Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup 2020 Results & Report Part 1!

New Japan is back!

Published

4 years ago

June 17, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Simply the best of New Japan Cup’s first week back!

NJPW is back and brings us the tournament we were all hoping for! The New Japan Cup 2020 begins with simply the best!

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

6/16/2020 – Hiromu Takahashi VS Tomoaki Honma; Hiromu wins and advances to the next round.
6/16/2020 – Tomohiro Ishii VS El Desperado; Ishii wins and advances to the next round.
6/17/2020 – Yuji Nagata VS Minoru Suzuki; Nagata wins and advances to the next round.
6/17/2020 – Kazuchika Okada VS Gedo; Okada wins and advances to the next round.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiromu Takahashi VS Tomoaki Honma!

The Ticking Time Bomb sadly could not have his match against Tetsuya Naito at the Anniversary Show this year, but no matter! He will do everything he can to make it to the finals and win an opportunity at his leader in Los Ingobernables de Japon! But will The Innovator of Lighttube Deathmatches have something to say about that?

The bell rings and Hiromu circles with Honma. They approach, feel out the grapple, but break before coming back. Hiromu headlocks, Honma powers out, and the two collide. Neither falls so Hiromu tires again and again. Homna tries and Hiromu staggers. Honma hits Hiromu again, Hiromu comes back but gets run over! Honma stomps Hiromu then clubs him around. Honma cravats and cranks on Hiromu’s neck. Hiromu endures but Honma snapmares him down then sits him up for a neck crank. Hiromu endures and gets the ropebreak. Honma lets off fast to stomp Hiromu down. Honma brings Hiromu up to throw big forearms and then scoop slam Hiromu down. Honma fires up, runs, but the falling headbutt flops as Hiromu moves!

Hiromu drags Honma up and whips him to a corner. Honma reverse but Hiromu comes back to ram him! Honma stays up but Hiromu runs again to run him over! Hiromu fires up but sadly, there are no fans to join him. Hiromu circles Honma as he sits up. Hiromu brings Honma up to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Hiromu whips corner to corner, and hits Honma with a corner clothesline! He snapmares then runs to basement dropkick Honma down! Honma rolls to ropes and out of the ring. Hiromu watches Honma, goes to the apron, and comes around to flying knee Honma down! Hiromu claps but there’s no one to respond live. Honma crawls after Hiromu but Hiromu does a full lap! Hiromu comes back to JOHN WOO Honma into the railing! The speed of the Ticking Time Bomb amazes commentary!

Hiromu leaves Honma behind tot he mercy of the ring count. The count passes 5 of 20 but Honma stands. Hiromu climbs up top but Honma gets in the ring. Hiromu digs a knee into Honma’s chest and the ref counts, but he lets up at 3. Honma gasps for air but Hiromu stomps him. Hiromu drives his knee in again. He stops at 3 and kicks Honma while he’s down. Hiromu brings Honma up to snapmare back down to a headscissor hold! Honma endures but Hiromu pulls on the arms to bring him in deeper! Honma kicks around and reaches, and he kicks his way to the ropebreak! Hiromu has the ref help him get free, and then Hiromu taunts Honma. Honma hits Hiromu but Hiromu doesn’t back down. Hiromu throws forearms on Honma but Honma eggs him on. Hiromu throws harder and harder forearm shots, but Honma turns one into a DDT! Both men are down but stirring.

Honma rises and brings Hiromu up. Hiromu knees low then runs, but into Honma’s elbow! Honma drags Hiromu back up to CHOP! Hiromu staggers to a corner but Honma CHOPS him again! And again! Honma whips Hiromu corner to corner, runs in and forearm smashes! Then hits a bulldog! Honma fires up, runs and drops the headbutt, to flop again! Hiromu mocks Honma, but he fails the falling headbutt, too! Honma rises and brings Hiromu up again. Honma suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Hiromu barely escapes but Honma drags him back up again. Honma CHOPS and Hiromu wobbles. Honma CHOPS and CHOPS again, and Hiromu falls to the mat! Honma doesn’t give Hiromu time to rest. Honma goes to scoop, but Hiromu resists! Hiromu throws forearms but Honma gives them back. They brawl back and forth, and are picking up speed!

Hiromu wobbles and Honma eggs him on. Hiromu hits again and again but Honma gives it all back. Honma runs, but Hiromu elbows! Hiromu runs but Honma elbows! Honma runs, and they both collide with clotheslines! They don’t fall so they try again! Honma ducks to GERMAN SUPLEX!! Hiromu flounders to his feet, but catches Honma to a waistlock! Honma fights off the lift, runs, but into a LARIAT! Both men are down again and the commentary is very excited. Honma crawls towards ropes drags himself out to the apron. Hiromu stands and builds speed, to SUNSET FLIP! But Honma holds onto the ropes for dear life! Hiromu keeps trying to pull Honma away but Honma stomps on him! Honma gets back in the ring, Hiromu climbs the apron, but Honma HEADBUTTS him off! Hiromu hits railing on the way down, and Honma goes up top!?

Hiromu stops Honma with clubbing forearms! They brawl, Hiromu CHOPS and fireman’s carries, for an APRON DEATH VALLEY!! Honma falls to the floor and the referee checks on him. The ring count begins and passes 10 of 20. Honma flounders, falls again, hears the count hit 15, rises again, and gets in at 19! Hiromu isn’t frustrated, he just scuffs Honma with his boot. Hiromu toys with Honma then brings him up. Honma is dead weight so Hiromu lets him be. Honma gets up on his own and eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu throws big forearms while Honma’s response is weak. Hiromu stands on Honma’s head, then eggs him on more. Honma rises and throws forearms but Hiromu gives them back. They brawl, picking up speed again. Hiromu slows for just a moment but the brawling starts up again.

Hiromu and Honma change to CHOPS! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! They don’t look to be stopping! Honma fires up for a string of CHOPS! Hiromu goes down, Honma runs, but the falling headbutt flops again! Hiromu brings Honma up, fireman’s carries, but Honma elbows against the move. Hiromu powers through, but Honma slips off. Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu builds up a lot of speed, but Hiromu runs into the HEADBUTT! Honma runs, the falling headbutt HITS! Honma keeps moving, BASEMENT HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Honma keeps moving, he scoop slams Hiromu to a drop zone and heads up top. SUPER FALLING HEADBUTT FLOPS!! Cradle counter, TWO!! Hiromu isn’t done, he watches Honma rise. They brawl again, Honma shoves, RABBIT HEADBUTT! He hits Hiromu in the back, builds speed, but runs into a LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?

Hiromu can’t believe it and he grows frustrated. But he fireman’s carries again, only for Honma to slip out. Honma ducks the superkick to UPPERCUT HEADBUTT! Honma scoops Hiromu, Hiromu slips out, SUPERKICK! Hiromu fireman’s carries, to CORNER Death Valley! Hiromu drags Honma back up, fireman’s carries again, TIMEBOMB!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion conquers a headstrong heavyweight! But with as much as it took out of him, will Hiromu be ready to have more, more, MORE fun next round?

Tomohiro Ishii VS El Desperado!

The Stone Pitbull wants to finally sink his teeth back into someone, and Suzuki-Gun’s masked wrestler! Who shakes off the dust and ring rust and makes it to the next round?

The bell rings and Desperado stares Ishii down. They circle, approach, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock but Ishii gets Desperado backing down. They end up on ropes, go around, and Red Shoes calls for the break. Desperado lets off to pat Ishii on the shoulders. Desperado then mocks Ishii’s height, and pats “little Ishii” on his head. Ishii grabs Desperado by his mask and backs him down. Desperado gets away before Ishii can hit him, and then tells Ishii to calm down about the short jokes. Ishii dares Desperado to hit him first then. Desperado does but Ishii doesn’t budge. Ishii eggs Desperado on, Desperado hits Ishii more, and now we have a brawl! They throw forearm after forearm, Desperado wobbles and Ishii fires off! Desperado stomps on Ishii’s foot! Desperado runs but gets run over!

Ishii kicks Desperado while he’s down, and again! And again! Ishii stands on Desperado’s head but Desperado pushes him away. Desperado throws more forearms, runs and rams his shoulder, but Ishii stands solid! Desperado tries again but Ishii still tanks the shoulder. Ishii whips, Desperado reverses but Ishii holds ropes. ishii stomps Desperado and stands on his face this time. Red Shoes reprimands but Ishii keeps toying with Desperado. Desperado gets up to CHOP, and that finally affects Ishii. Desperado runs, bumps Ishii then runs him over on the return! Now Desperado gives Ishii back the taunting and toying. The two talk smack, and Desperado KICKS Ishii in the leg! Desperado keeps on that leg with a takedown and leg tweak!

Desperado splashes down on the knee and then paces as Ishii clutches the knee. Desperado yanks on the leg then brings Ishii up for headbutts. Ishii forearms back but Desperado kicks the bad leg. Desperado digs his fingers into Ishii’s face in the corner, but stops when Red Shoes counts. Ishii goes down, Desperado is on his leg at the corner! Desperado SWINGS the bad leg into the post! And again! Desperado drags Ishii out to whip him into railing! Ishii staggers while Desperado goes back to the ring. The ring count passes 10 of 20 before Ishii gets back in. Desperado is on Ishii’s bad leg with stomps! Desperado drops knees on the knee! Ishii writhes as he clutches his leg, but Desperado brings him back up. Desperado wraps the bad leg on the ropes and pulls!

Red Shoes counts, Desperado stops for just a moment, but then he pulls the leg again. Desperado pushes Red Shoes away to then stand on the bad leg in the ropes! Red Shoes gets Desperado to stop, but while Red Shoes is helping Ishii, Desperado goes to untie a buckle pad! Desperado brings off the white pad and tosses it before Red Shoes is aware. Desperado drags Ishii up but brings up Ishii has bad knee. Then he stomps it! Desperado brings Ishii up to whip into the exposed buckles! Red Shoes disapproves but Desperado just shrugs. Desperado brings Ishii up and whips him back into the exposed buckles! Ishii writhes in pain and Red Shoes reprimands again, but Desperado doesn’t care. Desperado stands on Ishii and flexes, but he still needs to finish Ishii off.

Desperado whips Ishii back in again, but Ishii uses his pain and anger to propel himself and RAM Desperado! Ishii drags Desperado up now and CHOPS and forearms over and over in the corner! Desperado starts to fall but Ishii just stands him back up for more! Ishii keeps going, even as Desperado is sitting down in the corner! Red Shoes tries to reason with Ishii and Ishii backs off. Red Shoes checks on Desperado, and Desperado asks for mercy from Ishii. Ishii drags Desperado up to a waistlock but Desperado grabs ropes to deny the suplex. Desperado elbows Ishii away, then runs, but Ishii just catches him! And powerbomb lifts! But Desperado digs at Ishii’s eyes! Ishii wristlocks and runs, but Desperado goes the other way for a SPEAR!

Desperado grabs a leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! But Ishii powers out to get a KNEEBAR! Desperado kicks away at Ishii but can’t get him to let go! Desperado crawls for the ropebreak! Ishii lets go but the damage is done. Desperado clutches at jhis bad leg, Ishii drags him up, but Desperado fights the shin breaker off. Desperado kicks but Ishii catches it! Ishii STOMPS the bad leg! Desperado screams in pain, but Ishii whips him to ropes. Desperado reverses, and manages a SPINE BUSTER! And he’s back to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Desperado tortures the bad leg, but Ishii reaches, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado holds on until Red Shoes counts 3. Both men have a bad leg now, but Desperado rises first. Desperado stomps Ishii around but Ishii still gets up. Ishii eggs Desperado on and Desperado kicks the leg.

Desperado runs, BOOTS, but Ishii stays up! Ishii roars, swings, but Desperado kicks and whips. Ishii reverses and Desperado gets bare buckles!! Desperado writhes, Ishii builds speed, but Desperado uses Red Shoes as a shield! Ishii gets Red Shoes away, but Desperado dropkicks the legs out! Desperado gets the leg again for another STRETCH MUFFLER! Ishii endures as Desperado moves around and even adds the arms into the hold, NUMERO DOS! Ishii resists it becoming a cover, and flings Desperado off! Both men are down and exhausted, but Desperado gets himself up first. Desperado drags Ishii up and around to a standing cobra twist. Ishii fights it off, ducks the clohtesline and backhand but Desperado mule kicks. Cobra Twist SCOOP, but Ishii slips out!

Ishii shoves Desperado to a corner, Desperado comes back, but swings into a big suplex! Desperado gets up from the pain, but he runs into a spinning powerslam! Both men are down and the commentary is all fired up! Ishii and Desperado stir, but Ishii is up first. Ishii hobbles over to Desperado, brings him back up, and reels him in. Desperado resists the powerbomb so Ishii kicks Desperado in the face. Desperado dares Ishii to give him more! So Ishii does! Desperado shakes his head, shoves Ishii, and gives him the kicks back! They brawl with forearms but Ishii hits the elbows from all sides! Desperado fires up but Ishii DECKS him! Ishii fires himself up and brings Desperado up and around. Powerbomb lift but the leg gives out! Desperado hits the mat from Ishii letting him go, but Ishii brings him back up.

Ishii tries again, powers through the pain to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Desperado survives but Ishii keeps his focus. Ishii waits for Desperado to stand, then runs, but Desperado blocks and waistlocks. Ishii switches, Desperado grabs at Red Shoes, but Ishii blocks the low blow mule kick! Ishii HEADBUTTS Desperado, but Desperado tilt-o-whirls to a crucifix! Ishii stays up and turns the takedown into a SLAM! Ishii sits Desperado up for the SLIDING D!! Cover, TWO!! Desperado survives but Ishii won’t let up! Ishii drags Desperado up, suplexes, but Desperado slips out to shove him at Red Shoes! Ishii stops himself, but Desperado quickly LOW BLOW UPPERCUTS! Desperado cradles Ishii, TWO!! Ishii survives Desperado’s dirty tricks but it sure hurt!

Desperado grows frustrated while Ishii rolls to the bare buckles corner. Desperado runs in at Ishii, but only gets buckles! Ishii runs in, BUCKLE SHOT! Cover, TWO!!! Desperado hurries, GUITARRA DE ANGEL! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii survives but Desperado is too tired to be frustrated. Desperado rises and drags Ishii up. He double underhooks but Ishii resists the lift. Ishii slips out, swings, but back into double underhooks! Desperado lifts, Ishii back drops out, SUPERKICK! BIG FOREARM! Ishii goes down and Desperado fires up. Desperado drags Ishii up, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Ishii fires himself up, runs, and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!?! Desperado still lives and Ishii can’t believe it! Ishii drags Desperado back up, suplexes, but Desperado fights out, hooks a leg, EL ES CULERO! TWO, Desperado SLAPS Ishii but Ishii LARIATS Desperado! Ishii suplexes for the BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, Ishii wins!!

Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall

Desperado goes down and the Pitbull advances! But what does Ishii have left in the tank to make it further on?

Yuji Nagata VS Minoru Suzuki!

Blue Justice still has a lot of fight left in him, and he’s still hungry for gold! But the same goes for the Meanest Man in the World! Who proves they’ve got the grit and determination to make it to round two?

The bell rings and Suzuki fires off on Nagata, but Nagata gives it right back! It is a fast and furious brawl right away, and Suzuki laughs! Suzuki throws another big forearm, but Nagata gives it back. They brawl again, and Suzuki just keeps laughing. Nagata eggs him on, so Suzuki ROCKS him! Nagata stays up and throws another big forearm. They go back and forth again, Suzuki throws a string, but Nagata still stays up. Nagata gives forearms back and Suzuki wobbles! But Suzuki laughs again as he paces. Suzuki pats Nagata on the shoulder before he ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Nagata gets back up, and throws forearms back! Suzuki staggers, but he’s still smiling! Suzuki ROCKS Nagata, and again, but Nagata eggs him on. Suzuki hits Nagata again and dares him to come back. So Nagata does!

Nagata throws forearm after forearm but Suzuki gives plenty back. These old warriors won’t let up on each other! Nagata wobbles Suzuki and Suzuki just keeps smiling. They keep brawling, and Suzuki ROCKS Nagata again. Nagata shakes it off to throw more forearms again. And again! And again! Suzuki even puts his hands back as he dares Nagata to hit him harder. Nagata does, but Suzuki stays on his feet. They each egg each other on, and Suzuki SLAPS Nagata. Nagata SLAPS back, and now it’s a palm strike battle! Suzuki staggers but comes back, and the brawling continues. Nagata roars and Suzuki grits his teeth. Suzuki eggs Nagata on and they just keep hitting each other with slapping palm strikes! Nagata’s turning red on that left side, but he refuses to fall! Nagata ROCKS Suzuki, and again, and again! Suzuki manages to stay on his feet, so Nagata BOOTS! And SLAPS!

Suzuki slaps back, and just keeps egging Nagata on. Nagata hits, Suzuki hits, repeat! BOth men wobble, Suzuki blocks the boot to get the KNEEBAR! Nagata fights, reaches, but Suzuki shifts around for another angle on the leg! Nagata gets the ropebreak but Suzuki won’t let go! The ref counts, Suzuki lets go at 3, and Nagata gets to the apron. Suzuki pursues as Nagata goes to the floor. Suzuki kicks Nagata and whips him into railing! Suzuki goes looking and finds a chair under the ring! The ref stops Suzuki from using it so Suzuki pushes the ref down. Suzuki runs and BOOTS Nagata, then grabs a bucket from under the ring. Suzuki SMACKS Nagata with the bucket! Suzuki then grabs a bottle of water and opens it up, to SMASH off Nagata’s head! Water goes all over and the ref reprimands Suzuki.

Suzuki leaves Nagata behind and fetches that chair from before. Suzuki grins as he brings the chair around the way. The ref spots him and tells him not to use the chair, but Suzuki argues with him again. Suzuki throws the ref down, grabs a second chair, and SMACKS Nagata’s arm with it!! Nagata clutches that shoulder but Suzuki drags him up. They brawl again, Suzuki puts Nagata’s arm through the railing and pulls! The ref starts a ring count but Suzuki holds on to the arm until 10 of 20. Suzuki chokes and stomps Nagata down before leaving him behind. The count passes 15 but Nagata flounders in at 19! Suzuki toys with Nagata at the ropes but the ref pulls him away. Nagata sits up but Suzuki knees him back down! Suzuki taunts Nagata as Nagata gets to his feet. Suzuki throws forearm after forearm but Nagata eggs him on.

Nagata hits back, but Suzuki throws body shots and ROCKS Nagata with that right! Nagata is still conscious, so Suzuki grabs his leg and brings him to the post! Suzuki locks the legs up and pulls! The ref tells Suzuki to stop and counts, but Suzuki stops at 4. Nagata sits up in the corner and glares as Suzuki returns. Suzuki KICKS Nagata down then stomps the bad arm. But Nagata gets up in anger, so Suzuki throws more knees! Suzuki CHOPS Nagata, and again, but Nagata just glares at him. So Suzuki CHOPS and KNEES again. Suzuki goes corner to corner, to BOOT! He snapmares Nagata and Penalty Kicks, but Nagata blocks it! Nagata elbows the knee! Nagata KICKS Suzuki down, then Penalty Kicks! Suzuki sits back up and glares at Nagata, but Nagata KICKS again! Suzuki sits back up so Nagata just keeps kicking!

Suzuki powers up just to stay sitting up, so Nagata hits him again! Suzuki eggs Nagata on, and Nagata powers up to kick even harder. And again! And again! Nagata boots Suzuki to a corner then BOOTS again! Suzuki denies the slam to get a guillotine facelock! Suzuki cranks on Nagata’s head but Nagata pries free. Nagata wrenches to an arm wringer! Suzuki scrambles to ropes but Nagata KICKS the bad arm! Nagata has Suzuki on the run as he kicks again! Nagata wrenches the arm again, to another wringer! Suzuki clutches the arm and falls to the mat. Nagata dares Suzuki to get back up, but when Suzuki doesn’t, Nagata stomps him. Nagata brings Suzuki up for forearms, then wrenches the bad arm yet again. Suzuki catches Nagata to a sleeper hold! Nagata fades fast as Suzuki squeezes tight! The ref checks on Nagata, but Suzuki shifts to a cover, TWO!!

Suzuki drags Nagata back up and puts the sleeper on again! Blue Justice is turning purple! But Suzuki spins him around, reels him in, Gotch hold, but Nagata resists the lift! Nagata powers up, but Suzuki KNEES him down! Suzuki drags Nagata back up and in, tries the Gotch again, but Nagata kicks the piledriver away! Nagata powers up to back drop Suzuki! Both men are down, but refuse to stay down. Suzuki stands first, brings Nagata up and throws more forearms. Suzuki ROCKS Nagata and sweat goes flying! But Nagata comes back to throw forearms in return. Suzuki ROCKS Nagata again and Nagata tastes blood in his mouth. Nagata fires off forearms and the brawl is on again! Neither man backs down, but Nagata makes Suzuki stagger! Suzuki gets back up and SLAPS Nagata! Nagata SLAPS back, and Suzuki wobbles! But Suzuki smiles again!!

Suzuki throws more palm strikes but so does Nagata! They’re just picking up more speed! Suzuki fires off a flurry but so does Nagata! Suzuki fires off half a dozen, but Nagata comes back with his own trio. Suzuki HEADBUTTS! Nagata falls to a knee, but Suzuki headbutts him again! Nagata staggers about, Suzuki headbutts him again, and both men fall!! Suzuki sits up and smiles again! He’s truly evil! Nagata sits up and grits his teeth as he and Suzuki head for each other. They throw more forearms, and Suzuki eggs Nagata on. Nagata ROCKS Suzuki, then eggs him on. Suzuki ROCKS Nagata, Nagata wobbles, but still hits Suzuki again. Suzuki laughs as he wobbles, then comes back to ROCK Nagata again. And again! Suzuki swings another forearm, but into Nagata’s EXPLODER! But Suzuki’s right back up!?

Suzuki rushes Nagata, Nagata side steps and swings on Suzuki, but Suzuki gets around him to headlock! Nagata hits a SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, NAGATA WINS!!

Winner: Yuji Nagata, by pinfall

Incredible! Blue Justice triumphs over the King of Pancrase! But after such a battle, can he recover in time for round two?

Kazuchika Okada VS Gedo!

The Rainmaker gets back in the title hunt, but he also finally gets his hands on the man that betrayed him! Will Gedo finally face the consequences of choosing The Switchblade over his friend?

Wait, Gedo claims his arm is in bad shape? He says he can’t wrestle Okada because of it, as much as he really, really wanted to. Okada makes his entrance and sees the “bad arm.” Gedo tries to reason with his former friend, but Okada isn’t falling for it. Red Shoes isn’t, either. Gedo takes the sling off, and has a can of pepper spray! But Okada swats it right out of his hand! Gedo tries to explain, but for one, his arm isn’t in bad shape. Red Shoes confiscates the spray and Gedo gives himself up? He’ll let Okada just cover him? The bell finally rings, but Okada sees the cradle trap coming! Okada stomps Gedo over and over, then frisks him just in case. Wait, there’s something in the jacket! Gedo resists so Okada stomps him more, and brings out the brass knuckles!

Okada tries them on for size, but Gedo begs for mercy while Red Shoes reprimands. Okada hands the knuckle dusters over to Red Shoes, but Gedo has something taped to his side?! Gedo brings it out and JAMS Okada in the ribs with it! The item is a wrench! Gedo stalks Okada on the outside and JAMS him with it again! And again! Red Shoes hurries after Gedo to figure out what’s going on, but Gedo hides the wrench in a pocket. Gedo gives Red Shoes his jacket but still has the wrench, and he CLUBS Okada down! Red Shoes finally spots the wrench and takes it from Gedo. Gedo drags Okada up to shove into railing! The ribs just keep taking damage as Gedo brings Okada around to RAM into more railing! Okada falls, Gedo kicks him while he’s down, but the ring count begins.

Gedo kicks and kicks then refreshes the count at 13. Gedo goes around to take the timekeeper’s table from him! Okada hurries over and kicks Gedo back. Gedo knees Okada down and brings the table up and over the railing. Gedo folds the table up to use it as a battering ram! Okada falls while clutching his stomach, but Gedo digs the table’s edge in! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, and Gedo stops at 3. Gedo tosses the table aside and kicks Okada while he’s down. Gedo leaves Okada to the mercy of the count as it passes 10 of 20. Okada gets up and flounders into the ring at 15, but Gedo is right on him. Gedo tosses Okada out the other side, then RAMS him into railings again! Gedo goes looking under the ring and he finds a chair! Red Shoes disapproves but Gedo grins as he stalks behind Okada. Okada gets up, Gedo JAMS the chair in! And again!

Red Shoes takes the chair from Gedo but Gedo taunts Okada. Gedo drags Okada up and puts him in, to double stomp him down! Gedo keeps kicking Okada, but Okada gets angry. Gedo stomps Okada but Okada gets up. Gedo throws punches but Okada just gets angrier! Okada throws forearm after forearm, but Gedo body shots. Gedo runs, kicks, but Okada catches it to spin Gedo around for a BOOT! Okada can’t capitalize as he clutches his ribs, but he brings Gedo up for more forearms. Okada whips, Gedo reverses, but Okada still comes back with the elbow! Okada fires up as Gedo gets to a corner. Okada whips corner to corner, runs in and hits a back elbow! Then kicks to DDT! Cover, TWO! Gedo survives and Okada clutches his ribs again, but Okada won’t let up. Okada scoops Gedo for a slam, and standard formula brings Okada to the corner. Okada climbs but Gedo knows that formula and bails out.

Gedo looks to run away but Okada pursues. Okada catches up to Gedo on stage but Gedo has something in his hand again! Gedo JAMS Okada with a hammer?! Gedo hammers away on Okada but Red Shoes takes the hammer from him. Gedo “apologizes” but he grins as he brings Okada up and into the ring. Gedo kicks Okada over and over again at the ropes, then stomps away. Gedo brings Okada up, whips, but Okada reverses, only for Gedo to deny him his dropkick! Gedo kicks Okada in the ribs then covers, TWO!! Okada toughs it out but Gedo is on him with a modified Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Gedo goes after those ribs but Okada endures. Okada gets his arm free and reaches for ropes, but Gedo grabs the arm again to bend Okada back. Okada still reaches, even as Gedo pulls as far back as he can! Okada gets the ROPEBREAK! Gedo holds on until 3 and grins as he watches Okada slowly rise.

Okada turns around into Gedo’s mule kick! Gedo mule kicks again, but Okada gets under it for the Alabama lift! Gedo kicks free and pokes Okada in the eyes! Gedo runs in, Okada pops him up, Alabama swing to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Both men are down from all the damage done, but Okada sits up first. Okada brings Gedo up and scoops, but Gedo grabs at Red Shoes! Okada clubs Gedo and throws European Uppercuts, then gets the gut wrench. Gedo knows this, too, and slips out to shove Okada into Red Shoes! LOW BLOW!! Gedo must’ve been watching Ishii VS Desperado! But Gedo can’t capitalize with a cover while Red Shoes is down! So instead, Gedo undoes part of the ring apron, and finds a hidden pair of brass knuckles?! Did Gedo go that far to prepare his cheats?

Okada stands up and gets DECKED!! Gedo hides the knuckles and revives Red Shoes. Gedo puts on the GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!?!? Okada survives and no one can believe it! Gedo drags Okada up, slashes the throat a la The Switchblade, but Okada denies Blade Runner! But Gedo dodges the dropkick! Okada crashes down on the mat, and now Jado has appeared! The Master Heater is helping out his brother, and Gedo has another pair of knuckles! Jado grabs Red Shoes while Gedo aims, but Okada ducks to dropkick! The knuckles go flying, Okada whips Gedo and hits the dropkick! Okada clobbers Jado and stalks Gedo. Gedo tries to run away but Gedo stands on him at the ropes. Okada drags Gedo back inside, scoops him for the TOMBSTONE! Then Okada clamps on a keylock cobra clutch! Gedo’s #DeepInDebt! Gedo taps, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission

To think the Rainmaker could win without using his Rainmaker! Gedo gives up, and Okada finally has his vengeance! Will Okada rise back to the top and take the New Japan Cup?

My Thoughts:

It’s so great to have NJPW back in action! If you want to read the full review of Day 1, 6/16/20, check out Andrew Balaz’s article covering it and even giving his own star ratings. And I’m sure he’ll have Day 2 at some point, too. But as stated at the beginning, I’m just focused on the top tier matches for these events. Which means next week’s stacked cards for 6/22 and 6/23 are going to be hard to pick from. Hiromu VS Honma and Ishii VS Desperado were great matches, far better than I expected. Though maybe I should’ve expected something amazing for the first serious event for NJPW in months. They definitely wanted to give it their all for the fans watching at home.

Suzuki and Nagata couldn’t possibly have given more, that was as true of a slug fest as it could be. And I am incredibly surprised Nagata won, that is pretty great for him. Obviously Okada was going to beat Gedo, but there were a lot of great gags involving Gedo’s cheating being foiled. It’s also quite surprising Okada won using a submission hold, but it shows Okada is adapting and changing his style, especially for opponents that know him so well. Okada is almost always a top choice for a tournament, so he’s at least becoming a semifinalist in a final four of a very competitive New Japan Cup.

My Score: 6/16 – 9/10; 6/17 – 9.1/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Up Next

Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/17/20)

Don't Miss

NOAH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.87 ~ 16TH JUNE 2020

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Full Gear Results & Report! (11/23/24)

Fight for the soul of AEW!

Published

44 mins ago

November 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the Death Riders’ reign of terror continue?

This year’s Full Gear may be the most important one of all! Can Orange Cassidy become the Freshy Squeezed AEW World Champion against Maniac Jon Moxley?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Zero Hour – Anna Jay VS Deonna Purrazzo; Anna wins.
Zero Hour – Fatal 4 Way: Dante Martin VS The Beast Mortos VS Komander VS Buddy Matthews; wins.
Zero Hour – Big Boom AJ w/ Big Justice VS QT Marshall; wins.
Jay White VS Hangman Page; wins.
Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; wins.
MJF VS Roderick Strong; wins.
Will Ospreay VS Kyle Fletcher; wins.
AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ricochet; wins and
AEW TNT Championship: Jack Perry VS Daniel Garcia; wins and
AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone w/ Kamille VS Kris Statlander; wins and
AEW World Tag Team Championships Fatal 4 Way: Private Party VS The Outrunners VS The Kings of the Black Throne VS The Acclaimed; win(s) and
AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley VS Orange Cassidy; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Full Gear Zero Hour!

Join Renee Paquette, RJ City, Jeff Jarrett and special guest, Paul Walter Hauser, in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action set for this monumental night!

Zero Hour – Anna Jay VS Deonna Purrazzo w/ Taya Valkyrie!

The Queenslayer was offered help against Mariah May by The Vendetta but she declined, so this is the payback. Will the Virtuosa handle business? Or will Anna still become the Star of the Show?

The bell rings but Taya distracts Anna. Anna takes a swipe but Deonna kicks low. Deonna headlocks,. Anna powers out, but Deonna RAMS her! Anna stays up, slips around, and waistlocks. Deonna switches, they go to ropes, and Anna bucks the O’Conner! Anna runs Deonna over, keeps moving, then whips. Anna blows past Deonna, sunset flips, TWO! Deonna is up fast but Anna wrenches to HOOK KICK! Anna whips Deonna to a corner, runs up and LEG LARIATS! The fans rally as Anna snapmares and ROLLING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Anna stays on Deonna with another whip, but Deonna reverses.

Anna slips to the apron, then ROCKS Deonna! Deonna comes back but into a HEEL KICK! Anna goes up a corner but Taya anchors her! Deonna distracts the ref, then she BOOTS Anna! The fans boo but Taya just takes a bow. Deonna “kicks dirt” at Anna, then drags her up. Deonna short arm LARIATS, then she stands on Anna’s face! The ref counts, Deonna steps off, and Deonna storms back up on Anna. Deonna drags Anna up, throat chops her, and Anna goes to a corner. Deonna LARIATS in the corner, LARIATS again, then short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Anna stays in this but Deonna stays focused.

Deonna paces around, drops a knee on Anna, then clamps on a straitjacket stretch. Anna endures, even as Deonna KNEES her in the back! Deonna bends Anna back but Anna still endures. Anna fights up, snapmares free, but Deonna BOOTS her back! Then BOOTS again! Anna SUPERKICKS! But Deonna hits a FLATLINER, into a KOJI KLUTCH! Anna stacks Deonna, TWO! Anna is free to SUPERKICK Deonna down! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Anna and Deonna slowly rise while Taya pounds the apron. The fans rally up and Anna crawls over to Deonna. Deonna grabs at Anna first, and she fires a forearm!

Anna fires a forearm back, but Deonna hits Anna again! The shots go back and forth, the fans dueling, and Anna gets the edge! Anna backs Deonna down, whips, but Deonna reverses, only for Anna to FLYING FOREARM! And FLYING FOREARM again! Anna keeps moving to SHOTGUN Deonna! The fans are torn as Anna runs up on the hometown girl. Forearm SMASH, and Anna puts Deonna up top! DANGEROUS JAY KICK, and then the ICONOCLASM! Cover, TWO! Deonna survives but Anna drags her up. Anna clamps on the QUEENSLAYER SLEEPER! Deonna endures, pries free, and arm-drags Anna!

Deonna kicks low, runs, and KNEE LIFTS into the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Roll and FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Anna endures, flails and moves around, and kicks her way to a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Deonna holds until 4, and Taya coaches Deonna. Deonna slashes her throat, reels Anna in, but Anna fights the Gotch lift! Anna slips around, Deonna wrenches and wrangles, but Anna rolls free! Anna BOOTS from the corner, goes to the apron, and she puts Deonna in ropes! HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! But Taya takes a swing! Anna dodges, but Taya SPEARS Anna!! The ref saw that and he EJECTS Taya!

Deonna is upset, but better than being disqualified! Taya tells fans to shut up as they sing “Hey hey hey! Goodbye~!” Deonna drags Anna up, but Anna SLAPS Deonna! Deonna is pissed, and she grabs that arm! FUJIWARA!! Deonna pushes on that arm, but Anna uses it to roll Deonna up! ANNA WINS!

Winner: Anna Jay, by pinfall

Deonna is furious, but maybe she should’ve let the ref throw this out. In the end, Anna gets a real win over Deonna, will this help her get back towards some title scene?

Backstage interview with Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with her ROH Minion buddy, and notes that Billie is the first ROH woman entered in the first ever WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup! Billie, what an opportunity, how are you feeling? She is excited! This is the second chance she’s been waiting for, and- Red Velvet steps in to say more like NO chance. Because see, Velvet is also in that match, and well, she already beat Billie. So her odds are looking really good. But then in steps Leyla Hirsch. And she says lucky for them both, because Leyla’s in this! Leyla beat Velvet once, and just looking at Billie, Leyla knows she can beat her.

Oh but then in steps the ROH Women’s World Champion, Athena! The Minion Overlord defends her bestie and Billie, and says it is finally time for the Athena World Tour! She is the fourth participant, even though, why does she have to qualify for HER show? Athena has beaten Velvet, she’s beaten “Small fry” Leyla, and well… Billie Goat, we all know Athena dog walked her! Velvet says Athena shouldn’t talk to Billie like that. Billie says “Cupcake” doesn’t need to defend her. Things are getting tense already, who wins their way into WrestleDynasty’s massive crossover match?

Backstage interview with QT Marshall.

Lexy is now with QT and says later int he Zero Hour, it is QT VS Big Boom AJ. QT took AJ out last night after the weigh-in, will it be the same here tonight? QT wants Lexy to remember, pronounce it “Mar-shall.” And yes, in QT’s home state of New Jersey, the best part will be QT remembering why he left. It’s a dump! Especially Newark! But AJ is also from New Jersey, and he properly represents this dump. Whether AJ is on the Tonight Show, on TikTok, or here in AEW, he is the epitome of someone from The Garden State: an embarrassment! He’s worse than Bruce Springsteen himself!

And tonight, in a sold out crowd that QT drew all himself, it will be like going to his high school reunion and showing how he is more successful than everyone else. And he’ll do that by walking to the ring, staring down AJ, and bringing the doom! Will QT Marshall make himself the boss of the Zero Hour? Or will it be a BOOM for all of New Jersey when QT loses?

New Year’s Day is a NEW ERA for AEW!

Starting Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, AEW Dynamite will be SIMULCAST on Max! And even bigger, it is the return of Fight for the Fallen! All proceeds go to helping victims of Hurricane Helene in Ashville, North Carolina.

Zero Hour – Fatal 4 Way: Dante Martin VS The Beast Mortos VS Komander VS Buddy Matthews!

Now this is going to be a fast ‘n’ furious match! Angel Dorado, the menacing minotaur, the Commander of Space and the Aussie Juggernaut are all fighting for opportunity, who makes that greater impact?

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

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FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/23/24)

B Block, Round 2!

Published

2 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will B Block stay tranquilo?

After a win over The Might, Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi now take on Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg! Will Los Ingobernables de Japon end up behind BARS?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask; Shota, Honma & Tiger Mask win.
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Alex Zayne, Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima; TMDK wins.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS The Filip Brothers; Shane & Mikey win.
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS EVIL & Ren Narita; Evil & Narita win.
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Great-O-Khan & Henare; Khan & Henare win.
World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg; Yano & Oleg win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-0, 2 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-0, 2 points
Evil & Ren Narita: 1-0, 2 points
Great-O-Khan & Henare: 0-1, 0 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 0-1, 0 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 0-1, 0 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 0-1, 0 points

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS The Filip Brothers!

The former IWGP Tag Team Champions aren’t feeling as mighty as they should be after losing to Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi in the opening round. But can they rise back up mightier than ever? Or will Tome the Taiga & Stevie the Phoenix become apex predators in this tournament?

The teams sort out and after the Filip Brothers Too Sweet, Tome starts against Hysterical Haste. The fans rally up and the bell rings. Shane and Tome circle, tie up, and Shane waistlocks. Tome switches but Shane wrenches for a headlock takeover. Tome fights around, rolls Shane to a cover, TWO! Shane holds on but Tome fights up. Tome powers Shane down, pops out the back then wrenches to a wristlock. Tome keeps Shane from ropes, but Shane rolls, kips up, snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! The fans cheer as Shane poses, and then Shane brings Tome up. Shane wrenches Tome, tags Mad Mikey, and Mikey wrenches.

TMDK DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Tome down, then they split the wishbone! Mikey BLASTS Stevie for good measure, then he CHOPS Tome. Mikey CHOPS Tome in a corner, brings Tome around, and then snapmares. Mikey clamps on a neck wrench and pushes on it hard. Tome endures, Mikey sneaks a BITE, then pushes Tome down. Tag to Shane, TMDK double whip Tome to a corner. Shane sends Mikey in but Tome DUMPS Mikey to the floor! Shane runs up but Tome dodges, then Stevie joins in! Tome FOREARM, Stevie DROPKICK, and Tome GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Tome hits a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Shane stays in this but he also bails to the apron. Tome stomps Shane, then tags Stevie. Shane goes to the floor but Stevie pursues. Stevie RAMS Shane into railing, right in front of commentary. Stevie stands Shane up to CHOP, and Shane hurries into the ring. Stevie stalks after and stomps Shane. Stevie snapmares, then he KICKS Shane in the back! Cover, ONE!! Shane shows some grit but Stevie tags Tome. The fans rally but the Filip Brothers mug Shane. Shane CHOPS Stevie but Tome CHOPS Shane! Tome stomps away on Shane in the corner, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Tome steps off, but for only a moment before he digs his boots in again!

Mikey gets mad but the ref keeps him from storming in. That just lets Stevie CHOKE Shane! Mikey protests more but Stevie gets away with that. Tome tags Stevie in, and Stevie BLASTS Mikey! Tome whips Shane and BOOTS him down for Stevie’s HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shane stays in this and the fans rally up. Stevie KNEES Shane in the back, has the chinlock, then KNEES Shane again for the motorcycle stretch. Shane endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Shane UPPERCUTS, but Stevie holds him back! Stevie kicks and whips Shane, but Shane BLASTS Tome! Shane dodges Stevie and Stevie hits buckles!

Shane crawls but Stevie hurries after him. Stevie grabs Shane’s leg, but Shane swings an elbow. Stevie dodges, but Shane CALF KICKS him down! The fans rally as Shane crawls, hot tag to Mikey! Mikey runs in at Stevie to LARIAT in the corner! Mikey whips Stevie into the corner to LARIAT again! And then short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up and Mikey brings Stevie around. Mikey fireman’s carries but Stevie fights free. Stevie waistlocks, ducks an elbow, but the DDT hits! Mikey powers up, throws off his elbow pad, and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Stevie stays in this but Mikey stays on him.

Mikey stands Stevie up, but Stevie fights the back suplex! Stevie throws down elbows, but Mikey CHOPS him! Mikey swings, but Stevie catches him for a FINAL CUT! Both men crawl, Stevie tags in Tome! Tome storms up on Mikey, but Mikey fires forearms! Mikey CHOPS Tome, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Mikey whips but Tome reverses. Tome runs in but blocks boots. Tome puts Mikey in the ropes to KICK and WOE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Mikey toughs it out and the fans rally up. Tome brushes himself off and brings Mikey up. Tome fires boxing elbows and an UPPERCUT! But Mikey dodges the lariat, to SPINEBUSTER!

The fans fire up and Mikey hot tags Shane! Shane drags Tome up for UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Shane fires up to fire off more UPPERCUTS! The fans rally with every shot, and then Shane whips. Tome reverses, but Shane comes back to DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shane BLASTS Stevie for good measure. Tome kicks and whips but Shane reverses to kick, BOOT, and INVERTED EXPLODER! The fans rally behind Shane as he aims from the corner. Shane runs in but Stevie intercepts, SPANISH FLY! But Mikey fireman’s carries to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Tome hits Mikey with a SPINEBUSTER! Shane SHORYUKENS Tome!

Stevie SUPERKICKS Shane! Mikey LARIATS Stevie! Tome BOOTS Mikey! Shane BOOTS Tome! Tome just laughs that off! DOUBLE BOOTS hit, but neither man falls! Shane kicks, Tome blocks, and Tome trips Shane to tie up the legs! FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! Shane flails, reaches out, keeps his shoulders up, but Tome pushes on the hold! Mikey SLIDING LARIATS Tome! Shane is free and Mikey coaches him up, but Stevie LARIATS Mikey and himself up and out of the ring! The fans rally as all four men are down all around ringside! Shane and Tome stir and head for each other. Shane throws a forearm, but Tome gives it back.

Shane fires another forearm, so Tome fires back. The forearms keep going as both men rise up, and now they pick up speed! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and then Shane UPPERCUTS! ROLLING- NO, Tome ROCKS, ELBOWS, UPPERCUTS, and DISCUS LARIATS! But Shane nis right up! Shane swings, misses, and Tome SNAP GERMANS! The fans fire up and Stevie returns! Tome fireman’s carries, Stevie runs up, BOOT O’ DOOM! Both brothers cover, but Mikey breaks it up! The fans fire up but Tome TOSSES Mikey! Stevie staggers over to Shane, Tome calls for the finish! Stevie feeds Shane to Tome!

Tome underhooks, but Shane wrenches free! Shane sends Tome into Stevie, then Mikey LARIATS Stevie! Shane suplexes Tome, FALCON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Tome survives and the fans fire up! TMDK regroups, and they haul Tome up. Shane aims, but Stevie makes the save! Stevie shoves Mikey at Shane but Shane dodges! Shane clinches Stevie, Mikey joins in, ELECTRIC BLUE! Stevie flounders away from that power-bottom, but Tome is back! Shane fights the waistlock, then switches, POINT-BLANK HIGH LOW! TMDK then hoist Tome up, ELECTRIC BLUE again!! Cover, TMDK wins!

Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (gain 2 points; The Filip Brothers earn 0)

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and that’s why they’re able to rise up again! Will Shane & Mikey make it back to the top? Will Tome & Stevie still find their own way to the trophies?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS EVIL & Ren Narita!

The Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker opened this tournament with the biggest win possible when they beat the current IWGP Tag Team Champions, Great-O-Khan & Henare. Will they build upon that momentum in round 2? Or will they be cheated by the King of Darkness & Souled Out Son of Strong Style?

Evil & Narita taunt Taichi & Taka from outside of the ring, keeping their attention as they go around towards commentary. But this is all so Dick Togo can come running in from the ramp! Dick CLOBBERS Taichi, then he TOSSES Taka! The fans boo but what did they expect from The House of Torture? Evil whips Taka into railing, and then brings him out into No Man’s Land! Evil has fans move aside so he can BOWL Taka into chairs! Not even close to a strike, but Evil just CHOKES Taka with a chair! Narita SMACKS Taichi off chairs in the timekeeper’s area, and the ref reprimands The House!

Evil lets off of Taka and drags him up. Now Narita brings Taichi into the crowd in some other section. Evil puts Taka in the ring while Narita SMACKS Taichi off chairs. The bell rings to get this on record, but Evil stands on Taka’s face! Narita BOWLS Taichi into chairs, only doing a little better than Evil. Evil CLUBS Taka and taunts him while Narita CHOKES Taichi! The ref reprimands from afar but does his best to watch Evil. Evil stomps Taka to a corner, then drags him out. Evil stomps away on a leg, drops an elbow on the knee, then covers. TWO, so Evil covers again! TWO, and Evil covers again! TWO, and Evil tries a full mounted cover! TWO!!

The fans cheer but Evil wants a prawn hold cover! TWO!! Taka escapes five consecutive pins and Evil is frustrated. Taka crawls for his corner but Taichi’s still in the crowd. Wait, he storms back to ringside, with a chair! The ref stops Taichi from going after Narita, and Evil holds Taka’s hand out mockingly. The ref has to stop Taichi from storming into the ring now, and that lets Evil CLAW Taka’s eyes! Evil drags Taka up, tags in Narita, and Narita CLUBS Taka’s arm. Narita wrenches the arm, YANKS it, YANKS it again, and then taunts Taichi before he YANKS the arm again. Narita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!

Narita bumps Taka off buckles then tags Evil. Evil swings around the House of Torture shirt, and he CHOKES Taka with it! The ref again keeps Taichi back, meaning Taka suffers for it! Evil then throws the shirt at Taichi! Taichi catches the shirt and he storms in to throw it back! The ref stops Taichi but Taichi shoves him down! Taichi attacks Evil but Evil & Narita mug Taichi! They toss Taichi out then go back to the ref. Evil tells the ref to do better, then Evil tags Narita. Narita has Taka under the ropes, for the ROPE GUILLOTINE! Taka sputters, the ref reprimands, but Narita just drags Taka back up.

Narita scrapes Taka’s face along the ropes! The ref reprimands, Narita pushes Taka down, and then Narita argues with the ref. Narita whips Taka to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! Narita clamps onto Taka’s arm and drags him up. Narita brings Taka over, Evil tags in, and Evil CLUBS Taka on the back. Evil sends Taka out, then distracts the ref. Dick RAMS Taka into railing, then FLAPJACKS him off the apron! Dick shoves Taka in, Evil covers, TWO! Taka stays in this and Evil gets annoyed. Evil stands on Taka’s face, but steps off as the ref reprimands. The fans rally for Taka but Evil taunts them.

Evil stalks Taka to a corner, but Taka fires elbows! Evil CLAWS Taka’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Evil whips corner to corner. Evil runs in but Taka dodges, to then SHINING WIZARD! The fans fire up as Taka crawls, but Narita runs up to stomp him! Narita CLUBS Taka, runs, but Taka goes the other way! Taka BOOTS Narita down! The fans fire up as Taka hurries, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up on Evil to fire Kawada Kicks! Evil staggers to a corner but Taichi runs up to BOOT! Taichi keeps moving but Evil ducks the Ax Bomber! Evil waistlocks, Taichi fights the lift, and he ENZIGIRIS! Taichi then DECKS Dick off the apron!

The fans fire up but Narita attacks! Narita whips Taichi but Taichi BOOTS him down! The fans fire up with Taichi while Evil flounders around. Evil wants mercy, but Taichi says no! Evil ducks the buzzsaw to CLAW eyes! Evil blocks a kick, hands it to the ref, and he mule kicks Taichi down! The fans boo but Evil runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Evil then hooks a leg, FISHERMAN- NO, Taichi fights free, and he wrenches to HOOK KICK! Evil falls and the fans fire up! Taichi roars and rises, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi goes to the corner. Taichi aims for- NO, Evil dodges the superkick and he shoves Taichi into Taka!

Taka falls off the apron, Taichi runs up, but into EVERY- NO, Taichi slips free to DANGER- NO, Evil fights the saido to wrench and whip! TADA, bare buckles! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but The House soaks it all up. Evil tags Narita, and Narita runs to BOOT Taichi down! Cover, TWO! Taichi stays in this but Narita kicks him around. Narita taunts Taichi, pie faces him, but Taichi rises. Narita taunts Taichi more, fires forearms, but Taichi just leans into those! Taichi then SOBATS and Narita sputters. Taichi runs, Narita dodges the Ax Bomber to CHOKE Taichi! The ref reprimands, Narita stops, but then just CHOKES Tacihi more!

Narita whips corner to corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Taichi and Narita stir, and Taichi crawls his way over. Hot tag to Taka! Taka stomps away on Narita, then whips. Narita reverses, Taka reverses and wrangles Narita to JUST FACELOCK! Narita scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taka drags Narita up, scoops, but Narita slips free! Narita CHOKES Taka, Taka breaks free, but Narita hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Evil BLASTS Taichi, and he KICKS Taka’s hands! Narita has the full ARMBAR! Taka kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Dick even tries to swat that foot away!

The ref still counts the break, and he reprimands. Narita holds on but the ref starts to count, so Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Taka around then runs. Taka BOOTS Narita down again! And he WRECKS Dick for good measure! Evil has a chair! The ref stops Evil but Narita has his pushup bar! Taka dodges, but Narita jams him up on the return! Taichi runs in, MIC STAND SHOT! The fans fire up but now Evil shoves the ref aside. Evil rushes Taichi but Taichi JAMS Evil with the mic stand! Taka runs to sunset flip Narita! TWO! Narita stands, into a PALM STRIKE! Roll up, high stack, TWO!!

Narita kicks Taka, DOUBLE- NO, Taka sits Narita down! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! But into JUST FACELOCK!! Evil stomps away on Taka! Taichi CLUBS Evil! Taichi drags Evil into SEITEIJUJIHO!! Taka CLUBS away on Narita to put him in JUST FACELOCK!!! The bell rings, but that was DICK!!! That damn Spoiler!!! The House SHOVES Taka & Taichi into the ref!! The fans boo as now Evil CHOKES Taka and Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Taichi! The House stops that so they can set Taka up for the PUSHUP BAR ATTACK! The fans boo more but The House just soaks it up.

Evil & Narita then drag Taka over and set him up for Dick! PUSHUP BAR DICK CHOP!!! Narita slashes his throat, and hits the DOUBLECROSSER!! Dick fetches the ref to count, and The House wins!

Winner: Evil & Ren Narita, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Taka earn 0)

The House of Torture cheats another team, and Taichi is pissed! Taichi grabs that chair again, and he wants after The House! The House runs off in all directions! Evil has Taichi’s mic stand so Taichi goes after him! The Young Lions try to stop this but Taichi chases Evil around the arena. Taichi almost gets Evil, but then Dick uses his SPOILER CHOKER on Taichi!! The fans boo while Evil taunts Taichi. Narita kicks the Young Lions away while Dick chokes Taichi out! The House of Torture are of course the worst, but will they still be first in the block? Or will justice be served soon enough?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Great-O-Khan & Henare!

Two teams that stumbled out of the starting gate now meet in the second round. Can The Ace & Master Heater make up for falling to the Filip Brothers? Or will THE IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions finally look like champions?

The fans cheer as Tanahashi shows off the abs, but they also rally behind “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” The teams sort out but Jado gets fans to cheer him on first. Then Jado gets the fans to cheer on “TA-NA-HASHI! TA-NA-HASHI!” Tanahashi starts against Khan and the fans rally with the bell. The fans duel, “TA-NA-HASHI!” “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” Khan laughs at how his side is stronger, then he circles with Tanahashi. They feel things out as they go around, but each man avoids a takedown. Khan is the aggressor, though, and he manages a waistlock. Tanahashi switches but Khan wrenches out and trips Tanahashi up.

Khan goes for a cover, ONE, and the two back off. The fans cheer as they reset. Khan and Tanahashi circle, feel things out again, and knuckle lock. They clinch, fight for control, and Tanahashi grabs an arm. Khan slips around to hook an arm, but Tanahashi wrenches free. Tanahashi hammerlocks, headlocks, but Khan slips out to headlock in return. Tanahashi endures, and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, but Khan pulls hair! The ref reprimands them both, and both men let go at the same time. But then Khan pulls hair again! The ref counts, Khan KNEES and ROCKS Tanahashi in a corner. Khan UPPERCUTS Tanahashi, then gest space.

Khan runs in but Tanahashi ELBOWS him! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans cheer on the air guitar. Tanahashi tags Jado and he drags Khan up. Jado & Tanahashi double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Henare runs up but gets DOUBLE ELBOWS! Tanahashi has Henare, Jado has Khan, and they give them a meeting of the minds! Then they kick low and TOSS the Empire out! The fans cheer as we get the air guitar duet! Tanahashi steps out and Jado waits on Khan. Fans rally up and Khan grows annoyed. Khan storms in but Jado kicks! Khan blocks the kick to body shot!

But then Jado blocks the Mongolian Chops to RAM Khan! Jado has Khan in the ropes but Henare KICKS him down! Henare BLASTS Tanahashi, then goes out to stomp away on President Ace! Khan drags Jado up and brings him around to CLUB him! Jado leans on railing, but Khan puts Jado back in the ring. Khan pushes Jado around, and he clamps on for an ANKLE LOCK! Khan then laces the legs in a modified DEATHLOCK! Jado endures, and he CLAWS at Khan’s face! Khan stomps Jado for that! The fans rally as Khan drags Jado up. Khan bumps Jado off buckles, tags Henare, and Henare fires body shots!

The ref counts, Henare lets off, but then he stands Jado up. Jado fires body shots in return! Henare winds up to CHOP Jado down! The fans cheer and Henare BLASTS Tanahashi again! Henare hoots, the fans join in, and Henare SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Jado shows that toughness but Henare drags him back up. Henare bumps Jado off buckles, tags Khan in, and Khan taunts Tanahashi. Khan gives Jado Mongolian Chops! And more Mongolian Chops! And then feints to kick a leg out! Khan says he’s too smart, and now he puts Jado in the corner. Khan hops up and the fans fire up as he sits on his throne!

Jado endures and the ref reprimands, but Khan pulls Jado’s arms! Khan hops down at 4, then clamps on a SLEEPER! Henare BLASTS Tanahashi yet again! Khan sits Jado down but Jado wags his finger. Jado fights, the fans rally up, but Khan clamps on body scissors! Jado is fading so Khan lets him go for a cover, TWO! Jado stays in this but Khan wants the ref to check him. Tanahashi gets fans to cheer “JA-DO-OH! JA-DO-OH!” Khan scuffs Jado, but that fires Jado up! Jado rises but Khan fires a forearm! Jado growls, nods, and he feeds off that energy! Khan throws more forearms but Jado eggs him on.

Khan fires forearm after forearm! Jado just powers up! Khan kicks low, runs, but Jado DOUBLE CHOPS! Jado roars, runs, and he CLOBBERS Khan! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Jado crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Tanahashi runs at Khan, FLYING FOREARM! Tanahashi BLASTS Henare, payback for all those times! Then Tanahashi dropkicks Khan’s leg! Then he DRAGON SCREWS it! Henare is back but Tanahashi catches his leg! Henare asks please don’t, but Tanahashi says, “Bye-bye.” DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Henare falls down and fans fire up as Tanahashi goes back to Khan.

Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Khan, then he goes up a corner. SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays focused and the fans rally up. Khan slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, to SLING- NO, Khan slips around and waistlocks! Gator roll to a bridge, TWO! Khan tackles Tanahashi, jackknife bridges, TWO! Khan snap suplexes for PANCAKE HOLD! TWO!! Tanahashi escapes again and the fans fire up! Khan rises, but Tanahashi blocks the Mongolian Chops! Tanahashi fires Mongolian QUICK Chops! Tanahashi runs but into a SAYANAGI! Both men are down and the fans rally! Khan crawls, hot tag to Henare!

Henare storms up on Tanahashi and KICKS him in the chest! And then KICKS him in the back! Then SENTON FLOPS as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi rises, blocks a kick, but Henare JABS! Henare winds up, but Tanahashi ducks to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Tanahashi crawls to his corner. Hot tag to Jado! Jado runs up on Henare to fire body shots! Tanahashi joins in, they double whip Henare to ropes, then BODY BLOW! KICK! And then whip into a LARIAT! Jado covers, TWO! Henare stays in this but Jado rallies the fans. Jado drags Henare up, but Henare KICKS Jado’s leg!

Henare KICKS Jado’s leg again and again! Henare runs but Jado DUMPS him out! Henare hurries back up but Jado kicks him! Jado has Henare in the ropes for the DRAPING DDT! Cover, Khan breaks it! Tanahashi CLUBS Khan, then TOSSES him out! Tanahashi leaves it to Jado, and Jado pounds the mat. The fans rally behind him and Henare stands. Jado runs up, blocks Henare’s haymaker, but Henare fights the takedown! BODY BLOW! Jado drops, but Henare clamps on with a half nelson! Full nelson! ULTIMA- NO, Jado powers up and ELBOWS free! Jado runs, but Khan gets a cheap shot in! Heanre fireman’s carries!

Khan runs but Tanahashi hits a SLINGBLADE! Jado hits a takedown, CROSSFACE!! Tanahashi has Khan in a CROSSFACE, too!! The Empire endures, Henare fights around, and Henare reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! The Empire is saved but Tanahashi kicks Khan out. The fans rally with Jado again, and Jado runs at Henare. DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Henare HEADBUTTS Jado! Jado staggers to a corner, and the NATIVE KNEE hits! Henare powers up and clamps on again! Half, full, ULTIMA NELSON!! Jado endures, Khan stops Tanahashi from getting in!

Khan clamps onto Tanahashi with HITSUJIGOROSHI! Jado taps, The Empire wins!

Winners: Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Tanahashi & Jado earn 0)

Khan mockingly plays Tanahashi like a guitar before pushing him down. The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions are finally on the winning track, will they go all the way to the trophies? Can Tanahashi keep his WTL dream from turning into a nightmare?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg!

The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb took down The Mighty to start this tournament while The Joker & The Rook were cheated by the King of Darkness. Will Naito & Hiromu just add on with another win? Or can Yano & Oleg put the ungovernable behind BARS?

To keep calm during LIJ’s antics, Yano sits at the center of the ring, cross legged, as if to meditate. But it doesn’t really work as Hiromu walks back up the ramp to stand with Naito. Yano loses his cool, shouts at Naito & Hiromu to hurry up, but LIJ take little steps down the ramp. They make it seem like they’re going fast, and Hiromu even does little circles to take longer. Yano is beside himself and this isn’t even a match yet. Red Shoes also insists, so LIJ finally walk normally again. But even then, they take their time getting into the ring. Naito taps the bell, and the introductions finally happen.

Naito continues to troll Yano even as he goes up the ring steps. And then down the steps as Yano gets closer. Red Shoes has Yano back off, and Hiromu insists Yano give Naito space. Yano’s impatience continues to get the better of him, but finally he stays back long enough for Naito to step inside. Then there’s still the matter of his entrance attire… Yano tells Naito to hurry up already but Naito does as Naito does. Hiromu even reclines back while he waits. Yano is just further annoyed, but his complaints do nothing but entertain the fans. Naito finally puts the pants aside, and Yano says okay, let’s get going!

Yano starts, LIJ fist bumps, and Naito pretends to be unsure who Yano wants. Hiromu and Naito each insist, Yano says it doesn’t matter, just hurry! Naito starts, the bell rings, and then Naito tags out to Hiromu. The fans cheer, Yano is further annoyed, so Yano tags Oleg! The fans cheer and Hiromu says hold on, and he tags in Naito. Naito wants Yano, and Hiromu even gets fans to cheer, but Yano says no. Naito and Oleg circle, but Naito SPITS at Yano! Yano is upset again but he stays put. Naito and Oleg approach, but then Naito dodges Oleg to BLAST Yano off the apron! The fans cheer, Yano is upset, and now he wants in!

Oleg tags Yano, but Naito tags out to Hiromu! The fans cheer as the trolling continues, and Hiromu says he is Yano’s opponent now. They approach, Yano dodges, but Naito avoids Yano’s attack! Hiromu CLUBS Yano, then BLASTS Oleg! The fans cheer and Hiromu stomps Yano. Naito joins in to double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Oleg runs in to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE LIJ! The fans fire up and Yano says good job! Oleg stomps Naito out of the ring, and Yano unties a buckle pad! Red Shoes reprimands but Yano takes a swing on Hiromu! Hiromu dodges, Red Shoes grabs the pad, but Yano SHOVES Red Shoes down!

Hiromu drop toeholds Yano down! Then he basement dropkicks! The fans rally up and Hiromu paces around Yano. Hiromu stomps Yano, then slides out to go after Oleg! Hiromu kicks Oleg, SHOVES him into railing, then hurries into the ring. Hiromu has the buckle pad and he beats Yano with it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes is confused as to how this happened! Hiromu says no, it’s okay, it’s just a pad. Tag to Naito and Hiromu “apologizes” to Red Shoes, but now Naito beats Yano down with the pad! Red Shoes reprimands but Hiromu & Naito double whip Yano, to DOUBLE PAD LINE! Hiromu then puts the pad aside while Naito kicks Yano.

Naito goes to the corner, hops up, and he has the buckle pad. Hiromu distracts Red Shoes from the DIVING PAD ATTACK! Cover, but Red Shoes has to put the pad aside. Hiromu counts, TWO! Red Shoes says that wouldn’t count anyway! Naito puts on a CAMEL CLUTCH! Yano endures but Hiromu runs and runs and builds up speed, to BLAST Oleg! Naito grinds Yano down but Yano scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Naito lets go and tags Hiromu. Naito brings Yano up and LIJ double whips Yano to ropes. They DOUBLE LARIAT, then DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!

Hiromu looms over Yano and taunts him. The fans rally, Hiromu drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands, but then Hiromu pulls hair! So Yano uses both hands! Hiromu uses both hands! Red shoes counts, both men let go at 4! Hiromu kicks and whips, but Yano reverses to THROW Hiromu down! The fans rally, Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! Oleg CLOBBERS Hiromu! Naito gets away but Oleg goes back to Hiromu! Oleg deadlifts Hiromu, but Naito runs in and CLUBS Oleg on the back! LIJ double whips Oleg, but Oleg breaks the line! Hiromu shoves Naito aside, dodges Oleg, then he sends Naito into Oleg!

Hiromu picks Naito up to make him RA- NO, Oleg stops the assisted rana, to Shake, Rattle and- NO, Hiromu dropkicks a leg! Oleg lets Naito go as he hobbles, and Hiromu runs to CROSSBODY! But Oleg catches Hiromu! Shake, Rattle, and THROW! And a kip up, too! The fans fire up with Oleg, and Oleg runs corner to corner at Hiromu for a SPLASH! Those bare buckles hurt, but then so does the scoop SLAM! Oleg runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Oleg fireman’s carries Hiromu, but Hiromu fights free! Oleg elbows Hiromu away, CHOPS him to a corner, and then scoops Hiromu to SLAM him!

Hiromu is in the drop zone, Oleg goes up and up to VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Oleg rolling deadlifts Hiromu! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Hiromu rolls with the crucifix takedown! Ghost pin, TWO! Both men stagger up and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Oleg roars, Hiromu dodges and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Oleg and Hiromu crawl, hot tag to Yano! Yano runs to BLAST Naito! Yano goes to Hiromu and brings him up. Hiromu CHOPS! But then Yano dodges to clinch and BELLY2BELLY! Yano then drags Hiromu around, and CATAPULTS him to Oleg! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Yano covers, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Hiromu survives! Yano huffs ‘n’ puffs and he drags Hiromu up. Yano pops Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights to hit a DDT! Naito sends Oleg into railing! Hiromu hot tags Naito in! The fans rally up as Naito stands Yano up for those heavy elbows! Naito elbows Yano again and again, then puts him in a corner. Naito climbs up, reels Yano in, and hits ESPERANZA! A rough roll but Naito is back up. Yano staggers, but he dodges Naito to push him down! M U! TWO!! Yano hits a fireman’s carry takeover, into M U 3! TWO!! Yano shoves Red Shoes, but Naito atomic drops and ENZIGIRIS!

Hiromu SUPERKICKS Yano, BLASTS Oleg, then helps Naito with the TORNADO DDT!! Hiromu goes to the apron and CROSSBODIES, but Oleg catches him! Oleg SLAMS Hiromu down while Naito brings Yano up. Naito wrenches, but Oleg runs in and SHOTGUNS Naito down! Oleg hauls Naito up, fireman’s carries, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into a POP-UP fireman’s carry! Naito runs at Oleg but Oleg THROWS Hiromu at him! LIJ topples over, Yano gets in there to cover them both! Oleg adds on, too! OLEG & YANO WIN!!

Winners: Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Naito & Hiromu earn 0)

It was a rather wild ending, but the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions come out on top! Hiromu tries to understand how that happened, but Naito brushes it off. Will LIJ just have to be ready for anything if they wanna win WTL?

As for Yano & Oleg, Yano gets the mic to say, “Hey, everyone, my apologies. Sorry to Naito and Hiromu, and to all the fans here because I knew you were supporting Naito. So again, I’m sorry, I didn’t read the room.” The fans applaud, they aren’t really upset. Yano says it’s rare, though, isn’t it? That he’d win in the main event? But Yano vows that whether on accident or on purpose, Yano & Oleg will win the whole tournament! No more need to read the room! This Toru Yano, and this Boltin Oleg, or perhaps “Yano Boltin” for short. They will win the championships!

Yano says they’ll test this out. He’ll have Oleg say more than just “Hai” and we’ll chant “Yano Boltin.” Is everyone ready? The fans applaud, and Yano asks Boltin for a few words. Oleg takes the mic and thanks everyone for being here tonight. He feels they can definitely win the World Tag League, so thank you very much! The fans cheer, and join in on “YANO BOL-TIN!” Shrug! The Joker & The Rook are looking good now that they’re on the board, but will they make a run at the top?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Evil & Ren Narita: 2-0, 4 points
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-1, 2 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 1-1, 2 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 1-1, 2 points
Great-O-Khan & Henare: 1-1, 2 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-1, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 0-2, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great second round for B Block, and that is already quite the traffic jam at 1-1. Great rebound win for TMDK over The Filip Brothers, and of course The House of Torture cheats to stay spotless at 2-0. Great rebound win for Henare & Khan, and I think there’s even a chance we see Tanahashi and Khan feud down the line, maybe putting on a KOPW Championship match while Khan still has it. That’s a small window, though, with 2024 almost over and then it’ll be reset for 2025. And what a great match and great shocker in the main event. Hilarious comedy elements with Yano being so impatient, and yet his team comes out on top.

The eventual Yano & Oleg VS Tanahashi & Jado match is going to be a really important one, because with just seven rounds, another loss could pop the bubble on The Ace’s chances. At the same time, Yano & Oleg are his friends and fellow NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions, there’s some drama in that they could really play up.