Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: New Japan Cup 2019 Part 2!
It’s the 2019 New Japan Cup Second Round!
NJPW and AXS move to the second round of the 2019 New Japan Cup! Will Kota Ibushi continue the comeback? Or will he #JustTapOut to Zack Sabre Jr?
Coverage will be as broadcast by AXS TV
Find gifs on http://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Ryusuke Taguchi; Tanahashi wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
- Zack Sabre Jr. VS Kota Ibushi; ZSJ wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scene for the 2019 New Japan Cup’s second round!
The best wrestling of the Spring continues as the G1 Supercard approaches! The field narrows as Yoshi-Hashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada get through to the quarterfinals to show Chaos still has it. However, the clown prince, Toru Yano, didn’t quite make the cut against Colt Cabana! Meanwhile, Los Ingobernables de Japon scores another victory of Suzuki-Gun as Sanada eliminated Minoru Suzuki himself! The Cold Skull got his payback, but will he continue on towards the finals?
As for tonight’s profiled matches, the Submission Master and the Golden Star have a rematch from last year’s New Japan Cup! Zack Sabre Jr. made Kota Ibushi tap out on his way to the top, but will history repeat itself? And first, the Funky Weapon and Junior Heavyweight icon, Ryusuke Taguchi, has made it this far, but now he faces The Ace. Will Taguchi defy the odds against Hiroshi Tanahashi? Or will the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion take a step closer towards his revenge on Jay White?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Ryusuke Taguchi!
The New Japan Cup is feeling funky as the team captain of the main unit takes on the Once in a Century Talent for the first time in a long time! Tanahashi is 3-0 against Taguchi, can he keep that streak going? Or will Taguchi get the biggest upset so far in this tournament?
The bell rings the old friends go to fist bump, but Tanahashi doesn’t give it. Fans rally for Tanahashi already but Taguchi makes sure he hears what they’re saying. Taguchi and Tanahashi circle and tie up, and Tanahashi gets the arm wrench. Taguchi reverses quickly, but Tanahashi throws body shots. Tanahashi wrenches but Taguchi wrenches back fast again. Taguchi shifts to a hammerlock, but Tanahashi slips around to his own. Taguchi gives the hammerlock back, but Tanahashi drop toeholds. Tanahashi floats but Taguchi slips out to get his own headlock. Tanahashi slips out to get a headlock again, and he has Taguchi trapped on the mat. Taguchi endures and works his way up to his feet. He powers out and things speed up!
Tanahashi counters the back elbow to keep things moving, but Taguchi drops to get the ankle lock! Tanahashi throws Taguchi off, and fans applaud the stand off. Taguchi offers the fist bumps again, but Tanahashi doesn’t give it. Taguchi gets fist bumps from Red Shoes, and the fans even encourage Tanahashi to give them. Tanahashi goes to, but he sees through Taguchi’s trap! He catches the kick to elbow the leg. Tanahashi whips but Taguchi reverses. Tanahashi sunset flips but Taguchi rolls through to dropkick! Taguchi gives Tanahashi a close-up hip attack, then another. Taguchi also drops elbows then grinds Tanahashi’s feet in the corner. He whips Tanahashi but Tanahashi reverses. Tanahashi runs in but Taguchi goes up and over, so Tanahashi slides out to trip and drag Taguchi down. Tanahashi gives Taguchi the ankle lock against the post!
Red Shoes counts Tanahashi but he lets go at 4, to swing the leg into the post! Tanahashi slams Taguchi’s leg into the post again, then goes back into the ring. Tanahashi stalks Taguchi and grabs the leg. He stomps and elbows it down, then again. Taguchi endures as Tanahashi pulls on the leg in a toehold. Tanahashi traps the leg and digs his knuckles into the knee. Taguchi fights back, and even gets Tanahashi in a chinlock. Tanahashi bucks him off but Taguchi gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets Taguchi go, then stomps the bad leg more. Taguchi writhes while fans duel. Tanahashi drags Taguchi up. Taguchi CHOPS but Tanahashi feels stronger for it. Taguchi goes after Tanahashi’s own bad leg, but Tanahashi snapmares and hip attacks Taguchi! The Funky Weapon gets a taste of his own medicine while we go to break.
NJWP on AXS returns as Tanahashi continues to give Taguchi hip attacks. Tanahashi drags Taguchi up to whip but Taguchi reverses. Tanahashi avoids Taguchi’s hip attack to kick the Funky Weapon. But then he runs into a hip attack the second time! Taguchi runs but his Funky Weapon takes an Atomic Drop! Tanahashi runs but into the Funky Weapon! Both men are down but fans rally up. Taguchi and Tanahashi slowly sit up, and Taguchi gives Tanahashi close-range hip attacks again. Taguchi grinds Tanahashi into ropes with a Funky stink face! Fans cheer as Taguchi starts an infinite Funky Weapon train! Tanahshi turns over but Taguchi goes to the outside to hip attack him back in! Fans fire up as Taguchi takes aim. Springboard missile dropkick! But Tanahashi rolls all the way out!
Taguchi follows Tanahashi with a triangle dropkick! Tanahashi drops down and Taguchi triangle planchas! Direct hit takes out The Ace and Taguchi gets in the ring. Taguchi is feeling it while he catches his breath. The 20 count begins and Tanahashi stirs at 9. Tanahashi crawls at 13 but Taguchi goes out to fetch him. Taguchi has Tanahashi in an ankle lock on the ropes! He lets up at 4, having gotten his payback from before. Taguchi apologizes to Red Shoes, but Tanahashi gives Taguchi a dragon screw! And dropkick! And another dragon screw! Taguchi collapses but Tanahashi drags him in for the Cloverleaf! Taguchi drags himself to the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go to stomp Taguchi more while fans duel again. Tanahashi drags Taguchi up and scoop slams him into a drop zone. The Ace then hops up and strikes a pose, only for Taguchi to trip him up!
Taguchi gets the ankle lock again! Tanahashi scrambles to the opposite corner to shove Taguchi away. Tanahashi runs, but Slingblade is countered into chicken wings. But Tanahashi counters the Dodon into Twist ‘n’ Shout! Tanahashi holds on, but Taguchi hits Uno Amigo! Taguchi pops up but gets another Twist ‘n’ Shout! Tanahashi drags Taguchi up, for Dos Amigos! Taguchi tries again, but Tanahashi blocks. Taguchi also blocks Tanahashi, and he gets TRES AMIGOS! Both men are down but Taguchi nips right up! Taguchi shouts out to the King of Strong Style, getting the fans into it! He aims at Tanahashi, BUM-A-YE! Cover, TWO!! Taguchi can’t believe he didn’t put Tanahashi away with that, but he still has more to give. He looms over Tanahashi then drags him up into chicken wings. Tanahashi resists but still ends up in a Tiger Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Taguchi is furious, but he goes after Tanahashi again. Chicken wings but victory roll! Taguchi sits on it, TWO!! ANKLE LOCK! Tanahashi endures the twist in his leg, and rolls, but Taguchi holds on to keep the lock! Taguchi twists but Tanahashi reaches for ropes, only for Taguchi to pull him away. Taguchi drops elbows on the knee and twists even harder! Fans duel and Tanahashi gets up again, and manages to turn and cradle! TWO, and Tanahashi gets Taguchi in another victory roll! TWO, and Tanahashi rocks Taguchi with a left hand! Tanahashi runs, but into an enziguri! Taguchi fires up and runs, but into a Slingblade! Tanahashi fires up as he drags Taguchi around, and Tanahashi chicken wings! Taguchi denies the stolen Dodon but gets another Slingblade! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi full nelsons to a Dragon Suplex! Bridge, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall; advances to the quarterfinals
The Ace got quite the fight out of the Funky Weapon, but he’s still undefeated against his friend. But to show there is still respect and friendship between then, Tanahashi finally gives Taguchi the fist bump. Will Tanahashi continue his quest for vengeance and make it to Madison Square Garden?
Backstage Interviews
Taguchi’s dream was to be IWGP Heavyweight Champion #69. He didn’t make it there, he didn’t get the job done, because he couldn’t finish it off. He got soft.
As for Tanahashi, he feels the odds were against him. But he still made it through to the second round with his Dragon Suplex. Tanahashi knows the history of MSG. It is where Tatsumi Fujinami first used a Dragon Suplex. This felt right to bring it back. Like a comeback salmon, or perhaps comeback dragon. Will Tanahashi bring the comeback dragon to get back the heavyweight championship?
Zack Sabre Jr. VS Kota Ibushi!
“Welcome to Zack Sabre Time!” Taka Michinoku again asks who did fans pick to win this year’s New Japan Cup. Who do they want to win? Sounds like they want Ibushi, but just like last year, he’ll lose to the British Heavyweight Champion and the Submission Master, Zack Sabre Jr! The referee had to stop it last time, but maybe Ibushi will #JustTapOut this time, for 0-2 against ZSJ! So Golden Star, “C’mon ova here!” Ibushi makes his entrance, and this rematch begins!
Fans are strongly behind Ibushi even before the bell. The bell rings and ZSJ circles with Ibushi. Ibushi stays clear of ZSJ’s grip but ZSJ stays clear of Ibushi’s kicks. They approach but back away, then approach again. ZSJ backs away to a corner but Ibushi follows. Ibushi kicks but ZSJ manages to stay away. ZSJ gets Ibushi down on the mat and floats to a facelock, to gator roll, but Ibushi ropebreaks. ZSJ lets up and backs away to a corner. They circle again and approach. ZSJ gets another facelock to a cravat, then shifts to a headlock. Ibushi powers out but ZSJ runs him over. Ibushi nips up and things speed up. ZSJ catches the leg and brings Ibushi down to a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Ibushi pops out and covers, TWO, and ZSJ gets clear of a Penalty Kick! Fans applaud while both men stare down.
ZSJ and Ibushi circle again. They feel it out as they tie up. Ibushi kicks swift and hard to ZSJ’s leg and ZSJ gets to ropes. ZSJ and Ibushi circle again, and ZSJ tries to reel Ibushi in, only to get another kick. ZSJ backs off to rest that leg but Ibushi compels him to circle again. They tie up and ZSJ kicks, then catches Ibushi’s! ZSJ reels Ibushi into a heel hook but Ibushi gets a ropebreak. ZSJ lets go only to shift to a toehold! He cranks it against the ropes, but lets go at 3. Ibushi clutches his leg while getting to ropes. ZSJ grabs the bad leg and pushes it against the ropes while twisting the ankle. Red Shoes reprimands ZSJ so he backs off, and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns while ZSJ paces. ZSJ comes around to kick Ibushi in the leg. ZSJ toys with Ibushi but Ibushi kicks hard from the mat. So ZSJ grabs the leg for another heel hook! Ibushi endures as ZSJ shifts to a Calf Killer, then headscissors at the same time! ZSJ sits on Ibushi then leans back for a mix of triangle hold and STF! ZSJ even twists the ankle more, but Ibushi powers his way forward, so ZSJ lets go to twist the neck! Ibushi writhes but goes to ropes while ZSJ paces again. ZSJ drags Ibushi up for a chinbar neck wrench, then into a reverse cravat. Ibushi gets the ropebreak again, but ZSJ keeps pressure on him until 4. ZSJ backs off to let Ibushi stand up in a corner.
ZSJ runs in but Ibushi manages to go up and over and huricanrana! Roundhouse! But Ibushi has to sit down from his bad leg. Fans rally while Ibushi forces himself to stand. Ibushi dares ZSJ to stand, and then he unleashes a strike fest! Moonstault, but onto knees! And into another heel hook! ZSJ adds a kneebar with the grapevine, but Ibushi drags himself to ropes for another ropebreak. ZSJ lets go again but Ibushi’s leg is only feeling worse. Fans keep rallying behind Ibushi but ZSJ stomps right down on the bad knee! ZSJ scrapes Ibushi’s face for good measure. But Ibushi eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ stomps again, only to get caught! Ibushi stands but ZSJ forearms. Ibushi ducks to PELE! Both men are down again, but Ibushi stands up first. Ibushi drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ rolls him for an Indian Deathlock!
ZSJ pushes on the legs, then sits up for a butterfly stretch. Ibushi endures even as ZSJ puts on a cravat and throws forearms. ZSJ digs knuckles into the knee, so Ibushi throws forearms. ZSJ SLAPS Ibushi down! But Ibushi just throws more forearms back! Ibushi punches ZSJ off the hold then toys with him into a corner. Ibushi throws more kicks and forearms, even as Red Shoes tries to pull him away. ZSJ hits back but Ibushi hits harder! Red Shoes manages to get Ibushi to back away, but ZSJ uses that opening to dropkick Ibushi’s legs! ZSJ sweeps the legs, too, then runs. Ibushi ducks the Penalty Kick, and gets the powerslam on the return! Ibushi hops up and moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Fans keep cheering while Ibushi wills himself back up.
Ibushi drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ slips through, only to get a forearm. ZSJ kicks Ibushi’s leg over and over, but runs into the double stomps! Both men are down from various pains, but the fans give them life to sit up. Ibushi drags ZSJ up in a half nelson, but ZSJ slips out to get a full nelson. Ibushi breaks that to standing switch to his own full nelson, but ZSJ kicks his way out of that. ZSJ drop toeholds back to the heel hook but Ibushi moves back, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Bridging cover, TWO! This epic rematch continues after the break!
NJPW on AXS returns once again, and Taka coaches ZSJ up while Ibushi feeds off the fans’ energy. Both men sit up, but Ibushi stands first. Ibushi buzzsaws but it’s blocked to a standing heel hook! Ibushi reaches for ropes but ZSJ German Suplexes him back! But Ibushi lands on his feet! ZSJ counter kicks Ibushi’s clothesline, then throws European Uppercuts. ZSJ hops on for the guillotine facelock! The body scissors are on and Ibushi starts to fade. ZSJ shifts to a scoop, but Ibushi slips out to LARIAT! Both men are down again as fans return to a fever pitch. Ibushi fires up as he drags ZSJ up. Powerbomb, but ZSJ slips out to the Octopus! Ibushi pops out, gut wrenches, and tucks ZSJ in! But ZSJ rolls through to the European Clutch!! Cover, TWO!! Penalty Kick blocked into a CHOP!
Both men are down again, but fans fire up. Taka coaches ZSJ but Ibushi’s up first. Ibushi drags ZSJ but ZSJ monkey flips him into an armbar! Ibushi glares at ZSJ through the triangle hold, and deadlifts ZSJ for the LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi shakes his head, he won’t let things go like last year. He pulls his knee pad down and vows to break ZSJ. Kamigoye BLOCKED, ZSJ Peles the arm! ZSJ runs in but into a backslide! He rolls through, spins around, rolls, but Ibushi counters to a straitjacket German! Bridging cover, TWO! Ibushi holds on to the wrists, Kamigoye rolled up into a Calf Killer! Ibushi endures as ZSJ pulls and rolls the leg around!
Fans are rabid as ZSJ does everything he can to keep Ibushi away. NAPALM DEATH! Ibushi is stuck with all four limbs and Red Shoes has to ask him! Ibushi taps, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission; advances to the quarterfinals
The Submission Master is still undefeated in the New Japan Cup! The comeback of Kota Ibushi is over already, but will we see ZSJ win back-to-back New Japan Cups? Taka makes sure to ask who fans think is gonna win. “In an unprecendented feat, the first foreigner to conquer the New Japan Cup two years in a row”, it will be Zack, Sabrrrre, Junioooor~! Taka says it, but will ZSJ make it come true when he’s up against The Ace next?
Backstage Interviews
Ibushi admits “it’s all over.” His first goal of winning the New Japan Cup has already failed. “So near yet so far…” This tournament mattered the most to him. With his own will, he tapped out.
As for ZSJ, he keeps telling us all that he will win the New Japan Cup again. And then he’ll win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Madison Square Garden, and then he’ll defend that title at the inaugural NJPW Royal Quest. Of course, ZSJ will make sure to rename it by then, because he doesn’t believe in any monarchy. Will ZSJ revolutionize NJPW while becoming a dual promotion heavyweight champion?
My Thoughts:
Incredible stuff for the second round of this tournament. We’re clearly following ZSJ through most of AXS’s coverage, because this back-to-back New Japan Cup story is quite a good one. I did not think he’d defeat Kota Ibushi, because I really thought Ibushi was getting a push. Perhaps Ibushi can come back around to the title after G1 Supercard, since he is in NJPW full time now. But either way, ZSJ VS Ibushi was incredible, probably better than last year’s. Tanahashi VS Taguchi was a great match, too, but naturally Tanahashi wins. Tanahashi’s own story of wanting a rematch with Jay White is also great, so I’m thinking Tanahashi wins for that story to be pushed further.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
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NXT has a contract signing for the TNA Championship?
Joe Hendry and Trick Williams look to settle their score, and if Trick can’t be champion of NXT, then he’ll make himself champion of TNA! But will things stay civil for the contract signing? Or will Hendry have to #WhoopDatTrick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Oba Femi VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; wins.
- Tony D’Angelo VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Opening weekend wraps up with the Funky Weapon!
There’s more mix ‘n’ match as Best of the Super Juniors 32 keeps going! But will Ryusuke Taguchi kick Bone Soldier butt in tonight’s main event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dragon Dia & Katsuya Murashima VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Akira & Jakob win.
- El Desperado & Shoma Kato VS Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai; Nick & Daiki win.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Hiromu & Takagi win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taguchi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X!
It’s the return of the Mack! Will the American Ninja start to take the block? Or will he be unable to solve for X?
The bell rings and the fans rally while the two circle. They start a “NINJA! NINJA!” chant, but then Robbie brings out a copy of the Ninja Mack mask! Just to rip it up! The fans boo, but Robbie throws it at Mack, and then SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Robbie stomps Mack at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Robbie ROCKS Mack! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, and Robbie handsprings over to then handspring with the ropes! Mack catches him, shove shim, hurdles over him, then backflips over, only for Robbie to SOBAT! The fans cheer, Robbie whips, but Mack reverses. Robbie goes up and over and shows off with his own handspring!
Mack runs in, Robbie slips out to the apron to ROCK Mack! Robbie springboards but Mack gets under. Robbie handsprings through, comes back and RANAS, but Mack handsprings through! The fans fire up and the two reset. Robbie runs up, Mack TOSSES him up and out! The fans fire up as Mack builds speed, and he handsprings for the NINJA- NO, Robbie moves back! But the Ninja Special continues even on the floor! Robbie runs away but Mack catches up, to HANDSPRING KICK him down at the stage! The fans fire up for that Super Ninja Special, and Mack leaves Robbie behind for the ring count.
Robbie sputters and crawls at 4 of 20, but is still far away at 10! Robbie hurries, the fans rally, and Robbie runs at 15 to slide in at 17! But Mack is on him with a facelock! Robbie fights up, lifts Mack, and then throws him away! Mack comes back, but Robbie uses the ref as a shield! Then he throws Mack down by his mask! Robbie throws down forearms and a stomp! The fans are torn but Robbie storms up on Mack to BOOT him in the corner! Robbie brings Mack around, suplexes then covers, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Robbie CHOKES Mack on the ropes, then soaks up the cheers and jeers.
The ref counts, Robbie steps off at 4, then he WRECKS Mack with a dropkick! Mack is on the ground but the fans rally up. Robbie stands Mack up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to railing. Robbie pushes Mack into the ring, clamps on with a half nelson and covers, TWO! The fans cheer and Robbie gets annoyed. Robbie hauls Mack up to a fireman’s carry, but Mack slips around to sunset flip! TWO, and Robbie SWATS Mack’s haymaker to CHOP! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, but Robbie slides and then dodges! Mack is on the apron, Robbie runs to CANNONBALL KICK! The fans fire up as now Robbie builds speed!
Robbie goes up, up, and he ESCALARAS! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up with Robbie! Robbie drags Mack up and puts him back in the ring. Robbie then slingshots for a stalling SENTON! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this and the fans rally up. Robbie and Mack slowly rise, and Robbie takes aim. Robbie runs in but blocks a boot! Robbie puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS the ropes, then SPIN KICKS Mack! Robbie snapmares Mack, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Mack cradles Robbie, TWO! Mack waits on Robbie, and DOUBLE CHOPS him! Then he DOUBLE CHOPS against the ropes! Mack won’t let Robbie get away as he unleashes CHOP after CHOP!
The fans fire up and Mack whips. Robbie reverses, then Robbie runs past Mack to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Robbie is frustrated but the fans fire up! Mack flounders to the corner, the fans rally up, and Robbie runs up to BOOT! Snapmare and now Robbie goes up the corner! From the top rope, X EX- NO, Mack dodges! Robbie rolls through, handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mack holds on but Robbie victory rolls! TWO!! Mack and Robbie hurry up, Robbie handsprings, but into a DREAMCAST KICK AND CRADLE!! MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Innovating in the blink of an eye, Ninja Mack ends this just as quickly! Will every match Mack has be as fast ‘n’ furious as this? Or will someone find a way to slow Mack down?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO!
The Jet may be All Elite now, but he’s always going to be #2Flyy! However, he’s up against DDT Pro’s Idol Wrestler. Can Knight get through the Michinoku Tornado? Or will his flight to the top be grounded?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Knight and Mao stare down. The fans seem strongly behind Mao as he and Knight circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, then he hits a takeover. Mao fights around, stands back up, and he powers his way out of the headlock to have the armlock. Mao steps over to wrench the arm, but Knight rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back! Knight hammerlocks, but Mao reaches back to headlock. The fans applaud, but Knight rolls Mao to get free. Mao ducks a kick, Knight dodges a spin kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Mao runs up, Knight dodges then arm-drags! Knight runs up, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mao is up but Knight FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Knight runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Knight goes up to rally the fans, then he hops down to stomp and UPPERCUT on repeat! The ref counts as Knight stomps a mudhole in, and Knight snapmares Mao for a SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans rally, Knight covers, TWO! The fans applaud while Mao grits his teeth. Knight stands Mao up but Mao fires body shots! Knight ROCKS Mao, runs, but Mao ELBOWS him! Mao runs, Knight follows, but Mao goes up and around! Knight tumbles out to the apron, but he ROCKS Mao first!
Knight springboards but Mao WHEEL KICKS him down! Mao wrenches an arm and SLINGSHOT CUTTERS! The fans fire up and Mao climbs up, to then SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO, but Mao goes right to the corner! Mao aims again, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Mao rolls off the impact, but then rolls back and has Knight in the COBRA TWIST! Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight powers his way to switch the twist! Mao endures now and the fans rally more. Knight says he’s #MecchaTsuyoi, but then Mao throws elbows! Mao switches things back, and he says he is meccha, meccha, TSUKAKUI! Mao puffs up to show how strong and handsome he is!
The fans cheer, but Knight powers out with a HIP TOSS! But Mao drags Knight down into a JUST FACELOCK! Knight endures, reaches out, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer again while Mao lets go. Mao rises and the fans rally while Knight is on the ropes. Mao runs and CANNONBALLS Knight against the ropes! Knight writhes but Mao brings him up, only for Knight to fire a forearm! Mao fires one back! Knight fires another forearm, so Mao fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Knight has the edge. Knight winds up but Mao SHOTEIS! Mao whips Knight to a corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT!
Knight LARIATS again, then whips, but Mao reverses. Knight goes up and over, runs back in, and he LARIATS again! The fans fire up with Knight as he goes to a corner. Knight aims, runs in corner to corner, but Mao dodges! Mao runs, but into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and Knight is stunned but the fans rally up! Knight fires up and the fans rally again. Knight runs up but Mao stops the satellite DDT! Mao BOOTS Knight against the ropes, then runs, but he goes Matrix to avoid Knight’s superkick! Mao BOOTS Knight’s lariat to SHOTEI, but Knight ROCKS Mao with a forearm! Mao REAR HEADBUTTS!
Mao runs, Knight hurdles over to PELE! But Mao tiger-feints and rewinds to SPIN KICK! The fans fire up even more while both men are down! Knight staggers to his feet, Mao ROCKS him with a hard right! Mao reels him in, but Knight suplexes first! The fans fire up and Knight covers, ONE as Mao goes Matrix again! Knight is stunned, runs up on Mao, but blocks a boot. Mao ENZIGIRIS Knight, goes up, only for Knight to go to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight hurries to the apron and then the corner. Knight climbs, but Mao rises again! Mao goes up the ropes to SUPER STEINER Knight in return!
The fans fire up as Mao hurries up top again, but Knight goes back up! But no Upper Room, this is a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Mao’s right up!? And so is Knight! But then both men fall over! The fans fire up as Knight and Mao slowly stir. They both rise up, but Knight goes to the apron. Knight springboards, but into a DREAMCAST KICK! Mao reels Knight in and gut wrenches, but Knight TORNADO DDTS free!! Knight roars, runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then Mao runs to jump over the ref, only for Knight to jump over Mao! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mao survives and the fans are thunderous!
Knight and Mao hurry back up, Knight runs up, but Mao stops the satellite again! MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans rally as hard as they can and Mao aims, SUPERKICK! Cover, MAO WINS!
Winner: Mao, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
The Idol Warrior’s Samurai Kick strikes down the Knight! Knight shows respect with a bow, will we see these two meet again down the line? Will Mao soon take over the BOSJ for DDT Pro?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors!
The Way of the Grandmaster is once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, but that just means he has a target on his back. Will Wato soon owe a golden ticket to this War Dog? Or will Wato be stronger than 100 Proof?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Connors and Wato circle, the fans rally more, and the two feel things out. Wato stays away from the leg takedown, then they feel out a knuckle lock. They back off, step forward, but Connors KNEES low! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS Wato, then whips Wato. Connors bypasses but Wato hurdles over the backdrop! Connors still ROCKS Wato and has him in a corner. Connors runs in, but Wato BOOTS Connors, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up with Wato and he KICKS Connors’ leg. And KICKS, and KICKS! Wato snapmares Connors, KICKS him again, then KICKS, KICKS, KICKS!
Connors ducks Wato, shoves him, and then hits the JEEP FLIPPER! Wato tumbles out of the ring but Connors pursues. Connors SMACKS Wato off the apron, then tells fans to move! The Young Lions usher fans out of the way, and Connors BOWLS Wato into the chairs! That was a STRIKE and then some! The fans fire up and even bark with Connors. Connors storms over to Wato, stomps him, then drags him up to his feet. Connors SMACKS Wato of a chair, then brings him back around. Wato fires elbows and CHOPS, but Connors CHOPS back! Wato staggers deeper into the crowd and Connors pursues!
The fans rally as Connors BOWLS Wato into more chairs! Connors has cleared out the whole section! The fans rally as Connors shoves the ref aside. Connors JAMS Wato up with a chair, then tells another section of fans to move! They hurry out of the way as Connors BOWLS Wato into even more chairs! Connors hits a turkey, aka bowling hattrick, and the fans fire up more. The ref reprimands but Connors clears out the chairs so he can stand Wato up. Wato fires body shots and forearms! Wato ROCKS Connors, and then Connors falls onto chairs! This entire area is a mess but Wato drags Connors up.
Connors body shots Wato, then POSTS him! Wato falls in a heap and the fans are torn. Connors intimidates commentary, then he goes looking under the ring. Connors brings out… a TIRE?! Why was one of those under there?! The ref reprimands Connors but Connors shoves him aside! Connors brings the spare tire over and JAMS Wato up! Connors sets the tire down, and he has Wato’s leg! Connors SMASHES Wato’s knee on the hubcap! The fans are torn but maybe so is Wato’s knee! Connors puts Wato in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato stays in this and the fans applaud, but Connors ties the legs up in a knot!
Wato endures, reaches out, and he claws his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Connors doesn’t let go. The ref counts so Connors stops at 4. Connors mocks the fans cheering Wato on, then drags Wato to his feet. Connors CHOPS Wato, whips him, but Wato blocks by holding ropes! Connors KNEES low, whips again, btu Wato reverses to ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN Connors to a corner! The fans fire up and Wato rises. Wato runs in, Connors dodges, and Connors comes back, only for Wato to dodge! Wato then reels Connors in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors stays in this but Wato goes to the apron.
Wato slaps his leg into working, then watches Connors rise. Wato springboards but Connors gets under! Wato lands on his feet but his bad leg jams! Connors CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The fans are torn as Wato writhes, but Connors circles like a shark. Connors runs, but Wato catches him to a cradle! TWO!! Wato ROUNDHOUSE, but Connors blocks! And pops Wato up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Connors rises, drags Wato up, then whips, but Wato avoids the powerslam! Wato runs in, tilt-o-whirls, then hooks Connors up, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!
Connors survives but Wato doesn’t stop! He body scissors and rolls Connors into VENDEVAL!! Connors endures, fights around with his legs, and he rocks the boat, only for Wato to pour on the pressure! Connors still fights, but Wato puts even more pressure on!! Connors powers through to have the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Connors up, reels him in, but Connors holds ropes to fight the suplex! Wato KICKS the arms, TSUTEN- NO, Connors mule kicks the legs! Wato SOBATS and runs, but into a POWERSLAM!! Wato rises up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Wato survives, and Connors hurries to bring Wato up. Connors puts one out, but Wato fights No Chaser! ROUNDHOUSE, and Wato fires back up! The fans rally, Wato hooks Connors up, RECIENTE- NO, Connors slips free and reels Wato back in! NO CHASER!!! Cover, CONNORS WINS!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
100 Proof gets his clear shot on Wato, and now he has both two points and a golden ticket for it! Will the DEFY Champion soon run the whole Junior Heavyweight Division?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!
The Direct Drive is also once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion alongside Wato, but that means the same target is on his back. Will Yoh owe this Ichiban Sweet Boy a title shot? Or can he shoot down the Sniper of the Skies first?
Wait, Yoh’s near jacket and gear is made with… recycled Ziploc bags? Well, guess that’s one way to stay fresh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yoh’s height gives him leverage to put Eagles on ropes. The ref counts, Eagles turns things around on Yoh, but he lets off slowly, to kiss Yoh on the cheek. The fans cheer, especially the ladies, and then Eagles asks Yoh for one in return. Yoh steps closer, but Eagles headlocks! Eagles hits the takeover, Yoh headscissors, and Eagles kips free. Roles reverse and Yoh headlocks for a takeover and Eagles headscissors. Yoh kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer.
Eagles steps closer and he gives Yoh another kiss on the cheek. Yoh still wants to reciprocate but Eagles says no thanks. Because right now, he wants to “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” And Yoh kisses Eagles on the cheek three times! The fans cheer and Eagles is stunned. Eagles slaps sense into himself, then SLAPS Yoh! Yoh runs up, Eagles trips him, but Yoh boots him away. Yoh drops down, bypasses, then drop toeholds Eagles! He calls Eagles a “hentai (pervert)” before he DROPKICKS Eagles!
Eagles tumbles out, Yoh PLANCHAS and direct hit! The fans fire up for Yoh, and he uses a fan’s towel to wipe his face. Yoh stalks Eagles, puts him in the ring, then hurries to a corner. The fans rally as Yoh climbs, and he CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Eagles goes to a corner. Yoh stomps Eagles, throws forearms, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in and ELBOWS Eagles, then turns him, but Eagles SAIDOS free! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Eagles sits Yoh up to run and SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!
Eagles is annoyed but the fans rally up. Eagles kicks Yoh around, drags him up, and reels him in for a scoop and SLAM! Eagles soaks up the cheers, then covers, TWO! Eagles eggs Yoh on, so Yoh fires a forearm then a kick, and repeat. Eagles kicks low, CHOPS, then whips. Yoh reverses but Eagles stops himself, so Yoh’s dropkick gets nothing. Eagles runs up to roll Yoh into a KNEEBAR! Yoh endures as Eagles grapevines the leg, and the fans rally up. Yoh reaches out, crawls around, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Eagles lets go. Eagles drags Yoh from the ropes to drop a KNEE on the knee!
The fans rally while Eagles paces. Yoh rises up, but Eagles KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Yoh eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Eagles drags Yoh up. Eagles cravats but Yoh fights the rest. Eagles CLUBS away on Yoh, UPPERCUTS, then ASAI- NO, Yoh slips free of the Asai DDT! But Eagles back suplexes! Yoh lands out and waistlocks but Eagles switches and CHOP BLOCKS! Eagles runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yoh and Eagles go to opposite ends, then they both run up! Yoh rallies with forearm after forearm, then whips, only for Eagles to reverses. But Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!
The fans rally more and Yoh brings Eagles around. Yoh scoops and SLAMS Eagles, then he sets up to soak up cheers. Yoh soaks up quite a lot, and then Yoh ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up again. Yoh brings Eagles around, reels him in, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh CLUBS away on Eagles, then brings him up to suplex, only for Eagles to fight free! Eagles wrenches, but Yoh ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives and the fans fire up again!
Eagles and Yoh stir and Yoh goes to a corner. Yoh tunes up and the fans rally. Eagles rises, Yoh aims, but Eagles ducks the superkick to trip Yoh and tie up the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! ROPEBREAK, but Eagles brings Yoh up fast, ASAI DDT!! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Eagles drags Yoh up, but Yoh breaks free, only for Eagles to KNEE low! And KICK down! Yoh goes to a corner, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles comes back but Yoh BOOTS him! Eagles returns again to BASEMENT 619, but Yoh jumps it! Yoh then JUMP KNEES Eagles! Eagles DOUBLE KNEES Yoh again!
Yoh sits down, Eagles runs in yet again, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles drags Yoh to center and covers. TWO, but Eagles stands Yoh up to hook him up! But Yoh fights the backpack to scoop and FALCON GOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Yoh clutches his leg. Yoh crawls to the cover, TWO! Yoh clamps on an ANACONDA VICE!! Eagles endures as Yoh uses Tenzan’s signature hold! Eagles fights around, stands up, but Yoh SLAMS Eagles down! Yoh pulls on the hold but Eagles still endures! The fans rally, Eagles reaches out, then manages to sit up! Eagles stands again, fights towards ropes, but Yoh ripcords and reels Eagles in!
DIRECT- NO, Eagles BACKDROPS out of that! Yoh sunset flips but Eagles rolls through! Eagles steps through, but Yoh BOOTS him away! Both men stand and the fans rally. Yoh ROCKS Eagles, Eagles kicks the leg, and both men back up. Yoh slaps his leg into working, and DOUBLE FOREARMS collide! DOUBLE FOREARMS collide again! And then again! Both men stagger all the way back to the ropes, for DOUBLE I’LL BE BACK! Eagles and Yoh SUPERKICK each other down! The fans fire up and both men go to corners. Eagles runs in, Yoh pops him up! Eagles lands on the apron, KICKS the leg out, then springboards to SNIPER DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as Yoh flounders! Eagles aims again, HYPER- NO, Yoh ducks that and rolls Eagles. Eagles rolls through but Yoh blocks the superkick! But Eagles stops the dragon screw, grabs an arm, and YANKS Yoh up to the fireman’s carry! Eagles shifts Yoh around to the TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!!! Yoh survives and Eagles is shocked! The fans fire up as Eagles takes aim, BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Eagles hurries up top, takes aim, and WARP 4.5!! Direct hit on Yoh’s legs, and then Eagles steps through. But Yoh cradle counters! TWO!! Eagles escapes but he and Yoh fight for facelock control!
Yoh suplexes, Eagles slips through to waistlock, but Yoh switches! Yoh half nelsons, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh powers up and gets the full nelson! Eagles breaks free, but Yoh hops up to POISON-RANA!! Eagles rises, into a SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up and Yoh powers up again! Yoh drags Eagles up and in, DIRECT- NO, Eagles arm-drags and steps through, but Yoh turns Ron Miller Special into an O’Conner! STAR GAZE- NO, Eagles pushes on the bad leg! Yoh falls forward and Eagles ties the legs up! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Yoh endures, flails, and claws at the mat while the fans rally! Eagles drags Yoh away from ropes, YOH TAPS! EAGLES WINS!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
Both IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have lost! A golden ticket to Clark Connors, a golden ticket to Robbie Eagles, will Wato & Yoh be busy after the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Eagles use this win to go for the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Funky Weapon and the Bone Soldier have had quite a few battles through this tournament series, and more often than not, #ItsReborn! But will Taiji keep up that streak #ByGrace? Or will Taguchi finally get lucky here in the main event?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Taiji circle, feel things out, then clinch. They go around, Taiji facelocks, but Taguchi wrenches out. Taiji wrenches in return and hammerlocks but Taguchi moves around. They stand, Taguchi switches the hammerlock, but Taiji drop toeholds. Taiji floats but Taguchi slips out the back to hammerlock again. The fans applaud this technical exchange, and Taguchi hooks an arm for a cover, TWO! Taguchi holds onto Taiji but Taiji fights up. Taiji wrenches out, but Taguchi rolls, trips Taiji and has the toehold. Taiji goes for an armbar but Taguchi goes for the leg!
Taiji scrambles forward and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Taguchi lets go. Taguchi scoots back and keeps his eyes on Taiji. The fans rally as Taiji stands and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and Taiji headlocks. Taguchi powers up and out and RAMS shoulders with Taiji! The fans cheer as Taiji dares Taguchi to run. Taguchi runs, they RAM shoulders again, and now Taiji runs. Taguchi drops down, hurdles, but Taiji waistlocks. Taguchi elbows free, whips to arm-drag, then he RAMS Taiji! Taguchi springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up as the Dropkick Master returns!
Taiji bails out but Taguchi builds speed! Taiji runs away but Taguchi rolls back and swivels them hips! Then Taguchi does the dance moves! The fans cheer but Taiji is annoyed. Taiji rushes up but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS him down! Taguchi slingshots, but Taiji YANKS him down! Taguchi hits apron then the floor, and Taiji stomps him. Taiji drags Taguchi around and CATAPULTS him into the POST! Taguchi falls and clutches his arm but the fans rally up. Taiji paces around the outside while Red Shoes checks Taguchi. Taguchi is okay to continue, but Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad! Red Shoes is none the wiser as he starts the ring count.
Taguchi shakes out the bad arm while he’s down on the mat. We go past 5 of 20, then past 10. Taguchi stands at 14 and the fans applaud. Taguchi hears 17 and rolls in at 19! The fans cheer as Taguchi maximizes his rest time, but then Taiji stomps Taguchi down! Taiji pulls on Taguchi’s bad arm, twists the wrist, and even stands on Taguchi’s face! Red Shoes reprimands, and it sounds like a young fan in the crowd shouts at Taiji. Taiji tries to spot the kid but he just pulls on Taguchi’s arm more. Taguchi fights up, but Taiji hammerlocks and POSTS him! The fans boo as Taguchi is stuck in the bare corner. Taiji brings Taguchi out to snapmare and FIST DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer but Taiji keeps Taguchi down with an armlock! Taguchi endures, and he reaches out to a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The fans cheer but Taiji holds on! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taiji lets go at 4, and the fans rally more. Taiji has Taguchi on the apron and drags him up. Taiji wrenches to HOTSHOT the arm! Taguchi drops to the apron and rolls in, clutching that shoulder. Taiji grins and looms over Taguchi. Taguchi CHOPS from below, but Taiji CLUBS him! Taguchi CHOPS again, but Taiji CLUBS Taguchi again! Taiji then grabs the bad arm for a STRAIGHT ARM BAR! Taguchi scrambles around again, ROPEBREAK!
Taiji still holds on so Red Shoes counts again. Taiji lets go at 4 and Taguchi crawls to the ropes. Taguchi kicks from below but Taiji eggs him on. Taguchi kicks more, so Taiji stomps him down! Taiji taunts the fans as they rally up for Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, Taguchi fires body shots, and the fans rally again. Taguchi runs, but jumps into an atomic drop! Taiji runs, btu Taguchi follows! Only to get another atomic drop! Taiji laughs while Taguchi drops to his knees. Taiji waistlocks but Taguchi fires elbows. Taguchi runs but fakes Taiji out, and then HIP ATTACKS! Then Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans cheer!
Taguchi still clutches the bad arm and shakes it out, but both he and Taiji are down as the ring count starts. Taguchi sits up at 6, drags Taiji up at 10, and puts him in at 11. Taguchi steps in and HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS again! Taguchi then goes back out to the apron, and he fires the fans up for the SLINGSHOT HIP DROP, but onto knees! Taiji turns things around on Taguchi and Taguchi hobbles away to a corner. Taiji runs in, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to get Taiji for the DEADLY BUTT SHADE! Taiji staggers back, Taguchi goes up, FLYING HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi covers, TWO!
Taguchi kips up and the fans fire up! Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Taiji rolls Taguchi up! TWO!! Taiji ROCKS Taguchi, whips, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi, drags him up, and gut wrenches. Taguchi slips free and waistlocks but Taiji switches. Taguchi drop toeholds but Taiji scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi still uses OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Red Shoes reprimands, Taguchi stops, but then he drops KNEE after KNEE on Taiji’s ankle! Taguchi drags Taiji up and chicken wings!
DODON TO THE- NO, Taiji blocks the knees and deadlifts Taguchi into the CIPHER UTA- NO!! OH MY GAH- NO, VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Taiji runs up, Taguchi dodges, ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Taiji and Taguchi stir, and fans rally as Taguchi stands. Taguchi chicken wings but Taiji fights the lift! Taguchi CHOPS Taiji on the back, runs, but Taiji catches and spins him, to POST him again! Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji grabs Taguchi’s arm. Taiji hammerlocks one then half nelsons the other, but Taguchi fights the lift! Taiji powers through to hoist Taguchi up, SHOULDER BUSTER!
The fans rally while Taguchi writhes, and Taiji aims from the corner. Taguchi rises, Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Taguchi powers through to roll Taiji up! TWO, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! But Taiji drags Taguchi down! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK!! Taguchi endures, fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Taguchi pops free to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji flails and reaches out, then grabs Red Shoes! Taiji YANKS Red Shoes into Taguchi, and that undoes the hold! Taguchi hurries back, but Taiji BOOTS Taguchi into Red Shoes!
The fans boo as Red Shoes goes down, but Taguchi rushes up on Taiji! Taiji slips around and hooks the arm, to LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo more but Taiji GEDO CLUTCHES, TWO!!! Taguchi survives Taiji’s sneaky tactics and the fans fire up! Taiji, Taguchi and Red Shoes all slowly stand back up, and Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi is a ragdoll! Taiji snarls and he drags Taguchi up all the same, BLOODY- NO, Taguchi rolls through, and then has the OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! Taiji endures, Taguchi keeps him from ropes, and Taguchi pushes on that leg! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taguchi puts on the pressure!
Taiji grits his teeth, reaches out, but Taguchi twists the ankle more! Taiji fights forward, Taguchi drags him back, and repeat! Taguchi then yanks Taiji into the DODON BUSTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taiji survives, but Taguchi just goes for OH MY GAH ANKLE!!!! The fans rally for Taguchi but Taiji rolls! Taguchi holds on!! Taguchi ELBOW DROPS the leg, then TWISTS the ankle!!! Taiji endures, but he TAPS!! TAGUCHI WINS!!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Taiji tried and tried, but who knew Taguchi would take this one so seriously? Will it only be #ByGrace that Taiji can turn this around and reach the top?
As for Taguchi, he ices his arm while the fans cheer him on. Then he gets the mic to say, “Thank you for the chants.” The fans cheer, and Taguchi continues, “Thank you all for so many of you showing up here in Iwanuma, and thank you for all the support.” The fans cheer again, and Taguchi adds that he’d like to thank Mayo Junichi Sato, as well as the Iwanuma City Board of Education. “The elementary and middle school kids were able to come here for free today, so we got so much support from the kids. For you to understand how pro-wrestling can give you strength is something that brings me so much joy.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Taguchi hopes they’ve all found a new hobby today in pro-wrestling. Please keep watching pro-wrestling, as there are so many great wrestlers for you to discover and enjoy. He hopes watching wrestling makes their lives more fun. He wishes them all the best. The fans applaud, and Taguchi says not just his opponent tonight, Taiji, but also Yoh and Mao are from here in the Miyagi Prefecture. “We produce a lot of great wrestlers, but I guess the Saito brothers are most famous.” The fans have a good laugh at that, and Taguchi says he hopes he can be like them in terms of popularity. Please continue to support him!
The fans applaud, and Taguchi says Hirooki Goto is leading NJPW and his Goto Revolution. The fans do applaud that, and Taguchi says he is willing to follow Goto. The G in IWGP may be for Goto, but the T in “The” that is in “Best of The Super Juniors” will now stand for Taguchi! The fans do like the sound of that. Taguchi says the BOSJ’s T will send his love to Iwanuma today. The fans like that, and Taguchi sees the cheerers are here, as is the mascot! The fans applaud and “Chief Clerk Iwanuma” waves. Taguchi says this is also on NJPW World, so this is good promotion around Japan and the world. You will see how great Iwanuma is today!
So, let’s go! The T in Best of the Super Juniors is for Taguchi! Iwanuma, daisuki desu~!” And since it’s been awhile, let’s do that, huh? The fans cheer and clap along as Taguchi does his dance! Will the Funky Weapon get even funkier as this tournament goes on? Will he lead the Junior Heavyweight Division just as Goto leads all of NJPW?
Here are the updated A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the updated B Block standings!
El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
MAO: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Taiji Ishimori: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second day for BOSJ’s opening weekend. Mack VS Robbie X was immediately a high bar with that extra special Ninja Special Mack pulled off, and even how the finish came about with that spin kick into a cradle. Knight VS Mao also had some great innovation, and a great first win for Mao in his first-ever BOSJ. Connors and Eagles each getting a win over the tag team champions was a bit surprising, but they could do some big stuff with the tag teams after the tournament. I did like Connors using a tire in this match, and it sounds like that’s part of a new gimmick or something he’s doing. Yoh’s Ziplock outfit is pretty fun, too.
And great stuff out of the main event with getting “Serious Taguchi” here tonight. Taguchi is usually such a jokester so it’s great when he busts out a banger like this, especially when he wins. I appreciate Taguchi giving such a promo where he genuinely wants the kids to know pro-wrestling can be a hobby but also a career. I also like that he brought out the comedy here, copying Goto’s “the G in IWGP is for Goto” but to where it’s something irrelevant. Taguchi rising back up as a serious contender would be something to see, especially with all these crossovers.
My Score: 9/10
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This debut Episode examines how UAPs went from an undesirable topic of discussion into an undeniably important aspect of our...
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Sign on the dotted line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/11/25)
Let's get funky!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/12/25)
IT'S CLOBBERIN TIME!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/10/25)
For the 32nd time...!
Attitude Of Aggression #309- The Big Five Project: King of the Ring ’95
The Big Five Project returns to recap a dreadful PPV, King of the Ring '95. It is every bit as...
Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Results & Report! (5/10/25)
John Cena's Final Backlash!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Release The Backlash
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s NJPW Resurgence Results & Report! (5/9/25)
NJPW's back in the Golden State!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/9/25)
The time is now!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/9/25)
TGIROHF!
