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Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/1/22)

Will the Rainmaker still reign?

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Wrestling Dontaku springs into action!

NJPW is in the PayPay Dome, and there are many prizes on the line! Will Kazuchika Okada still be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or will Tetsuya Naito make things tranquilo?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS BUSHI, Shingo Takagi & Shiro Koshinaka; Suzuki-Gun wins.
  • Hiromu Takahashi VS YOH; Hiromu wins.
  • Tanga Loa VS Yujiro Takahashi; Loa wins.
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Taguchi & Wato win and retain the titles.
  • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Triple Threat: The United Empire VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens; Fale & Chase win and become new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Tama wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori; Ishimori wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
  • Vacated IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tomohiro Ishii; Tanahashi wins and becomes the new IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Tetsuya Naito; Okada wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

Six or Nine continues to be number one in the Junior Tag Division, but Suzuki-Gun is looking to take over! Will Japones del Mal and the Heel Master join El Desperado as champions? Or will the Funky Weapon and Way of the Grandmaster keep the 69…th reign going?

The introductions are made, Taguchi shows off his underwear mask, and the belts are raised. The teams sort out, and we start with Wato and Douki to open the golden streak in PayPay!

Douki rushes Wato but Wato dodges, and then they both try roundhouses. Each man dodges, so the forearms start flying! They go back and forth, fans rally up, and Wato gets the edge. Wato runs, but Douki hurdles and drops. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS Douki down! Fans fire up as Wato dropkicks! Kanemaru gets in to go after Wato but Taguchi goes after Kanemaru. Kanemaru rakes Taguchi’s eyes, he and Douki double whip but Taguchi DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS! Six or Nine double whip Douki, double drop toehold and roll to double basement dropkick! Taguchi goes out to set Douki up and Wato builds speed. But Kanemaru trips Wato!

Taguchi throws Douki into railing but Kanemaru whips Wato into railing on the other side! Kanemaru then hits a DDT to the floor! Taguchi runs and triangle jump PLANCHAS! Fans fire up with Taguchi but Douki DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Wato gets in and he FLIES onto Douki! Fans fire up with Wato now! Wato gets Douki up as the fans rally. Wato puts Douki in, aims from the apron, but Kanemaru trips him up again! Kanemaru sends Wato back into railing, then hops over to GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Wato goes down, Douki is after Taguchi. Douki whips Taguchi into railing while Kanemaru puts Wato in.

Douki stomps Wato, bumps him off buckles, and tags Kanemaru in. Kanemaru throws elbows, Douki scuffs Wato, then Kanemaru CLUBS Wato down. Tag back to Douki, Suzuki-Gun mugs Wato and Douki digs his boots in. The ref counts, Douki stops at 4, and Douki drags Wato up. Douki slaps Wato around but Wato throws forearms. Douki slaps Wato more, Wato throws more forearms, but Douki rakes eyes! Douki runs, into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! But Kanemaru BOOTS Taguchi off the apron! Kanemaru whips Wato but Wato stops himself to CALF KICK! Fans fire up and Wato crawls, hot tag to Taguchi!

Taguchi sees his targets, HIP ATTACK at the ropes for Douki, then for Kanemaru, and back again! Baseball slide and APRON HIP for Douki! Fans rally and Taguchi aims, SPRINGBOARD HIP! Cover, TWO! Taguchi powers up in the corner and fans rally behind him. “ORYA!” but Kanemaru baseball slides Taguchi down! Kanemaru whips Taguchi to dropkick the legs out! Douki hurries to tag Kanemaru in, and they coordinate. SHIN BREAKER and DROPKICK! Kanemaru gets that bad leg and steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! Taguchi endures and fans rally up as he reaches out. Kanemaru drags Taguchi away while putting on the pressure!

Taguchi pries at the leglock, reaches out again, and he uses his head to keep Kanemaru’s leg away. Kanemaru powers through but Taguchi gets the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets Taguchi go but brings him up. Douki goes up top, Kanemaru gives Taguchi BRITISH FALL and Douki hits DOUBLE STOMPS! Kanemaru goes up, MOONSAULT! Cover, Wato breaks it! Fans fire up, Douki stomps Wato and throws him out. Kanemaru gets Taguchi back up, but Taguchi blocks the suplex! Kanemaru tries again, Taguchi slips out but the leg jams! Kanemaru kicks that leg, trips Taguchi, but Taguchi kicks the leg lock away!

Taguchi gets up, Kanemaru grabs for the bad leg again, but Taguchi ENZIGURIS! Kanemaru wobbles, into Wato’s FLYING UPPERCUT! Fans rally as Six or Nine regroup. They get Kanemaru set up in the wheelbarrow, but Douki gets in to intercept Wato! Kanemaru turns wheelbarrow into victory roll, Wato manages to break it! Fans fire up while all four men are down. Wato gets up to stomp Douki, he and Taguchi double whip. But Douki springboards to DOUBLE TRUST FALL! Douki takes out Six AND Nine! Douki then distracts the ref and Kanemaru gets his whiskey! He takes a big chug, brings Taguchi’s tights down, but Taguchi stops the whiskey spray!

Taguchi turns Kanemaru around, HIP ATTACK and the whiskey hits DOUKI in the face!! Taguchi then rolls Kanemaru up, T-BAG CLUTCH! Six or Nine win!!

Winners: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Kanemaru wants to complain about Taguchi’s cheeky cover, but Taguchi at least had something on under those tights. Wait is that an eyepatch? A shoutout to Rocky Romero that may not have been needed. But will Taguchi and Wato continue to win by the literal seats of their pants?

 

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Triple Threat: The United Empire VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens!

Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb conquered Chaos at Hyper Battle, but their first defense is already a massive one! Will #BISHAMON take these titles back? Will Bullet Club add more gold to their collection? Or will the Dominator and Hawaiian Hulk continue to dominate for the glory of the United Empire?

The introductions are made, but the Rogue General throws the first punch! It’s now a Triple Threat BRAWL as Bullet Club goes after Cobb and Bishamon go after Khan! Truly no Champion’s Advantage here! Bullet Club stomp Cobb out of the ring then go after him at the railing while Goto & Hashi keep Khan in the ring. The ref rings the bell to get this on record, and Bishamon stomp away on Khan. They double whip Khan corner to corner, Goto whips Hashi in to back elbow. Hashi whips Khan to Goto’s forearm, then they coordinate, GOTO BUSTER! Bullet Club gets in, Chase hits Goto and Fale is after Hashi!

Fale sends Hashi out, he and Chase mug Goto. They double whip Goto to ropes, body shot to knee lift and LARIAT! Chase covers, TWO! Fans rally while Chase and Fale hurry. Chase waistlocks Goto and Fale runs, but the Empire trip Fale and drag him out! Goto fights free, but Chase rakes his eyes! The Empire RAMS Fale into railing, Chase runs the ropes, but Hashi gets in and Bishamon runs Chase over together! They coordinate for the hip toss senton! Then Bishamon hammers Chase down! Fans fire up with Bishamon but Khan gets in to Mongolian Chop Goto down! Khan BOOTS Hashi, but Goto gets up, only to run into HITSUJIGOROSHI!

Goto endures, fans rally up, Cobb gets in to help Khan give Goto MARINE! Cover, Hashi breaks it! Cobb CLUBS Hashi, Khan stomps Goto. The Empire bring Hashi up but Hashi ROCKS Khan. Cobb ducks Hashi’s chop and RAMS him into a corner. Khan runs in to clothesline, then Cobb adds a back elbow! cobb feeds Hashi to Khan’s snap suplex, then Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while the Empire double whip Hashi. Hashi gives Khan a BLOCKBUSTER! Then a SPIN MULE KICK to Cobb! Chase gets in to SHOTGUN Cobb while Fale drags Khan out! Chase then CLUBS Hashi down.

Chase headlock punches Hashi and Fale gets in. Bullet Club double whips Hashi to a corner, then Chase runs in to forearm smash. Fale runs in to SPLASH! And then scoop SLAM onto Chase’s knees! Cover, TWO! Fale goes out to keep Khan down while Chase brings Hashi up, C-TRIGGER! Chase roars and brings Hashi up, tuck, but Hashi fights the lift. Goto rushes in to fire forearms on Chase! Goto ROCKS Chase in the corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Goto intercepts Khan, to snap suplex him onto Chase! Khan writhes, Goto and Hashi regroup.

Hashi runs in at Khan to clothesline! Feed to Goto’s kick and clinch, Hashi runs, GOTO GOTO HUNTER! But Chase runs in, Hashi gets around to feed him to Goto’s fireman’s carry. FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper and leg lift. But Fale grabs Goto and Hashi with choke grips! But they break free, and double drop toehold Fale onto Chase! Then Hashi piles on! And Goto, too! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Fale manages to save this for Bullet Club, but Bishamon goes after him. They CLUB Fale, double whip, but Fale blocks! Fale double whips them into Cobb’s DOUBLE LARIATS! And fans fire up as the biggest “monsters” meet!

Cobb disrespects the Too Sweet, but Fale pie faces Cobb. The forearms start flying, fans rally as they go back and forth, and Cobb gets the edge! Cobb runs, but Fale runs him over! Fans fire up as Cobb SCOOPS AND SLAMS Fale!! But then Hashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs out! Khan gets in, he and Hashi collide with DOUBLE LARIATS! Khan roars and runs, ducks and dodges, to RUNNING NECKBREAKER! But Hashi gets back up! Hashi LARIATS Khan down! Fans fire up again and Hashi catches his breath. Khan crawls after Hashi, but Hashi roars! Hashi drags Khan up, full nelson to pump handle but Khan fights it.

Hashi feeds Khan to Goto’s fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Hashi WRECKS Fale with a dropkick then regroups with Goto. They get Khan in position, SHOUTO!! Cover, but Chase breaks it with a BLINDSIDE C-TRIGGER! Goto hurries after Chase but Chase throws a forearm. Goto hits back with a forearm so Chase hits Goto again. They go back and forth now, forearm for forearm, and the fans rally up. Chase gets the edge, Goto snarls and roars! Goto fires off forearms and Chase staggers! Goto eggs Chase on, Chase fires off a strike fest! Chase runs, but Goto follows. Chase dodges, and FLIES out onto Hashi and Khan!

Cobb whips Goto! TOUR OF- NO! Goto slips out, shoves, and fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up and Goto hurries to get Cobb back up! Dragon sleeper and- NO! Cobb spins around to suplex! Goto slips out, but Cobb DECKS him! Cobb then YANKS Goto up into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Fale breaks it! Fale choke grips Cobb, but Cobb breaks free, dodges and DROPKICKS Fale! Fale manages to stay up but Cobb runs in, only to get put on the apron. C-TRIGGER and LARIAT, down goes Cobb! Bullet Club get Goto for the GRENADE! And then ROCKET LAUNCHER ELBOW!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!

Winners: Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Chaos AND the United Empire just got conquered! Bullet Club has even more gold in the treasury! Is this only the beginning of Bullet Club taking over all of NJPW? Or will the Empire strike back?

 

NJPW reveals the blocks for the Best of the Super Juniors 29!

First, an obvious choice, going in A Block, it’s Hiromu Takahashi! He’s won three of the last four, going back to back in 2020 and 2021. Will the Ticking Timebomb make it a threepeat? A Block also has Ryusuke Taguchi, YOH, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taiji Ishimori, Sho, Alex Zayne, Francesco Akira, LADOJO’s Clark Connors, and even Impact’s Ace Austin! B Block has Master Wato, Robbie Eagles, Bushi, Douki, El Desperado, El Phantasmo, TJP, AEW’s Wheeler Yuta, GLEAT’s El Lindaman and even CMLL’s Titan! From May 15th to June 3rd, these round robins will take place and the two best will battle to be the Best of the Super Juniors! Wo will #SoarToGlory?

 

NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The King of Darkness is the King of NEVER, for now. Will Darkness Fall on the Good Bad Guy? Or will Tama’s revenge be more than Too Sweet?

Tama doesn’t wait, he goes after Evil on the ramp! They brawl, the ref reprimands but they’re not stopping! Fans rally up as Tama gets the edge. Tama CLUBS then HEADBUTTS Evil, then drags him to ringside. Fans applaud, Tama headlock punches Evil, then drags him along a bit more. Tama bumps Evil off the apron, then brings him around to bump him off more apron. Tama puts Evil in and the bell rings, but Evil kicks low. Evil runs, Tama hurdles and hurdles and DOUBLE CHOPS! Fans fire up with Tama but Evil bails out. Tama goes out after Evil, throws down fists, then reels Evil in.

Dick protests but Tama tells him to back up. Jado storms over but the ref wants them both to stay back. But Evil gets Tama for a FISHERMAN BUSTER to the floor! Then Dick sucker punches Jado! Evil drags Tama around the way, to RAM into the timekeeper’s area! Abe-san goes tumbling again! Evil gets the mic and CHOKES Tama with the cord! Evil wants Tama to say he quits but Tama refuses! The ref reprimands, Evil stops, and fans rally up as Tama sputters and catches his breath. Evil drags Tama up to put him in and kick around. Tama throws body shots, but Evil rakes Tama’s eyes! Evil whips, Tama reverses but Evil avoids the dropkick!

Evil whips Tama into the BARE CORNER! The Bullet Club Special is served, and then Evil CLOBBERS Tama! Cover, TWO! Fans applaud but Evil is annoyed. Evil looms over Tama, brings him up, scoops and SLAMS him, then covers. ONE! Another cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE!! Evil is furious, he didn’t even get a two-count! Evil stalks Tama, slaps him around at the ropes and eggs Tama on. Evil scuffs Tama, stands on Tama’s head, but the ref reprimands. Evil steps away while fans rally for Tama. Evil drags Tama up, reels him in, but Tama blocks the suplex! Evil keeps trying but Tama throws body shots.

Tama tries but Evil blocks! Evil tries again but Tama blocks! Tama suplexes again and gets Evil up and over! Fans fire up while both men are down. The fans rally and Tama gets to ropes. Tama gets up and he fires haymakers on Evil. Evil swings but Tama ducks to dropkick, dropkick and dropkick! Fans fire up with Tama more but Dick gets on the apron. Tama YANKS Dick into the ring! Dick freaks out and wants mercy but Tama says, “YOU!” Tama throws hands and Dick bails out! Tama runs at Evil in a corner, STINGER SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tama drags Evil up, dragon sleepers, but Evil slips out to suplex!

Tama fights free, gets Evil again, TONGAN TWIST! Tama gets to a corner and climbs up top. Fans rally but Evil uses the ref as a shield! Then Evil rushes in. Tama jumps over, comes back, but Evil fireman’s carries! Tama slips off, waistlocks, but Evil switches and shoves Tama. Evil goes to the corner to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Evil is furious! Fans rally and Jado coaches Tama but Evil slashes his throat. Evil drags Tama up, spins Tama around, but Tama fights the STO! Evil rakes Tama’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Dick is creeping, but Jado points him out! The ref still focuses more on Jado!

Evil shoves Tama at Dick but Tama DECKS Dick first! Evil runs in but Tama dodges, and Evil DECKS Dick! Tama then fireman’s carries Evil for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama goes up top and SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Tama throws off the vest! Fans fire up with Tama as he powers up. Evil rises, Tama rushes in, but no Gun Stun! Evil shoves Tama at the ref, but Tama blocks the low blow! Tama DECKS Evil, then gets the legs! But Evil rakes eyes again! The ref reprimands but Evil shoves him away. Evil then shoves Tama at ropes and Dick CHAIRSHOTS him! Evil gets Tama for DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!

Both men are down and fans fire up again! Evil gets back up, gets the legs, but Tama fights the Sharpshooter! Evil keeps trying, but he can’t get Tama to turn over! Tama grabs Evil and throws hands! Evil lets Tama free, but then throws body shots. Evil whips Tama into bare buckles again! But Tama roars and LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up again and Tama drags Evil around. Tama steps through, for the SHARPSHOOTER!! Jado sees Dick making a move and keeps him out! But Dick RAMS Jado into railing! Dick rings the bell!? Tama lets go, thinking he’s won, but the ref asks what’s going on!

Abe-san explains, that was all Dick! The ref explains to Tama, and then Evil shoves Tama into the ref! The ref falls out of the ring, Dick gets Tama with the SPOILER CHOKER! Fans are thunderous for Tama as he pries the choker away! Tama throws Dick away but Evil mule kicks! Evil and Dick get Tama for MAGIC KILLER!! Dick points to Evil as he climbs up, and Dick drags Tama up. They want to copy the Super Bomb?! But Jado SMACKS Evil with a kendo stick! Tama suplexes Dick away! Evil hobbles, into a kendo HEADSHOT! Both Tama and Evil are down and fans rally up again. The ref returns and Jado gets the fans pumped up more!

Tama stands on one end, Evil stands on the other. Tama rushes in, GUN- NO! Evil still denies it, but Tama denies him the STO! Tama kicks low, underhooks, but Evil fights free to wrench, shove, and go to the corner again! Tama dodges the lariat to GUN- NO!?! Evil stops it and shoves him to the bare corner! Tama stops himself, so Evil shoves the ref that way! Tama goes up and over the ref, and then GUN STUN!!! Cover, Tama wins!!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)

Revenge has been served! The Good Bad Guy takes this title away from Bullet Club! But wait! Gedo CLOBBERS Jado! Then he goes after Tama! And Luke Gallows is here!! And Karl Anderson!! The Blacksmith and the Good Brothers are beating up Jado and Tama! The Good Brothers give Jado MAGIC KILLER!! The Machine Gun then rains down fists on Tama, and CHOKES him! Gallows drags Jado back up to throw him out of the ring! Anderson drags Tama back up, slaps him around, then feeds him to Gallows. But here comes LOA! The Silverback is in and he DECKS Anderson, fires off on Gallows, then hits Anderson again!

But then Gallows YAKUZA KICKS! Loa staggers, into the GALLOWS POWERBOMB! Anderson snatches up the NEVER Openweight belt! Is the Machine Gun making his challenge known? But they’re still not done with Tama! “You wanted this, Tama? You wanted this?!” GUN STUN on the belt!! Another Bullet Club OG is back, and he’s done with the trash talking! Will he shoot down the Good Bad Guy and make NJPW Too Sweet 4 Life?

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori!

The Rogue Luchador has been wanting to check off some names on his title match wish list, but the Bone Soldier won’t let him skip over his name. Will Taiji Ishimori make everyone remember the name by putting his name on the belt? Or will Desperado check Taiji off the list and move on to another?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who rides into BOSJ 29 with the target on their back!

Fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Taiji waistlocks but Desperado switches. Taiji wrenches free to a wristlock but Desperado brings Taiji to a knee. Desperado wrenches back to a wristlock, but Taiji rolls, kips up and cartwheels to wrench back. Taiji YANKS the arm and Desperado staggers to a corner. Taiji whips corner to corner, Desperado reverses but Taiji slips out to the apron. Desperado rushes over, Taiji slides under, slips back out and shoulders back in. Taiji springboards, Desperado gets under, but Taiji dodges to rake the eyes! The ref reprimands as Taiji headlocks, but Desperado powers out to reel Taiji into his own headlock.

Taiji powers out but Desperado pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Desperado throws Taiji down by his hair! Taiji tumbles out, fans applaud while Desperado argues with the ref. Desperado goes out and stomps Taiji. Desperado then whips Taiji, but Taiji reverses. Desperado stops from hitting railing, Taiji runs in but Desperado dodges. Taiji stops from running into railing, Desperado runs in but Taiji pops him up to TKO off the railing! Fans applaud and Taiji growls while the ref checks on Desperado. Taiji brings out the Bullet Club Special for himself now, throwing the blue buckle pad away.

The ref starts a ring count on Desperado, and it climbs as he crawls. Fans rally, we’re already at 7 of 20, and Desperado makes his way back to ringside. Desperado gets in at 10 of 20, but bails back out for another breather. Taiji storms over and drags Desperado up. Taiji CLUBS Desperado on the back, wrenches an arm, then RAMS Desperado’s shoulder into the bare buckles! Desperado writhes, clutches his arm, but Taiji grabs at him. Desperado kicks at him but Taiji stomps Desperado down. Taiji keeps on the bad arm, then he whips Desperado, just to YANK and WRING the arm out!

Desperado writhes more and fans rally up. Taiji drags Desperado up into a seated cobra clutch. Fans rally as Desperado endures. Desperado gets up, throws body shots, but Taiji ripcords, RAMS shoulders, then hits a headscissor takedown into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Desperado endures, reaches out, but Taiji has the bad arm as a partial straitjacket within the triangle! Fans rally, Desperado gets the ROPEBREAK with a foot. Taiji lets go and Desperado gets to a corner. Fans rally up again but Taiji looms over Desperado. Desperado chops but they’re rather weak. Taiji CLUBS Desperado on the bad arm!

Taiji scoops Desperado and aims for the bare corner! But Desperado slips off and sends Taiji into bare buckles! Desperado runs in, but Taiji boots. Desperado catches it, puts it in the ropes, and he kicks the other leg. Desperado then gets the leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Taiji flops and flounders, and Desperado gets the legs for an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Desperado puts pressure on the knees. Taiji sits up to throw haymakers! Desperado “falls” back and that adds more pressure! Taiji still endures, Desperado sits up and puts even more pressure on! Taiji still reaches out, and he drags himself to the ROPEBREAK!

Desperado lets Taiji go, drags Taiji up and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado hurries to dig his knee into Taiji’s bad leg! Desperado then gets up to make sure his leg is moving. Desperado reels Taiji in but Taiji wrenches out to ELBOW BREAKER! Taiji wrenches the arm again, hammerlocks it and he POSTS Desperado! The ref reprimands but Taiji drags Desperado back in. Taiji hammerlocks and scoops for a SHOULDER BREAKER! But it’s double-edged with that bad leg! Fans rally up while Taiji goes to the apron. Taiji drags himself while smacking his bad leg into moving.

Taiji climbs the corner, leaps, but Desperado moves! Taiji bails out of the 450 but his leg jams, and he turns around into a SPEAR! But Desperado’s bad shoulder bothers him! Fans rally up as Desperado drags himself up with the ropes. Desperado brings Taiji around, hooks him up, GUITARRA- NO, Taiji slips out to gut wrench! CIPHER UTAKI! But again, double-edged because of the damage to his legs! Taiji crawls to a cover, TWO! Both men are down but fans rally. Taiji drags himself to a corner, takes aim at Desperado, and then runs in to tilt-o-whirl! But Desperado holds off the takedown, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally up as Desperado stands at the ropes. Desperado hobbles over and brings Taiji back up. Taiji fires off fast hands, but Desperado ROCKS him with an elbow! Taiji JUMP KNEES! Desperado goes down, Taiji fires up! Taiji gets Desperado up, but Desperado fights the suplex! Desperado gets free, LOCO MONO!! Taiji goes down but so does Desperado! Fans rally back up and Desperado rises. Desperado fires himself up and goes back to Taiji. Desperado brings Taiji in, underhooks, but Taiji fights off Pinche for a tilt-o-whirl TAKEDOWN! And into the YES LOCK! Fans rally as Desperado endures, crawls for ropes and reaches out!

Taiji rolls Desperado away and brings him in, BLOODY- NO! Desperado fights free, wrenches, reels Taiji in, PINCHE- RANA from Taiji! But Desperado rolls through to high stack! TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER! Taiji endures, even as Desperado cranks and thrashes the leg! Taiji powers through to get the omoplata! Taiji hammers Desperado but Desperado powers him back into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Taiji reaches, Desperado hits him in the ribs and gets the arm! NUMERO DOS! Taiji reaches out with his free arm, only for Desperado to roll him away! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Fans are thunderous as Taiji endures!

Taiji fights to get one arm free, and then he sits up!? Taiji gets Desperado in an IRON OCTOPUS! Desperado endures, Taiji pulls on the bad arm, but Desperado steps back and powers up, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?! Taiji survives being crunched and fans are thunderous! Desperado roars, gets up in the corner, then storms over to Taiji. Desperado underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!! And then roll through, into another PINCHE- TAKEDOWN!? Taiji has the BONE LOCK!! Taiji cranks on the crossface and the bad shoulder! Desperado endures, fans are thunderous again, but Taiji rolls Desperado away from ropes!

Desperado keeps fighting but Taiji cranks way back! Desperado TAPS! Taiji wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Bullet Club takes another one! The Bone Soldier shoots down the Rogue Luchador and now has pole position going into BOSJ 29! Will Taiji make sure everyone knows he is THE Best of the Super Juniors? Or can Desperado win his way back to the title through the tournament?

 

Vacated IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tomohiro Ishii!

The Ace was meant to face the Commonwealth Kingpin, but cards are subject to change with COVID still out there. Instead, the Stone Pitbull gets a chance to add this title to his achievements! Will Ishii be bringing this belt with him on his world tour? Or will the Once in a Century Talent hold this gold once again?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we’ll have a new champion crowned in Fukuoka!

Fans rally and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Ishii manages to push Tanahashi to ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak, and Ishii lets off, to slap Tanahashi in the head! Ishii eggs Tanahashi on, fans rally up, and they tie up again. They end up on ropes and Tanahashi turns things around on Ishii, to give back that slap! Then he fires off fast hands and heavy forearms. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, Ishii reverses and runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Tanahashi plays some air guitar, but Ishii kicks him down! Ishii eggs Tanahashi on again and slaps him around.

Tanahashi gets in Ishii’s face to throw forearms. Ishii hits back, fans rally up, and the forearms fly back and forth! Ishii hits harder but Tanahashi keeps throwing shots! The forearms build up speed, fans rally harder, and neither man is backing down! Ishii ROCKS Tanahashi, eggs him on, and then ROCKS him again. Tanahashi staggers, still throws a shot, but then Ishii DECKS him! Fans fire up as Ishii backs off to steady himself. Ishii drags Tanahashi up and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi barely gets out of that, but Ishii keeps on him. Ishii brings Tanahashi up to CHOP!

Tanahashi wobbles, so Ishii CHOPS him to the corner. And CHOPS him again! And again! And again! Tanahashi hits back with forearms but Ishii just leans into them. Ishii uses that to corner Tanahashi and then CHOP and forearm, CHOP and forearm, repeat! Ishii whips, Tanahashi reverses but Ishii comes back to run Tanahashi over! Fans cheer and rally, “I-SHI-I!” “Let’s Go, Ace!” Ishii scuffs Tanahashi, drags him up and slaps him around. Tanahashi fires forearms but Ishii doesn’t budge. Ishii CHOPS, whips, but Tanahashi comes back with FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Tanahashi throws fast hands!

Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ishii, then goes up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Ishii goes to the corner. Tanahashi runs corner to corner, but blocks Ishii’s boot! DRAGON SCREW! Ishii staggers and falls, but Tanahashi goes after those legs! Ishii blocks the Texas Cloverleaf and SLAPS Tanahashi! Tanahashi lets Ishii go, then dropkicks Ishii’s leg. Tanahashi runs, but Ishii dropkicks Tanahashi’s legs in return! Ishii blocks a kick, to DRAGON SCREW Tanahashi! Fans cheer as both men are even. Ishii gets up as fans rally, and he hobbles over to Tanahashi. Ishii brings Tanahashi up and reels him in, SHIN BREAKER to BACK SUPLEX!

Ishii grabs Tanahashi’s legs now and steps through. Tanahashi fights the Sharpshooter with haymakers and Ishii lets go. Ishii KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi gets up in a rage! Tanahashi fires off forearms, then whips, only for Ishii to reverse. Ishii runs in to corner clothesline, but Tanahashi comes back with forearms! Tanahashi ROCKS Ishii, has him in the other corner, then throws more forearms. Ishii gets annoyed and just stares Tanahashi down. Tanahashi keeps throwing forearms but Ishii leans into them again! Ishii is backing down Tanahashi into the red corner! Then he DECKS Tanahashi! Fans fire up with Ishii!

Fans rally, “I-SHI-I!” “Let’s Go, Ace!” Ishii hauls Tanahashi up, puts him on the top rope, and then climbs up after him. Ishii brings Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi blocks the superplex! Tanahashi throws body shots, then forearms. Ishii hits back and they brawl up top! Ishii gets the edge but Tanahashi HEADBUTTS! Tanahashi then sunset flips, but Ishii holds on! Ishii throws down elbows and Tanahashi staggers away. Ishii turns around but Tanahashi blocks his boot! SUPER DRAGON SCREW! Ishii is down and Tanahashi fires up, fans rallying behind him again. Tanahashi gets the leg for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then the other leg gets a GROUND DRAGON SCREW!

Tanahashi stands, gets both legs, ties them up and has the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Ishii endures, reaches out and crawls forward, to get the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go quickly while fans cheer. Tanahashi grabs at the legs again but Ishii holds onto ropes. Ishii kicks and kicks, but Tanahashi just gets that leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi gets up and fans rally as he runs, but Ishii hits a POWERSLAM! Both men are down and fans fire up again with more “Let’s Go, Ace!” “I-SHI-I!” Ishii gets up, hobbles, but waits on Tanahashi. Tanahashi stands, Ishii runs but Tanahashi dodges! But then Ishii dodges!

Tanahashi blocks the lariat, then catches the other, but Ishii fights the full nelson. SHOTEI! Ishii just shakes his head?! SHOTEI again! Still nothing! SHOTEI the third! Still nothing! SHOTEI the fourth! Ishii uses that to spin around, but Tanahashi catches him to a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX!! But Ishii just gets up!? Ishii gets Tanahashi for a DRAGON SUPLEX! But Tanahashi just gets up?! Fans are thunderous, Ishii LARIATS! Tanahashi gets up, SLINGBLADE! Ishii gets up!? He wobbles around a bit and Tanahashi aims at him. They run at each other, SLINGBLADE hits first! Cover, TWO!

Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi brings Ishii up, gets the full nelson again, but Ishii breaks it! Only to end up in a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is frustrated but he refocuses and goes to the corner. Fans fire up as he climbs, but Ishii JUMPING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down! Tanahashi is stuck on the top, Ishii is down on the mat, and fans fire up again. “I-SHI-I!” “Let’s Go, Ace!” Ishii drags himself up, then goes after Tanahashi. Ishii brings Tanahashi up to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi survives!

Ishii sits Tanahashi up, then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Ishii roars and fires up, and fans fire up with him! Ishii brings Tanahashi back up, reels him in, suplex but Tanahashi fights it to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! But Tanahashi holds on, for another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And again, but Ishii suplexes! Tanahashi slips out, to full nelson and DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ishii narrowly escapes but Tanahashi is fired up! Tanahashi goes to the corner and gets right up, HIGH FLY FLOW to Ishii’s back! And then Tanahashi goes right back up! Fans are thunderous as he HIGH FLY FLOWS but FLOPS!!

Ishii hurries to get Tanahashi hooked up, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!?!? Tanahashi escapes by nanoseconds! Fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Tanahashi gets up while Ishii crawls to a corner. Tanahashi runs in for a SPLASH! Tanahashi keeps moving, but Ishii gets around and whips, only for Tanahashi to reverses. Tanahashi then dodges to body block, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Tanahashi fires point blank lariats but Ishii stays up to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Ishii while Tanahashi flops down! Ishii waits on Tanahashi to rise, and then runs to LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!? Tanahashi is in a daze but he is still in this!

Ishii just resets, runs again, and LARIATS! But he’s not done there! Ishii drags Tanahashi up, reels him in, suplex for the BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?!? WHAT?!? No one can believe it but everyone is thunderous for The Ace! Ishii hurries to get Tanahashi back up and suplex again. But Tanahashi fights free, then REVERSE SLINGBLADES! Fans rally hard as ever while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise, and they head for each other. Ishii headbutts! And headbutts! And headbutts! He ducks the Shotei to ROCK Tanahashi, and LARIAT! Tanahashi SHOTEIS, Ishii HEADBUTTS, Tanahashi HEADBUTTS!

Fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi wobbles. But he fires up and runs, to SLING- ISHII SLINGBLADES?!? Ishii hurries to suplex, but Tanahashi slips out! They fight for suplex control, fans fire up, and Ishii gets Tanahashi up, only for him to dragon sleeper! Ishii slips around, but Tanahashi BRAINBUSTERS!! Fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi gets back up. He runs, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, ONE?!?! Ishii wobbles and flops but he’s still in this! But Tanahashi is up top, to HIGH FLY ATTACK! Tanahashi fires up and hurries back up, to HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion)

The Stone Pitbull gave his all, but it was still not enough to trump The Ace! Tanahashi is golden again, and he gets the mic to speak. “Ishii-san. Thank you so much!” He even bows on all four to show respect and fans cheer. Tanahashi knows Ishii getting this match was last minute, but how about they go again down the line? Fans also like the sound of that. Tanahashi then wants Sanada to know, “As I said I would, I took this belt back!” But wait! Chase Owens gets in the ring. He snatches the mic from Tanahashi to “congratulate” him on once again being IWGP US Heavyweight Champion.

But let’s take a little trip down memory lane. The G1 Climax last year, what happened? Tanahashi was US Champion and Chase beat him! Chase pinned The Ace, 1-2-3! But he never got his title shot! But y’know what? Chase is now IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion so he doesn’t care about the US title. “But that guy might.” Who is this getting in the ring with the ski mask?! Tanahashi turns around and this guy DECKS Tanahashi! But with a very familiar haymaker! And then he gets Tanahashi up to hook the arms, PULP FRICTION!?! JUICE ROBINSON!?! The Juice is now part of Bullet Club?! And he drags Tanahashi back up to a torture rack, for a BURNING HAMMER!!

Juice grabs the US title and holds it up over Tanahashi! The Juice has changed flavors, now he’s just Too Sweet! But will he once again be US Champion after taking on Tanahashi?

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Tetsuya Naito!

The Rainmaker’s promise to be world champion and New Japan Cup champion did not come to pass, because the Uncontrollable Charisma eliminated him from the tournament! Will Okada redeem himself from that loss? Or will Naito stop the reign and make NJPW tranquilo?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, not that Naito looks at it, and then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Okada is patient, Naito finishes up with the tearaway pants, and fans applaud. The bell rings, and we’ll see who is truly on top of NJPW!

Okada and Naito stare down as fans rally, “O-KA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” They slowly start to circle, approach but then step back. Then they approach, then they back up. Okada is letting Naito have his fun, and then they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Okada has leverage to push Naito back step by step. Okada puts Naito on ropes, Red Shoes calls the break, but Okada lets off. Okada fakes the chop to pat Naito’s shoulders. Naito kicks low and fires forearms! Then Naito kicks Okada in the face. Okada grins, to then kick and give back all those forearms! Okada CLUBS Naito, but Naito gets up and they get face to face.

Naito throws a forearm, Okada gives it back, repeat. Fans rally as the two pick up speed! They go forearm for forearm and egg each other on! The forearms fly some more, and they slow down but hit harder! Naito gets the edge with heavy forearms, then he whips Okada to ropes. Okada ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Naito with a back elbow! Naito gets to a corner but Okada is on him. Okada whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows! Naito staggers, Okada kicks low to DDT! Naito writhes but Okada covers him, TWO! Fans applaud while Okada paces. Okada brings Naito back up to ROCK him with a forearm.

Naito staggers but Okada brings him around to CLUB him down. Okada turns Naito, for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO, Okada keeps on Naito with a chinlock. Naito hurries to move forward, Okada grinds him down, but Naito still gets the ropebreak. Okada lets go quickly and brings Naito back up. Okada snapmares Naito to then run and basement dropkick! Naito flounders away but Okada keeps after him. Okada brings Naito up again, but Naito gets away to go outside the ring. Okada follows and CLUBS Naito on the back. Okada puts Naito in, but Naito rolls all the way to bail out the other side.

Okada pursues again and he CLUBS Naito down. Okada puts Naito in again, but Naito rolls out the side. Okada still pursues, and CLUBS Naito again. Okada ROCKS Naito with a forearm, then whips. Naito reverses and it’s Okada who crashes into the railing! Okada hurries after Naito but Naito kicks him and whips him into more railing! Naito kicks low, turns Okada and hits a NECKBREAKER to the floor! Red Shoes checks on Okada but he’s okay to continue. Naito gets in the ring, fans rally up, “O-KA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” and Red Shoes starts the ring count. The count goes to 10 of 20 before Okada sits up.

Okada stands at 13 and gets in at 14, but Naito stomps away on him! Naito drags Okada up, whips him to ropes, then hip tosses him for a basement dropkick! Then another NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Naito scuffs Okada and kicks him to the apron. Naito then stomps Okada on the apron. Red Shoes reprimands so Naito stops and brings Okada up along the ropes. Okada fires forearms back, but Naito HOTSHOTS Okada! Naito then hurries to get on the apron and brings Okada up. APRON NECKBREAKER! Okada flops to the floor and fans fire up. Naito puts Okada in the ring, has him in a corner, and hoists him up top.

Naito gets Okada in a crucifix for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up again while Okada writhes. Naito covers, TWO! Naito drags Okada up, snapmares him and wraps on the leg hook full nelson! Okada endures and moves around, but Naito puts more pressure on! Fans rally as Okada keeps fighting, and Okada gets a ROPEBREAK! But Naito pulls Okada away and thrashes him around! Red Shoes reprimands and Naito stops thrashing, but claims he needs help undoing the hold. Naito gives one last thrash before he lets Okada go. Naito scuffs Okada’s face, fans rally up, and Okada throws body shots and forearms!

Okada throws more forearms but Naito hits low then CLUBS away on the neck! Naito brings Okada in but Okada fights the dragon sleeper. Okada gets free but Naito kicks low. Naito whips, Okada reverses but Naito reverses back to TORNADO- NO! Okada fights the DDT, but Naito dodges the lariat, only for Okada to BOOT him! Fans fire up while both men are down! Okada snarls as he gets up, and he runs at Naito to CLOBBER him! And again! Naito dodges the boot but runs into the FLAPJACK! Fans fire up again and Okada stalks Naito. Naito gets up, Okada Alabama lifts, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Okada keeps on Naito, wrenches his arm and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Naito endures, powers Okada to a corner and gets free. Naito throws a back elbow, then gets space, only for Okada to dodge the kick. Okada runs into BOOTS, Naito goes up, but Okada DROPKICKS Naito to the floor! Naito tumbles but Okada’s also down and fans fire up again. A ring count starts on Naito, and it’s already 8 of 20 but Okada goes out to fetch Naito. Okada drags Naito up, whips him and Naito hits railing! Okada runs in to BOOT Naito over the railing! Fans fire up and clap with Okada as he gets space. Okada runs back in to FLY over the railing! Direct hit and down goes Naito!

Fans are thunderous as Okada gets back up. Red Shoes checks on Naito and he’s okay to continue. Red Shoes wants Okada to get back to the ring but Okada took a lot out of himself with that crossbody. The ring count starts on him and Naito, and Okada gets up at 5 of 20 to fetch Naito at 10. Okada brings Naito along at 12, they return to ringside at 14 and Okada puts Naito in at 15. Fans applaud this continuing in the ring, and Okada climbs up the corner. Naito stands up and Okada missile dropkicks him down! Okada then drags Naito into the MONEY CLIP! Naito endures, kicks, but Okada drags him away from ropes!

Fans rally as Naito flails and Okada squeezes tight! Naito gets a second wind to scramble forward, and he gets a ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go quickly, and both men catch their breath on the mat. Okada drags Naito back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the corner. Fans rally as Okada climbs up top, MACHO ELBOW! And of course, the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up as Okada stalks Naito. Okada drags Naito up, but Naito fights the wristlock! Okada CLUBS Naito in the back, ripcords, but Naito gets around to ripcord and SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down again.

Fans rally, “NA-I-TO!” “OK-A-DA!” and Naito gets Okada’s wrist first. Naito throws back elbow after back elbow on Okada, then whips him to a corner. Naito runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep and COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses and fans fire up again. Naito brings Okada up, hammerlock and half nelson, but Okada fights with clubbing elbows. Okada is free and he uppercuts Naito! Okada whips, but Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Naito hurries to get Okada back in the hammerlock and half nelson, for GLORIA! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but gets caught into the KOJI KLUTCH!

Okada endures, fans rally, and Naito squeezes tight! Okada reaches out, moves around, but Naito thrashes him! Okada’s fading and Red Shoes checks him! The hand drops once, but Okada gets a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK! Naito reluctantly lets go, but he still has a smile on his face. Naito gets up and fans rally as he puts Okada on the top rope. Naito then climbs up and fires off clubbing forearms! Then he stands on the very top, only for Okada to make that a SUPER SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Okada sits up in a daze, crawls over to Naito, and gets the wrist.

Okada drags Naito up, but Naito ducks the lariat! Naito waistlocks but Okada throws elbows! Okada whips, Naito holds ropes and denies the dropkick, rolling jackknife! TWO!! Okada escapes, Naito tilt-o-whirls, but no Destino! Short arm LARIAT! Okada keeps the wrist control and he brings Naito back up for another short arm LARIAT! Okada brings Naito back up, ripcords, but Naito throws a back elbow! Okada SHOTGUNS back! Naito tumbles to ropes and Okada drags him back up. Okada gut wrenches but Naito fights free. Naito swings, Okada blocks and spins, but Naito spins through to LIGHTNING SPIRAL!

Fans fire up again while both men are down. Naito slowly sits up first, and he gets Okada’s wrist. Naito brings Okada up, and throws a heavy back elbow! Okada drops but Naito grins and brings him up, for another back elbow! And another, and another! And another, and another, and another! Okada staggers to a corner but Naito just throws more back elbows! Naito then hops up, reels Okada in, ESPARANZA! Fans fire up while Okada is down and dazed! Naito encourages the fans to get louder and they do, and he runs in, into an uppercut! But Naito blocks that to back elbow and ENZIGURI! Then CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?!

Fans are thunderous as Okada survives! Naito hurries to get Okada back up, and he wrenches to tilt-o-whirl, into a SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Okada then DISCUS LARIATS! Okada fires up and fans fire up with him! Okada gets Naito back up, ripcords, RAIN- NO! GLORIA CRADLE! TWO!! Okada escapes and runs in, but Naito gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada roars as he gets back up! Into the ROLLING KICK! But Okada DROPKICKS right back! Fans are thunderous again and Okada gets Naito back up! Gut wrench, LANDSLIDE! And then, ripcord for RAIN- NO!! Naito get around to DESTINO!!! Fans are electric, Naito covers, TWO!?!?

Okada survives and shocks everyone! Both men are down but the fans are electric again! Naito roars and he brings Okada up! Naito scoops and SLAMS Okada, then he goes to the corner! Naito climbs up, STARDUST FLOPS!! Okada avoids disaster and the fans are thunderous again! Naito sits up in a daze, Okada slowly rises, and the fans rally up hard as ever. Okada gets Naito for the ripcord, but Naito drops! It’s all he could do to avoid the lariat! Naito turns around, that wily look in his eye. Okada storms over but into a forearm! Naito staggers, but Okada forearms back! Naito forearms again, but so does Okada.

Naito throws a forearm, so Okada throws another. Fans rally as they start to pick up speed! They stop and Naito slaps Okada around. Okada EuroUppers! Naito forearms, Okada forearms, repeat, and the fans are back at it! Naito gets the edge, Okada drops to his knees! Naito brings Okada up, scoops, but Okada fights it! Okada CLUBS Naito, gut wrenches, but Naito fights that! Fans rally as the two struggle for control, and Naito CLUBS away on Okada’s back. Okada EuroUppers again! Naito runs in, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada holds on, brings Naito back up, ripcord, but Naito SLAPS Okada! Both men stay up while fans fire up again.

Naito grins and brings Okada around, but Okada SLAPS back! Naito shakes that off, they both start throwing SLAP after SLAP! Naito gets the edge with some major paint brush SLAPS, and Okada drops! Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, but no Destino! Ripcord ENZIGURI!? Then a cobra twist pump-handle POWERSLAM! And then, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

Okada busted out some new moves and that was all the difference! Are we to believe this isn’t even the Rainmaker’s final form? He gets the belt and the mic to say, “Naito-san. That was our third round, and it was fun as hell. Gracias.” Naito tips his cap for the Spanish, but still adds a “cabron” before exiting. Okada also thanks Naito for the “injection of fighting spirit.” Okada then thanks the fans in the PayPay Dome for their own “hot support” tonight. Okada remembers that five years ago, he said pro-wrestlers were “supermen.” Did the fans enjoy NJPW’s supermen tonight? Fans applaud because they sure did.

Okada notes that this was NJPW’s first show in Fukuoka PayPay Dome in 21 YEARS. He hopes they’ll do it again soon. “There are still seats to fill up out there. NJPW will continue delivering the goods to make sure we pack this place next time!” Fans applaud, and then Okada notes it’s Golden Week in Japan. Restrictions are letting up, little by little. He thanks the fans for doing their part to keep everyone healthy. It’s thanks to them that Japan is moving forward like this. “We’ll again fight in front of cheers, and in turn, give you all strength. We’re almost there! Please, lend us your support!” Fans cheer that hope.

Okada says that’s all for Wrestling Dontaku! And he’ll continue to make it rain! Mic drop and pyro for the world champion, will Okada bring plenty of rain this Spring? Wait, something is going on while Okada celebrates. Is that… THE SWITCHBLADE?! Jay White is back in Japan!? Okada waits on White, and he finally appears, Gedo right behind him. White and Gedo go to the ring, and of course White gets the mic. But Okada snatches it from White, because he knows what this is about. Okada holds up the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and White says yeah, he wants to see it. But then Gedo blindsides Okada!

White fires off forearm after forearm then he stomps Okada down! But Okada fires right back! Gedo goes after Okada but gets DECKED! Only for White to hit BLADERUNNER! White helps Gedo up, and Gedo holds the belt while White gets the mic. He won’t let the fans applaud, he’s talking! “Did you forget? Did. You. Forget. Let me remind you. Let me remind ALL of you! Exactly. Who. I. Am! I am Switchblade Jade White, the number one wrestler in all of pro-wrestling! The Last Rock ‘n’ Rolla! I am the man that single-handedly sold out Madison Square Garden! I’m King Switch, baby!” NJPW’s first Grand Slam Champion ever! The REAL belt collector!

And of course, he is the leader of Bullet Club! Bullet Club joins him, and White says he is the “Catalyst of pro-wrestling,” and the next IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Okada, once again, you will Breath with the Switchblade! This is STILL White’s Era! White hands the mic to Karl Anderson while Gedo gives White the world title. Anderson says that was “sugoi,” (awesome) “kakui,” (cool) and “sashiburi” (long time no see). Happy Birthday, Bullet Club! Anderson then leads them in singing the birthday song to the faction, and White pours out the beers meant for Okada all over him!

Look at Bullet Club! Stronger than ever! New member, “Rock Hard” Juice! The legend, Gedo! The NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Taiji Ishimori! The NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Chase & Fale! And of course, the return of Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson! But most importantly, in the lineage of Prince Devitt, to AJ Styles, to even Kenny Omega, THIS here is the best wrestler in the world, the man who sold out MSG, and the future IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: The Switchblade, Jay White! Bullet Club birthday, only one way to say it: It’s just, too, SWEEEET~! Bullet Club all throws it up, but will they soon own the entire wrestling world?


My Thoughts:

What a night for NJPW! I did have to skip the non-title matches, but I skimmed them and they’re still really good stuff. Hiromu winning sets him up big in the BOSJ in a couple weeks, but I bet Yoh will have a great run. The field for BOSJ 29 looks really good, and great to see that in honor of the crossover event, Forbidden Door, we’re getting some crossover with NJPW’s partners, AEW, Impact and CMLL. When it comes to who wins BOSJ, keep your eyes on Francesca Akira since he made his presence known when Desperado and Taiji set up tonight’s match. That match was great stuff, and it was quite a surprise that Taiji won, but he could still take the trophy this year and call out Akira.

The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships was a really good match, and another clever way to win from Taguchi. I figured Six or Nine would retain, the Junior Tag Division will be on pause for BOSJ 29, but many of the results from that can give us the next challengers. The Heavyweight Tag Team Championships being a Tornado Triple Threat was great stuff, and what a surprise that Bullet Club won. Not quite foreshadowing how tonight ended, but the NEVER Openweight Championship definitely did. Tama winning was great stuff, and then to think the Good Brothers would come back. Tama VS Anderson, two BC OG, battle of the Gun Stun, that’s gonna be awesome.

Tanahashi VS Ishii was awesome, too, but I had a feeling Tanahashi would win. Before the surprise, I figured Tanahashi was holding onto this belt so when Ospreay clears COVID, we’d get Ace VS Kingpin at some event down the line. Instead, Juice not only returns to NJPW prime, he goes Heel and joins Bullet Club! Tanahashi VS Juice is going to be great stuff, could go either way since Juice has Bullet Club backing him, and I wouldn’t mind seeing United Empire VS Bullet Club in full with Ospreay VS Juice, Khan & Cobb VS Fale & Chase, and maybe even TJP or Akira going after Taiji and the Junior Heavyweight title.

Okada VS Naito was also awesome stuff, but Okada was the natural choice to have the belt with Jay White coming back. There’s a lot of history there for Okada and White, and it was Bullet Club’s night to shine. I do want to point out that no one from the House of Torture was present. Though at the same time, Yujiro lost to Loa, Evil lost to Tama, they probably felt more like sulking than joining Bullet Club prime. I’d still love to see them find a way to do Bullet Club Civil War: Team Switchblade VS House of Torture since we’re getting returns and new members, thereby pushing House of Torture out of the spotlight. But for now, I wonder if Okada, Tanahashi and Tama would team up to take on White, Juice and Anderson in a title story Six Man Tag…

My Score: 9/10


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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.28.2024

TNA tapings from Philly! Knockouts Number 1 Contender is decided! Rich Swann explains his heel turn and Chris Sabin vs Steve Maclin in the main event!

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Hey, even if Xplosion has been a complete waste of 45 minutes, last week’s iMPACT! showed some promise with this newer direction at least. We’re getting a return of the 8 for 1 match for the Knockouts World Title. So we’ll get a number one contender for Jordynne Grace, apparently Chris Sabin and Steve Maclin have a match, but we get some answers from Rich Swann on his heel turn.

Time to see what else we have going on!

Ratings:

  • 8 for 1 Match: Rosemary, Dani Luna,  Xia Brookside & Steph DeLander vs Havok, Jody Threat, Masha Slamovich & Alisha Edwards: Dani wins via Schoolgirl Roll-Up – **
  • Dani Luna vs Steph DeLander vs Xia Brookside vs Rosemary: Steph wins via TKO – * 1/2
  • Grizzled Young Vets (James Drake & Zack Gibson) vs Cody Deaner: GYV wins via Grit Your Teeth – SQUASH
  • Josh Alexander vs Tracy Williams: Josh wins via C4 Spike – ***1/4
  • Mike Bailey w/Trent Seven vs Eddie Edwards w/Brian Myers & Alisha Edwards: Eddie Edwards wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/2
  • Steve Maclin vs Chris Sabin: Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2

 

Results:

8 for 1 Match: Rosemary, Dani Luna,  Xia Brookside & Steph DeLander vs Havok, Jody Threat, Masha Slamovich & Alisha Edwards

So this is a random tag pairing, which the winning team than faces each other in a Fatal Four Way for Number One Contender position; that explains why half of Decay and Spitfire are on opposite teams. 

Steph faces off with Havok first but tags out to Rosemary to try and shirk responsibility, but Rosemary and Havok work together to level Steph and then Rosemary tags back out to purposefully bring DeLander back into the match. Havok throws Steph around a bit, even Lish gets in some offense, most notably her Bodyscissors Bulldog, but Steph tags out to Dani, Dani and Masha go after each other and then the match slowly starts to break down.

Dani hits the Rope Assisted Blue Thunder Bomb on Masha for 2, and starts looking for the Luna Landing. Masha slips it and we go into a bit of a locomotion Cradle spot which Dani gets the best of and wins the tag for her team!

Dani Luna vs Steph DeLander vs Xia Brookside vs Rosemary

As the match is getting set up, Masha attacks Dani to wipe her out. So the other three start fighting, Xia charges a corner, gets ole’d and she flies into ASH by Elegance who was seated at ringside because she had cosmetic surgery and couldn’t wrestle. ASH posts Xia, gets banished from ringside by the referee, back in the ring Rosemary does her rise from the dead spot and looks to finish Steph but Matt Cardona comes out of nowhere, hits the Radio Silence, Steph DeLander hits the TKO for the easy 1-2-3.

Steph DeLander is number one contender and Matt Cardona is back! Not a terrible wrinkle. The match barely existed but at least these returns are nice. 

GYV hits the ring to complain about Cody Deaner costing them the match against Time Splitters last week. So they call him out and he’s out in Red and Yellow trailer park Flash attire. Santino apparently is allowing Deaner to pick one of the GYV members to fight. Philly picks both, so Deaner attacks both. 

Grizzled Young Vets (James Drake & Zack Gibson) vs Cody Deaner

Cody gets the best of Drake early but then the GYV work over Deaner a bit early, Gibson starts talking smack and Deaner tries to Hulk Up, and it seemingly works. Combination Punches, Manhattan Drop, Corner Bulldog, tries the Deaner DDT, but Gibson cuts him off with a throat chop.

Drake uses the scarf to take advantage of the referee not looking, and then some Grit Your Teeth gives the GYV a win.

Josh Alexander walks out again to be the Talking Weapon…and yeah, not really a big fan of when he speaks. He’s dressed to wrestle so lets hope its an open challenge or a Philadelphia Drink Off with Sandman showing up…or something. Just not a lot of talking, please. OH GOOD, open challenge. Josh calls out Hammerstone, but he gets some Hot Sauce instead of Hammers.

Josh Alexander vs Tracy Williams

As expected with these two, early World of Sport style open with some chain wrestling into athletic counter wrestling and shrugging off both men’s first attempt at submissions. They both take a beat, then we go into a Chop Battle, Williams slows Josh with a Kitchen Sink, but Josh grabs him in the Vertical Suplex and then spill over the ropes. Josh is back in first, Williams tries to crawl up, eats a strike and then eats Josh’s Low Crossbody spot. So now Josh starts dogwalking Williams around the outside.

Josh throws him back in, drives a knee into his face, but as Williams tries to fight back, Josh stops all of that with a Northern Lights Suplex Hold for 2. Josh goes for a Heel Hook to weaken the ankle for a potential Ankle Lock. So just early joint manipulation and Back Breakers from Josh leaves Williams writhing and absorbing so much…not really fighting back much. Tracy tries a desperation short Headbutt to the gut like he’s Spike Dudley, but it seems to just annoy Josh. A few traded Overhand Chops, C4 Spike attempt but Tracy drops his weight. Josh gets a little arrogant, starts with a few half assed slaps and it allows Tracy to fire a few strike, Back Drop Suplex, drives Josh into the corner and sets up the Avalanche Butterfly Suplex. Tracy goes for a submission but Josh is too close to the ropes.

With all of Williams’ offense, Josh manages to fire through and land an Exploder Suplex to rock Tracy. A few more big moves from Josh, into the Power Breaker seems to give Josh all of the momentum. C4 Spike again, Back Drop counter, Back Elbow and Tracy tries a corner set up but Josh cuts him off and they start fighting on the top. Williams counters the Superplex, DDT into the top corner buckle, Death Valley Driver into an STF, then Crossface but Josh is fighting. Piledriver attempt from Williams, straight right says no, Release German Suplex, straps go down but Tracy kicks Josh in the face. They trade Big Boots, Josh with a Backslide into the C4 Spike for the win!

Both these guys chant kicks up, Josh offers the handshake, they go for the corny Indie respect moment and Hammerstone hits the ring and lays them both out. Hammer puts the head gear on Tracy and throws him into the Torture Rack. 

This might be Ali’s best promo ever.

Mike Bailey w/Trent Seven vs Eddie Edwards w/Brian Myers & Alisha Edwards

I do really like The System’s theme song. 

Eddie goes for the NOAH Chop, Bailey ducks the first one and tries to keep things quick, but Eddie catches him and caves in his chest real quick. Front Kick from Bailey into the Back Handspring that culminates into a Gamengiri, Eddie powders and Speedball goes for the Tope con Hilo. Arm Wringer into a Round Kick to the chest. Bailey breaks the count, eats a chop and then get go into a kicks and chops trading spot. Myers provides enough of a distraction since they’re on the outside so Eddie scoops Bailey and Blue Thunder Bomb on the apron.

Another count reset, this time from Eddie and the Chops continue from Eddie. Eventually Eddie throws Bailey back into the ring, very unceremoniously, drops a knee to the eyes and goes for 3 pinfalls in quick succession. Fingers to the eyes, chops to the chest, Backpack Stunner attempt but Speedball wriggles free and John Woo Dropkick gives him some space. Spinning Back Kick, Axe Kick, Round Kick, Running Shooting Star, for 2! Speedball slaps his chest to try and send a message while he starts lighting up Eddie with about half a dozen Round Kicks to the chest. He then goes for the Lightning Kicks while Eddie is on the ropes, Myers pulls out Eddie, Bailey attempts a dive but puts the brakes on, acts like he’s distracted by Myers but avoid Eddie’s sneak attack. Kick to the face into a Corkscrew Asai Moonsault, back in the ring, Tornado Kick from Bailey, goes for Ultima Weapon but he eats a Gamengiri into the Backpack Stunner for 2!

Both men rise, Chop from Bailey sends him on his ass, and we go back to kicks versus chops. Bailey with the combination kicks, tries the Buzzsaw but Eddie moves, Lariat! Tiger Driver attempt, but Bailey says no, Backflip Knees gives Bailey all the momentum. He tries the Tornado set up, Myers and Alisha get involved but Trent Seven nullifes Myers, Bailey with the Double Clutch Superkick to rock Eddie, he goes back to the Tornado set up but Lish grabs his feet, Bailey fights her off, drops Eddie, goes for Ultima Weapon but misses! Boston Knee Party to the back of Bailey’s head, Eddie wins!

There’s a quick video package for the FBI next week. Not sure if that means we only see Guido, or if Vito and others will show up.

Rich homie Swann and AJ Francis show up and I’m fairly sure he named them “First Class”. They keep saying AJ Francis in the same cadence as AJ Styles, so I get what they’re doing there. And Swann basically says AJ was the only one who cared about how Rich was doing, Hendry just stole his thunder and did nothing. “If you ain’t First Class, you’re last” – Talladega Nights references? Well now.

Steve Maclin vs Chris Sabin

Mostly an uneventful start, a few moments from both men, Sabin speeds things up when he ducks out and baits Maclin to try the Scud Missile, but he outsmarts him by sliding back in. Maclin doesn’t full commit to the dive but does roll out a little hard which gives Sabin the chance to jump on him. Baseball Slide, Wristlock over the ring post, throws him back in and looks for a Grounded Top Wristlock. Sabin acting a bit more like Shelley with the joint focus, but Maclin manages to use the ropes to his advantage and bounce Sabin off of them twice.

Maclin finally has some control, Forearm to the low back, drapes Sabin on the middle rope and drives the knee into the back of his head. Maclin lays in some chops, grounds any of Sabin’s attempts and locks in a Chin Lock. Sabin finally fires up , but Maclin hits the Olympic Slam to stifle Sabin’s attempts. Maclin perches Sabin, tries the Superplex but a few punches and a bite gives Sabin an opening and Sabin connects with the Missile Dropkick. Manhattan Drop into a Crucifix cover for 2, Swinging Neckbreaker causes Maclin to retreat to the corner and Sabin focuses a few Forearms to the back of the head and a Snap DDT.

A few wild swings from Maclin give Sabin a gift, so he goes for the Crossface. Maclin barely rolls tot he ropes to break the hold, powders out and moves out of the way of the Plancha. BUSAIKU KNEE to level Sabin. Jar-Headbutt for a near fall! Maclin Tree of Woes Sabin, Caught in the Crosshairs, Sabin sits up but Maclin knows how to avoid the post. A small back and forth, Mayhem for All and only a 2 count! Jar-Headbutt number two misses, La Magistral for only 2, both collide with lariats and then go into the Fighting Spirit spot. Slugfest but Sabin hits a Sole Butt, Sabin tries to continue but Maclin coldcocks Sabin sending him to the outside, Scud Missile Dive – MISSES! Maclin is laid out on the outside, count out starts, Sabin is back in around 6, Maclin barely beats the 10. Springboard Tornado DDT from Sabin for a near fall!

Cradle Shock attempt, but Maclin fights it off. Sabin jumps, misses, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs! Maclin tries the KIA but Sabin turns it into a Wrestler’s Bridge Pinfall for only 2, but Maclin holds on to the arms, connects with the KIA and wins!

 

Overall Score: 7/10

Well aside from the fact the opening match was a little bit of a hectic mess and Kon is still a storyline relevant thing…the better portion of the episode was pretty fun. I didn’t love the allusions to Santino handing out rights to challenge and open challenge vouchers, felt like a weird “authority” figure kind of spin. But when he finally showed up and continued to be the lovable goof, its all good.

Ali had his best promo ever, “Mr Rhinoceros”, was a great way to spin into the conversation with Rhyno. Sabin steering more into Shelley’s bag of tricks and still coming up short is interesting. Steph DeLander with the big return win and bringing Cardona back with her is generally a fun angle. Speedball looked awesome and Hammerstone did a great job looking like a massive douche and executing the best Torture Rack since Lex Luger.

Of course there’s a few gripes, but all in all, it was pretty fun.


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Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/28/24)

Look who finally decided to show up!

Published

on

Kyle Fletcher returns to ROH TV!

The ROH World Television Champion is finally back to defend his title! Will the Aussie Arrow hit Blake Christian through the All Heart?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Athena VS Nikita; Athena wins.
  • Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/Maria Kanellis VS Kaz Jordan & Victor Castella; Karter & Griff win.
  • Dalton Castle VS Nick Comoroto; Castle wins.
  • Brandon Cutler & Colt Cabana VS Rex Lawless & Bryce Donovan; Cutler & Cabana win.
  • Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS KPK; Top Flight wins.
  • Diamante VS Kiera Hogan; Kiera wins.
  • Evil Uno VS JD Drake; Uno wins.
  • ROH World Television Championship: Kyle Fletcher VS Blake Christian; Fletcher wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Athena VS Nikita!

The Fallen Goddess was stressed out watching Hikaru Shida tune up for Supercard of Honor, so she’s getting back in the ring to work through that. Will Athena prove this is still her show? Or can The Russian Vixxen take advantage of Shida being on Athena’s mind?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and then Athena rushes in! Nikita dodges to rally with lariats and a SLINGBLADE! The fans rally, Nikita runs in at the corner and she SPLASHES, to then BULLDOG! Athena gets spiked and Nikita gets fired up! Nikita brings Athena up, underhooks, then PEDIGREES! Cover, ONE?!? Athena is tough but Nikita is still surprised. Nikita storms up but is sent into buckles! Nikita stops herself just in time, and she ROCKS Athena! Nikita brings Athena in while she goes up the corner, for a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Nikita lets off, but Athena gets mad!

Athena DIVES and wipes Nikita out against barriers! Athena is mad now, and she brings Nikita up to THROW her into railing! Athena shouts at Nikita, then wheelbarrows to SWING her into barriers! Athena says you’re welcome and takes a bow, then she goes back for Nikita. Athena puts Nikita in, looms over her while soaking up cheers and jeers, then stalks Nikita as she crawls. Athena hauls Nikita up, CLUBS her again and again, then underhooks for a BUTTERFLY SWING! Athena TOSSES Nikita away, drags her up, and then HALF HATCH SLAMS! Nikita is dazed, but Athena sits her up. Athena ties up the legs and puts on a STANDING CROSSFACE! Nikita taps, Athena wins!

Winner: Athena, by submission

Ahead of crossing swords with the Shining Samurai, the ROH Women’s World Champion is sharpening her edge. As such, she SHOTGUNS Nikita back down! The fans boo as Athena CLUBS away on Nikita! Athena then puts Nikita in the Tree of Woe and lifts her up, to KICK away on Nikita’s back! Athena takes the belt, puts it in front of Nikita’s face, and she trots as she takes aim. But wait! Here comes Shida! The fans fire up as Athena runs away! Shida helps Nikita out of the Tree, then picks up the belt Athena left behind! She even dares Athena to come get it back! Is Shida going to be the one that finally dethrones the Overlord? Or will Athena make sure “forever champion” means forever?

 

Backstage interview with Lee Johnson.

Renee Paquette is here to talk with Big Shotty, and notes his impressive 2024 streak. He asked for this time, so what’s going on? Lee says that he has said it before and he will proudly say it again. He is not here to take part, he is here to take over! And now let him add something else: he is here to take titles! Now, he has heard there’s an ROH World Television Championship match between one champion in Kyle Fletcher and All Heart, Blake Christian. Now, whoever comes out victorious, Lee’s calling his shot! Supercard of Honor, Big Shotty’s got next! Lee is ready to swing for the fences, is he going to get his chance to hit it out of the park?

 

Dalton Castle VS Nick Comoroto!

The Peacock is still in his slump, and not even his substitute Boys are enough. Meanwhile, did the Freak Beast really shave his beard? Then which change will be the more hindering? Castle without Brandon & Brent, or Comoroto with Jacoby Watts?

The Code of Honor is upheld, and in tight quarters, and the bell rings. The fans rally for Castle as he and Comoroto circle. Castle squats low, real low, then he rushes up to collar ‘n’ elbow! Comoroto powers Castle right to a corner, the ref counts, and Comoroto lets off at 4. Comoroto makes the pecs dance and then flicks sweat at Castle. Castle storms right up, and he, uh, “hip” checks Comoroto! Comoroto gives it back! Comoroto smirks but Castle gets those hips moving. Then he hits the low leg takedown! He rolls Comoroto then CLUBS away on him! Comoroto gets free, kicks low, then ROCKS Castle with a haymaker!

Comoroto bumps Castle off buckles then RAMS into him again and again and again! The ref counts, Comoroto whips Castle but Castle reverses to TOSS Comoroto! Comoroto holds on and he manages to skin the cat! A big cat at that, but Castle waistlocks! Comoroto holds onto ropes to stop the lift, then he backs Castle into a corner. Comoroto throws elbows, gets space and comes back, but into a BOOT! Castle runs up, into a LARIAT! The fans rally, Comoroto huffs and puffs and brings Castle up. Comoroto reels Castle in, but Castle Alabama Lifts! Comoroto CLUBS Castle down then shoves him away.

Comoroto swings but Castle blocks to ROCK him first! Castle fires more forearms, but Comoroto shoves him away. Comroto runs up, Castle gets around, BIG GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, Comoroto staggers to his feet, and into an Alabama Lift! BANGAAAAAA~RANG! Cover, Castle wins!

Winner: Dalton Castle, by pinfall

Comoroto is a big man, so this was a big win for The Peacock! But wait, here comes Taya Valkyrie! And she tells Castle, “How dare you say that we are irresponsible! Yeah, we lost The Boys. But after the short time we had them, I realized how rude and annoying they are! So, I’m glad we lost them! Because they were a couple of BAD boys!” The fans boo but Taya says yeah, she went there! And they probably got it from Castle! Because Castle never loved them! Not like Mommy & Daddy TV loved them! So for that, Castle deserves this! Sneak attack by Johnny TV! MOONLIGHT DRIVE and a SHINING WIZARD!

Johnny rains down fists on Castle, then says they were BAD boys! Castle set a bad example for them! They’re all losers! The fans boo but Mr. & Mrs. TV just stand over Castle to make out! Then they stomp Castle on their way out! Even as he wins matches, will Castle still be lost in life with The Boys lost in the woods of Canada?

 

Mark Briscoe speaks.

“Philadelphia. For #DemBoys, that is the origin of professional wrestling. That’s when we felt it. That’s when we said this is in our soul, man.” Jay himself once said, “This is what we was created to do, man.” Baddest tag team on the planet, almost a quarter century, and BOOM, it gets taken away in a moment. So Mark’s starting over from square one, flying solo. Continental Classic, the game plan was to get on top, and to soar! But his wings were clipped, humbled once again. But there’s this voice inside of him, it’s Jay’s voice, that says, “Don’t worry about that broken wing, son. You was born to fly. With wings like an eagle, we gonna mount up.”

Mark knows Eddie Kingston’s got that same voice inside of him. “Ain’t that some s*it?” Mark knows Eddie’s had the highs and lows, the peaks and valleys, just like Mark. Eddie became the first American Triple Crown Champion, took on all comers defending that, but then lost to the AEW Continental Championship to Kazuchika Okada. Eddie talked to his mentor, Homicide, and agreed that it is time to tap into something from the past. Into that hungry Eddie, that ruthless Eddie, that vicious Eddie. The Eddie with that dog in him! That Pitbull! Every yard has a top dog, but Eddie, you may be ROH World Champion, but Mark’s gonna show you in Philly that MARK is top dog!

April 5th marks 11 years to the day that brother Jay won his first ROH World Championship. And just like he told Mark, time to man up. Eddie, it is time to man up. Philly, it is time to man up! Mark Briscoe VS Eddie Kingston, ROH World Championship, Supercard of Honor, we will man up. But who will be the man that holds up that title at the end of the night?

 

Diamante VS Kiera Hogan!

The Cuban Diamond won big in a Four Corner Survival, and she won in the opening round of the ROH Women’s World Television Championship tournament. Both of those losses only served to fan the flames, and now Kiera wants to turn up the heat! Will Kiera get her lick back? Or does Diamante just have Kiera’s number?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Diamante headlocks, and she grinds the hold. Kiera powers up but can’t power out as Diamante holds tight. Kiera tries again, but Diamante still keeps the headlock on. Kiera throws body shots, powers out again and is free, but Diamante runs her over! Cover, ONE, and the two stand off. The fans rally as the two reset and go again. Kiera headlocks this time, dares Diamante to keep that same energy now, but Diamante grinds her forearm into Kiera’s face. Diamante powers out but Kiera runs her over! “And that’s all, periodt!”

The fans rally as the two reset again. Kiera wants that Miami heat, so the two tie up again. Kiera wrenches an arm, wristlocks, but Diamante rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Diamante wristlocks then hammerlocks, then spins Kiera for a snapmare. Diamante clamps on with a chinlock and she grinds Kiera down. Kiera fights up, pries the hold open, and fans cheer as she wrenches back. Kiera uses the hammerlock to wrangle Diamante, then she bridges over! Diamante endures, so Kiera floats to a facelock. Diamante gator rolls free and wrenches Kiera to a top mounted armlock! Kiera endures and the fans rally again.

Kiera fights up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Diamante goes to ropes. The ref counts, Kiera lets off quickly, and the armbands come off! They tie up, Kiera wrenches and wristlocks. Diamante ROCKS Kiera! Kiera falls, Diamante stomps her, then drags her up to ROCK her again! Diamante ROCKS Kiera one more time, then runs the ropes, but into a BOOT! And ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, TWO! Diamante stays in this and she kicks right back. Diamante whips, Kiera ducks ‘n’ whips to then drop and trip Diamante! Kiera keeps moving, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Diamante sputters and goes to a corner but Kiera eggs her on.

Kiera fires forearms now, then whips corner to corner. Diamante hits buckles hard, then Kiera fires up. The fans rally behind her as she runs in, but Diamante drop toeholds her into buckles! Diamante then stomps away on Kiera in the corner! The ref counts, Diamante lets off at 4, and she drags Kiera up to put her against buckles. Diamante stomps some more, then goes corner to corner and back again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Diamante drags Kiera to the cover, TWO! Keira stays in this and Diamante is annoyed. Diamante sits Kiera up and traps an arm before she clamps on, cording hold and SHOULDER CLAW!

Kiera endures this modified cobra twist, and Diamante even grinds her forearm into Kiera’s face. The fans rally as Kiera fights up. Kiera throws body shots, ROCKS Diamante, but Diamante RAMS Kiera into the corner! And RAMS her again! Then CHOPS! Diamante puts Kiera up top, ROCKS her, then ROCKS her again! Diamante climbs up to throw more shots, and then brings her up. The fans rally while Kiera blocks the suplex! Kiera throws body shots, then shoves Diamante away! Diamante comes back, but Kiera MISSILE DROPKICKS her! Diamante tumbles and the fans rally while both women are down.

Kiera pounds the mat to fire up again. She nods as she rises, the fans behind her. Kiera runs up to CLOBBER Diamante! And she CLOBBERS her again! Diamante swings, Kiera blocks to snapmare and “EAT IT!” SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Kiera goes Around the World to HIP ATTACK! Then side to side, BOOT WASH! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Diamante gets a bit lucky and Kiera is frustrated. Kiera fireman’s carries but Diamante fights it. Then she CLAWS Kiera’s eyes! CHOP BLOCK! Diamante fires up now, she dragon sleepers, and says goodnight. But Kiera throws knees to say not yet!

Kiera snapmares free, runs up, SUPERKICK! Diamante flounders, Kiera hauls her up, FACE THE MUSIC! Bridging cover, Kiera wins!

Winner: Kiera Hogan, by pinfall

The swinging fisherman neckbreaker punctuates this one, periodt! Kiera wants to be the first in line to face the inaugural ROH Women’s World Television Champion, but just who will it be? The Queen of Guinea, Queen Aminata? Or Athena’s protege, Billie Starkz?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Supercard of Honor!

It’s already a big night with the title matches, including the crowning of the first-ever ROH Women’s World TV Champion, but now even Stardom is getting in on the action! It will be a Six Woman Tag as Mina Shirakawa, Maika & Mei Seira take on Saya Kamitani, Tam Nakano & AZM!

 

Hikaru Shida speaks.

“In AEW, I won Woman’s World title three times, I beat Toni Storm, I beat Saraya, Willow, Anna Jay, almost everyone. I need stimulation! And so do you. Right, Athena? Do you remember the moment we faced each other in the ring last year? I know you’ve been excited! I know fans have been excited! But… the person who has been excited most is me. Excited to beat up the ‘forever champ.’ So, hello, ROH! Be ready for a new era. Because Holy Shida has arrived!” The Shining Samurai is ready, but will she be able to cut down the Fallen Goddess?

 

ROH World Television Championship: Kyle Fletcher VS Blake Christian!

As Supercard of Honor approaches, it is about time the Protostar returned to ROH TV. But will this return be less than triumphant? Or will All Heart be an easy target for the Aussie Arrow?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads for Philly!

The Code of Honor is not upheld as Kyle kicks Blake’s hand away, so Blake shakes his own hand. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Blake wrenches, wristlocks, but Kyle shoots around to waistlock and SLAM! The fans boo but Kyle soaks it up. Blake gets up, he and Kyle reset and circle again. They tie up, Blake waistlocks then headlocks. Kyle powers out and runs Blake over! Kyle flexes to show he’s bulking up, but then Blake blocks a stomp! Blake kips up but Kyle breaks free to ROCK Blake! Things speed up, Blake hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Blake kips up and dusts himself off and the fans cheer.

Blake says va fa Napoli, Kyle rushes in, but he blocks Blake’s arm-drag. Kyle whips Blake away but Blake handsprings to wheelbarrow, victory roll, and SPLASH 182! Cover, TWO! Kyle gets away to ropes and catches his breath. Blake storms up, wrenches and whips, but Kyle blocks by holding ropes! Blake CLUBS the arm, but Kyle avoids the chop to clothesline Blake up and out! Fans boo as Kyle builds speed, but Blake slides in! Kyle stops the tope and goes back to the apron, only to get a 619! The fans fire up as Blake builds speed, and Blake FOSBURY FLOPS into the EYE OF THE HURRICANE!

The fans are thunderous as Blake gets Kyle up and in. Cover, TWO! Kyle stays in this but Blake stays cool. The fans rally again as Blake aims from a corner. Blake says he’s becoming champ, and he runs in, but into a POP-UP SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Blake survives and Kyle is annoyed again. Kyle tastes a bit of blood in his mouth, maybe cut his lip or tongue on his teeth. But he shrugs that off to stalk Blake to ropes. Kyle stands Blake up to CHOP him down! The fans “WOO~!” as Kyle pretends he can’t see where Blake went. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Kyle brings Blake up again.

Kyle has Blake in the corner now, winds up, but Blake dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! MACHINE GUN CHOP! The fans fire up as Blake runs, but Kyle CLOBBERS Blake! Blake is dazed as Kyle hits an Ospreay level elbow shot. Blake crawls to a corner, Kyle eggs the fans on, and Kyle storms up on Blake. Kyle whips corner to corner, but Blake goes up to handstand! Kyle runs in but Blake BOOTS Kyle, then drops into the DDT!! The fans fire up while Kyle sputters! Kyle finds his way to ropes, comes back, but Blake ELBOWS him! Blake whips, Kyle reverses but Blake goes up and over and dragon sleepers! BACKBREAKER to SCREW HIGH KICK!

Kyle tumbles out, scrambles back up, but Blake goes up and out to APRON SPEAR! Blake just keeps going, and he DIVES! Direct hit with the Low-pe Suicida, and Blake puts Kyle right back in! Blake climbs up, Kyle sits up, into the ALL MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives and shocks everyone! Blake is frustrated, but he refocuses and calls his shot. The fans rally as Blake climbs the corner to the top. But Kyle springs up to SWEEP the legs! Blake hits buckles then falls to the mat! Kyle huffs and puffs and aims from the corner. Kyle runs in, GAMANGIRI! And then suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans are thunderous again and Kyle cannot believe it! Kyle drags Blake up, but Blake goes to fireman’s carry! Kyle fires off elbows, reels Blake in and- NO, Blake slips outta the bomb to fireman’s carry! Kyle reaches for ropes so Blake HOTSHOTS him on them! Kyle is stuck up there, so Blake goes up a corner! GUILLOTINE FROG SPLASH!! Blake hurries to get Kyle in, then hurries to the corner! Blake runs, step-up, but Kyle makes it a sunset flip! TWO, Blake sits on it, TWO! Kyle deadlifts Blake into a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Kyle wins!

Winner: Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)

Kyle pretends he can’t hear all the boos, but he can’t pretend he doesn’t see Lee Johnson walking out on stage! The Aussie Arrow may have hit the bull’s eye tonight, but is he about to get shot down by Big Shotty?


My Thoughts:

A great ROH at an hour and 20 minutes, and even the matches I skipped ended up being a lot of fun to watch. Great comedic stuff in Cutler & Cabana winning, with Cutler showing off how cut he is under the tracksuit. And there was a great mix of comedy and meaty men slapping meat in Uno VS JD Drake, with a great win for Uno in his home country of Canada. KPK got a great showing here but that added to the quality of the win for Top Flight. And good win for Maria Kanellis’ boys but there was no story advancement with Spanish Announce Project so that was pointless.

Great opening stuff with Athena, in that she dominated Nikita but then got run off by Shida. Shida had a good promo though I wouldn’t have waited until right before the main event to play it. As I said before, Athena VS Shida is going to be great stuff, and this could be the moment for Athena to lose and then move on to AEW to get in on those titles. There was a great video recap package to hype Billie Starkz VS Queen Aminata, but nothing from those two directly. Diamante VS Kiera was really good, and it was logical for Kiera to win since Diamante won their previous 1v1 match. This doesn’t automatically make Kiera the #1 contender to the Women’s TV title, but she’s in the conversation.

Great match from Castle and Comoroto, and honestly, Comoroto looks good clean shaven. Good win for Castle, and of course Johnny & Taya beat him down to add to his misery. I still want savage, feral Boys to return to help Castle get revenge on Johnny & Taya, though. And awesome main event for the men’s TV title. Blake looked great even in defeat, but uh, what happened to Ethan Page? Another dropped ball in the ROH TV title division and Lee Johnson gets to run with it now. Kyle is more than likely defeating Lee at Supercard, but that really depends on what part he’s going to play in Ospreay’s story within the Don Callis Family.

My Score: 8.7/10


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