Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW WrestleKingdom 15 Results & Report! (1/4/21)
WrestleKingdom 15, Night 1!
NJPW gives us another massive double event to open the New Year!
Once more, NJPW WrestleKingdom is a massive TWO-DAY event! And Night One is big with the IWGP Double Championship main event, Naito VS Ibushi!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- New Japan Rambo: Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale, Bushi & Toru Yano are the final four, and will compete in Night Two’s KOPW 2021 Fatal 4 Way.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Contender’s Match: Hiromu Takahashi VS El Phantasmo; Hiromu wins and challenges Taiji Ishimori for the title on Night Two.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP United States Championship Right to Challenge Match: KENTA VS Satoshi Kojima; Kenta wins and retains the Right to Challenge contract.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Great-O-Khan; Tanahashi wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins.
- IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Double Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins and becomes the new Double Champion, will defend the titles against Jay White on Night Two.
PLAY BY PLAY
New Japan Rambo!
2020 is over, and Toru Yano finished as Mr. KOPW! But now with 2021, the challenge is to see who stays Mr. KOPW for an entire year! With 22 wrestlers being whittled down to four, will Yano have a shot at going back-to-back?
First out is the Crown Jewel of Bullet Club, Chase Owens! Second is Chaos’ Stone Pitbull, Tomohiro Ishii! And Ishii fires off on Owens before the bell! Ishii whips, Owens reverses but Ishii bounces off buckles only to run into a kick. Owens fires off a strike fest but Ishii dodges the Jewel Trigger. Owens dodges back to try for a backslide, but Ishii rolls off, so Owens tucks him in! Ishii avoids the package driver to spin Owens around but Owens avoids the brain buster. Owens boots, Ishii forearms and then catches Owens’ clothesline! Owens rolls out of the armlock but Ishii runs, only for Owens to avoid the sliding lariat! Fans cheer as the two stand off.
Owens and Ishii circle, Owens kicks low and bumps Ishii off buckles. Owens stomps away and even chokes Ishii, but the ref counts. Fans cheer as the third entry appears! And it’s Minoru Suzuki! Owens wants a time out and slips under the ropes to safety. The ref reprimands but Owens is taking full advantage of the rules to take a breather while Suzuki heads to the ring. On the flipside, Ishii is ready the second the Meanest Man in the World gets in, and they fire off forearms! Owens gets in to get in on it, but Ishii DECKS him! Suzuki and Ishii brawl, Owens comes back but Suzuki DECKS him!
Owens fires up and throws forearms on both of them! But neither flinches! Suzuki ROCKS Owens, Ishii DECKS him! Then they go after each other again! But another entry shows up already, and it’s Yuji Nagata! Blue Justice heads to the ring but Suzuki stomps Ishii over and over. Suzuki also BOOTS Owens, but turns his attention to Nagata as he enters. Now these two brawl back and forth! Suzuki chokes Nagata while Owens stomps Ishii! Nagata hits back but Suzuki knees low over and over! Owens CHOPS Ishii but Ishii doesn’t flinch. Owens keeps throwing CHOPS but Ishii CHOPS and forearms back!
Nagata turns things around on Suzuki only for Suzuki to rake eyes and turn things back around. Fans fire up as the CHOPS keep flying and the fifth entry appears! It’s Toa Henare! The Hammerhead hurries into the ring as Ishii fires off on Nagata and Suzuki, and Henare goes after Ishii! Ishii hits back, whips, but Henare reverses, only for the two to collide! Ishii and Henare bob ‘n’ weave with each other, Henare ROCKS Ishii and runs, only for Ishii to stop him flat! Henare suplexes Ishii and gets him up and over! Fans cheer as Henare stomps away, but Owens clobbers Henare from behind. Suzuki and Nagata brawl with each other again and fans fire up.
Entry six is here, and it’s Hirooki Goto! Suzuki dodges Nagata to get a SLEEPER! But Nagata fights out to get an elbow breaker! Goto makes his way into the ring as Suzuki drags Nagata up a corner in the sleeper! Ishii goes to push them both! Suzuki and Nagata stay on the apron and DECK Ishii! Suzuki and Nagata brawl, but Henare runs over and BLASTS them off the apron! Henare ELIMINATES BOTH Suzuki and Nagata! That’s huge for the young stud! But at the same time, Suzuki and Nagata don’t care, they just brawl with each other at ringside! Goto gets in and goes after Owens while Henare stomps Ishii.
Ishii hits back and brawls with Henare, but then Ishii just leans into Henare’s forearms. Ishii ROCKS Henare, Suzuki and Nagata brawl all the way back out of the arena, and Goto bumps Owens off buckles. Henare forearms and CHOPS Ishii in return, throws some knees, but Goto hurries over to help his teammate. Owens hits Goto, runs but Goto follows to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Goto snapmares Owens, and another entry is here! It’s Yujiro Takahashi! Bullet Club’s Tokyo Pimp hurries to reinforce Owens as Goto covers, TWO! Goto stomps Owens, Ishii stomps Henare. Goto grinds Owens’ head with a boot but Yujiro gets in and goes after him!
Yujiro throws forearms but Goto kicks. Yujiro blocks, trips Goto up and runs to basement boot! But Henare SPEARS Yujiro! Ishii comes back and brawls with Henare, and he withstands the clothesline! Ishii fires elbows from both sides, but Henare Tomahawk elbows then HEEL KICKS! Ishii wobbles, Henare runs in but Ishii tosses and ELIMINATES Henare! Owens and Yujiro work together on Goto with a double whip, mule kick, stomps and then knees. The next entry is here, and it’s YOSHI-HASHI! The NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions are all together now!
Yujiro and Owens stomp Goto and Ishii then go after Hashi as soon as he’s in! They stomp and CHOP then whip Hashi to a corner. Owens whips Yujiro in but Hashi dodges to CHOP Owens, then he comes back to CHOP Yujiro! Hashi whips Yujiro, Yujiro reverses but Hashi dodges and he hits a spinning mule kick! Goto runs Yujiro over! Now Chaos takes over and they stomp Bullet Club down! Ishii keeps Owens down while Goto and Hashi hammer away on Yujiro. Owens turns things around on Ishii, and another entry appears! It is Togi Makabe! Hashi and Goto CHOP Yujiro, double whip, then combine but Yujiro dodges the hip toss senton!
Owens BOOTS Goto down then goes after Ishii in a corner. The Unchained Gorilla gets in and throws forearms on Owens! Yujiro hits Makabe and whips but Makabe reverses to put Yujiro in a corner. Makabe goes back and forth with clotheslines and fans fire up with him! Makabe goes after Hashi and Goto, and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES them to DOUBLE ELIMINATE them!! Ishii goes after Makabe and CHOPS! Makabe forearms back, Ishii CHOPS, repeat! Makabe ROCKS Ishii, digs his boots in, but Yujiro goes after Makabe with a rake of the eyes! Yujiro goes to the ropes but Makabe resists being thrown out. Owens helps Yujiro but Makabe still holds on. Ishii goes after Owens!
Owens hits back, and another entry is here! Tomoaki Honma heads to the ring! Owens goes after Ishii’s legs while Yujiro tries to throw Makabe out. Honma goes after Yujiro with clubbing forearms but Yujiro keeps trying to throw Makabe out. Honma keeps trying, but he uses a HEADBUTT to knock Yujiro down! Honma and Makabe see Ishii coming, Ishii clotheslines Makabe but Honma goes after Ishii. Honma CHOPS Ishii, Ishii CHOPS Makabe, repeat! Honma shows high five, but he uses that to sucker Makabe in for a kick and CHOP! Another entry is here, and it’s HIROYOSHI TENZAN! Fans cheer as Tenzan returns to action!
Honma whips Ishii, then whips Makabe. Makabe reverses, Honma gets around, Tenzan gives Makabe CHOPS! Honma HEADBUTTS, and is working with Tenzan to throw Makabe out! They ELIMINATE Makabe, but then Honma goes after Tenzan! Honma’s definitely in this for himself! Ishii puts Owens on the apron, Owens BOOTS him back and slips under the bottom rope. Honma goes to throw Ishii, but Tenzan clubs Honma on the back. Owens clubs Tenzan, runs, but into a headbutt! Tenzan CHOPS Owens down! Tenzan throws hands and CHOPS and stomps on Owens as another entry appears! It’s Rocky Romero! Rocky fires off on Owens!
Rocky whips, Owens reverses but Rocky RANAS! Fans cheer as Rocky fires off on Honma but Honma rocks him back. Tenzan stomps Ishii, Rocky picks Honma up but Honma fights him off! Honma bumps Rocky off buckles, and goes to throw him out! Rocky holds on, Yujiro slides back in after using the loopholes to catch his breath. Tenzan goes to throw Owens out, Owens holds on but he’s put on the apron again! Owens scrambles to get the bottom rope, and another entry appears! It’s Douki! Honma tries to throw Tenzan out while Rocky goes after Yujiro. Rocky and Ishii whip Yujiro to run him over! Douki gets in with the stick!
Rocky hits Douki first, kicks and uppercuts, and fans cheer as Rocky whips. Douki reverses but Rocky hits another rana! Fans fire up with Rocky as he runs in, to corner clothesline! Infinite clotheslines on just Douki! But Douki dodges to STICK SMACK Rocky! The ref DISQUALIFIES Douki! Douki ELIMINATES himself, but he just wants to choke Rocky! Owens goes after Ronma, but here comes another entry! It’s SHO! Rocky’s protege rushes in to save him from Douki! SPEAR! Douki finally leaves and Sho makes sure Rocky is alright. Owens goes after Sho while Honma and Tenzan mug Ishii. Ishii just eggs them on and CHOPS! They CHOP back!
Sho throws Owens over the ropes but Yujiro makes the save. Yujiro stomps Rocky, Tenzan turns on Honma and goes to throw him over. Honma holds on, Owens is after Sho, but Ishii storms over after Sho. The next entry is here, and it’s BUSHI! Death Mask takes his time letting the others stomp away, and Chaos gives Owens a DOUBLE SUPLEX! Honma hurries to cover, TWO! Ishii takes offense so he and Honma brawl. Bushi finally gets in but Yujiro kicks him first. Yujiro whips, Bushi holds rope then dumps Yujiro out and ELIMINATES him! Owens kicks and whips Bushi, but Bushi dodges to DIVE out onto Yujiro! That was a tope suicida so Bushi isn’t out of the match. It did take a bit out of Bushi, though.
Owens checks on Yujiro then goes after Ishii. Rocky brawls with Tenzan, Honma stomps Sho. Another entry is here, and it’s TIGER MASK! Owens mocks Tenzan’s Monglian CHOPS, Bushi gets back up, but waits as Tiger Mask ROCKS Rocky! Tiger Mask goes up top and hits a CROSSBODY! Rocky rolls out and gets Tiger by the wrists, but Tiger Mask hits a flipping mule kick! Tiger Mask covers Rocky, TWO! Sho knocks Owens down, Tiger Mask KICKS away on Rocky, but Rocky pushes Tiger Mask to a corner and throws knees. Tiger Mask gets away, Bushi helps Honma from the outside drag Ishii up onto the ropes!
Rocky goes after Bushi, but another entry is here! It’s BAD LUCK FALE! The Rogue General storms over as Tiger Mask and Rocky mug Bushi. Fale whips Ishii to a corner but Fale dodges to kick low. Ishii tries to suplex Fale but Fale suplexes Ishii! Owens helps out and gets Ishii on the apron! But Ishii dumps Owens out to join him! Owens gets up, Ishii ROCKS him, but Fale BLASTS Ishii off the apron! Fale ELIMINATES Ishii! Fale also helps Owens get back in, only for Honma to scoop slam Owens. Honma runs for the falling headbutt! Another entry is here, and it’s a Young Lion, Gabriell Kidd! Bushi is after him on the outside and they brawl!
Fale scoops and throws Honma out to ELIMINATE him! Tenzan CHOPS Fale, runs, but Fale CLOBBERS him in return! Bushi isn’t letting Kidd into the ring?! Bushi CLUBS Kidd, but Fale throws Tenzan out and ELIMINATES him! Sho goes after Fale, Sho and Rocky DOUBLE KNEE Fale, then hurry to pick him up! Tiger Mask helps out, but Owens makes the save! Bushi still keeps Kidd out with clubbing forearms and stomps. Tiger Mask gives Owens THE Tiger Driver! Sho hits a PENALTY KICK, Rocky adds a back senton! Cover, but Fale breaks it! The next entry is in, and it’s another Young Lion in Yuya Uemura!
Uemura helps Kidd fight Bushi off while Fale throws Rocky out and ELIMINATES him! Sho waistlocks Fale but he can’t lift Fale. Sho runs, into Fale’s arms! Fale tosses and ELIMINATES Sho! Tiger Mask kicks away on Fale but Fale pops Tiger Mask up! Fale throws Tiger Mask over and out to ELIMINATE him! The Young Lions finally get in and go after Owens! Kidd whips and dropkicks Owens down! The Young Lions go after Fale together with stomps in a corner. Another entry is here, and it’s another Young Lion, YOTA TSUJI! The three Lions club away on Fale! Dropkick after dropkick, and then Tsuji runs, into Owens’ LARIAT! Owens BOOTS Kidd, and waistlocks Uemura.
Fale gets up but Uemura dropkicks him away! Uemura elbows Owens, Owens kicks back and runs, but Bushi drags him out! The Lions go after Fale again! Owens RAMS Bushi into railing but fans rally as the Lions have Fale up! Fale fights off, and the last entry is here! It’s of course Mr. KOPW 2020, TORU YANO! Fale clobbers the Lions as Yano makes his way to the ring. GRENADE for Kidd! GRENADE for Tsuji! Fale dares Yano to get in as he gives a GRENADE to Uemura! Owens throws Kidd out and ELIMINATES him! Yano is very cautious as Fale throws Tsuji out and ELIMINATES him!
Bushi makes sure they have Uemura, and they throw him out to ELIMINATE him! But then Bushi slips in, and all Yano has to do is get in! They’re the final four! They’ve already made it to the next round!
Winners: Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale, Bushi & Toru Yano (advance to Night Two’s KOPW 2021 match)
Well, one thing Owens can say is that he lasted the entire match and is now moving on to tomorrow! But with the odds in their favor, will Bullet Club make KOPW 2021 #TooSweet?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Contender’s Match: Hiromu Takahashi VS El Phantasmo!
The Best of the Super Juniors 27 winner challenged the Super J-Cup 2020 winner, with the right to challenge The Bone Soldier Reborn on Night Two! Will the Ticking Timebomb blow #ELP away? Or will he self-destruct this close to a golden opportunity?
ELP shows little respect to his own fancy Super J-Cup jacket and mockingly applauds the winner of BOSJ 27. The bell rings and ELP bails out to disrespect the BOSJ trophy! ELP shows off his jacket but he wants to rub it in Jushin Liger’s face. But Liger isn’t around, and Hiromu leaps from the apron to missile dropkick ELP into railing! Hiromu goes back to the ring and climbs up as ELP staggers up. HIROMU BOMB! Direct hit and Hiromu mocks ELP’s hand shaking. Hiromu puts ELP in, drags him up and fireman’s carries, for a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with Hiromu as he brings ELP back up. ELP slips out and scrambles away to the outside.
ELP wants a break to breath and Hiromu says “No problem.” But then Hiromu runs to sunset flip! ELP flips through and lands on his feet! Hiromu ducks but ELP uses him as a step back into the ring, and runs to come back and SUNSET BOMB HIROMU! Fans cheer that boldness of ELP to steal one of Hiromu’s favorites! The ref checks on Hiromu but ELP wants the count out! The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as Hiromu stirs. The ring count is already 10 of 20 and ELP rests on the corner. Hiromu staggers up at 14, but ELP walks the tightrope to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp!
ELP shows how the hand signs are down and then demands the cameras stay on him as he gets up. ELP hobbles a bit, perhaps he still tweaked his ankle. ELP puts Hiromu in, rains down rights, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. ELP opens his hands to slap Hiromu around. ELP taunts Hiromu, Hiromu gets up and CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! And again! ELP spinning back kicks and Hiromu is down! Hiromu goes to the corner and claims ELP has loaded boots. The ref checks doesn’t find anything, and ELP drags Hiromu up. ELP throws Hiromu out, then Terminator kneels! He’s shouting out The Cleaner!
Fans follow along, and ELP runs to then roll and do his hand signs. Hiromu gets in to JOHN WOO ELP into a corner! Hiromu brings ELP up for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Hiromu clutches his ribs again as he gasps for air, and he brings ELP up. ELP breaks free to stomp a foot! Hiromu falls over as he clutches his leg and still claims something’s up. ELP stomps Hiromu’s other foot, then has a cocky pin a la Jericho. ONE, but ELP drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, ELP CHOPS back! Hiromu falls over but ELP drags him up with a clinch. ELP CHOPS again, lets out a “WOO~!” and then CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS back and CHOPS again!
ELP catches the hand, puts it on the mat and STOMPS it! Hiromu clutches his fingers but ELP gets the hand again to drop knees on it over and over! ELP tortures the fingers, twists the wrist, and brings Hiromu up to put Hiromu on ropes. ELP CLAWS Hiromu’s back deep and long! ELP puts Hiromu in a Tree of Woe, and digs his boot into the groin! The ref reprimands but ELP hops off, to bring Hiromu up and onto the ropes. ELP has Hiromu recline and CHOPS him, then goes up top! TOP ROPE SENTON!? What in the world?! Cover, TWO! ELP keeps cool and fans fire up for Hiromu. ELP drags Hiromu up, knuckle locks and CHOPS to go up the corner.
ELP springboards around to show off a bit, then he goes Old School and a little more, to then have the fingers and bend them! But Hiromu BITES back! The ref reprimands, Hiromu SUPERKICKS ELP down! Or rather, back onto the corner. Hiromu climbs up, brings ELP up, and hits a SUPER VICTORY ROLL! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but fans fire up for Hiromu again! Hiromu brings ELP up, fireman’s carries but ELP throws elbows to get free. ELP tucks Hiromu in but Hiromu resists, so ELP BITES Hiromu’s fingers! And SNAPS them! ELP tucks Hiromu back in, brings him up and wants the Clash?!
Hiromu fights out of it, fireman’s carries again, and hits the DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but Hiromu keeps focus. Fans rally up, Hiromu drags ELP up, hammerlocks one arm and suplexes, but ELP slips out and SLAPS Hiromu! Hiromu SLAPS ELP but that was his bad hand! Hiromu drops to his knees as he clutches the hand, and ELP shakes out the bad foot in the corner. ELP aims, Hiromu gets up, but Hiromu dodges the superkick to give a SUPERKICK! VICTORIA! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again and Hiromu grows frustrated. Hiromu fires up and fans join in! Hiromu dragon sleepers but ELP fights that off to victory roll, TWO! SUPERKICK from Hiromu to ELP!
Hiromu dragon sleepers again, inverted suplex, but ELP slips out to half straitjacket and torture rack! But Hiromu fights out of the spin, only for ELP to fight off the sunset flip! BASTARD DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu still lives but ELP is too tired to be frustrated. Fans rally up, ELP drags Hiromu up and puts Hiromu in the corner. Hiromu pushes ELP away to SUPERKICK again! Hiromu drags ELP up, fireman’s carries, and goes up the corner!? ELP throws elbows to fight this off, but Hiromu keeps going! ELP slips off to ENZIGURI first! ELP climbs up again, brings Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights him off!
ELP drops down, and bumps into the ref! Was it on purpose? Who can say! But ELP punches Hiromu’s bad hand, then STRAIGHT PUNCH LOW BLOWS! ELP climbs up, brings Hiromu up, SUPER STEINER! ELP is right back up top, for a BIG SPLASH! Cover, TWO?! Hiromu survives and ELP is shocked! ELP drags Hiromu up, tucks him in, but Hiromu back drops and sits down! TWO!! ELP gets Hiromu up, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu survives and fans are fired up! Fans rally behind “HI-RO-MU!” as he and ELP end up on opposite ends. ELP aims and says BANG, to run in and V-TRIGGER! Another Cleaner shout-out, followed by the Electric Chair! ONE WINGED-
NO! Hiromu rolls through, rolls to fireman’s carry and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu powers up, drags ELP back up, fireman’s carry to- ELP sunset flips and bridges! TWO!!! Hiromu narrowly escapes but ELP stomps the bad hand then BUZZSAWS! ELP drags Hiromu back up, reels him back in, and again wants his take on the Clash, but Hiromu RANAS and covers, HIROMU WINS!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (advances to Night Two’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match)
BOSJ 27 beats Super J-Cup 2020, and now the Timebomb has a rematch with the Bone Soldier! Will Hiromu sweep WrestleKingdom to prove he is THE Best of the Super Juniors?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas of Destiny!
Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi have a chance to avenge the loss during World Tag League 2020, but Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa look to finally prove they can go from WTL champions to tag team champions. Will the Submission Master and Sliest Wrestler in the World make GoD #JustTapOut?
The Tekkers are prepared as they come out. To counter GoD having Jado, they’ve brought Douki! GoD give the Low Sweet, the title belts are finally given over and raised, and then the teams sort out. Taichi shows off the dancing pecs as he steps up. Tama wants the ref to be wary of that pouch Taichi has, and then he snatches it from Taichi! The teams brawl, Douki goes after Jado, and the bell rings as Taichi chokes Loa! Tama goes after Taichi, hits and whips, but Taichi dodges in the corner for ZSJ to EuroUpper! Taichi chokes Loa again, then sees Tama coming, to CHOKE! The ref reprimands, counts, and Taichi stops at 4, only to choke more!
Taichi stops at 3 to then drag Tama up and put in the Tekker corner with a choke! ZSJ adds on, the ref counts but only ZSJ lets off. The ref pulls Taichi away, Taichi tags ZSJ, and the Tekkers use their boots to choke Tama. The ref counts, Tekkers put their hands up. That’s not the problem! The ref counts, the Tekkers put their hands up again, but the ref pulls their feet away from Tama. Taichi chuckles and acts like he doesn’t see what’s wrong. ZSJ drags Tama up, spins him around, snapmares and ghost pins, TWO! ZSJ is right on Tama with an armbar! Tama clasps hands and gets the ropebreak with his feet!
ZSJ lets go at the count of 4, but he brings Tama back up to EuroUpper to a corner! Taichi grabs Tama’s hair, ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, but Tama throws forearms back! Taichi grabs Tama by his hair again and ZSJ runs in to BOOT Tama down! Taichi tags in, he snapmares Tama to CHOKE! The ref can tell the difference and has Taichi stop. Taichi chokes again, the ref counts but Taichi lets off at 4. The ref warns Taichi as he chokes yet again, and Taichi lets off, Taichi kicks at Tama, runs, but Jado swipes at him! Tama drags Taichi back into a TONGAN TWIST! Douki and Jado go after each other but Jado gets the edge with his kendo stick SMACK!
Loa RAMS ZSJ into the apron and Tama hits a DDT! Tama crawls to his corner, tag to Loa! Loa rains down rights on Taichi then stomps him! Loa drags Taichi up, scoops and slams him, then drops a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Loa grins as he drags Taichi back up. Loa whips Taichi into the corner then hits a big clothesline! Tama CLUBS Taichi, Loa stomps, but the ref has to keep ZSJ from leaving his corner. The ref reprimands GoD but Tama tags in. Tama drags Taichi up, throws fast hands from all sides and even some stomps! ZSJ protests but the ref has to keep him back again. Tama gives back the choking with his boots, then lets off to loom over him.
Fans rally but Loa tags in. Tama scoop slams Taichi, Loa slingshot sentons! Tama slingshot sentons, Loa comes back to cover, TWO! Loa taunts Taichi to go tag ZSJ and Taichi crawls, but Loa drags Taichi away. Loa back suplexes Taichi, carries him around, then slams him down! Cover, TWO! Loa drags Taichi up into a chinlock and squeezes tight. Taichi endures, fans rally up and Taichi fights up. Taichi pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Taichi gets to the ropebreak. Loa brings Taichi right up to ROCK him with a right! Tag to Tama and Tama talks trash to ZSJ. Taichi kicks from below but Tama chokes him!
The ref counts, Tama lets go and Loa says it’s only fair since Taichi did it to them. Taichi kicks Tama again so Tama CHOKES Taichi! The ref counts, Tama lets off at 4 and then he stalks Taichi to a corner. Tama drags Taichi up and throws body shots and haymakers. Taichi eggs Tama on so Tama headbutts and whips! Tama runs in but Taichi boots from the corner! Taichi chokes Tama, Tama breaks free to forearm! Taichi dodges the corner splash to GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tag to ZSJ! Loa runs in, fireman’s carries ZSJ and spins, but ZSJ slips out to wrench and PELE the arm!
ZSJ runs in to EuroUpper Loa, then corner to corner to EuroUpper Tama! ZSJ goes back to Loa and tornado DDT Loa down! Tama runs in but into a shoulder. ZSJ headlocks, Tama powers out, things speed up and ZSJ snatches Tama out of the air! EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! ZSJ is fired up as he brings Tama up for more EuroUppers! Tama fires up but swing sinto a spin, and the IRON OCTOPUS! ZSJ digs his elbows in, bends the fingers and arm, but Tama endures! Tama works his way to ropes for the ropebreak! ZSJ lets go and calls to Taichi. The Tekkers loom over Tama, talk trash to Jado, then double whip Tama.
Tama slides out and Loa gets in to BLINDSIDE LARIAT both Tekkers! Loa drags ZSJ up and holds him as Tama gets back in. They mug ZSJ with a big dropkick! Tama crawls to his corner and tags in Loa. Loa chokes ZSJ in return for what Taichi did, but lets off at 4. Loa clubs ZSJ, whips him, and Tama comes in, body shot and uppercut to leaping neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Loa looms over ZSJ, drags him up, and ZSJ eggs him on so Loa DECKS him! ZSJ says that’s not good enough so Loa brings him up to DECK him again! Loa taunts ZSJ, brings him up, scoops, but ZSJ slips around to a sleeper hold!
Tama clubs ZSJ off Loa, whips ZSJ to ropes, and back drop tosses ZSJ to Loa’s POWERBOMB! High stack, but Taichi breaks it in time! Taichi kicks away on GoD, but Tama spins him around, Loa helps out, TONGAN TWIST! Fans rally up as GoD focuses on ZSJ. Jado says Super Bomb so that’s what they’ll go for. Loa hoists ZSJ up and rams him into a corner, and Tama corner splashes! Loa goes up, Tama drags ZSJ up and suplexes him to Loa, for the SUPER- No! ZSJ guillotines on the top rope! Taichi gets Tama with a dragon sleeper cobra twist! ZSJ adjusts, calls to Taichi, and they argue just a bit, but they combine for a TOWER OF DOOM!! SUPERPLEX BOMB takes down Loa!! Cover, TWO?!? Loa survives but the fans rally up!
ZSJ tags Taichi but Tama is there! Taichi BOOTS Ttama, back kicks and clotheslines! Then a clothesline for Loa! Tama dodges the lariat, but Taichi DOUBLE AX BOMBERS GoD! Taichi fires up, circles Loa, and BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO! Taichi keeps his focus as fans rally up again. Taichi drags Loa up, reels him in, but Tama goes after Taichi! ZSJ sleeper holds Tama, then feeds him to Taichi’s BOOT! EuroUpper, BIG forearm, and then TENSHO- No! Loa intercepts Taichi, Tama suplexes ZSJ but ZSJ fights out of Magic Killer! ZSJ CRANKS Tama’s neck! Loa CLOBBERS ZSJ, but Taichi GAMANGIRIS Loa! All four men are down and the fans fire up!
ZSJ rolls out of the ring, as does Tama. Loa and Taichi get up on opposite ends, and Loa calls Taichi out! They collide with clotheslines! But neither falls, and Taichi eggs Loa on! Another double clotheslines but only Loa stays up! Taichi rises back up, but he side steps Loa into the corner! ZSJ BOOTS, Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! PENALTY KICK from ZSJ, and then fans fire up as Taichi drags Loa up. Taichi reels Loa in, Alabama lift, but Tama hits ZSJ with GUN STUN! Loa lifts Taichi, Taichi fights out of the bomb, and fights off the Gun Stun!
Taichi gives a ROUNDHOUSE to Tama! Loa gives a ENZIGURI to Taichi! Loa runs but Taichi gets around to hit DANGEROUS SAIDO! Cover, TWO!?! Loa lives and Taichi can’t believe it! Off come the pants!! Taichi aims, but Jado gets in! Taichi shoves the ref out of the way to LOW BLOW Jado! Douki drags Jado out but Tama has the iron fingers! Douki tries to warn Taichi but Tama CLOBBERS Taichi with the iron fingers!! Loa scoops Taichi for APESHIT!! Cover, GoD wins!!
Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
First World Tag League, and now the entire Heavyweight Tag Division! Tama and Loa are truly the GOD of NJPW Heavyweight Tag Team wrestling! “We told you! By any means necessary!” Now they’re SEVEN-TIME champions! Will 2021 become the Year of Guerrilla?
NJPW hears from JON MOXLEY!
The Death Rider has a message from NJPW Studios in America! “Many men have vied for that US title contract. They all thought they were gonna get off easy. They all hoped and prayed that the United States Champion would never return. But I am the Bogeyman, and NJPW, I will get you eventually. So whoever walks out of the Tokyo Dome with that contract, make no mistake about it. I’m coming for ya.” Have the stakes just been raised on the next match?
IWGP United States Championship Right to Challenge Match: KENTA VS Satoshi Kojima w/ Hiroyoshi Tenzan!
Jon Moxley still has the IWGP US title and The Fang Revived wants it! But the King of Cozy Style does, too, and sticking it to Kenta at the same time is just the cherry on top. Who will have the briefcase and be headed for a head-on collision with the champion in the new year?
The contract briefcase is presented, the bell rings, and Kojima is ready but Kenta uses ropes for defense. Kojima backs off but approaches, then backs off again. Kenta goes from one corner to another, then circles with Kojima. Kenta still stays close to ropes to keep Kojima back, then he circles with him again. But then Kenta bails out and goes around the ring. Tenzan is there and Kenta tells him to go away. Kenta gets in the ring but Kojima stomps him down! Kojima stomps Kenta to a corner, brings him up and headlocks to grind him down. Kenta endures, fights up, and tries to power out but Kojima holds on tighter! Kenta tries again but Kojima still holds on.
Kenta pulls hair, powers out this time, but Kojima runs him over! Fans cheer for the dancing pecs as Kenta bails out. Kojima waits on Kenta as the ring count climbs. Tenzan tells Kenta to get in the ring but Kenta tells Tenzan to shut up. Kenta shoves Tenzan but Kojima goes out to attack Kenta! Kenta knees low and throws Kojima into Tenzan! The ref reprimands but Kenta kicks and DDT’s Kojima to the floor! Kenta says this is Tenzan’s fault, then he stomps Kojima and puts him in the ring. Cover, but the ref sees Kenta’s knee is on Kojima’s throat so he stops. Kenta stomps Kojima, drags him up and turns him for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Kenta tells Tenzan to shut up.
Kenta stomps Kojima, brings him up and throws elbows in. Kenta snapmares and KICKS Kojima in the back! Kenta mocks the fans applauding before he drags Kojima into a headscissors hold! Kojima moves around, reaches out, rolls around, and gets the ropebreak! Kenta claims he can’t untie the hold so the ref does it for him. Kojima gasps, Kenta tells Tenzan to go away and then he gives toying kicks to Kojima. Kojima gets up and grinds foreheads with Kenta. Kojima CHOPS, Kenta rakes eyes and KICKS Kojima down! Kenta roars, glares at Tenzan and tells him to shut up and go away again. Tenzan tells Kenta to just worry about Kojima.
Kojima kicks Kenta and gives him Mongolian CHOPS like Tenzan! And shouts “TENZAN!” as he hits Kenta again! Kenta is down, Kojima stalks him to a corner and CHOPS him! And then he unleashes the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Kenta withstands those to fire off machine gun forearms! Kenta whips, Kojima reverses and runs in to forearm smash! Fans fire up with Kojima and he goes up top. Kenta runs in to ROCK Kojima with rights first! Kenta climbs up, brings Kojima up, but Kojima resists the superplex. Kojima throws body shots but Kenta resists the gourd buster. Kenta RAKES eyes, then SUPERPLEXES Kojima down!
Fans rally up as both men are down and Kojima goes to a corner. Kenta runs in to forearm smash! Kenta rolls Kojima and shouts that he’s going up! Kenta climbs, leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Kenta kicks Kojima to a corner then stomps him on the apron. The ref reprimands, Kenta drags Kojima up and through ropes, then SLAPS Kojima on the head. Kenta goes out to join Kojima, but Kojima blocks the suplex for dear life! Kojima throws body shots, knees, and brings Kenta in for an APRON DDT! Fans are fired up as both men are down on the outside! A ring count starts, and it reaches 9 of 20 before Kojima is up.
Kojima drags Kenta up and in at 13 and fans cheer. Kojima drags Kenta up, cravats, but Kenta throws body shots. Kenta spins Kojima around to a DDT! Both men are down again and fans rally up. Kojima goes to the corner, Kenta runs corner to corner, for a FLYING BOOT! Kenta keeps moving, HESITATION DROPKICK! Kojima is in the drop zone, Kenta climbs back up top, for the DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Kojima survives the coup de grace but Kenta won’t stop here! Kenta fireman’s carries but Kojima fights that off with elbows. Kenta boots, spins, but Kojima swats the clothesline to hit the COZY CUTTER! Fans fire up as Kojima powers up the arm!
Kenta rises, Kojima runs, but Kenta hits a POWERSLAM! Both men are down again as fans rally up. Kenta bails out, grabs the briefcase, and slides inside. The ref warns Kenta, grabs at the case, but Kenta shoves the ref away. COZY LARIAT swats the case away! Kojima keeps moving, Kenta boots the lariat away, but Kojima LARIATS from the other side! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives but Kojima is too tired to be frustrated. Kojima gets up, fans fire up with him, and Kojima brings Kenta up. Kojima whips, Kenta dodges, SHOTGUN BOOT! Both men are down again and fans fire up.
Kenta fires himself up, drags Kojima to the fireman’s carry, but Kojima fights out with forearm after forearm! ROLLING ELBOW! Kenta is down, Kojima powers up! Kojima stands Kenta up but Kenta ROCKS him with counter palm strikes! Kenta runs from a corner, to PSYCHO KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta drags Kojima up, fireman’s carries, GO TO SLEEP!!! Cover, Kenta wins!
Winner: Kenta, by pinfall (retains the US Championship Right to Challenge Contract)
And so now we know who is aiming for Moxley! Will the Fang Revived sink his teeth into some real gold when he finally gets his shot at the title?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Great-O-Khan!
The Ace owes The Dominator a beating for the way World Tag League went down! Will he get revenge on the biggest stage on NJPW’s calendar? Or will he be conquered for the glory of The Empire?
The bell rings and fans rally already. Tanahashi and Khan circle, feel out the grapple, and Tanahashi avoids Khan shooting in. Khan sits down to use a leg guard, but then stands up as Tanahashi reaches for him. Tanahashi baits Khan to go after the leg and still gets away as Khan reaches in. They circle, tie up with an elbow ‘n’ collar, and Khan resists Tanahashi going around. Khan wants the leg but Tanahashi floats to a headlock. Khan slips out, gets the leg, but Tanahashi blocks and moves around. Khan scrambles to avoid the facelock and fans cheer as the two stand off. Tanahashi and Khan reset, circle, and Khan uses a unique stance to both bait Tanahashi in but also reach for a leg.
Tanahashi stays back, goes for a foot but Khan slips out. They knuckle lock, Tanahashi gets around but Khan rolls to thook a leg. Tanahashi stays up, lateral press, ONE, and Tanahashi headlocks. Tanahashi grinds but Khan powers up, only for Tanahashi to hold on as he powers out. Khan tries again but again Tanahashi grinds him down. Khan pulls hair, the ref counts and they end up on ropes. Khan powers out this time and runs Tanahashi over! Tanahashi is up right away but Khan CHOPS him down! Tanahashi is back up but Khan scoops and SLAMS him! Fans cheer the showing of strength as Khan roars. Khan stomps Tanahashi’s face, drags him up, but Tanahashi throws forearms!
Tanahashi runs, but Khan side steps him to throw him out! Tanahashi skins the cat, but Khan Mongolian CHOPS his hands away! Khan goes out after Tanahashi and stomps him down. Khan drags Tanahashi up, and POSTS him! Fans rally for “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Khan bumps Tanahashi off the apron. Khan walks around, brings Tanahashi up and around to the ramp. Khan CLUBS Tanahashi down and soaks up the heat. Khan stands Tanahashi up to scoop SLAM him to the ramp! Khan leaves Tanahashi behind and a ring count begins. Tanahashi slowly stirs but Khan also fetches a chair? The count is past 10 of 20 as Tanahashi crawls towards the ring! Then past 15!
Tanahashi gets up and hobbles over to get in at 19! Fans cheer and Khan nods as the “Let’s Go, Ace!” returns. Khan drags Tanahashi up, pulls on his ear then CLUBS it! Khan drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi fires off forearms! Khan Mongolian CHOPS then picks the leg to get a KNEEBAR! Tanahashi grits his teeth as he crawls and drags Khan with him, to the ropebreak! Khan lets go at 4, looms over Tanahashi and stomps him down! Khan mockingly asks what’s wrong, then eggs Tanahashi on. Khan digs Tanahashi’s face into his boot, but Tanahashi powers up! Khan grabs hair to smash his knee off Tanahashi’s face! Tanahashi blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW!
Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Ace!” stronger and stronger as Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi drags Khan up, throws forearms and has Khan in a corner. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, Khan reverses but Tanahashi comes back with flying forearms! And then more! Tanahashi keeps moving, and fans fire up with him! Tanahashi drags Khan up to scoop and slam him down! Tanahashi hops up the corner for the sunset senton! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Tanahashi watches Khan rise. Tanahashi runs, but Khan turns the Slingblade into an atomic FACEBUSTER! Both men are down, fans build to another rally, and Khan drags Tanahashi up.
Tanahashi throws a forearm, Khan throws it back and they brawl faster and faster! Fans rally up as they go back and forth, neither man backing down! Tanahashi gets the edge, but Khan knees low! And uppercuts, then BOOTS! Tanahashi is down but Khan drags him up. Khan hits another Mongolian CHOP! And another! Khan powers up to Mongolian SHOVE Tanahashi down! Khan fires up more as he drags Tanahashi up and reels him in, for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Khan gets the leg for a standing kneebar! Tanahashi endures and gets the ropebreak! Khan lets go at 4, fans rally up, but Khan toys with Tanahashi.
Khan whips, reels Tanahashi in, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Tanahashi! Tanahashi holds onto ropes, and skins the cat! Tanahashi blocks the chops to throw palm strikes! Khan kicks low, but Tanahashi gets around the chop to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Both men roar, Tanahashi dodges Khan to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Khan lives but Tanahashi fires up more! Fans rally as Tanahashi goes to a corner and climbs up top! Khan clamps on the CLAW! Khan drags Tanahashi off the corner, but Tanahashi resists the lift! Khan waistlocks, then changes it to a cobra twist with the claw! Tanahashi endures, fights to move around, but Khan INVERTED EXPLODERS Tanahashi away! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and fans fire up!
Khan drags Tanahashi up in a dragon sleeper, but Tanahashi resists, only for Khan to still get him up in the inverted suplex! Khan grabs the chair he brought in earlier, but the ref reprimands. Khan puts the chair down and says that’s the target! Khan clamps on the claw and drags Tanahashi up! The ref reprimands but this isn’t about winning anymore! Khan lifts, Tanahashi slips out to get a sleeper hold on! Khan fights free, but Tanahashi TWIST ‘N’ SHOUTS him down! Tanahashi sees the chair, and picks it up! The ref reprimands Tanahashi now, and Tanahashi puts the chair away. Tanahashi brings Khan up, full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Tanahashi hurries up top, leaps, HIGH FLY FLOW to Khan’s back!! But Tanahashi isn’t done! Tanahashi goes back up top, aims again, HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
The Ace is high and the Dominator could not dominate him! Will Tanahashi rise back up to former glory in 2021?
Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!
The Rainmaker has just about had it with people betraying him, and the Aerial Assassin’s was perhaps the worst of them all! Will Okada crush Ospreay’s hopes of being NJPW’s new alpha?
The bell rings and Okada already gets fans rallying with his claps. Ospreay and Okada stare down from their corners as fans rally up more. They approach but still stare down. They tie up and are in a deadlock, but Okada finds a point of leverage to push Ospreay to ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, Okada and Ospreay are wary of the other was they do, and Okada fakes the hit to pat Ospreay on the shoulder. Ospreay throws a forearm but Okada gives it back, and they’re fast and furious already! Fans fire up as they get 2fast2furious! Ospreay bumps Okada off buckles, rains down fast hands, then lets off as Red Shoes counts.
Okada comes back with forearms, Ospreay throws more then knees low. Ospreay whips, Okada dodges and ducks to elbow Ospreay down! Okada whips Ospreay to a corner, runs in and back elbows to then kick and DDT! Fans cheer while Ospreay scrambles away and to the outside. Okada pursues, kicks Ospreay and clubs him, then throws forearms at the railing. Ospreay CHOPS back, elbows Okada but Okada ROCKS him in return! Ospreay kicks and clubs Okada, CHOPS him again, then smirks at commentary. Okada RAMS Ospreay into railing and Bea Priestly has to get out of the way before Okada puts Ospreay in. Ospreay BOOTS back, runs, but into a BOOT!
Ospreay bails out again and Okada runs to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up with Okada but he does take a moment to catch his breath. Okada brings Ospreay up as fans rally, and he throws more elbows. Okada puts Ospreay in, but Bea talks smack to Okada. Ospreay BOOTS Okada down in the distraction, then runs to WRECK Okada off the apron! Red Shoes reprimands Bea and tells her to stay far away. Ospreay pulls up floor mats at ringside?! Ospreay is exposing bare wood of the Tokyo Dome! Ospreay brings Okada over, reels him in and lifts, but Okada fights off the bomb to put Ospreay on the apron!
Ospreay avoids the draping DDT to RAM Okada into railing, then whip him into more railing! Ospreay reels Okada in for a NECKBREAKER to the floor! But not bare floor, so what padding there is spares Okada. Red Shoes reprimands and wants this to get in the ring, and fans rally up as Ospreay drags Okada up and into the ring. Ospreay puts Okada on the apron to elbow away on neck and shoulders! Fans still rally for Okada as Ospreay stands on him, then drops a GUILLOTINE KNEE! Okada flops down and Ospreay grins as he looms over him. Ospreay puts Okada in, covers, but Red Shoes refuses because of the extracurricular activity.
Ospreay is annoyed but he brings Okada up. Okada throws forearms back, but Ospreay gets around to back suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but he keeps on Okada with bumps off buckles. Ospreay CHOPS Okada, then makes Okada looks him in the eye before he CHOPS again! Okada leans against ropes but Ospreay stomps him down! Ospreay stands on Okada’s head while talking trash but fans still rally for Okada. Ospreay drags Okada up, scoops him and hits a BIG BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay sits Okada up for a chinlock and digs his knee in his back. Okada fights up and throws elbows, but Ospreay CLUBS Okada on the back!
Ospreay whips Okada corner to corner, then runs in, but Okada boots back! Okada runs, but Ospreay follows to elbow him at ropes! Ospreay runs, but into a BIG BACK DROP from Okada! Bea is worried about Ospreay but the fans cheer! Okada and Ospreay are both down as fans rally up, and Okada glares at Ospreay. Okada rallies with big forearms and elbows, then dodges Ospreay to FLAPJACK him almost as high as that back drop! Cover, TWO! Okada rallies the fans with clap-clap-clap-stomp, then he Alabama lifts Ospreay. Ospreay fights out and kicks but Okada blocks to BOOT! Alabama lift and tuck, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool while fans rally. Okada wants the Money Clip but Ospreay powers him to a corner! Ospreay is free, runs back in but is put on the apron. Ospreay ROCKS Okada with a forearm, springboards and hits PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay grits his teeth but he gets up and looms over Okada. Ospreay dragon sleepers, but Okada fights free! Okada walks into a stiff body shot! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Okada escapes but Bea coaches Ospreay up. Ospreay drags Okada up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Okada back drops free! Ospreay gets up and elbows Okada away, but he springboards into Okada’s fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB!
Both men are down and fans rally up while Bea coaches Ospreay again. Okada and Ospreay slowly rise, and Okada throws a forearm from the mat. Ospreay throws the forearm back, but Okada forearms again. The two get to their feet and the forearms continue to fly! Ospreay CHOPS, Okada ROCKS him with a forearm! Ospreay CHOPS, and then he eggs Okada on! Okada EuroUppers and Ospreay wobbles! Okada whips, runs in but Ospreay boots! Ospreay hops up but Okada dropkicks him down to the floor! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Bea coaches Ospreay up but Okada goes out to fetch him.
Okada whips Ospreay into railing hard and commentary has to watch out! Okada runs in but Ospreay blocks the boot! Ospreay BOOTS back, then BOOTS again! Ospreay uses the railing as a springboard but Okada gets under, to SHOTGUN DROPKICK Ospreay down! Fans fire up as both men are down yet again! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re okay to continue. Okada is up and he puts Ospreay in before a ring count starts. Okada takes a moment to steady himself, then climbs up and aims at Ospreay for a BIG shotgun missile dropkick! Bea shouts for Ospreay to get up but Okada is on him first. Okada gut wrenches but Ospreay resists!
Ospreay fights out, gets to a corner, and Okada runs in only to be put up top! Ospreay tucks Okada in, CHEEKY NANDOS! And then dragon sleeper to BLOODY SUNDAY! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Ospreay keeps his focus. Fans rally up as both men rise. Ospreay glares at Okada, and he SUPERKICKS! Then HOOK KICKS! Ospreay drags Okada up to underhook and rack, but Okada slips out to dropkick! Okada whips but Ospreay holds ropes! Okada didn’t commit to the dropkick, so he’s ready for Ospreay’s return! Okada gets around to GERMAN, but Ospreay lands on his feet! SUPERKICK! Ospreay whips, Okada reverses, dropki- POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Ospreay was so close and neither he or Bea can believe it! Okada gets to ropes and drags himself up, and Ospreay runs in to CLOTHESLINE Okada and himself out! And they’re back at the bare patch Ospreay made earlier! Ospreay likes that, and he hurries to bring Okada up and in. Okada resists the lift but Ospreay throws body shots. Ospreay gets Okada up but Okada fights free of the bomb to UPPERCUT! Okada gut wrenches but Ospreay flails and Ospreay ends up in the timekeeper’s area! Ospreay clubs Okada, and decides to go for the next best thing! But Okada fights off the suplex, scoops Ospreay, but Ospreay slips down and shoves him away.
Ospreay ROUNDHOUSES Okada, brings him back up and suplexes, to SLAM him on the table!! Ospreay doesn’t have the best landing, either, but far better than Okada’s! Bea checks on Ospreay while Red Shoes checks on Okada. Okada is somehow okay to continue, as is Ospreay, and the fans rally up. Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes but Red Shoes tells him to let go. Red Shoes goes back to the ring to start a count. Ospreay sits up and starts heading to the ring, but he reconsiders and goes back to Okada. Ospreay drags Okada up at 9 of 20, brings him around to ringside at 13, then puts himm in at 16. Ospreay goes up top, because he wants to end this properly.
Okada stands, Ospreay leaps, BLINDSIDE PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!?! Okada barely survives but Ospreay isn’t going to stop! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Okada survives that nasty bomb (that’s not a nickname) and that infuriates Ospreay. Ospreay kicks Okada to the apron, and brings him up. Ospreay underhooks and Red Shoes says not to do this, but Okada holds onto ropes for dear life. Ospreay kicks away on Okada’s face then CHOPS him! Ospreay uses the post to launch, but Okada blocks the cutter! Okada gut wrenches, for an APRON TOMBSTONE!!! Both men go down again as Okada has evened things with Ospreay!
Fans rally up as both men are down and a new ring count begins. The count is 10 of 20 before either even sits up! Okada is first to use railing to stand, and he is in at 15. Ospreay finally starts to sit up here, Bea shouts at him to move, and Ospreay is in at 18, for a LARIAT! Okada has the wrist, and he drags Ospreay back up, only for Ospreay to BOOT and BOOT and SUPERKICK! Okada swings, Ospreay dodges, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Then the MONEY CLIP!! Okada wants to make Ospreay suffer! Ospreay flails and claws, but Okada gut wrenches to the JUMPING TOMBSTONE! MONEY CLIP!!
Ospreay endures, Bea shouts for him to fight, but Okada leans on the hold as much as he can! Bea gets on the apron, Ospreay fights up but Okada shoves Ospreay into Bea! BACKBREAKER, to MONEY CLIP!! No mercy for the Empire! Ospreay is fading as he’s fighting, but Okada CRANKS on the hold! Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes, but he’s turning red himself! Okada CRANKS harder! Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes more, reaches with his feet, and somehow gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go in frustration but the fans are cheering the resilience! Okada gets up and looms over Ospreay as he dares him to get up. Ospreay sits up but Okada stomps him down.
Okada again eggs Ospreay on, and Ospreay throws hands, but they don’t do much. Okada DECKS Ospreay, then dares him to get back up. Ospreay rises again, tries to hit Okada but he barely has anything. Okada ROCKS Ospreay, and he didn’t even hit that hard. Okada clubs and stomps Ospreay, then drags him up again. Ospreay SLAPS Okada but that just amuses Okada. Okada EuroUppers, scoops and slams Ospreay! Okada goes back to the old formula and climbs up top. Ospreay hurries over to intercept but Okada throws more forearms. Ospreay grits his teeth and both men growl at each other. Ospreay forearms, Okada throws them back, and they brawl up top!
Okada sends Ospreay down but Ospreay comes back to BOOT Okada! Ospreay fires himself up and he climbs to bring Okada around. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Ospreay almost had Okada but he won’t give up yet! Ospreay runs, springboards, OS- NO! MONEY CLIP, but Ospreay arm-drags free! Okada EuroUppers, but Ospreay dodges to ROLLING ELBOW! Springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay is beside himself as even his old tried ‘n’ true doesn’t end it. Ospreay mounts Okada to SLAP away, then grabs wrists for DANIELSON STOMPS! Red Shoes wants Ospreay to stop but Ospreay shoves him away to just STOMP away more!
Ospreay drags Okada up, turns him, and then BLINDSIDE FOREARMS! Ospreay tells Red Shoes to move from the corner so Ospreay can take aim. Ospreay prepares the arm, Okada slowly sits up, but Okada dropkicks Ospreay first! Fans fire up as Okada goes back to bring Ospreay up and in. ROLLING- NO! Ospreay dodges, goes up and up, SUPER- DROPKICK! Okada spins for ROLLING RAINMAKER! Okada brings Ospreay back in, for MONEY CLIP!! Ospreay reaches desperately, but Okada flips him, only for Ospreay to ROLLING ELBOW! Okada runs in, into a gut wrench! TOMBSTONE!!
Ospreay steals the Rainmaker Pose?! And the RAINMAKER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Okada survives his own move!! Ospreay is losing his mind, but he has one more thing to try! Double underhooks, lift, but Okada fights out again! Okada lifts, gut wrenches, MICHINOKU DRIVER! And then THE RAINMAKER!!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall
No one does the Rainmaker like the Rainmaker!! Okada is still the top of the mountain, will there ever come a day when he’s knocked down from his throne?
IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Double Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi!
The Switchblade didn’t win the G1 Climax but he did cheat the Right to Challenge contract out of the Golden Star’s hands. But joke’s on him, the Double Champion is still giving Ibushi the title match he earned! Will Ibushi make Naito regret his generosity to go after Jay White? Or will Naito settle the score with one rival to then go after another?
As is Naito’s way, he takes his time going to the ring, and taking off his entrance attire. The introductions are made, the belts are presented, and fans cheer as Naito finishes his routine so that the Double Gold Double Header can finally begin!
Naito and Ibushi stare down as fans rally up. Naito loosens up and circles with Ibushi. They approach, but Naito backs off, as is also his way. He and Ibushi circle more, feel out the grapple, settle on knuckle locks, and Ibushi shots in. Naito gets the arm, then the waistlock, but Ibushi pries at the hold. Naito rolls him, hooks the leg, but Ibushi gets up to bend Naito’s leg in a toehold. Ibushi shifts positions, has the toehold with his legs but Naito counters with a chinlock. Ibushi fights out, Naito floats over but Ibushi slips around to hammerlock. Naito rolls and has Ibushi’s arm to wrench. Ibushi rolls, trips Naito but Naito tries to headscissor.
Ibushi still gets a toehold but Naito wants the full nelson. Fans cheer the exchange as Ibushi lets go of the leg and Naito rolls to a cover. ONE, and Naito has a waistlock. Ibushi fights up, switches, but Naito wrenches to headlock and hit the takeover. Ibushi headscissors, Naito pops out and Tranquilo! Fans cheer and Ibushi shrugs it off to reset with Naito. They circle, fans rally up, they approach and Naito kicks low. Naito throws forearms and elbows, headlocks again, then grinds Ibushi down. Ibushi tries to power out but Naito holds on tight. Naito grinds the headlock more, Ibushi fights up but Naito hits a takeover.
Ibushi keeps his shoulders up, Naito grinds the hold, and they stand up. Ibushi powers out this time, hurdles then drops to RANA Naito to the outside! Fans rally up as Ibushi builds speed to the corner, GOLDEN- No, Naito goes in. Ibushi bails out of the jump but Naito sweeps legs! Naito has Ibushi on the apron for a draping- NO! Ibushi flips out of the neckbreaker, but Naito blocks his boot. Ibushi dodges the back hand but Naito yanks Ibushi off the apron! GERMAN SUPLEX to the ramp! Naito takes a moment before he goes to the ring. Red Shoes starts a ring count and Ibushi stirs at 3. Ibushi gets up at 10 of 20, hurries over, and is in at 15.
Naito keeps cool as he stomps Ibushi down at the ropes. Naito drags Ibushi up, snapmares him then puts on the headscissor hold. Naito uses leverage to squeeze tighter but Ibushi fights. Naito squeezes more, Ibushi moves around and gets the ropebreak. Naito adds all the squeeze he can but lets go at the count. Ibushi crawls but Naito brings him up to RAM him into a corner. And again! And again! Naito throws back elbow after elbow, then brings Ibushi out for a scoop, into the reverse DDT! Cover, ONE!! Naito is annoyed but he drags Ibushi back up. Naito cravats, Ibushi endures, then Ibushi throws body shots! Naito fakes Ibushi out to kick low!
Naito smirks as he whips, but Ibushi reverses, only for Naito to reverse back! Ibushi fights off the tornado DDT, Naito kicks low but Naito runs into a dropkick! Both men are down, Ibushi grits his teeth and gets up. Fans rally, “I-BU-SHI!” “NA-I-TO!” as Ibushi brings Naito up. Ibushi fires off forearms, whips, but Naito reverses, only to run into the FLYING KICK! Fans fire up and rally behind Ibushi, and he hits a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his cool and he waistlocks. Naito resists the lift, throws elbows and backs Ibushi into the corner, for MORE elbows! Ibushi runs but Naito whips him to elbow him down, then basement dropkick!
Naito puts Ibushi in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to rocket kick! But Ibushi CLOBBERS Naito out of Combinacion Cabron! Naito lands off the apron and to the floor but Ibushi goes out to fetch him. Ibushi drags Naito up, reels him in, and lifts, but Naito fights off the bomb. Naito spins Ibushi around to hit a neckbreaker to the floor! Fans cheer while both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them. Red Shoes starts a ring count, Naito and Ibushi stir but Naito is the one up at 6. Naito brings Ibushi up at 10 of 20 to put him on the apron, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! And then back into the ring, for a BACKBREAKER, and leg hook nelson!
Ibushi endures as Naito hammers his own leg to add pressure. Ibushi fights up, moves around, kicks and reaches, and manages the ropebreak! Fans cheer, Naito claims he needs help so Red Shoes frees Ibushi. Naito drags Ibushi up, Ibushi throws feeble forearms, but Naito hammerlocks and lifts. Ibushi fights off Gloria, but Naito back elbows and whips. Ibushi reverses, gets around Naito to GERMAN! But Naito is right up, only to run into DOUBLE STOMPS! Fans rally as both men are down again! Ibushi and Naito go to opposite corners, and Ibushi shouts at Naito as he runs in.
Naito boots Ibushi away, then boots him again, but runs into the POWERSLAM! Ibushi rolls to MOONSAULT, but Naito catches him to the PLUMA BLANCA!! Ibushi endures the modified Koji Klutch, throws fists where he can, and moves around again. Naito cranks on the hold, Ibushi reaches and gets the ropebreak! Naito lets go in frustration but fans cheer. Ibushi gasps for air but Naito is on him first. Ibushi throws a forearm, then another, and another. Naito eggs him on then throws the vicious back elbows! Naito brings Ibushi back up for more elbows, then even more elbows! Ibushi staggers, Naito hammerlocks and lifts, GLORIA! Cover, TWO! Ibushi survives but Naito keeps his cool.
Naito steadies himself as he stalks Ibushi to a corner. Naito brings Ibushi up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Ibushi resists so Naito clubs away on his back. Ibushi throws body shots, Naito clubs more, but Ibushi ROCKS Naito with that shot! To then PELE Naito down from the top! Naito is on the apron but Ibushi goes out to join him. Fans rally up as Ibushi brings Naito up. Red Shoes says not to but Naito resists Ibushi’s lift. Fans rally up as the struggle continues, and Naito back drops Ibushi to the apron! Ibushi grits his teeth and shakes his head as he gets back up, but Naito elbows him again, only to walk into a RANAÂ OFF THE APRON!!
Fans fire up as Red Shoes checks on Naito. Naito’s leg somehow ended up in the railing and he gets it free. The ring count starts again and the two stir at 6, then start to stand at 8. Ibushi is in at 11 of 20, Naito uses railing and the table to get up at 17. Naito is hobbling and in at 19.9! But Ibushi is after him with kicks and stomps at the ropes! Ibushi drags Naito up from the apron and waistlocks, for the DEAD LIFT- No, Naito fights out with uppercuts! Naito throws more uppercuts until Ibushi is stuck up top, then he clubs away with forearms! Naito hurries inside, and CLUBS Ibushi from behind. Naito climbs up and brings Ibushi into a SUPER POISON RANA!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Naito aims from a corner as Ibushi flounders up. Ibushi looks for Naito, but Naito runs in, into a ROUNDHOUSE! BUZZSAW! Ibushi fires up and brings Naito up by the wrists. Naito avoids Kami-Goye to tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ibushi survives but Naito won’t let that deter him. Naito drags Ibushi up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but into Ibushi’s BASTARD DRIVER!! Ibushi can’t hold the cover and fans are fired up as both men are down! Fans rally with “NA-I-TO!” “I-BU-SHI!” as the two slowly sit up. Naito heads for a corner but Ibushi grits his teeth as he follows.
Ibushi sits Naito up to throw a forearm, but Naito gives it back! Ibushi forearms again, and eggs Naito on. Naito forearms Ibushi, and Ibushi gives it back. Ibushi smirks and Naito forearms again! The two are starting to enjoy this, and they stand as they keep giving forearms back and forth! Ibushi forearms, Naito forearms, repeat! They pick up speed, fans rally behind them, then Ibushi gets the edge! Naito SLAPS Ibushi, then ROLLING KICKS! But Ibushi LARIATS in return! Ibushi drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights, only for Ibushi to still LAST RIDE! KAMI-GOYE!! Cover, TWO?!!? Ibushi is stunned but the fans are loving it!
Ibushi drags Naito around to a drop zone and he goes up top! Ibushi PHOENIX SPLASHES, but FLOPS as Naito moves! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! That was 2.99!! Both men are down but the fans are thunderous again! Naito grabs Ibushi’s wrist, brings him up, wrenches again but Ibushi goes to gut wrench! Naito fights that off so Ibushi throws elbows. Naito throws elbows, suplexes, but Ibushi slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ibushi sits Naito up, has the wrists, KAMI-GOYE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? More like 2.999!! Ibushi and Naito have survived each other’s best, but Ibushi isn’t going to give up because of that!
Naito resists the wrist hold, and throws elbows, then an ENZIGURI! Scoop, VALENTIA!! Naito fires up, aims at Ibushi, wrench and tilt-o-whirl- NO! Ibushi blocks the rest, and V-TRIGGERS! KENNY! KAMI-GOYE!!!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Champion)
INCREDIBLE! No, that’s not even enough to say what this was! Ibushi has reached a new level and is now on top of NJPW! Ibushi is in such a daze he isn’t even sure he’s won, he tries to pin Naito again. Red Shoes tells him that he HAS won, and the emotions finally start to pour in! Ibushi manages to get up slowly with the ropes, and the title belts are brought into the ring.
But Naito gets up to grab the belts from Red Shoes first. The former, first and only two-time Double Champion holds onto these belts for one last moment, before he officially hands them over to Ibushi! And he even raises Ibushi’s hand in victory! Fans cheer this amazing display of respect for his rival! When and where will Naito come back for at least one of those titles?
Ibushi looks at the Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles, and fans cheer as he raises them both high over head! But to rain on the parade is Jay White! He grabs a mic to say, “Hey, congratulations, huh? How about a round of applause? Should we get him some ice?” Even though we all know Ibushi isn’t the real champion, Ibushi should enjoy his moment! It’ll only last 24 hours! Tomorrow, White takes the titles and everything from Ibushi! Ibushi say she’ll become a wrestling god? No, White exposes Ibushi as the fraud that he is! “Every time that you are about to reach the heights that you so desperately aim for, I will always, I promise you I will always be there, to pull you back down.”
But tomorrow, Ibushi has a vital role to play in White fulfilling HIS destiny of becoming a wrestling god, aka becoming IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Champion. Tomorrow, Ibushi breathes with the Switchblade forever. White drops the mic and Ibushi applauds what he had to say. White takes his leave, and Ibushi takes his turn with the mic. “Excuse me, Jay… I will not be just a single-day champion. But before I continue, hold on. Naito, thank you very much.” Back to Jay, Ibushi can picture himself “standing victorious in the red corner after the match tomorrow.” Tomorrow, Ibushi ends White.
Ibushi knows times are tough but he thanks the fans for being here. But he is NOT a one and done. He will absolutely defend both titles! He is holding the greatest and strongest titles right now, and he will KEEP them! Does everyone understand? They cheer, as he again says he will never run away, quit or betray the fans. Ibushi will beat White and become a wrestling god! Ibushi again holds the belts up high, then goes up the ramp, to the stage, and lets the pyro fly in celebration! But is this the beginning of Ibushi’s ascension? Or the beginning of the end?
My Thoughts:
This was great stuff and for only the first night! The New Japan “Rambo” was pretty unique in that eliminations could be by throwing opponents out or by pinfall, but clearly it was going to be more by over the ropes. It was hilarious for Yano to be part of the winning four and not even have to do anything. Yano, Fale, Owens and Bushi make for a fun combination, but anyone could be the first Mr. KOPW 2021 at this point. Hiromu VS ELP was a very good match, but considering ELP and Ishimori are both Bullet Club, it just seemed obvious that Hiromu was going to win. I’m surprised NJPW didn’t consider that when putting Super J-Cup together, but perhaps they wanted someone fans in Japan were already familiar with to win and give Hiromu a strong match.
Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas was a really good match, too, and I like that Douki accompanied his Suzuki-Gun teammates. Sucks that he didn’t really cancel Jado out, though. GoD winning makes some sense, as they’ve been a team for longer, and are a bit more united than Tekkers seemed to be by this point. ZSJ had to keep shouting to Taichi to help with coordinated moves, maybe the Tekkers are going to take a break to go back to singles title pursuits. Maybe they go back to feuding with Chaos’ trio to go after the Six Man Tag Championships. I like that we got a message from Moxley, and Kenta retaining the contract just makes sense, as those two could have quite the physical match.
Both grudge matches were great stuff. Tanahashi beats Khan to prove he’s still got it, and similarly so does Okada, but I feel like Ospreay should’ve won this time. I know Okada isn’t on his way out or anything, but The Empire should feel formidable, and that namely means their leader should be the one to watch out for. Ospreay may not be the kind of Heel that cheats, but he should have found some way to sneak that win. Some kind of secret he knows because of how well he knows Okada, or maybe something Okada knows about Ospreay that Ospreay then turns around to surprise Okada. There can still be a lot to the rise of Ospreay’s faction in the coming years, but winning here would’ve already cemented that group in NJPW.
Naito VS Ibushi certainly cemented both men’s legacies in NJPW as far as I can tell. They each gave as good as they got, with maybe just a little bit of reference back to previous match-ups between them. What was most powerful, aside from the false finishes, was Naito wanting to be the one to present the belts to Ibushi. Naito is top tier in NJPW, but he acknowledges on screen that so is Ibushi. Of course, it’s fitting that White has to get his part in this, but I would really think that Ibushi does win out on Night Two. That match will put it beyond shadow of a doubt that Ibushi is deserving of the belts, and that he could be the one to carry out Naito’s plan of defending both belts separately, as opposed to simultaneously. If NJPW wants 2021 to be the feel good year compared to the literal feel horrible year of 2020, Ibushi needs to retain and White needs to get his comeuppance.
My Score: 9.4/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (10/31/24)
IT'S TIME!
Hockey Talk- Jet Setters [102924]
Hockey Talk looks at the red-hot start to the season of the Winnipeg Jets and discusses how the defending champion...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (11/20/24)
Dynamite is Freshly Squeezed!
Greg DeMarco Show: Looks That Kill
Patrick O'Dowd went to Arizona and he and Greg had themselves an extended weekend with IZW Looks That Kill!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/19/24)
It's Tag Season again!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/19/24)
There's a lot on the line tonight!
Classic POD is WAR: What Is Thank You Alex Trebek? (111220)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/18/24)
It's a BIG night!
#TheOddity 018: That’s Alot Of Chalamets
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (11/16/24)
Championship or Bust!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Posthumously? Really??
Smash or Trash is back this week as the guys are talking beverages! Plus, some thoughts on the Mike Tyson/Jake...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (11/15/24)
Ricochet is on a Rampage!
