Ryuske Taguchi defeats Yota Tsuji

NJPW Road to New Beginning: Tokyo

The match began with a collar and elbow tie up, but transitioned quickly into an exchange of forearms. Yota Tsuji connected with a scoop slam, and Taguchi answered with a hit attack. With Tsuji’s arm taped up, Taguchi used an arm bar and then a few strikes on the arm.

Back on their feet, Tsuji and Taguchi traded forearms again. Taguchi hit two vertical suplexes, and Tsuji blocked the attempt for a third by hitting one of his own. Tsuji caught Taguchi running in with a dropkick. Tsuji nailed Taguchi with a spear and then cinched in the Boston Crab.

When Taguchi went for the BomaYe, Tsuji rolled him up for a near fall. Taguchi managed to lock in the ankle lock submission, and Tsuji escaped twice before Taguchi eventually submitted him. Another basic and well wrestled Young Lion match.

Match Ratings

Six dimensions combine to make up the overall rating. Matches score ratings of 1-10 only if the match lasts for a minimum of 5 minutes.

1. Match Quality– Was the match well wrestled or sloppy?
2. Audience Engagement– Did the live audience care about the match?
3. Competitiveness– Was the match competitive or one-sided?
4. Stakes – Did the match matter?
5. Finish– Did the match end in a satisfying manner?
6. Performance: (1) Poor (2) Below Average (3) Average (4) Above Average (5) Excellent