Opinion

AJPW Champion Carnival Picks: Chairshot’s Uneducated Feat

Published

7 years ago

April 7, 2018

Well in the interest of remembering there’s more going on in the world than WrestleMania at this moment, and our burgeoning Puro section, we should take a small stab at working through All Japan’s Champion Carnival. With an assortment of freelancers and outside talent, coupled with newly crowned Triple Crown Champion Kento Miyahara, there’s a lot of hype and tension built in to all of these combatants.

In the interest of making things easier to digest, check out Mathew’s article (https://thechairshot.com/2018/04/ajpw-dream-power-series-final-results-review-3-25-2018/) for the full rundown of the A & B block. But we’re going to have a few Chairshot writers choose the A & B block Finalists and then an overall Carnival Winner.

“Block A Winner: Joe Doering

Joe is a little more of a “gut pick” for me. He made it to the finals last year, and lost to Shuji Ishikawa. In the Carnival last year he lost to Kento Miyahara, and just lost the Triple Crown Championship to him on March 25th. So this comes across more as Doering trying to prove the doubters wrong. Coming back strong after battling cancer, he did have a fairly forgettable reign and not being able to beat the new Ace, has to ignite a fire in him. Doering could easily Draw with Miyahara in the swiss, so that proves some level of improvement and if Miyahara holds the belt long enough, we could see a rematch. Yes, Yes, it’s a long shot, but this is also an ‘uneducated feat’ after all.

Block B Winner: Naomichi Marufuji

Marufuji is a fairly well known name among many fans, regardless of how deep into Japanese wrestling your interest goes. He’s my favorite however for the reasons this story tells. His team is currently positioned in a tie for 2nd place in NOAH’s Global Tag League (his partner is Atsushi Kotoge). This is important because he’s got 3 matches during the point after the Carnival starts (4 if he makes the finals). So the media was already questioning his ability to balance both tournaments, and it openly frustrated him. So in my magical Christmasland, I’d like him to come up a little short in the Tag League, but prove the doubters wrong by taking down the Carnival.

Carnival Winner: Naomichi Marufuji” – Andrew Balaz

“For A Block, while I can see Kento Miyahara actually making it to the finals as the Triple Crown Champion, I would have my pick go to Shingo Takagi and it’s hard too since A Block is really stacked and anyone of them has a chance to win. With B Block my pick is Naomichi Marufuji since I have a pretty good feeling with his chances going forward into the finals, but Zeus is also my dark horse pick. My fantasy type booking would be to have Marufuji and Shingo in the finals since they’ve teased having a match together for quite some time and feel like this would be the perfect place to do it.

My main pick to win the whole thing would be Naomichi Marufuji because for the past few Championship Carnivals, they’ve been in favor of the outsiders winning the whole thing, so I like my chances with Marufuji winning. Plus it would give Kento a credible opponent for his next championship and also exposure for both AJPW and Pro Wrestling NOAH. Kento Miyahara vs. Naomichi Marufuji for the Triple Crown Championship? Sign me up.” – Mathew Sarpraicone

“Block A Winner: Shingo Takagi

Making his full-fledged mark into the Heavyweight division, it is finally time for Shingo to shine outside of Dragon Gate. For well over a decade, Takagi has put on some of the best matches around in Dragon Gate, but was highly overlooked due to his Junior Heavyweight stature. Now receiving the opportunity to expand into the major promotions it’s only right for SHINGO to be a fresh new challenger for Miyahara.

Block B Winner: Suwama

My original pick was Marufuji, but I don’t know if All Japan was willing to have an all-outsider final. I’m just going with the safe-bet in Suwama, who is looking to regain prominence as the Triple Crown Champion. He never got his full rematch so it’s only right for him to head out to a final and gain back his spot.

Winner: Suwama “ – Christopher McManus

“Block A Winner- Joe Doering

Doering, the runner-up in the 2017 Carnival, will look to avenge his loss last year by making another run in this year’s tournament. He will have a tough road in the block against the likes of Ishikawa and Miyahara. But as this block beats up on one another, look for Doering to be the one to come out of this group and vie for the championship.

Block B Winner- Naomichi Marufuji

Marufuji will look to put his name on the list of recent “outsiders” to come into All Japan and leave as Carnival Champion. Even at his age, Marufuji continues to shine in the ring with his skill and agility. You could look at it as though Marufuji got the luck of the draw here, but there are a couple of names to contend with in Suwama and Zeus. In the end, I see him moving on into the final.

Carnival Champion- Joe Doering

If my prediction comes to fruition, a Doering vs. Marufuji final will certainly be a contrast of styles. Doering with the powerhouse game against the agility of the aged Marufuji. The match should be a very entertaining one, but when it’s all said and done I see Doering taking that next step and coming home with the prize that alluded him in 2017.” – Brandon Murchison

A BLOCK: Shingo Takagi”

B BLOCK: Naomichi Marufuji

My “expert” picks are actually quite specific, but hardly educated. That’s okay though, my colleague at work picked her NCAA bracket based on mascots and places she thought would be cool to visit.

Shingo Takagi represents Dragon Gate, a promotion that doesn’t get nearly enough love in the States. Like many US fans, I came to know Dragon Gate through Ring Of Honor, and later Dragon Gate USA (RIP). Shingo proved he can hang with anyone, and from what I can tell his inclusion will lead to quite a few “dream matches” in A Block.

Naomichi Marufuji? Ditto. Seriously. I first saw Marufuji live at ROH Final Battle 2005, when he challenged for Bryan ‘Daniel Bryan” Danielson’s World Championship. Outside of a few complaints about selling the leg (made by fat dudes in black shirts who never trained a day in their lives), the match was insanely amazing.

So am I personally attached to both? Yep. Does AJPW having a history of outsiders having successful runs in the Carnival support me? Yep.

My winner? The one I like a little more: Shingo Takagi.

At least I didn’t pick by mascots and desirable geographic locations. That colleague of mine won our bracket challenge. I came in second...” – Greg Demarco

So there’s a few similar picks throughout these wonderful expert picks. So you might as well put some combination of Joe Doering, Shingo Takagi, Naomichi Marufuji or Suwama in the finals. Everyone loves tournaments, and even though the format of the Champion Carnival has changed over the years, it’s still just as prestigious as any other tournament, including the G1.

If you’re not aware of All Japan Pro Wrestling, keep you eyes on The Chairshot as we bring you updates on the Carnival via Mathew and myself focusing on the Blocks individually.

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Up Next

Chris Deez’s WWE Wrestlemania 34 Predictions

Don't Miss

Official Chairshot Staff Picks: NXT Takeover: NOLA & WrestleMania 34

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

iTunes | iHeart Radio | Google Play | Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1