NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Nagoya Results & Report! (1/20/24)
Will Darkness Fall?
The Good Bad Guy VS The King of Darkness!
Tama Tonga just got the NEVER Openweight Championship back, will he lose it all over again? Or will Evil be denied his New Beginning in Nagoya?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – Shoma Kato VS Katsuya Murashima; Time Limit Draw.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- 10 Man Tag: The United Empire VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Bullet Club War Dogs win.
- #DespeWato VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- 8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
- KOPW Championship 10 Minute Ring Fit Match: Taiji Ishimori VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Chase Owens & KENTA; ELP & Leo win and retain the titles.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS EVIL; No Contest, restarted as…
- NEVER Openweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Tama Tonga VS EVIL; Evil wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Togi Makabe VS TMDK!
The Rainmaker shocked the world by announcing he’s leaving NJPW! The countdown begins now, will he, The Ace, the Stone Pitbull and the Uncaged Gorilla start things off with a bang? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita ruin this New Beginning?
The teams sort out and fans already cheer for Okada. However, it is Ishii who steps up to start, and he gets Hysterical Haste. The bell rings, the fans rally as the two go forehead to forehead, then go forearm for forearm! Shane and Ishii go back and forth, Shane UPPERCUTS then runs. Shane RAMS Ishii, Ishii rebounds but Shane drops then hurdles. Ishii swings, Shane dodges, but Ishii blocks Shane’s kick. Ishii waistlocks, Shane resists the lift and elbows free. Shane snapmares, basement dropkicks, and fans fire up as he flexes. Shane KICKS Ishii in the back, but Ishii stands right up! Ishii grabs Shane by the neck, but Shane ROCKS Ishii!
Ishii ROCKS Shane, Shane BOOTS Ishii, but then Ishii full nelsons and spins Shane to a suplex! Tag to Tanahashi and fans fire up! “Ace-Sachou” fires forearms, whips Shane, but Shane reverses. Mikey gets a cheap shot in, but Tanahashi DECKS him for it! Tanahashi fires off shots on Shane, runs, but Fujita gets a cheap shot in! Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS first! Shane DROPKICKS Tanahashi, Fujita BLASTS Ishii, Okada & Makabe off the corner! Shane tags Mikey and he drags Tanahashi up to the corner. Mikey fires off body shots, then smothers him! Tag to ZSJ and he wrenches Tanahashi again and again.
ZSJ slips through, wrenches again, then tags Fujita. They double wrench Tanahashi to then double leg trip and double standing toehold! Shane BLASTS Ishii off the apron while ZSJ & Fujita split the wishbone! Then they both STOMP Tanahashi’s arms! ZSJ falls back and Ichiban Sweet Boy stands Tanahashi up to CHOP! Tag to Shane and he CHOPS Tanahashi! Tag to Mikey and he CHOPS Tanahashi! Tanashi sputters, but he fires back with forearms. Mikey knees low, tags Shane, and they double whip. They DOUBLE ELBOW Tanahashi down, then FIST DROP SPLASH COMBO! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up but Shane keeps Tanahashi down with a chinlock, that he then shifts to a chinbar and forearm grind. Tanahashi endures and fans continue to rally. Mikey tries to hold the ropes back, but Tanahashi still gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shane lets off, then he tags in Fujita. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS! Tanahashi goes to ropes, Fujita CHOPS him, then Fujita tags Mikey. Mikey kicks Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires forearms. Mikey knees Tanahashi low, BLASTS Okada & Ishii, but then runs into BOOTS! Tanahashi runs up, into an elbow! Mikey suplexes, but Tanahashi fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
The fans fire up while both men are down. They crawl, and hot tag to Okada! Fans fire up as Okada rallies on TMDK! He BOOTS Mikey, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges to then ELBOW Mikey down! Fans fire up, Okada runs in at the corner and JUMP ELBOWS! Then kick low, but Shane runs in. Okada kicks him, too, and DOUBLE DDTS! Cover on Mikey, TWO! The fans fire up as Okada waits on Mikey. Mikey stands, Okada Alabama Lifts but Mikey CLUBS free. Mikey runs in, but Okada pops him up to REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans rally again as Okada scoops Mikey and SLAMS him down! Okada goes to the corner but Fujita attacks!
Mikey runs up to ROCK Okada, then ROCKET LAUNCH him! Tag to Fujita and he runs up to DROPKICK! Fujita fires forearms on Okada, ROCKS him, but Okada gets up Fujita’s face! Fujita CHOPS him! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! Okada sputters, Fujita goes up and out to springboard MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up but Fujita slashes his throat. Fujita hauls Okada up but Okada fights the suplex! Fujita throws body shots, CHOPS, then runs, but Okada FLAPJACKS him down! Fans fire up again while Okada and Fujita are down. Okada crawls, hot tag to Makabe!
Fans rally as Makabe BLASTS ZSJ off the apron, then SPLASHES Fujita in the corner. Makabe climbs and rains down fists! But Fujita slips out to DROPKICK Makabe down! Makabe storms up but Fujita gets around to waistlock. Makabe elbows free, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fujita and Makabe are down, and Fujita crawls his way over, hot tag to ZSJ! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Makabe, UPPERCUTS again, then UPPERCUTS again! Makabe roars and he ROCKS ZSJ! Makabe runs, into a BOOT! But he spins, only for ZSJ to wrench and PELE the left arm! ZSJ then isolates and STOMPS that arm! Then he and TMDK BLAST the Dream Trio!
Ishii storms in but Shane & Mikey whip him to a corner. ZSJ runs in, Ishii dodges and he sends Mikey into Shane! Ishii blocks ZSJ’s boot, gives it to Tanahashi, DRAGON SCREW! Then Ishii and Tanahashi get Shane and Mikey for DOUBLE DRAGON SCREWS! They double whip Fujita, he ducks ‘n ‘dodges, then DOUBLE DROPKICKS them! Okada gets in, Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, but Okada DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as Okada gets Fujita out of the ring. ZSJ runs in, but Makabe LARIATS ZSJ! Then Makabe runs to LARIAT ZSJ again! Fans fire up and Makabe goes up a corner! KING KONG- NO, ZSJ avoids the knee!
ZSJ STOMPS the leg, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! But into a KNEEBAR HEEL HOOK!! Makabe endures, but ZSJ shifts to DEATHLOCK!! Makabe taps, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by submission
The Front Man may no longer be NJPW World Television Champion, but he is still a Submission Master! And he calls out Bryan Danielson and his one good eye, telling him to be ready for their rematch! Will ZSJ make the American Dragon #JustTapOut? And with Okada’s days in NJPW literally numbered, is this a sign his Dream Trio is going to give up the gold to Fujita, Haste & Nicholls? Either way, Okada gets back in the ring to bow to the Nagoya fans one last time.
KOPW Championship 10 Minute Ring Fit Match: Taiji Ishimori VS Great-O-Khan!
The Bone Soldier Reborn won the championship scramble and quite literally ran away with this belt. But now he’s really going to test both his and Khan’s cardio in this modified version of the scramble! Ten minutes on the clock, and every three minutes they stop for a 30 second “high intensity circuit training” session! As for falls, you either pin your opponent, make them submit, or have physical possession of the belt by the end. Will Khan’s body fail him before his spirit does? Or will the Dominator find a way to beat Ishimori at his own game?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly fit to be champion!
The bell rings, we’re on the clock, and Khan kicks low! Khan CLUBS Taiji, Mongolian Chops him down, then stomps him. Khan drags Taiji up but Taiji pokes him in the eye! Taiji CLUBS Khan, whips him corner to corner but Khan reverses. Taiji slips out, slides under, goes around, and shoulders into Khan, to then springboard SEATED SENTON! Fans fire up and Taiji flexes. Taiji drags Khan up to throw hands, then runs, but Khan shoots around! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Khan drags Taiji down, Taiji flails around, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Khan lets go slowly.
Khan drags Taiji up, UPPERCUTS him, and Taiji goes to a corner. Khan UPPERCUTS again, then UPPERCUTS again! Taiji sits down, Khan drags him up, and Khan TOSSES Taiji across the way! Taiji writhes, Khan covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Khan storms around. Khan stomps Taiji, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the neck. Khan whips, Taiji slides out, and we’re nearing the first three minute mark. Taiji grabs the belt and starts running with it! Khan gives chase, they go out to the crowd, but Taiji is just stalling for time! It’s time for the circuit training! The clock stops so both men can return to ringside.
Fans cheer as this first 30 second period is: Jumping, high knees, and burpies! Khan is already unsure he can do that. Khan makes his way back into the ring, he and Taiji set up, and the ref says go! Taiji does his jumps and his high knees so much faster than Khan, and goes to burpies after only seven seconds! Khan does his best to keep up, and Taiji’s down at 20 seconds! Khan finishes just in time, and the fans cheer! Now, we get back on the 10-minute clock and we have another three minutes! Khan keeps Taiji from going back outside so Taiji fires off forearms! Khan UPPERCUTS Taiji down! Then has to catch his breath!
Khan paces, gives a thumbs up, and then suplexes Taiji. But Taiji blocks! Khan keeps trying, he gets Taiji up, but Taiji kicks and flails! Khan still holds Taiji up, but then lets him down to Mongolian Chop! Khan even drops to his knees, still needing to catch his breath. The fans rally, Khan throws hands, then whips. Taiji handsprings but into Khan’s clutches! Khan pops Taiji around to suplex high and hard! Fans fire up but Khan is still gasping. Khan crawls his way over to Taiji, covers at the five minute mark, TWO! Khan is frustrated but he drags Taiji around, into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Taiji endures as Khan puts on the squeeze!
We’re 30 seconds away from the next period, Taiji fights up, but Khan SAYANAGIS, back into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM! Taiji endures, we’ve got 10 seconds! Khan leans all his weight, but Taiji is saved by the buzzer! Khan is frustrated, but the ref tells him to let go! Khan lets go, because now it’s time for push-ups, “V-crunches,” and squats! Khan and Taiji set up, and begin! Taiji blazes through the push-ups, and a “V-crunch” is where you bring up your legs as well as upper body to make a V shape! He blazes through those, too! And he gets to squats at 10 seconds! He’s done at 20, just like before! Khan hustles up, and he finishes in time!
Fans cheer but Khan is surely feeling the burn inside and out. No pain, no gain, as they say! We’re back on the regular clock now, and Taiji CLUBS Khan! Khan eggs Taiji on, and Taiji kicks him low. And again! Khan goes to ropes, still eggs Taiji on, so Taiji CLUBS him! Taiji whips, but Khan flops right over! The ref checks Khan but Khan says he’s still in this. Taiji removes the blue buckle pad while the ref isn’t watching! Taiji wrenches Khan, and sends him into the POST! We’re at the seven minute mark, and Taiji wrenches to hit an ARM CODE BREAKER! Taiji takes aim, BANG, and he drags Khan back up.
Taiji brings Khan into a cradle, TWO! Another cradle, TWO!! Khan just barely gets his arm off the mat and Taiji can’t believe it! Taiji argues with the ref, Khan swings, but it’s so sluggish! Taiji rolls Khan up, TWO! Eight minutes in and Taiji has the BONE LOCK! Khan scrambles, reaches out, but Taiji kicks off the ropes to get Khan turned around! Khan endures, and he BITES Taiji’s arm! The ref reprimands, Taiji pulls on the hold, but Khan keeps fighting! Khan reaches, maybe he can last until it’s time for the final circuit training session! The fans count it down, ROPEBREAK, and it’s time! The final session: More jumping, “jumping lunges,” and “mountain climbs!”
Khan and Taiji set up, and Khan is begging for mercy. The ref says sorry, these are the rules. Khan stands, and it’s go time! Taiji jumps, Khan tries to keep up, but Taiji’s already at the lunges! Taiji goes to the “climbs” at 10 seconds, and he finishes at 20! Taiji’s pace is consistent, but Khan’s slowing down! He barely finishes the lunges and time is up! Taiji wants the ref to name him the winner, Khan couldn’t finish that set! Khan begs not to, there was nothing about actually having to! The fans want it, though, so Khan has to finish his lunges and climbs after all! At least he gets all 30 seconds to do it! Wait, he still doesn’t make it?
Taiji kicks at Khan now, so Khan flips him off! Khan just keeps doing the climbs, and the fans help him count! Khan finishes, and finally, we can have the final minute! Taiji gets the belt, shoves the ref aside, and takes aim! But Khan IRON RIGHT HANDS first!! Khan on weak legs goes for HITSUJIGOROSHI! But Taiji powers out, LA MYSTICA, but Khan shifts to the HITSUJI- NO, Taiji flips free! Last 30 seconds as Taiji wants the Bone Lock! Khan resists, but he also needs to score a fall! TEN SECONDS! IRON CLAW! ELIMINATOR!! But Khan falls the wrong way! Time’s up, and wait! Khan fell on the belt!! KHAN WINS!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by possession of the belt (NEW KOPW Champion)
Khan wakes back up, and realizes he’s actually triumphed! He can barely stand right now, but emptying the gas tank was worth it! Will this be a new era for both the KOPW Division and the United Empire?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Chase Owens & KENTA!
The Headbanga & Young Guerilla held onto these belts through a Battle in the Valley, but Bullet Club has a lot of ammo to throw at them! The Crown Jewel & Fang Revived are locked and loaded, will they bring these belts back to the Club? Or will ELP & Leo make them regret ever kicking them off the team?
The introductions are made, the blue belts are raised, and we see if the Guerillas can stay NJPW Strong!
The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” already, and ELP lets a young fan hold the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team titles for a photo op. ELP then gets fans to cheer Leo and Jado as the teams sort out. ELP starts against Kenta, and fans rally up as the two stare down. Kenta is confused by the fans being so strongly behind ELP, but he and ELP still circle. But then Kenta backs off before he and ELP circle again. Kenta then steps outside to the apron, and he taunts trash on the fans. ELP gets the fans to cheer Kenta on if it’ll encourage him to get back in. Kenta ignores the fans, but the ref tells him to get in the ring, so Kenta steps back in.
But then ELP returns to favor by stepping outside. Leo gives ELP a shoulder rub to loosen him up. The fans rally for ELP, and ELP handsprings back in. ELP and Kenta stare down, but then Kenta tags out to Chase. ELP sighs and Chase takes his own time getting warmed up. Chase then bails out, and ELP points out how no one cares. ELP rushes out and chases Chase, but Chase gets in. ELP avoids Chase & Kenta stomping him, then they egg him on! ELP says no thanks, and then Kenta & Chase turn around to see Leo! Leo grabs them both, meeting of the minds, then a double shoulder tackle! Fans fire up and ELP gets in, he and Leo put Chase & Kenta in the corners.
ELP & Leo send Chase and Kenta into each other, then they atomic drop in stereo! Both Kenta and Chase hobble around, so Leo sends Chase into a corner. ELP sends Kenta into Chase, then sends Leo in to DOUBLE SPLASH! Kenta falls, ELP runs up to ELBOW Chase! Feed to Leo, SIDEWALK SLAM and FALLING AX HANDLE! Fans fire up and ELP winds up, for the high-five! ELP flexes and the fans cheer while he brings Chase up. ELP ROCKS Chase, ROCKS him again and Chase falls over. ELP eggs Chase on, but Chase knees him low! Chase runs, but ELP hurdles, drops, and DROPKICKS! Then handsprings up!
Fans cheer and ELP flexes again. ELP brings Chase up but Chase fires off fast hands and a forearm! Chase runs up to forearm smash, then short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Chase stays cool. Chase coordinates with Kenta, and he sends ELP in. ELP stops himself, ELBOWS Kenta, then backflips over Chase to duck ‘n’ dodge and springboard CROSSBODY! ELP somersaults to ropes, but Kenta YANKS him up and out! Chase BLASTS Leo, and Kenta sends ELP into railing! Kenta then POSTS ELP, then stomps him down. Kenta argues with the ref, then he puts ELP in the ring. Chase covers, TWO!
Chase argues with the ref but the fans cheer. Chase whips ELP to ropes and CLOBBERS him! Tag to Kenta, and he drags ELP up to whip. Kenta ELBOWS ELP down, covers, TWO! Kenta clamps on a chinlock and he grinds ELP down. ELP endures, even as Kenta pushes up to put on the pressure. ELP fights around, fights up, and throws body shots. But Kenta throws ELP down! Kenta tags Chase, and they split the wishbone on ELP! Chase stalks ELP, keeps him from Leo, and headlock punches! Chase then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as ELP reaches out for Leo, but Chase slaps Leo’s hand away!
Chase drags ELP away as the ref keeps Leo back. Kenta tags in and Bullet Club mugs ELP. Kenta KICKS ELP, sits him back up, and KICKS again! Kenta eggs ELP on but ELP fires forearms in return! Kenta claws the eyes! Fans boo, but Kenta snapmares to KICK ELP! Cover, ROPEBREAK! ELP’s long legs save him there, and Kenta is frustrated. The fans rally behind the Guerillas, but Kenta drags ELP around. Kenta bumps ELP off Chase’s boot. Kenta tags Chase, and Chase puts ELP under the ropes to ROPE GUILLOTINE! Kenta goes out after ELP to RAM him into railing! Leo storms over and Kenta hurries away.
The ring count is climbing, Leo coaches ELP up, but ELP is still down at 10 of 20. ELP crawls, Leo stares Kenta down, but ELP makes it in at 15! Chase is on ELP with a facelock, CLUBS him on the back, then tags Kenta. Kenta storms up on ELP to whip him to ropes. ELP sunset flips, TWO! Kenta gets free, and he grabs ELP’s leg to keep him from Leo! Chase tags in, he stomps ELP down, and then he drags ELP up. Chase & Kenta double whip but ELP holds ropes. ELP BOOTS Chase, DUMPS Kenta out, then runs up to RANA! The fans fire up and ELP hurries for the corner! Hot tag to- NO, Kenta YANKS Leo down!
Fans boo as Kenta stomps Leo, and Chase stomps ELP. Kenta slides in, he and Chase double back suplex! But ELP lands on his feet! ELP goes up and over Kenta, slides under Chase, but Chase grabs legs! ELP ENZUGIRIS Chase! Kenta hurries in to grab ELP’s legs, but ELP BOOTS him into Chase! Hot tag to Leo! The fans fire up as Leo rallies on Kenta with big elbows! Chase ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Leo runs him over! Kenta staggers up, Leo scoops him to SNAKE EYES! Leo keeps moving and he runs Kenta over! Chase fires forearms but Leo clamps on! Leo TOSSES Chase to a corner, then runs up, only for Chase to BOOT him!
Chase runs up to ROCK Leo, but Leo UPPERCUTS Chase! Leo choke grips Chase, grabs Kenta, but they break free! They kick low, double whip, but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT them! The fans fire up and Leo aims at Chase. Choke grip, but Chase breaks free! Chase aims, but Leo UPPERCUTS! Leo reels Chase in but Chase wrenches out to BOOT! Chase blocks Leo’s haymaker to KNEE back! Chase reels Leo in, tucks the arms, but Leo’s too big for the Heist! Leo back drops free! Chase sunset flips, but Leo drags him up with both hands! But Kenta pulls hair to THROW Leo onto Chase’s knees!
Leo writhes, Chase tags Kenta, and Kenta runs to WRECK ELP with a dropkick! Kenta then sends Chase in at Leo to forearm smash! Chase goes up and over, sweeps the legs, and Kenta runs up to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Leo is down in the drop zone and Kenta climbs up! DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!!! Leo survives the Coup De Grace and Kenta can’t believe it! Fans fire up but Kenta slashes his throat. Kenta drags Leo up, fireman’s carries, but Leo is so big! Leo then flails free, grips Kenta, but Chase runs in! Leo shoves Kenta to BOOT Chase! Kenta blocks Leo’s kick to KNEE BREAKER!
Kenta fires off haymaker after haymaker, and Leo falls to his knees! Kenta runs up, but into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Fans fire up while both men are down! Leo crawls his way over, hot tag to ELP! ELP goes up the ropes to SWANTON BOMB! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! But he keeps moving, another somersault so he can TORNADO DDT Chase to the floor! Fans fire up as ELP hurries back up! ELP climbs a corner, and he THUNDER KISS- NO, Kenta moves! ELP rolls through, Kenta runs up to JUMP KICK! Then he puts ELP in the ropes, GREEN KILLER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as ELP survives, but Kenta brings down his kneepad. Kenta drags ELP up, fireman’s carries, but ELP fights free to backslide! Roll through, arms tucked, but Kenta fireman’s carries free! ELP slips free again, tucks again, but Kenta wrenches out! Kenta blocks a haymaker to URAKEN! ELP roars, but Kenta URAKENS again! Fireman’s carry for GO- NO! ELP turns GTS into a cradle, TWO!!! Kenta runs up, ELP gets around, O’Conner Roll! TWO into a BOOT from Chase! APRON DDT!! The ref reprimands but Kenta rolls ELP up, TWO!!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! But Kenta gets an arm, for the GAME OVER CROSSFACE!
ELP endures, he reaches out, and Jado coaches him towards that side! Kenta pulls back, but ELP has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Chase runs up to stomp ELP! Leo storms in to kick Chase and CLUB away on him! Kenta fires off on Leo, but Leo choke grips! Chase CLUBS Leo, Kenta runs up, but Leo gets free! The BOOT takes out Chase! Leo CHOPS Kenta, ELP straitjackets and torture racks! Leo runs to BOOT Kenta into BRAIN SALAD!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives being the “Unidentified Flying Opponent,” but Leo & ELP pound the mat! They take up the corner and tune up the band!
Kenta rises, but Chase trips Leo! Chase YANKS Leo backwards into the post! Kenta dodges Sudden Death to DISCUS LARIAT! ELP and Kenta are down but the fans rally up! Kenta tags Chase, we’re at 20 minutes of the 30 minute time limit, and Bullet Club double whip! Double hip toss into a TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives the powerbomb-neckbreaker combo, but Kenta hurries up top! Chase drags ELP up to tuck him in, but ELP wrenches free! ELP sends Chase to the ropes, and that trips Kenta up! ELP rolls Chase up, TWO! Chase runs in, ELP dodges the C-Trigger to SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO!!!
ELP hurries to haul Chase up, straitjacket and torture rack! BURNING HAMMER!! But Kenta aims, leaps, but ELP moves! Chase takes the DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Leo storms in, choke grips Kenta, GODSEND!! ELP gives Chase CR2!!! Cover, the Guerrillas win!!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
A great win for ELP & Leo, but this was just round one. Chase & Kenta will be back for those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships in Osaka, February 11th! Will the Two Belt Guerillas make it through the New Beginnings?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga VS EVIL w/ House of Torture!
The Good Bad Guy knows what it is to win and lose this belt, but so does the King of Darkness. With Sanada thwarting Evil from stealing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship from Naito, will Evil just steal this title instead? Or will nothing stop the THREE-TIME NEVER Openweight Champion?
Naturally, Evil has the entire House with him tonight, but Tama decides to come out here on his own. The introductions are made, but the moment Tama’s in the ring, he CLOBBERS Evil! The fans fire up and Red Shoes rings the bell as Tama throws down fists! Evil gets away and bails out but Tama pursues. Evil kicks low, whips, but Tama reverses to send Evil into railing! Fans fire up as Tama whips Evil back into the railing! Evil writhes, the House complains, but Tama puts Evil in the ring. Tama storms in, he CLUBS away on Evil, then he brings out scissors! Red Shoes says no, but Tama wants to return the favor of the bad haircut!
Evil grabs at Red Shoes, and that keeps him from seeing the House get in! They grab the scissors, mug Tama, and fans boo as Evil keeps Red Shoes from seeing all this! But wait! Here come the Guerrillas, and even Desperado & Shota Umino! The Roughneck goes after his nemesis, Narita, Desperado goes after Kanemaru, Leo & ELP go after the rest! Fans cheer, Red Shoes asks what the heck, and here comes Jado with a kendo stick! The brawl is all over the ring, Tama keeps after Evil and vice-versa, and oddly no one else has touched either guy so there are no reasons to disqualify this one!
Red Shoes still reprimands as Tama pulls Evil’s hair and Evil claws at Tama’s face! Jado and Yujiro square off, kendo stick for pimp cane! Leo CLUBS Yujiro, Jado runs Dick Togo off! Red Shoes sighs as Shota choke Narita and ELP keeps Sho down. Evil claws Tama’s eyes, knees low, and Red Shoes says this is enough! Throw it out!
No Contest
The fans boo, it was just getting good! But Red Shoes’ orders are absolute, and Tama retains the title because of this. Tama didn’t want it like that, he still wants to fight! Evil shouts at Tama, too, but what can they do with all these other guys around? Tama gets a mic so he can speak, and the fans cheer him on. Tama says, “Hey, Evil, you SOB! We’re not done! We’re not done! We’re fighting today! You have your people, I have MY people! Let’s make this… a LUMBERJACK MATCH!” Fans like the sound of that! Evil says fine, and then Red Shoes assesses the situation. He makes sure this is all kosher, and the match is a go!
NEVER Openweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Tama Tonga VS EVIL!
Nagoya is all fired up for this escalated main event, and Evil slides in. The bell rings, and the brawl continues between these two! Tama fires off haymakers and an UPPERCUT, but Evil claws the eyes! Evil runs, but Tama CLOBBERS him! Evil bails out, but nope! Tama’s lumberjacks put him right in! Tama HEADBUTTS Evil, fires off body shots and an UPPERCUT, then storms around. Tama storms back up on Evil, but Evil shoves him away. Evil crawls out but Tama drags him back in! Tama kicks low, fireman’s carries, but Evil claws eyes! Fans boo, Red Shoes reprimands, but Evil TOSSES Tama out to the House’s side!
Tama fires off on Evil’s lumberjacks, and then Tama’s lumberjacks run up to fight them off! Fans fire up, even as Dick uses a chair and Yujiro uses his pimp cane! The House ends up standing tall as Evil blocks Red Shoes from seeing things clearly, and then Dick & Kanemaru drag the mats up! They DOUBLE SUPLEX Tama to the hardwood floor! Tama writhes, Evil gloats, but fans boo. Evil drags Tama up and brings him around. The lumberjacks continue to scrap, such as Narita and Shota going after each other, but Evil RAMS Tama into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! Evil grabs the mic while Sho unties the blue buckle pad.
Evil says Tama’s FIRED from NJPW, then he stomps away on the Good Bad Guy. Evil storms into the ring, Sho throws Tama back in for him, and Evil drags Tama up. Evil talks more trash, then he whips Tama into the bare buckles! Tama writhes but Evil wants Red Shoes to check him. Red Shoes does check Tama, but Tama isn’t done just yet. Evil is being sneaky, he has Red Shoes check Tama’s guys so that he can then CHOKE Tama with a House of Torture shirt! Fans boo, Tama’s guys protest, but Evil gets away with that one. Evil then covers, but Red Shoes refuses because he knows there were shenanigans!
The House complains but the fans cheer, this is what Evil gets! Evil taunts Tama, Tama pushes him away, but Evil scuffs Tama around. Evil drags Tama up, tosses him back out, and Sho throws Tama back in. Evil then throws Tama back out, just so Sho can throw him back in. They’re doing this just to disorient Tama, but he DECKS Sho all the same! Tama is dizzy but still fighting, and ELP tells Sho to back off. Sho storms up so Leo goes after him! ELP joins in again, the brawling is back on, and at least it keeps Tama from taking cheap shots. Red Shoes tells them all to separate, and then Sho pushes Tama back into the ring.
Evil soaks up the heat, stomps away on Tama, and then CLUBS him down. Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Evil clamps on with a chinlock. The fans rally as Tama endures, fights up, and pries the hold away. Tama body shots and elbows low, then runs. But Kanemaru trips Evil! Evil runs, so Desperado trips him! Fans cheer as the Rogue Luchador evens things with The Heel Master! Evil and Tama stir, the fans rally up, and both men stand. Evil swings but Tama counter punches Evil! And then counter punches again! And again! And again, and again, and again! Fans fire up as Tama punches then whips, but Evil reverses!
Tama comes right back to LARIAT! Tama rallies on Evil with more LARIATS, then the House gets mad! Tama DECKS Dick, DECKS Narita and DECKS Yujiro! Tama dodges Evil, hoists him up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Tama then goes up a corner, but Evil rolls away to the far side. Sho laughs at Tama but Tama says okay, PLANCHA! Down goes Sho & Kanemaru! But wait, Evil is trying to run away with the belt! This isn’t a scramble, that was earlier! Leo CLOBBERS Evil from behind! Leo stands Evil up for ELP to PURPLE NURPLE~! Evil endures the pain and then ELP brings him back to ringside.
ELP puts Evil in, the fans rally up as hard as they can, and now Evil wants mercy? Tama says nope, and he fireman’s carries! S R C! Tama goes up to the top, for SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives, but Tama doesn’t waste time being frustrated! The fans rally as Tama slithers around and watches Evil. Tama’s guys pound the mat along with him, and the fans clap along. Evil rises, Tama GUN- NO, Evil uses Red Shoes as a shield! Then Evil kicks low, hoists Tama up, and he uses Red Shoes to help in MAGIC KILLER!! Yujiro drags Tama out, the House goes after the Guerillas, and Yujiro hits PIMP JUICE to the floor!
Fans boo as the House has control again, and Yujiro puts Tama in for Evil. Evil crawls to the cover, Red Shoes counts, TWO!!! Tama survives and the fans fire up! Evil is frustrated but he drags Tama up. Evil fireman’s carries, for DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives again and the fans are thunderous! Evil is beside himself, and the fans are chanting “Let’s Go, Tama!” Evil says no, and he slashes his throat. Evil drags Tama back up, EVERYTHING- NO, Tama fights the STO with elbows! Evil LARIATS, but Tama stays up! The fans fire up again but Evil runs again, to LARIAT! Tama is still up on his feet!!
Tama grits his teeth, Evil throws off the elbow pad, and he runs, into a TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, Tama and Evil stir, and both men push up off the mat. Evil grabs at Tama but Tama CHOPS! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Evil kicks low, whips, but Tama reverses! Evil hits bare buckles! But he fights the back suplex! Tama waistlocks, Evil grabs Red Shoes’ sleeve! Tama lifts but Evil holds on, but Red Shoes swats Evil’s arm away! Tama O’Conner Rolls Evil, TWO!! Into a CHAIR SHOT from Dick!!! Evil rolls Tama up, TWO?!?!? The House can’t believe that didn’t work!!
Fans fire up as Tama rises! Evil runs in, but Tama drop toeholds him into Jado’s KENDO STICK STRIKE!! Roll up, TWO?!?!? Evil survives and the House is relieved! Tama goes to a corner, Evil sits up as he clutches his head, and Tama runs in. But the SPLASH is sent into Red Shoes! Narita BOOTS Tama! Shota SHOTGUNS Narita! Sho and Desperado get in! Desperado dodges the “Murder Tool” to SPINEBUSTER Sho! But Kanemaru dropkicks Desperado’s legs out! Leo storms in but Kanemaru dropkicks his legs out, too! Yujiro runs up, he and Kanemaru double whip, only for Leo to DOUBLE LARIAT!
ELP joins in, Leo gives him the boost to go up and up and ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes so much of the House! But Evil has the belt!! He runs up, but Tama dodges! DROPKICK sends the belt into Evil’s face!! Tama aims, GUN- NO, Evil blocks, for EVERY- NO, Tama powers out! Tama runs to GUN- NO?!? Evil blocks, sends Tama at the bare buckles, but Tama stops himself! Evil shoves Red Shoes, Tama jumps up and over to GUN STUN!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?! Tama roars, he just drags Evil up again! Underhooks for the DIVE SHACK DRIVER!!! Cover, DICK DRAGS RED SHOES OUT!!!!
Fans boo as The Spoiler has his SPOILER CHOKER!!! Tama fights it, Jado SMACKS Dick! GUN STUN for Dick!! The fans are thunderous as Tama drags Evil back up. Underhooks and lift, but Evil fights it! Evil rams Tama to the ropes, Narita CRACKS Tama with his push-up bar!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Just when Tama thought he could make it past one-and-done, just when he thought he had things fair and square, The House of Torture finds a new way to cheat! The Good Bad Guy’s final singles match in NJPW in Japan, and it has to end like this. After 14 years, is it going to be this asterisk that punctuates Tama’s career?
As for Evil, he truly does steal this title, and the House heads out to celebrate. What is going to become of NJPW if the House of Torture continues its reign of terror?
As for Tama, he stands back up, naturally emotional over what this moment really means. The fans cheer him, and he gets the mic again. “NJPW, arigato gozaimashete. NJPW fans, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for giving me a home. Thank you for giving me a chance to know you. I love you.” The fans cheer again as Tama sets down the mic and blows a kiss goodbye. He also hugs it out with Leo, Jado and the rest. As the song says, ain’t nobody realer than Guerrilla, but what does the future hold for the Good Bad Guy?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW to start a stacked New Beginning series. Okada announcing he’s on his way out of NJPW was definitely shocking, but he’s still gonna wrap things up with this New Beginning series. Good 8 Man Tag tonight, a little surprising TMDK won here but perhaps they and Okada’s team go back and forth leading up to the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag title match. I would think TMDK wins that, and we worry about where Okada finds himself (AEW VS WWE, obviously) afterward.
Great “Ring Fit” match, and while Taiji wasn’t always doing best form as he blazed through the exercises, it was hilarious story for him to be so quick at it while Khan struggled. But what a great surprise that Khan still won out. Khan wants to make the KOPW more serious, similar to Takagi and Taichi, so I can’t be sure how much more he can do when Takagi was having endurance matches and No Disqualifications. Well, maybe Khan chooses to do that, too, with a more technical flair given he’s an established amateur wrestler and Mixed Martial Artist. Though, let’s not do the amateur judo match he did with Takagi. The fans voted for it but then got bored watching it.
Great Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship match with ELP & Leo of course retaining against Kenta & Chase. Them putting this on as a preview of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match was an interesting move, but Nagoya sure didn’t care about Chase & Kenta. Hopefully the next crowd gets a bit more invested in the Heels, though I don’t suspect ELP & Leo losing the heavyweight titles, either. And wild stuff with Tama VS Evil. The No Contest, then the Lumberjack match, all pretty much allowing The House of Torture to do all the cheating they want, but I suppose it makes sense with Tama also on his way out.
Tama’s impending departure might be overshadowed by Okada’s, but Tama has always been a solid part of NJPW over his 14 years. From helping found Bullet Club with Prince Devitt/Finn Balor to carrying Bullet Club as members left for other places, to being ejected from Bullet Club, all the while building a great IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship legacy, and even having the NEVER Openweight Six Man and NEVER singles title along the way, Tama is himself a solid get for any stateside promotion. Though, I feel like he’d just get lost in the shuffle in AEW or even in WWE. He could go fulltime NJPW Strong, but maybe staying in NJPW in any form would kinda undercut the emotional goodbye we just got tonight.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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