Michinoku Pro: 5th October 2009 (part two)

Kinya Oyanagi vs. Kenbai and Takeshi Minamino vs. Rasse were both quick openers. The latter was a three minute mismatch, which was a shame because bigger guy vs. Rey Mysterio lookalike has potential to be fun at least (see bigger guy vs. Rey Mysterio matches from past decade).

Next, Shinjitsu Nohashi and Rui Hiugaji vs. Yapper Man #1 and Yapper Man #2. I have no idea where they clipped this: it was either in the middle, or just showed the last four minutes. This seemed kind of low-impact, even in the high spots (planchas with little force, dropkicks placed on the chest), so it wasn't even that good a sprint.

I never really enjoy either Ken 45 vs. Ultimo Dragon purely as wrestlers, but they deserve credit for the performing aspect here: Ultimo is good at rallying babyface support from the seated masses, whilst Ken 45 is fine as an expressive rudo. The booking in this was very WWE-ish, with a lone babyface taking on a heel stable single-handedly, and coming unstuck due to a mix-up. The story works though, and distracts away from both guys limited in-ring work, which is smart.

Sasuke and Shinzaki and Numajiro vs. Shu and Kei Sato and Maguro Ooma was your Standard Kowloon Match - plenty of action and exchanges, but little in the way of structure. Not quite comedy, not quite serious, too much Numajiro (who seemed to be the focus of the match, especially the finish, so maybe it's was an anniversary match). Sasuke's involvement is limited, more's the pity, a few comedy spots (his overly-delayed Randy the Ram forearm is always amusing, but spots involving trolleys have been overplayed now) was about it. There are brief moments I liked here - some of the Kowloon teams bumping from weak Numajiro offence, and their slick triple team offence - but most is largely forgettable.

The main event was my favourite match from Japan in 2009 - reviewed elsewhere - and, quite frankly, it is the only thing worth watching on this show. But then, they give the match and the build-up over an hour of TV time, so you get the impression the promotion knows that too.