NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Power Struggle Results & Report! (11/4/23)
The Struggle is real!
There’s so much on the line in Osaka!
Whether it’s the IWGP United States or United Kingdom Championship, Will Ospreay gives Shota Umino one last chance to take it from him! Will the Aerial Assassin deny the Roughneck once again? Or is this finally Shota’s time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone: Ryusuke Taguchi, The DKC & Boltin Oleg VS Mochizuki Jr, Yoshiki Kato & Strong Machine J; Taguchi, DKC & Oleg win.
- Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman VS Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima; Cobb & Newman win.
- Fatal 4 Way Tag: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Master Wato & El Desperado VS YOH & MUSASHI VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita; Wato & Desperado win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Tama Tonga & Intergalactic Jet Setters; Tama & Jet Setters win.
- SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji; Naito & Tsuji win.
- Tanga Loa VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- Great-O-Khan VS Jon Moxley; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Falls Count Anywhere: Great-O-Khan VS Jon Moxley; Moxley wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS TMDK; Okada, Tanahashi & Ishii win and retain the titles.
- 2023 Super Junior Tag League Finals: Catch 2/2 VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Catch 2/2 wins and will challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Taiji Ishimori; Hiromu wins and retains the title.
- IWGP United States/United Kingdom Championship: Will Ospreay VS Shota Umino; Ospreay wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Fatal 4 Way Tag: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Master Wato & El Desperado VS YOH & MUSASHI VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita!
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions are not in the tournament finals, and now they’re having to face three teams at once! The titles aren’t on the line, but will they end up owing a golden ticket? Or will someone catch a stray from the Full Clip?
This Fatal 4 is gonna be tornado, so the War Dogs attack first! They hit everybody else, then focus on TMDK. The bell rings, Drilla TOSSES Fujita, and fans boo as he says “SUCK IT!” DespeWato stomp Fujita while the War Dogs double whip Eagles to a corner. Eagles dodges Drilla to RANA Connors, then he SOBATS Drilla! Desperado gives Connors some stomps while Eagles runs, but Drilla picks Eagles up! And pops him around into DRILLA- NO! Eagles lands out of Killa like he did last time! And steps through, but Drilla kicks him away. Eagles comes back, schoolboy bridge, DespeWato AND #MUSAKO break it!
DespeWato hit MUSAKO first, then have them in corners. They whip, Musako dosido, but DespeWato dodge. Desperado rushes Musashi and Wato rushes Yoh, but now Musako dodges to STEREO BACK ELBOW! Then Musako wrench and knuckle lock, and the fans fire up as they climb! Stereo Shinobi Walk! The War Dogs are back, but TMDK intercept! Musako hit Old School in stereo on DespeWato, and then TMDK CHOP the War Dogs! Now TMDK goes up, and they stereo Shinobi Walk! But they get tripped up by the War Dogs! TMDK falls out, Connors gets Yoh with a POWERSLAM! Drilla SPINEBUSTERS and DOUBLE STOMPS Musashi!
Desperado runs in, into Drilla’s POWERSLAM! Wato runs in, into Connors’ SPINEBUSTER and DOUBLE STOMPS! The Abunai Gaijin trade moves, then they stomp DespeWato. Drilla BLASTS Eagles off the apron to be sure. War Dogs double snap suplex Wato, Connors covers, TWO! Fans rally but Drilla stomps Wato around. The War Dogs mug Wato, egg him on, and Wato CHOPS Drilla! Drilla CHOPS back! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS him in a corner, and Drilla bumps Wato off buckles. Drilla CHOPS Wato, Connors eggs Wato on. Wato fires forearms, but Drilla CHOPS him! Ripcord, but Wato KICKS in return!
Wato fires off forearms on Connors, runs, but Connors SPEARS! Drilla BLASTS Desperado off the apron! The War Dogs lock ‘n’ load and aim at Wato, but Wato moves! They run into each other! Musako is back to STEREO SUPERKICK! And STEREO FALCON ARROW! Fans fire up as Musako drags Wato up. Yoh suplexes, but Wato slips free to shove him into Msuashi! Wato then DROPKICKS Yoh down! Fans fire up, Wato rises and he sees the others grouping outside. Wato FLIES onto Yoh and the War Dogs! Fans fire up again, and Desperado is in to SPEAR Musashi! Desperado drags Musashi up to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TMDK breaks it!
Fujita traps Desperado in a corner while Eagles hits Musashi with TURBO BACKPACK! And then the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Musashi endures, but Desperado powers past Fujita. Fujita reels Desperado back in for a KIMURA! Musashi crawls, but Eagles drags him back! Desperado endures, reaches for ropes, but Fujita rolls him away! But Desperado uses that to get around and wrangle Fujita in EL ES CULERO! DESPEWATO WINS!!
Winners: Master Wato & El Desperado, by pinfall
Eagles can’t believe it! The Rogue Luchador sniped the Sniper of the Skies! And he just kinda barely fist bumps Wato. The odd couple is sticking together, will they eventually prove worthy of the tag titles?
Great-O-Khan w/ Callum Newman VS Jon Moxley!
The Dominator got this match in return for Will Ospreay giving Shota Umino the title shot tonight. But will Khan regret getting what he wished for? Or can he find a way to bring down the Maniac?
Just as Moxley finishes his entrance, Khan dumps him out of the ring! Fans boo and the bell rings, and Khan goes after Moxley to whip him into railing! And then into more railing! Khan then runs in, to BOOT Moxley over the railing! Fans rally up as Khan hops the railing to fire off on Moxley! The ring count starts as they go further into the crowd, and the forearms start flying! Moxley sends Khan into railing! And then more railing! The ring count is 10 of 20 but the brawling keeps going! We hit 15, Moxley hurries back towards ringside but Khan CHOKES him with a shirt! Moxley hits Khan with a microphone! They spill into the English commentary area!
THE COUNT HITS 20!! THIS IS A DRAW!
Double Count-Out Draw
No one can believe it, and then the two keep brawling! Fans boo, they wanted a match, not a scrap! Now Khan and Moxley are throwing things at each other! Moxley wants a mic while fans want them to restart. Khan is tossing chairs into the ring!? And not even folding chairs! Moxley finds the mic he was using earlier, and shouts, “HEY! Listen here, Great-O-Khan. I am not leaving Japan without a piece of your ass! So you can call the cops, cuz I’m not gettin’ out of this ring, I’m not leaving, until I get my hands on you and we finish what we just started. I challenge you to Falls Count Anywhere, anywhere in Osaka!”
Fans fire up as the stakes are now raised! Khan storms his way up with railing and tries to hit Moxley! He RAMS Moxley into railing, and the bell rings on that new match!
Falls Count Anywhere: Great-O-Khan VS Jon Moxley!
Fans fire up as these two brawl again, into the deep part of the crowd! And now fans have to watch out as Moxley props railing up against railing. Khan waistlocks Moxley but Moxley throws elbows. Moxley brings Khan around, aims for the railing, but Khan fights back! Khan turns things around on Moxley, to snap suplex him through the railing! Fans fire up as Khan rises and goes back to ringside. Khan goes looking under the ring, and he brings out… a handcart!? Khan brings that cart back to where he left Moxley, then BOOTS Moxley back down! Khan then drags Moxley over to put him on the cart!
Fans fire up because this is Great-O-Khan, and this is the Moxley Cart Chair Mower! He takes out half a row and the fans fire up! Khan drags Moxley up, they go to another corner of the ringside area, and Khan throws chairs around to make room. But Moxley hits back! Moxley whips, but Khan reverses and Moxley is sent into the wall! Khan drags Moxley around, and wraps him up in floor mats! Then Khan goes and grabs up a LOT of the railing to drag it over. Khan takes this cluster and SLAMS it on Moxley! Cover, TWO! Moxley is still in this, a crimson mask forming on his face. Khan clears out more space for more carnage!
Khan drags Moxley up, scoops him, and SLAMS him onto chairs! Cover on the chairs, TWO! Fans fire up again while Khan is annoyed. Khan drags Moxley up, they move on to another area, and Moxley whips Khan through railing! Khan takes chairs with him! Moxley takes that piece of railing and CHUCKS it at Khan! And then he CHUCKS a chair at Khan! Moxley DECKS Khan and Khan flounders through the seats. Moxley drags Khan along and we’re not at the ramp. Moxley drags Khan along, Khan fights back, but they go up to the ramp. Moxley drags Khan up the ramp by his ponytail, and fireman’s carries!
Khan flails and fights free, to then torture rack Moxley! Khan aims for the seating below! But Moxley fights free! Khan kicks Moxley, underhooks, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES Moxley on the ramp! Cover, TWO!! Moxley is still in this but Khan is on him with the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Khan leans all his weight on Moxley while fans rally up! Moxley fights but Khan shifts his grip to squeeze tighter. Moxley still gets to his feet, and he CLAWS Khan’s face! But Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! And he aims for the seats! Moxley slips fere, and he SHOVES Khan off the ramp! Khan lands on the Young Lions!
Fans fire up as Moxley has a wild look in his eyes. HE BRINGS OUT SCISSORS!! Fans can’t even but Moxley vows to take a piece of Khan home with him! Moxley stalks Khan, drags him up by his ponytail, and they continue on towards another corner of the arena! Young Lions move chairs and fans aside, and Moxley CUTS THE PONYTAIL! Fans can’t believe it! If Khan had 100 Yen for every time someone cut his ponytail, he’d have 200 Yen. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice. Khan realizes what happened, and he’s FURIOUS! He TACKLES Moxley and fires down fists! Then puts Moxley in an ARMBAR!!
Moxley flails, fights around, slips free and has Khan’s legs! FIGURE FOUR! Khan endures, fights around, powers free and traps Moxley’s arm for the headlock. But then Moxley powers out to get a headscissors and ARMBAR! Khan flails, clasps hands, powers out and wraps Moxley in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Moxley endures, even as Khan bends the fingers! But Moxley fights up and out, to have a HEEL HOOK! But Khan fights up and out to have a chinbar armlock, then a full nelson! They move around, Khan THRASHES Moxley while moving through the crowd! Khan lets Moxley go to push him along the way.
Moxley eggs Khan on, half his face covered in his own blood! They start throwing strikes, Khan KICKS Moxley’s legs out! Moxley gets up, shoots in, waistlocks, and then half nelsons to spin and snapmare, into HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The BCC trademark! Moxley then covers, TWO!! Khan survives and the fans fire up! Moxley stands, hobbles around, and he goes back for Khan. Khan fights the underhooks to wrench and IRON CLAW! Moxley breaks free, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up! Khan LARIATS again, but Moxley stays up! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and still both men stay up!
Khan goes to the wall, runs back in, but so does Moxley! DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men stagger around, Khan BOOTS Moxley! Then he uses a chair to jump off of, IRON SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO?!? Moxley survives and fans fire up again! Khan drags Moxley back up and slashes his throat! Khan scoops, but Moxley slips free to have a SLEEPER! Khan stays up, SMACKS at Moxley’s bloody face, and then SAYANAGI! Scoop and, T T D to the floor!! Cover, TWO?!?! Moxley survives again and the fans are thunderous! Moxley stands and hobbles away, fans moving aside as this now goes to the bleachers.
Khan pursues, letting his hair down since the ponytail is ruined anyway. Moxley goes all the way to the back row, but Khan moves chairs aside as he follows. Khan CHUCKS one into Moxley’s back! And then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Moxley wrenches to LOW BLOW! And then he BOOTS Khan down! Khan tumbles down the bleachers, and into those chairs! Fans are thunderous again as Khan finally stops tumbling! Moxley makes his way down the bleachers, drags Khan back to ground level, but Khan fights the underhooks! Moxley pushes Khan, Khan staggers around, and fans chant “Let’s Go, Moxley!”
Khan runs in, but Moxley spins him around! DEATH RIDER to the floor!! REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Khan is caught, he’s flailing, but he’s fading! Khan is OUT, Moxley wins!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by submission
Khan wanted a fight, and he got a fight! Moxley is bloody but he’s the winner, and he wouldn’t have it any other way! Moxley says he does what he wants and takes what he wants, so will he look to take a NJPW title soon enough?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS TMDK!
The Dream Trio is back in action, and they’re up against “The Front Man,” Zack Sabre Jr, Hysterical Shane Haste and Mad Mikey Nicholls. Will the Rainmaker, Ace of the Universe and Stone Pitbull still be golden? Or will they find that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belts are raised, and we see which trio is mightier!
The trios sort out, and after Tanahashi shows off the muscles and the fans cheer, Ishii starts against ZSJ. Fans rally up at the bell, cheering for “I-SHI-I!” Ishii and ZSJ feel things out, circle around, and then ZSJ waistlocks. Ishii switches, ZSJ switches back. Ishii pries free to switch, ZSJ switches again, and they just keep going, switch for switch! Ishii shoves ZSJ to a corner, runs in, but ZSJ dodges. ZSJ comes back, Ishii dodges and then blocks a boot. ZSJ avoids the enziguri but Ishii avoids the Penalty Kick. Ishii catches ZSJ’s lariat, spins him around and reels him in, but ZSJ suplexes! Ishii fights to suplex but ZSJ fights free!
Ishii takes a swing, ZSJ ducks! ZSJ takes a swing, Ishii ducks! The two stand off and fans fire up! ZSJ grins and nods as he and Ishii reset. They tie up, ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ cravats, brings Ishii in and tags Mikey. Ishii gets loose, and he tags Tanahashi. Fans fire up and chant for Tanahashi as he circles with Mikey. They tie up, wrench, wristlock, but Mikey wrenches back. Tanahashi wrenches back, Mikey wrenches back, repeat, and then Tanahashi headlocks. Mikey powers Tanahashi to ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. But Tanahashi dodges Mikey’s cheap shot to CHOP! And forearm! And whip, but Mikey reverses, and Shane gets a cheap shot in!
Shane flexes and fans boo, but Tanahashi CLUBS Shane! But then Mikey CLUBS Tanahashi! Mikey shoves Tanahashi out to BLAST Okada & Ishii! Shane drags Tanahashi out to give him an APRON BACK SUPLEX! ZSJ goes after Ishii on the outside, Shane argues he was in the right for getting hit from behind. The fans rally for Tanahashi as Shane puts him in. Mikey covers, TWO! Tag to Shane, the “Young Punks” double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW, then FIST DROP SENTON COMBO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Shane drags Tanahashi by his arm. Shane KICKS Tanahashi in the shoulder, then shakes out that leg.
Shane stomps Tanahashi, grabs a leg and has a HALF CRAB! Shane adds an arm to it, but Tanahashi endures, so Shane drops his knee! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is hanging tough but Shane drags him up and over. Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ wrenches Tanahashi, and again, and again, and then he wrangles Tanahashi to STOMP the bad arm! ZSJ keeps Tanahashi from his corner to drop knees on the knee! And then he stomps the other knee! ZSJ is picking Tanahashi apart with his stomps! ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on but Okada coaches him. Tanahashi sits up but into a kick! And another kick! And another! Tanahashi gets mad and stands up!
Tanahashi fires off forearms, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs in at the corner, forearms, and UPPERCUTS, and whips corner to corner! But Tanahashi ELBOWS back! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up while both men are down. ZSJ and Tanahashi crawl for their corners, hot tag to Shane and both he and Mikey rush in! They get Okada and Ishii to back off, then they hoist Tanahashi up. But Tanahashi BOOTS Shane, ducks Mikey’s haymaker to SHOTEI! Then SHOTEI for Shane! Mikey and Shane roar before they both rush in, but Tanahashi dodges and the DOUBLE LARIATS take The Mighty down!
Fans fire up, The Mighty flounder and Tanahashi crawls, hot tag to Okada! Fans fire up as Okada rallies on The Mighty! He throws haymakers and elbows, then he scoop SLAMS Mikey! Then he scoop SLAMS Shane onto Mikey! Kick and DDT for Shane, and Okada kips up, to then PLANCHA Mikey! And he BOOTS ZSJ! Fans fire up with Okada and he storms back in. Okada dodges Shane, pops him up to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Okada brings Shane up again. Okada wrenches and clamps on the MONEY CLIP! Shane endures, moves around, reaches out, and he powers Okada to a corner.
Shane arm-drags Okada away, then KICKS a leg! And JUMP KNEES! And hits an INVERTED EXPLODER! Fans fire up and both men crawl. Hot tag to Mikey, and Shane BLASTS Ishii. But Okada fires forearms on The Mighty! Mikey ROCKS Okada, The Mighty double whip and Shane runs in to UPPERCUT! Mikey clotheslines, then feeds to another UPPERCUT! BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, Tanahashi breaks it! Shane LARIATS Tanahashi, Mikey SLIDING LARIATS! The Mighty call their shot, hoist Okada up, but Okada fights free and shoves Mikey into Shane! Okada runs, into a double trophy lift!
Okada fights out of Thunder Valley to DOUBLE DDT! Fans fire up while all three men are down! Okada crawls, as does Mikey, hot tags to Ishii and ZSJ! Fans fire up as Ishii dodges, ZSJ dodges, each other block a shot! Ishii waistlocks but he ducks ZSJ’s elbow. ZSJ waistlocks but he ducks Ishii’s elbow! Ishii avoids an uppercut! ZSJ avoids Ishii’s chop! Ishii catches ZSJ’s haymaker to spin him around, but ZSJ fights the suplex. ZSJ wrenches out but ducks a haymaker. ZSJ full nelsons, spins Ishii around, but Ishii fights the scoop to wrench. ZSJ avoids the short arm lariat to run, but Ishii avoids the boot!
Ishii runs, ZSJ ducks the lariat to SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up with ZSJ, and Ishii rises up, to LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as Ishii roars! ZSJ sputters up, Ishii runs, but ZSJ trips him! Body scissors and JAPANESE CLUTCH! TWO!! Both men are up, Ishii ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ flops against Ishii! Ishii drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ trips him, cross-legged jacknife?! TWO!! ZSJ UPPERCUTS then SLEEPERS! Ishii endures, but he’s turning red! ZSJ shouts, “MADA MADA!” and shifts into a Cobra Twist! But Ishii hip tosses free! But ZSJ drags Ishii down to hook him up, EURO CLUTCH!! TWO?!?! Ishii escapes just in time!!
ZSJ eggs Ishii on, and they both throw shots. Ishii gets a Cobra Twist, right to GROUND COBRA! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes, fans rally up again, and ZSJ KICKS! Ishii grabs the leg! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! ZSJ SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS! DOUBLE SLAP! Ishii GAMANGIRIS!! Both men fall and fans are thunderous again! The ref checks, both ZSJ and Ishii are still in this. They both rise, head for their corners, hot tag to Tanahashi! The Ace runs to CLOBBER ZSJ! Tanahashi BLASTS Shane & Mikey, too! Tanahashi then runs, but he blocks ZSJ’s boot! DRAGON SCREW! Shane gets in, but gets a DRAGON SCREW!
Mikey gets in, but Tanahashi catches him, for a DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ gets around to COBRA- NO, Tanahashi fights it to turn it around! Mikey runs in to CLUB Tanahashi! Okada runs in, Mikey kicks and runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Okada & Tanahashi double whip ZSJ to a corner, then Okada sends Tanahashi in to SPLASH! Okada runs in to clothesline! Okada reels ZSJ in to trip and CATAPULT, but ZSJ ROCKS Tanahashi and NECK TWISTS Okada! Tanahashi runs in, but into a backslide! TWO!! ZSJ has the ARMBAR!! ZSJ shifts to a behind-the-back grip! But Ishii CLOBBERS him!
Ishii stands ZSJ up, ZSJ rears back but Ishii HEADBUTTS him down! Shane ROCKS Ishii! Shane runs, but Okada DROPKICKS him! Fans fire up as Mikey kicks and runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! The Dream Trio fires up! ZSJ stands, into a BOOT! SHOTEI! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then the TRIO DDT!! Cover, TWO?!? ZSJ survives, but Tanahashi keeps moving. SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi goes up top while Okada & Ishii keep The Mighty out! HIGH FLY FLOP as ZSJ moves!! The Mighty get free, they haul Tanahashi up, but Okada saves him! But then Okada takes the TANK BUSTER!! Ishii runs in, but into a TANK BUSTER!!
The Mighty gets Tanahashi up, for HIGHWAY TO HELL!! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tanahashi survives and no one can believe it, but the fans are thunderous! Mikey & Shane PLANCHA Okada & Ishii! ZSJ has the fans all fired up as he runs corner to corner, to UPPERCUT! And then scoop for ZACK- CRADLE!! DREAM TRIO WINS!!!
Winners: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
ZSJ is furious, how did he get caught by such a simple move!? But in the end, it wasn’t about being mighty but about being unbreakable! Will anyone ever take the titles from this incredible trio?
But wait! The lights go down, and on the tron… IT’S BRYAN DANIELSON! He tells Okada that they’ve faced each other two times already, and those two times, Bryan has won. But those two times also injured Bryan. First, it was his arm, but what happened? Bryan wrestled another 10 minutes and TAPPED OKADA OUT! “Because no matter how many bones you break, you can’t break my heart and you can’t break my spirit.” But Bryan has revenge on his mind. That is why he is challenging Okada for January 4th, WrestleKingdom 18, the Tokyo Dome! Bryan will get his revenge by breaking Okada’s arm, his right arm, and Okada will never make it rain ever again!
Fans are thunderous with “YES! YES! YES!” Okada gets the mic, and he tells Bryan, “Are you an idiot? Because I’M the one that wants revenge! I’ve broken your arm, I’ve broken your face, but I’ve never beaten you. If you think you can break my right arm, go ahead and try. January 4th, WrestleKingdom 18, huh? I will beat you with a Rainmaker. Bryan… YES.” And so the match is set! Will the New Year be the last time one of these living legends wrestles in one piece?
2023 Super Junior Tag League Finals: Catch 2/2 VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
TJP & Francesco Akira won the previous match-up against the Murder Machine & Heel Master, but didn’t get to celebrate very long. The House of Torture are sore losers, sore winners, and all-around underhanded, but will they fail to conquer the United Empire? Or will Public Enemy & Nova Fireball win the trophies to then go after the titles?
As Catch 2/2 gets closer to the ring, they slow up, because they know the House likes to attack first. But then they get ambushed from behind by Dick Togo! Fans boo as Yujiro & Evil also run up, and then Sho & Kanemaru go out so that they can stomp away 5v2! Fans boo but nothing can be done as the match hasn’t started yet! The ref reprimands but the mugging continues. Then Sho & Kanemaru put Catch 2/2 in the ring. They stomp away again, but the ref reprimands and the fans tell the extras to go away. Instead, Sho whips Akira to a corner, then sends TJP into him. Sho runs to the corner but TJP BOOTS him away!
Kanemaru runs in but TJP BOOTS him away! Then TJP sets up and Akira launches to DOUBLE SHOTGUN Evil & Yujiro! TJP SOBATS Dick, but Sho & Kanemaru stomp Catch 2/2. Sho & Kanemaru double whip, but Catch 2/2 reverses to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Fans fire up with “CATCH! NI NI!” TJP & Akira both run, but the ref has them stop. The ref tells Evil, Yujiro & Dick to go away, but then TJP whips Akira so he can FLY! Akira goes over the ref to wipe out the entire House! Fans are thunderous and Akira puts Sho in the ring. The bell finally rings, and Catch 2/2 whip Sho to SOBAT, KICK, trip and SHOTGUN!
Fans fire up and TJP bumps Sho off buckles. Sho whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows, then sits Sho down. Fans rally as TJP scrubs Sho’s face with his laces. TJP runs, but Kanemaru is in the way! So TJP dropkicks him down! But Sho runs up to CLUB TJP and toss him out. Sho then BLASTS Akira, and Kanemaru whips TJP into railing! And DDTS to the floor! TJP clutches his neck but Kanemaru stomps him while he’s down! Kanemaru POSTS TJP, then pulls up floor mats. Kanemaru drags TJP over, DDT to the exposed concrete!! Kanemaru tags in while TJP writhes, and the ring count climbs.
Fans rally for “CATCH! NI NI!” but TJP is still down at 10 of 20. TJP rises, drags himself up with railing, and hobbles over at 15. TJP flops back over! TJP scrambles up, Akira helps, TJP is in at 18! Sho attacks Akira to RAM him into railing! Kanemaru whips TJP into a corner, BOOTS him then scoops, BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Kanemaru rips TJP’s neck tape away! Fans rally for TJP but Kanemaru snapmares and headscissors! Kanemaru squeezes tight on the neck! TJP endures, pushes back, but Kanemaru pushes him back down. TJP tries again, but Kanemaru pushes him down again.
Kanemaru turns over to JAM TJP into the mat again and again! TJP endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Kanemaru lets off reluctantly, and Kanemaru kicks TJP around. Kanemaru brings TJP up but TJP throws body shots! And haymakers! Sho storms up but TJP elbows him away! But then Kanemaru CLAWS TJP’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru lets off. Fans rally, Sho tags in and he cravats. Sho CHOKES TJP on the ropes like that! The ref counts, Sho lets off and pushes TJP out to the apron. Kanemaru runs up to DROPKICK! Sho then has the legs, and CATAPULT GUILLOTINES TJP!
Sho drags TJP to a cover, TWO! Fans fire up as TJP hangs in there. Kanemaru tags in, he drags TJP up and whips to ropes, to ELBOW TJP down! Kanemaru BOOTS Akira for good measure! Kanemaru then stands TJP up, to DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Sho tags back in. Sho grins as he looms over TJP, and he drags TJP into a straitjacket stretch. TJP endures, fans rally, and TJP fights up! TJP pries the hold open, bridges and rolls to then hook Sho up, IRON OCTO- NO, Sho powers out to pop-up and ARMBAR! Kanemaru runs in to BLAST Akira! TJP fights around, but ends up in SNAKE BITE!!
Akira sends Kanemaru crashing into railing! And then he runs in to stomp Sho down! Akira coaches TJP, but Sho CLUBS Akira and TOSSES him out! Sho knuckle locks TJP, wrenches and brings him down to kick, KICK, and KICK again! But then TJP blocks the superkick! Only for Sho to rake the eyes! Fans boo but Sho whips. TJP Spider-Mans, slides under, but Sho grabs his hair! Sho kicks, but TJP blocks to slip around and SAIDO! Fans fire up and TJP crawls, hot tag to Akira! The Fireball storms up on Sho to fire off forearms, and a CHOP! Akira whips, Sho reverses, but Akira dodges to come back and clothesline!
Akira keeps going, but he dodges Kanemaru to put him in the Tree of Woe! Akira dodges Sho to dropkick legs out! Then Akira lines it up, jumps off Sho to DROPKICK Kanemaru! Akira then dodges Sho to RANA! The House boys bail out and fans fire up with Akira. Akira goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on the House and the fans fire up again! Akira puts Sho back in, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Akira keeps his cool while the fans rally. Akira drags Sho up and reels him in, but Sho bends fingers! Akira clubs free but Sho rakes eyes! Fans boo, Sho waistlocks, but Akira fights the lift!
TJP is back in, and Akira ducks so the SUPERKICK hits Sho! Akira then switches, chicken wings, and TIGER FIRE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Akira calls to TJP and has the fans start on “CATCH! NI NI!” again. They get Sho up, TJP still tries to Electric Chair Lift!? TJP fights through the pain, but it’s too much! He drops, and Kanemaru SHOVES TJP into Akira! Sho wraps TJP up, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! TJP flops out of the ring, Kanemaru tags in to DROPKICK Akira on the corner! Kanemaru then climbs up to get Akira, for a SUPERPLEX! Sho drags Akira right up to reel him in, POWER BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!!
Akira is still in this for his team, but now Kanemaru puts him in a BOSTON CRAB! Akira endures as Kanemaru sits deep! But Akira powers up! Only for Kanemaru to sit back down! But Akira still fights! Akira reaches out, but Kanemaru drags him back, and focuses on a HALF CRAB! Akira refuses to quit, so Kanemaru SMASHES the leg! FIGURE FOUR! Sho intercepts TJP while Kanemaru thrashes around! Akira reaches out, crawls and brings Kanemaru along, but Kanemaru works to turn him away from ropes! They roll and roll, but TJP goes up! TJP shoves Sho away to MAMBA SPLASH Kanemaru!
TJP flops back out of the ring but Akira is saved! Kanemaru goes to a corner, Akira runs in, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru runs, into a victory roll, STOMP 182! Fans fire up as Akira crawls to the corner, hot tag to TJP! TJP goes up again, for MAMBA- NO, he has to bail out as Kanemaru moves! And then Kanemaru shoves TJP into the ref! And of course that means the rest of the House returns! The ejection only counts if the ref can call it! Fans boo as the House all stomps TJP! Fans tell them to go away again but they don’t care. They drag TJP up, whip him corner to corner, then Dick runs in to ELBOW!
Yujiro runs in to BOOT! Evil runs in to clothesline and snapmare! They set TJP up for the- WAIT! CALLUM NEWMAN is here, and he ENZIGURIS Dick down! And Jeff Cobb CLOBBERS Evil! Fans fire up as the United Empire strikes back! They RAM Evil and Yujiro all around ringside, but then Dick leaps! Cobb catches him, tosses him to Oleg, and tells Oleg to get that Dick outta here! Oleg obliges, and then Cobb DECKS Evil! Cobb hauls the King of Darkness away and fans fire up again! Kanemaru is mad, but he grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru tags a big swig, then waits on TJP to get up. But Akira gets in to SUPERKICK!
The whiskey goes flying, Sho returns but Akira SUPERKICKS him! TJP sees Kanemaru’s bottle and grabs it. Akira runs at Kanemaru but Kanemaru dumps him out! Kanemaru sees TJP all alone, and he borrows Sho’s KOPW Championship belt. Kanemaru storms up, but TJP WHISKEY MISTS Kanemaru!! Roll up and the ref is there to count, TWO!! TJP staggers to a corner, Sho returns but TJP dumps him out. Akira runs in and TJP helps, RAILGUN DROPKICK! Down goes Sho, Kanemaru runs in, but TJP goes up and over to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up and Akira has Kanemaru, for SPEEDFIRE!!
Akira calls to TJP and the fans rally up. “CATCH! NI NI!” They 2 BY 2 side by side!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!!
Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (2023 Super Junior Tag League Champions)
They come in as the number one seed, and they win as the number one seed! Revenge on the House of Torture was sweet, but will revenge on the War Dogs be golden? Akira gets the mic to speak, but wait, the War Dogs rush out here!! They lost earlier and are still pissed! They CLOBBER Catch 2/2 with the belts!! Fans boo but Connors tells them to shut up. Connors has the mic to say, “Congratulations, Catch 2/2. You got exactly what you wanted. And not congratulations on winning this stupid tournament. Not even congratulations on getting a shot at these boys.” Connors holds up his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag title, then puts it aside.
Connors says this is congrats because now they get to face the two best Juniro Heavyweights of all time on the biggest stage of ’em all! And compared to that, these trophies ain’t sh*t! Drilla SPITS on one and then Connors drops it! Drilla says these last three weeks, all these Super Juniors have been nipping at each other, biting each other’s ankles, all for a chance to face the War Dogs, the ABUNAI INU! But one problem, boys: “We ain’t bitin’ anybody’s ankles. We are rippin’ everybody’s heads off! We’re the monsters of this division! How many times we gotta kill you until you realize you gotta stay dead?!
“All you do, all you do, is bark, bark, BARK! And all we’ve done, all we do, all we’re gonna do forever, WrestleKingdom and after, all we gonna do is BITE. Load ’em up, baby!” The fans boo as the War Dogs stand Akira up, for the DOUBLE GORE! And then they make TJP look as Akira is down! Connors climbs, but here comes Callum again! He has a chair this time, and he gets Connors & Drilla to back off. What happened to the War Dogs? More like puppies! Drilla spits and cusses Callum out, then Connors says, “See you at WrestleKingdom!” The Cowboy & The Criminal take their leave, just as the fans tell them to leave.
As for Catch 2/2, TJP picks up the trophy that was thrown down, and part of the plaque chipped off. The War Dogs may have fired the first shot, but will TJP & Akira fire the last?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Ticking Timebomb and Bone Soldier Reborn have had a storied rivalry, but this chapter is about settling a score! Will Hiromu no longer be seen as the Best of the Super Juniors? Or can he deny Taiji his revenge?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Bullet Club adds any more gold!
The bell rings and the two rush in! Hiromu sunset flips, TWO! Taiji prawn holds, TWO! Hiromu sunsets but Taiji rolls through to high stack, TWO! Hiromu has the sunset, TWO! The two stand off, Hiromu kicks and whips but Taiji reverses. Taiji runs in, blocks boots, puts Hiromu in ropes and ENZIGURIS! Taiji runs but Hiromu gets loose to elbow him! Hiromu whips, runs in and clotheslines to then snapmare. Hiromu keeps moving but Taiji avoids the dropkick! Taiji whips, Hiromu reverses but Taiji goes Spider-Man. Hiromu runs in, Taiji slips under and around to then RAM into Hiromu and slingshot, but Hiromu ROCKS him!
Hiromu runs and leaps, but Taiji backflips out of the sunset bomb! Hiromu swings, Taiji ducks and waistlocks. Hiromu switches but Taiji wrenches out, to TORNADO ARMBAR DDT to the floor!! Fans fire up while Hiromu clutches his elbow and hurries away up the ramp. Taiji lets him be so he can untie the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in effect while fans rally up. A ring count starts, Taiji waits on Hiromu as he sits up at 4 of 20. Taiji then goes out after Hiromu to CLUB the bad arm! Taiji brings Hiromu around and into the ring. Taiji wrenches Hiromu’s arm, hammerlocks, and then RAMS Hiromu into bare buckles!
Fans rally while Hiromu writhes, but Taiji drags Hiromu up. Taiji wrenches, whips, and WRINGS the arm, to then ARM SCREW! Taiji drags Hiromu up into a cobra clutch! Hiromu endures, fights up, but Taiji wrenches, RAMS and fireman’s carries into a SHANKLY GATES! Hiromu endures the wristlock camel clutch, and Hiromu fights to a ROPEBREAK! Taiji lets go, he taunts the fans and storms up on Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taiji CLUBS the bad arm! And again! Taiji runs but Hiromu avoids the boot to roll him up! TWO, BONE- NO, Hiromu fights around, only for Taiji to have the ghost pin! TWO!!
Hiromu escapes but Taiji keeps cool. Taiji storms up on Hiromu, brings him up to CLUB the arm, and again, and again! Taiji runs but Hiromu follows to RANA! Fans fire up while both men are down. Taiji and Hiromu go to opposite corners, and Taiji runs in. Hiromu dodges to clothesline, snapmare and run, basement dropkick! Taiji bails out so Hiromu goes to the apron. Hiromu JOHN WOO DROPKICKS Taiji into railing! Taiji and Hiromu are both down on the outside, but Hiromu stands first. Hiromu puts Taiji in the ring, drags him up and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally while both men are down. Hiromu shakes out the bad arm and he brings Taiji back up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Taiji slips free to shove him into a corner. Taiji runs in, and he blocks boots! He puts Hiromu back in the ropes, ENZIGURIS, runs and SLIDING GERMAN! Fans fire up while Hiromu flops out of the ring. Taiji stalks Hiromu, drags him up, and fireman’s carries! TKO with the railing! Hiromu flops into No Man’s Land and Red Shoes goes out to check him. Hiromu writhes but he’s still in this. Taiji leaves Hiromu behind for the ring count to start. Hiromu sits up at 5 of 20, and fans rally up.
Hiromu stands at 10, gets over railing at 11, and hobbles his way over at 13. Hiromu is in at 15, but Taiji hits COAST2COAST! Taiji then POSTS Hiromu in the blue corner! And hammerlocks the arm, to scoop and SHOULDER BREAKER! Taiji wants Red Shoes to call this but Hiromu refuses to quit. Fans rally for Hiromu but Taiji runs in, only for Hiromu to block La Mystica! Hiromu powers Taiji to a fireman’s carry! TIME- NO, Taiji slips free! Hiromu elbows him, but Taiji hits back! Taiji blocks the superkick, Hiromu blocks the knee! ROLLING ELBOW! Hiromu runs, Taiji follows, but into a SNAP GERMAN!
But Taiji rises! GERMAN SUPLEX for Hiromu! But Hiromu rises! Both men run in to DOUBLE LARIAT!! Both men flop over and fans fire up! Hiromu and Taiji go to opposite corners, drag themselves up, and Taiji runs in! Hiromu OVERHEAD SUPLEXES, but Taiji lands safe on the corner! Only for Hiromu to POWERBOMB him off the corner! High stack, TWO! Hiromu hurries to fireman’s carry and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he hauls Taiji up! Fireman’s carry and spin, but Taiji sunset flips it! TWO, but into STYLES- NO, Hiromu fights free, sits up, and he sunset flips! TWO!!
Taiji stands, Hiromu wrenches, but Taiji rolls free of the Hiromu-chan Cradle! Only for Hiromu to fireman’s carry again, TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and fans rally up again. Hiromu rises and he tells Taiji, “Just you wait!” Hiromu drags Taiji up, runs, but Taiji dodges the lariat! Only to run into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Hiromu then hauls Taiji into a dragon sleeper, but Taiji slips around to return the favor! CIPHER UTAKI! But Taiji can’t make the cover! Fans rally up, both men stir, and Hiromu goes to a corner. Taiji stands, runs in, and clotheslines! Then COMPLETE SHOT! Fans rally as Taiji then goes to the apron.
Taiji climbs up the corner, takes aim, and 450- NO, Hiromu moves and Taiji rolls through! Taiji comes back, LA MYST- NO, Hiromu blocks again! And he tucks Taiji in, for a suplex and VICTORY- NO, Taiji drags Hiromu down for BONE LOCK!! Taiji counters Victory Royale right into the hold he wanted! Hiromu fights his way over but Taiji rolls him from ropes! To then suplex and BLOODY- NO, Hiromu rolls through that to fireman’s carry! Fans fire up and Hiromu spins for TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Taiji survives the OG Timebomb and both men are down! Fans fire up and Hiromu rises, shaking out the bad arm.
Hiromu sits Taiji up, runs, but Taiji gets under to send Hiromu at Red Shoes! Hiromu stops himself, Taiji whips Hiromu and pop-up LOW BLOWS!! Taiji then GEDO CLUTCHES! TWO?!?! Hiromu survives what Taiji used to steal the DDT-Pro Ironman Heavymetalweight title! Taiji aims, BANG, and he brings Hiromu up. BLOODY- ARM-DRAG! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu fires up and he dares Taiji to get up! Hiromu drags Taiji up, runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! But Hiromu still isn’t done, he dragon sleepers and suplexes, TIMEBOMB- TAKEDOWN!? BONE LOCK RETURNS!!! Taiji squeezes the air outta Hiromu!
Fans are thunderous as Hiromu flails, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks Hiromu, he’s turning red! But Hiromu revives and scrambles for ropes! Hiromu reaches out, Taiji pulls him away from ropes again! BONE LOCK!!! And it’s deep! Hiromu still fights, still reaches out, and he drags Taiji along with him! Fans rally as hard as they can, and Hiromu makes one last lurch to the ROPEBREAK!! Taiji lets go in frustration and fans fire up again! Taiji goes to the other side, aims a finger gun and says BANG, and then he drags Hiromu up. BLOODY- NO, Hiromu slips free! SUPERKICK! But Taiji JUMP KNEES in return!
Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Hiromu slips through to HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! TWO?!?! But barely! Hiromu tries again, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL WITH BRIDGE!! HIROMU WINS!!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
From the jaws of defeat, Hiromu snatches victory, and Taiji can’t believe it! Hiromu continues to evolve his moveset, will anyone stop him from proving he is THE Best of the Super Juniors? Hiromu gets the mic to say, “Ishimori-san. Let’s do this again! Glad to have you back.” Taiji Too Sweets that, when and where will the Bone Soldier Reborn be reloaded? And Hiromu says this is the first time he’s actually worn the belt since he won it on January 4th earlier this year. “Once again, I am Hiromu Takahashi the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion!” Fans cheer that.
Hiromu then asks himself, “Who’s the next challenger? If you’re backstage, ready to come out here, please don’t. Also, to the lighting guy, if a wrestler asks you to cut the lights, don’t listen! Please have the courage to refuse. I will name the next challenger for this belt!” Fans like the sound of that! Hiromu continues to say that he really wants to fight “this guy.” Hiromu feels he has to surpass this man. Hiromu calls out DESPERADO! The Rogue Luchador is now on commentary, so he’s already staring Hiromu down. Hiromu promises no one else will get involved, this won’t turn into a Triple Threat or Fatal 4. “Desperado, come up here.”
Fans cheer and Desperado goes from having fun to being serious. He leaves commentary and gets in the ring. Hiromu tells Desperado to face him at WrestleKingdom 18! Then he drops the mic at Desperado’s feet. Desperado picks it up, and says, “Okay.” Fans cheer that! Desperado then says that FYI, he’s kinda seeing two loudmouth Hiromus. Desperado needs surgery to put that back in order. So yeah, don’t expect any warm-up matches along the way. But he will be sure to be in top shape before facing Hiromu. Fans applaud that.
Desperado also hopes to make a few appearances before the big day. And he admits to being a bit worried being called out like that. “The bar has been raised.” And he’s pretty sure there’s an angry Taguchi chomping at the bit to come out here. So assuming Desperado is good to go, he’ll accept that title match. Fans cheer and Desperado hands the mic back over. Hiromu says, “Let’s have some fuuuun~!” Mic drop and Hiromu stares down his other storied rival. Will the Rogue Luchador be shooting straight before the new year? Or will another have to step up to the Ticking Timebomb?
IWGP United States/United Kingdom Championship: Will Ospreay w/ Callum Newman VS Shota Umino!
The American Assassin has defended this title against The Roughneck before, but those losses haven’t broken Shota yet! Will this final time be the charm for #SHOOTER? Or will this just be the final time?
The introductions are made, both forms of this title are raised, and in the end, only one man will walk away with them!
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two stare down. Osaka is strong for Ospreay, but he and Shota circle. They feel things out, back off, then circle again. They tie up, Shota wrenches, but Ospreay spins to wrench back. Ospreay full nelsons, then cravats, but Shota rolls free to wrangle Ospreay to a cording hold. Ospreay stands but Shota wrenches and hammerlocks. Ospreay reaches around but Shota cravats, then headlocks. Ospreay pushes Shota to ropes, but he can’t power out as Shota holds tight! Ospreay powers up to pry the hold open but Shota just clamps it on tighter. Ospreay back suplexes, but Shota lands on his feet! Shota headlocks for a takeover!
Fans cheer this technical exchange, but Ospreay pulls hair. Shota traps an arm, but Ospreay gets that free. Ospreay fights up to his feet, powers Shota to ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Ospreay lets off slowly, but Shota blocks the chop! Shota headlocks, Ospreay powers out but Shota runs him over! But Ospreay kips right back up! Shota sees that, but Ospreay still ROCKS him first! Ospreay grins and fans fire up behind him. Ospreay whips, Shota reverses, ELBOWS, and basement dropkicks! Shota fires up and the fans cheer again. Shota stomps Ospreay, brings him up and CLUBS him on the neck.
Shota reels Ospreay in to ROCK him in the back, then CLUB him down! Shota UPPERCUTS Ospreay, goes to a corner with him, and cravats again. Shota cranks the neck wrench, but Ospreay breaks free to ROCK Shota! Ospreay whips, Shota reverses and trips, then steps over, STF! Ospreay scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, and Shota lets go at 2. Shota drags Ospreay up, bumps him off buckles, then stomps him. Shota ROCKS Ospreay, UPPERCUTS him, and whips corner to corner. Shota runs in but Ospreay BOOTS back! Ospreay runs, but Shota ELBOWS! Shota whips, Ospreay RANAS!
Fans fire up as Shota bails out, and Ospreay aims! PLANCHA! Down goes Shota and fans fire up again! Ospreay drags Shota up, brings him around, and ROCKS him! Shota flops against railing but Ospreay brings him up to whip into more railing! Shota falls over, and Ospreay goes looking under the ring. Ospreay brings out a TABLE! Ospreay sets that up by ringside and he drags Shota up. Red Shoes reprimands but Ospreay still reels Shota in. But Shota fights the lift! Shota back drops Ospreay, narrowly missing the table! Red Shoes tells Shota not to, but Shota still looks at the table. Shota reels Ospreay in, but then puts him in the ring.
Fans applaud Shota not going to extremes there, and Shota runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Shota staggers from the ropes, into Ospreay’s BOOT! Ospreay then stands Shota up, to CHOP him! Shota is stinging as he goes to the corner, but Ospreay CHOPS him again! Ospreay digs his boots in, he scrapes and scrubs Shota’s face, then drags Shota up. Ospreay scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Shota hangs tough and fans cheer but Ospreay is annoyed. Ospreay stalks Shota, pushes him around to omoplata an arm, then he SLAPS Shota in the side to get the other arm! Ospreay pulls on that arm, and reclines back onto it! It’s a cradle, TWO!!
Shota gets out of that one and goes to a corner, but Ospreay stalks him. Ospreay gives Shota some Kawada Kicks, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Shota snarls to ROCK Ospreay! Ospreay eggs Shota on and Shota fires off forearms! Ospreay CHOPS! Shota staggers back to ropes, Ospreay whips but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges and dodges again to CLOBBER Ospreay! Fans rally up, Shota whips Ospreay to a corner, and then he runs in. UPPERCUT, and then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota’s not quite perfect but he doesn’t let that bother him. Shota brings Ospreay in but Ospreay blocks the lift!
Ospreay throws elbows but Shota snapmares, and HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! We saw Moxley here earlier tonight, Shota is using one of his favorites! Shota then drags Ospreay up, clinches, but Ospreay slips free. Shota mule kicks, whips, but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Direct hit and down goes Shota! Fans fire up again and Ospreay goes to the apron. Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but he says Shota’s done now. Ospreay drags Shota up and reels him in, but Shota fights the lift! Fans rally, Ospreay fires more Kawada Kicks! And a CHOP!
Shota staggers to a corner, Ospreay runs in but Shota dodges! Shota runs back in but into BOOTS! Ospreay goes up but Shota ROCKS him! Shota climbs, Ospreay slips under and tucks Shota in! CHEEKY NANDOS! Shota is stuck up there, so Ospreay CHEEKY NANDOS again! Ospreay taunts Shota, “Is that all you’ve got?” Ospreay SPITS at Shota! Red Shoes reprimands but Ospreay just grins. But then Shota mule kicks Ospreay away! Shota checks, and he has a bloody nose! Shota’s mad now, but the fans rally up. Ospreay CHOPS, but Shota just steps forward! Fans fire up as Ospreay CHOPS again, but Shota still steps forward.
Shota dares Ospreay to try again, so Ospreay CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Shota DECKS Ospreay!! We’ve seen Scary Ibushi, is this Scary Shota?! Shota wipes the blood from his nose on his chest, and then he throws knee after knee into Ospreay! Shota stomps away at the ropes, Red Shoes tells him to stop, but Shota still gives mule kicks while Red Shoes turns him around! Red Shoes finally gets his son to let off on Ospreay, only for Shota to then SLINGSHOT APRON DDT!!! Fans are thunderous as Shota shows such viciousness! Ospreay flops to the floor, Shota lets Red Shoes check him, and fans rally up again.
Ospreay is somehow still in this and Callum coaches him up. But then Shota goes back out, drags Ospreay up and whips him hard into railing! Shota storms up on Ospreay to whip him hard into even more railing! Shota scuffs Ospreay, drags him back up, and whips him again! Ospreay stops himself, but Shota SHOTGUNS Ospreay up and over the railing! Ospreay even tumbles over English commentary’s table! Shota goes out to fetch Ospreay, and he tells fans to move aside. Just like Moxley and Khan earlier, Shota uses Ospreay’s body to go CHAIR BOWLING!! STRIKE! Red Shoes reprimands but Shota just drags Ospreay out of the mess.
Shota makes sure his dad sees that he’s taking Ospreay back. Except wait, they go through No Man’s Land to the timekeeper’s area. Shota asks, “You want tables? You want tables?!” Shota SMACKS Ospreay off the table! Shota says one more time! And he SMACKS Ospreay off the table again! Shota has Abe-san hold onto the belts while he clears off the table and brings it around. Shota CHUCKS the table at Ospreay!! Ospreay falls over and Red Shoes reprimands, but the fans rally up! Shota sets the timekeeper’s table next to the first one, and he says Ospreay started this. Shota puts Ospreay on the apron and goes up to join him.
Red Shoes reprimands again but Shota underhooks! Ospreay holds ropes but Shota CLUBS away. Ospreay LARIATS Shota into the ring! Fans fire up again and Ospreay goes up top. Shota stands, into the BLINDSIDE CHEERIO! Fans rally up again and Ospreay aims from a corner. HIDDEN- UPPERCUT! Shota runs, but into the Tiger Wall Kick! But he ducks the enziguri! But Ospreay slips under Shota, full nelsons, only for Shota to break free with an elbow. Shota ducks the Hook Kick! Shota ROCKS then spins, into the ROUNDHOUSE! Ospreay whips, Shota reverses, but Ospreay avoids the dropkick! STANDING SHOOTING STAR onto knees!
Shota whips again, to DROP- POWERBOMB!! Ospreay covers, TWO!! Shota survives the counter and Ospreay grows frustrated. But the fans rally up behind Ospreay, and he calls his shot. Ospreay springboards, into a DROPKICK! Now Shota counters, and both men are down. Shota and Ospreay rise, and Shota watches. Shota runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Shota goes to the apron, slingshots, CUTTER! Fans fire up and Shota aims. Ospreay rises, Shota runs in, underhooks, but Ospreay RAMS him to a corner. Ospreay runs back in, Shota dodges to POP-UP KNEE and EXPLODER! Fans fire up and rally behind Shota.
Shota mocks Ospreay, goes up and up and steals SUPER OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives Shota’s imitation but Shota isn’t done with him. Shota drags Ospreay up, half nelsons, but Ospreay switches. Shota elbows free, runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Fans rally as Ospreay rises, and he fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans echo it and Ospreay goes to a corner. Shota rises, Ospreay runs in, HELLUVA KICK! And then a scoop and SLAM! Ospreay goes up the corner, LEAP OF FAITH! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and bails out but Ospreay pursues!
Ospreay calls his shot, goes up a corner, but Shota YANKS him down! And we’re by the tables again! Fans fire up as Shota underhooks, but Ospreay fights the lift! Ospreay gets free to ROCK Shota, and HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks now, to TIGER DRIVER through the tables!!! Fans are thunderous and Red Shoes checks both men. Ospreay gets clear of the wreckage but Shota is still down. Shota’s able to continue, though, and the fans rally back up. The ring count starts, and Ospreay rises at 5 of 20. Ospreay stands at 9 to roll in at 10, and Shota sits up at 13. Shota drags himself from the wreckage, to get in at 19!
Ospreay springboards, COAST2COAST! And then springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay snarls and goes to a corner, his arm prepared. Ospreay runs in, but Shota ducks Hidden Blade! Ospreay still kicks and whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO- NO, Ospreay blocks to THROW Shota down, and HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans are thunderous again but Ospreay prepares the elbow again. Ospreay waits for Shota to sit up, but Shota crawls his way over to Ospreay. Ospreay lets Shota drag himself up to his feet, and Shota throws a forearm. Ospreay ROCKS Shota right back!
Shota staggers about, and he throws another forearm. And another, and another, but Ospreay just ROCKS him again! Shota slaps himself to fire back up! Shota fires more forearms, but Ospreay ROCKS him, and SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Then SUPERKICK! Ospreay vows to end this, but Shota swings! Ospreay dodges and Shota falls over! Red Shoes checks on Shota but Shota shakes his head. Shota refuses to give up so Ospreay eggs him on. Shota drags himself up, but Ospreay HOOK KICKS him! Shota holds onto the ropes to stay up, so Ospreay HOOK KICKS again! Shota lets go, drops to his knees, and then Ospreay BUZZSAWS! And HEEL KICKS!
Shota flops over and Ospreay looms over him. To HAMMER him with the forearm! And again! And again! But Shota scrambles to ropes! Ospreay drags him back, tries to cover but Shota flails and fights. Ospreay traps the arms, so Shota SPITS at Ospreay! Ospreay takes off the elbow pad, and he HAMMERS Shota! Jon Moxley is here now?! Moxley tells Shota to not take that crap and get his ass up! Ospreay throws hands, Shota still fights, and fans are thunderous! Shota bucks Ospreay free, and blocks his Penalty Kick! Shota swings, misses, and Ospreay HOOK KICKS! Ospreay runs in, into a LARIAT!!
Fans are thunderous again and Moxley tells Shota to keep it up! Shota drags Ospreay into an STF! Ospreay endures, fights, crawls, reaches out, flails, but Shota grabs the arm, COBRA CLUTCH STF! Ospreay still fights, the fans duel, and Ospreay powers his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go in frustration, and Moxley coaches him on. Shota drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay swings! Shota blocks to ENZIGURI! And then dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!! Shota drags Ospreay up again, inverted suplex, but Ospreay slips free! Ospreay underhooks and Canadian Racks, but Shota slips free!
Shota backslides Ospreay, but Ospreay rolls through, only for Shota to reel him in! EVOLVED DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fans are electric as Shota vows to end this! Shota drags Ospreay up, underhooks, but Ospreay wrenches to MOUSE TRAP! TWO, and Ospreay slips around to lift! Shota fights the bomb, and SATELLITE DDTS!! Fans fire up and Shota roars! Shota aims and runs in, TORNADO DDT! But that’s not all, he rolls Ospreay to underhook, and SWINGING PARADIGM SHIFT?!? Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and the fans are electric again! Moxley coaches Shota, he’s almost there!
Ospreay goes to a corner, Shota runs in, BLINDSIDE KNEE! Shota puts Ospreay up top, climbs up, but Ospreay HEADBUTTS! So Shota UPPERCUTS! Shota goes up again, brings Ospreay to the very top, and underhooks?! Red Shoes is worried, Ospreay resists, but Shota CLAWS Ospreay’s back! Then the underhooks, for a SUPER DEATH RIDER!!! Shota has to crawl over to the cover, TWO?!?!?! Ospreay just barely lurches out of that, and the fans are electric for Shota! Shota aims from the corner, Ospreay sits up, BLAZE- NO, Ospreay just flops over! So Shota returns the favor and he traps Ospreay’s arms!
Moxley says do it! Shota HAMMERS away on Ospreay! Red Shoes wants Shota to hold on so he can check Ospreay. Shota lets off but goes back to the corner. Ospreay is dazed, Red Shoes is going for a standing count! Fans rally up as Ospreay is still down at 5 of 10! Ospreay sputters at 7, sits up at 8 and stands at 9, but kneels! BLAZE BLADE!!! And DEATH RIDER!! HIDDEN BLADE OUTTA NOWHERE!?!? The fans are in disbelief!! Both men are down but the fans rally as hard as they can! Ospreay and Shota stir, and they glare at each other. They crawl forward, and give junkyard dog headbutts!
Moxley coaches Shota as they just headbutt each other harder! Ospreay and Shota stand, and Shota ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm! And then again! Shota keeps Ospreay up with a wristlock, and Ospreay ROCKS Shota back! The forearms keep going back and forth, and they pick up speed! Faster and faster, then Shota gets the edge! Ospreay wobbles, but he growls and stands up, to fire forearms in return! Ospreay reels Shota in, for a HEADBUTT!! Shota reels Ospreay in, POP-UP UPPER! Just like Claudio! Shota underhooks, but Ospreay wrenches and spins and underhooks, to Canadian Rack! STORM- RANA?!?!? Cover, TWO!!!!
Shota almost had Ospreay and the fans are volcanic! Shota SHOTGUNS, Ospreay comes back with HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, ONE?!?!? HOW?!?!? Ospreay kicks, and steals DEATH RIDER!!! Ospreay drags Shota back up, Canadian Rack, TIGER DRIVER 1993!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota survives again but Ospreay roars! Ospreay reloads, runs in, HIDDEN BLADE!!! And then STORMBREAKER!!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (still IWGP US/UK Champion)
Shota pushed Ospreay to the limit, but it still wasn’t enough to break through to the championship! However, it seems he did finally win Ospreay’s respect. What will it take for the Roughneck to finally have a title?
As for Ospreay, he starts calling out Moxley. Ospreay throws the US edition at him, and Moxley says okay then. Moxley gets in the ring, Ospreay mocks him as a part-timer, and that Ospreay is the one who made this belt relevant. Wait, someone CLOBBERS Moxley! It’s DAVID FINLAY! And he CLOBBERS Ospreay, too! Because he’s using his shillelagh!! Finlay CLOBBERS Callum with it, too! The Rebel beat the Silverback earlier tonight, and now it’s clear he wants to go for bigger prey. Finlay gets a mic while fans boo, and he says, “Aw, did I interrupt something, boys? Moxley, how nice of you to show up.”
Finlay tells Moxley he clearly didn’t get the memo, so he’ll fill Moxley in. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, steps foot in this ring without my permission. Billy Boy, that brings me to you, buddy. You and I have unfinished business, don’t we? I told you I was gonna end you, and I am here to make good on that promise. Now, you two wanna talk about fighting for these two championships at WrestleKingdom? Huh? These championships that you fought tooth and nail to make meaningful, these championships that your names are synonymous with. Hell, you won’t shut up about ‘The belt doesn’t make the man, the man makes the belt.’
“Well here’s the thing about me and these two belts right here. In the United Kingdom, they say I’m American. In the United States, they say I’m Irish. Now I know these belts mean the world to you two, but let me show you how little they mean to me.” Gedo gives Finlay a sledgehammer! And he SMASHES each belt in turn! Fans boo as the plates and gold come off the straps while Ospreay can only watch! Fans boo but Finlay soaks up the heat, and Gedo tells the Japanese fans, “Those belts mean NOTHING to him, ya bastards! Finlay deserves a new belt, made just for him!” What?!
Gedo then continues to say that, “The Rebel takes the F over everything! I need the Rebel! NJPW needs the Rebel! And the world needs the Rebel!” Fans boo, they don’t WANT the Rebel. But will whatever title replaces the US and UK Championships truly represent what Finlay represents? Or will he regret angering the Assassin and the Maniac?
My Thoughts:
A great event here for NJPW, Power Struggle has been turning into one of their big traditions for the year with stuff like this. I skimmed the matches I didn’t write up, and Frontier Zone seemed like another really fun crossover between NJPW and Japanese independents. And duh, the two Young Lions lost to Cobb & Callum. I covered the Fatal 4 Tag because I knew it’d be a lot of wild action and it definitely was. Great win for DespeWato, but apparently this kinda served as a strong way for Desperado to finish his year, given what he told us after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Hiromu VS Taiji was awesome stuff, and I figured Hiromu would retain. Him wanting to face Desperado one more time is cool, so I really do hope Desperado makes a strong and quick recovery these next two months.
Khan VS Moxley having that count-out was actually a great way to give us the Falls Count Anywhere, and that was some awesome stuff. It wasn’t quite anywhere in all of Osaka but they used so much of the arena that it was still good enough. Moxley of course wins, he’s going strong in both NJPW and AEW and isn’t gonna lose here. Great Six Man Tag title match, but I figured the Dream Trio would retain since ZSJ is still NJPW World TV Champion. We might get Tanahashi VS ZSJ for that title, but how awesome that we’re getting Okada VS Bryan part 3! Regardless of who wins and loses, let’s just hope Bryan doesn’t get hurt again. If this is his last 12 months, he has to make it through the last 12 months!
Great finals for the Super Junior Tag League, and of course Catch 2/2 won so that we get classic Faces VS Heels for the tag titles. But what a swerve for Connors & Drilla to attack and ruin the celebration, same as Sho & Kanemaru did during the tournament. At this point, it would make a lot of sense for TJP & Akira to win to be the true heroes of the tag division, and also it totally makes sense now why DespeWato lost in the end since Desperado needs that surgery for his vision problems.
And then everything in that main event was awesome. Shota showed his BCC style edge against Ospreay here, with Dad Shoes a bit upset about how he couldn’t stop his son from doing any of it. Moxley showing up to coach Shota was great, too, and while Ospreay retains, it is clear Shota is right at the doorstep of that midcard champion level. The clear set up of Ospreay VS Moxley then being interrupted by Finlay was actually pretty wild, and now it’s some kind of Triple Threat for an Undisputed Midcard Championship, name to be determined later, which is pretty cool. Though, a midcard title constantly changing it’s name? Feels familiar… Like a certain wrestling fanfic series did that…
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!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
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)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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