“Card subject to change” indeed!

A minor setback makes for a bigger beginning to the 2025 New Japan Cup! Will Yota Tsuji make sure Everything is NOT Evil?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Katsuya Murashima VS Daiki Nagai; Murashima wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma VS Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask; Nagata, Tenzan, Kojima & Tiger Mask win.
• Six Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo & Jado VS The United Empire; Desperado, ELP & Jado win.
• Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS Callum Newman & Francesco Akira; Newman & Akira win.
• 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuya Uemura VS SANADA; Uemura wins and advances.
• 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL; Evil wins and advances.
• 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Ryohei Oiwa VS Chase Owens; Oiwa wins and advances.
• 2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Gabe Kidd VS Ren Narita; Gabe wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

After Six Man Tag: El Desperado, El Phantasmo & Jado VS The United Empire…

The Rogue Luchador gets the win with his Stretch Muffler Numero Dos, and his teammates shower him with praise, and The Headbanga even kisses him on the forehead. ELP picks up both his NJPW World TV Championship and Despy’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship while Jado helps Despy to his feet. ELP does kinda like how he looks with both belts but he still hands Despy his gold. ELP lets Great-O-Khan know that there’s more in store tomorrow in their New Japan Cup match, but Khan laughs that off. But then the lights go down, and the tron plays a message from Clark Connors!

“Desperadooo~…! I heard that you wanted a match with Clark Connors. Well, I want your title. So let’s settle this the only way that me and you can: in a HARDCORE MATCH! And this time, Despy, I’m not just gonna take your mask, I’m not just gonna take your title, I’m gonna take your effin’ life! Because you are not my dawg for real.” The fans are excited to hear that! Despy says if Clark wants it hardcore, then let’s do it! The fans are even more excited now! When and where will The Rogue Luchador shoot it out with 100 Proof?

2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuya Uemura w/ Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA w/ Taiji Ishimori!

What was once Just5Guys is back down to four, and misfortune struck as the Heat Storm got hurt. But Yuya is back, and he wants revenge on the traitor! Will Yuya burn hotter and brighter than ever before? Or will the heat die down against this Cold-Blooded War Dog?

Well as if Sanada wasn’t being rude and obnoxious before, he’s wearing a shirt that outright says, “Uemura, MOTHER EFFER, you’re still a Young Lion.” The bell rings and the fans rally up for “YUYA! YUYA!” Sanada and Yuya circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. They back up, circle again, and Sanada avoids Yuya shooting in. They feel things out again, knuckle lock, and then Yuya avoids Sanada shooting in. The fans cheer as the two reset again. They tie up, and Yuya wrenches to a hammerlock. Sanada endures, moves around, and he wrenches to put the hammerlock onto Yuya. Yuya endures, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from ropes.

Yuya switches the hammerlock back onto Sanada, and he keeps Sanada from getting a leg. Sanada switches the hammerlock but Yuya switches it right back! Sanada tries again, but Yuya again puts the hammerlock on. Sanada goes around one more time but Yuya is still wise to that. So Sanada drop toeholds! Sanada floats to a headlocks, Yuya slips right out the back, and it’s back to the hammerlock! Yuya SNAPS the hammerlock, then headstands into a bridge! Yuya goes back around, grinds the hammerlock more, but Sanada reaches back. Yuya headstands out of the headlock and goes back to the start!

Sanada gets mad and gets to his feet. Sanada reaches back and SHIRANUI to get free! Sanada wrenches, Yuya wrenches back, and repeat! Sanada rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, spins and hits a takeover, but Yuya headscissors! Sanada kips free and the fans cheer this great exchange! Yuya and Sanada catch their breath and reset while the the fans rally back up. Sanada and Yuya tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, then Sanda headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, goes the other way, slides under a boot and he arm-drags Sanada! Sanada bails out but Yuya eggs him on. Sanada paces while he cools off, so Yuya waits.

The fans rally while Sanada shakes out his arm. Yuya storms out, Sanada slides in, and now Sanada acts like Yuya’s stalling. Yuya storms in, but Sanada KICKS the ropes to jam him up! The fans boo but that should’ve been expected. Sanada then goes out to whip Yuya into railing! Sanada brings Yuya out into the crowd, brings him up the bleachers, and he fires hands! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Sanada SMACKS Yuya with a fan’s merchandise! Sanada leaves Yuya behind, the fans rally for Yuya, and a ring count starts. Yuya sits up at 4 of 20, rises but hobbles and almost falls down the steps! Taichi & Taka coach him on but we’re at 15!

Yuya hurries back in at 17 and the fans cheer, only for Sanada to basement DROPKICK! Yuya writhes but Sanada drags him back up. Sanada ROCKS Yuya with a right hand, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Sanada ROCKS Yuya again, then stalks him to ropes. Sanada ROCKS Yuya with haymaker after haymaker, but then Yuya CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! DOUBLE CHOPS! DOUBLE CHOPS! DOUBLE CHOPS! Sanada puts Yuya in the corner to DROPKICK the leg! The fans boo but Sanada looms over Yuya in the corner. Sanada drags Yuya up, whips him corner to corner, but Yuya comes back with a FLYING FOREARM!

The fans fire up while both men are down, and they rally for Yuya. Yuya grits his teeth while Taichi & Taka coach him up. Yuya rises, storms over to Sanada, and CHOPS him! Yuya CHOPS again, then CHOPS again, again, and again! Yuya fires up, the fans are with him, and he whips Sanada, only for Sanada to reverse. Yuya goes up and over to arm-drag! And DOUBLE CHOP! The fans stay fired up, and Yuya rips off Sanada’s shirt! Yuya looms over Sanada, then he thinks about going to a corner. The fans rally, but Yuya hesitates. Isn’t going high what hurt him before? Yuya drags Sanada up but Sanada fights the lift with elbows. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

Yuya goes right to the ARMBAR! Sanada scrambles right to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts but Yuya lets go cleanly. Yuya drags Sanada up, clinches, but again Sanada fights the lift. Yuya runs but Sanada dropkicks the leg again! Yuya still comes back, but Sanada DUMPS him to the apron! And DROPKICKS him to the floor! Then Sanada PLANCHAS! Down goes Yuya and the fans are still impressed with Sanada’s ability. Sanada wants the fans to get louder like in the old days, but the fans cheer Yuya on now. Sanada says that’s fine, and he goes back to Yuya. Sanada drags Yuya up, puts him in the ring, then brings him up.

Sanada fireman’s carries Yuya, but Yuya fights free! Yuya gets under, but Sanada fights the urenage! Yuya CHOPS, whips, but Sanada BOOTS him away! Sanada QUEBRADA, for the dragon sleeper! Yuya endures, but Sanada drops into SKULL END! Yuya is caught in the body scissors but the fans rally up! Yuya reaches out, but he’s fading! Sanada lets Yuya go, puts him right on the lion logo, and goes up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, onto knees! Yuya saves himself on that one, but it was double-edged as he clutches his knee. The fans rally up, and Yuya kips up! The fans fire up with Yuya as he drags Sanada back up.

Yuya scoops and SLAMS Sanada, then looks to the corner. Will he go for it? Yuya fires up and climbs! The fans rally, and Yuya reaches the top! But Sanada uses the ref as as shield! Taiji SHOVES Yuya down! But Taka YANKS Taiji down and whips! Taiji reverses to send Taka into railing! Taichi chases Taiji, the ref has no idea what’s going on, but at least now Sanada and Yuya are truly 1v1! Sanada hurries to go up, ROUNDING BODY- NO, Yuya dodges! And GERMAN- NO, Sanada lands out! Sanada spins Yuya, suplexes, MAGIC- NO, Yuya fights free to then URENAGE! The fans fire up and Yuya covers, TWO!

Sanada stays in this but the fans rally behind Yuya. Yuya rises, he drags Sanada up, but Sanada ENZIGIRIS! Yuya ENZIGIRIS! Sanada SHINING WIZARDS! The fans boo but Sanada brings Yuya up! Clinch and- NO, Yuya slips out to GERMAN SUPLEX! Snadaa’s right up!? But Yuya DROPKICKS him right down! Yuya fires up, and he drags Sanada into the cording hold! But Sanada fights free to DEAD- NO, Yuya slips free, waistlocks, but Sanada switches! They go to ropes, Yuya bucks the O’Conner, then Yuya SUPERMAN STACKS! Cover, YUYA WINS!!

Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Sanada is shocked! So much for “just a Young Lion!” The Heat Storm burns the Cold Blooded, and Sanada sulks off. But will Yuya be ready to do this all again against Yoshi-Hashi?

2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yota Tsuji VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Gene Blast won last year’s tournament, and though he didn’t become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, becoming IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion isn’t too bad. But the King of Darkness wants it all, from the Cup to the titles to being the leader of PRIME Bullet Club! Will he prove that Everything is Evil’s? Or will this ungovernable stop him before he gets started?

Evil makes his entrance first, but where is Dick Togo? Yota makes his entrance, and yep, Dick was waiting to attack from behind! The fans boo as The Spoiler already ruins the fun, but Evil storms out to add on. The ref reprimands but Evil whips Yota hard into railing! Yota flops over, Evil stands on Yota’s leg, then Evil drags Yota around to SLAM the leg against railing! And then he does it again! The ref reprimands but Evil kicks Yota around. Evil drags Yota by his leg to SLAM the leg against railing again! Evil then puts Yota in the ring, tells the ref to back off, and then shoves the ref down! The fans boo but Dick joins in!

Evil & Dick mug Yota in the ring, the fans boo, but Dick tells them to shut up. Evil & Dick put one out while they’re told to go home. Evil drags Yota up, but Yota fights off Magic Killer! Yota sends Evil into Dick, then scoop SLAMS Evil! Then Yota scoops Dick to DROP him on Evil! DOUBLE SPLASH! The fans fire up and Yota checks on the ref. The ref has the bell ring, and the fans rally behind “YOTA! YOTA!” Yota drags Evil up, whips him to a corner, and then he runs up to SPLASH! Yota reels Evil in to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Evil is tougher than that but Yota stays cool. The fans rally and Yota rises up.

Yota eggs Evil on, then runs, but Evil LARIATS first! Evil then has Yota’s legs, steps through, and steps over, SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Yota endures and the fans rally up. Yota powers up, reaches out, but Evil sits deep! Yota still fights and the fans rally harder. Yota powers up again, claws at the mat, and he fights to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil holds and the fans boo. Evil lets go at 4 and storms around in frustration. Evil drags Yota back up, talks trash and fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and Evil is further frustrated. Evil vows to end this, and he drags Yota back up.

Evil spins Yota around, EVERY- NO, Yota flips through! And SUPERKICKS! And HEADBUTTS! Evil falls to the mat and Yota gris his teeth. Yota still has to sit back, that was one powerful shot. The fans rally again while the ref checks both men. Evil and Yota are both able to continue, and Yota goes to ropes. Yota rises up, storms over to Evil, and drags him back up. Yota whips Evil to a corner, then goes corner to corner for a LARIAT! Yota shoves Evil down, fires up, and the fans are with him! Yota goes up, up, and MARLOWE- NO, Evil dodges! Evil runs up, but Yota LARIATS! Yota roars, takes aim, but Evil sends the ref into the GENE BLAST!

The fans are shocked, Dick gets on the apron, POCKET SAND! Evil LOW BLOWS Yota, then shouts at the ref to get up! But the ref just got ran over by a truck! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, the ref is back, EVIL WINS!!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Another miscarriage of justice as the House of Torture pulls out all the stops! Evil not only advances, but he just beat last year’s New Japan Cup Champion, and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion besides! And as if this isn’t enough, Evil wants to talk! “OI, last year’s winner, Tsuji Yota… TOO BAD FOR YOU~! HAHAHA! You and I are on different levels of ability! You understand that? Remember it!” The King of Darkness has his mic drop, but is it true? IS everything Evil?

2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Ryohei Oiwa w/ Hartley Jackson VS Chase Owens!

The Mighty Mullet’s team lost to The Crown Jewel on the Anniversary Event, so he’s backed against the wall. But will Ryohei get a grip and turn things around? Or will he be the victim of a Jewel Heist?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “OIWA! OIWA!” Chase and Oiwa circle, feel things out, and tie up. They break, go again, and then break again. The two stare down, reset, and the fans rally up. The two tie up again, go around, end up on ropes and go along the ropes. The ref counts, Oiwa lets off slowly, then pats Chase on the shoulders. Chase pie faces Oiwa in return! Oiwa runs up but Chase bails out. The fans boo and Oiwa is frustrated, but Chase takes his time returning. Chase steps inside, resets with Oiwa, and the two feel out a knuckle lock. Chase kicks but Oiwa blocks! Chase apologizes, but Oiwa THROWS him down!

Oiwa runs, Chase stays low, but Oiwa fakes Chase out to then arm-drag! Oiwa stays on Chase with a wristlock, then he drops a leg on the arm! Oiwa has a short arm scissor but Chase endures. Oiwa lets go to drag Chase up, but Chase pulls hair! Chase whips Oiwa away, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Chase! Things keep moving, Chase drops but Oiwa turns hip toss into HIP TOSS! And then he DROPKICKS Chase! Oiwa handsprings, then arm-drags! Oiwa has another cording hold, but Chase fights up. Chase reaches out, Oiwa keeps him from ropes, but Chase whips Oiwa out of the ring! Chase then builds speed, but Oiwa avoids the dropkick!

Oiwa runs up, Chase sends him at railing! Oiwa stops himself short, then he dodges Chase. Chase stops short, ELBOWS Oiwa, but Oiwa ROCKS Chase! Chase BOOTS Oiwa, then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS into railing! Chase drags Oiwa back up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally up. Chase drags Oiwa up again, half nelsons then spins to a dragon sleeper, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Chase quickly wrenches, hammerlocks and JEWEL HEIST! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives some heavy fire but Chase stays cool. The fans rally while Oiwa crawls away to ropes. Chase stalks Oiwa to the apron, then drags him up.

Chase KNEES Oiwa, the ref reprimands, but Chase brushes the ref off. Chase drags Oiwa up, reels him in, and the ref says don’t do it! The fans freak out as Chase tucks Oiwa in! Oiwa fights free, but Chase ROCKS him! Chase eggs Oiwa on, so Oiwa ROCKS Chase! Oiwa ROCKS Chase again, eggs him on, but Oiwa WRINGS Chase’s arm into the apron! Chase writhes but Oiwa drags him to the corner, and he pulls the arm against the post! Then he wrenches the arm to SLAM it against the post! Gedo complains from commentary but Oiwa goes inside. Oiwa drags Chase up, wrenches the arm again and again, then whips Chase, just to YANK the arm!

Oiwa runs, UPPERCUTS Chase down, then covers, TWO! Chase is tougher than that but Oiwa stays cool. Oiwa drags Chase up, then whips him corner to corner. Oiwa runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Oiwa climbs up, and he PULLS Chase’s arm against the ropes! The ref reprimands, Oiwa backs off, but Chase SPITS at Oiwa! Chase runs up, but Oiwa BACKDROPS him! Oiwa hauls Chase up, but Chase fights the lift with elbows! Oiwa still tries, but Chase ROCKS Oiwa with a headlock punch! Oiwa goes to ropes Chase runs up, but into an ELBOW! Chase SOBATS, then SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMBS! Both men are down and the fans rally up!

Chase storms up to drag Oiwa to his feet. Chase reels Oiwa in, but Oiwa trips Chase for a jackknife bridge! TWO, and both men get to their feet! Chase swats a lariat to C-TRIGGER! Then he SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Chase roars, runs, but Oiwa LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Chase survives but Oiwa shakes his head. Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Chase sputters, rises up, reaches out, but Oiwa keeps him from ropes! Oiwa squeezes tight, and Chase is fading! But then Chase uses that to drop toehold Oiwa into ropes! Roll up with tights! TWO!! Oiwa escapes, but a C-TRIGGER finds him! Oiwa sputters, Chase reloads! C-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!?!

The fans fire up as Oiwa survives! Chase is furious, and he vows to end this! Chase aims and says BANG! Chase sits Oiwa up, to C-TRIGGER! Chase tucks Oiwa in, but Oiwa fights free, wrenches and WRINGS the arm! SHANKLY GATES!! Chase endures as Oiwa pulls way back on that arm! Chase TAPS, Oiwa wins!!

Winner: Ryohei Oiwa, by submission (advances to the next round)

The Crown Jewel shined, but he still cracked under pressure! Oiwa is now moving on, and will face TMDK’s Front Man! Will the Mullet get a grip on Zack Sabre Jr? Or will even Oiwa #JustTapOut?

2025 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Gabe Kidd VS Ren Narita!

The Bullet Club Civil War has begun, or returned, depending on how you look at history. But one thing is for sure, The Mad Man wants to take a bite out of the Souled Out Son of Strong Style! He almost got it for the Anniversary Event, will Gabe tear Ren apart tonight? Or will the House of Torture prove they are PRIME Bullet Club?

Gabe is fired up already as he makes his entrance, but here comes Ren! Gabe BOOTS Ren down first! The fans fire up as Gabe doesn’t let Ren get his receipt! Gabe then POSTS Ren, and the fans also love the Japanese on Gabe’s tights! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe grabs a mic to say, “This is NJPW, mother effer! Narita, bring the fight, you jackass!” Ren storms up, but Gabe UPPERCUTS him! Gabe then goes to the apron, and goes up a corner?! ASAI MOONSAULT! Gabe shows he can flip with the best of them and the fans are thunderous! Gabe drags Ren up and into the ring, the bell sounds, and the main event is on!

Gabe fires forearm after forearm into Ren in the corner, then he runs corner to corner and back again! HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Gabe sits cross-legged, another message to Shibata. Ren flops out of the ring but Gabe storms over. Ren trips Gabe and drags him out! Ren whips Gabe hard into railing! The fans boo but Ren whips Gabe, but Gabe reverses! Now Ren hits railing hard! Gedo says show him that violence! Gabe and Gedo Too Sweet, then Gabe brings Ren into the crowd. Gabe makes Ren take a seat, puts his shirt over his face, and CHOPS! And CHOPS! The fans cheer as the action is right in front of them!

Gabe has fans clear out, and he stands on a chair so the crowd can see him. Gabe then brings Ren up, but Ren SMASHES Gabe with a water bottle! The fans boo but Ren drags Gabe up to throw him into barriers! Ren snarls and staggers about, but he drags Gabe up. They go around behind the bleachers, and Ren sends Gabe into the wall! And then back into the wall! Red Shoes reprimands, but Ren talks trash on Gabe. Ren drags Gabe up, brings him back to ringside, but Gabe POSTS Ren again! The fans fire up as Gabe has a wild look on his face. A fan hands Gabe their drink! Gabe cracks open the can, says cheers, then he SPITS beer at Ren!

Gabe lets Red Shoes have the rest, then he goes after Ren again. Gabe opens the gate and he drags Ren out into the crowd again! And now he whips Ren hard into the barriers! The fans fire up for their anti-hero as he leaves Ren behind. Ren writhes, Gabe brings out chairs, and Gedo loves it! Gabe sets those chairs down, then confiscates some from the fans! Gabe adds those to the pile, and has about half a dozen in all. Red Shoes reprimands but the fans like where this is going. Gabe fetches Ren back to ringside, but Ren fights back! Gabe UPPERCUTS Ren, and then lines up the shot! Red Shoes says no but Gedo says yes!

The fans bark, but Ren fights the suplex! And now SHO shows up! Gabe chases Sho back to the back! Gabe then winds up as he aims at Ren. Gabe runs up, but Ren BACKDROPS Gabe onto the chairs! Sho did his part to save Ren and turn things around, and now Gabe writhes on the floor. Ren drags Gabe up, clinches, and hits an EXPLODER onto the chairs! Gedo doesn’t like how the proverbial tables have turned, but both men are down on the outside. Red Shoes starts a ring count, and Ren hobbles up at 8 of 20. Ren rolls in at 10, but Gabe is still down! Gabe drags himself up and in at 15, but Ren covers! TWO!!

Ren is frustrated but the fans rally up. Ren drags Gabe up, whips him to ropes, then runs to NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Gabe stays in this but Ren stays on him with a headscissor squeeze! Gabe endures, the fans rally up, but Ren puts on the pressure! Gabe fights around, reaches out, but Ren squeezes as tight as he can! Even so, Gabe finds the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, but Ren lets go at 4. The fans boo, but Ren looms over Gabe. Ren drags Gabe up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe hits railing! Ren drags Gabe up to CLUB him, then whips him into railing! Ren runs up to BOOT Gabe over the railing!

The fans boo more while Gabe sputters near English commentary. Ren goes out after Gabe, drags him up, but Gabe is deadweight. Ren says to check him, but Red Shoes wants Ren to go to the ring. Ren drag Gabe up after all, and SMACKS him off commentary! Gabe flops onto the chairs, but Ren takes those out from under him! Ren CHOKES Gabe with a chair! Red Shoes starts a ring count, Ren leaves Gabe behind, and Ren goes back to the ring at 12 of 20. The fans rally as Gabe sits up at 13, and pushes up at 15! Gabe crawls, but we’re at 17! 18! 19!! Gabe SPRINGS in at 19.9! But Ren suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO!!

Gabe stays in this but Ren grins as he stands over Gabe. Ren kicks Gabe around, stomps him, then eggs him on. Ren stomps Gabe more, but Gabe gets up! Ren CLAWS Gabe’s eyes! The fans boo, Red Shoes reprimands, and Ren stops at 4. Ren runs, into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up while Ren flounders to a corner. Gabe sits up and snarls, then runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Gabe again puts Ren’s shirt over his face, and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” but then Gabe HEADBUTTS! And CHOPS! And HEADBUTTS! Gabe’s neck bothers him, but he just CHOPS and HEADBUTTS again!

Gabe rolls back, runs in, but Ren runs up! Gabe catches Ren for an EXPLODER! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! The fans rally, Ren sputters, but Gabe kips up! Gabe then goes up, up, “I’m a MAD MAN!” MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ren survives and Gabe frowns. Gabe shakes his head, and he shakes out his legs and checks his neck before he stands. Ren sputters through a bloody nose, but Gabe points to the lion mark. The fans cheer, and Gabe stands Ren up. Gabe UPPERCUTS, then puts Ren on the top rope. Gabe CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then fires the fans up more! Gabe climbs, but Ren resists the suplex!

Ren throws body shots, but Gabe HEADBUTTS him! Gabe wobbles, and then Ren CHOKES Gabe! Ren DECKS Gabe, then adjusts on the top rope. Gabe stands, into HELL’S GUILLOTINE!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives, but Ren clamps on a SLEEPER! Ren squeezes tight, but Gabe fights up to snapmare free! Gabe runs, but Ren kicks the legs out! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!! Ren has the body scissors, Red Shoes checks Gabe, and the fans rally up. Gabe lifts Ren up off the mat! But Ren lets go to slip around, SLEEPER!! Gabe sputters again, and he’s turning reddish purple! Red Shoes checks Gabe, but Ren won’t let Gabe fall!

Ren then spins Gabe around, for the DOUBLE CROSS- NO!! Gabe slips free and PENALTY KICKS!! The fans are thunderous for “GABU! GABU!” Gabe drags Ren up, reels him in, but Ren fights the suplex again. Ren fires body shots, but Gabe powers through to BRAINBUSTER! And then he drags Ren up for a SAIDO!! Gabe crawls to the cover, TWO!! Ren survives and Gabe is frustrated, but the fans continue to rally behind him. Gabe barks, the fans bark with him, and Gabe drags Ren up. Ren is deadweight now so Gabe wants Red Shoes to check. Red Shoes checks, Ren is dazed, but he’s still deadweight.

Gabe kicks Ren around, daring him to get up. The fans fire up as Ren rises, and Gabe winds up the arm. Gabe runs, COMEBACKER into Red Shoes!! Ren uses Red Shoes as a shield, then JAMS Gabe with his pushup bar! And now Ren waves in the House of Torture! Sho AND Yujiro Takahashi show up to stomp away on Gabe! The fans boo, but Sho & Yujiro drag Gabe out to stomp him more! Gedo shouts for a ref, but Ren grabs a chair! Sho & Yujiro stand Gabe up, Ren HEADSHOTS Gabe!!! Tokyo Pimp pretends to be shocked, Ren grins and laughs, as does Sho. Young Lions check on Red Shoes, and Gabe’s been busted open!

The House of Torture laugh maniacally as they have Gabe where they want him. They put Gabe in the ring, and now Ren has his pushup bar again. The fans boo, but here come reinforcements! Drilla SUPERKICKS Ren, then fires off on Sho! Taiji is after Yujiro, and now 44 Caliber and Bone Soldier beat up on The House boys! The fans cheer as Drilla & Taiji drag them away to the back! Gabe and Ren are now alone, but what about a ref? Ren has his pushup bar, and he grins as he takes aim! Gabe stands, but he blocks the bar! Gabe overpowers Ren, and he TOSSES the bar! Ren freaks out, but he fires forearms! Gabe just takes them!

Gabe wipes the blood from his brow, and SMACKS Ren down! The fans are thunderous as Gabe barks it up! A replacement ref steps in, and Gabe brings his kneepad down! O-KNEE!! And then, a PILEDRIVER!! Gabe holds on, this is not enough punishment for what Ren has done! LEG CAPTURE DRIVER!! Cover, Gabe wins!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

A standing ovation here in Korakuen as the Mad Man serves his brand of justice! Will the House of Torture back out of this Civil War while they can? As for Gabe, he stands tall with his NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, then takes a moment to catch his breath. Gabe takes the mic, and he stands on the lion mark while the fans chant his name. “<Sorry, I can only speak a bit of Japanese. But you all understand…> F HOUSE OF TORTURE!” The fans do understand and they cheer it. Gabe says there are a lot of people claiming to lead this company forward, from Shota to Tsuji to Yuya. It’s not them, it’s GABE EFFIN’ KIDD!

Gabe wants them to zoom in on his blood pouring from his forehead. Gabe BLEEDS NJPW! This is his life! It’s not a job! This is his LIFE! He ain’t going anywhere! F AEW! F WWE! NJPW ICHIBAN!!! The fans cheer that, respecting Gabe’s hardcore loyalty! Gabe says in 2025, the New Japan Cup winner will be GABE KIDD!! “Taichi, <I’m coming for you, punk!>” Mic drop and the fans go wild! Will this Mad Man truly lead the way for NJPW’s future?

My Thoughts:

A great start to New Japan Cup after an apparent broken corner post forced the actual opening night of March 7th to be canceled. Four matches for the Cup in one night is good stuff, though, really got the fans fired up.  I do like that among the tune-up tag matches, we got an 8 Man Tag between members of the newly unified Hontai-Chaos faction to help hype Goto VS Nagata. And after Desperado wins his Six Man Tag, Connors calling him out for a Hardcore match with the Junior Heavyweight title on the line is good stuff. Who knows how that goes, but I could see the War Dogs grabbing up some gold real quick to spice up their feud with House of Torture.

Speaking of Bullet Club, they as a whole were 1-3 on the night, but Evil winning makes sense if he is to be strong enough to be THE leader of Bullet Club. Yuya getting that win off Sanada was great stuff, Sanada’s been building up that comeuppance karma for a long time so here it is. Oiwa VS Chase was really good, and that was a really good win for Oiwa. Gabe VS Ren was awesome stuff, even the usual House of Torture overbooking because it allowed Taiji & Drilla to make that save. Gabe winning was the right call, because despite not being a Reiwa Era Musketeer, despite being Japanese, Gabe has the hot hand, the fans love him. And though he’s an anti-hero kind of character, he really does want NJPW to be the best by still doing what made the company popular in the first place.

My Score: 9/10

The Ace has one last shot!

With 2025 being the Go Ace Retirement Tour, Hiroshi Tanahashi wants one last run at the top! But will Hirooki Goto deny President Ace the world title?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Master Wato; ELP wins and retains the title.
• Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale; Chase & Fale win.
• Six Man Tag: Just4Guys VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win, by disqualification.
• Gabe Kidd & “Drilla” Moloney VS Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Double Count-out Draw.
• 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS House of Torture; LIJ wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Francesco Akira; Desperado wins and retains the title.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Goto wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW pays tribute to Gran Hamada and Osamu Nishimura.

To honor the memory of two great Japanese legends, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tiger Mask lead the procession to the ring, holding the portraits of Nishimura and Hamada, respectively. Among those that join them are Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Jado, Ryusuke Taguchi, Boltin Oleg, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Toru Yano, and the Young Lions. The rest of the names on tonight’s match card also stand by the entrance. The accolades of both legends are listed, and then we are given a moment of silence with ten rings of the bell. Then, to celebrate these legends, their theme songs are played one last time.

The procession then makes their way out, and it’s time for the show! May Hamada and Nishimura smile upon this 53rd Anniversary!

NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS ???

The Headbanga has been the star of the show since WrestleKingdom, even surviving the Imperial Unit on the Road to New Beginning. However, he has a mystery “guest” for this match! Who will it be? And will they take the spotlight away from ELP?

ELP makes his entrance, Jado by his side, but ELP needs mics so he and Jado can talk. The mics are handed over, and ELP asks Ota City, “Are we good in the house? Lemme hear ya make some noise!” The fans cheer, and Jado translates, so the fans cheer again. ELP says today is NJPW’s 53rd Anniversary! That’s a lot of years of the best pro-wrestling in the world, baby! Jado translates that it is 53 years of Strong Style! And today is the first ELP NJPW World TV Open Challenge~! The fans cheer that, too! ELP asks, “Who’s it gonna be?” Jado translates, “Dare desu ka?!” ELP says he doesn’t care if you’re young or old… He looks at Jado…

And it doesn’t matter if you have long, flowing locks, or if you’re bald. Again, he looks to Jado. Jado is a little annoyed ELP is bringing all this up, but the fans cheer Jado on. Jado asks if ELP wants him to challenge for the title. ELP says it doesn’t matter who you are, because this is The Headbanga! This is NJPW World TV Champion, E! L! P! And the Open Challenge starts now! The fans cheer again, but seriously, who is coming to challenge? It’s MASTER WATO! Will the Way of the Grandmaster find his way to the spotlight?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally up, ELP offers a handshake, and Wato accepts. The fans cheer the sportsmanship and the two circle. They tie up, ELP puts Wato on the ropes, but then lets off with pats on the shoulder. ELP gets the fans to cheer “Wato! Wato!” but then he pats Wato on the cheek. Wato shoves and CHOPS ELP! ELP slips around to waistlock and SLAM Wato! ELP slaps Wato around, then clamps on a headlock. Wato rolls it to a cover, TWO! ELP holds on, Wato fights up but can’t power out as ELP holds tight! ELP grinds the headlock but Wato fights to his feet. Wato fires body shots, then powers out this time.

Wato reels ELP in and headlocks in return. Wato hits a takeover, ELP headscissors, but Wato kips free. Roles reverse with ELP hitting a takeover and Wato getting the headscissors. ELP kips free but Wato sweeps the legs! Cover, ONE! Wato jumps the sweep and he rolls ELP into VENDAVAL! ELP fights around, rolls and rolls and ends up on the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Wato lets go. ELP and Wato reset while the fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and ELP headlocks. Wato powers up and out this time, but ELP runs him over! ELP flexes and the fans cheer. ELP kicks Wato around, then runs. Wato stays low, then hurdles over!

ELP leaps over Wato now, then bypasses him. Wato RANAS, ELP handsprings through! ELP RANAS, Wato tumbles out, and ELP kips up! The fans fire up as ELP takes aim, PLANCHA but Wato moves! ELP lands on his feet, but Wato RANAS him into railing! Wato gets in the ring and the fans fire up! Wato builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes ELP! Wato is all fired up and the fans are with him! Wato drags ELP up, puts him in, and then takes aim. Wato springboards for the FLYING UPPERCUT! Direct hit and cover, TWO! ELP stays in this but Wato stays focused. The fans rally while Wato brings ELP up.

Wato wrenches ELP, but ELP resists the hook! ELP throws elbows into Wato’s leg, then ROCKS Wato with a forearm! ELP whips, Wato reverses to ROCK, KNEE, run and SHOTGUN DROPKICK! ELP falls to a corner, Wato covers, ROPEBREAK! ELP’s long limbs save him, but Wato brings him up. Wato whips corner to corner but ELP reverses. ELP runs up, but into a BOOT! Wato runs to BULLDOG! The fans fire up while ELP writhes! Wato pushes ELP to a cover, TWO! We hit five minutes so the clock is on ELP’s side. Wato clamps onto ELP with a chinlock, and even digs his knee into ELP’s back.

ELP endures, the fans rally up, and ELP throws hands. ELP pries at the hold, stands up, and he fires body shots! Wato lets go, and ELP ROCKS him! Wato ROCKS ELP, but ELP SOBATS! ELP runs, ROCKS Wato again, then runs. ELP ROCKS Wato at the ropes, then whips. ELP drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down! ELP shakes out his arms and rises up. ELP storms up on Wato, drags him up and CHOPS him to a corner. ELP CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! ELP whips corner to corner, but Wato reverses. ELP stops himself, then goes up and over! ELP spins to CHOP!

The fans rally, ELP runs, but Wato BOOTS him! Wato runs, but ELP BOOTS him! ELP runs, ducks a lariat, and springboards to CROSSBODY! Then somersault to LION- NO, Wato dodges! ELP lands on his feet and he LARIATS Wato up and out! The fans fire up for the PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Wato! ELP stands, and he looks up at the corner. ELP climbs up the corner! The fans fire up and cheer on “E! L! P!” ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up again! ELP drags Wato up to put him in the ring. ELP then climbs the ropes to SWANTON BOMB! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Wato stays in this and the fans fire up, but the clock is still on ELP’s side. ELP brings Wato up, straitjacket and torture rack! But Wato fights that! Wato CLUBS away on ELP, then wrenches the arm. Wato hooks ELP up, ELP fights free and arm-drags Wato away! ELP then kicks low, reels Wato in, but Wato fights the arm tuck! Wato spins free and swings around, crucifix takedown, then a roll through! RECIENTEMENTE DOS! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Wato roars, and he brings ELP back up. Wato reels ELP in with a waistlock to deadlift, but ELP grabs ropes! The ref reprimands, but ELP holds on!

Wato CLUBS ELP, the fans rally up again, but ELP still clings to the ropes! Then ELP slips under, waistlocks, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Wato! But Wato stands! SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!? We’re past ten minutes and ELP reels Wato in! ELP clutches his arm, but he tucks Wato’s. C R- NO, Wato fights the lift, so ELP KNEES him in the head! ELP gets Wato again, C R- RANA!! Wato has the cover, TWO!! ELP escapes, Wato runs up, and he rolls ELP up! TWO!! ELP escapes, Wato returns and sunset flips! TWO, but into VENDAVAL!! ELP endures the butterfly stretch, and he works to rock it back and forth!

ELP slips free but Wato uses that to ROLLING CLUTCH! Cover, TWO!! ELP has a cradle, TWO!! The fans fire up while both men catch their breath. Wato fires a forearm, ELP fires back! Wato fires another forearm, so ELP fires back! The elbow pads come off as we reach the three minute warning! Wato fires a flurry, but ELP fires body shots! ELP ROCKS Wato, runs, and LARIATS! Wato stays up, ELP tries again, but Wato dodges! ELP dodges, to HANDSPRING LARIAT!! ELP then wrenches, straitjackets, and torture racks! BRAIN SALAD!! Cover, TWO?!? Wato survives and the fans are thunderous! And we’re at two minutes left!

ELP hurries to tune up the band! SUDDEN- NO, Wato blocks, spins ELP around, TSUTENKAKU GERMAN!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! ELP survives but Wato is roaring! The fans are thunderous again and Wato drags ELP to a drop zone! Wato climbs up, but ELP stands! GAMANGIRI! Wato wobbles but ELP climbs up after him! ELP brings Wato to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER STEINER!! And then ELP goes right up! Last minute THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (still NJPW World TV Champion)

ELP’s first Open Challenge almost ended up his last, but he found a way to win! But can ELP expect this level of competition with the next Open Challenge? Is this a sign that Wato’s future is still very, very bright?

Gabe Kidd & “Drilla” Moloney VS Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The Bullet Club Civil War has begun. Or returned? Depends on how you look at history. But the point is, the War Dogs are being told to get out of the clubhouse, because Everything is Evil! Will the status of Bullet Club Prime really belong to the House of Torture? Or will the Mad Man & 44 Caliber end this war before it begins?

Wait, where are the War Dogs? Their music is playing, Ren & Kanemaru are watching the ramp, but then two men jump in from the crowd side! They rush into the ring and attack! They’ve got hoods on but clearly we know who they are! One SUPERKICKS Kanemaru out of the ring while the other LARIATS Ren up and out! Reveal: It IS Gabe & Drilla! The fans fire up as the War Dogs get the jump on the House of Torture, and then they start beating them up on the outside! Gabe whips Ren hard into railing, Drilla does the same with Kanemaru! And now things spill out into the crowd! The fans fire up as the brawling goes to the back rows!

Gabe uses his jacket to CHOKE Ren! Ren flails, Gabe shoves him down, and Gabe says, “You think I came here to lose? You can never get the run up on me!” Speaking of up, Drilla brings Kanemaru up the bleachers and SMACKS him off railing! Ren fires back on Gabe, they go around the back, and Gabe ROCKS Ren! Drilla tries to dump Kanemaru over the ledge! Kanemaru fights back, and he tries to do the same! Drilla fights Kanemaru off, the ref reprimands them all, but things only go into the upper deck! Drilla HEADBUTTS Kanemaru, Gabe CHOKES Ren, and the fans fire up all the same!

The ref insists this actually become a match, but the lights come on so the fans can all see the beatdown! Drilla still tries to dump Kanemaru over a ledge!! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru fights back, and now Kanemaru tries to throw Drilla! Drilla again fights Kanemaru off, and fireman’s carries! Kanemaru fights free, CLAWS Drilla’s eyes, then stomps him down. The ref is calling for reinforcements but the Young Lions can only do so much as Ren throws hands down on Gabe. Kanemaru brings Drilla back down the bleachers, and now it’s Gabe’s turn to try and dump Ren! Ren holds on for dear life, and he CLAWS Gabe’s eyes!

Ren headlocks Gabe and brings him back down the bleachers now. Ren HEADBUTTS Gabe, Drilla CHOPS Kanemaru, then Drilla DECKS Kanemaru! Ren almost tumbles down the bleachers, and Gabe pursues. The fans fire up for their anti-heroes and bark along! Gabe stalks Ren to ringside, Drilla brings Kanemaru back to ground level, and Gabe POSTS Ren! Gabe grabs Ren’s pushup bar, and he has a wicked grin. Gabe dares Ren to get up, and the fans cheer him on as he stalks Ren. Ren panics, but then Gabe drops the pushup bar so he can stomp Ren! Gabe CLAWS Ren’s face, Kanemaru BOWLS Drilla into chairs!

Gabe BOOTS Kanemaru, and BOWLS Kanemaru into chairs! The fans fire up, but then Ren uses a chair as a weapon! Gabe kicks Ren, and he SMACKS Ren with the chair! The fans fire up more, and they bark along with the War Dogs. Gabe drags Ren up, brings him to ringside, and POSTS him again! Drilla fireman’s carries Kanemaru and runs him to ringside. SNAKE EYES off the apron! Gabe puts Ren in the ring, Drilla does the same with Kanemaru. The barking continues, and the bell finally rings! This is finally a match, but now the House is in retreat! Gabe dares them to come back and get this work! Drilla drinks Kanemaru’s whiskey!

The ring count begins, but Ren & Kanemaru stay away. Drilla goes out at 8 of 20 to attack Kanemaru! Ren stays back though it’s 10 of 20, then 12. Ren paces, but Gabe storms out after him! Gabe CLOBBERS Ren at the ramp, but Kanemaru whips Drilla into railing! Gabe pulls railing away so he can BOWL Ren into more chairs! The count is 10 of 20 and climbing! Gabe SMACKS Ren off chairs, we hit 15 but Ren SMACKS Gabe with a fan’s bottle of water! The brawling continues as we hit 20, IT’S A DRAW!

Double Count-out Draw

The bell rings, but the fight continues! Gabe fights back, and he sends Ren into more chairs! The fans fire up as Gabe goes after Ren, but Ren JAMS him up with a chair! And SMACKS him on the back! Ren drags Gabe up, brings him back to ringside, and POSTS him! Just a bit of payback for earlier, but Ren isn’t done! And Kanemaru POSTS Drilla now! Ren drags Gabe up, fights off Young Lions, but Gabe whips Ren hard into railing! Kanemaru sends Drilla into more railing, but Gabe does the same to Ren! Then Gabe DECKS Kanemaru! Gabe has the NEVER Openweight Six Man belt, but Ren has a chair!

The fans fire up for the standoff, but then Drilla WHISKEY MISTS Ren!! Gabe takes that chair and SMACKS Ren with it! Gabe keeps going, and he sends Ren into the stage truss! Gabe SMACKS Ren with the chair again! And then throws more hands! This brawl continues into the backstage area! Will these two brawl all the way until their match in the New Japan Cup?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Francesco Akira!

The Rogue Luchador is the 2024 Best of the Super Junior winner, and he took this title back at WrestleKingdom 19. However, the Nova Fireball wants to avenge the past while becoming the future of this division. Will this title soon adorn the “Crown of Fire?” Or will Desperado still be the Best of the Super Juniors?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who brings the fire and desire!

The bell rings and the fans rally and duel already. Akira and Despy circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Despy’s height gives him leverage, but then Akira digs his heels in! Akira powers Despy to the ropes! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Akira lets off slowly. Akira steps to Despy, then grins as he backs off. Despy and Akira reset, circle, and the fans duel again. The two rush up, Akira slips around to then headlock, but Despy powers up and out to have his own headlock. Akira powers out, but Despy runs him over! Only for Akira to pop right up! Akira eggs Despy on, and Despy gives that trash talk back.

Despy then CHOPS! Akira fires up to CHOP! Despy CHOPS, Akira CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth, then Akira fires a flurry! Despy SLAPS Akira! Despy whips, Akira reverses then hurdles, but Despy rolls over the dropdown. Things keep moving, and Akira dodges to then RANA! Despy tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Akira builds speed! Akira slides, Despy ducks under, and he RAMS Akira into railing! They’re right in front of commentary, and Despy takes Milano Collection AT’s copy of Shingo Takagi’s book, as personally given to him by LIJ! Despy SMACKS Akira with it!

Despy gives the book back to Milano, then he CLUBS Akira on the neck. The book is okay, though. Despy whips Akira, but Akira tiger feints through the ropes! Despy hits railing, staggers back over, into Akira’s PLANCHA! The fans fire up for “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Despy up, looks to the ring, but he whips Despy into railing! Despy falls over and Akira paces. The ref says to get this in the ring, so Akira drags Despy back up and puts him in the ring. Akira storms in, stands Despy up, and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Despy is tougher than that, but Akira stays calm. The fans rally as Akira looms over Despy.

Akira KNEES Despy in the side, then he drags Despy around to stomp him. And stomp again! Akira clamps on a CAMEL CLUTCH! Despy endures, the fans rally, but Akira pulls way back! Despy scoots backwards into the ROPEBREAK! Akira lets go cleanly, then he drags Despy up. Akira CHOPS Despy, Despy goes to a corner, and Akira wrenches an arm. Akira whips, Despy reverses, then Despy runs in, Despy blocks a kick to KICK the leg! Then Despy grabs the leg again, only for Akira to ENZIGIRI! And SHOTGUN! Despy tumbles and the fans rally for Akira again. Akira looms over Despy, eggs him on, and kicks him around.

Despy sits up to CHOP Akira! Akira nods and eggs Despy on. Despy CHOPS again, but Akira still eggs him on. Despy CHOPS, Akira knees low! Akira whips, Despy reverses, but Akira breaks free to wheelbarrow! Despy stops the victory roll to atomic SHIN BREAKER! Akira hobbles, Despy trips him and YANKS the leg! Akira writhes and clutches the knee but the fans rally up. Despy drags Akira to the ropes, puts the bad leg on the ropes, and then HIP DROPS that bad leg! Then STRETCH MUFFLER! Akira scrambles right to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Despy lets go, but “Oops!” KNEE DROP! Akira writhes while the ref reprimands.

The fans rally and Despy stalks Akira. Akira CHOPS, but Despy mockingly applauds. Akira CHOPS again, but Despy KNEES him low! Despy whips Akira, Akira reverses, and Akira CALF KICKS! Both men are down, the fans rally and duel, and Akira crawls to a corner. Akira drags himself up using the ropes, but Despy storms up on him. Despy CHOPS, then whips, but Akira reverses. Akira runs up to LARIAT, and then he goes again. Despy follows, but Akira puts him on the apron! Akira runs to SHOTGUN Despy off the apron! Despy hits railing then slumps to the floor! Akira hobbles while the fans rally, and Akira goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS!

The fans fire up while both men are down on the outside. Akira crawls away as the ring count starts. Akira rolls in at 7 of 20, and Despy is still down at 10. Despy stands at 12, but Akira FLIES! Direct hit on Despy again and the fans fire back up! Akira still has to catch his breath on the outside, and the ring count returns. Akira and Despy stir at 3 of 20, Akira crawls away again, but both men are still down at 10. Akira clutches that bad leg, but he sits up at 13. Akira crawls over, and he rolls in at 15! Despy rises, but he’s still outside at 18! Despy staggers, and slides in at 19! Akira LIONSAULTS right onto him! Cover, TWO!!

Despy survives and Akira grows frustrated. Akira hobbles around, then he brings Despy back up. Akira reels Despy in, but Despy CLUBS away on the bad leg! Akira KNEES Despy, then reels him in! SPEED- NO, Despy wrenches free, waistlocks, but Akira fights the back suplex! Despy doesn’t let Akira run, and lifts for a SHIN- SUNSET FLIP! Cover, TWO! Despy has the STRETCH MUFFLER! And then the arm for NUMERO DOS! Akira flails with his one free limb, but Despy grabs hold of it! Akira activates the core and sits up! Then he shifts around, and hits a DESTROYER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!

Despy sputters but Akira crawls to a corner. Akira takes aim, and he pounds the mat. The fans cheer on “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” Despy sits up, but Akira’s bad leg keeps him from running up. Akira just stomps away on Despy at the ropes instead! The ref reprimands and counts, but Despy KICKS Akira in the leg! Akira falls back, and Despy drags him around! Despy YANKS the leg, then SMASHES the knee off the mat! Akira grits his teeth in pain, but Despy just SMASHES the knee again! Akira crawls, the fans rally, and Despy looms over that leg. Despy wheelbarrows, but Akira victory rolls, STOMP 182! Even with one good leg!

Both men are down and the fans rally again. Despy sputters but he sits up first. Despy watches Akira, then runs up, but Akira avoids the dropkick! SUPERKICK! Despy takes a swing, but into arm hooks! Despy fights the backslide and flips Akira up and over! Only to get SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans fire up again! Akira crawls back to a corner and the fans rally for him again. Despy sits up, into the NOVA- SPINEBUSTER!! And then a BIG back suplex! Despy drags Akira up, hooks him up, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives again and Despy can’t believe it! But the fans fire up as Despy brings Akira up.

Despy reels Akira in, underhooks the arms, and PINCHE- NO, Akira fights that to RAN- NO, Despy blocks the rana, brings Akira back up, and he ties up the legs! DOUBLE KNEE CRUSHER!! Akira writhes, but then Despy has the STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! But what about the free arm?! Despy grabs that, too! Akira fights, flails, gets that arm free, ROPEBREAK, but Despy rolls him away right away! But Akira again sits up, only for Despy to POWERBOMB him down! STRETCH MUFFLER!! NUMERO DOS!! Akira still fights the ultimate form, but Despy claws at that free arm! The fans rally as hard as they can as Akira resists!

Despy has a grip, but he can’t keep it! Akira keeps fighting with that one free arm, and has the ROPEBREAK!! The ref counts, Despy lets go, and the fans are fired up again! Despy grows frustrated with Akira, but he wags his finger at the fans cheering Akira on. Despy taunts Akira to get up for his fans. Despy slaps Akira around, then Akira stands. Akira fires a forearm, but he falls over! That bad leg makes it hard to stand, but Akira still fires another forearm! Despy just watches Akira struggle to get back up. Akira fires another forearm, but Despy KICKS the bad leg! Despy says this is it! Underhooks and PINCHE- NO, Akira lands out?! NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO!?!

Despy survives that sudden turnaround and Akira is in disbelief! But the fans rally as hard as they can for him! Akira roars as he rises back up! Akira brings Despy around, but Despy DROPKICKS the legs out! Despy and Akira glare at each other, and Despy kicks away on the bad leg. Akira just grits his teeth and takes it all! Despy runs up, but Akira blocks the leg! Akira CLUBS the leg, fires SLAP after SLAP from all sides, but Despy ducks one to ROCK Akira! Despy runs, but Akira LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous as Akira crawls over to a corner! Akira leans on the ropes, then takes aim again. Despy sits up, into NOVA FIREBALL!!

But Akira came in too hot, he can’t make the cover! Akira crawls his way back to Despy, pushes him over to cover, ROPEBREAK!! Despy survives because Akira miscalculated, but the fans still rally. Akira rises up, hobbles his way back over, and he brings Despy around with chicken wings. Akira pops Despy up for the FIRE PLEX! And now “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” aims again! Third time’s the charm! NOVA- NO!! Despy ducks, Akira crashes ‘n’ burns, and Despy has the STRETCH MUFFLER!! But Akira rolls it to a cradle! TWO!! Even Despy has to check that he escaped in time! But then Akira SUPERKICKS! Despy ROCKS Akira in return!

Akira just fires up to the max! ROUNDHOUSE! Despy flops over and the fans are thunderous! Akira aims again! NOVA FIRE- NO!! The leg gives out!! Akira writhes in pain, right beside Despy! Despy sees what happened and drags Akira back up. Despy underhooks the arms, but Akira fights with everything he has left! The fans fire up as Akira fights the underhooks, but Despy powers through! PINCHE LOCO!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Akira survives and the fans are thunderous again! Despy is shocked, but there is still fire inside Akira! Despy grabs the legs, but Akira kicks at him! And kicks, and kicks, and KICKS!

Despy still holds the leg, and he GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! Then STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! PLUS!!! Akira endures, but Despy puts all he can into the hold! He even hooks with a leg! There was a form BEYOND what we knew! Akira TAPS, Despy wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by submission (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

This was truly a battle worthy of not just the Junior Heavyweight Championship, but of NJPW’s fighting spirit! But if this still wasn’t enough, what more will it take for Akira to have his moment? What more will it take to dethrone Desperado?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

It was truly a New Beginning for the Fierce Warrior last month, but we all know The Ace is on his Final Road. Both men have had epic battles throughout their careers, but this could be the greatest one yet! Will President Tanahashi have one last reign as NJPW’s top champion? Or will nothing stop Goto now that he’s finally living the dream?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see this classic showdown for the last time!

The bell rings and the fans are fired up and dueling already! Red Shoes sees it as rather even between “GO-TO-O!” and “TA-NA-HASHI!” Goto and Tanahashi circle, feel things out, and they tie up. Tanahashi waistlocks, but Goto wrenches and wristlocks. Tanahashi wrenches and hammerlocks, but Goto switches that onto Tanahashi. Goto then shifts to a headlock for a takeover, but Tanahashi headscissors. Goto kips free, the two stand up, and the fans cheer the standoff. Tanahashi and Goto reset, circle, and the fans continue to duel. Goto and Tanahashi circle, tie up again, and are in a deadlock. But Goto digs in his heels and powers Tanahashi to ropes!

Red Shoes calls the break, Goto lets off slowly, but Tanahashi turns things around. Tanahashi then lets off slowly, only to kick low! Tanahashi headlocks, Goto powers up, but Tanahashi clamps on tighter. Goto still powers up and out, and he headlocks Tanahashi in return. Tanahashi endures the grind now, then fires body shots. Tanahashi powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and neither man falls! Tanahashi kicks low, then whips, but Goto turns hip toss into HIP TOSS! Goto runs, and he RUNS Tanahashi over! The fans fire up while Goto stands tall. Goto drags Tanahashi up, CLUBS him on the neck, then brings him around.

Goto CLUBS Tanahashi again, then CLUBS him down. Goto stomps Tanahashi, covers, ONE!! The fans cheer, but Goto clamps onto Tanahashi with a chinlock. Goto digs his knee into Tanahashi’s back, then digs an elbow into Tanahashi’s face. Goto ELBOWS Tanahashi down, then drags him back up. Goto snapmares Tanahashi, then clamps on a headscissors. Goto pushes up to put on the pressure, but Tanahashi endures. The fans rally, Tanahashi bridges back, but Goto powers him back down. Goto puts on the pressure again, but Tanahashi refuses to give up. Tanahashi fights around, crawls over with his legs, and has the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer and Goto lets Tanahashi go. Goto stomps Tanahashi, then brings him up. Goto bumps Tanahashi off buckles, then stomps him. Goto stomps a mudhole in, but Tanahashi eggs him on! So Goto CHOPS! Tanahashi fires a flurry of forearms! Goto snarls and ROCKS Tanahashi in return! Goto whips corner to corner, then runs up, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi dropkicks Goto’s legs out! Tanahashi goes up and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit, but no time for air guitar, this is serious business. Tanahashi storms back up on Goto, drags him around and YANKS on the leg! And YANKS again! Then he drops an ELBOW on the knee!

Tanahashi drops another elbow, and then another elbow! Tanahashi pulls on the leg, but Goto fights back with a headlock. Tanahashi twists the foot, but Goto drags himself towards ropes. Goto brings Tanahashi along for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Tanahashi lets go. Tanahashi stomps Goto’s leg, then brings him around. Tanahashi bumps Goto off buckles, then stomps away. Tanahashi puts Goto’s leg in the ropes and pulls! Red Shoes reprimands, then counts, and Tanahashi lets go at 4. Tanahashi “apologizes,” but then he DROPKICKS Goto’s leg! Goto hobbles then falls while the fans fire up.

Red Shoes reprimands but Tanahashi apologizes again. Tanahashi then looms over Goto and grabs the leg. Tanahashi YANKS the leg again, then puts Goto in the corner. Tanahashi stomps away, but Goto fires CHOP after CHOP in return! Tanahashi kicks the bad leg, then storms up on Goto in the corner. Tanahashi stomps Goto, then whips corner to corner. Goto reverses, but Tanahashi BOOTS him away! Tanahashi roars, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto drags Tanahashi up, fires forearm after forearm, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Tanahashi stays in this, but Goto shakes out the bad leg. Goto hobbles as he brings Tanahashi up, and he fireman’s carries. But Tanahashi slips free, and he fireman’s carries to steal USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up as Tanahashi uses one of Goto’s signature moves against him! The fans rally as Goto rises, and Tanahashi runs, to SLING- NO, Goto ducks that, catches Tanahashi, URA GTR! Tanahashi staggers, Goto runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Goto crawls away to one corner, and Tanahashi crawls to the opposite corner. The dueling is strong as ever as both men rise.

Goto runs up, but Tanahashi meets him with a DROPKICK to the leg! Tanahashi runs, but Goto pops him up to a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Goto gets payback, but that hurt his already beat up leg! The fans rally harder as Goto rises again. Goto hobbles to the ropes, slaps his leg into working, then waits on Tanahashi. Goto powers up to BUZZ- NO, Tanahashi blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi holds on to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then REVERSE GROUND SCREW! Then a SPLASH onto the legs! Goto writhes but Tanahashi snarls, and the fans fire up again! Tanahashi ties Goto up in the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!

Goto endures as Tanahashi stands over him! Goto crawls towards ropes, all of Chaos coaching him on! But Tanahashi drags Goto away from the ropes! Tanahashi sits deep on the hold, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Goto endures, and Yoshi-Hashi is there to coach him on! Goto fights forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go in frustration, but he stands over Goto again. Tanahashi drags Goto up, reels him in, and half nelsons! Then full nelsons! But Goto breaks that, only to end up in a STRAITJACKET- NO, Goto fights the lift! Goto breaks the straitjacket, too! Only for Tanahashi to SLINGBLADE again!

But Goto rises right back up! So Tanahashi SLINGBLADES again! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans are thunderous! Tanahashi storms over to the corner and climbs up top! Goto stands, but Tanahashi hits the HIGH FLY ATTACK! And then Tanahashi goes right back up! HIGH FLY FLOP as Goto moves! Both men are down and the fans rally up again! Goto drags himself up with the ropes while Tanahashi is down at center. Goto hobbles over, drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi snatches the leg! DRAGON SCREW! TEXAS CLOVER- NO, Goto drags Tanahashi into a cradle! TWO!! Tanahashi escapes and both men have to catch their breath.

Tanahashi crawls back over to Goto, sits him up, but Goto fires a shot first! Tanahashi gives that forearm back! Goto fires another forearm, so Tanahashi fires back! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and then Goto ROCKS Tanahashi! Goto CLUBS Tanahashi! Goto HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, and HEADBUTTS! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi until Tanahashi drops to his knees! Goto stands Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi roars, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! G T W!!! Cover, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives again, but Goto just drags him back up! Dragon sleeper, but Tanahashi drops down! Victory roll, TWO!!

Goto escapes, and he hurries to get Tanahashi up! He blocks the Shotei to HEADBUTT! Tanahashi drops to his knees, then slumps forward! The fans are thunderously dueling as Goto drags Tanahashi back up. Dragon sleeper, and true G- NO, Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!?! Tanahashi drags Goto up to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Tanahashi stands Goto up again, but Goto fights the hattrick! SHOTENKAI!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Tanahashi survives and Ota City is erupting! Goto rises, the fans duel as hard as they have all night, and Goto powers up! BUZZSAW!! Then Goto drags Tanahashi up, dragon sleepers, and G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

The Ace gave it everything he had, but so did The Fierce Warrior! Master Wato slides in and checks on Tanahashi while Chaos helps Goto. Tanahashi’s last NJPW Anniversary Show was an instant classic, but it was also his defeat. But is this truly his last shot at the world title?

As for Goto, he grabs the mic and goes to a corner. “Tanahashi-san. If it wasn’t for you… I probably would’ve won this title earlier. Yeah, I’ve thought that way before. But the truth is, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here now.” The fans applaud that. Goto says, “Please keep shining brightly until the very end.” The fans also applaud that. Goto thanks Tanahashi, and the two shake hands. The fans cheer as they hug it out, and then Goto hands the mic to Tanahashi. The fans cheer Tanahashi on, and he says, “Just this… GOTO~! I’m counting on you.” The fans applaud again, and Tanahashi continues.

“From this day forward, the relationship between Hontai and Chaos will evolve. Members of Hontai and Chaos, please come to the ring.” The fans are intrigued, but then Tanahashi looks around. “Where is everyone?” Well… Oh, here come Makabe, Kojima, Tiger Mask and more. Yano also hops off commentary so that he can join his team. The fans cheer as Despy leans on ELP rather literally. Tanahashi tells Goto, “Please lead NJPW to even greater heights.” Tanahashi hands the mic back to Goto, and Goto looks at everyone else. “Tanahashi-san. Leave it to me! I’ll be the one leading NJPW forward!” The fans cheer that!

Goto says Nagata should come up here, too. The fans cheer as Yuji Nagata also leaves commentary to stand with the combined Chaos-Hontai forces. Blue Justice stands face to face with the Fierce Warrior, and Goto says, “Staying true to my word, let’s battle for this belt!” The fans cheer that! Nagata takes the mic to say, “Goto, that was a hell of a match> That makes challenging you even more enticing.” They shake hands, and it is now official! Goto continues to say, “The Goto Revolution has only just begun. Here’s to 53 years and more of NJPW!” With that, the golden streamers fly, and everyone in the ring celebrates this moment.

We also get a photo op of this now Chaos-Hontai super group all together. Is this consolidation of stars the true future of NJPW? What more is in store as NJPW moves into Year 54?

My Thoughts:

A great Anniversary Event, even though I did skip a few things. Chase & Fale win over Ryohei & Hartley as Chase and Ryohei will meet in the New Japan Cup, and the go-home math now favors Ryohei winning that tournament match. LIJ got a very good win over The House of Torture, but perhaps that’s because Evil wins against Yota Tsuji in the Cup. It could lead to bigger showdowns in the Cup where the House of Torture and War Dogs battle it out. Gabe & Drilla getting the drop on Ren & Kanemaru was great, but given how both sides operate, a Double Count-out Draw is a fitting choice so that you can’t be sure who wins in the Cup.

Of course Sanada’s team got another Eddie Guerrero style disqualification, with him framing Yuya Uemura for a guitar attack. Similarly, Sanada has momentum going into his match with Yuya in the Cup, so there’s a chance Yuya gets revenge by winning then. ELP had a fun promo with Jado to start off the Open Challenge, and a great showing from Wato in the match. But naturally, ELP wins to keep his reign going, and I can’t wait to see who else answers the Open Challenge.

Desperado VS Akira was an awesome match, perhaps Akira’s best singles match, and it’s a little surprising that Akira debuts new gear and a new nickname only to lose. Desperado is still going strong as champion, and possibilities are endless for who could challenge him next. Goto VS Tanahashi was also awesome, really building on what we’ve seen from both men over their careers, including matches against each other. But with Tanahashi on his retirement tour, he of course put Goto over and basically gave Goto the best first defense he could have.

And I really like where things seem to be going. Hontai fusing with Chaos, or at least having a true alliance, is some fun stuff. And it makes up for how some major members of Chaos have either left (like Okada) or are more active outside of Japan (like Rocky Romero). Goto VS Nagata is also going to be a really good match, now set for March 15th in the middle of the New Japan Cup. That’ll be another solid defense for Goto before he faces whoever wins the tournament.

My Score: 9/10