Will The United Empire conquer NJPW?

With Great-O-Khan & Henare leading B Block, could Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman solidify The United Empire’s dominance in World Tag League?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Daiki Nagai; Kato wins.
• Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
• Six Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• Six Man Tag: TMDK VS The United Empire; TMDK wins.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima; LIJ wins.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Zayne & Taguchi win.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; Gabe & Sanada win.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Kenta & Chase win.
• World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Takagi & Tsuji win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings!

Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 3-1, 6 points
Bishamon: 3-1, 6 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 2-2, 4 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 2-2, 4 points
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 2-2, 4 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 2-2, 4 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 1-3, 2 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-3, 2 points

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!

Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi won a mighty main event just last round, but they have to keep fighting if they want to have that four-peat. Will the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter make sure its lights out to open the fifth? Or will the Funky Sauce stay hot from their first win period?

The teams sort out and Goto starts against Taguchi. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Taguchi offers a handshake, Goto skips it, and the two circle. The two tie up, and Goto powers Taguchi to ropes. The ref counts the break, Goto lets off with pats on the shoulder, and the fans applaud. Goto and Taguchi reset, circle, and tie up again. Taguchi tries but Goto is the one who powers him to ropes. Taguchi turns things around, but he lets off cleanly. The fans applaud and Taguchi again offers the handshake. Goto thinks about it, and accepts it. But Taguchi kicks low after all! And then he fires forearms and kicks!

Taguchi runs, Hashi hops in, and Bishamon runs Taguchi over! Zayne runs in, Goto kicks and suplexes him onto Taguchi! Hashi brings Taguchi up, “SE~ NO!” DRUM BEAT! The fans cheer while Hashi flexes. Goto stomps Taguchi, drags him up, and CLUBS him down. Goto stands Taguchi up again to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Goto brings Taguchi up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Hashi. Goto stomps Taguchi down, then Hashi adds on. Hashi brings Taguchi up but Taguchi fires a body shot! And another! Taguchi fires forearms but Hashi ROCKS Taguchi in return! Hashi then stands Taguchi up to CHOP him down! Cover, TWO!

Hashi looms over Taguchi, then brings him up. Hashi CLUBS Taguchi, BLASTS Zayne off the apron, then Hashi drags Taguchi up. Taguchi fires body shots and CHOPS! Taguchi CHOPS but Hashi ROCKS and CHOPS Taguchi down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Hashi tags Goto. Bishamon splits the wishbone! Taguchi writhes but Goto has a leg for a standing toehold. Goto pushes the legs as far apart as he can! Taguchi endures being opened up, and he fights around to reach for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Goto lets go, and then Goto stomps Taguchi’s legs. Goto brings Taguchi up but Taguchi fires CHOPS!

Goto knees low, waistlocks, but Taguchi switches! Goto elbows free, runs, but Taguchi follows to HIP- NO, Goto catches Taguchi! Taguchi fires elbows, fakes the run, and he HIP ATTACKS Goto! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi rolls hot tag to Zayne! Zayne whips Goto, HIP TOSSES and MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up and Zayne BLASTS Hashi! Zayne hauls Goto up to suplex, but Goto fights it! Goto suplexes but Zayne fights it! They fight for control, and it’s Zayne who suplexes up and over! The fans rally up as Zayne brings Goto around. Zayne fires elbow after elbow, then mule kicks!

Zayne runs, but Goto avoids the rolling ax kick! Zayne avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Goto and EDDY GORDO KICK! The fans fire up as Zayne and Goto go to corners. Zayne runs in but Goto BOOTS him! Zayne tries again, Goto dodges, and Goto keeps moving. Zayne kicks Goto first, and ROLLING AX KICKS! Cover, TWO! Zayne brings Goto up and fires forearms! And CHOPS! Zayne ROCKS Goto, whips him corner to corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs in but Zayne BOOTS! Zayne runs, Goto follows and LARIATS! Zayne stays up to ENZIGIRI! Zayne runs, into a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI!

Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Zayne and Goto crawl, hot tags to Taguchi and Hashi! Hashi CHIOSP the hip attack! And then SPANKS Taguchi! And SPANKS again! and again! Taguchi ends up in a corner but Hashi whips corner to corner. Hashi runs up but Taguchi BOOTS! Taguchi goes up, and he catches Hashi for the DEADLY HIP SHADE! Then RUNNING HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi covers, TWO! Hashi stays in this but Taguchi watches him go to ropes. Taguchi runs up to HIP ATTACK! Taguchi keeps moving, HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes again, Hashi turns away, but Taguchi slides out! APRON HIP!

The fans fire up again and Taguchi aims from the apron. Taguchi fires up, climbs the corner, but then just hops down. Hashi LARIATS Taguchi down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives but Hashi drags him up. Taguchi is a ragdoll but Hashi still stands him up. Hashi scoops, Taguchi slips free to waistlock, but Hashi RAMS Taguchi into a corner! Goto runs up to LARIAT! Hashi adds a CHOP! Then Hashi feeds Taguchi to a kick! Goto clinches, Hashi runs, GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Goto TOSSES Zayne then stands Taguchi up. Hashi calls their shot, and he has the legs! But Zayne LEAP FROG DROPKICKS Goto!

Taguchi tucks Hashi to a cover! TWO!! Hashi escapes but Taguchi fires a flurry of forearms! Hashi ROCKS Taguchi, Taguchi ROCKS Hashi, and then Taguchi fires another flurry! Hashi spins to CHOP! Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up and Taguchi hurries to reel Hashi in. But Hashi suplexes first! Zayne runs up, Hashi ducks and traps Zayne for Goto to LARIAT! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX from Hashi! Taguchi fires forearms and CHOPS on Bishamon! Then HIP ATTACK, CHOP, and Taguchi runs! Hashi dodges and Taguchi lands on Goto’s knee! Not quite a Hidden Gap but close enough! And then Hashi SUPERKICKS Taguchi down!

Taguchi goes to a corner, Goto runs up to LARIAT! Hashi runs up to LARIAT! Hashi hoists Taguchi up and Goto climbs, but Zayne anchors Goto! Taguchi drags Hashi down to a Gedo Clutch 2.0! Cover, FUNKY SAUCE WINS?!?

Winner: Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Bishamon earns 0)

Now this is a shocker! Hashi can’t believe he got caught like that, but Zayne & Taguchi still show respect offering handshakes. Bishamon says well-played, and they accept the handshakes. But will the four-peat now be jeopardy after letting their guard down? Or can Goto & Hashi #TurnItAllAround?

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!

These two teams are 2-2, but “The Kokeshi Brothers” fell while The War Dogs are on the rise! Will Shota & Honma rebound from last round? Or will The Mad Man & Cold Blooded be able to stay on the same page?

Well, Sanada makes his way out, and then Gabe trails behind. Is this a sign that even last round’s win hasn’t really patched things up? The teams sort out and then the War Dogs just attack! Gabe goes after Shota, Sanada tosses Honma, and the bell rings to put this on record. Gabe CHOPS Shota, Sanada CLAWS Honma’s back, and Gabe talks trash about “Mr. Tokyo Dome Main Eventer.” Gabe stands Shota up but Shota fires off forearms! The fans fire up as Shota headlocks, but Gabe powers out. They RAM shoudlers, then Gabe kicks low to headlock. Shota powers up and out, they RAM shoulders again, and then Shota ROCKS Gabe!

Shota runs, RAMS Gabe, Gabe ROCKS Shota and runs! They RAM, run, RAM, and then fire forearms! They both roar, then Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe soaks up the heat, whips Shota corner to corner, but Shota comes back to CLOBBER Gabe! Shota BLASTS Sanada for good measure, then storms over to Gabe. Shota tags Honma and they double whip Gabe to ropes. Honma ELBOWS Gabe down, Shota basement DROPKICKS, and Honma ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Honma fires up and runs, KOKESHI FLOP as Gabe moves! Sanada BLASTS Shota, Gabe TOSSES Honma, and Sanada CLAWS Shota’s back!

Gabe goes out to bring Shota around while Sanada goes back for Honma. Gabe whips Shota hard into railing, then brings him through the gate to go to the back of the arena. Wait, now they’re going upstairs?! Media crew tries to keep up as Gabe beats up on Shota and brings him to the upper level! Meanwhile, Sanada has Honma slumped over chairs! And he SMACKS him with a fan’s drink! Wait, a camera has kept up with Shota and Gabe, and they’re brawling along that balcony area! Shota ROCKS Gabe but Gabe SMACKS Shota! Shota staggers around, Gabe brings him up, and throws him into a wall!

Shota falls over, Gabe leaves him behind, and Sanada keeps beating up Honma among the crowd. Sanada has another drink, and he SMACKS Honma with it! Honma staggers towards ringside while the ring count starts. Gabe is holding up one of the WTL trophies! He better be careful not to jinx himself and Sanada. The count reaches 10 of 20 while Gabe says these trophies are coming home with him. Sanada beats up on Honma more and we hit 15. Honma flounders at 17, but he slides in at 19! Gabe is already there waiting, and he drags Honma up to CHOP! Honma wobbles but he stays up. Gabe CHOPS him again!

Honma hits back from the ropes but Gabe eggs him on. Honma CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Gabe BITES Honma on the forehead! The ref reprimands so Gabe stops and CHOPS! Gabe taunts “Shooter” from afar, then tags Sanada. Shota has made it back down to ground level and Honma fights Sanada, only for Gabe to whip Shota hard into railing, right in front of commentary! Gabe snarls while Sanada has Honma down with a standing toehold. Sanada lets go to then bring Honma up, and he bumps Honma off buckles. Gabe tags in and tells Sanada not to get mad at him about it. They DOUBLE SUPLEX- NO, HOnma fights free!

Honma CLUBS Gabe, sends Sanada into him, then clinches Sanada. Honma kicks Gabe low, DDT COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! The fans fire up and Shota’s back up! Honma crawls, hot tag to The Roughneck! Shota storms up to Gabe and fires hands! Shota whips, Gabe reverses but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges to ELBOW Gabe down! The fans fire up and Shota storms back over to Gabe. Shota whips Gabe to a corner, runs up and UPPERCUTS! Shota hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays focused. Shota hobbles around and makes his way back to Gabe.

Shota drags Gabe up to clinch, but Gabe fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS and ROCKS Shota, and then talks trash. Shota ROCKS Gabe! Gabe ROCKS Shota! Shota ROCKS Gabe again, Gabe ROCKS Shota again! Shota wobbles and Gabe eggs him on. Shota winds up to fire another forearm! Gabe fires back! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally up, and Shota ROCKS Gabe! Shota fires a flurry, then an UPPERCUT! Gabe SMACKS Shota! Shota ROCKS Gabe, then ROLLING- SMACK from Gabe again! Shota roars, Gabe LARIATS then runs! Shota follows to ELBOW! Shota runs but Gabe follows to LARIAT!

Gabe whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! But Gabe is right up! Shota swings, into an EXPLODER! But Shota’s right up! Shota clinches to EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe and Shota both crawl, hot tags to Sanada and Honma! Sanada dodges Honma to CLAW the eyes! Sanada whips Honma to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! BULLDOG! Honma rises, fires up, and FALLING KOKESHI FLOPS again! Sanada drags Honma up to fireman’s carry! But HOnma fights free! Honma catches Sanada and spins him for a DDT! Honma calls to Shota and they have Sanada in a corner.

Honma whips Sanada corner to corner, then runs up to ELBOW! Feed to Shota for the POP-UP KNEE! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! IGNITION! And yes, FALLING KOKESHI!! Direct hit this time! The fans fire up and Honma covers, but Gabe breaks it! Shota CLUBS Gabe but Gabe TOSSES Shota! Gabe DECKS Honma with a straight right! Shota is back, STRAIGHT RIGHT for him, too! Gabe then runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up with Shota as he underhooks, but Gabe wrenches out! Gabe dodges and rebounds, COMEBACKER! And then the PILE- NO, Shota slips free to underhook, DEATH RIDER!!

SHINING WIZARD from Sanada! Honma runs up, but Sanada knees low and DROPKICKS! Honma stays up to KOKESHI ROCKET! Honma fires up, the fans are with him, and Honma has the wristlocks! KAMI-GOYE KOKESHI!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Honma hauls him up. Honma scoops, but Sanada slips free! Dragon sleeper! But Honma fights it so Sanada waistlocks. Honma switches but Sanada grabs at the ref! The ref misses the LOW BLOW MULE KICK! The fans boo but Sanada gets away with that one. Sanada drags Honma into a dragon sleeper! But Honma drags Sanada into a cradle! TWO!!

Sanada escapes, and SHINING WIZARDS! Then dragon sleeper! SKULL END!! Honma is caught in the body scissors! Sanada squeezes tight but the fans rally as Honma endures! Shota coaches Honma but Honma TAPS! Sanada & Gabe win!

Winners: Gabe Kidd & Sanada, by submission (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)

Sanada is truly Cold Blooded, no longer going for that Rounding Body Press but for that punishing tap out victory. Will nothing, not even their dysfunction, keep these War Dogs from taking over World Tag League?

As for Shota, his foot is really bothering him, and Young Lions help him stand. Shota does his best to walk on it but it’s hard to say if it’s the pain in his foot or the agony of defeat that hurts more. Could this jeopardize not only Shota’s run in WTL, but his chances at the world title in the Tokyo Dome?

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS KENTA & Chase Owens!

Despite their 2-2 record, The Front Man & Mullet are still mighty. However, Fang Revived & Crown Jewel are feeling great after getting their first win just last round. In fact, Kenta & Chase got the better of TMDK yesterday when Oiwa got the team disqualified! Will Bullet Club be able to sucker Oiwa in again? Or will that one win be their only win?

The teams sort out, but they also talk some smack. Oiwa steps up, and after Bullet Club Too Sweets, Kenta starts for his team. The bell rings, and Oiwa fires off forearms! The fans rally as Oiwa whips, but Kenta BOOTS Oiwa! Oiwa ROCKS Kenta, Kenta BOOTS again! And again! Oiwa blocks to DECK Kenta! Oiwa stomps Kenta, TOSSES him out, then pursues! Oiwa whips Kenta hard into railing! Chase runs up on ZSJ but ZSJ catches him to a HANGING ARMBAR! The fans fire up while the ref reprimands. ZSJ lets Chase go but Oiwa grinds Kenta with a headlock. ZSJ whips Chase into railing now! Oiwa whips Kenta into more railing!

Oiwa looms over Kenta, then brings him up. Oiwa puts Kenta in the ring, drags him up, and headlocks. Oiwa puts Kenta in the corner to stomp away! The ref counts, Oiwa lets off to talk trash on Kenta, then CHOPS! The ref wants Oiwa to stop but Oiwa brushes him off to CHOP Kenta again! Oiwa stomps Kenta some more, then ZSJ tags in. The fans rally up as ZSJ stands Kenta up, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Oiwa talks more trash and ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ snapmares and NECK TWISTS! Kenta writhes but ZSJ drags him over. Tag to Oiwa, and ZSJ anchors that leg for Oiwa to then drags Kenta up.

Oiwa scoops Kenta to SLAM him! Oiwa drags Kenta up again, for another scoop and SLAM! Kenta writhes but Oiwa does not let up! Oiwa stands Kenta up again, scoops, and SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Kenta survives that onslaught but Oiwa scuffs him and kicks him around. Oiwa eggs Kenta on, slaps him around, but Kenta stands to SLAP Oiwa down! The fans fire up and Chase YANKS ZSJ off the apron! Chase sends ZSJ into railing while Kenta drags Oiwa around. Oiwa’s a ragdoll so Kenta covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this but rolls out of the ring, so Kenta pursues. Chase is still after ZSJ on the outside. Chase lifts ZSJ to LAWN DART him into a post!

Kenta sits Oiwa up just to kick him in the back! And KICK again! Oiwa gets mad but Kenta SLAPS him down again! Kenta brings Oiwa up and around to put in the ring. The fans rally but Kenta scuffs Oiwa. Kenta taunts Oiwa and Oiwa gets to his feet. Kenta KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Then he KICKS Oiwa down! Chase tags in and he dares Oiwa to go tag ZSJ, except ZSJ isn’t there! Chase ROCKS Oiwa and Oiwa falls back to ropes. Chase has the legs, and he ROPE GUILLOTINES! The ref reprimands but Oiwa sputters. Chase brings Oiwa around to rain down fists! The ref reprimands but Chase shoves him back to rain down more fists!

Chase tags Kenta, and Bullet Club stands Oiwa up. They double whip, DOUBLE ELBOW, and then Kenta FIST DROPS! Chase steps on Oiwa just because and Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta keeps on Oiwa with a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Oiwa stays in this but Kenta tags Chase back in. Kenta stands Oiwa up for Chase to kick low, and Oiwa falls over. The fans rally but Chase stands Oiwa up. Chase ROCKS Oiwa in the back, then shoves Oiwa at the ropes. Oiwa rebounds and Chase ROCKS him in the back again! Chase holds Oiwa’s hand out to taunt ZSJ, then he tags Kenta. Bullet Club mugs Oiwa, and Kenta snapmares Oiwa to KICK him in the back!

Kenta stands on Oiwa, but the ref sees Kenta’s on Oiwa’s neck! That’s not a cover, that’s a choke! Kenta steps off to bring Oiwa up, and he bumps Oiwa off buckles. Tag to Chase and Chase grinds his forearm into Oiwa’s face again and again. Oiwa fights back with forearms of his own! But Chase trips Oiwa and YANKS the leg! The fans rally while Oiwa writhes, but Chase tags Kenta. Kenta storms over to Oiwa, drags him up, but Oiwa fires off palm strikes! Kenta SOBATS Oiwa to the corner! Kenta runs up, but Oiwa dodges! Kenta hits buckles and falls back! Chase runs up but Oiwa DUMPS him out! Kenta anchors Oiwa’s leg, but Oiwa BOOTS him away!

The fans rally again, but Chase YANKS ZSJ off the apron! The fans are torn but Kenta HAMMERS away on Oiwa’s head! Kenta drags Oiwa back up and RAMS him into the Bullet Club corner. Tag to Chase, and Bullet Club double whips Oiwa to ropes. Oiwa DOUBLE LARIATS first! The fans fire up while all three men are down! Oiwa crawls around to the Mighty corner, hot tag to ZSJ! The fans rally up with ZSJ as he UPPERCUTS Chase again and again, and again, and again, and again! Chase falls and the fans fire up with ZSJ! Chase staggers up but turns an uppercut into a backslide! ZSJ rolls through but Chase reels ZSJ in!

Chase tucks the arms but ZSJ wrenches out to PELE the arm! ZSJ then DROPKICKS Chase in the back! Chase ends up in a corner and the fans fire up! ZSJ runs in, but Chase dodges! ZSJ still goes up to TORNADO DDT! And then NECK TWIST! And basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up and ZSJ brings Chase up. Chase blocks the scoop! Chase CLUBS ZSJ and gets free. ZSJ storms up but Chase BUCKLE SHOTS then back heel trips, to the SENTON! The fans rally up again while Chase catches his breath. ZSJ sits up but Chase is on him with a half nelson. ZSJ fights that, wrenches around, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!

The fans fire up as Chase fights off the hold! Chase shouts to Kenta and Kenta hurries to stomp ZSJ! ZSJ eggs Kenta on so Kenta stomps and KICKS! ZSJ lets go, but Oiwa DROPKICKS Kenta! The fans fire up again and Oiwa swings. Chase throws Oiwa down by his hair, NECK TWEAK! Chase uses his take on ZSJ’s move, then runs in at ZSJ! Forearm SMASH in the corner! Chase puts ZSJ up top, climbs up after him, but ZSJ has the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! The ref reprimands so ZSJ goes after the other arm! The ref still reprimands and counts the ropebreak, so ZSJ lets go at 4. Chase hops down, and GAMANGIRIS in return!

Chase cravats ZSJ, for a SUPER-MARE! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but Chase lines up a shot. C-TRI- NO! ZSJ blocks the knee and grapevines, but Chase rolls free! Chase fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free to a COBRA TWIST! Chase HIP TOSSES free, and BOOTS ZSJ! ZSJ rebounds to BOOT back! Chase rebounds, but ZSJ BOOTS then UPPERCUTS! Chase rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! ZSJ rolls to ropes but there’s no Oiwa to tag! Chase runs up to C-TRIGGER! Chase then hurries to tuck ZSJ in, but ZSJ fights the lift! Chase fires off a strike fest, then ELBOWS ZSJ down!

Chase reels ZSJ back up, tucks and PACKAGE- NO, ZSJ flips free and scoops! ZACK DRIVER! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Chase and ZSJ crawl, and Oiwa is back! Hot tags to Kenta and Oiwa! Kenta BOOTS but Oiwa fires a forearm! Both men roar, and they fire fists fast ‘n’ furious! The fans rally, Oiwa GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Oiwa runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa stays cool and he runs, to UPPERCUT Kenta down! Cover, TWO! Kenta survives but Oiwa clamps onto him with a SLEEPER! The fans rally as Kenta endures and fights around! Kenta rises up, reaches out, and runs to the corner! Chase ROCKS Oiwa! Kenta rolls Oiwa, TWO!!

Oiwa escapes but Kenta BLASTS ZSJ off the corner! Kenta goes back to Oiwa, Chase joins in, and they whip Oiwa to a corner. Chase runs up to forearm SMASH! Kenta adds the HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Kenta goes up top and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Chase intercepts ZSJ as Kenta covers, but ZSJ BARRELS in! The match is saved but Chase literally kicks ZSJ out of the ring. Kenta vows to end this and he fireman’s carries Oiwa. Oiwa slips free and backslides! TWO!! Kenta escapes but Oiwa hurries to his feet! Kenta blocks a lariat to URAKEN! Kenta then goes corner to corner, BOOT! Kenta keeps moving, but Oiwa follows to LARIAT!

Oiwa roars and runs, but then he feels Kenta coming, and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives and the fans rally up again. ZSJ storms in to BOOT Chase off the apron! Chase even hits railing and tumbles over! ZSJ drags Kenta up, but Kenta fires forearms and elbows on ZSJ & Oiwa! ZSJ blocks a kick, Oiwa POLISH HAMMERS Kenta down! The fans fire up as ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Kenta! Oiwa reels Kenta in, DAIGOSHIKI SAIDO!! ZSJ intercepts Chase, but now Chase BARRELS into the cover!! The fans fire up but ZSJ TOSSES Chase! Chase drags ZSJ out, but ZSJ BOOTS Chase down! Oiwa roars as he has Kenta to himself!

Oiwa stands Kenta up to SLEEPER! Kenta flails, reaches out, and shifts around! Fireman’s carry! Oiwa slips free to another SLEEPER! Then the spin and- NO, Kenta gets under! GO TO- NO, Oiwa slips free to DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives and the fans fire up again! Oiwa roars, and he brings Kenta into the SLEEPER! ZSJ has Chase in a SLEEPER! Chase grabs the ref! Oiwa spins, but Kenta LOW BLOWS!! Kenta runs up to BOOT ZSJ! Kenta hurries back to Oiwa and the fans are torn! GO TO SLEEP!!! Cover, BULLET CLUB WINS!

Winners: Kenta & Chase Owens, by pinfall (gain 2 points; ZSJ & Oiwa earn 0)

Another fight with The Mighty, and another fight that Bullet Club finds a way to win! Can Kenta & Chase still make it to the finals? Or at the very least, did they spoil the chances of ZSJ & Oiwa making it?

World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!

Two teams that lost last round are fighting for redemption but also a top spot in this block. And with Bishamon falling this round, maybe a new team can make it to the finals. Will the Rampaging Dragon & Gene Blast finally make the A Block truly tranquilo? Or will The United Empire stand alone as THE team in World Tag League?

The teams sort out, and after LIJ fist bump, they anticipate the attack from Cobb & Callum! They all RAM shoulders, and Yota has Callum in one corner while Takagi puts Cobb in the other. Red Shoes has the bell ring to get this on record! Takagi RAMS Cobb, RAMS him again, and Yota fires forearms on Callum. LIJ whips but Empire reverses, only for Takagi & Tsuji to avoid colliding. Cobb & Callum run up, but they’re sent into each other! Callum falls, Takagi TOSSES Cobb, and the fans fire up. Yota CLUBS Callum, then he and Takagi double whip. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, but he still gets run over!

The fans cheer, and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota BODY PRESSES! Cover, ONE!! Callum shows some grit but Yota just grins. Yota stalks Callum, brings him up, and throws a BODY BLOW! Callum goes to a corner but Yota stands him up. Yota RAMS into Callum again and again, but stops as Red Shoes reprimands. Callum sputters but Yota brings him up. Yota whips corner to corner, then runs up, but Callum goes up and over! Callum comes back to trip Yota, and DOUBLE STOMP! Both men are down, but Callum rolls to hot tag Cobb! Cobb steps on Yota to then BLAST Takagi off the apron!

Cobb stands on Yota’s chest, salutes, then steps off. Yota flounders to ropes but Cobb stands him up. Cobb HEADBUTTS Yota to a corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Yota falls in a heap! Cocky cover, ONE! Real cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Cobb drags Yota up and he ROCKS him with a right hand. Cobb traps Yota while he tags Callum. Cobb steps away and Callum stomps Yota down. Callum brings Yota up, snapmares him, and clamps on a chinlock. Yota endures, pries at the hold, but Callum powers up to hold on tight! Yota pries at the hold again, but Callum clamps it on even tighter!

The fans rally as Callum now adds body scissors. Yota fights around, but Callum lets him go to DOUBLE STOMP him on the back! The fans applaud and Callum taunts Takagi. Callum then BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Callum stands on Yota’s leg and tags Cobb in. Cobb sits Yota up to rain down fists! Then Cobb deadlifts Yota into the stalling suplex, that he then makes into a POWERSLAM! The fans cheer Cobb’s strength, and he stands on Yota’s back! Cobb surfs and says hang loose. Red Shoes keeps Takagi back, but Cobb marches on Yota’s back! Cobb stands Yota up, whips him to the corner, and Yota bumps off Callum’s boot!

Callum tags in and he brings Yota around. Callum CLUBS Yota on the neck, and runs up on Takagi! Takagi drops back, so Callum goes back to Yota. Yota fires a forearm! And another! Callum eggs Yota on so Yota fire another! Callum knees low, runs, but Yota scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Yota and Callum crawl, hot tag to Takagi! Takagi rallies on Callum, scoop and SLAM, then SENTON FLOPS as Callum moves! Cobb steps in, The Empire double whips, but Takagi grabs ropes! Callum runs up, Takagi puts him on the apron! Callum still traps Takagi on the ropes!

Cobb runs up but Takagi BOOTS him! Takagi ELBOWS Callum, then he dodges Cobb and Cobb BLASTS Callum off the apron! Takagi clinches Cobb for an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while Cobb flounders out of the ring. Callum is back and he HOTSHOTS Takagi! Callum slingshots up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he BOOTS Takagi! Takagi comes back, Callum dodges again to DREAMCAST KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum nods as he rises up, and he tags in Cobb! Cobb runs corner to corner at Takagi, for a BIG ELBOW! Cobb keeps moving, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! And feints, but Cobb scoops to SLAM!

Cobb sets up, and GACHIMUCHI FLOPS as Takagi moves! The fans rally as Takagi crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota goes up top, Cobb stands, FLYING RANA! Cobb tumbles and the fans fire up! Yota runs in at the corner, and he SPLASHES Cobb! Yota keeps moving, he RAMS Cobb, but Cobb comes back! Yota trips Cobb to basement DROPKICK! The fans rally as Yota brings Cobb up, but Cobb’s a bit much to fireman’s carry. Cobb CLUBS Yota, but Yota ROCKS Cobb! Yota runs, RAN- NO! Cobb stops the rana to pop Yota around into a FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up while Cobb catches his breath.

Cobb drags Yota up but Yota fires a forearm! Cobb fires back! The forearms go back and forth, and Cobb gets the edge! Cobb pumps up but Yota catches him! BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! STOMP! The Gene Combination completes and Yota runs, but Cobb pops up to his feet, to then DROPKICK!! Cobb busts out a new level of athleticism, but he and Yota both crawl. Hot tags to Callum and Takagi! Callum dodges Takagi, Takagi dodges Callum! Callum elbows and whips to then GAMANGIRI in a corner! Callum snapmares and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Callum stays focused.

The fans rally up as Callum catches the arms. Takagi arm-drags free to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Takagi hauls Callum up, suplexes high and hard, then covers! TWO, but Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans join in and Takagi brings Callum up. Takagi ROCKS Callum with a forearm, and Callum staggers around. Callum falls over, rises back up, and he goes back to Takagi. Callum fires a forearm but there’s nothing there. Takagi DECKS Callum with just one! The fans rally up and Callum nods as he stands again. Callum fires another forearm, but Takagi DECKS him again! Takagi eggs Callum on and Callum grits his teeth.

Callum comes back to fire a forearm, and another, and another! Takagi fires boxing elbows! Callum SOBATS! Callum roars, runs, but Takagi follows to LARIAT! Takagi runs but Cobb gets in! ATHLETIC PLEX! Yota slides in and SUPERKICKS Cobb! Callum BOOTS Yota back out! The fans fire up while Takagi flounders. Callum calls to Cobb and Cobb is back in. The Empire whips Takagi corner to corner, then Callum runs up to FOREARM SMASH! Feed to a Cobb SUPERKICK! Callum ROUNDHOUSES! “SE~ NO, JOHN CENA!” SHOULDER TACKLE LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cover, Yota breaks it!

The fans fire up but Cobb TOSSES Yota! Cobb goes out after him while Callum slaps himself back into this. Callum rises, and he waits on Takagi. Takagi sits up, into a BUZZSAW! Takagi stays up so Callum SUPERKICKS! Callum calls his shot, OSCU- NO, Takagi blocks! Callum switches, and has the chicken wings! Yota RAMS Cobb into railing! Takagi RAMS Callum into a corner! Yota runs up to SPLASH! Takagi sends him back in and Yota UPPERCUTS! Takagi LARIATS in the corner, then feeds Callum to Yota’s BOOT! Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS and Yota reels Callum in! Takagi wheelbarrows and Yota gives the boost to the WHEELBARROW GERMAN!

Takagi drags Callum to a cover, TWO! Callum survives but Takagi calls for the big shot! Yota sets up in a corner while Takagi stands Callum up. Yota runs in but Cobb intercepts! URENAGE! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Callum runs up into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Callum handsprings through!? Springboard and OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Takagi survives and shocks everyone! Callum bites his fingers in frustration before he flops over in exhaustion. The fans rally up and Callum rises. Callum roars, and he brings Takagi up, only for Takagi to fire a forearm!

This time, Takagi is the one throwing feeble shots. Callum KICKS Takagi, hooks a leg, FIRE- NO, Takagi fights off the suplex! Takagi wrenches, Callum breaks free, but Takagi JABS! Callum roars, Takagi HEADBUTTS! Callum falls, but kips up to PELE! Callum runs, but into PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO and Callum sunset flips! TWO, but Cobb GERMANS UPELXES! BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, Yota BARRELS in!! The fans fire up again and Yota hits Cobb with a flurry of forearms! Yota runs, but into a TOUR- NO, Yota slips free! Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges to GENE TRIGGER! Cobb falls out and Yota calls to Takagi!

Yota hauls Callum up and Takagi roars! But Callum fires forearms and CHOPS! Callum roars, runs, but into a POP-UP SUPERKICK!! And then PUMPING BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous as LIJ sets Callum up! Pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN! GENE BLASTER for Cobb!! Cover, TWO?!?! Callum survives, but the fans are thunderous with the “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ stands Callum up, PUMPING BLASTER!!! Cover, LIJ wins!!

Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Cobb & Callum earn 0)

A powerful battle here in the main event, and it is The United Empire that was conquered! But Takagi does show a bit of respect to Callum for withstanding so much damage before the end. Can Callum & Cobb still take this block and head for the finals?

As for LIJ, they refresh before Takagi takes the mic. “Shizuoka! Finally, in Shizuoka, my time has arrived! Thank you, Yota., Thank you, Shizuoka.” The fans applaud, and Takagi says this makes LIJ 3-2. That means they’re TIED at the top! The fans cheer that, too, and Takagi says there are still a lot of possibilities for A Block. Naito & Hiromu are in B Block, yet they’re not winning this thing! Takagi & Yota will win this World Tag League! The fans applaud again, and Takagi says he and Yota finally hit the Pumping Blaster, and it was here in Shizuoka! Yota likes to say, “Are you ready?” Well, if you’re ready, let’s go. After all, he is Shingo, so he’s ready to go!

Takagi lets Yota know he’s primed and ready, so Yota can send the fans home happy. Takagi hands the mic over as fans cheer, and Yota agrees, Takagi definitely looks ready to go. They will win the rest of their matches, conquer A Block, and head to Kumamoto. Even if it IS Hiromu & Naito meeting them in the finals, Takagi & Yota will win! Takagi says that’s a given. Then this duo will raise those trophies high! Takagi says like a dragon, they will soar and win this World Tag League! Mic drop and on to the next round, will the twin dragons have all the treasures in NJPW?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 3-2, 6 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 3-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 3-2, 6 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 2-3, 4 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 2-3, 4 points
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 2-3, 4 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 2-3, 4 points

My Thoughts:

Another great round for WTL and A Block, and I like how things are shaping up. Half the group at 2-3, the other at 3-2, and with really fun results tonight. Funky Sauce winning over Bishamon was probably the most surprising, but that’s great for Zayne & Taguchi while also putting more pressure on Goto & Hashi to make that historic four-peat. Gabe & Sanada beating Shota & Honma fits, as Shota can’t be pushed too strongly going towards WrestleKingdom 19. Shota is already getting more than some fans (even fans in Japan) think he should be getting with having that world title match, so him having a hard time in WTL seems like the right counterbalance.

Similarly, great win for Kenta & Chase over ZSJ & Oiwa as ZSJ doesn’t need WTL when he has Shota for WrestlKingdom, and then Ricochet for WrestleDynasty. The only thing about that match was that the teams didn’t seem as excited for it as the others. Maybe the fans sensed this match meant little to ZSJ, so they didn’t need to really invest in it themselves. But they came alive again with that awesome main event, because it was two teams who do need WTL. Well, not Takagi while he’s still NEVER Openweight Champion. But there was certainly so much more drama just from how hard these two teams were fighting. Great win for LIJ all the same, but again if Takagi is still NEVER Champion, not sure he and Yota need to win WTL.

My Score: 8.9/10

The Ace is in the main event!

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado have yet to score in World Tag League, but perhaps their luck can change here in Round 4! Will Ace & Heater finally get going?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Alex Zayne, Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima; Zayne, Taguchi & Murashima win.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Kenta & Chase win, by disqualification.
• Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Shota, Honma & Tiger Mask win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS The Filip Brothers; Naito & Hiromu win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS Great-O-Khan & HENARE; Khan & Henare win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS EVIL & Ren Narita; Evil & Narita win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Taichi & Taka Michinoku; Tanahashi & Jado win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Great-O-Khan & Henare: 2-1, 4 points
Evil & Ren Narita: 2-1, 4 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 2-1, 4 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 2-1, 4 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 2-1, 4 points
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-2, 2 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-2, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 0-3, 0 points

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS The Filip Brothers!

There is quite the traffic jam at 2-1, and Los Ingobernables de Japon find themselves in the thick of it! But will they gain some ground in the fourth round? Or will this be when Tome the Taiga & Stevie the Phoenix strike?

Naito again takes his time with his entrance attire, and then the teams sort out. Hiromu notes how both Tome & Stevie are big guys, but he still steps up. LIJ fist bump, the Filip Brothers Too Sweet, and Tome CLOBBERS Hiromu at the bell! The fans rally for Hiromu as he sits up, but Tome stands him up. Hiromu breaks free and runs to RAM Tome! Tome stays up and he tautns Hiromu to try again. Hiromu does, and he RAMS Tome, but Hiromu’s the one who falls to his knees! Tome deadlift suplexes, but Hiromu slips free! And slides under! And stomps a foot! Hiromu runs, but Tome scoops him!

Tome pops Hiromu around, but Hiromu slips free to the apron. Hiromu RAMS Tome, then Naito helps trip Tome up! LIJ drags Tome out to RAM into railing! Naito keeps Tome stuck hanging over the side, and Hiromu goes to the apron. Naito then brings Tome off railing for Hiromu to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Hiromu runs around the way to CROSSBODY Stevie! The fans fire up more and Hiromu smiles as he goes back to the ring. Naito puts Tome in, Hiromu tags Naito, and LIJ double whip Tome to ropes. They DOUBLE COHP Tome down, Naito covers, TWO! Naito clamps right on with a cravat neck wrench!

Tome endures, keeps his shoulders up, but Naito thrashes the hold. Tome fights up but Naito keeps on the hold. Hiromu tags in, LIJ mugs Tome, and the fans rally up. Hiromu CHOPS Tome, then CHOPS again! Hiromu whips but Tome blocks! Tome says he’s too strong! Hiromu just CHOPS! Hiromu whips, Tome reverses, and Stevie grabs Hiromu! Hiromu elbows free but Tome CLOBBERS Hiromu! Tome BLASTS Naito, too, then tags Stevie. The fans rally up as Stevie stomps Hiromu. Stevie scoops, SLAMS, and then ELBOW DROPS on Hiromu! The fans cheer, Stevie drags Hiromu up, and CHOPS!

Hiromu ends up in the Filip corner, and Stevie UPPERCUTS! Tag to Tome but Hiromu fights back! The Filip Brothers mug Hiromu and Tome CHOPS! Tome scoops to then march around, and SLAM to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Hiromu stays in this! Tome argues the count but the ref defends it was fair. Tome drags Hiromu over, tags Stevie, but then has to keep Hiromu from Naito. Tome snapmares and stomps Hiromu, then Stevie runs to BLAST Naito! Stevie KICKS Hiromu in the back! Hiromu writhes while Stevie tags Tome. Tome brings Hiromu around to snapmare, then he tags Stevie.

Tome BASEMENT BOOTS Hiromu, and Stevie KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this and the fans cheer him on. Stevie is annoyed but he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Stevie kicks and CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Stevie bumps Hiromu off buckles, tags Tome, and then stomps Hiromu. Tome snapmares Hiromu into a chinlock! Tome grinds the hold and leans on Hiromu, but Hiromu still fights up. Hiromu fires body shots, gets free, but Tome CLUBS him! Tome runs, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! Hiromu crawls while Tome hobbles, but Tome pulls Hiromu’s hair!

Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, then blocks a punch! DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up as Hiromu crawls, hot tag to Naito! Naito fires hands on Tome, but Stevie storms into CLUB Naito! The Filip Brothers mug Naito while the ref reprimands. The Filip Brothers double whip but Naito reverses to send Tome away, and then he sends Stevie into Tome! Stevie falls but Tome stays up! Tome rushes Naito, Naito dodges and ELBOWS him down! Then basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Naito whips Tome corner to corner and ELBOWS him again! Then Naito turns Tome, holds him, and lets Tome flail a moment before the NECKBREAKER!

The fans cheer as Naito poses, then Naito covers. TWO, but Naito stays cool. Naito stands Tome up to throw those heavy ELBOWS! Naito whips, Tome reverses, but Naito KICKS! Naito runs, but Tome SPINEBUSTERS! Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Stevie calls to Tome, Tome crawls his way over, hot tag to Stevie! Stevie brings Naito up, but Naito fires a forearm! Stevie fires back, they go back and forth! Stevie fires a flurry, but Naito roars and fires right back! The fans fire up as Naito swings, but Stevie catches him to a FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Tome steps in and BLASTS Hiromu!

Stevie hoists Naito up in a fireman’s carry, Tome runs up, BOOT O’ DOOM! The fans rally as Tome builds speed, and TAIGA FLIES onto Hiromu! Stevie covers Naito, TWO! Stevie is a but surprised, but he calls to Tome. They get Naito up, fireman’s carry from Tome, AIR RAID CRASH! Stevie goes up as the fans rally again, and Stevie SHOOTING STARS! Cover, Hiromu breaks it! The fans cheer but Tome TOSSES Hiromu! Naito stirs, Stevie calls the finish! Stevie reels Naito in, lifts him up, but Hiromu SHOTGUNS Tome! Naito RANAS Stevie! Stevie ends up in a corner, and Hiromu runs up to LARIAT!

Feet to Naito’s ELBOW! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Naito atomic drops, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Naito with the ROLLING JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!! Stevie survives but LIJ hauls him back up. Hiromu sets up but Tome CLUBS Naito! Hiromu kicks Tome, then runs, but into a SPINE- DDT!! Hiromu then dropkicks Stevie’s legs! Now they set up, BOOSTED TORNADO DDT!! Naito hurries to drag Stevie back up, then wrenches for the DESTINO!! Cover, LIJ wins!

Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; The Filip Brothers earn 0)

The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb are gaining momentum going into WTL’s second half! Will they come out as an openweight championship team? Can Tome & Stevie still find a roundabout way to the finals?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS Great-O-Khan & HENARE!

The Joker & The Rook have been making moves the last couple of rounds, but now they run into THE IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Will the Dominator & Face of Fury continue to conquer the World Tag League? Or can #YanoBoltin find a way to defy the United Empire?

The teams sort out and Yano wants the ref to hurry with his check. The fans cheer on Khan as he holds up his tag title AND KOPW title, and Yano grows further impatient. Oleg starts for his team, and he wants someone to step up. Henare obliges and the fans rally up. The bell rings and these big behemoths stare down. They slowly approach, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock but its Henare who drops to a knee. Henare fights up and pushes Oleg back, then they go again. Oleg puts Henare on the ropes, but the ref counts. Oleg lets off slowly, and he gives Henare a hard shove on the shoulder! Henare comes back to fire forearms, so Oleg fires back!

The forearms go back and forth as fans rally, then Henare fires a flurry! Henare runs, RAMS Oleg, but Oleg stays up! Oleg CHOPS, runs, and RAMS Henare! Henare steps back, but he ROCKS Oleg in return! Henare runs, RAMS Oleg, but Oleg rebounds to CLOBBER Henare! The fans fire up and Oleg tags Yano. Yano says here goes! He unties a white buckle pad! Yano dodges Henare, SLAPS him on the back of the head, then whips Henare at the corner! Henare reverses, Yano stops himself, and Yano says he’s too smart for that! But then Henare SLAPS Yano on the back of the head! Henare CLUBS Yano, brings him up, but Yano… Oh, there’s no hair to pull.

Yano keeps trying but Henare’s bald head gives him nothing! Yano gets mad, runs, but gets run over! Henare BLASTS Oleg, then he SENTONS Yano! The fans fire up with Henare, and Khan goes after Oleg on the outside! Henare puts Yano in the Empire’s corner to fire body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Tag to Khan and the fans cheer him on, Khan revels in it a moment before he stands Yano up. Mongolian Chop! Mongolian Chop! Mongolian feint and UPPERCUT! Khan has Yano in the corner, and he hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands. Khan grabs Yano’s arms and pulls!

The ref counts, Khan hops down, and then he brings Yano around to Mongolian Chop! Yano is down, Khan has a cocky cover, TWO! The fans still rally behind “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” and Khan conducts it like a choir. Khan drags Yano up, CLUBS him on the neck, then runs, but Yano pulls hair! Khan ELBOWS Yano, kicks and whips, but Yano reverses to THROW Khan down by his hair! The fans rally while Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! Oleg CLBOBERS Khan, DECKS Henare, then he deadlift gut wrenches Khan for the Shake, Shake, Shake, then THROW! Oleg kips up, the fans fire up, and Khan goes to a corner. Oleg runs in and SPLASHES Khan against bare buckles!

The fans fire up as Oleg scoops, SLAMS, and then runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Khan writhes. Oleg drags Khan up, fireman’s carries, but Khan slips free. Khan waistlocks, Khan switches, they clinch, and Khan gets under Oleg to lift him up! ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! The fans rally up again while both men are down! Oleg rolls away and Khan rises up. Khan storms his way over, but Oleg clinches! They fight for control, and Oleg SPINEBUSTERS Khan! The fans fire up again as both men crawl to each other. Khan clinches now, but Oleg fights him off. They feel things out, Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!

Khan goes after Oleg again but Oleg clinches. They fight for control again, and Oleg hits a fireman’s carry takeover! The fans cheer this true wrestling display, and the two just go again! Another clinch, another fight for control, and Khan gut wrenches?! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg tumbles away and the fans fire up! Khan crawls for his corner, as does Oleg, hot tag to Henare! Henare KICKS Oleg in the back! And KICKS him again! Oleg writhes but Henare kicks him around. Henare eggs Oleg on, kicks him again, but Oleg rises. BODY BLOW from Henare! The fans rally up as Henare waits on Oleg. Oleg sits up, Henare BUZZSAWS him down!

The fans rally more as Oleg rises again, but into another KICK! Oleg stands?! Henare growls, runs up, but Oleg blocks the kick! Oleg spins Henare around, GERMAN SUPLEX!! Both men are down, Oleg rolls, hot tag to Yano! Yano brings Henare around to whip into a corner. Oleg runs in, but Henare dodges the splash! Yano kicks Henare, but Henare swings !@Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Yano has Henare’s legs! Oleg sets up as Yano CATAPULTS Henare to him! Oleg catches Henare for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Oleg intercepts Khan! Yano covers, TWO!

Henare survives but Oleg throws Khan out. Yano brings Henare up, ONIGO- NO, Henare fights free! And ELBOWS Yano back! Henare runs up, but Yano dodges! Native Knee meets steel buckle! Roll-up, TWO!! Henare escapes, but Yano hurries M U!! TWO!! Henare escapes again but Yano runs, into a LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Henare grits his teeth as he rises up, and Khan sends Oleg into railing! Khan hauls Yano up, Mongolian Chop! BODY BLOW! UPPERCUT! BOOT SUPERKICK COMBO!! Yano falls, and the Monster Rage boils up! Henare hauls Yano up and fireman’s carries!

Khan runs, but Yano slips free! Henare is sent into Khan! Oleg is back to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Oleg gets Khan outta there and Yano runs, BLINDSIDE TACKLE! M U, TWO!! Yano swings, into Henare’s waistlock! Yano grabs at the ref, but Henare blocks the mule kick low blow!! Henare HEADBUTTS, but then blocks the front low blow! Fireman’s carry, Khan is free of Oleg! IMPERIAL DROP!! Cover, EMPIRE WINS!

Winners: Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Yano & Oleg earn 0)

The Joker had to fold, and that puts The Empire back on top! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions continues to lead the way in this second half? Or can the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions still find their way to the finals?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS EVIL & Ren Narita!

The way to the front of this block is starting to clear up, and these two teams are looking to take advantage of that. Will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey prove that The mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will the King of Darkness & Souled Out Son of Strong Style steal back the top spot in B Block?

Oh no, The House attacks during TMDK’s entrance! They wipe Shane out first, then Evil CLOBBERS Mikey! Dick Togo adds on while the fans boo, but Narita grins as he drags Shane around the way. The ref tries to stop Evil from CHOKING Mikey, but this isn’t a match yet! Narita brings Shane out into the crowd on the far side! Evil CLUBS Mikey, CLAWS his face, and he goes into the crowd on that side. Shane is sent into chairs! Narita CHOKES Shane with a chair, and Evil does the same to Mikey! The fans continue to boo but Evil CLUBS Mikey, and Narita drags Shane back up. Narita has a headlock as he brings Shane to ringside.

Evil CLUBS Mikey again, Narita puts Shane in, but Mikey sends Evil into railing! The fans cheer as the bell rings, but Narita stomps away on Shane. Evil hits Mikey in return, but Shane fights against Narita. Narita knees Shane low, then runs, but Mikey trips him up! Shane basement dropkicks Narita, then he BLASTS! And he hits Dick for good measure! Mikey drags Narita out along the apron, and CLUBS him down tot he floor! Shane whips Evil hard into railing! The fans fire up with The Mighty as Shane kicks Evil. Mikey sends Narita into railing, Shane does the same to Evil! Then Mikey chases Dick away!

Shane brings Narita out to the crowd and BOWLS him into open chairs! Mikey chases Evil and throws chairs at him! Evil grabs a chair, he and Mikey CLASH, but Evil is disarmed! Mikey SMACKS Evil, then CLUBS him down! Shane poses as he holds Narita down with a fishhook, and the fans take pictures. Shane stomps Narita down, the ring count finally starts, but Mikey CLUBS Evil along the way back to ringside. Mikey SMACKS Evil off the apron, Shane puts Narita in at 10 of 20, and the fans cheer as Shane steps in. Shane eggs Narita on, then KICKS Narita down! Shane stands Narita up to KICK, BOOT, and reel him in.

Narita fights the back suplex with elbows, then he CLAWS Shane’s face! The ref counts, Narita whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! No blue buckle pad means the Bullet Club Special is in effect! Evil drags Shane out while Narita BLASTS Mikey off the apron! Evil CLAWS Shane’s back, then Dick brings a chair over. Dick JAMS Shane up! The fans boo but Dick gets away with one. Evil kicks Shane around, taunts him, then drags him up. Evil puts Shane in the ring, Narita is there to cover, TWO! Shane stays in this and the fans rally up. Narita tags Evil, then The House splits the wishbone! Shane writhes but Evil scuffs him.

Evil taunts Shane, kicks him around, might even be insulting Zack at the same time. Shane stands up to fire body shots and forearms! The fans rally up as Shane backs Evil down! Shane whips, Evil reverses, and Shane hits bare buckles! Shane falls back and Evil laughs. Tag to Narita and Narita stands on Shane’s neck! The ref reprimands and counts, Shane even has the ropes, so Narita steps off at 4. Narita drags Shane up, brings him around, but Shane fires a forearm! And then CHOPS! And ROCKS! Narita CHOKES Shane, Shane breaks free, but Narita hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Evil runs to BLAST Mikey off the apron!

The ref reprimands but Evil then breaks Shane’s grip! ARMBAR! Shane flails, reaches out, but Evil stays in the way! Shane still finds the ROPEBREAK, and the ref counts! Narita lets go at 4, to then sucker punch Mikey! Narita grins as he stands Shane up, but Shane fights the Half Hatch! Narita knees low, whips, but Shane reverses! Narita hits bare buckles! Evil hurries to tag in, and he storms up to drag Shane back. Shane BOOTS Evil into Narita, which sends Narita back into buckles! Hot tag to Mikey! Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS Evil & Narita! The fans fire up with Mikey, and he runs to LARIAT Evil in a corner! Then he LARIATS Narita in another corner!

Evil runs up but Mikey dodges, so Evil runs into Narita! Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS them again! Mikey TOSSES Narita, then dodges Evil to waistlock. Evil switches, ducks an elbow, but the DDT hits! Cover, TWO! Mikey is annoyed but the fans rally up. Mikey drags Evil up, but Evil fights the back suplex with elbows! Mikey RAMS Evil into the corner, Shane tags in, and Shane UPPERCUTS Evil into position! But Evil BOOTS Shane, ELBOWS Mikey, only for Shane to reel him in! Mikey’s there for ELECTRIC BLUE! Cover, Narita breaks it! Mikey TOSSES Narita out and the fans rally behind Shane!

Wait, Narita sends Mikey into railing! Shane fireman’s carries, but Evil slips free! Evil waistlocks, Shane elbows free then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again and again and again! The fans fire up with every UPPERCUT, and then Shane runs. Evil distracts the ref so Dick can SMACK Shane with the buckle pad! Evil then reels Shane in to FISHERMAN BUSTER! Evil rolls to the corner, tag to Narita! Narita storms up on Shane and whips him corner to corner. Narita runs in to ELBOW, then goes side to side to BOOT! Shane falls but Narita brings him up. Shane fights the Half Hatch, and he suplexes Narita!

Narita fights free, CHOKES Shane, but the ref counts! Shane breaks free, Narita knees low, but Shane reverses the whip, only for Narita to come back, DOWN2DIE! Cover, TWO! Shane survives that knee drop and the fans rally up, but Narita vows to end this! Narita goes up a corner, and he dares Shane to get up. Shane does and UPPERCUTS Narita! Shane climbs but Narita fights the superplex! Narita fires body shots, then he ROCKS Shane! Shane falls back, Mikey tags in, and Shane BOOTS Narita! Dick gets up, Shane knocks him down! Mikey gives Shane the boost and Shane has Narita, SUPERPLEX POWERBOMB!

Mikey runs while Narita sits up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, Evil breaks it! Shane DROPKICKS Evil! The fans cheer as Evil tumbles out! Mikey and Shane coordinate, and they drag Narita up. Mikey scoops, but Narita grabs at the ref! Dick anchors Shane while Narita slips free, and Narita shoves Mikey into Shane! Shane tumbles out of the ring, Narita catches Mikey to then shove him into the ref! And now Dick rushes in! The fans boo as The House stomps away on Mikey! Dick soaks up the heat, then tells the fans off. Evil stands Mikey up so he and Dick can whip into a corner. Dick runs up to ELBOW, Narita runs up to ELBOW!

Evil adds a LARIAT, and then snapmares! Evil & Narita set Mikey up for the DICK CHOP! The fans boo but Evil stands Mikey up. Narita climbs now, for HELL’S GUILLOTINE! Cover, the ref is back to count, TWO!! Mikey survives and the fans fire up! Evil is furious and he drags the ref over. Narita grabs his pushup bar! But Shane is in! Mikey dodges and Shane BOOTS Narita! Shane goes after Evil but Evil gets around, and Evil shoves Shane at the ref! The ref cowers in the corner as Shane stops himself, but Evil LOW BLOWS Shane!! The fans boo but Evil just soaks it all up. Evil drags Mikey up, he and Narita whip Mikey into the bare buckle!

Narita & Evil kick low, and they DOUBLE SUPLEX! But Mikey’s right back up! The fans fire up with Mikey and he LARIATS Evil! Narita kicks low, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up more but Dick has a chair! Mikey takes that from Dick but the ref takes that from Mikey. PUSHUP BAR ATTACK from Narita! DOUBLE CROSSER!! Cover, The House wins!

Winners: Evil & Ren Narita, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shane & Mikey earn 0)

The House used every trick in the book to take down The Mighty, and now they’re right behind The Empire! Will Evil & Narita continue to cheat their way to the top of NJPW? Or can Shane & Mikey make a mighty comeback?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Taichi & Taka Michinoku!

While all the other teams have been fighting to lead the pack, The Ace & The Heater are just fighting to get on the board! Will this finally be the night we get some air guitar? Or will The Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker bring down President Ace & Master Heater?

The fans cheer Tanahashi’s muscles as he takes off the jacket, but only now does Taichi take off own. The fans cheer Taichi’s muscles, too, and Taichi does the dancing pecs! Tanahashi can’t quite match that, but the overall build is very similar. Taichi teases Tanahashi’s abs aren’t quite as tight as they used to be, but the teams finally sort out. Jado steps up and the fans cheer him on. Taka says he’ll handle this, and the bell rings. Jado and Taka, two great Junior Heavyweights in their day, circle now as Heavyweights. The fans rally, the two tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Jado powers Taka back, but Taka powers up! Jado still puts Taka on ropes!

Red Shoes calls the break, and Jado lets off with some sharp pats on the shoulders. The two reset and go again. Taka powers Jado back but Jado digs in his heels. Jado powers Taka back onto ropes, but Taka turns things around. Red Shoes calls the break, Taka lets off slowly, then he SLAPS Jado! Jado storms up but Taka kicks low! Taka runs, RAMS Jado, but Jado stays up! Taka runs and RAMS Jado again, but still nothing! They RAM again, then Taka fakes a run to poke Jado in the eyes! Taka kicks Jado’s leg, then runs, but Jado RUNS Taka over! The fans fire up with Jado and he tags in Tanahashi.

Jado & Tanahashi double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW Taka down! Taichi runs up but gets double kicked! Jado & Tanahashi double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Taichi tumbles out, and we get an air guitar duet! But Taka & Taichi return to CLOBBER them! The fans are upset but Taichi digs his boots into Tanahashi at the ropes. Taka adds on and they kick Tanahashi out. Taka goes out after Tanahashi, right in front of commentary with Douki watching and supporting his guys. Taka then stands on Tanahashi while Taichi POSTS Jado! Red Shoes reprimands, the ring count starts, and Taka puts Tanahashi in the ring.

Taka storms in and stomps Tanahashi around. Taka fishhooks Tanahashi, twists his nose, but stops as Red Shoes counts. Taka then scrapes his soles off Tanahashi’s face! Taka goes back to the fishhook, then he clamps on a headlock. Taka still smothers Tanahashi so Red Shoes counts! Taka stops at 4, tags Taichi, and fans cheer him on. Taichi stomps Tanahashi, snapmares him, then KICKS him! Tanahashi writhes but Taichi covers, TWO! Taichi drags Tanahashi up, tags Taka, and Taichi stomps Tanahashi. Taka stomps Tanahashi then clamps on a headlock. Tanahashi powers up but can’t power out as Taka holds on!

Tanahashi endures the grind, powers up again, but Taka still holds on tight! Tanahashi tries again but Taka pulls hair! Taka hits a headlock takeover, then shifts into a headscissor squeeze! Taka has Tanahashi’s arm and bends the fingers! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Tanahashi endures, fights around, and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Taka still twists the arm, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. The fans rally for Tanahashi but Taka wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Tag to Taichi but Tanahashi fires forearms on them both! Taka BOOTS Tanahashi, then digs his boot in! Taichi also traps Tanahashi, but stops as Red Shoes counts.

Taichi steps in, taunts Jado, then goes back to Tanahashi. Taichi reels Tanahashi in for a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, but Taichi CLAWS at those abs! Tanahashi endures both insult and injury, but Taichi throws him into the corner! Tag to Taka and Taka stomps Tanahashi! Taka fires knees, but Tanahashi fires forearms! Taka SLAPS Tanahashi back! Tanahashi goes to a corner, Taka runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS back! Tanahashi goes up and up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taka and Tanahashi crawl, hot tag to Jado! Jado runs up to run Taka over! And again! Taichi steps in, Jado blocks his kick to DRAGON SCREW!

Jado whips Taka, Taka KICKS back, but Jado LARIATS! The fans fire up and Jado shakes the ropes! Jado gets the energy building and he goes back to Taka. Jado stands Taka up to TOSS him out, then has him on the apron. Taka pokes Jado in the eyes! But Jado blocks the buckle bump to bump Taka off the crossbar! Taka staggers, Jado reels him in through the ropes, for a DRAPING DDT! Cover, Taichi breaks it! The fans rally but Tanahashi kicks and TOSSES Taichi. Tanahashi goes out after Taichi, and Jado pounds the mat. The fans rally behind Jado and he aims at Taka. GUN- NO, Taka stops the cutter to BOOT! And SUPER K!

Both men are down and the fans rally up! Taka crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Jado to BOOT in the corner! Jado staggers, Taichi runs, AX- NO, Jado dodges to LARIAT! Taichi stays up, and the fans fire up as Taichi DOUBLE LARIATS with Jado! And DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! Taichi SOBATS, then BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!! Jado survives and the fans fire up! Taichi BOOTS Tanahashi, then OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims as Jado rises, TENSHO- NO, Jado dodges! Jado knees low, whips Taichi to a corner, then runs up. Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Taichi pushes Jado down, but then brings him back up.

Taichi clamps on the SEITEI JUJIHO!! Jado endures being in the Holy Tomb, but Tanahashi runs up to kick Taichi! Taka storms in but Tanahashi fires shots in return! Tanahashi fires forearms and elbows on Taka and Taichi, but then dodges an Ax Bomber! Tanahashi comes back, but into DOUBLE BOOTS! Taka gets Tanahashi out of the ring while Taichi drags Jado up. Jado’s a ragdoll so Red Shoes checks him. Taichi figures cover, TWO!! Jado is still in this but Taichi covers again, TWO!! A third cover, TWO!!! Jado is still in this and the fans fire up! Taichi rises, and Jado roars back up! Jado eggs Taichi on, so Taichi RIDGE HAND CHOPS!

Jado grits his teeth, but Taichi KICKS! Jado grits his teeth, but he still feels that impact. But then he sits up and eggs Taichi on. Taichi says bet, and he KICKS, KICKS, and CLUBS Jado! Jado feeds off that and stands up! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, but Jado just steps forward! Another chop, and another chop, but Jado is just getting stronger! Taichi kicks low, then runs, but he runs through CHOPS! Taichi comes back, but Jado LARIATS first!! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Taichi and Jado crawl for their corners, hot tag to Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM!

Taka is up but Tanahashi BLASTS him off the apron! Tanahashi roars and brings Taichi up. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Taichi, then goes up the corner. SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Taichi is tougher than that but Tanahashi has the fans behind him. Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Taichi slips around to SAI- NO, Tanahashi fights free! Tanahashi fires a strike fest then whips Taichi to a corner. Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi crawls, reaches out, hot tag to Taka! Taka runs up to BOOT! Taka keeps going to BOOT! Tanahashi roars, fights off the scoop, and TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

Tanahashi gets Taka up again, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Then a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Taichi runs in, LARIAT in the corner! Then a wrench and DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Taka runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Taka clamps on JAST FACELOCK!! Taichi anchors Jado at the ropes but Tanahashi crawls around! Tanahashi endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Taka lets go. Taka drags Tanahashi up to scoop, but Tanahashi slips free! Tanahashi blocks a kick, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up again and Tanahashi ties up Taka’s legs!

Jado steps in to intercept Taichi! Tanahashi has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD while Jado has Taichi in a CROSSFACE! The fans fire up as Taka & Taichi endure submissions! Taka reaches out, but Tanahashi pulls on the legs! Tanahashi sits deep, but Taka grabs the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Tanahashi lets Taka go, and Jado does the same with Taichi. The fans rally behind Tanahashi has he has a leg, for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Taka writhes, Tanahashi roars, and the fans cheer again. Tanahashi goes up top, but Taka fires a body shot! Taka climbs up, but Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms! Taka UPPERCUTS!

Tanahashi falls off the corner and into the ring! Taka rises, runs in at the corner, SHINING WIZARD! CALF KICK! Taichi intercepts Jado before the SUPER K!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Taka roars! Taka scoops to MICHI- NO, Tanahashi slips free to SHOTEI! But MICHINOKU DRIVER!!! Cover, JADO BARRELS IN!! The fans fire up as Jado saves the President! But Taichi stomps Jado, and Taka clamps on JUST FACELOCK! Taichi adds a BUZZSAW! Then Taichi clamps onto Jado with SEITEI JUJIHOU!! Tanahashi fights around, reaches out, but Taka grabs that arm, DICK KILLER!!

Tanahashi endures, but Taka grabs the other arm, too! HEAVY KILLER MK3!!! Taka wraps headscissors onto Tanahashi to then get a leg! Tanahashi endures, fights around, but he barely has a limb to use! Tanahashi gets an arm free for a ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer as Taka and Taichi let Tanahashi and Jado go. Taka drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi victory rolls! TWO!! Taka escapes, scoops, but Tanahashi silps free! Tanahashi scoops to steal MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Taka survives his own move, but Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! Taichi is up but Tanahashi ROCKS him! Taichi URAKENS! Tanahashi SLINGBLADES!

Jado is back, and he gives Taichi a GUN STUN!! The fans are thunderous as Tanahashi now climbs up! Taka’s in the drop zone, for the HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, TANAHASHI & JADO WIN!!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Taka earn 0)

Round 4 helped change the fortunes of The Ace & The Heater, and they’re finally on the board! Will Taichi & Taka miss out on the finals because of this loss? Or can they still find their way to the top from here?

As for Tanahashi & Jado, Tanahashi gets the mic, and he declares, “NJPW has returned to MITO Arena!” The fans cheer that! Tanahashi thanks everyone for coming out tonight, and says that while he and Jado are behind, they aren’t going to give up, “so let’s run until the end!” Tanahashi & Jado shake hands on that and the fans cheer. Tanahashi again thanks everyone, and he hands the mic to Jado. The fans cheer Jado on, and Jado kneels. “PHANTASMO~!” Jado hopes El Phantasmo is doing well. Jado also hopes ELP gets well soon and returns to NJPW. The fans cheer that, as we all want The Headbanga to kick cancer’s ass!

Jado says everyone here in MITO, and everyone watching at home, sorry to keep you waiting, but let’s go! Air guitar duet! The fans cheer as Jado & Tanahashi rock out! Jado even drops back on the mat to rock that much harder! The fans cheer for “MOIKAI! MOIKAI!” Tanahashi gets a new air guitar from the fans, and they rock some more! Tanahashi then bashes that guitar like a real rockstar! But the fans want a second encore! The fans throw another air guitar, then Jado gets Milano Collection AT to throw him one. It’s up, up, and Jado makes the catch! We get more rock ‘n’ roll and the fans cheer again.

Three times seems good enough for Jado and Tanahashi, and Tanahashi picks up the mic again. He again thanks the fans, and the fans again cheer. Tanahashi says that from the Tokyo Dome next year (January 4th), and then the year after that, and for the rest of time, please continue to support NJPW! The fans cheer that, too, BUT THE HOUSE OF TORTURE ATTACKS!! The fans boo as Evil, Narita & Dick ruin the ending! Tanahashi fights back, but EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! The fans boo even more, and tell The House to go home, but Evil grabs the mic to tell everyone to shut up!

Evil tells Tanahashi that he’s stepping into retirement, so he needs to stop clinging to the past! He tells the “annoying idiots” to shut up again, and says he’ll give them what they wanted. Then Evil does a mocking “AISHITEMAAASU~!” a la Tanahashi. The fans boo his false love but he just laughs. Evil tells Tanahashi he’s just an eyesore now. Evil will DESTROY Tanahashi at WrestleKingdom, you understand? Then remember it! Mic drop, and The King of Darkness stands over President Ace. Will World Tag League come second to Evil’s goal of taking over NJPW?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Great-O-Khan & Henare: 3-1, 6 points
Evil & Ren Narita: 3-1, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 3-1, 6 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 2-2, 4 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 2-2, 4 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-3, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 1-3, 2 points
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-3, 2 points

My Thoughts:

A great round for WTL B Block, though maybe with less surprising results after last night and A Block letting their own 0-3 teams finally win. Though over here, it was only Jado & Tanahashi. And surely that was a big moment for some fans in Japan seeing those two longstanding NJPW staples in Jado and Taka face off here. Great win for Tanahashi & Jado to finally score, but we should’ve all figured The House of Torture would ruin the celebration. To me, this keeps moving the math on Tanahashi VS Evil at WrestleKingdom 19 in Tanahashi’s favor so that Evil gets his comeuppance.

As for the tournament, Evil & Narita winning again should’ve perhaps been expected, too, so that Evil can use that momentum in part for WK19. Now, depending on the WTL plans, maybe The House still misses out on the finals, but we’ve still got a few rounds before the end. It feels less like Zack Sabre Jr. will get his wish of TMDK VS TMDK, an LIJ VS LIJ or Empire VS Empire is more likely than that to me. Though, I don’t really see those happening either. With the current Heavyweight Tag Team Champions and the former ones both in this block, it seems a shame that only one can make it to the finals. But given that, I’m leaning towards Shane & Mikey so they can win their title rematch for WK19.

My Score: 8.8/10