Finally got done with this. Not gonna buy into all of the hyperbole surrounding the last 4 matches, but they were damn fine pro wrestling matches regardless. The last few minutes of Takahashi/KUSHIDA were very good (and they left stuff on the table for future matches), Naito/Tanahashi was excellent and cemented Tana's new role as the aged and slightly past his prime legend type, and Okada/Omega was a classic. Certainly not 6 stars or anything ridiculous like that (though people need to understand that Meltzer's given "more than 5 stars" to other matches in the past), but a classic match that outlined Okada's role as the proper ace quite well (he's the one that's targeted by a fresher, more innovative opponent, and has to use his wits, skills and ingenuity rather than his athleticism to get around this crazy fukker).
I was also interested by something that I don't think was noted yet: the fact that they took GREAT pains to protect Omega's finisher. Okada hit about 4 Rainmakers and had one kicked out of before putting Omega down, but Omega didn't hit the One Winged Angel once. So there's a story coming out of the match, and a story thread they can explore in future rematches (if Omega stays around, that is).
I know that a lot of us who have been watching NJPW since Gedo started booking can get bored with it, but they almost always bring the heat in-ring. That happened here in spades, yes, but I also like that there are threads to explore in the future for matches down the road as well. Great stuff overall.
. Overall very good card.
