NJPW/GFW Wrestle Kingdom 9 Review
By Mike Smith
NJPW.co.jp
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
The match started off slow, and Nakamura had a bit of an advantage. However, the match quickly picked up following a simple rope break, but before Nakamura backed off, Ibushi grabbed him by the head and tossed him to the side. Nakamura acted with respect towards Ibushi, but returned the cheap shot and the match really got under way.
Ibushi dominated this match, mocking Nakamura on a few occasions. Ibushi pulled out some vicious strikes, but his high-flying moves betrayed him a few times. Nakamura’s ability to counter those moves kept him in the match.
Nakamura pulled a Boma Ye out of nowhere, hitting Ibushi in the back of the head, but he couldn’t cover and took the opportunity to try and reset the match.
The reset match wasn’t much different for Nakamura though, and Ibushi kept up the advantage, continuing to mock Nakamura and hitting a Boma Ye of his own.
Nakamura continued to battle back, fighting the tough and ready Ibushi.
Then, out of nowhere, Nakamura pulled out a Boma Ye and pinned Ibushi.
Nakamura defeats Ibushi via pinfall.
After the match, despite the heightened animosity shown during the match, Nakamura checked on Ibushi and they shared a fist bump, showing their respect for each other.
4.5 out of 5 stars.