis Banks [** 1/2] (RevPro)
14. February 9, 2018 - Texano Jr. & Dave The Clown -vs- Hijo del Fantasma & Angelikal [** 1/2] (AAA)
15. February 9, 2018 - Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson -vs- Beretta & Chuckie T [** 1/2] (ROH)

16. February 6, 2018 - Roderick Strong -vs- Hideo Itami - (WWE Cruiserweight Title Tournament - Round 1) [** 1/2] (WWE)
17. February 10, 2018 - Tetsuya Naito -vs- YOSHI-HASHI [** 1/2] (NJPW)
18. February 9, 2018 - Punishment Martinez -vs- Flip Gordon [** 1/2] (ROH)
19. February 9, 2018 - Dr. Wagner Jr. (c) -vs- La Parka - (AAA Heavyweight Title) [** 1/4] (AAA)
20. February 2, 2018 - Mohammed Yone & Quiet Storm (c) -vs- Maybach Taniguchi & Mitsuya Nagai - (GHC Tag Title) [** 1/4] (NOAH)

WWE Universe

WWE - "WWE NXT #286" - February 1, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - (1 hr)
February 1, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia, USA - Center Stage
1. Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight -vs- Riddick Moss & Tino Sabbatelli [* 1/4]
2. Bianca Belair -vs- Jessie Hill [1/4*]
3. Eric Young & Killian Dain & Alexander Wolfe -vs- Adam Cole & Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly - (Tornado Tag Match) [** 1/2]

They built the main event up nicely and it was a wild mess. Wouldn't say I got too hard into the madness, but definitely a good TV bout.

WWE - "Monday Night RAW/Main Event" - February 5, 2018, Des Moines, Iowa, USA - (3 hrs)
February 5, 2018, Des Moines, Iowa, USA - Wells Fargo Arena
Main Event #279
1. Goldust -vs- Curt Hawkins [*]
2. Kalisto -vs- Ariya Daivari [* 3/4]
Monday Night RAW #1289
3. Roman Reigns -vs- Bray Wyatt - (Eliminiation Chamber Qualifying) [* 3/4]
4. Finn Balor & Karl Anderson -vs- Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson [* 1/4]
5. Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali -vs- Drew Gulak & Tony Nese [* 1/2]
6. Asuka -vs- Bayley [**]
7. The Miz -vs- Apollo Crews - (Eliminiation Chamber Qualifying) [* 1/2]
8. Cesaro & Sheamus (c) -vs- Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins - (WWE RAW Tag Title) [** 1/4]
9. Nia Jax -vs- Vanessa Floyd [1/4*]
10. Mickie James -vs- Sonya Deville [1/2*]
11. Elias -vs- Braun Strowman -vs- John Cena - (Triple Threat) [**]

They are filling Raw with a lot of wrestling. I'm liking it. Still a far way from delivering a essential product, but who knows, they might get it right eventually.

WWE - "SmackDown Live/205 Live" - February 6, 2018, Philadelphia, Kansas, Missouri, USA - (2 1/2 hrs)
February 6, 2018, Philadelphia, Kansas, Missouri, USA - Sprint Center Arena
205 Live #63
1. Kalisto -vs- Lince Dorado - (WWE Cruiserweight Title Tournament - Round 1) [** 1/4]
2. Roderick Strong -vs- Hideo Itami - (WWE Cruiserweight Title Tournament - Round 1) [** 1/2]
SmackDown Live #964
3. Charlotte Flair -vs- Liv Morgan [*]
4. Harper & Rowan -vs- Kenny Alfonso & Mat Fitchett [1/4*]
5. Bobby Roode (c) -vs- Rusev - (WWE United States Title) [** 1/4]
6. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin -vs- Konnor & Viktor [* 1/4]
7. Kevin Owens -vs- Sami Zayn  [**]
Mixed Match Challenge #4
8. Jimmy Uso & Naomi -vs- Goldust & Mandy Rose - (WWE Mixed Match Challenge - Round 1) [* 1/2]

The Cruiserweight Tournament is one of the highlights of WWE TV at the moment. They're allowed to work a little more "epic" and that helps. It's still in the questionable WWE atmosphere, but some of the quality shined through. Smackdown a little bit better this week comapred to how it's been all year, but still nothing to truly shout loud about.

US Indys

IMPACT - "Impact Wrestling #707-708" - January 10, 2018, Orlando, Florida, USA - (1 1/2 hrs)
January 10, 2018, Orlando, Florida, USA - Universal Studios
1. Matt Sydal & Taiji Ishimori -vs- El Hijo del Fantasma & Rohit Raju [** 3/4]
2. Caleb Konley & Trevor Lee -vs- Mike Monroe & TC Read [*]
3. Laurel Van Ness (c) -vs- Kiera Hogan - (Impact Knockouts Title) [* 1/2]
4. Hania The Howling Huntress -vs- Amber Nova [*]
5. Johnny Impact -vs- Alberto El Patron -vs- Ethan Carter III -vs- Moose - (4-Way) [** 1/4]

They're getting mileage out of their international collaboration from NOAH and AAA, as well as from talent who left the promotion after this series of TV-tapings, like ECIII. Good show, at least the start and finish.

ROH - "ROH on SBG #333" - January 20, 2018, Nashville, Tennessee, USA - (1 hr)
January 20, 2018, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
1. Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin -vs- Beretta & Chuckie T - (ROH Tag Title) [* 1/2]
2. Marty Scurll -vs- Shane Taylor [* 3/4]
3. Cody -vs- Matt Taven [**]

ROH - "Honor Reigns Supreme 2018" - February 9, 2018, Concord, North Carolina, USA - (3 hrs)
February 9, 2018, Concord, North Carolina, USA - Cabarrus Arena
1. Punishment Martinez -vs- Flip Gordon [** 1/2]
2. Kenny King -vs- Shane Taylor [* 3/4]
3. Silas Young -vs- Josh Woods [**]
4. Scorpio Sky & Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian -vs- Dalton Castle & Brandon & Brent [** 1/4]
5. Tenille Dashwood & Mandy Leon -vs- Kelly Klein & Stacy Shadows [* 1/2]
6. Jay Lethal -vs- Jonathan Gresham [** 3/4]
7. Matt Taven & TK O'Ryan & Vinny Marseglia -vs- Cody & Hangman Page & Marty Scurll [***]
8. Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson -vs- Beretta & Chuckie T [** 1/2]

ROH finally enters 2018 with it's first episode from their January TV-taping and a free live-streaming show. They pretty much follow-up where they left off in 2017. Trying their best to get the most out of the talent they have available, without really convincing 100%. The live show was good though. The Kingdom with Matt Tavern were hot and I'm liking where they're taking the feud with Bullet Club. They are really picking up steam with a faction which was a DUD last year. Many felt the Lethal/Gresham match was fantastic. Me - only good. There was something about the double limb selling felt too much like pretence. Didn't fall for the illusion. They were almost smiling in satisfaction when they got the fans approval for actually selling something. Best Friends vs Young Bucks were too long, but was good too.

NJPW

NJPW - "ROAD TO THE NEW BEGINNING - DAY 6" - February 5, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/2 hrs)
February 5, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,604 Fans)
1. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA -vs- Shota Umino & Tetsuhiro Yagi & Ren Narita [* 3/4]
2. Yujiro Takahashi & Hikuleo -vs- Manabu Nakanishi & Tomoyuki Oka [* 1/4]
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan -vs- Katsuya Kitamura - (Katsuya Kitmura 7 Match Trial Series #4) [**]
4. Rocky Romero & SHO & YOH -vs- Taka Michinoku & Taichi & El Desperado [**]
5. Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano -vs- Juice Robinson & Toa Henare [* 3/4]
6. Togi Makabe & Michael Elgin & KUSHIDA -vs- Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru [** 1/4]
7. Jay White -vs- David Finlay [* 3/4]
8. Tetsuya Naito & "King of Darkness" EVIL & SANADA & Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI -vs- Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI & Will Ospreay & Gedo - (Elimination) [** 1/4]

NJPW - "ROAD TO THE NEW BEGINNING - DAY 7" - February 6, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/2 hrs)
February 6, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,706 Fans)
1. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi -vs- Shota Umino & Tetsuhiro Yagi & Ren Narita [**]
2. Yujiro Takahashi & Hikuleo -vs- Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tomoyuki Oka [* 1/2]
3. Manabu Nakanishi -vs- Katsuya Kitamura - (Katsuya Kitmura 7 Match Trial Series #5) [* 1/2]
4. Rocky Romero & SHO & YOH -vs- Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taka Michinoku & El Desperado [* 3/4]
5. Jay White & Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano -vs- Juice Robinson & David Finlay & Toa Henare [**]
6. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka & Taichi -vs- Togi Makabe & Michael Elgin & Ryusuke Taguchi [**]
7. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI -vs- YOSHI-HASHI & Will Ospreay & Gedo [**]
8. "King of Darkness" EVIL & SANADA (c) -vs- Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto - (IWGP Tag Title) [** 3/4]

The Korakuen shows where they usual mid-level effort by New Japan. Just keeping storylines alive and looking good rather than delivering something good. The IWGP Tag Title bout was solid. It was what one could expect from a show like that. One could always hope for more with world-class talent like that, but it was interesting enough without needing to complain.

NJPW - "THE NEW BEGINNING IN OSAKA" - February 10, 2018, Osaka - (3 1/4 hrs)
February 10, 2018, Osaka Edion Arena (5,481 Fans)
1. Yuji Nagata -vs- Katsuya Kitamura - (Katsuya Kitmura 7 Match Trial Series #6) [**]
2. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado -vs- SHO & YOH [** 1/4]
3. Togi Makabe & Michael Elgin & KUSHIDA & Ryusuke Taguchi -vs- Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka & Taka Michinoku & Taichi [**]
4. Jay White & Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano -vs- Juice Robinson & David Finlay & Toa Henare [* 3/4]
5. BUSHI -vs- Gedo [* 1/2]
6. Tetsuya Naito -vs- YOSHI-HASHI [** 1/2]
7. Will Ospreay (c) -vs- Hiromu Takahashi - (IWGP Junior Title) [*** 1/4]
8. Hirooki Goto (c) -vs- "King of Darkness" EVIL - (NEVER Openweight Title) [* 1/2]
9. Kazuchika Okada (c) -vs- SANADA - (IWGP Title) [***]

Quality show from NJPW. Your enjoyment of the main event depends on how easily you're fooled by the long-match formula. It's a good 15-minute match held hostage in their standard 30-min epic format. SANADA works slow, but he always makes his explosive parts count and that came in handy for this token defense against Okada. I liked Ospreay/Takahashi better, but they relied a bit too much on potentially career neding drops without adding too much else to the game. Goto/EVIL was boring. YOSHI-HASHI however suprised against Naito, and it looks like we'll have a rematch between Naito and Taichi, which I'm all for!

PuroresuDream

Changes to the world of internet puroresu. RealHero Archive is shutting down as a result of copyright issues, but have set-up PuroresuDream which links to both legal streaming services along with more dubious links for those promotions that's still not in the streaming game.

Ice Ribbon - New Ice Ribbon #860 ~ Yokohama Ribbon 2018 - January 6, 2018, Yokohama - (2 hrs)
January 6, 2018, Yokohama Radiant Hall (350 Fans)
1. Giulia & Hamuko Hoshi & Ibuki Hoshi -vs- Karen DATE & Mio Momono & Tsukushi [* 1/4]
2. Miyako Matsumoto -vs- Miki Tanaka [3/4*]
3. Kyuri -vs- Tae Honma [*]
4. Akane Fujita & Maika Ozaki & Satsuki Totoro -vs- Maruko Nagasaki & Matsuya Uno & Tequila Saya [* 1/2]
5. Tsukasa Fujimoto -vs- Hana DATE [**]
6. Mochi Miyagi & Risa Sera -vs- Maya Yukihi & Mika Iida [* 1/2]
7. Hiragi Kurumi (c) -vs- Nao DATE - (ICExInfinity Title) [* 1/4]

Ice Ribbon's January 6th show finally airs a month after it happened. Not that there was any rush seeing this lightweight show.

K-DOJO - "KAIENTAI DOJO NEW YEAR FIGHT" - January 7, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
January 7, 2018, Tokyo - Shin-Kiba 1st RING (195 Fans)
1. Taishi Takizawa & GO Asakawa -vs- Ricky Fuji & Marines Mask [* 1/2]
2. Ayumu Honda -vs- Koharu Hinata -vs- Yuma -vs- Yoshihiro Horaguchi -vs- Kaji Tomato -vs- Shiori Asahi -vs- Massimo -vs- Bambi - (One Count Gauntlet Match) [* 3/4]
3. Toru Sugiura -vs- Kyu Mogami - (Hardcore) [** 1/4]
4. Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei -vs- Kotaro Yoshino & Dinosaur Takuma [* 1/2]
5. Kunio Toshima -vs- Daigoro Kashiwa [* 1/4]
6. Tank Nagai & Isami Kodaka (c) -vs- Taka Michinoku & MEN`s Teioh - (STRONGEST-K Tag Title) [**]
7. 23-Person New Year´s Battle Royal [*]

For a non-Korakuen Hall Kaientai Dojo show, this was good. Nothing exceptional, but the K-Dojo shows I've seen of late haven't been very impressive, but here they kept their nonsense to a minimum.

NOAH - "NAVIGATION FOR THE FUTURE - DAY 9" - February 2, 2018, Tokyo - (2 hrs)
February 2, 2018, Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (1,015 Fans)
1. YO-HEY -vs- Junta Miyawaki [3/4*]
2. Daisuke Harada & Tadasuke -vs- Hajima Ohara & Masao Inoue [1/2*]
3. Go Shiozaki & Atsushi Kotoge -vs- Cody Hall & Jay Bradley [*]
4. Yoshinari Ogawa & Minoru Tanaka & Seiya Morohashi -vs- Taiji Ishimori & Hi69 & LEONA [* 3/4]
5. Katsuhiko Nakajima & Masa Kitamiya -vs- Takashi Sugiura & Akitoshi Saito [**]
6. HAYATA -vs- Hitoshi Kumano [* 3/4]
7. Naomichi Marufuji -vs- Kaito Kiyomiya [**]
8. Mohammed Yone & Quiet Storm (c) -vs- Maybach Taniguchi & Mitsuya Nagai - (GHC Tag Title) [** 1/4]
9. Kenou (c) -vs- Yuko Miyamoto - (GHC Title) [***]

Kenou/Miyamoto was a interesting. A little too reliant on table related offense, but those two mixed so smoothly within the style of match they decided to work that it became a positive experience regardless of not being a traditional NOAH-style main event. 

DDT Universe

DDT - "DDT STILL DOES NOT KNOW GUNMA 2018" - February 4, 2018, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan - (1/2 hr)
February 4, 2018, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan - Yamada Green Dome Maebashi Sub Arena (196 Fans)
1. Konosuke Takeshita & Akito -vs- Shuji Ishikawa & Mad Paulie [**]

DDT had a quiet week, but one solid match to offer.

YAROZ - “YAROZ PART 6” - February 6, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/2 hrs)
February 6, 2018, Tokyo - Shin-Kiba 1st RING (227 Fans)
1. Naomi Yoshimura & Akira Jo -vs- Akito & Daiki Shimomura [3/4*]
2. Samara & Saori Anou -vs- Cherry & Nao Kakuta [1/2*]
3. Yumehito Imanari & DT-YUTA -vs- Sanshiro Takagi & Toru Owashi [1/2*]
4. Kohei Sato -vs- Kazuki Hirata & Brother Mon - (Kickboxing) [*]
5. Ryuichi Sekine -vs- Danshoku Dino -vs- Antonio Honda -vs- Kikutaro - (4-Way) [1/2*]
6. Kazusada Higuchi & Ken Ohka & Gota Ihashi -vs- Makoto Oishi & Mizuki Watase & Konosuke Takeshita [* 1/4]

BASARA - "VAJRA 59 ~ KOKORO DOTAI*" - February 11, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/4 hrs)
February 11, 2018, Tokyo - Basement MON☆STAR (160 Fans)
1. Hercules Senga -vs- Daiki Shimomura [* 1/4]
2. FUMA & SAGAT -vs- Takato Nakano & Akiyori Takizawa - (Iron Fist Tag Tournament - Round 1) [* 1/2]
3. Best Stretchman V3 & Tsutomu Oosugi -vs- Isami Kodaka & Yoshihisa Uto - (Iron Fist Tag Tournament - Round 1) [* 3/4]
4. Manabu Hara & Fuminori Abe -vs- Trans Am ★ Ryuichi & Yusuke Kubo - (Iron Fist Tag Tournament - Round 1) [* 1/2]
5. Ryuichi Sekine & Ryota Nakatsu -vs- Takumi Tsukamoto & Yasu Urano - (Iron Fist Tag Tournament - Round 1) [** 1/4]

GANBARE☆WRESTLING - “BODY FEELS EXIT 2018” - February 11, 2018, Tokyo - (2 1/4)
February 11, 2018, Tokyo - Basement MON☆STAR (134 Fans)
1. Katsumi Oribe -vs- Shuhei Washida [* 1/2]
2. Yukihiro Abe -vs- Gota Ihashi [* 1/4]
3. Brian Aki & Samara -vs- Shota & HARUKAZE [*]
4. MEN’S Teioh -vs- Shinichiro Tominaga [* 1/2]
5. Shuichiro Katsumura & Black Ribera -vs- Ken Ohka & Yumehito Imanari [* 3/4]

For it was mostly DDT's sub-brands that got the attention this week on their network with three live shows. Three very indie-standard shows with plenty of comedy and sub-par wrestling. Most intersting was the start of the Iron Fist Tag Tournament and a strip-kickboxing match. 

BJW

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 1 PART 1" - February 1, 2018, Tokyo - (1 1/4 hrs)
February 1, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (107 Fans)
1. Yuichi Taniguchi & Toshiyuki Sakuda -vs- Masaki Morihiro & Takuho Kato [1/2*]
2. Yasufumi Nakanoue & Tatsuhiko Yoshino & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Daichi Hashimoto & Kazuki Hashimoto & Yuya Aoki [* 1/4]
3. Daisuke Sekimoto & Ryuji Ito -vs- Yoshihisa Uto & Kazumi Kikuta [1/2*]
4. Ryuichi Kawakami & Kankuro Hoshino -vs- Takayuki Ueki & Takuya Nomura [3/4*]
5. Abdullah Kobayashi & Ryota Hama & Masaya Takahashi -vs- Hideki Suzuki & Jaki Numazawa & Hideyoshi Kamitani [1/4*]

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 1 PART 2" - February 1, 2018, Tokyo - (1 hr)
February 1, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (75 Fans)
1. Toshiyuki Sakuda & Yuya Aoki -vs- Ryuichi Kawakami & Tahuko Kato [*]
2. Hideki Suzuki & Yuichi Taniguchi -vs- Kazumi Kikuta & Masaki Morihiro [3/4*]
3. Jaki Numazawa & Hideyoshi Kamitani -vs- Yasufumi Nakanoue & Yoshihisa Uto [*]
4. Kazuki Hashimoto & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Kankuro Hoshino & Tatsuhiko Yoshino [* 1/2]
5. Daichi Hashimoto & Daisuke Sekimoto & Ryota Hama & Takuya Nomura -vs- Abdullah Kobayashi & Ryuji Ito & Masaya Takahashi & Takayuki Ueki - (Pond Pocha Match) [1/4*]

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 2 PART 1" - February 2, 2018, Tokyo - (1 hr)
February 2, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (71 Fans)
1. Daisuke Sekimoto -vs- Takuho Kato [1/2*]
2. Jaki Numazawa & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Takuya Nomura & Yuya Aoki [3/4*]
3. Stan Kobayashi & Big Hama Vader -vs- Toshiyuki Sakuda & Masaki Morihiro [1/4*]
4. Hideyoshi Kamitani -vs- Kazumi Kikuta [*]
5. Yasufumi Nakanoue & Ryuichi Kawakami -vs- Masaya Takahashi & Takayuki Ueki [*]

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 2 PART 2" - February 2, 2018, Tokyo - (1 1/4 hrs)
February 2, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (95 Fans)
1. Ryuichi Kawakami -vs- Takuho Kato [1/2*]
2. Yoshihisa Uto -vs- Yuchi Taniguchi [*]
3. Tatsuhiko Yoshino & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Naoki Ueki (Jaki Numazawa) & Masaya Takahashi [1/2*]
4. Kankuro Hoshino & Kazuki Hashimoto -vs- Toshiyuki Sakuda & Yuya Aoki [* 1/4]
5. Ryuji Ito & Hideki Suzuki -vs- Daichi Hashimoto & Takayuki Ueki [1/4*]

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 2 PART 3" - February 2, 2018, Tokyo - (1 hr)
February 2, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (67 Fans)
1. Kazuki Hashimoto -vs- Yuichi Taniguchi [3/4*]
2. Big Hama Vader & Kazumi Kikuta -vs- Tatsuhiko Yoshino & Takuya Nomura [1/2*]
3. Yasufumi Nakanoue -vs- Masaki Morihiro [3/4*]
4. Hashif Khan (Daichi Hashimoto) & Stan Kobayashi -vs- Hideyoshi Kitao & Antonio Hoshino [1/4*]
5. Hashif Khan & Hideyoshi Kitao & Great Zebra & Antonio Hoshino -vs- Stan Kobayashi & Sandman Ito & Brody The Hideki & Dick Uto Murdoch - (Pond Poncha Full Settlement Match) [1/4*]

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 3 PART 1" - February 3, 2018, Tokyo - (1 1/4 hrs)
February 3, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (114 Fans)
1. Yasufumi Nakanoue -vs- Masaki Morihiro [1/2*]
2. Kazuki Hashimoto & Takumi Tsukamoto -vs- Kazumi Kikuta & Takuya Nomura [*]
3. Ryota Hama & Kota Sekifuda -vs- Taishi Takizawa & Takuho Kato [*]
4. Hideki Suzuki & Yoshihisa Uto -vs- Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei [3/4*]
5. Daisuke Sekimoto & Tsutomu Oosugi & Hercules Senga -vs- Masaya Takahashi & Takayuki Ueki & Toshiyuki Sakuda [1/2*]

BJW - "DAINICHI WINTER UENO PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL ~ DAY 4 PART 1" - February 4, 2018, Tokyo - (1 hr)
February 4, 2018, Tokyo - Ueno Park Outdoor Stage (Water Music Hall) (271 Fans)
1. Akira Hyodo -vs- Yuki Ishikawa - (Exhibition) [1/4*]
2. Kazuki Hashimoto & Masaki Morihiro -vs- Takumi Tsukamoto & Takuho Kato [*]
3. Takuya Nomura & Fuminori Abe -vs- Kota Sekifuda & Yuya Aoki [* 1/4]
4. Yuko Miyamoto & Tsutomu Ouosugi & Hercules Senga -vs- Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei & Toshiyuki Sakuda [1/2*]
5. Daisuke Sekimoto & Yasufumi Nakanoue -vs- Ryuji Ito & Tatsuhiko Yoshino [3/4*]
6. Abdullah Kobayashi & Hideki Suzuki & Yoshihisa Uto -vs- Daichi Hashimoto & Ryuichi Kawakami & Kazumi Kikuta [3/4*]

BJW uploaded 7 of their 10 festival shows on their bjwcore.com network. The ring is set-up on a stage and it's a terrible view for the camera only focusing on the stage door and no fans on that side. The wrestlig ranges from decent young guys doing basic matches and veterans dressing up and doing pretend pretend-fighting. It's not for everyone, other than hardcore Big Japan-family fans. The best bits was Hama doing a Vader gimmick. The most interesting thing to come out of these throwaway shows was Razor Ramon's son Cody Hall and Jay Bradley joining in on the action while being in the audience watching. Apparently out of this comes a group featuring the two and Hideki Suzuki, wanting to cause chaos in BJW, NOAH and Ice Ribbon!

STARDOM

STARDOM - "NEW YEAR STARS 2018 - DAY 6" - January 28, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - (2 hrs)
January 28, 2018, Tokyo, Japan - Shin-Kiba 1st RING (335 Fans)
1. Kaori Yoneyama & Ruaka -vs- Xia Brookside & Hanan [3/4*]
2. AZM & Momo Watanabe -vs- Shiki Shibusawa & Starlight Kid [*]
3. Kay Lee Ray & Nicole Savoy & Miranda -vs- Mary Apache & Hiromi Mimura & Konami [* 1/2]
4. Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano -vs- Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora [**]
5. Io Shirai & Viper & HZK (c) -vs- Kagetsu & Hana Kimura & Natsu Sumire - (Artist Of Stardom Title) [** 1/4]

STARDOM - "STARDOM KYOTO MAX 2018" - February 4, 2018, Kyoto, Japan - (2 hrs)
February 4, 2018, Kyoto - KBS Hall (325 Fans)
1. Momo Watanabe & AZM & HZK -vs- Xia Brookside & Miranda & Starlight Kid [**]
2. Kagetsu & Hana Kimura & Sumire Natsu -vs- Kaori Yoneyama & Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora [* 1/2]
3. Mari Apache & Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano -vs- Hiromi Mimura & Konami & Shiki Shibusawa [* 3/4]
4. Viper -vs- Kay Lee Ray [** 1/4]
5. Io Shirai (c) -vs- Nicole Savoy - (Wonder of Stardom Title) [*** 1/4]

Viper/Key Lee Ray's first single match against each other in Japan! Solid mechanics. The real highlight of the matches they uploaded this week on Stardom-World.com was Io defending the belt against Savoy. What I liked most about it was how credible Savoy looked against Shirai. It's a tightly wrestled, nearly old-shool, feel about it. Not only was it a highlight of this weeks Stardom, but also the entire week world-wide. Artist Of Stardom Title was okay, but suffered from Oedo Tai having more personality than skills.

DIANA

Diana - "Dojo Show" - January 13, 2018, Kawasaki - (1/2 hrs)
January 13, 2018, Kawasaki, Kanagawa - Kawasaki Axe Ring
1. Kyoko Inoue & Kaoru Ito -vs- Jaguar Yokota & Megumi Yabushita [* 1/4]

Diana - "Dojo Show" - February 4, 2018, Kawasaki - (1/2 hrs)
February 4, 2018, Kawasaki, Kanagawa - Kawasaki Axe Ring
1. Kyoko Inoue & Kaoru Ito -vs- Jaguar Yokota & Ayako Sato [* 1/2]

Diana - "Dojo Show" - February 10, 2018, Kawasaki - (1/2 hrs)
February 10, 2018, Kawasaki, Kanagawa - Kawasaki Axe Ring
1. Sareee -vs- Kaoru Ito [*]

Apparently the women's group Diana has started streaming the main events on their dojo shows on YouTube. There have been very little footage available from them since they opened shop in 2011, but it had familiar veterans like Kyoko Inoue, Kaoru Ito and Jaguar Yokota on the roster, but naturally the average age of those are about 50 and a around 20 years past their prime, so one haven't been missing much based off this.

CMLL

CMLL - "Lunes Arena Puebla" - February 5, 2018, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico - (1 3/4 hrs)
February 5, 2018, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico - Arena Puebla
1. París & Vega -vs- Policeman & Saurón [* 3/4]
2. Astro & Último Dragóncito -vs- Joker & Pierrothito [* 1/2]
3. Starman & Lestat & Tigre Rojo Jr. -vs- Hijo del Signo & El Perverso & Rey Apocalipsis  [* 1/2]
4. Stigma -vs- Tiger - (Lightning Match) [** 1/4]
5. Dragón Lee & Soberano Jr. & Titán -vs- Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno [**]
6. Atlantis & Pierroth & Rush -vs- Último Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & Marco Corleone [* 1/4]

CMLL - "Martes Arena Mexico" - February 6, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/4 hrs)
February 6, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena Mexico
1. Fantasy & Último Dragóncito -vs- Pequeño Violencia & Pierrothito  [*]
2. Star Jr. & Oro Jr. & Astral -vs- Nitro & Espanto Jr. & Sangre Azteca [**]
3. Virus & Kawato San & Misterioso Jr. -vs- Fuego & Audaz & Guerrero Maya Jr. [**]
4. Rey Bucanero & Felino & Hechicero -vs- Titán & Rey Cometa & Soberano Jr. [* 1/4]
5. Cuatrero -vs- Ángel de Oro [** 3/4]
6. Carístico & Niebla Roja & Valiente -vs- Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno [**]

CMLL - "Martes Arena Coliseo Guadalajara" - February 6, 2018, Mexico - (1 hr)
February 6, 2018, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico - Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1. Tiffany & Comandante & Reyna Isis -vs- Sanely & Lady Maravilla & Kaho Kobayashi [* 3/4]
2. The Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & Tritón -vs- Puma & Tiger & Disturbio [**]
3. Último Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & Euforia -vs- Volador Jr. & Dragón Lee & Marco Corleone [**]

CMLL - "Super Viernes" - February 9, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - (2 1/4 hrs)
February 9, 2018, Mexico City, Mexico - Arena Mexico
1. Hijo del Signo & Yago -vs- Magia Blanca & Magnus [**]
2. Dalys & Zeuxis & Amapola -vs- Princesa Sugehit & Marcela & Kaho Kobayashi [**]
3. 8-Man Battle Royal [1/2*]
4. Atlantis & Mr. Niebla -vs- Ángel de Oro & Cuatrero - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Round 1) [* 1/4]
5. Rush & Terrible -vs- Forastero & Stuka Jr. - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Round 1) [**]
6. Carístico & Euforia -vs- Dragón Lee & Sansón - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Round 1) [**]
7. Marco Corleone & Shocker -vs- Blue Panther Jr. & Máscara Año 2000 - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Round 1) [*]
8. Rush & Terrible -vs- Atlantis & Mr. Niebla - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Quarterfinal) [* 3/4]
9. Carístico & Euforia -vs- Marco Corleone & Shocker - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Quarterfinal) [* 1/4]
10. Rush & Terrible -vs- Carístico & Euforia - (Parejas Increible Tournament - Semi-Final) [* 1/2]
11. Mistico & Diamante Azul & Volador Jr. -vs- Último Guerrero & Cavernario & Kráneo [* 1/2]

Unfortunately CMLL continues their medicore run. They continued with the Parejas Increible Tournament setting up a cool final of Rush & Terrible vs Último Guerrero & Volador Jr. for February 16. Super rushed matches though. One angle was interesting though. Cuatrero and Ángel de Oro continuing where they left off on the Japan tour, only turning the heat up with a lot of mask-pulling.

AAA

AAA - "Gira de Conquista" - February 9, 2018, Aguascalientes, Mexico - (2 3/4 hrs)
February 9, 2018, Aguascalientes, Mexico - Palenque de la Feria Nacional De San Marcos
1. Estrella Divina & Lady Shani -vs- Ashley & Faby Apache [* 1/2]
2. Australian Suicide -vs- Hijo Del Vikingo - (AAA Cruiserweight Title) [**]
3. Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria (c) -vs- Joe Lider & Parka Negra - (AAA Tag Title) [* 3/4]
4. La Máscara & Máximo -vs- Aguascalientes Local 1 & Aguascalientes Local 2 & Corazón Forajido & Discovery & Príncipe Seir & Xtrem X [1/4*]
5. Averno & Chessman & Súper Fly -vs- Carta Brava Jr. & Mocho Cota Jr. & Tito Santana [** 1/4]
6. Texano Jr. & Dave The Clown -vs- Hijo del Fantasma & Angelikal [** 1/2]
7. Dr. Wagner Jr. (c) -vs- La Parka - (AAA Heavyweight Title) [** 1/4]

I'm happy AAA have switched to Twitch.tv airing full shows live each week! It makes their product more urgent and easy to follow instead of having to wait a month for their TV taped shows to air. It's still wild and bizarre WCW style booking which will turn many off, but in a world were wrestling has become a little too clean, AAA provides a vital madness. A lot of screwjobs though, but one got to love Angelikal's bladejob, random surprise run-ins, and Faby Apache being a bitch to her partner.

Lucha Libre Independents

MEXA WRESTLING - January 27, 2018, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México - (1 hr)
January 27, 2018, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México - Arena San Juan Pantitlan
1. Leo & Mike & Rafy & Teelo -vs- Astrolux & Lunatik Fly & Pumita & Torito [**]
2. Keyra -vs- Lady Flammer [* 1/2]
3. Freelance & Mike Segura -vs- Corsario Negro Jr. & Drako [*]
4. Ricky Marvin -vs- Aramis -vs- Toxin - (3-Way) [**]
6. Trauma I & Trauma II -vs- Arez & Eterno [* 3/4]
7. Centvrión -vs- Metaleón [** 3/4]

IWRG - January 31, 2018, Naucalpan de Juarez, Estado de Mexico, Mexico - (1 hr)
January 31, 2018, Naucalpan de Juarez, Estado de Mexico, Mexico - Arena Naucalpan
1. Black Puma & Guerrero 2000 & Voltar -vs- Fireman & Rayado & Toto [* 3/4]
2. Dranzer & Full Contact & Hausser -vs- Chicanito & Dragón Infernal & Power Bull [* 1/2]
3. Celestial Boy & Haziel & Príncipe Omni -vs- Adrenalina & Dragón Bane & Voltan [**]

CLLDM/Super Astro - February 3, 2018, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico - (1 1/4 hrs)
February 3, 2018, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico - Tortas Super Astros
1. Apando Negro Jr. & Hijo De Dr. Pólux Jr. & Lucifer & Maravilla Strong & Murciélago Plateado Jr. & Perro Callejero Jr. -vs- Aguilita Mágica & Atomik Star & Centellita De La Muerte & Eterno & Kalibus & Takle [** 1/4]
2. Rossy Moreno -vs- Baronessa -vs- Diosa Quetzal - (3-Way) [* 3/4]
3. Wotan -vs- Demus [* 1/2]
4. Jerry Estrada -vs- Fresero Jr. [*]
5. Diva Salvaje & Zorro -vs- Chica Ye-Ye & Garza Jr. [* 1/4]

Not too much going on this week in the indy lucha world except cool effort from Centvrión/Metaleón.

UK

RevPro - "Live At The Cockpit 26" - February 4, 2018, Marylebone, England, UK - (2 1/4 hrs)
February 7, 2018, Marylebone, England, UK - The Cockpit
1. Kurtis Chapman (c) -vs- Chris Brookes -vs- Morgan Webster - (RevPro British Cruiserweight Title; 3-Way) [**]
2. Adam Brooks -vs- El Phantasmo [** 1/4]
3. Josh Bodom -vs- Dan Magee [* 3/4]
4. David Starr -vs- Mike Bailey [** 3/4]
5. Sammii Jayne -vs- Nina Samuels [* 1/2]
6. Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis -vs- Gideon Grey & No Fun Dunne [* 3/4]
7. Zack Sabre Jr. -vs- Travis Banks [** 1/2]

This was one of the better Cockpit shows I've seen. It's still RevPro's B-show, so you're not going to get many of those dream matches, but Starr/Speedball was quality. Same with Sabre/Banks, which was somewhat low-key, but so damn solid underneath. 

DEFIANT - "DEFIANT #9" - December 12, 2017, London, England, UK - (2 1/4 hrs)
December 12, 2017, London, England, UK - Coronet Theatre
1. Primate (c) -vs- Jimmy Havoc - (Defiant Hardcore Title) [**]
2. Rampage & Mihai & Amir Jordan -vs- Zack Gibson & Drake & Alex Gracie [* 1/2]
3. Gabriel Kidd & Prince Ameen -vs- Pastor Eaver & Liam Slater [*]
4. Mark Haskins & Chris Ridgeway -vs- Primate & Jimmy Havoc [*]

Too much Havoc for my liking and it wasn't exactly a super show either. Last from last year's tapings I hope, and we'll see where Defiant/WhatCulture is in 2018. Or if they have to downsize some more.

--PUNQ--

[HarmonicGenerator]

How do you manage all this every week, @PUNQ? I can barely fit in 205 Live and NXT on a regular basis, and on PPV weeks it feels like every spare minute is spent catching the next little bit at a time. I applaud your time management skills - or absolute commitment!

[PUNQ]

No work at the moment, so instead of doing something useful I watch a work-day worth of wrestling a day 

I doubt I'll keep this us for very long, at least not at this pace, but it's fun to try, especially in such a age where everything nearly comes available in real time, compared to the old days of tape trading when one always had wait a months to see the shows. Feels more part of the hype now.

[gadge]

Did you manage to watch the January 20th Rev Pro "High Stakes" show at York Hall, @PUNQ ?

[The King Of Swing]

Not surprised to hear that the real hero archive is biting the dust. More of a surprise that it lasted as long as it did, to be honest.

[JNLister]

22 hours ago, The King Of Swing said:

Not surprised to hear that the real hero archive is biting the dust. More of a surprise that it lasted as long as it did, to be honest.

It's been replaced with Puroresudream.wordpress.com. Listings for all filmed shows, links to the relevant pages on streaming services available outside of Japan, and links to less official streams for shows that are on Samurai TV and other stations.

 

[Porkchopcash]

Chi Town Rumble 1989. Probably the best PPV for ring entrance music ever. Great card, great crowd, great tunes. Rick Steiners, Varsity Club, Road Warriors, PS Hayes, Flair, all top tunes. I watched it on daily motion though so not sure what theyre like on the network.

[The Cutting Edge]

I'm watching Raw from the start, missed most of these first time round, 93 is such an odd time for WWE/F its at that weird crossover period of 80's bleeding into 90's, guys like Virgil, Koko, Money Inc, Hacksaw, Rick Martel etc just seem out of place next to Bret, HBK, Yoko, Doink, Crush.

I know that may not make sense since guys like Kofi, Ziggler etc have been around for 10yrs and don't seem out of place, but maybe its seeing 80s guys on 'Raw' is odd

One the flip side another thing is Macho Man not being used is baffeling, I know they were moving into 'The Next Generation' but he had a lot to offer and way more than Backlund who they were happy to push.

Match/Rub/feud wise Savage vs HBK for IC would be good, Old vs New for WWE Title against Bret, Razor,Yoko,Lex even Doink or Shango would've been a good use of him, shame what was missed with him

[Cannibal Man]

Watched the Dave Taylor shoot from Highspots after reading a recommendation on here years back. Doesn't go very in depth and it's really short compared to a standard shoot interview but it's a proper delight hearing somebody say things like "CAN'T BE ARSED" "SHITTIN ME FOOKIN' SEL" and "DOES THY KNOW T'ELBOW" to Americans, aswell as asking the guy "D'YOU KNOW WIGAN?"

[zep81]

FINALLY FINALLY watched the Memphis Heat doc.

I admit to not knowing much about Memphis going in but it didn't matter as this is hands down one of the greatest wrestling docs there is on any promotion. It features interviews from all the major players in the terroritory and it's interspersed with classic footage. It's utterly compelling and using actual footage throughout when Lawler etc are talking about Memphis is fantastic, the doc doesn't need a narrator. Just watching the clips is a joy bit so are all the stories from the various wrestlers.

There's even a load of extras on the DVD too. Can't recommend it highly enough if you can get your hands on it. Iys one of a kind and I'm so glad they were able to get it together.

[Otto Dem Wanz]

36 minutes ago, Cannibal Man said:

Watched the Dave Taylor shoot from Highspots after reading a recommendation on here years back. Doesn't go very in depth and it's really short compared to a standard shoot interview but it's a proper delight hearing somebody say things like "CAN'T BE ARSED" "SHITTIN ME FOOKIN' SEL" and "DOES THY KNOW T'ELBOW" to Americans, aswell as asking the guy "D'YOU KNOW WIGAN?"

Absolutely love this shoot, my highlights:

On being asked by JR to “sacrifice something for the company” and move to Memphis: ‘I told them “I int sacrificin’ fuck all sorry”’ *chuckles*

On Chris Benoit: ‘He were always a quite lad, didn’t say owt or anything.... people change!’ *laughs uproariously*

On the ladder match at Armageddon 2007: ‘we (meaning him and Regal) was both scared of heights, no way to fuck we were gettin’ up that ladder!’

Might actually dig it out later, cheers @Cannibal Man

  

Edited February 15, 2018 by Otto Dem Wanz

[Cannibal Man]

1 hour ago, Otto Dem Wanz said:

Absolutely love this shoot, my highlights:

On being asked by JR to “sacrifice something for the company” and move to Memphis: ‘I told them “I int sacrificin’ fuck all sorry”’ *chuckles*

 

Oh fucking hell, yes, telling JR "i'm no' sacrificin' fuck all" got me good & proper.

 

Just walked to the shop and back too thinking about this shoot, and cracked up at him describing his Tracey Smothers match, where he takes a chop to the throat that nearly kills him, and describes his way out as something like "I thought fuck this"and a flat "nah" when asked if he enjoys the indie matches he's having because he's too knackered

Edited February 15, 2018 by Cannibal Man

[tiger_rick]

Watching WCW 1993 PPVs after reading @Liam O'Rourke Pillman book and having another listen to the SCG rebooking show. I'd forgotten how hard Scorpio lands on Benoit's head in the opener doing the somersault into a legdrop. Lucky to avoid an Alan Funk injury.

[BomberPat]

"I'm not sacrificin' fuck all!" is a line with cult status amongst my wrestling mates, second only to Ole Anderson's, "bullshit, bullshit, bullshit, couldn't work for shit!".

[wandshogun09]

That Dave Taylor shoot is fantastic. Full of gems but I think "I've just been ragged, bagged and shagged" is my favourite quote from it.