Every match between Ibushi and Naito is a battle to an almost death or something. Not to exaggerate, both guys have a death wish in their matches against each other, because neither guy can resist landing on their neck even for the smallest move. Not that this match was just all neck bumps though. At this point I don't know why anyone tries to work Ibushi's legs because it never works since he never sells the damage. The second half of this match was just bonkers though as Ibushi just killed Naito ten times over with some dangerous head drops. The crowd wasn't as hot as they could've been because of the prior match, but the crowd eventually did come around for Ibushi's insane comeback. Fortunately, Ibushi got the win to keep his hopes of reaching the finals alive, ****3/4.

This just did not click for me the way their match last year did. The pace was fairly one note with only a big spike in the last minute or so. Ibushi's no selling also really took me out of the match. This one kind of just plodded along until the finish. The crowd not being so hot played into that as well.

***1/2

I think it was a mistake to put this match on after Omega/Ishii because it absolutely could not follow it. I'm also really baffled by all the head-drop stuff. I think the guys doing it must think it comes off as really exciting and dangerous. As a viewer, it's actually less dramatic and satisfying than a big back bump, and it takes me out of the drama of the match because I just worry about their safety. Insane that Naito is taking germans on his head while Hiromu is still laying in a hospital bed.