Hangman Page’s Breakout Performance at NJPW Strong Style Evolved

New Japan Pro Wrestling presented Strong Style Evolved earlier tonight from Long Beach, California. The main event of the Golden Lovers vs. The Young Bucks was an instant classic and is the match that most fans are buzzing over on social media. But there was another member of Bullet Club that left a lasting impression on me.

Hangman Page put on the best performance of his career against Jay White.

Hangman vs. Switchblade was a match that I was admittedly not overly-excited about leading into the show. As of late, Page has been seen in a mostly comedic role as he regularly appears in the Young Bucks’ popular YouTube series, “Being The Elite”.

On “BTE” Hangman Page is currently in an ongoing feud with Joey Ryan. Well, to be more specific the two are in a battle of the penises. If you have no idea what I’m talking about right now, I highly recommend checking out BTE and getting caught up. As ridiculous as it sounds, the rivalry between Ryan and Page is actually extremely entertaining, and I personally think it’s hilarious.

The former “penis pretender” Joey Ryan will inevitably have a showdown with Hangman at some point in the near future to settle the score once and for all.

Since I’m so used to seeing Hangman as a comedy figure it was hard for me to see him as a believable challenger to Switchblade and his IWGP United States Championship. Sure, I’m familiar with Page’s work over the years, but I’m also aware that NJPW is very careful about who they choose to push into valuable positions on their cards.

What we got out of Hangman vs. Switchblade was an incredibly entertaining match that saw Page try literally everything to get the job done. White hit Page with everything in his arsenal along the way as well.

There were multiple instances in this match where I was legitimately concerned that Page had suffered a concussion. I won’t give away every spot, because I want you to watch this match if you haven’t already. I’ll just say that Page did a masterful job of selling every move, and by the end of the match, I honestly believed that he had a real chance of becoming the new champion.

Obviously, it takes two to tango and Switchblade played his role to perfection. Jay White has really impressed me as of late after an underwhelming re-debut against Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 12. White has taken the ball he earned by defeating Kenny Omega for the US belt and ran with it in the best way that he possibly can.

One thing was clear to me after White stood tall. It was clear that Hangman “hung in there” with one of the best in the world in the semi-main event of a major New Japan show.

Page proved that he belongs near the top of the NJPW card now and going forward. He’s in a similar position to where Kenny Omega was when AJ Styles was the leader of the Bullet Club. Hangman has been somewhat of an afterthought, because he’s been outshined by bigger names within the stable.

Tonight he shined brighter than he ever has before.

Hangman now has the most momentum in his career heading into his huge match-up against Kota Ibushi at ROH Supercard of Honor over WrestleMania weekend. His performance against White should be a huge boost of confidence and lead to an even more incredible contest against Ibushi at Ring of Honor’s biggest show of the year.

I was unsure if Page was ready for the heavy spotlight that will be hovering over him in the upcoming months. He’ll be involved in some of the top story-lines and matches across multiple promotions.

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After tonight, I’m no longer unsure.

Hangman Page had his breakout performance and I have no doubt that he’s ready for what’s coming next.