NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Osaka Results & Report! (2/11/24)
NJPW bids farewell to Ospreay!
Will Will Ospreay survive his final NJPW match?
After a long and storied career in NJPW, Will Ospreay is moving on. But will he be able to after a brutal 10 Man Steel Cage match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- YOH & Toru Yano VS Ryusuke Taguchi & Boltin Oleg; Yoh & Yano win.
- Bishamon VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Bishamon wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Desperado, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada wins.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Chase Owens & KENTA; Chase & Kenta win and become the new IWGP Heayvweight Tag Team Champions.
- Zack Sabre Jr. VS Bryan Danielson; ZSJ wins.
- 10 Man Steel Cage Match: The United Empire VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Bullet Club War Dogs win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
The Rainmaker is on his way out of NJPW, so how fitting that one of his last matches is against one of his most storied rivals and greatest friends. Will Okada get one more on the Ace of the Universe? Or will this be a sad goodbye to Osaka?
The fans are already thunderous for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” as he makes his way into the ring. The bell rings, the fans rally for “O-KA-DA” even harder as he circles with Tanahashi. Then Osaka comes out for “TA-NAHA-SHI!” as he and Okada tie up. They are in a deadlock, but Okada’s height gives him leverage. They end up on the ropes, the ref calls for the break, and Okada gives the patented fake-out to pat Tanahashi on the shoulders. Tanahashi runs up but into a kick. Okada headlocks, Tanahashi throws body shots and powers out, but Okada runs him over! The fans cheer, and Okada brings Tanahashi up.
Okada fires a forearm, whips Tanahashi corner to corner, then runs up, only for Tanahashi to elbow him away. Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Then he DROPKICKS Okada down, and gives us the air guitar! Tanahashi runs up, Okada dodges and then puts Tanahashi up top. Okada DROPKICKS Tanahashi to the floor! The fans rally up and Okada goes to the apron. Okada takes a moment to fetch Tanahashi, and then puts him between the railing to pull him against the top bar! Okada BOOTS the railing to jam Tanahashi up and fans boo that. Okada rolls into the ring but Tanahashi follows and fans applaud.
Okada drags Tanahashi up, snapmares him near ropes, and runs side to side for the basement dropkick! Okada has a cocky cover but fans boo, and Tanahashi has the ROPEBREAK quickly. Okada paces then sighs. The fans rally and duel as Okada brings Tanahashi up. Tanahashi fires forearms on Okada and ROCKS him! Tanahashi kicks but Okada blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer that, but then boo Okada’s smug attitude. Okada kips up just to show off, and he makes his way over to pick Tanahashi up. Okada bumps Tanahashi off buckles, then ELBOWS him! Okada ELBOWS Tanahashi again, then whips him corner to corner.
Okada runs in to ELBOW Tanahashi, then kicks low and hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Okada encourages them to rally for Tanahashi. The fans do cheer, and Okada dares Tanahashi to hit him. Tanahashi obliges by firing forearms! Okada eggs Tanahashi on so Tanahashi ROCKS him! Okada blocks another kick but Tanahashi forearms free! Okada ROCKS Tanahashi, whips him, but Tanahashi hits a FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up and Tanahashi brings Okada up. Tanahashi fires fast strikes high and low, then scoops to SLAM Okada into a drop zone! Fans cheer as Tanahashi goes up, for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer and Tanahashi feeds off the energy. Okada rises, Tanahashi runs, but blocks a boot first! DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi returns the favor from earlier and Okada goes to the apron. Tanahashi drags Okada up, gets his leg in the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Okada falls to the floor, the fans rally as Tanahashi goes out to the apron, and they fire up as Tanahashi climbs! Tanahashi aims, ACES HIGH FLY ATTACK! Direct hit to the floor and the fans fire up again! The ref checks both men and somehow Okada and Tanahashi are okay to continue. Tanahashi rises up first, and he brings Okada up.
Tanahashi puts Okada in the ring and the fans cheer. Tanahashi powers up again as the fans rally, and Tanahashi runs the ropes. Okada turns slingblade into FLAPJACK! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Okada crawls to a corner as the fans duel. Tanahashi rises up from center, runs in, but Okada pops him up! Alabama Lift to REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps on Tanahashi with a fireman’s carry! HEAVY RAIN!? Cover, TWO! Okada busted out an oldie but Tanahashi stays in this. Okada drags Tanahashi back up to scoop and SLAM, then he goes to the corner! Fans cheer as the standard formula continues!
Okada aims to MACHO ELBOW! And that of course means… The Rainmaker Pose! Osaka fires up with Okada and he brings Tanahashi back up. Okada ripcords but Tanahashi SLINGBLADES first! The fans rally and duel again while both men are down! Tanahashi and Okada crawl towards each other, go forehead to forehead, and then go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as each man keeps throwing shots, and then they stand to fire even more! The forearms pick up speed, Okada wobbles, and the fans fire up! Tanahashi fires more forearms, but Okada UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS!
Tanahashi drops to a knee, Okada gut wrenches, but Tanahashi fights free! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Okada clutches his neck, Tanahashi fires up again and runs the ropes! SLING- NO, Okada gets under, ripcords, but Tanahashi ducks! Tanahashi takes a swing but Okada ducks! Ripcord, but Tanahashi full nelsons to DRAGON SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Tanahashi rises again! Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Okada blocks it midway! Tanahashi CLUBS Okada to go for a sleeper, then he whips. Okada reverses, Tanahashi SLINGBLADES after all! Cover, TWO! Okada snarls as he survives but Tanahashi goes to a corner!
Tanahashi climbs up, takes aim, HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees! Okada saves himself but perhaps in a double-edged way! Both men writhe while the fans rally and duel again. Okada rolls his way to another corner, Tanahashi goes to the ropes. Okada runs up to SHOTGUN Tanahashi down! The fans fire up as Okada brings Tanahashi up and around, short arm LARIAT! Okada drags Tanahashi back up, for another- DRAGON PALM! Tanahashi won’t let Okada have his way, but Okada glares at him! DRAGON PALM again! Okada lets go and Tanahashi eggs him on! DRAGON PALM, and SLING- DROPKICK!
Okada brings Tanahashi up, gut wrenches, TOMBSTONE! Okada roars and the fans fire up again as he ripcords! Tanahashi cradle counters! TWO!! Okada gets free, gut wrenches again, but Tanahashi fights that to his own gut wrench! The two fight for control and the fans rally up! Tanahashi powers through to gut wrench, but Okada kicks and turns things around! Fireman’s carry, LANDSLIDE! And then ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall
Almost 12 years to the day of the #RainmakerShock, number sweet sixteen of the series goes to Okada! The final score is 9-4-3 in favor of The Rainmaker and another instant classic is put in the books. The end of an era to be sure, but the respect between these men is immortal. They hug it out as the fans cheer, will we ever see this showdown again?
Okada takes a moment to bow to the NJPW faithful, and he kneels down by the NJPW lion logo. Okada is clearly emotional as he touches it one last time. Okada takes one last deep bow to the crowd, will there ever come a day when the Rainmaker returns to Osaka?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Chase Owens & KENTA!
The Headbanga & Young Guerrilla have been owing Bullet Club a lot of payback, and now they get their chance! But same goes for The Crown Jewel & The Fang Revived in taking these titles back to the Club! Will ELP & Leo show ain’t nobody reala than Guerrilla? Or will these New Beginnings be Just Too Sweet?
The introductions are made, the heavyweight belts are raised, and we see what it takes to go from 100th to 101st!
The teams sort out and there is a fan loudly cheering on “KEN-TA! KEN-TA!” But then everyone else cheers on “E L P!” In the end, ELP starts against Kenta and the fans rally up with the bell. ELP and Kenta circle, the dueling definitely a 99:1 ratio. Kenta tells the one guy to stop already. Kenta and ELP tie up, ELP powers Kenta to ropes, but Kenta turns it around. The ref calls the break but Kenta pulls hair! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kenta mocks the champs. ELP stays cool and mockingly starts up a Kenta chant. The fans join in because plot twist, it’s for referee Kenta Sato.
ELP and Kenta approach, kenta headlocks but ELP powers out. Kenta steps on the drop down then soaks up the heat. ELP fires off forearms, then CHOPS! ELP whips and DROPKICKS Kenta, then handsprings up! The fans fire up and things keep moving. ELP hops over Kenta’s dropdown to scuff him in a very Kenta way! The fans cheer and ELP goes up a corner. The fans cheer him on, but Chase sucker punches him! The ref reprimands but Kenta also BLASTS Leo! Chase & Kenta mug ELP, the CHOP and body shot, then double whip. Leo gets in, ELP ducks the lariats so Leo can DOUBLE LARIAT! Leo stomps Chase, ELP brings Kenta up.
Kenta and ELP brawl, but Leo joins in. Kenta throws hands on them both, runs, but ELP hurdles for Leo to DDT Kenta! Chase ROCKS ELP and ROCKS Leo, then whips Leo. Leo reverses to SPLASH, ELP runs in to back elbow! Feed to Leo for the SIDEWALK SLAM, then FALLING AX HANDLE! The fans rally up, ELP & Leo high-five then knuckle lock. ELP goes up and up and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Chase & Kenta down! Leo says hecc yeah and they get Kenta back in the ring. ELP pushes Kenta to a cover, TWO! The fans rally as ELP paces around Kenta. Kenta wants ELP to hold on, and he wants to apologize for what happened?
ELP doesn’t buy that and he storms up on Kenta, only for Kenta to YANK ELP into buckles! Kenta rains down fists on ELP, then stomps away. The ref counts, Kenta lets off at 4, and Kenta drags ELP up. Kenta TOSSES ELP out, then storms out to the apron. Kenta JUMP STOMPS Kenta down! Chase and Kenta tell the ELP fans to shut up already, and then Kenta RAMS ELP into railing! The fans rally but Kenta taunts ELP. ELP slaps Kenta from the floor, but Kenta stomps ELP down. Kenta puts ELP in, drags him up and brings him back. Tag to Chase, they mug ELP, and ELP sputters as he falls over.
Chase drags ELP up, wrenches and scoops, BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kenta steps in, Bullet Club double whips ELP but ELP holds ropes! ELP BOOTS Chase, TOSSES Kenta, then RANAS Chase! Fans fire up while ELP and Chase are down, and ELP crawls for the corner! But Kenta YANKS Leo away from the apron! Fans boo but Chase CLUBS ELP! Chase whips corner to corner, sends Kenta in and Kenta forearm smashes! Chase forearm smashes, then he reels ELP in! Chase tucks the arms but ELP back drops free! ELP fakes high to then go under Kenta, but Kenta grabs a foot! Kenta brings ELP back but ELP ENZIGIRIS!
Fans fire up as ELP crawls again, hot tag to Leo! Leo rallies with UPPERCUTS, then he whips Chase. Chase KICKS back, dodges the lariat, but Leo still runs Chase over! Leo scoops Kenta, gives him SNAKE EYES and a BOOT! The fans fire up as Leo looks like a Phenom, but Chase pokes him in the eyes! Chase whips Leo to a corner but Leo comes back to CLOBBER Chase! The fans fire up again and Leo takes aim. Leo runs corner to corner but Chase avoids the splash! SOBAT! AX KICK! ROLLING ELBOW! Chase brings Leo in, but Leo suplexes first! Cover, TWO! Chase stays in this but Leo stays on him with a scoop.
Leo brings Chase over, tags ELP, POWERSLAM to the step-up SWANTON! Then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! ELP coordinates with Leo and the fans rally up. ELP straitjackets and torture racks Chase, Leo gets moving, but Kenta DUMPS Leo out! Chase slips free, rolls ELP up, TWO! Chase fires off fast hands, ROCKS ELP and ELP goes to a corner. Chase runs corner to corner but ELP BOOTS him! Chase SOBATS back, runs in, SUNSET BUCKLE BOMB! Kenta steps in and he whips Chase in, to forearm smash! Chase goes up and out, trips ELP, and Kenta HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Chase SUPERKICKS Leo from the apron!
Kenta goes up and aims, COUP DE GRACE on ELP! Chase hauls ELP up to fireman’s carry and GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Chase tags Kenta, they get ELP up and whip. They double elbow ELP down, then roll and cradle ELP for a DOUBLE- NO, ELP lands out of the throw, hot tag to Leo! ELP gets around Chase, baits Kenta in, and then ducks so that Kenta’s BOOT hits Chase! ELP BOOTS Kenta, Kenta URAKENS ELP, but Leo CHOPS Kenta down! Leo clotheslines Chase up and out, then aims at Kenta! Choke grip, but Kenta grabs the ref! Kenta sends the ref into Leo, then CHOP BLOCKS Leo!
Fans boo as Kenta fires those right cross palm strikes! But Leo choke grips! Kenta breaks free to KNEE Leo right down! Kenta fires up and fans rally as he goes to fireman’s carry! Kenta lifts Leo but Leo fights free! Leo shoves, Kenta ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Leo calls to ELP and wants to finish this! The fans fire up as the Guerrillas tune up! SUDDEN DEATH to choke grip, and ELP PLANCHAS Chase! GODSEND for Kenta!! Then ELP goes up the ropes! Then up Leo’s shoulders! SUPER THUNDER KISS!!! Cover, but Chase YANKS the ref out!! Fans boo, but then Jado gets in Chase’s face!
Chase shoves Jado so Jado fires hands! Chase LOW BLOWS then C-TRIGGERS! Leo is furious and he storms up, but TAIJI ISHIMORI IS HERE! Ishimori CLOBBERS ELP with an IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship belt! Leo grabs Taiji, but Kenta LOW BLOWS Leo! BELT SHOT for Leo!! Kenta high stacks, Chase shoves the ref in to count it, BULLET CLUB WINS!!
Winners: Chase Owens & Kenta, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The Bone Soldier should be listed on the victory for this one, he’s the only reason this New Beginning leaves such a bitter taste in the mouth! We start a new era as we now have a 101st team in the record books, will Bullet Club look to make all of NJPW #JustTooSweet?
Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Bryan Danielson!
The Front Man may have lost to the American Dragon the last time they battled, but what was supposed to be a technical master class ended with a busaiku knee. ZSJ wants a proper wrestling finish, will he make that happen himself? Or will Bryan refuses to #JustTapOut?
The fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” for Bryan before the bell, then continue to rally at the bell. Bryan and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and the fans start to duel. ZSJ and Bryan clinch, move around, then break to go again. ZSJ rolls, dares Bryan to try something but leans back as Bryan tries to slap. ZSJ shoots in with a leg guard trap but Bryan holds that off. Bryan has a foot, ZSJ kicks free but Bryan jumps on! ZSJ slips free, the two separate and the fans fire up. Bryan and ZSJ reset, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. The fans sing, “Oh~ Zack Sabre Jr~!” but Bryan rolls to wrangle. ZSJ wrenches back, and wrenches, and knuckle locks again.
The two spin around and around then break, and the fans cheer. ZSJ and Bryan reset, feel things out again, and knuckle lock again. ZSJ puts Bryan in a corner but Bryan powers his way out. Bryan clinches, shifts around, but ZSJ holds off the facelock. Bryan goes for a leg instead, and he has a spladle of sorts! ZSJ keeps his shoulders up and shifts around, but Bryan holds off the armbar by hooking a leg with a leg. ZSJ and Bryan each try for toeholds but Bryan shifts around to have the mount. ZSJ moves but Bryan keeps a leg. They knuckle lock, ZSJ lifts Bryan to put him in an armbar! But Bryan slips around, only for ZSJ to get away!
The fans cheer the technical exchange as the two reset again. The singing returns, but Bryan ignores it as he and ZSJ feel things out again. They knuckle lock with one hand, then knuckle lock with both hands. They go forehead to forehead as they push each other around, and the fans rally up as they both try a dropdown! ZSJ smirks as he and Bryan stand up and go forehead to forehead again. They both try the dropdown again, then reset. Then Bryan uses ZSJ’s dropdown against him to get the ARMBAR! ZSJ clasps hands, bridges, rolls, and floats around to facelock. Bryan powers things to a corner, and the ref calls the break.
The fans cheer as ZSJ eggs Bryan on and Bryan has the legs. The ref reprimands and Bryan lets off. The fans cheer again as the two reset. They circle, feel things out, then ZSJ stands on Bryan’s one hand to wrench the other. ZSJ bends the fingers, twists the wrist and reestablishes the knuckle locks. Bryan endures, fights up, and breaks one hold to wrench the other. Bryan has ZSJ’s wrist and arm-drags him with it! Bryan wrenches to OVERHEAD arm-drag now! ZSJ gets up but Bryan wrenches to whip to a corner. ZSJ goes up and comes back to GUILLOTINE! ZSJ then has the HOVERBOARD, but Bryan pries free!
ZSJ has the leg, Bryan rolls to get a leg for himself! They duel with heel hooks but Bryan turns ZSJ over to trap one leg with the other! ZSJ endures as Bryan has a Deathlock, then SNAPS it on! ZSJ headlocks Bryan to fight back but Bryan has a crossface! Bryan powers ZSJ into his modified Muta Lock but ZSJ pries free! The fans cheer this newest exchange as the two go to corners. Bryan and ZSJ both catch their breath before circling again. They knuckle lock again, then ZSJ bridges to straitjacket! Bryan endures, bridges and turns, then he puts the straitjacket onto ZSJ! Bryan digs his knee in for the “British Surfboard,” but ZSJ bridges!
ZSJ scoots under Bryan and kicks him away! Fans cheer as that exchange goes to ZSJ. The singing returns as Bryan and ZSJ reset again. They tie up, ZSJ facelocks and cranks the hold but Bryan wrenches and WRINGS ZSJ into ropes! ZSJ hobbles into a corner, checks his leg but those ropes really got him. Bryan waits on ZSJ as he goes around the ropes to another corner, and ZSJ comes back. The fans rally up, the two knuckle lock, and Bryan headlocks. Bryan changes sides, to dropkick ZSJ’s bad leg! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Bryan then steps through to a toehold! ZSJ fights with a leg hook but Bryan rolls around.
Bryan has the legs and hooks them up. ZSJ resists as Bryan wants the arms and the fans rally up for him. ZSJ reaches out, Bryan dares him to use them then. ZSJ eggs Bryan on, claiming he doesn’t need ropes, so Bryan slaps him around! Bryan tells ZSJ to get the ropes but ZSJ tells Bryan to just bring it! So Bryan STOMPS ZSJ’s knees! ZSJ writhes and Bryan drags him from the ropes. Bryan KICKS the leg, then KICKS ZSJ in the back! ZSJ sits up and dares Bryan to do that again. The fans cheer, and Bryan KICKS him again! Bryan drags ZSJ around, pulls on the leg, but ZSJ kicks with the good leg.
Bryan turns ZSJ over and leans on that knee! ZSJ endures as Bryan adds the other leg, then rolls him around. ZSJ headlocks in return, but Bryan puts the bad leg on the ropes. The ref calls the break, Bryan pushes on the foot, then claims ZSJ needs to let go. ZSJ does let go of Bryan’s arm, but then Bryan HIP DROPS the bad leg! Then HIP DROPS it again! ZSJ scrambles away and the ref backs Bryan off. The fans boo the sneaky Dragon, and they rally up behind ZSJ. Bryan gets a leg to DRAGON SCREW it! TMDK coaches ZSJ as he writhes, and ZSJ gets up in frustration. ZSJ hops on one leg as he circles with Bryan, but Bryan just gets the bad leg to DRAGON SCREW it!
Bryan holds on, ZSJ kicks free, and ZSJ hobbles back up. ZSJ growls and fires up, then knuckle locks. Bryan gets the leg again but ZSJ steps through! But Bryan turns neck twister into a takedown! ANKLE LOCK, but ZSJ rolls to get the ANKLE LOCK on Bryan! Bryan hops up, gets ZSJ’s leg, ANKLE LOCK!! Fans rally, ZSJ fights up but Bryan has him, LEG TRAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Bryan holds on, pushes ZSJ down, then hooks up the legs again. Bryan grabs for the arms, ZSJ resists, so Bryan fishhooks ZSJ’s nose! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Bryan lets off, saying he has until 5. Bryan then CLUBS ZSJ to get those arms!
The fans rally up as Bryan pulls! Up, up and away into the ROMERO SPECIAL! ZSJ endures, the fans rally, but Bryan lets ZSJ down so he can DRAGON SLEEPER! But ZSJ gets his legs free, rolls back, only for Bryan to snapmare! ZSJ bridges up to snapmare! ZSJ shoves Bryan’s bridge down to NECK TWIST! The fans rally up again as both men are down. Bryan sits up but ZSJ follows. They both stand, and Bryan trips ZSJ, only for ZSJ to boot him away. Bryan trips again, ZSJ boots again! ZSJ fires up, and turns Bryan’s takedown into a NECK TWIST! And basement dropkick! The fans fire up while both men are down again.
ZSJ slaps the bad leg into working, and he storms back up on Bryan. ZSJ cravats and cranks the neck wrench, but Bryan endures. Bryan powers ZSJ to a corner, the ref counts, and ZSJ lets go. Bryan keeps ZSJ in the corner but lets off slowly. Bryan ROCKS ZSJ with haymakers, slaps and an UPPERCUT! Bryan wraps the bad leg around ropes, then lets off at 4. Bryan runs side to side to DROPKICK the leg! ZSJ hobbles, Bryan runs corner to corner, to DROPKICK high! Bryan keeps moving, but ZSJ shoots around! COBRA TWIST! The fans fire up while Bryan endures! Bryan reaches around but ZSJ grabs the arm and hops on, IRON OCTOPUS!
Bryan endures as ZSJ twists him! Bryan powers up and gets free by pulling on the bad leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! ZSJ grabs an arm but Bryan shifts to the HEEL HOOK! ZSJ grabs Bryan’s leg for a heel hook in return! They fight, Achilles for Achilles, and ZSJ SLAPS Bryan! Bryan SLAPS ZSJ! They go back to the heel hooks, then ZSJ SLAPS! Bryan SPITS in ZSJ’s face, so ZSJ SLAPS! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Bryan grins, and he SPITS at ZSJ. Then he kicks ZSJ in the face! ZSJ returns the favor and now they go KICK for KICK! Both men egg the other on, and they go KICK for KICK, and they both KICK the other out of the hold!
But then both men grab the HEEL HOOKS again! They go around, roll into the ropes, and then the apron! The ref tells them to let off but Bryan kicks! ZSJ SLAPS! Bryan kicks and kicks and kicks, then TWISTS the foot! ZSJ falls to the floor just to get away! Fans cheer “This is Awesome!” as Bryan rises up, to FLYING KNEE ZSJ down! The fans fire up again and join in on “YES! YES! YES!” as Bryan rises again. Bryan puts ZSJ in, climbs up a corner, and Bryan aims for the DIVING HEADBUTT! ZSJ catches him!! TRIANGLE HOLD! ZSJ throws elbows, then shifts to CLARKY CAT!! Bryan endures as ZSJ pushes on those arms with the JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!!
Bryan fights around with his legs, but ZSJ traps those legs! SUNDAY RAIL ENGINEERING WORKS! Bryan endures the double heel hook, scrambles around, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go but the fans are thunderous! The fans again declare, “This is Awesome!” as ZSJ and Bryan rise up. ZSJ brings Bryan up to scoop but Bryan slips free! ZSJ switches, Bryan mule kicks the bad leg! ZSJ shakes it off! ZSJ comes back and UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up while Bryan snarls, and Bryan UPPERCUTS! ZSJ nods as he leans on the ropes, and he UPPERCUTS again! Bryan comes back to UPPERCUT! ZSJ fires up and eggs Bryan on!
Bryan UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ CLUBS Bryan’s lariat! Bryan CLUBS ZSJ’s lariat! Bryan KICKS ZSJ in the arm! And again! ZSJ SLAPS, Bryan ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ ducks the buzzsaw but a BUZZSAW comes right back! The fans fire up while both men are down! Bryan makes his way back over, drags ZSJ to ropes and puts the bad leg in position. HIP DROP! The ref reprimands, but Bryan goes up a corner! ZSJ gets up to RISING HEADBUTT! ZSJ then climbs up but Bryan HEADBUTTS him down! ZSJ rises again and the fans fire up! ZSJ HEADBUTTS, then climbs. Bryan HEADBUTTS again, and again, and again!
ZSJ wobbles but he HEADBUTTS in return, and again, and again! ZSJ wobbles again, but he HEADBUTTS one more time! ZSJ goes up to the top rope, but Bryan slips under! Bryan shoves ZSJ and ZSJ gets crotched on the top! Bryan climbs up again and the fans fire up for the SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! Bryan crawls to the cover, TWO!! ZSJ lives and the fans fire up again! Bryan sits ZSJ up and throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Bryan turns ZSJ over for CATTLE MUTILATION! But ZSJ turns that back over! ZSJ shakes his head, fights up and slips around, but Bryan drops down out of the full nelson!
ZSJ avoids the wheelbarrow, and GERMAN SUPELXES! Bryan is up, ZSJ ducks the buzzsaw, to ZACK DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!!! Bryan survives and the fans are electric! ZSJ fires up and aims from a corner! Bryan sits up and ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Bryan sits back up! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS again! ZSJ fires up with Osaka, but Bryan blocks the kick! Only to swing into a TRIANGLE HOLD! ZSJ squeezes tight, but Bryan fights his way through! Bryan CLUBS ZSJ in the chest, fires forearms, and gives some serious ground ‘n’ pound! Bryan lets off as the ref checks, but ZSJ is still conscious! ZSJ wags his finger, but Bryan gets the arms!
Bryan stands up to DRAGON STOMP! Then he shifts around, omoplata and- NO, ZSJ fights off the Lebell! Bryan grabs the other arm and he copies JIM BREAKS! ZSJ headscissors back, but Bryan powers his way around to get a leg! OVER THE SHOULDER CRAB! ZSJ flails with his free leg, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans fire up as Bryan lets ZSJ go. The fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but there is a time limit on this. Bryan rises to KICK ZSJ in the chest! ZSJ falls over and Bryan grins. We hit the 30 minute mark, the halfway point of the limit! Bryan KICKS again and ZSJ falls back over!
ZSJ pushes himself up defiantly, and fans cheer! Bryan KICKS, ZSJ eggs him on, so the KICKS keep coming! Bryan then SPITS at ZSJ before he KICKS! But ZSJ rises up! Bryan rushes in, ZSJ gets around, O’Conner Roll but no bridge as Bryan has the SLEEPER! But ZSJ rolls back to SLEEPER! Bryan rolls back to roll and omoplata! But ZSJ rolls to stack, jackknife bridge! TWO!!! Bryan escapes, the fans are electric, but ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ falls into a corner from exhaustion but the fans are still fired up! Bryan sits up, ZSJ storms up to UPPERCUT! Bryan KICKS the bad leg! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again!
Bryan KICKS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, then ZSJ UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS and UPPER- NO, Bryan catches him! Bryan goes for the backslide, ZSJ rolls through, but the leg jams! BUSAIKU KNEE!! But Bryan says that’s not enough! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan aims from a corner, he runs back in, BU- NO, ZSJ dodges to body scissor, EURO- NO, Bryan pops free! ZSJ blocks Bryan’s O’Conner, has a double wristlock clutch, TWO! But Bryan ends up in the EURO CLUTCH! TWO and Bryan O’Conner Bridges! TWO!! ZSJ ghost pins, ZSJ WINS!!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall
At 36 minutes, this instant classic ends with The Front Man on top! He gets even with Bryan from WrestleDream, and with his tekkers! Bryan is frustrated that it ended like that, but ZSJ offers a handshake. Bryan refuses, but then offers it back! ZSJ accepts and the two bow. Clearly these two want one more, when and where will this modern trilogy have its end?
10 Man Steel Cage Match: The United Empire VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
The Aerial Assassin is almost All Elite, but he has a score to settle with The Rebel first! It is faction warfare at its finest, and most violent, will Will Ospreay lead Jeff Cobb, Henare, TJP & Francesco Akira to one last victory? Or will David Finlay, Alex Coughlin, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & “Drilla” Moloney ruin Ospreay’s farewell?
Unique to this match, the cage itself isn’t flush with the ring, but surrounds the ringside area, keeping this from spilling out into the crowd, a signature of the War Dogs’ tactics. The way this cage match is going to go is rather like WarGames: two men will start 1v1, and every two minutes, someone new will be added. The War Dogs ended up with the advantage on this one, but that means the Empire’s last man will be the freshest. This match can only end once all ten men have entered, so let the games begin!
In a surprising move, The Rebel is the first out! Fans boo the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, but then in another shocking move, Will Ospreay himself starts for the Empire! The generals of these armies are going to lead by example, will either be standing by the end of it?
The fans are already thunderous for Ospreay, and Ospreay gets a mic first to say, “Oi, oi, Osaka, konbanwa <good evening>. I had a long flight over here, and you and me are gonna get in this ring, and you’re only gonna give me two minutes? Noo~! If you are a REAL leader, you’ll give me ten minutes right now.” The fans like the sound of that! Red Shoes checks with Finlay on that, and the fans certainly want it. Finlay says he’ll compromise, and will give Ospreay five. Ospreay says that’s good enough, the change is announced, and the bell rings! The two rush in, fire off forearms and the fans fire up as this is fast and certainly furious!
Finlay throws knees, whips Ospreay to ropes, but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Finlay flops out of the ring but can’t go far with that cage! Ospreay PLANCHAS to take Finlay down! The fans fire up and Ospreay shakes the cage! Ospreay storms up but Finlay throws body shots and forearms. Ospreay ROCKS Finlay back, then ROCKS him again. They go around the outside, Finlay kicks and CLUBS Ospreay, then whips Ospreay at the wall. Ospreay stops, ROCKS Finlay back, and then pushes him into the ring. Ospreay aims, but Finlay DECKS him first! Finlay goes out to fire off on Ospreay again, then whips him into the wall!
Fans feel that one as Ospreay falls in a heap! Gedo loves it as he watches from the outside, and Finlay hauls Ospreay up to UPPERCUT! Finlay goes looking under the ring, and he finds a chair! Finlay swings but Ospreay ducks and the chair hits cage! Ospreay then trips Finlay to CATAPULT him into the wall! Fans fire up again as Ospreay snarls and stands back up. Ospreay drags Finlay up, puts him in the ring, and he gets the fans to rally up. Ospreay gives Finlay some Kawada Kicks while fans sing “Ospreay~! Ospreay, Ospreay, Ospreay~! Ospreay~, Ospreay~!” Ospreay CHOPS Finlay to a corner, but Finlay pie faces him.
Finlay gives more pie faces but Ospreay CHOPS Finlay off his feet! Ospreay whips Finlay to a corner, runs up but Finlay dodges. Finlay comes back but Ospreay BOOTS him! Ospreay runs up but into a DEEP SIX! Finlay snarls and stomps Ospreay, then rains down fists. Finlay has Ospreay at the ropes and springboard stomps him! The fans boo but Finlay soaks it all up. Finlay storms up on Ospreay to ROCK and UPPERCUT Ospreay. Finlay asks if Ospreay’s ready to die, and he fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Finlay drops a knee on Ospreay, then puts him on ropes. Finlay tells the fans to say goodbye to their hero.
Finlay pushes Ospreay around, but Ospreay CHOPS! Ospreay CHOPS again, then UPPERCUTS! Finlay kicks low, CHOPS back, then whips. Ospreay holds ropes, and he FLAPJACKS Finlay to BOOT him down! The countdown finishes, and the War Dogs send out “Drilla!” He betrayed Ospreay and the Empire to join the War Dogs, now he looks to tear Ospreay himself! But wait, he’s also dragging out Callum Newman!? Callum isn’t even in this match, he competed earlier tonight! Drilla has a belt of forks like he’s an evil Rambo, and he hauls Callum up. Ospreay is distracted, Finlay SMACKS him with a chair!
Fans boo as Drilla shoves Callum down, and has handcuffs! Drilla cuffs Callum while Finlay taunts Ospreay to save his boy! Callum is cuffed to the cage wall and Drilla stomps him down! Drilla digs Callum’s face into the cage and tells Ospreay he messed up! Finlay lets off of Ospreay and Drilla tucks his belt of forks away for now. Drilla and Finlay mug Ospreay, then bring him around to double whip hard into the cage! The cage stays standing but Ospreay falls over. Drilla & Finlay mug Ospreay more, then stand on him. The fans boo but the War Dogs soak it all up. They then double whip Ospreay again, but he stops himself!
Finlay rushes in but Ospreay sends Finlay into the wall! Ospreay then uses the wall to TORNADO- NO, Drilla stops that to CHUCK Ospreay into the steel! Drilla not only soaks up the heat but he climbs the cage to taunt and SPIT at the fans! But the countdown is done, and the Empire sends out Henare! The Face of Fury, the Maori Juggernaut, is ready to rampage all over Osaka and the fans are loving it already! Henare CLOBBERS Drilla, CLOBBERS Finlay, then fireman’s carries Drilla! Henare SMACKS Finlay with Drilla’s boots, then WASTELAND SLAMS and SENTONS on Drilla! Finlay CLUBS Henare back but fans rally for Henare!
The War Dogs double whip Henare but he breaks the line to CLOBBER Finlay and CLOBBER Drilla! Henare helps Ospreay up and now they mug Finlay! They double whip, body shot, KICK and DOUBLE KICK SANDWICH! Opsreay & Henare double whip again, Henare scoops for the BERSERKER BOMB! The fans fire up with the Empire as they each get a Dog. Henare fires off on Drilla, Ospreay is after Finlay! Ospreay rains down fists and the fans count along, Ospreay goes to nine before the big right for TEN! Henare throws body shots on Drilla, then he climbs up to rain down his own set of TEN!
Ospreay TOSSES Finlay out, Henare brings Drilla around to HEADBUTT! The countdown is done again while Ospreay SMACKS Finlay with a chair! The War Dogs send out 100 Proof now, Clark Connors having wrapped up his arms, and is that razor wire?! Connors dodges Henare to SPEAR! Ospreay dodges Connors but then Connors still SPEARS him, too! Connors shows off the arm, BARBED WIRE FOREARM for Henare! BARBED WIRE FOREARM for Ospreay! Connors DIGS that wire into Ospreay’s head! Drilla stomps Ospreay, too, then they taunt the fans. Finlay flips everybody off while Connors brings out a TABLE!
Gedo says he loves this as Connors puts the table in the ring. Finlay digs Henare’s face into steel, the table is set up in a corner, and Gedo mockingly asks if Henare wants to quit. Drilla shows that Ospreay is bleeding from what Connors’ forearm did to him! Connors and Finlay punch away on the bloody forehead, but the countdown is almost done! The Empire sends out TJP! The Public Enemy has himself some barbed wire, and he runs up to RAM into Drilla, GAMANGIRI Connors, and ROCK Finlay! TJP goes up to FLYING FOREARM Finlay down! TJP wraps his leg in the barbed wire so that he can SCRAPE Connors’ face!
The fans fire up as TJP scrubs away, then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! The fans fire up more, and Ospreay fires off on Drilla. Ospreay whips Drilla into the wall! TJP POSTS Finlay, SMACKS him off the wall, and he regroups with Ospreay. Henare ELBOWS Drilla down, TJP JAMS Finlay with a chair! Drilla sends Ospreay into a wall, but TJP sends Drilla into a wall! Finlay claws at TJP’s face, throws body shots, then he CLUBS Henare off of Connors. The countdown is back and the War Dogs send out the Dreadnought! Alex Coughlin has chairs draped all along his arms, his strength carrying them all on his biceps!
Coughlin drops off the plunder, DECKS TJP, then slides in to CLOBBER Henare, and CLOBBER Ospreay! GUT WRENCH PLEX for Henare! GUT WRENCH PLEX for Ospreay! Coughlin hauls them both up, reels them in, DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Coughlin goes out while Finlay JAMS Callum for good measure! Coughlin scoops TJP to RAM him into the wall, then POST, then LAWN DART into the wall! Coughlin roars but the fans boo. Connors SMACKS TJP, Finlay and Coughlin dump chairs onto him! They’re burying TJP under steel! Then Coughlin JAMS Henare! And then DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS Henare onto the chair pile!!
But the countdown is back, so the Empire sends out the Nova Fireball! Francesco Akira sneaks in from the other side! The War Dogs all gathered at the entrance but Akira’s climbed the cage itself! Akira CROSSBODIES onto them all! The fans fire up with Akira as he sends Drilla into the wall! And he SMACKS Connors with a kendo stick, then he SMACKS Finlay! Akira follows Finlay into the ring but Finlay catches the stick! Akira dodges the stick to LOW BLOW! Fans fire up as Akira rips the War Dog shirt away to then rain down fists from all sides! The fans are thunderous as Akira just keeps firing away with rage!
Akira then gets that kendo stick, and he SMACKS Finlay on the back! And then SMACKS him again, and again, and again! Ospreay digs boots into someone but Drilla gets Ospreay, and Akira wears that kendo stick out on Finlay! Akira gets a chair and the fans rally behind him! Akira aims and CHUCKS the chair into Finlay! But Connors SPEARS Akira through the table!! Just like when Connors & Drilla took the tag titles from Catch 2/2! Connors beats down on Ospreay as The War Dogs send out their last man, Gabe Kidd! Kidd is #WarReady as he brings a CART of items! Kidd and Connors TOSS chair after chair into the ring!
Ospreay has to watch out not to get hit, and now Kidd has a table! Kidd SMACKS Henare down with it, then CHUCKS a chair into Ospreay’s face! He’s a madman for sure, and he SMACKS Ospreay! And CHUCKS a chair into Akira! The fans boo but Kidd flips them all off! The Dogs hit who they can with chairs, and Kidd brings more things out from under the ring. He finds as LADDER! Kidd sets that up in a corner of the cage, Finlay CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Connors gets yet another table! Coughlin DECKS Ospreay, Kidd scuffs Ospreay, and the Dogs all soak up the heat. They Too Sweet over Ospreay, then stand on him.
But wait! They forget that the Empire has one last man! And we all know it’s The Imperial Unit, Jeff Cobb! Cobb storms down, and he RAMS Drilla into the wall! The wall almost falls, but then Cobb sends Kidd into it! And he OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Kidd onto the chairs! Connors leas, but Cobb catches him! GOURD BUSTER on the apron! Cobb glares at Coughlin, they brawl with forearms in the ring! Finlay directs the others while Cobb JABS Coughlin! Cobb suplexes, Coughlin slips free to CHOP! Meanwhile, Henare is so bloodied, refs call on medics to help. Coughlin fires up, runs, but Cobb drops to DROPKICK!
Coughlin roars, he runs up, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Coughlin flounders out but Finlay gets in to SMACK Cobb with a kendo stick! Cobb doesn’t budge! The fans fire up as Cobb fireman’s carries, for an F5000!! Cobb sees Finlay get up, and he RAMS him into a corner! Ospreay runs in to BOOT! Feed to Cobb’s ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover again, TWO! Finlay survives but the Empire is far from done. Ospreay brings out yet another TABLE! Ospreay drags the table in, puts that in a corner, and he hauls Finlay up. Feed to Cobb’s scoop, but Finlay fights for his life!
Coughlin gets Finlay away from Cobb to fire forearms! Cobb fires back, they go back and forth but Coughlin ROCKS Cobb! Coughlin roars, picks Cobb up, the cage is finally locked shut as Cobb escapes the scoop! Cobb ROCKS Coughlin, scoops him, but Coughlin avoids the Tour! Coughlin CLAWS Cobb’s eyes! Fans boo but Connors aims at Cobb! SPEAR but only Connors goes through the table! Cobb ELBOWS Coughlin, helps Ospreay with the GAMANGIRI, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Coughlin is in a drop zone, Ospreay goes up, and the fans fire up for the LEAP OF FAITH! Cover, Finlay breaks it!
Finlay fires off on Ospreay, Kidd RAMS Cobb with the ladder! And he RAMS Ospreay, too! Fans boo but Kidd grins. Kidd puts the ladder on Terry Funk style, LADDER COPTER! Ospreay gets hit, Akira gets hit, then Ospreay gets hit again! Even Cobb gets hit! “I’m a MADMAN, y’know!!” But Ospreay BOOTS Kidd, ROCKS him with haymaker after haymaker, but Drilla SUPERKICKS Ospreay! Drilla helps Kidd with the ladder to run Ospreay down! Ospreay goes Matrix to dodge! Then he handsprings, NEUTRALIZER hits the ladder to knock both men down! The fans are thunderous and Ospreay rises up!
Ospreay grins through his crimson mask and he brings that ladder around, making a bridge from ring to cage wall! Fans murmur as Ospreay is cooking up something, and he brings Kidd out to the apron! But Finlay hurries to CLAW Ospreay’s face! Finlay reels Ospreay in, but Ospreay slips free! HOOK KICK! Finlay falls into the ring so Ospreay climbs a corner. Ospreay aims to BLINDSIDE CHEERIO! The fans fire up and Ospreay prepares that arm! Fans join in on “OI! OI! OI!” and Ospreay aims. HIDDEN- NO, Finlay blocks to an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, Akira breaks it! The fans fire up as Finlay gets Akira up, but Akira RANAS Finlay out!
Akira gets a chair, but Drilla kicks low! Connors joins in, they whip Akira to then drop toehold Akira into the chair! Then Drilla suplexes, FALCON ARROW on the chair! Akira flops around, Drilla drags him to a cover, TWO!!! Akira survives and the fans fire up for his grit! Connors clears the space, he says he and Drilla are gonna go to work. The fans boo, Henare is removed by the doctors so this is 5v4 as Drilla puts one out. Connors climbs, but TJP emerges from under the ring! TJP YANKS Connors down and Drilla is shocked! TJP is full Aswang and Drilla freaks out! Coughlin runs up but gets a CROSSBODY!
TJP blocks Drilla’s boot to slip around and SAIDO! Kidd runs in, kicks and whips but TJP reverses to THESZ PRESS! And DOUBLE STOMP! The fans fire up and TJP coordinates with Akira. ALLEY-OOP for Finlay! Catch 2/2 fires up, they run to DOUBLE BOOT Drilla! They haul Drilla into the Tree of Woe and TJP climbs! WOE STOMPS!! Drilla flops out, TJP covers, TWO! Drilla is still in this but Catch 2/2 won’t let off! Akira climbs, fans cheer “CATCH! NI NI!” But Finlay disrupts things! Drilla brawls with Akira up top but TJP dodges Finlay’s lariat. TJP CROSSBODIES Finlay and himself out, Ospreay tucks Drilla in! CHEEKY NANDOS!
Ospreay says he’ll do TJP’s part! But Drilla slips under to LOW BLOW! But Ospreay RAMS Drilla into the corner, only for Connors to go up and over, SUPERPLEX on Akira!! Wait, Henare is back?! Bandaged as he is, he hits a RAMPAGE on Connors! Kidd hits the REBOUNDER on Henare! Cobb GERMAN SUPLEXES the madman! Coughlin scoops Cobb!? FALL AWAY SLAM, bridging cover! MAMBA SPLASH breaks it!! Cover on Coughlin, but DRILLA KILLA using Ospreay breaks it up!! All ten men are down and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as this battle continues to the half hour point!
The factions regroup in opposite corners, and the fans rally behind the Empire. The Dogs bark to fire themselves up, and all ten men stand up! The brawl is on and the fans are thunderous again! Akira fires off on Drilla, TJP waistlocks Connors, Henare has Kidd, Cobb brings Coughlin out of the ring, and of course Ospreay brawls with Finlay! Everyone else spills out of the ring but the generals stay inside! They go forearm for forearm harder and harder, and the fans fire up! Ospreay wobbles, but he ROCKS Finlay! Finlay shakes his head and ROCKS Ospreay! Ospreay fires himself up to ROCK Finlay again!
Finlay fires a flurry, but Ospreay BOOTS! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS, but both men run! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, Finlay falls but Ospreay tumbles out! Ospreay is on the apron, he aims, but Connors SPEARS Ospreay down, they crash through the table! But Henare is back in and he has a trash can! Henare CHUCKS the can at Finlay’s head! Then Henare picks the can back up, woozy as he is, and he puts that can around Finlay! Henare runs, RUGBY KICK to the can! Fans are thunderous again, but Kidd is back! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, neither man falls, so Kidd fires off palm strikes! Kidd eggs Henare on, then ducks the uraken!
Kidd SLAPS Henare but Henare URAKENS after all! Henare has the fisherman but Kidd slips free! Kidd runs, but Henare LARIATS! Fans fire up as Henare leans against ropes. Kidd sits up and Gedo coaches him up. Kidd gets a chair, but so does Henare! Kidd dodges Henare’s swing but Henare PUNCHES Kidd’s chair! The seat goes right out of it! Then Henare swings, HEADSHOT, and again that seat comes right out! But Kidd stays up!? Kidd fires off hands, but Henare SLAPS him right down!! Henare still falls over, so Catch 2/2 get in! Coughlin dual wields kendo sticks, but then he throws those to Catch 2/2?!
Coughlin eggs TJP & Akira on, so they SMACK! And SMACK! And SMACK! Coughlin withstands it all, he might truly be an Android! Coughlin blocks both shots, but then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! They double whip, DOUBLE SMACK but Coughlin keeps going! TJP sets up and Akira jumps off him to SHOTGUN Coughlin out! The fans fire up as Akira hurries out after Coughlin, then he and Henare fetch more tables! They set those up near a corner, and Henare BODY SHOTS Coughlin! Henare reels Coughlin in but Coughlin resists the lift! Henare CLUBS away, then JUMP KNEES! Coughlin is put on the tables!
Henare climbs the cage?! The fans fire up as Henare SUPER SENTONS down through the tables!! The fans are thunderous as the Face of Fury takes out the Android! But Coughlin CLOBBERS TJP with a black bag! And as if we didn’t already know, it’s got thumbtacks in it! Connors reaches inside, and he brings out a bottle o’ beer! Connors takes a big swig, just to SPIT it on TJP! Then he pours out what’s left inside, and yes, its MORE thumbtacks! Connors tells Osaka off, then even pushes Red Shoes away so he can drag TJP up! Connors says Too Sweet, NO CHA- NO!! TJP says no to the No Chaser and he gets around to waistlock!
Connors throws elbows, but TJP wrenches him to FACEBUSTER onto the tacks!! Connors writhes and just gets more tacks on his body! TJP then gives him the JUMP SOBAT, and Connors falls onto tacks!! TJP then feeds Connors to a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, Finlay SMACKS it apart with a kendo stick! Finlay SMACKS TJP, CHUCKS a chair at Cobb, then CHUCKS another chair! And then another chair! And another chair! Finlay calls to Gedo and Gedo tosses the Shillelagh in! SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Fans boo but there’s nothing that can be done! Finlay puts Cobb’s face onto a chair, then gets another! CON-CHAIR-TO!!!
Finlay grins as he goes Rated R and he pushes Cobb. Wait, he pushes Cobb out!? He doesn’t want to cover Cobb for the win!? Finlay is so obsessed that he needs it to be Ospreay! Cobb gets cuffed, Ospreay rolls Finlay up! TWO!! Ospreay BOOTS Finlay, SUPERKICKS Drilla, but Finlay CLOBBERS Ospreay! Finlay wants Ospreay to get up, then he runs, into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay roars and the fans are thunderous again! Ospreay calls his shot, springboards, but Finlay CUTTERS first!! But HIDDEN BLADE hits outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives again but Ospreay seethes.
The fans rally as hard as they can for Ospreay, he drags Finlay up, but the rest of the Empire has been handcuffed! STORM- NO, Finlay slips free, backslides, suplexes, INTO OBLIVION!! Roll through and another INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Ospreay survives and no one can believe it, least of all Finlay! Finlay calls to the Dogs to go fetch a table? But we’re not talking any normal table. Gedo brings out a table wrapped in barbed wire!! How’s Gedo gonna get that in with the cage door locked? Wait, Great-O-Khan runs down here to stop him!! The fans fire up but Gedo pokes Khan in the eyes with keys!
Gedo uses those keys to unlock the cage door! Fans boo as Gedo breaks the rules Finlay set forth in the first place! Finlay and Gedo get the barbed table into the ring, but then Akira WRECKS Gedo with a dropkick! Khan stomps Gedo and drags him out of the cage but Finlay sends Akira into the wall! Wait, Khan gets the key!! Khan uncuffs Callum! All bets are off now, but then Gedo LOW BLOWS Khan! Finlay sets the table up in a corner, stalks Ospreay, and hauls Ospreay up. Ospreay fights the lift and back drops free! Fans fire up again as Ospreay ROCKS Finlay! Finlay wobbles dangerously close to the table!
Ospreay kicks Finlay, reels him in, and takes aim! But Kidd makes the save! Kidd UPPERCUTS and HEADBUTTS Ospreay, then aims! Ospreay stops by using his bare hands! Kidd says this table is for December! But Ospreay throws elbows, and SMACKS Kidd off that table! Ospreay SCRAPES Kidd’s face off the barbed wire!! Ospreay has Finlay, but Gedo CLAWS Ospreay’s eyes! But CALLUM HOOK KICKS GEDO! TJP RED MISTS Finlay! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Finlay! Ospreay and Callum do it together, DOUBLE OSCUTTERS!!! Callum keeps Gedo out, TJP feeds Finlay to Ospreay! Finlay gets a POWERBOMB through the barbed wire table!!!
Finlay flails and writhes, hoisted on his own petard! Cover, TWO!?!?! Finlay survives and he defiantly flips Ospreay off! Ospreay snarls, the fans rally as hard as they can, and this passes 50 minutes! Ospreay takes off the elbow pad and aims from a corner. Finlay slowly rises, but Drilla JABS Ospreay with a fork!! The fans boo but Kidd drags Ospreay to the apron, near that ladder bridge! PILEDRIVER through the ladder!! Kidd and Ospreay both writhe in the wreckage, and Akira stares down Drilla and his fork! Akira grits his teeth, runs in, but Drilla JABS him in the forehead!! Drilla tastes his fork and fans boo.
Drilla goes back to Akira as Akira is bloodied, just like New Year Dash! But Akira just fires off fast hands! Seeing his own blood has awoken something dark in Akira, and he grabs Drilla’s fork!! AKIRA JABS AWAY ON DRILLA!!! The fans are thunderous as Akira gets even with Drilla!! But then Connors has his dog collar! Akira dodges, dodges again, and THESZ PRESS with the fork!!! Akira grabs the collar and he straps it on Connors! Akira walks the dog, yanks him around, and then TOSSES him over! Connors wants mercy but Akira says hell no! Akira trips Connors and HANGS him with the collar!!
Connors sputters and coughs while TJP watches him! Akira drops Connors, aims at Drilla, NOVA FIREBALL!!! Cover, but Kidd breaks it! Kidd punches away on Akira but TJP storms in! TJP jumps on to BITE Kidd’s neck! Finlay SMACKS TJP with a kendo stick! The Dogs set up chairs again, making a nasty pile. Finlay goes up, Kidd lifts TJP, FULL METAL HIJACKER!! But the Dogs still aren’t done! They clear out space and go looking for even more plunder! Or rather, they’re taking the ring apart! They untie the canvas from the ring itself, and we make it a full HOUR! Kidd says they can go all night with this if they want!
The Dogs move the canvas and get all off the padding away, to expose the hardwood!! They’re going beyond pro-wrestling, all to settle this fight! Fans boo but the Dogs soak it up! But Henare is back to ELBOW Kidd, ROUNDHOUSE Finlay, but Kidd UPPERCUTS back! Kidd reels Henare in, but Henare fights the suplex! Kidd fights the suplex, they both fight for control! Henare powers through to SLAM Kidd down!! Boards come loose but Kidd gets out of the ring to keep from falling through it! Finlay is back up but Henare BODY BLOWS first! Then ULTIMA NELSON!! Finlay endures but Coughlin CRACKS Henare with a kendo stick!
Coughlin brings Henare out, Akira crawls on the padded side, and Coughlin re-cuffs Henare! Coughlin CHOPS Henare, tells him to stay down, and Kidd says to finish him! Coughlin SMACKS away on Henare with a kendo stick! Coughlin says this is what Henare gets for messing with the War Dogs! Connors SMACKS away on Cobb! Finlay finds Akira and says bring it! Akira fires up and the fans are with him! Akira runs up, fires hands, but Finlay shoves and BOOTS him back! But Akira wrenches to SUPERKICK! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS! Finlay suplexes, but Akira slips around to DDT! Cover, Coughlin breaks it!
Coughlin hauls Akira up, to TOSS him into a corner! Coughlin stumbles because of the loose boards, and then Akira SUPERKICKS him back! Akira SUPERKICKS again, and again, has to steady his footing, and SUPERKICKS again! Akira tells Osaka, “IKU ZO! <LET’S GO!>” Akira puts Coughlin up top and then climbs up after him! Fans are freaking out, commentary is freaking out, but Akira still SUPER- NO, Coughlin blocks! Kidd ROCKS Akira, then Coughlin hands him off to Kidd, HARDWOOD HIJACKER!!! But Kidd can’t make the cover from his banged up knee! Finlay flounders his way around, he covers, OSPREAY BREAKS IT!
Ospreay drags Akira to the safe side of the ring and the fans rally up. This match is still going, pride trumping both mercy and reason at this point. Finlay swims his way through the hardwood and padding, everyone else down and out. Kidd & Coughlin stand to back their pack leader, and then Connors & Drilla join in! Ospreay helps Akira out of the ring to where it’s safe, and then he stands up to face all five War Dogs! The fans rally as hard as they possibly can for Ospreay’s heroism, and Finlay dares Ospreay to make the first shot. Finlay kneels, Ospreay winds up, but Ospreay falls before he can throw Hidden Blade!
Finlay and the Dogs laugh at Ospreay, and then Finlay drags Ospreay up. Finlay lets Connors & Drilla DOUBLE SPEAR Ospreay! Then Finlay puts barbed wire around his knee, so that he can BARBED WIRE INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, War Dogs win!
Winner: The War Dogs, by pinfall
Mercifully, this war is over. And sadly, this is how Ospreay’s NJPW career ends. Finlay gets a mic while the fans boo, and Finlay says, “War Dogs run New Japan!” That’s all Finlay wants to say, that’s all he has to say, and that’s all anyone cares to hear from him. The War Dogs move on from the United Empire, will nothing stop them from running through the rest of NJPW?
As for the United Empire, they pick up the pieces and regroup, most concerned about Ospreay and Henare at this point. The fans still rally for Ospreay and his courageous fight. Henare is freed of the cuffs and then escorted to the back by medical. As for Ospreay, TJP, Akira & Callum help him sit up. The fans cheer Ospreay on as he manages to stand. Khan and Cobb also stand in the ring with Ospreay, and the fans now chant, “Thank You, Ospreay!” Ospreay is understandably emotional as the moment sinks in. Ospreay takes a deep bow and the fans applaud.
Ospreay finds the mic and kneels as he says, “Osaka. For eight years, you guys have been my home. You have seen me from a young boy become a man. I wanna thank everybody, every single person in here. Thank you so much for looking after me.” The fans applaud, and Ospreay continues, “I promise you all, I swear to this. I swear to all of you, I promise, I will come back one day, I promise.” The fans cheer that! Ospreay asks they please do not forget him, because he will never forget any of you, he really won’t. He loves you all so much. The fans applaud again, and Ospreay manages to stand back up.
Ospreay says he is ready to show the world what NJPW has produced! He is the man today because of all of these fans. So until he comes back, matte ne, arigato gozaimasu!! Ospreay says this isn’t goodbye, but just see you later on. The Empire hugs it out, still united even as their fearless leader moves on to a new chapter in his career. Who will pick up the mantle of leader in his stead? How far will Ospreay go now that he is All Elite?
My Thoughts:
This was a wild night for NJPW in Osaka. I know I skipped half but that main event ended up nuts as it was. Okada VS Tanahashi for the last time, at least in Osaka and under NJPW, was a great match, and I had a feeling Okada was going to win here. This isn’t his final final match, Sapporo is next, and it sounds like ZSJ wants that match. Who knows how that goes after ZSJ got a win in an awesome match with Bryan Danielson tonight. I could see ZSJ beating Okada to get that rub on his way to a new singles title opportunity. And while people argue that Okada can revive rivalries with this person and that person in AEW, I still argue that going to AEW undercuts a lot of the emotion going into his departure. Just look at how often Moxley and Bryan show up in NJPW since they’re AEW guys.
Then it seems Bullet Club really is going to run a lot of NJPW at this point. I did not think ELP & Leo were losing but something is fitting about Taiji Ishimori screwing ELP over when he also had a hand in kicking ELP out of Bullet Club. Chase & Kenta make for an interesting duo to be tag team champions, and that adds gold to Finlay having the Global and Connors-Moloney having the junior tag titles. In other companies, Chase & Kenta would probably be transitional champions to some other big team, but maybe they just want to escalate the feud, forcing ELP & Leo to chase the heavyweight titles while trying to hold on to the NJPW Strong titles.
And then that Steel Cage Match ending up more like WarGames, and then even going beyond that in brutality, there are definitely mixed feelings here. English commentary was making a note of not liking how far the War Dogs went, and how deconstructing the ring was “not pro-wrestling.” Part of that is probably because the War Dogs were doing it and the War Dogs are Heels so you hate what Heels do by definition. But at the same time, there was some legitimate reason, because as we saw, the boards being exposed and loose was really risky for everyone, not really sure it was needed after everything else they’d done in the match.
In the end, I was only moderately surprised the War Dogs won. Ospreay is leaving, he goes out taking the loss, that’s just tradition. It gives the War Dogs momentum as they go for full domination of NJPW, they might even go back for the NJPW Strong titles in an attempt to leave the Guerrillas with nothing. But Ospreay’s final words to NJPW were very touching, and because he’s going to AEW, his words about coming back one day were very true. He could easily come back the same way Bryan and Moxley show up whenever they want, and of course there’s always Forbidden Door. As for Ospreay in AEW, he could probably show up at Revolution to challenge whoever is AEW World Champion, and that’d be pretty awesome.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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