NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Sakura Genesis Results & Report! (4/8/23)
It is a golden Spring!
Will the landscape of NJPW change forever?
After changing allegiances and winning the New Japan Cup, Sanada gets another shot at Kazuchika Okada and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship! Will the Cold Skull once again be a gold skull?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinnichi Champion Grand Prix Celebration Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, El Desperado & YOH VS Great-O-Khan, Toru Yano & Minoru Suzuki; Khan, Yano & Suzuki win.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The House of Torture; The United Empire wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables VS Taichi, DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Taichi, Douki & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Tama Tonga, Hikuleo & Master Wato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- IWGP Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Mercedes Moné VS AZM VS Hazuki; Mone wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shota Umino; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Bishamon VS Aussie Open; Aussie Open wins and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Robbie Eagles; Hiromu wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS SANADA; Sanada wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
The G1 Climax is gonna be hot all Summer!
Starting from Saturday, July 15th, in Hokkaido, all the way to Sunday, August 13 in Ryogoku, the classic red robin tradition returns for its 33rd year! Who will be in and who will win a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
IWGP Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Mercedes Moné VS AZM VS Hazuki!
The WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion dethroned the Pirate Princess in San Jose, but now she’s willing to take on a huge challenge! Will Mone still be money? Or will the High Speed Bomb Girl and the Wildheart take the gold away?
The introductions are made, the IWGP belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster for Mone at Sakura Genesis!
The bell rings and fans rally up already. The three ladies circle, Mone wary of both opponents. Hazuki & AZM both approach Mone but she stands her ground. They triple knuckle lock, but then Mone kicks Hazuki and AZM! She reels them both in for headlocks! But they throw body shots, double whip, and both drop. Mone hops over each of them, is sent through, but then stops herself by holding ropes. Mone BOOTS AZM, arm-drags Hazuki, but AZM keeps moving to springboard arm-drag Mone! AZM keeps it going to a cover but Hazuki pushes them both over, only for Mone to roll Hazuki! TWO and AZM rolls Mone, TWO! Fans fire up as all three ladies stand off!
Mone, Hazuki and AZM catch their breaths and circle again. Hazuki and AZM shake hands, then offer to Mone. Fans applaud, Mone ignores Hazuki to offer to AZM, but AZM says she’s not “A Z M.” She’s A-ZU-MI! Mone gets it right, and shakes hands with Azumi! Then they both kick Hazuki low! Mone & AZM double whip but Hazuki crisscrosses them into each other! Hazuki runs into double hip tosses but bounces off the ropes to DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! Fans fire up, Hazuki DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! AZM goes to the apron, Hazuki stands on Mone at the ropes. Hazuki boots, boots and boots, then BOOT WASHES!
Fans fire up with Hazuki and she brings Mone up. Hazuki full nelson SLAMS Mone, to then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “HA-ZU-KI!’ as she brings Mone up. Hazuki suplexes, AZM runs in, but Mone BOOTS AZM and slips around Hazuki to Gory Especial. AZM returns, Hazuki BOOTS her now, and Hazuki slips free. Mone reels her in, Hazuk blocks the suplex, but then Mone blocks! They fight for control, Mone trips Hazuki to a jackknife bridge, but AZM DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up and AZM brings Hazuki up. Hazuki breaks free, but AZM ducks the kick! Hazuki also ducks a kick, jumps the sweep, and she rolls AZM.
Hazuki whips, AZM reverses but Hazuki uses that to DIVE onto Mone! Fans fire up with Hazuki, she CLUBS Mone down, but AZM is taking aim now! AZM goes up and up and SUPER CROSSBODIES! She wipes out Mone, Hazuki and even the Young Lionesses! Fans are thunderous for “A-ZU-MI!” as she puts Hazuki in. AZM kicks Hazuki to a drop zone, goes up the corner, and fans rally again. AZM DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Hazuki survives but AZM keeps her focus. AZM drags Hazuki up, runs, but Hazuki slips free of the tilt-o-whirl to a SLEEPER! AZM fights around, but she sits down!
Hazuki leans on AZM, but Mone is back to METEORA them both! And she puts on a DOUBLE BANK STATEMENT! Hazuki and AZM endure, AZM slips free, and she puts Mone in a CROSSFACE! But then so does Hazuki! Mone endures DOUBLE CROSSFACES, but who would get credit?! Mone pries at the holds, she BITES fingers!! Both Hazuki and AZM let go, and Mone hits DOUBLE BULLDOGS! AZM and Hazuki go to opposite corners, Mone runs in to DOUBLE KNEE Hazuki! And then she runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE AZM! Then back again, METEORA for Hazuki! METEORA for AZM!
Mone goes side to side to BOOT WASH AZM! Then Mone goes around the world to BOOT WASH Hazuki! Fans fire up for Mone and she goes up the corner. Hazuki gets under Mone’s leap, but AZM runs in! Mone slips around to Gory Especial! But Hazuki runs in, CODE BREAKER on Mone! AZM sunset flips, but Hazuki breaks it!! Fans fire up, AZM shouts at Hazuki! Hazuki stands, AZM runs in, but into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Hazuki pushes back, AZM fights around, but she’s caught! Fans rally and duel, “A-ZU-MI!” “HA-ZU-KI!” AZM scrambles around, Hazuki rolls her back, but AZM slips out to the FUJIWARA!
AZM shifts, NUMERO UNO!! But Mone barrels into her! They roll, and AZM gets Mone into the RINGS OF SATURN!! But Hazuki tackles AZM! They both stand, AZM runs and tilt-o-whirls on Hazuki to transfer to Mone for LA MISTICA!! Hazuki runs in, AZM drop toeholds her onto Mone! DOUBLE FUJIWARA!! And then, DOUBLE NUMERO UNO!!! But both Hazuki and Mone roll back, TWO!!! Fans fire up and AZM stomps away on Mone and Hazuki! AZM goes up the corner and fans rally again. But Mone and Hazuki both go after her! They climb up, fans fire up, but AZM fights them off!
AZM pushes Mone back, she ends up in the ropes! AZM does the same to Hazuki, she’s also in the ropes! AZM stands up, but Hazuki trips her up! Mone gets out of the Tree of Woe while Hazuki climbs back up. Hazuki HEADBUTTS AZM! But Mone adds on! TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans are thunderous for the Sunset Bomb Superplex! The fans rally while all three women are down. They all approach center, Hazuki CLUBS Mone but AZM CLUBS Hazuki. Both Hauzki and Mone ROCK AZM! Then Hazuki ROCKS Mone! AZM ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Hazuki! Hazuki and Mone brawl as they stand up!
Hazuki gets the edge, but Mone spins her to a BACKSTABBER! AZM runs in, but also into a BACKSTABBER! Mone goes to a corner, goes up, and fans fire up for the METEORA! Cover, TWO!!! AZM survives and shocks Mone! Mone refocuses, takes off her armband, and says she’s gonna finish this! Mone brings AZM up, BACKSTABBER, but AZM rolls through to DOUBLE STOMP! And then AZM SUSHI! Cover, TWO!! Mone stands, ROCKS AZM, but AZM ROCKS Mone! They brawl, forearm for forearm, and fans fire up! But Hazuki springboards in to DOUBLE MISSLE DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Hazuki BOOTS Mone! Cover, TWO!!!
Hazuki snarls and she drags Mone back up! Mone ROCKS Hazuki! Mone fires off shots from all sides but Hazuki just fires off a flurry! She has Mone down and keeps raining in shots!! Mone is all but out and Hazuki roars! Fans are thunderous, and Hazuki brings Mone up. Hazuki runs, Mone follows and slips around to KNEE Hazuki from the apron! Mone hurries back in, hurries back up, but Hazuki kicks the legs out! DRAPING CODE BREAKER!! Fans fire up and Hazuki climbs. Hazuki leaps, to FLYING CODE BREAKER!!! Cover, AZM BREAKS IT! Hazuki throws AZM out, then drags Mone back up.
Mone shoves free, but Hazuki boots! Mone blocks, KNEES and Gory Especials! But Hazuki fights free, drags her down, HAZUKI STAR! Cover, AZM breaks it! AZM SUSHI! TWO, AZM SUSHI RETURNS! Mone breaks it!!! Fans are thunderous as all three are down again! Mone drags Hazuki up, “I’m the CEO!” She SLAPS Hazuki! Mone runs, into a scoop and SLAM! Hazuki fires up again, brings Mone in, and she suplexes, but AZM hops on! O’Conner Roll, but Mone uses that to get AZM in the Gory Especial! MONEY MAKER onto Hazuki!! Cover on AZM, Mone wins!!
Winner: Mercedes Mone, by pinfall (still IWGP Women’s Champion)
As fast and furious as that was, Mone is still the one with the checkered flag! And now, Mercedes Mone will take this title to Stardom’s All-Star Grand Queendom! And speaking of, here comes her challenger, Mayu Iwatani! Mayu steps into the ring and gets a mic to speak. “NJPW, and everyone here, good evening!” Mayu congrats Mone on her title defense, but reminds her that on April 23rd, Stardom in Yokohama Arena, Mone’s belt will belong to Mayu! Mone shakes her head and raises the title high. Mone gets the mic to say, “Try it, b*tch!” And then she SLAPS Mayu down! Mone takes her leave, but will she leave Yokohama still in charge?
NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ Kosei Fujita VS Shota Umino!
The Front Man of TMDK is still rolling with this title, but he is up against the Roughneck who beat him in the New Japan Cup! Will #SHOOTER do it again, only faster? Or will the ZSJ Show continue?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if there’s a new star of the show!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Shota rushes in, sunset flips, TWO! ZSJ sits on it, TWO! Shota sunsets again, ONE! ZSJ sits again, ONE! Shota sunsets, ONE! ZSJ sits, TWO! Shota sunsets, TWO!! ZSJ stacks, TWO!! Shota has ZSJ in the sunset again, TWO!!! ZSJ escapes by nanoseconds and the ref assures Shota, it was still just two. ZSJ applauds but fans rally and duel. “SHO-TA!” “ZA-KU!” ZSJ dares Shota to try something, and they feel things out. They knuckle lock, Shota rolls and wrenches but ZSJ wrenches back and top wristlocks. Shota headlocks, wrenches to a wristlock, but ZSJ drops to trip him to a standing toehold.
Shota rolls and gets free and fans applaud again. Shota and ZSJ reset, fans continue to duel, and the two feel things out. ZSJ kicks, UPPERCUTS, but Shota just frowns. They circle, ZSJ talks trash, but Shota UPPERCUTS in return! ZSJ shakes it off, circles with Shota, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS, and ZSJ wobbles. ZSJ nods, then UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ flexes, fans applaud, but Shota comes back. Shota UPPERCUTS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, they go faster and faster! Fans rally, Shota gets the edge and UPPERCUTS ZSJ down! Fans fire up while ZSJ checks his chin. Shota stomps ZSJ, then brings ZSJ up.
ZSJ fights the lift, CLUBS Shota and runs, but Shota dropkicks the leg! Shota runs in, blocks a boot, and brings ZSJ out to dropkick the leg again! ZSJ hobbles, Shota has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! And then a takedown, into a roll and KNEEBAR!! ZSJ flails and gets the ROPEBREAK! Shota thrashes, but lets off at 4. Fans applaud while ZSJ checks his leg. Shota stomps ZSJ, gives some toying kicks, then stomps again! ZSJ hobbles up, Shota CLUBS him, then Shota paces around ZSJ. Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ drops to his knees. Shota stands ZSJ up to UPPERCUT again! Shota then scoops to DROP ZSJ, run and UPPER- NO, ARMBAR!!
ZSJ pulls on the arm, Shota kicks and flails to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, we pass five minutes, and ZSJ lets go. Fans rally up, ZSJ kicks Shota around, but Shota sits up in a corner. ZSJ KICKS Shota on the back! ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! ZSJ wrenches, wrenches, and wrenches again to a wristlock. ZSJ taunts Shota that he’s holding him off with one hand. ZSJ twists the elbow, wrangles and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! Shota clutches the arm but ZSJ eggs him on. ZSJ waits on Shota, and Shota throws a forearm! But that’s the bad arm! ZSJ eggs Shota on, Shota throws another forearm, but it hurts!
ZSJ SLAPS Shota to egg him on! Shota ROCKS ZSJ through the pain! Shota runs, ZSJ avoids the dropkick and KICKS Shota in the back! Shota fires up, but swings into an ELBOW BREAKER! ZSJ runs, into the scoop and DROP! RUNNING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up and Shota gets to his feet. Shota whips ZSJ to the corner, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then Shota FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel, “SHO-TA!” “ZA-KU!” Shota dragon sleepers, inverted suplexes, but ZSJ slips out to Cobra Twist! Shota endures, fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
Shota throws ZSJ on the apron, but ZSJ shoulders in! ZSJ slingshots to sunset flip, but Shota rolls through. Shota YANKS ZSJ up, but ZSJ uses it to get a GUILLOTINE! ZSJ has the body scissors, but Shota stays on his feet! Shota powers through to suplex! ZSJ slips out, to a SLEEPER! Shota reaches out but ZSJ squeezes tight! The ref checks Shota, he’s starting to fade, but then he comes back to life! Shota slips out to dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on, he drags ZSJ back up! Inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! But Shota aims from the corner! Shota runs in, but ZSJ slips out of the swing!
ZSJ throws Shota to the ARMBAR, but Shota clasps hands! Shota fights to a stack, TWO!! ARMBAR!! ZSJ pulls hard but Shota endures! Shota kicks around, ZSJ puts as much pressure as he can, but Shota turns over! But into a DISARMER! Then ZSJ shifts his grip, SOUTH MIMMS SERVICES!! Shota is even more stuck being under ZSJ! Fans rally, but ZSJ pulls way back! Shota uses that rotation to ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go and we’re at ten minutes passed! ZSJ tells Shota to give up but Shota drags himself up the ropes. ZSJ KICKS Shota in the chest! ZSJ runs, but Shota dodges to roll him up! TWO!!
Shota hurries to La Magistrol! TWO!! ZSJ scrambles up, but Shota kicks the bad leg! ZSJ ducks the enziguri, body scissors, to EURO- NO, Shota rolls through to O’CONNER BRIDGE! TWO!! ZSJ escapes in time! Shota rises, ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota roars, ZSJ uppercuts but into arm hooks! ZSJ spins Shota around to UPPERCUT again! ZSJ runs, into a POP UP UPPERCUT! Shota goes from the corner, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shota keeps focused while the fans fire up! The three minute warning hits, Shota kicks low but ZSJ wrenches out of the underhooks! ZSJ UPPERCUTS but Shota kicks the bad leg!
Shota ROCKS ZSJ, spins, but into a SLAP! Shota blocks the roundhouse to ENZIGURI! ZSJ wobbles to a corner, but comes back to PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE?!?! ZSJ is shocked but time is still on his side. ZSJ shouts at Shota, runs in again, but into a Gory Especial! Backslide, roll through, underhooks! ZSJ wrenches out to PELE the arm! ZSJ runs in but Shota dodges to TORNADO DDT! Roll back to drag ZSJ up, DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? ZSJ survives and no one can believe it! And we’re at the two minute warning! Shota drags ZSJ up, lifts him, HANGMAN DDT! Fans are thunderous, and Shota brings ZSJ up again!
But ZSJ slips out to backslide! Jackknife bridge, into a deep prawn hold, ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (still NJPW World TV Champion)
The Front Man snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Shota can’t believe it, either! Does the paradigm shift Shota promises still need something more? Will anyone ever snatch this title off of ZSJ?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Bishamon VS Aussie Open w/ The United Empire!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi went back and forth with Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis in the New Japan Cup, but those wins earned the young tag team this shot! Will the Aussie Arrow & Dunkzilla conquer the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter? Or will it be Lights Out for the future of tag team wrestling?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the United Empire conquers Chaos!
The teams sort out, and the Empire throw the crowns up before Fletcher starts with Hashi. Fans rally up as these two meet again from the New Japan Cup. They tie up, Fletcher wrenches, wristlocks, but Hashi reverses to wristlock. Fletcher reverses back, tag to Davis, but Hashi gets away. Hashi has Aussie Open back off, and Davis circles with Hashi. Davis swings, Hashi dodges and headlocks, but Davis powers out. They RAM shoulders, Davis swings but misses and Hashi mule kicks. Hashi headlocks, Davis powers out and Davis runs Hashi over! Davis brings Hashi up, wrenches, and tags Fletcher.
Aussie Open double whip but Hashi holds ropes. Davis rushes in but Hashi dumps him out! Fletcher scoops, Hashi slips off but Fletcher kicks low. Fletcher whips but Goto tags in before Hashi reverses. Bishamon then double shoulder Fletcher over! Hashi runs, for the ZENMAI! Davis returns, but into a kick! And the GOTO GOTO HUNTER! Fans fire up and Hashi runs at Fletcher. Fletcher throws Hashi out, Goto blocks Fletcher’s boot but Fletcher SUPERKICKS! Davis storms over to throw Goto out! Fans fire up and Davis DIVES! Direct hit and Hashi hits railing! Fletcher goes up, ARIHARA MOONSAULT!
Fans are fired up but Fletcher landed pretty hard. The Empire checks Fletcher while fans rally up behind Aussie Open. The ref also checks but somehow Fletcher is still in this. Fletcher puts Goto in the ring, but Fletcher feels his own blood on the side of his head. Fletcher tags Davis, Aussie Open double whips and double CHOPS, then PENALTY KICKS to SENTON! Fans fire up, Fletcher gets checked while Davis covers, TWO! Davis KICKS Goto in the back, and again. Davis drags Goto up but Goto throws hands! Goto CHOPS and CHOPS but Davis knees low! Davis whips, Goto reverses and runs in, but into a boot!
Davis runs, Goto follows, Davis dodges but Goto deflects the boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Goto crawls to tag Hashi and fans rally up. Hashi RAMS Davis but Davis roars! Hashi ROCKS, body shots and CHOPS! Hashi whips Davis but Davis reverses. But Hashi comes back to CHOP! Hsahi mule kicks, turns Davis, but Davis elbows free! Hashi keeps moving, and he BLOCKBUSTERS! Fletcher, all taped up, storms in to kick and whip Hashi to ropes. Hashi holds ropes to stop himself, Fletcher runs in but Hashi FLAPJACKS him onto the top rope! Fletcher is stuck, Hashi DROPKICKS him out to the floor!
Fans fire up and Hashi runs at Davis in the corner, to clothesline! Hashi turns Davis, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel, Davis snarls and stands. Hashi mule kicks but Davis blocks. Davis lifts, Hashi fights free, but Davis swats the lariat to CHOP! And then BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down! Hashi goes to an open corner, Davis crawls to his corner, tag to Fletcher! Fans fire up for Fletcher’s guts as he runs in at Hashi to GAMANGIRI! Hashi falls and the Empire fires up! Fletcher snarls, fights through the pain, and he brings Hashi up. Fletcher reels Hashi in to suplex, but Hashi blocks!
Fletcher fires forearms, but Hashi CHOPS! Hashi full nelsons, Fletcher breaks and switches but so does Hashi. They goa round more, Fletcher suplexes, but Hashi fights fere! Hashi swings, but into Fletcher’s HALF ‘N’ HALF! Fans fire up and rally as Fletcher tags Davis back in. Aussie Open drags Hashi up, feed and fireman’s carry, AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Fletcher BLASTS Goto, goes up, Davis scoops Hashi, LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi is still in this but Aussie Open keeps focus. Fans duel, Davis tags Fletcher back in, and they each aim at Hashi. Hashi slowly rises, Aussie Open runs in, but Hashi dodges! The lariats collide!
Goto calls, Fletcher whips Hashi to Davis, AUSSIE- NO, Hashi blocks the dental work this time! And he sends that kick into Davis! Davis staggers away, Hashi hits a CODE BREAKER on Fletcher! All three men are down and Goto shouts to Hashi! Hashi crawls, fans rally up, hot tag to Goto! Fans fire up as Goto ROCKS Fletcher, clotheslines Davis, then blocks Fletcher’s boot! But Fletcher DECKS Goto! Davis storms up, Aussie Open whips Goto to a corner. Fletcher runs in but Goto dodges to LARIAT Davis! Fletcher returns, he and Goto fire forearms! Fans rally with every shot, things speed up, and Fletcher gets the edge!
Fletcher roars, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT Fletcher inside-out! Fans rally for “GO-TO! GO-TO!” as Fletcher crawls to a corner. Goto runs in, to MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Fletcher is still in this, the white bandages turning more and more red. Goto fireman’s carries but Fletcher fights it! Fletcher spins, but Goto DECKS him! Goto roars, drags Fletcher up, and fireman’s carries, but Fletcher fights free! Fletcher waistlocks, Goto backs him into the corner, and Hashi runs in to clothesline Fletcher in the corner! Feed to Goto, but Fletcher SHOTGUN KICKS Goto down!
Hashi SUPERKICKS Fletcher! Davis BOOTS Hashi! Goto LARIATS Davis! Fletcher returns to kick, run, but into the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH!! Fans fire up with Bishamon and they drag Fletcher up. Dragon sleeper, leg capture, but Fletcher kicks Hashi away! Davis drags Hashi out, Fletcher victory rolls Goto, cover, TWO!!! Goto escapes by nanoseconds, but Fletcher runs in. Goto puts him on the apron, but Fletcher ROCKS Goto! Fletcher shoulders in but Goto drags him out! DRAPING G T R!!! Hashi sends Davis into railing! Fans are thunderous and the Empire is worried!
Goto fires up and aims at Fletcher. BUZZSAW! Goto drags Fletcher back up, fireman’s carries, Ushi throw, G Y W!!! Cover, DAVIS BREAKS IT! Davis drags Goto up, but Hashi is back! Fans duel, Davis fires off on Hashi and Goto! Davis CHOPS Hashi, roars, but runs into the HIDDEN GAP!! Goto runs to clothesline Davis up and out! Bishamon focuses on Fletcher, full nelson and leg capture, but Fletcher BOOTS free! Hashi still DRAGON SUPLEXES! But Fletcher rises!? Fletcher runs in, gets around Hashi, but Hashi fights the German Suplex! Hashi switches, and holds Fletcher up for Goto’s BLINDSIDE LARIAT!
Hashi rolls Fletcher back and Goto dragon sleepers! Leg capture, but Fletcher just fights free again! But he’s sent into the HIDDEN GAP! Leg capture, but Davis ENZIGURIS Hashi! Fletcher feeds Goto to a BIG forearm! Underhooks and BUTTERFLY BOMB!!! Cover, HASHI BREAKS IT!! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down! The teams regroup, Davis aims at Hashi and BOOTS! Hashi wobbles, into a SUPERKICK! Hashi roars and fires off forearms and CHOPS! But he gets a BOOT SUPERKICK COMBO!! Aussie Open aims from opposite corners, Goto crawls to Hashi, Bishamon gets the LARIAT SANDWICH!
Aussie Open TOSSES Hashi, Davis stomps around and fans are with them! Goto staggers up, into the LARIAT SANDWICH!! Pump handles, COREALIS!!!! Cover, AUSSIE OPEN WINS!!!
Winners: Aussie Open, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
As Kevin Kelly says on commentary, “To be the best, you have got to beat the best, and Aussie Open just did it!” Literal blood, sweat and tears were shed in this match, and now the Empire has complete IWGP tag team dominance! Will there be no stopping Will Ospreay’s army from taking over NJPW now?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Robbie Eagles w/ TMDK!
The Ticking Timebomb made it through the Final Hour against Lio Rush, but now he takes on TMDK’s newest recruit! Will Hiromu survive the Sniper of the Skies? Or will Robbie prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the more lethal weapon!
The bell rings and both men rush in! Eagles wheelbarrows to victory roll, wants the legs, but Hiromu kicks him away! Hiromu bails out to cool off and fans rally up. Eagles rushes out, Hiromu hurries in, but Eagles springboards! Hiromu ducks under, whips Eagles, but Eagles reverses to go up and around and arm-drag! Things speed up, Eagles RANAS but Hiromu blocks! Hiromu deadlifts Eagles to fireman’s carry, swing and- NO, Eagles sunset flips the Timebomb, only for Hiromu to stay up and step through! RON MILLER SPECIAL!? Eagles scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu puts on the pressure but lets off as Red Shoes counts.
Fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as Eagles bails out. Hiromu smirks and waits on Eagles. Eagles hurries up but Hiromu ROCKS him! Hiromu runs and SUNSET FLIPS, but the bad leg won’t let him finish! Eagles FLYING CHOP BLOCKS! Fans rally up, Eagles drags Hiromu’s leg through railing! Eagles bends the leg, then DROPKICKS the railing! Eagles then uses the railing in a RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Hiromu flails, Red Shoes reprimands, and the ring count starts. Eagles thrashes Hiromu around as the count reaches 10 of 20. Eagles finally lets Hiromu go, and he drags Hiromu up and into the ring at 17!
Eagles steps through again, Hiromu scrambles, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu escapes to the outside again but Eagles pursues. Eagles KICKS Hiromu against the railing! Eagles whips but Hiromu reverses and Eagles hits railing hard! But Eagles just roars as he comes back! Only for Hiromu to KICK him down! Hiromu puts Eagles in the ring, then slides in, but Eagles slingshots to YANK Hiromu’s leg on the apron! Innovative savagery from the Sniper! Hiromu writhes while fans rally up, but Eagles SLAMS the bad leg on the apron edge! Eagles pushes Hiromu in, and gets the fans going with “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”
Eagles has the standing toehold the entire time the fans call and respond, and then Eagles SNAP LOCKS it! Eagles mocks Hiromu with a wave, then kicks him down. Eagles drags Hiromu up and SLAPS the bad leg. Eagles puts Hiromu in the corner, CHOPS, then whips him corner to corner. Hiromu barely makes it, and he BOOTS back! Hiromu runs, RANAS, but Eagles drops Hiromu down to tie up the legs, and STOMP them! Eagles rips at the tape around the knee! Fans are shocked as Eagles rips it away to drop a KNEE on the knee! Red Shoes reprimands but Eagles lets off. Fans duel, but Eagles grabs the leg.
Eagles takes aim, and FIELD GOALS the leg! The kick is good but Hiromu is clutching his leg. Eagles mockingly encourages Hiromu, then brings him up. Hiromu CHOPS, but Eagles just shrugs it off. Hiromu CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Eagles CHOPS! Eagles CHOPS Hiromu again, fires up, but Hiromu BOOTS him! Hiromu hops up to headscissor, only for Eagles to Electric Chair and DUMP! And CHOP BLOCK! And BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! But into the KNEEBAR!! Eagles pulls on the leg and ZSJ coaches him, but Hiromu still scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets go but ZSJ says he’s got this.
Fans rally and duel, “HI-RO-MU!” “ROB-BI-E!” Eagles kicks Hiromu around, but Hiromu just gets mad. Eagles mocks Hiromu’s pain while kicking the bad leg. Hiromu stands up to ROCK Eagles with forearm after forearm! Eagles knees low! Eagles KICKS Hiromu right down! Eagles mocks Hiromu to get up, then KICKS him again! And again! And again! Eagles runs, but Hiromub locks the Penalty Kick! Hiromu fights up, traps an arm but Eagles ROCKS Hiromu with a left! Eagles runs, Hiromu dodges and runs to RANA! Fans fire up as Hiromu is back in this! Eagles goes to a corner as the fans rally again.
Hiromu hobbles up, roars and runs through the pain, to clothesline and snapmare! Then Hiromu runs, but into a CHOP BLOCK!! Hiromu tumbles out, Eagles runs to DIVE! Direct hit and both men hit the railing! But Eagles still fires up! Fans rally, Eagles apologizes to the fans, and he puts Hiromu in. Eagles aims, springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK to the legs! Eagles then steps through, but Hiromu boots him away! Eagles hits buckles, comes back, and Hiromu runs in to SUPER- NO, Eagles blocks, clinches, SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Into the RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Eagles thrashes and Hiromu endures!
Fans rally, duel, and Hiromu reaches out. Hiromu claws over but Eagles drags him away! Eagles puts on more pressure, but Hiromu fights around. Eagles puts on as much pressure as he possibly can, but Hiromu refuses to quit! Hiromu crawls his way forward, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets go in frustration to drag Hiromu up and cravat. STANDING SLICED BREAD! Eagles puts Hiromu in the drop zone, goes up top, and 450 SPLASH onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself but that was double-edged! Fans rally as both men writhe on the mat. Eagles sits up but he sputters as he goes back for Hiromu.
Eagles drags Hiromu by his bad leg but Hiromu kicks him with the other. Hiromu keeps kicking, but Eagles KICKS the bad leg! Step through, but Hiromu BOOTS Eagles! Fans rally up, both men stand, SUPER- NO, Eagles blocks again, another clinch, but Hiromu slips free to suplex! Eagles lands out, but Hiromu fireman’s carries! Dragon sleeper, spin around, VICTORY ROYALE! Fans rally up while Hiromu writhes and clutches the knee. Eagles sits up first and heads over to Hiromu. Hiromu ROCKS Eagles, but Eagles keeps coming. Hiromu ROCKS him again, and again, but Eagles keeps trying.
Hiromu ROCKS Eagles with another forearm, and another, and another! Hiromu just keeps throwing shots, but Eagles backs off. Eagles takes off the bandana, stands Hiromu up, and SLAPS him! Hiromu spins, misses, SNAP SAIDO! But Hiromu’s back?! GERMAN SUPELX! Eagles is back, SNAP SAIDO! Hiromu is back, SNAP GERMAN! Fans fire up as Eagles just comes back again! Hiromu switches, GERMAN, but Eagles lands on his feet! Eagles runs, into a fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu holds on, spins, TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? Eagles barely gets the arm up, and we’re only at 15 minutes!
Fans rally up, Hiromu snarls, and he forces himself to stand! Hiromu runs, into a SUPERKICK! Eagles gives another SUPERKICK! But Hiromu ducks the enziguri to SUPERKICK back! Eagles returns, into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! But Eagles stands up again! Eagles dodges the lariat to run, into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Fans fire up with Hiromu! Hiromu drags Eagles up in the dragon sleeper. Inverted suplex, but Eagles fights! They end up in a corner and Eagles skins the cat to the top rope. But Hiromu CHOPS Eagles! Eagles wobbles, and Hiromu climbs up. Fans rally as Eagles punches the bad leg!
Eagles cravats! But Hiromu fights with body shots! Hiromu fireman’s carries!? Eagles fights with elbows, pops up, SUPER POISON-RANA!!! Eagles hurries up top, to 450 SPLASH the legs!! Step through, but Hiromu cradles! TWO!!! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!!! Hiromu shouts and flails but ZSJ says this is it! Eagles puts on all the pressure, fans are thunderous, and Eagles drags Hiromu away from the ropes!! Hiromu pulls at his own hair, flails and reaches out, grabs at Red Shoes desperately but he still has to fight! The fans are thunderous as he fights forward, but Eagles drags him away again!! Hiromu is losing his mind!!
Hiromu fights up, pushes back, cradles, TWO!!! Hiromu still hasn’t put this away, but Eagles runs in! Eagles blocks the kick, spins around, uppercut and elbow, but Hiromu fights the clinch! Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! TWO!!! Eagles runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Both men are down and ZSJ shouts to Eagles. Fans are electric as we hit 20 minutes! Hiromu roars, but Eagles SWEEPS the leg! Eagles roars, steps through, but Hiromu fireman’s carry takeovers! And then fireman’s carry lift, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu is furious but he beats his bad leg into working.
Hiromu roars, runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, TIMEBOMB MK II!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
Somehow, someway, the Timebomb finds a way to win! Hiromu is still the Best of the Super Juniors, but Eagles came close. Will the return of the BOSJ tournament be where Eagles earns another shot? Will Hiromu even survive to that point?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS SANADA w/ Just5Guys!
The Rainmaker considers the Cold Skull his rival, and the feeling is mutual. But both men have changed since the last time they battled. Will Okada’s new edge cut down Sanada? Or will Sanada show that he doesn’t need to be tranquilo to be the best?
Sanada’s got a new attitude, and now he’s got a new theme song and new gear! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the best in NJPW today!
The bell rings and fans are dueling already, “O-KA-DA!” “SA-NA-DA!” The rivals stare down, circle, feel things out, and then back away. They circle again, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The deadlock lasts quite a long time, but then Okada shoots to a waistlock. Sanada switches, but Okada hammerlocks. Sanada reaches around, headlocks, and grinds. Okada powers up and puts Sanada on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, Okada lets off slowly, but then throws a forearm! No playing around this time! They tie up again, go around, and Sanada puts Okada on the ropes. Red Shoes wants the break, Sanada lets off, but Okada wants to get hit!
Sanada just pats Okada on the shoulder like Okada would, but then he kicks low! And then CLUBS Okada! Sanada whips, Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges and ELBOWS! Fans fire up, Okada brings Sanada up, and he throws Sanada out. Okada pursues, whips, and Sanada hits railing hard! Okada storms up, brings Sanada back up, and wrenches to whip Sanada hard into more railing! Okada runs in to BOOT Sanada into the crowd! Fans rally up, Okada drags Sanada back up, and he drags him out along the railing, but Sanada fights! Sanada turns things around on Okada, MAGIC SCREW to the bare concrete!
Red Shoes checks on Okada as Okada clutches his neck. Just5Guys chill with Sanada but Okada is somehow okay to continue. Sanada leaves Okada behind as the ring count starts. Okada is still down at 8 of 20, crawls at 10 and hobbles at 12. Okada makes it back in at 15, but Sanada stomps him down. Sanada drags Okada up, CLUBS him on the neck, and then paces around. Sanada CLUBS Okada again then stalks him to the corner. Sanada cravats to wrench the neck, but Okada endures. Sanada CLUBS Okada, brings him up, and hits a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while Sanada watches Okada writhe.
Sanada sits Okada up in a chinlock. Fans rally up, Okada endures, but Sanada thrashes around. Okada fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Sanada lets off, and he looms over Okada. Sanada drops an elbow! Cover, ONE!! Okada snarls and fans fire up again. Sanada drags Okada up, but Okada ROCKS Sanada again and again! Sanada knees low, whips, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but Sanada dodges, to back suplex! Okada lands on his feet, then FLAPJACKS! Fans fire up while both men are down! The fans duel, “O-KA-DA!” “SA-NA-DA!” Both men rise, Okada snarls and he watches Sanada.
Okada runs in to DECK Sanada! And ELBOW! And whip, but Sanada reverses. Sanada dodges Okada’s elbow but runs into the BOOT! Fans rally, Okada scowls, and Okada drags Sanada up. Okada whips Sanada corner to corner, runs in, and elbows! Sanada staggers into a kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, the “SA-NA-DA!” side getting stronger than the “O-KA-DA!” Okada waits on Sanada again, Alabama Lifts, but Sanada kicks free! Sanada CLUBS Okada, but Okada ROCKS Sanada! Okada whips Sanada, runs in, but Sanada elbows! Sanada goes up, but Okada DROPKICKS him to the outside!
Fans rally and we’re only past 10 minutes. Okada goes out to fetch Sanada, telling Just5Guys to back off. Okada pulls up floor mats! Okada wants to return the favor from the Road to Sakura Genesis! Okada brings Sanada over, DDT to the concrete!! Sanada clutches his forehead while Okada leaves him behind. Just5Guys check Sanada but he’s somehow okay to continue. The ring count begins and Okada patiently waits in the ring. Sanada slowly stirs at 12 of 20, sits up at 14, and springs in at 15! But Okada is right on him, wrench and MONEY CLIP! Sanada endures, reaches out, and fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
Okada holds until Red Shoes counts. Okada brings Sanada around, scoops and SLAMS, then he goes to the corner. Okada climbs, but Sanada springs up! Okada leaps over him, returns, but runs into the fireman’s carry! Okada fights free, whips Sanada to a corner, but Sanada goes up and out and springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS! Direct hit and both men are down! Fans rally, “SA-NA-DA!” “O-KA-DA!” Sanada goes to a corner, Okada to the other. Sanada runs corner to corner, but Okada BOOTS him! Sanada runs back in, into another BOOT! Okada runs, but Sanada hurdles, hurdles and DROPKICKS!
Okada bails out, Sanada PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up! Sanada and Just5Guys encourage them to get louder, and the fans get louder! Sanada goes back to Okada, drags him up, and puts Okada back in the ring. Fans applaud and Sanada stalks Okada. Sanada brings Okada up, hoists him onto the ropes, MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps his cool, the fans continue to duel, but Sanada dragon sleepers! Okada fights from below, arm-drags free, then catches Sanada for the MONEY CLIP! Sanada arm-drags free of that! Both men run in, Sanada fireman’s carries, Ushi throw, dragon sleeper!
Sanada drops but Okada rolls back and drags Sanada to gut wrench! Sanada slips free, Okada elbows and runs, but into the fireman’s carry! TKO! And then dragon sleeper, SKULL END!! Okada is caught in the body scissors! Okada pops free of the sleeper, pries the scissors open, but Sanada wants the sleeper again! Okada fights but gets caught! Okada again slips free but Sanada catches Okada again! SKULL END!! Okada is fading, and Sanada puts him in the drop zone! Sanada goes up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS into knees!! Okada saves himself there but both men are down! Fans rally up, Just5Guys coach Sanada up.
Okada rises first, he hobbles over and drags Sanada up. Okada wraps on the MONEY CLIP!! Sanada endures, Okada puts on the pressure, but Sanada powers him back. Okada puts Sanada in the corner first, runs back in, but into a BOOT! Sanada runs, but spins into a HIGH GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada holds on, ripcords, but Sanada BOOTS! Okada still has the wrist, and he glares at Sanada. Sanada BOOTS, but Okada still holds on. Sanada BOOTS, Okada short arm LARIATS! Okada scowls, drags Sanada up, and short arm LARIATS! MONEY CLIP!! Sanada kicks and flails and reaches out!
Okada puts on the pressure, grits his teeth, but fans rally harder! Sanada still reaches out, so Okada drags Sanada from the ropes! Sanada is turning red! He’s fading! Red Shoes checks Sanada, we past 20 minutes, and Sanada stays awake. So Okada copies Sanada by putting him in the drop zone and goes up the corner, MACHO ELBOW! Okada gives us the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up, Okada brings Sanada up, but Sanada elbows away! Okada scowls, Sanada runs, but Okada DROPKICKS! Okada brings Sanada up, gut wrenches, but Sanada fights, and he has the dragon sleeper! But Okada still hits LANDSLIDE!
Ripcord! RAIN- NO, Sanada ducks to ripcord and steal the RAINMAKER!!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada and Sanada stir as the fans duel! Just5Guys coaches Sanada, and he slowly sits up. Okada is dazed, but he still pushes himself up. Okada and Sanada crawl towards each other, and Okada’s rage is in his eyes. Sanada throws a forearm, Okada gives it back! The fans duel harder as Sanada forearms again! Okada throws another! Sanada forearms! Okada forearms! Both men steady themselves, stand up, and Sanada ROCKS Okada! But Okada comes back to ROCK Sanada!
Sanada ROCKS Okada! Okada ROCKS Sanada! Sanada, Okada, repeat, faster and faster! Okada ROCKS Sanada and he staggers, but Sanada shakes his head. Sanada UPPERCUTS! Okada drops to a knee, but he huffs and puffs. Okada runs in to BOOT Sanada down, but Sanada’s right back up! Okada SHOTGUNS, but Sanada’s right back up! Sanda fires forearms, runs, but into the DROPKICK! Okada ripcords, but Sanada POP-UP CUTTERS!! Fans are thunderous, the “SA-NA-DA!” is stronger than “O-KA-DA!” Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS to Okada’s back! And then ROUNDING BODY PRESS to the front! Cover, TWO!?!?
Okada survives but Sanada shakes his head. Just5Guys coach him up as we pass 25 minutes! Sanada drags Okada up, reels him in, SIDE- NO! Okada slips out to ENZIGURI! Sanada drops to his knees, and Okada brings Sanada up. Gut wrench, but Sanada slips free to O’Conner Roll BRIDGE!! TWO!??!? Even Okada has to check with Red Shoes! Sanada runs in to tilt-o-whirl! But Okada blocks! Sanada fights with the dragon sleeper! Okada is turning red, but he manages to arm-drag free! SHINING WIZARD!!! Shoutout to The Great Muta!! Sanada hauls Okada up, DEAD- NO, Okada slips free to gut wrench, COBRA FLOWSION!!!
Okada ripcords again, RAIN- CLINCH! DEAD FALL!!!! Cover, Sanada wins!!!!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Just5Guys are ecstatic! They celebrate with their guy, who is now THE guy! Okada falls to his rival, what will become of him now?
As for Sanada, he is presented with the belt, and Just5Guys help put it on him. Sanada has the New Japan Cup trophy, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and now the mic. “Finally, finally! I’m the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion!” The fans cheer that! Sanada tells Okada, “You and I are the same age, we’ve been through so much, and I thank you. Now, I’m in the position where I can say to you, ‘Let’s do it again.'” Fans rally for “SA-NA-DA!” and the stars are already coming out. Wait, Hiromu hobbles his way back out here? Sanada’s former friend in LIJ hops into the ring?!
Fans rally, Hiromu gets the mic and tells Sanada, “You won the New Japan Cup. You won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Congratulations. You left LIJ and changed the world, proving everything you said. So, it might be a bit sudden, but can I challenge you for the world title?” Fans are excited for that idea! They chant for “HI-RO-MU!” now! Sanada tells Hiromu that he can, but there’s someone he has to deal with first. Sanada looks to Just5Guys, and he gives the mic to the Heel Master!
Yoshinobu Kanemaru tells Hiromu, “You’ve brought up my name before. Before you challenge Sanada, let me challenge you for your title! Oi, you don’t have the right to decide. I WILL challenge you next!” Hiromu tells Sanada that before their match, he’ll take on Kanemaru with the belt on the line. “That sounds like a prize to me! What a trial! So I will beat Kanemaru, retain my title, and live my dream of becoming IWGP World and Junior Heavyweight Champion! You will then see the power and strength of LIJ!” Fans fire up for Hiromu, and a series of challenges has been set! Will the Timebomb survive?
Sanada tells Hiromu that now that business is done, Sanada is going to wrap the show, so please, get outta here. Hiromu takes his leave, and congratulates Just5Guys one more time. Sanada then asks the fans if they want to do “that.” The lights go down, the stars are out in full, and Sanada continues. “I want to say that this is my gift to you. But this is in truth your gift to me. Thank you. Did I make myself clear? Now, let me just do one thing. I love the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship more than anything. OI, RYOGOKU! See you next time!” Will Just5Guys have even more gold the next time they are in town?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for NJPW here, and it’s been a minute since we’ve had a Sakura Genesis. I did skip a bit, but I really should’ve gotten that Six Man of Tama, Hikuleo & Wato VS Bullet Club, because the biggest development wasn’t even Bullet Club winning. It was that El Phantasmo tried to stop David Finlay & Kenta from beating them all down! And that in turn got ELP kicked out of the Club! There was already tension with how Finlay went after Jay White and it blew over here. Though it was a little messed up they swerved us multiple times, with Kenta and Taiji Ishimori, ELP’s tag partner, turning on him. There won’t be a Bullet Club Civil War, but there could be ELP teaming with the Guerrillas of Destiny to go after Finlay’s Bullet Club.
The IWGP Women’s Championship Triple Threat was awesome stuff, especially for the pace of it. Mone winning made sense to help hook American fans for the Stardom show in a couple weeks, and Mayu Iwatani is a fitting choice, she’s been a big name in Stardom for a long time. No idea who wins, though, but that’ll be a really good match. ZSJ VS Shota was awesome stuff, and it came really close to that 15 minute limit. I was actually a little surprised Shota didn’t get it, but ZSJ snatching the win with that quick pin was a good way to keep Shota strong in losing. ZSJ still has tons of possibilities for challengers as he’s still just the inaugural champion.
Bishamon VS Aussie Open was also amazing, especially given how Fletcher kept fighting even after getting a pretty good cut on the side of his head. Aussie Open are the champions now and the Empire adds more gold to the collection. Great-O-Khan has the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Championship, Francesco Akira & TJP still have the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, and Aussie Open has the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Ospreay is hurt but he’ll be back, probably going for the world title. Henare missed out on the KOPW title, and Cobb lost against Kenny Omega for the US Championship, but they could try for the NJPW World TV or NEVER Openweight Championship.
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight was also an awesome match, with Hiromu’s leg being a great part of story. But given the BOSJ is on the horizon, and Eagles only just returning, it makes sense Hiromu retained. Okada VS Sanada was also just an awesome match, lots of brutality from both guys to show how they’ve changed from before. I said on Monday that one, Sanada has proven himself worthy, and two, we could really explore this “Bully Okada” persona if he lost the title, and then we get Sanada winning! Sanada finally reaches the top and I’m very happy for him. And Hiromu VS Kanemaru before Hiromu VS Sanada, that is quite the set-up, can’t wait to see how that goes.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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