NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2018: 10 Points To Note

#10. This Might Be The Last Big Shot for Great Bash Heel

Honma and Makabe are beloved but winding down

Great Bash Heel is as popular as ever, if not more so since the return of Tomoaki Honma. Of course, questions persist of Honma's health and ability to go in the ring. He proved he has still got it, far more than the oft lazy Togi Makabe; in fairness, he only takes it cool in these meaningless tag team contest.

Up against a fired Juice Robinson and their trainee Toa Henare, the two men gave a by the numbers match. The fans lapped it up as they played their greatest hits, with a rousing cheer for Honma once he got the pin and managed to get up from the canvas. Honma's paralysis has been a touch and go issue, so Makabe and the referee's concerns felt right. He took time to get up and rightly so, remarking how long GBH will keep up for at least on a higher level in New Japan.

For all purposes, the duo is New Japan dads so it might be time to slowly climb down the card. Of course with the occasional big push, since they are so popular. It would also allow Honma to take it slowly, even though the hard man wouldn't want to. It's still fun to see GBH play to the crowd, but with a dud match like this things might be better for a cool down for Honma to engage crowds a while longer. For now, World Tag League awaits.