NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/30/23)
C & D, round 5!
Who will lead the way into the home stretch?
Things are getting wild as the G1 Climax enters round five, and C Block has no clear leader! Will Tama Tonga, David Finlay or EVIL pull away from the pack?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb; Yano wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Mikey Nicholls; Eddie wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Alex Coughlin; Naito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: EVIL VS Tomohiro Ishii; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shane Haste; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Tama Tonga; Time Limit Draw.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto; Tanahashi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current 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 current 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
Toru Yano: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Face of Fury is hanging on by a thread and time is running out! Will Henare be able to Rampage all over The Rebel? Or will Finlay fight his way back up to the top of the block?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They go forehead to forehead, then Finlay shoves Henare. Henare fires off a shot and the brawl is on! It’s fast and furious already, but Henare gets the edge! Henare HEADBUTTS, runs, and runs Finlay over! Fans fire up and Henare sits Finlay up to KICK him! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Henare storms around. Finlay goes to the apron, but Henare drags him up! Finlay HOTSHOTS, then tackles Henare to rain down fists! The ref counts, Finlay lets off, but then he throws Henare out! Finlay goes out after Henare, throws more hands and he sits Henare down at the railing.
Finlay SLAMS Henare back against the railing! And again! And again! The ref reprimands, Finlay argues with him, but Finlay drags Henare up and onto the apron. Finlay ELBOWS Henare against the edge! And again! Finlay crawls in to cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Finlay flips them off. Finlay drops a leg and then another! Cover, TWO! Finlay drags Henare up and turns him to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finlay gets in the ref’s face but the ref says his count was fair. Finlay KNEES Henare in the back and clamps on a chinlock! Henare endures, reaches out, but Finlay pulls Henare against his knee!
Henare fights up, throws body shots, but Finlay clinches to IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Henare survives but Finlay wraps on another chinlock! Finlay shifts around, it’s almost a Bully Choke! Henare reaches for Finlay’s head, but Finlay BITES Henare’s hand! The ref reprimands, Finlay stops biting but he keeps on the chinlock. Finlay pushes Henare to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Finlay clamps on a cravat neck wrench. Henare endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Henare ends up in a corner, Finlay runs in but into an ELBOW!
Henare storms up but Finlay fires a forearm! Finlay runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! We pass five minutes as Finlay flounders to a corner. Henare storms over and he throws heavy body shots! The fans fire up with Henare and he whips corner to corner, to then clothesline! Henare whips to ropes, to scoop, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Finlay hangs tough but Henare snarls. Henare waits on Finlay to sit up, then Henare runs to PENALTY- NO, Finlay blocks! But Henare throws palm strikes from all sides! Fans rally, Henare blocks a kick to step over and WHEEL KICK! And then PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up again and Henare goes to a corner. Henare stomps the mat and the fans clap along. Henare fires himself up, runs in, RAMPAGE- NO, Finlay fights with furious elbows! Finlay whips but Henare comes back! RAMP- SATELLITE DDT!! Gedo is all fired up as Finlay turns it around again! Finlay drags Henare up to throw crossface forearms! Finlay just keeps clubbing away! Gedo tells Henare to give it up, and Finlay runs, BLINDSIDER! Cover, TWO!! Henare is still in this and fans fire up! Finlay drags Henare up, but Henare fights the lift with elbows! Henare shoves Finlay to a corner, runs in, but Finlay dodges the Shining Wizard!
Finlay DUMPS Henare to the floor! Finlay then goes out to fetch Henare, and fireman’s carries so he can POST him! Henare goes down in a heap but Finlay has the ref move aside. Finlay puts Henare in the ring, drags him back up, for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Henare is still in this and fans fire up again! Finlay is stunned and frustrated and we pass 10 minutes! Finlay pulls the kneepad down and slashes his throat. Finlay drags Henare up but Henare’s dead weight! Finlay CLUBS away on Henare, hauls him up again, but Henare fights free! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Fans fire up again as Finlay flounders!
Henare drags Finlay up, fisherman and STREETS- NO, Finlay slips free to RAM Henare into buckles! Finlay checks his chin, but Henare rises!? Finlay fires off forearms and HEADBUTTS, but that does nothing! ROLLING ELBOW! Henare wobbles, but he HEADBUTTS in return! Fans fire up again, and now Henare brings his kneepad down! Henare runs in, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Henare shoves Finlay out, runs in, RAMPAGE!! But Henare isn’t done there! Henare drags Finlay up, STREETS- NO, Finlay slips free again! Finlay backslides, Henare rolls through, but Finlay suplexes him INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Finlay redeems himself with a victory here, and he crosses Henare off the list at the same time! Will Finlay show that the G1 needs The Rebel?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb!
The Clown Prince having no wins at this point, and the Imperial Unit having no losses, it is obvious who’s still alive in the standings. But can Yano pull off the ultimate trick and spoil things for Cobb? Or will he take a Tour of the Island?
Cobb wants the ref to check Yano, that lump in his shirt is suspicious! Yano says it’s nothing, stop looking. Yano keeps the ref from frisking him, but Cobb rushes in to attack! Cobb whips, Yano reverses and throws Cobb down! The bell rings, and Yano unties a buckle pad! The ref reprimands, but Cobb storms up to ROCK Yano! Cobb pulls up the shirt to reveal several rolls of tape! And also beer and snack foods? Yano apologizes, and offers the beer and snacks as a peace offering! But then Yano goes to low blow! Cobb blocks it with one hand! And hands over the beer to the ref at the same time! Then Cobb reels Yano in for an ATHLETIC PLEX!
Cobb then goes back to the beer, cracks it open and takes a sip. That’s good stuff! Cobb takes another swig, then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT, onto Yano’s knees! The beer goes spewing outta Cobb’s mouth! Yano covers, TWO!! Yano blocks Cobb’s superkick! Yano turns Cobb around to hook the arms, but Cobb fights the backslide! Yano grabs the ref, and LOW BLOW MULE KICKS! Yano finishes the backslide, TWO!!! Cobb escapes, Yano runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Cobb is mad now! Cobb hauls Yano up, whips him to ropes, but Yano holds ropes and taunts Cobb! Yano then dives for his corner!
Yano grabs the red chair, and something else! Cobb drags Yano back, the ref takes the chair, but Yano SPRAYS Cobb with the disinfectant!! M U CRADLE!! YANO WINS?!?!
Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Cobb earns 0)
Yano snatches the win away from Cobb! And he snatches a beer before running away. Yano says cheers, but will this be the only celebration he has this G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Mad King and Mad Mikey are still fighting for a chance, but that chance can only go to one man! Will Eddie show he’s NJPW Strong? Or will he see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up as they feel things out, then tie up. Eddie powers Mikey to a corner but Mikey turns it around, only for them to go around the ropes, in and out of corners, and then along more ropes. Mikey puts Eddie in the red corner and the ref calls for the break. Mikey lets off slowly, then SLAPS Eddie across the face! Fans cheer and Mikey eggs Eddie on. Eddie smiles and resets with Mikey. They tie up again, break, and Mikey fires a forearm! Eddie spins but Mikey ducks the backfist! Mikey reels Eddie in for a SAIDO! But Eddie’s right up, and he gets out of the ring!
Mikey waits inside while Eddie clutches his shoulder. But then Mikey storms up to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Mikey encourages them to get louder, but the ref wants this back in the ring. Mikey says okay and he puts Eddie in, which fans cheer. Eddie goes to the far side but Mikey CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Mikey lets off, and Eddie sputters to the corner. Mikey drags Eddie up to suplex, and he holds Eddie up for a count of TEN before the SLAM! Cover, ONE!! Eddie is hanging tough but Mikey keeps on him. Mikey claws the face but the ref reprimands, so Mikey drops a knee!
Mikey mocks the fans rallying for Eddie and then stalks him. Mikey wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight! Eddie endures, Mikey shifts to a partial Camel Clutch! The ref reprimands as Mikey fishhooks Eddie, so Mikey lets off. Mikey switches sides in the partial clutch, then he BITES Eddie’s forehead! The ref reprimands, Mikey lets off again, and he paces. Mikey sits Eddie up, but Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! Mikey knees low! Eddie falls over, but pushes himself back up. Mikey brings him up and reels him in, but Eddie fights the saido! Eddie throws down elbows, but Mikey waistlocks! Eddie bucks that and hits a DDT!
Fans rally as both men rise. Mikey goes to a corner, Eddie runs in, but Mikey dodges! Mikey runs in but Eddie BOOTS! Eddie goes up, FLYING BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Eddie sees Mikey crawling to ropes. Eddie storms up to fire off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and that last one sits Mikey down! Eddie goes corner to corner to BOOT WASH! Mikey flounders, Eddie brings him up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Bridging cover, TWO!! We hit five minutes and Eddie watches Mikey flounder. Eddie prepares his hand and aims as Mikey stands. But Mikey ducks the backfist to waistlock! Eddie switches, ducks an elbow, but Mikey DDTs!
Fans rally up while both men are down again. Eddie sits up first but Mikey follows. They go to opposite ends, Mikey runs in, and he clotheslines in the corner! Mikey whips corner to corner, but runs into a BOOT! He still clotheslines through! Mikey whips Eddie to ropes for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Mikey adjusts the elbow pads. Mikey whips Eddie to ropes but Eddie slips through. Mikey fireman’s carries to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie hangs tough! Mikey pounds the mat, fans clap along, then Mikey slaps Eddie around and eggs him on.
Eddie stands, Mikey throws a forearm! Mikey avoids Eddie’s chop, then ROCKS Eddie again! Mikey talks trash, but Eddie CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Eddie blocks a kick to clinch and EXPLODER! Mikey staggers up into a SAIDO! Mikey swings but Eddie catches him! HALF NELSON SUPLEX! And then SLIDING FOREARM!! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives Eddie’s take on Sliding D, but Eddie won’t give up here. Fans rally up and Eddie prepares another shot. URA- NO, Mikey blocks to ENZIGURI! But Eddie still URAKENS! Cover, EDDIE WINS!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
One Backfist to the Future was all it took for Eddie to keep his G1 future alive! Will the Mad King make a strong comeback? As for Mikey, he didn’t kneel but he did fall, and now he’s mathematically OUT! Will he just have to settle for being a spoiler in the final two rounds?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Alex Coughlin!
The Uncontrollable Charisma is on the bubble, and that’s not a position he wants to be in when facing the Deadeye Dreadnought! Will Naito keep things tranquilo in the home stretch? Or will Coughlin strike him out in the fifth?
Coughlin says they’re on a schedule, he wants Naito to hurry up. But that only makes Naito take longer with entering the ring, and with taking off the entrance attire. Especially with the belt and pants. The bell rings and Coughlin rushes in, only for Naito to bail out! Coughlin is annoyed as Naito paces around the outside. Naito returns, but then dodges Coughlin to tranquilo! Fans cheer but Coughlin throws Naito’s hat to the floor! Coughlin rushes Naito again but Naito bails out again! Naito goes around the way, waits by the ramp, and then slides back in, only to slide right back out. Fans applaud as Naito trolls Coughlin.
But then Coughlin rushes out after Naito! They go around the way, Naito slides in and he kicks Coughlin! Naito runs, RANAS, and fans fire up! Coughlin runs back in, Naito dodges then holds ropes. Coughlin runs in, but into a BOOT! Naito runs but Coughlin scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Naito flounders out, Coughlin fetches him right away, to THROW into railing! Coughlin then stands Naito up to CHOP him! Coughlin CHOKES Naito against the railing! The ref reprimands, but Coughlin whip Naito into more railing! Coughlin goes into the ring, and he mocks Naito with his own take on Too Sweet android tranquilo!
Naito is down as the ring count starts. Naito crawls at 6 of 20, stands up at 10, and hurries over at 12, but Coughlin’s on him! Deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Coughlin stalks Naito, stomps him, drags him up, and CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off at 4, then YANKS the ropes to send Naito down! Coughlin clamps on a headlock and he pulls Naito! Naito scrubs his forearm in Coughlin’s face, but Coughlin throws hands! Naito claws at Coughlin’s face but the ref reprimands! Coughlin traps one arm with a leg scissor and pulls on the other in a top wristlock to add to this stretch!
Naito endures, and he throws knees! Coughlin lets off to stomp Naito down! Coughlin paces around while fans rally up. Coughlin stomps Naito, CHOPS him on the back, and has Naito in a corner. Coughlin CHOPS and fans fire up! Coughlin CHOPS again, keeps Naito in the corner, and says one more! Coughlin winds up, but then SPITS on Naito instead! Fans boo but Coughlin doesn’t care. Coughlin whips corner to corner, runs in, but Naito kicks low! NECKBREAKER! We hit five minutes as Coughlin goes to ropes. Naito fires forearms and kicks and whips, to arm-drag! And ELBOW! And basement DROPKICK!
Fans rally as Naito keeps going, and he whips Coughlin to a corner. Naito runs in, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION feint, and Naito SPITS at Coughlin! Then he dropkicks! CABRON! Coughlin flounders, Naito poses over him! Fans cheer and Naito covers, ONE! Naito stands Coughlin up, cravats for a neck wrench, and he grinds Coughlin down. Coughlin fights back up, reaches out, but Naito keeps on the cravat. Coughlin scoops for a BACKBREAKER! And then he deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Fans rally while Naito writhes and crawls to a corner. Coughlin storms up, CHOPS, and then whips!
Naito reverses and reels Coughlin in, but Coughlin blocks the tornado! Coughlin pops Naito up to a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans rally up, but Coughlin drags Naito back. Coughlin reels Naito in, suplexes, but Naito fights! Coughlin keeps Naito up but then Naito slips out, shoves, and ELBOWS! ENZIGURIS! Coughlin wobbles, Naito runs in! CORRIENDO SHIKI- NO, Coughlin blocks! And pops Naito up, but Naito fights that! Naito throws those heavy elbows, but Coughlin blocks! Coughlin whips, scoops, SCRAPBUSTER! And then short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up again as Naito survives!
Coughlin slashes his throat, drags Naito up, and suplexes again, but Naito fights it! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives, we pass 10 minutes, and Naito tries again! Tilt-o-whirl DESTINO!! Cover, Naito wins!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
If the Android wasn’t out of the running before, he surely is now! Naito keeps his own hopes alive, will he complete his mission to make it back to WrestleKingdom?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The King of Darkness is just behind the block leaders, but the Stone Pitbull is at the bottom! Will Ishii at least be able to take a bite out of Evil’s momentum? Or will Darkness Fall on the G1 Climax?
Evil attacks as soon as Ishii steps in the ring! Fans boo as Evil CLUBS Ishii down! The bell rings, Evil pulls Ishii’s shirt off him to lash him with it! Evil then drags Ishii up to toss him out! Evil goes out after Ishii and he stomps away on Ishii! The ref reprimands, Evil pushes Ishii back in, and Evil stomps Ishii right back out! Evil then goes after Ishii to whip, but Ishii reverses and sends Evil into railing! And then does it again! Ishii RAMS Evil into the railing a third time and fans fire up! Evil sputters, Ishii puts him in the ring, and Ishii kicks Evil around. Ishii slaps Evil around, stands him up, and then CHOPS him against ropes!
Ishii CHOPS and forearms and CHOPS and forearms, repeat! Fans rally up with every shot, but the ref reprimands. Ishii eggs Evil on, whips, but Evil reverses. Dick takes a swipe! Evil CLOBBERS Ishii and dumps him out! Evil then RAMS Ishii into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! Oh and Dick takes the blue buckle pad away! Evil drags Ishii up, claws his eyes, and then looms over him. The ref helps Abe-san, but Evil CHOKES Ishii with the camera cables! Evil gets away with it, too! The ref tells Evil to get this in the ring but Ishii whips Evil into railing! Then he pushes the ref aside so he can get some chairs!
Dick distracts, Evil puts a chair around Ishii’s head! Evil has the second chair, but Ishii avoids it! That’s a strike! And then Ishii THROWS the chair off his head and into Evil! Ishii ROCKS Evil with forearms, but Evil knees low! Evil puts the chair around Ishii’s head again, to POST him! Ishii falls and Evil fetches the other chair. Evil CHOKES Ishii with it, but lets off before the ref sees. Evil goes into the ring and waits as Ishii writhes. The ring count starts, and Ishii drags himself up at 5 of 20. Ishii staggers around, makes it to the apron at 10, and is in! Evil drags Ishii up, to SMACK him off the bare buckles!
The ref reprimands, but Evil CHOKES Ishii on the ropes! The ref counts, Evil lets off at 4. Ishii falls back, clutching his face while sputtering. Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! And Ishii has a cover now! TWO!! Evil is upset that he almost got caught, and he stands on Ishii’s head. We pass five minutes, the ref reprimands and Evil steps away. Ishii kicks from below but Evil eggs him on. Ishii throws hands as he stands, but Evil rakes the eyes! Evil reels Ishii to suplex, but Ishii fights it to suplex back! Ishii takes Evil up and over, and fans fire up while both men are down!
Evil goes to a corner, and Ishii is right on him with a CHOP! And another CHOP! And another CHOP! Ishii whips, Evil reverses but Ishii comes back. Evil kicks low, rakes the eyes, but Ishii bends Evil’s fingers! Evil still blocks the kick, hands it off to the ref, and then mule kicks Ishii down! The ref reprimands but the damage is done. Evil hauls Ishii up, but Ishii SAIDOS! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Ishii growls and rises, then waits on Evil. Evil stands, Ishii runs, but Evil dodges the lariat! Ishii dodges an elbow, Evil ducks a lariat but Ishii elbows out of the waistlock! Ishii runs, but Evil goes to the corner, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks but Evil grabs the ref to mess up the German Suplex! Ishii CLUBS Evil but Evil sends the ref at him! Ishii gets himself and the ref outta the way of the lariat! But then Dick slides in, and RAMS Ishii into the ref! Fans boo as Dick stomps away on Ishii! Evil grins, his Spoiler is always his ace in the hole! And Dick has the SPOILER CHOKER!! Fans tell Dick to go home but he just chokes Ishii while Evil goes to his corner. Evil brings Ishii’s merch shirt over, SPITS on it, then RIPS it! Fans boo as Evil then wipes the sweat off himself with the shirt before throwing it away. Dick lets off with the choker and then drags Ishii back up.
Fans rally for Ishii but Evil & Dick hit MAGIC KILLER!! The ref returns as Evil counts, TWO!?!? Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Evil slashes his throat, drags Ishii back up, and spins him around, EVERY- NO, Ishii fights it with elbows! Evil knees low, whips, but Ishii reverses! Evil hits bare buckles, and then Ishii gets him with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Dick coaches Evil as he and Ishii stir. Ishii rises and he brings Evil up. But Evil claws the eyes! We hit 15 minutes as the ref reprimands. Evil lets go, and Ishii just glares! Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ENZIGURIS!
Fans fire up and Ishii drags Evil around in chicken wings! The WL SPECIAL STRETCH! Evil endures as Ishii thrashes him around! Evil kicks forward, but Ishii drags him back! Evil grabs at the ref but can’t, the chicken wings give him T-Rex arms! But Dick has a chair! The ref sees that, and Ishii lets Evil go! Ishii storms up but Dick gets away, and now Evil has a chair! Evil swings, but hits DICK! Ishii LARIATS through the chair!! Fans fire up as Evil is down and Ishii shakes his arms out. Ishii roars and dares Evil to get back up. Evil rises, Ishii runs, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Ishii just roars again!
Ishii drags Evil up, suplexes, but Evil fights it! Evil wrenches out, clinches, but Ishii slips free! Evil LARAITS but Ishii stays up! Ishii HEADBUTTS, but Evil LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Fans rally, Evil stands, and he waits on Ishii now. Ishii rises, Evil runs, and LARIATS! Evil drags Ishii up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil slashes his throat, he vows to end this! Evil stands Ishii up, spins him, EVERYTHING- NO, Ishii slips out! But Evil spins around to suplex! But Ishii wrenches out, only for Evil to reel him back in! Short arm- ISHII STEALS EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!
Fans are thunderous and Ishii drags Evil up! SLIDING LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Evil survives and Ishii roars again! Ishii slashes his throat, he drags Evil up, suplex for the- NO, Evil fights that! They stumble into the ref, Evil grabs the ref, and Dick runs in to LOW BLOW Ishii!!! Evil drags Ishii up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
The King of Darkness and his court jester did it again! They found a way to cheat and win that Ishii didn’t expect! The Stone Pitbull is out of the running while Evil still lives! Will the House of Torture continue to stack the deck in order to take the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shante Haste!
The Mighty VS the Mighty!? How is this going to work? Not just in who moves up in the block, but who Kosei Fujita will second for?
Kosei is with Hysterical Haste as he makes his entrance, but then hurries back to make another entrance with The Front Man! That’s very fair of “Sweet Boy Fujita,” and of the group as a whole. But then Shane insists Kosei stay in his corner for the match, coaxing him over with the orange top hat. Kosei says he’ll just stay in a neutral corner to show he is neutral in this match. Well, that is also fair. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Shane waistlocks, but ZSJ switches. Shane switches back, but ZSJ switches again. Shane pries the waistlock open, headlocks, and he grinds ZSJ down.
ZSJ fights up, powers out, and drops down to then arm-drag! ZSJ has the armlock but Shane headscissors! ZSJ kips free but Shane arm-drags! Shane armlocks, ZSJ headscissors, but Shane kips free! The two stand off and fans cheer! The two reset and circle again. Shane calls for a test of strength with knuckle locks but ZSJ says no thanks. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and ZSJ uses his chin to trap a hand! ZSJ wrenches Shane, spins and wristlocks then twists the elbow! Shane goes around, ZSJ wrenches again, and ZSJ keeps Shane from grabbing ropes. ZSJ spins, wrangles Shane down, but Shane moves around and kips up!
Shane arm-drags and he KICKS ZSJ in the back! Shane then apologizes, he didn’t mean to hit that hard, they’re friends. It’s just habit! ZSJ says that was a pretty sharp kick. Shane apologizes again, but then he BOOTS! Shane grins, but ZSJ BOOTS back! ZSJ gives a kick, Shane shoves ZSJ, and they stare down forehead to forehead. Shane UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! Shane UPPERCUTS again, ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! ZSJ eggs Shane on, Shane UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Shane UPPERCUTS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, fans rally as the UPPERCUTS keep flying back and forth!
Shane gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Fans fire up, Shane BOOTS, but ZSJ rebounds to BOOT! Shane rebounds to BOOT, then DROPKICKS ZSJ! Fans fire up as Shane outsmarts ZSJ there. ZSJ bails out, Shane goes out to fetch him. Shane brings ZSJ up, wants Kosei to help but Kosei says no, he’s neutral. Shane whips but he sends ZSJ into the ring. And KICKS ZSJ in the back again! That time was on purpose. Shane pushes ZSJ down and stands on one arm to bend the other arm! ZSJ endures this modified double armlock, and we pass five minutes.
ZSJ powers up, drags Shane down to a headscissor but Shane gets to the ropebreak! The ref separates them but Shane KICKS ZSJ again! ZSJ goes to a corner, Shane kicks and kicks and kicks and stomps! The ref reprimands, ZSJ sits up and Shane kicks him more! Shane scuffs ZSJ, kicks him, then KICKS him! Shane scuffs ZSJ some more, slaps him around and gives him more kicks. ZSJ stands but Shane KICKS his leg! And again! ZSJ blocks a kick for a HEEL HOOK! Shane stays up to pry the grapevine open and he KICKS that leg! Shane runs, but ZSJ DROPKICKS back! Fans fire up as ZSJ returns the favor for earlier!
ZSJ drags Shane up, snapmares, and then KICKS him in the back! ZSJ snapmares again, to NECK TWIST! Shane writhes and ZSJ grins. ZSJ drags Shane up, but Shane RAMS him into a corner! Shane gets space, runs back in, blocks a boot but ZSJ pushes him down! NECK TWIST! ZSJ brings Shane up, HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO! Shane escapes and fans rally up. ZSJ drags Shane up, he facelocks for a GUILLOTINE, but Shane powers up. ZSJ grabs thar arm for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! But Shane powers up again to FALCON ARROW! Fans fire up while both men are down! Kosei rallies the fans up for both guys!
Shane and ZSJ crawl to each other, and Shane fires forearms! Shane sits ZSJ up but ZSJ pushes him. ZSJ SLAPS Shane, and fans rally up again. Shane nods, and he SLAPS back! ZSJ SLAPS, Shane SLAPS, it’s a SLAP fight! Both men stand, and the SLAPPING palm strikes keep going! ZSJ responds as soon as Shane hits him! Shane SWINGS a big one! ZSJ nods, and he SLAPS right back! Shane staggers, fans rally up, and Shane ROCKS ZSJ again! ZSJ still responds as fast as he’s hit! The fans rally as these shots get fast and furious! Both men wobble, fire up, and DOUBLE SHOT! Then DOUBLE BOOT!! But ZSJ is up first! PENALTY KICK!!
We hit 10 minutes as both men are down again. ZSJ crawls over to Shane, stands him up, fires up, but Shane wrenches to KNEE a leg! Then LAST RIDE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? ZSJ survives and fans fire back up! Shane rises, he drags ZSJ back up but ZSJ pushes him away. Shane runs in, but ZSJ turns to the Shining Wizard into an STF!! Shane reaches out, but then ZSJ shifts to a RINGS OF SATURN! ZSJ bends the fingers! Shane endures, but ZSJ pushes Shane into TESCO MEAL DEAL! Shane endures, kicks around, but ZSJ grabs at a leg! CLARKY CAT! But Shane’s free leg gets the ROPEBREAK!!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he goes to a corner. ZSJ KICKS Shane down, then waits until he sits up, for a PENALTY KICK! Fans fire up, ZSJ runs, but Shane LARIATS!! Shane fireman’s carries, ZSJ slips off to SLEEPER, but Shane SAIDOS free! Fans fire up with Shane, he point-blank LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Shane fires up again, fireman’s carries, BOMB VALLEY- TRIANGLE HOLD!! ZSJ has Shane caught but Shane fights around! Shane powers up to deadlift but ZSJ shifts to victory roll! EURO CLUTCH!! ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shane earns 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can get caught! The Front Man bested Shane here, but TMDK is still united! Will ZSJ make sure the team takes the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
The Rampaging Dragon is just on the outside, but he hasn’t been grounded just yet! Will Takagi take down the Good Bad Guy? Or will Tama ensure he is THE guy in C Block?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI!” as he circles with Tama. They feel things out, tie up, and Takagi waistlocks. Tama pries the hold open, hammerlocks, but Takagi reaches back to headlock. Takagi facelocks, wrenches, but Tama spins to slip through and armlock. Takagi rolls, wrenches Tama back, then headlocks. Takagi grinds the headlock but Tama powers out. Takagi runs him over! Things speed up, Tama jumps but into a fireman’s carry! Tama slips out but Takagi throws elbows! Tama fires back, they brawl and fans rally up! Tama gets the edge, runs, RAMS, and then runs Takagi over on the rebound!
Fans fire up as Tama stomps Takagi. Takagi eggs Tama on so Tama throws forearms. Takagi keeps egging Tama on so the forearms keep going! Tama kicks, Takagi blocks and spins him but, but Tama elbows back! Tama runs, but into ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up and Tama goes to ropes. Takagi runs in to clothesline Tama out! Takagi goes out, brings Tama up, and Takagi gives Tama SNAKE EYES off the apron! Takagi then drops a knee on Tama, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Fans rally up and Takagi reels Tama in. Takagi suplexes high and hard! But then wags his fingers, it’s not time yet.
Takagi runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps cool and fans rally up. Takagi looms over Tama but Tama throws body shots! Takagi JABS, JABS, and JABS! Tama staggers, Red Shoes reprimands over closed fists but Takagi promises those were palms. Takagi whips Tama ropes, KNEES him at ropes, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama snarls and gets to his feet while Takagi crawls to a corner. Tama brings Takagi up to ROCK him with a forearm, then fire off body shots! Tama ELBOWS, whips, and UPPERCUTS Takagi! Fans rally as Tama paces.
Tama whips corner to corner, but Takagi reverses! Tama comes back to LARIAT Takagi down! We’re at five minutes and off comes the vest! Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH! And then GAMANGIRI! Fans rally up and Tama brings Takagi up. Tama scoops, but Takagi slips to the apron. Takagi ROCKS Tama, but Tama HOTSHOTS Takagi down! Fans rally up while Takagi is on the floor. Takagi stirs, the ring count starts, and Takagi sits up at 5 of 20. Tama goes out after Takagi at 7, puts Takagi in, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Tama drags Takagi up but Takagi fires forearms! And a CHOP! And then JAB, CHOP, but Tama kicks back!
Tama whips, Takagi blocks! Tama knees low to scoop and BRUSH HOLD SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tama keeps his cool and stomps Takagi in the corner. Tama then snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Takagi hangs tough and fans cheer. Tama stalks Takagi, drags him up, but Takagi blocks the whip! Tama throws elbow after elbow and then CHOPS! Tama whips, but Takagi holds ropes to stop himself. Takagi BOOTS back, but Tama clinches! Takagi blocks that, throws some elbows, and ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint to DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Takagi pounds the mat and fans rally up as he goes to a corner.
Tama stands, they both run in, but Takagi runs Tama over! Then scoop SLAMS, and SENTONS! Takagi wags his finger, it’s still not time yet. Fans rally and Takagi sees Tama go to a corner. Takagi runs in, but he blocks the boot! And then clotheslines through! Takagi runs, Tama sits down, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks around, and… NOW IT’S TIME! Fans rally up and Takagi stalks Tama to a corner. Takagi throws a headbutt, then he hoists Tama up top! Takagi climbs up but Tama fires forearms! Takagi throws ridge hand chops! Tama throws HEADBUTTS, but Takagi CHOPS him!
Takagi climbs up, he brings Tama to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Tama flounders away and fans fire up! We hit 10 minutes and both men are down! Takagi rises, he storms over to Tama, and he drags Tama up to pump handle! But Tama fights the lift with elbows! Tama ducks the lariat, dragon sleepers, but Takagi snapmares free! Tama jumps on, but Takagi turns guillotine into POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Takagi gets a REAR NAKED CHOKE! But Tama fights free, so Takagi shifts to a GROUND COBRA TWIST! Tama fights back but Takagi thrashes him around! Tama endures, reaches out, and fans rally as he fights, gets his head free, and gets the ROPEBREAK!!
Fans cheer and Takagi lets off the hold. Takagi brings Tama up, pump handles, but again Tama fights the lift! Tama CLUBS Takagi, and again, and again! Takagi point-blank LARIATS! Then pump handle, LAST OF- Sunset flip! Tama steps through to have the legs, SHARPSHOOTER!! Takagi endures as Tama sits deep on the hold! Takagi fights around, but Tama drags him away to center!! Takagi keeps fighting around, claws his way over, ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go quickly and fans cheer. Tama rises first, he brings Takagi up but Takagi pushes him. Tama CLUBS Takagi, but Takagi gets up to throw a forearm! Tama throws a forearm back!
Takagi shakes out the stars in his head, and he ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Takagi! Takagi ROCKS Tama again! Tama ROCKS Takagi again! Takagi JABS, forearms, but Tama haymakers and body shots! Takagi kicks low, but Tama eggs him on! Takagi shoves Tama, so Tama fires off forearms! Takagi fires off boxing elbows! Takagi eggs Tama on, Tama fireman’s carries! S R C!! We hit 15 minutes so Tama hurries up top! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and fans fire up again! Tama pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Takagi rises. Tama rushes in, GUN- URENAGE! Takagi spikes Tama to counter the cutter!
Takagi powers up, runs, PUMPING- NO, Tama ducks! GUN- NO, Takagi flips Tama over, underhooks, TAKAGI DRIVER ’98!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Takagi then SLIDING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Takagi’s “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi sits Tama up, and he rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans cheer “OI! OI! OI!” with each one! Three minute warning as Takagi torture racks, LAST OF- NO, Tama slips out, TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Tama rises, he drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the Half Hatch! Takagi wrenches out, Tama breaks free, Takagi JABS!
Tama JABS in return! Half Hatch, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives the shoutout to The Prince, but Tama won’t stop there. Tama brings Takagi up at the two minute warning, to D- NO, Takagi fights the lift to back drop free! Tama’s up, GUN- NO, Takagi shoves free to POP-UP CUTTER!! Takagi runs to PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tama survives and fans are thunderous again! But time is running out! Takagi roars, he drags Tama up and we’re at the last minute! Tama HEADBUTTS! Takagi JABS, then HEADBUTTS, then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?!? Tama is roaring but Takagi runs in again, PUPMING BOMBER!!
Takagi won’t stop there, he hauls Tama up! But Tama fights the torture rack! We’re at 30 seconds, Takagi gets it up, LAST OF- GUN STUN?!?! TWENTY SECONDS!!! Tama crawls to a cover, TWO!?!? TEN SECONDS LEFT!!! Tama hurries to get Takagi up but Takagi jackknife bridge! TIME IS UP!!!!
Time Limit Draw; both men gain 1 point
The Good Bad Guy and the Rampaging Dragon were both too good for the other to beat in time! And with that comes much respect between these two. But will this result be what keeps Tama out of the quarterfinals? Or can he make a strong enough push in the final two rounds?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto!
The Ace of the Universe and the Fierce Warrior have battled time and again, and they’re about to add to that history! Who rises and who falls as the G1 enters the home stretch?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket and fans cheer the abs. The bell rings and the fans rally and duel. Red Shoes feels things are slightly in Goto’s favor. The two tie up, they’re in a deadlock, but Tanahashi manages to put Goto on ropes. Goto turns it around, Red Shoes calls for the break, and Goto lets off slowly. Then he kicks low and fires off forearms! Goto whips, Tanahashi reverses but Goto turns hip toss into hip toss! Goto runs, RAMS Tanahashi, and Tanahashi rebounds, but into a fireman’s carry! Ushigoroshi throw into the dragon sleeper, but Tanahashi fights free! Then cradle! TWO!! The two stand off and fans fire up!
Goto clutches a rib and Tanahashi storms over. Tanahashi throws body shots, then whips corner to corner. Tanahashi runs in but Goto runs him over! Fans rally, Tanahashi bails out, and Goto goes out after him! Goto kicks and CLUBS Tanahashi, then puts him back in the ring. Goto catches his breath but fans rally up. Goto steps in but Tanahashi dropkicks the leg! Then Tanahashi grabs the leg to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Goto falls to the floor and Tanahashi catches his own breath. Tanahashi considers if he should go out or not, and decides on going out. Tanahashi brings Goto up and into the ring and fans cheer.
Wait, Tanahashi drags Goto up at the ropes. Tanahashi puts the leg through ropes, to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW again! Goto falls over, Tanahashi gets the fans fired up, and he stomps away on Goto’s leg! Goto kicks at Tanahashi, but Tanahashi blocks that leg to stomp Goto in those bad ribs! Goto sputters and writhes and Red Shoes checks him. Goto is okay to continue, but then Tanahashi kneels on his ribs! Red Shoes reprimands, Tanahashi steps off, and then Tanahashi brings Goto up and around. Tanahashi bumps Goto off buckles, puts the bad leg in the ropes, and stomps away on it! Then DROPKICKS it!
Fans rally while Goto sits down. Goto drags himself up, Tanahashi brings him around but the bad leg gives up and Goto falls over. Red Shoes checks Goto but Tanahashi stomps the bad leg! Goto glares at Tanahashi as we pass five minutes. Tanahashi stands Goto up but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Tanahashi kicks the bad leg! Goto hobbles to a corner, Tanahashi stomps him and whips corner to corner. Goto reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi BOOTS! Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto shakes the bad leg and fans rally behind him.
Goto stalks Tanahashi, fires off forearms and whips corner to corner. Goto runs in but blocks a boot! He puts the leg in the ropes and KICKS it! Then MURAMASAS! Goto brings Tanahashi out to SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Goto stands and he roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws body shots! Tanahashi runs, but Goto ROCKS him! Goto runs in to clothesline Tanahashi up and out! Fans fire up while Goto sits down to catch his breath. Goto then goes out to fetch Tanahashi. Goto brings Tanahashi around just to put him in the ring. Fans cheer and Goto goes up to the apron.
Goto grits his teeth, he pounds the buckles to rally the fans, and Goto climbs up. But Tanahashi stands first! Tanahashi throws body shots, then climbs up after Goto! Fans fire up, and Goto fights back with body shots! Tanahashi throws a forearm, Goto gives it back! They brawl, Goto gets the edge, but Tanahashi gives those shots back! Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm, but Goto fires them back! Goto HEADBUTTS, then he tucks Tanahashi in! Fans fire up and Goto stands, but Tanahashi fights back! Tanahashi throws elbows, reels Goto in, but Goto throws body shots! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi off the corner!
Tanahashi stands back up, runs in, blocks a boot, but SUPER DRAGON SCREWS it!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up as Tanahashi stands and waits on Goto. Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows! But Tanahashi ducks, and SLINGBLADES! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! We hit 10 minutes and the fans rally up. Goto and Tanahashi stir, but Tanahashi is up first. Tanahashi drags Goto up, brings him around to full nelson, but Goto fights the lift! Goto breaks free, but Tanahashi straitjacket waistlocks! Goto fights, but Tanahashi still STRAITJACKET GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Goto is still in this but Tanahashi goes up top! HIGH FLY FLOP as Goto moves! Goto runs in to fireman’s carry! But Tanahashi fights free! DRAGON PALM! Tanahashi runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down, that move hurting Goto’s legs in a double-edged tactic. But Goto roars and rises! Fans are dueling as Goto dragon sleepers! But Tanahashi fights from below! Goto blocks, spins Tanahashi, but Tanahashi ROCKS Goto! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi! Goto drags Tanahashi back up, to HEADBUTT again!! Goto drags Tanahashi up one more time, fireman’s carries, G T W!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
The fans are thunderous that Tanahashi survives, but Goto roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up, dragon sleepers, but Tanahashi spins it around! But Goto fights the Twist! Goto suplexes, but the bad leg gives up! Tanahashi falls right onto Goto, and then stands back up! Tanahashi waits on Goto but gets impatient. Tanahashi whips, Goto reverses, but Tanahashi reverses to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Tanahashi goes back up top! But Goto stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Fans fire up and Tanahashi goes right back up! HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
And the Ace stays alive another round! Goto lost to Tanahashi, Yoshi-Hashi lost to Okada, will Bishamon end up owing The Dream Team another shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?
As for Tanahashi, he gets the mic while hearing the fans chant for him. “NJPW is back in Nagoya, and you guys are back with the noise!” Fans cheer that, they’re happy to be able to be loud, too! Then Tanahashi suddenly lies down and says he might die. He thanks the fans, they cheer him, and Tanahashi says, “From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful. I will make sure you guys keep enjoying pro-wrestling!” Fans cheer that, even as Tanahashi falls back over! Their cheers help him sit back up, and he even stands. “I’ll be doing my best for the rest of this G1. Thank you all so much.” Fans cheer and he sets the mic down.
But of course, as Tanahashi is about to leave, the fans want “that!” Tanahashi teases staying, then teases leaving, and repeat. But of course he chooses to stay! “It’s been so long that I’ve nearly forgotten how to do this, but shall we?” Fans cheer, they want it! Tanahashi has the Young Lions go find “it,” and Nakashima thinks he means water. No, not that. Nakashima looks again, and he finds the air guitar! He throws it to Tanahashi, it’s a high lob, but Tanahashi catches it! Nagoya fires up and the air guitar rock concert begins! Tanahashi finishes with a big jump, then rests back on the mat. But the fans want the encore!
Tanahashi sits up, grabs the mic, and says, “Okay! Last time!” And so the encore begins! Fans cheer, and then Tanahashi SMASHES the guitar! Fans fire up, they want another encore! But he smashed that guitar! A fan throws him their “made in Aichi” air guitar! A great pass for an easy catch! And so the second encore begins! Then Tanahashi throws it back! Perfect catch! The fans chant “TANAHASHI SA IKOU! <Tanahashi’s the best!>” Tanahashi says, “Tanahashi’s the best… But can he win the G1?” Nagoya sure thinks so! Tanahashi says that phrasing also sounded like an AJPW chant.
But Tanahashi vows to win this G1 “handily!” He thanks them all for staying until the end, because everyone Nagoya… “AISHETEMAAAASU~! <I LOVE YOU~!>” Another classic Tanahashi outro, but will he get to say that to the crowd at the G1 finals?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
David Finlay: 4-1, 8 points
EVIL: 4-1, 8 points
Tama Tonga: 3-1-1, 7 points
Eddie Kingston: 3-2, 6 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2-1, 5 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Aaron Henare: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 4-1, 8 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 4-1, 8 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 3-2, 6 points
Shane Haste: 2-3, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-3, 4 points
Alex Coughlin: 1-4, 2 points
Toru Yano: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round here, and I hope I have it right about who is mathematically out. Though what a great little moment for Yano to snatch that win off Cobb, the top of the block. That might be Yano’s one win, and Cobb’s one loss, but it could end up affecting seeding now that I realized this year is going to have quarterfinals. But anyway, also good stuff from Shane and ZSJ being TMDK teammates, and I figured ZSJ would win. ZSJ keeps pace with Cobb now, but Cobb’s win from just last round is the tiebreaker there so Cobb will end up first seed to ZSJ’s second seed.
Evil and Finlay winning but Tama only getting a draw also changes up seeding in their block, but I loved that Tama and Takagi had a time limit draw. G1 playing with that this year is so good, because that’s just automatic drama for all of us. And even then, Tama isn’t too far from the top of the block, so if he can win out, he can at least get ahead of Finlay, who he beat before. That’s great drama there, too. And great main event to follow with Tanahashi VS Goto. For one, Tanahashi and the fans have a lot of fun with his closing promos. And also, it does give us a possible tag title story for after the G1, should neither Goto, Hashi, Okada or Tanahashi be G1 Champion.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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