So were closely approaching the end of June next week with new Japan's final big show of the month being Forbidden Door. I'll be at the show live so I'm excited.
But let's look back at the first 6 months of new Japan. The company has had a lot of changes in the span of the first 6 months. A lot of departures whether it's due to talent leaving or retiring. The first 2 months felt like a closing point for guys that were leaving from Okada,Ospreay,and Tama. And once march hit a somewhat new era for japan began.
For me, I think from March to June. The product had not been stellar. Don't get me wrong we still had some stellar matches and moments but to me the company just feels off at a ton of points. And a lot of programs just don't feel must see. And it felt like the company was course correcting from March to now.
The tournaments so far this year haven't must see compared to previous years. NJC felt lackluster in terms of the matches and the reliance of H.O.T in the tournament really dampened my enjoyment of it. And BOSJ had stronger matches but it still felt like I didn't have to really watch much to miss anything.
The booking hasn't felt dynamic nor does it feel like their maximizing the talent they have. They could pull out a kick ass card but instead we don't.
I'd give the first 6 months a C+. Mostly for the junior tag division,Shingos never reign, and the rise of Gabe Kidd. They can still bring it back up in the second half with the G1 approaching but like every year in the second half it's just fluff until we know what the Wk match ups are.
by DeathTriangle720
