Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 4!

There can only be one!

Published

5 years ago

July 28, 2019

Steven Mitchell

NJPW and AXS move into Night 9!

The Rainmaker, Mr. Takeover, only ONE can stay undefeated in this year’s round robin! Who comes out of this THE leader in A Block and a step closer to the NJPW G1 Climax finals?!

Coverage of the G1 Climax 29 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.

Gifs to come courtesy of https://frentique.tumblr.com/

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Lance Archer VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins.
Will Ospreay VS Bad Luck Fale; Ospreay wins, by disqualification.
EVIL VS Zack Sabre Jr; EVIL wins.
SANADA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins.
KENTA VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS set the scene for this pivotal round of the round robin!

The Rainmaker is undefeated in the A Block! However, there is another: KENTA is tied with the IWGP Heavyweight Champion! Mr. Takeover started his NJPW debut strong with four straight wins, but now he gets to test himself against the top champion! Okada has suffered losses to NJWP newcomers in the past, but can he break that streak and continue on towards the G1 Climax finals? Or will Kenta’s style be what fells the champ?

Lance Archer VS Kota Ibushi!

#EverybodyDies, but the Killer Elite hasn’t had the best run in his first G1 in years. Can he at least ruin things for the Golden Star this late in the game?

The bell rings and fans are strongly behind Ibushi. Archer doesn’t care because he towers over him. He pie faces, but Ibushi kicks the legs! Archer rushes but Ibushi ducks to fire more kicks. Archer grabs Ibushi but Ibushi breaks free to dropkick him back! Ibushi runs in but is put on the apron. He springboards back, but into a choke grip! But he pops out, only for his huricanrana to be blocked. Archer brings Ibushi to the ropes but Ibushi headscissors Archer out first! Ibushi gets back in and fans fire up as he aims at Archer. He runs, golden trip! Archer throws Ibushi into railing!

Archer stomps Ibushi then pulls his leg to throw it onto the floor. Fans boo but Archer tunes them out as he drags Ibushi back up. He throws big haymakers and sends Ibushi staggering deeper into the crowd. Then again! Archer BOOTS Young Lions to keep them away! A ring count begins as Archer drags Ibushi over to the ring. They enter in at 11 of 20, and fans cheer that this will continue in the ring. Archer stalks Ibushi and toys with him. He kicks Ibushi around but Ibushi sits up. Ibushi kicks back on that leg, then whips. But Archer reverses for a black hole slam! Cover, TWO! Archer is upset with the referee but that was a fair count. Archer goes back to Ibushi to club him down over and over. Fans rally for Ibushi even as Archer prepares that claw! Ibushi blocks but Archer sweeps the legs!

Ibushi clutches his ankle but Archer stands him up to LARIAT him down! Cocky cover, TWO! Ibushi won’t be beat by such ego. But Archer steps on Ibushi and grinds his foot in! Archer drags Ibushi up to club him down again! And he shouts at the fans who support Ibushi, too! But Ibushi gets up to fight back. The chop does nothing! Archer whips, but Ibushi blocks the Pounce with double knees! Both men are down but Archer is up first. Archer shakes out the cobwebs but Ibushi is on him with a strike fest! Ibushi runs in at the corner but misses the elbow. Archer runs in to hit his, but then Ibushi catches him for a powerslam! And a moonsault! Cover, TWO!

Ibushi says that isn’t all, and he stands back up. Archer follows but Ibushi climbs. Archer leaps up with a knee! Ibushi is rocked, and Archer climbs up to join him. Archer brings Ibushi up but Ibushi fights back. Ibushi slips down and has Archer for a bomb, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Archer survives but Ibushi doesn’t lose focus. He watches Archer go to the apron and is on him, blocks a punch to give a punch. Ibushi runs but into a BOOT! Archer climbs and springboards for a senton! Cover, TWO!! Archer is furious that Ibushi survives that springboard cannonball. Ibushi fires off more kicks, but gets a TOWERING choke slam!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives again! But Archer still has his claw.

Archer drags Ibushi up as fans rally. Archer clamps the #EBD on! The Everybody Dies claw squeezes Ibushi’s head, but Ibushi gets the ropebreak! Archer lets up at 4 and the damage has been done. He drags Ibushi up again, full nelsons, but Ibushi pops through to victory roll! TWO, and Ibushi knees Archer down! Not a full Bomaye, but good enough! And now Ibushi drags Archer up by the wrists, for Archer to Kamigoye! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives a stolen form of his best move, but Archer is still on him. Archer positions Ibushi in a drop zone, then decides to climb! Archer reaches the very top, and MOONSAULTS, to FLOP! Ibushi avoided certain doom, and now has a target primed and ready! But he runs into a tilt-o-whirl! Ibushi escapes to ROUNDHOUSE Archer down!

Ibushi resets, “YAO!” BOMAYE!! Cover, TWO!?! Archer still lives and Ibushi is shocked. But he won’t stop there, either. He has the wrists, KAMIGOYE! But Archer is still up!? Archer shakes out the cobwebs, only to get a second KAMIGOYE! Cover, Ibushi wins!!

Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; earns 2 points

The Golden Star triumphs over the terrifying titan! Does this give Ibushi new life in the G1? Or has Archer done enough damage to keep Ibushi from the finals?

Will Ospreay VS Bad Luck Fale!

The Aerial Assassin didn’t do so well against the taller Archer, but can he redeem himself against the Rogue General? Or will he simply be blown out of the sky by a Grenade?

Chase Owens grabs Ospraey at the apron! And Fale attacks! Bullet Club softens up the Chaos member before the bell! Fale keeps the referee from watching Chase and Jado mug Ospreay. Ospreay fights them off, and Chase gets the kendo stick SMACK! Ospreay knocks Jado away but then Fale grabs him by the hair! Fale yanks Ospreay up to the apron, but Ospreay fights him off, too! Ospreay hurries to springboard, Pip Pip Cheerio forearm! Cover, TWO and with power! Ospreay keeps going, throwing big forearms on Fale’s face. Fale blocks the whip with pure strength, and whips Ospreay into a Jado SMACK! Fans boo but the Master Heater gets away with it again. Fale stomps Ospreay to the corner and grinds his knee in.

The referee counts and Fale lets up, to then choke Ospreay on the ropes. The ref counts again, and Fale frees Ospreay. Fale stays back while Ospreay catches his breath. But then Fale clubs Ospreay’s bad shoulder and neck in the corner. Ospreay clutches the spot but Fale just elbows it again and again. Fale stalks Ospreay and peels at the KT tape more. He grinds a knee in and then stands on Ospreay’s body! The referee backs Fale off, but Chase sneaks some tearing of the tape. Ospreay grimaces as he sits up, but Fale is on him with a Camel Clutch! Ospreay endures being bent back with an already bad neck, and refuses to give up! He pries at the hold but Fale just clobbers him down. Cover, TWO!

Fans rally for Ospreay while Fale clamps on the shoulder. Ospreay endures as Fale leans on him, and fights his way up and out. Fale swats him once and Ospreay is on the ropes. Fale whips but Ospreay handsprings for an enziguri! Both men are down down, but Fale crawls towards Chase and Jado. Ospreay goes to the other end and runs in for a back elbow and many forearms! He just picks up speed as he fires off on Fale! Ospreay stops to bring Fale up for another whip. Fale reverses but misses the corner splash, to get another enziguri! Ospreay standing shooting stars! Cover, TWO! Ospreay grits his teeth and the fans rally up for him. He aims at Fale, Robinson Special hits! Ospreay fires up and calls for it! Springboard, but Fale uses the ref as a waepon to send Ospreay down!

And now Chase has Ospreay, but Ospreay slips out of the package driver to HOOK KICK! Ospreay dodges Jado, but not Fale’s splash! GRENADE!! Cover, but the ref is down because of Fale’s own treachery! Chase throws the ref in, Fale covers again, TWO!! Ospreay still lives! Fale drags him up again, powerbomb lift, crucifix, but Ospreay escapes Bad Luck Fale to HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks!? There’s no way… He gets Fale off his feet, but the back doesn’t let him finish. Hidden Blade instead! Cover, TWO! Ospreay tries old’ faithful, OSCUTTER HITS! Cover, but Chase yanks the ref right out! The Bullet Club is no better this year than last year!

Ospreay sees what just happened, but Jado is there! Ospreay blocks the kendo stick to deck Jado! Now Ospreay thinks he’ll have some kendo practice, only for Chase to attack! Chase lifts but Ospreay back drops out of the driver! Ospreay ducks and handsprings, but Chase SMACKS him with the kendo stick! Package Piledriver!! Fans boo but there’s nothing they can do as Chase drags up the ref. but here comes Red Shoes! He counts, only to dirty bird ’em! Disqualification!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by disqualification; earns 1 point

Fale is furious and he chases Red Shoes, but Red Shoes is too fast! Ospreay still gets points, but is there enough of the Aerial Assassin left to finish the Climax?

EVIL VS Zack Sabre Jr!

This is a rivalry that will never end! The King of Darkness and the Submission Master have met in New Japan Cups and G1 Climaxes, and the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion dominates the series. Will history repeat itself in another classic chapter of this growing feud?

The bell rings and fans cheer Evil as he and ZSJ stand off. They circle and tie up with a test of strength, but Evil kicks low to headlock. ZSJ endures the grind but Evil throws him with a takeover. ZSJ moves around to get back to his feet, then he slips through to keylock. Evil powers through and wrenches, and now it’s a fight of wrenching! ZSJ drops to Pele but Evil gets clear. ZSJ gets clear of the senton, and then both men swing and dodge! Evil stands while ZSJ scrambles to the far side. Fans cheer as they stare down and circle again.

ZSJ hits low and gets Evil with a headlock now. Evil powers out and the two collide. ZSJ runs again but Evil dodges the boot to run and run ZSJ over! Fans cheer as Evil looms over ZSJ. Evil drags ZSJ up and wrenches the arm. Evil brings ZSJ down to an arm surfboard, and digs his forehead into ZSJ’s shoulder blades. ZSJ endures and works on turning things around, but Evil powers him back down to his knees. ZSJ tries again, but again Evil powers him down! Evil keeps a knee in ZSJ’s back, but ZSJ gets up in a huff. ZSJ spins it but Evil spins through! ZSJ flips and switches, to get the abdominal stretch, only for Evil to snapmare out! Evil lifts ZSJ but ZSJ snapmares back, and neck cranks Evil!

ZSJ grinds his feet into Evil’s head and wrist. Red Shoes counts but ZSJ just steps on Evil’s legs. ZSJ drops down to double wristlock one arm, and then digs fingers into Evil’s face! Evil gets a ropebreak, so ZSJ lets go, only to stomp Evils head! ZSJ drags Evil up to throw European Uppercuts and lock on a cravat. ZSJ cranks hard but Evil fights back with body shots. Then he scoops ZSJ for a slam! But Evil falls, too, from the effort it took to power up like that. ZSJ is up first, and drags Evil up, but Evil fights back with forearms. Evil runs, but into a guillotine! But he powers out to a suplex!

Both men are down but fans rally up again. Evil powers up with it, and takes aim at ZSJ in the corner. Evil runs in, Bronco Buster! ZSJ scrambles away but Evil covers, TWO! Evil keeps his cool while ZSJ checks his face. Evil drags ZSJ up for a waistlock but ZSJ blocks with a leg hook. ZSJ goes for the arm at the same time, double wristlock. Evil shifts weight but ZSJ blocks that side, too. ZSJ elbows back but so does Evil. Evil shoves to forearm ZSJ in the back, then picks him up for a pendulum backbreaker! Evil grabs the legs for the Sharpshooter, but ZSJ rakes eyes! ZSJ drags Evil into a Triangle Hold! Evil endures, powers up, and BOMBS ZSJ down! But Evil’s glare says he isn’t satisfied. He grabs the legs fast, but ZSJ resists!

ZSJ slips out and gets Evil’s legs, to take the Sharpshooter for his own! But Evil scrambles quickly to a ropebreak! ZSJ holds on until 4, but now he’s evened things with Evil. He stomps the knee! Evil bails out but ZSJ follows. ZSJ is on the apron, but misses his kick! Evil trips him up and then hangs him up, assisted Magic Killer to the floor! Both men are down on the outside but fans are rallying. Evil and ZSJ each clutch limbs, but Evil gets moving first. Evil roars and fans fire up with him as he puts ZSJ in. He follows while ZSJ gets to a corner. Evil runs in at ZSJ, for a big corner clothesline! Fans cheer as Evil fires up more. Evil fireman’s carries but ZSJ resists! ZSJ sleeper holds, but Evil pulls and gives one arm a shoulder breaker!

Evil blocks a kick, gives it to Red Shoes, but ZSJ knows what’s coming! He blocks the mule kick into a kneebar! And then Heel Hook! Fans rally as Evil endures the shifting hold! Evil pries at the hold, then goes after ZSJ’s legs! He has a Heel Hook of his own on ZSJ! It’s become the Sharpshooter!! ZSJ now endures as Evil sits deep! But he gets a ropebreak of his own! Evil lets up, but now Evil has turned the tables. He goes back to ZSJ and fireman’s carries, but ZSJ slips out. Evil elbows ZSJ but gets a roundhouse to sweep! ZSJ gets to a corner to rest while Evil checks his own legs. Evil blocks the Penalty Kick! Then clubs the leg, spins, but into a EuroUpper! But he blocks ZSJ’s kick into a LARIAT! Both men are down again but fans rally up!

Evil hobbles up and slashes the throat. he spins ZSJ but ZSJ slips out and leap frogs to a victory roll! TWO and EVIL has hit! TWO, EuroClutch, TWO!! Evil escapes and SUPERKICKS ZSJ! Fisherman buster denied, Pele to the arm! Penalty Kick takes Evil down! But ZSJ can’t follow up, his legs and back are bothering him. ZSJ crawls to a corner while Evil again slowly sits up. ZSJ runs and hits another Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ grows frustrated while Evil shakes out the cobwebs. Now ZSJ slashes the throat, and he drags Evil up. Evil resists the scoop but ZSJ fights through. Evil slips out to headbutt ZSJ down! He drags ZSJ up again, but swings into the Abdominal Stretch! ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Evil powers out to the DARKNESS FALLS!

But just like ZSJ a moment ago, Evil can’t cover! Both men are down again as fans rally up. Evil stands and slashes the throat once more. He spins ZSJ, but ZSJ trips him up! Roll to a crucifix, TWO! ZSJ kicks the lariat but uppercuts into a spin, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall; earns 2 points

For only the second time in their rivalry, the King of Darkness has won! Does this win help Evil stay alive? What of the Submission Master’s chances to this point?

SANADA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Cold Skull has proven himself a worthy competitor in this Heavyweight Singles Division, but he’s still on the outside looking in. Will he reach that next level by trumping the Ace? Or will the Once in a Century Talent roll on in this Climax comeback?

Both men take their elaborately decorated jackets off, and the bell rings on this showdown of generations!

The fans are already thunderous, but to everyone’s surprise, it’s for Sanada! Tananashi gets his fans louder, but it is still rather heavy in Sanada’s favor. The two circle and feel out the grapple. They tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Sanada rolls to a drop toehold, and then laces the legs in a figure four. Sanada pulls but Tanahashi reaches back to get a headlock! Tanahashi grinds Sanada now, but Sanada gets to his feet. Sanada pops out the back to get a headlock of his own. Tanahashi endures now, and pries out to a keylock. Sanada falls to the mat and Tanahashi has the armlock. Tanahashi stands Sanada up for a wrench, but Sanada slips through to reverse it. Now Sanada has the keylock, but Tanahshi arm-drags free. Sanada headscissors but Tanahashi pops out, and the two stand off.

Fans cheer and now it’s more of an even duel. Sanada and Tanahashi circle again, and they approach for another knuckle lock. Sanada spins and wrenches, then reels Tanahashi in. Tanahashi spins out and wrenches back, but Sanada reverses. Tanahashi forearms Sanada to get the wrench back, but Sanada gives it back. The two stand off and both go for a kick! But they both block the kick! They argue over who lets go first, so naturally Red Shoes counts and they agree to do it together. But then Sanada trips Tanahashi up! Tanahashi resists Paradise, and then whips. Sanada reverses but Tanahashi sunset flips, but Sanada rolls through to get the legs! Paradise complete! And fans cheer as Sanada circles the trapped Ace! Sanada builds up speed, to dropkick Tanahashi out of Paradise!

Tanahashi crawls for a corner but Sanada is on him with elbows. Sanada puts Tanahashi in a corner to whip corner to corner. He runs in for a back elbow, then snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps on Tanahashi with a chinlock, but fans rally with “Go Ace! Go Ace!” Tanahashi fights his way up and fights out, but Sanada hits back. Sanada whips Tanahashi again, and dodges the basement dropkick! But Tanahashi dodges the moonsault! Both men are down but fans rally up. Tanahashi stands first and gives Sanada forearms to the ropes. Tanahashi whips but Sanada reverses, only to get a flying forearm! The Ace fires up with the fans and brings Sanada up again. He scoops and slams Sanada into a drop zone, then hops up, somersault senton! Cover, TWO!

Tanahashi keeps his focus as he and Sanada both slowly stand. Tanahashi runs back in but gets a boot! He comes back, only to get another. Tanahashi tries a third time, blocks the boot, and hits a Dragon Screw! Tanahashi runs, but Sanada basement dropkicks the legs out! Then catches a leg, to steal the Dragon Screw! Tanahashi gets a taste of his own medicine while Sanada gets his legs moving. Sanada stalks Tanahashi to a corner, and whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverse but Sanada tumbles and springboards to missile dropkick Tanahashi out! Then slingshots to splash him down! Fans fire up and Cold Skull hears them cheer! He encourages them to get even louder as he goes back to Tanahashi.

Sanada drags Tanahashi up and into the ring. Fans cheer as Sanada wants to win in the ring. Sanada drags Tanahashi up again, but Tanahashi fights back with forearms! Sanada gives back big EuroUppers! Tanahshi forearms but so does Sanada. Sanada runs into a scoop but slips out! Tanahashi escapes the sleeper to hit Twist ‘n’ Shout! But he holds on, drags Sanada up again, and hits a second! Tanahashi still holds on, but Sanada counters with a hanging Magic Killer! Just like Evil! Sanada grits his teeth as he stands back up. He drags Tanahashi up as fans rally. He fireman’s carries but Tanahashi resists.

Tanahashi fights back with clubbing forearms, but Sanada powers through! But Tanahashi still escapes, to take the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins through, only to get another Twist ‘n’ Shout! And SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahash hurries up top, High Fly FLOP! Sanada avoids the splash, to hop up and MOONSAULT FLOP! Tanahashi returns the favor to leave Sanada hitting the mat. Fans are thunderously dueling as both men stir. They each go to a corner, and it is Tanahashi that runs corner to corner, only to get an elbow. Sanada leaps but Tanahashi gets under the moonsault. Sanada tilt-o-whirls into the dragon sleeper! Tanahashi endures Skull End, so Sanada swings him around! But Tanahashi turns that into a cradle! TWO, and Sanada swings. Tanahashi ducks to roll him back, Japanese Clutch! TWO, into Skull End!!

Sanada has Tanahashi on the mat but can’t get the body scissors. But as Tanahashi bridges back, Sanada gets the legs wrapped! Tanahashi pushes through to roll and drag Sanada up in a dragon sleeper of his own! But Sanada flails and kicks, and Shiranuis up and over into Skull End! Tanahashi endures again, but now he Shiranuis for an inverted DDT! Both men are down but fans still rally! Sanada sits up first but Tanahashi follows. They stand, and Sanada throws a forearm. Tanahashi gives it back, and now we have a brawl! Sanada hits, Tanahashi hits, and repeat! Sanada gets the edge, but Tanahashi ducks the spin into a Dragon Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!?

Tanahashi doesn’t fret, he just goes up top again! Sanada stands, to get a High Fly Flow-Body! But Tanahashi won’t stop there! He hurries back up again, High Fly Flow!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall; earns 2 points

The Ace pulls off a huge win! Will he be able to contend for the top spot? Or will even this win not matter after tonight’s main event?

KENTA VS Kazuchika Okada!

Both men have gone 4-0 in A Block, but which is more impressive? The newcomer’s #Takeover? Or the IWGP Heavyweight Champion chasing history? Only one man will stand atop the block, who gives the other their first loss in the 29th G1 Climax?

The bell rings, and fans are immediately thunderous for this first-ever encounter!

Okada has the majority of fans on his side, but there are Kenta fans here. But Kenta doesn’t let it bother him as the two finally circle. They approach, but then Okada backs off. Kenta doesn’t blink as he and Okada approach again. They feel out the grapple, and Okada goes low. Kenta blocks and switches, but Okada pries free to a wristlock. Kenta reverses the wrench to a hammerlock, but Okada works on his escape. Okada drop toeholds free and waistlocks, but Kenta switches. They go to ropes and Red Shoes calls for the break. Okada slowly opens Kenta’s hold, and turns around, to fake the chop and give shoulder pats. Fans cheer for classic Okada, but Kenta just shrugs it off.

The two circle again, and they tie up again. Kenta waistlocks and drags Okada down to a facelock. He then shifts to go for a chinlock, then forces Okada for a cover. Okada kicks out fast, but Kenta is right back to the chinlock. Okada powers him back to ropes, but Kenta turns it around. Now Kenta copies Okada, only to SLAP Okada anyway! Okada just hits back with forearms. Kenta gives forearms, too, so now we have a brawl! Okada hits, Kenta hits, repeat. Okada EuroUppers then whips. Kenta denies the dropkick and dumps Okada out. Okada forearms back, but gets a kick as he comes in! And another! Kenta hops up, guillotine knee drop! Kenta has Okada down but he doesn’t let up as he stomps Okada out.

Okada is down on the ground, Kenta drops a knee from the apron! Kenta drags Okada up and throws him into a post! Kenta looms over Okada as he writhes, then sits him up to swiftly kick him in the back! Okada crawls but Kenta puts him in. Kenta covers, ONE! Fans cheer Okada’s grit but Kenta stomps him down. Kenta drags Okada up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kenta is on Okada with a chinlock, digging a knee into Okada’s back. Okada endures, but Kenta drives his knee in again. Kenta shifts to a neck wrench, getting those fingers into Okada’s eyes and nose. Kenta forces Okada down for headscissors, and grins as he squeezes the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. But Okada rolls and gets a ropebreak.

Kenta lets go at 4, and drags Okada up for a kick to the front this time. Kenta kicks harder, but Okada stays up. Okada even dares him to keep going. Kenta does, and then he kicks higher! Okada stands up and Kenta dares him to give something back. But that’s a trick to get the drop toehold into a mounted neck wrench! Okada endures but Kenta drops an elbow on the neck. Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he wraps the chinlock on again. Okada endures and turns to get to his feet. Okada fights with elbows but runs into Kenta’s kitchen sink knee! Kenta hurries to swiftly KICK Okada in the head. Then he jumps, to scuff Okada’s face. Kenta even mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Kenta stomps Okada more, but Okada just gets mad. Okada takes those kicks to give back forearms!

Kenta knees low, then whips Okada corner to corner, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but misses, Kenta kicks but Okada suplexes! Okada aims from a corner as Kenta slowly stands. He gives Kenta forearms, then whips, but Kenta reverses. Kenta misses his boot, but Okada hits his back elbow! Okada fires up with Nagoya! Okada whips Kenta corner to corner again, and hits his elbow this time. Then he kicks to DDT Kenta down! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his composure while checking his legs. Fans rally behind Okada as he watches Kenta stir. Kenta stands, Okada Alabama lifts, but Kenta slips out. Kenta’s kick is blocked, but Okada runs into a powerslam! Now Kenta drags Okada up, waistlock, but Okada elbows out hard. Okada runs in but gets a boot!

Kenta hops up, brings Okada in, tornado hotshot! Okada staggers away and Kenta leaps for the flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Okada up again, fires off strikes, but Okada blocks. Okada swings, but into a Triangle Hold! Only to roll through and flapjack Kenta down! Both men are down but fans rally again. Kenta sits up first but Okada follows. They head for each other, and the forearms fly again! Okada, then Kenta, and back again. Kenta doesn’t back down as he keeps throwing big hits. Okada fires some, but Kenta kicks and SLAPS Okada! Okada fires off many forearms, then SLAPS Kenta! The forearms keep coming, fast and furious! Kenta kicks low then runs corner to corner, but Okada puts him up top to dropkick him down!

Kenta hits the floor, but Okada goes out to follow. Okada drags Kenta up to whip him into railing! Then Okada boots Kenta over! Fans fire up as the action inches closer to the front row. Okada drags Kenta back up and has him on the railing, but Kenta slips off to turn things around! Okada is hung out on commentary and Kenta kicks away! Kenta gets to the apron, and LEAPS for a guillotine double stomp!! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them. They’re both okay to continue, so he has them head for the ring. Kenta is up first and is in before the ring count begins. Okada doesn’t stir until about 7. Fans rally up and Okada sits up, and forces himself into the ring at 18! Kenta is ready, and springboards to missile dropkick! Then a corner to corner BOOT! Basement dropkick! Kenta fires up as he goes to finish this!

Kenta climbs up top again, aims and leaps, but Okada avoids more stomps. Okada shotgun dropkicks Kenta hard into the other corner! Okada runs, and copies the basement dropkick! He drags Kenta up and scoops to slam him down. Okada says he’s headed up top, and he shakes out the cobwebs as he climbs. But Kenta is up to punch Okada down! Kenta climbs up to join Okada, but Okada resists the superplex. Okada clubs Kenta back then forearms him over and over. But Kenta SLAPS Okada, and then adjusts, but Okada fights the superplex off again. Okada forearms Kenta down off the top, and leaps for the Macho Elbow! But into the Triangle!!

Kenta brings Okada around, LeBelle into #GameOver! Okada endures Kenta’s take on the crossface, but fans rally and give him strength! Okada turns around as he crawls, and though he can’t see, he reaches out for ropes! He turns more and uses his long legs for the ropebreak! Kenta lets go and is frustrated, but he won’t let up. He runs at Okada, knee into the ropes! Then the PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Okada still lives and Kenta can’t believe it! Kenta goes to a corner and takes aim again. Okada sits up, to get another Psycho Knee! Cover, TWO!? Okada survives but Kenta heads up top. Kenta leaps, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO?!? Okada survives Kenta’s coup de grace, but that doesn’t bother Kenta. Kenta hears the fans rally for Okada as he slashes the throat!

Kenta drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights out. Okada clubs Kenta and scoops him, but Kenta flails. Kenta escapes the Tombstone to scoop Okada! But he repositions him into the fireman’s carry! GO TO- NO! Okada blocks the knee! And spins Kenta for a dropkick to the back! Then he whips Kenta for a dropkick to the front! Okada keeps going, bringing Kenta up for the scoop. TOMBSTONE! Rainmaker Pose! Okada brings Kenta up again, with the wristlock, but Kenta ducks to spin and LARIAT Okada! Both men are down and the fans reach another thunderous level! Kenta and Okada stir and head for each other. Okada forearms first but Kenta gives it back. They hit each other back and forth again, and we reach a 25 minute mark in the 30 minute limit! Time is of the essence now as the brawl continues!

Both men stand but neither man backs down from throwing forearms. Okada gets the edge, but Kenta comes outta nowhere with a HUGE counter! And another palm strike, and another palm strike, and another palm strike! Kenta then sits Okada up, only to miss! But he escapes the wristlock to get a sleeper! The moment Okada fades, Kenta sits him down to run! But Okada dropkicks Kenta down first! Okada staggers but he makes his way to Kenta. Kenta fireman’s carries! But Okada slips out, scoops, JUMPING TOMBSTONE! And then, wristlock to RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; earns 2 points

The IWGP Heavyweight Champion remains undefeated! He’s the first to 10 points! And we will hear from him when NJPW returns from break!

NJPW returns as Okada gets the mic.

“The fifth win!” Okada hasn’t done this in awhile, but he has three things to say. Fans love the return of the classic. First: nothing special. Second: Nothing particular, either. Third: “Thank you for rocking the house, despite the typhoon!” Okada continues to say that it might still be raining outside, but thanks for coming. Be careful on your way home, folks! Okada promises to return to Nagoya… Well, tomorrow night. But then he’ll be back again and we’ll see who wins the G1. To think Okada is gonna do it! What do they think? They agree! Then he’ll do his best for the Aichi prefix. He will win the G1, return to Aichi, and then Nagoya, too! He’ll always #MakeItRain!! Can Okada put his name in the history books as an IWGP Heavyweight Champion that wins it all?!

NJPW Media Backstage Interview

When it comes to Kenta, “he was pretty strong, as to be expected for a guy that won four in a row.” Kenta’s been wrestling a lot overseas, but Okada wants to make sure people see he’s on “that same level.” If Okada would have lost, he would’ve accepted it, though. “A guy that fights that fiercely, I have to square up and welcome him.” It is to show the generosity of the top wrestler in both NJPW, and the world. Will Okada maintain this undefeated streak? Or will he have to worry about Kenta keeping pace with him all the same?

My Thoughts:

Another great two hours from NJPW on AXS, but that was expected before this even aired. But just by how things work out, AXS is only able to give us the odd numbered nights, which is only the A Block. Luckily we have others at the Chairshot to keep us up to date on B Block. But either way, neither block is going to have disappointing match-ups. All five matches tonight were great, and with a variety of reasons why. Ibushi VS Archer was another great match to put over how menacing and strong Archer has become in his time off. But Ibushi wins for needing to stay strong, and because Archer isn’t at that top title level just yet. Maybe Archer goes for the NEVER Openweight after this.

Ospreay’s match with Fale took a great twist, where Red Shoes stuck it to Bullet Club and helped Ospreay in the process. This was like a flashback to last year’s G1 when the Firing Squad was just running a muck, and it was pretty well done. Evil VS ZSJ was another amazing match, and it’s great for Evil to get his second-ever win over ZSJ. ZSJ himself is in a similar spot to Archer, mostly here to give a boost to the wins his opponents get. Maybe Evil’s win here gives them a Rev-Pro British Heavyweight title match down the line, where ZSJ can make up for this loss. Tanahashi VS Sanada was great, but it seems the Ace Comeback trumps Cold Skull rising up in the ranks.

And Okada VS Kenta, a great match, if this is their first time around, their rematches are going to be incredible. I really wonder if Okada is going to make history, he really has been NJPW’s top guy even at his low points. He has to at least make it to the finals to face B Block’s best. At the same time, giving Okada the right to choose his own opponent, I’m not sure if NJPW would do that, unless he decides to give the B Block finalist a second chance for an even greater match. And I say “greater” because you know the finals will be spectacular by default.

My Score: 9.3/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/29/19)

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Mitchell’s WWE Smackville Results & Report! (7/27/19)

AEW Coverage

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

Anybody can get it!

Published

1 hour 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.