Match 2: EVIL vs Bad Luck Fale
Bullet Club’s rogue general Fale was a beast right out of the gate, making EVIL look much smaller and lighter with a strong offense. EVIL somehow managed to bodyslam him before flipping him over the top rope and getting a pair of chairs involved.
In NJPW, as long as chairs don’t enter the ring, wrestlers who use them can’t be disqualified. Still, Fale began to falter once the match went beyond 10 minutes and it flowed more evenly as the chairs graduated into vicious props.
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The referees, it must be said, all have personality! After Fale had engaged in classic shenanigans he landed the Bad Luck Fall finisher to win over EVIL.
Result: Fale def. EVIL via pinfall
Match 3: SANADA vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
It’s always interesting when wrestlers decide to wear youngboy trunks once they’re established but Sabre Jr.’s attire lent itself well to displaying grappling.
Counters and reversals in quick succession made their ring time shine. This was a very even-feeling match because of the balance the two struck, and each hold was believable. A short set of counters led to SANADA picking up the victory with a smooth roll-up.
Sabre Jr. threw a frustrated fit after the match and, though there are a lot of officials who need epsom salt baths, he still left with the belt.
Result: SANADA def. Sabre Jr. via pinfall