Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Report! (3/13/18)

Published

6 years ago

March 14, 2018

Steven Mitchell

All images courtesy of the WWE Network streaming service

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Akira Tozawa & Hideo Itami VS Lucha House Party w/ Kalisto; Tozawa & Itami win.
Jack Gallagher VS Murphy Myers; Gallagher wins.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Semifinal Match: Cedric Alexander VS Roderick Strong; Alexander wins and moves on to the finals at Wrestlemania.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Cruiserweight Championship Tournament is nearing its end!

While Mark Andrews was flying high, he came crashing down against the ground game gladiator, Drew Gulak. Then, Buddy Murphy was bigger, stronger and faster, but all of that was not enough to stop the hungrier Mustafa Ali. Ali was cunning enough to find a weak spot in the Best Kept Secret’s armor, and overcame those disadvantages to win. Now the semifinals will have a storied rivalry reigniting their animosity, but that’s next week. Tonight, it will be the Carolina Kid, who was so close to the title yet so far, and NXT’s Messiah of the Backbreaker who wants his own first taste of gold. One man’s heart, and possibly back, will be broken by the end of tonight. Who will be the first man to qualify for the tournament finals at Wrestlemania?

Akira Tozawa & Hideo Itami VS Lucha House Party w/ Kalisto!

The Stamina Monster & Innovator of the GTS are the newest tag team on the block, but already called out the team of luchadors for a match. 205 Live GM Drake Maverick liked the idea, and made it reality! Will the Strong Style super duo defeat Dorado & Metalik to foil the fiesta?

Te bell rings, and Tozawa starts against Dorado, also starting up the “AH! AH!” chant. Tozawa and Dorado circle but Dorado gets the single leg pick and facelock. Dorado wrenches and whips but Tozawa reverses. Dorado sunset flips over, Tozawa rolls through, but Dorado narrowly avoids the Penalty Kick. Fans applaud the stand-off, and the two circle again. They tie up but Tozawa gets the arm. He wrenches and gets the wristlock, but Dorado flips and reverses to a headlock. Tozawa powers out but Dorado runs him over, then Dorado gets going and handsprings over. Tozawa arm-drags, Dorado arm-drags back, Tozawa trips him and covers, ONE. Dorado trips up and covers, ONE, double dropkicks deflect each other, and fans applaud this second stand-off.

Tozawa and Dorado both go for boots but also block, so they both set the feet down, then Dorado surprises Tozawa with a dropkick! He drags Tozawa up for an arm wrench then tags Metalik. Lucha House Party double whips and double hip tosses to then double kick! Metalik covers, TWO, but Metalik keeps on Tozawa with stomps. He lifts Tozawa into the fireman’s carry, but Tozawa slips out. Tozawa waistlocks but Metalik elbows out. Metalik runs, but into Tozawa’s headscissors! Tozawa crawls and tags Itami, and Itami swings kick after kick. Metalik dodges them to then kick back, and whips but Itami reverses. Itami dodges the handspring attack, then they both speed up, Metalik hits a handspring arm-drag! He then dropkicks Itami down, and tags in Dorado. Double dropkicks now, and Dorado turns Itami over for the standing moonsault. TWO, but Dorado keeps Itami grounded with an armlock.

Itami gets up and goes to a corner, but Dorado chops him. Dorado whips but Itami reverses, Dorado goes up and over then runs to slide under a kick. He dares Itami to bring it, they speed up again, and he headscissors Itami now. Another whip but Itami reverses again to hit the big kitchen sink knee! Itami waits for Dorado to stand up, to roundhouse him down. He whips Dorado, then boots him down. Tag to Tozawa, and the former champion chops Dorado. He chops again, then fakes a chop to hit the jab! Dorado sits down and Tozawa stomps a “AH! AH!” mudhole. He brings Dorado up, then over to tag Itami. Itami stomps and whips, then runs Dorado over with a back elbow. Cover, TWO, so Itami drops knees right into Dorado’s head. He takes down the pad, then hops over for the heel scrape.

Itami brings Dorado up, whips him into his corner, then tags Tozawa. They double whip corner to corner, Tozawa runs in for the back elbow, then hustles to the apron, he and Itami hit a knee strike swing kick combo! Tozawa climbs up, then hits Dorado with a screaming missile dropkick! Cover, TWO, and Tozawa is a bit surprised. He keeps on Dorado with a chinlock, but Kalisto rallies with “Lucha! Lucha!” chants. Dorado gets up and fights out, but Tozawa rocks him back. Dorado chops, Tozawa chops, and Tozawa keeps Dorado away from his corner. Tozawa swings, Dorado ducks under, and they double boot each other down!

Both men go down, and both sides rally for their teammate. Dorado and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Itami and Metalik! Metalik springboards to crossbody, then scoops for a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! He loudly chops Itami, then whips corner to corner, but Itami reverses. Itami runs in but into the SUPERKICK! Metalik runs to Sling-Dog Itami down! He keeps moving, running the ropes for a springboard missile dropkick! The King of the Ropes fires up and climbs but Tozawa tries to stop him. Metalik kicks him away, then acts as Dorado’s springboard for a HUGE FLYING TACKLE!

Itami runs in again but into another kick. Metalik climbs up, walks the tightrope and springboards, but Itami rolls and Metalik lands on his feet. The landing is rough on his leg, and Itami goes right at it with a kick. Then Itami brings Metalik into the dragon sleeper, and swings him into the GTS Mark II!

Cover, Itami & Tozawa win! Strong Style trumps lucha libre tonight, can this duo of the Rising Sun conquer the Cruiserweight Division?

However, Dorado doesn’t appreciate how Itami stands over Metalik, and pushes him away. Itami gets in Dorado’s face now, but Kalisto and Tozawa come in to keep them from fighting after the fact. Everyone keeps their cool, but there’s tension growing between these two teams of international flavor. Will there be any respect to be found should these two teams tangle again?

WWE and 205 Live take a look at Roderick Strong.

After opening his heart to the WWE & NXT Universes, showing us how rough his life was before wrestling, and the fans embraced him. He thrives on going up against varying styles and finding answers to them. He’s ready for any and every situation, and has proven as much in both his NXT and 205 Live careers. Strong looks at the bracket, and feels none of the remaining superstars can match up to him. He hasn’t had it easy, and he doesn’t want it that way. “To become Cruiserweight Champion at Wrestlemania would mean everything” to him. For his family, for himself, “when it’s all said and done” he can look back and say he did it. Strong promises “you’re looking at your next Cruiserweight Champion.” Can he earn his spot? Or will he get a Lumbar Check?

205 Live General Manager, Drake Maverick, heads to the ring.

The man formerly known as Rockstar Spud comes out to join commentary for the upcoming match.

Jack Gallagher VS Murphy Myers!

The Ungentle Gentleman has returned to a more proper wrestling attire, prompted by stern words from Drake Maverick. Will combining that with his sinister edge help him “sort himself out” and move towards the top of the Division?

The bell rings, and Gallagher circles with Myers. They tie up but Gallagher pie-faces Myers. The fans are on Myers’ side as he circles with Gallagher again, but Gallagher puts him up against the ropes. Gallagher honors the break, but isn’t very respectful with that stoic gaze. He then grabs Myers’ hand, puts it on the mat, and stomps it! Gallagher snapmares Myers then runs him over. They speed up, Gallagher catches Myers and then hotshots him on the top rope. Gallagher keeps going to run him over again! Gallagher scoop slams Myers quick, then scrapes his soles on Myers’ face. He won’t stop, he wrenches the hand and fingers, then wrings Myers to the mat. Gallagher clubs and stomps Myers, then brings him to the apron to slam his chest on the edge. The Ungentle Gentleman glares at Maverick, and Maverick likes what he sees.

However, Myers attacks Gallagher upon reentry! He throws furious forearms and then an enziguri! Gallagher tumbles off the apron while Myers builds speed, but Myers’ sliding dropkick gets caught in the apron skirt, and Gallagher tees off! Gallagher clubs away with forearms, then kicks Myers in the back again and again. He finally puts Myers back into the ring, then finishes him with the Extraordinary Headbutt!

Cover, Gallagher wins! The Ungentle Gentleman continues his streak of cruelty, but will have to wait for a later chance at the Cruiserweight Championship. Will a harsh reality be awaiting the tournament winner on the other side of Wrestlemania?

WWE and 205 Live take a look at Cedric Alexander.

Alexander was part of the Cruiserweight Classic tournament in 2016, but only made it as far as the second round after running into Kota Ibushi. He still earned the respect of the WWE Universe, and he was able to fight his way through the Division to get to this point. Many say Alexander “can’t win the big one”, but he’ll show them all he’s not a choke artist. “No one on 205 Live has been hotter than me,” and he won’t stop until he finally wins. He knows he has an unorthodox style but he did start his career as a heavyweight. He’ll hit hard, fast and from everywhere, “no one else on the roster can touch what I do.” Alexander vows to go to Wrestlemania, no matter what, but will he only end up on the wrong end of the End of Heartache?

Mustafa Ali speaks.

“We all have that one mistake from our past that seems to follow us no matter where we go.” When Ali was younger, a friend and him ran into a bully. The bully knocked his friend down, but Ali stepped down. He feels like that’s happening all over again. Andrews not only got beat by Gulak, but he got bullied by Gulak, too. Ali will make things right when he gets back at a bully. He will take Gulak head on and fight back! Can Ali come out of this rematch of a very personal feud the victor? Or will he crash and burn in the No Fly Zone?

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Semifinal Match: Cedric Alexander VS Roderick Strong!

The tournament is still far from over, but one Cruiserweight’s dream could be after tonight. Both men love to hit hard, hit fast and prove doubters wrong, but only one can prove himself worthy of Wrestlemania!

The bell rings and the fans duel while the two circle. Alexander and Strong tie up, pretty even in strength, but Strong swings around to roll Alexander up, TWO. Alexander goes after Strong with a waistlock, getting a facelock. They go around and Strong gets the switch, but Alexander switches back to roll Strong up, ONE, and the two break off. Fans applaud the stalemate, then the two circle again. The dueling chants continue while Strong gets a headlock. Alexander puts Strong in a corner, and honors the break while Gulak watches backstage.

Gulak, perhaps looking ahead to the finals already, watches as Alexander whips Strong corner to corner. Strong goes up and over and keeps moving, to then shove Alexander to ropes. Alexander comes back and rolls under to handspring back, and headscissors Strong to then dropkick him down! Cover, TWO, but Alexander grabs Strong in the facelock. Now we see that Mustafa Ali is also watching this match closely.

The fans duel while Strong powers his way up and out, then knees and clubs Alexander. He chops Alexander in a corner, but Alexander forearms back. Strong kicks and whips but Alexander reverses to launch Strong with a body drop! Alexander runs in but is put on the apron. He hits back then jumps up, but Strong disrupts the springboard to send Alexander into buckles! Alexander crashes and burns while Strong staggers back.

Strong stomps away on Alexander at the ropes, but backs off at the ref’s count. He waits for the dazed Alexander to stand up, then chops him before more stomps. Strong won’t let up, he brings Alexander up for the butterfly suplex. Cover, ONE, another try, ONE, so Strong puts on a chinlock. He keeps Alexander grounded as he shifts to a seated abdominal stretch. Strong even grabs an ear to tweak Alexander further. Fans rally and Alexander stands up, to fight out. Strong forearms and whips Alexander, but Alexander ducks to handspring, only to jump into Strong’s dropkick!

Cover, TWO, and Strong grows frustrated. He hammers away with rights, then stomps again. The referee backs him off to check on Alexander, so Strong taunts Alexander. He goes after Alexander, and Alexander tries to fight back, but Strong just clubs and stomps him down again. The fans keep dueling while Strong stretches Alexander in a half clutch. Strong taunts Alexander, shouting “How bad do you want it?!” The fans rally for Alexander and Alexander works his way out. Alexander fights back but Strong hits back each time. Strong whips but Alexander reverses and Strong hits buckles hard, Alexander catches his breath and slowly fires up while Strong stirs.

Alexander and Strong get to their feet, Strong runs in to Alexander’s boot. Alexander uppercuts, ends up in a corner, but dropkicks Strong’s knees out to send him face first into buckles again. He then gets to the apron, and says “Good night!” with a kick to Strong’s face! Strong staggers back, and Alexander gets him with the springboard complete shot! Strong rolls out of the ring but Alexander kip-up. Alexander builds speed, and FLIES!

He wipes out Strong, then hurries to put him back in the ring. Alexander takes aim from the corner, springboard clothesline! Cover, TWO, and Alexander grows frustrated. He drags Strong up, but Strong elbows him away. Alexander runs into the boot, but ducks the enziguri, so Strong kicks him away. Strong runs, Alexander scoops and hits Strong with a sudden Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO! Alexander is again in disbelief, but he won’t slow down. He gets up, grabs Strong, but Strong blocks the Check. Strong fights Alexander off then throws him out, but Alexander shoulders him away. Alexander again gets to a corner, springboards, but Strong catches him! Strong lifts Alexander up, but Alexander counters with a crucifix roll, TWO! Alexande runs into that boot again, and the enziguri connects this time, and Strong follows up with a half-nelson backbreaker!

Cover, TWO! Strong is too sore to be frustrated, he just stands up and drags Alexander up again. He lifts in a fireman’s carry but Alexander slips out, so Strong throws in a knee. Strong tries again, but Alexander counters the Olympic Slam with an arm-drag! Strong runs, Alexander handsprings, Neuralizer! LUMBAR CHECK!

Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Strong survives by a foot on the bottom rope! And Alexander can’t believe it. Strong gets to the apron, Alexander takes off his elbow pads and walks over. They both end up on the apron, Strong kicks out a leg, then kicks Alexander’s face. Strong lifts Alexander into a torture rack, to then toss him at the post!

Alexander tumbles to the ground, and the referee checks on him. Strong shouts for the ring count while Alexander spasms, eyes glazed over. The count begins, and Strong waits it out. Alexander stirs at 5, and crawls up to the apron, and seeing Alexander will beat it, Strong runs in! But into Alexander’s kick! Alexander climbs up, but Strong jumps to rock him with a knee! Strong climbs up to join him, and hits the SUPERPLEX!

Strong covers, TWO!! He can’t believe that Alexander is somehow still going, but the fans declare “This is Awesome!” Strong gets up, goes over to Alexander, and brings him up. Alexander is mostly dead weight, and Strong clubs him. Alexander fights back and they throw heavy hands. Strong gives several elbows but Alexander gives a mule kick. Alexander blocks the boot, but misses the back elbow, Strong rocks Alexander with a jumping knee! They both stagger, but Strong brings Alexander in for END OF HEARTACHE!

Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Now they’re even, and fans are loving it! They chant “YES! YES!” while Strong shakes his head “No.” Alexander drags himself to the apron but Strong drags him back in. Strong drags Alexander up, but Alexander elbows him down! Both men down again, but Alexander’s eyes are still pretty spacey. They both struggle to stand up while fans rally. They’re back to back, miss swinging haymakers, but Strong lands a chop. Alexander uppercuts, they stagger, and then they both glare at each other. They throw furious hands at the same time! Strong gets the edge, but then Alexander lifts for Lumbar, but Strong slips right out. Alexander runs, but into a takedown, so he twists, only for Strong to sit on it for a cover, TWO!!

They both scramble to their feet, BIG knee strike from Strong! Alexander is out, Strong grabs him, but then small package surprise, ALEXANDER WINS!! And neither man can believe it!

Somehow Alexander pulled it out, and is headed to the Show of Shows for a Cruiserweight Championship match! Alexander’s smiling, but Strong’s heart is breaking. He put his all into the match but came up short. Even so, Strong gives a nod of respect to Alexander and lets him have the ring.

In-ring interview with Alexander.

He is headed to Wrestlemania, how does that feel? The fans know “You Deserve It!” But Alexander says he earned it! “This is the single most important match of my life”, because now he’s going to Wrestlemania. He has a four year old daughter who already calls him champion, so now he wants to become THE Cruiserweight Champion! Alexander won this big match, but must still win THE Big One. Will it be his friend in Mustafa Ali, or old foe in Drew Gulak, that meets him on the Grandest Stage of Them All?

My Thoughts:

I don’t care what anyone else says, 205 Live is quite possibly some of the best wrestling WWE is putting on today. While it isn’t “developmental” like NXT and it isn’t considered quite the same as Raw or SmackDown, the Cruiserweight Division’s 51 minutes of programming far out-shined SmackDown’s 2 hours. There may not be a lot of promos to propel story, but that’s because the matches did more than enough to do that. Itami-Tozawa VS Dorado-Metalik was some great tag team wrestling, and really impressed with the chemistry already between the two Japanese superstars as well as the creativity of the luchadors. I’ve never seen a springboard quite like the one Metalik helped Dorado achieve. Plus, the story comes out from the tense stand-off afterwards, and could easily build into a more involved story in the rematch.

Jack Gallagher does a great job in making a squash match feel like it actually matters for his character. He wasn’t as technically torturous as he usually is, but his aggressive striking did more than enough to remind us of his new found edge from teaming with THE Brian Kendrick. I sense something between him and Maverick starting up once we’re past Wrestlemania, as a way to tide Gallagher over until Kendrick returns. Once Kendrick returns, he and Gallagher can go back to being a tag team and joining in what is clearly growing into a Cruiserweight Tag Team Division, and as rumored, complete with Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships. That’s three teams easily established, but perhaps more will pop up now that 205 Live is gaining some ground.

Mustafa Ali gave us another great video promo, he’s really coming into his own with this somewhat edgy Face angle. His match with Gulak promises to be a really great one worthy of the Road to Wrestlemania. The Alexander and Strong video packages were also great, and helped refresh the memories of the audience. I don’t think they got the date right on when the CWC happened and where Alexander finished in it, though. But then Alexander VS Strong was some top level action and story telling, worthy of any PPV. The parallels in their styles and especially their finishers were clear, so it was great that the way they survived the finishers were the same. Alexander’s story is the stronger one, so naturally he goes over. Strong still has NXT he can fall back on, and Alexander VS either Ali or Gulak will be ‘Mania worthy.

My Score: 8.5/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/24/24)

Anybody can get it!

Published

29 mins ago

April 24, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Maniac takes on the Powerhouse!

In the wake of AEW Dynasty, in perhaps Will Hobbs’ biggest match, he takes on IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Jon Moxley! Will the Don Callis Family have even more gold?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW World Championship Eliminator: Swerve Strickland VS Kyle Fletcher; wins and
Mina Shirakawa VS Anna Jay; wins.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/23/24)

GO ACE! GO ACE!

Published

21 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The House of Torture gets another try!

Despite losing in the NEVER Openweight Six Man title tournament, the House of Torture get one more shot against Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg! But will shuffling the deck really help the King of Darkness trump President Ace?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Katsuya Murashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg win and retain the titles.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo; Tsuji wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors; Takagi wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Don’t adjust your screens, this is not a rematch from Wrestling World in Taiwan. That’s because while The Ace, the Joker and the Rook won the tournament, they’re up against a different formation! The King of Darkness and Heel Master now have Tokyo Pimp as their third man, but will that change be enough to change the result? Or will Tanahshi-sachou and team be an undefeated combination?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Darkness Falls!

The teams sort out, and Oleg starts against Yoshinobu Kanemaru. The fans rally behind “BO-LU-TIN! BO-LU-TIN!” as he circles with Kanemaru, but then Evil & Yujiro attack! The fans boo, Tanahashi & Yano hurry in but Evil & Yujiro get them first! Kanemaru drags Oleg out of the ring to stomp him down while Evil & Yujiro have Tanahashi & Yano in corners. Yujiro fires forearms, Evil CHOPS, then the House all whips. But Oleg reverses and sends Kanemaru into railing! And Tanahashi & Yano reverse to send Evil & Yujiro into each other! Oleg returns to CLOBBER Evil & Yujiro! The fans fire up as now Yano & Tanahashi intercept Kanemaru.

Tanahashi & Yano whip Kanemaru to Oleg for a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally behind the champs as Oleg paces around Kanemaru. Oleg stomps Kanemaru, tags Tanahashi, and Tanahashi eggs Evil on. Evil tags in, Tanahashi kicks first! Tanahashi fires hands, UPPERCUTS, then tears away the “President Evil” shirt to TOSS it away! Evil is furious, he made that himself! Tanahashi throws a body shot, then whips Evil corner to corner. Evil reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for the air guitar and Tanahashi tags in Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad, dodges Evil, then gives Evil the pad!

The ref reprimands Evil and confiscates the pad, and Yano SLAPS Evil on the head! Yano whips, Evil reverses, but Yano avoids the bare buckles. Evil runs up to SLAP Yano, and shove him into the buckles! Kanemaru & Yujiro BLAST Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Evil SMACKS Yano with the pad! Evil TOSSES Yano out of the ring, distracts the ref, and that lets Dick DECK Yano! Dick drags Yano up and puts him in the ring for Evil to cover. TWO! Evil is upset with the “slow count,” and he tags Kanemaru. Kanemaru runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru ELBOWS Yano in the head!

Kanemaru snapmares Yano down into a chinlock and drags him to the corner. The ref reprimands but Yujiro tags in. Kanemaru lets go, so that Yujiro can CHOKE Yano! The ref counts, Yujiro lets off, and he drags Yano back up. Yujiro whips Yano into the bare buckles! Yano suffers his own trick, and Yujiro brings him up to knee low. Yujiro snapmares, drops a leg, then drops an elbow! Then he drops a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yujiro tags to Evil. Evil BLASTS Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Dick distracts the ref so Evil can put Yano in the COBRA TWIST, and link up with the others!

The fans boo but the House gets away with that. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is even more upset with the ref, and he drags Yano up. Evil reels Yano in for a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wait, who is ringing the bell? Dick is ringing the bell, and Kanemaru is giving the announcement that they’ve won! The fans boo, this is of course a farce. Tanahashi & Oleg storm over, scaring off Dick and Kanemaru. Evil tags Kanemaru, then TOSSES Yano outside. Kanemaru drags Yano back up to whip him into railing! Then DDT to the floor! Yano is down in enemy territory while Tanahashi argues with the ref.

The fans rally up but Yujiro puts Yano in. Kanemaru covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru drags Yano around. Yano is dead weight so Kanemaru leaves him behind to BLAST Tanahashi! Kanemaru drags Yano up but Yano pulls hair! Kanemaru CLAWS Yano’s eyes! Kanemaru whips, Yano reverses and throws him down by his hair! The fans fire up as Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg CLOBBERS Kanemaru, BLASTS Evil & Yujiro, then runs in at the corner. Kanemaru BOOTS Oleg, runs, but into a POP-UP BEARHUG! Kanemaru endures, but then Oleg turns that into a BIG suplex! The fans fire up as Oleg storms around.

Oleg deadlift gut wrenches, but Dick gets on the apron. Oleg drops Kanemaru to scare Dick off. But then Yano puts Dick in! Dick prays and begs for mercy, but Oleg just deadlift gut wrenches him! Shake, Rattle and THROW! And a kip up!? Oleg then gets Kanemaru back up, Shake, Rattle, and some more shaking, and THROW! Oleg roars, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, Evil & Yujiro break it! Then they BLAST Tanahashi & Yano! The House stomps away on Oleg, then drag him up. They double whip Oleg to a corner, then Yujiro BOOTS! Evil clotheslines! They snapmare, Kanemaru distracts the ref, and Dick goes up!

The fans boo but Dick hits the DICK CHOP! Kanemaru covers, TWO!! The fans fire up but Evil tags back in. Evil and Kanemaru get Oleg up to suplex, but Oleg fights it! Oleg DOUBLE SUPLEXES back! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Ace of the Universe meets King of Darkness, and Tanahashi runs to CLOBBER Evil! Tanahashi fires forearms and body shots on Evil, then scoop SLAMS him into a drop zone! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Tanahashi as he waits on Evil. Tanahashi runs, but Evil goes to the corner! Evil LARIATS Tanahashi down! Tag to Yujiro and he storms up on Tanahashi.

Yujiro brings Tanahashi up to knee low and fire forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then runs up, to BOOT! Yujiro then runs, to BOOT again! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro TOSSES him out! Evil is there to set Tanahashi up for a whiskey bottle shot! Evil puts Tanahashi back in, then he and the rest go after Oleg and Yano! Yujiro gets Tanahashi up for an INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane, but the ref stops him! That leaves Dick open to use the SPOILER CHOKER on Tanahashi!! The fans boo as President Ace suffers! Tanahashi fades out, Dick slips away, and Yujiro laughs.

Yujiro drags Tanahashi up while the fans rally. Yujiro reels Tanahashi in, but Yano gets in to grab Yujiro! Kanemaru gets in while the ref is distracted again! But Yano ducks, the WHISKEY MIST hits Yujiro! LOW BLOW for Kanemaru! But Evil LOW BLOWS Yano! So Tanahashi LOW BLOWS Evil! Dick gets in but Tanahashi kicks the ropes! Dick falls, Oleg returns, and he gets Yujiro up! Tanahashi climbs, Oleg hits the KAMIKAZE SENTON! Then Tanahashi HIGH FLY FLOWS!! Cover, Team Go Ace wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

The House of Torture tried their usual tricks, but Tanahashi’s team proved they could play that, too! The Ace, the Joker & The Rook stand tall again, will The House have to start playing a different game?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo!

While Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have already done battle on this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, tonight is a best of five series! Will it be Gene Blast or Blacksmith that sets the tone for tonight?

The moment Yota hops off the corner, Gedo takes a swing! Yota dodges and GENE BLASTER!! The bell rings, Yota covers, Yota wins!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall

Well not sure about the tone but this sure set a new record! From bell the bell, that was FIVE SECONDS! Score one for LIJ already, and Yota helps roll Gedo out of the ring. Will LIJ make this a shut out? Or will the other War Dogs be a bit smarter about the pitches they throw across the plate?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd!

Round two is here sooner than expected after what we just saw, and the Black Mask is up against the #WarReady Mad Man. Gabe vows to take back everything NJPW used to mean, but will he get War Dogs on the board? Or will Bushi keep things tranquilo?

Bushi climbs onto the corner and Gabe rushes him! Bushi jumps over, the bell rings and Bushi DROPKICKS Gabe down! Bushi whips, Gabe reverses but Bushi ducks ‘n ‘dodges to RANA! Gabe bails out, Bushi builds speed, but Gabe gets away. Bushi slides out, but Gabe kicks and CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS Bushi down, then drags Bushi up to dig at Bushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Gabe storms around and mockingly calls upon the wrestling gods. Gabe runs but Bushi dodges, Gabe crashes into railing! The fans fire up while Bushi rises. Bushi brings Gabe up, fires forearms, then brings Gabe around. Gabe blocks the bump off the apron to whip Bushi hard into railing!

Bushi flounders and Gabe snarls while the fans rally up. Gabe storms out to open the way to the orange bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Bushi, brings him around and they go up into the stands. Gabe HEADBUTTS Bushi down, shouts “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” then continues up to the next level. Bushi fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe lifts again but Bushi still fights! Gabe CLUBS away on Bushi, CHOPS and HAYMAKERS! Gabe backs up, flips everyone off, and he runs back in, but Bushi dropkicks the leg! Bushi SMACKS Gabe off railing, then he goes up higher into the stands! Bushi stands on the ledge, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Gabe and the Young Lions!

The fans are thunderous as Bushi rises, and he brings Gabe up. Bushi headlocks Gabe to bring him back down the bleachers. Gabe throws body shots but Bushi throws hands in return. Bushi brings Gabe back to ground level, then through the gate. They return to ringside but Gabe CLUBS Bushi down again. Gabe HEADBUTTS, then he puts Bushi in. The fans rally, but Gabe drags Bushi around to ROCK him again. Gabe has Bushi on the apron, CLUBS him again, then brings Bushi out. Bushi fights the suplex to throw body shots! Gabe HEADBUTTS again, but Bushi fires more hands! Bushi puts Gabe in and the fans cheer.

Bushi drags Gabe up but blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi goes to a corner while Gabe sputters. Gabe stands, Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Gabe ELBOWS, JABS and YUKON LARIATS! Gable copies Takagi, covers, TWO! Gabe flips off the fans, they boo, and so he just flips them off more. Gabe eggs Bushi on, taunts him, so Bushi CHOPS! Gabe dusts himself off, Bushi CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS, says Bushi ain’t got nothing, but Bushi fires a flurry! Gabe CHOPS again, Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS, then he gut wrenches! But Bushi slips free and shoves!

Gabe blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Bushi reels Gabe in, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and flounders away while the fans fire up. Gabe flops right out of the ring but Bushi pursues. Bushi drags Gabe up, but Gabe HEADBUTTS him back down! Gabe rips away the LIJ shirt to tell them to suck it! Gabe SPITS on the shirt, throws it down, then goes back for Bushi. Gabe puts Bushi in, Bushi goes to a corner, and Gabe runs in to clothesline! Gabe suplexes, Bushi slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and uses the ref as a shield! BLACK MIST!! Bushi gets the better of Gabe and hooks the arms!

Gabe fights the backslide, BOOTS the ref, so the ref can’t see the Bushi Roll! Bushi would’ve had this one! Bushi goes to check on the ref but Gabe storms up to HAYMAKER! Gabe shouts at the ref, drags him back up, and then storms over to Bushi! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall

The series is tied 1-1, and Gabe shouts for water to wash out the mist. LIJ VS War Dogs aside, Gabe now has momentum going into his NEVER Openweight Championship match with Shingo Takagi. Will the Rampaging Dragon be just as #WarReady as Gabe after tonight?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors!

Speaking of the NEVER Openweight Champion, he’s third up in the batting order, ready to drive home another run. Will the Rampaging Dragon score and soar towards Wrestling Dontaku? Or will he be struck out by 100 Proof?

Takagi and Connors get in each other’s face and talk some trash. Connors shoves but the ref has them both back down. Connors gets all fired up, Takagi says okay then, and the bell rings, only for Connors to bail out. The fans boo Connors trolling them, but he says tranquilo. Takagi paces while Connors goes around the outside. Takagi dares Connors to get in but Connors dares Takagi to come on out. The fans rally up so Connors goes back to the apron. Connors steps in, fires up, but then bails out. But Takagi pursues! They go around the ring, back in, and then Connors RAMS Takagi! But Takagi doesn’t fall!

Connors runs again, RAMS Takagi, but still Takagi stays up. Connors fires forearm after forearm after forearm, but then Takagi ROCKS, KNEES, CLUBS and CHOPS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Connors ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, but Connors runs him over! The fans fire up while Takagi goes to a corner. Connors runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Takagi in. Takagi fights the suplex, and he suplexes Connors instead! The fans fire up again but Connors bails back out. Takagi pursues, JABS, then SMACKS Connors off the apron. Takagi follows Connors around, POSTS him, and the fans cheer.

Takagi stomps Connors, Connors goes around the way but Takagi follows. Takagi runs up to BOOT Connors, then follows him. Connors uses a Young Lion as a shield, then shoves him into Takagi! Connors then whips Takagi into railing! Takagi leans against railing and Connors UPPERCUTS! Connor opens the gate and pushes Takagi into No Man’s Land. Connors brings Takagi around to SMACK off the wood bleachers! Takagi hits back, they brawl, and Takagi knees low! Takagi whips, Connors reverses and Takagi is sent into the wall of the hallway! Connors throws up the Too Sweet but the fans boo.

Connors brings Takagi back to SMACK into the gate, then POST! Connors reels Takagi in, to snap suplex to the floor! Takagi writhes, the ref reprimands but Connors wants the ring count to start. The ring count does start, and Connors scoops a Young Lion to SLAM him onto Takagi! And then he grabs another Young Lion to SPINEBUSTER onto Takagi! Connors slides into the ring at 10 of 20 while Takagi pushes the Young Lions off him. Takagi stands at 17, hurries up at 18, but Connors SPEARS him down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this and the fans rally, but Connors keeps on Takagi with a half nelson.

Takagi fights as Connors goes for the full nelson! Takagi reaches out but Connors keeps him from ropes. Takagi fights to his feet, powers up, but Connors keeps the nelson! The fans rally more as Takagi keeps fighting. Takagi powers the hold open, but Connors spins him to knee low! Connors whips, but Takagi avoids the snap powerslam! Takagi runs up to SLIDING- NO, Connors dodges, but runs into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up and Takagi goes to a corner. Connors flounders around, rises up, and Takagi storms up to the corner. Takagi clotheslines, then JABS and CHPOS on repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS and CHOPS!

Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in to clothesline again, then short arm LARIAT! Takagi scoops Connors to SLAM him, then he goes up and up for the FALLING ELBOW DROP! Takagi hauls Connors up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but Takagi looks around. The fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi says, “OI, KORAKUEN! TOKI GA KITA!!” The time has come and the “OI! OI! OI!” continues. Takagi brings Connors up, pump handle, but Connors fights the lift! Connors throws elbows, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi eggs Connors on, Connors throws another forearm! Takagi fires back!

Connors fires more forearms, but Takagi HEADBUTTS! Connors HEADBUTTS, but he’s the one wobbling! Connors ROCKS Takagi with a forearm, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Connors with boxing elbows! Takagi runs, Connors follows to LARIAT against ropes! Connors runs but Takagi follows to KNEE against ropes! Takagi keeps moving, Connors gets under to come back and POUNCE! Then a whip and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! But Connors powers up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans fire up but Connors aims from a corner! Connors runs in to SPEAR!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!

Connors rises, Takagi stirs, and Connors brings Takagi up. But Takagi fights No Chaser! Takagi wrenches out to JAB! And HEADBUTT! Connors dodges the lariat, but runs into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Takagi runs up to PUMPING BOMBER! Then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Connors shakes his head as he stays in this, but Takagi roars! Takagi pump handles for MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Connors survives and shocks Takagi, but the fans are thunderous again! “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi powers up. Takagi runs, but Connors dodges! But PUMPING BOMBER still finds him! Cover, Takagi wins!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

We’re halfway done and LIJ takes the lead! Takagi has momentum for himself, too, but will the Rampaging Dragon be #WarReady for Gabe Kidd? Or will Wrestling Dontaku be the end of the road for Takagi?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Uncontrollable Charisma may no longer be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but we all know he never lets things get to him. Will he therefore stay tranquilo as he looks to win this series for his team? Or will he lose a shootout with the .44 Caliber?

As always, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Drilla mockingly asks what happened to his belt, but Naito doesn’t let that get his goat. The fans rally for Naito and that annoys Drilla. Naito puts the pants away, the bell rings, and Drilla runs up! But Naito puts him on the apron, and sweeps the legs! Then he DROPKICKS Drilla down! Naito goes out slowly to fetch Drilla, CLUB him on the neck, and then CLUB him again. Naito CLUBS Drilla more, cravats for a neck wrench, and even grinds Drilla against railing! The ref counts, Naito puts Drilla in, and the fans applaud. But Drilla comes back to WRECK Naito with a dropkick!

Drilla whips Naito hard into railing, and Naito gets stuck! Drilla dumps him over, tells fans off about cheering for Naito, then drags Naito up and around. Drilla CHOPS Naito, follows him along the way, and whips him hard into railing! The fans applaud the impressive speed and strength, but Drilla leaves Naito behind as Naito slumps into the front row. The ring count climbs, Naito sits up at 7 of 20. Naito finds his way around to the gate at 12, steps in at ringside, and rolls in at 15. Drilla throws Naito’s hat at him, then stomps away! Drilla drags Naito up, HEADBUTTS him, then has him on ropes. Drilla CHOPS and Naito staggers.

Drilla eggs Naito on so Naito fires forearms! Naito whips, Drilla reverses and ELBOWS Naito down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Naito but Drilla digs his knee into Naito’s neck! The ref counts, Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face, but the ref reminds Drilla to respect his authority. Drilla kicks Naito around, steps on Naito’s head, then taunts the fans. Naito gets up to throw hands but Drilla hits back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but then Drilla CHOPS! Drilla runs, into an ELBOW! Drilla rebounds, but Naito hip toss NECKBREAKERS! The fans rally as Naito rises and Drilla writhes. Naito drags Drilla up to fire forearms and kicks!

Naito whips, arm-drags, then he ELBOWS Drilla down to basement dropkick in the back! Naito turns Drilla for a NECKBREAKER! Drilla writhes, Naito pushes him to a cover, TWO! Naito keeps on Drilla with a cravat neck wrench. Drilla endures, fights around, and he fights up. Drilla breaks free, CLUBS Naito, then runs, but Naito catches him to a dragon sleeper, NECKBREAKER! Drilla fights the legs but Naito still hooks him into the LEG HOOK NELSON! Drilla endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Naito again “forgets” how to undo the hold, so the ref pries the legs away.

Drilla is free and clutches his neck, but Naito paces around. Naito drags Drilla back up, but Drilla CHOPS! Naito fires a forearm in return! Drilla CHOPS! Naito forearms! The shots go back and forth, Drilla grunts and has a crazy grin. Drilla fires a forearm, Naito mocks the grunt! Naito fires back, both men grunt and fire forearms again! Drilla CHOPS, but then Naito ROCKS him, SPITS on him, and fires off more forearms! Drilla gets under, shoves Naito then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Naito and Drilla go to opposite corners, and Drilla runs corner to corner! Drilla blocks a boot but Naito SPITS!

Naito runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Drilla horks up and SPITS a big one at Naito, then DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and Drilla is seething. Drilla slashes his throat and throws up the Too Sweet. Drilla drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift. Drilla ENZIGIRIS Naito, then gets him back up! Canadian Rack, but Naito arm-drags Drilla into the ref! The ref tumbles all the way out, Naito atomic drops Drilla and ENZIGIRIS! COMPLETE SHOT, and then PLUMA BLANCA!! Drilla endures, flails, is he tapping? But there’s no ref anyway! Wait, David Finlay rushes out here!

The Rebel taunts Naito while swinging the shillelagh! Naito lets Drilla go, only for JAKE LEE to show up!?! Talk about a CrossOver, the Good Looking Emperor is here in NJPW and he fires hands with Naito!! The fans are going nuts, but Naito gets the edge! Only for Jake to KNEE low! Jake puts Naito in a corner, takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!! Or as he calls it, #FaceBreakShot! Naito staggers into Drilla’s arms, for the DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover and the ref is back, Drilla wins!!

Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall

The Rebel gets the Madness Dark Side to help him screw over Naito, and now this series is all tied up again! But then Finlay & Drilla beat Naito down more! Jake steps in, and the War Dogs back away. Jake stands on Naito’s chest, then stomps away! Is Jake going to destroy Naito once and for all? But wait! Here comes Hiromu! The Ticking Timebomb ROCKS Jake, ROCKS Drilla, then fires off on Finlay! But then Drilla & Finlay mug Hiomru! They double whip, but Hiormu ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Hiromu goes out after Finlay, but Drilla CLUBS Hiromu! They POST Hiromu, but what about the main event!?

Red Shoes hurries out here, the fans tell Jake and Drilla to go home. Jake literally kicks Naito out of the ring and then stands him up against railing. Jake gets space, takes aim again, and Finlay makes Hiromu watch the FACE BREAK SHOT that sends Naito into the front row!! The fans boo and tell Jake to go home. Jake smirks as he takes his leave with Drilla, the damage done. Is there an alliance between Jake’s Good Looking Guys and Finlay’s War Dogs? Is Naito just the first casualty of many?

As for Finlay and Hiromu, Finlay RAMS Hiromu into railing! And then RAMS him in again! Finlay RAMS Hiromu a third time, then he soaks up the heat. Red Shoes reprimands, but this isn’t officially a match yet. Finlay takes aim, he runs in, but Hiromu sends him into railing! Hiromu gets Finlay in, the bell rings, and it’s time to settle the score!

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay!

Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay slips away! The fans rally for Hiromu as he eggs Finlay on. Finlay snarls, storms back up but Hiromu then SUNSET FLIPS! Finlay holds ropes to throw down hands! Hiromu staggers away, Finlay fireman’s carries him now! Finlay runs and THROWS Hiromu at a post! The fans boo while Finlay throws up the Too Sweet and taunts them all. Finlay leaves Hiromu behind, he tells the fans they look stupid, then he goes back to fetch Hiromu. Finlay slaps Hiromu around, drags him up, and throws him into the ring.

Finlay crawls to a cover but Red Shoes says nope, too many shenanigans. Finlay is upset, there were a lot of shenanigans both ways. But Finlay drags Hiromu up to suplex and TOSS Hiromu! Now things are fine and Finlay covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Finlay mocks the “MOTO! MOTO!” Finlay whips Hiromu hard into a corner! Hiromu falls then crawls, and Finlay taunts him that it’s too easy. Finlay stalks Hiromu to another corner as the fans rally up, but Finlay makes Hiromu smile! Finlay says smile like Tsuji! Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay lets off, but then he drags Hiromu up to whip hard into another corner!

Hiromu staggers and falls out of the ring and Red Shoes checks him. Finlay waits on Hiromu while he writhes on the floor. Finlay mockingly says “Moto! Moto!” Red Shoes has Finlay stay back, and the ring count starts. Hiromu stands at 4 of 20 while Finlay lounges on the ropes. The fans rally, Hiromu rolls in at 10, but Finlay brings him back up. Finlay scoops and carries Hiromu around for a BACKBREAKER! Finlay says he’s strong AF, and then he kicks Hiromu around. Finlay mocks the fans chanting for Hiromu, and that makes them boo Finlay. Finlay pushes Hiromu around, so Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Finlay dusts himself off, eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Finlay felt that one so he knees low. Finlay runs, Hiromu follows, and Hiromu RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders while Hiromu goes to ropes. Finlay runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu then has a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go at 4 and he drags Finlay out to wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER to the floor! The fans rally up behind Hiromu and he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims as Finlay stands, FLYING SHOTGUN sends Finlay through the gate! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he pursues.

Hiromu smiles at TJP on English commentary, then gets a real “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!” going. Hiromu gets Finlay up and in, and Finlay goes to a corner. Hiromu runs up to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps his cool and he kicks Finlay around. Hiromu drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu takes a swing, but Finlay catches him to an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Finlay scoops him, for the SWINGING IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives again and Finlay grows frustrated.

Finlay mocks Yota Tsuji as he powers up and goes to the corner. Hiromu rises, Finlay flips him off, and steals GENE- TRIANGLE D!! Hiromu has Finlay caught and the fans fire up! Finlay flails, tries to stack Hiromu, but Hiromu squeezes tighter! Finlay is fading and the fans fire up! But Finlay gets a second wind, deadlifts Hiromu, and POWERBOMBS him down! Finlay is free of D, but both men are down as the fans rally again. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and lifts, but Hiromu RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Finlay escapes, kicks low and whips, but Hiromu slips free of Deep Six to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT!

The fans fire up while Finlay flounders! But Finlay sneaks his shillelagh into the ring! The fans rally for Hiromu while Finlay hides the shillelagh under him. Hiromu rises, Finlay shields the shillelagh from Red Shoes but Red Shoes is suspicious. Red Shoes sees the weapon! Finlay shoves Red Shoes away and takes a swing, but Hiromu dodges! SUPERKICK! Hiromu takes the shillelagh now! The fans are torn, but then Hiromu plays like Finlay did hit him! Red Shoes isn’t sure who to believe, but Finlay really is innocent this time! Finlay argues with Red Shoes but fans boo to help sell Hiromu’s trick.

Hiromu then runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! And then fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this but the fans are still with Hiromu. Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu elbows, runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER, but Finlay stays up! Hiromu runs again, but Finlay catches him spins him, ROLLING ELBOWS, then runs! Into a SUPERKICK! Finlay returns, for another SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous and Hiromu gets Finlay up, suplex and INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!!

Finlay survives his own move but Hiromu won’t let that bother him! Hiromu drags himself up, dragon sleepers Finlay, but Finlay fights the suplex with knees! Finlay suplexes, but Hiromu knees free! Hiromu runs, but Finlay LARIATS! Finlay hauls Hiromu up, Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! Finlay goes to a corner as he thinks on what to do next. Finlay storms over to Hiromu, says it’s over now, and he drags Hiromu back up. But Hiromu slips out of the bomb to tuck the arms! Finlay wrenches out, but into TRIANGLE D!! Finlay flails, CLUBS at Hiromu, but he’s fading again!

Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Finlay fights to deadlift again! POWERBOMB, but Hiromu just holds onto D!! Finlay is fading, flailing, reaching out, but Hiromu squeezes tight! Finlay deadlifts again! BUCKLE BOMB, and INTO OBLIVION!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Hiromu survives again and Finlay is beside himself! The fans are electric as Finlay shakes his head. Hiromu sputters but Finlay brings down the kneepads. Finlay slashes his throat and vows to end this! Finlay drags Hiromu back up, suplexes, but Hiromu slip free! Hiromu wrenches, pump handles, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!! Finlay escapes and Hiromu is frustrated!

Both men catch their breath while the fans rally as hard as they can. Hiromu grits his teeth, pounds the mat, and rises up. Hiromu hobbles over but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Hiromu comes back, into another UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! And another! And another, and another! But Hiromu stays on his feet, even as Finlay UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again!! Hiromu won’t stop, but Finlay won’t, either! The fans rally and Finlay eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, into another UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! Hiromu roars, runs, but into an UPPERCUT!! Hiromu drops to his knees, and Finlay says this is it!

Finlay suplexes, INTO OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

Bullet Club War Dogs takes the best of five in the fifth and final round! It took much more than Finlay wanted, but Hiromu always gives it his all. Will the Timebomb be able to fire back up in time for the Best of the Super Juniors?

Wait, Drilla returns, and now the War Dogs mug Hiromu! But then Tsuji & Takagi return to run them off! The War Dogs egg them on and vice-versa, but then GABE KIDD runs in! He CLOBBERS Takagi, DECKS Tsuji, and the War Dogs beat up on LIJ! The fans boo but the War Dogs just keep stomping LIJ! Drilla stands Tsuji up for Finlay’s SHILLELAGH SHOT! Drilla gives Hiromu the DRILLA KILLA! Gabe hits Takagi with a PILEDRIVER! Drilla gets to hold on to the shillelagh so he can JAM Hiromu! Finlay gives Tsuji the OVERKILL!! The War Dogs stand tall over LIJ, but Finlay still gets the mic to talk.

“What have I been telling you people? I AM the Savage King! You all thought you saw cracks in my game, but that’s because I let you. You all thought you saw weakness in my War Dogs, but that’s because I let you. Time and time again, I have been steps ahead of everyone in this company. Time and time again, I have solved any problem that was put in our way. The only thing worse than fighting a man who knows how to hurt you is fighting a man who knows when. LIJ learned that tonight, didn’t they?” A young fan tells Finlay to shut up and the fans cheer the kid.

Finlay says you can strip him of championships, you can keep him from tournaments, but in the end, remember this: “HATE always finds a way!!” The Rebel has spoken, will he and his hateful War Dogs find a way to dominate all of NJPW whether we like it or not?

My Thoughts:

A great event for the Road to Wrestling Dontaku series. Great Six Man title match with Tanahashi’s team winning again, probably no more shots for House of Torture. Not really sure what House of Torture is supposed to do next, though. We’re seeing Narita go after Moxley and the IWGP World title, Jack Perry is technically back in AEW, Evil and Yujiro could try for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles but you know they’d lose to Bishamon. I’ve been thinking that House of Torture should join Jack in AEW for this stretch until Forbidden Door, have some interactions with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada or something like that.

Really fun Best of 5 series, and it was hilarious that Yota beat Gedo so easily. Great wins for Gabe and Takagi going into their NEVER Openweight Championship match. For a moment, I thought LIJ was winning, given how badly the War Dogs beat up Naito with the help of their new pal, Jake Lee, a former GHC Heavyweight Champion and a big name in Pro-Wrestling NOAH. But then in the end, Finlay found a way to win against Hiromu, keeping him strong as he probably moves up from midcard titles to world title. If we go by the math, Takagi should win the NEVER Openweight title match, but it’d feed Gabe’s story better if he did get the title.

As for Hiromu, he probably gets a strong showing in Best of the Super Juniors, but since his streak of tournament championships was broken, who knows if he gets another one or if he puts someone else over.