Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 1!
The G1 Climax comes to America!
NJPW brings the Summer to a Climax!
The most grueling tournament in all of NJPW, the G1 Climax, begins again! Which world-class heavyweights take the critical first wins in this round robin’s opening night?
Coverage of the G1 Climax 29 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Gifs to come courtesy of https://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roppongi 3K VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
- Tomohiro Ishii & Shota Umino VS Jeff Cobb & Ren Narita; Cobb & Narita win.
- Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Jay White & Chase Owens; Goto & YOSHI-HASHI win.
- Six Man Tag: Taguchi Japan VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Taguchi Japan wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer; Archer wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: EVIL VS Bad Luck Fale; Fale wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: SANADA VS Zack Sabre Jr; SANADA wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Kota Ibushi VS KENTA; KENTA wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scene for this now state-side summer blockbuster!
For the first time, NJPW brings this incredible tournament to America! And live we will see the first part of the round robin tournament, which will lead to a tournament finals to grant one man a match with THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion for the title! Of course, that champion is also in this tournament! This midsummer battle will determine who is the toughest in the world!
A Block once again has two of the biggest stars in NJPW! Hiroshi Tanahashi looks to once again be a back-to-back G1 winner! But the Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada, looks to completely deny the field by winning his third G1! Zack Sabre Jr has won New Japan Cups, but he wants to be the first Brit to conquer the Climax. Of course, so does his fellow countryman, Will Ospreay, who looks to take over both weight classes! Kota Ibushi wants to rebound from losing his IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Evil wants to make Darkness Fall on the Heavyweight Division while his Cold Skull ally wants to bring it all to a Skull End. To show his true style, THE Kenta makes his G1 debut in Dallas! Who of A Block takes the opening night for their own?
Roppongi 3K VS Guerrillas of Destiny!
Sho and Yoh are making the move up the weight classes as they take on the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions in non-title competition! Will RPG3K take down Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa in the states? Or will GoD return to Japan victorious?
Tonga Loa rushes RPG3K the second he gets in the ring, but they send him right out! RPG3K then get Tama in a drop toehold and dropkick! Tama bails out and Loa returns, but gets double dropkicks! The bell rings and this match truly begins! Fans rally with RPG3K as Yoh and Sho FLY onto GoD! Double direct hits, and RPG3K are fired up. They kick Tama then put him in the ring. Fans duel as Tama and Yoh brawl. Sho kicks Tama down then regroups with Yoh. RPG3K whip but Tama slips out. Tama says F U and Loa runs both RPG3K over! Tama whips Yoh into railings hard, then Loa scoops Sho for a powerslam!
Fans duel as Sho writhes. Loa drags Sho up and brings him over, tag to Tama. They whip Sho and throw hands, then a neckbreaker to leg drop! Fans cheer as Tama swaggers about. Tama drags Sho up for fast hands and a dropkick! Sho is down in a corner but Tama drags him up. Tag to Loa, scoop slam to slingshot senton! Loa grins as he makes Sho look into the camera. Loa tries to make Sho Too Sweet but Sho refuses, so Loa clubs him down. Tama taunts the fans then tags in. Loa drags Sho up for a scoop and slam. Tama slingshots for a senton of his own! Fans rally and duel as Tama stands on Sho’s hands. Sho grits his teeth ash e heads for his corner, but Tama drags him up for a suplex. Sho slips out to German, but Loa saves Tama.
Loa scoops but Sho escapes! Sho dodges Loa to SPEAR Tama! Fans rally up as Sho crawls, hot tag to Yoh! Yoh rallies with dropkicks and forearms! Yoh whips Tama but Tama reverses. But Yoh keeps dodging to hit flying forearms! Yoh kips up and Dallas fires up with him! He runs in corner to corner for a big back elbow. Then a half hatch with bridge! TWO, but Yoh keeps his cool. Yoh waits for Tama to stand as fans cheer “Roppongi!” Tama blocks the kick to hit a big back suplex! Tama drags Yoh up but Yoh fights out of the fireman’s carry. But Tama reels him back in, only for Yoh to fight out. Yoh denies Gun Stun to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as both RPG3K give Tama knees! They do the same to Loa!
Sho backstabs Tama into Yoh’s Yakuza Kick! RPG3K fire up and Dallas follows. They watch Tama stand, but GUN STUN! Loa tackles Yoh to a corner, and Tama hits a BIG splash! GoD coordinate, suplex to SUPER powerbomb! Cover, GoD wins!
Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, Tama Tonga pinning
And that’s why they’re both IWGP Heavyweight and ROH World Tag Team Champions! Can anyone outdo these brothers’ teamwork and hustle?
Tomohiro Ishii & Shota Umino VS Jeff Cobb & Ren Narita!
It’s a sampling of B Block as the Stone Pitbull and the Hawaiian Juggernaut each get themselves a Young Lion for this 2v2 showdown! Which side gets some momentum before the B Block gets its opener?
The Young Lions stare down but so do the heavyweight veterans. Ishii dares Cobb to start and the two start shoving. Their Young Lions keep them apart, but they do let them star. Dallas likes that! The bell rings and Ishii ties up with Cobb. Ishii headlocks but Cobb powers out. They collide but neither falls. Cobb dares Ishii to go so Ishii does. They collide again and still neither falls. Ishii throws forearms but Cobb gives it back! Cobb runs but Ishii shoulders him back. Ishii runs and things speed up. Cobb hits a dropkick! But Ishii stays up to run Cobb over! Cobb gets right back up and they tie up. Narita tags in to kick at Ishii.
The ref keeps Cobb from getting at Ishii again. Ishii tags Umino in and now the Young Lions tie up! Narita goes for a leg but Umino waistlocks. Narita switches but Umino escapes and fans love the technical trade. They tie up and Narita headlocks. Umino powers out but Narita runs Umino over! Narita stomps Umino then whips. Umino reverses and he elbows Narita down, to hit a big basement dropkick! Fans cheer as Umino keeps on Narita. Umino gives European uppercuts then tags in Ishii. Ishii CHOPS Narita over and over! Umino holds Narita up just so Ishii can CHOP more! Ishii toys with Narita but Narita gives up to forearm back. They do nothing! Ishii swings but Narita ducks, and that one gets Ishii! But Ishii runs Narita over for it!
Ishii drags Narita up for a suplex, but Narita powers Ishii up and over!? Incredible! Narita crawls to tag in Cobb! Cobb suplexes Ishii overhead! Then he throws Umino! Ishii kicks and whips but Cobb reverses to scoop Ishii for a pop-up into a suplex! Fans are fired up as Cobb runs corner to corner and hits a BIG back elbow! Cobb whips Ishii but Ishii reverses. Cobb reverses back, cradle plex! Cover, TWO! Cobb keeps his focus as he drags Ishii up in a waistlock. Ishii fights out but Cobb ducks to forearm. Ishii doesn’t even flinch. He eggs Cobb on so Cobb throws more forearms. Ishii hits Cobb back and now it’s a brawl! They don’t slow down at all and fans fire up again!
Cobb runs but misses, Ishii German Suplexes him down! Fans rally as both men slowly get up. Hot tag to Umino! Umino leaps for a missile dropkick! Umino makes sure Narita can’t tag in, and he runs corner to corner for an elbow! He tries but can’t suplex Cobb, so he throws more forearms. He tries again but Cobb is still too strong. Umino tries a third time, but still nothing. Perhaps the fourth time? YES! Umino covers, TWO! Umino stays fired up as he waistlocks and drags Cobb up. Cobb elbows free to then uppercut him to a corner! Cobb kicks at Ishii but gets a BIG forearm! Narita dropkicks Ishii, then dodges Umino for a belly2belly! Cobb moonsaults onto Umino! Cover, TWO!? Umino survives! So Cobb whips Umino, and gives him Tour of the Islands! Cover, Cobb and Narita win!
Winners: Jeff Cobb and Ren Narita, Cobb pinning
The Hawaiian Juggernaut takes care of the Young Lion, but he stares down Ishii with a grin. Ishii gets in the ring to stare back, and the forearms start flying! Narita and the referee aren’t enough to keep these two away, and Dallas wants to “Let Them Fight!” Security comes in but even they can’t hold these behemoths back! Eventually, Cobb and Ishii cool off and will wait for their B Block match. Will Cobb be victorious over the NEVER Openweight Champion in this round robin? Or will the Pitbull take a bite out of the Olympian?
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Jay White & Chase Owens!
It’s not just Chaos VS Bullet Club, but another preview of B Block action! The Fierce Warrior has the Head Hunter while the Switchblade has the Crown Jewel, which partner proves to be the key to momentum?
The teams sort out and Goto starts against White. Fans rally behind Goto so White tags out to Chase. Goto circles with Chase and they tie up. but White attacks from behind! Chase hits Hashi down and then Bullet Club mugs and stomps Goto down. White drags Goto up but Goto fights back! Goto throws forearms at both White and Chase, then focuses on White in the corner. Chase comes in but gets a CHOP! Goto goes after White on the outside but Gedo is there to protect White. Chase wrecks Goto with a dropkick! Chase puts Goto back in the ring and White returns to the corner. Goto blocks Chase’s boot to give him a spinning clothesline!
Tag to Hashi and Hashi fires off on Chase, topping it off with a CHOP! Hashi whips but Chase reverses. Hashi dodges and CHOPS Chase again! He hangs Chase out to dry, then runs to dropkick Chase down. Cover, ONE, but Hashi keeps his cool. Hashi stomps Chase then drags him up> Chase powers Hashi to the corner and White pulls on Hashi’s hair. Gedo also wipes at Hashi, and Chase YANKS Hashi into ropes! Chase hits Goto down while White CHOPS Hashi! White rams Hashi into the apron, then again! And a third time! White puts Hashi in for Chase to cover, TWO! Chase keeps on Hashi with a headlock and punches.
Chase drags Hashi up but Dallas rallies. Hashi CHOPS Chase again! Chase kicks low then drags Hashi up, but it’s Hashi who suplexes Chase into a neckbreaker! Fans rally, White tags in and stomps Hashi out. Fans boo White but he insults them back. White CHOPS Hashi then whips but Hashi dodges. Hashi hits a blockbuster! Fans rally up, hot tag to Goto! Goto rallies on White then whips, hip toss! Fans fire up as Goto fires forearms off on White in the corner. Goto whips corner to corner but White boots back. Goto still clotheslines White, then hits a big back suplex! He drags White up but White gets away. Chase comes in but gets tripped up to a Half Crab! White steps to Goto but Goto scares him off!
Goto throws Chase out but White CHOPS Goto. White whips but Goto reverses and follows. White dodges but Goto fireman’s carries, only for White to slip out. Goto elbows White away but misses, SAIDO from White! White tags Chase and Chase toys with Goto. Dallas rallies up for Goto and GOto just gets angry from Chase’s slaps. Chase throws forearms but Goto doesn’t budge. Chase fires off a strike fest then says “Suck It!” He runs, but Goto follows, but Chase enziguris! Chase backslides Goto, TWO, knee trigger! Chase drags Goto up, hammerlock lariat, the Jewel Heist! Cover, TWO!! Chase hits Hashi out just for good measure, and White gives Goto the twisting suplex! Shining wizard! Cover, but Hashi breaks it!
White hits Hashi and throws him out. Chase takes aim at Goto and says BANG! Powerbomb position, tucking him in for the package, but Goto fights out! Goto spins but gets Chase’s elbow! Chase runs but into Hashi’s LARIAT! White runs in but he gets the spin kick! Goto clotheslines White out! Goto fires up, grabs Chase, USHIGOROSHI! But he’s not done there, he and fans fire up! Chase sits up to get swift kicks! Goto stands Chase up, GTR! Cover, Goto and Hashi win!
Winners: Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI, Goto pinning
Chaos is victorious in Dallas! Can Goto do that to Jay White when these two meet in the B Block? Or will Goto Breathe with the Switchblade?
Six Man Tag: Taguchi Japan VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!
Specifically, it is Toru Yano, Juice Robinson, and Jushin Thunder Liger against Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito! We get two B Block previews in one, who earns major momentum before #YTR and the Flamboyant One eventually meet the Muscle Dragon and Uncontrollable Charisma?
The teams sort out, and Naito takes his time with his jacket as he would with his suits. Jushin starts with Bushi after LIJ fist-bump salute. The bell rings and fans are fired up for this match already! Dallas roars for Liger as he ties up with Bushi. Liger powers Bushi to ropes but lets up with a swift pat on the shoulder. Bushi and Liger circle again and Bushi goes after Liger’s mask! Fans boo but Bushi soaks it all up. Bushi kicks low then clubs away. HE runs but into Liger’s tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Liger dumps Bushi down for the surfboard, Romero Special! But LIJ saves Bushi while taking out Liger’s team!
Shingo drags Liger up and ducks Shotei to feed to Bushi’s drop toehold. Naito dropkicks Liger down then he and Shingo go after Yano and Juice on the outside. Bushi drags Liger up for another attack on his mask! Yano and Juice are sent into railing while Bushi hammers away on Liger. Tag to Naito and Naito pulls on the mask’s hair. Naito throws big hands then whips Liger to get him in a sleeper hold. Liger reaches but Naito drags that arm into an armbar. Naito uplls on the mask’s horns and fans boo. THe ref reprimands Naito but Naito keeps moving around as he pulls. Tag to Bushi and Bushi stomps Liger with Naito. Bushi eggs Yano and Juice on while Naito keeps stomping. Tag to Shingo as fans rally for Linger.
Shingo drags Liger up but Liger CHOPS! And CHOPS! Shingo eggs Liger on then forearms him back. He takes his time picking Liger up to whip corner to corner. Liger boots back but Shingo still clotheslines. Shingo runs into a SHOTEI! Fans rally, hot tag to Juice! Juice hits Bushi and Naito before going after Shingo! Big corner clothesline, but Shingo follows for his own! Shingo drags Juice out but Juice shoves him! Juice and Shingo stare down and start throwing forearms. Juice runs but into an uppercut. Shingo runs into a heel kick! Dallas fires up as Juice drags Shingo up to a fireman’s carry. Juice Box denied, but so is the sliding D. Juice gets Shingo with a full nelson bomb! Cover, TWO!
Juice pumps it up and fans chant his name. Shingo slowly stands and Juice aims those jabs. Then he powers up, but gets Shingo’s JAB! Shingo runs but into a clothesline! Neither man falls so they go again. They still stay up, and Shingo blocks one, but gets the Left Hand of God! Juice reels Shingo in, but Pulp Friction is countered into Noshigami! The Gory Bomb variant hits but both men are down. Dallas is thunderous as they rally for both men, hot tags to Naito and Yano! Yano goes to low blow but Naito spits on him! Naito clubs away then whips Yano, but Yano holds ropes. Yano goes to the corner!
Naito stops him from taking the buckle pads, but Yano whips him away. Yano gets the pads! Naiot dodges and gives Yano an atomic drop. Naito hits the jump kick, the sweep, and the combination, cabron! Then he spits on Yano a LOT! Naito stomps Yano then picks up the buckle pad for his own. Yano rolls Naito up, TWO!! Naito kicks but Yano pulls hair. Naito pulls hair, then spins Yano for a neckbreaker! Bushi tags in and climbs up for a missile dropkick! He hits a Bushirooni while Shingo blasts Liger and Juice! Bushi hits Yano then Shingo adds on. Naito and Bushi double dropkick Yano, Bushi covers, but Liger breaks it!
Naito throws Liger out and Shingo tosses Juice into railing! But Yano throws Bushi down! Bushi comes back for a neckbreaker, only for Yano to shove him at the ref! Yano Low Blow! Roll up, Yano and team win!!
Winners: Taguchi Japan, Toru Yano pinning
The Clown Prince of NJPW pulls it out for his team! Will Yano use the same tactics to spoil things for everyone else in B Block?
NJPW has a huge announcement!
They’re headed to the East Coast of America now, with Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2019! Boston, New York AND Philadelphia, prepare for a hot September weekend! Referee Tiger Hitori is retiring in Hammerstein Ballroom! And speaking of, he’s calling the next match!
G1 Climax, A Block: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer!
The round robin truly begins as the Aerial Assassin takes on an even meaner Killer Elite! Archer returns to the G1 after being out for several years, but will he be able to start hot against the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
Archer rushes Ospreay before the bell, but gets caught into a Spanish Fly! The bell does ring as Ospreay climbs, to CORKSCREW ASAI Archer down!! Ospreay puts Archer in fast, springboards to a 450 splash! Cover, TWO! Dallas is already fired up as Archer gets to a corner. Ospreay kicks away then stands Archer up to CHOP. But Acher doesn’t flinch, he just laughs! “You done f*cked up now!” Ospreay keeps throwing forearms but Archer DECKS Ospreay with that right! Archer runs in again but Ospreay dumps him out. Ospreay throws forearms but Archer again rocks him with one. Ospreay swing kicks then springboards to dropkick Archer down! Fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed, SASUKE SPECIAL, is caught! Choke Slam through commentary!
Archer roars and Dallas is thunderous while losing their minds! Archer drags Ospreay out of the wreckage, then tosses him over the railing. The 20 count reaches 10 while Archer taunts commentary. Archer tosses Ospreay in at 13 then stalks him in the ring. Ospreay stands and Archer takes aim, and runs Ospreay over with a shoulder! Archer stands up on the corner while fans boo and jeer. Archer goes back to Ospreay and pulls back on his hair. Tiger Hitori counts but Archer lets up. Archer stands Ospreay in a corner for a CHOP! Fans rally as Ospreay has a bloody nose. Archer says, “Ospreay ain’t doing sh*t!” And then he CLOBBERS Ospreay with that clothesline! Archer covers, TWO!
Archer likes the fight in Ospreay as Ospreay throws weak forearms. Fans rally up as Archer drags Opsreay up. Archer clubs Ospreay and then knuckle locks to climb the corner. Archer shows us some Old School, and even does an extended version, before clubbing Ospreay down! Then he drags Ospreay into a mounted armlock. Archer digs Ospreay into the mat but Tiger Hitori counts. Archer lets up to intimidate him, then runs at Ospreay corner to corner for a big back elbow. And then another! And another! Archer stares down the camera while fans boo and jeer. He drags Ospreay up but Ospreay throws forearms. They don’t back Archer down, but Archer dares Ospreay to keep trying. Ospreay boots Archer instead! Archer gives Ospreay a back elbow for that, and Ospreay ends up in a corner.
Archer hits another back elbow then whips, but Ospreay handsprings for the enziguri! Both men are down and Dallas fires up! Archer and Ospreay get to opposite corners, and Archer grimaces. Archer runs in but into a boot! Ospreay rolls to top-rope 619 Archer back! Ospreay springboards for the flying lariat! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his focus as he finally has Archer reeling. Fans rally behind Ospreay as he fires up. Ospreay underhooks but Archer forearms back. Archer reels Osprey in but gets the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Ospreay runs but Archer goes perpendicular, but Ospreay leaps over the Pounce! ROUNDHOUSE! They keep going, Archer goes to the corner to POUNCE! Ospreay hits the opposite corner and ends up folded up!
Archer drags Ospreay up and into powerbomb position, buckle bomb! Ospreay rebounds back into another, Last Ride! Archer follows Ospreay out of the ring and drags him up into another powerbomb, to the apron! Ospreay is down while Archer grins. Archer drags Ospreay up to the ramp! The 20 count is climbing but Archer powerbomb lifts! Ospreay slips out, DESTROYER! Archer is down but so is Ospreay. The count hits 10 and Ospreay hurries! Archer is up, too, and he shoves Ospreay down! Archer is in but Ospreay springboards to dropkick him down! SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay can’t believe it, but he won’t let up. Robinson Special! Then the springboard, but Archer catches him!
Archer back suplexes but Osperay slips out, springboard to OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO?! Ospreay can’t believe that Archer still lives! Fans are thunderous as Ospreay gets back up. Ospreay goes to underhook, but Archer is too big for the lift! Ospreay kicks away on Archer’s face, then takes off the elbow pad. But Archer scoops Ospreay, but Ospreay escapes and boots back. Ospreay hops up but gets an uppercut! Archer hoists Ospreay up, MUSCLE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives! Archer puts him in a corner and on the top rope, inverted crucifix lift. BLACK OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO?!? #EverybodyDies but Ospreay still lives! But Archer uses the Iron Claw on Ospreay’s head! He squeezes tight and Ospreay fades. Fans rally and Ospreay powers back up, to a ropebreak!
Archer holds onto Ospreay’s head until 4. He intimidates Tiger Hitori again then goes back to Ospreay. He drags Ospreay up from the opposite side of the corner and they go to the top rope. Ospreay fights back but Archer still has a choke grip. Ospreay changes it into a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Now Archer shockingly survives! Dallas knows “This is Awesome!” but it’s not over yet. Ospreay drags Archer up with underhooks, but he still can’t get Archer up. He gives more of those fast kicks then fires himself up. Ospreay underhooks, and lifts Archer up! STORM- CHOKE- ROUNDHOUSE! HOOK! Wristlock, reeling hook kick! Ospreay hurries to a corner, hops up top, but Archer trips him up!
Archer climbs up behind Ospreay, grabs at hair and then puts on a full nelson. Ospreay works against the hold and elbows Archer back. Ospreay adjusts to headbutt Archer down. Archer is back with a step-up knee! Archer sits Ospreay up and climbs, lifting Ospreay in the inverted crucifix, SUPER BLACK OUT! Fans are still thunderous, even with the mixed reaction. Archer has the claw and clamps it on tight! Ospreay fades as it becomes a cover, Archer wins!
Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Archer keeps the claw on past the bell and it takes Young Lions to pull him off. Archer takes his first two points in five years while Ospreay’s G1 debut is a zero. And then Archer “celebrates” by attacking the Young Lions! Will Archer make sure everyone in A Block suffers? Can Ospreay make a comeback in the later rounds?
G1 Climax, A Block: EVIL VS Bad Luck Fale!
The King of Darkness and the Rogue General are no strangers to each other, and certainly not in the G1. They add a new chapter to this fight, who takes two points into the next round?
The bell rings and Evil rushes Fale! Evil throws him out of the ring and throws big knees. Evil brings Fale to the ramp and gets some space to run in. BIG lariat hits Fale but Fale doesn’t fall! Fans rally behind Evil as he scoops Fale. But Fale is too big for that! Fale clubs away on Evil’s back to then scoop and slam Evil to the ramp! Evil writhes while Fale catches his breath. The referee tells Fale to get in the ring while he checks on Evil. Fale doesn’t care, he stomps Evil then pushes the ref. Fale drags Evil up to throw big body shots. He drags Evil to the ring to bump him off the apron. The ring count finally begins but Fale kicks Evil down. Fale gets in the ring at 16 and leaves Evil to the count. Evil gets in at 19!
Fale is right on Evil with stomps but the fans rally up. Evil fights back with forearms, but that scoop doesn’t work. Fale body shots back then puts him in a corner hard. Fale clubs away on Evil’s back against the buckles. The ref counts and Fale lets up, only to put Evil against the bottom rope. Fale stands on Evil’s back with all his weight! Fale drags Evil up to throw big clotheslines in the corner from both sides. He dumps Evil down and stands on him for a cover, TWO! Fale blames the fans for this. Fale drags Evil up again but Evil fights back! Evil CHOPS then whips, but Fale blocks. Fale whips Evil then runs in, but Evil dodges! Evil scoops and slams Fale! But it took everything he had, so Evil falls over, too.
Both men slowly stand and fans rally again. Evil runs at Fale and clotheslines him out! Evil follows Fale and looks under the ring. He brings out spare chairs! But Fale kicks him down before he could use one. Fale has a chair but the ref reprimands him. Fale aims but Evil mule kicks! Evil puts a chair around Fale’s head and rams him into the post! Fale goes down and fans fire up behind Evil. Evil puts Fale in the ring and the fans start drumming. Evil runs corner to corner, bronco buster! Cover, TWO! Evil keeps his cool as he prepares the arm. He runs as Fale stands, but the clothesline only staggers Fale. Evil tries again, and Fale falls to a knee! But that’s not enough, Evil tires again, only for Fale to run Evil over!
Evil and Fale get to opposite corners, and Fale hits a corner to corner splash! Then drops the splash! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer Evil’s toughness but Fale picks up those chairs from before. Fale brings them into the ring but the ref stops him. But there are two chairs, so the ref has to take the other chair, too. Evil kicks the chair into Fale! Then runs to LARIAT Fale down! Cover, TWO!! Evil keeps his focus as fans continue to cheer him on. Evil slashes the throat and drags Fale up. Everything is denied, and Fale grabs Evil. Evil breaks free to headbutt and spin, into the GRENADE! Cover, TWO!? Evil survives and Fale is shocked!
Fale drags Evil up again, prepares the bomb, crucifix but Evil wiggles free! Evil blocks the boot, gives it to the ref, and lariats Fale down! But the ref goes down, too! Evil takes advantage by getting those chairs back in. Evil aims at Fale, and jabs Fale in the back! Then he puts it around Fale’s head again, only for Fale to throw it back at him! LOW BLOW! Fans boo as Fale goes one cheat too far! Fale takes the chair and puts it around Evil’s head now. He takes the other chair and salutes, before swinging a HOME RUN! The chair flies off Evil and the ref finally returns. Fale drags Evil up, crucifix, Bad Luck Fall! Cover, Fale wins!
Winner: Bad Luck Fale, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Bullet Club’s A Block behemoth scores big in this opening round! Will he continue his way towards the finals? Or will darkness still fall?
G1 Climax, A Block: SANADA VS Zack Sabre Jr!
Another familiar match-up is revisited in the G1’s opening round! Cold Skull and the Submission Master will go toe to toe and hold for hold again, but who takes the victory?
The bell rings and fans sing for ZSJ as he circles with Sanada. Sanada stays out of ZSJ’s reach, but they do tie up. ZSJ headlocks but Sanada wrings him out. ZSJ gets away and says, “No way, mate.” The two circle again and tie up. ZSJ headlocks then cravats, but Sanada endures. Sanada breaks the hold to get the wrist, but ZSJ chinbars. Sanada wrenches but ZSJ rolls to wrench and arm-drag Sanada down. Fans applaud the technical exchange, but ZSJ keeps it going as he bends the fingers. He stands Sanada up to wrench through again. Sanada endures as ZSJ has a standing armlock. Sanada rolls and handsprings then cartwheels and handsprings and spins all around ZSJ to spin him through to a wristlock! But ZSJ just trips him to a heel hook.
Sanada resists but ZSJ Bow ‘n’ Arrows only for Sanada to pop to a cover, but ZSJ kicks out. ZSJ chases Sanada to a corner but Sanada gets clear, and fans are thunderous for this exchange! Sanada and ZSJ catch their breath as they circle. ZSJ taunts Sanada as fans duel. Sanada and ZSJ approach and feel it out. ZSJ gets a facelock and then the armlock. He powers Sanada to the corner but the ref calls for the break. ZSJ takes his time grinding into Sanada before he whips. Sanada reverses but ZSJ ducks down and baits Sanada. ZSJ then rolls Sanada but Sanada sits on it, only fro ZSJ to pop out. Sanada jackknifes but ZSJ sits on him, only for Sanada to pop out.
They go back the other way, then the other, and then Sanada has the legs! ZSJ resists Paradise to pop Sanada to a cover, TWO! Sanada has a cover, TWO! Another stalemate and the fans cheer. Sanada goes out to catch his breath and redo a wristband. ZSJ dares him to get back in while fans duel. Sanada chooses to take a sip of water instead. Sanada hears the count go up to 10 then 14. He slithers in when ZSJ finally backs off. Sanada and ZSJ have only be at this for 5 minutes but they’ve already done so much. Sanada calls for a test of strength and ZSJ laughs. ZSJ takes the challenge only to kick Sanada’s hands away.
Sanada calls for another test of strength, and ZSJ comes back to actually take it. ZSJ tries but can’t power Sanada down. ZSJ twists the fingers, then reels Sanada in to stand on his hands. He hooks Sanada’s face then puts on a full straitjacket hold. Sanada gets flashbacks to a previous match up as he stands up. He turns it onto ZSJ as fans rally and duel. ZSJ endures and works against it, but Sanada has more strength. ZSJ keeps trying, but Sanada keeps reapplying it. A third time, and ZSj turns it around only to get it turned all the way back. But ZSJ silps under to bridge and put it on Sanada! ZSJ pulls back but Sanada rolls through to put it back on Zack!
ZSJ wiggles the jacket off and swaggers out. Then he turns to uppercut Sanada! ZSJ snapmares but Sanada rolls through to a wristlock. ZSJ tries again but Sanada does it again. Fans rally as ZSJ snapmares a third time, but Sanada handsprings through. Sanada misses his dropkick but dodges the Penalty Kick. He still gets a headlock takeover, but ZSJ headscissors back. Sanada pops out and dropkicks ZSJ down! ZSJ bails out but Sanada just runs. ZSJ gets clear but Sanada tumbles to the apron. Sanada watches ZSJ go around the way and fans rally up. ZSJ rests at the corner and now Sanada dares him to get back in. ZSJ refuses it, same as Sanada.
The ring count begins but ZSJ waits until it climbs past 10. The count passes 15 and higher, and ZSJ plays around. He gets in at 19 and flips off the fans. Then he runs at Sanada, but Sanada blocks! Sanada trips ZSJ up, but ZSJ resists Paradise again. Sanada whips ZSJ but ZSJ sunset flips, only for Sanada to roll through! One more try but ZSJ monkey flips Sanada into an armbar! Sanada flails to a ropebreak! ZSJ lets go only to kick the arm! Sanada bails out and the ring count begins again. ZSJ lets Sanada stay out there, and Sanada gets in at 12. ZSJ is on Sanada and stomps the arm again. He also kicks Sanada swift in the back. ZSJ taunts Sanada while fans rally up.
Sanada gets mad now and starts throwing CHOPS! ZSJ eggs him on, and throws uppercuts back. ZSJ whips but Sanada reverses, only to get caught into an abdominal stretch! Sanada powers out to a hip toss! Both men are sore as they slowly stand up. ZSJ uppercuts but Sanada hurdles over him to dropkick him down! ZSJ backs out but dodges the slingshot. He has the arm through the ropes! The ref reprimands ZSj and he lets go at 4, but misses his Pele to the arm! Sanada has ZSJ in the ropes as he puts on a modified Paradise Lock! ZSJ is bamboozled! He shouts to the ref to get him out, but Sanada kicks him out of Paradise!
ZSJ bails out of the ring, Sanada slingshots to take him down! Fans fire up behind Sanada as he drags ZSJ into the ring. Sanada drags ZSJ up but ZSJ resists the suplex. ZSJ switches but Sanada switches back, big back suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps his cool and he throws haymakers on ZSJ. He wrenches ZSJ as fans duel. Sanada whips corner to corner but ZSJ reverses. Sanada goes out then springboards in, but ZSJ gets clear. ZSJ runs back in, only for Sanada to fireman’s carry. But ZSJ slips down into the Octopus! And he cranks the arm back hard! Sanada endures as ZSJ locks on tight. ZSJ finds the other arm and makes it part motorcycle stretch.
Sanada drops to the mat and ZSJ just pulls back hard! Sanada endures more, and reaches with his legs, to get the ropebreak! ZSJ lets go but the damage was done. Fans duel and sing again as ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ kicks at Sanada over and over, but Sanada just gets mad. ZSJ throws an uppercut, and Sanada gives it back! They go back and forth with heavy EuroUppers, but then Sanada scoops ZSJ into the dragon sleeper! ZSJ slips out but gets a forearm. Sanada whips but ZSJ comes back, tornado DDT into a dragon sleeper of his own! He hooks his hands behind his back for a deeper sleeper, but Sanada refuses to give in. Sanada powers up with ZSJ on his shoulders! Fireman’s carry but ZSJ slips to a guillotine!
Sanada stays standing with ZSJ’s weight pulling on him, and fans rally up. He pops an arm free and suplexes ZSJ for a brain buster! Fans fire up as Sanada drags ZSJ into the fireman’s carry, TKO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ lives but Sanada vows to finish it. He goes to the corner and climbs up, but has to land on his feet when ZSJ dodges the moonsault. ZSJ uppercuts Sanada, but leaps into a backslide! TWO, and Penalty Kick takes Sanada down! ZSJ catches his breath instead of covering, then gets a facelock to a scoop. Sanada slips out to the dragon sleeper! ZSJ resists so Sanada swings him around! Then he drops ZSJ to go up top, MOONSAULT into knees! And a Triangle Hold!!
Sanada endures again as we hit the 20 minute mark! ZSJ twists the arm and squeezes tight. Sanada fades but fans give him a second wind! He lifts ZSJ but ZSJ Peles the arm. ZSJ runs into an elbow and Sanada moonsaults to the dragon sleeper! ZSJ starts fading now, but he keeps going. Sanada lifts but ZSJ slips out. ZSJ body scissors and leg clutches to the EuroClutch, TWO! SKULL END, but ZSJ pops out to another EuroClutch, only for Sanada to pop out into a Japan Clutch! SANADA WINS!
Winner: SANADA, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Sanada snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! He gets a big win and ZSJ is shocked! ZSJ takes his frustration out on the referee! Will these two meet again for another shot at the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Championship?
G1 Climax, A Block: Kota Ibushi VS KENTA!
The Golden Star has become a full-time member of NJPW, but so has his opponent! Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches of the entire block, Kenta is finally in NJPW to #Takeover! Who strikes harder to take those pivotal opening points?
Katsuyori Shibata is spotted nearby as he watches this match intensely. The bell rings and fans are fired up already. Kenta and Ibushi circle and tie up. They’re evenly matches in strength, but Ibushi manages to get Kenta to ropes. Kenta turns it around but Ibushi dodges his punch. Kenta dodges Ibushi’s kick, and fans already like the exchange. Ibushi and Kenta circle again and tie up. Kenta kicks quick but Ibushi walks it off. Ibushi and Kenta approach again, and they test out strikes. Each man is ready to block and evade. Fans duel as each man keeps trying to find an opening.
Kenta catches a leg to a waistlock but Ibushi drops to hook and switch. Ibushi has a facelock but Kenta slips out to a hammerlock. Fans agree to cheer for “Both These Guys!” as they end up on ropes again. Kenta pats Ibushi’s shoulders but then SLAPS him! Ibushi scowls then SLAPS Kenta back! Ibushi stomps Kenta then toys with him. He drags Kenta up for big haymakers and swift kicks. Kenta ends up in a corner and Ibushi whips him corner to corner. Kenta takes a spin but tosses Ibushi to the apron. Ibushi forearms back but gets a kick through the ropes! Kenta hops up to guillotine knee drop Ibushi down! Fans cheer as Kenta toys with Ibushi.
Kenta drags Ibushi up as fans duel again. Kenta gives Ibushi a swift kick, but Ibushi eggs Kenta on. More kicks come in and Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta keeps on Ibushi with a chinlock and grinds Ibushi down. Ibushi endures and fans rally up. Ibushi fights out then runs, but into Kenta’s kitchen sink knee! Kenta drags Ibushi up and Penalty Kicks Ibushi down HARD! Kenta stands on Ibushi but Red Shoes does not call that a cover. So Kenta drags Ibushi to be on his stomach. Kenta drops knees right to Ibushi’s head, takes off his knee pad and jumps, to scuff Ibushi’s head. He drags Ibushi up but Ibushi fights back. They fire forearms and Ibushi gets the edge. He eggs Kenta on but Kenta makes him pay for it with heavy shots! Cover, ONE!
Kenta kicks Ibushi hard in the back but Ibushi eggs him on. They each egg each other on as they start throwing forearms fast and furious! Ibushi rocks Kenta but Kenta body shots and uppercuts. Kenta elbows Ibushi’s head then snapmares him for another kick! Ibushi writhes while trying to get his arms moving. Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta wraps Ibushi in another chinlock. Fans rally up and Ibushi powers up. Ibushi throws forearms but Kenta knees low, only to run into a dropkick! Both men are down but are sitting up fast. Kenta is in the corner and Ibushi walks over. Fans duel again as Ibushi whips corner to corner. Kenta reverses but Ibushi goes up and over to then powerslam Kenta down! Ibushi keeps moving, moonsault! Cover, TWO!
Both men are down as they catch their breath. Fans rally up as Ibushi stands. Ibushi waistlocks and drags Kenta up but Kenta resists. Kenta switches but Ibushi elbows free. Ibushi runs and things speed up, calf kick from Kenta! Both men are down again, but Kenta is up first. Kenta drags Ibushi up to whip but Ibushi reverses. Kenta ax handles Ibushi down then rallies with lariats. Ibushi just fires up, only to get caught into an exploder! Kenta glares at Ibushi as he climbs up top. Kenta leaps for a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Ibushi up and waistlocks, but Ibushi elbows out again. Ibushi runs in but into a boot. Kenta hops up and brings Ibushi in, tornado denied and Ibushi SLAPS Kenta!
Ibushi climbs up to join Kenta, but Kenta resists. They fight up top, and Ibushi elbows Kenta down to the apron. Ibushi drags Kenta up, has the waistlock, but Kenta fights free! Only for Ibushi to PELE Kenta down! Kenta hits the floor but Ibushi slingshots, into a knee?! Kenta makes Ibushi crash and burn and then drags Ibushi up. He suplexes Ibushi to hang him out to dry on railing. He drives elbows in, too, then goes back to the apron. Kenta leaps for guillotine double stomps!! Dallas loses its mind over that one! Kenta gets back in the ring and still wants more, but the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 before Ibushi stands. Ibushi climbs in at 12, so Kenta springboards and dropkicks him back down! Running boot in the corner, then a basement dropkick in the corner!
Kenta climbs up top while Ibushi is in the drop zone. DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives Kenta’s coup de grace, and fans duel harder then ever. Kenta slashes the throat and drags Ibushi up. Fireman’s carry, but Ibushi resists! Kenta still gets Ibushi up, but Ibushi grabs ropes. Kenta pulls him away but Ibushi fights out. Ibushi shoves but Kenta blocks one clothesline, only to spin into a LARIAT! Fans rally up while both men are down. Ibushi is up first and he drags Kenta up. Ibushi powerbomb lifts, sit-out Last Ride! Cover, TWO! Kenta lives but Ibushi rises again. Fans duel hard as ever as Ibushi sits Kenta up with the wristlocks. Kami- Fireman’s carry! Ibushi fights out and crucifix rolls, TWO!
Ibushi and Kenta collide with clotheslines, then run, shotgun knee from Kenta takes Ibushi down! But both men are down again as fans cheer. Dallas declares “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly stir. Ibushi and Kenta head for each other, and grunt and growl as they go forehead to forehead. They go forearm for forearm back and forth, and Ibushi starts to enjoy this. Kenta comes back with more but so does Ibushi. Ibushi and Kenta stand and fans cheer as they keep the brawl going. Kenta hits but Ibushi immediately responds, over and over. Even as they switch to kicks! Kenta gets Ibsuhi with the roundhouse! Cover, TWO!! Kenta drags Ibushi up for another kick! Then another! And a third! But Kenta isn’t done, he drags Ibushi up for a fourth! Cover, TWO!!
Kenta is furious, and he brings the knee pads down as he slashes the throat. He drags Ibushi up and fireman’s carries, GTS!! Cover, Kenta wins!!
Winner: KENTA, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Kenta makes Ibushi #GoToSleep in this G1 A Block opener! Is Kenta going to unlock more of his true style as the G1 rolls on? Can Ibushi make the comeback in the following rounds?
But to show respect to his opponent, who took so much out of him, Kenta helps Ibushi up to his feet. Fans cheer both men and the sportsmanship between them, though Ibushi can barely stand. Ibushi shakes Kenta’s hand and they even hug. Was this just the first match of a new and storied rivalry?
G1 Climax, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Speaking of a storied rivalry, the greatest rivalry in NJPW history, and perhaps of all pro-wrestling, of all fight sports and of all sports period, finally comes to the states! These two fought in the last round of A Block last year, to a time-limit draw! But now, in this year’s A Block opener, can we get a true finish?
The fans are already fired up for this incredible fourteenth match-up all time. They even lose their minds over Okada revealing the iconic shorts! The bell rings, and the A Block main event begins!
The Rainmaker and The Ace hear the fans roaring for them both. Okada and Tanahashi hear them cheer for “NEW JAPAN! NEW JAPAN!” as the two circle. They stay back to hear the fans chant and duel, then approach. The first tie up and both men are evenly matched in strength. Okada uses his leverage to back Tanahashi down. They end up on the ropes, and Okada backs off. Okada again fakes the chop to pat the shoulder.s Tananashi throws a forearm! So Okada responds! And we already have a fast and furious brawl! Neither man backs down or slows down, and they even grab for hair at the same time. Okada gets an edge and whips, to BOOT him down! But Tanahashi’s back up quick!
Tanahashi throws forearms, whips but Okada reverses. Tanahashi holds ropes to deny the dropkick, but Okada dodges the Slingblade. Okada wristlocks and ripcords, but Tanahashi denies Rainmaker to get a full nelson. Okada fights out of the dragon suplex only to get an arm-drag! But he headscissors back, only for Tanahashi to pop out. Fans cheer this great opening exchange! Dallas loves “Both These Guys!” as both Okada and Tanahashi catch their breath. Okada and Tanahashi circle and tie up again. Okada wrenches but Tanahashi forearms. Tanahashi scoop slams and drops an elbow! Fans cheer as the air guitar makes its Dallas debut! Tanahashi drags Okada up as fans cheer “Go Ace!”
Tanahashi throws forearms then whips Okada. Okada reverses but runs into an elbow. Tanahashi hops up but Okada anchors his feet. Tanahashi shoves him away but Okada dropkicks Tanahashi down! Okada catches his breath while Tanahashi is down, clutching a leg. He goes out to fetch Tanahashi while fans duel again. Okada brings Tanahashi up for a DDT to the floor! Okada leaves Tanahashi behind and the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 before Tanahashi sits up. Tanahashi stands at 14 and enters at 15, but Okada is on him with a basement dropkick! Okada stands on Tanahashi, but much like with the Kenta-Ibushi match, that’s not good enough for Red Shoes. Red Shoes mocks the Rainmaker pose, and fans cheer.
Okada drags Tanahashi up and powers him into a corner. He throws big elbows into Tanahashi then some more. Tanahashi throws forearms back, but the kick is blocked to a dragon screw! Okada borrows one of Tanahashi’s favorites! Okada drags Tanahashi up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Okada puts Tanahashi in a chinlock but fans rally up. Tanahashi fights his way up but Okada wrangles him back down. Fans rally up and duel again. Tanahashi pries against the chinlock and stands up to fight with elbows. Okada clubs Tanahashi back, then whips. Tanahashi kicks him but Okada blocks. Tanahashi fights the screw off, then catches Okada’s boot for his own dragon screw!
Okada clutches his leg now as Tanahashi gets to a corner. Fans rally again as Tanahashi throws haymakers and forearms. He boxes Okada to ropes then whips, but Okada reverses, only to get flying forearms! Tanahashi fires up and Dallas with him as he runs in. Dropkick in the corner staggers Okada. Tanahashi scoops and slams, then hops up for the second rope somersault senton! Cover, TWO! We pass 10 minutes as Okada stands. Tanahashi runs but Okada dodges, to then elbow Tanahashi down! Okada fires up and Dallas with him. Tanahashi is in a corner but Okada whips him corner to corner. Okada runs for a big back elbow, then kicks low for a DDT! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool as he stalks Tanahashi. Tanahashi stands and Okada lifts for the Alabama. Tanahashi fights out to throw EuroUppers. Okada puts Tanahashi on the apron but Tanahashi hits back. Tanahashi drags a leg out, for a dragon screw! Okada goes down and Tanahashi stalks him now. Tanahashi runs but into a flapjack! Both men are down but fans continue to fire up. Fans rally and both men stir. Okada gets to a corner and runs at Tanahashi. Tanahashi dodges but so does Okada. Okada uppercuts but Tanahashi dropkicks a leg out. Tanahashi whips corner to corner but Okada reverses into a forearm! Alabama lift, Air Raid neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool as he drags Tanahashi back up. He scoop slams fast then says he’s headed up top. Okada climbs a corner and leaps, Macho Elbow! But that just leads into the Rainmaker pose! But Tanahashi victory rolls! TWO, to a grounded dragon screw! Tanahashi has both legs now and ties them up into a Texas Cloverleaf! Perfect for being in Dallas. Okada endures as Tanahashi pulls him back. Tanahashi sits in deep but Okada gets the ropebreak. Tanahashi lets go but comes back for more. Okada holds onto the rope, so Tanahashi gives him another grounded dragon screw! Tanahashi hears we’re at 15 minutes so he fires himself up. He goes to the top rope and aims at Okada on the outside, for the HIGH FLY FLOW-BODY!
Fans are loving this as both men are down! Red Shoes starts the ring count, and it reaches 5 while Tanahashi gets the legs moving. The count reaches 10 as Tanahashi stands and fetches Okada. Tanahashi puts Okada in at 15 and the match continues. Tanahashi fires up again as he stalks Okada. Okada stands, Tanahashi runs, but Okada dodges. Okada fireman’s carries, but Tanahashi pops out for Twist ‘n’ Shout! But Okada’s back with a shotgun dropkick! But Tanahashi’s back with a slingblade! Tanahashi keeps moving, but gets the dropkick! Okada scoops, TOMBSTONE! Rainmaker Pose! Wristlock, SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi fires up again and heads up top. Dallas cheers The Ace on as he aims, leaps, High Fly Flow-body again!
But Tanahashi isn’t done here, he climbs again. Okada is in the drop zone, HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees! Okada saves himself at the expense of his legs! Red Shoes starts a standing count as fans rally. Both men sit up and head for each other. Okada is on his feet first and he scoops Tanahashi. Tanahashi resists and then scoops Okada. Okada resists and scoops Tanahashi. He grits his teeth but Tanahashi lifts him! Tanahashi can’t get Okada all the way so he clubs and forearms and uppercuts back. Palm strike! Tananashi runs, but into a backslide! He rolls through, RAINMAKER! But Okada doesn’t end here as we hit 20 minutes. He drags Tanahashi up for a second RAINMAKER! Okada hits the pose, and wants a third!
Okada drags Tananashi up, full wristlock ripcord, cradle counter!! TWO!! Okada escapes, but boots into the full nelson, Snap Dragon Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down but fans are hitting a fever pitch! Tanahashi runs, but Okada ducks and ripcords only for Tanahashi to escape. Tanahashi tries again, but Okada dodges to wristlock and ripcord, PALM STRIKE! But Okada holds onto the wrist. Tanahashi throws another slapping palm strike, but Okada refuses to let go. Okada roars, but a third strike does it! Dallas keeps cheering as Tanahashi runs, into a JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Okada roars again, ripcords, FULL RAINMAKER! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; earns 2 points
These are perhaps the most important points in the entire tournament! The fact Okada finally gets one over on Tanahashi in the G1 could decide the entire block right here! But history is against Okada as the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Can Okada make history all over again as he takes the block and the tournament?
Okada puts on the belt and takes to the mic to address the fans. “My first win!” He apologizes to the American audience for starting in Japanese, so he’ll start again in English. “DALLAS~!” Dallas cheers for Okada while he catches his breath. “How was G1 Climax?” They loved it! “Tonight is the first time G1 is in America!” But it won’t be the last. Okada promises NJPW will come back. And when he does come back to Dallas, he will be the winner. But also, he promises to still be THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion. “Thank you, Dallas! Thank you very much!” And back in Japanese, he promises to take the entire tournament, and continue to make it rain! Dallas looks forward to it! Can Okada maintain being on a whole ‘nother level?
NJPW Media Backstage Interviews
The Rainmaker takes a seat and the belt is propped up. Okada speaks in Japanese to his thoughts on the G1 Climax’s opening night, and a translator steps up to turn it into English.
“What I’m thinking right now, after my first match, is that this is G1 Climax. This is a tough tournament. It’s fierce, and really hot. But honestly, I don’t think there is any wrestler that doesn’t give anybody a really tough match. So this is really normal for G1 Climax to have really tough matches. This first win in the tournament, especially from Hiroshi Tanahashi, this victory is really, really huge. This gives me huge momentum for the future matches, so I would like to keep this momentum going, and definitely for it to lead to the tournament victory.
“About the audience in Dallas, and not just Dallas, of course. The audience in the United States and of course in Japan, this tournament has been watched everywhere. And I think many of you who haven’t seen G1 before, maybe you don’t know much, but this is the tournament that goes on for one month, with 18 matches. So I think NJPW is the only organization that does this kind of tournament, anywhere in the world. This is the world’s best tournament, and I would like people to watch this,e specially for those in Dallas, to continue to watch the rest of the tournament, that is going to be held in Japan. I understand there is a time difference, so you might get sleepless if you keep following the matches in Japan.”
Media asks Okada some quick questions, to which his responds. His feelings towards this first time having a match with Tanahashi outside of Japan: “I think the reaction from the audience tells you what it’s about.” Okada continues to say that “regardless of where the tournament is held, Tanahashi’s power, his strength, hasn’t changed. He’s a pretty strong wrestler, and this match was definitely a great match that is deservedly fitting to the main event of G1.” Okada’s thoughts towards about his next match against Zack Sabre Jr, back in Japan: “Well I still have a little time until my next official match, so I’ll probably think about it a little later. As for me right now, I would like to enjoy this really pumped up, heated audience reaction in Dallas, and I will bring it with me when I go to Japan.”
Okada’s thoughts towards Minoru Suzuki calling him out given the G1 snub, and the chances of Suzuki attacking during the G1: “I think all I can say is, ‘Okay, come and try.’ I think my name was mentioned because I’m the champion. Suzuki probably feels pretty frustrated right now, so I’m not going to let him crash the G1. So come and try.” Okada’s thoughts to Tanahashi’s own personal rankings of the two of them: “Well I guess if that’s what Tanahashi said, that’s what he feels right now. But I still think he’s a really great wrestler, and he can try to minimize the gap, but all I can do is to have the gap bigger, and I will be better.”
Okada’s thoughts to his chances of being in the G1 Climax 29 finals: “I think I really had a great start this year, so it doesn’t really matter if I’m the champion or not. I’ve always been aiming to win this tournament, and I always aim for that. I’ve never given up on it. So whether it’s possible for me to win the G1 Climax as IWGP Champion or not, I would like you to go home today and maybe you can talk it over with your friends and family while having some drinks and relaxing. You can do that.” Okada’s thoughts on how special it is to have a crowd reaction like this outside of Japan: “Yeah, I did have some expectations about the reactions, but actually, this was more than what I expected. And it gives me a strange feeling that everybody calls my name, ‘Okada! Okada!’ at each match. Yeah, it gives me a strange feeling.”
Okada’s thoughts on new match-ups in the A Block, namely KENTA: “Right now, all I’m focusing on is my next match with Zack Sabre Jr. I still have plenty of time until I face Kenta, so I will think on how to fight against Kenta right before the match.” Okada’s thoughts on how much NJPW will travel to the states, and what the best part of that is: “I can’t really say there are too many or too few matches held in the United States. All I can do as a wrestler is show great matches. As to where matches are held, it’s not really something I can say as a wrestler. That’s something that’s left to the company to decide. All I do is go wherever the matches are going to be held, and just show the best wrestling I can bring.”
Even with the press conference continuing, the AXS TV cameras leave it at that to look at the standings. We know Okada, Kenta, Sanada, Archer and Fale take an early lead, but this could change after eight more rounds! The B Block begins very much the same next Saturday, same-day access on AXS! Who from the other half of this bracket take the opening points to join the five winners here tonight?
My Thoughts:
Woo what a great event! NJPW and AXS give us the entirety of this opening night and there wasn’t a bad match on the card. RPG3K do great even in losing to GoD. The NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division needs some refreshing so adding Sho and Yoh would be an interesting move. Ishii & Umino VS Cobb & Narita was great, mostly with the Cobb-Ishii interactions. However, given the supposed opening night block AEW pulled on Jon Moxley, this must’ve been the match he was going to be in, considering the Young Lion in question was Umino. Mox looked to be making Umino is unwillingly sidekick given their previous interactions. But that’s fine, as Ishii and Cobb was a great match-up and will be again in the B Block opening round.
The one thing that was clear in these preview tag matches was that the decisions did not come down to actual participants in the G1 Climax getting a cover off each other. Cobb pinned Umino, Goto pinned Chase Owens, and Yano used a low blow to beat Bushi. This is obviously good booking since it keeps all G1 Climax participants strong, so that it is only the G1 matches that decide things. Then just over the last two hours of this four hour event were the G1 matches, and again not a single one disappointed. Some of the finishes did confuse, namely in who went over. I did not expect Fale or Archer to win, but I supposed not all Faces can win tonight. Archer is immediately a dangerous force, and I can’t wait to see him against Fale.
I love that Sanada got the drop on ZSJ in a flashback to their previous tournament match-up. It would be really big for Sanada to get a high score in the G1 this year, given his great performances against Okada. Kenta VS Ibushi was an amazing match, and already we see what Kenta means by “his style.” Health concerns were most likely why WWE never let him go this hard, but he seems more than able to do strong style. It was a great move for him to be the winner, and he, too, might go pretty far in the block. But don’t count Ibushi out yet, either, he’s got a lot of fight left. Of course, this also does set up a future IWGP Intercontinental Championship match after the G1 is over, which will be incredible, too.
Okada VS Tanahashi as our main event was superb, and it really does set the pace for the rest of the block. Obviously there had to be a winner this time, and it means a lot for Okada to win. Obviously time constraints on television keep us from seeing all of Okada’s press conference, but I feel like that last question being indirectly aimed at WWE was not something AXS and NJPW wanted to have answered on live television. But Okada is a respectful winner being Face and the face of NJPW, I’m sure almost all his matches in the A Block are going to be highlighted. The story of him as champion and unlikely to win given history is a good one to follow through with, making even one loss feel critical. Then they can set up the finals as even bigger, because it will be a preview of Okada’s future title defense.
My Score: 9.5/10
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Will heads for the Tokyo Dome?
Gabe Kidd & Sanada won A Block handedly while Naito & Hiromu came out of B Block’s chaotic finale, but only one team can win World Tag League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask VS Daiki Nagai; Tiger Mask wins.
- Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Shoma Kato & Katsuya Mursahima; Shane & Mikey win.
- Bishamon VS The Filip Brothers; Bishamon wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; LIJ wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture; The Houes of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; TMDK wins.
- 2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are joined by a couple knights of NJPW to stand against The King of Darkness and his army of scumbags! With WrestleKingdom on the horizon, which side of this war wins this crucial battle?
But as The House makes their entrance, Team Ace turns the tables by going after them first! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes right after Evil and The House panics! Yano brawls with Narita, Oleg and Jado take care of Kanemaru and Yujiro, and Tanahashi headlocks Evil. Tanahashi brings Evil to ringside to POST him! Evil falls but Tanahashi drags him back up to wrench and whip into railing! The fans cheer more and Tanahashi CLUBS Evil. Tanahashi whips Evil at more railing, and Evil hits so hard that he tumbles up and over! The rest of the team keeps The House down all around ringside while Tanahashi fetches Evil.
Tanahashi brings Evil into the ring, then follows, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps Evil, throws forearms, and the ref counts. Tanahashi shoves the ref! The President is getting really rough with his employees, but he stalks Evil. Tanahashi drags Evil up to fire a BODY BLOW! And another! Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses, and then Evil gets in the ref’s face so Dick Togo can trip Tanahashi up! Then the House rushes in and BLASTS Team Ace off the apron! The ref reprimands everyone but Evil CHOKES Tanahashi with the tag rope!
The fans boo but The House beats up on Team Ace, and then Evil throws away the evidence of his crime. Dick passes the mic to Evil, and Evil grabs it so he can shout in Tanahashi’s face about just giving up now and sparing himself the embarrassment at WrestleKingdom! Tanahashi tells Evil he’ll never surrender, and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil stops choking Tanahashi and throws the mic away. Evil tags Narita and the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stomps away on Tanahashi’s legs! Narita then clamps on a KNEEBAR! Evil and Yano shout at each other, but Tanahashi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts and Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Tanahashi more, then he tags Tokyo Pimp. Narita & Yujiro have the legs, and they split the wishbone! Yujiro then drops an elbow on the bad leg! Yujiro taunts Tanahashi, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi ends up on ropes, so Yujiro ROCKS him, then CHOPS him! Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, Narita & Sho anchor Tanahashi in place, and Yujiro BOOTS him! The ref reprimands everyone but Yujiro snapmares for a cover! TWO, the fans rally, but Kanemaru tags in. The Heel Master YANKS the leg, then whisp Tanahashi to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out!
Kanemaru hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! The House BLASTS Team Ace again! The ref reprimands and the fans rally up while Tanahashi endures. Honma clears Evil out, and he runs to FALLING KOKESHI on Kanemaru! The fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved, but Narita goes after Honma! The fans boo as Narita TOSSES Honma, but Kanemaru tags Sho. Sho stomps the leg, then DDTS the foot! The fans rally for Tanahashi but Sho scuffs him around. Tanahashi stands up and he fires forearms! Sho CLAWS Tanahashi’s eyes, but Tanahashi CLAWS Sho’s eyes! The ref reprimands them both, but Tanahashi blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Evil gets away before Oleg can get him, and Yujiro attacks from behind! Yujiro & Narita double whip, but Oleg CLOBBERS them both! Kanemaru kicks and whips, but Oleg reverses to scoop Kanemaru! Oleg SMACKS Sho using Kanemaru! Then Oleg SLAMS Kanemaru, and gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then deadlifts Sho for the gut wrench. But Sho bends fingers and wrenches free! Sho runs, SPEARS, but he bounces right off of Oleg!
The fans fire up and Oleg deadlifts Sho again! Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! And another kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oleg drags Sho right up into his arms, then pops him to a fireman’s carry! But Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Sho slips free, but Oleg kicks Sho! Sho runs to dropkick Oleg’s legs! Sho whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! Oleg suffers The House Special, and Evil DROPKICKS Tanahashi! Sho & Evil double whip Oleg into the bare buckles! Oleg hobbles forward, into a DOUBLE- NO! Oleg fights to DOUBLE SUPLEX them first! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, and Tanahashi is adamant about getting in!
Oleg isn’t sure about it, but he tags Tanahashi back! Tanahashi fires a strike fest on Evil, and goes an extra round before the SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up while Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Evil but the ref counts. Tanahashi is not stopping! He SHOVES the ref away! Tanahashi’s rage is getting the better of him as he UPPERCUTS Evil! Tanahashi goes corner to corner, runs back in, but Evil sends him into the ref! And then The House attacks again! Dick stomps away on Tanahashi while Evil recovers! The fans boo and tell Dick to go away!
Narita brings in chairs! Dick stomps Tanahashi more, and the House has all their favorite items! Dick has his Spoiler Choker, Narita with his pushup bar, Sho with the “Torture Tool,” Yujiro with the pimp cane, and Kanemaru with his whiskey bottle. The fans boo as Evil stands on Tanahashi’s face and The House closes in. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and Dick clamps on the SPOILER CHOKER! And then The House CLOBBERS Team Ace with all their weapons! Evil takes aim, but Tanahashi BOOTS him first! Tanahashi THROWS Dick away, but Evil JAMS him up! Tanahashi blocks the chair shot! Tanahashi kicks low, and he SMACKS away on Evil!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi breaks the chair on Evil’s back! Narita runs up, Tanahashi JAMS him first! And then he JAMS Yujiro! And he JAMS Kanemaru! And he JAMS Sho! Then Tanahashi uses the frame to SMACK Evil! The ref is back, he tells Tanahashi to stop, but Tanahashi shoves the ref again! Tanahashi’s rage explodes as he beats Evil down with the chair! Team Ace is DISQUALIFIED!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by disqualification
Tanahashi keeps beating Evil to serve justice, but Young Lions rush in and stop him! Evil writhes, but Tanahashi gets a new chair! Tanahashi SMACKS Evil again and again! His team isn’t even sure what to do, so they let him just BASH away on Evil! Tanahashi tells Evil this is what he gets! One more chair shot! AND THEN ANOTHER! Evil scrambles out of the ring, and Young Lions have to get in Tanahashi’s way to stop the beating! Tanahashi drops the chair to grab the mic, and he shouts, “EVIL, YOU BASTARD! Shut up about my retirement! Oi, oi, you want me to leave so badly? I get it. You want it a year earlier, huh?
“Then in our match on January 4th, I’ll put my career on the line right then!!” The fans are shocked, but Evil says good! And there’s no going back now that he said it! But Tanahashi adds that Evil won’t be able to rely on his goons! It will be a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Now YOU remember that!! Team Ace and The House will wage war once again in the Tokyo Dome! And given Evil only won tonight because Tanahashi lost his cool, will Tanahashi dish out his final justice?
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
Zack Sabre Jr. took the pin when he and Ryohei Oiwa faced Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament, so an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match is set for WrestleKingdom! Will the Roughneck burn The Front Man again with the help of Funky Sauce? Or will we see even now that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and after Shota stares at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his paper replica to compare, he steps up to the champ. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get this WK19 preview. Shota and ZSJ stare down, the fans rally up, and it sounds pretty even between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Shota and ZSJ get their fans even more fired up, and then the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench. Shota wrenches back and he WRINGS ZSJ out! ZSJ UPKICKS, and the two reset. The fans cheer and the two circle again. Shota avoids a leg pick but ZSJ avoids an enzigiri!
Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, then spins ZSJ to underhook! ZSJ flips that but Shota fights the scoop! ZSJ avoids the uppercut but Shota blocks the uppercut! Shota wants the backslide but ZSJ spins that around, only for Shota to arm-drag! But ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free and the fans cheer the standoff! Shota dares ZSJ to take the leg, but ZSJ just pushes the foot away. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, but then each man kicks a knuckle lock apart. ZSJ and Shota back off, and ZSJ dares Shota to bring it. Shota steps back up, they go forehead to forehead, and then ZSJ offers a free shot.
Shota says no, the champ should take the free shot. ZSJ decides to tag in Oiwa instead. Shota says fine, and he tags Taguchi. The fans rally as Taguchi and Oiwa circle. They tie up, Oiwa headlocks, but Taguchi pries the hold. Oiwa clamps on tighter but Taguchi fires body shots. Taguchi powers up and out, but Oiwa runs him over! Things speed up, Taguchi hurdles and DROPKICKS Oiwa down! Cover, TWO! Fujita slides in but Zayne intercepts! Zayne kicks the Japanese Young Punk and then throws him out! Funky Sauce double whip Oiwa to then BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Oiwa.
Taguchi HIP DROPS Oiwa again and again, then uses the ropes to go up, out, and slingshot back in, but he hip drops onto Oiwa’s knees! Taguchi hobbles away and Oiwa storms up to whip. Taguchi reverses, runs up, but Oiwa pops him up onto the top rope! Taguchi is stuck right on the Funky Weapon! The ref checks but Oiwa SHAKES the ropes! Taguchi suffer, then he slowly tilts to one side! Oiwa gut wrenches Taguchi off the ropes! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the butt! Then he UPPERCUTS the butt again! And again! Taguchi falls over and ZSJ tags Fujita. Taguchi backstrokes towards his corner, but Fujita stomps him down!
Fujita drags Taguchi up, CHOPS him, then whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up and CHOPS again! Fujita snapmares Taguchi to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS back! Fujita runs, Taguchi jumps, but Fujita CHOPS the hip attack! Taguchi hobbles away while Fujita says he’s too smart for that. Fujita runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Hot tag to Zayne and he fires forearms on Fujita! Zayne whips, hip tosses, then STANDING MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up while Zayne brings Fujita up.
Zayne fires more elbows, then a mule kick! Zayne runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Fujita goes to a corner, Zayne runs in, but Fujita BOOTS him away! Fujita hops up but Zayne comes back to JUMPING DRAGON RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne storms over to Fujita. Zayne scoops and B AJA BLASTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but the fans rally behind Zayne. Zayne brings Fujita up, straitjackets, but Fujita fights free to CHOP! Zayne BOOTS! Fujita kicks but Zayne ducks! Fujita rolls off Zayne’s back and runs to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Zayne crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota!
The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS Shota, and Shota ROCKS ZSJ! Shota eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS in return! They UPPERCUT back and forth, harder and harder! The fans rally as they now go faster and faster! ZSJ gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Shota roars! Shota UPPERCUTS again and again, ZSJ roars, but Shota UPPERCUTS him down! Shota hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays fired up! Shota clinches ZSJ but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ goes for the arm but Shota waistlocks. ZSJ spins around to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!
Shota endures and stays on his feet, even as ZSJ has the body scissors! The fans duel as ZSJ thrashes, but Shota powers through to suplex ZSJ up and over! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Shota rises, then he brings ZSJ up to dragon sleeper. ZSJ spins and PELES the arm! But Shota blocks a roundhouse to PELE! But ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans rally more! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but ZSJ tags in Oiwa! Oiwa runs in at the corner to DROPKICK! Oiwa has the single leg but Shota fights off the suplex! Oiwa swings but Shota clinches, so now Oiwa fights free!
Shota ROCKS Oiwa, spins, but Oiwa ROCKS Shota! Oiwa runs, into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi calls to Zayne and then BLASTS Fujita! Funky Sauce whips Oiwa to a corner, then Zayne sends Taguchi in. HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes up, Zayne RANAS Oiwa into the butt! Backslide, roll through, KETSUYE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Taguchi signals for that. Taguchi and Zayne use the power of Strong Style, and then “ITADAKIMAAAS~!” Oiwa stands, into a DOUBLE HIP ATTACK SANDWICH! Cover, Fujita breaks it!
Zayne ROCKS Fujita, he and Taguchi double whip, but Fujita ducks the lariats to shove Zayne into Taguchi! Zayne blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Shota dropkicks Fujita’s legs! ZSJ BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, but ZSJ BOOTS him again! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ flounders away and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota tells Taguchi to finish it off, and Taguchi runs at Oiwa! And he sliding kicks! Oiwa tumbles, Taguchi grabs the leg to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Oiwa endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Oiwa gets up to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oiwa fires up and he brings Taguchi around. Oiwa whips, then clamps on a SLEEPER! But Taguchi slips right out! Taguchi has the headlock, but Oiwa slips out to hit a BIG atomic drop! Taguchi hobbles and Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Taguchi flails but he’s fading already! The fans rally and Oiwa spins Taguchi, for THE GRIP!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
The Mullet gets the better of The Funky Weapon, but Shota still dares ZSJ to go for the leg. ZSJ ignores Shota’s bait and just gives him the paper belt. “This is the closest you’ll get to the effin’ title.” ZSJ SLAPS Shota with it! Shota says don’t be rude to the kids! A fan made that for him. Shota dusts off the paper belt, and claims that he’s gonna get the real deal soon enough. ZSJ says yeah, sure. ZSJ will make Shota a real nice toy belt himself so he can keep dreaming. ZSJ mockingly puts something together using his old wrist tape! Shota says wow, thanks. With not even a month left, who will win out when the real belt is on the line?
2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
It’s the moment of truth as The Mad Man & Cold Blooded take on The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tag titles given Henare’s knee injury, but for right now, it’s time to answer one question: Who will be the 2024 World Tag League Champions?
As Naito enters the ring, Gabe stays right at the center, but Naito completely ignores him. Then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, as always, but Gabe and Sanada both stay calm. Gabe paces but Sanada keeps his eyes closed. Hiromu fires up Kumamoto and Naito finally does away with the pants. The teams finally sort out, and Gabe eggs on “the Junior.” Hiromu grins, then he fist bumps Naito, and yes, it seems Hiromu and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion will start! The bell rings and both men run in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but it’s Hiromu who falls! Hiromu gets up to CHOP, but Gabe CHOPS!
The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth already! Hiromu backs down, but for only a moment! Hiromu CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Hiromu backs down again. Gabe eggs him on so Hiromu CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again! Hiromu clutches his chest but he CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again, then braces himself. The CHOPS keep going, then they get forehead to forehead. Gabe winds up to CHOP! Hiromu drops back, and Gabe kicks at him. Gabe eggs Hiromu on so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe spins to CHOP! Hiromu backs down, but runs up to LARIAT!
Gabe stays up, so he and Hiromu both run, but to take out Naito and Sanada! Then Hiromu runs up to kick Gabe low! Hiromu CLUBS Gabe, CHOPS, and Gabe feels that one. Hiromu whips, Gabe reverses, and Sanada gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but the War Dogs double whip. Hiromu grabs ropes to stop, and Naito runs in! Naito CLOBBERS Sanada and Hiromu kicks Gabe! LIJ mugs Gabe then double whips, to DOUBLE CHOP! Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Gabe flounders away while the fans cheer. Hiromu tags Naito and Naito storms up on Gabe.
Naito CLUBS Gabe again and again, then snapmares for a chinlock. Gabe endures the knee in his back, even as Naito digs it in deeper. Naito then shifts to have a headscissors! Naito pushes up to put on the pressure, but Gabe still endures. Naito lets Gabe go and Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu assures Red Shoes it isn’t what he thinks, but then Naito bumps Gabe off Hiromu’s boots! It WAS what it looked like! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands, and Naito tags in Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS Gabe to a corner, then CHOPS again! Naito joins in and they double whip Gabe corner to corner. Gabe comes back, Naito drops down and Hiromu CROSBODIES!
Sanada storms in but Hiromu CROSSBODIES! Hiromu goes out and chases down Gabe, CROSSBODY! Hiromu keeps moving, and Naito sets Sanada up for the CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he goes back to the ring. Gabe storms around in frustration, then pushes his way to No Man’s Land. He eggs Hiromu on, so here he comes! But Sanada was lurking! He attacks first, then sends Hiromu into chairs! Naito and Gabe brawl, and Naito CLUBS Gabe around. Fans are told to move aside, and Naito whips. Gabe reverses and he BOWLS Naito into chairs! Not quite a strike but Gabe just flips off the fans.
Sanada is beating Hiromu down somewhere in the upper deck, and Gabe drags Naito back up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Naito, but Hiromu fights back against Sanada! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s face! Hiromu stops the suplex, then suplexes Sanada! Sanada fights that, and he CLAWS Hiromu’s face again! As for Gabe, he BITES Naito’s forehead, then SMACKS him down! At least they’re at ringside. But then Gabe looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! Gabe sets the table up, but Naito fires forearms on Gabe! Gabe SMACKS Naito again! Gabe hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB through the table!!
The fans go wild as Gabe looms over Naito. Gabe slides in and mocks Naito’s pose! The fans are torn but most boo. Red Shoes reprimands Gabe, and it seems Sanada has retuned to ringside, with Hiromu somewhere in the crowd. A ring count starts, but Gabe SPITS at Naito! The count is 7 of 20 and the spotlight shows Hiromu is still so far away! We pass 10, then 12! Hiromu hobbles at 15 and he’s finally in the aisle! Hiromu runs and slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Gabe drags Hiromu up. Gabe CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, then CHOPS again! And then JABS! Tag to Sanada and he CLAWS Hiromu’s back while Gabe talks trash on Naito.
The fans rally for Hiromu but Sanada stomps him in a corner. Sanada digs his boot in, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. Sanada drags Hiromu up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe quickly runs Hiromu back to the back of the crowd and up the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Hiromu with a straight right hand! Then SMACKS him again! Hiromu flops over and Gabe leaves him behind again. The ring count returns while Hiromu sputters. The fans cheer Hiromu on as he’s up, but he’s still so far away at 10! Then 15! Hiromu returns at 18 to slide in at 19.5!! Sanada is on Hiromu, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! But Naito isn’t at the corner!
Sanada tags Gabe and he stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe drags Hiromu up. The fans rally for Hiromu, but Gabe whips him hard into the corner! Gabe eggs Hiromu on, saying he’s not “Despy” or Douki. Hiromu rises up to CHOP! Gabe snarls but Hiromu CHOPS again! Hiromu roars and he CHOPS! Gabe finally wobbles, but he keeps Hiromu from Naito! Gabe throws Hiromu down by his hair, then he WRECKS Naito with a dropkick! Gabe mocks the tranquilo and the fans boo. Gabe tags Sanada and the War Dogs bring Hiromu up. The fans rally but the War Dogs double whip, only for Hiromu to DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Hiromu crawls, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from Naito! Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, and a punch! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Sanada runs but Hiromu bolts for the corner! Hot tag to Naito! Naito kicks and fires off on Sanada, but Gabe CLUBS him! The War Dogs double whip, but Naito reverses to send Sanada away! Then he sends Gabe into Sanada! Gabe falls, Naito dodges Sanada to arm-drag! And ELBOW! Naito keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! Gabe ROCKS Naito! Gabe whips, Naito reverses and runs up to ELBOW him down! Sanada runs up but is sent into the corner! Naito blocks boots to put Sanada in ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!
Naito hurries to stand Sanada up, turn him, and stall for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Naito does the pose himself. Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that but Naito drags him up. Naito dragon sleepers for another NECKBREAKER, and then it’s the LEG HOOK NELSON! Sanada endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and Sanada kicks around. Naito puts on more pressure, but Sanada has the ROPEBREAK! But of course Naito claims he needs a little help. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets the hold go, and he brings Sanada to a corner. Naito drags Sanada up, reel shim in, but Sanada stops Esperanza! So Naito BOOTS him!
Naito whips corner to corner but Sanada goes up and out, and even to the floor! Naito slides out but Sanada goes to the apron. Naito hurries back up, but Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Naito up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada tags Gabe. Gabe drags Naito up, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! HEADBUTTS! Repeat! Gabe wobbles a bit, but he rolls back and returns to LARIAT! Then SAIDO! Naito gets flung, Gabe hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Gabe drags Naito right up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Gabe seethes. The fans rally for Naito as hard as they can, which annoys Gabe.
Gabe drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Naito but still Naito fights! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Naito’s back, then powers through! But Naito powers out and throws those heavy back elbows! Gabe SPITS at Naito! Naito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe rebounds, Naito dodges, tilt-o-whirl CRADLE! TWO!! Gabe SMACKS Naito, reels him in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Hiromu SUPERKICKS him first! Sanada DROPKICKS Hiromu! Naito dropkicks Sanada’s legs! But Gabe KNEES Naito down! Hiromu fireman’s carries Gabe! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Sanada runs up, into a wrench and FACLON ARROW!
Sanada flounders out and Hiromu brings Gabe over to Naito! BOOSTED TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito brings Gabe back up! Wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, SANADA YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo Sanada but he just soaks up the heat. Hiromu goes to the apron and he CROSSBODIES Sanada down! Hiromu helps Red Shoes up, Naito wrenches Gabe again, DESTIN- NO! TOMBSTONE!! Gabe and Naito are down and the fans rally even harder! There is some dueling in here, but the “GABU! GABU!” is still overwhelmed by the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Both men stir while Red Shoes returns.
Gabe clutches his neck while rolling away from Naito. Naito changes course and rolls for his corner, hot tags to Sanada and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Sanada’s boot but Sanada blocks the lariat! Dragon sleeper, but Hiromu spins that around! Sanada fights the suplex so Hiromu dropkicks a leg out! Hiromu KICKS and fireman’s carries, and flips Sanada into the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins that around, but Hiromu fights a suplex! Hiromu suplexes but Sanada slips free to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! Hiromu endures but Sanada drops back into the body scissors! The fans rally and Hiromu fights around!
Sanada squeezes as tight as he can and Hiromu is fading! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu faintly comes back to life, but Sanada goes to his old ways! Sanada goes up and up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself and the fans rally up! Hiromu feeds off the energy to fire back up. Hiromu runs to HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the lariat, but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER still finds him! Fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Hiromu grows frustrated. The fans rally up behind him and Hiromu drags Sanada up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Sanada slips free.
Sanada waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Sanada grabs at Red Shoes, Red Shoes gets away, and Hiromu avoids the low blow kick! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Sanada, then runs, but Sanada slips around! Sanada shoves Hiromu at Red Shoes and Red Shoes almost ends up falling out of the ring! Sanada whips Hiromu to POP-UP LOW BLOW! And then O’CONNER BRIDGE!! Cover, NAITO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! Naito returns the favor and grins at Sanada. Gabe storms in with a chair! Naito runs and shoves Hiromu out of harm’s way! Naito then dodges Gabe to POP-UP LOW BLOW!! Another bit of returning the favor!
The fans are thunderous as Gabe writhes and rolls out of the ring. Naito drags Sanada up, Hiromu helps, BOOSTED TORNADO- NO! Sanada slips free, but Naito sends him into a SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he fireman’s carries Sanada, for the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and shocks everyone! Hiromu roars and the fans are with him! Hiromu clinches in a dragon sleeper, but Gabe BITES Hiromu’s face! Gabe DECKS Naito, then he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS , and CHOPS! Gabe just UPPERCUTS!
Gabe scoops and SLAMS Hiromu, then goes up the corner! MAD MAN MOONSAULT! Gabe calls to Sanada to get Hiromu, and Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Sanada is furious!! Red Shoes defends his count and the fans are electric for Hiromu! Gabe reels Hiromu in, PILEDRIVER!! Feed to the DEAD- NO, Naito CLUBS Sanada! Naito dodges Gabe, comes back, DESTINO!!! SHINING WIZARD from Sanada!! Sanada hauls Hiromu up but Hiromu pump-handles! HIROMU-CHAN CRA- NO! SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada roars, fans are torn, but he drags Hiromu up.
Sanada clinches, DEAD- NO, Hiromu slips free, wrenches, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE!!! LIJ WINS!!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2024 Champions)
Sanada cannot believe it, but Kumamoto absolutely loves it!! The War Dogs tore through A Block, but it was the team that survived the extra Triple Threat match that takes the whole thing! What does this mean for the combination of Gabe and Sanada in the future? Is there a future for them?
As for LIJ, Naito drags himself into the ring, crawls over to Hiromu, and master and student hug it out! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and LIJ sets them side by side before they stand back up. Naito gets his hat back on while Hiromu rests on the mat again. And after a little water to refresh themselves, Naito gets the mic. “Buenas noches, KUMAMOTOOOO~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “The way things work, it should be Hiromu, the main event winner, on the mic right now. But it looks like he took some damage. In that case, I’ll say my part first.” The fans applaud that.
Naito thanks all the fans that came out to the Grand Messe Kumamoto for the WTL Finals. “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer that, and Naito adds that he won the main event here back in April of 2018. He sent a message to all the fans here that night. Does anyone remember what he said about “having the courage to take that step?” The fans applaud as it seems they do. Naito says, “Make no mistake, we won the World Tag League thanks to Hiromu.” The fans applaud again, and even chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Naito says that Hiromu’s refusal to give up under any circumstance made Naito feel he had to take that step, too.
“And that step brings me to that singles match we were set to have before the pandemic.” Fans are intrigued hearing that. Naito says how about doing it January 4th in the Tokyo Dome? The fans cheer for Hiromu in support of that idea. Hiromu takes the mic now and asks if it takes Naito that long to take a step. The fans chuckle, and Hiromu stands. Hiromu says thanks to that, they were able to enter WTL and win it all. Hiromu thanks Naito for that, both arigato and gracias. The fans applaud, and Hiromu reviews the idea: January 4th, WrestleKingdom, Naito VS Hiromu. “The answer is, of course…! Let’s do it.”
The fans cheer as the match is now set! Hiromu thanks Naito for letting him know this is how he felt! “It’s important to say what we feel, isn’t it? Everyone, do you have something you want to say as well? It could to a friend, a lover, a parent, a teacher, a senpai, a kouhai! I’m reminded once again how important it is to share what we are feeling. Naito-san, do you mind if I tell you something, too?” The fans are again intrigued. “Naito-san, thank you for teaching me how to be a wrestler!” Hiromu bows and the fans applaud. Hiromu then says January 4th can’t come soon enough! “Everyone, we only live once, so enjoy it to the fullest!”
First, think of the life you wanna live, and then enjoy it to the fullest! And during that time, if pro-wrestling can bring you even a bit of joy, Hiromu will be satisfied! So then, let’s have more… The fans echo back, “Moto!” Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO fun in life enjoying pro-wrestling together~! The confetti goes off as the WTL winners must take a different route for WrestleKingdom. Will it be teacher or student who proves themselves the better man in the Tokyo Dome?
My Thoughts:
An awesome finale to WTL 2024, even with a lot of the other matches just kind of filler since there weren’t tag titles to be defended here and a lot of WrestleKingdom 19 stuff to be set up. I made sure to do the 10 Man Tag because it of course fed Tanahashi VS Evil, but I certainly didn’t see it happening that way. Tanahashi going wild because of all the frustration he has with Evil was some great stuff, and a Lumberjack match is a great move so that Tanahashi’s allies, aka all of The House of Torture’s enemies, are gonna be ringside with them. But moving up the retirement stipulation is a shock. Was saying 2026 would be when Tanahashi retires just a smokescreen so this would be more shocking? Or is this the smokescreen to put more drama on a match we’re pretty sure Tanahashi still wins?
The Six Man Tag of TMDK VS Shota & Funky Sauce was really good, and a really good win for Oiwa there. This was all still just secondary to building heat on Shota and ZSJ, but it was rather funny for Shota to have that paper (and I think soft foam?) belt and ZSJ mocking him with the wrist tape. If Shota ends up winning, I think NJPW is guilty of making him their “Super Cena,” their “Cena Wins LOL” guy, and that’s a disservice to Shota and especially Zack. Zack needs to make it through a WK with that belt, let Shota fight his way back up through the New Japan Cup or something.
And awesome, incredible main event with the WTL finals. I figured Naito & Hiromu were winning, just because Gabe’s got his NJPW Strong title and the Kenny Omega match for that Tokyo Dome weekend. Not sure what it means for Sanada, but I don’t think he’s leaving War Dogs already (as funny as that would be). And I suppose with Henare’s knee in question, they’re just going to leave the Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match for another time. Naito VS Hiromu, the World Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ match we never got four years ago for the anniversary show, is a great move for WK19. There’s no place better than WK for a match like that, and they can’t wait on this match with Naito having said he’s getting closer and closer to retiring.
That said, maybe Hiromu wins to put him over and get him into that next level where he’s going for big titles. Granted, NJPW is literal about the “heavyweight” part of the World Heavyweight Championship, and I don’t know if Hiromu’s going to be able to pull off a 205+ frame. He’s already ~195, he’s already 35, but hey, maybe he can get a short reign in just so he can say he was on top of both weight classes in his career.
My Score: 9/10
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The Continental Classic is Relentless!
Darby Allin took a lot of damage from Brody King in his first Continental Classic match, but he’s back to try again! Will Darby get on the board? Or will Komander redeem himself from Rampage?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Komander; Darby wins.
- WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup Qualifier Tournament: Willow Nightingale VS Serena Deeb; Willow wins and advances to face Jamie Hayter in the AEW Finals.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Kyle Fletcher; Kyle wins.
- The Beast Mortos VS Aaron Solo; Mortos wins.
- Mina Shirakawa VS Emi Sakura; Mina wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Daniel Garcia VS Mark Briscoe; Briscoe wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Komander!
Both the Relentless One and the Commander of the Skies are without points, despite putting up a fight in their first matches. Someone will finally get on the board, but who ends up stuck at the back of the pack?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as we’re on the clock. Darby and Komander shake hands and the two tie up. Darby slips around to waistlock, then he spins Komander to a headlock and takeover. Cover, ONE, but Darby holds onto Komander. Komander fights up, powers up but can’t power out as Darby holds on tight. Komander powers Darby to a corner, fires body shots, then wrenches to whip. Darby reverses, Komander goes up and over, then Komander arm-drags! But Darby has the headlock right back! The fans cheer while Komander fights up. Darby grinds the hold, but Komander powers up and out.
Komander runs up, Darby sidesteps and FLYING ARM-DRAGS, but Komander handsprings though! Things keep moving, Komander sunset flips but Darby rolls it to a sunset, TWO! Darby hurries to clamp on with a chinlock! The fans cheer as Komander endures and fights to his feet. Darby hits another headlock takeover, but Komander headscissors. Darby rolls Komander, rolls back, and has a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF right away! Komander crawls forward and grabs the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Darby lets go. Komander goes to the apron but Darby runs up, only for Komander to GAMANGIRI!
Komander goes up, tightrope walks, and ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAGS, but Darby counters to WRING Komander out! Darby rolls into a LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Darby clearly watched Rampage last night, and he makes sure to keep Komander grounded with another chinlock. Komander fights up so Darby throws him out! Darby builds speed but Komander DUMPS Darby! Then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Komander hurries to put Darby back in the ring, and the fans rally behind Komander. Komander aims from the corner, runs corner to corner, and goes up, up and PHOENIX SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Darby survives, but Komander clamps on a chinlock. Komander grinds Darby down, but Darby fights up to fire body shots. Darby runs, but Komander SUPERKICKS him out! Komander goes to the apron, then runs up to the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Darby and Komander goes to the apron again, CIELITO- NO, Darby dodges! Darby then SHOVSES Komander into the steel steps! Darby grabs a chair, but he sets it up to make Komander take a seat. Darby fires hands, then he rolls into the ring. Darby has a wild grin and he builds speed, to DIVE! But he only gets chair!!
The fans lose their minds while both men are down, and Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Darby as Darby clutches his lower back. Darby is somehow still okay to continue, so Komander shoves him into the ring. Cover, TWO!! Darby proves he’s still in this so Komander stalks him to ropes. Komander stomps Darby, clamps on, but Darby has the ROPEBREAK! Komander steps back, then he drags Darby from the ropes. Komander drops an elbow on the leg! Komander stalks Darby to a corner, stomps him around, then brings him up. Komander CHOPS, then reels Darby in for a PANCAKE BRIDGE! TWO, and Darby flounders away. Komander stays cool and he stalks Darby again. Komander drops an elbow on the leg!
Komander stomps Darby, eggs him on, then CLUBS Darby back down. Komander kicks Darby out of the ring, then goes back to the apron. Komander jumps down to STOMP Darby on the back! Darby writhes while Collision returns to single picture, and fans boo Komander! Komander ignores that to whip Darby, only for Darby to reverse! Komander hits railing hard! Darby runs up, but Komander dodges and Darby hits railing hard! Then Komander GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” while Komander puts Darby in the ring. Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Darby writhes.
Komander grows frustrated but he aims from a corner. Komander runs up, Darby dodges, both men turn around, and heads collide! Both men fall back, and the ref starts a standing count. The fans rally and Komander shakes out the stars. Darby and Komander both stand at 5 of 10, then Darby fires shots! Komander gives those back, but Darby SLAPS Komander! Darby then blocks a kick, flips Komander, then fires hands! Darby RAMS Komander, runs and hops on, CODE RED! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and the fans declare “This is Awesome!” Darby hobbles is way to a corner, then climbs up.
Komander hurries to ROCK Darby first! Komander climbs, gives a short headbutt, then stands Darby up. Darby resists the superplex and fires body shots! Darby SHOVES Komander, Komander backflips through! Komander is right back up top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Darby survives by fingertips but the fans fire up with Komander! Komander goes to the apron, he slingshots, but Darby trips him up! Darby CLUBS and CLAWS Komander’s back! Darby then goes to the corner, climbs up, and GUILLOTINE COFFIN DROPS!! Komander flops to the floor, Darby builds speed! Darby DIVES, direct hit at the railing!
The fans are thunderous as Darby hurries to get Komander up and in! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Darby grits his teeth. Darby drags Komander up to whip corner to corner, then he runs in, but Komander KNEES Him away! Then POISON-RANA! Darby flops to the apron but Komander goes after him! APRON MONKEY FLIP!! Darby hits knees first then flops to the floor! Komander DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp again! Komander puts Darby in, goes up, and the fans cheer on the tightrope walk! CIELITO- NO, Darby dodges! Darby catches a kick, drags Komander down and around, LAST SUPPER! DARBY WINS!
Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
The Relentless One gets his points and can finally keep pace with the league! But will he be ready for his Holiday Bash against Will Ospreay?
Backstage interview with The Don Callis Family.
Renee Paquette is with Don Callis himself, as well as The Alpha, Konosuke Takeshita. Things have been booming for the Family, but what is next after that big win on Ricochet at Full Gear? Callis says Renee needs to use more superlatives for Konosuke. Booming? This is domination! But then Will Hobbs steps in! Callis says hey, Powerhouse, welcome back! Hobbs stops Callis and tells him to back up. It seems Callis forgot Hobbs’ email, phone number, address, didn’t even think to check on him at all. Right? Right. So let’s keep this short and sweet: Hobbs wants what Konosuke has. Hobbs wants to be AEW International Champion!
Callis says hey, what is going on here? They have history! Hobbs is going to step to Konosuke? Duh. Well, okay, yeah, Callis admits Hobbs deserves a shot. Hobbs deserves better than what he’s been getting. But see, with all these international bookings coming up, Callis & Konosuke are going to Japan, to Portugal, all over. Callis will talk with his people, they’ll get back to Hobbs. Callis has Konosuke get going and says see ya later, but Hobbs grabs Callis’ arm! Hobbs tells Callis he better get back to him. Callis promises! Callis follows his Alpha out, but will Konosuke even come back from NJPW WrestleDynasty with a belt?
WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup Qualifier Tournament: Willow Nightingale VS Serena Deeb!
Speaking of WrestleDynasty, the best women from around the wrestling world are fighting to be part of that inaugural card and this inaugural Women’s Cup! But with Jamie Hayter waiting in the wings, will it be the Babe with the Power or the Professor of Professional Wrestling that joins her for Winter is Coming?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Willow. Deeb and Willow circle, tie up, and Deeb wrenches an arm to wristlock. Willow spins, slips around and waistlocks. Deeb fights the lift but Willow still SLAMS her down! Deeb floats out to facelock but Willow slips out to facelock back. The fans rally for Willow more as she wrenches, but Deeb rolls, rolls back, then spins to wrench and wrench. Deeb wrangles Willow with a wristlock but Willow headscissors. Deeb kips free, the two go again, and Deeb headlocks. Willow powers up and out, Deeb RAMS her, but Willow rebounds to CLOBBER Deeb! The fans fire up and Willow shimmies, shakes, and flexes!
Willow runs, Deeb stays low, but Willow avoids the armd-rag to Oklahoma Roll! TWO, and Deeb jackknife bridges! ONE, and Willow rolls to bring Deeb up! Deeb fights free to kick low and tuck the arms. But Willow backdrops free! Deeb sunset flips, but Willow stays up! HIP- NO, Deeb avoids the hip drop and rolls Willow into a ghost pin! TWO, and Willow brings Deeb up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Willow still smiles. The fans fire up and Willow has Deeb in the corner. Willow fires LARIAT after LARIAT, and goes all the way to nine! Then Willow runs up, but has to block a boot!
Deeb breaks free and KICKS Willow! Deeb goes out, baits Willow in, and catches her for a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Willow staggers away while Deeb soaks up the heat. Deeb then RAMS into Willow, slides under and BOOTS Willow out of the ring! Willow tumbles to the floor, Deeb soaks up more heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Willow clutches her back while Deeb taunts the fans here in Columbus, Ohio. Willow rolls in but Deeb is right on her. Deeb UPPERCUTS Willow, bumps her off buckles, but Willow blocks the whip! Deeb kicks and stomps away, then UPPERCUTS Willow again. Deeb whips corner to corner successfully, then runs up to LARIAT! Willow flops down, Deeb pushes her to a cover, TWO! Deeb keeps on Willow with an elbow drop on the leg! Deeb then rolls Willow over and has the SEATED SURFBOARD! Willow endures as Deeb rocks the boat! Deeb then lets go of legs to reel Willow into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Willow endures, even as Deeb fishhooks her!
The ref reprimands but this is clearly a shot at The DMD. Willow SLAPS at Deeb, but Deeb smothers her! The ref reprimands so Deeb lets go, steps through, and traps one arm while pulling the other! Willow endures this modified Ground Cobra Twist while Collision goes to break!
Collision returns and Willow fights out of an Iron Octopus! SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up while both women are down! Willow rolls away to the far side, both women rise, and then Willow runs up! Deeb swings, Willow dodges, and Willow LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up with Willow and she runs in, BODY BLOCK and LARIAT in a corner! Then a snapmare and BOOT! The fans fire up and Willow whips Deeb for a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Deeb survives but Willow has the fans behind her! Willow hauls Deeb up, gut wrenches, but Deeb fights it! Willow CLUBS Deeb, but Deeb slips under!
Deeb CHOPS, then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~!” and Deeb LARIATS! Willow stays up so Deeb runs, LARIAT! Willow is still up, Deeb gets frustrated, and runs again. Deeb ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans boo but Deeb full nelsons! Willow breaks free, Deeb shoves her! SNAP GERMAN! But Willow is on her feet! Deeb hurries to hammerlock and PEPSI TWIST! Cover, TWO! Willow survives and the fans rally up while Deeb snarls. Deeb stands and she brings Willow in! Deeb tucks the arms, but Willow powers up and lifts Deeb! Willow pops Deeb around, OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO!
Deeb survives but Willow just huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms around! Deeb goes to the corner, Willow runs in, but Deeb dodges! CANNONBALL hits buckles! Willow clutches her back but Deeb is right on the legs! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Willow falls, Deeb reels her back in! Deeb tucks the arms, lifts, DEEB-TOX!! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Deeb is beside herself! The fans fire up again as Willow rises up! Deeb drags Willow up, reels her in, but Willow wrenches out. Deeb dodges, dodges again, but Willow hits the POUNCE! PERIOD! The straps come down and the fans fire up! Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (advances to Collision: Winter is Coming)
And now the AEW Finals are set! Jamie Hayter or Willow Nightingale, who survives next week’s Collision to head for the Tokyo Dome?
Backstage interview with Thunder Rosa.
Renee is now with La Mera Mera and brings up how Rosa’s keeping a close eye on Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa. Yes, let’s do the math: the last time Rosa was in the ring with Mariah May, Rosa won; last time Rosa was in the ring with Mina Shirakawa, Rosa won. So therefore, she is 2-0 against them, so Rosa is pretty sure she deserves the next shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship, regardless of who wins. And yes, Mina is an excellent wrestler, it would be an honor for Rosa to face her again. As for Mariah, well, Rosa brings out a looong list, and though it’s all Espanol, it’s all bad. The point is, it will be so much fun to beat Mariah until she cries!
Winter is Coming and the title match can go either way, but one thing that won’t change is that Rosa is La Mera Mera! Women’s Wrestling in AEW is alive and well! And as long as the fans believe in Rosa, she’ll scratch, claw, and fight until she gets the title back! So tell this to everyone: Good luck, you’re gonna need it. Rosa heads out, all fired up, but who will she look to burn after Mariah and Mina have it out?
The Death Riders are here!
Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir, Pac & Wheeler Yuta make their way through the GalaxyCon crowd to go right to the ring. Moxley grabs a mic and paces around. “People wanna talk? Then let’s talk, Ohio. Let’s talk about people who don’t wanna be AEW World Champion. And there’s a lot of them. There’s not a single soul in this building that wants to be AEW World Champion. They think they do, they say they do, but they don’t.” The fans chant for “Freshly Squeezed!” but Moxley says no, “they are not ready to make the sacrifices necessary. They are not ready to shoulder the weight. They are not willing to put themselves in harm’s way.
“Yeah, they wanna hold the belt and shine it up real nice, hold it up over their head and take pictures with it. They wanna strap it around their waists, but quite frankly, none of them deserve tot even lay eyes on the AEW World Championship, and it is MY responsibility to make sure that they don’t!” Is that why it’s been in the briefcase this whole time? Moxley says he’s talking about guys like Switchblade Jay White. Jay White is one hell of a competitor, one hell of a wrestler, and Moxley has a lot of respect for him. But Jay White is a child! Jay White doesn’t know the first thing about what it takes to be world champion!
The fans boo, but Moxley says Hangman Adam Page is self-destructive, miserable and insecure. He’ll probably take himself out of the game before he even sniffs another world championship! The fans cheer for #CowboyS*it, but Moxley says none of these guys really want it. And then there’s Orange Cassidy. “We found out at Full Gear exactly who Orange Cassidy was. He was not the guy. His peers hoped that he was, but he was not ‘The One.’ He was not the one foretold of in the prophecy. He did NOT have what it takes to get the job done! My only regret is that I let Orange Cassidy leave New Jersey with his skull intact!”
The fans boo and call BS, but Moxley tells Cassidy one last time, and he’ll tell the world one time so they better listen! “In a business full of pretend, full of talk, full of a bunch of talk and no action, I MEAN WHAT I SAY, and I don’t bluff.” If Cassidy pisses Moxley off one more time, Moxley takes him off the board for good. Well here comes Cassidy! Cassidy walks to the ring and Moxley already has a headache. Cassidy rolls into the ring, right past Pac, and then looks at the briefcase in Marina’s hands. Cassidy then looks Moxley up and down, then he brings out a mic from inside the jacket.
The fans cheer Cassidy on, and he says, “I can live without ever being the AEW World Champion. But see, what I can’t live with is you as the AEW World Champion. So I’m going to do whatever it takes, I’m never going to stop, until you are not the AEW World Champion.” The fans cheer that! Cassidy says the only way he stops is if Moxley kills him. Cassidy then throws his mic down at Moxley, then throws his sunglasses! And then his jacket! And his shirt! Cassidy eggs The Death Riders on, but it’s Marina who SMACKS him down with the briefcase! And then the gang all stomps away on him!
The fans boo, but Moxley rains down fists! Moxley CLAWS Cassidy’s eyes, then has Pac drag Cassidy up. Pac TOSSES Cassidy out, then Yuta goes out to tell him this is what he gets! Yuta and Pac drag Cassidy from ramp to the side of the stage! And then to the back? Moxley & Marina follow, where are The Death Riders taking Cassidy?
FTR speaks!
The #TopGuys are backstage as Cash Wheeler says, “So it’s funny, because for the better part of ten years, we’ve done everything we could to go down in history as the best. We have fought to be the most decorated, fought to go down in history as THE best tag team to ever do this. And then, a few months ago, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, and it’s not about wrestling anymore, it’s not about tag team gold anymore. Now, we fight for the fallen.” Dax Harwood says on Wednesday, January 1st, it is a monumental day for AEW. The first time ever, on TBS and streaming for HBO Max, it will be AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen!
But even more than that, it is a big day for FTR as they spearhead the event coming to Ashville, North Carolina, to save people, save lives, raise money and raise awareness. And perhaps most importantly, FTR is building a… Oh, what’s going on? OH, the Death Riders are dragging Cassidy through here! Marina fights off security and staff, and Moxley has another bottle of cleaning solution! He says he’s gonna make this one count! Pac & Yuta hold Cassidy’s arms back while Marina holds Cassidy’s mouth open! Yuta has a funnel! Moxley says this time, Cassidy will get the message! But FTR saves Cassidy!
Cash & Dax dare the Death Riders to do something with them around, wielding steel pipes! Moxley has his team stand down, and he says they’ll learn the lesson, too. The Death Riders retreat, but will they find a way to take the Top Guys out?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Kyle Fletcher!
The Rainmaker has 4 points with his one win and one time limit draw, but the Aussie Arrow is at a full six points from his 2-0 streak! Will the Protostar beat THE Continental Champion to have a definitive lead in Blue League? Or is this where Okada starts making his comeback?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” Kyle and Okada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada shifts to a waistlock but Kyle pries the hold open to wrench and wristlock. Okada rolls, trips Kyle, and has a toehold. Kyle claws at Okada’s face, then uses a leg to hook him into an ARMBAR! Okada clasps hands, rolls to stack Kyle, TWO! The two reset and the fans cheer the opening exchange. Okada and Kyle circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kyle then kicks, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Kyle spins Okada to snapmare and chinlock. The fans boo but Kyle grinds the hold and leans on Okada.
Okada fights up, pries at the hold, and the fans rally. Okada rolls to bring Kyle down into a headlock! Kyle endures, fights up, and pulls hair to put Okada on the ropes! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kyle lets go at 4. But then he snatches the headlock! Okada powers up and fires body shots. Kyle holds tight as Okada goes to power out! Kyle thrashes Okada around but the fans boo more. Okada powers up again and puts Kyle on ropes. The ref counts, Kyle lets go and Okada slowly backs away. The fans cheer and the two men reset. Okada and Kyle knuckle lock again and have a proper Test of Strength!
The fans rally as Kyle puts Okada on ropes, and Kyle lets off slowly. Kyle fakes the chop to pat Okada on the shoulders. Okada brushes off Kyle copying him and the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Okada puts Kyle on ropes, and then he slowly lets off. Okada fakes the chop, pats Kyle on the shoulders, then actually fires a forearm! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands as Okada fires more shots! Okada whips but Kyle reverses to scoop and SLAM! Okada grimaces while Kyle flexes, and the fans boo the Protostar. Kyle stomps Okada around, then has Okada on ropes. Kyle whips Okada, but Okada reverses and BOOTS!
The fans fire up while Kyle flounders to a corner. Okada storms up, throws a heavy elbow, then snapmares Kyle at the ropes. Okada runs side to side to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Kyle tumbles out and Okada pursues. Okada reels Kyle in, DDT to the floor! The fans rally up and Okada puts Kyle in the ring. Okada takes a moment since he has plenty of time, but then Kyle bails out the side! The fans boo but Okada pursues again. Okada drags Kyle up to UPPERCUT! Okada follows Kyle to the railing, then UPPERCUTS again! Okada puts Kyle in while the fans cheer him on. But Kyle snatches Okada in the ropes! DRAPING DDT!
Kyle strikes like a Viper but the fans boo even more! Kyle snarls paces around, and he soaks up the heat while Collision goes picture in picture.
Kyle takes his time stalking Okada, then drags him up. Kyle winds up to ROCK Okada! And then CHOP! Okada staggers to a corner but Kyle is right on him. Kyle traps the arms, and CHOPS Okada again! Kyle soaks up the heat while Okada leans against ropes. Kyle storms up, winds up, but then he CLAWS Okada’s eyes! Kyle stops as the ref counts so he can taunt the fans. Kyle mockingly pats Okada on the head, then runs up to KICK him down! Okada writhes and Kyle grimaces. Kyle covers his ears so he can ignore the fans taunting him. But then Okada gets up to fire off forearms! Kyle knees low, snapmares, and has a chinlock!
Okada endures as Kyle grinds him down. Okada fights up even as Kyle leans on him, and Okada fires body shots! Kyle KNEES low again! Okada drops to his knees, but Kyle KICKS him down! Kyle kneels for a cocky cover, TWO! Kyle clamps right back on with a chinlock! Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally up again. Okada fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS Kyle with a forearm! Okada runs, but into a CALF KICK! Okada flops over and Kyle soaks up more heat from the fans. Kyle says it is done now, but fans chant, “You Still Suck!” Kyle stands Okada up, and Okada ROCKS Kyle! And ROCKS him again
Kyle fires a forearm in return, and then fires another! The fans boo but Okada shakes his head. The fans fire up as Okada fires forearm after forearm, then an UPPERCUT! Kyle kicks low! Kyle whips, Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges, then speed sup to ELBOW Kyle down! The fans fire up while Kyle flounders to a corner! Okada rises and he has a clenched jaw! Okada runs to ELBOW Kyle! Kick and DDT! Kyle sputters, Okada covers, TWO! Okada stays calm and he brings Kyle back up. Kyle breaks free, Okada catches his arm, MONEY CLIP! Kyle flails, reaches out, but he’s already really red! The fans rally up and chant “TAP! TAP! TAP!”
Kyle fights, reaches out, but Okada pulls him back! Kyle CLAWS Okada’s eyes! Kyle arm-drags free, but Okada comes back! Only for Kyle to catch him, SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Okada flounders and Kyle snarls. Kyle fires himself up and he storms over to Okada. Okada slowly rises, Kyle takes aim and runs, but Okada FLAPJACKS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Okada rolls away to a corner, and he grits his teeth as he rises back up. Kyle is in the other corner, but he comes running in! Okada pops Kyle up, Alabama Lift and REVERSE NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Okada brings Kyle to his feet!
Okada scoops and SLAMS Kyle, then goes up the corner! MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up more, and Okada brings out the Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada brings Kyle up, ripcords, but Kyle ducks the lariat! So Okada DROPKICKS! But Kyle flounders out of the ring! The fans boo but Okada is just as frustrated. A ring count starts but Okada goes out after Kyle. Okada drags Kyle up and then gut wrenches! The fans fire up but Kyle fights free! Kyle half nelsons, HALF ‘N’ HALF to the floor!! Kyle rolls in at 6 of 10 but Okada is still dazed! Okada is at 8 of 10, but he springs to life to get in at 9.5! But Kyle’s right on him! LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous and Kyle is furious that Okada survives! Kyle scowls as Okada goes to a corner. Kyle runs corner to corner, but Okada BOOTS first! Kyle flounders but comes back, into a KNEE! Kyle sputters, but he grabs at Okada. Kyle whips, runs up, and he forearm SMASHES Okada! Kyle takes another swing, but Okada blocks to spin and DISCUS LARIAT! Okada roars, and he brings Kyle back up! Ripcord and RAIN- NO, Kyle dodges to HAYMAKER! Okada BOOTS! Kyle SUPERKCIKS! Okada rebounds to SHOTGUN! Kyle is right up, swings, but Okada shoves him at the ref! Kyle avoids a collision, but Okada gets him again!
Okada ripcords, Kyle grabs at the ref! The ref cowers in the corner, Kyle blocks a kick to LOW BLOW Okada!! Maybe Okada was going for that, too, but it costs him! Kyle suplexes and BRAINBUSTERS!! Cover, KYLE WINS!!
Winner: Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Okada earns 0)
The Aussie Arrow uses another cheap tactic to win, but in the end, he still dominates Blue League with NINE POINTS! Will no one be able to stop the Protostar from heading for Worlds End?
The Beast Mortos VS Aaron Solo!
With Claudio Castagnoli not here, there is no Continental Classic action for the menacing minotaur, who desperate needs points to stay in the running. Will he simply stay hot by taking out The Most Talented?
The bell rings, Mortos rushes in but Solo dodges. Solo runs up to GAMANGIRI, then he fires off furious forearms! The ref counts, Mortos SHOVES Solo and CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and Mortos SLAPS Solo! Mortos whips, then tilt-o-whirls Solo into a torture rack! Solo fights free to DREAMCAST KICK! Mortos stays on his feet, so Solo runs, but back into the tilt-o-whirl! BACKBREAKER DROP! And then a gut wrench into a POWER BREAKER!! Solo writhes and the fans fire up with Mortos! Mortos aims from a corner while Solo rises, DISCUS LARIAT!! Cover, Mortos wins!
Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall
This may not have been the C2, but Mortos didn’t need back-up to solo Solo! Now Mortos must prepare for Winter is Coming! He takes on Kazuchika Okada next week on Collision!
Backstage interview with Top Flight Airlines.
Renee is now with Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Leila Grey & The Martin Brothers. She needs to talk the Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal from last Wednesday. There came a point where they were not all on the same page, what happened? Leila would like to know that herself! What was that move about? Leila is of course referring to Lio & Action being united in turning on Darius & Dante before the end. Leila says that was crazy out there! This is supposed to be a team, but perhaps Lio & Action don’t understand that. Leila gets annoyed when Lio & Action don’t say anything, so she calls out Action directly.
Action says yeah, okay, he and Lio took Darius & Dante outta the match. But it was a battle royal! If you aren’t aware, but that’s how it works! Every man for themselves! Darius says yeah, they are aware. But he and Dante were just confused why Lio went along for the ride. It’s interesting how they wore matching gear. Last time Darius checked, all four of them were a team! When did it suddenly become some combination of Action & Lio? Lio says it became a combination of them because Darius & Dante kept losing everything for them! So the way Lio sees it, he and Action are going to be chasing the tag titles, not Darius & Dante.
Dante says if that’s all this was about, they could’ve just said so. They didn’t need to go stepping on toes just to get there, stupid! Well, maybe it needed to happen. For what? Lio’s ego? Action asks who these “Minnesota Morons” are calling stupid! MORONS?! Leila shouts, “ENOUGH!” If they’re gonna fight, fine, just not back here. Action says it sounds like they’ll settle this in the ring. Lio & Action go one way, Darius & Dante the other, with Leila stuck in the middle. Which half of Top Flight will find themselves as the top team?
Mina Shirakawa VS Emi Sakura!
We know Thunder Rosa will be watching this Wednesday, because Winter is Coming. But will the Fighting Gravure Idol be bringing the heat to Dynamite? Or will a match with the Queen of Joshi turn into a trap game?
Actually, Mina spots Rosa watching from the audience here and now. Mina stares Rosa down but Rosa says to focus on Emi. And Emi proves her right because she attacks Mina from behind! Emi uses her robe to LASH Mina and the bell rings! Emi drags Mina up to laugh and TOSS her! Mina flounders, Emi drags Mina up by her hair and CHOPS! Emi laughs again, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! CHOPS! Emi whips Mina, but Mina comes back with a LARIAT! The fans fire up and Emi sits up in shock! Mina KICKS Emi in the back! Mina then KICKS Emi again, and again! Emi goes to ropes but Mina KICKS again!
Mina whips, Emi reverses to CLAW the arms! Emi then CHOPS, and CHOPS! Mina drops to a knee but Emi wrenches and CHOPS agian! Mina falls but Emi stands her up to CHOP again! Emi drags Mina up to CHOP again! But Mina ducks the next shot to spin and SOBAT! Mina runs, but Emi DOUBLE CHOPS her down! Cover, ONE as Mina goes Matrix! Mina does her shimmy and the fans cheer. Emi is annoyed and she storms up on Mina. Mina dodges, and she KICKS Emi down! The fans fire up but Emi sits back up. Mina brings Emi to her feet, but Emi SLAPS Mina down! Emi drags Mina up, to CHOP again!
The fans rally and Emi stands Mina up. Mina KICKS! And KICKS! But Emi blocks the next one, to BITE the foot! The ref reprimands, Emi lets Mina go, and then Emi wrenches, to BITE the hand! The ref reprimands, Emi stops, and the fans boo Emi while Collision goes picture in picture.
Emi drags Mina back up, CHOPS her again, then CHOPS her again! And again! Emi brings Mina around to bump her off buckles. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Emi winds up to CHOP one more time! Mina drops to her knees, but Emi storms up on him. Emi tucks the arms, lifts, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! cover, TWO! Mina stays in this but Emi tucks Mina into the Paradise Lock! Emi sits on Mina to “sip tea,” then steps off to set Mina free. Emi taunts Mina, and Mina stands to fire forearms! There isn’t much behind those and Emi laughs. Emi taunts Mina, but Mina rises to KICK! That has something to it!
Emi KICKS Mina back, then BOOTS her in the face! And BOOTS, and BOOTS! Mina stands but Emi puts her in the corner. Emi puts Mina in ropes to bend her backwards! Mina endures, the ref reprimands, but Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Emi has Mina down with a chinlock! Mina fights up as the fans rally. Mina RAMS Emi into buckles, then gets free. Mina goes corner to corner, but Emi DROPKICKS her first! Mina ends up back in a corner, but she dodges Emi! Mina steps in, goes up, and FLYING CHUCKS! Mina gets moving, another FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up with Mina and she crawls to a cover, TWO! Emi pulls hair even! Mina is upset but she drags Emi up in a dragon sleeper! Emi fights the lift, and Mina just drops Emi down. Mina KICKS Emi, but Emi CHOPS and CHOPS! Emi dragon sleepers for a TWISTING NECKBREAKER!
The fans rally up while Emi huffs ‘n’ puffs. Emi says she is Our Highness, and she drags Mina up again. Emi underhooks and TIGER STALLING BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Mina survives and Emi is frustrated. The fans rally, Rosa watches intently, and Emi drags Mina up. Mina fires a flurry of palm strikes and a SLAP! Emi CHOPS, then LARIATS! Emi runs, but Mina is up! ROLLING ELBOW! Mina fires up and climbs a corner! Mina leaps to FLYING SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Mina drags her up! Mina CLUBS away on Emi, then whips, but Emi uses the ref as a shield!
Mina puts on the brakes, Emi pushes the ref down but Mina avoids the cheap shot! Mina URAKENS Emi down! Then Mina uses the ref as a pommel horse to SPLASH onto Emi! The fans fire up and Mina goes up a corner! FLYING SLINGBLADE again! Mina covers this time, and Mina wins!
Winner: Mina Shirakawa, by pinfall
Mina locks eyes with Rosa and Rosa does commend this match. Mina even toasts herself with some champagne! But will Mina be toasting the defeat of The Glamour this Wednesday? Or will La Mera Mera be going after Mariah May?
AEW shares footage from after Rampage.
Renee had a backstage interview with both Mark Briscoe and Daniel Garcia, they just competed in the C2 that night but would have to turn around to face each other on Collision. The TNT Champion has 4 points, the Sussex County Chicken still has none. Mark’s been in this position before, how will he close the gap this time around? Mark says this time of year, many people go through a tough time. But Mark personally, two years in a row now, he starts with zero wins two rounds in on the Continental Classic. Sometimes, he sits around, gets down on himself, and thinks, “Man, I sure do suck at Continental Classics.”
But no, that ain’t the case! He just ain’t applying himself! What Mark has to do is simply apply himself, and that is what he plans to do! Danny G is Mark’s boy, no hard feelings, but Mark has to do it to him! Mark NEEDS this W. Garcia says yeah, no hard feelings. That’s what he respects about Mark. Mark stays positive, even in the hard times. When he gets knocked down, he gets back up. Unfortunately, the same goes for Garcia. Garcia has 4 points, and another win makes 7, and he could potentially lead Blue League. (We know now that no, he’ll just be a clear second place) Garcia says he’ll just have to knock Mark down.
Garcia says he’s gonna give Mark everything he’s got, so Mark better do the same. Mark says you already know. There is respect here in this match, but who will respectfully kick the other man’s ass to get those crucial 3 points?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Daniel Garcia VS Mark Briscoe!
The bell rings and the fans cheer as these two shake hands. Then they circle and tie up. Mark headlocks, but Garcia pries at the hold and wrenches out. Garcia headlocks but Mark powers out. Garcia sunset flips, Mark rolls through and has the headlock back. Garcia headscissors, Mark kips free, and the two have a standoff. The fans cheer and Garcia copies the crane stance. Mark and Garcia reset, tie up, and clinch, Garcia drop toeholds and then Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Mark runs up but into a trip and ghost pin! TWO! Mark stands up, is maybe a little frustrated, but the fans cheer as the two shake hands again.
Garcia and Mark reset, fans cheer on “Both These Guys!” The two tie up, Mark puts Garcia in a corner, but the ref counts. Mark lets off slowly, but then Garcia puts him in the corner! The ref counts again, Garcia lets off with a scuff from his forearm. Mark gets a bit riled up and the two reset. Garcia gives a playful pat on the butt, but Mark CHOPS him! Mark stares Garcia down, then stomps him! Mark brings Garcia up to CHOP! The fans fire up and Mark kicks low. Mark UPPERCUTS, then he brings Garcia around. Mark whips, Garcia reverses but Mark holds ropes. Mark ELBOWS Garcia and TOSSES him out!
The fans fire up as Mark builds speed, and Mark WRECKS Garcia with a dropkick! Mark gets back in, builds more speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and GalaxyCon is all fired up! Mark high-fives the fans, then he gives a nod to the Continental Championship. Mark drags Garcia up, UPPERCUTS again, then he hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Garcia writhes but Mark drags him down. The fans fire up and Mark climbs. BANG BANG, FOLEY- NO, Garcia gets in the ring! SLEEPER at the ropes! The ref counts, Garcia lets go and runs, to then BLAST Mark off the apron! Mark tumbles hard and the fans fire up again!
Garcia goes out after Mark, puts him against the apron, and he CHOPS! Then BOOTS! Garcia whips Mark hard into railing! The fans fire up and Garcia CLUBS away on Mark! Garcia refreshes the count, then storms after Mark. Mark CHOPS in return! Mark ROCKS Garcia, CHOPS him again, then whips him into railing! Mark BOOTS Garcia and Garcia takes a seat! Mark refreshes the count again and he runs up to BOOT Garcia! The fans fire up with Mark as he storms back up, but Garcia ROCKS Mark! Garcia makes Mark take a seat and he rains down fists! The fans count to nine, Garcia puts up his dukes, then he ROCKS Mark with the tenth!
The fans cheer as Garcia high-fives the front row. The dukes come up again, and he DANCES! Garcia then runs up to SHOTGUN Mark back down! The fans fire up again and Garcia revels in it while Collision goes picture in picture.
Garcia keeps the fans fired up, then he fetches Mark from around the corner. Garcia whips Mark hard into railing! Mark falls over but Garcia drags him back up. Garcia puts Mark in the ring, then stomps him down in a corner! The ref counts, but Garcia stands on Mark! Garcia steps off, runs side to side, and BOOT WASHES! Garcia scrubs Mark a couple extra times, then steps off. Mark stands up but Garcia fires body shots! Garcia whips but Mark sunset flips! Garcia rolls through, steps through, but Mark scrambles around! Mark fires shots from below, but Garcia drops back to have a FIGURE FOUR! Mark endures, Garcia kicks at him, and the two stand up.
Garcia and Mark storm up, and Mark CHOPS! Garcia sputters, but Mark CHOPS him again! Mark has Garcia and reels him in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this but Mark stays on him with a facelock. Garcia JAWBREAKERS free! Mark staggers to a corner, Garcia runs corner to corner, and Collision returns to single picture as Garcia LRAITS! Garcia whips corner to corner and LARIATS again! And then another whip, but Mark goes up to FLYING AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Mark stands Garcia up. Mark gives Garcia a Mongolian Chop! Garcia goes to a corner, Mark Mongolian Chops again! Mark Mongolian Chops again!
Garcia goes to another corner, but Mark hoists him up top. Mark CHOPS Garcia, then fires up! The fans fire up and Mark climbs. Mark brings Garcia up but Garcia fights the suplex! Garcia fires body shots, some real fast hands, and then he RAMS Mark! M ark hops back, then returns to UPPERCUT! Garcia holds onto ropes to stay up, but Mark goes up after him! The fans fire up as Mark aims for the outside! Garcia fights with more body shots, but Mark ROCKS Garcia! Garcia ROCKS Mark, Mark ROCKS Garcia, repeat! The fans rally and both men DECK each other! They hit apron then floor and the fans fire up again!
Mark pounds the floor as he rises up, and a standing count begins as both men stir. Mark and Garcia drag themselves up with the apron skirt, and they both slide in at 5 of 10! The fans fire up as these two storm up and start throwing hands! Mark eggs Garcia on so Garcia ROCKS Mark! Mark comes back to ROCK Garcia! Garcia rebounds to ROCK Mark! Mark fires up and he ROCKS Garcia! The fans rally as these two get heated, but they still shake hands! They fire forearm after forearm and GalaxyCon is thunderous! Mark gets the edge, Garcia dodges the last one, and he CHOPS! Garcia fires a flurry in the corner!
Garcia backs off, runs up, but Mark dodges! Mark CHOPS, then ROCKS, then CHOPS again! Mark UPPERCUTS Garcia, then runs, but Garcia LARIATS! Mark flips inside-out and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Mark goes to a corner. Garcia runs up to LARIAT! Garcia whips corner to corner but Mark goes up and out! Mark ROCKS Garcia, then he YANKS Garcia to the floor! BANG BANG, FOLEY ELBOW!! The fans fire up and Mark drags Garcia into the ring. The fans fire up as Mark runs, LARIAT! Garcia is flipped inside-out now, and Mark crawls to a cover, TWO! Mark stays fired up and he runs up to LARIAT!
Mark reels Garcia in, EXPLODER! Garcia flounders away to a corner and Mark runs up, LARIAT! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Mark doesn’t hesitate, h e fireman’s carries! But Garcia fights free! Garcia CLUBS Mark, reels him in, but Mark fights off the saido! Garcia shoves Mark away, but Mark fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, SLIDING LARIAT! Mark fires up and the fans are with him! Mark climbs but Garcia SMACKS Mark first! Garcia climbs up, but Mark fights off the superplex! Garcia goes to the very top, and he brings Mark up for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! AND ROLLS THROUGH! PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!
The fans are thunderous as Mark survives! Garcia grits his teeth, he bumps Mark off buckles, and he CHOPS! Garcia puts Mark back up, climbs after him gain, and he reels Mark in! Mark fights the lift, and he UPPERCUTS! Garcia falls back, and Mark rises! FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Garcia survives and the fans fire up again! Mark drags Garcia up and calls his shot! Underhooks and- NO, Garcia trips Mark, jackknife bridges, TWO!! Mark is free but Garcia runs up. Mark SLAPS Garcia! Garcia roars, ducks a shot, and then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up as Garcia CHOPS again, then SAIDOS!!
Mark rises?!? The fans are thunderous and Garcia’s seen a ghost! But then he BOOTS Mark to a corner! Mark fights the saido by holding ropes, then he fires in RIDGE HANDS! Mark waistlocks, but Garcia fires elbows! So Mark has a COBRA CLUTCH, then torture rack! CUTTHROAT DRIVER!!! Cover, MARK WINS!!!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Garcia earns 0)
What a wild one! Mark said he needed the points, and he got those points! Mark and Garcia still show each other respect, and now we all move on to Winter is Coming! Garcia is still even with Okada at 4 points, so second place is still up for grabs! Who manages to move up and capture that semifinals spot for Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision and great go-home to Winter is Coming. Very good promo from Rosa, and a very good hype package for Mariah VS Mina that I skipped, and a pretty good match from Mina VS Emi. It was a little clunky at first, and maybe that finish was also a little strange, but Mina was of course winning. Rosa wanting in on the world title scene, I would think Mariah retains so we get Mariah VS Rosa at Worlds End. Good promo from Top Flight, Dante & Darius VS Lio & Action will be really good stuff, and I think Lio & Action win to set themselves up as potential challengers to Private Party. They might even leave Top Flight to join Hurt Syndicate together, but maybe not.
Awesome match from Willow and Deeb, and Deeb wearing a shirt that says “Nobody Cares” and the arrow pointing up at herself, kinda taking Britt’s insult and owning it. Perhaps they still circle back to that feud just to help both women bide time. Willow winning was the right move, and I would think Willow wins next week because Hayter and Julia Hart have their feud that’s building. Mortos destroying Aaron Solo just because was pretty great, but he’s of course losing to Okada at Winter is Coming.
Speaking of Okada, I am rather surprised he lost, but I suppose Kyle cheating him like he did Shelton Benjamin is fine. Well, “fine” in that it keeps Okada strong, but Kyle should really be building himself up a bit more. We got an awesome match Darby VS Komander, too, and I figured Darby was getting the win, but it’s still annoying that the rounds are all lopsided, not everyone having competed in the same amount of matches as the others. As such, it doesn’t sound like Darby’s competing again until December 18th, but Ospreay’s gonna be at Winter is Coming AND Holiday Bash.
But that aside, Garcia VS Briscoe was an awesome main event, and Briscoe winning was a big surprise. Maybe they’re making Blue League more about a race for second place, since we’ll be getting big semifinal matches at the start of Worlds End, and the tournament finals are later. I would think Okada gets the second spot in Blue League so he can at least “defend” his Continental Championship at the PPV. And with this win over Garcia, Mark and Garcia could have a rematch for the TNT Championship at Worlds End, too.
My Score: 8.8/10
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B Block, Round 7!
DWI Podcast #456: CM Punk Is Owed A Favor
With AJ out on assignment, DP and PC review Survivor Series and an excellent Monday Night RAW after!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/5/24)
A Block, Round 7!
