NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (9/20/20)
Now Block B begins!
It’s day 2 of the G1 Climax, Block B’s start!
NJPW keeps things moving with Block B’s first round of competition! Will the Double Champion trump The Ace in day 2 of G1 Climax 30?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Block B – Juice Robinson VS YOSHI-HASHI; Robinson wins.
- Block B – Toru Yano VS SANADA; Yano wins.
- Block B – Hirooki Goto VS KENTA; Kenta wins.
- Block B – Zack Sabre Jr. VS EVIL; ZSJ wins.
- Block B – Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tetsuya Naito; Naito wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Block B – Juice Robinson VS YOSHI-HASHI!
The Flamboyant One is back and raring to go! But will he be able to stop the vindicated Head Hunter now that he finally has a title?
The fans are excited to see Juice back, but it does take a moment for him to take off his Blues Brothers costume. The bell rings and fans cheer already as Juice and Hashi circle. Juice gets a stomp-stomp-clap, We Will Rock You rhythm going. Juice and Hashi tie up, Juice gets the arm, wrenches to a wristlock but Hashi spins through to reverse it onto Juice. Juice spins and gets a waistlock to slam Hashi down! Hashi sits up and moves around to throw Juice off. Hashi floats all over to cover, ONE, but Hashi is right back on a waistlock. Juice backs Hashi to ropes, the break is clean, and fans cheer. Hashi goes to kick, Juice blocks it and elbows the leg. Juice throws forearms and a CHOP! Juice jokes that his hand is hurting from that one.
Juice whips Hashi, Hashi huricanranas Juice to ropes, then catches Juice for a headlock takeover! Juice fights up, headscissors but Hashi pushes it off. Juice rolls to a cover, TWO! Hashi holds on, cranks harder, but Juice fights up, only for Hashi to hold tight as he tries to power out. Juice gets up but Hashi grinds. Juice throws body shots from all sides, powers out this time, and collides with Hashi. Fans cheer as neither man backs down. Hashi runs, Juice goes up, under and runs Hashi over with an elbow. Big back senton! Cover, TWO! Juice keeps his cool, stomps Hashi then brings him back up. Juice throws forearms, a CHOP, and lets out a “WOO~!” Fans clap to the beat but Juice asks they be quiet long enough to hear the CHOP!
Juice whips corner to corner, Hashi stumbles out into an atomic drop, and then Russian Leg Sweep! Cover, TWO! Juice grows annoyed but he drags Hashi back up. Fans rally as Juice snapmares and facelocks. Hashi endures the grind, works his way up, and throws body shots. Juice snap suplexes Hashi down, and holds on. Dos amigos with the second suplex! Juice gets Hashi up but Hashi fights out. Hashi suplexes Juice, has him for a neckbreaker, but Juice elbows out! Juice runs but Hashi dodges to hit the BLOCKBUSTER! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Hashi stands first. Hashi throws forearms and CHOPS on Juice, then runs to CHOP Juice in the corner! Hashi whips Juice to reel him in for another CHOP!
Hashi mule kicks, suplexes and hangs Juice out to dry. Hashi runs to dropkick Juice down! And keeps moving to basement dropkick! Fans fire up with Hashi as he drags Juice back up. Hashi suplexes, and gives Juice the neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Juice survives the Headbuster, but Hashi keeps on him. Hashi drags Juice up but Juice wrenches to a fireman’s carry, spins but Hashi slips out. Hashi waistlocks, Juice elbows out hard, and JABS! JAB! JAB! Juice fires up but Hashi CHOPS him first! Hashi powers up and swings, but Juice blocks to a full nelson! Juice thrashes Hashi around then SLAMS him down! Fans cheer as Hashi is down and Juice catches his breath. Juice gets to a corner, runs at Hashi and hits a big clothesline!
Juice fires up again and goes corner to corner, for a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Juice keeps his focus as he gets back up. Juice starts up the stomp-stomp-clap and the fans join in. We Will Rock You as Juice hoists Hashi up top. Juice CHOPS Hashi, fires up and climbs up, but Hashi resists the superplex! Juice keeps trying, Hashi keeps fighting, and Hashi gets up and over to sunset flip! Juice resists but not for long, RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives but fans rally up behind Hashi. Hashi runs, Juice ducks the lariat but Hashi ducks the leg lariat! Hashi comes back and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives again but Hashi keeps his focus.
Hashi fires up, drags Juice up, fisherman and suplex, but Juice fights out! Juice powers up, but Juice ducks to SUPERKICK! Hashi reels Juice in, tries again, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi doesn’t stop, he has the Butterfly Lock! Juice endures, reaches with a leg, but Hashi still has one arm caught. Hashi cranks, the fans rally, Juice fights and reaches, to the ropebreak! Hashi drags him from the ropes!! Hashi has changed it to a sleeper, but Juice fights up again. Hashi keeps him from the ropes with a BACKSTABBER! Hashi goes up top! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!?! Juice survives and the fans are thunderous! Hashi stays fired up, drags Juice back up, spins him to a pump handle, but Juice fights out! Juice clubs Hashi but also falls over.
Fans rally up as both men are down. Hashi drags Juice up, Juice breaks free but Hashi CHOPS! Juice CHOPS back, fires up, and pumps up. The fans rally as Juice aims, but Hashi mule kicks first! Hashi runs, Juice blocks his lariat to LARIAT back! Juice drags Hashi up, fireman’s carries, spins and JUICE BOX GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives but Juice still has something! Juice drags Hashi up, chicken wings and spins, PULP- NO! ROLL UP! TWO!! Hashi hurries up to his feet, Juice punches but Hashi deflects! Hashi spins Juice but Juice ROCKS him with a right! Then the LEFT HAND O’ GOD! Juice drags Hashi up, chicken wings to PULP FRICTION!! Cover, Juice wins!
Winner: Juice Robinson, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Hashi earns 0
Hashi could not #GetBackUp after that combination! Juice gets a big win in his return, will he have the juice to conquer the block?
Block B – Toru Yano VS SANADA!
The tentative Mr. KOPW 2020 is already after another prize! But the Cold Skull won’t let The Producer get another one over him! Will Sanada bring YTR to a Skull End?
Sanada has another new look, shedding the pirate theme to become more of a futuristic, space-age… vampire? Yano is still Yano, though. The ref does a very thorough check of Yano and finds spare wrist tape under BOTH knee pads! Yano insists that’s all, and the bell rings. Sanada and Yano tie up, Sanada powers Yano to ropes, and Yano shouts for the break. Sanada lets off clean and they go again. Yano puts Sanada on the ropes this time but is more reluctant to give the break. Sanada and Yano go again, Sanada gets around for a waistlock, but he says he feels something suspicious under that shirt! The ref goes feeling around, and finds under the waistband, a THIRD roll of tape! Yano says that’s the last one, and Sanada rolls him up! TWO!!
Yano freaks out, dodges Sanadan and gets him for a special takedown, half nelson cover, TWO!! Sanada almost got caught there! Yano backs off to go after his favorite corner pad! He gets it off, but Sanada rolls him for a rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling cradle! Cover, TWO!! Yano still has the pad but he’s so dizzy he’s swinging at the ref! Sanada trips Yano up, has both legs, but Yano BOPS him with the pad! Yano rolls away and out of the ring to stumble around the outside. Is Yano walking away? Sanada would only get one point if he won this way. Yano goes to the crowd, grabs an empty chair and takes a seat! Fans cheer but Sanada is not amused. The ring count begins and Yano dares Sanada to come get him.
Sanada hears the count pass 10 of 20. It’s reaching 15 of 20! Yano is the one who gets anxious, so he runs back! He’s in at 19.69! Sanada grabs the buckle pad, so Yano unties the other! It’s a buckle pad fight! Sanada smacks the pad out of Yano’s hand, tosses him the other, and then dropkicks Yano down! Sanada goes up top, moonsaults, but Yano dodges! Yano side steps Sanada to send him into bare buckles! Roll up, TWO!! Yano drags Sanada back up, Sanada knees low and runs, but into an atomic drop! Yano trips and catapults Sanada into the other bare buckles! Sanada staggers, Yano trips him up, and Yano fires the fans up by trying to steal Paradise! Sanada boots Yano away into bare buckles, catches him for a cradle, TWO!! Yano escapes and bails out of the ring again.
Sanada aims and slingshots for the PLANCHA! Fans fire up, Sanada drags Yano up for a headlock, and he drags Yano up the ramp. Sanada rakes Yano’s eyes, and ties him up in PARADISE! Sanada stands on Yano and hears the cheers before leaving Yano behind. The ring count begins again and Yano is stuck! Young Lions untie Yano? Sanada doesn’t like that, so he ties the Young Lion up! Yano attacks Sanada, and somehow has MORE tape?! He ties Sanada to the Young Lion!! The count is already 18! Yano is in, Sanada tries to three-legged-race with the Young Lion, but the count hits 20!! Yano wins!!
Winner: Toru Yano, by count-out; gains 1 point, Sanada earns 0
Yano cuts his losses quite literally, and only gets one point since this wasn’t a pin or submission victory. Sanada unties himself from the Young Lion, but will he be able to rebound from this moment of humiliation? Will Yano taking shortcuts cost him in the end?
Block B – Hirooki Goto VS KENTA!
The Fierce Warrior “welcomes” the Bullet Club’s #FangRevived back, and wants to finally pay him back for what he did to Shibata! Will Kenta “kindly” decline and take the crucial first win instead?
The bell rings and Kenta bails out. Kenta paces around the ring as Goto eggs him on, but Kenta takes his time. Kenta slowly returns, circles with Goto again, and they tie up. Goto powers Kenta to the ropes, the ref calls for the break, and Goto pats Kenta on the shoulder as he lets off. Kenta and Goto circle, tie up again, and Kenta pulls hair to put Goto on the ropes! The ref counts, Kenta lets go but then throws a forearm! Goto DECKS Kenta for it! Goto clubs Kenta, whips him but Kenta grabs ropes. Kenta bails out, goes around the way, but Goto slides out to pursue! Goto kicks Kenta and puts him back in the ring, but Kenta bails out the side. Goto grows annoyed, chases Kenta back into the ring, but Kenta stomps Goto as he returns!
Kenta clubs away, throws haymakers and pulls hair, to then whip Goto to ropes. Goto reverses the hip toss to a hip toss, then runs Kenta over! Fans fire up as Goto keeps Kenta from escaping the ring! Goto drags Kenta up on the apron but Kenta hotshots him back! And hotshots the arm! Kenta drags Goto out to POST the shoulder! Goto goes down clutching that arm but Kenta drags him back up. Kenta wrenches and hammerlocks to RAM that arm into railing! The ref starts a ring count, Kenta kicks Goto while he’s down but drags him up. The count passes 10, Kenta puts Goto in at 12. Kenta drags Goto up, wrenches to a shoulder breaker, then KICKS the arm! And again! Goto is at the ropes and Kenta stands on his head, mocking the fans. The ref counts, Kenta lets up but drags Goto back up.
Fans rally up for Goto but Kenta gives the bad arm another wrench to breaker! Kenta drags Goto down to a Fujiwara armbar but Goto gets the ropebreak with a foot. Kenta cranks and holds until 3. Kenta kicks at Goto mockingly, then kicks harder. Kenta eggs Goto on, but Goto eggs Kenta. Kenta kicks and kicks but Goto CHOPS! Kenta kicks back, and again, then gets the arm to drag Goto back down! Goto resists, scrambles and gets the ropebreak again. Kenta holds until 3, but he kicks at the bad arm. Kenta mocks the fans rallying for Goto and he keeps kicking. Goto grits his teeth but Kenta drags him up for haymakers. Kenta toys with Goto and kicks the bad arm again. And again! Kenta taunts Goto as he just keeps kicking!
Kenta boots Goto but Goto gets up. Kenta runs to boot but Goto blocks to shove Kenta down! Goto gets to a corner, Kenta is in the other, and Kenta runs in, only to miss! Goto hits a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and Kenta goes back to a corner. Goto runs in to clothesline, then runs to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto grits his teeth as he shakes out the bad arm. Goto brings Kenta up, fireman’s carry but Kenta rakes eyes to slip out! Kenta shoves Goto and catches him for a POWERSLAM! Goto gets to a corner, Kenta runs in again, but Goto boots him away this time. Goto swings but Kenta catches the arm, but Goto powers off to prevent the takedown! Goto runs at Kenta in a corner, but Kenta boots back. Kenta hops up, reels Goto in, tornado stungun!
Goto is down, Kenta goes up top, but Goto gets up. Kenta takes him down with a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he toys with Goto again. Kenta kicks and kicks but Goto just gets angry. Goto’s glare alone eggs Kenta on. Kenta kicks and kicks but Goto keeps taking them on! Goto swings but into a takedown! Kenta has the arm, but Goto gets to ropes! Kenta lets go but he stomps Goto to the ropes. Kenta kicks him over and over, then drags him up on the apron. He brings Goto through the ropes but Goto fights back! Goto and Kenta brawl with forearms, Kenta rakes the eyes! Kenta runs side to side, boots and sleeper holds Goto on the ropes! The ref counts, but Goto pries free to go after Kenta’s arm, to give back the shoulder breaker!
Kenta already has tape on the one arm, Goto KICKS out the other! Goto wrenches on the arm for a Disarmer! Kenta crawls and reaches, Goto cranks and twists, but Kenta moves around to get the ropebreak. Goto lets go but comes back to drag Kenta up. Kenta blocks the back suplex, elbows Goto, but Goto pump handles for an OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Kenta survives Jigoku Kuruma (Go To Heaven), but Goto grits his teeth. Goto drags Kenta up, fans rally up as he turns Kenta to the dragon sleeper. Kenta fights back but Goto spins him to uppercut the arm over and over! Goto wrenches the other arm to club it! Goto runs but Kenta catches him to spin him to a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again.
Kenta sits up first, fans rally for Goto, but Kenta drags Goto up to put him through ropes. Kenta hits the DRAPING DDT! Kenta watches Goto get to the corner, runs corner to corner, and hits a leaping boot! Kenta keeps moving, LEAPING DROPKICK! Goto is in the drop zone, Kenta goes up top again, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives the coup de grace but Kenta gets space again. Goto manages to sit up, fires up, but Kenta hits PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Kenta is still focused. Kenta slashes the throat, drags Goto up to a fireman’s carry, but Goto blocks the GTS! Kenta fires palm strikes and is free, but he keeps hitting Goto again and again! But he runs into USHIGOROSHI!
Goto drags Kenta into the hammerlock, and pulls on the other arm! Kenta endures this modified armbar, crawls with his legs, but Goto cranks harder! Kenta still gets a foot for the ropebreak! Goto lets go but the fans keep rallying. Goto goes after Kenta, avoids being dragged down, but Kenta elbows out of the German Suplex. Kenta runs, Goto follows, Kenta dodges but runs into fireman’s carry, to dragon sleeper! Kenta drops down to go after a leg, and then hooks an arm! Goto resists but Kenta gets the crossface, for GAME OVER! Goto endures as Kenta cranks back, and Kenta focuses on just the arm a moment to make sure it’s caught! Goto rolls but ends up away from the ropes! Goto TAPS, Kenta wins!!
Winner: Kenta, by submission; gains 2 points, Goto earns 0
The IWGP United States Champion’s current #1 contender just got a big win to start his G1! Will Kenta earn another huge title opportunity even before cashing in the one he has?
Block B – Zack Sabre Jr. VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Submission Master’s tag team partner, Taichi, won his first match, so ZSJ will surely want to stay on pace. But the King of Darkness is determined to get back to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship! Will ZSJ make Evil #JustTapOut? Or will he find that Everything is STILL Evil?!
Dick gets in ZSJ’s face but ZSJ grabs his finger and twists! Evil kicks ZSJ low and stomps him down while Dick gets away. The bell rings and this is on record as ZSJ and Evil brawl on the outside. Evil toys with ZSJ but ZSJ EuroUppers. Evil CHOPS, ZSJ boots but Evil blocks to elbow the knee! Evil whips ZSJ into railing, ZSJ runs right back at Evil, but into the sidewalk slam! Evil Too Sweets the camera before finding some chairs under the ring! Dick goes after ZSJ while Red Shoes is busy with Evil! Evil leaves the chair behind and goes into the ring. Evil undoes the blue corner buckle, the new Bullet Club signature. Fans rally as the ring count climbs, and Dick taunts ZSJ.
ZSJ gets up at 10, in at 11, but Evil is on him with clubbing forearms. Evil laughs as he wrenches and whips ZSJ into the bare buckles! Red Shoes reprimands but the damage is done. Evil drags ZSJ around by a leg, ZSJ resists but Evil still turns him over for a rough Half Crab! Evil sits deep but ZSJ endures, powers up, and he gets the ropebreak. Evil holds on until 3, ZSJ gets to a corner. Evil taunts ZSJ, messes his hair, and dares him to hit back. ZSJ throws a HARD EuroUpper! Fans cheer as ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, but Evil rakes his eyes! Evil runs, ZSJ ducks and gets around, Cobra Twist! Evil pops out to reverse it onto ZSJ! Evil gets help from Dick but Red Shoes sees that and counts. Evil lets go at 3, then drags ZSJ back up.
Evil scoops and slams ZSJ down hard, covers, TWO! He tries again, TWO! Again, TWO!! Evil is furious with Red Shoes but fans cheer. ZSJ clutches his back and tries to get feeling in it. Evil clubs ZSJ on the back then wrenches him arm for a whip back to the bare corner! ZSJ stops himself, goes up and under, headbutts, snapmares and TWISTS the neck! Fans cheer as things are even between ZSJ and Evil now. ZSJ stands on Evil’s head as fans rally up. ZSJ gets an arm, drags Evil around and CRANKS the arm! Then BOOTS Evil down! ZSJ dares Dick to do something then goes back to Evil. ZSJ drags Evil up, wrenches the arm, clamps onto it with a hammerlock, recliner cover, TWO!
ZSJ still has the arms, twists and stands on one, with the other trapped under Evil’s body! ZSJ STOMPS the arm and fans cheer! ZSJ keeps on Evil, drags him around by the arms again, and twists for a hammerlock STOMP! And then ZSJ wrenches the other arm, but Evil avoids the Pele! ZSJ avoids Evil’s senton and boots, but Evil deflects that at Red Shoes to then mule kick low! Both men are down as fans rally back up. Evil shakes out his arms while ZSJ clutches his back. ZSJ gets to a corner, Evil runs in, but he blocks the boots! Evil turns ZSJ sideways, clubs him and Tree of Woe STOMPS him! Fans cheer and rally up, which annoys Evil just a little.
Evil drags ZSJ up, fisherman but ZSJ fights out to PELE the arm! ZSJ runs, Evil goes to the corner but ZSJ gets around him for the IRON OCTOPUS! Evil pops out but ZSJ reapplies for the Cobra Twist! Evil pulls an ear! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Both men are down but fans build back to a rally. ZSJ scoots to a corner and Evil takes aim. Evil runs in, for the corner clothesline! Evil drags ZSJ back up as fans build to another rally. Evil hoists ZSJ up top, climbs up to join him, and fans continue to rally. Evil goes all the way up, for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and gets to a corner while Evil grits his teeth.
Evil sits ZSJ up, slashes the throat, and brings ZSJ to his feet. ZSJ elbows the STO away, then gets a sleeper hold! Scoop but no Zack Driver as Evil rakes eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil spins, but into an arm-drag! ZSJ rolls Evil around to a chicken wing cover, TWO!! JIM BREAKS ARMBAR! ZSJ has Evil caught as he pulls way back on the arm! But Dick gets on the apron, hiding his choker! ZSJ lets Evil go to BOOT Dick down! ZSJ kicks Evil down, then fires up. The fans fire up with him as ZSJ sits Evil up, but Evil blocks the kick! Evil spins ZSJ, ZSJ sits down to block the German but Evil whips ZSJ into Red Shoes AND the bare corner!! LARIAT!
Red Shoes flops out of the ring, Dick gets back in! The Spoiler grins as he stomps away on ZSJ! Young Lions check on Red Shoes and Evil has Dick bring ZSJ up. Bullet Club double whip and double shoulder ZSJ down, for SENTON after SENTON! Dick stands on ZSJ and Evil vows to finish this! Dick feeds ZSJ to Evil, they work together, but no Magic Killer as ZSJ boots Dick away! Evil kicks low and runs but into ZSJ’s boot! ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, dodges Dick and throws him down for the ARTICLE 50 ARMBAR! Dick taps but it doesn’t matter, and then Evil stomps ZSJ! Fans rally up for ZSJ but Evil shakes his head.
Evil drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, but ZSJ slips out of Darkness Falls to full nelson! Evil LOW BLOW MULE KICKS, but ZSJ catches it with his legs!! ZSJ gets the leg in an ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ cranks, Evil rolls and sends ZSJ into the bare buckles! Both men are down, Red Shoes returns and the fans rally up again! Evil drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!?! ZSJ survives and the fans are fired up! Evil is furious, though, and he vows to end this! Spin and- NO STO! ZSJ brings Evil’s arms from underneath, into the EURO CLUTCH!! ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Evil earns 0
Evil and Dick are FURIOUS with Red Shoes! ZSJ didn’t need to make Evil tap out and he still gets one over on the former Double Champion! Is ZSJ going to make his way to the top of the block?
Block B – Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tetsuya Naito!
The Ace VS the current IWGP Double Champion is the biggest match possible in Block B, and certainly for the first round! Will Tanahashi accomplish a shortcut by pinning Naito now? Or will Naito start on the road to choosing his own challenger?
Naito takes off his elaborate entrance attire while Tanahashi only has to take off his elaborately decorated jacket. The bell rings and fans are fired up already! Tanahashi and Naito circle slowly, but Naito is his usual half-committed self to the approach. Tanahashi cools off and waits on Naito. The fans clap for “Go Ace!” as he rushes Naito to get the leg. Tanahashi shifts to a waistlock, Naito switches but Tanahashi switches back. Naito switches again, Tanahashi gets a facelock, drags Naito down and floats to a headlock, but Naito slips out the back to a hammerlock. Naito cranks on the arm, Tanahashi reaches back to drag Naito down to a headlock! The fans cheer the technical exchange but Naito grinds forearms in Tanahashi’s face. Naito gets to his feet, pulls hair, then pries out of the headlock.
Tanahashi resists the rest of the reversal, fans rally up, and Tanahashi powers Naito back into the headlock. Naito pops out the back to hammerlock, Tanahashi turns it back onto Naito, then shifts to the headlock for another takeover. Naito rolls Tanahashi over to turn the headlock onto him but Tanahashi headscissors. Naito pops out and the two stand off, Tanahashi strumming the air guitar. Fans cheer as the two reset. Naito and Tanahashi circle, fans rally up, but like yesterday’s Okada-Ibushi, the rhythm could be “NA-I-TO!” or “TA-NAH-SHI!” Naito kicks Tanahashi low, clubs him on the back, then clubs him more. Naito whips Tanahashi but Tanahashi reverses to dropkick the legs out!
Tanahashi stomps Naito down then stomps the bad leg. Fans rally again, Tanahashi twists the leg and turns Naito over for a KNEE BREAKER! That was new from The Ace! Tanahashi stalks Naito, twists the leg again and ties the legs up in a figure four knot. Naito endures, fans rally, Naito grabs at Tanahashi’s hair but Red Shoes reprimands. Tanahashi cranks harder on the legs, and drags Naito. Naito gets the ropebreak before the Cloverleaf could lock in! Naito gets out to walk it off, but the ring count begins. Naito waits until 15, Tanahashi rushes him but Naito gets in. Naito hits Tanahashi off the apron, but fakes Tanahashi out to Tranquilo! Tanahashi gets in to senton but misses! Naito still Tranquilo as he shoos Tanahashi away.
Tanahashi ends up outside the ring now and Naito goes out to fetch him. Naito stomps Tanahashi, drags him up and whips him into railing! Naito grinds Tanahashi against the railing with a cravat! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito stops and brings Tanahashi up to whip. Tanahashi reverses and sends Naito into railing! But Naito comes back with a shotgun dropkick! Naito whips Tanahashi back into railing! Naito leaves Tanahashi behind and the ring count returns. Tanahashi stirs, gets up at 12, hobbles over and gets in at 15. Naito walks over to stomp the legs! Naito drags Tanahashi up, kicks the legs and dragon sleepers for the backbreaker to leg hook full nelson! Tanahashi endures, Naito pulls on his hair, but fans rally up. Tanahashi reaches and gets the ropebreak with a foot!
Naito claims he needs help untying the hold so Red Shoes helps. Tanahashi is free but Naito is on him right away with a whip to ropes. Naito runs Tanahashi over then basement dropkicks from behind! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer and rally up for Tanahashi but Naito gets annoyed. Naito drags Tanahashi up, Tanahashi hits back with forearms and body shots! Naito fakes Tanahashi out to kick the leg! Naito boots Tanahashi, whips him corner to corner, and runs in for the rocket kick! COMBINACION- NO! Tanahashi blocks the swinging dropkick for a swinging SLAM! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Tanahashi gets to his feet first, drags Naito up and fires off forearms and body shots! He has Naito in a corner, whips him corner to corner but Naito reverses. Tanahashi comes back with a flying forearm! The Ace fires up more and drags Naito up. Tanahashi scoop slams Naito down, hops up and hits the second rope somersault senton! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his cool and fans keep rallying. Tanahashi aims at Naito in the corner and runs in, but Naito boots! Tanahashi blocks it but Naito resists as best he can. Tanahashi still hits the DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down, fans cheer and rally up. Naito bails out, Tanahashi gets up and goes to the corner! Tanahashi climbs and aims at Naito for the ACES HIGH!! Direct hit and both men crash down!
Red Shoes checks on them both but they’re both okay to continue. Tanahashi gets up first as the ring count climbs. Tanahashi hobbles in at 8, Naito still hasn’t gotten up! The count passes 15! Naito gets up at 17, and in at 19.5! Tanahashi is after his leg again! Tanahashi gives Naito a DRAGON SCREW in the ropes!! And dropkicks Naito’s leg! And then hits another DRAGON SCREW! Fans are fired up with Tanahashi as he goes over to Naito. Naito resists the Cloverleaf again, reaches for ropes, but Tanahashi drags him away! Naito cradle counters, TWO!! Tanahashi goes after the legs again but Naito clubs him away. Naito elbows Tanahashi then hits a SPINE BUSTER!
Both men are down again, but fans rally up again. Naito drags Tanahashi up, rams him into a corner, and then hoists him up top. Naito climbs up and hits the SUPER STEINER! But Tanahashi sunset flips through it!? TWO!! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then another! Tanahashi stands while Naito writhes! Tanahashi gets both legs for the Cloverleaf! Naito endures as Tanahashi sits deep on the hold! Fans rally harder and harder as Naito continues to endure! Naito drags himself over, reaches but Tanahashi cranks back! Tanahashi sits so deep on the hold! Red Shoes checks on Naito but he’s still awake! Naito drags himself over, Tanahashi cranks harder still! Naito gets the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go and is frustrated but the fans are thunderous!
Tanahashi gets up, grabs at Naito but Naito holds tight to the ropes. Tanahashi still gets Naito up, fisherman scoop, but Naito fights out! Tanahashi kicks and whips Naito and catches the leaping forearms for a full nelson! Naito breaks free before the Dragon Suplex, but Tanahashi traps the arms for a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!?! The fans are thunderous that Naito survives! Tanahashi keeps his cool and waits for Naito to stand. Tanahashi runs, Naito ducks the Sling Blade for the rolling kick! Naito reels Tanahashi in, for the TORNADO DDT! Both men are down but the fans rally up! Naito fires up with his wild eyes and tongue, and then hurries over to Tanahashi. Naito drags Tanahashi up, scoops, but Tanahashi turns it into a SLING BLADE!
Tanahashi drags Naito up, but Naito makes the scoop into DESTINO! Both men are down again and fans are again thunderous! Naito and Tanahashi stir and Naito sits up first. Tanahashi follows, the two stand, and Tanahashi throws a forearm! Naito comes back with a forearm of his own! Tanahashi hits Naito, Naito hits Tanahashi, repeat! Naito grins and Tanahashi eggs him on. Naito hits back, Tanahashi hits again, and fans clap with every hit. Things speed up faster and faster, neither man backs down as they throw more forearms! Tanahashi fires off EuroUpper, Naito spits and fires off more forearms! Tanahashi ROCKS Naito with the palm strike!
Tanahashi whips but Naito reverses to throw elbow after elbow! Tanahashi drops to the mat and fans fire up again. Naito drags Tanahashi up, throws more elbows and Tanahashi drops again. The fans are thunderous, Naito drags Tanahashi up by his hair and throws even more elbows! Naito clobbers Tanahashi with that last one, but the fans haven’t stopped clapping. Naito drags Tanahashi back up, hammerlocks and lifts, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi still lives but Naito still keeps cool. Naito looms over Tanahashi, drags him up, and wrenches to tilt, but Tanahashi blocks Destino to hit TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another! Tanahashi hits a THIRD Twist ‘n’ Shout!
Fans fire up again as Tanahashi watches Naito rise. Tanahashi runs, no Sling Blade as Naito elbows and enziguris! And tilt, no! Tanahashi reverses Destino to SLING BLADE!! Fans are booming again as Tanahashi staggers about. Tanahashi runs, for another SLING BLADE! Tanahashi hurries up top, Naito slowly rises, ACES HIGH AGAIN! But Tanahashi keeps going and is back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS!!! Naito avoids certain defeat! Fans are thunderous once more as Naito stalks up behind Tanahashi. Tanahashi slowly rises, Naito runs in and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito won’t let himself be shocked as he drags Tanahashi back up.
Naito wrenches, tries again, but Tanahashi blocks Destino! Tanahashi swings a palm strike but Naito blocks to palm strike back! Naito scoops for VALENTIA! And then he brings Tanahashi up, for DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Tanahashi earns 0
The IWGP Double Champion conquers the Once in a Century Talent! Not even Tanahashi could pull off the shortcut! Did we already see the greatest match in Block B, if not the entire 30th G1 Climax?
Naito impatiently has the Young Lions get Tanahashi out so he can celebrate this victory and speak to the fans. “Buenos tardes, OSAKAAA~!” Osaka’s Edion Arena being the start of G1 Climax 30, with A Block yesterday and B Block today, he wants asks how they liked their first taste of “G1 Fever”? The tour goes to Kobe and comes back to Osaka in a month, but that’s only A Block shows. Sorry to the Kansai folks that don’t get to see the Double Champion. But he promises to be back in Osaka in November, with both titles AND the G1 Trophy, so until then, TRANQUILO! Please be patient and look forward to that date.
That said, let’s wrap it up. While the live fans can’t shout along, please shout in your hearts. The roll call is the only way to close G1 Climax’s opening weekend, of course! “BUSHI! SANADA! HIROMU! TAKAGI! Y NAITO! Nosotros Los Ingoberrrrrrnableeees~! DE! JA! PON!” Naito leaves with his two titles, but will he stay undefeated in the G1 to determine his own fate?
My Thoughts:
What a great first round for B Block, and second day overall for the G1! Some interesting parallels made already between the blocks, but especially arranging the main event match to be an incredible one. Ibushi won big against Okada, and Naito wins big against Tanahashi, though I suppose the champion would be expected to win. I wonder if the finals are already set to give us the rematch of Naito VS Ibushi. It’d be quite the amazing finals if it came down to Ibushi going back to back or Naito getting to choose his opponent. All of the other matches were great, too, and I think it will be a hilarious plot point if Yano winning by count-out will mean he doesn’t win the block and ends up just being a spoiler.
I liked Sanada’s new gear but it seems his change in gear never changes his style. I suppose that’s fine, though, because fans still really like Sanada and the Paradise Lock. I am also surprised Goto and Kenta had their match in the first round, but Kenta wins mostly so there’s no question if Goto could have a shot at his IWGP US Championship contract. ZSJ beating Evil was a great twist, as I thought Dick’s interference was going to turn things. But it seems ZSJ has Evil’s number in the overall series between them. ZSJ can definitely be a top contender in the Block, but obviously a win over Naito accomplishes very much the same as the G1 itself, i.e. a title match in the back pocket.
My Score: 9.3/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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