Top 10 Matches of the Week (October 10th-16th)
It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means. It’s time for us to run through the best matches of the past week! I should probably mention this beforehand, I will be including NJPW Royal Quest matches on this list despite it not actually taking place last week. Reason being is, well, it was impossible for anyone that wasn’t in the crowd to see this before last week. Therefore, it just seemed fair to take those into consideration for this week.
DISCLAIMER:
In order to maintain a diverse and unique list that appeals to everyone, I’ll be using a system that keeps things relatively fresh.
It goes like this, if I have rated two NJPW matches 4 stars, and I have also given an AEW match 4 stars, chances are I’ll make it my priority to put the AEW match on the list ahead of one of the NJPW bouts. Of course all three could still end up with a spot on the list, but just try to remember this for future reference.
10. Kazusada Higuchi (c) vs. Shinya Aoki (DDT Get Alive)
A solid defence for Higuchi that nicely sets up his exciting bout with Sakaguchi. With the roll he's on, Higuchi could have a solid match with just about anyone.
RATING - 3.75
9. The Young Guns (Ethan Allen & Luke Jacobs) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Takahashi & SANADA) (NJPW Royal Quest II - Tag 2)
Ethan Allen only recently made his return to the ring after suffering an injury, and this was a very good way to return. All four men were up for this one and I enjoyed the back and forth they had going on.
RATING - 3.75
8. Rey Mysterio vs. Sheamus vs. Ricochet vs. Solo Sikoa (WWE Friday Night SmackDown #1208)
Rey Mysterio being a full time singles competitor once again is long overdue but a welcomed change nevertheless. A good four way here that manged to be exciting despite the interferences.
RATING - 3.75
7. Will Ospreay vs. Shota Umino (NJPW Royal Quest II - Tag 1)
A unique and interesting storyline was presented here as the referee, Red Shoes Uno, called off the match to protect his son Shota Umino moments before Ospreay was going to finish him off for the victory. Not too sure how this will develop but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.
RATING - 3.75
6. Axiom vs. Nathan Frazer (WWE NXT #650)
This is what NXT should be, just two talented dudes getting the best out of each other. This kept a very good pace and the chemistry in general was great.
RATING - 4.00
5. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Yota Tsuji (NJPW Royal Quest II - Tag 2)
It hasn't received much attention due to the FTR vs Aussie Open extravaganza, but these two killed it. This is probably the best Tsuji match since his excursion. He got to show off his move-set and managed to put it all together nicely. It's no surprise that Ishii managed to get this out of Tsuji, but I'm very glad he did.
RATING - 4.00
4. MAO & Shigehiro Irie vs. Harimao (Kazusada Higuchi & Naomi Yoshimura) (DDT Dramatic Dreams! Vol. 9 ~ No Clouds Over The Moon ~)
MAO and Irie actually made for quite the fun team, the dynamic they have came together well and it made for a great match. Higuchi is without a doubt the MVP of DDT currently as he's seemingly doing just about everything. These four are all awesome so this was never going to be anything other than great.
RATING - 4.00
3. El Hijo del Vikingo (c) vs. Rey Fenix (AAA TripleMania XXX: Mexico City)
Just outstanding athleticism. It's not often you can be left speechless whilst watching a wrestling match nowadays, but having these two competing against each other is a massive exception. So much good offense here, incredibly impressive stuff.
RATING - 4.25
2. Kazuchika Okada vs. JONAH (NJPW Declaration Of Power)
The highly anticipated rematch which further validates this career renaissance of JONAH. His matches with Okada make him seem like such a dominant force, and it connects with the crowd so well. He's at the peak of his powers and long may it continue.
RATING - 4.50
1. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (c) vs. Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) (NJPW Royal Quest II - Tag 1)
A perfect headliner for New Japans return to the United Kingdom. FTR controlled the tempo well whereas Aussie Open finally got the opportunity to showcase themselves on a large scale within NJPW. This was wonderful and hopefully this leads on to even bigger things for Aussie Open. The sign of respect by FTR afterwards also felt quite genuine, so props to them too.
RATING - 4.50