NJPW AXS TV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 4!
There can only be one!
NJPW and AXS move into Night 9!
The Rainmaker, Mr. Takeover, only ONE can stay undefeated in this year’s round robin! Who comes out of this THE leader in A Block and a step closer to the NJPW G1 Climax finals?!
Coverage of the G1 Climax 29 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Gifs to come courtesy of https://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Lance Archer VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins.
- Will Ospreay VS Bad Luck Fale; Ospreay wins, by disqualification.
- EVIL VS Zack Sabre Jr; EVIL wins.
- SANADA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins.
- KENTA VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scene for this pivotal round of the round robin!
The Rainmaker is undefeated in the A Block! However, there is another: KENTA is tied with the IWGP Heavyweight Champion! Mr. Takeover started his NJPW debut strong with four straight wins, but now he gets to test himself against the top champion! Okada has suffered losses to NJWP newcomers in the past, but can he break that streak and continue on towards the G1 Climax finals? Or will Kenta’s style be what fells the champ?
Lance Archer VS Kota Ibushi!
#EverybodyDies, but the Killer Elite hasn’t had the best run in his first G1 in years. Can he at least ruin things for the Golden Star this late in the game?
The bell rings and fans are strongly behind Ibushi. Archer doesn’t care because he towers over him. He pie faces, but Ibushi kicks the legs! Archer rushes but Ibushi ducks to fire more kicks. Archer grabs Ibushi but Ibushi breaks free to dropkick him back! Ibushi runs in but is put on the apron. He springboards back, but into a choke grip! But he pops out, only for his huricanrana to be blocked. Archer brings Ibushi to the ropes but Ibushi headscissors Archer out first! Ibushi gets back in and fans fire up as he aims at Archer. He runs, golden trip! Archer throws Ibushi into railing!
Archer stomps Ibushi then pulls his leg to throw it onto the floor. Fans boo but Archer tunes them out as he drags Ibushi back up. He throws big haymakers and sends Ibushi staggering deeper into the crowd. Then again! Archer BOOTS Young Lions to keep them away! A ring count begins as Archer drags Ibushi over to the ring. They enter in at 11 of 20, and fans cheer that this will continue in the ring. Archer stalks Ibushi and toys with him. He kicks Ibushi around but Ibushi sits up. Ibushi kicks back on that leg, then whips. But Archer reverses for a black hole slam! Cover, TWO! Archer is upset with the referee but that was a fair count. Archer goes back to Ibushi to club him down over and over. Fans rally for Ibushi even as Archer prepares that claw! Ibushi blocks but Archer sweeps the legs!
Ibushi clutches his ankle but Archer stands him up to LARIAT him down! Cocky cover, TWO! Ibushi won’t be beat by such ego. But Archer steps on Ibushi and grinds his foot in! Archer drags Ibushi up to club him down again! And he shouts at the fans who support Ibushi, too! But Ibushi gets up to fight back. The chop does nothing! Archer whips, but Ibushi blocks the Pounce with double knees! Both men are down but Archer is up first. Archer shakes out the cobwebs but Ibushi is on him with a strike fest! Ibushi runs in at the corner but misses the elbow. Archer runs in to hit his, but then Ibushi catches him for a powerslam! And a moonsault! Cover, TWO!
Ibushi says that isn’t all, and he stands back up. Archer follows but Ibushi climbs. Archer leaps up with a knee! Ibushi is rocked, and Archer climbs up to join him. Archer brings Ibushi up but Ibushi fights back. Ibushi slips down and has Archer for a bomb, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Archer survives but Ibushi doesn’t lose focus. He watches Archer go to the apron and is on him, blocks a punch to give a punch. Ibushi runs but into a BOOT! Archer climbs and springboards for a senton! Cover, TWO!! Archer is furious that Ibushi survives that springboard cannonball. Ibushi fires off more kicks, but gets a TOWERING choke slam!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives again! But Archer still has his claw.
Archer drags Ibushi up as fans rally. Archer clamps the #EBD on! The Everybody Dies claw squeezes Ibushi’s head, but Ibushi gets the ropebreak! Archer lets up at 4 and the damage has been done. He drags Ibushi up again, full nelsons, but Ibushi pops through to victory roll! TWO, and Ibushi knees Archer down! Not a full Bomaye, but good enough! And now Ibushi drags Archer up by the wrists, for Archer to Kamigoye! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives a stolen form of his best move, but Archer is still on him. Archer positions Ibushi in a drop zone, then decides to climb! Archer reaches the very top, and MOONSAULTS, to FLOP! Ibushi avoided certain doom, and now has a target primed and ready! But he runs into a tilt-o-whirl! Ibushi escapes to ROUNDHOUSE Archer down!
Ibushi resets, “YAO!” BOMAYE!! Cover, TWO!?! Archer still lives and Ibushi is shocked. But he won’t stop there, either. He has the wrists, KAMIGOYE! But Archer is still up!? Archer shakes out the cobwebs, only to get a second KAMIGOYE! Cover, Ibushi wins!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; earns 2 points
The Golden Star triumphs over the terrifying titan! Does this give Ibushi new life in the G1? Or has Archer done enough damage to keep Ibushi from the finals?
Will Ospreay VS Bad Luck Fale!
The Aerial Assassin didn’t do so well against the taller Archer, but can he redeem himself against the Rogue General? Or will he simply be blown out of the sky by a Grenade?
Chase Owens grabs Ospraey at the apron! And Fale attacks! Bullet Club softens up the Chaos member before the bell! Fale keeps the referee from watching Chase and Jado mug Ospreay. Ospreay fights them off, and Chase gets the kendo stick SMACK! Ospreay knocks Jado away but then Fale grabs him by the hair! Fale yanks Ospreay up to the apron, but Ospreay fights him off, too! Ospreay hurries to springboard, Pip Pip Cheerio forearm! Cover, TWO and with power! Ospreay keeps going, throwing big forearms on Fale’s face. Fale blocks the whip with pure strength, and whips Ospreay into a Jado SMACK! Fans boo but the Master Heater gets away with it again. Fale stomps Ospreay to the corner and grinds his knee in.
The referee counts and Fale lets up, to then choke Ospreay on the ropes. The ref counts again, and Fale frees Ospreay. Fale stays back while Ospreay catches his breath. But then Fale clubs Ospreay’s bad shoulder and neck in the corner. Ospreay clutches the spot but Fale just elbows it again and again. Fale stalks Ospreay and peels at the KT tape more. He grinds a knee in and then stands on Ospreay’s body! The referee backs Fale off, but Chase sneaks some tearing of the tape. Ospreay grimaces as he sits up, but Fale is on him with a Camel Clutch! Ospreay endures being bent back with an already bad neck, and refuses to give up! He pries at the hold but Fale just clobbers him down. Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Ospreay while Fale clamps on the shoulder. Ospreay endures as Fale leans on him, and fights his way up and out. Fale swats him once and Ospreay is on the ropes. Fale whips but Ospreay handsprings for an enziguri! Both men are down down, but Fale crawls towards Chase and Jado. Ospreay goes to the other end and runs in for a back elbow and many forearms! He just picks up speed as he fires off on Fale! Ospreay stops to bring Fale up for another whip. Fale reverses but misses the corner splash, to get another enziguri! Ospreay standing shooting stars! Cover, TWO! Ospreay grits his teeth and the fans rally up for him. He aims at Fale, Robinson Special hits! Ospreay fires up and calls for it! Springboard, but Fale uses the ref as a waepon to send Ospreay down!
And now Chase has Ospreay, but Ospreay slips out of the package driver to HOOK KICK! Ospreay dodges Jado, but not Fale’s splash! GRENADE!! Cover, but the ref is down because of Fale’s own treachery! Chase throws the ref in, Fale covers again, TWO!! Ospreay still lives! Fale drags him up again, powerbomb lift, crucifix, but Ospreay escapes Bad Luck Fale to HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks!? There’s no way… He gets Fale off his feet, but the back doesn’t let him finish. Hidden Blade instead! Cover, TWO! Ospreay tries old’ faithful, OSCUTTER HITS! Cover, but Chase yanks the ref right out! The Bullet Club is no better this year than last year!
Ospreay sees what just happened, but Jado is there! Ospreay blocks the kendo stick to deck Jado! Now Ospreay thinks he’ll have some kendo practice, only for Chase to attack! Chase lifts but Ospreay back drops out of the driver! Ospreay ducks and handsprings, but Chase SMACKS him with the kendo stick! Package Piledriver!! Fans boo but there’s nothing they can do as Chase drags up the ref. but here comes Red Shoes! He counts, only to dirty bird ’em! Disqualification!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by disqualification; earns 1 point
Fale is furious and he chases Red Shoes, but Red Shoes is too fast! Ospreay still gets points, but is there enough of the Aerial Assassin left to finish the Climax?
EVIL VS Zack Sabre Jr!
This is a rivalry that will never end! The King of Darkness and the Submission Master have met in New Japan Cups and G1 Climaxes, and the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion dominates the series. Will history repeat itself in another classic chapter of this growing feud?
The bell rings and fans cheer Evil as he and ZSJ stand off. They circle and tie up with a test of strength, but Evil kicks low to headlock. ZSJ endures the grind but Evil throws him with a takeover. ZSJ moves around to get back to his feet, then he slips through to keylock. Evil powers through and wrenches, and now it’s a fight of wrenching! ZSJ drops to Pele but Evil gets clear. ZSJ gets clear of the senton, and then both men swing and dodge! Evil stands while ZSJ scrambles to the far side. Fans cheer as they stare down and circle again.
ZSJ hits low and gets Evil with a headlock now. Evil powers out and the two collide. ZSJ runs again but Evil dodges the boot to run and run ZSJ over! Fans cheer as Evil looms over ZSJ. Evil drags ZSJ up and wrenches the arm. Evil brings ZSJ down to an arm surfboard, and digs his forehead into ZSJ’s shoulder blades. ZSJ endures and works on turning things around, but Evil powers him back down to his knees. ZSJ tries again, but again Evil powers him down! Evil keeps a knee in ZSJ’s back, but ZSJ gets up in a huff. ZSJ spins it but Evil spins through! ZSJ flips and switches, to get the abdominal stretch, only for Evil to snapmare out! Evil lifts ZSJ but ZSJ snapmares back, and neck cranks Evil!
ZSJ grinds his feet into Evil’s head and wrist. Red Shoes counts but ZSJ just steps on Evil’s legs. ZSJ drops down to double wristlock one arm, and then digs fingers into Evil’s face! Evil gets a ropebreak, so ZSJ lets go, only to stomp Evils head! ZSJ drags Evil up to throw European Uppercuts and lock on a cravat. ZSJ cranks hard but Evil fights back with body shots. Then he scoops ZSJ for a slam! But Evil falls, too, from the effort it took to power up like that. ZSJ is up first, and drags Evil up, but Evil fights back with forearms. Evil runs, but into a guillotine! But he powers out to a suplex!
Both men are down but fans rally up again. Evil powers up with it, and takes aim at ZSJ in the corner. Evil runs in, Bronco Buster! ZSJ scrambles away but Evil covers, TWO! Evil keeps his cool while ZSJ checks his face. Evil drags ZSJ up for a waistlock but ZSJ blocks with a leg hook. ZSJ goes for the arm at the same time, double wristlock. Evil shifts weight but ZSJ blocks that side, too. ZSJ elbows back but so does Evil. Evil shoves to forearm ZSJ in the back, then picks him up for a pendulum backbreaker! Evil grabs the legs for the Sharpshooter, but ZSJ rakes eyes! ZSJ drags Evil into a Triangle Hold! Evil endures, powers up, and BOMBS ZSJ down! But Evil’s glare says he isn’t satisfied. He grabs the legs fast, but ZSJ resists!
ZSJ slips out and gets Evil’s legs, to take the Sharpshooter for his own! But Evil scrambles quickly to a ropebreak! ZSJ holds on until 4, but now he’s evened things with Evil. He stomps the knee! Evil bails out but ZSJ follows. ZSJ is on the apron, but misses his kick! Evil trips him up and then hangs him up, assisted Magic Killer to the floor! Both men are down on the outside but fans are rallying. Evil and ZSJ each clutch limbs, but Evil gets moving first. Evil roars and fans fire up with him as he puts ZSJ in. He follows while ZSJ gets to a corner. Evil runs in at ZSJ, for a big corner clothesline! Fans cheer as Evil fires up more. Evil fireman’s carries but ZSJ resists! ZSJ sleeper holds, but Evil pulls and gives one arm a shoulder breaker!
Evil blocks a kick, gives it to Red Shoes, but ZSJ knows what’s coming! He blocks the mule kick into a kneebar! And then Heel Hook! Fans rally as Evil endures the shifting hold! Evil pries at the hold, then goes after ZSJ’s legs! He has a Heel Hook of his own on ZSJ! It’s become the Sharpshooter!! ZSJ now endures as Evil sits deep! But he gets a ropebreak of his own! Evil lets up, but now Evil has turned the tables. He goes back to ZSJ and fireman’s carries, but ZSJ slips out. Evil elbows ZSJ but gets a roundhouse to sweep! ZSJ gets to a corner to rest while Evil checks his own legs. Evil blocks the Penalty Kick! Then clubs the leg, spins, but into a EuroUpper! But he blocks ZSJ’s kick into a LARIAT! Both men are down again but fans rally up!
Evil hobbles up and slashes the throat. he spins ZSJ but ZSJ slips out and leap frogs to a victory roll! TWO and EVIL has hit! TWO, EuroClutch, TWO!! Evil escapes and SUPERKICKS ZSJ! Fisherman buster denied, Pele to the arm! Penalty Kick takes Evil down! But ZSJ can’t follow up, his legs and back are bothering him. ZSJ crawls to a corner while Evil again slowly sits up. ZSJ runs and hits another Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ grows frustrated while Evil shakes out the cobwebs. Now ZSJ slashes the throat, and he drags Evil up. Evil resists the scoop but ZSJ fights through. Evil slips out to headbutt ZSJ down! He drags ZSJ up again, but swings into the Abdominal Stretch! ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Evil powers out to the DARKNESS FALLS!
But just like ZSJ a moment ago, Evil can’t cover! Both men are down again as fans rally up. Evil stands and slashes the throat once more. He spins ZSJ, but ZSJ trips him up! Roll to a crucifix, TWO! ZSJ kicks the lariat but uppercuts into a spin, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall; earns 2 points
For only the second time in their rivalry, the King of Darkness has won! Does this win help Evil stay alive? What of the Submission Master’s chances to this point?
SANADA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
The Cold Skull has proven himself a worthy competitor in this Heavyweight Singles Division, but he’s still on the outside looking in. Will he reach that next level by trumping the Ace? Or will the Once in a Century Talent roll on in this Climax comeback?
Both men take their elaborately decorated jackets off, and the bell rings on this showdown of generations!
The fans are already thunderous, but to everyone’s surprise, it’s for Sanada! Tananashi gets his fans louder, but it is still rather heavy in Sanada’s favor. The two circle and feel out the grapple. They tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. Sanada rolls to a drop toehold, and then laces the legs in a figure four. Sanada pulls but Tanahashi reaches back to get a headlock! Tanahashi grinds Sanada now, but Sanada gets to his feet. Sanada pops out the back to get a headlock of his own. Tanahashi endures now, and pries out to a keylock. Sanada falls to the mat and Tanahashi has the armlock. Tanahashi stands Sanada up for a wrench, but Sanada slips through to reverse it. Now Sanada has the keylock, but Tanahshi arm-drags free. Sanada headscissors but Tanahashi pops out, and the two stand off.
Fans cheer and now it’s more of an even duel. Sanada and Tanahashi circle again, and they approach for another knuckle lock. Sanada spins and wrenches, then reels Tanahashi in. Tanahashi spins out and wrenches back, but Sanada reverses. Tanahashi forearms Sanada to get the wrench back, but Sanada gives it back. The two stand off and both go for a kick! But they both block the kick! They argue over who lets go first, so naturally Red Shoes counts and they agree to do it together. But then Sanada trips Tanahashi up! Tanahashi resists Paradise, and then whips. Sanada reverses but Tanahashi sunset flips, but Sanada rolls through to get the legs! Paradise complete! And fans cheer as Sanada circles the trapped Ace! Sanada builds up speed, to dropkick Tanahashi out of Paradise!
Tanahashi crawls for a corner but Sanada is on him with elbows. Sanada puts Tanahashi in a corner to whip corner to corner. He runs in for a back elbow, then snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps on Tanahashi with a chinlock, but fans rally with “Go Ace! Go Ace!” Tanahashi fights his way up and fights out, but Sanada hits back. Sanada whips Tanahashi again, and dodges the basement dropkick! But Tanahashi dodges the moonsault! Both men are down but fans rally up. Tanahashi stands first and gives Sanada forearms to the ropes. Tanahashi whips but Sanada reverses, only to get a flying forearm! The Ace fires up with the fans and brings Sanada up again. He scoops and slams Sanada into a drop zone, then hops up, somersault senton! Cover, TWO!
Tanahashi keeps his focus as he and Sanada both slowly stand. Tanahashi runs back in but gets a boot! He comes back, only to get another. Tanahashi tries a third time, blocks the boot, and hits a Dragon Screw! Tanahashi runs, but Sanada basement dropkicks the legs out! Then catches a leg, to steal the Dragon Screw! Tanahashi gets a taste of his own medicine while Sanada gets his legs moving. Sanada stalks Tanahashi to a corner, and whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverse but Sanada tumbles and springboards to missile dropkick Tanahashi out! Then slingshots to splash him down! Fans fire up and Cold Skull hears them cheer! He encourages them to get even louder as he goes back to Tanahashi.
Sanada drags Tanahashi up and into the ring. Fans cheer as Sanada wants to win in the ring. Sanada drags Tanahashi up again, but Tanahashi fights back with forearms! Sanada gives back big EuroUppers! Tanahshi forearms but so does Sanada. Sanada runs into a scoop but slips out! Tanahashi escapes the sleeper to hit Twist ‘n’ Shout! But he holds on, drags Sanada up again, and hits a second! Tanahashi still holds on, but Sanada counters with a hanging Magic Killer! Just like Evil! Sanada grits his teeth as he stands back up. He drags Tanahashi up as fans rally. He fireman’s carries but Tanahashi resists.
Tanahashi fights back with clubbing forearms, but Sanada powers through! But Tanahashi still escapes, to take the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins through, only to get another Twist ‘n’ Shout! And SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahash hurries up top, High Fly FLOP! Sanada avoids the splash, to hop up and MOONSAULT FLOP! Tanahashi returns the favor to leave Sanada hitting the mat. Fans are thunderously dueling as both men stir. They each go to a corner, and it is Tanahashi that runs corner to corner, only to get an elbow. Sanada leaps but Tanahashi gets under the moonsault. Sanada tilt-o-whirls into the dragon sleeper! Tanahashi endures Skull End, so Sanada swings him around! But Tanahashi turns that into a cradle! TWO, and Sanada swings. Tanahashi ducks to roll him back, Japanese Clutch! TWO, into Skull End!!
Sanada has Tanahashi on the mat but can’t get the body scissors. But as Tanahashi bridges back, Sanada gets the legs wrapped! Tanahashi pushes through to roll and drag Sanada up in a dragon sleeper of his own! But Sanada flails and kicks, and Shiranuis up and over into Skull End! Tanahashi endures again, but now he Shiranuis for an inverted DDT! Both men are down but fans still rally! Sanada sits up first but Tanahashi follows. They stand, and Sanada throws a forearm. Tanahashi gives it back, and now we have a brawl! Sanada hits, Tanahashi hits, and repeat! Sanada gets the edge, but Tanahashi ducks the spin into a Dragon Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!?
Tanahashi doesn’t fret, he just goes up top again! Sanada stands, to get a High Fly Flow-Body! But Tanahashi won’t stop there! He hurries back up again, High Fly Flow!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall; earns 2 points
The Ace pulls off a huge win! Will he be able to contend for the top spot? Or will even this win not matter after tonight’s main event?
KENTA VS Kazuchika Okada!
Both men have gone 4-0 in A Block, but which is more impressive? The newcomer’s #Takeover? Or the IWGP Heavyweight Champion chasing history? Only one man will stand atop the block, who gives the other their first loss in the 29th G1 Climax?
The bell rings, and fans are immediately thunderous for this first-ever encounter!
Okada has the majority of fans on his side, but there are Kenta fans here. But Kenta doesn’t let it bother him as the two finally circle. They approach, but then Okada backs off. Kenta doesn’t blink as he and Okada approach again. They feel out the grapple, and Okada goes low. Kenta blocks and switches, but Okada pries free to a wristlock. Kenta reverses the wrench to a hammerlock, but Okada works on his escape. Okada drop toeholds free and waistlocks, but Kenta switches. They go to ropes and Red Shoes calls for the break. Okada slowly opens Kenta’s hold, and turns around, to fake the chop and give shoulder pats. Fans cheer for classic Okada, but Kenta just shrugs it off.
The two circle again, and they tie up again. Kenta waistlocks and drags Okada down to a facelock. He then shifts to go for a chinlock, then forces Okada for a cover. Okada kicks out fast, but Kenta is right back to the chinlock. Okada powers him back to ropes, but Kenta turns it around. Now Kenta copies Okada, only to SLAP Okada anyway! Okada just hits back with forearms. Kenta gives forearms, too, so now we have a brawl! Okada hits, Kenta hits, repeat. Okada EuroUppers then whips. Kenta denies the dropkick and dumps Okada out. Okada forearms back, but gets a kick as he comes in! And another! Kenta hops up, guillotine knee drop! Kenta has Okada down but he doesn’t let up as he stomps Okada out.
Okada is down on the ground, Kenta drops a knee from the apron! Kenta drags Okada up and throws him into a post! Kenta looms over Okada as he writhes, then sits him up to swiftly kick him in the back! Okada crawls but Kenta puts him in. Kenta covers, ONE! Fans cheer Okada’s grit but Kenta stomps him down. Kenta drags Okada up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kenta is on Okada with a chinlock, digging a knee into Okada’s back. Okada endures, but Kenta drives his knee in again. Kenta shifts to a neck wrench, getting those fingers into Okada’s eyes and nose. Kenta forces Okada down for headscissors, and grins as he squeezes the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. But Okada rolls and gets a ropebreak.
Kenta lets go at 4, and drags Okada up for a kick to the front this time. Kenta kicks harder, but Okada stays up. Okada even dares him to keep going. Kenta does, and then he kicks higher! Okada stands up and Kenta dares him to give something back. But that’s a trick to get the drop toehold into a mounted neck wrench! Okada endures but Kenta drops an elbow on the neck. Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he wraps the chinlock on again. Okada endures and turns to get to his feet. Okada fights with elbows but runs into Kenta’s kitchen sink knee! Kenta hurries to swiftly KICK Okada in the head. Then he jumps, to scuff Okada’s face. Kenta even mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Kenta stomps Okada more, but Okada just gets mad. Okada takes those kicks to give back forearms!
Kenta knees low, then whips Okada corner to corner, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but misses, Kenta kicks but Okada suplexes! Okada aims from a corner as Kenta slowly stands. He gives Kenta forearms, then whips, but Kenta reverses. Kenta misses his boot, but Okada hits his back elbow! Okada fires up with Nagoya! Okada whips Kenta corner to corner again, and hits his elbow this time. Then he kicks to DDT Kenta down! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his composure while checking his legs. Fans rally behind Okada as he watches Kenta stir. Kenta stands, Okada Alabama lifts, but Kenta slips out. Kenta’s kick is blocked, but Okada runs into a powerslam! Now Kenta drags Okada up, waistlock, but Okada elbows out hard. Okada runs in but gets a boot!
Kenta hops up, brings Okada in, tornado hotshot! Okada staggers away and Kenta leaps for the flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Okada up again, fires off strikes, but Okada blocks. Okada swings, but into a Triangle Hold! Only to roll through and flapjack Kenta down! Both men are down but fans rally again. Kenta sits up first but Okada follows. They head for each other, and the forearms fly again! Okada, then Kenta, and back again. Kenta doesn’t back down as he keeps throwing big hits. Okada fires some, but Kenta kicks and SLAPS Okada! Okada fires off many forearms, then SLAPS Kenta! The forearms keep coming, fast and furious! Kenta kicks low then runs corner to corner, but Okada puts him up top to dropkick him down!
Kenta hits the floor, but Okada goes out to follow. Okada drags Kenta up to whip him into railing! Then Okada boots Kenta over! Fans fire up as the action inches closer to the front row. Okada drags Kenta back up and has him on the railing, but Kenta slips off to turn things around! Okada is hung out on commentary and Kenta kicks away! Kenta gets to the apron, and LEAPS for a guillotine double stomp!! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them. They’re both okay to continue, so he has them head for the ring. Kenta is up first and is in before the ring count begins. Okada doesn’t stir until about 7. Fans rally up and Okada sits up, and forces himself into the ring at 18! Kenta is ready, and springboards to missile dropkick! Then a corner to corner BOOT! Basement dropkick! Kenta fires up as he goes to finish this!
Kenta climbs up top again, aims and leaps, but Okada avoids more stomps. Okada shotgun dropkicks Kenta hard into the other corner! Okada runs, and copies the basement dropkick! He drags Kenta up and scoops to slam him down. Okada says he’s headed up top, and he shakes out the cobwebs as he climbs. But Kenta is up to punch Okada down! Kenta climbs up to join Okada, but Okada resists the superplex. Okada clubs Kenta back then forearms him over and over. But Kenta SLAPS Okada, and then adjusts, but Okada fights the superplex off again. Okada forearms Kenta down off the top, and leaps for the Macho Elbow! But into the Triangle!!
Kenta brings Okada around, LeBelle into #GameOver! Okada endures Kenta’s take on the crossface, but fans rally and give him strength! Okada turns around as he crawls, and though he can’t see, he reaches out for ropes! He turns more and uses his long legs for the ropebreak! Kenta lets go and is frustrated, but he won’t let up. He runs at Okada, knee into the ropes! Then the PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Okada still lives and Kenta can’t believe it! Kenta goes to a corner and takes aim again. Okada sits up, to get another Psycho Knee! Cover, TWO!? Okada survives but Kenta heads up top. Kenta leaps, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO?!? Okada survives Kenta’s coup de grace, but that doesn’t bother Kenta. Kenta hears the fans rally for Okada as he slashes the throat!
Kenta drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights out. Okada clubs Kenta and scoops him, but Kenta flails. Kenta escapes the Tombstone to scoop Okada! But he repositions him into the fireman’s carry! GO TO- NO! Okada blocks the knee! And spins Kenta for a dropkick to the back! Then he whips Kenta for a dropkick to the front! Okada keeps going, bringing Kenta up for the scoop. TOMBSTONE! Rainmaker Pose! Okada brings Kenta up again, with the wristlock, but Kenta ducks to spin and LARIAT Okada! Both men are down and the fans reach another thunderous level! Kenta and Okada stir and head for each other. Okada forearms first but Kenta gives it back. They hit each other back and forth again, and we reach a 25 minute mark in the 30 minute limit! Time is of the essence now as the brawl continues!
Both men stand but neither man backs down from throwing forearms. Okada gets the edge, but Kenta comes outta nowhere with a HUGE counter! And another palm strike, and another palm strike, and another palm strike! Kenta then sits Okada up, only to miss! But he escapes the wristlock to get a sleeper! The moment Okada fades, Kenta sits him down to run! But Okada dropkicks Kenta down first! Okada staggers but he makes his way to Kenta. Kenta fireman’s carries! But Okada slips out, scoops, JUMPING TOMBSTONE! And then, wristlock to RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; earns 2 points
The IWGP Heavyweight Champion remains undefeated! He’s the first to 10 points! And we will hear from him when NJPW returns from break!
NJPW returns as Okada gets the mic.
“The fifth win!” Okada hasn’t done this in awhile, but he has three things to say. Fans love the return of the classic. First: nothing special. Second: Nothing particular, either. Third: “Thank you for rocking the house, despite the typhoon!” Okada continues to say that it might still be raining outside, but thanks for coming. Be careful on your way home, folks! Okada promises to return to Nagoya… Well, tomorrow night. But then he’ll be back again and we’ll see who wins the G1. To think Okada is gonna do it! What do they think? They agree! Then he’ll do his best for the Aichi prefix. He will win the G1, return to Aichi, and then Nagoya, too! He’ll always #MakeItRain!! Can Okada put his name in the history books as an IWGP Heavyweight Champion that wins it all?!
NJPW Media Backstage Interview
When it comes to Kenta, “he was pretty strong, as to be expected for a guy that won four in a row.” Kenta’s been wrestling a lot overseas, but Okada wants to make sure people see he’s on “that same level.” If Okada would have lost, he would’ve accepted it, though. “A guy that fights that fiercely, I have to square up and welcome him.” It is to show the generosity of the top wrestler in both NJPW, and the world. Will Okada maintain this undefeated streak? Or will he have to worry about Kenta keeping pace with him all the same?
My Thoughts:
Another great two hours from NJPW on AXS, but that was expected before this even aired. But just by how things work out, AXS is only able to give us the odd numbered nights, which is only the A Block. Luckily we have others at the Chairshot to keep us up to date on B Block. But either way, neither block is going to have disappointing match-ups. All five matches tonight were great, and with a variety of reasons why. Ibushi VS Archer was another great match to put over how menacing and strong Archer has become in his time off. But Ibushi wins for needing to stay strong, and because Archer isn’t at that top title level just yet. Maybe Archer goes for the NEVER Openweight after this.
Ospreay’s match with Fale took a great twist, where Red Shoes stuck it to Bullet Club and helped Ospreay in the process. This was like a flashback to last year’s G1 when the Firing Squad was just running a muck, and it was pretty well done. Evil VS ZSJ was another amazing match, and it’s great for Evil to get his second-ever win over ZSJ. ZSJ himself is in a similar spot to Archer, mostly here to give a boost to the wins his opponents get. Maybe Evil’s win here gives them a Rev-Pro British Heavyweight title match down the line, where ZSJ can make up for this loss. Tanahashi VS Sanada was great, but it seems the Ace Comeback trumps Cold Skull rising up in the ranks.
And Okada VS Kenta, a great match, if this is their first time around, their rematches are going to be incredible. I really wonder if Okada is going to make history, he really has been NJPW’s top guy even at his low points. He has to at least make it to the finals to face B Block’s best. At the same time, giving Okada the right to choose his own opponent, I’m not sure if NJPW would do that, unless he decides to give the B Block finalist a second chance for an even greater match. And I say “greater” because you know the finals will be spectacular by default.
My Score: 9.3/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
NJPW AXS TV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: Power Struggle 2019 Part 2!
Even more gold is on the line!
The struggle for power and glory continues!
As the Super Junior Tag League wraps up, Will Ospreay defends his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship! Will Black Mask Bushi strike gold?
Coverage of Power Struggle 2019 will be as broadcast by AXS TV
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI VS Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi; Ibushi & Tanahashi win.
- Super Junior Tag League Finals: Roppongi 3K VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado; Roppongi 3K wins the 2019 Super Jr. Tag League.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: KENTA VS Tomohiro Ishii; KENTA wins and retains the NEVER Openweight Championship.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS BUSHI; Ospreay wins and retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS TV set the scene for Power Struggle’s second act!
Titles and tournaments are all on the line! After ruining the run in the tournament for the Birds of Prey, the Jet Black Death Mask wants his shot at Will Ospreay’s title! The Aerial Assassin will let Bushi be his third defense, but hopes to fly high to close out 2019! At the same time, the Openweight Division brings the Stone Pitbull back within reach of the Fang Revived. Tomohiro Ishii wants to take a bite out of Kenta for both payback in that Bullet Club betrayal and in taking back the NEVER Openweight title for a sixth time! But first, the Super Jr. Tag League finals see an epic rematch of Suzuki-Gun’s Kanemaru and Desperado and Chaos’ Roppongi 3K! Who will prove themselves the best in their division as we continue on the homestretch to Wrestle Kingdom?
Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI VS Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Hold on! The Rainmaker and Golden Star aren’t going to just sit back and wait for Wrestle Kingdom 14’s epic IWGP Heavyweight Championship match! They each find a strong ally to join them in a tag team tune-up match! Will Okada and the Headhunter be trumped by Ibushi and The Ace?
NJPW on AXS jumps right in as Tanahashi has Hashi in the Cloverleaf! Tanahashi sits deep but Okada runs in to fight him off. Ibushi chases but runs into a gut wrench! Ibushi turns it around but Okada fights out. Tanahashi grabs Okada and helps Ibushi lift, but Okada slips out to double dropkick the down! Okada tells Yoshi-Hashi to finish this off! Hashi runs to AX BOMBER Tanahashi! Then he brings him up, fisherman scoop, KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, Okada anchors Ibushi, TWO!?! The Ace survives the Bear Cutter?! Hashi won’t stop now, he brings Tanahashi up, pump handle and half nelson, but gets TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The spinning neckbreaker takes Hashi down and Tana fires up, to run into a CHOP! Hashi SUPERKICKS, whips, but Tanahashi reverses to a SLINGBLADE!
Okada and Ibushi are still fighting outside as Tanahashi goes up top. Tanahashi aims, HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi and Ibushi win!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi, Tanahashi pinning
The champion and challenger were too busy with each other in the background, but the Once in a Century Talent gets it done! But with neither Ibushi or Okada in on the ending, who really has momentum going into their monumental main event?
But wait, the lights go down. And on the titantron, it’s someone beating up Tanahashi cosplayers. Who is this mysterious mugger? It’s CHRIS JERICHO!! The Painmaker gives Tanahashi a warning. “Wait and see what I do to you, January 5th in the Tokyo Dome!” Jericho VS Tanahashi, “It’s going to be a classic match.” And Tanahashi’s last! “Sayonara.” Y2J VS The Ace?! What an amazing match! Tanahashi grabs a mic to respond. “JERICHO! Good news! Next year, January 5th in the Tokyo Dome… I’m available.” And it’s official! Tanahashi is ready for that match, but will he be feeling the Judas Effect in the New Year?
Super Junior Tag League Finals: Roppongi 3K VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado!
Former Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions meet once again, and are once again ready to prove which duo is better. But even before getting in the ring, the Suzuki-Gun goons go right after Sho and Yoh from behind! Kanemaru and Desperado beat RPG3K down, and while Desperado beats Sho down, Kanemaru brings Yoh to ringside. Desperado gives Sho a back suplex on the ramp! Yoh is whipped into barriers, and both men writhe in pain. Kanemaru stomps Yoh down but the referee reprimands him and Desperado. Team Suzuki-Gun put Yoh in the ring while leaving Sho for dead. The bell rings and this match finally begins.
Kanemaru stomps Yoh then drags him into an open corner. He whips Yoh corner to corner but Yoh dodges! Yoh dropkicks Desperado but Kanemaru kicks low. Kanemaru whips but Yoh dodges and hits back with flying forearms! Fans fire up behind Yoh, and he blocks a kick from each man! Double dragon screws send Team Suzuki-Gun down! Desperado bails out so Yoh goes after Kanemaru. Sho is in view, crawling his way down the ramp, but Yoh throws hands on Kanemaru. Kanemaru boots back but Yoh dumps him out! Yoh PESCADO! Fans fire up with Yoh again as he stomps Kanemaru down more. Sho is getting closer as Yoh puts Kanemaru in the ring. Yoh drags Kanemaru up to throw forearms. Sho wills himself towards the ring as Yoh stomps away on Kanemaru. Yoh wrenches and whips corner to corner, then runs in, but Kanemaru puts Yoh on the apron.
Yoh forearms back but Desperado anchors a foot! Kanemaru boots Yoh down! Desperado brings Yoh up to whip into railing! Kanemaru keeps on Yoh while Desperado sees Sho. Kanemaru whips Yoh into railing, and with Yoh hanging over the edge, Kanemaru hops up to drop a guillotine leg drop! Yoh flops over and Desperado whips Sho hard into railing on the other end! Sho is writhing and screaming as the referee starts a ring count. Desperado mocks the RPG3K fans while hearing the ring count. Yoh hurries, he’s at ringside at 18, but in at 19.5! Kanemaru stomps and grinds Yoh down with his boot, but lets up at 3. He drags Yoh up to feed to Desperado’s boots. Desperado tags in now and “wonders” where Sho is right now. He drags Yoh up for a big scoop slam, but Sho finally makes it to the RPG3K corner. Desperado taunts Sho while grinding Yoh down.
Desperado sucker punches Sho! But Yoh fires back with haymakers! Desperado knees low and whips him into the Suzuki-Gun corner. Kanemaru tags in, scoop slams Yoh fast, then drags him up for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Yoh is barely hanging in as we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Desperado tags back in. He drags Yoh up, but Yoh suplexes Desperado! Both men are down and fans are rallying up. Kanemaru runs in to boot Sho down! And then whip him into railings again! Yoh can’t do anything to save his friend, and then Kanemaru drags him down. Desperado stands on Yoh as Kanemaru dropkicks him! Desperado covers, TWO!! Fans cheer as RPG3K lives. Desperado drags Yoh up and tags Kanemaru. Team Suzuki-Gun mug Yoh then double whip. Yoh ducks, sends Desperado at Kanemaru, catches Kanemaru and kicks Desperado, DDT Complete Shot combo! Fans fire up and Sho is back on the apron! Sho and fans rally, Yoh crawls over, hot tag to Sho!
Sho fires off forearms on Kanemaru then whips. Kanemaru reverses but Sho reverses back to kick, kick and SUPERKICK! Sho hits Desperado down for good measure before going back to Kanemaru. Sho dead lifts Kanemaru in a waistlock! But Kanemaru elbows free! Kanemaru kicks and runs, but Sho runs him over! Sho grits his teeth to get through the back pain. He brings Kanemaru up to throw big forearms then whips, but Kanemaru reverses. Kanemaru grabs the ref to distract as Desperado gets a CHAIR SHOT in! Sho goes down hard and Kanemaru laughs as he tags Desperado back in. SPEAR takes Sho down! Desperado drags Sho up, Kanemaru dropkick-starts the side slam! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives but Desperado is right on the leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Kanemaru whips Yoh into railing again as Sho suffers! Desperado keeps him from the ropes and just goes after that leg with ferocity!
But something is happening in the background! Someone goes crashing into more equipment, and as Sho goes for ropes, Kanemaru SPITS WHISKEY! The ref missed it! Yoh gets back in, but Kanemaru intercepts! Sho endures as Desperado also has an arm! Yoh powers up to barrel Kanemaru into them! Sho is freed but the damage is done. Desperado vows to end it as Yoh gets sent into more barriers. Desperado underhooks but Sho breaks out to use that super strength to back drop Desperado! Desperado comes back with stomps and a CHOP. He runs, but Yoh is back, RPG3K KNEES! Yoh drags Desperado up, suplex to Sho for the Canadian rack. Kanemaru trips Yoh and Desperado knocks Sho down! Desperado suplexes, Sho slips out and waistlocks! Desperado flails desperately, but Sho is just too strong!! German Suplex hits!!
Sho fires up and the fans do, too! Sho drags Desperado up again, powerbomb lift, pop-up BACKBREAKER! Sho crawls to the cover, but Kanemaru breaks it! Kanemaru stomps away on Sho then clubs him down. Kanemaru whips and corner clotheslines to then throw Sho down. Kanemaru hops up, Sho stands, but he gets clear! Yoh returns, Kanemaru turns around into 3K!! Fans are thunderous as Yoh fires back up. Desperado is alone as Yoh stomps it out. Fans rally and Desperado flounders over. But Desperado denies a 3K for him, kicking and throwing hands! He throws Sho into Yoh! But Sho blocks the clothesline, only for his clothesline to feed into an inverted half-nelson gutwrench! Spin-out Powerbomb!! Cover, TWO!?! Sho survives!? Desperado is furious! He drags Sho up again, underhooks, but Sho resists! Sho fights against Pinche Loco so Desperado knees low.
Sho fires back with forearm from all sides! But Desperado rakes eyes and ROCKS Sho with that right! Desperado runs, into Sho’s LARIAT! Sho powers up and Yoh returns. Sho drags Desperado up, tucks the arms under for double pump handles, but Desperado lands on his feet to headbutt back! But Yoh is back, 3K OUTTA NOWHERE! Cover, ROPPONGI 3K WINS!!
Winners: Roppongi 3K, Sho pinning; 2019 Super Jr Tag League Champions
That’s a THREE-PEAT! And they’re clearly emotional over this amazing and historic victory. They take the trophies, and with a win over the current Junior Heavyweight Tag Champions, they surely have a chance at the titles again! Will the New Year be golden for RPG3K? But speaking of the champions, El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori strike! Bullet Club won’t let Chaos celebrate! Fans boo as Bone Soldier drags Yoh up for ELP to SMASH with the belt! And then they do the same to Sho, with a punch to the balls! Ishimori Electric Chairs Sho and ELP says BANG, a FULL METAL DOOMSDAY! Wrestle Kingdom has their Junior Heavyweight Tag title match, but will Bullet Club put a stamp on their title reign?
NEVER Openweight Championship: KENTA VS Tomohiro Ishii!
This all started when it was revealed in treacherous fashion that Mr. Takeover was the newest part of Bullet Club’s arsenal. Bullet Club also helped Kenta take that title off the Stone Pitbull, which only soured the taste in the Pitbull’s mouth. Will Ishii bare his fangs against #FangRevived and get payback for it all?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and tensions already run high on this golden grudge match. Said match will begin after the break.
NJPW on AXS returns with the bell and fans are on Ishii’s side as he and Kenta tie up. They are in a deadlock but Ishii manages to get Kenta to ropes. Kenta turns it around, and SLAPS out of the break! But Ishii slaps back! And they start slapping back and forth! It’s a slap fight! Kenta steps it up to forearms but Ishii responds in kind. They talk trash and throw more forearms. Kenta turns, boots but Ishii rebounds to forearm. Kenta rebounds and boots, Ishii rebounds to forearm again. Ishii runs but Kenta follows to boot. Kenta runs but Ishii runs him over! Fans cheer as Kenta is sent rolling. Ishii toys with Kenta and drags him up to CHOP. And CHOP! Ishii whips but Kenta grabs ropes to bail out, but Ishii is right on him! Ishii puts Kenta in and rains down rights, which the fans like to see!
Kenta slips out to a corner and uses the ropes as a defense. Red Shoes tells Ishii to stay back, but Kenta pokes the eyes! Kenta kicks low and DDT’s Ishii down! Kenta rains down rights of his own then walks it off. Fans rally for Ishii but Kenta stomps him down. Kenta swiftly kicks Ishii in the chest and then the leg and back tot he chest. He boots Ishii to a corner and starts slapping. Ishii just eggs him on! Kenta slaps but Ishii wants more! So Kenta gives more. Ishii slaps back and the slap fight is on again. Kenta SLAPS Ishii down! And then more! Kenta goes corner to corner while Ishii flounders and falls. Kenta drags Ishii up and turns him for a neckbreaker, cover, TWO! Kenta drops knees over and over, then pulls down the knee pad, to hop over and scuff Ishii’s face. Fans boo the Low Sweet as Kenta stomps Ishii more.
Kenta toys with Ishii now, but Ishii just gets annoyed. Kenta kicks him around, but Ishii powers up to throw hands. Kenta knees low then runs, but Ishii stays up after the boot! Ishii dodges another boot and ducks the clothesline, but Kenta fights off the waistlock. Ishii forearms then ducks the clothesline to get Kenta into a suplex! Both men are down and Kenta goes to a corner. Ishii is up and after Kenta with CHOPS! He won’t let Kenta sit down, he stands him up for more CHOPS! And again he makes Kenta stand to take the CHOPS and forearms! Forearm, CHOPS, repeat! Then a whip corner to corner, and Kenta bounces off buckles into a spinning powerslam! Cover, TWO! Ishii keeps his cool as he keeps on Kenta. Ishii waistlocks but Kenta gets to ropes. Red Shoes calls for a ropebreak but Kenta has to elbow Ishii off.
Kenta gives Ishii forearms then eggs him on. Ishii forearms back and we have another back and forth. Ishii says he doesn’t feel Kenta’s shots! Ishii rocks Kenta then runs but into the kitchen sink knee! Kenta made him feel that one. Kenta kicks Ishii while he’s down then stomps him on the apron. Red Shoes reprimands Kenta so he lets up. Kenta brings Ishii up and through the ropes, for kicks to the chest. Then he has him draped, for the DDT! Ishii writhes but Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta is ice cold as he brings Ishii up. Ishii fires forearms again, but Kenta kicks away on the legs! Kenta back kicks then runs corner to corner, a soaring boot! And then corner to corner again, flying basement dropkick! Classic Kenta as he continues up top, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives the coup de grace and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns and Kenta gives Ishii more swift kicks to the chest. But Ishii powers up again! Ishii just takes the kicks to feed off them! Kenta keeps trying but Ishii bluntly CHOPS Kenta down! Red Shoes reprimands, Ishii needs to watch how high he aims. Ishii goes after Kenta with CHOPS again but those are still up high! Ishii wants these to hurt! Red Shoes has to back Ishii off, but Ishii doesn’t care. Ishii drags Kenta up to hoist him to the top rope. Ishii climbs to join Kenta, and lifts him way up! He even holds him there before the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives but he’s spitting up a little bit of blood. Ishii keeps going, powerbomb lift but Kenta slips out. Ishii ducks Kenta’s back hand and gets a German Suplex! Kenta is up but gets another German! Ishii runs, Sliding D into an armbar! Kenta turns it over for Game Over!
Ishii endures the modified LeBelle Lock as Kenta cranks back! Fans rally but Kenta loses grip. Kenta goes after him again but Ishii refuses to quit. Ishii wriggles around, rolls Kenta over but now he’s in a triangle hold. Kenta then cranks back to get the Game Over again! Ishii endures, unable to see with Kenta’s hands over his eyes. But Ishii feels around with his legs and gets the ropebreak! Kenta lets go in frustration. Kenta backs off as Ishii crawls his way up the ropes. Kenta comes back to knee him into ropes! Then runs again, building up speed, but he sees Ishii’s counter attack coming and boots it away. Kenta also ducks the southpaw lariat to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kenta runs to Penalty Kick, but Ishii catches it! Only for Kenta to BOOT him with the free leg!
Both men are down again and fans build to a rally. Kenta aims from a corner, runs at Ishii, PSYCHO KNEE! But Ishii rises!? Kenta ROUNDHOUSES him down! But Ishii sits up again! Fans are firing up as Kenta runs and builds speed, another Psycho Knee! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii still lives and Kenta can’t believe it! Kenta drags Ishii up into the fireman’s carry, but Ishii pops out to a dragon sleeper! Kenta slips around and suplexes but Ishii fights that off. Kenta dodges the clothesline and fires forearms but Ishii spins to LARIAT! The southpaw hits but Ishii rests in the red corner. Kenta gets up to kick and forearm Ishii, then slap away on his head! Ishii stands right up to stare him down. Kenta forearms but Ishii just steps into them! Ishii backs Kenta down with every strike to then DECK Kenta!! That was as loud as it was hard!
Ishii wants Kenta to stand and Kenta slowly rises. Ishii runs in, corner clothesline to a whip to another clothesline. Kenta manages to reverse the whip but still gets a clothesline! Ishii drags Kenta up, lift and powerbomb! High stack, TWO! Ishii sits Kenta up, SLIDING D! Cover, TWO!! Kenta still lives but Ishii is firing up! Ishii drags Kenta back up, suplexes, but Kenta slips out to a sleeper! Ishii powers out, Kenta clotheslines back but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii clotheslines back but Kenta stays up. Both men run, Ishii’s clothesline takes out Kenta! Then the suplex, but it’s Kenta’s Falcon Arrow! Kenta is down and too tired to make a cover, but fans are rallying up again. Kenta rises first but Ishii follows. Ishii fires off elbows from all sides, but Kenta LARIATS back! Kenta drags Ishii up, Penalty Kick!
Kenta slashes the throat and fireman’s carries Ishii, for GO- NO! Ishii lands on his feet, suplexes, but Kenta slips out. Both men fight for suplex control, Kenta cradle counters, TWO! They both stand fast and Kenta back hands, but Ishii PELES! Kenta rebounds, Psycho Knee! Both men are down again but fans are still rallying. Both men stand and Kenta boots but Ishii blocks. Kenta gives the right hook then palm strike after palm strike. Ishii gives one back! Ishii runs into the fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!! But Kenta doesn’t want to end it here?! He pulls the knee pads off and drags Ishii back up. Another fireman’s carry, GO TO SLEEP AGAIN!! Cover, Kenta wins!!
Winner: KENTA, by pinfall; still NEVER Openweight Champion
It wasn’t even about needing another, it was about wanting to do damage. The Bullet Club kept their hands clean of this match, and Kenta sends the Stone Pitbull to the back of the line by himself. Will #FangRevived continue to sink his fangs into NJPW?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS BUSHI!
The Aerial Assassin and fellow Bird of Prey, Robbie Eagles, were on a great run in the Super Jr Tag League, but the masked wrestler of Los Ingobernables de Japon didn’t care about any of that. He spat the green mist that screwed Ospreay over and then staked his claim to this match. Will Bushi pay for the mist spray? Or will Ospreay define his reign with another win over another rival?
The introductions are made, but the belt isn’t raised before Ospreay shotgun dropkick blasts Bushi down! Red Shoes hurries to ring the bell as Bushi bails out, and the match officially begins with Ospreay’s PESCADO! Down goes Bushi and Ospreay fires up! Ospreay drags Bushi up, whips him into railing, and Bushi hits hard. Ospreay gets the fans fired up as he drags Bushi up again for big haymakers. Ospreay puts Bushi back in the ring and he drags Bushi up for forearms and CHOPS! Ospreay whips, Bushi holds ropes and boots back, then huricanranas Ospreay out. Bushi slingshots to huricanrana again! Bushi evens things up and catches his breath as we go to break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Ospreay has made his way to the gap. Red Shoes checks on him but he’s okay to continue. Bushi goes and fetches Ospreay to then whip into railing hard! Ospreay writhes but Bushi is ice cold as he stomps Ospreay down. Bushi puts Ospreay in the ring and finally takes off his shirt, to use it to choke Ospreay! Red Shoes reprimands but Bushi lets up with just one hand at 3. Ospreay gets to ropes so now Red Shoes counts the ropebreak, Bushi lets go at 3. Bushi drags Ospreay up to knock him down! Bushi hooks a leg for the STF! Ospreay endures as Bushi cranks back on the crossface portion of the match. Ospreay powers up but Bushi hooks his face! Ospreay still gets the ropebreak and Bushi lets go reluctantly.
Bushi stomps Ospreay then drags him up, but Ospreay fires forearms back. They brawl with forearms now, and Bushi clubs Ospreay down. Bushi runs into a BIG Pop-Up Flapjack! Ospreay can breathe and recover as Bushi crashes down. Fans rally and duel as Ospreay drags himself up by ropes. Ospreay drags Bushi up for forearms then whips but Bushi reverses. Ospreay dodges, handspring, flying enziguri! Cover, TWO! Ospreay doesn’t stop, he wants the fans to get loud. The fans respond and Ospreay heads to a corner. Ospreay springboards, Pip Pip Cheerio flying forearm! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his cool as he drags Bushi up again. Ospreay reels Bushi in, underhooks and lifts but Bushi resists. So Ospreay kicks away, only for Bushi to catch a leg. Bushi rakes eyes, runs, but into the dropkick-flip and enziguri!
Bushi bails out and fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed! But Bushi gets in to block the Sasuke Special. Bushi drags Ospreay out through the ropes and jumps, BOOSTED draping DDT to the apron! Ospreay hits so hard but both men are down on the outside. Bushi gets up and leaves Ospreay behind in the 20 count. The count passes 10 as Bushi stomps Ospreay, but Bushi does put Ospreay back in at 13. Fans applaud Bushi doing this the right way, and Bushi stomps Ospreay before putting him in a corner. Bushi whips corner to corner then runs in for double knees! He pushes Ospreay down and hops up, missile dropkick sends Ospready down! Bushirooni! Bushi keeps going, fisherman swinging neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay lives and this match continues after the break.
NJPW on AXS returns and Bushi heads up top. Ospreay rises and Bushi leaps, but Ospreay gets under. Ospreay dodges Bushi in the corner but is hung up on the ropes! Bushi CHOPS then hops up again, to SUPER STEINER! But Ospreay lands on his feet?! Bushi swings into the Half ‘n’ Half! Ospreay fires himself up and the fans follow. Bushi is outside, Ospreay SASUKE SPECIALS! He just manages to hit his target! Ospreay grits his teeth to ignore the pain in his neck as he goes back to Bushi. He puts Bushi in and takes aim from the red corner. Bushi sits up, ROBINSON SPECIAL! The spin kick hits but Ospreay moves through his formula. Ospreay springboards, but Bushi blocks the cutter to shove Ospreay into Red Shoes! Ospreay checks on the ref but he has to continue the match.
Ospreay drags Bushi up, but Bushi wants to spit! Ospreay covers Bushi’s mouth! Then he kisses Bushi!? Because he steals the mist to spray at Bushi!! Bushi flails and Ospreay grins and winks. ROUNDHOUSE rocks Bushi! Red Shoes is reviving and Ospreay shouts for him to hurry. Ospreay springboards, but Bushi uses Red Shoes as a shield to take the OSCUTTER! Ospreay just assassinated the referee! And no one knows what to say! Ospreay looks around but where did Bushi go? He finds him by commentary, and drags him up. Bushi goes to low blow but Ospreay blocks and whips. Bushi reverses it but Ospreay stops himself. Ospreay and Bushi go to the ring, Ospreay gets Bushi with a springboard dropkick! Ospreay heads up top, aims at Bushi, SHOOTING STAR onto knees! And the BLACK MIST RETURNS! Bushi still had some left to use on Ospreay!
Fans rally as Red Shoes is still down. Another ref hurries in to take Red Shoes’ place, just as Bushi hits a DESTROYER! Cover, TWO!?! Ospreay lives and Bushi can’t believe it! But Bushi just heads up top again. He waits for Ospreay to stand, and leaps into a roundhouse! Both men are down again but a Young Lion gets Ospreay water. Ospreay splashes his eyes clean and then aims from a corner. HOOK KICK! Then the armband comes off, HIDDEN- NO! Bushi ducks the back hand, runs at Ospreay but his monkey flip is blocked! So Bushi springs up to SPIKE-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay escapes and blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri but not the rewind mule kick! Bushi runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Now Bushi survives but Ospreay is not done yet! Ospreay slashes the throat, drags Bushi up and underhooks, but Bushi slips out to backslide! And bridge! TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay pops Bushi up, but gets a CODE BREAKER! Bushi vows to end it and he goes up top again. Ospreay rises, Bushi leaps, MX!! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives Bushi’s modified Code Breaker!? We pass 15 minutes as Bushi heads back to the corner. He’s up again, but leaps into a CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives but Ospreay takes aim from the corner. HIDDEN BLADE! Ospreay isn’t done with Bushi yet, he hops up the buckles, SUPER OSCUTTER! But he holds on?! And rolls Bushi around, underhooks, STORM BREAKER! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall; still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
A third defense on this run but Ospreay has run the table in 2019! Best of the Super Juniors, Super J Cup, Super Jr Tag League, what more is there for Ospreay to do? Perhaps we’ll hear from Ospreay after the break.
NJPW on AXS returns as Ospreay has the mic.
He wants to know, “Are you having fun?” Ospreay wonders if there’s anyone else who wants a shot at Ospreay. He beat Shingo Takagi, El Phantasmo, Ryusuke Taguchi, Rocky Romero, Sho and Yoh, Amazing Red, Bushi, and even his pal, Robbie Eagles. “God damn, I’ve beaten everyone.” Who is left in NJPW to challenge him!? Anyone from anywhere! This is your chance!! Ospreay hears fans wanting Hiromu but “he ain’t here.” So then, until someone steps up, “get a look, Osaka. Forever, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Thank you very much.” The Aerial Assassin heads out but the lights go down! “TIME BOMB will blow up soon.” The Time Bomb is coming back?! The countdown says 62 days, but then the screen changes. That’s not Daryl but a very similar cat on screen. And he lights the fuse. A new countdown begins!
3, 2, 1! BOOM! Hiromu Takahashi IS BACK!! He and his cats head to the ring! But before he gets in, he makes sure the cats are under careful watch at commentary. Hiromu then has a ball running himself into the railing! And then up the ramp to take a tumble! “This is it!” This is what Hiromu has been missing. This is what Hiromu has been wanting! Ospreay puts the belt on the mat to welcome Hiromu back! Fans cannot believe what they’re seeing as Ospreay dares Hiromu to get in the ring. Hiromu hops up onto the apron, and walks into the ring, to get up on the ropes and soak up the adulation! But then he does turn his attention to Ospreay as he gets himself the mic. “I am Hiromu Takahashi!” And he thanks them all so much for waiting. “Now that I’m back, we’re gonna have even more, more, MORE fun in NJPW! You can rest assured of that.”
But surely they’re a bit worried, right? “Can he really do it?” “He just came back, isn’t he being a little cocky?” “He’s just gonna change his style anyway.” Heh. Hiromu grins as he says “Who besides me would challenge a beast like him!?” Fans agree, “Nobody, that’s who!” So just watch and see. Hiromu jumps and hits the mat with his back! Then runs into buckles and throws himself around, showing that he can still be as reckless as ever! He may be physically alright, but he still might not be mentally all there… But fans still support him as he bridges up. “Mic please.” Ospreay gets Hiromu the mic. “Congratulations, Will Ospreay. Now, you are the most strongest Junior Heavyweight wrestler.”
But then Hiromu sits up to say, “But Hiromu is back!” And he challenges Ospreay, for Wrestle Kingdom! If you didn’t do the math on that countdown, that’s where it was all headed. And then he licks the title…? Ospreay grins, one of his favorite rivals has returned. And even gives him a hug. And as Hiromu makes his way out, he has one more thing to say to Ospreay: “Thank you meow.” Will Ospreay remain the most dominant Junior Heavyweight when he finally gets a rematch against the most chaotic?
My Thoughts:
I did not realize this was going to be TWO HOURS when I started putting this together. But what a great two hours it was! We got the bonus tag match of Okada & Yoshi-Hashi VS Ibushi & Tanahashi. Looking at that match, it was obvious Hashi was taking the pin. And it was very smart to give the pinfall to Tanahashi. This way, Okada and Ibushi stay even because neither is gaining momentum off a finish. Then Jericho calling Tanahashi out, that is an instant classic right there. With two months to go, I really wonder if Jericho is still AEW World Champion by then. Much like how ROH didn’t let Jeff Cobb be world champion during the G1 to lose and make them look bad, I’m not sure AEW wants their top champion to look bad losing a non-title match. Even with Tanahashi being a great staple of NJWP, pretty sure Y2J won’t be Le Champeon by then.
The Super Jr Tag League finals were great! RPG3K and the Kanemaru-Desperado combo make for great rivals, and what a great achievement for RPG3K to be triple tag league winners. That is an amazing thing for those two. I still remember their excursion to ROH as the Tempura Boys, and those boys have grown so much since then. I would be really surprised and perhaps disappointed if they didn’t beat Bullet Club for those tag titles at Wrestle Kingdom. That would be big, and I think the Junior Tag Division could use something like that. The NEVER Openweight Championship was another great and stiff match for Ishii and Kenta, and that’s great. It was also telling that Kenta didn’t need to cheat. He is being allowed to be as strong as he deserves to be, so that’s a plus.
And then we get a double dose of greatness out of the main event. The match itself was incredible, so much story went into Ospreay VS Bushi. I love that black mist spot, I have never seen someone steal the mist like that! Ospreay winning makes a lot of sense, he has just been on a tear. Plus, it was the perfect set up for him to count his wins in 2019 and that cues the shocking and totally amazing return of Hiromu Freakin’ Takahashi! It is so great to see him again, to know he’s back in wrestling shape, and to get one more Ospreay VS Hiromu match at Wrestle Kingdom. As it stands, there is no predicting who wins. Ospreay has amazing momentum, but Hiromu never truly lost the title since he went out with injury. Either way, their match will be “even more, more, MORE fun,” as Hiromu put it, than everything up to this point.
My Score: 9.1/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
NJPW AXS TV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: Power Struggle 2019 Part 1!
Does Hirooki Goto Breath with The Switchblade?
Is the Cutthroat Era rising again?
With everyone chasing the same goal of becoming a dual champion, Jay White has a head start as THE IWGP Intercontinental Champion! But does Hirooki Goto end that tonight?
Coverage of Power Struggle 2019 will be as broadcast on AXS TV.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Jay White VS Hirooki Goto; White wins and retains the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS TV set the scene for Power Struggle’s beginning!
The freshly minted IWGP Intercontinental Champion looks to hijack Tetsuya Naito’s destiny by becoming the first dual champion in NJPW first. However, for The Switchblade to usher in the new era, he must get through the Fierce Warrior of Chaos! The 2019 record between them is tied, so this tiebreaker is golden! Who leaves Osaka leading the race towards history?
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Jay White VS Hirooki Goto!
There’s no point in delaying the inevitable! Does White’s journey to history begin now? Or does Goto deny it outright?
Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this tiebreaker on the road to destiny begins after the break.
NJPW on AXS returns and fans rally up for Goto already. White and Goto circle, but then White slips out of the ring. The classic strategy is in effect already, and Goto demands White gets in. White takes his time returning, and circles with Goto to actually tie up. Goto puts White on the ropes but lets up, only for White to pie face and slip away again. White wants Goto to stay back and the ref keeps Goto in the ring. White gets up and in again, dodges a clothesline and headlocks. Goto powers out, but White grabs ropes and slips out a third time. White laughs until Goto gives chase. They go into the ring, White runs but Goto is ready and they bump shoulders. Neither budges so White tries again. Still nothing, so he tries a third time. White bumps Goto, Goto staggers back, but White gets out of the ring before Goto can return.
Goto gives chase again but White slips back in the ring. White stomps Goto as he slides back in then fires off clubbing forearms. White runs but Goto runs him over! Fans cheer this bit of karma on White. But White puts Goto in a corner to CHOP! Goto turns it around to fire off furious forearms! The ref backs Goto off but Goto throws White into buckles! Goto drags White up and snapmares him to a swift kick to the back! White scrambles but Goto drags him back for another kick! White writhes and Goto brings him up for ropes. Goto whips, White holds ropes again but he boots this time. Goto clotheslines White out anyway! Goto goes out but Gedo gets a cheap shot in! The ref reprimands Gedo but Goto glares at the traitor. White attacks from behind but the forearms barely do a thing. Goto DECKS White with a right!
Goto tells the ref to keep Gedo back, which he does. But this all distracts Goto from seeing White pick up a chair! White JAMS the chair into Goto’s back! White tucks the chair back under the ring and then plays innocent. The ref wants them to get this back in the ring, but White brings Goto up to RAM into railing! And again! The ref reprimands White but he just takes Goto around the way. White says hi to Katsuyori Shibata on Japanese commentary, before snap suplexing Goto into the railing! Shibata stands and the ref has to keep him at bay now. White hurries off into the ring to rest, and the ring count begins. The count climbs to 5, then 10 of 20. Goto stirs at 11 and crawls at 14. Goto rises at 17 and hops in at 18! But White is on that battered back with knee drop after knee drop!
White grabs a leg and turns Goto over for a Half Crab! Goto endures as White sits down deep. Fans rally up while Gedo taunts Goto. Goto powers up and crawls, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! But White holds on until the count of 4! Goto winces but White keeps the ref’s attention. Gedo yanks the blue corner’s buckle pad in the distraction! White whips Goto that way, and Goto hits bare buckles hard! Goto goes down, White covers, TWO! The Fierce Warrior won’t fall so easily, and we go to break.
NJPW on AXS is back and White is back on Goto with a chinlock. White digs his knee into Goto’s back, but Goto endures. Goto works his way up to his feet and fights back with body shots. White clubs Goto’s back to then throw him down by his hair! White drags Goto up but Goto blocks the suplex. Goto hits back with body shots again, but now White blocks the suplex. White clubs Goto’s back over and over, and over and over! But Goto fires up! Only for White to rake his eyes, and throw him down by his hair again! White soaks up the heat but Osaka rallies for Goto. White drags Goto up, dodges Goto’s retaliation and rocks him with a right. Goto stays on his feet, and dares White to hit him harder! White throws a BIG right forearm, but Goto still wants more! White throws another, and starts growing annoyed with Goto’s fighting spirit.
White throws forearm after forearm after forearm after forearm after forearm, but none of them slow Goto down! So White just keeps throwing more, and then adds European Uppercuts! Goto comes back with ONE BIG forearm and floors White! Goto whips White but White reverses, but Goto blocks the hip toss to give a hip toss! Osaka comes alive for Goto ash e runs at White. But White catches and EXPLODER SUPLEXES Goto out of the ring! The ref checks on Goto after he crashes and burns, but White adds on by whipping Goto. Goto reverses to send White into railing! Goto clotheslines White over! White is down in the gap but Goto goes after him. Goto drags White back to ringside, to whip into railing on the far side! White writhes but Goto won’t stop, he whips White back the other way! White falls to his knees but Goto drags him up to put into the ring.
Fans rally up as Goto catches his breath. Goto runs in, windmill kick in the corner! SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! White survives but Goto is not deterred. Goto drags White up again but White clamps onto a leg. Goto clubs White then drags him up into a fireman’s carry. But White rakes eyes! White gets to the apron and holds onto the ref as he “apologizes.” Goto staggers over, White shoves the ref at Goto! Goto pushes the ref out of the way but White hotshots Goto! White slides in, DDT drops Goto! White watches Goto crawl while also getting himself to a corner. White runs corner to corner, BIG EuroUpper! Fireman’s carry, Death Valley DDT! Cover, TWO! White is frustrated but Osaka rallies up again.
White gives toying kicks and slaps to Goto, and then brings Goto up. Goto blocks the suplex and suplexes back, but his back holds him back. Goto still resists White’s suplex, spins out, but White forearms away! White whips but Goto reverses to reel White in, but White dodges to CHOP! White runs but Goto follows, White dodges to run again but Goto still follows. White dodges again, but Goto keeps going, only for White to follow now. Goto dodges now, only to run into a Complete Shot! DEAD LIFT GERMAN! White grits his teeth, but Goto is up to German Suplex him back! Goto keeps moving, LARIAT! Both men are down as we go to break!
NJPW on AXS returns as White drags Goto up. Goto elbows out of the sleeper, but White forearms him in the lower back. White grabs Goto again but Goto standing switches to throw White down by his hair, across Goto’s knee! Turnabout’s fair play! White and Goto crawl to opposite ends. Gedo is on White’s side but Osaka is on Goto’s. Goto runs in but misses in the corner, snap saido from White! White staggers and drags Goto over at the 20 minute mark. White hoists Goto up top and throws a forearm. White climbs to join Goto, but Goto resists the superplex with body shots. Goto headbutts White a few times, then drags White in. Goto stands up but White claws at his face! White clubs away on Goto, positions himself on the very top, SUPERPLEX! White rises fast and drags Goto up, but Goto gets him into the fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI!
Both men are down, but Osaka is rallying up again. Goto drags White up and into the dragon sleeper, but White drops to snapmare free. White clubs away on Goto, Goto fireman’s carries to the dragon sleeper! But White fights out with wild hands, only for Goto to suplex him up! White fights free, but swings into the dragon sleeper! White slips out, but Goto denies Blade Runner by pulling hair! Goto powers White down into position, headbutts away, but Gedo distracts the ref! LOW BLOW UPPERCUT! White sneaks it in and Osaka boos! Gedo backs off and White drags Goto up into the sleeper hold, SLEEPER SUPLEX! But White isn’t done there, he drags Goto up, only for Goto to HEADBUTT! And now, Goto drags White up, reels him in, fireman’s carry, but White elbows free. So Goto headbutts again! Goto has White up, for Reverse GTR!
But Goto is not done! He drags White up, suplexes, SHOTENKAI! Cover, TWO!? White survives and shocks Goto, but does not discourage him. Goto drags himself up as Osaka rallies again. Gedo distracts but gets DECKED! Goto has to catch his breath, but he fires up as he focuses his power. White ducks the kick, but walks into a fireman’s carry. White slips out again, has Goto in a dragon sleeper but flips him around, in position, but still no Blade Runner as Goto slips out! Goto has dragon sleeper, but White slips out, spins Goto around, SLEEPER SUPLEX! But Goto is up!? BUZZSAW! Fireman’s carry, G T W!! The fusion of Ushigoroshi and GTR! Cover, TWO!?! White survives?! But that only fires Goto up more! Dragon sleeper, TRUE GTR!! Cover, but Gedo YANKS the referee out!! Goto had this won and Gedo knew it!
Gedo laughs as he gets in the ring. He stalks Goto, but here comes SHIBATA! Shibata may not be an active competitor, but he can be an enforcer! Shibata gets rid of Gedo and tells Goto to finish this! Then he puts Gedo in a sleeper! Goto drags White up, but KENTA attacks!! The Bullet Club’s Fang Revived strikes while there’s no authority! He drags Goto up, fireman’s carry, GO TO SLEEP! Then he BOOTS Shibata on the way out! Fans boo but Bullet Club gets away with more shenanigans! The referee returns, and Kenta whips Shibata into railing! And then fires off vicious kicks! White drags Goto up despite being dead weight, for BLADE RUNNER! Cover, White wins!!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall; still IWGP Intercontinental Champion
Or rather, Bullet Club won this match. Shibata risked a lot getting involved and paid for it at the hands of Kenta. White benefits the most by keeping his half of history going. Will White fight his way from here to another chance at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship? We will hear from The Switchblade after the break.
NJPW returns as Jay White speaks.
“Osaka~…!” The fans boo as White says he’ll keep this short. “I did what I said I was going to do, and Goto is done. Finished! Career over!” White promised this would happen. Goto lived up to be the embarrassment he always was. But White is the one who “single-handedly” sold out Madison Square Garden! White is the Last Rock ‘n’ Rolla, “and that’s rrrreeal!” White is still your IWGP Intercontinental Champion! “But wait, there’s more!” White again vows to be the first-ever dual Intercontinental AND Heavyweight Champion! And not the first night of Wrestle Kingdom, no, no. He vows to be on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 14 to go right up against the winner of Kota Ibushi VS Kazuchika Okada! Which means Ibushi and Okada should “come on down!”
White waits, and wonders where the top two guys have gone. But wait, it isn’t Ibushi or Okada that comes out, it’s NAITO! Fans cheer as Tetsuya Naito walks to the ring. White thinks Naito is here to congratulate White on winning tonight and soon becoming the first-ever- Naito stops White right there by snatching the mic. Naito says, “Holding the IWGP Intercontinental and Heavyweight titles at the same time. The first man to accomplish this tremendous feat… Will be me.” So sorry about this, but Naito will need the Intercontinental Championship back. White understands what Naito’s up to and wants the mic back. But Naito isn’t giving it over. And now Ibushi heads out! The G1 Climax 29 winner, the Right to Challenge holder, and yet another man who declared himself the future historic dual champion, enters the ring!
Ibushi takes the mic to tell Naito and Jay that it’s been a while since he’s been in the ring with them. And Ibushi agrees about the double champion. Last January, Ibushi choose NJPW, “looking to change my life.” But there is someone out there who doesn’t agree with them. That is OKADA! Ibushi and Naito wait, but White “begs” Okada as an “old friend from Chaos” to appear. Well maybe Gedo should ask, he’s an older friend than White. Gedo doesn’t want to. But even so, Okada does appear! The Rainmaker makes his way to the ring, joining the three men who want his title as part of their mission. Okada gets on the mic to ask, “What did you say?” Ibushi wants to be a double champion, Naito wants to be a double champion and White wants to be a double champion. “What the hell are you thinking!?”
Okada holds up his belt, because he is proud to fight for THE IWGP title! THE title in NJPW! An IWGP Heavyweight Championship match, or a double title match? Okada repeats this question. Fans like the former, and aren’t so sure about the latter. So Okada asks again! IWGP Heayvweight Championship match? YAY~! Double Title Match? Boo~! Well, that’s still more than Okada expected. “So, on the subject of the Tokyo Dome… Naito, there was an election recently, wasn’t there?” Should they let the people vote for what they want to see? Naito considers it, and there’s a bit of a stand off. White takes up the mic and says, “That’s enough. All of you **** off, I want my confetti, this is my night!” Okada takes his leave, as does Ibushi. White refuses to accept Naito’s challenge. Naito reluctantly leaves and White says he wants to be announced as both the Intercontinental and soon to be FIRST-EVER DOUBLE CHAMPION! And then get the confetti!
But Naito stops on stage as Gedo explains to the ring announcer. The announcer does as White says, and White gets his confetti. Naito watches on, still aiming for his part of history. However, will that poll Okada mentioned go a way White doesn’t want? Is there going to be an even more historic match on the horizon?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good episode to start NJPW Power Struggle on AXS, though perhaps not the most exciting. Osaka wasn’t as loud as I would’ve expected, but as the usual order of AXS encores, the last part is usually first just to get the vies and ratings. Osaka might’ve been tired from action earlier in the night, but at the same time, the usual pace of a Goto and/or White match isn’t usually what excites. The story was all there, though. White is good at trolling and playing the long game, but things did liven up for the fans as the match reached the end. However, White beating Goto because of Bullet Club should’ve been obvious. It’s good ol’ fashioned Heel tactics, but perhaps too typical. Shibata getting involved was surprising, too. Is this them testing the waters to see if he’s getting better? It would be quite the amazing moment in wrestling if he came back from the head injury that took him out.
What was really intriguing was White being confronted by Naito but also getting the two men he wanted in Ibushi and Okada. Wrestle Kingdom 14 being two nights this year, there’s a chance we get both Naito VS White for the Intercontinental and Ibushi VS Okada for the Heavyweight title, and then each winner moves on to night two for THE historic match. Okada trying to get Osaka to respond to his question clearly took a couple times to get fans to respond, but I was really surprised NJPW fans weren’t as enthusiastic about a double championship match. I almost thought there’d be a Fatal 4 Way Winner Takes All, but NJPW doesn’t like matches that are more than 1v1 like that. The two separate title matches leading to the dual champion match is more likely, and would make for a good reason as to why WK14 is a two day event.
My Score: 8.3/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Did The Red Sox Panic?
Dave & Patrick discuss a seismic shift in Boston as the Red Sox clean house. Plus, NFL Draft thoughts and...
4 Corners Podcast: NHL & NBA Playoff Preview
Dave & PC Tunney preview the NHL & NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: The Masters, NBA & MLB
Join Patrick and Dave weekly as they explore the 4 Corners of the American sports scene.
4 Corners Podcast: College Madness
The guys recap the Final Four, discuss March Madness expanding, and discuss an Executive Order that the guys actually agree...
4 Corners Podcast: Return to the Dance
Illinois & Arizona return to the Big Dance. Plus, lots of other March Madness talk, the latest Tiger Woods debacle,...
Bandwagon Nerds #339: Everybody Dies
Your favorite Nerds review Daredevil: Born Again and The Boys. Paramount, Disney and Oscars news. All that plus we take...
Bandwagon Nerds #338: Impossible Choices
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Invincible, as well as continuing their review of Daredevil: Born Again and...
Bandwagon Nerds #337: Parallels & Purpose
The NERDS continue to review Invincible, Daredevil, and The Boys. Plus, we take a look at the new trailer for...
Bandwagon Nerds #336: Invincible, Daredevil, The Boys… Oh My!
Don't miss the Bandwagon, NERDS!
Bandwagon Nerds #335: Glenn Gets His Revenge!
The Nerds check out trailers for Master of the Universe and Supergirl, and break down tremendous episodes of Invincible and...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/4/26)
Just sign on the dotted line!
WWE stars praise Natalya and TJ Wilson’s The Dungeon 2.0 for sharpening in-ring skills
Natalya shared a new video on X showcasing training sessions at The Dungeon 2.0, the renovated school she runs with...
WWE Names Hunter Selby Director of Show Production and Design
WWE has appointed Hunter Selby as its new Director of Show Production and Design, a role Selby confirmed on LinkedIn,...
Reports: WWE/TKO Seeking Significant Talent Pay Cuts
Two separate reports indicate WWE and its parent company TKO have reportedly asked talent to accept pay reductions, with one...
Report: New Day Exit Was Planned a Week in Advance; More WWE Releases Possible
A backstage report indicates the New Day’s surprising WWE departure—including members Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods—was premeditated roughly a week...
Newman puts IWGP title opportunity on the line in tag match at Ignition to Dominion
IWGP Heavyweight Champion Callum Newman has challenged Yota Tsuji and Shingo Takagi to a high-stakes tag match at Ignition to...
Kairi Sane Could Return at WWE Backlash to Finish Asuka vs. IYO SKY Storyline
WWE insiders tell Bryan Alvarez there’s a better-than-even chance Kairi Sane will appear at Backlash this Saturday in Tampa to...
Jade Cargill Frustrated Over Limited In-Ring Time as WWE Women’s Champion
Jade Cargill has spoken out about her dissatisfaction with the limited in-ring opportunities she received during her reign as WWE...
Booker T Tells WWE LFG Trainees They Will “Sink or Swim” in Season 3
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has issued a blunt warning to contestants on season 3 of WWE LFG,...
Big E Reacts as Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Depart WWE
New Day members Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods officially departed WWE on Saturday after what was reported as a mutual...
-
News5 days ago
Alexa Bliss Addresses Dark Side Update After Her 2025 WWE Return
-
Headline News5 days ago
Will Kroos Shocks WWE NXT with Explosive Debut
-
AEW News3 days ago
Anna Jay Confirms AEW Contract Nearing Expiration, Denies Other Rumors
-
News5 days ago
Royce Keys Reveals Longstanding Ties to Jacob Fatu and The Bloodline