13 Ups & 1 Down From NJPW's 47th Anniversary Show

Ups...

13. A Textbook Opener

Jado Bullet Club
NJPW

The night's opening bout saw veterans Togi Makabe and Toru Yano recruit the three most promising New Japan Young Lions in Ayato Yoshida, Shota Umino, and Ren Narita, facing off with Bullet Club's Tongan contingent - Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, HIKULEO, Bad Luck Fale - and their pal, Chase Owens.

Highlighting by the Young Lions' fire, the bout was what you'd expect from a New Japan opener. The action was basic, but fundamentally sound, and hope spots aside, the veterans largely controlled the rookies. Kevin Kelly accurately called it a "rout" as Bullet Club beat on Narita, but the tide turned when Makabe finally tagged in, sticking two middle fingers to a stable he has never been particularly fond of.

Owens would eventually prove the difference-maker, putting Yoshida away with his Package Piledriver. Bullet Club prospered in a textbook opening bout. It's hard to throw complaints at such bouts, as there's rarely anything overly bad about them, but those watching on demand have no reason to even skim the night's opening ten minutes.

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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.