Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (11/29/19)

Happy Birthday, 205 Live!

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2019

Steven Mitchell

The Purple ‘n’ Orange turns three!

And to celebrate this brand’s birthday, Angel Garza graces us with his presence! Will he be celebrating with another win?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Ariya Daivari VS Raul Mendoza; Daivari wins.
Danny Burch VS Greg Williams; Burch wins.
Angel Garza VS Jack Gallagher; Garza wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Lio Rush has had a busy week!

The Man of the Hour took on two former Cruiserweight Champions in Raw’s Akira Tozawa and SmackDown’s Kalisto at Survivor Series. The 205 Live alumni and the Living Piece of Gold were fast and furious, but in the end, the purple title stayed with NXT! And then on NXT this past Wednesday, Lio was willing to take on Tozawa again in singles competition. The Stamina Monster again pushed Lio to his limits, but again the belt stayed where it was. However, there are still new waves of contenders coming. Will Lio be able to survive for much longer?

Ariya Daivari VS Raul Mendoza!

The Persian Lion is one of the few 205 Live originals that hasn’t moved on, in more ways than one. He isn’t ready to let the new wave take over, but can he do anything to stop it?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Daivari headlocks, Mendoza tries but can’t get free. Daivari grinds Mendoza down but Mendoza powers him to a corner. The ref calls for the break, and Daivari honors it for only a second before putting another headlock on. Mendoza powers out this time, but Daivari runs him over with a shoulder! Cover, TWO, but Daivari grabs Mendoza to bring him up. Daivari CHOPS Mendoza to a corner, then he tells the booing fans to shut up. Daivari CHOPS Mendoza in the corner, but Mendoza hits back. Daivari clubs Mendoza, whips him, but Mendoza goes up and over on the ropes to get under and shoulder Daivari down! Mendoza mocks Daivari Dinero as fans fire up. Things speed up, Daivari shoves but Mendoza dumps him out.

Daivari is annoyed as fans cheer Mendoza. Daivari gets in, misses, Mendoza huricanranas him down! Mendoza runs at the corner, but is put on the top rope. Mendoza adjusts, springboards and huricanranas again! Daivari bails out, Mendoza builds speed but fakes Daivari out with the handspring. Then he DIVES! Mendoza fires up as he brings Daivari up and into the ring. Cover, TWO, but Mendoza keeps his focus. Mendoza stalks Daivari to a corner to CHOP! Everyone is stinging after that one, even Mendoza’s hand. Mendoza drags Daivari up to wrench and shoulder breaker. Mendoza whips Daivari corner to corner and runs after, but Daivari puts him on the apron. Mendoza springboards but Daivari shoves him down! Mendoza crashes and burns as Daivari glares at him.

Daivari mocks Mendoza now, and fans boo. The ring count climbs up to 5 before Mendoza stirs. Daivari goes out to bump Mendoza off steel steps! Daivari mocks Birmingham before putting Mendoza in. Cover, TWO! Mendoza lives but Daivari goes to drop an elbow, only to get knees! Crucifix, TWO, and Daivari elbows Mendoza down! Cover, TWO! Daivari keeps on Mendoza with a chinlock and wrangles him down. Fans rally up as Mendoza endures. Daivari grins but Mendoza starts fighting his way up. Mendoza throws body shots and rams Daivari into buckles! And again! And a third time, finally freeing himself. Fans rally as Mendoza runs in, but gets hip tossed into those buckles! Daivari hurries up top, LION SPLASH FLOPS! Daivari writhes and Mendoza recovers but both men are down.

Daivari sits up first, and goes over to Mendoza. Mendoza hits with forearms, and counter punches! Mendoza fires off jab after jab, then a back kick. “VAMANOS!” Mendoza rallies up with clotheslines and a springobard enziguri! Daivari is dazed, Mendoza runs in, corner elbow! Mendoza whips, Daivari reverses but Mendoza slips out to let Daivari eat buckles! Mendoza walks the tight rope to springboard dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Daivari is tough but Mendoza is determined. Mendoza goes to a corner, climbs up top, but has to leap over Daivari. Mendoza comes back, Daivari dodges to then catch Mendoza for an URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Mendoza survives and shocks Daivari!

Birmingham rallies up while Daivari grimaces. Daivari drags Mendoza up, back suplexes, but Mendoza lands on his feet! Mendoza waistlocks but Daivari elbows out. Daivari runs, Mendoza follows, running enziguri! Then he reels Daivari in, CYCLONE URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Mendoza has Daivari up but Daivari fights out of the fisherman. Daivari blocks a boot to SUPERKICK! Then, hammerlock, but Mendoza ducks the lariat to enziguri again! And BUZZSAW! Fisherman, but Daivari escapes again, LION’S LARIAT!! Cover, Daivari wins!

Winner: Ariya Daivari, by pinfall

The 205 OG is still strong! He denies one newcomer their moment, but will he be undeniable in this third year of purple and orange?

Jack Gallagher speaks.

“It’s no secret that Lady Luck hasn’t exactly been on my side as of late in the Cruiserweight Division.” The Gentleman isn’t making excuses. He’s giving everyone a reminder as to why he is the most technically proficient wrestler in the division. And Gallagher needs it, “or else I don’t know what I’m going to do.” What will a desperate gentleman do for the sake of success?

Angel Garza also speaks.

“Jack Gallagher says that he needs to win tonight. Who cares what he needs?” This is about what Garza wants, and he wants to win. Garza gets what he wants, and vows to clip Gallagher’s wings. Garza also wants Lio Rush to stop avoiding him and the title rematch he’s owed. El Latino is en la casa, but will he be in the winner’s circle tonight?

Cruiserweights share favorite memories from the three years of 205 Live.

Oddly enough, both Daivari and Gallagher still love their Gentlemen’s Duel from December 26th, 2019. The Singh Brothers give thanks to all those involved in making this show possible, both in and out of the ring. They are forever honored to have had a part in the purple ‘n’ orange. Tony Nese takes a lot of credit for “carrying this brand on my shoulders” for these last three years. Three years and it still feels like it’s only getting started. Will 205 Live be able to keep it up as 2019 transitions into 2020?

Danny Burch VS Greg Williams!

The Govena makes his return to 205 Live! His first singles match in the Cruiserweight Division is on this historic night, will he start off strong?

The bell rings and Williams circles with Burch. They tie up, Burch powers Williams to a corner but lets up as the ref counts. Williams comes out and shoves Burch, so Burch DECKS Williams! Burch headlocks and throws Williams down to grind him into the mat. Williams endures even as Burch traps an arm and pulls him back. Burch shifts, they both stand, and Williams powers out. Burch runs Williams over with a shoulder and dares the “tough guy” to get up. Things speed up, Williams leaps but Burch catches a leg to YANK him down! Burch throws big European Uppercuts from both sides and floors Williams. Williams flounders in a daze but Burch brings him up for more EuroUppers. Williams wobbles, Burch reels him in, snap suplex!

Fans rally behind Burch as he drops knees on Williams. Burch wants Williams to fight, and Williams slowly sits up. Burch scoops and slams Williams hard! Burch is just a bit disappointed in Williams so he brings him up again. Williams hits a jawbreaker! And a knee! The leaping knee gets Burch in the nose! Williams fires off in the corner! The ref backs Williams off, and Burch grabs Williams for a HEADBUTT! Williams is dazed, Burch runs in for a corner clothesline! Enziguri! GERMAN SUPLEX! Burch LARIATS Williams down and fires up! Burch drags Williams up, puts him o the ropes, HANGMAN’S DDT! Cover, Burch wins!

Winner: Danny Burch, by pinfall

The Govena wins in gritty fashion, and is ready to get going in the Cruiserweight Division! Will Burch fight his way up towards the top?

205 Live shares an interview from after NXT.

Lio Rush retained his Cruiserweight Championship again because he is a fighting champion. The Living Piece of Gold was feeling good, and Tozawa came over to shake his hand out of respect. Tozawa and Lio hugged it out, but then Garza came over to stir things up. As Garza said tonight, he feels Lio is avoiding him. Lio wants to go with Garza, but Garza has to prove himself worthy first. Will Garza do that here tonight?

Angel Garza VS Jack Gallagher!

We just saw what El Latino wants, and he says he always gets what he wants. But the once Extraordinary Gentleman needs to win in order to feel he still belongs. You can’t always get what you want, but will one of these superstars get what they need?

The bell rings and Garza wants to take off the pants. Gallagher stops him by grabbing that arm! Gallagher wrenches and then reels Garza in for a headlock takeover! Garza flails and kicks and he goes around and around with Gallagher on the mat. Garza reaches with a leg for a ropebreak. Gallagher lets go and Garza gets out to catch his breath. Birmingham trolls Garza but he shouts at them to shut up. Garza gets back in and ties up with Gallagher. Gallagher gets another headlock takeover, and they go around and around again! Garza reaches for another ropebreak, and Gallagher lets go again. Garza gets out again and wants a breather. Garza leaves a fan hanging in that high-five, but Gallagher runs over. Garza puts Gallagher on the apron but Gallagher headlocks him over the ropes. They go to a corner, and Gallagher walks up the corner to get a tornado takeover! And they go around and around again!

Fans rally for Gallagher as he grinds Garza. Garza gets another ropebreak, so Gallagher lets go. Garza stays in this time, but Gallagher sees the sucker punch coming! Garza quickly asks for Gallagher to shake his hand. Fans say “No! No!” but Gallagher’s too much of a gentleman, and falls for the trap! Garza SLAPS Gallagher away! Garza mocks Gallagher and brings him up to whip him corner to corner. Gallagher goes up with a headstand! Fans cheer as Gallagher keeps Garza away with his feet. Garza grabs a foot but gets the other as a boot! Gallagher hops up and over Garza, kneels and back drops Garza! Gallagher runs, tilt-o-whirls to a crucifix, TWO! Garza gets to a corner but Gallagher runs in. Garza blocks the monkey flip, trips Gallagher up and dropkicks the legs out! Off come the pants! Fans fire up while Garza kicks Gallagher down!

Garza tells fans to sit down and shut up, and then he CHOPS Gallagher in a corner. Garza hoists Gallagher up top and tells the ref to shut up. Garza climbs up to club away on Gallagher’s back! Fans boo but Garza soaks up the heat. Garza puts Gallagher in the Tree of Woe, for a corner to corner PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Gallagher toughs it out but Garza keeps his cool. Gallagher hits back with body shots but Garza shoves, to pop-up KICK! Cover, TWO! Garza grins, he knows he’s getting closer. Garza drags Gallagher up by his hair, turns him around for a dragon sleeper, and suplexes. Garza holds Gallagher up for five, rebounds off ropes for the slam! Basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Garza is upset now but he looms over Gallagher. Garza drags Gallagher into a camel clutch and demands Gallagher give up. Gallagher refuses, and fans rally up. Gallagher fights up, but Garza throws him down by his hair!

Garza puts Gallagher in a low cobra twist, using a chinbar to thrash Gallagher’s head around. Gallagher pries free and fights back! Garza knees low, then again. Garza drags Gallagher up but Gallagher dodges the kick to kick from the mat! Gallagher gets around Garza to ram him in the back! And again! Gallagher whips Garza corner to corner and hip tosses Garza down! Gallagher runs to forearm! Garza wobbles, Gallagher speeds up, big crossbody! Cover, TWO! Gallagher snarls as he bumps Garza off buckles. Gallagher puts Garza up top, and CHOPS him. Garza CHOPS back! It’s a CHOP fight up top! Gallagher hops down but comes back up to CHOP again! Garza hits low, adjusts, sunset flip but Gallagher holds on. Gallagher punches away, and even headbutts! Gallagher shoves Garza, leaps but into a dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Gallagher lives and Garza can’t believe it!

Garza drags Gallagher up, wedges him in the corner and tells the ref to shut up. Garza backs up and RAMS a knee in! Cover, TWO!! Garza is growing further frustrated but he says he’s going to end it. Garza drags Gallagher up, underhooks, but Gallagher slips out to shove and HEADBUTT! Garza SUPERKICKS on the rebound! Both men are down and Birmingham slowly builds to a rally. The standing count reaches 6 but the two men start brawling from the mat. Big forearm for big forearm, and then CHOP for CHOP. Garza stands to kick, Gallagher kicks back! Gallagher starts up the windmill fists! Birmingham fires up with the Gentleman as he whips Garza corner to corner. Gallagher runs in but misses his dropkick and gets slammed down! Garza climbs the ropes, but Gallagher trips him up!

Garza is stuck in the ropes, Gallagher clubs him on the back. Gallagher goes to a corner, and missile dropkicks Garza down! Garza wobbles, Gallagher runs in, GENTLEMAN’S DROPKICK!! Garza is stunned, Gallagher covers, ROPEBREAK!! Gallagher was so close, but he was also too close to the ropes! Gallagher drags Garza away, covers again, TWO! Garza survives but Gallagher fires off hands and knees. Gallagher tilt-o-whirls to a guillotine! Garza endures, pops Gallagher up, but the body scissors return! Gallagher drags Garza down to a knee and fans rally up! Garza finds a second wind, and rams Gallagher into buckles! Gallagher fires EuroUppers, then hops up, to leap into Garza’s arms! Garza has the underhooks, WING CLIPPER! Cover, Garza wins!

Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall

The handsome devil of an angel gets the better of a desperate man. Garza won, just like he wanted, but will he get the title match he wants? As for Gallagher, what is he supposed to do to win? Gallagher hears Aiden English talking bad on him again, and he slaps English’s headset off! Gallagher kicks the desk hood off, and kicks at the screens. The referee reprimands Gallagher but Gallagher can’t go after an official. At least, not directly. Gallagher splashes water on the ref, starts throwing steel chairs in the ref’s general direction, and this brings security out. They get thrown and DECKED by Gallagher! Gallagher grounds ‘n’ pounds one of the security guards!

More referees and even GM Drake Maverick come out! Security keeps him contained but Gallagher is still seething. Maverick threatens suspension, and Gallagher HEADBUTTS him!! The Gentleman has snapped! What will he do now that he’s gone from desperate to enraged?

My Thoughts:

What a good episode for the third anniversary! I’m surprised they didn’t do more to commemorate it, but technically speaking, this was all stuff they meant to do last week but couldn’t because the Survivor Series build ended up too awesome to contain on just SmackDown. It got a big dicey this last year, and I didn’t see anything saying there’d be an episode tonight for most of the day. But it’s good to see WWE hasn’t pulled the plug on 205 Live just yet. They haven’t exactly gone all in on it, but thankfully Triple H took enough interest to essentially take control. Fans, however, are still pretty tired by the time 205 Live starts because of SmackDown still being before it. But the show was still good and fans got into it again by the end.

Daivari VS Mendoza was a really good opener, and it works for story to have Daivari win. He is one of the last original members, and I expect him to have a great main event blow-off against a new name like Swerve Scott as we get closer to the end of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nese had a similar story, as he’s also one of the last originals still here. Burch did well in his squash match debut, there isn’t really much more he could’ve done. The 205 Live roster itself is pretty bare, perhaps one way to keep it alive would be to permanently move it to Full Sail so that there is a central location to give us more Cruiserweight crossover. If anything, that is what this show should become, since a good portion of 205 Live alumni have been moved to the other brands.

Then the main event was great, a constant of 205 Live. Gallagher and Garza both have good stories going for them, but it makes sense for Garza to win. Lio VS Garza Round 2 is coming, and I feel like it needs to be on NXT. That will get it the eyes it deserves, as well as the booking it deserves. Putting it on TLC puts it in Vince’s jurisdiction and that usually means Kickoff Show for not even 10 minutes. 205 Live still struggles to get views, but this match would give reason to watch it, too, so who knows. But as I’ve said, the title is now the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, it would make the most sense to put it on NXT TV. Maybe one day, it even gets on a TakeOver for a truly amazing match. Gallagher snapping like that was pretty great, too. At this point, I don’t know if it’s still going towards getting English back in the ring, but it has to be going towards something amazing and possibly No Disqualifications.

My Score: 8.2/10

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

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/19/23)

The semifinals are here!

Published

12 hours ago

March 19, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup 2023’s Final Four!

Four is bad luck in Japan, but these four are grateful to be in the New Japan Cup semifinals! David Finlay VS Tama Tonga, Sanada VS Mark Davis, who will win to go for it all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shota Umino & Oskar Leube VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; Shota & Oskar win.
Six Man Tag: Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Ryohei Oiwa VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi & Team Strong Style VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Kyle Fletcher; Cobb & Fletcher win.
Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan; Henare & Khan win.
YOH & Lio Rush VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances to the finals.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA VS Mark Davis; Sanada wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Good Bad Guy settled things with Bullet Club, but fate has intervened to have him face the NEW leader! Will Tama get past Finlay and into the finals? Or will the Rebel take over everything?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tama and Finlay circle, Tama claps to get the fans going more, and then he ties up with Finlay. They go around, Tama puts Finlay on ropes, but he lets off slowly as the ref calls break. Fans applaud and the two reset. They circle, fans rally up for Tama, and the two tie up again. Tama powers Finlay back but Finlay turns it around to have Tama on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak again, Finlay lets off slowly, but then swings on Tama! Tama dodges, then hits a headlock takeover! Tama grinds Finlay down, but Finlay keeps his shoulders up. Finlay fights to his feet, powers out, then slips around to headlock!

Tama powers out, hurdles, drops, then DROPKICKS Finlay down! Finlay bails out while fans fire up! Tama storms up to the ropes and slingshots but Finlay slides in! Tama lands on the apron, Finlay storms up but Tama ROCKS him with a forearm! Tama hurries in, and he arm-drags Finlay around! Finlay blocks the next, whips, but Tama reverses. Tama hurdles, but gets caught to a fireman’s carry! HOTSHOT, then BIG back suplex! Fans applaud, that was a good sequence, but Tama crawls to a corner. Finlay stalks Tama, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him! Finlay whips corner to corner hard and Tama bounces off buckles! Finlay covers, TWO!

Fans rally but Finlay stomps Tama’s hand! Tama clutches that hand, but Finlay fishhooks his face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and Finlay says that was the nose, not the eyes. The ref doesn’t believe him. Finlay throws Tama out! Gedo tells the ref to leave Finlay alone, but the ref reprimands Gedo for getting on the apron. Finlay drags Tama up to RAM him into railing! No Man’s Land disappears as the railing go back! Finlay rains down fists, but fans rally up for Tama. The ref reprimands Finlay but he drags Tama up and puts him in the ring. Finlay covers, ONE!! Tama is hanging tough but Finlay is amused.

Finlay digs his knee into Tama’s face, he wants the ref to Too Sweet but the ref says no thanks. Finlay drags Tama up, whips him hard into the corner, and Tama bounces off buckles again! Fans rally while Finlay taunts them, “You think Tama’s getting to the finals?” Finlay stomps Tama, then springboard stomps! The ref reprimands, but Finlay clamps on with a cobra clutch. Finlay thrashes Tama around but Tama endures. Gedo tells Tama to give up but Jado coaches Tama to hang tough. Fans rally, Tama fights up and throws hands, but Finlay CLUBS him down! Finlay stomps and elbows Tama, but the ref counts.

Finlay lets off, he brings Tama up to whip corner to corner, but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! Fans fire up but Gedo is mad! Jado coaches Tama, Gedo coaches Finlay, but Tama is the first to stand. Tama roars, CLOBBERS Finlay, and ELBOWS him! Tama whips, Finlay reverses but Tama CLOBBERS Finlay again! OFF COMES THE VEST! Finlay goes to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then clinch, for an EXPLODER! Finlay scrambles away and out of the ring, but Tama PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and the fans fire up! Tama slides into the ring to let the ring count handle Finlay.

Finlay sits up at 5 of 20 so Tama goes out to fetch him. Tama puts Finlay in, stalks him to a corner, and Finlay wants mercy, but gets body shots instead! Tama whips Finlay out and then back into the corner, runs in, but Finlay elbows him away! Finlay storms up, but into a scoop! Finlay slips free to CHOP BLOCK! Tama writhes and clutches his knee but Gedo is loving this! The ref checks on Tama but Tama refuses to let this stop him. Finlay storms up on Tama to sit him up, “Look at this beautiful face!” CROSSFACE FOREARM! Gedo likes those, so Finlay sits Tama up again, to CROSSFACE FOREARM!

Finlay drags Tama up again, and he fires off MORE crossface forearms! Fans rally for Tama but Finlay looms over him. Finlay drags Tama up by his hair, sits him up, and BLINDSIDER LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and Finlay is annoyed. Finlay paces around while Tama slowly rises. Finlay drags Tama up, gut wrenches and Canadian Racks, but Tama slips free! TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Fans rally as Tama and Finlay stir. Both men crawl over to each other, and Tama ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay ROCKS Tama right back! Finlay eggs Tama on and Tama sits up.

Tama ROCKS Finlay with another forearm, but Finlay ROCKS Tama again! Tama growls, he and Finlay sit up again. Tama ROCKS Finlay, Finlay ROCKS Tama, repeat! They throw forearms as they slowly stand, and they speed up as the fans rally! Finlay gets the edge, Tama fires off a strike fest! Finlay rebounds but into SRC!! Tama goes to a corner, fans fire up as he climbs, and Tama aims! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Jado and Tama rally the fans by pounding the mat. Finlay drags himself up with the ropes, Tama runs in, GUN- NO! Finlay rolls Tama, with tights! TWO!! GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again!

Finlay drags Tama up with a dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, OSAKA STREET CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay aims as Tama rises, Jado warns Tama of what’s coming, but Finlay runs in, into a KNEE! Tama SUPER- NO, Finlay dodges to DEEP SIX!! Tama staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives and Gedo is furious! Finlay argues the count but the ref says that was all fair. Fans rally back up, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. “X marks the spot!” Finlay drags Tama up but Tama is deadweight. Finlay still hauls Tama up, suplexes, but Tama slips free!

Tama rolls Finlay, ties up the legs, and he has a SHARPSHOOTER!! Finlay endures and fans fire up! Tama sits deep on the hold, Finlay flails and fights forward! Finlay claws at the mat, but Tama goes deeper! Finlay fights back up, crawls and reaches out, but Tama drags him away again!! Finlay shouts in pain but he hasn’t given up yet! Another fight forward, and Finlay gets the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go and Finlay writhes in pain, but the fans rally up again. Tama drags Finlay up, hooks an arm, but Finlay fights and RAMS Tama into a corner! And again and again and again! The ref counts, Finlay lets off and staggers away.

Tama runs in, but Finlay fights off the DDT! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Finlay gut wrenches to a CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay is beside himself but Tama survives again! Fans are thunderous for Tama but Finlay is right on him. Suplex and- NO, Tama fights, wrenches, but Finlay ROCKS him! But Tama cradles!! TWO!!!! Finlay escapes but the SUPERMAN PUNCH hits! BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay barely survives but Tama just pounds the mat. Finlay rises up, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks, spins Tama, suplexes, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again and ROCKS Tama!

Tama roars, but Finlay fires off a flurry of forearms! Finlay spins, into a HEADBUTT! GUN- NO, Backslide! Deadlift TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Even El Phantasmo has to give old rival Finlay credit on that one. Gedo gets the mic to make the announcement official: The Rebel wins, and he just beat the NEVER Openweight Champion! Finlay will take the EFF over everything! Gedo needs the Rebel, Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel! But will the Rebel get what he wants in the tournament finals?

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Mark Davis w/ The United Empire!

New team, new look! The Cold Skull is looking sharp, but will he still bring about a Skull End? Or can Dunkzilla conquer the Cup on behalf of the United Empire?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Davis and Sanada circle. Davis eggs Sanada on but Sanada feels things out. They keep circling, tie up, and Sanada headlocks. Davis powers out, Sanada RAMS shoulders, but neither man falls! Sanada ducks Davis’ chop, gets an arm and wrenches, but Davis whips Sanada away! Davis CHOPS this time, and Sanada is stinging. Davis whips, Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada whips, Davis cartwheels, then scoops and SLAMS! And SENTONS! Fans fire up while Sanada bails out, but Davis goes out after Sanada. Davis brings Sanada up to whip him into railing!

Sanada drops to his knees, but Davis drags Sanada up to ROCK with a forearm! Great-O-Khan is on commentary and he waves the glowstick in praise. Davis puts Sanada on the apron to CLUB and KNEE and CLUB again! Davis gets space, fans rally up, and Davis runs in to KNEE LIFT Sanada into the ring! Crowns up and the Empire high-fives. Davis gets in the ring while Sanada sputters. Davis knees for the cover, TWO! Davis clamps onto Sanada’s arm but Sanada endures. Fans rally, Sanada fights up to his feet, and he throws forearms! Sanada wrenches but Davis DECKS him! Davis drags Sanada up but Sanada waistlocks!

Davis fights free of the hold, CHOPS Sanada to the corner, then whips him corner to corner. Davis runs in but Sanada dodges the splash! Sanada reels Davis in to back suplex, but Davis turns it into a CROSSBODY! Davis drags Sanada back up and back suplexes, but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada hits the BIG back suplex! Both men are down but their teams coach them while the fans rally up. Sanada kips up, and then he fires up! Sanada DROPKICKS Davis, Davis stays up, so Sanada DROPKICKS! And dropkicks, but misses this time! Davis runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Then he DROPKICKS Davis out of the ring!

Sanada takes aim and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Davis! Sanada stares down the Empire, but then he encourages the fans to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada likes that. Sanada may have a new haircut but he is still Sanada. Sanada puts Davis in the ring, drags him up to fireman’s carry, but Davis fights it! Davis fireman’s carries now, but Sanada fights it! Only for Davis to rise up again! Sanada fights more, gets to the apron, and he counter punches! Sanada slingshots, but Davis HOTSHOTS him! And then TRIANGLE JUMP FOREARMS! Sanada falls, and Davis DIVES?!? Direct hit into the railing!

Fans fire up as No Man’s Land disappears again! Red Shoes checks both men, they’re both okay to continue, but their teams argue about territory. The ring count starts, Davis drags Sanada up at 7 of 20. Davis puts Sanada in at 10 of 20, aims from the corner and climbs up! Sanada rises, Davis FLYING SHOULDERS him down! Cover, TWO! Sanada is still in this but Davis keeps his cool. Davis drags Sanada up, but Sanada blocks the lift! Sanada throws down elbows, but Davis CHOPS him! Davis whips, Sanada goes up and out and springboards in to MISSILE DRPOKICK! Davis stays up!?

Davis swings, misses, and Sanada CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But Davis KNEES low! Davis back suplexes but Sanada KNEES free! Sanada runs, into a LARIAT! Davis hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up and rally as Sanada survives. Davis drags Sanada by a leg, says it’s time to end this! But Sanada kicks Davis away, so Sanada JABS him down! Davis gets the legs, YANKS Sanada up, but Sanada rolls through! Sanada fireman’s carries to T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Davis is still in this, but Sanada goes up top! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to roll through as Davis moves! Davis scoops to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Davis drags Sanada up, wrenches and torture racks, but Sanada slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Davis, QUEBRADAS and has the dragon sleeper! Davis snapmares free to clothesline in the corner! Sanada falls over and fans fire up! Davis climbs the corner, goes to the very top, and DIVING SPLASH, but he FLOPS as Sanada moves! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto the knees!! Davis cradles Sanada, TWO!!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Davis rises first, drags Sanada up, and fans rally up. Davis swings, but Sanada blocks the forearm to fire UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT!

Sanada spins, into JAB! But he still ROLLING ELBOWS! Davis ENZIGURIS!! Sanada is down and Davis fires up! Fans rally, Davis throws off the elbow pad! Davis waits, Sanada rises up, Davis keeps moving, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Sanada survives and fans fire up again! Davis stalks Sanada to the corner, then runs side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! Davis shouts “DEAD!” and he drags Sanada up into the torture rack! But Sanada slips free again! O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO!?! Davis escapes by nanoseconds! Sanada storms up, but Davis trips him! Davis has the legs, Close Your Eyes and Count to F@#$!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!?

The fans, the Empire and Just5Guys are all going nuts! Davis roars, he wrenches, torture racks, but Sanada slips free again! SIDEWINDER DDT!!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Davis drove the Cold Skull into the ground, but then Sanada did it back to him! Will Davis find his singles success another time?

Wait, David Finlay and Gedo make his way back out to the ring to see the other finalist in person. Gedo gets the mic to say they just want to give Sanada words of support. Gedo tells Sanada to do his best, because in Nagaoka, Finlay’s gonna beat his face in with the shillelagh, and throw him out of the ring like trash! “See You Next Time, Just Five Losers!” Gedo and Finlay leave, having copied and mocked Sanada’s catchphrase and his new team. Sanada gets the mic to say, “Oi, Finlay! And the people of Gunma. I promise I will beat Finlay on Tuesday, and come back here as the New Japan Cup winner.” Fans applaud that! Sanada then tells Gedo and Finlay to get outta here.

Finlay and Goto leave, flipping Sanada off over their shoulders. Sanada says this debut with J5G is a day he’ll never forget. Fans applaud that, and the mic is handed over to Taka Michinoku. Taka says, “Soon enough, it’ll be us who changes the scene here in NJPW! JUST! FIVE! GUYS!!” The Cold Skull is red hot, but will that heat bring him through to win it all?

My Thoughts:

A great semifinals for the New Japan Cup! Both matches were awesome stuff, and though Tama came close, I figured Finlay would win. He has been winning since his Heel turn and joining the Bullet Club, but he hasn’t quite won the Club over, yet they can’t really deny him, either, because he’s now in the finals of the tournament. The big things in Sanada VS Davis were Sanada’s new look, and that he buries that piledriver. But similarly to Finlay, Sanada’s getting a push because of the big change in allegiance, and now they’re both in this great match for the finals that honestly could go either way.

Gedo as booker does love to push the guys he backs as a manager, but Finlay’s story could be more about controlling Bullet Club than getting the title. And Sanada has openly stated he sees Okada as a rival and Okada reciprocated, so revisiting that now, with Sanada and Okada both having changed ever so slightly, we could get an awesome match for the world title.

My Score: 9/10

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/18/23)

It’s lights out, but for who?

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who rounds out the Final Four?

The New Japan Cup is getting closer to the end! Shota VS Finlay, Goto VS Tama, who will join Mark Davis and Sanada in the semifinals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Oskar Leube & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Fujita win.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Aaron Henare & Kyle Fletcher; Henare & Fletcher win.
Six Man Tag: Team Strong Style VS Bullet Club; Team Strong Style wins, by disqualification.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The House of Torture; The United Empire wins.
8 Man Tag: Chaos VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Chaos wins.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Roughneck took The Mighty’s Front Man to the limit and then won, but now he funs into Bullet Club’s newest leader. Will #SHOOTER be the one shot down? Or will another one bite the dust as Shota brings about a paradigm shift?

The two get face to face and start shoving. Red Shoes backs them off, the bell rings and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up as they go faster and faster, and Shota gets the edge! Shota fires off in the corner, but Finlay turns things around, only to miss! Shota fires off more, and even shoves his dad aside! Shota fires off knees and he CLUBS Finlay, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Finlay up. Finlay throws forearms in return, whips, but Shota reverses to ELBOW Finlay down! Shota keeps moving to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up again while Finlay checks his chin.

Shota kicks at Finlay, stomps him, but Finlay eggs him on. Shota stomps, Finlay throws a body shot, but Shota just BOOTS Finlay into the corner! Finlay kicks back from below, and even SPITS at Shota! Shota doesn’t flinch, so Finlay steps to him. Shota DECKS Finlay, then digs his boots in! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Shota lets off at 4 and talks trash. Shota stomps Finlay, stands him up and CLUBS him! Finlay goes to ropes, Shota ROCKS him with another forearm. Fans rally, Shota ROCKS Finlay again, and then whips Finlay to ropes. Finlay reverses to TACKLE Shota to the apron! And then all the way into railing!

Gedo likes that as Finlay RAMS Shota in again! Finlay taunts Red Shoes, then throws hands on Shota. Finlay smacks Shota off the apron, follows him around the way, and claws at Shota’s face! Finlay ELBOWS Shota down, Red Shoes reprimands, but Finlay claims it was just the nose. Finlay stomps Shota around on the ramp, going after the limbs. The ring count starts and Finlay drags Shota up at 6 of 20 to put in at 8. Fans applaud and Finlay paces. Finlay stomps Shota down, gives him toying kicks, but Shota sits up with a frown. Finlay UPPERCUTS Shota in the back, but Shota doesn’t budge!

Finlay gets in Shota’s face, then DECKS him! Finlay stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! Shota goes to a corner, Finlay HEADBUTTS then stomps away! Red Shoes reprimands as Finlay digs a knee in. Red Shoes counts, Finlay lets off at 4 and talks more trash. Fans rally up as Finlay brings Shota out. Finlay taunts the fans, “This is your boy?” Shota stands to ROCK Finlay! Shota hits back! Finlay CLUBS Shota down! Shota writhes but Finlay covers, ONE! Finlay clamps onto Shota with a cobra clutch to grind him down. Fans rally and Shota endures. Finlay shakes his head and pulls harder on the hold, but Shota still endures.

Shota fights up, Finlay knees him low and then again, and again. Finlay whips, Shota reverses to scoop, TOSS and UPPERCUT! Fans fire up while Finlay sits up in a daze. Shota storms up on Finlay, whips him to a corner, then runs in to UPPERCUT! Shota FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect so Finlay escapes, but Shota keeps his cool. Shota kicks Finlay but Finlay gives a body shot. Shota kicks and kicks and CLUBS Finlay, then brings him up. Finlay fights the clinch with elbow after elbow after elbow! Finlay runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Finlay bails out!

Shota hurries out to the apron, Finlay stands and Shota CANNONBALLS onto him! Fans fire up with Shota again as he shakes the railing! Shota drags Finlay back up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally behind Shota. Shota aims, to slingshot DDT! Finlay writhes but Shota wants him to stand. Fans rally, but Finlay blocks the kick, and he spins Shota around, only to swing into Shota’s clinch. Finlay fights free, then he clinches back, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans rally but Gedo argues the count. Red Shoes says that was a fair count, so Finlay drags Shota up.

Finlay makes Red Shoes watch as Finlay CROSSFACE FOREARMS Shota! And again! Gedo likes that so Finlay gives more CROSSFACE FOREARMS! Finlay then sits Shota up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans fire back up! Finlay argues the count but Red Shoes defends it was fair. Finlay kicks Shota around, waits on him to rise, and the fans rally. Shota stands, ducks the lariat, and EXPLODERS! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Red Shoes checks both guys and they slowly stir. They go forehead to forehead, and Shota throws a forearm! Finlay throws it back!

Finlay eggs Shota on, Shota ROCKS Finlay! Shota eggs Finlay on, so Finlay ROCKS Shota! Shota ROCKS Finlay again, so Finlay ROCKS Shota again! They go forearm for forearm, fans rally and the two stand. The forearms keep going, back and forth, faster and faster! Finlay UPPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Shota roars and UPPERCUTS in return! And again! Finlay rebounds into another UPPERCUT! Shota UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up but Finlay throat chops! And throat chops again! Finlay fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then he rains down fists!

Red Shoes reprimands, those are closed fists! Finlay lets off and claims palms but Red Shoes can tell. Fans rally for Red Shoes as he argues with Finlay. Finlay goes back to Shota, but Red Shoes has him stay back to check. Shota is still in this, but Finlay thinks he’s won by knockout. Shota grabs at Finlay’s foot, so Finlay gut wrenches to a Canadian rack! But Shota slips free to CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on, he drags Finlay up, CROSS RHODES! Shota drags Finlay up again, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but fans are thunderous behind Shota! Shota aims from a corner, runs in, but Finlay LARIATS!

Shota stands, but into a SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and Finlay is shocked! Finlay drags Shota up to gut wrench, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again and the fans are thunderous! Finlay scowls at Red Shoes and argues the count, but the count is still fair. Fans rally behind Shota, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. Finlay slashes his throat and he drags Shota back up. Suplex to- NO, Shota cradles! TWO!! Finlay escapes, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Shota staggers to a corner and Finlay hoists him up top. Finlay climbs up after Shota, fires off forearms, then brings Shota up.

Shota throws body shots to stop the superplex! Finlay fires forearms and HEADBUTTS! Finlay brings Shota up again, but Shota SUPER GOURD BUSTERS first! Shota then hurries down and runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Shota roars and the fans are thunderous again! Shota picks Finlay up but Finlay fights free. Shota kicks low, underhooks, but Finlay powers him back. Shota sends Finlay into buckles! And then TORNADO DDTS! Roll through to the pick-up, SNAP BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Shota roars! Fans rally behind Shota and he aims from the corner again.

Gedo shouts at Finlay but the fans rally up. Finlay rises, Shota underhooks, but Finlay fights the lift! Finlay stomps the leg! And then HEADBUTTS Shota down! Gedo says Finlay’s got it! Suplex, but Shota fights free! ENZIGURI! Finlay rebounds, but swings into hooks! Finlay fights the backslide to backslide, but Shota rolls through! Finlay suplexes, Shota slips free, backslide and underhooks! Finlay spins Shota around, suplexes, TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

Another hard-fought battle, and The Rebel comes out on top! Finlay stands on Shota to add insult to injury, then he throws Shota out to just add more insult! Gedo makes the official announcement that Finlay won, and then he says what Finlay did to Shota will happen to everyone else! “Okada! Okada! Are you listening? The Rebel’s coming for you! The Rebel is taking the eff over everything! I need the Rebel, the Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel!” Will Finlay be unstoppable until he has taken everything?

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Fierce Warrior and the Good Bad Guy have both had their run-ins with the United Empire, and they both came out on top to make it this far. But there’s only one spot left in the semifinals, who is the final of the final four?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. Goto and Tama tie up, Goto powers Tama back, but Tama breaks free. They reset, tie up again, and Tama powers Goto back. Goto turns things around to put Tama on the ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Goto lets off with pats on the shoulder and fans applaud. Tama and Goto circle again, tie up, and Tama headlocks. Tama grinds the hold, but Goto powers out. They RAM shoulders, but Tama keeps moving. They RAM shoulders again, both men egg each other on, so Goto runs. Goto dodges the lariat to run Tama over! Fans fire up while Tama staggers up.

Goto whips Tama corner to corner, runs in but into an elbow! Tama runs in but into a hip toss! Tama avoids the elbow drop, headlocks, but Goto powers out, only for Tama to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! But now Goto avoids an elbow drop and fans fire up for the standoff! Goto and Tama circle again and fans rally back up. They tie up, Goto headlocks, and Goto grinds the hold. Tama powers up but Goto holds on tighter. Tama fights up, powers up again, but still can’t power out as Goto just holds tighter! Goto grinds the headlock more, but Tama fights up to throw body shots. Tama powers out this time, and things speed up.

Tama hurdles, but Goto counter a hip toss with a hip toss! Tama goes to ropes, Goto runs in, but Tama dumps Goto out to the apron! Tama swings but Goto counter punches! But then Tama GUN STUN STUN GUNS Goto down! Goto falls to the floor and Tama waits on the ring count. Goto stirs at 5 of 20, fans rally and Hashi coaches Goto up. Goto sits up at 12 of 20, but we past 15 before he stands! Goto slides in at 18! Fans applaud, but Tama drags Goto up to COHP! Tama whips, DROPKICKS and covers, TWO! Tama keeps cool as he looms over Goto. Tama brings Goto up, then CLUBS him in the chest again and again!

Fans rally while Tama paces around. Tama drags Goto back up, snap suplexes and covers, TWO! Tama clamps onto Goto with a chinlock and grinds him back down. Fans rally as Goto endures, but Tama brings Goto down to the mat. Goto kicks and flails, fights his way back up, and he throws body shots. Tama CLUBS Goto on the back, then ROCKS him with a forearm! And then another! Goto scowls but Tama eggs him on. Tama ROCKS Goto again, but Goto snarls. Tama fires off forearm after forearm! Tama then runs, but Goto blocks the boot! Goto throws the foot down but Tama ROCKS him with another forearm!

Goto blocks another boot, waistlocks, but Tama elbows free! Tama runs, Goto follows and LARIATS Tama down! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama crawls to a corner but Goto is right on him. Goto whips corner to corner and runs in to MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tama survives, and Jado coaches him up. Goto brings Tama up but Tama fires body shots and low headbutts! Tama whips, Goto reverses and he runs Tama over! Fans fire up as Tama bails out, and Goto hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and both men go down at the railing! Fans fire up as both men stir.

The ring count starts but Goto is already up at 2 of 20. He drags Tama up at 5, but Tama is deadweight so Goto stomps him. The count passes 10, Goto drags Tama back up at 13. Goto puts Tama back in at 15 and fans applaud. Goto fires up and fans rally behind him. Goto climbs up a corner, but Tama ROCKS him first! Tama throws another forearm, but Goto hits back! Goto ELBOWS Tama in the head, but Tama throws body shots. Tama ROCKS Goto, climbs up and CLUBS Goto on the back. But Goto throws body shots and forearms! Tama and Goto fire off back and forth, and Tama gets the edge! Tama stands Goto up for the SUPERPLEX!

Fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks, both men stir, and the fans rally up again. Goto crawls to a corner but Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Goto hangs tough and the fans rally up. Tama drags himself up with the ropes, and he storms over to Goto. Tama stands Goto up but Goto throws a forearm! Tama throws a forearm right back! Goto drops to a knee, but he grits his teeth. Goto stands up to ROCK Tama with a forearm! Tama shakes that off to ROCK Goto right back! Goto ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Goto! The forearms go back and forth again!

Fans fire up as Tama fires off a strike fest! Tama whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries and USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and Tama clutches his neck. Goto roars and fans fire up with him! Goto drags Tama up, dragon sleepers, but Tama throws hands from below! Goto blocks that, spins Tama around, but Tama fireman’s carries! SRC! Tama flounders but finds his way over to the corner! Tama goes up, for the SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Goto is still in this, but fans fire up with Tama! OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama watches Goto stir, and Tama pounds the mat. Fans clap along and build back up.

Goto rises, Tama runs in, GUN- NO, Goto blocks! Goto shoves, runs, Tama redirects but Goto follows! Tama dodges and runs, GUN- NO! Goto blocks, then deflects the boot! But Tama jumps, VELENO! Both men are down after the satellite DDT and the fans are thunderous! Tama rises first, the fans rally back up, and Tama takes aim from the corner. Goto flounders, rises, and Tama rushes in, GUN- NO, Goto puts him in the corner! DRAPING SHOUTO!! But Goto’s too tired to make the cover! Fans rally up again and Goto rises. Goto roars and Tama rises, BUZZSAW! Goto then drags Tama back up to fireman’s carry!

USHI- NO, Tama flips through! But Goto still blocks Gun Stun! Goto drags Tama back up, spins him around, but Tama SUPER FOREARMS! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives Tama’s shoutout to The Prince, but Tama roars! Tama drags Goto up, underhooks, but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches and HEADBUTTS! And then LARIATS!! Fans fire up as Tama goes flipping through the air! Goto roars and gathers all his strength! BUZZSAW!! And then another dragon sleeper! G T- NO!! Tama blocks to a backslide but Goto holds that off! Tama HEADBUTTS, and GUN STUNS!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The NEVER Openweight Champion bests one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! The Fierce Warrior misses out on the final four, will he and Hashi simply regroup to focus on the tag titles for the Spring?

As for Tama, he shakes Goto’s hand to show respect, and the two hug it out. Goto raises Tama’s hand in victory, then lets him have the ring. Tama gets the mic to say, “HAMAMATSU~!” Fans cheer and Tama continues in Japanese,
“Really, thank you so much! Goto-san. That was amazing, thank you.” Fans cheer the respect shown, and Tama asks that everyone please keep supporting him! A short and sweet message from the Good Bad Guy, will he go all the way until he has his hands on the Cup?

My Thoughts:

Another really good night for the New Japan Cup, though not as shocking and wild as yesterday’s. Shota VS Finlay went about as expected in that Finlay goes over, but I am still impressed that Finlay is a Heel that doesn’t cheat to win. He didn’t need Gedo to do things for him here, Finlay just outdid Shota. And then we got a great main event where I was rather surprised that Tama won out. I thought Goto was going to go strong to the finals to put over the other side of the bracket. Instead, Tama gets a great win here and he’ll get to face Finlay next week, in a great rework of Tama taking on the Bullet Club.