Pumped for Naito/Ospreay III: if it’s anything like their Battle Autumn match from last year, we’re in for a treat!

4 comments

1. Hopeful but not expecting it as Naito just looks so pained to just move.

2. I have never really understood the Naito love. But it’s a me thing. I also don’t really like Okada. I didn’t get the hype for some of the Misawa/Kobashi/Kawada/Taue stuff.

3. If Naito beats Ospreay, I’m confident that he is winning this whole G1 tournament after beating Okada in the finals.

4. Naito is such an interesting performer. I know some people wanted him to overtake Okada as the top ace a handful of years ago, but I get why that didn’t really happen: Okada’s style and approach works better as a “can give you a mega performance against anyone” champion. Naito, meanwhile, sometimes doesn’t mesh as well with some people.

   But when he meshes? When he faces Tanahashi, Ibushi, Omega, and now Ospreay? Good Lord, it’s *magic*. And it’s not those opponents are carrying him, either; he’s great enough that he doesn’t need that. It’s just some kind of special combination that kicks in and creates some of the greatest matches you’ll ever see.