Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Sapporo Results & Report! (2/4/23)

Will Sapporo be tranquilo?

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Sapporo sees The Roughneck VS The Stardust Genius!

Before Tetsuya Naito faces Keiji Muto in his final match ever, we see the Uncontrollable Charisma take on #SHOOTER, Shota Umino! Will the young star be a speedbump in Naito’s 2023 run?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Great-O-Khan VS Oskar Leube; Khan wins.
8 Man Tag: Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Ren Narita & Ryohei Oiwa VS The House of Torture; Suzuki, Desperado, Narita & Oiwa win.
8 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Yuto Nakashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tama Tonga, Hikuleo & Master Wato VS Bullet Club; Tanahashi, Tama, Hikuleo & Wato wins.
8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi & YOH VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Catch 2/2 VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Catch 2/2 wins and retains the title.
Will Ospreay VS Taichi; Ospreay wins.
Tetsuya Naito VS Shota Umino; Naito wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Catch 2/2 VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

TJP & Francesco Akira made it through WrestleKingdom 17 still holding onto the titles, but Japones Del Mal & The Heel Master did get one on them in Super Junior Tag League. That golden ticket is being cashed in now, will Douki & Kanemaru win some gold for #Just4Guys? Or will the United Empire conquer their New Beginnings?

The introductions are made, with Taka Michinoku being on the mic for #Just4Guys. Taka promises victory for all of them tonight, and tells TJP & Akira, “You’re already done!” TJP & Akira then make their entrance, Great-O-Khan waving the Empire’s banner as he already won to open the show. The belts are raised, and we see if the Empire stays standing!

The teams sort out and TJP starts against Kanemaru. Akira gets the fans to chant “T J P!” as he circles with Kanemaru. They tie up, break, then circle again. They tie up, break, and reset again. They knuckle lock, TJP wrenches and wrangles Kanemaru to a top wristlock. Kanemaru rolls back but TJP wrenches him again. Kanemaru kicks low, wrenches TJP’s arm and YANKS it. And YANKS it again! Kanemaru keeps on the wristlock but TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels and drags Kanemaru down to the twist headscissors! Kanemaru reaches up to headscissor back while fans applaud the exchange.

TJP moves around, headstands, and fans applaud as he holds it. TJP then pops free of the headscissors, pats Kanemaru, and slicks his hair back. But Kanemaru kicks the leg! And again! Kanemaru whips, TJP avoids the drop down to kick. TJP headlocks, Kanemaru powers out but TJP handsprings over. Things keep moving, Kanemaru sunset flips but TJP rolls through. Kanemaru avoids the Penalty Kick but TJP MARIPOSAS! Cover, TWO! Akira runs in to BLAST Douki, and then he and TJP double whip Kanemaru. Kanemaru holds ropes, he puts Akira on the apron and Douki trips Akira up! Douki stomps Akira while Kanemaru BOOTS TJP!

TJP ROLLING SOBATS back, runs, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as TJP tumbles out of the ring. Kanemaru whips Douki so he can DIVE onto TJP! Fans fire up as Douki gets back in and Kanemaru whips him to DIVE onto Akira! Taka cheers his guys on along with the fans, and Kanemaru gets TJP’s leg. Kanemaru SMASHES TJP’s knee into the floor! TJP writhes, Khan protests, but Douki whips Akira into railing! Akira slumps down, Kanemaru stomps TJP and SMASHES the knee again! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru argues with him, and TJP slides into the ring. Kanemaru follows and stalks TJP.

Kanemaru stomps TJP’s leg, tags Douki, and Douki gives TJP some stomps. Douki digs his boot into TJP’s bad leg, but lets off as the ref counts. Douki stalks TJP to ropes and wraps the bad leg around them. The ref counts, Douki lets off to run side to side and dropkick the bad leg! TJP falls and fans cheer, and Douki tags Kanemaru. They drag TJP to split the wishbone! Kanemaru drags TJP up, whips him to ropes, and dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru grabs the leg, and he pulls on a deep CALF KILLER! TJP endures, Akira stomps Kanemaru, but Douki throws Akira out. Kanemaru drags TJP up for a SHIN BREAKER!

Tag to Douki, he stomps TJP’s leg, but TJP shoves him away. Douki kicks the bad leg, and kicks it again. Douki whips TJP to ropes, TJP goes Spider-Man, but Douki rushes in. TJP goes up and over Douki, Akira runs in and TJP jumps over for Akira to WRECK Douki with a dropkick! TJP BLASTS Kanemaru, Akira ASAI MOONSAULTS Douki down! Fans fire up with the Nova Fireball as he puts Douki back in. TJP hobbles over, tags Akira in, and Catch 2/2 double whip. SOBAT, KICK, KICK and SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Akira drags Douki up. Douki fights back but Akira CLUBS him on the back. Akira then RAMS Douki into a corner!

Akira RAMS Douki more, snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Akira drags Douki up, scoops and SLAMS him, then tags TJP. Akira runs to hop up onto TJP’s shoulders! “Take pictures, take pictures!” ELEVATED SENTON! TJP covers but Kanemaru breaks it! Fans rally, TJP drags Douki by a leg and steps through. DEATHLOCK! Fans rally as TJP falls back to SNAP it! And SNAP it again! And then bridge for the MUTA LOCK! Kanemaru stomps TJP down, but Akira kicks Kanemaru back out. TJP drags Douki up and over, Akira holds onto Douki in the ropes for a TARANTULA!

The ref is busy with TJP and Kanemaru, Akira gets away with a bit more than a five count. Akira lets off and TJP covers, TWO! Fans rally up as Douki shakes his head defiantly. Douki fires forearms on TJP but TJP UPPERCUTS him down! TJP drags Douki to the ropes, goes to the apron, and slingshots, but Douki avoids the senton! Douki rushes in, swings into a back suplex, but lands on his feet! Douki dropkicks TJP’s legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down! TJP and Douki crawl for their corners, hot tag to Kanemaru! Akira runs in to intercept! Catch 2/2 double whip but Kanemaru ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN!

Kanemaru drags TJP and whips him to a corner but TJP reverses. TJP runs but into a BOOT! Kanemaru goes up top to STRONG SCISSORS! TJP tumbles but stands, Kanemaru runs in to dropkick the legs out! Kanemaru gets the bad leg again, for another SHIN BREAKER! And then a SHIN BUSTER as he throws TJP to the mat! And then another SMASH of the knee! Kanemaru steps through, but TJP kicks him away with the good leg. Only for Kanemaru to basement dropkick TJP back down! Kanemaru drags TJP up, scoops and BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru keeps TJP in the drop zone and goes up the corner!

MOONSAULT, but TJP moves! Kanemaru lands on his feet, but Akira runs in to kick him low. Akira runs but Douki gets in to elbow Akira! Douki & Kanemaru both run, but TJP sets up for FIREBALL IN MOTION! Fans fire up with all four men down! Akira bails out with Douki and TJP brings the kneepad down on his bad leg. TJP hobbles after Kanemaru and puts him in a corner. Fans rally as TJP scrubs Kanemaru’s face with his laces. TJP then runs side to side, but Kanemaru gets up to dropkick the bad leg! Fans fire up, Kanemaru has the bad leg and steps through, but TJP makes it a cradle! TWO!! Kanemaru escapes and TJP goes to a corner!

Kanemaru runs in, but TJP goes up and over and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up as Akira takes Douki out! TJP climbs up and aims, MAMBA SPLASH FLOPS!! Kanemaru avoids the dunk, runs in and dropkicks the leg out again! Step through and FIGURE FOUR!! TJP endures, flails, but Douki keeps Akira outside! Khan coaches TJP, TJP reaches out, but Kanemaru thrashes the leg! TJP still fights his way over, but Kanemaru turns him away!! TJP keeps trying, he pries at the hold, but Kanemaru holds onto the leg itself! TJP reaches out one more time, ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up while Kanemaru reluctantly lets TJP go.

Douki tags in and he waits on TJP. TJP gets to a corner, Douki runs in to clothesline! Kanemaru adds on a back elbow! Douki climbs up while Kanemaru scoops for BRITISH- SUPERKICK from Akira! Douki leaps, but TJP gets under! ALLEY-OOP FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Douki survives and fans fire up! Akira drags Douki up and TJP Electric Chair Lifts. Akira climbs, but the bad leg gives out! TJP falls, Akira hops down to get Douki up onto the corner. Akira CLUBS Douki, TJP tries again, and Akira climbs back up. But Kanemaru runs in! Akira MISSILE DROPKICKS Kanemaru, but Douki escapes the Electric Chair!

Douki waistlocks but TJP fights the suplex. Akira chicken wings for TIGER GERMAN! TJP adds on the jackknife bridge! TWO!?!? Douki escapes by nanoseconds and fans are thunderous! Fans rally with “CATCH! NI NI!” as Akira drums the mat. TJP sits Douki up, he and Akira run, but the bad leg gives out again! Akira checks on TJP as he clutches the leg. Akira hurries to go to the apron and tag in. Akira then drags Douki up and reel him in, SPEED- NO! Douki slips free to monkey flip, and ITALIAN STRETCH #32! TJP hurries over but Kanemaru tackles him down! FIGURE FOUR!! Catch 2/2 is enduring dual submissions!!!

Fans are thunderous as TJP reaches out for Akira! Akira is fading, turning red, but TJP keeps rocking the leglock! Kanemaru keeps rocking it back to keep TJP away, but Akira fights his way over! Douki drags Akira away, but Akira jackknifes! TWO!?!?!? And then a spin, Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUSTU!!! Kanemaru dumps TJP out of the ring and runs back in to SHOTGUN Akira!! Kanemaru hurries to scoop and SLAM Akira, to then MOONSAULT!! Douki drags Akira up, to Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUSTU, HENKEI!! Cover, TJP BREAKS IT?! Fans are electric as Kanemaru throws TJP back out!

Douki aims from the apron, slingshots, DAYBREAK!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Akira survives and Duoki can’t believe it! Fans are electric and Douki roars! Douki wheelbarrows Akira, but Akira fights it! Douki powers through, full nelsons, SUPLEX DE LA- NO, Akira lands on his feet! Akira superkicks but Douki blocks! But TJP SUPERKICKS! Akira runs, rolls, RANA DDT!! TJP drags Douki up and Akira heads up the corner! FINAL CUT DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, but Kanemaru breaks it!! Neither team is giving up! Kanemaru hits a SHIN BREAKER on TJP! But TJP dumps Kanemaru out! TJP PLANCHAS to take Kanemaru out!

Akira roars, he brings Douki up, SPEEDFIRE!!!! Akira then aims from a corner, Douki sits up, NOVA FIREBALL!!!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!!!

Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

This may be New Beginnings, but there will be NO new champions today! Douki & Kanemaru came so close, will they fight their way to another chance? Will TJP & Akira continue this hot streak until the wheels fall off?

Will Ospreay VS Taichi!

The United Empire is 2-0 tonight, and they already beat two of the #Just4Guys. Now, the Commonwealth Kingpin takes on The Holy Emperor in a showdown of faction leaders! Will the Empire assert complete dominance in NJPW? Or is there still a chance #Just4Guys can rise up?

The bell rings and the two rush each other! They both kick, Ospreay BOOTS but then Taichi BOOTS back! Ospreay rebounds to BOOT again! Taichi BOOTS back, Ospreay BOOTS back, repeat! Ospreay throws a forearm, Taichi KICKS! Forearm, KICK, back and forth, again and again! Ospreay fires a flurry, spins, but into a SOBAT! ENZI- NO, Ospreay ducks it! But then Taichi ducks Hidden Blade! Ospreay BOOTS, whips, but Taichi reverses to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Fans fire up while Ospreay checks his face. Fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” as he brings Ospreay up. Taichi snapmares and KICKS Ospreay in the back!

Taichi paces around Ospreay, stands him up and whips to ropes, for a kitchen sink knee! Taichi KICKS Ospreay in the back again! Cover, ONE!! Ospreay grits his teeth but Taichi brings him back up. Taichi knees low, whips Ospreay to ropes, but Ospreay holds ropes to stop himself. Taichi runs in but Ospreay FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS him! Ospreay runs, and he BOOTS Taichi down! Fans fire up while Taichi bails out. Ospreay PLANCHAS and takes Taichi down! Fans fire up more while Taka checks on Taichi. Ospreay has Taka back off, and he brings Taichi up. Ospreay CHOPS Taichi and Taichi sputters as he staggers away.

Fans rally, Ospreay stalks Taichi, and Ospreay throws big forearms. The ref wants this to get in the ring so Ospreay brings Taichi up onto the apron. Ospreay CLUBS away on Taichi’s back! Ospreay then goes up to the apron to KNEE DROP! Fans fire up, Ospreay covers, ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud, but Ospreay gives toying kicks. Taichi sits up and eggs Ospreay on. Ospreay kicks and kicks but Taichi keeps egging him on. Ospreay drags Taichi up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS him back down! Fans fire up but Taichi is stinging! Ospreay talks some trash, “That’s your boy, huh? That’s your boy? Your boy’s getting f’d up!”

Ospreay goes back to Taichi, drags him up, and wrenches to whip Taichi hard into a corner! Fans rally up, Ospreay drags Taichi up and snapmares him, to KNEE him in the back! But Taichi stays up so Ospreay KNEES him again! Ospreay clamps on a chinlock but Taichi endures the squeeze. Taichi crawls forward as fans rally, but Ospreay cranks the hold. Taichi reaches out and gets the ROPEBREAK! Ospreay lets off fast to drag Taichi right up for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Taichi hangs tough and fans rally up. Ospreay drags Taichi back up, reels him in, but Taichi fights the lift! They fight for control, and Taichi back drops Ospreay away!

Ospreay gets right up to CHOP Taichi! Taichi goes to a corner, Ospreay runs corner to corner, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Ospreay sits up first but Taichi follows. Taichi stands first and he stalks up behind Ospreay. Taichi whips Ospreay to the corner, clotheslines in the corner, then runs, but Ospreay gets around to a waistlock! Taichi fights the lift, breaks free and PELES the arm! Fans fire up as Taichi stands again. Taichi runs, Ospreay ELBOWS the Ax Bomber away! Taichi blocks the kick, ducks another, runs and AX BOMBERS!! Fans are thunderous as Taichi fires up!

Taichi stands up, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Fans fire up more and Taichi aims from the corner. Ospreay stands, but he avoids the kick! Handspring, NEURALIZER! Both men are down again, but Ospreay goes out to the apron. Ospreay aims, springboards, and PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Taichi is still in this but Ospreay stands back up. Fans rally, Ospreay calls his shot, and he has Taichi get up. But Taichi reels him in! Ospreay fights free, Taichi boots the haymaker then runs, but into a Tiger Wall Kick and ENZIGURI! Ospreay wags his finger, waits on Taichi to get up again, and then springboards! OSC- NO, Taichi catches Ospreay!

Ospreay holds onto ropes to avoid the saido! Fans rally and duel as they fight for control, and Ospreay kicks off the ropes to get free. Ospreay BOOTS, whips, but Taichi reverses. Ospreay handsprings, into DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” as he and Ospreay stir. Taichi sits up first and then stands. Ospreay sits up, Taichi BUZZ- NO, Ospreay blocks! Ospreay CLUBS the leg, fires off Kawada Kicks, but Taichi just gets in Ospreay’s face. Taichi kicks low, and gives back those Kawada Kicks! Ospreay gives more Kawada Kicks, but then so does Taichi!

Fans rally up as Ospreay sits down. Taichi eggs Ospreay on, and dares him to give more kicks! Ospreay stands up to fire off more Kawada Kicks! Taichi staggers, but now Ospreay eggs him on. Ospreay wants more Kawada Kicks, so Taichi gives him more! Ospreay snarls, Taichi eggs him on, and Ospreay CHOPS! Ospreay eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS! Taichi eggs Ospreay on, and Ospreay CHOPS! Taichi paces around, Ospreay eggs him on, and Taichi KICKS! Ospreay CHOPS, Taichi KICKS, repeat! Taichi staggers and Ospreay grins. Fans cheer Taichi on, and he KICKS Ospreay again! Ospreay sputters, Taichi fires off Kawada KICKS! Taichi BUZZSAWS!

Fans are thunderous and Taka pounds the mat! Khan coaches Ospreay up but Taichi roars! Fans fire up with Taichi, he drags Ospreay up and reels him in, for a LAST- NO, Ospreay slips out of the bomb to HOOK KICK! Ospreay aims from a corner now as Taka shouts to him. Taichi flounders up, HIDDEN- YOKOZUNA ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives but Taichi keeps focus! Taichi vows to end this and fans fire up again. Taichi drags Ospreay up, Alabama Lifts, but Ospreay fights it off! Ospreay lifts Taichi but Taichi slips free to ROUNDHOUSE! Ospreay SUPERKICKS! Taichi BLINDSIDE AX BOMBERS! And then GAMANGIRIS!

Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Ospreay sits up in a daze while fans rally behind Taichi. Taichi roars, he drags Ospreay up, and he Alabama Lifts. Ospreay fights it, Taichi back drops but Ospreay lands on his feet! Taichi swings but Ospreay catches him and spins him to double underhooks! Canadian Rack, but Taichi fights off Stormbreaker! Ospreay lifts Taichi again, TIGER DRIVER!! Ospreay grins while Akira has returned ringside to join the Empire’s cheering section. Fans rally up, Ospreay stands and brings Taichi up. Ospreay runs, springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Fans are fired up but Ospreay is surprised!

Ospreay shakes his head and grins. He drags Taichi back up, goes for the corner, SUPER OS- NO, Taichi catches Ospreay! Taichi turns Ospreay around, Ospreay RANAS, but Taichi blocks it! To make it a PILEDRIVER!! Ospreay writhes and clutches his neck! Ospreay tells the ref his arm is stinging. Fans rally back up for Taichi and he sits back up. Taichi goes to a corner while Ospreay sits up. Taichi copies Ospreay preparing his arm, for a BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Taichi roars again! Taichi drags Ospreay up, SAIDO, but Ospreay lands on his feet! Ospreay runs, but into a DROPKICK from Taichi!

Fans are thunderous again and Taichi stands Ospreay up! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay survives but Taichi is too tired to be frustrated. Fans rally up and chant harder, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” Taichi and Ospreay stir, and Taichi crawls to a corner. Ospreay sits up and Taichi roars again! Taichi takes aim, for JU- SUPERKICK from Ospreay! POISON-RANA!! Ospreay drags Taichi up, goes to the corner, SUPER OSCU- SLAM DUNK!! Taichi body scissors for the GEDO CLUTCH! TWO?!?! HIDDEN BLADE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Both men are down again and fans are going nuts!

Ospreay drags himself to the corner and slashes his throat, vowing to end this! Ospreay drags Taichi up, underhooks, Canadian Racks, but Taichi slips free! Alabama Lift, BLACK- NO, Ospreay slips out to steal DANGEROUS SAIDO! But Taichi roars and rises again!! But into a FLYING HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, TWO!??! Taichi survives, fans are electric, but off comes Ospreay’s elbow pad! Ospreay aims from a corner, Taichi stands back up, but Ospreay ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Taichi staggers but he comes back. Ospreay throws more forearms! Fans rally as Taichi stays on his feet! Taichi comes back, Ospreay thrwos even more forearms, but Taichi leans against him!

Ospreay fires off more forearms, Taichi staggers about, but he still comes back! Ospreay just keeps throwing forearms! Taichi wobbles, Ospreay even more forearms! Taichi ROCKS Ospreay with just one!! Both men wobble, Ospreay roars to DECK Taichi! The ref has Ospreay back off to check Taichi! A standing count begins! Taichi is still down at 5 but Taka shouts to him. The count reaches 7, Taichi stirs, and Taichi stands at 9! BUT INTO HIDDEN BLADE!!! Ospreay then underhooks and lifts, for STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

The United Empire has conquered the day! Taka and the Young Lions check on Taichi, did Ospreay just slay the Holy Emperor? Will the Commonwealth Kingpin find his way back towards a title?

Tetsuya Naito VS Shota Umino!

The Stardust Genius is preparing to face The Wrestling Genius, Keiji Muto, in his Grand Final, but he’s also looking to settle scores. After all, The Roughneck was part of the dream team of past, present and future stars that defeated Naito and Los Ingobernables de Japon at WrestleKingdom in Tokyo. Will #SHOOTER do it to Naito again? Or will the Uncontrollable Charisma be unstoppable on the way to Muto’s Last Love?

Naito of course takes his time with his entrance attire but Shota is patient. The bell rings, fans rally up, and they chant for “NA-I-TO!” Naito and Shota circle, approach, and feel out the grapple. They back away and circle again, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Shota then wrenches to a wristlock. Naito spins, wrenches and wristlocks in return, but Shota rolls to trip Naito to a toehold! Naito endures, grabs at Shota, but Shota grabs that arm to drag Naito up. But then Naito trips Shota to get a toehold in return. Shota endures now, grabs Naito for a chinlock, then hooks Naito with a leg to bring him down.

Shota pulls on Naito’s arm but Naito clasps hands. Naito fights up, stacks Shota, ONE, but Naito has a HEEL HOOK! Shota gets the ROPEBREAK, Red Shoes calls for it, and Naito lets off. Fans applaud as the two reset. Naito and Shota circle, tie up, and Shota headlocks. Shota grinds the hold, Naito powers up but can’t power out as Shota holds tight. Shota grinds Naito more, but Naito fights back up. Naito pulls hair, Red Shoes reprimands, but Naito headlocks. Shota throws body shots, powers up and out, and things speed up. Shota hurdles but Naito waistlocks. Shota switches, shoves, but Naito holds ropes to avoid the dropkick!

Shota avoids Naito’s basement dropkick, then Shota arm-drags Naito down! Naito headscissors but Shota kips free, and Naito tranquilos! Shota aims a finger gun but Naito raises the fist. Naito rolls out of the ring, Shota waits on him. Naito walks around the way, approaches, but backs away as Shota steps forward. Shota steps back and Naito slides in, and fans applaud as the two circle again. They approach, feel things out, but Naito keeps changing the hands in the knuckle lock. They finally tie up, but Naito kicks low and CLUBS Shota! Naito runs, but Shota hip tosses and basement dropkicks! Then snapmare and SOMERSAULT SENTON!

Shota throws Naito out and builds speed! Naito gets out of the way, so Shota steals tranquilo! Fans applaud but Naito just shrugs it off. Naito takes his time outside, so Shota patiently waits inside. Naito rushes in, Shota scoops him and SLAMS him down! Shota runs, and UPPERCUTS Naito! Cover, TWO! Fans applaud, Shota paces around. Shota stomps Naito, paces, then stomps him again. Naito grins as Shota stomps him again, and fans rally up. Shota slaps Naito around, but Naito claws Shota’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Shota swings, but Naito gets around to pull hair. Shota breaks free, runs in, but into an atomic drop!

Naito throws Shota out, builds speed, and he WRECKS Shota with a dropkick! Shota hits railing, Naito goes out and whips him into more railing! Naito rolls into the ring to leave Shota behind. A ring count starts, Shota stirs, but Naito goes out after him. Naito drags Shota up, whips him into railing again, and Shota ends up stuck! Naito pushes him over, then drags him back up. Naito bends Shota against the railing, for a NECKBREAKER! Shota flops down while Naito leaves him behind again. Red Shoes checks on Shota and Shota stirs. Shota drags himself from the railing as the ring count starts, but he’s still down at 7 of 20.

Shota drags himself around the gate at 11 of 20, stands up at 13, and staggers his way over at 15. Shota slides in at 17, and Naito is on him! Naito turns Shota for a NECKBREAKER, into the LEG HOOK FULL NELSON! Shota endures and fans rally up. Shota kicks around, Naito puts on the pressure, and then Naito starts smacking Shota in the head. Shota keeps fighting and moves around, to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Red Shoes calls for the break, but Naito just lets go with his hands! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito pushes a bit more before finally letting go. Naito drags Shota up, Shota throws hands, but they’re not very strong.

Fans rally, Shota keep throwing forearms but Naito ROCKS and whips Shota to a corner. JUMP KICK, leg sweep, SWINGING DROPKICK! Combinacion Cabron! Fans cheer as Naito poses, and then Naito covers, TWO! Naito kicks at Shota, toying with him. Naito brings Shota up, snapmares him, and then has a cravat neck wrench! Shota endures as Naito pulls on the hold! Fans rally, Shota fights up, and throws body shots! Shota breaks free but Naito CLUBS away on him! Naito reels Shota in but Shota ducks the elbow! Shota runs to RANA! Shota then DROPKICKS Naito! Fans fire up while both men are down.

Fans rally up and Shota stands. Shota goes to a corner, aims at Naito as he stands, and runs in to forearm! And elbow! And whip! Naito reverses but Shota holds ropes. Shota BOOTS back, then dodges Naito to arm-drag him! And elbow him down! Shota keeps moving, BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up with Shota and he storms up on Naito. Shota whips Naito corner to corner, Shota runs in to UPPERCUT! And then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! It wasn’t quite perfect, but fans still rally up. Shota drags Naito, steps through on the legs, and has an STF! Naito endures as Shota pulls back!

Fans rally, Naito crawls forward, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud as Shota lets off quickly. Shota keeps cool as he stalks Naito. Shota stomps Naito, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the neck. Naito goes to a corner, Shota bumps Naito off buckles, then goes up the corner. Shota reels Naito in, for a TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up and Shota aims his finger gun again. Shota waits on Naito to get up, and then kicks low. Shota underhooks but Naito RAMS him into a corner! Naito walks away, Shota rushes him, but Naito catches him to get around! Full nelson, Shota switches, but Naito arm-drags free!

Naito arm-drags Shota again, then headlocks. Fans rally, Shota moves around, and Shota fights up to his feet. Naito CLUBS Shota, whips him to ropes, then ELBOWS him down before basement dropkick! Shota stands up, into a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Naito sits up first, crawls over to Shota and brings him up. Shota breaks free and throws a forearm! Naito throws a forearm back! Shota throws another forearm, but so does Naito! Shota grins, and he gets in Naito’s face. Shota throws a forearm, Naito returns it, and they go faster and faster! Fans rally, Shota gets the edge, but Naito gives all those forearms back!

Shota rebounds off ropes, to SHOTGUN Naito down! Fans fire up while Naito bails out. Shota pounds the mat and fans rally behind him. Shota builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up with Shota! Shota drags Naito back up, but he’s dead weight. Red Shoes checks on Naito and he stirs. Shota brings Naito up and into the ring, then Shota climbs up the corner. Naito stands, Shota leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Shota hurries to bring Naito around by his legs, steps over again, and has the STF back!! Naito endures, fans rally up, but Shota pulls on the hold! Naito crawls forward, Shota CLUBS him on the back, then pulls the hold again!

Naito still reaches out, still fights his way forward, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands Shota, but Shota pulls the hold! Shota lets off after that, then paces around in frustration. Fans rally, Shota drags Naito up, but Naito fights the clinch. Shota knees low, snapmares, and throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Shota has learned much from the Blackpool Combat Club! Shota drags Naito up and clinches, but Naito fights free with elbows of his own! Shota kicks, whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” as he and Shota stir.

Naito sits up, crawls his way over, and he drags Shota up. Naito throws heavy elbow after heavy elbow! Shota staggers to a corner, Naito storms up on him and hoists him up top. Naito climbs up after Shota, for a SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Naito brings Shota up. Naito hammerlocks, but Shota fights free with elbows! Naito hits a flying-mare, to the PLUMA BLANCA!! Shota endures, kicks and flails, moves around, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Naito lets go quickly to bring Shota to a corner. Naito climbs up, ESPERANZA! Fans fire up while Shota sits up in a daze!

Naito goes to the corner, and he watches as Shota slowly stands. Naito runs in, but into an ELBOW! And ENZIGURI! Naito comes back, but into a dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Shota takes Naito down with the twisting neckbreaker, but he holds on! Shota drags Naito up again, another CROSS RHODES!! And then an inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE!! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives and Shota is shocked! Fans rally up, Shota goes to a corner and waits on Naito. Naito rises, Shota runs in, but Naito avoids the swing to ROLLING KICK! And then ENZIGURIS! Shota staggers, Naito hammerlocks and lifts, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!!

Shota survives and fans fire back up! Naito drags Shota up, wrenches, but Shota fights free. Shota roars, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Naito drags Shota up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTI- NO! Shota shifts Naito around and tucks him in! BASTARD DRIVER!!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Naito and Shota stir, fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” and he sits up first. Shota follows, and stands first to bring Naito up in an Alabama Lift! CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives but Shota hurries to a corner! Shota wants Naito to stand, and Naito rises, for the SWINGING NECKBREAKER!! Cover, TWO!!!

Shota roars and fans fire up again! Shota drags Naito up, underhooks, but Naito wrenches out to scoop, VALENTIA!! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Shota and Naito stir, and Naito crawls over to Shota. Naito drags Shota up, and he throws heavy elbows again! Shota drops to his knees then flops to the mat, but he grabs at Naito’s foot. Shota drags himself back up, but Naito gives him more heavy elbows! Shota drops again, but he shakes his head! Fans fire up as Shota fights back up! Shota snarls but Naito gives him even more heavy elbows! Shota falls back down, but he just fires up! Naito gives even more elbows, Shota eggs him on, but Naito ELBOWS him down!!

Shota roars again, but Naito just fires off MORE elbows! Shota drops to his knees again, Naito says he’ll end this now. Naito stands Shota up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but Shota slips free! DEATH RIDER!!! Shota is feeling it now and the fans rally up behind him! Shota drags Naito up, lifts Naito, but Naito slips free and falls to the mat. Shota drags Naito back up, lifts again, for the DEATH SHOOTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Naito survives Shota’s take on the move, but Shota isn’t done yet! Shota underhooks, but Naito slips free to DESTINO!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Shota survives and fans are thunderous!

Naito still has a wild look on his face as he gets back up. Naito stands Shota up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!!! Cover, Naito wins!

Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall

The Roughneck fought as hard as he could for as long as he could, but in the end, the Uncontrollable Charisma could not be stopped! Is it still too soon for the future of NJPW to be the present? As for Naito, he gets his baseball cap, then helps Shota stand up. Shota doesn’t want his help, and he pushes Naito. So Naito TOSSES Shota from the ring! Shota is helped away by Young Lions and Naito gets the mic to say, “Buenas noches, SAPPORO~!” Sapporo cheers, and Naito says, “This was NJPW’s first Hokkaido event of the year, and hopefully everyone’s had a great time. And I’m happy to be showing all of you in Hokkaido Tetsuya Naito’s pro-wrestling here tonight. Gracias, amigos.”

Naito also notes that tomorrow, February 5th, right back here, the main event will be Hiromu Takahashi VS Yoh for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. He hopes everyone will come back to see that. Fans applaud, they surely will. Naito says, “By the way… You all can make noise again.” Fans cheer, they love that fact! Naito says that they should close this show right. For the first time since February 2019, four years ago, we wrap NJPW’s first night back in Sapporo the only right way! Fans do the roll call along with Naito! “Bushi! Sanada! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Y Naito! Nosotros…! LOS! INGOBERRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!”

The Stardust Genius knows how to get the fans fired up, and they chant his name as he poses. Will Los Ingobernables de Japon make 2023 their year? Will Naito send Keiji Muto off in style in just under three weeks?

My Thoughts:

Really good stuff from NJPW for the Sapporo weekend they’ve got going. I skimmed, and I like that in the 8 Man Tag of Not Suzuki-Gun VS House of Torture, Narita was the one to get the win. He and Suzuki had a stare down and Suzuki apparently imparted wisdom on how Narita can reach that top level. Who knows if Narita sticks with Suzuki to learn more about that, but I think teaming with Suzuki in winning efforts against the House of Torture is a sign that Narita is gonna get to that top level at some point. TMDK winning was big given the IWGP Heavyweight Tag and NJPW World TV title matches tomorrow. It was also big because it was their Young Lion recruit, Kosei Fujita, getting the finish.

The other 8 Man Tags give me the feeling that this is the go-home math. Bullet Club lost because Jay White is going to beat Hikuleo and banish him to NJPW Strong in the US, and Kazuchika Okada will retain the world title against Shingo Takagi. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag title match was awesome stuff, and Douki again raises the bar on how great he can be. I would’ve loved to see Douki & Kanemaru win those belts, but perhaps it is too soon for Just4Guys to start taking over. To that point, Ospreay VS Taichi was also an awesome match, but Ospreay wins so that he can get himself back up.

The main event of Naito VS Shota was really good, but the pacing of it left a lot to be desired. It wasn’t as exciting, or at least the fans weren’t as fired up as they were the previous matches. Maybe the previous matches tired the crowd out, but they also got back into it at the end when Shota and Naito really upped things. I did like that Shota borrowed the Hammer ‘n’ Anvil elbows from the Blackpool Combat Club, though. But Naito wins, of course, as Shota still needs some time to really show what this Roughneck character is about. Plus, Naito needs that momentum going into his match with Muto.

My Score: 8.6/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s NXT Vengeance Day Results & Report! (2/4/23)

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Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (2/3/23)

AEW Coverage

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

Anybody can get it!

Published

28 mins ago

April 24, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Maniac takes on the Powerhouse!

In the wake of AEW Dynasty, in perhaps Will Hobbs’ biggest match, he takes on IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Jon Moxley! Will the Don Callis Family have even more gold?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW World Championship Eliminator: Swerve Strickland VS Kyle Fletcher; wins and
Mina Shirakawa VS Anna Jay; wins.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/23/24)

GO ACE! GO ACE!

Published

21 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The House of Torture gets another try!

Despite losing in the NEVER Openweight Six Man title tournament, the House of Torture get one more shot against Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg! But will shuffling the deck really help the King of Darkness trump President Ace?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Katsuya Murashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg win and retain the titles.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo; Tsuji wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors; Takagi wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Don’t adjust your screens, this is not a rematch from Wrestling World in Taiwan. That’s because while The Ace, the Joker and the Rook won the tournament, they’re up against a different formation! The King of Darkness and Heel Master now have Tokyo Pimp as their third man, but will that change be enough to change the result? Or will Tanahshi-sachou and team be an undefeated combination?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Darkness Falls!

The teams sort out, and Oleg starts against Yoshinobu Kanemaru. The fans rally behind “BO-LU-TIN! BO-LU-TIN!” as he circles with Kanemaru, but then Evil & Yujiro attack! The fans boo, Tanahashi & Yano hurry in but Evil & Yujiro get them first! Kanemaru drags Oleg out of the ring to stomp him down while Evil & Yujiro have Tanahashi & Yano in corners. Yujiro fires forearms, Evil CHOPS, then the House all whips. But Oleg reverses and sends Kanemaru into railing! And Tanahashi & Yano reverse to send Evil & Yujiro into each other! Oleg returns to CLOBBER Evil & Yujiro! The fans fire up as now Yano & Tanahashi intercept Kanemaru.

Tanahashi & Yano whip Kanemaru to Oleg for a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally behind the champs as Oleg paces around Kanemaru. Oleg stomps Kanemaru, tags Tanahashi, and Tanahashi eggs Evil on. Evil tags in, Tanahashi kicks first! Tanahashi fires hands, UPPERCUTS, then tears away the “President Evil” shirt to TOSS it away! Evil is furious, he made that himself! Tanahashi throws a body shot, then whips Evil corner to corner. Evil reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for the air guitar and Tanahashi tags in Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad, dodges Evil, then gives Evil the pad!

The ref reprimands Evil and confiscates the pad, and Yano SLAPS Evil on the head! Yano whips, Evil reverses, but Yano avoids the bare buckles. Evil runs up to SLAP Yano, and shove him into the buckles! Kanemaru & Yujiro BLAST Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Evil SMACKS Yano with the pad! Evil TOSSES Yano out of the ring, distracts the ref, and that lets Dick DECK Yano! Dick drags Yano up and puts him in the ring for Evil to cover. TWO! Evil is upset with the “slow count,” and he tags Kanemaru. Kanemaru runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru ELBOWS Yano in the head!

Kanemaru snapmares Yano down into a chinlock and drags him to the corner. The ref reprimands but Yujiro tags in. Kanemaru lets go, so that Yujiro can CHOKE Yano! The ref counts, Yujiro lets off, and he drags Yano back up. Yujiro whips Yano into the bare buckles! Yano suffers his own trick, and Yujiro brings him up to knee low. Yujiro snapmares, drops a leg, then drops an elbow! Then he drops a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yujiro tags to Evil. Evil BLASTS Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner! Dick distracts the ref so Evil can put Yano in the COBRA TWIST, and link up with the others!

The fans boo but the House gets away with that. Evil covers, TWO! Evil is even more upset with the ref, and he drags Yano up. Evil reels Yano in for a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wait, who is ringing the bell? Dick is ringing the bell, and Kanemaru is giving the announcement that they’ve won! The fans boo, this is of course a farce. Tanahashi & Oleg storm over, scaring off Dick and Kanemaru. Evil tags Kanemaru, then TOSSES Yano outside. Kanemaru drags Yano back up to whip him into railing! Then DDT to the floor! Yano is down in enemy territory while Tanahashi argues with the ref.

The fans rally up but Yujiro puts Yano in. Kanemaru covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Kanemaru drags Yano around. Yano is dead weight so Kanemaru leaves him behind to BLAST Tanahashi! Kanemaru drags Yano up but Yano pulls hair! Kanemaru CLAWS Yano’s eyes! Kanemaru whips, Yano reverses and throws him down by his hair! The fans fire up as Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg CLOBBERS Kanemaru, BLASTS Evil & Yujiro, then runs in at the corner. Kanemaru BOOTS Oleg, runs, but into a POP-UP BEARHUG! Kanemaru endures, but then Oleg turns that into a BIG suplex! The fans fire up as Oleg storms around.

Oleg deadlift gut wrenches, but Dick gets on the apron. Oleg drops Kanemaru to scare Dick off. But then Yano puts Dick in! Dick prays and begs for mercy, but Oleg just deadlift gut wrenches him! Shake, Rattle and THROW! And a kip up!? Oleg then gets Kanemaru back up, Shake, Rattle, and some more shaking, and THROW! Oleg roars, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, Evil & Yujiro break it! Then they BLAST Tanahashi & Yano! The House stomps away on Oleg, then drag him up. They double whip Oleg to a corner, then Yujiro BOOTS! Evil clotheslines! They snapmare, Kanemaru distracts the ref, and Dick goes up!

The fans boo but Dick hits the DICK CHOP! Kanemaru covers, TWO!! The fans fire up but Evil tags back in. Evil and Kanemaru get Oleg up to suplex, but Oleg fights it! Oleg DOUBLE SUPLEXES back! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Ace of the Universe meets King of Darkness, and Tanahashi runs to CLOBBER Evil! Tanahashi fires forearms and body shots on Evil, then scoop SLAMS him into a drop zone! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Tanahashi as he waits on Evil. Tanahashi runs, but Evil goes to the corner! Evil LARIATS Tanahashi down! Tag to Yujiro and he storms up on Tanahashi.

Yujiro brings Tanahashi up to knee low and fire forearms. Yujiro CHOPS then runs up, to BOOT! Yujiro then runs, to BOOT again! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro TOSSES him out! Evil is there to set Tanahashi up for a whiskey bottle shot! Evil puts Tanahashi back in, then he and the rest go after Oleg and Yano! Yujiro gets Tanahashi up for an INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane, but the ref stops him! That leaves Dick open to use the SPOILER CHOKER on Tanahashi!! The fans boo as President Ace suffers! Tanahashi fades out, Dick slips away, and Yujiro laughs.

Yujiro drags Tanahashi up while the fans rally. Yujiro reels Tanahashi in, but Yano gets in to grab Yujiro! Kanemaru gets in while the ref is distracted again! But Yano ducks, the WHISKEY MIST hits Yujiro! LOW BLOW for Kanemaru! But Evil LOW BLOWS Yano! So Tanahashi LOW BLOWS Evil! Dick gets in but Tanahashi kicks the ropes! Dick falls, Oleg returns, and he gets Yujiro up! Tanahashi climbs, Oleg hits the KAMIKAZE SENTON! Then Tanahashi HIGH FLY FLOWS!! Cover, Team Go Ace wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

The House of Torture tried their usual tricks, but Tanahashi’s team proved they could play that, too! The Ace, the Joker & The Rook stand tall again, will The House have to start playing a different game?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Yota Tsuji VS Gedo!

While Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have already done battle on this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, tonight is a best of five series! Will it be Gene Blast or Blacksmith that sets the tone for tonight?

The moment Yota hops off the corner, Gedo takes a swing! Yota dodges and GENE BLASTER!! The bell rings, Yota covers, Yota wins!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall

Well not sure about the tone but this sure set a new record! From bell the bell, that was FIVE SECONDS! Score one for LIJ already, and Yota helps roll Gedo out of the ring. Will LIJ make this a shut out? Or will the other War Dogs be a bit smarter about the pitches they throw across the plate?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: BUSHI VS Gabe Kidd!

Round two is here sooner than expected after what we just saw, and the Black Mask is up against the #WarReady Mad Man. Gabe vows to take back everything NJPW used to mean, but will he get War Dogs on the board? Or will Bushi keep things tranquilo?

Bushi climbs onto the corner and Gabe rushes him! Bushi jumps over, the bell rings and Bushi DROPKICKS Gabe down! Bushi whips, Gabe reverses but Bushi ducks ‘n ‘dodges to RANA! Gabe bails out, Bushi builds speed, but Gabe gets away. Bushi slides out, but Gabe kicks and CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS Bushi down, then drags Bushi up to dig at Bushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Gabe storms around and mockingly calls upon the wrestling gods. Gabe runs but Bushi dodges, Gabe crashes into railing! The fans fire up while Bushi rises. Bushi brings Gabe up, fires forearms, then brings Gabe around. Gabe blocks the bump off the apron to whip Bushi hard into railing!

Bushi flounders and Gabe snarls while the fans rally up. Gabe storms out to open the way to the orange bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Bushi, brings him around and they go up into the stands. Gabe HEADBUTTS Bushi down, shouts “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” then continues up to the next level. Bushi fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe lifts again but Bushi still fights! Gabe CLUBS away on Bushi, CHOPS and HAYMAKERS! Gabe backs up, flips everyone off, and he runs back in, but Bushi dropkicks the leg! Bushi SMACKS Gabe off railing, then he goes up higher into the stands! Bushi stands on the ledge, to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Gabe and the Young Lions!

The fans are thunderous as Bushi rises, and he brings Gabe up. Bushi headlocks Gabe to bring him back down the bleachers. Gabe throws body shots but Bushi throws hands in return. Bushi brings Gabe back to ground level, then through the gate. They return to ringside but Gabe CLUBS Bushi down again. Gabe HEADBUTTS, then he puts Bushi in. The fans rally, but Gabe drags Bushi around to ROCK him again. Gabe has Bushi on the apron, CLUBS him again, then brings Bushi out. Bushi fights the suplex to throw body shots! Gabe HEADBUTTS again, but Bushi fires more hands! Bushi puts Gabe in and the fans cheer.

Bushi drags Gabe up but blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi goes to a corner while Gabe sputters. Gabe stands, Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Gabe ELBOWS, JABS and YUKON LARIATS! Gable copies Takagi, covers, TWO! Gabe flips off the fans, they boo, and so he just flips them off more. Gabe eggs Bushi on, taunts him, so Bushi CHOPS! Gabe dusts himself off, Bushi CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS, says Bushi ain’t got nothing, but Bushi fires a flurry! Gabe CHOPS again, Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS! Gabe UPPERCUTS, then he gut wrenches! But Bushi slips free and shoves!

Gabe blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Bushi reels Gabe in, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and flounders away while the fans fire up. Gabe flops right out of the ring but Bushi pursues. Bushi drags Gabe up, but Gabe HEADBUTTS him back down! Gabe rips away the LIJ shirt to tell them to suck it! Gabe SPITS on the shirt, throws it down, then goes back for Bushi. Gabe puts Bushi in, Bushi goes to a corner, and Gabe runs in to clothesline! Gabe suplexes, Bushi slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and uses the ref as a shield! BLACK MIST!! Bushi gets the better of Gabe and hooks the arms!

Gabe fights the backslide, BOOTS the ref, so the ref can’t see the Bushi Roll! Bushi would’ve had this one! Bushi goes to check on the ref but Gabe storms up to HAYMAKER! Gabe shouts at the ref, drags him back up, and then storms over to Bushi! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall

The series is tied 1-1, and Gabe shouts for water to wash out the mist. LIJ VS War Dogs aside, Gabe now has momentum going into his NEVER Openweight Championship match with Shingo Takagi. Will the Rampaging Dragon be just as #WarReady as Gabe after tonight?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Shingo Takagi VS Clark Connors!

Speaking of the NEVER Openweight Champion, he’s third up in the batting order, ready to drive home another run. Will the Rampaging Dragon score and soar towards Wrestling Dontaku? Or will he be struck out by 100 Proof?

Takagi and Connors get in each other’s face and talk some trash. Connors shoves but the ref has them both back down. Connors gets all fired up, Takagi says okay then, and the bell rings, only for Connors to bail out. The fans boo Connors trolling them, but he says tranquilo. Takagi paces while Connors goes around the outside. Takagi dares Connors to get in but Connors dares Takagi to come on out. The fans rally up so Connors goes back to the apron. Connors steps in, fires up, but then bails out. But Takagi pursues! They go around the ring, back in, and then Connors RAMS Takagi! But Takagi doesn’t fall!

Connors runs again, RAMS Takagi, but still Takagi stays up. Connors fires forearm after forearm after forearm, but then Takagi ROCKS, KNEES, CLUBS and CHOPS! And JABS! Takagi whips, Connors ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds, but Connors runs him over! The fans fire up while Takagi goes to a corner. Connors runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Takagi in. Takagi fights the suplex, and he suplexes Connors instead! The fans fire up again but Connors bails back out. Takagi pursues, JABS, then SMACKS Connors off the apron. Takagi follows Connors around, POSTS him, and the fans cheer.

Takagi stomps Connors, Connors goes around the way but Takagi follows. Takagi runs up to BOOT Connors, then follows him. Connors uses a Young Lion as a shield, then shoves him into Takagi! Connors then whips Takagi into railing! Takagi leans against railing and Connors UPPERCUTS! Connor opens the gate and pushes Takagi into No Man’s Land. Connors brings Takagi around to SMACK off the wood bleachers! Takagi hits back, they brawl, and Takagi knees low! Takagi whips, Connors reverses and Takagi is sent into the wall of the hallway! Connors throws up the Too Sweet but the fans boo.

Connors brings Takagi back to SMACK into the gate, then POST! Connors reels Takagi in, to snap suplex to the floor! Takagi writhes, the ref reprimands but Connors wants the ring count to start. The ring count does start, and Connors scoops a Young Lion to SLAM him onto Takagi! And then he grabs another Young Lion to SPINEBUSTER onto Takagi! Connors slides into the ring at 10 of 20 while Takagi pushes the Young Lions off him. Takagi stands at 17, hurries up at 18, but Connors SPEARS him down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this and the fans rally, but Connors keeps on Takagi with a half nelson.

Takagi fights as Connors goes for the full nelson! Takagi reaches out but Connors keeps him from ropes. Takagi fights to his feet, powers up, but Connors keeps the nelson! The fans rally more as Takagi keeps fighting. Takagi powers the hold open, but Connors spins him to knee low! Connors whips, but Takagi avoids the snap powerslam! Takagi runs up to SLIDING- NO, Connors dodges, but runs into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up and Takagi goes to a corner. Connors flounders around, rises up, and Takagi storms up to the corner. Takagi clotheslines, then JABS and CHPOS on repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS and CHOPS!

Takagi whips corner to corner, runs in to clothesline again, then short arm LARIAT! Takagi scoops Connors to SLAM him, then he goes up and up for the FALLING ELBOW DROP! Takagi hauls Connors up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but Takagi looks around. The fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi says, “OI, KORAKUEN! TOKI GA KITA!!” The time has come and the “OI! OI! OI!” continues. Takagi brings Connors up, pump handle, but Connors fights the lift! Connors throws elbows, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi eggs Connors on, Connors throws another forearm! Takagi fires back!

Connors fires more forearms, but Takagi HEADBUTTS! Connors HEADBUTTS, but he’s the one wobbling! Connors ROCKS Takagi with a forearm, then eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Connors with boxing elbows! Takagi runs, Connors follows to LARIAT against ropes! Connors runs but Takagi follows to KNEE against ropes! Takagi keeps moving, Connors gets under to come back and POUNCE! Then a whip and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! But Connors powers up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans fire up but Connors aims from a corner! Connors runs in to SPEAR!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!

Connors rises, Takagi stirs, and Connors brings Takagi up. But Takagi fights No Chaser! Takagi wrenches out to JAB! And HEADBUTT! Connors dodges the lariat, but runs into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Takagi runs up to PUMPING BOMBER! Then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Connors shakes his head as he stays in this, but Takagi roars! Takagi pump handles for MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Connors survives and shocks Takagi, but the fans are thunderous again! “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi powers up. Takagi runs, but Connors dodges! But PUMPING BOMBER still finds him! Cover, Takagi wins!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

We’re halfway done and LIJ takes the lead! Takagi has momentum for himself, too, but will the Rampaging Dragon be #WarReady for Gabe Kidd? Or will Wrestling Dontaku be the end of the road for Takagi?

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Tetsuya Naito VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Uncontrollable Charisma may no longer be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but we all know he never lets things get to him. Will he therefore stay tranquilo as he looks to win this series for his team? Or will he lose a shootout with the .44 Caliber?

As always, Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Drilla mockingly asks what happened to his belt, but Naito doesn’t let that get his goat. The fans rally for Naito and that annoys Drilla. Naito puts the pants away, the bell rings, and Drilla runs up! But Naito puts him on the apron, and sweeps the legs! Then he DROPKICKS Drilla down! Naito goes out slowly to fetch Drilla, CLUB him on the neck, and then CLUB him again. Naito CLUBS Drilla more, cravats for a neck wrench, and even grinds Drilla against railing! The ref counts, Naito puts Drilla in, and the fans applaud. But Drilla comes back to WRECK Naito with a dropkick!

Drilla whips Naito hard into railing, and Naito gets stuck! Drilla dumps him over, tells fans off about cheering for Naito, then drags Naito up and around. Drilla CHOPS Naito, follows him along the way, and whips him hard into railing! The fans applaud the impressive speed and strength, but Drilla leaves Naito behind as Naito slumps into the front row. The ring count climbs, Naito sits up at 7 of 20. Naito finds his way around to the gate at 12, steps in at ringside, and rolls in at 15. Drilla throws Naito’s hat at him, then stomps away! Drilla drags Naito up, HEADBUTTS him, then has him on ropes. Drilla CHOPS and Naito staggers.

Drilla eggs Naito on so Naito fires forearms! Naito whips, Drilla reverses and ELBOWS Naito down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Naito but Drilla digs his knee into Naito’s neck! The ref counts, Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face, but the ref reminds Drilla to respect his authority. Drilla kicks Naito around, steps on Naito’s head, then taunts the fans. Naito gets up to throw hands but Drilla hits back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but then Drilla CHOPS! Drilla runs, into an ELBOW! Drilla rebounds, but Naito hip toss NECKBREAKERS! The fans rally as Naito rises and Drilla writhes. Naito drags Drilla up to fire forearms and kicks!

Naito whips, arm-drags, then he ELBOWS Drilla down to basement dropkick in the back! Naito turns Drilla for a NECKBREAKER! Drilla writhes, Naito pushes him to a cover, TWO! Naito keeps on Drilla with a cravat neck wrench. Drilla endures, fights around, and he fights up. Drilla breaks free, CLUBS Naito, then runs, but Naito catches him to a dragon sleeper, NECKBREAKER! Drilla fights the legs but Naito still hooks him into the LEG HOOK NELSON! Drilla endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Naito again “forgets” how to undo the hold, so the ref pries the legs away.

Drilla is free and clutches his neck, but Naito paces around. Naito drags Drilla back up, but Drilla CHOPS! Naito fires a forearm in return! Drilla CHOPS! Naito forearms! The shots go back and forth, Drilla grunts and has a crazy grin. Drilla fires a forearm, Naito mocks the grunt! Naito fires back, both men grunt and fire forearms again! Drilla CHOPS, but then Naito ROCKS him, SPITS on him, and fires off more forearms! Drilla gets under, shoves Naito then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Naito and Drilla go to opposite corners, and Drilla runs corner to corner! Drilla blocks a boot but Naito SPITS!

Naito runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Drilla horks up and SPITS a big one at Naito, then DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and Drilla is seething. Drilla slashes his throat and throws up the Too Sweet. Drilla drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift. Drilla ENZIGIRIS Naito, then gets him back up! Canadian Rack, but Naito arm-drags Drilla into the ref! The ref tumbles all the way out, Naito atomic drops Drilla and ENZIGIRIS! COMPLETE SHOT, and then PLUMA BLANCA!! Drilla endures, flails, is he tapping? But there’s no ref anyway! Wait, David Finlay rushes out here!

The Rebel taunts Naito while swinging the shillelagh! Naito lets Drilla go, only for JAKE LEE to show up!?! Talk about a CrossOver, the Good Looking Emperor is here in NJPW and he fires hands with Naito!! The fans are going nuts, but Naito gets the edge! Only for Jake to KNEE low! Jake puts Naito in a corner, takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!! Or as he calls it, #FaceBreakShot! Naito staggers into Drilla’s arms, for the DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover and the ref is back, Drilla wins!!

Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall

The Rebel gets the Madness Dark Side to help him screw over Naito, and now this series is all tied up again! But then Finlay & Drilla beat Naito down more! Jake steps in, and the War Dogs back away. Jake stands on Naito’s chest, then stomps away! Is Jake going to destroy Naito once and for all? But wait! Here comes Hiromu! The Ticking Timebomb ROCKS Jake, ROCKS Drilla, then fires off on Finlay! But then Drilla & Finlay mug Hiomru! They double whip, but Hiormu ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Hiromu goes out after Finlay, but Drilla CLUBS Hiromu! They POST Hiromu, but what about the main event!?

Red Shoes hurries out here, the fans tell Jake and Drilla to go home. Jake literally kicks Naito out of the ring and then stands him up against railing. Jake gets space, takes aim again, and Finlay makes Hiromu watch the FACE BREAK SHOT that sends Naito into the front row!! The fans boo and tell Jake to go home. Jake smirks as he takes his leave with Drilla, the damage done. Is there an alliance between Jake’s Good Looking Guys and Finlay’s War Dogs? Is Naito just the first casualty of many?

As for Finlay and Hiromu, Finlay RAMS Hiromu into railing! And then RAMS him in again! Finlay RAMS Hiromu a third time, then he soaks up the heat. Red Shoes reprimands, but this isn’t officially a match yet. Finlay takes aim, he runs in, but Hiromu sends him into railing! Hiromu gets Finlay in, the bell rings, and it’s time to settle the score!

LIJ VS War Dogs Best of Five Series: Hiromu Takahashi VS David Finlay!

Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay slips away! The fans rally for Hiromu as he eggs Finlay on. Finlay snarls, storms back up but Hiromu then SUNSET FLIPS! Finlay holds ropes to throw down hands! Hiromu staggers away, Finlay fireman’s carries him now! Finlay runs and THROWS Hiromu at a post! The fans boo while Finlay throws up the Too Sweet and taunts them all. Finlay leaves Hiromu behind, he tells the fans they look stupid, then he goes back to fetch Hiromu. Finlay slaps Hiromu around, drags him up, and throws him into the ring.

Finlay crawls to a cover but Red Shoes says nope, too many shenanigans. Finlay is upset, there were a lot of shenanigans both ways. But Finlay drags Hiromu up to suplex and TOSS Hiromu! Now things are fine and Finlay covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Finlay mocks the “MOTO! MOTO!” Finlay whips Hiromu hard into a corner! Hiromu falls then crawls, and Finlay taunts him that it’s too easy. Finlay stalks Hiromu to another corner as the fans rally up, but Finlay makes Hiromu smile! Finlay says smile like Tsuji! Red Shoes reprimands, Finlay lets off, but then he drags Hiromu up to whip hard into another corner!

Hiromu staggers and falls out of the ring and Red Shoes checks him. Finlay waits on Hiromu while he writhes on the floor. Finlay mockingly says “Moto! Moto!” Red Shoes has Finlay stay back, and the ring count starts. Hiromu stands at 4 of 20 while Finlay lounges on the ropes. The fans rally, Hiromu rolls in at 10, but Finlay brings him back up. Finlay scoops and carries Hiromu around for a BACKBREAKER! Finlay says he’s strong AF, and then he kicks Hiromu around. Finlay mocks the fans chanting for Hiromu, and that makes them boo Finlay. Finlay pushes Hiromu around, so Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Finlay dusts himself off, eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Finlay felt that one so he knees low. Finlay runs, Hiromu follows, and Hiromu RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay flounders while Hiromu goes to ropes. Finlay runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu then has a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go at 4 and he drags Finlay out to wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER to the floor! The fans rally up behind Hiromu and he goes to the apron. Hiromu aims as Finlay stands, FLYING SHOTGUN sends Finlay through the gate! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he pursues.

Hiromu smiles at TJP on English commentary, then gets a real “MOTO! MOTO! MOTO!” going. Hiromu gets Finlay up and in, and Finlay goes to a corner. Hiromu runs up to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps his cool and he kicks Finlay around. Hiromu drags Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu takes a swing, but Finlay catches him to an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Finlay scoops him, for the SWINGING IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives again and Finlay grows frustrated.

Finlay mocks Yota Tsuji as he powers up and goes to the corner. Hiromu rises, Finlay flips him off, and steals GENE- TRIANGLE D!! Hiromu has Finlay caught and the fans fire up! Finlay flails, tries to stack Hiromu, but Hiromu squeezes tighter! Finlay is fading and the fans fire up! But Finlay gets a second wind, deadlifts Hiromu, and POWERBOMBS him down! Finlay is free of D, but both men are down as the fans rally again. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and lifts, but Hiromu RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Finlay escapes, kicks low and whips, but Hiromu slips free of Deep Six to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT!

The fans fire up while Finlay flounders! But Finlay sneaks his shillelagh into the ring! The fans rally for Hiromu while Finlay hides the shillelagh under him. Hiromu rises, Finlay shields the shillelagh from Red Shoes but Red Shoes is suspicious. Red Shoes sees the weapon! Finlay shoves Red Shoes away and takes a swing, but Hiromu dodges! SUPERKICK! Hiromu takes the shillelagh now! The fans are torn, but then Hiromu plays like Finlay did hit him! Red Shoes isn’t sure who to believe, but Finlay really is innocent this time! Finlay argues with Red Shoes but fans boo to help sell Hiromu’s trick.

Hiromu then runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! And then fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO! Finlay is still in this but the fans are still with Hiromu. Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Finlay fights free. Hiromu elbows, runs, but into an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, but into a SUPERKICK! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER, but Finlay stays up! Hiromu runs again, but Finlay catches him spins him, ROLLING ELBOWS, then runs! Into a SUPERKICK! Finlay returns, for another SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous and Hiromu gets Finlay up, suplex and INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!!

Finlay survives his own move but Hiromu won’t let that bother him! Hiromu drags himself up, dragon sleepers Finlay, but Finlay fights the suplex with knees! Finlay suplexes, but Hiromu knees free! Hiromu runs, but Finlay LARIATS! Finlay hauls Hiromu up, Canadian Rack, DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and the fans are thunderous! Finlay goes to a corner as he thinks on what to do next. Finlay storms over to Hiromu, says it’s over now, and he drags Hiromu back up. But Hiromu slips out of the bomb to tuck the arms! Finlay wrenches out, but into TRIANGLE D!! Finlay flails, CLUBS at Hiromu, but he’s fading again!

Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Finlay fights to deadlift again! POWERBOMB, but Hiromu just holds onto D!! Finlay is fading, flailing, reaching out, but Hiromu squeezes tight! Finlay deadlifts again! BUCKLE BOMB, and INTO OBLIVION!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Hiromu survives again and Finlay is beside himself! The fans are electric as Finlay shakes his head. Hiromu sputters but Finlay brings down the kneepads. Finlay slashes his throat and vows to end this! Finlay drags Hiromu back up, suplexes, but Hiromu slip free! Hiromu wrenches, pump handles, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!! Finlay escapes and Hiromu is frustrated!

Both men catch their breath while the fans rally as hard as they can. Hiromu grits his teeth, pounds the mat, and rises up. Hiromu hobbles over but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Hiromu comes back, into another UPPERCUT! And another UPPERCUT! And another! And another, and another! But Hiromu stays on his feet, even as Finlay UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again!! Hiromu won’t stop, but Finlay won’t, either! The fans rally and Finlay eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, into another UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! Hiromu roars, runs, but into an UPPERCUT!! Hiromu drops to his knees, and Finlay says this is it!

Finlay suplexes, INTO OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

Bullet Club War Dogs takes the best of five in the fifth and final round! It took much more than Finlay wanted, but Hiromu always gives it his all. Will the Timebomb be able to fire back up in time for the Best of the Super Juniors?

Wait, Drilla returns, and now the War Dogs mug Hiromu! But then Tsuji & Takagi return to run them off! The War Dogs egg them on and vice-versa, but then GABE KIDD runs in! He CLOBBERS Takagi, DECKS Tsuji, and the War Dogs beat up on LIJ! The fans boo but the War Dogs just keep stomping LIJ! Drilla stands Tsuji up for Finlay’s SHILLELAGH SHOT! Drilla gives Hiromu the DRILLA KILLA! Gabe hits Takagi with a PILEDRIVER! Drilla gets to hold on to the shillelagh so he can JAM Hiromu! Finlay gives Tsuji the OVERKILL!! The War Dogs stand tall over LIJ, but Finlay still gets the mic to talk.

“What have I been telling you people? I AM the Savage King! You all thought you saw cracks in my game, but that’s because I let you. You all thought you saw weakness in my War Dogs, but that’s because I let you. Time and time again, I have been steps ahead of everyone in this company. Time and time again, I have solved any problem that was put in our way. The only thing worse than fighting a man who knows how to hurt you is fighting a man who knows when. LIJ learned that tonight, didn’t they?” A young fan tells Finlay to shut up and the fans cheer the kid.

Finlay says you can strip him of championships, you can keep him from tournaments, but in the end, remember this: “HATE always finds a way!!” The Rebel has spoken, will he and his hateful War Dogs find a way to dominate all of NJPW whether we like it or not?

My Thoughts:

A great event for the Road to Wrestling Dontaku series. Great Six Man title match with Tanahashi’s team winning again, probably no more shots for House of Torture. Not really sure what House of Torture is supposed to do next, though. We’re seeing Narita go after Moxley and the IWGP World title, Jack Perry is technically back in AEW, Evil and Yujiro could try for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles but you know they’d lose to Bishamon. I’ve been thinking that House of Torture should join Jack in AEW for this stretch until Forbidden Door, have some interactions with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada or something like that.

Really fun Best of 5 series, and it was hilarious that Yota beat Gedo so easily. Great wins for Gabe and Takagi going into their NEVER Openweight Championship match. For a moment, I thought LIJ was winning, given how badly the War Dogs beat up Naito with the help of their new pal, Jake Lee, a former GHC Heavyweight Champion and a big name in Pro-Wrestling NOAH. But then in the end, Finlay found a way to win against Hiromu, keeping him strong as he probably moves up from midcard titles to world title. If we go by the math, Takagi should win the NEVER Openweight title match, but it’d feed Gabe’s story better if he did get the title.

As for Hiromu, he probably gets a strong showing in Best of the Super Juniors, but since his streak of tournament championships was broken, who knows if he gets another one or if he puts someone else over.