Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (10/8/21)

Round 6, B Block!

Published

3 years ago

October 8, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Does the Rainmaker push it to six?

The G1 Climax keeps heating up in this second half! Will Kazuchika Okada make it rain again to go 6-0? Or will Taichi cool him off and rise back up?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

YOSHI-HASHI VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Hashi wins.
Hirooki Goto VS Chase Owens; Goto wins.
SANADA VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins.
Kazuchika Okada VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 5-0, 10 points
Jeff Cobb: 5-0, 10 points
EVIL: 4-1, 8 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
SANADA: 2-3, 4 points
Taichi: 2-3, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-4, 2 points
Chase Owens: 1-4, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-4, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-4, 2 points

YOSHI-HASHI VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Head Hunter and the Good Bad Guy are the bottom of the block, but there can only be one real last place man! Who keeps from being the worst in the 31st G1?

The bell rings and fans cheer as the two circle. Hashi is wary of Jado but he tells Tama to keep this between them. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Tama manages to push Hashi back. Hashi pushes Tama back but Tama headlocks. Tama then wrenches to a wristlock and hammerlocks. Hashi switches the hammerlock onto Tama then gets a headlock and takeover. Tama rolls it to a cover, TWO and Hashi holds on. Tama gets a headscissors and squeezes tight. Hashi kicks around, turns and headstands to pop out and get a headlock back. Tama headscissors again but Hashi is right out! Fans cheer the standoff as the two reset.

Hashi and Tama go again, Tama gest the headlock, but Hashi powers out. Hashi runs Tama over with an elbow, then with a shoulder! Then Hashi dodges to HEADHUNTER! Tama writhes from the blockbuster while fans cheer, and Hashi brings Tama back up. Hashi CLUBS Tama on the neck as fans rally up, then brings Tama around to hang out to dry. Hashi runs and dropkicks Tama off the ropes! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Hashi keeps his cool and brings Tama back up. Tama throws body shots but Hashi CLUBS him down. Hashi stands Tama up but Tama throws more body shots, so Hashi ROCKS him with a right. Hashi stands Tama against ropes to CHOP him!

Hashi follows Tama around the ring and CHOPS him again! And again! Hashi whips, Tama reverses and hurdles, hurdles and CHOPS Hashi on the run! Fans fire up with Tama as he takes off the vest. Tama stomps Hashi to ropes, drags him back up, then scoops to SLAM Hashi down. Tama hits elbow drop after elbow drop, then a JUMPING ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Tama drags Hashi up to CLUB him in the chest, then brings him around to ELBOW him in the head. Fans rally up as Tama paces. Tama brings Hashi up and wraps on a chinlock. Hashi endures as Tama leans on the hold and squeezes tight.

Tama thrashes Hashi around but Hashi holds on, even as Tama grinds Hashi to the mat. Fans rally, Hashi fights up and throws body shots, then runs, only for Tama to catch him in a SLEEPER! But Hashi throws Tama right off! Tama gets up and Hashi dropkicks his legs right out! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Tama gets to a corner, Hashi goes to the opposite. Hashi runs in and CHOPS, then whips to CHOP Tama again! Mule kick and NECK- NO! Tama elbows out to whip, but Hashi RANAS! Hashi fires up and the fans join in as he runs at the corner. Corner clothesline to the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Hashi keeps focus and fans rally up again. Hashi drags Tama up, reels him in, but Tama blocks the bomb lift. Hashi CLUBS Tama, brings him up, but Tama resists then wrenches out to COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down again and fans fire back up. Tama pushes up, fans rally as Hashi gets to a corner. Tama goes to corner to corner to SPLASH! Tama then reels Hashi in, but Hashi spins through to suplex! Tama blocks, resists, and throws fast hands! Tama runs but into a CHOP! Hashi then suplexes to the BUNKER- NO! Tama dragon sleepers for the TONGAN TWIST! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and fans fire up while Tama is shocked!

Tama gets Hashi up, fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama goes up top, DIVING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives #ExtremeFlow and Tama can’t believe it! Fans fire up for Hashi as Tama waits for him to rise. Tama aims, GUN- BACKSTABBER! Hashi counters just in time and both men are down again! Both men go to opposite corners as fans rally up. Tama runs in but only gets buckles this time! Hashi runs but into a BOOT! He spinning CHOPS, then spinning back kicks but Tama avoids it! Back suplex but Hashi lands on his feet! SUPER- NO! Tama blocks for GUN- NO! Hashi shoves that away! Tama rebounds into a LARIAT!

Fans are thunderous and Hashi gets Tama back up! Fisherman, for the KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives the #BearKiller but Hashi drags him up by his waistband. Fans rally as Tama is deadweight, but Hashi still sits him up. Hashi wraps on a sleeper, Tama flails into a half nelson. Pump handle, KAR- NO, GUN- NO! Hashi blocks the counter to DRAGON SUPLEX! Hashi runs, Tama ducks the lariat to PELE! And then GUN- SUPERKICK!! Hashi intercepts the cutter, hobbles back up and fires up with the fans! Hashi runs, and LARIATS Tama inside out! But he’s not done there! Half nelson and pump handle, KARMA!!! Cover, Hashi wins!!

Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama earns 0)

The Headhunter is victorious! And the Good Bad Guy is feeling worse than before. Will Hashi #TurnItAllAround even this late in the G1? Can Tama at least be a spoiler for someone else’s run?

Hirooki Goto VS Chase Owens!

The Fierce Warrior defeated his own teammate while the Crown Jewel got a massive win over Hiroshi Tanahashi! But can Chase keep going with this hot hand? Or will he bust just as as he started feeling Too Sweet?

The bell rings and Chase SHOTGUNS Goto right away! Chase then throws Goto out and builds speed to WRECK him with a dropkick! Chase puts Goto back in fast, climbs up the corner and leaps to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Chase tries again, TWO! Again, TWO!! Not even the deep leg hook worked and Chase argues the count. Chase drags Goto up, fans rally and Chase CLUBS then CHOPS Goto. Chase whips corner to corner but Goto comes back to run Chase over! Fans cheer while Chase bails out. Goto pursues, Chase suckers him into a mule kick! Chase whips Goto but Goto reverses to send Chase into railing! And then he whips Chase back the other way into more railing!

Goto wraps Chase’s arm around railing, the ref counts and Goto BOOTS the railing to jam the arm. Chase gets himself back in the ring but Goto is right after him. Goto runs in to clothesline then back suplex! Cover, TWO! Another, TWO! Another, TWO! Again, the deep leg hook isn’t enough. Chase wants a timeout but Goto smirks. But Chase headbutts low! Chase CLUBS Goto then KNEES him down! Chase gets a leg, steps through and turns Goto over to a modified STF! Goto endures as Chase pulls back on the chinlock. Chase fish hooks and the ref reprimands! Chase lets off at 4 and Goto gets the ropebreak. Chase lets the leg free to sit Goto up.

Chase gives Goto toying kicks and he slaps Goto around. Goto eggs Chase on so Chase throws forearms. Goto tells him to hit harder, so Chase winds up for a big forearm. Goto CHOPS and CHOPS but Chase knees low! Chase runs but Goto deflects boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Chase gets to a corner as fans rally up. Chase stands, Goto runs in, MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto keeps his cool and brings Chase up. Chase throat chops back! Fans rally up, Chase runs but Goto follows to LARIAT! Chase sits up slowly but Goto brings him up to a fireman’s carry. Chase slips off, Goto runs in at the corner but into a BUCKLE SHOT!

Chase runs corner to corner to forearm smash, then he reels Goto in for a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Chase brings Goto up by an arm and kicks away. Chase drags Goto up to a fireman’s carry but Goto fights free! Goto reels Chase in but Chase blocks the clinch! Goto fights through to Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO, to an ARMBAR! Chase scrambles to the ropebreak! The ref counts, Goto lets go at 4. Chase rolls out to the apron but Goto heads over. Goto drags Chase up but Chase hotshots him down! Chase then runs in to roll and facelock to GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives Chase’s take on the Last Shot baybay, and fans fire up!

Chase grins as he follows Goto out to the apron. Chase drags Goto up, reels him in, and tucks the arms! Goto resists for dear life, then back drops Chase to the apron! Chase writhes to the floor while Goto rests inside. The ref checks and Chase is able to continue, and fans rally up as the ring count begins. The count is already 10 of 20 before Chase sits up. Chase drags himself up with the railing, stands at 17 and hobbles into the ring at 18! Fans cheer as this continues, and Goto storms over to ROCK Chase with a forearm! Chase comes back with a forearm of his own. Goto throws another forearm, Chase gives it back, so Goto gives another. Fans rally up as the forearms start flying!

Goto gets the edge, ROCKS Chase again, but Chase BACK ELBOWS! Chase staggers over to drag Goto back up and reel him in. Goto wrenches out to ROCK Chase again! Chase comes back, and Goto DECKS him! Goto roars, drags Chase up but Chase POINT-BLANK JEWEL TRIGGERS! Fans rally as both men go to opposite corners. Goto runs corner to corner but Chase meets him for DOUBLE LARIATS! Neither falls so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Chase falls to a knee, Goto fires up and runs, but Chase BOOTS! Goto comes back but runs into a SNAP GERMAN! But Goto’s right back up, into Chase’s strike fest! Chase runs, Goto follows but Chase GAMANGIRIS!

Chase wrenches, hammerlocks and JEWEL HEIST! Cover, TWO!! Chase can’t believe Goto survives! Fans fire up and Chase takes aim with double finger guns. But Goto blocks the knee! Chase fires forearms and gets free, but swings into a spin, URA G T R! Goto runs to LARIAT Chase down! Cover, TWO!! Goto grows frustrated but fans fire back up. Goto fires himself up and gets Chase in the dragon sleeper. Chase drops to victory roll, with legs crossed! TWO, Goto and Chase stagger up! Fireman’s carry but Chase slips out to JEWEL TRIGGER! Chase fires up, drags Goto up and reels him in to tuck the arms, PACKAGE- No, Goto is fighting it!

Goto gets Chase to a fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI feint, to the G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)

The Fierce Warrior keeps pace with the Headhunter, they’re both climbing out from the bottom! But can Goto keep going to have a more respectable G1?

SANADA VS Jeff Cobb!

The Cold Skull could not cool off the Rainmaker, but he hasn’t melted in the G1 yet. However, the United Empire’s Hulk is still undefeated this year. Will Cobb take Sanada on a Tour of the Islands? Or will it be a Skull End for that win streak?

The bell rings and fans rally already, “SA-NA-DA! SA-NA-DA!” Cobb just smirks as he and Sanada circle. They tie up, Cobb shoves Sanada away, then shows off his dancing pecs. Sanada keeps cool, circles with Cobb, then they tie up again. Sanada headlocks, but Cobb carries him to a corner! The ref calls for the ropebreak, Cobb and Sanada back off, but then Sanada gets the headlock again! Cobb powers out, runs Sanada over, then stands over him while his pecs dance. Things speed up, Cobb catches Sanada’s hurdle, but Sanada fights free. Sanada baits Cobb into dumping him out, then Sanada builds speed! Sanada tumbles out as Cobb moves, and Sanada CANNONBALLS!

Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans do get louder and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada goes back to Cobb, brings him around with a headlock and puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as this continues in the ring, and Sanada throws a forearm. Sanada CLUBS Cobb, kicks him low, then scoops. Cobb is too big for that, though, and he throws body shots. Cobb whips Sanada to a corner, runs in but Sanada dodges! Sanada comes back to scoop, but he falls over! Cobb then gets up to jump and stomp Sanada down. Cobb pushes Sanada to ropes and stands on him like a surfboard! Fans cheer, Cobb encourages them to get louder, then he stomps Sanada again.

Cobb brings Sanada up to CLUB him on the back. Cobb whips Sanada to a corner, then gets him on the rebound to whip him the other way! Sanada bounces off buckles, Cobb covers, TWO! Fans rally up and Cobb stands on Sanada with one foot for a cover. TWO, and Cobb argues the count while stepping on Sanada. Cobb sits Sanada to ram his knee in and ROCK him with an uppercut to the back. Sanada writhes and Cobb grins while fans rally up. Cobb stands on Sanada’s hand, drags him up by the other arm and wrenches to then pick Sanada up. Cobb runs and RAMS Sanada into one corner, then into the other, then back the other way! Then a fourth time to the other corner!

Cobb stands on Sanada and mocks LIJ while fans cheer. Cobb drags Sanada up, scoops him and carries him around for a BACKBREAKER! Then another BACKBREAKER! Then a TOSS! Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Cobb is annoyed but fans rally up. Sanada throws forearms, Cobb knees low, then Cobb whips Sanada to ropes, only for Sanada to dropkick the legs out! Cobb hobbles, kicks Sanada then suplexes, but Sanada resists! Sanada snap suplexes Cobb?! Fans fire up while both men are down. Cobb rises but Sanada kips up! Sanada goes back to fire forearms on Cobb, but Cobb ROCKS him with one! Cobb runs, but Sanada hurdles and hurdles to dropkick!

Sanada runs at Cobb in the corner but blocks the boot. Sanada trips Cobb, and fans fire up as he ties Cobb up! Cobb boots him away, but Sanada returns with a RANA! Cobb ends up on the apron and fans rally again. Sanada encourages them to get louder and the fans rally more. Sanada aims, PLANCHA, but into Cobb’s arms! Cobb POSTS Sanada! Cobb then puts Sanada in the ring, aims at him from the corner, BIG back elbow! Then a RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and fans rally up. Cobb drags Sanada up in a waistlock but Sanada fights the suplex with elbows!

Sanada whips but Cobb blocks! Cobb whips Sanada but Sanada tumbles up and out to springboard and missile dropkick! Fans fire up as Sanada STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally for “SA-NA-DA!” as he slowly rises. Sanada drags Cobb up but Cobb blocks the fireman’s carry. Sanada dropkicks Cobb’s leg, fireman’s carries after all, but Cobb fights free. Sanada throws forearms, but spins into a HARD right from Cobb! Cobb runs but Sanada dropkicks him down! Cobb is right up, but runs into the fireman’s carry! TKO! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again and Sanada drags Cobb into the dragon sleeper! Only for Cobb to suplex out!

Sanada slips out and spins Cobb, to suplex him to ropes! MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Cobb gets the ropebreak for good measure. Fans rally up again, Sanada drags Cobb to a drop zone but Cobb anchors his foot. Sanada stomps Cobb until he lets go, but then Cobb just grabs the other foot. Sanada stomps Cobb again, gets up but Cobb CLUBS him from behind! Sanada still goes up to QUEBRADA! Cobb gets under, Sanada runs but into a fireman’s carry! Cobb pops Sanada to an Electric Chair then a HIGH ANGLE GERMAN!! Cobb fires up and drags Sanada up to whip to ropes! Scoop, TOUR OF- Dragon Sleeper!

Fans fire up but Cobb reaches out, SKULL END! But Cobb rolls through to gut wrench and OKLAHOMA- NO! Sanada slips out of the stampede to get the dragon sleeper again! Cobb powers free but Sanada waistlocks! O’Conner Roll and sit-down, TWO!! Sanada hurries to go up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS! But Sanada has to land on his feet as Cobb moves! Sanada runs to RANA, but Cobb blocks it! Cobb swings Sanada back up, Sanada fights free and BOOTS! Sanada spins to ROLLING ELBOW, then ROLLING SOBAT! Cobb SUPERKICKS back! Cobb runs but into a back elbow! SANADA QUEBRADA, into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)

The Cold Skull got smashed by the Hulk outta nowhere! Cobb is now 6-0, is there any hope for anyone to stop him?

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The IWGP US Heavyweight Championship lost to the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, but he isn’t letting that stop his love and energy! But will the King of Darkness trump The Ace of the Universe and prove Everything is Evil?

Evil and Dick Low Sweet, and Tanahashi shows off the muscles. The bell rings and fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi fires up and circles with Evil. They feel out the grapple, Evil kicks but Tanahashi blocks! Tanahashi gets a headlock, thrashes Evil around, but Evil puts Tanahashi on the ropes. The ref calls for the break, Evil pushes a hand in Tanahashi’s face but Tanahashi turns things around. Tanahashi lets off cleanly, but Evil rushes at him! Tanahashi hits an arm-drag and has Evil down with an armlock! Fans cheer as Tanahashi grinds the shoulder and Evil endures. Evil kicks and fights up but Tanahashi wrenches then gets a headlock.

Fans cheer as Tanahashi thrashes the headlock. Evil fights up but can’t power out as Tanahashi holds tight! Evil fights up again, puts Tanahashi in a corner, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly. Evil pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Evil lets go at 4, wrenches and whips corner to corner, then runs in but Tanahashi elbows back. Tanahashi goes up and CROSSBODIES Evil down! And plays some air guitar! Tanahashi drags Evil up, throws forearms, then runs, but Dick is there! Tanahashi stops but Evil throws him out! Tanahashi forearms back! But Tanahashi is still wary of Dick as he steps in. Evil kicks the ropes to jam Tanahashi! Tanahashi falls to the apron then hobbles to the railing.

The ref has Evil stay back but he’s also aware of Dick. Evil goes out to fetch Tanahashi, and whip him into railing! Tanahashi slumps down and Evil goes looking under the ring. Tanahashi finds a chair, brings it over, and he stands Tanahashi up. Evil brings Tanahashi to the ramp, throws knees, then gets the leg. Evil stomps away on the leg, takes the chair and digs it into the knee! Tanahashi can only endure as the ref counts. Evil stops at 4, the ref confiscates the chair and fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi clutches his knee but he refuses to give up. Evil goes to the ring, Tanahashi stands as the ring count starts. Tanahashi hobbles to the ring and returns at 11 of 20.

Fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil drags Tanahashi around, stomps the leg, then drops an elbow on the knee! Evil pulls on the leg in a toehold but Tanahashi crawls and gets the ropebreak! The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4, and Tanahashi clutches the knee again. Evil taunts Tanahashi, kicks at him, but Tanahashi eggs him on! Evil throws forearms, Tanahashi fires up more, so Evil throws more forearms! Tanahashi fires up again but Evil pokes him in the eye! But Tanahashi comes back with fast hands! Only for Evil to pull hair! Tanahshi pulls hair in return, the ref reprimands them both, and Tanahashi throws a body shot!

Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses but Tanahashi comes back with a flying forearm! Fans rally up again and Tanahashi drags Evil up. Tanahashi scoops, SLAMS Evil to a drop zone, then goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi waits on Evil to rise and fans rally up. Tanahashi runs, but Evil sends Tanahashi out! Evil distracts the ref as Dick SMACKS Tanahashi before he can skin the cat! Evil then goes out to fetch Tanahashi and drags him up to whip into more railing! Tanahashi fires up and runs at Evil, but Evil CLOBBERS him first! Evil stands over Tanahashi as the fans rally again. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and RAMS him into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san!

Again, Young Lions and the ref hurry to check on Abe. He held onto the IWGP US Championship to keep it safe but he may have fallen into the railing behind him. Evil paces while the mess is being cleaned up, and he gets Tanahashi’s legs! The ref sees that and he stops Evil from putting on the Sharpshooter! A ring count starts, but Evil puts on the SHARPSHOOTER! He sits deep on the hold, torturing Tanahashi until 12 of 20! Evil gets in at 13, Tanahashi hobbles up at 15 but Dick holds him back! Dick throws Tanahashi back into railing and Abe-san! The count continues to 18 but Tanahashi surges forward to get in at 19!

Evil runs in and corner clotheslines! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evil is furious but fans fire up! Evil gets up as fans rally for The Ace. Evil stands Tanahashi up but Tanahashi blocks the fireman’s carry! Tanahashi fires off elbows, Evil kicks the bad leg! Evil whips but Tanahashi reverses, Evil hits bare buckles! The blue buckle pad was taken away again, only to bite Evil in the butt! Fans rally up as both men are down and stirring. Evil drags himself to the corner, Tanahashi grits his teeth and gets his legs moving. Tanahashi runs in but Evil boots him! Tanahashi tries again but Evil sends him into bare buckles!

Tanahashi still dodges Evil, only for Evil to go to the corner, and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Evil is furious but fans are fired up again! Evil sits up and slashes his throat. Evil stands Tanahashi up, spins him around, but Tanahashi slips out to spin Evil for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi fires up, fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs, to WRECK Dick with a dropkick! Then he dodges Evil to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps going, but Evil grabs at the ref. Tanahashi climbs up, the ref gets free of Evil’s grip, HIGH FLY FLOW to the back! But Tanahashi won’t stop there! He gets the legs for TEXAS CLOVER HOLD!! Evil endures as Tanahashi sits deep!

Dick throws the ref out of the ring right before Evil taps out!! Tanahashi would’ve won, but he realizes what happened! Dick gets in with the US title, but Tanahashi trips him up! TEXAS CLOVER HOLD! Dick taps, but Evil rakes eyes! Fans rally up for The Ace but the King of Darkness has his sidekick helping him stomp Tanahashi down! Evil drags Tanahashi up and works with Dick, but Tanahashi fights free of Magic Killer! SHOTEI for Evil, and he uses EVERYTHING IS EVIL on Dick!! Tanahashi sees Evil coming in, but Evil stops Tanahashi from stealing again! But Tanahashi blocks Evil’s Everything to get a full nelson!

Evil fights out of the Dragon Suplex, and LOW BLOWS! Evil reels Tanahashi in but Tanahashi LOW BLOWS back!! Turnabout is fair play and fans fire up! The ref gets back in, too, and Tanahashi rolls his way over to Evil. Both men are sore below the belt but Tanahashi still gets to his feet. Tanahashi fires up and runs, but Evil uses the ref as a shield! The ref bounces off Tanahashi, then Evil fireman’s carries Tanahashi for DARKNESS FALLS! But no ref means no cover! Fans rally up but Evil grabs the US title belt. Evil wants Tanahashi to get up, and then he runs in, BELT SHOT! Evil throws the belt out and goes back to Tanahashi to drag him back up.

Fans rally again as Evil spins Tanahashi, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Evil then goes to the ref and gets him up to count the cover. Evil wins!

Winner: EVIL, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)

It took stacking the deck with help from Dick to do it, but the King of Darkness is higher than the Ace tonight! Will the House of Torture look to add the IWGP US Championship as well as a G1 Climax trophy to the collection?

Kazuchika Okada VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe!

The Rainmaker stands tall at 5-0 and once again in the main event! But with him is an angry Holy Emperor who has already lost two times in a row. Will the Sliest Wrestler in the World use every trick he knows to stop from losing again? Or will Okada keep his promise to keep this G1 Autumn all fired up?

The elaborate jackets are put aside, Miho helping Taichi with his, as well as the IWGP Heavyweight Tag title and fanny pack. The bell rings and fans cheer already as the two stare down. The fans rally for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” but Taichi just ignores it as Okada circles around him. They approach, tie up, and Okada puts Taichi on the ropes. Okada lets off, feints the chop, and pats Taichi on the shoulders. Taichi kicks but Okada blocks to club the leg! Okada headlocks, grinds Taichi down, but Taichi fights up to throw body shots. Taichi tries to power out but Okada holds on tight. Okada grinds the headlock more but Taichi pulls hair.

Taichi powers up and pulls hair again to put Okada on ropes. Taichi tries to power out again but Okada holds on even tighter! Okada grinds again, then CLUBS Taichi on the back. Okada puts the headlock back on, but he has to fight the saido off! Okada whips, Taichi reverses and CHOKES Okada! Red Shoes reprimands, Taichi throws Okada down and catches his breath as fans rally up. Taichi kicks Okada to the apron then the floor. Taichi follows after, and he whips, only for Okada to reverse! Taichi crashes into railing and Miho is there as he falls to the floor! Okada drags Taichi up, kicks low and hits a DDT to the floor!

Okada walks it off while Red Shoes and Miho check on Taichi. Okada goes into the ring, a ring count starts, and is already 10 of 20 before Taichi gets up. Miho coaches Taichi, he stirs but Okada goes out at 15. Okada drags Taichi up but Taichi RAMS Okada into railing! Was Taichi playing possum? Taichi whips Okada into more railing then gathers up camera cable to CHOKE him with! Red Shoes reprimands, Taichi lets go, but then he starts peeling up floormats! Tatichi drags Okada up and over, DDT to the concrete! Red Shoes checks but somehow Okada’s okay to continue. Fans rally up but Taichi drags Okada up and into the ring. Cover, TWO!

Miho puts the floormats back where they were while Taichi bends Okada back against his knee. Okada endures as Taichi adds on a neck wrench. Okada reaches out and gets a ropebreak with a foot! Taichi lets go and brings Okada up as the fans rally. Taichi shoves Okada to a corner, stomps away on the legs then digs his boot into Okada’s face. Okada grits his teeth and glares at Taichi as he pushes against the boot. Taichi slaps Okada but Okada throws forearms! Okada eggs Taichi on, so Taichi CHOKES him and throws him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Taichi CHOKES Okada on the mat! Red Shoes counts, Taichi lets off and claims he’s covering but it’s another choke!

Red Shoes counts again, Taichi lets off, to TWO HAND CHOKE! Red Shoes counts yet again, and Taichi lets off. Okada sputters, Taichi gives him toying kicks. Fans rally up but Taichi gives Okada some Kowata Kicks! Okada staggers to a corner, Taichi runs in but Okada boots him! Taichi comes back but Okada dodges. Okada comes back but into a BOOT! Taichi runs but into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up as both men are down again, then rally up as both men stir. Okada rises, storms over to Taichi and brings him up for forearms. Okada whips, Taichi reverses but Okada CLOBBERS him with an elbow!

Okada drags Taichi up and whips him to a corner, then runs in to elbow! Kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada paces then brings Taichi up and gut wrenches but Taichi blocks. Okada CLUBS Taichi, whips but Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Both men are down again and fans fire up. Fans rally, Okada goes to a corner and Taichi runs in to clothesline! Taichi snapmares and KICKS Okada in the back! Okada slowly gets up and eggs Taichi on. Taichi KICKS Okada in the chest, fans fire up and Okada eggs him on more. Taichi KICKS again, Okada grits hist eeth, and Taichi dares Okada to sit up again. Okada does, Taichi kicks but Okada blocks to spin and BOOT!

Okada runs into the corner but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Taichi paces, Okada sits up, BUZZSAW! But Taichi says he’s going to end it now! OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi powers up and aims as Okada rises! TENSHI- NO! Okada dodges, ripcords, but into a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Taichi seethes but fans fire back up. Taichi drags Okada back up, Alabama lifts, but Okada wrenches to the MONEY CLIP! Taichi stays on his feet but starts to drop as Okada leans on the hold. Fans rally, Taichi fights up but Okada turns that to a backslide. Taichi slips through, dodges the lariat but not the DROPKICK! Okada gets the arm again, MONEY CLIP!

Taichi endures as Okada has him down on the mat! Fans rally, Taichi fights up and powers his way to ropes, but Okada hits a BACK2BACKBREAKER! Then the MONEY CLIP again! Taichi is turning red, Okada squeezes tighter, and fans are thunderous! Red Shoes checks, Taichi gasps but he’s turning purple! Taichi fights up with a second wind but Okada drags him from ropes! Taichi still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go in frustration and the fans fire up! Fans are thunderous with “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” but maybe even some “TA-I-CHI!” as Okada drags him up. Okada scoops, SLAMS and goes to the corner. Okada goes up top, MACHO ELBOW! And then the Rainmaker Pose!

Okada drags Taichi up, ripcords but Taichi gets under to shove! Okada blocks the superkick to scoop Taichi! Taichi slips out, shoves and TENSHI JUJIHOU!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Taichi crawls over, manages a cover, TWO!! Okada barely gets that arm up! Miho coaches Taichi, fans rally up as hard as ever, and Taichi forces himself to stand. Taichi drags Okada up, Alabama but Okada blocks! Okada CLUBS Taichi, Taichi keeps trying to lift, but Okada gut wrenches! Taichi fights that off with body shots and clubbing forearms, then he shoves Okada away. Okada comes back but Taichi BOOTS him! Okada stays up to BOOT in return!

Taichi stays up and the two stare down. Taichi BOOTS back, so Okada BOOTS again! Fans cheer and Taichi even grins. Taichi BOOTS and Okada staggers to the ropes! Okada steadies himself as Taichi waits, and Okada BOOTS again! Taichi shakes his head and boots, but Okada blocks to forearm! Taichi sobats! Okada uppercuts! Taichi BOOTS, Okada runs but Taichi DECKS him!! Taichi gets Okada up and reels him in, but Okada back drops and sits down on a cover! TWO!! Taichi is up gut Okada ducks the gamangiri! Ripcord but Taichi dodges and waistlocks! Okada elbows free, runs but into Taichi’s DROPKICK! Taichi roars and fans are thunderous again!

Taichi shakes out the cobwebs and steadies himself. He drags Okada up, reels Okada in but Okada fights the saido again. Taichi CLUBS Okada on the back, then DANGEROUS GAMANGIRIS! Taichi gets Okada up again, DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Okada survives and Taichi can’t believe it! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down. Taichi gets up and fires up again. Taichi drags Okada up, Alabama lifts but Okada slips out, ROLLING LARIAT! But Taichi stays up to stagger to ropes! Taichi runs but Okada dodges! Okada spins, DOUBLE LARIATS!! Taichi’s Ax Bomber overpowers Okada’s Rolling Rainmaker!!

Taichi waits for Okada to stand, then he runs, but into Okada’s DROPKICK! But he’s right back up?! Into a gut wrench and JUMPING TOMBSTONE!! Okada fires up, drags Taichi up and ripcords, RAIN- NO! Taichi gets around, GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!?!? Okada narrowly escapes and the fans are electric! ROUNDHOUSE!! Taichi fires up and aims from the corner! Three point stance, but he runs into a SIT-OUT MICHINOKU!! Okada drags Taichi up, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)

The Holy Emperor could not stop the rain! Kazuchika Okada continues his streak and is 6-0! Taichi flounders and tries to get up but Okada brushes him off. Is this the end of Taichi’s run at the top of the block?

As for Okada, he once again gets the mic to close out the night. “KOCHI~! Thanks for your passionate support today! I know most of you were behind Taichi toward the end. But even so, The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada, is your winner!” Fans do still cheer that. And of course, this makes six matches for six wins. “Do you think Kazuchika Okada is looking a little beaten up? Even if that’s the case, you also realize that no one’s stopping me, right?” Okada vows to win the remaining three matches, then take the G1 finals and the world title belt, and then come back to a PACKED Kochi! That’s something to look forward to, so please, let’s all hang in there together!

Okada again thanks the fans and promises to make it rain in the G1! But will round seven be bad luck for the Rainmaker?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 6-0, 12 points
Jeff Cobb: 6-0, 12 points
EVIL: 5-1, 10 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Hirooki Goto: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tama Tonga: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

A really good round for the G1 Climax here, and I’m mostly shocked at how many are mathematically out of the running at this point. Goto and Hashi win good matches but those were just to keep things going since they, Chase and Tama are at the bottom anyway. Cobb stays undefeated in a really good match with Sanada and he is on a collision course with Okada at this point. Evil VS Tanahashi was very good but I’m surprised Tanahashi is 3-3. Tanahashi is out because he already lost to Okada, so even if Tanahashi swept the next three and Okada lost the next three, Okada has the tiebreaker that puts him ahead.

Okada VS Taichi was a great match, Okada of course wins to keep himself strong. I feel like the only loss Okada could suffer is against Cobb, and that’d be huge for Cobb after going 2-1 with Okada during Summer Struggle. Okada can’t seriously lose to Chase, and no offense to Tama but he could give an awesome effort and still lose. On the flipside, Cobb is surely getting a win over Tanahashi at this point, creating quite the list of contenders for that IWGP US Championship. Cobb VS Evil in the eighth could change things, and then we get Okada VS Cobb in the ninth and final round, that has to be the main event that night, winner going on to the finals.

My Score: 9.1/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (10/8/21)

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Andrew’s G1 Climax 31 Day 11 & 12 Results & Match Ratings

AEW Coverage

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

Anybody can get it!

Published

31 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.