5 Highlights From NJPW's Best Of The Super Juniors XXIII

3. Kyle O'Reilly Vs. Matt Sydal (Night Seven - 29th May)

Will Ospreay Vs Taguchi
NJPW World

Matt Sydal’s contributions to this tournament are gonna get swept away by those of KUSHIDA, O’Reilly, Ospreay and Ricochet, and that’s a shame. The former Evan Bourne put-on a series of great matches throughout the competition, and this was the highlight.

Striking exchanges, quick back-and-forths, prolonged limb assaults, holds: this match had it all. Kyle is an excellent dance partner for Sydal, as he allows the current Junior Heavyweight Tag Champ to keep things grounded and sensible. This more measured approach made the big spots feel all the more important when they eventually appeared, and there’s no better example of this than the finish, with Sydal topping-off an excellent stretch with a hurricanrana, Meteora (shouts to CIMA), and his patented Shooting Star Press for the win.

This was the best singles match of Sydal’s NJPW career, and O’Reilly’s first loss in the tournament. Head and shoulders above their April match in Ring of Honor, this clean, precise showcase match is well worth your attention.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.