NJPW Needs No More Controversy During G1

I read all about the Chris Charlton situation in Dave Meltzer’s newsletter recently and it made me halfway sick if everything written is true.

It was reported that New Japan, by way of its partner TV Asahi, wanted to pull back on Charlton’s activity at the announce table because he didn’t have the look and sound of a “proper announcer.” I call bullshit. I don’t care what Charlton looks like and as long as I can clearly understand him, which I can, and he can tell me the story of the match I’m watching and relay that to me in a colorful, creative way, that’s all I want out of my wrestling commentary. I’m glad that New Japan and TV Asahi were flooded with angry fan mail and phone calls over this, forcing them to reverse their idiotic decision.

WOR: Dave has been told Chris Charlton is now to provide translations only, not to commentate on NJPWWorld broadcasts. – This right here is a travesty, @reasonjp is a gem. I’m really upset about this.
— Andy Nemmity (@AndyNemmity) July 15, 2019

A real shame about Chris Charlton being taken off commentary by TV Asahi – a story which seems to be true. If you enjoyed Chris’s work, I’m sure NJPW would love to hear from you: https://t.co/BHVYbX8TlH
— Super J-Cast (@thesuperjcast) July 16, 2019

Well this has really pissed me off and slightly upsetting Chris Charlton is bloody great on commentary and brings something fresh and knows the history with NJPW, it’s so annoying him just sitting there in silence let him commentate for f fuck sake https://t.co/KVbEceNXve
— イアンの契約 Ian Deal (@eazzz90) July 15, 2019

Chris Charlton taught NJPW fans that the second rope (brets rope) is the most dangerous rope.
Don’t hinder my boy from dropping facts! Let the man speak!
— weratewrestlers (@weratewrestlers) July 16, 2019

hey, i really like chris charlton on commentary so i would like to see him stay there. i wrote a little script in a google doc (1) which you can copy/paste it into new japan’s inquiry page (2)
(1) https://t.co/nUQKXwuSq3
(2) https://t.co/2z6YwKCMfR pic.twitter.com/09XA0nf4zx
— thomas pastastrats (@pastreset) July 16, 2019

I also applaud the professionalism of both Kevin Kelly and Rocky Romero for consistently feeding lines and comments towards Charlton during the July 18th broadcast of G1, despite this edict coming down. It shows that they both are true friends and are excited to work with him. It seems like he’ll be more than a translator and factoids guy on commentary. After all, the best broadcast team in wrestling is that English team for New Japan. Even though I’m a little more entertained with Don Callis’ antics during broadcasts, sorry, Rocky.

Speaking of New Japan, with the G1 Climax in full effect, I’m not expecting any big names on Ring of Honor’s Summer Supercard in Toronto on August 9. While this an off day in the tournament, it will be the last day before the final three major shows where we find out the block winners before they collide on the final night on August 12 to crown the ultimate tournament winner. We all know that the first two nights and final three nights of the G1 are the most important when it comes to determining future storylines that’ll likely begin to put together what will become the card for Wrestle Kingdom on January 4.

Don’t expect your favorites likes Okada, Tanahashi, Jay White, Ishii and definitely not Jon Moxley to be involved with Summer Supercard in any way, shape or form. That event will likely be a very heavy ROH show compared to its sister program earlier in the year, the G1 Supercard in Madison Square Garden, which featured Naito taking the Intercontinental Title back from Ibushi and Okada reclaiming the IWGP Heavyweight Title from Jay White in the main event.

So far, we know that Matt Taven will defend the ROH World Championship against the returning Alex Shelley. We also know that CMLL will be sending six luchadors for a trios match that should rock the house. Plus, we know that Nick Aldis will NOT be defending the Ten Pounds of Gold against a member of Villain Enterprises because the NWA has cut ties with ROH.

While it could still be a good show overall, my attention that whole weekend (and I suspect the attention of many wrestling fans) will be focused on the finals of the G1.