NJPW Destruction 2008

New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Invasion" PPV Event Review

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan - October 13, 2008

The sold-out crowd of 9,000 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan was treated to a thrilling evening of professional wrestling as New Japan Pro Wrestling presented their highly anticipated "Invasion" pay-per-view event. The night featured a stacked card, with several matches that exceeded expectations and others that fell short.

Opening Match: NO LIMIT (Naito & Yujiro) defeat RISE for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

The evening kicked off with the opening bout featuring NO LIMIT, comprised of Tetsuya Naito and Yujiro, taking on RISE for the coveted IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. The match was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing the impressive aerial abilities of both teams. In the end, NO LIMIT emerged victorious, capturing their first reign as champions.

Great Bash Heel vs. Liger/Kanemoto/Tiger Mask

The next match saw Great Bash Heel, featuring Gedo, Jado, and Low Ki, facing off against a trio of NJPW veterans in Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto, and Tiger Mask. The six-man tag team contest was marked by high-flying maneuvers and intense brawling. Despite being the underdogs, Great Bash Heel managed to secure the win, much to the dismay of the crowd.

F4 vs. Makabe/Ishii/Yano

In a subsequent match, F4 - comprised of Hiroshi Yamato, KAI, and Satoshi Kojima - clashed with Togi Makabe, Tomohiro Ishii, and Toru Yano in another six-man tag team bout. The action was fast-paced and chaotic, with all six competitors giving it their all. In the end, Great Bash Heel's trio emerged victorious, further solidifying their dominance.

Big Mountains vs. Tanahashi/Chono

The fourth match of the evening saw Big Mountains - featuring Manabu Nakanishi and Yutaka Yoshie - facing off against a duo of NJPW legends in Hiroshi Tanahashi and Masahiro Chono. The tag team contest was marked by intense grappling and stiff strikes, with Big Mountains ultimately securing the win.

Giant Bernard vs. Goto

In what was arguably the most anticipated match of the evening, Giant Bernard faced off against Hirooki Goto in a singles bout. The two heavyweights engaged in a brutal battle, with Bernard ultimately emerging victorious after a series of devastating powerbombs.

Takashi Iizuka vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan - Chain Death Match

The penultimate match saw Takashi Iizuka face off against Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a thrilling chain death match. The two competitors engaged in a brutal and grueling contest, with each man trading blows and using the chain to devastating effect. In the end, Iizuka managed to secure the win, much to the dismay of the crowd.

Yuji Nagata vs. Masato Tanaka - ZERO1 World Heavyweight Title Match

The final match before the main event saw Yuji Nagata defend his ZERO1 World Heavyweight Championship against Masato Tanaka. The contest was a slow-burning affair, with both men trading holds and attempting to wear each other down. In the end, Nagata emerged victorious, retaining his title.

Keiji Muto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - IWGP Heavyweight Title Match

The main event saw Keiji Muto defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against the challenger Shinsuke Nakamura. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men trading near-falls and delivering devastating moves. In the end, Muto managed to secure the win, retaining his title.

Final Thoughts

Overall, "Invasion" was an impressive showing from New Japan Pro Wrestling, featuring several matches that exceeded expectations. While some contests fell short, the overall quality of the card was high. Fans in attendance were treated to a thrilling evening of professional wrestling, and those who tuned in via pay-per-view or online broadcast were equally entertained.

Rating: 8/10

Recommendation: If you're a fan of Japanese professional wrestling, "Invasion" is an event well worth watching. The card featured several exciting matches, including the main event between Muto and Nakamura, which was a true showcase of the best that NJPW has to offer.

Zohash.com Rating: 4/5

For more news, analysis, and reviews from the world of professional wrestling, be sure to check out Zohash.com.

Card Details

• Date: 13 Oct 2008
• Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
• Arena: Ryogoku Kokugikan
• Attendance: 9000
• Type: Pay Per View
• Broadcast Type: Live
• Broadcast Date: 13 Oct 2008

Matches

1. NO LIMIT (Tetsuya Naito and Yujiro)(C) defeat RISE in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match

2. Great Bash Heel (Gedo, Jado and Low Ki) defeat Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask in a Six Man Tag Team Match
   Match Time: 07:46

3. Great Bash Heel (Togi Makabe, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) defeat F4 (Hiroshi Yamato, KAI and Satoshi Kojima) in a Six Man Tag Team Match
   Match Time: 10:06

4. Big Mountains (Manabu Nakanishi and Yutaka Yoshie) defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi and Masahiro Chono in a Tag Team Match
   Match Time: 10:24

5. Giant Bernard defeat Hirooki Goto in a Singles Match
   Match Time: 13:44

6. Takashi Iizuka defeat Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a Chain Death Match
   Match Time: 21:24

7. Yuji Nagata(C) defeat Masato Tanaka in a ZERO1 World Heavyweight Title Match

8. Keiji Muto(C) defeat Shinsuke Nakamura in a IWGP Heavyweight Title Match
   Match Time: 21:39