Emerald FlowShow #111: Victory Laps

Paul and Gerard are reunited to talk about NOAH's Wrestle Odyssey II which had both a match of the year candidate and showed what is so frustrating with the company at the same time. Then it's on to All Japan with another successful Korakuen Hall show, the Hokkaido tour, and a preview of the Real World Tag League. Plus some fantasy booking!

Dylan Fox from the Eastern Lariat joins Gerard to discuss the last few shows of the N1 and the current booking malaise in Pro Wrestling NOAH. Then it's on to All Japan where they rave about the company but question the strange build to the next Triple Crown match. They even manage to power through major technical difficulties!

It's tournament time. Paul and Gerard cover the N-1 Victory and the Royal Road Tournament. Along the way they discuss who has stepped up and who are phoning it in. Is OZAWA still NOAH's young phenom? Is Ryuki Honda Ready for prime time? Plus talk about All Japan's incredible booking and some good ol' fantasy booking.

Paul and Gerard start off by taking victory laps that they were correct that WWE would not destroy Japanese pro-wrestling and that Ryohei Oiwa was going to be a big star. Then some Big Japan and NOAH talk, and finally a breakdown of All Japan's Zennichi Jr. Festival tournament and the big Triple Crown match of Miyahara vs. Anzai.

Paul and Gerard discuss the life and career of Dory Funk Jr., a true titan of pro-wrestling in Japan. Then it's on to DDT to discuss the biggest matches from Peter Pan. Plus the usual NOAH and All Japan talk. There's a new GHC Champion, a great performance by Shane Haste and lots of tournaments to talk about.

Paul and Gerard are back after a brief hiatus to analyze some recent news, NOAH's strange vibes and an All Japan that is firing on all cylinders. Lots of discussion on the direction of each company plus a preview of All Japan's Jr. Festival.

Paul and Gerard discuss the life and career of Joe Doering who was taken from us far too soon. They reminisce about his greatest matches, his legacy, and why they don't make wrestlers like him any more. Then its on to analyze an interview with All Japan President Tsuyoki Fukuda in Shupro. Plus Gerard gives his thoughts on recent shows, a look at Yuma Anzai's recent booking and previews of upcoming All Japan & NOAH shows.

Paul is flying solo this time around. He goes over all of the unfortunate recent news, including the death of Joe Doering and the injuries suffered by Ryo Inoue and Hikaru Sato. Then it's on to NOAH with some broad thoughts about the Neo Global Tag League and their recent Korakuen show, including the Shane Haste vs Tetsuya Endo title match. He then moves over to All Japan to cover their recent string of shows, including a trio of excellent matches for the Heavyweight Tag, Jr. title, and Triple Crown titles.

With the huge news of TV-ASAHI and CyberAgent acquiring New Japan, two segments today covering this development that will shape Japanese professional wrestling for years to come. First, it's a crossover with the Super J-Cast with Joel joining Paul for a discussion of what this all means. Then Gerard gives his thoughts with what this means for All Japan and the wider world of puroresu.

Paul and Gerard and back to discuss the many ups and downs of Pro Wrestling NOAH where a great GHC Heavyweight Title match is overshadowed by questionable booking elsewhere on the card. Then it's on to All Japan to cover a great Champion Carnival finals show including an incredible performance by Go Shiozaki. Plus discussion of the upcoming Voices of Wrestling 30 Under 30 poll.