r/ajpw

AJPW has a long and proud history of bringing in excellent foreign talent. From the legendary era of Stan Hansen, Terry Gordy, and Steve Williams to more recent contributors, many gaijin have left a lasting impression. Some were known for their power and toughness, others for their technical skill or charisma. Who do you consider the best foreign talent to ever wrestle in All Japan?

Rei Saito (A block) vs. Hideki Suzuki (B block)

Go Shiozaki (A block) vs. Madoka Kikuta (B block)

For some context I'm in my 40s and have been watching wrestling my entire life. Over the last 10 years or so I've found myself completely disenfranchised with it. I jumped on to the NJPW bandwagon around 2015 and enjoyed that for a while until I didn't and since then I've been in a bit of a wrestling slump. I'll watch the occasional thing on YouTube and keep up with the goings on but I don't actually watch much anymore.

A few weeks ago I subscribed to Wrestle Universe and have been really enjoying NOAH but it didn't quite click. I knew of AJPW but the lack of an app for their streaming service and a lack of English commentary put me off pulling the trigger.

I decided last night that it was cheap enough it was worth checking out at least for a month.

I've just finished night 1 of the Champion Carnival tournament. I absolutely loved it. The main event was ridiculously good. I can't believe I've slept on this for so long. Even though I didn't understand the commentary I was still able to get in to the matches based on their emotion alone. I still enjoy NOAH but the hard hitting style of AJPW is exactly what I've been missing.

Anyway, I'm not here just to glaze (as the kids might say) I actually want to know more about these guys I'm watching. Who's worth keeping an eye on? I've only watched night 1 of the tournament so without spoiling anything are there any upcoming matches I should pay particular attention to?

Yuma Anzai hurt his right leg on the May 2nd show in his CC match against Talos; he participated on the May 3rd show, taking on Kumaarashi but the match had to be stopped after a 1 minute or so, due to Anzai being in too much pain.

Anzai was scheduled to face Rei Saito on the 5th in the CC but is now withdrawn, giving Saito the win by forfeit and putting Saito at the top of A-block with 8 points.

Rei Saito will be teaming with Senor Saito against Hideki Suzuki & Shota Kofuji as a replacement match.

Anzai will have a thorough examination to determine how much time he will need to take to mend his leg.

The card focuses almost exclusively on the Champion Carnival matches obviously, with a nice All Japan Junior showcase right before the final. We also get another probable Havoc squash against Hokuto Gun, Saito Bros. against the Titans and Suwama is back on opposite side to Miyahara and Anzai.