NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (9/18/21)
The great tradition is back again!
G1 Climax’s opening day is all about Block A!
For the second time, NJPW’s Summer tradition is in the Fall! Will Kota Ibushi begin his climb towards a FOURTH G1 Climax Finals appearance?
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
- Kota Ibushi VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ Pieter; Takahashi wins.
- Great-O-Khan VS Tanga Loa; Khan wins.
- Toru Yano VS KENTA; Yano wins.
- Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- Tomohiro Ishii VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kota Ibushi VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ Pieter!
The Golden Star is last year’s winner, as well as the year before that, and is the only man to appear in three consecutive finals. But will the Tokyo Pimp look to ruin his chances of making it back there again to start things off?
The bell rings and fans cheer as the two stare down. Ibushi and Yujiro slowly circle, tie up, and Ibushi powers Yujiro to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak and Ibushi lets off, but Yujiro pulls hair to turn it around! The ref reprimands, so Yujiro lets off to slap Ibushi! Ibushi keeps cool as he resets with Yujiro. Ibushi rushes in but Yujiro dodges, to slap Ibushi again. Yujiro eggs Ibushi on then kicks low to throw forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then throws more forearms against the ropes. Yujiro stands Ibushi up, runs but into a boot! Ibushi walks into Yujiro’s kick, things speed up and Ibushi dropkicks Yujiro down! Fans cheer as Ibushi stands up and stomps Yujiro.
Ibushi stands Yujiro up for forearms, then Ibushi wrenches and whips Yujiro to a corner. Ibushi runs in but Yujiro puts him on the apron. Yujiro comes back but into a forearm. Ibushi goes up to springboard but Yujiro shoves him down! Ibushi hits the floor and Yujiro goes out to fetch him. Yujiro POSTS Ibushi, shoulder first! Yujiro regroups with Pieter to get his pimp cane, and he has Pieter distract the ref. Yujiro takes aim to CANE SHOT Ibushi in the gut! Then he chokes Ibushi with the cane! The ref leaves Pieter behind and sees Yujiro using the cane. The ref reprimands and counts, Yujiro lets off to get in the ring.
Ibushi drags himself back in the ring but Yujiro is on him with a rain of fists. The ref reprimands about closed fists so Yujiro stops to bring Ibushi up. Yujiro scoops and SLAMS Ibushi down, then paces around. Yujiro drops a leg, an elbow then a headbutt! Cover, ONE!! Fans cheer Ibushi’s toughness but Yujiro keeps his cool. Fans rally up but Yujiro bumps Ibushi off buckles. Yujiro knees low, throws forearms, then whips Ibushi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in and BOOTS Ibushi down! Cover, ONE!! Fans fire up again as Ibushi shocks Yujiro! Yujiro paces while Ibushi crawls, and Yujiro stomps Ibushi down.
Ibushi glares at Yujiro so Yujiro slaps him around. Ibushi fires off forearms but Yujiro knees low! Yujiro knees Ibushi against ropes, whips him but Ibushi reverses to GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up with Ibushi as he gets back up. Ibushi dares Yujiro to get up, then he fires off a strike fest! ROUNDHOUSE to the chest, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his focus as the fans rally back up. Ibushi reels Yujiro in for a waistlock but Yujiro fights the lift with elbows. Yujiro is free and runs, into a RANA from Ibushi! Yujiro bails out, fans fire up and Ibushi takes aim. Ibushi runs to the corner, GOLDEN TRI- NO! Yujiro YANKS Ibushi down to the ground!
Yujiro has cameramen move aside so that he can whip Ibushi into railing! Ibushi staggers back into a REVERSE DDT! The ref checks on Ibushi but Yujiro gets him up and into the ring. Yujiro drags Ibushi up, stands him against ropes and takes aim, to BOOT Ibushi again! Yujiro reels Ibushi in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Yujiro brings Ibushi back up. Yujiro reels Ibushi in but Ibushi fights the Incolle Slam. Yujiro ducks the Roundhouse, tries again, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ibushi is still in this but Yujiro fires up. Yujiro drags Ibushi up, fireman’s carry, but Ibushi fights free.
Yujiro blocks the kick to fireman’s carry again, but again Ibushi fights free! ROUNDHOUSE! Fans fire up more as Ibushi calls for his shot! Ibushi drags Yujiro up, reels him in, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro survives but barely! Ibushi vows this will end it now, and he gets Yujiro’s wrists. But Yujiro kicks Ibushi’s leg! Yujiro reels Ibushi in but he shoves free of Pimp Juice. V-TRIGGER! KENNY~! Yujiro flops over but Ibushi isn’t done with him! KAMI- No, Yujiro sends Ibushi at the ref! LOW BLOW! Yujiro reels Ibushi in again, PIMP JUICE!! Cover, TWO!?! Ibushi survives by the seat of his pants and everyone is shocked!
Yujiro roars and fans fire up as he brings Ibushi up. IMPALER!! Cover, YUJIRO WINS?!?
Winner: Yujiro Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ibushi gains 0)
A true shocker to open the G1!! The Tokyo Pimp and his naughty little bunny get to celebrate defeating the double G1 Climax winner! Is this a sign that the Golden Star is starting to dim?
Great-O-Khan VS Tanga Loa w/ Jado!
The United Empire’s Dominator and the Bullet Club’s Silverback are both in their first G1 Climax! But they aren’t going to let that get to them, they’re both hungry for the golden opportunity at the end of this grueling tournament! Whose debut is the better by starting off with a win?
The bell rings and the two stare down as fans rally up. Loa grins as the two approach and compare muscles. They talk a bit of trash and Khan shoves Loa. Loa laughs that off then shoves back. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Loa finds a point of leverage to push Khan back. Khan digs in his heels to push Loa back, but Loa puts Khan on ropes. Khan turns things around, Loa turns them back and the ref calls for the break. Loa lets off cleanly and fans cheer, but then Loa takes a swing! Khan gets around to waistlock and he carries Loa around in a rear bearhug. Loa elbows free, runs, but Khan rams shoulders with him! Fans cheer as neither falls and Khan eggs Loa on.
Loa runs, they ram shoulders again and again neither falls. Loa smiles and dares Khan to try. Khan runs but dodges the clothesline to run Loa over! And again! And again! Fans fire up as Khan sees Loa bail out to regroup with Jado. Jado gives Loa some pointers but Khan dares Loa to get back in. Khan goes out, Loa slips away and Jado distracts Kha. Loa gets in the ring, Khan keeps his eyes on Jado as he approaches the ring. Khan gets in, dodges Loa again and throws forearms! Khan hits Mongolian Chops! Fans cheer, Khan runs but into a SPEAR! Loa doesn’t cover, he stomps Khan around instead, then rains down fists!
Loa chokes but the ref counts and Loa lets off and “apologizes.” Then Loa stands on Khan’s throat! The ref counts again, Loa steps away, and he stalks Khan to ropes. Loa CLUBS Khan down, stomps him at the ropes, then drags Khan up by his ponytail. Loa scoops then SLAMS Khan for a BIG leg drop! Cover, TWO! Loa clamps onto Khan, choking him with his own ponytail! The ref notices, reprimands, and Khan gets a ropebreak at the same time. Loa lets off, Khan sputters, but Loa CLUBS him down. Loa chokes Khan with his ponytail again! The ref counts, Loa stops and he brings Khan up. Loa goes to suplex but Khan blocks, so Loa throws body shots and throws Khan out.
The ref reprimands Loa but Jado JAMS Khan with his kendo stick! The Master Heater stomps Khan and eggs him on as he gets up. Another kendo stick jab and Khan goes down again! Loa wants the ring count and so the count begins. Khan starts getting up so Loa goes out after Khan and RAMS him into the apron! Loa snap suplexes Khan to the ground with authority! Fans rally up as Khan writhes and the ring count begins again. The count is 10 of 20 as Khan drags himself up at the railing. Khan hears the 15 and gets in at 16! Loa waits for Khan to stand again, and he runs in to BOOT Khan down! Loa stomps away on Khan’s right arm, perhaps to prevent the iron claw from working.
Khan scrambles to ropes but Loa is on him again. Loa wraps the arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Loa lets off at 3, then he brings Khan up. Khan throws body shots and forearms, but the bad arm is weak. So Khan grabs Loa’s ear! The ref reprimands but Khan CLUBS Loa’s ear! Khan whips, Loa reverses and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but Loa looms over him. Loa drags Khan up, “I expected more from you. Empire who? Great who?” Loa DECKS Khan and continues to mock him. “Great who? Not you!” Loa stands Khan up and ROCKS Khan again! Khan wobbles and falls back against ropes but the fans rally up.
Loa stands Khan up, reels him in but Khan blocks the suplex! Khan suplexes Loa and holds him up before the GOURD BUSTER! Both men are down but the fans rally again. Khan crawls after Loa, and gives him Mongolian Chops! And then more Mongolian Chops! Khan chops and CHOPS Loa in the corner, then whips him corner to corner, to clothesline from behind! Khan puts Loa up top backward to Mongolian Chop him on the back! Loa falls into a Tree of Woe, Khan stomps him down and digs in his boot! The ref counts and Khan lets off. Khan runs corner to corner, hits his three point stance and runs in to basement dropkick!
Jado gets on the apron but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! Loa frees himself from the Tree but Khan haul shim up. Khan back suplexes to SLAM Loa on his face! Cover, TWO! Khan grows annoyed but he toys with Loa. Khan asks where all Loa’s bravado went, then brings him back up. Mongolian Chop, but Loa doesn’t flinch. Loa throws body shots but Khan throws more Mongolian Chops! Loa throws uppercuts, throws forearms, then eggs Khan on. Khan gives back the forearm and the two brawl! Fans rally up as they pick up the speed! Loa gets the edge, then runs, into a BOOT! Khan runs, but Loa grabs at the ref! Jado SMACKS Khan with the kendo stick!
Loa LARIATS Khan down! Cover, TWO! But into a CROSSFACE! Jado distracts the ref but realizes Loa has control so he hops down. Khan endures the hold, reaches for ropes, but Loa rolls him away! CROSSFACE! Khan endures again, kicks and flails, but he thrashes to get around and reach out! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts but Loa lets off quickly. Khan flounders to a corner but Loa runs in to clothesline! Whip out then in, another clothesline! Loa reels Khan in, back suplex to POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives Loa’s take on Blue Thunder and the fans rally up. Loa mocks Khan’s Jiangshi moves, does some pop ‘n’ lock then steals the Mongolian Chops!
Khan slowly gets up, so Loa Mongolian Chops again! Khan gets mad and stands, but Loa Mongolian Chops again! Loa gets Khan up and reels him in but Khan holds off bomb to back drop! Khan fires up and blocks a clothesline to spin Loa into the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Loa endures the “Sheep Killer” stretch as Khan thrashes him around! Loa reaches for ropes, Khan cranks the hold harder, digging into that chinbar! Loa fights up, Khan scoops him, and Jado gets in the ring! Khan swings Loa to smack Jado down, and then gives Loa a BACKBREAKER! Then he makes it an IRON CLAW, to the ELI- NO! Loa slips out, kicks and ENZIGURIS!
Khan drops to his knees and Loa hurries to get him in position. POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and shocks Loa! Fans fire up as Khan falls over in a daze. Loa hurries to get Khan back up, scoops him, but Khan slips out to IRON CLAW and ELIMINATOR!! Cover, Khan wins!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Loa earns 0)
The Silverback falls to the Dominator! Will Khan make a huge impact in the G1 for the glory of the United Empire?
Toru Yano VS KENTA!
After bringing out his vicious past against the Bullet Club’s Crown Jewel, surely the new provisional Mr. KOPW 2021 is ready for retaliation. Will Fang Revived sink his teeth into Chaos’ Clown Prince?
Kenta presents the timekeeper with a new script to read, as if to parody Yano’s long introduction with his own incredibly long introduction. Yano gets impatient with the checks but Kenta wants the ref to be thorough, since we all know Yano has tricks up more than just his sleeves. Wouldn’t you know? Spare tape was in the leg of his tights! Yano promises that’s the only one, and then asks the ref to check if Kenta is hiding something! Kenta denies such things but Yano says Kenta is very suspicious! The ref checks but Kenta refuses to have his butt inspected. Wait, there was wrist tape back there, too! Kenta says he only had it cuz he knew Yano would have some!
Tempers flair and the bell finally rings, only for Kenta to bail out. Yano complains but Kenta tells him to shut up. Kenta paces around the outside and fans rally up. Kenta takes his time returning but then slips right back out. Yano gets annoyed but Kenta wants space to return. Yano’s on the opposite side of the ring and demands Kenta get in. Kenta slides in, Yano storms over, but Kenta slides back out. Yano wants Kenta to get in already, but again Kenta trolls him. Yano rushes out after Kenta, only for Kenta to slide back inside. Now tables have turned and Yano dares Kenta to get back outside while Kenta says for Yano to get inside. Yano gets in, Kenta bails out!
Kenta keeps trolling Yano and Yano storms back outside. Kenta slides in, Yano storms up the ramp, and a ring count begins. Yano says he doesn’t care, but then he walks backwards. The count is 10 of 20, Yano sees Kenta is in the ring and rushes in, but Kenta stomps him down! Kenta stands Yano up and throws haymakers, then he rakes Yano’s eyes! Kenta lets off to throw more forearms, then he whips Yano. Yano holds ropes to taunt Kenta now. Kenta runs in, Yano dodges and he rakes eyes! Yano whips, Kenta holds ropes to mock Yano! Yano storms over and Kenta bails out again. Yano has no idea what is going on here but Kenta snatches Yano’s spray bottle!
Yano pursues to get sprayed in the face! Kenta undoes the nozzle and pours the liquid right on Yano’s face! Kenta stomps Yano down, then brings him up to throw forearms. Things go up the ramp, and Kenta tells the ref to shut up about the ring. Kenta CLUBS Yano on the back, rakes Yano’s eyes, then brings Yano to the entryway and the girders. Kenta finds tape hidden inside a gap! Yano kicks back and throws the tape away! Kenta kicks low, throws haymakers, and the ref gets in between them to say this has to go back to the ring. Wait, Kenta had more tape hidden in another gap in the structure! Kenta brings that out to tape Yano to the entryway! Then Kenta runs to the ring!
Yano is anchored as the ring count begins! Yano curses as he has to rip at the tape! The count is 8 of 20, then 10 before Yano is free! Yano gets free at 11 and sprints for the ring! Yano gets in at 16 and Kenta is frustrated. Kenta rains down rights on Yano, then stomps him around. Kenta whips, Yano reverses and sends Kenta to a corner, then goes to untie the buckle pads of the opposite corner! Yano has bared one of the corners, but Kenta comes back to mule kick. Kenta runs, but into an atomic drop! Yano trips and catapults Kenta into bare buckles! Roll up, TWO!! Yano fires up and whips Kenta at the bare corner, but Kenta reverses to send Yano in!
Kenta runs in to BOOT Yano down, then goes corner to corner to HESITATION DROPKICK Yano into the buckles! Yano is down, Kenta goes up, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Yano survives Kenta’s coup de grace but Kenta slashes his throat. Kenta drags Yano up, fireman’s carries, but Yano slips out to pull hair! Kenta pulls hair in return! The ref reprimands them both and counts, but only Yano lets go! Kenta throws Yano out of the ring! Kenta goes out to fetch Yano, whips but Yano reverses to send Kenta into railing! Yano goes looking under the ring, and he finds spare wrist tape! The ref tries to stop Yano but Kenta shoves Yano into the ref!
Kenta stomps Yano, looks under the ring, and brings out more wrist tape! How many of these were hidden around the arena? Kenta wraps Yano’s wrists together, then he lifts the apron skirt. Kenta throws Yano under the ring! Kenta has the ref get up and get in the ring to start a ring count! Yano is nowhere to be found so the count begins. Kenta wants it to be faster but we’re only at 7 of 20. The count passes 10, then 15! Yano appears from behind! Yano LOW BLOWS Kenta behind the ref’s back! Roll up, TWO!! Kenta waistlocks, Yano grabs at the ref, then mule kick LOW BLOWS! Yano drags Kenta into a cradle, Yano wins!
Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta earns 0)
Kenta is furious with the ref, but it was his own tricks that came back to bite him! Will Yano be able to find further ways to win by the skin of his teeth?
Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr!
Los Ingobernables de Japon couldn’t strike out the Dangerous Tekkers at the MetLife Dome, but can the Uncontrollable Charisma get a leg up towards the top title? Or will the Submission Master make Naito #JustTapOut for the Fall?
ZSJ is patient as Naito takes off his elaborate entrance attire, a new red suit. The bell rings and fans cheer as the two stare down. ZSJ stretches a bit as he waits on Naito. Naito calls for a test of strength, but he’s reaching out in all directions. ZSJ brushes that off by mocking the Tranquilo pose. Naito and ZSJ circle, tie up, and ZSJ gets an arm. Naito holds off the wrench and gets a leg, but ZSJ again goes for an arm. Naito defends with a waistlock but ZSJ uses that to shift to a drop toehold. ZSJ floats to a headlock but Naito slips out the back to hammerlock. ZSJ rolls and gets free, and fans cheer as the two stand off from that technical exchange.
Naito and ZSJ circle again, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. ZSJ waistlocks, goes for a full nelson but Naito switches to full nelson back. ZSJ uses his leg for leverage to break free, but the two switch around and Naito is back in control. ZSJ pries the full nelson apart, drops and kangaroo kicks Naito away. Fans cheer again as the two reset. ZSJ and Naito circle again, feel out the grapple, then Naito gets a leg pick to a toehold. ZSJ fights back with a chinlock and fish hooks, but Red Shoes reprimands. Naito shakes that off to crank the toehold. ZSJ keeps trying the chinlock but Naito pulls on the leg. Naito shifts position, has a standing toehold and twists the ankle.
ZSJ rolls, reels Naito into a headlock and hits a takeover, but Naito headscissors. ZSJ moves around, turns Naito over, ties up the legs, Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Naito pops out to a cover, ONE, and Naito Tranquilos while ZSJ paces. ZSJ backs off to a corner while fans cheer, but Naito is patient as the two reset again. They tie up, ZSJ gets an arm and wrenches to step over, arm-drag and then headlock. Naito powers out, things speed up and the two do-si-do for cobra twists. Naito schoolboys instead, ZSJ rolls through but Naito arm-drags him! ZSJ gets up into a back elbow and a RANA! ZSJ bails out as fans fire up! Naito takes his time slowly going out to fetch ZSJ.
Naito gets ZSJ up and into the ring, clamps on with a chinlock and grinds him down. ZSJ pries at the hold but Naito drives an elbow into ZSJ’s head. Naito then gets a cravat for a neck wrench but ZSJ fights with a leg hooking Naito’s head. The two struggle for control, Naito gets free of the leg to stand ZSJ up. Naito whips corner to corner, runs in and rocket kicks! Leg sweep, but ZSJ catches Naito in a cravat! Naito rolls but ZSJ holds on to then bring Naito in for a snap suplex and basement dropkick! Fans fire up for that flurry while Naito bails out. ZSJ catches his breath while the ring count climbs, but he goes out to fetch Naito into the ring.
ZSJ drags Naito up and around, throws EuroUppers, then DECKS Naito. ZSJ drags Naito back up into an Italian Stretch but Naito fights. Naito makes it a cover, ONE! Naito tries again, ONE! ZSJ kicks Naito’s legs out to bring him down into just the cross leg headscissors hold! Naito endures, moves around, but ZSJ grabs at Naito’s arms to reel him back in. ZSJ sits on Naito’s head in the headscissors, then pushes up to get leverage on the necklock. Naito endures, and gets a ropebreak with a foot! ZSJ lets off cleanly and waits for Naito to sit up. ZSJ wraps on a chinlock, digs his elbows and knuckles in, then wraps Naito up in a straitjacket stretch.
ZSJ uses his head as a point of pressure and he pushes up with his feet to get more torque. Naito endures, fights back up, but ZSJ brings him around to pull on the hold again. Naito fights to his feet, powers up to turn the hold around but ZSJ turns it back around onto Naito! Fans rally as Naito endures again. Naito fights back up, fights the hold and spins it onto ZSJ but ZSJ spins it onto Naito! They spin and spin, and ZSJ gets control again! Fans cheer the technical exchange as Naito endures. Naito fights up again, ZSJ pulls on the arms, but Naito stomps ZSJ’s foot! Naito arm-drags ZSJ, dodges him, but ZSJ kicks back! ZSJ runs, into an atomic drop and NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down and fans fire up! Naito throws forearms and kicks on ZSJ, whips him to ropes then hip tosses for a basement dropkick! ZSJ staggers to a corner, Naito whips him corner to corner. Rocket kick, leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses as fans fire up again! Naito gets ZSJ up, dragon sleeper for a BACKBREAKER! PLUMA BLANCA! ZSJ endures the leg hook full nelson but Naito pushes up to apply pressure. ZSJ moves around, kicks his way over and gets the ropebreak! Naito says he needs help so Red Shoes undoes the hold. ZSJ sits up but Naito CLUBS him down.
Naito hammerlocks but ZSJ resists the rest of Gloria, so Naito CLUBS him again. Naito shoves ZSJ into the corner, puts him through the ropes, but ZSJ slips around to have a DRAPING GUILLOTINE! Red Shoes counts, ZSJ lets go and kicks Naito down. ZSJ runs in to pick the leg and trip Naito up, then PENALTY KICKS Naito down! Both men are down as fans rally up. ZSJ sits up and watches Naito stir. ZSJ grins as he stands up and throws EuroUppers. Naito grins back but ZSJ throws more EuroUppers. Naito eggs ZSJ on, the EuroUppers knock him over! ZSJ watches Naito get to the corner and runs in, but into BOOTS! Naito walks into an uppercut, but he comes back to TORNADO-
No! ZSJ shoves Naito away, goes for the arm, wrench to PELE! ZSJ whips, Naito leaps but into a DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Naito narrowly escapes but ZSJ is too tired to be upset. Fans rally up, ZSJ catches his breath as he grins at Naito. ZSJ slaps Naito around, brings him up and KICKS him in the leg. Naito drops to a knee, ZSJ KICKS him again. Naito gets up, blocks the Penalty Kick to CLUB the leg! Naito reels ZSJ in, spins him, but ZSJ slips out of the neckbreaker! ZSJ wrenches the arm but Naito avoids the Pele! Naito runs into a headbutt, but he turns uppercut into a TORNADO DDT! Both men are down but fans fire up again!
Naito crawls after ZSJ as he heads for a corner. Naito stands, eggs ZSJ on, and ZSJ stands, to get back elbows! Naito knocks ZSJ down, hops up and brings ZSJ up for ESPARANZA! Fans fire up more and Naito aims from the corner. ZSJ slowly rises, Naito runs in, but into a dropkick to the legs! ZSJ runs back in, body scissor takedown to a KNEEBAR!! ZSJ grapevines as he has the ANKLE LOCK added in! Naito endures, ZSJ ties up his legs for a figure four and even a calf killer! Naito fights, reaches and gets the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets off fast as fans cheer. ZSJ comes back to SMASH Naito’s knee into the mat, and then SMASH it again! And then he SMASHES the other knee!
Naito writhes but ZSJ gets a leg for a TWIST! Red Shoes checks but Naito refuses to quit here. ZSJ drags Naito up by an arm but Naito throws a forearm. ZSJ shrugs it off but Naito throws another. ZSJ CLUBS Naito, gets a leg and an arm and reels Naito in. Naito resists the lift so ZSJ kicks the bad leg. ZSJ hooks Naito up again and lifts, but Naito makes it a DDT! Naito stalks ZSJ to a corner, gets him up to the top rope, but ZSJ fights that and moves around, TOP ROPE OCTOPUS! Naito endures, Red Shoes counts the ropebreak, and ZSJ shifts to a SUNSET FLIP SIT OUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ gets the legs again, HEEL HOOK!
Naito endures and pries at the grip! Fans rally as Naito rolls and rolls and gets the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go again, growing a bit annoyed. ZSJ starts taunting Naito, mockingly asking if he’s okay. ZSJ then stomps Naito’s leg, but Naito CHOPS! ZSJ shrugs that off but Naito CHOPS again! And again! ZSJ kicks but Naito blocks. ZSJ blocks Naito’s kick, ducks the enziguri, and hooks up both legs to STOMP them! Naito clutches his knee but he avoids Penalty Kick to CORRIENDO SHIKI! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Naito gets up and drags ZSJ around to fire forearms. ZSJ falls over and Naito stomps him on the back.
ZSJ stands and throws EuroUppers! Naito kicks low and reels ZSJ in for a back elbow! ZSJ drops, Naito brings him back up, another back elbow. Naito stands ZSJ up again but ZSJ gets under and around to SNAP DRAGON! But Naito rises! Naito baits ZSJ into a corner but ZSJ hits a TORNADO DDT! ZSJ gets Naito up but Naito scoops for VALENTIA!! Fans fire up as Naito wrenches and- ZSJ drops! Victory roll to EURO CLUTCH! TWO?!?! How close was that?! Naito elbows, ZSJ kicks, Naito ENZIGURIS! ZSJ dropkicks the bad leg! Naito hobbles but ZSJ sweeps the legs! ZSJ DOUBLE STOMPS the bad knee! Naito writhes but ZSJ is after him with a scoop, but Naito hits DESTINO!
Both men are down but Naito sits up first. Fans rally as Naito gets his bad leg moving. Naito drags ZSJ up, wrenches, but ZSJ body scissors to a toehold! INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Then a KIMURA!! Naito is a pretzel as ZSJ combines a leg lock with an armlock! Naito is fading, Red Shoes checks, Naito TAPS!! ZSJ WINS!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
The Submission Master flexes, he’s ready to show the power of being 100% Vegan! Will he make everyone in the A Block #JustTapOut?
Tomohiro Ishii VS Shingo Takagi!
The Stone Pitbull has the luck of drawing THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in the first round! Will Ishii determine this entire tournament’s trajectory by slaying The Dragon already? Or will Takagi use Ishii as the cornerstone of a run at the finals?
Ishii and Takagi stare down even before the bill, then they fire up in their corners. The bell rings and they start ramming shoulders! They egg each other on, they both run and ram, ram, RAM! They get forehead to forehead and the fans fire up! Then the forearms start flying! Ishii, Takagi, back and forth and fans rally. Ishii eggs Takagi on, Takagi eggs Ishii on, and the forearms keep going! Faster and faster, harder and harder, no guard or hesitation! Ishii wobbles first, Takagi hits him again! Takagi runs, rams shoulders, but Ishii comes back to return the favor. Takagi rebounds and runs Ishii over! Fans fire up as the champion stands tall in this exchange!
Takagi steadies himself, stalks Ishii, and throws him out of the apron. Takagi follows him, CLUBS Ishii against railing, then RAMS him into the apron. Takagi whips Ishii into railing, Ishii hits hard and falls in a heap. Fans cheer while Takagi takes a moment again. Takagi stands on Ishii’s head, digs his boot in, then lets off to drop a knee. Takagi drags Ishii up, bumps him off the apron, then bumps him again. Ishii just stares Takagi down! Ishii CHOPS, whips Takagi into railing, but Takagi comes back, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Ishii evens things up! Ishii tells Takagi to get up, then brings him up to put him in the ring.
Ishii stalks Takagi, brings him up and CLUBS him on the back. And then again! Ishii brings Takagi up again but Takagi throws forearms. Ishii tanks those to CHOP and CHOP again! CHOP, but Takagi fires up and fires forearms. Takagi CHOPS, Ishii doesn’t flinch and he CHOPS Takagi off his feet! Ishii eggs Takagi on some more, then stands on Takagi’s head in return. Takagi gets up, Ishii CHOPS him! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Takagi fires a forearm, goes to scoop but Ishii knees low. Takagi staggers to a corner, Ishii CHOPS him again! And again! Takagi kicks back, boots Ishii, but Ishii CHOPS him again! Ishii eggs Takagi on and they go forehead to forehead again.
Takagi throws forearms but Ishii doesn’t back down. Takagi headbutts but Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ishii stops and Takagi sputters as he falls over. Fans cheer as Ishii paces around. Ishii gives toying kicks, stands Takagi up and throws forearms. Ishii CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi fires off forearms but Ishii DECKS him with one! Fans cheer as Ishii steadies himself. Ishii drags Takagi up, whips him to a corner then runs in, but Takagi dodges. Takagi comes back, blocks the boot and swings, but Ishii ROCKS him first! Ishii runs into ELBOW, JAB, Yukon feint to DDT! Fans are fired up while both men are down!
Fans rally up, “TA-KA-GI!” “I-SHI-I!” as the two stir. Takagi gets himself to a corner, watches Ishii rises and runs in to run Ishii over with a shoulder! Scoop SLAM and BIG back senton! Cover, TWO! Takagi rallies up the fans, brings Ishii up but Ishii’s dead weight, so Takagi drops him to drop a knee! Ishii checks his face and Takagi fires up with the fans again. Takagi dares Ishii to get up and Ishii stirs. Takagi gives Ishii toying kicks to the back of his head but Red Shoes reprimands. Takagi KICKS Ishii in the back and Ishii stands right up! Ishii glares as Takagi throws forearms, and Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii eggs Takagi on so Takagi fires off more.
Ishii leans into the forearms and backs Takagi down! Then Ishii DECKS Takagi in the corner! Fans are fired up as the Pitbull is taking the fight to the Dragon. Ishii stands Takagi up to CHOP and forearm over and over and over! Ishii hammers in the forearms but lets off as Takagi sits down. Takagi sputters but Ishii gives him those toying kicks again. Ishii demands Takagi get up, Takagi slowly rises as Ishii keeps kicking at him. Takagi sits up, Ishi KICKS him in the back, and now Takagi stands right up! Takagi and Ishii are forehead to forehead, Ishii throws forearms but now Takagi is the one leaning into them! Takagi backs Ishii down then DECKS him in return!
Fans fire up as Takagi steadies himself and catches his breath. Takagi drags Ishii back up and fans rally. Takagi fires forearms and CHOPS over and over then fires off JAB after JAB! Red Shoes counts, Takagi throws big right hooks and left hooks until Ishii falls over! Takagi keeps the fans rallying as he drags Ishii to a drop zone, and goes up for the YUKON ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up more as Takagi sits Ishii up. Takagi runs, but Ishii ducks the lariat! Ishii swings, Takagi spins him to a suplex! But Ishii growls as he rises back up! Takagi swings, but Ishii spins him to a suplex in return! Takagi growls as he rises, but Ishii follows.
Takagi dodges a clothesline to waistlock but dodges the back elbow. Roles reverse as Ishii waistlocks but dodges elbows. Takagi blocks, ducks and SAIDOS! But Ishii is right up to SAIDO! Takagi is back up, SAIDO!! Ishii staggers up, dodges Pumping Bomber to SAIDO!! Wait, Takagi is right back up?! SLIDING LARIAT! Ishii staggers and flounders to a corner and fans are thunderous as both men are down! Fans rally again, “TA-KA-GI!” “I-SHI-I!” as the two stir. Takagi sits up first, pounds the mat to the rhythm, and makes his way to a corner. Ishii is in the other, Takagi runs corner to corner, for a BIG corner clothesline!
Takagi hoists Ishii up top, climbs up to join him, but Ishii resists the superplex with body shots. Takagi headbutts again and again then gets Ishii back up. Fans rally as he stands on the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!! Ishii writhes but Takagi can’t make the cover right away! Takagi covers, TWO!! Ishii survives but fans rally again. Takagi grows frustrated but he keeps his focus. Takagi drags Ishii up, point-blank clotheslines and Ishii drops to his knees. Takagi stands Ishii back up for another point-blank clothesline. Ishii flops to the ropes but Takagi heads over. Takagi gives more toying kicks, then stands Ishii up again to fireman’s carry.
Ishii fights back with forearms, so Takagi clotheslines! Ishii shakes his head and then CLOBBERS Takagi! Fans are thunderous as Ishii flops back against ropes again. Takagi is dazed but Ishii fires himself back up. Fans rally up as Ishii goes over to Takagi and stands him up. Ishii runs but Takagi follows to clothesline! Takagi runs but Ishii dodges, so Takagi dodges, but ISHII LARIATS! Ishii checks his arm, gets Takagi back up and he hoists Takagi to the top rope now. Ishii climbs up to join Takagi now, but Takagi fights the superplex and the two flop off the top. Fans rally as both men are down and stirring.
Ishii and Takagi fire up, they start throwing forearms, and Ishii puts Takagi in the corner to clothesline! Ishii hoists Takagi back up top and climbs again. Bad arm or not, Ishii STALLING SUPERPLEXES Takagi!! Cover, TWO!!! Takagi survives as Ishii takes things to another level! Fans rally up, Ishii sits Takagi up and runs, but Takagi catches lariat for a half nelson! Ishii fights the pump handle but Takagi lifts. Ishii slips out, but PUMPING LARIAT outta nowhere!! Takagi even used his off hand, the left hand, for that one! Fans are thunderous again as the two are down on the mat. Takagi and Ishii go forehead to forehead like junkyard dogs!
Takagi and Ishii headbutt each other as they stand, then Takagi fires off boxing elbows! Takagi gest about a dozen in, then ROCKS Ishii with the 13th! But Ishii gives his own boxing elbows! Ishii gets about a dozen of his own and ROCKS Takagi back! Ishii swings, into a half nelson! MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO?!?! HOW!?!? Takagi roars in frustration but the fans rally up! Takagi drags Ishii around, runs and BLINDSIDE BOMBERS! But Ishii rises again?! Takagi runs, Ishii blocks, ducks and SNAP GERMANS! Takagi stands and wobbles, but comes back to PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?! The Stone Pitbull still hasn’t broken!
Fans are thunderous and rallying again. Takagi headbutts the mat to fire up. “Oi! OI! OI!” Fans clap along as Takagi gets back up. Takagi drags Ishii around, pump handle and torture rack, but Ishii makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Takagi narrowly escapes and the fans continue to rally. Ishii rolls to a corner but Takagi forces himself to get up. Ishii runs, Takagi swings, they both dodge, DOUBLE BOMBERS collide! Takagi blocks, forearms, but Ishii ENZIGURIS! Takagi falls on Red Shoes! Ishii stands and he hobbles over as fans rally, “I-SHI-I!” “TA-KA-GI!” Red Shoes is fine and Ishii reels Takagi in for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!
Ishii sits Takagi up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi is still in this but Ishii roars. Ishii brings Takagi up, reels him in, suplexes but Takagi knees free! Takagi throws body shots, suplexes but Ishii knees free in return. Ishii wrenches, Takagi ROCKS him with a forearm, then fireman’s carries to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But Ishii is up again! But he runs into the pump handle torture rack! Only to slip out and DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi sits up in a daze and fans are thunderous once more! Ishii gets to his feet, Takagi rises, Ishii runs in to LARIAT Takagi down! Cover, TWO!! The Dragon will not be slain so easily, but Ishii roars and powers up again!
Ishii drags Takagi up, suplexes, but Takagi slips out to waistlock. Ishii throws elbows then a back headbutt! Ishii runs, into an ELBOW! Takagi gets around to DRAGON SUPLEX, SLIDING FOREARM!! Both men are down again but the fans are still loving this! Takagi and Ishii slowly rise, and Takagi gets up with the ropes. Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! No one can believe this isn’t over yet! Takagi and Ishii are down again, but the rallying is as hard as ever. Takagi fires himself up with more headbutts to the mat, and he roars, “OI!!” Takagi gets Ishii up, Ishii CHOPS high! And CHOPS again! Ishii’s going for the throat and Red Shoes reprimands!
But Takagi JABS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS, they BOTH HEADBUTT!! Ishii roars, but Takagi HEADBUTTS first! Pump handle, torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!!! Cover, Takagi wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion conquers the Stone Pitbull and has a very strong start to his G1! But this was just round one of this round robin, will he be able to make it to the end? As for Ishii, he gives kicks because his spirit hasn’t given up! Takagi drops one more elbow to make him stop, and the Young Lions get between them. Will Ishii make up for this loss in the coming rounds and still go for the finals?
After showing Ishii his respect, Takagi gets the mic to speak. “Gimme a minute.” Fans clap for “TA-KA-GI!” while he catches his breath. “Osu! It’s that time of year again! G1 is going to bring the intensity this Fall!” Takagi says that the fan support helped him get a great start. And he knows “there’s this misconception that the IWGP champion can’t win the G1, for some reason. Oi, who’s the idiot that started that line of thinking?!” There’s been two others before, so watch as Takagi, the third-ever world champion becomes the third-ever person to do that! Fans cheer that idea, but Takagi also says, “Watch this IWGP World Heavyweight Champion dragon go on a rampage through the G1!!” Will Takagi back up his words and make history this Fall?
Here are the current A Block standings!
Shingo Takagi: 1-0, 2 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-0, 2 points
Toru Yano: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-1, 0 points
Tetsuya Naito: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta: 0-1, 0 points
Tanga Loa: 0-1, 0 points
Kota Ibushi: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great opening to this G1 Climax opening weekend. A Block really surprised me by having Ibushi lose out the gate, but I felt that something had to give for him this year. He’s already had three consecutive finals appearances, and he’s won two of them in a row. To freshen things up a bit, I think Ibushi needs a crisis of confidence, maybe struggling to get out of the middle of the pack. I think his biggest match will be against Takagi as a sampler of the title match we’ve yet to see. That one could really determine everything in the block. As for Yujiro, he might’ve already gotten his definitive win here, who knows if he plays spoiler to anyone else.
The rest of Bullet Club didn’t do as well, with Kenta getting duped by Yano and Loa losing to Khan. Khan VS Loa was very good as both men were new to the G1 and not having faced each other before, I believe. Yano VS Kenta was great comedy, though, as Kenta is always surprisingly willing to go along with gags and stuff like that. Kenta’s going to face Yujiro next time and I’m very curious to see how that plays into the newest Bullet Club Civil War story. Yujiro is part of Evil’s House of Torture, Kenta seems to be Team Switchblade, this could push the tension a bit further.
Naito VS ZSJ was great stuff given all the history between them, and ZSJ winning was only a little surprising given the roll he and Taichi are on as the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion Dangerous Tekkers. ZSJ is going to probably get some really good wins in this, but being a tag champion, he doesn’t necessarily have to win the G1. Ishii VS Takagi being the main event, of course it was the best match, and as with G1’s in the past, any match with the top champion will feel like a title match. Takagi of course stakes his claim as being the top champion to win it all, and he could come very close. At the very least, I’d like to see him in the finals to tease history being made.
My Score: 9.3/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Join Patrick and Dave weekly as they explore the 4 Corners of the American sports scene.
4 Corners Podcast: College Madness
The guys recap the Final Four, discuss March Madness expanding, and discuss an Executive Order that the guys actually agree...
Bandwagon Nerds #340: Womp Womp!
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, episode 6 of The Boys final season,...
Bandwagon Nerds #339: Everybody Dies
Your favorite Nerds review Daredevil: Born Again and The Boys. Paramount, Disney and Oscars news. All that plus we take...
Bandwagon Nerds #338: Impossible Choices
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Invincible, as well as continuing their review of Daredevil: Born Again and...
Bandwagon Nerds #337: Parallels & Purpose
The NERDS continue to review Invincible, Daredevil, and The Boys. Plus, we take a look at the new trailer for...
Bandwagon Nerds #336: Invincible, Daredevil, The Boys… Oh My!
Don't miss the Bandwagon, NERDS!
Former WWE Star Reveals How Company Tests Wrestlers for an “Attitude Problem”
A former WWE star took to social media to explain, in brief, how WWE evaluates its talent to determine whether...
WWE Backlash Match Sparks “Clone War” Debate in Wrestling Community
Wrestling fans and insiders are abuzz after a match at WWE Backlash was accused of “copycatting” a formula previously used...
Thekla Says AEW Became the “Perfect Fit,” Citing Tony Khan in Decision to Re-Sign
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla revealed that Tony Khan’s promotion has become the “perfect fit” for her, a realization that...
Swerve Strickland Targets ROH Champion Bandido Ahead of Owen Hart Cup Match
AEW’s Swerve Strickland fired several warning shots at ROH World Champion Bandido as the two prepare to collide in the...
Ronda Rousey Reflects on WrestleMania 35 Main Event, Cites Lack of Preparation Time
Ronda Rousey has opened up about her feelings surrounding the historic WrestleMania 35 main event, calling it a career-defining moment...
Matt Hardy Reflects on Kofi Kingston’s WrestleMania 35 Triumph and the New Day’s Influence
Matt Hardy praised Kofi Kingston’s emotional WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 35, calling the KofiMania run a defining moment for...
Kit Wilson Opens Up About Emotional Toll After Being Left Off 2026 Royal Rumble
WWE’s Kit Wilson admitted he struggled emotionally after being left off this year’s Royal Rumble card, saying the omission from...
Kevin Nash Slams TKO’s WWE Stewardship, Says Only One Thing Would End His Involvement
Veteran Kevin Nash has publicly criticized TKO’s handling of WWE, taking aim at the promotion’s current direction under Paul Levesque...
Jeff Jarrett Says Orange Cassidy Excels at Mixing Character and In-Ring Work
AEW veteran Jeff Jarrett praised Orange Cassidy as the standout performer in modern wrestling when it comes to blending distinctive...
JBL Says He Was Asked to Take a Pay Cut Minutes Before Surgery
WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield revealed he once received a phone call just minutes before going into surgery...
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News5 days ago
Former New Day Duo Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston Announced for GalaxyCon
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Headline News4 days ago
Former Wyatt Sicks Announced for WrestleCon Under New Names
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Headline News7 days ago
WWE Announces AAA TripleMania 34 as Two-Night Event; Night Two Set for Mexico City
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Headline News7 days ago
IYO SKY Defeats Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026, Receives Apology and Hug