NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/2/22)
The BIGGEST New Japan Cup ever!
The 2022 New Japan Cup begins!
In honor of the 50th Anniversary, NJPW raises the bar and makes the New Japan Cup a field of FORTY-EIGHT!! Who survives this star-studded first round?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: CIMA VS TAKA Michinoku; Cima wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomoaki Honma VS YOSHI-HASHI; Hashi wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuji Nagata VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Togi Makabe VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Toru Yano VS Taichi; Taichi wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOH; Tanahashi wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi; Naito wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Kazuchika Okada VS El Desperado; Okada wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: CIMA VS TAKA Michinoku!
Strong Hearts had a #GLEAT win yesterday on the 50th Anniversary Show, and now “The Flower of Evil” looks to bloom in this tournament! But will the Blue Playmaker trample on his hopes and dreams?
The bell rings and the two circle as fans rally. They each try drop steps but the other stays clear. They tie up with knuckle locks, and Taka wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Cima gets the headlock but Taka slips out to hammerlock. Taka brings Cima to the mat but Cima gets up and wrenches back again. Taka rolls, wrenches and wrings Cima but Cima kicks Taka away! Fans cheer the technical exchange while the two reset. Taka and Cima circle and feel the grapple out again. Taka kicks Cima in the shin! And then stomps him to a corner. Taka throws a knee, wrenches again, and whips corner to corner.
Cima goes up and over and then arm-drags Taka to dropkick him out of the ring! Cima builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Taka hits railing! Fans rally up as Cima gets up and shakes out the arm. Cima drags Taka up, puts him in the ring, and brings him up. Cima fireman’s carries, Wasteland Slam and then omoplata to a modified BUTTERFLY STRETCH! Taka endures as Cima rocks the hold back and forth. Taka reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Cima lets go quickly, and fans rally up. Cima CHOPS Taka, then CHOPS him again! And again! Taka pokes Cima in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Taka drags Cima up.
Taka uppercuts Cima to the corner! Taka then headlocks, brings Cima around, but holds on as Cima tries to power out. Cima tries again but Taka still holds tight. Taka wrenches, headlocks to the takeover, then gets the headscissors on Cima! Taka pushes up for more pressure, but Cima endures. Fans rally and Cima crawls his way over, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets off quickly to stand Cima up for knees. Taka wrenches and whips corner to corner, then runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO, and right back to the headscissor necklock! Cima endures again as Taka also gets the arm! Taka twists the wrist and bends fingers!
Cima reaches out again, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go quickly as fans cheer. Taka stomps Cima’s bad arm but Cima still throws body shots with the good arm. Taka eggs Cima on, Cima fires more shots. Cima whips but Taka reverses for a takedown, JUST FACELOCK! But Cima gets to the ROPEBREAK fast! Taka lets off as fans rally up, and Taka runs in, only to miss! Cima runs in, but into a BOOT! Taka runs, Cima handsprings under and BACKSTABBERS! Fans fire up as Cima gets back up. Cima runs corner to corner to METEORA! And then Cima puts Taka in a drop zone, VADER BOMB KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up while both men are still down. Cima is up first, he CLUBS Taka, then brings him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Taka fakes the eye poke to kick the leg! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Cima survives but Taka fires up! Taka scoops but Cima slips out. Cima kicks and runs but Taka goes the other way to BOOT! Cima kicks first but Taka CALF KICKS then SUPER K! Cover, TWO, to JUST FACELOCK!! Cima scrambles around, reaches out, but Taka rolls him from ropes! Taka CLUBS away, then cranks back on JUST FACELOCK! Cima endures, fans rally up, Taka flips him over to the necklock!
Taka rolls Cima around, and has the legs tied up in a deathlock! Cima endures and crawls with his one free arm. Cima gets a leg free to get the ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go quickly, but says this is over now! Taka drags Cima back up, scoops, but Cima slips out. Cima waistlocks, Taka elbows free, but runs into a BIG dropkick! SNAP SAIDO! Cima keeps going, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cima keeps going, he gets Taka up for PERFECT DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Taka survives again! Cima fires up, goes right to the corner and right up top! METEORA!! Cover, Cima wins!
Winner: Cima, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Another GLEAT win for Cima! Will this Strong Heart continue to beat deeper into the tournament?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomoaki Honma VS YOSHI-HASHI!
Everyone’s Kokeshi and the reunited Great Bash Heel lost to Los Ingobernables de Japon, but the Head Hunter is coming off a big win against the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Will Honma move on through the tournament while also earning GBH a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Or will Hashi be heading to the next round?
The bell rings and the two rush each other! They ram shoulders again and again, then start throwing forearms! Fans rally up as they go faster and faster! Honma gets the edge, runs, rams Hashi but Hashi rams back. Hashi eggs Honma on, then back elbows him. But Honma still runs Hashi over! Honma fires up, runs, KOKESHI flops! Fans rally and Hashi stomps Honma. Hashi then brings Honma up to ROCK with a forearm! And another! Hashi has Honma in a corner, he throws more and more and more forearms, but Honma shoves him back. Hashi CHOPS, and Honma drops against the ropes!
Fans rally up again as Hashi brings Honma up. Hashi CHOPS again, then brings Honma around to suplex and hang out to dry. Hashi runs, and he dropkicks Honma down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Hashi brings Honma up again, but Honma blocks the suplex. Fans rally as the two fight for control, and Honma wrenches to kick Hashi. Hashi swings but into a spin and DDT! Both men are down but fans rally up. Honma rises, drags Hashi up, and he CHOPS Hashi, then CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Honma whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows Hashi, to then BULLDOG! Honma tries again, KOKESHI flops again!
Fans fire back up as Hashi brings Honma up. Honma throws a forearm, but Hashi gives it back. They go back and forth again, faster and faster, and now Hashi gets the edge. Hashi CHOPS, but Honma HEADBUTTS! And now, KOKESHI! Honma goes up top now, he wants another! Hashi stands, but he deflects the Diving Kokeshi! Fans rally up as Honma crawls to a corner. Honma runs in but Hashi CHOPS him! Honma roars, Hashi CHOPS again! Hashi runs into the corner to CHOP, whip and CHOP again! Mule kick, and Hashi goes up! BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Honma is still in this but Hashi fires right up!
Hashi stands Honma back up, full nelson, pump handle, but Honma fights free! Hashi LARIATS point blank, then BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Hashi drags Honma back up, tries again, but Honma slips out of Karma! Honma shoves Hashi but Hashi comes back, Honma boots his clothesline away. But Hashi spins to CHOP! Hashi fires up and runs, but Honma dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT Hashi down! Both men are down again but fans fire up! Honma gets to a corner, Hashi sits up, BASEMENT HEADBUTT! Honma climbs up again, FALLING HEADBUTT!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Honma can’t believe it!
Fans fire up again as Honma gets back up! Honma drags Hashi up, but Hashi blocks the scoop. Fans rally as Honma CLUBS Hashi down. Honma runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but Honma stays standing! Honma drags Hashi back up, but Hashi fires a forearm! They go forehead to forehead, Hashi keeps throwing forearms but Honma gives them back. Fans rally again as they go faster and faster! Honma gets the edge, but Hashi SLAPS! Honma SLAPS so Hashi SLAPS back! Hashi eggs Honma on now, then wrenches an arm. Hashi ROCKS Honma with a forearm, wrenches and CHOPS! Hashi wrenches, but Honma HEADBUTTS!
Honma roars, runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Honma stays up on determination! Hashi LARIATS, runs, and LARIATS Honma down! Cover, TWO!! But Hashi just fires up and gets Honma to his feet. Full nelson, pump handle, KARMA!! Cover, Hashi wins!
Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Head Hunter was able to #GetBackUp after all those headbutts, and now he’s moving on!
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuji Nagata VS Hirooki Goto!
Blue Justice may have lost to the United Empire, but don’t count him out of the Cup! And though the Fierce Warrior is an IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion doesn’t mean he doesn’t want that world title! Will Goto join tag partner Hashi in the next round? Or will Nagata take one step closer to former glory?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle quickly. They tie up, Nagata waistlocks, wrenches an arm, but Goto rolls to wrench back. Nagata kicks Goto away and the two reset. They feel out the grapple, knuckle lock, and Nagata gets around again. Goto wrenches, hammerlocks, but Nagata slips around to facelock then chinlock. Goto slips through to hammerlock Nagata on the mat, then shifts to a chinlock. Nagata slips out the back to hammerlock in return. Goto fights up to his feet, gets the ropes, and the ref calls the ropebreak. Nagata lets go, but KICKS Goto as he backs off. Goto shrugs it off and fans rally up again.
Goto and Nagata reset, feel out the grapple again and tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Nagata headlocks, Goto powers up and out but to get the headlock for his own. Nagata powers out, but Goto runs Nagata over with a shoulder! Goto keeps on Nagata with kicks and forearms but Nagata hits back. Goto ROCKS Nagata and stomps him into the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in but Nagata BOOTS him down! Fans cheer while Goto bails out. Nagata pursues, KICKS Goto and fires forearms against the railing. Nagata brings Goto around to whip into the railing, but Goto boots back! Goto swings, Nagata dodges, Goto hits post!
The ref checks on Goto but he’s okay to continue. Nagata sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! And then KICK him in the chest! The ring count starts, Nagata drags Goto up and into the ring at 7 of 20. Nagata KICKS the bad arm, then stomps the shoulder. Nagata drags Goto back up, wrenches the bad arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! ARMBAR! Goto clasps hands, and his leg gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go at 4, and fans rally up again. Nagata KICKS Goto more, stomps him more, then KICKS him again. Nagata gets the bad arm, wrenches through and bends it against the shoulder. ELBOW BREAKER!
Goto drops to his knees but fans cheer. Nagata KICKS Goto again! Nagata eggs Goto on and Goto grits his teeth, Nagata KICKS him again! Goto glares so Nagata KICKS! Goto blocks the kick to CLUB the knee, then HEADBUTT Nagata down! Fans fire up as Goto gets back up. Nagata gets up and now Goto KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURAMASA! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Goto drags Nagata back up, only for Nagata to go for the double wristlock! Goto CLUBS away on Nagata but Nagata holds on. Nagata then ROCKS Goto, runs, but gets run over!
Goto KICKS Nagata in the back, then catches his breath. Nagata goes outside, Goto pursues, but Nagata mule kicks back. Nagata whips Goto into railing, but Goto comes back to LARIAT! Fans continue to rally and the ring count starts. Goto drags Nagata up with one good arm, CLUBS him, then bumps him off the apron. The count is 10 of 20 but Goto still brings Nagata around to smack off the apron. Goto pushes Nagata in and fans rally as Goto fires himself up. Goto climbs, but Nagata SLAPS him down! Nagata climbs, Goto fires forearms but Nagata eggs him on! Goto keeps throwing forearms, but Nagata ROCKS Goto back!
Nagata keeps throwing forearms, and now they brawl up top! Nagata gets the edge, stands Goto up, SUPER EXPLODER!! Nagata crawls to the cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata grits his teeth as he gets up, but Goto crawls to the corner. Goto drags himself up, Nagata runs in and BOOTS him! But Goto fires off forearms! Nagata ROCKS Goto back, whips corner to corner, but Goto comes back! Goto fights the clinch, Nagata fires more forearms! Nagata runs, Goto follows and LARIATS again! Goto roars, drags Nagata up and fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!
Goto keeps focus as fans rally up again. Goto drags Nagata up and into the dragon sleeper! Nagata powers through to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down again and fans keep rallying! Nagata slowly sits up but Goto follows. Nagata and Goto throw forearms from the mat, then stand to throw faster and faster! Goto ROCKS Nagata, Nagata ROCKS Goto, and they keep going! Goto gets the edge, Nagata wobbles and drops to a knee, Goto KICKS him down! Fans rally again and Goto powers up. Goto runs, but Nagata roars and catches the arm! NAGATA LOCK II!! Goto endures the crossface, crawls around, but Nagata shifts to a DISARMER!
Goto endures as Nagata’s eyes roll back in his head! Goto still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go at 4, and fans are thunderous as Nagata roars! Nagata waits on Goto to rise, and he KICKS Goto again! And again! And again! Nagata has the arm, ELBOW BREAKER! Goto staggers back to a corner, Nagata runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Nagata reels Goto in, SAI- NO! Goto clubs his way free and covers, TWO! Nagata BOOTS, but Goto ducks the enziguri! Goto has the legs, GOTO SHIKI CLUTCH! Goto wins!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Blue Justice looked red hot, but the Fierce Warrior found a way to cool him right off! Both members of #Bishamon are through to the next round! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions encounter each other on the way to the Cup?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Togi Makabe VS Jeff Cobb!
The Rampaging King Kong lost alongside the rest of Great Bash Heel while the Hawaiian Hulk won alongside the United Empire, but fortunes could change. Will Makabe or Cobb power through to the other side?
The bell rings and fans rally as these two tie up. Cobb shoves Makabe back, they tie up again, and they break. Makabe kicks and whips, Cobb reverses but Makabe runs him over! Makabe drags Cobb up to throw him out of the ring, and then goes out after him. Makabe RAMS Cobb into the railing, SMACKS him off the apron, and then whips him, but Cobb reverses! Makabe crashes into the railing! The ring count starts and fans rally up as Cobb brings Makabe up for a headbutt! Cobb gets in the ring just to refresh the count, and he brings Makabe around. Cobb suplexes Makabe, RAMS him into the post, then carries Makabe to POST him again!
Cobb stands on Makabe right in front of the railing, but the ref counts. Cobb steps off, “apologizes,” then drags Makabe up as the ring count starts again. Makabe is dead weight so Cobb just leaves him. Cobb relaxes in the ring as the count climbs. Makabe drags himself up at 14, and in at 16! Fans cheer and Cobb is amused that Makabe made it back. Cobb stomps Makabe down, steps on him, and mocks the applause. Cobb pretends he didn’t see Makabe there, and then he sits Makabe up to JAM his knee into Makabe’s back over and over. Then Cobb hits an uppercut to the back! Cover, TWO!
Cobb hears the fans clapping, and he mocks the rhythm of “MA-KA-BE!” Cobb stands Makabe up, wrenches and Gotch lifts to carry Makabe around! SINGLE LEG SUPLEX! Makabe goes flying and fans cheer the show of strength! Cobb paces while Makabe is still down. Cobb drags Makabe up but he’s dead weight again. Makabe gets up on his own so Cobb stomps him down. Makabe eggs Cobb on so Cobb stomps him more. Cobb winds up but Makabe blocks the kick to LARIAT Cobb down! Makabe watches Cobb get up, and he runs in to corner clothesline! Makabe whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines again!
Makabe climbs up and rains down fists! He gets all ten and laughs as he brings Cobb in. Cobb blocks the suplex, CLUBS and runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Makabe brings Cobb up to whip again. Cobb reverses and Makabe bounces off buckles, Cobb RAMS him back in! Cobb then lifts Makabe, RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Cobb brings Makabe up, but Makabe fires a forearm! Cobb forearms back and they go back and forth! Cobb gets the edge, but Makabe hits back! Makabe runs, gets around, but Cobb blocks the German Suplex! Cobb throws elbows but Makabe CLUBS away!
Makabe runs again, but Cobb LARIATS! Makabe is right back up! And he LARIATS Cobb down! Fans fire up with Makabe and he climbs the corner. KING KONG- NO! Cobb avoids the knee drop and Makabe crashes down! Cobb gets up, goes back to Makabe and stands him up, but Makabe fires forearms! Cobb fires boxing elbows, but Makabe gives back more forearms! Cobb throws even more elbows, but Makabe kicks low. Makabe runs, LARIATS, but Cobb stays up! So Makabe runs again, but into another LARIAT! Cobb gets Makabe up, reels him in, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Rampaging King Kong ain’t got nothing on Cobb! Will even more stars in this massive NJ Cup field end up taking a Tour of the Island in the near future?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Toru Yano VS Taichi!
Another Great Bash Heel rebounding from a loss takes on the Holy Emperor, who is also rebounding from a loss. Yano is once again Mr. KOPW, but could a loss here put Taichi on his dance card?
Fans rally “Y T R!” as Yano puts all his things aside. Miho Abe helps Taichi with his things, and Taichi shows off the dancing pecs. Yano gets impatient with the ref as he does his check, and then the bell rings. Yano is very anxious while Taichi makes sure his hair is nice. Taichi offers Yano a chance to untie a buckle pad? Fans rally up but Yano seems unsure. Taichi stays back, Yano says he won’t fall for that trick! Maybe Taichi should untie a buckle pad at the same time? Taichi says Yano can go first but Yano insists. Taichi sighs and goes to untie the buckle pad, and Yano rolls him up! TWO, and Yano hurries to untie the buckle pad!
Taichi CLUBS Yano, whips him to ropes, but Yano holds ropes. Yano then deflects the boot, SLAPS Taichi and throws him out! Yano goes out after Taichi and brings him up to whip into railing! Miho goes to check on Taichi and Yano goes to look under the ring. Yano brings out a tarp! Fans rally with Yano as he brings the tarp over, but Taichi uses Miho as a shield! Yano can’t harm The Diva, but he decides to bag her! Taichi stops Yano from capturing Miho and kicks Yano to then whip Yano into railing! Taichi CHOKES Yano with both hands! The ref reprimands, Taichi lets off, and Taichi picks up the tarp bag.
Fans fire up as Taichi drags Yano up and puts the tarp around Yano! Taichi then shoves Yano over and hurries back into the ring. The ring count starts while Yano fights the bag! Yano gets up, runs into the apron and then into the railing! The count is 10 of 20, Yano still isn’t sure where he is! Yano bumps into the ring at 15, realizes what he’s touching, and he manages to roll in at 19! But Taichi covers, TWO!! Fans rally up, and Taichi drags Yano up. Taichi reels Yano in, but Yano resists the lift! Taichi keeps trying, but Yano back drops free! Yano and the ref get the tarp bag off him, and fans rally up!
Taichi is upset with the ref, so he puts the ref in the tarp! Yano rolls Taichi up, but the ref can’t see! Yano would’ve won but he has to go save the ref from the tarp! Yano gets the bag off the ref and goes back to Taichi. Yano whips but Taichi reverses. Yano stops from hitting the buckles, but he turns around into a GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up while Taichi waits for Yano to get up. Yano ducks the buzzsaw, and he PANTS Taichi! Taichi covers up, but he always does that to himself so… Yano still tackles Taichi down and rolls him up, TWO!! Taichi gets to the corner and still feels awkward. Yano runs in, but Taichi sends him into the bare buckles!
Taichi gets Yano hooked up, TAICHI GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Taichi resets in the corner, three point stance, RUNNING FOREARM! Cover, Taichi wins!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Producer may have gotten under the Holy Emperor’s skin, he couldn’t get in his head! Taichi still comes out the winner, will he look to take both the KOPW and New Japan Cup trophies?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOH!
The Ace closed out the 50th Anniversary Show with a victory, while Direct Drive opened the show with a loss. But the New Japan Cup is the great equalizer! Who wins and moves on while the other has to watch from the sidelines?
Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. The bell rings and fans clap, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi and Yoh circle, tie up, and Yoh shoots around. Tanahashi blocks but Yoh rolls. They clinch and end up on the ropes, and Tanahashi lets off cleanly. Yoh and Tanahashi tie up again, and Yoh wrenches Tanahashi’s arm to a wristlock. Tanahashi fights through, wrenches back and hammerlocks. Yoh drops to drop toehold and floats to a facelock. Tanahashi slips through to facelock but Yoh slips out, too, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Yoh and Tanahashi circle again as fans rally back up.
They feel out the grapple, knuckle lock, and they go shoulder to shoulder in the test of strength. Tanahashi bends Yoh back but Yoh bridges. Yoh powers back up to go shoulder to shoulder again! Yoh trips Tanahashi, gets a cording hold, but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi fights up, Yoh shifts to a hammerlock then headlock. Tanahashi endures the grind, powers up and wrenches free. Tanahashi has a top wristlock, spins Yoh for a headlock, and he grinds Yoh down. Yoh pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Yoh throws body shots. Yoh tries but can’t power out as Tanahashi holds tight! Fans rally as Yoh endures.
Yoh moves around, fights back up, but Tanahashi grinds the hold more. Yoh still pries the hold open, only for Tanahashi to clamp it on tighter! Fans cheer as Tanahashi thrashes the hold. Yoh endures, fights up and powers Tanahashi to a corner. Tanahashi lets off, Yoh is free, but then Tanahashi throws a body shot! Tanahashi puts Yoh in the corner for more shots, then whips corner to corner. Yoh goes up and over and arm-drags Tanahashi to then dropkick the legs out! Fans rally while both men are down. Yoh gets up while Tanahashi clutches his leg. Yoh stomps the leg, then steps over and YANKS it!
Yoh comes back to basement dropkick Tanahashi’s bad leg! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps on the leg with a HEEL HOOK! Tanahashi endures and fans rally up. Tanahashi drags himself and Yoh back to get the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go cleanly, then stomps Tanahashi’s legs. Tanahashi eggs Yoh on so Yoh stomps the leg more and more! Tanahashi still eggs him on as he gets up. Yoh kicks the bad leg, and then throws forearms. Tanahashi fires forearms in return! Yoh kicks the bad leg again, but Tanahashi blocks! DRAGON- NO! Yoh slips through, only for his next kick to be blocked! DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and fans rally up!
Tanahashi hobbles over to drag Yoh up, and Tanahashi fires off fast strikes. Tanahashi has Yoh in the corner, brings him out to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he hops up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Tanahashi waits on Yoh. Yoh slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, and he dropkicks Yoh’s legs out! Tanahashi gets the legs, TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Yoh endures and reaches out, but Tanahashi drags him from the ropes! Fans rally as Yoh powers up and drags himself back over! But Tanahashi sits deep on the hold! Yoh still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while Tanahashi lets go!
Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “DI-RECT DRIVE!” Tanahashi stomps Yoh’s bad leg. Tanahashi runs, but Yoh uppercuts! Yoh wrenches, Tanahashi dodges, but Yoh blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally as Yoh returns the favor! Tanahashi gets to ropes and drags himself up. Yoh hurries to get the leg while Tanahashi’s in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And then GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Then a roll into STAR GAZER! Tanahashi endures and Yoh wants the other leg, but he keeps on the leg he has! Tanahashi moves around, Yoh drives in elbows! Tanahashi reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
Yoh lets go and fans cheer while both men are down again. Yoh grows frustrated, but he dropkicks Tanahashi’s bad leg again! Tanahashi clutches the knee but Yoh brings him up. Yoh reels Tanahashi in, suplexes, but Tanahashi fights it to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi holds on, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi gets Yoh up, gets the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally while both men are down again. Tanahashi adjusts his kneepads, gets back up, and he fires himself up. Yoh rises, Tanahashi runs, but Yoh slips around! Full nelson, but Tanahashi breaks it! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Tanahashi crawls to a corner and Yoh shakes his head as fans fire up. Yoh runs in at Tanahashi and hits a back elbow! Yoh hauls Tanahashi up to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Yoh CLUBS away on Tanahashi, stands him up, but Tanahashi resists the superplex! Fans rally and Tanahashi throws body shots! Tanahashi ROCKS Yoh with a forearm and Yoh falls to the mat! Yoh slowly gets up and Tanahashi adjusts, but Yoh GAMANGIRIS first! Yoh climbs back up, brings Tanahashi up, SUPERPLEX! And roll through! FALCON- NO! Tanahashi slips free, but Yoh uppercuts! Yoh runs, into a SLINGBLADE!
Fans fire up and Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi waits on Yoh, then runs, but Yoh dodges! Yoh hits a SLINGBLADE back! Fans fire up with Yoh and he brings Tanahashi up! FALCON USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and Yoh roars in frustration! Fans fire up again as Yoh drags Tanahashi up. Yoh full nelsons, but Tanahashi resists! Tanahashi elbows free and Yoh staggers to a corner. Tanahashi runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Yoh flounders his way over and roars again! Yoh drags Tanahashi back up, underhooks the arms, but Tanahashi resists the lift! Tanahashi full nelsons but now Yoh elbows free!
Yoh slips around to backslide, but Tanahashi rolls through! Yoh has the arms, DIRECT- NO! Tanahashi fights free, SHOTEI! Tanahashi blocks the superkick to SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi roars now and he drags Yoh back up. Full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Ace would not be denied! Tanahashi shows respect to Yoh with a fist bump, but is this just the beginning of Tanahashi’s rise back to the top?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi!
Both LIJ and House of Torture won in big tag matches, but now it’s just down to Uncontrollable Charisma VS Tokyo Pimp. Will Naito keep the Cup tranquilo? Or will he get hit with some Pimp Juice?
As usual, Naito takes his time putting his entrance attire away. Fans rally up as Naito is almost done. The bell rings and Naito stares down with Yujiro. They slowly circle, but then Naito backs off as Yujiro takes a big step. Yujiro still grapples Naito and they end up on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak but Naito turns things around. Yujiro turns things back, the ref wants a clean break. Yujiro pats Naito on the shoulder before backing off. Fans rally up again as the two circle. They tie up and Naito wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Yujiro rolls, wrenches back, but Naito wrenches and hammerlocks.
Yujiro goes to ropes, the ref calls the ropebreak. Naito lets off but Yujiro turns things back around. The ref calls for the break, and again Yujiro pats Naito on the shoulder as he lets off. Naito keeps cool and fans rally up again as they circle again. They feel out the knuckle lock, and Naito kicks low! Naito CLUBS away on Yujiro, whips him to ropes and arm-drags! Naito kicks, snapmares and wraps on a chinlock. Yujiro endures as Naito grinds him down, and Yujiro reaches out to get a ropebreak with his foot! Naito lets off, grinds the hold, then lets off again, just to grind again. The ref reprimands and counts, and Naito lets off for real.
Naito stomps Yujiro, drags him up and cravats for a neck wrench. Yujiro endures, Naito CLUBS him down then whips him. Yujiro holds ropes, Naito runs in, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Naito rolls all the way out the other side, and fans rally up. Yujiro goes out after Naito to drag him up and put him back in. Yujiro stomps Naito, drags him up, and snapmares him down so he can BASEMENT BOOT him! Cover, TWO! Yujiro grows annoyed but fans rally up for “NA-I-TO!” Yujiro wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Naito down. Naito endures, but Yujiro changes up his grip to grind better. Naito reaches out and gets the ropebreak.
Yujiro lets off, and he brings Naito up. Naito throws body shots but Yujiro knees low. Leg sweep FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yujiro is annoyed again but fans keep rallying up. Yujiro drags Naito up, reels him in and fisherman’s, but Naito blocks the lift! Yujiro gets Naito up but Naito knees free! Naito kicks, turns Yujiro and hits the NECKBREAKER! Fans rally up while Yujiro flounders. Naito gets Yujiro up to fire off punches and kicks, then he whips to hip toss and basement dropkick! Naito whips Yujiro to a corner, runs in and JUPM KICKS! Leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON!
Fans fire up while Naito strikes his pose. Cover, TWO! Naito grinds his boot into Yujiro’s head, then brings him up. Yujiro CHOPS, but Naito doesn’t budge. Yujiro CHOPS, then throws forearms. Naito eggs him on so Yujiro throws more forearms. Naito then fires off forearm after forearm in return! Naito CLUBS away on Yujiro, but Yujiro blocks the kick to trip Naito! Yujiro runs, BASEMENT BOOT! Pieter dances while fans rally up, and Yujiro drags Naito up. Yujiro knees Naito against ropes, and again, then backs up to run in and BOOT Naito! Yujiro then reels Naito in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally as Naito is still in this. Yujiro gets up, drags Naito up and reels him in. Naito resists Incolle Slam with elbows, but Yujiro kicks and whips. Naito reverses, kicks back, but Yujiro ducks the enziguri! Yujiro reels Naito back in, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while both men are down. Yujiro grows frustrated but he drags Naito back up. Yujiro fireman’s carries, but Naito fights free! Naito spins Yujiro around, kicks and throws back elbow after back elbow! Yujiro drops to his knees, but Naito brings him back up. Naito throws more back elbows, Yujiro drops again. Fans rally, Naito kicks at Yujiro while he’s down.
Naito brings Yujiro back up, throws more back elbows, but Yujiro ducks to kick back! Yujiro runs, into an atomic drop and ENZIGURI! Yujiro staggers around, Naito has him in the corner. Naito hops up, reels Yujiro in, ESPERANZA! Fans fire up and Pieter is worried as Naito aims from the corner. Yujiro slowly rises, Naito grins and runs in, CORRIENDO- NO! Mule kick! Yujiro swings, but into Naito’s full nelson! Naito hooks a leg but Yujiro slips out to fireman’s carry! MIAMI SHINE! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but both men are down as fans rally up! Yujiro and Naito stir and crawl to opposite corners.
Naito sits up, Yujiro crawls his way over. Yujiro brings Naito up, throws a forearm, but Naito comes back to forearm Yujiro! Yujiro forearms back, but Naito smirks and forearms again! The forearms keep flying back and forth, over and over! Fans fire up as they pick up speed! Yujiro gets the edge, but Naito comes back with more! Yujiro fires off more! Yujiro CLUBS away on Naito’s back! He reels Naito in, but no Pimp Juice as Naito shoves him away! But Yujiro SUPERKICKS back! Yujiro drags Naito up, reels him in, BIG- NO! No Juice! GERMAN SUPELX from Naito! Yujiro flounders up, into Naito’s ROLLING KICK!
Naito whips, Yujiro reverses but Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Naito gets Yujiro on his feet. Naito goes to scoop but Yujiro RAMS Naito into the ref! Yujiro scrambles away but Naito hurries after. But here comes Sho and Evil! They attack Naito and CLUB him down! Then they stomp away on him! Sho and Evil smile but fans rally up for “L I J!” Evil and Sho whip Naito into a corner, then Sho runs in to forearm smash! Evil runs in to clothesline! Naito flops down, but fans still rally up. Evil and Sho drag Naito back up and set him up for Yujiro. Yujiro says he wants to do this himself, fair and square?!
Fans cheer for Tokyo Pimp’s sudden sense of honor! Evil and Sho are rather surprised, but they let Naito down. Yujiro asks they leave, and Evil and Sho leave! Fans are thunderous as Yujiro dares Naito to get up! Naito stands, Yujiro reels him in, for a LOW BLOW! So much for fair and square! House of Torture cracks up at their own trolling, and Yujiro runs to LARIAT Naito down! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and Yujiro is shocked! Sho distracts the ref, Evil gets Yujiro the pimp cane! Yujiro aims, but Naito ducks the cane shot to LOW BLOW Yujiro back! Naito DECKS Sho, then ROLLING JACKKNIFES Yujiro! Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The House of Torture’s joking around just cost them! But then Evil gets in to stomp away on Naito! Young Lions get in but get thrown back out! Evil drags Naito back up, reels him in, but Naito slips free! Naito pops Evil up to LOW BLOW him, too! Naito tranquilos, having thwarted the House of Torture all by himself! But will the King of Darkness look to personally keep Naito from the Cup?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Kazuchika Okada VS El Desperado!
The Rainmaker, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, takes on the Rogue Luchador, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! But only one can move on to the next round, who proves they are the superior champion?
Fans cheer as the two champions stare down. The titles are put aside, the bell rings and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” as he and Desperado circle. They approach, stare down, and Desperado points out the height difference. Desperado then stomps Okada’s foot and headlocks him! Okada fights up and powers out, Desperado rams shoulders with him, but neither falls! Desperado runs again, rams Okada again, but still neither falls. Okada runs, Desperado squares up, but Okada still runs him over. Okada drags Desperado up, gut wrenches, but Desperado arm-drags free! And he arm-drags Okada again!
Okada ducks the third time, waistlocks and wristlocks to ripcord, but Desperado ducks the lariat! Desperado rolls Okada up, TWO! But Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER! Okada scrambles to the ropes and Desperado lets him go. Okada gets out of the ring as fans rally up. Desperado waits on Okada and Okada goes around the way. Okada gets in, Desperado slides out to drag Okada out and RAM into the railing! Desperado ROCKS Okada with a haymaker, then whips him hard into railing! Okada drops to his knees, but Desperado drags him up to POST him! The ring count starts as Desperado stomps Okada down.
Desperado puts Okada in and stomps Okada more. Desperado digs his knee into Okada’s back with the chinlock. Okada endures so Desperado shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Desperado stands on Okada, lets off the stretch and runs to fake Okada out and stomp his leg! Desperado SPLASHES the leg, then covers, ONE! Okada still has that heavyweight strength but Desperado keeps cool. Desperado brings Okada up to CLUB him on the neck. Desperado CLUBS Okada down, then brings him in for a suplex. Okada blocks, throws body shots, then RAMS Desperado into a corner. Okada puts Desperado up top but Desperado boots him away!
Desperado runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while Desperado writhes. Okada keeps his cool and drags Desperado up. Okada throws Desperado out, brings him up and whips him hard into railing! Desperado slumps down, Okada drags him back up and whips him hard the other way! Desperado staggers and falls but Okada stalks him around the way. Okada drags Desperado up and into the ring, and he drags Desperado around for a cocky pin. Red Shoes says that is no good after all those railing crashes. Desperado pushes Okada’s foot away anyhow, and Okada drags Desperado up.
Desperado throws body shots but Okada doesn’t budge. Desperado throws more hands but Okada kicks low. Okada turns Desperado for a NECKBREAKER! Okada follows Desperado as he rolls away, and Okada covers. TWO, but Okada clamps on a chinlock. Desperado endures, fans rally up, but Okada pulls back harder on the hold. Desperado fights around but Okada pulls back even harder! Desperado reaches out and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets off quickly and fans rally up more. Okada drags Desperado up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the apron to slingshot senton! Fans cheer while Desperado writhes.
Okada waits on Desperado to get up. Desperado leans against ropes, Okada brings him up, but Desperado CHOPS! Okada doesn’t budge, so Desperado CHOPS and fires forearms. Okada just EuroUppers Desperado off his feet! Okada eggs Desperado on and fans rally up. Desperado drags himself up the ropes, CHOPS again and again, and again and again! Okada knees low, whips Desperado, but Desperado reverses and dodges to dropkick the leg out! Okada falls over and fans fire up while both men are down! Okada manages to get up first, but Desperado kicks the bad leg. And KICKS it again!
Desperado whips, Okada reverses but Desperado dropkicks the leg out again! Desperado hurries to get Okada up, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado still holds the leg, and he SMASHES the knee into the mat! Desperado YANKS the leg, SPLASHES it, then ties it up in an Indian Deathlock, that he turns into a BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Desperado taunts Okada now as he pushes down on the knees. Okada CHOPS and Desperado “falls” to add more pressure. Okada CHOPS again but that only gives Desperado another reason to fall back. Desperado adds more and more pressure, but Okada crawls around to reach out!
Desperado gets the arms and drags Okada away from ropes. Okada throws forearms but Desperado “falls” again! Okada reaches out to get the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off, but “Oops!” He drops knees on the knee. Fans rally while Okada clutches his leg. Desperado drags Okada up, gets the leg, but Okada clubs him away. Desperado keeps Okada from getting away, though, and gives him the SHIN BREAKER! Okada hobbles to a corner, Desperado runs in but Okada dodges! Okada puts Desperado up top and DROPKICKS him to the floor! Desperado writhes on the outside while Okada clutches his leg inside the ring.
Red Shoes starts a ring count but Okada goes out to fetch Desperado. Fans rally up, Okada drags Desperado up and gives him a DDT to the floor! Red Shoes checks on Desperado but he’s okay to continue. Fans rally up, Okada gets in the ring and walks off the pain in his leg. The ring count starts while Desperado is still down. Desperado stirs at 5 of 20, gets to railing at 10 of 20 and uses those to drag himself up at 14. Desperado hobbles over at 16 and in at 17. Okada gets Desperado up to DDT again! Cover, TWO! Desperado is still in this and fans cheer. Okada drags Desperado back up, Alabama lifts, but Desperado flails to fight it!
Okada keeps trying but Desperado finally gets free! Desperado CLUBS Okada, whips him but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but Desperado dodges! Desperado runs in but into a BOOT! Okada runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up! Desperado gets himself to ropes and stands up. Desperado stomps Okada’s leg, then stands on Okada’s face while mocking the Rainmaker Pose! Okada gets up and gets in Desperado’s face. Desperado CHOPS, but Okada doesn’t flinch. Desperado CHOPS again, but still nothing. Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS and finally Okada feels something! Okada SHOTGUN dropkicks back!
Fans fire up as Okada’s chest is turning reddish purple! Okada drags Desperado up and scoops to SLAM him! Okada goes to the corner and climbs up, but Desperado gets under the jump! The leg jams, Desperado CHOP BLOCKS it! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Okada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Desperado brings Okada up, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Desperado goes up top and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Desperado roars in frustration! Fans are thunderous as Desperado gets Okada back up! Desperado underhooks, no Pinche! Alabama lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER!
Fans rally harder than ever and Okada drags Desperado back up. Okada wrenches to the MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures but he’s fading as Okada leans his weight on him! Desperado fights up, arm-drags free and kicks low. Desperado whips, Okada reverses and DROPKICKS! Okada gets up, he gets the arm, MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures again and fans rally, he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go quickly and both men are down, catching their breath. Fans continue to rally, Okada grits his teeth and drags Desperado up. Scoop and SLAM, and Okada goes back up the corner. MACHO ELBOW! And Rainmaker Pose!
Fans fire up as Okada drags Desperado back up. Okada wristlocks, but Desperado elbows free! Okada reels Desperado in but Desperado RAMS Okada into buckles. Desperado runs, blocks the boot, and puts the leg on ropes to dropkick the bad leg! Desperado gets Okada up, has the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up while Okada and Desperado are down again. Desperado staggers over, wants the leg, but Okada boots him away. Desperado kicks the bad leg but Okada elbows Desperado. Okada whips Desperado, DROP- DRAGON SCREW! Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER!! And NUMERO DOS!!
Fans are thunderous again as Okada endures! Okada scrambles around, reaches out, but Desperado rolls him away from ropes! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Okada endures as he has no free limb to fight with!! Fans are electric now, Okada fights to get an arm free! Okada crawls, reaches, but Desperado rolls him again! But Okada uses that to slip out to MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures, fights up, but Okada uses that to ROLLING LARIAT! Okada drags Desperado back into MONEY CLIP! Fans rally, Desperado endures, but Okada cranks the hold! Desperado keeps fighting, but Okada drags him away from ropes!
Desperado reaches, flails, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks, Okada squeezes tight, the arm falls once! Is Desperado still in this? Okada lets Desperado go?! Okada drags Desperado up to short arm LARIAT! Okada dares Desperado to do something and fans rally again. Desperado is awake, Okada dares him to get up! Desperado gets up, for Okada to LARIAT back down! Okada roars, drags Desperado back up and ripcords, but Desperado ROCKS him! PINCHE LOCO!! Rolling underhooks, but Okada powers out to gut wrench! Desperado fights and flails to turn this around, but Okada elbows him away.
Okada ROCKS Desperado! Desperado LOCO MONOS! Desperado roars, drags Okada up and reels him back in, PINCHE- NO! Okada back drops free! Desperado gets up, but into the DROPKICK! But he’s back up again! Okada gut wrenches, LANDSLIDE! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Rogue Luchador gave it his all, but he still falls short! Is the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion still not on that top level yet? What will it take for him to reach that level?
As for Okada, he gets the mic to tell Desperado, “As expected, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is strong, cool, and amazing. But that’s not all a NJPW Junior can be. Juniors can make history, like Sayama and Liger did before. Do what you have to do to make us Heavyweights jealous! You can do that, can’t you?!” Fans cheer that sentiment. As for the crowd, Okada thanks them for their passionate and enthusiastic support today. “Yesterday, pro-wrestling. Today, pro-wrestling. Everyone, thank you so much.”
Okada then points out, “This year’s New Japan Cup is different. The Heavyweight and Junior champions are in it. The fights will only get more exciting from here. Today wasn’t all, we’re just getting started. New Japan will keep delivering, so please keep supporting us!” Fans cheer that sentiment, too, and even clap for “NEW JAPAN! NEW JAPAN!” Okada then says, “If you think Okada’s winning this, clap three times.” They clap three times! Okada says, “Leave it to me. If I don’t win as champion, it won’t be worth it. I will win this New Japan Cup! And I’ll keep making it rain!”
Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion make it through the biggest field in this tournament’s history? Or will he have to watch out for Master Wato in the next round?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW to open this tournament! No Young Lions so no matches to skip, we got a great showing from everyone here. Well, okay, Taka was definitely putting Cima over but it was a very good opening match to the entire tournament. Honma VS Hashi, Nagata VS Goto, Makabe VS Cobb, all great, solid matches. Yano bringing out that tarp bag was great, could’ve even been a hint at a KOPW 2022 match. Taichi getting the win does put the possibility of him facing Yano, but he’s also just moving on in the tournament. In fact, with no Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Taihci gets a by all the way to March 14th, the Sweet Sixteen! Maybe they put in a KOPW match to fill a card out?
Tanahashi VS Yoh was also very good, Yoh looked great but it makes a lot of sense for Tanahashi to move on. He’ll have a good match with Bad Luck Fale next round and surely move on again. Naito VS Yujiro was very good, especially with that clever swerve with House of Torture. But Naito gets the win, maybe LIJ will feud with House of Torture post New Japan Cup, but for now, Naito will get a win off Gedo next round, too. And then Okada VS Desperado, that was definitely a match worthy of the Heavyweight VS Junior Heavyweight champions. Okada won but he said it right, Desperado looked awesome. The Rainmaker is going to bring out the best in Wato but will surely win and face Taichi in the Sweet Sixteen.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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