NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling Results & Report! (10/13/25)
Will is the true Alpha?
Will Konosuke Takeshita go from G1 Champion to IWGP World Champion?
After his triumph in the G1 Climax 35 Finals, Konosuke Takeshita is challenging Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Championship in Ryogoku! Will this new tradition bring a new champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- IWGP Women’s Championship: Sareee VS Syuri; Syuri wins and becomes the new IWGP Women’s Champion.
- Six Man Tag: Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & Titan VS David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori & Clark Connors; Finlay, Taiji & Connors win.
- Ryogoku Riot: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SANADA; Drilla wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & YOH VS Ryohei Oiwa, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Bishamon & Yoh win.
- NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Time Limit Draw, ELP retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Boltin Oleg VS EVIL; Evil wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura; Oskar & Yuto win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Yota Tsuji; Yota wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Konosuke Takeshita; Konosuke wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Women’s Championship: Sareee VS Syuri!
The Sun Warrior made it through her quick trip to the USA and a title match with Alex Windsor to return home to Japan. But will she still be golden? Or will the Karate Girl chop Sareee down and take her title?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Queen of Pro-Wrestling!
The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Sareee goes for a leg but Syuri sprawls to block. Syuri floats over but Sareee spins through to waistlock. Syuri pries free, wrenches, but Sareee rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Syuri reaches back, headlocks, and grinds Sareee down. Sareee fights around, headlocks, but Syuri does the same to facelock. Sareee spins free to facelock, but Syuri TACKLES Sareee. Sareee has the leg guard, Syuri pops fere, and the fans applaud the standoff. The two reset and circle again as the fans rally. The two tie up, Sareee headlocks for the takeover, but Syuri headscissors.
Sareee kips free but Syuri kicks low. Syuri headlocks, Sareee fires body shots and powers out. Things speed up, Sareee drops then sidesteps to arm-drag! Syuri sweeps the cover, ONE! Sareee ducks a kick, and the two stare down. The fans cheer this newest standoff, and the two go forehead to forehead. Syuri shoves Sareee, then dodges her haymaker to DROPKICK! Sareee staggers to a corner, Syuri runs up to KNEE low! Syuri then reels Sareee in, HALF HATCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! But Syuri goes for an arm! Sareee clasps hands to block the armbar! Syuri pulls on the arm, pries the hands apart, and has the ARMBAR! But Sareee has the ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud as Syuri lets go. Syuri stomps Sareee at the ropes, bumps her off buckles, but Sareee pulls hair! Sareee is not having any of Syuri’s disrespect, but she’s a bit disrespectful by wrenching the hair, and she THROWS Syuri by her hair! The fans are torn, plenty of them booing, but Sareee just THROWS Syuri again! And DROPKICKS her! Sareee stomps Syuri at the ropes, stands on her, then goes up the ropes to HIP DROP! The fans rally as Sareee stomps Syuri but the ref reprimands. Sareee drags Syuri from the ropes, hooks up the legs, and puts on the pressure. SNAP LOCK! SNAP LOCK again! And then she pulls hair again!
The ref reprimands, Sareee lets go of the hair, and she rallies the fans for the MUTA LOCK! Syuri endures, reaches out, and the fans duel as Sareee pulls her back. Sareee lets Syuri go, stomps her down, and she eggs Syuri on. Sareee snapmares Syuri, then lines up a shot, PENALTY KICK to the back! The fans cheer but Syuri just gets mad. Syuri kicks Sareee low, snapmares her, and lines up her own PENALTY KICK! And another KICK! Syuri runs to PENALTY KICK from the front! Cover, TWO as Sareee goes Matrix! And then DROPKICK! The fans fire up, but Syuri stands to fire a forearm! Sareee CLUBS Syuri in return!
The fans rally as Syuri returns fire! Sareee returns fire, too! They go back and forth, shot for shot, harder and harder! Sareee gets mad and ROCKS Syuri, but Syuri ROCKS her in return! Sareee ROCKS, ROCKS, and ROCKS Syuri! Then she ROCKS Syuri against the ropes! The fans fire up while Syuri sputters. Sareee eggs her on, so Syuri storms up to SOBAT! Syuri runs, but Sareee DROPKICKS! Sareee runs but Syuri KNEES low! Sayuri runs, Sareee follows, wheelbarrow, victory roll, STOMP 182! The fans fire up and Sareee runs, to DROPKICK Syuri against the ropes! Not quite her Dropkick of the Sun but still pretty ferocious!
Sareee fires up, the fans rally, and Sareee scuffs Syuri. And scuffs her again. Syuri scowls, and she SLAPS Sareee! Sareee SLAPS back! The SLAPS go back and forth, and then Sareee HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, and HEADBUTTS! Syuri staggers, the fans fire up, and Syuri returns the HEADBUTTS in kind! Both women stagger, then fire up, to DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Syuri and Sareee are dazed, but they’re still in this fight! The fans rally up as both women rise again. They head for each other, and they kick each other in the face while still on the mat! They kick back and forth, then they both stand.
Syuri takes a swing, Sareee dodges to waistlock, and GERMAN SUPLEX! But Syuri is right up to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up while Sareee flounders. Syuri aims, and she KICKS Sareee down! And KICKS her down again! And KICKS her again! The fans rally, Syuri watches Sareee rise, BUZZ- NO, Sareee blocks to DRAGON SCREW! And then she DOUBLE STOMPS the thigh! Sareee fires up, the fans are with her, and Sareee hops up the corner, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS to the thigh! Syuri writhes but Sareee just goes back up. The fans rally, but Syuri manages to SLAP first! Syuri climbs and CLUBS away on Sareee.
Syuri then goes to the very top, has a double wristlock, for a SUPER DUPER ARM-DRAG! And then KIMURA!! Sareee flails, reaches out, claws at Syuri, and the fans rally up! Sareee fights around, but Syuri makes it an ARMBAR!! Sareee still makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Sareee survives by a foot. Syuri drags Sareee up, reels her in, and uses the ropes for a DRAPING DDT! Syuri strikes like a Viper and she drags Sareee up again to scoop. Syuri spins into the EMERALD FLOWSION! Cover, TWO! Sareee survives but Syuri is right on her. Syuri scoops again, for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally and Syuri vows to end this now! The fans cheer as Syuri drags Sareee up, and Electric Chair Lifts! Sareee flails free, ducks a kick, and gets under Syuri for a POWERBOMB! And then a RAIN OF HAMMER FISTS! Sareee HEADBUTTS Syuri, bringing out even more of her vicious side! Sareee runs, DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Sareee now puts Syuri in the drop zone. Sareee climbs, the fans cheer, and COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, TWO!?! Syuri survives and Sareee is frustrated, but the fans fire up again! Sareee hauls Syuri up to HEADBUTT again! Then clinches and SUN EXPLODER!!
But Sareee isn’t done there! ANOTHER SUN EXPLODER!! And yet still, a THIRD SUN EXPLODER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Syuri survives and the fans are thunderous! Sareee wrenches, hammerlocks, clinches, but Syuri fights to the ropes! Sareee CLUBS Syuri, runs the ropes, but into a ROUNDHOUSE!! Syuri fires off KNEE after KNEE into Sareee, then runs, but Sareee clinches! SUN EXPLODER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Syuri survives again!! Sareee drags her up, wrenches, hammerlocks, but Syuri fights to a wristlock takedown! Sareee gets up, but Syuri KNEES her down! Cover, TWO!! Syuri drags Sareee up, avoids Sareee’s haymaker, and V-TRIGGERS!
Syuri aims, winds up, and BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Sareee is still in this and the fans fire back up! Syuri sits Sareee up and aims again, BUZZSAW!! Sareee flounders to ropes but Syuri is right on her! REAR HEADBUTT!! And then an Electric Chair Lift! The fans fire up for the SHUSEKAI!! Cover, SYURI WINS!!
Winner: Syuri, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Women’s Champion)
The Karate Girl just washed away the reign of the Sun Warrior! 114 days now resets to zero, and Syuri marks her name down as the first-ever TWO-TIME IWGP Women’s Champion! She made it to 55 days the first time around, will her second round be even greater?
Ryogoku Riot: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SANADA!
The 44 Caliber had enough of the Cold-Blooded Snake slithering away, so now there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide! There are no disqualifications, there are no count-outs, and there is nothing holding them back! Will this War Dog take a bite out of Sanada? Or will Sanada just stack the deck to avoid his “funeral?”
Wait, what’s going on with Sanada’s entrance? It weirdly restarts, and there’s a SECOND SANADA?! The one in the ring is in that disco ball sequin costume, but the one in the crowd is in the speaker shoulder vest! What is going on!? Which Sanada is the real Sanada?! Speaker Sanada goes to ringside, he also gets his introductions as Sanada, and when he takes off his sunglasses, that is certainly Sanada. Drilla makes his entrance now, can the War Dog sniff out the truth?
The bell rings, Drilla fires off hands on Sanada, then he LARIATS Sanada up and out! Drilla storms out after Sanada, and he has a fork! Drilla runs up, but Sanada kicks low! Sanada has the fork now! But Drilla blocks the attack! Drilla kicks low, and he JAMS Sanada with the fork! The fans fire up and Drilla JAMS Sanada again! And he DIGS the fork into Sanada’s forehead! Drilla tastes the fork, then he storms around the way to look under the ring. Drilla brings out a chair, brings it over to where he left Sanada, and he JAMS Sanada in the head! Sanada’s bloodied from the fork and that’s only gonna make it worse. Drilla JAMS Sanada again!
Sanada stumbles along railing, Drilla JAMS him up again! Drilla then opens the gate, and he tells fans to move! The Young Lions help that section of fans move aside, and Drilla brings Sanada around. Drilla SMACKS Sanada off a chair, then pushes chairs aside! Drilla makes a cluster of chairs, then goes back to ringside to bring out a TABLE! And another table! Drilla carries both tables back to where he left Sanada, and the fans applaud as Drilla sets up the furniture. Drilla has his tables side by side and the fans rally up. Drilla vows to end this already and the fans fire up again. Drilla drags Sanada up, reels him in, and lifts him up!
But Sanada fights free! Sanada hurries away, but Drilla CHUCKS the chair! Down goes Sanada! The fans fire up and Drilla looms over his prey. The fans bark for Drilla and he has the chair again. Drilla JAMS Sanada in the bloody forehead again, then SMACKS him on the back! And JAMS him in the head again! Sanada stumbles back the other way and Drilla lines up a shot. Drilla runs up, but Sanada BOOTS him! Drilla runs back in, but Sanada BACKDROPS him! Drilla bounces off the tables and then tumbles into the chair cluster! The fans fire up, and those tables are tough. Sanada goes after Drilla, SMACKS him off a table, and then hits a BACK SUPLEX through the table!
Drilla writhes in pain and the fans fire up again! Sanada lets the ref bother with Drilla while he goes looking for more plunder. Drilla crawls out of the wreckage, Sanada hurries back to fetch him and put him in the ring. The fans applaud as Sanada covers, TWO! Sanada is annoyed, he DECKS Drilla, and he wipes away blood as it trickles down his face. Sanada throws hands on Drilla in the corner, then backs off to catch his breath. Sanada whips Drilla corner to corner, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Drilla fires haymakers on that bloody forehead! But Sanada DROP LOW BLOWS! And though the fans boo, nothing can be done when it’s No Disqualifications!
Sanada runs, btu Drilla hurdles! And drops down! And DROPKICS! The fans fire up as Sanada bails out, and Drilla WRECKS him with a dropkick! Drilla puts Sanada back in, then he climbs up. The fans rally and Drilla MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and the fans rally up again. Drilla slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla reels Sanada in but Sanada fights it off! BACKDROP! The fans rally while both men are down, but Sanada rolls to the apron. Drilla hurries after Sanada on the outside, then back inside! Sanada leads Drilla on a cat ‘n’ mouse, then has his guitar! SMASH HIT on Drilla in the ropes!
Drilla falls in a heap, the fans boo, but Sanada has Drilla’s fork! Sanada sits Drilla up to JAM him in the head with it! Sanada shows he already has blood on his hands! Then he DIGS the fork into Drilla’s forehead! The blood flows as Sanada puts Drilla in the ring. The fans rally harder as Drilla sputters, his crimson mask almost instant compared to Sanada’s. Drilla sits up, but Sanada JAMS him in the forehead! Sanada then JAMS Drilla again, but Drilla SPITS at him! So Sanada DIGS the fork back in! The fans freak out, the ref asks if Drilla wants to quit, but he refuses! Sanada lets Drilla go, so that he can climb up the corner!
Sanada waits on Drilla to stand, for a FLYING FORK ATTACK!! Drilla goes down and Sanada tosses the fork aside. Drilla still rises up, but into a SHINING WIZARD! Sanada huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Drilla to the drop zone. Sanada goes up, up, ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to land out as Drilla moves! Drilla gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Sanada lands out, Drilla runs in, but Sanada sends him into the ref! Sanada then tilt-o-whirls, into the dragon sleeper! But Drilla gut wrenches Sanada, flips him over, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, but the ref is out! Drilla would’ve won twice over by now! And now the House of Torture is here!
Yoshinobu Kanemaru JAMS Drilla up with the whiskey bottle, and then Dick Togo uses the SPOILER CHOKER! The fans boo as Drilla suffers, and they tell the House to go home! Kanemaru drags Sanada onto the cover, Dick gets the ref to count, TWO!!! Drilla survives so Kanemaru TOSSES the ref aside! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER again, and Kanemaru takes aim with the whiskey bottle, but CLARK CONNORS is here! He runs up on Kanemaru and RUNS him over! Then he DECKS Dick! The fans fire up for 100 Proof having his dog’s back! And yes, WHEEL-SAN is here, too! Connors gets in, and he uses Wheel-san to CLOBBER Dick!
Connors CLOBBERS Kanemaru, then tells Drilla to end this sucker! Drilla roars, the fans bark, and Drilla hauls Sanada up. Drilla tells Sanada this is his funeral! Sanada LOW- NO, Drilla just steps aside, and Sanada falls over! The blood loss is affecting Sanada, and Drilla grabs the guitar! The fans fire up as Drilla aims. Sanada slowly rises up, for Drilla’s SMASH HIT!! And then a DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall
Sanada tried his tricks, but Drilla just had too much grit! Drilla doesn’t even care about the blood, he wears his crimson mask as a badge of honor! But now, after taking down a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is nothing going to stop 44 Caliber from calling his shot?
NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
What a culmination of moments in storied careers! Not only is this a title match, but it is the 20th anniversary of The Headbanga’s debut, AND it is The Ace’s final King of Pro-Wrestling! But will the Final Road still get some gold? Or will this still be The ELP Show?
As always, Tanahashi takes the jacket off and the fans cheer the abs. ELP points out he has pretty good abs, too. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Face of NJPW World!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally up, chanting for “TA-NA-H’SHI! TA-NA-H’SHI!” ELP offers a handshake but Tanahashi politely declines. The two circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. ELP wrenches free to wristlock, but Tanahashi wrenches and hammerlocks. ELP wrenches and hammerlocks in return, then headlocks. Tanahashi pries the hold open to wrench and wristlock. ELP rolls, handsprings, and wrenches through to hammerlock, headlock, and hit the takeover! Tanahashi headscissors, ELP kips free, but now Tanahashi headlocks for the takeover. ELP headscissors, Tanahashi kips free, and the fans applaud.
The two reset, and EOP CHOPS! The fans cheer, and Tanahashi fires a forearm in return. ELP CHOPS, Tanahashi fires a forearm, and then they both throw forearms back and forth. Tanahashi eggs ELP on, so ELP fires a flurry! Tanahashi fires a flurry in return! Tanahashi whips, ELP reverses, and ELP runs in, but into an ELBOW! Tanahashi goes up, CROSSBODY! The fans cheer and Tanahashi plays air guitar. ELP wants to try the air guitar, the fans rally up for it, so Tanahashi holds it out, to throw to the fans! The fans boo but Tanahashi kicks ELP low. Tanahashi whips ELP to a corner, runs in, but ELP goes up and over.
Things speed up, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then somersault to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! ELP handsprings up and the fans cheer. ELP tunes up the band and the fans clap along. Tanahashi rises, but he blocks Sudden Death! And he reels ELP in, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi then rises up to scoop and SLAM! Tanahashi fires up, the fans cheer, and Tanahashi goes up the corner, only for ELP to GAMANGIRI! Tanahashi slumps down, ELP turns him around, and ELP hoists Tanahashi up to the top rope! Tanahashi is now in the Tree of Woe, and ELP gets space. The fans rally, ELP runs corner to corner, and feints!
ELP climbs up to stand on Tanahashi’s groin! The fans boo, ELP “apologizes,” and he hops away. ELP says he’ll do it seriously now. ELP runs corner to corner, but Tanahashi sits up! ELP slides into the POST! Tanahashi goes out to SLAM ELP’s leg against the post, then SLAM it again! Tanahashi drags ELP from the apron to then RAM into railing! We hit five minutes as Tanahashi goes up the apron. But ELP hurries to anchor Tanahashi’s legs! Tanahashi kicks and clubs ELP away, then aims to CANNONBALL to the floor! The fans fire up as Tanahashi is upping the ante! Tanahashi drags ELP up and puts him in the ring.
The fans cheer Tanahashi while Jado coaches ELP. ELP gets Tanahashi in the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi slumps back down and the fans rally up with ELP. ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into railing! The fans fire up and ELP puts Tanahashi in the crowd! ELP throws hands and that makes Tanahashi sit in a chair. ELP goes into the ring, and the fans rally up as they anticipate what’s coming! ELP goes up the ropes, “E! L! P!” SUPER CROSSBODY into chairs!! Tanahashi dodges and ELP crash lands! The fans boo and ELP clutches his leg. The ref hurries to check, hopefully ELP didn’t just lose it all.
ELP crawls while clutching that leg, and Tanahashi hurries into the ring. The ring count starts, Jado coaches ELP and the fans rally. ELP stands at 6 of 20, hobbles his way back to ringside at 9, then goes to the apron, only to collapse! ELP flounders at 15! 16! 17! He rolls in at 19!! The fans cheer as ELP survives, but that leg is bothering him. Tanahashi shows no mercy as he stomps away on the leg! The ref counts, Tanahashi stops, and Tanahashi brings ELP up. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, but ELP doesn’t even make it! ELP pounds the mat in frustration, fires himself up, but Tanahshi DROPKICKS the leg! ELP SPIKES on his head!
Tanahashi hurries to get those legs, tie them up, TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! Tanahashi pulls on the legs and the fans rally up as ELP endures! ELP claws at the mat, fights forward, but Tanahashi pulls him away! But ELP powers up to make the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go and the fans rally again. Tanahashi brings ELP up, reels him in, and tucks the arms?! Tanahashi lifts, but ELP fights it! ELP powers up and out to ROCK Tanahashi with forearm after forearm! Tanahashi eggs ELP on, so ELP SLAPS Tanahashi! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! ELP flops and the ref checks him. Tanahashi stands ELP up to whip, but ELP reverses, only for Tanahashi to SLINGBLADE!
The fans fire up again and Tanahashi runs. SLING- NO, ELP ducks to roll Tanahashi up, TWO! ELP reels Tanahashi in with a straitjacket! ELP manages to torture rack lift! And even with a bad leg, we get BRAIN- SLINGBLADE?! Tanahashi turns things around on ELP, then fires up! The fans rally as Tanahashi runs, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Tanahashi roars, he goes to the corner and maybe a little too fast for even his own good. Tanahashi climbs, but ELP ROCKS him first! ELP slaps the bad leg into working, and he climbs up the corner. ELP throws hands, HAMMERS away, then brings Tanahashi up.
The fans fire up for the SUPER- NO, Tanahashi slips free and ELP crash lands! ELP staggers around as we hit the three minute warning! HIGH FLY ATTACK! But Tanahashi doesn’t stop there, he goes back up, for a HIGH FLY FLOW!! But onto knees! ELP sacrifices his already bad leg to save himself! The fans rally up again while both men are down. ELP rises up, we hit the two minute warning, and ELP fires a flurry of forearms! ELP runs, but Tanahashi DROPKICKS the legs again! And then Tanahashi runs, SLING- SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!? Tanahashi survives, but ELP drags him into place.
ELP reels Tanahashi, but Tanahashi trips him! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! ELP escapes but Tanahashi snatches him to a cradle, TWO!! Tanahashi tries again with the backslide but ELP switches the hooks! ELP backslides, then pushes through to tuck Tanahashi in! The final minute, C R 2!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tanahashi survives, but ELP goes right to the apron! He goes up the ropes, THUNDERKISS 86!!! ELP has to crawl back to the cover, TWO!!!! Tanahashi survives and we’re under 30 seconds! ELP has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! But TEN SECONDS LEFT!! Tanahashi endures, ELP THRASHES, TIME IS UP!!
Time Limit Draw; ELP retains the title
Maybe if there were a few more seconds on the clock, Tanahashi would’ve given in. But the bottom line is that ELP survives by running out the clock. Tanahashi takes the belt to personally hand it to ELP, and the fans applaud the showing of respect. ELP says he and Tanahashi have NJPW in their hearts, as do the fans. ELP bows in deep respect to Tanahashi, Tanahashi bows in deeper respect, repeat. But then, who will be the next “guest star” for The ELP Show? And what is the “next stop” on The Ace Final Road?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Boltin Oleg VS EVIL w/ The House of Torture!
The Kazakh Juggernaut finds himself in the same story that all The King of Darkness’ opponents know: They’re a champion, but Evil steals their belt as if he’s already won. But just like those many times before, Evil will have to put up or shut up! Will Evil finally be put behind BARS? Or will Darkness Fall on the Ryogoku Sumo Hall?
Oleg flips the script on Evil by attacking before the bell! The fans fire up as Oleg kicks, CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Then he BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Evil away! The fans fire up again while Evil bails out. Oleg picks up his belt, hands it to the ref, and now we get the bell! Evil slithers in, but then slithers right back out! The fans boo but Oleg pursues. Evil mule kicks, then whips, but Oleg reverses to fireman’s carry! Evil fights free, waistlocks, and he RAMS Oleg into the timekeeper! Not only does Abe-san fall, but a fan may have fallen, too! This is why he’s Evil! Oleg writhes, Evil grabs a mic, and he uses the cord to CHOKE Oleg!
Evil tells Oleg to give up now, but Oleg refuses! The ref reprimands, Evil tells Oleg he’s gonna pay for this, and he leaves him behind. Evil waits in the ring while the ref checks Oleg. Oleg rises up, he rolls in, but Evil kicks him. Evil whips Oleg into bare buckles! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but the House of Torture Special is in effect. Evil then pulls on Oleg’s leg to turn him over! HALF CRAB! Oleg endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and he drags Oleg up. Evil whips Oleg right out of the ring! Then he distracts the ref so that Yujiro Takahashi can whip Oleg into railing!
Dick Togo & Yoshinobu Kanemaru trip Oleg, and they DOUBLE KNEE SMASH! Don Fale even steps on Oleg! The fans boo as The House continues to stack the deck. Dick puts Oleg in the ring, Evil drags him around, and Evil stomps away on the legs. Evil drops an ELBOW on the knee! Oleg endures, reaches out, and fights his way over. Evil pulls on the leg, but Oleg still makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Evil lets go. Evil scuffs Oleg, the fans rally up, and Evil stands Oleg up. Evil winds up to feint the chop and CLAW the eyes! Evil drags Oleg down, the ref counts, but Evil covers, TWO! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO, with some real power!
Evil is shocked and the fans fire up as Oleg has plenty left in the tank. Oleg stands to fire body shots! Then he ROCKS Evil, but Evil kicks a leg! Evil grabs a leg, and he FISHER- NO, Oleg is too big to reel in! Oleg suplexes Evil high and hard! The fans fire up while both men are down. Oleg shakes out the leg, rises up, and he runs up to CLOBBER Evil! Evil gets up but Oleg CLOBBERS him again! Oleg CHOPS Evil, then he gut wrenches! Shake, Shake, Shake, and THROW! The fans fire up as Evil goes flying! Evil rises up, Oleg runs in, and SPLASH! Then Oleg scoops Evil for a POWERSLAM! Then he goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally and Oleg fireman’s carries. Evil fights free by pulling on ears and clawing eyes! Oleg kicks, Evil blocks, and Evil sends the foot into the ref! The fans boo as the ref is down, and now the House rushes in! Kanemaru takes a swig, Dick loads up, but Oleg ducks! POCKET SAND hits Kanemaru! Then Oleg CHOPS the whiskey mist out of Kanemaru and into Dick! Then Oleg grabs them both, DOUBLE OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Evil runs up, Oleg ELBOWS him! Oleg runs, but Evil YANKS the ref into the path of a SHOTGUN DROPKICK! The fans boo but now Yujiro & Fale get in! They mug Oleg!
The fans boo as Yujiro & Fale double whip, but Oleg comes back to CLOBBER Yujiro! Fale grabs Oleg, Oleg breaks free, and he CLOBBERS Fale! The fans fire up as Oleg has cleared The House! And now Hontai is here! Toru Yano has the Young Lions help clear ringside! Now it’s juts Oleg and Evil! Oleg runs in, but Evil sends him into bare buckles! And then whips him back in! But Oleg LARIATS in return!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Marty Asami replaces Sato Kenta as referee, and he makes sure both men are able to continue. Oleg rises and the fans rally up. Oleg storms over to Evil and drags him up.
Oleg fireman’s carries, but Evil fights free! Evil LARIATS! And LARIATS! But Oleg stays up! Evil runs, but Oleg kicks low! Oleg runs, Evil goes the other way, and he LARIATS Oleg down! Evil hurries to get the legs, steps through, and SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Oleg endures, the fans rally, but Evil sits deep on the hold! Oleg still claws his way around, goes to the side, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts as Evil holds on, and Evil lets go at 4. The fans boo but Evil has an evil grin as he stalks Oleg. Evil drags Oleg up, goes for a fireman’s carry, but Oleg CLUBS him! And lifts him, for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!
The fans rally up as Evil survives, and Oleg vows to end it! Oleg fireman’s carries, and spins for the VERDICT! The fans fire up as Oleg prepares to serve justice! But SHO is here with his Torture Tool! Oleg drops Evil to grab Sho! And pop him up to a fireman’s carry! KAMIKAZE for Sho! The fans fire up and Oleg grabs Evil now! Fireman’s carry, but Evil slips free again! EVERY- NO, Oleg slips free, SNAP KAMIKAZE! But that’s not the end of it as Oleg drags Evil back up! Fireman’s carry, but Evil grabs the ref! DOUKI is here, DEATH PIPE to the leg!! And DEATH PIPE LOW BLOW!! The fans boo but Evil drags Oleg back up!
EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
And just like every time, the King of Darkness wins thanks to his pawns! The House all comes back to celebrate, and by that, they beat Oleg up! Evil grabs the mic to mockingly tell Oleg, “What a shame!” Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Oleg! The Young Lions return, but they get beat up, too! There just aren’t enough of them to stop The House! The fans boo, but wait, there is another! Aaron Philip Wolfe, the GOLD MEDALIST JUDOKA! SAYANAGI for Yujiro! SAYANAGI for Kanemaru! Scoop and SLAM for Dick! Evil gets pissed at Wolf, “Who do you think you are?” Evil vows to CRUSH this Young Lion for getting ahead of himself!
Evil and Wolf push each other, and neither is backing down. Wolf’s set for his official NJPW debut at WrestleKingdom, but could that change now that he’s bared his fangs?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura!
The Knock Out Brothers made quite the shocking return, joining up with Bullet Club and taking these titles off Tomohiro Ishii & Taichi. But that only made them targets for other young and hungry duos seeking their first taste of gold. Will The Roughneck & Heat Storm cut this reign short? Or will they be put down with the K O B?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the Second Chapter is written in gold!
The teams don’t sort out, they all get face to face. And then Yuto & Oskar fire the first shots! Yuya & Shota return fire, the fans fire up, and Oskar kicks Shota out of the ring! Yuto and Yuya still scrap in the ring, so the bell sounds and we have a match! Yuto and Yuya go along the ropes, pulling hair, and the ref reprimands. Yuya lets go slowly, but Yuto BODY BLOWS! Yuto brings Yuya around, then runs, but Shota is back! Shota & Yuya RUN Yuto over, and Yuya is right on the bad arm with a KIMURA! The fans fire up, but Oskar TACKLES Shota onto Yuya! Yuto is free, and Oskar CLOBBERS Shota! Oskar then scoops and SLAMS Yuya!
The fans fire up with the German giant, and he lets Yuto handle this. Yuto swaggers over to Yuya, drags him up, and winds up to KICK! And KICK! Yuya goes to ropes, Yuto winds up, and he KICKS again! Yuto fires off KICK after KICK on Yuya in the corner but the ref reprimands. Yuto pushes the ref aside, then mule kicks Yuya! Yuya sits down, Yuto flips him off and goes corner to corner, for the “BOMBACLAT” KNEE! Yuto drags Yuya from the corner, then pushes him around. Tag to Oskar and Oskar steps over the top rope. Oskar drags Yuya up to CHOP him down! Yuya goes to ropes, Oskar taunts him, and he CHOPS Yuya again!
Oskar brings Yuya around but Yuya fires forearms! Oskar swings, Yuya ducks, and Yuya CHOPS! Then he dodges again, to CHOP! Oskar kicks low, whips Yuya to a corner, but Yuya goes up to CROSSBODY! But Oskar catches him! And pops him around for a POWERSLAM! The fans cheer Oskar’s strength while Yuya writhes. Oskar stalks him to a corner, drags him up, and whips Yuya corner to corner. Oskar runs in but Yuya ELBOWS back! Then FLYING BULLDOG! The fans fire up while both men are down! Yuya crawls, as does Oskar, hot tag to Shota! Shota runs to DROPKICK a leg! Then he ELBOWS Yuto, wrenches Oskar, then kicks off Yuto to TORNADO DDT Oskar!
Yuto KNEES Shota low, whips him to ropes, but Shota reverses. Shota DROPKICKS Yuto down! The fans fire up with Shota and he runs at Oskar in the corner! UPPERCUT! Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Oskar on repeat, but Oskar turns it around to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Shota shoves Oskar, eggs him on, so the forearms start flying! Shota gets the edge, but Oskar SLAPS Shota down! The fans fire up while Shota is dazed. Oskar lifts but Shota fights it. Oskar still tries but Shota fights harder! Oskar waistlocks, then he ROCKS Shota in the back! Oskar tries again, but Shota KNEES him in the head! Then Shota waistlocks!?
Oskar fights the lift and switches, to lift and SLAM Shota! Then ELBOW DROP on Shota’s back! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this and the fans rally up. Oskar drags Shota up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex, only for Shota to land out! Shota waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Yuto and Yuya! Ice and Heat fire forearms back and forth! They egg each other on, then Yuya fires a flurry! Yuya CLUBS Yuto, runs, but Yuto ROCKS him! Yuto roars, brings Yuya around, but Yuya ROCKS Yuto! The fans fire up with Yuya as he whips, only for Yuto to reverse!
Yuto LARIATS Yuya in the corner, then snarls as he brings Yuya in. But Yuya fights the suplex! Yuya wrenches out, but Yuto ROCKS him! Yuto suplexes again, stall and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Yuto is frustrated but he paces around Yuya. Yuto sits Yuya up, but Yuya keeps him from running! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO, but into the ARMBAR! Yuto flails and reaches out while the fans rally! Yuto turns things over, but that puts him in the DISARMER! Yuto scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Shota hurries to DROPKICK Oskar off the apron! Shota drags Yuto up, wrenches the bad arm, and then Shota & Yuya double whip him corner to corner.
Yuya runs in, but Yuto BOOTS him! And BOOTS again! Then he BOOTS Shota! And SLAPS him down! The fans fire up for Yuto-Ice as he brings Shota up. Yuto SPITS at Shota, BOOTS him, but Shota just grins. The fans fire up as Shota winds up to DECK Yuto! Shota roars, the fans fire up with him, and Shota shouts to Yuya to do this! Yuya rises, he and Shota drag Yuto up, but Oskar CLUBS them both! Oskar ROCKS Shota, CHOPS Yuya, then MEETING OF THE MINDS! And then a DOUBLE- NO, Shota & Yuya double wrench to a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up with Shota, and he runs at Yuto for the BLINDSIDE WIZARD!
Shota then drags Yuto up to the top rope. Shota climbs up after Yuto and goes to the very top! The fans rally as Shota hits the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Yuya hits the SPLASH!! Cover, OSKAR BREAKS IT! The Power & Glory combo did not finish this, but Shota DROPKICKS Oskar! Oskar stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS Oskar! Oskar stays up, he roars and runs back in, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Yuya roars now and the fans fire up with him! Yuya has the arm, KIMURA!! Yuto flails, reaches out, fights around, but Yuya keep shim down! Yuto kicks and crawls, Shota RAMS Oskar into railing, and Yuya puts on the pressure! Yuya rips the tape away from the elbow!!
Yuya’s savage side is back as he CRANKS the KIMURA!!! Yuto flails, reaches out, and Shota keeps Oskar down! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Yuto BITES at Yuya’s leg! Yuya just PUSHES on the bad arm!! Yuto rolls, but Yuya just drags him up! Cording hold, cording hold, but Yuto fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Yuya HEADBUTTS in return!! Yuto drops to his knees, someone is sent into railing, and it was Shota! Yuya drags Yuto up, but Oskar is back in! SLEEPER on Yuya!! Yuto is again freed as Oskar squeezes tight! SLEEPER SLAM!! Yuto rises up to PENALTY KICK!! But Shota ROCKS Yuto! And ROCKS Oskar!
Shota LARIATS Oskar up and out! Shota blocks Yuto’s kick, ROCKS him and HEADBUTTS him, to then run, but into Yuto’s STRAIGHT AMBITION!! Shota goes down and Yuto roars! Yuto runs up on Yuya, but Yuya ducks the haymaker! RANA into ARMBAR!!! Yuto clasps hands, but Yuya breaks the grip! But Oskar DROPS THE LEG, brother!! Oskar clamps on the SLEEPER, and he shouts to Yuto to put this one on ice! STRAIGHT AMBITION !! They vow to end this now, and Yuto feeds Yuya to Oskar’s gut wrench! Yuto runs up, K O B DRIVER!!! Cover, KOB WINS!
Winners: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The Knock Out Brothers indeed fought as brothers, and together, they withstood the heat to stay golden! Will there be no stopping the young blood now?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Yota Tsuji!
The first time, these two fought to a double down count draw. The second time, The Mad Man stood tall with this title. And now, they complete the trilogy in Ryogoku! Will Gabe lose his mind and the gold? Or can he survive the Gene Blast?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly ready for the Global stage!
The bell rings and both men run up to tie up! The fans rally as the two break, tie up again, and then Yota waistlocks. Gabe switches, Yota switches, they break, only to tie up again. Gabe wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Yota rolls and wrenches in return. Gabe rolls and kips up to then wrench again. Yota spins through, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gabe slips around to fireman’s carry takeover. Yota headscissors, Gabe kips free, but Yota hits the headlock takeover! Gabe headscissors, Yota kips free, Gabe shouts “KOI! <BRING IT!>” and the two tie up again! The fans cheer, even as the two are in a deadlock.
Gabe digs in and powers Yota to the ropes. The ref counts, the two let off slowly, and Gabe pats Yota on the shoulders. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Yota smirks. The two reset, circle, and they run up again to tie up. Yota headlocks, and he holds on tight as Gabe tries to power out. The fans applaud, Gabe fights up, and he fires body shots. Gabe powers up and out, but Yota RUNS him over! The fans cheer and Yota shakes it off to run again. Gabe drops down, hurdles over, then bypasses, but Yota RANAS! Gabe cartwheels through! The fans cheer while Gabe wags his finger. Things speed up again, Gabe hurdles but Yota leaps over.
Gabe and Yota RAM shoulders, and RAM, and RAM! Yota whips, Gabe reverses, and Gabe DROPKICKS Yota down! The fans cheer and Gabe watches Yota bail out. Gabe takes his time following after, and he brings Yota up to CHOP! The fans cheer, Gabe nods, and Gabe CHOPS again! Yota stares Gabe down, Gabe pie faces Yota, then Gabe SMACKS Yota! And CHOPS him again, and again, and again! The fans rally and Gabe mockingly says tranquilo. Gabe then goes back to Yota to bring him around, and CHOP! Yota fires a flurry of forearms! Yota whips, Gabe reverses, and Yota hits railing! But Yota comes back, only to get a POLISH HAMMER!
The fans fire up while Yota is down. Gabe shows off the NJPW logo on his kneepads right to Hiroshi Tanahashi, saying NJPW is Gabe and Gabe is NJPW. The ref checks Yota, he’s still in this, so Gabe goes to fetch him. Gabe CHOPS Yota, follows him around the way, and then SMACKS him off the apron! Gabe pushes Yota onto the apron, CLUBS him, and Yota rolls into the ring. Gabe follows and stands Yota up. Gabe suplexes, puts Yota on the ropes, and then BOOTS him! Yota still dangles on the ropes, so Gabe goes to the corner. The fans rally up, Gabe climbs, but then reconsiders. Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Yota on the back, to then get a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up while Gabe rolls back and says it’s almost time. Gabe drags Yota up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS! Then HEADBUTTS! Then CHOPS! And repeat! Gabe wobbles, rolls back, and runs in again to LARIAT! The fans cheer as Gabe huffs ‘n’ puffs. Gabe whips Yota corner to corner, then runs in, but Yota dodges! Gabe’s dropkick hits buckles and he crash lands! The fans rally up while both men are down! Yota gets moving, and he baseball slide DROPKICKS Gabe outta the ring! The fans cheer as Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit into the railing! Both men fall but Yota stands and fires the fans back up!
Yota takes a lap around the ring to get Ryogoku more fired up. Yota even puts his hair up before he fetches Gabe. The ring count is 5 of 20 but Yota puts Gabe in the ring. The fans applaud as Yota stands Gabe up, ROCKS him, but Gabe comes back with CHOP after CHOP after CHOP! But Yota catches him to a half nelson GUT BUSTER! And then Yota goes for the legs! He powers Gabe over for a BOSTON CRAB! The fans rally as Gabe endures the “Young Lion” hold! Gabe scrambles forward, ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go quickly and the fans cheer. Yota paces, Gabe grows frustrated, but Yota stands Gabe up in the corner.
Yota winds up and CHOPS! Gabe grits his teeth, but Yota winds up to CHOP again! Gabe gets in Yota’s face, pushes him, so Yota fires a flurry of forearms! Yota whips, kitchen sink knees, and covers, TWO! Gabe stays in this but Yota stays focused. Yota stands Gabe up, winds up again, and Gabe eggs him on! Yota CHOPS! The fans fire up as that one echoes out! Gabe grits his teeth and snarls as he rises up. Yota grins, and Gabe swings, but Yota BODY BLOWS! BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS again! Now Yota eggs Gabe on! Yota BOOTS Gabe, Gabe SLAPS Yota, Yota ROCKS Gabe, Gabe spins to CHOP, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS!
Yota SUPERKICKS but Gabe stays up, so Yota SUPERKICKS again! Gabe spins through to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe and Yota stir, and Gabe sits right up into the cross-legged pose. Gabe drags Yota up, ROCKS him, then reels him in! Yota fights, but Gabe still POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO! But into the BOSTON CRAB! Gabe is returning the favor of using the “Young Lion” hold on Yota! Yota endures, pushes up, but Gabe drags him to center! Gabe even bounces to put on the pressure! But Yota powers up again! Yota fights his way over, but Gabe drags him back!
Gabe sits deep on the hold! The fans rally harder and harder as Yota endures! Gabe eggs Yota on, Yota powers up again, and Yota fights his way forward! But he’s fading again! Yota inches his way forward, ROPEBFREAK! The fans cheer while Gabe lets go in frustration. Gabe headbutts the NJPW logo on the mat, then he drags Yota up. Gabe reels Yota in, but Yota fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Yota, underhooks the arms, and he hits a BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, but Gabe gets them to bark. Gabe then flexes, runs, and COMEBACK- NO, Yota ducks the lariat! Gabe fights the clinch, but swings into the BACKBREAKER!
Yota FLATLINERS, but Gabe dodges the stomp! And dodges again, COMEBACK- NO, Yota scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Gabe writhes and Yota rises up while the fans rally. Yota drags Gabe up, suplexes, but Gabe slips free to shove! Gabe runs up, blocks a boot, but Yota uses the British Reel and STOMP! Yota goes up, up, MARLOWE- NO, Gabe avoids the crush! But Yota scoops to a gut wrench! But Gabe turns that around, TOMBSTONE! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up! Gabe snarls as he gut wrenches Yota but Yota RANAS free! Gabe runs back up, ducks a lariat, then ripcords, but the GENE TRIGGER hits! Then a DESTROYER?!?
Both men are down again and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Gabe and Yota stir and go to corners. Yota roars, the fans fire up again, and Yota runs corner to corner! GENE TRIGGER! Then he pushes Gabe down to go up, up, and MARLOWE- UPPERCUT from Gabe! COMEBACK into a FLATLINER! DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! But both men rise! Yota LARIATS first!! Cover, TWO!! Yota roars, aims from a corner, and Gabe rises. GENE- LARIAT!! Gabe hits back, and he hurries to gut wrench! MADMAN BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and Gabe is beside himself, but the fans fire up even more!
Gabe touches the lion mark on the logo while the fans duel as hard as they can. Gabe reels Yota in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota drops to his knees to fight the lift, but Gabe KNEES him for it! The kneepad comes down, O-KNEE!! But Yota rolls through to GENE BLASTER!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Gabe flounders, Yota crawls after him, but Gabe goes to the corner. Yota stands Gabe up, puts him up top, and then climbs the corner. Yota has Gabe up top backwards, for a dragon sleeper, and INVERTED SUPERPLEX! And now GENE- NO, PILEDRIVER!! Gabe then hurries to lift, LEG TRAP DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!
The fans are electric and Gabe is shocked! Yota survives and Gabe isn’t sure what to do now! Gabe roars and rises up, with the fans barking along again! Gabe drags Yota back up, but Yota is a ragdoll! The ref checks on Yota while Gabe eggs him on. Gabe drags Yota up, deadweight as he is, but then drops him on the lion mark. Gabe demands Yota get up, makes him stand, and HEADBUTTS! Yota HEADBUTTS in return!! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! A standing count begins, and the fans rally as hard as they can for both men! Gabe stirs at 5, he shouts at Yota to get up! The count stops as Gabe and Yota are moving.
Gabe and Yota both touch the lion mark, both motivated by the spirit of what NJPW is! They junkyard dog headbutt again and again, and Yota flops over. Gabe sits Yota up to throw a forearm! Yota hits Gabe in return! Gabe fires another forearm, so Yota fires back! Gabe sits up to CHOP Yota! Yota CHOPS in return! Gabe and Yota go back to forearms, then they stand up. Gabe eggs Yota on, and the CHOPS begin! Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, but Yota CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe fires palm strikes, Yota fires palm strikes! Gabe STRAIGHT RIGHTS! Gabe roars, runs, but Yota ducks the Comebacker! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, ONE?!?!?
The fans are electric, Gabe shakes his head as he staggers around, but into a GENE BLASTER!!! But Yota isn’t done, he drags Gabe onto the lion mark, with a BOSTON CRAB!!! Yota sits way back, but Gabe powers up! The fans are thunderous as Gabe fights forward, reaches out, but he TAPS!! YOTA WINS!!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by submission (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
History is made as Yota is the second-ever TWO-TIME Global Heavyweight Champion, but what matters more is that both men left it all on the mat! They fought their hearts out on the cerulean blue and lion mark that means the world to them! Yota once again holds up the gold with the white strap, but again, what matters more is that he and Gabe show utmost respect by bowing deeply at the center of the ring! Yota offers a handshake, and Gabe takes it! The fans cheer as these rivals hug to show their respect, and then Gabe raises Yota’s hand in victory. The War Dogs walk out here, and they go to the ring.
David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori, Gedo, Drilla, Clark Connors, Oskar & Yuto all stand with Gabe, but then “The Unaffiliated” also head out here. Hiromu Takahashi, Titan, Shingo Takagi, and even Daiki Nagai all stand with Yota. The two factions stare down, and Finlay offers a handshake? Yota takes it! The fans are surprised by this great show of respect between these two factions, as they all shake hands, member for member. The Knock Out Brothers being the new guys, it takes some convincing, but with fans doing the “Yo yo yo” with everyone, Yuto gives in and shakes Takagi’s hand. Oskar gives fist bumps, and the fans cheer this great showing of respect.
But is it simply a sign of respect between rivals? Or could there be a loose alliance between the War Dogs and the ungovernable? As for those ungovernables, Yota makes sure to shake hands with Tanahashi. The Ace still needs opponents on his Final Road, could Gene Blast be next on the list?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!
The Front Man went on a roller coaster with this title, losing it to Hirooki Goto, then taking it back right before the G1 Climax. But speaking of, he and The Alpha went back and forth during the tournament, with Konosuke Takeshita coming out on top! And like ZSJ before him, Konosuke wants to cash-in his Right to Challenge here, tonight, in the Ryogoku Sumo Hall! Will Konosuke prove he is truly The Alpha of Wrestling? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the mightiest of them all!
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. ZSJ paces before he and Konosuke circle. They feel things out, back away, and circle again. They tie up, but then Konosuke fires a forearm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! They tie up, Konosuke headlocks, but ZSJ powers out, only for Konosuke to RUN ZSJ over! Things speed up, Konosuke jumps over the dropdown and goes back to headlock. ZSJ powers up and out, and he blocks the knee! But Konosuke avoids the Penalty Kick! The fans cheer while Konosuke bails out. ZSJ waits on Konosuke while the fans rally up. Konosuke takes his time returning, and the two circle again.
They feel out a knuckle lock, but then ZSJ kicks one apart and steps over the other to reel Konosuke in. ZSJ traps that arm, then cravats Konosuke for a neck wrench. Konosuke gets his arm free, and he rolls, only for ZSJ to hold on. ZSJ shifts to a headlock and takeover, then traps an arm to grind the hold. Konosuke rolls to a cover, ONE, and ZSJ cravats for the neck wrench. Konosuke rolls, but again ZSJ rolls with him. ZSJ cranks the cravat, but Konosuke stands up to step through and top wristlock. Konosuke puts the pressure on and brings ZSJ down, but ZSJ slips around and around to then slips free and have Konosuke’s legs!
ZSJ ties the legs up and brings Konosuke into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW, but Konosuke pops free right away to cover, ONE! ZSJ backs off and the fans applaud. The two reset and circle again. ZSJ checks his chin, then feels things out with Konosuke again. They tie up, ZSJ goes for the arm, and ZSJ wristlocks to wrench, and wrench, and wrench! But Konosuke wrenches in return to whip, only for ZSJ to reverse! The TAKESHITA LINE finds ZSJ first! The fans fire up and Konosuke calls his shot. Konosuke drags ZSJ up, scoops and SLAMS, then he goes up the corner. SUPER SENTON! Konosuke then wraps ZSJ up in body scissors!
ZSJ endures, the fans rally, and Konosuke puts on the pressure. Konosuke adds a chinlock but ZSJ turns to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Konosuke lets go quickly. Konosuke drags ZSJ up, scoops and SLAMS, practically throwing ZSJ away! ZSJ flounders to the apron, the fans rally up, and Konosuke runs up, only to be caught into a HANGING ARMBAR! Red Shoes counts, ZSJ lets go, and Konosuke staggers away. Konosuke rests by the ropes but ZSJ storms back into the ring. ZSJ stands on Konosuke’s hand, then on the arm, then he digs his heel into the elbow before he STOMPS it! The fans applaud but Red Shoes reprimands.
Konosuke shakes out the bad arm, but ZSJ stands him up to UPPERCUT! Konosuke goes to the corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, and again, and again! Konosuke leans into the shots to egg ZSJ on, but ZSJ still UPPERCUTS Konosuke down! The fans applaud while ZSJ catches his breath. Konosuke sits up, ZSJ kneels on a leg and bends Konosuke’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands but ZSJ continues to torture Konosuke’s hand! And he SNAPS the fingers! Konosuke goes to the apron while the fans applaud again. ZSJ paces while Konosuke shakes out the hand. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Konosuke, then kicks at him mockingly.
Konosuke ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT! Konosuke fires another forearm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Konosuke fires up and he fires a flurry of forearms! Then ROLLING- NO, ZSJ snatches him, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN, but Konosuke stacks ZSJ! TWO, and ZSJ runs up, but into an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke and ZSJ crawl to corners, rise up, and Konosuke runs corner to corner to HELLUVA KICK! Then a BIG suplex! The fans fire up again while ZSJ flounders to the apron. Konosuke builds speed and runs up to BOOT ZSJ off the apron! ZSJ hits railing, but Konosuke just builds speed again!
The fans fire up as Konosuke FLIES! Down goes ZSJ and the fans fire up again! Red Shoes checks both men, and they’re both okay to continue. The fans cheer as Konosuke stands, and he brings ZSJ up. Konosuke reels ZSJ in, and he suplexes, only for ZSJ to escape the apron! PENALTY- NO, Konosuke blocks the kick! Konosuke goes to the apron, ZSJ fires forearms, but Konosuke BACK ELBOWS him! Konosuke winds up, but ZSJ blocks the Alpha Elbow! ZSJ wrangles the arm, puts it on the apron, and STOMPS it! Konosuke falls to the floor while the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks Konosuke and he’s still able to continue.
Rocky coaches Konosuke up and the ring count begins. Konosuke walks it off at 5 of 20, shakes out the bad arm, and rolls in at 9. ZSJ is after the arm, and he traps it to TWIST it! Konosuke writhes but ZSJ brings him around again. ZSJ pushes the arm, twists the wrist, and isolates it again to STOMP! The fans rally while Konosuke checks that there’s still feeling in his arm. ZSJ eggs Konosuke on, but Konosuke shoulders him away. And again! ZSJ grabs the bad arm, wrenches, but Konosuke reels him in! ZSJ fights off Blue Thunder, then runs in and UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs, Konosuke follows, FOREARM SMASH!
Konosuke shakes out the arm, that was double-edged. Konosuke runs, ZSJ follows, but Konosuke snatches him up into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO! And ZSJ has the ARMBAR! The fans fire up as ZSJ pulls on the arm, even as Konosuke still sits up! ZSJ turns Konosuke over for a DISARMER, but Konosuke fights around! ZSJ shifts to have the ARMBAR, but Konosuke has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets go in frustration. Konosuke checks the bad arm again while ZSJ falls back to a corner. ZSJ then storms back up and KICKS, but Konosuke blocks! ZSJ SLAPS and CHOPS, but Konosuke just snarls!
Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS!! Even with the pain, he knocks ZSJ down! The fans fire up while ZSJ reaches out in a daze. Konosuke runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again. Konosuke shakes out the bad arm, TMDK coaches ZSJ, and the fans rally again. Konosuke snarls as he brings ZSJ up, scoops him, and gut wrenches to then tuck ZSJ in! But ZSJ flails and victory rolls, into the EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Konosuke escapes, then dodges, and SNAP GERMAN! Roll through?! O’Conner Bridge! TWO!! ZSJ escapes and the fans fire up again! Konosuke still shakes out the bad arm while he and ZSJ catch their breath.
The fans rally up, both men go to ropes, and they both rise up again. ZSJ hobbles over and Konosuke BOOTS him! ZSJ rebounds to BOOT! Konosuke rebounds to BOOT! ZSJ rebounds again, for another BOOT! Konosuke rebounds, but into a BOOT! ZSJ scoops, but Konosuke flips that around! ZSJ slips free, spins Konosuke to wrench, but Konosuke ducks the roundhouse to PUMP HANDLE ZSJ into a BASTARD DRIVER! And then WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans are thunderous as Konosuke runs, but into a scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Both men are down and the fans are electric!
Konosuke and ZSJ stir, and ZSJ goes to the ropes. TMDK coaches ZSJ while Rocky coaches Konosuke, and the fans rally even harder. ZSJ wags his finger, he’s not done yet. Konosuke grits his teeth as both men sit up, but ZSJ is first to stand up. Konosuke stands to fire a forearm! ZSJ shakes that off to UPPERCUT! Konosuke shakes that off and fires another forearm! The bad arm is still holding him back, though. ZSJ and Konosuke now trade forearms, and Konosuke still ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ hits back, and now Konosuke UPPERCUTS! ZSJ drops to his knees and the fans fire up! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT, and Konosuke drops to his knees.
ZSJ steps up, makes Konosuke stand, but Konosuke fires boxing elbows! ZSJ eggs Konosuke on, so the ROLLING ELBOW knocks him down! The fans are thunderous again while Konosuke sits back in the corner. Konosuke waits on ZSJ, and watches as ZSJ manages to sit up. POWER DRIVE KNEE into a roll! S T F, with RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans are thunderous as Konosuke endures this chimera of holds! ZSJ shifts to focus on the arms, CLARKY CAT!! Konosuke endures as ZSJ goes through the variations! Konosuke kicks with his free leg but ZSJ drags him from the ropes! ZSJ is using that G1 CLARKY CAT!! Konosuke flails but he refuses to give in!
Konosuke kicks, kicks, flails, but ZSJ pulls the arm back!! Konosuke pries at the legs, kicks around, but ZSJ grabs a leg! But Konosuke pops free to ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while ZSJ again lets go in frustration. The fans rally as ZSJ hobbles and Konosuke stands. ZSJ KICKS Konosuke, and Konosuke falls back! Konosuke rises, ZSJ KICKS him again, and again, and again! Konosuke stays on his feet, but ZSJ KICKS him down! Konosuke is right up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! ZSJ UPPERCUT but into the arm hook! ZSJ fights the backslide, switches the hooks, but Konosuke switches back! Backslide, roll through, and a lift! LAST RIDE POWERBOMB!!
Konosuke isn’t done, though, as he sits ZSJ up for the POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! ZSJ checks that his chin is still on his face, and Konosuke seethes through bloody teeth. Konosuke sees ZSJ crawl to the corner, and he hoists ZSJ up to the top rope. The fans rally harder and harder while Konosuke climbs up. ZSJ fights the lift, clamps onto Konosuke’s arm and bends it! Konosuke grabs at ZSJ’s hair, then powers his way to a facelock! ZSJ fights that and HEADBUTTS! ZSJ goes up to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Konosuke flounders away while the fans fire up again!
ZSJ rises, he runs up, and he PENALTY KICKS! But Konosuke’s back on his feet for it! ZSJ runs to the corner, TORNADO DDT! And a roll through, but into RAGING FIRE!!! Konosuke’s bad arm won’t let him cover, and ZSJ flounders to the ropes! Konosuke rises as the fans rally, and he brings ZSJ up. RAGING- NO, ZSJ slips free, O’Conner- NO! Konosuke stops the roll to have the PLUS ULTRA CLUTCH!! ZSJ endures the chicken wing and crossface, pries at the bad arm, and he SNAPS fingers! Konosuke clutches the hand again but ZSJ is right back on the arm, to STOMP it again! The fans rally while Konosuke writhes.
ZSJ drops back to the corner, he says to just call it, but Konosuke roars! Konosuke stands, ZSJ runs up, but into the KNEE!! And then RAGING- NO, the bad arm stops him! ZSJ scoops for the SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Konosuke survives and the fans are thunderous! Rocky’s thrown his jacket off, he’s getting heated watching this! Rocky and TMDK rally the fans and coach up their guys, and ZSJ roars now! The fans cheer and ZSJ goes to Konosuke to UPPERCUT! Konosuke eggs him on, so ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again! AND AGAIN! ZSJ pie faces Konosuke around, but Konosuke throws off his elbow pad!
The fans fire up as Konosuke winds up to ALPHA ELBOW!! ZSJ falls in a heap while the fans are thunderous! ZSJ sputters and sits up in a daze, and Konosuke brings him around. Konosuke stares ZSJ down, but ZSJ grabs the bad arm! ZSJ twists the arm, steps over, DISARMER!! Konosuke endures, rolls, but ZSJ shifts. Konosuke waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke holds on, and he drags ZSJ back up. We hit 30 minutes, and Konosuke GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Konosuke still holds on, and he keeps ZSJ from reaching ropes! ZSJ throws elbows to break free, but Konosuke goes up! POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flounders again, and into a POWER DRIVE KNEE!!
The fans are thunderous as Konosuke brings the kneepad down! TMDK coaches ZSJ but he sits up into the BARE POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Both TMDK and Rocky hurry in there now that this battle is over, and it was truly one for the ages! For ZSJ, it is surreal that his second reign comes to an end where his first one began. For Konosuke, it is surreal that this dream has come true! Red Shoes raises Konosuke’s hand in victory, then hands him the world title while the G1 Climax trophy is also brought into the ring. Rocky helps put the belt on Konosuke, and then Konosuke gets the mic. Konosuke tells ZSJ, “I’ll treasure this belt I won from you.” The fans applaud, and ZSJ nods to acknowledge that.
Konosuke then looks to the crowd and tells them, “Oi, oi… Calm down. Some of you seem to have complaints. But it’s not just NJPW fans who are boiling with rage right now. There must be some wrestlers who feel the same way. Oi, you’ve got a problem with me? Fine. But I won this belt. If you’ve got a problem, then step up.” The fans do applaud that! And then they applaud that HIROOKI GOTO walks out here! The Fierce Warrior won his return match, and clearly he’s here for the title he lost to ZSJ. The fans cheer Goto on as he steps into the ring, mic in hand. “Konosuke Takeshita, I’ve got one question for you. You were expecting me, right?”
The fans cheer and even laugh a bit at the bold assumption. Goto tells Konosuke to allow him to be his challenger. The fans cheer, and Goto asks if Konosuke accepts. Konosuke sighs and says, “I could’ve never imagined you’d come.” The fans cheer and laugh again and Konosuke’s bold confession. Konosuke then asks the “young hoodlums of NJPW” if they’re really leaving this to “the veteran.” Konosuke asks if everyone is okay with Goto being the challenger. The fans indeed cheer, because they sure are. Konosuke admits, he has a score to settle from G1 Climax 34. Konosuke accepts the challenge!
However, Konosuke says he won’t be dragged into the so-called Goto Revolution. “The world famous Konosuke Takeshita is stronger than you think.” The fans applaud, and Goto drops his mic now that he has what he came for. Goto leaves to let the champion have his moment. As for Konosuke, he says this is his belt now. He asks the fans what is on their minds, and he notes there are plenty who boo, but also those who cheer. “Those of you cheering right now, I’ll keep you entertained for life.” And those fans certainly cheer again.
Konosuke promises that with him as World Heavyweight Champion now, he’ll break all the walls down! He vows that not just Japanese fans, but ALL fans, can proudly say, “Pro-wrestling is the best!” Let’s break through and make that world a reality! The fans cheer that, too! Konosuke says he knows exactly what this belt means, and says everyone better be ready. For that is his message from The Alpha! Konosuke stands by his G1 trophy as he puts the mic down, and the fans cheer as streamers fly! Will this be The Alpha’s world now?
My Thoughts:
An awesome night for NJPW top to bottom, and clearly some great stuff to look forward to as 2025 enters the home stretch. Great Women’s Championship match to start things off, and Syuri winning was a touch surprising. Sareee had a solid reign, but Syuri is definitely becoming a star in her own right. I skipped both Six Man Tags because there were no stakes on one, and of course Goto was winning his for his return. The “Ryogoku Riot” was really good stuff, but not quite what it could’ve/should’ve been. If we got a Fake Sanada where that latex mask was an uncanny valley of real, why didn’t that guy take the initial hit from Drilla? Why did the Sanadas enter first?
But that aside, them getting bloody was fine, but they didn’t exactly bring out stuff that was “scary,” and then duh, Kanemaru & Dick try to help. Connors therefore counters, Drilla wins, good stuff for Drilla and maybe he goes for a singles title of some kind. ELP VS Tanahashi was great, great move going with a time limit draw, both men moving on without looking weak or changing the status quo. Oleg looked awesome against Evil & the House of Torture, but of course Evil & the House of Torture cheated super hard to win. A little annoying, but maybe Oleg gets justice the next time they fight, really depends on what the plans are from this.
Great tag title match, and while Shota & Yuya had an awesome showing, I figured Knock Out Brothers weren’t losing. It’d be awful treatment if they returned from excursion just to be transitional champions. Yota VS Gabe was another instant classic, and I was actually a little surprised Yota won, and certainly by a Boston Crab. Great stuff also with the War Dogs and “Unaffiliated” (still not sure if that’s a real faction name or they’re still kidding around) all shaking hands and being respectful. I don’t think the Unaffiliated are being absorbed into War Dogs the way Just5Guys and Chaos joined Hontai, but it’d be pretty wild to say Yota, Takagi, Hiromu, Titan and even Daiki are now Bullet Club.
And of course, awesome stuff from ZSJ VS Konosuke in the main event. It definitely built upon their previous matches while finding a way to feel fresh, and how awesome that Konosuke won. Goto calling his shot is good stuff, too, as he only lost the title to ZSJ because of an arm injury, and is therefore owed a rematch. They’ll have a great match, but I would think Konosuke wins. I can already see how Konosuke and Okada lose at WrestleDream and then fight each other for the IWGP World Heavyweight & AEW Unified Championships. Otherwise, they’re gonna be the most dysfunctional Two Man Power Trip we’ve ever seen.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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