NJPW New Beginning Day 2 Grades: Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi Reunite

We are only a few hours removed from The New Beginning in Sapporo Day 2, and people are still in shock from the events that occurred. NJPW produced many memorable angles, and shocking moments.

NJPW always promises to deliver good shows. Little did we know how significant this show as going to be as it started. In two shows, the landscape of NJPW has shifted dramatically. The image of Hiroshi Tanahashi being dragged out of the ring on a stretcher in a broken heap was heartbreaking. Kenny Omega reuniting with Kota Ibushi was heartwarming. The rollercoaster of emotions created in these two nights was incredible. Both shows were a prime example of why wrestling, as a storytelling medium, is unlike anything else in the world.

Those are the two major stories of the weekend for NJPW, but to boil everything down to those two is a disservice to every story advanced.

The Undercard

We witnessed Kitamura trying to overcome Michael Elgin on day 1 and Juice Robinson on day 2. Kitamura failed in his attempt, but had strong showings, especially against Juice. Juice looked great, and Kitamura looked like a future star in this match as both men worked hard. Kitamura was highlighted quite well and looked strong in defeat, which was the point.

Match two saw Taichi pin Syota Umino, who got a chance to shine as the young lion in the match. Taichi winning was a disappointment. My gimmick on Twitter is that I’m known for disliking Taichi, except it isn’t a gimmick. The match was fine here, with some good comedy spots from Taguchi. Miho, Taichi’s manager, put Tiger Mask’s mask on after it was taken from him, and stomped on Taguchi’s lower regions repeatedly after the match. I laughed at this quite hard, for some reason. Taichi is still the worst.

The Midcard

We also saw Toru Yano and Tomohiro continue to climb the tag team ranks. The Bullet Club saw Chase Owens defeat the young lion Tomoyuki Oka. Conspicuous by his absence, Hiroshi Tanahashi was replaced by Toa Henare as he teamed with Michael Elgin against Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki. Suzuki got the win, beginning his reign of terror as Intercontinental champion. Suzuki won with a heel hold on Henare, continuing to tear the legs of wrestlers apart. Togi Makabe came out and it was clear he was challenging Suzuki. Suzuki will defend his title for the first time against Makabe, who looks to defend Henare and Tanahashi.

The tension between Kota Ibushi and Cody continued to build as they waged war against each other in a six-man tag. Hangman Page pinned KUSHIDA in this one, giving him yet another win to move up the ranks in NJPW. In response to Okada’s vicious attack on Day 1, SANADA defeated Gedo and cut a promo on Okada further promoting their upcoming match at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 10th.