New Japan Pro Wrestling On AXS Recap (8/22): Tanahashi Vs. Shibata, Goto Vs. Makabe
Welcome to Wrestling Inc's coverage of New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS. Tonight's show features matches from last September.
- We kick off with highlights Togi Makabe vs. Hirooki Goto. The two start off by trading big shots for a solid minute or two until Goto takes down Makabe with a lariat. This match is really hard hitting, as any Makabe match is. Makabe destroys Goto with a King Kong Powerbomb that can't get the job done. The go back and forth with huge power moves and strikes, one-upping each other along the way. Makabe finally wins with a big King Kong Knee Drop. Excellent match.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata
The two start off with a grappling exchange, but quickly end up outside, throwing each other into the guardrails. Shibata lands a nice Shotgun kick, and they head back inside, throwing punches and forearms. Shibata attacks Tanahashi's leg, but walks right into a flying forearm. Shibata regains the advantage and kicks the hell out of Tanahsahi repeatedly before destroying him in the corner with forearms.
We come back from a commercial break to see Tanahashi drop Shibata, but then he gets kicked to the outside of the ring by his opponent. Tanahashi grabs a leg and goes to work on Shibata's. Both men trade big suplexes and Shibata hits the PK, but his leg is hurt, and he's unable to capitalize. Tanahashi hits the Slingblade, but eats knees on the High Fly Flow. Shibata applies a sleeper, misses the PK and gets Dragon suplexed right on his head!
Tanahashi continues attacking the leg of Shibata, locking on a Texas Cloverleaf. Shibata gets to the ropes, but he's in a really bad way. Shibata and Tanahashi each eat huge strikes, but Tanahashi ends up getting the better of it briefly. Shibata will have none of that and levels Tanahashi with a big spinning chop. Shibata is slowed down by a big dragon screw leg whip, and walks into a cross body High Fly Flow. Tanahashi delivers another on the ground for the win.
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi via pinfall (High Fly Flow)
Both men are hurt following the match. They get in each other's faces and shake hands. Tanahashi is shown speaking after the match, and puts over Shibata.