NJPW Lion’s Break Collision
Episode 2
#njcollision
Original Air Date: July 10, 2020 (22:00 EDT)
Event Date: June 13, 2020
(uploaded to NJPW World)
City: Port Hueneme, CA
Venue: Oceanview Pavilion (empty arena)
Commentary (English): Kevin Kelly, Chris Charlton, Gino Gambino
Ring Announcer: Adnan Kureishy
Video
Last week, Karl Fredericks pinned Rocky Romero in a tag match, but Fredericks and Jeff Cobb still wanted to fight.
Video
Kevin Kelly talks with Jeff Cobb via video chat. Cobb is disappointed that he can’t be in Japan to compete for the New Japan Cup, and he’s not sure why Karl Fredericks was so disrespectful to him and Rocky Romero last week.
Intro Video
Match 1
The DKC vs Rust Taylor
(referee: Nick Bonanno)
Result: Rust Taylor wins via submission with the Gaia Lock
Time: 7:28
Match Thoughts
Good match. Taylor showed some strong mat skills by twisting and stretching DKC throughout much of the match. DKC had some nice holds and transitions of his own, but Taylor dominated this match. Taylor definitely felt like a veteran competing against someone who was less experienced (Taylor has been wrestling for 16 years). I like this style of grappling and mat wrestling, and I liked this match.
Backstage
Rust Taylor says NJPW has some of the best wrestlers in the world, but they don’t have Rust Taylor yet. He wants to prove himself in the Lion’s Break Collision ring.
Video
In a commercial for the Tokon Shop Global, Rocky Romero talks to Juice Robinson about buying NJPW merchandise.
Video
In a commercial for NJPW Collection, Will Ospreay collects digital cards.
Match 2
Danny Limelight vs TJP
(referee: Jeremy Marcus)
Result: TJP wins via pinfall after the Mamba Splash
Time: 10:48
Match Thoughts
Very good match! Danny Limelight has a style that’s very similar to TJP, and by that I mean he incorporates some very good technical holds and transitions with some really nice high-flying offense. The first part of this match had TJP and Limelight putting together some great chains down on the mat with some really nice and subtle transitions. Both men made it look effortless. As the match went on, they both started to stand up and move around the ring more, and they both hit some agile offensive maneuvers. TJP definitely felt like the veteran he is when compared to Limelight, but Limelight is really good. I’ll definitely be revisiting this match in the future.
Backstage
TJP says Danny Limelight is the future, and he’d love to have another match with him.
Show Impressions
This was another good show. It’s always fun getting to know everyone when there’s a brand new series like this, and I’ve liked everyone I’ve seen so far. Tonight’s main event was my favorite match of the series so far, and it definitely made me want to keep tuning in so I can see more wrestlers who are new to me, and more of the wrestlers I already enjoy a whole lot.
Match of the Night
Danny Limelight vs TJP
This is the match to beat so far in Lion’s Break Collision.
Official results: https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/76029?showResult=1