The show itself was great, but there was a HUGE issue at the venue with Security while waiting to get in. From what I've read, it was the building owner's decision, but NO bags were allowed in the venue at all even though NJPW listed that certain sizes would be allowed (think Stadium rules). People were livid because this meant women couldn't even bring in purses. The guy was being a prick about it as well.
Once we got in, the merch tables were a clusterfuck and those that got in earlier due to the meet and greet bought most of the larger sizes of the popular shirts (tour shirt mainly). I don't think NJPW knows their American audience that well since it seemed like they had a lot of small-medium-large items.
The yellow bag in this picture is where my seat was.
As much as I liked the seat, I couldn't see shit in the opposite corner because of the blue corner pad.
Match thoughts:
Liger/Fredericks vs Narita/Umino
I haven't been following NJPW very much, so while I knew of Shota and his Moxley stuff, I wasn't too familiar with him but he was quite over. Fun match, but pretty much what you'd expect.
Romero vs Soberano Jr.
I have no idea who Soberano is, but by the end of the match, he had me glad that he was moving forward. Nothing stands out from memory at the moment.
Connors vs TJP
Clark is from our home promotion, so he was very over. TJ had fans on both sides, but was mostly booed, heavily. TJ may be shitty outside of the ring, but he's very good inside it. This match ended up being a lot better than anyone probably expected with quite a few near falls at the end. *Worth watching*
Caristico vs Bushi
Good match and pretty much what you'd expect. The finish was good even if Bushi ended up losing. On a random note, shortly after this picture was taken, the barrier rope/ribbon wouldn't be seen again for the rest of the night. Both wrestlers went through it into the audience and no one could find it after that. lol
Taguchi vs Gresham
Again, what you expect from a Taguchi match.
Eagles vs ELP
Really good match between them, but I was expecting them to hate each other more than they showed. *Worth watching*
YOH vs Dragon Lee
Okay match, but I went in expecting more because of Dragon Lee. I feel like he didn't get in a ton of offense during the match.
SHO vs Ishimori
SHO was a lot more over than I expected. Ishimori is really impressive to see in person. I am sad he never did his sliding German Suplex though. Red Shoes also got his first chant during this match and did a little shuffle.
Ospreay vs Red
Words can't do this match justice, just watch it. It's everything you hoped it would be. I don't even want to spoil anything that happens (aside from who wins if you checked the NJPW site).
***WATCH THIS***