Since its launch, the World Wrestling Entertainment Network has tried to present a number of specials unique to their on demand service. One of the ways they have done this is by incorporating live events into their schedule. The first experiment with live broadcasting was given to NXT, who aired their first Takeover special from Full Sail University. Coincidently, NXT would once again be the driving force for WWE Network to push their limits, airing an event live from Japan for the first time ever on the Network, with an NXT Championship match as the money match up.
The crowd was more like a typical United States crowd instead of the traditional Japanese one, as there was plenty of yelling and chanting. It set the tone for the event and likely helped fans outside Japan who aren’t as familiar with the customs there ease into their traditions. Thankfully for those fans watching, there was no easing into the action, as the show started on a hot note.
Chris Jericho vs. Neville
I forgot all about Jericho being a part of the show. Seeing him again it made me realize how much I missed him. Japan obviously did. Jericho’s opponent was originally Finn Balor, so I was interested to see who his opponent would be. Neville was a good choice for a replacement. Both men have spent time in the East and their match style clearly reflected that. It’s the kind of hard hitting match that would not look out of place on the J Cup. Jericho was obviously tapping into his heel repertoire to put Neville over. These two were the right choice to open the show as they provided the perfect hybrid style and pace to get the crowd going, both live and watching on the WWE Network. I was surprised to see Jericho pick up the victory, but the match was so good, by the end I hardly cared. A great way to open the show.
Divas Championship Match
Paige vs. Nikki Bella vs. Tamina
On paper this is an intriguing match anywhere in the world, simply because of the three varying styles. It was mentioned that both Alicia Fox and Brie Bella were not in the building, ruling out the possibility of any Twin Magic. Japanese fans are used to some of the hardest hitting women’s action in the world, so coming into the match I was interested to see how WWE and these women approached it. The crowd seemed either unimpressed with the match, or likely were burned out after the showcase that was Jericho vs Neville. A Tower of Doom spot seemed to wake up the crowd, but it didn’t last long. Shockingly, Nikki picked up the victory with a forearm smash to Tamina after she missed her signature Superfly Splash. It was a good cool down match to get fans ready for the next contest, but had to be considered a let down after such an impressive opener.
Brock Lesnar vs. Kofi Kingston
Given that this event was named Beast In The East, it might surprise some that Brock’s return bout was placed so early on the show, but I don’t think anyone was expecting this to be any more than a glorified squash match. After the divas match, WWE was likely expecting fans to be hot for the Beast Incarnate. Much like the Hardy Boyz when he first debuted in 2002, Kofi Kingston was a great choice for Lesnar’s opponent. His small, athletic frame made Brock look like everything he’s advertised as. It only took a few short minutes of Lesnar throwing around Kingston, culminating in an F5 to secure the victory, but the crowd was into his vicious offence. Both during the match, and afterwards when he continued the beat down on Kingston with a second F5, and a pair for his New Day cohorts Xavier Woods and Big E when they tried to help. It was everything people expected: quick, destructive fun.
NXT Championship Match
Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens (c)
WWE’s production team should once again be commended for a great video package that told the story of these two heading into the fight. Balor was wearing what appeared to be a combination of his American demon outfit and his Japanese makeup from his New Japan Pro Wrestling days. The crowd was super hot for the entrance as expected. Michael Cole and Byron Saxton kept quiet during the Balor entrance, which was a smart move. Hideo Itami was shown at ringside, and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for him to be ringside during the match that was obviously meant for him. In a nice touch, the match began with a presentation of flowers to the competitors, a tradition in Japan. In typical heel fashion, Owens tossed the flowers into the aisle. Following that, when Balor was announced, the fans partook in another tradition and showered the ring with streamers. It was surreal for me to see such a moment occur in a WWE ring. Instead of trying to give the fans a more traditional match, Owens and Balor used the NXT style that brought them there. It was a smart choice as the crowd in Sumo Hall was into everything they did. These two did an incredible job of setting the pace and taking those watching on a ride. I was truly shocked when Balor’s Cou De Grace didn’t win him the championship, but was treated to five more minutes of main event style action that would not have looked out of place on any big WWE show. At one point during his final comeback, Balor actually did look like a demon, showing a fire that would culminate in his second Cou De Grace and victory, becoming the new NXT Champion. Despite being in the middle of the card, that match might as well have been the main event with the way the crowd erupted for Finn’s win. After the match, WWE Hall of Famer Tatsumi Fujinami came out to congratulate the new champion, and it obviously meant a lot to the emotional Balor. I had to feel for Hideo Itami, sitting at ringside, watching his tag team partner take the moment that was originally meant for him.
Beast in the East Main Event
King Barrett & Kane vs Dolph Ziggler & John Cena
Following that match would be an uphill battle for anyone, so of course the task would go to King Barrett. All joking aside, if you are going to have four men follow that tremendous NXT Championship match, it would be difficult to find four better. Some might question having this tag team match as the main event, but from a WWE perspective, John Cena is still the biggest star in the company, so it still makes sense to have him close the show. I’m sure there are those that would also see something in having the United States Champion close out a show on Independence Day, even if they happen to be overseas. Both Cena and Ziggler made Kane look like a monster when in the ring with him. In fact, John Cena took quite a beating during this contest. The match followed a very traditional structure that would not have seemed out of place in the Rock and Wrestling era. As a fan who grew up during those days, it was a nice trip down memory lane. There was a moment during the match I loved when John Cena looked directly at one of his fans, pointed to him, and acted like he had inspired him. Great stuff. In the end, a Superkick/Attitude Adjustment combo to both Kane and Barrett would be enough to secure the win for the Show Off and the United States Champion in a classic tag team main event.
So, was the show worth getting up at 5:30 am to watch? In my opinion, absolutely. It took me back to the days of waking up to watch wrestling on Saturday mornings. It was a great way to start my day, and for any wrestling fans watching in the US, I’m sure it was the perfect way to start their July 4th holiday. The card was nothing spectacular outside of the opener and NXT Championship Match, and in that regard, actually reminded me of the Tribute to the Troops events. Back before they became hour long NBC specials, these were shows built around fun matches like you would see at a house show. That’s exactly what we got with the Beast in the East, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It is my hope that WWE continues to do these specials on an annual or even regular basis, as it was a straight forward change of pace from the usual variety show presentation we get with WWE programming. It was a good show, I had a great time watching it, now if you’ll excuse me, I need to catch up on some sleep.
