Takuya Nomura vs. Kuma Arashi – Champion Carnival (Block A)
We are live in Nagoya and it’s Wrestlemania III, baby. Nomura and Koomz did their version of Hogan/Andre, building most of the match around Takuya’s body slam comeback. The Big vs. Small logistics were on point, Nomura’s spunkiness adding a fun new layer to Kuma’s usual template. Extra points for those sweet Ali kicks during the beatdown. ***1/4
Suwama vs. Yoshitatsu – Champion Carnival (Block B)
These two last met in a certified 4-star slobberknocker during Big Wama’s most recent TC reign. This was a much more expeditive match featuring none of Tatsu’s legendary Oudou Strong Style tropes. Totally got the job done until the wonky banana peel finish. Not sure if it was poor timing or Wada Dementia, but yeah. Not ideal. ***
Kento Miyahara vs. Yuma Aoyagi – Champion Carnival (Block B)
Love these two, but they haven’t 100% figured out the Long Version of their match. When you look at Kento’s long-form epics with Jake Lee or Suwama, there’s often some sort of limb work subplot to keep you engaged in the early goings. Because Yuma isn’t much of a Worker of Limbs, half of this basically came down to ring-side brawling and filler holds. Nothing super offensive, but there’s room for improvement.
Nitpicking aside, the second half landed right on the money and both guys worked their asses off. Off the charts energy from both – the good people of Nagoya getting swept up by the ZEN NIHON PURORESU. Every time they wrestle, there’s a sense that Yuma’s inching closer to that elusive win on Kento. This came through more than ever in the ending stretch here, as they wisely used the time limit to leave Aoyagi in a dominant position.
Even if this wasn’t the all timer some were expecting, the action was pretty hard to deny once it got going. If they can tighten up some of those early sections, Yuma’s eventual passing of the torch moment will be a stone-cold classic. ***3/4
