8 Ups & 6 Downs From NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling 2019

4. Taichi Vs. Naito... Again

Taichi Tetsuya Naito
NJPW

Hands up who wants a rerun of the Tetsuya Naito vs. Taichi feud?

Absolutely nobody? Thought so, but it looks like that's where we're heading regardless.

A dull-as-hell Naito and Shingo Takagi vs. DOUKI and Taichi clash concluded with shenanigans, as Taichi attacked with his microphone stand as Takagi was on the verge of pinning DOUKI with the Pumping Bomber. The action up to that point was nothing to write home about whatsoever. After the bell, we got Taichi going after Naito, his partner counting the pin, and the 'Holy Emperor' claiming he'd get the job done against his "weak" rival, seemingly setting up another singles match.

Surely New Japan could concoct something a little more interesting for Naito to do ahead of Wrestle Kingdom, particularly if he's going to be one of the participants in the Intercontinental/IWGP Championship mini-tournament. The Taichi feud ran its course the moment they stepped through the ropes at The New Beginning in Sapporo - and that was in February.

Ugh.

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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.