NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (9/24/21)
Round two, B Block!
Will the Rainmaker reach the top of NJPW again?
Kazuchika Okada promises to make it rain in NJPW once again, but he’s going up against EVIL! Will Darkness Fall in round two of the G1 Climax?
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
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto; Tanahashi wins.
- Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS Chase Owens; Tama wins.
- YOSHI-HASHI VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- SANADA VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe; Taichi wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 1-0, 2 points
EVIL: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb: 1-0, 2 points
SANADA: 1-0, 2 points
Taichi: 1-0, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-1, 0 points
Tama Tonga: 0-1, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-1, 0 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto!
The Ace could not trump the Rainmaker, but the Fierce Warrior could not overthrow the Holy Emperor! Who redeems themselves and triumphs in round two?
Fans cheer as Tanahashi shows off the muscles and rally with “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” The bell rings and Tanahashi circles with Goto. They tie up, are in a deadlock for a moment but Goto powers Tanahashi to ropes. Goto lets off cleanly and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Goto and Tanahashi tie up again. Tanahashi waistlocks but Goto wrenches free to a wristlock. Tanahashi drop toeholds and ties up the legs. Goto pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi floats to a headlock but Goto slips out to hammerlock an arm. Goto shifts to headlock but Tanahashi rolls and switches the headlock onto Goto. Goto headscissors but Tanahashi kips free and fans cheer the stand-off.
Tanahashi and Goto circle again as fans rally up. They feel out the grapple, tie up with knuckle locks, but Tanahashi kicks, wrenches and has a headlock. Goto fights up, pries at the hold, but Tanahashi wraps it on tighter! Goto powers up, but he can’t power out as Tanahashi still holds on tight! Goto throws body shots then powers free, the two ram shoulders and they stay up! Goto runs back in to run Tanahashi over! Goto hurries to get Tanahashi up for a whip to ropes, but Tanahashi reverses. Tanahashi’s hip toss is countered into Goto’s hip toss, and Goto KICKS Tanahashi in the back! Fans now rally with “GO-TO! GO-TO!” but he turns around into Tanahashi’s victory roll! TWO!
Tanahashi gets Goto’s legs and drags him around, stomps the leg then drops an elbow on the knee! Fans rally again for “Let’s Go, Ace!” as Tanahashi takes Goto’s leg and SMASHES the knee into the mat. Tanahashi stomps the leg, drags Goto up and then trips him to turn him over. Tanahashi ties up the legs in a knot and pulls back. Goto endures but Tanahashi stands to hook the deathlock up! Fans cheer as Tanahashi bridges back for a MUTA LOCK! Goto endures all over again as Tanahashi pulls back. Tanahashi lets off the bridge to focus on the legs but Goto grabs at hair. The ref reprimands, Goto crawls forward and gets the ROPEBREAK!
Tanahashi lets go and drags Goto up. Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi kicks the bad leg! Tanahashi kicks again but Goto deflects to DISCUS! Both men are down but fans rally up. Goto drags Tanahashi up, throws forearms then whips Tanahashi to a corner. Goto runs in to MURAMASA! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” as Goto stands Tanahashi up. Goto fireman’s carries, Tanahashi fights free but Goto elbows him away. Goto runs in at the corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM! And then a leaping elbow drop! Fans fire up as Tanahashi stands up again.
Tanahashi drags Goto up, scoops and SLAMS him into a drop zone, then goes to the second rope! SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally behind Tanahashi as he stands up again. Goto slowly rises, Tanahashi runs but Goto follows! Tanahashi dodges but Goto keeps following, only for Tanahashi to redirect. Goto also redirects, but Tanahashi drops down! Goto rolls and comes back, into a kick! Tanahashi runs, Goto follows again, BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Tanahashi stays up and Goto runs but into a dropkick to the legs! Goto stays up, Tanahashi runs but into a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! But the bad leg holds Goto down!
Fans fire up as Tanahashi rolls to a corner and Goto clutches his knee. Tanahashi drags himself up, Goto runs in and clotheslines from behind! Goto hoists Tanahashi up top, CLUBS away on his back, then drags Tanahashi back for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! Both men are down again but fans fire back up. Goto fires up and he climbs up top! Tanahashi is in the drop zone as Goto drops the ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this and fans rally up again. Goto stands Tanahashi up, hoists him to the top rope again, and CHOPS away! Goto climbs up to join Tanahashi and fires up again. But Tanahashi fights back with body shots and they brawl up top!
Goto gives headbutts back, and again, and again! Goto fireman’s carries but Tanahashi flails and fights to a sunset flip! Goto fights free of the bomb to suplex, but Tanahashi turns that into TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he watches Goto rise, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi goes up a corner, aims as Goto stands, HIGH FLY CROSSBODY! Fans fire up again as Tanahashi goes back up! HIGH FLY FLOP!! Goto evades, and BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Fans rally as Goto uses ropes to stand back up. Tanahashi stirs, Goto powers up, BUZZSAW! Goto keeps going, standing Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Goto HEADBUTTS!
Goto stands Tanahashi up again, REVERSE GTR! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Goto stays focused as he stands Tanahashi back up. Dragon sleeper for- NO! Tanahashi slips out, they spin around, Goto gets the dragon sleeper but Tanahashi makes it an inside cradle! Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
Goto thinks the match is still going and tries to cover Tanahashi, but the ref makes it clear! The Ace got one over on him, and in the blink of an eye, Tanahashi is on the board! Will the Once in a Century Talent stay strong and rise back up? As for Goto, he’s 0-2 already, is round three going to be where he changes his fortune?
Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS Chase Owens!
It’s Bullet Club VS Bullet Club! Wait, didn’t we just see this yesterday? Fang Revived defeated Tokyo Pimp, but still came out of it as allies within the faction. Will the same be said for the Good Bad Guy and the Crown Jewel?
Being that they’re all Bullet Club, Tama and Jado offer Chase the Too Sweet. Chase accepts as they Low Sweet and fans cheer the sportsmanship. The bell rings and Chase circles with Tama. They tie up, Tama puts Chase on ropes but lets off cleanly. They Too Sweet again then reset as the fans rally up. They tie up again, Chase puts Tama on the ropes now, but Chase lets off. Another Too Sweet and it seems Bullet Club is still cool. They go once again, knuckle lock but Chase rolls to get a top wristlock. Tama tries to power the hold onto Chase but he powers up. Tama wrenches through to a headlock but Chase pries free to put it on Tama, to then wrench and wristlock.
Tama spins, slips through and waistlocks, but Chase breaks it. Tama headlocks, wrenches, wristlocks, but Chase rolls and breaks to get a leg. Tama blocks with a facelock but Chase powers out to arm-drag. Tama arm-drags back and fans cheer the technical exchange. Chase fights up to his feet, Tama pulls hair but whips, then he runs Chase over! Cover, ONE, and Chase sweeps legs to cover! ONE, Chase headlocks but Tama powers out, only for Chase to run him over! Things keep moving, Tama hurdles and follows but Chase blocks Gun Stun! Chase reels Tama in but Tama gets away from the package driver! Fans cheer as the two stand off again.
Fans clap, “BUL-LET CLUB! BUL-LET CLUB!” as Tama takes off the vest! Tama and Chase circle again, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Chase shoots in for a waistlock but Tama elbows him away! Tama throws hands, body shots, forearms but lets off as the ref counts. Tama “apologizes” but then Chase turns things around to stomp and forearm in return! Tama shoves Chase, eggs him on and Chase stomps him harder. SOBAT! Chase shows he’s watching Jado but Jado promises to stay back. Chase runs but Tama hits a POWERSLAM! Tama drops a jumping elbow, then stomps Chase’s right arm. Chase shakes it out but Tama SLAMS it down! So much for being good sports.
Chase goes to a corner, he kicks Tama but Tama throws haymakers. Tama snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Fans rally as Tama throws down punches and elbows on Chase’s head. Tama opens Chase’s guard to CLUB away on his chest! Tama lets off to catch his breath, then he SLAMS Chase’s arm on the mat again. Tama “apologizes” again but he clamps on with a top wristlock. Chase endures as Tama leans on the hold and cranks on the shoulder. Chase reaches with a foot, but Tama sits him up to pull on the arm even more. Chase gets up, throws body shots, but Tama headbutts Chase in the back! But Chase hits a JAWBREAKER in return!
Chase runs and rallies with knuckle shots, then he slides under to enziguri! Tama flounders to a corner and fans rally up as Chase runs in. Tama puts Chase on the apron but Chase bumps Tama off buckles. Chase climbs, leaps up and over then comes back to QUICK DRAW! Then a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up behind Chase as he stands Tama back up. Fireman’s carry, but Tama fights free. Chase tries again but Tama slips off, only for Chase to arm-drag! Tama comes back but into a strike fest from Chase! Chase stands Tama up but Tama fireman’s carries for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama crawls to the cover, TWO!!
Fans rally up as Tama stands. Tama watches Chase get up, and then reels him in. Tama underhooks but Chase fights that and wrenches to get a takedown! Chase wants the figure four but Tama makes it a cradle! TWO, Chase sidesteps to SNAP GERMAN! Tama flounders up into Chase’s HALF NELSON BACKBREAKER! Then Chase reels Tama back in for underhooks, TIGER DRIVER! High stack cover, TWO, into an STF!! Chase is showing incredible chain wrestling and now he has Tama caught! Tama endures, drags himself and Chase forward but Chase pulls even harder on the crossface! Tama keeps fighting his way over, and he gets the ROPEBREAK!
Chase lets go and fans cheer while Jado coaches Tama. Chase catches his breath as he goes to the far side, then runs back over to dropkick Tama’s leg out! Chase stands Tama back up, reel shim in, but Tama fights the package again! Tama back drops free, then comes back as Chase spins! Tama ducks the rolling elbow and gets Chase for a dragon sleeper! TONGAN TWIST! Both men are down again and fans rally back up. Tama slowly stands, aims from the corner as Chase rises, and then Tama runs in, but Chase turns Gun Stun into backslide! Tama rolls through, blocks the Jewel Trigger and BACK ELBOWS! Chase stays up to BOOT! GUN- NO! Chase shoves to JEWEL TRIGGER!!
Chase wrenches, hammerlocks, JEWEL HEIST!! Cover, TWO!?! Chase doesn’t care, he sits Tama up for a JEWEL TRIGGER! Chase is fired up and he gets Tama back up! Chase tucks Tama in, for the- GUN STUN!?! Tama hits the cutter out of the package, covers, Tama wins!!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)
What a battle between Bullet Club boys! The Good Bad Guy shows his respect by helping Chase stand back up, and they Low Sweet again. Tama even helps Chase on the way to the back. Bullet Club is just fine, but will Tama be able to climb back up when he’s heading for The Ace next?
YOSHI-HASHI VS Jeff Cobb!
The Head Hunter was so close to defeating The King of Darkness while the Hawaiian Hulk definitely conquered Chase Owens. Will Hashi be able to #GetBackUp and #TurnItAllAround? Or will he go on a Tour of the Islands, too?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up and Cobb shoves Hashi to a corner. Cobb smirks and wags his finger, Hashi won’t win a test of strength here. They tie up again and Hashi still tries, only for Cobb to shove him down. Cobb shakes his head but welcomes Hashi to come back for more. Hashi and Cobb tie up again and Hashi gets Cobb to step back, but Cobb powers Hashi to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak but Cobb lets off. Cobb swings but Hashi gets around to fire off forearms. Hashi whips but Cobb holds ropes to block. Cobb shakes his head again but Hashi CHOPS! Hashi whips, Cobb reverses and scoops but Hashi slips out!
Cobb elbows Hashi away from the waistlock, runs back in but is sent up and out! Hashi runs to baseball slide Cobb into railing! Hashi CLUBS Cobb on the back, RAMS him into railing, then CLUBS him on the back. Hashi CHOPS again and Cobb grits his teeth. Hashi puts Cobb back in the ring, stomps him again, then CHOPS! Hashi CLUBS and CHOPS Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Cobb comes back to RAM Hashi down with a shoulder! Cobb stomps Hashi in a corner then digs his boots in! The ref counts, Cobb lets off then drags Hashi back up. Cobb ROCKS Hashi in the back with a forearm, then stands him back up for an elbow to the head!
Hashi falls over, Cobb steps on him, then covers. TWO, but Cobb stomps Hashi on the back. Cobb stands Hashi up, suplexes, holds Hashi up and claps on his back to get the fans rallying before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Another, TWO! Cobb is annoyed but Hashi is still in this. The fans rally up for Hashi while Cobb says the count needs to be quicker. Hashi throws body shots but Cobb CLUBS, kicks and uppercuts, to then DROPKICK! Fans cheer that Cobb has agility on top of size and strength. Cobb then stands on Hashi at the ropes! The ref counts, Cobb lets off, but he comes back to stand Hashi up. Hashi fires forearms in return, but Cobb isn’t bothered.
Cobb HEADBUTTS Hashi and he staggers to ropes! Cobb stands Hashi back up, whips him again, but Hashi dropkicks a leg out! Hashi gets that leg to DRAGON SCREW! Cobb grits his teeth as he hobbles back up. Fans rally as Hashi aims from a corner. Hashi runs corner to corner and clotheslines! Hashi whips to CHOP, LARIAT, and mule kick to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally harder for Hashi as he stands again. Hashi brings Cobb up, reels him in, but Cobb is too big to lift! Cobb back drops but Hashi makes it a sunset flip! TWO, but Hashi dodges to spinning back kick! Hashi tries again but Cobb back drops him away this time!
Fans rally as Cobb and Hashi go to opposite corners. Cobb runs in to clotheslines, then CHOP LARIAT in succession! And again! And again! Hashi sits down, the ref has Cobb stay back so he can check on Hashi, but Cobb gets Hashi up to reel him in, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cobb gets Hashi right back up for an ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Hashi still lives but Cobb watches him. Hashi goes to a corner, Cobb runs in for a LEAPING back elbow! Cobb whips Hashi to send him back into the corner, then pops him up for- No, Hashi slips off to DRAGON SUPLEX! Fans fire up for Hashi as he and Cobb rise!
Cobb staggers and Hashi runs to LARIAT! Cobb stays up, roars and swings on Hashi, but Hashi dodges to LARIAT!! Hashi takes Cobb off his feet but he’s just getting started! Hashi reels Cobb in, Cobb fights the bomb but Hashi dodges. Hashi mule kicks, SUPERKICKS, then reels Cobb in, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi gets back up and fans are thunderous as he SUPERKICKS Cobb again! Hashi runs to METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Hashi keeps after Cobb and gets a SLEEPER! Cobb endures, fans rally up, and Cobb stands, only for Hashi to change to a half nelson. Cobb fights off Karma but Hashi SUPERKICKS! Hashi pump handles but Cobb elbows free!
Cobb elbows again, ROCKS Hashi with a forearm, then sidesteps to SNAP GERMAN! Fans are thunderous again as Cobb wobbles up and staggers over to Hashi. Cobb whips, Hashi holds ropes to BOOT back! Hashi runs into Cobb’s SUPERKICK! Cobb whips and scoops, TOUR- NO! Hashi gets the nelson, pump handle, but makes it a cradle on Cobb! TWO!! Cobb narrowly escapes but Hashi CHOPS him! Hashi runs but into a POUNCE! Cobb hauls Hashi up to whip and scoop, TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, Cobb wins!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)
Hashi couldn’t #GetBackUp and The Hawaiian Hulk is still at the top of the block! With Khan undefeated in A and Cobb undefeated in B, will we see the G1 be conquered by the United Empire?
SANADA VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe!
The Cold Skull and Holy Emperor meet again after the MetLife Dome showdown where the Dangerous Tekkers kept the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Zack Sabre Jr. sidelined Tetsuya Naito and just made Shingo Takagi #JustTapOut, will Taichi keep pace with his tag partner? Or will Sanada find a way to win that not even the Sliest Wrestler in the World is ready for?
The entrance attire is put away and Taichi shows off his muscles. The bell rings and fans rally, “SA-NA-DA!” “TA-I-CHI!” as the two stare down. Taichi and Sanada slowly circle, approach, and tie up. Sanada puts Taichi on ropes but lets off quickly and cleanly. Taichi applauds that, too, as the two go again. Another tie up, but again Sanada puts Taichi on ropes. Though, Taichi isn’t really trying. Sanada again lets off and again Taichi applauds. Another reset, the two feel out the grapple then tie up. Sanada headlocks, keeps Taichi from ropes this time, and has hair just a little too short to grab. Sanada hits a takeover, Taichi headscissors but Sanada kips free.
Roles reverse as Taichi hits the takeover and Sanada headscissors. Taichi kips free, the two stand off and fans cheer the technical exchange. Fans rally again as Taichi fixes his hair. Sanada shows off his dancing pecs and fans rally harder. Taichi takes Sanada on as he shows off his dancing pecs. Taichi even flexes to the three clap rhythm. Sanada stands on the corner to do the same! And he even alternates between them! Sanada welcomes Taichi to do the same, but Taichi dismisses that. They circle, feel out the grapple, but also do some dancing pecs. They tie up with knuckle locks but Taichi kicks, snapmares and KICKS!
Taichi pulls on Sanada’s arms and digs a heel into Sanada’s back in this motorcycle stretch. Sanada fights up, Taichi keeps on the arms but Sanada works to turn it around. Taichi powers Sanada back into the motorcycle but fans rally up as Sanada tries again. Taichi pulls back on the arms harder to wrangle Sanada back down. Taichi keeps his knee on Sanada’s back then cranks the arms again. Sanada fights up, moves around, tries to turn it around again, and fans rally up more, only for Taichi to put the hold back onto Sanada. Sanada keeps working on his escape as he endures, and he gives turning it around another go. Taichi powers up yet again to put Sanada back in the stretch!
Sanada reaches with a foot but Taichi keeps him from the ropes. Taichi twists the wrists as he keeps the motorcycle stretch, but Sanada powers up for one last try! Sanada turns it around, only for Taichi to turn things right back onto Sanada. But Sanada storms over to ropes to get the ropebreak! Taichi lets go, to CHOP Sanada on the back! Taichi whips and hits Sanada with a kitchen sink knee! Taichi shakes out his arms before he stands Sanada up and wraps him up in a cobra twist. Sanada endures all over again, especially as Taichi pushes his head down again and again. Fans rally as Sanada reaches out, but Taichi CLUBS him in the side!
Sanada still fights, even as Taichi pushes his head, and he gets another ropebreak! Taichi lets go and fans cheer Sanada’s resolve. Taichi gives Sanada toying kicks at the ropes but Sanada CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taichi comes back with a choke! The ref sees that, counts, and Taichi lets go to whip. Sanada holds ropes to throw Taichi off and then dropkicks the leg out! Both men are down, fans rally up, and Sanada kips right up! Taichi runs in but Sanada hits him with a forearm, then arm-drags him away. Taichi comes back but Sanada gets around to back suplex BACKBREAKER! Taichi bails out but Sanada slingshots to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up!
Sanada encourages the fans to get louder while Miho checks on Taichi. Sanada is satisfied with the volume and he puts Taichi in the ring. Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and he stands Taichi up. Taichi kicks, Sanada blocks and trips Taichi, but Taichi resists Paradise. Sanada kicks, whips but Taichi reverses for a DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Both men are down again and fans rally back up. Sanada and Taichi go to opposite corners. Taichi runs in to clothesline, then he runs Sanada corner to corner to clothesline again! Sanada falls and Taichi paces around. Taichi snarls as he drags Sanada back up, and he fires off Kowata Kicks! But Sanada dropkicks the leg in return!
Sanada runs in at the corner, Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! But that was his bad leg! Taichi fights through to run, but he ends up in a fireman’s carry! Taichi fights free and reels Sanada in, but Sanada slips out of Dangerous Saido to get Taichi on the ropes! MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Miho is relieved but fans fire up again! Sanada drags Taichi up, fireman’s carries again, but Taichi holds onto Sanada’s tights to resist! Taichi wriggles but Sanada throws him into a dragon sleeper! Taichi slips out and wrenches to SEITEIJYUJIRYOU! Sanada endures and fans rally as he fights against the stretch plum! Sanada switches, Taichi resists the lift and PELES Sanada down!
Taichi gets up at the ropes and dares Sanada to stand. Sanada slowly rises, Taichi runs in but Sanada blocks the boot to fire off forearms! ROLLING ELBOW, but Taichi GAMANGIRIS! But as Taichi goes for the Alabama lift, Sanada turns it into a TIGER DRIVER! Taichi fires up and stands, to get around and get Sanada with a DANGEROUS SAIDO! But Sanada stands, dodges a boot to TIGER SUPLEX! Both men are dizzy and they stagger around, they both fall out of the ring!! Miho checks on Taichi but fans rally up for Sanada! A ring count begins and both men stir. The count is already 10 of 20, though, before either sits up. We reach 15 of 20 but only now is Taichi sitting up!
Miho helps Taichi but Sanada springs up, both men are in at 19.5!! Fans rally again as this match continues! Sanada and Taichi still sit up slowly. Taichi uses ropes to stand and he sees Sanada still crawling. Sanada stands, Taichi storms over and BOOTS! Sanada stays up to throw a forearm! Taichi rebounds to boot, but Sanada forearms again. Taichi uses ropes again to BOOT, Sanada rebounds to BOOT! Taichi KICKS Sanada’s leg, Sanada throws a forearm. KICK, forearm, repeat! They keep going as fans fire back up, and Taichi gets the edge with those KICKS! Taichi dares Sanada to bring the fight, and Sanada grits his teeth as he throws a European Uppercut!
Taichi kicks but Sanada blocks. Sanada forearms, uppercuts but Taichi sobats! Sanada spins, but Taichi DECKS him with a forearm! Both men fall to the mat and the fans fire up again! The ref checks on both men, Miho coaches Taichi up and Taichi sits up first. Taichi runs, AX BOMBER! OFF COME THE PANTS! Fans fire up as Sanada staggers, and he blocks the superkick to spin, SLICED BREAD into the DRAGON SLEEPER! SKULL- NO, Taichi rolls through to choke grip, but Sanada flips through the slam! Sanada runs with Taichi but Taichi holds off the O’Conner Bridge! GEDO CLUTCH, but Sanada rolls it to the O’Conner, but Taichi chokes Sanada!!
The ref sees, he reprimands but Taichi rolls Sanada over to another GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Sanada narrowly escapes and fans are thunderous! Fireman’s carry, T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi narrowly survives but Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees!! Taichi saves himself and Miho is fired up, just like the fans! Both men are down again as fans continue to rally. Sanada and Taichi stir, then crawl their way to opposite corners. Taichi stands while Sanada leans against the corner. Taichi runs in but Sanada boots him! Then elbows! Sanada goes up but Taichi CLUBS him on the back. Taichi clubs up, CLUBS Sanada then reels him in, but Sanada holds on for dear life!
Sanada elbows Taichi and he hops down, Sanada QUEBRADA, to the dragon sleeper! Taichi spins through to Alabama lift! Sanada flips through, blocks the gamangiri then ROLLING ELBOWS! Taichi rebounds but Sanada dodges, only to get a JUMP KNEE and GAMANGIRI! Both men are down again as fans fire back up! Taichi drags Sanada back up, reels him in, DANGEROUS SAIDO! Bridging cover, TWO!! Taichi changes it up but Sanada still survives! Fans rally harder still as Taichi crawls to the corner. Taichi fires himself up and takes aim as Sanada rises. TENSHOU- DROPKICK! Sanada hurries to O’Conner Roll! TWO, but Sanada hurries up top! ROUNDING-
NO! Taichi evades but Sanada’s on his feet! Three point stance, HUGE FOREARM! Alabama lift and BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, Taichi wins!!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)
The Dangerous Tekkers stay strong in the G1! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions continue to surge up the NJPW ranks and stand tall at the top?
Kazuchika Okada VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
These two have clashed before, but it’ll be different this time because Okada promises The Rainmaker is truly back! Will Okada reach the top of NJPW though Everything is Evil? Or will Darkness Fall and end the rain already?
Okada puts his elaborately decorated jacket aside while Dick and Evil Low Sweet. The bell rings and fans rally for “O-KA-DA!” as he and Evil stare down. The two slowly circle, but then Evil bails out to talk things over with Dick. Okada patiently waits as he’s seen this all before, but then Dick gets on the apron. Okada swipes at him but Evil gets in to kick Okada and CLUB him on the neck. Evil puts Okada in a corner and CHOPS! Evil whips, Okada holds ropes to boot back, then he scoops and SLAMS Evil! Okada goes right to the apron for a slingshot senton! Fans cheer and rally as Okada paces and Evil writhes. Okada drags Evil up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then bumps him off buckles.
Okada throws a back elbow, then another, and Evil wants Red Shoes to step in. Okada lets off before that, then kicks Evil along the ropes. Okada whips, BOOTS Evil down, then pushes him down for a cover. TWO, but Okada clamps on with a chinlock. Okada digs his knee into Evil’s back but Evil endures and reaches out. Evil gets the ropebreak and Okada lets off cleanly. Okada gives Evil plenty of space before he comes back to throw forearms. Okada CLUBS Evil on the neck in return for earlier, but Evil CHOPS back. Evil CHOPS again but Okada eggs him on. Evil CHOPS, Okada knees low and snapmares, then runs, only for Dick to stand in his way! Evil throws Okada out in the distraction!
Red Shoes reprimands but Evil goes out and whips Okada hard into railing! Okada stumbles away but Evil stalks him towards the timekeeper’s area… Evil stands Okada up, and RAMS him into the timekeeper’s table! Abe-san suffers again! And in the distraction, Dick has undone the blue corner’s buckle pad! Red Shoes checks on Okada and Abe-san while Evil Too Sweets Dick. Evil waits in the ring, Okada slowly rises but the ring count begins. The count is 5 of 20, then Okada gets in at 7. Evil stands on Okada’s face but Okada pushes him away. Fans rally up for Okada but Evil drags him up. Okada throws forearms, then runs, but Evil runs him over! Cover, TWO!
Evil argues the count but Red Shoes says it is fair. Evil drags Okada up to scoop and SLAM, then covers again! TWO, another cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Evil is frustrated but Red Shoes defends his count. Fans continue to rally behind “O-KA-DA!” as Evil paces around. Evil gives toying kicks, then stands Okada up. Okada throws body shots and forearms, but Evil whips him into the bare buckles! Okada goes down and Red Shoes reprimands but there’s nothing to be done about it now. Evil drags Okada around to put on a HALF CRAB! Okada endures but Evil shifts to stand on his head! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil steps off but keeps the leg. Okada gets a ROPEBREAK, Evil lets go at 4.
Evil paces as fans continue to rally for Okada. Evil drags Okada back up, Okada throws more forearms! Evil comes back but Okada blocks the kick to ROCK him with a forearm! But Evil whips Okada again! Okada stops from hitting the bare buckles, then he dodges Evil as he runs in, Evil runs into bare buckles! Evil staggers into Okada’s kick and NECKBREAKER! Both men are down but fans fire up. Red Shoes checks on both men, they’re stirring and Okada sits up first. Okada grits his teeth as he watches Evil sit up. Okada brings Evil up for more forearms, then whips to ropes. Evil reverses, Okada ducks and dodges and CLOBBERS Evil with a back elbow!
Okada brings Evil around to whip to a padded corner. Okada runs in to back elbow, then kicks for the DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally and Okada gets Evil back up. Okada whips him again, but Evil holds ropes to bail out. Okada hurries out after him but Evil kicks him and RAMS him into the timekeeper again! Abe-san gets a double dose! Red Shoes can’t believe it! Dick keeps pestering Red Shoes but he tells Dick to back off. But Evil uses this distraction to get a chair! Okada rises and Evil aims, and he JAMS Okada with the chair! Evil makes Okada take a seat, then CHOPS him! Evil rallies the fans as he gets space and runs back over, but Okada drop toeholds Evil onto the chair!
Fans fire up again as Okada and Evil are down on the outside. Red Shoes tells them to get to the ring, but Okada stands back up to fetch Evil. Okada brings Evil around, looks at the railing, but then shoves Evil into the ring. The Rainmaker is just having a bit of fun with Abe-san before he gets Evil up. Okada gut wrenches, Evil fights that and rakes Okada’s eyes! Red Shoes counts, Evil stops at 4, and Okada goes to a corner. Fans rally up again and Evil runs in, but Okada pops Evil up to the Alabama! Evil fights free, pulls Okada’s hair, then pokes him in the eye! Evil runs but Okada ducks and runs. Evil goes sideways but into a dropkick! Okada gets the arm, MONEY CLIP!!
Fans rally as Evil endures and Okada leans on the hold! Evil is turning red already but Okada keeps on him! Red Shoes checks on Evil but Evil gets a ropebreak! Okada lets Evil go but the fans are still with him. Okada gets Evil up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the corner. Okada climbs, MACHO ELBOW! But Okada isn’t done there, and the fans fire up to see the Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Evil up, wristlocks but Evil pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands, Okada ROCKS Evil with a right, then runs. But Evil distracts Red Shoes, Dick SMACKS Okada with a chair! Evil runs now to LARIAT Okada down! Cover, TWO!! Okada still lives and fans fire up again!
Evil slowly rises, Okada is in the corner. Evil hobbles over and puts Okada up on the top rope. Evil climbs up to join him and stands Okada up, for a SUPERPLEX! Evil crawls over to the cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous again as Okada and Evil slowly sit up. Evil slashes the throat and drags Okada back up. Spin and EVERY- NO! Okada slips out, Alabama to a back drop but Evil sunset flips! Okada sits on that, TWO!! Evil runs in but Okada gets around to backslide! Evil rolls through, Okada reels him in for a short arm clothesline! Both men are down again but Okada still has the wrist. Okada gets Evil up, Evil kicks and boots him, but Okada tries again!
Evil ducks the clothesline, runs but Okada dropkicks him down! Okada hurries to get Evil up, gut wrench and JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Okada fires up and fans fire up with him! Wristlock, ripcord and- NO! Evil ducks, shoves Red Shoes at Okada and Okada ends up knocking Red Shoes down! LOW BLOW!! All three are down in the ring as fans rally back up! Evil gets up first and tells Red Shoes to get up. Evil then drags Okada up and reels him in, but Okada slips out of the STO to MONEY CLIP!! Evil grabs for Red Shoes as he endures the hold, but Okada arm-drags him away! Red Shoes still falls out of the ring and Dick attacks with punches and stomps!
Dick sits Okada up for more punches to the head, not holding back on his closed fists! Evil is up, Dick feeds Okada to him, they coordinate for- NO Magic Killer as Okada kicks Dick away! Okada RAMS Evil into the bare buckles! Dick attacks again but Okada is pissed off now. Okada SHOTGUNS Dick into the other corner! Fans fire up, Red Shoes returns, and Evil reels Okada in! Okada ducks, wristlocks, ripcords, but Evil reels Okada back in! Okada slips out of the STO again, spins but into a fireman’s carry! DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and fans are thunderous! The fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” again but Evil sits up first.
Evil slashes the throat and promises to end this! Evil stands Okada up, spins him in but Okada fights the STO with elbows. Evil LARIATS but Okada drops to his knees. Evil runs, Okada STEALS EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Okada stands, fires up and fans are electric as he gets Evil up, SIT-OUT TOMBSTONE!! But he’s still not done there! Wristlock ripcord and TRUE RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Evil earns 0)
So far, Okada keeps his promise! The Rainmaker wins out to close out round two and is 2-0! He takes a moment to catch his breath before he gets the mic. “OTA~! A second win this G1, do you think Kazuchika Okada, the Rainmaker, is going to keep going? Do you think he’s going to give up?!” Obviously not, and fans cheer that! “And though this is only the second win, I don’t plan on having anyone stop me, and no one CAN stop me! No one can stop the Rainmaker!” He’ll continue through the G1 Climax, so he thanks fans for their support. This G1 is only gonna get hotter, and there’s plenty more to look forward to, as Okada makes it RAIN on the climax!
Will Okada keep this streak going until he’s truly reestablished his legacy? Or will there be a speed bump he doesn’t see coming just waiting to spoil things?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 2-0, 4 points
Jeff Cobb: 2-0, 4 points
Taichi: 2-0, 4 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-1, 2 points
SANADA: 1-1, 2 points
EVIL: 1-1, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-2, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-2, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great follow-up for B Block after the first round. Tanahashi VS Goto was a surprising opener but a great one as Tanahashi keeps it at just the first loss to Okada. It seems like the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions are only here to take these losses, with Ishii also 0-2 like Hashi and Goto. Maybe one of them will be a key spoiler in the blocks with B Block having three at the top right now. Cobb continues to dominate, the United Empire is having quite the run, but so are the Dangerous Tekkers. With this parallel, I can’t wait to see Khan VS ZSJ and Cobb VS Taichi. I am definitely expecting Tekkers VS Empire as the next Heavyweight Tag title story.
Meanwhile, we’re getting good parallels within Bullet Club as Tama VS Chase was tense but they still come out respecting each other. I think Evil facing either of those guys will be very telling in the civil war build. There’s also parallels with the Guerrillas of Destiny, where Loa is also 1-1 because of the technicality from Naito’s injury. GoD could also get back in on the tag title scene but I’d try and keep it to Tekkers VS Empire since we just got a Triple Threat build for MetLife. Okada VS Evil was really good, but that’s expected out of those guys. Okada being 2-0 make sense, his story is going to carry the block, all of us waiting to see if anyone stops the Rainmaker’s return to form.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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