NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/26/23)
C & D, round 4!
The Front Man and the Imperial Unit meet again!
They’ve battled over the NJPW World TV Championship a few times already, but now Zack Sabre Jr. and Jeff Cobb clash in the G1 Climax!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Alex Coughlin; Coughlin wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Mikey Nicholls; Takagi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Tomohiro Ishii; Ishii wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Shante Haste; Shane wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: David Finlay VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current C Block standings.
David Finlay: 3-0, 6 points
EVIL: 2-1, 4 points
Tama Tonga: 2-1, 4 points
Eddie Kingston: 2-1, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-2, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-2, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-2, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-3, 0 points
Here are the current D Block standings.
Jeff Cobb: 3-0, 6 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 3-0, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 2-1, 4 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-1, 4 points
Shane Haste: 1-2, 2 points
Toru Yano: 0-3, 0 points
Alex Coughlin: 0-3, 0 points
G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Face of Fury is certainly furious after losing to the Mad King, and now he’s up against The King of Darkness! Will Henare go on a Rampage to stay alive in the block? Or will even Henare see Everything is Evil?
Wait, where is Dick? He’s supposed to be by Evil’s side. WAIT, Dick attacks Henare during his entrance! And with a chair, no less! Fans boo as Dick SMACKS Henare, and SMACKS him again! Evil keeps the ref from doing anything about this and Dick JAMS Henare with the chair! Dick drags Henare up and puts him in the ring. Fans tell Dick to go away but the bell rings. Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Evil is upset with the ref but fans rally behind Henare. Evil drags Henare up, puts him through ropes, and then bends him back! The ref reprimands but Evil pushes him away!
Fans boo more, the ref reprimands again and now he counts! Evil lets off at 4 and argues with the ref. Henare flops out of the ring so Evil goes out after him. Evil RAMS Henare into the timekeeper! Fans boo as Abe-san goes down pretty hard! Evil CHOKES Henare with the mic cable and tells him to give up, but Henare can only shout and cough! Fans boo but Evil finally lets off to drag Henare to the crowd! They go right up the bleachers and fans move out of the way. Henare blocks the bump off the West sign! And he fires off shots! Then Henare SMACKS Evil off the West sign! Fans cheer for Henare as he does it again! And again!
Henare drags Evil up, brings him back down the bleachers and a ring count starts. Henare throws headbutts as he keeps Evil moving. Henare puts Evil in at 8 of 20 and he stalks Evil to a corner. Evil stands, Henare fires body shots and another HEADBUTT! Fans rally as Henare snapmares and KICKS Evil, to then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Henare as he looms over Evil. Henare drags Evil up, but Evil swings, into the ULTIMA! But Evil fights the full nelson and elbows free! Evil runs in, into an ELBOW! Henare goes up but Evil ducks the Flying Chuck! Henare comes back, into a boot! But he still clotheslines in the corner!
Henare whips Evil to ropes, scoops and BERSERKER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Evil survives but Henare aims from the corner. Fans rally up, Evil rises, but then Evil bails out to avoid the Rampage! Fans boo, but then Henare goes out after Evil. Dick creeps up but Henare scares him off, only for Evil to attack from behind! Evil then whips Henare into railing hard! Henare tumbles up and over! The ref reprimands but Evil goes out to fetch Henare. Evil drags Henare up and RAMS him into the barriers! The ref reprimands, he wants this back in the ring, but Evil opens the gate to go up the stands! And all the way to the back aisle!
Evil brings Henare up, FISHERMAN- NO, Henare fights that! Henare throws body shots, but then Evil grabs the ref! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER! Fans boo but Henare powers up! Henare pulls the choker away, and he BOOTS Evil! And ELBOWS Dick! And then sends Evil into Dick! Henare DOUBLE LARIATS them down! Fans fire up for Henare as he looms over Evil. Henare drags Evil up, CLUBS him, and brings him back down the stands, to RAM him into those same barriers! Fans fire up and Henare drags Evil back up. Henare puts Evil in the ring and fans cheer. Henare drags Evil up and fireman’s carries, for a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!
Henare sits Evil up, and he clamps on a half nelson! And then goes for the full! Evil fights up, fights the full nelson, and he stomps Henare’s foot! Evil whips Henare into bare buckles! When did Dick do that?! But Henare just runs at Evil to BUSAIKU KNEE! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up, Henare goes to a corner, and he aims as Evil rises. Henare runs back in, but Evil sends the spear into a buckle pad! Evil then runs in to clothesline, and FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Henare is still in this and fans rally up. Evil rises, he drags Henare up, and he fireman’s carries! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Henare survives!
Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Evil stands up as we pass 10 minutes, and he slashes his throat! Evil drags Henare up, for EVERY- NO, Henare fights it! Evil tries again but Henare CLUBS him! Evil kicks, Henare blocks, and steps over to WHEEL KICK! Evil goes to a corner, Henare runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Henare pushes Evil down, takes aim again, and RAMPAGE!! But Henare isn’t done there! He drags Evil back up, fisherman’s, but Evil fights the lift! Evil wrenches, clinches, but Henare fights out! DOUBLE LAIRATS hit, and Henare HEADBUTTS Evil down! And then PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!!
Evil survives but Henare throws off the shoulder tape. Fans rally behind “HE-NA-RE!” as he hauls Evil up. Fisherman, but Evil CLAWS the eyes! Evil grabs the ref, and Dick has a chair! Dick JAMS Henare, but then Henare PUNCHES the chair apart! Dick throws the frame to Henare then runs away! The ref sees just Henare and what’s left of the chair, so the ref takes the chair away. Evil LOW BLOWS Henare!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Once again, the Spoiler saves his King of Darkness! Will anyone ever stop the House of Torture from stacking the deck? Or will Evil take the G1 Climax by any means necessary?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hirooki Goto VS Alex Coughlin!
It was only three weeks ago that The Fierce Warrior and the Deadeye Dreadnought battled over the tag titles. The War Dogs won the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships but Bishamon held onto the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. Who wins a golden ticket to a rematch for the Fall?
But as Goto takes off his coat, Coughlin attacks! Fans boo but Coughlin throws Goto out as the bell rings! Coughlin RAMS Goto into railing, and he throws up the Too Sweet. Then Coughlin jumps the railing, takes someone’s seat, and he storms over to Goto. The ref tries to stop Coughlin, but Coughlin shoves the ref aside and JAMS Goto! Fans boo but Coughlin just soaks up the heat. Coughlin then tells the ref to count Goto out. Fans boo but Coughlin just throws up the Too Sweet. The count climbs while Goto writhes, and Goto is still down at 10 of 20. Goto sits up at 13, drags himself up at 15, and slides in at 16, only for Coughlin to stomp away!
Fans boo more as Coughlin stands on Goto! The ref counts, Coughlin steps away, but he stomps Goto more. Coughlin drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Coughlin kicks low and gets the bad ribs, as beat up by Shane Haste. Goto bails out but Coughlin pursues. Coughlin drags Goto up to RAM him into railing! Fans boo but Coughlin puts Goto back in the ring. Coughlin covers, TWO! Coughlin argues the count but the fans rally for Goto. Coughlin clamps on a chinlock, then shifts to a seated cobra twist. Coughlin throws punches into the ribs, but Goto moves around! Coughlin makes it a COBRA CRADLE! TWO, but Goto is still in the twist!
Fans rally, Goto reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Coughlin lets go quickly, and he eggs Goto on. Coughlin drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Coughlin knees low! Coughlin wags his finger, but Goto turns things around to fire off forearms in the corner! Coughlin turns it around to CHOP! Goto sits right down and fans do cheer that chop. Coughlin stands Goto up to whip him corner to corner, but Goto reverses! Goto runs in, blocks a boot, puts that leg in the ropes, and then KICKS the knee! Then MURAMASA! Fans fire up while Coughlin staggers, into Goto’s SAIDO!
Both men are down and Goto crawls after Coughlin. Cover, TWO! Goto grits his teeth, too sore to be upset. Fans rally up, we pass five minutes, and Goto drags Coughlin up. Coughlin fights the fireman’s carry with elbows, then runs, but Goto follows! Only for Coughlin to CHOP him down! Coughlin powers up and fans can’t help but fire up as he drags Goto back up. Coughlin suplexes, but Goto slips free to shove and fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI throw and then a SLAP!! Goto dragon sleepers, but Coughlin claws at Goto’s face! Coughlin elbows free, then KNEES hard and low! Coughlin powers up again and he storms up on Goto.
Coughlin deadlift suplexes Goto! And then JACKHAMMERS! Cover, COUGHLIN WINS!!
Winner: Alex Coughlin, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
The Dreadnought sinks Goto and gets his first win in the G1! Sure, he had bad ribs, but Goto isn’t the kind to make excuses. Then will he just have to fight even harder to keep from having a losing record in the block?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Rampaging Dragon finally got on the board after he broke through the Stone Pitbull, and Mad Mikey’s been on a bit downward trend. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will Takagi make Mikey tranquilo?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Takagi pushes Mikey back. Mikey applauds and resets to circle with Takagi again. They knuckle lock, but Takagi kicks low! Takagi headlocks, Mikey powers out, and they RAM shoulders! Mikey runs and RAMS Takagi, but Takagi fires a forearm! Mikey gives it back, they go back and forth and the fans fire up, but then Takagi JABS, JABS and JABS! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Mikey runs Takagi over! Mikey runs again, Takagi ELBOWS, snapmares and runs to SLIDING- NO, Mikey avoids the lariat and fans cheer the standoff!
Takagi and Mikey reset and circle again. They feel things out, Mikey toys around with the knuckle lock then kicks low. Mikey headlocks, Takagi powers up but Mikey holds tight! Mikey thrashes the hold to grind Takagi, but Takagi pries at the hold. Mikey puts the hold on tighter so Takagi throws body shots! Takagi pries the hold open again, wrenches out, and headlocks. But Mikey hits a BIG back suplex! Mikey dusts off his hands, goes out after Takagi, and RAMS him into railing! Then APRON BACK SUPLEXES! Fans fire up and Mikey grins while Takagi flops to the floor. Mikey slides into the ring and lets the count handle this.
Takagi stirs and fans rally up. Takagi sits up at 8 of 20, stands up at 12, and slides in at 14. Mikey is on him to suplex! And stall! Fans rally as Mikey holds Takagi for TWENTY before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Mikey drags Takagi around into a partial Camel Clutch! Mikey fishhooks the face and the ref reprimands. Mikey lets off, changes arms in the stretch, but then BITES Takagi on the forehead! The ref reprimands and counts, Mikey lets go and kicks Takagi around. Mikey slaps Takagi around, so Takagi ROCKS him with forearms! Mikey knees low, snapmares and runs, but Takagi avoids the sliding lariat!
Mike comes back but Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! Fans fire up as Takagi goes to a corner. Mikey flounders and Takagi feeds off the energy from the fans. He doesn’t say “it” yet, but he runs Mikey over to SENTON! “Mada mada!” Takagi drags Mikey up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks to the cameras, and NOW it’s time! Fans fire up with that and Takagi drags Mikey up to whip him to a corner. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot and clotheslines through! Takagi runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as we pass five minutes. Takagi starts up the “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in!
Takagi rises, he brings Mikey up, but Mikey fights the fireman’s carry! Takagi powers through but Mikey slips out. Takagi waistlocks, ducks Mikey’s elbow, but Mikey DDTs! Mikey aims from a corner, and he mocks Takagi by headbutting the buckles! Mikey runs to clothesline, then whips corner to corner! Mikey runs in, Takagi BOOTS him, but Mikey still clotheslines! Mikey puts Takagi up top, climbs up after him, and fans rally up as he goes to the very top! SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Mikey and Takagi crawl to each other, and they give junkyard dog headbutts!
They stand, and the forearms start flying! But then Takagi HEADBUTTS! Mikey throws another forearm, Takagi throws another headbutt! They go back to throwing forearms, but Takagi throws boxing elbows! Mikey SLAPS Takagi! Takagi rebounds, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up again! Mikey drags Takagi up, whips him to ropes, but Takagi holds ropes! Mikey runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Mikey’s back up, he LARAITS! Cover, ONE?!?! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Cover, ONE?!!?
Fans are thunderous as both men are still in this! Takagi runs in again, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And then DOUBLE LARIATS again! Takagi swats a lariat but Mikey CHOPS! Takagi JABS! Mikey UPPERCUTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS! Takagi runs, RAMS shoulders, then fires a forearm! Takagi runs again, Mikey HEADBUTTS! Mikey throws a forearm, headlocks, but Takagi powers out! Takagi then dodges, PUMPING BODY CHECK!! Cover, Takagi wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
It’s hard to say what really happened at the end there, but it was effective! Will Takagi continue to throw everything he has into winning the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Oh no! The Joker and the Ace, who have teamed together in World Tag League the last few years, are now battling each other here in the fourth! Will Tanahashi thwart whatever tricks Yano has up his proverbial sleeve? Will they both be able to laugh it off if he can’t?
The bell rings and fans rally up, and then Yano squats at the center of the ring! So Tanahashi squats with him! They both fire up, but Yano rolls Tanahashi up! TWO!! Yano says sorry, he was just joking around! Tanahashi says yeah right. Tanahashi wants the ref to do a more thorough check. Tanahashi says there’s something in Yano’s waistband! Yano says no, that’s just his belly. But if you look closely… Yano says fine, and he throws out the roll of tape he was hiding! Fans cheer, but Yano says hush. But wait, there’s another roll! Yano is clean now, and he and Tanahashi circle. Tanahashi offers a handshake and Yano takes it.
Fans cheer as the two tie up and Tanahashi puts Yano on ropes. Tanahashi then lets off and the two go again. They tie up, Yano puts Tanahashi on ropes, and then Yano lets off. Fans cheer the clean break as the two reset again. They tie up, Yano waistlocks, but Tanahashi switches. Yano switches, Tanahashi pries the waistlock open and wrenches, but Yano facelocks to a takedown! BRIDGING COVER, TWO!! Tanahashi headlocks for a takeover, Yano headscissors, and Tanahashi kips free! Fans cheer and the two bump shoulders. The forearms start flying and fans fire up as they go back and forth!
Tanahashi fires the strike fest, then whips! Yano reverses but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with The Ace and he eggs Yano on. Yano rises, Tanahashi ROCKS him with a forearm and throws body shots. Tanahashi scoops to SLAM Yano into the drop zone! Fans cheer as Tanahashi goes up, to SUNSET- NO, Yano dodges and Tanahashi lands on his back! Maybe he hesitated? Yano drags Tanahashi out and then whips him into railing! Tanahashi hits hard and falls in a heap! Yano then goes to look under the ring, and he brings out spare tape! Of course he has a secret stash!
Yano storms up on Tanahashi, but Tanahashi kicks low! Tanahashi CLUBS Yano down, and Tanahashi has the tape! To give to a fan as a souvenir! Fans cheer and Tanahashi drags Yano up. Tanahashi puts Yano in the ring, and then drags him back up. Tanahashi throws body shots, whips corner to corner, but Yano reverses! And then he unties the buckle pad! The ref says don’t do it, but Yano swings! Tanahashi blocks! Tanahashi says how dare Yano try this on him! Yano says come off it, and then he DRAGON SCREWS the buckle pad and somehow throws Tanahashi with it! Fans fire up and we pass five minutes.
Yano drags Tanahashi up, whips him and Tanahashi hits bare buckles! Then Yano atomic drops, trips Tanahashi, and CATAPULTS him into the bare buckles! Tanahashi staggers into a lift, ONIGO- NO, Tanahashi fights free! Yano swings, misses, and Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! But Tanahashi blocks the low blow! ARM SCREW! Yano staggers up, kicks, but Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up as Yano writhes. Tanahashi runs as Yano rises, SLING- NO, Yano gets around and shoves Tanahashi at the ref! Tanahashi stops himself but Yano runs to TACKLE Tanahashi into the ref! Yano hurries to grab his red chair!
Yano waits on Tanahashi to rise, and he runs in, but Tanahashi dodges! DRAGON PALM through the chair! Tanahashi gets the chair out of the ring, and he eggs Yano on. Fans fire up as Tanahashi runs again, SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi goes to a corner and fans fire up as he climbs! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yano earns 0)
The Ace was ready for all the Joker’s tricks, and now he has broken even. Will Tanahashi be able to keep this hot hand rolling and head for the top of the block? As for Yano, he’s 0-4, will he ever even get points?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Mad King slayed the Rampaging Dragon, and he practically knocked out the Face of Fury, but he once again meets the Stone Pitbull. Will Eddie be able to break through for another win? Or will Ishii avoid going 0-4?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “I-SHI-I!” as he and Eddie step up. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Eddie finds a point of leverage given he’s taller. Eddie has Ishii on the ropes, but he lets off, only for Ishii to dodge his chop! But then Eddie dodges Ishii’s chop! Fans fire up and Eddie takes a moment to do some stretches. Eddie calls for a knuckle lock and Ishii obliges. They tie up, go shoulder to shoulder, and Ishii powers Eddie down to his knees! Fans cheer, and then Eddie fights up to his feet. Eddie powers Ishii down to his knees! Fans rally, Ishii fights back up, and Ishii kicks low! Ishii whips, Eddie reverses to knee low!
Eddie whips, Ishii reverses but Eddie knees low! Eddie then GOURD BUSTERS! And DOUBLE STOMPS! Fans rally but Eddie still hobbles a bit from all the damage he’s taken in the past matches. Eddie rallies for Ishii as much as the fans do, and Ishii rises. They step up again, and Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! Eddie laughs it off so Ishii CHOPS again! Eddie CHOPS! Ishii felt that one but he still shakes his head. Ishii CHOPS, so Eddie CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS again! Fans rally as Eddie felt that. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, repeat! Eddie gets Ishii with a good one, then CHOPS him again! And another! Eddie runs, but Ishii runs him over!
Fans fire up and Ishii stalks Eddie as he crawls. Ishii sits Eddie up to KICK him! Eddie goes to stand, but his back brings him down! Ishii KICKS Eddie again and again, then drags him up. Eddie throws body shots but Ishii doesn’t budge. Fans rally, Ishii CHOPS again! Eddie falls right over! Ishii eggs Eddie on, gives him toying kicks, then stands Eddie up to CHOP against ropes! And again! And again! Eddie staggers but he still has his dukes up. Ishii brings Eddie around but Eddie fights the saido with elbows! Eddie whips, but Ishii reverses then reels Eddie in, SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Ishii sees Eddie drag himself to ropes and shake out the bad arm. Fans rally for Eddie, and Ishii runs in, but into a BOOT! Ishii runs in again, into an ELBOW! Eddie goes up, FLYING KNEE! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Eddie rises, Ishii goes to a corner, and Eddie runs in to clothesline! Eddie fires up and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans cheer and Eddie reels Ishii in, EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Ishii is still in this and the fans rally up as Eddie shakes out the arms. Ishii rises, Eddie reels him in but Ishii fights the suplex with elbows. So Eddie CHOPS! Ishii doesn’t react?! Ishii just CHOPS in return!
Eddie nods, and CHOPS again! Ishii CHOPS again, and Eddie scowls. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, repeat! Fans rally as the CHOPS keep going back and forth! Eddie brings down the straps and fans fire up! Ishii CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! Eddie takes a second and fans fire up! Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and Eddie is starting to get frustrated. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and Eddie shouts as he CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! Both men start feeling the stinging, and fans fire up as Eddie nods again. Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and Eddie grits his teeth! Eddie CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, repeat!
Wait, now Ishii is wobbling! So Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!! Ishii falls!! Eddie rests against ropes while fans are thunderous! Eddie hobbles around, brings Ishii up, and half nelsons! Ishii fights the nelson, but Eddie RIDGEHANDS over and over! Ishii fires boxing elbows! But Eddie gets around to HALF ‘N’ HALF! And SLINDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and fans are thunderous again! We reach 10 minutes and both men drag themselves up. Eddie powers up his hand, but Ishii SWATS the Uraken! To GERMAN SUPELX! But Eddie’s right up! Eddie swings, but into another GERMAN SUPLEX!
But Eddie stands up! Only to flop right back over! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Ishii sits up in a daze, flops over and he rolls towards a corner. Eddie is by the ropes, Ishii waits on him to sit up. Fans rally and duel, Ishii runs, but Eddie swats the lariat! Ishii SOUTHPAW LARIATS! Eddie ENZI- NO, Ishii ducks it! But then Eddie avoids the sliding lariat to LARIAT Ishii! Fans fire up and Eddie drags Ishii up, to SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Ishii is still in this and Eddie is again frustrated! But the fans are loving it as Eddie steps over! STRETCH PLUM!! Ishii endures, even as Eddie twists him!
Fans rally, Ishii reaches out but he’s already fading! Eddie twists Ishii even further! Ishii is fading, so Eddie covers! TWO!!! Ishii gets his arm up with nanoseconds to spare and the fans rally back up! Eddie shakes out his arms, drags Ishii back up, but Ishii ducks the Uraken to HEADBUTT low, HEADBUTT high, then RUNNING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!!! Eddie survives the onslaught and fans are thunderous again! Ishii drags Eddie up, but Eddie CHOPS! Both men wobble, Eddie chops again but there’s no power behind it. But then Eddie powers up to CHOP! Ishii ENZIGURIS! Ishii roars and fans fire up!
Ishii runs, into Eddie’s ENZIGURI! But he comes right back to LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Eddie shakes his head and fans are electric! Ishii runs to LARIAT again!! Cover, TWO!?!?! The fans are electric again as Ishii roars! Ishii drags Eddie up, suplexes, but Eddie fights! Eddie SLAPS, then URAKENS!! Ishii staggers, roars, but Eddie URAKENS again!! Cover, TWO!?!?? Not even going Backfist to the Future twice can stop Ishii, and we pass 15 minutes! Eddie is beside himself, and the fans are rallying as hard as they can! Eddie stands, he roars, and he drags Ishii back up. Eddie scoops, but Ishii slips free! Ishii hits a CODE BREAKER?! And a SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?!?!
Ishii can’t believe that Eddie is still in this! Ishii fires up, the fans are electric again, and he suplexes Eddie, for a BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eddie earns 0)
The Mad King may be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, but he wasn’t able to deny the Stone Pitbull! Ishii is finally on the board with this win, but will he and Eddie meet again down the line?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Shante Haste w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Uncontrollable Charisma snatched the win from the Clown Prince, Toru Yano, but he might need to take “Hysterical Haste” a bit more seriously. Will Naito keep things tranquilo? Or will Shane show him that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
As is Naito’s way, he takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Shane is patient, we’ve all seen this before. Naito puts the pants away, and then Naito wants to trade hats? His baseball cap for the orange top hat? Shane and Naito put the hats on, then Naito asks to see the top hat. Shane hands it over, Naito puts it on, and Shane says it looks good on him. Naito compares the two, then TOSSES the top hat away! Free souvenir? Shane runs in, Naito CLUBS him and throws him out at the bell! Naito then puts his baseball cap on and poses. Fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” while Shane keeps his cool.
Shane rushes in but Naito CLUBS him! Naito claws Shane’s face, lets off as the ref reprimands, and then whips. Shane reverses to DROPKICK Naito down! Shane then takes Naito’s hat, and he puts it! Fans cheer, Shane runs to UPPERCUT, and then he snapmares Naito to a basement dropkick! Shane turns that hat around and mocks the LIJ fist. Fans still cheer, and then Shane tosses Naito’s hat! Another free souvenir? Shane kicks Naito, reels him in, but Naito blocks the suplex! Naito throws body shots, but Shane UPPERCUTS! Shane whips Naito to a corner, runs in but only gets buckles! Naito returns, and blocks boots!
Naito puts Shane in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Naito then climbs up, stands Shane up, but Shane swings on him! Naito avoids the punch to HOTSHOT and DROPKICK Shane down! Fans rally while Naito goes out after Shane. Naito drags Shane up and whips him hard into railing! Shane goes down in a heap but Naito storms up on him. Naito drags Shane into the crowd area, CLUBS him down, then goes back to close the gate? Naito drags Shane up turns him around, NECKBREAKER into the railing! The ref reprimands and Kosei checks Shane while Naito leaves him behind.
The ring count starts, Shane stirs at 5 of 20. Shane sits up, checks his neck, and crawls back to ringside. Shane stands at 13, hobbles, and slides into the ring at 16! Naito drags Shane up, cravats and cranks the neck. Shane endures, but Naito snapmares Shane down, still keeping on the neck wrench! Shane endures, even as Naito thrashes him! Shane reaches back to the ROPEBREAK! Naito drags Shane up to NECKBREAKER! Shane flounders to ropes but Naito keeps after him. The ref checks Shane but he’s okay to continue, so Naito stomps him! Naito drags Shane up, has the cravat again, and he cranks on the neck wrench!
Naito thrashes Shane, but Shane fights up and scoops! But Naito slips free to headlock, and he goes back to the cravat! Naito grinds Shane down to the mat, Shane endures again, and fans rally up. Shane pushes up, throws body shots, and he arm-drags Naito away. Naito kicks low, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Shane crawls over to Naito, waits on him to stand, and Shane KICKS! BOOTS! And back suplexes so hard, Naito lands face down! Fans fire up as Shane paces around, then deadlifts Naito for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but Shane has a wild look in his eyes.
Shane makes Naito do the LIJ fist, then he KICKS Naito in the back! Fans fire up as Shane aims from a corner and Naito rises. Shane prepares his foot, and runs in, but Naito blocks the kick! Naito shoves, Shane blocks the hip toss to body shot! Shane runs, into an arm-drag! Naito ELBOWS and BASEMENT DROPKICKS! Fans rally while both men slowly rise. Naito shakes out his head and stands up. Naito drags Shane up, and throws heavy back elbows! Shane drops to his knees but Naito drags him back up. Naito throws more of those back elbows! Shane falls over and fans rally up again!
Naito goes to a corner, climbs up, and he reels Shane in. ESPERANZA!! Fans fire up while Shane flounders away! Naito aims from the corner, runs in, CORRI- UPPERCUT! But Naito’s right up to ENZIGURI! And then he headlocks, but Shane deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Shane and Naito stir and we pass 10 minutes. Shane throws a forearm, but Naito hits back! Shane throws another forearm, but Naito gives it back! The forearms fly faster and faster, the two stand up, and Naito SPITS at Shane! Naito fires forearms, but Shane fires UPPERCUTS and PALM STRIKES!
Shane UPPERCUTS Naito, then whips! Naito reverses, reels Shane in, TORNADO DDT! And a stiff one! Fans fire up again as Naito drags Shane up. But Shane wrenches out, kicks the leg out, then hits a SWINGING SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans fire up! Shane fireman’s carries, BOMB VALLEY- DESTINO!! Naito hits one outta nowhere, and now he wants another! But Shane slips free to LARIAT Naito inside out!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Naito and Shane stir, Shane crawls over after Naito, and Shane drags Naito up. Shane fireman’s carries but Naito fires off elbows!
Naito throws more heavy elbows, but Shane fireman’s carries! Naito slips free, CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives again and fans are thunderous! Naito stands Shane up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirl- BOMB VALLEY DEATH!! Cover, SHANE WINS!!!
Winner: Shane Haste, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
Naito got greedy, wanting to put a punctuation on the match, but ended up getting caught! Shane has the last laugh, will this be the loss that keeps Naito from the semifinals?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Tama Tonga!
There seems to be a subtle them of facing familiar foes tonight, as the Rebel is the man who brutalized the Good Bad Guy and dethroned him as NEVER Openweight Champion back at Wrestling Dontaku. But will Tama get payback on Finlay here tonight? Or will Finlay just repeat the same savagery from the Spring?
But since there’s no love lost, Tama jumps out of the ring and goes after Finlay at the ramp! They brawl by the crowd, fans fire up and the bell rings as Tama SMACKS Finlay off the upper level! Tama throws more punches, then brings Finlay up into the crowd! Finlay hits back but Tama RAMS him into the wall! Fans fire up as Tama stomps Finlay down! Tama stands on Finlay and fans cheer! Tama then drags Finlay up, CLUBS him on the back and brings him down the stands, to ROCK him and SMACK him off the bleachers! Red Shoes reprimands, fans move aside, and Tama leaves Finlay behind.
Fans cheer as Tama sticks to the “good” part, but then decides to be the “bad” part and he goes back for more! Fans cheer Tama as he punches away on Finlay! Red Shoes reprimands, Tama lets off and fans fire up with him! Red Shoes warns Tama, but Tama drags Finlay up. Tama has Red Shoes move aside, and he brings Finlay up! Finlay fights the suplex desperately, then throws body shots! Finlay shoves Tama to the floor! Tama clutches a leg, Finlay hurries down to stomp away! Finlay confiscates a fan’s chair to JAM Tama with it! Finlay drags Tama up by his hair while Red Shoes returns the chair.
Finlay beats Tama down, then paces. Finlay drags Tama up, SMACKS him off the apron, and fans boo. Finlay looms over Tama while a ring count starts. Finlay stomps Tama’s leg, the count hits 10 of 20 but Finlay puts Tama in at 12. Fans cheer but Finlay drags Tama to ropes. Finlay HIP DROPS the bad leg! Finlay drags Tama out, SLAMS the leg on the apron edge, and fans boo while Tama writhes. But Finlay just SLAMS the leg on the apron again! Finlay slides in, puts the leg back on the ropes, and fans boo again. Finlay flips them off, then HIP DROPS the leg! Tama writhes, Finlay drags him around, and turns Tama!
Tama fights but Finlay still steps over for the HALF BOSTON CRAB! Tama endures, fans rally, and Tama turns over to kick away! Finlay DDTs the leg! Tama writhes and Finlay mocks him. Finlay then drags Tama up, but Tama throws body shots! Finlay DECKS Tama, then CLUBS away on him! Finlay drags Tama up, scoops, but Tama slips free to waistlock. Finlay throws elbows, Finlay runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as both men are down! Tama clutches the leg, crawls to ropes, and he storms up on Finlay in the corner. Tama throws an elbow, whips Finlay back into the corner, and clotheslines!
Fans rally up, Tama drags Finlay up and throws haymakers! Tama fires shots, whips Tama corner to corner, but Finlay reverses! Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Fans fire up with Tama as he glares at Finlay. Finlay crawls to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Then cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and Gedo coaches him up, but Tama looms over him. Tama CLUBS Finlay down, then throws down elbows! Fans rally, Tama ELBOWS Finlay in the head! Tama paces, drags Finlay up, but Finlay snapmares free! Tama runs in, but Finlay avoid the Gun Stun!
Tama runs back in, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tama hangs tough but Finlay drags him back up. Finlay gut wrenches for the Canadian rack but Tama slips out! Finlay spins things around, Tama fights the suplex but Finlay ROCKS him! Tama PELES! Fireman’s carry, S R C! Fans fire up and Tama goes up the corner! SUPREME FLOW onto knees!! Finlay saves himself but perhaps a bit double-edged! Gedo is happy either way that Finlay’s still in this. Fans rally, both men stir, and Finlay stands first. Finlay drags Tama up, scoops and SLAMS him into ropes, just to tweak the legs!
Finlay steps through, turns Tama over as we hit 10 minutes, and he has the SHARPSHOOTER! Tama endures and fans rally up! Finlay sits deep on the hold, but Tama fights his way forward! Finlay sits down all the way, it’s almost a deathlock! Tama reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Finlay lets off in frustration but Gedo smiles, he is sure this is in the bag. Finlay drags Tama up, but Tama fights the lift! Tama back drops Finlay outta the ring! Fans fire up as Tama rises again! Tama hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Finlay! Tama hurries to put Finlay back in, and he goes back up the corner! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!!
Finlay survives but Tama says he’ll finish this! Finlay stands, but turns Gun Stun to backslide! Roll through, INTO- NO, Tama slips free to underhook! But Finlay slips out to get around, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and Finlay is furious! Finlay gut wrenches, Canadian DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives, and was that a low blow kick out!? Did Tama borrow an idea from the Tribal Chief? Finlay hobbles up, he still wants to end this! But Tama cradles!! TWO!!! GUN- NO, Finlay spins Tama around, gets him up, but Tama fights free! They brawl with forearms and fans fire up!
Finlay gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, Tama SUPER- NO, Finlay ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! And ROLLING ELBOWS again!! Fans are thunderous for Tama but Finlay aims from a corner. Tama flounders but stands, Finlay runs in to SPEAR!! Finlay vows to end this now! POWER- RANA!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Finlay earns 0)
Vengeance, thy name is Tama! Tama gets the better of The Rebel, is now the top man in the block, and that pisses Finlay off! Finlay attacks like a sore loser and fans boo! Gedo tosses the shillelagh in, but Finlay says hold on. POWERBOMB!! Fans boo, and now Finlay has the shillelagh! Gedo drags Tama up, Finlay aims, SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Fans boo as The Rebel still stands tall, and he flips everyone off. Tama didn’t have back-up, but will he be rolling three Guerrillas deep when he and Finlay meet again?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb!
At Wrestling Dontaku, the Front Man held onto the NJPW World Television Championship because of a time limit draw. At Dominion, ZSJ was able to wrap things up much faster than 15 minutes. But the bottom line is that Cobb is 0-2 against ZSJ this year. Will the Imperial Unit be able to finally take ZSJ on a Tour of the Island? Or will ZSJ finally get Cobb to #JustTapOut?
ZSJ takes a moment to walk through the crowd so the adoring fans can cheer him on even more. ZSJ even goes up into the stands, but Cobb waits patiently as ZSJ makes his way back down. ZSJ then steps into the ring, the bell rings and ZSJ actually has some breathing room since this is a 20 minute time limit, not 15. Fans rally as the two circle, feel things out, and then circle some more. ZSJ keeps away from Cobb, and Cobb gets annoyed. Fans cheer as the two tie up, and Cobb headlocks. Cobb grinds then hits a takeover, and he shrugs the headscissor off. ZSJ keeps trying, and succeeds on the third time, but Cobb kips free.
ZSJ headlocks, but Cobb blocks the takeover. ZSJ keeps trying, and again succeeds on the third time! But Cobb headscissors on his first try! ZSJ kicks and kicks and kips free on the third try! Fans cheer but Cobb frowns. The two reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock and ZSJ rolls to wrench and wrangle Cobb! Cobb rolls to his feet, wrenches through and wristlocks. ZSJ rolls, spins, spins and bridges to then slips through and wristlock! ZSJ wrangles Cobb again and fans cheer. But Cobb stands, rolls, kips up, and he slips through to wrench back! Cobb WRINGS ZSJ out, but ZSJ kips up to WRING Cobb, but Cobb handsprings!?
Fans fire up as Cobb shows his agility! Even ZSJ says that was amazing! Fans rally, the two reset, and they tie up. ZSJ clinches, waistlocks, but Cobb smirks. Cobb pries the hold open, wrenches but ZSJ shifts around to headlock. Cobb powers out, they RAM shoulders, and ZSJ staggers back! Fans fire up and ZSJ goes again. ZSJ RAMS Cobb but ZSJ’s the one falling back! Cobb acts like he doesn’t know what happened. Cobb eggs ZJS on, ZSJ runs again, but Cobb drops, then hurdles! ZSJ RAMS Cobb, Cobb rebounds, but Cobb runs ZSJ over! Fans fire up while ZSJ goes to the apron. Cobb goes out and he drags ZSJ off the apron, to ROCK him with a right!
Cobb HEADBUTTS ZSJ against railing, right in front of commentary! Cobb apologizes, drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb DECKS ZSJ with a forearm! Fans fire up again but Red Shoes wants this back in the ring. Cobb stands ZSJ up to CLUB him on the back! Cobb then brings ZSJ around, to ROCK him again! Cobb whips ZSJ as we hit five minutes, and ZSJ hits railing hard! ZSJ flops down, Cobb refreshes the ring count. Cobb drags ZSJ up to whip him the other way! ZSJ hits railing, but comes right back! GUILLOTINE! But Cobb BACK DROPS ZSJ to the floor!
Fans rally and the ring count starts again. Cobb refreshes the count again, and he drags ZSJ up. Cobb puts ZSJ in the ring and fans applaud. Cobb drags ZSJ up, brings him around, and RAMS into him at the corner! Cobb digs his shoulder in, then RAMS in again! Red Shoes counts, Cobb whips corner to corner hard! ZSJ bounces off buckles and falls to the mat! ZSJ writhes, Cobb paces, and then Cobb drags ZSJ up. Cobb bumps ZSJ off buckles, then HEADBUTTS him! And HEADBUTTS! Cobb wrenches, whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off buckles again! Fans rally while ZSJ slumps against ropes.
Cobb mocks ZSJ, puts him near the ropes, and jumps on! Cobb stands on ZSJ’s back, Red Shoes counts, and Cobb lets go of the ropes. Red Shoes reprimands and Cobb “realizes” the problem! Cobb steps off ZSJ’s back and “apologizes” to Red Shoes. Cobb stalks ZSJ as he crawls, and brings him up. ZSJ HEADBUTTS low, HEADBUTTS low again, but then Cobb KNEES him down! Cobb stalks ZSJ to a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in corner to corner, but ZSJ avoids the back elbow! ZSJ comes back, goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Cobb and ZSJ rise, and Cobb staggers around. ZSJ UPPERCUTS him! And UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again! And again! And again, and again, and again! ZSJ runs, but Cobb reels him in to CLUB him on the back! Cobb runs, into a DROPKICK! Cobb goes to a corner and fans fire up! ZSJ runs in, to UPPERCUT! But then Cobb TOSSES ZSJ to the corner! Cobb runs in, blocks a boot, but ZSJ brings Cobb down with a headscissors, to NECK TWIST! Cobb writhes and goes to ropes, but ZSJ storms up on him. ZSJ whips, Cobb wrenches and reels ZSJ in! ATHLETIC- SLEEPER! ZSJ turns things around, but then Cobb BACKPACK SENTONS!
But ZSJ sits up to SLEEPER again! Cobb pushes back but ZSJ shifts around to an ARMBAR, and we’re at 10 minutes! Familiar territory for ZSJ as he pulls on the arm, but Cobb reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Cobb escapes by a literal foot and the fans rally up. ZSJ brings Cobb up, tries to scoop, but Cobb’s too big! ZSJ lifts Cobb on the third try! But Cobb fights free! And CHOPS ZSJ down! Cobb brings ZSJ up to CHOP him again! ZSJ shakes his head, stands back up, so Cobb CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks! ZSJ UPPERCUTS the arm, but Cobb DOUBLE CHOSP! ZSJ PALM STRIKE! And then hops on for a GUILLOTINE!
Cobb drops ZSJ down, but ZSJ has a TRIANGLE! So Cobb deadlifts ZSJ, and shifts him around to a BRAINBUSTER! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Cobb goes to a corner and he watches ZSJ go to the other. Cobb locks ‘n’ loads, runs in as ZSJ rises, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Cobb stays up! Cobb eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ swings, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! ZSJ runs, but Cobb LARIATS through ZSJ! Cobb drags ZSJ up, reels him in, but ZSJ wrenches and PELES! But Cobb DROPKICKS!! ZSJ flounders to a corner and fans rally up. Cobb storms over, drags ZSJ by a leg but ZSJ kicks at CObb.
ZSJ kicks and kicks, but Cobb YANKS ZSJ from the ropes, fumbles a bit, but reels him in! ATHLETIC PLEX!! Then a whip to ropes, for the scoop, TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN!! TWO!!! CLARKY CAT!!! ZSJ has Cobb caught, and even adds a leg for the BAD BALLOON REMIX!! Cobb endures, kicks with his one free leg, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans are thunderous as ZSJ lets Cobb go! ZSJ and Cobb rise, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! And UPPERCUTS again! But Cobb ROCKS ZSJ, whips him, but ZSJ BOOTS! Cobb sits down, ZSJ BLINDSIDE BASEMENT DROPKICKS!
ZSJ sits Cobb up but Cobb slides out the back and trips him! And body scissors, to steal EURO CLU- NO, ZSJ trips Cobb into a SLEEPER! But Cobb rolls back! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes but Cobb runs him over! GACHIMUCHI FLOP as ZSJ moves! NECK TWIST! Body scissors, EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Cobb escapes and we hit the 15 minute mark! That’s the second time for these two but there’s still the home stretch to go! Fans are thunderous as both men stand, and Cobb says ZSJ ain’t sh*t! Both men run in, ZSJ BOOTS the lariat! And ROUNDHOUSES the haymaker! And then waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX?!?
But Cobb rises! He deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ! But ZSJ rises?!? PENALTY KICK!! ZSJ roars and fans fire up with him! ZSJ runs again, but into a fireman’s carry! F5 THOUSAND!! And then the ripcord, TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ZSJ earns 0)
The Imperial Unit finally gets one over on the Front Man! The NJPW World Television Champion is not untouchable, will this damage his chances of staying champion?
As for Cobb, he gets the mic and wants everyone to calm down a moment. “Choto matte… <Wait a moment…>” Fans cheer as Cobb rests with an ice pack on his chest. Cobb then says, still in Japanese, “Today… Today, once again in Tokyo… It’s a scorcher!” Fans cheer that, it IS a hot summer. Cobb continues so that “But this G1 Climax is even hotter!” Fans cheer that, too! “Choto matte…” Cobb gets more ice packs, and fans cheer him on as he stands back up. Cobb tells Korakuen Hall, “DOMO ARIGATOGOZAIMASU!” Fans cheer in thanks back, and Cobb stands alone as the ONLY 4-0 on this side of the Climax! Will that mean he conquers the whole thing for the United Empire?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
Tama Tonga: 3-1, 6 points
David Finlay: 3-1, 6 points
EVIL: 3-1, 6 points
Eddie Kingston: 2-2, 4 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-3, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-3, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-3, 2 points
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 4-0, 8 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 3-1, 6 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 2-2, 4 points
Shane Haste: 2-2, 4 points
Tetsuya Naito: 2-2, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-2, 4 points
Alex Coughlin: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Toru Yano: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round for the G1, and especially for these two blocks. Ishii and Coughlin each getting their first wins off Eddie and Goto was great stuff, especially since it doesn’t really hurt either guy, mostly because I don’t expect Ishii, Coughlin, Eddie or Goto to be the semifinalists. Of course Evil cheats to beat Henare, and then an awesome win from Tama over Finlay, now we have three 3-1 records to top C Block. In fact, Evil beat Tama, Tama beat Finlay, Finlay beat Evil, that’s a true tie right there, and it’ll really come down to these last three rounds. They could really milk this to where it all comes down to round 7.
Yano being winless so far feels about right. We all love Yano, and while he is the best comedy wrestler perhaps ever, he is still comedy wrestler. Though he could play a great spoiler at this point. And a great main event from Cobb and ZSJ, they’ve definitely got great chemistry as opponents. And an awesome move for Cobb to win, as he pretty much dominated this match, pushed ZSJ past the 15, and then took the win with minutes to spare. Cobb would be a great semifinalist from D Block, already having beat the big names of ZSJ, Tanahashi and Naito. Sanada feels primed to take A Block and Okada would take B, the C Block three way tie can go to anyone, and then Cobb probably still bulldozes whoever comes out of C Block to be a finalist.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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