NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (9/19/21)
Now for B Block!
The G1 Climax’s opening weekend wraps up!
After the thrills of A Block’s first round, B Block has its first turn! Who among some of NJPW’s best begins their journey to the 31st G1 Climax finals?
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
- YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins.
- Jeff Cobb VS Chase Owens; Cobb wins.
- SANADA VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Sanada wins.
- Hirooki Goto VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe; Taichi wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
YOSHI-HASHI VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Head Hunter is still part of the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions, but he doesn’t want to just #StayGold, he’s going for more! But the King of Darkness wants another shot at the throne! Will Hashi still #GetBackUp when Everything is Evil?
Evil and Dick Low Sweet, then the bell rings and fans rally up already. Evil and Hashi slowly circle, approach, and then Evil kicks low. Evil headlocks, Hashi endures the grind then powers up to power out, and Hashi reels Evil into a headlock of his own! Fans cheer as Hashi grinds Evil down now. Evil powers up, pulls hair, but Hashi grinds the headlock harder. Evil powers out, he and Hashi ram shoulders, but neither falls. Fans cheer as Hashi eggs Evil on. Evil steps to run, kicks Hashi low then runs anyway! But Hashi runs Evil over! Fans fire up for Hashi as he stands tall! Evil gets to ropes and drags himself up, but Hashi runs over to CHOP!
Hashi suplexes to hang Evil out to dry then runs, but Dick trips him up! Hashi points him out and the ref tells him to stay back, but then Hashi bails out to chase Dick. But Evil is waiting and he ambushes Hashi around the corner! Dick plays innocent as Evil stalks Hashi up the ramp. Evil stomps Hashi, the ref checks on Hashi but Evil undoes the blue corner’s buckle pad! The Bullet Club’s favorite strategy comes into play already. Evil brings Hashi around and RAMS him into the timekeeper’s table! Poor Abe-san suffers from Evil’s bullying again! Evil and Dick Too Sweet over being jerks and Evil leaves Hashi behind as he goes into the ring.
Fans rally for Hashi but a ring count can’t start with Abe down, too. Young Lions help Abe reset, a count begins, and Hashi gets up at 8 of 20 to get in at 9. Evil stands on Hashi’s head and digs his heel in, but the ref counts as they’re at the ropes. Evil lets off at 3, drags Hashi up and CHOPS him to a corner! Evil stands Hashi up straight to CHOP him again! And again! And again! Hashi CHOPS back, so Evil rakes Hashi’s eyes! The ref counts, Evil stops and throws Hashi out, and then Dick whips Hashi into railing! Evil keeps the ref busy as Dick throws Hashi into the ring. Evil covers, TWO! Fans cheer Hashi but Evil looms over him.
Fans clap for “GET BACK UP! GET BACK UP!” but Evil hits a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evil argues the count but it is fair. Evil kicks Hashi toyingly, then slap shim around. Hashi gets up and stares Evil down, even as Evil throws more slaps. Hashi fires off forearms so Evil knees low. Evil runs, Hashi runs, HEADHUNTER BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up while Hashi and Evil are down. Hashi and Evil slowly rise and go to opposite corners. Evil and Hashi run at each other but Hashi shoulders Evil down! Hashi CHOPS, whips and runs in to CHOP Evil again! Hashi whips to CHOP, mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Hashi keeps his cool as he brings Evil back up. Hashi reels Evil in, but Evil pulls hair again! The ref reprimands but Hashi CHOPS Evil! Hashi whips, Evil holds ropes and bails out but Hashi goes out after him. Evil gets back in and now he dares Hashi to do the same. Hashi gets on the apron and he shoulders into Evil. But Evil plays it up and the ref misses Dick tripping Hashi! Evil goes out to drag Hashi up and RAMS him back into the timekeeper! Abe-san suffers again! Evil brings Hashi around for a BACKBREAKER! Hashi writhes but Evil gets his legs for a SHARPSHOOTER! Hashi endures but the ring count is climbing!
Evil pushes it to 13 of 20 before he RAMS Hashi into more railing! Evil gets in the ring at 17, Hashi springs up at 18 and in at 19.5! Evil is annoyed but he drags Hashi around. Fans rally up but Evil reels Hashi in for a fireman’s carry, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Evil is beside himself. Dick coaches Evil up while fans still rally for Hashi. Evil slashes his throat, drags Hashi back up and spins him around, but Hashi fights the STO! Evil still tries, Hashi standing switches but Evil elbows free. Evil whips, Hashi reverses but Evil reverses back! Hashi hits the bare buckles! But then Hashi keeps moving!? And he LARIATS Evil down!!
Fans are fired up as both Hashi and Evil are down and stirring! Hashi rises, Evil follows, and Hashi runs, but Evil blocks the clothesline! Hashi CHOPS, Evil comes back to LARIAT! But Hashi stays up to fire off strikes, and a CHOP! Evil roars and spins, into a SUPERKICK! Hashi powers up and fans rally behind him as he brings Evil back up. Hashi reels Evil in, fisherman but Evil wrenches, EVERYTHING- NO! Hashi wrenches to a takedown! Hashi wants the Fujiwara, Evil resists, so Hashi shifts sides to get the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Evil endures, Hashi leans on the hold, but Evil reaches out with a foot! Hashi shifts position again to a SLEEPER!
Evil is already red but he stands up, into a BACKSTABBER! BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Evil kicks and flails but Hashi has him caught! Evil grabs at the ref, Dick gets in but Hashi is ready and SUPERKICKS him down! Evil is free but he keeps the ref down like a hostage! The ref sits up and realizes he’s being used as a meat shield! Evil shoves the ref at Hashi, Hashi pushes the ref aside and is ready for Evil’s ambush! Hashi catches Evil to a full nelson, spin to pump handle, but Evil pops out of Karma! EVERY- No, Hashi holds off the STO again and still wants the pump handle! Evil fights that so Hashi LARIATS point blank! Hashi changes up the grip, KARMA BACKBREAKER!!
Fans are thunderous now as Hashi gets Evil up in a waistlock. Hashi full nelsons, Evil grabs the ref! The ref SLAPS Evil away and Hashi hits a DRAGON SUPLEX! Evil staggers up, into a LARIAT!! Hashi gets Evil back up, fisherman to KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!?! Evil survives all that and fans are almost electric! Hashi tries the full nelson again, spins to KARM- No, Evil shoves Hashi at the ref! Hashi blocks the low blow! But Evil rakes eyes to then LARIAT! Both men are down and fans rally up again! Evil slowly rises, he runs as Hashi stands, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and shocks Evil but the fans are fired up!
Evil slashes his throat, vows to end this, and he gets Hashi up. EVERY- NO! Armbar takedown to a cover, but Dick is distracting the ref again! The ref tells Dick to go away but Evil LOW BLOWS Hashi!! Evil drags Hashi back up, reels him in, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!
Winner: EVIL, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoshi-Hashi earns 0)
The finger gun to Hashi’s throat says it all! The Bullet Club’s most devious duo found a way to shoot down the Head Hunter and now have that all important first win! With Yujiro Takahashi winning to start the A Block, will the House of Torture own the G1 Climax this year?
Jeff Cobb VS Chase Owens!
Great-O-Khan won yesterday for the glory of the United Empire, but now it is up to the Hawaiian Hulk! Will the Crown Jewel break under the pressure? Or will he skip the Tour of the Islands to get a huge first round win?
The bell rings and Chase rushes in, only to get run over! Cobb runs Chase over again and then Chase bails out. Fans cheer while Chase paces around the outside. Cobb waits but Chase dares him to go out after him. Cobb refuses so Chase goes looking under the ring. The ref reprimands, Chase slides in but slides out as Cobb storms over. Chase goes around the way, rolls into the ring, and then uses the ropes as defense as Cobb storms over again. Cobb backs off, Chase circles with him, but then uses the ropes as defense again. Cobb gets annoyed and pushes the ref aside but Chase dropkicks his leg out! Chase CLUBS away on Cobb’s back, then throws elbows.
Cobb shoves Chase away, Chase knees low and throws more clubbing elbows. Chase clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench but Cobb throws a heavy body shot! Chase headlocks, Cobb powers out and runs Chase over! Fans cheer as Cobb stands tall, then things speed up. Chase hurdles, Cobb clotheslines, repeat, then Chase SHOTGUN BOOTS! Cobb staggers and falls out of the ring, and Chase builds speed! But Cobb moves aside so Chase slides out instead. Cobb clinches Chase for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Chase writhes and Cobb catches his breath while getting in the ring. A ring count starts on Chase as he drags himself up the railing.
Chase gets in at 8 of 20, but Cobb stomps him right on the back. Cobb stalks Chase, drags him up and whips him hard to a corner! Chase falls to his knees but Cobb stomps him down. Cobb stomps Chase more, then double stomps. Cobb drags Chase up to HEADBUTT him down. Fans rally while Cobb steps on Chase. Chase flounders to a corner, he kicks Cobb in the stomach, but Cobb stomps him into the corner. Cobb throws clothesline after clothesline and Chase falls. Cover, ONE! Chase sits up but Cobb snapmares him for a knee to the back! And then another! And then an uppercut to the back! Cover, TWO! Cover again, TWO!
Cobb snarls then mocks Chase’s finger gun. Cobb drags Chase up, lifts him and runs to RAM him into a corner! Then goes corner to corner to RAM him in again, then back the other way! And then one more RAM into the blue corner! Fans fire up, Cobb says bang and he hoists Chase up for a RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Cobb is annoyed but fans rally again. Cobb kicks at Chase but Chase throws body shots. Cobb isn’t even bothered and he throws a forearm. Chase stands, Cobb slaps him so Chase throws body shots. Cobb knees low and starts taunting Chase. Cobb scoops, Chase slips out and waistlocks but Cobb bucks the roll up.
Chase dodges, throws forearms, but Cobb swings a haymaker. Chase slides under to ENZIGURI! Cobb falls out of the ring, Chase builds speed again! Chase WRECKS Cobb with the dropkick! Chase puts Cobb in the ring, climbs up top and leaps to missile dropkick Cobb down! Chase kips up and fires up with the fans! Chase aims from a corner, Cobb slowly rises, and Chase runs corner to corner to forearm smash! Then he reels Cobb in for a clothesline! Cover, TWO! Chase gets Cobb up, tries to fireman’s carry but Cobb CLUBS him with elbows. Cobb swings but Chase boots him! HANGMAN’S NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cobb is still in this but Chase goes back to the corner.
Chase takes aim and says bang, then gets Cobb up and reels him in. Chase tucks the arms but Cobb powers up to get free! Cobb kicks low, EuroUppers then DROPKICKS! Fans cheer Cobb’s athleticism as he and Chase go to opposite corners. Cobb runs in but Chase catches him for a BUCKLE SHOT! Chase runs to JEWEL TRIGGER! Chase gets Cobb up, wrenches and hammerlocks, but Cobb blocks the lariat for a Belly2Belly! Pop-up and OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Chase survives being crushed but Cobb isn’t done with him yet! Fans rally and Cobb grins as he gets back up.
Cobb slaps Chase around, throws hands, but Chase just fires up. Cobb gives toying kicks, Chase eggs him on. Cobb throws hands, Chase gives them back! Cobb fires off several forearms, then “reloads” to DECK him! Chase staggers back to his feet and puts some stank on his SLAP! Cobb CHOPS Chase to a corner! Cobb runs corner to corner but Chase dodges the back elbow! Cobb hits buckles, Chase goes up but Cobb trips him up! Chase hits buckles on the way down, Cobb whips but Chase JEWEL TRIGGERS! Hammerlock, JEWEL HEIST!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Chase aims from the corner again. Chase runs in but Cobb blocks the knee!
Chase elbows Cobb, goes to run but Cobb reels him in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Cobb whips Chase to ropes, TOUR OF- No, Chase slips out to a waistlock! Cobb switches but Chase breaks free to PELE! Cobb staggers, Chase hits a CYCLONE BOOT! But Cobb ROCKS him with a right! Chase rebounds, into a SUPERKICK! Chase rebounds again into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS! Cover, Cobb wins!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)
The United Empire is 2-0 between Khan and Cobb! Will they be the ones to conquer the G1 this year?
SANADA VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
The Cold Skull and the Good Bad Guy are familiar foes from the tag team division, but they’re both after a higher prize this time. Sanada’s been a finalist before, will he make it to the end of the G1 Climax this year? Or will Tama trip him up right out of the gate?
Tama and Jado Low Sweet and Sanada takes off his space vampire duster jacket. The bell rings and fans cheer as the two stare down. Fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA! SA-NA-DA!” and Tama acknowledges that. Tama offers a handshake but Sanada is wary. Sanada reaches out, Tama finishes the handshake for him, and then of course reels Sanada into a headlock! Tama laughs as he grinds the hold but Sanada throws body shots. Sanada powers out but reels Tama in for a headlock of his own. Tama powers up but can’t power out as Sanada holds tight. Tama pulls hair, throws body shots and shoves Sanada. Sanada jumps over the drop down, ducks the elbow and whips to reverse roles.
Sanada again hurdles and ducks and even handsprings through Tama’s hip toss to arm-drag Tama away! Fans cheer while Tama bails out. Sanada builds speed, but he tumbles up and out as Tama slides in. And Jado grabs at Sanada’s feet! Tama runs but Sanada gets free to slingshot up and over! Tama’s baseball slide takes out Jado! Fans cheer for Tama’s misfortune but he gets in to arm-drag Sanada. Sanada arm-drags back and then dropkicks cancel out! Fans cheer as the two stand off, and Tama takes off his padded shirt! The Good Bad Guy is jacked and Sanada takes a moment to show his respect. The two circle and Tama says he respects Sanada, by showing another handshake.
Sanada is of course wary of it, he just fell for the trick last time. But fans still cheer, and Tama gets on the corner to encourage them to get louder. The fans do get louder, and Tama now offers Sanada a turn on the corner. “Dozo, dozo!” Sanada considers it, and then he goes up on a corner! Fans cheer, especially because he shows off the dancing pecs. But then Tama yanks Sanada off the corner to roll him up! TWO, and Tama clotheslines Sanada out of the ring! Fans rally for “SA-NA-DA!” as the ring count starts, but it’s 10 of 20 before Sanada stirs. Tama paces, willing to take a count out, but Sanada gets up at 15! Sanada takes a moment, and then gets in at 19. But Tama stomps him down!
Tama throws Sanada back out, then goes out after him to RAM him into the apron! Tama CLUBS Sanada against the apron, then follows him around the way as Sanada staggers. Tama brings Sanada around to POST him! Sanada falls back, Tama takes a moment to catch his breath and walk around. A ring count starts again and Tama considers his options. The count is 10 of 20 but Tama snap suplexes Sanada to the floor! Tama goes into the ring at 14, Sanada writhes and pounds his fist. Sanada drags himself up and in at 19! Tama drags Sanada up, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Tama keeps focus as he drags Sanada back up for crossface forearms!
Tama paces around and even kicks Sanada around. Tama throws down fists but the ref reprimands the closed fists. Tama drops to the cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Tama wraps on a chinlock. Tama grinds Sanada but fans continue to rally. Sanada endures, even as Tama leans on him. Tama thrashes Sanada around, Sanada kicks and fights the hold. Sanada gets to his feet, throws body shots, but Tama throws a forearm. Tama shoves Sanada, runs in but into a boot! Tama comes back, blocks the boot and throws body shots! Tama whips corner to corner but Sanada comes back to dropkick the legs out! Both men are down and fans cheer.
Sanada and Tama slowly stir, then Sanada kips up! Sanada runs in at Tama and rallies with big forearms! Sanada arm-drags, then back suplex BACKBREAKERS! Tama bails out but Sanada PLANCHAS! Direct hit but Sanada gets back in! Sanada aims at Jado and PLANCHAS again! Down goes the Master Heater! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. They get louder but Sanada needs more! The fans give him more and now Sanada is satisfied. Sanada fetches Tama and brings him up to put him in the ring. Tama rushes Sanada but Sanada shoulders into him! Sanada slingshots up and over to sunset flip, but Tama rolls through!
Sanada boots Tama away, trips him up and puts him in Paradise! Fans are fired up for this one as Sanada powers up. Double thumbs up to Milano and he gives them back! Sanada lets Tama suffer a little longer before aiming from the corner. Fans rally up, “PA-RA-DISE! PA-RA-DISE!” but Sanada dropkicks Tama out! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps on Tama with a fireman’s carry, but Tama flails to get free! Dragon sleeper, but Sanada slips around to suplex! Tama slips out of that to get the TONGAN TWIST! Both men are down but fans fire up! Tama drags himself up the ropes while Sanada goes to a corner. Tama runs in to SPLASH!
Tama brings Sanada around to fireman’s carry but Sanada fights out to waistlock. Tama switches to GERMAN SUPLEX, but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada runs, ducks and dodges, but Tama POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives that fast one but Tama drags him back up. Tama underhooks, lifts, but Sanada fights that off to fireman’s carry! Tama fights that, dragon sleeper, but Sanada powers his way out to arm-drag Tama to a corner. Sanada runs in but into a boot! Tama swings on Sanada but he dodges to QUEBRADA! Sanada gets the dragon sleeper! Tama fights through, suplexes, but Sanada slips through to dragon sleeper again!
Tama drops to then jump up and over to get the dragon sleeper for himself! TONGAN TW- NO! Sanada pommels through to ROCK Tama with a right! Sanada spins but Tama counters to a suplex! Sanada fights that, to get Tama on the ropes, MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down again but fans fire back up! Fans rally as the two stir, and Sanada encourages the fans again. The fans get louder as Sanada and Tama slowly stand. Sanada stalks Tama to a corner, and throws a heavy EuroUpper! Tama stays up but Sanada EuroUppers again! Tama still stays up so Sanada EuroUppers him off his feet! Tama staggers up into a fireman’s carry, TKO! Cover, TWO!!
Tama survives but Sanada vows to end this! Sanada drags Tama up into the dragon sleeper but Tama throws hands to fight it. Sanada holds on, cranks back, SKULL SWING! But Tama spins through to inside cradle, TWO!! Sanada escapes, swings but into Tama’s spin and underhooks! JAY DRILLER!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Tama is shocked! The ref checks on Sanada but somehow he’s okay. Tama hears voices in his head like The Viper as he pounds the mat. Fans clap along as Sanada slowly rises. GUN STUN- NO! Sanada catches Tama and drops back to SKULL END!! Tama is caught in the body scissors and in the center of the ring!
Fans rally as Tama endures and pops free! Sanada hurries to get the dragon sleeper again, then he drops back down, SKULL END!! Tama endures again but Sanada’s grip is tighter this time! The ref checks on Tama, the arm drops once. The arm drops twice and Sanada hurries to a corner! ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Cover, TWO!!! Sanada survives his own bad call but Tama takes aim again. GUN- NO! DRAGON- NO! Tama spins through but then Sanada suplexes. Tama twists to GUN- NO!! Sanada blocks the Gun Stun to the dragon sleeper. Sanada shoves, waistlocks, O’Conner BRIDGE! Sanada wins!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama Tonga earns 0)
The Cold Skull snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Will he be able to repeat history and take the block again this year? As for the Guerrillas of Destiny, will either Tanga Loa or Tama Tonga be able to turn things around in round two?
Hirooki Goto VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe!
The third of the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions takes on the other half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, both aiming for the top of NJPW! Hashi and Ishii both lost, will the Fierce Warrior break the pattern? Or will the Sliest Wrestler in the World make sure the Dangerous Tekkers are 2-0?
Taichi finishes up his lip syncing and Miho helps with his elaborate entrance attire. Taichi shows off his dancing pecs but Goto is not impressed. Taichi taunts Goto with the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team belt, which the Tekkers retained at MetLife. Goto kicks Taichi low and grabs the belt, to give it to Red Shoes. The bell rings and Goto fires off hands on Taichi in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines! Goto whips to ropes, Taichi reverses but Goto runs him over with a shoulder! Fans cheer as Goto follows Taichi out of the ring. Taichi kicks back, then brings Goto around the way to POST him!
Goto flounders to railing, Taichi heads over and grabs camera wire. Goto blocks the choke and kicks Taichi low! Then Goto chokes Taichi with the cord! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Goto lets off fast and apologizes. Taichi sputters but Goto sits him up to choke him again! Red Shoes again reprimands and counts, and Goto lets go at 4. Goto says, “Okay,” he’ll stop. Goto brings Taichi up to put him in the ring and fans cheer as this continues properly. Goto stomps Taichi then clamps on claws to the shoulders. Taichi claims choke but Goto whips him to ropes. Goto elbows Taichi down, covers, TWO! Goto clamps back on with a chinlock and even digs a knee into Taichi’s back.
Taichi grabs at Goto, throws hands from below, but Goto drives an elbow into Taichi’s forehead! Goto stalks Taichi but Taichi bails out again. Taichi gasps and sputters at the railing but Goto waits for him to return. The ring count begins and Miho checks on Taichi. Goto goes out to kick Taichi and whip. Taichi reverses to send Goto into railing! Taichi scowls as he drags Goto back up. Taichi has cameras clear out and he whips Goto into more railing! Taichi grabs more camera cord and he uses a lot of it to choke Goto! Red Shoes reprimands, Taichi lets go with one hand. Red Shoes wants Taichi to let go completely but Taichi defies him with a shove.
Taichi drags Goto with the cord and then drops him. Red Shoes reprimands more but Taichi drags Goto up by his hair. Taichi digs Goto’s head into the railing to choke him! Red Shoes starts a ring count, Taichi lets off on Goto at 4 of 20. Taichi takes his time, bringing Goto up at 11 and putting him in the ring at 14. Taichi stands on Goto’s neck but Red Shoes reprimands again. Taichi steps off, fans rally up but Taichi bumps Goto off buckles. Taichi stomps away on Goto’s leg then digs his boots into Goto’s neck again. Red Shoes shakes his head and counts, so Taichi puts his hands up. Taichi’s cleverness is only annoying Red Shoes and he keeps counting.
Taichi stands on Goto with both feet, Red Shoes counts and Taichi lets off. Red Shoes tells Taichi to watch himself and Taichi thanks Red Shoes for the advice. Taichi drags Goto up and brings him around for Kowata Kicks, then tops it off with a hard kick. Goto glares at Taichi so Taichi KICKS him in the chest! Goto eggs him on so Taichi KICKS him down! Taichi smirks then chokes in the cover! Red Shoes notices and has him stop. Taichi does it again and again Red Shoes has to tell him to stop. Taichi says that’s not a choke, THIS is a choke! Red Shoes counts but Taichi lets off, and fans cheer Taichi’s wry wit.
Taichi drags Goto back up, but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS! Taichi choke grips but Goto breaks free to kick low! Taichi two-hand chokes Goto! But Goto two-hand chokes Taichi back! Red Shoes reprimands them both but both men drop to their knees as they keep going! Goto gets the edge and has Taichi on the mat! Red Shoes counts, Goto lets off at 4, and then he argues with Red Shoes that Taichi’s done far more than that. Taichi goes to roundhouse but Goto blocks and pump handles Taichi to then give him a Charlie Horse! Taichi staggers to a corner, Goto runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Goto drags Taichi back up.
Goto fireman’s carries but Taichi chokes his way out of it! Goto knees low, whips Taichi to ropes, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Taichi and Goto stir, fans build to a rally, and Goto gets to a corner. Taichi runs in to clothesline! Taichi runs Goto corner to corner to clothesline him again, then snapmare to a KICK to the back! Goto sits up and Taichi wraps him up for SEITEIJYUJIRYOU! Goto endures, pries free and arm-drags Taichi away! Taichi comes back, Goto blocks the boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Taichi is at the ropes but Goto goes to the opposite end.
Taichi is in the corner, Goto runs in but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Taichi runs but Goto fireman’s carries to USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Miho grows worried for Taichi as he checks his arm. Taichi rolls away to ropes as he gets feeling back in left arm. Goto rises as Taichi drags himself up the ropes. Taichi BOOTS but Goto stays up and growls. Goto throws a forearm, but Taichi rebounds to BOOT again! Goto throws another forearm, Taichi comes back to BOOT again! Taichi eggs Goto on now, and Goto throws another forearm! Goto eggs Taichi on so Taichi KICKS Goto’s leg! Forearm, KICK, repeat!
Fans rally up as they pick up speed! Taichi gets the edge with KICKS to Goto’s leg, but Goto blocks the chest kick to CLUB the leg! Taichi sobats, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, sot hey DOUBLE LARIAT again! Taichi roars, runs in and DOUBLE LARIAT! Goto staggers but he dodges the next try to LARIAT Taichi down! Goto eggs Taichi on, runs, but into a choke grip! Taichi puts Goto in the corner then ROUNDHOUSES! Choke grip, CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims from the corner, but Goto blocks the superkick! Goto hoists Taichi to the fireman’s carry, Taichi slips out, but Goto evades the saido!
Goto suplexes and stalls for SHOUTEN KAI! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Miho and the fans rally up as Goto crawls to a cover, TWO!! Taichi is still in this and Miho is relieved. Fans rally up as Goto slowly sits up. Goto roars, gets to his feet and drags Taichi back up. But Taichi hits DANGEROUS SAIDO outta nowhere! Goto flounders around, roars as he stands back up, but Taichi GAMANGIRIS again! Both men are down but Miho leads the rally now. Taichi stands up first and he BUZZSAWS Goto back down! Taichi slashes his throat and Alabama lifts, but Goto sunset flips to get the dragon sleeper! Taichi fights that, but Goto tries again!
Taichi again fights off the dragon sleeper so Goto HEADBUTTS! Taichi falls and fans are thunderous again! Goto drags himself up the ropes, powers up as Taichi rises, BUZZSAW! Goto drags Taichi back up, dragon sleeper but Taichi CHOKES from that position! Goto blocks the lift, throws elbows, but Taichi back suplex CHOKE SLAMS! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives but Taichi is too tired to be frustrated. Fans rally up hard as ever and Taichi gets himself to a corner. Taichi fires himself up, takes aim as Goto rises, TENSHOU- NO! Goto blocks to SLAP Taichi! Goto fires up, but Taichi comes back with the three point stance and FOREARM SMASH!
Taichi gets Goto up fast, Alabama lift to BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, Taichi wins!!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
In the blink of an eye, the Holy Emperor turns the tables and takes the win! With all three NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions losing, are they in danger of losing those belts after the G1? As for Taichi, will he and ZSJ take their blocks and make it a Dangerous Tekkers Climax?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kazuchika Okada!
The Ace VS the Rainmaker is definitely main event material, so how fitting that they close out the G1 Climax’s opening weekend! But with Tanahashi still holding onto the IWGP United States Championship, can Okada earn himself a title opportunity on top of two points? Or will Osaka rock ‘n’ roll with love and energy?
Okada is very quick to put aside his newest jacket aside to show off his newest ring gear. Tanahashi takes off his jacket to show off the classic muscles, and of course the IWGP US belt. The belt is put aside, the bell rings and Osaka already fires up for this one. The claps are either “LET’S GO, ACE!” or “O-KA-DA!” but either way, everyone’s clapping along. Okada and Tanahashi circle then approach. They feel out the grapple, then back away to circle more. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Tanahashi waistlocks but Okada pries it open to wrench and wristlock. Tanahashi wrenches and slips through to headlock in return. Fans cheer as Tanahashi grinds Okada down.
Okada fights up, pushes free and gets Tanahashi down for a grounded waistlock. Tanahashi pushes up to slip around and switch with Okada. Okada pushes up but Tanahashi holds on as Okada tries to throw him off. Okada stands up, wrenches to get a hammerlock but Tanahashi drop toeholds and floats to a headlock! Fans cheer this technical exchange as it continues with Okada rolling Tanahashi over. Okada gets free of the headlock to had Tanahashi in one and fans cheer again. Tanahashi fights and rolls Okada to put the headlock back on him! Okada fights up to his feet as fans rally, and he puts Tanahashi on ropes. Red Shoes counts the break, and Okada lets off slowly.
Okada fakes the chop to pat Tanahashi on the shoulder, a classic move. Tanahashi runs in but Okada kicks and headlocks. Tanahashi powers out but Okada runs him over! Things speed up, Tanahashi hurdles but Okada stops to waistlock! Ripcord and RAIN- No, Tanahashi gets under to full nelson! Okada breaks free and comes back, into an arm-drag! But Okada headscissors and Tanahashi kips free! The two fire up as fans cheer for this stand-off! Tanahashi and Okada cool off to reset and the fans rally back up. The two circle again, they tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada’s height gives him leverage but Tanahashi shifts to get a headlock.
Tanahashi grinds Okada down again but Okada fights back up. Okada powers up but Tanahashi holds tight. Okada throws body shots, powers up but still can’t power out as Tanahashi holds on tighter. Tanahashi hits a takeover and holds off Okada’s headscissors to then trap an arm. Okada endures and moves around. Okada knees Tanahashi in the back, gets his arm free, but Tanahashi pulls back on the headlock. Okada fights back up to his feet all the same, and he pries at the headlock. Tanahashi powers up to keep the headlock on! Okada still endures and powers up yet again. Okada pries the hold open but Tanahashi again uses power to keep it on!
Tanahashi grinds Okada’s head more but Okada keeps fighting. Okada hooks a leg for some leverage as he pries the headlock open again! Okada turns it around and finally puts the headlock back on Tanahashi! Okada hits a takeover and he fights off Tanahashi’s headscissors this time. Tanahashi now endures and fans rally up again. Tanahashi fights to his feet, Okada grinds and grinds the headlock, all in return for what he endured. Tanahashi pries at the headlock now, but now Okada powers it back on tight! Okada shifts to a cravat to snapmare Tanahashi into a chinlock. Okada digs his knee into Tanahashi’s back but Tanahashi still endures.
Tanahashi stomps the mat and fans rally up behind him. Tanahashi fights up, throws body shots and is free! He runs but into Okada’s elbow! Okada takes a moment to catch his breath and pace around. Fans still rally, Okada stands Tanahashi back up and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada clamps right back onto the chinlock! Tanahashi fights back up, throws body shots and runs, but then ducks an elbow! Okada blocks the kick to BOOT Tanahashi, then Okada snapmares and runs for the basement dropkick! Okada stands on Tanahashi with the Rainmaker pose for a cover, ONE! Fans rally but Okada clamps on another chinlock.
Tanahashi pries the hold but Okada pulls back on it. Tanahashi fights to his feet again, throws more body shots, then runs, ducks and kicks. Okada blocks again, but Tanahashi blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer as both men are down. Tanahashi pounds the mat as fans rally up, and he fires forearms off on Okada. Tanahashi whips, Okada reverses but Tanahashi comes back with flying forearms! Okada sits up but Tanahashi is on him with a scoop and SLAM! Tanahashi goes to the corner and the second rope, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his cool as Okada sits up again.
Tanahashi runs, but then he turns around to dropkick a leg! Tanahashi runs, blocks Okada’s boot and DRAGON SCREWS again! Tanahashi gets both legs and ties them up, but Okada gets the ropebreak before the Cloverleaf. Tanahashi lets Okada go to stomp the legs. Okada bails out, Tanahashi follows after and puts him back in. Fans cheer as Tanahashi runs and dropkicks Okada’s leg out again! Okada bails out again but Tanahashi follows after. Tanahashi CLUBS Okada, but Okada hits back and bumps Tanahashi off apron. DDT to the floor! The Ace just got spiked! Fans rally and clap, “LET’S GO, ACE!” “O-KA-DA!” again as Okada grits his teeth.
Okada gets up and hobbles over to Tanahashi. Okada puts Tanahashi in the ring and fans cheer. Tanahashi slowly rises but Okada brings him up. Tanahashi fires off forearms, then runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Okada stalks Tanahashi, Alabama lift and REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans keep rallying as Okada watches Tanahashi go to the corner. Okada runs corner to corner but Tanahashi dodges the back elbow! Tanahashi runs in but Okada puts him up top! Okada then dropkicks Tanahashi down to the floor! Fans rally hard as ever as a ring count starts. Tanahashi stirs at 6 of 20 but Okada goes out at 7. Okada has cameras move aside and he brings Tanahashi up.
Okada whips Tanahashi into railing! And then runs in to BOOT, but Tanahashi blocks! DRAGON SCREW! Okada clutches his leg while Tanahashi crawls away. Tanahashi gets up to the apron, and then climbs up the corner! But Okada intercepts him with haymakers and clubbing forearms! Okada drags Tanahashi onto his shoulder, but Tanahashi fights free! Tanahashi ROCKS Okada with a forearm, brings the bad leg through the ropes, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! Okada falls, Tanahashi climbs back up, ACES HIGH CROSSBODY!! Both men are down on the outside but fans are thunderous! Red Shoes checks on both men, but they’re both okay to continue.
A ring count begins as Tanahashi slowly rises at 4 of 20. Tanahashi drags himself in at 10, but Okada is still down. Okada sits up at 13 but he’s pretty dazed. The count is 15 of 20, Okada stands at 17, and Okada slowly gets in at 18! Fans cheer as this continues but Tanahashi runs in corner to corner. Okada pops Tanahashi up to the Alabama, but Tanahashi fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT again! Then a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The Ace has a hat trick but he’s not done there! SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Tanahashi fires up as he goes back to the corner. Tanahashi climbs again, Okada stands, HIGH FLY FLOW CROSSBODY!
But Okada rolls through to get the arm! MONEY CLIP!! Tanahashi endures, Okada holds on tight and fans rally up as hard as they can! Tanahashi fights up to his feet, reaches for ropes, but Okada brings him around with a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And back to the MONEY CLIP! Tanahashi endures all over as Okada leans on the hold. Fans are thunderous as they rally but Tanahashi is turning red! Red Shoes checks, Okada puts on more pressure, but Tanahashi gets a second wind! Tanahashi kicks forward to get the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go and fans cheer Tanahashi’s resolve. Okada keeps his cool as he hobbles over.
Okada gut wrenches but Tanahashi blocks! Tanahashi throws body shots and gut wrenches Okada! Okada blocks that and it is a battle of gut wrenching! Okada CLUBS Tanahashi’s lower back, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi still blocks the gut wrench! Tanahashi throws elbows, fast hands, and then gut wrenches through! But Okada slips off, so Tanahashi tries again. Okada gets Tanahashi up, SPINNING TOMBSTONE! But Okada isn’t done there, he drags Tanahashi back up and wristlocks! Ripcord, Tanahashi ducks the Rainmaker to sunset flip! But Okada sits on it for his own cover, TWO!!! Tanahashi barely escapes!
Okada aims from a corner, runs and SHOTUGN DROPKICKS! Both men are down again, with Tanahashi in a corner from that shot. Fans rally up hard as ever and Okada stands again. Okada drags Tanahashi up, scoops and SLAMS, and standard formula, he goes to the corner. Okada climbs, leaps, MACHO ELBOW! But he doesn’t cover here, he gives us THE Rainmaker Pose! Fans are thunderous again as Okada wristlocks and ripcords, but Tanahashi gets around to waistlock back! Tanahashi ripcords but Okada won’t let him steal the Rainmaker! Okada ripcords and spins, but into a SLINGBLADE!! Fans are electric as Tanahashi runs, to SLINGBLADE AGAIN!
Tanahashi fires up as Okada is in a drop zone! Tanahashi goes to a corner, climbs up top, HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees!! Okada saves himself at the last second, but is too tired to capitalize! Fans are electric again as both men are down! Okada crawls to the cover as the time limit is drawing ever closer. Okada gets Tanahashi up with wristlock, short arm LARIAT! Okada holds on, gets Tanahashi back up and LARIATS again! Okada roars and fans fire up again as he brings Tanahashi around. Okada drags Tanahashi back up, wristlock and ripcord, but Tanahashi inside cradles! TWO!!! Okada narrowly escapes, but he runs right into a GERMAN SUPLEX!
Tanahashi hurries to get Okada in the full nelson, for a DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Time is running out as both men roar! They fire off forearms back and forth and fans are rallying with them! No guard, no hesitation, but Okada and Tanahashi do wobble. But then they fire up and DOUBLE FOREARM again and again! And again and again! Okada gets the edge and he roars, but Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs into the DROPKICK! Okada hurries, gut wrench to SIT-OUT TOMBSTONE!! Okada hurries to get Tanahashi up again, ripcord to RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)
With literal seconds to spare, the Rainmaker closes the deal! Okada may have just gotten the most important win of the block! Will the Once in a Century Talent be able to get past this loss and still make a run for the top?
Okada once again closes out the show by getting the mic. “OSAKA!” Fans cheer for the cheap pop. “This match against Tanahashi might count the same as any other league match, but facing him here in Osaka means a lot more than that to me.” And also, “this wasn’t the same Kazuchika Okada you’ve seen recently. The Rainmaker is BACK!” Fans cheer that! Okada continues by saying that the fans shouldn’t worry. He knows “the world isn’t in the best state right now. But now that the Rainmaker is back, NJPW will be firing on all cylinders, and the world will be better for it!” But were the fans satisfied with Blocks A and B over this weekend? The fans cheer, because they sure were!
Well you can’t be satisfied yet, ya bums! Things are just beginning! Whether it’s the fire of pro-wrestling or the G1 itself, the Rainmaker is ready to scorch the Autumn! Okada thanks the fans, and promises to make it rain all over this G1 Climax! With a shot at the US Championship in his back pocket, will Okada make it back to the top of NJPW?
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 1-0, 2 points
EVIL: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb: 1-0, 2 points
SANADA: 1-0, 2 points
Taichi: 1-0, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 0-1, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-1, 0 points
Tama Tonga: 0-1, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
The G1 Climax is off to an awesome start with this opening weekend. A Block perhaps had the stronger start just on Yujiro Takahashi getting the upset over Kota Ibushi, but B Block came really close. For a moment, I thought Yoshi-Hashi was going to get a shocker over Evil, but Evil of course has Dick there to help him cheat and win. At the same time, I’m sensing that House of Torture is going to be built up during the G1. Sho’s getting wins over new Young Lions in the matches I’ve been skipping, and Yujiro and Evil have strong starts to their G1 runs. Meanwhile, the rest of Bullet Club is struggling as Chase and both Guerrillas of Destiny lose, further sewing seeds for a new civil war.
The United Empire is definitely looking strong through the G1, and I’d love if this at least gave them license to challenge the Dangerous Tekkers in the late Fall to early Winter. The singles titles are either spoken for, or absent in the case of Jay White and the NEVER Openweight singles title being in the States for New Japan Strong and Impact Wrestling. But Khan & Cobb taking on the Dangerous Tekkers seems like a lot of fun just thinking about it. Taichi and Goto have a great match but Taichi wins to stay strong alongside ZSJ, so the Tekkers will definitely come out of the G1 looking strong, as well, and they might be eager to freshen things up after defeating Chaos AND LIJ.
Sanada gets a great win off Tama Tonga, and I really hope we get to see more from him as a singles guy. As I’ve said before, he seems to be stuck in the Heavyweight Tag Division right now, but he could make a good run of things this year. At the same time, maybe he is one of the ones to check off a win from Tanahashi? Tanahashi VS Okada was as great as we all expected, and I like that they pushed it close to the time limit to tease a draw. A draw would’ve really made things interesting, and I almost wish NJPW had done that, but I suppose they can’t just outright handicap they’re top two entries in B Block from the start. Okada winning and proclaiming THE Rainmaker is back is all logical moves, but just as easily as he could get to the finals, he could just miss it by someone being a spoiler.
My Score: 9.2/10
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NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Redzone Results & Report! (4/25/26)
Ice High? Or Lights Out?
Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon in the main event!
Tonight in Hiroshima, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi now have their chance to take back the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Taisei Nakahara; Matsumoto wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, Toru Yano, Master Wato & YOH VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO; Shota, Yano, Wato & Yoh win.
- Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Taichi & Masatora Yasuda VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS Ren Narita, Don Fale, Douki & Dick Togo; No Contest.
- Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Hartley win.
- 8 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita; Eagles & Fujita win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon; KOB wins and retains the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
In the closing moments of 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS Ren Narita, Don Fale, Douki & Dick Togo…
Tiger Mask puts Douki back in the ring, only for Douki to bail out. Douki eggs Tiger Mask on, but TORU YANO runs down the ramp to throw Douki back in! Yano’s not part of the match, the ref already doesn’t like that. Tiger hits a SAYANAGI, but then Dick storms in and stomps him! Then the floodgates open and EVERYONE gets in the ring, even Sho, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi! One half of the House already lost to Hontai, they’re gonna get their revenge! It is so chaotic, the ref has no choice but to throw this out as a No Contest!
No Contest, interference
The House clears out the rest of Hontai while Douki CLAWS at Tiger Mask’s face and, well, mask! They all stomp away on the living legend, then stand him up. But Tiger SOBATS Douki! Douki blocks the next kick, and LOW BLOWS Tiger! Then Douki snatches the mask away!! Tiger drops down to cover his face while the fans boo Douki for this disgrace! Young Lions use their shirts to cover Tiger Mask, and out rush Shota, Wato & Yoh! The House retreats, taking the mask as their prize! Hontai helps Tiger Mask stand up, head covered in shirts. Tiger Mask then gets the mic to call out Douki!
Tiger Mask tells Douki, “Is this the only kind of match you can do? So, you can’t do it without using your teammates, you bastard?! I don’t know what to say, but if that’s what you want, then I’ll turn our title match into a LUMBERJACK MATCH!” The fans like the sound of that! Tiger Mask says Douki can choose how many to bring, because it won’t matter! Tiger Mask is gonna sink Douki in this ring, remember that! The fans cheer as the stakes have been raised, but will this gamble only work in the House’s favor? Or can Tiger Mask win the title and retire on top?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita!
Team Super Extreme freed these titles from the House of Torture, but now the Ichiban Sweet Boys have come back around. Will the Sniper of the Skies & Japanese Young Punk once again be golden boys? Or will the Bone Soldier & Mr. X prove they’re still too sweet?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wins the newest chapter in this storied rivalry!
Them teams sort out and TMDK rush Super Extreme! They DOUBLE DROPKICK the champs out, then the bell rings! Eagles builds speed and DIVES onto Super Extreme! The fans cheer as Eagles lands on his feet through his tope cannonball. Eagles puts Taiji in, then he and Fujita double wrench for the MAXXIE BOMB! Cover, TWO! Taiji survive but Fujita tags Eagles. Eagles whips Taiji into Fujita’s ENZIGIRI! Then Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Bridging cover, TWO! Tag back to Fujita and he feeds Taiji to Eagles. But Taiji mule kicks Fujita away! Eagles knees and whips Taiji, but X tags in!
Taiji dodges Eagles to DECK Fujita! Taiji blocks a kick, X gives a kick, and Super Extreme double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Wheelbarrow, VICTORY SPLASH! The fans cheer as X stands Fujita up, and he SMACKS Fujita. X whips Fujita corner to corner, then Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Feed to the DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Fujita stays in this. X drags Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! X snapmares, steps over, and traps an arm to then trap the legs! X pulls Fujita into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Fujita endures, slips down, but X just CRANKS the arm! Fujita writhes but X covers, TWO!
The fans rally as X looms over Fujita. X bumps Fujita off buckles, tags Taiji, then Taiji fires elbows. Taiji wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS, then hammerlocks for a scoop and SHOULDER BUSTER! Fujita writhes again but Taiji covers, TWO! Taiji clamps on with a double wristlock! Fujita endures, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud while Taiji lets go. Taiji tags X and X runs to NO HAND HANDSPRING KICK Eagles! Eagles falls and X goes back to Fujita. X drags Fujita up while the fans rally. Fujita pushes X to fire a forearm, but X eggs him on. Fujita fires more shots, but X SMACKS Fujita!
X suplexes, Fujita slips free, but X elbows back! X whips, Fujita reverses and GAMANGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita crawls and hot tags Eagles! Eagles springboards, X dodges, but Eagles BLASTS Taiji! X runs up but Eagles ELBOWS him away, then RANAS! And WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans join in with “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” Eagles KICKS X, and KICKS, and KICKS! Eagles runs, but Taiji KICKS Eagles at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Taiji steps inside.
Super Extreme double whip, but Eagles reverses to send X away. Eagles ROCKS Taiji, then sends X into him! Then Eagles dodges X, mule kicks, and he runs to BASEMENT DROPKICK LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Eagles and he runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE X! Eagles runs up again, but into an ELBOW! Eagles still basement 619s the legs out! Then METEORA! Cover, TWO! X survives but Eagles stays on him by grabbing the legs. Eagles CLUBS and KICKS and KICKS the leg! X writhes, Eagles goes up and out, and the fans rally as Eagles aims! WARP- NO, X dodges! Eagles runs up but into an UP KICK!
X skins the cat, ROCKS Eagles, then goes up again, only for Eagles to GAMANGIRI! Eagles steps outside and the fans rally up as he climbs! SUPER DUPER STEINER, but X lands out?!? Eagles and X have their own Ospreay and Ibushi moment! X dodges Eagles to SPIN KICK and LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives but the fans fire up again. X rallies the fans as he goes to the corner. X climbs up again, takes aim, and X EX- NO, X has to land out as Eagles moves! X hobbles but Eagles runs up! X dodges, sending Eagles into buckles. X then backslides and bridges, TWO! X SOBATS, but Eagles KNEES low! Eagles kicks, but X blocks!
X spins Eagles but Eagles SOBATS! Eagles runs, but into the Tiger Wall Kick! X hobbles again, but tries a roundhouse, only for Eagles to dodge! X PELES, but into a trap! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Fujita GAMANGIRIS Taiji, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans rally as X endures! Eagles puts on the pressure as X crawls around! X reaches out, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while the ref counts. Eagles lets go in frustration, and then SMASHES X’s knee into the mat again and again! Then DEATHLOCK SMASH! Eagles goes to a corner, calls his shot, and HYPER- NO, X ducks the gamangiri!
Eagles drags X up, but X CHOPS back! Eagles ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and PEL- NO! X ducks the kick, backflips up and over, then deadlifts, but Eagles RANAS! Cover, TWO! X BOOTS Eagles, Eagles BOOTS X, then they each BLAST their partners! The Robbies BOOT at the same time! Eagles rewinds but X handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! The fans fire up while both Robbies are down again! The Robbies crawl, hot tags to Fujita and Taiji! Taiji BOOTS Fujita, Fujita ROCKS Taiji, and the forearms fly! The fans fire up as Taiji fires a flurry! Fujita rebounds to CHOP! Taiji CHOPS! Taiji whips, Fujita reverses, but Taiji handsprings, into a catch!
Fujita slips through and has the legs tied up! NEMOS SPECIAL!! Taiji fights, reaches out, but Fujita powers those arms back! FULL NEMOS SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, pries free of the facelock, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go in frustration but he vows to end it now! Fujita deadlifts Taiji, but Taiji fights the German Suplex with elbows! Fujita blocks one, flips Taiji up and over, but Taiji now fights the standard suplex! Taiji suplexes, to make it a gut wrench! CIPHER UTAKI! The fans fire up as Taiji takes aim, BANG! Taiji drags Fujita up, reels him in, but Fujita wrenches and RANAS! Cover, TWO! High stack, TWO!
Taiji ROCKS Fujita, X joins in, and they double whip. Taiji runs up, blocks boots, and he puts Fujita in the ropes! X ENZIGIRIS, Taiji SLIDING GERMANS! X STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Taiji goes up, 450 SPLASH! Cover, EAGLES CLOBBERS X ONTO IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down! X TOSSES Eagles, then regroups with Taiji. They call for the end and reel Fujita in. BLOODY- NO, Fujita arm-drags ‘n’ ranas free! Fujita DUMPS X out, wrenches and slips around on Taiji, GERMAN SUPLEX! Taiji tumbles while the fans fire up again! The fans rally as Fujita crawls, hot tag to Eagles!
Eagles storms up on Taiji, but Taiji fires body shots! Taiji CHOPS, but Eagles kicks him! Taiji fires more chops, but Eagles BOOTS him again! Taiji stands up to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, but Eagles kicks a leg and ASAI- NO, Taiji turns the DDT into a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY and BASEMENT SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Taiji roars! Taiji fireman’s carries again, and swings Eagles for a BLOODY FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Taiji aims and Eagles rises. Taiji runs up, tilt-o-whirls, but Eagles stops it! Fujita is in, SWEET BUSTER! Cover, X breaks it! Fujita TOSSES X while Eagles drags Taiji to the drop zone.
Eagles goes up, out, and takes aim, but X breaks free of Fujita! X handsprings to PELE Eagles down! The fans fire up as Eagles dangles from the ropes! Fujita runs up but X BOOTS him! X runs up, Fujita wrenches to ROCK him! X CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS, then Fujita ducks a kick! X ducks the haymaker, Fujita blocks to CHOP! X handsprings up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Fujita swings, X handsprings through, PE- NO, Fujita blocks to WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But X is right up?! O’Conner and CHAOS- NO, Fujita elbows free! Fujita runs, but X follows! FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up as X powers up and calls his shot!
X runs, handsprings, but Fujita stops the Injection! Fujita pops X up into the Electric Chair, spins him around, but almost loses his grip! Fujita powers X up and into position! Eagles is up top, cravats, SLICED BREAD BOMB!! The fans fire up again as the Sweet Boys have Taiji! Taiji slips free of a scoop but Eagles CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS, and they DOUBLE CHOP! The Sweet Boys double whip but Taiji tries to crisscross them! The Sweet Boys deny that and DOUBLE KICK COMBO! The fans fire up with the Sweet Boys again as they haul Taiji up. Double torture rack, but Taiji fights free! Taiji fires forearms and elbows, then a CHOP!
Eagles SUPERKICKS but Taiji ducks! Down goes Fujita! Taiji JUMP KNEES Eagles, then runs to handspring and LETHAL INJECTION X!! The fans fire up as Taiji then ripcords Eagles, LA MYSTICA! And BONE LOCK!! Eagles flails, rolls Taiji, TWO! Taiji smothers Eagles in a cover, TWO! Eagles slips around, roll and bridge, TWO! But step through, only for Taiji to cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, Taiji runs up, LA MYSTI- NO! Eagles powers through to SLAP, KNEE, clinch and TURBO BACKPACK!! Eagles crawls to the cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again! Eagles and Fujita regroup, DOUBLE KICK COMBO!
The Sweet Boys DOUBLE BOOT X, then Fujita goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Down goes X, and now Eagles goes up! WARP 4.5!! Then the step through, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Eagles puts on more pressure, Taiji flails, and TAIJI TAPS!! SWEET BOYS WIN!
Winners: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Three times, these teams have fought 2v2. And three times, the Ichiban Sweet Boys come out on top! Will Taiji & X ever bring The Mighty down? Or do Eagles & Fujita just have their number?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon!
Oskar & Yuto-Ice know everyone wants that wrestling high, so they let their challengers sort things out themselves. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi conquered the United Empire on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but will they #GetBackUp to the top of the Heavyweight Tag Division? Or will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter get knocked out instead?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who leaves the Redzone with the gold!
The teams sort out, and while everyone is eager to fight, Yuto starts against Goto. The bell rings, and the fans rally already. The cheers for Ice have the advantage, so Ice takes a swing! Goto dodges, ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto comes back to ROCK Goto! They go forearm for forearm already, but Goto headlocks. Yuto powers up and out but Goto RUNS him over! The fans cheer while Yuto flounders away. Goto kicks and fires off forearms in the corner! The fans fire up with Goto as he whips Yuto corner to corner. Yuto comes right back to CLOBBER Goto! Oskar runs in and BLASTS Yashi! The fans fire up for KOB as they stand Goto up.
KOB double whips but Goto grabs the ropes! Goto DUMPS Oskar out, BOOTS Yuto, then Hashi WRECKS Oskar with a dropkick while Goto RUNS Yuto over! Hashi keeps moving, ZANMAI! Goto drags Yuto back up so he and Hashi can “SE~ NO!” BANG THE DRUM! The fans cheer as Yuto writhes! Hashi flexes while Goto stomps Yuto. Goto bumps Yuto off buckles, tags Hashi in, and they dig their boots in. Red Shoes reprimands, then counts, and Bishamon backs off at 4. Hashi drags Yuto up but Yuto ROCKS Hashi! And ROCKS him again! And again! Hashi spins through to CHOP Yuto! Hashi also SMACKS Oskar!
Oskar snarls but stays on the corner as Hashi CHOPS Yuto! Hashi tags Goto, Goto stomps Yuto, then Goto brings Yuto around to CLUB him down. Goto eggs Yuto on, then whips him to ropes. Yuto reverses, and Oskar catches Goto into a SLEEPER! Yuto BOOTS Goto down, then BLASTS Hashi! The fans rally and duel again as Yuto stands Goto up. Yuto bumps Goto off Oskar’s boot, then tags Oskar in. Oskar steps up and over, still impressive to the fans, and he CHOPS Goto down! Oskar circles Goto, drags him up, and CHOPS him back down! Oskar pushes Goto to the cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Goto toughs it out.
Oskar paces around Goto, drags him up, then THROWS him into the corner! Tag to Yuto and KOB mugs Goto. The fans rally as Yuto snapmares Goto, covers, TWO! Yuto sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! Yuto taunts Goto, kicks him around, and drags him up. Goto CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Yuto SMACKS Goto back down! Tag back to Oskar and he drags Goto around, into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Yuto BLASTS Hashi while Goto endures the stretch! Goto gets one arm free but Oskar keeps on the hold. The fans rally as Goto fights his way over, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Oskar lets go, and Oskar hauls Goto up.
Yuto joins in but Goto BOOTS him away! Oskar shoves Goto to the corner, runs up, but Goto dodges! Oskar hits buckles, and Goto crawls for his corner! Oskar runs up, but Goto avoids the leg drop, brother! Goto continues to crawl while the fans rally up, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hashi runs up on Oskar, ELBOW! Whip and- NO, Oskar reverses to send Hashi into the corner! Oskar runs up, but Hashi dodges the splash! Hashi comes back to LARIAT, then he whips, only for Oskar to reverse again! Hashi sunset flips, but Oskar stays standing! Only for Hashi to avoid the elbow drop! Hashi basement DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up as Hashi BLASTS Yuto! Hashi roars, the fans cheer, and Hashi circles the giant German. Hashi brings Oskar up and reels him in, but Oskar fights the suplex! Oskar powers free, scoops Hashi, but Hashi slips free to CHOP! And ROCK! Hashi roars, runs, but Oskar reels him in! HUGE mat slam, then the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hashi toughs it out but Oskar snarls as he stands back up. Oskar stands Hashi up, and with both hands, HANGING NECK- DDT COUNTER! Hashi turns things around on Oskar and the fans rally up again! Hashi goes to a corner, then he runs up on Oskar, only for Oskar to scoop and SLAM!
The fans fire up while both men crawl, and Oskar hot tags Yuto! Yuto swaggers over to Hashi, stomps him down, then stands him up. Hashi fires body shots but Yuto DECKS him for it! Yuto drags Hashi back up, whips him to ropes, but Hashi DROPKICKS the leg! Yuto falls over and the fans rally again! Hashi crawls, hot tag to Goto! Goto RUNS Yuto over! And ELBOWS him down! And whips, only for Yuto to reverse! Goto still RUNS Yuto over! Goto runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that but Goto brings him right up. But Yuto fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto swings, Yuto fires hands in return!
Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves to SMACK Goto with palm strikes! Yuto backs Goto down to a corner, KNEES him low, then SOBATS! Goto sits, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” DOUBLE KNEES! Yuto then drags Goto to the cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto toughs it out. Yuto stays close, and he sits Goto up. Yuto runs, ICE- NO! Goto blocks the kick! But Yuto ROKCS Goto! Yuto runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Hashi returns to BLAST Oskar! Hashi calls to Goto and they get Yuto up! Fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! The fans rally as Bishamon brings Yuto back up, dragon sleeper and leg lift! But Oskar LCUBS Hashi!
Oskar kicks Goto, runs the ropes, but Goto follows! Goto LARIATS, but Oskar stays up! Hashi SUPERKICKS, but Oskar is still up! Bishamon double whips, but Oskar DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Oskar bails out, but Yuto and Bishamon are all still down. Red Shoes ushers Hashi out of the ring, and he checks as Yuto and Goto crawl to corners. The fans rally up as both men rise. Yuto runs up, but Goto puts him right up top! DRAPING GTR!! But Goto can’t make the cover! The fans rally as both men crawl again, and Goto uses the ropes to stand up. Goto roars, aims, and BUZZSAW!
But Yuto rises to his feet! Goto fireman’s carries, G T W! Cover, TWO! The fans rally again as Yuto survives! Goto dragon sleepers, but Yuto wrenches through. Goto ducks the haymaker, but Yuto blocks the saido, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally as both men are down again! Goto and Yuto crawl, reach out, and hot tag to Hashi and Oskar! They both run up, but Oskar RUNS Hashi over! Oskar motions to calm down, and he grins as he brings Hashi up. Oskar whips Hashi corner to corner hard, and Hashi bounces off the buckles before landing on the mat! Hashi writhes but Oskar storms over to him.
Oskar drags Hashi up, whips corner to corner again, and just as hard! Hashi again bounces off buckles and writhes on the mat. The fans rally while Oskar takes his time walking over to Hashi. Oskar taunts Hashi, stands him up, and whips, but Hashi rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Hashi and Oskar both wobble. Oskar CLUBS Hashi down! Oskar drags Hashi up, Yuto joins in, but Hashi BOOTS Yuto away! Hashi CLUBS away on Oskar, but Oskar blocks the lariat! Yuto ROCKS Hashi, then he and Oskar hit THE RUMBLING BOMB!! Cover, but Goto breaks it! Yuto fires off on Goto, TOSSES him out, then regroups with Oskar.
Yuto & Oskar call for the end, and they haul Hashi up! Feed to Oskar, but Hashi SHOTGUNS him first! Hashi stands but AMBITION RIGHT hits first! Then ICE HIGH! Yuto calls to Oskar and they try again. Feed, scoop, and- GOTO LARIATS YUTO! Hashi victory rolls Oskar! TWO!! Goto PENALTY KICKS Oskar down! The fans fire up as Bishamon still has life! Oskar rises in a corner, and Goto sends Hashi in for a LARIAT! Then Goto adds MURAMASA! Goto climbs, Hashi lifts, and somehow, they hit the DANGEROUS LIBRA!! Cover off the super bulldog, but YUTO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down!
The fans rally up as Goto brings Yuto around. Yuto DECKS Goto, kicks him out, but Hashi LARIATS Yuto! The fans fire up again as Hashi roars! Hashi runs at Oskar in the corner and LARIATS! Then he brings Oskar in, hooks a leg, but Oskar fights the lift! Oskar fires body shots, Hashi staggers back, but Hashi LARIATS again! And SUPERKICKS! Oskar wobbles but he roars as he runs back up! Hashi dodges a boot, and he LARIATS Oskar down! Cover, TWO! Oskar is tougher than that but the fans fire up again. Hashi feeds off the energy and he powers up like Goto would! SUPERKICK! Hashi roars, and he brings Oskar back up!
Hashi hooks the leg, and KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!!! Oskar survives, with Yuto so close and yet so far because of Goto! Goto throws Yuto back out, then brings Oskar back up. The fans fire up as Goto dragon sleepers and Hashi lifts the legs! But Oskar flails and fights free of Hashi! Oskar powers out of the dragon sleeper, but Hashi HEADBUTTS him down! Yuto fires off on Goto, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Hashi is back, FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper! Hashi has the legs, but Oskar has a SLEEPER on Hashi! Hashi is stuck in The Nightmare Hold while Goto fights Yuto off.
Hashi RAMS Oskar into a corner, Goto LARIATS! Hashi LARIATS! Then Hashi goes up while Goto clinches! SUPER GOTO GO TO HUNTER! The fans fire up again as Hashi SMACKS Yuto down! Bishamon roars as they get Oskar back up and in, but Oskar again kicks free! But Hashi CODE BREAKERS! Goto dragon sleepers, Hashi has the legs, and this time for sure! SHOTO!! Cover, YUTO BREAKS IT!!! The fans are thunderous as Yuto saves Oskar with nanoseconds to spare! Red Shoes checks all four guys as they stir, and the fans rally up again. Hashi sits up first, he calls to Goto, and Goto pushes up off the mat.
The fans cheer as Bishamon roars! They stand up, and Hashi brings Yuto around. But Yuto fires forearms and elbows! But then Hashi mule kicks! Goto clinches, Hashi runs, but Yuto sends Goto into Hashi! Then he ROCKS Goto! Goto ROCKS Ice, but Ice ROCKS Goto! The fans get fired up with every forearm! Yuto swings, but Goto spins him, URA GTR! Then Goto runs, but Yuto blocks the lariat to ROUNDHOUSE! Then he blocks the ridge hand! Oskar is up, Yuto sends Goto to him! Scoop and K O B DRIVER!! But they can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous again as Yuto snarls and Oskar rises!
Yuto brings Hashi up, sends him to Oskar, but Hashi ROCKS Oskar first! Then he ROCKS Yuto! Hashi CHOPS Yuto, ROCKS him again and again, then DOUBLE CHOPS! Hashi runs, but Yuto dodges! Oskar scoops! Hashi slips free to SHOVE Oskar into Yuto! Half nelson, KARMA CRADLE! TWO!! CRUELLA!! The fans are thunderous again as all four men are back down! Yuto roars, he drags Hashi up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto anchors Yuto’s leg, then drags himself up. Yuto stares Goto down before he DECKS him! Red Shoes reprimands about closed fists, but Yuto just roars! Feed to Oskar for the scoop, K O B DRIVER!!! Cover, KOB wins!!
Winners: Oskar & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Goto & Hashi put up the fight you’d expect from former tag team champions, but they are still just former tag team champions! What will it take for them to #TurnItAllAround now that they’ve fallen behind?
As for the champs, it takes them a moment to stand back up, but they do stand for Red Shoes to raise their hands in victory. Yuto then sits back down before getting the mic. Yuto calls to Bishamon and asks they wait a moment. Yuto knows normally, the losers have nothing to say, but he wants them to hear this. He was fortunate to see their matches, and knows their philosophy of pushing forward, never giving up, and being able to turn things around. Yuto’s opinion is that even as a Young Lion in the black trunks, he thought of them as incredible strong, warm-hearted, and straightforward guys. The fans applaud that.
Yuto says if Bishamon felt the pure essence of pro-wrestling, then please come again, KOB will do this any time. The fans also applaud that, and Oskar helps Yuto stand up. Yuto continues by saying, “See you again.” Bishamon exits, and Yuto says his body aches and creaks from all that damage. But right now, being alive and being a pro-wrestler is the most fun he’s ever had! He is pretty sure pro-wrestling exists just so Yuto can live. Maybe, you guys who also love pro-wrestling feel the same. The fans cheer that, too! Yuto says he and they are all lucky, cuz pro-wrestling is an escape. If anything happens, they can always come back to wrestling!
Yuto is a huge fan of wrestling! He knows the fans cameramen, the staff, everyone in this company and in this industry in general, are all fans, too! So don’t worry, whatever your crappy reality is, pro-wrestling can save you from it. The fans cheer, that, too! Yuto promises that watching wrestling, you don’t have to think. A false version of himself is rubbish. Only raw emotion shows the real! Just feel! When you want to feel truly alive, watch pro-wrestling! The fans applaud again, and Yuto knows all you guys should just shut up and spend your time and money on Yuto & Oskar! You won’t lose anything, they ARE pro-wrestling!
The fans cheer again, and Yuto says it may vary from person to person. Whether it is work, school, home, or whatever else! As a reward, let’s share pro-wrestling together! Yuto has Oskar by his side, but also all of you “addicts!” The fans applaud, and Yuto says KOB is big money! They’re the best team in the world! And from now on, don’t think, just feel! LET’S GET HIGH! Tch tch, BIG UP! Oskar & Ice continue to reign, will there ever be a team that can keep up with their high?
My Thoughts:
A great Wrestling Redzone in the middle of the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, and I fully admit to forgetting about the first part of said Road to Wrestling Dontaku. Very good stuff in Tiger Mask escalating things for him and Douki, and I believe the House of Torture was also involved in NJPW’s previous Lumberjack Match, so maybe that tradition can replace the Bullet Club War Dogs’ Dog Kennel Cage Match. But it sounds like it’ll just be a reason to have everyone already ringside for when Tiger Mask loses his last chance at the title, because I don’t see NJPW changing tradition. Even so, it’ll be an awesome match with Tiger Mask giving it his all until the very end.
Speaking of, we got that out of the tag title matches tonight. I didn’t think TMDK would win the belts back already, but this adds to the great rivalry between them and Super Extreme. Super Extreme could make number four the one they finally win, it all just fits so well. And great match from KOB VS Bishamon. However, given it was Bishamon, who not only had their run as tag champions but are also Six Man Champions with Boltin Oleg, KOB was naturally winning here. Great stuff for them, and there are some good possibilities for who faces them next, so we’ll see where they go for Dontaku and beyond.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will NJPW make way for a new king?
Callum Newman won the 2026 New Japan Cup, meaning he gets his shot at Yota Tsuji’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Ryogoku Sumo Hall!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – KUSHIDA & Masatora Yasuda VS Tatsuya Matsumoto & Taisei Nakahara; Kushida & Yasuda win.
- Master Wato & Togi Makabe VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Fujita & Hartley win.
- Six Man Tag: Unbound Company VS United Empire; Unbound Company wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS House of Torture; Hontai wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS United Empire; United Empire wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita; Bishamon & Boltin win and retain the titles.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Shota Umino; Time Limit Draw, Konosuke retains the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; Oskar & Yuto win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita w/ Dick Togo!
It was on the Road to the New Beginning that Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi & The Man from Kazakhstan took these titles from TMDK, and now they bring them to the Ryogoku Sumo Hall to face the Lonestar Outlaw, Tokyo Pimp & Souled Out Son of Strong Style. But will Hontai put the House of Torture behind BARS? Or will Chase & Yujiro help Ren become the NEVER Double Champion?
The introductions are made, and then the House attacks! Ren kicks Oleg and tosses him out while Chase & Yujiro beat up on Bishamon! The House kicks everyone out of the ring, then go out after them. Ren CLAWS Oleg’s eyes, then holds him up so Dick Togo can get a shot in! The fans boo but Ren whips Oleg into railing! Yujiro puts Hashi back in the ring, but things are spilling into the crowd! The bell finally rings as Yujiro ROCKS and CHOPS Hashi! Yujiro runs, but Hashi ELBOWS him! Hashi runs and he RUNS Yujiro over! The fans fire up with Hashi while Yujiro bails out. Hashi runs, but Yujiro blocks the dropkick!
Chase helps out, and they hammock THROW Hashi into the railing! The fans boo more but Chase stomps Hashi. Yujiro drags Hashi up and into the ring, then tags Ren. Ren stomps away on Hashi, then drags him up to whip and ELBOW down! Cover, TWO! Ren clamps on with a chinlock to grind Hashi down. The fans rally while Hashi endures, but the ref has to keep Oleg back. Ren lets Hashi go just so he can DROPKICK Oleg’s leg! Oleg hobbles out of the ring while Ren goes back to Hashi. Ren bumps Hashi off Chase’s boot, then tags Chase in. The fans rally for Hashi but Chase snapmares and NECK SNAPS! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud as Hashi stays in this, but Chase stands on Hashi’s hand! Chase mocks the fans cheering Hashi on while he slaps Hashi around. Chase whips Hashi, but Hashi dropkicks the leg! Chase falls and the fans fire up! Hashi crawls over, hot tag to Goto! The fans fire up as the Fierce Warrior CLOBBERS Chase then BLASTS The House! Goto whips Chase to the corner, runs in and hits MURAMASA! Then the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Chase toughs it out but the fans rally for Goto as he stands. Goto goes to fireman’s carry but Chase fights it with elbows. Goto ROCKS Chase, but Chase ROCKS Goto! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans fire up!
Goto DECKS Chase, the fans fire up more, and Goto eggs Chase on. Chase comes back to fire fast hands! Chase winds up, but Goto catches him, spins him, and URA GTR! Goto runs but Chase blocks the lariat to C-TRIGGER! Chase runs but Goto follows, only for Chase to ENZIGIRI! Chase runs, but into a LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto crawls, Chase does, too, hot tags to Ren and Oleg! The fans fire up but Ren dropkicks Oleg’s leg! Then he leg scissors for the cradle, only for Oleg to power right out! Oleg gut wrenches for the Shake, Shake, Shake, and THROW! Ren tumbles, Oleg kips up,a nd Hashi BLASTS Yujiro!
The fans cheer as Oleg has Ren to himself! VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but Oleg drags him up. Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref reprimands, but Oleg breaks free to CHOP! Oleg then fireman’s carries, but Ren CLAWS his face! Oleg still flips Ren over for the TORTURE RACK! DICK RINGS THE BELL! The fans boo as he pulls off that stupid trick! Ren CHOP BLOCKS Oleg, then reels him into the KNEEBAR!! Oleg endures, reaches out, but Ren puts on the pressure! Hashi and Yujiro still brawl, but then Hashi slips in and stomps Ren! Chase kicks Hashi then TOSSES him out! Goto fires off on Chase but Yujiro CLUBS Goto!
Chase & Yujiro double whip to mule kick, KNEE LIFT, then REVERSE DDT! I HATE YOUR FACE KNEE! Goto tumbles out of the ring, Chase distracts the ref, and The House sets Oleg up! Dick climbs for the DICK CHOP! Cover, TWO! But into the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!! Oleg endures, reaches out, and the fans rally as he fights over! Ren lets go, just to drag Oleg back to center! KNEE- NO! Oleg rolls through and waistlocks! But Ren mule kicks the leg! Oleg still pops Ren up for THE VERDICT!! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Oleg and Ren crawl, hot tag to Hashi! The Head Hunter BLASTS The House to isolate Ren!
Hashi SUPERKICKS Ren, then runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up for Hashi and he half nelsons, but Ren spins through to THROW Hashi out! Ren practically tackles the ref so Chase & Yujiro can mug Hashi unseen! Chase JAMS Hashi up with a chair! The fans boo but Yujiro puts Hashi in while Chase hides the evidence. Ren tags Yujiro and Yujiro puts Hashi on the ropes. Yujiro runs up to BOOT Hashi! Then INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and the fans cheer! Yujiro is upset, he drags Hashi up, but Goto LARIATS Yujiro! Chase runs up, Goto fireman’s carries him, but Chase slips free to SHOVE Goto into Hashi!
Chase runs up, but into the HIDDEN GAP! Hashi & Goto fire up, and Hashi LARIATS Yujiro in the corner! Feed to Goto for the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH! The fans fire up again, and Goto dragon sleepers! Hashi has the legs, but Yujiro BOOTS free! And he FISHERMAN BUSTERS Goto! Everyone is down but the fans rally for Hashi! Dick coaches Yujiro as he and Hashi crawl. Yujiro and Hashi stand, and Hashi roars! Hashi ROCKS Yujiro, but Yujiro ROCKS Hashi! The forearms go back and forth, then Hashi CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hashi whips, Yujiro reverses, then Yujiro grabs the ref! Chase SMACKS Hashi with the chair!
Yujiro sits Hashi up, PIMP JUICE!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and the fans fire up again! Yujiro staggers to his feet but he drags Hashi up. Yujiro reels Hashi in, for BIG- NO, Hashi fights the Juice to waistlock! Yujiro elbows away, then runs, but into the HIDDEN GAP LARIAT! Yujiro stays up!? Yujiro runs, but into HIDDEN GAP BOLTIN! Chase runs up, but Oleg feeds him to the fireman’s carry, G T W!! Hashi BLASTS Ren off the apron, and he drags Yujiro up. Oleg RAMS Yujiro into the corner! Hashi LARIATS! Then they feed to Goto for the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper!
Hashi has the legs, but Ren is back! He catches Oleg into a SLEEPER! Hashi SUPERKICKS Ren, and Oleg TORTURE RACKS him! Hashi gives Yujiro a CODE BREAKER! Goto dragon sleepers Yujiro for Hashi to get the legs! “SE~ NO!” SHOTO!! Cover, Hontai wins!!
Winners: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
Oleg also has Ren tapping out to his torture rack! A total victory for the champions! But with that, Oleg gets a mic to call out Ren! He just made the NEVER Openweight Champion tap, so how about a match for that title?! Ren’s in no shape to answer right now, but will Oleg soon become a TRIPLE Champion?
NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Shota Umino!
The Alpha is ignoring the shade thrown by Kazuchika Okada in AEW as he does his job here in NJPW. Konosuke wants to settle the score with Shota from the G1 Climax, will he do it? Or will Shota’s Second Chapter turn this into The Roughneck Show?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Face of NJPW World!
Shota fires the fans up before he stares down with Konosuke. The bell rings, both men run up, and Shota dodges a boto! Konosuke dodges a lariat to ELBOW, then he runs, but Shota RAMS shoulders with him! Shota RAMS Konosuke again, they both run and they RAM shoulders again! Shota ROCKS Konosuke, then runs, but into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Shota reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE hits! The fans fire up and Konosuke nods while Shota goes to a corner. Konosuke storms over to ROCK Shota, ROCK him again, but Shota just brushes those off. Konosuke fires another forearm, but Shota turns things around to fire forearms in return!
The fans rally as Konosuke backs Shota down. Shota slaps the hand away, but Konosuke HEADBUTTS him! Konosuke runs, but Shota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Shota stands tall, then he gets a leg to SMASH it on the mat! Shota steps over for the STF! The fans rally as Konosuke endures, and he fights his way forward! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shota lets go cleanly. Konosuke bails out but Shota keeps an eye on him. Konosuke takes a moment while the fans rally, and he stays back as Shota rushes the ropes. Shota storms out after Konosuke, but Konosuke kicks low! And then SLAMS Shota’s arm off the timekeeper’s table!
Konosuke wrenches and lifts for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans cheer while Shota writhes, but Konosuke pushes him into the ring. Konosuke then holds onto an arm as he stands on the apron, and he KNEE DROPS on the arm! The fans are torn while Shota clutches his elbow. Konosuke takes his time before rolling inside, then he looms over Shota. Konosuke drags Shota up, wrenches the arm, and hits an ARMBAR BULLDOG! Shota writhes again while the fans rally up. Konosuke then drags Shota up, snapmares, and clamps on with a top wristlock. Shota endures, even as Konosuke pushes him down, and the fans duel.
Shota fights with kicks but Konosuke puts on the pressure. Shota still kicks, but Konosuke isolates the arm to STOMP it! The fans rally while Shota scrambles away. Konosuke stalks Shota, but the ref has him stay back. Konosuke waits for Shota to sit up, and we hit five minutes. Konosuke wrenches Shota’s arm, hammerlocks it, and RAMS Shota into buckles! Konosuke hammerlocks the arm again, runs Shota corner to corner, but Shota stops short of hitting buckles! Shota fires forearms, but Konosuke eggs him on. Shota fires another shot, but Konosuke CLUBS the arm! Konosuke whips but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Konosuke and Shota rise up, and Shota stalks Konosuke to a corner. Shota fires off forearms and CHOPS on repeat, then whips corner to corner. Shota runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then he hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but the fans still cheer Shota on. Shota drags Konosuke up, reels him in, but Konosuke fights the lift. Konosuke powers up to BACKDROP free! The fans fire up again while Konosuke runs at Shota. Shota drop toeholds Konosuke onto the ropes! Then Shota slingshots for the APRON DDT! Down goes Konosuke, and Shota looks at the belt as it rests on the timekeeper’s table.
Shota nods before going back for Konosuke. Shota drags Konosuke up, then whips, but Konosuke reverses! Shota hits railing! Konosuke then BOOTS Shota down! Shota flops through the gate and Konosuke brings him up. Konosuke has Shota dangling off the railing, but Shota slips free! Shota fires body shots, then he RAMS Konosuke into railing! The fans rally as Shota then TORNADO DDTS to the floor!! Konosuke writhes and clutches his neck, but Shota fires up with the fans! Shota puts Konosuke in the ring, then runs in at the corner for a KNEE STRIKE! Shota then goes corner to corner again, STRIKE KNEE!
The fans fire up again as Shota brings Konosuke around, and puts him up top! Shota climbs up as we hit 10 minutes! Konosuke fires body shots, and he bends Shota’s fingers! Konosuke hits a SUPER HOTSHOT on the arm! Shota falls back and the fans rally harder as Konosuke steps back inside. Konosuke aims from a corner, WAGAMAMA- NO, Shota pops him up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Konosuke survives but Shota roars! The fans rally, Shota runs, but Konosuke BOOTS the lariat! Konosuke full nelsons, then he spins Shota, but Shota wrenches free to swing! Konosuke gets under, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!
But Konosuke doesn’t cover?! He powers up instead, and goes to the corner! Konosuke aims again, for the WAGAMAMA- NO! Shota blocks it! Konosuke fires hands, but Shota DECKS him! The fans are thunderous as Shota drags Konosuke back up. Shota reels Konosuke in, suplexes, but Konosuke fights that to hook a leg! Konosuke steals SECOND CHAPTER!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives The Alpha using his own move! We hit the three minute warning, time is on Konosuke’s side here! Konosuke still wants to finish this himself, but the fans are split down the middle! WAGAMAMA- NO, Shota dodges!
Konosuke SWATS the lariat, ALPHA ELBOWS, but Shota spins to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! Shota aims now, STRIKE- NO, Konosuke counters knee with knee! Both men hobble, Shota LARIATS, but Konosuke just brushes it off! Konosuke runs, and he LARIATS Shota inside-out! We hit the two minute warning and the fans fire up again! A standing count begins, but Konosuke is already rolling to the ropes. Konosuke drags himself up at 6 of 10, Shota sits up at 8, but Konosuke stands at 9! Konosuke swings, but into a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But he’s right back up!? EXPLODER! But Shota’s right back up!
ALPHA ELBOW! ROLLING- FOREARM from Shota! ROLLING- ALPHA ELBOW!! Literally last minute here as both men lean on each other! Konosuke shakes his head, and he drags Shota up! RAGING- NO, Shota fights the fire to scoop! SECOND- NO, Konosuke slips free, INVERTED suplex, but Shota slips free of that! POISON-RANA!! Not the cleanest, but it got the job done! But we have only THIRTY SECONDS LEFT! Shota snarls, rises up, and he runs the ropes, ROUGH- NO, Konosuke dodges Shota dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS hit! They both rebound, ROUGHNECK LARIAT hits!! But Shota has to cover!! TIME IS UP!!!
Time Limit Draw; Konosuke Takeshita retains the title
It was a powerful battle, but nothing was settled as we end with a draw! Will these two look to make this a trilogy in the near future? Wait, wait, wait, who is this mysterious masked man? They wear a nice suit and bowtie, but then CHASE attacks from behind!? The fans boo as the Lonestar Outlaw beats up on Konosuke, then hammerlocks for the HIGH NOON LARIAT! And then a C-TRIGGER! Chase drags Konosuke up again, reels him in, and he underhooks the arms! But Konosuke fights the lift, and Shota runs back in! Shota chases Chase off, but what was up with tuxedo mask over there? Is it all smoke and mirrors so Chase can get his shot at this title?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!
The Knock Out Brothers may not have won World Tag League, but they thwarted the challenge from TMDK all the same! But that did nothing to deter “The Chin & The Mullet,” they want another shot! Will this be where Zack & Roy stand tall? Or will everyone in Ryogoku get that wrestling high?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who lights it up!
The teams sort out, and no question that Yuto and Oiwa start. The fans fire up already with the bell, and Yuto ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa ROCKS Yuto! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and Yuto ROCKS Oiwa again! But Oiwa dodges the boot, only for Yuto to buck the O’Conner. Oiwa dodges once but Yuto ROCKS him on return! Yuto whips, then he BOOTS Oiwa down! The fans fire up with Ice, but Oiwa gets mad. Oiwa wrenches and YANKS Yuto’s left arm, Yuto fires a forearm, and repeat! Oiwa lets Yuto go, then arm-drags him! And scoops to SLAM! Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that, but Oiwa arm-drags him again!
Oiwa has the armlock while the fans cheer. Yuto fights up, fights over, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Oiwa lets go, but he tags in ZSJ. ZSJ takes the arm, wrenches, and wrangles Yuto to the mat. ZSJ bends Yuto’s fingers but Yuto kicks his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Oiwa tags in and he ELBOW DROPS on Yuto! Oiwa sucker punches Oskar, but Oskar stays up! Oskar steps inside but Oiwa DROPKICKS him down! Oskar is furious now but ZSJ BOOTS him off the apron! The fans cheer as TMDK stands tall. Oiwa drags Yuto up, ZSJ helps out, and they double wrench again and again and again!
TMDK wrangles Yuto down and isolates the arms, STEREO STOMPS! Oiwa steps on Yuto before he tags in ZSJ, and ZSJ steps on Yuto’s leg. ZSJ twists Yuto’s wrist but Yuto fires body shots. ZSJ wrenches, but Yuto fires more forearms! ZSJ wrenches, Yuto fires even more shots, but ZSJ wrenches again to trap the arm and TWEAK it! Yuto falls back while the fans cheer. ZSJ drags Yuto back up, whips, but Yuto reverses to KNEE low! Yuto runs to SLIDING KICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Yuto crawls, hot tag to Oskar! Oiwa runs in but Oskar CLOBBERS him! And he CLOBBERS ZSJ!
The fans fire up as the German Giant double guzels! But TMDK wrench and wrench and wrench! They double whip, but Oskar breaks the double lariat to DOUBLE LARIAT back! The fans fire up with Oskar as he storms around. Oskar talks trash on ZSJ, then whips him to a corner. ZSJ hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans rally up again as Oskar stalks ZSJ. Oskar has ZSJ in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and again ZSJ falls to the mat! Oskar is right on ZSJ with a deadlift SLAM, and an ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives being thrown around but the fans rally as Oskar fires up.
Oskar scoops but ZSJ slips free, and reels Oskar into the SLEEPER! Oskar flails, he THROWS ZSJ down, then he stands ZSJ up just to CHOP him down! Oskar then aims from a corner, runs up on ZSJ, but ZSJ blocks the boot! ANKLE LOCK! The fans cheer as Oskar hops around! ZSJ keeps him from the ropes, then UPPERCUTS the leg! ZSJ ducks a shot, UPPERCUTS the leg again, then has the ANKLE LOCK! Oskar still hops to the ROPEBREAK! Oiwa tags in, and he CLUBS Oskar’s leg! Oskar falls over while the fans rally up again. Oiwa drags Oskar to center to SMASH the knee off the mat! ZSJ grabs both legs, hooks them up, then STOMPS!
Oskar writhes but Oiwa steps through and ties up the legs, but Oskar BOOTS free! Oiwa tags ZSJ, ZSJ BOOTS Yuto, and Oiwa stands Oskar up. ZSJ storms up but Oskar fires forearms and elbows! Oiwa & ZSJ pinball Oskar with forearms, then LARIAT ENZIGIRI SANDWICH! Oskar roars as he stays standing! Oskar BOOTS Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks the chop! Oskar powers up and lifts for a BACKBREAKER! Yuto runs in and adds a KNEE! The fans fire up again as Yuto feeds ZSJ to Oskar, but Oiwa trips up Yuto! ZSJ fights free of the gut wrench to get the leg! ANKLE LOCK with the GRAPEVINE! Oskar endures while the fans fire up again!
Oskar pries at the hold, Yuto SMACKS Oiwa off the apron, but Oiwa keeps Yuto from saving Oskar! ZSJ shifts around, HALF CRAB! Oskar endures but ZSJ shifts again, DEATHLOCK! ZSJ hooks an arm as part of the hold, then the other arm! Oskar endures this modified surfboard, and he powers his way forward! ZSJ hurries to trap the arms again, but Oskar reaches out! ZSJ half nelsons while keeping the legs tied up, but Oskar powers up again! ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer as Oskar survives and escapes! ZSJ rolls away to the opposite corner while the fans rally up. Oskar drags himself up with the ropes, but ZSJ runs in.
ZSJ blocks a boot, but Oskar just KICKS ZSJ away! Oskar runs up to ELBOW in the corner, then he shoves ZSJ down. Oskar runs, but ZSJ avoids the leg drop! PENALTY KICK! But Oskar uses that to stand back up! Scoop and- No, the leg gives out! ZSJ DROPKICKS Oskar down! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tag to Oiwa! Oiwa runs up to DROPKICK Oskar’s leg! Then CHOP BLOCK the other! Oiwa clamps on but Oskar CHOPS free! Oskar winds up, but Oiwa catches him to spin and sup- NO, Oskar’s too big to suplex! Oskar shoves Oiwa to ropes, then BACKDROPS on the return! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oskar crawls, hot tag to Yuto! The fans fire up for Ice as he stands Oiwa up. Yuto KICKS Oiwa, KNEES him, then SOBATS him in the corner! Yuto gets gangsta, “BOMBACLAT!” METEORA in the corner, then a cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Yuto just fires up again. Yuto sits Oiwa up to run and ICE- NO! Oiwa blocks the kick! Oiwa stands, ROCKS Yuto again and again, then runs. But Yuto mule kicks! Yuto THROWS Oiwa down by his hair, then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Yuto just fires up again. The fans rally as Yuto aims from the corner. Oiwa rises up, Yuto runs in, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Yuto! And SENTONS!
The fans fire up while both men are down again! Oiwa rises, he brings Yuto up, and he wrenches the arm. Oiwa whips corner to corner, but just to YANK the arm! And WRING it out! Yuto writhes, but Oiwa drags him back up. TENZ- NO, Yuto pulls hair! Yuto BODY BLOWS, then fires SLAP after SLAP! Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP again! Oiwa fires up but Yuto BOOTS him down! The fans are thunderous as Yuto then steps on Oiwa’s head. Yuto steps off to drag Oiwa up, but Oiwa clamps onto an arm! ARM SCREW! Yuto clutches his elbow while he falls over! Oiwa stomps away on Yuto, showing no mercy! The ref wants him to hold on so he can check that arm!
Yuto is able to sit up, but Oiwa wants the arm! Yuto ROCKS Oiwa, Oiwa CLUBS the arm! Yuto ROCKS Oiwa again, but Oiwa CLUBS the arm, and repeat! Oiwa then YANKS the arm to bring Yuto down! The fans rally harder and harder as Oiwa drags Yuto up. The ref has Oiwa hold on, Yuto’s a ragdoll! The arm is still working so Oiwa hauls Yuto up. Oiwa RAMS Yuto into the corner, then wraps the bad arm around the ropes! The ref reprimands as Oiwa pulls on the arm! Yuto suffers until Oiwa stops at 4, but then Oiwa DROPKICKS Yuto down! The fans continue to rally harder and harder, and Oiwa waits on Yuto.
Yuto SHOVES the ref, he’s not letting this arm stop the match! Yuto unwraps the elbow, SMACKS it into the corner, and he makes it work again! Oiwa nods as Yuto steps up. Yuto eggs Oiwa on, so Oiwa CLUBS the bad arm! Yuto fires a shot using that arm, but Oiwa doesn’t budge. Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm, Yuto still tries to fire shots with it. Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm again and again, then hits an ELBOW BREAKER! But Yuto DECKS Oiwa!! Yuto roars as the fans fire up! Yuto fights through the pain and dares Oiwa to get back up. Oiwa rises, and he ducks the buzzsaw! ARM SCREW! Yuto again falls back while clutching that arm!
Oiwa keeps the fans going as he runs corner to corner, but Yuto BOOTS him! Yuto SPITS at Oiwa, so Oiwa LARIATS in the corner! And LARIATS again, and again, and again! The ref has Oiwa back off while Yuto sputters. Oiwa nods, but then runs in, THE GRIP in the corner!! Yuto falls, Oiwa rises, and the fans fire up again! DIVING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Yuto survives and the fans cheer him on! Oiwa stands Yuto up to ROLLING ELBOW! And ROLLING ELBOW! And then- ROUNDHOUSE from Yuto! Yuto roars, runs, and ICE HIGH! Cover, but ZSJ NECK TWISTS Yuto! The fans fire up for that sadistic save!
Yuto stands to SLAP! And he SLAPS ZSJ down! The fans fire up again as Yuto drags ZSJ up. Ryogoku is thunderous for “AISU! AISU!” But ZSJ PELES the bad arm! Oiwa RAMS Yuto into a corner, ZSJ ENZIGIRIS, Oiwa hits CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, but Oskar breaks it! ZSJ fires UPPERCUTS on Oskar, but Oskar just scoops and SLAMS him! Oiwa LARIATS Oskar, then reels him in for a SUPLEX! NO, Oskar fights free! But Oiwa dodges to LARIAT Oskar up and out! We hit 20 minutes as Oiwa has Yuto. Oiwa winds up, but Yuto blocks The Grip! He ducks the right, but the SOUTHPAW comes through after all!
Oiwa hauls Yuto up for the TENZAN PLEX! Cover, TWO! Yuto survives and the fans rally up again. Oiwa powers up, runs the ropes, and THE GRIP misses! Oskar scoops, but ZSJ saves Oiwa! ZSJ BOOTS Yuto, blocks Oskar’s kick, DRAGON SCREW into the SUPLEX! The fans are thunderous as Oiwa finally manages it! ZSJ coaches Oiwa, then runs to UPPERCUT Yuto! Oiwa LARIATS, then feed to the ZACK DRIVER! Oiwa deadlifts for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Yuto survives and the fans are electric! ZSJ LEAPS onto Oskar for a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! ZSJ tells Oiwa to finish it! THE GRIP gets a KNEE!
Yuto fires up as the fans are electric again! But then Oiwa catches Yuto to a SLEEPER! SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX!! Yuto staggers around, THE- AMBITION RIGHT!! And then CRUELLA!!! Cover, KNOCKOUT BROTHERS WIN!
Winners: Oskar & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
As mighty as Zack & Roy are, they still couldn’t overcome the sheer strength of will inside Oskar & Yuto! Yuto makes sure Oiwa knows that before he tosses Oiwa out of the ring. The fans cheer Yuto on while he grabs a mic. Yuto says, “It feels damn good to beat the piss outta someone I really hate! And just like how I felt when I first set my eyes on pro-wrestling, pro-wrestlers are the best fighters on this planet! The toughest people there are! And there is nothing like feeling it live and raw! There is nothing like making money in this business! There is nothing like making money in pro-wrestling!” The fans cheer that!
Yuto continues by saying he and Oskar won’t change in the future. What they want is the toughest there is! The money, the fights, and that wrestling high! And whether you’re addicted to ’em or you hate ’em, there is no doubt you all get high seeing KOB! So the question is, who is next? Who do the people wanna see? Are there any teams left? The fans have some ideas, but Yuto wants to see for himself. He is calling out a team himself! BISHAMON! Get your asses out here! But wait, we get Great-O-Khan & Henare instead! The fans boo The United Empire, but the Mauler says no, no, no! NO Bishamon! Khan & Henare never lost those titles, so they’re next!
Henare & Khan will take that wrestling high as mana for the United Empire! Yuto says yeah, he likes that! He wants to hit that “mana” hard. But look, Bishamon shows up after all! Goto & Hashi step into the ring to join this conversation. Goto picks up a mic to say, “We were just feeling like we wanted that pro-wrestling high ourselves.” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says that this won’t be an easy high to get. So, Empire, how about they take you out first? Bishamon will prove THEY are the best! Yuto is loving this as much as the fans! He says THIS is the real wrestling high! They won’t hide, they won’t run, they’ll take whoever wins!
But just know that you don’t have to think, just feel! LET’S GET HIGH! Tch tch, BIG UP! KOB is ready for anyone and everyone, but will they be taking on one of the best in Bishamon? Or will the Empire fight their way to what they’ve been owed?
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Callum Newman w/ The United Empire!
The Gene Blast is still a double champion, having defeated Andrade El Idolo back at the New Beginning in USA. But ever since taking over as the United Empire’s leader, The Prince has grown stronger and stronger, slaying giants on his way to taking the New Japan Cup. Will this truly be Callum’s crowning achievement? Or will Yota prove Callum is NOT ready?
The introductions are made by President Tanahashi, then he raises THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Callum tries his intimidation with the sword but Yota just grins. Everyone from the United Empire fist bumps Callum before taking their seats in the front row, but Will Ospreay stays as Callum’s cornerman. The bell rings and the fans are strongly behind Yota. Callum BOOTS Yota, whips, but Yota reverses, only for Callum to sweep the legs! Yota dodges Excalibur to scoop, but Callum slips free. Yota BOOTS Callum, then goes up, up, but Callum avoids the Marlowe Crush! Yota shows Superkick and Callum backs off!
The fans cheer, even as Callum bails out to cool things off. The Callum fans start getting louder as he steps back into the ring. Callum and Yota circle, feel things out, and tie up. Callum powers Yota to the ropes, Red Shoes calls the break, but Callum BODY BLOWS! Callum whips, Yota reverses, but Callum slides out. The fans boo while Callum swaggers around, but Yota DIVES! Direct hit and Callum is sent into railing! The fans fire up with Yota and he brings Callum up. Yota puts Callum in the ring, then storms up behind him. Yota CHOPS Callum, then puts him in the corner. Yota winds up to CHOP again, and Callum grits his teeth.
Yota RAMS into Callum again and again, then brings him around to run him over! The fans cheer while Yota pushes Callum down, ONE! The fans applaud as Callum shows his toughness. Yota stands Callum up, but Callum fires a flurry of forearms! Callum runs, but into the scoop BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud again as Callum toughs it out. Yota goes for the legs but Callum scrambles over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud again, but Yota stomps Callum as he lets go. Red Shoes reprimands but the fans rally up as Yota brings Callum around. Yota fires a flurry of forearms as he has Callum against the ropes.
Yota whips, but Callum reverses, and Callum sweeps the legs to then KICK Yota in the side! Yota clutches his ribs but Callum also has to sit back from the damage done. Callum brings Yota up, around, and stomps him down. Callum mocks the champ before he stomps him again. Callum clamps onto Yota with a chinlock and grinds him down. Callum KNEES Yota in the back, KICKS him again, but Yota grins?! Yota snapmares Callum to KICK him in the back! Callum brushes that off and snapmares Yota for a KICK! Callum shakes out his foot while Yota bails out of the ring. Yota walks off the sting from that shot while the fans rally up.
A ring count starts, and Callum waits as Yota stretches out his back. The count passes 10 of 20, then 15, but Yota rolls in at 16. Callum stomps Yota at the ropes! Callum then stands Yota up to fire forearms and egg him on. Yota fires a forearm, then a flurry, but Callum KNEES Yota in the head! Callum runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the HIP TOSS finds him! The fans cheer while Yota clutches his back again. Callum slowly rises up and goes to the corner, but Yota is on him. Yota whips corner to corner, Callum reverses and runs in, but Yota pops him up to THROW him away! The fans fire up as Yota then puts Callum in a corner, climbs up, and rains down elbows!
The fans rally as Yota goes all the way to TEN! Then Yota reels Callum in for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans continue to rally for Yota as he and Callum slowly rise. Yota CHOPS Callum, CHOPS him again, and CHOPS again! And again! Callum turns things around to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! Yota bumps Callum off buckles to fire off a flurry of forearms! Then Yota CHOPS! Callum sputters while he slumps down, but Yota stands him back up. Yota pops Callum up top, then climbs up after him. The fans rally for Yota as he SUPER STEINERS! Callum writhes, Yota covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Callum stays in this.
Ospreay coaches Callum up but Yota is already on him again. Callum fights the pump handle, elbows free, but Yota fires a forearm! Callum huffs ‘n’ puffs but comes back to fire shots with Yota! Callum fires a flurry, Yota ROCKS Callum, but Callum ELBOWS Yota! Yota winds up, but Callum catches him, to a full nelson. Yota breaks free, only to end up in double chicken wings! TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Yota stays in this, but Ospreay coaches Callum to focus. Callum drags Yota up, brings him in, and vows to end this already! PRINCE- NO, Yota fights the Curse to wrench out, clinch, and BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER!
But Callum avoids the stomp! Callum blocks a shot to ROCK, ROLLING ELBOW, but the GENE TRIGGER hits! Callum HEEL KICKS! Yota SUPERKICKS! Yota then dodges a lariat, but Callum dodges back! GENE TRIGGER! LARIAT!! The fans and even Ospreay fire up as both men are down! Callum shakes out his arm from hitting Yota that hard, then he slowly rises up. Callum brings Yota to the ropes, then the apron. The fans duel, the majority still behind Yota, but Callum calls his shot! Callum goes up the corner, but Yota anchors him! Yota puts Callum in the ropes, KNEES him in the back, then APRON WOE STOMPS!
The fans rally as Callum sputters. Yota aims again, then runs up, CURB STOMP from apron to floor!! Ospreay freaks out and checks Callum but Red Shoes wants him to stay back. Yota sits up and Callum stirs as the ring count climbs. Yota stands at 11 of 20, gives Yuya Uemura a nod on commentary, then puts Callum in at 15. The fans cheer as Yota brings Callum around, wanting to end this in definitive manner. Yota whips Callum corner to corner, but Callum barely makes it there! Yota runs up, and GENE TRIGGERS! Then he reels Callum in, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Yota brings Callum up again.
Yota runs the ropes, and he LARIATS Callum inside-out! The fans fire up with Yota, he brings Callum up, but Callum is a ragdoll! Red Shoes checks on Callum, but Yota runs, only for Callum to make Red Shoes take the CURB STOMP!! The fans go nuts and Yota is stunned! The fans boo as Callum then KNEES Yota down! Callum then waves to the rest of The Empire, and Zane Jay hops the railing! But OSPREAY stops Zane! The fans cheer as Ospreay wants Callum to do this under his own merits. Callum grabs the chair, but Ospreay grabs it back! Ospreay tells Callum he is better than this! He can do this on his own! Don’t betray the code of conduct they’ve set!
Callum and Ospreay tug-o-war with the chair for a moment as Ospreay pleads with Callum. Callum lets the chair go, trusting Ospreay is right. But then Yota uses HIDDEN BLADE?!? Yota just sent a message to the Aerial Assassin with that! Yota loads up, Ospreay warns Callum, but too late! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, but Red Shoes is out cold! Yota would’ve won this twice over! Marty Asami hurries out here, he counts the cover, TWO!! Callum survives thanks to the delay! Red Shoes is carried away by a Young Lion while Marty takes over. Yota reloads, Ospreay warns Callum again, and Callum rises up. Yota runs in again, but Callum uses HIDDEN BLADE!!
Ospreay cheers Callum on while Callum and Yota are both down again! The fans rally and duel as Callum rises up. Callum goes to Yota, sits him up, and eggs him on. Yota fires a forearm and Callum sits back. Callum fires a forearm in return, but Yota manages a smile. Yota fires another forearm, and the fans rally up again. Callum wobbles as he stands, but he still ROCKS Yota! Yota stands back up to ROCK Callum! Callum stumbles but Ospreay coaches him up. The armbands come off, and Callum SPITS at Yota! Callum puts his hands back, Yota winds up, but Callum ROCKS him first! Then Callum fakes the Oscutter to LARIAT!
Callum hooks a leg, FIREBOLT! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up again! Callum huffs ‘n’ puffs but Ospreay coaches him on. Callum goes back to Yota, drags him up, fireman’s carries, but Yota slips free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Callum comes back, Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges, DESTROYER!! Callum staggers, into a GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Callum survives and shocks everyone! Yota shakes it off to go back to his corner. The fans are thunderous as Yota roars, aims, and runs into EXCALIBUR!! Both men are down again as Callum intercepts Yota, and the fans are thunderous again!
Callum undoes his wrist tape to show off the crown tattoo. Callum stalks Yota, drags him up, and winds up the CROWNING LARIAT! But Callum isn’t done with one, he stands Yota back up and vows to end this! Fireman’s carry and MAKE- DDT COUNTER!! Yota will not make way just yet, and he goes to the ropes! The fans rally as hard as they can as Yota goes up the corner, MARLOWE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives again and the fans fire up! Ospreay coaches Callum while Yota roars. Yota brings Callum around, pump handles, and URENAGES! Cover, TWO! Yota is frustrated his new move didn’t end this, but he goes back to the tried ‘n’ true!
Yota aims from a corner, runs in again, and GENE- NO, Callum snatches Yota in a roll-up, but Yota rolls through! CROWNING LARIAT!! High stack, TWO!! Callum hurries to half hatch, for the PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans are electric and Ospreay argues the count, but Callum just seethes as he looms over Yota. Callum drags Yota up again, fireman’s carries, but Yota fights with elbows! Callum still fireman’s carries, MAKE- NO! Yota lands out to HEADBUTT! CROWNING LARIAT!! The fans are electric as Callum fireman’s carries again, MAKE- SUNSET FLIP! Callum rolls through, but Yota reels him in, JUMBO PLEX!!
Yota reloads, GENE- NO, Callum uses Marty as a shield! LOW BLOW!! Fireman’s carry, MAKE WAY!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Champion)
Well, it wasn’t exactly a clean victory, but Callum still did it all on his own! Ospreay is just as excited and proud as anyone that Callum did it! His first New Japan Cup win translates directly to his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship victory! Tanahashi presents the belt to Callum personally, and Marty raises Callum’s hand in victory. Callum takes a moment to kneel on the lion logo with the belt as the moment starts to sink in. Ospreay then joins Callum in the ring to put the belt around Callum’s waist. The fans cheer as the passing of the torch is complete. The two hug it out, brothers in arms through this ordeal.
But wait, who is this dragging Yota out of the ring?! PILEDRIVER on the floor?!? GABE KIDD!?! This Mad Man has been in AEW this whole time, and he takes off his jacket to show off his AEW shirt! Shingo Takagi rushes out here to attack this traitorous dog, but Gabe SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Gabe tells them off. Gabe then DECKS Yota, and he snatches the Global Championship! Gabe CLOBBERS Yota using the belt! Gabe holds up the belt while he drags Yota away, seemingly claiming he owns both now! But back to Callum in the ring, the rest of the Empire joins him at ringside, but then Takagi rolls inside?
Callum tells Takagi to piss off, this is HIS moment! Takagi says okay, okay, sorry. Takagi steps out, but then Takagi steps back in! The fans cheer Takagi on, but then Takagi does slide back out, to snatch the mic first! “Dumbass! Like I’m gonna leave quietly! Callum, Callum, you really did it, huh? But I saw how you did it by the end! Is this how the United Empire does things now? That’s how you’re gonna take THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship? I’m not gonna forgive that! Callum, next, I challenge you! What do you say to that?
“Up until last year, I didn’t have a belt, I didn’t have a faction, and now I have the Unbound Company. Therefore… I have a family to protect! So all that’s missing is that IWGP title!” Takagi has staked his claim, but he hands the mic to Callum to respond. Callum smirks and says, “I have already beaten you once, and I will very happily do it again. For the IWGP title, let’s do it.” The fans applaud that, and now it is only a matter of when and where! Takagi looks to Ospreay, and the Rampaging Dragon nods to the Aerial Assassin, ready to take on his successor. Takagi finally leaves, and Callum gets to speak for himself.
“Oi, oi, oi. Callum Newman, the youngest New Japan Cup winner of all time, and now the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time!” The fans cheer that! There are those that still boo, but Callum says there is nothing anyone can question him about now. He is at the top of NJPW, he’s at the top of British wrestling, he’s the reason Bullet Club died, he is the Kingslayer, the Prince of New Japan! You will make way for him, and kiss the crown! Callum leaves it at that, and the Empire joins him for the photo op, complete with the gold streamers and confetti. The Prince sits on the throne, but will he have to slay a Rampaging Dragon to still reign?
My Thoughts:
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