NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13: Results, Grades, and Analysis

The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) (The Elite) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. Guerillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) w/ Bad Luck Fale & Jado (Bullet Club)

As expected, The Young Bucks rain wild in the early parts of this match. Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa kept almost cheating, but apparently the turned over a new leaf and stopped themselves from breaking up a submission illegally. EVIL was locked in the Sharpshooter from Matt Jackson and Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa pushed the ropes towards EVIL to help him escape. There was an incredible series of moves from all three times that was nearly impossible to keep up with, that ended with EVIL and SANADA going for a superplex on Matt Jackson, while GoD powerbombed EVIL and SANADA off the corner.

Nick Jackson hit a 450 splash on SANADA, but he was unable to pin SANADA. The ref took a bump here, and Fale ran in and stopped Jado from using the kendo stick. However, Fale attacked the Bucks, went for a Grenade, but the Bucks countered and superkicked Jado while EVIL clotheslined Fale over the top rope. After another exchange that saw the Young Bucks going for the Meltzer Driver, but Tama Tonga caught Nick Jackson with a Gun Stun as Nick tried to springboard, ended with LIJ running in and taking everyone out before hitting a Magic Killer on Matt Jackson! SANADA hit a moonsault, and got the pinfall!

Result: LIJ 

Rating: ***3/4 (3.75 stars out of 5)

Juice Robinson vs. Cody (c) w/ Brandi Rhodes (The Elite) – IWGP US Heavyweight Championship

Cody Rhodes came out wearing the Jacksonville Jaguar’s colours, clearly pointing to AEW. This match was a classic old school style match with Cody Rhodes working like an 80’s heel, and Juice being the classic babyface. Brandi Rhodes interfered multiple times, including spearing Juice while the ref’s back was turned. Tiger Hitori turned around and saw Brandi punching Juice and sent her backstage. As she was leaving, Cody hit the Cross Rhodes, but Juice kicked out.

Cody went for Din’s Fire, but Juice flipped out and went for Pulp Friction, but Cody countered. Cody went for Cross Rhodes again, but Juice countered and hit one of his own! Cody kicked out. Juice started to hit a series of jabs, to the joy of the crowd, but Cody hit a superkick. Cody went for the Disaster Kick, but Juice hit a big left hand and nailed Pulp Friction after a second left hand! Juice refused to pin Cody though, and hit a second Pulp Friction for the 1-2-3!

Result: Juice Robinson 

Rating: *** (3 stars out of 5)