NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/19/23)
C & D return to action!
Who rebounds in the second round?
There were quite the shockers in Blocks C and D, but can last round’s winners keep up the momentum? Or will tables be turned right around?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Toru Yano; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Jeff Cobb VS Alex Coughlin; Cobb wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shane Haste; Tanahashi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS HENARE; Henare wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Hirooki Goto; Naito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
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
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Toru Yano!
The Front Man leads off tonight against another familiar foe in the Clown Prince! Will ZSJ make Yano #JustTapOut? Or will Yano continue to bring out new tricks?
Wait, Kosei Fujita is walking out as if he’s ZSJ? Yano is confused by TMDK trying to trick him. So then Yano decides that one of the Young Lions is going to be him! Fans cheer as Yano puts Yuto in the ring and tells him to wrestle for him. But then ZSJ grabs Yano on stage with a SLEEPER! The bell rings and this is on record! ZSJ tells Yano night-night! The ref rushes out and reprimands ZSJ but ZSJ holds until Yano fades! ZSJ then lets go, fans cheer as ZSJ goes to the ring, and ZSJ has Kosei secure all buckle pads with tape! Red corner, check. Neutral corner number one, check! ZSJ has Kosei hustle and the blue corner and final corner are secure!
ZSJ tells Yano to wake up, then he gets fans to clap along with “OI! OI! OI! OI!” ZSJ does a lap, runs up the ramp, and Yano still ducks the Penalty Kick! Yano atomic drops, then he trips ZSJ! Yano brings out his own roll of tape! The ref reprimands but Yano ties up ZSJ’s legs! Yano uses almost the whole roll! Yano leaves ZSJ behind and goes to the ring. ZSJ is furious and all Kosei can do is coach him. The ring count starts and ZSJ does a push up to get to his feet! But then he wobbles and falls over! We’re at 7 of 20 but ZSJ gets back up to hop! But he falls over again! We’re past 10 but ZSJ tries again. ZSJ hops, then falls on his back!
Yano wants the count to go faster but we’re at 14 of 20! ZSJ hops and hops and hops, but he falls over again! Fans rally for ZSJ and he tries one more time! ZSJ hops and hops and falls at ringside! And gets tangled in cables! We’re at 19!! ZSJ hops and slides in at 19.9!! But Yano rolls him up! TWO!! ZSJ escapes but Yano says time for buckle pads! But then he’s shocked to see the tape on the blue corner! And on the white corner! ZSJ gets scissors to cut the tape around his ankles! Yano is frustrated to see all the corners are taped! Yano tries to undo the tape but it’s frustrating. Yano goes back to ZSJ as ZSJ pretends his ankles are still taped.
Yano grabs the legs, but surprise! TRIANGLE HOLD!! And then ARMBAR! Yano stacks ZSJ, TWO!! ZSJ has the omoplata, then the ghost pin! ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)
ZSJ tricked the trickster and snatches a quick victory! Will Yano have to go back to the drawing board to come up with something truly tricky?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Mighty G1 streak is growing, and now Mad Mikey takes on Bullet Club’s new savage leader! Will Mikey prove no one needs The Rebel? Or will Finlay be the one to make the mighty kneel?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Finlay finds a point of leverage. Finlay puts Mikey in the corner, taunts him and pushes him but Mikey pushes Finlay down! Finlay comes back, but is sent into buckles! Mikey whips, drops, but Finlay whips Mikey away. Mikey catches Finlay for a suplex! Finlay slips free, but Mikey catches him again! Another suplex, and fans cheer as Mikey keeps Finlay up for a count of FIFTEEN! Cover, TWO! Fans rally behind Mikey and he brings Finlay up to whip and DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mikey keeps on Finlay with a fishhook to the nose!
The ref reprimands, Gedo complains but Mikey lets off. Mikey stalks Finlay, stomps him down, then drags him around to whip. Finlay reverses and TACKLES Mikey outta the ring! Finlay sends Mikey into railing! And then he rains down fists! And SMACKS him against the railing! And again! The ref reprimands but Finlay SMACKS Mikey off railing a third time! Finlay throws up to Too Sweet and fans rally. Finlay paces around but the ref tells him to get in the ring. Finlay hoists Mikey up to a fireman’s carry, to POST him! Gedo is fired up and Finlay Backhand Sweets him. Mikey sits up while Finlay leaves him behind.
The ring count starts, Mikey staggers to his feet but he leans against railing. Mikey staggers over and slides in at 6 of 20 but Finlay stomps him down! Finlay rains down fists, the ref reprimands but Finlay claims that was all palm. Finlay stomps Mikey’s arm, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him to a corner. Finlay stomps a mudhole, rains down fists again, and BITES Mikey on the face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and Mikey rises as fans rally. Finlay stands Mikey up but Mikey CHOPS him! Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Finlay whips Mikey corner to corner hard and Mikey falls to the mat.
Mikey drags himself up with the ropes and Finlay runs in, but into an ELBOW! Mikey runs, Finlay gets under but Mikey spins around to DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders to a corner while Mikey sits up. Fans rally as Mikey stands, and he fires himself up by headbutting buckles! Mikey runs corner to corner to clothesline! And he whips corner to corner, but runs into BOOTS! He still clotheslines! And CHOPS! Mikey roars and fans fire up with him! Mikey puts Finlay up top, climbs up after him, but Finlay throws body shots. Mikey hops down but he UPPERCUTS Finlay!
Mikey fireman’s carries Finlay but Finlay fights free to waistlock. Mikey bucks the O’Conner, but Finlay ducks the sliding lariat! Finlay UPPERCUTS, ROLLING ELBOWS, and runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Mikey stays focused as fans rally up. Mikey drags Finlay up, hoists him to the top rope, and fans fire up as Mikey climbs again. But Finlay fights back with body shots! Finlay CLUBS away, then SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives and fans fire up again! Finlay taunts Mikey but the fans rally up. Finlay drags Mikey up to fishhook and crossface forearm!
Finlay gives more crossface shots, but again claims that was all palm. Finlay sits Mikey up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Mikey hangs in there. But Gedo says X marks the spot and Finlay brings down the kneepad! Finlay suplexes but Mikey slips free to SLIDING LARIAT! Mikey hurries to fireman’s carry Finlay for the DEATH VALLEY BOMB, and then a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Mikey fires up! The fans are with him as he drags Finlay back up. Mikey whips, scoops, but Finlay slips free to dragon sleeper! OSAKA- NO, Mikey slips free to scoop!
But Finlay slips free, spins Mikey to a backslide and roll through, INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
The Mighty may not kneel, but they do fall Into Oblivion! Will the NEVER Openweight Champion start to take over the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Jeff Cobb VS Alex Coughlin!
Now this is a big match up! The Imperial Unit conquered Tetsuya Naito in the opening round’s main event, while the Dreadnought could not sink Shane Haste. Will Cobb take this War Dog on a Tour of the Islands? Or will Coughlin redeem himself in a big way?
Coughlin is already smashing stuff on the way in, like the railing along the ramp and the steel steps that lead into the ring! The bell rings and fans rally up for Cobb as he stares down with Coughlin. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Coughlin powers Cobb back a step at a time, but Cobb digs his heels in. They break and the fans applaud. They go again, tie up, and Coughlin again pushes Cobb back. But Cobb pushes Coughlin back, only for Coughlin to turn it around and put Cobb on ropes. The ref counts the break, Coughlin lets off slowly, but then he CHOPS! Cobb rushes in, Coughlin gets around and headlocks.
Cobb powers out, they RAM shoulders, and Cobb RAMS Coughlin again! Coughlin rebounds to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to JUMPING SHOULDER TACKLE! Coughlin tumbles out of the ring, and he throws a tantrum on the outside. Cobb throws up the crown as fans rally, and Coughlin goes around the way. Coughlin goes out to No Man’s Land and behind commentary. Then he jumps over railing, and has his NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship! The ref stops Coughlin but Coughlin argues that it’s his belt, so he should be allowed to have it. Cobb storms up but Coughlin tosses the ref at him!
Cobb catches the ref, sets him down gently, but then Coughlin sends Young Lion Boltin Oleg into him! Cobb and Oleg tumble, and Coughlin fires off on Cobb! Coughlin whips Cobb into railing! The railing closes the gap! Coughlin holds up the title belt and boasts but fans boo. Coughlin brings Cobb up to RAM him into more railing! Cobb falls in a heap and Coughlin soaks up the heat from the fans. Coughlin even goes into the ring to flex and say, “Who’s the strongest now?!” Coughlin demands a ring count start, and the ref starts the count. Cobb stands, crawls in at 4 of 20 but Coughlin is on him with stomps!
Coughlin gut wrench suplexes Cobb!! Fans are torn, that was impressive. Coughlin covers, ONE!! Cobb is hanging tough but Coughlin CLUBS him, then pulls him into a chinlock stretch. Cobb powers up but Coughlin HIP DROPS him down! Coughlin paces around Cobb and fans rally up. Coughlin stands Cobb up but Cobb throws body shots! And a CHOP! Cobb ROCKS Coughlin, he staggers, and Cobb scoops! Coughlin slips free to throw Cobb down by his hair! Fans boo and the ref reprimands but Coughlin doesn’t care. Coughlin drags Cobb up to scoop Cobb, and pop shim up to a trophy lift, and PRESS SLAM!
Fans are torn again, that was impressive. Coughlin pushes Cobb over to cover, TWO! Cobb is still in this and Coughlin grows annoyed. Coughlin drags Cobb up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, but Cobb dodges! And clotheslines! And clotheslines and clotheslines and clotheslines! Fans cheer with every hit as Cobb goes all the way to THIRTEEN! Cobb then runs, to LARIAT! Coughlin stays up!? Coughlin runs in, Cobb drops down to DROPKICK! Fans fire up from Cobb’s display of agility, but then Coughlin knees low! Coughlin whips Cobb, Cobb reverses and scoops, ATHLETIC PLEX! Fans fire up and Cobb covers, TWO!
GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives being squashed but Cobb says they’re going for a ride! Cobb drags Coughlin up, ripcords, but Coughlin slides under and pump handles! Cobb CLUBS Coughlin and is free, but Coughlin kicks low! Coughlin scoops Cobb, runs to the corner, but Cobb slips off! Cobb UPPERCUTS Coughlin then whips him corner to corner, only to bring him back into the blue corner. Cobb runs in to SPLASH but Coughlin catches him!? And OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives that onslaught!
Fans fire up as Coughlin roars! Coughlin drags Cobb up, reels him in, but Cobb wrenches out. Cobb swings, misses, but then ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Coughlin to BLACK HOLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Coughlin roars and drags Cobb back up. Coughlin reels Cobb in, suplexes, but Cobb slips free! Cobb waistlocks, Coughlin elbows free but Cobb JABS, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cobb roars, reels Coughlin in, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
A clash of titans to be sure, but it was the United Empire’s titan that won! Will Cobb conquer the G1 at this rate? What will it take for Coughlin to get on the board?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
AEW’s Mad King clashes with the House of Torture’s King of Darkness! Will Eddie be ready for every trick in the book? Or will Darkness Fall on Eddie’s G1 run already?
Eddie IS ready, because he has a kendo stick! The ref wants him to hold on and Evil gets outta the ring! Eddie wants after Evil and his little Spoiler pal, but he still gives the stick over. And that’s when Evil attacks from behind! Evil kicks Eddie low, the bell rings, and Evil CLUBS Eddie down. Fans rally but Evil pulls on Eddie’s ears! Evil knees low, runs, and runs Eddie over! Fans rally as Evil stands on Eddie’s face. Evil scuffs Eddie, stomps his legs, and then stomps a hand! Evil drags Eddie up, CLUBS him on the neck, and runs, but Eddie follows to kitchen sink knee! Fans fire up and Eddie steadies himself.
Eddie CHOPS Evil and Evil shouts from the stinging pain! Eddie CHOPS again and Evil shouts again! Eddie CHOPS a third time, and again Evil shouts! Evil drops to his knees, but Eddie brings him up. Evil holds ropes to block the whip, so Eddie CHOPS him again! Eddie whips, Evil reverses and then distracts the ref, Dick trips Eddie! Fans boo but Evil drags Eddie up to throw him out. Evil goes out after Eddie, whips him around, and sends him into railing! Evil then opens the gate and throws railing aside to bring Eddie to the back section. Fans move out of the way, and Evil BOWLS Eddie into their chairs!
Fans boo Evil as Evil folds a chair. The ref reprimands and Evil lets go of the chair. Evil CHOKES Eddie with someone’s umbrella! Eddie grabs at Evil, but Evil lets off. Evil leaves Eddie behind and closes the gate before going back into the ring. Fans rally for Eddie while he’s down, and the ring count starts. Eddie rises at 4 of 20, hobbles his way along, and makes it back to No Man’s Land at 8. He opens the gate at 10, hobbles to the ring and slides in at 14! Evil storms up to stomp away on Eddie! Eddie turns over to prevent a pin so Evil stomps him more! Cover, TWO! Evil is annoyed with the ref but Eddie grabs at him.
Evil pulls Eddie’s arm and stands on his face. The ref reprimands, Evil lets off, and Eddie goes to ropes. Evil fishhooks Eddie’s nose and claws his eye! The ref reprimands, Evil lets off to argue with the ref, and Eddie goes to the corner. Evil storms up to pull Eddie’s shirt off, and SLAP him with it! Evil then CHOPS Eddie! Eddie brings down a strap as he hobbles away. Evil storms up to CHOP again! Eddie snarls and brings down the other strap! Evil fakes the chop to claw the eyes! The ref reprimands, fans boo, and Eddie staggers around blindly. Evil eggs Eddie on, Eddie swings and he tumbles out of the ring!
The ref checks Eddie while fans boo Evil. Evil waits on Eddie and fans rally as the ring count starts. Eddie drags himself up at 6 of 20 and in at 8. Evil drags Eddie up to bring him in, but Eddie blocks the suplex! Eddie suplexes Evil up and over instead! Fans fire up and Eddie rises. Evil goes to a corner, Eddie goes to ropes, and fans rally again. Eddie grits his teeth, runs in and clotheslines! Fans fire up as Eddie MACHINE GUN CHOPS! That last one stung! Dick gets up but Eddie DECKS him! Eddie goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Fans continue to rally for Eddie and he stands up again.
Eddie grits his teeth and fires up, and the fans are with him! Eddie runs in but Evil dumps him out! Evil brings Eddie up and uh oh! He RAMS Eddie into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! What’s Evil’s deal with him anyway?! Eddie writhes, and a ring count starts. Evil puts Eddie in the SHARPSHOOTER instead of the ring! Evil makes Eddie endure as the ring count climbs! We pass 10, Evil leaves Eddie behind! Eddie is down as we hit 15! Fans rally, Eddie rises, but Dick anchors Eddie’s foot! Eddie stomps away on Dick and gets in at 19! Fans fire up and Evil is furious, but Evil runs in to clothesline! And FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Eddie hangs in there! Evil drags Eddie up, wrenches and fireman’s carries, but Eddie fights it with elbows! And he DDTS Evil down! Fans rally as Eddie and Evil both stir. Eddie pushes himself up, fans rally behind him, and Eddie calls his shot. Eddie hobbles over, drags Evil up, and he half nelsons! Evil fights, kicks at the ref, but the ref gets back! Evil switches with Eddie and shoves him into the ref! The ref goes down, Evil runs, but Eddie LARIATS Evil down first! All three are down and the fans rally for Eddie. But Dick gets in with the SPOILER CHOKER! Eddie fights around, but Evil gets that kendo stick!
Evil aims as Eddie LOW BLOWS Dick! Eddie dodges, Evil SMACKS Dick! And then Eddie CHOPS Evil! Eddie has the kendo stick and he SMACKS away on them both!! Fans fire up and Dick bails out, so Eddie SMACKS Evil again! And again! The stick is coming apart but Eddie SMACKS Evil one more time! Evil is down and fans fire up! Eddie drags Evil up, clinches, and EXPLODERS! Eddie calls for the ref and brings him back in. Fans cheer as Eddie goes back to Evil. And blocks the low blow! To SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives and Eddie grows frustrated, but the fans rally up again.
Eddie stands, hobbles over to Evil and brings him up, and reels him in. But Evil blocks the scoop! Evil powers out, blocks the backhand, and clinches! But Eddie elbows free! And fires off ridge hand after ridge hand! URAKEN!! Cover, TWO!! Eddie can’t believe it but Evil survives! Eddie growls, drags Evil up again, and scoops, but Evil pulls on an ear! Eddie breaks free but Evil sends the ref at him! Evil kicks Eddie low, hoists Eddie up, and uses the ref in MAGIC KILLER! But that means the ref’s down again! Fans rally but Evil goes to a corner. Eddie drags himself to the other, and they both stand up.
Evil runs in, but Eddie meets him, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! Eddie drops to a knee and Evil runs, into an ENZIGURI! Fans fire up and Eddie fires up, too! STRETCH PLUM!! Evil endures as Eddie twists him around! Evil grabs at the ref!! Dick SMACKS Eddie with the kendo stick! But Eddie doesn’t fall over!? Eddie is just pissed now! But Evil LOW BLOWS Eddie!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eddie earns 0)
Once again, the Spoiler spoils the match so Evil can survive! Will no one stand a chance when the House of Torture constantly stacks the deck?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Shane Haste w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Ace of the Universe already lost to TMDK’s Front Man, and now he’s up against Hysterical Haste! Will Tanahashi be able to rebound in Miyagi? Or will The Mighty bounce back on the night?
The bell rings and fans rally for “TA-NAHA-SHI! TA-NAHA-SHI!” as he and Shane circle. They tie up, and Shane pushes Tanahashi down! Shane flexes and fans applaud. Tanahashi flexes and fans cheer! The two reset and they tie up. Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks but Shane reaches out for ropes. Tanahashi keeps him from ropes and hammerlocks the arm, but Shane reaches back. Tanahashi keeps his hair from Shane’s grip so Shane slips around to hammerlock Tanahashi. Tanahashi switches it back onto Shane but Shane switches it again, and pulls on hair! The ref reprimands and the two end up in a corner.
The ref counts, Shane lets off, but Tanahashi throws a back elbow! Shane runs in, but into an arm-drag! Shane tries again but gets another elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Tanahashi air guitars. Shane flounders around, Tanahashi goes up the ropes, but Shane YANKS him down! Tanahashi hits buckles as he falls, and then Shane basement dropkicks! Fans rally as Shane drags Tanahashi up. Shane snapmares and then digs a knee in for a NECK CRACKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tanahashi hangs tough. Shane kicks Tanahashi around, and even kicks Tanahashi’s legs.
Shane drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws a palm strike! Shane kicks a leg and he bumps Tanahashi off buckles. Shane CLUBS Tanahashi, kicks him and digs his boots in, but the ref reprimands and counts. Shane mocks the air guitar as he lets off. Shane stomps Tanahashi again, drags him to the apron, and smothers him as he brings him out, DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Fans rally and Shane mocks the fans with the Go Ace towel. Tanahashi writhes, Shane again mocks the air guitar, and a ring count starts. Shane gets on the air drums as Tanahashi rises at 6 of 20. Tanahashi slides in at 8 but Shane stomps him!
Shane digs his knee in and bends Tanahashi with a chinbar stretch! Tanahashi endures, fans rally, but Shane stands for a full neck wrench. Tanahashi moves around to a ROPEBREAK! Shane lets off at 4, then stomps Tanahashi. Tanahashi sits up but Shane throws down hands! Shane KICKS Tanahashi right in the chest! Shane stands on Tanahashi’s hands and fans rally, but Shane stomps the fingers! Shane eggs Tanahashi on, the fans rally up, and Tanahashi fires off fast hands, and an UPPERCUT! But Shane pulls hair! Shane whips, Tanahashi ducks ‘n’ dodges and FLYING FOREARMS!
Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he waits on Shane to stand. Tanahashi fires more fast hands, then scoops Shane to SLAM him into the drop zone! Fans fire up as Tanahashi hops up, to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shane crawls but fans rally for Tanahashi as he builds speed. But Shane DROPKICKS Tanahashi down! Tanahashi flops out of the ring and Shane storms up. Shane grabs at Tanahashi through the ropes but Tanahashi UPPERCUTS! Shane holds on to SLINGSHOT TOPE! Both men go down and fans fire up! Shane drags Tanahashi up and puts him in, and fans cheer as he stalks Tanahashi.
Shane KICKS Tanahashi, BOOTS him, then fisherman’s, but Tanahashi throws down elbows! But Shane shifts sides, SNAP SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Shane has a wild look in his eyes. Fans rally, Shane KICKS Tanahashi in the back, in the front, and in the back again! Shane lines up the shot, runs in, PENALTY- NO, Tanahashi blocks it! Tanahashi stands to DRAGON SCREW the leg! And dropkick it! And then he grabs the leg again, to wave bye and DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up and Tanahashi runs, but Shane turns Slingblade into SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Shane crawls after Tanahashi, Tanahashi stands, and they throw forearms back and forth! Fans rally, Shane UPPERCUTS, Tanahashi throws it back! Shane KICKS the leg, but that hurts his own leg! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS and down goes Shane! We pass 10 minutes, and Tanahashi drags Shane up. But Shane suplexes to FALCON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Shane goes to a corner as fans rally up. Shane brings Tanahashi up in the fireman’s carry but Tanahashi slips free to full nelson! Shane breaks that, but ends up in a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up and Tanahashi builds speed, but runs into the fireman’s carry! BOMB VALLEY- NO, Tanahashi lands on his feet to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! But Tanahashi just goes to the corner! Tanahashi climbs up, but Shane UPPERCUTS first! Shane climbs up, brings Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi fights the saido! Tanahashi CLUBS Shane, then DRAGON PALMS him down! Shane flounders back up, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi goes back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shane earns 0)
And the Ace is on the board! Will he use this to make a comeback and take the block? The Mighty go 1-2 on the night, with Shane and Mikey both 1-1. Will the #YoungPunks be able to stay strong in the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS HENARE!
The Rampaging Dragon and the new Face of Fury are in the same boat of going down in the first round. Only one man can rebound, so will Takagi make the block tranquilo? Or will Henare conquer this ungovernable for The United Empire?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as he stares down Henare. They feel things out, tie up, and Takagi waistlcoks. Henare pries the hold and wrenches free, but Takagi tackles him with a single leg takedown! Takagi has a toehold but Henare gets the ROPEBREAK. Takagi lets off quickly, the two reset, and feel things out again. They clinch, go around, and Henare goes for arms. Takagi goes back to the waistlock and he brings Henare down. Henare moves around and gets the ROPEBREAK again. The fans applaud the technical exchange as Takagi lets off. Henare is frustrated, though, and he smacks the mat in anger.
Henare and Takagi reset, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. Henare then kicks low, snapmares, and KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi just eggs him on and fans cheer. Henare KICKS again, and Takagi stands to forearm! Henare forearms in return, they go back and forth, but then Takagi knees low and headlocks. Henare powers out, but Takagi RAMS shoulders with him! They both stay standing so Henare runs to RAM shoulders again! Takagi brushes that off, runs, and he RAMS Henare! Henare rebounds to RAM Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Henare! Henare rebounds, into an elbow! Takagi runs, into a WHEEL KICK!
Takagi bails out and Henare waits on him. Takagi takes a moment to steady himself, and he slides in as the ring count starts. Henare fires off hands in the corner! And a HEADBUTT! Henare fireman’s carries but Takagi slips free. Henare elbows the waistlock away but Takagi HEADBUTTS Henare on the back! Then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- NO, Takagi pulls back as Henare gets his guard up. Takagi brings the guard down, but then feints Henare into the DDT! Fans fire up for Takagi’s pumping brain power and he goes out after Henare. Takagi drags Henare around, to drop a knee on the back of the neck!
Fans rally, Takagi leaves Henare alone while the ref checks him. Henare crawls, drags himself up with the railing, but Takagi is on him. Takagi puts Henare in the ring, drags him up, and KNEES him against the ropes! And again! Takagi whips, KNEES Henare again, then runs to run him over! Fans fire up as Takagi drags Henare around and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Takagi looks to cameras. IT’S TIME~! Fans fire up and Takagi looms over Henare. Takagi gives Henare toying kicks, then drags him up. Henare fights the back suplex with a headlock! Henare CLUBS away on Takagi, but Takagi CLUBS back!
Takagi runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! But that proves double-edged given the damage to Henare’s neck! Henare snarls as he sits back up, then rises. Henare storms up on Takagi in a corner and fires off fast hands! The ref reprimands but Henare just growls. Henare whips Takagi corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Then whips Takagi to ropes for a BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives but Henare goes up the corner. Henare leaps, SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO! Henare grows frustrated as Takagi survives again. Henare storms around, aims from a corner, and he waits on Takagi to rise.
Henare runs in, but Takagi blocks the Rampage! Takagi fires off knees, but Henare gets around! ULTIMA NELSON, but Takagi RAMS him back into a corner! Takagi throws an elbow, whips corner to corner, then runs in, into an ELBOW! FLYING CHUCK! Both men go down but fans fire up! Henare rises and aims from a corner again. Takagi rises, Henare runs in, RAMPAGE DDT?!? Takagi turns it around on Henare, and then sits him up! SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi roars and fans fire up with him! Takagi pump handles, torture racks, but Henare slips free to shove, and SHINING- NO! Takagi POWERBOMBS Henare down! High stack, TWO!!
Takagi rolls Henare into body scissors and the GROUND COBRA TWIST!! Henare endures, pries at the hold, reaches out for ropes, but Takagi thrashes him around! Takagi brings the crossface up higher, but Henare turns and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up as Takagi lets Henare go. We pass 10 minutes and Takagi hears the fans rallying. Takagi brings Henare up, starts up “OI! OI! OI!” and then pump handles. But Henare fights the lift! Takagi knees low, LARIATS point blank, but Henare stays up! Takagi LARIATS again, and Henare drops to a knee! Takagi brings Henare up but Henare ELBOW JABS!
Takagi swings, Henare bobs ‘n’ weaves and BODY BLOWS! HAYMAKERS! And SPIN BACK HEEL KICKS!! Takagi falls, Henare takes aim. RAMPAGE SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! But Henare clamps on ULTIMA!! And with body scissors!! Takagi endures and fans rally up, but Henare puts on the pressure! Takagi reaches out to a ROPEBREAK! Takagi survives by a literal foot, and Henare lets off in frustration. Henare vows to end this, and he suplexes, but Takagi fights it to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Takagi slaps Henare around and Henare sits up with anger in his eyes. They go forehead to forehead, and Takagi HEADBUTTS! Henare HEADBUTTS back!
Takagi HEADBUTTS but Henare’s head seems rock hard! Henare HEADBUTTS, but Takagi gives headbutt after headbutt! Henare keeps it going and he HEADBUTTS back! And then SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Snapmare, and a PENALTY KICK! Henare drags Takagi up to STREETS OF- NO, Takagi slips out to backslide! TWO!! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Henare roars and fans are thunderous! Henare drags Takagi up, fisherman, but Takagi wrenches out and ROCKS him with a forearm! Henare HEADBUTTS Takagi down!! But that was double-edged because of the pain in his neck! Fans rally and Henare has a wild look in his eyes!
Henare gets Takagi up, STREETS OF RAGE!! But Henare can’t cover, the neck hurts too much! Takagi rolls away and Henare crawls after him! But they’re in the ropes now! Fans fire up while Henare grows frustrated. Henare drags Takagi up, reels him in, but Takagi fights the suplex! Henare keeps trying to get that leg to fisherman it, but Takagi keeps it back out of reach. Takagi CLUBS Henare, shoves him away, but Takagi falls over before he can do anything. We reach 15 minutes, time is running out! Takagi rises up, and Henare aims to PENALTY- NO, Takagi blocks! Henare fires off palm strikes, but Takagi just catches an arm! SNAP MADE IN JAPAN!!
Fans are thunderous as now Takagi cannot make the cover! Fans rally and Takagi drags himself to a corner. Takagi stands up, aims at Henare, and runs in to PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, ONE?!?! Henare survives and shocks everyone!! We hit the three minute warning and Takagi runs again, to PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!??! Again, Henare shocks everyone! This is the power of Maori pride! Takagi pounds the mat in frustration, and he roars as he brings Henare up! Pump handle, torture rack, but Henare slips free! Takagi throws a forearm, but Henare gives it back. So Takagi SLAPS Henare!
Henare throws another forearm, and Takagi SLAPS him again! It becomes a SLAP fight! Fans fire up as Takagi fires off forearms! And then boxing elbows! Takagi goes all the way to nine, but Henare BODY BLOWS! Two minute warning as Henare SPIN HEEL KICKS! But Takagi ENZIGURIS! But Henare PENALTY KICKS! But Takagi’s up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide!! Both men lean on each other and fans are thunderous! They clinch, and Takagi powers up, but Henare HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS! DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide!! Takagi JABS!! Henare HEADBUTTS and falls on the cover! ONE?!?!?
Fans are electric as Henare PENALTY KICKS!! Cover, TWO!??!!??! We’re at the last minute now!! Henare hurries to get Takagi up but Takagi holds onto Henare’s leg! Takagi fires fast shots, but so does Henare! Henare HEAEDBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, and STREETS OF RAGE!!! But again he can’t make the cover!!! THIRTY SECONDS, and Henare crawls over! Henare hooks a leg to cover, HENARE WINS!!!!
Winner: Henare, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)
With just seconds to spare, the Face of Fury has a massive win! This isn’t just a win in the G1 but a win over a former KOPW, NEVER Openweight AND IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Is this a sign that big things are in Henare’s future?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Hirooki Goto!
The leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon took a Tour of the Islands last round, but the Fierce Warrior came out on top against fellow Chaos member, Yano. Will Goto keep the momentum going towards former prominence? Or will Naito hit one out of the park?
As usual, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Goto is patient, and he waits as Naito takes his time with the pants. The bell rings and the fans rally up and duel, “NA-I-TO!” “GO~TO!” Goto and Naito circle, approach, but then back away. They circle again, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto powers Naito back, Red Shoes calls the break, and Goto lets off with pats on the shoulders. Fans cheer the sportsmanship and the two reset. Goto and Naito circle again, tie up, and Goto waistlocks. Naito wrenches out, keeps Goto from ropes with the wristlock, but Goto rolls and wrenches back.
Naito slips through to full nelson, but Goto breaks that and hammerlocks. Naito switches the hammerlock onto Goto then headlocks. Goto endures as Naito grinds, and Goto powers up and out. Naito holds ropes, then BOOTS back! Naito swings, Goto ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Naito rolls under the lariat to tranquilo! Only for Goto to KICK him in the back! Naito writhes his way out of the ring and Goto pursues. Goto puts Naito back in, fans rally up, but Naito bails out the side. Goto goes back out after Naito and kicks him before putting him back in again. Only for Naito to roll all the way to the other side.
Naito bails out again but Goto still pursues. Naito kicks now, and whips Goto into railing! Goto staggers, and Naito kicks him again! Then NECKBREAKER to the floor! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks them. Fans rally up as Naito and Goto are both okay to continue. Red Shoes starts a ring count but Naito gets in quickly. Goto writhes at 5 of 20, sputters and sits up at 10, and he crawls his way around at 12. Goto clutches his neck and stands at 17, to slide in at 18! And Naito stomps Goto down! Naito brings Goto up, whips him to ropes, and ELBOWS him down, to then basement dropkick! Naito stands Goto up, to NECKBREAKER again! Cover, TWO!
Naito keeps cool and he brings Goto up again. Naito snapmares Goto, to then cravat and neck wrench! Goto endures, kicks around, fights up, but Naito CLUBS him! And SPITS at him! Goto goes to a corner, Naito whips him corner to corner and runs in, but Goto avoids the jump kick! Naito BOOTS back, ELBOWS Goto, then runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down again and fans rally up! Goto crawls after Naito and brings him up to bump off buckles. Goto then whips corner to corner, runs in, and MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Fans rally up again while both men are down, and Goto checks his neck before standing up.
Goto brings Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Naito CLUBS free! Goto avoids the heavy back elbow, and he ROCKS Naito with a forearm! Naito goes to the corner and Goto clotheslines him! Goto snapmares Naito down, then goes up the corner! Fans rally as Goto DIVING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but Goto brings him back up. Goto drags Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Naito fights with more elbows! Naito then atomic drops, and TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Naito and Goto stir, and Naito sits up first. Fans rally and Naito stalks Goto to a corner.
Naito puts Goto up top, climbs up after him, and fires forearms! Goto fires forearms back and they brawl up top! Naito gets the edge, then stands on the very top, to SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Naito crawls to the cover, TWO! But into PLUMA BLANCA! Goto endures Naito’s modified Koji Klutch and he kicks around! Fans rally, Goto keeps fighting, but he’s also fading! Goto reaches out with a leg, fights his way over, but Naito pulls tighter on the hold! Goto kicks and kicks and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Red Shoes counts, but Naito holds on, so Red Shoes pries at the hold. Naito lets go and fans rally up.
Goto sputters while Naito stands. Naito drags Goto up, but Goto fights the scoop! Goto throws body shots, but Naito ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Goto drops to a knee, so Naito stands him up. Naito goes to scoop but Goto fights it again! Naito throws those heavy back elbows! Goto falls over, but Naito drags him back up. Naito reels Goto in, but Goto shoots around to roll Naito up! TWO, and Naito stands to throw an elbow! And an ENZIGURI! Goto staggers around, Naito CORRIENDO- NO, Goto blocks to SHOULDER BUSTER USHIGOROSHI! Fans rally up while both men are down again!
Red Shoes checks both men as Naito writhes and Goto stirs. Goto sits up, but Naito throws a forearm! So Goto throws a forearm back! Both men sit up, then Naito throws another forearm! Goto sits up and throws another forearm himself! Fans rally as Naito sits back up. Naito throws a forearm, Goto throws it back, and they go back and forth! Fans rally up as they pick up speed! Naito SPITS in Goto’s face, then fires a flurry! Goto SPITS back and fires a flurry! Fans fire up as Goto eggs Naito on! But Naito throws those heavy elbows! Goto drops to his knees and fans rally as Naito brings Goto back up. Goto HEADBUTTS!
Goto brings Naito up, and HEADBUTTS again! Naito goes to a corner, slumps down, and fans rally and duel! “GO~TO!” “NA-I-TO!” Goto staggers, Naito drags himself up with ropes, and Goto runs in! Goto blocks boots, puts Naito in ropes, and DRAPING GTRS!! Naito flounders, Goto covers, TWO!! Naito survives and fans rally up again. Goto drags Naito back up, turns him around, but Naito spins that around to scoop! Goto fights free, wrenches, but Naito ROCKS him, and ROLLING KICKS! We hit 15 minutes as Goto LARIATS Naito down! Fans fire up as Goto goes back to Naito and drags him up!
Goto fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Naito is still in this and fans rally up! Goto pounds the mat, fans rally behind him and he drags Naito up. Goto dragon sleepers, but Naito throws hands from below! Goto blocks that to reel Naito in for another fireman’s carry! But Naito DESTINOS free of it!! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Naito pushes himself up off the mat and he crawls after Goto. Naito raises the LIJ fist and fans fire up! Naito staggers over, brings Goto up in the corner, and then hops up for REVERSE TORNADO DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and we hit the three minute warning!
Fans fire up as Naito stands Goto up again. Naito wrenches, but Goto elbows him away! So Naito throws a heavy elbow! Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
The Uncontrollable Charisma makes good on his second at-bat! But there are still many more innings to go, will Naito avoid being struck out this year? As for Goto, is his return to the top of the G1 now that much trickier?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Tomohiro Ishii VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
Neither the Stone Pitbull or the Good Bad Guy won in the opening round, but surely one of them changes that tonight. Who rebounds in the best way and closes out the night?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Ishii pushes Tama back a step. Tama digs in his heels to push Ishii back a step, and then they break. Ishii fires a forearm, Tama hits him back, and Ishii eggs him on! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and fans rally up. Ishii gets the edge, whips, but Tama reverses. Ishii holds ropes, RAMS Tama, but Tama rebounds to run Ishii over! Fans fire up and Tama CLUBS away on Ishii’s chest! Tama lets off to stomps Ishii around, but Ishii just eggs him on! Tama stomps Ishii again, throws down elbows, but Ishii is still defiant. So Tama CLUBS Ishii in the head!
Tama brings Ishii up but Ishii lifts! Tama fights that with a headlock but Ishii powers out. Tama holds ropes now, runs in, but Ishii runs him over! Fans fire up while Ishii steadies himself. Ishii goes to Tama, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Tama staggers, Red Shoes says that was a little high. Ishii CHOPS Tama in the corner, and CHOPS, but Tama eggs him on. So Ishii CHOPS again! And again! And again! Tama feels those and he staggers away. Ishii eggs Tama on, Tama throws a forearm, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii storms up on Tama in the corner, and Tama tries to push him away. Ishii holds firm, even as Tama fires forearm after forearm!
Ishii CHOPS Tama right down! Fans rally and Ishii looms over Tama. Ishii kicks Tama around, brings him up, but Tama again fights the back suplex. Tama UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS again, but Ishii just takes them! Ishii hooks the arms but Tama rolls through the backslide to UPPERCUT Ishii down! Fans rally up and Tama drags Ishii up. Tama whips Ishii to a corner, runs in and elbows! Tama whips Ishii back into the corner to elbow again! Tama whips, Ishii reverses but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Ishii! Fans rally as Tama stalks Ishii. Ishii goes to a corner, so Tama gets space. Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH!
Fans fire up as Tama scoops Ishii to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Ishii is tough but Tama stays focused. Tama kicks Ishii around, drags him up, but Ishii suplexes Tama first! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Ishii rises and he stalks Tama to a corner. Ishii slaps Tama around, then CHOPS him! And forearms! And CHOPS! And forearms! Ishii repeats that over and over, then sits Tama down with forearms! Red Shoes reprimands and counts but Ishii keeps raining them in! Ishii then eggs Tama on and fans rally up. Tama crawls but Ishii brings Tama up to whip corner to corner, only for Tama to reverse!
Ishii comes back, Tama throws a forearm! Ishii roars so Tama fires off forearm after forearm! Ishii ROCKS Tama with just one! Ishii then reels Tama in and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises first, watches Tama rise, and then Ishii runs, but Tama ducks the lariat to shove, follow, redirect and swing, but Ishii shoves him away! Things keep moving, Tama hurdles but Ishii redirects?! Tama keeps moving, and he catches Ishii for an EXPLODER! But Ishii’s right up! He gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX again! But Tama stands, ducks a lariat, and fireman’s carries for S R C!
But Ishii’s right up!? Only to flop over! And Tama hurries up top! SUPREME FLOP as Ishii moves! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Tama rolls away to the far corner. Tama drags himself up, Ishii runs in, and Ishii clotheslines Tama! Fans rally, Ishii brings Tama up and puts him on the top rope. Ishii climbs up after Tama, and brings Tama up for a STALLING SUPERPLEX!! Fans fire up again, and Ishii crawls to a cover! TWO!! Fans rally as Ishii roars back to his feet! Ishii then watches Tama rise, and runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as both men are down again!
Jado coaches Tama up and Tama drags himself up with ropes. Fans rally again, and Tama drags Ishii up. Ishii ROCKS Tama with a forearm first! And again, and again! Tama fires back but Ishii growls! Ishii boxing elbows, Tama swings, but into a fireman’s carry! But Tama slips free, TONGAN TWIST! We reach 10 minutes and Tama pounds the mat! Fans clap along, Ishii rises, and Tama runs in, but Ishii CLOBBERS him first! Ishii rises again, he drags Tama up, but Tama ROCKS him with a forearm! But Ishii HEADBUTTS! Tama SUPER FOREARMS! But Ishii HEADBUTTS again!!
Fans fire up as Ishii staggers back to Tama. Ishii gets Tama up, for the RUNNING POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Tama survives and fans fire back up! Ishii sits Tama up, runs, and SLIDING- NO, Tama ducks it to GUN- NO, Ishii just slam dunks Tama! And then SLIDING LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and Ishii roars! Ishii drags Tama back up, reels him in, but Tama suplexes first! But Ishii rises! Tama jumps in, VENENO!! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama goes to the corner, climbs up, SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Ishii survives and Tama can’t believe it! But the fans rally up as Tama watches Ishii.
Ishii stands, Tama runs in, but still no Gun Stun! Ishii SWATS the lariat, ENZIGURIS Tama, but Tama roars! Tama dodges the lariat, spins Ishii around, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ishii survives Tama’s shoutout to The Prince, but Tama says it’s time to finish this! Tama drags Ishii up, reels him in and underhooks, but Ishii fights free! Ishii dodges a lariat, and steals GUN STUN!?!? Fans are thunderous as Ishii roars! Ishii waits on Tama, then he runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Tama survives and fans are thunderous! But Ishii vows to end this! Ishii drags Tama up, reels him in and suplexes, but Tama knees free!
Tama dodges a lariat, spins Ishii around, DEAD SHOCK- NO, Ishii back drops free! But Tama lands on his feet to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up as we hit 15 minutes, and Ishii runs in! Tama dodges the lariat, but Ishii fights off the Gun Stun again! Ishii suplexes, but Tama GUN STUNS out of it!!! Tama roars, drags Ishii back up, and reels him in! Underhooks for DEAD SHOCK DRIVER!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
The GBG wins with the DSD, and now he’s on the board! The Stone Pitbull, however, is 0-2 and at the bottom of the block! Will Ishii be able to make the third round the charm?
As for Tama, Jado gets him the mic, and Tama tells Ishii, “Arigato. <Thank you.>” Fans cheer the show of respect, and Tama continues to say, “You know my story. A NJPW dojo boy.” Fans cheer that, and Tama says, “I promise, never give up, and I promise this G1, my best G1 ever. SENDAAAAI~!” Fans cheer and Tama tells them in Japanese, “Thank you all for coming tonight!” Tama takes a bow and the fans cheer again. Will the Good Bad Guy be the best guy the rest of this G1?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
David Finlay: 2-0, 4 points
EVIL: 2-0, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-1, 2 points
Eddie Kingston: 1-1, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-1, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-1, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-2, 0 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-2, 0 points
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 2-0, 4 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 2-0. 4 points
Tetsuya Naito: 1-1, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-1, 2 points
Shane Haste: 1-1, 2 points
Toru Yano: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Coughlin: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great fourth night for the G1, and second night for the C and D Blocks. Not that many surprising results, but I really like how they’re playing close to that 20 minute time limit. They got a couple of matches within those last few minutes, and that adds to the drama automatically. Henare winning was perhaps the big surprise of the night, especially with how close he and Takagi came to a time limit draw. But even without that, Henare beating Takagi is a great move for his second round match, given it is redemption from losing last round in the debut of his new Face of Fury look.
ZSJ VS Yano was a hilarious opener, Finlay got a solid match with Mikey, and Cobb VS Coughlin was a great display of two men who are surprisingly agile and strong. And of course Evil finds a way to cheat Eddie so he can stay undefeated in the block. This really pumps up the next round, Evil VS Finlay as leaders of their factions within the larger, convoluted Bullet Club family tree. I really hope NJPW pulls the trigger (pun intended) on a Bullet Club Civil War, and they could even do it as a war on two fronts. Finlay’s War Dogs can battle the House of Torture to finally have House of Torture split off and be their own thing, and the War Dogs will also fight Bullet Club Gold in a crossover with AEW or something like that. We just finally need closure.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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