There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.

NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
• 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
• Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
• Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
• 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!

The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.

Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.

Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!

Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!

Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!

Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.

Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.

And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?

10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!

Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?

The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.

Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!

Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.

Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!

Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.

Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!

Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!

Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”

The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!

Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!

Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!

The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!

LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!

Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!

Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.

Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!

Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!

Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!

Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out

It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”

The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!

Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?

My Thoughts:

A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.

And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.

My Score: 8.8/10

The Ace’s Final Road passes through Chicago!

NJPW returns to Chicago for another Windy City Riot! But will Hiroshi Tanahashi be ready for a battle with Konosuke Takeshita?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Strong Survivor: Zane Jay VS CJ Tino; Zane wins.
• TJP VS Tom Lawlor; TJP wins.
• NJPW Strong Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Mina Shirakawa VS AZM; Double Count Out Draw.
• NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: West Coast Wrecking Crew VS Intergalactic Jet Setters; WCWC wins and retains the titles.
• NJPW Strong Openweight Championship Ironman Match: Gabe Kidd VS Tomohiro Ishii; Ishii wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
• Tetsuya Naito & Titan VS El Phantasmo & Rocky Romero; Naito & Titan win.
• David Finlay VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Shota Umino; Goto wins and retains the title.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Konosuke Takeshita; Takeshita wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW Strong Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Mina Shirakawa VS AZM!

The Fighting Gravure Idol is moving on from Stardom to be truly All Elite! But it’d be made all the sweeter if she was bringing a golden ticket to Mercedes Mone’s title. Everyone wants Mina, but will Mina get what she wants? Or will the High Speed Superstar be the one chasing after the Money Train?

The bell rings and the fans rally already. Mina and AZM circle, the “MINA! MINA!” a bit stronger than “A-ZU-MI! A-ZU-MI!” The two feel things out, then AZM kicks low! AZM whips, Mina reverses, but AZM reverses back to snap scoop, roll, but Mina stuffs the ghost pin to a cover! TWO, AZM runs, but into a victory roll! Mina steps through, but then AZM cradles her, TWO! AZM sweeps, covers, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff! Mina and AZM reset and circle again. They approach, but Mina slides to shimmy and shake. The fans cheer that, but AZM runs up! Mina trips AZM and KICKS her in the back! AZM gets up to kick and snapmare!

AZM winds up and KICKS Mina in the back! The fans fire up, and Mina kicks low to snapmare and KICK AZM! Mina then runs but AZM ducks that kick to roll Mina. Mina rolls through, AZM trips her and runs, DROPKICK! AZM kips up and the fans fire up! AZM drags Mina around, covers, TWO! But AZM has the arm for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Mina crawls to the ROPEBREAK! AZM lets go quickly and fires Chicago up as she climbs the corner. Mina stands, AZM aims, and AZM MISSILE DROPKICKS! High stack, TWO! Mina stays in this but AZM stomps her down. AZM brings Mina up, but Mina breaks free!

AZM BOOTS first, then whisp Mina to a corner. AZM runs in, but Mina slips out to the apron! AZM ROCKS Mina, runs, but Mina steps in and ENZIGIRIS! AZM staggers, the fans rally up, and Mina runs up. Mina blocks a boot, gets both legs, DOUBLE DRAGON SCREW! Then she SMASHES AZM’s knee off the mat! The fans rally and duel while Mina has the legs. Mina steps over to KNEE JAMMER! The fans duel more as Mina drags AZM around, steps through, but AZM kicks her away! AZM runs up at the corner, but Mina dodges. AZM goes up, Mina dodges again, and FLYING CHUCKS! Cover, TWO, but Mina’s right on the legs! FIGURE FOUR!

The fans “WOO~!” but AZM scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Mina lets go at 4, and Mina drags AZM around. Mina SMASH- NO, AZM headscissors free! Mina ducks the buzzsaw, but the BUZZSAW returns! The fans fire up with AZM and she runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Mina and AZM stir. They both sit up, and they find each other at center. Mina fires a forearm, but AZM fires back! Mina fires another, eggs AZM on, so AZM fires another! The fans fire up as the forearms fly fast ‘n’ furious! Mina fires a flurry, then winds up, to DECK AZM!

The fans fire up and Mina smiles. Mina drags AZM up, reels her in, and she calls her shot! Mina shimmies, but AZM suplexes! And then she brings Mina up for another suplex! That’s Dos Amigas! Here’s THREE AMIGAS! The fans fire up and AZM covers, TWO! AZM drags Mina to a drop zone and vows to finish this! The fans fire up as AZM climbs, but Mina rises up! Mina roars, and then she ROCKS AZM! Mina climbs, fires forearms, then hooks herself into the ropes. Mina CLUBS away on AZM, but AZM drops down. Mina shifts position, but AZM GAMANGIRIS! AZM pushes Mina into the Tree of Woe! AZM goes up to WOE STOMP but Mina dodges!

AZM flounders and clutches her leg while Mina sits up! The fans fire up as Mina adjusts position again, and she FLYING SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! AZM survives but Mina stays fired up! The fans rally as Mina calls her next shot! Mina drags AZM up, dragon sleepers, and suplexes, but AZM slips free! AZM blocks a kick, waistlocks, but Mina fights that suplex to victory roll, and FIGURE FOUR! AZM endures, flails, reaches out, and the fans rally! AZM crawls, drags Mina along, but Mina rolls her away from ropes! Mina thrashes the hold as hard as she can, but AZM still endures! AZM fights her way over, ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Mina lets go at 4, and Mina grows frustrated. The fans rally up, Mina drags AZM to her feet, but AZM jumps on to LA MYSTICA! Step over, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! Mina escapes, AZM runs up, but Mina ducks the kick to roll her! AZM has the arm for RINGS OF SATURN, then the SACRIFICE!! Now it’s NUMERO UNO! Mina endures, fights around, pries at the hold, but AZM shifts again to a ghost pin, SACRIFICE!!! Mina endures, reaches out with her legs, but AZM shifts back into NUMERO UNO!! The fans rally as hard as they can, but AZM pulls on that arm! ROPEBREAK!! Mina escapes by a literal foot!

The fans rally up and AZM drags Mina up. AZM reels Mina in, but Mina pops free! URAKEN! AZM drops to her knees and Mina fires back up! The fans fire up with Mina and she runs, but AZM follows! AZM trips Mina, puts her on the apron, and ROUNDHOUSES! Mina flops to the floor and the fans fire up! The ring count starts already as AZM drags Mina up. AZM ROUNDHOUSES again, then reels Mina in! But Mina fights the driver to lift AZM, KNEE CRUSHER to the floor! We hit 10 of 20, but Mina drags AZM up at 13. Mina puts AZM on the apron, but AZM tiger feint RANAS! And DROPKICKS! We hit 15!

AZM hears 17, rushes in, but Mina YANKS her out! TORANDO DDT to the floor!! TWENTY!! DOUBLE COUNT OUT!

Double Count Out Draw

Chicago is upset! How does a draw help a #1 contender’s match?! Mina and AZM each argue with the ref, Chicago wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” The Young Lions step in, is the real winner here Mercedes Mone now that she doesn’t have to defend her title?

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: West Coast Wrecking Crew VS Intergalactic Jet Setters!

Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson proved they’ll do whatever it takes to have these tag titles, and they might do whatever it takes to keep these titles. Will NJPW Strong still belong to the WCWC? Or will Kevin Knight & Kushida bring these belts to the Best of the Super Juniors?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is the strongest!

Chicago cheers the Jet Setters and boo WCWC. The Jet Setters point that out when they stand on the corner and the fans cheer. Nelson doesn’t help things when he flips Chicago off. The teams sort out and Nelson starts against Kushida. The fans cheer for Kushida as he circles with Nelson. They tie up, Nelson waistlocks but Kushida switches. Nelson sits down and rolls free to then have an arm. Nelson hammerlocks but Kushida switches it onto Nelson to then headlock for the takeover. The fans cheer but Nelson keeps his shoulders up. Nelson fights to his feet, fires body shots, then powers up and out, only for Kushida to RAM him!

Nelson brushes himself off, but Kushida RAMS him again! Things speed up, Nelson drops down, but Kushida runs him over! The fans fire up and Kushida brings Nelson up. Kushida fires hands, then runs, but Isaacs gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo but Nelson CLOBBERS Kushida! Nelson stomps Kushida, runs, but Knight trips him up! Kushida runs to PENALTY KICK Nelson’s arm! Kushida wrenches that arm, has a wristlock, but Nelson CLAWS Kushida’s eyes! Tag to Isaacs and he CLUBS Kushida down. The fans boo but Isaacs stands Kushida up for an UPPERCUT! Nelson whips, Knight tags in and Kushida reverses!

Kushida drop toeholds Isaacs and Knight runs up to UFO SPLASH! Nelson runs up, he kicks Kushida but Knight knees Nelson. Nelson whips Knight but Kushida is at the ropes to give Knight the BOOST! CROSSBODY! Down goes Nelson and the fans fire up! Nelson bails out, regroups with Isaacs, but the Jet Setters DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down goes WCWC and Chicago fires up with the fans! Wait, TJP is hanging out ringside? He has popcorn and offers to share but Knight says not right now. Knight puts Isaacs in the ring, Kushida CLUBS Nelson, and Knight SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLES! Cover, TWO!

Knight stomps Isaacs, then stands him up to CHOP! The fans “WOO~!” and Knight whips, but Isaacs reverses. Nelson catches Knight, Isaacs runs up, but Knight slips free! Isaacs ROCKS Nelson! Isaacs apologizes but Knight waistlocks. Isaacs switches, GERMAN SUPLEXES, but Knight lands out! Knight runs up, but is sent into the ropes! Nelson tags in. and Isaacs feeds Knight to a POUNCE! Nelson BLASTS Kushida, then Isaacs runs in around the way to POUNCE Kushida! The fans boo but Isaacs roars! Kushida is down against railing, Nelson covers Knight, TWO! TJP scoots a little closer to ringside as Nelson UPPERCUTS Knight.

Nelson tags Isaacs, and WCWC pick Knight up for a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Nelson runs to dropkick the legs out, then Isaacs deadlift FISHERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Knight survives but Isaacs stomps him from the ropes. Isaacs tags Nelson, then CLUBS Knight. Nelson fireman’s carries Knight, THROWS him to the corner, then feeds to Isaacs’s scoop! BOOT BACKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Knight stays in this, but Nelson tells them to shut up. Nelson drags Knight up, ROCKS him, but Knight hits back! Nelson ROCKS Knight, ROCKS him again, then has him in the corner.

Nelson tags Isaacs, WCWC mugs Knight in the corner! The fans boo but Isaacs shoves Knight down. Isaacs sucker punches Kushida, then drags Knight around into a chinlock. Knight endures as Isaacs also traps an arm and a leg. The fans rally, Knight fights up, and Knight fires body shots. Knight fires a flurry of forearms, but Isaacs ROCKS Knight! Knight roars, but Isaacs ROLLING ELBOWS! Isaacs suplexes Knight, but Knight cradle counters! TWO, and Knight dodges Isaacs to DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Knight and Isaacs crawl, hot tags to Nelson and Kushida! Kushida SHOTEIS Nelson again and again!

Kushida KICKS away on Nelson’s arm, whips, but Nelson reverses, only for Kushida to CROSSBODY! Kushida dodges Nelson to PELE! The fans fire up, but Isaacs talks trash on Kushida. Kushida gives the MASAHIRO FASTBALL! Nelson returns, but Kushida HIP TOSSES then cartwheel DROPKICKS! Nelson goes to a corner, Kushida runs up to SHOTEI! The fans fire up for Kushida as he puts Nelson up top. Kushida SUPER- NO, Nelson stops the steiner! But Knight goes up, UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up and Kushida covers, TWO! Nelson survives but Kushida tags Knight. Kushida Electric Chair Lifts Nelson, but Nelson fights free!

Nelson shoves Kushida into Knight, then kicks Kushida low. Isaacs joins in and they double whip, but Kushida handsprings! But he gets DOUBLE ELBOWS to the back! Nelson SUPERKICKS Knight, then feeds him to Isaacs! POP-UP KNEE! Isaacs suplexes Knight, Nelson joins in, FALCON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and the fans fire up! Isaacs & Nelson both kip up and soak up the heat. Isaacs tags back in, then Nelson runs to DOUBLE KNEE Knight! Isaacs ELBOWS Knight, feeds him to Nelson’s POP-UP, but Knight fights! Nelson stops the Rana, Kushida runs in and tilt-o-whirl HOVERBOARD!

Isaacs endures but Nelson powers Knight back up! But Knight turns it into a DDT! Isaacs powers up to throw Kushida off! Then he kicks Knight! But Kushida uses Knight as a step to TORNADO DDT! “This is Awesome!” as Knight says time to go up! Kushida tries to Electric Chair Lift Isaacs, but he’s so big! Knight fires Kushida up, the fans rally as hard as they can, so Kushida puts his back into it! Electric Chair Lift, for the FLY HIGH DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Isaacs survives and the Jet Setters are shocked! Isaacs goes to a corner, Knight & Kushida coordinate, LARIAT ENZIGIRI COMBO! Knight then tags Kushida in!

Knight pushes Isaacs out and says it’s time! Kushida has Isaacs, but Nelson snatches TJP’s popcorn to SMACK Knight with it! Nelson then SHOVES Knight down! Nelson waistlocks Kushida, Kushida switches, but they go to the corner! The ref gets caught up in this, and Isaacs LOW BLOW MULE KICKS Kushida! Nelson then POP-UP POWERBOMBS Kushida! Feed to Isaacs for the FULL NELSON GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, WCWC wins!

Winners: West Coast Wrecking Crew, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)

The Hush Money did the job, and the gold stays with Isaacs & Nelson. WCWC rubs it in that they’re on a streak, but will they prove to be the strongest NJPW Strong tag titles of all time?

NJPW Strong Openweight Championship Ironman Match: Gabe Kidd VS Tomohiro Ishii!

It was just earlier this year, NJPW Battle in the Valley, that this War Dog and Stone Pitbull went tooth ‘n’ nail and then to the time limit. That draw has not sit well with either man for over three months, and now they settle the score! This one WILL go to 30 minutes, no more and no less, but who will take the most bites out of the other in this dog fight?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really war ready!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally and duel while the two stare down. Then they tie up collar ‘n’ elbow! They’re in a deadlock, they break, and then go again. Another collar ‘n’ elbow, another deadlock, but Gabe uses his height for leverage. Gabe puts Ishii on ropes, the ref counts, but Gabe lets off slowly. Gabe SLAPS Ishii, but Ishii shoves and SLAPS Gabe! Gabe SLAPS, Ishii SLAPS, and it is a SLAP fight! The fans fire up as the SLAPS keep going from all sides, faster and faster! It is fast ‘n’ furious already, and then Gabe ROCKS Ishii! Gabe runs, but Ishii LARIATS! Gabe gets up to LARIAT Ishii!

Ishii is up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS with the left arms! And then DOUBLE LARIATS with the right arms! Gabe ducks the enzigiri! Ishii avoids a boot! Ishii spins Gabe to suplex, but Gabe fights free! Gabe reels Ishii in but he fights free! Ishii SLAPS, Gabe SLAPS, they both SLAP! Gabe SAIDOS! Ishii’s right up to LARIAT! But then Ishii falls over, too! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe and Ishii stir, the fans duel, and Ishii rises first. Ishii storms over to stand Gabe up to throw a forearm! Gabe snarls and he fires back! Ishii fires another forearm, Gable fires another forearm, repeat!

The fans rally as the forearms keep going, and Ishii fires a flurry! Ishii eggs Gabe on so Gabe SLAPS him! And SLAPS! Ishii roars, Gabe DECKS him with a forearm! The fans fire up while Gabe steadies himself. Gabe kicks Ishii, but Ishii eggs him on. Gabe KICKS Ishii, KICKS again, but Ishii just grits his teeth. Gabe scuffs Ishii, Ishii stands, but Gabe pie faces him. Ishii CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Gabe BITES Ishii’s forehead! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gabe soaks it all up while flipping Chicago off. Gabe throws Ishii out of the ring, then goes out, but Ishii slides in. Gabe slides in and fires forearms.

Ishii just stays put as Gabe fires more and more forearms! Ishii DECKS Gabe in return! The fans fire up, and now Ishii leans against the ropes. Gabe crawls to the other side, but Ishii storms up. Ishii slaps Gabe around, then CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Ishii lets off, and Ishii eggs Gabe on. The fans rally and Gabe stands. Ishii kicks at Gabe so Gabe eggs him on. Ishii kicks and kicks, but Gabe CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” and Ishii CHOPS! Gabe brushes himself off, but Ishii CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS and Ishii rebounds, to CHOP! Now the CHOPS go back and forth!

The fans “WOO~” as the CHOPS keep going, and they start picking up speed! CHOP after CHOP after CHOP, neither man is backing down but both men’s chests are turning red! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, they just keep going and the fans are loving this! Gabe CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, Gabe CHOPS, and Ishii wobbles! Gabe fires up, the fans cheer, and Gabe eggs Ishii on! Ishii CHOPS! Gabe shouts, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” Gabe CHOPS, but Ishii grits his teeth! Gabe CHOPS again, but Ishii CHOPS back! They just keep going, CHOP for CHOP, and the fans fire up again as they pick up speed again!

Gabe then whips Ishii to a corner! The fans boo but Gabe tells them to suck it! Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, then he flips Ishii off. Ishii eggs Gabe on, so Gabe CHOPS Ishii down! Gabe stands on Ishii, the fans boo, but Gabe gets on the corner to soak up more heat. Gabe kicks Ishii around, eggs him on, and Ishii stands up. Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gabe staggers as Ishii CHOPS him again and again and again! Gabe wobbles, holds onto ropes, but Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Gabe down! Chicago fires up for Ishii, and now Ishii rests against ropes. Gabe rises up, flips Ishii off, so Ishii bends that finger! And CHOPS!

Gabe staggers, Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fans chant, “CHOP FOREVER!” as Ishii just CHOPS again and again! Gabe CHOPS, eggs Ishii on, but Ishii CHOPS! Neither man is backing down as the CHOPS keep going! CHOP after CHOP, but Ishii gets Gabe up high! Ishii CHOPS Gabe more and more, but then Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Ishii down! And we pass ten minutes! A third of the way and it’s been mostly chops! The fans rally up as Gabe snarls. Gabe barks, some fans bark back but most boo. Gabe flips off the fans and tells off America in general. Gabe storms over to Ishii in the corner, and CHOPS!

Ishii shakes his head, eggs Gabe on, so Gabe CHOPS! Ishii still shakes his head, so Gabe BITES Ishii’s forehead! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Gabe says the clock’s ticking. The fans tell Gabe he’s sick but Gabe doesn’t care. Gabe goes back to Ishii and drags him up. Gabe reels Ishii in for a scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Gabe lifts his leg to “whizz” on Ishii. The fans boo the immaturity, but Gabe T-bags Ishii to double down! Gabe kicks Ishii around, Ishii stands, but Gabe pushes him to the corner. Gabe CHOPS, pie faces, then CHOPS again! The fans rally for Ishii but Gabe shakes his head. Gabe CHOPS Ishii, but Ishii just gets mad!

Gabe ROCKS Ishii with a closed fist! Gabe whips corner to corner, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Gabe! The fans fire up as Ishii stands tall! Ishii storms back over to Gabe, drags him up, and reels him in. Gabe fights the back suplex with elbows, but Ishii still SAIDOS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises, drags Gabe up and over to a corner. Gabe fights the suplex but Ishii fires body shots. Ishii hoists Gabe up top, climbs up, and he fires body shots! Ishii then stands Gabe up, the fans fire up, and Ishii stalling SUPERPLEXES! The fans fire up and Ishii crawls to a cover, TWO! Gabe stays in this but Ishii looms over him.

Ishii drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the lift! Ishii fires Kawada Kicks! We hit 15 minutes, but now Gabe glares at Ishii. Ishii fires a flurry of forearms, but Gabe leans into them! Gabe is doing the Ishii style of backing Ishii down! Ishii fires a forearm, Gabe cusses him out, and repeat, until Gabe UPPERCUTS Ishii! Ishii flops against the ropes, and Gabe staggers around, finally feeling those shots. The fans rally up, and Gabe drags Ishii up. Gabe hoists Ishii up, CHOPS again, then SLAPS Ishii! Gabe climbs up, he brings Ishii to the top, but Ishii fires body shots! Ishii BITES Gabe’s ear! The fans fire up, and Ishii adjusts, SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!!

Gabe survives, the score is still zero to zero! Ishii drags Gabe around to sit him up, SLIDING- NO, Gabe ducks the lariat and clinches! T-BONE PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Gabe rises, he brings Ishii up, and he TOSSES Ishii out! Gabe goes out to bring Ishii up, and he CHOPS! Gabe DUMPS Ishii over the railing! The fans fire up as Gabe hops the railing, and then he stands on some chairs to soak up more heat. Gabe drags Ishii up, but Ishii CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS! The CHOP fight continues again! The fans fire up, and Gabe CHOPS Ishii against the front row! The ref reprimands, Gabe ROCKS Ishii, and we move to another segment!

Gabe rains down fists on Ishii, then BITES his forehead! Gabe gets space, runs up, but Ishii moves! Gabe bowls himself into the chairs! The fans go nuts and Ishii drags Gabe up from the mess he made. Ishii then suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Gabe tries but Ishii fights the suplex! So Gabe DDTS Ishii onto the chairs! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Gabe drags Ishii up, brings him around, “This is Awesome!” as they head back for ringside. We hit 20 minutes, and Gabe CHOPS! Gabe considers his options with just 10 minutes left, and he CHOPS Ishii again. Gabe DUMPS Ishii back to ringside, then hops the railing again.

Gabe puts Ishii in the ring, the fans applaud, and Gabe drags Ishii up. Gabe puts Ishii on the top rope, CLUBS away on him, then brings Ishii up. SUPERPLEX! Both men writhe, but Gabe manages the cover, TWO!! Ishii stays in this, but Gabe goes up to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives again and the fans fire up! Gabe snarls and shakes his head. He just needs one fall at this point, so he brings down the kneepad! Ishii sits up, into the O- NO! Ishii blocks the knee, but then Gabe blocks the enzigiri! POINT-BLANK O-KNEE!! And then he reels Ishii in, but Ishii wrenches out. Gabe catches Ishii to fire a forearm! And another!

Gabe talks trash, fires more shots, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! HEADBUTTS! HEADBUTTS! Gabe UPPERCUTS Ishii, then gut wrenches for the MADMAN BOMB!! Cover, Gabe scores!

Gabe: 1; Ishii: 0

Gabe finally gets a point on the board, but there’s still time on the clock. Can Gabe run out the remaining seven minutes? Gabe grins as he sits up and taps his imaginary wristwatch. The fans rally as Gabe stands, and Gabe eggs Ishii on. Gabe kicks Ishii at the ropes, CHOKES him, but the ref counts. Gabe argues with the ref, but he goes back to Ishii. Gabe eggs Ishii on, Ishii throws slap after slap, but Gabe DECKS him! Gabe does push-ups while the ref checks Ishii. The fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. Gabe waits on Ishii as Ishii stands up. Gabe runs in and LARIATS! Five minutes remain and Gabe grins as he again taps the “watch.”

Gabe drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the driver! Ishii BACKDROPS fere, but Gabe BOOTS him! Gabe reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes! Gabe fights free, SLAPS and SLAPS and SLAPS, but Ishii SLAPS! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Gabe wobbles, but Ishii DECKS him! The fans fire up but time is not on Ishii’s side! Ishii catches his breath, runs up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives but Ishii roars! Ishii has a bloody nose but he just fires up more! Chicago is with Ishii as he drags Gabe up and brings him around. Gabe suplexes first, but Ishii fights it! Ishii wrenches, but Gabe COUNTER KNEES!

Gabe runs, COMEBACKER into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Ishii has Gabe’s arm and the fans fire up! Gabe flails, reaches out, but Ishii CLUBS at the grip! ARMBAR!! Three minute warning! Gabe claws at Ishii, fights through, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Ishii rains down elbows on Gabe’s head! Ishii squeezes tight as Gabe turns red! Gabe is fading! Gabe is turning purple! The ref checks, Ishii throws more elbows! Gabe stacks and deadlifts Ishii, for a POWERBOMB! But Ishii holds onto the ARMBAR! GABE TAPS!!

Gabe: 1; Ishii: 1

To think Ishii would get a fall by a submission! But there’s two minutes left and we’re all tied up! Gabe flops out of the ring, just hoping to run out the clock! Ishii storms out after Gabe, drags him up, but Gabe guards the bad arm. Ishii still puts Gabe in the ring, but Gabe slips out the side. So Ishii is there to push him back in! Ishii hurries to drag Gabe up, we hit ONE MINUTE LEFT! Gabe ragdolls, but Ishii still hauls him up! Ishii ROCKS Gabe, suplexes, but Gabe blocks! Ishii wrenches to YANK the arm! Ishii whips and YANKS the arm, then reels Gabe in! Suplex, but Gabe cradle counters! TWO!! THIRTY SECONDS and Gabe LARIATS!

Both men are down and the fans rally up as hard as they can! Time is ticking away, we hit TEN SECONDS! Gabe bails out! The fans boo, but Gabe plays defense, and TIME’S UP! Gabe retains!!

Draw; Gabe retains the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship

The fans boo, they want overtime! The ref talks it out with the timekeeper, and Gabe is already calling for someone to bring his belt over. The ref makes the executive decision: SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME!! The fans are loving this, but Gabe is pissed! Ishii eggs Gabe on, so Gabe storms back into the ring. Gabe says bring it, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Both men stagger around, but then they DOUBLE LARIAT again! They still stagger around, and they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe gets moving, Ishii dodges, but then Gabe dodges! COMEBACKER!! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives, the fans fire up, but Gabe hurries! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?

Ishii survives and shocks everyone! Gabe is stunned but Chicago is thunderous! Gabe goes to a corner, he dares Ishii to get up, and Ishii stands. “This is Awesome!” as Ishii blocks the knee! Ishii spins Gabe to DRAGON SUPLEX! But Gabe rises up!? Gabe roars, runs, but into Ishii’s LARIAT!! Gabe still rises up, but Ishii ENZIGIRIS! Gabe flops back over and the fans fire up! Ishii rolls to a corner, the fans rally as hard as they can, and Ishii waits on Gabe. Gabe stands, Ishii runs, LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Gabe shakes his head, and he swings, but into a spin, nelson, but Gabe suplexes! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, ONE!?!?!

Chicago is electric as both men defy expectations! Gabe and Ishii run in, Gabe spins to GROUND CROBA TWIST! TWO!! Ishii DECKS Gabe!! The fans fire up again while Ishii leans against the corner. Ishii storms back over to Gabe, reels him in, and hoists Gabe up! PILEDRIVER!! But Gabe’s right up!? POINT-BLANK O-KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Gabe shakes his head, refusing to believe this! Gabe barks, fans join in, and Gabe has a leg! Ishii fights the lift, but Gabe ROCKS him! Ishii UPPERCUTS! Gabe SLAPS! Ishii HEADBUTTS!!! Cover, TWO!?!!? HOW?!? Ishii doesn’t question it, he just hauls Gabe up, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!! Cover, ISHII WINS!!!!

Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)

Both men are Ironmen for lasting this long, but it is the Stone Pitbull that came out as the top dog! Ishii stands tall, though he struggles to stand at all right now. Will he and Gabe look to run it back again some day?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Shota Umino!

Though it took many years, The Fierce Warrior finally leads the way forward for NJPW, as well as leads Hontai, aka the main unit. And yet, The Roughneck vows to do all of that while only on his Second Chapter. Will this still be the Goto Revolution? Or will Shota have the Paradigm Shift he’s been promising?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly leads the way!

The bell rings and the fans rally up while Shota and Goto stare down. Chicago cheers on Goto while he and Shota circle. They tie up, Goto waistlocks, but Shota wrenches free. Shota wristlocks, Goto rolls, then Goto wrenches back. Goto hammerlocks, headlocks, hits the takeover, but Shota headscissors. Goto kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. Shota and Goto reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength. The fans rally, Gotoi pushes on the knuckle locks, but Shota fights his way up. Goto kicks and wrenches Shota, but Shota rolls and wrenches to then put Goto on the ropes.

The ref counts the break, Shota slowly lets off, and he pats Goto on the shoulders. The fans applaud the sportsmanship and the two reset. Goto and Shota tie up again, Goto headlocks, and he grinds Shota. Shota powers up but can’t power out as Goto holds on tight. Shota fights up, even as Goto grinds the hold, and Shota fires body shots. Shota powers up and out, Goto runs him over! The fans cheer, Goto runs, but Shota drops. Goto turns hip toss into hip toss, then runs to run Shota over! The fans cheer more, and Goto stomps Shota. Goto puts Shota in a corner, whips corner to corner, then runs up, but he blocks a boot!

Goto puts the leg on the ropes, kicks away on it, then drags Shota out to trip him up! Goto knees on the knee and the fans rally. Shota endures, keeps his shoulders up, then eggs Goto on! Goto digs into the knee more, but Shota fires kicks. Goto twists the foot, then drops an ELBOW on the knee! Shota makes the ROPEBREAK, and Goto lets go. Goto drags Shota and steps through for a KNEEBAR! Shota endures, even as Goto twists his foot! Shota eggs Goto on, so Goto puts on the pressure! Shota falls back, but he keeps his shoulder up. Shota turns over, and finds the ROPEBREAK! Goto lets go, Shota clutches his leg, but Goto stomps him.

Goto CLUBS Shota, CLUBS him again, then fireman’s carries. Shota fights free, waistlocks, but Goto pries the hold open. Shota ducks an elbow to ROCK and CHOP Goto. Shota runs, but Goto follows, only for Shota to dodge! Goto dodges, Shota dodges again, but then Goto dodges! Shota ELBOWS Goto, PELES, then full nelsons. Goto fights that to switch, but Shota elbows free. Shota runs, Goto follows, but Shota catches him to a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Goto rises! Goto fireman’s carries, Shota slips free and shoves Goto, to then dropkick the leg! Shota grabs Goto for a SHIN BREAKER! Shota tries a facelock, Goto fights it, but Shota still turns it for a NECKBREAKER!

The fans boo Shota but he ignores them while checking his elbow pad. Shota paces around Goto, stomps him, then brings Goto around. Shota drops a knee on the knee again and again! Then he DDTS the foot! Goto writhes, the fans boo, but Shota tunes it out as he drags Goto back up. Goto CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Shota kicks Goto’s leg, whips him to a corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT! Shota hooks the leg to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans rally up. Shota scowls as he stands over Goto, then he drags Goto up. Shota hooks the leg but Goto fights with elbows!

Goto whips Shota, Shota reverses to wrench and TORNADO DDT! Shota then drags Goto up to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans cheer, but Shota stays focused. Shota drags Goto up, waistlocks, but Goto fights the lift. Goto fires elbows, then shifts to drop toehold and step through, KNEEBAR! Now Goto endures as Shota pulls on the leg! Goto fights around, but Shota twists the foot! The fans rally, Goto fights around, but Shota shifts to an STF! Goto endures again and the fans rally up! Goto fights his way forward, but Shota drags Goto back! S T F! Goto still endures and the fans still rally!

Goto fights his way over to the side and Chicago cheers him on! Goto reaches out, but Shota drags him back again! Shota SMASHES the knee, steps back over, S T F!! Shota is not giving up on this hold while Goto still fights it! Goto crawls, reaches out, and the fans rally up. ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Shota lets go as the ref counts, and we pass 10 minutes. Shota looms over Goto, stomps him, then looms over him again. Shota stands Goto up, but Goto CHOPS! Shota eggs Goto on, so Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Shota kicks low, UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner. Goto reverses, runs in, but Shota BOOTS him!

Shota runs, but Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally as Goto and Shota rise up. Goto drags Shota up, fires forearms and puts him in the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in, and MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this and the fans rally up again. Goto drags Shota up, but Shota fights the fireman’s carry! Shota fires elbows, but Goto fires back! Shota fires another forearm, but then Goto fires another! Goto eggs Shota on, Shota winds up to fire a forearm! Goto fires back, Shota fires again, and the fans cheer Goto while they boo Shota!

The forearms keep going, and then Goto fires a flurry! Goto roars, runs, but Shota POP-UP POWERBOMBS! Both men are down while the fans boo Shota. Shota snarls and drags himself up with the ropes. The fans boo but Shota paces around. Shota drags Goto up, whips him to a corner, then BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARDS! Goto slumps down, Shota runs and BLINDSIDE DOUBLE KNEES! Shota reels Goto in, for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans fire up! Shota waits on Goto as Goto rises up. Shota runs, but Goto catches the lariat to the URA GTR! Goto runs, btu Shota follows to LARIAT!

The fans boo but Shota storms up on Goto again. Shota drags Goto around, hooks a leg, but Goto fights free! Shota wrenches but Goto takes a swing! Shota swats the haymaker away, then ROCKS and CHOPS! Shota roars, the fans boo, but Shota grins as he winds up! But Goto catches Shota to a SLEEPER! Shota endures, reaches out, and we’re at 15 minutes. Shota is fading and Goto sits him down! The ref checks, the hand drops once! The hand drops twice! The ref checks one more time, but Goto lets go so he can PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up while Shota is down! Goto grits his teeth, roars again, and he brings Shota up!

Goto fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Goto snarls and he takes aim! Shota slowly sits up, BUZZSAW! Goto drags Shota up, dragon sleepers, TRUE G- NO, Shota hooks the arms! Goto fights the backslide, spins Shota around, but Shota HEADBUTTS! Shota runs up to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives but Shota roars! The fans fire up and Shota drags Goto back to his feet. Shota hooks a leg, SECOND- NO, Goto slips free, and has the SLEEPER! Then GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! Shota escapes, drags Goto up to fire boxing elbows, and the fans rally up!

Shota winds up, ROLLING ELBOW! Shota runs, but Goto ducks the lariat! Goto runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars and runs, but Goto follows! LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Shota LARIATS, covers, ONE!! Shota hurries to run again, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives, Shota roars, and Chicago fires up! Shota hauls Goto up, hooks a leg, but Goto fights that to suplex, SHOTENKAI!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans are thunderous! Goto rises, roars, and he brings Shota around! Goto dragon sleepers, but Shota fights from below!

Goto grabs that arm, wrenches, but Shota cradle counters, TWO!! Goto and Shota stand, Shota storms up but Goto HEADBUTTS him! Goto snarls, then he HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Goto runs, and he LARIATS Shota inside-out! Goto isn’t done, he dragon sleepers, but Shota fights all the same! Goto grabs that arm again, powers it down, G T R KAI!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!

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

Goto told Shota that they would both show America and the world the true Strong Style of NJPW, and this surely did that and then some! Goto grabs a mic, and in English, he says, “Thank you, everybody!” The fans cheer, and Goto continues to say, “I can not speak English.” The fans chuckle, but they also cheer Goto doing his best anyway. Goto says, “But… I love you all.” The fans cheer that, too! They cheer back, “We Love You! We Love You!” Goto tells Chicago, in Japanese, “I think you get me.” Goto says he knows they know. They know that the G in IWGP stands for, right? The fans cheer, “Yes!”

Okay then, let’s go! Goto has Chicago join him in saying that the G in IWGP stands for… GOTO! In the end, this is STILL the Goto Revolution, so will the G in IWGP forever stand for Goto?

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Konosuke Takeshita!

The Final Road Connection continues, and while The Ace is on his way out, The Alpha is on his way up! Tanahashi prides himself on never being tired, but will the NEVER Openweight Champion wear him out? Or will Tanahashi’s final match in the USA be his greatest match yet?

Tanahashi shows off the abs, and even in Chicago, they cheer! The fans already chant, “Thank You, Ace! Thank You, Ace!” and Tanahashi nods. The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two circle. Chicago is strongly behind Tanahashi, but there are still Takeshita fans. The two tie up, Konosuke puts Tanahashi on the ropes, but he lets off cleanly. The fans applaud the sportsmanship, and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi waistlocks but Konosuke switches. Tanahashi fights the full nelson off, then switches back. Konosuke wrenches Tanahashi to a wristlock, but Tanahashi spins, wrenches, hammerlocks, then headlocks.

Tanahashi hits the takeover, Konosuke headscissors, but Tanahashi kips free and plays the air guitar. The fans cheer and the two reset. Konosuke and Takeshita circle as the fans chant, “GO ACE! GO ACE!” Tanahashi and Konosuke feel things out, knuckle lock, and then Tanahashi kicks low. Tanahashi kicks Konosuke to a corner, stomps his leg, and Tanahashi fires Chicago up. Tanahashi whips, Konosuke reverses, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up more and Tanahashi storms over to Konosuke. Tanahashi stands Konosuke up, kicks him, but then Konosuke fires a forearm!

Tanahashi kicks Konosuke’s leg, Konosuke fires another forearm, repeat. Tanahashi kicks and kicks, then runs, but Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke whips, Tanahashi reverses, but Konosuke TAKESHITA LINES! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke shakes out his leg, but he encourages the fans to get louder. Konosuke brings Tanahashi up, kicks him low, then DDTs! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Konosuke keeps on Tanahashi with a chinlock. Konosuke then shifts to a Cobra Clutch and he grinds Tanahashi down. The fans rally as Tanahashi endures and fights around. Konosuke keeps Tanahashi from ropes, but Tanahashi fights up.

Tanahashi fires body shots, but Konosuke CLUBS him down! Konosuke soaks up some heat before he drags Tanahashi up. Konosuke ROCKS Tanahashi, puts him in a corner, then climbs up. Konosuke mocks the fans as they boo, and then he rains down fists! Konosuke goes all the way to nine, winds up, then BITES Tanahashi’s forehead! Konosuke tells the fans to shove it, then he whips Tanahashi to ropes, for a JUMP KNEE! The fans boo more but Konosuke just soaks it up. Konosuke looms over Tanahashi, drags him up, and the fans rally. Konosuke whips Tanahashi to a corner, runs in, and forearm SMASHES!

Konosuke snapmares Tanahashi down, goes up the ropes, but he takes too long soaking up heat, Tanahashi rolls away. Tanahashi runs up, Konosuke leaps over! Konosuke hobbles, and Tanahashi dropkicks the leg! And dropkicks it again! Tanahashi grabs the leg and waves bye-bye before he DRAGON SCREWS it! The fans fire up for Tanahashi while Konosuke bails out. Tanahashi storms over to the apron, but Konosuke fires forearms first! Tanahashi grabs a leg, brings it through the ropes, and he DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS it! Konosuke slumps in the ropes then into the ring while the fans fire up for Tanahashi again.

Tanahashi brings Konosuke up, scoops and SLAMS him into the drop zone, then he goes to the corner! The fans cheer as Tanahashi hops up, but now Tanahashi takes too long soaking in the adoration! Konosuke rises up to BODY BLOW! The fans boo, but Konosuke drags Tanahashi off the corner, and tucks him! BASTARD DRIVER! But that was double-edged given the bad knee! Konosuke slaps his leg into working while the fans rally back up. Konosuke hobbles over, drags Tanahashi up, and clinches, but Tanahashi fights with elbows! Tanahashi then runs, but Konosuke clinches after all! EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!

Tanahashi survives, the fans fire up, but Konosuke calls his shot! The fans boo, but Konosuke hauls Tanahashi up. Tanahashi fights the Blue Thunder with elbows! Tanahashi roars, runs, but Konosuke reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi turns things around on Konosuke and the fans fire up! Tanahashi goes to the corner as the fans chant “GO ACE! GO ACE!” Tanahashi goes up, but Konosuke UPPERCUTS! Konosuke climbs up, the fans boo, but Konosuke grins as he brings Tanahashi to the top. SUPERPLEX! Both men are down, but then Konosuke rises while the fans rally up.

Konosuke slaps his bad leg into working again, and he takes aim from the corner. Tanahashi rises, POWER- DROPKICK to the leg! Konosuke hobbles, takes a swing, but Tanahashi catches him to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi hits another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then a third- NO, Konosuke suplexes to BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down and we’re just at 10 minutes! The fans fire up as we are one third into the time limit. Konosuke hauls Tanahashi up to suplex, but Tanahashi fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The hattrick is finally complete, and Tanahashi rises. The fans fire up with Tanahashi as he runs!

Tanahashi SLINGBLADES Konosuke down! Cover, TWO! Konosuke is still in this but he’s also in the drop zone! Tanahashi goes up and the fans fire up! Konosuke stirs but Tanahashi is up top! HIGH FLY FLOW! Cover, TWO?!? Konosuke survives and Tanahashi is shocked! The fans rally up and Tanahashi brings Konosuke around. Tanahashi half nelsons, then full nelsons, but Konosuke breaks free! Only to end up in a straitjacket! But Konosuke REAR HEADBUTTS free! And ALPHA ELBOWS! And BLUE THUNDER BOMBS! The fans boo as Konosuke hurries up a corner, and he steals HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, ONE?!?!?

The fans are thunderous as Tanahashi refuses to lose to his own move! Konosuke is shocked, but he goes back to a corner. “GO ACE!” echoes out through Chicago as Konosuke powers up! POWER- NO, Tanahashi dodges, and SHOTEIS! Konosuke flops over and the fans fire up again! Tanahashi drags Konosuke up, but Konosuke winds up! SHOTEI from Tanahashi again!! The timing on that counter strike was incredible, and Tanahashi looms over Konosuke. The fans rally as hard as they can for “GO ACE!” Tanahashi drags Konosuke up, telling him to fight! Tanahashi YANKS Konosuke up, and Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS!!

Konosuke winds up while the fans boo, and Konosuke runs, but into a full nelson! Konosuke breaks it, but Tanahashi STRAITJACKET GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Tanahashi hurries to full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX!! But Konosuke’s right up!? Tanahashi dodges and SLINGBLADES again!! The fans are thunderous as Tanahashi climbs! Konosuke is up already, but Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS! And he goes back up! Chicago is electric for the HIGH FLY FLOW, but onto knees!! Konosuke saves himself and the fans boo, but this is now past 15 minutes! Konosuke and Tanahashi stir with another 15 minutes left on the clock!

Konosuke and Tanahashi sit up, and Tanahashi fires a forearm! Konosuke fires back! Tanahashi fires a forearm and the fans cheer! Konosuke fires a forearm and the fans boo! The forearms go back and forth, “YAY! BOO! YAY! BOO!” Tanahashi SHOTEIS! The fans fire up, Tanahashi feeds off that energy, and he fires a forearm! Konosuke fires back, the shots go back and forth! “YAY! BOO! YAY! BOO!” The shots go fast ‘n’ furious and the fans just cheer in general! Konosuke ROCKS Tanahashi, ROCKS him again, then fires boxing elbows! And a ROLLING ELBOW! Tanahashi drops to a knee, Konosuke’s elbow pads come off! Tanahashi rises, into an ALPHA ELBOW!!

Konosuke keeps Tanahashi from falling, but vows to end this! RAGING- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!!! POWER DRIVE KNEE!! But both men are down! Konosuke rises while Tanahashi stirs, and the fans rally up as hard as they can for “GO ACE! GO ACE!” Tanahashi rises, Konosuke runs up from the corner! POWER DRIVE KNEE!! But that’s not good enough for Konosuke! Konosuke goes back to the corner, he demands Tanahashi gets up. Tanahashi sits up, into another POWER DRIVE KNEE!! But Tanahashi still has spirit, and the fans fire up again! Konosuke is frustrated, but he decides to top it off! A third POWER DRIVE KNEE!!!

Konosuke tells Tanahashi that HE isn’t satisfied with this! Get up, Tanahashi! Tanahashi slowly sits up, Chicago desperately rallies, but Konosuke aims from the fourth corner! POWER DRIVE KNEE!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Tanahashi survives, Konosuke is shocked, and Chicago is electric again! Konosuke lets Tanahashi rise up, and then winds up to ALPHA ELBOW! Tanahashi falls back, Konosuke powers up once more, and we hit 20 minutes. Tanahashi sits back up, he stares Konosuke down, but Konosuke runs up, DOUBLE POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! And then RAGING FIRE!!! Konosuke is hesitant, but he still covers, and Konosuke wins!!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

There were clearly mixed feelings in the end, but as Tanahashi’s last opponent here in the United States of America, Konosuke has the honor of defeating Tanahashi on his last NJPW Strong show. The other stars on the card appear ringside now as Konosuke offers a hand to Tanahashi. Tanahashi takes it, and Konosuke shows his respect and gratitude to The Ace. The fans applaud, and they again chant, “Thank You, Ace! Thank You, Ace!” Konosuke takes his NEVER Openweight Championship and exits the ring. Konosuke gets into it a bit with El Phantasmo, but Konosuke now has to focus on the AEW Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.

As for Tanahashi, the fans and NJPW wrestlers cheer him on as he sits up. Tanahashi stands, grabs the mic, and in English, he says, “Thank you, thank you. Thank you for coming!” The fans cheer more, and Tanahashi continues in English, “I am NJPW President now. I want to do wrestling forever.” The fans cheer that! “But, but… But… I retire next year. Please don’t worry for NJPW, because look! Look! Look!” Tanahashi points to all the stars around ringside and the fans cheer again. Tanahashi says he will make NJPW number one in the world! The fans cheer for “NEW JAPAN! NEW JAPAN!” Tanahashi thanks them again.

Tanahashi says, “Arigato,” and the fans say it back. Tanahashi says he will miss them, he will miss the American fans, and thanks us all very much. Do they know his Aishitemasu? Let’s do it slowly. Okay, finally, AISHITEMAAASU~! The fans cheer, and the Final Road will continue. Who will be the next stop on The Ace’s retirement tour?

My Thoughts:

A great event for NJPW, especially as Tanahashi’s last match in the US. Tanahashi VS Takeshita was an awesome main event, and Tanahashi looked incredible, even though he lost. That decision was the right one as it put Konosuke over and Konosuke is clearly a rising star in all of pro-wrestling. Also I think they teased ELP moving up to the NEVER title given his interaction with Takeshita. Takeshita is going to have a great match for Collision, and he’ll surely move forward in the Owen Hart Cup to face Ospreay for another awesome match.

Good stuff even in the matches I skipped, and good to hear Zane Jay is moving up from NJPW Strong and the Academy to prime NJPW in Japan. I think there was a botch on the finish to ZSJ VS Finlay, or at least a close call that was too close and kinda muddied things. Great actual finish, and a great win for ZSJ overall. Great match from Mina VS AZM, but I’m surprised they went with a double count-out. They didn’t say anything here, but I wonder if a Triple Threat for the NJPW Strong Women’s title happens. That way, they could get the title off Mone without her taking the pin so as not to hurt her power rankings.

Great tag match from WCWC VS Jet Setters, and good Heel win for WCWC. But it also makes sense that the Jet Setters didn’t win the titles, as Kevin Knight is shifting from NJPW to AEW. And even without that, these titles probably wouldn’t be tangled up in the Best of the Super Juniors in May anyhow. Granted, Resurgence is right before the tournament, but I wouldn’t think a rematch for the titles would be possible just because of logistics. Resurgence is in California, but Knight & Kushida can’t actually travel through time to make it back to Japan in time for the opening night matches.

Gabe VS Ishii was a great Ironman match, but it’s kinda funny how the 30 minutes didn’t even settle things. Sudden death overtime was great, and Ishii winning is honestly a bit surprising. But that’s also awesome, and it works on both sides: Gabe will be more involved with this Bullet Club Civil War now, and Ishii has already been hanging out stateside given his appearances in AEW and ROH. Ishii can help create more crossover between AEW, ROH and NJPW through this Strong Openweight title, giving some young stars their time to shine.

And great world championship match from Goto VS Shota, though it seems even Chicago is savvy to Shota’s Face persona not working and treating him as the Heel. Great win for Goto, and while we didn’t get more from Shota on screen, I kinda hope Shota starts actually getting on that turn. Or at least an outward change to fit the new attitude, like new gear. Change out the all white for all red, put on some sunglasses, that could work with the short haircut.

My Score: 8.9/10