Will the Cold Skull stay the gold skull?

NJPW returns to Osaka-Jo Hall for another epic edition of Dominion! But will Sanada stay IWGP World Heavyweight Champion against the returning Yota Tsuji?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff match – Young Lion Hattrick Challenge: Oskar Leube VS Ryohei Oiwa, Boltin Oleg & Yuto Nakashima; Oiwa, Oleg & Nakashima win and Oskar gets no prizes.
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament Finals: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer; Ospreay wins and will challenge Kenny Omega for the title.
• 8 Man Tag: Just5Guys VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS Catch 2/2; Catch 2/2 wins and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
• Vacated IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Bishamon VS The House of Torture VS Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare; Bishamon wins and are the new dual IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: David Finlay VS El Phantasmo; Finlay wins and retains the title.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Master Wato; Hiromu wins and retains the title.
• NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Blackpool Combat Club; win(s) and
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: SANADA VS Yota Tsuji; Sanada wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament Finals: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer!

The Commonwealth Kingpin and the Murderhawk Monster are former IWGP US Champions, and they both want that title back from Kenny Omega! Who wins here to face the Cleaner in the near future?

The second Ospreay hops off the corner in his introduction, Archer CLOBBERS him! Ospreay flops out of the ring,. Archer goes out after him and smacks him with his own jacket! Archer then RAMS Ospreay into railing in front of commentary! The bell rings and Archer drags Ospreay over to the timekeeper’s area! Archer clears off the table, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Ospreay lands safe on the table! Ospreay throws haymakers and gets Archer to stagger away. Ospreay then jumps off the railing, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Ospreay goes up top fast, and he ARIHARA TORNILLOS! The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes Archer down!

Ospreay storms up on Archer, puts him in the ring and takes aim, to springboard, but into a choke grip! Ospreay flips out of the choke slam, ENZIGURIS, but Archer stays up! Ospreay dodges Archer to springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO! Archer survives but Ospreay prepares the arm, only to run into a LARIAT! Fans fire up and Archer grins. Archer stalks Ospreay to a corner and brings Ospreay up. Ospreay SLAPS Archer! Archer ROCKS, KNEES and ROCKS Ospreay, then stomps away on him! Fans rally, Archer runs corner to corner and hits a BIG back elbow! Ospreay sputters and Archer keeps moving, to ELBOW Ospreay again!

Fans rally, Archer keeps going, and he hits another ELBOW! Ospreay falls over while fans fire back up. Archer stalks Ospreay, drags him up, but Ospreay throws a forearm. Archer ROCKS Ospreay right back! Ospreay throws more forearms in return, but Archer laughs and then ROCKS Ospreay! Ospreay wobbles around, goes to ropes, and fires himself up. Ospreay fires off more forearms, but Archer just ROCKS him! Ospreay gets mad and fires Kawada Kicks! Archer choke grips, Ospreay breaks free but Archer CHOPS! Archer whips, Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER! Fans fire up, Ospreay keeps moving, but Archer CLOBBERS him!

Fans fire up as Archer stands back up and looms over Ospreay. Archer drags Ospreay up and gives him the Kawada Kicks! Ospreay staggers up into a BOOT! Ospreay flops out of the ring and Archer goes out after him. Archer aims from the apron to CANNONBALL to the floor! Fans fire up as Archer grins. Archer drags Ospreay up and puts him in the ring, to then put Ospreay on the top rope. Archer ROCKS Ospreay, tells him he’s not winning, and then picks him up in the reverse crucifix! But Ospreay fights back with elbows! Ospreay shoves Archer away, BLINDSIDE PIP PIP CHEERIO! Fans fire up while Ospreay clutches the bad arm.

Ospreay roars, drags Archer up and reels him in, underhooks the arms, but the bad arm won’t let him lift Archer! Archer runs in, Ospreay ducks under the body check, to SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Ospreay goes right to the corner and up top! Archer step-up KNEES Ospreay first! Archer positions Ospreay, inverted crucifix, BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Ospreay survives and fans fire up again! Archer snarls, he drags Ospreay into the drop zone, and goes up!? Fans fire up, the Murderhawk doesn’t usually fly. Ospreay anchors a leg, Archer CLUBS away on him, but Ospreay tucks Archer in! CHEEKY NANDOS!

Ospreay then drags Archer out onto the Canadian Rack! But Archer is too big and he slips off! Choke grip, HUGE CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Archer grins. The fans are thunderous as Archer drags Ospreay up. Archer swings, Ospreay dodges to mule kick a leg out, HOOK KICK Archer’s face, and then HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, ONE?!?! HOW?!? Archer gets up but Ospreay JUMPING HIDDEN BLADE! HIDDEN BLADE to the front! And then Ospreay throws off the elbow pad to go to the corner! TRUE HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship)

It took a lot to slay the Murderhawk Monster, but The Aerial Assassin pulls it off! But Ospreay does show respect to Archer with a fist bump, and then gets on the mic. “Lance. Arigato gozaimashita. <Thank you very much.>” Fans rally for Ospreay, and Ospreay then calls out “KENNY OMEGA! Remember me?! I’m the guy you left covered in my own blood at the Tokyo Dome! Now, you shoulda killed me when you had the chance! Because I’m back for revenge! I will walk in to YOUR territory, bruv. I will walk into Canada, Ospreay VS Canada, and I am bringing BACK the IWGP United States Championship!”

Fans fire up for that mic drop, will the Kingpin once again be gold? Or will fighting the Best Bout Machine in his backyard be a mistake?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS Catch 2/2 w/ Dan Moloney!

Kushida & Kevin Knight may have taken these titles from TJP & Francesco Akira in a literal bloody fight, but the Public Enemy & Nova Fireball are back for more! Will the United Empire conquer the Junior Tag Division again? Or is there still time on the Intergalactic Jet Setters’ flight?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if history repeats itself!

Akira and Knight get at each other, Akira shoves but then Knight shoves. TJP and Kushida keep the peace, the teams sort out, and the two hot heads start. And they double dropkick! Those cancel out, the bell rings, and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up with every shot, Akira gets the edge, but he runs into a BOOT! Knight runs but into a forearm! Akira runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! TJP runs in to BOOT Knight, but Kushida runs in to BOOT TJP! Kushida fires off on TJP in the corner but TJP turns things around to fire off body shots. Akira does the same on Knight, then Catch 2/2 coordinates.

Catch 2/2 whip the Jet Setters at each other, but the Jet Setters dosido and run back at Catch 2/2, but Catch 2/2 dodge! TJP & Akira trade targets, but then the Jet Setters dodge! STINGER SPLASH for Akira, BIG back elbow for TJP! Kushida then sets up and Knight runs in, BOOSTED STINGER SPLASH! TJP flops out, Kushida throws Akira out to join him, and then Kushida WRECKS them both with a dropkick! Moloney hurries over to help Catch 2/2 up but the Jet Setters go to the apron. Kushida helps Knight in the springboard, BOOSTED ASAI MOONSAULT!! Knight wipes out the United Empire at the ramp!

Fans fire up and Knight shouts, “TSUYOI!” Knight drags Akira up and puts him in for Kushida, who snapmares Akira to then set up, MOONSAULT SPLASH COMBO! Cover, TJP breaks it! TJP gets Akira out but the Jet Setters drag TJP back in! They double wrench, double snapmare, and then double knee drop each arm! Fans fire up as Knight SPLASHES TJP, and Kushida adds a back elbow! The Jet Setters whip TJP to a corner, Kushida elbows and then sets up. Knight runs in but TJP avoids the boosted splash! Knight lands safe on the second rope but TJP keeps Kushida down, and Akira uses Kushida to FIRE IN MOTION!

Akira’s dropkick sends Knight tumbling to the floor! Catch 2/2 send Kushida out, and fans rally up with them. TJP goes up and up and TRIANGLE DROPKICKS Kushida! “A! KI-RA!” builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Jet Setters at the ramp! Fans fire up, Akira puts Knight back in, and he pushes Knight to a cover. ONE, but Akira snapmares Knight and tags in TJP. Catch 2/2 combine, “Take picture! Take pictures!” Electric Chair SENTON! TJP covers, TWO! TJP KNEES Knight in the back, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. TJP stomps Knight down, digs his boot in, and fans fire up as he starts up the scrubbing!

TJP scrapes Knight with his laces again and again, then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Fans fire up and TJP says one more time! Fans chant “MOIKAI! MOIKAI!” and TJP puts Knight back in for more laces off the face! TJP runs side to side to BOOT WASH again! TJP signals those belts are theirs, and then tags in Akira. Catch 2/2 double whip, kick, but Knight blocks to hand it to TJP, and Knight ENZIGURIS Akira! Everyone falls over but TJP gets Knight’s leg. Knight ENZIGURIS TJP, too! Fans rally, Knight crawls, hot tag to Kushida! Kushida goes up to AX HANDLE Akira! And SHOTEI TJP!

Kushida KICKS away on Akira, whips, but Akira reverses, only for Kushida to HANDSPRING BACK ELBOW! Kushida keeps moving, SHOTEI for TJP! Akira dodges, runs in, but into a hip toss and cartwheel dropkick! Fans fire up with Kushida and he aims at Akira. Akira rises, Kushida goes for the arm but Akira holds him off! TJP rushes in but Kushida kicks TJP low. Kushida also grabs TJP’s arm! Kushida goes around with Catch 2/2 but they shove him away. Knight returns, TJP kick shim low and runs, but Kushida drops and Knight sidesteps. Then Knight drops, Kushida sidesteps, and then Knight DROPKICKS TJP down!

Fans fire up as Jet Setters combine, victory roll DDT! And roll through, into ARMBAR! Akira clasps hands, Moloney coaches TJP, but Kushida clubs Akira’s hands apart! ARMBAR! Knight SUPERKICKS TJP down, but Akira gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up while Jet Setters get Akira up. Kushida Electric Chair Lifts, but Akira slips free to shove him into Knight! Akira whips, but Kushida is there, BOOSTED CROSSBODY FLOPS as Akira moves! Akira kicks and whips Kushida but Kushida reverses. TJP sneaks a tag, Akira ducks the Fastball and then slides under. TJP waistlocks Kushida to shove him, Kushida comes back into the ALLEY-OOP FACEBUSTER!

Catch 2/2 isn’t done there, they sit Kushida up! “CATCH! NI NI!” 2 BY 2!! Cover, Knight breaks it!! Fans fire up, Akira drags Knight up, Knight UPPRECUTS! Knight runs, into a SUPERKICK! Double whip, but he jumps the double lariat!? To DOUBLE PELE!! The fans fire up again as all four men are down! Kushida sits up as the fans rally, and he goes after TJP. Kushida ROCKS TJP, TJP UPPERCUTS Kushida! TJP whips, Kushida reverses, hip toss into ARMBAR!! TJP scrambles, flails, slips free, steps over, PINOY STRETCH!! Akira traps Knight in a TARANTULA!! Kushida crawls, ROPEBREAK!!

Catch 2/2 let the Jet Setters go in frustration, but Moloney coaches them up. The fans rally, TJP rises, and TJP drags Kushida up to fireman’s carry. Kushida fights free, ducks the lariat and PELES! Kushida crawls, hot tag to Knight! Knight runs in to STINGER- NO, TJP dodges the splash to TORNADO- NO, Knight stops that to swing, but into a dragon sleeper! Akira tags in, DOUBLE STOMP FINAL CUT COMBO!! Cover, TWO!!! Knight survives, but Catch 2/2 get the fans fired up! “CATCH! NI NI!” But Knight ducks the knees! TJP flops out, Kushida PLANCHAS him down! Kushida PENALTY KICKS Akira’s arm!

Kushida drags Akira up into the Electric Chair Lift, Knight says it’s time! TIME JET!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Akira survives and no one can believe it! But Knight just fires up to run in at Akira, STINGER ENZIGURI COMBO!! Knight puts Akira up, for the UP- NO, Akira boots him away! But Kushida HANDSPRING KICKS Akira, and then rushes TJP!  But TJP avoids the dropkick to send Kushida into railing! Knight goes up top, but Akira fights him. TJP joins in and Electric Chairs Knight! Catch 2/2 combine for LEANING TOWER!!! TJP WRECKS Kushida now! And then 2 BY 2!!!! Cover, Catch 2/2 win!!

Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Talk about 2 by 2, Catch 2/2 are now TWO-TIME IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! The United Empire is on a roll, will they make this their Dominion?

Wait, the Bullet Club’s Clark Connors is on his way out here. 100 Proof is here, and Moloney is mad. But Connors says it will be Catch 2/2 VS him and… MOLONEY ATTACKS TJP & Akira?!?!? Da Drilla is betraying the United Empire!! He CHOKES Akira with his shirt! Fans boo as Moloney & Connors stomp them down! Did the battle between them in the Best of the Super Juniors convince Moloney to join Bullet Club?! Moloney tells TJP he’s not just some bodyguard! He feeds TJP to Connors’ POWERSLAM! Fans boo more but then Connors drags Akira up to feed him to Moloney! Fans tell them to go away, but Moloney hits DRILLA KILLA!!

But these two still aren’t done! They haul TJP up so that Connors can hit NO CHASER!! Moloney is an Abunai Gaijin, and he’s joining another dangerous man in this new, more savage Bullet Club. Will Catch 2/2 even stand a chance against these jacked Junior Heavyweights?

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb!

TMDK’s Frontman made it through a busy week in the States, but he’s back in Japan to revisit his battle with the Imperial Unit! Last time, they went to the time limit. Will they need another 15 for this one? Or will we have a definitive winner in the sequel?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Cobb becomes the star of the show!

The bell rings and the 15 minutes are on the clock. The two rush in, ZSJ jumps on but Cobb RAMS him into a corner! Cobb whips ZSJ back in, but ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ fires off forearms, but Cobb runs him over! ZSJ gets up to BOOT again! And again! ZSJ runs, but Cobb JUMPING SHOULDER TACKLES! Fans fire up, Cobb throws forearms, then reels ZSJ in, TOUR OF- NO, ZSJ slips free and tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! ZSJ has an arm but Cobb powers his way up. Cobb swings but ZSJ catches that arm to an ARMBAR! Cobb stacks ZSJ, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, UPPERCUTS, but Cobb DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS but misses! ZSJ traps Cobb’s head with his legs, to TWIST! Cover, ONE!! Cobb still has strength to spare and fans fire up. Cobb and ZSJ talk trash on each other, and the two stand up. Cobb eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ fires forearms. Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with just one! ZSJ staggers, comes back to fire more shots, but Cobb ROCKS ZSJ again! Cobb eggs ZSJ on again, ZSJ fires more forearms, and he eggs Cobb on. Cobb DECKS ZSJ! ZSJ rises back up, leans on Cobb, and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb ROCKS ZSJ, but ZSJ flails to stay up! So Cobb LARIATS him down!

Fans fire up, ZSJ goes to a corner, and Cobb runs in to UPPERCUT! Cobb hoists ZSJ up for a RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, ZSJ crawls to ropes, and Cobb storms up. Cobb brings ZSJ up to scoop and RAM into the corner! But ZSJ slips free to get a COBRA TWIST! Cobb powers out but ZSJ is after a leg! Cobb drags ZSJ back up! But ZSJ spins around to GUILLOTINE! Fans rally as Cobb powers out of that, so ZSJ goes for an arm! ZSJ drags Cobb down, Cobb stacks, but ZSJ slips around to DISARMER!! Cobb endures, ZSJ shifts to hammerlock that arm, and he pulls on a leg!

Cobb crawls, ZSJ grabs the far arm and pulls! ZSJ then gets a leg added, CLARKY CAT, BAD BALLOON REMIX! But Cobb powers right out! ZSJ is furious but the fans fire up. ZSJ says, “Sugoi, desu ne.” Cobb stands, ZSJ KICKS him in the chest! And again! And again! Cobb drops, blocks a kick, but ZSJ SLAPS him! Cobb just lifts ZSJ to SAMOAN DROP! Fans rally, Cobb drags ZSJ up and whips him to a corner hard! ZSJ flops down, Cobb brings him up to whip hard into the other corner! And then hard at the first corner, but ZSJ goes up and comes back! Cobb blocks the DDT, so ZSJ UPPERCUTS!

ZSJ runs, but into an ATHLETIC- NO, ZSJ slips around to a SLEEPER HOLD! ZSJ is backpack, so Cobb BACKPACK SENTONS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Cobb rises, he drags ZSJ up in a deadlift waistlock, but ZSJ pries the hold open! ZSJ switches, Cobb elbows him, but ZSJ gets around again. Cobb throws ZSJ off the waistlock, and deadlift suplexes, but ZSJ fights that to PELE an arm! ZSJ KICKS Cobb’s arm, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Fans fire up as ZSJ manages to throw Cobb! ZSJ runs, PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE!! ZSJ just keeps moving,  another PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally while both men are down again. Cobb crawls away to a corner, but ZSJ keeps his eyes on him. ZSJ runs in, to UPPERCUT, and then TORNADO- NO, Cobb blocks that! Cobb pops ZSJ around for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! ZSJ staggers up against ropes, Cobb runs in, but ZSJ dodges the lariat. ZSJ avoid the dropkick, body scissors, but Cobb slips out to trip ZSJ! Cobb body scissors ZSJ into an O’Conner Bridge!! TWO!! ZSJ KICKS Cobb in the leg again and again! ZSJ runs, into the ATHLETIC PLEX!! ZSJ flops to the apron but Cobb drags him back in. Cobb deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES!!

Fans fire up with Cobb and he brings ZSJ up. Cobb whips ZSJ to scoop and TOUR- NO, crucifix takedown! Cover, ZSJ WINS!!!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)

Season one is still not done! ZSJ puts this one away in 8 minutes and 46 seconds and he shocks Cobb! Will anyone ever take this title from The Frontman?

Vacated IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Bishamon VS The House of Torture VS Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare!

The misfortune of Aussie Open becomes an opportunity for others! Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi thought they were 2v2 with EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi, but then the United Empire stepped back in. Will the Dominator & Ultimate Weapon take these titles back for the team? Will it be #LightsOut courtesy of Chaos? Or will Darkness Fall as the King of Darkness & The Tokyo Pimp rise?

But of course the House of Torture attacks before the bell! Evil, Yujiro and even Dick Togo attack The United Empire while they’re making their way down the ramp! Fans boo while they mug Henare, and then start brawling with Bishamon! They CHOKE Hashi with a shirt, and send Goto into railing! Evil then sends Hashi into railing for good measure. Yujiro drags Goto up and Evil has Hashi. The House both whip Bishamon, but Bishamon turns things around to send Evil into Yujiro! And then Goto DOUBLE LARIATS them down! Fans fire up and Bishamon sets the House up, for Hashi to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp!

Fans fire up more but the Empire returns! The bell rings so this is on record now, as Henare HEADBUTTS Hashi and Khan puts Goto in the ring. The Empire then keeps after Goto, IRON CLAW SLEEPER and some body shots! Then MONGOLIAN CHOP, and a KICK to the chest! This has clearly turned into a tornado tag. Khan SPLASHES, covers, TWO! Khan sits Goto up for Henare to KICK and SENTON! Cover, Hashi breaks it! Khan CLUBS Hashi, he and Henare stomp him, and then Khan whips Hashi into a corner to clothesline from behind! Fans fire up as Khan sits up on his throne! AKA on Hashi. Henare then runs in to BUTT PUNCH!!

Khan drags Hashi up, Henare climbs, FLYING CHUCK BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, TWO! Hashi hangs tough but the Empire stomps him. The House of Torture returns and attacks the Empire! They whip Khan to a bare corner! When did the Bullet Club Special come into play!? But then Evil whips Henare into the bare buckles! Henare writhes and falls out of the ring, Dick stands on Khan’s neck! Yujiro RAMS Hashi into the bare buckles! Yujiro drags Hashi up, snapmares, and runs to drop a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Evil drags Hashi up to throw him out of the ring. Evil distracts the ref, and Dick JAMS Hashi with a chair!

Fans boo, but Dick DECKS Goto then drags Hashi back up. Dick puts Hashi back in and Evil covers, TWO! Hashi is still in this but Evil argues with the ref. Fans rally, Evil & Yujiro kick and taunt Hashi. Fans rally up but Yujiro ROCKS Hashi with a forearm. Hashi ends up in a corner, the House mugs him, and the two double whip him corner to corner. Hashi avoids Evil’s clothesline to dropkick Yujiro’s legs out! Hashi dodges Evil again to SPIN BACK KICK! Fans fire up and Goto returns, he CLOBBERS Yujiro! Goto runs at Evil, blocks a boot and puts it in the ropes to KICK the leg! Yujiro runs in but is sent into Evil!

Goto kicks Yujiro, gets them both, DOUBLE BULLDOG for the House! Fans fire up, Goto drags Evil up but Evil rakes eyes. Evil runs, but into double shoulders from Bishamon! Then ZANMAI! Khan runs in but Goto kicks him first. Goto snap suplexes Khan onto Evil! Hashi mule kicks Henare, and Bishamon DRUMS away on him! Fans fire up as Bishamon flexes. Goto whips Henare corner to corner, runs in to clothesline, and then Hashi runs in to CHOP! Hashi feeds Henare to Goto’s clinch, Hashi runs, but Yujiro trips Hashi up! Yujiro drags Hashi out but Goto CLUBS Henare down. Yujiro whips Hashi into railing while Evil drags Goto out!

Evil RAMS Goto into the timekeeper’s area! Down goes Abe-san and Young Lions hurry over to help. Evil & Yujiro stomp away on Henare, Evil covers, TWO! Yujiro covers Henare, TWO! Evil covers, ONE!! Henare snarls but Yujiro SLIDING BOOTS! Cover, TWO! The House is annoyed with the count but the count is fair. Evil & Yujiro drag Henare up, mug him, but then Khan gets in! IRON CLAW, into the FGO PLEX! Henare elbows Evil to the corner, Khan runs in to clothesline! Henare adds the SHINING WIZARD! Henare feeds Evil to Khan, ASSISTED BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Khan BOOTS Yujiro out!

The Empire flexes! The Monster Rage is boiling! Henare fireman’s carries Evil, Khan runs, but Dick gets in the way! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS him for it! But Evil sends Henare into Khan! Khan falls, Goto LARIATS Henare! Evil kicks Goto and whips him into the bare buckles! Hashi returns, Evil kicks and whips but Hashi reverses! Evil hits bare buckles! Yujiro gets in, he dodges Hashi to then kick low, dragon sleeper, REVERSE DDT! Khan returns but Yujiro kicks him and runs. But he runs into the DOUBLE BOOT! Fans rally up, The Empire throw off their armbands to shoutout Aussie Open! DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH!

Khan drags Yujiro up into the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Henare gets the legs, FUBUKI! They thrash Yujiro around, and then hit MARINE!!! Cover, Dick drags the ref out!! Fans boo as Dick lives up to his namesake! But then SHO slides in, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Henare! Khan swings on Sho, but Sho grabs the ponytail to LOW BLOW Khan! The House of Torture is in full force as they stomp out Bishamon! Fans boo as hard as they can but the House all stomp Goto! The fans tell Sho to go away but the House put one out on Goto. Then they drag Goto up, Evil & Dick hit MAGIC KILLER!! Dick gets the ref in, Evil covers, TWO!!!!

Fans fire up as Goto survives! Evil is furious with the ref, but this distraction allows Dick to get in with the SPOILER CHOKER!! But here comes YOH! Yoh has a skateboard, he throws it to Sho to then DROPKICK it into him! Yoh KNEES Dick out of the ring, SUPERKICKS Evil, and fans fire up! Yoh PLANCHAS Sho down! Fans fire up as Hashi gets in and aims at Yujiro. Yoh drags Sho away as Hashi runs in, but Yujiro boots him! Yujiro runs, but into a LARIAT from Hashi! Bishamon get Yujiro up, whip and fireman’s carry, to FIERCE FLASH!! And from there, Hashi calls their shot! They drag Yujiro back up, but Yujiro kicks free!

Yujiro grabs the ref, Dick SMACKS Goto with a chair!! But Henare is back to PENALTY KCIK Yujiro! And then he RAMPAGES into Goto!! Fans fire up as Henare roars! Fisherman suplex to torture rack, STREETS OF- SUPERKICK! Hashi takes Henare down but Yujiro TOSSES Hashi! Yujiro drags Goto up, PIMP JUICE!! Cover, TWO?!?! No one can believe it but Goto survives! Yujiro drags Goto up, fans are thunderous, but GOto fights Big Juice to waistlock. Yujiro switches, Goto RAMS him into a corner! Hashi runs in to LARIAT! Whip and CHOP! SUPERKICK! Fans fire up with Hashi and they bring Yujiro to the corner!

But Dick jumps in! Evil drags Hashi back, EVERYTHING- NO, Hashi slips free to send Evil into Dick! But Henare MONGOLIAN CHOPS Hashi and sends him into Goto! Evil returns, but Khan blocks the low blow! IRON CLAW!! ELIMINATOR SLAM!! IRON CLAW for Hashi, but Hashi slips free! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! BASEMENT BOOT from Yujiro! Yujiro roars, fans boo, but Yujiro has Hashi up, BIG- NO, no juice! Feed to a forearm, and then a SUPERKICK! Goto goes up top, Hashi brings Yujiro up, DANGEROUS DEED!!! Hashi SUPERKICKS Henare, and fans are thunderous as Bishamon resets!

They drag Yujiro up, SHOTO!!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!!

Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (NEW Dual IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)

What a battle for all these belts! The House of Torture tried to stack the deck, the United Empire tried to continue where Aussie Open left off, but it was Chaos who rose above the chaos! Goto & Hashi are now THREE-TIME IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, and they have the NJPW Strong titles on top of it! Will Bishamon soon set a new standard for being tag team champions in NJPW?

Wait, what’s this? Bullet Club War Dogs? Who are they? ALEX COUGHLIN AND GABRIEL KIDD?!!? The Android and the Young Bull are now following David Finlay?! And they rush into the ring to fire off on Bishamon!! Fans are speechless as the new champions get beat down! Kidd flips everyone off and Coughlin shouts, that gets fans to boo. Kidd says if they’re not gonna be given chances, they’ll take ’em for themselves! And then Kidd drags Hashi up, Coughlin suplexes Goto, TOMBSTONE and a JACKHAMMER!! The Mechanical Bulls have transformed into the Rebel’s War Dogs, will Bullet Club grab up more gold?

NJPW announces the G1 Climax 33 field!

This year is massive! We will see Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Sanada, Will Ospreay, Hiroshi Tanahashi, David Finlay, Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Tomohiro Ishii, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Hikuleo, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Toru Yano, Kenta, Zack Sabre Jr, Taichi, Eddie Kingston, El Phantasmo, Ren Narita, Evil, Chase Owens, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Aaron Henare, Gabriel Kidd, Alex Coughlin, Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls, Yota Tsuji, and from Pro-Wrestling Noah, KAITO KIYOMIYA!! What epic history will be #BornInTheRing?

NEVER Openweight Championship: David Finlay w/ Bullet Club VS El Phantasmo!

In this Savages Only Era of Bullet Club, there was no room for the compassion ELP showed Tama Tonga. The Rebel kicked the Headbanga to the curb, but now ELP’s back for revenge! Will Finlay regret his hostile takeover? Or will he prove that NJPW needs The Rebel?

ELP has a remix of his theme to signify him leaving Bullet Club behind. As for Finlay, he doesn’t just have Gedo but he has Connors, and the newest recruits, Moloney, Coughlin & Kidd. Finlay hands off the belt to Gedo so he can rush the ring! ELP is ready, and the brawl is on! The bell rings, fans fire up, and ELP gets the edge! Finlay shoves ELP back, swings, but ELP dodges. Finlay narrowly dodges Sudden Death! ELP DIVES out onto Finlay to send him into railing! Fans fire up while Finlay staggers. ELP brings Finlay around to SMACK him off the apron! And then TOSS him over railing!

Finlay hits the other railing in front of the fans, and then ELP goes back into the ring. TO SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!! Direct hit in No Man’s Land and they both hit the railing! Fans are thunderous as ELP staggers back up. ELP fist bumps fans, drags Finlay up and tosses him back to ringside. ELP keeps after Finlay with a CHOP! Finlay kicks back, throws a forearm, but ELP ROCKS Finlay back. ELP puts Finlay in the ring, boots him to ropes, and then brings Finlay up to CHOP! Finlay whips corner to corner, Finlay reverses but ELP goes up and over. Things keep moving, ELP ducks to springboard and CROSSBODY! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Finlay grits his teeth but the fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” ELP stands Finlay up to ROCK him with a forearm, then ROCK him again! ELP hushes everyone, and he CHOPS! Finlay turns things around, but ELP dodges to CHOP again! Finlay tries again but ELP blocks the chop to knuckle lock and CHOP! ELP goes up, up, hops around, then FLYING RANAS! Not the smoothest but Finlay is still sent tumbling out. ELP builds speed, but the War Dogs stand in his way. Fans boo, but Finlay gets in to CLOBBER ELP from behind! Finlay rains down fists, the ref counts because those are closed fists, and Finlay lets off.

Fans boo but Finlay just flips them all off. Finlay goes out and drags ELP out to join him. Finlay ROCKS ELP, RAMS him into railing, and then stomps him. Finlay throws hands, the ref has him back off, and Finlay obeys. Fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” but Finlay comes back to then fireman’s carry ELP, and POST him! ELP falls in a heap and Finlay flexes. Fans boo again but Finlay goes looking under the ring. Finlay brings out a TABLE! Fans boo more as Finlay sets the table up. Finlay fetches ELP, drags him over, and he taunts the fans as he hauls ELP up. But ELP fights free of the bomb, gets on the apron, and he drags Finlay up!

Fans fire up as ELP reels Finlay in to hook the arms! Finlay fights, hooks ropes and gets into the ring. ELP hurries after but Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips to CLOBBER ELP, then he SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Finlay is annoyed but Gedo coaches him to stay on ELP. Finlay drags ELP up to whip him hard into a corner! ELP falls over in a heap and Gedo cheers while fans boo. Finlay stands on ELP on the apron but the ref counts. Finlay lets off, Gedo tells ELP to give up, and Finlay taunts ELP. Finlay drags ELP up, but ELP chops. There isn’t much to it, but ELP chops again. There’s still not much power, and Finlay taunts ELP.

ELP chops, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Fans boo but the Bullet Club all soaks it up. Finlay drags ELP up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Finlay clamps onto ELP with a chinlock and he grinds ELP down. Fans rally, ELP fights but Finlay turns him for a full mount. Finlay KNEES ELP in the back, and again, and again! Finlay clamps back on with another chinlock to grind him down. ELP still endures and the fans rally up. ELP fights up to his feet, throws body shots, but Finlay throws ELP by his hair! Fans rally for ELP but Finlay looms over him. Finlay drags ELP up, and CLUBS him with a crossface forearm! And then another!

Fans boo but Finlay sits ELP up again for another crossface forearm! And another, and another, and then winds up to- NO, ELP ducks the blindsider! Things keep moving and ELP DROPKICKS Finlay down! Fans fire up while Bullet Club coaches Finlay up. Finlay stirs and ELP shakes his head. Fans rally again and ELP rises up. ELP goes to a corner, Finlay drags himself up with ropes. Finlay runs in, but into an atomic drop! ELP CHOPS, scoops, and SLAMS! ELP then goes to another corner, goes up top, and FALLING ELBOWS! Fans fire up as ELP tunes up the band! ELP aims but Moloney distracts! AND Connors!

Fans boo but Finlay runs in to CLOBBER ELP! Finlay stomps away on ELP and fans boo more. The ref counts, Finlay lets off at 4 and he dares the ref to keep acting tough. Finlay then drags ELP up for an EXPLODER! Finlay dusts off his hands while ELP crawls to the corner. Finlay runs in but ELP put shim right up top, and in a Tree of Woe! Gedo protests but fans fire up. ELP stands on Finlay’s crotch! The ref counts, ELP lets off, but the fans fire up! Finlay clutches his shillelagh and ELP goes Around the World, to SLIDING BOOT! Finlay falls out of the Tree and ELP drags him to a cover, TWO!

ELP goes outside, takes aim as Finlay rises, and ELP springboards to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and Gedo is relieved. ELP drags Finlay up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Finlay drops to a knee to fight the lift. Fans rally, ELP keeps trying, but Finlay spins out to ROCK ELP! ELP DECKS Finlay! Finlay goes to a corner, comes back and he ROCKS ELP! ELP winds up to DECK Finlay! Fans fire up while Finlay staggers back up. Finlay rakes the eyes! The ref counts, but ELP gives Finlay PURPLE NURPLES! Finlay throat chops, then SPITS at ELP! Fans boo but ELP swings, into an EXPLODER!

But ELP is right back up!? Fans fire up but Finlay is mad! Finlay slaps ELP around but ELP just palm strikes! And again! And again! ELP BOOTS Finlay into a corner then stomps away! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and ELP lets off to go to the far corner. ELP runs in, but Finlay ALLEY-OOPS him onto the buckles! ELP staggers back, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as ELP is still in this, but Finlay hauls him up. Finlay scoops, swings, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gedo is upset with the count but fans continue to rally. Finlay shakes his head and he looms over ELP.

Finlay drags ELP up to gut wrench, but ELP slips free to mule kick! ELP front kicks, then kicks a leg out, to BUZZSAW! ELP takes off an elbow pad while fans fire up. ELP runs, and LARIATS! A shoutout to “Daddy” Takagi on commentary? Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as ELP takes off another elbow pad. ELP brings Finlay up, slashes his throat, but it’s Finlay who suplexes! Finlay hangs ELP out to dry, then gut wrenches into the Canadian Rack! DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Finlay is furious! Fans rally up for ELP but Finlay brings down his kneepad. Finlay slashes his throat but fans boo.

Finlay drags ELP up, suplexes, but ELP slips free! SUDDEN DEATH! ELP resets, to SUDDEN DEATH again!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but fans are thunderous for ELP! ELP straitjackets, torture racks, and BURNING HAMMERS! No spin needed, ELP just goes to the corner! ELP climbs but Moloney gets up. ELP BOOTS him down onto Connors! And then he ARIHARA MOONSAULTS the War Dogs, Coughlin & Kidd! Then ELP goes back up, to SUPER SWANTON Connors & Moloney! Fans are thunderous again as ELP SUDDEN DEATHS Gedo!! ELP goes up top, Finlay is down, but then Finlay springs up to SHOVE ELP to the floor!

The Rebel played dead just so he could send ELP down! Finlay hurries out, brings ELP over to the table, and he POWERBOMBS ELP through the table!! Fans boo and the ref checks ELP. Finlay grins as he drags ELP up out of the wreckage. Finlay puts ELP in the ring, takes his time stalking him, and then drags ELP up for a POWERBOMB! Finlay doesn’t cover, he’s gonna torture ELP like he did Tama Tonga. Finlay drags ELP up, suplexes him, INTO OBLIVION! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)

The Rebel is victorious, but his savage pawns were a big part of this. Finlay calls out “Daddy” Takagi on commentary, daring him to do something to help “Baby” Phantasmo. Does NJPW really need The Rebel when The Rebel needs his War Dogs to win?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Master Wato!

The Ticking Timebomb could not make his four-peat dream come true, but he’s still proud to see the Way of the Grandmaster succeed. Will Hiromu still be proud should Wato actually win here? Or will Hiromu prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Wato walks away with it, the trophy and the banner!

The bell rings and fans rally and duel, “HI-RO-MU!” “WA-TO! WA-TO!” The two circle, tie up, and Wato wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Hiromu slips through, hammerlocks, but Wato switches that onto Hiromu. Hiromu headlocks for the takeover but Wato headscissors. Hiromu kips free and fans cheer the opening exchange. The two reset, circle again, and tie up. Wato headlocks, but Hiromu throws body shots. Hiromu powers out, Wato runs him over! Fans cheer, things keep moving, and Hiromu hurdles. Wato leaps over, comes back and arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Hiromu falls out of the ring while fans rally up.

Wato builds speed but Hiromu slips in to trip Wato! Hiromu drags Wato out to RAM into railing, and then whip into more railing! But Wato comes back to BOOT Hiromu! Fans rally, Wato whips Hiromu but Hiromu reverses and Wato hits railing hard! Hiromu drags Wato up and shouts “MADA MADA! <NOT DONE YET!>” Hiromu whips Wato hard into more railing! Wato crawls, fans rally, and Hiromu aims from the apron. Hiromu JOHN WOOS Wato through the gate! Hiromu gets Wato back in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato is still in this but Hiromu keeps his cool. Hiromu drags Wato up but Wato throws body shots.

Hiromu eggs Wato on so Wato throws more shots. Hiromu CHOPS Wato, then shouts “MOTTO! <MORE!>” Fans echo that, and Hiromu CHOPS! “MOTTO!” “MOTTO!” CHOP! Hiromu whips corner to corner, clotheslines, then snapmares to basement dropkick! Fans rally as Wato bails out. Hiromu goes back to the apron, to JOHN- NO, Wato dodges! But then Hiromu dodges Wato to kick low and fireman’s carry. Hiromu takes Wato up the ramp! Fans fire up as Hiromu goes higher and higher, but Wato fights free. Hiromu kicks low to suplex Wato on the stage! The ref reprimands while fans rally and duel.

Hiromu leaves Wato behind while the ref checks him. Wato stirs, Hiromu rolls into the ring, and the ring count begins. Wato rolls his way down the ramp, and Hiromu is amused. The count is 11 of 20, Wato crawls as we reach 14. Wato stands at 15 and slides in at 16. Fans applaud and Hiromu brings Wato up. Hiromu CHOPS Wato, CHOPS him again, then whips. Wato holds ropes, he BOOTS back, and then he runs in, to CALF KICK Hiromu down! Hiromu bails out and Wato builds speed. Wato FLIES! Direct hit and Wato fires up! Fans rally, the ring count returns, but Wato puts Hiromu in at 5 of 20.

Wato aims from the apron, springboards in, but Hiromu gets under! Wato rolls to a corner and Hiromu runs in, but into a BOOT! Wato then runs to BULLDOG! Fans rally, Wato brings Hiromu up but Hiromu swings. Wato gets around to ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO! Wato keeps focus, and he rolls Hiromu into VENDAVAL! Hiromu scrambles to get the ROPEBREAK! Wato drags Hiromu back up to wrench and reel him in. Hiromu fights the lift, but Wato keeps trying. Hiromu wrenches out, fireman’s carries, but Wato slips free! Wato runs in but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but Wato ducks to return, into a spin and FALCON ARROW!

Fans fire up while both men are down. Hiromu staggers up to his feet and brings Wato up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu then drags Wato back up to another fireman’s carry, to DYNAMITE- NO, Wato sunset flips! TWO, into VENDAVAL! Wato has Hiromu caught but Hiromu reaches out. Hiromu teetertotters the hold but Wato isn’t letting go! Hiromu keeps rocking things back and forth, getting closer and closer, but Wato puts on the pressure! Hiromu still endures, to get the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Hiromu back up, but Hiromu fights the German Suplex!

Hiromu throws elbows, gets to ropes, but Wato pulls him back. Wato lifts again but Hiromu fights, and he ends up going up and over the ropes onto the apron. Hiromu pries at the waistlock but Wato just goes up the ropes! Hiromu fires more elbows and Wato lets go. But then Wato GAMANGIRIS Hiromu to the floor! Fans fire up, Wato builds speed and Wato TORNILLOS! Direct hit, and Wato puts Hiromu back in. Wato aims, springboards, FLYING UPPER- GERMAN!? Hiromu turns Wato’s flight into a crash landing! Fans fire up while Wato is dazed. Wato crawls to the far corner and Hiromu takes aim.

Hiromu runs in to SHOTGUN Wato into buckles! Then fireman’s carry, but Wato fights it. So Hiromu throws Wato to a dragon sleeper, spins him around, but Wato fights the suplex! Wato scoops but Hiromu fights free. Hiromu ducks the elbow, fireman’s carries again, and TIME BOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and fans rally up again. Hiromu roars, he waits on Wato to rise, and then runs, but Wato ducks! Wato comes back, but into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Hiromu dragon sleepers to inverted suplex, but Wato kicks around to turn things around on Hiromu! Wato scoops, to T T D!! Cover, TWO!!

Hiromu survives the Tenzan Tombstone Driver but Wato doesn’t fret. Fans rally as Wato goes to the apron and climbs up. But Hiromu CHOPS him first! And CHOPS him again! Hiromu climbs up but Wato throws headbutts! Wato adjusts, slips under Hiromu and waistlocks, and brings Hiromu off the ropes! Hiromu throws elbows to get free, but then Wato crucifix takedown, reset and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but the fans are thunderous for Wato! Wato drags Hiromu up, Hiromu fights the lift and throws elbows, then reaches for ropes. Hiromu gets the ROPEBREAK, but Wato kicks that arm!

Wato reels Hiromu back in, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! It wasn’t quite Tsutenkaku so Hiromu manages to escape! Wato fires himself back up, he chicken wings and half nelsons, but Hiromu fights the suplex to a victory roll! Only for Wato to sit on the cover! TWO!!! But Wato then body scissors, for VENDAVAL!! Hiromu endures, but he’s fading! Fans rally, Wato pulls harder on the hold, but Hiromu gets a second wind! Hiromu fights his way around, uses the teetertotter technique again, but Wato PULLS on the hold!! Hiromu starts fading again! But he gets a third wind and fights his way around to the ROPEBREAK!!

Fans cheer as Wato lets go again. Wato is beside himself, but then he fires back up. Hiromu sputters but Wato brings him back up. Waistlock, TSUTEN- NO, Hiromu fights it! Hiromu throws elbows, reaches for ropes, but Wato brings him away! Hiromu throws more elbows and from all sides! Wato lets go, but then shoves, only for Hiromu to buck the O’Conner. Hiromu ELBOWS Wato, but Wato blocks the lariat to kick, KICK and ROUND- NO, Hiromu ducks to mule kick, front kick, and SUPERKICK! Wato shakes his head, but turns around into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Fans fire up as Hiromu roars!

Hiromu runs, but into the SCREW HIGH KICK! Wato roars and fans are thunderous! Wato drags Hiromu back up, TSUTENKAKU!!! Bridging cover, TWO?!?!? Hiromu narrowly escapes the bridge, but Wato still has the waistlock! Chicken wing, half nelson, RECIENTE- NO, Hiromu slips free! Hiromu ducks the roundhouse to pump handle and HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO?!?! Wato shocks himself by escaping! But he turn around into a SUPERKICK! Wato comes back, into another SUPERKICK! Wato staggers around, but he blocks the kick to spin Hiromu, tilt-o-whirl, but Hiromu blocks! And tucks, for a- NO, VICTORTY ROLL!

Hiromu slips free! And jackknife rolls to a fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Wato survives and the fans are electric!! Hiromu stands Wato up, runs, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! But Hiromu won’t stop there, he dragon sleepers to inverted suplex, and TIMEBOMB MKII!!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Hiromu now knows why Master Wato won this year’s tournament, but the world knows that Hiromu is still THE Best of the Super Juniors! The two show respect to one another, will we see them run it back somewhere down the line?

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Blackpool Combat Club!

The Dream Trio has been going back and forth with Shota Umino and his pals from overseas, but now the Roughneck might have brought the best combination possible. Will #SHOOTER, Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli bring these belts to AEW? Or will the Rainmaker, Ace of the Universe and Stone Pitbull be too much even for the BCC?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if these Death Riders can bring about a Paradigm Shift!

The trios sort out and Shota stares at Okada, much like the last match they were both in. And much like then, Okada just kinda ignores Shota. Fans cheer Tanahashi’s abs as he takes off the jacket, and finally, Okada looks at Shota. Okada talks some trash, then goes to the corner. Instead, Tanahashi steps up. So then the BCC let the Swiss Superman step up! Fans cheer getting to see the ROH World Champion in action as the bell rings. Fans rally up for Tanahashi as he and Claudio circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Claudio uses his height as leverage to put Tanahashi on ropes.

Tanahashi turns things around, Red Shoes calls the break, and Tanahashi lets off slowly. Fans cheer and the two reset. They tie up again, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Tanahashi goes for arms but Claudio resists. Tanahashi shifts to a headlock, Claudio powers up to power out, and he runs Tanahashi over! Tanahashi sits up but Claudio brings him around to RAM into a corner, and then UPPERCUT! Fans fire up, Claudio whips corner to corner, then runs in, but into BOOTS! Tanahashi goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Fans cheer the air guitar, but Moxley gets in to CLOBBER Tanahashi! Moxley mocks the air guitar, but Ishii storms in!

Ishii ROCKS Moxley! Moxley choke grips, Ishii breaks that to choke grip, but then Moxley breaks that to go forehead to forehead. Fans fire up, Moxley ROCKS Ishii and runs to RAM him! But Ishii stays up, roars, and ROCKS Moxley! Moxley roars and ROCKS Ishii! Moxley whips, Ishii ducks and Tanahashi comes back to dropkick a leg! Ishii dropkicks a leg, and Okada BOOTS Moxley out! Claudio returns but into double dropkicks to the legs! Okada dodges Shota to shove him into a LARIAT! The Dream Trio stands tall and fans fire up. Red Shoes reprimands, and the others exit so Tanahashi has Claudio.

Claudio UPPERCUTS! Tanahashi forearms! Claudio forearms, so Tanahashi gives it back! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, but Claudio kicks low and UPPERCUTS! Claudio headlocks, Tanahashi powers out and drops, but leaps into Claudio’s arms! BACKBREAKER! Fans cheer the show of strength, and Claudio tags in Shota. Shota dares Okada to tag in, but Okada again ignores him. So Shota runs in to DECK Okada! What’s Okada’s response now? Fans rally, and Okada reaches in. Tanahashi tags him in, and then Shota rushes Okada. Okada dodges, drags Shota out, and whips him hard into railing!

Okada runs in to BOOT Shota up and over the railing! Fans fire up as Okada drags Shota up from No Man’s Land and out along the railing. But Shota slips off to RAM Okada into the post! And then Shota POSTS Okada, to then whip him hard into railing! Okada goes down in a heap, but Shota isn’t done with him, as he confiscates the timekeeper table! Shota CHUCKS it at Okada! Okada goes down, Claudio & Moxley throw Ishii & Tanahashi into railing! Shota returns the table to the timekeeper and the BCC “apologize” to Red Shoes. Shota drags Okada up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud.

Shota stalks Okada, stomps him, then tags Moxley. Fans cheer as the Maniac stomps Okada now. And KICKS him in the chest! And again! And again! Okada falls over, tag to Claudio, and he stomps Okada. Claudio gut wrenches Okada up for the SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Claudio tags Moxley back in. The BCC mug Okada, and then split the wishbone! Moxley stomps Okada, gets a leg, and turns Okada for a HALF CRAB! Okada endures but Ishii storms over to CLUB Moxley off the hold! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Shota tags in, he stomps a leg, then BLASTS Ishii and Tanahashi off the apron!

Shota goes back to Okada, but Okada BLASTS Moxley and Claudio! Shota fires off on Okada in the corner, digs his boot in, but Red Shoes reprimands. Claudio tags in to stomp a mudhole into Okada! Claudio then lets off, to run in and BOOT Okada! Tag to Moxley, and he runs in to clothesline! Snapmare, KICK, cover, TWO! Moxley facelocks and he drags Okada back. Shota tags in again, and he hoists Okada up. Moxley runs, HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Shota argues with his dad about the count. Red Shoes says that was a fair count, so Shota kicks and taunts Okada.

Fans rally, Shota keeps egging Okada on with those scuffing kicks, and then he starts slapping Okada around. Okada swings, Shota catches him, but Okada fights the clinch. Shota kicks low, Okada BOOTS him back! Shota comes right back to CLUB away on Okada! Shota whips Okada corner to corner, runs in, but Okada dodges! Okada kicks and DDTs Shota down! Fans fire up while both men crawl. Hot tags to Claudio and Tanahashi! Tanahashi dodges to fire off fast hands on Claudio! Tanahashi whips, Claudio reverses but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Moxley gets in, Tanahashi shows forearm, but he dropkicks the legs out!

Shota runs in but Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS him down! Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he runs, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio BOOTS, but Tanahashi roars! Claudio runs, but Tanahashi blocks the boot to a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up while both men are down. Tanahashi crawls, hot tag to Ishii! Fans fire up as Ishii RAMS Claudio! Claudio ROCKS Ishii, suplexes, but Ishii fights it to suplex. Claudio fights but Ishii powers through to suplex high and hard! But Moxley kicks ow and whips Ishii to the corner. Ishii comes back to run Moxley over! Shota RAMS Ishii, but Ishii stays up to DECK Shota!

Fans fire up with the Stone Pitbull as he goes back to Claudio. Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Claudio ROCKS him right back! Claudio SWATS Ishii’s lariat, UPPERCUTS him, then torture racks for a RACK BOMB! Tag to Moxley and fans fire up again. Moxley runs at Ishii in the corner to clothesline! Moxley gives another clothesline, and another clothesline, and then climbs up! Moxley rains down fists and fans rally with every shot! Moxley gets TEN, then he BITES Ishii! Red Shoes reprimands, Moxley lets off at 4, then he apologizes. But Ishii BOOTS back! Ishii runs, Moxley trips him and puts on the FIGURE FOUR!

But Okada stomps Moxley! Ishii is freed, Okada whips Moxley to ropes, and Okada boots, but Moxley blocks! Moxley trips Okada, but Okada kicks him away. Ishii ROCKS Moxley, Okada BOOTS Moxley, and they double whip him to ropes, but he DOUBLE LARIATS in return! Fans fire up and Moxley drags Ishii up. Moxley reels him in, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Tanahashi breaks it! Claudio goes after Tanahashi and throws him out hard. Claudio goes out after Tanahashi to send him into railing! Fans rally as Moxley sits Ishii up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans rally, Moxley runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Moxley stays clamped onto Ishii with a SLEEPER! Ishii endures but he’s already pretty red. Moxley shifts his grip to squeeze even tighter! Ishii fights up, reaches out, but then he SAIDOS! Moxley is right back up!? But Ishii LARIATS! Moxley’s right back up to LARIAT! But Ishii’s right back up!! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither falls! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Moxley wobbles, Ishii runs, but Moxley slips around, DEATH RIDER!!! Moxley wants Ishii to get back up, and then he runs to to CURB STOMP!! Cover, but Okada breaks it! Shota goes after Okada and throws him out! Claudio BOOTS Tanahashi, then drags Ishii up!

Claudio scoops Ishii but Ishii fights free! Ishii staggers, into an UPPERCUT! And a KING KONG LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Moxley’s busted open from that headbutt but that just motivates him. Moxley flips the Dream Trio off and calls his shot. Moxley drags Ishii up, underhooks, DEATH- NO, Ishii fights free to ROCK, HEADBUTT and ENZIGURI! Moxley wobbles, Tanahashi SLINGBLADES! Ishii SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives but Ishii roars! Okada brawls with Shota, Tanahashi grapples with Claudio, and Ishii suplexes Moxley, but Moxley slips free! CUTTER!!

But Ishii’s right up to LARIAT!! Both men are down again and fans are thunderous! Fans rally, Shota and Okada are on their corners. Hot tags to the Roughneck and Rainmaker! Okada catches Shota for a HUGE FLAPJACK! Fans fire up as Shota flounders to a corner. Okada storms up, whips Shota corner to corner but Shota reverses. Shota runs in, into a BOOT! Okada SHOTGUNS Shota down! Fans fire up and Okada drags Shota up to wrench and MONEY CLIP!! Shota reaches out, Tanahashi goes after Moxley and fires hands. Okada squeezes tighter but Shota endures and fights up! Shota reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK!

Okada lets off with slapping hands! And a series of scuffing boots! Okada just HAMMERS away on Shota, then runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up again as Shota BLASTS Ishii and Tanahashi! Claudio gets Okada by the legs, SWISS SWING!! Claudio goes around again and again and again, all the way to TWENTY-EIGHT!! Then the BCC get Okada up, Shota joins in, SHIELD POWERBOMB!!! High stack, TWO!!! Okada survives, which is good as Ishii is a nanosecond late! Claudio throws Ishii out, Moxley builds speed and Moxley DIVES to take out Ishii! Claudio goes out to keep Tanahashi down and Shota aims at Okada!

Shota runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! And then underhooks, but Okada fights the lift! Okada back drops Shota away! Shota is right back up, runs back in to kick, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Okada staggers around while the fans are thunderous! Okada ripcords, RAIN- NO, Shota gets under and around, crisscrosses Okada’s arms, kicks low and reels him in, ELEVATED DEATH RIDER!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Okada survives and the fans are electric! Shota roars, he brings Okada up again, and underhooks again. Okada fights it, Tanahashi runs in to SLINGBLADE! Claudio swings, but into TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

Moxley kicks, Tanahashi blocks to spin him! Moxley ROCKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Ishii GERMAN SUPLEXES Moxley away! The Dream Trio has Shota all alone! They fire up, Okada BOOTS, Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS and Ishii LARIATS! And then they get Okada up, BOOSTED DDT!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota survives and fans are thunderous again! Claudio and Ishii brawl, Tanahashi and Moxley brawl, and Okada drags Shota up. Okada scoops but Shota slips free to throw a forearm! Okada scowls but Shota gets in his face. Shota throws forearms but Okada eggs him on!

Shota swings, Okada dodges and spins Shota, but Shota ducks the discus to kick low! Underhooks, but Okada scoops! EMERALD FLOWSION! And then ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, The Dream Trio wins!!

Winners: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

It was one hell of a battle, but Shota and his mentor could not defeat the Dream Trio! Moxley is upset, he wants a mic! Moxley gets the mic, “Check one. Is this on? Hey, mother effers, I got somethin’ to say!” Abe-san helps him by pressing the on button. “Arigato. Hey! A lot of people think the three guys standing in the ring right now might be the best wrestlers in the world, but I disagree. The BCC disagrees, because we train with the undisputed best wrestler in the world, and we bring a message.” Moxley points to the tron.

“For the last 10 years, I’ve heard people talk about how great you are. How you’re the best wrestler of this generation. And I’ve also heard in interviews, that you said you wanna wrestle me. That you wanna fight me. Watching you, you’re good. I know you’re good. But I am the litmus test of ‘great.’ You wanna wrestle Bryan Danielson? You call yourself The Rainmaker? When you step in the ring with me, you’re going into the EFFING DESERT! And there ain’t no rain.” Fans go nuts seeing the American Dragon call out Okada! Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” and Okada gets the mic. His response: “Bryan… You’re damn right I’ll fight you, ya bastard!”

Bryan just said stepping into the ring with him is like going into the desert? Then Okada’s gonna make it rain and drench that desert of Bryan’s! Fans love the sound of that! Okada then says, “Time to step through the Forbidden Door.” Fans really love the sound of that! Will Okada slay the American Dragon? Or will Bryan bring about a drought in Toronto?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Yota Tsuji w/ Los Ingobernables de Japon!

The Cold Skull won this title back at Sakura Genesis, but his short reign could be cut short here tonight! Will Tsuji bring about an apocalypse for Sanada? Or will NJPW still belong to Just5Guys?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the newest member of LIJ defeats the newest defector!

Takagi leaves commentary so he can be with the rest of LIJ, and Tsuji offers the fist bump. The others get on the apron, and fans cheer as they accept the fist bump. The bell rings and fans fire up as the two stare down. Fans are fired up for “YO-TA! YO-TA!” and he grins. Sanada seems a bit wary as he approaches, as Yota is a big dude. Yota just stares Sanada down as Sanada continues to approach. Sanada then backs off and fans applaud. The two circle slowly, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock as fans rally and duel. Yota pulls Sanada into a headlock and he grinds the hold. Sanada endures, throws body shots, and powers out. Yota runs Sanada over!

Fans cheer as Yota stands over Sanada and grins. Things speed up, Sanada drops then hurdle- SPEAR!! Yota takes Sanada out of the air and Sanada tumbles out of the ring! Fans fire up, Yota builds speed, and FOSBURY FLOPS?!? Fans are going nuts and Yota stands up with a big grin and a raised fist! Takagi is back on commentary and he can’t believe it! To him, that looked more like something Titan would do! Yota puts Sanada in, raises the arm and fans rally up. Sanada slowly rises, Yota takes a three point stance, and Yota runs in, but into a BOOT! Sanada stops the Spear but Yota comes right back!

Sanada blocks the Spear with a facelock and sprawl, but Yota suplexes first! Sanada slips out to SKULL END!! Yota is in the body scissors and Sanada squeezes tight! Yota endures, fans rally up, and Yota pops out of the sleeper, only for Sanada to get him again! SKULL SWING, and then SKULL END!! Yota is back in the body scissors as fans rally up. Yota fights around, reaches out, but Sanada thrashes the hold! Yota’s fading! Sanada lets him go to go up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Yota saves himself, and fans rally while both men are down. Yota grins as he sits up. Is he having fun!?

Sanada stands, as does Yota. Yota ROCKS Sanada with a forearm! Sanada CHOPS in return! Yota ROCKS Sanada again, so Sanada CHOPS again! Sanada steps to Yota and Yota throws a forearm! Sanada CHOPS, Yota forearms, repeat! Yota just smiles as he ROCKS Sanada again! Sanada scowls as he UPPERCUTS! Sanada whips, Yota reverses, and Yota scoops Sanada for a BACKBREAKER! Yota gets the legs, and powers Sanada right over to a BOSTON CRAB! Yota is using a Young Lion level hold on the world champion to add insult to injury! Sanada endures, but Yota sits deep on the hold!

Fans rally and duel, and Sanada crawls towards ropes, only for Yota to pull him back! And then Yota reaches back to get Sanada’s arms! REVERSE CAMPANA! Sanada endures while Yota swings him around, and then Yota HIP DROPS him! Fans fire up with Yota and he brings Sanada up. Yota wrenches Sanada into a reverse Gory Especial! And hits a VERTEBREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Yota keeps cool. Yota goes up a corner, fans fire up, and Yota goes to the very top, for a ROUNDING BODY PRESS! But he FLOPS as Sanada dodges! Yota got a bit cheeky there, trying to steal Sanada’s favorite diving move.

Fans rally up while both men are down. Sanada goes to his corner and J5G coach him up. Yota runs in, but Sanada ELBOWS him! Sanada Quebrada but Yota gets under. Sanada dropkicks the legs and then DROPKICKS Yota out! Fans fire up as Sanada aims, to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Yota! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada drags Yota up and puts him in the ring. Fans rally, Sanada has them get louder, and then Sanada springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! But Yota’s right up!? And he SUPERKICKS Sanada!

Fans rally again while both men are down. Red Shoes checks and both men stir. Yota sits right up and fans cheer. Yota catches his breath by he nods as he stands up. Yota brings Sanada up, reels him in, but Sanada blocks the suplex! Yota throws body shots and he suplexes again, but Sanada knees free! Sanada and Yota storm up and Sanada CHOPS! Yota CHOPS back! Sanada is really stinging, but he comes back to CHOP again! Yota CHOPS again, and Sanada is stinging again! Yota grins, Sanada CHOPS, and Yota just keeps grinning! It’s starting to get a bit scary. Yota CHOPS, Sanada CHOPS, repeat!

Fans rally up with every CHOP, and Yota CHOPS! Sanada drops to a knee as he clutches his chest! Yota brings Sanada up but Sanada ROLLING ELBOWS! Sanada roars and runs, but Yota ducks the discus to BACKBREAKER, SLAM and STOMP! Yota then suplexes Sanada, for the POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives the Orange Crush but Yota roars! Yota drags Sanada up, hoists him up top, and CHOPS him again! Yota then climbs up after Sanada and fans fire up. Yota brings Sanada up to the very top, CLUBS him, then clinches, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!!! Cover, TWO!!!

Fans fire up that Sanada survives, and now Yota’s rage boils up! Yota powers up again and fans cheer him on! Sanada rises, Yota hits the three point stance, and SPEAR- NO, Sanada ducks it! DROPKICK! Yota stays up, runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw into the SKULL END, but Yota arm-drags free! Yota blocks the Shining Wizard!! But Sanada blocks the superkick! Sanada reels Yota in, but Yota cartwheels outta Deadfall!??! And SUPERKICKS again! V-TRIGGER! HEADBUTT!! Yota roars, runs, and CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!???! Sanada survives that Gene Blast Blitz, but fans are thunderous for Yota!

Yota waits on Sanada to rise, and he runs in again, but he ducks ‘n’ dodges the clotheslines first. Yota SPEARS into a DROPKICK!! Fans are thunderous again as Sanada avoids disaster! Sanada goes up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Direct hit, and then Sanada runs to SHINING WIZARD!! Fans are thunderous as Sanada hits DEADFALL!!!! Cover, Sanada wins!!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

Yota Tsuji is truly a genetic freak, but he still fell short of dethroning Sanada! And even in defeat, he smiles. Yota is in the G1 Climax, will he turn it into the “Gene 1?”

As for Sanada, he gets the mic, and he tells Tsuji, “With what you’re capable of achieving, and what you can learn in LIJ, I’ll be waiting for your challenge anytime. Hey, let’s do it again.” Fans like the sound of that! Sanada then turns to the crowd to say that the next time NJPW is in Osaka will be for the G1 Climax. And this year, going in as the champion, Sanada vows to win it and name his own challenger! Sanada then looks to Taichi, who is also in the G1, and Taichi points to himself and says, “Me?” Sanada figures why not. But for now, Sanada wants to “do this thing.” Sanada says, “Gift, if you please.”

The lights go down and the phones come out to be the stars. Sanada says “Everyone, I have something really important to tell you all today. How’s that song go? ‘Osaka, so close, and yet so far away. I miss it so much, but something something.'” The fans encourage Sanada that he can remember it. The other Just5Guys aren’t quite sure what song he’s talking about, though. “Seriously, what was it?” The fans start singing for him. What? “‘I’m missing?'” Okay, okay. Sanada starts from the top. “Osaka, so close yet so far away. I’m missing it, Osaka. But honestly, out of everywhere in Japan, I love Osaka the most!”

Fans cheer because he said the thing! “OI, OSAKA! See you next time!” Sanada drops the mic, kicks it away, and the golden streamers fly! The Cold Skull Era has only just begun, will he make it through the Summer heat to decide his own fate?

My Thoughts:

An awesome, absolutely stacked Dominion. The kickoff match (which wasn’t part of the broadcast) being another Young Lion gauntlet challenge was really weird, especially when no one’s won even one prize. And opening with Ospreay VS Archer was a surprising choice but it was an awesome match all the same. I figured Ospreay would win, he and Omega can have just an awesome match, and depending on how they wanna play off the current story in AEW of Elite VS BCC, Ospreay could win that US title off Omega to bring it back to Japan and have it more involved in story here. And yeah, I skipped the 8 Man Tag, but we still saw all those guys as part of the main event so no big deal.

The United Empire as a whole had a great showing tonight, even though they went 50-50. Catch 2/2 winning to take the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles back was a bit of a surprise, I had hoped the Jet Setters would get to defend against more teams. Meanwhile, I figured ZSJ would retain and Bishamon would win the tag titles. In ZSJ’s case, it was a great surprise that it was under 10 minutes, and they’re doing this so ZSJ can still feud with Samoa Joe, TV Champ VS TV Champ. For Bishamon, it is mostly because Aussie Open is injured, and I figured NJPW would default to Bishamon for the time being.

Bullet Club also had a really strong night tonight, even though Finlay was the only one in a match. Connors gets Moloney to join him in Bullet Club to go after the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles, and then in an even bigger surprised, Coughlin & Kidd both turn Heel to join up and go after the Heavyweight & Openweight Tag titles. I guess Bullet Club needed some new bodies to replace those Finlay kicked out (ELP, Jay White, and I guess in a way, Juice), and this is a great chance for these younger guys to move up in the world. Finlay of course retains the NEVER Openweight title as yet another example of a Heel faction leader using his faction members, but I look forward to where things go from here.

Great stuff from Hiromu VS Wato, and as great as Wato has done, it all makes sense as to why Hiromu won. Great NEVER Openweight Six Man title match, and they did a great job teasing the BCC coming close to winning. But the Dream Trio of course wins to keep those titles here in NJPW, and I love that we’re getting Okada VS Bryan at Forbidden Door. And of course, an awesome main event for the world title, and Yota Tsuji really is a genetic freak. That Fosbury Flop was awesome given his size. But at the same time, I figured Sanada wasn’t losing, his reign is only a couple months old.

We’re getting a great G1 field, and I bet both Sanada and Yota have great showings. It has been awhile since a world champion won the G1, but I don’t think Sanada’s the guy they’re gonna give that to. And regardless of who wins, holy crap I hope Kaito Kiyomiya and Kazuchika Okada meet. From the graphic they gave us, it looks like they’re in separate blocks, so the only way they would is in the finals. But that’d be fine, because the finals would let them go all out, which is exactly what we need to see between them.

My Score: 9/10