NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2018 Night 2: Results, Grades, and Analysis
Hiromu Takahashi (Los Ingobernables de Japon) vs. Marty Scurll (Bullet Club)
Hiromu and Marty exchanged some technical wrestling with neither man able to get the better of the other. This prompted Hiromu to flap his arms like wings, mocking Marty. This made Marty angry, who then complained to the referee. Hiromu went for the sunset flip bomb to the outside of the ring, but Marty blocked it. Marty stomped on the elbow of Hiromu, and began working over the arm.
Marty took it back to the ring and continued to work over the arms. Hiromu was finally able to escape the assault after hitting a belly-to-belly suplex throw into the corner that saw Marty crash to the mat. Both men exchanged forearm smashes that ended with Hiromu hitting a hurricanrana and a shotgun dropkick off the apron onto Marty!
Marty was able to take the advantage back in the ring with several hard hitting moves, but he grew frustrated at not being able to finish Hiromu off. Scurll grabbed his umbrella and implied that he was going to clobber Hiromu with it. The referee took it away and Hiromu flew over the top rope and hit the sunset flip powerbomb to the outside off the ring. Hiromu hit the Dynamite Plunger, but Scurll kicked out and rolled outside. Hiromu went for the shotgun dropkick again, and Marty powerbombed him to the floor! That had to hurt.
There was an exchange of forearms on the apron that ended when Hiromu went for a superkick that Marty blocked. Scurll hit an enziguri and tombstoned Hiromu on the apron. Hiromu kicked out, and Marty went for the finger break spot, but Hiromu countered and went for the Time Bomb. Marty locked on the Chicken Wing, but couldn’t get the tapout, so he broke Hiromu’s fingers. Marty got caught in the position for another Time Bomb, but he countered into a pinfall attempt. Hiromu kicked out and did a flying Triangle Choke on Marty! Marty tried to powerbomb out of it, but it just helped Hiromu sink it in further! Marty went unconscious! Hiromu wins by referee stoppage!
Result: Hiromu Takahashi (1-0)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
This was an excellent match with an even better finish. That was fantastic. NJPW does a wonderful job producing good main events, and isn’t afraid of giving the stars a chance to steal the show. NJPW delivered here with a fantastic match.
Final Thoughts
Show Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was an absolutely excellent show. All 4 block matches delivered in a big way, with SHO and Dragon Lee stealing the show. One of the great things about these tournaments in NJPW is that it gives a chance for young stars to make an impact in singles matches. SHO and YOH have both been given huge chances to prove themselves, and both have done a wonderful job. Chris Sabin also impressed in his singles debut in NJPW. He got a huge win over KUSHIDA, which was unexpected. Hiromu Takahashi also got off to strong start, and it was great to see him get a victory here.
Next: SmackDown Moving to Fox in Landmark TV Deal
NJPW did a great job making major stars in two nights. NJPW has made Chris Sabin, Taiji Ishimori, and SHO all in one night. YOH also looked really great. NJPW did a wonderful job here, and there is something to be learned here about how they make stars.