NJPW Hi no Kuni 2018: Review, Grades, and Analysis

The Bullet Club (Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi, Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega) vs. Suzuki-gun (TAKA Michinoku, Taichi, Iizuka, Zack Sabre Jr.)

This match started off with Sabre attacking Kenny and tying Kenny up in knots on the outside of the ring. Back in the ring, the Bullet Club eventually took advantage, and The Golden Lovers hit a Cross Slash while Owens and Takahashi hit suicide dives, in a spectacular spot. Omega didn’t get much ring time. Sabre ended up locking in “Hurrah. Another Year Has Past, surely this One Will be Better Than the Last. The Inexorable March of Progress Will Lead Us All to Happiness,” on Chase Owens for the win.

Result: Suzuki-gun

Rating: 2.75 stars out of 5

KUSHIDA, Michael Elgin, Juice Robinson, & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. CHAOS (Will Ospreay, YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto, & Kazuchika Okada)

This match opened with Okada and Tanahashi facing off as the build continues to their massive title match at Wrestling Dontaku in a week. KUSHIDA and Ospreay also faced off frequently in this one, building to their match. Okada went for a tombstone on the entrance ramp to Tanahashi, but Tana reversed and hit a slingblade. Ospreay went for a 450 on Juice, but missed. He landed on his feet though. It broke down a bit after that, with YOSHI-HASHI hitting a lariat on Tanahashi, but Tana kicked out.

Juice hit a flying crossbody on YOSHI-HASHI, and Ospreay hit a type of Canadian Backbreaker into a neck breaker that I have literally never seen before. Okada ran in and tried to save YOSHI-HASHI, but Tanahashi hit Okada with a slingblade. Tanahashi hit a High Fly Flow on YOSHI-HASHI and got the pinfall. After the match, Taichi attacked Goto and Elgin.

Result: KUSHIDA, Michael Elgin, Juice Robinson, & Tanahashi

Rating: 3.25 stars out of 5

As Okada was leaving, he decided to run back and get in a brawl with Tanahashi. Okada is not taking this well. He attacked Tanahashi after the bell, with little remorse. Tanahashi fought back here though, and it’s clear that Okada is greatly bothered. The fans chanted for Tanahashi, and it seems he’s definitely the babyface in this match. Okada has basically went full blown heel for this one, and I love it.