The second episode of Lions Break Collision is here, and our opening match introduces us to two new names in the company. Both have showed up in the past for New Japan Of America events, but aren’t established names like TJP, Rocky Romero & Jeff Cobb, nor Young Lions. They’re getting 15 minutes to show us what they’re made for. The DKC would make his way to the ring first, and he’d be followed by Rust Taylor. DKC came to the ring with energy, but Rust Taylor with his 16 years of experience was much more stoic.
Rust Taylor Dominates The DKC
Both making their debut, they’d be eager for a win on this show. Taylor showed his experience in controlling the pace of this match, using the energy of The DKC against him as he takes him down to the mat with a side headlock. There was some clear catch wrestling experience here, but DKC would get the next takedown as he looks for a leg lock. This would fail, and he’d be taken back to the mat with an arm lock.
This match would go like this as it went. DKC would try to get control, but Taylor would shut him down and punish him with ease. The thought of Taylor getting advice from Shibata is terrifying. As the match reached it’s conclusion, DKC would would be lifted by his arm and slammed into the mat before another submission would be applied. He was hand picked by Shibata to compete here after a good try-out, but he was picked apart by Taylor. A deadly cross-armed choke would nearly end the match, but DKC slipped out as we passed the five minute mark. He’d try for a submission, but again; Taylor would end up in control as Kevin Kelly compared him to Kyle O’Reilly.
Taylor Ends This Before DKC Got Going
DKC would have one last run at the win with some kicks and a running hurricarana taking Taylor down, before hitting a big dropkick. An inside cradle would get a two count, and DKC would springboard off the ropes into an uppercut. DKC would hit a quick driver, and he’d get a near fall off that. Taylor was on the ropes for the first time in this match, as DKC launched off some strikes. A big boot would stop this, and Rust Taylor would apply the Gaia Lock to get the submission victory in 7 minutes and 28 seconds.
Rust Taylor came out of this match looking like an absolute killer. His 16 years of experience shone through, and he controlled this match perfectly. He called out Zack Sabre Jr., Okada, and Shibata himself, saying he could outwrestle them all. He wants to prove himself, and he is off to a great start. Should he stick with NJPW, we could be seeing a future IWGP United States Champion in the making. Do you think Rust Taylor has a high ceiling in NJPW? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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