[Results] New Japan, 2/14/10

The unstoppable Shinsuke Nakamura defeated the “last fort” of the third generation, Manabu Nakanishi, to secure a successful V5 defense of his IWGP Heavyweight Title today at Sumo Hall. Just 6,300 watched what was probably New Japan’s weakest card for a big Tokyo show in some years but those who watched it in person or on PPV called it a very good show. Nakanishi resisted Shinsuke’s Boma Ye several times before finally succumbing to the deadly knee kick, joining Makabe, Tanahashi, Otani, Nagata, and Takayama as victims of the CHAOS leader in recent IWGP Heavyweight Title matches. No one stepped up to challenge Nakamura post-match as expected, as he will make his V6 defense against the New Japan Cup winner at Korakuen Hall on April 4th.

MVP Hiroshi Tanahashi expectedly defeated CHAOS’ Toru Yano in the semi final, pinning him after the High Fly Flow. After the match though, Masato Tanaka joined Yano in the ring and they cut off some of pretty boy Tanahashi’s hair, leading to Tanahashi vowing revenge afterwards. Tanaka had just sealed his series against Hirooki Goto, winning the deciding match of their unofficial three match series in his environment - Hardcore Rules.

Tanaka won a good match with the Sliding D, dooming Goto to more defeat after failing to capture the GHC Heavyweight Title from Takashi Sugiura at the Tokyo Dome. Goto’s career seems to have stalled and he will have to work hard to get it back on track. NO LIMIT wrapped up one last piece of unfinished business from Mexico, defeating the team that took their hair and in doing so making a successful V1 defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title. Yujiro & Naito overcame El Terrible & El Texano Jr., Naito pinning Texano after NL’s Limitless Explosion finisher. The two appealed for a match with Bad Intentions and that looks to be their V2 defense in the near future.

Yuji Nagata taught TAJIRI the strength of New Japan, warding off a surprise attack and beating the constant nuisance quite easily with an armlock in under 5 minutes. Nagata saluted after the match, declaring this situation dealt with. Gedo invited old friend Dick Togo back to replace his injured brother Jado, the two challenging Apollo 55 for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title in today’s second match. Taguchi & Devitt pulled through in what was their fifth defense in a productive reign, Taguchi pinning Gedo. Milano Collection AT, who accompanied the champions, entered the ring after the match and levelled Gedo (who attacked his injured eye with a bamboo stick last October) with a thrust kick. Milano also enjoyed an emotional retirement parade today, which was attended by the likes of Hayabusa and Toru Owashi.