Drilla Moloney vs. SANADA

[5.0] "A majority of the match leading to the ref bump was a mixed bag. It sort of dragged between the tables spot and the guitar shot, some alright in-ring wrestling, then to a ref bump into House Of Torture. Very random to have a ref bump when everything is legal for the pointless shock value. Clark Conners coming out to help was fine. By the end, the crowd got into it, which is cool for Drilla and SANADA, but I just don't think they used this stipulation to its highest potential."

[7.0] "One of the better HoT matches, and certainly helped by the blood. Don't get a lot of hardcore matches in NJPW and this wasn't bad. ***1/2"

[5.0] "Pretty boring but it wasn't a bad match. They got quick unlucky with the back body drop table spot not quite coming off and it was never going to be a HoT match without ref bumps and run-in's so take that as you will. It didn't do it for me personally."

[7.0] "Best HoT match in months, really fun and with some blood which helped. They just make more sense in a NO DQ context. ***1/2"

[5.0] "It's solid but not special. Some descent spots nothing to memorable. But also not a match that is a complete waste of time. Enjoyed the ending a lot with the guitar into drilla killa. (***)"

[4.0] "Pretty dull match that gradually runs out of steam and loses momentum. Despite the blood and weapons, nothing here retains interest. I like SANADA's career overall, but its hard to take this current incarnation seriously in a no-DQ match. Predictably, we can't have a match in New Japan without unnecessary run-ins and ref bumps."

[6.0] "[3 Stars] It was a decent match and the ending was nice. But the storyline didn't get me hyped at all."

[6.0] "The real blood helped to elevate this stale match in my opinion. I don't wish for such occurrence but it did help for a more nail biting watch. Drilla is a star and there is no doubts. He was one of the guys that I had zero hopes on but man has been proving me wrong for a year now. Sanada is Sanada nowadays I guess."

[5.0] "***1/4 normal match, it was somewhat entertaining but they slowed down a lot towards the end, interesting intensity at times but at others it was not noticeable, normal pace that started well but gradually decreased, unmemorable spots only the one with the tables that looked painful, normal ending with interventions and Drilla finishing off Sanada with the Drilla Killa"

[6.0] "A firmly okay hardcore brawl on a NJPW show, where those are rather rare. Drilla has yet to really impress me in 2025, and SANADA has been lacking since his injury, but this one was fine, it hid flaws well and the Drilla Killa is atleast a great finish."

[6.0] "SANADA wearing entrance gear that probably had more effort put into it than his first few minutes in the ring. Drilla swung chairs like he was testing gravity and SANADA's timing looked about a half-second off all night. There was spot that at least woke everyone up. Not a disaster but I expected better."

[8.0] "A really fun no disqualification match between these two with lots of blood and cool spots , a bit silly at times but still fun"

[5.0] "i liked this match up until all the HoT interference. i mean its a no dq match what's the point. the ref bump was especially annoying, it was completely unnecessary"

[7.0] "Bloody and brutal! Drilla really looked like an absolute monster in this match, still don't really get Sanada but a rare match that HOT shenanigans did not ruin it! Great Table spot as well!"

[6.0] "Weird match, it's pretty poorly worked and the spots aren't anything special, but it's kinda charming in a way idk. Drilla's chair shots looked weak for the most part. The table spot in the crowd is the highlight of this."

[6.0] "I wasn't really into the match, i don't really like SANADA since a long time and this match didn't help that."

[6.0] "Started off pretty slow and boring but led into a solid hardcore match as it went on. Wasn't anything great but they put in some cool weapon spots like with the fork and guitars before Drilla wins with a sick Drilla Killa. Haven't really cared for Drilla this year but he wasn't bad here"

[7.0] "I was pleasantly surprised by this, although SANADA HOT matches tend to be less frustrating than other ones. Drilla really showed a side of himself that only came out in glimpses during the G1, and looked like an absolute beast. Outside of the interference, a good bout."

[9.0] "Great match! One of the best house of torture matches ever. It managed to be funny/joyful whilst also feeling gritty and violent. Both guys properly ran the blade. There was some interference, but it was brief and there to work viewers into thinking Sanada would win. Crowd was going nuclear toward the end of the match, and they really managed to sell the hatred these guys have for each other throughout this factional feud and the feud between these two guys in particular. Didn't get self indulgently long either, they knew their placement on the card."

[6.0] "A somewhat unique spin on the hardcore match. What this lacked in terms of action it made up for with emotion and crowd connection. You have to give Drilla credit - even if he overacts sometimes, he's committed to putting forward a wild character. Predictably, the guitar shots and finishers were the highlight."

[5.0] "A fun if entirely comedic match, great to see Drilla finally get that cathartic moment of smashing the guitar over the head of SANADA. SANADA for his part played his role perfectly, especially with the confusing double entrance as both sparkling ball SANADA and boom box SANADA."

[6.0] "This was alright for the most part, however I still have no clue who the guy in the blue sparkle suit was. This wasn't over the top exciting, but it was a nice match even if slow at parts. Moloney got his much needed win to boost his rankings and finally ended the six month blood feud between the two."

[3.0] "This was pretty bad bruh. How do you have a street fight with forks and blood but somehow make it the most boring and uninteresting match of the day ? Truly a miracle but I guess that is expected from Sanada and Drilla, two guy i do not think are good. Pretty much a nothing match"