[7.0] "A pretty pleasant surprise, Tanahashi is great here and Sabre is a great foil to him. I'm not sure what strategy ZSJ tries in his other TV Title matches, but I can only assume they're similar to this one. Tanahashi, for him, it is clear he wants to win as soon as he can. ZSJ takes his time and attempts to control the pace of the match but Tanahashi is always going to try and land big moves to try and take the match down ever so sooner. There's not a lot of selling of the limb here but I also don't think there needed to be. It wasn't very limb focused. The ending of the match I felt was a bit poorly executed, it felt too clean and like there wasn't enough struggle. However, it is a great idea. Not being able to kick out due to that exhaustion and your feet being wrapped. This match never gets uber intimate or intense, and it simply does not do enough to get me super invested, but what is here is pretty good. It's got a story, great action, and is an effective use of the time. Very decent outting from both guys. [***.5]"
[6.0] "I remember seeing this and thinking how much of a waste of Zack it was. A low card, nothing championship, lost to an old guy that can't even keep his pants up HE SHOULD BE AT THE MAIN EVENT LEVEL, FIGHTING FOR THAT IMPORTANT CHAMPIONSHIP. In 2025, that is the amazing part of me watching this a second time and being bored by it a second time. Zack is actually the top champion multiple times in 14-16 months and Tiger Mask/Tanahashi are retiring after Naito left. Giant sweeping changes in the company regarding the veteran leadership and Zack is there to feast."
[6.0] "Immensely competent fluff. Naturally this move-counter-move, almost at a "by-the-numbers" level but with the crispness and energy that is to be expected here. Match ends after flash pin exchanges with a reversal, which naturally protects Sabre. This is good but in through one ear out the other. 3/5"
[7.0] "A pretty solid match here. Not their best match against each other, although I also don't think it was really meant to be some epic battle, especially with the rules of the Television Title. Anyways, yeah, this was fun for what it was. Tanahashi winning the belt is certainly interesting."
[5.0] "Wasn't much of anything despite both men's efforts. It was an alright match, but mainly just a few spots and technical work that was great and the finishing sequence was decent, although it kinda soured the ending for me. IMO Zack should've retained but hey its probably the last time Tanahashi gets a singles title before he retires."
[6.0] "Good technical match that did nothing wrong but coming in under 9 minutes it lacked much build or too many chances to blow you away. Tough finish as well."
[6.0] "[3.0*] I thought this was a pretty good under-10 minute match and I was giving 4* to it before the final spot. These pinfall sequences did not look very well in my opinion and let to a strange ending because it looked kinda weak in Tanas part. It is still a very good match that I enjoyed."
[6.0] "Perfectly good short match. Zack works really well under time constraints and going much longer would risk exposing Tana. Not much else to say here, just a solid TV title match."
[7.0] "Extremely enjoyable match, it was nice to see the president ace Hiroshi Tanahashi winning the title... they chose a very assertive booking for this match, because Tanahashi obviously have some limitations currently, but the match was done in a way that the experience was completely pleasant and we were able to see a high quality wrestling. It was a sprint match, very short, but with a lot of technical moves, exchanges and reversals. I hope this result means Zack Sabre Jr. is moving up to main event scenario - {***1/4}"
[7.0] "Obviously Tanahashi isn't what he used to be, but I thought this was a pretty good match where ZSJ worked around Tanahashi's limitations in a shorter time limit to create something really entertaining."
[7.0] "They took advantage of the short length well and just had a roll up fest, it's an overdone match but I didn't mind this given it didn't overstay its welcome."
[6.0] "A satisfying match with ZSJ finally dropping the TV title to the new president of NJPW. They worked around Tana's limitations well, and the ending, while a little goody, protected Zach and was both a charming and fitting moment for Tana at this point in his career. 3 Stars."
[7.0] "Although Tanahashi is kind of stale when it comes to in ring work he still knows how to put on a great story. Not to mention Zack is a master of the craft and I enjoy to see more of him. So overall it was pretty good."
[7.0] "I thought this was a really good match. Tanahashi is quite limited these days but knows how to tell story. Good technical match with a strong finish."
[6.0] "Coming from the matt riddle vs tanahashi match in sapporro, thank god sabre dropped the title here then against matt in new beginning in Sapporo show. Well yeah it was weird for tanahashi to win the title just few weeks after getting the president position from NJPW(which is unfortunately the business side of things not booking) and yeah this match also adds up as a shock value and also fresh up the belt after being on sabre's reign which was forgettable at certain stages"
[6.0] "Tanahashi became the President of NJPW, and his first match since embracing the honor is a title showdown against one of the best to do the work in ZSJ, resulting in a win for Mr. President! Surprise! Jokes apart, Zack had a well-earned reign as the TV emperor, including some remarkable defenses against notable contenders. The pace was frenetic, and both men felt comfortable, especially Zack, who adjusted so well to give more room for Tana. 3 out of 5 stars!"
[7.0] "I'm not saying Zack Sabre Jr. is the outright best wrestler in the world, but there is no one I comfortably put above him. An all-time great submission artist whose striking has improved tremendously and whose ability to match pace with anyone he wrestles makes him the ultimate adaptor. He was also the arguable best champion of 2023. Hiroshi Tanahashi, meanwhile, put together a fantastic strategy to blitz ZSJ and try to prove that he did not need explosiveness to prevail. In the end, a damn good match was wrestled for a now even more prestigious title. 3.5 stars, 7 out of 10."
[7.0] "Very fun sprint. Tanahashi fits these kind of matches perfectly given his age and of course ZSJ can work around anyone's deficiencies. This won't blow you away but it was a fun display of technical wrestling and a battle of wits. ***1/2"
[8.0] "I admit I missed parts of this seemingly excellent ZSJ title reign that I should go back to, but this was every bit as good as what I have. A really exciting sprint from the man who pioneered the half-hour+ main event style of modern NJPW. The many flash victory attempts from Zack added the pressure throughout but Tana tried to blitz him even faster by trying a High Fly Flow within 3 minutes. Zack's precarious pinning combinations being the end of his reign at the hands of a veteran who could actually figure out how to leverage them for those 3 seconds was really cool too. Maybe this was just refreshing/novel to me but it's a good example of Tana's golden years continuing despite his age and new position. ***3/4"
[7.0] "This match was fun for what it was but it being nearly the shortest match on the card, you can't help but feel a bit cheated. We don't need 20 minute marathons from Tanahashi anymore but with how technically gifted and precise ZSJ is, this match feels like it should have been given 5 more minutes."
[6.0] "Obviously Tanahashi is not in his WK Main Event stage anymore but he can still present a fun match where gives the fans his classic spots. ZSJ was the perfect person to have him in there with and I think they both put forth an entertaining match that served its purpose on the show"
[8.0] "This was a really fun match. Zack and Tanahashi were cooking. It's nice to see Tanahashi still having good matches even though i've heard on twitter that he was "washed". He definitely didn't look like it here."
[8.0] "I cant imagine wanting this match to be any longer. Tanahashi gets to do his thing, and Sabre doesnt have to adjust too much and he still gets to do all his technical wrestling. The last three minutes of this had some great counters like Zack blocking Tanahashis leg screw into a twist onto his neck. At the very end they started trading pins and Tanahashi won after he grabbed ahold of ZSJ legs.***3/4"
[6.0] "Short and sweet technical match between the two. I thought it would be shorter due to Tanahashi delivering a High Fly Flow early in the match. Zack having 5 or 6 submissions in just a minute is madness. Tanahashi being careful in this match knowing his past injuries and trying to counter Zack's offense so that Zack couldn't get an upper hand. The battle of pinfalls in the end is intense but Tanahashi getting the win as what it should be. Yeah, just because he is the president of NJPW that is why he put himself over to win. But jokes aside, glad to see Tanahashi getting a win and a championship run. Appreciate him while he is still active in the ring. ***1/2"
[7.0] "We're used to these matches but they always work well together. This match is easy on the body for Tanahashi, the crowd is into it, it did its job. A little surprising to see Tanahashi win. That's a bummer for Zack who loses again on a big stage but maybe he'll finally move to more exciting plans. Anyway, cool match, ending kinda came out of nowhere but good enough moment for the Ace."
[5.0] "Bad decision to put the title on tanahashi who should really be considering retirement because he's gonna hurt himself bad. The match was average I'm not a very big fan of technical wrestling that Zack produces so most of his matches I always rate lower than the usual person. 2.5 stars."
[7.0] "Good match between Zack and the president. I don't like Tana winning and ending Zack's reign - I was hoping Oiwa, Umino or maybe even Fujita would do it. Basically a younger talent who would benefit from it. Riddle vs ZSJ would have been a better matchup too"
[6.0] "Before this match I thought it would be a pretty good idea to give Tanahashi and his tired body a belt which comes with 10-minute time limits. After the match, I wasn't so sure. 10-minute matches come with a higher pace and Tanahashi seemed to have trouble with that. The match itself was pretty standard between these guys. The resulting title change will be an interesting experiment."
[7.0] "This was a pretty good match. Tanahashi was explosive and went for big moves and spots and ZSJ would slow him down and try to tap Tanahashi out. The finishing sequence with Tanahashi beating Zack at his own game was pretty cool."
[6.0] "Even that I love both guys there, this match was to short little memorable for me to rate this higher. On the good side, Tanahashi worked really well there, and kept pace with Zack almost the entire match. (***)."
[4.0] "Tana really needs to hang it up and the decision to put a belt on him is simply baffling when there are some matches where he can barely walk at at a good wrestling pace."
[7.0] "Certainly not the Tokyo Dome Tanahashi of the 2010s, but this was a lot of fun in its own way. ZSJ is one of those guys that can work a low impact style that works to Tanahashi's limitations and can still have drama and strong technical back and forths. Having ZSJ's 365 day title reign end to Tanahashi probably isn't the best choice, it made for a feel good Ace victory in the Tokyo Dome. ***1/2"
[5.0] "Now as much as I would love to rank this higher I really cant. Tanahashi WAS great. He is clearly beyond his time now and putting a belt on him was 100% the wrong decision. Considering the size of NJPW roster youd think theyd find someone better to take the belt of ZSJ. So I was disappointed"
[5.0] "Definitely the weakest match that I can remember seeing between the Ace tanahashi and Zach Sabre Jr. Complete carry job by ZSJ and a sloppy ending. Not a stinker but this match is getting incredibly overrated. Im not surprised at the result here considering Tanahashis new role in the company."
[5.0] "Zack does his best, but there's not much meat on the bone here. The rolling up back and forth ending was a weak finish to an overall standard match that Zack could do in his sleep. Tana in no way needs to be carrying a singles belt at this point in his career - should've gone to a younger guy."
[8.0] "Felt like a more condensed version of their previous meetups, and was still good even if Tana is slower these days. I loved him going for all his key big spots early on given the time limit, and watching Sabre counter all his moves in style was great stuff. That smooth ass dragon screw counter ruled. The finish coming off the repetitive back and forth pins was a nice surprise, and it felt like Tana beating Sabre at his own game. Good stuff! ****"
[5.0] "A torturous match with very bad pace. ZSJ was giving his all to bring up the speed but Tanahashi is too old for that. And of course Tana out-maneuvers the maneuver guy and wins. Good to see Tana still has it in him i guess. Hopefully Zack moves up to bigger and better things after this."
[8.0] "Tanahashi's first order as the President Ace is to be the TV champion! Jokes aside, the match was great, he and Sabre were so smooth and great on technical level. Matches like this are great for Tanahashi right now, as he can go all out and not get exhausted do to 15 min time limit. And as he, surprisingly, became the champion, we can expect more matches like this."
[6.0] "Great Techincal match, yes Tanahashi isn't the wrestler he used to be, but still a huge name in Wrestling, both were so smooth with especially ZSJ with his transitions there isn't many that can match hold for hold with him, but the result was a shock and especially when it happen no one saw it coming which gave a little shock to the result."
[5.0] "I was excited for this match before the show but reality came crashing down hard. Tanahashi working the 2nd match of WK is about right for him right now. But the match was fine because of Zack Sabre Jr, who can craft an interesting match with almost everyone. Tanahashi just has to exist and play the hits, and win, apparently. The belt was intended for young guys but that's clearly a plan for the past . **3/4"
[6.0] "[3.5*] Tanahashi is no longer at his peak, he is slower and less athletic in this match he still managed to be solid for most of it. Zack Saber Jr, as always, showing off his technique. I didn't like the end of the match with the rolling war and Tanahashi winning the title like that."
[5.0] "Probably the worst singles match these two have had over the years in comparison to their G1 encounters and such but that's understandable given what time has done to Tana's body and in context this did exactly what it needed to do. They hid Tana's limitations well sticking to the technical exchanges and got the crowd biting on some falls and invested in the first singles match on the card. The finish was interestingly booked, sudden and a nice surprise. Quite what President Tana does with the belt from here is anyone's guess."
[6.0] "Tana looking absolutely ludicrous, like Jeff Hardy finally found his pajamas after a four day bender - and he spent half the match pulling his tights back up against his beer gut. That said, this was a blazing, masterful, quickdraw ZSJ tekkfest. Just a shame the wrong guy, with the wrongest hairdo won ***1/4"
[7.0] "Nothing amazing here, but just a very enjoyable match to watch. These two are so good, so smooth, I could've watched a longer match and wouldn't have minded."
[8.0] "So the new president of the New Japan ended the first ever Television championship reign. This match ended after a series of quick pins so the ending came quite unexpectedly but the whole bout was short but perfect by the technical site and the comments below are right; this Tana looks better than last year. A good fight overall. ***3/4"
[7.0] "It was a solid technical match, but as a ZSJ fan boy I cant rate this too highly, theyre already constricted with the TV limit so for the match it was very very good, but I just wasnt a fan of Tanahashi getting put over, ZSJ is the future of New Japan and should be treated as such."
[7.0] "Good work, these two are a nice pairing. Zack Sabre Jr seems to have chemistry with most of the roster really. It was a great moment for Hiroshi Tanahashi to get the title (of course as he becomes the new president lol). This was a fun, and quick match between a legend and a technical master. ***1/2"
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