El Phantasmo vs. Taichi

[6.0] "I hate to say it, but this match fell massively short of my expectations both times I've watched it. Both Taichi and ELP have had some under-the-radar ++ matches over the past couple of years, including a few this year, so I thought they could make a little magic here. It was fine, the kicks from Taichi sounded great, but it didn't have the flow or percision of a great match. 3 Stars."

[6.0] "This match felt like a mid tournament G1 that doesn't have a ton of heat but needs to happen anyway. So far this tournament has been very middle of the road for EL P who doesn't have any standout matches up to this point and hasn't been more compelling as a character or wrestler since getting kicked out of BC. Taichi's strikes landed great here and Phantasmo does a good jib getting beat up here before catching Taichi in the Gedo clutch. ***"

[6.0] "Best part of this was ELP poking fun at Taichi's idiotic lip syncing gimmick, that I will never stop shitting on. The match itself was ok, I didn't think they had the greatest chemistry, and the ending was a bit of a miss. But I'm excited for ELP to be gradually getting over as a babyface."

[5.0] "El Phantasmo vs. Taichi was a average match to me 2.5 stars. When they were getting out of first gear the match was over by then. Phantasmo was underwhelming in this match and Taichi was his solid self in this match. The match overall just could have been better."

[6.0] "The closing stretch was good but the rest of the match was quite middling. Certainly not either man's best showing. Taichi showed his characteristic babyface fire although it was a bit more limited than usual and ELP looked a bit like he was going through the motions, continuing his rather underwhelming G1. Good match overall, just could have been better. ***1/4"

[7.0] "Good match I just didn't really like the finish. Good back and forth action. ELP is a lot better than I have previously given him credit for. His selling was good and his offense was solid. We saw a good amount of fire from Taichi here and he threw some great strikes."

[7.0] "Really pleasing surprise here. Taichi in this tournament is producing some really good matches and ELP adds to every match that touch of high flying that is always something fresh. They traded some hard kicks here and the near falls were very well done and exciting, it was really not something you could predict. Well done! ***3/4"

[7.0] "I thought this was overall a fun match. The newly christened babyface ELP continues to excel in his new role. The closing stretch of this match was great but it did feel like it took a bit to get there. Taichi has been a star throughout the G1 and has won me over. The finishing stretch of counter pins was a fun if albeit derivative finish."

[8.0] "Fun double-babyface match that felt like it had real stakes yet both guys managed to maintain their playful side. Both guys worked crisp and hit hard, but the twists and turns at the end of the match were a real treat to watch. Its been fun to see ELP get more and more over with the Japanese audience in the tourney."

[3.0] "3.5 - Pretty poor chemistry, with everything they did having a light touch to it. Bad idea to start a match with a soft kick exchange, it just looks goofy. Then, for ELP's finish to be on a mistimed kick wrapped the whole thing up as expected. Disappointing, as I was hoping these two could pull out a banger block match without the help of Okada or Ospreay."

[6.0] "Considering how banged up ELP is, while Taichi is one of the few participants without any noticeable injury, it was surprising that this match went for the long run, and pace suffered as a consequence. However, this opens the door for a KOPW program for Phantasmo, which he desperately needs to consolidate a face run that is in a dangerous middle point between failure and success."

[6.0] "Just an ok match, both guys have done better in this G1. ELP with some fun moments with the microphone and the fans, Taichis comebacks are always great, ELP trying to strike off with Taichi was fun. Overall kindof forgettable, I feel like they could do a lot better if they had a rematch later on."

[6.0] "The match was fine but nothing really special. Taichi plays his part well as usual but the more I watch ELP the less I am convinced he could be one of the top babyfaces. Maybe his character needs time to change but even though he's a good wrestler I rarely find myself caring about what he does in this G1."

[8.0] "Really good match and an unexpected lost for the former leader of Just 4 Guys. Phantasmo's offence was a complete highlight as normal and in general this fight is enjoyable, just the fluidest back and forth wrestling you can figure out between two athletically gifted men. ***3/4"