New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV Episode 13 Workrate Report

1. Minoru Suzuki & Shelton Benjamin vs. Takashi Iizuka & Toru Yano (5/25/14)

So uhhhh, I have obviously not seen Iizuka in awhile as he is now essentially Rusher Kimura doing an Ox Baker impression. And this is an odd thing for them to air as Iizuka turns on Yano before the bell and joins Suzuki-gun, but I guess I can't complain too much about Suzuki being Suzuki. I have no idea what Iizuka's deal is but this does seem like an amusing late career reinvention.

2. Kazuchika Okada vs. AJ Styles (5/25/14)

So last week we saw their 5/3 match which was very much not good, with tons of limp Bullet Club interference. Interference in a match is one thing, but jeez at least make it look good. AJ with his floppy hair and pouty attitude always comes off like an argumentative teenager to me. This match didn't have nearly the amount of BC interference as the 5/3 match, but it still wasn't that great. These two just don't seem like a very good match for each other. A lot of the work within was fine, but even though they were doing some things that should have built drama, I did not feel any sort of drama. Just like last week AJ looked really good, took a couple big bumps (including a great one through the ropes to the floor) and Okada took one of his own off a giant hip toss to the floor, with him landing right on his tailbone. The last match Okada did a great job - in match and on promo - putting over the Styles Clash, so the fans got amped for the couple Styles Clash struggles we saw. They also got amped for the Rainmaker, but I thought all his set ups for that looked real bad, with him taking a long time to hug Styles close so that WHEEEEE he could spin him around into a clothesline. This whole thing never felt like it hit into high gear. They were going through some of the motions, but it just didn't work.