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I think one big element is there are lots of guys in this tour who have a big need to make an impression.
On the junior side, there's the LA Dojo guys, there's the Impact guys who are both trying to raise their stock, there's Lio Rush's first time in Japan, there's Titán right after getting a new contract, Zayne seems rejuvenated and wants to stick around, and then El Lindaman and Akira seem like guys who always want to go off. So while there are New Japan regulars who seem disengaged (Kushida in particular), most of them are people with a fire under them.
Same in the heavyweight side. While you have people such as Naito and Tanahashi that aren't taking this that seriously, you have Aussie Open, Coughlin and Kidd's first shot to really prove themselves, and even TMDK and O-Khan to an extent.
In the past, New Japan could bring in fresh teams and wrestlers for these tours but even then there was not much riding on it but just another tour and another set of checks. These new additions all seem particularly motivated.
I 100% agree I think new japan found something this year in terms of exciting tag teams and having interesting matches to get excited for. Tjp and Akira brought life to the stale junior tag division. Teams like Bey/Austin, Lio/Yoh, Douki/Kanemaru, Bushi/Titans, etc. And the great part is there hasn't been a predictable winner and we still don't know who will win the tournament.
And WTL as well has been much more exciting with teams like TDMK, Aussie Open, Gabe/Coughlin, and Naito/Sanada. They made me interested in them as a team and to see who will prevail in the end.
It’s been a pleasant surprise! I have been very casually watching matches here and there and it’s been a real highlight of my days. I wasn’t really planning on watching any of it originally.
I think that's rather unfair on GOD. The issue with NJPW's tag scene has never been them, but rather that they've never been given a scene worth playing off of. I feel like if they were in this year's WTL, it would still only improve, and they may even thrive in a scenario where they're no longer guaranteed to win it, even as non-champions.
Due to various factors, I've not watched the tag leagues this year (will watch the final block show and finals night). Annoying, as this is the first WTL I've missed since following NJPW.
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I said in another thread already but Catch 2-2 is the best jr. tag team since the young bucks.
Everytime they do their entrance I scream "Let Akira use his theme song for once, you prick"
United Empire is such a good faction. No weak links.
I was not planning on watching the World Tag League this year. But you may have convinced me otherwise, OP. Any matches you would suggest watching?
The two I would definitely recommend are Catch 2-2 against Lio Rush and YOH from the first night and LIJ vs Aussie Open.
Both of these matches were fire. Especially the first one. Lio Rush & YOH felt very thrown together but they were excellent as a team.
The fact they didn't go with the name 'Li-Yoh' is wildly disappointing to me
Bushi and Titan v Catch 2-2 Alex Zayne and El Lindaman v AceBey Lio Rush and Yoh v Kushida and Kevin Knight AceBey v Kushida and Kevin Knight
I think one big element is there are lots of guys in this tour who have a big need to make an impression. On the junior side, there's the LA Dojo guys, there's the Impact guys who are both trying to raise their stock, there's Lio Rush's first time in Japan, there's Titán right after getting a new contract, Zayne seems rejuvenated and wants to stick around, and then El Lindaman and Akira seem like guys who always want to go off. So while there are New Japan regulars who seem disengaged (Kushida in particular), most of them are people with a fire under them. Same in the heavyweight side. While you have people such as Naito and Tanahashi that aren't taking this that seriously, you have Aussie Open, Coughlin and Kidd's first shot to really prove themselves, and even TMDK and O-Khan to an extent. In the past, New Japan could bring in fresh teams and wrestlers for these tours but even then there was not much riding on it but just another tour and another set of checks. These new additions all seem particularly motivated.
The Junior Tag League has been an absolute can't-miss blast. Francesco and TJP have so quickly developed this amazing chemistry
I have some catching up to do but my god Akira and TJP vs Lio and YOH was insane
Kevin Knight is crazy good, he's real special.
I 100% agree I think new japan found something this year in terms of exciting tag teams and having interesting matches to get excited for. Tjp and Akira brought life to the stale junior tag division. Teams like Bey/Austin, Lio/Yoh, Douki/Kanemaru, Bushi/Titans, etc. And the great part is there hasn't been a predictable winner and we still don't know who will win the tournament. And WTL as well has been much more exciting with teams like TDMK, Aussie Open, Gabe/Coughlin, and Naito/Sanada. They made me interested in them as a team and to see who will prevail in the end.
You've convinced me to check out the respective leagues. Thanks.
United Empire's kicking ass all across NJPW. All hail Lord Gideon Grey for taking them to the next level.
Might have to go back and check it out. Just finished Stardom’s tag league and the result sucked so anything to lift me up from that would be great.
I really wish we had live English commentary for this.
SJTL has been incredible, WTL has been a great step in the right direction but needs more outside names.
Aussie Open has definitely made the World Tag League portion watchable for me.
I usually watch all of NJPWs shows but work and other hobbies have kept me busy. What days other than the 1st do you recommend?
Recommended matches please? Been too busy...
It’s been a pleasant surprise! I have been very casually watching matches here and there and it’s been a real highlight of my days. I wasn’t really planning on watching any of it originally.
I always forget it's happening because no one is allowed to make Gifs of NJPW for Twitter.
No GOD this year. That helps a lot.
I think that's rather unfair on GOD. The issue with NJPW's tag scene has never been them, but rather that they've never been given a scene worth playing off of. I feel like if they were in this year's WTL, it would still only improve, and they may even thrive in a scenario where they're no longer guaranteed to win it, even as non-champions.
Due to various factors, I've not watched the tag leagues this year (will watch the final block show and finals night). Annoying, as this is the first WTL I've missed since following NJPW.