8 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (March 20 - Results & Review)
4. Kazuchika Okada Is TV GOLD
Eddie Kingston Vs. Kazuchika Okada didn't reach greatness, but it was very good where it needed to be and very effective as a vehicle for this superb Okada push.
Kingston deserves credit for what he didn't do in a performance that may have proved too understated for a crowd expecting more of a show. Eddie didn't lose his sh*t as Okada taunted him throughout with those exquisitely cocky facial expressions. It wasn't a fiery performance. He shrugged off the arrogant chest slaps. The disciple of the Four Pillars wore the colours of Toshiaki Kawada but, in adopting a stoic approach, channelled the big match composure of Mitsuharu Misawa. The idea, perhaps, was to underscore that Okada was simply better. Eddie, his own worst enemy, did not lose as a result of his own temperament. He just got beat.
This, combined with Okada's trademark slow-burn rhythm, was limiting, jarring. Fans expect more immediacy when taking in the first match of the show. While the crowd came up for various sequences, there was a flatness to the atmosphere at times.
This however was a damn good bit of business overall. When driving Kingston to the floor with a DDT, after setting a trap using his immense ring IQ, Okada flashed an inordinately happy grin towards Eddie's battered body. Deeper in the match, Okada - who really embarrassed the concept of the WWE Performance Center throughout - expressed his contempt that he was unable to put Kingston away. He didn't do NXT face. He wasn't shocked that he couldn't get it done. He's Okada. He was disgusted.
He ultimately won the Continental title in a somewhat out of nowhere finish. The NJPW reversal blitz didn't happen. Based on this match, the fans will struggle to adjust to Okada: US TV star far more than Okada himself.
Imperfect match, inch-perfect presentation of the Kazuchika Okada character.
PAC cut off the celebrations to ceremonially announce himself as the next challenger. It was a bit early for that; there was no pressing need, and Okada should have gloated for a long time.