NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/3/23)
Who is truly the top of NJPW?
This event’s 30th anniversary is golden!
Wrestling Dontaku has been a NJPW tradition since 1993, but this could be the biggest one yet! Will Hiromu Takahashi become THE top champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – Young Lion Challenge: Ryohei Oiwa VS Oskar Leube, Boltin Oleg & Yuto Nakashima; Leube wins, Oiwa gets nothing.
- 8 Man Tag: Chaos VS The House of Torture; Chaos wins.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino & The Intergalactic Jet Setters VS The United Empire; Shota & The Jet Setters win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI; Taichi, Kanemaru & Douki win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: KENTA VS Hikuleo; Hikuleo wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Time Limit Draw, ZSJ is still the NJPW World Television Champion.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Team Strong Style VS Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii & Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada, Ishii & Tanahashi win and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: SANADA VS Hiromu Takahashi; Sanada wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: KENTA VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Fang Revived has certainly been a strong champion, but he’s up against a big challenge! Will Kenta keep this gold in Bullet Club? Or will the Young Gun make Kenta go to sleep?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
Kenta rushes in before the bell! But Hiku BOOTS him right down! Hiku grabs at Kenta but the ref wants him to stop! Kenta may’ve been knocked the heck out! But Hiku doesn’t care, he’s still after Kenta! The ref has Hiku back off for real now, and he checks Kenta. Kenta is definitely dazed but is he okay to continue? Seems he is, so Hiku wants the match to start already. The ref obliges and the bell rings, but Kenta lures Hiku into a cradle! TWO!! Kenta almost got Hiku with that act! Kenta tries another cradle, but Hiku blocks! Hiku powers Kenta up to a suplex! Kenta slips free, runs, but into a CHOP!
Hiku runs in but Kenta blocks the boot to a KNEE JAMMER! And then he CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Fans rally up as Hiku crawls. Kenta stomps the leg, KICKS it, and has Hiku on the apron. Kenta brings the big leg in to stomp it some more. The ref reprimands as Kenta puts the leg on the ropes, and Kenta HIP DROPS it! Hiku writhes but Kenta stalks him. The fans duel as Kenta stomps Hiku. Hiku sits up to CHOP! Kenta grits his teeth to stomp Hiku more! Kenta drags Hiku from the ropes for a HEEL HOOK! Kenta even grapevines the leg! Hiku CHOPS Kenta, but Kenta pulls on the leg! Hiku reaches out to the ROPEBREAK!
Fans cheer and Kenta lets off, but then he stomps the leg again! Hiku sits up, into a KICK! Kenta keeps stomping the bad leg, then even stomps the other leg. Kenta drops an elbow on the knee, then a knee on the knee! Kenta pulls on the toehold, then drops more knees! Fans rally up for Hiku while Kenta toys with him. Hiku gets mad now, but Kenta keeps kicking his leg out. Hiku shoves Kenta away to a corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Kenta goes up, leaps, but into Hiku’s arms! Hiku throws Kenta to the corner, but Kenta dodges the splash! Kenta tries to roll Hiku up, but even on one leg, he’s too big and sturdy!
Hiku SLAPS Kenta, and clamps on a choke grip! Hiku drags Kenta right up, has both hands, and he picks Kenta up for a BEARHUG! But Kenta BELL CLAPS free! Kenta runs, into another BOOT! Fans fire up and Hiku storms around. Hiku waits on Kenta to rise, then scoops for a SNAKE EYES! Hiku runs to LARIAT Kenta down! Fans fire up again as Hiku drags Kenta back up. STALLING SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up behind Hiku and Jado tells him to keep going. Hiku drags Kenta up, reels him in, but Kenta CLUBS the bad leg! Then he rakes Hiku’s eyes! Hiku staggers but comes back, Kenta makes the ref take the BOOT!!
Everyone is stunned as the ref goes down! Hiku hurries to get after Kenta, but Kenta LOW BLOWS! Fans boo but Kenta just goes out to look under the ring. Kenta brings out a kendo stick! Kenta slides in as fans boo, and he SMACKS Hiku! Kenta pretends he can’t hear the fans, and then he SMACKS away on Hiku! Jado gets on the apron, Kenta SMACKS him, too! And then Kenta SMACKS Hiku again! And again! Hiku shakes his head, Kenta SMACKS him right in the gut! Kenta mocks the fans, but they rally up for Hiku. Hiku blocks the kendo stick, and it shatters! Hiku breaks what’s left!
Hiku throws the stick away, almost hitting the Young Lions. Kenta tries another low blow but Hiku blocks that! Hiku spins Kenta around, for the T-BOMB! But the ref is still down!! Hiku realizes that, goes to the ref, and he is out COLD! Is there another ref that can take his place? Marty Asami hurries out! Hiku takes aim at Kenta, choke grip, and CHOKE- ARMBAR!! TRIANGLE HOLD!! Kenta turns things around on Hiku! Hiku scrambles, reaches out, but Kenta shifts into GAME OVER!! Hiku still reaches out, and fans rally as hard as they can as Hiku crawls over! But Kenta pulls way back on the hold! Hiku fights and fights, to the ROPEBREAK!
Fans cheer as Kenta lets Hiku go in frustration. Kenta goes side to side, to KNEE Hiku in the back! And then again! Kenta then aims from the corner as Hiku slowly sits up. Kenta runs in, into the choke grip! But Kenta shoves Marty aside to LOW BLOW!! Fans boo but Kenta hits the BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?! Kenta can’t believe Hiku survives! Fans fire up, Kenta sits Hiku up and brings the kneepads down! Kenta runs, but Hiku dodges and scoops, POWERSLAM!! And then choke grip! For the CHOKE SLAM!!! Cover, Hiku wins!!
Winner: Hikuleo, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Young Gun did it! He avenges the Guerrillas of Destiny while also claiming his first title ever! You never forget your first, so will Hikuleo make this one to remember?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Jeff Cobb w/ The United Empire!
The Front Man of TMDK continues to be the star of this title’s first season, but the Imperial Unit is coming to flip the script. Will ZSJ take a Tour of the Island? Or will Cobb’s 15 minutes of fame be used up already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly mighty!
The United Empire throw up the crowns, and TMDK does some kind of thing with their fingers…? The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Fans rally up as ZSJ talks some trash. Cobb and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and Cobb dares ZSJ to go for a leg. ZSJ returns the favor, but neither goes for a leg. They feel out a grapple, Cobb gets a leg but ZSJ hops around to the ropes. The ref counts the break and Cobb lets off. Fans applaud this opening exchange and the two feel out another grapple. ZSJ shoots in but Cobb blocks then floats around. ZSJ slips away and fans cheer again. Cobb and ZSJ reset, feel things out, and end up in a corner.
Cobb reels ZSJ into a lift! But ZSJ uses it to get an INVERTED OCTOPUS! But Cobb powers free, so ZSJ slips away again. Fans cheer again as the two reset. ZSJ says Cobb’s a heccin big gaijin. They feel things out again, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder. Cobb doesn’t budge, and then he pushes ZSJ down to a cover! ONE as ZSJ bridges up! Cobb sweeps the legs, ONE as ZSJ bridges back up! Cobb hops onto ZSJ to flatten him! TWO as ZSJ bridges up again!! Even Cobb is surprised! Cobb lets off, ZSJ kips up and rolls through to reverse the knuckle lock pressure! But Cobb turns ZSJ around to throw him over!
ZSJ reels Cobb in but Cobb’s too big for a Northern Lights! Cobb flips things around to back drop ZSJ! Fans applaud as ZSJ backs away to a corner. ZSJ hobbles up, Cobb shakes out his hands, and the two go again. ZSJ shoots in, gets the leg, waistlocks and lifts him up! But Cobb throws ZSJ away! Fans applaud again while ZSJ catches his breath. Cobb eggs ZSJ on and ZSJ comes back. Fans rally as the two go again. ZSJ headbutts low then headlocks! Cobb powers out, they RAM shoulders, and ZSJ staggers away! They RAM again and again but again ZSJ wobbles! Cobb runs, but ZSJ drop- NO, Cobb is too sturdy for the toehold!
Cobb picks ZSJ right up, but ZSJ body scissors, only for Cobb to still stay up! Cobb throws ZSJ off and ZSJ runs the ropes, but Cobb runs him right over! Fans fire up while Cobb looms over ZSJ. Cobb drags ZSJ up, RAMS him into a corner, and then RAMS into him again! Cobb whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off the buckles! Cobb taunts ZSJ and he drags him up again. Cobb HEADBUTTS ZSJ right down! The Empire cheers while TMDK coaches ZSJ up. Cobb stands ZSJ up to RAM him back into the corner! The ref counts as Cobb digs his shoulder in, and Cobb lets off as we reach the five minute mark.
Cobb whips ZSJ the other way, ZSJ goes up and around and jumps on for body scissors and armlock! But Cobb scoop SLAMS ZSJ down! Cobb sets up, but ZSJ trips him up and into the REAR NAKED CHOKE! Cobb is caught in the sleeper and body scissors! Cobb moves around, slips free, and he waistlocks to deadlift ZSJ! ZSJ shifts to drop toehold! HEEL HOOK! ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud the exchange as ZSJ lets go. ZSJ gets Cobb’s leg to KICK it! ZSJ taunts “big boy” Cobb, gets the leg and KICKS it again. ZSJ echoes a fan’s shout and the fans all cheer! ZSJ gets the leg again and he twists the ankle!
Cobb endures the standing toehold, then powers right out! Cobb hobbles, but ZSJ gets the body scissor takedown, into the KNEEBAR! ZSJ even grapevines Cobb’s body! Cobb endures, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as ZSJ lets off again. The fans rally and duel while ZSJ eggs Cobb on. Cobb stands into ZSJ’s KICK! And KICK! Cobb eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ KICKS, then runs, into a CROSSBODY!? Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and fans fire up again. Cobb shakes out the bad leg and the fans rally up. Cobb stands, he hobbles over to ZSJ and drags him up. Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm!
ZSJ sits down, but he eggs Cobb on. Cobb brings ZSJ up again, to ROCK him with another forearm! ZSJ sits back down, checks his jaw, and stands up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS, but there wasn’t much behind it. ZSJ keeps throwing uppercuts but Cobb just eggs him on. ZSJ fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Cobb just DROPKICKS him right down! Fans fire up as ZSJ flounders away! Cobb storms up on ZSJ, puts him in the corner and then hoists him up top. Cobb climbs up to join ZSJ and fans rally. Cobb suplexes but ZSJ flails! ZSJ shifts around, TOP ROPE OCTOPUS!! The ref reprimands, this has the ropebreak!
ZSJ lets go at 4, shouts “OI!!” and then shifts around again. ZSJ throws forearms on Cobb, but Cobb body shots hard! Cobb then brings ZSJ up for a SUPER GUT WRENCH SUPLEX!! Fans are thunderous and we’re at the TEN minute mark! Cobb covers, TWO!! ZSJ is still in this and time is on his side, but Cobb hasn’t given up yet. Fans rally and Cobb drags ZSJ up. Cobb suplexes but ZSJ fights it, to wrench and PELE the arm! Cobb comes back, ZSJ KICKS the other arm! ZSJ ROLLING ELBOWS, then waistlocks! Cobb fights the lift, ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Cobb HEADBUTTS right through ZSJ!! Fans fire up as both men are down!
The ref checks both men and they’re okay to continue. Fans rally back up as Cobb and ZSJ stir. Cobb drags ZSJ up in a facelock but ZSJ resists. Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with a right hand! ZSJ goes to ropes, stands up, and he throws a forearm! And another! And another! Cobb eggs him on, ZSJ throws another, so Cobb DECKS ZSJ! Cobb looms over ZSJ as we hit the three minute warning. Cobb whips ZSJ to a corner, ZSJ goes up and comes back, but into the ATHLETIC- SLEEPER! ZSJ is now a backpack! But Cobb powers up and heads for ropes! ZSJ hooks Cobb’s arms! But Cobb powers ZSJ to an Electric Chair!
Cobb then puts ZSJ into a wheelbarrow, for a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!! Fans are thunderous as Cobb drags ZSJ back up! Whip and scoop, TOUR OF THE- GUILLOTINE! ROLL-UP! TWO!!! Cobb escapes, we’re at the two minute warning! Cobb runs in, into a BOOT! Cobb comes back, into another BOOT! ZSJ runs, avoids the dropkick, and body scissors into the EURO CLUTCH! ONE!?!? Cobb is out fast but ZSJ PENALTY KICKS!! Cover, TWO!!! And with some force! But again, time is on ZSJ’s side as he gets back up! ZSJ throws forearm after forearm, Cobb eggs him on, so ZSJ SLAPS! AND SLAPS! AND SLAPS!
ZSJ fires off slaps from all sides as we hit the final 60 seconds! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, runs, but Cobb scoops him! ATHLETIC PLEX!! But ZSJ flops outta the ring!! Cobb has no time to waste, he hurries out to fetch ZSJ back into the ring! The Empire rallies, Cobb covers, TWO!! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!!! ZSJ survives and we’re at THIRTY seconds! Cobb hauls ZSJ up, ZSJ gets the ARMBAR! But Cobb stays up, he DEADLIFT POWERBOMBS! FALLING AX HANDLE into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! FIFTEEN SECONDS LEFT!! Cobb deadlifts again!! And powers ZSJ to a SUPLEX! Both men flounder!
Cobb hobbles over, he hauls ZSJ up, but TIME IS UP!!! ZSJ survives!!
Time Limit Draw; ZSJ retains the NJPW World Television Championship
Cobb was so close and yet so far away from the gold! But that was also the closest ZSJ was to losing his title! What will it take for someone to finally end season one of the NJPW World TV Championship?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Team Strong Style VS Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii & Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita have become a powerful team, defeating the House of Torture twice to capture and then defend these titles. But the Rainmaker has added to his dream team by making a dream trio! Will the Stone Pitbull and The Ace of the Universe help Okada capture gold he’s never held before? Or will Team Strong Style never give up?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see a battle of multiple generations unfold!
The trios sort out, and after Tanahashi shows off the abs, we start with Tanahashi and Suzuki. Fans rally as this great rivalry kicks us off. They circle and fans duel as the two feel things out. They knuckle lock, Suzuki wrenches but Tanahashi wrenches back. Tanahashi hammerlocks but Suzuki switches that onto Tanahashi, to then headlock for the takeover. Tanahashi headscissors and Suzuki kips free, and fans cheer as the two stand off. They go again, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Suzuki breaks one, wrenches the other, then tags Desperado. Desperado takes the handoff, then Suzuki BOOTS the arm!
Desperado wrenches and CLUBS the arm, then CLUBS it again. Desperado YANKS the arm, wrenches again, and tags Narita. Narita takes the handoff and now Desperado BOOTS the arm! Narita BLASTS Okada and Ishii off the apron! Narita stomps Tanahashi to a corner, then whips corner to corner. Narita runs in, but Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Tag to Okada! Okada brings Narita up to TOSS him out! Okada then goes out to whip Narita hard into railing! Narita stumbles and Okada brings him up to scoop and SLAM on the floor! Narita writhes but Okada is stone cold as he looms over him.
Okada drags Narita up and puts him in the ring. Fans applaud and Okada gives Narita toying kicks. Narita grits his teeth and swings, but into the MONEY CLIP! Narita flails and reaches out, but Okada keeps him from ropes. Okada sits Narita down, but Desperado and Suzuki get in to CLOBBER Okada! Narita is free, Suzuki DECKS Tanahashi and Desperado hits Ishii! Ishii stays up and storms in! Fans fire up as Desperado panics! Ishii ROCKS Desperado, ROCKS Suzuki, but they both kick him. Suzuki keeps after Ishii while Desperado kicks and CLUBS Okada before throwing Okada out.
Suzuki and Desperado mug Ishii, wraps his arms around the ropes, and then CHOP! And CHOP! Desperado runs to ROCK Ishii! Suzuki SLAPS Ishii, runs, but Tanahashi runs in! Suzuki BOOTS Tanahashi, but Ishii runs Desperado and Suzuki over! Ishii BOOTS Narita to a corner, and Okada returns. Ishii stomps Suzuki down on the outside, then just keeps moving to whip Desperado. Desperado reverses to send Ishii into railing! Okada wrenches whips Narita corner to corner, then runs in to back elbow! Okada then kicks low and DDTs! Cover, TWO! Narita makes it through Okada’s standard formula, but Okada tags in Tanahashi.
Fans rally up and Tanahashi stands Narita up. Narita CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Tanahashi fires off his strike fest! Tanahashi whips Narita to ropes, but Narita hits the SLAM DUNK! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Narita crawls to tag in Suzuki! Suzuki fires forearms on Tanahashi, has him in the corner, and then just fires off more forearms! The ref reprimands, Suzuki lets off, and he stands Tanahashi up. For more forearms! Tanahashi fires up and turns things around. Tanahashi throws a forearm, Suzuki turns things around to throw even more forearms! Okada storms in, but Suzuki ROCKS him!
Tanahashi stands, Suzuki runs in and BOOTS! Suzuki whips corner to corner, to BOOT again! Suzuki snapmares, runs, PENALTY- NO! Tanahashi blocks the kick, CLUBS the leg, fires forearms and whips, but Suzuki reverses. But Tanahashi hits a FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up with The Ace and he stands Suzuki up. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Suzuki to the drop zone! Tanahashi goes up but Suzuki scrambles away. Suzuki stands and fans cheer as he eggs Tanahashi on. Tanahashi hops down and he fires a forearm! Suzuki laughs and forearms back! The forearms keep going and fans rally up!
Suzuki ROCKS Tanahashi, Tanahashi throws another forearm, but Suzuki ROCKS him again! Tanahashi wobbles but stays up, and fans fire up as he comes back for more! The forearms keep going, Tanahashi gets the edge! Suzuki winds up, but it’s a feint for the BODY SHOT! Tanahashi drops to his knees! Suzuki stands him up, for another BODY SHOT! Desperado runs in to BLAST Ishii and Okada! Narita joins in stomping them on the outside! Suzuki stands Tanahashi up, brings him around, and he wraps Tanahashi into an IRON OCTOPUS! Tanahashi endures, but he drops to a knee!
Suzuki stands Tanahashi back up, and he puts the IRON OCTOPUS back on! Ishii sends Desperado into railing and storms in to CLUB Suzuki! Ishii stomps Suzuki and Tanahashi is free. Ishii shouts at Tanahashi to fight, but Suzuki DECKS Ishii! Suzuki drags Tanahashi by his arm but Tanahashi breaks free. Tanahashi clutches that arm but Suzuki goes right for it! Fans rally for Tanahashi but the ref checks him. Suzuki tags Desperado, and Desperado storms over, but the ref still checks Tanahashi. Desperado stomps Tanahashi’s bad arm! Tanahashi writhes, Desperado brings him up, but Tanahashi gets a leg for a DRAGON SCREW!
Suzuki rushes back in, but Tanahashi blocks the kick for a DRAGON SCREW! Ishii is on the corner and he reaches out! Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Ishii! Desperado ROCKS him with a forearm, but Ishii roars! Desperado throws more forearms, but Ishii just ROCKS Desperado right back! Ishii whips, Desperado reverses, but Ishii reverses back for a BIG back suplex! Ishii drags Desperado up, eggs him on and whips, but Desperado reverses. Ishii comes back, into a mule kick! Ishii still swings, but Desperado dodges to reel Ishii in. Ishii fights the lift, but Desperado reels him back in, for a BIG back suplex!
Desperado slaps himself, then slaps feeling into his leg. Desperado storms up on Ishii and kicks him around. Fans rally, Desperado eggs Ishii on, and then Desperado SLAPS Ishii! Ishii stands right up! Ishii swings, but Desperado UPPERCUTS! Desperado reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes! Desperado fights that to then suplex Ishii up and over! Fans fire up with Desperado and he drags Ishii up to reel him in, but Okada BOOTS Desperado! Narita kicks and whips but Okada reverses, only for Narita to avoid the dropkick! Narita runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Suzuki runs in, dodges Okada to fire off fast hands!
Suzuki DECKS Okada, then catches Ishii! Ishii slips out to back suplex, but Suzuki fights that off to GUILLOTINE! But Ishii uses that to suplex Suzuki! Desperado runs in, Ishii blocks the Spear! But Desperado wrenches out to a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up with Desperado again and he drags Ishii back up. GUITARRA DEL- NO, Ishii slips out to waistlock! Tanahashi runs in, but Desperado switches and Tanahashi SHOTEIS Ishii!! Desperado shoves Ishii into Tanahashi! And then rolls Ishii up! TWO!!! Ishii escapes but Desperado runs in, Ishii gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down but Ishii roars as he rises!
Suzuki has Tanahashi down on the outside but Ishii aims at Desperado. Ishii runs, but Desperado dodges to SPEAR! And then GUITARRA DEL ANGEL!! Cover, Okada breaks it! Narita throws Okada back out! Desperado fires up again and fans are thunderous! Desperado underhooks and lifts, but Ishii fights free! Ishii swings, into a spin! Ishii spins, Desperado still underhooks! But Ishii back drops free! Desperado rolls and stacks Ishii! TWO!! Desperado ROCKS Ishii! Ishii ROCKS Desperado! LOCO MONO!!! Ishii falls and fans are thunderous again! Desperado brings Ishii up, but Ishii HEADBUTTS!!
Both men fall and fans are electric! Fans rally as Ishii and Desperado crawl. Hot tags to Okada and Narita! Narita BOOTS Okada! Narita fires off forearms, he puts Okada in a corner for more, then he shoves the ref away. Okada bails out but Narita pursues! Narita whips, Okada reverses and Narita hits railing again! But Narita returns to BOOT Okada! Narita whips Okada hard into railing in return! Narita puts Okada in the ring, fires up, and he puts Okada in the GUILLOTINE! But Okada powers out with a back drop! Narita staggers up but he ducks the lariat to fire off a strike fest! HALF HATCH and BRIDGE! TWO!!!
SLEEPER! Narita has Okada now and fans rally up! Okada endures but he’s pretty red already. Okada fights up, pries at the hold, but Narita shifts right into a COBRA TWIST! Okada powers up and hip tosses free! Okada UPPERCUTS, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up while Suzuki storms in. Desperado CLUBS Tanahashi down then joins in. Suzuki & Narita double whip Okada to a corner, Narita runs in to elbow! Suzuki runs in to BOOT! Then they feed Okada to Desperado’s SPINEBUSTER! Desperado sits Okada up for Suzuki’s PENALTY KICK, and then they feed Okada to Narita’s EXPLODER! With bridge! TWO!!
Okada survives and Narita is frustrated, but Suzuki and Desperado keep Tanahashi and Ishii out. Fans rally, Narita stands Okada up to reel him in, DOUBLE WRISTLOCK ARMSAULT! Bridging cover, TWO! Narita keeps the wrists and uses them to reel Okada into the COBRA TWIST! Okada endures, Ishii sends Desperado into railing again and he CLOBBERS Narita! Narita throws Ishii out and fires back up! Narita brings Okada up, whips, but Okada holds ropes. Okada BOOTS Narita, spins him for the ROLLING- BELLY2BELLY outta nowhere!! Narita roars, he hauls Okada back up, and reels him in.
Okada fights the lift so Narita knees low. Narita runs, but Tanahashi intercepts with a SLINGBLADE! Ishii BLASTS Suzuki! Okada DECKS Desperado! The Dream Trio roars! Narita rises up, into a BOOT! LARIAT! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! SLIDING LARIAT! Jackknife roll into the Alabama Lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, Suzuki breaks it in time! Fans are thunderous as the others brawl to the outside, but Okada keeps Narita in. Okada whips, and DROPKICKS! Okada then brings Narita up and scoops to the- NO, Narita slips free, into the COBRA TWIST! But Okada switches it, scoops, LANDSLIDE!
Okada hauls Narita up, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, THE DREAM TRIO WINS!!
Winners: Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii & Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
Never say never! The Son of Strong Style fought so hard but could not withstand the onslaught forever! And now, the Rainmaker, Stone Pitbull and Once in a Century Talent hold the trios titles together! Team Strong Style isn’t happy about it, will they come back for more soon enough?
But wait! Shota Umino makes his way out here? What business does the Roughneck have with Okada, Ishii and Tanahashi? Shota gets the mic and says he still wants to create a Paradigm Shift, and if he’s going to create a new era in NJPW, he has to take Okada down. For that, Shota is bringing a partner back to Japan! A video plays, and it’s JON MOXLEY! Moxley tells NJPW that he wants to make it his business. “A storm is coming to Japan, and the Death Rider…” He’s got his Young Boy’s back at DOMINION! “The Bogeyman of NJPW returns.” A massive return is in the works! Shota continues by telling Okada, “Thank you for your hard work.”
#SHOOTER heads out, the challenge issued, but Okada gets the mic to tell Shota that he’s talking big for someone calling on his babysitter. But he will say this to the Young Buck, F YOU! Okada even flips Shota off! The Rainmaker is ready for whatever and whoever is coming for these titles! Tanahashi and Ishii even shake hands! Will the Dream Trio stay golden for the Summer?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Good Bad Guy’s war with Bullet Club, the club he helped found, all started because of Jay White kicking him out. But now he faces the man who kicked Jay White out to take over the club! Hikuleo took one openweight title, will Tama hold onto the other? Or will the Rebel get what he wants?
The introductions are made, but Finlay goes after Tama while he’s standing on a corner! But Tama throws hands first! Tama fires up and DECKS Finlay! Fans fire up as Tama rallies on Finlay and Red Shoes rings the bell. Finlay rushes in but Tama dodges to back drop! Fans fire up and Finlay stands, and Tama clotheslines him out of the ring! Tama hands Red Shoes the belt then pursues Finlay. Tama SMACKS Finlay off the apron, then brings him around to SMACK him off more apron! Tama ROCKS Finlay, POSTS him, then brings him around. Finlay knees low, whips Tama but Tama stops from hitting railing.
But Finlay fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES Tama off railing! And then RAMS him through the gate into No Man’s Land! Gedo is all fired up while Tama writhes on the floor. Finlay stomps Tama against the railing, ROCKS him, and they go deeper into the crowd. Red Shoes reprimands and the two brawl! Tama ROCKS Finlay, Finlay ROCKS Tama, but Tama SUPER FOREARMS Finlay! Tama CLUBS Finlay and keeps him moving along. Finlay kicks low, HEADBUTTS again and again, and then RAMS Tama into some empty seats! Young Lions help to make sure the fans aren’t in the way as Finlay rains down fists!
Red Shoes reprimands Finlay, tells Gedo to stop encouraging this, and then Finlay drags Tama up. Finlay UPPERCUTS Tama and stalks him through the crowd. Finlay rains down fists, then brings Tama back up. Red shoes starts the ring count and Finlay powers Tama along the way. Finlay CLUBS and kicks Tama along, we’re at 8 of 20 and Finlay CLUBS Tama down. Finlay leaves Tama behind and slides in at 14. Tama staggers up at 15, hurries, and he pushes railing over as he returns to ringside at 16. Tama slides in, but Finlay stomps away! Finlay paces around Tama, rains down fists, then CHOKES Tama!
Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay lets go, and he brings Tama up. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Tama but Finlay BITES Tama’s ear! Red Shoes reprimands, counts, and Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay spits the taste out of his mouth, then goes back to Tama. Finlay claws and fishhooks Tama’s face, but stops as Red Shoes counts. Finlay dares Red Shoes to do something and Red Shoes warns him. The fans rally, Finlay brings Tama up but Tama throws body shots. Finlay CLUBS Tama, whips him hard into the corner, and Gedo laughs as Tama bounces off buckles. Finlay taunts Tama but fans rally up.
Finlay drags Tama up and whips him back the other way hard! Tama again bounces off buckles, Finlay pushes him to a cover, but Red Shoes says they’re in the ropes. Finlay is annoyed but the fans rally up. Finlay kicks Tama around, taunting him, then he throws a forearm. Tama pounds the mat and stands up, but FInlay throws another forearm. Tama growls, Finlay throws more shots, but Tama is just powering up! Tama eggs Finlay on, Finlay kicks low and whips again. Tama comes back, but Finlay ROCKS him! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS! Tama stays up! Finlay swings, but into the EXPLODER!
Fans fire up while Finlay flops to the corner. Finlay drags himself up with the ropes, Tama runs in, and Tama clotheslines Finlay and himself out of the ring! Tama roars as he rises up and fans cheer again. Tama whips Finlay hard into railing! And then storms up to whip him the other way, even harder! Finlay crawls along the way and Tama whips him even harder! And then again for all four corners! Fans fire up and Tama looms over Finlay. Finlay wants mercy but Tama whips him into railing again! And again! And again! And again! Four times in one corner! Fans fire up as Tama lets off.
The ring count starts again and Tama brings Finlay back up. Tama puts Finlay in and fans cheer. Finlay again wants mercy as he crawls away. Tama says no, and he storms up again. Tama throws haymaker after haymaker! Fans rally, Tama whips, but Finlay reverses. Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama roars, the fans fire up and Tama runs corner to corner, STINGER SPLASH! And then fireman’s carry, S R C! Tama hurries up top and fans fire up again! SUPREME FLOW onto knees!! Double-edged for Finlay but it was his only way! Fans rally up again while both men are down.
Finlay rises but Tama heads for him. They go forehead to forehead, then Finlay throws a forearm. Tama throws one back! Finlay wobbles, but he throws another forearm. Tama throws it back! Finlay throws another, Tama returns it, repeat! They stand as they throw forearms and the fans fire up! Tama gets the edge, but Finlay catches him for an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Tama writhes but Finlay drags him up for another IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gedo protests the count but fans cheer. Finlay says Tama’s dead, and he drags Tama up for a crossface forearm! And another! And then another!
Finlay throws crossface forearm after crossface forearm! Fans rally for Tama but Finlay throws up the Too Sweet. Finlay drags Tama up again, runs, BLINDSIDER LARIAT! “Just that easy!” Finlay talks trash to Jado but the fans rally up. Finlay drags Tama back up, reels him in, gut wrench to Canadian Rack, but Tama slips out! TONGAN TWIST! Fans rally up, Tama drag Finlay up but Finlay fights the suplex! Finlay RAMS Tama into a corner! And RAMS him again! And again! And again! Red Shoes counts as Finlay digs his shoulder in, but Tama powers him back! And then he lets Finlay go right into the buckles!
Finlay flounders, Tama brings him up, BLOODY SUNDAY! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Tama keeps his focus. Tama pounds the mat and fans clap along. Gedo doesn’t like where this is going, but Finlay staggers up. Tama runs in, GUN- BACKSLIDE! Roll through, suplex, TRASH- NO! Tama blocks and underhooks, but Finlay slips free! Finlay waistlocks, Tama bucks, GUN- NO!! Finlay stands Tama up for a ROLLING ELBOW and TRASH- NO, Tama slips free and rolls Finlay, and he crosses the legs! Finlay fights the turnover, so Tama stomps away on his face! Tama finishes the turn, into the SHARPSHOOTER!!
Fans fire up as Finlay endures and Tama sits deep! Finlay powers up, only for Tama to sit back down! Finlay pushes up again, reaches out, claws his way forward, but Tama drags him away! Tama sits even deeper! Finlay flails, yells, crawls, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Tama lets go and also catches his breath. Fans cheer as Tama says he’s going up. Tama puts Finlay in a drop zone, but Finlay anchors his foot. Tama throws down hands and Finlay lets him go. Tama stomps Finlay, then goes up the corner. Fans rally, but Finlay anchors Tama on the corner! Finlay climbs up to throw shoulders into Tama!
Tama ROCKS Finlay with haymakers! Finlay wobbles, so Tama HEADBUTTS him down! But Finlay hurries up to SHOVE Tama off! Tama hits railing on the way down! Red Shoes goes out to check Tama, but somehow he’s okay to continue. Finlay drags Tama up, reels him in, and APRON POWERBOMBS! Tama flops back down while Finlay slides back in. Fans rally up but the ring count starts. Tama is still down at 10 of 20, but stirring. Finlay goes out to fetch Tama, and fireman’s carries, to POST Tama!! Tama falls again and Finlay talks trash. Finlay slides into the ring, and the count starts again.
Tama is still down at 10 of 20, but he stirs again. Jado coaches Tama up but he’s still down at 15! Tama pushes himself up at 17, and springs in at 19.5! Finlay is right on him, gut wrench and Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and Finlay is furious! Finlay pulls down the kneepad, X marks the spot! Finlay slashes his throat, he vows to end this! Finlay drags Tama up but Tama is deadweight! Red Shoes checks Tama, but Tama is somehow still in this. Finlay drags him up, Tama shoves him away! GUN- NO, Finlay slams him down! And then hauls him up, to POWERBOMB!
Finlay drags Tama up again, for another POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives again and fans fire back up! Fans rally, Finlay talks a lot of trash on Tama, and Finlay even slaps Tama around. Finlay wants Tama to beg him for mercy, but Tama SLAPS him instead! So Finlay rains down fists and even HEADBUTTS! Red Shoes reprimands but Finlay shoves him away! Finlay fires off more fists, and then mocks Tama’s never give up attitude. Red Shoes reprimands Finlay but Finlay tells Tama to give up. Fans rally and Jado coaches Tama as Finlay drags Tama up. FOR A THIRD POWERBOMB!
Finlay paces around Tama, but Tama refuses to quit. Fans rally but Finlay tells Jado he should throw in the towel. Finlay drags Tama up for a FOURTH POWERBOMB! Jado has the towel, he thinks about it, but says no, he has faith Tama can win this. Finlay suplexes, for TRASH PANDA!! Or as he calls it now, Into Oblivion! Cover, but Finlay lets off at two?! Finlay says he told Tama to give up, and so he suplexes, INTO OBLIVION again!! Cover, but AGAIN Finlay lets off! Fans boo but Gedo likes Finlay toying with Tama. Finlay says he told us all he was a cold-blooded killer, and now he’ll prove it! INTO OBLIVION again!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Wrestling bloodlines clashed, and the Rebel comes out on top! With Finlay at the helm, will it only be a matter of time before Bullet Club takes over all of NJPW? Gedo makes the official announcement of Finlay’s victory, but then someone in a hoodie and medical mask walks out. They creep up on them, and he TOSSES Gedo out! SURPRISE! It’s EL PHANTASMO! He SUPERKICKS Finlay down! Fans fire up as ELP then drags Finlay up, tucks him in, but Finlay fights free of CR2! Finlay runs away and ELP throws his hoodie at him! Fans rally for ELP and he SWANTONS to the outside! Direct hit on Finlay AND Gedo!
ELP rains down fists on Finlay! Young Lions pull him back but ELP DECKS one, then goes after Finlay again! More Young Lions pull ELP back and Finlay scurries away! Finlay got out of the frying pan and into the fire, will the Headbanga make him pay for kicking him out of the Club? Or will Finlay just do the same thing to ELP he just did to Tama?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Hiromu Takahashi w/ Los Ingobernables de Japon!
The Cold Skull left Los Ingobernables de Japon and became world champion. The Ticking Timebomb is still in LIJ, and he is still a champion. There was no animosity in Sanada leaving, but will there be animosity in what could be a defining moment in NJPW history?
The introductions are made, the world title is raised, and we see who is truly the top champion in all of NJPW!
LIJ fist bump, J5G thumbs up, and the bell rings. Fans rally and duel already, “HI-RO-MU!” outdoing the “SA-NA-DA!” Sanada shrugs that off and the two circle. They approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Sanada uses his height for leverage to push Hiromu to ropes, but Hiromu turns it around. Red Shoes calls the break and Hiromu lets off. But Sanada avoids his chop! Fans applaud and the two reset. They circle, the “HI-RO-MU!” continuing to drown out the “SA-NA-DA!” The two feel things out, each trying to find an opening. Hiromu gets around to a waistlock but Sanada switches. Hiromu wrenches out to a wristlock.
Sanada rolls, wrenches back, then drop toeholds to get a headlock. Hiromu rolls Sanada to a cover, ONE! Sanada holds onto the headlock, and Hiromu pushes Sanada into the headscissor. Hiromu squeezes tight as he pushes up but Sanada endures. Sanada kicks around, Hiromu keeps on the pressure, but Sanada scoots over to the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the two reset again. Sanada and Hiromu circle, tie up, and Sanada headlocks. Hiromu pries at the hold, but Sanada clamps it right back down. Hiromu throws body shots, powers out, but Sanada runs him over!
Things speed up, Hiromu hurdles and runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Hiromu fights free and waistlocks but Sanada elbows free. Sanada runs but Hiromu ELBOWS him at the ropes! Hiromu runs, but Sanada follows, only for Hiromu to dump him out! Hiromu keeps moving to SHOTGUN Sanada down! Sanada hits railing and fans fire up! Hiromu watches from the corner as fans rally up, then he goes to the apron. Hiromu runs to FLYING SHOTGUN! Sanada hits railing and then tumbles up and over! Sanada is in No Man’s Land, but Hiromu wants everyone to get back. Hiromu goes to the far side, runs in, and FLYING SHOTGUNS into No Man’s Land!!
Fans fire up while Hiromu crawls away from that hard landing! Sanada is down against the second railing and Hiromu fires up! Fans fire up with Hiromu while J5G check Sanada. Hiromu fetches Sanada into the ring, suplexes, but Sanada blocks! Hiromu keeps trying but Sanada fights to lift Hiromu onto the ropes, MAGIC SCREW! Fans rally while Hiromu flops out of the ring. LIJ is there to check on him, and Sanada goes out to fetch Hiromu. Sanada puts Hiromu in the ring, then drags him to the apron! MAGIC SCREW to the floor! Hiromu writhes while fans fire up again. Red Shoes goes out to check Hiromu while Sanada slides into the ring.
Fans rally up for Hiromu and the ring count starts. Hiromu clutches his neck but he sits up at 8 of 20. Hiromu shakes out the cobwebs, hobbles over at 15 and slides in at 16. Fans cheer but Sanada covers, ONE! Sanada drags Hiromu up to CLUB him on the neck! Sanada drags Hiromu up, and CLUBS him down! Sanada cravats Hiromu for a neck wrench, but Hiromu endures. Hiromu backs up into the ropes and Red Shoes counts the break. Sanada lets go at 4, comes back, but Hiromu CHOPS! Fans rally up as Hiromu CHOPS again, but Sanada knees low. Sanada then reels Hiromu in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!
Sanada keeps on Hiromu with a chinlock. Fans rally as Hiromu endures, and Sanada leans on the hold. Hiromu kicks and flails but Sanada grinds him down. Hiromu kicks his way forward, reaches out with his foot, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Sanada lets go quickly, and the fans rally up for Hiromu. Sanada stands Hiromu up but Hiromu fires off forearms! Sanada CHOPS him back! Hiromu fires up to fire off more forearms! Sanada CHOPS him again! Hiromu sputters, but he stands up and CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Sanada CHOPS again! And then a back suplex! Hiromu lands on his feet!
Sanada elbows, runs, but Hiromu follows to RANA! Fans rally even harder for Hiromu while he and Sanada are both down. Hiromu hurries over to Sanada, whips him to ROCK with a forearm, then puts him on ropes to kick the rope! Sanada staggers, Hiromu runs but Sanada dodges! Hiromu ELBOWS, runs, and SHOTGUNS from the corner! Hiromu runs in to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally up. Hiromu drags Sanada up, reels him in, but Sanada suplexes! Hiromu lands on his feet, spins Sanada around, and FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO!
Both men are down as the fans rally up again. Hiromu fires himself up, and he brings Sanada up to fireman’s carry. Sanada fights free to shove Hiromu to a corner. But Hiromu BOOTS back! Hiromu runs, but Sanada hurdles, hurdles and DROPKICKS! Fans fire up while Hiromu bails out. Sanada PLANCHAS to take Hiromu down! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada encourages them more. The fans get loud enough and Sanada goes back to Hiromu. Sanada brings Hiromu up and into the ring, then covers, TWO! Sanada keeps cool and he looms over Hiromu.
Hiromu sits up, grits his teeth, but Sanada brings him up. Sanada fireman’s carries but Hiromu fights it! Hiromu CLUBS Sanada’s back, but Sanada still lifts Hiromu! But Hiromu fights to a dragon sleeper! But Sanada spins that around onto Hiromu! But Hiromu pops free to arm-drag! Only to run into the fireman’s carry! Sanada throws Hiromu into the dragon sleeper, but Hiromu cradle counters! TWO!! Hiromu leaps for the wheelbarrow, and DDTS Sanada down! Fans fire up while both men are down again. LIJ and J5G coach them up, and Hiromu is first to rise. Sanada stirs, and Hiromu storms over.
Hiromu drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, and CORNER DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS! Fans fire up with Hiromu as he drags Sanada back up! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Sanada slips free! Sanada ROCKS Hiromu, spins, but gets caught into TRIANGLE D!! Hiromu squeezes tight but Sanada endures! Sanada fights up again, but Hiromu lets him go to then reel him in! But Sanada wrenches out, fireman’s carries, only for Hiromu to slip free. Hiromu dodges the punch to run, into the fireman’s carry! TKO!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu just gets that shoulder up! Fans fire up as Sanada says it’s time to end this!
Sanada drags Hiromu back up, into the dragon sleeper! SKULL END!! Hiromu is caught in the body scissors and he endures the squeeze on his head! Fans rally up, Hiromu reaches out, but he’s fading! Hiromu claws at the hold, pops free, but Sanada keeps one of his arms! Sanada drags Hiromu up into the dragon sleeper, for the SKULL SWING!! Sanada then drops Hiromu! Sanada goes up the corner, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto Hiromu’s back! But he’s not done there! Sanada goes up again, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees!! Fireman’s carry roll, and Hiromu lifts Sanada for the TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!!!
Sanada survives and fans are thunderous! Both men are down, but the fans are chanting for “HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu rises up, and he shouts that he’s not done yet! Hiromu drags Sanada up, runs, but Sanada ROCKS him first! ROLLING ELBOW! Sanada roars, runs, but into a SUPERKICK! ROLLING ELBOW! HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the bomber to run! But he runs into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Fans are thunderous, Hiromu drags Sanada back up, and he dragon sleepers for the inverted suplex. But Sanada snapmares free to SHINING WIZARD!! Fans fire up again as Sanada says he’ll finish this!
Sanada drags Hiromu up, clinches, but Hiromu slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans rally as hard as they can and Hiromu rises again! Hiromu roars and he watches Sanada rise. Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! But Sanada stays up!?! Sanada shakes his head, then he SWATS the lariat! And UPPERCUTS! Hiromu staggers but he stays up. Sanada UPPERCUTS him again! Hiromu wobbles but shakes his head. So Sanada UPPERCUTS again! Sanada dares Hiromu to come back, so Hiromu comes back, into another UPPERCUT! Hiromu swings but Sanada blocks, to UPPERCUT!
Sanada shakes his head now, and Hiromu swings on him. The forearm is feeble and Hiromu leans on Sanada. Sanada stands him up to UPPERCUT! Hiromu staggers about, swings another weak forearm, so Sanada UPPERCUTS him right down! Hiromu shakes his head as he grits his teeth and sits back up. Fans rally as hard as they can for “HI-RO-MU!” but Sanada looms over him. Hiromu stands up, stares him down, and Sanada UPPERCUTS again! Hiromu staggers to a corner, roars, comes back, but into a pop-up! HIROMU-CHAN CUTTER!! And then fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Sanada survives Hiromu’s modified Death Valley Driver, but Hiromu powers up! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! Dragon sleeper! Inverted suplex! TIMEBOMB 2!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Sanada survives multiple Timebombs and no one can believe it! Fans rally up as hard as they can, this is truly a battle worthy of the world title! Hiromu stands, he brings Sanada back up and wraps him up! Straitjacket and dragon sleeper, but Sanada fights with knees! Hiromu keeps trying to lift but Sanada KNEES right out! And then SAIDOS! And then SHINING- NO, Hiromu blocks the wizard!! Fans fire up as Hiromu powers up again!
Hiromu runs, but Sanada dodges! O’Conner Roll, dragon sleeper! SKULL END!!!! Hiromu is caught in the body scissors, and Sanada squeezes tight!! Hiromu reaches out, fans rally even harder, and he grabs at Red Shoes desperately! LIJ coach Hiromu on but he’s so red right now! He’s fading! Red Shoes checks, but Hiromu still fights! But then he fades again! Sanada lets Hiromu go, to then go back up the corner! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!!! Cover, TWO!?!??! HOW?!?! Even Sanada doesn’t believe it! Sanada snarls, he drags Hiromu back up and gives the thumbs up, because he’s gonna end this!
Sanada clinches, but Hiromu slips out and HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!!! TWO!!!! Sanada escapes, and SHINING WIZARDS!! Hiromu sits up in a daze, Sanada gives him DEAD FALL!!!! Cover, Sanada wins!!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
A historic moment becomes an instant classic! But in the end, the Cold Skull retains the title he fought so hard to get in the first place! Hiromu gave so much in this match but still suffered defeat, will he be able to recover in the Best of the Super Juniors?
As for Sanada, he has the belt put around his waist, and he catches his breath before getting the mic. “Everyone, it was 11 years ago that I first wrestled Hiromu in a singles match. And now, in NJPW, in the main event, for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, I was able to do it again. And that makes me happy. So, Hiromu, I’m sure you and I will have more growth ahead of us, and we can do this again. But one more thing, and it is something I want from everyone here, if you’d please. I’d love for some ‘Sanayan’ chants.” Fans oblige with “SA-NA-YAN!” AKA a sort of “Sana-bro” or “Sana-dude” nickname.
Sanada likes that, thanks the fans, and asks if they’re ready for his “gift.” The lights turn down low and the fans get their phones out for the “stars” to come out. Sanada says that the next time Just5Guys are in Fukuoka, they’ll be even better. Sanada takes a moment to catch his breath, and he says, “Let’s say one more thing. Out of everywhere in Japan, I love Fukuoka the most.” He even said it in the local dialect! “OI, FUKUOKA! See you next time!” Japan’s Golden Week has the Gold Skull stand tall as the streamers fly, will there be no stopping J5G now?
Wait! The lights go down? And a video plays. The same video that’s been playing for weeks on NJPW social media and Road to Dontaku events. War and destruction, “Coming Soon,” is NOW! And emerging from the smoke and darkness, it’s none other than YOTA TSUJI!! He’s back from excursion! The fans are going nuts and Sanada is just stunned! Tsuji steps into the ring, takes off the jacket, and he BOOTS Sanada! And SUPERKICKS Taichi! And DECKS Taka! And DOUBLE LARIATS Douki & Kanemaru! One man takes out all five guys! But he isn’t done there, as he raises his arm and aims at Sanada!
Sanada rises, and Yota runs in to SPEAR! Hell, that was a Gore a la Rhyno!! Yota picks up the world title, and holds it over Sanada! What a bold first move for the returning graduate! And wait, that fist raise. Is Yota in LIJ!? Will Sanada’s reign run into its extinction already?!
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for NJPW, but that is fitting because this was a big moment because of the 30th Wrestling Dontaku anniversary. A bit of a shame that the kickoff match had such a big stipulation, where the more wins Ryohei got, the more prizes he won, and yet he gets squashed by Oskar. Was it all just one big punchline NJPW was setting up? Anyway, all five title matches tonight were awesome. I almost thought they were going to give Hikuleo a win by knockout right from the start, but that was a clever way for Kenta to play possum. Hiku still wins in the end and that is great for him, NJPW Strong is definitely a great starting point for his title collection.
On the flipside, I was rather shocked Finlay won in the way he won. He brutalized Tama, didn’t let it stop until he was satisfied, and it just kinda crushed the fans in that moment. But then great return from ELP to go after Finlay, but it isn’t clear if he’s solo or joining Tama and Hikuleo as an extension of Guerrillas of Destiny. For that matter, why is Jay White insisting he is Bullet Club Gold when he was kicked out by Finlay? Either way, ELP VS Finlay for the NEVER Openweight title on top of their grudge is great stuff, can’t wait to see it, probably at Dominion.
The time limit draw wasn’t a shame in ZSJ VS Cobb, ZSJ VS Cobb was amazing because of the time limit draw! That was the first one for this title, and it was a great detail that ZSJ was upset it came to the time limit. ZSJ doesn’t wanna retain by default, he wants to prove he’s the better wrestler. I hope this means we get a rematch between ZSJ and Cobb that gives us a definitive winner.
An awesome NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag title match, which I oddly did NOT see the Dream Trio winning. I thought Ishii or Tanahashi was taking the loss and the two would get at each other for their own feud. Instead, Okada finally adds gold that isn’t the top title, and now we’re getting a huge return in Moxley! And honestly, I would love if Bryan Danielson was the third man. Imagine Bryan taking on Okada, Ishii & Tanahashi throughout that match.
And of course, just awesome stuff in Sanada VS Hiromu. I figured Hiromu wasn’t winning, even though he is certainly the best Junior Heavyweight in NJPW today. Instead, Sanada retains, only for Tsuji to make an insanely powerful return. He is going right for the top, and it would seem backstage video confirms Tsuji is LIJ. LIJ is back up to six, but Titan is away a lot since he’s also in CMLL, so now LIJ will have five wrestlers always in Japan for stuff. I don’t see Tsuji winning the world title, even if his shot is at Dominion, but he is gonna look incredible in that match.
My Score: 9/10
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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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