Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 32 Results & Report! (8/10/22)

C Block’s top spot is up for grabs!

Published

7 months ago

August 10, 2022

Steven Mitchell

Will the Ace of the Universe stay on top?

We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of the biggest G1 Climax ever! But will Hiroshi Tanahashi still lead C Block? Or will Hirooki Goto trump the Ace?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: YOSHI-HASHI, Ryohei Oiwa & Yuto Nakashima VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano VS Bad Dude Tito & JONAH; Ishii & Yano win.
Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS Bullet Club; Suzuki-Gun wins.
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
G1 Climax, D Block: David Finlay VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
G1 Climax, B Block: Tama Tonga VS Great-O-Khan; Tama wins.
G1 Climax, C Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS EVIL; ZSJ wins.
G1 Climax, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Tom Lawlor; Okada wins.
G1 Climax, C Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current standings!

A Block

Lance Archer: 3-2, 6 points
JONAH: 3-2, 6 points
Kazuchika Okada: 3-1, 6 points
Jeff Cobb: 2-2, 4 points
Tom Lawlor: 2-2, 4 points
Bad Luck Fale: 2-3, 4 points
Toru Yano: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

B Block

Jay White: 4-0, 8 points
Tama Tonga: 3-1, 6 points
SANADA: 3-2, 6 points
Taichi: 2-2, 4 points
Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Great-O-Khan: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

C Block

Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-1, 6 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 3-1, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 3-2, 6 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-2, 4 points
EVIL: 2-2, 4 points
KENTA: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Aaron Henare: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

D Block

David Finlay: 3-1, 6 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2, 4 points
Will Ospreay: 2-2, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-2, 4 points
Juice Robinson: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
El Phantasmo: 1-3, 2 points

G1 Climax, D Block: David Finlay VS El Phantasmo!

The Rebel leads the block while the Headbanga is technically last. But ELP still has this match and another until his run is done, can he turn the block upside down? Or will Finlay shock ELP just like he did so many others in the block?

Fans rally up and ELP encourages them to get louder. The bell rings and ELP has the fans settle down. ELP and Finlay circle and the fans clap again, “RE-BE-RU!” “E L P!” Finlay shoots in but ELP keeps his distance. They tie up, Finlay gets an arm and wrenches to a wristlock. ELP rolls, wrenches and wristlocks back, but Finlay spins and wrenches to wristlock again. Finlay grinds the arm down but ELP rolls and trips Finlay. ELP turns Finlay over to a BOW ‘N’ ARROW, but Finlay pops out to a cover, ONE! Fans applaud the exchange, then ELP handsprings up. Fans applaud that, and ELP stomps, stomps, claps to get fans on that We Will Rock You rhythm.

ELP and Finlay tie up, Finlay wrenches to a hammerlock but ELP switches it onto Finlay. Finlay switches it onto ELP but ELP switches it back. Finlay switches it back again, but ELP switches it again. Finlay steps through the ropes and back in to wrap ELP’s arm around ropes. The ref counts, Finlay cranks the hold but lets off, to kick the ropes! The rope jams ELP’s arm, ELP swings on Finlay but into an arm-drag that Finlay then turns into a ghost pin, TWO! ELP scrambles away and fans fire up. Finlay and ELP reset and fans rally up. The two circle, tie up, and ELP headlocks. Finlay endures the grind, powers up and out, but ELP runs him over!

ELP flexes and fans applaud. Things speed up, Finlay hurdles but ELP shoves and follows to RANA! Finlay ends up in a corner while ELP kips up and fans applaud. Fans also rally up as ELP struts around. ELP springboards to backflip and strike his pose. Fans applaud and ELP bets Finlay can’t do that. Finlay and ELP circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock this time. ELP headlocks but Finlay powers out to get his own headlock, and the takeover. ELP headscissors, Finlay kips free but roles reverse as ELP headlocks to the takeover. Finlay headscissors, ELP kips free and sweeps the leg. Cover, ONE!

Finlay goes to sweep but ELP jumps and body scissors to a cover, ONE! Finlay sits on ELP for a cover, ONE! ELP has the cover back, ONE! Finlay has the cradle, TWO!! ELP escapes and scrambles away while fans fire up. Finlay says it was that close. Fans rally again, ELP and Finlay reset and circle. ELP wants a handshake? Finlay kicks that away and shoves ELP. ELP throws a forearm but Finlay gives it back. ELP throws another, Finlay returns it, and fans rally as they speed up! ELP knees low, CHOPS Finlay, and then runs, into a dropkick! ELP bails out, Finlay slingshots, but ELP avoids the plancha. ELP gets in the ring to HOTSHOT Finlay down!

Fans fire up as ELP builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans rally up again as ELP stands. ELP stomps Finlay, Finlay throws body shots, but ELP KICKS Finlay’s arm! ELP brings Finlay around to smack off the apron, then he climbs up the apron. Fans rally and ELP takes aim, but Finlay anchors ELP’s foot! ELP CLUBS Finlay, throws hands, then mule kicks him away! ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit again and fans fire up! ELP drags Finlay up and into the ring, then climbs the ropes to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Finlay is still in this. ELP drags Finlay up, throws forearms, but Finlay kicks low.

ELP ROCKS Finlay and fires off more shots in the corner! The ref counts, ELP lets off to whip Finlay corner to corner. Finlay bounces off buckles into the atomic drop! ELP scoops and SLAMS Finlay, then he goes up the corner. Fans fire up as ELP aims, FALLING AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and ELP stomps Finlay into the corner. ELP digs his boots in, then claws at Finlay’s face! The ref counts and ELP lets off. Finlay kicks from below but ELP stomps him down. ELP reels Finlay in, flexes and brings Finlay up, but Finlay RANAS free! ELP ends up on ropes, Finlay clotheslines him up and out! Then PLANCHAS! Direct hit in return!

Fans fire up with Finlay and he drags ELP up. Finlay puts ELP in the ring, sees him go to the corner, and runs in to UPPERCUT! Finlay then hits an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as ELP is still in this and Finlay eggs ELP on. ELP throws a body shot but Finlay CHOPS him down! Finlay drags ELP up, ELP fights the back suplex and throws headlock punches. Finlay still back suplexes but ELP lands on his feet to roll Finlay up! TWO, and ELP dodges Finlay to springboard CROSSBODY! Then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up while both men are down! ELP snarls and he BENDS Finlay’s fingers! ELP drags Finlay up to straitjacket,

ELP torture racks, spins around, but Finlay slips off and clinches, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Then a shove and scoop, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and fans fire up as Finlay says he’s gonna bring him around! Finlay drags ELP up, cravats, ACID DROP!! Cover, TWO!?! ELP survives and fans fire up again! Finlay puts ELP in a drop zone and climbs up the corner. Fans rally as Finlay reaches the top, but ELP trips Finlay up! Finlay lands on his shillelagh, ELP ROCKS him, then climbs up after him. But Finlay throws body shots and shoves ELP away! ELP backflips to land on his feet! Then steps up to ENZIGURI Finlay!

Fans fire up as Finlay dangles from the top rope. ELP climbs up after him, drags Finlay up to the very top, and SUPER STEINERS! Then ELP goes right up for the THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and the fans are thunderous! ELP and Finlay both sputter but ELP drags himself up the ropes. ELP drags Finlay up and reels him in. ELP tucks the arms, but Finlay slips out to cradle! But then rolls through, but ELP slips out of Trash Panda to INVERTED SUPLEX, but Finlay slips off to O’Conner Roll! TWO!! Finlay coms back to jackknife, TWO! ELP has the cover, TWO! Finlay has it but ELP turns it right around, AND WINS!!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Finlay earns 0)

The Headbanga is still alive! And he may have just won the biggest two points in the block! Will ELP finish strong in the final round? Or will Finlay slam the door shut when he faces Yoshi-Hashi?

G1 Climax, B Block: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS Great-O-Khan!

The Good “Bad” Guy is on his way up, but the Dominator is out of the running. Tama still has Jay White in the final round, will he go in red hot? Or will Khan’s Eliminator all but eliminate Tama from the Climax?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They feel out the grapple, clinch, and then Khan waistlocks. Khan trips Tama to get a back mount but Tama slips around to use a leg guard. Khan lets off and the fans applaud this opening exchange. Tama and Khan reset and circle again, then Khan shoots in. Tama avoids the leg pick to throw Khan with arm-drags! Tama keeps on an armlock and fans applaud again. Khan endures, fights up, but Tama wrenches to wristlock. Tama wrenches again and keeps on the wrist, but Khan pulls on an ear! The ref reprimands but Khan puts Tama in the corner. Khan CHOKES Tama, then TOSSES Tama across the way!

Fans applaud the showing of strength, and Khan stalks up behind Tama. Khan throws Tama out of the ring, then tells Jado to stay back. Khan drags Tama up to whip hard into railing! Tama falls down and fans rally up, but Khan stands on Tama’s head. Khan shakes the railing as he digs his boot in, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Khan goes into the ring and Tama sputters on the floor. The ring count starts and Khan stands at the center of the ring. Tama gets in at 7 of 20 but Khan is right on him for a scoop SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Khan stalks Tama. Tama throws body shots but Khan CLUBS him down.

Khan wrenches an arm, bumps Tama off buckles, then CLUBS him. Khan hops up to sit on Tama’s head! Fans applaud as Khan pulls Tama’s arms back. The ref counts, Khan hops off at 4, and Tama falls over. Khan eggs Tama on while giving him toying kicks. Tama crawls but Khan goes to make him kiss his boot! Tama fights it as the fans rally up, but Khan CLUBS Tama! Tama fires up but Khan CLUBS him again! And again! Tama just gets powered up! Tama fires off haymakers on Khan! Tama whips, Khan reverses but Tama bounces off the buckles, into a back elbow! But Tama says F that, and he LARIATS Khan down!

Fans fire up while both Tama and Khan stir. Tama sits up first but Khan follows. Tama runs in to rally with clotheslines and elbows! Khan swings, Tama dodges, and he DROPKICKS Khan down! OFF COMES THE VEST! Fans fire up with Tama as he paces around. Khan is in a corner, Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Jado coaches Tama to keep going and fans rally back up. Tama drags Khan up, elbows him down, then clamps on to back suplex. Khan fights that off with a headlock, and an IRON CLAW! Khan then fireman’s carries but Tama fights free to the dragon sleeper!

But Khan IRON CLAWS from below! Snap suplex! Fans fire up again as both men are down. Tama crawls away to a corner, Khan storms over and brings him up. Khan fires off forearm after forearm and he sits Tama down. Khan drags Tama back up to whip corner to corner and clothesline! Khan then clamps onto Tama to dribble his head off the buckles! Khan then SLAM DUNK- NO, Tama fights that off and HEADBUTTS back! Tama dribbles Khan now! Khan blocks the Slam Dunk now! Khan elbows Tama, then Mongolian Chops! Fans fire up as Khan SLAM DUNKS Tama after all! Khan then waits on Tama to stand up, and he runs, into an uppercut!

Khan BOOTS back but Tama ENZIGURIS! Khan HELL STABS! Tama leaps but into a SAYANAGI! Fans fire up again as both men are down. Khan crawls his way over to Tama and drags him up. Khan throws a forearm, but Tama gives it back. Khan throws another forearm but Tama gives it back. Khan throws another, Jado coaches Tama and Tama hits back again. Fans rally as the forearms go faster and faster and faster! Khan gets the edge, then he DECKS Tama! Khan fires up and fans rally! Tama gets up, Khan puts some stank on the Mongolian Chops! Jado coaches Tama, he stands up, and Khan Mongolian Chops again!

Fans rally as Tama gets up again. Khan Monogolian Chops him back down! Khan eggs Tama on, Tama throws fast hands! SUPERMAN- MONGOLIAN CHOP! Khan intercepts Tama, to then MONGO- Fireman’s carry! SRC! Fans fire up and Tama roars! Tama goes to the corner and climbs up, SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and fans are thunderous! Tama grins and pounds the mat! Fans clap along, Tama watches Khan rise at the ropes, and Tama rushes in to GUN- NO, Khan blocks it! To IRON CLAW! And then IRON RACK! Khan spins out for the NECKBREAKER! Fans are thunderous again as Khan roars!

Khan drags Tama up, HITSUJIGOROSHI! Tama endures the Sheepkiller and throws hands! Khan CHOPS Tama, scoops him, and swings for a BACKBREAKER! HITSUJIGOROSHI LUNA! Tama endures again but the fans still rally! The ref checks, Tama’s hand drops once. And then it drops twice. But Tama gets his second wind! But Khan IRON CLAWS for the ELIMI-NO, COUNTER GUN STUN!! Fans are thunderous as Tama crawls to the cover, Tama wins!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

The Dominator falls again, and the Good Bad Guy still has a shot! Can Tama reload and shoot down the Switchblade before the semifinals?

G1 Climax, C Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Submission Master is second in the block while the King of Darkness could be a wild card. Both lost to The Ace, who is in action later on, who here will be poised right behind Tanahashi with a win tonight?

For whatever reason, ZSJ is wearing a mask, and a hat that says “I AM ZSJ.” Evil attacks ZSJ at the ramp, but surprise! It’s a Young Lion in disguise! The Submission Master just tricked the trickster, but the Young Lion takes the beating for him! Dick goes looking for the real ZSJ, but gets caught into an armlock! ZSJ grins, brings Dick around and gets Evil in a headlock! ZSJ drags them both to ringside! Dick hits low, Evil smacks ZSJ off the apron, and EVIL says this is what ZSJ gets for tricking them! Evil lines up his shot, but ZSJ stops from being rammed into railing! ZSJ turns it around with a headlock, and he has Abe-san move! Then he RAMS Evil into railing!

Fans applaud as ZSJ gives Evil another taste of his own medicine, then ZSJ wrenches an ear! ZSJ puts Evil in the ring, the ref rings the bell, and ZSJ drags Evil up. ZSJ wrenches and twists a wrist but Evil throat chops! Evil whips ZSJ to a corner, but he stops from hitting bare buckles! Dick already brought the Bullet Club Special into play! Evil runs in, but ZSJ dodges! Evil hits bare steel! ZSJ rolls Evil up, TWO!! Evil survives but ZSJ EuroUppers! ZSJ runs, but Dick grabs his leg! ZSJ uses that to TWIST Dick’s arm! But then Evil shoves the ref at ZSJ! ZSJ stops the ref, and has him duck when Evil swings a clothesline!

ZSJ pushes the ref away, and blocks Evil’s low blow! ARM TWIST! Fans applaud as ZSJ bests Evil’s plot again! ZSJ scoops, but Evil slips out! Evil spins ZSJ around, EVERY- NO, ZSJ slips around to trip Evil up! Body scissors, EURO CLUTCH! ZSJ WINS!!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Evil earns 0)

That was the fastest win in this year’s G1! The Submission Master thwarted all the tricks and the House of Torture had no chance to spring other traps! Has ZSJ just secured himself a spot in the semifinals? Or will it still come down to his battle with Naito next week?

G1 Climax, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Tom Lawlor w/ Royce Isaacs!

The Top Dog crushed both the Rainmaker and The Filthy One with Death From Above, but neither run has been torpedoed just yet. Will Okada rebound before the finish line? Or will this one get filthy?

Being clever, Royce Isaacs brings an umbrella to shield them from the rain. Fans rally up already, “TOM! LAW-LOR!” and Lawlor makes sure Okada hears it. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel out the grapple, Lawlor shoots in for a leg but Okada blocks. Lawlor still trips Okada up, goes for a press, ONE. The two reset, grapple Lawlor waistlocks and drags Okada down to a leg lock. Okada fights before Lawlor can lock in anything more dangerous, grabs to Lawlor’s leg back, and the two stand. Okada facelocks, Lawlor gets around to a waistlock, but Okada throws him over. Lawlor headscissors and fans applaud the exchange.

Lawlor twists Okada’s wrist but Okada reaches out to a ROPEBREAK! Lawlor lets off and fans continue to clap, “TOM! LAW-LOR!” Lawlor and Okada circle. Okada waistlocks and ripcords, but Lawlor twists Okada’s arm to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Okada reaches out to another ROPEBREAK, and Lawlor lets go again. Okada bails out and Lawlor spins around, OFF COME THE SHORTS! Lawlor of course has his denim tights on, but he uses the shorts to wrangle Okada. Lawlor wrenches and SLAMS the arm against the apron, then POSTS Okada! Okada falls and the claps shift to “O-KA-DA!” Lawlor drags Okada up to CHOP him!

Lawlor brings Okada around, puts him in the ring, and the “TOM! LAW-LOR!” claps return. Lawlor stomps Okada’s hand, drags him up, and CHOPS again! Okada staggers, Lawlor CHOPS him again. Okada scowls this time but Lawlor CHOPS again. Okada still scowls so Lawlor throws a forearm! And another forearm! Okada still frowns, so Lawlor wrenches the arm again! Lawlor whips Okada to ropes, ducks Okada’s elbow and BOOTS the bad arm! Lawlor runs, but into the FLAPJACK! Fans fire up as both men are down! Okada shakes out the bad arm and fans rally. Lawlor gets to his corner but Okada storms over.

Okada fires forearms, whips Lawlor to ropes, but Lawlor reverses. Okada CLOBBERS Lawlor with an elbow! Fans fire up and Okada whips Lawlor to a corner. Okada runs in to back elbow! Then he kicks low, and DDTs! Cover, TWO! Okada gets fans to clap, clap, clap, stomp but Lawlor blocks the Alabama Lift. Lawlor CLUBS Okada, wrenches his arm and EuroUppers! “TOM! LAW-LOR!” runs corner to corner but Okada dodges! Okada puts Lawlor up top to DROPKICK him to the floor! Fans fire up while Lawlor tumbles to the railing! The “TOM! LAW-LOR!” clap returns as Lawlor crawls. Okada goes out to fetch Lawlor, and he whips Lawlor hard into railing!

Okada runs in to BOOT Lawlor over the railing! Okada moves railing back to drag Lawlor back up, and he drapes Lawlor out! Lawlor WRENCHES the arm! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK over the railing, and then through it! Lawlor BOOTS the railing to jam Okada’s arm! Fans rally and Lawlor hobbles his way back to ringside. Lawlor drags Okada up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally up more. Lawlor slingshots in to get the ARMBAR! Okada clasps hands to block that, and he moves around, only for Lawlor to make this a TRIANGLE HOLD! With a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Okada endures this hybrid hold but he’s turning red!

Okada moves around, sputters and gets the ROPEBREAK! Lawlor lets off in frustration while fans applaud. Isaacs coaches Lawlor up and he drags Okada from the ropes. Lawlor twists the wrist, cravats and throws knee after knee after knee into Okada’s head! Lawlor lets off, fans rally up and he runs the ropes, but he fakes out the dropkick! Okada lands on his feet, Lawlor runs in and dodges the haymaker to WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Lawlor tries again, but Okada DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up even more with both men down! Lawlor is dazed as he and Okada stir. Okada stands up, and he brings Lawlor around.

Okada wrenches for the MONEY CLIP, but Lawlor powers through to waistlock! Okada throws elbows, but Lawlor ENZIGURIS! Okada staggers to a corner but he comes back with a SHOTGUN! Lawlor hits buckles then falls down! Fans rally up again and Lawlor reaches out in another daze. Okada stands, he drags Lawlor up and Alabama Lifts for the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada then goes to a corner and climbs up. Fans clap, “TOM! LAW-LOR!” as Okada reaches the top, MACHO ELBOW INTO THE ARMBAR!! Okada clasps hands but Lawlor slaps them to the beat! Lawlor uses a LEG CRAVAT to add on! Okada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!!

Fans fire up and Lawlor lets Okada go. Lawlor beats his chest to the rhythm, and he drags Okada back up. Okada ROCKS him with a forearm! But Lawlor ROCKS Okada back! Okada throws another forearm, but Lawlor gives it back! Okada, then Lawlor, faster and faster and fans fire up! Okada ROCKS Lawlor again, and again, and then UPPERCUTS! Lawlor grins and grabs the bad arm to UPPERCUT it! And UPPERCUT again! Lawlor then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! And another ELBOW BREAKER! Lawlor then wrenches the arm, hammerlocks it, and he fires off forearms to the beat! “TOM! LAW-LOR! TOM! LAW-LOR!”

Lawlor roars, spins, but Okada SWATS the lariat! But that hurts Okada’s arm, too! ROLLING ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and fans are fired up again! Lawlor drags Okada up, has the bad arm, ARMBREAKER DDT! And then a omoplata, into the RINGS OF SATURN!! Lawlor shows savage innovation on par with ZSJ! Okada endures and fans rally up, but Lawlor pulls way back on the arms! Okada reaches with his leg for another ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud but Lawlor lets off in frustration. Fans clap for “TOM! LAW-LOR!” again and he waits on Okada to get up. Okada slowly rises, Lawlor gets his arms!

But Okada intercepts the knee for a scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up with Okada and he drags Lawlor up to ripcord, but the bad arm can’t hold on! Okada has to crawl over to Lawlor and drag him up again. Lawlor ducks the lariat to URENAGE! Lawlor roars and fans fire up with the “TOM! LAW-LOR!” rhythm. Lawlor drags Okada up by the bad arm, then gets the other, for KAMI-GOYE to the arm! And then KAMI-GOYE to the head! Then then the straitjacket! Okada fights it off with his good arm, steps forward and reaches out, but Lawlor gets a LEG CAPTURE SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Lawlor feels the energy building!

Lawlor copies the Rainmaker Pose!! The clapping continues, “TOM! LAW-LOR!” gets the straitjacket, for the- WAIT, Okada victory rolls! TWO! Lawlor runs in but Okada ducks the Penalty Kick to roll-up! TWO, and Lawlor runs to PENALTY KICK the bad arm! Lawlor then gets that arm for a STANDING ARMBAR! Then a hammerlock, and tornado into the body scissors! Okada power sup to back drop, and he sits on the cover! OKADA WINS!!

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

Okada snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! And though he didn’t need the lariat, the Rainmaker still washes away The Filthy One! Okada is back on top of the block, but can he hold onto that top spot in the final round?

G1 Climax, C Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto!

The Ace leads the block after beating Zack Sabre Jr, who beat the original block leader, the Fierce Warrior! Now Tanahashi and Goto meet, the top spot still up for grabs! Will Tanahashi solidify his rank before the end? Or will Goto create a rock-paper-scissors situation?

As always, Tanahashi shows off the muscles and the fans applaud. The bell rings and fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi circles with Goto, they tie up, and are in a deadlock! Goto finds a point of leverage and powers Tanahashi to ropes. Red Shoes calls the break and Goto lets off with a pat on the shoulder. They circle and tie up again, and are in another deadlock. Goto powers Tanahashi back but Tanahashi turns things around to put Goto on the ropes. Tanahashi lets off with a pat on the shoulder, but then he throws a body shot! Tanahashi headlocks, wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Goto rolls and wrenches back.

Tanahashi endures as Goto twists the wrist, and he drops to get a leg pick! Tanahashi ties up the legs and fans applaud the exchange. Tanahashi shifts to a headlock and grinds, but Goto pries the hold. Tanahashi powers the hold on again, but Goto powers up. Goto can’t power out as Tanahashi holds tight! Fans rally as Goto endures the grind and fights up. Goto tries again but still can’t power out! Tanahashi grinds Goto down, but Goto fights his way back up. Goto throws body shots, then powers up and out, to put Tanahashi in a headlock! Fans applaud the exchange as now Tanahashi endures the grind.

Tanahashi fights up, throws body shots, powers out, but Goto counters a hip toss with a hip toss! Goto runs and runs Tanahashi over! Fans fire up and Goto stomps Tanahashi down. Goto drags Tanahashi up to CLUB him, whip him to a corner, and run in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar! Fans rally and Tanahashi waits on Goto to stand. Tanahashi then runs, but Goto sidesteps to send Tanahashi out! Tanahashi holds on, but Goto slides out before he can skin the cat! Goto ROCKS Tanahashi with a body shot! Goto brings Tanahashi around to CLUB and put in the ring.

Fans applaud as Goto stomps Tanahashi. Goto CLUBS and kicks Tanahashi while the fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Goto whips Tanahashi corner to corner, then runs in, but Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Goto bails out but Tanahashi pursues to put Goto in! Tanahashi says this is ending in the ring, and Tanahashi stomps a leg. Tanahashi YANKS the leg, then drops an elbow! Tanahashi has the toehold but Goto tries to fight back with a chinlock. Tanahashi cranks the leg, then stands to stomp it. Tanahashi drops another elbow, then ties up Goto’s legs in a BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Goto endures, CHOPS Tanahashi, but Tanahashi holds on!

Tanahashi puts more pressure on the knees but Goto drags himself back! Goto reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets off while fans applaud. Tanahashi paces, stomps Goto more, then brings him up. Fans rally but Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! Tanahashi kicks the bad leg, then kicks it again. Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows! Tanahashi dodges the lariat, but Goto deflects the boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally as Goto and Tanahashi sit up. Tanahashi gets to a corner but Goto drags him up. Goto fires forearm after forearm, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in to MURAMASA! And then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!

Goto keeps his focus while Tanahashi is still in this. Goto drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi blocks the fireman’s carry with elbows. Goto powers through, but Tanahashi slips out! Goto fireman’s carries again but Tanahashi slips off, SLING-DOG! Fans fire up and Tanahashi fires up, too! Tanahashi drags Goto by his legs, ties those up, but Goto kicks Tanahashi away! Tanahashi grabs the bad leg for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then an INVERTED GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi ties the legs up for the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Goto endures and fans rally up! Goto crawls, reaches out, but Tanahashi drags him away from ropes!

Goto endures as Tanahashi sits deep on the hold! Goto still reaches out, for the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go, almost too tired to hold on. Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” as Tanahashi stomps Goto. Goto goes to the apron but Tanahashi drags him up. Tanahashi grabs at the bad leg and brings it in, but Goto fires off forearms! Tanahashi lets the leg go, and Goto bumps him off buckles! Then LARIATS him down! Fans fire up and Goto drags himself over to a corner. Goto climbs up and fans rally! But Tanahashi rises to throw a body shot! Tanahashi climbs up after Goto but Goto throws body shots. Tanahashi and Goto brawl up top and fans fire up!

Goto gets the edge with forearm after forearm, then he HEADBUTTS Tanahashi! Goto adjusts, but Tanahashi throws more body shots! Tanahashi SUPERPLEXES Goto down!! Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi gets the legs, but Goto uses that to drag Tanahashi down! Goto omoplatas one arm, then grabs the other, SHORYU KEKKAI!! Tanahashi endures and moves around while fans rally, but Goto pulls back on the arm more! Goto pulls Tanahashi back into a crossface modification!! Tanahashi endures, moves around, and reaches out for a ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts and Goto lets go, and fans rally up as Goto rises.

Goto drags Tanahashi up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Tanahashi writhes and Goto roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up again, dragon sleepers, but Tanahashi spins it around to wrench. Goto ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm! Tanahashi drops to his knees and Goto roars again! Goto drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Goto ROCKS Tanahashi back! Tanahashi ROCKS Goto, Goto ROCKS Tanahashi, and fans rally as the forearms go faster and faster! Tanahashi fires off a flurry, but Goto gives those back! Tanahashi fires off a strike fest, but Goto HEADBUTTS! SHOTEI from Tanahashi!!

And then Tanahashi falls over, into Goto’s groin! That was an incidental low blow but the damage is done all the same! Tanahashi gets and roars! He wants Goto to stand, and Goto downs, into the SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi hurries to go up the corner! Goto stands again, for the HIGH FLY ATTACK! Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi goes back up! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS as Goto moves!! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Red Shoes helps Goto with some blood in his mouth, and then Goto gets himself to a corner. Tanahashi stands, runs in, but Goto dodges! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!

Goto then clamps on to make it a cradle, GOTO SANSHIKI! TWO!!! Tanahashi escapes by nanoseconds and shocks everyone! The fans are electric and rallying again. Tanahashi roar, runs in, but is sent into the ropes! Goto has Tanahashi for the DRAPING SHOUTO!! But he can’t make the cover, he’s just too tired! Fans are electric and Goto manages to crawl to the ropes. Goto drags himself up the ropes, he roars and takes aim, BUZZSAW!! Tanahashi staggers up into the fireman’s carry! But Tanahashi slips into a cradle! TWO!!! Tanahashi holds onto Goto for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! But Goto suplexes for SHOUTEN KAI!!

Fans are electric all over again as Goto’s mouth has even more blood coming from it! But Goto still dragon sleepers Tanahashi for the G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!

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

This might have been the hardest fought match in the G1! Goto literally tastes his own blood, but it is Tanahashi who tastes bitter defeat! Is there still a chance for The Ace to take the block?

As for the Fierce Warrior, he catches his breath, checks his bloody mouth, and gets his NEVER Openweight Six Man title belt. Goto then gets the mic to say, “There’s one match left in my G1 Climax. I’m barely hanging on, but I’m alive!” Fans applaud that, and Goto vows he will win his next G1 match, “and shine the light of hope through all the darkness in the world!” Fans applaud Goto’s subtle calling out of Evil. Goto then says, “Finally, to my son at home, watching on NJPW World, Daddy’s damn tough! I will live! I will survive! I will thrive!” Fans applaud as Goto has one more battle on the 16th! Will that be the moment Goto takes the C Block?

Here are the NEW standings!

A Block

Kazuchika Okada: 4-1, 8 points
Lance Archer: 3-2, 6 points
JONAH: 3-2, 6 points
Jeff Cobb: 2-2, 4 points
Bad Luck Fale: 2-3, 4 points
Tom Lawlor: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Toru Yano: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

B Block

Jay White: 4-0, 8 points
Tama Tonga: 4-1, 8 points
SANADA: 3-2, 6 points
Taichi: 2-2, 4 points
Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Great-O-Khan: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

C Block

Zack Sabre Jr: 4-1, 8 points
Hirooki Goto: 3-2, 6 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 3-2, 6 points
EVIL: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
KENTA: 1-3, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Aaron Henare: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

D Block

David Finlay: 3-2, 6 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2, 4 points
Will Ospreay: 2-2, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-2, 4 points
El Phantasmo: 2-3, 4 points
Juice Robinson: 2-3, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

Another great event for G1, and it definitely puts a lot of great pressure on the last few rounds coming up. ELP gives Finlay the shocking upset, and now technically, everyone outside of Juice is a viable winner of the D Block. Tama VS Khan was great stuff, but I figured Khan would lose. He’s already out and Tama could take the block if he beats Jay White in the last round, putting the spotlight on next Tuesday, 8/16. I figured ZSJ would beat Evil, but it was amazing and hilarious how he did it. I never expected ZSJ to use a Young Lion as a decoy, and then wins in under five minutes! ZSJ is leading the block, but as I said just yesterday, it all comes down to ZSJ VS Naito, also on 8/16.

Okada VS Lawlor was great stuff, Lawlor showing off a great amount of his technical ability. But to bring drama into the last few A Block rounds, Okada had to win here. Lawlor and Yano are both facing Jeff Cobb this weekend, if even one of them can beat Cobb, Cobb is done. Okada just has Archer on 8/16, and that is “win and you’re in.” Even if Jonah beats Fale, he’ll only be 4-2 to either Okada’s 5-1, or Archer’s 4-2 with the tiebreaker from that count-out win. And then we got awesome stuff from Tanahashi VS Goto. It wasn’t a shocker that Goto won, but that is still great for Goto to win. If ZSJ beats Naito, that’s it, ZSJ is in. But if ZSJ loses to Naito, Goto has to beat Evil to get in. Naito only gets in if he beats ZSJ AND Evil beats Goto. Tuesday is going to be a huge, I can’t wait!

My Score: 8.9/10

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

1 day ago

March 18, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who rounds out the Final Four?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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