NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/3/21)
Amazing prizes are on the line!
NJPW has a title match, a title opportunity match, and… iron fingers?
NJPW has done some unique things lately, but Wrestling Dontaku 2021 might take the cake! Who takes the Iron Fingers from Hell for their own?
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
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship Right to Challenge match: Tanga Loa VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins and the Dangerous Tekkers will challenge Guerrillas of Destiny for the titles.
- Iron Fingers from Hell Ladder Match: Taichi VS Tama Tonga; Taichi wins and owns the Iron Fingers from Hell.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jay White w/ Gedo; White wins and becomes the new NEVER Openeweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Right to Challenge match: Tanga Loa VS Zack Sabre Jr!
Well this is different. With their tag partners fighting over the Iron Fingers from Hell, it is on the Silverback to face the Submission Master and determine the fate of the tag titles! Will ZSJ make Loa #JustTapOut and earn a title match for both him and the Sliest Wrestler in the World?
The bell rings, Loa and ZSJ circle and fans rally up. They feel out the grapple, Loa calls for a test of strength, and ZSJ knuckle locks but kicks an arm away. Loa shoots in but ZSJ backs off and they reset. ZSJ and Loa approach again, still feeling it out. ZSJ tries to bait Loa in but Loa corners him instead. Loa and ZSJ tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow, and ZSJ slowly but surely uses leverage to push Loa back. Loa eggs him in, then brings him around to ropes. The ref calls for a ropebreak, and Loa lets off. Loa swings, but ZSJ dodges and runs to sunset flip! TWO, ZSJ has a headlock but Loa powers out. Kitchen sink knee becomes a school boy roll, TWO!
ZSJ dodges a boot to get a cobra twist to the ground cobra cradle! TWO, and the two stand off! Fans cheer this opening exchange as things reset again. ZSJ and Loa both grin and fans rally back up as the two circle. Loa wants another try at the test of strength, and ZSJ accepts. They knuckle lock, ZSJ kicks an arm and headlocks. Loa powers out to run ZSJ over! ZSJ rolls to ropes but Loa looms over him. Loa gets ZSJ up to wrench the arm, then wristlocks for the knuckle lock. ZSJ claws at Loa’s face, works on the knuckle lock, but Loa gets his test of strength after all! Loa makes ZSJ drop to his knees as he puts pressure on the wrists.
ZSJ fights up, Loa pushes him back down, but then ZSJ rolls to reverse the wrenching! Loa powers through to turn and flip ZSJ, then reel him in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Cover, TWO as ZSJ bridges! Loa sweeps legs, TWO as ZSJ bridges again. Loa hops on, TWO as ZSJ still bridges! Fans cheer the showing of strength, then ZSJ kips up and wrenches through to keylock and wrangle Loa down! ZSJ stomps the arm, but Loa is right up to CLOBBER ZSJ! Loa likes the daring of ZSJ, and brings him up to DECK him again! Loa gets ZSJ up to whip him to a corner, then runs in to clothesline! ZSJ is down and Loa shakes out the bad arm.
Fans rally for “ZSJ! ZSJ!” but Loa drags ZSJ up to scoop and RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Loa smiles. Loa stalks ZSJ to ropes, stomps him down, then drags him out to the apron. Loa CLUBS ZSJ in the chest, then slides back inside. Loa chokes ZSJ with both hands! The ref counts, Loa lets off, and Loa stalks ZSJ to a corner. Loa stomps ZSJ down, digs his boot in, but lets off as the ref counts. Loa stomps ZSJ one more time before catching his breath. Fans still rally as ZSJ sits up, but Loa is back on him. Loa whips, ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Loa crawls to a corner, fans rally as ZSJ rises, and ZSJ runs corner to corner to EuroUpper! Loa eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ throws more EuroUppers! Loa fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips out to PELE the arm! And sweep the leg! ZSJ locks Loa’s arm to stomp it again! ZSJ goes after that arm but Loa resists. ZSJ uses a top mount to get leverage, hammerlock and TWIST! Loa writhes but ZSJ won’t leave the arm alone! ZSJ pulls both arms in, hammerlock on one and a deep wristlock on the other! Loa gets a ropebreak with his foot and ZSJ reluctantly lets him go. ZSJ runs in to kick the bad arm, then kick it again! ZSJ eggs Loa on now but Loa tries to get away.
ZSJ wrenches an arm but Loa ROCKS him! Loa runs, into a boot! ZSJ runs and boots again, then boots again! ZSJ runs but into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Loa’s bad arm keeps him from making the cover, but he gets ZSJ back up! Loa manages a lift but ZSJ shifts to get a GUILLOTINE! Loa stays on his feet, powers back up and suplexes, but ZSJ slips out! PELE to the arm again! Loa still RAMS ZSJ into a corner! Loa stomps away, fans rally up, and Loa drags ZSJ up into a scoop. Loa aims for a corner but ZSJ slips off. ZSJ throws EuroUppers again, even as Loa eggs him on. Loa kicks low, then enziguris but ZSJ ducks it! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! LARIAT from Loa! Cover, TWO!
Loa gets the CROSSFACE! Loa cranks ZSJ back but fans rally as ZSJ endures! ZSJ moves around, reaches out, and gets a ropebreak with a leg! Loa holds on but lets go as the ref counts. Loa slaps ZSJ around, drags him back up, but ZSJ plays dead. Loa still dead lifts ZSJ to a suplex! And holds him up for a count of 10! For 15! And then the slam! Loa wags his finger, telling ZSJ that wasn’t going to be enough. Loa climbs up, throws up a Too Sweet, and then DIVING HEADBUTTS, but FLOPS as ZSJ moves! ZSJ traps Loa’s head for a NECK CRANK!! ZSJ gets the arm and hammerlocks it! Loa resists as ZSJ goes after the other, but he gets the JIM BREAKS!!
Loa endures as ZSJ pulls way back on the armbar, and powers his way over, to get the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go in frustration as Loa survives. Fans rally back up as both men slowly rise. ZSJ eggs Loa on then PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ runs, gets around Loa’s lariat, but Loa holds off the Iron Octopus! Loa scoops, but ZSJ slips out to trip him, body scissor and EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!! Loa narrowly escapes but fans fire up! ZSJ runs, PENALTY KICK! Loa stays up so ZSJ throws more KICKS! ZSJ runs, into a SPEAR! Loa fires up, gets ZSJ up, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! ZSJ survives and fans fire up again as Loa is beside himself!
Loa aims from a corner, dares ZSJ to get up, and then runs in, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! ZSJ swings another kick, but Loa ducks it to ENZIGURI! Loa drags ZSJ up, scoops him, thumbs down, but ZSJ turns Ape Shit into a crucifix takedown! Cover, ZSJ WINS!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (Dangerous Tekkers are the NEW #1 Contenders)
Loa didn’t need to tap out to lose, he just got caught off-guard! Can ZSJ and Taichi catch Guerrillas of Destiny unaware when the titles are on the line?
Iron Fingers from Hell Ladder Match: Taichi w/ Douki VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
One down, one to go! The Submission Master did his part to secure a title match, but now, the Holy Emperor needs his prized weapon back! Will the Good Bad Guy continue to frustrate Taichi and lord this one over him?
The introductions are made, the Iron Fingers are in the bag and raised high above, and one of the more unique ladder matches in wrestling begins!
Tama and Taichi rush each other, Taichi KICKS, Tama forearms, repeat! They go back and forth, fans fire up as they pick up speed, and Taichi gets the edge with his KICKS! Tama SUPER FOREARMS but Taichi is up to AXE BOMBER! Fans fire up as Taichi CHOKES Tama! Tama turns it around to rain down rights! Taichi turns it back around with more choking! Tama turns it around again for more ground ‘n’ pound, but Taichi just turns it back around again! Tama claws at Taichi’s face, the two back off, and fans cheer the stand off! Taichi fixes his hair and fans build to a rally. Tama hears it, “TA-I-CHI! TA-I-CHI!”
Tama and Taichi realize how close they are to ladders, so they both go out and fetch a ladder! There’s a new stand-off now that both men know the other is “armed,” and they circle around the outside of the ring. They wait on the other to make the first move, and then they both slide in with their ladders! Taichi and Tama clash with their steel! They’re in a deadlock and back off. They go again, battering ram versus battering ram! Taichi disarms Tama, but Tama dropkicks Taichi’s ladder into him! Taichi is down, clutching his arm, and Tama sets his ladder up! It’s a bit short, though, can he reach the bag? Tama tries from the very top and can just brush against the plastic!
Tama can’t bring the bag down like that, though, and he hops down. Tama sees the big ladders outside, and stomps Taichi down! Tama rains down some rights, then gets his ladder and puts it in a corner. Tama goes back to Taichi and throws more punches. Tama drags Taichi up, throws body shots, then aims. Tama whips but Taichi blocks! Tama throws forearm after forearm, then whips again. Taichi reverses but Tama blocks! Taichi tries to send Tama at the ladder but Tama won’t budge! So Taichi rakes Tama’s eyes! Taichi then whips but Tama reverses, and Taichi CRASHES into ladder! Fans fire up as Tama staggers and Taichi writhes.
Fans rally again for “TA-I-CHI!” as Tama stands him up. Tama sets Taichi against the ladder, then runs to SPLASH him against it! Taichi falls over and writhes even more! Tama drags Taichi around to cover but this is a ladder match! Tama wants the ref to make an exception, but nope! Tama gets Taichi’s ladder up and puts it in the opposite corner. Fans rally while Tama paces, and Taichi kicks at him from below. Tama throws forearms, gets Taichi up and whips him at his own ladder! Taichi stops himself, then dodges, sending Tama’s SPLASH into the ladder! Tama staggers back, into a back drop into his own ladder! Tama clutches his ankle, that was a rough way to hit a ladder!
Tama rolls out of the ring, Jado is there to check on him. Fans rally as Taichi stands, and he gets one of the ladders. Taichi throws it out of the ring, and then the same for the second ladder. Taichi seems to also understand these are not tall enough to win. Taichi hobbles over to where Tama is, brings him up and whips him into railing! Tama falls over, Taichi brings one of the short ladders over, and undoes the safety hinges? Taichi makes a ladder bridge! Fans fire up as Taichi brings Tama up and over with Kowata Kicks! Taichi gets Tama up, lines up the shot, but Jado creeps over! Taichi backs Jado off with a glare, but then Tama ROCKS Taichi with a forearm!
Tama throws more hands and even drops elbows! Tama gets the other short ladder, brings it around the way, but Douki stops him from tossing it at Taichi! Tama CLOBBERS Douki for that, but Taichi kicks Tama! Taichi shoves Tama into railing, then gets the second short ladder. Tama stands up, Taichi aims and CLOBBERS him with it! Fans fire up as Taichi fetches one of the tall ladders! Taichi puts the tall ladder in the ring and points to the fingers! Taichi stands the ladder up, starts to climb, but Jado shots out Tama. Taichi didn’t position the ladder well, he can’t reach the bag! Tama grabs Taichi and anchors him! Taichi clubs Tama, Tama clubs Taichi’s leg!
Tama climbs up but Taichi keeps throwing down hands. Tama CLAWS Taichi’s back, and CLAWS it again! Fans rally as the two fight up high, and Taichi elbows Tama down! Taichi adjusts his position on the rung, to LEAP, into a GUN STUN!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Tama rolls to the ladder and uses it to drag himself up. Fans rally as Tama positions the ladder directly under the bag. Tama climbs, reaches out, but DOUKI springboards in to dropkick Tama off the ladder! Douki checks on Taichi but Jado is here! KENDO STICK SMACK! Down goes Douki! Jado kicks Taichi out of the ring, and then to make it even harder on him, Jado has tape!
Jado tapes Taichi to railing! Is he copying Yano or something? Tama gets up and Jado says this is his chance! Fans rally for Taichi but Tama stomps him against the railing! Tama tells Taichi to say good-bye to the fingers forever! Tama goes into the ring, goes back to the ladder, but almost tips it over! Tama steadies himself and the ladder, then begins the climb! Fans rally for Taichi but Tama laughs and shakes his head. Wait, ZSJ is here! ZSJ gets past Jado and then shakes the ladder to mess with Tama! Tama begs no, ZSJ looks like he’s backing off, but then ZSJ pushes the ladder over! Tama crashes down, Jado gets in, but ZSJ snapmares Jado for a NECK CRANK!
Fans fire up as ZSJ goes out to free Taichi from the tape! ZSJ coaches Taichi up and fans fire up as ZSJ helps him back in the ring! Taichi crawls to the ladder, stands it up, and begins his climb! But Loa attacks ZSJ! Loa gets in and CLUBS Taichi back down! Loa stomps Taichi, folds the ladder and puts it in a corner. Loa drags Taichi up and reels him in, but ZSJ gets in to forearm away on Loa! Fans fire up but Loa DECKS ZSJ! Loa gets ZSJ up, scoops and hits APE SHIT!! Better late than never, right? Loa mocks Taichi and gets him up, to LARIAT! Loa drags Taichi up, reels him back in, and lifts, but Douki returns to make the save!
Loa isn’t really hurt by Douki’s attack, but then Douki ENZIGURIS! Douki fires up, runs, but Loa blocks his rana to swing him around… Wait, not the corner ladder? POWERBOMB through Taichi’s LADDER BRIDGE!! Douki might be broken, just like the ladder! Jado hobbles over to coach Tama back up, and tells the Guerrillas to hit Magic Killer! Loa gets the other short ladder back in the ring, then he fetches Taichi. GoD drags Taichi up, lines up the shot, but Taichi fights free! FOREARM for Tama, SUPERKICK for Loa! Tama kicks but Taichi blocks, to LOW BLOW!! Fans are thunderous as everyone is down! Taichi grits his teeth as he slowly gets back up.
Taichi grabs a ladder, fires up and gets to his feet! Off come the pants! Jado gets in, and he KENDO STICK SMACKS! Taichi doesn’t even flinch! Taichi gets Jado and SLAMS him on the ladder! Taichi goes back to the tall ladder as the fans rally hard as ever! Taichi stands the ladder up, climbs up again, but Tama is back! Tama hurries to anchor Taichi! Tama drags Taichi down but Taichi choke grips, for a SUPER CHOKE SLAM!! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Taichi roars as he goes back to the ladder! Taichi climbs, reaches the top, and grabs for the bag! Tama has the short ladder and he CLUBS Taichi over and over with it! Tama hits a HOME RUN with it!!
Taichi flops down, Tama hobbles around and goes out to get something from under the ring! Tama has a TABLE! Tama puts the table in the ring, sets it up, and is a chair away from making this a TLC match in NJPW! Taichi tries to climb, Tama clubs him again! Tama gets Taichi off the ladder in bomb position, but Taichi fights the bomb itself! Taichi gets back to the ladder! Taichi SMACKS Tama off the rungs, then climbs again! Taichi reaches the top but Tama climbs up the other side! They brawl, and then they both choke grip! Tama breaks free, throws hands, and climbs up! Tama wants the bag, but Taichi rakes his eyes! Taichi wants the bag, but Tama rakes his eyes!
Tama clubs Taichi, Taichi hits back. Fans rally as they brawl, Taichi grabs Tama’s hand to keep it from grabbing! Tama throws headbutt after headbutt, then lines up another shot! SUPER GUN- NO!! Taichi lets Tama falls through the table all alone!! Taichi is all alone on the ladder! Fans are thunderous as he stands back up, reaches inside the bag, and brings out the fingers! Taichi wins!!
Winner: Taichi (rightful owner of the Iron Fingers from Hell)
The Dangerous Tekkers swept the night! Taichi almost doesn’t even believe he gets to have the fingers back. The referee has to tell him he won these, and Taichi humbly accepts. ZSJ gets Taichi the mic so he can speak on this moment. “With this, he’s done. It’s over. It’s over now, so the least you can do is play his music.” And as such, NJPW plays Takashi Iizuka’s theme. Taichi dedicates this to Iizuka, and together with ZSJ and Douki, celebrates this moment. Taichi has the Iron Fingers back once and for all, but now, can he and ZSJ take the tag titles back?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jay White w/ Gedo!
This match has been building for quite some time, and now we see it come to blows! Will the Once in a Century NEVER give up and NEVER lose to the Switchblade? Or will King Switch trump The Ace?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if it will be a #TTO or #JTO to end night one!
White shows off the abs and fans do cheer the physique. White and Gedo then Low Sweet before Tanahashi shows off the pecs! Fans cheer that physique, too, but now their bodies will be put to the test! Fans rally with “LET’S GO, ACE! LET’S GO, ACE!” and that gets on White’s nerves. White bails out of the ring then gets back in the ring then circles with Tanahashi. They approach, White talks some trash, but Tanahashi says it won’t be like last time. Tanahashi dodges a kick to get a leg, but White gets the ropebreak first. Tanahashi lets go cleanly and fans cheer. White and Tanahashi circle and tie up, and are in a deadlock as Tanahashi stands firm.
Tanahashi then pushes White back towards ropes, and gets him against them. Red Shoes calls for the break, Tanahashi lets off to flex, but White puts Tanahashi on the ropes. White lets off to flex now, but Tanahashi drop toeholds him into ropes! Tanahashi headlocks, White tries but can’t power out and fans cheer! White gets up and tries again but Tanahashi stays clamped on tight! Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover, White keeps his shoulders up, and White gets up to his feet. White pulls hair to put Tanahashi in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverses, runs in but White dodges. White runs into Tanahashi’s elbow, then Tanahashi crossbodies!
Fans fire up and Tanahashi does air guitar before he flexes on White. White swings but into Tanahashi’s headlock! Tanahashi grinds but White gets him up to straddle him on ropes! Red Shoes reprimands as Tanahashi topples to the floor! White mockingly applauds, then he goes out to fetch Tanahashi. White drags Tanahashi up and suplexes for an APRON GOURD BUSTER! Tanahashi clutches a leg, White SLAMS it on the apron! White throws elbows on each leg, then SLAMS the leg on the apron again! White shows off the dancing pecs before he slithers back into the ring. Fans rally for Tanahashi but White just smirks. White stalks Tanahashi, stands on a leg then stomps it down.
White does the same to the other leg! Gedo cheers as White kicks Tanahashi to a corner. White talks trash, stomps Tanahashi, then RAMS his shoulder into him again and again! White throws forearms, more stomps to the legs, then brings Tanahashi around for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Tanahashi survives! White gets the leg and steps through, for the Butterfly Stretch! Tanahashi endures but White shoves him down. White keeps on the legs but Tanahashi throws forearms. White thumbs Tanahashi’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, White stops, and White turns over to make this a modified deathlock!
Tanahashi endures and fans rally up while White pushes up for more leverage! White even does push-ups just to show off! Tanahashi drags himself over to the ROPEBREAK! White tells Red Shoes he needs help undoing the hold, so Red Shoes gets the legs unhooked. White thanks Red Shoes, then gets Tanahashi under the ropes for a CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Tanahashi writhes as Gedo cheers White on. Fans still rally for Tanahashi but White talks more trash. Tanahashi gets up and throws forearms. White kicks the legs, Tanahashi throws more forearms, repeat! Tanahashi fires off a strike fest and ROCKS White!
Tanahashi whips, White reverses, but White kicks into a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up and then rally as White goes to a corner. Tanahashi stands, White follows, and White hobbles into another strike fest! Tanahashi whips, White reverses, but Tanahashi hits FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he brings White around for more forearms. Tanahashi EuroUppers White into a corner, then dropkicks him down! Tanahashi scoop SLAMS White, then hops up the corner. SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! White is still in this but the fans still rally for Tanahashi. Tanahashi dares White to stand, then fires up as he runs, to dropkick a leg out!
Tanahashi knew White was expecting Slingblade and faked him out! Tanahashi gets White’s legs but White kicks him away. White hobbles up but Tanahashi waistlocks. White elbows free, grabs hair, but Tanahashi breaks free! White kicks low to DDT Tanahashi down! Tanahashi goes to a corner, White runs in, but into another dropkick to the legs! White falls out of the ring, Tanahashi fires the fans up and then goes to the apron. White trips Tanahashi up! White SLAMS Tanahashi’s leg against the post! Then he SLAMS the other leg! Tanahashi crawls back to center and White mocks the fans rallying up again. White walks off his own leg pain before going into the ring.
Tanahashi gets him at the ropes! White fights Tanahashi off, but steps into a whip! Tanahashi has White in the ropes for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! White flops back down, Tanahashi goes back out and climbs up top! ACES HIGH CROSSBODY! Direct hit and both men are down! Fans are thunderous as Red Shoes checks on both men. They’re both okay so a ring count begins. Tanahashi sits up at 4 of 20, gets to his feet at 9 of 20, and brings White up at 15. Tanahashi puts White in and fans cheer that he wants to finish this properly! Tanahashi runs as White stands, but White is ready for the Slingblade! White waistlocks, Tanahashi elbows free and tries again, but again White gets around.
Tanahashi elbows free again, runs, but still no Slingblade! White holds tight with the waistlock, but Tanahashi stomps White’s foot! Tanahashi runs but into a COMPLETE SHOT! White waistlocks, dead lifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up as both men are down again. White drags Tanahashi up and reels him in but Tanahashi fights. White waistlocks, Tanahashi elbows again, but into a SNAP SAIDO! White drags Tanahashi back up, fisherman lift, but Tanahashi fights that off to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi drags White back up, but White suplexes! Tanahashi fights that again for another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
Tanahashi gets White up but White sprawls to block. White grabs Tanahashi’s leg as an anchor, and Tanahashi lets him go, to get White’ sleg! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! White hobbles into a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi fires up and the fans are thunderous! Tanahashi runs, but White ducks the Slingblade! White catches Tanahashi for an URENAGE! Both men are down again and fans build to another rally. White gets Tanahashi into position, sleeper hold, SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! That was a nasty Triple S, but White grins as he hobbles around. White vows to end this, and he drags Tanahashi by a leg, for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW!
Gedo tells White to make Tanahashi suffer, and White gets both legs. Tanahashi kicks and kicks but White still figure-fours the legs! White steals Tanahashi’s Texas Clover Hold!! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures and claws his way over, only for White to drag him far, far away! White lets Tanahashi go to step through for HIS move, the TTO!! Tanahashi endures the inverted figure four that White loves to call “Tana Tapped Out,” but he isn’t giving in yet! Tanahashi drags himself over, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! White holds on until Red Shoes counts, and lets go at 4. Fans rally up again as White drags Tanahashi into another sleeper hold.
White drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi blocks the suplex. White CHOP BLOCKS Tanahashi’s leg! White drags Tanahashi back up but Tanahashi throws elbows! Tanahashi PALM STRIKES White, reels him in, full nelsons, but White resists the suplex! Fans rally, White breaks free, but Tanahashi reels him back in! White breaks the nelson again, but Tanahashi shifts to a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! White survives but Tanahashi gets him up. Tanahashi whips, White reverses, but Tanahashi reverses to SLINGBLADE! The fans are thunderous but Gedo is on the apron! Tanahashi BLASTS Gedo down, then goes up a corner!
Tanahashi aims, but White is up, HIGH FLY FLO- White catches Tanahashi’s crossbody! Tanahashi slips out of the Bladerunner to get a full nelson! White breaks the nelson, reaches down to trip Tanahashi, and gets the TTO back!! Tanahashi endures all over again! Fans rally as Tanahashi powers up, drags himself over, but White drags Tanahashi back! Fans rally even harder now as Tanahashi turns to his side. White turns him back, but Tanahashi turns it over! White turns it back, and the pressure is back on Tanahashi! Tanahashi powers his way over and gets the ROPEBREAK! White has to again let go reluctantly, and is beside himself as Tanahashi is still in this.
The fans are thunderous again as White grabs at Tanahashi. Tanahashi holds the ropes, White stands on Tanahashi’s head. Red Shoes counts, White backs off but goes after the legs again. White demands Tanahashi let go of ropes, but Red Shoes counts White. White lets go and tries to keep his cool, then gets Tanahashi up. Tanahashi gets White’s leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Both men are back down, and fans build to another rally. Tanahashi stands, White crawls, Tanahashi gets White up but White gets a leg! DRAGON SCREW! White gets up at the ropes, walks off the pain, and hobbles after Tanahashi. Tanahashi kicks White’s leg out!
Tanahashi gets his bad leg working, fans still rally for him, but now White kicks Tanahashi’s leg out! Move for move, damage for damage! Tanahashi and White slowly rise, White trips Tanahashi for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! White steps through but Tanahashi kicks him into ropes! White hobbles back but Tanahashi trips him, GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Again, they mirror each other! Fans are thunderous and not stopping as each man grabs at the other’s leg. Tanahashi and White circle around on the mat, stare down, and Tanahashi evades, only for White to match him. They each have the other’s foot, and now it’s a stand-off.
Who lets go first? They agree to both let go and reset, and fans cheer this bit of sportsmanship. White and Tanahashi approach, White throws a forearm but Tanahashi gives it back. White forearms, Tanahashi forearms back, repeat. They throw forearms as they slowly rise, and White eggs Tanahashi on. White throws a forearm, Tanahashi forearms back, White CHOP BLOCKS! White kicks Tanahashi’s leg, stomps it, then has the ankle for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi can’t even writhe, he just clutches the leg. Tanahashi crawls to a corner, White scowls and runs in, to EuroUpper! Tanahashi falls, White catches his breath, and he comes back to EuroUpper Tanahashi back down!
White eggs Tanahashi on and the fans rally again. Tanahashi drags himself up, White runs in and EuroUppers Tanahashi back down! White dares Tanahashi to stand but Tanahashi is struggling to even sit up! The fans haven’t given up on Tanahashi but White drags him from the corner. White drags Tanahashi up and watches him wobble. Tanahashi gets a leg but White pulls hair. White ROCKS Tanahashi, Tanahashi dropkicks but White avoids it! White eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi stands again, but his palm strike isn’t strong enough! White dodges and lets Tanahashi fall over. Tanahashi is furious with himself and forces himself to stand.
White toys with Tanahashi, pushes him around, and Tanahashi LARIATS White down! That’s what White gets for getting cocky! Both men are down and the fans continue to rally with thunder. White kicks at Tanahashi but Tanahashi grabs a foot. Tanahashi and White get up, White hops to a corner and kicks at Tanahashi. Tanahashi blocks the other boot, for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi stands up, stalks up behind White, and whips him to ropes. White reverses, reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi turns Bladerunner into SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi is fired up again and he gets moving, ANOTHER SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!!
White survives but Tanahashi is red hot as he goes up top! Tanahashi aims at White as he stands, HIGH FLY FLOWBODY! Direct hit but Tanahashi is only getting started! Tanahashi’s back up top, for the HIGH FLY FLOW to the LEGS!! Fans are volcanic as Tanahashi gets White’s legs, for the TEXAS CLOVER HOLD!! Will it become the #JTO?! White reaches, almost gets the ropes, but Tanahashi drags him away! White endures as Tanahashi sits DEEP! Gedo gets on the apron, Red Shoes sees him, but he doesn’t see White tapping out all over!! Tanahashi realizes what’s happening literally behind his back, and lets White go to get Gedo’s leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Gedo falls down, Tanahashi gets White again! White cradles, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives White’s fix, and runs in, but into a backslide! White uses the ropes!! TWO!! Red Shoes missed it but Tanahashi escaped it! Tanahashi has a leg again, but White reels him in! But still no Bladerunner! Tanahashi has the nelson but White resists with all his strength! White reaches, Tanahashi keeps him from ropes, but White gets Tanahashi in position! BLADERUNNER!! WHITE WINS!!!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
It wasn’t a tap-out but the tried and true Bladerunner that helps The Switchblade cut down Tanahashi! White is given the belt, and then the mic to speak. He first hushes the crowd, reclines back, and says the clapping is more insulting than silence. White says, “Tana, old friend, what’ve you been going on about recently?” He saw it on Yota Tsuji’s shirt, something like “Nevermind, never quit, never give up.” Whatever that is, right? So dumb. Well, Tana doesn’t have to say that anymore because this title has nothing to do with him anymore! Never quit? Tana just lost so that’s quitting! Tana gave up!
Tana may not want to admit it, fans don’t want to admit it, but it’s time to hang the boots up and quit. White did what he promised and took this title from Tanahashi, so Tanahashi can stop now. And speaking of this belt, “Life is just made up of moments, and you have to hold onto them, because they come and go.” You need to see every last moment. And for everyone watching, this moment right here that you have just been a part of, you’ve just been a part of HISTORY, make sure you cherish this moment.” Because this makes White the first ever to hold the IWGP US, Intercontinental, Heavyweight and now NEVER Openweight Championships in his career! That makes White “the one REAL Belt Collector!” If anyone wants to dispute that, you know where to find him.
Everyone knows who White is. He’s the “Last Rock ‘n’ Rolla, the NUBMER ONE ASSET in all of pro-wrestling,” and is the reason NJPW sold out Madison Square Garden! White is the NEW NEVER Openweight Champion, and the first ever Quadruple Crown! “Anybody who steps in this ring with me, will BREATHE… with the Switchblade! Because now it is more evident and more true than ever, it is now STILL! MY! ERA!!” King Switch has spoken, and perhaps even issued a challenge to the world. Will anyone step up to refute his claims?
My Thoughts:
Another great event for NJPW, and certainly leading into a huge event tomorrow. ZSJ VS Loa was a great match and it works well that it essentially was finished with a roll-up and not a finisher because that keeps both sides strong going into the coming tag title match. I haven’t been watching NJPW that long, but long enough to know NJPW doesn’t have many ladder matches. This was a very good ladder match by any standard, even with it being for a non-traditional prize. It was overbooked with Jado, Douki, ZSJ and Loa getting involved, but it just made sense to do that. Taichi wins and this match now feels more like a loving tribute to Iizuka, and that’s pretty cool.
The NEVER Openweight title match was awesome, it really helped elevate this belt so that it feels on par with the IWGP belts. I did appreciate that the story was Tanahashi starting to struggle and break down by the end, as has Tanahashi’s overall story been these last few years. White winning was a bit of a surprise to me, I thought Tanahashi was going to pull this off, but I suppose White can do more with this belt right now and freshen some things up. White making history as having the four major singles titles is definitely big, and a claim to fame in his own right. I can’t be sure who he’ll defend this against first, but the open possibilities makes it fun.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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