New Japan Pro Wrestling
NJPW STRONG
Autumn Attack
October 30, 2021
Curtis Culwell Center
Garland, Texas

Watch: NJPW World

Fred Rosser & Rocky Romero def. Team Filthy (JR Kratos & Danny Limelight)

Romero and Limelight work so well together. The grappling between the pair to start the match was smooth. Both showed a charismatic swagger as they faced off. When the action switched off to Rosser and Kratos, these hosses traded a couple of stiff-looking shots. It is a testament to the hard work of both men for Rosser to get cheered and Kratos booed once the fans came to STRONG. None of the competitors lingered on one spot for too long, keeping the match filled with action. Rosser picked up the victory, but this match felt competitive, and it could have gone either way. These four guys put on a great opening contest. ***3/4

Lio Rush def. Taiji Ishimori

This match could have easily been the main event of another episode of STRONG. These dynamic Juniors put on a show, highlighting both their agility and high-speed skills. Every strike, slam, evasion, and counter dished out by the competitors brought an energetic intensity that the crowd was feeding on. There were some standard heel/Bullet Club shenanigans on the outside by Ishimori to weaken Rush, but it only slowed the action briefly. The match was very entertaining. I hope these two square off again (hopefully in BotSJ). ****

Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer) def. Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor & Royce Isaacs)

The crowd was ready for this match from the word go, they cheered for Suzuki-gun, and they did not disappoint. This match presented some great, violent fun. Archer is on another level as a performer. From fighting and selling to getting the crowd invested, his body of work was damn close to pristine. Suzuki is a legend as always. Anytime he and Lawlor entered the ring, they teased the eventual match between the two. Royce Isaacs not only held his own in this match, but he also looked phenomenal in defeat against Suzuki. This match was an incredible slugfest of guys beating the crap of each other. What a spectacular way to end the show. ****1/2

Post-match, Chris Dickinson tells Suzuki he’s already dead for their match at New Japan Showdown. Suzuki’s response? “Fuck You.”

Final Thoughts

It does my heart good to see how far NJPW Strong has come since it began last year. This show was solid action from start to finish. Well worth the watch if you have the time.

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