Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

[8.0] "Arguably Naito's best match of that years G1. Good technical stuff from both, Naito looked much better here then in his opener against Takagi, which sort of surprises me but doesn't because these guys have worked thousands of times and they have never had a bad match (not including their less than 2 minute match in 2022). This was surprisingly good, since Naito wasn't as good as he used to be and Zack did a good job of helping carry the match to a good bout."

[7.0] "This was okay. Naito surely was "hiding" his game for the inevitable day that him was about to give ZSJ the belt, so they produced a quick and fun action that I honestly enjoy. I can count and say every single minor mistake that Naito and surprisinly Zack did here, but I'm not here to say any bullshit to Naito."

[7.0] "This will probably go down as the best Naito match from the tournament, and of course it's against Zack Sabre Jr... who else could it be? This match started in an awesome way, with a lot of sequences and well worked angles. But Naito can't work in the same rhythm an entire match, so obviously those middle sectors were slow and not a lot of things happened, but I loved the way they chose to end the match, with a lot of counters and sequences on the ground. ZSJ's style really helped this match, because the mat wrestling hides any flaw that Naito has in his arsenal of moves, and this could be an enjoyable experience most of the time. What Zack did after winning was freaking sensational, he restored the feeling, for a few minutes he made me believe it's coming home - {***1/4}"

[7.0] "This match was pretty good, but I feel that was mostly on ZSJ. Still, Naito looked better here than he usually does these days, presumably due to ZSJ's style being less intensive to work around."

[8.0] "In what is easily one of the biggest stories of the tournament thus far, current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito is off to an 0-2 start. He fell to his LIJ stablemate Shingo Takagi on Night 1, and here on Night 2, he got caught by Zack Sabre Jr. during an exchange of flash pins. Even though I didnt think this was the best match these two have ever had, I really enjoyed how it played out. Right from the start, Naito tried for a series of quick flash pins that nearly caught Sabre (playing off a G1 match these two had a few years ago when Naito beat Sabre in less than two minutes after catching him in a small package). Sabre was able to survive those flash pin attempts, and while he did work over Naito at a few points (including doing a standing neck crank on the apron), Naito was the one who spent minutes working over a body part, as he targeted Sabres neck. It was definitely a little strange seeing Sabre in that position, but it was something a little different, so I didnt mind it too much. From there, Sabre finally managed to make a comeback, and we got into a really solid closing stretch. Sabre went for the Zack Driver three times, with the first one being countered by a Destino, while the second one landed (though he was unable to make the cover). The two got into another flash pin exchange, and after being unable to catch Naito with the European Clutch, Sabre was able to trap Naito in another pin to secure the victory. He then immediately went to the floor, grabbed the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, and paraded around with it. Im really curious to see where both guys go from here. Sabre is off to a 2-0 start, and even though hes one of the favorites to win the whole thing, him getting off to this hot of a start (points wise) might be a sign that hes losing some matches down the stretch (unless they just book him really strong through the entire block stage, which I wouldnt mind either). As for Naito, he is starting 0-2, but he did lose to arguably two of the biggest names in the A Block, so maybe its not as surprising as you might think? In other years, Naito would really be in the danger zone at this point. With the top three going through, however, theres plenty of time for Naito to storm back and make his way into the top three. He might not win the block, but I do expect him to go on a big winning streak over these next several shows to get back in contention. ****"

[9.0] "And my best match of the tournament is immediately felled. I have never seen a matchup between these two that I didn't enjoy. The precise technical wizard not having all the answers that he usually does when facing off with the embodiment of spontaneity and chaos in a wrestler is just such a good story. The flash pin sequence from the beginning was genius considering what happened two years ago in the G1. Naito used much of this match to focus on the neck of Sabre, hitting a brutal looking Hangman's Neckbreaker off the apron. This left Sabre in a weakened state, specifically the left arm, causing him to have to change several submission attempts to his right side to be able to hold the advantage, which sold this entire match for me. The finishing sequence was great too, with both men blocking the others finisher with their own for nearfalls and then ending the same way they begun with trading roll-ups until one missed Step-Up Enzuiguri from Naito led to him being folded up into a prawn hold for the win. Massive win for my pick of the tournament, but I win over the champ now makes me hesitant if this will be the WK 19 Main. Every Naito doubter if they believe he has nothing left to give. ****1/2"

[6.0] "Couple moments were a little off but still Naito looked thousand times better than in his clash with Moxley. Zack driver to destino counter was really weak but on the other hand a minute later they pulled off a really smooth pack of moves which eventually led ZSJ to the victory and beautiful image of him holding the title."

[9.0] "I think this would be the match I'd show this recent wave of "Naito is washed" believers. An exciting contest full of history, and a dynamic between the two the transitions from joking banter to genuine anger and bad blood in an instant. Zack had a hell of a performance, selling his ass off and injecting his speed and tekkers. Naito had a great performance too, with more "oh my god is he going to die" selling, and then more than matching Zack in the exciting and frenetic finishing stretch. Another quality match to add to these two's resume together."

[7.0] "A good match between these two, ZSJ and Naito usually have very good chemistry and the technical style worked here. I love that Naitos now just hitting the Destino out of no where to counter moves throughout this G1. ZSJ getting the win here was nice and makes it even more likely we may get a ZSJ world title reign"

[7.0] "A pretty solid match Zack Saber Jr. is a technical master at wrestling and Naito is tranquilo. Nothing really special happens in this match except for Zack Saber Jr. carrying this match since Naito is clearly slowing down because of his age and previous injuries. Overall 7/10 good match."

[5.0] "I usually appreciate ZSJ vs Naito matches and find that they have a strong chemistru, but this one seemed very boring for me, I don't know why. I did not have been in it, in the whole match. So I just found it long, not really bad, but definitely not so good."

[7.0] "A good match, Naito looked much better here than he did the night before.. helps that you Sabre can do alot of the heavy lifting.. slow it down after the flurry and have a build up to the frantic finish.. it never really reached a next level for me and the result likely means we won't be seeing a rematch at the biggest stage.. but we'll see."

[7.0] "It was fine. Naito played around Zack, not letting him go into his element and even when he got into it, it was still 50/50 versus Naito. Some slow moments here and there, but the finishing stretch was nice and the finish was sudden and a good one."

[6.0] "Sabre's style is a better fit for Naito and I liked this match more than Tetsuyas bout with Shingo. Still not a must-see match with some obvious timing issues on Naitos end, but it was no disappointment and you did not have to cover your eyes because the match is falling apart again. Good decision to let Zack lead most of the match and keep it grounded, helps Naito out a lot. I wonder if the Champion is just going to lose every single tournament match so he has to defend the belt in so many matches on his way to Wrestle Kingdom. For the sake of Tetsuya health I hope this is not the plan."

[9.0] "Another excellent match between Naito and Sabre Jr, who have one of my personal favourite rivalries in New Japan. Excellent selling of the arm from Zack, unexpected result that continues the story of Naitos physical and mental fragilities in this tournament as defending champion, post match makes me very excited to see where both men go from here throughout the tournament."

"Good match carried a bit by ZSJ. Naito is clearly past his prime but can still bring it especially in the charisma. His entrance and slow clothing removal gave us some classic Naito moments. Certainly not a top ten ZSJ fight you will see this year but worth watching any time two all time greats get in the ring."

[8.0] "A really nice match that sees both competitors really playing to their strengths. I've been huge fan of ZSJ's work with Tanahashi and now with Naito, as these matches have managed to tell stories that focus on weaknesses of an aging veteran wrestler without making the opponent look bad in the ring. I think that's really a fine line to walk, and it's done really well here."

[5.0] "I mean... The issue I always have with ZSJ against Naito or Tanahashi past their heyday is that he focuses on their weakest body part - knees - and really works the legs for the whole match. It makes total sense but the issue is that all it does is highlight how terrible these areas are for both men and how much it truly slows them down in ring. This match tried to do a smart thing by turning the tables and have ZSJ be the one with an injury in the match which Naito could exploit. Problem then though is that ZSJ is then working injured and is slown down and he STILL looks miles better than Naito. Tetsuya is washed up and frankly, every match from here till Wrestle Kingdom is gonna be a slog. Should have never won it back from Moxley."

[8.0] "Hell yeah, this is what the G1 is for. Naito might be washed, but put him in there with a Shingo or a ZSJ and he can still come along for the ride. I still don't think ZSJ has a chance of winning this year but this match was a good case study to put forth the proposition that it wouldn't be a bad idea. Just a fantastic wrestler cresting into his peak right now. 4.25 stars."

[6.0] "**** a good match (they almost reached 4 1/4 if it weren't for some uncoordinated moments from Naito), ZSJ and Naito have great chemistry although the style of the match was more Naito's style (slow and unhurried during a large part of the match), they knew how to give a match at the level expected of both of them today and the final sequence was excellent. I hope Zack wins the tournament, he completely deserves it."

[7.0] "These two add another good match to their portfolio. Not their best by some way but very solid and Naito looked a bit more agile here than he did against Shingo. ***3/4"

[8.0] "Tetsuya Naito is completely Carlos Rivera from Ashita no Joe. I think it's dangerous for him to continue on like this. That being said, Zack Sabre Jr. was able to extract an enjoyable match out of him that worked within his obvious limitations. These two almost always have an enjoyable match together that feels fresh; they're a super reliable combination."

[8.0] "Quick start with basics. I liked it. Small things too, Naito puts a submission on, Sabre gets the rope, Naito lets go but delivers an elbow before moving on. Delicious heeling. Third of the way in and everything has meaning, everything was allowed to breathe, they're making me feel like this stuff actually inflicts pain. Sabre methodically works Naito over to get the advantage. Everything he does looks perfect. Great pinning combos at the end as it starts to feel like they are scrambling and Zack gets the win. ***3/4 Really solid work by both, Naito has lost a couple steps but he still can make some magic sometimes."

[8.0] "Now Naito looked way better than I expected. Going to wrestle a technical match he had to do less moves perhaps and that's why he looked slightly better than yesterday. I still think yesterday's main-event is better but nevertheless this was a really smooth match that is definetely worth watching. ****"

[5.0] "5.5 - Naito went out to match Zack's technical wrestling early, but was inconsistent - he had a chinlock on, went to wrench on it, and let go of Zack's face completely. These Naito matches are going to be a struggle as the tournament goes on, especially as he's already faced Shingo and ZSJ."

[7.0] "Awesome beginning. Naito can still moving fast. I love the leverage pin attempts. Good exciting match. The finish phase was also amazing. ***3/4"

[8.0] "Not quite as good as the G1 match they had last year, but still great and on a similar level. Keeping these two under twenty minutes really, really works. Everything feels like it could end the match at any point, and there's some really nice counters and they play off the finish to last year's match as well."

[8.0] "Loads of fun in this match, great technical work and fantastic selling from ZSJ, theres a near fall that was one of the closest ive ever seen and the win for ZSJ makes me excited for the rest of the tourney."

[7.0] "Naito is not wearing a T Shirt which is a good sign here and we start with some very close roll-ups. There is some very good technical work from both men, Naito is an underrated technician in the ring. Naito relentlessly targets the neck of ZSJ, and he sells it beautifully as only ZSJ can. These two know each other very well, and Zack really manages to get the best out of Naito whilst making him look like a million bucks. Ultimately ZSJ gets the win after a roll-up to upset the IWGP World Heavyweight champ, which probably does not bode well for him winning the G1 but is a great moment. Overall a very fun match but not quite on that top level, it was good but not great."

[7.0] "Solid match that had a couple really nice near falls that made this feel like it could end at any time. Naito obviously is much more limited than before, but ZSJ works a style that can effectively hide most of his weaknesses with grappling and strike exchanges that don't require as much athleticism. The worked a slower pace with a lot of selling which also helped keep this from falling apart. Naito did his usual neck work to ZSJ and did a lot of spitting to try to give this a little extra heat. Having Naito starting off 0-2 is an interesting choice with him as IWGP champion. ***1/2"