Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: Royal Quest!

Will the Rainmaker reign in the UK?

Published

6 years ago

September 8, 2019

Steven Mitchell

NJPW is in the UK!

New Japan goes to the United Kingdom on a quest to see if the Rainmaker can thwart the King of Pancrase as the sun sets on summer!

Coverage of NJPW Royal Quest will be as broadcast by AXS TV

OFFICIAL RESULTS

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Minoru Suzuki; Okada wins and retains the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS set the scene for this epic event abroad!

After being snubbed in this year’s G1 Climax, the Man with the Worst Personality is in the worst mood ever! Minoru Suzuki wants to stick it to NJPW and their golden boy. He defeated Kazuchika Okada in a tag team match and then made his challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship! The G1 Climax’s guaranteed title match contract is for Wrestle Kingdom, so Kota Ibushi is waiting in the wings. Suzuki therefore jumps to the front of the line! But can he get the better of the Rainmaker when they’ve had two time limit draws and a 40-minute classic? Or will the Rainmaker’s reign become an international phenomenon all over again? We find out, NOW!

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Minoru Suzuki!

There is no room for anything else when a match this amazing comes along. Will Okada keep going towards Wrestle Kingdom in the Tokyo Dome? Or will The King take the throne while NJPW is overseas?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the UK is thunderous as the Rainmaker’s fifth reign faces its meanest challenger!

NJPW on AXS returns as the anticipation builds watching Okada prepare himself. Okada reveals the shorts! Fans build to a rally already as Okada and Suzuki simply stare down. Suzuki and Okada hear the dueling chants as they circle. Okada and Suzuki approach and feel out the grapple. Fans rally more as Okada and Suzuki circle again. The two approach and Okada gets clear of Suzuki’s kick. Suzuki goes at Okada in the corner but Red Shoes has him back up. Okada comes out but avoids the knee. They feel out the grapple again and tie up with knuckle locks. They go shoulder to shoulder and push as fans rally more. Okada wrenches to a wristlock but Suzuki works on an escape. Fans duel as Okada hammerlocks. Okada stays in the blind spot but Suzuki gets around to reverse the hammerlock onto Okada.

Suzuki puts Okada on the mat as fans continue to rally. Suzuki pulls Okada’s free arm back and grinds a knee on Okada’s head. Okada spins out and breaks Suzuki’s grip. Okada keeps Suzuki away with a leg guard, then gets away himself. Fans cheer this chess game’s early exchange. Suzuki kicks low and wrenches the wrist. Okada endures but Suzuki yanks hard on the arm! Okada rolls and gets a leg takedown. Suzuki reaches up for a chinlock, then wags his finger “No no no!” Suzuki pulls hair but Red Shoes counts. Suzuki lets go of the hair to chinbar Okada back. Okada wrenches the foot harder and Suzuki lets go. Suzuki grabs hair again but Okada wrenches the foot. Suzuki gets Okada into an armbar! Okada flails around but gets caught in a Triangle hold! But he also gets a ropebreak with his foot! Suzuki lets go and Okada backs off to a corner while fans cheer.

Suzuki grins at Okada as we’re only five minutes into this match. Fans rally up again as the two circle and approach. Okada is wary as they tie up so he backs off. Suzuki eggs Okada on and then gives him a shove. Okada fires a forearm! Suzuki fires back, but Okada gives another. Suzuki hits, Okada hits back, repeat. Fans cheer as the pace picks up. Suzuki runs but into a boot. Okada snapmares and runs, basement dropkick! Fans cheer as Suzuki is reeling. Okada goes after Suzuki with more forearms, and he rocks Suzuki onto the ropes. Okada siwngs again but Suzuki dodges to get Okada in a hanging armbar! Red Shoes counts and Suzuki lets go, to drag Okada outside and throw into railing! Okada is writhing while Suzuki goes looking for something! He has a steel chair! Suzuki is riled up but Red Shoes tells him to stand down. Suzuki threatens Red Shoes instead!

Okada comes around, and stifles the chair shot to throw forearms! And they go up to the ramp! Suzuki denies the gut wrench, to get a Gotch lift! Okada fights against the lift, so Suzuki just clubs him down. Suzuki goes up the ramp and uses it to get a running start. Suzuki hits a BIG Penalty Kick! And then he walks it off while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Suzuki picks up that steel chair again! Suzuki smiles at fans as he brings it to the ramp. Red Shoes reprimands Suzuki again but Suzuki plays keep away. Suzuki puts the chair in the ring, so he can have a seat. Fans cheer the arrogance of The King as he watches Okada crawl. Okada stands and hobbles his way back into the ring. Suzuki is on Okada with stomps, so Red Shoes takes the chair away. Suzuki sees that but Red Shoes puts the chair outside the ring. Suzuki goes back to Okada but Okada fires forearms back. Fans rally as Suzuki just takes the forearms and eggs Okada on. Okada fires more, and Suzuki laughs! Suzuki pats Okada on the shoulder, before giving him a BIG right forearm! Okada wobbles then falls to his knees. Fans want “One More Time!” so Suzuki goes back to Okada with stomps. Suzuki wrenches the arm to a hammerlock, then gets the other. Two hammerlocks, and then a Half Crab! Okada endures this combination of holds as fans rally up.

Okada crawls but Suzuki shifts right into an STF! Suzuki then shifts back to the legs for a Queen Angelito! Fans duel as Suzuki pulls hair to get Okada in the chinlock! It’s a Royal STF! But Okada pops out of the crossface, and scrambles to a ropebreak! Suzuki reluctantly lets Okada go, but then chuckles to himself. He encourages fans to cheer for Okada, before kicking Okada square in the back! Okada sits up to get a kick in the chest! Okada eggs Suzuki on now, so Suzuki gladly gives him another swift kick! And another! And another! But Okada stands up, only for Suzuki to give forearms. Okada gives forearms back, and they go back and forth. Suzuki hits low then whips corner to corner. Okada boots back, then runs, dodges a boot to give a back elbow! Fans cheer as both men are down, and then rally up as the two stir. Okada kips up!

Okada has Suzuki first with many forearms. Okada whips corner to corner then runs in to hit a leaping elbow. Low kick to the DDT! Cover, TWO! Suzuki rolls out of the ring for a breather, but fans rally as Okada takes aim. Okada slingshots and takes Suzuki out! Okada fires up and so do the fans! Okada puts Suzuki in the ring and dares Suzuki to get up. Suzuki snarls as he stands, and he holds off the Alabama lift to drive in big knees. Suzuki whips corner to corner to BOOT Okada! Then snapmare to a Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO! Suzuki keeps his cool as he looms over Okada. Okada swings but into a Fujiwara Armbar! Suzuki pulls back hard but Okada endures. Suzuki also pulls on the fingers and wrist, but still Okada endures! Fans rally and Okada again gets a ropebreak with his long legs. But Suzuki keeps on the arm! Red Shoes counts, so Suzuki lets go.

Suzuki angrily shouts at fans and then at Red Shoes. He goes back to Okada to kick swiftly in the chest again. And again! Okada writhes, both arm and chest stinging from the impact. Suzuki hits another kick! Suzuki wrenches the arm and kicks it, wanting to prevent the Rainmaker lariat before it even happens. Okada throws forearm shots but that proves double-edged. Suzuki wrenches and elbows the arm! Suzuki knees low again and again until Okada falls over. Then Suzuki runs for a basement BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Okada lives and Suzuki grows frustrated. But Suzuki just reels Okada in and fans rally up. Gotch hold, but Okada resists! Okada powers through to back drop Suzuki! Basement European Uppercut! Both men are down again as we go to another break.

NJPW on AXS returns again, and Suzuki crawls away for space. Okada and Suzuki stand, and Okada runs out from the red corner to shotgun dropkick Suzuki to the blue corner! Okada quickly brings Suzuki up and to a fireman’s carry, Death Valley Driver! Cover, TWO! Okada grows a bit frustrated, but he drags Suzuki back up for a scoop slam! Classic Okada as he heads up top. And Okada hits the Macho Elbow! Fans fire up as Okada now hits, the Rainmaker Pose! Suzuki stands with a snarl and SLAPS Okada! Suzuki eggs Okada on as fans duel. Okada throws another forearm, but Suzuki comes back with another of his own. They go back and forth again, and then Okada taunts Suzuki. Suzuki grins before he gives Okada a HARD right! Okada wobbles but stays up, and Suzuki actually commends it! Suzuki wants Okada to come back, and Okada grins as he gives yet another forearm.

Fans hush themselves as Suzuki comes back with a HARDER forearm! But Okada still manages to stay up, though with some help from the ropes. Okada steadies himself and gives Suzuki several forearms in a row. Suzuki just shrugs those off, before giving Okada another HARD forearm! But then Suzuki and the fans applaud Okada staying on his feet! Okada stands up straight, and Suzuki taunts him by putting his arms behind his back. Suzuki has no guard as Okada gives him a forearm! Still not enough, so Okada gives another! Still not enough, so Okada gives another! That wobbles Suzuki and Okada says, “How’s that?!” Okada grins and then returns the no guard. Suzuki winds up to hit HARD once again. Okada wobbles and staggers, but he comes back, to get another! Okada fires up, only to get another! And another! Okada falls!! And Suzuki stands tall as the fans are thunderous!

Suzuki drags Okada up, positions the head, and gives a BIG forearm to the back! Okada flops over but Suzuki brings him in! Gotch hold, but Okada flails with his legs to again resist the piledriver! They go back and forth, and Okada gets Suzuki up! AIR RAID NECKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans know “This is Awesome!” But it’s also far from over as Red Shoes waits for each man to stand. Suzuki and Okada are on their knees as the rally grows stronger. Suzuki forearms, but Okada forearms back. Suzuki again, but Okada returns it. Suzuki rocks Okada but Okada rocks Suzuki. They stand and the brawl continues back and forth. Okada refuses to back down and starts giving EuroUppers. Suzuki kneels, but does not yield. Suzuki headbutts! And headbutts! And headbutts! Suzuki whips but Okada reverses to hit the dropkick!

Okada drags Suzuki back up, reels him in for a sleeper hold! Okada is using one of Suzuki’s favorites! Suzuki’s fans boo but Okada’s fans like the turnabout. But Suzuki himself goes after the fingers! Okada holds on, but Suzuki stands up and powers Okada back. Okada keeps squeezing tight, and Red Shoes checks on Suzuki. Suzuki still has life, but it is fading. So much like Suzuki would, Okada lets go of the hold, to ROCK Suzuki with another forearm. And another! And a third! Suzuki staggers and Okada runs, but Suzuki dropkicks Okada down! Fans are again fired up as Suzuki puts his sleeper hold onto Okada! Okada endures the squeeze now, reaches for ropes, but is turning purple like his trunks! But he still gets the ropebreak! Suzuki lets go only to kick the arms off the rope! And then he gets the sleeper back! BIG takedown, to a mounted sleeper!

Okada endures the squeeze and having Suzuki’s weight on him. Fans duel strong as ever as Suzuki brings Okada around. Okada is fading on his feet! Red Shoes checks by lifting and dropping the arm. The arm falls once. The arm falls twice. But Suzuki spins Okada, only for Okada to hit RAINMAKER OUTTA NOWHERE!! And Okada still has wrist control as both men hit the mat! Okada lives, and forces himself up, to then drag Suzuki around. They stand, and Okada hits another lariat! Rainmaker Pose again! Okada brings Suzuki up, has the wristlock, but Suzuki fights out with elbows! Okada spins into Suzuki’s uppercut! Suzuki shakes out the cobwebs, then thinks about that right hand of his. Suzuki brings Okada up to fire off fast strikes with both hands! He slaps away on Okada, then keeps on going! Suzuki doesn’t let Okada fall, he just keeps firing off! And then ROCKS Okada with a right! Down goes Okada!

Suzuki brings Okada up once again, for another sleeper hold! Okada is again very purple, and then Suzuki spins him around. Suzuki points to his fans, puts on the Gotch, and lifts! Only for Okada to kick free yet again! Okada grabs a leg, but Suzuki SLAPS and headbutts! Only for Okada to spin him and dropkick him in the back! Suzuki goes down and fans fire up again! Okada hobbles over and brings Suzuki up. Okada whips and dropkicks Suzuki again! Okada fires himself up as fans are divided. Okada has the wristlock, reels Suzuki out but gets a boot! Suzuki spins Okada for a sleeper, then spins for the Gotch, only to get another back drop! Okada runs, but his boot is caught. Suzuki uses that to spin Okada while he runs. Suzuki runs to tilt-o-whirl, but Okada has the TOMBSTONE! But that’s not it, wristlock ripcord to RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; still IWGP Heavyweight Champion

And history is made! The first title defense of THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the UK is a successful defense for The Rainmaker! Suzuki’s challenge was not enough to end Okada’s newest reign! Is Okada going to continue on as the greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time? We’ll hear from the Rainmaker after the break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Okada is ready to speak.

“COPPER BOX~!” And in English, he asks, “How was New Japan Pro-Wrestling tonight?” Fans cheer, showing that they definitely enjoyed it. “And how was IWGP Heavyweight Championship match?” They cheer again, because they clearly loved it! “Suzuki-san! I hate you more than anyone in the world. But I’m glad I got to wrestle you in London. Thank you, Suzuki-san!” Fans cheer for that because they also respect Suzuki. And so, the payback is complete for Suzuki’s actions, but there is still someone else. Okada wonders who he should go after next. But before he says anything, out comes SANADA! The Cold Skull was the first man to beat Okada in the G1 Climax this year, and so clearly we all know this is who Okada meant. Sanada climbs into the ring to stand face to face with Okada.

“Hey, London!” Sanada says. “Next time I see you, I’ll be IWGP Heavyweight Champion.” Fans cheer because they’d love to see that! Okada shakes his head, saying it won’t be so easy. Fans duel again and both men hear it all. Sanada nods as he takes his leave, because his match card is clearly set. When and where will the Rainmaker and Cold Skull have their eighth match in history?

Okada asks if London likes the idea of him and Sanada for the title. Clearly they do! Well okay. But sorry Sanada, because when Okada comes back to the UK, he will STILL be champion! And it only rains gold when Okada is champion! And as long as he IS champion, here in London, he’ll make it rain! Will Okada keep this fifth reign going through Sanada? Or will the Golden Star be expecting a different opponent in the Tokyo Dome?

My Thoughts:

It feels like a long time since AXS only gave us one hour of NJPW, but this was still a great first part to the Royal Quest coverage. We only got and only needed the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a match that helps bring the title itself closer to being a literal world title. Defended in Japan, defended in North America/United States and now the United Kingdom, I think it just takes one other continent but I feel like it’d have to be Australia in a future “Southern Showdown” or whatever they choose to call it. At the same time, not sure if NJPW is really concerned with that since it’s been just the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for so long.

All that stuff aside, what a great match between Okada and Suzuki, with plenty of past to build upon between these two icons. However, it was clear Okada would win, because the idea of him going through quite the amazing string of challenges to test this newest reign is a great story. Okada VS Sanada was obviously the next match, and that will be an amazing match given the G1 Climax encounter. At this point, as easy as Okada could retain to put pressure on Kota Ibushi making it to Wrestle Kingdom, things could completely switch and it’s now Sanada seeing if he can carry the baton as the top guy in NJPW. Fans are definitely going to be fine with either outcome, and NJPW could easily pull the trigger and give it a try, but also just stick to the big name that’s already gotten them this far. The intrigue is great for NJPW in a time when everyone else in the wrestling fandom is wondering what other companies are going to do booking wise in the Fall.

My Score: 9/10

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Soul Results & Report! (6/21/25)

Ace Final Road – Kinship

Published

1 hour ago

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Steven Mitchell

The Ace VS Everybody’s Kokeshi, for the final time!

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s farewell tour continues on, and his New Japan Soul will shine bright against fellow icon, Tomoaki Honma!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino VS TMDK; Goto, Oleg & Shota win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tomoaki Honma!

The year is half over, meaning we’re that much closer to The Ace reaching the end of his Final Road. One way or another, he checks off another name on the list, but will the Ace be high? Or will Everyone’s Kokeshi be like a roadblock up ahead?

Both men take off their coats and the fans cheer the muscularity. The bell rings and the fans rally up, with a lot of “HONMA! HONMA!” coming out! Tanahashi nods in respect, and the two circle. They tie up, Tanahashi waistlocks, but Honma switches. Tanahashi switches back, but Honma wrenches free. Tanahashi wrenches in return, but then so does Honma. Honma has the wristlock, but Tanahashi drops down for a leg pick, then he floats to the headlock. Honma fights up but Tanahashi hits the takeover. Honma headscissors, Tanahashi kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. The two reset and circle again.

The fans rally, and while Tanahashi tries, the Honma fans are still louder. The two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow and are in a deadlock. Honma digs in his heels and he starts pushing Tanahashi back. Honma puts Tanahashi on the ropes, the ref counts, and Honma lets go. But then Tanahashi turns things around! The ref counts and Tanahashi slowly lets off of Honma. The fans applaud, but then Tanahashi takes a swing! Honma dodges to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! The fans rally, Honma whips Tanahashi to a corner, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit and the fans cheer the air guitar.

Tanahashi storms up on Honma, brings him up and fires forearms. Tanahashi whips, Honma reverses, and Honma ELBOWS Tanahashi down! Fans fire up as Honma runs, but Tanahashi avoids the Kokeshi! The fans are torn but Tanahashi brings Honma up to whip. Honma grabs ropes to stop himself, then he runs to RUN Tanahashi over! Honma runs again, but Tanahashi again avoids the Kokeshi! The fans boo but Tanahashi doesn’t let that get him down. Tanahashi stomps Honma’s legs, Honma crawls away, but Tanahashi brings him up. Tanahashi bumps Honma off buckles, then bumps him off buckles again!

The fans rally as Tanahashi dribbles Honma off the buckles! Honma stops to throw hands on Tanahashi! And now Honma puts Tanahashi in the corner. But Tanahashi turns things around! Tanahashi puts Honma’s leg in the ropes but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi assures the ref he won’t do anything, but then he DROPKICKS the leg after all! The fans are torn, and Honma falls to the mat. The fans rally up for Honma, Tanahashi drags him by his leg, and then drops an ELBOW on the knee! Tanahashi has the toehold but Honma grabs at Tanahashi’s hair. Tanahashi elbows Honma then pulls on the leg.

Tanahashi shifts and has the DEATHLOCK! Tanahashi pushes on the legs but Honma endures. Honma CHOPS but Tanahashi eggs him on. Honma CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Tanahashi HEADBUTTS Honma! But that was double-edged and Tanahashi feels dizzy! Tanahashi lets the leglock go, and he drags Honma back to center. Tanahashi pulls on the bad leg but Honma kicks him with the good leg! Tanahashi eggs Honma on, so Honma BOOTS him! Tanahashi stomps Honma again and again, the fans rally up, and Honma eggs Tanahashi on now! The fans rally behind Honma while Tanahashi keeps kicking!

Honma blocks a kick, fires a forearm, but Tanahashi fires back! Tanahashi eggs Honma on and the forearms keep going! Tanahashi fires his strike combo! Honma wobbles, but he still blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! The fans cheer as Honma gives Tanahashi a taste of his own medicine! The fans rally as Honma crawls away to the ropes. Tanahashi stirs and rises up, and Honma runs up to RUN Tanahashi over! And he ELBOWS Tanahashi down! Then he scoops and SLAMS Tanahashi! The fans fire up while Honma brings Tanahashi around. Honma CHOPS, and CHOPS, and he CHOPS Tanahashi into the corner!

Honma whips corner to corner, runs in, and ELBOWS Tanahashi again! Honma then runs to BULLDOG Tanahashi down! The fans fire up as Honma goes for it again! KOKESHI FLOPS as Tanahashi avoids it once more! That was a close call, though. Tanahashi runs and he FLYING FOREARMS Honma down! The fans rally while Honma goes to a corner. Tanahashi kicks Honma, fires forearms, and fires up. The fans rally as Tanahashi goes corner to corner, but he blocks a boot! Tanahashi holds on as Honma tries to kick free. DRAGON SCREW! Honma is down and the fans rally up. Tanahashi brings Honma back up to scoop and SLAM!

Tanahashi has Honma in the drop zone, adds an ELBOW, then he climbs! SUNSET SENTON! A solid one at that! The fans fire up and Tanahashi goes back up! But Honma hits Tanahashi first! Honma climbs, CLUBS Tanahashi, and the fans rally as he brings Tanahashi to the top. Tanahashi fires body shots and a forearm, but Honma holds onto the ropes to stay up! Tanahashi fires more shots, and Honma falls! But he rises again to trip Tanahashi! Honma CLUBS Tanahashi, climbs back up, and the fans rally again! Tanahashi fires hands, and another HEADBUTT! Honma staggers back, but then RISING KOKESHIS!

Honma climbs, he brings Tanahashi up again, and hits the SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up for that heavy landing! Honma rises as the fans cheer him on, and he hits a KOKESHI ROCKET! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and the fans fire up again. Honma brings Tanahashi back up, throws some heavy back elbows, but Tanahashi eggs him on. Honma has Tanahashi down, then gets both wrists! KAMI-GOYE KOKESHI!! Cover, TWO!! But Honma doesn’t fret, he just goes up top! The fans fire up for the FALLING KOKESHI, but Tanahashi moves! Another crash landing for Honma and the fans can’t believe it!

The fans rally as hard as they can for Honma and he rises up. Honma goes to a corner, he and Tanahashi run at each other, and Honma LARIATS first! Then KOKESHI!! It finally hits!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Honma powers up again! The fans rally as Honma brings Tanahashi back up. Honma suplexes but Tanahashi blocks! Tanahashi fires elbows, fights free, but Honma roars! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Honma HEADBUTTS! Honma runs, but Tanahashi dodges, only for Honma to SWAT the Slingblade! Honma runs, but into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi runs as Honma rises, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous but now Tanahashi goes up top! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

In their final showdown, The Ace and The Kokeshi fought like there was no tomorrow! But in the end, Tanahashi comes out on top! He shows his friend respect, and the fans applaud. The Final Road still has many stops left, but who will be next?

Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino VS TMDK!

After Dominion, The Fierce Warrior is still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and BARS is now NEVER Openweight Champion! The Roughneck still wants to prove himself worthy, will he and Team Hontai be rolling towards the G1 Climax? Or can Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson remind us that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The trios sort out and Oiwa starts against Oleg. The fans rally as they circle, tie up, and Oiwa headlocks. Oiwa spins to hammerlock, but Oleg switches that onto Oiwa. Oiwa switches, Oleg switches back then headlocks. Oiwa wrenches the hold open, the two fight for control, and Oleg powers Oiwa down with the top wristlock. But then Oiwa headscissors! Oleg kips free, headlocks, and he grinds the hold. Oiwa fights up, Oleg wrenches and fireman’s carries for a takeover! And another takeover! And another! Oiwa headscissors but Oleg kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. The two reset again and tie back up.

Oiwa headlocks but Oleg powers up, only for Oiwa to hold on tight. Oleg fires body shots, powers up again, but Oiwa still holds tight! Oiwa grinds the hold but Oleg fires body shots. Oleg lifts, but Oiwa hits a flying takeover! The fans rally, Oleg fights up again, and he fires body shots. Oleg powers up and out, Oiwa whips, then Oiwa drops down to DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Oiwa hits a headlock takeover! Oiwa hooks a leg for a cover, TWO! Oiwa keeps the headlock but Oleg fights up. Oleg powers up, powers out this time, then Oleg hurdles to HIP TOSS! The fans fire up and Oleg runs, runs, and SPLASHES DOWN! Cover, TWO!

The fans applaud as Oiwa stays in this. Oleg stomps Oiwa, brings him up, and wrenches an arm. Oleg CLUBS Oiwa, then tags in Shota. Shota takes the handoff to wrench and wrench and wrench again. Goto then tags in and he takes the handoff. Goto wrenches to YANK the arm, CLUB the arm, and then wrench again. Tag back to Oleg and Oleg takes the handoff to wrench and wristlock. Oleg tags Shota back in and Shota CLUBS the arm. Shota stares down ZSJ, he and Oleg stomp Oiwa, then they double whip. They DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, and ZSJ runs in! Shota sends him into Oleg’s CHOP, and Goto RUNS ZSJ over!

Goto BLASTS Hartley, then brings Oiwa up. Goto has the others join in on BEATING THE DRUM! The fans cheer as Hontai learns to play the Chaos classics. Shota then brings Oiwa up for an UPPERCUT! Shota UPPERCUTS again, and UPPERCUTS again, then whips Oiwa to ropes. Shota ELBOWS Oiwa down, runs and basement DROPKICKS! Oiwa hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Oiwa keeps cool. The fans rally up and Shota brings Oiwa around. Shota reels Oiwa in, Oiwa resists the lift, so Shota fires KNEE after KNEE! Oiwa sputters, and then Shota CHOPS him to a corner.

Shota whips corner to corner but Oiwa comes back. Shota dodges the lariat, but Oiwa blocks Shota’s to underhook and BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Both men are down, so TMDK BLASTS Goto & Oleg! ZSJ goes out to UPPERCUT Goto down, and Hartley tags in. Hartley CHOPS Shota down, then suplexes him! Cover, TWO! Tag to ZSJ and the fans cheer as The Front Man UPPERCUTS Shota! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Shota again, and again, and again! The fans rally as the UPPERCUTS just keep going, until Shota falls over! Tag back to Hartley and he drags Shota. ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Hartley stomps Shota.

Hartley drags Shota over, tags ZSJ, and ZSJ RAMS Shota! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Shota, shoves, RAMS low, then UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ cravats for the neck wrench but Shota endures. The fans rally, Shota fights up, and Shota powers up and out with a throw. Shota then sunset flips, TWO! ZSJ prawn holds, TWO! Shota sunsets again, TWO! ZSJ high stacks, TWO! Shota sunsets again, TWO! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick to arm-drag, but ZSJ headscissors and NECK TWISTS! ZSJ drags Shota over, tags Oiwa, and Oiwa uses a STRAIGHT ARMBAR! Shota endures, so Oiwa drags him out and drops a LEG on the arm!

Shota endures the modified arm scissors, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Oiwa lets go, and Oiwa stomps Shota’s arm. Oiwa kicks Shota, eggs him on, then stands him up. Shota ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa shakes that off, comes back and kicks low! But Shota fires more forearms! Oiwa kicks low, runs up, but Shota dodges to wrench and TORNADO- NO, Oiwa powers out, slips around, but Shota fights the high crotch suplex! Shota CLUBS Oiwa, Oiwa runs up, but Shota ELBOWS and- NO, Oiwa ducks the Pele! Oiwa whips, Shota reverses, TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

The fans rally while Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Goto! The Fierce Warrior runs over The Mullet, then he BLASTS TMDK! Oiwa kicks low, runs, but Goto follows and LARIATS! Hartley runs in but Goto kicks low! Hartley blocks Goto’s suplex to suplex Goto, but Goto fights that! Goto then suplexes Hartley onto Oiwa! The fans fire up while Oiwa sputters. Goto stands Oiwa up, whips him to a corner, then runs in for MURAMASA! Then the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Goto is right on him. Oiwa fights the fireman’s carry and CLUBS away! Then ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa runs, Goto follows, but Oiwa ducks!

Oiwa wrenches Goto and hits a DDT! The fans fire up and Oiwa hot tags ZSJ! ZSJ runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and ZSJ brings Goto up. Goto fights the scoop, fires body shots, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Goto fires a forearm, ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, and repeat! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again and again, but Goto fires more forearms! ZSJ wrenches an arm to PELE! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses and fireman’s carries! ZSJ slips free, Goto ELBOWS him, then Goto blocks a kick! But ZSJ uses that for an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Goto endures but TMDK YANK Oleg and Shota off the apron!

Oleg is sent into railing, Oiwa keeps Shota down with an armlock, and ZSJ breaks Goto’s grip to have the ARMBAR!! And then the LEGLOCK on top!! Goto flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer, ZSJ lets go, but now Hontai is sent into railing again! ZSJ grabs Goto’s hand and bends the fingers! And he STOMPS the arm! Goto writhes but ZSJ stomps him more. ZSJ runs up and BOOTS Goto, but Goto stays up! ZSJ tries again but Goto blocks the boot to DECK ZSJ! The fans fire up and Goto roars, but he runs into a BOOT! ZSJ scoops, Goto slips free, but ZSJ PELES! And PENALTY KICKS! But Goto is up to LARIAT!

Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and ZSJ crawl, reach out, hot tags to Oleg and Hartley! The fans fire up as the big men DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! Then they start throwing CHOPS! Oleg DOUBLE CHOPS, runs, but Hartley CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up, Hartley BLASTS Shota off the apron, and he aims from the corner. Hartley runs in, Oleg dodges, and then Oleg comes back! Oleg SPLASHES, then gut wrenches! But Hartley’s too big! Hartley breaks free, fires boxing elbows, and an UPPERCUT! Hartley reels Oleg in, suplexes, but Oleg fights it! They fight for control, and Hartley suplexes Oleg!

The fans fire up and Hartley rises. Hartley runs but Oleg avoids the senton! Oleg drags Hartley up, scoops and SLAMS! The fans fire up as Oleg goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Hartley stays in this and the fans rally up. Oleg brings Hartley around to gut wrench! Shake, Rattle & THROW! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg brings Hartley up again, fireman’s carries, but Oiwa kicks low! Shota kicks Oiwa, UPPERCUTS him, then whips. Oiwa reverses and UPPERCUTS Shota! Oiwa then gets around Oleg to HIGH CROTCH PLEX! ZSJ adds a NECK TWIST! Hartley adds the SENTON! Cover, Goto breaks it! The fans fire up while ZSJ goes after Goto!

ZSJ fires forearm after forearm, but Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Oiwa runs up, Goto sends him into Shota’s LARIAT! Shota stands Hartley up, he and Goto double whip, but Hartley breaks the lariats! Shota sends Hartley into Goto’s FOREARM! Shota ENZIGIRIS! Goto hits URA GTR, and Shota adds a LARIAT!! The fans fire up and Oleg has Hartley up! Fireman’s carry for the KAMIKAZE!! Cover, Hontai wins!

Winners: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino, by pinfall

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can still fall! Oleg brings down big bad Hartley, can TMDK rise back up before the G1 begins?

As for Hontai, Oleg scored the fall so he gets to speak! Oleg says good evening to Yamagata and the fans cheer. Oleg knows he only just became NEVER Champion, but he promises to work even harder and become an even greater wrestler, so please continue to support him. The fans applaud, and then Oleg asks who wants to speak next. Goto lets Shota go next, and the fans cheer Shota on. Shota thanks the fans for the great energy all the way through the show tonight, then he takes a bow. The fans applaud, and Shota adds that Yamagata is both hot and amazing. This New Japan Soul series is important, but so is the upcoming G1 Climax.

Goto is going to defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against ZSJ in Nagoya before the tournament begins, and regardless of who wins that, Shota vows to win the G1 and challenge the champion. Shota tells Goto that he hopes to face him again with the title on the line. The fans applaud and Goto nods. Shota says naturally, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion will now close us out. The fans applaud again and Goto is handed the mic. The fans cheer Goto on, and he also thanks everyone for coming out tonight. Goto knows it took a long time, but he is proud to finally return to Yamagata as world champion.

The fans cheer, and Goto adds that he wants to make it through his next defense to then take this title into the G1. The Goto Revolution is far from over! Be sure to follow him until the end! The fans cheer that, and Goto says that lastly, he of course wishes to talk about Goto’s G. The fans applaud, and Goto realizes, there’s a G in Yamagata, too. So then, the G in Yamagata and IWGP stand for Goto! The fans cheer and the Fierce Warrior is ready! Will he thwart ZSJ’s efforts in one more rematch? Will he make the G in G1 also stand for Goto?

My Thoughts:

A very good night for NJPW as part of their New Japan Soul series. While I skimmed the other matches, I do like how Sho is wearing a mask like he’s a luchador now and it isn’t obvious it’s just him. The House of Torture wins their matches to keep momentum going, and the other matches were about building towards the G1 Climax qualifiers. Tanahashi VS Honma was good, and I like that the fans cheered Honma. Truth be told, we know Tanahashi is going to win most of these Final Road matches, so that is probably why the fans hope for the opponents to do well. And with the G1 coming up, maybe Tanahashi gets one last good run to try for the finals.

Very good Six Man Tag main event, but it works for Hontai to win. Goto is the top champion, Oleg just became a champion, and NJPW wants Shota to build up given he’s one of the Reiwa Musketeers. Goto VS ZSJ will be a very good match but I feel like Goto’s going to win to bring the title along and add drama to his G1. ZSJ can still have his own great showing in the G1 and maybe makes a case for himself to be the winner again.