NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning in Osaka Results & Report! (2/11/26)
New beginnings, but for who?
Gene Blast VS Silent Jester!
NJPW returns to Osaka for another New Beginning, but can Yota Tsuji survive still the Double IWGP Heavyweight Champion? Or will Jake Lee hit his Grand Slam?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Young Lion Sendoff: Toru Yano & Togi Makabe VS Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato; Yano & Makabe win.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Hiromu & Taiji win.
- Shingo Takagi & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Great-O-Khan & HENARE; Takagi & Drilla win.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS TMDK; Bishamon & Oleg win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Gabe Kidd VS Andrade El Idolo; Andrade wins and will challenge for the title.
- David Finlay VS Callum Newman; Callum wins.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Aaron Wolf VS Ren Narita; Ren 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 Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Jake Lee; Yota wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW mourns the loss of Tadao Yasuda.
President Hiroshi Tanahashi leads the way for Hontai, as well as other members of the locker room, out to the ring to honor the great career of the King of Debt. Yasuda passes at the age of 62, wrestling with NJPW from 1994 to 2005, winning the then vacant IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 2002 against Yuji Nagata. That would be his only NJPW title reign, moving on to HUSTLE Wrestling, which is no longer active, and Yasuda would retire in 2011. He may be a one hit wonder, but he was clearly a great friend to his peers, as we see Makabe and Yano tear up a bit during the moment of silence and ten ring bell salute.
Hiromu Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young!
It has been confirmed already that win, lose or draw, the Ticking Timebomb’s time in NJPW has come to an end. Nothing lasts for ever, and the same goes for this incredible ride. Will the Unbound Company be able to see Hiromu off with a smile? Or will the Crown of Fire and #DangerousJAY ruin it all out of spite?
Akira is already getting in Taiji’s face, as well as Hiromu’s face, but the ref has him cool off. The teams sort out and after the Unbound fist bump, Hiromu starts against Akira. The fans all cheer “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” But then Akira slides out, and Jakob steps in, so Hiromu thinks they tagged out. But then Jakob BLASTS Taiji and Akira CLOBBERS Hiromu! The fans boo but the Empire soaks up the heat. They stomp Hiromu around, CHOP him, then push the ref aside. They double whip but Hiromu grabs ropes! Taiji jumps in and BOOTS Akira down! Then he sends Jakob to Hiromu for a mule kick.
Hiromu & Taiji double whip Jakob, but Jakob ducks their lariats! Jakob comes back but Hiromu SHOVES Taiji into him! Then Hiromu picks Taiji up for the assisted RANA! The fans fire up as the functional dysfunctional is back! Hiromu gives a thumbs up, then he whips Taiji, only for Taiji to reverse! Hiromu SPLASHES Jakob, then Taiji DOUBLE KNEES! Snapmare and DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Hiromu tags Taiji. The fans rally for Bone Soldier as he bumps Jakob off buckles. Taiji whips corner to corner, but Akira anchors him! Jakob LARIATS Taiji, then puts him in the Tree of Woe!
Akira BLASTS Hiromu, then he runs corner to corner to basement DROPKICK! Taiji falls out of the Tree, Jakob hurries to cover, TWO! The fans rally for Taiji, but Akira sends Hiromu into railing! Akira soaks up more heat while Jakob drags Taiji up. Jakob turns Taiji for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Taiji toughs it out, but Jakob wrenches the arm. Tag to Akira and they double whip. They DOUBLE ELBOW Taiji down, then Jakob SLIDING KICKS! Akira STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cocky cover, TWO! Akira talks trash while he rains down fists, but the ref reprimands. Akira stops to drag Taiji up.
Taiji fires body shots but Akira bumps him off buckles. Akira slaps Taiji around, Taiji slaps back, and the fans fire up for the slap fight! But then Akira kicks and stomps Taiji down! Akira digs his knees into Taiji’s face, and he doesn’t stop as the ref counts! The ref backs Akira off, but Akira just rolls and runs in, basement DROPKICK! Taiji sputters and Akira pushes him to a cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Taiji but Akira BLASTS Hiromu again! Akira mocks Taiji to crawl and tag him in. Taiji fires a body shot! Taiji CLAWS Akira’s eyes, but Hiromu is still down! Jakob runs in and CLOBBERS Taiji! The fans boo but Jakob drags Taiji back and stomps him down.
The fans rally for Taiji while Jakob & Akira mug him. Akira CHOSP Taiji, then he and Jakob double whip. But Taiji crisscrosses them into each other! Taiji reels Akira in and catches Jakob, COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! The fans fire up and Taiji crawls, hot tag to Hiromu! Hiromu rallies with CROSSBODY after CROSSBODY! But then Akira kicks low! The Empire double whips again but Hiromu just DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up for Hiromu and he runs at Akira in the corner! LARIAT, snapmare, then basement- NO, Akira dodges the dropkick! Hiromu dodges the lariat, kicks low, then uses the ref for the assisted RANA!
The fans cheer and Hiromu gives the ref a thumbs up. Then Hiromu runs up to LARIAT, snapmare, and basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Hiromu, and he shouts, “Moto!” The fans join in for one last “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!” Hiromu reels Akira in but Akira fights the suplex! Akira CHOPS, but Hiromu tells him “MOTO!” Akira CHOPS again, “MOTO!” CHOP! MOTO! Akira pie faces Hiromu, so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Akira blocks one and BITES the hand! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but then Akira slips around to spin Hiromu, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, Taiji breaks it!
Jakob storms in and TOSSES Taiji! Akira gets Hiromu up, vows to end this, and NOVA- NO! Hiromu ducks the knees and fireman’s carries! “BYE BYE!” Hiromu puts Akira on the apron! Hiromu runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! Akira is all fire dup, and he runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Akira and Hiromu crawl, reach out, hot tags to Jakob and Taiji! Taiji dodges Jakob to fire forearms back and forth with him! Taiji gets the edge, but Jakob stomps a foot and KNEE LIFTS! But Taiji BOOTS in return! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, only for Akira to catch him!
Akira feeds Taiji to Jakob’s forearm! Then a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Jakob reels Taiji in for ANARCHY! Cover, Hiromu breaks it! The fans cheer but Akira TOSSES Hiromu out! Jakob has the legs and he steps through! Taiji kicks free of the Sharpshooter, then rises up. Taiji dodges a lariat to ZIGZAG! The fans fire up as Taiji decides to show off. Hiromu jumps in, they send Jay to a corner, LARIAT and ELBOW! Then a feed to a SUPERKICK! JUMP KNEE! Hiromu swings Jakob around for Taiji to gut wrench! CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, Akira breaks it! Hiromu stands Akira up but Akira ENZIGIRIS! But Taiji SUPERKICKS!
Hiromu fireman’s carries Akira, TIMEBOMB 1.5! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he runs up on Jakob. Jakob TOSSES Hiromu, dodges Taiji, roll up with tights, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges to LA MYSTICA! Into the BONE LOCK!! Jakob scrambles forward but Taiji rolls him back! BONE LOCK!! Jakob TAPS, Unbound Company wins!!
Winners: Hiromu Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall
Akira is shocked, but Taiji managed to break through and take this win! Hiromu’s final match in NJPW is a win, and he hugs it out with his long time rival as thanks for making it so. But then sore loser Akira attacks! The fans boo as Akira throws Hiromu down and throws down fists! Young Lions get in there but Akira shoves them all away! The fans boo more but Akira says boo Hiromu, HE’S the one leaving! Akira then grabs a chair and brings it into the ring! And another chair! Akira is plotting something vicious here as he JAMS Hiromu right up! The fans boo more, but Akira puts the chair around Hiromu’s neck!
Akira grabs the second chair and he takes aim! The fans boo, but ROBBIE X is here! Mr. Extreme snatches the chair, then handsprings for LETHAL INJECTION X!! Then Hiromu gets up, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans cheer as Akira is sent tumbling in retreat! Robbie and Taiji help Hiromu to his feet, and they celebrate together. Akira is furious, but will he just have to accept he will never get to ruin Hiromu’s legacy? As for Hiromu, where will he go now that he’s a free agent exploring the great unknown?
Shingo Takagi & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Great-O-Khan & HENARE!
Unbound Company scored first over The United Empire, but this is about settling a different score. The War Dragons want to tear down the Dominator & Mauler, but will they make the series 2-0? Or will Khan & Henare tie things up in the second?
The teams sort out and #Khanare just attacks! They TOSS Drilla then mug Takagi! The bell rings while the fans boo, but Khan & Henare continue to mug Takagi. They double whip, but Takagi grabs ropes! Takagi RUNS Khan over, scoop SLAMS Henare, and the fans cheer again. Takagi tags Drilla and they JAB Henare. They double whip, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer again and the War Dragons start up the “OI! WOOF!” The fans join in, “OI! WOOF! OI! WOOF!” ELBOW DROP and DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Henare toughs it out but Drilla drags him back up. But Henare CHOPS!
Drilla frowns but the fans cheer him on. Drilla CHOPS back and Henare nods. Henare CHOPS, Drilla CHOPS, and repeat! The fans rally as the CHOPS keep going, faster and faster, harder and harder! Drilla fires up and he CHOPS again! And again! And again! Henare shakes it off to CHOP! Drilla sputters while Henare dusts himself off. Henare swings again but Drilla ducks it! Ripcord, but Henare blocks the chop to KICK the bad arm! Henare then RAMS Drilla, and POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS on the return! Henare BLASTS Takagi then SENTONS Drilla! Henare is all fired up and the fans cheer. Khan even sends Takagi into railing!
Henare HEADBUTTS Drilla, bumps him off buckles, then tags Khan. Khan drags Drilla to the corner and wraps the bad arm around the ropes! The fans boo but Henare keeps the ref distracted. Khan presses a chair into the bad arm, then has another chair! Khan grins before he CON-CHAIR-TOS the arm!! Then he SMACKS Takagi down for good measure! The fans boo again but Khan just tunes it out. Khan drags Drilla up, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Khan kicks Drilla around, taunts him, but Drilla CHOPS and ROCKS Khan! But Khan Mongolian Chops back! Khan runs, but Drilla hurdles, ducks down, then DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan and Drilla crawl, hot tag to Takagi! The fans cheer as the Rampaging Dragon runs up on Khan. Takagi blocks a boot and LARIATS through! Then he JABS and CHOPS on repeat! Henare CLUBS Takagi, the fans boo, but Henare & Khan regroup. They double whip Takagi, but he ducks their lariats to send Khan into Henare! Then a clinch, kick, and COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Then DOUBLE LARIATS! Cover on Khan, TWO! Takagi gets Osaka fired up, but Khan CLOBBERS him before the catchphrase even begins! Khan then puts some stank on the Mongolian Chops!
Khan Mongolian Chops again! Then he winds up, but Takagi blocks the third! Takagi uses the Mongolian Chops! Takagi ELBOWS Khan, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! Cover, but Henare breaks it! Drilla kicks Henare and CHOPS him to the corner. Drilla CHOPS again, then Takagi has Khan. The War Dragons whip Khan & Henare into each other, then they stereo scoop SLAM! Takagi & Drilla climb, WRESTLING SUMMIT ELBOWS! The fans cheer and now Takagi gets Osaka fired up! “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up and join in for “OI! OI! OI!” Tag to Drilla and they focus on Khan, RAM LARIAT COMBO!
Drilla brings Khan around, but Khan fights the double pump handle! Khan SHOVES Drilla into Takagi, then BOOTS Drilla down! The fans rally while Khan crawls, hot tag to Henare! Henare snarls and storms up on Drilla. Henare CHOPS and CLUBS again and again! Then he whips corner to corner, runs in at Drilla, NATIVE KNEE! Then the RUGBY KICK! Cover, TWO! Drilla survives, but Khan BOOTS Takagi down! Khan & Henare coordinate as Drilla rises up. IRON RIGHT into the RAMPAGE SPEAR! Then they get Drilla up, ASSISTED POWERBOMB! Cover, but Takagi breaks it! The fans fire up but Khan IRON RIGHTS to the body!
Khan TOSSES Takagi and the fans rally up again. Khan beats up on Takagi while Drilla and Henare rise. Drilla fires forearms with Henare back and forth, then Drilla gets the edge with boxing elbows! Drilla roars, runs, but Henare ducks a lariat to hit a SAIDO! But Drilla’s right up! He ducks one lariat, but not the BLINDSIDE! Henare hauls Drilla up, but Drilla fights the lift! Takagi and Henare DOUBLE LARIAT! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, and Drilla GORES!! The fans fire up again as the War Dragons double pump handle! But Henare fights free! Khan runs in but Drilla SUPERKICKS Khan first! Now Takagi and Drilla each have a man!
DRILLA KILLA on Khan, BURNING DRAGON on Henare! The fans fire up again, and Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER on Henare! War Dragons fist bump, then they double pump handle! WAR DRAGON DRIVER!! Cover, War Dragons win!!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall
And with that, Unbound Company is 2-0 already! But will this defeat humble Henare and Khan once and for all? Can the rest of the Unbound continue this momentum through the night?
Wait, Drilla grabs the mic to address the fans. Drilla says in Japanese, “Everyone… I want to thank you. Because… I HAVE RENEWED WITH NJPW!” Even Takagi is shocked! We thought Drilla was taking his leave like Hiromu, but no! He’s staying right here! Drilla wants to keep running wild in NJPW, and he even wants in on New Japan Cup! The fans cheer that! Takagi even adds, “Oi, oi, oi! Whoever retires or quits, all we’re gonna do is keep on fighting in this ring!” The fans cheer that, too! Will this New Beginning lead to bigger and better things for the War Dragons, the Unbound Company, and NJPW as a whole?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS TMDK!
From falling short in the Tornado Ranbo to winning these titles on the Road to New Beginning, to then winning the best-of-three singles matches, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi and the big man from Kazakhstan were able to #TurnItAllAround. But will they keep the momentum going here in Osaka? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see whose reign continues through the New Beginning!
The trios sort out, and the fans cheer as Oleg steps up against Hartley. The bell rings and both big men fire up! They run in and RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders again! Oleg and Hartley stare down, the fans rally up, and Hartley runs the ropes to RAM Oleg! Oleg stays up and shakes that off. Oleg runs now, and he RAMS Hartley! Hartley steps back, but he returns to CHOP! Oleg CHOPS in return! The CHOPS keep going, but then Hartley kicks and UPPERCUTS! Hartley runs, but Oleg RUNS him over! Oleg BLASTS Oiwa, but ZSJ catches him to a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, but Hartley scoop SLAMS Hashi!
Hartley BLASTS Goto while ZSJ lets Oleg go. Hartley runs up and CLOBBERS Oleg! The fans cheer and Hartley says “Jackson Number One!” Hartley reels Oleg in for a stalling suplex! Cover, TWO! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ goes right to work on Oleg’s bad arm! ZSJ twists, isolates, and STOMPS the elbow! Oleg writhes but ZSJ drags him over to tag in Oiwa. They have double toeholds, then Oiwa floats to get the arm. Oiwa wrenches and whips to then DROPKICK Oleg! The fans cheer and Oiwa covers, TWO! Oiwa storms up on Oleg, drags him around, and wrenches to a wristlock. Oiwa hammerlocks the arm and RAMS Oleg into buckles!
Oiwa runs and SPLASHES Oleg! Then he whips corner to corner, but Oiwa reverses! Oleg clinches, but Oiwa fights the lift! They go around and around, and Oleg BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Oiwa! The fans fire up while both men are down! Olega crawls, hot tag to Goto! The Fierce Warrior BLASTS ZSJ and ELBOWS Hartley, but Hartley doesn’t budge! Oiwa runs in but Goto sends him into Hartley! Goto waistlocks but Oiwa fires elbows. Oiwa runs but Goto follows, and Goto LARIATS Oiwa down! ZSJ runs in but Goto kicks him first! Snap suplex onto Oiwa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Oiwa toughs it out.
Goto drags Oiwa up and fireman’s carries, but Oiwa CLUBS free. Goto ROCKS Oiwa, Oiwa ROCKS Goto, and repeat! The forearms keep going, then Oiwa gets the edge! Oiwa runs, but Goto catches him, spins him, and URA G T R! Then Goto runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Oiwa swings, Goto blocks, but Oiwa DISCUS LARIATS! Then ZSJ runs in and BOOTS Hashi down! Oiwa & ZSJ drag Goto up, double whip, and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Hartley steps in and he SPLASHES down! ZSJ and Oiwa set up, NECK TWIST AND SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto survives, but Oiwa fires back up!
Oiwa gut wrenches Goto, but Hashi SUPERKICKS him down! ZSJ BOOTS Hashi! Oleg SHOTGUNS ZSJ! The fans fire up as now Hartley and Oleg DOUBLE LARIAT! They keep moving, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! The “kaiju” fall and the fans fire back up! Oiwa and Goto rise, and Goto runs in! Oiwa dodges, waistlocks, and ZSJ ENZIGIRIS! Oiwa rolls for the CHAOS THEORY! Cover, TWO! Goto survives but Oiwa drags Goto back up. Oiwa winds up, runs the ropes, and spins for THE- NO, Goto ducks The Grip to fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Goto crawls, as does Oiwa, hot tags to ZSJ and Hashi!
The Headhunter LARIATS The Front Man down! Then he hauls ZSJ up to lift and RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives but the fans fire up with Hashi! Hashi drags ZSJ back up, hooks the leg, but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ has the arm and he wrangles Hashi into the DISARMER! Then ZSJ hooks the other arm, and steps over it! INVERTED CLARKY CAT! Hashi endures, but ZSJ even hooks a leg! The fans rally harder, and Hashi powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go in frustration but the fans continue to cheer. ZSJ paces while Hashi sits up, and ZSJ runs in! PENALTY- NO, Hashi blocks the kick!
ZSJ fires fast hands, but Hashi SUPERKICKS! Hashi then reels ZSJ in, full nelsons, but ZSJ fights free of Karma! Wrench and BOOT to the arm, then he wrenches and PELES the other arm! UPPERCUT! PENALTY KICK! But Hashi pops up! LARIAT!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! ZSJ sits up and he turns towards the Mighty corner. Hot tag to Hartley, and Oiwa BLASTS Oleg! TMDK gets Hashi up and whips him to a corner. Oiwa runs in and SPLASHES! Hartley runs in and SPLASHES! Feed to the TENZAN PLEX! Then Hartley adds a SENTON! Cover, but Oleg breaks it with a deadlift! But Hartley switches! GERMAN SUPLEX!
Oleg stands, but Oiwa LARIATS him up and out! Hartley runs up on Hashi, SPLASH in the corner! Hartley brings Hashi around, but Hashi LARIATS! Hartley doesn’t budge, and he LARIATS Hashi down! Hartley hauls Hashi back up, fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Hashi survives and the fans are thunderous! Hartley drags Hashi up but Hashi drags him into a cradle! TWO!! Hartley escapes, but we see Goto & Oleg send Oiwa into railing! Hashi ROCKS and CHOPS Hartley, then roars as he runs! LARIAT! Hartley doesn’t budge, and he runs! Goto jumps in for DOUBLE LARIATS! But Hartleyu still stays up!
Hartley runs again, but now Oleg jumps in! Oleg LARIATS Hartley down! Oiwa gets Oleg, wrenches, and ZSJ wrenches! They wrench and wrench and wrench the arms, then switch, but Oleg ROCKS them both! ZSJ jumps on, but into a fireman’s carry! VERDICT!! Then a fireman’s carry on Oiwa, SNAP KAMIKAZE!! But Hartley EHADBUTTS Oleg down! Bishamon kicks and whips Hartley, but he DOUBLE LARIATS them down!! Osaka is thunderous as Hartley LARIATS Oleg! But Hashi SUPERKICKS Hartley! Oleg RAMS Hartley into a corner! Goto runs in and MURAMASA! Feed to Hashi for the CODE BREAKER!
Goto dragon sleepers, Hashi has the legs, and Oleg gets running! DEIMIN!! Cover, BISHAMON & OLEG WIN!
Winners: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
It was truly a mighty battle, but Hontai’s trio continues to be the mightiest! They leave TMDK behind BARS, but who will be next to challenge them?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Gabe Kidd VS Andrade El Idolo!
The Unbound Company already leads 2-0 on the night, but this is much more than faction warfare. The Mad Man wants another shot at his friend and rival, Yota Tsuji, but The Benefactor just wants world domination. Andrade is also scheduled for a #1 contender’s match at AEW Grand Slam Australia, will he be bringing another golden ticket with him? Or will Gabe prove Andrade ain’t #WarReady?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. Gabe smiles as the fans are on his side, but Andrade also smirks. Gabe then mocks the Ingobernables fist and makes it a middle finger. The two circle, tie up, and Andrade headlocks. Gabe powers up but can’t power out as Andrade holds tight. Gabe tries again and powers out of the hold, and the two RAM each other! Andrade eggs Gabe on so Gabe runs and RAMS him again! They start shoving, then they throw forearms! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth. Gabe gets the edge, but Andrade fights the clinch! Andrade waistlocks but Gabe switches!
Andrade fights the lift, switches with Gabe, but Gabe switches again. Gabe shoves Andrade, but Andrade tranquilos in the ropes! Gabe sits cross-legged to represent the Dojo! The fans cheer, and Andrade runs up! Andrade ducks a lariat, but Gabe catches the hurdle for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer Gabe on as he brings Andrade to the ropes. Gabe barks and the fans bark back. Gabe suplexes Andrade, but Andrade lands safe on the apron! Gabe blocks a shot to STRAIGHT RIGHT! Then he runs side to side to LARIAT Andrade down! Gabe builds speed and he fakes Andrade out! A very Naito move!
Gabe then runs outside and he BOOTS Andrade down! The fans cheer and Gabe drags Andrade up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Andrade, puts him on the apron, then climbs up after him. Gabe reels Andrade in, but Andrade fights the lift! Andrade BACKDROPS Gabe onto the apron! Gabe flops to the floor, and Andrade stretches out his back before he fetches the War Dog. Andrade stands Gabe up just to CHOP him back down. Gabe coughs and sputters but Andrade drags him into the ring. Andrade then goes up the corner, but Gabe UPPERCUTS him first! Gabe climbs up but Andrade ROCKS him! And ROCKS him!
Gabe eggs Andrade on, Andrade fires another shot, but Gabe UPPERCUTS! The fans fire up as Gabe climbs! Andrade fights the suplex, fires body shots, but Gabe HEADBUTTS! Gabe goes tot he very top, but Andrade trips him! Gabe is in the Tree of Woe, so Andrade give shim WOE- NO! Gabe avoids the stomps! Gabe dodges Andrade, Andrade goes up and out, Gabe runs back in but Andrade ROCKS Gabe! Gabe shakes that off and comes back, but into a GAMANGIRI! Gabe flops against the ropes, but Andrade brings him around. The fans get worried as Andrade aims for the outside! The ref says don’t, but Andrade suplexes! Gabe lands safe on the apron!
Gabe tries to suplex but Andrade resists. Gabe HEADBUTTS him again, then fireman’s carries! But Andrade fights with elbows! Andrade dragon sleepers for a BACKBREAKER and FINAL CUT to the apron! The fans rally while Gabe is down but Andrade steps into the ring. Andrade builds speed and TRIANGLE JUMP TORNILLOS! Down goes Gabe and the fans fire up again! Andrade flexes, then he brings Gabe up. Andrade puts Gabe in, then he climbs the corner, DROPDOWN MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives and the fans cheer, but Andrade vows to be the Global Champion! The fans applaud as Andrade winds up to CHOP!
Andrade snapmares Gabe and runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Gabe snarls as he toughs it out and the fans cheer him on. Andrade drags Gabe up for a fireman’s carry but Gabe sunset flips it! TWO, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men wobble, then they go forehead to forehead. Andrade fires a forearm and Gabe staggers around. Gabe shakes it off and fires back! Andrade fires another forearm, Gabe fires back, but Andrade fires boxing elbows! Gabe fires palm strikes! Now it’s a SLAP fight! They SLAP and SLAP and the fans fire up! Andrade gets the edge, but Gabe ROCKS Andrade! Gabe fires up, runs in, but into a BOOT!
Gabe still LARIATS through! The fans bark with Gabe, he whips corner to corner, then rebound to SMACK him off buckles! Gabe LARIATS Andrade down! The fans fire up and bark with Gabe. Gabe brings the kneepad down, and he runs up to O- NO, Andrade dodges the knee! Then he comes back, but Gabe stops the Shadow Elbow to SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Andrade stays in this and the fans fire up again. Gabe huffs ‘n’ puffs as he drags Andrade back up. Gabe reels Andrade in, suplexes, but Andrade blocks it to snap suplex! That’s just Uno Amigo! Andrade suplexes for Dos Amigos! And then some Latino Heat before THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Gabe survives again. Andrade grins as he drags Gabe into the drop zone. Andrade goes up the corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives again and now Andrade is frustrated. Gabe rolls to a corner but Andrade pounds the mat. The fans clap along, Andrade goes corner to corner, but Gabe avoids the knees! Gabe gets moving, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Andrade survives and Gabe headbutts the mat to fire up. The fans bark along again, he drags Andrade up, but Andrade is a ragdoll. Gabe flips him off again, then stands him up. But Andrade fires a forearm! Gabe fires back!
Andrade CHOPS Gabe, Gabe CHOPS back! Andrade CHOPS again and Gabe drops to his knees! The fans rally, and Gabe JABS! HEADBUTT! HEADBUTT! Then he ROCKS Andrade with an elbow! Gabe runs, but Andrade DROPKICKS him down! The fans cheer as Gabe flounders to the corner. Andrade pounds the mat again and the fans clap along. Andrade goes corner to corner and CIEN KNEES! Andrade drags Gabe to a cover, TWO! Gabe survives but Andrade drags him right up. Andrade underhooks but Gabe wrenches free! Gabe hooks arms, spins Andrade, and PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and the fans fire up!
Gabe roars as he goes back to the corner. Gabe waits on Andrade, then runs in, O- NO! Andrade trips Gabe, steps through, but Gabe cradle counters! TWO, and SHADOW ELBOW! Andrade hurries to underhook, THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship)
And with that, Andrade is now poised to go after Yota Tsuji’s other title. Will Andrade also secure his shot at the AEW World Championship and begin his world domination? Or will having a divided focus jeopardize both opportunities? Surprisingly, he shows respect to Gabe by holding out his hand. Gabe slaps it away and takes his leave instead. What will it take for The Mad Man to be back in the title conversation?
David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Callum Newman w/ Zane Jay!
This one has been a long time coming. The Rebel led his War Dogs against Will Ospreay’s United Empire and they won that first and most brutal Dog Pound Cage Match. But now, The Prince is in charge, and instead of vowing vengeance for the Aerial Assassin, he wants to prove that HE is the most ruthless man in New Japan! Will Callum dethrone the Savage King? Or will Finlay prove that NJPW will always need The Rebel?
The bell rings and both men run right up! Callum BOOTS but then the forearms fly! The fans fire up as the shots are fast ‘n’ furious! Finlay fires a flurry, but Callum throat chops! And throat chops! Callum pulls Finlay’s hair, fires forearms, then whips. But Finlay reverses to TACKLE Callum tot he outside! Then he RAMS Callum into railing! Finlay whips Callum into more railing! The fans cheer as Finlay stands Callum up, and Finlay ROCKS Callum! They go into the crowd now, and Finlay CLUBS Callum! Callum BODY BLOWS! Finlay pokes Callum in the eye! Then Finlay whips Callum into the wall!
Finlay pretends to conduct the choir as the fans cheer, then he stands Callum up. Finlay cravats Callum for a neck wrench and brings him back to ringside. The fans rally but the ref reprimands. Finlay SMACKS Callum off the apron, then pushes him in the ring. Finlay barks and the fans bark with him. Finlay runs in and UPPERCUTS! Callum sputters while Finlay reels him in, but Callum snap suplexes Finlay into buckles! The fans rally for Finlay while he slumps down in the corner. Callum rises up, runs back in, and he DROPKICKS Finlay back down! Finlay sputters again but the fans continue to cheer him on.
Callum drags Finlay from the corner, flexes over him, then kicks him around. Callum snapmares Finlay, sits him up, and KICKS him in the back! Callum pushes Finlay back down, kneeling cover, TWO! Finlay and Callum throw scrappy forearms, and Callum ROCKS Finlay! Callum puts Finlay in a corner, CLAWS at his face, but the ref reprimands. The fans boo but Callum stops as the ref counts. Callum SPITS at Osaka, then goes back to Finlay. Callum snapmares Finlay and clamps on a chinlock. Finlay endures, maybe even bites at Callum’s arm, but Callum pulls Finlay’s hair and squeezes tighter.
The fans rally up and Gedo coaches Finlay up. Finlay rises, fires body shots, then ROCKS Callum! Callum KNEES Finlay again and again, but then Finlay blocks one! Callum fires forearms and frees himself, only to run into the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Callum writhes. Finlay smiles as he hears the fans cheer him on. Finlay kips up and the fans cheer! Finlay goes back to Callum and stomps a mudhole into him! Finlay CLUBS and HAMMERS and BITES Callum! The ref counts, Finlay stops, and the fans rally as Finlay stands Callum up. The fans bark with Finlay again, and he LARIATS Callum again and again!
The ref reprimands but FInlay goes to TEN, then the BROKEN ARROW! The fans fire up while Finlay flexes. Finlay then runs up and LARIATS Callum and himself up and out! Finlay lands on his feet and he brings Callum back up. X-PLEX on the apron! Callum flops back down, Finlay looms over him, but Zane Jay storms up. Zane says back off his guy, but Finlay kicks low and whips him away! Zane stops from hitting railing, but Finlay CLOBBERS him over the railing! The fans cheer and Finlay says that was too easy. Finlay goes back to Callum and he opens the gate. Finlay brings Callum back out to the crowd!
Finlay lifts Callum, and runs to POST BOMB him!! Callum writhes on the floor while the fans cheer Finlay! Finlay then lets the ring count handle this. Callum is still down at 9 of 20 but starts to sit up. Finlay tells the ref to hold on, and Finlay goes out to fetch Callum. Callum tries to grab at Abe-san but Finlay puts him in the ring. Finlay then lifts Callum, CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Finlay is perhaps more amused than anything. The fans continue to cheer Finlay on, and he drags Callum up for crossface forearms! Gedo cheers, the fans bark, and Finlay says one more! Crossface forearm!
Callum sputters but Finlay tells him this is why he’s the Savage King! Finlay bends fingers, JAMS them into the mat, then crossface- NO, Callum blocks the forearm! Finlay kicks the legs, runs, but Callum avoids the basement lariat! Callum RAMS and BODY BLOWS in return! Then PENALTY KICKS! The fans rally for Finlay while he sputters, but Callum eggs him on. Finlay sits up, Callum winds up, and Callum KICKS Finlay back down! Callum mocks Finlay, runs from a corner, and he PENALTY KICKS Finlay back down! Stacked cover, TWO! A bit cocky from Callum there but the fans cheer for Finlay. Callum mocks the Too Sweet, then vows to end this.
Callum tells Osaka to shut up, they’re all idiots. EXCALI- NO, Finlay dodges, backslides, and rolls through, INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but the fans continue to cheer Finlay on! Finlay lifts Callum for a BUCKLE BOMB! But Callum SHOTGUNS!? But Finlay BLINDSIDE LARIATS! And then the lift for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives again but the fans continue to cheer Finlay! Finlay slashes his throat as he vows to end this! Finlay drags Callum up, suplexes, but Callum knees free! Callum suplexes, but Finlay cradle counters! TWO, and Finlay suplexes for OVER- NO! Callum blocks!
Finlay CLUBS away on Callum, fires off forearms, then ROLLING ELBOWS! But Callum ROCKS Finlay in return! And then ROLLING ELBOWS! Finlay wobbles, Callum DECKS him! Finlay flops against Callum but Callum brings him back up! The fans rally as hard as they can for Finlay, but Callum hooks the leg, FIRE- NO, Finlay flips through, gator rolls, but Callum suplexes! OVERKILL!! And EXCALIBUR!! The fans rally for Finlay even harder but he sputters as he sits back up. Callum EXCALIBURS again!! Cover, but Callum picks Finlay up!? The fans boo as Callum is toying with Finlay now!
Callum undoes his wrist tape to show off the tattoo on his wrist: The crown of the United Empire! Finlay flips Callum off, but Callum kisses the crown before he LARIATS Finlay! Then Callum hits THE PRINCE’S CURSE! Cover, Callum wins!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall
Callum mocks the Too Sweet, then makes Finlay kiss the crown. The Prince stands over the Savage King, crowning himself the most dangerous man in NJPW! But will Callum look to truly take the throne for his own?
As for Finlay, Gedo is there as he sits up. The fans cheer Finlay on as he stands back up, and Finlay takes a deep bow! It was rumored, and it would seem those rumors were true. This is Finlay’s last match in NJPW for the foreseeable future! He hugs it out with Gedo, then even goes to commentary to say goodbye to his dysfunctional teammate, Hiromu, on commentary. But both men are on parallel paths as they go out into the great unknown. Where will The Rebel’s journey take him next?
Hiroshi Tanahashi goes to the ring!
President Ace brings a folder with him, and he takes this time to make a special announcement. He thanks the fans for selling out the arena tonight, and he has some good news! WrestleKingdom was also a great night with a sold out Tokyo Dome, also airing on Asahi Network TV for the first time in 20 years. The event and the broadcast were an immense success. Because of that success, he can make this announcement! On June 14th in Osaka-Jo Hall, Dominion will be on Japanese television NATIONWIDE! Because of that, Tanahashi hopes they can sell out Osaka-Jo, so make sure you all can either get your tickets or watch from home this Summer!
The fans are very happy to hear more big things are happening for Osaka and NJPW! Will Dominion be the biggest show of the Summer for 2026?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Aaron Wolf VS Ren Narita!
The gold medalist judoka went from debuting at WrestleKingdom 20 to winning this title on his first try! NJPW is now on #WolfTime, but the House of Torture looks to change that just as quickly! Will the Souled Out Son of Strong Style ruin Wolf’s career before it his rookie year is even over? Or will Wolf NEVER give in to the darkness?
Oh but of course The House attacks Wolf during his entrance! Douki, Sho, AND Yujiro Takahashi beat Wolf down on the ramp! The fans boo but Ren smiles ear to ear like the snake he is. Yujiro whips Wolf into railing! Then Sho & Douki whip Wolf into more railing! The ref can’t do anything as Dick Togo keeps him anchored in the corner, but this isn’t even a match yet anyway! The House finally puts Wolf in the ring and the bell rings! The ref must not have any idea what was happening to let this start! Ren goes up, HELL- NO, Wolf dodges the knee! Fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY BOMB!
The fans fire up for Wolf as he reels Ren in, but Ren grabs the ref by the shirt! The ref slaps Ren’s hand away, but Ren BOOTS the ref during the ANGLE SLAM! Cover, but no one is there to count! Instead, The House just attacks Wolf again! The fans boo but they whip Wolf to the corner. Sho runs up, but Wolf CLOBBERS him! SAYANAGI for Yujiro! SAYANAGI for Douki! SAYANAGI again for Douki! Wolf roars and the fans fire up! But then Dick SHOVES Wolf! Wolf just gets mad, but Ren LOW BLOWS Wolf! The fans boo but Ren hits the DOUBLE CROSSER! Cover, TWO!! Wolf survives and Ren is upset with the ref!
But Ren is just distracting the ref from the SPOILER’S CHOKER! The fans boo but Wolf is vulnerable! Ren goes up, up, and HELL’S GULLOTINE!! Cover, REN WINS!!
Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
It took the entire House to do it, but they brought down the big bad Wolf! They even stand Wolf back up so Ren can CLOBBER Wolf with the belt! And they stomp away on Wolf, until Hontai rushes out here! Too little too late, unfortunately. Will NJPW ever learn to NEVER trust the House of Torture?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura!
While neither team won World Tag League 2025, the Knock Out Brothers still beat The Roughneck and Heat Storm in the round robin. However, Shota & Yuya overcame Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii to earn this second chance, will this be their time to shine? Or will Oskar & Ice simply knock them out once and for all?
These teams don’t wait for introductions, they throw hands the moment the champs are in the ring! Oskar CLUBS Shota and TOSSES him out while Yuya and Yuto fire shots back and forth! The fans fire up as Oskar keeps after Shota! Yuya TACKLES Yuto, goes for an arm, and the bell finally rings! Yuto fights up but Yuya wrenches and drags him down! Oskar sends Shota into railing while Yuto ROCKS Yuya. Yuto KICKS away in the corner, but he stops as the ref counts. Then Yuto SOBATS and sits Yuya down. The fans fire up as Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” And DOUBLE KNEES! Yuto drags Yuya out to rain down forearms!
Yuto brings Yuya around and bumps him off Oskar’s boot! Yuto ROCKS Yuya again and again, then Oskar tags in to back him off. Oskar steps in but Yuya BLASTS Yuto! Oskar CLUBS Yuya, brings him around, and CHOPS him down! The fans cheer as Oskar stands tall. Oskar stomps Yuya, drags him up, and scoops for the- NO, Yuya slips free, shoves Oskar away, and Shota tags in! Shota dodges Oskar, BLASTS Yuto, but Oskar avoids the dropkick! Oskar stomps away on Shota, then winds up to kick. Shota blocks but Oskar ROCKS him! Oskar runs up but only gets buckles! Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Oskar, but Oskar TOSSES Shota to the corner!
Oskar CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Oskar KNEES low, snapmares Shota away, then fires up with the fans. Shota rises, Oskar runs up, but Shota gets under Oskar’s boot! Oskar CLUBS Shota, then scoops him, but Shota fights free! Shota BOOTS back, then drop toeholds Oskar onto the ropes! Shota slingshots for the APRON DDT! The fans fire up while Oskar writhes, but Yuto runs up! Yuto ROCKS Shota, whips him, but Shota reverses! Yuto hits railing, but he comes right back! Only for Shota to kick and whip him back into railing! Yuto falls and the fans are torn as Shota stands tall. Shota then lines up a shot, and he runs up to SHOTGUN Oskar over railing!
The fans are still torn as Oskar is in No Man’s Land. The ref checks him, then tells Shota to get the match back in the ring. Shota drags Oskar up, brings him onto the railing, but Oskar fights with body shots! Shota ducks the haymaker to HOTSHOT Oskar on the railing! Then Shota runs to KNEE LIFT! Oskar sputters but Shota drags him along the railing! DRAPING DDT to the floor! The fans are torn as Shota strikes like a Viper! Shota snarls and he goes for Oskar, but the ref checks Oskar first. Oskar’s able to continue so Shota puts him in the ring. The fans rally up while Shota waits on Oskar. Oskar rises, Shota runs and LARIATS! Oskar stays up!?
Shota runs again, and LARIATS! But Oskar is still up! Shota winds up, runs again, but Oskar guzels! Shota breaks free, but Oskar ROCKS him! Shota ROLLING LARIATS, then runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! And then LARIAT again!! Cover, TWO! Oskar survives but Shota stays fired up! The fans rally as Shota brings Oskar back up. Shota hooks a leg for the SECOND- NO, Yuto saves Oskar, then ROCKS Shota! Then BODY BLOW, forearm, and mule kick! Shota falls and Yuto calls to Oskar. Oskar stands up and Yuto brings Shota around. Feed to the scoop, but Oskar’s own neck holds him back! And Yuya CLOBBERS Yuto!
Shota slips around Oskar while Yuya TOSSES Yuto! Shota CLUBS Oskar, Yuya ROCKS him, and then full nelsons! But Oskar BOOTS Shota and TOSSES Yuya! Then he scoop SLAMS Shota! JUMPING ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Oskar reaches out but Yuto’s also down! Oskar clutches his neck as he stands up, and he goes to the corner to take aim. Shota rises, Oskar runs in, but Shota blocks the boot! Shota ROCKS Oskar! Oskar wobbles, Shota runs, and uses the ropes to TORNADO- NO! Oskar stops the DDT and powers Shota to a suplex! But Shota DDT COUNTERS!
The fans are torn again while both men are down! The fans rally up while Shota and Oskar stir, then they crawl over, hot tags to Yuya and Yuto! Heat and Ice meet again and the fans fire up with the forearms! They go back and forth, harder and harder, and Yuto gets the edge! Yuto ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires a flurry in return! Yuto ROCKS Yuya again, then whips corner to corner. Yuya goes up and over, then arm-drags Yuto for the DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Yuya stays on Yuto with SLAPS! Then an ARMBAR!! Yuto flails to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Yuya lets go in frustration. Yuya then storms up on Yuto and CHOPS!
Yuya wrenches and whips but Yuto reverses to KNEE low! And then BOOT! The fans cheer while Yuya falls! Yuto drags Yuya up, suplexes, but Yuya fights it! Yuya wrenches and YANKS the arm, but Yuto ROCKS him! And mule kicks! Yuto THROWS Yuya down by his hair! The fans rally again as Yuto runs, but Yuya ducks the kick! Yuya KNEES low, whips, but Yuto reverses again! Yuya goes up to CROSSBODY! Both men are down and the fans cheer again! Yuto and Yuya rise up, go forehead to forehead, but then run to BLAST their opponent’s partner! The fans fire up as Yuto and Yuya turn back to each other!
They run up, Yuya avoids a boot but Yuto blocks a chop! Yuya still CHOPS through, then runs, only for Yuto to ROCK him! Yuto runs, but Yuya UPPERCUTS! Yuya reels Yuto in but Yuto fights with elbows! Yuto KNEES Yuya, but Yuya ducks the buzzsaw! Yuya shoves Yuto, but Yuto BOOTS and ENZIGIRIS from the corner! Yuto runs up, but Yuya ROCKS him! The fans fire up as Yuya clinches, but Yuto blocks the suplex! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!? SAIDO! The fans fire up as both men rise again! Yuto staggers, but he drops before Yuya can lariat! The ref checks Yuto but Yuya shouts at him to get up!
Yuya drags Yuto up, fires forearm after forearm, and Yuto wakes up! Yuto and Yuya fire fast hands back and forth, and Yuya fires a flurry of SLAPS! Yuto wobbles, but he COUNTER SLAPS! Yuto fires up, winds up, and BUZZSAW! Yuya flops over, Yuto covers, TWO! Yuya survives and the fans fire up again! Yuto roars and takes aim from the corner! But Shota intercepts with a SHOTGUN! The fans are torn but Oskar tags in! Shota UPPERCUTS and ENZIGIRIS Oskar! Shota has Oskar but Oskar fights the suplex! Oskar shoves free, but Shota SHINING WIZARDS in the corner! Shota aims from the far corner, then runs in for STRIKE KNEE in the corner!
Shota puts Oskar up top, then climbs up after him! Shota goes to the very top, and he brings Oskar up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX!! The fans fire up as Yuya is now up top, DIVING BODY PRESS!! Cover, YUTO BREAKS IT! Power & Glory were not enough, and Yuto ROCKS Shota! But Shota DROPKICKS Yuto! Shota shouts to Yuya and they get Oskar up! Full nelson and Shota runs the ropes, DRAGON LARIAT SUPLEX!! But Yuya isn’t done with Oskar, he clamps onto the arms! But Yuto CLOBBERS him first! Then he BOOTS Shota off the apron! Yuto sits Yuya up for ICE HIGH! The fans fire up with Yuto as he shouts to Oskar!
Oskar rises while Yuto brings Yuya up. But Shota shoves Yuya out of the way! Shota fires forearms and ROLLING ELBOWS on the Knock Out Brothers! But AMBITION RIGHT leads to K O B DRIVER on Shota!! Osaka is thunderous for “K O B! K O B!” They get Yuya up, but Yuya DECKS Oskar! Yuya blocks a kick and HEADBUTTS Yuto down! The fans fire up again as Yuya has Yuto for the DEADBOLT PLEX!! But Oskar clamps on the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Yuya flails, reaches out, and JAWBREAKERS free! Yuya runs up, but into both hands! Oskar pops Yuya up, but Yuya cradle counters! TWO!!
Yuya jumps up, RAN- NO!! Oskar stops the rana, lifts Yuya, but Yuya sunset flips it! High stack, TWO!! The fans are erupting as Yuya ENZIGIRIS Oskar! And then GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans are ready to blow the roof off the place! Yuya drags Oskar up, hooks the arms, but Yuto is back! Feed to the KNEE!! Yuto hauls Yuya up but Oskar is tiring out! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Yuto feeds Yuya to the scoop! K O B DRIVER!!! Cover, Knock Out Brothers win!!
Winners: Oskar & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Shota & Yuya gave them the fight of their lives, but Oskar & Yuto still find a way! This is the wrestling high they’ve been chasing, but will anyone ever get higher than the Knock Out Brothers?
But wait! The lights go down, and on the tron is a message from The Demand! Ricochet says, “Hello to all of my Frequent Fliers out there, this is your captain speaking, and we are The Demand. And The Demand will be taking over Trenton, New Jersey, February 27th for New Beginning. A New Beginning where I will be calling out Taiji Ishimori, a legend in the Junior Heavyweight Division, Mr. Bone Soldier himself. Taiij Ishimori, listen, if you’re man enough, come get some. But that is not the only surprise that The Demand will be bringing to Trenton. No, no, no.”
Bishop Kaun says it has been a couple years since their World Tag League debut. They’re no longer just beasts, they’re sharks! And they smell blood in the water! Toa Liona says he can taste it and he can see it. The champs in the ring are just minnows, and the sharks are circling them! GOA has their eyes on the IWGP Tag Team Championships! Ricochet says remember: When you’re in Demand, you can make demands. And if you don’t meet their demands, you get put DOWN! The video ends and the Knock Out Brothers have the mics to respond. “Nostalgic seeing those guys. Pretty interesting. Seems Ishimori and KOB are all going to America!”
The fans cheer and Yuto says they’ll play, make money, and get high. Don’t think, just feel! Let’s get high! Tch tch, BIG UP! AKA challenges accepted! But will the Unbound Company turn their trip to the US into world domination?
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Jake Lee!
While Unbound Company and United Empire are 2-2, this is the one that truly matters! The Gene Blast became Double Champion at WrestleKingdom, and even brought back the classic title to make a statement. But will Yota’s vision for NJPW’s future continue on? Or will the Silent Jester have the last laugh?
The introductions are made by President Tanahashi, THE belt is raised, and we see who truly stands atop the mountain!
The bell rings and the fans rally for “YOTA! YOTA!” Jake conducts the choir as if to take credit, and the two slowly circle. They feel things out, then back away. They approach again, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Jake pushes Yota back a step, but Yota pushes forward. Jake’s height helps him push Yota to the ropes, but Yota turns things around. Red Shoes calls the break, and Yota pats Jake’s shoulders before he backs up. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Yota perhaps pokes fun at Jake by taking a bow. Jake wags his finger, and he shows Yota how to bow properly. But then Yota kicks low! Yota whips, Jake reverses, and Jake ducks to avoid the dropkick!
Jake’s mime act continues as he pretends to be surprised by what happened. Jake drags Yota up, whips him to ropes, but Yota slips around to arm-drag Jake outta the ring! The fans fire up as Yota builds speed, but Jake slides in! Yota tumbles out but then hurries back in! Jake is already out the other side, but Yota still DIVES! Jake actually makes a sound as he shouts from the impact! The fans fire up with Yota and he puts Jake in. Yota stomps Jake around, then brings him up to CHOP! Jake staggers to the ropes, groaning from the pain, but then Yota reels him in for a forearm to the back! Jake hobbles to a corner but Yota stays on him.
Yota reels Jake in for another forearm to the back! Jake hobbles but Yota cravats and snapmares him. Yota then clamps on a body scissors squeeze! Jake endures and pries at the legs while the fans rally. Jake moves around for the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Yota lets go. Jake stands up in the corner but Yota is right on him again. Yota whips corner to corner, runs in, but Jake dodges. Jake runs up, but into a BOOT! Yota goes up, but Jake BOOTS him down! Yota falls to the apron and then the floor! The fans rally while Jake shakes out his leg and steps outside. Jake mockingly applauds, then takes a stroll around ringside.
Jake takes out the black glove and puts it on. Jake then stalks “Yota-sama” and brings him up. The fans cheer as Jake puts Yota in the ring, and Jake has a cocky cover. Red Shoes says no, no, that’s not good enough. Jake waves at Red Shoes dismissively before he stands Yota up. And he fishhooks Yota for some BAD VIBRATIONS! The fans are torn over that gross tactic, but Jake drags Yota up. Yota fires a forearm! And another! And another! Yota fires a flurry now, then CHOPS! Yota whips Jake to ropes but Jake GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up and Jake does his jester dance to mock them all. Jake drags Yota right up for an atomic drop!
Yota staggers to ropes, and Jake runs up to KICK him in the butt! Jake smirks and pushes Yota over to get the legs. Yota fights the turn so Jake stomps him in the stomach! Jake then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Yota toughs it out but Jake brings out another black glove! Jake continues to mock “Yota-sama” as he puts the glove on. Jake storms up to Yota, but Red Shoes wants Jake to stop! Jake shoves Red Shoes aside, but Yota blocks the fishhook! Jake kicks low, back suplexes, but Yota lands out! Jake CLAWS Yota’s eyes, then whips, but Yota RANAS! Jake tumbles and Yota gets up to FLATLINER!
The fans fire up with Yota as he gets back up. Yota brings Jake around and fires another flurry of forearms. Yota whips but Jake reverses, only for Yota to ROCK him and put him on ropes! Yota KICKS the ropes, and then snapmares for the basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer Yota shouting out Hiromu-chan with that combo, then he has Jake by the legs! Jake panics as he fights the turn, so Yota stomps him! PLANKING SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yota gets the legs again, BOSTON CRAB! Jake scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go quickly and paces around the ring. Yota comes back to bring Jake up and CHOP!
Yota CHOPS Jake again and again against the ropes! And again, and again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota as he whips, but Jake KNEES low, then DDTS Yota! Both men are down, but Jake sits up with a snarl. He throws off the glove, no longer in the mood to joke around. Jake drags Yota up and whips him to ropes for a KNEE! Then another whip and another KNEE! And another whip, but Yota reverses! Jake still KNEES low! Jake stalks Yota now, then brings him up for a suplex! Jake hangs Yota out to dry, then CLUBS and KNEES him on repeat! Red Shoes counts but Jake KNEES Yota right down!
The fans rally while Yota is down on the floor. Jake is back to poking fun at Yota, and he aims from the apron. Yota sits up, Jake runs in, but Yota blocks the kick! And TRIPS Jake up! Then Yota SMASHES Jake’s knee on the apron! Jake clings to ropes but Yota just hits a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Jake writhes and shouts in pain while the fans rally up! Red Shoes checks on Jake but he can continue. Yota leaves Jake behind for the ring count to handle. Jake growls in pain while he sits up. The count passes 5 of 20, then 10. Jake forces himself to stand at 13 and he manages to roll into the ring at 17. Yota runs up to DROPKICK the leg!
Yota grabs the leg and DRAGON SCREWS! The fans fire up for Yota again while Jake crawls to a corner. Jake wants mercy as he gets his leg to work. Yota grins and still runs up! GENE TRIGGER in the corner! Jake wobbles, but he steps forward to fire a forearm! Yota fires back! The fans rally up as the two go forearm for forearm! Jake wobbles again but he still fires back! The forearms keep going, and even pick up speed! The fans rally harder as the shots hit harder, then Yota BODY BLOWS, kicks the bad leg, then clinches! BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB STOMP! The fans cheer the Gene Combination while Yota drags Jake up.
Yota goes to a corner, but Jake stops him with a CHOP to the leg! Jake then climbs up to get Yota for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up for the big crash while Jake crawls to the cover, TWO! Yota survives and Jake grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Jake smiles, even as he hobbles and takes aim. Jake runs in, but Yota gets under the boot! RUNNING POWERBOMB! GENE TRIGGER! And then a GENE- BOOT!! Jake turns things around and both men are down! The fans rally even harder now while Red Shoes checks both men. They’re both able to continue, and Jake snarls as he stands up again.
Jake eggs Yota on and Yota rises up. Jake and Yota stare down, and Yota takes a moment to gather his strength. Yota winds up and CHOPS! The fans cheer while Jake wobbles! Jake shakes it off and comes back to CHOP! A bit blunt, but Yota comes back to CHOP again! Jake drops to a knee while the fans cheer. Yota eggs Jake on, and Jake returns to CHOP! And CHOP! Yota still eggs Jake on so Jake CHOPS again! Yota winds up and CHOPS! Jake staggers away while the fans cheer! Yota eggs Jake on again, then fires a forearm! Jake fires back and the shots go back and forth! Yota fires a flurry, but Jake CLUBS the other arm!
Yota goes for the bad leg but Jake ENZIGIRIS! Yota comes back, but into a KNEE! ROUNDHOUSE! Yota falls and Jake clutches his leg but the fans continue to rally up. Jake eggs Yota on and Yota sits up. Jake aims from the corner but Yota just grins. Yota stands and backs away to a corner. Yota hits his three point stance, ready for the shootout! They both run up, but Jake then sidesteps to send Yota into buckles! GERMAN SUPLEX! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! But Jake drags Yota up for a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Yota endures, powers up, and suplexes! But Jake fights that, and KNEES low! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!!
Yota endures while the fans rally up! Jake squeezes tight, Red Shoes checks on Yota, but Jake has to let go as his own leg is bothering him too much. Jake slaps the leg, then points to the sky. Jake drags Yota up, suplexes Yota, and SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up again! Jake drags Yota up, puts him in a corner, then goes to the far side. Jake runs in, but Yota dodges the boot! ENZIGIRI, and then Yota puts Jake up top! Yota climbs up behind him, then rains down ELBOW after ELBOW! Red Shoes is worried as Yota goes to the very top! And he dragon sleepers for the INVERTED SUPERPLEX!!
Jake flounders but Yota takes aim! GENE- KNEE!! Jake turns things around, then hauls Yota right up! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!?! The fans are thunderous and Jake reloads, FACE BREAK- HEADBUTT!! And HEADBUTT!! And- ROUNDHOUSE! But GENE BLASTER OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, TWO?!? Jake survives now but the fans fire up again! CURB STOMP! Jake sputters but Yota runs, CURB STOMP again! Yota roars, but Jake just laughs it all off! Jake headbutts buckles, bites the ropes, and flails around like a true maniac! But the GENE TRIGGER hits! Jake just laughs, but GENE BLASTER hits again!! Cover, YOTA WINS!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Champion)
Something just about snapped in Jake Lee’s mind, but his body could not make the same breakthrough! He’s helped out of the ring, and is even carried away from ringside. When and where will the Jester have another chance at the crown?
As for Yota, Tanahashi personally presents him with the top title and congratulates him on the win. Yota gets the mic to tell Jake, who suddenly sits back up, “With that, I think somewhere we have found your truth in between the lies and reality. I am looking forward to seeing what becomes of you in time to come.” Jake then flops back over and is carried away again. Yota continues by saying, “TO be honest, this might not be the right time to say this, but I have a responsibility to protect NJPW. So I have something to say in resolve. OI, BUSHI ROAD! Wrestlers are not cards in one of your games! We put our lives on the line in this ring and for these belts!
“Every wrestler has resolve, every wrestler puts their life in this ring, and more than that, we express our lives in this ring!” The fans applaud that, and Yota continues by saying he loves NJPW, he loves wrestling, and he wants the lion mark to shine even brighter. He will protect these belts, this ring, and this company. That is why Yota wants them all to be in the same line, to make this place bigger, and to walk together with him. The fans cheer Yota on for that! Yota adds that the future of NJPW is not just for him to make but for them all to make. From the staff to the fans to the wrestlers, they all have a part in that. Are you ready?
The fans applaud again as Yota proves just how serious he is about the sport he loves. The streamers fly as he holds up THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship! But then Yota says hold on, wait, there’s something more he needs to say. He cannot let things end like this. So all of Unbound Company, please join him in the ring. With that, Shingo Takagi, Taiji Ishimori, Robbie X, Drilla Moloney, Gedo, even Daiki Nagai and the Knock Out Brothers all walk out here to step into the ring. And Yota tells Hiromu-chan to get in here, too! Hiromu is a bit surprised, but Yota says he’s the guest of honor for this moment.
Hiromu hops off commentary and the fans cheer him on. Hiromu rolls into the ring and Yota says whatever happens for Hiromu in the future, from the bottom of Yota’s heart, know that Hiromu has Yota’s support. With that, Hiromu is given the mic so he can say a few words. The fans cheer Hiromu on, and he tells, “Yota-sama, arigato.” Hiromu is truly thankful for being given the time to speak. Hiromu’s also really fired up by what Yota’s been saying. So maybe then, Hiromu can speak his mind? Hiromu has been told by a lot of people that there’s nothing left for Hiromu in NJPW, nothing left for him as a Junior Heavyweight.
But no, there’s a ton of stuff left! Hiromu has said so many times that he wants to be a Junior Heavyweight Champion, a Heavyweight Champion, and wrestle in the main event. But right now, Hiromu doesn’t think he can do that. He hates himself for it, but just as he though that, he thought of something else. As Hiromu thought on it, he found a new dream. Hiromu has no regrets in leaving NJPW for now. So he doesn’t know if people will accept this, or what they’ll think, but Hiromu’s dream is again be Junior Heavyweight Champion, to win the Heavyweight Championship, and wrestle on “prime time!” And there’s one more belt that he wants!
With burning ambition, Hiromu thanks everyone for the 16 years! This isn’t goodbye, but see you later! Until we meet again, let’s have “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” A life without regrets, a life full of fun, a life where we enjoy NJPW, and a life where we enjoy Hiromu Takahashi! The fans cheer Hiromu on again, and he gives one last fist bump with all the boys! OSU! The fans cheer the bittersweet moment, and wait, Yuto is crying? Hiromu is front and center for one last photo op. Then they toss Hiromu up with a hip-hip-hooray, until they end up dropping Hiromu.
Hiromu coughs and sputters and Takagi pretends to give CPR. The good mood clearly shows everyone is optimistic about the future. The Unbound Company will carry on in the absence of Hiromu and Finlay, what new heights will they reach together?
My Thoughts:
A great event for New Beginning in Osaka, all thriller no filler (the match I skipped was a kickoff show match to send the Young Lions off). And they confirmed that Hiromu and Finlay were both leaving NJPW while confirming Drilla is staying, and maybe being a bit more coy about Gabe Kidd still going back and forth between NJPW and AEW. After all, Gabe didn’t come out at the end there with Unbound Company. Hiromu’s last match being a win while Taiji scored the fall was good stuff, as it works in story to frustrate Akira. And with War Dragons winning their match, it made sense Drilla would announce his renewed contract here.
On the flipside, Finlay losing to Callum also works for story as Callum is being built as the new star, perhaps specifically “top gaijin” in NJPW. Great match, and Callum adding that crown tattoo gimmick to his moveset is good stuff. He still borrows Overkill but perhaps he can make the crown tattoo lariat a replacement for that move. Finlay not saying anything about leaving might’ve just been from emotions, but also there probably wasn’t anything to add. Fans knew from the internet dirt sheets that he was leaving, so they probably all understood. The questions is, will Finlay go to AEW? Or will he go to WWE where his dad and brother work?
Cool news about Dominion being televised for Japanese viewers, it’s crazy to think they haven’t been able to watch their own top promotion “for free” on their cable or whatever. And then, I figured House of Torture would cheat in that NEVER Openweight title match, but man, they really upped things here. Wolf had a great showing in overcoming most of it, but the match was rather quick overall. Also something that might’ve flown under the radar is that Evil is already out of NJPW, perhaps headed to NOAH to join Naito and Bushi over there in their LIJ remix faction. For that matter, so is Sanada, so none of the classic LIJ members are in this new Unbound Company…
I’m also a little surprised TMDK lost the Six Man title match, but I did have a feeling ZSJ and Oiwa were both a bit above these belts and should be going for bigger titles. Great match from Gabe and Andrade, and Andrade getting the win here works. For one, Gabe still has story in AEW with Darby Allin to wrap up. Also, we got a lot of Yota VS Gabe last year, Yota VS Andrade is something fresh. Andrade is getting hot right now, but I don’t think he’ll win against Hangman at AEW Grand Slam: Australia. Hangman Page has the stronger story with MJF, and it’d let Andrade focus on Yota for New Beginnings: USA.
Speaking of which, good on The Demand to call out some NJPW stars for big matches at New Beginnings: USA. Knock Out Brothers VS Shota & Yuya might’ve been match of the night because the fans were just so hot for it. Well, they were hot when it was anyone other than Shota doing cool stuff. And I suppose Oskar & Ice retaining kinda had to happen cuz how awkward would it be if Yuya won for the team and the fans only half accept it? KOB VS GOA will be a great match, but I would think that’s a win for KOB. Ricochet VS Taiji for the National Championship will also be great, but I would also think Ricochet retains. If someone takes that title off Ricochet, it’d have to be someone who can go back and forth between AEW and their home company much easier, like a CMLL star.
Great main event for the IWGP (World) Heavyweight Championship, though it was perhaps a little too cerebral at first to follow such a hot tag match. Jake got to show a lot of this “Silent Jester” personality, though, especially with that craziness at the end. But in the end, Yota winning makes sense, he is pretty much the guy in NJPW right now. Him calling out Bushi Road was pretty wild, too, but it might be speaking to the real backstage policies that clearly lost NJPW a LOT of their best talent the last year or more. Okada, Ospreay, and quite a lot of names are in AEW or moving there, then the LIJ members are going to NOAH, something needs fixing so that NJPW doesn’t have to keep “rebuilding.” Hopefully Yota’s version of the Punk pipebomb will spark that change.
My Score: 9/10
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Once more around the round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors returns, yet Douki chooses not to compete! Who proves they’re “second best” to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS Hyo; Hyo wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki; Daisuke wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS Jakob Austin Young!
The Bone Soldier and #DangerousJAY get to set the tone for the first round with this opening match. Will Taiji be victorious #ByGrace? Or will he fall off Jakob’s Ladder?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, Jakob headlocks, but Taiji puts him on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji backs off, and the fans cheer the clean break. Taiji and Jakob go again, feel things out, then clinch. Jakob puts Taiji on the ropes, the ref calls the break, but Jakob gives a quick body jab. The fans boo but Jakob tells them to shut up. The two circle again, tie up, and Jakob headlocks. Taiji powers up and out but Jakob RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Taiji drops down, hurdles over, but Jakob waistlocks. Taiji fires elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Jakob tumbles, Taiji DROPKICKS him out!
The fans fire up as Taiji builds speed, but he tiger feints as Jakob moves! The fans cheer again, and then Taiji PLANCHAS! Down goes Jakob and the fans fire up again! Taiji goes back for Jakob, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Jakob is tougher than that but Taiji stays close. Taiji cravats to snapmare Jakob, then NECK TWIST! Jakob writhes but the fans applaud, and Taiji stalks Jakob. Taiji CLUBS Jakob, ROCKS him with a right, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Taiji wrenches and whips Jakob to a corner, then runs up, but Jakob puts Taiji on the apron. Jakob RAMS low, then pulls Taiji through the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!
The fans applaud Jakob’s creativity while Taiji slumps down. Jakob builds speed to WRECK Taiji with a dropkick! Jakob says crowns up, then he fetches Taiji. Jakob SMACKS Taiji off the apron, the ref reprimands, but Jakob puts Taiji in the ring. Jakob mocks the fans applauding, then slides into the ring. Cover, TWO! Jakob stomps Taiji while he argues the count. Jakob taunts Taiji, pats him on the head, but Taiji fires CHOPS! Jakob eggs Taiji on so Taiji CHOPS again! Jakob felt that one, but he dodges the lariat to wrench and spin Taiji around, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Taiji survives.
Jakob stands Taiji up, suplexes, but Taiji slips free. Taiji ducks a shot to then CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Jakob reverses, but Taiji handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! Down goes Jakob and the fans applaud. Taiji and Jakob rise, Taiji runs in at the corner, and he DOUBLE KNEES! Then Taiji fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji waits on Jakob while we pass five minutes. Jakob rises, Taiji runs up, LA MYST- NO, Jakob blocks to THROW Taiji down! Then dragon sleeper for the SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again!
Jakob frowns as he storms back over to Taiji. Jakob grabs the legs, steps through, but Taiji kicks and kicks. Taiji kicks free, but Jakob SLIDING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakob argues with the ref again but the ref defends his count. Taiji stirs but Jakob brings him up. Jakob cravats, goes to the corner, but Taiji slips free! BUCKLE SHOT! The fans cheer while Jakob sputters in the corner. Taiji rises again, and the fans rally as he brings Jakob up. Taiji whips but Jakob blocks! Taiji wrenches the arm to YANK it! Jakob falls to his knees but Taiji stands him up. Hammerlock, scoop, and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Jakob survives.
Taiji stays focused and he brings Jakob up. Taiji ripcords, LA MYSTI- NO, Jakob slips free! Jakob CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, but Jakob ROCKS Taiji with a forearm! Jakob runs, but Taiji is up to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up again and Taiji calls his shot! Taiji hauls Jakob up, gut wrenches, and CIPHER UT- NO, Jakob catches it to a cover, TWO! Taiji victory rolls, TWO! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Jakob flails, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him to center! Jakob TAPS, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Jakob earns 0)
The tone is set, and it is Unbound! Will that be exactly how Taiji’s run goes? Or will he still fall short of his first BOSJ trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: SHO VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Wait, wait, wait. Douki choosing to stay out of this tournament is one thing, but the Murder Machine and Heel Master facing each other in the first round? Well, the fix is in already, but who will help the other get an easy win?
Well, since they’re both House of Torture, no one attacks the other. And it seems they’re both out here alone, if only for now. Wait, Sho grabs the mic. “This is a battle of two of the absolute best Junior Heavyweights. And it is a disgrace that this incredible match is only second on the card. The power balance of this division is so screwed up. But to make sure this makes everyone regrets this, Kanemaru-san, you and I are gonna have the best match of this entire tournament! And we know we’re not coming out of this unscathed. This will be a Match of the Year contender!
“And all these country bumpkins in Tokyo will see the best match of their entire lives, even though they don’t deserve it! This should be in the Tokyo Dome with a minimum buy-in of 100 MILLION Yen! Kanemaru-san, I don’t want to hurt you. But let’s have a great match, and as your kouhai, you’ll do me a solid and lie down.” Kanemaru agrees to a fair match, the two “put one out” together, and then the bell rings. Kanemaru already lies down!? Finger Poke of Doom 2026! Sho applauds, the fans clap along, and Kanemaru snatches Sho into the victory roll! TWO!! Kanemaru bails out and Sho is upset! Kanemaru argues the count while the fans laugh at Sho!
Sho is upset, he raises the ref’s hand, then he grabs Kanemaru’s bottle of whiskey! The ref and Sho fight over the bottle, but Kanemaru slithers in, and he’s holding Sho’s wrench! Kanemaru sneaks the Torture Tool into Sho’s waistband, and then shoves him around. The ref sees the wrench in Sho’s pants! Now they argue over the wrench! Kanemaru rolls Sho up, TWO! Headlock takeover, TWO! Trip and jackknife bridge, TWO!! The fans cheer Kanemaru for how close he got! Sho is still beside himself but Kanemaru bails out. Kanemaru goes around the outside, Sho chases him and says how dare he mess around!
Sho round the corner, Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru SMASHES the leg off the floor! Then FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer but a ring count climbs! Sho flails, reaches out, but Kanemaru holds until 12 of 20! Kanemaru leaves Sho behind, but Sho grabs Kanemaru’s legs! Sho drags Kanemaru off the apron, fans clear out, and Sho THROWS Kanemaru into chairs! Then Sho sends a Young Lion into Kanemaru! The count is still going!! We pass 15 as Kanemaru sends Young Lion Taisei Nakahara back at Sho! The fans cheer as Kanemaru rolls in! 18! 19! Sho slides in at 19.99! The fans cheer while Kanemaru is shocked!
Kanemaru apologizes to Sho? Kanemaru offers a handshake, the fans cheer, but Sho says Kanemaru needs to watch himself. Sho takes the handshake, then bends Kanemaru’s fingers! Kanemaru CLAWS Sho with his other hand! Kanemaru runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield, but then so does Kanemaru! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Sho! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s fingers! Kanemaru grabs his whiskey! The ref protests, Kanemaru shoves him away, then Kanemaru takes a swig. But Sho smothers Kanemaru! Kanemaru breaks free, but Sho just smothers him again! Kanemaru’s at his limit, and Sho lets go, WHISKEY MIST into the ref!
The ref is blinded, Sho laughs at them both, and Sho says that should be a disqualification, right? IT IS!
Winner: Sho, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Kanemaru is mad at the ref and TOSSES him out! Poor Sakamoto… Sho apologizes to Kanemaru now, but they were both playing dirty anyway. They fist bump and head out, but will the trickery only continue until one of them is the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Daiki Nagai!
The Funky Weapon has had his moments in this tournament, but the Unbound Young Lion is finally having his first! Will Taguchi be serious right from the start? Or will he underestimate his young opponent?
Oh snap, Daiki SHOTGUNS Taguchi during introductions! The fans fire up as Daiki shows how serious he is about this! The bell rings as he whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to start up the cycle of dropdown and sidestep! But Daiki knows it well and DROPKICKS Taguchi out! The fans fire up as Daiki builds speed, and DIVES! Down goes Taguchi right in front of the fans! The fans fire up with Daiki and he brings Taguchi up. Daiki says here goes, and he climbs up the corner! Taguchi stands, Daiki MISSILE DROPKICKS! Taguchi flounders away but Daiki runs in at the corner! Taguchi dodges, rolls Daiki, then DROPKICKS in return!
The fans rally as Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds but lets go as the ref reprimands. Things finally slow down and Taguchi can take off his shirt. Taguchi CHOKES Daiki with it! The ref reprimands, Taguchi stops right away, and he apologizes for getting mad. Taguchi reels Daiki in, has the leg, but Daiki fights the lift! Taguchi fires body shots to then SHIN BREAKER! And DROPKICK to the leg! The fans rally as Taguchi grabs OH MY GAH ANKLE! Daiki flails, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, but then kneels on the leg for a toehold.
Daiki grabs the ropes again, the ref counts, and Taguchi steps away. Taguchi drags Daiki up to HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Daiki rises but Taguchi brings him up. Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Daiki, repeat! The shots go back and forth, Taguchi fires a flurry, then he runs, but Taguchi follows! HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Daiki still knows the tricks, and he waistlocks. Taguchi fights with elbows, then more elbows, then he feints the run! But Daiki avoids the hips! But Taguchi victory rolls again! TWO, and Daiki DROPKICKS! Taguchi falls into a corner and the fans fire up again! Daiki has a wild look in his eyes as he goes to the other corner.
Daiki runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Daiki hurries to drag Taguchi out, covers, TWO! The fans fire up again while Daiki goes to a corner. Daiki climbs, the fans rally, and Daiki DIVING BODY FLOPS as Taguchi moves! Daiki sputters while Taguchi crawls to a corner. Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “OYA~!” BUM- NO, Daiki rolls Taguchi up! TWO, and Taguchi dodges a lariat to roll Daiki up! TWO, and OH MY- NO, Daiki kicks free! SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO!! Daiki survives and the fans fire up, but Taguchi hauls Daiki right up! Taguchi chicken wings and DODON- NO, Daiki victory rolls, TWO!
Daiki ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Daiki rebounds to CHOP! Daiki runs, but into a DROPKICK! Taguchi hurries to cover, TWO, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki flails again, reaches out, and the fans rally even harder! Taguchi puts on the pressure but Daiki still fights his way forward! Daiki reaches out but Taguchi drags him back! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Daiki claws with everything he has, but Taguchi YANKS Daiki back! Chicken wings and DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi wins!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Daiki earns 0)
Taguchi got serious because Daiki brought it out of him! And with that, Taguchi already has his first win in this year’s tournament! Will Taguchi prove that the Funky Weapon still has what it takes? Will Daiki learn from this and make sure his first win is in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: YOH VS HYO!
A curious match-up here, and not just because you can rearrange one man’s name and spell the other’s. But will Mr. Direct Drive kick it into gear right from the start? Or will The Black Panther prove he’s the apex predator in this tournament?
The fans have a hard time making heads or tails of the ring gear, and Yoh asks for a little help with the halter top. Hyo makes sure his little snow leopard, Nyan Nyan, is comfortable in the corner, then the bell rings. The two run up, Hyo leaps over the dropdown, then mule kicks. Hyo whips, Yoh reverses, but Hyo goes up and over, then handsprings through! Things really speed up, and the panther gets the zoomies as he runs around Yoh! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Yoh bails out! Hyo shows his claws, and the fans rally up as Hyo builds speed. But Hyo handsprings through as Yoh moves!
The fans cheer and Yoh THROWS Nyan Nyan down! The fans boo Yoh for that, Hyo flexes and the fans cheer. But Yoh sneaks in to wrench and trip Hyo! Yoh ties Hyo up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh stands on Hyo, then “kicks sand” before he runs around like a cat! Yoh “pees” on Hyo, maybe he’s a dog instead. Yoh then runs to DROPKICK Hyo outta Paradise! Yoh drags Hyo up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hyo fights free, wrenches, then NEKODAMASHI CLAP! Cradle, TWO! Yoh rolls Hyo, TWO! Hyo runs up, sunset flips, TWO! Yoh sits on the cover, TWO! Hyo has it again, TWO! Yoh has it again, TWO!!
The fans cheer that near escape, but Yoh kicks and runs. But Hyo blows past, and now both men have the zoomies! They chase each other like cats ‘n’ dogs, then STUNNER to SOMERSAULT DRIVER! Cover, HYO WINS!!
Winner: Hyo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Panther snatches that win like a rabbit out of the hat! Hyo shows Yoh respect with the Roppongi 3K salute, AND A KISS?! Yoh faints, will he be able to recover from that? Or will Hyo hunt down the top spot in the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Robbie X VS Nick Wayne!
The former IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion and the former ROH World Television Champion (sorry if that’s spoilers/breaking kayfabe) meet in hopes of each becoming the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Will things get too extreme for The Prodigy? Or will NJPW enter Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie and Nick circle, tie up, and Robbie headlocks. Nick powers up and out, but Robbie handsprings! Nick stops the cutter, but Robbie fights the full nelson! Robbie trips Nick, but Nick avoids the PK! Nick arm-drags Robbie, Robbie headscissors, but Nick kips free to kick low! Nick whips, Robbie goes up and over in the corner, then handsprings! Things keep moving, Nick hurdles to then UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Nick kips up again! Robbie flounders away but Nick storms over to him. Nick drags Robbie up, CHOPS him in the corner, then follows him along the ropes.
Robbie goes to another corner but Nick kisses him on the bald head before he CHOPS again! Nick then snapmares Robbie, leg drops, then covers, TWO! Robbie is tougher than that but Nick keeps his cool. Nick stalks Robbie, brings him up, but Robbie CHOPS! The fans cheer but Nick comes back. Robbie ROCKS Nick, ROCKS him again, then again! But Nick ROCKS Robbie back! Nick stalks Robbie, whips him to ropes, but Robbie avoids the superkick! Nick runs up, Robbie cartwheels to dodge! Nick tumbles out to the apron, Robbie NO HAND HANDSPRINGS to knock Nick down! Then Robbie reloads, PLANCHA! Down goes Nick and the fans fire up!
Robbie brings Nick up, puts him in the ring, and slingshots for the SILVER FLIP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nick is still in this but the fans rally behind Robbie. Robbie checks his neck, then brings Nick up. Robbie reels Nick in but Nick fights the lift. Robbie still tries but Nick still fights. Robbie winds up to CHOP Nick down! The fans cheer but Robbie reels Nick back in, only for Nick to BACKDROP free! Robbie sunsets but Nick sits on it, TWO! Robbie finishes the flip, TWO! Nick is up, he dodges Robbie, and SNAP DRAGONS! The fans fire up for that very Kenny Omega level move! Nick then waits on Robbie to get up while he takes aim.
Nick runs corner to corner, but Robbie dodges! Robbie runs back up, blocks a boot, but not the ENZIGIRI! Nick goes up, up, WAYNE’S- NO, Robbie dodges the cutter and mule kicks! Robbie goes to run but Nick reels him in! Robbie fights the waistlock again, but Nick ducks a shot! Nick ROCKS Robbie, Robbie ELBOWS Nick, and PELES! The fans fire up with Robbie as he powers up again, only for Nick to jump up! POISON-RANA! The fans rally while Robbie is down! Nick calls his shot, gathers power, and Robbie rises up, into the BUZZ- NO, Robbie ducks, jumps up, POISON-RANA! The fans fire up as Robbie returns the favor!
Nick bails out, but Robbie springboards, SKY TWISTER! Down goes Nick but Robbie puts him in fast! Robbie handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Robbie is shocked! The fans rally even harder for Robbie as he rises up. Robbie drags Nick to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and X EX- NO, Robbie has to roll through as Nick moves! Robbie runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Robbie is down but Nick leans against the corner as he catches his breath. The fans rally up harder and harder still, and Nick rises to his feet. Nick calls his shot, and he goes up, into WAYNE’S- BACKSLIDE! TWO!
Nick BOOTS Robbie, runs, but Robbie ROCKS Nick! Robbie runs, Nick blows past, but Robbie dodges, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Nick hits the anti-air, and now he calls his shot! BUZZSAW, and WAYNE’S WORLD! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
He may have lost the title, but Nick rebounds to get a major win in the tournament! Will nothing stop The Prodigy from proving he’s the next big thing? Can Robbie get the X Express back on track in the second round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Robbie Eagles!
The Time Splitter returns to NJPW, hoping to prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors. But he now stands in the crosshairs of the Sniper of the Skies! Will Kushida still bring us Back to the Future? Or will Eagles fly high right from the start?
Wait, Kushida is going barefoot for this! Eagles says okay, hold on. “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” The fans applaud, but then a “KU-SHI-DA!” chant starts in response. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Kushida rolls, and he grabs a leg. Eagles fights that off to step over and cover, ONE! Kushida trips Robbie, has a toehold, but Robbie rolls and reels Kushida in, only for Kushida to use that and get the headlock for his own. The fans applaud this technical exchange, but then Eagles slips out to hammerlock!
Eagles reaches over but Kushida rolls to then headscissors! The fans applaud again, and Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles endures, bridges, but Kushida puts on the pressure. Eagles kips free, but Kushida reels him back into the headscissors! The fans applaud, but Eagles fights around. Eagles rolls to turn Kushida over, then he pops out to trap the legs. Eagles rolls Kushida, but Kushida twists a foot! Kushida turns Eagles over, ties the legs up, then floats to a headlock. Eagles powers out to stand on Kushida’s arm, but Kushida slips away. The fans applaud the standoff as the two reset and circle again.
Kushida rushes Eagles, Eagles holds off the armlock but the body scissors are still on! Eagles powers through to drop Kushida down and have a toehold. Eagles bends toes! The ref reprimands, Eagles teases about “this little piggy,” but Kushida hooks Eagles’ nose! Eagles shakes that off but Kushida tries again. Kushida waistlocks, bridges, but Eagles moves, so Kushida floats to an ARMBAR! Eagles rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets go, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kushida rolls, trips Eagles, then has the toehold. Eagles tries to headscissors, but Kushida shrugs that off.
Kushida pulls Eagles’ arm into tying up the legs, then he steps over. It’s not exactly Paradise as Kushida uses his legs to bend and crunch Eagles! Eagles powers up and trips Kushida to then SPLAYED STRETCH! Kushida endures, even as Eagles reclines back, so Eagles floats over to a cover. ONE, Eagles waistlocks but Kushida rolls. Cover, ONE, and Eagles trips Kushida. Kushida chinbars to wrangle Eagles into a chinlock. Eagles endures so Kushida shifts to a motorcycle stretch, and LEG HOOK NELSON! Eagles endures, pushes back, and rolls to have a leg! Eagles has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans cheer as Eagles sits Kushida up, INDIAN COBRA TWIST!!
Kushida endures, pries at the arm, then rolls to leg hook and float, ARMBAR! Eagles pries free, and the fans cheer the technical master class! Eagles and Kushida reset again, feel things out, then tie up. Eagles goes for an arm, but so does Kushida. Kushida chinbars but Eagles arm-drags! Eagles steps over, Kushida kicks free, but Eagles handsprings through. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They approach, and Kushida KICKS the leg! Then he grapevines the leg to trip Eagles. Eagles pries at toes but Kushida stands to change up his hold. Eagles slips through to drop toehold Kushida into the waistlock. Kushida fights up, switches, then arm-drags.
Kushida chicken wings the arms and he works to turn Eagles. Eagles endures but Kushida powers through to a cradle! TWO, and Kushida ducks a chop to roll back! Kushida goes up but Eagles blocks the arm-drag! Eagles arm-drags back, then trips Kushida. Eagles runs, handsprings over the dropdown, but Kushida is after the arm! Eagles wrenches through, breaks free, but Kushida blocks a kick! Eagles drops to trip Kushida, ANKLE- NO, Kushida rolls back, bridges, TWO! Eagles body scissors and rolls to a cover, TWO! Both men RAM shoulders! And RAM again! And again! The fans fire up as the two stare down.
Kushida offers a handshake, Eagles accepts, but Eagles stomps the toes! The fans boo but Eagles says Kushida baka. Eagles runs up, gets a leg, but Kushida steps over to cover, TWO! Eagles sunset flips, TWO! Kushida sits on it, TWO! Kushida rolls to highs tack, TWO! Eagles has Kushida, TWO! Kushida, ONE! Eagles, ONE! They teetertotter and the ref can’t even keep up! The fans cheer as this turns into a rolling cradle! Eagles finally has it, TWO!! Kushida escapes in time and Eagles is stunned! Eagles runs up but Kushida jumps the 619! Kushida somersaults, but Eagles stops the DDT! Eagles slips around, rolls Kushida up, TWO!
Eagles has the leg, steps through, but Kushida cradles, TWO! Eagles has it, TWO! Both men stand, Eagles jumps up, RANA! But Kushida sunset flips it! TWO!! The fans are thunderous as both men get up! Kushida FLAPJACKS, but Eagles avoids the PK! Eagles wrenches the leg, SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and TURBO- NO, Kushida slips through the backpack to cradle and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
It feels like forever since we’ve seen Kushida win with that move here in NJPW, but seeing it again brings us right back! Will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour and return to former glory? Will the Sniper of the Skies just have to reload and try again in the next round?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Master Wato VS Titan!
The Way of the Grandmaster is still on the long road to the top, but the same goes for El Inmortal’s journey. Who will take another step closer to their goal of being the Best of the Super Juniors?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The crowd is split between them, and the two tie up. Wato trips Titan, things speed up, and Titan hurdles to then drop down. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS! Titan bails out, Wato builds speed, but Titan is up fast to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Wato bails out, Titan builds speed, and fans clear out before Titan DIVES! Wato tumbles into the chairs! The ref checks and Wato is able to continue. Titan roars as he rises up and the fans cheer. Titan puts Wato in the ring, pushes him around, then fireman’s carries for the DEATH VALLEY NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud was Wato toughs it out. Titan stomps Wato, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the back. Titan snapmares Wato, runs and basement DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Titan hurries to tie up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Wato endures, drags Titan along, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go while the fans applaud. Wato shakes out the legs, Titan stomps him around, then Titan kicks at him. Wato scowls but Titan SOBATS! Titan eggs Wato on again, then brings him up. Wato fires a shot but Titan CLUBS and KNEES Wato in return. Another fireman’s carry but Wato fights free!
Wato swings, Titan ducks, and Titan fires off a strike fest! Titan runs, but into an ELBOW! Wato runs but ducks a shot to ZIGZAG! But Titan kips up to PELE! Wato PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Wato crawls to ropes, rises up, and he runs to CLOBBER Titan! And CLOBBER again! Wato whips Titan, then DROPKICKS him down! Titan bails out, the fans fire up, and Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES and down goes Titan! The fans cheer while both men are down in front of the front row again. A ring count starts, but Wato rises at 7 of 20. Wato stands at 10 and fires up with the fans!
Wato brings Titan up, puts him in at 14, and takes aim. The fans applaud as Wato climbs the corner, then leaps in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans cheer again. Wato drags Titan up, wrenches and clinches, but Titan fights the lift! Wato CLUBS Titan, whips him, but Titan reverses to TORANDO DDT! And then roll through to suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! But Titan steps through, ties up the legs, and rolls for LLAVE INMORTAL! The fans fire up as Titan bridges back and bends Wato! Wato fights, fights, and powers his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Titan lets go in frustration.
Titan roars and the fans rally again. Titan pounds the mat, the fans clap along, and Titan waits on Wato. Wato rises, Titan SUPER- NO, Wato ducks, but Titan BUZZSAWS! Titan goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and the fans fire up, but Wato CLUBS Titan first! Titan drops onto the corner, Wato climbs up, and Wato brings Titan back up! Titan holds onto the corner, fires elbows, then he trips Wato! Wato falls into the Tree of Woe! Titan turns around, WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Titan throws off his elbow pads, then rolls his way back to the corner. Titan skins the cat to rise back up!
Titan aims while Wato is down, LA LANC- NO, Wato dodges, runs up, crucifix takedown, into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO?!? Titan survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato grows frustrated, but he hurries to waistlock. TSU- NO, Titan rolls, hooks a leg, but Wato reels Titan into a cradle! TWO, and ROUNDHOUSE! Wato hurries to spin, but Titan blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Then a step through and SHARPSHOOTER!! Wato endures, reaches out, but Titan pulls him back to center!! Wato flails, but Titan bridges on the hold! WATO TAPS, TITAN WINS!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
It wasn’t quite Llave Inmortal, but it might’ve been even stronger! Titan borrows a fan’s flag of Mexico to celebrate his home and his people. Will Titan represent them both as he proves he was born for such a time as this? Or will Wato still prove he is the Way to the Grandmaster?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 B Block: El Desperado VS Daisuke Sasaki!
The Rogue Luchador won the tournament back in 2024, and is looking to repeat history so that he may have his revenge on Douki. However, he’s up against Charisma Itself! Will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors two years later? Or will Daisuke prove he is the future of this division?
Before they get started, Despy offers a handshake. Daisuke is wary, but he accepts. They both kiss the other’s hand, then the bell rings. The fans duel as the two circle, but then Daisuke bails out. The fans boo but Despy waits on Daisuke. Daisuke steps back into the ring, circles with Despy, and they feel things out. They tie up, Daisuke waistlocks, but Despy wrenches to wristlock. Daisuke spins through, wrenches back, and wristlocks to then snapmare. Daisuke keeps on the arm but Despy fights around. Despy rolls, trips Daisuke, and has the toehold. Daisuke chinbars in return but Despy digs his elbow into the knee.
Daisuke chinlocks and pries Despy off the leg, but Despy kicks back to the ROPEBREAK! Daisuke lets go, Despy bails out, and now Daisuke waits. Despy takes his time returning, and the two reset. The fans rally as they feel things out, and they knuckle lock. But then Despy wrenches the arm to snapmare Daisuke, sit him up, and ghost pin, TWO! Daisuke slips around to headlock, but Despy powers up and out. Despy headlocks, Daisuke slips through to headlock, but Despy powers up and out again. Daisuke RUNS Despy over! Then he fakes Despy out to headlock, but Despy rolls. Daisuke rolls through, Despy trips him, STRETCH MUFFLER!
Daisuke scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer. Despy kneels on Daisuke, pretends to not understand what’s wrong, then he digs his knees in. The ref counts, Despy backs off, and Despy apologizes while Daisuke bails out. Despy waits, but Daisuke offers Despy to step outside. It’ll be a clean fight! Despy says step inside and it’ll be clean in here! Despy asks why it has to be outside. Daisuke CLAWS Despy’s eyes! Then he turns Despy for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke drags Despy outside. Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the apron, then has fans clear out!
Daisuke stands Despy up, but he’s going to commentary! Despy fights back, but now Daisuke fights the desk bump! Daisuke SMACKS Despy off the desk, then grabs someone’s chair! The ref reprimands, but Daisuke puts the chair around Despy’s neck and POSTS him! The fans are torn while Despy writhes, but Daisuke leaves Despy behind. The fans rally for Despy as a ring count begins, and Despy is still down at 5 of 20. Despy sits up at 7, Daisuke wants the count to hurry up. Despy stands at 10 and rolls into the ring, only for Daisuke to DROPKICK him in the head! Despy scrambles away, clutching his neck, but Daisuke pursues!
Daisuke puts Despy back in, pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Despy toughs it out, but Daisuke KNEES him in the back of the neck! And then drops a knee on the same spot! And again! The fans rally up for Despy but Daisuke steps on him at the ropes. Daisuke then drags Despy up, puts him through ropes, and bends him back! The ref counts, Daisuke stops, then he drags Despy around to FISHERMAN SCREW! Despy sputters, but he BODY BLOWS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then eggs him on. Daisuke slaps Despy around, Despy slaps back, so Daisuke slaps again. Despy SMACKS Daisuke down!
The fans fire up for Despy while Daisuke is dazed. But then Daisuke kicks the leg out, and he slips around, STF! Despy endures, reaches out, but Daisuke shifts to a CROSSFACE! Despy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Daisuke lets go to drop knee after knee on Despy’s back! Daisuke then stalks Despy to ropes, brings him around, and turns him, but Despy slips free! Despy has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Then a DROPKICK to the leg! Daisuke hobbles to a corner while the fans rally again. Despy runs up on Daisuke, blocks a boot, and KICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Daisuke hobbles but he falls over. The fans rally as Despy grabs that leg, but Daisuke kicks free. Despy kicks Daisuke’s leg, then BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Despy keeps on Daisuke, BIG back suplex! Despy hurries to haul Daisuke up again, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Daisuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. Despy drags Daisuke over to a drop zone, then climbs the corner! The fans rally, but Daisuke goes to the apron. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up the corner. The fans and the ref are all worried as both men try to suplex the other from the outside!
Despy fires body shots, he steps inside, and then SUPERPLEXES Daisuke into the ring! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy crawls but Daisuke bails out. So Despy builds speed, but has to stop the dive as Daisuke slides in! Then Daisuke runs to RAM Despy off the apron! Despy tumbles into the chairs, but Daisuke is right after him! Daisuke drags Despy up to make him take a seat. Daisuke CLUBS Despy, then throws off his shirt before he climbs up the corner! The fans go nuts already as Daisuke aims, SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY onto Despy and the chairs!! The fans are thunderous for that wild risk Daisuke just took!
The ref checks both men, and somehow, they’re both able to continue. Daisuke hobbles away from the crash site to roll into the ring. Daisuke then goes back outside with a fresh ring count. Daisuke puts Despy in he ring at 8 of 20, then climbs up again! FLYING LARIAT! Daisuke hurries to reel Despy in, underhooks, and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives but Daisuke hurries to SUPERKICK! Despy is up but Daisuke runs, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy makes it a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Despy stirs, as does Daisuke, and they both slowly rise back up. Despy fires a forearm first, then another!
Despy fires another, but Daisuke ROCKS Despy with a haymaker! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Despy SPINEUBSTERS! High stack, TWO, but into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Daisuke fights, reaches out, but Despy reels him into NUMERO DOS! Daisuke still fights, fights, but Despy drags him back! NUMERO DOS PLUS, but Daisuke rolls it around and around into a CROSSFACE!! Despy endures while the fans rally as hard as they can! Despy fights over, but Daisuke rolls him away from the ropes! Then Daisuke grabs the other arm, only for Despy to roll to a cradle! TWO!! Both men stand, Despy shoots around to then lift, and DOUBLE KNEE-
NO, Daisuke turns it into a DDT! Then Daisuke aims from a corner, runs up, LA MYSTIC- ARM-DRAG COUNTER! Daisuke kicks free of the stack, then uses the ref as a shield! Despy dosidos with the ref, but Daisuke shoves Despy into the ref! Daisuke whips, Despy reverses, and Daisuke ends up in a corner. Despy runs up, but into a pop-up LOW BLOW!! LA MYSTICA! CROSSFACE!! DESPY TAPS, DAISUKE WINS!!
Winner: Daisuke Sasaki, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Well, Daisuke was taught by Dick Togo, so perhaps such tactics should’ve been expected. But will Daisuke make sure NJPW is #NeverSober? Will Desperado still find his way to the BOSJ finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 33 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Crown of Fire have the honor of closing out opening night, but only one can finish strong! Will Fujita remind Akira that The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will even The Mighty be conquered by the United Empire?
But wait, Fujita CLOBBERS Akira with a chair outta nowhere! Where’d he even come from?! Fujita rains down fists on Akira while the fans are torn, but Fujita then drags Akira up with a headlock. Red Shoes reprimands, but Fujita takes Akira right to the West sign to SMACK him off it! And SMACK him off it again, and again! Fujita laughs, the fans cheer, and Fujita brings Akira to the ring. The bell finally sounds but Fujita deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Akira survives but Fujita brings him back up. Akira fights free and bails out, but Fujita goes to the apron. PENALTY KICK, then QUEBRADA!
The fans are torn as indeed, the Japanese Young Punk bullies and mugs Akira. Red Shoes checks Akira but Fujita has fans clear out. But then Akira throat chops Fujita! Akira whips, Fujita reverses, but Akira stops short of the chairs! Fujita runs up, but Akira THROWS him into the chairs! Not quite a strike but Akira is pissed! Akira whips Fujita hard into more chairs! Akira then huffs ‘n’ puffs, busted open on his forehead, the red standing out against his new green hair dye. Akira says if Fujita wants to fight like that, he’ll fight like that! Akira brings a TABLE out from under the ring! Red Shoes reprimands but Akira SHOVES him down!
The fans are torn while Akira fetches Fujita. Akira SMACKS Fujita off the table, then puts him on the apron. Akira climbs up to join Fujita, and he brings Fujita up to fireman’s carry! Akira aims, but Fujita slips free! Akira ROCKS Fujita first, then brings Fujita up the ropes! Fujita fights the suplex, UPPERCUTS Akira, then runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! The fans duel while Akira rises up. Akira rains down forearms on Fujita, then drops back to a corner. Akira has them check his bloody forehead real quick, it seems to have stopped bleeding. Akira CHOPS Fujita, and Fujita sputters. Akira scoops and SLAMS Fujita, then pushes him to a cover, TWO!
Akira sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira brings Akira into a headscissors squeeze. Fujita endures, fights forward, but Akira puts on more pressure! Fujita kicks and kicks and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira snarls, then he kicks at Fujita. Akira KICKS Fujita in the back, eggs him on, so Fujita stands. Fujita ROCKS Akira with forearm after forearm, but Akira ROCKS him back! Akira then back suplexes, but Fujita lands out! Akira kicks and whips, Fujita reverses and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Akira bails out, Fujita goes up, out, and tightrope walks, only for Akira to slide in! Fujita hops down, springboards back up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Akira tumbles out the side. Fujita just goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Fujita takes Akira AND Zane Jay down! Fujita brings Akira back into the ring, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Fujita waistlocks Akira. Deadlift- NO, Akira fights the suplex, reaches for ropes, but Fujita brings him back. Fujita ducks the elbow, then ties up the legs, NEMOS- NO, Akira crawls, crawls, and makes the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Fujita lets go. Fujita storms back up on Akira, grabs a leg, but Akira clings to the ropes. Red Shoes counts, but Akira BOOTS Fujita way. Then he sidesteps, trips Fujita, and puts him under the ropes! CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Akira LIONSAULTS onto Fujita’s back! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives and the fans fire up again, but Akira just grits his teeth. Akira drags Fujita around, reels him in, and SPEED- NO, Fujita blocks Speedfire! Akira still tries but Fujita stops him again. Akira KNEES low again and again, but Fujita grabs that leg! Fujita wrenches, but Akira KNEES low! SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally again while Akira paces. Akira rains down fists but Red Shoes reprimands. Akira stops, taunts the fans cheering Fujita, then tells them to watch this! Akira drags Fujita up, and SMACKS him off the mat! And SMACKS him off the mat again! Akira then taunts the fans for no longer chanting for Fujita! The fans boo, but Akira sits Fujita up again. Fujita blocks the throw this time! Akira KNEES Fujita, SMACKS him off the mat again, and NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Red Shoes checks, and both men stir. They slowly rise up, and Akira grabs at Fujita.
Fujita and Akira both pull hair as they sit up. Fujita fires the first forearm, but Akira responds in kind! Fujita fires back, Akira staggers, but Akira returns to ROCK Fujita! Fujita ROCKS Akira, Akira ROCKS Fujita, repeat! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Fujita laughs it off! Fujita SMACKS Akira! Akira SMACKS Fujita! They start a SLAP fight, and the fans fire up as it gets fast ‘n’ furious! Fujita SMACKS Akira again and again, then winds up, but Akira ENZIGIRIS! Akira runs, but Fujita ELBOWS him! Fujita runs but Akira LARIATS! Akira runs, but into a SPIN HEEL KICK! The fans are thunderous as Fujita DEADLIFT GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Akira survives again and the fans are torn right down the middle! Akira rolls to the apron but Fujita isn’t far behind. Fujita GAMANGIRIS, then he looks to Akira’s table! Akira clings to ropes but Fujita tries to pull him away! Akira ELBOWS Fujita, then slips under to POST him! Fujita falls to the floor, Akira leaps and RAN- NO! Fujita stops the rana to then swing Akira up! And he POWERBOMBS Akira through the table!! The fans are thunderous again and Fujita drags Akira back up. Fujita puts Akira in, then whips him for a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO?!? But Fujita has the arms trapped!!
Akira endures as Fujita pulls on the arm! The fans rally and duel as hard as they have all night, and Akira adds a cording hold! Akira kicks, kicks, flails, but Fujita grabs the leg! BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH, but Akira gives one last gasp! ROPEBREAK!! Fujita lets go but he vows to end it now! Fujita hauls Akira up, torture racks, but Akira fights with elbows! Fujita squats, but stands up! Akira slips through and hooks the arms, but Fujita spins through! Akira ducks, backslide, NOVA- NO, Fujita rolls through it to have the legs! NEMOS- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!??! Akira hurries to run up, wheelbarrow, but Fujita stops the roll!
Fujita hauls Akira up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Akira rises?!? Akira runs up, Fujita gets around him, POISON-RANA! NOVA FIREBALL?!?!? Cover, TWO?!?!? Fujita survives and Akira is beside himself! The fans are electric as Akira rises. Akira roars, vows to end it, and he drags Fujita up to reel him in. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- CRADLE and deadlift! THRILLRIDE!!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
It was an epic not only worthy of the main event, but perhaps even the finals! But in the end, the Crown of Fire is the one that burned out! Will Akira still be able to prove he’s the best after this unfortunate start?
As for Fujita, he sits back and gets the mic. “Oi, you big idiot! You’re sure one strong SOB! And every single time I wrestle you in BOSJ, it’s the match I’m most looking forward to. Everything here is over the top excellence, and that is something you see on the regular with me. And so, I think this year is mine to win. Every expectation you have of me, I will see you, raise you, and surpass those expectations!” With that mighty finish, will Fujita become the youngest man to go back-to-back as BOSJ Champion?
Here are the A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
Daiki Nagai: 0-1, 0 points
Valiente Jr: [did not compete]
Jun Kasai: [did not compete]
Here are the B Block standings!
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
HYO: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Daisuke Sasaki: 1-0, 2 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
Jakob Austin Young: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome opening round for BOSJ, and it wasn’t even all the participants with Valiente Jr. and Jun Kasai for whatever reason not here tonight. Maybe travel stuff kept them from arriving in time? Otherwise, the tenth match on the card would’ve been Valiente VS Kasai. But even without them, great matches from start to finish, but that’s par for the course when it comes to NJPW. I really liked Sho saying his match with Kanemaru was gonna steal the show, and then all we get is them trying to outcheat the other, because duh, what else were they gonna do?
Daiki taking Douki’s spot since Douki kayfabe refused to compete, he had a great showing against Taguchi, but it feels like Daiki’s first win in this tournament is gonna happen late in the tournament so that he can act as spoiler. Yoh VS Hyo was certainly unique, and surprisingly short. Both Robbies losing was a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense since Nick Wayne is meant to make an impact this time around, and Kushida is making his return to NJPW, both of those guys needed the win. But seriously, ROH’s tape delays hurt them here because Nick Wayne VS AR Fox doesn’t air until tonight so we already know what happens there…
Daisuke being a real Heel in the end of his match was a good way for him to win while protecting Despy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daisuke join House of Torture in the absence of Evil. And awesome main event from Fujita VS Akira, but very fitting of the 2025 BOSJ winner basically defending his title as he goes for another. All of Fujita’s matches probably will be this awesome, or as close to it as they can get out of everyone in A Block, but who knows if he repeats.
My Score: 9/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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