NJPW DESTRUCTION in Beppu Results and Review

The second of the tour’s triple header of main shows, Destruction in Beppu brought us Goto’s first post-G1 title defense and the final chapter of the intense rivalry between Suzuki and Naito. Did the show deliver? Or was it underwhelming?…

Nagata, Nakanishi, & Uemura vs Kojima, Tenzan, & Tsuji

Nakanishi and Tenzan start off. They lock up and go back and forth with slow power offense, as old bulls do. Nakanishi gets the advantage, and both young lions tag in. They trade chops and yell at each other, as young lions do. Tenzan quickly gets the tag and works over the rookie. Uemura is completely hopeless as both halves of Tencozy take turns battering him. Kojima hits a big elbow drop, but Nagata makes the save and gets the tag soon after. The legends have a nice sequence. Blue Justice is ready to lock in the armbar, but Tenzan makes the save. Kojima takes advantage and hits the Koji Cutter. He’s ready to try and put Nagata away, but Tsuji convinces his partner to tag him in so he can try to finish it. The young lion locks in the Boston Crab, but Nagata easily reverses it. Exploder suplex, then the crossface ends it.

This was good for what it was. It’s always fun to see these young lions try to prove themselves against NJPW’s legends. The match itself was nothing spectacular, but it was harmless. The tags came quick, and it didn’t overstay its welcome.

Rating: **1/2

Henare & Umino vs Finlay & Narita

Umino and Narita begin the match with a sequence of sprawling and clean grappling. They have great chemistry and show it every time they’re in the ring together. Narita tags in Finlay, and they hit a nice double-team move. Finlay maintains the advantage and quickly tags his partner back in. Narita keeps the pace up, but Umino hits a big missile dropkick to reverse the momentum. Henare and Finlay both tag in, and the C block rivals go back and forth. Henare hits some of his best offense and tags in Umino to capitalize. Another big missile dropkick, followed by the Boston Crab, but Narita makes the save. Finlay and Umino fight it out, and the stunner ends it after a solid exchange.

This was fine. I would’ve liked to see more Umino and Narita, but their time will come. Finlay and Henare continue to do a great job of filling their roles in the lower midcard. New Japan’s roster is deeper than many fans realize, and this matchup was a good showcase of that depth.

Rating: **1/2

Iizuka vs Yoshida

Iizuka attacks Yoshida with a chair during the young lion’s entrance. The big psycho then throws his opponent in the ring and proceeds to go and assault Kevin Kelly. The muzzle comes off (Kelly takes the muzzle off?! I think?) and he makes his way back into the ring where he proceeds to bite Yoshida’s foot… and head… and arm… and hand… He’s biting all over him. LOL.

Yoshida eventually manages to fight back with a big clothesline and a sequence of offense. He gets a near fall, but Iizuka kicks out and starts choking Yoshida with some rope that he took out of his pants. The iron glove comes out and the DQ soon follows.

This was every bit as weird in practice as it sounds on paper. I don’t really know what to say to be honest… I mean, it was unique… so that’s good, I guess? Also, technically this was a win for Yoshida over a non-young lion, so that’s something.

Rating: **