NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife Report! (9/4/21)
Who strikes out in the MetLife Dome?
Day one of the double header weekend is here!
NJPW enters the MetLife Dome, ready to swing for the fences! Will Kazuchika Okada hit a homer off Jeff Cobb? Or will the Rainmaker strike out instead?
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
- Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles VS Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi; Tiger Mask & Eagles win.
- YOH VS SHO; SHO wins.
- KOPW 2021 I Quit Match: Chase Owens VS Toru Yano; Yano wins and becomes the new provisional Mr. KOPW 2021.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kota Ibushi; Tanahashi wins and retains the title.
MY REPORT
Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles VS Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi!
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship will be on the line tomorrow for Night Two, but for Night One, the Sniper of the Sky and the Ticking Timebomb have their tag partners backing them up! Will the champion strike out his challenger and get great momentum? Or will Hiromu-chan get on base even before their title bout?
The teams sort out and Hiromu gets a good look at the title belt before he and Eagles start. They go right at each other, dodging and blocking strikes. Hiromu shoves, rushes in, but Eagles catches him to a waistlock. Hiromu gets free, kicks and whips but Eagles reverses to go up and around! Eagles tries the arm-drag but Hiromu blocks to bring Eagles up, kick low and whips him to a corner. Hiromu runs in to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick but Eagles dodges! Eagles mule kicks but Hiromu dodges that, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Hiromu and Eagles go forehead to forehead, give each other sarcastic shoulder pats, then mockingly compliment each other.
Hiromu backs off to his corner so Eagles heads for his. Bushi tags in, and Hiromu attacks Eagles from behind! Hiromu stomps Eagles, Bushi knocks Tiger Mask off the apron, then LIJ mugs Eagles. LIJ double whips Eagles corner to corner, Bushi runs in but Eagles dodges to huricanrana Hiromu! Bushi kicks Eagles and runs but into a wheel kick! Eagles kips up, tags Tiger Mask, and Tiger Mask goes up top to CROSSBODY Hiromu! Tiger Mask rolls off, dropkicks Hiromu out, then regroups with Eagles. They double whip Bushi to yank him down, and then KICK away from both sides! DOUBLE KICK SANDWICH! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH!
Tiger Mask stomps Bushi, brings him up and whips him to ropes. Tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tiger keeps cool as he stomps Bushi more. Tiger Mask runs but into a kick! Hiromu returns to dropkick Tiger Mask’s legs out and Bushi adds a basement dropkick! Hiromu DECKS Eagles and goes out after him while Bushi and Tiger Mask are still down. Hiromu whips Eagles hard into railing and then taunts him. Bushi uses his T-shirt to choke Tiger Mask! The ref counts, Bushi only lets go with one hand but the ref counts more. Bushi lets go completely and then stomps Tiger Mask. Hiromu snatches away Eagles’ headband to wear it himself!
Hiromu tags in and stomps a mudhole into Tiger Mask! Bushi adds his boot, the ref counts, but only Bushi lets off. The ref tells Hiromu to stop, and Hiromu does, to drag Tiger Mask around by his leg. Hiromu drops elbow after elbow on the leg then puts on a toehold! Tiger Mask endures, fans rally up, but Hiromu drops more elbows. Tag to Bushi, and LIJ splits the wishbone on Tiger Mask! Hiromu takes his time exiting while Bushi bumps Tiger Mask off buckles. Bushi CHOPS then isolates the leg in the ropes. The ref reprimands but Bushi dropkicks the leg anyway. Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Bushi stomps Tiger Mask down.
Bushi digs his heel into the knee but Tiger Mask grabs at Bushi’s mask. Bushi stomps Tiger Mask down and tags Hiromu. Hiromu mockingly says, “C’mon, Robbie!” as he stomps Tiger Mask. Tiger Mask gets up to CHOP and CHOP Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS back then whips Tiger Mask to a corner. Corner clothesline, snapmare and running basement dropkick! Hiromu taunts Eagles more, and even steals the Ron Miller Special! Eagles gets mad but Bushi intercepts! Bushi kicks Eagles down and goes out after him but Tiger Mask crawls for the ropes! Fans rally, Tiger Mask reaches out, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu takes his time letting off the hold as the ref counts.
Hiromu still taunts Eagles while bringing Tiger Mask up. Hiromu CLUBS, then fireman’s carries, but Tiger Mask slips down! Hiromu ducks the roundhouse and grabs Tiger Mask’s arms, only for Tiger Mask to somersault kick him away! Tiger Mask then mule kicks and ROUNDHOUSES Hiromu down! Fans rally up as Tiger Mask crawls, hot tag to Eagles! Bushi gets in and regroups with Hiromu, but Eagles springboards to double missile dropkick them down! Eagles fires up and he fires off KICK after KICK on Hiromu! Eagles runs and RUNNING KICKS Hiromu down! Hiromu ends up in a corner, Eagles gets the fans rallying as he runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE!
Eagles rolls back but runs into a BOOT! Eagles sweeps Hiromu’s legs with the Tiger Feint! Then runs in to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Eagles keeps his cool as he goes up the corner. Fans fire up as aims at Hiromu, 450 but he has to roll through! Bushi returns, waistlocks Eagles, but Hiromu is slow to getting up. Hiromu runs in but Eagles sends him into Bushi! LIJ is down, Eagles runs in from the corner for a SLIDING LARIAT BASEMENT DROPKICK COMBO! Cover, TWO! Eagles drags Hiromu by a leg, stomps away on that leg, then steps through. Hiromu kicks away at Eagles and Eagles falls! Hiromu grins as he gets back up and fans rally.
Eagles mule kicks, but no standing Sliced Bread! Fireman’s carry but Eagles slips off. Eagles ducks the forearm and elbow but Hiromu still ROCKS Eagles with another forearm! Eagles kicks out Hiromu’s leg, runs the ropes but runs into a POP-UP SIT-OUT BOMB! Hiromu can’t hold the cover and both men are down on the mat! Fans fire up as the two crawl, hot tag to Bushi, and he dropkicks Tiger Mask down! Bushi bumps Eagles off buckles, whips corner to corner but Eagles reverses. Bushi slips out to swing kick Eagles away! Missile dropkick! Bushirooni! Eagles flounders, Bushi brings him up and catches his punch to a spin and DDT! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up more as Bushi drags Eagles up. Bushi knees low, whips but Eagles reverses. Bushi ducks and DIVES out onto Tiger! Hiromu jumps in and brawls with Eagles, forearm for forearm over and over and over! Fans are fired up as Hiromu gets the edge, but Eagles ducks the superkick! Hiromu ducks the roundhouse but not the low enziguri! Bushi runs in but Eagles denies him the Code Breaker! Bushi turns the Turbo Backpack into a backslide but Eagles rolls through! Eagles ducks Bushi’s enziguri and blocks the mule kick with a RON MILLER SPEACIL! Bushi endures but Hiromu clobbers Eagles! Tiger Mask gets in to throw Hiromu out! Tiger Mask builds speed to DIVE onto Hiromu!
Tiger Mask shouts to Robbie to finish this, Eagles springboards to missile dropkick Bushi’s leg out! TURBO BACKPACK to the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Bushi taps, Eagles & Tiger Mask win!
Winners: Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles, by submission
The Sniper of the Sky shoots down the Death Mask and Hiromu is frustrated. Eagles taunts him with the title, but will Hiromu have the last laugh by taking it back?
YOH VS SHO!
The unthinkable has happened: Roppongi 3K has fallen apart! High Voltage shocked the world by turning on Direct Drive, but will Sho pay for betraying his longtime friend?
With his new, deranged attitude comes a new video package, cover of his theme song, and darker style of ring gear for Sho! Yoh doesn’t even care about entrance or bell, he goes right at Sho! They brawl, the bell rings to put this on the record, and the brawling just keeps going! Yoh gets the edge, Sho hits back and ROCKS Yoh! Yoh hits back, hits more, but Sho claws at Yoh’s face! The ref reprimands and counts, Sho stops and headlocks Yoh. Yoh powers out, ducks and dodges, drop toeholds Sho and basement dropkicks him! Yoh rains down furious forearms, not even taking his jacket off! Yoh stops just a moment before he brings Sho up to DECK him! And again!
Sho staggers, Yoh ROCKS him with a forearm against the ropes, then ROCKS him with a EuroUpper! Sho still has a deranged smirk but Yoh wrenches and whips. Sho slides out, Yoh pursues and they run around the ring! Sho attacks a Young Lion and sends him into Yoh! Both Yoh and Young Lion go tumbling, then Sho stomps and kicks Yoh around. Sho brings Yoh up to whip him hard into railing! Sho asks those around if Yoh is serious with all this, and then Sho tears Yoh’s jacket off him. Sho brings Yoh back up, and whips him hard into more railing! Yoh goes writhing and floundering while Sho “apologizes” to the ref. Sho refreshes the count, then whips Yoh into even more railing!
Sho pulls off the tape on a corner crossbar while Yoh flounders. The ref reprimands but there’s nothing the ref can do about it. Sho drags Yoh up and over to that corner, laces his arm through the corner and bends the forearm against the crossbar! The ref reprimands and tells Sho to stop but Sho is too busy talking trash to Yoh! The ref pulls at Sho but Sho shrugs him off to pull Yoh’s arm even harder! The ref counts and Sho stops, and then “apologizes” again. Sho gets Yoh up, to wrap the arm around railing! And then kicks away at the railing to jam the arm! The ref reprimands and a ring count starts, but Sho uses every count as the timing for his kick to the railing!
Sho stops at 14 of 20, goes back to the ring, and Yoh is down as we pass 15! Yoh gets up at 18 and springs into the ring! Sho makes him pay for that by bringing him back out and whipping him even harder into railing! Sho leaves Yoh behind and “apologizes” again, “promising” to leave it at this. The ring count starts again and Yoh is still down at 10 of 20. Sho paces, Yoh rises at 15 of 20, and gets in again at 18! Fans cheer Yoh’s heart but Sho smirks as he gives toying kicks at him. Sho wants Yoh to get up and get mad but Yoh just eggs Sho on. Fans rally as Yoh stands and hits Sho back! Sho eggs Yoh on now and the forearms keep flying! Until Sho rakes Yoh’s face!
The ref reprimands and counts so Sho stops to then whip Yoh to ropes for a kitchen sink knee! Sho checks his jaw, then drags Yoh up by his hair. Sho KICKS Yoh in the back and Yoh writhes around. Sho sits him up again and KICKS him again! Yoh writhes more, and Sho “apologizes” to the ref. Cover, TWO! Sho mockingly shows surprise but then smirks as Yoh goes to ropes. Sho clamps onto Yoh’s arm, wrenches and digs an elbow into the shoulder. Sho wrenches again, shifts to a cording hold and thrashes the shoulder around. Fans rally but Sho uses the double arm wrench to trap Yoh so he can jab into the ribs! Sho then throws Yoh down and soaks in the moment as he paces.
Sho drags Yoh back up, bumps him off buckles and stomps a mudhole into him. The ref counts, Sho stops to then dig both boots in! Sho talks trash again, the ref again has to pull Sho away, and Sho again “apologizes.” Yoh still looks up at Sho defiantly so Sho digs his boot in again. The ref counts, Sho stops this time to let the ref check Yoh. Yoh refuses to stop so Sho stands on his throat again. The ref counts, Sho stops again and then dares Yoh to get up. Fans rally for Yoh as he stands but Sho gives him more toying kicks. Yoh grabs Sho’s foot, throws it down and throws more forearms! Sho rakes the eyes again! The ref again reprimands, Sho whips but Yoh reverses to dropkick him down!
Fans fire up while the former RPG3K is on the mat! Sho goes to a corner, Yoh goes to the other. Sho runs corner to corner but Yoh meets him! Yoh rallies with big forearms and then whips again. Sho reverses again but Yoh hits FLYING FOREARMS! Yoh kips up and fans fire up behind him! Yoh waits for Sho to go to a corner, then he runs in corner to corner, for a LEAPING back elbow! Yoh snapmares and stomps Sho around! And kicks him to the ropes! And at the ropes! Yoh gets Sho to the apron then drags him up by his hair. Fans rally but Sho wrenches the arm to HOTSHOT it! Then Sho drags Yoh back out, to whip! But Yoh reverses! Sho stops himself but Yoh SHOTGUNS Sho into railing!
Fans cheer as Yoh gets back to the ring. Sho staggers up and around, You builds speed and FLIES out onto Sho! They crash into railing and both men are down! The ref goes out to check both men but they’re okay to continue. Fans rally up as the ref starts a new ring count. Both men slowly sit up as we reach 10 of 20. Yoh is on his feet first at 13, and he drags Sho up at 15 to put him in the ring. Fans cheer and Yoh gets Sho up to suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but Yoh keeps his cool. Yoh stands Sho up to ROCK him with a forearm, then ROCKS him again. Yoh RAMS his shoulder into Sho, hoists him up top, then climbs up to join him.
Yoh CLUBS Sho a few times, Sho fights back with body shots and CLUBS Yoh in return. Yoh hops down and Sho adjusts, but Yoh ROCKS Sho again! Yoh climbs up, Sho slips under to bring Yoh out! Yoh tries to rana counter but Sho blocks that! Sho powers Yoh back up for a POWER BREAKER! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Sho grits his teeth and gets up to his feet. He reels Yoh into a waistlock for a GERMAN SUPLEX! And then another GERMAN SUPLEX! Yoh grabs ropes to hold off the third, the ref calls for the ropebreak but Sho pulls Yoh’s hair! Sho KICKS Yoh in the ribs, but Yoh blocks the roundhouse for a DRAGON SCREW! And a nasty one!
Yoh rolls through with Sho to get a CALF KILLER! Sho dribbles Yoh’s head off the mat to get free! Sho staggers up and still smirks as he looms over Yoh. Sho stands Yoh up, wrenches and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Then he wrenches again for another ELBOW BREAKER! And a third ELBOW BREAKER! Fans rally for Yoh but Sho PENALTY KICKS the arm! Sho runs but into a JUMP KNEE! Yoh runs but into a JUMP KNEE! Sho wrenches, Yoh full nelsons but Sho breaks free, only to swing into another full nelson! Sho breaks that but Yoh makes it a straitjacket GERMAN! But Sho staggers up and rebounds to LARIAT! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Sho drags Yoh up to his feet, runs ropes and LARIATS Yoh down again! But he isn’t done, he aims his bow at Yoh. Sho drags Yoh up, reels him in and hooks up the arms. SHOCK- Yoh flips through to trip Sho to the CALF KILLER!! Sho grabs at Yoh’s hair and face again! The ref actually has to club Sho’s arm to make him stop! And Yoh CRANKS back on the CALF KILLER!! Sho shouts and flails and reaches for ropes! Sho crawls, Yoh elbows him over and over in the side, then rolls him away! STARGAZER CALF KILLER!! Sho freaks out in the modified deathlock but he gets the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go and the fans fire up more!
Yoh grits his teeth and glares at Sho as he stands. Yoh reels Sho into a full nelson, but Sho RAMS Yoh into a corner! So Yoh dropkicks Sho’s legs out! SNAP DRAGON into the corner!! Yoh isn’t showing his traitorous former friend any mercy! Underhooks, but Sho holds off Direct Drive! Sho reels Yoh in, wraps him up in the arms, but Yoh back drops out of the piledriver! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Sho drags himself around, as does Yoh, and the two spot each other. They approach and Yoh throws a forearm! Sho responds with a forearm, but Yoh gives another! Sho hits back, Yoh catches his breath and hits Sho again. The two slowly stand as the forearms keep flying!
Sho ROCKS Yoh, Yoh ROCKS Sho, and they start speeding up! Sho laughs as Yoh wobbles, and Sho fires off boxing elbows! Sho doesn’t stop until Yoh is down on the mat, and then he just adds stomps! Sho stops so he can stand Yoh back up, but Yoh fires boxing elbows in return! Yoh keeps going until Sho is down on the mat, and fans cheer Yoh’s fighting spirit! Yoh stands Sho up, but Sho hits back with more boxing elbows! Sho stands Yoh up tall to LARIAT! But Yoh stays up with a defiant glare. Sho LARIATS again but again Yoh stays up! Sho LARIATS a third time and Yoh falls over. But Sho still isn’t done, he runs into YOH’S LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as Yoh powers up!
Yoh stands Sho up, SNAP DRAGON!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yoh has more to give! Yoh stands Sho up again, reels him in and underhooks the arms. But Sho shoves Yoh into the ref, then does it again! The ref is down, Sho SPEARS Yoh down! But with no ref to count, Sho can’t finish this! Except Sho doesn’t want to finish this as a match! Sho gets a chair from under the ring and brings it into the ring. Yoh flounders to the ropes and drags himself up as Sho takes aim. Yoh dodges the chairshot to SUPERKICK Sho down! Yoh glares at Sho, kicks him from the chair, and then picks up the chair for himself. Yoh smacks the chair off the mat and Sho wants mercy?!
Yoh holds the chair up but he can’t bring himself to use it. So he SUPERKICKS Sho again! Yoh gets Sho up, underhooks the arms, DIRECT- NO! Sho blocks the lift and LOW BLOW UPPERCUTS!! Sho gets the chair again, smirks as he aims at Yoh, for a HEAD SHOT!!! Sho tells the ref to get up already, and then Sho covers. But Sho lets off at TWO?!? Sho is a sadist as he reels Yoh into HELL’S GATE!!! Yoh can’t get free, he’s passing out! Sho wins!!
Winner: SHO, by referee stoppage
But Sho doesn’t let go until HE is satisfied with it! Sho kicks Young Lions out so they can’t help Yoh, either! The ref checks on Yoh but Yoh is out cold! Sho snatches away the ice packs so he can use them, and then he stands on Yoh’s downed body. Is this darker voltage going to be what powers Sho to the top as a solo player? Sho even gets the mic to speak! “Yoh-san… It’s just like I said. I TOLD YOU, YOU NEED TO QUIT!!” Sho kicks Yoh out of the ring literally, but has this loss ended Yoh’s NJPW wrestling career?
Wait a minute, what is Bullet Club doing walking out here? Specifically, it’s Evil, Dick Togo and Yujiro Takahashi! They, the “House of Torture,” are applauding Sho’s actions, and even give him a HOT T-shirt! Sho accepts it gladly, and is leaving Chaos for Bullet Club! Fans do cheer this, and Sho has his first Low Sweet! Will High Voltage make the Bullet Club shocking once again?
KOPW 2021 I Quit Match: Chase Owens VS Toru Yano!
The Crown Jewel doesn’t want to just beat the Clown Prince of Chaos, he wants to hurt him! Is there no way Yano can turn the tables and trick Chase when the only way to win is to bring out those two dreaded words?
Wait! That shock yellow hair! Yano is bringing up his past of brutality in order to fight on the same level as Chase! How will Chase fair now that he’s against the Most Violent Player in the Game? Especially seeing #GreatBashHeel just brought handcuffs to the fight! The introductions are made but Yano doesn’t even wait for Chase to get in the ring! Yano rushes out after Chase and they brawl in the entry aisle! The ring announcer does his best to finish introductions and the bell rings to get this on record just as Yano DECKS Chase! Yano walks back towards the ring but Chase already brings out his first trick: a Ziploc bag of powder!
Yano returns for Chase but gets ZIPLOC POWDER to the face! Chase stomps Yano down and chokes Yano on the ground! Then he stomps Yano more, drags him up by the hair and RAMS Yano into the railing’s gateway! Then Chase headlock punches Yano down and chokes him more! The ref checks on Yano but Yano doesn’t quit so easily. Chase taunts Yano and puts him in the ring. Chase kicks Yano while daring him to fight back. Chase stands Yano up but Yano rakes the eyes! Yano headlocks, Chase powers out but Yano runs him over! Only for Chase to trip Yano and choke him more! Chase lets off only to drag Yano up and throw him out of the ring.
Chase goes out after Yano, stomps him down again, then stands on his neck at the railing! Chase keeps egging Yano on as he drags Yano up. Chase whips but Yano reverses and Chase hits railing! Yano goes under the ring to bring out a trash can, its lid, various cookie pans, other kinds of trash can lids and and even a traffic sign! Yano brings the trash can over to SMACK Chase in the head with it! Yano kicks the other things around so he can put a second trash can into the ring. Yano puts just a few things into the ring before bringing the cookie pan around the way with him. Fans cheer on GBH Yano as he chases Chase down and SMACKS him on the back! And then SMACKS him in the head!
Now Yano dares Chase to do something, but Chase refuses to quit. Yano prepares his signature red chair and puts Chase into the ring. Yano has the mic and shouts, “OI, you! You say quit? You say quit?!” Chase shouts, “NO!” so Yano lets him go. Yano grabs the second trash can, puts it around Chase, and then asks one more time, “YOU SAY QUIT?!” Chase shouts “NO!” and it echoes inside the can. Yano makes sure Chase still has the mic if he changes his mind, as he BATTERS the trash can with his umbrella! Yano keeps asking if Chase quits and Chase keeps shouting no. The ref wants to check on Chase but Yano has him back off so he can SMACK the can again!
Yano paces while Chase writhes inside the trash can. Yano wedges his red chair into a corner as Chase craws out of the trash. Yano stomps Chase before he can get away, and then pulls Chase’s hair so he can pull Chase into the ropes! Chase refuses to quit, shouting “NEVER!” Yano keeps on Chase until Chase pushes the ref away, then drags Chase up by his hair. Yano whips Chase into the red chair! Fans cheer for Yano’s creative brutality as he now sets up the trash can for something more. Yano gets Chase up, Chase throws body shots and turns things around, to snap suplex Yano onto the trash can! Yano’s creativity comes back to haunt him as Chase gets up and grabs the lid!
Chase SMACKS Yano with the trash can lid, then tosses it aside. Chase moves the wrecked trash can out of the way as he drags Yano to the apron. Chase SLAMS Yano’s leg into the apron edge! Yano resists as Chase drags him more but Chase still gets him for a DRAPING FIGURE FOUR, with the post included! Yano refuses to quit so Chase lets go, to then SMACK the legs with the busted trash can! Yano flops out of the ring while Chase gathers up the random trash can lids and serving trays. Yano stands up, and Chase uses the metal circles like cymbals to BASH Yano’s head! Yano falls over, ears ringing, but Chase himself catches his breath and plans his next move.
Chase has a strap! He’s bringing this back to their Texas Strap Match! Chase hooks up Yano’s hand and then stomps him before he then straps up Yano’s other hand! Yano is the only one strapped up as Chase drags him to his feet. Yano uses the strap to string Yano up in the corner! Yano is vulnerable as Chase gets kendo sticks! Chase SMACKS Yano right in the ribs! Chase wants Yano to quit but Yano refuses! Chase digs the kendo stick into Yano’s face as he shouts at Yano, “Say ‘I Quit!'” Chase SMACKS Yano again and again but Yano refuses to quit! Fans rally behind Yano as Chase goes looking under the ring again.
Chase brings out a ladder! Chase sets it aside a moment so he can bring out another! Chase puts the second ladder in the ring, and he lets Yano free of the strap. He puts Yano in the ring, sets the ladder up but Yano CLUBS Chase on the back! The ladder falls over, Chase staggers away but Yano brings the ladder up. Chase CLUBS Yano now! Chase runs, but Yano pops him up to atomic drop with the ladder! The metal ladder leg hurts a bit more than a knee, and Yano brings Chase around to throw him out. Yano tosses the ladder out of the ring, kicks the cookie trays out, then goes out after Chase. Chase turns around into Yano’s body shots. Yano whips but Chase reverses, Yano hits railing!
Chase goes back to his first ladder, and he undoes the safeties on it! Chase makes a ladder bridge between ring and railing, then goes under it to get Yano. Chase has a kendo stick and he SMACKS Yano again! Then he drags Yano up and brings him around towards the ladder. Chase bounces Yano right off the ladder’s side! Chase puts Yano in the ring, drags him to the apron, and aims for the bridge! Yano resists, fans rally up, and Yano fires off forearms! Chase flops through the ropes and into the ring but Yano pursues. Yano stomps Chase, kicks more things aside, then drags Chase up to put him through ropes. Yano pulls Chase against the ropes with a sleeper!
The ref goes to the outside and asks Chase, but Chase says “NO!” despite the fingers in his face. Yano lets go in frustration, talks trash, then runs, into a drop toehold! Yano ends up on ropes, Chase runs in and JEWEL TRIGGERS him in the back! Yano sputters to a corner, Chase runs in to KNEE him down again! Chase drags Yano up, reels him in and tucks him in, but Yano resists the piledriver! Chase CLUBS away on Yano’s back, tries again, but Yano backs up to back drop Chase to the apron! Chase holds on but Yano rakes his eyes and HOTSHOTS him! Chase staggers, Yano gets the other ladder! Yano BATTERING RAMS Chase down, and Chase falls through the ladder bridge!
Fans are thunderous as Chase is dazed and down in the wreckage. Yano goes out to bring out TABLES! Yano sets two tables up, side-by-side near the ring. Chase flounders up and fans rally as Yano returns to fetch him. But Chase JAMS and SMACKS Yano with the cookie sheet! Chase puts Yano on the tables Yano set up, throws down fists, then hobbles away to climb up the corner! Yano climbs up after Chase! Yano throws hands, goes for a superplex, but Chase holds on for dear life! Fans rally harder as Chase throws hands and even headbutts Yano back! Both men flop down from apron to floor but stagger about. Yano storms after Chase but Chase mule kicks him down!
Chase drags Yano back up, and grabs the cuffs Yano himself brought! Chase already cuffs the railing, but Yano attacks Chase! Yano scoops and SLAMS Chase on the ground, then checks the cuffs Chase was setting up. Yano turns around into a LOW BLOW! Chase shoves Yano down and rips up the floor mats! But he sees there’s a second layer and gets pissed. Chase keeps tearing up ring mats all the same, then drags Yano back up. Chase reels Yano in but Yano resists the piledriver to back drop Chase onto the single-layer mats! That’s still a rough landing because those mats are stiff! Yano drags Chase over to the cuffs! Yano tries but Chase scrambles away before he’s caught!
Chase wants a timeout? There’s no timeouts in wrestling, Chase! Yano drags Chase up, reels him in but Chase kicks and whips. Yano reverses and atomic drops, but Chase punches before the impact! JEWEL TRIGGER! Chase wrenches and hammerlocks to the HEIST LARIAT!! Both men are down but this still won’t end unless someone verbally quits! Fans rally up as Chase kicks Yano to the apron. The tables come back into play as Yano slumps onto them. Chase hurries to the apron, stands on the table and drags Yano up. Chase reels Yano in, tucks the arms, PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!! The tables don’t break but maybe Yano just did!
Chase also flops down off the tables while the ref checks Yano. Yano can’t quit if he can’t talk, but fans rally up as Yano stays in this match. Chase is furious and he drags Yano up. Chase wants the ref to ask anyway, but Yano just moans and groans. Is Yano not okay after all? Chase drags Yano up and over to where the cuffs are on the railing! Chase locks Yano up! Yano can’t get away from the railing as Chase wants the ref to ask again. The ref asks Yano if he quits, but Yano still can’t quite focus enough to form words. Chase goes back for his strap and brings it back around. Chase SLAPS down a Young Lion just for being in his way!
Chase returns to Yano, and makes Yano wake up by splashing water in his face! Chase again tells the ref to ask Yano, but Yano says no. Chase takes the mic and tells Yano that this is his subconscious talking to him. Chase wants Yano to admit “Owens-san is much stronger than Yano! Just give up! Say it! Give up!” Yano shouts no, so Chase LASHES him with the strap! “Give up, Yano. Please! My body doesn’t want anymore~!” Yano says no again, so Chase LASHES him again! Chase shouts, “SAY ‘I QUIT!'” Yano still shouts now so Chase LASHES him again and again and again and again! Chase is furious but Yano is not breaking! Chase again shouts, “SAY ‘I QUIT!'” but Yano still says NO!
Fans cheer Yano’s unbreakable spirit, and Yano is working on undoing his wrist tape. Because that is where the HANDCUFF KEY is! He frees himself while Chase is busy with gathering more weapons! Great Bash Heel is still the greatest trickster in NJPW! But Chase has a baseball bat! Chase storms over and wants Yano to say he quits! Yano shouts now, and LOW BLOWS Chase before he can swing that slugger! Yano gets the cuffs again, and now he cuffs Chase’s hands together! Yano puts Chase in the ring, and brings the cuff keys and the strap. Yano tells Chase to give up and he can get the keys. Chase doesn’t so the keys are tossed far away!
Yano stomps Chase, then gathers up the strap to LASH Chase! And again! And again! “SAY YOU QUIT!” Chase says “NEVER!” so Yano LASHES him again and again! Chase is defiant so Yano LASHES him again and again! Then he CHOKES Chase with the strap! Chase is turning purple but Yano lets go! Because Yano also knows, if Chase passes out, he can’t say he quits. Chase gasps for air while Yano goes out to fetch another table from under the ring! Yano brings the table into the ring, sets it up, but Chase refuses to quit. Chase shouts, “Hey, Yano! Screw you!” Yano LASHES Chase, then hauls him up to POWERBOMB him through the table!!
Chase sputters as he tries to sit up. Yano gets more cuffs and links them to the top rope. Yano cuffs Chase’s cuffs with that cuff, so now Chase is anchored to the ropes. And Yano gets scissors?! Chase freaks out as Yano steps closer with the scissors. Yano wants Chase to give up, or he starts cutting Chase’s hair! Chase SPITS in Yano’s face! That was a mistake! Yano wants to dig the scissors into Chase’s FACE now!! CHASE SHOUTS “I QUIT!!” Yano wins!!
Winner: Toru Yano (NEW Provisional Mr. KOPW 2021)
But uh, Yano isn’t letting Chase free. Yano takes the scissors and the KOPW trophy with him, letting Chase wallow in his defeat. Will Yano keep going as the Great Bash Heel to ensure he stays Mr. KOPW 2021? As for Chase, Yano made sure to drop the keys, and someone hurries to get those to Chase. Chase is freed, but it is little consolation after all Yano did to him. Will the Crown Jewel think twice before getting on Yano’s bad side?
NJPW announces Wrestle Kingdom 16!
It won’t just be January 4th, 2022. It won’t just be that day and January 5th, 2022. It will also be on January 8th, 2022! The Tokyo Dome AND Yokohama Arena will be a part of WK16 in the new year! That is how NJPW will kick off their 50th Anniversary year!!
Kazuchika Okada VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan!
The Rainmaker keeps winning against the Hawaiian Hulk, but Cobb hasn’t given up yet! Will the third time be the charm? Or will it be three strikes, Cobb’s out, at the ol’ ball game?
The bell rings and Cobb rushes Okada! Okada dodges, kicks Cobb and fires off forearms and elbows before turning him for a NECKBREAKER! Fans cheer Okada taking the lead early as he CLUBS Cobb on the back. Cobb gets up, Okada snapmares and runs but into Cobb’s shoulder tackle! Cobb storms after Okada but Okada bails out. Red Shoes wants Okada back in the ring but he takes a moment to catch his breath. Fans rally for “O-KA-DA!” as he paces around the way. Great-O-Khan is there to make sure he doesn’t go too far, so Okada goes to the apron. Cobb steps closer but Okada backs off again.
Okada eggs Cobb on but Khan tells Cobb to stay back. Cobb falls for Okada’s taunts and rushes out but Okada slides back in to then dare Cobb to get back in. Cobb says Okada should get back outside, but Okada shakes his head no and eggs Cobb on again. Again, Cobb falls for it, sliding into the ring while Okada slides back out. Okada is having fun toying with Cobb while Khan is annoyed on Cobb’s behalf. Okada still eggs Cobb on, and again Cobb falls for it. But this time, Okada stays out so he can kick and club Cobb down! Cobb ROCKS Okada right back! Okada staggers and bumps into Khan, who grins at Okada. Cobb runs in but Okada sends him into Khan!
Okada kicks Cobb, wrenches his arm and whips him into railing! Cobb staggers and Okada CLUBS him on the back. Okada kicks Cobb low again, RAMS him into railing, then stands on Cobb’s back! Okada surfs using Cobb as the board! Fans cheer and Okada stomps Cobb. The ring count climbs and Okada takes his time bringing Cobb up at 10 of 20. Okada puts Cobb in the ring, Cobb throws body shots and forearms in return. Okada ROCKS Cobb, whips him corner to corner but Cobb reverses and reels Okada into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cobb grins as he’s finally gotten Okada down, and he stomps away on Okada’s back!
Cobb drags Okada up, RAMS him into a corner, then runs him corner to corner to RAM him into more buckles! And then back the other way! And then again! Cobb lets Okada fall over while fans cheer that feat of strength. Cover, TWO! Cobb is annoyed but he drags Okada back up. Okada throws body shots and forearms but Cobb knees low. Cobb runs but Okada prepares to flapjack, so Cobb CLUBS him! Cobb runs, into a FLAPJACK! Okada gets Cobb after all, but both men are down on the mat. Fans rally up as Cobb sputters and sits up. Okada kips up!? And he throws forearm after forearm! Okada whips, Cobb reverses but Okada ducks and dodges to elbow Cobb down!
Okada shouts out to the MetLife Dome and fans fire up! Okada whips Cobb to a corner, runs in corner to corner, and back elbows, into a waistlock! Cobb pops Okada around for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Okada flops out of the ring, Cobb goes out after him, and Cobb brings Okada up to CHOP him! Okada staggers away but Cobb follows. Cobb snapmares Okada, kicks him down then DOUBLE STOMPS him! Now Cobb surfs using Okada! Khan applauds and Cobb stomps Okada more. Cobb goes to the ring as the ring count starts again. Khan fans Cobb off with the United Empire towel, and the ring count passes 10. Cobb goes back out to get Okada into the ring so this can continue.
Okada staggers up and he fires forearms on Cobb! But Cobb CHOPS Okada off his feet! Cobb paces around, gives toying kicks to Okada, but fans still rally “O-KA-DA!” Cobb whips Okada to a corner hard and Okada bounces off the buckles! Okada writhes, Cobb high stack covers, TWO! Another try, TWO!! Okada still has power enough to escape the pin but Cobb looms over him. Cobb stands on Okada’s head, stomps him down, then stomps him in the chest. Cobb steps on Okada, sits him up and JAMS his knee into Okada’s back before hitting a hard EuroUpper to the spine! Cover, TWO! Okada sits up but Cobb wraps on a rear bearhug!
Okada endures the squeeze, even as Cobb leans his full body weight into him. Fans rally up, Okada fights to his feet and CLUBS Okada, only for Cobb to lift and TOSS Okada to a corner! Okada bounces off buckles and falls in a heap, and Cobb talks trash on the Rainmaker. Cobb stands Okada up, gives him a toying jab, then dares Okada to do something. Okada throws a forearm but Cobb eggs him on. Okada throws more forearms but Cobb still doesn’t feel them! Cobb HEADBUTTS Okada off his feet! Cobb stands Okada up but Okada gets a leg to spin Cobb and BOOT him! Okada wants to Alabama Lift but Cobb CLUBS him, then ROCKS him!
Okada ends up in a corner, Cobb runs in but Okada pops him up! Alabama to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Cobb and Okada stir as the rally builds back up. Okada sits up and stalks behind Cobb. Cobb stands, Okada whips but Cobb reverses, only for Okada to elbow him down again! Okada kicks Cobb and hits a DDT! Cobb staggers back up into another kick and another DDT! Okada watches Cobb at the ropes, dodges his clothesline, kick and DDT again! Cover, TWO! MONEY CLIP!! Cobb flails and reaches and gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go fast and fans cheer again.
Cobb gasps and crawls away but fans rally for Okada again. Okada storms over, Cobb kicks low and then climbs up. Okada dropkicks Cobb down! Cobb tumbles to the floor and fans fire up again! Fans build to another rally as Cobb stands up on the outside. Okada goes out after him, throws more forearms, then RAMS him into railing. Khan protests, Okada tells him to shut up, and then Okada whips Cobb into more railing. Okada runs in to BOOT Cobb over the railing! Fans cheer and Okada gets them to rally up again. Okada gets space, runs back over and LEAPS, into Cobb’s arms! Cobb pops Okada up for a suplex to the floor! Those green floor mats don’t look as thick, either!
Khan checks on Cobb, Red Shoes checks on Okada. Both are still okay so Khan fans off Cobb again. Cobb stirs as the ring count starts but he has to drag himself back to the railing. Khan coaches Cobb but he can’t help him get up and over. Cobb flops back towards ringside as we reach 10 of 20. Cobb gets in at 12, but now it’s on Okada. Okada gets up at 15 and hurries over the railing at 16! Okada flounders up and stumbles at 18, to get in at 19! But Cobb is right on him, OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Okada still survives but Cobb is too tired to be upset. Fans rally up again as Cobb and Khan agree, time for a tour!
Cobb hobbles back to Okada, drags him up, but Okada throws a forearm! And another! Cobb wobbles as Okada hits him again, but Cobb CLUBS Okada on the back in return! Cobb whips Okada to ropes, Okada holds those ropes, so Cobb rushes in! Okada dumps Cobb out, then PLANCHAS, into Cobb’s arms! Pop-up but Okada slips out of the suplex to DDT Cobb to the floor! Both men are down again as fans rally and the ring count begins. Okada and Cobb stir, the count reaches 10 of 20, but Okada gets to his feet. Okada hobbles over, gets Cobb up and in at 14, then hurries to a top rope. Okada aims, leaps, and missile dropkicks Cobb down!
Fans fire up though Okada clutches his back. Okada fires himself up and stands Cobb back up. Okada goes to gut wrench but Cobb gut wrenches first! Okada slips out and dropkicks Cobb in the back! Okada whips, dropkicks Cobb down, and then calls for it! Okada stands Cobb up, gut wrenches, TOMBSTONE! Okada wraps on a MONEY CLIP! Cobb endures, fights up to his feet, and reaches out. Okada arm-drags Cobb away and wraps on the MONEY CLIP again! Cobb endures the hold and reaches out for ropes. Fans rally, as does Khan, but Okada cranks the hold harder! Cobb still reaches with a foot and gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets Cobb go and both men are exhausted.
Fans rally, Okada gets up and looms over Cobb. Okada eggs Cobb on so Cobb throws body shots. The shots don’t hurt, so Cobb tries a forearm. That doesn’t do anything, but Cobb blocks Okada’s boot! Cobb reels Okada in but Okada fights out of the T-Bone! Okada goes to run but Cobb reels him in to ROCK him with a forearm to the back! Cobb gut wrenches for a normal PILEDRIVER!! Both men are down after that devastating move, but Khan still fans and coaches Cobb. Cobb growls and crawls over to Okada. Cobb stands Okada up but Okada throws a forearm. Cobb forearms back, Okada hits him again. Both men keep throwing forearms but look to be running close to empty.
Okada keeps throwing forearms so Cobb keeps going, and they start getting some power behind those arms again! Fans fire up as Cobb ROCKS Okada and he falls to his knees! Okada gets mad and eggs Cobb on. Cobb slaps Okada around so Okada throws more forearms! The forearms fly back and forth again and again, Okada starts to wobble! Cobb loads up and ROCKS Okada with a big forearm! Okada is in a corner, Cobb LEAPING BACK ELBOWS! Cobb then gets Okada by the legs and YANKS him up into the ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb still has a reserve tank, it seems! Cobb whips but Okada SHOTGUN DROPKICKS first! No tour just yet!
Cobb rushes into Okada’s EuroUpper, but then he ducks the discus to SUPERKICK! Cobb wristlocks but Okada elbows free before any ripcord can happen. Okada CLUBS away on Cobb for even thinking he can steal his signature! Red Shoes tells Okada to stop, Okada shoves him aside and runs, into a dropkick from Cobb! Cobb gets Okada up, gut wrench to a TOMBSTONE!! Cobb parodies the Rainmaker pose! Cobb gets Okada up, wristlock and ripcord to the TOUR OF THE- NO! Okada slips out to DISCUS! Cobb stays up and roars, but into a backslide! Cobb rolls through so Okada reels him in, LARIAT! Fans fire up as Okada still has the wrist!
Okada drags Cobb up and reels him in, only for Cobb to dodge! Cobb comes back into an Okada dropkick! Okada drags Cobb back up, gut wrenches him somehow, and hits a SPINNING TOMBSTONE! Okada roars and gets Cobb up again. Okada wristlocks and ripcords, but Cobb scoops Okada! But Okada slips through to gut wrench again! They end up in a corner and Cobb uses that to get up top! Okada throws hands from below, ROCKS Cobb with a forearm, and climbs up as fans rally. Okada gets Cobb for a cravat, then drags him up and over into position?! Cobb fights free and SUPERKICKS Okada from the apron! Cobb then positions things as he climbs up top.
Cobb stands on the very top rope and brings Okada up. Okada fights back with body shots so Cobb steps down to the middle rope. Okada fires off more shots until Cobb is off the ropes completely. Okada shouts at Cobb but Cobb HEADBUTTS from below! Cobb climbs up, scoops Okada for a SUPER TOUR OF THE ISLANDS??! Cobb isn’t done there, either! He reels Okada in for another TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall
He was down in the pitch count, but Jeff Cobb hits a HUGE home run off the third try! Khan celebrates on behalf of Cobb, will this usher in new life to the United Empire?
IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kota Ibushi!
The Maniac, Jon Moxley, lost this belt to the Murderhawk Monster, Lance Archer, who then lost to the Resurgence of The Ace! But speaking of a resurgence, the Golden Star is finally back in the ring! Will this championship battle of the Golden Aces be much friendly than the matches that’ve led us here?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Ibushi is already emotional as we all see if he can finally surpass his greatest role model!
Fans are fired up already and Tanahashi himself applauds Ibushi’s return to the ring. They circle, feel things out, and Ibushi shoots in! Tanahashi avoids the leg pick and the two still circle. Ibushi and Tanahashi both try to get arm control, Tanahashi gets a facelock but Ibushi powers him to ropes. Red Shoes calls for the ropebreak and Tanahashi lets go. Ibushi takes a moment and lets off cleanly. Fans cheer as the two reset and circle again. They tie up, Tanahashi headlocks, Ibushi powers up but Tanahashi holds on tight as Ibushi tries to power out. Ibushi tries again, but Tanahashi still holds on tight to the headlock.
Ibushi stands, Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover, but Ibushi headscissors. Tanahashi tries to kip free but now Ibushi is the one holding on tight! Ibushi adds a little pressure but Tanahashi keeps fighting the hold. Ibushi still keeps him down but Tanahashi moves around. Tanahashi works to headstand, he pops free, and he goes right after the headlock again! Only for Ibushi to headscissor again! Ibushi pushes up for even more pressure but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi bridges back to turn things around, but Ibushi just lets him flip over. Tanahashi still tries to turn things back around onto Ibushi and manages to get a leg lock.
Tanahashi floats to a headlock but Ibushi slips out to get a headlock of his own. Tanahashi fights up, Ibushi grinds the headlock and hits a takeover but now Tanahashi headscissors! But Ibushi kips right out and fans cheer, though Tanahashi is a bit frustrated with himself. Ibushi stays loose as Tanahashi cools off and refocuses. Tanahashi and Ibushi circle again, tie up, and Tanahashi wrenches to a wristlock. Ibushi spins, flips, and arm-drags Tanahashi down to an armlock! Ibushi shifts to a grounded cording hold but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi moves around, Ibushi shifts to dig a knee into the shoulder and pull on the forearm.
Tanahashi gets a ropebreak and Ibushi lets off. But then Ibushi stomps Tanahashi’s arm! Ibushi CLUBS Tanahashi, bumps him off buckles and whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverses, runs in but Ibushi goes up and over! Ibushi turns around into a dropkick to his legs! Tanahashi catches his breath and fans rally up, “LET’S GO, ACE!” Tanahashi gets Ibushi’s leg, stomps it then drops an elbow! Tanahashi has a toehold but Ibushi endures. Ibushi fights back with a chinlock but Tanahashi cranks the leg to fight that off. Ibushi keeps trying so Tanahashi stomps the leg more. Tanahashi drops another elbow, then quickly ties up the legs in a Butterfly Stretch!
Ibushi endures the modified deathlock and CHOPS Tanahashi! Tanahashi adds pressure so Ibushi CHOPS and CHOPS again! Tanahashi adds as much pressure as he can to the knees but Ibushi drags himself backwards! Ibushi gets the ropebreak with both hands! Tanahashi lets the legs go free and looms over Ibushi. Tanahashi stomps the bad leg while fans rally up. Ibushi crawls, Tanahashi stands him up but Ibushi fires off forearms! Tanahashi checks his nose then kicks out the leg! Tanahashi dares Ibushi to bring it so Ibushi stands to fire off forearms! Tanahashi hits back with a strike fest! Tanahashi shouts for Ibushi to get up again so Ibushi fires up and stands again!
Fans cheer this fighting spirit as Ibushi kicks. Tanahashi blocks it, CLUBS the leg, then runs the ropes, but into Ibushi’s dropkick! Ibushi clutches his leg, Tanahashi checks his face, and the fans rally up again. Ibushi fires off a strike fest of his own! Then he whips Tanahashi, only for Tanahashi to reverse! Ibushi hits a FLYING KICK! And STANDING MOONSAULT! Tanahashi writhes away from Ibushi so Ibushi rallies the fans up. Ibushi stalks up behind Tanahashi, waistlocks, but Tanahashi elbows free. Tanahashi runs but into a SNAP RANA! Tanahashi flounders out of the ring while fans are thunderous!
Ibushi fires himself up, sees Tanahashi on the outside, and runs to a corner for the GOLDEN TRIANGLE!! Direct hit and fans are electric! Ibushi points to Shingo Takagi on commentary. The Dragon and the Golden Star still need to have their fight, maybe Ibushi wants to go into that title match already a champion! Ibushi gets Tanahashi up and into the ring at 7 of 20, then takes his time getting to the apron. Ibushi dares Tanahashi to stand now, and the Ace rises. Ibushi springboards in for the missile dropkick! Tanahashi staggers around, but he fights off the Half ‘n’ Half! Tanahashi elbows free of the waistlock, blocks the roundhouse, and DRAGON SCREWS the leg!
Fans maintain that electric level as Tanahashi looms over Ibushi. Tanahashi gets the leg, but Ibushi BOOTS free with the other! Ibushi kips up, dodges, but Tanahsih dodges! DOUBLE FOREARMS fly again and again! Both men roar and they keep throwing equal forearms! Again and again and again and again, no guard and no slowing down! Ibushi gets the edge, but Tanahashi just comes back with more! Again and again and again they hit each other at the same time! Tanahashi wobbles and Ibushi fires off more elbows! Ibushi shows respect by showing no mercy and giving Tanahashi forearms to the back of his head again and again!
Red Shoes wants to check on Tanahashi but this could be Kowai Ibushi now! Ibushi lets off just to get the wrists! KAMI- NO! Tanahashi reels Ibushi in for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Tanahashi fires up as fans return to that high level of excitement. Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE Ibushi down! But Ibushi rises?! SHOTEI from Tanahashi and Ibushi staggers! Tanahashi whips, Ibushi reverses but Tanahashi SLING- NO, Ibushi slips out, both men steady themselves and roar at each other! This is truly a battle of lions! Tanahashi gives Ibushi a point blank SLINGBLADE! Ibushi is in a drop zone, Tanahashi goes up. HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees! And Ibushi has the wrists!!
Ibushi stands, sits Tanahashi up, KAMI-GOYEEEEE!! But he can’t make the cover from being as exhausted as Tanahashi! Fans are electric again as Red Shoes checks on both men. Both men are somehow okay to continue and Ibushi crawls to ropes. Tanahashi stirs but doesn’t move from the spot. Ibushi aims from a corner as Tanahashi tries to sit up. Ibushi calls upon the other god of NJPW, “YAO~!” BOMAYE!!! But Ibushi won’t let it end with just Shinsuke Nakamura’s move! He sits Tanahashi up again but Tanahashi resists the pull in his wrists! Tanahashi stands now, so Ibushi V-TRIGGERS! KENNYYY~!
Ibushi sits Tanahashi up again, but Tanahashi crosses the arms! Ibushi can’t hit through that so he has to power the arms apart. Tanahashi powers up to cross the arms again, and fans are volcanic as Tanahashi hits a SLINGBLADE!! Cover, ONE?!?! Ibushi shocks himself, but Tanahashi reels him in for a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives and fans cheer but Tanahashi roars again! Tanahashi goes up top, takes aim, HIGH FLY FLOW ATTACK! Direct hit but Tanahashi wants it again! HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP US Heavyweight Champion)
The Ace’s pride is alive and well! He is still only NJPW’s 10th US Champion, after having reasserted his strength and skill once again! But he also still shows his love and respect for Ibushi as he checks on him. Ibushi is himself emotional, perhaps simply grateful and happy he could still have such a powerful match on his return. Will the Golden Star still find his way to shine in 2021?
As for Tanahashi, he raises the US title high overhead in victory. Ibushi bows deeply to show his respect and admiration for the man he still has so much to learn from. Tanahashi thanks Ibushi for that, and Young Lions help Ibushi to the back. Tanahashi gets the mic to say, “Everyone, I’ll say what everyone else can’t. Ibushi! Welcome back.” Fans cheer that sentiment as Tanahashi tells Ibushi that Ibushi’s dreams still have a long way to go. But so long as everything is right in body, heart and mind, Tanahashi’s ready for Ibushi’s challenge again! Ibushi himself manages to say, “One more time! Absolutely! Thank you!” Fans cheer as Tanahashi gets an Ibushi clap going.
Tanahashi then says, “Osu! Let’s bring out the fire and say out loud that we’re back! NJPW has returned to the MetLife Dome! 11 years ago, I wasn’t in the main event so… Now that I am the main eventer, and the winner, that makes me pretty damn awesome!” Tanahashi then thinks that even the storm outside is applauding him. He knows this was night one, night two is tomorrow, so he thanks all the fans for being here despite the weather to support and show their love for NJPW. He wants them to keep coming back to NJPW events, so he will keep fighting for all of us. Again, he thanks the fans for their support, and hopes to see them again tomorrow!
But as fans cheer, and he steps to the ropes, Tanahashi decides to give us his classic encore! Saitama and the MetLife Dome get to have a live air guitar performance! Tanahashi rocks out then falls back in both joy and exhaustion. But the cheering for another encore gets him to get back up, so he gives them more! And he “smashes” the guitar and kicks the “pieces” out! But that isn’t the end as the fans keep clapping for an encore! Tanahashi asks for an air guitar from the crowd and a fan tosses him one! Tanahashi thanks them and plays this new guitar! Now maybe Tanahashi is out of energy? Tanahashi gives the guitar back and fans cheer.
Tanahashi picks up the US title again and the mic to say, “Everyone, really, thank you so very much!” Tanahashi catches his breath and says that little by little, step by step, even just a half or a quarter step, he knows we’re all heading to a better, brighter tomorrow together. And in that new day, we’ll all have fun together! “I LOVE YOU~!” The pyro goes off and even surprises Tanahashi! Will the powers of love and joy keep all of us rocking into the future with NJPW?
My Thoughts:
What an awesome first night for Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife! Yes, I did skip the Stardom showcase dark match, but I only had so much time today and even then I’m up a bit late putting the final touches on this here. Andrew Balaz always has us covered for full event coverage with NJPW, though, so never fear. As for the main show of this, it was a way stronger card from top to bottom than expected. The tag match was pretty good, with Hiromu looking strong but of course Bushi taking the loss on his behalf. Eagles VS Hiromu tomorrow is going to be a great one that really could go either way.
Yoh VS Sho was done exactly how a tag team break up match should go, even though I was a touch surprised Sho won. But at the same time, the story has been Sho is the one more committed to fight sports, so he wins to be the stronger RPG3K member at this point. As for him joining Bullet Club through Evil’s sub-faction, that was a very natural move. The way Sho was dressed, his new hair color, and his overall behavior was like he was Evil’s younger brother. And it worked as a great way to introduce this concept of “The House of Torture,” the apparent name for Evil’s splinter cell within Bullet Club. I am still hoping for the day we get Team Evil VS Team Switchblade in the next best Bullet Club Civil War to the one we never got, The Elite VS The Firing Squad.
I did not expect a KOPW match to get so violent and so serious. Yano doing the throwback was a great move, but they really should’ve made sure Chase remembered the phrasing. Him saying the words “I Quit,” even if he didn’t mean it for himself, could’ve easily lost that match for him. But this wasn’t comedy Yano so he wasn’t going to win by a technicality like that. Now, Yano wanting to gouge Chase’s eyes out was one hell of a way to do it. I kinda do hope GBH Yano sticks around for a few more months to keep his character fresh for a time. Okada VS Cobb was a great match, too, and it makes a lot of sense for Cobb to finally win here since he was already 0-2. He and Okada could make this a best of five series or more, and I don’t think anyone would complain.
Then the US Championship match, that was great from top to bottom, especially on it being Ibushi’s big comeback. There was already instant story with these two given their tag partnership, as well as Ibushi being quoted many times as saying Hiroshi Tanahashi, as well as Shinsuke Nakamura, was one of the “wrestling gods” he was chasing and trying to surpass. Ibushi can’t have killer matches with Nakamura given Nakamura is in WWE, but he can definitely go the distance with Tanahashi again and again, and again no one would complain.
Ibushi can still go from this US title loss to his promised match with Shingo Takagi at some point, mostly because I don’t see even Ibushi being given yet another G1 Climax win. Someone else needs to win that tournament right now, so let that person face the winner of Takagi VS Ibushi. I say that mostly because I don’t see Takagi losing to Evil in their long awaited match during night two. As for Tanahashi himself, he is still a great in-ring talent and a great person to carry one of the many banners of NJPW. If things ever reach that brighter, better future he speaks of, I very much look forward to Tanahashi making trips over to NJPW Strong, or even NJPW partners like AEW for some great US title matches.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Will The Prince dispatch two challengers at once?
After retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Callum Newman offered a unique challenge. Can Shingo Takagi or Yota Tsuji secure a title shot through a tag match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Taisei Nakahara VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato; Yano, Yoh & Wato win.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Taichi & El Desperado; Taichi & Desperado win.
- Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Oiwa & Fujita win.
- Six Man Tag: Aaron Wolf, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo; Wolf, Oleg & Tiger Mask win.
- 10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
- Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win, and Tsuji will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire!
Before the Knock Out Brothers clash with the Dominator & Mauler over the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, they lead their units into war! Will Oskar, Yuto-Ice, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori & Daiki Nagai be truly unbound? Or will Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay conquer them for the glory of the Empire?
The teams sort out, but Yuto and Henare egg each other on as they’re forehead to forehead. The ref has them back off, but they still start the match. The bell rings and the fans rally as Yuto and Henare step back up. They’re forehead to forehead again as they talk trash, then they fire forearm after forearm! The fans rally as Henare ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto fires a flurry in return! Henare fires a flurry of his own, then runs, but into a BOOT! Henare wobbles but he comes right back. Yuto laughs as he ROCKS Henare! Yuto runs, ROCKS Henare again, but Henare roars! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto runs the ropes, but Henare RUNS him over!
Henare sits Yuto up to KICK him in the back, then KICK again! The fans rally as Henare runs, but Yuto avoids the Rugby Kick! Henare still kicks low, whips to ropes, but Yuto reverses to BOOT Henare down! The fans fire up with Yuto, and he KICKS Henare in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare scrambles to a corner but Yuto swaggers his way over. Yuto KICKS, and KNEES, and SOBATS! Henare sits down, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” But Henare gets up to fireman’s carry! Yuto slips free, Henare dodges a lariat, but so does Yuto! Henare swats the boot, Yuto ducks the heel kick, and the fans cheer the standoff!
Zane has Henare calm down, and wants him to tag. Henare tags Zane, and Zane calls out Daiki. Daiki tags in, and these two still have to settle how they ended the Young Lion Cup. Zane eggs Daiki on, so Daiki ROCKS him! Zane fires back, Daiki fires another, and the fans rally as the two brawl! Daiki whips, Zane reverses, but Daiki redirects! Zane hurdles, drops down, but Daiki avoids the dropkick! Daiki runs to basement DROPKICK! Zane scrambles to a corner while the fans fire up. Daiki runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zane toughs it out but the fans rally behind Daiki. Daiki storms up on Zane but Zane wants mercy. Daiki says no and he ROCKS Zane!
Daiki runs in at the corner, but Zane counters the monkey flip to put Daiki up top! Zane DROPKICKS Daiki down, then the Empire BLASTS the Unbound corner! They all brawl on the outside and into the crowd! Oskar CLUBS Khan, Yuto fires forearms on Henare, but Henare BODY BLOWS and CHOPS! Oskar has fans clear out, then he whips Khan, but Khan reverses! Oskar tumbles into the chairs! Yuto CHOKES Henare, Henare shoves Yuto away, and Zane has Daiki in the ring. Zane bumps Daiki off buckles while Khan JAMS Oskar with a chair! Khan SMACKS Oskar on the back with it, too! The fans are torn as Khan roars.
Henare and Yuto return ringside, and Khan uses a chair to sit on Oskar! Khan taunts Oskar, then steps off. Henare uses a DEATH GRIP on Yuto! Henare THROWS Yuto into chairs, then he smothers a Young Lion for getting in the way! Henare even scares ring staff off before going to ringside. Zane CHOKES Daiki, the ref counts, and Zane stops at 4. Zane tags #DangerousJay and he UPPERCUTS Daiki. Jakob CHOKES Daiki in the corner, then brings him around. Jakob whips Daiki to ropes, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud as Daiki toughs it out, but Jakob brings him back up. Jakob tags Akira, and he taunts Oskar!
The ref has to keep Oskar back, but this all lets Khan bend Daiki’s fingers! The Empire mugs Daiki in the corner, and Jakob even CLAWS Daiki’s eyes! Khan tells commentary to shut up, but Daiki fights back! Akira KNEES low, whips, and drop toeholds. Akira SMACKS Daiki off the mat again, then kneels on a cocky cover. TWO, but Akira taunts the Unbound Company. Akira bumps Daiki off buckles, tags Khan, and Khan dumps Daiki out. The rest of the Empire mugs Daiki while the fans boo. Zane puts Daiki back in for Khan, and Khan drags Daiki around. Khan steps on Daiki for a cocky cover, TWO! Daiki toughs it out but Khan soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Khan scuffs Daiki as Daiki tries to crawl away. Khan eggs Daiki on, offering a free hit. Daiki stands, but Khan dodges the hit. Khan laughs at Daiki for falling for his trap quite literally! Khan then drags Daiki up, but Daiki fires forearms after all! The fans rally as Daiki HEADBUTTS! Daiki whips, Khan reverses, and Khan runs up, only for Daiki to dodge! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as the giant German RUNS Khan over, BLASTS Henare, then whips Khan corner to corner! Zane runs up but Oskar BOOTS him away! Oskar runs up, DOUBLE ELBOW for Zane and Khan! Akira runs up to jump on Oskar’s back! Oskar RAMS Akira into a corner!
Jakob storms in, but Oskar guzels! Akira runs up, but Oskar guzels! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds, then a DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Oskar, and he goes back for Khan. Oskar drags Khan up, scoops, but Henare KICKS Oskar’s leg! The ref reprimands but Henare KICKS and KICKS and BODY BLOWS! Henare HEADBUTTS, then DEATH GRIPS! Henare HEADBUTTS Oskar, then he and Khan bring Oskar around. Oskar fights the lift, but Henare blocks the boot! But then Oskar guzels Henare! Henare can’t reach Oskar for the Death Grip! Oskar then guzels Khan, but they both break free! DOUBLE BODY BLOW!
The ref reprimands, but #Khanare double whip Oskar. He breaks their lariats, but the DOUBLE BOOTS hit! Yuto is in, he shoves Henare into Khan! Then he fires off fast hands on Henare, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Henare! Henare drops, Yuto ICE HIGHS! But Henare is up, LARIAT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Oskar rises, he SWATS Khan’s haymaker to have the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! But Khan BITES Oskar’s arm! IRON CLAW! But Oskar pries it away, only for Khan to KICK the leg, and BOOT Oskar down! The fans rally as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Akira and Taiji!
The fans fire up as the two rush in! Akira dodges the boot to headlock, but Taiji powers up and out. Akira RUNS Taiji over, then keeps moving. Taiji drops, hurdles, but Akira shoves! Taiji RANAS! Akira tumbles, Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Then a fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, and a BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that but Taiji stays on him. Taiji gut wrenches, but Akira fights to turn it around! CIPHER- NO, Taiji lands out to whip Akira. Akira reverses, Taiji handsprings, but into a waistlock! Akira then spins Taiji around, SPEEDFIRE! Akira sputters, he can’t make the cover!
Taiji and Akira crawl, hot tag to Jakob! Jakob drags Taiji up, he and Akira DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Daiki makes the save! Akira & Jakob kick Daiki, then whip, but Daiki ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans cheer the Unbound Young Lion as he flounders to a corner, and Taiji tags Gedo! Gedo JABS, JABS, and JABS! Gedo winds up, but Jakob CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! Jakob winds up, but Gedo UPPERCUTS! Then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Jakob survives but Gedo stays focused. Gedo tells Jakob to get up, then he mule kicks the leg! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! But Zane ELBOW DROPS Gedo down!
Zane drags Gedo up, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jakob gets Gedo back up, for the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Another bites the dust, and The Empire is control on this New Japan Road! Henare taunts Yuto with his tag title, but that just sparks a new brawl! Young Lions hurry to stop this, but easier said than done! The rest of the teams get in there, too, and Unbound Company must fall back, if only for now. But will things be different with their best in the main event?
Championship Stakes: Callum Newman & Jake Lee VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji!
It was just 48 hours ago that The Prince slayed the Rampaging Dragon, although with controversial and underhanded tactics. He’s so confident, in fact, he’s giving Takagi and Tsuji another chance! Will Callum cross off two names from the list for the rest of his reign? Or will someone from the Unbound Company have a golden ticket to the top title in NJPW?
The teams sort out, but Callum can’t help himself. He taunts Takagi and Tsuji with the belt, so they attack! They mug Callum, then Yota kicks Jake. Yota TOSSES Jake, the bell rings, and Unbound mug Callum again. They double whip then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans cheer while Takagi ELBOW DROPS! The fans rally as Takagi eggs Callum on. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges. Callum runs back in, but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS Takagi, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges but Takagi sidesteps to HIP TOSS! Callum staggers to his feet, Takagi LARIATS him up and out!
Callum stumbles into and then tumbles over the railing! Yota goes after Jake while Takagi hurries through the gate to fetch Callum. Yota whips Jake hard into railing, then stalks him around the way, while Takagi KNEES Callum low. Takagi brings Callum around to SMACK him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi ROCKS Callum, follows him to another section of the crowd, while Yota DOUBLE CHOPS Jake out of a chair! Takagi ROCKS Callum again and the fans rally behind him. Callum wants to escape but Takagi stalks him. Takagi SMACKS Callum off some chairs, then HEADBUTTS him down! Yota brings Jake up to ROCK with a forearm of his own!
Jake stumbles around through the crowd, knocking chairs over as he tries to flee. Yota pursues as Jake begs young fans to help. Yota grabs that hand to SNAP fingers! The ring count finally starts as Callum SMACKS Takagi off a table! Takagi considers throwing that table but thinks better of it. Takagi pursues Callum as Callum heads back to ringside, but Yota BOOTS Jake out of a seat! The count is 15 of 20 as Callum and Takagi roll inside. Callum wants mercy, even apologizes, but Takagi CHOKES him! Red Shoes counts, Takagi stops at 4, and Callum clings to the ropes. Takagi kicks Callum into letting go, then brings him up.
Takagi JABS Callum and Callum falls against ropes. Takagi JABS again and Callum flounders. Callum calls to Jake but Takagi keeps him back. Callum fights the lift with elbows, then BODY BLOWS! Callum runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! But Callum trips Takagi and PUNTS him in the side! Just like in their title match! Jake BLASTS Yota off the apron, then goes out to stomp him down! Red Shoes reprimands but Jake drags Yota up and grinds him into railing. Callum pushes Takagi out of the ring while Jake fires body shots on Yota. Callum RAMS Takagi into railing, then brings him around to POST him!
Takagi staggers while Callum mockingly cheers him on. Jake POSTS Yota and does the same. Callum KICKS Takagi in the side, then flexes before he SPITS at Takagi! The fans boo but Callum ROCKS Takagi again. Callum puts Takagi in the ring, taunts Yota from across the way, then slingshots to stomp Takagi down. Callum dares Yota to reach out for Takagi, then he stomps Takagi. Callum digs his heel in, then he tags Jake. Jake swaggers and talks some trash, then he brings out the black glove! Callum KNEES Takagi before Jake takes Takagi’s shirt off. Jake shows off the bad ribs while he says it is picture time! Jake gives Takagi the DENTAL CHECK!
The fans are torn as Jake shoves Takagi down and takes off the glove. Jake mockingly applauds that Takagi passed his dental exam, then he stomps Takagi down. Tag to Callum and Callum clamps onto the arm. Callum traps the arm, kneels on Takagi, then digs his knuckles into the bad ribs! Yota BOOTS Callum, then backs off as Jake runs up. Callum calls BS, but he drags Takagi to stomp him down! Callum KICKS Takagi, then sits for a cocky cover, TWO! Callum clamps onto Takagi, wags his finger at Yota, then grinds Takagi’s bad arm. The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up and fires body shots! Callum KNEES low, then bumps Takagi off buckles.
Callum tags Jake back in and Jake again taunts Takagi. Callum CHOKES Takagi, and Jake KICKS Takagi in the side! The fans rally for Takagi as he rises again, and he rips away the tape! Takagi snarls as he ROCKS Jake again and again! But Jake kicks low, CLAWS Takagi’s face, then runs. Takagi blocks the boot to CLUB the leg! Takagi whips, Jake reverses, but Takagi blocks the knee! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota BLASTS Callum off the corner, then kicks and whips Jake. Jake reverses but Yota BOOTS him! Yota BLASTS Callum again, then DIVES! Direct hit and Callum hits railing!
The fans fire up for Yota and he slingshots into the ring. Yota then whips Jake corner to corner, runs up, but Jake dodges the splash! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that, but Jake signals he’s taking his shot. Jake drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota tries to suplex but Jake fights the lift! They fight for control as the fans rally, and Jake suplexes! But Yota lands out! Yota ducks an elbow to FLATLINER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi calls to Yota and Yota crawls over. Yota is a bit unsure, but he hot tags Takagi anyway! The fans fire up as Takagi powers up and LARIATS in the corner!
Takagi fires the fans up more, and he JABS, JABS, JABS in the corner! Then a CHOP! Jake roars, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, but into the KITCHEN SINK KNEE! It hit pretty high and Takagi falls. Jake tags Callum, Callum BOOTS Yota! Callum stands Takagi up for Jake to KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, YOTA BREAKS IT! The fans cheer, and Yota TOSSES Jake! Callum kicks and TOSSES Yota! Callum is frustrated, but he still mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum kicks Takagi around, and mockingly asks if it hurts. Callum CLUBS Takagi, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a forearm.
Callum eggs Takagi on, but Takagi SLAPS him! Callum DECKS Takagi for that! Callum sits Takagi up, mocks the prayer hands, then KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stays up, and he’s getting mad! The fans fire up as Takagi rises, but Callum BOOTS! And BOOTS! And BOOTS! Takagi just gets angrier! Callum fires knee after knee, but Takagi headbutts the buckles! The fans fire up but Callum BOOTS again! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! SOBAT! JAB! HEEL KICK! Callum feints the run, but Takagi LARIATS first! Callum LARIATS in return! Both men stand but stagger, and Yota tags in! The fans fire up as Yota hurries to BLAST Jake!
Yota then goes back to Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum staggers around, Yota ROCKS him again, and again! The fans fire up with Yota, he whips Callum to ropes, but Callum grabs ropes! Yota runs up, Callum BOOTS him away, and Jake jumps in! Jake kicks and whips Yota to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks the boot. Yota reels Jake in for the STOMP! Yota runs up but Callum wrenches through, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally up again while everyone is down! Callum sits up, kisses the crown tattoo, and brings Yota up. Callum goes to fireman’s carry but Yota fights it. Callum powers through, but Yota slips free!
Yota feeds Callum to Takagi’s ELBOW! Yota BOOTS, Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Then they DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and Takagi has to sort out who is legal. Red Shoes and Yota explain that tag from earlier, but then Callum kicks them both! Callum runs, but into the ELBOW! BACKBREAKER! JAB! Then Yota pump handles, but Jake CLAWS Yota’s face! Takagi RUNS Jake over, Callum BOOTS Takagi down, but Yota scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while all four men are down again! Yota and Callum stir, and Callum flips off the fans cheering Yota.
Yota rises up, Callum wants mercy, and Yota hesitates. But then Callum SPITS at him! Callum fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, runs, but Yota follows to SPLASH in the corner! Yota runs but Callum follows to HELLUVA KICK! Callum runs, Yota follows, GENE TRIGGER! Yota keeps moving, but he dodges Callum to then GAMANGIRI! Yota puts Callum up top, climbs up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO! Callum survives but Yota roars! The fans cheer Yota on as he pump handles, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves Yota at Red Shoes! Yota stops short, but Callum LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but Callum turns around as Takagi runs in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and Callum flops against Takagi! Takagi fires boxing elbows on Callum, then winds up, but Callum ROCKS! ROLLING- JAB! Callum grabs at Red Shoes, uses him as a shield, but Takagi stops the low blow! Takagi shoves Callum at Red Shoes, REVENGE LOW BLOW! Yota SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! And they set Callum up for the PUMPING BLASTER!! Cover, Jake breaks it! KNEE for Takagi, then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Takagi rebounds, PUMPING BOMBER on Jake!!
Takagi tells Yota to finish this! Yota GENE BLASTERS Callum!! Cover, Yota & Takagi win!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (Yota Tsuji is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship)
Callum got too cocky in his young reign, and now he’s the one staring up at the lights! But will he have a better game plan for when the title is on the line?
As for the Unbound Company, they catch their breath before Yota takes the mic. “OI, CALLUM! Too bad for you. To me, the path you forge is darkness. I won’t let NJPW go down that path. I will lead NJPW towards the light of hope.” The fans applaud that. Callum says see you at Dominion then! Callum leaves, and Yota continues by saying with Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, the New Beginning, and now Dominion, NJPW has changed dramatically. But now, Yota meets Callum in a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Dominion’s main event, carrying that responsibility and determination in his heart!
The fans cheer again, and Yota says, “OI, NJPW! And Callum Newman… ARE YOU READY?!” The fans cheer again, and Yota promises to be the one to carry NJPW on his shoulders! Mic drop from the Gene Blast, but will he dethrone the Prince already? Or will Callum solidify NJWP as his dominion?
My Thoughts:
A very good New Japan Road event as also a sendoff to Dominion. Really good tune-ups, and the 10 Man Tag especially for the build into the Heavyweight Tag title match. Empire winning here might show KOB wins when the time comes, but Best of the Super Juniors is next so there will be more and more tune-up filler matches first. And great tag match main event with the unique stipulation. As I said before, Yota losing both belts is so he can have his heroic journey back to the top. Yota getting the win here makes sense as it sets up the rematch from losing to Callum, and Dominion’s going to have a great main event that could honestly go either way.
My Score: 8.8/10
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NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/4/26)
Wrestling Dontaku, Night Two!
Can the Prince slay the Rampaging Dragon?
Callum Newman won the New Japan Cup, won THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but can he survive his first title defense against Shingo Takagi?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Taisei Nakahara; Yasuda wins.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Chase Owens; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Gedo & Daiki Nagai; Gedo & Daiki win.
- OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma; Oskar & Yuto win.
- 10 Man Tag: Hontai VS House of Torture; Hontai wins.
- Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Yuya & Taichi win.
- 8 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; Unbound Company wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS El Desperado & Mistico; Despy & Mistico win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Bolten Oleg VS Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan & Henare; Ospreay, Khan & Henare win and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Callum Newman VS Shingo Takagi; Callum wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Chase Owens w/ Yujiro Takahashi!
Although the Alpha is preparing for his match with Kazuchika Okada at AEW Double or Nothing, he must still fulfill his duties as a champion in NJPW! But will Konosuke still be the star of NJPW World? Or will the Lonestar Outlaw steal the spotlight?
But as Konosuke reaches ringside, Chase runs up! Konosuke avoids his wrecking ball dropkick to then fire forearms! They go back and forth but Konosuke ROCKS Chase! Konosuke stalks Chase around the way, ROCKS him again, and again! Chase KNEES low, then whips, but Konosuke stops short of the railing. Konosuke pops Chase up to SMACK off the railing, then DDTS him on the floor! The fans cheer as Konosuke then drags Chase up and puts him in the ring. The bell sounds and we’re on the clock! Konosuke brings Chase up, headlocks, but Chase endures the grind. Chase pulls hair to power up and out, but Konosuke drops down on the dropdown!
Konosuke has the headlock again, and he grinds Chase down. The fans rally as Chase fights up, and he KNEES low! Chase KNEES Konosuke again, then headlocks in return. Konosuke powers up and out, then hurdles, drops down, and DROPKICKS! The fans cheer as Konosuke then hits another headlock takeover. Chase pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Konosuke grinds the hold but Chase rolls to a cover, ONE! They stand up, and Chase pulls hair again to put Konosuke on the ropes. The ref counts, Chase lets go slowly, but he BOOTS the ropes to jam Konosuke up! Konosuke sputters as he slumps outside, and Chase WRECKS him with a dropkick!
The fans are torn as Chase goes out to bring Konosuke up. Chase scoops to then HOTSHOT Konosuke off the railing! Konosuke coughs and sputters again, but Chase SMACKS him off the apron. Chase drags Konosuke up to the apron now, and he cravats for a SNAPMARE DRIVER on the apron! The fans applaud while Chase puts Konosuke in the ring, then covers, TWO! The fans cheer more as Konosuke stays in this. Chase argues the count but the ref defends it was fair. Konosuke sits up but Chase runs in at the corner for a forearm smash! Then a short arm LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Konosuke shows his grit but Chase just grins.
The fans rally up again as Chase paces around Konosuke. Chase drags Konosuke up, fireman’s carries, but Konosuke fights free. Konosuke ROCKS Chase, but Chase ROCKS Konosuke back! Konosuke ROCKS Chase again, but Chase fires back! They go back and forth until Chase CLAWS Konosuke’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Chase runs, into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Chase reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE finds him! The fans cheer while Chase goes to a corner. Konosuke runs in and JUMP KNEES! Then clinch and EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Chase toughs it out, but Konosuke stays calm.
Konosuke stand Chase up, but Chase fights the lift. Chase CLUBS away, then headlock punches! The ref reprimands, but Konosuke keeps Chase from running the ropes! Chase ROCKS Konosuke for it, then eggs him on. We pass five minutes as Konosuke ROCKS Chase! The fans rally up as Chase fires back! Konosuke staggers to ropes, but he comes back to ROCK Chase! Chase fires fast hands, but Konosuke fires boxing elbows! ROLLING- BACK ELBOW from Chase! Chase cravats but Konosuke powers out! Chase blocks a shot to C-TRIGGER! Then he avoids the boot to I HATE YOUR FACE KNEE! Cover, TWO! Konosuke stays in this but Chase stays on him.
Chase wrenches and hammerlocks, but Konosuke ducks High Noon to spin Chase for a BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Konosuke roars as he rises, and then he gator rolls Chase into a suplex! Chase fights the rest, then bails out! Chase hobbles around the way but Konosuke pursues! HELLUVA KICK against the railing! Konosuke then brings Chase around to APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans rally as Chase crawls, but Konosuke drags him back outside, for another APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans cheer while Konosuke shoves Chase inside, but Yujiro gets a PIMP CANE CHEAP SHOT on Konosuke!
The fans boo Tokyo Pimp as he puts Konosuke in, the ref none the wiser! Konosuke drags himself up at the ropes, but Chase runs up for C-TRIGGER! Then he wrenches, hammerlocks, and HIGH NOON LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! The fans cheer as Konosuke survives! Chase is frustrated but he drags Konosuke up and tucks him in! But Konosuke wrenches free, slips around, only for Chase to grab the ref! Konosuke can’t suplex them both, and Chase sends Konosuke into the ref! The fans boo but now Yujiro storms in so he can stomp away on Konosuke! Yujiro then sets Konosuke up for Chase, but SHOTA UMINO is here!
Shota DECKS Chase, then ROCKS and ROLLING ELBOWS Yujiro! The fans cheer as The Roughneck has evened things up for The Alpha! Shota even cheers Konosuke on, only for the rest of the House to attack! Sho, Kanemaru, Ren, and Dick all stomp Shota, but Konosuke hurries to shield his ally! And then HONTAI rushes out here! Wolf, Yano, Yoh, Wato & Tiger Mask all go after The House! They’ve all got their match later tonight, so this ends up a rather interesting warm-up! The fans cheer as Hontai drags The House out of the ring, and even gets Don Fale, to then gather them all at the ramp side!
The fans cheer Konosuke as he builds speed, and Konosuke FLIES! Air Alpha brings down The House! The fans cheer again as Konosuke gets Chase in the ring while Hontai takes the rest of the House to the back! And we’ve finally hit ten minutes! Konosuke checks on the ref, and then deadlifts him into the ring. The fans cheer, but Chase is up to something! Konosuke ducks the punch, BLUE THUNDER- SPUR KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but Chase hides the evidence quickly. Chase vows to end it now, and he drags Konosuke back up. C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK! Then he brings Konosuke around to tuck him in!
Chase lifts for LAST TES- NO, Konosuke fights the lift, BACKDROPS, but Chase sunset flips! Konosuke rolls through, WAGAMAMA KNEE!! Konosuke then aims from a corner, WAGAMAMA KNEE AGAIN!! Konosuke then hauls Chase up for RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Konosuke wins!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
The House of Torture tried and failed to cheat this one away, this is still The Alpha Show! But wait, the lights go down! A video on the tron shows that same mysterious man in suit and mask from last time. He walks into the backstage area of this very arena, but who is it? Where are they going? What do they want? Wait, now they’re IN THE RING! And they CLOBBER Konosuke with some big satchel! WHO IS THIS?! They take off the mask, and IT’S SANADA! The Cold-Blooded Snake is STILL in NJPW! And he drags Konosuke right up for the DEADFALL!! Sanada leaves with a word, but his intent is now clear. Will he make himself the star of NJPW World?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS El Desperado & Mistico!
The Ichiban Sweet Boys only just took these titles back, but they’re already putting them back on the line! Will the Sniper of the Skies & Japanese Young Punk outdraw The Rogue Luchador & The Talisman? Or will these titles soon go internacional?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly mighty!
The teams sort out, and Despy starts against Fujita. The bell rings, and the fans cheer as the two go forehead to forehead. They both talk some trash, Despy slaps Fujita around, but Fujita shoves Despy. Fujita eggs Despy on, Despy fires the fans up, then he CHOPS! Fujita snarls and fires the fans up, then CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, faster and faster, harder and harder! The fans cheer as they CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, but then Despy says stop! Despy ROCKS Fujita, CHOPS him again and again, then eggs him on! Fujita swings, but Despy ducks to headlock. Fujita powers out but Despy reverses!
Despy drops down, then hurdles, but into Fujita’s DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Fujita says he’s smarter than that. Fujita drags Despy over but Despy gets away before the tag. The fans rally as Despy drops back to an open corner. Eagles says Despy can go on and tag Mistico, that’s who Eagles wants to face. Despy dry heaves as he tries to catch his breath, then tags in Mistico. The fans cheer as Mistico steps to Eagles, and Eagles pie faces him. Mistico CHOPS, Eagles CHOPS, and now they CHOP back and forth! The fans rally as they’re already fast ‘n’ furious! Mistico says look! Then he SOBATS! And front kicks!
Mistico whips but Eagles reverses to go up and around for the arm-drag! The fans cheer as things keep moving, and Eagles hurdles to then RANA! Mistico tumbles but rises up, only for Eagles to WHEEL KICK! The fans cheer while Eagles walks over to Mistico. Eagles kicks Mistico in the back, then stands him up to CHOP! Mistico wrenches and whips but Mistico grabs the ropes. Eagles kicks Mistico’s leg, then whips, but Mistico still blocks. Eagles KICKS the leg, then whips, but Mistico handsprings! Eagles dodges but Mistico comes back to springboard RANA! The fans cheer as Mistico then blocks a chop to CHOP!
Mistico knuckle locks, then goes up, up, steadies himself, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans cheer while Eagles tumbles, and Mistico tags Despy back in. Mistico kicks Eagles before he and Despy double whip for DOUBLE ELBWOS! Then they roll Eagles to whip again, DOUBLE BOOTS! They shake hands and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Fujita runs up, but into a mule kick and HAYMAKER! The luchadores double whip Fujita corner to corner, then Mistico sends Despy in. Fujita dodges to RANA Mistico! Despy kicks low, runs, but Fujita trips him! Eagles KICKS, Fujita SENTONS, then Eagles basement DROPKICKS!
Mistico is back but the Sweet Boys DOUBLE ELBOW, then split the wishbone! The fans cheer while Eagles goes to Despy. Eagles stands Despy up, puts him in the corner, then both Sweet Boys dig their boots in. The ref counts, the Sweet Boys stop, and Eagles tags Fujita. The fans rally as Fujita wrenches and whips Despy to the open corner, and CHOPS! Despy is stinging as Fujita snapmares then runs, PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE! Despy is tougher than that but Fujita tags Eagles back in. Eagles ELBOW DROPS on the knee, then pulls on the leg for a toehold! Despy endures, claws at Eagles, then crawls back to the ROPEBREAK!
Eagles lets go, but he traps the leg for a TWIST! Fujita tags in, he brings Despy around to CLUB him on the back. The fans rally as Fujita suplexes Despy up and over! Cover, TWO! Despy is still tougher than that but Fujita stays cool. Fujita stomps Despy, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Eagles but Despy ELBOWS Fujita down while Eagles BLASTS Mistico! Despy fires off forearms on Eagles but Eagles DROPKICKS the legs out! The fans rally as Eagles then winds up and KICKS Despy! And KICKS! And KICKS! Despy eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs the ropes, only for Despy to block the kick!
Eagles fires forearms and UPPERCUTS, then avoids a boot to KNEE low. Eagles whips but Despy reverses for a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Despy crawls his way over to hot tag Mistico! Mistico springboards to CROSSBODY! Fujita kicks Mistico, the Sweet Boys double whip, but Mistico ducks their double elbow to springboard and DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Mistico keeps going, and he handsprings through the double hip toss to DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! Then Mistico runs up, slips around, and shoves Fujita into Eagles! Mistico 619s Eagles down! Then he springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG Fujita!
The fans cheer as Mistico keeps going, and he FLIP RANAS Eagles! Eagles tumbles while the fans rally behind Mistico. Mistico runs up, but Eagles sidesteps, only for Mistico to springboard and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Mistico hurries to LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and Eagles has to check. The fans rally again as Mistico hurries after Eagles. Mistico hushes the fans, and winds up to GAMANGIRI! Eagles wobbles, but Mistico puts him up top. Mistico rallies the fans again before running corner to corner. Mistico goes up, up, but Eagles fires body shots! Mistico falls and Eagles WARP- NO, Mistico dodges!
Mistico runs, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! But Eagles rolls it into a ghost pin! TWO, and Eagles rolls, schoolboy bridge! TWO and the fans cheer again! Eagles SOBATS, BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and both men are down again! Eagles crawls his way over, hot tag to Fujita! Fujita runs up on Mistico, and he CHOPS! Then he snapmares Mistico to go up and out! The fans rally as Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit and Fujita covers, TWO! Mistico survives and the fans fire up, but Fujita vows to end this now. Fujita brings Mistico up, suplexes, but Mistico slips free. Mistico spins Fujita but Fujita ROCKS Mistico! Fujita runs, but Mistico SUPERKICKS him down!
The fans rally as both men crawl. Mistico hot tags Despy! Despy RUNS Fujita over, then scoops to SLAM! Despy hurries to suplex for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fujita stays in this but Despy stays on him. The fans rally up as Despy gut wrenches, GUITARRA- NO, Fujtia slips free! Despy REAR HEADBUTTS, but runs into a drop toehold! Fujita ties up the legs, NEMOS SPECIAL! Despy reaches out, but Fujita grabs his arms! The fans rally as Despy resists, powers up, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go in frustration but he hurries to waistlock. Deadlift- NO, Despy fights the German Suplex and reaches fo rropes!
Fujita drags Despy back, but Despy ELBOWS free! Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, but Despy SPINEBUSTERS! And then high stack, TWO! STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita scrambles, Mistico runs in and intercepts Eagles! MISTI- NO, Eagles turns it into an ASAI DDT! Eagles then SUPERKICKS Despy down! The fans rally up as Eagles stands Despy up. Despy BODY BLOWS and HAYMAKERS! Despy whips, Eagles reverses, but Despy grabs ropes. Despy DUMPS Eagles out, then builds speed! But Eagles GAMANGIRIS first! Fujita goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Down goes Despy and the fans fire up!
But Mistico builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit into Fujita at the ramp! Mistico helps Despy stand, but Eagles DIVES! The fans fire up as Eagles wipes the luchadores out at the ramp! Eagles & Fujita get Despy in the ring, then they rally the fans. Fujita feeds Despy to the scoop, SWEET BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita vows to end this now, and the Sweet Boys drag Despy up again. The fans rally as the Sweet Boys double torture rack, but Despy fights it! Despy flips through, SHOVES Eagles into Fujita, then Mistico runs up! He gets the boost for the DOUBLE SHOTGUN!
The Sweet Boys bail out, Mistico DIVES to take Eagles out again! Despy DIVES onto Fujita and they both crash into railing!! The fans fire up again as all four men are down around ringside! A ring count starts as the four men stir. We pass 5 of 20, then 10, but no one has even sat up! We hit 15 and the fans rally even harder! Despy stands, roars, and he puts Fujita in at 18! Despy hurries to then gut wrench and GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but Despy wags his finger. The fans rally up again as Despy brings Fujita up. Despy drags Fujita up, underhooks, but Fujita wrenches out. Fujita CHOPS, but Despy KNEES low!
Despy whips Fujita, Fujita reverses, and GAMANGIRI! Both men are down again as the fans continue to rally! Fujita roars, and he vows to finally end it. Fujita drags Despy up, brings him around, and suplexes, only for Despy to fight it! Despy RAMS Fujita to a corner, then ROCKS him! Despy hoists Fujita up top, then goes up to join him! The fans rally as Despy goes for the very top, but Fujita bends his fingers. Fujita HEADBUTTS Despy down, but Mistico runs up to GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI again! The fans fire up as Mistico now climbs the corner. Mistico clinches Fujita as they go to the very top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!
The fans fire up again as Eagles springboards in! Mistico dodges, but Eagles comes back, DESTROYER! Despy runs up, Eagles dodges to ROUNDHOUSE, SUPERKICK, and PELE! But Despy rebounds to SPEAR! All four men are down in the ring now as the fans fire back up! Eagles and Mistico bail out while Despy and Fujita go to corners. Despy roars, runs in, and LARIATS Then he underhooks, PINCH- NO, Fujita fights the lift, then powers out to have the wristlocks. Fujita HEADBUTTS Despy! Fujita then roars as he brings Despy up, for another HEADBUTT! Fujita stands Despy up again, but Despy breaks free to ROCK Fujita!
The fans rally up as Fujita CHOPS! Despy swings, but into a takedown! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Despy fights around, but Fujita shifts to a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Eagles intercepts Mistico, kicks away on the leg, but Mistico KICKS free! Both men run up, Eagles blocks a kick, but Mistico fights free of the backpack! Mistico runs, LA MYSTICA!! Despy powers through the armbar to then get the leg! GROUND DRAGON SCREW, into the STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Fujita flails, Eagles flails, NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! FUJITA TAPS, DESPY & MISTICO WIN!!!
Winners: El Desperado & Mistico, by submission (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Just as The Ichiban Sweet Boys were on top of the world, they come crashing back down! Is this an ill omen on how the Best of the Super Juniors will go for Eagles and Fujita? As for Mistico, he is not just a triple champion but a QUADRUPLE CHAMPION! CMLL World Light Heavyweight, CMLL World Trios, PWR Heavyweight and now IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion! Will he and Despy dominate the 2026 BOSJ and beyond?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan & Henare!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi may have failed to take the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, and the big man from Kazakhstan may have failed to take the NEVER Openweight Championship, they still stand together as trios champions. But will these titles still belong to Bishamon & BARS? Or will Ospreay lead the Dominator & Mauler to victory for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The trios sort out and Henare insists he start. Henare wants Oleg, but Hashi insists he start, and the fans applaud. The bell rings, the fans rally, and Hashi and Henare circle. Khan distracts Hashi, Henare CLOBBERS Hashi for it, then Henare BLASTS the Hontai corner. Henare stomps Hashi, drags him up, and ROCKS him! Henare whips, Hashi BOOTS back, and Goto joins in! They RUN Henare over, then ZANMAI! Oleg runs, but Khan trips him up! Ospreay BOOTS Goto, Henare CLUBS Hashi, and The Empire tags things outside. Ospreay SMACKS Goto off apron, Henare sends Hashi into railing, and Khan drags Oleg around to SLAM his bad arm off the timekeeper’s table!
The fans rally as Henare CLUBS Hashi and puts him in the ring. Khan drags Oleg around by his bad arm while Henare stomps Hashi. Khan whips Oleg hard into railing! Henare bumps Hashi off Ospreay’s boot, then tags Ospreay in. The fans cheer as Ospreay CHOPS Hashi down! Ospreay drags Hashi up, scoops, and SPIN-OUT BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Ospreay drags Hashi back up, but Hashi fires body shots! Hashi CHOPS, Ospreay CHOPS, then Ospreay whips, but Hashi hits the BLOCKBUSTER! Ospreay scrambles to tag Henare, and Henare BOOTS Goto down. Then Henare CLOBBERS Hashi!
Henare drags Hashi up, fires forearms, then ROCKS him again. Henare fires off in the corner but Hashi fires forearms and CHOPS in return! Henare CHOPS Hashi down! The fans cheer while Henare roars. Henare then sets up, but Hashi avoids the senton! Henare hobbles but he stomps Hashi down. Henare whips, Hashi DROPKICKS the legs! The fans rally while both men are down. Henare and Hashi crawl, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg and Henare RAM! And RAM! They both fire up, they both run, and they RAM shoulders again! Henare then ROCKS Oleg, runs, but into a scoop! Oleg Shake, Shake, Shake, and THROW!
Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg BLASTS Khan off the apron, DECKS Ospreay, then goes back to Henare for the VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Henare toughs it out but Oleg drags Henare up. Oleg torture racks, but Henare CHOKES him! The ref counts, but Oleg breaks free! Henare KICKS, and KICKS, then snapmares to KICK Oleg in the back! Then Henare KICKS Oleg in the chest! Henare runs, RUGBY KICK and SENTON! Cover, TWO! Oleg survives and the fans cheer. Henare BLASTS Goto for good measure before he goes back to Oleg. Henare HEADBUTTS, whips, but Oleg stops himself! Oleg BOOTS Henare, then fireman’s carries!
Henare fights free again, then CHOPS! Oleg CHOPS back! Henare CHOPS, Oleg CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up as both men snarl, and Henare CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Oleg CHOPS again! And again! And again! Henare is stinging and he drops to a knee! The fans rally as Oleg storms up, but Henare fires fast hands! BODY BLOW! Henare then runs up to LARIAT in the open corner! Henare runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Oleg dodges, comes back, but Henare LARIATS him down! But wait, Oleg’s right up! And he LARIATS Henare! Henare’s right up, and dodges to then BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as both big behemoths are down! Hot tag to Ospreay, and he PIP PIP CHEERIOS! Then an ELBOW for Goto! Hashi runs up, Ospreay dodges to put Hashi outside, ROLLING ELBOW! The fans fire up with Ospreay and he PLANCHAS to knock Hashi and Oleg down! The fans cheer as the Aerial Assassin still knows how to fly. Ospreay puts Oleg in, brings him around, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Oleg is tougher than that but Ospreay calls his shot. Ospreay aims from the corner, runs up, but Oleg pops him up! Fireman’s carry, VER- NO, Ospreay lands out! PENALTY KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT, but onto knees!
Oleg whips but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up and Ospreay aims again, HIDDEN- NO, Oleg catches Ospreay and THROWS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oleg and Ospreay crawl, hot tag to Goto! The Fierce Warrior LARIATS Ospreay, whips corner to corner, then runs up to MURAMASA! And SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Goto hauls him up for a fireman’s carry. Ospreay fights free but Goto ROCKS him! Goto whips, Ospreay reverses, but Goto puts Ospreay on the apron. Ospreay ROCKS Goto, goes up, and BLINDSIDE CHEERIOS! Then he lifts Goto to LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay checks his neck, then brings Goto up. Ospreay underhooks but Goto fights the lift! Ospreay CHOPS Goto, but Goto snarls. Goto ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay CHOPS again, and repeat! Forearm for CHOP, but then Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks! And a CHOP blocked! Goto ROCKS, whips, but Ospreay handsprings! Goto catches Ospreay to GERMAN SUPELX! Ospreay lands out, but ends up in URA GTR! Goto runs, but Ospreay blows past him! Ospreay avoids Goto, and Henare hits the RAMPAGE! STANDING SKY TWISTER! Cover, HASHI BREAKS IT! The fans fire up but Henare whips Hashi to a corner.
Khan LARAITS, Henare & Ospreay LARIAT ENZIGIRI COMBO! Then they feed Hashi to Khan’s BOOT! Henare LARIATS Goto, fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Ospreay springboards, 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Goto survives and the fans fire up again! Ospreay stays focused as the fans rally up, and Ospreay calls his shot! Ospreay springboards, OSCUTT- NO! Goto blocks, spins, but Ospreay avoids the lariat to HOOK KICK! Another try, but Oleg catches Ospreay to SNAP KAMIKAZE! But then Henare drags Oleg out and sends him into railing! And then more railing! And then- NO, Oleg turns things around, and now Henare hits railing!
The fans fire up as Oleg runs up, but Henare dodges! Henare KNEES Oleg up and over the railing! Both men are down in front of the fans while Goto and Ospreay rise up. Goto roars, runs up, and LARIATS! The fans fire up as Goto pushes Ospreay down. Goto climbs up, takes aim, but Ospreay GAMANGIRIS! Ospreay goes up, but Goto fires body shots! Goto ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay ROCKS Goto, and repeat! Ospreay fires more forearms, but Goto HEADBUTTS! Goto then climbs up onto Ospreay for a SUPER KAI TEN!! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives that super sunset bomb and the fans are thunderous!
Goto and Ospreay stir, then crawl, hot tags to Khan and Hashi! Hashi SHOTGUNS Khan to the corner! Hashi runs up to CHOP and DDT! Cover, TWO! Hashi brings Khan around to the drop zone and the fans fire up! Hashi climbs up but Khan scrambles to the far side. Hashi hops down, and Khan eggs him on, so Hashi goes outside. But Khan kicks and whips Hashi into railing! Khan then snap suplexes Hashi to the floor! Khan grins as he clearly suckered Hashi in. Khan drags Hashi up, puts him in, and calls to Henare. Henare joins Khan and they bring Hashi up. But Hashi fires forearms on them! And CHOSP! But then Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW!
Khan chicken wings Hashi for Henare’s BODY BLOW! Then the ASSISTED POWERBOMB! Double cover, TWO!! Hashi survives but the Monster Rage is boiling over! Henare fireman’s carries, Khan runs, but Hashi slips free! Hashi SHOVES Henare at Khan, then LARIATS Khan! Henare ELBOWS and whips Hashi, but Hashi LARIATS through! Ospreay returns but Hashi dodges, only for Ospreay to slip through the lariat! But Hashi slips free of the bomb to LARIAT after all! The fans are thunderous as Hashi has soloed the Empire! The fans rally up as Hashi crawls, and he roars as he rises again! Hashi brings Khan up and Goto joins in.
Bishamon double whips Khan corner to corner, then LARIAT and CHOP! Hashi sends Khan to Goto but Khan Mongolian Chops! Hashi mule kicks, Goto clinches, GOTO GO TO HUNTER! The fans fire up as Bishamon brings Khan up again! Dragon sleeper, leg lift, but Khan BOOTS free! Goto snap suplexes Khan, but Ospreay fires off on Goto! Ospreay runs, but into HIDDEN GAP! Henare ROCKS and CHOPS away on Bishamon, then runs, into HIDDEN BOLTIN!! The fans are thunderous again as Oleg waits on Bishamon. Bishamon hauls Khan up, has him in place, and Oleg RAMS Khan into the corner!
Oleg sets Khan back up, then DECKS Ospreay! Goto LARIATS, Hashi LARIATS, and now Goto climbs! Hashi hoists Khan up, DANGEROUS LIBRA!! Cover, HENARE CLOBBERS GOTO ONTO IT! The fans cheer as everyone is down around ringside! Goto drags Henare up, but he has a guzel! Guzel on Hashi, too, but Oleg CHOPS Henare! Henare holds onto Bishamon! So Oleg SHOTGUNS Henare! That alone is impressive! Bishamon regroups and they drag Khan up. They set Khan up in the dragon sleeper and leg lift, Oleg runs, but Henare is a step for Ospreay to leap from! HIDDEN BLADE ON OLEG!!
Henare DECKS Hashi, Khan IRON CLAWS Goto! Ospreay SUPERKICKS, then he TOSSES Goto! Ospreay goes up, up, and LEAP OF FAITH onto Goto & Oleg!! Henare waits on Hashi, for the RAMP- DDT!! Hashi turns things around on Henare and the fans are thunderous! Hsahi roars as he gets back up, and he drags Khan to his feet! But Khan BITES Hashi’s arm! The ref counts, but then Khan IRON CLAWS Hashi’s face! Hashi endures the iron grip, but Khan is pushing him down to the mat! Khan DRIBBLES Hashi’s head like a basketball! Hashi fades but is somehow still in this, so Khan hauls him up! ELIMIN- CODE BREAKER!! Cradle cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous again as Khan survives! Hashi hurries to his feet, but Osperay and Goto are brawling outside! Ospreay and Henare leave Goto and Oleg on the outside while Hashi aims, SUPERKICK blocked! Khan KICKS the leg, then BLINDSIDE BOOTS! The fans rally but Khan laughs maniacally! Khan calls to Henare & Ospreay. Ospreay climbs, Henare HEADBUTTS, and then Henare hauls Hashi up! Ospreay aims, HIDDEN BLADE ELIMINATOR BOMB!!! Cover, EMPIRE WINS!!
Winners: Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
What an insanely overpowered combo move to finish Hashi! But in the end, the power of the Empire’s founding members shines even brighter now that they hold gold together! Khan grabs the mic to say, “Bow down, you peasants! We beat ‘Bishamontin,’ we have dominated the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions. So next… We shall conquer K O B and the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. And if they want to see us directly, we will forgive them if they dare step in front of us.” In other words, Khan is daring Oskar & Yuto-Ice to appear. And after a moment, they indeed appear!
The Knockout Brothers swagger down to the ramp and into the ring, and they stare down Khan & Henare. Henare has the mic to tell Ice that Henare doesn’t care what anyone says! Those tag titles are theirs, now bring them your mana! Yuto laughs at that and tells Henare that if he wants the mana, Yuto will bring him that wrestling high! They can make some money together! Yuto tells the fans that if they wanna get that wrestling high, then you’ll wanna see Yuto fight Henare! They ARE KOB, and they wanna fight the strongest bastards there are! And that seems to be these two here. Go ahead, challenge them! Because everyone here will put their money down to see it!
You don’t have to think, just feel! Let’s Get High! TCH TCH, Big Up! The champions have spoken, and they’re ready to face fellow champions to prove they’re the best! But will Oskar & Ice make sure to knock out Khan & Henare? Or will the Empire continue to conquer the world?
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Callum Newman VS Shingo Takagi!
From youngest man to win the New Japan Cup to youngest man to win this title, The Prince has proven himself as a powerful wrestler. But to prove himself as truly worthy of this title, he must make it through his first defense. A former heavyweight champion in his own right, the Rampaging Dragon has fought his way back to this moment. But will Takagi once again stand atop the mountain? Or will he suffer the Prince’s Curse?
President Hiroshi Tanahashi is here to make the formal introductions and raise the belt. And now, at the end of Wrestling Dontaku, we see whose heroic journey triumphs over the other’s!
The bell rings and the fans fire up for “TA-KA-GI!” already. Callum stays back, and has a smug grin as he does. Callum wants Takagi to stay back, and Red Shoes has him wait. Callum steps outside, which annoys Takagi. Takagi dares Callum to get in already. Callum taunts Takagi by stepping in, then out, then flipping off the fans. The fans boo, but Callum finally steps inside. Takagi runs up, Callum dodges and fires off forearms! Callum eggs Takagi on so Takagi fires off forearms! Takagi JABS, whips, but Callum reverses. Callum runs up but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS into Takagi, then slingshots up and over.
Callum runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then BOOTS, but Takagi rebounds to RUN Callum over! Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds, but Callum avoids the sliding lariat! Takagi ducks the haymaker, but Callum fights the waistlock. Takagi blocks the elbow, and a kick, but Callum ducks a lariat to then springboard, OSC- NO, Takagi denies Callum the cutter! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset. Takagi and Callum circle, feel things out, but Callum backs off to a corner again. Takagi waits, but Callum just goes back to the corner. Callum and Takagi finally tie up, and Takagi powers Callum to the ropes. Callum protests, Red Shoes counts, and Takagi says clean break.
But then Callum pulls hair! Callum body shots, whips, and- NO, Takagi avoids the kick to RAM Callum! Takagi then blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW! Callum tumbles out of the ring while the fans cheer. Takagi eggs Callum on while Callum clutches the knee. Callum shakes out the leg, hobbles around, then rolls in, just to roll back out. Takagi is annoyed again but Callum walks off the leg pain. The ring count starts and the fans rally for Takagi. Callum talks with Jake Lee on commentary. Callum says he has 20, so he’s gonna take his time. Callum hears 13 and rolls back in, just to roll back out. But Takagi pursues!
Takagi CLUBS Callum, POSTS him, then CHOPS him! Callum goes to the ramp but Takagi brings him back around. Takagi puts Callum in, but Callum gets moving, only for Takagi to CLOBBER him! The fans cheer as Callum goes spiraling through the air! Takagi fires up, too, then drags Callum up. Takagi suplexes high and hard, and the fans applaud as he covers, TWO! Callum is tougher than that but Takagi clamps on with a chinlock. Callum endures as Takagi squeezes tight. Takagi grinds Callum down to the mat but Callum fights around, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Takagi lets go, then Takagi KICKS Callum in the back!
Takagi KNEES Callum, then brings him up. Callum fights the back suplex with elbows but Takagi body blows in return. Takagi shoves Callum to then ELBOW, JAB, and- NO, Callum trips Takagi up, for the SLIDING KNEE! Callum gets Takagi in the side and Takagi rolls his way to the apron. The fans rally but Callum pursues. Callum kicks Takagi to the floor, then brings him up for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Takagi writhes, Jake Lee certainly applauds, and Callum mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum stands Takagi up to whip him hard into the railing, then brings him around to whip him into more railing! Then they go out into the crowd!
The fans have to hurry out of the way as Callum pries the railing apart. Callum fires forearms, then he KNEES Takagi into taking a seat. Callum then gets space, and he runs up on Takagi for a DROPKICK through the chairs! The fans cheer that double-edged attack, but Callum manages to stand up from the pile of chairs. Callum then makes another section of fans clear out, just so Callum can sit next to Takagi’s new bride, Natsumi Maki, aka Natsupoi! The fans boo Callum trying to be friendly with her, but then Takagi DECKS Callum anyway! The fans cheer Takagi defending his wife’s honor, then he whips Callum into railing!
The fans rally behind Takagi as he storms over to Callum. Takagi drags Callum up and into the ring, and the fans cheer as Takagi storms up on him again. Takagi CHOPS, Callum CHOPS, and repeat! Callum scowls as he’s stinging from that last one, but he winds up to CHOP again! Takagi JABS, JABS, then swings, but Callum catches the arm! Callum hooks the arm, and he stomps Takagi in the ribs! Callum digs his heel in, then fires punches into it! Red Shoes reprimands, but Callum mocks Takagi with Takagi’s own prayer pose. Callum drags Takagi up, CLUBS him, then snapmares to KICK! Takagi snarls but Callum KICKS him again! Cocky cover, TWO!
Callum mockingly applauds Takagi while he stalks him. Callum stands Takagi up to fire knees. Callum mocks LIJ even, but Takagi fires knees in return! Callum fires a KNEE and Takagi goes to a corner. Takagi snarls and the fans fire up, but Callum kicks and snapmares. Callum runs, but Takagi blocks the kick! Callum CLAWS Takagi’s face, whips him to ropes, but Takagi reverses to then HIP TOSS! The fans fire up for Takagi again while he catches his breath. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges! Callum kicks low, puts Takagi up top, but Takagi kicks back! Then TORNADO DDT! The fans cheer while Callum tumbles away.
Takagi waits on Callum to stand, then he LARIATS Callum up and out! The fans fire up again, and Takagi goes out after Callum. But Callum RAMS Takagi into the apron, then rolls into the ring. The fans rally as Callum builds speed, and Callum FLIES! But Takagi rolls inside! Callum manages to land out of his tope, but then Takagi TOPES onto Callum! The fans fire up as the Rampaging Dragon can still fly! Takagi stands, Natsupoi cheers him on, and he gives a thumbs up. Takagi goes back to Callum as the ring count starts, and he puts Callum in at 6 of 20. Callum staggers to his feet, but Takagi RUNS him over! Takagi scoops, SLAMS, and SENTONS!
The fans applaud and rally as Takagi winds up. Takagi runs up, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS through! The fans cheer as Takagi JABS and CHOPS on repeat! Red Shoes counts as Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, then throws hooks from all sides! Callum takes a swing but Takagi spins him through, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer Takagi on as he starts up the catchphrase, but Takagi dodges Callum’s dropkick to ELBOW DROP! And now “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer and join in with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi then hoists Callum up top, climbs up to join him, but Callum fires body shots!
Callum HEADBUTTS Takagi, but Takagi ELBOWS in return! Takagi ROCKET LAUNCHES Callum from the corner! Takagi then clamps on for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! “OI! OI! OI!” SLIDING- NO, Callum dodges to BUZZSAW, HEEL KICK, then PUNT in the side! Both men are down while the fans rally up again. Takagi clutches his side as he goes to the ropes, but Callum is right on him. Callum pushes Takagi outside, brings him around, and RAMS him into railing! Callum has Abe-san and Tanahashi-kaichou clear out from the timekeeper’s area to then confiscate the table. But Takagi BODY BLOWS and KNEES first!
Takagi aims but Callum BODY BLOWS! Then BACK SUPLEX down through the table!! The fans boo Callum as Takagi is down in the wreckage. Red Shoes checks on Takagi while Callum leaves him behind. Takagi is able to continue, and the ring count starts. Takagi flounders at 3 of 20, rises up at 6, and hobbles his way to ringside by 10 of 20. Takagi needs a moment, but he fires back up as we hit 13. Takagi hears 15 and hobbles his way to the ring. But Callum is on him with FIREBOLT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Takagi as he survives, but Callum continues to taunt the fans. Callum even SPITS at them! The fans boo more but Callum soaks up the heat.
Callum brings Takagi up, and he pump handles, but Takagi fights free! Takagi catches Callum to underhook, but Callum wrenches through! Takagi RAMS Callum into a corner, then ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, blocks a boot but not the ENZIGIRI! Takagi ducks the heel kick to ROCK Callum! Callum comes back to fire a forearm, then he eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Callum again, but Callum comes back to fire another shot! The forearms go back and forth, and Callum wobbles! Takagi HEADBUTTS, Callum ROCKS, then runs! But Takagi follows to LARIAT at the ropes! And SAIDO! But Callum’s right up to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Takagi’s up, he clinches, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Callum roars, but then he flops over! The fans fire up as both men are down again! Takagi rolls to a corner, Callum goes to the opposite end, and the fans rally up again. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire back up! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Callum BOOTS Takagi, eggs him on, so Takagi LARIATS! Callum staggers back but Takagi eggs him on. Callum BOOTS Takagi, so Takagi LARIATS! Callum stumbles to the ropes but Takagi waits on him. Callum storms up to wind up, but Takagi blocks the boot! BLINDSIDE LARIAT!
Takagi ELBOWS, Callum SOBATS, Takagi JABS, Callum HEEL KICKS! Callum feints the run to LARIAT! Takagi’s right up to LARIAT! The fans fire up as both men flop back down! Takagi rises with “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in! Takagi brings Callum up, pump handles, but Callum pulls hair! Takagi pulls hair in return! Red Shoes reprimands them both, so they both let go. But then they both grab hair again! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON feint for the DDT! But Callum handsprings through to springboard! OSC- TAKAGI CUTTER! And then Takagi steals PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives and the fans fire up again!
Takagi roars as he rises again, and he brings Callum up to run, PUMPING- NO, Callum falls down! The fans boo but Takagi just covers anyway, ROPEBREAK! Callum’s long legs save him, but Takagi waits on Callum to get up. Callum sputters in a daze but he reaches out. The fans rally, Takagi brings Callum up, but Callum is a ragdoll! Takagi drops Callum to let Red Shoes check. Callum is still dazed, but then he SPITS at Takagi anyway! Takagi storms up but into a BODY SHOT! And OSCUTTER 2.0!! Cover, TWO!! Callum’s trickery didn’t finish this off, but he hobbles his way to a corner as the fans rally. Callum takes aim, runs up, but Takagi dodges Excalibur!
Callum collapses, shouting about his knee! It may have jammed from going too hard on the stops! Red Shoes backs Takagi off and Zane Jay checks Callum. Callum says his knee, but Takagi kicks at him. Callum hobbles but he falls over again. Takagi says call it then! The fans boo, but Callum YANKS Red Shoes out! This WAS a trick after all! Zane Jay runs up and CLOBBERS Takagi! Daiki Nagai storms in and SPINEBUSTERS Zane! But JAKE LEE leaves commentary to CLOBBER Daiki! Takagi CLUBS Jake’s leg, but the KITCHEN SINK KNEE finds him! The Silent Jester laughs, but YOTA TSUJI is here! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER,and STOMP!
Callum SUPERKICKS Yota! Callum runs up, EXCALIBUR!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives but Callum hurries to clamp on! Callum steals MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO!!! Callum hurries again, PRINCE’S CURSE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Takagi survives again and the fans are thunderous!! Callum is annoyed, but he drags Takagi up. Takagi grabs at Callum, but Callum fireman’s carries. Takagi flails free, but he drops to the mat! The fans rally for Takagi but Callum sits back and waits. Takagi reaches out as the fans rally harder, but Callum scuffs him. Callum scuffs Takagi again, then fires forearms. Callum is almost toying with Takagi at this point.
Callum winds up to KICK, but that just pisses Takagi off! Takagi sits up, and he takes the KICKS! Callum KICKS again, then SPITS on Takagi! Callum KICKS, but Takagi rolls through to LARIAT! Takagi roars, but Callum SOBATS! Both men sit back down, and Callum unwraps his wrist tape. Callum shows off the crown tattoo, and he hobbles over to Takagi. Callum stands Takagi up, winds up, but Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS POINT-BLANK!! The fans are thunderous again as Takagi stands Callum up! Takagi pump handles, Callum slips free, and he SHOVES Takagi at Red Shoes! Takagi stops short, and he blocks the low blow!
Takagi ducks the roundhouse to pump handle and MADE IN JAPAN!! Takagi isn’t done, he pump handles again, MADE IN JAPAN AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives but Takagi just winds up! Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi roars because he’s not done yet! Pump handle, torture rack, and BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, TWO!?! Callum survives again and Takagi can’t believe it! The fans rally as hard as they can as now even Ospreay is here to coach Callum on! Takagi rises first, he drags Callum up, and Takagi tells Ospreay to watch. Pump handle, torture rack, but Callum CLUBS away!
Takagi LARIATS! Callum staggers around but Takagi storms over to him. Takagi LARIATS again, and Callum rebounds off ropes. Callum slaps at Takagi, but he’s running on fumes at this point. Takagi fires boxing elbows, he has plenty of gas! But Callum ROCKS Takagi! Takagi JABS, then HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up for Takagi as he brings Callum up to DECK him! Takagi roars, the fans cheer, and Takagi drags Callum back around. Callum sputters but Ospreay coaches him up. Takagi brings Callum up to fireman’s carry, but Callum clings to the ropes! Takagi pries Callum free, but Callum grabs Red Shoes! LOW BLOW!! PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, TWO!!
Ospreay is conflicted. He wanted Callum to win, but not quite like that, so he’s relieved this is still going. Callum rises, as does Takagi, and the fans rally up again. Callum winds up, KISS THE CROWN!! Callum then brings Takagi up again, fireman’s carries, and he hits a GO TO SLEEP!! Callum watches Takagi rise up again, and he fireman’s carries for an F- NO, Takagi slips free to HEADBUTT and fire elbows! But Callum KNEES Takagi, then hops up! Takagi slips under, then Takagi hops up!? POISON-RANA!! Callum flounders to ropes, Takagi crawls to the other side! Callum and Takagi roar, PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TWO?!?!
Callum survives and everyone is shocked! This has passed 35 minutes, but Callum uses Red Shoes as a shield! LOW BLOW!!! And then MAKE WAY!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Champion)
Yota protests as Callum again dirties up how he wins! Ospreay is still conflicted, but Zane says a win is a win. The rest of the United Empire makes their way out here to stand with their Prince, who still sits upon the throne. Is this going to be the last time Takagi gets a shot at this title? Or is there still hope with the G1 Climax this Summer?
As for Callum, he is handed the title by the Chairman of NUTS, and holds it up for the photo op. Callum then wants to add insult to injury, but Yota stands in his way. The Empire joins Callum in the ring, and Ospreay is the one calling they all stand down. But then Callum LOW BLOWS Yota and BELT SHOTS him down! The fans boo but then Jake sets Takagi up! But then Ospreay steps in! Ospreay says they won, that’s enough! Callum says okay, okay, he won’t do it. But Ospreay should! Ospreay says yeah, right, he’s not doing this BS. Is he with them or not? Yeah, but not like that! Oh, really? C’mon, “Death Rider Billy!”
Ospreay snarls, and he HIDDEN BLADES Takagi down! There, happy? The Empire applauds their former leader, then Callum gets the mic. “Daijobu?” Callum mockingly asks if they’re alright, and the fans boo. Callum then says hey, whether you like it or not, United Empire are the top dogs in this company now! And seeing as Unbound Company wants to ruin his moment ever single time, how about uh… Ignition to Dominion? In just two days’ time, they can settle it! Callum & Jake VS Yota & Takagi. And if the Empire wins, Yota & Takagi can NEVER challenge Callum for the title again. But if either of them pins Callum, then Dominion main event it is. Now F off!
Unbound Company exits, and Callum says the Empire is the best unit in Japan, in the world, and you will all make way for The Prince and Kiss The Crown! Callum leaves it at that, and the streamers fly for his victory. Callum with the top title, Andrade with the Global title, and the trio of Henare, Khan and a now reluctant Ospreay holding the NEVER Six Man titles, will nothing stop the United Empire from conquering the world? Or will this Empire fall apart from within?
My Thoughts:
A great second night of Wrestling Dontaku, with some rather surprising outcomes here and there. Konosuke was of course beating Chase in their match, but the surprise might be that Konosuke has Hontai as his allies here. I wonder if that will add to the dysfunction in Don Callis Family when you consider Andrade is United Empire, but then so is Ospreay, but then as Callum references, Ospreay is hanging out with The Death Riders, who they literally fought a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, I had not predicted Despy & Mistico winning those junior tag titles, and I was iffy on the Empire winning the NEVER titles, but those were great matches and great surprise wins.
Callum winning over Takagi wasn’t quite surprising, though Takagi looked awesome in this match. The fans all wanted Takagi, and they even got “Mrs. Takagi,” Natsupoi, in on the act, all to great effect. But Callum cheating to win helped protect Takagi in the loss while it helped build the dysfunction. I feel like the NEVER Six Man reign will be short given Ospreay can’t keep going back and forth between Japan and the States, but they are certainly going to give us Callum VS Ospreay so that Callum can truly establish himself as not just the leader of the Empire but as the best British/European/gaijin wrestler NJPW has today. We might even see more Empire VS Death Riders, but with a rather unique double turn where Death Riders are Face alongside Ospreay against an all Heel Empire.
My Score: 9.1/10
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