Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (1/13/22)

Walter’s Last Stand!

Published

1 year ago

January 13, 2022

Steven Mitchell

The Ring General has one last match in NXT UK!

Walter has dominated this brand since day one, but now he is moving on to the USA! Will he win his farewell fight in NXT UK?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NXT UK Tag Team Championship Contender’s Eliminator Tournament: Jack Starz & Dave Mastiff VS Die Familie; Starz & Mastiff win and advance to the finals.
Amale VS Stevie Turner; Amale wins.
Walter VS Nathan Frazer; Walter wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT UK Tag Team Championship Contender’s Eliminator Tournament: Jack Starz & Dave Mastiff VS Die Familie!

The friendship of speed and strength is growing stronger, but that isn’t enough for the brothers in arms of Teoman & Rohan Raja. Will Ashton Smith & Oliver Carter be preparing for a duo not unlike themselves? Or will the evil eye see a future with The Babo and his clan heading for gold?

The teams sort out and Starz starts against Raja. They circle, fans rally up, and the two tie up. Starz gets a leg, Raja blocks him and pries him off for a throw! Starz lands on his feet and Raja is fired up, but the two circle again. They tie up, Raja powers Starz to a corner, but Starz pushes off the buckle to get Raja back. Starz facelocks, Raja powers up to throw him again, but Starz again lands on his feet! Teoman talks some trash but Starz focuses on Raja. They tie up, Raja waistlocks but Starz resists the lift. Starz pries the hold open, rolls to get the leg but Raja stays up. Raja drags Starz back up but Starz fights him on the gut wrench.

Starz cartwheels through and gets the arm! Fans cheer as Starz grinds the shoulder, but Raja fights up. Starz wrenches and YANKS the arm, and again, then he shoots in to get the leg. Starz has Raja down in a head ‘n’ arm, but Raja rolls it to a cover, TWO! Starz shifts his grip to a headlock but Raja powers up and out. Starz goes up and over in the corner and dropkicks! And again! And then he gut wrench suplexes Raja! Cover, TWO! Raja scrambles away to ropes so Starz tags in Mastiff! Teoman says Raja can bring him down, and the two tie up. Raja headlocks. Mastiff powers out and Raja rams shoulders, but Mastiff doesn’t budge!

Mastiff dares Raja to try again so Raja runs, and they RAM shoulders again! Teoman tags in now, but Mastiff runs them both over! Mastiff bumps Teoman off buckles, tags Starz in, and Starz rams his shoulder into Teoman. Starz snapmares then runs to basement EuroUpper! Cover, ONE! Starz CLUBS Teoman, has him on the ropes, tags Mastiff back in, and Mastiff drags Teoman out to scoop and SLAM! Tag back to Starz and Mastiff SENTONS, for Starz to slingshot SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Starz brings Teoman over, tags Mastiff back in, and they mug Teoman in the corner. Mastiff hoists Teoman up, tags Starz in.

Teoman fights, only to get the FLYING SHOULDER SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Starz throws body shots, whips Teoman to ropes, but Teoman holds ropes and Dempsey even gets Teoman out before Starz can rush over. The ref and Mastiff shout at Dempsey, but this distracts them from seeing Raja help Teoman trap Starz in the apron skirt! They mug Starz right behind the ref’s back! Raja CLOBBERS Starz out of the skirt, then Teoman puts Starz in the ring. Teoman goes up the corner, Starz stands up, Teoman missile dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO! Teoman clamps on a facelock, drags Starz up to CLUB him down, then bumps him off buckles.

Raja tags in, stomps a mudhole on Starz, but lets off as the ref counts. Raja grabs at the leg, drags Starz out to stomp him down, then whips him back into the corner. Tag to Teoman and he whips Raja in for a big SPLASH! Raja feeds Starz to a LARIAT! Teoman covers, TWO! Teoman seethes as he clamps onto Starz’s arm and has as grounded cording hold. Starz endures, Teoman digs his claws into Starz’s ribs. Fans rally up as Starz endures, and Starz gets up, only for Teoman to CLUB the arm! Raja tags in, Die Familie mugs Starz, and Raja wrenches to CLUB the arm. Fans rally up but Raja CLUBS Starz’s arm, then CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Cover, TWO!

Raja pushes Starz around, gets him up, and has him against ropes to throw forearms. Starz hits back with body shots and EuroUppers! Starz hits Teoman, hits Raja, DECKS Teoman then ROCKS Raja! Fans rally but Raja keeps Starz down with a facelock. Raja brings Starz up, throws him out, and Starz slides, but he escapes Teoman’s apron skirt trick! Starz DECKS Teoman, shoulders into Raja and slingshots over to hot tag Mastiff! Fans fire up for the Bomber as he rallies on Die Familie! Mastiff dodges Raja to CROSSBODY! Raja staggers up into a back drop! Teoman runs in but is sent right back out! Raja kicks Mastiff low, reels him in, but he’s too big to suplex!

Mastiff fireman’s carries for a ROLLING SENTON! Mastiff steadies himself, Teoman gets in, DROP-TON! Mastiff’s shotgun dropkick sends Teoman flying while Mastiff falls onto Raja! Cover, but the ref is busy with Teoman! And Dempsey trips Starz off the apron! Fans boo, Teoman fights the fireman’s carry. Gallus shows up to get at Dempsey! Fans fire up for Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey and Wolfgang, and Teoman hurries out to reinforce Dempsey! But Mastiff GERMAN SUPLEXES Raja! Bridging cover, Mastiff & Starz win!!

Winners: Jack Starz & Dave Mastiff, by pinfall (advance to the finals)

And then all hell breaks loose on the outside! Gallus gets at Die Familie and fans are loving it! Referees and security hurry out to stop it but fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” As for Starz & Mastiff, will they be ready for the Hottest Tag Team Under the Sun in the #1 contenders match?

Jinny is backstage.

The Fierce Fashionista heads to the commentary booth, because she wants a close-up look at tonight’s women’s match. Will she like what she sees as the Fourth Dimensional Stevie Turner takes on the French Hope, Amale?

The NXT UK Championship match is coming!

In two weeks, Ilja Dragunov defends his title against Jordan Devlin! Both men have said their piece, but will the Czar shut down The Irish Ace and show him just how he defeated Walter?

Amale VS Stevie Turner!

After WWE’s first French born female superstar opened up about her journey, she had a change of heart and inspired many fans. But the Fourth Dimensional Fighter made the mistake of thinking Amale lost that fire and ferocity inside. Will Amale make sure Stevie hope she takes it easy on her? Or will Stevie prove Jinny’s point that spilling your heart out gets you nowhere?

The bell rings, Stevie rushes in but Amale dodges the boot to fire forearms! Amale throws hands, whips Stevie but Stevie reverses to forearm back. Stevie whips but Amale runs her over! Amale corner clotheslines, but Stevie blocks the bulldog! Stevie kicks back, but Amale ROCKS Stevie and she bails out. Amale swipes at Stevie on the apron and dares her to get in. Stevie says Amale’s nuts, but Stevie gets on the apron and kicks back. Stevie BOOTS Amale to the ropes, but then Amale dodges to BULLDOG! Fans fire up as Amale runs side to side. Stevie dodges the boot wash, she blocks the boot, but we watch Jinny too long to see Stevie set Amale up, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!

Stevie stomps Amale, rains down forearms, but Amale gets her guard up. Stevie covers, ONE! Stevie clamps onto an arm and she grinds Amale’s shoulder. Amale fights up, throws body shots, but Stevie knees low and CLUBS her on the back. KNEE LIFT! Cover, TWO! Stevie sits Amale up to clamp claws onto the shoulders! Stevie then steps over to get a top wristlock. Fans rally as Amale endures, but Stevie pulls hair. The ref reprimands, Amale fights up, and throws heavy body shots! Stevie kicks low, BOOTS Amale, then BOOT WASHES her on the ropes! Stevie covers, TWO! Fans fire up for Amale but Stevie grows frustrated.

Jinny says she’s not that impressed, mostly because Stevie’s outfit is bad. Amale fights Stevie’s clinch, elbows her from the corner, then runs and dodges to LARIAT! Amale starts rallying, but Stevie kicks low. Stevie whips, Amale reverses and scoops for a SLAM! Amale runs in to SHOTGUN Stevie down! And then BOOT WASH! Amale drags Stevie back up, reels her in, HOPEBREAKER! High stack, Amale wins!

Winner: Amale, by pinfall

A fiery win for the French Hope, but Jinny says someone needs to crush Amale’s hope. Will the Spoiled Princess look to be that someone? Or will Amale fight her way back up towards a title opportunity?

Sid Scala is visited by Pretty Deadly.

They don’t care about the #1 contenders tag tournament, though that is a problem. But they’re here to talk about what Sam Gradwell’s been up to. Gradwell called Lewis Howley “a stupid,” he called Sam Stoker “a stupid,” and that they’re both yogurts. They’re not having it! They’re smart boys! Howley got a C in math, he’s not stupid. So sack him, fine him, DISCIPLINE! How about this? Pretty Deadly VS Gradwell and a partner of his choosing? Oh, them against a man with no friends? It’s basically a handicap match already. Deal! #YesBoy, an easy win. Pretty Deadly heads out, and Sid says a C is “alright.” But will this be a case where variables come back to bite the dandy highwaymen?

NXT UK looks closely at Noam Dar VS A-Kid.

The Spanish Sensation says, “It feels so good to be back to this title that made me. When I won the Heritage Cup, that changed my life completely.” The Scottish Supernova says, “It’s all about honor and respect for you. But this match for me, is not about respect. It’s about revenge. You robbed me of being the first-ever Heritage Cup Champion.” AK may have been the first to win it, but he was also the first to lose it. AK admits that losing the cup was the lowest point for him, but Dar learns from mistakes. He doesn’t think AK can. AK felt like he couldn’t perform at the level he can. It was a tough time in his career.

Dar mocks that AK doesn’t know what to be without the cup. AK says if he loses here, he might not be able to come back again. Dar says AK thinks he’s lost now. Dar’s golden foot will send him to another dimension and AK will be lost in a void of nothingness. Then he’ll realize it’s over for him. AK says the Heritage Cup represents AK, and he’ll make sure that next week AK represents the cup once again. The showdown is coming, will AK make history as the first two-time Heritage Cup winner? Or will Dar extend the growing legacy of his reign?

Backstage interview with Amale.

A big win for her tonight, how is she feeling? She feels great. She felt so free. She didn’t think talking about her story would make such a difference. Jinny walks in to sarcastically congratulate Amale. But that victory doesn’t take away how Amale is still “a weak, fragile-” Amale SHOVES Jinny before she can finish her insult! Amale dares Jinny to back up those words, and securities have to keep them apart! Jinny throws a tantrum as she says Amale is nothing, but will Amale prove to Jinny who’s really weak and fragile?

Walter VS Nathan Frazer!

This is it! Der Ring General will be joining his troops in Imperium in NXT full time, meaning he is saying farewell for now to NXT UK. He dominated this brand since first showing up in Blackpool, will he be victorious in his sign-off here in London? Or will the British Prodigy score the biggest win of his career?

The bell rings and Frazer is nervous and fans sing, “Walter’s gonna kill~ you!” Frazer and Walter circle, Frazer ends up cornered but he slips away. They circle again, tie up, and Walter headlocks to TOSS Frazer! Walter eggs Frazer on and fans chant, “WAL~TER! WAL~TER!” Frazer gets up, circles with Walter, feels out the grapple, and tie up. Walter puts Frazer in the corner, smothers him, but lets off, and Frazer narrowly avoids the chop! Walter waits on Frazer to get up, and Frazer keeps his space as they circle again. They tie up, Walter knuckle locks and wrenches an arm, to then lift and SLAM Frazer down!

Walter keeps on the arm, but Frazer works his way up. Frazer rolls but Walter wrangles him back down. Fans rally, Frazer fights up and rolls, handsprings and breaks free to dropkick! Walter staggers, Frazer leaps to get a facelock! But Walter powers up to put Frazer on the apron! The ref counts, Walter lets off and pats Frazer on the head. Frazer SLAPS Walter! Then slingshots in to fire off forearms and KICKS! Walter knees low, puts Frazer in the corner, but Frazer elbows back! Frazer LEAPS, into Walter’s arms! He puts Frazer on the top rope to CHOP! And then Walter STANDS on Frazer! The ref counts, Walter lets off and Frazer flops to the floor!

Fans chant for “WAL~TER!” as Frazer flounders up. Frazer gets in, throws body shots, but Walter CLUBS him down! Walter stomps, Frazer throws body shots and CHOPS! But Walter scoops and SLAMS Frazer again! Walter drags Frazer back up, scoops him, but Frazer fights free to dragon sleeper. Walter slips around, throws Frazer away, but Frazer runs and QUEBRADAS, but Walter gets clear to get the SLEEPER! Frazer pries the hold open, ELBOW BREEKAR! Frazer fires off KICKS on the leg, then forearms. Frazer runs, ROCKS Walter with a forearm, and then runs again. Frazer ducks and comes back with another FLYING FOREARM!

Walter wobbles, but he still hurdles Frazer and BOOTS him down! Frazer sits up in a daze as fans rally up for Walter. Walter looms over Frazer as fans sing the Imperium theme. Walter has the arms for a motorcycle stretch but Frazer endures. Fans rally, Frazer fights, even as Walter’s knee digs into his back. Frazer fights up, Walter wrangles him back down. Frazer flips, kangaroo kicks, but gets run over! Walter drags Frazer around, NECK TWIST! Walter then sits Frazer up to CHOP him back down! Fans want that “One More Time!” but Walter clamps on the chinlock. Frazer endures, even as Walter traps an arm.

Walter leans his weight on the hold, but Frazer fights up. Fans rally, he throws body shots, but Walter ROCKS him with a EuroUpper! Walter drags Frazer back up, talks some trash, but Frazer CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! And KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Walter CHOPS Frazer off his feet! Then reels him in, for a WALTER- RANA! Frazer counters, covers, TWO!! Frazer is right up, but Walter CHOPS him back down! Walter has to sit down, his own leg bothering him. Frazer crawls to ropes, but Walter stalks up behind him. Walter has Frazer bent against ropes to CLUB him! The ref reprimands, but Walter CLUBS Frazer again!

Walter drags Frazer back in, SLEEPER! Frazer flails, fades, fans sing a lullaby, but Frazer arm-drags free! And he avoids Walter’s dropkick! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Frazer CLUBS away on Walter but Walter wraps the SLEEPER back on! Frazer reaches for ropes, gets the ROPEBREAK, but Walter just slaps his arms down and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Frazer lands on his feet, but Walter BOOTS him down! WALTER- NO! SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Walter escapes as Frazer almost catches him! Fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” Frazer drags himself to ropes, Walter stands up, and Frazer KICKS the leg!

Frazer KICKS the bad leg more and Walter is wobbling! Frazer fires forearms, Walter knee slow, and Walter whips, Frazer slides under to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Frazer runs, but Walter hurdles! QUEBRADA DDT!! Frazer takes Walter down and Walter bails out! Fans rally as Frazer gets up. Walter checks his leg, Frazer grits his teeth. Frazer DIVES, but is caught! Walter throws Frazer, but Frazer dodges to SUPERKICK! And SHOTGUN dropkick Walter into barriers! Both men are down on the outside but fans rally up! Frazer is in at 4 of 10, Walter hobbles over at 6 and gets in at 8. Frazer KICKS the leg again! And again!

Walter blocks the third kick to DECK Frazer! Frazer gets up at the ropes, Walter staggers over, and yanks him up, but Frazer slips under! CHOP BLOCK! Frazer keeps moving, another CHOP BLOCK! Walter is hobbling, but he hoists Frazer to dump him out. Frazer is on the apron, he GAMANGIRIS back! Frazer springboards, Walter CHOPS him out of the sky! Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” while both men are down! Walter gets the bad leg moving, he staggers over to drag Frazer up. WALTER- NO! His leg gives out, no bomb! SUPERKICK! Frazer runs in from a corner, CURB STMOP! His mentor, Seth Rollins, would be proud! Frazer goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!

Fans are thunderous as Frazer goes back to the corner again. Frazer goes up top, but Walter gets up to CLUB the legs out! Frazer tumbles down, Walter powers up to WALTER BOMB!! Cover, Walter wins!

Winner: Walter, by pinfall

Frazer pushed Walter to his limits like only few have, but Walter still found a way to win! What a way to say farewell! But he will be on Tuesdays from now on, will we see the Ring General reestablish his dominance in NXT prime?

My Thoughts:

A great episode, and what a way for Walter to close out his time on this brand. Frazer looked awesome in the match, this was like a title match since beating Walter is a great accomplishment in itself. But Walter gets a great win, he’s got a lot going for him in NXT USA. He could go for the North American title or THE title, and either way I would love if he makes history as the first superstar to have held NXT UK and another singles title. We got a good vignette for A-Kid VS Dar next week, and their match is going to be great. Good promo from Pretty Deadly with Sid, and I can’t wait to see who Gradwell gets as a tag partner. For some reason, I sense Saxon Huxley showing up.

We got a very good tag match to open, and what a surprise that Die Familie lost here. I would’ve thought Gallus would go after them in the finals, but I guess Gallus doesn’t want to let them even get that close to the tag titles. Their Six Man is going to be a great match, and could go either way. As for the tag title contender’s match, Faces VS Faces to then challenge Faces is wild for WWE, I am definitely looking forward to a great final and then an even greater tag title match. I don’t know if the winner of this mini-tournament will take those titles, though, it would be too soon to make Moustache Mountain face that, “What happens now?” story.

And we got a lot of good stuff out of the women’s match tonight. Amale VS Stevie itself was a good match but I wish they wouldn’t cut to Jinny so much. Or find a way to have a tiny window on screen so we can keep an eye on Jinny and Andy Shepherd while still seeing the match. Amale winning was logical, and I liked the brief confrontation with Jinny backstage. Amale VS Jinny is going to be a vicious match, and could really build Amale up as another Face on this brand.

My Score: 8.4/10

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

13 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

2 days 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.