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

https://twitter.com/njpwworld/status/990463366488510467

Final Thoughts

Show Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

This was an excellent and solid show. The main event was stellar, and we finally saw some resolution to the battles between Los Ingobernables de Japon and Suzuki-gun. Since the babyfaces got a measure of revenge, and winning all their matches, it seems that this feud is finished for now. With all that being said, there are some lingering questions going forward. With Hiromu and BUSHI being successful in winning singles matches, we must expect an eventual rematch for the Jr. Tag Titles.

If that match occurs, Hiromu and BUSHI should win. The wins garnered here, especially Hiromu’s, will be very important in featuring Hiromu in Best of the Super Juniors. While the tournament is currently wide open and all the participants haven’t been announced, Hiromu has to be the favourite to win. The strong win here helped him finally get some momentum as he’s been losing a lot lately. NJPW is aiming to please, and BOSJ will be great.

EVIL and SANADA retaining the titles was a surprise to me, but practically ensured that Suzuki was going to win the Intercontinental title. Or so I thought. Naito defeating Suzuki was a major surprise to me. LIJ was put over very strongly here, and it was clear that they are the top stable in NJPW, bar none. This was exciting, as people were wondering how LIJ was doing and NJPW kept us guessing. NJPW have clearly seen Naito as the necessary number 2 guy in NJPW, and for good reason. Naito and Okada are the top draws, and having them hold the two top titles is nothing short of brilliant.

Speaking of Okada, his match with Tanahashi is going to be so great. Tanahashi is full blown babyface and Okada is full blown heel heading into this one. Okada has always been kind of cocky, much like Shinsuke Nakamura, but was still endearing. He is far less so right now. His arrogance is at another level, and he clearly still feels like he’s trapped in Tanahashi’s shadow. Tanahashi might be the right one to beat Okada, as he is the Ace, and this seems to be his redemption story. NJPW knows they can go back to this story whenever they need to, and NJPW was quite smart to do so here.

Next: WWE The Greatest Royal Rumble Review

NJPW has done a spectacular job pushing their stories forward. NJPW has given us a Naito title win and have been working to rehab Hiroshi Tanahashi, making him the clear babyface in this match with Okada. It almost feels like Okada is the underdog, and Tanahashi is simply looking to regain what is rightfully his. We got some very interesting shows going forward, and the ride NJPW is taking us on will be full of fun and twists and turns.