[5.0] "Los Ingobernables de Japon 10-man tag was a lot of fun, but there was no doubt that only one match counted on this show and that was Katsuyori Shibata -vs- Bad Luck Fale - (New Japan Cup - Final) [*** 1/4] The unexpected New Japan Cup Final featuring.... BAD LUCK FALE! Shibata was more predictable, but what to expect from Fale in such a high-profile match? ! Regardless of expectations, this exceeded them! They laid-out a smart match utilizing Fale's size and strength with Shibata badness for what became a surprisingly thrilling final. Any other final would probable have been better, but for the project of pushing the limited wrestler that Fale is, this was a success. Besides a enjoyable build-up, the finish sequences made sense and captured the moment."

[5.0] "I have never seen, but would like to see a show at Aore in that its similiarly shaped to the Bunka in Yokohama, the Edion in Osaka, Aichi Gym in Nagoya but newer and w/ better acoustics than the first and cozier and more compact than the second and third. Even w/ middling expectations I was slightly disappointed in this gig b/c I thought it would throw an additional angle, outside the Main, to help build for Sakura. As this is considered a PPV-quality event w/ English announcers flown in, to have the combined entrances outlast the ten man is a disgrace. In my booking world, I would have delayed the KUSHIDA rematch against Hiromu until Fukouka, and would have Naito defend his IC belt, or a special challenge match, against the junior at Sumo Hall. It would give Naito another title defense to make his reign seem as impressive as Nakamura's previous dominance of the belt, and build K into a stronger brand by having him challenge for a heavy's belt. Instead it's dull, but sound, booking as the champs won both second-half tags. Despite the ho-hum material, credit to NJPW for drawing very well on this tour. What should that be attributed to? Certainly the crowd percolated into a strong burst of support behind Shibata who has come off Big and Manly when delivering his post-match proclamation. The match was slow during the endless trapezoid squeeze and subsequent shoulder beatdown. But after the second venture outside it picked up and was adequately->satisfyingly Big for the tournament final. Kawato has the instincts of a come-from-behind'er, but post-match he stayed in the ring too long. Whaddya want... a participation award? Finlay's labrum, I think, injury has softened his frame and dulled his previous sharpness; he's noticeably not as good as he was six months ago. There are moments in Kitamura's matches that I just love; the Kozy sequence early... after beating down his shoulderblock challenge, he beats his chest like King Kong. 5. 25"

[6.0] "TenKji/Nagata&Katamura : **3/4. Future IWGP Champion Kitamura looked good. Match was alright. SZG/CHAOS 6 MAN ** match, ****** finish for having Taichi tap. LIJ/Taguchi Japan 10 man: ***1/2. You can always count on LIJ to have a good multi man match on big shows. BULLET CLUB/CHAOS 8 man : ***. Good. Not much to say. Main Event : ***1/4. It was what it was. Fale can have a great match sometimes. This was not one of those times. Good show."