[10.0] "Wonderful. This was an epic bout between two of the best wrestlers currently in the company (and on the planet, actually). I agree with most of the users here who say that the G1 Climax was better, but this match is another big step in NJPW's renaissance. The atmosphere was already electric before the match started, and Oiwa looked like a major threat to the charismatic champion. I really liked the storytelling in this match, as Tsuji countered his opponent's power with heelish tactics throughout. I especially loved his attacks on Oiwa's ribs. Then we saw some fighting spirit from The Grip before Tsuji regained control towards the end, hitting three Fire Blasters to retain the title. The result was perfect, IMO, as it establishes Tsuji as the ace and the current leader of his generation--for now. It also sets up an arc for Oiwa, who will have to redeem himself before eventually becoming IWGP Champion (classic NJPW booking). Kenny Omega's post-match challenge was very cool, too. That match will be a great opportunity to make Yota Tsuji a true legend."
[10.0] "New Japan has had an absolutely insane year so far, this being just the latest MOTY contender coming from them. An absolute epic through and through. The match felt so fresh and both guys had so much to prove, yet they still exceeded any expectations anyone might have had. Tsuji has had an absolutely insane year, and he was so great in this as well. Oiwa is the fastest rising star in the company and he wrestled another all-timer in Ryogoku, he will win that belt soon. Everything after the 20 minute time call was out of this world, I was on the edge of my seat and fell for every false finish, especially the first Fire Blaster and The Grip."
[5.0] "It's funny how New Japan fans were insisting that the G1 climax final match was revolutionizing and fundamentally changing the landscape of wrestling, and now here we're back to generic bangerinos. This match was way too long, way too bland, way too typical. I'm totally baffled at the praise its getting."
[9.0] "Wow man, just wow. The way these NJPW stars build their matches is pure art, starting with a simple side headlock and methodical limb work, yet every single wrench of Oiwa's headlock had me leaning inches closer to the screen. How they take pure, foundational, no-frills pro wrestling and organically escalate it into an absolute five-star epic is mind-blowing. The narrative dynamic here was spotless: Oiwa clearly didn't possess Tsuji's seasoned polish or main-event pedigree just yet, but he had all the heart, guts, and defiance in the world. Tsuji was ferociously defending his era and dominion, while Oiwa was desperately clawing to blow the doors open for his own era. And that spot: Oiwa stubbornly grinding that side headlock and literally walking Tsuji around ringside on the outside without ever breaking the hold! Those prolonged headlock minutes were hypnotic old-school psychology. Then Tsuji turning the tide, relentlessly tenderizing Oiwa's bruised ribs with malicious intent, the unyielding fighting spirit from both men, and holy shit, Oiwa KICKING OUT OF A FULL-IMPACT GENE BLASTER! Man, I am completely hooked on this new NJPW era. An awe-inspiring New Japan clash and a flat-out masterpiece of modern in-ring storytelling!"
[10.0] "There it comes, the next. Well well well, what could I say? This is the moment I reward Tsuji for his insane year, I reward him with his first ever five stars match, but not yet, let's talk about that match for a bit. The vibes felt really like prime NJPW was back, Tana and Okada surely were emotional watching it here. Tsuji wasn't my guy until he became fat, for some reason he thought he would look great with a bit more of weight inside his entire body and he was RIGHT! He looks so cool, so powerful, I can't even explain the reason why that happen. Oiwa...man, I'm in love when I talk about some wrestlers, for different reasons. VENY, Chihiro, Uemura, rest well PAC and Oiwa, man, those are one in a century. Uniques at their own way and Oiwa is the case. Smart, able to sell his gut and make it believable and not stupid. When Tsuji was stomping his belly, I felt the pain, I believed it, because he made me believe. Even being chubby, Tsuji were easily picked by Oiwa whenever he wanted. That Chaos Theory German Suplex felt like a gift coming from godness, and wasn't even close the best thing that happened in this wrestling match. Tsuji's face getting lightly purple with the fucking headlock, he breathing hard when he finally were able to get out of there, he also was smart as hell, he MADE us believe that he could win. Still, not yet. Oiwa is good, not great. Tsuji is great. It will come his moment and we all will get hyped just like that crowd was for him, the smile Tsuji left out of his mouth felt genuine when he hear the almost 8k live attedance cheering for his opponent. He knew he was about to witness and present a great match. Thankfully, he did. Like previously mentioned, this is a five stars match for me and I felt I just couldn't left that match happier...but I did. Damn man, Kenny Omega?"
[8.0] "Really like how it started with chain wrestling and Oiwa working the arm and when Tsuji takes over to work Oiwa's torso. Guys having a strategu outside of "do my moves" is always awesome. The early crowd reactions to the headlocks really show how over Oiwa has gotten it. Tsuji's desperstion to get out of it also puts it over. Oiwa's torso and lung selling is really good. Both guys do a good job at staying immersed. A little over 20 minutes in and theyve told a consistent in ring story of Oiwa working the arm to mitigate Tsuji's big offense and Tsuji working the torso to soften Oiwa up for the gene blaster and fire blaster. They pay off an earlier spot with the tope Tsujisita that had previously been stopped. Tremendous finishing run with the headlock being held onto and after so many wrestling attempts, Tsuji going back to body strikes, paying off all the earlier work. Then Oiwa hitting the Zack driver as a wrinkle to Tsuji. Couple of sweet mini fireblasters from Tsuji to gain the advantage and then hitting the full fire blaster. Love the in-ring story focus. Early body part work paid off. This is worth checking out. 4 stars."
[10.0] "Little bummed oiwa lost but I think it's for the best rn. I think he's going to have many more big time main event matches. Tsuji is on the run of his life rn to. (****3/4)"
[10.0] "[5*] Tsuji vs. Oiwa is an all-timer. The level of wrestling on display here is simply out of this world. Oiwa had the best rib injury selling I've ever seen, while Tsuji delivered an absolute masterclass in limb work. Every little detail mattered, and both guys were phenomenal at making their work feel meaningful. This is the kind of match that reminds you just how incredible professional wrestling can be when everything clicks. Tsuji is having a legitimate Wrestler of the Year campaign. His work has been outstanding, and this is another example of why he's becoming one of the very best in the world. And then there's Oiwa, a wrestler who genuinely makes you fall in love with pro wrestling all over again. The way he builds momentum, the way he moves, the way he makes you believe in every comeback -- he creates that feeling, that movement, that excitement that makes you want to keep watching this sport. I honestly think Oiwa should have won, but I can't say Tsuji didn't deserve to retain either. Both men made a compelling case for themselves, and the result doesn't take anything away from what they accomplished here. One of the best matches of the year. An absolute masterpiece from two incredible wrestlers."
[10.0] "Oh fuck me baby this was great. It's probably 2 of my top 3 for WOTY going at it and my god it was magical. I will say whilst it's Tsuji's best ever match it is mental to say Oiwa has had better this year. I just thought this match had everything from spectacle to tension to drama and amazing in ring work. Just the way it built and built the whole time to the way it had it's crescendo in the final moments was unreal. Both men just turned in unreal performances for the whole thing. Tsuji was excellent and i loved how he tried to throw Oiwa off by taking it to the outside but getting bitched by the headlock. The stomp to the outside to work the midsection was also brilliant. He was dominant for most of the match which was great to see as he had a lot of 50/50 matches in the G1 and it made the second half of the match even better. Oiwa was once again fucking majestic he really is the future of the sport man. The way he brings you into a match is just otherworldly his selling of the beating he took in the first half of the match before his comeback was so good. But my god when this man gets the headlock in it is just incredible and my god the pop i get every time someone thinks they have got out of it just for him to mange to cinch it back in is godly. But my god the closing stretch of the match was just so good Yota hitting the fire blaster to counter the big rock was godly. Then the stretch of the Zack driver, a huge lariat and then the Grip for near falls was amazing. Then the fire blaster counter to the grip for a near fall and one more for the win was chefs kiss. Just fuck me man easy a top 5 match for me this year. Just perfect in pretty much every thing you would want from a big title main event. I need to see both in person so bad man they are both gods. I do like the post match angle and Kenny vs Tsuji at the dome will be godly no doubt but i feel this match should of been a dome main event. But still watch this match it is fucking amazing. Somehow topped the MOTYC main event of KOPW 2025. (*****1/2)"
[10.0] "In those last 5 minutes, I genuinely thought Oiwa was going to be crowned champion with my whole being. This is the only wrestling match I've ever seen that has made me feel this way--having genuine belief in Oiwa and his fighting spirit to the utmost degree. This is the match of the year. Nothing will top this."
[10.0] "I'll admit, the match had a rocky start, but man, when they kicked it into second gear, I started to love the match. This was easily better than their G1 Climax match. Oiwa really showed the world that he is ready for the main event scene. Tsuji did a great job of making Oiwa look amazing. Speaking of Tsuji, he's an amazing wrestler. The strikes, sequences, reversals, and maneuvers were fantastic. I wasn't a fan of both walking around the ring with Oiwa holding that death grip with that headlock. Still surprised Oiwa managed to get a headlock of all things over the way he did. Yota hit a devastating flying stomp to the midsection of Oiwa on the outside. At first, I thought the match was only good, but when it reached the 20-minute mark, that's when things started to kick into gear, and it never slowed down. Oiwa reversed a gene blast from Tsuji with a doctor bomb. Loved that reversal. Oiwa managed to reverse something of Yota into a headlock, another reversal that caught me off guard. Yota hit a fire blaster out of nowhere to reverse the headlock attempt from Oiwa. After that, Oiwa took Yota's head off with a brutal lariat. Yota hit the fire blaster, but Oiwa kicked out. After the 2nd fire blaster, it was all over. "
[9.0] "A match with simple but effective booking, easy to follow and ultimately accomplishing what it set out to do. Ryohei Oiwa was coming off a grueling G1 and had the first world title shot of his career in the very same arena where he had won the tournament final. It reminded me, to some extent, of the Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Mitsuharu Misawa matches from 1990. I liked how dominant Tsuji was portrayed. For once, I genuinely feel like he looks like the top guy, the most important man in the company. On the other hand, I wasn't particularly fond of how rookie-ish Oiwa came across. Still, I'm willing to trust that this is part of a long-term booking plan. Beyond that, I enjoyed Tsuji's offense, as well as Oiwa's brief comebacks, particularly the stomps, although they ultimately proved to be rather ineffective. The transition from Tsuji's dominance to Oiwa being on the verge of winning the match felt somewhat abrupt and lacked solid build-up. The selling was inconsistent at times and the overall pacing felt rather linear. That said, the final ten minutes were packed with tension and drama. The crowd chanted Oiwa's name right up until the referee's final slap on the mat. The near falls and the feeling that Oiwa might actually win make for a captivating closing stretch."
[10.0] "Wow, i don't have many words to describe how I felt during this match. We are in a new era for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and it's just a very good one. I'm happy to be part of it. Yota Tsuji is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion that New Japan Pro Wrestling need right now, and Ryohei Oiwa has elevated himself so much during these past months and especially during this G1 Climax 36, with an excellent tournament, and an all time classic final against Yuya Uemura. Sadly he lost on this match, i'm sad for him, but it's a good result for the title and Yota Tsuji. Kenny Omega showed up to attack Yota Tsuji at the end of the show. A 3way for the IWGP Heavyweight Title is scheduled between Yota Tsuji, Boltin Oleg and Kenny Omega. Very excited about this match."
"One of the best matches of the year. I wanted Ryohei to win this so bad to really usher in a new generation but I guess it wasn't time yet. Didn't like the post match angle stuff that was done"
[9.0] "[4.5*] Man, what a sensational match, my God. Tsuji and Oiwa entered the ring fully aware of the magnitude of this clash; it could easily have taken place at the Tokyo Dome. The psychology is simple and clear: Oiwa wants to lock in his headlock, drain Tsuji's energy, and become world champion, while Tsuji wants to prevent that at all costs. The first thing I loved here was how Tsuji immediately "dirtied up" the match--not by cheating in the literal sense, but by throwing Oiwa out of the ring and immediately targeting his midsection. Remember, the G1 Climax final never left the ring, and Tsuji knows that. I loved Tsuji's limb work on Oiwa, and Ryohei's selling was impeccable. The second half of the match is special; Oiwa finally starts locking in the headlock, and Tsuji gradually begins to succumb. Desperation sets in, and the champion immediately looks to land his signature moves, starting with the Gene Blast--though it isn't enough. Oiwa survives but absorbs the impact; he knows he needs more headlocks. The challenger manages to land the "Tenzan-plex, " but always uses it as a setup for his main move. You have to acknowledge Tsuji's flawless selling; you can genuinely see his energy and stamina draining away after every headlock. The finishing sequence had a few more near-falls than I would have liked, but most were executed correctly. I was genuinely on the edge of my seat for most of it. The home stretch--with Tsuji finally hitting the Fire Blast for the second time to claim the title--is exactly what makes NJPW the best in the business. An excellent bout, one of the year's best, and a match that will certainly be referenced when Oiwa eventually becomes world champion. We'll be there!"
[10.0] "Incredible match, Oiwa and Tsuji had such good chemistry together, building off the basics mastery Oiwa and Uemura did in the G1 final. Shame it'll be followed up Omega making faces but AEW reigns supreme over all."
[10.0] "[4.75*] Beautiful. There's a concept me and my friends kinda created called "The Oiwa Effect". This effect consists in the desire of watching and talking more and more about wrestling, given the new layers these New Japan kids are creating. We used Oiwa here but it could've been Tsuji or Uemura too, which are currently my Top 3 best male wrestlers on earth. Before the rise of these guys, I was kinda tired of today's wrestling world. But they reignited my fire. This match alongside the G1 Final and many other of their matches are just a new type of wrestling. It's a new formula that uses classic attributes, meshed-up with the modern wrestling of today. They have classic, "Nick Bockwinkel" elements consisting of the absolute highest level of wrestling fundamentals such as the basic moves, the selling and stuff like that, they have the modern New Japan Epic formula elements, specially during the ending stretches... it's a whole new mix. It's something I've never seen before exactly like *that* but it's such a complete joy to watch. In this specific match, I fell in love with Tsuji's rib-work. When we see limb-work focused matches they're usually on the legs or arms, but I loved how he changed his strategy given he has signature moves that target the opponent's ribs. Oiwa's selling was also perfect, it was incredibly consistent and believable, creating drama and adding to the psychology. This is why I say they're masters of the basics. These are all basic wrestling concepts, with the difference that they apply them with such a perfection instead of letting them just "be there". Oiwa's work with the Headlock and his focus on Tsuji's arm was also excellent. This was a chess game between two perfectionist strategists, and I had an incredible joy watching this 35-min masterpiece. For the last 10 minutes, they kept the ground work but added the dramatic elements of 2010's epics between Tana, Okada and all of these guys. Match had some amazing heart stopping false finishes that made me scream. The finish came at the exact right time and although I really wanted Oiwa to win, inside kayfabe Tsuji had the best strategy and performance. He just was the better man. Impeccable classic bout."
[9.0] "Awesome presentation. Very nice start, Oiwa controls with superior strength and grappling at first. Tsuji had the counter ready for the first headlock, despite getting hit by all the other moves, because the headlock is what you look out for. Yota gets going once and is immediately caught with a headlock on the hardest part of the ring. great on Oiwa to keep the headlock for a minute on the outside. Tsuji selling starts really with the headlock. Tsuji plays a veteran that gets an opening and runs with it. Oiwa is now looking for a way back in and he finds it in Tsujis arm. Amazing structure so far. Boston Crab into the headlock was great but he hasn't worked the head! That entire headlock stretch is really strong. 8, 5 , really strong match living off structure and story more than flashyness."
[10.0] "Man, Oiwa and his Big Rock is the most exciting thing in wrestling in a long time. Always loved the guy but this has taken him to another level, and Tsuji is yet another fantastic opponent building an awesome match around it. One of the most thrilling and well-paced matches that truly felt like a sporting struggle. I absolutely adored it and genuinely had tears in my eyes at a couple of points."
[10.0] "Although I'm not the Technical matches typa person, yet I enjoyed this match very much, I liked the matchup very much and I think it's my first time watching Ryohei and he surprised me, Yota has always been a great wrestler and a great champion and really the future is bright towards NJPW with such champ, what a match, I enjoyed it very much, and looking forward for the fued between Omega and Yota, can't wait to see them wrestle."
[10.0] "Tsuji is the right guy to lead this company. He's got an immaculate presence, he's skilled in multiple areas, and every match he's in feels important. Oiwa will have his opportunity at some point - he proved his G1 performance wasn't a fluke, and New Japan has another young star to build the company around."
[10.0] "[5, 5 Stars] They handled all the pressure that was put on their shoulders by giving us one of the best matches of the year, and for that, I just want to say thank you to Yota and Oiwa--and let's get to the post-match; that's the icing on the cake."
[6.0] "Wasn't really into this match. I don't know maybe i was just a bit warn out from the last 3 I had seen but I could never really get into this one. Like all the work was fine and everything made sense, but like I said I just never really cared, I never really felt emotionally engaged. It never had me on the edge of my seat it all just kind of felt bland. I actually thought the post-match promo's were better which is kind of sad."
[9.0] "Tsuji's best performance to date. Represented everything a dominant champion should be; an insurmountable wall that makes the challenger feel like a hero for coming close to overcoming him. I don't think Tsuji feels like the Ace yet, but he's on a good trajectory and soon I can see myself retroactively making his WK win this year as his coronation event."
[10.0] "Just awesome. These two made headlocks and boston crabs scary and tense as they trade off each others fundamentals in the closing moments after a prolonged war. Flashier than Uemura/Oiwa as Tsuji takes risks to out power Oiwa but they rally back to the basics as the final 8 minutes are defined by 'rest holds', clotheslines and two fire blasters which are needed to keep the Grip down. Oiwa gets more resilient with each showing against Tsuji which I assume will lead to him finally besting the man. Oiwa pulling out everything and the kitchen sink to keep Tsuji down was great too as he even popped out a Zack Driver. Genuine wrestling wizardry but its somehow neither mans best match of the year which is fucking mental. (*****)."
[10.0] "yota tsuji continues to never disappoint, he has become one of my favorites to watch over the past year and after watching a few of owia's matches he easily has become one of my favorites as well !"
[9.0] "4.75 stars the build to Oiwa's headlock was masterful really though he might win. The finishing sequence was amazing would've loved a couple more minutes but amazing and crowd were top"
[10.0] "Wrestling can be so simple, yet so majestic. Thank you, gentlemen Tsuji and Oiwa. Oiwa, you're going to have one hell of a career ahead of you."
[10.0] "What can I say, excellent stuff here! I didn't think the G1 final could be topped but this was it's equal. This young generation keeps exceeding expectations and it's great to know the future of the company is in more than capable hands."
[10.0] "Ryohei Oiwa was already more than ready to be in the main event scene of NJPW. This match just proved it further. It was after a long time I was watching an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match and looks like I picked the best one. Not much to say other than both went crazy here. Oiwa almost won it with the relentless headlock after headlock but the experience Tsuji has had as the IWGP champion was too much to overcome. Maybe too many finisher kickouts but I think that's a normal thing nowadays."
[10.0] "I'm genuinely surprised how phenomenal this main event was as i'm really not a fan of neither NJPW's main event formula and Yota Tsuji. This was 35 minutes long and every time i watched NJPW's main event the "way too long" comment had to appear but here even tho it was half an hour you couldn't feel it because the action was utterly brilliant. Ryohei Oiwa is impressing me deeply with his INCREDIBLE in-ring work, same applies to Tsuji who shut my mouth to be fair, the most i enjoyed him ever if i'm being honest, hoping to see more of this version of him. Oiwa winning actually made me sad as he had whole Sumo Hall screaming for him + he really deserves to be the World Champion. Kenny Omega challenging next is so random but i guess they are building up for the NJPW vs. AEW probably at Wrestle Kingdom. *****"
[10.0] "Yota Tsuji vs Ryohei Oiwa was an absolutely sensational main event that delivered one of the best NJPW matches of the year. Just a masterpiece in drama, emotion and timing throughout. The reactions to the Boston Crab and Big Rock is something that every promotion should strive for. It showed just how well Tsuji and Oiwa have grown and made the crowd anticipate some of the most fundamental moves in wrestling, making them mean something again. Absolutely superb storytelling and intense, hard hitting action throughout (*****+)"
[10.0] "[5*] Possibly the best match I've seen from either men, just a perfect wrestling match. Both guys just showing off why they are the best in the world right now. Tsuji did an amazing job at targeting Oiwa's stomach and Oiwa did just as good a job at selling it all throughout the match. I can confidently say that this is the best Yota Tsuji I've ever seen and it's neck and neck with Oiwa/Uemura in the G1 finals for Oiwa's best match and my personal match of the year for 2026."
[8.0] "Tsuji's first half control segment, relentlessly targeting Oiwa's midsection (back & front), was the best work I've seen from the champ. Unfortunately, he's nowhere near as accomplished when it comes to making his challengers look like a threat and Oiwa was barely in this one until his half hour mark headlock frenzy. From there this was pure moves-based excitement with both guys snatching heart-stopping near falls and Sumo Hall at fever pitch ****1/4"
[10.0] "[5.00] "Perseverance" is not a ringing word or a passing idea used in wrestling; perseverance is when your back and ribs are injured and any additional damage to them means defeat, yet you persist, defying your body until your body loses the battle of perseverance, Oiwa is the best wrestler in the world this year, "A pro wrestler, that make you believe" Before I started watching the match, I knew the result, and I mean I "knew" it--I was 100% sure of it and had even seen pictures... Yet, halfway through the match, I found myself believing that everyone could be wrong and he might win; because Oiwa--and Tauji--made me believe he could win. This guy can't possibly lose, and he lost..."
[10.0] "The grip is remarkable. This match went from 4.25* to 4.75* from the beginning of that extended headlock sequence to the end. That's how immersive it was. Everything that came before was high level. Tsuji withstood the early grip on the outside due to the surroundings. The champ worked heel and maintained control for an extensive period in the beginning, before Oiwa was able to land some big moves and claw his way to the match despite the attacks to the mid section (which were sold expertly). Tsuji won with three fire blasters, including one that came from nowhere in the midst of a final stretch that had nuclear heat and some references to other tmdk members. 4.75* and I didn't even mention some of the headlock entries we got. Funny I watched this match with minimal sleep the 1st time and thought it was half a star lower than it actually was."
[10.0] "Perfect ten. Some of the best midsection work I've seen in ages. Tsuji was BRUTAL, nasty stomps and forearms to the torso nonstop for 20+ minutes before Oiwa managed to fight through the pain and get his headlocks in. The damage was already done, however, and Tsuji proved unstoppable. Yota Tsuji, that is the wrestler of the year right there, argue with a wall. Ryohei Oiwa, we'll get em next time. What a spectacle of a match."
[9.0] "I had very high expectations going into this, given how good both guys have been all year and how great their G1 match was. But this completely blew them out of the water. This is genuinely the best IWGP title match in years as well as one of the best matches of the 2020s decade. Tsuji has absolutely perfected his big match style and not a moment of this match feels wasted. Everything escalates in a satisfying way and they manage to build to some super high crescendos here. Both guys but in two of the best performances of their careers here too. For Tsuji, this is the best he's ever looked, looking super comfortable controlling the pace of the match and working over Oiwa with some of the best control work ive seen from him. Oiwa was in his element here too, playing a great underdog and coming through with a ton of firey comebacks that have the crowd absolutely rocking with everything he does. This entire match is just masterful but the final 5 or so minutes genuinely had me on the edge of my seat. Every time Oiwa wrenched back on the headlock it felt like the biggest thing ever and there were points where i honestly thought he was gonna win. Unfortunately it wasn't to be but he put in one hell of a showing here, further cementing himself as perhaps the best wrestler alive currently. As for Tsuji, he has once again further solidified himself as THE current ace of this promotion. Every single time he's in the main event, he just tears the house down and it's clear that right now, he's a man operating at the peak of his powers. This isn't New Japan's best match this year, it has a few small issues that prevent it from being as good as the G1 final or Tanahashi's retirement, but this is still an absolutely tremendous wrestling match. One of the best of the year and of the decade. One of those matches that remind you just how amazing pro wrestling can be at it's best. ****3/4"
[10.0] "Wow this is what i like from the new njpw. Hard hitting, the working of holds, yota is a great ace. Ryohei has the crowd for a good part of the match A great back and forth i would pay to see them wrestle again"
[10.0] "[5 Stars] Wow. Yota Tsuji has been at the top of his game since that Tokyo Dome match at the start of the year and Oiwa has proven himself as New Japan's next breakout over the following months. So, for these two men to have a great match makes all the sense in the world but to put on a match this outstanding was quite a shock. NJPW has generally been on the upturn this year, with matches that have reached the quality of peak New Japan, and this was one of them. Just brilliant stuff."
[10.0] "What an absolute amazing main event. Oiwa and Tsuji had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Two great wrestlers in their craft. The drama with the crowd fully behind Oiwa like the crowd was behind Tsuji back at Dominion 2023 against SANADA. We haven't seen a crowd like this in such a long time, they were so ready to get onto their feet for both men. Tsuji is on the run of a lifetime, and in hindsight should have retained against Callum cause this could have been a career-defining run for Tsuji. Oiwa, alongside the rest of the young talent are the future of this company, and I can't wait. Oiwa and Tsuji in the final sequences really pulled all the stops, either man there could have won. Tsuji with the Boston Crab, Oiwa being technically gifted escaping into the Headlock, and Tsuji attempting to get out, but Oiwa just kept locking it in until Tsuji was able to overpower and hit his new spinning finishing maneuver. Match of the year contender no doubt, and a top three match in NJPW this year alone."
[10.0] "The double stomp to the outside was one of the best high spots I've seen because it actually altered the course of this match. Oiwa's gut selling was great in defence, slightly less so in offense. Yota went full killer mode for the most part, and Oiwa takes punishment so well. They both have cardio, but Oiwa's gas tank is unbelievable, making the closing stretch feel lightning fast for a full ten minutes. A top three MOTY."
[10.0] "For most of this match this was your typical New Japan big time main event, the work was good and the crowd was into it but then business really picked up. Tsuji gets Oiwa in a crab and a submission is teased but then Oiwa counters into the side headlock with Oiwa massively over with this crowd and they loved this. Numerous times a submission is teased and the tension and drama rises and rises eventually Tsuji escapes and then we get a heap of big moves and near falls and the crowd is molten hot and then they stick the finish it felt like it was the perfect time to end the match finishers and been kicked out of and it felt like it kept going they would miss the peak and then just as I was thinking that it ended. A high level match of the year contender."
[10.0] "An absolutely incredible main event. Tsuji and Oiwa delivered the kind of match that reminds you why New Japan at its best is still on another level. What made this so special wasn't just the big moves or the near falls. It was the way the two wrestlers built their match around their respective strengths, constantly forcing each other to adapt. Oiwa's technical wrestling and relentless control gave the match a different dynamic, while Tsuji showed the explosiveness, presence, and resilience of a true IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Oiwa looked like a genuine superstar. Not a prospect, not merely a future main eventer, but someone who already belongs in the biggest matches New Japan can offer. His performance made it completely believable that he could headline the Tokyo Dome one day. Tsuji deserves just as much credit. He continues to prove that he can deliver at the highest level, and this was another major statement in his development as the face of the company. Is it quite on the level of Oiwa vs. Uemura from the G1? That's debatable. But this was an outstanding championship match, with two wrestlers who feel essential to New Japan's future. A genuine 10/10 for me. If this is the level these two can reach together already, I cannot wait to see what comes next."
[7.0] "Interesting companion piece to the G1 Final in the same building. That felt like 2 guys planting the flag of a new main event style for NJPW where this feels like Oiwa fighting a weird facsimile of the 2010s main event style only to come up short"
[10.0] "My God were these two on fire here. The wrestling shown on display here was as slick as you'd want it to be. Sick reversals, cool innovations and a tons of big spots. Oiwa really showed out here and proved that he's main event level, while Tsuji reminded us why he is the man to lead Japanese wrestling into the future."
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