Coverage

Mathew’s Stardom 5 Star GP Red Stars Results & Review: Day 6 & 7

Red Stars shaping up to photo finish! Will anyone make a little breathing room?

Published

5 years ago

September 20, 2019

Mathew Sarpraicone

Hello everyone, it looks like we’re reaching the end here as we have a few shows left to do before the final on Sunday.

We’ll be covering three shows on this one as the September 14th show had both afternoon and night shows, so we’ll be doing that to catch-up.

With these three shows, will we have a better idea as to who will be winning the whole or close to it? Let’s find out as we…dive right in.

Star Rating System:

0 Stars: Dave Meltzer
1 Star: Vince Russo
2 Stars: Tony Schiavone
3 Stars: Eric Bischoff
4 Stars: Bruce Prichard
5 Stars: Jim Cornette

9/8/2019

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Saki Kashima vs. Avary

Review: Our first match on this show takes off as we have Saki Kashima taking on Avary. Avary still looks to get a win in this tournament and by how it’s looking, it looks like she’ll be mathematically eliminated from the tournament even if she does win this match. Saki right now is in the middle but she would need to win her next couple of matches if she wants to even attempt to stay in the game here. Will Avary get her first win or will Saki win with her Revival?

Yeah, I gotta say while I have been impressed with Avary in the ring, this was probably her weakest match. To me, the match felt like it was all over the place and it just turned out to be a sloppy mess, even Saki looked like she hurt Avary or herself with how she would deliver that Hurricanrana. I like both of them but again, they didn’t click in here and it was just a mess and a shame too because I was looking forward to this one being a solid bout. Luckily, the match was about four minutes and Avary would show off her finisher, which is a Double Armed DDT and she hits Saki with it to get her first win in the Grand Prix! It’s not a big win but it’s good to see her get some points on the board instead of losing all of them.

Rating: Tony Schiavone and a quarter

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Hana Kimura vs. AZM

Review: On our next match, we have Hana Kimura taking on AZM. AZM only has three matches left and if she has any chance of even consider advancing into the finals, she would need to win all of them for that to happen. Hana still has a few matches left and is one of the people that are considered in the lead right now, so winning here would put her up in first. Will AZM stay alive or will it be the end of the grandma collector?

Hana would attempt a handshake to AZM before the match begins and AZM responds by attempting to kick her hands out of the way, but Hana moved them and spat in her face as the two are going at it now. We can another solid performance between both of these women as AZM is on her coming out of her shell part with these matches so far as they have all been a joy to watch except for her first one with Sumire since that one was a trainwreck. Hana is still a solid performer and it looks like we’re getting a little bit of the wrestling side of her that we’ve seen from her days in Wrestle-1 but it’s still not quite there yet as it still relies on mostly character than ability there. AZM makes a small comeback with a Suplex and a Double Stomp off the top rope and Hana kicked out at two. Hana was able to hit a Brainbuster on AZM for a two count and Hana looks to make AZM tap with the Hydrengia but AZM would get to the ropes in time to break the hold. Hana went to the top rope and jumped with AZM moving out of the way and does the Japanese Clutch for Hana to kick out and AZM tries to cradle her for another two count, but AZM would grab her arm and rolled her up to get the three count as AZM is still in the game! Very solid bout and good to see AZM still alive in the tournament.

Rating: Eric Bischoff and a half

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Mayu Iwatani vs. Hazuki

Review: It’s time for our final match for this show as we have Mayu Iwatani taking on Hazuki. Mayu is in a great position right now and winning here would put her in the lead. Hazuki is currently in the middle right now, so she would need to start winning her matches here or it’ll be game over for her. Will Mayu reach to the top again or does our Assault Commander stay alive?

Hazuki is another wrestler that deserves more praise and more chances at the upper mid spot of the card as she keeps on delivering and hardly have a bad match with anyone, and she has proven that here against the icon. Mayu doing great with her selling as always and these two were intense against each other in the ring and I mean it, especially when it came to the back and forth with the punches as you can just feel the impact with each blow given to them. I enjoyed this match, I enjoyed the chemistry in the ring, I enjoyed the quickness of Hazuki, the emotion and selling from Mayu, and just a well-balanced match. Our Assault Commander doing what she does best and that is her assaults as she hits Mayu with the Codebreaker from the middle rope and Mayu took it wonderfully. Hazuki would lift Mayu but Mayu fights her off before hitting her with a stiff Superkick and tops it off with a German Suplex Hold from a high angle as Hazuki kicked out at two. Mayu would drag her by the turnbuckle as Mayu hits a Standing Moonsault but Hazuki rolled her up once she took the hit as Mayu kicked out at two and hits Hazuki with a roundhouse kick. Mayu tried one more time with the Standing Moonsault but Hazuki rolled out of the way this time around and applies the Hazukistral to get the victory over Mayu as our Assault Commander is still in the game!

Rating: Eric Bischoff and three quarters

9/14/2019 Afternoon Show

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Hazuki vs. Avary

Review: Time for our afternoon show of day 7 as we start with Hazuki taking on Avary. Both of these women were able to get a victory at the previous show but it’s not enough for Avary as she is now considered eliminated at this time. Hazuki is currently tied with everyone right now and she would need to win here to get the top spot. Will Avary be able to take Hazuki down with her or will Hazuki be in the lead?

Much better performance from Avary during this bout compared to her last one against Saki. Had a buddy of mine point out his issue with Avary while I did convince him that she was very solid in the ring, but he pointed out how her facial expression can be a bit much. You know what though? He does have a point that they do need to be toned down a little bit since it can be a bit much but hey, least it’s not Kenny Omega over the top with the expressions. Hazuki used more of her quickness in this bout and Avary was able to catch up with her a little bit in here and that could throw her off guard if she’s not too careful. Avary was able to ger more offense here and would even hit her Double Stomp from the ropes after hanging Hazuki onto them but it wasn’t enough to put Hazuki away. Hazuki was about to go for the Hazukistral but Avary was able to roll her up and Hazuki reversed it to apply the Crossface. Avary slipped out of the Crossface to apply the Cattle Mutilation until Hazuki had her foot on the rope to break the hold. It looked like Avary was about to finish her off as Hazuki kicks her face in and starts the attack with a Codebreaker from the turnbuckle and she sold it well here. Hazuki would pick Avary up afterward and hits the Brainbuster to get the victory and is now in the lead.

Rating: Eric Bischoff

🔹動画配信サービス「スターダム・ワールド」

▪️5★STAR GP2019
2019年9月14日（土）大阪世界館昼
◆レッドスターズ公式リーグ戦葉月 vs エバリー

まだ1勝のエバリーは果敢に葉月を倒しにいくが…試合巧者の葉月はテクニックで交わし難なく勝利！

会員登録はhttps://t.co/lZc15hAPwd pic.twitter.com/L4yFbRTrUE

— スターダム/STARDOM (@wwr_stardom) September 14, 2019

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Momo Watanabe vs. Natsu Sumire

Review: Our second and final match for this show has Momo Watanabe taking on Natsu Sumire. When they fought each other last year, Sumire would defeat Momo in this tournament and while Sumire is eliminated, she has a chance to take Momo down a peg with her. Momo would need to win here to increase her chances of advancing and to be tied with Hazuki. Will the ace be able to win or will Sumire beat her twice in a row?

Before the bell rang, Sumire would do her usual handshake attempt but Momo just kicked her hand away and Sumire starts the assault as the bell rings. I know they’ve had better bouts in the past but this one was a little more underwhelming compared to those previous matches. I get that Sumire wants to do things a little more seriously for this tournament but the majority of the time, it just comes out weak here and almost none of her matches have impressed me in this tournament so far and it’s a shame because I do like her. Sumire would do her little crotch attack with Momo upside down and did it to the usual turnbuckle post before hitting a Reverse DDT for a two count. Momo would attempt to hit the Somato off the top rope as Sumire moved out of the way and took her move to hit the Somato on Momo as she kicked out at two. Momo would hit the Somato twice and as she went for the third one, Sumire caught her for a cradle as she kicked out at two again. Momo would eventually apply the Crossface Chickenwing as Sumire couldn’t hold on as she tapped out, giving Momo two points to stay in the game.

Rating: Tony Schiavone and a half

🔹動画配信サービスhttps://t.co/lZc15hAPwd

▪️5★STAR GP2019
2019年9月14日（土）大阪世界館昼
◆レッドスターズ公式リーグ戦渡辺桃 vs 夏すみれ

昨年の祭典で夏に苦汁を飲まされた桃だが、若さのパワーで圧倒！最近得意とする如何締め羽折りで葬った！ pic.twitter.com/42dzGSLVRB

— スターダム/STARDOM (@wwr_stardom) September 15, 2019

9/14/2019 Evening Show

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
AZM vs. Saki Kashima

Review: Time for our final show for this article as we start it off with AZM taking on Saki Kashima. AZM was lucky enough to get a win over Hana Kimura but she would need to win these last two if she wants to have a chance to stay in this one. Saki, however, doesn’t have high chances left but she could somehow turn this around but if she loses two more matches, she’s out. Will AZM be able to join the others for the top spot of will Saki cling on while eliminating AZM in the process?

While they were giving out introductions before the match, AZM would Missle Dropkick Saki while her name was being called out and the bell rings. The first thirty-seconds were the two of them trying to roll up the other to try and get the quick pinfall but none of them would budge until their first wave of quick pins came to an end for now. While Saki’s better match compared to her one with Avary, this one wasn’t great either as not much was shown here between the two but the performance from AZM was still solid for the most part. Saki would attempt the Killswitch as AZM pushed her off and would try to roll Saki up again as the remainder of the match was just them trying to see who can pin who fast enough that you’d think Saki will eventually go for the High Speed Championship against Riho soon. Saki would attempt to go for the Revival as AZM slides off her to do her own pinfall as AZM wins and Saki is one step closer to being eliminated.

Rating: Tony Schiavone and three quarters

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Natsu Sumire vs. Tam Nakano

Review: In our next match-up, we have Natsu Sumire taking on Tam Nakano. Sumire is already eliminated much like Avary but she could now play the spoiler here and ruin Tam’s chances of winning here. If Tam could get a victory here, she will be tied with Hazuki, Momo, and AZM. Will Tam be able to join those three or will Sumire pull off a victory?

Tam would have her panda, P-Chan with her this time around as Sumire would take her off her hands and would hold the panda hostage since Tam doesn’t wanna hurt her best friend. This is the Sumire that I know and love, pulling off little antics like this, holding the panda hostage to get what she wants from Tam, she would even spray the both of them with cold spray, what a heel. She threatened Tam that she would spray P-Chan again and makes her turn around and go on her knees as Sumire would kick the back of her head when she wasn’t looking. Sumire kept using P0Chan as leverage over Tam and even had it involve with some of her moves, like her little face thrusts to the corner. Tam would eventually get a small little comeback but it doesn’t last long as Sumire picked her up from the turnbuckle and hits her DDT for a two count. Sumire would then apply the Dragon Sleeper to try and get Tam to tap out but Tam would turn it around to apply the move herself and hits a Reverse DDT for another two count. Tam went to go for a kick as Sumire would catch her for a cradle as Tam kicked out at two and Sumire tried to kick her a bit. Tam was able to get P-Chan back and tossed it at Sumire to distract her to hit a Running Knee Strike and she covered her, but Tam lifted her head because she wants Sumire to suffer as she hits the German Suplex Hold and gets the pinfall victory. Fun match and Sumire’s best one in this tournament so far.

Rating: Eric Bischoff and a quarter

5 Star Grand Prix Red Stars Block Match
Hana Kimura vs. Mayu Iwatani

Review: Our final match of the show and article as we have Hana Kimura taking on Mayu Iwatani. Both of them are tied with six points but if Mayu loses here, she’ll be eliminated as she has one more match left after this one. Hana can still win this if she can take Mayu out and be tied with the other four for a five-way tie. Will Mayu be eliminated or will Stardom’s Icon be able to save herself?

While Mayu was being introduced, Hana would begin her assault on her and would take her to the outside as the two start fight with Hana getting the upper hand at first. Mayu would eventually hit Hana with a Dropkick into the turnbuckle post and would climb to the top rope to attempt a Crossbody as Hana moved and Mayu landed on her fellow STARS members. This was Hana’s best match in the tournament as she was able to show us what she could do against a top opponent like Mayu to face off against. Mayu made just about every move she took from Hana as if she was getting thrown around like a ragdoll, especially when she would punch her to hitting her boots to the face, so good for Mayu in that regard. Mayu would even try and choke her out with the Guillotine and I thought that was going to be the ending of the match right there but Hana found a way to get to the ropes.

The two start to fight back and forth with the punch and when Hana was hitting her, Mayu would flop on down to the mat but Mayu would eventually hit Hana with a Superkick. Mayu used this time to go for the Dragon Suplex but Hana was fighting out of it as Mayu would then transition it into the Bible, shades of Dragon Kid as Hana kicked out at two. Mayu got up to the ropes but Hana quickly got up to catch her to hit a Brainbuster as Mayu kicked out at two and would then climb to the top rope herself, however, Mayu would then climb up to hit a Hurricanrana to get her down on the mat. Mayu used this time to hit a Moonsault off the second rope and instead of pinning her, she attempts to do it from the top rope but Hana had her knees up this time to avoid taking the damage. Hana would then apply the Hydrengia or at least try her best in getting it fully locked as Mayu had her foot on the rope to break the hold, leaving Hana annoyed. Hana would go for a Big Boot as Mayu moved out of the way and hits a roundhouse kick to make her fall out the ring, then Mayu would go to the top rope to hit the Crossbody this time and connects with it! Mayu gets Hana back in the ring and hits a Frog Splash for a two count and would then go for the Dragon Suplex once again but Hana rolled herself to try and pin her but Mayu kicked out at two. It looked like Hana was gonna go for a Lariat but Mayu quickly got behind her and hits the Dragon Suplex Hold right away as she got the pinfall victory in a great match! Mayu is now still in the game and won’t wrestle until September 22nd against Momo Watanabe.

Rating: Bruce Prichard

Overall: While the last two days were better, this show was still solid enough to keep me interested. We have three more shows left to go through and I currently have a five-way tie in my hands with Momo Watanabe, Tam Nakano, Mayu Iwatani, and AZM. Hana can still catch up if she can win her next match, or else she’ll be eliminated like Natsu Sumire and Avary. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of this will play out.

Favorite Match: Hana Kimura vs. Mayu Iwatani

Least Favorite: Match: Saki Kashima vs. Avary

Score: 7/10

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

Up Next

WWE 24/7 Championship Results & Report! (9/20/19)

Don't Miss

Andrew’s Stardom 5 Star GP Blue Stars Ratings & Analysis: Day 6 & 7

AEW Coverage

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

Anybody can get it!

Published

47 mins ago

April 24, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Maniac takes on the Powerhouse!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

Coverage

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

GO ACE! GO ACE!

Published

21 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The House of Torture gets another try!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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