Right now in NJPW Strong – Team Filthy reigns supreme. This deadly faction can control a card from top to bottom, and their leader Tom Lawlor has been unstoppable as Strong Openweight Champion. Tonight he defends, and two members of Team Filthy look to shut down prospective challengers as well.
Chris Dickinson Remains A Major Issue For Team Filthy
First match of the evening would see JR Kratos taking on the always impressive Fred Yehi. They’re equal in experience and mat wrestling – but Kratos is built like a brick doghouse and has a 100lb weight advantage over Yehi. No matter what The Savage Weight tried, it simply wasn’t enough to deal with someone the size or JR Kratos. A triangle choke attempt was blocked by Kratos, and Yehi was nailed with a snap German Suplex for the decision.
Next up, one half of the West Coast Wrecking Crew would take on a former member of Team Filthy. Royce Isaacs is a dangerous tag team specialist, but Chris Dickinson is just plain dangerous. He was brought into NJPW by Lawlor, but was the first to step up for a shot at the Strong Openweight Championship – and he wants another shot. Taking the best that Isaacs had to offer, Dickinson would still be able easily get him into the STF to force either a submission or stoppage. Isaacs failed to stop Dickinson, and that could be an issue.
Tom Lawlor Is In No Rush To Lose His Championship
Main Event time, as Lio Rush got a shot to unseat Tom Lawlor. It was a battle of speed and technique, and Rush wasted no time taking an early edge. Some interference from JR Kratos at ringside allowed Lawlor to expose one of the steel corners of the ring. Rush tried submissions and high flying tactics, but couldn’t nail the Rush Hour finisher without ending up in a choke.
A rear naked choke almost did it for Rush, but the always savvy Lawlor would jam him into the exposed steel – drop him on his head and choke him out for the finish. Lawlor moves to 4 defenses, and is looking unbeatable. His next challenger stepped right up however, as Ren Narita is looking for the next round.
Next week on NJPW Strong, we’re off to Autumn Attack – which means a fresh setting, and perhaps some action from the REAL IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Will Ospreay. Will we see Ospreay come for Lawlor? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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