NJPW Dominion 6.9: Star Ratings For All 9 Matches

5. EVIL & SANADA (C) Vs. The Young Bucks (IWGP Heavyweight Tag Titles)

Kenny Omega Young Bucks Kota Ibushi
NJPW1972.com

The debate was already settled heading into the event, but Dominion 6.9 proved that anyone who complains about The Young Bucks' selling in 2018 isn't watching their matches. Matt and Nick Jackson were phenomenal. Their year up to this point feels like a giant rib on their detractors, as it has been characterised by astonishingly consistent body part selling, and Dominion yielded their greatest performance yet.

Each of the Bucks' big 2018 New Japan bouts has revolved around Matt's back. The elder Jackson played this card again last night, but it was brother Nick who stood out the most. He kicked the ring post as the match transitioned to its second act. This made him an easy target for EVIL and SANADA's malevolence, and they went after him nonstop, though the Bucks refused to die - even when Nick's limb spectacularly gave way beneath him on an attempted Indytaker.

The Jacksons fought through the pain barrier, survived the onslaught, and put SANADA away with More Back For Your Buck, claiming their first gold as heavyweights. Perhaps it was too early to pull the title switch, but their expert defensive performance deserves lavish praise.

Star Rating: ****1/4

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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.