Adam Brooks vs. Masa Kitamiya

[5.0] "This was a perfectly adequate match although it never really raised itself beyond that level. Following on from a surprise win for Adam Brooks in night 1 against Kenoh, and a loss for Masa Kitamiya against Yuki Yoshioka, this match probably wasn't as entertaining as either of those."

[7.0] "This was good. Brooks brought it to Kitamiya who had to struggle and rely on a hurt knee despite being the bigger guy. The limb work happens early in the match and then it's Brooks doing the job of selling it while trying to keep offense going, until it is too much and Kiyamiya taps him out. The post match was nice with Morris pocking the bear and regretting it to prepare their match the next day. ***1/2+"

[6.0] "A limb match here that gave Kitamiya his first win of the tournament and Brooks his first loss. As I suspected, the lower pressure resulted in a better, more polished performance from Brooks. I liked too the post-match between Kitamiya and Jack Morris as that gave some spice to their block meeting."

[7.0] "This was some good stuff. Both are good, and it is nice seeking Brooks finally get the opportunity he deserves in NOAH. This had some good selling in this match, a skill of Brooks. While Kitamiya put on the prision lock, a hold which would probably hurt a person, but rarely looks like he it does, but with Brooks the move looks how it should."

[9.0] "Brooks showcased his explosiveness and wit early, while Kitamiya answered with his signature offense that focuses on his opponent's knee. Biggest story here was that Brooks was selling for Kitamiya so well, that it felt like the biggest pay-check in Brooks' career was waiting for him in the back, like this is Kitamiya's first tournament and his job is to sell Prison Lock like the most painful submission hold ever. His desperation to get whatever offense he could, even if it was a huge risk like that Meteora off the turnbuckle on the apron was, was just excellent. Really good tournament match, and it was all about the basics done really well - Kitamiya looked very strong after that win. Also after the match Jack Morris tried to talk some shit to Kitamiya, only to get hit by Kitamiya's Backdrop Suplex. ****"

[7.0] "Masa continues his good tournament, and Brookes looked way more confident from the get go than he did in his match with Kenoh. The knee slams, chop blocks, and Prison Locks all added up and hindered Brooks from using his more fast and flashy offense compared to most in the tournament. Unlike Saxon Huxley yesterday, Brooks sold his knee damage great, and by the time Masa was doing his Ultimate Warrior comeback, he also sold that he was well and truly fcked. The finish was great in that it took advantage of the damage inflicted on Brooks knees, but once Masa gaffed on the guillotine, Brooks had to tap immediately. Another good match on the second day of the tournament."