Marufuji needed to rebound big after his intense bout with Miyahara, so fighting another member of the old guard was the only way to prove he could still hang at the top. No Suzuki-gun bullshit this time around, so both men just went out there and put on a fair yet emotionally intense match the best way they could. Lots of strikes from Marufuji of course, but Sugiura was right there at every counter to power his way back into the momentum. In the end, Marufuji failed to claim a major title once again, but at least it was another awesome match for a great 2018 he's having, ****1/2.

I disagree about the in ring aspects of this match. The story aspects may very well be true. However, this was dry, mechanical, and charmless. The match only felt truly intense during the first & last few minutes. The middle (majority) of the fight felt perfunctory to me and frankly even to Marufuji & Sugiura. Moves alone- this was interesting but, without proper timing and emotion, it just was boring and a little clumsy. Marufuji & Sugiura looked bored as well. So did the crowd.

I really enjoyed the heck outta 'Fuji's Champion Carnival cruise in AJ this year but, this was just OK. Probably not worth spending time on this...I don't want to say flat out skip this but...don't get your hopes up.