NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Sakura Genesis Results & Report! (4/4/21)
Will Will Ospreay conquer NJPW?
Will Kota Ibushi stay NJPW’s first World Heavyweight Champion?
NJPW is entering a new era, where there is the ultimate IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! But will it be the Golden Star God or Commonwealth Kingpin that reigns supreme?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire & ???; The United Empire wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Satoshi Kojima VS Jay White & Bad Luck Fale; Tanahashi & Kojima win.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemura VS Roppongi 3K; RPG3K wins and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kota Ibushi VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins and becomes new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiromu Takahashi is here?!
The Ticking Timebomb is here and fans are excited to hear from him! “Everyone! Good evening~!” Hiromu also says good evening to us watching at home. Hiromu wants us all to know that while he’s not ready to return to action, he is here to be on commentary, especially as Los Ingobernables de Japon takes on the United Empire. But who is this new “X” wrestler? Is it you? You? Or is it… Hiromu himself? Well the answer is, TRANQUILO~! Relax! Hiromu is also running down the card, saying RPG3K returns to take on Desperado and Kanemaru. Will Yoh prove he’s progressed? Or is there something deeper going on here? If Yoh’s not ready, then Despy will still have both Junior Heavyweight titles!
And then there’s the main event, Ibushi VS Ospreay, for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship! The New Japan Cup Winner proved his resolve by shockingly attacking his own girlfriend! Hiromu knew all along Ospreay is not a human but “dirty stinking cat!” But as everyone knows, Ibushi is a very unique human. The Ultimate God VS Filthy Stinking Cat, what a main event! But if everyone’s ready, let’s get things started! NJPW Sakura Genesis 2021, LET’S GO!
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire & ???
Hiromu hyped up this showdown of Tetsuya Naito, Sanada and Shingo Takagi against Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, and yet another mystery partner! But just who is their newest recruit? Khan and Cobb make their entrances first, and Khan is given the mic. “Are you that intrigued about who is the next member of the United Empire? Well all you peasants are about to find out. You’re so easily kept in the palm of our hands.” So tranquilo, assenayo! Khan mocking LIJ there as he says they are about to see just who has joined the Empire! It is… THE HAMMERHEAD, TOA HENARE!?!
But he is also Toa no longer! He is AARON Henare, and he is abandoning Taguchi Japan and Team HenarACE to become the “Ultimate Weapon” in Will Ospreay’s arsenal! Will this moment be remembered as when Henare turns his career around and conquers NJPW?
The second LIJ gets in the ring, the Empire strikes! Khan is after Naito, Cobb is after Shingo, and Henare is after Sanada! The bell rings to get this on record as Henare keeps Sanada in the ring while the others go outside. Henare clubs Sanada, whips him corner to corner, but Sanada gets around the boot to dropkick a leg out, then dropkick Henare down! Henare flounders to ropes, Sanada tags Naito and LIJ mugs Henare. Naito throws hands, Sanada digs his boot in, and they double whip corner to corner. Sanada runs in but is thrown up and over! Henare elbows Naito then gives him Snake Eyes to the buckles!
Henare KICKS Naito down, sees Shingo coming and boots him to then CLOBBER him! Henare scowls and looms over Naito. Fans rally up as Henare drags Naito up by his hair. Henare gets in Naito’s face, snapmares him then KICKS him! Henare stomps then CHOPS Naito down, then drags him up. Henare dead lift suplexes Naito! Cover, TWO! Henare bumps Naito off buckles, tags Cobb in, and Cobb headbutts Naito in the back. Cobb presses Naito into the buckles, throws elbows, but Naito kicks back. Naito’s kick is blocked into a scoop and Cobb goes around the world before he RAMS Naito into buckles! Cobb scoops Naito, holds him with just one arm, then throws knees into Naito’s side!
Cobb pops Naito up to RAM into the corner, then dumps him down to tag in Khan. Khan stalks Naito, toys with him then stomps him on the head. The fans rally up for Naito as Khan drags Naito up. Khan smothers Naito in a standing neck wrench, but Naito grabs at the hair! Khan pats Naito on the face before he drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! Khan mocks Naito’s relaxed pose, but fans rally up. Khan clamps onto Naito’s head and makes him kiss his boot. Naito fights up and fires off haymakers! Khan knees low, and hits Mongolian Chops! Naito wobbles, Khan runs but into the shotgun boot! Fans rally up and both men crawl, hot tag to Takagi!
The Dragon rallies on the Empire, throwing Henare into Cobb! Takagi double lariats but neither Henare or Cobb budges! Henare and Cobb double kick and double whip, but Takagi gets around to send Henare into Cobb again! Henare kicks Takagi first but Takagi suplexes Henare! Khan boots but runs into an elbow, JAB and YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up for Takagi and he fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” Khan flounders about, Takagi runs in at the corner, blocks the boot to clothesline! Takagi runs but into a BIG hip toss! Khan tags Cobb, Cobb drags Takagi up but Takagi fires forearms! Cobb forearms back, but Takagi hits back! They brawl with forearms and fans rally as they get faster and faster!
Takagi hits some boxing elbows, dares Cobb to do something, so Cobb JABS him! Takagi JABS back! Both men wobble a bit, Takagi gets moving, but Cobb elbows! JABS, but Takagi ducks the lariat! Cobb fights but Takagi uses the ropes and gets the SNAP SAIDO! Tag to Sanada, and he throws forearms on Cobb. Sanada whips, Cobb reverses but Sanada elbows back! Sanada Quebrada but Cobb gets under, and even blocks the rana! Sanada fights the bomb, gets around, but Cobb fights the dragon sleeper to a POP-UP POWERSLAM!? Both men are down and fans fire up! Henare tags in and he PENALTY KICKS Cold Skull down!
Henare digs his boots into Sanada at ropes but lets off as the ref counts. Henare drags Sanada up to throw heavy hands, then whips Sanada, only for Sanada to duck and dodge! Henare still scoops Sanada for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Cobb runs to BLAST the LIJ corner, and Khan comes in. The Empire double whip Sanada corner to corner, then Khan clotheslines, Cobb back elbows, and they feed Sanada to Henare’s BOOT! Cover, Takagi breaks it! Cobb throws Takagi out but fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA!” Henare drags Sanada up, fisherman to the torture rack, but Sanada slips out to dragon sleeper! Khan gets in and BOOTS Sanada!
Naito elbows and whips but Khan reverses, only for Naito to reverse back. Khan denies the tornado DDT, Naito dodges but Khan hits the leaping forearms! Takagi is back, Khan kicks him but runs, only for Takagi to clothesline him! Takagi keeps going but Cobb scoops him for the ATHLETIC PLEX! Sanada dropkicks Cobb, Henare kicks and whips Sanda! Sanada tumbles up and out and springboards, into the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS! Henare tops this off with the fisherman to the torture rack, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, the United Empire wins!!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
The Ultimate Weapon already pays off! And to show he is all in, he rains down more fists on Sanada! Takagi gets in to fight Henare and Cobb off, but they mug him and DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Khan throws Naito around on the outside, then puts him in the ring. Henare and Cobb stretch Naito out, and Khan gets a chair! Khan aims at Naito’s bad leg, and SMACKS away on it! Takagi gets up but Khan shoves him back down and stomps him! The Empire stands together, and mockingly asks where is the ref to raise their hand for victory! The ref does as told, and the Empire stands over the Ungovernable.
Khan tells that all the peasants shall bow down before the power of Cobb, Henare, Khan and The United Empire! Is this just the beginning of their world dominance?
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Satoshi Kojima VS Jay White & Bad Luck Fale!
Well, perhaps it makes even more sense as to why The Ace has a different partner tonight. No Hammerhead, no Golden Star, but can the COZY Aces be what trumps King Switch and his Rogue General? Or will White be rolling into a NEVER Openweight Championship match with the Once in a Century Talent?
White talks trash at Tanahashi the entire time Tanahashi does his entrance routine. Bullet Club Low Sweets, Tanahashi shows off the muscles but Gedo boos. White shows off his muscles and Gedo cheers. Fans cheer either way, enjoying the display of physical specimens. The teams sort out, fans rally for “Let’s Go, Ace!” already and White starts with Tanahashi. Fans fire up, White and Tanahashi circle, and they tie up. Tanahashi gets around, headlocks, grinds White down, but White fights up, only for Tanahashi to hold tight. White tries again but Tanahashi still holds tight. White pulls hair, the ref reprimands but now Tanahashi pulls hair!
The ref reprimands as both men pull hair but White puts Tanahashi in a corner. White knees low, stomps away, but then argues with the ref. White drags Tanahashi up to throw a forearm then whip corner to corner. Tanahashi elbows back and crossbodies! Fans fire up and Tanahashi air guitars. Tag to Kojima and he stomps away on White. Tanahashi and Kojima bring White up to double whip then double shoulder him down! Double dancing pecs wow the crowd, then Kojima DECKS Fale! Fans fire up as Kojima unleashes machine gun CHOPS on White! White endures extra rounds and then Kojima CHOPS! Kojima whips corner to corner, forearm smashes, and goes up top!
But Fale distracts the ref and Gedo anchors Kojima! White gets up and ROCKET LAUNCHES Kojima off the top! White DECKS Tanahashi then slides out to stomp him down! Fale drags Kojima out to RAM him into railing! White whips Tanahashi into railing! White goes into the ring, Fale is after Kojima again and puts him in. White drags Kojima up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS him! White does his best to machine gun CHOP! Then he just rakes Kojima’s eyes! The ref counts, White stops at 3, then hits a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Tag to Fale, they mug Kojima, and Fale CLUBS Kojima on the back. Fale DECKS Tanahashi, then stomps Kojima.
Fale drags Kojima up to scoop and SLAM him! Fale keeps Kojima at the ropes, White distracts the ref, and Fale stands on Kojima’s back! Gedo applauds as Fale gets away with it. Tag to White, they drag Kojima up, White DECKS Tanahashi again! Bullet Club mugs Kojima with the machine gun CHOPS! White runs, but into Kojima’s boot! Kojima elbows free and gets Fale for a DDT! Kojima reaches out but Tanahashi is still down! White keeps Kojima away with a fireman’s carry but Kojima fights free! Kojima swats White’s lariat away to then hit the COZY CUTTER! Both men are down, fans fire up, and Kojima crawls! Hot tag to Tanahashi! The Ace unleashes on White!
Tanahsahi also dropkicks Fale down, then dodges White to run and hit a flying forearm! Tanahashi scoops and slams White to a drop zone then hops up, for the sunset somersault! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his focus and fans rally again, “Let’s Go, Ace!” White stands, Tanahashi runs, but White avoids Slingblade to waistlock. Tanahashi switches, White switches back, again and again and again until White pulls hair! Tanahashi breaks free but White trips him to then GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi writhes and rolls to a corner while fans rally up again. White gets up, runs in and uppercuts! White brings Tanahashi out for the BLADEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
White is annoyed but he looms over Tanahashi. White stomps Tanahashi’s legs, left then right then back again, then ties the legs up! White wants to use the Cloverleaf like Tanahashi does! Tanahashi resists the turnover, drags White down and kicks him away! White storms back over but kicks into a DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Tanahashi crawls for his corner but White hurries to DECK Kojima first! White tags Fale, Fale corner splashes Tanahashi then pushes him down to drop the elbow! Cover, TWO! Fale grows annoyed but he choke grips Tanahashi. Tanahashi breaks free, SHOTEIS, but runs into a LARIAT!
Fale drags Tanahashi up, reels him in but Kojima attacks from behind! White gets in and thrwos Kojima by his hair! White gets Tanahashi but Tanahashi denies Blade Runner to SLINGBLADE! But Fale choke grips, only for Tanahashi to pop free and TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Kojima powers up and takes off the armband! COZY LARIAT! Tanahashi goes up top, for a HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi & Kojima win!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Satoshi Kojima, by pinfall
White rushes in but Tanahashi trips him up! Tanahashi gets the legs, and gets White in the CLOVERLEAF! White flails and Gedo freaks out, and White TAPS! White taps out, Tanahashi lets him go, but this isn’t the end but the beginning! Will Tanahashi make sure White taps out again when the gold is on the prize?
Oh but wait! Tanahashi gets a mic to tell White something directly! “Jay! I accept your challenge! Because you tapped out to my Texas Clover Hold! AKA, J T O!” Tanahashi not only adds insult to injury, but he mocks White’s love of acronyms! Will he look to just add injury when they finally fight for the NEVER title?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemura VS Roppongi 3K!
Yoh has returned! And as such, he and Sho reunite as RPG3K and look to take these titles back! But will they be able to defeat Mr. Junior Heavyweight and the Heel Master?
The introductions are made, the Junior Tag belts are raised, and the teams sort out. Yoh starts against Desperado to show he’s truly back!
Fans rally as the two circle, then Yoh and Desperado approach. They feel out the grapple, Yoh shoots in to get a leg, but Desperado blocks the takedown. Desperado gets a waistlock, Yoh switches but Desperado turns around. Yoh slips through to wrench to a wristlock, but Desperado rolls and wrenches back. Desperado cranks the wristlock, but Yoh rolls and handsprings and cartwheels and handsprings more to wrench right back! Fans cheer the exchange as Yoh hammerlocks. Desperado drops to drop toehold and then get a headlock. Desperado grinds Yoh but fans rally up. Yoh fights up, pulls on the mask but Red Shoes reprimands.
Yoh throws body shots, powers out, then reels Desperado in to headlock back! Desperado tries to power out but Yoh holds tight! Yoh grinds Desperado down now, Desperado fights up, and Yoh hits a headlock takeover. Desperado headscissors and holds tight so that Yoh can’t kip up. Fans rally as Yoh endures, and Yoh moves around to headstand and pop free with a handspring! Fans cheer as Yoh’s leg is just fine. Yoh smirks at Desperado, but Desperado rakes eyes! Desperado whips, Yoh dodges and hits a forearm! Yoh DECKS Kanemaru, Sho gets in, and RPG3K double whip Desperado. They bypass him to then drop toehold and basement dropkick! Kanemaru gets in to get double dropkicks!
Fans fire up as RPG3K finally gets to do team moves! Yoh stomps Desperado, then drags him over. Tag to Sho, they dig their boots in and stomp away, but let off as Red Shoes counts. Sho stomps Desperado, but Desperado goes to scoop! Sho fights that off, CLUBS Desperado on the back, then throws forearms! Sho scoops and slams Desperado, then covers, ONE! Sho drags Desperado up, fans rally, and Sho bumps Desperado off buckles. Tag to Yoh and Yoh throws big forearms! Desperado flounders to a corner, Yoh throws a EuroUpper, then wrenches and whips. Desperado reverses, runs in but blocks Yoh’s boot. Desperado kicks the healed leg! Desperado then gets that leg for a DRAGON SCREW!
Kanemaru DECKS Sho while Desperado drags Yoh around by the bad leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! Desperado bends and thrashes Yoh, but Yoh fights up! Fans rally, Yoh reaches out, but Desperado gets the arm, NUMERO DOS! Sho throws Kanemaru into railing then gets in to stomp Desperado down! Red Shoes has Sho exit, and fans rally for Yoh as he crawls over with one good leg. Yoh tags Sho, Sho aims from a corner and runs to run Desperado over! Sho DECKS Kanemaru in return, then wrenches Desperado to kick, kick and KICK! Sho powers up and kicks but Desperado blocks! Desperado spins Sho to waistlock but Sho breaks free. Sho KICKS Desperado back down, covers, TWO!
Fans rally as Sho keeps his focus. Desperado slowly gets up, Sho wrenches to elbow breaker after elbow breaker! Sho runs, but Desperado uses the good arm to lift, only for Sho to fight off the spinebuster! Sho whips, Desperado reverses and Kanemaru trips Sho! Kanemaru drags Sho out and whips him into railing, then Desperado does the same to Yoh! Kanemaru hits a snap suplex to the floor! Sho writhes and rolls away while Desperado stands on Yoh’s bad leg! Desperado stomps Yoh’s leg, then talks trash before he stomps it again! Kanemaru whips Sho HARD into more railing! Red Shoes starts the ring count, Desperado goes in to take Kanemaru, but the count is now 10 of 20.
The count reaches 15, Sho drags himself up and in at 18! Kanemaru drags Sho back up, whips him and then hits a BIG back drop! Kanemaru goes out just to kick and stomp Yoh! Kanemaru returns to the ring and drags Sho up for a big suplex! Cover, TWO! Tag to Desperado, and Desperado steps on Sho as he walks over to taunt Yoh. Desperado stomps Sho, then stands on his hand! Red Shoes reprimands, Desperado steps away, but he drags Sho back up to whip. Sho reverses and kitchen sink knees Desperado down! Fans fire up as both men are down, but Kanemaru gets in to stomp Sho and BOOT Yoh! Desperado gets up and stomps away on Sho at the ropes.
Fans rally again, Desperado drags Sho around then gives him stomps. Desperado feeds Sho to Kanemaru’s boots, then tags Kanemaru in. Kanemaru stomps Sho, Desperado adds on, but Sho just gets angry! Suzuki-Gun slaps Sho around but Sho fires off forearms! Desperado rakes Sho’s eyes to stop him! Suzuki-Gun double whips Sho but Sho comes back to DOUBLE SPEAR! Fans are thunderous for Sho as he reaches for his corner. Sho crawls over, hot tag to Yoh! Yoh rallies on Suzuki-Gun with forearms and elbows! Kanemaru gets a waistlock but Yoh boots Desperado, elbows Kanemaru, throws Kanemaru into Desperado, then dropkicks them both down!
Fans fire up again as Yoh brings Kanemaru up. Yoh whips corner to corner, runs in corner to corner, and back elbows! Yoh turns Kanemaru for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps his focus and gets his bad leg moving again. Fans rally up, Yoh brings Kanemaru up, and Yoh brings him in for AOI- No! Kanemaru fights out of the modified fisherman, suplexes back, but Yoh slips out, only to jam his bad leg! Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out! Yoh writhes, gets to the ropes, and Red Shoes checks on him. Desperado gets in, drags Yoh up and gives him a SHIN BREAKER, to then set it up for Kanemaru’s SHOTGUN dropkick! Kanemaru steps through to the FIGURE FOUR!
Yoh endures the leg lock and Kanemaru puts as much pressure on it as he can! Fans rally, Sho gets in again and stomps Kanemaru! But Desperado drags Sho out to throw him into railing! Kanemaru still has Yoh caught, but Yoh flails and reaches! Yoh drags himself and Kanemaru over, but Kanemaru adds even more pressure! Yoh flails, hops around, and gets the ropebreak! Kanemaru lets go and fans fire up again! Kanemaru drags Yoh up, scoops and slams him into a drop zone, then goes up top, to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and fans fire up again! Kanemaru climbs up again but Sho RAMS Desperado into railing!
Kanemaru waits for Yoh, then leaps, DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, Sho breaks it in time! Desperado drags Sho back out and whips him into railing! Kanemaru gets Yoh’s leg to SMASH it against the mat! Kanemaru steps through but Yoh cradle counters, TWO! Kanemaru stomps Yoh, drags him up to suplex but Yoh fights free! Kanemaru kicks the leg, Yoh blocks but Kanemaru rakes eyes! Kanemaru boots, Yoh PELES! Desperado returns, runs in and SPEARS Yoh! Sho gets in, and GERMAN SUPLEXES Desperado! Sho runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! All four men are down and fans are thunderous! Kanemaru gets to a corner, aims at Yoh, but slides under Yoh’s boot counter attack!
Yoh superkicks but Kanemaru blocks it, then kicks the bad leg. Kanemaru clubs and kicks Yoh, Yoh staggers around, and Kanemaru runs, into a RPG3K DOUBLE KNEE! Sho gets Kanemaru up, coordinates with Yoh, BACKSTABBER to SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up and Yoh stomps it! It’s been so long since we’ve seen this! RPG3K watches Kanemaru, but Desperado gets in! Desperado DECKS Yoh, but Sho throws hands! Sho and Desperado brawl, Sho gets boxing elbows but Desperado rakes eyes! Desperado whips but Sho reverses to redirect, Yoh gets back up, and they hit 3K!! But Desperado isn’t legal, they have to get Kanemaru! Fans fire up, Yoh whips Sho at Kanemaru to clothesline!
Sho sets up, Yoh uses him for the boost, YOH IN MOTION! Yoh feeds Kanemaru to Sho’s underhooks, and Yoh goes up top! But Kanemaru gets out and whips Sho into Yoh! Kanemaru throws Sho out while Yoh is down on the top rope! Fans rally, Kanemaru climbs up to join Yoh, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Kanemaru crawls to the cover, TWO!! Yoh still lives, as does RPG3K! Fans rally again as Kanemaru climbs back up. Kanemaru wants Yoh to get back up just so he can put him back down. Yoh stands, and SUPERKICKS Deep Impact away! Sho is in and he LARIATS Kanemaru! Sho shouts to Yoh that they can finish this!
Yoh climbs, Sho tucks Kanemaru in, STRONG X!!! Cover, Desperado breaks it in time!! Desperado saves Kanemaru then elbows Sho. Sho drags Desperado out with him and Yoh fires up! Fans fire up with Yoh as he drags Kanemaru back up and underhooks! DIRECT DRIVE with a twist!! Cover, RPG3K WINS!!
Winners: Roppongi 3K, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Yoh’s return is a return to glory for the team! Desperado’s time as Mr. Junior Heavyweight ends, will he and Kanemaru be able to climb back up for a rematch? As Yoh talks to Desperado, Desperado says he’s still THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, but then Yoh says he might change that, too! Will RPG3K look to be even more golden in the Spring?
Oh, now Yoh wants to talk! “If it wasn’t for all of you supporting me, I wouldn’t have been able to return to this ring.” You says as a new him and a new RPG3K, they have taken THEIR titles back! Next, Yoh wants to take THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship from Desperado!! He really does want to shine brighter! Will Yoh get his wish as the year starts to heat up?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kota Ibushi VS Will Ospreay!
The Golden Star God combined the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental titles into one, and oddly enough, the only man who agreed with him is his opponent! But after the Commonwealth Kingpin cut ties with Bea Priestley with a cutter, he is clearly going down a dark path. Can Ibushi keep this title with him to continue the evolution of legacy? Or will Ospreay and the United Empire conquer NJPW?
The introductions are made, the newly minted world title belt is raised, and we see if NJPW walks in the light or turns to the darkside!
Fans rally already with “I-BU-SHI!” as he and Ospreay stare down. Both men let the moment sink in before they circle. They approach, feel out the grapple, and Ibushi goes for a leg only for Ospreay to get a waistlock. They go around, Ibushi shifts to drop toehold and then waistlock back. Ibushi floats, Ospreay rolls to facelock but Ibushi switches right back to the waistlock. Ibushi wants the half nelson but Ospreay resists. Ospreay uses a sprawl to break free and switch to a waistlock and slam! Ospreay wants the lateral press but Ibushi resists. They fight for control as Ospreay gets through a leg guard. Ospreay still wants the lateral but Ibushi slips out to a facelock!
Ospreay gets a ropebreak, Ibushi lets off with some pats on the back and the fans cheer the technical exchange. Ospreay and Ibushi reset as the United Empire, Henare included, watch ringside. Ibushi and Ospreay circle again, Ospreay rushes in but Ibushi stays up. They go around, Ibushi gets around to a waistlock and then floats to flip Ospreay. Ospreay kicks out before a cover, and fans cheer this exchange. Ibushi stays loose and fans rally up again. Ospreay also stays cool as he and Ibushi circle again. They feel out the grapple, Ospreay facelocks, goes for the arm, but Ibushi slips out the back to get a facelock. Ibushi goes to underhooks but Ospreay slips free.
Ibushi waistlocks again, but Ospreay gets an arm and wrenches to a hammerlock. Fans rally, Ibushi works on his escape, and reaches back to headlock. Ospreay endures the grind, powers up, but can’t power out as Ibushi holds tight! Fans cheer, Ospreay fights up, and pulls hair to get free! Ospreay headlocks now, Ibushi endures the grind, and Ibushi powers out only for Ospreay to run him over. Ibushi kips right up, and Ospreay SLAPS him! Ospreay headlocks, Ibushi powers out and things speed up, Ibushi RANAS Ospreay out of the ring! Fans fire up as Ibushi aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and Ibushi is right by his world title and Ospreay’s New Japan Cup trophy.
Ibushi brings Ospreay up and into the ring, follows him to a corner, and CLUBS him on the bad shoulder. Ibushi brings Ospreay up to club him again, then pats the bad shoulder. Ospreay throws a forearm so Ibushi fires one back! Ibushi dares Ospreay to get up, then he gets the bad arm. Ibushi elbows the shoulder and Ospreay hurries away to ropes. Ibushi KICKS Ospreay in the back, then whips him, only for Ospreay to hold ropes. Fans rally up, Ibushi tries again but still Ospreay holds ropes. Ibushi fires off strikes, whips but Ospreay reverses to lift and crotch Ibushi on the ropes! #DirtySupper(?)! Ospreay runs and BOOTS Ibushi off the ropes and to the floor!
Fans fire up as Ospreay clings like Spider-Man in the ropes. Ospreay goes out to get Ibushi, drags him up and whips him into railing! Ospreay then drags Ibushi up to RAM him into the railing, and bend him back against them! Red Shoes reprimands, Ospreay lets off, and Ospreay shrugs. Ibushi eggs Ospreay on and Ospreay kicks him down. Fans rally up and Ibushi fires off on Ospreay, to then whip Ospreay into railing! Ibushi gets up, kicks but Ospreay blocks it! Ospreay gets Ibushi up for a RAILING BACK SUPLEX! Ospreay gets in the ring, and wants a count out!? Red Shoes starts the count, Ibushi gets up and in at 10 of 20. Ospreay is after Ibushi and throws him back outside.
Ibushi is against railing as Ospreay throws forearm son him over and over! Ospreay drags Ibushi up and puts him on the apron, to CLUB away on his back! Ospreay climbs up for a GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP! Ibushi flops down and Ospreay glares at him as fans rally again. Ospreay goes back in and wants another ring count. The count begins, Ibushi is up at 5 and in at 8. Ospreay storms over as fans cheer and Ospreay stomps Ibushi down. Ospreay whips Ibushi corner to corner HARD and Ibushi bounces off buckles! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but Ibushi kicks him from below. Ospreay eggs him on so Ibushi kicks again.
Ospreay CHOPS Ibushi while he’s down, then drags him back up for an elbow to the back! Ospreay drags Ibushi up, brings him around, and whips him to ropes to back elbow! Cover, ONE!! Fans rally but Ospreay wraps Ibushi up in a neck lock! Ospreay pushes up to add leverage, but Ibushi endures. Ibushi moves around, kicks his legs and gets the ropebreak! Ospreay turns over to twist Ibushi’s head, but lets off as Red Shoes counts 4. Fans still rally for Ibushi but Ospreay drags Ibushi up for a cravat neck wrench. Ibushi endures as Ospreay grinds him down, and fans rally with Ibushi. Ibushi throws body shots but Ospreay scoops and SLAMS him!
Ospreay runs to drop another knee, but misses as Ibushi moves! Ibushi KICKS the leg, Ospreay throws a forearm then runs, but into a dropkick! Both men are down and Ospreay is checking his healed nose. Fans fire up, Ospreay and Ibushi rise, and Ibushi fires off forearms. Ibushi whips, Ospreay reverses but Ibushi FLYING KICKS! Fans fire up as Ibushi builds power, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ibushi wags his finger, but Ospreay gets to a corner. Ibushi runs in but Ospreay dodges and comes back, only for Ibushi to roll him up, all the way to a DEADLIFT CROTCH SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Fans are thunderous as Ibushi and Ospreay rise.
Ospreay fires off forearms and a CHOP, but Ibushi KICKS! Ospreay sputters and leans against ropes, but Ibushi whips him to ropes. Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Both men are down again and fans rally back up! Ibushi goes to a corner, Ospreay runs in and uppercuts! Ospreay puts Ibushi up top backwards, then into the Tree of Woe for a KICK! Ospreay goes corner to corner to HESITATION DROPKICK! Ibushi is still in the Tree but he drags himself out of it. Fans rally, Ospreay aims from the apron and springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi narrowly escapes that one, but Ospreay keeps his focus.
Ospreay drags Ibushi up, turns him around to a dragon sleeper, but Ibushi fights free. Ospreay still ROCKS Ibushi with a right! Ibushi staggers, Ospreay dragon sleepers and inverted suplexes, but Ibushi KNEES free! Ospreay panics and checks his damaged nose! Ibushi just smirks. Red Shoes checks but Ospreay’s nose isn’t bleeding. Ibushi storms over, brings Ospreay up but Ospreay hits a HARD body shot with that forearm! Ospreay reels Ibushi in, but Ibushi slips out of the bomb lift, only for Ospreay to block the kick, elbow the leg and CHOP back! Ibushi swings into a full nelson but elbows free. Ibushi runs into an enziguri, but LARIATS outta nowhere!
Both men are down and fans fire up yet again! Ibushi slowly sits up while Ospreay starts to stir. Ibushi drags Ospreay up, reels him in, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Ibushi keeps his focus. Fans rally hard as ever for “I-BU-SHI!” and he gets the wrists. Ospreay resists so Ibushi stomps him. Ibushi sits Ospreay up but Ospreay HEADBUTTS low! Both men are down again, fans rally up once more, and the two glare at each other. Ibushi and Ospreay go forehead to forehead on the mat, then start throwing forearms. Ibushi eggs Ospreay on with a grin, but Ospreay forearms back! Ibushi shakes his head and ROCKS Ospreay with another!
Ospreay seethes as Ibushi eggs him on, and he gives a swift forearm. Ibushi stands up and leans into the forearm he gives Ospreay! Ospreay gets up now, and returns the forearm again. Ibushi forearms, Ospreay forearms, back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans are thunderous again! Ospreay ROCKS Ibushi, BOOTS him, then runs to BOOT again! Ibushi stays up so Ospreay gives him Kowata Kicks! Ibushi just stares at him! Has the switch flipped to Kowai Ibushi?! Ospreay slaps Ibushi around, then pie faces him. Ibushi just fires off, but Ospreay dodges to ROLLING ELBOW! Ospreay dragon sleepers, inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay can’t believe that Ibushi is still in this!
Ospreay gets Ibushi to a drop zone, climbs the corner to the top rope, but Ibushi sits up. Ibushi anchors Ospreay’s feet, Ospreay rains down fists, but Ibushi hits a body shot of his own! Ibushi climbs up, brings Ospreay to the top but Ospreay fights back. Ospreay shoves Ibushi aside, Ibushi has a bit of a rough landing on the apron, but Ibushi gets back up to CHOP Ospreay! Ibushi then springboards but Ospreay denies the Super Steiner! Ibushi is stuck on the rope, Ospreay GUILLOTINE SHOOTING STARS!! Ospreay puts Ibushi back in the drop zone and goes back up, to SHOOTING STAR AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ibushi survives and everyone is shocked!
Ospreay takes off the elbow pad! Ospreay stands Ibushi up, turns, but Ibushi clubs Ospreay away! Ospreay fireman’s carries but Ibushi fights that off. Ospreay CHOPS, whips, but Ibushi reverses. Ospreay handsprings, but Ibushi catches him! Ibushi steadies himself, gets Ospreay back up, but he can’t hold him! Ibushi’s back and legs are too tired, but fans fire up and rally for him! Ospreay rolls away, Ibushi crawls after, and hoists Ospreay to the top rope backwards. Ibushi climbs up behind Ospreay, Ospreay resists so Ibushi CLUBS away on his back! Ibushi stands Ospreay up for a SUPER POISON-RA-
OSPREAY LANDS ON HIS FEET?! Ospreay recreates the shocking moment from the last time these two fought! At this point, Ibushi is annoyed of Ospreay doing this to him. Ospreay dares Ibushi to bring it, and then fireman’s carries! But Ibushi pops out to POISON-RANA after all! Ospreay tumbles out of the ring and to the floor! Fans are thunderous as Red Shoes starts the ring count. The count reaches 10 of 20 before Ospreay sits up. The count reaches 15, Ospreay is on the apron and Ibushi ROUNDHOUSES him down! Ibushi drags Ospreay up in a waistlock, and DEADLIFT SUPER GERMANS!! Ospreay crumbles from the impact and Ibushi covers, TWO!!
Ibushi doesn’t let that bother him, he gets fired up as the fans rally again. Ibushi aims from a corner, calling upon the powers of Nakamura, but runs into a SPANISH FLY! Ospreay pulls that outta nowhere to save himself, and now he’s fired up! Ospreay calls his shot as Ibushi rises, and he springboards, but the cutter is denied! Ibushi goes to roundhouse, Ospreay dodges and OSCUTTERS on the return! Cover, TWO!!?! Ospreay is shocked but he still has another weapon to use! Ospreay drags Ibushi up, turns him, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!! Ospreay isn’t done there, he drags Ibushi up to underhook and lift, to STORM-
NO! Ibushi slips out and spins Ospreay, STANDING KAMI-GOYE?! Then PROPER KAMI-GOYE!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! What?!?! HOW?!! Ospreay survives a double shot!? The fans are electric as Ibushi vows the next one will do it! But Ospreay cradle counters! TWO!!! Ospreay SUPERKICKS! Then he dodges the V-Trigger to HOOK KICK! Then from the corner, Ospreay runs to V-TRIGGER?!?! Ospreay just stole that from the Golden Lovers!! And then HIDDEN BLADE!!! Ospreay is as fired up as the fans as he underhooks to STORMBREAKER!!!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!!!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
No one can believe it but no one can contain their excitement, either! The banner Ibushi created, the legacy Ibushi evolved, and the era Ibushi created for NJPW is now all being carried on the shoulders of another!! The United Empire celebrates together, and Cobb even gets in Ibushi’s face while he’s down on the mat! Cobb stands Ibushi up, reels him in, and gives him a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! As if Ibushi isn’t suffering enough! And the Empire laughs at Ibushi’s pain.
Cobb makes Ibushi sit up again and makes sure he understands this is what Ibushi deserves. Cobb then helps Ospreay stand and Red Shoes places the title on Ospreay’s shoulder, and then Ospreay holds it high overhead. Ospreay is now Two Belts Kingpin as he adds his Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Championship, and then his NJCUP trophy! Ospreay is already shouting, “Who is the best wrestler in the world? Tell us now!” He even adds that NJPW’s “god” is DEAD! Do all of these prizes together truly make Ospreay the best in the world today?
Young Lions get Ibushi out of the ring carefully, and Ospreay gets impatient. Ospreay wants to give his celebration speech. “Bye-bye, god! Sayonara, mata-ne, good-bye, get out.” This is OSPREAY’S time now. Ibushi crawls as he laments his loss, and Khan even tells him to “get the hell out of here.” Ospreay says look at Ibushi! He can barely stand! Look at what Ospreay, a mere man, did to Ibushi, a “god!” Ospreay says he’s been listening to the doubters and the mockery all his life. “The little British boy can’t be a pro-wrestler.” He can’t be a big star in Japan! He can’t win the Best of the Super Juniors. Oh, but he did that twice!
“The British boy” can’t win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, but he’s done that three times! And there was still laughter and doubting! “The British boy” can’t be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? “Who is laughing now?!” Ospreay continues to say that five years to the day, he has been with NJPW, and debuted here in this very arena, Ryogoku! Ospreay’s done a lot of bad things, he’ll admit. He’s not the good guy. “But honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I want to take this time to apologize TO ABSOLUTELY NO ONE!” The United Empire does what they want, because they have the power!
But the story isn’t complete yet. “You should’ve killed me when you had the chance, because now I’m back for revenge for what happened at WrestleKingdom, OKADA!!” Ospreay calls out the Rainmaker!! And here comes Okada! Fans cheer as Okada walks to the ring to respond face-to-face. Okada drums on the mic to get the fans even more fired up, but wait! TAKAGI returns?! Takagi takes the mic from Okada and says he wants to say something real quick. And Ospreay, you shut up. “Oi, aren’t you getting a little too carried away?” Ospreay thinks he’s king now? And he wants revenge on Okada for Tokyo Dome? IDIOT, no one even remembers that!
Takagi says everyone DOES remember Takagi beating Okada in the FIRST round of the NJCUP! So if Okada deserves a title shot, then so does Takagi, the NJCUP runner-up! Heck, isn’t he even MORE deserving? Takagi then tells Ospreay in English that he will challenge Ospreay for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship! But don’t worry, Okada. After Takagi beats “this punk” Ospreay, he’ll make Okada his first defense! No complaints there, right? And that’s all Takagi has to say about that. Mic drop from the Dragon, but is he really going to jump the line? Will Okada have his turn on the mic now? Does he have to, since Takagi’s promising him a match anyway?
Okada isn’t sure if he should reach for the mic, but Takagi and Ospreay give him the space. Okada gets the mic, and hands it to Ospreay? Okada isn’t going to say anything, he wants Ospreay to respond! Ospreay snatches the mic back and says, “First, Shingo. Then I’m coming for you,” Okada. So there you have it! If Ospreay can sweep Takagi 3-0 in their careers, he’ll get his revenge on Okada. And even if Takagi avenges BOSJ and NJCUP, Okada will get his chance. Okada leaves without a word, satisfied with the order of things. Takagi then leaves, having gotten his own answer.
The United Empire stands tall, and Khan says, “Although we were rudely interrupted, here begins the Era of the Empire!” They offer amnesty for only tonight! Raise your hands high and hail the Kingpin, Will Ospreay! Fans do cheer, and Khan demands more and more! NJPW doesn’t need to know more than what is here in this ring. But Khan will explain it to you anyway. “This is the power of Jeff Cobb, Aaron Henare, Great-O-Khan and THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Will Ospreay! This is the power of THE UNITED EMPIRE!!” The confetti falls, as does the curtain on what could be just Act I of the United Empire’s epic! Will all of NJPW bow down to their might?
My Thoughts:
An amazing event! Great developments from top to bottom, and honestly, I thought Henare was going to join Bullet Club. But y’know what? Him joining the United Empire is even better for everyone because the Empire does need to grow in members and he is definitely a great choice. Their Six Man Tag with LIJ was really good and of course in Henare’s first match with the Empire, they win and he gets the credit. With four members, they can definitely grab up whatever titles they want as a team, from the NEVER Openweight Six Man to the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Teams.
Tanahashi & Kojima VS White & Fale was really good, and I like that Tanahashi & Kojima won. I honestly thought we were already getting Tanahashi VS White for the NEVER Openweight Championship, but having the challenge be officially accepted here was great. I was pleasantly surprised that RPG3K got their titles back already. I really expected them to lose to have a long road back, but perhaps this is a great way for them to start where they left off last year when Yoh got hurt and the titles were vacated. At the same time, Yoh wants the Junior Heavyweight singles title, so that’ll be an interesting dynamic, as well.
The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in itself may look very odd, but that doesn’t really matter when this first defense of it was so outstanding! There were great story beats referencing the other times Ospreay and Ibushi have faced off, namely that “Ospreay lands on his feet out of a flip move,” which he’s not only done for that notorious memeable moment during Golden Lovers VS Ospreay & Tanahashi, but also their WK13 NEVER Openweight title match out of a Super German Suplex. Ospreay winning was an even bigger shock, but given the promo segment at the end, it makes sense. Ospreay is going to have epic rematches with his other storied rivals and really put some legitimacy to the title’s legacy.
My Score: 9.6/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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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...
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WWE Announces AAA TripleMania 34 as Two-Night Event; Night Two Set for Mexico City
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