4 Ups & 4 Downs From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 (Night 1)

Downs...

4. Lost Majesty

Wrestle Kingdom 15
NJPW

To be clear, Wrestle Kingdom 15's flat atmosphere isn't NJPW's fault. The promotion's only questionable contribution towards it was continuing with the two-night format despite the ongoing global health crisis, though this can be countered with the lost revenue argument that comes with combining - particularly compelling, given the circumstances.

NJPW abided by guidelines. They limited the attendance and maintained their no shouts/chants/cheers policy, as vocalisation increases transmissibility. This isn't on them.

Still, WK15 didn't feel like Wrestle Kingdom. The big, cavernous building made the issues with NJPW's clap crowds even starker, rendering an event that should be big, bombastic, and spectacular mundane at points. Countless spots and moments that would have drawn huge, building-shaking reactions were diminished. Kota Ibushi's big win played out to ripples of polite applause.

This hurt almost everything on the show. It won't be harped on beyond this entry, though its clear negative impact can't be ignored when assessing WK15's quality.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.