8 Ups & 2 Downs From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12

7. Surviving The Onslaught

EVIL SANADA
NJPW World

After Wrestle Kingdom 11’s listless three-way tag team scrap, it was refreshing to see the oft-neglected IWGP Heavyweight straps defended in a conventional two-on-two bout, with champions Killer Elite Squad defending against Los Ingobernables de Japon’s EVIL and SANADA.

Expectations were moderate. The challengers are two of NJPW’s most exciting prospects, but haven’t gelled as a team, and aren’t well-suited to playing faces. Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer’s wanton violence helped in that regard, however, and their all-out domination of the challengers stunned the Tokyo Dome to silence.

KES murdered LIJ early on, with the first 75% resembling a squash match. This was incredibly refreshing. Diverging from the usual 50/50 back-and-forth format gave the bout an identity, with Smith and Archer excellent in their roles as controlling heels. EVIL and SANADA refused to die, though. Their hope spots were numerous, and each brought a bigger chunk of the crowd to their side, resulting in a massive pop when they overcame the odds to win.

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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.