10 Things We Learned From NJPW G1 Special 2018
4. A Quick Word On Announcers
There's a fallacy among certain fools that the repetition of criticism undermines it, but this is flatly not the case when it comes to reviewing the work of Jim Ross and Josh Barnett on AXS TV's New Japan Pro Wrestling shows.
Ross in particular has been rounded upon since he began providing selected calls for the company in 2015, with dissenting voices noting his apparent lack of research and enthusiasm for a product that requires both even as a fan let alone somebody employed to convey the drama of the action.
On a micro level, Ross' errors in confusing Hiromu Takahashi with YOSHI-HASHI and Bushi with SANADA (?!) weren't a world away from his Canadian Chris confusion for WWE, but his general disregard for the product at large - existing storylines were neglected, prior conflicts undermined and finishing move names ignored - only acted as reminders of the gaping chasm between his work and that of regular English commentary anchor Kevin Kelly.
There was once a rationale that Ross was a required element in helping familiarise WWE fans with the New Japan product. He is at this point a demonstrable detriment.