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NJPW BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 31: Night Two Heats Up – Alliances Tested, Frontrunners Emerge
The neon lights of Korakuen Hall hummed with anticipation as the second night of NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors 31 tournament kicked into high gear. After a solid but unspectacular opening night, the pressure was on for the junior heavyweights to deliver the fast-paced, high-flying action that the BOSJ is renowned for. Did they deliver? Buckle up, true believers, because night two was a scorcher.
A Block: Blake Christian Shines, DOUKI Aims for Redemption
The night kicked off with a statement from “The Almighty” Blake Christian. Still fresh off a controversial debut against TJP, Christian looked to solidify his dominance against the veteran Kevin Knight. This match felt like a turning point for Christian. Gone were the botches and awkwardness of night one. In their place was a calculated, ruthless competitor, picking apart Knight with a mix of cocky swagger and impressive athleticism. The highlight was a picture-perfect Fosbury Flop leading into a devastating Final Cut, putting Knight away for the three count. While Christian’s heel persona still needs some work, this match showed a much tighter, more confident competitor.
Following the opener, DOUKI, fresh off a disappointing loss to El Desperado, looked to bounce back against the high-flying veteran BUSHI. This match was a classic clash of styles – DOUKI’s methodical submission work versus BUSHI’s aerial offense. The crowd was firmly behind DOUKI, chanting his name as he locked in painful holds and targeted BUSHI’s injured leg. However, the resilient BUSHI refused to be put away, launching himself over the ropes with a breathtaking springboard plancha that left everyone holding their breath. The finishing sequence was a nail-biter, with DOUKI nearly cinching in the Dolorosa only for BUSHI to counter with a brutal MX Missile Dropkick for the win. This was a hard-fought battle that showcased the heart and determination of both competitors.
B Block: Ninja Mack Soars, Francesco Akira Makes a Statement
Shifting gears to B Block, the high-flying Ninja Mack took on the powerhouse Francesco Akira. This was a fascinating David vs. Goliath battle, with Akira’s sheer size advantage contrasting sharply with Mack’s agility. The early goings saw Akira dominate, using his strength to wear Mack down with powerful strikes and suplexes. But Mack, ever the underdog, refused to stay down. He used his incredible speed and aerial prowess to counter Akira’s offense, peppering him with kicks and dropkicks. The turning point came when Mack, inspired by the legendary Tiger Mask, countered a big clothesline with a dazzling hurricanrana. The crowd erupted as Mack rallied, hitting a series of breathtaking maneuvers culminating in a 450 Splash for the victory. This was a true underdog story, reminding us that heart and technique can overcome even the biggest physical obstacles.
The following match saw the returning Hiromu Takahashi take on the veteran El Lindaman. This was a clash of two generations of junior heavyweights, with Hiromu’s high-risk offense meeting Lindaman’s experience and ring savvy. The crowd was electric, buzzing with anticipation for Hiromu’s signature moves. He didn’t disappoint, hitting a picture-perfect Sunset Flip Powerbomb early on, sending a shockwave through the audience. However, Lindaman countered with his trademark technical wrestling, grounding Hiromu and working on his injured knee. The match built to a dramatic climax, with Hiromu desperately fighting back until he landed a devastating Time Bomb for the pin. This was a hard-fought battle that showcased the evolution of Hiromu’s style, incorporating more technical prowess alongside his trademark high-flying moves.
Alliances Tested, Frontrunners Emerge
As the night progressed, the true narratives of the tournament began to take shape. In A Block, the rivalry between El Desperado and SHO continued to simmer. After Desperado’s win over YOH earlier in the night, the two Suzuki-gun members locked eyes in a tense standoff. Is their alliance fracturing under the pressure of the tournament, or is this all part of a cunning strategy? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Blake Christian continued to rub everyone the wrong way, celebrating his win with a cocky display of arrogance. Is he setting himself up for a major fall later in the tournament?
B Block saw the unlikely alliance between BUSHI and Hiromu solidify. After their respective victories, the two “Tijeras” stablemates shared a knowing nod, a silent pact formed. Could this newfound partnership be a major force in the B Block? We also saw the emergence of a potential frontrunner in Ninja Mack. His two impressive victories have put him in a strong position
Watch NJPW BEST OF THE SUPER Jr.31 2024 5/13/24 13th May 2024 13/5/2024 Fullshow Online Free Replay Review