Coverage

Mitchell’s New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/20/21)

The semifinals are here!

Published

5 years ago

March 20, 2021

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup is almost done!

It’s the penultimate round and it could go any which way! Finlay or Ospreay, Takagi or Evil, what will the New Japan Cup finals look like?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Bullet Club VS Kazuchika Okada & The Golden Aces; Okada & The Golden Aces win.
2021 New Japan Cup Semifinals: David Finlay VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins and advances.
2021 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Shingo Takagi VS EVIL; wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Bullet Club VS Kazuchika Okada & The Golden Aces!

Jay White, Kenta and Yujiro Takahashi are taking on perhaps The Big Three of NJPW! But with nothing left to lose, will the Switchblade, Fang Revived and Tokyo Pimp take their frustrations out on the Rainmaker, the NEVER Openweight Champion and THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion?

Tanahashi shows off the muscles, Bullet Club Low Sweets, and White dares Tanahashi to step up since White wants after that NEVER Openweight Championship. However, Ibushi insists he start, so Tanahashi and Okada defer to him. Ibushi and White circle as fans rally up already. White and Ibushi tie up, White pulls hair and puts Ibushi on ropes to then stomp Ibushi down. White stomps Ibushi more, the ref counts and White gets in the ref’s face. White stomps Ibushi more, throws forearms, then whips Ibushi to ropes. Ibushi reverses to GAMANGIRI! Ibushi drags White up, drags him over, and Okada tags in before Tanahashi can.

Okada clubs White, brings him around and clubs him down. Okada drags White up to scoop and slam, then he goes to the apron for a slingshot senton! Fans fire up as Okada tags Tanahashi. Tanahashi brings White up, throws body shots and forearms then whips. White holds ropes and sucker punches Ibushi! Tanahashi hits White, throws fast hands then runs, but Yujiro gets a cheap shot in! Tanahashi DECKS Yujiro, rushes White with kicks and forearms, but then he runs into Kenta’s cheap shot! Kenta gets away and White throws Tanahashi down by his hair! White sucker punches Okada, then looms over Tanahashi.

White drags Tanahashi up, throws him out, but the ref keeps White in, so Kenta RAMS Tanahashi into railing! Kenta POSTS Tanahashi, then Yujiro stomps him! Yujiro digs his knee into Tanahashi while the ref is busy with Okada and Ibushi. Whoa, there’s a bit of an earthquake! Everyone stops moving and waits for the rumbling to pass. Thankfully, there is no damage or falling objects, but everyone takes a few moments to make sure it’s done. White finds himself by the timekeeper’s table and decides to pick up Ibushi’s belts as if to say they’ll be his already. Oh, and he picks up Tanahashi’s NEVER Championship while he’s at it, since he wants to be Three Belts Switchblade.

After White’s done posturing, and a few more moments making sure the quake has passed safely, Bullet Club goes back to the back while Okada, Tanahashi & Ibushi stay ringside. Fans get their photo ops with the Rainmaker and Golden Aces, and then the match restarts!

Bullet Club returns, and White is still holding the belts! White, Yujiro and Kenta get back in the ring and Tanahashi attacks White! Ibushi attacks Yujiro, so Kenta goes after Okada! Ibushi throws Yujiro out, Kenta throws out Okada, and White throws Tanahashi down by his hair. White stomps Tanahashi, digs his foot in and flexes, but the ref reprimands and counts. White lets off at 3, checks the ceiling, and says hopefully something falls on Tana. White throws Tanahashi down again, covers, TWO! Fans fire up but White tags Yujiro. They mug Tanahashi as fans rally “Let’s Go, Ace!” Yujiro pushes Tanahashi around but Tanahashi hits back with body shots.

Tanahashi whips, forearms Yujiro, but Yujiro kicks back. Yujiro rakes Tanahashi’s eyes, tags Kenta in, and Kenta drags Tanahashi up to snapmare Tanahashi for a knee drop! And another! Kenta brings the knee pad down, but then scuffs Tanahashi. Kenta drags Tanahashi up while White mocks the fans. Kenta wraps Tanahashi in a chinlock but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi fights up, fights back, and is free to hit White and Yujiro! Kenta rakes Tanahashi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Kenta lets off to kick, but into a DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and fans rally up! Hot tag to Okada! Okada fires off on Kenta, whips but Kenta reverses.

Okada blasts through the boot to elbow Kenta down! Okada fires up then knocks White and Yujiro down! Okada whips Kenta corner to corner, runs in and back elbows! Kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada gets fans rally with clap-clap-clap-stomp, and then he brings Kenta up. Kenta jawbreakers back! Kenta runs in but Okada pops him up to the Alabama! Kenta fights free, spins Okada around and DDT’s him in return! Tag to Yujiro and Yujiro brings Okada up. Yujiro puts Okada against ropes and runs to BOOT him! Gedo cheers as Yujiro runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Okada sees Ibushi is the only one to tag, and chooses not to? Yujiro runs in, Okada spins him to the MONEY CLIP!

Yujiro fights and puts Okada in the corner, and Ibushi tags in! Ibushi runs to blast White, then he brings Yujiro up. Ibushi fires off a strike fest then KICKS Yujiro down! Fans fire up for the STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Ibushi as he brings Yujiro up to a waistlock. Yujiro backs Ibushi into an open corner, elbows free, then runs in but into Ibushi’s boot! Ibushi goes up and over and rolls but White is there to catch him! Yujiro runs in, blocks Ibushi’s boot, and throws him down! White hits Okada and Tanahashi, then Yujiro basement boots Ibushi! White drags Ibushi up, he and Yujiro double whip him corner to corner, White EuroUppers and Yujiro BOOTS!

Yujiro feeds Ibushi to BLADEBUSTER! Basement boot again, cover, Tanahashi breaks it! White stomps Tanahashi out of the ring, Kenta keeps after Okada, and Yujiro fires himself up. Yujiro goes to fireman’s carry but Ibushi fights that off. Ibushi kicks, Yujiro ducks and reels him in, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ibushi survives but Yujiro keeps on him! But Okada BOOTS Yujiro down! Kenta kicks Okada but runs into a SLINGBLADE! White attacks Tanahashi but runs into Okada’s dropkick! Okada fires up, Yujiro swings on him, Ibushi V-TRIGGERS Yujiro! KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Ibushi and team win!

Winners: Kazuchika Okada & The Golden Aces, by pinfall

The Rainmaker doesn’t seem happy that he isn’t in the spotlight, or that Ibushi basically saved him. But he’s still on the winning team, so there’s that. Okada leaves, will he only be happy when he’s fighting for the top spot in NJPW again? As for Ibushi, is he going to be ready for whoever it is that meets him at Sakura Genesis?

2021 New Japan Cup Semifinals: David Finlay VS Will Ospreay!

After one of the biggest shockers all year, it isn’t King Switch but the Celtic Prince that is facing the Commonwealth Kingpin! Will Ospreay be another victim of a major upset? Or will he just make an example out of Finlay?

While Ospreay has Bea Priestley by his side, the Flamboyant One is backing Finlay. The bell rings, Ospreay and Finlay circle as fans rally. They feel out the grapple, and Finlay shoots in to get a leg. He trips Ospreay, Ospreay fights free and the two reset. They tie up, Finlay gets around but Ospreay wrenches to a hammerlock. Finlay switches to a hammerlock, shifts to a headlock and hits a takeover. Ospreay gets a headscissor, squeezes tight and pushes up for leverage, but Finlay moves around to float to a headlock. Ospreay fights up, powers out but Finlay runs him over! Ospreay bails out to cool off and group with Bea. Finlay waits, Ospreay gets in, and the two go again.

They tie up, Finlay puts Ospreay on ropes but Ospreay turns it around. Red Shoes counts, Ospreay lets off but kicks low and clubs Finlay. Ospreay CHOPS Finlay, ROCKS him, then whips. Finlay reverses, things speed up and Finlay dropkicks Ospreay down! Finlay snap suplexes then covers, ONE! Ospreay bails out again but Finlay pursues. Bea blocks his path, Finlay pushes her aside but Ospreay kicks him low! Ospreay reels Finlay in, but Finlay back drops the piledriver away! Ospreay writhes from hitting the floor, and Finlay brings him up to put in the ring. Fans cheer as Finlay scoops and slams Ospreay for a back senton! Cover, TWO!

Finlay clamps on with a chinlock, Ospreay endures, then fights up. Finlay throws EuroUppers, whips corner to corner and runs in, but Ospreay makes Finlay straddle ropes! Ospreay runs side to side to BOOT Finlay down! Finlay falls to the floor and Ospreay catches his breath. Juice checks on Finlay while Bea checks on Ospreay’s nose. Ospreay goes around to stomp Finlay, bring him up and whip him into railing! Ospreay drags Finlay up again to BACK SUPLEX onto railing! Finlay staggers and falls, Red Shoes reprimands and tells Ospreay to get in the ring. Ospreay pretends not to know what’s wrong, but he fetches Finlay into the ring.

Ospreay clubs Finlay on the apron, then goes up to drop a GUILLOTINE KNEE! Bea cheers and Ospreay gets in the ring while Finlay writhes on the floor. The ring count climbs, Finlay sits up as fans rally, and gets in at 12 of 20. Ospreay is after Finlay with haymakers, bumps him off buckles, then throws more hands. Ospreay drags Finlay up but Finlay hits back. Ospreay CHOPS Finlay down then digs a boot into Finlay’s face! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Ospreay lets off and dares Finlay to hit him again. Ospreay throws hands, kicks Finlay around but Finlay throws body shots and forearms! Ospreay knees low, snapmares Finlay and wraps on a chinlock.

Ospreay grinds Finlay down but fans rally up. Juice coaches Finlay as he endures, and Finlay fights up to his feet. Finlay back suplexes but Ospreay lands on his feet and kicks Finlay low! Ospreay runs, but Finlay scoops him for a DEEP SIX! Fans fire up and Finlay grits his teeth as he gets up. Finlay brings Ospreay up for forearms, uppercuts and a whip, but Ospreay reverses, only for Finlay to LEAPING UPPERCUT! Ospreay bails out but Finlay PLANCHAS! Direct hit and Finlay even lands on his feet out of it! Fans fire up more as Finlay gets Ospreay in the ring and runs at the corner to uppercut! Ospreay staggers, Finlay goes up and leaps, DIVING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!

Finlay keeps his focus as he brings Ospreay up. Ospreay fights the exploder off and CHOPS! Ospreay whips, Finlay reverses, and Finlay catches the handspring into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Finlay powers up and he brings Ospreay up into a suplex. Ospreay hits STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Finlay ends up in a corner, Ospreay gets to the opposite end. Finlay runs in but Ospreay boots him away! Ospreay goes out to the apron, springboards in, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his focus, but Finlay anchors a foot! Ospreay drags Finlay up, throws EuroUppers, but Finlay EuroUppers back!

Ospreay EuroUppers, Finlay gives it back, it’s a EuroUpper brawl! Finlay throws another but Ospreay CHOPS! Finlay throws many more EuroUppers, but Ospreay spins Finlay for a dragon sleeper, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Finlay survives but Ospreay pulls off the elbow pad! Ospreay gets Finlay up, but Finlay rams him into a corner! Ospreay enziguris back! Finlay flops against ropes, Ospreay brings him up for a scoop and SLAM! Ospreay has Finlay in the drop zone, goes up top, but Finlay intercepts with a haymaker! Finlay climbs up, Ospreay hits back and now they brawl up top! Ospreay throws a string of jabs, but Finlay SHORYUKENS!

Ospreay worries about his nose, Finlay gets him for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Juice and the fans rally up! Finlay slashes the throat, vowing to end this! Finlay cravats, but no Acid Drop! Ospreay runs, spins around, Finlay breaks the full nelson but Ospreay HOOK KICKS! Ospreay fireman’s carries for LONDON HAS FALLEN! Cover, TWO! Finlay lives and Ospreay grows frustrated but the fans fire up again! Ospreay grits his teeth, slashes his throat to say it’s over, and he underhooks Finlay. Finlay trips Ospreay to jackknife bridge, TWO! Finlay gets an inside cradle, TWO! Ospreay runs into a backslide but turns it into a flip!

Ospreay underhooks, but Finlay back drops and sits on the sunset! TWO!! Ospreay swings into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Finlay fires up and runs, into Ospreay’s SPANISH FLY! Both men are down but fans fire up again! Ospreay gets up, drags Finlay into the underhooks and lifts, but Finlay fights free to spin Ospreay for TRASH PANDA! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Finlay grits his teeth. Fans rally, Finlay gets Ospreay up, cravat and ACID- NO! Ospreay TOSSES Finlay out of the ring!! Finlay crashes down and clutches his foot! Red Shoes and Juice check on Finlay, but Ospreay demands Finlay get up! Is Finlay hurt? Can he not continue? Ospreay wants an answer!

Finlay is somehow getting up, Ospreay is perching on the corner! Ospreay demands to know yes or no if this is continuing! Medics check on Finlay’s foot, a ring count begins in the meantime, and Ospreay does his best ot patiently wait. The count passes 10 of 20, then hits 15, but Finlay’s leg is okay! Finlay hobbles, gets in at 19.9! Osperay springbarods to missile dropkick him! Underhooks, POWERBOB! High stack, TWO!?! Ospreay shows no mercy, he puts the leg in a FIGURE FOUR!! Finlay endures, but Ospreay is undoing his boot! Finlay grabs at Red Shoes but Ospreay gets after Finlay’s ankle directly!! Ospreay tosses the shoe away and pulls on the foot!

Finlay grabs at Red Shoes again, Juice holds up the towel but Finlay tells him not to throw it! Finlay reaches, drags himself over, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer Finlay’s heart and Ospreay lets go of the leg. Ospreay is rather shocked, but he rains down jabs on Finlay’s head! Red Shoes wants Ospreay to let off, Finlay’s in the ropes! Ospreay does, pushes Red Shoes aside, Finlay leaps off the good leg! But Ospreay avoids Prima Nocta, and then gives Finlay Kowata Kicks! Finlay flounders and crawls, Ospreay stalks him. Juice and the fans rally up hard as ever for him, and Finlay stands up on one leg, to get the ROLLING ELBOW!

Finlay flops back against ropes, the rallying continues, but Ospreay ROLLING ELBOWS again! Finlay sits in a daze, Ospreay grins as he brings Finlay back up, PRIMA- NO! HOOK KICK! Ospreay springboards, INTO A PRIMA NOCTA!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay survives but Finlay is in too much pain to be upset. Finlay hobbles up, hobbles over, and brings Ospreay up. But Finlay’s bad leg won’t let him run for the corner! Finlay fires up to fight through the pain, but Ospreay underhooks outta nowhere! FINLAY RANAS?!? Cover, TWO!!!! Ospreay narrowly escapes, but he runs into a LARIAT!! Finlay hobbles around and drags Ospreay up, to ACID DRO-

NO! Ospreay tosses Finlay around to BOMB, then drags him back up to STORMBREAKER!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (advances to the NJCUP Finals)

So much heart and toughness was shown by the underdog Finlay! But in the end, Ospreay strikes him down with his own impressive show of strength! Will the Commonwealth Kingpin look to be fighting the King of Darkness? Or will he get to slay the Dragon?

2021 New Japan Cup Semifinals: Shingo Takagi VS EVIL!

The Dragon fought hard through Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto and Kenta, all for this moment. He wants payback on the King of Darkness for what he did to LIJ, but will he get it? Or will Darkness Fall and bring Evil one step closer to regaining the trophy?

Evil and Dick Low Sweet, the bell rings, and fans rally up as Takagi dares Evil to bring the fight. Evil bails out instead. Evil talks with Dick, then gets back in the ring. Takagi and Evil approach, Evil kicks low and headlocks. Takagi powers out, Evil runs him over, and then Evil kicks Takagi around. Evil taunts Takagi and slaps him around but Takagi forearms Evil. Evil forearms back but Takagi just smirks and forearms again! Evil throws another forearm, Takagi forearms back and fans rally as they go back and forth, faster and faster! Takagi ROCKS Evil, fires off more forearms, then runs to ram Evil. Evil rebounds, rams Takagi, but Takagi stays up.

They go forehead to forehead and Evil shoves Takagi but Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS Evil down! Fans fire up with “TA-KA-GI!” and Takagi whips Evil corner to corner. Takagi runs in, blocks the boot and powers through to clothesline! Takagi runs but Dick takes a swipe! Evil runs in but Takagi runs him over! Evil bails out and Takagi pursues to POST Evil! Fans fire up with Takagi as he stalks Evil. Takagi dares Dick to try something, then stomps Evil. Takagi bumps Evil hard off the apron, then again! Takagi fireman’s carries but Dick saves Evil! Red Shoes reprimands but Takagi glares at Dick. Dick plays innocent but then runs away! Takagi chases Dick into the ring, Evil CLOBBERS Takagi!

Evil mocks the fans clapping, then he drags Takagi up. Evil throws Takagi back out, clubs him on the back, then brings him around to RAMS into the timekeeper’s area! Why does Evil hate Abe-san?! Evil leaves Takagi and the others behind to go get chairs out from under the ring. Evil brings Takagi around and knees low, to snap suplex Takagi onto the chair pile! Takagi writhes while Evil dusts himself off. Evil goes into the ring, Abe-san recovers and Red Shoes starts a ring count. Takagi slowly gets up but the count is 10 of 20 before he stands. Takagi slams the chairs down in frustration as he gets to the ring at 17! Evil stomps Takagi’s back!

Red Shoes counts, Evil lets off and brings Takagi up to the cobra twist! Dick lends a hand for leverage! Red Shoes almost sees him but Dick gets away. Evil thrashes Takagi, then Dick helps out again! Red Shoes catches him this time! Dick argues with Red Shoes, but Evil takes the blue buckle pad away! Evil whips Takagi into the bare buckles! Evil then snap suplexes Takagi and covers, TWO! Evil argues the count but he talks trash to Takagi and stands on his head. Evil mockingly claps “TA-KA-GI!” as he gives toying kicks. Evil brings Takagi up but Takagi fires off forearms! Evil knees low, fisherman’s but Takagi fights that off! Evil clubs Takagi but runs into the elbow, JAB and LARIAT!

Fans fire up again as Takagi drags Evil up. Takagi whips Evil, knees him against ropes, then runs to run Evil over! Dick gets up but Takagi DECKS him! Takagi fires up and fans join in as he suplexes Evil high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps his cool, fans rally up, and he brings Evil up to run, but Evil ducks! Evil swings but into a Gory Especial! Evil backs Takagi to the bare corner but Takagi fights free. Takagi kicks but Evil blocks to hand it to Red Shoes! Evil mule kicks Takagi down! Takagi goes to a corner, Evil runs in and clotheslines! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evil argues the count again but Red Shoes says that was fair. Fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” as Evil brings him up.

Evil fireman’s carry but Takagi blocks! Evil trips Takagi to get the legs! Takagi fights the sharpshooter with jabs! Evil lets go and staggers away, but he comes back to kick low. Evil runs but Takagi clotheslines him at the ropes! Takagi runs but Evil goes from the corner, only for Takagi to swat his clothesline away! Takagi gets Evil into the Gory Especial, for NOSHIGAMI! Fans fire up but Takagi can’t cover from the pain in his back! Takagi crawls over, drags Evil up and runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Now Takagi covers, TWO! Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” and fans rally with him. Takagi drags Evil back up, pump handles but Evil rakes eyes to avoid the rack!

Takagi knees low but Evil grabs hair to reel Takagi in, for a BACKBREAKER! Takagi rolls to a corner while both he and Evil are down. Fans rally back up, Takagi sits up but Evil follows. Evil drags Takagi up, Takagi holds ropes to block the whip, but Evil CHOPS him! Evil whips, Takagi reverses, but Evil stops himself from going into bare buckles. Takagi runs in but Evil drop toeholds him into the steel! Takagi checks his head but there’s no blood. Fans rally up and Evil waits for Takagi to stand. Evil runs back in and clotheslines him against steel! Evil mocks the clapping then reels Takagi in to hoist him up top. Evil climbs to join Takagi, then goes to the very top! SUPERPLEX!

Evil gets up, gets the legs and steps through to get the SHARPSHOOTER! Takagi endures and fans rally as Evil bends him back! Takagi fights up, crawls over and gets the ropebreak! Red Shoes counts, Evil lets go at 4. Evil grows frustrated but he drags Takagi up, spins him around, but Takagi blocks the STO! Takagi throws elbows, steps through, spins and STEALS EVERYTHING IS EVIL!? Both men are down as Takagi can’t make the cover but fans rally up! Takagi drags Evil up, throws a point-blank clothesline, and Evil ends up in a corner. Takagi blocks the boot but Evil forearms the clothesline away! Evil LARIATS and Takagi falls! Evil taunts Takagi and gives him toying kicks.

Fans rally up and Takagi taunts Evil. Evil throws forearm after forearm but Takagi just powers up to throw boxing elbows! Fans rally as Takagi goes past 10 and DECKS Evil with the 12th! Takagi drags Evil up, but Dick gets in! Red Shoes stops him at the corner and Takagi storms over. Dick gets out, Evil has a chair! Evil jabs then SMACKS Takagi!! That was a shot to the head!! Evil drags Takagi up and runs to STEAL PUMPING BOMBER! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and shocks Evil! Evil brings Takagi up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives again! Evil argues the count but that was fair. Fans rally up again but Evil vows to end this!

Evil drags Takagi up, spins him, but Takagi denies the STO to try for a pump handle! Evil fights that off, whips but Takagi reverses, only for Evil to try and reverse again. Takagi blocks that, Evil breaks free but Takagi knees low to pump handle! MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?!? Evil survives and fans are thunderous! Takagi fires up again, fans get even louder, and Takagi builds speed. Evil throws Red Shoes in the way, then shoves Takagi at Red Shoes, to then BLINDSIDE LARIAT Takagi! Takagi falls into Red Shoes! Dick gets in to throw hands on Takagi! Dick eggs Takagi on and Takagi gets pissed! Takagi fireman’s carries Dick but Evil LOW BLOWS!

Evil drags Takagi up, he and Dick hit MAGIC KILLER!! Dick gets Red Shoes back in, Evil covers, TWO!!! Takagi survives but Evil keeps Red Shoes down so Dick can use the SPOILER CHOKER!! Takagi fights it off?!? Takagi kicks Dick, tosses the choker, but Evil attacks! Evil and Dick double whip but they get DOUBLE PUMPING BOMBERS! Fans are thunderous again as both men stir. Evil goes to one corner, Takagi goes to the opposite. Takagi gets himself up first, runs in at Evil, but Evil runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Evil falls over but Takagi fires up more! Takagi drags Evil up but blocks the low blow! HEADBUTT!

Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Red Shoes slowly sits up and Takagi drags Evil into a pump handle and carry, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! Cover, Takagi wins!!!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the NJCUP Finals)

The Dragon slays the Darkness, and is heading to the finals! The NJCUP Finals will be a rematch of the Best of the Super Juniors 2019 finals!! And after Evil and Dick hobble away, Takagi gets up to get the mic.

“OI, SENDAI! First off, we had a bit of a shock earlier today. I appreciate that you stayed for the rest of the show. One more to go, then I’ll get to Kota Ibushi.” Fans like the sound of that. “In this New Japan Cup, I went through Okada, Goto, Kenta and now Evil. Physically, I’m hurting. But mentally, I’m pumped up.” And he’s going against Will Ospreay in the finals! They have history, but Takagi doesn’t give a DAMN about that United Empire, though. But wait, here comes Ospreay! Takagi says in English, “Good timing. Come here. Come here, please, Ospreay, c’mon.” Takagi promises to do his best to speak English.

So then Ospreay, listen to Takagi. “From now, focus on you! I remember 2019 Best of the Super Juniors finals. I lost.” But! But… Takagi promises tomorrow, at the NJCUP Finals, Takagi will win! Does Ospreay understand? And that’s all Takagi has to say about that. Oh, does Ospreay want to talk? Okay then. Takagi hands the mic over and Ospreay… ATTACKS! Ospreay uses the mic to beat Takagi up! Ospreay reels Takagi in but Takagi fights off Stormbreaker to back drop! And then Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS Ospreay out of the ring! Ospreay checks his nose and then Takagi shouts, “Ospreay, you dumbass! Don’t you know how anxious everyone already was? How dare you pull this garbage, punk!”

Takagi tells Ospreay needs to read the room. But he’ll pay for it tomorrow! This isn’t Ospreay’s rise to glory, failure is more suitable for him right now. Takagi will make him experience it tomorrow! Young Lions hold Ospreay back but Ospreay takes his leave. Will things be very different from BOSJ 26? Or will Ospreay once again win the big one over Takagi?

My Thoughts:

A great event for the New Japan Cup, and the usual things were skipped. Juice had a Young Lion on his team, he loses so United Empire can get a tag team win. Chaos beats Bullet Club as Yano rolls up Jado because Jado is in that same tier as Douki where they’re barely above Young Lions. For that matter, Douki takes the loss for Suzuki-Gun as Sanada actually taps someone out with Skull End. The Six Man with White’s Bullet Club taking on Okada, Tanahashi & Ibushi was a great match, even with the earthquake getting in there. If anything, that showed great composure from everyone. The Faces win, but I like that Okada wasn’t happy about how. Okada won’t say it like White says it but I don’t think he’s onboard with Ibushi combining belts, either.

Speaking of White, White VS Tanahashi for NEVER Openweight Championship is still coming, the math is clean since Tokyo Pimp took the loss. That match could go either way, but I could see White winning to go after his three belt goal from the other side. White has had every other singles title in NJPW, so he could become a NJPW Singles Grand Slam or however that would be defined, and that much is something White has proven he’s deserving of. Finlay VS Ospreay was a great match, above my expectations at least. I knew Ospreay was winning but Finlay put up such a great fight and really sold the leg to where I was worried he wasn’t selling.

Takagi VS Evil was also great stuff, with some good story elements such as Evil and Takagi stealing each other’s signatures. That’s always a great surprise in a match, which NJPW seems to like more than WWE and other promotions. Takagi surviving all of Evil’s tricks was really good, and honestly that’s always a lame kind of Heel turn, where they rely too much on sidekicks or tricks. Takagi and Ospreay having their interaction at the end was great, and is adding heat to a match that already has history from before. NJCUP 2021 is definitely going to be a powered up version of BOSJ 2019, I could see it going either way because both can give Ibushi a great match.

My Score: 9.2/10

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Steven Mitchell

Elements clash in the main event!

World Tag League wraps round six as B Block is in Ehime! But will Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura still prove themselves worthy of leading the future?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shuji Ishikawa & Shoma Kato VS Yujiro Takahashi, Chase Owens & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Yujiro, Chase & Kanemaru win.
Six Man Tag: Taichi, Satoshi Kojima & Masatora Yasuda VS Gabe Kidd, Yota Tsuji & Gedo; Taichi, Kojima & Yasuda win.
8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Katsuya Murashima & Zane Jay VS EVIL, Don Fale, SHO & Dick Togo; Evil, Fale, Sho & Dick win.
Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuma Matsumoto VS Shingo Takagi, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Daiki Nagai; Takagi, Drilla & Daiki win.
2025 World Tag League B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Phantasmo VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Khan & Callum win.
2025 World Tag League B Block: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; Archer & Zayne win.
2025 World Tag League B Block: David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
2025 World Tag League B Block: Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS SANADA & Ren Narita; Shota & Yuya win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman: 3-2, 6 points
Sanada & Ren Narita: 3-2, 6 points
Oskar & Yuto-Ice: 3-2, 6 points
Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura: 3-2, 6 points
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 2-3, 4 points
David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Phantasmo: 2-3, 4 points
Lance Archer & Alex Zayne: 2-3, 4 points

2025 World Tag League B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Phantasmo VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman!

Even after climbing back up the last couple of rounds, The Ace & The Headbanga are still on the bubble! But can #ACELP stay alive for just one more round? Or will they get popped by The Dominator & Prince of Pace?

Tanahashi takes off the jacket, and the fans cheer the abs like always. ELP lifts his shirt, and the fans also cheer those abs. ELP calls to Ehime, and they cheer. ELP tries again, and they cheer a bit more. ELP tries a third time, and the fans cheer even louder! Then he gets ELP to start a “GO ACE!” chant. The fans applaud, the teams sort out, and while Khan waits, it is decided that The Ace shall start! The chant continues, “GO ACE!” then shifts to, “TA-NA-H’SHI! TA-NA-H’SHI!” Tanahashi and Khan circle, feel things out, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. But Khan kicks Tanahashi’s leg! And IRON CLAWS Tanahashi to the corner!

The ref counts, Khan ROCKS Tanahashi, ROCKS him again, then ROCKS him again! The ref reprimands, no closed fists! Khan pulls Tanahashi’s hair, but Tanahashi blocks the Mongolian Chops! Tanahashi Mongolian Chops in return! And Mongolian Chops! Tanahashi whips, Khan reverses, then he runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Tanahashi air guitars, ELP wants him to pass it, so Tanahashi throws it. ELP catches it, strums once, then Tanahashi bring Khan up. Khan shoves Tanahashi away and goes to the corner. Callum tags in, so Tanahashi tags ELP.

The fans rally as the two circle and tie up. ELP wrenches an arm to a wristlock but Callum waistlocks. ELP wrenches free to keep on the wristlock, but Callum rolls, kips, kips, kips, and just shows off really, then WRINGS ELP out! ELP trips Callum, flips him over, and ties up the legs! BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Callum pops free to cover, ONE! ELP sweeps the cover, ONE! ELP handsprings up and the fans cheer. The two reset, and the fans join in with “E L P! E L P!” But Callum kicks low! Callum whips, ELP reverses, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for ELP to dodge and RANA! The fans fir eup as ELP then DROPKICKS Callum, and handsprings up again!

ELP brings Callum around, suplexes and covers, TWO! Callum goes up, does the Tanahashi pose, then AX HANDLES! ELP brings out his own air guitar and jams out. The fans cheer, and ELP tosses it back to Tanahashi so he can strum a few notes. ELP tunes up the band, takes aim, but Khan anchors ELP! Callum BOOTS ELP, BLASTS Tanahashi, and things spill to the outside! Khan goes after Tanahashi while Callum whips ELP into railing! The fans are torn but Khan & Callum stop as the ref reprimands. Callum brings ELP up, SMACKS him off the apron, then puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO!

Callum keeps between ELP and his corner, but ELP fires body shots! ELP reaches out, but Callum THROWS ELP by his hair! ELP tumbles, and Callum BLASTS Tanahashi off the apron again! Callum goes back to ELP, he and Khan both dig their boots in, but the ref reprimands. The Empire steps off, and Callum tags Khan. Khan drags ELP up, then CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref reprimands, Khan lets go, but he pushes the ref aside so he can CHOKE ELP more! The ref reprimands, Khan pushes him aside again, and he digs his boot in. Tag to Callum, Khan BOOTS Tanahashi down, and Callum digs his knee into ELP.

ELP fires shots but Callum stomps a mudhole in. The ref reprimands, Callum steps on ELP and keeps him from Tanahashi. Callum CLUBS ELP, tags Khan, and again BLASTS Tanahashi! Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! And ELIMI- NO! ELP lands out, then goes up and over! Callum catches ELP, but ELP fights the lift! Callum still holds onto a leg, but ELP ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up, but Khan anchors a leg now! And he ducks the enzigiri! But ELP BOOTS Khan into Callum! Hot tag to Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Tanahashi DROPKICKS Khan’s legs! And DROPKICKS Callum’s legs! Then he DRAGON SCREWS Khan! And DRAGON SCREWS Callum!

The fans rally for Tanahashi as he scoops and SLAMS Khan! Tanahashi goes up the corner, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! The fans rally again while Tanahashi waits on Khan. Khan rises, Tanahashi runs, but Khan ducks the slingblade to pull hair! Tanahashi pulls hair in return! The ref reprimands them both, but only Tanahashi lets go! Khan then pulls hair with both hands! Khan kicks away on Tanahashi’s bad leg, all the way until Tanahashi kneels! Khan then runs, to IRON- NO, Tanahashi dodges the Iron Slingblade, only for Khan to BOOT him down! Khan tags Callum and Callum storms up on Tanahashi in a corner.

Callum fires knee after knee, then LARIATS! Khan runs in and LARIATS, then SAYANAGI! Callum adds the PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Tanahashi survives! Callum looms over Tanahashi while the fans chant, “GO ACE! GO ACE!” Callum suplexes, Tanahashi fights it, and TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Both men are down, and Tanahashi crawls for the corner! Hot tag to ELP! The fans fire up as ELP goes up the ropes, and SWANTON BOMBS! Then LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! ELP hurries to straitjacket and torture rack! SPINNING NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and the fans fire up again!

ELP tunes up the band again and the fans rally behind him. SUDDEN- NO, Callum blocks! Khan gets ELP, Callum runs, but ELP ducks! The CHOP hits Khan! ELP DECKS Callum! Khan BOOTS ELP! Tanahashi gets in, he blocks Khan’s kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Then he blocks Callum’s kick, but Callum HEADBUTTS! ELP kicks, Callum blocks and FLIPS ELP, to then JUMP KNEE! Callum springboards, OSCU- NO, ELP catches Callum, shoves him away, but Callum rebounds! ELP ducks the heel kick! DRAGON PALM! SUDDEN DEATH! SLINGBLADE! Jackknife bridge, but Khan breaks it!

The fans fire up, Tanahashi TOSSES Khan, then he PLANCHAS! Down goes Khan and the fans fire up! ELP has Callum, but Callum trips him! Jackknife bridge, TWO! ELP sunset flips, TWO! Callum cradles, TWO! ELP ghost pins, TWO!! Both men stand, ELP reels Callum in and turns him, but Callum turns the hooks around to backslide! TWO!! ELP cradles, TWO!! Callum rolls ELP up, with tights!! EMPIRE WINS!

Winners: Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Tanahashi & ELP earn 0)

ELP is incredulous! The Empire just cheated them to take the win! Will they conquer the World Tag League by any means necessary? As for Tanahashi & ELP, they could not make it to the playoffs, and ELP apologizes for that. Tanahashi waves to the fans, his last match in Ehime a bittersweet experience. Will the Final Road now be able to focus on the Rainmaker?

2025 World Tag League B Block: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne!

The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have climbed up from the bottom to stay in the hunt, but that could all change in an instant! Will the Knock Out Brothers knock out another team to stay alive? Or will they get burned by the Monster Sauce?

Archer & Zayne flip the script and they go after the Knock Out Brothers first! The fans fire up as these four brawl on the ramp! Zayne CLUBS away on Yuto, Oskar CLUBS away on Archer, but then Archer CLUBS Oskar back! The fans fire up, but also have to move aside as the brawl gets a bit wilder. Yuto and Zayne throw hands off in some other area while Archer sends Oskar into the wall! Yuto BOWS Zayne into chairs! STRIKE! Oskar ROCKS Archer, then sends him into the wall! Oskar clamps on with a chinlock while Yuto SMACKS Zayne off the apron! Oskar HEADBUTTS Archer down, but Archer gets up to ROCK Oskar!

The fans rally, Archer SMACKS Oskar of a chair, and Yuto BOWLS Zayne into more chairs! Another strike! The ref reprimands, but this isn’t even a match yet. Yuto drags Zayne up and to ringside, but Archer does the same with Oskar. Oskar fights back, waistlocks, but Archer fights the lift. Archer elbows free, but now Yuto attacks Archer! The Knock Out Brothers mug Archer, then clear out another section of the crowd! They BOWL Archer together, STRIKE! Yuto has himself a turkey, but he and Oskar go after Zayne now. But Zayne FLIES over the corner! Down go the Knock Out Brothers and the fans fire up!

Zayne throws his belt off, free souvenir for someone? Zayne puts Yuto in the ring, and we finally have a match! Cover, TWO! Zayne snarls but he drags Yuto back up. Zayne whips Yuto, Yuto reverses, but Zayne DROPKICKS the legs out! And then STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that, but Zayne brings him up for boxing elbows. Zayne mule kicks, then runs the ropes, but Yuto BOOTS him down! The fans fire up and Yuto tags Oskar. The fans rally, Oskar scoops Zayne and SLAMS him! Zayne writhes, Oskar and Archer talk trash, then Oskar stomps Zayne. Oskar stands Zayne up, CHOPS him, then he tags Yuto.

The Knock Out Brothers mug Zayne, and Oskar says that was for Archer. Zayne fires back on Yuto, but Yuto KICKS him to the corner! And then KICKS away in the corner! The ref counts, Yuto stops, but then he mule kicks Zayne down! Yuto gets gangsta, “BOMBACLAT!” DOUBLE KNEES! Yuto shoves Zayne to a cover, TWO! Zayne toughs it out and the fans rally up while Yuto snarls. Yuto drags Zayne up, reels him in, but Zayne rolls him up! TWO and Zayne hurries to his feet. Zayne ducks a lariat to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Zayne and Yuto crawl for their corners, hot tags to Archer and Oskar!

The fans fire up as these giants both step over the top rope! Oskar and Archer circle, talk some smack, and they’re truly eye to eye! Archer shoves, then they DOUBLE LARIAT again and again and again, switching arms each time! The fans fire up as they go left, right, and repeat! Archer shoves Oskar, Oskar roars, and they both run! They RAM each other, but neither giant falls! Archer shouts, “C’MON~!” Oskar CHOPS! Oskar shouts, “C’MON~!” Archer CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth now, and the fans fire up as the shots come faster and faster! Oskar ROCKS Archer, runs, but Archer ROCKS Oskar!

The fans cheer as Archer knuckle locks and goes up the corner. Archer CLUBS Oskar, then tightrope walks. Archer goes OLD SCHOOL for the ax handle! Yuto is back, Archer CROSSBODIES him! Zayne steps in, Archer scoop SLAMS him on Yuto! Archer scoops Zayne again, but Zayne slips free? Zayne changes the recipe and he scoops Archer! And SLAMS him on Oskar! The fans fire up for that supersized senton! Oskar flounders to the corner, Archer sends Zayne in, IUPPERCUT! Archer runs in and ELBOWS! Zayne LEAPFROGS Archer, but Oskar SWATS him! Oskar dodges Archer to ELBOW him in the corner! And a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up again, Oskar roars, and Oskar waits on Archer. Oskar clamps on with both hands, but Archer breaks free to ROCK Oskar! Oskar roars again, BOOTS Archer, then scoops?! Yuto jumps in, but Zayne anchors him! Archer flips things around on Oskar, Zayne sends Yuto into the railing, and then we get a SAUCY K O B!! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives his own finisher, but Archer guzels Zayne! CHOKE SAULT! Cover, Yuto breaks it! The fans rally up, Zayne fires off on Yuto, then he runs, only for Yuto to LARIAT him up and out! But Archer KNEES Yuto low and TOSSES him out! Archer drags Oskar up as the fans rally again.

Archer brings Oskar around, puts him up top, and he SMACKS Oskar. “Everybody dies!” The fans fire up as Archer lifts Oskar! But Yuto tags in! And makes the save! Yuto dodges Archer to fire off forearms! Then he dodges again, to ROCK Archer! Archer powers Yuto to the corner! But Yuto BOOTS him, ENZIGIRIS, then jumps up! FLYING LARIAT! Archer stays up, Yuto runs, ICE- NO! Archer stops the kick! But Yuto fires palm strike after palm strike! Then AMBITION RIGHT!! The fans fire up with Ice and he sits Archer up. ICE HIGH!! Cover, TWO!! Archer survives and the fans fire up again! Yuto calls to Oskar while Archer stirs.

Yuto winds up, runs up, but into a guzel! Yuto CLUBS away on the arm, then kicks away on a leg! But Archer DECKS Yuto with his own right hand! Archer hauls Yuto up, CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Yuto survives and the fans fire up again! Zayne goes up the corner, Archer coordinates, “ITADAKIMAAASU~!” BLACKOUT SAUCE!! Cover, OSKAR BREAKS IT! The fans fire up again, and Oskar guzels Zayne! Oskar SHOVES Zayne up and out! Then he guzels Archer! But Archer RAMS Oskar into the corner, then CHOKE SLAMS him on the corner! Oskar slumps down, but Archer hoists him up top! Archer again lifts Oskar, but Oskar fights it!

Oskar CLUBS away on Archer, shoves him away, but Zayne is back! DRAGON RA- NO! Oskar stops the rana and DUMPS Zayne out! But Archer STEP-UP KNEES Oskar! Archer makes sure Yuto is in place, he SMACKS Oskar, and then he lifts Oskar! KNOCK OUT SAUCE!! Cover, MONSTER SAUCE WINS!!

Winners: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Oskar & Yuto earn 0)

The Murderhawk Monster did the literal heavy lifting on this match, but he and the Sauce just scored a win over the tag team champions! Then Archer grabs the mic to tell the Knock Out Brothers, “You live up to your name. You are strong. You are tough. But everybody dies to Monster Sauce. You are the IWGP Tag Team Champions. But we beat the IWGP Tag Team Champions. We need to win one more, Alex, then we can go to the semis. Then we can go to the finals. Then we can win the World Tag League. And then? We win the I, W, G, P, Tag, Team, Championships!” The fans cheer that and Monster Sauce fist bumps. Will nothing stop these two from devouring the entire division?

2025 World Tag League B Block: David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!

With the champs down and #ACELP out of the running, the doorway is open for another team to step up! But will The Rebel & Timebomb be able to use dysfunction to their advantage? Or will they see that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The teams sort out, and Savage King starts against The Mullet. The fans rally as the two circle, and they tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, but Finlay finds a point of leverage to push Oiwa to the ropes. The ref counts, Finlay lets go slowly, and he pats Oiwa on the shoulder. But then takes a swing! Oiwa dodges, arm-drags, but Finlay headscissors! Oiwa kips free, but Finlay ROCKS him! Finlay runs, but into an arm-drag! Oiwa has the armlock, Finlay headscissors, but Oiwa shrugs it off. The fans cheer, Finlay arm-drags, but Oiwa drags him back down! Finlay fights up, pulls hair, and whips, but Oiwa reverses!

Finlay avoids the arm-drag this time, and he Oklahoma Rolls Oiwa! TWO, Finlay ELBOWS Oiwa down and SENTONS! The fans cheer, Finlay covers, TWO! Finlay stomps Oiwa, tags Hiromu, and they drag Oiwa up to double whip to the corner. Hiromu whips Finlay, Finlay reverses to send Hiromu in, and Hiromu LARIATS! Feed to Finlay’s SHOULDER TACKLE! But then Hiromu kicks Finlay low, reels him in, but Finlay lifts! But Hiromu fights the gourd buster to snap suplex Finlay, onto knees! Oiwa saves himself, but perhaps double-edged! The fans rally, Hiromu hurries after Oiwa, but Oiwa trips Hiromu!

Oiwa drops an ELBOW on Hiromu’s leg! Then drops another ELBOW on the leg! Then he drags Hiromu over, tags ZSJ, and ZSJ isolates Hiromu’s arm to STOMP it! Hiromu scrambles to a corner but ZSJ twists the wrist. ZSJ brings Hiromu out to wrench, wrench, and wrangle! ZSJ kneels on the leg, bends fingers, and then twists the arm! ZSJ drags Hiromu up to wrench again, and he tags Oiwa. Hiromu fires hands but Oiwa CLUBS Hiromu’s fingers! Oiwa then clamps on with a chicken wing and he grinds Hiromu down. Hiromu fights up, Oiwa keeps him from Finlay, but Finlay whips free. Hiromu drops down, but Oiwa arm-drags!

The fans cheer as Oiwa has the armlock, and he KNEES the arm, KNEES it again, then drops an ELBOW! Tag to ZSJ, ZSJ leg picks, and then floats into a stepover toehold. ZSJ has an arm, as well, but then floats to focus on both arms! Hiromu endures this inverted Rings of Saturn, Finlay storms in and stomps ZSJ, but then plays cat ‘n’ mouse with Oiwa. Finlay stomps ZSJ again, but Oiwa CLUBS Finlay and TOSSES him! ZSJ drags Hiromu over, tags Oiwa, and Hiromu kicks at ZSJ. Hiromu scrambles, but Oiwa has Hiromu’s leg! Oiwa drags Hiromu back and clamps on with an armlock. The fans rally while Hiromu endures.

Oiwa shifts position, but Hiromu fights up to his feet. Oiwa grinds Hiromu back down, and he stomps Hiromu’s arm! Tag to ZSJ, ZSJ has Hiromu’s hand, and Hiromu claims the wrist is dislocated! The ref checks, but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! But ZSJ wrenches to UPPERCUT the arm! And then he UPPERCUTS Hiromu! And UPPERCUTS again! And again! Hiromu staggers around, but into more UPPERCUTS! ZSJ wrenches but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, runs, but into a DORPKICK to the legs! Hiromu runs and RAN- NO! ZSJ stops the rana to ANKLE LOCK!

Hiromu rolls, then he DROPKICKS ZSJ’s legs again! The fans fire up while both men crawl! Hot tag to Finlay! The fans fire up as Finlay runs in and UPPERCUTS ZSJ! Then he goes corner to corner to UPPERCUT again! ZSJ sits down, Finlay drags Hiromu in, and he whips Hiromu at ZSJ to CANNONBALL! Oiwa runs in, but Finlay dodges to UPPERCUT! Finlay LARIATS Oiwa up and out! The fans fire up, and Finlay hauls Hiromu up! Canadian Rack, CANADIAN HAMMER SPLASH on ZSJ! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Hiromu sputters, but Finlay drags ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the clinch to snapmare and NECK TWIST!

The fans rally while Finlay clutches his neck and shoulder. ZSJ rests against ropes, then stands as the fans rally up again. ZSJ runs to PENALTY- NO! Finlay blocks the kick! Finlay ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Finlay UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT! The fans rally and Finlay UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ wobbles but he smirks, and he UPPERCUTS back! Finlay UPPERCUTS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, repeat! The fans fire up for these fast ‘n’ furious UPPERCUTS! Finlay eggs ZSJ on, then UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Finlay rebounds, but ZSJ KICKS the lariat! Scoop and- NO, Finlay slips free!

Finlay suplexes, but ZSJ fights it, wrenches, and PELES the arm! ZSJ jumps on, but Finlay turns guillotine INTO OBLIVION! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Oiwa and Hiromu! The fans fire up again as Hiromu dodges to CHOP! And dodges to CHOP! Then CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Oiwa winds up to CHOP back! Hiromu nods, and he CHOPS again! And again! And again! Oiwa comes back to CHOP! Gedo coaches Hiromu, and Hiromu CHOPS! CHOPS! And CHOPS! Oiwa’s chest is so red already, but he shakes it all off to CHOP again! Hiromu staggers, then drops to a knee!

The fans rally, Gedo coaches Hiromu, and Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! But Oiwa blocks! And wrenches! Oiwa YANKS the arm, UPPERCUTS it, then runs, but into a CHOP! Oiwa just keeps going, and he CLOBBERS Hiromu! The fans fire up while Hiromu crawls to a corner. Oiwa runs corner to corner and SPLASHES! Then he whips to YANK the arm, and he wrangles Hiromu into the ARC CLUTCH! Hiromu scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Oiwa backs off, but then Oiwa drags Hiromu up to wrench and wrench. ZSJ is in and he BOOTS the arm! ZSJ wrenches, hands off for Oiwa to WRING the arm, and ZSJ TWISTS the arm!

Oiwa clamps back on, ARC CLUTCH!! ZSJ intercepts Finlay and wrangles him with a guillotine! Finlay fights and scrambles around, but ZSJ drags him out with a leg! Hiromu endures while Finlay kicks free! ZSJ hurries to anchor Finlay! The fans rally as hard as they can as Finlay endures an ANKLE LOCK! Finlay rolls, but ZSJ holds on! ZSJ turns Finlay away from Hiromu! But Finlay BOOTS ZSJ into Oiwa! Finlay frees Hiromu and the fans fire up! Oiwa & ZSJ regroup to drag Finlay up, they pinball him with strikes, then LARIAT ENZIGIRI COMBO! TMDK then focuses on Hiromu, and Oiwa climbs up!

ZSJ NECK TWISTS, Oiwa DIVING BODY PRESSES! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up again! Oiwa drags Hiromu back up, brings him around, and runs for THE- NO, Hiromu ducks The Grip, ducks an elbow, and spins Oiwa to RAN- NO! Oiwa brings Hiromu back up, but Hiromu fights free! SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Hot tag to ZSJ! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but ZSJ is right on him! Scoop and- NO, Hiromu slips free to roll ZSJ! ARMBAR, but Hiromu high stacks! TWO, and ZSJ steps through the takedown to cover, but Finlay CLOBBERS ZSJ!

Hiromu has the rollup again, TWO!! Finlay goes after Oiwa, ZSJ ducks a kick to UPPERCUT! But Hiromu scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives, Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! And then the fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB- NO, ZSJ slips free, Oiwa CLOBBERS Hiromu! Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS Oiwa, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS Finlay! Hiromu sends ZSJ into Finlay’s UPPERCUT! CODE BREAKER and RUNNING UPPERCUT! Oiwa runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Finlay LARIATS! The fans are thunderous as these two work together! Then Finlay kicks Hiromu so he can lift him up!

Finlay aims, but ZSJ dodges, BUCKLE BOMB on Hiromu! ZSJ BOOTS Finlay while Oiwa reels Hiromu in! Backslide and jackknife combo!! TMDK WINS!!

Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Finlay & Hiromu earn 0)

Finlay & Hiromu were so close, but they just had to “weaponize” their dysfunction. The Mighty are unified, but will they still be able to make the playoffs?

2025 World Tag League B Block: Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS SANADA & Ren Narita!

This main event just got a lot more important. Not only does the winner step up to the front of the block, but it settles a grudge between the two sides. But will the Roughneck & Heat Storm burn up the Cold-Blooded, Souled Out Snakes? Or will the House of Torture cheat their way back to the top?

The teams sort out and Sanada starts against Yuya. The fans rally behind “YU~YA!” as he circles with Sanada. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Sanada slips around to waistlock. Yuya wrenches out to wristlock, but Sanada rolls, wrenches, and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Yuya headscissors and puts on the pressure, but Sanada moves around. Sanada pops free, floats to the headlock, and he fights off the headscissors. Yuya fights up, wrenches the hold open, and he powers it onto Sanada! Yuya wrenches to wristlock again, but Sanada rolls, only for Yuya to roll with him! Sanada stands, rolls, then wrenches to hammerlock, headlock, hammerlock, headlock, and takeover!

Yuya headscissors, Sanada kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Sanada applauds, that was good. But then he tags out to Ren. The two circle, feel things out, but then Sanada CLOBBERS Yuya! Ren BLASTS Shota, he and Sanada stomp away on Yuya, and the fans boo. The House CHOKE Yuya, then double whip him to the corner. Ren runs in, but Yuya dodges! Yuya CLOBBERS Sanada, but Ren kicks Yuya! Ren whips but Yuya goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans cheer as Yuya roars! The fans cheer “YU~YA! YU~YA!” Tag to Shota, and they drag Ren up. They double whip, DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, then Shota stomps Ren.

Shota stomps Ren more, then drags Ren up to cravat for the neck wrench. Ren endures, but Shota snapmares him and runs, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Ren is still in this but Shota brings him up to cravat again. Tag to Yuya and they mug Ren. Yuya wrenches Ren to wristlock, and he YANKS the arm! And YANKS the arm again! Yuya wrenches again, then whips, but Ren reverses and TADA! The blue buckle pad is gone! Yuya hits bare buckles! Ren attacks Shota, then whips him into the bare buckles! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but the damage is done. Sanada drags Yuya out to whip into railing!

Ren TOSSES Shota out, then whips him into railing! Sanada BOWLS Yuya into chairs! STRIKE! Ren drags Shota out into the crowd, fans hurry out of the way, and Ren SMACKS Shota off a chair! Ren grabs a chair and JAMS Shota up! Sanada BOWLS Yuya into chairs! STRIKE! The fans rally for Yuya and Shota while the ref tries to help Yuya out of the chair pile. Sanada & Ren go back to ringside and they want the count. The ref reprimands them for all the shenanigans in the first place, but the count does start. Yuya stirs while the fans rally up, and he sits up at 9 of 20. Yuya hobbles at 11, crawls, and stands at 15!

Yuya hurries back to ringside, and he rolls in at 17! The fans cheer, but Ren is right on Yuya for a cover! TWO, and Sanada protests the count. But this is so Ren can CLOBBER Yuya with the bell hammer! When did he snatch that?! Ren then SMACKS Yuya off buckles! Ren tags Sanada, Sanada walks over to Yuya, and Sanada brings Yuya up. Sanada whips Yuya back into bare buckles! The ref reprimands again but Sanada drags Yuya around to tie him up in Paradise! Then Ren passes the pad to Sanada, and Ren distracts the ref! SMACK out of Paradise! Yuya flounders to the ropes but Sanada drags him up. Sanada whips Yuya back into bare buckles!

Tag to Ren, Ren BLASTS Shota, then Ren drags Yuya up. Yuya fires forearms on Ren and Sanada! The fans rally, but Ren CHOKES Yuya! Sanada CLAWS Yuya’s eyes, the ref reprimands and counts! They both stop at 4, and then Ren whips Yuya to the ropes. Ren ELBOWS Yuya down, covers, TWO! Ren suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ren clamps on with a SLEEPER! The fans rally for Yuya and Yuya rises up. Yuya fires body shots, frees himself, then ROCKS Ren! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! But Ren CHOKES Yuya! The ref counts, Ren stops at 4, and Ren runs, but into an ELBOW! Yuya runs and CLOBBERS Ren!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Ren and Yuya crawl, reach out, and hot tag to Shota! The fans fire up as Shota rallies on Ren with LARIAT and SHOULDER and whip! Ren reverses, but Shota CLOBBERS Ren! Sanada runs in, but Shota shoves him away to then DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Shota and he has Ren in a corner. Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Ren on repeat, but Ren CHOKES Shota! The ref reprimands but Shota breaks free to ROCK and CHOP even faster! Then he ROCKS, ROCKS, ROCKS, and CHOPS! Shota whips Ren corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Ren in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Not quite perfect but the fans still cheer Shota on. Shota drags Ren up, reels him in, but Ren fights the lift! Ren wrenches out, but Shota breaks free! Ren CLAWS eyes, Shota stops that, but Ren slips around to SLEEPER! Shota endures, arm-drags free, and KNEES low! Shota runs, but Sanada KICKS him! Ren hits the BLIZZARD PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada distracts the ref so Ren can get the pushup bar! The fans boo, but Ren runs up, only for Shota to dodge! Shota ROCKS Ren with a forearm, then reels him in! POWER- NO, Ren tries to fight it! Shota tries again, Ren fights free! Ren CHOKES Shota!

The ref reprimands and counts, Ren stops at 4, and Ren whips. Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans rally up again! Ren and Shota crawl, reach out, hot tags to Sanada and Yuya! The fans fire up, but Sanada DROPKICKS Yuya’s leg! Sanada whips Yuya corner to corner, but Yuya goes up and over to then arm-drag! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down again! The fans rally behind Yuya again, and he runs to SPLASH and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! But KIMURA! Sanada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Yuya lets go in frustration but the fans continue to rally.

Yuya drags Sanada up, reels him in, but Sanada fights the lift with elbows! But Yuya YANKS Sanada’s arm, then ARM BREAKER! And ARM TWEAK! Then an arm-drag! KIMURA!! Shota BLASTS Ren, goes out after him, and Yuya puts on the pressure! Sanada endures, but Yuya puts on MORE pressure! Ren slips back in and stomps Yuya down! But Shota fires off on Ren! Ren ducks the Rolling Elbow to SLEEPER! Shota slips out the back to half nelson! But Ren switches to GERMAN SUPLEX! Shota staggers up, and he LARIATS! The fans fire up while Shota and Ren tumble out of the ring, and Yuya roars!

Yuya drags Sanada up, but Sanada fights the cording hold to waistlock! Yuya ELBOWS Sanada, runs, but Sanada BOOTS him! Yuya ROCKS Sanada, but the FALLING LOW BLOW hits! The fans boo but Sanada runs, tilt-o-whirls, and dragon sleeper! Yuya fights, Sanada keeps him from ropes, and Yuya is fading! The ref checks, the arm drops once! The arm drops twice! Sanada drops Yuya to go up, ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada rolls through as Yuya dodges! Yuya RANAS, and KIMURAS!! Sanada endures as Yuya puts on the pressure! Sanada scrambles around, reaches out, but Yuya rolls him away from the ropes!

KIMURA!! Yuya puts on all the pressure he can, but SHO is here to YANK the ref into the post! The fans boo as Sho then TORTURE TOOL SHOTS Yuya!! Shota runs in and ROUGHNECK BOMBERS Sho! He even blocks Ren’s pushup bar to ELBOW and ENZIGIRI! Shota runs, but Ren BOOTS the lariat to DOUBLE CROSSER! The fans boo but Ren drags Yuya up. Sanada grabs his guitar! Sanada winds up, but Yuya ducks! SMASH HIT on Ren!! The fans fire up and Sanada is stunned! Yuya gets around Sanada, O’Conner Roll BRIDGE! TWO!!! Sanada escapes, but he runs up, BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARD!

Sanada aims again as the fans rally up! Yuya rises, into the SHINING- NO, Yuya ducks it! And then STEP-UP ELBOW DROPS?!? The fans fire up for the “Shining Elbow,” and now Yuya clamps onto the arms! DEADBOLT PLEX!! Bridging cover, YUYA & SHOTA WIN!

Winners: Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Sanada & Narita earn 0)

The House of Torture tried to rob another team of a win, but it all backfired! Will Sanada & Narita actually try to do things fair and square in the final round? Or is it too late for that?

As for Shota & Yuya, they get the mic, and Yuya calls out the House of Torture! “Ren Narita, Sanada… Shining bright, huh?” The fans cheer “The Sun,” and he says he’ll keep shining his light on them. They’ll take the House on any time! “And Sho… Welcome home.” The fans cheer as Yuya confirms, he’s also from Ehime. “I’m so happy to have all of you here in my home prefecture, and to see me win!” The fans cheer that, too! They cheer on “YUYA! YUYA!” and he continues by saying, “Everyone, do you love pro-wrestling?” The fans cheer because they do! “Do you love NJPW?” Yes, they do! “Do you love Yuya Uemura?” Yes, they do! “I was worried about that one. What a relief.”

Yuya says he absolutely loves all of you who love pro-wrestling! Please come out to the matches in Ehime again, thank you very much! The fans cheer again, and Yuya says, “I couldn’t have done this on my own. Umino-san, please, a few words to the people!” The fans cheer that as Yuya holds out the mic. Shota smiles and stands up to accept. “Good evening!” The fans welcome him back, and he says that was a hard act to follow. “Thanks for coming and showing support. Thank you for your passionate cheering. And thanks to all of you watching on NJPW World at home. This has been the first-ever NJPW event in this area.” The fans cheer that!

Shota asks if they can come back year after year, and the fans cheer yes! Then can they give you some of this same action? Yes! “If we do, it’ll be as World Tag League winners AND IWGP Tag Team Champions!” The fans cheer that, too! Shota says, “Uemura, finish us up.” He hands the mic back, and the fans cheer Yuya again. Yuya nods, and says, “From here on out, I’ll keep burning hot toward all my goals! Let’s all burn hot together! The one who’ll set your hearts ablaze is the Heat Storm!” Ehime is ready for it, but will #YuSho show the world that they’re taking over World Tag League?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman: 4-2, 8 points
Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura: 4-2, 8 points
Sanada & Ren Narita: 3-3, 6 points
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 3-3, 6 points
Lance Archer & Alex Zayne: 3-3, 6 points
Oskar & Yuto-Ice: 3-3, 6 points
David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Phantasmo: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

Another great round for B Block, and it made sense that we’d finally eliminate a couple teams here. All these teams have done so well, it must’ve been really tough to choose, but Tanahashi & ELP was certainly one of the logical choices. As I’ve said, Tanahashi VS Okada is already set for WrestleKingdom, so Tanahashi wasn’t going to go for the tag titles at the same time. Finlay & Hiromu being out was probably also process of elimination. There’s word that Finlay’s contract is up on January 6th or so, maybe they don’t want to crown him champion if they don’t even know if he’ll stay. At the same time, there’s also the overall War Dogs & Unaffiliated story. If the alliance falls apart, Finlay would have that story as his priority, not the tag titles.

Monster Sauce beating the Knock Out Brothers might’ve been the real shocker of the night, I didn’t think the tag champs would lose three matches. But that is great stuff for Archer & Zayne, that team has always been solid and it’d be great for them to move into the playoffs. Shota & Yuya VS Sanada & Narita was a great main event choice, too, especially considering Yuya is a hometown boy. Great win for Shota & Yuya to humble House of Torture while positioning Shota & Yuya as a top seed. However, Khan & Callum have that win from before so they’re the #1. Although, the final round has Shota & Yuya VS Oskar & Yuto, Shota & Yuya are in danger of being kicked right back out…

My Score: 9/10

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Continental Classic Standings! (12/7/25)

Week 2 Update!

Published

13 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Who stayed hot to start December?

The Continental Classic is getting complicated with the staggered schedule. But did winners keep on winning? Did losers keep on losing?

Here are the current Gold League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 2-0, 6 points
Kazuchika Okada: 1-1, 3 points
PAC: 1-1, 3 points
Kevin Knight: 1-1, 3 points
“Speedball” Mike Bailey: 0-1, 0 points
Darby Allin: 0-1, 0 points [INJURED] Subbing: “Jungle” Jack Perry

Here are the current Blue League standings!

Claudio Castaganoli: 2-1, 6 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 2-0, 6 points
Jon Moxley: 1-2, 3 points
Orange Cassidy: 1-1, 3 points
Mascara Dorada: 1-1, 3 points
Roderick Strong: 0-2, 0 points

A real shame about Darby Allin, but that’s assuming this is real and not kayfabe for the story. Jack Perry is a good choice for subbing him in since he’s feuding with the Don Callis Family alongside the newly reunited Elite. And great upset win for Dorada over Claudio this week, too. Claudio and Moxley have already had three of their five matches, they might be given a week off so Jack Perry and Mike Bailey can get their matches in, and I would also hope the Death Riders start considering their options given Moxley keeps losing more than he’s winning.