NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/16/23)
The opening G1 weekend concludes!
Now C and D Blocks get their start!
After a great start to another G1 Climax, we move on to Blocks C and D, with Tetsuya Naito taking on Jeff Cobb in the main event!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Toru Yano; Goto wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls VS Aaron Henare; Mikey wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Shane Haste VS Alex Coughlin; Shane wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tama Tonga VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Stone Pitbull is a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion with the Dream Team of Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi, but here comes THE NEVER Openweight Champion! Will The Rebel start night two of opening weekend with a win? Or will Ishii be too much for even this savage to stop?
The bell rings and fans rally up. Ishii and Finlay tie up, are in a deadlock, and Ishii powers Finlay back. Finlay turns it around to put Ishii on ropes, and he slaps Ishii around. The ref reprimands but Ishii grabs Finlay back the neck! Finlay breaks free to throw a forearm, but Ishii just eggs him on! Finlay throws more forearms, but Ishii hits him back, and the brawl is on! Fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! Ishii gets the edge, runs, but Finlay ROCKS him! Finlay runs, RAMS Ishii, but Ishii rebounds to run Finlay over! Fans fire up and Ishii kicks Finlay around. Finlay stands up to throw another forearm! Ishii still doesn’t budge!
Finlay laughs it off and throws more forearms. Ishii just leans into them and backs Finlay down! Gedo coaches Finlay and Finlay throws more shots, but Ishii just takes them all! And then Ishii ROCKS Finlay! And again and again and again! Finlay sits down, the reprimands, but Ishii keeps throwing shots! The ref finally gets Ishii to back off, and fans rally up again. Finlay drags himself up, Ishii runs in but Finlay dodges. Finlay runs in, but into a BOOT! Ishii swings, but Finlay dodges to CHOP BLOCK! Gedo likes that! Finlay gets the leg and turns Ishii, to then DDT the foot! Finlay drags Ishii around, puts the leg on the ropes, and HIP DROPS it!
Ishii writhes but Finlay drags him to the apron. Finlay SLAMS the leg on the edge! Ishii writhes and crawls away but Finlay slides in to get the leg again. Finlay stomps the leg again and again and again, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Ishii goes to a corner, Finlay stomps him, then wraps the leg around ropes! The ref reprimands and counts, Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay gets in the ref’s face but then goes back to Ishii. Finlay mocks the fans and Ishii with a chant of “I-SHI-I! I-SHI-I!” Ishii throws a forearm! Finlay throws one back, Ishii throws another, but Finlay ROCKS Ishii! And then CHOPS him!
Finlay fires forearms and CHOPS on repeat, very much like Ishii would! The ref counts, Finlay lets off, and Finlay throws up the Too Sweets. Ishii snarls and fans rally up again. Finlay drags Ishii up by an arm, whips him corner to corner, but Ishii reverses. Ishii runs in, but into BOOTS! Finlay runs, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Finlay goes to a corner. Ishii storms up on Finlay and CHOPS! And forearms! And CHOPS! Now Ishii is on the repeat cycle and fans rally up! Ishii rains down shots as Gedo protests and the ref counts. Ishii lets off but tells the ref to leave him alone. Ishii then drags Finlay up out of the corner.
Ishii suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Finlay hangs tough, but Ishii stalks him. Ishii drags Finlay up but Finlay fights the suplex with elbows. Finlay whips, Ishii reverses to SAIDO! Fans fire up as Ishii rises. Finlay stands, Ishii runs, but Finlay avoids the lariat, only for Ishii to slip out of Blue Thunder! Finlay fireman’s carries Ishii for a HOTSHOT off ropes, then a BIG back suplex! Both men are down, but Ishii crawls to a corner. Finlay talks trash, runs in and UPPERCUTS! And clotheslines! And whips Ishii around into the corner, only for Ishii to rebound off buckles! But Finlay catches Ishii for an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up while Gedo argues the count. The ref says his count was fair, but Finlay ties up the legs into a DEATHLOCK! Finlay pushes on the knees but Ishii endures. Ishii eggs Finlay on but Finlay puts on more pressure! Fans rally as Ishii sits up and grabs at an ear. Finlay fights him but Ishii slaps and slaps and slaps! Finlay throws backhands and then lets off the hold to rain down fists! The ref reprimands over closed fists but Finlay lets off, claiming it was the butt of his palm. Finlay drags Ishii up, gut wrenches, but Ishii slips out! Finlay kicks the leg, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii even eggs him on!
Finlay kicks again, Ishii swings, but Finlay dodges to dropkick the leg from behind! Ishii staggers but he runs back in to POUNCE Finlay! Fans fire up as Finlay crashes down in the corner! Ishii and Finlay stir and the fans rally back up. Ishii crawls his way over, stands up, and he brings Finlay up in a facelock. Ishii hoists Finlay up to the top rope, then climbs up after him. Gedo freaks out as Ishii hits the stalling SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up while Ishii crawls to the cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this, but Ishii keeps on him. Ishii reels Finlay in, but Finlay resists the lift. Gedo coaches Finlay and he wrenches out to kick. Ishii blocks!
Ishii spins Finlay around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up. Ishii storms over to Finlay, sits him up, and runs, but Finlay avoids the sliding lariat! Finlay UPPERCUTS Ishii down but Ishii’s right back up! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii rebounds, only for Finlay to swat his lariat, and GERMAN SUPLEX! But Finlay isn’t done there! Gut wrench to Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Finlay is frustrated but the fans rally for “I-SHI-I! I-SHI-I!” Finlay goes to a corner and takes aim. Ishii rises, Finlay runs in, but Ishii blocks the spear!
Ishii gets Finlay up but Finlay slips out! Finlay ROCKS Ishii, but Ishii roars and DECKS Finlay! Finlay flounders around, Ishii ROCKS him again! Finlay rebounds and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and Finlay is again frustrated. Finlay drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift. Finlay CLUBS away, then fires off HEADBUTTS! Ishii HEADBUTTS back, Finlay roars, so Ishii HEADBUTTS!! Finlay goes right down and fans fire right up! Ishii drags Finlay back up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Finlay survives and the fans continue to rally. Ishii rises again as Gedo panics!
Finlay sits up, Ishii runs, but Finlay swats the lariat! And HEADBUTTS! And BLUE THUNDER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Finlay is furious and he gets Ishii up to POWERBOMB him! Gedo says keep it up, and Finlay brings down the kneepad. The fans rally up but Finlay slashes his throat. Finlay drags Ishii up, suplexes, but Ishii slips free! RUNNING HEADBUTT!! Ishii practically went through Finlay! Ishii goes to a corner, runs in, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Ishii roars! Fans fire up with Ishii as he suplexes, but Finlay slips free! Finlay shoves, wrenches, backslides, and then reels Ishii in!
Finlay suplexes but Ishii knees free! Finlay ROCKS Ishii, spins, but into an ENZIGURI! Fans fire up while Ishii headbutts the mat and slaps himself! Ishii roars again, runs, and LARIATS Finlay inside-out! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and shocks the fans, but Ishii is roaring! We hit 15 minutes, and the limit is 20! Ishii suplexes Finlay, but Finlay fights it! Finlay wrenches out, but Ishii spins him. Finlay suplexes, but Ishii wrenches out to scoop! Finlay slips free, dragon sleepers, but Ishii turns around! Finlay fights the suplex again, spins Ishii around, and inverted suplexes! OSAKA STREET CUTTER!!
Finlay keeps going, he suplexes again, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
Finlay made it through this battle and came out on top! Will he prove that NJPW and the G1 needs The Rebel?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Toru Yano w/ Tomukun!
Chaos clashes with Chaos as the Fierce Warrior faces Clown Prince. Will things still be friendly between them even after this opening round?
Goto knows Yano’s tricks so he tells Yano to wrestle this fairly. Yano says okay, no worries. The bell rings and they both rush in, and Yano gets around to backslide! TWO!! Goto escapes, rushes in, avoids the mule kick and hooks up the legs! Deathlock, roll, but Yano turns it around on Goto! Cover, TWO!! Goto rushes in but Yano dumps him out! Yano then goes to a buckle pad and unties it! Yano goes out and he fires up. The fans fire up, but Goto avoids the pad smack to RAM Yano into railing! Goto then brings Yano around, but Yano reverses, only for Goto to reverse! They go around and around, and then around some more!
Goto and Yano keep countering each other! They end up getting dizzy and stagger around! Goto kicks Yano, whips, but Yano reverses and finally Goto hits railing! Fans rally up and Yano brings Goto up. Yano apologizes to the ref, before he whips Goto into more railing! Yano then drags Goto up and brings him around, to put under the ring! Yano then brings Tomukun around, and puts him under the ring?! And then Yano crawls under their with them!? What in the world? The ref pursues them all, but it’s too dark to see. Something is going on under there, so the ref just starts a ring count.
Fans rally, Yano scrambles out from under the ring and inside, and we pass 7 of 20. Now it’s more like Marco Polo or something! Wait, someone else scrambles out from under! GOTOMU!? Goto’s wearing Tomukun’s head! Goto staggers around blindly, bumps into a post, and we pass 15 of 20! Goto carefully feels his way around, gets out of the head, and jumps in at 19! But Yano drags Goto up and around to whip, but Goto reverses! Only for Yano to avoid the bare buckles and taunt Goto. Goto runs in but is sent into bare buckles! Yano rolls Goto up, TWO!! Goto survives the shenanigans but Yano rallies the fans.
Yano runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT Yano down! Fans continue to rally, and Yano goes to another corner. Goto runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Goto drags Yano up and around, and fireman’s carries. But Yano fights with elbows! Yano runs, but Goto follows, only for Yano to fake him out! Atomic drop! And whip into the bare buckles! Goto staggers, and Yano brings him up to ONIGO- NO, Goto fights free! Goto swings, misses, and Yano hits M U! Cover, TWO, but into a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO!! Goto staggers up, and he blocks the low blow! Yano apologizes! But then tries the other hand!
Goto blocks the second low blow, and he drags Yano up to HEADBUTT! And then another HEADBUTT! Goto drags Yano up again, to HEADBUTT again! Goto won’t let Yano fall, he stands Yano back up to turn him, G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)
Yano did use all the tricks he had, and even used Tomukun as a pawn, but he still couldn’t snatch this win from Goto. Will Goto look to make this year his return to prominence?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita VS Aaron Henare!
The G1 keeps getting stronger as The Mighty’s Mad Mikey clashes with the United Empire’s Ultimate Weapon! But will Henare see for himself that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will Mikey be just the first one conquered by the United Empire?
Henare has a new look, with his shaved head and warpaint! He is now the Face of Fury, but will he be the face of C Block after this? The bell rings and fans rally up. Henare and Mikey circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock but Henare finds a point of leverage. Henare puts Mikey on the ropes but Mikey turns it around. The ref counts while the two push each other, and Mikey lets off. Fans applaud as the two reset. Henare and Mikey tie up again, and Mikey headlocks. Mikey grinds the hold but Henare powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but neither falls! Henare runs again and RAMS Mikey, but Mikey eggs him on.
Henare runs, Mikey follows and ELBOWS, then he runs Henare over! But Henare’s right up to run Mikey over! They RAM shoulders again, then fire off forearms! Fans fire up as it turns into a scrap! They tumble out of the ring and to the floor! Mikey rains down fists then storms off. Henare stands but Mikey comes back to SMACK him off the apron! And again! Mikey whips but Henare reverses to send Mikey into railing! Mikey hits so hard, he tumbles over railing! Kosei checks on Mikey, as does the ref. Mikey stands and Henare is on him with a JUMPING HEADBUTT! Henare then ROCKS Mikey with forearms, and KICKS him against the railing!
Mikey eggs Henare on so Henare KICKS and throws more forearms! Mikey forearms and CHOPS, then CHOPS Henare again! Fans rally up as Mikey follows Henare around and puts him in the ring. Henare stands, Mikey storms up but into an ELBOW! Henare goes up but Mikey ducks the kick! Mikey runs in but Henare ROCKS him, whips him, and pops him up for a SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up while Henare snarls. Henare drags Mikey up, throws body shots and backs Mikey to a corner. Henare lets off, only to bring Mikey up and snapmare him down. Henare KICKS Mikey in the back, then KICKS him in the front! And SENTONS!
Henare storms around, tells Kosei to watch himself, and then drags Mikey into a leglock. Henare punches Mikey in the sides to get his arms, and Henare nods as he has the modified surfboard, into a STOMP! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives and pushes Henare from below. Henare just growls and storms around. Henare brings Mikey up, eggs him on, and Mikey fires forearms and CHOPS! Henare SPIN HEEL KICKS! Fans fire up while Henare snarls again. Henare brings Mikey up to HEADBUTT him to the corner! Henare then digs hits boots in! The ref counts, Henare lets off at 4 and glares at the ref.
Henare paces around, runs in, but Mikey ELBOWS him back! Mikey swings, but Henare ducks, only for Mikey to get a DDT! Fans rally behind Mikey as he and Henare go to corners. Mikey runs corner to corner to clothesline! Mikey whips corner to corner, runs in but into a BOOT! Mikey still clotheslines Henare in the corner! Mikey reels Henare in, goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Henare is still in this but Mikey drags him back up. Mikey puts Henare up top, climbs up after him, and fans rally as he brings Henare up. But Henare fights back with body shots! Henare HEADBUTTS Mikey down, but Mikey UPPERCUTS Henare!
Mikey climbs back up, and goes to the very top! Fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and fans rally up. Mikey and Henare crawl for each other, give junkyard dog headbutts back and forth, then stand to give stronger headbutts! Mikey is busted open, but he and Henare just start throwing forearms! The fans rally, Henare ROCKS Mikey but Mikey fires a flurry! Mikey wobbles, runs, but into an ELBOW! Henare runs but into a KNEE! But Henare still gets the waistlock!? Henare ignores the pain, but Mikey switches the waistlock. Henare ELBOWS Mikey, but Mikey elbows back! Henare still RAMS Mikey into a corner!
Henare runs corner to corner but Mikey dodges! Mikey runs back in, into a back drop! Mikey sunset flips it, Henare rolls through, but runs into a MIKEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Mikey’s shock shows through the crimson mask growing on his face! Mikey sits Henare up, runs, but Henare avoids the sliding lariat! Henare winds up for the BODY BLOW! Mikey sputters but stays standing, so Henare clamps on the half nelson. Mikey fights but Henare manages the ULTIMA FULL NELSON! Mikey endures, reaches out for ropes, and he stomps his way forward! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and Henare lets off in frustration.
Mikey flops back and Henare says he’ll end this. Mikey staggers back up, Henare reels him in, and has the fisherman! Mikey fights free, wrenches and CLUBS the arm, then fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Henare survives and Mikey is frustrated. Fans rally up but Mikey’s still in rough shape. He roars to his feet and fans fire up as he points to the corner! Mikey climbs to the top, to MOONSAULT FLOP! Henare avoids disaster and he goes to the corner. Mikey flounders and Henare waits on him to rise. Mikey stands and Henare fires another BODY BLOW! And a strike fest!
Mikey blocks a kick to SLAP and SLAP but Henare JUMP KNEES! Fans fire up as Henare brings down the kneepad! Henare runs corner to corner, SHINING WIZARD!! And then fisherman, but Mikey fights free! Henare HEADBUTTS!! Henare whips, Mikey reverses and scoops, but Henare slips free! Mikey switches, Henare ELBOWS him! But Mikey fights through to lift, MASTER BLASTER!!! Cover, MIKEY WINS!!!
Winner: Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Everyone’s shocked by that comeback! But Mikey just proved that the Mighty may bleed, but they do not kneel! But after what this opening round took out of them, will either Mikey or Henare be able to last until the end?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Shane Haste w/ Kosei Fujita VS Alex Coughlin!
It’s a Mighty double header as now Hysterical Haste steps up to the plate against one of the Bullet Club War Dogs! Coughlin is an NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champion, will he be able to defend himself? Or can Shane snatch some golden tickets for TMDK’s #YoungPunks?
The bell rings and Coughlin CLOBBERS Shane! And then scoops him for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Shane flounders away and Coughlin swaggers his way over. Shane throws a forearm but Coughlin just DECKS him for it! Coughlin CLUBS Shane, brings him up, but Shane CHOPS! Coughlin just CHOPS back! Shane falls over but Coughlin CHOKES him at the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off and gets in the ref’s face. The ref warns Coughlin, and Coughlin brings Shane to CHOP! Shane CLAWS Coughlin’s eyes! Coughlin staggers, but then he glares at Shane. Coughlin kicks Shane low then UPPERCUTS him to the corner!
Coughlin brings Shane around to CHOP against ropes, then stalks him around the way. Coughlin stands Shane up, whips, but Shane reverses to DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Coughlin bails out. Shane builds speed and he DIVES! He almost doesn’t make it, but Coughlin still catches him! To OVERHEAD SUPLEX him to the floor! Coughlin throws up the Too Sweet, then stomps Shane around. Coughlin drags Shane up to BOWL him into railing! Coughlin tells the ref to leave him alone, he’ll get Shane in on his own. Coughlin stands on Shane’s hand, then CHOPS him on the back! Coughlin then RAMS Shane into more railing!
Coughlin paces around, Shane throws elbows, but Coughlin CLUBS Shane on the back. The ring count starts but Coughlin stands Shane up in front of commentary, before he wraps on a SLEEPER! Shane sputters and then Coughlin ELBOWS him in the head! The ring count reaches 10 of 20 but Coughlin stalks Shane. Coughlin refreshes the ring count but Shane ROCKS him! And then APRON BACK SUPLEXES! Coughlin writhes and crawls into the ring, and Shane goes up a corner. Fans fire up but Coughlin DECKS Shane first! Shane is on the apron, and Coughlin drags him up! DEADLIFT GUT WRENCH SUPERPLEX!!
Fans applaud the showing of sheer strength and Coughlin covers, TWO! Coughlin is frustrated and he kicks Shane around. Coughlin stands Shane up and CHOPS him to a corner. Coughlin digs his knees in and CHOKES Shane on the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin taunts Kosei, and then he whips Shane corner to corner hard! Shane hits buckles and falls, and Coughlin takes his time. Coughlin UPPERCUTS Shane again, whips him corner to corner hard again, and Shane slumps against the ropes. Coughlin brings Shane up but Shane pushes him. Coughlin CLUBS him! And CLUBS him! And then whips, only for Shane to blocks!
Shane ROCKS and CHOPS, but Coughlin PALM STRIKES! Coughlin whips, Shane reverses and SAIDOS! Fans fire up as Shane rises! Shane KICKS and BOOTS and reels Coughlin in, FLIP OUT BACK SUPLEX! Coughlin flounders, and Shane runs in, SHANE-NING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives and fans rally up! Shane has a wild look in his eyes as he gets Coughlin back up. Shane suplexes but Coughlin blocks. Coughlin throws body shots, suplexes, but Shane slips free to waistlock. Coughlin elbows free, swings, but into a spin and BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Coughlin survives but Shane says okay then.
Fans rally up and Shane sits Coughlin up to KICK! And KICK! And KICK again! Shane gives more kicks, then an UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! Coughlin avoids the third but Shane fights the waistlock. Coughlin still GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then fireman’s carries, for a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Coughlin rains down fists and elbows in frustration, then CHOKES Shane! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off, and he drags Shane up. But Shane BOOTS him! Shane swings, but Coughlin blocks to POINT-BLANK LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives and Coughlin grows frustrated.
The fans rally up, but Coughlin looms over Shane. Coughlin hauls Shane up, suplexes, but Shane fights! Coughlin still keeps Shane up! Shane keeps fighting, and manages body scissors and the KIMURA! But Coughlin CLUBS Shane, ROCKS him, and pops him up for a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives and Coughlin is pissed at the ref! Coughlin then throws Shane out of the ring, brings him up and RAMS him into railing! Coughlin goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a chair! Coughlin tosses that into the ring, then gets another chair, to also toss into the ring. Coughlin SMACKS Shane off the timekeeper’s table!
Coughlin puts Shane in the ring, grabs his NJPW Strong Openweight Tag belt, but the ref keeps him from using it! Coughlin shoves the ref down, but Shane SAIDOS Coughlin onto the chairs!! Shane hurries to get Coughlin up, fireman’s carry and BOMB VALLEY DEATH!! Cover, SHANE WINS!!
Winner: Shane Haste, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
It’s a sweep for the TMDK OG as both Shane and Mikey win their matches! And with Shane scoring the win on a tag champion, will he and Mikey look to be golden after the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Eddie Kingston!
The Rampaging Dragon has been IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion, the NEVER Openweight Championship, and the KOPW Championship, but he’s never had the NJPW Strong Openweight title. Given how long and hard Eddie fought to become a champion in NJPW, is there no stopping him now? Or will Takagi make the Mad King tranquilo here in Hokkaido?
The bell rings and the two storm right up to go chest to chest! Fans rally up as they push each other with shoulders. Eddie shoves Takagi, Takagi RAMS Eddie, but Eddie stays put. Takagi runs to RAM Eddie, and then Eddie runs to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, they RAM shoulders, then Takagi shoves Eddie to a corner. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! Fans fire up and Takagi CHOPS! Eddie brings the straps down already!? Eddie eggs Takagi on and Takagi CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS! Fans fire up and Takagi sputters for a second, but Takagi comes back to CHOP! Eddie is stinging, but he fires up to CHOP again!
Fans rally as Takagi pumps up to CHOP! Eddie takes a second, Takagi eggs him on, and Eddie fires back up to CHOP again! Takagi JABS, JABS and JABS! Takagi whips, Eddie reverses and CHOPS! Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS and Eddie falls! Takagi finally feels that stinging, and he gives Eddie some toying kicks. Eddie stands up to slap, so Takagi slaps! It’s a SLAP fight! Takagi eggs Eddie on, so Eddie SLAPS, and SLAPS! Takagi JABS! Eddie URAKENS!! Takagi falls outta the ring! Fans fire up and Eddie takes a second to steady himself. Eddie waits on Takagi but the ref goes out to check him. Takagi is somehow still in this so Eddie goes out to fetch him!
Eddie drags Takagi up to CHOP him against railing! And CHOPS him again! Eddie brings Takagi around with a fishhook, to CHOP again! Takagi staggers away, but he ELBOWS Eddie back! Eddie knees low, and whips Takagi into railing! Eddie seethes and storms up, but Takagi clinches and whips! Eddie hits railing, but he comes right back to run Takagi over! Fans rally up and Eddie grits his teeth. Eddie looms over Takagi, brings him up, and puts him in at 6 of 20. Fans cheer and Eddie storms up on Takagi in a corner. Eddie fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Takagi turns it around to JAB and CHOP on repeat!
Fans fire up as Takagi JABS, JABS and CHOPS! But Eddie turns it around for more MACHINE GUN CHOPS! And an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps his cool and stalks behind Takagi. Eddie brings Takagi up but Takagi fights the half nelson. Takagi RAMS Eddie into buckles, but Eddie storms up! Into ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans rally up as Takagi shouts. Takagi goes back to Eddie and drags him up. Takagi whips, then KNEES Eddie against ropes! Takagi runs to run Eddie over! Fans fire up and Takagi brings Eddie up to suplex! Then he looks to the camera, but he holds off on saying the line.
Takagi storms up on Eddie in the corner, hoists him up to the top rope, and he climbs up after him. And then he hits a SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up for how fast that went! Takagi crawls to the cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this, and Takagi now says IT’S TIME! Fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi rises. Takagi sits Eddie up, gives him toying kicks, and Eddie scowls. Takagi JABS, but Eddie eggs him on. Takagi JABS again, but Eddie just shakes his head. Takagi CHOPS, so Eddie stands up! And he fires off ridge hand chops! Takagi fires off ridge hands in return! Eddie gives them back, then powers up, but Takagi ducks the backhand to SAIDO!
Takagi hurries to run, but Eddie BOOTS! Takagi ELBOWS, Eddie ENZIGURIS! And then SAIDOS! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while both men are down and stirring. Fans rally, Eddie sits up first, and then stands. Eddie storms up on Takagi, brings him up, NORTHERN- NO, Takagi fights free! They go to opposite corners, and fans rally up. Eddie shouts at Takagi and Takagi stands. Takagi headbutts the buckles and Eddie powers up his hand! They both run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And still, Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Eddie PALM STRIKES!
Eddie ROCKS Takagi, runs, but into a lariat! Takagi keeps moving, but Eddie LARIATS him down! But Takagi’s right up to PUMPING BOMBER! Eddie’s right up!? HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEX! Takagi stands, to PUMPING BOMBER again!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! We pass 10 minutes and fans rally up. Takagi stirs and sits up, then fires fans up with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi brings Eddie up, but Eddie spins, only for Takagi to block the uraken! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, and then BACK ELBOWS! Takagi steals NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, ONE?!?! Takagi is shocked but he watches Eddie rise. Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans rally up as Eddie survives again! But Takagi fires up and drags Eddie up. Takagi pump handles and torture racks, but Eddie slips free! Takagi fights the dragon sleeper to suplex, but Eddie fights free to LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! Takagi shocks Eddie now! Fans rally up, Eddie and Takagi glare at each other as they rise. Takagi fires a forearm, but Eddie eggs him on! Takagi throws more shots, but Eddie stays on his feet. Takagi fires boxing elbows! Fans rally and Takagi ROCKS Eddie, but Eddie URAKENS! Eddie roars and URAKENS, but Takagi LARIATS! Neither falls, Eddie rebounds to block the lariat and URAKEN!!
Fans fire up with Eddie and he reels Takagi in! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, EDDIE WINS!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)
Calling this an upset is underselling Eddie Kingston! The Mad King slays the Rampaging Dragon, will he fight his way to the top of NJPW?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Ace of the Universe and the Submission Master are no strangers, this is but another chapter in their rivalry. But will Tanahashi refuse to #JustTapOut? Or will the Frontman complete the Mighty sweep?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket and fans cheer for the muscles. ZSJ then flexes and poses and fans cheer his muscles. The bell rings and fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and then back away. Tanahashi fires up with an “OSU!” and the fans cheer. The two tie up, Tanahashi headlocks and hits a takeover. ZSJ headscissors, squeezes tight, and keeps Tanahashi down. Tanahashi bridges back, turns ZSJ over and ties up the legs, but ZSJ slips free and gets away. Fans cheer this opening exchange, and the two go again. They tie up, ZSJ headlocks, and he hits a takeover.
Tanahashi headscissors and now he holds tight. Tanahashi puts on the pressure but ZSJ moves around. ZSJ goes side to side, gets up and hops around to then kip free. Fans cheer and ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on. Tanahashi resets and circles with ZSJ, and Tanahashi flexes. ZSJ and Tanahashi tie up, they’re in a deadlock, but ZSJ powers Tanahashi back, using his height as leverage! But Tanahashi powers back and puts ZSJ in the corner! The ref counts, ZSJ and Tanahashi let off, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS! So Tanahashi UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Tanahashi UPPERCUTS again! Fans fire up as the two UPPERCUT back and forth!
Tanahashi uppercuts again and again but ZSJ catches his arms! Tanahashi fights the backslide, then switches the hooks! ZSJ switches them back, but then Tanahashi switches back, and the two go back and forth with that! ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on, they both turn around and Tanahashi wrenches the arm! ELBOW BREAKER! Fans rally and Tanahashi drags ZSJ up with a double wristlock and takedown! Into short arm scissors! ZSJ endures, moves around, turns Tanahashi over, but Tanahashi powers him back down. ZSJ rolls back and stacks Tanahashi, ONE! Tanahashi still has the arm scissor!
ZSJ moves around again, turns Tanahashi over, and powers his way through, only for Tanahashi to bring him back down! ZSJ reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go quickly, and fans cheer. Tanahashi drags ZSJ up and to the ropes. Tanahashi wrenches the arm again, but ZSJ turns it into a SLEEPER! The ref counts, Tanahashi’s already red as ZSJ lets go at 4. Tanahashi steps in, but ZSJ gets the leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ grabs that leg for a standing toehold, then he drops knees on the knee! Tanahashi writhes, and ZSJ drags him around to hook the leg, and then bridges! INVERTED DEATHLOCK!
Fans rally as Tanahashi endures. ZSJ then adds more pressure, HEEL HOOK! They roll, and into the ropes! Fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved. ZSJ lets Tanahashi go, stalks him, and then hits a SPIN TOEHOLD! And then drops knees on the knee again! Tanahashi writhes but ZSJ paces. Tanahashi eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ KICKS him down! And kicks at the bad leg! ZSJ toys with Tanahashi, but Tanahashi stands, so ZSJ KICKS him! Tanahashi eggs him on so ZSJ KICKS him again, and again! Tanahashi fires forearms in return! And an UPPERCUT! Tanahashi wrenches an arm, but ZSJ kicks the bad leg!
ZSJ whips but Tanahashi blocks by holding ropes! ZSJ keeps trying, but Tanahashi uses that to TWEAK ZSJ’s arm! ZSJ kicks the bad leg, whips, but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Fans rally up and Tanahashi waits on ZSJ. ZSJ stands and Tanahashi fires fast hands! Tanahashi backs ZSJ down, then scoops him to SLAM him into the drop zone! Fans fire up as Tanahashi hops up, but ZSJ stands! Tanahashi BOOTS ZSJ, reels him in, HANGING KIMURA! ZSJ clasps hands behind his back to relieve pressure, but Tanahashi hops down. They go around, Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS again! Tanahashi goes up, to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally, Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ gets around to a COBRA TWIST! But Tanahashi fights it to switch it onto ZSJ! ZSJ bends fingers to get around, COBRA TWIST! But Tanahashi hip tosses free! Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ dropkicks the legs out! We’ve passed the 10 minute mark and both men are down. Fans rally, Tanahashi goes to a corner and hobbles up. ZSJ storms up, and blocks a boot! Then blocks the other boot, to DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi falls over and rolls away, clutching the knee. ZSJ storms up, gets the leg, and has a STANDING HEEL HOOK! Tanahashi kicks with the free leg, but ZSJ catches it!
ZSJ works to turn Tanahashi over, but Tanahashi resists! Tanahashi knows ZSJ is going for the Texas Cloverleaf, and so he drags ZSJ down into the TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi has ZSJ in one of ZSJ’s favorites! ZSJ endures, fights around, powers through, and GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on and Tanahashi sits up. ZSJ KICKS Tanahashi, but Tanahashi eggs him on! PENALTY- NO, Tanahashi catches ZSJ! But ZSJ still slips to SPINNING TOEHOLD, into a HEEL HOOK! ZSJ bends the leg in a modified Calf Killer! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures, and they roll into the ROPEBREAK!
Fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved again, but the damage to that leg keeps piling on. ZSJ goes to a corner, then runs in to PENALTY- NO, Tanahashi blocks again! And spins ZSJ, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ bobs ‘n’ weaves, KICKS the bad leg, but Tanahashi fights the Shinbreaker to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans fire up and Tanahashi brings ZSJ around. GROUND ARM SCREW! And then another! Tanahashi drags ZSJ up to GROUND ARM SCREW again! Tanahashi fires up, but ZSJ snatches him for a SLEEPER! Tanahashi fights and grabs the bad arm, ELBOW BREAKER! ZSJ KICKS the bad leg! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS!
ZSJ rebounds to dropkick the legs out! But Tanahashi gets up to basement dropkick ZSJ! Tanahashi whips, ZSJ reverses but Tanahashi SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Tanahashi fires up! Tanahashi goes up top at the 15 minute mark! Tanahashi aims, to HIGH FLY ATTACK! But ZSJ rolls it through, and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! ZSJ keeps cool and brings Tanahashi up. ZSJ scoops, but Tanahashi slips free to ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! ZSJ clasps hands to fight but Tanahashi pries the grip apart! But ZSJ stands to put the ARMBAR on Tanahashi! But Tanahashi stands to put the ARMBAR back on ZSJ!
ZSJ clasps hands again so Tanahashi CLUBS the grip! But ZSJ rolls to a deep stack, and WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)
The Frontman pulls victory from outta nowhere, and TMDK has swept the night! Tanahashi faces another #YoungPunk next round, will he be able to redeem himself? Will ZSJ lead the way to making NJPW mighty?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS EVIL!
Tama Tonga may be the Good Bad Guy, but he’s up against the King of Darkness. Will Tama be ready for all the tricks the House of Torture has up their proverbial sleeves? Or will he see that Everything is Evil?
But of course, Evil attacks Tama while he’s posing on the corner! Evil CLUBS Tama, then CHOKES him with his House of Torture shirt! Red Shoes reprimands and fans boo but Evil lets Tama go. The bell rings and Evil fireman’s carries! Tama fights free, catches Evil to a clinch, and EXPLODER! Fans fire up as Tama pursues Evil out of the ring. Tama throws hands, then SMACKS him off the apron! And again! Tama headlocks to punch Evil, and Evil staggers around while fans rally up. Tama puts Evil in the ring, Evil wants mercy as he goes to the corner, but Tama fires off haymakers, stomps and fast hands!
Tama climbs up and fans fire up as he rains down punches! Tama goes all the way to 9, gives some flip, flop ‘n’ fly to then BIONIC ELBOW for the tenth! Tama whips corner to corner hard, and fans rally up with him. Tama goes corner to corner to STINGER- NO, Evil dodges and pulls the buckle pad away! Tama hits bare buckles, tasting the Bullet Club Special already! Tama writhes, fans boo, and Red Shoes reprimands, but how’d that even happen? Wait! There’s Dick Togo! He snuck out here like the snake he is! Evil drags Tama up, throws him out, and then goes out to CLUB him down! Fans boo, and Jado keeps Dick from getting closer.
Evil brings Tama up the ramp, to suplex him to the floor! Evil then pulls railing apart and drags Tama into the crowd! Fans get out of the way and Young Lions stay between them and the action, but Evil still SMACKS Tama off a chair! And stomps him! Evil drags Tama up, has more fans move as he brings Tama that way, but Tama fights back! But Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil stomps Tama down, drags him up, and brings him along to BOWL him into chairs! Evil leaves Tama behind to go to the ring. Red Shoes reprimands but there’s not much more he can do. Fans rally for Tama while Evil gives a thumbs down to English commentary.
The ring count starts, Tama stirs at 5 of 20 and rises at 7. But then Evil just snatches the hammer to ring the bell! Fans boo, he doesn’t decide that the match is over! The count starts over because of that! Evil is annoyed while Tama flounders his way to the aisle. Tama stands at 13 and walks the rest of the way, but he still stumbles at 17! Tama hurries back up, and SLIDES in at 19.9!! Evil is upset with Red Shoes for starting over, but then he covers. Red Shoes says no, it’s not fair. Evil & Dick protest but Jado has a good laugh. Evil hauls Tama up to a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and Evil again blames Red Shoes.
Evil stands on Tama’s face, taunts him and the fans, then gives Tama toying kicks. Jado coaches Tama up, fans rally up, but Evil kicks Tama again. Tama gets mad and he throws body shots! Evil CLAWS the eyes again! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil whips, but Tama comes back! But into a mule kick! But Tama DROPKICKS Evil down! Fans rally up as Tama and Evil stir. Jado coaches Tama and he stands up. Tama rallies on Evil with forearms and clotheslines, and then a scoop SLAM! Fans fire up and Tama aims as Evil goes to the corner. Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! Evil falls and Tama covers, TWO!
Tama stays focused, and he CLUBS Evil! And CLUBS him again! Tama CLOBBERS Evil point blank, then covers, TWO! Evil is hanging tough but Tama drags him up into a dragon sleeper. Evil fights from below, and fishhooks Tama’s nose! Red Shoes reprimands but Tama lets go. Evil blocks Tama’s kick, hands the foot to Red Shoes, but Tama blocks Evil’s kick! Red Shoes lets go, Tama CLUBS Evil’s leg! Tama whips, Evil reverses and then grabs at Red Shoes, but Tama body blows Evil first! Tama suplexes, but Evil fights it! Evil powers through to hit the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO, and Evil falls on Red Shoes!
Evil drags Tama up and Young Lions check on Red Shoes. Evil hits another FISHERMAN BUSTER! And then Dick storms in! Jado gets up on the apron, blocks Dick’s punch, but then Dick blocks Jado’s punch to DECK Jado! Fans boo but Dick puts one out. Evil grins as he and Dick stomp away on Tama! Fans boo more as Evil puts one out now. The fans tell Dick to go away, but he says no. Dick and Evil get Tama up, MAGIC KILLER!! Evil calls to Red Shoes and Red Shoes returns. Evil covers, ONE?!?! Evil can’t believe it! Evil hurries to step through, but Tama resists the turn! Evil powers through, to get the SHARPSHOOTER!
Tama endures and we pass 10 minutes. Tama moves around, fans rally up, and Tama powers his way forward! Jado coaches Tama, and Tama gets the ROPEBREAK! Evil holds until Red Shoes counts 4! Evil stalks Tama, talks trash, and then drags him up. Evil drags Tama up, fireman’s carries, but Tama fights free! TONGAN TWIST!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama goes to a corner, drags himself up, and Evil stands. Evil storms up but Tama BOOTS him! Tama runs to SUPERMAN FOREARM! Evil rushes in but into a fireman’s carry! Evil slips free but Tama PELES! And then SPINEBUSTERS!
Fans fire up with Tama again and he goes right up the corner! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Tama grows frustrated. Jado coaches Tama and Tama rallies the fans by pounding the mat. The clapping speeds up, but Dick drags Evil out of the ring! Fans boo but Dick scurries away. Dick then gets on the apron, but Jado points it out! Problem is, Red Shoes tells Jado to get down! Tama rushes Dick but Dick HOTSHOTS him away! Evil returns and turns Tama around! EVERYTHING- NO, Tama gets around to roll Evil up! TWO!! Evil swings, but Tama waistlocks, shoves, follows, then redirects to GUN-
NO! Evil blocks it! Evil shoves Tama away, goes to the corner, LARIAT! Both men are down again and fans rally for Tama! Evil brings Tama around as we hit 15 minutes. Evil stands Tama up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and fans fire up! Evil is too tired to be upset, and the fans rally back up. Evil snarls and slashes his throat. He drags Tama up, spins him around, EVERYTHING- NO, Tama fights with elbows! Tama is free but Evil LARIATS! Tama stays up! Evil runs in again to LARIAT! Tama stays up! Evil whips Tama into the bare buckles! But Tama rises! And LARIATS Evil!!
Fans fire up as OFF COMES THE VEST! Dick gets in!? GUNSTUN for Dick!! Tama hurries to get Evil up, Half Hatch to BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Evil survives but Tama vows to end this! Three minute warning and Tama underhooks! But Evil fights the lift, wrenches out, and catches Tama! Evil pulls hair, whips Tama to the bare buckles, but Tama goes up! Evil sends Red Shoes in! Tama goes up and over Red Shoes, to GUN- NO, Evil blocks and LOW BLOWS!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama earns 0)
Just when you think Evil hasn’t found new lows, he does! The King of Darkness continues to steal victories, will he end up stealing the entire G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb!
The Uncontrollable Charisma has once again vowed to make it to WrestleKingdom and fight for the world title, but that’s a long road to travel. Will Naito make that journey back to the top of NJPW? Or will the United Empire’s Imperial Unit be a massive roadblock?
Naturally, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Cobb is annoyed but he stays patient. Naito finishes with the pants, the bell rings and fans rally for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Cobb shrugs that off, steps to Naito, and Naito raises the LIJ fist. Cobb says okay, but then raises the hang loose. So Naito kicks low! And CLUBS Cobb, then throws him out! Naito builds speed, but Cobb trips Naito up! Cobb knows that trick and he drags Naito out to RAM into railing! Cobb brings Naito around to whip, but Naito reverses and now Cobb hits railing! But Cobb comes back, only for Naito to kick him and whip him into more railing!
Naito puts Cobb in the ring and fans cheer. Naito cravats for a neck wrench, but Cobb goes to a corner. Red Shoes counts, Naito thrashes but then Cobb grabs Naito. Naito keeps on the cravat, Red Shoes reprimands them both, and both men slowly let off. Naito then kicks Cobb low again! Naito whips corner to corner, runs in and JUMP KICKS! Naito struggles to get up and over, but he still sweeps the legs and swings in, but Cobb catches Naito! Cobb runs but Naito sunset flips! Cobb rolls through to DROPKICK Naito down! Fans fire up for the display of agility! Naito flounders to ropes, so Cobb kicks him all the way out.
Naito leans against railing, and fans rally up as Cobb considers it. Cobb builds speed! But then he copies Naito with the roll and tranquilo! Cobb goes out to fetch Naito but “Oops!” he steps on him! Cobb pretends he didn’t see Naito there, and he drags Naito up. Cobb SMACKS Naito off the apron, then brings him around to commentary. Cobb makes Naito open his eye, and do the fist bump, then he CLUBS away on Naito’s chest! Red Shoes reprimands, Cobb leaves Naito behind and goes into the ring. Cobb lounges while the ring count starts. Naito sits up at 6 of 20, crawls to the corner, then stands at 12.
Naito goes around the way, slides in at 16, and Cobb stomps him! Cobb drags Naito up, and throat chops! Naito goes to the corner but Cobb brings him out, to suplex, and he holds Naito up with one arm! Fans cheer the feat of strength as Cobb waves, then he SLAMS Naito down! Cocky cover, TWO! Cobb pretends to be surprised, but he drags Naito up. Naito throws body shots and kicks! Naito runs, but into a lift, and Cobb RAMS Naito into the corner! Cobb runs in to JUMP KICK!? Leg sweep?! COMBINACION COBB-RON!! Fans fire up as Cobb continues to copy Naito rather accurately! Cobb then drags Naito to another cocky cover, ONE!
Cobb keeps cool and he brings Naito up. But Naito fires forearms! Cobb knees low, whips Naito, but Naito reverses and TORNADO- NO, Cobb blocks it! Cobb then powers Naito to another suplex! Naito fights free, and pulls Cobb’s hair! Naito brings Cobb around for a NECKBREAKER! Fans rally while both men are down! Cobb and Naito slowly rise, and Naito fires haymakers and kicks! Naito CLUBS and whips Cobb, but Cobb blocks the hip toss to whip Naito away. Naito RAMS into Cobb, keeps moving, and then ELBOWS him! Cobb comes back, Naito gets around to shove and arm-drag! And then an ELBOW, into the basement dropkick!
Fans fire up while Cobb is down. Naito brings Cobb up and whips him to a corner, then runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION feint, and then CABRON! Cobb falls for it and Naito drags him up. Naito snapmares and then wraps on PLUMA BLANCA! Cobb endures as Naito thrashes, and Cobb throws short hammer fists! Naito grabs that arm to add to the hold, but Cobb powers his way around. Cobb deadlifts Naito!? Naito lets go to throw heavy elbows! Cobb flops into a corner and Naito catches his breath. Cobb stands but Naito hoists him up top. Naito climbs up, throws forearm after forearm, then goes to the very top!
Fans fire up but Cobb turns things around! SUPER POWERBOMB!!! Both men are down as Cobb goes all out! Red Shoes checks Naito, he looks dazed! Cobb crawls to the cover, TWO!! Naito is still in this, but Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Naito survives again and we hit the 10 minute mark. Naito goes to the apron, Cobb storms over and brings Naito up. Cobb drags Naito up, to deadlift SUPER- NO, Naito fights with body shots! Naito throws forearm after forearms, then he DECKS Cobb! Cobb stands and Naito FLYING RANAS! Not the smoothest but Cobb tumbles away!
Naito hurries to whip, Cobb reverses, but then Naito reverses to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up as Naito brings Cobb back up. Naito hammerlocks, half nelsons, but Cobb CLUBS Naito with that arm! Naito ripcords but Cobb uses that to ATHLETIC PLEX! Fans fire up and Cobb roars! Cobb drags Naito up, brings him around, and ripcords, but Naito throws heavy elbows! Naito then ducks the haymaker, stops himself with ropes, and BOOTS Cobb! Tilt-o-whirl, but Cobb sets Naito down! Naito ENZIGURIS, tilt-o-whirls again, CORRIENDOSHIKI DESTINO! Naito then wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, but Cobb blocks it and pops Naito around!! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!
Fans are thunderous as both men are down! A standing count starts and fans rally up! Naito and Cobb stir at 5, but Cobb stands at 7! Naito is still down at 8, but he springs to his feet at 9.5!! Cobb runs in, into a heavy elbow! And ROLLING KICK! Naito atomic drops and Cobb falls, ROLLING JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!! Naito keeps moving, but Cobb scoops! Naito turns it to a cradle! TWO!! Cobb JABS, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!! But Naito’s right up!?! Naito runs in, into a HEADBUTT!! Cobb fires up, he deadlifts Naito for the TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
The unthinkable just happened! Not that Naito lost, but that he lost after getting all fired up! If this is how his (potentially) last G1 starts, how will it end?!
As for Cobb, he snatches Naito’s baseball cap! Cobb wears it like he’s Naito, and then calls for the mic. The mic is given, and Cobb says, “Who thought that I was beating Naito tonight, huh!?” Fans do cheer, there were some. Cobb says for all the doubters, the only thing that matters is the United Empire’s wining the G1! Mainly me! Fans do like the sound of that. Cobb says he will end this on a high note since he has Naito’s sweet hat. And he again copies Naito by saying this is naturally the only way they can close this out! United Empire roll call?! “Ospreay! O-Khan! Henare! TJP! Akira! Aussie Open! Gideon Grey! Callum!” Cobb catches his breath, that’s a lot of names.
Fans cheer and Cobb finishes, “Y Cobb! I wanna hear you guys. NOSOTROS! UNITED! EM-PI-RE!!” Fans cheer Cobb’s LIJ parody, and then he stomps out Naito’s hat! Will the United Empire find a way to completely dominate the G1 Climax?
Here are the current C Block standings!
David Finlay: 1-0, 2 points
EVIL: 1-0, 2 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-0, 2 points
Eddie Kingston: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-1, 0 points
Tama Tonga: 0-1, 0 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-1, 0 points
Aaron Henare: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0. 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-0, 2 points
Shane Haste: 1-0, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
Tetsuya Naito: 0-1, 0 points
Toru Yano: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Coughlin: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second night for the G1 to give us a strong opening weekend. And a lot of great and surprising wins here. I did not think TMDK was going to sweep the night, with Mikey being the most surprising of the three. Henare returned with a new look and nickname, but I guess only WWE/American wrestling logic says the person with the new gimmick wins automatically. Shane getting a win over Coughlin is great to branch things into TMDK VS War Dogs for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag titles. ZSJ getting a win made a lot of sense, he and Tanahashi have gone back and forth in the past, and Tanahashi isn’t the kind of wrestler the NJPW World TV Championship is supposed to be about, cuz he’s been around for years.
And now that I think on it, I would love TMDK VS Dream Trio for the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. It’d be awesome to see ZSJ interact with Ishii, Tanahashi and Okada all in the same match, and of course seeing the same from Shane and Mikey tying up with Okada. But at the same time, TMDK probably wouldn’t win that because it’s still Ishii, Tanahashi & Okada. Finlay beating Ishii also feels fitting, the Bullet Club is rebuilding so Finlay having a good showing in the G1 would go with that. Goto VS Yano was a ton of fun, as pretty much all Yano matches are, and I really like how they got Tomukun in on it.
Takagi VS Eddie was a great match, and that was a great win for Eddie here in what I believe is his first G1. As I said before at NJPW Independence Day, I don’t see Eddie taking his block, but he is going to have a great run, especially with so many first-time-ever matches. Tama VS Evil was really good but of course Evil cheats to win. They still come up with clever ways for him to do it, but they’re bound to run out of those. And then Naito VS Cobb was a great main event, especially with Cobb copying Naito again and again. Great win for Cobb, and it adds pressure to Naito’s story of making it through so he can go to WrestleKingdom. Though, that’s the same story he had last year. Maybe he makes it through to the end after all?
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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