10 things you must watch from the NJPW Together Project

10.   Kota Ibushi v Nick Jackson – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship – April 2014

New Japan really has been treated New Japan fans who are particularly in love with the Jr Heavyweight division. Since the dawn of the Jr division, we have been treated to some amazing spectacles from these athletes showcasing athleticism, agility and power. This can also be said for this match dating all the way back to April 2014.

At the time, the Young Bucks had only been in New Japan for a year but had already made waves as part of the Bullet Club winning the Jr Tag titles for the first time. However, the duo set their sights even bigger and that was on show after Nick Jackson challenged then-champion Kota Ibushi for the Jr Heavyweight title. All in all, this match was nothing short of spectacular.

Even though both men are now firmly heavyweights, Nick Jackson and Kota Ibushi have always had this amazing athleticism and agility. If you see how crazy and fearless they are now, then you can times that by 50 in this match when both men were firmly utilising a very Jr Heavyweight based move-set which wowed the crowds wherever they went. With Matt walking out with Nick and a babyface El Desperado seconding Ibushi, it was a match full of power, skill and some sneaky tactics.

Although Ibushi retained in the end and neither Nick nor Matt achieved a singles title run in New Japan, this match was a perfect showcase of Nick’s ability as a singles wrestler. It was also an amazing showcase for the Jr Heavyweight title, and it’s matches like this that makes me wonder how a bigger spotlight is not shone on this division.