PWInsider - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ON AXS TV REPORT

 

Welcome to the New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV report!

New Japan Pro Wrestling Golden Series 22 Hokkaido: IWGP U. S. Heavyweight Championship Match:  SANADA vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi 

Good match.  No gimmicks just wrestling.  Back and forth match between these good wrestlers.   They traded their best moves.   Tanahashi missed a High Fly Flow.  SANADA rolled up a fallen Tanahashi in an O’Connor Roll.

SANADA pins Tanahashi. 

SANADA wins the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship.   This is his first singles title in New Japan.

SANADA takes the mic and says after seven years he has his first singles title.  He pays respect to Tanahashi.  He asks for the lights to dim.   The crowd shines the lights from their cell phones.  SANADA looks like he is in a sea of stars.    

SANADA tells Tanahashi anytime anywhere, they can do this again.   He thanks the fans for buying tickets to come see him.   He said he is not good at expressing his emotions but Sapporo is his favorite place to be.   He tells the fans “see you tomorrow!”

They blast confetti in the ring as SANADA as poses with the title.   SANADA fist bumps Hiromu Takahashi who is on Japanese commentary.   

This was a nice surprise.  Tanahashi, coming off of the hardcore style match with KENTA, said he wanted a good wrestling match and opponent for his first defense.   SANADA beat Great O-Khan at Wrestle Kingdom, which earned him a shot at Tanahashi.   When compared to the multi-man clusters which came before, this match was great.

Without the IWGP Intercontinental Title, I believe that Hiroshi Tanahashi wanted to establish another title with high prestige that other wrestlers could challenge for.   I thought it could have been the NEVER Openweight Title which EVIL holds.   However, this would be the best second choice.   There challengers already lined up according to Kevin Kelly including, Tanahashi, KENTA, and Lance Archer.  I would also include Chase Owens who beat Tanahashi in the G1 Climax, but never got a title shot.   

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!

• Tweet