NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW WTL X Super Jr. Tag Results & Report! (11/22/22)
Now the big boys tag in!
World Tag League takes over night two!
The Junior Heavyweights started this series, and now the Heavyweights tag in! Will Los Ingobernables de Japon make things tranquilo?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Yuto Nakashima VS Ryohei Oiwa; Oiwa wins.
- Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe VS Kosei Fujita & Oskar Leube; Honma & Makabe win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Suzuki-Gun; Double Count-Out Draw.
- World Tag League 2022: Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd VS Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls; Shane & Mikey win.
- World Tag League 2022: Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens; Suzuki & Archer win.
- World Tag League 2022: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; Goto & Hashi win.
- World Tag League 2022: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Aussie Open; Aussie Open wins.
- World Tag League 2022: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan; Naito & Sanada win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2022: Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd VS Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls!
The Android is back in action, and he’s bringing the LA Dojo’s Young Bull! But they’re going up against The Mighty, and the mighty don’t kneel. Then who will fall in the first round of WTL 2022?
The teams sort out and fans rally up already. Coughlin insists on starting and Kidd obliges. Fans rally for the return of the Android as he circles with Mikey. They tie up, Coughlin pushes Mikey to ropes, but lets off as the ref calls the ropebreak. Mikey claims tight pulling and hair pulling but the ref saw no such things. Mikey and Coughlin circle and tie up again. Coughlin pushes Mikey back again, but Mikey turns it around to have Coughlin on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak, but Coughlin avoids the cheap shot! Fans applaud as the two stand off. Mikey mocks Coughlin’s muscles and the two circle again.
Fans rally, the two tie up again, and Mikey headlocks. Mikey grinds the hold, but Coughlin powers up to power out. They ram shoulders but neither falls. Mikey dares Coughlin to try, he runs and RAMS Mikey. Mikey stays up, runs and RAMS Coughlin, but Coughlin stays up! Coughlin runs but Mikey follows to ELBOW him at the ropes. Mikey runs but Coughlin swings. Mikey ducks to then run Coughlin over! And again! Mikey whips but Coughlin whips the back drop away. Mikey comes back to facelock! Mikey suplexes and holds Coughlin up! Then the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Mikey stays on Coughlin with another facelock.
Mikey wrenches Coughlin and brings him over to tag in Shane, but Coughlin gets away. Fans rally up as Kidd reaches out. Coughlin sees Kidd fire up, and he tags him in! Fans cheer as Kidd and Shane circle. Kidd says, “OI, I’M BACK!” Fans chant for “GABE-BU! GABE-BU!” as he ties up with Shane. They’re in a deadlock, but Kidd finds a point of leverage. He puts Shane on the ropes, Shane shouts in pain and says, “Be cool, dude! Be cool!” Kidd lets off but Shane KICKS him low! Shane snapmares and basement dropkicks! Fans cheer as Shane runs, things speed up, Kidd hurdles and rolls to MONKEY FLIP Shane!
Shane sputters while fans fire up for Kidd! Kidd drags Shane up, HEADBUTTS him, then HEADBUTTS him again. Tag to Coughlin, he and Kidd double whip to run Shane over! Then they split the wishbone! Cover, TWO! Coughlin clamps onto Shane with a chinlock, Shane throws body shots but Coughlin CHOPS him on the back! Then CHOPS him in the corner! Shane is gasping and fans rally up for another! Coughlin CHOPS again! Shane falls over and Coughlin flexes! Fans fire up as Coughlin tags Kidd back in, and Kidd hooks Shane’s arms. But Shane slips free so the CHOP hits Kidd! Shane kicks Coughlin out of the ring and brings Kidd up.
Shane whips Kidd to ropes and Mikey trips him up. Mikey holds Kidd so Shane can basement dropkick him, and Kidd spins around so Mikey can SLAM him on the apron! Mikey claims innocence but we all know better. Shane distracts the ref, Mikey whips Kidd into railing, then pulls on an ear! Mikey BITES Kidd on the forehead, but lets off to put Kidd in the ring. Shane drags Kidd around by an arm to drag him up. Mikey tags in, The Mighty mug Kidd, and Mikey ROCKS Kidd. Kidd flounders, Mikey taunts “Alex” but Kidd says he’s name’s Gabe! Kidd fires off forearms but Mikey DECKS him! “Your name’s Alex, ya little bitch!”
Mikey swipes at Coughlin, then he drags Kidd up. Mikey suplexes Kidd high and hard, covers, TWO! Fans rally but Mikey drags Kidd away. Mikey puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP the knee! Kidd crawls but Mikey stands him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And then Mikey puts Kidd on ropes to CHOKE and even fishhook! The ref counts, Mikey lets off, but then he digs his boots in. Mikey lets off again, and fans continue to rally for Kidd. Tag to Shane, but Kidd fights back with forearms and elbows! And CHOPS! But Shane uppercuts, Mikey reels Kidd in, BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, Coughlin breaks it!
Fans rally while Shane is annoyed. Shane KICKS Kidd in the back, then KICKS him again. And again, and again! Shane stomps Kidd out of the ring, tags Mikey, and Mikey drags Kidd up. APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kidd writhes but fans rally up. Mikey slides in to hook Kidd up in a one-arm Camel Clutch! Fans rally as Kidd endures, so Mikey switches the arms! Kidd still fights up, throws body shots and forearms, but Mikey CHOPS him down! Mikey mocks Kidd, kicks him around, but Kidd growls. Kidd stands, but Mikey CHOPS him down again! Kidd shakes his head and snarls, but Mikey slaps him around.
Kidd throws hands, Mikey throws them back! Mikey then knees low, and CHOPS Kidd down! Mikey also knocks Coughlin off the apron, but Kidd gets up to CLOBBER Mikey! Fans rally up while both men are down! Coughlin is back, he reaches out as Kidd crawls over. Hot tag to the Android! He rallies on Mikey, spins him around, and UPPERCUTS! Coughlin CHOPS Mikey in the corner! Coughlin whips corner to corner but Mikey dodges. Shane gets in, The Mighty double whip but Coughlin crisscrosses them into each other! Then he reels them both in for a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Coughlin roars!
Coughlin stalks Mikey to ropes, scoops him, and FALL AWAY SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Coughlin clamps on with a waistlock and he deadlifts Coughlin! Mikey throws elbows but Coughlin ducks one, only for Mikey to give him a DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Mikey crawls over and tags in Shane. Shane drags Coughlin up to EuroUpper again and again. Shane whips Coughlin to a corner, runs in and uppercuts again! But Kidd gets in to kick and whip, only for Shane to reverse it and reel Kidd in for a SAIDO! Shane KICKS Coughlin, BOOTS him, then reels him in for an INVERTED EXPLODER!
Shane fires up and he reels Coughlin back in. SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives but Shane drags him back up. Shane puts Coughlin up top and climbs up after him. Coughlin fights back with forearms! Shane hops down but Mikey ROCKS Coughlin with a right! Mikey gives Shane a boost back to the top rope, POWERBOMB SUPERPLEX COMBO!! Shane takes damage, too, but Mikey drags him onto the cover! But Kidd breaks it!! Mikey throws Kidd out and Shane rises up. Fans rally as Shane runs, but Coughlin catches him for the SCRAPBUSTER! Both men stir, fans rally up, and Coughlin crawls for his corner. Hot tag to Kidd!
Kidd runs in to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP Shane in the corner! Kidd shouts, “Tenzan Power!” and he uses the Mongolian Chops! Fans fire up and Kidd hits Shane with an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally behind Gabe and he drags Shane back up. But Mikey CHOPS Kidd on the back! Kidd blocks the whip but the Mighty mug him. They double whip, Kidd ducks, then holds ropes. Mikey runs in but is thrown out! Shane runs in but is also thrown out! Kidd goes to the apron, and then up the corner! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on The Mighty and the fans are thunderous! Kidd puts Shane in, covers, ONE?!!
Kidd hurries to bring Shane up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Mikey breaks it! But Coughlin kicks Mikey out, then brings Shane up. Kidd reels Shane in, SAIDO! Coughlin roars as he deadlift gut wrenches, for a BIG suplex! Fans fire up as they both flex! And then Kidd becomes Coughlin’s weapon! Coughlin lifts Kidd up, but Shane moves before the POWERBOMB! Kidd takes all the damage! Shane then dumps Coughlin out! Tag to Mikey and the Mighty go after Kidd. Mikey drags Kidd up and scoops while Shane climbs, but Coughlin returns! Coughlin ROCKS Shane, Kidd slips free, but Mikey shoves Kidd into Coughlin! Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS them down!
Mikey drags Coughlin up, gut wrenches, Shane leaps, TANK BUSTER!! The Mighty power up and the fans fire up as they get Kidd. But Kidd fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Kidd roars, but Mikey SLAPS! Shane SLAPS! The Mighty DOUBLE SLAP! And then, THUNDER VALLEY!! Cover, The Mighty win!
Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls (gain 2 points; Coughlin & Kidd earn 0)
Shane & Mikey road #TheMechanicalBulls, and they held on to win! TMDK is leading the way, but will they stay standing to the end of the World Tag League? Can Coughlin & Kidd adapt and overcome in the next round?
World Tag League 2022: Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens!
The Meanest Man in the World and the Murderhawk Monster reunite to form perhaps the meanest team in this tournament! Will they show the Rogue General & Crown Jewel that #EverybodyDies? Or will things be just Too Sweet?
As always, Archer knocks a Young Lion over during his entrance. And fans are very excited that they can once again sing along with, “KAZE NI NARE~!” The teams sort out and Archer is calling out Fale! They get chest to chest and then back off for the bell. Fans are fired up already as Archer and Fale stare down. Archer pie faces Fale but Fale pie faces him back. Archer says, “You wanna go? You wanna go!?” Archer runs the ropes, RAMS Fale, but Fale doesn’t budge! Fans fire up more and Archer dares Fale to go. Fale says okay, and Fale runs, to RAM Archer! Archer stays up and the two circle. They RAM, RAM and run, to RAM!
Fans cheer as the two behemoths are still standing. Archer flips Fale off, then tags to Suzuki. Fans rally up for the King of Pancrase, and then Fale tags to Chase. Fans rally for the Texas Heavyweight Champion as he eggs Suzuki on. Suzuki grabs that finger to bend it! Chase knees Suzuki low and throws him out of the ring! Archer runs past Chase to BLAST Fale off the apron! Archer scares the ref, and the brawling continues outside. Chase CHOKES Suzuki against railing then throws body shots. Archer rams Fale into railing, Chase claws Suzuki’s face, and Chase puts Suzuki in the ring. Chase brings Suzuki up but Suzuki throws body shots!
Suzuki ROCKS Chase with a forearm and Chase bails out. Suzuki goes out to whip Chase into railing! Chase staggers around while Archer sends Fale into railing, and a Young Lion! Yuto Nakashima falls over, and Archer just steps on him! As if losing the curtain jerker wasn’t bad enough… Archer storms over to help Suzuki mug Chase! They pulls Chase’s hair and fishhook his face! But Fale runs over to throw big hands! Suzuki CLUBS Fale, Fale continues after Archer. Suzuki CLUBS Chase and puts him back on the apron, to CLUB him in the chest! Fans rally as Suzuki gets in the ring and storms up to Chase.
Archer sends Fale into railing while Chase resists the piledriver. Chase throws forearms but Suzuki just eggs him on! Fans rally, Chase runs but Suzuki BOOTS him down! Suzuki stands Chase up to DECK him with a forearm! Chase is dazed but Suzuki puts him in a corner. Suzuki whips corner to corner, runs in and BOOTS! Suzuki snapmares then runs to PENALTY KICK, but Chase blocks it! Chase stands up to ROCK Suzuki! Or not… Suzuki glares and Chase begs for forgiveness. Suzuki says no so Chase throws another forearm. Suzuki just grins! Chase boots but Suzuki DECKS him! Suzuki waits on Chase to get up as fans rally.
Chase stands in the corner, Suzuki runs in but Chase dodges! Chase forearm smashes, and then short arm LARIATS! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Tag to Fale and Fale throws body shots on Suzuki. Suzuki staggers to a corner, Fale runs in to SPLASH! Suzuki wobbles but Fale whips him corner to corner, for another SPLASH! Fale pushes Suzuki down and runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Suzuki is still in this and fans rally up. But Fale takes aim as Suzuki stands. Choke grip, pull the pin, but Suzuki ROCKS Fale first! Suzuki grabs the arm and tries to wrangle Fale to the mat, but Fale scoops! Suzuki RANAS Fale down, into an ARMBAR!
Fale endures, kicks around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Tag to Archer and fans fire up again. Archer throws a haymaker, runs corner to corner, and back elbows! Archer keeps moving, another back elbow! And then another! Fale wobbles, Archer choke grips, but Fale choke grips back! They fight for control as fans rally, but Archer breaks free! Archer gets around to LARIAT! Fale stays up, Archer reels him in! Fans fire up as Archer suplexes, but Fale throws body shots! Fale scoops, Archer slips off and shoves Fale to ropes! Archer clotheslines Fale out of the ring! The Murderhawk Monster says he’s gonna do it, and fans fire up!
Suzuki holds Fale in place but Chase goes after Suzuki. Archer builds speed, but Fale slides in to CLOBBER Archer! The behemoths are down and Chase tags in! Chase runs in at the corner, forearm smash, short arm LARIAT! But Archer stays up! Chase ducks his lariat to CHOP BLOCK! And C-TRIGGER! Archer stays up! Archer roars, Chase SUPERKICKS! And then C-TRIGGER! Cover, ONE??!! Chase is shocked but the fans are thunderous! Chase SOBATS, AX KICKS and ROLLING ELBOWS, but Archer choke grips! CHOKE- C-TRIGGER!! C-TRIGGER AGAIN! Chase fires up, reels Archer in to tuck him in, but Archer’s too big to lift!
Suzuki CLUBS Chase and kicks him to a corner. But Fale CLUBS Suzuki and sends him out. Fale keeps after Suzuki while Chase fires off a strike fest! Chase runs but Archer follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Archer as he hauls Chase up. BIG snap suplex! Archer storms over to Chase, hauls him up top, but Chase BOOTS back! Chase aims but Suzuki scrambles up after him! SLEEPER!! The ref reprimands but Archer DECKS Fale! Archer ROCKS Chase, Suzuki says, “KILL HIM!” Inverted crucifix, for the BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, Suzuki-Gun wins!
Winners: Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Chase & Fale earn 0)
A big first win for the monsters! And to celebrate the Suzuki way, Suzuki grabs a Young Lion and sets him up for Archer! Archer DECKS Ryohei Oiwa! Some prize for winning the curtain jerker… But will Archer & Suzuki make sure #EverybodyDies in the World Tag League? Will Bullet Club be able to turn things around next round?
NJPW has an announcement!
Fantastica Mania returns for 2023! NJPW and CMLL once again team up for a lucha libre de Japon crossover! From February 22 to 28th, it’ll be a fiesta as Mistico, Volador Jr., Titán, Soberano Jr., Dulce Gardenia, Rey Cometa, Ultimo Guerrero, Hechicero, Atlantis Jr., Templario, Barbaro Cavernario, Okumura, Magia Blanca, Suicida, and Hijo del Villano III all represent CMLL here in NJPW!
World Tag League 2022: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi!
#BISHAMON and the House of Torture are no strangers to each other, and they’re going to go around one more time on the road to the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Will it be Lights Out for the King of Darkness and Tokyo Pimp? Or will Darkness Fall on the Fierce Warrior and Head Hunter?
The teams sort out, but Bishamon is ready for the sneak attack! They block the kicks and CLUB the legs! The bell rings and Hashi throws out Evil while Goto fires off on Yujiro. Bishamon double whip and double shoulder Yujiro over, then combine for the hip toss senton! Evil slides in but Bishamon scares him back out. Bishamon then catches Dick sliding in, and they DRUM him down! Fans fire up as Bishamon is in control. Goto stomps Yujiro, CLUBS him, then drags Yujiro up. Goto suplexes but Yujiro fight sit, and BITES Goto’s hand! Fans boo and the ref reprimands but Yujiro lets go. Yujiro then dodges Goto and pulls his hair, to bump him off bare buckles!
Fans boo more as the Bullet Club Special comes into play. Hashi runs in but Yujiro kicks him, to then send him into the bare buckles! Fans boo as Evil SMACKS Hashi with the blue buckle pad! Yujiro kicks Goto out, and RAMS him into railing! Evil RAMS Hashi into the timekeeper! Fans boo even more now that Abe-san is again Evil’s victim! Yujiro puts Goto in, stomps him around, then throws haymakers down. Yujiro sits Goto up and snapmares, then he runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Yujiro drags Goto up. Yujiro whips Goto into the bare buckles again! Yujiro taunts Goto then kicks him around.
Yujiro digs his boot in at the ropes but the ref counts. Yujiro stops at 4 and tags in Evil. Evil drags Goto up and throws him out. Evil distracts the ref so that Dick can DECK Goto! Fans boo Dick but he puts Goto in the ring. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is annoyed, he covers again, TWO! And again, TWO!! Fans cheer while Dick complains about the count. Evil slaps Goto but Goto CHOPS Evil! And CHOPS and CHOPS! Evil knees low, whips, but Goto avoids the buckles! Goto baits Evil in and Evil hits bare buckles! And then Goto reels Evil in for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Goto crawls to his corner, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi rallies on Evil, DECKS Yujiro, HOTSHOTS Dick, and runs in at the corner. Hashi CHOPS Evil, whips and CHOPS, then mule kicks and NECKBREAKERS! Yujiro gets in, kicks and whips Hashi but Hashi holds ropes. Yujiro runs in but into an elbow! Hashi puts Yujiro on the ropes to hang there, and then he runs side to side to DROPKICK Yujiro out onto Dick! Fans fire up with Hashi and he goes back to Evil. Hashi drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil pulls hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Hashi CHOPS Evil! Hashi runs, but Evil uses the ref as a shield!
Evil kicks Hashi, puts him up on the ref, but the ref sets Hashi down! Hashi suplexes but Evil blocks. Evil fisherman’s for the BUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up! Evil tags Yujiro and Yujiro drags Hashi up. Yujiro ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, then throws elbows in the corner. The ref reprimands as Yujiro pulls hair. Yujiro whips corner to corner, but Hashi dropkicks Yujiro’s legs out! Fans rally back up, hot tag to Goto! Goto fires off on Yujiro, whips corner to corner, then runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Goto and he drags Yujiro up. Goto fireman’s carries but Yujiro fights with elbows.
Yujiro BOOTS, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up and Goto roars! Yujiro goes to a corner, Goto runs in to clothesline! Hashi clotheslines! Then feed to the fireman’s carry, but Yujiro grabs the ref! Evil slides in to LOW BLOW Hashi! Goto swings but Yujiro uses the ref as a shield! The ref goes down, Dick gets in and he uses the SPOILER CHOKER!! Fans boo as Dick chokes Goto! But here comes YOH! Yoh fires off on Dick but then Sho shows up! Sho CLAWS Yoh’s eyes, and bumps him off the bare buckles! The fans tell Sho and Dick to go away, but the House of Torture all stomp Goto 4v1! But wait! Here comes LIO RUSH!
Sho kicks Lio, he and Dick double whip but Lio handsprings under the double lariat! Lio kicks Sho but Sho blocks. But Sho ducks the enziguri and it hits Dick! Lio then mule kicks Sho’s leg out to SPIN HEEL KICK! Evil & Yujiro mug Lio, they double whip, but Lio slides and tells ’em peace out! Evil & Yujiro turn around into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Yoh & Lio coordinate, Sho runs in, into 3K!! Lio has taken Sho’s place and fans are thunderous! Yoh & Lio drag Sho and Dick away, Hashi feeds Yujiro to Goto’s fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH, into SHOUTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Evil & Yujiro earn 0)
The House of Torture keeps trying to stack the deck, but it keeps falling apart on them! Is it about time Evil and his cohorts stop with the tricks and try to do things fair and square? As for Goto & Hashi, will be able to they fight their way back to being IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions?
World Tag League 2022: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Aussie Open!
The Joker & The Ace are back together again, hoping to have a better hand this year than they did last year. But Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher have the FTR seal of approval as the future of tag team wrestling! Will the future be now? Or will Yano & Tanahashi win with love, energy, and a bit of hijinks?
As with Catch 2/2 yesterday, the Orchestrator, Gideon Grey, is here to give the introductions for the United Empire’s representatives. Gideon even promises an ALL United Empire Finals! As for Yano & Tanahashi, they return as the high school bad boys! Black jackets, pompadours, and the squat! The teams sort out and there are plenty of Aussie Open fans here. But plenty of fans still cheer as Tanahashi shows off the muscles. Yano shouts, “SUGOI~!” Yano & Tanahashi squat again, daring someone from Aussie Open to step up. Davis & Fletcher just BOOT them down! The bell rings, Aussie Open whip but the Joker & Ace both hold the ropes to taunt them.
Aussie Open runs in but they’re sent out! And then Yano & Tanahashi squat again! Fans fire up while Aussie Open tries to figure this out. Fletcher wants just one of them, and Tanahashi stays in. Fans rally and Fletcher runs in. Tanahashi kicks Fletcher, throws forearms, then stomps him in the corner. Tanahashi whips but Fletcher reverses, only to run into another kick. Tanahashi goes up and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up as Tanahashi squats again! Tag to Yano and fans fire up more! Yano calls out Fletcher but Fletcher asks, “Nan desu ka? <What is it?>” Fletcher tags to Davis and Yano gets worried now.
Yano and Davis circle, approach, and Yano dodges to go for the buckle pad! Davis CLUBS Yano, ROCKS him, then whips corner to corner. Yano reverses to send Davis away, so he can finish with the buckle pad! Yano has it off the corner, then he dodges Davis to throw the pad to Davis! The ref reprimands Davis but he says he didn’t do it! Yano SLAPS Davis, and says Davis is “Shabai,” a play off of “Yabai,” which means “Dangerous.” And speaking of, Yano turns around and Davis ROCKS him! Dangerous indeed! But Yano pulls Davis’ hair! The ref reprimands but Fletcher jumps in to pull Yano’s hair! The ref reprimands Fletcher, but Tanahashi jumps in to pull Fletcher’s hair!
And then Davis pulls Tanahashi’s hair! The ref reprimands everyone and tells them to stop! He counts, they all let go at 4! And ten Aussie Open throws Yano & Tanahashi out! Davis goes out after Yano, Fletcher goes out after Tanahashi. Davis RAMS Yano into railing, then into more railing! Fletcher does the same to Tanahashi, and then Aussie Open DOUBLE APRON BACK SUPLEX! Fans are torn while Aussie Open throws the crowns up. The ring count starts, Davis puts Yano in at 6 of 20 and he regroups with Fletcher. They drag Yano up to double whip and DOUBLE CHOP! Fletcher PENALTY KICKS, Davis SENTONS! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up and Davis mocks the squat. Davis stomps Yano around, CLUBS him with crossface forearms, then kneels on his head while throwing up the crown. Fans are torn but Davis taunts Tanahashi. The ref keeps Tanahashi back, Davis and Fletcher stomp Yano at the ropes. Fletcher mocks the Yano shrug then tags in. Fans rally up and Fletcher wonders which is louder. Fletcher brings Yano up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Fletcher mockingly applauds, then cocky covers, TWO! Fletcher says that was close. Tag to Davis and Aussie Open mugs Yano in the corner. Davis stomps Yano down, but the ref counts.
Davis digs his boot in, and so does Fletcher! The ref is busy with an angry Tanahashi and Aussie Open gets away with it. Davis drags Yano to a cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Davis clamps onto Yano with an armlock. Yano endures as Davis wrenches the arm, and he scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! Davis lets off at 4, taunts Tanahashi, then tags Fletcher. Fletcher mocks the fans rallying for The Ace, and Fletcher drags Yano up. Yano throws body shots! Fletcher CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS Yano! But Yano pulls hair! Fletcher kicks, whips, but Yano reverses to throw Fletcher down by his hair! Fans fire up as both men stir!
Yano crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! The Ace rallies on Aussie Open! Tanahashi dodges Fletcher to fire off a strike fest! Tanahashi whips, Fletcher reverses but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Davis rushes in and kicks low. Davis CLUBS Tanahashi, he and Fletcher double whip. Tanahashi kicks Fletcher away and blocks Davis’ kick! DRAGON SCREW! Fletcher kicks, but gets a DRAGON SCREW, too! Fans fire up with Tanahashi while Fletcher clutches his leg. Fletcher stands, Tanahashi runs, but Fletcher avoids the slingblade! Fletcher throws forearms and a CHOP! Fletcher then suplexes, but Tanahashi fights that!
Tanahashi facelocks Fletcher but Fletcher wrenches out, gets around, and HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Fans rally for Aussie Open and Fletcher nods. Tag to Davis and Aussie Open drags Tanahashi up. They double wrench, double forearm, and then Davis barks and runs. But Yano trips him up! Tanahashi fights off Fletcher to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi crawls, hot tag to Yano! Yano runs in after Davis but Davis kicks low! Davis whips Yano to a corner, but Yano dodges! Davis hits buckles, Yano rolls him up! TWO!! Yano fires up and runs, but Fletcher trips him up! Davis drags Yano up as Fletcher gets in.
Fletcher points to the bare corner, Aussie Open whips Yano in! Yano hits bare buckles, but then he avoids Fletcher! Fletcher hits bare buckles, Yano atomic drops Davis and trips him! CATAPULT! Davis hits bare buckles! Tanahashi runs in to SLINGBLADE! Yano hurries to cover, but Fletcher breaks it! Fans rally as Tanahashi throws Fletcher out. Tanahashi tells Yano to finish this, as he PLANCHAS! But Fletcher dodges! Tanahashi crashes down, and Davis ENZIGURIS Yano! Davis hauls Yano up, scoops him and SLAMS him, to SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Yano is still in this and fans fire up! Davis snarls and he calls Fletcher in.
Davis fireman’s carries, Fletcher aims, but Tanahashi saves Yano! Fletcher kicks Tanahashi, feeds him to Davis, but Tanahashi throws elbows! Tanahashi is free, and he shoves Davis into Fletcher! The Joker & The Ace both roll up Aussie Open! Double covers, TWO!!! Both Yano & Tanahashi argue with the ref but two is two is two! The bad boy side comes out as they DUMP the ref down! But then Aussie Open pick them both up to SANDWICH them! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Tanahashi! Aussie Open hauls Yano up, fireman’s carry, POP-UP KICK! Cover, TWO?!?! Yano survives and shocks everyone!
Aussie Open fires up, Fletcher tags back in, and Aussie Open aim from opposite corners. They run in, DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! And then, they double pump handle, for COREALIS!!! Cover, Aussie Open wins!!
Winners: Aussie Open, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Yano & Tanahashi earn 0)
And that is why they have the FTR seal of approval! Will Davis & Fletcher solidify themselves as the future of tag team wrestling by winning World Tag League? Or can Tanahashi & Yano make up for this in the following rounds?
World Tag League 2022: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan!
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Uncontrollable Charisma & Cold Skull have been IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships before, but that was already over a year ago. Naito is running out of time and out of options, can he and Sanada make it through the tournament to go to WrestleKingdom 17? Or will the Ultimate Weapon and the Dominator ruin those chances already?
Gideon Grey of course hangs around from just last match to give the other United Empire team their introductions. The teams sort out and fans duel already between Naito and Great-O-Khan. Naito takes his time with his entrance attire as always, and LIJ fist bumps. But then Naito brings out a copy of Khan’s book? He wants Khan to sign it? Well, he is a real-life hero… Fans want Khan to sign it, too, but Khan tells Naito he’s not going to! Fans still want him to sign, and Naito keeps asking. Khan says he will sign, only if Naito kneels! Naito kneels!? Khan likes that. Khan takes the book and pen, and he signs his autograph!
Khan throws the pan aside, but struggles to put the sleeve back in place on the book. Khan shows that it’s legit, and wants Naito to relax since he’s so star struck. Naito anxiously waits to be given the book back. Fans cheer, the bell rings, and Naito trips Kahn! High stack, TWO!! Khan flounders up, into a roll-up! TWO!! Khan kicks and Mongolian Chops Naito down! Khan grabs the book, and he stomps Naito down. Khan says he’ll make Naito regret that, and he headlocks Naito with the book in place! Naito endures, fights up, and he pulls Khan’s ponytail! Red Shoes reprimands but Naito reels Khan in to kick.
Naito whips Khan, but Khan holds onto the book! It’s a tug-o-war with the book! Naito kicks low, throws Khan out then builds speed, to tranquilo! Naito reads the book! Fans rally for Naito while Khan snarls. Naito says the book is only okay. Khan glares at Naito, and Naito THROWS the book! Khan scrambles in to get the book! Naito tells Khan to calm down. Khan says Naito doesn’t deserve the book, and he keeps the copy in his corner. Tag to Sanada and Henare and fans rally as they circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Henare still throws kicks. Henare and Sanada tie collar ‘n’ elbow, and Sanada waistlocks.
Henare wrenches out to facelock, then he fires hands to put Sanada on the ropes. Henare headlocks and grinds but Sanada endures. Sanada throws body shots, powers out, but Henare runs him over. Fans fire up as Henare flexes the pecs. Things speed up, Sanada dodges and sunset flips, but Henare rolls through to get the legs. Fans fire up as Henare works out how to do the Paradise Lock! Henare can’t figure it out so he just toeholds. Henare asks Milano Collection how to do it! The instructions aren’t clear and he gets upset! Khan asks Milano but Sanada CLUBS Henare! Sanada puts Henare in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then RANAS!
Sanada rolls and he gets the legs! Sanada goes to tie Henare up in Paradise but Henare boots him away! Fans fire up as Sanada kips up and DROPKICKS Henare down! Sanada tags Naito, they bring Henare up and double whip to double hip toss! Naito then camel clutches Henare for Sanada to basement dropkick him! Cocky cover, ONE! Naito keeps cool and fans rally up. Naito drags Henare up, cravats, but Henare throws body shots. Naito CLUBS Henare again and again, but Henare just snarls! Henare swings, but into a spin! Naito goes to scoop but Henare scoops first! Naito slips off and shoves Henare to ropes, then he dodges, but Henare hits a THESZ PRESS!
Khan runs in to BLAST Sanada off the apron. Khan goes out after Sanada while Henare looms over Naito. Henare throws knees into Naito and dumps him out of the ring. Khan CHOKES Sanada with a microphone cord, and Sanada’s coughs can be heard on the speakers. Henare drags Naito up on the apron and has him against the ropes. Henare gives Naito BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Naito falls over at about five, so Henare stands on him while tagging in Khan. Khan looms over Naito, talks some trash, and stands on Naito’s face. Red Shoes counts and Khan lets off. Khan drags Naito up to CHOKE him with the ponytail!
Khan keeps Red Shoes from seeing but fans boo. Henare get in to mug Naito with body shots, then Khan whips Naito into the corner. Khan hops up to sit on his throne! Gideon laughs but Naito grabs for Khan’s ponytail. Khan stomps Naito by pulling his arms back for the reverse motorcycle stretch! Red Shoes counts, but Henare runs into KNEE Naito in the back! Khan pushes Naito down for a cradle, TWO! Fans rally up for Naito but Khan tags Henare. Khan stands on Naito’s legs to keep him down, and Henare stomps Naito on the back. Red Shoes reprimands but Henare drags Naito up. Henare clinches to throw knees, then he snapmares and KICKS Naito, for a SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Naito more but Henare drags him up again. Henare HEADBUTTS Naito to the corner, throws body shots, and Khan likes how sharp they are. Tag to Khan, he stands Naito up and Henare holds him in place. Khan taunts Sanada, then Mongolian Chops Naito! And again! Khan drags Naito out to Mongolian Chop him down! Cover, but Red Shoes sees the sneaky choke. Khan says that’s not a choke. Naito pulls ponytail but Khan stomps him down. Gideon gives Khan the book, and Khan stomps Naito down. Khan tells Naito to kiss the book! Naito pushes up against Khan’s iron fist! Naito throws the book out of the ring!!
Khan is furious and he fires off on Naito! Khan ROCKS Naito at the ropes, whips him, but Naito reverses to elbow! Khan rushes in but into a spin and turn. Khan fights the neckbreaker, runs, but into a SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Naito and Khan crawl, Khan tries to stop Naito but Naito tags Sanada! Sanada brings Khan up and fires off forearms. Sanada whips, Khan reverses but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Henare runs in but into a dropkick! Sanada dropkicks Khan! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Sanada storms up to Khan.
Sanada drags Khan up but Khan Mongolian Chops! But Sanada blocks! And blocks again! Sanada uses Mongolian Chops! Sanada trips Khan, and SWINGS him around! Fans fire up seeing the Giant Swing! Sanada lets off at about seven, and he dizzily staggers around! Henare ROCKS Sanada with a right, and Sanada falls onto Khan’s groin!! Red Shoes reprimands Henare but he points out the Falling Skull! Khan sputters and falls out of the ring! Gideon fans him off, and Sanada sits up, having no idea what just happened. Sanada aims at Khan, but Khan avoids the plancha! Khan stands up, Sanada slingshots, but Henare trips him up!
Henare throws Sanada back in for Khan to whip! SAYANAGI! Fans fire up while both men are down. Khan drags Sanada up and puts him in the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Sanada endures the Sheep Killer, but Naito runs in! Khan scoops Sanada to swing him into Naito! Henare gets in to help Khan with FUBUKI!! Sanada endures being thrashed around, into MARINE!! Cover, TWO!! But Khan sits Sanada up for Henare’s PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives again and fans fire up! Henare & Khan drag Sanada up and whip him corner to corner. Khan whips Henare in but Sanada avoids the knee! Sanada dropkicks Khan’s legs out!
Sanada RANAS- NO, Henare blocks the huricanrana! Henare swings Sanada up, but Sanada RANAS on the second try! Fans fire up as Sanada crawls for his corner, hot tag to Naito! Naito drags Khan up by the ponytail, and he CLUBS away! Naito whips, ELBOWS, then runs to basement dropkick! Fans rally as Naito brings Khan back up to whip to a corner. Naito runs in, JUMP KICK, leg sweep, COMBI- NO! No combination! EXPLODER from Khan! Both men are down and fans duel as Khan tags Henare! Henare roars and drags Naito up. Henare ROCKS Naito with big shots, then fires off in the corner!
Henare whips Naito corner to corner but Naito reverses. Naito runs in but into an elbow! Henare goes up but Naito ducks the flying kick! Naito spins Henare around to throw ELBOW after ELBOW! Henare wobbles but he throws a body shot! Henare whips, Naito reverses, Sanada kicks Henare into the atomic drop! ENZIGURI to BIG back suplex! Rolling jackknife, TWO!! Fans fire up as Henare survives the LIJ combination! Naito drags Henare up and puts him in a corner. Naito throws ELBOW after ELBOW, then he hoists Henare up top. Naito climbs up but Henare hops down! Henare carries Naito out of the corner but Naito fights free!
Naito kicks and uses ropes, but Henare blocks the tornado! Henare suplexes Naito but Naito tries to cradle! Henare throws Naito away, blocks a kick, and step-over WHEEL KICKS! Henare runs to PENALTY KICK! Henare then whips Naito to tilt-o-whirl scoop, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, Sanada breaks it! Khan BOOTS Sanada down! Fans fire up as Khan coaches Henare up. The Empire roar and flex, and they storm over to Naito. Khan whips Naito corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines! Henare runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Feed to Khan’s scoop, ASSISTED POWERBOMB!! Cover, Sanada breaks it in time!!
Khan HELL STABS Sanada down! Fans rally hard as ever for Naito as Khan drags him up. Khan & Henare coordinate. Henare fireman’s carries Naito and Khan runs, but Sanada trips Khan up! Naito hits DESTINO outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!! Henare survives and both men are down again! Fans are thunderous as Naito slowly rises. Naito fires up and he brings Henare up. Naito wrenches but Henare elbows! So Naito ELBOWS and ELBOWS! Henare ducks to KICK and KICK! Naito blocks but the KNEE takes him down! Sanada runs in but Henare body shots, ELBOWS and KEEL KICKS!
Fans fire up as we hit the 20 minute mark! Naito runs in, into a RAMPAGE!! Henare roars, he staggers about, but he throws up the crown. Naito stirs and Henare watches him. Henare stalks up behind Naito, ULTIMA FULL NELSON! Naito endures and flails around! Red Shoes checks with Naito as he starts fading! Henare leans on the hold, Naito keeps reaching out, and Naito gets a second wind! But Khan creeps in! He pushes Red Shoes down!! Khan signals to his throat, but Naito ducks the GREEN MIST!!! Henare gets a face full of it!! Sanada hops in to TOSS Khan out, and PLANCHA! Henare swings blindly and fans fire up for Naito!
Sanada fires off forearms and a ROLLING ELBOW on Henare! Sanada gives Naito an assist in the TORNADO DDT! Henare staggers up, into DESTINO!!! Cover, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Sanada, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Khan & Henare earn 0)
The Empire thought they had it with that trick borrowed from The Great Muta, but it backfired! Are their hopes of an ALL United Empire finals already in jeopardy? Gideon taunts Naito with the book, not wanting to let him have it back. But then Bushi sneaks up behind and holds Gideon in place! Naito snatches the book back, then BOPS Gideon with it!
As for LIJ, with Bushi, Titan and Hiromu now present, Shingo Takagi hops off commentary to join them in the ring. Naito of course gets the mic to say, “Buenas noches, Korakuen Hall~!” Fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” while the rest of LIJ each get a corner. Naito notes that “yesterday, the tag leagues began, starting with Super Jr. Tag League, and World Tag League today. I know all the boys in the back feel this way: wrestling for cheering fans is fun as hell!” Fans cheer because they agree! Naito thanks all of the fans who came here the last couple days and created that atmosphere, “Gracias, amigos!”
Naito continues with, “We’re just one round into the Super Jr. Tag and World Tag Leagues. We’ll take this on the road, touring the country for the next three weeks. Everyone, please enjoy the best tag wrestling NJPW can provide. By the way, since we have cheering here today at Korakuen, and who’s holding the mic at the end? None other than Naito. You guys know where this is going, right? It’s been three years and two months since we’ve done this at Korakuen Hall. Everyone, are you ready to roll call together?” They sure are! “The only right way to close out this World Tag League in Korakuen Hall…
“Bushi! Sanada! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! Los INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!” Fans cheer finally getting to enjoy that to the fullest, but will LIJ keep winning so fans can enjoy it again and again?
Here are the World Tag League standings!
The Mighty: 1-0, 2 points
Suzuki & Archer: 1-0, 2 points
Goto & Hashi: 1-0, 2 points
Aussie Open: 1-0, 2 points
Naito & Sanada: 1-0, 2 points
Khan & Henare: 0-1, 0 points
Yano & Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
Evil & Yujiro: 0-1, 2 points
Coughlin & Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
Chase & Fale: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great World Tag League opener to follow the great Super Jr. Tag League opener. And we also got some good stuff out of the non-tournament matches. I loved seeing that we got back-to-back double count-out draws in LIJ VS Suzuki-Gun, with it all centering around Takagi and Taichi. I feel that is going to be our KOPW 2022 match-up at WrestleKingdom 17, with perhaps a No Count Out stipulation as the baseline for whatever those two can come up with. With as great of a job as Takagi has done with making the KOPW more serious in its competitiveness, I think he retains.
For that matter, I feel like LIJ could come out of WK 17 with tons of prizes. Hiromu could win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title back in that Fatal 4 Way with Desperado, Taiji & Wato. Bushi & Titan may have lost to open Super Jr. Tag League, but they could easily turn that around to win the tournament and beat Catch 2/2. And after a great main event against Khan & Henare, I feel like Naito & Sanada have a great chance at taking WTL. Naito’s only avenue to WrestleKingdom is the heavyweight tag titles, so I would hope they give him that. Of course, in terms of who they face in the finals, I feel like Aussie Open gets that nod after a great win over Yano & Tanahashi tonight.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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4 Corners Podcast: Secretariat’s Family Tree
Patrick and Tunney discuss the NHL and NBA playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Did The Red Sox Panic?
Dave & Patrick discuss a seismic shift in Boston as the Red Sox clean house. Plus, NFL Draft thoughts and...
4 Corners Podcast: NHL & NBA Playoff Preview
Dave & PC Tunney preview the NHL & NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: The Masters, NBA & MLB
Join Patrick and Dave weekly as they explore the 4 Corners of the American sports scene.
4 Corners Podcast: College Madness
The guys recap the Final Four, discuss March Madness expanding, and discuss an Executive Order that the guys actually agree...
Bandwagon Nerds #340: Womp Womp!
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, episode 6 of The Boys final season,...
Bandwagon Nerds #339: Everybody Dies
Your favorite Nerds review Daredevil: Born Again and The Boys. Paramount, Disney and Oscars news. All that plus we take...
Bandwagon Nerds #338: Impossible Choices
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Invincible, as well as continuing their review of Daredevil: Born Again and...
Bandwagon Nerds #337: Parallels & Purpose
The NERDS continue to review Invincible, Daredevil, and The Boys. Plus, we take a look at the new trailer for...
Bandwagon Nerds #336: Invincible, Daredevil, The Boys… Oh My!
Don't miss the Bandwagon, NERDS!
Attitude Of Aggression #350- The Big Five Project: Royal Rumble ’97
The Big Five Project returns as the Attitude Era hits its stride with Stone Cold Steve Austin winning his first...
Today In Pro Wrestling History: May 17th
There's a few interesting events in the article today, but one is the starting point for the longest World title...
Former WWE Star Reveals How Company Tests Wrestlers for an “Attitude Problem”
A former WWE star took to social media to explain, in brief, how WWE evaluates its talent to determine whether...
WWE Backlash Match Sparks “Clone War” Debate in Wrestling Community
Wrestling fans and insiders are abuzz after a match at WWE Backlash was accused of “copycatting” a formula previously used...
Thekla Says AEW Became the “Perfect Fit,” Citing Tony Khan in Decision to Re-Sign
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla revealed that Tony Khan’s promotion has become the “perfect fit” for her, a realization that...
Swerve Strickland Targets ROH Champion Bandido Ahead of Owen Hart Cup Match
AEW’s Swerve Strickland fired several warning shots at ROH World Champion Bandido as the two prepare to collide in the...
Ronda Rousey Reflects on WrestleMania 35 Main Event, Cites Lack of Preparation Time
Ronda Rousey has opened up about her feelings surrounding the historic WrestleMania 35 main event, calling it a career-defining moment...
Matt Hardy Reflects on Kofi Kingston’s WrestleMania 35 Triumph and the New Day’s Influence
Matt Hardy praised Kofi Kingston’s emotional WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 35, calling the KofiMania run a defining moment for...
Kit Wilson Opens Up About Emotional Toll After Being Left Off 2026 Royal Rumble
WWE’s Kit Wilson admitted he struggled emotionally after being left off this year’s Royal Rumble card, saying the omission from...
Kevin Nash Slams TKO’s WWE Stewardship, Says Only One Thing Would End His Involvement
Veteran Kevin Nash has publicly criticized TKO’s handling of WWE, taking aim at the promotion’s current direction under Paul Levesque...
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AEW News7 days ago
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