NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Nagoya Results & Report! (1/30/21)
Finally, a New Beginning in Nagoya!
Will a title reign come to an end in the New Beginning?
After a long and winding Road to, NJPW’s New Beginning is finally here! Will The Ace slay The Dragon or be trumped in a NEVER Openweight match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Toru Yano & Kazuchika Okada VS Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Yano & Okada win.
- 8 Man Tag: Kota Ibushi, SHO, Master Wato & Tomoaki Honma VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Ibushi, Sho, Wato & Honma win.
- Loser Can’t Mongolian Chop: Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins, Tenzan can never Mongolian Chop again.
- No Disqualifications: Will Ospreay VS Satoshi Kojima; Ospreay wins.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Toru Yano & Kazuchika Okada VS Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The provisional Mr. KOPW 2021 has made it through one month, but he has eleven more to go! Meanwhile, the Rainmaker still has to prove he is the top of NJPW! Will the Tokyo Pimp and King of Darkness look to replace them both for a New Beginning?
Yano wants the ref to be very thorough with checking the Bullet Club. The Bullet Club Low Sweets, and Evil starts with Okada. Fans rally already as Okada and Evil circle. Dick takes a swipe and then Evil attacks from behind! Yujiro gets in, he and Evil double whip but Okada kicks Yujiro away! Okada sends Evil into Yujiro then kicks low for a DDT! Fans cheer, Dick is on the apron but Okada backs him off. Okada goes out after him anyway, and Yano corners Dick! Fans cheer as Okada kicks Dick and puts him in the ring! Yano gets in, too, and Chaos hammer away on Dick! Okada makes it a drum solo! Fans cheer as Okada goes after Evil, stomps him, clubs him, then elbows him.
Okada snapmares Evil, runs, but Evil grabs the ref and Dick trips Okada up! Yujiro runs over to DECK Yano, then Evil throws Okada out! Evil clubs Okada, Yujiro whips Yano into railing, then Evil whips Okada into railing! Fans rally but Evil digs his fingers into Okada’s face! The ref reprimands and Evil stops, and Evil mocks the “O-KA-DA!” clapping. Evil puts Okada in the ring, stands on Okada’s neck, but lets off when the ref reprimands. Tag to Yujiro and Yujiro drags Okada up. Yujiro whips Okada in, and TADA! The buckle is bare! Okada hits steel and Yano protests, even though that’s his trick. Actually that might be why he’s upset. Yujiro snapmares Okada to boot him down! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Okada but Yujiro tags in Evil. Evil drags Okada up, brings him around, and hammerlocks him to then put on a cobra twist! Bullet Club forms a chain to the railing! Yano protests, the ref is busy with him but then he sees what’s going on! The ref counts and Bullet Club lets go at 4. Fans rally up but Evil brings Okada up. Okada throws body shots and forearms, but Evil whips him back into bare buckles! Evil fireman’s carries but Okada fights out. Okada gets to a corner, Evil runs in but Okada boots him away! Okada runs into Evil’s kick but Evil runs into Okada’s BOOT! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Okada rolls, hot tags to Yujiro and Yano!
Yano dodges Yujiro to untie a buckle pad! Yujiro clubs Yano first, whips but Yano reverses, to then go back to the pad! Yano has the white pad, gives it to Yujiro, and the ref is busy with Yujiro while Yano unties the other buckle pad! Three bare corners! Yano throws this pad at Yujiro, too! The ref takes the pad and then Yano rakes Yujiro’s eyes! Yano whips but Yujiro reverses and Yano suffers at his own bare buckle plan! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yano survives and Yujiro frowns. Yujiro stomps Yano, brings him up for forearms, then whips him to ropes. Yano holds ropes, taunts Yujiro, and then is in the ropes as defense.
Evil swipes at Yano, Yano scrambles away but Yujiro ROCKS Yano with a forearm! Yano staggers into Dick’s hotshot! Yujiro gets his pimp cane! Evil distracts the ref, CANE SHOT!! Cover, but Okada breaks it! Okada DECKS Evil, but Yujiro kicks low! Yujiro whips but Okada reverses to dropkick Yujiro down! Okada shouts to Yano to capitalize, and fans rally up as Okada goes after Evil. Yano gets the pimp cane?! Dick takes it from him, but Yano drags Dick in! The ref reprimands DICK! Yano waistlocks Yano but Yano LOW BLOWS! Yano shoves Yujiro into Dick, rolls Yujiro up, CHAOS WINS!
Winners: Toru Yano & Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall
No one can outdo Mr. KOPW 2021 in being a trickster! Will he and the Rainmaker make it through these new beginnings still on top?
8 Man Tag: Kota Ibushi, SHO, Master Wato & Tomoaki Honma VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!
The Golden Star is set to defend against the Cold Skull! The High Voltage wants to short circuit the Ticking Timebomb’s own reign! And the Grandmaster has been called out by Death Mask! Will Everyone’s Kokeshi help them stand against Sanada, Hiromu, Bushi and Naito?
The teams sort out, and Wato insists he start. The others agree, and after LIJ fist bumps, it is Bushi who steps up against Wato. They tie righ tup at the bell, Wato puts Bushi on the ropes but Bushi turns it around> Wato turns it back arond, then Bush, but Wato avoids the cheap shot! Wato mule kicks, clubs and whips, then hurdles to back elbow. Bushi avoids the rest, runs and rolls off Wato’s back to then kick and whpi. Wato reverses and tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKERS! Wato kicks Bushi while he’s down, then KICKS him towards the corner! Wato stomps Bushi, digs his boot in, then rains down fists! The ref counts, tries to get Wato to let off, but Honma tags in.
Honma stomps Bushi, brings Bushi up and kicks low. Honma clubs Bushi, runs, and goes after Naito! Naito gets away but Bushi clubs Honma. Bushi runs but Honma elbows him down. Honma fires up and runs but Naito gets a cheap shot in! Naito clubs Honma, whips but Honma reverses, only for Naito to reverse and get around. Honma elbows Naito down then fires up, but Hiromu trips him up! Sanada basement dropkicks Honma, then LIJ goes after Team Ibushi! Bushi dropkicks Wato down, Hiromu trips Sho off the apron, and Bushi DECKS Ibushi! Sanada goes out to hit Ibushi while Hiromu whips Sho into railing and Naito stomps Wato.
Bushi headlocks Honma and brings him to a corner and digs his face into buckles. Bushi then bumps Honma off buckles and stomps him in the LIJ corner. LIJ leaves the others alone and Naito tags in. Naito stomps Honma, brings him over and bumps him off other buckles before throwing forearms! Naito rakes Honma’s eyes but the ref reprimands. Honma kicks back but Naito blocks the leg to club the elbow! Naito fires off haymakers then whips corner to corner. Naito runs in, rocket kick! Leg sweep, and then less swing for that basement dropkick! Still Combinacion Cabron! Naito drags Honma up, Honma hits back with forearms, but Naito throws strikes back!
Naito throws back elbows over and over on Honma, then snapmares him to a cravat crank on the mat! Sho gets in to stomp Naito but Hiromu throws Sho out. Sanada tags in and both Bushi and Hiromu join in as LIJ all stomps Honma! Ibushi protests, gets the fans rallying for “HO-N-MA!” but Naito and Sanada double whip. Honma dodges, goes after Naito but Naito elbows free. Honma spins Naito, catches Sanada, DDT COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! Fans rally up as all three men are down, hot tag to Ibushi! Ibushi springboards but Sanada gets under! Ibushi elbows Bushi and Hiromu down, goes up and over Sanada as he runs in, then gets Sanada for a SPINNING POWERSLAM!
Ibushi somersaults to the corner for a MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Ibushi and he brings Sanada up in a waistlock. Sanada switches, Ibushi elbows, but Ibushi runs into a RANA! Ibushi flops out of the ring, Sanada takes aim, PLANCHA! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada is satisfied with that. Sanada brings Ibushi back up, puts him in, and covers, TWO! Sanada keeps his cool and brings Ibushi back up. Ibushi kicks but Sanada blocks to trip Ibushi. Sanada gets the legs, and he goes to tie Ibushi up! Ibushi kicks Sanada away, runs in at the corner, but Sanada elbows him away.
Sanada Quebrada but Ibushi gets under, only to run into a fireman’s carry! Ibushi fights free, but Sanada ducks the roundhouse to kick and run, into Ibushi’s RANA! Both men are down but fans rally up, and the two crawl to hot tag Hiromu and Sho! Sho and Hiromu collide then start throwing forearms back and forth! Fans rally as they go faster and faster, but Hiromu bumps Sho off buckles. Hiromu fires off several forearms, but Sho gives them all back! Sho has Hiromu down in the corner but Hiromu gets up, only for Sho to ROCK him! Sho runs, Hiromu follows and corner clotheslines! Hiromu runs but Sho follows to return that clothesline!
Sho runs but Hiromu follows again, but Sho puts Hiromu on the apron! Sho sweeps the legs, runs side to side and baseball slides Hiromu off the apron! Sho builds speed, but Hiromu gets in! Sho dodges Hiromu, to SPEAR, but Hiromu blocks it!! Hiromu suplexes, Sho slips out but Hiromu elbows him away. Hiromu runs, Sho dodges and comes back to SPEAR! Direct hit this time and Sho powers up! Sho drags Hiromu up, suplexes, but Hiromu slips out to waistlock. Sho elbows over and over but Hiromu reels him in. Sho throws forearms from all sides now, but Hiromu gives one back! Sho ROCKS Hiromu, runs, but into a POP-UP BOMB!
Hiromu can’t make the cover but fans rally up as both men head for their corners! Hot tag to Bushi, he and Sanada dropkick Wato and Honma! Naito whips Sho for Bushi to sunset flip, and Bushi sends Sho into Naito’s basement dropkick! Bushi brings Sho around while LIJ keeps the others down, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Sho up, wrenches and lifts, but Honma gets in to CLOBBER Bushi! Naito gives Honma an atomic drop, but runs into a LEAPING HEADBUTT! Sanada dropkicks Honma but Ibushi springboard missile dropkicks Sanada! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Ibushi, then kicks Wato!
Hiromu and Bushi double whip, double hip toss, then throw Wato again, but Wato lands on his feet! Wato KICKS Hiromu, mule kicks Bushi, and sets Bushi up for Sho’s LARIAT! Sho stands Bushi up Wato’s DREAMCAST KICK! Sho brings Bushi back around, lifts, POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives and fans fire up! Sho takes aim with the bow and drags Bushi back up. Sho tucks the arms, LIJ fights off Team Ibushi, but SHOCK ARROW hits! Cover, Sho and team win!
Winners: Kota Ibushi, Sho, Master Wato & Tomoaki Honma, by pinfall
A big win for the many rivals of LIJ! Will this momentum help Sho shock Hiromu in their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship battle? What of the momentum for Sanada challenging Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intecontinental Double Championship?
Loser Can’t Mongolian Chop: Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Great-O-Khan!
The stipulation is fairly self-explanatory. Both men use the Mongolian Chop attack in their arsenal, but that will all change tonight! Will Ikari no Mogyu or the United Empire’s Dominator be the one true master of the double chop strike?
Khan rushes Tenzan as he heads down the ramp, but Tenzan RAMS Khan down! Tenzan stomps Khan and fans fire up! Tenzan clubs Khan, rams him into the apron then stomps him more! The ref says to get this in the ring but Tenzan whips Khan into railing! Fans fire up more as Tenzan drags Khan up and around into the ring. Tenzan gets in and the bell finally rings to start the match! Tenzan stomps Khan more, headbutts him, then stomps him more. Khan eggs him on so Tenzan stomps him again and again. Tenzan drags Khan up for another headbutt! Tenzan whips, and hits the Mongolian Chop! Fans fire up and Tenzan chokes Khan!
The ref reprimands and counts, Tenzan lets off at 4, and Tenzan stomps and chops Khan. Tenzan hits another Mongolian Chop! And another! And another! Tenzan eggs Khan on and Khan kicks back! To then give a Mongolian Chop! And another! And another! Tenzan gives the Mongolian Chops back, but Khan knees low! Khan gives karate chops over and over to Tenzan’s back! And then drags Tenzan into an arm-and-head triangle! Fans rally as Tenzan endures, but Khan shifts to clamp onto the shoulder! Khan digs his claw in, Tenzan endures but Khan stomps him down! Fans rally for Tenzan but Khan drags him back up.
Khan has the cravat, snapmares then sits him up for a chinlock. Tenzan endures the knee in his back, Khan shifts to a headscissor headlock! Tenzan kicks and flails but Khan squeezes tight! Tenzan rolls, and gets to the ropes! The ref counts, Khan lets go at 3, and Tenzan can breathe again. Khan drags Tenzan to a cover, TWO! Khan is annoyed as fans cheer. Khan drags Tenzan up and turns him for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Khan drags Tenzan up and bumps him off buckles. Khan clubs Tenzan, then climbs up to sit on Tenzan’s head! The ref counts, Khan hops off at 4, and paces as fans rally up again. Khan stomps Tenzan, eggs him on, then pushes Tenzan’s head into his boot.
Tenzan fights up, throws body shots, but Khan ROCKS Tenzan! Khan runs, into the windmill kick! Tenzan fires up and the fans follow as he gives Khan more Mongolian Chops! Khan flops down and bails out but Tenzan pursues to club and stomp Khan! Tenzan puts Khan back in, stomps him more then gives him a back hand CHOP! Tenzan bumps Khan off buckles, stomps him, headbutts him, and fires up again. Tenzan headbutts and stomps more, then rakes Khan’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Tenzan stops and whips Khan corner to corner. Tenzan runs in to corner splash! Khan sputters and Tenzan goes up top!
Tenzan drags Khan up by his hair, then hits CALF BRANDING, the falling knee drop! Tenzan says it’s not done here, he goes back to the corner and back up! Fans rally, and Tenzan hits a FLYING MONGOLIAN CHOP! Tenzan stomps Khan more, chops him more, then eggs him on. Khan gets up, Tenzan headbutts and brings Khan up. Tenzan calls his shot and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Tenzan keeps his focus as he says he’ll hit the driver! Tenzan drags Khan up, scoops, but Khan fights that off to hit a HALF NELSON FACEBUSTER! Fans rally up as both men are down and Khan gets up first. Khan powers up, takes aim, and clamps onto Tenzan’s face with the claw!
But Tenzan breaks free to Mongolian Chop! And again! And again! Tenzan eggs Khan on, Khan puts some stank on his own Mongolian Chops! Tenzan gives one back, and now it’s a back and forth of Mongolian Chops! Tenzan hits, Khan hits, then they BOTH hit! And again! Whose chop is stronger?! Tenzan falls to a knee, Khan fires up and runs, but Tenzan LARIATS! Fans fire up as Tenzan paces, and drops an elbow! ANACONDA VICE!! Khan flails, endures, even pulls Tenzan’s hair, but he has to kick his way over towards ropes! Tenzan drags Khan up and away for an ANACONDA BUSTER! Cover, TWO!?! Khan survives but Tenzan vows to end this!
Tenzan goes up, TENZAN PRESS FLOPS!! Khan avoids disaster! Fans fire up as Khan stomps and chops away on Tenzan’s back! Khan drags Tenzan back up, scoops, but Tenzan fights it off! Tenzan throws body shots and a HEADBUTT! Tenzan fires up, scoops Khan, but Tenzan’s arms give up! Khan BOOTS Tenzan down! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Tenzan is still in this! Khan drags Tenzan back up, gives him another Mongolian Chop, and then another! Khan hits a third and Tenzan falls! Khan drags Tenzan back up, scoops him, and hits the TTD?!? Cover, TWO!?!? Tenzan survives Khan’s take on his other signature!!
Tenzan runs in, but into the claw! ELIMINATOR CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, Khan wins!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (Hiroyoshi Tenzan CANNOT use Mongolian Chop)
The Dominator takes away Tenzan’s signature strike! And he won’t even let Young Lions check on Tenzan! Khan gets in Tenzan’s face about having conquered him, and then stomps him again! Is this just the beginning of what the United Empire will do to NJPW?
No Disqualifications: Will Ospreay VS Satoshi Kojima!
Speaking of, The Aerial Assassin is building his United Empire on the legends he defeats! Will he add the Cozy Strong Arm to that foundation in a match with no restraints?
Ospreay comes prepared with a trash can, several lids and even some cookie sheets, and a guitar! He throws the ring steps aside but he might end up using those, too. Kojima makes his entrance, bringing just himself! Ospreay builds speed but Kojima stays clear so Ospreay cancels his flight. Kojima gets in, he and Ospreay throw hands, and the bell rings! They go back and forth with fast and furious forearms but Ospreay knees low. Ospreay throws Kojima out, CHOPS him then whips him into railing! Ospreay headbutts Kojima around the way, throws forearms, then throws haymakers as they go up the ramp.
Ospreay fetches some of the stuff he brought, and he SMACKS Kojima with the cookie sheet! Ospreay shouts, “Who’s the tough guy in Japan now?! It’s me!” Ospreay throws haymakers and Kojima goes back towards the ring. Ospreay brings him around to the trash can, but Kojima back drops Ospreay onto it! Fans fire up as Ospreay writhes and Kojima kicks him to railing. Kojima throws forearms and elbows then POSTS Ospreay! Ospreay staggers away, Kojima kicks him then puts him in the ring. Ospreay boots back then runs, and boots again! Ospreay keeps moving but Kojima runs him over! And elbows him down! Ospreay bails out again but Kojima aims to PLANCHA!
But Ospreay gets clear and Kojima hits floor! Ospreay goes up the corner to leap, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Kojima is sent crashing into railing, but fans rally up as Ospreay fetches something from under the ring. Ospreay brings out a ladder! Ospreay aims at Kojima, and RAMS him down with the ladder! Ospreay shouts, “What’s my name?!” Ospreay opens the ladder, and the restraint is broken so it goes full 180 open. Ospreay doesn’t mind, he makes it a bridge between ring and railing. Ospreay brings Kojima around and whips, but Kojima blocks! Ospreay tries again but Kojima reverses! Ospreay slides under the ladder bridge, to then BOOT it into Kojima!
Kojima goes down, Ospreay goes back under the ladder and brings Kojima up. Fans rally, Ospreay puts Kojima in the ring, and Ospreay drops knees on Kojima’s chest! Kojima sputters, Ospreay drops another knee! Ospreay drags Kojima up, throws a hard body shot forearm, and Kojima doubles over! Ospreay undoes a corner pad and tosses it aside. Ospreay drags Kojima up, whips him in and Kojima gets bare buckles to the back! Fans rally for Kojima but Ospreay laughs at then. Ospreay brings Kojima up but Kojima hits back with body shots of his own! Ospreay scoops Kojima for a turning BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kojima survives but Ospreay goes out to fetch more things.
Ospreay brings in chairs! Ospreay sits one chair up, then brings Kojima over, to put his jaw against the seat! Ospreay stands on Kojima’s head, fans rally and Ospreay runs, Kojima HIP TOSSES Ospreay onto the chair! Kojima stalks Ospreay to a corner and CHOPS! And fires off the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Kojima whips Ospreay corner to corner, runs in and hits a forearm! Kojima throws Ospreay down, grabs the other chair, and sets it on Ospreay’s chest! Kojima climbs up, FULL METAL MACHO ELBOW! It’s double-edged for Kojima but both men are down and writhing! Fans rally as Ospreay clutches ribs and Kojima clutches his arm.
Kojima gets up, throws forearms over and over, then hits a ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up, Kojima brings Ospreay back up and CHOPS! Kojima whips, Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER ENZIGURI! Kojima goes down, Ospreay fetches more things from under the ring! He rips the apron skirts away until he finds… a TABLE! Ospreay sets the table up, brings Kojima to the apron, but Kojima blocks the suplex! Kojima throws body shots and forearms, then runs, but into a springboard PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay drags Kojima up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Kojima survives and Ospreay grows frustrated.
Ospreay goes out, grabs that guitar he brought, and gets back in the ring. Ospreay wants to do his best Double J as Kojima staggers up, but Kojima dodges to hit a DDT! Kojima sees the guitar and decides to take it for his own! COZY SMASH HIT!! The guitar is done but both Kojima and Ospreay are still in this match. Kojima goes out and fetches a table of his own! Kojima puts the table in, sets it up in a corner, then goes back for Ospreay. Ospreay resists the bomb lift, back drops Kojima, then runs back in, but Kojima swats his clothesline away! COZY CUTTER! Kojima powers up, runs, but Ospreay spins through the lariat to get the lift! POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE!! Kojima’s plan backfires!
Fans still rally up but Ospreay rises first. Ospreay runs, springboards, OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO!?! Kojima survives and shocks Ospreay! Ospreay goes back out and gets even more chairs! Ospreay goes in, brings a chair, and SMACKS Kojima right on the back! Ospreay sits the chairs up together, making a chair square. Ospreay gets a fifth chair, digs it into Kojima’s head, then tosses it aside. Ospreay brings Kojima around, sits Kojima down and fires off haymakers! Ospreay then goes to the corner, goes up top, but Kojima stops him with haymakers of his own! Kojima COZY LARIATS Ospreay off the top, and he FALLS THROUGH THE LADDER!!!
The ref goes out to check on Ospreay and fans rally up. Somehow Ospreay is okay and a ring count starts. Kojima crawls through the chairs while Ospreay is still down. The ring count is 10 of 20 but Ospreay hasn’t gotten up! Kojima tells the ref to stop counting and he goes out to fetch Ospreay! Kojima puts Ospreay in and fans cheer that he wants to finish this in the ring! Kojima brings Ospreay up to suplex, BRAIN BUSTER ON CHAIRS! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Kojima is too tired to be upset. Kojima takes off the arm band! Kojima runs, into a SUPERKICK! He keeps trying but Ospreay SUPERKICKS again!
Ospreay dodges, springboards, BLINDSIDE COZY LARIAT! Kojima powers up again, but Ospreay dodges and gets a chair! Ospreay tosses the chair at Kojima, he catches it, FULL METAL HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay hurries back up, ANOTHER HIDDEN BLADE!! And then, double underhooks, lift, STORMBREAKER!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall
An incredible fight that was incredibly painful, and it’s the United Empire’s leader who stands tall! Well, so to speak. Will Ospreay lead his faction into the future by any means necessary?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
This battle was set in motion by World Tag League when LIJ’s Dragon and Cold Skull battled The Ace and Hammerhead Toa Henare. Now, it comes to a head, and we see if Takagi can continue to build his legacy against the Once in a Century Talent!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the end of new beginnings in Nagoya begins!
Fans rally up already as Tanahashi and Takagi circle. They approach, feel out the grapple, and tie up with knuckle locks. Tanahashi shoots in but Takagi gets away and the two reset. Fans rally, Tanahashi and Takagi tie up, and Takagi powers Tanahashi to ropes. Tanahashi turns it around, Red Shoes calls for a break, but Takagi dodges the cheap shot! Tanahashi dodges Takagi’s retaliation and hits an arm-drag to an armlock! Fans rally, Takagi gets up but Tanahashi wrenches to a wristlock. Takagi body shots, rolls, and wrenches back. Takagi hammerlocks the arm, Tanahashi drop toeholds and floats to a chinlock.
Takagi fights up, pries at the hold and gets around to hammerlock then headlock. Tanahashi endures the grind, throws body shots and powers out to drop toehold again. Tanahashi has another headlock and he grinds Takagi, but Takagi fights up. Takagi tries to power out but Tanahashi grinds harder! Takagi throws body shots, powers out and is free, but Tanahashi rams him! Takagi blocks the hip toss to body shot and throw Tanahashi down! But Tanahashi victory rolls, TWO! Takagi runs into a headlock takeover, headscissors in return, but Tanahashi pops free. Fans cheer as the two stand off and reset again. Takagi and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock!
Tanahashi uses leverage to put Takagi in a corner but Takagi turns it around. They go around and around in the corner, Red Shoes calls for the break, but Takagi throws forearms! Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in and blocks a boot! Takagi eggs Tanahashi on then CLOBBERS him! Takagi toys with Tanahashi but Tanahashi throws forearms! Takagi shoves Tanahashi to fire off JABS and CHOPS back and forth! Red Shoes has Takagi let off, Takagi comes back but Tanahashi palm strikes! Tanahashi whips Takagi and dropkicks the legs out! Takagi flounders to ropes but Tanahashi grabs his leg.
Fans rally as Tanahashi turns Takagi over, to SMASH the knee on his knee! Like a backbreaker but to the leg! Tanahashi drops elbows on the leg, cranks back on it, but Takagi reaches for ropes. Tanahashi pulls Takagi away and drops a leg on the leg! Tanahashi ties the legs up for a butterfly deathlock! Takagi endures, fans rally, and Takagi back hands, only for Tanahashi to push harder on the legs! Takagi drags himself and Tanahashi back, Tanahashi puts as much pressure as he can, but Takagi gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go and shakes his own legs out. Tanahashi kicks Takagi’s legs, grabs it, but Takagi fights him off!
Tanahashi throws body shots, whips, but Takagi holds ropes to then run Tanahashi over! Fans cheer and Takagi clotheslines Tanahashi out of the ring! Takagi catches his breath before going out to fetch Tanahashi. Fans rally as Takagi whips Tanahashi into railing! Takagi brings Tanahashi back up to bump him off apron, then again. Takagi fireman’s carries and APRON SNAKE EYES! Then he hits a DDT to the floor! Takagi fires up and fans cheer as Takagi hobbles. Takagi gets his bad leg moving, the ring count climbs but Takagi brings Tanahashi up at 12 of 20 to put him. SLINGSHOT STOMP!
Takagi drags Tanahashi up, cranks with a facelock, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Takagi keeps Tanahashi down with a headlock. Tanahashi endures as Takagi makes it a modified half nelson stretch, then shifts to sit him up. Takagi rains down elbows, covers, TWO! Takagi keeps moving, going up for the FALLING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Takagi toys with Tanahashi, drags him up, and chicken wings, but Tanahashi fights off the Gory to fire off forearms and elbows! Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS and Tanahashi drops to a knee! Takagi whips Tanahashi to ropes, then KNEES him at the rope, but Tanahashi blocks it!
Takagi tries to punch Tanahashi away, but Tanahashi still DRAGON SCREWS! But Takagi spins through with it! Takagi runs, Tanahashi dodges the sliding lariat! Tanahashi dropkicks the leg, then gets it for a DRAGON SCREW! And this time it hits! Fans rally as both men rise and Tanahashi stalks behind Takagi. Tanahashi throws forearms, whips, but Takagi reverses, only for Tanahashi to hit flying forearms! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he drags Takagi up and scoop slams him into the drop zone! Tanahashi goes up to the second rope, SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally again as both men rise. Tanahashi runs into the corner, he blocks Takagi’s boot but Takagi boots him away with the other leg! Tanahashi runs but Takagi puts him on the apron, to then hotshot! Takagi goes to the apron to join Tanahashi, fans fire up and Takagi fireman’s carries! Tanahashi fights to get free, but Takagi ROCKS him. But Tanahashi dropkicks the leg! Takagi falls to the floor and fans rally up again. Tanahashi fires up now and he goes to the corner. Tanahashi climbs, Takagi stands, ACES HIGH! Direct hit and down goes the Dragon! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re okay to continue.
The ring count stars, Tanahashi drags himself up at 5 and gets in at 8. Takagi is still down at 11 of 20, gets up at 13 and hobbles at 15. Takagi is in at 17 but Tanahashi has the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi rises as Takagi clutches his leg. Tanahashi powers up, runs, but Takagi elbows! JABS! But Tanahashi blocks the lariat! Takagi fights him off, chicken wing, spin, and Takagi steals TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans fire up as Takagi drags Tanahashi back up. Takagi suplexes, but Tanahashi fights it off so Takagi TWIST ‘N’ SHOUTS again! Takagi sits Tanahashi up, runs, SLIDING LARIAT! But the leg bothers Takagi so he can’t make the cover here. Fans rally up as Takagi stands.
Takagi hobbles over to Tanahashi as the fans get louder. Takagi toys with Tanahashi as he gives those kicks. He talks some trash and Tanahashi gets mad. Tanahashi eggs Takagi on as Takagi keeps kicking him, and then blocks the kick to dropkick the bad leg! Fans rally again as Tanahashi stomps Takagi and taunts him in return. Takagi eggs Tanahashi on now and dares him to hit harder. Tanahashi stomps more, Takagi still eggs him on, then Takagi blocks the kick to spin Tanahashi, run, and CHOP BLOCK! It was just enough to clip Tanahashi, but then Takagi drops a knee on the leg! Takagi gets back up as fans rally again.
Takagi stalks Tanahashi to a corner and taunts him again. Takagi gives toying kicks but Tanahashi throws serious forearms! Takagi puts Tanahashi’s leg in the ropes, then gets the other, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Takagi brings Tanahashi around, air guitars on Tanahashi’s leg, then steps through. Tanahashi kicks Takagi away, gets up, but runs into Takagi’s LARIAT! Takagi drags Tanahashi back up, reels him in, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, but Takagi gets a HALF CRAB! Tanahashi endures, Takagi pulls back hard, and then drops to a toehold! Like the deathlock in an STF, just no crossface! Tanahashi endures, moves around, but Takagi pulls harder on the leg!
Tanahashi still gets the ropebreak! Takagi lets Tanahashi go, fans fire up again, and Takagi gets them on the “OI! OI! OI!” rhythm. Takagi pump handles, Tanahashi resists, but Takagi throws knees. Tanahashi trips Takagi for GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And another GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Takagi clutches his leg but Tanahashi goes after both. Takagi gets the ropebreak, Tanahashi stomps his leg, then has Takagi in a corner. Tanahashi clubs Takagi, Takagi throws elbows, but they go up the corner. Tanahashi has Takagi up top, SUPER DRAGON SCREW!! Takagi writhes and clutches his knee as Tanahashi gets up. Tanahashi gets the legs for the CLOVERLEAF!
Takagi endures, Tanahashi sits deep, but Takagi refuses to give up! Red Shoes checks on Takagi as he starts to fade! Takagi opens an eye, grabs at Red Shoes, and then gets a second wind! Takagi powers up but Tanahashi just lets him go! Tanahashi goes to the corner, goes up top, HIGH FLY FLOW to Takagi’s back! Tanahashi goes up again, HIGH FLY FLOW, FLOPS!! Takagi avoids the final flow and fans fire up! Takagi drags Tanahashi back, wheelbarrow CORNER GERMAN! Takagi shouts and gets his bad leg moving again. Fans rally up, Takagi brings Tanahashi back up, but Tanahashi catches the lariat to a full nelson!
Takagi fights that off, catches Tanahashi to a full nelson, and hits a DRAGON SUPLEX! The Dragon hits a Dragon Suplex! Fans are thunderous as Takagi demands Tanahashi stands back up! Tanahashi stands, Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER! But Takagi isn’t done there, he wants Tanahashi to stand again! Takagi runs as best he can, but Tanahashi dodges! SLING- NO! Pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?!? The Ace survives and the Dragon cannot believe it! Fans fire up again, Takagi drags Tanahashi up, pump handle and fireman’s carry, but Tanahashi fights out to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
Tanahashi holds on, drags Takagi up, ANOTHER TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! He still holds on, brings Takagi up again, A THIRD TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Takagi sits up in a daze, Tanahashi powers up and runs, but Takagi gets around him! Tanahashi full nelsons, Takagi breaks free, but Tanahashi has the STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Takagi survives but Tanahashi isn’t done! Tanahashi runs, SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi hurries to the corner and up top, but Takagi stands. HIGH FLY ATTACK- Takagi catches it?! Takagi pops Tanahashi up, and hits a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Both men are down but fans are thunderous again!
Tanahashi goes to a corner and Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” again. Takagi runs in, corner clotheslines! Tanahashi fires off forearms in return! Takagi ducks the next to sleeper hold, and he shifts to a dragon sleeper! A dragon sleeper from the Dragon! Tanahashi scrambles, ends up in ropes, DRAPING G T R!?! Takagi borrows from one of the other great NEVER Openweight Champions, but he knows this still isn’t over! Tanahashi slowly rises, Takagi takes aim, runs and runs and MAXIMUM PUMPING BOMBERS!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Tanahashi survives again!! Fans rally up, “TA-KA-GI!” “LET’S GO, ACE!”
Both men slowly rise, Takagi brings Tanahashi up, pump handle but Tanahashi fights off the fireman’s, only for a point-blank LARIAT! Takagi kicks at Tanahashi, drags him up and slaps him around. Tanahashi throws forearms and Takagi just laughs! Takagi fires forearms from all sides! Takagi ROCKS Tanahashi with the tenth, but Tanahashi palm strikes! Takagi palm strikes! JAB! Tanahashi HEADBUTTS!? Fans are electric as Tanahashi fires up and runs, into a clothesline! Takagi keeps moving, but Tanahashi gets around, DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi is back up?! Tanahashi SLINGBLADES! Cover, ONE?!?! PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, ONE!?!?!
Both men survive and fans are electric again! Takagi gets up, bites ropes as he rises, and aims from a corner. Tanahashi is in the other, and both men shout smack talk at each other! DOUBLE LARIATS!! Neither falls, Tanahashi palm strikes, Takagi POINT-BLANK LARIATS! Takagi fires up more, drags Tanahashi back up, pump handle and fireman’s carry, SLINGBLADE?!? Tanahashi turns things back in his favor and heads to a corner! Tanahashi climbs, Takagi stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK! Direct hit but Takagi flounders to ropes. Tanahashi reels him in, DRAGON SUPLEX! With a bridge, TWO!?!?! Tanahashi keeps going, goes back up, HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
It is truly a new beginning as The Ace dethrones the Dragon! Tanahashi stands, Red Shoes hands him the belt, and Tanahashi raises the belt over his head! Takagi manages to stand, and he pats Tanahashi on the shoulder to show respect to him. They’re both willing to go again down the road, when and where will we see that epic sequel? Tanahashi gets the mic and takes a moment before he says, “Everyone. I’m very appreciative!” Tanahashi wants us all to know, that he is far from done as a pro-wrestler, and this is his new beginning, too! And so again, he is very thankful to the fans!
But wait, is he or isn’t he going to air guitar? Fans cheer louder and Tanahashi goes back in! Tanahashi decides to christen the NEVER Openweight Championship by using IT for air guitaring! Fans cheer more and Tanahashi is pretty sure they want an encore! So he gives them an encore! Tanahashi is perhaps spent after two air guitar solos and that huge main event, but fans still cheer. Tanahashi gets up, climbs a corner and gives one more encore! Fans clap along and Tanahashi returns to the mic. “Please come back! Please come back!” Tanahashi thanks the fans and promises that with love and power-
NO! Great-O-Khan attacks from behind!! Khan drags Tanahashi up and clamps on the claw! ELIMINATOR SLAM!! Khan grabs the mic and tells Tanahashi, “Oi, did you think the Tokyo Dome was the end of it?” Tanahashi, you’re going to learn that there is NOTHING you can do to stop this. You got that, right? Khan grabs the NEVER Openweight belt and says it will be his! Will the United Empire be even stronger after the Dominator dominates the Ace?
My Thoughts:
This was a great event, especially after a long Road To series that I of course skipped because it was just so much. Yano & Okada VS Yujiro & EVIL was a good match, but it makes sense for the Faces to win there. Yano is starting a new reign as the new Mr. KOPW for this year, and we’re going to see more shenanigans with the match stipulations he can cook up. Okada VS Evil seems to be building on the side, and that is a pretty good feud to bide some time. The 8 Man was a lot of fun, but it was a pretty good surprise that Sho wins off Bushi. All the stories being considered, that was one of the only options since Ibushi and Sanada need to stay even, it’s still unclear what’s building with Honma and Naito, and then Hiromu can’t lose before facing Sho. All of those stories are interesting and I can’t wait to see the payoffs.
Khan VS Tenzan was really good, and of course in a match where a move is on the line, that move was going to be used a lot. And at the same time, Khan is being built up, so of course he wins. Tenzan can’t Mongolian Chop but that is just one move in his arsenal, but also he’s a bit older, how much more is he going to do, really? Tanahashi VS Takagi was AWESOME, and I really didn’t see it going that way, but it is one of the titles Tanahashi’s never had. But then Khan going after him and having another match with Tanahashi for the title is going to be awesome. That could go either way, but I would think Tanahashi retains to try and prove he’s still got it.
My Score: 9.4/10
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)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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
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)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Secretariat’s Family Tree
Patrick and Tunney discuss the NHL and NBA playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Did The Red Sox Panic?
Dave & Patrick discuss a seismic shift in Boston as the Red Sox clean house. Plus, NFL Draft thoughts and...
4 Corners Podcast: NHL & NBA Playoff Preview
Dave & PC Tunney preview the NHL & NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: The Masters, NBA & MLB
Join Patrick and Dave weekly as they explore the 4 Corners of the American sports scene.
4 Corners Podcast: College Madness
The guys recap the Final Four, discuss March Madness expanding, and discuss an Executive Order that the guys actually agree...
Bandwagon Nerds #340: Womp Womp!
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, episode 6 of The Boys final season,...
Bandwagon Nerds #339: Everybody Dies
Your favorite Nerds review Daredevil: Born Again and The Boys. Paramount, Disney and Oscars news. All that plus we take...
Bandwagon Nerds #338: Impossible Choices
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Invincible, as well as continuing their review of Daredevil: Born Again and...
Bandwagon Nerds #337: Parallels & Purpose
The NERDS continue to review Invincible, Daredevil, and The Boys. Plus, we take a look at the new trailer for...
Bandwagon Nerds #336: Invincible, Daredevil, The Boys… Oh My!
Don't miss the Bandwagon, NERDS!
Former WWE Star Reveals How Company Tests Wrestlers for an “Attitude Problem”
A former WWE star took to social media to explain, in brief, how WWE evaluates its talent to determine whether...
WWE Backlash Match Sparks “Clone War” Debate in Wrestling Community
Wrestling fans and insiders are abuzz after a match at WWE Backlash was accused of “copycatting” a formula previously used...
Thekla Says AEW Became the “Perfect Fit,” Citing Tony Khan in Decision to Re-Sign
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla revealed that Tony Khan’s promotion has become the “perfect fit” for her, a realization that...
Swerve Strickland Targets ROH Champion Bandido Ahead of Owen Hart Cup Match
AEW’s Swerve Strickland fired several warning shots at ROH World Champion Bandido as the two prepare to collide in the...
Ronda Rousey Reflects on WrestleMania 35 Main Event, Cites Lack of Preparation Time
Ronda Rousey has opened up about her feelings surrounding the historic WrestleMania 35 main event, calling it a career-defining moment...
Matt Hardy Reflects on Kofi Kingston’s WrestleMania 35 Triumph and the New Day’s Influence
Matt Hardy praised Kofi Kingston’s emotional WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 35, calling the KofiMania run a defining moment for...
Kit Wilson Opens Up About Emotional Toll After Being Left Off 2026 Royal Rumble
WWE’s Kit Wilson admitted he struggled emotionally after being left off this year’s Royal Rumble card, saying the omission from...
Kevin Nash Slams TKO’s WWE Stewardship, Says Only One Thing Would End His Involvement
Veteran Kevin Nash has publicly criticized TKO’s handling of WWE, taking aim at the promotion’s current direction under Paul Levesque...
Jeff Jarrett Says Orange Cassidy Excels at Mixing Character and In-Ring Work
AEW veteran Jeff Jarrett praised Orange Cassidy as the standout performer in modern wrestling when it comes to blending distinctive...
JBL Says He Was Asked to Take a Pay Cut Minutes Before Surgery
WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield revealed he once received a phone call just minutes before going into surgery...
-
News5 days ago
Former New Day Duo Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston Announced for GalaxyCon
-
Headline News4 days ago
Former Wyatt Sicks Announced for WrestleCon Under New Names
-
Headline News7 days ago
WWE Announces AAA TripleMania 34 as Two-Night Event; Night Two Set for Mexico City
-
Headline News7 days ago
IYO SKY Defeats Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026, Receives Apology and Hug