NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (9/24/20)
We’re back with B Block!
Will NJPW’s Double Champion keep winning?
Tetsuya Naito won to start his G1, but will he keep winning? Or will Zack Sabre Jr. make the IWGP Double Champion #JustTapOut?
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
- B Block – Hirooki Goto VS SANADA; Goto wins.
- B Block – Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Toru Yano; Yano wins.
- B Block – Juice Robinson VS KENTA; Robinson wins.
- B Block – YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL; EVIL wins.
- B Block – Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr; Naito wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings!
Tetsuya Naito: 1-0, 2 points
Juice Robinson: 1-0, 2 points
KENTA: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0, 2 points
Toru Yano: 1-0, 2 points
SANADA: 0-1, 0 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-1, 0 points
EVIL: 0-1, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-1, 0 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
B Block – Hirooki Goto VS SANADA!
The Fierce Warrior and Cold Skull both lost and are looking to redeem themselves! Perhaps Sanada more than Goto, as Toru Yano used the tape to tie him to a Young Lion and win by count-out! Will Goto avoid a Skull End or continue to stall out in the G1?
The bell rings, the fans cheer and the two circle. Sanada and Goto tie up, Goto waistlocks but Sanada standing switches. Goto wrenches out, Sanada rolls and wrenches back to a hammerlock. Goto reverses the hammerlock onto Sanada, shifts to a headlock, but Sanada powers out. Goto runs Sanada over, fans cheer, and things speed up. Sanada hip tosses but Goto blocks to hip toss back! Goto runs but Sanada dumps him out! Sanada runs but fakes Goto out, but Goto avoids the moonsault! Goto kicks and whips but Sanada reverses to send him into railing! Sanada runs in but Goto boots him back. Goto swings but Sanada dodges, and Goto’s arm hits POST! The right arm is already in bad shape from Kenta’s Game Over crossface last round!
The ref checks on Goto but Sanada wrenches the bad arm and wraps it around railing. The ref reprimands Sanada, he lets up but then BOOTS the bad shoulder! Sanada goes to the ring and the ref checks on Goto. Goto is okay to continue so fans rally up. The ring count begins, climbs to 5 of 20, then 10 of 20 before Goto rises. Goto gets in at 14, but Sanada is on him and the bad arm! Sanada bends the arm back, Goto gets a ropebreak so Sanada slams the bad arm down. Sanada paces, Goto grits his teeth and stands, but Sanada clubs the bad arm. Goto leans on ropes, Sanada whips him and elbows him down. Goto avoids the standing moonsault but Sanada lands on his feet to basement dropkick from behind! Cover, TWO!
Sanada keeps his cool and goes after the bad arm again. Goto endures, fights his way up, throws body shots, then throws forearms. The bad arm can still hit, but Sanada hits the bad arm! Sanada grabs Goto but Goto blocks the back suplex and elbows away. Goto shoves Sanada away, Sanada runs back at the corner, but Goto dodges! SAIDO! Goto grits his teeth as he shakes out the bad arm and Sanada gets away to a corner. Goto runs in, windmill heel kick! Goto headlocks for the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Goto brings Sanada back up. Goto fireman’s carries, Sanada kicks free but Goto elbows his waistlock away. Goto runs but Sanada hurdles, hurdles and dropkicks! Fans cheer while Goto bails out, Sanada PLANCHAS!
Fans cheer and Sanada encourages them to get louder. Sanada then goes back for Goto, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Sanada aims as Goto rises, springboard but Goto intercepts to a fireman’s carry! USHIG- NO! Sanada lands on his feet, knees low and runs but Goto follows! Sanada dodges, Goto follows again but Sanada side steps to O’Conner roll him! Goto fights out of the cover but ends up in the dragon sleeper! Sanada drops back, SKULL END! Goto endures, reaches, kicks around, and gets the ropebreak with a foot! Sanada lets go quickly and keeps his cool as he brings Goto back up. Sanada fireman’s carries now, but Goto fights out. Goto dodges the boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Both men are down because Goto’s bad arm is bothering him but the fans are rallying again.
Goto grits his teeth, drags Sanada back up, and has his own dragon sleeper! But Sanada denies GTR by spinning Goto into a dragon sleeper! But Goto spins back, but Sanada goes up and over to get the dragon sleeper back! Goto endures the standing Skull End, Sanada drops down but Goto rolls back to get a normal sleeper! Sanada snapmares out, gets Goto for a headlock but Goto slips out to sleeper! Sanada drops down but Goto shifts to ISSHIKI CRADLE! TWO, and Sanada rolls Goto to a ghost pin! TWO, Sanada runs into the fireman’s carry, Ushigoroshi to dragon sleeper! But Sanada victory rolls before the GTR! TWO!! Goto escapes by a narrow margin! Goto runs into Sanada’s fireman’s carry, Sanada STEALS USHIGOROSHI!!
The fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to continue. Sanada drags Goto up, puts on the dragon sleeper, but Goto spins around to suplex! Sanada fights that off, and again! Sanada suplexes Goto, puts him on the ropes, MAGIC SCREW! Sanada goes up top, MOONSAULT but misses! Goto avoids Sanada but both men are down as fans rally up again. Goto gets to the corner, Sanada sits up and fans rally more. Goto fires up, runs corner to corner at Sanada, but Sanada elbows him away! Sanada Quebrada to dragon sleeper! Goto slips around again, puts Sanada up, DRAPING INVERSE GTR! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Goto won’t let up now!
Goto drags Sanada back up, aims and kicks, but Sanada blocks! Goto headbutts, Sanada spins, but into the fireman’s carry! G T W!! Goto fires up as Sanada rises, BUZZSAW! Then dragon sleeper, TRUE G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Sanada earns 0
Redemption favors Chaos’ Fierce Warrior! Does Goto still have a fighting chance in the block, bad arm and all?
B Block – Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Toru Yano!
Speaking of the tentative Mr. KOPW 2020, he only has one point for taking his shortcut! Will he trump The Ace and get a full two points? Or will the Once in a Century Talent rebound from losing to the IWGP Double Champion?
The ref is much more thorough with his check of Yano given all the secret tape rolls last time. Yano’s clean this round, but is upset that the ref even questioned him. The bell rings, Yano and Tanahashi circle as the fans rally. Yano bails out and dares Tanahashi to come get him. Tanahashi tells him to come back in, but Yano keeps insisting Tanahashi follow him outside. The ref says Yano has to get back in but Yano argues back. The ring count begins, Tanahashi strums the air guitar, and Yano storms back into the ring. Yano says, “Okay, okay,” and he circles with Tanahashi. They approach, Yano shoots in and brings Tanahashi to the mat with a waistlock. Tanahashi switches, Yano switches back, and repeat.
Yano wrenches the arm, Tanahashi wrenches the arm and headlocks for the takeover, but Yano headscissors. Tanahashi pops out and the fans cheer as the two stand off. Yano and Tanahashi resets, but Yano shouts, “GOMENASAI! (I APOLOGIZE!)” as he goes for the buckle pad! Tanahashi clubs Yano before he’s done untying the pad. Tanahashi unties the pad himself?! And Yano grabs the other one! The ref only stops Tanahashi, but it seems Tanahashi learned to be ready from watching Yano VS Sanada. The ref tells Yano to get rid of the buckle pad, so Yano tosses it at Tanahashi! Yano dares the ref to tell Tanahashi the same. Tanahashi uses the pad as a guitar!
Tanahashi tosses the pad back to Yano, and fans cheer, so Yano considers strumming, too. But he just swings on Tanahashi instead! Tanahashi dodges the pad shot, grabs the pad, and DRAGON SCREWS the pad!? Yano goes flying either way! Yano bails out as fans fire up, and he flounders around the way. Tanahashi hurries after but Yano kicks low and sends Tanahashi into railing. Yano brings Tanahashi up the ramp but Tanahashi hits back. Yano whips Tanahashi into railing, the ref pursues to tell Yano to come back. Yano and Tanahashi return to the stage right by the entrance! The ring count begins, the two men brawl with forearm after forearm, and the count reaches 10 of 20! They keep brawling!
Yano rakes eyes and runs for it! Tanahashi hurries after, and we’re at 15! Tanahashi slides into home at 18! And Yano uses the AKAKIRI! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer while both men are down, catching their breath. Yano is up first, drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws forearms! Tanahashi backs Yano down into a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Yano reverses! This is the safe corner to Tanahashi rebounds and forearms Yano down! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he brings Yano up. Tanahashi scoops and slams Yano then goes to the second rope, for the sunset senton! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi waits for Yano to rise, but Yano grabs hair! Tanahashi breaks free but Yano kicks. Tanahashi catches that, DRAGON SCREW!
Yano bails out because this time his leg was the victim. Yano checks the knee but Tanahashi slingshots, but Yano dodges and the Plancha crash lands! Yano drags Tanahashi up, whips him into railing, and then goes looking for something. Yano finds tape! But Tanahashi kicks him first! Tanahashi stomps Yano down, takes the tape for his own, and uses it to blindfold Yano! The ring count climbs back to 10 of 20 and then 15 as Tanahashi finishes blinding Yano! Tanahashi is in, Yano flounders about, but gets in at 19.69! Tanahashi gives Yano a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as Yano stands up.
Tanahashi runs but Yano senses what’s coming! Yano grabs and finds the ref, and uses him as a shield! Are Yano’s other senses heightened without his sight? Tanahashi bails out of Sling Blade, the ref doesn’t see Yano kick and LOW BLOW!! Then URAKASUMI! Cover, YANO WINS?!?
Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Tanahashi earns 0
How?! Is Yano the Japanese Daredevil? Spider-Man? Some kind of psychic?! Either way, Yano gets one over on Tanahashi and keeps on winning! Will he somehow find a way to become not just Mr. KOPW but the G1 Climax 30 winner? Is there still time for Tanahashi to rebound in his own run?
B Block – Juice Robinson VS KENTA!
The Flamboyant One and the Fang Revived are hot off wins in the opening round, but only one can keep that fire going! Who will be burning brighter and who will be cooling off in round two?
The bell rings and Juice is ready but Kenta stays back. Kenta stays in the ropes as a defense but Juice backs off. Kenta comes out but backs away again as Juice approaches. Juice backs off again and Kenta finally leaves the corner. The two circle, fans rally up, and Kenta bails out. Juice grows annoyed but that’s the point. Juice slides out but Kenta slides in. Juice gets in but Kenta fires off punches and stomps! The ref counts, Kenta stops and whips but Juice kicks back! Juice hits the headlock takeover and grinds Kenta down. Kenta keeps his shoulders up, pulls hair and brings Juice to a headscissors. The ref reprimands but Juice pops free. Juice blocks the kick and JABS! Kenta bails out before Juice can get more.
Kenta paces, pats his IWGP United States Championship contract briefcase for reassurance, and gets back in the ring just as Juice goes out. Kenta rushes at Juice but Juice throws a forearm first! Juice shoulders in but Kenta KICKS and KICKS him! Kenta goes up while Juice is stuck, for a GUILLOTINE KNEE! Fans can’t help but cheer that one as Kenta goes back to Juice. Kenta stands on Juice’s head but lets up at the ref’s count. Juice is on the apron, Kenta drags him back in and whips. Kenta runs Juice over with an elbow, covers, ONE! Kenta keeps right on Juice with a chinlock. Kenta digs his knee into Juice’s back but Juice endures. Juice reaches back but Kenta cranks Juice’s neck to stop Juice from doing the same. Kenta snapmares Juice and KICKS him in the back!
Kenta mocks the fans applauding much like Jay White did the other day. Kenta drops knees on Juice’s head, then drags him back up. Kenta turns Juice for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kenta wraps Juice right up in a chinlock and grinds Juice down. Fans rally up, Juice fights up, but Kenta throws Juice down by his hair! Kenta sits Juice up to KICK him again! Juice writhes, Kenta covers, TWO! Fans cheer but Kenta toys with Juice now. Kenta kicks at Juice, Juice sits up and Kenta KICKS! And KICKS! Juice grits his teeth but Kenta KICKS him down! Kenta stands on Juice for a cocky cover, TWO! Kenta clamps onto Juice with another chinlock but Juice endures. Fans rally up, Juice gets a second wind and fights up. Juice throws body shots, is free and runs, but Kenta gets the sleeper!
Juice powers up to back suplex high and hard! Both men are down and fans fire up again. Juice gets up, pumps up and JABS! And JABS! JAB! JAB! Juice faces Kenta with the left to DDT instead! Cover, TWO! Juice keeps his focus as he brings Kenta up. Juice fireman’s carries but Kenta rakes eyes! Kenta shoves and SPINNING POWERSLAMS Juice down! Kenta starts his own weird clap rhythm that no one can follow, and then he stomps Juice more. Kenta kicks and kicks and kicks! He fisherman suplexes Juice and lateral presses, TWO! Kenta grows annoyed with Juice as he drags Juice back up. Kenta whips Juice corner to corner but Juice reverses. Juice runs in but Kenta boots him away! Juice comes back, blocks this boot, but Kenta thumbs Juice’s eye!
Kenta goes up, reels Juice in, tornado hotshot! Juice staggers about, Kenta hits a flying lariat! Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he drags Juice up. Kenta waistlocks, Juice elbows but Kenta clubs him. Kenta runs but into a FLAPJACK! Juice LEG LARIATS! Both men are down again but the fans rally up. Kenta rolls to one side while Juice is on the other. Juice runs at Kenta in the corner and clotheslines! He goes corner to corner but Kenta follows and clotheslines! Kenta goes corner to corner but Juice follows to clothesline back! Juice runs, Kenta follows but Juice dodges and Kenta only gets buckles! Juice LARIATS point blank! Kenta sits down, Juice goes corner to corner again and CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! Juice grows frustrated but the fans still rally.
Juice stomps and claps, and the fans follow. We Will Rock You as Juice puts Kenta up top. Juice CHOPS Kenta, climbs up to join him, but Kenta blocks the superplex! Kenta throws body shots, then rakes Juice’s eyes! Kenta headbutts over and over and sends Juice down! Juice flounders up to his feet, Kenta leaps, missile dropkick! Juice ends up in the other corner, Kenta runs in to BOOT! And then corner to corner for the HESITATION DROPKICK! Juice is down, Kenta goes back up! DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives Kenta’s coup de grace but Kenta drags Juice up for more. Kenta fireman’s carries, Juice blocks and elbows away. Kenta back kicks, reels Juice in and puts him through the ropes! DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives again but Kenta has him on the ropes.
Kenta runs to knee Juice in the back! And he keeps going, but Juice gets around to FULL NELSON SLAM! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Kenta rises but Juice grabs at Kenta, too. They both stand, Kenta throws a forearm! Juice throws one back, so Kenta forearms again. They brawl, Juice gets the edge, then ROCKS Kenta! Kenta stays up and gets in Juice’s face. Juice ROCKS him again! Kenta shakes it off to ROCK Juice! Juice ROCKS Kenta, and again, and again! Juice headbutts, Kenta forearms and back hands! And back hands! But Juice LARIATS back! Fans fire up with Juice as he drags Kenta up into the fireman’s carry. JUICE BOX GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives but Juice grits his teeth.
The fans rally up as Juice brings down the straps. Juice fires up and brings Kenta up for chicken wings. PULP- NO! Kenta rolls Juice up, TWO! Juice swings, misses, Kenta ROCKS Juice over and over with slapping rights! Juice goes down, Kenta fires up! Kenta drags Juice up and into a fireman’s carry but he can’t get Juice up. He tries again, has Juice up, but Juice slips out! Juice has the arms, turns Kenta but Kenta slips out for the fireman’s carry! GO TO- NO! Juice blocks the leg and ROCKS Kenta with that right! LEFT HAND OF GOD!! Juice drags Kenta back up, underhooks and turns him, PULP FRICTION!! Cover, Juice wins!!
Winner: Juice Robinson, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Kenta earns 0
Not only is this a HUGE win for Juice in the G1, he just pinned the current IWGP US Championship #1 contender! Does Juice have the juice to take that contract from Kenta in the near future?
B Block – YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Head Hunter looks to #GetBackUp from being knocked down by Juice, and the King of Darkness was shocked by Zack Sabre Junior! Will Yoshi-Hashi see Everything Is Evil? Or will darkness fall to the vindicated Six Man Tag champion?
As Hashi hits the ring, Evil has a chair! Evil swings on Hashi but Hashi hits him with his staff first! Hashi also runs Dick out of the ring! And then he goes after Evil again! Red Shoes gets the chair out of the ring but tells Hashi to let up. Hashi does, takes off the jacket and the bell rings to put this on record. Hashi fires off forearms over and over and over and over in the corner! Hashi stops at Red Shoes’ count, but brings Evil up to CHOP him! Fans cheer as Hashi whips Evil corner to corner. Evil reverses but Hashi comes back with a CHOP! Hashi runs and runs Evil over! Dick is furious as Hashi stomps Evil. Evil gets to ropes, Hashi stomps him more. Hashi stands Evil up to CHOP him and fans cheer.
Hashi whips Evil but Evil holds ropes to block. Hashi elbows Evil, CHOPS him, and whips him again. Evil reverses, gets in Red Shoes’ face, and Dick trips Hashi up! Dick whips Hashi to railing! Hashi spasms and writhes but Dick digs his boot into him! Evil goes out and grabs chairs! Red Shoes tells him to stop but Evil leaves the chairs on the ground. Evil brings Hashi up, to snap suplex onto the chairs!! Hashi writhes again as Evil gets in the ring. Red Shoes keeps his eyes on Dick but Evil is untying the blue corner’s pad. Dick leaves Hashi be and fans build to a rally. Hashi gets up and in and fans cheer his toughness. Evil drags Hashi around to stomp his back. Evil drags Hashi up, scoops and slams him, and then covers. TWO!
Evil and Dick are annoyed but Evil toys with Hashi. Evil taunts the fans but they cheer for Hashi. Evil pushes Hashi around but Hashi fires back with forearms! Evil whips Hashi to the blue corner, and the bare buckles! Evil drags Hashi up, clubs him on the back then shoves him to club him more. Evil scoops Hashi for the BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Evil tries again, TWO! Again, TWO!! Evil is frustrated and fans rally up. Evil looms over Hashi, drags him up, and suplexes, but Hashi blocks! Hashi suplexes Evil but Evil fights it off. They fight over suplex control, and it’s Hashi who gets Evil up and over! Fans cheer and rally as Hashi gets up. Hashi waits for Evil to rise, and he throws palm strikes and CHOPS! Hashi whips, Evil reverses but Hashi dropkicks low!
Hashi CHOPS Evil in the corner, whips and CHOPS and then mule kicks! Hashi reels Evil in to scoop but Evil slips out the back. Evil shoves but Hashi dodges his clothesline to hit the BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up with Hashi as he WRECKS Dick with the baseball slide! Hashi CHOPS Evil at the ropes, brings him around and suplexes to hang Evil out to dry. Hashi runs and dropkicks Evil down! Then he keeps going to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his focus as he has the fans rallying behind him. Hashi goes up top, but Evil trips him up! Hashi lands on his short staff! Evil CHOPS Hashi, climbs up top, but Hashi fights back with body shots. Evil still tries the superplex but Hashi keeps fighting back! Evil rakes eyes!
Evil goes up even higher, for the SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi lives and Evil is furious! Fans rally up, Evil stands first and drags Hashi up. Evil fireman’s carries but Hashi blocks it off, but not for long! Hashi silps out the back, Evil elbows him away then whips him to a corner. Hashi reverses but Evil reverses and Hashi hits bare buckles! Evil whips Hashi back into the bare buckles! And then fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Evil is losing his cool! Evil drags Hashi up, slashes the throat, and spins Hashi around, but Hashi fights the STO off. Evil still tries but Hashi gets away! Hashi baits Evil in, Evil stops himself from running into bare buckles, but Hashi bumps him off them! And then whips him into them! Evil staggers, Hashi SUPERKICKS!
Both men are down but the fans fire up! Evil checks his face but he’s not bleeding. Evil drags Hashi up, Hashi throws forearms! Evil CHOPS, Hashi CHOPS, Evil spins but Hashi SUPERKICKS! Hashi runs, Evil goes to the corner, but Hashi still LARIATS him down! Fans fire up and Hashi fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi keeps going, and puts Evil in the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Evil endures, Dick is on the apron, but Hashi DECKS him! Evil CLUBS Hashi, wants Dick to help out but Red SHoes warns them not to! Hashi reverses to whip and Evil bumps into Dick! BACKSTABBER, to BUTTERFLY LOCK! Evil endures, reaches out, scoots, but Hashi cranks him away from the ropes!
Fans rally, Evil reaches around and grabs Hashi’s ear! Evil pulls, but Hashi CRANKS the lock! Hashi leans on Evil and Evil starts to fade. Evil comes so close but refuses to giving up! Evil gets his second wind and scoots around, but Hashi drags him away again!? The fans rally as hard as they can, Red Shoes checks on Evil but Evil keeps fighting! Evil keeps trying, but Hashi gets that arm for a double wristlock! Butterfly Chicken combo!! Evil uses his leg to get the ropebreak!! Hashi lets go but a lot of damage was done! Fans rally again as Evil sputters. Hashi drags Evil up, Evil pushes Red Shoes, but Hashi catches the low blow! Hashi SLAPS Evil, runs, but into a LARIAT! Evil evens things and both men are down!
The fans rally back up and the two stir. Evil is up first, he drags Hashi around, spins him, but still no STO! Pump handle but no Karma! No STO either, SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Hashi runs, for the METEORA!! Cover, TWO!?! Evil survives but Hashi will not stop! The fans are thunderous as Hashi slams Evil and climbs up! Hashi leaps, for the SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hashi’s Loose Explosion didn’t end it!! Hashi drags Evil back up, tries another full nelson, but Evil grabs at Red Shoes! Dick SMACKS Hashi with a chair!! Evil keeps Red Shoes away and the SPOILER CHOKER hooks Hashi!
Hashi is caught at the ropes but fans rally and he fights it off!! Hashi frees himself and DECKS Dick! Evil runs into the mule kick! Hashi runs and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans can’t believe this as Hashi pump handles, but no Karma! Evil shoves Hashi at Red Shoes then LOW BLOWS!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, EVIL WINS!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Hashi earns 0
Hashi put up perhaps the best fight in this G1, but he could not stop the combination of Evil and Dick! Will the King of Darkness rise back to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship? Will Hashi still have time to #GetBackUp in the block?
B Block – Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr!
The IWGP Double Champion made a promise to add the G1 Climax trophy to his collection, but every match is an opportunity for someone to punch their own golden ticket! Will Naito stay Tranquilo? Or will he #JustTapOut to ZSJ?
Naito sets the belts down on the mat before getting in, but ZSJ steps on them and kicks them over to Naito’s corner! As if Naito doesn’t abuse those belts enough on his own… Naito takes off his elaborate entrance attire much quicker this time, but not so quick as not to annoy ZSJ. The bell rings and fans cheer already as the main event of round 3 begins. The claps are either for “NA-I-TO” or “Z-S-J,” but Naito doesn’t really mind either way. The two circle, feel out the grapple, and Naito avoids ZSJ shooting in. Naito shoots back but ZSJ uses a leg guard to get the arm. ZSJ wrenches but keeps his distance and lets Naito go. Fans cheer the exchange as the two reset.
Naito and ZSJ try again, Naito facelocks and drags ZSJ down. ZSJ slips out, gets the arm for a hammerlock but Naito powers his way to a cover. ZSJ chinbars back, Naito slips out to hammerlock, shoot the half and cover, ONE! Naito stays on ZSJ but ZSJ rolls through to get the leg. Naito gets the ropes, ZSJ lets off fast and Naito bails out to walk it off as fans cheer again. ZSJ waits as Naito walks around the way. Naito slow rolls back in and resets with ZSJ. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. ZSJ gets the arm for a wrench, but Naito rolls and wrenches back. Naito has the wristlock, cranks on it, and ZSJ rolls to bridge and step through for another wrench. ZSJ trips Naito up to then have control. ZSJ twists the wrist, bends fingers, but Naito scrambles to get the ropebreak.
ZSJ backs off and lets Naito up. The two go again, Naito gets a leg but ZSJ has a clinch. Naito goes under the leg, waistlocks but ZSJ switches. Naito grabs the ropes, ZSJ lets go but leans on Naito to mock the Tranquilo. Fans cheer, admitting they like that. Naito shrugs it off and circles with ZSJ. ZSJ knuckle locks, spins and wristlocks to arm-drag Naito down. ZSJ has the keylock but Naito endures, even as ZSJ digs a knee into his chest. Naito rolls back, ZSJ cranks the arm, but Naito rolls again. Naito is up, ZSJ cranks the arm but Naito grabs the ropes. ZSJ spins through to wristlock but Red Shoes counts. ZSJ lets Naito go clean but then whips. Naito reverses and arm-drags ZSJ! Naito kicks, runs and huricanranas! ZSJ bails out, Naito builds speed but fakes ZSJ out to Tranquilo.
ZSJ gets in to use the arm in a ghost pin! TWO, ZSJ tries La Magistrol! TWO, ZSJ tries Oklahoma roll to a jackknife! TWO!! Naito barely escapes and even he is surprised! Naito kicks ZSJ and puts him in a corner! They clinch, Red Shoes calls for the break, but Naito snapmares to put ZSJ in a chinlock. Naito drags ZSJ into a modified triangle hold but ZSJ manages to headscissor Naito at the same time. Naito pops out to crank on ZSJ’s head! ZSJ endures, kicks his way over and gets the ropebreak with a foot. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets go at 3 but brings ZSJ around. Naito puts ZSJ on the ropes, and CLUBS him down! And again! Naito whips ZSJ, ZSJ counters the hip toss to chicken wings but Naito resists, so ZSJ goes for the cobra twist!
Naito hip tosses free, but ZSJ bridges up to snapmare and NECK TWIST Naito! And ANOTHER! ZSJ sits down to catch his breath while fans cheer. ZSJ stalks Naito to ropes, brings him up on the apron and through the ropes for a HANGING GUILLOTINE! Red Shoes counts, ZSJ lets go and pushes Naito off the apron! Naito crashes into railing! ZSJ drags Naito up as fans rally and puts him back in. ZSJ even resets the railing for commentary’s sake. ZSJ has Naito in the necklock now, and digs knuckles in where he can before he CRANKS on the hold! ZSJ also grabs an arm and has Naito folded up! ZSJ has BOTH arms, this is almost Hurrah but Naito gets a leg on the ropes! ZSJ lets him go and fans cheer the technical exchange. Naito sits up, ZSJ brings him up but Naito throws haymakers!
Naito backs ZSJ down, whips him corner to corner but ZSJ puts him on the apron and sweeps the legs! Naito tumbles down to the floor! Red Shoes starts a ring count and it climbs to 10 of 20 before Naito sits up. Naito slowly stands at 15, and gets in at 17. ZSJ stands on Naito’s head at the ropes, Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but ZSJ lets up at 3. ZSJ toys with Naito giving those weak kicks. Naito gets up but ZSJ rocks him with a EuroUpper! Naito boots back but ZSJ EuroUppers again. Naito boots, ZSJ EuroUppers and snapmares! ZSJ has a cravat but Naito pushes ZSJ in the face over and over. ZSJ grabs that other arm to add it to the hold, but Naito kicks his legs to get up. ZSJ keeps the cravat but Naito throws body shots!
ZSJ cranks and snapmares but Naito bridges up to spin ZSJ and hit a neckbreaker! Both men are down and fans cheer again. Fans rally up as ZSJ and Naito sit up. Naito stands first but ZSJ follows. Naito throws haymakers and kicks then whips to run ZSJ over with an elbow! Naito whips ZSJ to a corner, and runs in for a rocket kick! Leg sweep and swinging dropkick, COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses, covers, TWO! ZSJ sits up and checks his face but Naito keeps his cool. Naito brings ZSJ up, ZSJ swings on him but into the backbreaker and leg hook full nelson! ZSJ endures but manages to hook a leg on Naito’s arm. Naito fights that off and cranks harder, but ZSJ kicks and moves around. ZSJ reaches, rolls and gets the ropebreak! Naito claims he needs help so Red Shoes helps free ZSJ.
Naito stomps ZSJ in a corner, digs his heels in, then drags ZSJ back up. Naito cravats ZSJ now and cranks on the hold. ZSJ endures, digs forearms in Naito’s face and throws body shots. ZSJ rolls to throw Naito away but Naito boots him away! Naito dodges, ZSJ goes up and TORNADO DDT’s! Fans rally up as both men are down. ZSJ sits up, drags Naito up, and throws a EuroUpper! ZSJ full nelsons but Naito arm-drags free. ZSJ comes back with a huricanrana! He uses it to drag Naito down into a triangle hold! ZSJ squeezes tight and Naito is already red! ZSJ has the arm for a hammerlock, fans rally up and Naito starts to fade! ZSJ keeps shifting the arm around and then drives elbows into Naito’s head! Naito manages a ropebreak with a foot! ZSJ lets go and Naito can breathe again.
ZSJ undoes his wrist tape and makes sure his own arms are still alright. Naito sits up and fans rally again. ZSJ drags Naito up, throws EuroUppers over and over, then BOOTS Naito! Naito stays up so ZSJ tries again. Naito blocks the boot to sweep the leg! Naito brings ZSJ out from the apron for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Both men are down on the outside and fans cheer. Red Shoes checks and ZSJ is okay to continue. Fans rally, Naito sits up first as the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 of 20 before Naito drags ZSJ up. The count reaches 13, Naito puts ZSJ in at 14. Naito slowly follows but ZSJ rolls and crawls to a corner. Fans keep rallying as Naito aims at ZSJ. Naito runs in, ZSJ boots but Naito blocks to elbow back!
Naito drags ZSJ up to elbow him again, and again, and again! Fans cheer as ZSJ is down. Naito drags ZSJ up again for more elbows, ZSJ flounders and falls. Naito looms over ZSJ and kicks at him toyingly now. Naito drags ZSJ up, throws more elbows, ZSJ staggers into a corner! Naito RAMS ZSJ into the buckles, hoists him up top, and climbs up to join him. Naito sits ZSJ up, SUPER STEINER! ZSJ slowly rises as fans cheer again. Naito runs at ZSJ, but ZSJ elbows him away. ZSJ headbutts, uppercuts and whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Into the PLUMA BLANCA! ZSJ endures Naito’s take on the Koji Clutch and starts to pry at the hold. Naito squeezes tighter, but ZSJ uses his own legs to grab at Naito’s.
ZSJ is almost free but Naito holds on as best he can! ZSJ fights and rolls to the ropebreak! The fans cheer as both men continue to show such great technical prowess. Naito gets up first and fans rally up. Naito drags ZSJ up, hammerlocks and half nelsons, but ZSJ denies Gloria. Naito still tries, but ZSJ grabs hair. Naito clubs away on ZSJ, tries again, but ZSJ slips out to PELE the arm! Naito enziguris back! Naito whips, ZSJ reverses but Naito leaps, into the IRON OCTOPUS! ZSJ has Naito caught, pulls and wants Hurrah, Another Year! Naito endures as ZSJ keeps shifting through variations! Naito falls over, ZSJ moves him around, ground octopus! Fans rally more, Naito fights but ZSJ pulls on the arm as hard as he can! Naito kicks with his legs but he’s fading!
The fans rally harder as Red Shoes checks on Naito. ZSJ CRANKS again, brings Naito back, but Naito pushes and rolls into the ropes! The fans cheer again as Naito is free. ZSJ catches his breath while thinking what else he has to try in order to win. ZSJ brings Naito up but Naito throws a haymaker! Naito wobbles but stands up tall. ZSJ dares Naito to hit him again so Naito does. Naito hits ZSJ again, ZSJ throws EuroUpper after EuroUpper! ZSJ runs, ducks Naito’s punch to scoop! Naito fights out of the Zack Driver, but ZSJ tries again! Naito fights out, suplexes but ZSJ slips out to try the Octopus again! Naito pops out the back, Naito tilt-o-whirls for DESTINO! But Naito isn’t done with one, he wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, into ZACK DRIVER!! But ZSJ can’t cover, he falls over exhausted!
Fans are thunderous again as both men stir. ZSJ sits up first and fires himself up as he drags Naito up. ZSJ cranks on a facelock, then adds an arm! Naito endures as ZSJ cranks his head again. ZSJ scoops but Naito blocks and clubs back. Fans rally more as Naito clubs and whips. ZSJ gets under, pulls Naito into the EUROCLUTCH! TWO!! Naito kicks, his enziguri misses, ZSJ body scissors to the JAPANESE CLUTCH! TWO!?! Naito and ZSJ are up, ZSJ uppercuts but Naito rolling kicks! ZSJ rebounds to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ can’t believe Naito keeps surviving!
Fans rally again, ZSJ watches Naito close and scoops him! Naito kicks free to DESTINO! Cover, TWO!?! ZSJ survives but Naito says he’ll end it! Naito brings ZSJ up again, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, for another DESTINO!! Cover, Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall; gains 2 points, ZSJ earns 0
Another match worthy of the title everyone is after, even though this is still only the G1! Naito keeps rising in the block, will he fulfill that promise he made in Osaka?
After having his turn with the ice pack, Red Shoes raises Naito’s hand in victory. Naito catches his breath, gets his baseball cap, and gets the mic. “Buenas noches, SAPPOROOOOO~!” Another round of A Block and B Block, did everyone here like their bit of NJPW and G1 Climax? The fans applaud because they surely did. They were supposed to be in Sapporo in July but COVID caused that to be canceled. It would’ve been NJPW’s first Hokkaido tour in seven YEARS, but it just couldn’t be helped. Naito thought he wouldn’t be able to show them his wrestling this year. “However, I’m glad that I was able to wrestle in front of all of you tonight. That makes me truly happy.” To all who came here today, “Gracias, amigos.”
Naito says the G1 continues all the way until October 18th. Until the final result is rendered, TRANQUILO! Please be patient and enjoy the ride! And of course, we end this in traditional fashion. Even though the fans can’t shout out loud, please join along in your hearts. “So, until the next time I see you all here, with big smiles…” For the second time, the G1 Climax finishes with the role call! “BUSHI! SANADA! Hiromu! Takagi! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! Los Ingoberrrrrrrnableeeees~! DE! JA! PON!” Yes, two main events and two wins for Naito, will he continue all the way to the end?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Tetsuya Naito: 2-0, 4 points
Juice Robinson: 2-0, 4 points
Toru Yano: 2-0, 4 points
EVIL: 1-1, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-1, 2 points
KENTA: 1-1, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-1, 2 points
SANADA: 0-2, 0 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-2, 0 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
What another great night for NJPW in the G1, but NJPW is always great anyway. I was definitely surprised Sanada didn’t rebound, but maybe he finally wins in the third round. I am also very surprised Tanahashi hasn’t rebounded, but his match with Yano was incredibly entertaining. Yano is the only one with just 3 points, which again can be a very interesting detail to the story of the B Block. And much in the way that anyone who beats Naito gets a shortcut to a title shot, the first person to beat Yano could have claim to the KOPW 2020 trophy. How wild would it be if Naito beats Yano on his way to his promise of winning the G1, and the KOPW story ties in with the double title story? I am actually rather excited for how that match will turn out.
I also like that Kenta lost and Juice now has quick claim to the IWGP US Championship challenger’s contract. There’s still a lot to sort out with how Jon Moxley has that title but is also AEW World Champion. I’m going to need to keep a closer eye on NJPW Strong in case Moxley surprises everyone by even just sending a video message in. Moxley VS Kenta and Moxley VS Juice would both be great matches, and a rematch of Kenta VS Juice would be a great lead in for that. And perhaps a surprise in its own way was Hashi putting up such a great fight against Evil and Dick. It feels like Hashi is finally getting some shine, even though he’s still just a Six Man Tag champion. Maybe he gets a pivotal win to be someone’s spoiler loss to add to the drama.
My Score: 9.5/10
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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
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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