Top 10 Matches of the Week (October 31st - November 6th)
WWE Crown Jewel and NJPW Battle Autumn were the stand out shows this past week, but which match managed to top this weeks list?
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. Syuri (c) vs. Maika (World Of Stardom Title) (Stardom Hiroshima Goddess Festival ~Kinsai Stardom~)
I get the feeling Syuri will be dropping that belt of hers soon so it was nice to get this bout if that does happen. This was physical and yet another strong display from Maika on a big stage.
RATING - 4.00
9. Cosmic Angels (Natsupoi & Tam Nakano) (c) vs. Oedo Tai (Momo Watanabe & Starlight Kid) (Goddesses Of Stardom Titles) (Stardom Hiroshima Goddess Festival ~Kinsai Stardom~)
Two of the best teams Stardom has in their ranks doing a high-speed style match is something you've got to love. Let Tam & Poi hold those titles for a very long time, they could really have a legendary reign if given the resources to do so.
RATING - 4.00
8. United Empire (Francesco Akira & TJP) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI & Titan) (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles) (NJPW Battle Autumn - Tag 16)
They just didn't stop going for ten minutes. Akira & TJP are really getting into their groove as a team and they're fantastic. Titan impressed also, him being full time in NJPW can only be a good thing.
RATING - 4.00
7. Bianca Belair (c) vs. Bayley (WWE RAW Women's Title) (WWE Crown Jewel)
A massive improvement on their Extreme Rules match. Coming into this the stipulation didn't necessarily excite me but they really pulled it off. Cool spots and fun moments probably the best way you can execute a Last Man Standing match and that's what they did.
RATING - 4.00
6. Yuji Hino vs. Kazusada Higuchi (DDT D-Ou Grand Prix In Yokohama - Tag 2)
These guys basically chopped each others chests for 30 minutes straight and it was beautiful. No remorse whatsoever. Wouldn't mind seeing these two run it back in the near future.
RATING - 4.00
5. Gunther (c) vs. Rey Mysterio (WWE Intercontinental Title) (WWE Friday Night SmackDown #1211)
Gunther manhandling Mysterio with ease before Mysterio began fighting back against all odds was really great and the offense of Gunther looked even better than usual thanks to the convincing selling by Mysterio.
RATING - 4.00
4. Yuki Yoshioka (c) vs. YAMATO (Open The Dream Gate Title) (DG The Gate Of Destiny)
Yoshioka just always impresses me whenever I watch him, he gives off an energy that just makes him feel like THE guy in Dragon Gate. YAMATO is such a reliable competitor to have and he was never going to disappoint either.
RATING - 4.00
3. El Desperado & Master Wato vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori (NJPW Battle Autumn - Tag 16)
We've all seen the "Can they co-exist?" memes, and this the perfect way to produce that type of match. They didn't co-exist, it was basically a four way with occasionally teamwork and mind games. The action was awesome and it was hilarious seeing these dudes mess with each other. Master Wato pinning Hiromu for the first time was a neat touch too.
RATING - 4.25
2. Roman Reigns (c) vs. Logan Paul (WWE Title / WWE Universal Title) (WWE Crown Jewel)
Logan Paul has exceeded expectations after every single performance but I'm not sure any of us expected him to reach this level in a three match span. He didn't look out of place here, his move-set is really fun and he's an unbelievable athlete. It was quite obvious Roman would retain here, but by god did those near-falls still catch me off guard. It's at the point where I'd be really into Logan winning Money In the Bank next year, as long as he's fully committed to this wrestling thing of course.
RATING - 4.50
1. Will Ospreay (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito (IWGP United States Heavyweight Title) (NJPW Battle Autumn - Tag 16)
There's many people you could consider as the Wrestler of the Year as we approach the final stages of 2022. Jon Moxley, Kazuchika Okada, Mike Bailey are certainly up there for me, but absolutely nobody can keep up with the greatness of Will Ospreay in my eyes. He's just so consistently at his best that it's just unfair to the competition. Tetsuya Naito deserves massive props for his performance here. Physically he's not at his peak but he did wonderful work here and kept up with Ospreay in all aspects. When NJPW do their big main event matches well, there's few things in wresting that can claim to outdo them.
RATING - 4.75