Ramblings of an Englishman

News broke overnight or as I just woke up today that Tetsuya Naito is to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling as of May 4th. It's something unexpected and leaves you wondering about the future of the company. While I'm sure New Japan will be fine I wanted to just give some thoughts about this. Once again, we have New Japan have a wrestler from their most recent golden era not really putting anyone over out of the door. That can change but it leaves more holes then it does solutions. Okada just up and left didn't even drop the title and while Ospreay did lost to Finlay on his way out I don't think it overly helped to boost him as they still seem to be working on it. You continue to lose those who can help boost the next up guys without actually using their star power. What that does is leave you with the guys who have been champion but never guys like Goto, Shingo, Sabre and (lol) EVIL and SANADA to build up the next up guys but these aren't going to be historic wins. It...

In 2025 one of the key stories that New Japan Pro Wrestling are telling is that of Shota Umino discovering who he is. For too long he's used Jon Moxley's finisher and Hirohi Tanahashi's attire scheme. There's a story to be told of Shota saying his place is in Hontai but after major loss after major loss this year it feels like something needs to be changed. Shota for me is falling behind Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura in terms of fan expecations. For me Shota needs to move into being where he is to something new he's in the position of Stardust Genius Naito where that reinvention is needed and that I think is a new stable. Shota saying his only place is Hontai keeps leading me to expect a story where he doesn't think it represents New Japan in the best way and forming a group that does that in his own way. With Chaos and Just 4 Guys merging into it you have too many people in one place. With that being said if Shota was to break out into his own group I have a few i...

I've had a rough weekend so end the Mox world title run for me please. It seems just yesterday that Revolution was aired and now we are back with the next PPV. 2025 remains a strong year for AEW with public perception/good will towards the public increasing. The reported 1 million domestic viewers a week I think has caused Tony Khan to set up his game in relation to creative and the shows which I think has paid off. This card features a good amount of well booked feuds which leads to a good show. On top of this the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament starts. What is the spring tournament for AEW I am in favour with having a 16 person bracket per tournament. Get more people in I feel everyone should be looking to be in this if the winner gets the biggest title match of the year. Either way onto the show.  Hey this pre-show from what is announced at least by Sunday morning works out as some fun stuff built up so I think for once I'm actually breaking it down. Zero Hour Nick Wayne and...