Katsuhiko Nakajima vs. Shotaro Ashino

[7.0] "[3.5*] Very good match, although I think the stiff-ass powerbomb Ashino did on Katsu made him have some sort of injury or at least activated some protocol, because after that they stood in the ground for a lot of time talking about it and then the match ended kind of abruptly few minutes later. It is weird to see an AJPW main event having less than 20 minutes, specially with Nakajima on it, so maybe they should have reached second gear if it was not for the incident. Still a pretty good stiff fight."

[7.0] "Solid outing from both. Ashinos selling of the arm work a strong point. Couple of big spots but would benefit from a little more intensity from Nakajima."

[8.0] "Typical high quality affair from Nakajima, nothing mind-bowing but his average is very good, so an 8 is fair."

[6.0] "An enjoyable defense from Nakajima, that really heated up once they came back into ring after the work outside. Ashino delivered a few nasty duplexes, and a wicked power bomb to Nakajima's neck, while the champ's kicks were stiff, and his arm work was strong. Just a good solid match. 3.25 Stars."

[9.0] "Ashino's arm just couldn't hold out for him in the long run as Nakajima kicked and locked in armbars until he could put Ashino away. The gutwrench suplex from Ashino to Nakajima over the ropes and out of the ring was a good spot. I would have liked Ashino having some better transitions at times."

[6.0] "I think investment is key in professional wrestling. And, to be honest, I had zero investment in this match. Even though I like both guys, they couldn't get me into the match. I feel like I must come back to this in the future, maybe on a second watch I'll like it better."

[9.0] "Nakajima took at least two "holy crap" bumps getting thrown around by Ashino, and still came out looking like a killer."

[8.0] "Pretty good match, modern AJPW isn't usually my jam but I do like Nakajima quite a bit and I thought he did a very good job here as usual. Ashino is a guy who doesn't really stand out to me so much but he did fine as well. Could definitely watch Nakajima kick folks all day."

[9.0] "Fantastic Match. Another great title defense and performance from Katsuhiko Nakajima. Also great performance from Ashino, playing as a fiery babyface who wants to take the Triple Crown from the outsider champion. Katsuhiko Nakajima is in his peak of his wrestling career. ****1/2"

[7.0] "[4.0*] This was a great duel for the triple crown Championship, despite the criticism about his reign Nakajima makes another great title defense. Ashino was very stiff in this match with his chops, lariat and powerbomb. The match was decent although I expected it to last longer. Nakajima's submission was very good too and made him look very strong."

[7.0] "Started off a little dull but things picked up nicely with Ashino's nasty looking powerbomb and some nice strike exchanges. The submission finish felt a little flat compared to when it was used to beat Miyahara. ***3/4"

[7.0] "This was another kick ass match by Nakajima. Now that hes outside of the stale and sterile environment that is NOAH, Nakajima feels refreshed and alive. Long are the days when Nakajima would endlessly kick someone in the chest for 40 minutes, his strikes have purpose, poise and significance. He looked great on top in the match with his precise striking skills and strong limb work. Ashino isnt a great worker, but hes good and this was another good performance. His selling was a strong point in the match and it added to the drama greatly. The highspots were well done and came off well. The one armed powerbomb particularly and the closing armbar sequence was played off wonderfully. ***1/2"

"[8/10] This was a very straight forward main event, with nothing flashy or over indulgent. I really like the presentation of Nakajima's palm strike as being a lethal blow. Everything from the slap to the finish was perfect."

[9.0] "Nakajima as the piece of shit outsider as champion is comfortably the best thing in pro wrestling right now. Ashino has only just come back from a broken arm so of course Nak spent the match targeting it which also makes complete sense with his current finisher borrowed from his adopted pa. Katsu was at his most vicious here. Ashino did well in defeat including folding Nakajima up with one of the nastiest powerbombs you will ever see. I adored this ****3/4"

[7.0] "Another good title defense from Nakajima, although for me it didn't quite reach the heights of some of his previous ones, and it took me a while to get into this"

[7.0] "This was pretty good. I thought the outside brawling made it slow to get into, and it seems to be a trademark at this point, but as Ashino made the comeback and actually exerted control, this got good. His suplexes were solid, and Nakajima had to come back viciously with acrobatic counters like landing on his feet from an attempted German. The closed fist punch spot actually made my jaw drop. Holy shit that was crazy. Ashino coming back up from that babyfaced him even more, just like Nakajima winning with the same armlock he did against Kento heeled him more. Not even close to the Kento match, but good nonetheless."

[9.0] "Another fantastic Katsuhiko Nakajima Triple Crown Title match. I don't know much about Shotaro Ashino but I came away quite impressed with his selling. Katsuhiko worked the arm quite well and it worked, yet seeing Ashino drop him with a GNARLY one armed Powerbomb was beautiful and will stay with me. Nakajima is currently on a fantastic title reign and it only keeps getting better. ****1/4"