NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed Results & Report! (10/28/23)
Viva Las Vegas!
Who comes away with the jackpot?
NJPW hits Sin City and puts up the gold! Will Tama Tonga still be NEVER Openweight Champion? Or will he fail to slay the LIJ Dragon, Shingo Takagi?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – Strong Survivor Match: Matt Vandagriff VS Buck Skynyr; Vandagriff wins.
- Kickoff Match – Six Man Tag: Team Filthy VS Baliyan Akki, Titus Alexander & Jakob Austin Young; Team Filthy wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Satoshi Kojima VS Fred Rosser VS Jeff Cobb VS Alex Coughlin; Kojima wins and will challenge for the title.
- Johnnie Robbie & Lluvia VS Zeuxis & Stephanie Vaquer; Zeuxis & Vaquer win.
- Tom Lawlor VS Gabe Kidd; Kidd wins.
- Atlantis’ 40th USA Anniversary 8 Man Tag: Atlantis, Atlantis Jr, Mistico & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tiger Mask, Soberano Jr, Rocky Romero & Adrian Quest; Atlantis, Atlantis Jr, Mistico & Tanahashi win.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Giulia VS HYAN; Giulia wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; ELP & Leo win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS HENARE; Eddie wins and retains the title.
- SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Time Limit Draw.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
A video plays.
A man in cowboy boots walks into a bar. Old Westerns play on the TV. He takes a few shots, plays some arcade shooters, then throws darts at a picture of Toru Yano…? It’s JOEY JANELA!? The Bad Bad Boy is coming to NJPW, for the Lonestar Shootout!
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Giulia VS HYAN!
The Beautiful Madness is just the second woman to hold this title, and she doesn’t plan on letting go of it just yet. Will Giulia have Lady Luck on her side? Or will The Renaissance Woman add being a champion to her skillset?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who really has the hot hand!
The bell rings and fans rally up already. They cheer Giulia and she soaks it up. Hyan shrugs it off as she and Giulia circle. They tie up, Hyan powers Giulia back but Giulia powers Hyan back. Giuliar throws Hyan down but they stay tied up. Hyan fights up to headlock, then she throws Giulia! Hyan eggs Giulia on and fans rally up. Giulia offers a handshake and fans applaud. Hyan is wary but fans chant to “SHAKE HER HAND!” Hyan accepts, and then Giulia kicks low! Giulia headlocks, but Hyan throws her away! Giulia runs up, Hyan sweeps and covers, ONE! Giulia sweeps and covers, ONE! Hyan headlocks but Giulia powers out, only to get run over!
Fans cheer Hyan as she aims and runs corner to corner. Giulia dodges, to then CHOP! Fans rally as Giulia wrenches Hyan’s hair, then TOSSES her across the way! Giulia storms up, stomps Hyan, then goes to the opposite corner. Fans fire up as Giulia runs in to ELBOW Hyan! Then she snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Hyan hangs tough but Giulia brings her up. Giulia whips, Hyan reverses but Giulia reverses back, IRON OCTOPUS! Fans cheer as Hyan endures, and Hyan steps her way to the ROPEBREAK! But Giulia shifts to a sunset flip! TWO, and Giulia whips. Hyan LARIATS Giulia down!
Fans rally, Hyan whips Giulia but Giulia reverses. Giulia runs in at the corner but into a BOOT! Hyan then runs to KNEE Giulia, and reel her in, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Hyan stays focused. Hyan goes to a corner, she tunes up the band, and Giulia stands. Hyan runs in, but Giulia dodges to waistlock. Hyan elbows free, reels Giulia in, but Giulia back drops free! And SHOTGUNS Hyan down! Fans fire up as Giulia goes up top. Hyan stands, into Giulia’s MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays cool and she hammerlocks. But Hyan CLUBS free! Giulia ROCKS Hyan, but Hyan ROCKS Giulia!
Giulia ROCKS Hyan again, but Hyan ROCKS Giulia again! They go back and forth, fans rally up, and Hyan- NO, Giulia blocks the knee! But Hyan HEADBUTTS! Hyan suplexes but Giulia fights it! Giulia suplexes but Hyan fights it! Hyan suplexes but Giulia DDT counters! Cover, TWO!! Hyan survives but Giulia drags her to an STF! Fans fire up and Hyan endures! Fans rally as Hyan crawls and reaches out, for the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Giulia lets go at 4. Giulia has Hyan on the apron but Hyan RAMS into Giulia! Hyan slingshots up and over, but Giulia holds ropes to stop the Sunset! Giulia sits on the cover, TWO and Giulia is sent out of the ring!
Hyan builds speed! She DIVES and direct hit into the railing! Fans fire up with Hyan and she drags Giulia into the ring. Hyan goes up the corner, but Giulia stands up! Giulia UPPERCUTS Hyan, climbs up to fire forearms, but Hyan hits back! They brawl up top, fans rally up and Hyan gets the edge! But Giulia HEADBUTTS in return! Fans fire up as Giulia brings Hyan into underhooks! SUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX!! Roll back and Giulia drags Hyan up, but Hyan FALCON ARROWS!! Both women are down and fans are all fired up! “This is Awesome!” as the ref checks. Hyan and Giulia are both still in this so a standing count begins.
Giulia and Hyan stir at 4 of 10, crawl after each other, and go forehead to forehead. Hyan SLAPS Giulia! Giulia SLAPS Hyan! They SLAP back and forth as they stand, and fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Giulia ROCKS Hyan, Hyan shoves Giulia, they both run, and Hyan FLYING ELBOWS! Hyan drags Giulia up to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Then she flips Giulia over, reels her in, and POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Giulia survives that power combo and Hyan can’t believe it! Giulia sputters, Hyan storms up on her, and Hyan drags Giulia up in chicken wings! GLAM- NO, Giulia arm-drags free!
Hyan runs up to BOOT Giulia, but Giulia comes back! Hyan gets around the lariat to back suplex, but Giulia lands on her feet! And GERMAN SUPLEXES in return! Fans fire up, Giulia brings Hyan in, but Hyan shoves back. They DOUBLE FOREARM! And DOUBLE FOREARM! And again! Giulia ROCKS Hyan this time, then fires off more forearms! Wind up, ITALIAN RIGHT HOOK! Fans fire up again and Giulia runs, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Giulia survives but Hyan just drags her back up! But then Giulia SAIDOS!! Hyan sits up, into a G-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!! But Giulia doesn’t stop, she scoops and NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! Cover, Giulia wins!
Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Giulia aces this match and walks away with the jackpot! But she still shows her opponent respect and the fans cheer that. Will Hyan look to come back around some day? Who is next for the #DangerousQueen now?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne!
The Headbanga & The Young Guerilla took these titles off those nasty Bullet Club War Dogs, and now have their first defense on their hands. Will ELP & Leo show they’re not just a fluke? Or will they get burned by the #MonsterSauce?
Well, as is Archer’s pre-match ritual, he DECKS a Young Lion! And then another! And then another! Zayne figures whatever helps him get in the groove, that’s fine. Wait, where are the belts? Oh, “Bert & Ernie” bring them out for ELP & Leo. Well, it is almost Halloween. OH NO~, Archer CLOBBERS Bert & Ernie! Zayne says this is too far! Leo & ELP retaliate, then ELP puts Zayne in the ring. The bell rings, Zayne headlocks but ELP powers out. Zayne runs ELP over, things speed up as ELP hurdles and Zayne handsprings. They keep going and Zayne RANAS, but ELP handsprings through! Fans fire up as they keep going, and ELP DROPKICKS!
ELP kips up, fans chant for him, and he ROCKS Zayne! And CHOPS Zayne! And CHOPS again! ELP CHOPS Zayne in the corner, then tags in Leo. Leo storms up to- NO, Zayne dodges the chop! Archer reaches out, fans fire up, and Zayne tags him in! Fans fire up seeing the big, big men in here! Archer fires up, too, he’s been waiting to pick on someone his own size! They RAM shoulders, and neither falls! They RAM shoulders again, and again! They throw forearms, go back and forth, and fans chant “HE’S GOT GENES!” for Leo! Leo ROCKS Archer, ROCKS him again, and has him in a corner. Leo whips corner to corner, but Archer dodges!
Leo bounces off buckles, Archer kick slow, and reels him in?! Fans fire up and Archer wants them to get louder. The fans get louder, but Leo suplexes! Archer fights that to suplex! Leo fights that, swings but misses, and Archer CLOBBERS Leo! Fans fire up and Leo goes to a corner. Archer tags Zayne and gives him a boost, HIP TOSS SENTON! Then Archer BACK ELBOWS! Leo staggers, Zayne reels him in, but Leo CHOPS first! Zayne sputters, Leo runs in but Zayne dodges. Leo scoops, Zayne slips free and ENZIGURIS! Leo drops to a knee, but he still gets a leg! Zayne fires boxing elbows, then a mule kick!
Zayne runs, but into a HUGE back drop! Tag to ELP and he runs in, dodges Zayne and BLASTS Archer! Zayne runs in, ELP goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges and CROSSBODIES! PLANCHA on Archer! Then SWANTON BOMB to LIONSAULT on Zayne! Cover, TWO! Zayne is still in this but fans rally for “E L P!” ELP reels Zayne in but Zayne Alabama Lifts! ELP fights that to get Zayne up, SITOUT BOMB! Cover, Archer breaks it! Leo kicks Archer and tosses him out. Leo then ROCKS Archer against railing! ELP knuckle locks and wrenches, but Archer sends Leo into railign! ELP goes up, up, kicks Zayne in the face, then tightrope walks!
ELP kicks Zayne again, keeps going around the corner, but then Archer has Leo to do the same!? They tightrope walk to the middle, ELP CHOPS! And CHOPS! Archer doesn’t flinch! PURPLE NURPLE! Archer just CHOPS ELP down, onto Zayne! But then Leo shoves Archer down onto ELP! Zayne BLASTS Leo off the apron, and Monster Sauce regroups! Archer ROCKS ELP, Zayne scoop, BAJA BLAST! Cover, TWO! ELP is still in this and fans rally up. Zayne drags ELP up, tags Archer, and they set ELP up. Kick, ROLLING AX KICK and LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and fans rally up. Archer tags Zayne and Monster Sauce coordinates.
Zayne suplexes but ELP slips free! ELP shoves Zayne into Archer! Then Leo runs in to clothesline Archer up and out! Zayne CHOPS Leo but ELP wrenches, straitjackets and torture racks! Leo runs to BOOT, and ELP spins around for the UFO NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again! ELP pounds the mat, fans rally with him, and ELP goes up the corner. Zayne scrambles up, Archer runs in and STEP-UP KNEES ELP! Zayne then runs corner to corner to NO HANDS RANA!! Archer drags ELP up to the CHOKE SLAM!! And then CHOKE SLAM SAULT!! Cover, LEO BREAKS IT!
Fans fire up as Archer grabs Leo! “This is Awesome!” as Leo now grabs Archer! The giants fight claw for claw, Archer breaks free to ROCK Leo! Archer runs, but into the POWER TRIP SLAM! And then GODSEND!! Fans are thunderous as Leo gets Zayne! GODSEND- NO, Zayne slips free to ENZIGURI! SUDDEN DEATH from ELP! ELP DIVES to take out Archer, and Leo hits another GODSEND!! Leo helps ELP get up, SUPER THUNDERKISS!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
But wait, WEST COAST WRECKING CREW rushes out!? And they DOUBLE LOW BLOW the champs!! Fans boo as Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs beat down on ELP & Leo! Jorel then calls for a mic, and he is given one. The fans boo more as Jorel tells Vegas to listen. “In case you forgot who built this brand, let us remind you. In case y’all forgot who built this tag division, let us remind you! And in case you forgot who the best GADDAMN tag team is here, let us remind you, that that is the West Coast Wrecking Crew!”
Jorel gives Royce the mic, and Royce says he is sick and tired of random, thrown together, fly by night tag teams getting the opportunities he and Jorel deserve! They threw together two people, put them in World Tag League and give them these NJPW Strong Openweight Tag title matches, and now they’re the Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions right now. Well Jorel & Royce are not waiting, they’re taking! So GoD better learn to P R A Y. November 10th, Lonestar Shootout, you are looking at the NEW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions! That’s #WreckingCrewShid! But will the WCWC really run NJPW?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS HENARE!
The Mad King knows Jay Lethal is after his ROH World Championship, but his fight with the Face of Fury goes back to their instant classic in the G1 Climax! Will Eddie hold onto this title? Or will he be conquered by the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally for Eddie as he stares down with Henare. They step up, feel things out, fans sing “F him up, Eddie, F him up!” Henare ignores that as he ties up with Eddie. They’re in a deadlock, then break. Henare flexes but Eddie just circles with him again. They tie up, Eddie puts Henare on ropes, but Henare turns that around. The ref counts, Henare lets off slowly, to CHOP! Eddie swings but Henare dodges and strikes a Maori stance. Eddie and Henare tie up but Henare kicks low! Henare headlocks, Eddie powers out but Henare blows through the chop to BOOT! Eddie gets up to CHOP Henare down!
Henare gets up, feints one kick to SPIN KICK! And SLIDING KNEE! Eddie tumbles out of the ring while fans fire up with Henare. The ref checks Eddie but he’s okay to continue so a ring count starts. Henare goes out after Eddie before 3 of 20, and he CLUBS away on Eddie! Henare throws body shots and HEADBUTTS, then insults the fans! Henare digs his boots into Eddie against railing, but the ref counts. Henare lets off, Eddie gets up and stumbles while Henare eggs on the fans. Henare SMACKS Eddie off the apron, RAMS him into the apron, but Eddie CHOPS in return! Henare eggs Eddie on, so Eddie CHOPS!
Henare shoves Eddie, storms after him, and then KICKS him in the leg! The ref starts the ring count again, Henare whips Eddie into railing! But Eddie comes back to LARIAT Henare down! The count is 8 of 20 but Eddie puts Henare in. Henare goes to a corner, Eddie storms up but Henare body shots first! And again! Eddie sputters, Henare runs, and he runs Eddie over! Eddie goes to ropes but Henare CHOKES him! The ref reprimands, Henare lets off at 4, and fans start to duel, “Let’s Go, Eddie!” “HE-NA-RE!” Henare drags Eddie up to KNEE him in the head! And again! Eddie eggs Henare on!? Henare KNEES Eddie down!
Eddie is dazed but still conscious, so Henare drags him up. Eddie CHOPS the legs, CHOPS the chest, then CHOPS again! Henare nods and eggs Eddie on. Eddie CHOPS, Henare ROCKS Eddie, then whips. Eddie reverses to kitchen sink knee! Eddie underhooks but Henare blocks the suplex, to Eddie gives some Kawada kicks. Henare still blocks the underhooks, wrenches out and HEADBUTTS Eddie down! Fans fire up and Henare slaps sense into himself. Henare sits Eddie up to KICK him in the back, and SENTON! Cover, TWO! Eddie grits his teeth as he stays in this, but Henare keeps cool and the fans duel again.
Henare paces around, Eddie sits up, and Henare KICKS him! Eddie just snarls! Henare likes that, and he KICKS Eddie again! Eddie growls and grits his teeth again as he stands back up. Henare KICKS Eddie down! Cover, ONE!! Henare glares at the ref but his cover was a bit lax. Eddie goes to the corner, Henare runs in, but Eddie dodges the knee! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up, Eddie reloads to MACHINE GUN CHOP again! Eddie tops it off with one more CHOP, and then an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Henare sits up first as he clutches his neck, but he and Eddie head for each other.
Fans duel as Henare and Eddie rise to their feet. Eddie CHOPS! Henare staggers, but he comes back to CHOP! Eddie seethes, but he CHOPS again! Henare grits his teeth and CHOPS! Eddie brings down the straps, and CHOPS! They go CHOP for CHOP, but Eddie gets the edge! Eddie starts giving ridge hands! Eddie runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie is dazed again, and Henare wants the full nelson! ULTIMA- NO, Eddie fights the lock! Henare tries, Eddie powers up, but Henare gets him for a FULL NELSON SLAM! The kneepad comes down and Henare fires himself up with a Haka! Eddie flounders to a corner, drags himself up, and Henare runs in to SHINING WIZARD!
Henare shoves Eddie out, runs back in, RAMPAGE!! Cover, TWO!! Eddie survives but Henare doesn’t stop, he PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Henare is shocked but the fans fire up again! Eddie reaches out in a daze, but Henare has his Monster Rage boil up! Henare drags Eddie up and in, fisherman and- NO, Eddie fights out to URAKEN! Henare JUMP KNEES! URAKEN! HEADBUTT! URAKEN!! Eddie falls on the cover, TWO!!! Eddie almost had a repeat of their G1 match! Fans are thunderous as Eddie and Henare stir. Eddie and Henare rise up, the fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow.
Eddie CHOPS, but Henare CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS again, so Henare fires a forearm! Eddie checks his face, and then CHOPS! They stand, Henare forearms! Eddie CHOPS! Forearm! CHOP! Repeat! Henare gets the edge and then KICKS, but Eddie blocks to URAKEN!! Henare swings, but into a SAIDO!! Henare roars to his feet, swings again, but into a HALF ‘N’ HALF!! And then the BACKFIST TO THE FUTURE!! TWICE!! Cover, Eddie wins!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Somehow, someway, Eddie survives another instant classic! The sequel was even better than the original, but will we get a trilogy out of the Mad King and Face of Fury?
But wait! Here comes Satoshi Kojima! He won that Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match earlier tonight, so he wants to look Eddie in the eyes. Kojima gets a mic so he can also say in person, “Congratulations, Mr. Eddie Kingston. You are very strong. But I love bread.” Fans chant for “BREAD! BREAD! BREAD!” Kojima says next time, NJPW is in Dallas, Texas. And one way or another, Kojima will kick Eddie’s ass! Fans fire up for that! Eddie steps to Kojima, but Kojima smiles and hands the mic over. Eddie tells Kojima, “I’ll see you in Texas, motha-” Fans cheer that! The Mad King or the King of Bread Style, who will truly be NJPW Strong?
NJPW has even more in store for Lonestar Shootout!
Friday, November 10th, Garland, Texas, NJPW brings along not just the NJPW Strong Openweight and Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships, but they’re roping in David Finlay, Jon Moxley, Mistico, Ultimo Guerrero, and Kenta! Tickets on sale now, and streaming on NJPW World, get ready to get wild in the Wild Wild West!
SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
The Cold Skull is set to face the Uncontrollable Charisma at WrestleKingdom 18, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on the line! So as both sides build momentum, can the Heat Storm help Sanada stay sharp? Or will the Ticking Timebomb help Naito have more, more, MORE fun in Las Vegas?
The fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” as he takes his time taking off his entrance attire. Then the fans chant for Sanada, for Hiromu, and for Yuya, until they decide to cheer on “All These Guys! All These Guys!” Naito finally puts the pants away, the teams sort out, and after LIJ fist bumps, Naito starts against Sanada in a preview of WrestleKingdom. Fans rally up with the bell, and the two circle. The chants duel, “SA-NA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” The two mirror each other, Sanada knowing Naito’s tricks. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and fans cheer. Sanada powers Naito back a step at a time and has him on ropes, but Naito turns it around.
The ref counts, Naito lets off slowly and he pats his old teammate on the shoulders. Then SPITS at him! Sanada blocks the kick, CLUBS the leg, and tosses Naito out! Sanada cleans himself with the ref’s shirt, then builds speed, but Sanada tumbles up and out as Naito slides in! Naito BLAST Sanada off the apron, builds speed himself now, but Yuya trips him up! Sanada must’ve taught Yuya Naito’s tricks. Fans are torn but Sanada thanks his teammate for that. Sanada stomps Naito, tags Yuya, and now Yuya brings Naito up and around. Yuya CHOPS and Naito stumbles. Yuya CHOPS again, then CHOPS again!
Yuya headlocks and grinds the hold, but Naito powers up and fishhooks Yuya’s nose! Naito sends Yuya to a corner but Yuya goes up and over to arm-drag! And DOUBLE CHOP! Fans fire up with Yuya and he covers, TWO! Yuya BLASTS Hiromu for good measure before he brings Naito up. Yuya wrenches, YANKS, then whips. Naito reverses, atomic drops, and Hiromu is in to dropkick the legs out! Naito basement dropkicks while Hiromu BLASTS Sanada down! Naito turns Yuya over for a Camel Clutch, and Hiromu fires up to basement dropkick! Fans cheer LIJ and Hiromu gets them to get louder in a very Sanada move.
Naito brings Yuya up, tags in Hiromu, and Hiromu brings Yuya around to CLUB him! And CLUB him again! Yuya CHOPOS Hiromu, ROCKS Naito, then fires off CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS in return! Yuya sits down but Hiromu stands him up, to CHOP him down! Tag to Naito and Naito drags Yuya up. Fans rally, LIJ double whip, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Cover, TWO, but Naito clamps on the leg scissor nelson! Yuya endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Naito claims he needs help as always, so the ref has to pry the legs off Yuya. Naito tags Hiromu back in and Hiromu stomps Yuya at the ropes.
Yuya stands up but Hiromu CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! And then suplexes, but Yuya slips free! Yuya ducks an elbow to CHOP! And SAI- NO, Hiromu fights the suplex, runs, but Yuya gets around to hit a BIG back suplex after all! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yuya and Hiromu crawl, but Hiromu hot tags Naito! Naito kicks and whips but Yuya reverses to SAYANAGI, and DRAGON ARM SCREW! Fans rally up and Yuya hot tags Sanada! Sanada storms up on Naito to YANK the bad arm! And YANK again! Sanada whips, Naito reverses but Sanada dropkicks the leg to then DROPKICK Naito down!
Sanada kips up and fans fire up! Naito is in the corner, Sanada runs in but he blocks a boot. Sanada trips Naito, and he has the legs! Fans fire up as Sanada ties Naito up, but Naito kicks free. Naito runs in but into a RANA! But Naito rolls through, only for Sanada to roll through! Sanada ties Naito up in PARADISE! Fans fire up and Sanada has them get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada likes that. Sanada then runs to DROPKICK Naito out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this, but Sanada still has the fans. Sanada drags Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Naito fights free! Naito then spins Sanada and hits a NECKBREAKER!
Fans rally up for Naito again and he tags Hiromu. Hiromu brings Sanada up, whips him to ropes, but Sanada reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up and Sanada crawls for his corner, hot tag to Yuya! The Heat Storm fires up and he runs in at Hiromu, to SPLASH! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Hiromu stays in this, but Yuya drags him up to trap the arms. But Hiromu fights free and ROCKS Yuya! Hiromu then dodges Yuya but Yuya follows to UPPERCUT! Yuya runs, but Hiromu follows to UPPERCUT! Hiromu runs but knows Yuya follows so he fireman’s carries! But Yuya fights free and shove Hiromu!
Yuya runs in, but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but Yuya dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is still in this but Yuya pounds the mat. The fans rally behind him as Hiromu goes to a corner. Yuya runs in to ELBOW, then he fires up again. Yuya whips corner to corner, runs in, but Hiromu dodges the splash! Naito is there to hip toss! LIJ BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH! Naito BLASTS Sanada and Hiromu covers, TWO! Yuya is still in this for his team but Hiromu drags Yuya up. FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Sanada and Naito scrap on the outside, and Sanada RAMS Naito into railing!
Hiromu drags Yuya up, but Yuya fires a forearm! Hiromu forearms Yuya, Yuya forearms back! Fans rally as the shots keep going! Hiromu roars, Yuya roars, and the forearms pick up speed! Hiromu ROCKS Yuya, then ducks Yuya’s forearm to fireman’s carry! But Yuya slips free and shoves again! Hiromu comes back, but Yuya traps the arms! KAMU- NO, Hiromu fights the suplex! And HEADBUTTS! But Yuya ROCKS him first! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both men, they’re still in this, and “This is Awesome!” as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Naito and Sanada!
Naito runs up, Sanada dodges to CHOP! Naito fires a forearm, so Sanada CHOPS! Forearm, CHOP, repeat! Fans rally up, Naito smiles and Sanada eggs Naito on. Naito fires a forearm, Sanada CHOPS, repeat! They keep going back and forth, and Naito gets the edge! Naito grins, but Sanada CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Naito just gets in Sanada’s face, to then throw a heavy back elbow! And another! And then he SPITS at Sanada again! Sanada reels Naito in for a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this match only has a 20 minute time limit!
Sanada calls Yuya in, they get Naito up to double whip and DOUBLE DROPKICK! Yuya then goes after Hiromu while Sanada sets Naito up for MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Sanada shakes his head and the fans rally up as he paces around. Sanada puts Naito in the dragon sleeper! And the SKULL SWING! Fans fire up for the SKULL END! Naito endures, flails, and Hiromu fights off Yuya! But Yuya anchors Hiromu on the apron! Naito fades but gets a second wind at the 15 minute mark! Hiromu reaches out for Naito, Naito kicks around for ropes, ROPEBREAK! The fans fire up and the ref counts, but Sanada lets off quickly and cleanly.
Sanada drags Naito up as the fans duel again. Sanada scoops to BACKBREAKER, and Naito is in the drop zone! Sanada goes up top, but Hiromu anchors Sanada now! The ref counts, Sanada and Hiromu pull each other’s hair, but Naito smiles as he CLUBS Sanada! And CLUBS him again and again! Naito turns Sanada around, fires forearms, and SPITS at Sanada! Fans want that “One More Time!” Naito SPITS again! Fans cheer, and then Naito goes up, but Sanada slips under! Sanada drags Naito off the corner with a waistlock but Naito fights. Naito RAMS Sanada into a corner, then reels him in for those heavy elbows!
Naito goes up the corner, reels Sanada in at the three minute warning, and hits ESPERANZA! Fans fire up and Naito aims from the corner. Sanada rises slowly as the fans rally up. Naito runs in, but Sanada DROPKICKS! Naito ENZIGURIS! Naito wrenches but Yuya DROPKICKS! Hiromu gets in, spins Yuya, but Yuya fights the suplex! Yuya dodges the haymaker, but runs into the HIROM-CHAN BOMBER! Sanada runs in, Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Two minute warning, but Hiromu helps with the SWING- NO, Sanada slips free to ENZIGURI Naito and DROPKICK Hiromu! SHINING WIZARD!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous!
Naito and Sanada stir, slowly sit up and head for each other, and Naito throws a forearm! Sanada throws a forearm, and we’re at the literal last minute! Fans are thunderous as the forearms just keep flying! Naito roars, the forearms pick up even more speed, and Sanada roars now! Sanada gets the edge, fireman’s carries, T K O!! Thirty seconds at the cover, HIROMU BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES Hiromu and hurries to drag Naito into the dragon sleeper! SKULL END!! Ten seconds left as Naito endures! Naito flails, reaches out, is he tapping?! The bell rings first!!
Time Limit Draw
Sanada almost had Naito there, but Naito was essentially saved by the bell! If this is how intense it is in a tag match, how much more intense will it be when these two go 1v1 with no limits?
Wait, who is this rolling Hiromu up on stage? Danny Limelight! TWO, and Danny cradles Hiromu now, TWO!! Danny wants that DDT Pro Ironman Heavyweight Championship but Hiromu runs away into the night! Can Hiromu make it out of Sin City with that second belt of his? Or will someone get lucky before the night is over?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS Shingo Takagi!
The Good Bad Guy finally got this title back back Destruction in Ryogoku, and was the one who challenged the Rampaging Dragon to this fight! Will Tama be able to slay that dragon? Or will Takagi make things tranquilo here in Sin City?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Tama’s gamble pays off!
The bell rings and the two circle as fans rally. They approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Takagi pushes Tama back a step, but Tama pushes Takagi back a step. They go back and forth, but then Tama puts Takagi on ropes. The ref counts, Tama lets off slowly, and he pats Takagi on the chest. The fans applaud the sportsmanship and the two reset. Takagi and Tama feel things out, knuckle lock, and then go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength. Takagi then knees one knuckle lock apart, wrenches the other arm, and hammerlocks. Tama moves around, switches the hammerlock onto Takagi then headlocks for a takeover.
Takagi headscissors, Tama kips free, and the fans cheer the exchange. Tama and Takagi reset as the fans duel. The two circle, feel things out again, and knuckle lock, but then Takagi drop toeholds. Takagi headlocks, Tama slips out the back to headlock in return. Tama grinds the hold but Takagi fights up and powers out. Tama RAMS shoulders with Takagi but neither falls! Takagi eggs Tama on, then he fires a forearm! Tama gives it back so Takag shouts, “OI!” The forearms go back and forth, fans rally up, and Takagi JABS! JABS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Tama ducks ‘n’ dodges and RAMS Takagi, but Takagi rebounds, only for Tama to run him over!
Tama stalks Takagi, CLUBS him in the chest again and again, then brings him up. Tama scoops to SLAM Takagi, and he goes from the elbow to JUMPING ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE!! Takagi is tougher than that but Tama keeps cool. Tama brings Takagi up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then ROCKS him again! Takagi eggs Tama on, Tama throws a HEADBUTT! Tama scoops, Takagi slips free to waistlock, but Tama elbows free. Tama runs, into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up while Takagi steadies himself. Tama stands, Takagi clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up more as Takagi goes out to fetch Tama.
Takagi gives the fans a quick Jushin Thunder Liger pose, then he stands on Tama’s face at the railing. The ref counts, Takagi steps away, and he drags Tama up. Takagi fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES off the apron! Tama flounders about, Takagi kicks and DDTS him to the floor! The ref checks but Tama is still in this, so the fans rally up. The ring count starts but Takagi takes his time bringing Tama up. Tama is a bit of dead weight but Takagi still stands him and puts him in at 9 of 20. To then slingshot knee drop! Takagi digs that knee in at the ropes, the ref reprimands and counts, and Takagi lets go of the ropes with his hands. Not the problem!
Takagi stands on Tama, then DOUBLE STOMPS as he lets off! Fans cheer while Tama sputters. Takagi drags Tama up, snapmares and runs, to then drop an elbow! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tough but Takagi wraps on body scissors! Tama endures as Takagi squeezes, but Tama fires off elbows! Takagi BELL CLAPS Tama for that! Takagi drags Tama up, reels him in and suplexes high and hard! Tama writhes but Takagi pushes him to a cover, TWO! Takagi keeps cool while the fans fire back up. Takagi steps on Tama, then SENTONS! Fans rally and duel as Takagi stalks Tama. Takagi eggs Tama on and Tama throws body shots.
Tama fires a forearm, then another body shot, but Takagi HEADBUTTS him down! Tama goes to ropes, fans duel, and they boo the one drunk going “Shingo sucks!” Takagi KNEES Tama against ropes, KNEES him again, then whips Tama to ropes for another knee! Takagi runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Fans rally up as Takagi goes to a corner and Tama stands back up. Tama aims, runs in, and clotheslines! Tama fires body shots and forearms, the ref counts, but Tama fires off even more shots! Tama KNEES, HEADBUTTS, and CLUBS Takagi, but lets off as the ref counts.
Tama whips Takagi into the corner to then clothesline again! Fans continue to rally as Tama whips corner to corner, but Takagi reverses. Tama comes back to LARIAT! And OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama paces as he watches Takagi, and Takagi gets up in a corner. Tama STINGER SPLASHES, then POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Takagi sputters but he’s still in this. Tama keeps cool and he paces around. Tama throws down fists, and the fans duel as Tama brings Takagi up. Takagi holds ropes to stop the whip but Tama fires off forearms! Tama whips, Takagi reverses and fireman’s carries, but Tama sunset flips, to step through!
Fans fire up as Tama has the SHARPSHOOTER!! Takagi endures as Tama sits deep on the hold! Fans rally and duel, Takagi continues to endure and fight around! Takagi reaches out, but Tama drags him from ropes! Fans fire up as Takagi continues to endure! Takagi powers up, moves around, goes to the side, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go quickly and the fans continue to rally. Tama paces around Takagi, then rains down forearms! Tama lets off to bring Takagi up but Takagi blocks the urenage! Fans duel as Takagi throws elbows! Then ELBOW! JAB! YUKON FEINT to DDT!
Fans fire up while both men are down again! Takagi rises, and he looks to a camera. Takagi lets us know, IT’S TIME! Takagi drags Tama up, reels him in, but Tama CLUBS the saido down! Takagi ROCKS and whips Tama, but Tama reverses to- NO, Takagi avoids the dropkick, to SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! Fans fire up and hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” This is the main event, it might as well keep going! Takagi gives Tama toying kicks, then hauls him up in a pump handle. Tama fights the lift, then gets around, but Takagi snapmares free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls!
Takagi eggs Tama on, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Tama drops to a knee but Takagi stays up. Only for Tama to EXPLODER! We hit 15 minutes as Tama clinches, but Takagi hits an EXPLODER! But then Tama hits another EXPLODER! But then Takagi SAIDOS! Takagi runs, but Tama swats the lariat, jumps, for VENENO!! Wait, Takagi deadlifts out of the DDT?! To TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! The ref checks, Tama is still in this and so is Takagi. “This is Awesome!” as Tama and Takagi stir. Takagi and Tama crawl after each other, and Takagi junkyard dog headbutts.
Tama throws a SLAP! Takagi CHOPS! Tama HEADBUTTS! Takagi CHOPS! Tama JABS! Takagi RIDGE HANDS! They stand, Tama fires a forearm! Takagi ROCKS Tama back! Tama ROCKS Takagi back! Fans fire up as Takagi wobbles, and Takagi comes back to fire boxing elbows! Tama PELES, then fireman’s carries! S R C! Tama goes up fast, to SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!?! Takagi survives the splash and fans fire up again! Tama watches as Takagi stirs again, and he pounds the mat. The fans clap along, Takagi stands, GUN- NO, Gory Especial for NOSHIGAMI! Takagi turns that around and both men are down again!
Fans rally, Takagi goes to a corner, and he drags himself up. The fans fire up as Takagi headbutts the buckle, to then PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi isn’t done there, he pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO?!? Tama survives and shocks Takagi! The fans fire up again as “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” are still fighting. Takagi drags Tama up again, pump handles and torture racks, but Tama CLUBS free! Takagi LARIATS point blank, then tries again. Tama fights free again, to TONGAN TWIST! Both men are down again and the fans continue to rally! Tama rises first but Takagi follows.
Tama brings Takagi up but Takagi fights the suplex. Takagi throws body shots, powers out and ELBOWS! JABS! But Tama BOOTS the Yukon and ducks the discus to reel Takagi in for BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives the shoutout to the Prince, but Tama vows to end this! Tama drags Takagi up, underhooks the arms, but Takagi fights the lift! Takagi wrenches out, but Tama dodges the lariat to GUN- NO! Takagi blocks to shove and GORY ESPECIAL BACKSLIDE! Tama rolls through but Takagi kicks low! Takagi reels Tama in, traps the arms, TAKAGI DRIVER 98!! Cover, TWO?!?!
Tama survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi and Tama slowly rise, Takagi runs in to SLIDING D! And then HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi then drags Tama up, SLEEPER! Then GROUND COBRA!! Takagi thrashes Tama around as he has him caught! Tama endures, fights around, reaches out with his free arm, scooting ever closer! Takagi thrashes Tama more and more, but Tama still fights over! ROPEBREAK!! Takagi lets go more in exhaustion than frustration, but he is a bit frustrated. Fans rally with Takagi as he drags Tama up. Tama is on the ropes, Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, ONE?!?!? HOW?!?!
Takagi is shocked but now he’s mad! Takagi drags Tama up, reels him in, and he fires off boxing elbows! Takagi goes all the way to TEN, then he pump handles. Torture rack and LAST- GUN STUN!!!! Cover, TWO!??!? Now Takagi shocks Tama! At least, Tama would be shocked if he wasn’t so tired! Takagi stirs but Tama goes to ropes. Tama drags himself up, we pass 25 minutes and Tama storms up on Takagi. Tama reels Takagi in, underhooks, but Takagi blocks! Tama still tries, he CLUBS Takagi, then throws knees from all sides! Tama underhooks again, D- NO, Takagi BACK DROP BRIDGES! TWO!!!
Tama still has the arms! Tama drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the lift with all he has left! Fans fire up and Takagi wrenches out. Tama swats but Takagi JABS! HEADBUTT! Tama HEADBUTTS back! Tama hauls Takagi up to D S- RANA??! Tama stands to SUPERMAN PUNCH! And GUN- NO, Takagi blocks and steals GUN STUN!?!? Fans are thunderous as Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! As if the last time wasn’t shocking enough, Tama is still in this! Vegas is electric and Takagi roars! Pump handle, torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!!!!! TAKAGI WINS!!!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Las Vegas can’t believe it, but they love it! Tama put the belt up for ante and Takagi went all in to get it! Will the Good Bad Guy ever live down losing his own bet?
As for Takagi, he gets the belt put on his shoulder by the ref, given he’s rather tired. Takagi then gets a mic so he can say a little something. “My time. MY TIME is coming. TAKETAKE TA! I am so happy. Tama Tonga is good, is strong, but! I won.” Fans cheer that! Takagi then says actually, this is his third time as NEVER Openweight Champion. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Takagi nods and thanks them. So next? What’s next? Who is next?! Takagi wants someone to come out! Takagi waits, points at the stage, and says c’mon, somebody! Please! Takagi even says in Japanese that someone’s gotta answer him. Well, no one does so Takagi moves on.
Takagi promises that he will come back to Vegas. So see you next time, see you again! And in Japanese, he promises that this rampaging dragon will fly to the top! But wait, the lights go down? Then there’s a video. Trent Beretta!? Trent tells Takagi, “You, me, NEVER Openweight Championship. November 10th, Dallas, Texas. What do you say?” Takagi nods and says, “You got it!” Fans fire up, but can #JustTrent slay this Rampaging Dragon?
My Thoughts:
A great NJPW event for being stateside, and it’s wild that they’re gonna go again with Lonestar Shootout in just two weeks. I know I skipped to the latter half but that’s really where the meat of this show was anyway. Joey Janela coming to NJPW is awesome stuff for him, he’ll get to have a lot of fun just going kinda wild. Plus, him calling out Yano, they’re going to have a hilarious time. Giulia VS Hyan was a great match for the NJPW Strong Women’s title, but I had a feeling Giulia was going to win. She’s the second champ ever, she should really have a good, strong reign before losing.
Great tag title match, and I figured ELP & Leo would retain since their reign hasn’t been that long, either. But also great bit with WCWC attacking. Those guys are great, Royce Isaacs himself is looking bigger than the last time I… watched one of his matches… But ELP & Leo VS WCWC is going to be great stuff, but I feel like ELP & Leo will retain again. Awesome match from Eddie VS Henare, we definitely need a rematch of those two to finish the trilogy. And Eddie VS Kojima is going to be a lot of fun, especially since they both use Machine Gun Chops. Maybe Kojima wins so Eddie can focus on his ROH World title but I’m still leaning towards Eddie retaining.
The world title tune-up tag match was really good and I like that they went to time limit draw. It doesn’t hurt Sanada or Naito, and Hiromu is IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, he can’t be taking losses. Yuya could’ve taken the loss but he’s also going hot since joining Just5Guys, this was a good move to keep his momentum up, too. And what an awesome main event from Tama and Takagi, and what a surprise that this is the belt that changes hands tonight! I did not see that coming, and I kinda feel bad for Tama, he only had that belt 20 days. But Takagi having the NEVER Openweight Championship back is still cool, and maybe Tama can springboard from here to the IWGP United Kingdom/States now.
And then Trent making that challenge? What a great surprise. He worded his video rather generically, so he was probably going to challenge whoever was NEVER Openweight Champion regardless. But Takagi VS Trent will be great stuff, and I would think Takagi retains before moving onto a really big defense for WrestleKingdom.
My Score: 9/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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4 Corners Podcast: Secretariat’s Family Tree
Patrick and Tunney discuss the NHL and NBA playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Did The Red Sox Panic?
Dave & Patrick discuss a seismic shift in Boston as the Red Sox clean house. Plus, NFL Draft thoughts and...
4 Corners Podcast: NHL & NBA Playoff Preview
Dave & PC Tunney preview the NHL & NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: The Masters, NBA & MLB
Join Patrick and Dave weekly as they explore the 4 Corners of the American sports scene.
4 Corners Podcast: College Madness
The guys recap the Final Four, discuss March Madness expanding, and discuss an Executive Order that the guys actually agree...
Bandwagon Nerds #340: Womp Womp!
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, episode 6 of The Boys final season,...
Bandwagon Nerds #339: Everybody Dies
Your favorite Nerds review Daredevil: Born Again and The Boys. Paramount, Disney and Oscars news. All that plus we take...
Bandwagon Nerds #338: Impossible Choices
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Invincible, as well as continuing their review of Daredevil: Born Again and...
Bandwagon Nerds #337: Parallels & Purpose
The NERDS continue to review Invincible, Daredevil, and The Boys. Plus, we take a look at the new trailer for...
Bandwagon Nerds #336: Invincible, Daredevil, The Boys… Oh My!
Don't miss the Bandwagon, NERDS!
Former WWE Star Reveals How Company Tests Wrestlers for an “Attitude Problem”
A former WWE star took to social media to explain, in brief, how WWE evaluates its talent to determine whether...
WWE Backlash Match Sparks “Clone War” Debate in Wrestling Community
Wrestling fans and insiders are abuzz after a match at WWE Backlash was accused of “copycatting” a formula previously used...
Thekla Says AEW Became the “Perfect Fit,” Citing Tony Khan in Decision to Re-Sign
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla revealed that Tony Khan’s promotion has become the “perfect fit” for her, a realization that...
Swerve Strickland Targets ROH Champion Bandido Ahead of Owen Hart Cup Match
AEW’s Swerve Strickland fired several warning shots at ROH World Champion Bandido as the two prepare to collide in the...
Ronda Rousey Reflects on WrestleMania 35 Main Event, Cites Lack of Preparation Time
Ronda Rousey has opened up about her feelings surrounding the historic WrestleMania 35 main event, calling it a career-defining moment...
Matt Hardy Reflects on Kofi Kingston’s WrestleMania 35 Triumph and the New Day’s Influence
Matt Hardy praised Kofi Kingston’s emotional WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 35, calling the KofiMania run a defining moment for...
Kit Wilson Opens Up About Emotional Toll After Being Left Off 2026 Royal Rumble
WWE’s Kit Wilson admitted he struggled emotionally after being left off this year’s Royal Rumble card, saying the omission from...
Kevin Nash Slams TKO’s WWE Stewardship, Says Only One Thing Would End His Involvement
Veteran Kevin Nash has publicly criticized TKO’s handling of WWE, taking aim at the promotion’s current direction under Paul Levesque...
Jeff Jarrett Says Orange Cassidy Excels at Mixing Character and In-Ring Work
AEW veteran Jeff Jarrett praised Orange Cassidy as the standout performer in modern wrestling when it comes to blending distinctive...
JBL Says He Was Asked to Take a Pay Cut Minutes Before Surgery
WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield revealed he once received a phone call just minutes before going into surgery...
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WWE Announces AAA TripleMania 34 as Two-Night Event; Night Two Set for Mexico City
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