At NJPW Resurgence, Tomohiro Ishii & Moose stole the show with their incredible match. Now, Juice Robinson has called Moose back around as he hopes to take down the self proclaimed “Wrestling God”. Unlike Ishii, Robinson is a clear underdog when faced with someone like Moose, and could have bitten off more than he could chew.
Juice Robinson Does Not Underestimate Moose, Still Wasn’t Enough
Robinson would try to misdirect Moose early on, but was run down with a heavy shoulder tackle all the same. Moose came to play, when you’re a world champion you can’t afford to take it easy. He’d absorb the chops of Juice, before being sent outside. Moose was unable to avoid the running cannonball of Robinson, and would miss a chop and take the ringpost instead.
Despite all this, Moose would chuck Robinson hard into the barricade, before getting a chance to make sure his hand was okay. Back in the ring, he’d silence the crowd so his chop could echo out into the rafters. Juice asked for more and Moose delivered, taking the best of Juice and barely stumbling.
When he was finally down, Juice hit a cannonball senton and a huge splash for a two count. Pulp Friction would have been next, but Moose blocked and went for the powerbomb. Juice blocked and took a dropkick and deadly powerbomb for a two count. There wasn’t much juice left in Juice, and repeated chops from Moose would weaken him.
Moose ran up the corner and flew into the Right Hand of God before being spiked by Pulp Friction for a two count. Moose would meet Juice up top, and take him down with a Spanish Fly for another two count. Juice jumped over a spear attempt and rolled him up for a two count, before being run down the spear to close the match out.
A frankly very average matchup, with Moose & Juice going roughly 50/50 on offense. Juice worked smart to overcome the power of Moose, but it was not enough in the end. The final stretch was great, and the crowd liked what they saw. Match Rating: 3/5 (***)
When Buddy Matthews was announced to be at NJPW Battle In The Valley, everyone wondered where he would be on the card. Turns out, very high up and facing perhaps the best professional wrestler in the world today. Buddy Matthews has the task of taking down The Rainmaker himself, Kazuchika Okada – easily his biggest match ever. After this one, the secret will be out, one way or another. Both men got amazing reactions, and this was set to steal the show.
Buddy Matthews & Kazuchika Okada Bring An Instant Classic To NJPW
Buddy would step up to lock up with Okada, showing an even match in power – and shoving Okada into the corner. Okada would turn it around and offer a clean break. Second lock up was a series of standing switches, before Buddy forced Okada into the corner. Okada would get a headlock in the middle of the ring, before rushing the ropes and trying for the rainmaker.
Buddy would get an armdrag, taking Okada down and teasing a knee strike. He’d get a chop in, before being placed up to the top rope and sent flying down with the big dropkick from Okada. Buddy fired back with a backdrop onto the apron. Back in the ring, he’d focus on the lower back of Okada with forearm blows. He’d come off the second rope, only to be caught with a flapjack – with a DDT close behind.
Okada would look to apply the Money Clip, but Buddy would battle free, sending Okada outside and diving right onto him. Back in the ring, Okada nailed the neckbreaker, getting a two count. Elbow drop was next, and then the Rainmaker pose. Buddy knew what was next and slipped behind Okada, only to be driven into the corner but nailing a big boot.
Kicking Things Into The Next Gear
He’d dive out into a sunset flip, but rolled right into a buckle bomb. The stomp would miss, but so would a spinning rainmaker from Okada. Buddy rained down elbow strikes on Okada, trying to force a stoppage – but being shoved off instead. Okada was nailed with the Curb Stomp, but only got a two count.
Seth Rollins’ tricks will only take him so far, it was time for Okadas. He’d go for the rainmaker, but Okada would slip free and hit the rolling lariat. Landslide would be countered, and Buddy would look for a V-Trigger, before running into a dropkick from Okada. Spinning tombstone would land, and it was looking grim for Buddy.
He’d fight the rainmaker attempt, hitting a kneestike. Buddy’s Law would be blocked, and the Landslide into Rainmaker combo would get Okada yet another win. If this was just the debut of Murphy in NJPW, I can’t wait to see what is next.
The moment this match was announced, everyone knew it was going to be fantastic – and it delivered. Buddy always steps up when given the chance, and this was his biggest chance yet. They both have a knack for making simple fundamental moves look amazing, which really boosted the match. He matched Okada from the opening bell to the closing stretch, setting up an incredible NJPW career in the process. Match Rating: 4.25/5 (**** 1/4)
What is the ceiling of Buddy Matthews in NJPW? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit ScreenJuicer for great videos, news, and gameplay!
