NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/15/23)
The G1 begins again!
Opening night goes to Blocks A and B!
NJPW’s greatest tradition, the G1 Climax, begins again! And starting things off this year, Blocks A and B, with IWGP World Champion, SANADA!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo; Hashi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Chase Owens VS Gabe Kidd; Chase wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa VS KENTA; Loa wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Ren Narita; Time Limit Draw.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Great-O-Khan; Okada wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Kaito Kiyomiya; Kaito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS Will Ospreay; Taichi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Hikuleo; Sanada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo!
The Head Hunter made it through back-to-back tag title matches and is still one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. But the Headbanga is looking for something to call his own. Will ELP get the 1-2-3? Or will Hashi have a strong start to the tournament?
Fans rally for ELP and ELP enjoys that. ELP then offers a handshake, and Hashi takes it. Fans applaud and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and ELP waistlocks. Hashi pries free, switches, but ELP switches to SLAM! ELP floats around and facelocks but Hashi slips free, and the two stand off. Fans cheer and the two reset. They tie up, Hashi headlocks but ELP powers out, to then headlock back. Hashi powers up and out, but ELP runs him over! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses his biceps. Things speed up, Hashi hurdles and BLOCKBUSTERS! ELP bails out and Hashi rallies the fans. Hashi then builds speed, but ELP slides in to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!
ELP keeps his cool and drags Hashi up. ELP suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! ELP drags Hashi up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then scoops him for a SLAM! ELP goes to the corner, hops up, lines up his shot, and drops the AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Fans applaud while ELP checks his neck. ELP then stands on Hashi’s hand! The ref reprimands, ELP rallies the fans and he brings Hashi up. ELP snapmares and KICKS Hashi in the back, but Hashi stands right up! Hashi kicks low, snapmares ELP, but ELP gets right up to BOOT Hashi down! Fans applaud while Hashi checks his chin.
ELP drags Hashi up, CHOPS him, and Hashi falls right over! Fans applaud, ELP stands Hashi up again and whips him corner to corner. ELP howls and fans echo it. ELP then runs corner to corner, but Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Both men are down and fans rally up! ELP goes to a corner and Hashi crawls to the opposite. Hashi then runs in to clothesline! Hashi whips and CHOPS! And mule kicks! And turns ELP for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Hashi brings ELP up again. Hashi whips ELP to ropes, to back drop! Hashi watches ELP rise, and he runs in again, to clothesline ELP up and out!
Fans rally again as Hashi builds speed! Hashi FLIES to take ELP out at the ramp! Fans fire up as Hashi flexes now! Hashi drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and Hashi climbs the corner. Fans rally again and ELP stands, into Hashi’s FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Hashi pounds the mat. Fans rally up again, and Hashi brings ELP up. Hashi reels ELP in, fisherman’s, but ELP blocks! ELP throws body shots, then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hashi escapes and fans cheer again. ELP calls his shot and he drags Hashi up. ELP straitjackets and torture racks, but Hashi fights!
Hashi CHOPS ELP and ELP goes to a corner. Hsahi runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard CROSSBODY! And then somersault to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives again but ELP resets with the torture rack! SPINNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives yet again and ELP grows frustrated. ELP drags Hashi up, reels him in, but Hashi fights free to CHOP! ELP snarls and storms up on Hashi, but Hashi CHOPS again! ELP goes to the corner, Hashi runs in, and CHOPS! Hashi rallies the fans and runs corner to corner, but ELP follows to DISCUS CHOP!
ELP keeps moving, Hashi follows, but into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP suckered Hashi in, and now he goes up the ropes! SPRINGBOARD THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, TWO?!?! Hashi survives and everyone is shocked! ELP refocuses, and he rallies the fans up. ELP slashes his throat, drags Hashi up and reels him in, but Hashi trips him to a jackknife bridge! TWO!! ELP sunset flips it, TWO! Hashi sits on it, TWO, ELP has the ghost pin! TWO!!! Both men have to check real quick but the ref confirms, that was two! Hashi rushes in, ELP dodges and mule kicks! Then front kicks! Then ENZIGURIS! Hashi staggers, but he comes back with a SUPERKICK!
Hashi runs, and LARIATS ELP inside out!! Fans fire up with Hashi and he drags ELP up. CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, Hashi wins!!
Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ELP earns 0)
The old dog busts out a new trick! Will this be yet another resurgence for Yoshi-Hashi? As for ELP, that was a rough way to lose in the first round, will he be able to rebound?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Chase Owens VS Gabe Kidd!
We may have seen Bullet Club VS Bullet Club before, but this is a new flavor all its own. Will the Crown Jewel show the new kid a thing or two? Or will this War Dog show Chase how savage he really is?
Wait, Kidd rushes out and CLOBBERS Chase on stage, with a chair! Kidd taunts the fans, then SMACKS Chase with the chair on the back! Kidd continues to taunt the fans as they boo, and the ref runs up to reprimand Kidd. Kidd stands Chase up to ROCK him with a forearm, and HEADBUTT him! Kidd reels Chase in, and wants to throw him off the stage! Chase fights up but Kidd CLUBS him down! And BITES his head! Kidd UPPERCUTS Chase and he goes tumbling down the ramp! Kidd stalks Chase all the way down, then ROCKS him with another shot! Fans boo but Kidd brings Chase up and headlocks.
Kidd brings Chase further along and HEADBUTTS him again! But Chase throws shots in return! Kidd UPPERCUTS Chase again! Kidd brings Chase around and through the gate to CHOKE him against the railing in front of the fans! And then Kidd pulls those railings apart! Kidd then snatches chairs and throws those around, and brings Chase over to SMACK him off other chairs! He even uses a fan’s umbrella to SMACK Chase, and CHOKE him! The ref reprimands, Kidd lets off, this isn’t even a match yet! Kidd brings Chase around to the other side of the aisle, rips those railings apart, and smacks Chase off those chairs!
Fans move aside and Young Lions help, and Chase fights back! Kidd ROCKS Chase, brings him around to yet another section and HEADBUTTS Chase down! Kidd then DECKS a Young Lion! And another! And another! Kidd has gone past savage and is just crazy! The ref makes him go to the ringside area, but then Kidd runs past to go back up the ramp! And then Kidd runs down the ramp to FLY!! And he takes out Chase and the Young Lions!! Fans are thunderous and the ref checks everyone. Kidd is up and he shakes the railing apart! Kidd then chases Chase to ringside, and claws his face!
Chase staggers away, and Kidd ROCKS him! Kidd headlocks to bring Chase around, and UPPERCUTS him down! Kidd tells English commentary, “You wanna talk? Let’s talk then!” Kidd heard what Chris had to say a few years ago about going out and banging a Japanese woman. Well guess what? Kidd’s gonna find him THREE! Then Kidd goes back to firing shots on Chase! And he tells commentary to shut up. Fans rally for Chase as Kidd puts him in the ring, and then Kidd flips them all off. Fans boo and Kidd goes into the ring. The bell finally rings, and this is finally a match! And Chase BOOTS Kidd down!
Fans rally as Chase finally has a chance to rest. Chase goes to ropes, drags himself up, and he watches Kidd flounder to the other side. Chase runs in and CLOBBERS Kidd! And again! Chase whips, Kidd reverses and runs in but Chase BOOTS him! And then CORNER BACK SUPLEX, to a SAIDO! Fans fire up with Chase and he hauls Kidd up. Chase tucks Kidd in, but Kidd powers out to swing. Chase ducks the lariat but Kidd elbows back. Chase RAMS Kidd into a corner, then LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Chase paces around. Chase locks ‘n’ loads, aims and runs in, but Kidd dodges!
Kidd runs, Chase dodges! Kidd dodges! Chase dodges! Kidd dodges! And then Kidd CLOBBERS Chase! Kidd drags Chase up to a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Chase survives and Kidd is furious! Kidd glares at Chase while the fans rally up. Kidd stalks Chase to ropes, throws forearms, and Chase sits down. Kidd kicks Chase around, taunts him, and even SPITS on him! Kidd digs his boots in and shouts, “What’re you gonna do?!” The ref counts, Kidd lets off, and Chase stands. Chase CHOPS Kidd, Kidd ROCKS Chase! Kidd puts Chase up top, CHOPS him, and then climbs up after him. Kidd wants to bite again, but Chase slips out and under!
Chase trips Kidd! Kidd staggers, Chase BOOTS him! Kidd CHOPS, but Chase SUPERKICKS! Kidd rebounds, but Chase ducks the lariat to HALF ‘N’ HALF! And C-TRIGGER! And then the tuck and PACKAGE DRIVER!! Cover, CHASE WINS!!
Winner: Chase Owens, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kidd earns 0)
Gabe Kidd gave his Bullet Club senpai one hell of a shootout, but in the end, you can’t steal one from the Crown Jewel. Chase gives Kidd a Too Sweet after all, so is all good in the Bullet Club main branch?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa w/ Jado VS KENTA!
The Silverback is back, and he wants his turn at revenge against Bullet Club! But will he be able to break the Fang Revived? Or will Kenta make him #GoToSleep?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. They slowly circle, approach, and tie up. Loa powers Kenta to ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans applaud the clean break, and Kenta circles with Loa again. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Loa uses size to power Kenta back. They end up against ropes again, but Kenta turns it around. Loa turns it back, and they go around and around again. The ref counts as Loa has Kenta in the corner. Loa lets off, and the fans applaud. They circle again, but Kenta bails out. Kenta takes a moment but the fans rally up. Kenta comes back, tells fans to shut up, then steps inside.
Loa and Kenta circle again, and Kenta kicks the bad leg! Kenta headlocks, but Loa throws body shots. Loa powers out, they RAM shoulders, but Loa stays up. Fans rally, Kenta runs and RAMS Loa again, but Loa is still standing! Loa grins and applauds, and he eggs Kenta on. Kenta kicks the bad leg! Kenta runs, but Loa runs him over! Fans cheer and Kenta bails out again. Loa goes out after him this time, and Loa CLUBS Kenta on the back! Kenta staggers but Loa CLUBS him again. Loa keeps after Kenta and ROCKS him in front of English commentary. Loa smothers Kenta with a mic, then pushes him into the ring.
Kenta crawls away but Loa catches him first! Loa drags Kenta up, RAMS him against the ropes, and again! And again! The ref reprimands, Loa lets off and whips Kenta to ropes. Kenta holds ropes and bails out. Loa rushes out, Kenta slides in, then slides out to get the bad leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Loa falls to the floor and scrambles away! The ref checks Loa while Kenta paces. Kenta stomps Loa, and again, and then drags Loa up. Kenta puts the bad leg around the railing! Kenta traps the leg, and then DROPKICKS it! The ref reprimands and Kenta backs off, only to run in and BOOT the railing!
Loa falls over and Kenta stalks him. The ref wants this back in the ring, but Kenta drags Loa up to kick the bad leg again. Loa crawls away, Kenta refreshes the ring count, and Kenta stalks him to the corner. Kenta stomps the bad leg, KICKS it, then paces. Loa drags himself up and pushes Kenta away, but Kenta KICKS Loa in the chest! The count passes 10 of 20 but Kenta puts Loa in at 13. Fans rally and Loa pushes Kenta away. Kenta taunts Loa but Jado coaches him up. Loa sits up, but Kenta stomps the bad leg! Kenta drags Loa up, but Loa throws body shots! And uppercuts! But Kenta SOBATS!
Loa goes to a corner, Kenta runs in, and Kenta blocks Loa’s boot! Kenta kicks the bad leg! And puts it in the ropes, to DROPKICK it again! Loa falls over in a heap and Kenta soaks up the heat. Kenta mocks those booing him, then storms over to Loa. Fans rally for Loa as he crawls, but Kenta stalks him. Kenta talks trash on Jado, sits Loa up, and he stomps the bad leg again. Loa clutches the knee but Kenta keeps kicking it! Kenta kicks Loa around, stomps the bad leg, but Loa grits his teeth. Loa glares at Kenta, rises to his feet, and he blocks a kick! Loa throws body shots, UPPERCUTS, and then scoops, to SWINGING SIDE SLAM!
Fans fire up while Loa and Kenta are both down! Loa rises while Kenta rolls to a corner. Loa runs corner to corner and clotheslines! Then he whips Kenta in to clothesline again! And then GERMAN SUPLEX! Loa drags Kenta right up for the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives, perhaps Loa’s bomb wasn’t strong enough with the bad leg. Loa drags Kenta back up, reels him in, but then changes up to scoop. Kenta grabs at the ref! They all spin around, the ref goes down, and Kenta slips free to kick low! DDT! Both men are down and Jado checks on the ref. And Kenta sees his opening!
Kenta scrambles out of the ring, looks underneath, and he brings out a chair! Kenta gets back in, takes aim, and JAMS Loa, then SMACKS him! And SMACKS him again! Kenta kicks Loa over and fans boo, but Kenta isolates the leg! Kenta SMASHES the knee!! Fans boo but Kenta says he’ll go again! Another SMASH to the knee!! Fans boo even harder as Kenta kicks Loa down again. Kenta puts the chair on the knee, then goes up the corner! DIVING- NO, Loa moves! Loa avoids disaster, swings on Kenta, but Kenta dodges, only for the SOUTHPAW to hit! Fans fire up as Loa now has Kenta down! Jado gets the ref back in, too!
Loa helps the ref sit up, and he aims at Kenta. Kenta rises, Loa runs in, but Kenta drops! Loa has to hobble to a stop, but he won’t let Kenta deny him. Buti then Kenta cradles! TWO!! Loa gets free but Kenta rolls him! Feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and says NOPE! Fans cheer but Kenta is furious! Kenta corners the ref, Loa runs in, but almost hits the ref! LOW BLOW!! Fireman’s carry, but Loa slips free! Kenta URAKENS, then runs! INTO A SPEAR!! Fans fire up with Loa as he roars! Loa drags Kenta up, scoops him, and goes APE SHIT!!! Cover, Loa wins!
Winner: Tanga Loa, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta earns 0)
Now that’s how you return to action! Loa pins the DEFY Wrestling Champion and earns himself those crucial first points! Will this be the year the Silverback becomes an alpha male?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Ren Narita!
Two young upstart stars clash to start off this year’s G1! Will the Roughneck continue to bring about the Paradigm Shift in NJPW? Or will Narita show us all why he’s the Son of Strong Style?
Shota may be a student of Jon Moxley, but taking off his elaborate entrance attire is rather Naito of him. Narita is patient, though, as a student of Katsuyori Shibata and Minoru Suzuki. The bell rings and the two rush in! Narita BOOTS Shota, but Shota’s right up to CLOBBER Narita! They stare down face to face and fans fire up. Shota throws a forearm, Narita gives it back! Shota throws another, and so does Narita! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up with every shot. Things keep going faster and faster, and then Shota eggs Narita on! Narita fires off a flurry, then eggs Shota on. Shota stares Narita down, then fires heavy shots!
Narita comes back with another forearm of his own, and he eggs Shota on. Shota throws a shot, Narita shakes his head. Narita throws a shot, and Shota scowls. Shota winds way back to throw a forearm! Narita shakes his head and fires another. Shota fires another, Narita fires another, and then Shota throws a flurry! Narita fires a strike fest! Shota wobbles, Narita stomps him into the corner! Narita rains down forearms and stomps but the ref counts. Narita runs but Shota follows fast to ELBOW! Shota fires off a flurry now, and even some UPPERCUTS! The ref reprimands, Shota lets off and runs, but Narita follows to BOOT!
But Shota stays up and shoves Narita! So Narita UPPERCUTS Shota off his feet! Fans fire up while Shota goes to the corner. Narita storms up to dig his boot in. The ref counts, but Narita just adds more pressure! The ref reprimands, counts, and Narita finally lets off. Fans cheer the intensity and Narita drags Shota up. Narita CLUBS Shota on the neck, CLUBS him again, then whips him to ropes. Shota holds ropes, dodges Narita and arm-drags! And elbows! And basement dropkicks! Fans fire up with Shota, and then he dusts himself off. Shota paces around, stomps Narita, and brings him up with a cravat.
Narita endures the neck wrench, but then Shota CLUBS him down. Shota kicks Narita around and eggs him on. Shota whips Narita to a corner but Narita reverses! Narita runs in, into a BOOT! And another boot! Shota runs, into a leg scissor throw! KNEEBAR! Shota endures as Narita has his leg! Shota crawls, drags Narita along, and backstrokes to the ROPEBREAK! Narita gets up to drag Shota from the ropes to reapply the KNEEBAR! Fans rally and duel while Shota endures! Shota reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK again! The ref counts but Narita keeps on the hold until 4.
Narita drags Shota back from ropes again, and has a standing toehold! Shota CHOPS from below but Narita holds on! Narita leans on the hold, then drags Shota around again. Narita steps through to put more pressure on, and then does it again! Shota endures, even as Narita hits another spinning toehold, into the FIGURE FOUR! Fans cheer while Shota endures more! Shota fights to turn things over, but Narita powers him back down! Shota keeps fighting, drags Narita along towards ropes, but Narita pushes up! Shota still reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, but again Narita holds on until 4.
Narita grabs at the legs but Shota kicks at him. Narita lets go, but he stomps Shota! Shota eggs Narita on so Narita stomps him more! And more! Narita drags Shota up but Shota throws forearm after forearm! Narita kicks the bad leg! Narita whips, Shota reverses and scoops to THROW, then run and SLIDING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up as Shota now has control. Shota hobbles over to Narita in the corner. Shota whips Narita corner to corner, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Shota then FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but fans still rally up. Shota goes out and climbs the corner!
Shota reaches the top, Narita stands, and Shota MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then Shota steps through to an STF! Narita endures and reaches out, even as Shota pulls back on the hold! Narita claws at the mat, powers his way forward, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Shota holds until 3 as a little payback on Narita. Shota then drags Narita up, clinches, but Narita resists the lift. Shota snapmares, then throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Shota got that from the BCC! Shota then hauls Narita up, but Narita fights the clinch with elbows! Shota knees low, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans rally up while both men are down!
Shota crawls to a corner, Narita goes to the opposite. Narita runs corner to corner to BACK ELBOW! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO!! Shota escapes but Narita clamps right on with a SLEEPER! Shota fights up, RAMS Narita into buckles, and is free. Shota kicks low, whips Narita but Narita reverses, to hip toss! Narita then brings Shota up, clinches, but Shota slips free! CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on to drag Narita back up, another CROSS RHODES! Shota drags Narita up again, hooks a leg, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Narita survives and Shota is shocked! But Shota hurries to a corner as fans rally up.
Narita staggers up and Shota runs in, but Narita avoids the swing! Narita knees low! Narita runs, into a scoop! HOTSHOT and UPPERCUT! Shota then slingshots in, ONE FINAL BEAT! Fans fire up after the slingshot DDT and Shota aims again. Narita rises, Shota kicks low and underhooks! But Narita fights Paradigm Shift to EXPLODER! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Shota and Narita stir, Narita stands first and he brings Shota up. Narita hits an BLIZZARD SUPLEX BRIDGE! TWO!!! Fans fire up as Narita clamps on with another SLEEPER! Shota fights up, arm-drags free, but Narita gets the leg!
Narita drags Shota down to a HEEL HOOK! Shota reaches for ropes, but Narita shifts, rolls and has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! Shota endures, fights back up and moves toward ropes! But Narita sits deep! Shota still powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! Narita lets go in frustration but the fans rally up. Narita calls his shot and drags Shota up. Shota fights the Belly2Belly! Narita BOOTS Shota, but Shota stays standing! Shota shakes his head, so Narita BOOTS him again! Shota is still standing, so Narita runs and BOOTS him again! Shota wobbles but he’s still standing! Narita runs, to BOOT Shota down! But Shota’s right back up!?
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! But Narita’s right back up! Narita hits an EXPLODER! Shota roars as he rises! Shota dodges a boot to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Narita’s right up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans are thunderous as both men rise again! Shota staggers around, Narita storms up, both men DECK the other with a palm strike! Fans are thunderous again as they duel for these young stars! Shota and Narita each crawl to the other. Shota throws a forearm, but Narita throws it back! But there’s only THREE MINUTES left in the time limit! Narita throws another forearm! Shota eggs him on!
The two stand, fans fire up again and the forearms go back and forth! Shota UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Narita fires a strike fest and UPPERCUTS! Shota forearms, back elbows, then boxing elbows! Shota spins, into a kick! And ENZIGURI! Narita roars, runs, but Shota DROPKICKS! Fans keep rallying as Shota stalks Narita to a corner. Two minute warning, and Shota hits a TORNADO DDT! Shota aims from the corner as Narita rises! Shota runs in, IGNITION!! Cover off the swinging neckbreaker, TWO?!?! Narita survives but Shota won’t stop there! He drags Narita up and picks him up! ELEVATED DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Narita survives again and no one can believe it! But Shota won’t stop here! We hit the LAST MINUTE, and Shota underhooks! But Narita slips out to COBRA TWIST! Shota fights to get free but Narita just clamps on tighter! We’re at THIRTY SECONDS! Shota reaches out, Narita shifts, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as the seconds tick away! Narita hurries as we hit TEN! Clinch and- NO, Shota fights it! POP-UP UPPERCUT!! TIME’S UP!!!!
Time Limit Draw, both men gain 1 point
How long has it been since there was a DRAW in the G1? This match could not only make the difference in both men’s first run, but this could have just solidified the future of NJPW! Will we see Narita and Shota fight again and again in the coming years?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Great-O-Khan!
The Rainmaker is a former G1 Climax Champion, and he’s currently NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion. Meanwhile, The Dominator is still Rev-Pro Wrestling’s British Heavyweight Champion. But only one can start off their G1 with a win, so will Okada make it rain? Or will Khan conquer the leader of Chaos for The United Empire?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” but Khan corners him. The ref has Khan back away and Khan eggs Okada on. They tie up, Khan gets a leg and then a waistlock but Okada counters with a facelock. Khan pushes through but Okada avoids the cover. Khan shoots in, Okada sprawls to block but Khan scrambles to the back. Khan pushes Okada back down, cover, TWO! Khan keeps on Okada with a facelock, then shifts to a waistlock and roll. Cover, ONE! Khan wants an armlock but Okada fights it. Khan facelocks but Okada fights to his feet, only for Khan to throw him down. Cover, ONE!
Okada keeps on Khan now with a waistlock. Okada drags Khan up, but Khan swings an elbow. Okada ducks it to back drop! And sits on the cover, TWO!! Khan escapes and fans fire up! Okada eggs Khan on, Khan rushes back in and tackles Okada! Khan clinches Okada to a HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Okada endures as Khan leans his weight on the hold! Fans rally, Okada moves around and reaches out, but Khan squeezes tight! Okada’s turning red as Khan puts all his weight into it! Okada gets one last gasp to the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets off, and he then shifts around to a KIMURA! But they’re still in the ropes!
Khan grabs Okada’s leg and adds it to the hold for a modified bow ‘n’ arrow! Okada endures as he’s caught head to toe! Khan lets off to drop knees on the arm, and then SPLASHES the arm! Khan keeps on that arm with an elbow digging into the shoulder. Khan stands on Okada’s shoulder, pulls the arm back, but fans rally as Okada endures. Khan stomps Okada down! Khan drags Okada up, whips him hard into the corner, then turns him around for Mongolian Chops! Fans rally up as Khan sits up on his throne! The ref reprimands, Khan hops down at 4, and he then drags Okada back up.
Khan suplexes Okada high and hard! Cover, TWO! Khan clamps back onto Okada’s arm and traps it with a leg scissor! Khan bends the fingers and twists the wrist, digging his elbow into Okada’s ribs. Okada fights around, but Khan grabs that leg! Okada fights around to get the ROPEBREAK after all! Khan lets go quickly and looms over Okada. Khan kicks Okada around, CLUBS him, and CLUBS him again! Khan stands Okada up but Okada ROCKS Khan with a forearm! And again! Khan eggs Okada on so Okada throws another forearm! Khan ROCKS Okada in return! Khan whips, Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Khan!
Fans rally as Okada rises again. Okada runs in to rally with forearms and elbows! Okada whips, Khan reverses but Okada kicks low and DDTs! Fans rally up, Okada drags Khan up, but Khan grabs an ear! And CLUBS it! Khan runs, but into Okada’s FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO! Okada drags Khan up by his arm and paces around. Okada wrenches and wraps Khan up in the MONEY CLIP! Khan powers Okada back but Okada sends Khan into the corner! Okada then puts Khan up top, to DROPKICK him to the floor! Khan tumbles into railing while fans fire up! Okada catches his breath, then goes out to fetch Khan.
Okada drags Khan up, and whips him into railing! Okada then BOOTS Khan! Khan gets caught up but he still falls to the other side! Okada fetches Khan from No Man’s Land and brings him along by his ponytail. Okada uses that to pull Khan onto the railing, and drags him out, DRAPING DDT to the floor! Fans cheer Okada striking like a viper but the ref starts a ring count. Okada paces, brings Khan up at 8 of 20, and puts him in at 12. Fans applaud as Okada steps in to bring Khan up. Okada goes to gut wrench but Khan fights it! Okada CLUBS Khan down, Alabama Lifts, but Khan fights that, too!
Okada knees Khan low, CLUBS him on the back, then UPPERCUTS! Okada runs, dodges Khan’s lariat, but Khan hits a NECKBREAKER DROP on the return! Fans rally while both men are down and crawling to corners. Khan runs in but into a BOOT! Khan comes back, into another BOOT! Okada BOOTS but Khan Mongolian Chops! And again and again and again! Machine Gun Mongolians?! Fans fire up as Okada drops to his knees! Khan then gut wrenches Okada for the suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Khan hauls Okada up. Okada fights the back suplex with elbows, but Khan powers through to ATOMIC DROP! HITSUJIGOROSHI!!
Fans rally as Okada endures the Sheep Killer! Okada throws clubbing shots but Khan thrashes him around! Okada keeps fighting, but Khan drops MARINE! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Khan says he’ll finish it now. Khan drags Okada up, reels him in, but Okada fights the suplex! Khan throws body shots, CLUBS Okada then stomps him down! Khan drags Okada up, but Okada shoots around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada holds in, brings Khan up, but Khan fights with elbows! Khan runs, into the DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Okada gut wrenches, LANDSLIDE! Okada isn’t done there, he drags Khan back up!
Okada ripcords, but Khan ducks the lariat to IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Okada reaches out, but he’s fading fast! The ref checks on Okada, but Okada gets a second wind! So Khan brings Okada around, ELIMI- NO, Okada fights with elbows! Okada wrenches Khan’s arm, brings him around, but Khan SAYANAGIS in return! Khan holds onto Okada’s wrist to drag him up, IRON CLAW SLEEPER, into F G O!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives and fans are thunderous! Khan roars with the monster rage and he clamps the iron claw back on! He drags Okada up, ELIMIN- NO, Okada arm-drags free! Khan rushes back in but Okada avoids the boot!
Okada wristlocks and ripcords but Khan boots the lariat away! Khan reels Okada in, scoops, but Okada slips free! Okada inverted suplexes, but Khan slips free! IRON- NO, Okada ducks the iron fist to ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)
In the end, Khan wasn’t able to avoid the signature lariat, and Okada has a big win to kick off the G1! Will Okada become a back-to-back G1 Climax Champion?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Kaito Kiyomiya!
What does the G in G1 stand for? Well, that could be determined right here and now! Will it be GENE 1 for LIJ’s newest recruit? Or will it be GREEN 1 for Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Supernova?
Wait, while Kaito is preening for the NJPW crowd, Tsuji builds speed! Tsuji DIVES onto Kaito and sends him into railing! Fans fire up with Tsuji and the bell rings to get this on record! Tsuji stomps Kaito against railing, then drags him up. Tsuji gets Kaito’s jacket off and puts him in the ring. Fans fire up for Tsuji, this is definitely a NJPW crowd. Tsuji stalks Kaito, stands on his head, and grins as he scrapes Kaito around. Tsuji sits Kaito up, but Kaito swings, into the BACKBREAKER and SLAM, and STOMP! Fans fire up for Tsuji as he stomps a mudhole in the center of the ring! Tsuji eggs Kaito on and Kaito slowly rises.
Tsuji kicks Kaito around, eggs him on, and Kaito stands up. Kaito throws a forearm, but Tsuji gives it back. Kaito throws another forearm, so Tsuji CHOPS him! Tsuji brings Kaito around, suplexes him up, but Kaito slips free to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Kaito runs, but Tsuji scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally behind Tsuji as he pushes Kaito to a cover, TWO! Kaito hangs tough, seeing as he is a former GHC Heavyweight Champion. Tsuji keeps smiling and the fans continue to cheer him on. Tsuji brings Kaito up but Kaito CHOPS! Tsuji shrugs that off, though, and eggs Kaito on. So Kaito CHOPS again!
Tsuji eggs Kaito on more, so Kaito CHOPS! Tsuji felt that one! Tsuji BOOTS, but Kaito blocks! DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally as Kaito evens things out. Kaito drags Tsuji around by that leg and drops elbow after elbow on the knee! Kaito then runs to drop a FLASH ELBOW! Kaito drags Tsuij to a corner, and right to the post! Kaito SLAMS the leg into the post! Tsuji flops out to the floor while the ref reprimands Kaito. Kaito kicks Tsuji around, brings him up, and puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as Kaito then steps in, to jumping stomp! Kaito stomps Tsuji more, drags him up, but Tsuji ROCKS him with a forearm!
Kaito goes to a corner, Tsuji runs in but Kaito elbows him! And springboard FLYING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Kaito drags Tsuji around by a leg. Kaito throws knees into the thigh, and then basement dropkicks the leg! Tsuji goes to a corner but Kaito storms up. Kaito gives almost toying stomps in the corner, but Tsuji just grins through it. Kaito slaps Tsuji around but Tsuji stands up. Tsuji goes forehead to forehead with Kaito, then fires off a flurry of forearms! But Kaito DROPKICKS him! Kaito puts the bad leg on the ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Tsuji CLUBS Kaito, but Kaito knees the knee!
Kaito runs side to side, but Tsuji BOOTS him! Kaito comes back, blocks the boot, but Tsuji brings Kaito down, and STOMPS him down! Fans fire up as Tsuji walks off the pain. Kaito stands int he corner, and Tsuji runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Tsuji keeps going, and he ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA!? And then he runs Kaito over! Fans fire up as Tsuji scoops, for the RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Kaito is still in this but fans rally as Tsuji rises. Tsuji waits on Kaito, then he runs, but Kaito dropkicks the leg! Kaito storms up, blocks another boot, and DRAGON SCREWS again!
Kaito steps through, ties up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Tsuji endures the classic, even as Kaito puts more pressure on. Tsuji pries the hold open, but Kaito fights it back on tighter! Tsuji endures, reaches out, but Kaito pulls on the main leg! Tsuji pries at the hold again, grits his teeth, and works to turn the hold over! He succeeds! But then Kaito turns it back over, only for Tsuji to get the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, helps undo the hold, and Tsuji is free. Kaito stands and fires up! Fans are torn as Kaito goes to the corner and climbs up. Tsuji stands, Kaito MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kaito keeps on Tsuji by bringing him back up.
Tsuji swings, Kaito gets under, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Tsuji survives but Kaito keeps his cool. Kaito vows to end it now and he brings Tsuji back up. Kaito chicken wings, but Tsuji fights the Tiger Plex! Kaito UPPERCUTS Tsuji in the back! And then chicken wings again, TIGER SUPLEX! But Tsuji lands on his feet?! Kaito storms up to UPPERCUT again and again! Kaito runs, ROLLING ELBOW! Tsuji stays up to ROCK and then HEADBUTT!! Fans are thunderous as both men fall! And Tsuji sits up with a grin! Tsuji’s enjoying this like he did the world title match with Sanada!
Kaito slowly rises and Tsuji brings him around. Tsuji suplexes, Kaito slips free and shoves to DROPKICK again! But Tsuji’s right up to BOOT! SUPERKICK! Tsuji hurries to get Kaito back up, suplexes him, FALCON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Kaito survives but fans are thunderous for Tsuji! Tsuji gets his legs working and he waits on Kaito. Kaito slowly rises, Tsuji runs, CURB STOMP! And then Tsuji roars! Fans fire up again as Tsuji drags Kaito up and hooks him up in the Inverted Gory Especial. But Kaito slips free! RANA! Cover, TWO!! Tsuji escapes, Kaito goes to a corner but runs in, JUMP KNEE!!
Fans fire up and Kaito roars! Kaito hauls Tsuji up, chicken wings, TIGER PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Kaito actually smiles, too, because he can’t believe Tsuji escapes! Kaito drags Tsuji up, chicken wings again, and then flips Tsuji for the TIGER DRIVER 23!! Kaito then goes to a corner and waits on Tsuji. Kaito roars, runs in, EVOLVED SHINING WIZARD!! Cover, Kaito wins!!
Winner: Kaito Kiyomiya, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tsuji earns 0)
Tonight, G stands for green! Kaito gets a truly huge win over Tsuji, will the Next Generation Ace be the first man to win a NOAH Global League/N-1 Victory and a NJPW G1 Climax in his career?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS Will Ospreay!
The Holy Emperor is KOPW Champion while the Aerial Assassin is the NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. It’s another golden battle in B Block, who proves they’re the stronger champion?
The entrance attire and belts are put aside, and the bell rings. The fans rally as the two stare down, and it seems the “Let’s Go, Taichi!” and “Let’s Go, Ospreay!” are evenly matched. Taichi and Ospreay circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. They break and stare down again. Taichi CHOPS! Ospreay applauds, then ROCKS Taichi with a forearm! Taichi CHOPS again, so Ospreay fires another forearm! Another CHOP, another forearm! Taichi kicks a leg, Ospreay runs to forearm again! Taichi rebounds to BOOT! Ospreay rebounds to forearm! Taichi rebounds to BOOT, kicks but Ospreay blocks! Ospreay CLUBS the leg but Taichi ducks the heel kick!
Taichi SOBATS Ospreay, runs and BOOTS Ospreay right out of the ring! Ospreay gets right up but Taichi BOOTS him back down! Fans rally while Ospreay steadies himself at the ramp. Taichi goes out after him but Ospreay knees low! Ospreay CLUBS Taichi, whips him hard into railing, and then brings Taichi around. But Taichi blocks the chip to choke grip! Ospreay headbutts free, and then whips Taichi into railing hard! Taichi tumbles up and over! Ospreay goes out after Taichi, drags him up, and runs him to the back section. Ospreay stomps Taichi around, brings him up, and ROCKS him! Taichi takes a seat in the open chairs.
Ospreay drags Taichi up, Young Lions have fans move, and Ospreay BOWLS Taichi into the chairs! Strike! Ospreay then moves chairs aside to drags Taichi back up. Ospreay ROCKS Taichi, Taichi leans against the railing and almost brings it down. Ospreay drags Taichi up again, to DDT to the floor! Taichi writhes and Red Shoes reprimands but fans rally up. Ospreay leaves Taichi behind, fans rally for “TAICHI! TAICHI!” and a ring count starts. Taichi stirs at 4 of 20, sits up at 6, and drags himself up at 10. Taichi hobbles his way back to ringside, and slides in at 16. But Ospreay springboards, COAST2COAST!
Ospreay drags Taichi out to the apron, for a DRAPING CUTTER to the floor! Ospreay gloats and fans cheer while Red Shoes checks Taichi. Ospreay waits on Taichi to get back up, but the ring count climbs. The count is 10 of 20 as Ospreay eggs Taichi on. Ospreay rolls into the ring, Taichi sits up at 14. Taichi drags himself up at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Ospreay is aimed and ready again. Ospreay springboards in, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives but Ospreay drags Taichi up. Ospreay whips corner to corner but Taichi falls over before he makes it. Ospreay taunts the fans, ‘This your boy?”
Ospreay goes out, checks the time and it’s just been six-and-a-half minutes. Ospreay promises that with this 20 minute time limit, Taichi is gonna suffer. Ospreay taunts Taichi, tells him to fight for the fans, and then kicks Taichi in the back! Ospreay stomps Taichi around, eggs him on more, and drags him up. Ospreay scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Taichi is hanging tough but Ospreay drags him up. Ospreay scoops for the SPIN OUT BACKBREAKER! Taichi writhes, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but he did say he’ll make Taichi suffer. Fans rally for Taichi but Ospreay shows off with jumping jacks.
Ospreay kicks Taichi around and Taichi sits up. Ospreay drags Taichi up to ROCK him with a forearm! Taichi CHOPS, but Ospreay doesn’t budge. Taichi CHOPS again, but he still doesn’t have much. Taichi kicks, but Ospreay slaps him around. Taichi CHOPS again, but Ospreay DECKS him with a forearm! Ospreay looms over Taichi at the ropes, eggs him on again, and tells him time to wake up. Ospreay whips corner to corner but Taichi reverses! Taichi runs in but into a BOOT! Ospreay whips, but Taichi reverses, only for Ospreay to handspring! Into a SAIDO- NO, Ospreay lands on his feet! And PENALTY KICKS Taichi down!
Fans rally as Ospreay drags Taichi up. Ospreay suplexes, holds him up, and hits a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Taichi is still in this and fans rally up. Ospreay grins, he knows they’re not even at ten minutes yet. Taichi stirs as fans continue to rally, but Ospreay drags him up. Taichi is dead weight, but Ospreay gets him up and underhooks. Ospreay lifts, but Taichi fights it! Taichi powers out of the underhooks and he Alabama Lifts, only for Ospreay to fight that! Ospreay gives one Kawada Kick, and then CHOPS! Taichi goes to a corner, Ospreay runs in, but Taichi dodges to GAMAN- NO, Ospreay blocks it! And CHOPS Taichi down!
Fans rally while Ospreay leans against ropes. Ospreay shakes out his ear, that gamangiri still made some kinda contact. Ospreay goes to the apron, but he has to sit down! Did that kick rattle him more than he thought? Ospreay tells Red Shoes he can still continue, but he’s careful as he climbs. Ospreay wobbles and he drops to the second rope! Red Shoes checks with Ospreay, but Ospreay tells him to not even dare calling this. Ospreay gets Taichi up, but Taichi SAID- NO, Ospreay fights that to a DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! That much Ospreay can still do, dizzy as he is. Ospreay slaps himself and prepares the elbow.
Ospreay aims from the corner, Taichi sits up, but the inner ear problem is still bothering him. Taichi flops back down, so Ospreay takes a bit more time to steady himself. Ospreay storms up on Taichi, slaps him around and eggs him on. Ospreay gives more Kawada Kicks, but almost mockingly. Taichi stands up to stare Ospreay down, and Ospreay even positions himself for Taichi. So Taichi gives him Kawada Kicks! Ospreay then gives real Kawada Kicks! Taichi wrenches and HOOK KICKS! And off come the pants!! Fans fire up as Taichi aims, but Ospreay blocks the buzzsaw to short arm LARIAT!
Fans rally up as Ospreay staggers around. Ospreay is determined to finish this out, and he waits on Taichi. Taichi rises, Ospreay runs and springboards, OS- NO, Taichi blocks and Alabama Lifts! But Ospreay fights it so Taichi back drops him away! Ospreay lands on his feet, springboards again, OSCUTTER!! Direct hit and fans fire up! Ospreay pushes Taichi to a cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and Ospreay is frustrated, but he gets back to his feet. Ospreay still shakes out the stars going around his head, and he prepares the elbow again. Taichi sits up, Ospreay runs in, but Taichi ducks the Hidden Blade to ENZIGURI!
Fans fire up as we hit 15 minutes! Ospreay elbows the gamangiri away, to HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Taichi survives by a miscalculation on Ospreay’s part! Ospreay refocuses, brings Taichi up and underhooks, Canadian Rack for- NO, Taichi slips free and O’Conner Rolls, into GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Ospreay escapes but Taichi hurries! Ospreay blocks the lariat to HOOK KICK! But Taichi still AX BOMBERS! Ospreay stays up to ROLLING ELBOW! Taichi falls and Ospreay shakes out the stars again. Ospreay calls his shot, fans rally up, and Ospreay goes up the corner! SUPER- NO, Taichi CLUBs him first!
Taichi goes up after Ospreay but Ospreay CLUBS away on Taichi! Taichi CLUBS Ospreay in return, throwing down ridge hands! Taichi brings Ospreay up to SUPER DANGEROUS SAIDO!!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi rises! Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! But he isn’t done there! We’re at three minutes left, SAIDO BRIDGE!! TWO!!! Fans are thunderous again as Taichi roars and brings Ospreay up! Alabama Lift, but Ospreay slips free to steal DANGEROUS SAIDO! HIDDEN- SUPERKICK!!! Taichi hits first, then Alabama Lifts, for BLACK MEPHISTO!!! Cover, TAICHI WINS!!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The entire arena is fired up as the KOPW Champion trumps the IWGP US Champion! Will Taichi look to take Ospreay’s title after the G1 Climax?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Speaking of champions, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion naturally gets the main event. Will the Cold Skull prove his dominance, even against this giant Guerrilla of Destiny? Or will Hikuleo get the biggest win of his career?
The bell rings and Hiku BOOTS Sanada down! Hiku whips Sanada to ropes but Sanada holds ropes. Sanada then baits Hiku in, O’Conner Bridge! TWO!! Hiku gets free, CHOPS Sanada, and Sanada drops to his knees. Hiku drags Sanada up and brings him around, to RAM him into a corner! Sanada flops out of the ring, Hiku goes out after him, and drags Sanada up. Hiku RAMS Sanada into the apron! Sanada sits down, but Hiku stands Sanada up to CHOP him! And CHOP him again! Sanada staggers away and Hiku says one more! Hiku brings Sanada around, and CHOPS him again! Fans rally as Hiku then scoops Sanada and carries him around!
Hiku aims, but Sanada slips free and POSTS Hiku first! Then RAMS him into railing! Sanada paces while fans rally up. Red Shoes says to get this in the ring but Sanada drags Hiku up to bring him around, and whip him, only for Hiku to reverse! Sanada hits railing hard and tumbles over! A ring count starts, Hiku storms out to fetch Sanada, and brings him up at 11 of 20. They go back to ringside, Hiku puts Sanada in at 14. Fans applaud and Hiku steps in. Hiku CHOPS Sanada and Sanada goes to a corner. Hiku storms up to whip corner to corner, run in, but Sanada dodges! Sanada comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Hiku back drops him away! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally more and Hiku drags Sanada up. Hiku suplexes Sanada but Sanada slips free! Sanada dodges the elbow to dropkick the leg! Hiku stays up so Sanada DROPKICKS him! Hiku runs back in but Sanada dumps him to the apron! And DROPKICKS him down! Hiku gets up in a rage, but Sanada PLANCHAS him back down! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige but Sanada insists they get louder and louder still. The fans chant for “SA-NA-DA!” and that pleases him. Sanada then brings Hiku up, puts him in, and fans applaud. Cover, TWO! Hiku is still in this but Sanada stays cool.
Sanada drags Hiku up, but Hiku’s too big for the fireman’s carry! Hiku CLUBS away on Sanada, then CHOPS him! Sanada goes to a corner, Hiku runs corner to corner, but into an elbow! Sanada QUEBRADA, but Hiku catches him! And SNAKE EYES! Hiku runs to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Hiku and he drags Sanada up. Suplex for a BIG BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Hiku keeps his cool. Hiku drags Sanada up, fireman’s carries, but Sanada fights free. Sanada then runs in, tilt-o-whirls, and manages to get the dragon sleeper! But Hiku powers through to suplex! Only for Sanada to turn it around and suplex Hiku!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Jado coaches Hiku but Sanada kips up! Sanada goes right up top, to ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to last out as Hiku moves! Sanada tries another tilt-o-whirl but Hiku blocks it! Only for Sanada to still try the dragon sleeper! Hiku still POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Both men are down and fans rally up. Hiku rises as Jado coaches him. Hiku drags Sanada up, whips, but Sanada clinches! Hiku fights out, shoves Sanada, SNAP POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Hiku clamps on the choke grip! Hiku stands Sanada up, but Sanada kicks free! And SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO!!
Hiku survives and Sanada grits his teeth. Sanada says he’ll finish this now and the fans rally back up. Sanada brings Hiku up and clinches, but Hiku slips free to a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Sanada lands out of it! And RAN- NO! Hiku blocks the rana to get Sanada up! For a LAST RIDE!! High stack, TWO!?!? Sanada survives but Jado calls the shot! Hiku drags Sanada up with the choke grip as we pass 10 minutes. GIANT CHOKE- NO, Sanada fights free! Clinch and DEADFALL!! Cover, Sanada wins!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hikuleo earns 0)
The victory quite truly slips through Hikuleo’s fingers, but this is the difference between him and the world champion! Will the young star rebound in the next round?
As for Sanada, he goes out to get the mic to walk ‘n’ talk. “People of Sapporo… Just5Guys just won both the semifinal and main events tonight. And since we’re here, why don’t we call out the hometown boy to help wrap this up?” The fans cheer, and Sanada feels a “Taichi!” chant should do it. The fans chant for Taichi, and he appears! Sanada doesn’t see him yet, and wonders if “Taichi-nii” would’ve worked better. The fans join in on that, and Taichi hustles into the ring. Fans cheer as the KOPW and World Heavyweight Champs stand together.
Sanada brings up how, at the press conference, Taichi said he’d do both wrestling and YouTube. “Maybe the fans here can convince you to do a livestream?” The fans do like the sound of that! They now chant “LIVESTREAM! LIVESTREAM!” Sanada hands over the mic so Taichi can respond. “It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a hometown win. Like Sana-nii said, I aim to succeed at pro-wrestling and YouTube. I want to be someone Hokkaido can be proud of.” Fans also like the sound of that. He wants people to say to him, “Keep repping Hokkaido well!” And if they don’t approve of how he represents them, please like and subscribe anyway.
Fans have a good laugh, and Taichi promises that they will do a livestream after this. Fans cheer that, and Sanada says before that, let’s do “that thing.” The lights go down, the fans use their phones to make the stars come out, and Sanada says, “You all know this. Let’s keep it simple. From all of Japan, I think Sappara-” Oh, oops. Wrong vowel. Fans boo and Taichi turns to leave! Sanada apologizes and asks for a second chance. Taichi says okay, and the fans chant “MO IKAI! MO IKAI!” Sanada says, “From all of Japan, I think I like Sapporo the best.” Fans cheer the correct name, and Sanada says, “OI, SAPPORO! See you next time.”
The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and KOPW Champion stand tall as Just5Guys takes the night! Will they soon take over both blocks and guarantee this becomes the J5G1 Climax?
Here are the current A Block standings!
Sanada: 1-0, 2 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 1-0, 2 points
Chase Owens: 1-0, 2 points
Ren Narita: 0-0-1, 1 point
Shota Umino: 0-0-1, 1 point
Yota Tsuji: 0-1, 0 points
Hikuleo: 0-1, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 1-0, 2 points
Taichi: 1-0, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-0, 2 points
Tanga Loa: 1-0, 2 points
Will Ospreay: 0-1, 0 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta: 0-1, 0 points
El Phantasmo: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to this year’s G1, and with just two of the four blocks! Hashi getting the opening win was rather surprising, but I suppose ELP can’t pin a tag champ when he doesn’t have a tag partner right now. Kidd going after Chase that hard was also a surprise, but great comeback win from Chase. Great return win from Loa, and I love that they went with a time limit draw for Narita and Shota. Those two really are going to be the future of NJPW and perhaps even wrestling in general if they travel to NJPW’s partners like AEW. And of course Okada wins, but Khan had a great showing all the same.
Tsuji VS Kaito was a great match, but I’m rather surprised Kaito won. Tsuji has been impressive but he hasn’t really gotten that definitive singles win. And as I said, Kaito is going to make a run at the semifinals, teasing the history of being an N-1 and G1 winner in his career. He probably won’t do it, but that’s still something to tease. Honestly, it feels like they could give us Kaito as the A Block winner and Okada as the B Block winner so that they meet in the semifinals to have out their feud.
Great move for the Just5Guys members to both win tonight. Though honestly, Taichi VS Ospreay was the better match. Sapporo gets to cheer their hometown guy and their general favorite, but neither guy really needs to win the G1. Taichi can easily feud with Ospreay between their two titles, the KOPW and the US, and Sanada being THE champion, he of course faces whoever has the G1 Climax contract. Can’t wait to see how C and D Blocks start off tomorrow.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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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