EVIL vs. Hiromu Takahashi

[7.0] "This was probably the best match in EVIL's HoT-era up to this point, I think Hiromu has the best chemistry out of anyone with this kind of EVIL, like I always felt like out of anyone in LIJ Hiromu was the one who had the most heat with EVIL, like he actually despises him for the betrayal, so that's something which add an extra layer to their few matches together. Also, the cheating here was much more subtle than in EVIL's other matches, ofc there was a ref-bump and Dick Togo interfered, but the lights didn't go out and there were no run-ins, which is a rarity honestly. In general, the cheating worked much better here with Hiromu being a great babyface but also because, as I said, it wasn't as excessive as usual, Dick Togo only did a few little things, throwing one punch at Hiromu or dragging him off the apron, instead of his usual antics. I'm pleasantly surprised!"

[8.0] "Great battle to close this event. The intensity was high high from just the beggining, and the hate between the old members of Los Ingobernables could be felt in the enviroment. Even if there were sheenanigans, as always happens with a House of Torture member match, the battle itself was pretty nice, and one of the best of the tournament so far. Good fight. [****1/4]"

[9.0] "Great story driven match and just an amazing underdog fight from Hiromu who once again proves that he's on the level of any heavyweight. Him getting the win with Everything is Evil AND get revenge from EVIL's turn was great, and it gives us a Hiromu vs Shingo that I wouldn't have dreamt about."

[8.0] "The commentators told this story to absolute perfection. The brotherhood that was shattered when EVIL allowed Dick Togo to get in his ear. The pain that Hiromu Takahashi experienced by simply striking EVIL a single time. The debt these two owe to Tetsuya Naito and Los Ingobernables de Japon. And the devastation that Takahashi was finally willing to offer for the pain that The King of Darkness had caused. The match kicked off with a bang, as Takahashi dealt out some of the best barrier-aided offense that I have seen. The crowd audibly groaned every time EVIL hit the steel. The change in momentum was great, as well, as it allowed the usual King of Darkness antics to contribute magnificently to the story at large. Even Red Shoes enhanced this one with his refusal to count pins after the cheating he may not have seen, but knew had transpired. It was a tremendous display of what goes around, comes around with the added layer of emotion. The frustration of EVIL leading to a simple Scoop Slam resulting in repeated covers, all the while furthering the story of he and Togo working over the back of Takahashi. It was pretty much the epitome of what makes EVIL appealing, beneath all of the hatred he generates. Even when he cheats, you cannot deny that the strategy is strong, There was also an underlying story of Takahashi becoming the type of wrestler who embodies the essence of the NEVER Openweight Championship that EVIL simply felt wrong to be holding given his current style. Layers upon layers to peel back here. From a pure wrestling perspective, Takahashi proved once more why he is one of the absolute best in the world. That Falcon Arrow was especially nasty, both in the way it was delivered and how it again furthered the story of a Junior Heavyweight looking to win the New Japan Cup without going up in weight. Yet another story within the story! Package in the Superkicks, the Lariats, the incredible Throws, and the stunning finish, and you have one of the best matches of the New Japan Cup! 4 stars, 8 out of 10. What a damn match!"

[7.0] "That was a great storytelling bout. They kept it simple but Hiromu added so much fire in it. EVIL worked well here, just breaking Takahashi's momentum was a smart thing, and it was well-done. HOT's sheenigans were well built as well. We need this kind of EVIL's bouts. Great finish as well. Good psychology."

[7.0] "Daaaaaaaaaaa! Hurray! Hiromu Takahashi passes on, what a blessing. In an absolutely unequal duel, despite the interventions and dirty actions, Hiromu was able to overcome EVIL. I've already taken pills from my head from tension. How did I support Hiromu and he WAS ABLE TO. EVIL spent almost all of its dirty tricks, but was outplayed on all fronts."

[7.0] "This match gets some extra points just because Evil lost. Easily one of the biggest pops in the no cheering crowds I've seen in quite some time. Evil's constant cheating still feels like it detracts from the actual wrestling, but Hiromu is still so good he could make up for it. ***1/2"

[7.0] "This was really good. Takahashi was able to counter House of Torture's antics throughout the match, playing into the finish when he takes out Togo when he tries to distract the referee. At this point, he barely feels like a Junior Heavyweight, as this match felt like a normal match between Heavies rather than a David vs. Goliath type situation."

[6.0] "Takahashi attacked EVIL before the bell rang. Dick Togo interfered. This was a pretty good encounter."

[7.0] "It was fun for what it was worth. The shenanigans of HOT almost ruined the match for me but it was funny to see Hiromu turn the tables on them. There were a few good moments, the pacing of the match was consistently mostly and the match didn't stay it's welcome for too long, So, I kind of like it but I think it would have been way better had this been LIJ EVIL instead of HOT EVIL.***1/2"

[7.0] "Decent match, with a great finish. Hiromu fighting against the typical cheating House of Torture was good, but the finish where Hiromu pushed EVIL into Togo, then stole EVIL's finisher and pinned him clean was amazing."

[5.0] "It was all I imagine it would be... The modern days EVIL, with the house of torture, is painfull to watch. 2, 75*"

[3.0] "Right person went over, but it was the usual shenanigans right until the end. At least we won't be seeing them anymore in the cup. Hopefully.."

"Hard for me to care about an EVIL match, even if his opponent is great. Why doesn't this guy just go to the WWE where he belongs? At least his ass is out of the New Japan Cup. That makes me happy."

[7.0] "The goodlooking intense fight of Hiromu against the usual booking of EVIL and the likes. The result is a good match fortunatelly."

[7.0] "This was okay. Nice work from Hiromu as always, but a lot of interference and Bullet Club shenanigans"

[7.0] "Hiromu Takahashi's ability to have a very good match with this current iteration of EVIL despite multiple instances of interference from Dick Togo, plus the power he showed in getting EVIL up for some big moves, made a great case for moving him up to the heavyweight division (if that is something he wants to do)."

[7.0] "Great moment to finish the match, but otherwise pretty terrible stuff as is customary for HoT. Tough one to rate but I'll go 7 simply for the upset win. ***1/2"

[8.0] "This is probably the best HoT match. Don't quote me on that I DEFINITELY haven't seen them all but it has to be up there. It still had Dick Togo, ref bumps and the classic exposed turnbuckle but it had some great wrestling and Hiromu's performance was incredible. I legitimately really enjoyed this. I can only imagine how good a match between them would be if EVIL didn't have this gimmick. I cannot wait for Shingo vs Hiromu, that's gonna be NUTS. ****"

[7.0] "This match was tough to rate. On one hand, it had all the usual house of torture spots that cause my interest to fade in their matches, but at the same time, all the cheating played into the story they were telling here, with Hiromu (and Red Shoes) being wise to EVILs tricks, and ultimately overcoming them, beating EVIL with his own move. I cant say this was one of the promotions best matches of the year, but the finish was one of the best moments, and moments are what New Japan have really been lacking throughout the clap crowd era."