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Wrestling Omakase #315: AJPW Oudou Finals, NJPW Destruction in Kobe, DDT 9/27, Sareee-ism Chapter...
John & John reunite for the first time in months, and unfortunately the first topic they have to discuss is something no one wanted to be talking about: the incredibly tragic and sudden news of PAC passing away. That's right at the start so wanted to make sure I noted it for anyone listening who isn't ready to hear that sort of thing- it does come up a few more times in the episode as well. RIP to an incredible professional wrestler and, by all accounts, an even more incredible man.
They then have to make an awkward transition over to discussing the imminent closing of an iconic Japanese wrestling venue, Shinjuku FACE, as John takes you through some of their own personal history with the venue and talks about how much they're going to miss banging their head on the bathroom ceiling, ahead of discussing a bunch of final FACE shows later in the episode. But first they head over to the thankfully not closing Korakuen Hall to discuss the finals of an eventful AJPW Oudou Tournament, discussing the first of two bonafide MOTYCs, a homegrown wrestler finally winning the big one, and more. They also look ahead to an upcoming AJPW tour that really spreads the wealth around a bunch of different shows, so to speak.
Then it's over to the King of Sports to discuss a somewhat underwhelming Destruction in Kobe show, at least until a fantastic main event saved it somewhat. There's lots of speculation about where things might be headed into Wrestle Kingdom season too, as they look ahead first to the upcoming King of Pro Wrestling show (and two Korakuen title matches as well).
And then they finally get to the whole load of final shows for each promotion at iconic venues, starting with DDT (maybe the promotion most synonymous with the venue of all!). They discuss a final title challenge, Daisuke Sasaki's incredibly high memorabilia valuation, and more! Afterward it's time to finally leave the men's wrestling behind and shift into joshi, first with Sareee-ism Chapter XII, a fantastic show with another bonafide MOTYC in the main event. Then they discuss the final Sendai Girls show from FACE which featured a big debut and John Bivins describing how much he loves Spike Nishimura.
John (Original) then goes it alone for two more show reviews, first the final TJPW show from FACE that also serves as their go home show for the big Wrestle Princess VII event next week (which they also dutifully preview). Finally, they wrap things up with another Ice Ribbon review, this time the second half of a doubleheader from Yokohama. A packed episode!!
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