NJPW Dominion 6.9: Star Ratings For All 9 Matches

2. Tetsuya Naito (C) Vs. Chris Jericho (IWGP Intercontinental Title)

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NJPW1972.com

Chris Jericho is the smartest wrestler in the world. Nobody has ever been so adept at reinventing themselves to stay relevant through changing times, and drunk plunder brawler Jericho stands as one of his most compelling incarnations.

'Y2J's' promo work leading into the Tetsuya Naito match was characteristically exceptional, and Wrestle Kingdom 12's chaotic fight with Kenny Omega brought the first five-star rating of his career, but there were concerns ahead of Dominion. Would Jericho's 47-year-old body carry him through another age-defying performance? Would Naito's oft-laconic style expose the Canadian's fading athleticism? Could New Japan's bookers, as smart as they are, step out of their comfort zone and leap back into a hardcore world diametrically opposed to their mainline product?

All these concerns were blown away before the bell had even rang. Vaguely inspired by A Clockwork Orange's Alex DeLarge, Jericho jumped the Intercontinental Champion during his entrance. He battered the Osaka favourite, Powerbombing him through a table early on, and while Naito had flurries of offence late in the match, he never felt truly in the fight.

Like Wrestle Kingdom 12, the smoke and mirrors gave Naito vs. Jericho an identity unique to everything else on the card. 'Y2J's' victory was shocking, but after two high-level matches for the most cutting edge promotion in the world, this can no longer be said for his Indian summer.

Star Rating: ****1/4

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.