Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (2/5/19)

Drake Maverick gives us quite the surprise match tonight on 205 Live!

Published

6 years ago

February 6, 2019

The Cruiserweight Division’s newest star has made quite the impression, but the Submission Commission would like to guide his potential “the right way”.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mike Kanellis w/ Maria VS THE Brian Kendrick; Kendrick wins.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way; Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa VS Lio Rush VS Humberto Carrillo; Tozawa wins and will challenge Buddy Murphy for the title at the Elimination Chamber.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tonight, we determine the Cruiserweight Champion’s new challenger!

Drake Maverick sets up a big match for Elimination Chamber, but the Juggernaut has truly been unstoppable since getting the title back at Super Show-Down! Therefore, his new #1 contender will have to be the best of the best. That man will be the last man standing at the end of a Fatal 4 Way Elimination match! Cedric Alexander, Akira Tozawa, Lio Rush and even the newcomer, Humberto Carrillo, all get a shot in tonight’s major match.

The Man of the Hour deserves a spot because of his win-loss record, and how he’s even made an impact on Monday Night Raw. The 24 Year Old Piece of Gold has yet to hold gold, or even challenge the champion. Will his time finally come tonight?

Ultimo Ninja, Humberto Carrillo, impressed in his debut against the champion, but is obviously the biggest underdog tonight. Will Carrillo shock the world when he overcomes much more experienced opponents?

The Stamina Monster was part of the Cruiserweight Championship match at the Royal Rumble, but fell short of a second title reign. Tozawa wants to use the momentum of defeating Hideo Itami to get this win, but will he get a second chance at becoming a two-time champion?

The Soul of 205 Live, Cedric Alexander, may have hit a rough patch after facing Buddy Murphy, but he’s snapped back with his combination of strength and speed. Will the Age of Alexander survive to the end and get another shot at the title?

Mike Kanellis w/ Maria VS THE Brian Kendrick!

The #PowerOfLove didn’t quite help against the power of lucha libre last week. Mike lost to a former champion in Kalisto, but now he goes against another former champion in the Man with a Plan. Will Mike & Maria have a plan for Kendrick tonight? Or will Kendrick have a plan to counter their plan?

Maria again joins commentary, but Kendrick goes it alone as Tozawa has to prepare for his match later on. Aiden English asks Maria if tonight is a must-win scenario for them. Maria doesn’t consider last week as fair, Lucha House Party were all present. Of course, being present wasn’t a form of cheating, but that’s not really what matters to Maria. Mike and Kendrick tie up in the present and Kendrick gets the arm. Kendrick wrenches to a hammerlock but Mike slips through. Kendrick holds on and wrenches him back. Mike slips through to reverse the hold and then shift to a facelock. Kendirck works on his escape and gets the hammerlock back.

Kendrick goes to the headlock again but Mike pries his way out to one of his own. Mike grinds Kendrick, but Kendrick powers out. Mike runs Kendrick over and shouts “This is MY show!” He pie faces Kendrick but Kendrick throws a haymaker! Mike bails out while Kendrick dares him to come back. Maria checks on her husband and encourages him to get back in. Mike does but Kendrick throws forearms! Kendrick clotheslines Mike out of the ring! Maria again shows concern while Kendrick keeps on Mike. Kendrick goes to throw Mike into the announce desk, but Maria blocks his path. Mike elbows Kendrick away then gets back in the ring. Mike comes back out to kick Kendrick down then whip him at the post. Kendrick stops himself and mule kicks back. Kendrick grabs Mike, Sliced Bread becomes a back suplex from Mike!

Maria proudly cheers Mike on from commentary as Mike throws Kendrick into the post! Mike leaves Kendrick down and out and the count passes 5. Kendrick gets in at 8 but Mike stomps him out! Mike rains down rights then drags Kendrick up for a brain buster! Cover, TWO! Kendrick survives but Mike keeps his cool. Maria says one match doesn’t make a superstar a legend, it is THE match. Maria knows the day will come when Mike makes an impact. It may not be tonight, it may not be next week, but when “that” match happens, everyone will remember Mike Kanellis. But Kendrick powers out of the headlock, only for Mike to throw him down. Fans rally for Kendrick but Mike drags him up for a snapmare. Mike runs and basement dropkicks Kendrick out!

Mike glares down at Kendrick as the ring count starts again. Kendrick stirs and stands at 5, but Mike is on him. Kendrick drags Mike out but Mike kicks back. Mike tells the fans to shut up, but Kendrick reverses the whip to send him into a post! The ring count begins again and Kendrick heads for the ring. Mike flounders up at 6, gets in the ring at 8, but runs into Kendrick’s elbow. Kendrick boots Mike, then runs, but into Mike’s clothesline! Mike grits his teeth and slaps the fire back into himself. He drags Kendrick up and lifts Kendrick, but Kendrick slips out to the Captain’s Hook! Maria says Mike won’t tap so easily, and Mike’s wild eyes seem to show as much. Mike crawls forward and gets the ropebreak by a finger!

Kendrick lets go but comes back, only for Mike to put him on the apron. Kendrick shoulders and slingshots in, then SUPERKICKS and calf kicks! Cover, TWO! Mike survives and Kendrick grows frustrated. Kendrick grabs Mike agani, but Mike again denies Sliced Bread for his own SUPERKICK! Mike fireman’s carry, Samoan Driver! Cover, TWO! Both Mike and Maria are frustrated while Kendrick flounders to the corner. Mike pulls his own hair before putting Kendrick on the top rope. Mike chops Kendrick then brings Kendrick over as a backpack. Kendrick slips off and rolls Mike up, TWO! SPINEBUSTER from Mike! Cover, TWO!! Mike’s anger boils over, and he drags Kendrick up to drive elbow after elbow into his chest! Maria loves what she sees from her husband as Mike comes back to drive in more elbows.

Fans boo while the referee checks on Kendrick. Kendrick eggs Mike on! Mike boots him down! But Kendrick still eggs him on, so Mike boots him again. Mike grins as he runs again, for a third boot to Kendrick’s face! Mike drags Kendrick up, dragon sleeper to a spin, but Kendrick slips through to Sliced Bread!! Cover, Kendrick wins!

Winner: THE Brian Kendrick, by pinfall

Maria is beside herself! Mike had this in hand but it slipped through his fingers! But Mrs. Kanellis keeps Mr. Kanellis calm. Will they finally get “that” win on the Road to Wrestlemania?

Ariya Daivari speaks via Instagram.

“How many times did I have to be there for Hideo Itami?!” Match after match, opportunity after opportunity, and Itami kept blowing it! Daivari was the only man who had Itami’s back but Itami couldn’t get the job done! Itami just kept talking about “respect”. Screw respect! If you want something done, you gotta do it yourself. Will the Persian Lion take things into his own hands and grab a title opportunity of his own?

Tonight’s four contenders speak.

First, Lio Rush. “Who exactly is going to stop the Man of the Hour from winning tonight?” He’s 2-0 against Tozawa, and Carrillo isn’t even ready for this level of competition. As for “ol’ Ceddy”, the Age of Alexander is over. It’s time for Buddy Murphy to #FeelTheRush.

THE Brian Kendrick speaks for Tozawa when he says Tozawa has only begun to “scratch the surface” of his potential. No one gave him a chance against Itami, but Tozawa won. And he’ll do the same tonight. Tozawa smiles but Kendrick gets him to be serious. Tozawa points out he hasn’t had a 1v1 shot at Murphy, but he knows he can win. And he still smiles.

Then, Humberto Carrillo. He took Buddy Murphy to his limits in his 205 Live debut. And he learned a lot from that. Tonight, he will prove he’s capable of so much more when he wins. And then at the Elimination Chamber, he will become the new Cruiserweight Champion.

Last but not least, Cedric Alexander. “It was this time last year when I was running through the entire Cruiserweight Championship tournament on my way to winning the title at Wrestlemania.” He proved he was better than 15 other men, and tonight’s just there. Alexander built this division with his heart, tears and soul. He will not rest until he’s champion once again.

Drake Maverick argues with Drew Gulak & Jack Gallagher.

He already told them “No”, but the Submission Commission insists they be Carrillo’s corner men! No, no one gets to be ringside for anyone else in tonight’s main event. That includes Gulak & Gallagher accompanying Carrillo. Fine, but if Carrillo “starts going down the wrong path”, that’s on Maverick. That’s ridiculous. Gulak & Gallagher leave, and in walks Noam Dar. The Scottish Supernova is just fine, but he wants back in the ring. Against Tony Nese. No, Nese got suspended for the attack on Dar. Yes, but as a man, Dar wants to make it right. Dar will settle this, in or out of the ring. Maverick finds himself in a tuogh spot. If it has to happen, then it will be in the ring, and in a No Disqualification Match. Great choice, boss man. Dar will get the Premier Athlete with nothing holding them back, who wins this huge grudge match?

WWE Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way; Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa VS Lio Rush VS Humberto Carrillo!

Two great former champions and two bright shining stars, but only one man will make it to the end of the night! Who outlasts the competition to head on a collision course with the Cruiserweight Juggernaut?

The bell rings and the four men stare down. They slowly approach, but Lio trash talks his opponents. He beat Tozawa twice and has no idea who Carrillo even is. But Alexander points out that he beat Lio. Lio finds himself outnumbered right away, but he kicks at Tozawa. Tozawa flips Lio to the corner! Lio dodges Carrillo, then slides under Alexander. He also dodges Tozawa and bails out Lio avoids Carrillo and Tozawa, but then Alexander stops Lio with a glare. Tozawa DIVES and blasts Lio into the announce desk! Carrillo builds speed but Alexander disrupts his plans. They show off their speed and trade arm-drags. Alexander waistlocks but Carrillo gets ropes. Tozawa slingshots to sunset flip Alexander, causing Alexander to German Suplex Carrillo across the ring!

Fans applaud as things continue to be fast and furious. Tozawa huricanranas Alexander out and builds speed again, but Lio trips him up and drags him out. Lio DIVES on Alexander! Then he DIVES onto Tozawa! Lio gets back in the ring to shout, “This is MY time!” He spots Carrillo and handspring kicks him down. Lio rains rights and dares Carrillo to get up. He kicks the “trash” to a corner and CHOPS Carrillo! Lio snapmares and dropkicks Carrillo then dares him to get up again. Lio dropkicks Alexander away, because his time is over. Carrillo gets up and Lio dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Lio keeps his cool while Carrillo gets to a corner. Lio stomps Carrillo at the ropes then grinds a boot in. He backs off at 4 and stands Carrillo up. Carrillo counter punches, but walks into a kick.

Lio whips but Carrillo reverses. Lio redirects things and ducks a roundhouse, but not the enziguri! Tozawa leaps and missile dropkicks Carrillo out! Fans fire up with Tozawa as he goes after Lio. Lio rolls Tozawa, TWO! Lio lariats Tozawa right down! He stomps Tozawa then throws forearms. Lio whips but Tozawa reverses, only for Lio to sunset flip. Tozawa slips through and Penalty Kicks but Lio ducks that to roll him. ONE, spinning roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Lio grows frustrated but he also says it’s time. Lio climbs up while fans duel. Alexander returns but Lio fights him off. Lio aims and leaps, but has to roll through when Tozawa moves. Tozawa boots Lio away, then again. Alexander gets Lio with the Lumbar Check! Cover, Alexander ELIMINATES Lio! Seems this wasn’t Lio’s time.

There’s no time to rest, though, as Alexander gets up. Alexander goes after Carrillo but Carrill shoulders and slingshots for a sunset flip. Alexander rolls through and kicks but Carrillo ducks the mule kick. Carrillo fires off more kicks and an enziguri to rock Alexander. Tozawa runs but Carrillo dodges. Carrillo uses Alexander to acrobatically leap and arm-drag Tozawa! Alexander runs into Carrillo’s swing kick and Carrillo climbs quick. Carrillo leaps for a big missile dropkick! Reverse somersault moonsault! Cover, TWO! Carrillo almost had the former champ, but he keeps his focus. Carrillo drags Alexander up but Alexander resists the bomb. Tozawa runs to sunset flip Carrillo but Carrillo drags him up.

Carrillo lifts Tozawa but Tozawa huricanranas! Carrillo uses that to sunset flip Alexander! ONE and Alexander walks into Tozawa’s Shining Wizard! Alexander goes all the way out and Tozawa speeds up with Carrillo. Carrillo springboard enziguris Tozawa down! But Alexander leaps back in with a lariat! It wasn’t the best landing as Alexander clutches his knee. All three men are down but fans rally up. Each man gets to a side as they slowly stand. Alexander runs but into Carrillo’s boot. Tozawa runs in but Carrillo puts him on the apron. Carrillo puts Alexander on the apron, too, but Alexander rocks him with a right.

Tozawa rocks Alexander, then drags him up for more. They brawl from opposite sides of the corner, and then climb up. They keep throwing hands but Carrillo comes over to add on! Carrillo brings Alexander up but they all fight for control. Alexander and Tozawa work together to dump Carrillo down but then Alexander rocks Tozawa with a right. Carrillo trips Alexander up, and Alexander tumbles down corner and apron! Carrillo roundhouses Tozawa, then runs back, only for Tozawa to trip him up! Tozawa aims, leaps, SUPER SENTON! Cover, Tozawa ELIMINATES Carrillo! Ultimo Ninja did his best but it’s still too soon for him to be a contender. Now it’s down to the two former champions, who will get their shot at Buddy Murphy?

Tozawa catches his breath in the ring while Alexander drags himself up from the floor. Fans rally up as both men slowly stand. Alexander takes the elbow pads off and Tozawa takes out the mouth guard. They’re both getting serious to prove this is their time. And they both throw heavy forearms at the same time! And again! Alexander swings but Tozawa dodges. Tozawa tilt-o-whirls to the Octopus Stretch! Alexander keeps one arm powers out of the Octopus again, but Tozawa counters the tombstone into a victory roll! TWO! Alexander swings, Tozawa blocks, Tozawa lifts but Alexander slips around to a sunset flip! TWO, and they BOTH boot each other down! Fans fire up again while the referee checks on Tozawa and Alexander. Both men are okay to continue, and slowly crawl to ropes.

Alexander stands first and drags Tozawa up. Tozawa slips out of the back suplex but walks into a back kick. Alexander knee lifts and goes to back hand, but Tozawa dodges. Tozawa kicks, slides, fakes and JABS! Alexander wobbles but reverses the whip to hit the back elbow. Alexander handsprings, but into a German Suplex! And then another! Bridging cover, TWO!! Alexander lives and Tozawa is too tired to be frustrated. Tozawa gets himself up and heads for a corner. Alexander anchors a foot but Tozawa stomps away! Tozawa scrapes Alexander into the drop zone then climbs up. Alexander rolls out of the ring, but Tozawa joins him on the apron.

Tozawa drags Alexander up and throws hands, then another boot. Tozawa stands Alexander again, wanting a suplex, but Alexander blocks. Alexander fights back and shoves Tozawa, to STO him on the apron! Alexander puts Tozawa in, drags him up, snap Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO!! Tozawa lives and shocks all of Washington! Alexander’s eyes are wide in shock but Tozawa’s are wide in a daze. Fans rally with “AH! AH!” for Tozawa but Alexander sneers. Alexander stomps Tozawa, then even tears at his wrist tape. Alexander stomps Tozawa more as his frustration boils up. He drags Tozawa up, Lumbar Check but Tozawa slips out. Alexander tries again but Tozawa flails about. They go around, Tozawa fights, REVERSE-RANA! Alexander’s in the drop zone and fans fire up as Tozawa climbs again. ANOTHER SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Tozawa WINS!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall; new #1 contender

The Stamina Monster proves himself worthy of the name! He outlasts three other great Cruiserweights, and truly triumphs! Tozawa gets another shot at the Cruiserweight Championship, and it will be the long-awaited 1v1 opportunity against Buddy Murphy. Murphy congratulates Tozawa via the titantron for beating three of the best. Now Tozawa can try to stop the unstoppable. Murphy assures Tozawa he won’t be looking past him, but he’ll definitely run through him! Murphy vows to go to Wrestlemania and solidify his legacy as the greatest ever. Will Murphy back up his bold claim? Or will Tozawa prove it’s not about stopping the unstoppable, but about outlasting him?

My Thoughts:

This was the episode 205 Live needed to really kick things up a notch for both themselves and WWE’s week so far. We get surprised with that big main event, and the only gripe with it was I wish it could’ve been longer because it was so great. We get an opening match of Kendrick and the Kanellises, and I’m surprised Mike lost again. His rage is subdued by Maria, but I’m wondering if he’ll ever snap and just brutalize his opponent no matter what she says. Maria on commentary helped frame this story a bit, this won’t be about one win or even several wins, but about a big win. If Mike finally wins and against a big name like Cedric Alexander, that really will mean more than just snapping his losing streak.

Also glad to hear Dar VS Nese is happening, though not at all when I expected. I’m thinking with No Disqualifications, Nese could still win. But because Nese won their first match weeks ago, I feel like Dar needs to win, and the No DQs will help him make up for Nese being the bigger and stronger superstar. Honestly, I was surprised story things didn’t bring them into this main event Fatal 4 we got. I expected this Fatal 4 to be all the stars who haven’t gotten a shot in the last six months, so it’d be Nese VS Dar VS Rush VS Carrillo. But Alexander and Tozawa were obviously great in the main event the way it happened, because they’re both incredible.

It’s great for Carrillo to have not been first eliminated, and it can feed into a segment with Gulak & Gallagher talking to him about the “right” wrestling style. If things go the way I expect them to, Carrillo will need a tag partner to help against the Submission Commission. Hopefully that brings Raul Mendoza back to 205 Live, as he and Carrillo had formed as a tag team on NXT. Another high-flyers VS ground grapplers tag feud would be great for Carrillo and Mendoza, even though those tag titles seem almost dead before ever becoming a thing. But back to Alexander and Tozawa, I am really surprised but also very happy to see it’s Tozawa getting his 1v1 shot. With the momentum Tozawa has been getting in singles matches, I wonder if he wins to show Murphy up. Probably not, because Kushida is likely still the one to dethrone him.

My Score: 8.4/10

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Related Topics:205 Live Coverage Featured Featured Coverage Humberto Carrillo WWE

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/26/25)

So c’mon, baby, just jam for me!

Published

40 minutes ago

April 26, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Get wild and lose your mind! Take that thing into overtime!

The NBA Playoffs are going, but AEW is ready to ball with a Playoff Palooza! But will FTR be humbled after another Collision with Roddy & Kyle?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Blake Christian w/ Lee Johnson; wins.
AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator: Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Queen Aminata; wins and
Tornado Tag: Top Flight VS CRU; wins.
ROH World Championship: Bandido VS Dralistico; wins and
Anna Jay VS ???
FTR VS Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly; win(s).

PLAY BY PLAY

Swerve Strickland is here!

UNO Lakefront Arena is whose house? SWERVE’S HOUSE! And while he helped Kenny Omega & The Opps run off The Death Riders on Wednesday, The Realest is here to keep that edge of his sharp. Swerve grabs a mic, but before he can say anything, The Young Bucks make their way out here! Nicholas Jackson has the mic, and he says, “First of all, shut the F up! And show some respect for your EVPs, your Founding Fathers!” Matthew apologizes for Nick being a hothead, but he also “apologizes” to Swerve for interrupting “whatever the hell this was going to be. But I don’t think these people here wanted to listen to what you have to say anyway.”

The fans boo because that’s not true. But Matt says he knows Swerve is scheduled for a match later tonight, and well, The Bucks were in the back, and they’ve pulled a few strings. In fact, they bumped him up a bit! In fact, Swerve’s match is going to happen right here and now! Let’s get the ref out here, hopefully Swerve can move around in those sweet leather pants! Nana is upset but Swerve figured this would happen. Nick introduces Swerve’s opponent, Blake Christian! The Vanilla Babyface thanks The EVPs for this, and then he and “Big Shotty” Lee Johnson go to the ring. Will Swerve be able to win even without time to prepare?

Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Blake Christian w/ Lee Johnson!

About Chairshot Radio Network

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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Redzone Results & Report! (4/26/25)

The tag titles are up for grabs!

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Is there about to be a shocker in Hiroshima?

Jeff Cobb’s departure leaves a huge void, namely with the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Will the United Empire take those back and carry on in his stead? Or is Hirooki Goto about to become a DOUBLE Heavyweight Champion?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Katsuya Murashima VS Daiki Nagai; Murashima wins.
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Hontai wins.
Clark Connors & Taiji Ishimori VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
Six Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo & Jado VS The United Empire; Hontai wins.
Yuya Uemura & Shota Umino VS Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi; Tsuji & Takagi win.
Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Taichi & Ishii win.
Vacant IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Bishamon VS Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan; Callum & Khan win and are the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!

While the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships are on the line in the main event, the line of contenders is already forming! Will the unlikely duo of Holy Emperor & Stone Pitbull be one to watch out for? Or can the former champions make things tranquilo once again?

The fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” already while he puts his entrance attire aside. With the pants put aside, Naito and Hiromu LIJ fist bump. Naito then steps up to Taichi! The fans cheer and rally even harder for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Taichi circle slowly, then they tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. The fans rally while the two are in a deadlock. Naito manages to put Taichi on the ropes, but Taichi turns it around. Naito turns it back around but then so does Taichi. The ref counts, the two slowly let go, and Taichi pats Naito on the shoulders. But then Naito SPITS at Taichi! Taichi runs up, Naito dodges, and tranquilo!

The fans cheer while Taichi is annoyed. Taichi grabs Naito’s hand, KICKS him in the back again and again, then stomps him down. Tag to Ishii and they get Naito up. They double whip Naito but Naito grabs the ropes! Ishii runs up, Naito BOOTS him, then Naito dodges Taichi! Hiromu joins in, TENDEDERO! Ishii runs up, Hiromu & Naito let him go past, and then Hiromu whips Naito to RAM Ishii! Hiromu then gives Naito a boost to RANA! Ishii tumbles, but comes back, into TENDEDERO! The fans cheer and Hiromu thanks them. Hiromu then CHOPS Ishii to a corner, and Naito helps double whip corner to corner.

Hiromu runs in, Ishii dodges, and Ishii CLOBBERS Naito! Hiromu runs up again, but Ishii sends him into Taichi’s RIDGE HAND! Ishii runs and CLOBBERS Hiromu! The fans cheer and Taichi gives Naito a stomp before he exits. Ishii waits on Naito, kicks him around, eggs him on, and the fans rally again. Naito rises up, Ishii slaps him around, but Naito fires forearms. Ishii just leans into them! Ishii corners Naito like that, even as Naito fires more and more forearms. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Naito SPITS, so Ishii CHOPS and ROCKS him over and over! Naito still SPITS, so Ishii CHOPS again!

Taichi tags in, he stomps Naito, then snapmares Naito for a KICK! Naito writhes but Taichi paces. The fans rally and Naito rises up, but Taichi gives him some mocking kicks. Taichi taunts the fans while they rally up more. Naito stands to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Taichi wrenches to HOOK KICK Naito down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Ishii and the fans continue to rally, “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Ishii drags Naito up, taunts Hiromu, then reels Naito in. Naito fights the suplex, so Ishii ROCKS him and tries again. Naito knees free of the suplex, but Ishii ROCKS him! Naito ELBOWS, Ishii runs, but Naito dropkicks the legs out!

The fans cheer while both men are down. Ishii and Naito crawl, hot tag to Hiromu! Hiromu fires forearms, whips, but Ishii reverses, only for Hiromu to RANA! Taichi runs in, Hiromu dodges and kicks him to then whip him at Ishii! Taichi stops short, but Hiromu SHOTGUNS Taichi into Ishii! Hiromu runs to LARIAT, snapmare, and basement DROPKICK Ishii! The fans fire up behind “HI-RO-MU!” and Hiromu cocky covers, TWO! Ishii is annoyed already but Hiromu eggs him on. Ishii CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth, echoing out every time! CHOP after CHOP after CHOP, they’re almost thudding more than popping!

The fans fire up as Ishii eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS in return! Hiromu eggs Ishii on and the CHOPS keep going! Hiromu mockingly asks if this is what a heavyweight has! Ishii and Hiromu CHOP and CHOP and CHOP again, but Hiromu wobbles! The fans fire up as he grins and comes back. Ishii CHOPS, Hiromu roars to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Ishii roars, Hiromu CHOPS, and now Ishii wobbles! Ishii grits his teeth to stay standing, but Hiromu CHOPS again! Ishii drops to a knee!! The fans are thunderous for this feat, and Hiromu says here we go!

Hiromu reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the suplex! Ishii wrenches, Hiromu breaks free, but Ishii blocks the superkick! Hiromu SWATS Ishii’s lariat away but Ishii ducks Hiromu’s SAIDO! But Hiromu’s right up!? Hiromu dodges and suplexes high and hard! But Ishii’s right up! Ishii dodges a kick, Hiromu dodges a lariat, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! But Ishii comes back to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ishii and Hiromu stir, Ishii crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up on Hiromu but Hiromu is deadweight! The ref checks with Hiromu and the fans rally up. Taichi sits Hiromu up to KICK! The fans fire up, and Hiromu sits up again.

Taichi KICKS Hiromu, and he eggs Hiromu on. The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” but Taichi KICKS again! Taichi eggs Hiromu on, he eggs the fans on, and he tells Hiromu to fight. Hiromu rises up and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up as Taichi backs away to a corner! Hiromu runs up, Taichi dodges, GAMANGIRI! Ishii BLASTS Naito off the apron then goes out after him. Ishii whips, but Naito reverses, and Ishii hits the railing! But Taichi says OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up and Taichi takes aim. Hiromu rises, Taichi powers up, but Hiromu LARIATS first! Hiromu reels Taichi in, Taichi fights free to fire RIDGE HAND CHOPS!

Taichi spins, Hiromu ducks the backhand, and Hiromu reels Taichi in! FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu crawls, hot tag to Naito! Hiroshima fires up again as Naito CLUBS and KICKS Taichi! Naito whips, ELBOWS, then basement DROPKICKS! Naito hurries to get Taichi back up, turn him, and NECKBREAKER! Naito poses and the fans cheer him on. Cover, TWO! Naito stays cool while the fans continue to rally. Naito stands Taichi up for those heavy elbows! Taichi just URAKENS! Naito wobbles, but he comes back with the heavy elbows! Taichi staggers back into a corner but Naito storms over to him.

Naito goes up the corner, brings Taichi up, and reels him in for ESPERANZA! The fans rally up as Naito goes back to the corner. Naito waits on Taichi, but Ishii CLOBBERS him! Hiromu SHOTGUNS Ishii! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Taichi, Naito runs up, CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, ISHII BREAKS IT! Just barely in time! But Hiromu hoists Ishii up, TIMEBOMB 1.5! Naito & Hiromu coordinate and they get Taichi up! Hiromu helps out with the TORNADO DDT!! Taichi tumbles, Naito hurries to bring him back up, and he wrenches to tilt-o-whirl, but Taichi blocks Destino! Hiromu SHOTGUNS Taichi into the REVERSE DDT!! Cover, TWO!!

Taichi survives as it wasn’t quite Destino, but Naito says he’ll finish it now! Hiromu has Ishii on the outside, but Taichi takes a swing! Naito dodges, Naito takes a swing, but the DANGEROUS SAIDO finds him! Hiromu is after Taichi, fireman’s carries, but Ishii runs in! Hiromu ROCKS Ishii, Ishii ROCKS Hiromu! Hiromu gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ishii rises, but Hiromu dodges, SNAP GERMAN! Ishii rises again?! And then he dodges Hiromu to SNAP GERMAN! But Hiromu rises!! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, Ishii stays up! Ishii runs, but HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER hits! But Ishii’s back up, and he LARIATS!

Hiromu staggers into Ishii’s suplex, but Hiromu COUNTER DDTS!! Everyone is down and the fans are thunderous as we hit 15 minutes! The fans rally as Hiromu looks to Naito. Hiromu and Ishii roll out of the ring, and Naito rises. Taichi roars, and he aims, but Naito dodges the superkick! ROLLING KICK! Suplex for VALENTIA!! Naito then drags Taichi up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirl, DEST- EMERALD FLOWSION?!? Ishii then adds a SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii goes out to get Hiromu, Taichi hits the BUZZSAW!! Cover, HIROMU BREAKS IT!! Ishii chases after Hiromu, TOSSES him back out, and Taichi drags Naito up!

Taichi fires up, the fans fire up, DANGEROUS SAIDO BRIDGE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito survives and Hiroshima is erupting! Taichi snarls and vows to end this! Taichi reels Naito in for the Alabama Lift but Naito fights it! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Taichi! And SUPERKICKS Ishii! And HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER for Taichi!! The fans are thunderous again as Naito & Hiromu coordinate. Hiromu fireman’s carries, Taichi slips free, but Hiromu standing switches. Naito runs up but Taichi BOOTS him! Taichi ELBOWS Hiromu, then runs up on Naito! Naito dodges to use the ropes, TORNADO CRADLE!! TWO!!!

Taichi escapes, Hiromu is back, AX BOMBER!! TENSHO JUJIHOU for Naito!!! Taichi crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!! Naito barely gets that arm up, but Taichi Alabama Lifts him! Ishii UPPERCUTS Naito before helping adding on, BLACK MEPHISTO BRAINBUSTER COMBO!! Ishii then holds Hiromu down while Taichi gets Naito back up, BLACK MEPHISTO PROPER!!! Cover, Taichi & Ishii win!!

Winners: Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall

Hiromu is devastated, but Naito’s last NJPW match in Hiroshima is a defeat! It was an epic battle, and Taichi shows Naito the proper respect. The fans cheer, and the emotion is clear on Naito’s face. Hiromu helps Naito up, and the fans cheer Naito on. Hiromu adorns Naito with his LIJ baseball cap, and offers the fist bump. The fans cheer Naito on, and also Bushi as he joins the others in the ring. Bushi joins in with the fist bump, and though he struggles to stand, Naito also joins in. The fans cheer as the ungovernable spirit is still strong. Will those burning tears of frustration give way to tears of joy knowing they’re going all out until the very end?

Vacant IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Bishamon VS Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan!

Hirooki Goto knows he will defend his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against the Prince of Pace at Wrestling Dontaku. But this detour into Wrestling Redzone sees Callum fighting to reclaim the tag titles now that Jeff Cobb is leaving NJPW. Will the Dominator help Callum while also making himself a double champion? Or will the only double champion be the man who puts the G in IWGP?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and one way or another, we will have new champions!

The teams sort out and both Goto and Callum step up. The fans cheer this appetizer for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and rally behind “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Callum and Goto circle, feel things out, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Goto powers Callum to the ropes, Red Shoes calls the break, and Goto lets off with a pat on the shoulders. The fans applaud, Callum brushes himself off, and the two reset. They tie up again, are in a deadlock, but Callum fights a point of leverage to put Goto on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, and Callum lets off to pat Goto on the shoulder. Then he CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!

Callum whips, Goto reverses, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT! The fans cheer, and Callum sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! Callum drags Goto up, bumps him off buckles, and he tags in Khan. Khan runs to BLAST Yoshi-Hashi, then he fires forearms on Goto. Khan CHOPS Goto at the ropes, then runs, but Hashi slides in! Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZANMAI! Callum steps in but Goto kicks low! Goto snap suplexes Callum onto Khan, then Goto kicks Callum out of the ring. Hashi brings Khan up, Goto joins in, “SE~ NO!” They beat the WAR DRUM! The fans cheer, and Goto stomps Khan.

Goto eggs Callum on, stomps Khan more, then whips. Khan reverses, he grabs Goto’s leg, and Callum runs in! Callum SWEEPS Goto’s leg, Khan BLASTS Hashi, and the fans cheer! Callum steps on Goto as he exits, and Khan drags Goto up. Khan hits the fireman’s carry takeover, then he drags Goto up for a MONKEY FLIP! Khan drags Goto up again to SAYANAGI! Khan then has a cocky cover, but Red Shoes isn’t about those. Khan shifts right into a KATAGATAME! Goto endures the head ‘n’ arm triangle as Khan puts all his weight on the hold! Goto reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go, but he drags Goto by an arm to tag in Callum.

Callum stomps Goto down, then paces. Callum drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Callum KNEES low! Callum CLUBS Goto, then has him on the ropes. Callum UPPERCUTS Goto, then brings him out to KICK him down! Cover, ONE! Goto is tougher than that and the fans applaud. Callum drags Goto back up, whips him into the Empire’s corner hard, and Goto falls to the mat! Tag to Khan, he drags Goto up, and gives him Mongolian Chops! And more Mongolian Chops! Then he feints so he can UPPERCUT! The fans applaud, and Khan has Goto in the corner so he can sit on his throne!

The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Khan pulls Goto’s arms back! Red Shoes counts, Khan hops down, and Khan brings Goto around to Mongolian Chops! Cover, TWO! Goto is still in this but Khan BLASTS Hashi off the apron! Red Shoes reprimands but Khan scuffs Goto. Khan eggs Goto on, then kicks him! Goto eggs Khan on, so Khan kicks again! And again! Goto CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Khan Mongolian Chops! Khan whips, Goto reverses, and Goto runs up, but into a BOOT! Khan runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto and Khan crawl, hot tag to Hashi!

Hashi runs to CLOBBER Khan, then BLAST Callum! Khan kicks and whips, but Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Hashi turns Khan for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi runs to LARIAT Khan in the corner! Hashi goes up and leaps for the BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but the fans rally for Hashi. Hashi drags Khan up, but Khan CHOPS! Khan ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, then Mongolian Chops! But Hashi spins to CHOP! Khan sputters, but Hashi CHOPS again! Khan wobbles and flails, but Hashi winds up and CHOPS, but Khan blocks! Mongolian Chop! But Hashi mule kicks!

Hasih runs, but into a SAYANAGI! Khan drags Hashi up, Hashi breaks free, but Khan blocks the lariat to wrench and HITSUJIGOROSHI! Hashi endures, but Khan hooks him up for the FLATLINER! And then the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Hashi up for the ELIMIN- NO, Hashi counters with a DDT!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally as both men crawl, hot tags to Callum and Goto! They RAM shoulders, then they fire off forearms! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Then harder and harder! Callum roars, fires a flurry, and he winds up, but Goto catches him! Spin and URA GTR!

Goto runs to run Callum over! Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Callum whips, Goto reverses to fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans rally for Goto while he stalks Callum. Goto roars and powers up, and Callum sits up into the BUZZSAW! Goto drags Callum up to fireman’s carry again, G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives, the fans fire up, and Goto is right on Callum again! Goto dragon sleepers, but Callum drops down to victory roll, TWO! Goto ducks a kick, Callum elbows the waistlock away, then runs. DOUBLE LARIATS collide, and Callum staggers, but he and Goto both growl! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum slumps against Goto!

The fans fire up as Goto brings Callum up. Goto runs, but Callum ROUNDHOUSES!! Both men are down and the fans fire up more! Goto and Callum crawl now, though a bit dazed. Hot tag to Hashi and he runs past Callum to BLAST Khan! Hashi suplexes, for the HEAD BUSTER! And then the METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives but Hashi fires up again! Hashi drags Callum up, half nelsons then pump handles, but Callum fights free! Hashi ducks a roundhouse to LARIAT! Cover, Khan breaks it! Goto kicks Khan, fires forearms, but Khan swings! Goto ducks, Hashi mule kicks, and they hook Khan up, GOTO GO TO HUNTER!

The fans fire up, Bishamon storms up on Callum, but Callum fires CHOP after CHOP on them! Callum runs, but into a clinch! Goto fireman’s carries, FIERCE FLASH!! Hashi calls for the end, Bishamon hooks Callum up, but Callum fights free! Callum ELBOWS Goto, dodges Hashi, then springboards, DOUBLE OS- NO, Goto catches Callum! Hashi is back in, but Khan SUPERMAN PUNCHES him! Khan fireman’s carries Goto, Callum runs up, IMPERIAL DROP!! Big shoutout to Henare and Cobb, and the fans fire up again! Callum drags Hashi up and he feeds him to Khan. Callum runs, but Hashi fights free!

Hashi shoves Khan at Callum, Callum gets Khan out of the way, but the HIDDEN GAP finds him! Hashi sends Callum at Khan now, knocking Khan down! Hashi then rolls Callum up, TWO! Hashi has the full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! But Khan LARIATS Hashi!! Khan shouts to Callum that they have this now, and the fans fire up! Khan drags Hashi into the fireman’s carry, but gets EASY PICKINGS! But Callum V-TRIGGERS Hashi! Hashi is up, Callum dodges him to OSCUTTER!! And then BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, THE EMPIRE WINS!!

Winners: Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

“The Prince’s Curse” seals the deal, and now Callum brings all that gold into the ring, even Goto’s world title! Will Goto have to be much more careful when it’s 1v1 at Wrestling Dontaku? Or will he #GetBackUp and #TurnItAllAround?

As for the Empire, Callum puts the world title on Goto’s shoulder, knowing they fight for it in just 8 days’ time. But before Callum & Khan can say anything on the mic, Taichi & Ishii make their way back out here! Taichi grabs the mic and he tells Callum, “Hey young ‘un. Don’t think just because you beat Goto & Hashi, this is a changing of the guard, ya bastard. Who’s quitting? Who’s leaving? With me and Ishii still here, NJPW hasn’t changed a bit. We will be at the center of New Japan, we will be here for the fans, and we will take those belts!” The fans like the sound of that!

Taichi also points out he and Ishii just beat the 2024 World Tag League winners, the former champions, Naito & Hiromu, so they’re deserving of the next shot. He dares Callum to accept the challenge! The fans really like the sound of that! Khan takes the mic and he says, “Two old farts with no future. Such a shame. Well, we will give our senpai a chance. Any time you want, we’ll take you on.” The fans cheer as this showdown is now on the books! When and where will Taichi & Ishii look to reestablish themselves in NJPW?

After Taichi & Ishii head back out, Callum takes the mic to say, “Hold on a moment, please. It’s very hot.” Callum also apologizes, Japanese is very hard for him, so is English okay? The fans applaud and Callum says arigato. Now in English, Callum says, “I’ve seen everything. Anything anyone has got to say about me against Goto. And if you think for one second, I’m gonna listen to anyone that thinks I don’t have a fighting chance at being the next IWGP Champion, then in Fukuoka, none of you are gonna believer your eyes of what The Prince of Pace, Callum Newman, is gonna do!” The fans cheer that!

Callum tells Goto that he has looked up to Goto for years, Goto is one of the best in NJPW. But guess what? In Fukuoka, Callum is not only going to be IWGP Tag Champion, he will be the NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! The fans cheer, and Khan is given the mic back. “We (the royal ‘we’) are the first ever TV and IWGP Tag Champion, and Callum will be the first IWGP World heavyweight and Tag Champion. Bow down, peasants of Hiroshima!” The fans cheer, and Khan continues, “What happened in this Goto Revolution? Nothing! While these old farts are trying to hang on to the spotlight, the revolutionaries are putting in the work, isn’t that right?”

The fans applaud more, and Khan says, “It’s the new that will lead the way for NJPW. It’s Francesco Akira, Templario, Callum Newman, and Great-O-Khan. It’s the power of the United Empire. BOW DOWN!” Akira & Templario join Callum & Khan in throwing up the crowns. Will no one be able to stop them from completely conquering NJPW?

My Thoughts:

A great event for NJPW as they take a detour on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, especially as Dontaku marks the last date for Naito & Bushi. That tag match of Naito & Hiromu VS Taichi & Ishii was great, and the energy from the crowd was awesome. But given Naito is on his way out, it makes sense he puts Taichi & Ishii over. Seeing Naito get emotional there was a great shot, and we know just how much this all means to him. Great main event for the tag titles, and great win for Callum & Khan. Taichi & Ishii already calling their shot was good, and it made for good stuff in the closing promo.

Goto VS Callum is going to be great, but sorry, maybe I’m one of the naysayers right now. It would be pretty awesome if Callum & Khan became a Two Man Power Trip, but I’m not sure NJPW likes funneling a lot of titles through not just one faction, but through just two guys. One way or another, Khan is a Double Champion and they can play the double header aspect up with him plenty, I don’t think there needs to be a double double header where Callum has to worry about both the tag titles and the world title.