Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Mixed Match Challenge 2 Results & Report! (11/20/18)

Published

6 years ago

November 21, 2018

The Mixed Match Challenge Playoffs are coming, and this is the last chance to get in! Who rounds out the brackets as the fourth seeds for each Block?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox VS Bobby Roode & Natalya; Mahal & Fox win and are in the Season 2 Playoffs.
R-Truth & Carmella VS Rusev & Lana; Truth & Carmella win and are in the Season 2 Playoffs.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s Mixed Match Challenge Week 10!

The Playoffs are almost here, which means we need to decide who are the last teams in! Neither #Mahalicia, #GLORIOUSPaws, #FABULOUSTruth nor #RavishingRusevDay have even one win on their records! However, this one win can change everything for two teams. Which teams get the most important wins to date?

Backstage interview with the FABULOUS Truth!

Carmella & R-Truth have a chance to keep going in the SmackDown Block. If they win they get their all-expenses paid vacations and the 30th spots in the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches. Carmella and Truth are focused with eyes on the prize. They’re gonna get down to business in beating Rusev & Lana. Then the light at the end of the tunnel, the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania! And even better, a vacation to anywhere?! Carmella’s ready for Rome. Truth loves Rome, Georgia this time of year. Arn Anderson’s from there. No, Rome, Italy. But Arn Anderson isn’t Italian. Carmella sighs, but will she be all smiles after tonight?

Backstage interview with #GLORIOUSPaws!

Bobby Roode & Natalya have a lot of work to do to stay alive, but what must they do to succeed? Natty knows this is their night, even after the really rocky start. Roode tends to be a Debbie Downer in Natty’s opinion, but Roode is smart, funny, handsome and talented and Natty is the best there is, best there was and best there ever will be. They’re not going down without a fight, they have a chance to turn all their luck around. The best thing about Roode, he loves cats. And that they have in common, that’s why they click. Roode was expecting her to say something else, and also, he’s a bit more of a dog guy.

But that doesn’t matter! This isn’t any one person’s fault. Kevin Owens was meant to be part of this, but he got hurt and Roode got thrown in unprepared. He was on Charlotte’s team last time. But now he can repeat with a new partner! They need to start fresh, beat #Mahalicia and win it all! Then it’ll be absolutely, paw-sitively, GLORIOUS! But will it be enough to win?

Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox VS Bobby Roode & Natalya!

The Modern Day Maharaja still can’t get Crazy like a Foxy to cooperate with Shanti or his strategies. Meanwhile, the GLORIOUS One and the Queen of Harts have struggled against the bigger and badder teams like #MonsterEclipse and #CountryDominance. Something’s gotta give, who takes their first win to keep their MMC season alive?

The Singh Brothers of course show the evidence of Brock Lesnar’s brutal Suplex City attack, but Alicia only cares about herself right now. That aside, Natalya is ready to ride the wave of retribution over Ruby Riott, as is Roode and his surprise win over the Authors of Pain. The teams sort out, putting jackets and robes aside, and it will be the men to start.

Mahal wants Alicia to focus and Shanti, but fans rally up behind Roode. They circle and tie up, and Mahal gets an arm wrench. Roode has the fans with him as he rolls and wrenches Mahal back. Roode makes it a hammmerlock but Mahal elbows out. Mahal throws Roode with a headlock takeover, but fans still rally for Roode. Roode gets up and powers out, but Mahal runs him over. Mahal runs but Roode speeds things up to a hip toss! Roode chops Mahal to a corner, then whips Mahal. Mahal reverses but Roode goes up and over to kick. Mahal avoids the DDT, then says Shanti as he backs away. Roode says GLORIOUS instead. Alicia tags in, so Natty comes in with her. Natty is ready, and she runs Alicia over with lariats!

Natty brings Alicia up and whips her, but Alicia whips her back. Alicia misses, Natty gives her the rebound atomic drop, walks all over her and hits the dropkick! Cover, TWO! Natty puts Alicia back in a corner for shoulders. She brings Alicia out but Alicia hits back. Natty kicks and whips again, but Ailcia goes up and over to sunset flip. Natty rolls through and wants the Sharpshooter! Alicia holds the ropes, but Natty holds on until 4. Alicia manages to reel Natty in for a hotshot! Then boots Natty down! Cover, TWO! Alicia tries again, TWO! Alicia wraps Natty up in a chinlock, but fans rally up. Natty feeds off that energy while we check on Carmella and R-Truth. Happy Thanksgiving! Wait where’s he going? They haven’t even competed yet! But Thanksgiving. But Mixed Match Challenge!

Back to the ring, Alicia still has Natty in that chinlock. Natty endures and reaches for her corner. Fans rally up and Natty fights out. Alicia throws Natty down, then drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! Alicia keeps on Natty with a facelock and brings Natty away from Roode. Fans rally and Natty fights up. Alicia wrenches and Northern Lights! Bridge, TWO, but Alicia stands up to drop a knee! Alicia fixes her hair, sorta, and drags Natty away from Roode. She drops more knees while Mahal coaches her. Natty rolls Alicia up! TWO, Alicia clobbers Natty with a clothesline! Cover, TWO! Alicia keeps Natty down with a facelock and fans rally up again. Natty gets up and fights back. Alicia clubs Natty, Natty elbows Alicia. Natty runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl! She makes it a crossbody cover! TWO, and Alicia tackles Natty down!

Alicia has Natty in an open corner and gives stomps. Alicia uses Shanti, but Natty recovers to dodge the boot! Hot tag to Roode! Roode rallies on Mahal! Roode whips, Mahal reverses, but Roode hits flying forearms! Fans fire up as Roode rams his shoulder into Mahal. Mahal denies the neckbreaker, but gets a boot and a blockbuster! Cover, TWO! The Singh Brothers are relieved that Mahal survives. But Roode winds it up and… GLORIOUS! But Sunil distracts, so Roode smacks him away! Mahal gets Roode with the KALLA– No, Roode slips out, roll up, TWO!! Alicia SLAPS Roode! Natty trips Alicia, discus clothesline! Samir comes in, SPINEBUSTER! KALLAS!! Cover, Mahalicia wins!

Winners: Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox, Mahal pinning; advance to the Mixed Match Challenge Playoffs

The rough season for Natty gets rougher, because their run is over! Roode and Natty hug each other in consolation, will they be back for a better try in a future season? Meanwhile, “Captain” Alicia and Mahal now set sail for the Playoffs, but against the TOP seed of the Raw Block! Will their big victory be for naught?

However, Braun Strowman is OUT!

It was announced on Monday Night Raw that The Monster Among Men would have a match at TLC, in the TLC Match, against Baron Corbin. But that’s not why Strowman is out of the Mixed Match Challenge. The Constable, in an effort to ensure he’s in better shape than Strowman, had the help of Drew McIntyre and other MMC competitor, Bobby Lashley, in an assault that would shatter Strowman’s elbow! Strowman now requires surgery, and is certainly not going to be able to join Ember Moon in the Playoffs. Will Strowman recover in time to crush Corbin and earn his shot at The Beast? Who will replace him to help the War Goddess compete against #Mahalicia in the Playoff’s opening round?

Post-match interview with #Mahalicia.

Alicia and the Maharaja, the captains of their team, won finally because they listend to Alicia. But Mahal says he’s spent thousand of hours doing research, and now not only will Mahal win the Rumble, he’ll have a vacation on the beach to meditate. Alicia lives at the beach, she’s going to Kentucky for some genuine fried chicken. And the Singhs aren’t invited!! But Shanti is what worked- “Captain” Shanti won! And that’s her! Why are the Singhs talking? They’re not invited!

Carmella and Truth come by and say they’re going to do the same as #Mahalicia. And that’s the truth!

R-Truth & Carmella VS Rusev & Lana!

The FABULOUS Truth know #What’sUp but they just can’t seem to cash in on a win. Meanwhile, Mr. & Mrs. MACHKA look to CRUSH Truth & Mella to then CRUSH the rest of SmackDown’s block in the Playoffs. Who will use this one win to propel themselves into the Playoffs?

Fans chant “Lana Day!” Rusev gets them to sing “Lana is the best~, Lana number one!” Clap clap. But Truth asks “What’s up?!” and LA echoes it. It becomes a chant battle “What’s Up?!” VS “Lana/Rusev Day!” Fans then want a #DanceBreak! Truth and Carmella like the sound of that. Rusev and Lana bail out of the ring, they want no part of such a thing. But fans still want it, so it happens! But then Rusev & Lana attack from behind! No flossing, only CRUSH! But then they do floss. Lana covers Carmella, ONE! This therefore means the ladies start.

Lana keeps on Carmella with a suplex, then another. She drags Carmella up for a third, but Carmella small packages! TWO, and Lana throws Carmella by her hair. Rusev applauds but fans are mixed. Lana keeps on Carmella at the ropes, but Truth rallies the fans behind “Mella! Mella!” Lana hits a rope attack! Cover, TWO! Carmella gets to a corner but Lana stomps a ravishing mudhole into her. Lana drags Carmella up, snapmares and drives in a knee. Truth gets LA to echo “What’s Up!” but then Lana tells them to “Shut up! It’s LANA Day!” Lana wraps on a chinlock, but fans rally behind Carmella. Carmella endures and fights her way up. Carmella jawbreakers free, and heads for Truth. But Rusev trips him off the apron! Fans boo as Lana hits a Ravishing Roundhouse!

Tag to Rusev, and he takes advantage of Truth. He puts Truth in the ring, and stomps away. Fans are mixed as Rusev grins. Rusev throws a big right hand and Truth is reeling. Fans duel as Rusev chokes Truth on the ropes. Rusev throws another big right, then tags Lana. Lana goes after Carmella on the outside, putting her into the announce desk! Lana puts Carmella into the apron then into the ring. She and Rusev shout MACHKA, but Truth rocks Rusev! Truth keeps Rusev down with more right hands, but then Lana gets Truth with a roundhouse! Lana is all fired up, but she gets a FABULOUS Kick! Cover, #FABULOUSTruth wins!!

Winners: R-Truth & Carmella, Carmella pinning; advances to the Mixed Match Challenge Playoffs

The brackets are set!

The FABULOUS Truth have earned their way in as the fourth seed for the SmackDown side of things, but they’ll have to go up against the Carolina Connection that is Jeff Hardy and Charlotte Flair. Then Jimmy Uso & Naomi will have to take on the Mixed Match Challenge Season 1 Champions, AWESKA! Can Miz & Asuka snap back from their first loss in tag team action? Meanwhile, Finn Balor & Bayley will have a rematch with #CountryDominance in the opening round. Bobby Lashley & Mickie James beat Team B’n’B before, will it be a repeat of before? And while Ember Moon will have a new partner, #Mahalicia is still dysfunctional as ever. Will Mahal & Alicia use this momentum to get the biggest upset of the entire season?

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty great episode given the actual drama of “win and you’re in.” It was pretty good for #Mahalicia and #FABULOUSTruth to get in, but also a shame that #GLORIOUSPaws and #RavishingRusevDay aren’t. Perhaps this means bigger things for each of the losing teams, at least in Roode’s case with him and Gable set to go against the Authors of Pain. Maybe TLC becomes the night he and Gable win the titles, or he turns on Gable. And perhaps Natty has more to do with the Riott Squad going into TLC, too.

As for Truth & Carmella, they’re likely just fodder for Jeff Hardy & Charlotte Flair before they reach the SmackDown Block finals. I’m thinking AWESKA makes it in, too, to play up drama of the Season 1 champions going for a repeat. I’m pretty sure Mahal & Alicia are also fodder for Ember Moon and whoever her new partner is. Strowman was probably going to be out of MMC if he’s in a match with Corbin, but the injury angle on Raw makes it better than him being selfish. I have no idea who Ember will get, but her new partner surely determines her fate at TLC, whether it ends up being against Team B’n’B or #CountryDominance.

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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/21/18)

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Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (11/21/18)

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/12/25)

IT’S CLOBBERIN TIME!

Published

34 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

Steven Mitchell

CM Punk is back! Will Seth Rollins’ vision already be in trouble?

Last Monday Night Raw, CM Punk & Sami Zayn helped Jey Uso against Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker. What happens tonight as they’re all in Louisville?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

PENTA VS Chad Gable; wins.
The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable; win.
AJ Styles VS Finn Balor; wins.
Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley VS Giulia & Roxanne Perez; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of “Sabu,” Terry Brunk.

CM Punk is here!

Louisville fires up for the Best in the World, and they know, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Louisville, Kentucky or what? I’m a pissed off man but I’m fortunate enough to say that this is my home! All the dust has settled from WrestleMania, and I waited a few weeks, and I’ve nursed a few injuries and a lot of hurt feelings, but I can’t shake being pissed off!” The fans cheer that! Punk says he has a lot of enemies. It’s really easy to list off who he’s NOT pissed off at. But number one with a bullet, a big, fat bullet…

The person that Punk is most pissed off at right now… is himself. The fans are surprised to hear that, but Punk says yeah, he’s mad at himself, mostly because we’ve been here before. This isn’t the first time Paul Heyman stabbed Punk in the back. Stab him in the back once, shame on you. Stab him in the back twice, shame on him. But he though the could trust his friend. Almost 12 years ago, Heyman smashed a ladder into Punk’s head, gave him 13 staples right down the middle, and they moved past that. At least, he thought they had. They had grown and matured as humans, or at least Punk knows Punk had.

And apologies to Jey Uso, but when Punk came back to the WWE, Jey had warned him about Paul Heyman, but Heyman is Heyman. Heyman is who he always has been: a fat little snake! So yeah, while Punk is pissed at Heyman, he’s more upset with himself. He might be upset with “Temu Punk,” Seth Rollins, but Punk will get them all. But we know how this ends, we’ve been down this road, Heyman knows how this ends, Punk can’t wait to get his hands around Heyman’s fat neck and squeeze until Heyman’s eyes pop out. But “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Punk says good, where are you, Penguin?!

Heyman storms out to the stage and Punk dares him to explain why he did what he did. And Wise Man, understand that whatever words you choose, they will be your last! But before that, here comes Rollins! The fans sing and Punk says that’s all Rollins is! But Rollins also has Bron Breakker by his side, and the trio stands together on stage. Rollins, in his all rattlesnake skin ensemble, is handed the mic. The fans chant for Punk but Rollins says, “Just when I think you can’t get any more selfish or any more egotistical, you find a way to top yourself. This man, Paul Heyman, was your best friend! Your best friend! And you made his life HELL on the Road to WrestleMania!

“And now you are out here in front of the entire world, gaslighting all of us, trying to make us believe that he betrayed you?” The fans seem to agree. Rollins says Punk makes him sick! Heyman believed in Punk for YEARS! YEARS, when no one else did. But y’know what Rollins believes? He believes Punk is scum, is trash, is excrement, and that he was right about Punk all along. And just when Rollins thinks he can’t hate Punk more than he already does, Punk stands there in that ring as THE reason Rollins is not World Heavyweight Champion right now! Punk says Rollins ain’t ever gonna be champ as long as Punk’s on two feet.

The fans cheer and Rollins groans. The fans chant for Punk but Rollins and Heyman chuckle. What is Punk’s deal? Does he love punishment? Does he love suffering? Does he love being on the wrong side of history? Wait, wait, wait. Rollins gets it now. Punk loves to play the victim. Punk loves to come out here and boo hoo, poor CM Punk~! Punk so desperately so wants to be a victim, he so desperately wants to die a martyr… The fans bark in anticipation, and Rollins says he believes that can be arranged. Rollins hopes Punk has prepared his last words. And with that, Bron is sent to the ring like the attack dog he is!

Punk says is the little doggy gonna bark or bite. And then the brawl is on! Bron RAMS Punk in the corner again and again, rains down fists, and the fans boo as Rollins swaggers into the ring. Bron runs but Punk BOOTS him! And TACKLES Rollins! The fans fire up but now it’s 2v1 as Bron gets back on Punk! But wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! Sami fires hands on Bron, then on Rollins! The fans fire up but Bron picks Sami up! EXPLODER! Punk is up to brawl with Rollins, but Bron joins in again! They mug Punk, and Heyman brings a chair! The fans boo but wait! JEY USO IS HERE! SUPERKICK and the chair is down!

Rollins and Jey brawl, Bron goes after Jey, it’s another 2v1 mugging! But then Sami is back, as is Punk, and they have chairs! They chase off Rollins, Bron & Heyman! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Rollins has Bron stand down. Will Punk, Sami & Jey turn the tide when it’s their three against Rollins’ three?

PENTA VS Chad Gable!

While he still has #CeroMiedo, he also has zero titles because one way or another, Judgment Day screws him over! Of course, it was “El Grande Americano” who factored into things at Backlash, so Penta knows exactly who to go after this time! At least, maybe? Will Penta prove Gable and Grande are one in the same? Or will Gable #SHOOOOSH all the conspiracy theory noise?

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/10/25)

For the 32nd time…!

Published

21 hours ago

May 11, 2025

Steven Mitchell

They’re the best around! Nothing’s ever gonna keep ’em down!

With quite a lot of pro-wrestling crossover in both blocks, this might be the most star-studded tournament ever ever! But will the Rogue Luchador still be THE Best of the Super Juniors?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Ninja Mack & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X; Taiji & Robbie win.
Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Ryusuke Taguchi & Kevin Knight VS MAO, Tiger Mask & Shoma Kato; Wato, Taguchi & Knight win.
YOH & Toru Yano VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Yoh & Yano win.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Nick Wayne VS SHO; Nick wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Dia wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA: Hiromu wins.
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Titan; Desperado wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Nick Wayne VS SHO!

The Prodigy isn’t just the historic youngest ROH World Television Champion ever, he is now the historic youngest entry into the BOSJ ever! But will he make The Patriarchy proud? Or will the Murder Machine ruin all the fun right in round one?

Well to start, Sho grabs a mic to tell Nick, “Congratulations on your first BOSJ. To commemorate this moment, here’s this towel as a present.” It is in fact a House of Torture rally towel, but as Nick cannot read Japanese, he doesn’t realize Sho is pranking him. It reads, “I am a country bumpkin.” Nick still bows in thanks for the gift, and Sho talks more trash, this time on Chiba. Chiba is so far removed into the countryside and from civilization that no one’s phones get reception. Sho tells Nick again congrats on being here, and he’ll let Nick introduce himself to the “country idiots.” Nick takes the mic, but Sho ATTACKS!

The fans boo as Sho CLUBS away on Nick, then talks more trash. The bell rings and Sho puts Nick against ropes. Sho wraps an arm around ropes, pulls on the arm, but stops as the ref reprimands. Sho stops to whip Nick, Nick reverses and hurdles, then bypasses Sho to UPPERCUT him down! Nick handsprings up and the fans cheer! Sho bails out but Nick builds speed, only for Sho to use a Young Lion as a shield! Nick stops short and goes to the apron, only for Sho to YANK him down! The fans boo more but Sho just grins. Sho drags Nick up, brings him to a corner, and SLAMS Nick’s arm off the post! Sho then goes to fetch a chair!

The ref stops that, so Sho knuckle locks Nick and brings him to the crowd! Sho wrenches Nick to a wristlock and ELBOW BREAKER, then he aims at the chairs! The fans hurry away and Sho BOWLS Nick into the chairs! STRIKE! The ref reprimands but Sho just takes a chair and digs it into Nick’s side! Sho stands on Nick’s hand, has another chair, but the ref reprimands. Sho puts the chair aside and drags Nick to his feet. Sho wrenches the arm, pulls it through the corner, and wraps it around the post! The ref reprimands again and Sho lets go at 4. Sho puts Nick in the ring, and then he SLAMS the bad arm against the post!

Sho hurries off to go snatch the bell hammer! The ref stops Sho, and Sho grabs a chair! Sho SMACKS Nick’s arm against the post! The fans boo but Sho laughs as he gets away with it! Nick shakes out the bad arm but Sho is right on him with a cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Nick stays in this, but Sho grins as he drags Nick up to knuckle lock. Sho wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and Nick falls back. Sho stands Nick up to wrench again, then pushes him down to kick, KICK, and SUPER- NO, Nick blocks the kick! Sho ducks the lariat to POP-UP ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Nick clasps hands, but Sho pries it free, ARMBAR!!

The fans rally up and Nick scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Sho lets go at 4. Nick clutches his bad arm but Sho goes outside to grab the ROH World TV title! The ref reprimands, stops Sho as he steps in, and Sho sets the belt down. To step on it! The fans boo and Nick gets pissed! Nick fires hands, but Sho CLAWS his face! Sho whips Nick, Nick grabs ropes, but that also hurts his arm! Nick still ELBOWS Sho away, ELBOWS him again, then runs up. Sho SWATS the lariat, whips, and the ref almost gets hit! Sho runs up, but Nick BOOTS him away! Nick goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS!

The fans fire up and Nick goes back to a corner. Nick runs in and UPPERCUTS! Nick snapmares Sho, runs up, and he spins Sho for an ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but the fans rally for Nick. Nick shakes out the bad arm, storms over to Sho, and waistlocks to drag Sho up. Nick then shifts to a half nelson, but Sho fights the full nelson! Sho swings Nick into ropes! Nick falls in a heap, clutches the bad arm, and stands up, only for Sho to run in! Nick TOSSES Sho, builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit on Sho and the fans fire up with Nick! Nick drags Sho back up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally as Nick goes up the corner.

Nick aims, FROG- NO, Nick has to roll through as Sho moves. Nick goes back, but Sho dodges again! Nick still pursues, but Sho uses the ref as a shield again! And then SPEAR! Both men are down, but Sho crawls his way over to the corner. Sho grabs Nick’s title again and the ref stops him! Sho SHOVES the ref, then grabs his Torture Tool! Sho aims, but Nick dodges! Nick kicks low, and then he has the torture tool! The ref stops Nick, Nick apologizes, but Sho LOW BLOWS in the distraction! The fans boo but Sho reels Nick in! POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Sho is shocked while the fans fire up!

Sho “aims his bow” and reels Nick in. Sho tucks the arms but Nick fights the lift! Nick BACKDROPS, Sho sunset flips, TWO! Sho stands, ducks a kick, and then GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Nick’s right up! Only for Sho to LARIAT Nick back down! Sho laughs and drags Nick back up. Nick trips Sho to a jackknife bridge! TWO! Sho shoves the ref, but Nick blocks the low blow! Nick slips around, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sho survives but the fans fire up with Nick! Nick waits on Sho to rise up, then he ROUNDHOUSES him! Nick brings Sho around and hooks a leg, PRODIGY PLEX!! Cover, Nick wins!!

Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Sho tried a lot of different tricks, but Nick still gets the better of him! The Prodigy has his first win in his first BOSJ, will he soon be the youngest man to win Best of the Super Juniors?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

After a tough time last year, The Infinite Carat Diamond is back and ready to shine! But will he overcome the Heel Master’s many antics? Or will he crack under the pressure?

Classic House of Torture, Kanemaru attacks Dia during his introductions! The fans boo but Kanemaru SMACKS Dia off the commentary desk! And then POSTS him! The bell rings to get this on record as Kanemaru stomps Dia. Kanemaru drags Dia up, brings him around, and whips him at another post! Dia uses that to swing into the ring! Dia then DROPKCIKS Kanemaru off the apron, slingshots out, but Kanemaru YANKS him down! Kanemaru puts Dia in the ring, but then on the apron, SUPER KNEE SMASH to the floor! The fans boo and the ref checks Dia. Dia is somehow okay to continue, but Kanemaru leaves him behind.

The ring count starts, Dia hobbles up and rolls in at 7 of 20. The fans cheer but Kanemaru stomps Dia’s leg! Kanemaru has Dia on the ropes but the ref counts. Kanemaru whips Dia to then dropkick the leg out! Dia writhes but Kanemaru drags him up, for a SHIN BREAKER to the mat! Dia writhes more but Kanemaru brings him around by that leg. Kanemaru YANKS the leg, then looms over Dia. Dia clutches his knee so Kanemaru stomps him on the side. Kanemaru then grabs the leg and twists it in a standing toehold! The fans rally as Dia endures, but Kanemaru puts on even more pressure! Dia fights around and has the ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud, the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets go at 4, just to stomp the leg again! Kanemaru drags Dia to center while the fans rally, and Kanemaru has another standing toehold! Dia endures as Kanemaru uses his own leg for leverage. Kanemaru pushes on the foot, but Dia fires hands from below. The fans rally, but Kanemaru turns Dia over for a HALF CRAB! Dia endures, fights forward, and the fans rally, only for Kanemaru to pull back more! Dia still scrambles his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Kanemaru lets go, only to SMASH the knee on the mat again! Dia writhes but he refuses to let this take him out.

Kanemaru drags Dia around, drops an ELBOW on the knee, then he pulls on the leg! Dia still endures, even as Kanemaru puts on more pressure. Dia tries to fight back with a chinlock but Kanemaru thrashes the leg! Kanemaru then drops KNEE after KNEE on Dia’s knee! Kanemaru kneels on the leg, slaps Dia around, then kicks him around. The fans rally and Dia rises up to CHOP! Kanemaru gives Dia more mocking kicks, but Dia CHOPS again! Kanemaru kicks the leg out! Dia writhes, Kanemaru stomps him more, but the fans continue to rally. Kanemaru stomps the leg, digs his boot in, but he also uses ropes for leverage!

The ref reprimands and counts, so Kanemaru steps off at 4. Kanemaru stalks Dia as he crawls away. Dia still refuses to give up, so Kanemaru drags him up and grabs the leg. Dia fights the lift with elbows! Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again! Kanemaru whips Dia to a corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him! And BOOTS him again! Dia runs, slides, and then tilt-o-whirl arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Kanemaru tumbles out! Dia fights through the pain to build speed, but Kanemaru gets away! Dia sees Kanemaru go to the side, and intercepts him with a 619! Kanemaru falls to the floor, Dia sets up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS!

The fans fire up as Dia takes Kanemaru down again! The ref checks and both men are okay to continue. Dia rises, the fans fire up again, and Dia hobbles over to Kanemaru. Dia puts Kanemaru in the ring, the fans rally, and Dia SOBATS! And LEG SWEEPS! And STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Dia stays fired up and the fans stay with him. Dia goes up the corner, shakes out the bad leg, and DD- NO, Kanemaru dodges the 4D! Kanemaru then DROPKICKS Dia’s leg! Kanemaru steps through to FIGURE FOUR! Dia endures as the fans rally up, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Dia drags Kanemaru along as he grabs the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer but Kanemaru doesn’t let go. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru drags Dia up, scoops him, BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Dia survives but Kanemaru brings him right up. Kanemaru suplexes, but Dia cradle counters! TWO, and Dia leaps up! Kanemaru stops the rana to SMASH the knee! Step through and FIGURE FOUR!! Dia endures and the fans rally up again! Dia keeps his shoulders up but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Dia works to move around but Kanemaru turns against him! Dia rolls through, and crawls his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go cleanly this time while the fans applaud.

Dia clutches his knee but Kanemaru brings him right up. Kanemaru scoops and SLAMS Dia into the drop zone! Kanemaru goes up, MOONSAULT! Kanemaru has to bail out as Dia moves! Kanemaru returns, blocks a boot, and CLUBS the leg! Kanemaru whips, Dia reverses, but Kanemaru reverses back, to send Dia at the ref! Dia stops short, but Kanemaru CLOBBERS Dia into the ref! The fans boo but Kanemaru hurries to bring Dia up. Kanemaru THROWS Dia down, then grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, but the ref grabs the bottle! Kanemaru lets him have the bottle, but then Dia ENZIGIRIS! The whiskey mist goes to waste!

Dia puts Kanemaru up top, climbs, and the fans fire up for the ASTRO SCISSORS! Kanemaru tumbles away, but Dia runs up to REPTIALIAN!! Cover, Dia wins!!

Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)

Much like Sho to open, Kanemaru had his tricks up his sleeve, but none of them paid off! Dia is already shining with this win, but will he be the centerpiece of the whole A Block?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!

The Japanese Young Punk and the Italian Crown of Fire are both former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions looking to spark something all on their own. But will Fujita prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will Akira blaze a trail to the top of the block?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle fast. They tie up, Fujita powers Akira to the mat then goes for an arm. Akira slips around, Fujita waistlocks, but Akira keeps moving. The two separate and the fans applaud this opening exchange. The two reset and circle again. They tie up, Fujita waistlocks but Akira wrenches out to hammerlock. Fujita switches the hammerlock, but Akira sits down, rolls, and hammerlocks in return. Fujita spins, steps over, and he holds Akira down so he can CHOP Akira on the back! The fans applaud but Akira is annoyed. Akira says okay, and he fires a forearm!

Fujita eggs Akira on so Akira fires another forearm! And then a CHOP! Fujita comes back to CHOP! The fans fire up, Fujita runs, but Akira CALF KICKS him down! The fans fire up more while Fujita bails out. Akira storms out, saying if Fujita wants to play, let’s play! Akira POSTS Fujita, brushes himself off, then drags Fujita back up. Akira CHOPS Fujita against the apron! Akira sits on the apron and wraps Fujita up with the headscissors! The ref reprimands but Akira lets go at 4. The fans rally, Akira drags Fujita back up, and then ROCKS him with a forearm! Akira talks some smack, ROCKS Fujita again, but then Fujita ROCKS him in return!

Fujita RAMS Akira into the apron, CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then KNEES low again and again! The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring. Fujita puts Akira in, the fans applaud, and Fujita runs corner to corner. Akira puts Fujita on the apron, but Fujita springboards, only for Akira to stop him and trip him up! Fujita flops to the mat, Akira covers, TWO! The fans rally while Akira drags Fujita up. Fujita breaks free to fire a forearm, but Akira eggs him on. Fujita fires another forearm, but Akira blocks the chop! Akira KNEES low, scoops and SLAMS, then covers, TWO! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Fujita stays in this, but Akira stays on Fujita with a rear bearhug! Fujita endures, even as Akira squeezes tight and talks more trash. Fujita crawls, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets go in frustration. Akira drags Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS into Fujita! Akira RAMS in again, then whips corner to corner. Akira runs up and LARIATS! Akira then snapmares and covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans rally up, but Akira stays focused. Akira drags Fujita up, but Fujita breaks free to CHOP! Akira mule kicks, whips, but Fujita reverses. Akira dodges the chop but not the LEG LARIAT!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Akira go to corners and the fans rally. Fujita runs corner to corner and CHOPS! Akira is stinging, but Fujita whips corner to corner. Fujita runs up again, but Akira puts him on the apron! Fujita ducks a shot to ROCK Akira, then he springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita sits Akira up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Akira stays in this but Fujita stays focused. Fujita waistlocks to deadlift, but Akira fights with elbows! Akira runs, but Fujita drop toeholds, and then has the legs tied up! Akira fights the rest of the hold, but Fujita still grabs the arms!

Fujita and Akira struggle against each other, and Akira slips an arm free to have the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go and the fans rally up again. Fujita stands Akira up and suplexes, but Akira fights that off! Akira wrenches, Fujita ducks the lariat to waistlock, but Akira runs to ropes! Akira TOSSES Fujita out with that and then runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Akira builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Fujita and the fans fire up more! Akira roars, the fans cheer, and the standing count starts. The fans chant for “A! KI-RA!” and he puts Fujita in at 6 of 20, Akira goes to the corner, springboards and LIONSAULTS onto knees! Cover, TWO!!

Akira survives the turnaround and the fans rally up. Fujita stalks Akira, waistlocks and deadlifts, but again Akira fights with elbows! Fujita still reels Akira in and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Akira lands on his feet! Akira SUPERKICKS, but Fujita CHOPS! Akira ENZIGIRIS! Fujita HEEL KICKS! The fans fire up with Fujita now and he brings Akira around. Fujita suplexes, but Akira slips free! Akira has the arms, pops Fujita up, TIGER GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Fujita survives and Akira is stunned! The fans rally up while Akira drags Fujita up. Akira reels Fujita in, SPEEDFIRE! But Akira isn’t done, he goes to the corner!

The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and he runs in, NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to DOUBLE CHOP! But Akira comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up again as Fujita flounders around! Akira roars and he gets moving, but Fujita sidesteps! Akira bucks the O’Conner and runs in, only for Fujita to drop toehold! Fujita wants the legs but Akira cradles him, TWO!! Both men rise and the fans rally again! Fujita dodges to SNAP GERMAN!! But Akira manages to stand?! Akira runs back in, but Fujita pops him up! Fujita has the waistlock, and he holds on even as Akira fights with elbows! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!!

Akira survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita hauls Akira up again, half nelson then facelock, but Akira fights with knees! The fans rally as Akira fires knees down low, only for Fujita to hook one! Fujita suplexes Akira into a torture rack! BURNING HAMMER DDT!! Cover, Fujita wins!!

Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

Akira brought the heat, but he was put out like a light with that one! Whatever Fujita calls that new move, will it be the key to his success in this tournament?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA!

Two of the most decorated Super Juniors battle once more, all to help kick off this year’s tournament! Will the Ticking Timebomb make things more and more fun? Or will the Time Splitter turn back the clock to his former glory?

As soon as Hiromu’s ringside, Kushida wants to dive out onto him! Hiromu scrambles away from one corner, only for Kushida to hurry and DROPKICK him off the apron! The fans fire up as Kushida climbs and the bell rings, but Hiromu hurries up top! Hiromu trips Kushida, then brings him to a fireman’s carry! The fans fire up but Kushida fires elbows! Kushida has the HOVERBOARD way up there! The fans rally, the ref reprimands, but Hiromu throws Kushida off! Kushida finally takes his jacket off, and he HANDSPRING KICKS Hiromu down! Kushida builds speed, but then Hiromu slides back in!

Kushida lands safe on the apron, only for Hiromu to SUNSET FLIP! Kushida holds onto the ropes, throws hands, then RAN- NO! Hiromu stops the rana, brings Kushida back up, but Kushida fights free of the powerbomb! Hiromu dodges the boot, and then DROPKICKS Kushida’s leg! Kushida writhes and the ref checks him while the fans rally up. Hiromu stands and catches his breath. Kushida is still in this, so Hiromu drags him around, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! Kushida hobbles and flounders around, but Hiromu stomps him down. The ref reprimands but Hiromu drags Kushida around to SMASH the knee again!

Kushida writhes and Hiromu paces. Hiromu keeps Chiba fired up while Kushida rolls into the ring. Hiromu slides in but Kushida hurries to bail back out. Hiromu pursues, then pushes Kushida back into the ring. The fans rally as Hiromu keeps Kushida from escaping again. Hiromu CHOPS, then whips Kushida to a corner. Hiromu runs in and LARIATS! Then he snapmares to basement DROPKICK the legs! Kushida writhes but Hiromu turns him over for the MAXIMUM THE HOLDING! But Kushida scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go, only to drag Kushida back. Hiromu fakes the knee smash so he can grapevine the leg!

Kushida endures the modified leg lock and he crawls his way forward! Hiromu puts on the pressure with his modified Trailer Hitch, but Kushida still manages the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans rally up. Hiromu taunts Kushida, but Kushida CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kushida runs, but Hiromu drop toeholds and leg scissors! Kushida endures the modified calf slicer as Hiromu puts on the pressure! The fans rally, Kushida crawls, and Kushida reaches out again for another ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans applaud. Hiromu drags Kushida back, turns Kushida over, and SMASHES the knee again! And again!

Kushida writhes and the fans rally but Hiromu looms over Kushida. Hiromu stomps Kushida’s leg! Kushida hobbles to the corner but Hiromu stomps a mudhole into that leg! The ref counts, Hiromu backs off, and Kushida hobbles up. Kushida CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Hiromu kicks the bad leg! Kushida CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Kushida whips, Hiromu reverses, but Kushida manages the handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Hiromu go to corners while the fans rally. Hiromu stands up first, but Kushida runs up! Kushida blocks boots, and has an ANKLE LOCK!

Hiromu hops around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, but he has Hiromu stuck on the top rope. Kushida runs to DROPKICK Hiromu down to the floor! The fans rally while Kushida crawls to the apron. Hiromu rises up and Kushida takes aim, FLYING RANA! Hiromu tumbles and the fans rally up again as Kushida puts Hiromu in the ring. SOMERSAULT DDT, and then ARMBAR! Hiromu scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go in frustration, but he aims for an arm! Kushida runs up and DROPKICKS Hiromu’s left arm! Then he KICKS, KICKS, KICKS, only for Hiromu to block the last one!

Hiromu also blocks the fastball to DRAGON SCREW! Kushida writhes but Hiromu gets the legs, MAXIMUM THE HOLDING!! Kushida flails, reaches out, drags Hiromu along, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Hiromu holds on. The ref counts so Hiromu lets go at 4. Hiromu grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally. Hiromu drags Kushida up, fireman’s carries, but Kushida fights free! Kushida runs in, Hiromu BOOTS him, then Hiromu runs, only for Kushida to dodge! Kushida tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Then he slips around to drag Hiromu into the HOVERBOARD!! Hiromu endures and the fans fire up more!

Kushida puts on the pressure as Hiromu fights around, but then Kushida headscissors Hiromu to keep him down! Hiromu flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as he fights the scissors. Hiromu rises, clasps hands behind his back, but Kushida puts on more pressure! They go around and around, but Kushida fires elbows! Hiromu CLUBS away on Kushida in return! The armlock is undone, but Kushida fires Kawada Kicks! And it’s back to the HOVERBOARD! But Hiromu fireman’s carries free! He throws Kushida into a dragon sleeper, makes it a facelock, suplexes, only for Kushida to fight free! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida KICKS a leg!

Kushida KICKS Hiromu’s leg again and again, and Hiromu falls! Kushida runs, but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Hiromu and Kushida slowly rise, and Hiromu fireman’s carries! But Kushida hits a crucifix takedown! TWO, and Kushida steps over for LA MAGISTROL! But Hiromu stuffs it to his own cover, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Hiromu wrenches and tucks, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL, but Kushida rocks it back! JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Kushida ducks a shot, spins Hiromu, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida PELES!

Kushida runs, but Hiromu follows! Kushida dodges, they both run, but Hiromu hits a CODE BREAKER! Shoutout to Bushi before the MAXIMUM THE HOLDING!! Hiromu steps over to make it MTH 2.0!! Kushida endures, reaches out, but Hiromu turns it back over, and makes it a BACKBREAKER! Then back to MTH 2.0!!! Kushida endures, but he TAPS!! Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

The Ticking Timebomb’s arsenal continues to evolve, and he manages to make one of the best Junior Heavyweight technical wrestlers tap out! Is this a sign that Hiromu can make his way back to the top of this division? Is there still time for Kushida to do the same?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Titan!

The Rogue Luchador finally won a BOSJ trophy with last year’s tournament, but now he wants to go back to back! Will Desperado start strong with this main event? Or will El Inmortal bring down THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?

Titan offers a handshake, Desperado takes it, and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Despy gets Chiba even more fired up, then he ties up with Titan. They go around, Despy waistlocks, but Titan spins to facelock. Despy wrenches out, Titan rolls, then Titan kips up, bridges, and handsprings. Titan wrenches, WRINGS Despy, then covers, ONE! Despy trips Titan to cover, ONE! The two stand off and the fans cheer. Titan and Despy reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, but then Titan trips Despy. Things speed up, Titan ducks ‘n’ dodges, but he avoids Despy’s hurdle to dropkick the legs out and DOUBLE STOMP!

The fans fire up and Titan watches Despy rise. Titan runs but Despy puts him on the apron. Titan blocks a shot to CHOP, then he springboards to CROSSBODY! Titan keeps moving and he DROPKICKS Despy out of the ring! The fans fire up and Titan builds speed, but Despy avoids the slide! Despy comes back, Titan dodges and returns to tilt-o-whirl, but Despy blocks the DDT! Despy suplexes Titan to the floor! The fans rally and Despy stretches out his back. Despy drags Titan up, brings him around the way, and CHOPS him! Titan leans against the railing and the fans rally up. Despy paces, then he brings Titan around, only for Titan to CHOP!

Despy eggs Titan on and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Titan snarls while he and Despy go around the way. Despy CHOPS again and Titan falls to his knees. Despy puts Titan in the ring, the fans applaud, and Despy storms in so he can hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans applaud, but Despy clamps onto Titan with a chinlock. Titan pries at the hold but Despy shifts into a modified motorcycle stretch. Despy leans on Titan and folds him up. Titan endures, and Red Shoes notices Despy pulling at the mask strings. Despy stops that and whips Titan to a corner. Despy runs in and LARIATS!

Titan tumbles and sits up while the fans rally. Despy looms over Titan, eggs him on, and then stands him up. Titan CHOPS! Despy eggs Titan on so Titan CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Despy KNEES low, runs, but Titan follows! Titan trips Despy, goes to the apron, and then GAMANGIRIS! Despy staggers away, Titan springboards in, FLYING RANA! Despy tumbles out, Titan DIVES and Despy is sent into the Young Lions! Titan rolls back into the ring and fires up! The fans rally with Titan and he builds speed, but Despy moves! Titan just changes course to DIVE again! Down goes Despy and the fans fire up!

Titan rises and the fans cheer. Titan drags Despy up, puts him in, and kicks him down. Titan then fireman’s carries Despy for a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Despy toughs it out but Titan steps through, only for Despy to cradle! TWO, and Titan SUPERKICKS! Despy stumbles into the corner and Titan fires up again. The fans rally up, Titan runs corner to corner, FRAME OUT LARIAT! Despy falls and Titan goes up! Titan aims for DIVING- NO, Despy avoids the stomps! Titan comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO, but into the STRETCH MUFFLER! Titan endures, fights around, but Despy wants that arm!

Titan pushes up to have both legs and RANA Despy away! Despy goes back outside but Titan FLIES! Down goes Despy but it’s a hard landing for both! Even commentary is stunned seeing that! The fans fire up even more and Red Shoes checks on both men. Titan rises, drags Despy up, SMACKS him off the apron then pushes him in the ring. Despy sputters his way to center, and Titan rises up! The fans fire up for the springboard, DIVING BODY PRESS! Titan bounces off but crawls back to the cover, TWO! Despy survives and the fans fire up more! Titan roars and the fans rally behind him again as he grabs a leg.

Titan steps through, but Despy kicks and kicks and kicks! Titan lets go, but he comes back to CLUB Despy! Titan stands Despy up but Despy fires body shots and CHOPS! Titan ducks the haymaker to fire off a strike fest! But the LOCO MONO finds him! Despy runs, but Titan goes Matrix to then CALF KCIK! Titan roars and reels Despy in, but Despy suplexes first! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and Despy rises. Despy drags Titan up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Titan fights the lift! Despy still tries, but then he KNEES Titan low! Despy roars, the fans fire up, and Despy whips, but Titan reverses!

TORNADO- NO, Despy stops the DDT again! Despy suplexes, Titan slips free and shoves, TORNADO DDT! Then Titan suplexes for the GOURD BUSTER, and SUPER- NO, Despy blocks and rolls Titan up! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Titan fights, Despy wants the other arm, but Titan uses his core to sit up! DESTROY- NO, Despy blocks the rolling piledriver, and he tucks Titan in! DUDEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and the fans fire up again! Titan rolls away to one corner, Despy crawls to the other, and the fans rally as hard as they can. Despy aims as Titan rises. Despy runs in, but Titan SOBATS, KICKS, and fires off strikes! WHEEL KICK!

The fans fire up as Titan now skins the cat to the top rope! Titan aims, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Direct hit, but Titan clutches his foot! Titan crawls to the cover, TWO!!! The delay saves Despy and the fans fire up again! Titan drags Despy around, has the leg, and rolls to have LLAVE IN- NO, Despy pushes through to turn Titan over! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Titan fights around, Despy grabs the other arm, NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! Titan QUITS, Despy wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)

While Titan won against Desperado last year, and even the year before that, third time is the charm as Desperado has avenged himself! But with this only being round one, is there still a chance Titan will make this his tournament?

As for Desperado, he grabs the mic to tell Titan in Espanol that this was their third BOSJ battle. Despy knows he won today, but that is just one out of three. “I can’t let that go. I don’t know when, but next time, I’ll even the score. I want to face you more. Perhaps you can come to Japan more? Alright. When can we fight for this title? Where can it be? Arena Mexico? Korakuen Hall? Tokyo Dome?” Titan jokes they could do it here in Chiba. Despy thanks Titan, and says he’ll now address the fans.

The fans applaud, and Despy apologizes for the side conversation. He admits he doesn’t have the best long-term memory. But he’s pretty sure he tapped out to Titan the last two times, even in last year’s opener. That much he does remember, so he’s glad he won today. He explains how that makes him and Titan 2-1 and that Despy wants to make the score even. He also explains how he wants to face Titan for the title even. The fans like the sound of that, and Despy also explains about asking where to do it, and how Titan was down for doing it here. The fans applaud, and Despy says Titan sure is cool, huh?

Despy says that in a tournament like this, whether you’re a champion or a Young Lion, you’ve got an equal chance of winning. There are no real byes here. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how long you’ve been in the business, “that’s what’s so interesting. A Young Lion might beat me. Or someone from another promotion might beat the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. That’s what makes the Super Juniors exciting. But it doesn’t matter if you’re young, a masked man, or whatever, I’m still the champion. It doesn’t matter that I won last year and could repeat this year. Hiromu won three times in a row, four total.

“One time isn’t enough. That guy is always ahead of me. Even if we’re not fighting, I’m always competing with my rival.” The fans applaud that! Despy then says, “It’s too early to talk about how emotional and cool this series is. Doesn’t matter how dirty or clean you do it. It’s about the man raising the trophy at the end! And it’ll be me!” The fans cheer as Despy drops the mic to hold up the title. Will he still be the Best of the Super Juniors after another grueling gauntlet of a tournament?

Here are the A Block standings!

Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the B Block standings!

El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great opening to the BOSJ this year, but rather surprising to see a mixed bag of matches. I suppose part of it was the various schedules needing to be accommodated, what with Clark Connors still in California last night for Resurgence. Good stuff with both House of Torture guys losing, giving Nick Wayne and Dragon Dia great wins to start their runs. Sho pranking Nick was pretty clever, too, made me think of Edge & Christian pulling stuff like that on Kurt Angle. Great stuff from Fujita VS Akira, carrying from their rivalry when United Empire and TMDK were fighting over the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles. It really feels like these two can make a singles feud out of it, too.

Hiromu VS Kushida was great, especially with how fast it got going. Great win for Hiromu, he’s always a frontrunner in the block so I expect big stuff for his run. And similarly great stuff from Despy VS Titan, with a great win for Despy. Just as his promo after said, he finally got one on Titan, and it would be great if Titan could spend more time in NJPW but he is still more a CMLL talent than anything. There is still potential for them meeting again in the semifinals, but it really depends on the plans they have for everyone else. And a lot of Despy’s promo did kinda nod to how Nick Wayne is in the block, being the youngest in this tournament while also from AEW. Despy VS Nick could really steal the show, whenever it’s set to happen. Actually, is it the next round?