NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (10/10/20)
Does anyone get lucky in round 7?
The G1 Climax’s A Block enters round 7!
NJPW and the G1 return to Osaka with round 7! But it’ll take a lot more than luck for many in A Block! Who keeps their chances alive?
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
- A Block – Tomohiro Ishii VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- A Block – Jay White VS Yujiro Takahashi; White wins.
- A Block – Will Ospreay VS Taichi; Ospreay wins.
- A Block – Kota Ibushi VS Minoru Suzuki; Ibushi wins.
- A Block – Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Will Ospreay: 4-2, 8 points
Jay White: 4-2, 8 points
Kota Ibushi: 4-2, 8 points
Kazuchika Okada: 4-2, 8 points
Taichi: 3-3, 6 points
Minoru Suzuki: 3-3, 6 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 3-3, 6 points
Shingo Takagi: 3-3, 6 points
Jeff Cobb: 2-4, 4 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 0-6, 0 points
A Block – Tomohiro Ishii VS Jeff Cobb!
Perhaps two of the most solid and sturdy wrestlers in the entire company now collide, desperate to keep afloat in the G1! Will the Stone Pitbull sink like a stone? Or will he rise above the Hawaiian Hulk’s high tide?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Cobb and Ishii tie up, Ishii gets the headlock but Cobb lifts Ishii just by standing. Cobb puts Ishii on the ropes, the ref calls for the break and Cobb lets off. They get forehead to forehead as Cobb talks some smack on the Stone Pitbull and wants to see him show that toughness. Ishii throws forearms, runs and rams shoulders, but Cobb stays up. Ishii goes again, Cobb again tanks the shoulder. Cobb forearms, runs and bumps Ishii but Ishii comes back. They keep ramming and ramming but Ishii staggers. Cobb runs, bumps Ishii again then runs him over! Fans cheer for this showing of strength while Cobb brings Ishii back up. Cobb throws haymakers, uppercuts and then whips Ishii to a corner.
Cobb runs corner to corner but Ishii dodges. Ishii comes back but into Cobb’s boot. Cobb runs, ducks the lariat and rams Ishii again. Ishii returns and runs Cobb over! But Cobb kips up! Cobb wags his finger and throws forearms! Cobb reels Ishii in for a headlock, but Ishii back suplexes out of it! Fans cheer as both big men are down. Ishii rises and fans rally as he brings Cobb back up. Ishii throws elbows on the back of Cobb’s neck, then throws headbutts. Ishii gives Cobb a little slap before giving him a big CHOP! And another CHOP! Cobb CHOPS back but Ishii shrugs it off. Cobb CHOPS and forearms but Ishii headbutts again! Ishii brings Cobb up as fans rally and Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Cobb ends up in a corner, Ishii eggs him on with toying stomps.
Fans rally up again as Cobb throws forearms and CHOPS! Ishii just takes it so Cobb throws more forearms. Ishii CHOPS and Cobb falls! Ishii goes back to those toying stomps and that angers Cobb. Fans cheer as Ishii runs, Cobb blocks the boot and reels him in, T-BONE SUPLEX! Ishii got AIR! Fans rally up as Cobb scowls and watches Ishii rise. Cobb picks Ishii up and RAMS him into the corner! Cobb throws shoulders, whips Ishii out then back in, and hits the leaping uppercut! Cobb hoists Ishii up for the RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Cobb keeps his cool as Ishii survives. Fans rally up as Cobb looms over Ishii. Cobb brings Ishii up in a dead lift waistlock but Ishii fights free. Ishii runs, Cobb scoops and pops Ishii up, but Ishii fights out!
Ishii tries to suplex but Cobb resists. They fight for suplex control as fans rally up again. Cobb gets Ishii up but Ishii resists. Ishii gets Cobb up and over! Fans fire up with Ishii while Cobb slowly sits up. Cobb gets to ropes, Ishii heads over and CHOPS him again! And again! And again! Cobb starts egging Ishii on so Ishii CHOPS and forearms on repeat! The ref counts and Ishii lets up, and Cobb flops down. Cobb sits up in a daze and fans rally up again as Ishii heads over. Ishii stands on Cobb’s head, then brings him up to whip. Cobb reverses and throws a forearm, but Ishii just roars back! Ishii throws a forearm, Cobb throws one back, and the fans fire up as they go back and forth! Cobb gets the edge, powers up, but Ishii DECKS him!
Ishii shakes out his arm and fans rally up again. Ishii drags Cobb up but he’s dead weight. The ref wants to check Cobb so he backs Ishii off. Cobb stirs as fans rally up again and Ishii comes back. Ishii drags Cobb up, whips him to a corner but Cobb reverses! Ishii comes back, into the OVERHEAD SUPLEX! But Ishii rises! And he POWERSLAMS Cobb down! Cobb wobbles but he stands again! Cobb swings, into Ishii’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Ishii and Cobb slowly rise, Cobb staggers but catches Ishii’s clothesline for an EXPLODER! Ishii rises but wobbles, the two head for each other! Ishii swats Cobb’s clothesline away and headbutts, but Cobb HEADBUTTS! Cobb rammed through Ishii but they’re both down!
Fans rally up again as both men are somehow still in this! Cobb is up first and he sees Ishii coming, SUPERKICK and waistlock, Cobb swings Ishii around before the GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Cobb is back up! Fans fire up with Cobb as he brings Ishii back up and whips. Cobb goes to scoop, Ishii LARIATS! But Cobb stays up to LARIAT back! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and fans are fired up again! Cobb gets back to his feet, drags Ishii back up with him, and whips, scoops, TOUR OF- NO! Ishii escapes to ENZIGURI! Cobb flops against ropes but Ishii clutches the leg. Fans fire up and rally again as both big men slowly sit up. Cobb flounders at the ropes but Ishii fires himself up!
Ishii runs in to clothesline at the ropes, then he runs, but Cobb swats the lariat away to JAB Ishii! Ishii drops to a knee, but rises as Cobb runs. Ishii LARIATS Cobb first!! Ishii fires himself up again and he sits Cobb up. SLIDING- NO!! Cobb caught the lariat to a clinch! But Ishii slips out of the urenage to DRAGON SUPLEX! Both men are down again as the fans rally up! The fans are thunderous as Ishii rises and roars again! Ishii runs, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Cobb survives and the fans are loving it! Ishii growls as he gets back up. Ishii drags Cobb up, suplexes, but Cobb lands out of it, to reel Ishii in for an ATHLETIC PLEX! But Ishii rises?! Fans are thunderous again and Cobb is shocked!
Cobb elbows Ishii, Ishii forearms, but Cobb forearms back! DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Both men fall back but fans fire up again! Cobb stands first, drags Ishii up and goes to lariat but Ishii spins him through! Ishii reels Cobb in but Cobb suplexes! Ishii escapes that, spins Cobb around and HEADBUTTS! Cobb manages to sit up and Ishii runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Ishii still LARIATS, but Cobb stays up! POP-UP BOMB! And a dead lift POP-UP to the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Ishii earns 0
What in the world?! How did he even do that!? Whatever level of strength we thought Cobb had, he clearly has more! Will he use that strength to spoil someone else’s G1?
A Block – Jay White w/ Gedo VS Yujiro Takahashi!
Bullet Club VS Bullet Club? Will this even be a match? After all, Tokyo Pimp is out of the running at 0-6. Will he simply help the “Jay1” continue? Or will he hold on to his pride and make King Switch work for the points?
Wait, White doesn’t even looked dressed like he’s ready to wrestle! Is he just in his warm-up gear and sneakers? The ref still does the check in case this is a trick in itself, but White’s clean. And since this is all Bullet Club, they all Low Sweet. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and White does some last warm-ups. The bell rings, White has his dukes up, but then he claps to get the fans on a rhythm. “Jay White-O” or “YU-JI-RO,” it doesn’t matter. White says, “Dozo.” Go ahead. Yujiro does lie down for White! White covers, ONE, because White wants the ref to take it easy. Cover, ONE, but White lets up again? White wants to take his time apparently. White toys with the cover, then covers, ONE! Yujiro tells White to hurry up. Cover, TWO!? Yujiro didn’t stay put?
White asks if Yujiro is joking around now. Yujiro promises, he’s joking. Cover again, TWO? White thought it was funny for him to toy around but not for Yujiro! White complains to Gedo but Yujiro rolls White up!! TWO!! White asks Yujiro what the hell, but Yujiro rolls him into a cradle! TWO!! White gets away and is upset with Yujiro. White shoves Yujiro but Yujiro LARIATS White!! Fans are thunderous as Yujiro reels White in, INCOLLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Gedo is furious as Tokyo Pimp goes rogue! Yujiro brings White up, fireman’s carries, but White slips out of Miami Shine! Yujiro shoves White at the ref, White stops himself, but Yujiro LOW BLOWS White!! Roll up, TWO!?!? White survives and Gedo is stunned!
Yujiro drags White up and into another fireman’s carry, MIAMI SHINE!! Cover, TWO!!! White survives and Yujiro is furious! Yujiro drags White up as the fans are furious again. Gedo gets in, the ref is distracted, White LOW BLOWS Yujiro! BLADE RUNNER!! Cover, White wins!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Yujiro earns 0
Tokyo Pimp wouldn’t just take the loss, King Switch had to earn it! Yujiro is out of the running either way, but White is furious with him! White grabs a chair, Gedo asks White spare Yujiro and they argue! Did Gedo know Yujiro would pull this?! No!! Gedo wants White to calm down, and he does. White throws the chair away and storms off. G1 aside, is there dissention inside the Bullet Club?
A Block – Will Ospreay VS Taichi!
The Assassin is entangled at the top of the block and looks to breakaway! But the Sliest Wrestler in the World wants to drag Ospreay down for his own benefit! Will Ospreay find a way to lead A Block? Or will Taichi scratch and claw and use every trick in the book to gain some ground?
The elaborate entrance attires are removed, as are the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight and IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship belts. Taichi shows off the dancing pecs real quick before the ref checks him. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Ospreay is feeling the energy as he moves around but Taichi stays put in his corner. Ospreay tells him, “C’mon, Taichi! Let’s go!” Taichi fires up a little and ties up with Ospreay. Ospreay puts Taichi on the ropes and gives a clean break. Fans cheer as Ospreay double guns and circles with Taichi again. They tie up, Ospreay puts Taichi on the ropes again and Ospreay lets off again. “It’s too easy, brother, c’mon!”
Taichi fixes his hair and circles with Ospreay again. They tie up, Ospreay wrenches the arm but Taichi goes to the ropes again. Ospreay lets up, and messes with Taichi’s hair! Taichi kicks low and rakes Ospreay’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Taichi whips Ospreay but Ospreay dodges and huricanranas! Fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed, but he fakes Taichi out to the hero landing! Taichi grabs something from the timekeeper. Ospreay leaps but Taichi uses the bell hammer! Taichi has it tucked into the back of his pants so the ref can’t see it! Taichi uses the hammer to choke Ospreay again! The ref reprimands but Taichi pushes him away. Taichi CLUBS Ospreay with the hammer! Fans rally up but Taichi chokes Ospreay again!
Taichi lets Ospreay go and the ref reprimands. The ref takes the hammer but Taichi uses camera cables! The ref counts, Taichi lets go at 3 and Ospreay gasps and sputters. Taichi puts Ospreay in the ring, has him in a corner, and chokes him with his bare hands! The ref reprimands again, Taichi stops at 4 but with only one hand. The ref counts again so Taichi lets up. Taichi grins as he comes back and brings Ospreay up to snapmare. Taichi CHOKES Ospreay again! Taichi stops and says this is a cover, but he just chokes Ospreay again! The ref counts but not the way Taichi wants so Taichi stops. Taichi kicks Ospreay around and goes for another kind of choke. The ref reprimands so Taichi rakes Ospreay’s eyes again!
Taichi gives toying kicks and slaps, but Ospreay hits back with forearms! Taichi chokes and throws Ospreay down! The ref reprimands but Taichi just shrugs it off to whip. Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER! Taichi is down and fans fire up for Ospreay as he rises! Ospreay is in the corner, Taichi runs in but he blocks Ospreay’s boot. Ospreay enziguris then Manhattan drops, to DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi rolls away to avoid the shooting star but Ospreay dropkicks him out! Ospreay SASUKE SPECIALS! Down goes Taichi! Ospreay says “I’m so talented” as he walks it off. Ospreay comes back and drags Taichi up. The ring count climbs to 10 of 20 as Taichi resists. Ospreay clubs Taichi and puts him in at 14.
Fans rally up as Ospreay aims from the apron. Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his focus as fans rally up again. Ospreay drags Taichi up in a dragon sleeper and lifts but Taichi knees free! Taichi and Ospreay go to opposite corners but Ospreay runs in. Taichi dodges but then Ospreay dodges Taichi to CHOP Taichi down! Ospreay drags Taichi back up, scoops and slams Taichi into a drop zone, then fires up! Ospreay goes up, MOONSAULT! Taichi moves, Ospreay lands on his feet to moonsault again! Taichi moves again, Ospreay again lands on his feet and standing shooting stars! Then Ospreay rolls to CORKSCREW SENTON! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives Ospreay’s speed rush and Ospreay is surprised!
The fans rally back up as Ospreay brings Taichi up. Ospreay reels Taichi in, underhooks, but Taichi resists the lift. Taichi spins out, reels Ospreay in but Ospreay elbows the saido away. Taichi boots, Ospreay fires up but Taichi back kicks! Taichi runs, into the dropkick-flip, but he GAMANGIRIS! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Ospreay sits up in a daze but he manages to get up. Taichi and Ospreay are on opposite sides of the ring, Ospreay staggers over and Taichi kicks his leg! Ospreay throws a forearm, but Taichi kicks back! Taichi eggs Ospreay on so he throws another forearm. Taichi kicks, Ospreay forearms, and now Ospreay eggs Taichi on. Fans rally up as Taichi KICKS Ospreay in the chest! Ospreay gasps and sputters but he gets up.
Ospreay blocks the next kick to elbow the leg then CHOP Taichi down! Ospreay fires up, drags Taichi up to whip, but Taichi reverses. Ospreay handsprings, into the DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Ospreay definitely lands on his head and he flounders about! Fans rally up as Ospreay is okay to continue. Ospreay gets up, Taichi runs in at the corner, to GAMANGIRI again! Taichi brings Ospreay out to put him on the top rope. Taichi climbs up and then Alabama lifts! Ospreay fights it off, then sunset flips over to tuck Taichi in! CHEEKY NANDOS! Taichi falls and fans fire up again! Ospreay goes to the apron and climbs up top. Fans fire up as Ospreay aims, 450 SPLASH onto knees! Taichi aims, BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER! A Hidden Bomber, if you will, as Taichi was clearly mocking Ospreay there.
Taichi powers up and runs, but Ospreay slips through Ax Bomber to reel Taichi in! Taichi fights out of the bomb and ROUNDHOUSES! Taichi reels Ospreay in, LAST RIDE! High stack cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and fans are fired up again! Taichi fires up and takes off the pants! Taichi aims from the corner as Ospreay rises. Ospreay SUPERKICKS first! And then HOOK KICKS! Taichi falls, fans fire up and Ospreay runs to the ropes. Springboard, into the SUPERKICK!! The Oscutter was taken down by Tensho Jujihou! Fans are thunderous as both men slowly rise again. Taichi fires himself up and fans fire up with him! Taichi drags Ospreay up, Alabama lifts, but Ospreay kicks to get the underhooks! Ospreay lifts, Taichi slips out and ROCKS Ospreay with a right!
Ospreay staggers but swats away the superkick, only for Taichi to get the Alabama! Ospreay fights it off again, underhooks but Taichi back drops out! Ospreay lands on his feet, springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous again as Ospreay aims! HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay isn’t done yet, he underhooks, lifts and STORMBREAKER!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Taichi earns 0
The Assassin strikes again! Ospreay keeps pace with White at the top of the block, will his win over the Switchblade be all the difference? As for Taichi, he takes out his frustration on a Young Lion! Taichi chokes the guy until the other Young Lions drag him away! What will Taichi do now that he’s out of the running?
A Block – Kota Ibushi VS Minoru Suzuki!
The Golden Star was derailed by The Dragon, and now he’s up against the Meanest Man in the World! Will Ibushi be able to survive Suzuki and take another step closer to his ascension? Or will things only get worse for him before they get better?
The bell rings and both men put their dukes up. Fans rally as the two circle and approach. They feel things out, Suzuki kicks but Ibushi kicks. Suzuki straight kicks but Ibushi kicks again. They keep going, Suzuki tries some fast hands. Ibushi keeps his guard up but gives back hands and kicks! Suzuki has Ibushi in a corner but Ibushi comes back with knees. Suzuki throws hands, Ibushi throws kicks but neither seems to falter. Fans cheer as the two keep circling. Ibushi guards as Suzuki throws more hands. Ibushi gives them back, and the two keep moving. Suzuki straight kicks, Ibushi stays up and guards against more slapping palm strikes. Ibushi tries to throw hands but Suzuki stays clear. Ibushi kicks but guards. Suzuki shoots in and gets the leg takedown!
Suzuki wants that leg but Ibushi holds him off. Suzuki drops on Ibushi to go after the head and arms but again Ibushi holds him off. Ibushi gets a leg guard and then the ropes. Fans cheer this technical exchange and Suzuki lets up at the ref’s count. Suzuki grins and fans cheer as Ibushi gets up. Ibushi and Suzuki circle again and feel out the grapple. Ibushi gets around but Suzuki gets the arm. Suzuki wrenches the wrist but Ibushi hooks a leg. Ibushi drop toeholds then floats around to get Suzuki’s wrist now. Fans cheer but Suzuki is frustrated. Ibushi cranks the arm, Suzuki gets up and goes after a leg. Suzuki cranks on a foot and has a heel hook! Then Suzuki drops down for the grapevine. But Ibushi just grabs one of Suzuki’s feet for the same hold!
Suzuki cranks hard but Ibushi holds on. Ibushi and Suzuki get in stomps where they can, as well as some trash talk. Suzuki cranks the ankle again but Ibushi rolls. The fans rally as Ibushi endures and gets around. Suzuki pulls hard, Ibushi gets the ropebreak! Red Shoes calls for the break, but Suzuki talks trash. Suzuki tells Ibushi to let up but Ibushi tells him to let go. Ibushi has the heel hook now and cranks back. Suzuki stomps until Ibushi lets go but Ibushi stomps back! Suzuki lets go to go to the apron. Ibushi drags Suzuki up but Suzuki is after his arms! Ibushi forearms Suzuki away, then runs to BOOT Suzuki down! Suzuki hits railing and Ibushi goes out after him. Ibushi stomps Suzuki, drags him up and whips him to railing!
Fans fire up as Ibushi goes back in the ring. Fans clap with Ibushi but Suzuki rises. Suzuki goes around the way, and goes up the ramp? Suzuki dares Ibushi to come get him! “KOI! (C’MON!)” Suzuki goes to the stage and dares Ibushi to come after him. Ibushi goes out and heads up the ramp after him. If Suzuki wants Ibushi, here he is! They brawl on stage! Fans rally as Suzuki and Ibushi throw forearms back and forth! Suzuki DECKS Ibushi, then brings him back up to DECK him again! Suzuki stomps Ibushi down the ramp, then brings him up for more forearms! The ring count starts and Suzuki kicks Ibushi while he’s down. The count is at 10 of 20 but Suzuki tells them to shut up. Suzuki goes back and is in at 15. Ibushi hobbles and Suzuki makes Red Shoes stop the count!
Ibushi gets in, fires body shots but Suzuki DECKS him again! Suzuki stomps Ibushi but Ibushi sits up. Ibushi eggs Suzuki on as Suzuki kicks him. Suzuki KICKS Ibushi again but Ibushi keeps egging him on! Suzuki KICKS and Ibushi takes a moment. Suzuki dribbles Ibushi off the mat, slaps him around, but Ibushi dares him to keep going. Ibushi then throws forearms back but Suzuki laughs as he ROCKS Ibushi again. Suzuki throws body shots, a haymaker, then runs corner to corner to BOOT! Suzuki drags Ibushi out to knee low then he runs, but into Ibushi’s dropkick! Fans fire up and rally as the two men stir. Ibushi stands first, brings Suzuki up, and ducks Suzuki’s palm strike to fire off a strike fest! Suzuki fires up and throws more forearms!
Ibushi gives another strike fest then KICKS! Suzuki stays up and he grits his teeth! Ibushi KICKS him again but Suzuki wobbles! KICK, wobble! KICK, Suzuki roars! Ibushi BOOTS Suzuki over then KICKS him again! Suzuki just roars as he stays up! The fans are fired up as Ibushi KICKS again! Suzuki refuses to fall all the way over! Ibushi runs again, KICKS, and this time Suzuki is down. Ibushi toys with Suzuki now, and fans rally up as Suzuki just takes them. Suzuki starts to grin as Ibushi gives him chin checks and kicks. Suzuki DECKS Ibushi! Red Shoes checks on Ibushi but he’s somehow okay to continue. Suzuki scowls as he stalks behind Ibushi. Ibushi flounders about but manages to stand. Suzuki ROCKS him with another right, but Ibushi stays up. Suzuki ROCKS him again, and again!
Ibushi still eggs Suzuki on!? Suzuki BOOTS, Ibushi BOOTS, Suzuki BOOTS, Suzuki blocks Ibushi’s boot to throw more forearms! Ibushi ROUNDHOUSES! Suzuki rises?! And he DECKS Ibushi again! Both men are down and fans fire up! Suzuki growls as he rises slowly. Fans rally up as Ibushi rises and Suzuki flounders about. Suzuki and Ibushi stagger over to each other and Suzuki laughs. Suzuki gives short headbutts over and over and now Ibushi laughs! Ibushi throws forearms, Suzuki gives them back, and we have another brawl! Fans fire up as they go back and forth, faster and faster! Faster and faster!! They aren’t even taking time to guard! They wobble and fans cheer as they stay on their feet!
Suzuki eggs Ibushi on but Ibushi throws another forearm. Suzuki throws one back, then palm strikes. Ibushi gives those back, and they’re throwing hands fast and furious! Suzuki gets the edge, ducks Ibushi’s retaliation to SLEEPER HOLD! Ibushi reaches out but already starts to fade! Fans rally up and Suzuki spins Ibushi! Gotch lift, but Ibushi fights up and out to back drop. Suzuki sunset flips, Ibushi has the wrists! KAMIGO- NO! Suzuki rolls with the knee to get the ankle! Half Crab! Ibushi endures as Suzuki gets the other leg, for the FULL Boston Crab! Fans rally up as Ibushi endures and Suzuki sits deep! Suzuki is working on a WALLS OF JERICHO! It is Jericho’s 30th anniversary. Ibushi rolls through but Suzuki still has the one leg. Suzuki cranks on the heel, Ibushi fights up to his one good foot, V-TRIGGER!
Ibushi wants another but Suzuki blocks! Suzuki spins Ibushi to the sleeper, then to the Gotch but Ibushi is free, V-TRIG- NO! Suzuki blocks this one, and gets an arm. Ibushi headbutts, gets both arms, STANDING KAMIGOYE?!? Ibushi takes the knee pads down, sits Suzuki back up, and gives him a PROPER KAMIGOYE!! High stack cover, Ibushi wins!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Suzuki earns 0
Yet Suzuki is grinning?! Suzuki enjoyed battling Ibushi, will these two battle again with the NEVER Openweight Championship on the line? But Ibushi also keeps pace with Ospreay and White to keep the top of the block in a very interesting situation! Ibushi beat Ospreay, Ospreay beat White, White beat Ibushi! Will one of them pull away to be THE man on top of A Block?
A Block – Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi!
The Rainmaker managed to get a quick win off Cobb while The Dragon managed to overcome the Golden Star and hold onto that outside chance! Will this be Takagi’s chance to soar like a dragon? Or will Okada finally break through to former glory?
The bell rings and fans rally already. Takagi and Okada circle, but Okada goes to a corner. Takagi backs away, Okada comes back and they tie up. Okada gets the arm, wrenches to a wristlock, but Takagi wrenches back to a wristlock of his own. Takagi cranks on the wrist, Okada rolls and trips Takagi up to get a toehold. Takagi turns over but Okada uses that to lace up the legs. Okada floats to a headlock but Takagi fights up. Takagi wrenches to a hammerlock, shifts to a headlock and hits a takeover, but Okada headscissors back. Takagi pops out and the two stand off, which fans cheer. Okada and Takagi reset and fans rally again. The clapping begins and Takagi wonders, is it “TA-KA-GI” or “O-KA-DA” they want?
Okada and Takagi circle again, tie up, and Takagi powers Okada to ropes. Okada turns things around, lets up on the break and fakes Takagi for the shoulder pats. Takagi rushes Okada but Okada kicks low! Okada headlocks, Takagi powers out, but Okada bumps him with shoulders. Takagi rebounds and runs Okada over! Things speed up, Takagi fakes Okada out to run him over again! Fans fire up and the claps for “O-KA-GI!” “TA-KA-DA!” (Great Key At Most?) start up. Takagi whips Okada corner to corner but Okada reverses. Okada runs in, Takagi dodges the elbow and runs. Okada boots, snapmares and runs, basement dropkick! Takagi bails out and fans fire up. Takagi grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area, to take a seat. Fans cheer more as Takagi dares Okada to come out.
Okada patiently waits inside the ring instead. Takagi goes around, starts looking under the ring, but he gets back in. Okada kicks Takagi, brings him out and turns him for the neckbreaker! Fans cheer and Okada brings Takagi up. Okada bumps Takagi off buckles, then throws back elbows. Takagi shrugs those off but Okada throws another! Fans cheer and Okada brings Takagi back out. Okada throws elbows to the neck, Takagi elbows Okada in the side. Okada forearms Takagi and Takagi leans on the ropes. Okada brings Takagi up to scoop and slam, then he goes to the apron for the slingshot! Takagi bails out to avoid the senton, but Okada is right up to PLANCHA! Takagi avoids that, trips Okada up then hits the DDT to the floor! Fans fire up after Dangerous Driver Takagi and Takagi gets them rallying.
Takagi drags Okada up, bumps him off the apron and then brings him around to grind into the post! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi stops and RAMS Okada into the apron! Takagi has media move, and he whips Okada into railing! Okada falls but fans cheer as Takagi heads over. Takagi drags Okada up again and puts him back in the ring. Takagi slingshot double stomps, then marches on Okada’s chest! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi lets off and he brings Okada back up. Takagi scoop slams, drops elbows over and over, then a back senton! Cover, TWO! Takagi drags Okada into body scissors and puts on the squeeze! Okada endures, fans build to a rally, and Okada drags himself and Takagi around. Okada reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Takagi lets up but he drags Okada back up.
Fans rally as Takagi bumps Okada off buckles. Takagi rams into Okada then throws forearms. Takagi brings Okada out for a high and hard suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer, Takagi argues the count a bit, then stands on Okada’s head. Red Shoes reprimands but Takagi stomps! Takagi fires fans up and he is confident the clapping is “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi gives toying kicks but Okada gets up. Okada throws forearms, Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS! Takagi whips and knees Okada at ropes, but he runs into the FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while Takagi is frustrated with himself. Okada and Takagi stir and the fans rally again. Okada stands first and he throws forearms on Takagi. Okada whips, Takagi reverses but Okada dodges to back elbow!
Fans fire up with Okada and he goes after Takagi. Okada whips Takagi corner to corner, runs in to back elbow, then kicks and DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his cool and fans follow the clap clap clap stomp. Okada stalks Takagi, Alabama lifts but Takagi blocks! Okada throws forearms, EuroUpper, but Takagi gets the arms! Okada elbows back, whips again but Takagi reverses. Takagi runs in, blocks the boot and clotheslines back! Takagi runs to ropes, Okada blocks and fireman’s carries but Takagi slips out. Okada elbows out of the waistlock, runs, but Takagi pops Okada up for the fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps his cool and fans rally back up.
Takagi sits Okada up for point-blank hip attacks and stomps. Takagi gives toying kicks, brings Okada up, but again Okada fights off the Especial! Okada spins, Alabama lifts and REVERSE NECKBREAKERS! Both men are down but fans fire up! Okada rises, brings Takagi up and throws forearms. Takagi throws forearms back, so Okada hits more. They brawl back and forth, fans rally up, Takagi JABS and CHOPS! Takagi whips, Okada boots but Takagi blocks. Okada dodges the clothesline, puts Takagi up top and dropkicks him down! Takagi tumbles to the floor and fans fire up again! Okada goes out to bring Takagi up. Takagi blocks the gut wrench and elbows Okada back. Takagi whips, Okada reverses and now Takagi hits railing! Okada drags Takagi over, puts him on the apron for a DRAPING DDT!
Fans fire up while Red Shoes checks on them. Takagi is okay to continue and fans rally with the clapping again. Okada grits his teeth as he gets up. The ring count is already 10 of 20 but Okada goes to Takagi. Okada brings Takagi up and in at 15 and fans cheer that this will continue. Okada brings Takagi up again, gut wrenches but Takagi blocks! Okada clubs Takagi, runs, into the elbow! JAB! LARIAT! Fans fire up and Takagi hobbles back over. Takagi makes sure his own neck works before bringing Okada up. Especial, Okada fights out and has the arm! MONEY CLIP! Takagi reaches for ropes, Okada shifts to a backslide, but Takagi resists that to Especial! NOSHIGAMI! Both men are down but fans fire up again. Takagi drags Okada into a wheelbarrow GERMAN! High stack cover, ROPEBREAK!
Okada stirs but Takagi is up first. Takagi fires up and the fans clap. Takagi drags Okada back up, drives elbows into the shoulder and neck, then adds crossface forearms! Takagi runs, Okada rises to dropkick! Fans fire up as Okada drags Takagi up, gut wrench, TOMBSTONE! Okada has the arm, for the MONEY CLIP! Takagi endures, fans rally as he fights and moves around and Okada cranks harder! Takagi punches at the hold but Okada just wrenches more! Takagi’s foot gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go and both men are down. Fans rally again as Okada stands first. Okada goes to a corner and climbs up top. Takagi hurries over to anchor a foot! Okada clubs, Takagi CHOPS! Takagi climbs up, Okada gives forearms, but Takagi gives headbutt after headbutt!
Fans fire up with Takagi as he goes all the way up, for the SUPERPLEX!! Takagi crawls over, covers, TWO!! Okada survives but both men grit their teeth as they rise. Takagi fires himself up and the fans clap with “OI! OI! OI!” Okada is in a corner, Takagi runs corner to corner, corner PUMPING BOMBER! Okada fires forearms back! Takagi ROCKS Okada and whips! Okada reverses, his dropkick is denied, but he dodges the sliding lariat! Okada uppercuts, Takagi blindside lariats! Okada boots from the corner and shotgun dropkicks! Takagi is right up to SLIDING LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada and Takagi stir, Takagi crawls over and drags Okada up. Fans keep rallying as Okada throws an uppercut! Takagi wobbles, Okada tries to gut wrench but Takagi fights it!
Okada still tries, Takagi has a leg, so Okada clubs him. Okada uppercuts again, and again, and again! Takagi wobbles to ropes and fans rally again. Okada gut wrenches, Takagi fights free and HEADBUTTS! Okada throws more forearms but Takagi eggs him on! Takagi throws forearms from all sides! Takagi ROCKS Okada but says he’s not done! He throws even MORE forearms from all sides, RUNNING FOREARM!! Okada is in a daze as Takagi brings him back up! Pump handle, torture rack, but Okada slips out! Okada Alabama lifts, Takagi sunset flips, Okada sits down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi escapes, flounders into the gut wrench, SPINNING TOMBSTONE! Okada sits Takagi up for the MONEY CLIP!!
Takagi endures, fans rally hard as ever and Takagi fights up! Takagi reaches for ropes, Okada pulls him away, but Takagi still tries. Okada turns him to back slide, Takagi rolls through, RAINMAKER! But that wasn’t quite it, and Okada brings Takagi back up. Takagi LARIATS but Okada stays up. Takagi HEADBUTTS, JABS, but Okada ducks the lariat. Okada swings but Takagi ducks that lariat, to wristlock ripcord and STEAL the RAINMAKER?!?! Call it DRAGON MAKER! Takagi staggers up and fans fire up with him as he steals the POSE! Takagi runs, Okada staggers up, but Okada boots first! Okada runs, Takagi clotheslines at ropes! Takagi runs, Okada catches him and spins him, but Takagi blocks the discus! Takagi pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Okada survives and the fans are electric!!
Takagi isn’t done yet, he fires up and runs, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Okada survives again and fans are at a new level: ERUPTING! Takagi fires up, pump handles but Okada clubs him. Takagi POINT-BLANK PUMPING! Fans keep rallying, Takagi pump handles and torture racks, but Okada slips out to MONEY CLIP! Takagi arm-drags but Okada shotgun dropkicks! Takagi rises?! Okada dodges his lariat to DISCUS RAINMAKER!! Both men are down but the fans continue to erupt! Okada crawls to Takagi and gets the arm. Okada sits Takagi up, MONEY CLIP!! Takagi endures and punches at the hold. Okada cranks as hard as he can, Takagi starts to fade! Fans rally up as Red Shoes checks. Takagi stays awake, grabs at Red Shoes and pulls him back. Takagi stands, into a BACK2BACKBREAKER!
Takagi is down, Okada drags Takagi from ropes, but Takagi grabs at Okada’s hair! Red Shoes reprimands and asks Takagi if he’s done. Takagi throws clubbing hands, Okada CRANKS! Takagi is turning purple!! Red Shoes checks again, Takagi is OUT!! Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission; gains 2 points, Takagi earns 0
Takagi loses to the Money Clip but it was his body that gave up, not his spirit! Okada slays the dragon and keeps pace with the others at the top of the block! But with Ibushi and White having wins over him, is there still hope for Okada to take the block?
Okada gets the mic to shout, “MY FIFTH WIN! This Summer- Wait, Autumn… I know. Until I do that, it doesn’t really feel like a G1, does it? Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Okada knows it’s been awhile since he’s been able to celebrate a G1 win in Osaka, so thank you. Since he won, he might as well win the whole G1 Climax, right? Fans cheer because they’d love to see that. He HAS to come back to Osaka the G1 Champion now, doesn’t he? “I will absolutely keep that promise.” Just two more matches, and they’re both Chaos VS Chaos! Get excited, and see you next month! Will the Rainmaker find a way to overcome Ishii AND Ospreay to head to the finals?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Will Ospreay: 5-2, 10 points
Jay White: 5-2, 10 points
Kota Ibushi: 5-2, 10 points
Kazuchika Okada: 5-2, 10 points
Jeff Cobb: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Minoru Suzuki: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Shingo Takagi: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yujiro Takahashi: 0-7, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
An incredible round 7 for the A Block! Four 5-2 records, all with interesting win-losses just between each other. I love that White VS Yujiro started as if it was going to be a win handed to White on a silver platter, but the leader of Bullet Club doesn’t have the hold over his guys like he thinks. White still wins, of course, because it builds the story within the Bullet Club while also pushing things in the G1. Ospreay has a great match with Taichi, Ibushi has a great match with Suzuki, and Okada has an amazing match with Takagi. I really thought Takagi was going to pull it off, but Okada is Okada so he’s keeping pace with the top of the block. Ospreay has a win over White, White has wins over Okada and Ibushi, but Ibushi has wins over Ospreay and Okada. They’re saving Okada VS Ospreay for the ninth and final round, that could very well decide it all.
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)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
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)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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