12 Ups & 5 Downs From NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2019

5. Ishimori's Fiery First Defence

Taiji Ishimori Ryusuke Taguchi
NJPW

A quality IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title clash enhanced by the challenger's gusto, Taiji Ishimori vs. Ryusuke Taguchi was on-point throughout, and the spr srs rasslin' match it needed to be after the banter was dispensed with early on.

Taguchi got the better of Ishimori early on, taunting him with his Sailor's Dance. The new 'Bone Soldier' then turned the tides, shook his hips himself, and the duo turned up the heat. Though his trademark hip attacks were thwarted, Taguchi downed his foe with a beautiful dropkick, then nailed a tope to the outside, firing the crowd up. He'd continue to push Ishimori to the bring with a Bomaye knee strike and, later, the Dodon for a near-fall at 2.9999, though he wasn't able to sufficiently stifle his opponent's signature sharp, snapping offence to gain a strong enough foothold.

Although his opponent had fans hooked on an upset, Ishimori fought off a second Dodon attempt to hit the Bloody Cross for the 1-2-3. An outstanding first defence for former Pro Wrestling NOAH stalwart, who remains at the head of what could be one of New Japan's most exciting divisions in 2019.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.