Match Point is an ongoing series at Last Word on Pro Wrestling, where we look at intriguing matchups in indie wrestling and beyond. They may be dream matches, first-time matchups, or hotly anticipated rematches. This edition looks at Josh Alexander versus Minoru Suzuki on this week’s edition of IMPACT on AXS TV.
Josh Alexander invoked Option-C at Bound for Glory to challenge Christian Cage for the IMPACT World Title. The night did not end the way Alexander hoped. Now as he works to climb back into the IMPACT Title picture, a formidable force stands in his way. Minoru Suzuki quickly made his presence felt in IMPACT Wrestling. Now the two will square off in an IMPACT ring as Suzuki appears to represent New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Suzuki-Gun. The match is sure to be hard-hitting, and if Alexander is able to pick up the win it will only help his title aspirations. Let’s take a deeper dive into the match between Alexander and Suzuki this week on IMPACT.
Josh Alexander vs Minoru Suzuki – A Deeper Dive
Josh Alexander Represents IMPACT Wrestling
Josh Alexander cashed in Option-C at Bound for Glory to challenge Christian Cage for the IMPACT World Title. He relinquished the X-Division Title that he had held since April of this year. He knew he would walk out of Bound for Glory the IMPACT Champion, or empty-handed. After a hard-hitting match against the veteran and IMPACT legend Christian Cage, Alexander emerged victorious. His victory was short-lived.
As Alexander was celebrating in the ring with his family, Moose hit the ring. Moose had won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet earlier in the night. He saw an opportunity and cashed in the trophy, spearing Alexander for a quick pinfall victory. Alexander was understandable upset brought his frustrations to the episode of IMPACT on AXS TV after Bound for Glory. Moose opened that edition of IMPACT claiming he is the greatest champion in all of pro wrestling, and that he has no sympathy for Alexander.
Alexander hit the ring to suplex Moose. The offense was short-lived as Suzuki appeared in the ring. The two exchanged punches before security could separate the two. This set up a tag team match the following week on IMPACT. Suzuki teamed with W.Morrissey and Moose against Alexander, Eddie Edwards, and Matt Cardona.
Alexander now finally has the chance to get his hands on Suzuki one on one in the ring.
“The King” Minoru Suzuki
Suzuki wasted little time injecting himself into the action of IMPACT Wrestling. He interjected himself into the rivalry between Josh Alexander and Moose and teamed with Moose in the six-man tag match a couple of weeks ago on IMPACT. He also made short work of Kaleb with a K last week on IMPACT. Suzuki is currently standing in the way of Alexander’s title shot in IMPACT Wrestling.
A four-way number one contender’s match took place last week on IMPACT. Josh Alexander was not happy that he was excluded from the match. Scott D’amore made it clear that Alexander needs to settle his differences with Suzuki before he can get back into the title picture.
This continues Suzuki’s appearances in North American televised promotions. He recently appeared in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he confronted Jon Moxley at All Out. He competed in a few matches in AEW. Suzuki lost to Moxley in singles action before unsuccessfully teaming with Lance Archer in a Lights Out match against Moxley and Eddie Kingston. He also unsuccessfully challenged Bryan Danielson at the Buy In for Rampage.
Suzuki’s has been off to a great start in IMPACT. A win over Alexander would continue the momentum he has already built.
Josh Alexander vs Minoru Suzuki – Final Thoughts
Both men utilize hard-hitting strikes in the ring. They both also have a strong foundation in fundamental wrestling. Both use a variation of the pile drive as their finishing move. Alexander utilizes the C4, while Suzuki uses the Gotch Piledriver. They are both very savvy with submissions. Alexander uses the ankle lock while Suzuki utilizes a rear-naked choke. The match should be a hard-hitting match with plenty of striking, submissions, and technical wrestling on display.
A win for Alexander will allow him to put this behind him and refocus on Moose and the IMPACT World Title. A win for Suzuki will continue the roll and momentum he has had since arriving in IMPACT Wrestling. Only one man will walk out victorious this week on IMPACT on AXS TV.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch IMPACT Wrestling on Thursday nights on AXS TV and Twitch.TV as well as all the time on IMPACT Plus.
