Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT WarGames Results & Report! (12/5/21)
Wait, it’s not a TakeOver?

It’s Old School VS New School!
NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa, leads a team against North American Champion, Carmelo Hayes, and the new kids on the block, in WARGAMES!!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s WarGames: Io Shirai, Raquel Gonzalez, Kay Lee Ray & Cora Jade VS Dakota Kai & Toxic Attraction; Shirai, Gonzalez, KLR & Jade win.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Imperium VS Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner; Imperium wins and retains the titles.
- Hair VS Hair: Cameron Grimes VS Duke Hudson; Grimes wins and Hudson loses his hair.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Roderick Strong w/ Diamond Mine VS Joe Gacy w/ Harland; Strong wins and retains the title.
- Men’s WarGames: Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne & LA Knight VS Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller; Hayes, Breakker, D’Angelo & Waller win.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the NXT WarGames Kickoff show!
Join Sam Roberts and McKenzie Mitchell in discussing, analyzing and predicting all of tonight’s action.
NXT shares Team “Black ‘n’ Gold” meeting backstage after NXT on Tuesday.
Johnny Gargano apologized to the team for not winning the WarGames advantage, but they’ve been at a disadvantage since day one of 2.0. Pete Dunne says it doesn’t matter that Team 2.0 has the bloody advantage. Dunne’s been in WarGames before, those guys don’t have a clue. LA Knight says, “I dunno, man. Guys, I’m just not sure at this point. Word is on the street is maybe we bit of more than we can chew. I mean, look at ’em. They’re big, they’re strong. I mean, what can we do, right? WRONG! 2.0, let me talk to ya! Tonight, you got the advantage. Huh? I said, tonight you got the advantage, YEAH.”
Knight wants Team 2.0 to live that up, absorb it, let it sink in. That advantage, that illusion will get shattered. These four, when they are put to pressure, when they’re told no, when they’re told, “We don’t want you here anymore!” THAT is when they excel. Knight is with excellence! The Bruiserweight, one of the longest reigning NXT UK Champions. The FIRST NXT Triple Crown Winner, Johnny Wrestling. And the current TWO-TIME TWO-TIME NXT Champion? What does that mean? Dues paid in full, time and again. Some want to say that stuff doesn’t matter. It matters to Knight! It matters to them!
So for Sunday, you ain’t gotta like them or even respect them. Because once the cage comes down and the rings are in place, these four step into the ring, each and everyone of Team 2.0 gets the respect stomped outta their asses! That isn’t an insult, that is just a fact of life, YEAH. Tommaso Ciampa adds that Team 2.0 knows they messed up by looking across the ring and seeing DIY. Who? D I Y. Together again! Representing black ‘n’ gold. And there’s one thing they like to say about that: “WE are NXT.” The 2.0 boys better be prepared for war. Game on.
Team 2.0 talks backstage.
Trick Williams says, “Here’s what we gotta do. Strap up your boots, grab the protein shakes, because tonight, our lives are about to change forever! We goin’ viral tonight.” Grayson Waller likes the sound of that! But Andre Chase walks in and says if they’re not talking strategy right now, then this is a #TeachableMoment! Aw man, c’mon… Just hear him out. “You don’t go to war without a good game plan.” And who better to be the general than Andre Chase? Chase thinks Waller should start, then- Whoa, whoa, whoa. The A Champion, Carmelo Hayes, kicks things off. When Melo shoots, he don’t-
Bron Breakker shows up as he slaps Chase on the back. He asks how everyone’s doing. Good. Chase is calling the shots? Y-Yeah…? Hey, Tony, what do we call guys like that? Stunatz. They all laugh at Chase and Tony says they don’t need Chase’s help. But maybe Chase should walk or there’s gonna be problems. Alright, but don’t come asking him for help later. Who even is this guy? Chase leaves, Team 2.0 fist bumps all around. Will they be ready for what Team Black ‘n’ Gold brings to the cage?
NXT takes a closer look at the Women’s WarGames match.
Mandy Rose says Toxic Attraction has changed NXT, because Toxic Attraction is the attraction. That is why they are the faces of 2.0. And by the way, thanks, Dakota. But in regards to #CobraKai and Big Mami Cool, what started at Halloween Havoc could end here tonight. Common enemies make for unlikely allies, and Raquel Gonzalez says her team “is the definition of WarGames.” Cora Jade says this is the stage where she belongs. Kay Lee Ray says they have the advantage, and Io Shirai says WarGames didn’t change her, she changed WarGames. Mandy doesn’t get why the other team is so confident when her team has all the gold, plus the wild card in Dakota.
Gigi Dolin says there will be no mercy, and Jacy Jayne says, “Let the Toxic Games begin!” They are ready for war! Dakota smiles at the idea that they’ll all be trapped in the cage, like animals! Raquel vows her team will tear the cage down and kick some toxic ass. Who runs the NXT Women’s Division after tonight? That match opens the show!
The battle lines have been drawn!
The game has changed, but the mission is the same: win. The stakes have been raised, the gates have been opened, and bad blood will boil over. NXT is in a state of WARGAMES!
Women’s WarGames: Io Shirai, Raquel Gonzalez, Kay Lee Ray & Cora Jade VS Dakota Kai & Toxic Attraction!
The Evil Genius, Big Mami Cool, the Scary Queen of Scots & #GenerationJade have the advantage against #CapKota and the golden trio of women’s champions. But will that help Shirai, Raquel, KLR & Cora end the arrogant attitudes of Dakota, Mandy, Gigi & Jacy?
After all their entrances, KLR goes right into the cage, and she’s bringing her baseball bat! Dakota starts for her team, and she makes sure to bring some kendo sticks with her. The door closes and the teams are up in the cages in the bleachers. The bell rings and fans chant for “WAR~ GAMES!” as the clock counts down. Dakota rushes to the divide and KLR JAMS her with the bat! Dakota shoulders back into KLR, then hurries into the second ring. Dakota blocks the superkick to throw forearms, then she whips KLR. KLR stops from hitting steel and elbows Dakota back. KLR whips, Dakota stops herself from hitting steel, but turns around into CHOPS!
KLR whips, Dakota reverses then drops down to keep KLR moving. KLR comes back to dropkick Dakota down! Fans fire up, KLR stands Dakota up and CHOPS her. KLR has Dakota in a corner and CHOPS her again! KLR brings Dakota around but Dakota denies the tornado DDT. So KLR runs up into the corner to SATELLITE DDT! KLR looms over Dakota, drags her up, and she whips, only for Dakota to reverse and send KLR into steel! KLR writhes, Dakota stomps her down at three minutes left. Dakota RAMS KLR into steel, then fetches her kendo sticks. Dakota bridges the sticks between the two rings, then SMACKS KLR with one before adding it to the bridge.
Dakota drags KLR over, RAMS her into steel again, then digs her face into the grate! Fans rally and duel, Dakota fidgets and pushes KLR under the ropes. KLR fights Dakota and kicks her away. They go to the first ring and Dakota CLUBS KLR down. Dakota drags KLR up to whip her to a corner. Dakota then goes up from the divider side, brings KLR up, but KLR fights with body shots! KLR GAMANGIRIS Dakota! Dakota kicks KLR away, hurries into the second ring and gets KLR’s bat! But KLR goes up FLYING from ring to ring to take Dakota down! KLR gets the kendo stick to SMACK Dakota!
KLR decides to take advantage of Dakota’s kendo stick bridge. She brings Dakota through the ropes, suplexes and GOURD BUSTER onto the sticks! Dakota writhes and we’re at the last 10 seconds. Fans count it down, but Dakota JAWBREAKERS! KLR’s team adds Cora Jade! Cora hurries to ringside and gets a skateboard! Cora hops in and SMACKS Dakota with the board! And again! Dakota ducks then leaps over Cora, but Cora ducks and whips to kick. Dakota blocks that but Cora ENZIGURIS! Dakota staggers, Cora waistlocks but Dakota bucks the O’Conner, only to get a SHINING WIZARD against the steel! Fans fire up with Cora and she helps KLR up.
Cora stomps Dakota in the corner, KLR adds on. Fans taunt Cora, “You Can’t Skate!” Cora snapmares and KICKS Dakota in the back! KLR drags Dakota up to snapmare and KICK! Dakota scrambles away into the second ring, but Cora and KLR follow her. Dakota is in a corner, she kicks back but KLR stomps her down. KLR and Cora double suplex Dakota! Fans want that “One More Time!” and they get Dakota back up for another double suplex! KLR taunts Toxic Attraction, then she and Cora double suplex again. But Dakota makes it at DOUBLE DDT! Dakota CLUBS KLR, then hammers Cora. The countdown returns as Dakota stomps Cora, but Cora hits back.
Toxic Attraction sends Gigi to the ring! Gigi goes looking underneath and she brings out a trash can! And a duffel bag, too! She puts those in, and TOSSES the can at Cora! Cora goes down, Gigi climbs up. Gigi leaps, Cora gets under, but Gigi BOOTS her down! KLR runs in but Gigi shoves her, rounds and STO’s! Dakota BOOTS KLR, Gigi hits a HALF ‘N’ HALF! Dakota then adds a SUPERKICK! Gigi runs in to wrench Cora and snapmare, then KICK her in the back! Dakota keeps KLR down as Gigi SWITCHBLADE KICKS Cora! Dakota digs her boot into KLR in the corner, Gigi drags Cora up to CLUB her down. Gigi bumps Cora off buckles, stomps her, then KICKS her!
Dakota and Gigi coordinate, they switch, STEREO BOOTS in the corners! Dakota stands Cora back up, she and Gigi switch again, another STEREO BOOTS! Cora hits Gigi back and throws knees, snapmare roll and basement dropkick! KLR hits Dakota back and they go to the second ring. Gigi sits up against ropes but Cora takes the trash can to put it over her. Cora runs and basement dropkicks the can! Gigi flops over, KLR gets Dakota in the Gory Especial, KLR BOMB onto the trash can! Gigi flounders out of the can, clutching her mouth! The countdown returns as Cora stomps Gigi and KLR SMACKS Dakota with the trash can.
Now Io Shirai joins the match! Dakota hits KLR back but Shirai is bringing in chairs! Cora stomps Gigi and Dakota to keep them down while KLR gets the chairs from Shirai. Shirai brings out another trash can, and the lid. Dakota corners Cora to then BOOT Shirai down! Dakota RAMS Shirai into steel! Gigi digs her boots into Shirai, then drags her up to whip her into more steel! Dakota stomps KLR, stomps Shirai, and Gigi adds on! Cora kicks back but Gigi CLUBS her down! Dakota BOOT WASHES KLR! Gigi BOOTS Cora down, Dakota CLUBS Cora. Gigi digs her boots into KLR, but Cora gets her skateboard! Only for Dakota to BOOT her down!
KLR SMACKS Gigi with the trash can, but Gigi kicks her back. Cora CLUBS Dakota, KLR ROCKS Gigi! KLR gives Gigi a GOURD BUSTER, but hen Dakota pulls KLR’s hair! Cora goes up top, kicks Dakota away and then walks the ropes to RANA in the gap! Cora fires up and then runs in, only for Dakota to dodge! Gigi slips in and CLOBBERS Cora into the posts! Gigi snarls and fans are on her side as she stalks up to KLR. KLR tries to hit back but Gigi CLUBS her down. The countdown returns as Gigi KICKS KLR against ropes. Toxic Attraction sends Jacy Jayne! Dakota uses a chair while Jacy brings out a TABLE! Fans like that!
Dakota sets chairs up in a corner, Gigi makes room so she can help Jacy with the table. Dakota CLUBS KLR down, then keeps Cora and Shirai down. Jacy TOSSES the can into KLR, then BOOTS her down! KLR falls between the chairs Dakota set up, then Gigi clubs away on Cora. Cora shoves her away but Gigi RANAS Cora to ropes! Jacy runs in to KNEE Cora down! Fans chant, “Let’s Get Toxic!” “Toxic Sucks!” as Gigi knees Shirai down! Gigi holds Shirai up as Jacy builds speed, but Shirai brings Gigi down and the KNEE hits Gigi! Shirai ROCKS Jacy, blocks Dakota’s boot and sends it into Jacy! Shirai then SHOTEIS Dakota!
Fans fire up as Shirai runs into the corner, SHINKANSEN for Toxic Attraction! SHINKANSEN for Dakota! Shirai has the trash can lid now, FULL METAL SHINKANSEN for Toxic Attraction! FULL METAL SHINKANSEN for Dakota! Shirai makes Dakota hold the lid so that Shirai can get a big SWINGING DOUBLE KNEES! 619 for Jacy! Cora has set up the table in the second ring, and now she, KLR and Shirai have Jacy all alone! She tries to get away and Gigi reaches out, but KLR BOOTS Gigi down! Shirai ROCKS Jacy, KLR adds on! Jacy ends up on the table, and fans fire up as Cora decides to climb! The new kid wants to go extreme, and she’s on the cage!
SUPER SWANTON BOMB through the table!! Fans lose their minds, and mad respect from the veterans for that one! But Cora is also clutching her arm, did she do as much damage to herself as she did to Jacy? KLR makes sure Dakota is still down in the other ring, then she ROCKS Gigi! Gigi shoves KLR but KLR kicks her and bumps her off buckles. KLR digs her boot into Gigi, Cora makes her way to the first ring. Cora tries her best with just one arm but it might be too much. KLR CHOKES Dakota with a kendo stick! Shirai says Cora is good, and she closes the door! But is this a smart move from the Evil Genius? She has the arm, and she POPS it in for Cora!!
The countdown returns as Dakota JAWBREAKERS KLR! But now, here comes RAQUEL! Ricky Desperado looks under the ring, KLR CLUBS Dakota down, Raquel finds more trash cans and hands them in to KLR. Same goes for more chairs. AND A SHOVEL! But Dakota kicks at Raquel, then closes the door! Dakota and Gigi keep the door shut on Raquel, but Raquel gets a fire extinguisher! WHOOSH, and she puts Dakota and Gigi out! Raquel gets in and rallies on them with elbows and a BOOT! Fireman’s carry for Dakota, then Raquel gets a trash can! Raquel pops Dakota around and shoves her into the can! Then Raquel swings the can around!
Gigi runs over but gets BOPPED by the trash can! Raquel then TOSSES the can and Dakota with it! Raquel KICKS the can, then checks on Cora in the other ring. Shirai takes the trash can off Dakota to go up the corner with it, then up the cage! Dakota goes after Shirai to take the can away. KLR goes after Dakota, but Gigi SMACKS KLR with a kendo stick! Gigi and Jacy climb, but then Raquel adds on! DOUBLE POWERBOMB GERMAN SUPLEX, because KLR went with Toxic Attraction! Shirai kicks Dakota and Raquel catches her! SPINEBUSTER! Raquel puts the can back around Dakota and sets her up for OVER THE MOONSAULT!!
Fans fire up with Shirai and Raquel, and Raquel goes back to check on Cora. Cora gets feeling into her bad arm, but is she in any shape to fight? Gigi regroups with Dakota, the countdown returns, but we all know that Mandy Rose finally joins the fight! Mandy grins and struts as she gets right in, grabs a chair, and JAMS Raquel! Then SMACKS her on the back! Mandy sees Cora in the other ring and goes right for her. Shirai grabs at Mandy’s leg but Mandy kicks her away. Mandy grins as she picks on Cora. “Does your arm hurt?” Mandy drags Cora by the arm! But Shirai CLOBBERS Mandy and kicks her away!
Toxic Attraction regroups with Dakota, but Shirai, Raquel & KLR stand in their way! WarGames truly begins now, in that it can finally end, and it is clear Cora is the target. Shirai and team dare Toxic Attraction to try when they all have a kendo stick. KLR looks at Cora, and creeps over. What is KLR thinking? Dakota jumps in and get a SMACK! KLR then tosses the stick to Cora so she can defend herself as the brawl breaks loose! Shirai is after Gigi, Mandy and Jacy mug Raquel and KLR avoids a DDT to chairs from Dakota, but she still gets knocked down by Gigi! Dakota covers, Shirai breaks it! Mandy pulls Shirai’s hair but Shirai gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, Jacy breaks it!
Jacy gets a chair, sets it down, Shirai runs in but FULL METAL SPINEBUSTER! Jacy runs but Raquel CLOBBERS her! Gigi runs at Raquel, tilt-o-whirls, but Raquel blocks the DDT with power! Raquel puts Gigi up top, SMACKS her off steel, then gets Jacy up. Raquel brings Jacy around, adds Gigi to it, but Mandy SMACKS her with a kendo stick! Toxic Attraction picks on Raquel, KICKS and SMACKS from all sides! Gigi RANAS Raquel into a chair, Jacy FULL METAL DROPKICKS! Double cover, but CORA smacks that apart! Cora has one arm to use that kendo stick with, but she retreats to the second ring as Toxic Attraction & Dakota regroup.
Cora fires off with the kendo stick on everyone! But she gets knocked down, and they sit her up for Mandy to stomp! Mandy runs, KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives and shocks everyone! Cora is surprised, too, but Mandy drags her up to go after the bad arm! Dakota keeps KLR down, Gigi & Jacy stomp Raquel, but Shirai springs up and has a kendo stick to SMACK Mandy! KLR schoolgirls Dakota into buckles! Jacy SMACKS Shirai with a chair, then Gigi BOOTS KLR against the steel. Raquel gets Jacy for a CHINGONA BOMB! Double BOOTS take Gigi and Raquel down! Cora is the only one up! She hurries to high stack Jacy, HER TEAM WINS!
Winners; Io Shirai, Raquel Gonzalez, Kay Lee Ray & Cora Jade, by pinfall
The underdog with one arm comes through for the team! What a big win for them all, will this lead everyone to bigger and better in the near future?
Team Black ‘n’ Gold meet in the locker room.
Ciampa says, “Boys. WarGames.” Huh? WarGames! YEAH! Gargano finally gets into a WarGames. Could also be his last, but he’s excited to be in one with these guys. Knight says it’s his first, too, but Dunne and Ciampa have been in this before, but one thing they’ve all done is have that big match feeling. In the other locker room is a bunch o’ boys because they ain’t ever felt this before. They have a glimmer of hope because of the man-up advantage. Well someone told them the wrong damn story, YEAH! Ciampa asks Bruiserweight his input, Dunne just shrugs. Beautiful. But this is big for them. Tonight, it isn’t just their moment. This is Gargano’s moment. Is that to say Gargano kicks off WarGames for his team?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Imperium VS Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner!
Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner do not respect the team of #CoolKyle and big Von Wagner. It may be that they’re still rather fresh as a duo. It may be that they do not show the same reverence for the ring. And it’s most certainly because as Europeans, they look down on Americans. Will the Impeccable German & Pride of Italy keep the mat sacred? Or will Kyle & Von make Imperium admit in all languages that they greatly underestimated them?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we’re about to see if arrogance gets in the way of dominance!
The teams sort out, Kyle starts against Barthel. The two circle, fans rally up, and they tie up. Kyle waistlocks, Barthel wrenches and arm-drags Kyle to then roll and wrench to a wristlock. Kyle rolls, Barthel rolls with him! Fans duel, “Let’s Go, Kyle!” “Kyle Sucks!” Kyle spins, steps through and back drops Barthel! Barthel tries to sunset flip but Kyle has the arm for an ARMBAR! Barthel hurries to high stack, ONE! Barthel whips Kyle, tags Aichner, Aichner arm-drags Kyle to a cording hold! Fans rally, Kyle fights up but Aichner wrenches. Kyle CLUBS free, ROCKS Aichner, but Aichner CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS back! Kyle turns it around, Aichner dodges and CHOPS again!
Aichner puts Kyle in the corner, whips him corner to corner but Kyle goes under, and KICKS Aichner down! Tag to Wagner, Kyle sets Aichner up, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Von drags Aichner up to back suplex high and hard! Cover, ONE! Von pushes Aichner down to then FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Von drags Aichner up, tags in Kyle, and they stomp and KICK and HEADBUTT Aichner over and over! Kyle drags Aichner up, wrenches, but Aichner gets free to CHOP! Kyle KICKS, Aichner CHOPS! Aichner blocks the kick, Kyle catches the chop! Kyle wrenches, knees low and has a facelock! Aichner fights but Kyle cranks the hold, but Barthel gets in!
Kyle kicks at Barthel and he backs off, Aichner uses that distraction to snap suplex Kyle away! Tag to Barthel, Aichner puts Kyle in a corner and Barthel whips corner to corner. Barthel runs in to EuroUpper, GAMANGIRI then HALF HATCH! Barthel hops up the corner, leaps, but into a KICK! Barthel keeps Kyle from Von to whip and ROCK, then snapmare and PENALTY KICK! Barthel holds up a finger to shout, “NEIN!” Barthel brings Kyle up but Kyle WRINGS his arm! Tag to Von and he rallies on Barthel! BIG shoulder tackle, then a scoop and SLAM! Von fires up, runs in but blocks the boot. Barthel brings Von down to KICK him away, hot tag to Aichner!
Aichner rams Von but Von stays up! Aichner CHOPS, dodges Von’s lariat and catches the Thesz Press for a squat! ROLLING SENTON! Fans fire up seeing that display of strength! Aichner drags Von up, wrenches and clamps onto the arm to tag in Barthel. Aichner whips, Barthel arm-drags but Von blocks to CLOBBER Barthel! Tag to Kyle, he BOOTS Aichner, then kitchen sink knees Barthel! Kyle clinches, throws knees, then fires off KICKS and SLAPS! Leg sweep! Barthel goes to the corner, Kyle runs in to forearm smash! Wrench and ELBOW BREAKER, but Barthel forearms. Kyle fires off more heavy strikes, ROCKS Barthel, then runs, into a cheap shot from Aichner!
Barthel CLOBBERS Kyle! Fans fire up and rally as Barthel scrapes his soles on Kyle’s face, then basement EuroUppers! Barthel drags Kyle up, tags Aichner, and Imperium whips Kyle to CLOBBER him! Aichner stomps Kyle around, rains down fists, then he talks trash to Von. Aichner drags Kyle up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Barthel, Barthel whips Kyle again but Kyle ducks Aichner’s clothesline to BOOT Barthel! Kyle KNEES Aichner down, and Imperium both tumble to the floor! Kyle crawls the long way across the ring, but Aichner gets in to intercept! Kyle back drops Aichner away! Hot tag to Von!
Von rallies on Imperium with big clotheslines, boots and shoulders! Aichner dodges but gets a LEG LARIAT! Von whips, Barthel reverses, Von clips Aichner to then POWERSLAM Barthel! Gut wrench SLAM for Aichner! Von DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES Imperium out! Fans fire up for Von and he fires up as he hurries out after Imperium. Von CLOBBERS Barthel, CLOBBERS Aichner, gets back in the ring to then go out and give Imperium an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kyle runs and FLYING KNEES Aichner down! Von gets Barthel for an OLYMPIC SLAM in the ring! Cover, TWO!! Barthel survives but Von keeps his cool.
Von drags Barthel up, Barthel JAWBREAKERS! But Von choke grips! Barthel CLUBS the arm, CHOPS and kicks and CLUBS Von, then underhooks! Von blocks the suplex and throws Barthel away. HEADBUTT, and Barthel falls! Von steadies himself, storms over, but Barthel trips him into buckles! Aichner tags in, they set Wagner in the ropes, CORNER DOUBLE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Aichner tags Barthel back in, Barthel goes up and Aichner reels Von in. But Von back drops free! Barthel leaps, into a choke grip! CHOKE SLAM onto Aichner! Von hobbles and tags in Kyle! Kyle goes up top, KING KONG KNEE DROP to Barthel’s leg! HEEL HOOK!!
Barthel endures, fans rally and duel, Barthel clubs away at Kyle’s legs but Kyle pulls harder on Barthel’s! Barthel drags himself over, Aichner gets up to springboard TRIANGLE MOONSAULT!! Direct hit on Kyle and fans lose their minds! Everyone is down, “This is Awesome!” Barthel puts Kyle up top, Aichner tags in! Barthel GAMANGIRIS Kyle, Aichner BOOTS Von! Barthel TOSSES Kyle to Aichner, but Kyle GUILLOTINES out of the suplex! Von runs in to clothesline Barthel and himself out of the ring! Aichner is caught in the body scissors, powers out, but Kyle makes it a cradle! Barthel tips it! TWO!! Kyle escapes, BOOTS Aichner, but Aichner BOOTS back!
Kyle and Aichner DOUBLE BOOT! Kyle yoyos, into DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men fall and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Hot tags to Von and Barthel! Von dodges but Barthel CHOPS, kicks, and throws hands! Von throws hands back, going back and forth! Von gets the edge but Aichner gets in to CHOP BLOCK! Kyle gets in to AX ‘N’ SMASH Aichner! Barthel gut wrench SLAMS Kyle! Von scoops Barthel, but Barthel slips out! Barthel shoves Von, but gets caught in the HIGH LOW!! Cover, the ref is busy with Aichner! He finally sees, TWO!!! That delay saved Imperium!! Fans argue the count, but Von drags himself over to tag in Kyle.
Kyle and Von get Barthel up, Von runs, but Barthel elbows Kyle and dumps Von! Barthel hurries to tag in Aichner! Aichner runs at Kyle, Kyle ducks but Aichner goes up and up and SUPER CROSSBODIES Von!! Fans lose their minds, Aichner gets Kyle for a lift, but Kyle slips out of the bomb to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! INTO AN ARMBAR!! Kyle pulls the arm back, then shifts to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Aichner flails, reaches, scoots around, but Kyle throws down fists! Aichner is fading! But he gets a second wind to deadlift Kyle! Barthel tags in and goes up top! IMPERIAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!!
Winners: Imperium, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
What a war for the tag titles! Kyle & Von came way closer than Imperium thought they would, but they couldn’t take over the tag division. Von and Kyle regroup, and fans chant, “Thank You, Kyle!” Was this the last chance for the three-time tag team champion? Von rushes at Kyle?! But Kyle’s ready, and he ducks to AX ‘N’ SMASH Von!! Kyle shouts about Von being dumb enough to think Kyle doesn’t know this game! “This is a brotherhood!” Kyle throws up the Undisputed Era symbol! And then he tells Von to SUCK IT! Kyle storms off, fans are fired up! Will Kyle teach Von what it takes to survive in NXT?
Backstage interview with El Legado Del Fantasma.
McKenzie asks them about Santos Escobar’s huge match with Xyon Quinn this Tuesday. Escobar will put it this way, first in Spanish, then in English, “Xyon Quinn bit off more than he can chew.” Reality hits Xyon in the face. Then what about Elektra Lopez meeting up with Xyon last week? McKenzie, they are familia. Their affairs are solved behind closed doors. And just to be clear, Elektra is a grown ass woman. What she does on her time is none of your business. Elektra storms off, Legado follows after. But will that business be settled when Escobar takes on the Gentleman Fighter on NXT?
Hair VS Hair: Cameron Grimes VS Duke Hudson!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman took The Smug poker “master” to the cleaners in Duke’s Poker Room, then messed with his head in the rematch. But now Hudson wants to humiliate Grimes and mess with Grimes’ head by shaving it bald! But will that just backfire on Hudson like those card games did? Or will he not need to worry about bluffs when he can just beat Grimes down?
The bell rings and the two rush each other! Hudson RAMS Grimes into a corner, RAMS his shoulder in again and again, then bumps Grimes off buckles. Grimes turns things around to KICK and KICK and KICK! Hudson shoves Grimes down, stomps him around, then drags him up to TOSS him out of the ring! Grimes hits the steel steps pretty hard, but Hudson goes out after him. Grimes blocks the bump to SMACK Hudson off the steps! Grimes then goes from the apron to CANNONBALL! Direct hit and Hudson flounders to the ramp. Grimes gets Hudson up but Hudson RAMS him into the apron! They get in at 8 of 10, but Grimes runs to forearm smash Hudson down!
Grimes rallies with shoulders, then he runs corner to corner to- Leap into an URENAGE! Hudson rains down fists on Grimes, fans boo but Hudson paces about. Hudson sits Grimes up to JAM a knee into his back! Hudson brings Grimes up again but Grimes throws body shots. Grimes runs but Hudson pulls hair! Hudson reels Grimes in, Grimes victory rolls! TWO, and Hudson runs in but Grimes elbows him away! Grimes BOOTS Hudson, goes up and QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Hudson crawls, Grimes snarls and KICKS Hudson’s leg! And then KICKS him in the corner again and again! Hudson bails out and fans boo, but Grimes goes to the apron!
Hudson blocks the kick to yank Grimes down and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex him to the floor! Hudson gets in as the count climbs. The count is past 5 of 10, Grimes gets up at 8 and in at 9! Hudson stomps Grimes at the ropes, drags him up and whips him to ropes to CLOBBER him with an elbow! Hudson drags Grimes up, reels him in and has a cobra twist! Grimes resists but Hudson CLAWS Grimes in the side! Fans rally as Grimes endures the stretch, and Grimes powers up to power out, only for Hudson to throw him down by his hair! Fans chant, “You Suck!” as Hudson fish hooks Grimes’ face. Hudson puts Grimes in a corner to stomp away!
The ref counts, Hudson lets off, fans chant, “You’re Still Dukie!” Hudson suplexes, Grimes makes it a cradle! TWO, and Hudson CLOBBERS Grimes again! Hudson sits Grimes up to JAM his knee in again, and again! Hudson eggs Grimes on, “I’m gonna shave you bald!” Fans chant “DUKIE! DUKIE!” as Hudson whips Grimes corner to corner hard! Grimes falls but fans rally up for him. Hudson stands Grimes up to reel him in, BACKBREAKER! Hudson bends Grimes back for a backbreaker rack but Grimes endures. Fans rally, Grimes fights out with fists, and Grimes gets up, only for Hudson to scoop! Grimes RANAS Hudson into ropes!
Hudson drags Grimes up by a leg, Grimes ENZIGURIS! Hudson staggers, Grimes ducks and dodges, COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO! Hudson survives but fans rally up for Grimes. Grimes counter punches Hudson, and again! Grimes spins Hudson to scoop, but Hudson slips out to gut wrench Grimes up! Hudson swings Grimes but Grimes makes it a DDT! Cover, TWO! Grimes grimaces while Hudson goes to the apron. Grimes goes out and PENALTY KICKS Hudson from the apron! Fans fire up, Grimes brings Hudson up and into the ring. Grimes slingshots but Hudson holds off the sunset flip and sits! Hudson has the rope and the ref sees it! Grimes finishes the sunset, TWO!!
Grimes kicks, Hudson avoids the roundhouse but not the SUPERKICK! POISON-RANA!! Fans fire up with Grimes as Hudson flounders about. Grimes runs in to BOOT in the corner! Grimes then goes up top, to CROSSBODY! Deep cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Grimes goes to a corner. Hudson stands, Grimes says, “TO! THE! MOON!” But he runs into a BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Grimes survives and Hudson can’t believe it! Hudson drags Grimes up, gut wrench to a crucifix, but Grimes RANAS out of Razor’s Edge! Hudson hits buckles, Grimes rolls him up! With a handful of tights!! GRIMES WINS!!
Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall (Duke Hudson loses his hair)
Hudson protests, Grimes cheated! But it’s only cheating if you get caught! And with the barber’s chair in the second ring, we all know what’s coming! Hudson tries to run away but Grimes throws him into the ring! But Hudson CLOBBERS Grimes! Hudson drags Grimes up and puts him in the chair! No, this isn’t the bet! Hudson is the one who should be getting sheered! Hudson grabs the electric razor, but Grimes BOOTS Hudson down! Then he hits a CAVE-IN!! Now things are as they should be as Grimes gets the razor! Grimes makes Hudson take a seat, and fans chant, “Shave Him Bald!” Grimes sets to work buzzing through Hudson’s hairline!
Hudson comes to and runs away before Grimes can finish! But will he have to make the change after getting a runway down the middle of his head?
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Roderick Strong w/ Diamond Mine VS Joe Gacy w/ Harland!
Apparently, a 205 pound weight limit is offensive? Well, NXT’s Mr. Inclusion does make a point that the world should be a better place for all. But will he be able to resolve the conflict and turn this into NXT’s Openweight Championship? Or will he not be able to break the Savior of the Backbreaker?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Strong exclusively keeps Gacy from being a champion.
Strong and Gacy tie right up, go around, and Strong puts Gacy in a corner. The ref counts, Strong lets off but shoves Gacy as he tries to hug him. Gacy says they can resolve this easily but they circle and tie up again. Strong trips Gacy and eggs him on. Gacy gets up, Strong shoves him. Gacy wants to hug it out but Strong wants to fight. So Gacy SLAPS Strong! Strong fires forearms and body shots and has Gacy on the ropes! Strong knees low, scoops and BACKBREAKER! Gacy gets up, Strong CHOPS him! Gacy flounders, Strong gets Gacy up to scoop and hits another BACKBREAKER! Strong stalks Gacy, dares him to hug him now, but Gacy wants Strong to take it easy.
Strong brings Gacy up to headlock, Gacy powers out and runs Strong over! Things speed up, Gacy shoves and CLOBBERS Strong from behind! Gacy stomps away on Strong then drops an elbow! Gacy gets Strong up to CLUB him, throw body shots, then forearms. Strong puts Gacy in a corner to CHOP! Strong tears Gacy’s button-up shirt off to CHOP him! And kick him, then CHOP him again! Gacy crawls, Strong stands Gacy up to CHOP him down! Strong gets Gacy against ropes to CHOP him, but Gacy throws body shots! Strong forearms, joins Gacy on the apron, but Gacy BOOTS him down! Gacy throws off what’s left of his shirt to CLUB away on Strong!
Strong flops to the floor, Gacy gets him up and in, then drops another big elbow! Gacy DECKS Strong, brings him up from the corner but Strong slips out to run. Gacy ROCKS Strong then hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Gacy drags Strong up, suplexes high and hard, then covers, ONE! Gacy drags Strong back up, throws a hard forearm, but Strong CHOPS! Gacy CHOPS back, then waistlocks. Strong holds onto ropes, Gacy CLUBS him! Gacy whips Strong corner to corner, Strong reverses and runs in to KNEE Gacy down! Strong hoists Gacy up top, CHOPS him again, then climbs up to join him. Strong gets Gacy up and fans fire up, for the SUPERPLEX!
Both men are down and fans fire up! Strong crawls to a cover, TWO! Only now does Harland even react by putting his hands on the apron. Strong throws forearm son Gacy but Gacy gives them back. They go back and forth, fans fire up, and Strong gets around to knee low! Fireman’s carry, GUT BUSTER DROP! Strong gets Gacy back up, OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Bivens is frustrated on Strong’s behalf. Strong gets the legs, he turns Gacy over for the BOSTON CRAB! Gacy endures, powers his way around, but Strong drags Gacy away! Strong turns Gacy back over, but Gacy gets an arm and starts kicking Strong in the face! Gacy drags Strong down, CROSSFACE!!
Strong flails, scrambles, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Gacy lets off but runs in, to clothesline Strong out! Strong lands right by Diamond Mine and they hurry to help him, Gacy runs to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Strong AND the Creed Brothers! Gacy puts Strong in the ring, but then he stares down Ivy Niles! Niles gets her chain ready, but here comes Harland! Harland picks Niles up but Gacy tells him to let her down. Harland lets Niles free, the ring count is climbing! Gacy gets in at 8, Strong runs in but misses! Gacy knees low, gut wrenches and POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!!
Gacy runs, but Strong KNEES Gacy down! Gacy flounders, Strong gets him up, END OF HEARTACHE!! Cover, Strong wins!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall (still NXT Cruiserweight Champion)
Not only does Strong keep this title, he keeps it the Cruiserweight title! Will Diamond Mine never crack under pressure? Will Gacy stop trying to change the way things are done in NXT? Or will this only motivate him to try even harder?
Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.
McKenzie asks what happened after their tag title loss, and Kyle says, “You know I’ve been in this business a long time, right? And Von Wagner, if you didn’t think I smelled that turn coming from a mile away, you must be stupider than you look!” This is the first time in five years Kyle wasn’t in a WarGames match, and he’s hungry for some steel. So if Von wants to finish what he started, they can leave that cage up for Tuesday, because Kyle wants him inside that steel! A vicious challenge has been issued to Von, will he have the guts to take on #KillerKyle?
Men’s WarGames: Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne & LA Knight VS Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller!
The battle of generations is on! Old School VS New School, Black ‘n’ Gold VS 2.0, the veterans who paved the way and paid their dues VS the future of sports entertainment! At least, that’s how the new kids on the block want everyone to think. But will DIY, the Bruiserweight and the Million Dollar Megastar show the North American Champion, the Big Booty Nephew, the Pro-Wrestling Paizon and the 21st Century Success Story it ain’t their time yet?
As promised by Trick Williams, Melo starts for his team. And as Ciampa, Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling starts! Gargano even returns to his old theme song to remind us all who has been the heart of this brand all this time! Fans are thunderous already as the bell rings. Gargano wants Melo to hear the chants as he and Melo circle. “Johnny WarGames” gets the waistlock, hooks an arm, spins Melo around, and wrangles him down. Melo gets up but Gargano wrenches. Melo rolls, wrenches, but Gargano headlocks to a takeover. Melo headscissors but Gargano shrugs that off. They get up, Melo pops out the back to hammerlock and bridge.
Gargano endures but Melo rolls to have the hammerlock again. Gargano reaches back but Melo fights the headlock off. They get up, Melo wrenches again, then headlocks. Gargano throws body shots, powers out, things speed up and Gargano hurdles. Melo leaps, things keep moving, Gargano arm-drags but Melo rolls off his back. Melo shoves, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Gargano is in a corner, he dodges Melo but Melo pops him up, but Gargano kicks off the cage to arm-drag Melo and SCHOOLBOY KICK! Fans fire up and Gargano smirks. Trick coaches Melo but Gargano brings Melo up into a corner.
Gargano CHOPS, but Melo headlocks. Gargano just CHOPS again! Melo keeps trying but Gargano CHOPS, whips corner to corner, but runs into an elbow. Melo slingshots and jumps off the second ring’s ropes, into Gargano’s GAMANGIRI! Melo is dazed, Gargano waits for him to rise. Gargano runs in, but Melo blocks the spear to turn Gargano around and KICK! Melo runs to the post, imploder leg drop but Gargano moves! Melo lands on his feet, Gargano slingshots but no Final Beat here! Melo TOSSES Gargano into the ring! Gargano slides, Melo slingshots over, but turns around into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Fans are thunderous as Gargano still has control!
Gargano drags Melo up, Melo knees low! Melo whips, Gargano reverses but Melo goes up the steel to mule kick! SPRINGBOARD LARIAT! Melo goes up the corner, but Gargano ROCKS him with a forearm! They brawl, Gargano gets the edge, but Melo kicks him away. Melo goes up again, but Gargano follows! They fight on the top rope, Gargano SMACKS Melo off the steel! And again! And again! Gargano keeps dribbling Melo off the steel! Gargano stops at 10 and springboards to SUNET POWERBOMB! But the countdown is here, and Team 2.0 sends Grayson Waller! Waller gets in, and he dares Gargano to come get some!
Gargano takes Waller up on his challenge, ducks and fires off forearms! Gargano whips, Waller reverses, Gargano tilt-o-whirls but Waller blocks to suplex! Waller runs in at the corner but Gargano BOOTS! Gargano tilt-o-whirls, Waller blocks again and BACKBREAKER, to a ROLLING ELBOW! Waller fireman’s carries, pops Gargano up, but Gargano RANAS! Then schoolboy KICK! Melo gets in, Gargano forearms him, but Waller LEG LARIATS! Team 2.0 mug Gargano with stomps and hammer fists, then they go to the corners. They’re mocking DIY!! Gargano sits up, but he dodges! Melo ends up kicking Waller’s leg, Gargano sends Melo into Waller, NECKBREAKER DDT COMBO!
Trick’s bringing stuff out from under the ring! He tosses a CHAIR up and over the cage, and it almost lands on Waller! But then Gargano goes after the chair while Trick climbs the cage! Gargano SMACKS Trick’s hands! But Melo and Waller CLOBBER Gargano! Melo chokes Gargano with the chair! Gargano is busted open, Team 2.0 TOSS him into the steel! The countdown is back and the Black ‘n’ Gold send Pete Dunne! The Bruiserweight gets right in, ELBOWS Waller, but Melo headlocks. Dunne powers out to CLOBBER Melo! Waller runs in, Dunne sends him into a corner to GAMANGIRI! Knee drop on Waller’s arm! Dunne runs to DECK Melo, then keeps going to DECK Waller!
Dunne brings Melo around, X-PLEX onto Waller! Fans fire up as Dunne stands tall. Dunne whips Waller at the steel but Waller blocks! So Dunne BENDS the fingers against the steel! Dunne lets Waller down, brings Melo up but Melo forearms Dunne. Dunne forearms back and they go back and forth. Melo SLAPS, ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but Dunne dodges and Gargano GAMANGIRIS! Melo staggers back into Dunne’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Gargano and Dunne STOMP Waller’s and Melo’s hands! STEREO BUZZSAWS! Gargano shrugs and Dunne nods. Dunne gets Melo, Gargano gets Waller, CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!
Dunne even kicks Waller in the face, and Gargano kicks Melo! Dunne and Gargano let off and fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Dunne bends Waller’s fingers against steel again! Gargano puts Melo in a corner, Dunne DECKS Waller! Melo ROCKS Gargano but Dunne CHOPS Melo! Dunne SLAPS Melo, Melo comes back to tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Melo sees Dune go to the second ring and springboards over, but Dunne DECKS him! Waller slingshots and somersaults to STUNNER! The countdown returns as Waller does the same to GARGANO! Team 2.0 sends Tony D’Angelo! And Tony gets right in as Trick sends in kendo sticks!
Trick brings TABLES out! Trick passes those in to Tony and Waller, they get three tables in the ring! Melo SMACKS Gargano with the kendo stick, Trick adds trash cans to the mix! Lids included! Wait, a crutch!? Trick goes way under the ring, but LUMIS appears!! Dexter Lumis, bad hand and all, has just changed the vibe! Gargano DECKS D’Angelo, and gives Lumis a thumbs up! Tony uses a chain to DECK Gargano! Melo positions things, Tony uses the chain to shut the cage door?! Then how is anyone supposed to get in, Bron included? Tony and Melo mug Gargano, Waller has Dunne in the second ring. Dunne hurries over but Melo SMACKS him down with the lid!
Melo stomps the lid into Dunne but Dunne hits him back with it. Tony and Waller mug Gargano with kendo sticks and trash can lids. Waller SMACKS Dunne down! Fans are thunderous and dueling as the countdown returns. Black ‘n’ Gold sends LA Knight, but the cage is shut! Waller taunts Knight, but Knight looks under the ring. Dunne and Gargano are pressed against the steel, refs try to figure out the chain and padlock. Knight starts to CLIMB! Waller intercepts but Knight knocks him down! Knight is in, and he leaps over Melo and Tony! Knight breaks through the clothesline to TOSS Melo and BOOT Tony! Fans fire up for Knight for once!
Knight whips Melo into Waller, then gives him a NECKBREAKER! But Waller CLOBBERS Knight from behind! Waller whips, Knight ducks and reels him in, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Tony runs in but Knight scoops him to POWERSLAM Tony onto Waller! Knight gets a kendo stick from Dunne and he SMACKS Melo! Then another stick, to SMACK Tony! Then a trash can to put it on Waller! Dunne sends the lid over, Knight CYMBAL SMASHES Waller! Fans fire up as Dunne and Gargano DOUBLE DROPKICK Waller in the corner! Knight SMACKS Melo, SMACKS Tony, Dunne stomps a mudhole into the trash can!
Dunne then takes Waller’s glove off so he can get at the fingers directly! Refs get bolt cutters to cut the chain! Dunne puts the can on Waller’s hand to press it like a vice! Gargano fires off on Tony with the trash can lid! Dunne has a kendo stick and he SMACKS Waller’s fingers! Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo! Dunne digs the kendo stick into Waller’s ear! The countdown is back and Bron Breakker joins the match! But, the chain isn’t cut yet? Bron takes the cutters and goes after the chain! Fans taunt him with “Booty Nephew” as he struggles, but he finally gets it cut! Bron rushes in, blocks the kendo stick and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex Dunne!
Bron CLOBBERS Gargano, kicks Knight, then whips Knight, only for Knight to reverse. Bron ducks and dodges to POWERSLAM Knight down! Fans bark and rally for Bron but Gargano SMACKS and Dunne ENZIGURIS! Dunne KICKS Bron into the gap! Dunne brings Bron up to SLAP him! And CHOP! And CHOP! Bron scowls as he tanks the jabs, to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Dunne into the second ring! Gargano rushes in but Bron gets Gargano for a trophy lift! Bron TOSSES Gargano at Knight and Dunne! Bron paces, goes to the second ring, and Melo rains down rights on Dunne while Bron stomps Knight. Tony rains down fists on Gargano, and there’s still 90 seconds on the clock.
Melo drags Dunne up to RAM him into the table! Tony digs his boot into Gargano, Bron RAMS his shoulder into Knight. Melo gets a trash can lid to JAM Dunne. Waller has a kendo stick and he has Tony set Knight up for him. Waller SMACKS Knight right on the back, but now it’s time! Fans are already singing, “Ciampa’s gonna kill~ you~!” Ciampa rushes to the ring, and he kicks Waller to take the kendo stick from him! Ciampa SMACKS Waller, kicks Melo and RAMS him into steel! Ciampa tosses Waller, CLUBS Tony and Bron, then TOSSES Bron! Ciampa TOSSES Tony, then runs to PSCHO KNEE Waller! TRASH CAN LID KNEE for Bron, then for Melo, then for Tony!
Fans fire up as Ciampa gets a trash can, takes a seat on it and applauds! He then SMACKS Waller down with the trash can! Melo attacks Ciampa from behind! Melo clubs away on him, stomps away, then SMACKS him with the kendo stick! Melo says HE is the top champion, but Gargano USES THE CRUTCH! How fitting for DIY! Gargano gives Ciampa the crutch and he JAMS Bron! And JAMS Waller! And JAMS Tony! Then CRUTCH RUSSIAN LNEG SWEEP! Gargano puts Waller in the gap, Ciampa runs in to KNEE Waller into the second ring! Gargano SUPERKICKS Melo, then DIY corner clothesline Tony and Bron! And then they go the other way!
Gargano goes to the gap while Ciampa clotheslines Bron one more time. DIY goes after Tony, ENZIGURI KNEE COMBO! Ciampa clotheslines Bron again, sets up, Gargano runs in but Bron catches Gargano to SLAM him onto Ciampa! Yeah, that used to happen back in the day, too… Fans rally and duel, but they agree ‘This is Awesome!” Waller SMACKS Knight around, Melo rains down hands on Gargano and Bron uses the trash can to SMACK Ciampa while Tony rains fists down on Dunne. Bron RAMS Ciampa into steel! Melo stomps the trash can lid onto Gargano while Waller & Tony LAWN DART Dunne into steel! And then RAM Knight into steel!
Waller smacks Knight and Dunne with the trash can lid, Tony gets his stomps in where he can. Fans want the tables to come into play, but 2.0 says they do this how they want. Black ‘n’ Gold all end up in the gap, but that seems to get a smile from Dunne. Everyone shrugs, they all stand up. They brawl with 2.0 on all sides! DIY has Melo and Bron, Knight TOSSES Waller into the first ring! Dunne brings Tony over to RAM him into Melo! Knight TOSSES Waller into the steel! Black ‘n’ Gold line up with their 2.0 rivals, and they ALL SPLASH against the steel! They fire off on all the new kids, alternating here and there and wherever they can! Fans are electric as Black ‘n’ Gold stands tall!
Ciampa moves some things around, the others throw 2.0 to the second ring. Gargano wedges a trash can into the ropes, Knight throws body shots and stomps into Bron. Gargano brings Melo up and aims at the can, for a LAWN DART! Ciampa CHOPS Waller, hoists him up top and CHOPS him again. The table is set up, Ciampa climbs up and brings Waller up, but Tony SMACKS Ciampa with a trash can lid! And again! Ciampa ends up on the table, Waller adjusts, but Knight goes up to get him! Ciampa gets out of the way in time for the SUPER OVERHEAD SUPLEX through the table!!! Waller ain’t feeling so baller right now but fans lose their minds!
Dunne and Gargano hoist Melo up top in the other ring, throw haymakers on him, then climb up after him. Melo resists, then Tony and Bron join in! TOWER OF DOOM, double powerbomb and a double superplex! But Knight gets Melo for the BFT!! Cover, Tony breaks it! Everyone is down but stirring. Or rather, writhing. Knight and Bron gets up, Knight sends Bron into steel! Knight dribbles Bron against the steel! Then he drags Bron out on the ropes, but Tony kicks him down! Tony stomps away on Knight, rains down fists, and Bron adds stomps. Bron goes up, Tony reels Knight in, but Ciampa SMACKS Tony with a trash can! Then TOSSES it at Bron! And then SMACKS him!
Ciampa sets the trash can in the drop zone and climbs up after Bron. Ciampa gets Bron up, SUPER AIR RAID CRASH onto the trash can!! Cover, TWO!!! Fans are electric as everyone is down again. Tony YANKS Knight into the steel, then kicks low. FISHERMAN SCREW! Tony sets up a table while shouting to his teem to get up. Waller goes up the corner, but Tony wants him on the cage! Waller surely saw what happened to Cora Jade, but he’ll still do as he’s told. Knight is put on the table, SUPER BALLER ELBOW DROP!!! Tony covers, but Dunne breaks it!! Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for this! Dunne pushes wreckage out of the way to get after Waller.
Tony crawls to the gap, and he finds a CROWBAR?! When did that get there?! But Dunne SMACKS him with a kendo stick first! And then again! Melo sees Dunne staring him down, and he gets a lid. Melo tosses the lid, but he misses! So much for what he keeps talking about! Dunne SMACKS away on Melo with the stick! Melo grabs the stick so Dunne STOMPS it into him! And then STOMPS Melo’s hand, and BOOTS him down! Melo crawls, Dunne puts the trash can lid on Melo’s hand to STOMP it! Dunne hops up the corner, but Tony JAMS him with the crowbar!! Tony climbs up, CHOKES Dunne with the crowbar, then takes out Dunne’s mouth piece!
Tony puts that in his pocket, to then bring Dunne around and SUPER CROWBAR NECKBREAKER!!! Fans lose their minds all over again! Bron and Ciampa brawl in the other ring while everyone else is down! They go faster and faster, Ciampa BOOTS but Bron ROCKS him! Double LARAITS, then again! Ciampa ducks, but Bron RANAS?!? Bron gets Ciampa in a choke grip, but Gargano SUPERKICKS him! But Bron gets up to choke grip Gargano! Bron trophy lifts, but Ciampa KNEES Bron! Gargano SUPERKICKS Waller, Ciampa has Waller in the ropes! Gargano aims at Bron, ONE FINAL BEAT AND WILLOW’S BELL IN STEREO!!
Fans are thunderous for “DIY! DIY!” and they aim at Bron! MEET ME AT THE CROSSROAD! Double high stack cover, but Melo drags the ref away!! Melo laughs as he takes advantage of the rules, then he rakes Ciampa’s eyes, and LOW BLOWS Gargano! “I told you, Johnny. I don’t miss!” But then Gargano traps Melo’s arms! Gargano is holding Melo for Ciampa’s PSYCHO KNEE!!! It takes Gargano out just as much, but Ciampa drags Melo up. Double underhooks, but Bron SPEARS Ciampa through a table!! Fans lose their minds again, and Bron brings down the straps! Bron trophy lifts Ciampa for the POWERSLAM!! Cover, Team 2.0 win!!
Winners: Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller, by pinfall
Say it ain’t so! Bron pins the NXT Champion and wins it for his team! The new wave crashed against the shore, is it washing away the Black ‘n Gold from the brand?
My Thoughts:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the first not TakeOver for NXT, but that change seems to only be in name only. Whatever anyone has been thinking about the 2.0 era, especially the 2.0 talent introduced, I feel like those featured on this card earned their keep. The Women’s WarGames was an awesome opener, BIG respect for Cora Jade doing the riskiest spot of the match. Great story telling with the bad arm, and I just had a feeling Cora would end up getting that pin. Not sure where everyone goes from here, though you can expect Toxic Attraction to put all those titles on the line as soon as New Year’s Evil 2022 in a month against any combination from the Face team tonight.
The tag title match was greater than expected, seems Von Wagner has come into his own at just the right time. I figured Imperium was winning, mostly because it was too soon for Wagner to hold gold, but also because of talk that Kyle O’Reilly has not signed a new NXT contract. Von turning on Kyle was more of a surprise, I thought this here was the “Good-Bye” match, but maybe Kyle VS Von in a cage match will be that farewell that puts Von over. Personally, I think a lot of why Kyle is moving on is because WWE didn’t care to keep Bobby Fish around to do a reDRagon reunion story so that they could be tag champions again. That and RawDown is not promising at all for Kyle. It isn’t all that promising for anyone, but especially not for the Undisputed Era boys.
Speaking of, Strong VS Gacy was a very good match, and it felt like a rare case where WWE did Heel VS Heel. Strong isn’t Face, he still has all of Diamond Mine at ringside. Gacy isn’t Face, Wade Barrett the Heel commentator was fully supporting him, and he has Harland. Harland and Niles interacting was an interesting way to basically tip things in Strong’s favor. But I figured Gacy was losing so that the NXT Cruiserweight Division and its title stays in existence. Now they just need to push some Cruiserweights to be viable challengers. Too bad WWE released a lot of good choices over the last few months…
Grimes VS Hudson was a really good match, and of course Grimes wins. All that hair, it’d be a shame to cut that all away. Though that makes this feud really one sided right now. Too bad they didn’t get to keep the Million Dollar Championship, Hudson would definitely want to hold that belt. And we got an awesome Men’s WarGames main event. I’m a bit surprised both teams with advantage won, but I suppose that Team 2.0 was going to win since we’re in NXT 2.0 and there’s no going back to the black and gold color scheme. Everyone got to look great in it, such as Waller doing the risky spot like Cora did, and then DIY getting to be DIY again. But Bron getting the win and the pin on Ciampa, that’s a big indicator that New Year’s Evil sees a rematch of those two. Maybe the new year brings a new champion?
My Score: 9.4/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Classic POD is WAR
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Cero Miedo on Cinco de Mayo!
Penta made sure Judgment Day didn’t win the WWE World Tag Team Championships, and now he’ll make JD McDonagh pay for the WrestleMania screwjob!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez; wins.
- Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri; wins.
- PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/4/25)
It’s a Wrestling Dontaku Weekend finale!

Who will stand atop the NJPW mountain?
The Goto Revolution finally leads NJPW, but will the Fierce Warrior be conquered by The United Empire as Callum Newman goes after the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima VS Hitamaru Sasaki & Jet Wei; Taguchi & Murashima win.
- Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS MENTAI KID & Batten Burabura; Taiji & Gedo win.
- YOSHI-HASHI & Master Wato VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Hashi & Wato win.
- Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori; Maika, Hazuki & Koguma win.
- El Phantasmo & Boltin Oleg VS Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero; ELP & Boltin win.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK; Tanahashi, Yano, Yoh, Chikuzen & Tajiri win.
- 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku; LIJ wins.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura; Tsuji wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Callum Newman; Goto wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori!
It’s a Stardom Showcase as The Crimson Cannon Empress, The Wildheart & The High Speed Genius take on The Masked Idol, High Speed Bomb Girl & Kumamoto’s Unsinkable Ship! Which side of Stardom shines brightest in Fukuoka?
The trios sort out and Koguma starts against Starlight Kid. The fans cheer and the two circle. They approach, but Koguma dodges to do her bear taunt. But then Starlight CLUBS her! Starlight whips, Koguma whips but Starlight handsprings over. Starlight whips, runs up, but Koguma puts her on the apron. Koguma runs up, Starlight slips under and sunset flips, TWO! Starlight runs up, but into an arm-drag! Starlight comes back to hit a headlock takeover! Koguma headscissors, Starlight kips free, and the two strike their animal poses! The fans cheer as bear and tiger reset. They tie up, Koguma spins Starlight, then goes for the arms!
Starlight fights free of being made to bear pose! But then Koguma kicks low, runs, but Starlight blows past her to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Starlight tags Yuna. Yuna runs up to run Koguma over, then fires up as she keeps moving. But Hazuki jumps in and helps Koguma ELBOW Yuna down! Then they double Yuna into Maika’s shoulder tackle! The fans fire up for the TRIPLE DROPKICK! The ref reprimands but Koguma tags Hazuki in. Hazuki rallies the fans while she stands on Yuna! Then she scrubs her with the boot again and again! Hazuka runs to BOOT WASH her!
Hazuka bumps Yuna off buckles, tags Maika, and the fans cheer as Maika scoops and SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Yuna stays in this but Maika kicks her around. Maika eggs Yuna on, but Yuna rises to CLUB Maika in the chest! Maika comes back to DECK Yuna! Yuna flounders, Maika brings her up and whips her to a corner. Maika runs up but Yuna BOOTS her down, somersaults, and SHOTGUNS! Yuna hurries and she tags in AZM! The fans rally up for AZM as she climbs, then leaps, but into Maika’s arms! Maika throws AZM back, kicks her, and she has Koguma help double whip. But AZM sends Maika into Koguma, and Starlight jumps in!
Starlight hits a TAKEOVER HEADSCISSORS COMBO! Then AZM DOUBLE DROPKICKS Maika & Koguma! The fans fire up for Starlight’s team as she and AZK put Maika & Hazuki at the center of the ring. They coordinate, STANDING MOONSAULT and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Maika is tougher than that, but AZM drags her into a drop zone. AZM goes up, DIVING DOUBLE- NO, Maika avoids the stomps to then scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! AZM stays in this but the fans rally behind Maika. Maika drags AZM up, reels her in, and suplexes, only for AZM to fight free! Maika kicks and runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE!
Maika just roars and comes back! Maika spins AZM, suplexes, but AZM has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! The fans rally as Maika endures, powers up, and suplexes again! BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans rally as Maika and AZM crawl, hot tags to Yuna and Hazuki! Hazuki sends Yuna to an open corner, runs up, but Yuna puts her on the apron! Only for Koguma to SPLASH Yuna! Hazuki then goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS Yuna! Koguma goes up to CROSSBODY! Hazuki hurries to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives, but is now in a CROSSFACE! Koguma & Maika intercept AZM & Starlight!
The fans rally while Yuna endures, and then AZM & Starlight break free! They both stomp Hazuki! Koguma & Maika drag Starlight & AZM back out, Hazuki CLUBS Yuna and whips her to ropes. Yuna reverses, Hazuki grabs ropes, then she DUMPS Yuna out! Yuna skins the cat to then LARIAT! The fans fire up with Yuna, she and the others coordinate! TRIPLE DROPKICK at the corner! Yuna then goes out while Starlight goes up! UFO SPLASH! Starlight sets Hazuki up for AZM’s DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Yuna adds the fireman’s carry and TROPICAL VALLEY BOMB! Cover, Maika breaks it! The fans fire up, but Starlight runs in and RANAS Maika!
Koguma runs in and spins Starlight around for a DDT! AZM runs up, Koguma blocks the kick to CUTTER! The fans fire up with Koguma as she and Hazuki coordinate. The “Double Crazy” combo DIVE and CROSSBODY!! Everyone is down at ringside and the fans fire up! Hazuki puts Yuna back in and the fans rally up more. Hazuki springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives but Hazuki keeps on her. Hazuki whips Yuna to a corner, Koguma hits a SPLASH, and then Hazuki adds an ELBOW! Maika adds a LARIAT, then she puts Yuna up top! Now we get Triple Crazy as Maika lifts and the others climb!
The fans fire up for the TRIPLE CRAZY BOMB!! Cover, but Starlight Kid breaks it!! Koguma CLOBBERS Starlight, Maika keeps AZM on the outside, and Hazuki drags Yuna up. Hazuki suplexes, Yuna slips free and she trips Hazuki up! Yuna hammerlocks an arm, turns Hazuki over, TROPICAL CRADLE!! TWO!??! Hazuki escapes, but Yuna runs up! But Hazuki spins her to a suplex and stalling BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Triple Crazy wins!
Winners: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma, by pinfall
A fast ‘n’ furious fight from three rising stars, and it was the Wildheart that finishes it off! Will we see this Triple Crazy trio soon go for the IWGP Women’s and/or NJPW Strong Women’s Championships?
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK!
As The Ace’s Final Road continues to roll on, this is quite the unique stop. Sure, he’s teamed with the Clown Prince and Mr. Direct Drive before, but he is now honored to be teaming with The Makai Love Machine and yes, THE Japanese Buzzsaw! Will Tanahashi & Tajiri add to their legends with this epic team-up? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Just as always, Tanahashi shows off the abs, the fans cheer, and Yano even adds a “Sugoi~!” The teams sort out and ZSJ calls out Tajiri! The fans fire up as Tajiri accepts. The bell rings, ZSJ and Tajiri circle, and Fukuoka are strongly behind “TA-JI-RI! TA-JI-RI!” Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock, and ZSJ rolls to then wrench and wristlock. Tajiri seems rather unbothered, and he slips under ZSJ to then trip him and spread the legs! ZSJ reaches back but Tajiri uses his whole body length! ZSJ pushes up, crawls back, wrenches and hammerlocks, then half nelsons to cravat. Tajiri spins through to wrench and trip ZSJ!
Tajiri has the legs, ZSJ resists then hooks Tajiri to trip him. ZSJ returns the leg sprawl, then has a STRETCH MUFFLER! ZSJ uses it as a means to an end so he can have the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Tajiri pops free and turns ZSJ over to have a headlock. ZSJ slips out the back, they each want the other’s arm, but then ZSJ top mounts. Tajiri pushes ZSJ away and the fans cheer the standoff! Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock again, and ZSJ turns Tajiri. Tajiri turns that back around but ZSJ has an arm. ZSJ hammerlocks but Tajiri steps through the ropes, then steps back inside, and he has ZSJ’s arm wrapped around ropes!
The fans cheer, but Tajiri shows respect by respecting the ropebreak. The fans applaud, as does ZSJ, and then they tag out to Yoh and Eagles. The fans join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” but Yoh rolls Eagles up! TWO and Yoh kicks low! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles but Yoh dodges to RANA! The fans fire up but Fujita storms in and CHOPS! The Ichiban Sweet Boys double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats! Yoh kicks and kicks, but the Sweet Boys CHOP and CHOP! They double wrench, and MAX- NO, Yoh fights free! Yoh crisscrosses the Sweet Boys into each other, and DOUBLE BULLDOGS!
Tag to Yano and the fans cheer, only for the Sweet Boys to double kick! They double whip, but Yano grabs the ropes! Yano then sends Fujita into Eagles, and he SLAPS them both on the heads! Yano then unties the buckle pad! The fans fire up, but Sweet Boys DOUBLE ELBOW, split the wishbone, and DOUBLE KICK! The Sweet Boys BLAST Yano’s corner, then Eagles brings Yano to the Mighty corner. Eagles bumps Yano off buckles then tags in Hartley. Big Hartley UPPERCUTS then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yano is a bit tougher than that so Fujita tags in. Fujita drags Yano up to CHOP! And CHOP!
Fujita whips Yano corner to corner, runs up, but Yano puts him on the apron! Fujita SLAPS Yano back! The fans rally and Fujita aims, springboard for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Yano stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita tags Oiwa and he drags Yano up. Oiwa whips Yano to ropes, then ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Oiwa stays on Yano but Yano pulls on the mullet! Oiwa kicks free, runs, but into an atomic drop! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Yano tags in Ryota! Ryota CHOPS Oiwa! Ryota eggs Oiwa on, but Oiwa fires a forearm! Ryota CHOPS again! Oiwa fires another forearm!
Ryota CHOPS, Oiwa ROCKS him, repeat! The fans rally as Oiwa fires a flurry! ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa runs, but into a BACKDROP! Fujita runs in, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Eagles runs in, into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up with Ryota, and he invites Tanahashi in! They double whip Oiwa, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! And then Ryota says, “Genki de masu!” The fans cheer as Ryota and Tanahashi have energy to spare, and Ryota drags Oiwa up. Ryota reels Oiwa in, but Oiwa fights the lift! Oiwa powers up to BACKDROP Ryota! The fans rally, Oiwa runs, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally more as Oiwa and Ryota rise. Oiwa whips Ryota to a corner, runs up, but Ryota LARIATS him down! Oiwa is up to LARIAT Ryota! Both me are down now and the fans rally again. Hot tags to ZSJ and Tanahashi! One more meeting between these two after yesterday’s final singles match, and the two dosido in a battle of Cobra Twists! Tanahashi has the COBRA TWIST! ZSJ pries free to have the COBRA TWIST in return! But Tanahashi powers out, has a leg, DRAGON- NO, ZSJ sits down for the ARMBAR! Tanahashi stacks ZSJ, TWO! ZSJ RAMS Tanahashi, snapmares, but Tanahashi UP KICKS!
Tanahashi kicks low, snapmares, and he NECK TWISTS! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him to wrench! PELE to the arm! Then a STOMP to the elbow! Tag to Hartley and the fans rally up. Hartley runs corner to corner and SPLASHES Tanahashi against bare buckles! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The Sweet Boys BLAST Tanahashi’s corner, then they send Tanahashi to a neutral corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP! Oiwa adds an ELBOW! Eagles adds a FOREARM! Then Oiwa scoops Tanahashi to SLAM him! ZSJ NECK TWISTS! Hartley SENTONS! Cover, Tajiri SLAPS Hartley on the head!
Tajiri scurries away before ZSJ can get him! The fans fire up and now Yoh & Yano mug Hartley. They double whip, but Hartley DOUBLE LARIATS! “Jackson Number One!” Hartley fireman’s carries Tanahashi, but Tajiri slips in and dosidos with the ref! GREEN MIST for Hartley!! Ryota runs up and SLINGBLADES!! Tanahashi hurries up top while his team keeps TMDK out! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi’s team wins!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Yoh, Ryota Chikuzen & Tajiri, by pinfall
Legends working together makes for a classic finish to this match! Will this moment be one to remember as The Ace continues his countdown to the end?
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku!
As Wrestling Dontaku wraps up the weekend, Tetsuya Naito and Bushi have reached the end of their NJPW run. Will they be victorious one last time alongside Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi? Or will the Roughneck, Stone Pitbull, Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker make this parting a bitter goodbye?
For one last time, Naito takes his time with the elaborate entrance attire. It also seems rather clear that Bushi is emotional over this being his farewell match. The fans rally and the teams sort out. The fans call for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” LIJ fust bump, the fans cheer, and Naito steps up for the team. The fans rally behind him more as he starts against Taichi. The bell rings and Fukuoka cheers even harder for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” But then Naito tags out to Bushi. The Black Mask has the fans on his side, too, and he circles with Taichi. They approach, Bushi kicks low then runs, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs, but Bushi TOSSES him out!
Bushi DECKS Taka, but Shota & Ishii attack! They double whip, Bushi sends Shota into Ishii, then Bushi DOUBLE RANAS! BUSHIROONI~! Taichi is back but Bushi DECKS him! Takagi sets Taichi up but Taka trips Bushi! The fans boo but Taichi storms in and stomps Bushi. Taichi CLUBS Bushi, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Bushi runs up and RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Bushi stands and he tags in Hiromu. Hiromu BLASTS Ishii, then Takagi tags in! Hiromu & Takagi double whip Taichi to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then they flex! The fans cheer the side chest.
Hiromu stands Taichi up to CHOP him to the corner. Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs in and LARIATS, then snapmares, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Taichi wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Shota BLASTS Takagi because he can, and Taichi tags in Taka. Taka BOOTS Naito down, then stomps Hiromu around. The fans rally but Taka brings Hiromu up. Hiromu CHPOS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taka gets mad, and he pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to the corner, stomps and knees him, then tags Ishii. Ishii winds up to CHOP! Hiromu grits his teeth and CHOPS back, but Ishii doesn’t budge!
Ishii CHOPS Hiromu and eggs him on! Hiromu stands to CHOP, but Ishii CHOPS back! Ishii gives more trash talk and more mocking kicks. Hiromu stands to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The fans fire up as Ishii staggers, but then Hiromu CHOPS again! And again! Ishii ROCKS Hiromu, suplexes, but Hiromu fights free! SUPERKICK! Hiromu roars, reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes first! But Hiromu’s right up!? And he dodges Ishii to SNAP GERMAN! Ishii’s right up!? SAIDO! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ishii hot tags Shota, and Shota BLASTS Takagi again! Shota then runs up on Hiromu, but Hiromu dodges!
Shota hits buckles, hurries after Hiromu, but Hiromu fights the half nelson. Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, and then DRAGON SCREWS! Hot tag to Naito! The fans erupt as Naito kicks and CLUBS Shota again and again! Naito whips to arm-drag Shota! And ELBOW him down! And basement DROPKICK! TakaTaichi attack and double whip, but Naito reverses to send Taka into Taichi! Drop toehold for Taichi and Bushi basement DROPKICKS! Naito kicks and whips Taka, Taka reverses, but Naito reverses back to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Naito poses, then he tags in Takagi. Takagi runs up on Shota, blocks a boot, and LARIATS through!
Takagi keeps moving, but Shota SWATS the lariat! Takagi YUKON LARIATS, but Shota roars as he stays up! Shota fires boxing elbows, but Takagi shakes his head! Takagi fires boxing elbows of his own! He ROCKS Shota, runs, but Shota LARIATS at the ropes! Shota runs, Takagi LRIATS! Takagi runs, Shota dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota stays up but the ELBOW and JAB hit! Shota ENZIGIRIS! Takagi SLIDING LARIATS! The fans fire up with Takagi and he whips Shota. Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota LARIATS Takagi down! But then Shota falls over, too! The fans fire up while both men crawl.
Taka tags in, he BOOTS Naito and BLASTS Bushi! Taka runs, redirects, redirects, and BOOTS Takagi down! The fans rally up as Taka brings Takagi up. Takagi ROCKS Taka! Taichi runs up to RIDGE HAND! Ishii ROCKS Takagi! Then we get a RIDGE HAND BACKHAND COMBO! SUPER K from Taka!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this but Taka goes to scoop! Takagi is too big, so Taka pokes him in the eyes! Takagi still ELBOWS! JABS! Taka UPPERCUTS, but Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Bushi slips in, as does Hiromu, and they double whip Taka to a corner. Hiromu runs up to forearm SMASH! Bushi adds an ELBOW!
Takagi LARIATS, then he snapmares Taka! Naito is in, LIJ hits a QUADRUPLE DROPKICK!! The fans fire up and Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up more as The Rampaging Dragon drags Taka up. Taka fights the lift, and Shota SHOTGUNS Takagi! Hiromu dropkicks Hiromu’s legs! Hiromu dodges Ishii, he and Naito give Ishii TENDEDERO! Taichi runs up, he breaks through the line, but Hiromu sends him into an atomic drop! Takagi BLINDSLIDE BOMBERS! LARIAT in the corner, feed to a SUPERKICK! Naito wrenches Taichi for DESTINO!!! The fans are thunderous after seeing that final Destino!
Bushi then runs in and BLASTS Shota! Bushi keeps moving, for one last DIVE!! Down goes Shota and the fans are thunderous! Takagi has the fans join in for “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs, Taka dodges, and Taka BOOTS! Takagi comes back to PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi drags Taka up, pump handles and torture racks, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by pinfall
Their final battle in Fukuoka, their final battle with their friends, and their final battle in NJPW, it was all victorious! Naito & Bushi stand with Hiromu & Takagi to celebrate this final win. The fans cheer on “NA-I-TO!” as Naito leads the group in one last LIJ fist bump. The wild ride is over for the Uncontrollable Charisma, and he poses with his team one last time. Burn this moment into your memories, for we may never see Naito & Bushi back in a NJPW ring again.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura!
The Gene Blast may be one of the Reiwa Era Three Musketeers, but the Heat Storm vows to be the face of this new generation. A match meant to happen months ago finally does happen, but who will truly be the frontrunner of the future?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the true global star!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as Yota and Yuya stare down. Fukuoka duels, but the “YO~TA!” sounds stronger than the “YU~YA!” They circle, feel things out, then circle a bit more. They feel out the knuckle lock, then Yuya rolls. Yota keeps him at bay as they clinch, then they go around. Yuya waistlocks, Yota wrenches free and waistlocks in return, but Yuya switches. Yota headlocks, Yuya rolls him to the mat and headlocks in return. Yota keeps his shoulders up, then fights to his feet. Yuya hits a takeover, Yota headscissors, but Yuya kips up. Yuya is fired up and the fans cheer him on.
Yota stands up and the two reset. They circle while the fans duel, and the two tie up. Yuya wrenches to a hammerlock but Yota switches and full nelsons. Then Yota headlocks and grinds Yuya down. Yuya fights up, pries at the hold, but Yota powers it on tighter. Yuya powers up but Yota squeezes the headlock even tighter! The fans applaud while Yuya endures. Yuya fires body shots, then powers up and out, drops down, but Yota avoids the dropkick! Yota dodges but Yuya arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Yuya has the armlock and the fans cheer again. Yota pulls at the hold, then fights up. Yuya grinds the elbow but Yota reaches for ropes.
Yota has the ROPEBREAK but Yuya brings him away from the ropes quickly. Yota fires forearm after forearm until Yuya lets go. Yota runs up but Yuya arm-drags! Only for Yota to drag Yuya down, trap an arm, and SACRIFICE the other arm! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Yuya shakes out the bad arm but Yota brings him back up. Yuya fires a forearm! Yota grins so Yuya fires more shots! Yota wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD to the arm! Yuya staggers away to a corner and the fans rally more. Yota storms up on Yuya, puts him in the corner, and he wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts as Yota pulls, so Yota lets go at 4.
Yota brings Yuya out to snapmare, then he has the bad arm in a top wristlock! Yuya endures, the fans rally, but Yota puts on the pressure! Yuya fights forward, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the arm! Yuya still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Yota legs go. Yota paces while Yuya shakes out the bad arm. Yota comes back to stomp the arm! Yota then wrenches Yuya, KNEES the arm, then KNEES it again! Yota KNEES Yuya into the corner, then paces again. Yuya stands, Yota runs in, but Yuya BOOTS him away! Yota runs back in, Yuya dodges and CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! The fans fire up as Yuya winds up, but Yota dodges! Yota BOOTS Yuya in the corner!
The fans rally as Yota whips corner to corner. Yuya goes up and over, then arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans cheer while both men are down. The fans rally again as Yuya rises up. Yuya roars, the fans fire up more, and Yuya brings Yota up to wrench and BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally and Yuya brings Yota up. Yoga fights with elbows, then wrenches to YANK the arm! And YANK! And YANK! Yota whips, Yuya reverses, but Yota RANAS! Yuya tumbles out and the fans rally as Yota aims. Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and Yuya is sent into railing!
The fans fire up while Yuya stumbles and falls, and Yota fires back up! Yota has the fans rally more as he takes a lap. Yota comes back for Yuya, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Yota steps in, stands Yuya up, but Yuya fights the suplex! Yota powers through, but Yuya fights free! Yuya CHOPS, then runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Yota grits his teeth. Yota storms around, goes to a corner, and he aims as Yuya rises. Yota runs in, STINGER SPLASH! The fans fire up while Yota snapmares Yuya down. Yota goes up, up, but Yuya avoids the Marlowe Crush!
Yuya dropkicks Yota’s leg, then has it for a SHIN BREAKER! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Yuya then hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! Yota endures and the fans fire up! Yuya pulls on the main leg but Yota works to turn things over! The fans duel as Yuya fights against that, but Yota does turn the hold over! Yuya endures now, so he hurries to turn things over! Yota uses that to get the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Yuya and the ref undo the hold, and Yuya stands over Yota. Yuya brings Yota up to scoop and SLAM him down! Yuya then goes to a corner, climbs up, only for Yota to GAMANGIRI! Yuya is dazed up top, so Yota climbs up after him!
Yota brings Yuya up, throws forearms, then goes to the very top! But Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls, Yuya adjusts, and Yuya leaps! Yota avoids the crossbody but Yuya rolls through! Yota comes back, Yuya slips around and full nelsons! But Yota powers up to break the hold! Only for Yuya to GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuya runs, but into a BOOT! Yuya comes back and takes a swing, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But Yuya avoids the stomp! Yuya shoves Yota, but Yota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Yota keeps moving, and then Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
The two men crawl away to the corners while the fans rally up. Yuya runs in corner to corner, but Yota BOOTS him! Yota runs up, but Yuya clinches! Yota fights free, ROCKS Yuya, and Yuya staggers to the ropes! Yota whips, Yuya ducks ‘n’ dodges but Yota blows past, only for Yuya to get under! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans fire up! Yuya shakes out the bad arm, then he stands Yota up for a scoop. Yuya SLAMS, then he fires back up! The fans fire up with Yuya as he climbs again! Yuya is up top, for the FROG SPLASH! But he FLOPS as Yota moves! Yota runs back in, FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!
Yuya clasps hands, but Yota breaks the grip! ARMBAR!! Yuya endures, flails, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the bad arm! Yuya fights around, but Yota just keeps after the arm! Yuya uses his core strength to sit up, but Yota PULLS the arm straight! Yuya falls over, fights around, and he turns over. Yota does his best to keep the armbar, even with this mounted angle! Yuya bites his thumb to ignore the pain in his arm! Yuya then reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Yota lets go in frustration but the fans fire up. Yuya clutches his elbow but Yota paces around. Yota drags Yuya up from the ropes, but Yuya CHOPS! Yota brushes that off, but Yuya CHOPS again!
Yuya can’t put enough power behind the strikes with that bad arm, but he keeps trying! Yota BOOTS Yuya, Yuya drops to his knees, and the ref checks with him. Yuya refuses to let the bad arm cost him again, and he rises up to CHOP! And HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! Yota ROCKS him!! And then KNEES him down! The fans fire up while Yota stands tall! Yota goes to a corner, watches Yuya sputter and rise, GENE- DROPKICK to the leg! Yuya hurries to grab that leg, but Yota fires off forearms! Yuya eggs Yota on, so Yota HEADBUTT! But Yuya still DRAGON SCREWS!! Yuya steps through again, FIGURE FOUR!!
The fans fire up as Yota endures again! Yuya puts as much pressure as he can, Yota pries at the hold, but Yuya thrashes around! Yota reaches out, keeps his shoulders up, and he drags Yuya along towards ropes! But Yuya drags Yota back from ropes! Yuya thrashes as hard as he can, we hit 20 minutes, and Yota still endures! The fans rally harder and harder as Yota fights to turn this over! Yota does, but then Yuya turns it back! But this time, Yuya turns back the other way to keep Yota from the ropes! And then he PULLS on the leg! Yota lunges for the ROPEBREAK!! The fans fire up while the ref again frees Yota.
Yota clutches his leg while he crawls away, but Yuya is right on him! Yuya has the leg, but Yota ENZIGIRIS! Yuya falls, but he also manages to waistlock! Yuya drags Yota up, but Yota fires elbows! Yuya still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yuya holds onto Yota and the fans fire up! Yuya full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yota survives again and Yuya is furious! Yuya roars, the fans are with him, and he reels Yota in! SAIDO BACKBREAKER! Then he puts Yota in the drop zone! Yuya climbs, the fans rally more, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yota survives and Yuya is beside himself!
Fukuoka is thunderous as Yuya rises! Yuya brings Yota up, cording holds one arm, swings to get the other, but Yota STUNNERS free! Yota roars, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Yota just comes back, GENE- ARM-DRAG!! Yuya hurries to lock in those arms, but Yota fights off the clinch! They go around and around, and Yota frees an arm! But Yota brings it back in! DEADBOLT SUPLEX!!! Yuya roars, the fans are electric, GENE BLASTER outta nowhere!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The Heat Storm was certainly on fire, but Tsuji was volcanic! The gold stays with Yota, will he and those left in LIJ make sure NJPW stays tranquilo?
Speaking of which, the rest of LIJ returns to the ring so they can stand with their guy. Tsuji gets to also have his final photo op with the group as we know it. We also get one last LIJ fist bump with the five of them, and then Naito & Bushi let Yota, Takagi & Hiromu have the ring. Yota hurries to get the mic to tell Naito & Bushi, “Let me have one last word.” The fans applaud, and Naito & Bushi stop to hear him out. “Naito and Bushi leaving could signal the end of Los Ingobernables de Japon. But remember this: We’re ungovernable. We’ll always be connected in our hearts. Until next time.” The fans applaud that! Naito even gives one last fist bump salute.
The fans cheer as the LIJ Era has changed, and Bushi makes sure we see his mask where it says, “Adios.” Then Yota continues to say that he is still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, and that he’ll continue to defend the cerulean blue mat of NJPW. The fans applaud, and Yota says he is fortunate to have such a great rival in Uemura. And another in Gabe Kidd. So, who should he defend this belt against next? Well, he said the man’s name, so here comes the Mad Man! The fans bark it up for the War Dog, and Gabe gets right in Yota’s face. Yota says nic eto see him. Should they pick up where they left off?
Gabe takes the mic to say, “You’re an IWGP champion?” No, no, Yota beat Evil and Yuya, but in Osaka… It was a double knockout! Yota never beat Gabe! The fans cheer that point! Gabe says on June 15th… In Osaka Jo-Hall… “Let’s find out who the strongest is!!” The fans love that idea! Gabe heads back out, the fans bark more, and Yota tells Gabe, “Let’s show ’em our NJPW.” The fans also like that, and Yota asks if they’re ready! The fans cheer because they are, but who will make this their Dominion?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Callum Newman w/ The United Empire!
The Fierce Warrior finally put the G in IWGP at the New Beginning in Osaka when he won this title. But now, the Prince of Pace is looking to blow right past him as the top guy in NJPW! Will the Goto Revolution stay the course? Or will it be conquered by the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the G of IWGP!
The bell rings and the fans rally strongly for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Callum doesn’t let that bother him, and he runs up to BOOT Goto! Callum fires forearms, whips, but Goto reverses! Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to build speed, but then Goto dodges! The fans cheer as Goto is at least agile like Callum. They tie up, then they just fire off forearms! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Goto gets the edge, headlocks, but Callum powers out. Goto runs Callum over, but Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Callum TOSSES Goto out, then PLANCHAS! The fans fire up while Goto goes down!
Callum fires himself up and the fans cheer. Callum brings Goto up, the fans duel a bit more evenly, and Callum whips. Goto reverses and Callum hits railing! But he comes back to BOOT Goto down! Callum snarls, drags Goto back up, and now Callum sends Goto into railing! Goto comes back but Callum BOOTS him down again! And then PENALTY KICKS! The fans rally, Hashi coaches Goto, but Callum KICKS Goto in the back! Callum puts Goto in the ring, the fans applaud, and Callum sits Goto up again. Callum hits another PENALTY KICK! Callum then goes to the corner and climbs up, calling his shot.
Callum aims, DIVING- NO, Goto dodges! Callum comes back, but Goto dodges! Goto LARIATS, then he clinches for the SAIDO! Callum flounders away and the fans fire up. Callum goes to a corner, Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then Goto puts Callum up top! Goto climbs up after Callum, just to drag him into a draped position! SUPER DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! Callum flounders out of the ring, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira check on him, as does Red Shoes. Callum winches, clutches his shoulder, but he manages to sit up. Callum has speed but Goto is taking advantage of his skinnier frame.
Red Shoes starts the ring count and Goto stays back, which annoys Callum. Callum storms into the ring, but Goto kicks him down! Goto has Callum up for a suplex, and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Callum stays in this and the fans fire up, but Goto stays right on Callum. Goto drags Callum up, but Callum clutches his shoulder, so Goto lets him be. We’re only five minutes in as the fans rally up, and Goto stomps Callum around. Callum crawls away to a corner but Goto grabs at him. Callum wants Goto to hold on, and Red Shoes has Goto step back. Callum’s neck and shoulder are really bothering him, but Goto just storms up to stomp him!
Goto drags Callum up, snapmares, then clamps on a chinlock. Callum endures as Goto’s knee digs into the back and neck. Goto then ELBOWS Callum in the head, stomps him around, and brings him up. Goto CLUBS Callum’s neck, but Callum CHOPS! The pain in his shoulders holds Callum back, but Goto clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And then a GROUND OCTOPUS! Callum endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Goto thrashes around but Akira & Khan coach Callum. Callum kicks around but Goto shifts to a headscissor necklock! Callum endures the squeeze, kicks and kicks, and finds the ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud and Goto lets go in frustration. Goto drags Callum up but he’s a ragdoll again. Goto still brings Callum around, snapmares him back down, then KICKS him in the back! And ELBOW DROPS! Callum sputters but Goto just ELBOW DROPS again! Akira & Khan coach Callum but Goto looms over him. Goto ELBOW DROPS onto Callum’s back! Cover, TWO! Callum toughs it out but Goto is still calm. Goto stands Callum up, kicks him low, but Callum fires a forearm! And another! The pain in the neck holds those back, and Goto CLUBS Callum! Goto runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Khan & Akira coach Callum, Hashi coaches Goto, and both Goto and Callum crawl to the apron. Goto goes to the floor, and Callum smiles. The fans rally as Callum builds speed and FLIES!! Callum does a full 360 to hit Goto and then rolls through more to stand back up at the ramp! The fans are thunderous and Callum fires himself back up! Callum drags Goto to his feet and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, and Callum hurries back in. Callum aims from a corner while Goto flounders away. The fans rally more, and Callum runs corner to corner. FLYING DROPKICK! Callum then chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX!
But the bad neck won’t let Callum bridge! Callum hurries to lateral press, TWO! And we’re just 10 minutes in! The fans rally, Callum fires up with a very Will Ospreay style “OI! OI! OI!” The fans rally behind that, and Callum brings Goto up. Callum reels Goto in, hooks a leg, FIRE- NO, Goto slips free of Firebolt, waistlocks, but Callum fights the lift. Callum runs, Goto follows, but then Callum dodges! Goto dodges, Callum dodges, then Callum hurdles! But Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up for that high speed exchange! Goto has the crowd behind him again as he rises up.
Goto storms up on Callum, stands him up, but Callum fires a forearm! Only to fall to his knees! Callum rises up but Goto DECKS him! Callum is running on fumes, but the fans do rally for him, too. Goto eggs him on and Callum manages to stand. Callum fires a forearm, drops to a knee, but Goto stands him up. Goto DECKS Callum again! Callum shakes out the stars and he snarls! Callum fires another forearm, but Goto DECKS him a third time! Goto eggs Callum on, the fans rally again, and Callum rises. Callum puts his hands behind his back and dares Goto to hit him! So Goto DECKS Callum a fourth time!
Khan & Akira coach Callum on but Red Shoes asks if Callum wants to stop. Callum shakes his head, he’s not gonna stop here. Callum stands again, leans on the ropes, then comes back for more! Callum even SPITS at Goto! The fans boo that, but Goto DECKS Callum for it! Goto watches Callum sputter, and Callum slowly rises again. But then he falls back over! Callum headbutts the mat to fire back up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto winds up and ROCKS Callum! Callum is back to get in Goto’s face! Goto fires a flurry of forearms! Callum CHOPS! Goto feels that one! The fans fire up and Callum roars, but Goto spins him! URA G T R!
Goto goes to run but Callum reels him in! GERMAN SUPLEX! ROUNDHOUSE! Callum runs, but into a fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO!! We’re 15 minutes in as Goto stalks Callum to the apron. Goto stomps Callum, then stands him up. But Callum fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto still lifts! Callum flails, slips down, and KICKS Goto! Callum goes up, up, and OSCUTTER 2.0 on the apron!! Both men fall to the floor and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks, both men are able to continue, so a ring count starts. Khan fans off Callum while the fans rally. The count already passes 7 of 20, then hit 10, but both men are still down!
Callum rises at 13, drags himself in at 17, but Goto is still down! Goto rises up and springs in at 19! The fans fire up as this continues! Callum goes to a corner, runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Then he hurries to bring Goto into the drop zone! Callum roars, climbs, and the fans fire up! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!? Goto survives the coup de grace and Callum can’t believe it! Akira & Khan tell Callum to keep going, he’s almost done it! The fans rally and duel as Callum hobbles over. Callum stands Goto up, then runs, but Goto swings, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, and they DOUBLE LARIAT again!
The fans fire up, Callum returns, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Callum waistlocks, ripcords, RAINMAKER?!? Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives as Callum shouts out the former leader of Chaos! The fans are thunderous, Callum feeds off that energy, and Callum drags Goto up. Callum calls his shot, springboards, OSC- NO, Goto blocks the cutter! DISCUS- NO, Callum dodges and springboards! OSCUTTER 2.0!!! Cover, TWO!??! But Callum hooks a leg! FIREBOLT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives again and the fans are electric! Callum is unsure what to do as we pass 20 minutes, but the fans dueling shakes the arena!
Callum drags Goto up, but Goto wrenches out! Goto spins Callum, dragon sleepers, but Callum slips free! Backslide! Goto rolls through, PENALTY KICK BLOCKED! Goto HEADBUTTS Callum, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Goto rises, he brings Callum up, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Goto HEADBUTTS away on Callum, then brings him up to HEADBUTT again! Goto snarls and the fans are thunderous again, as Goto suplexes for SHOTEN KAI!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Callum survives and Goto cannot believe it! The fans duel harder than ever before, and Goto rises again!
Goto roars and focuses his power! Callum sits up, into a BUZZSAW! But then Goto brings Callum around, but Callum drops to victory roll! TWO!! Callum SUPERKICKS, but Goto LARIATS!! Goto stands Callum up, dragon sleepers, but Callum fires shots from below! Goto blocks that arm, traps it, and G T R KAI!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The Prince of Pace did his best to follow in the Aerial Assassin’s footsteps, but he is still a long way from reaching the top of the mountain. However, if this is how close he came on his first try, will nothing stop Callum Newman from being the future of NJPW?
As for Goto, the belt is put back around his waist, and he watches Callum walk away. Callum takes a moment to bow in deep respect to Goto before he and the Empire leave. Goto then grabs the mic, and the fans cheer him on. “No matter what anyone says, this is MY time!” The fans cheer that! Goto continues, “Who’s my next opponent? As a fighting champion, I’ll take on all challengers!” Wait! Zack Sabre Jr. makes his way back out here! Goto took this title from ZSJ so clearly ZSJ wants a rematch. ZSJ grabs a mic to tell Goto in Japanese, “Good work tonight. That was a fantastic match! Truly fantastic.
“You’ve been on a roll lately! You’re indeed a great champion. But I’m you’re next challenger!” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says, “I accept!” The fans really like that, and the two shake hands on it. Will the Submission Master make sure that- WAIT! Shingo Takagi is here?! He storms into the ring with a mic to say, “Pardon the intrusion!” The fans cheer as Takagi asks, “Mind if I speak my piece? Zack, hold on a moment. OI, GOTO! You really are something. You got a belt, a wife, and kids! And on top of that, you’re in Hontai!” The fans do applaud that with a bit of a chuckle.
Takagi points out that he, on the other hand, has no belt, no wife, no kids. “And now it looks like my faction is done… But that doesn’t mean I need to hang my head. I’ll soar to the top!” The fans applaud, and Takagi says the G in IWGP stands for Goto, right? But oi, oi, oi! You can’t spell “Shingo” OR “Takagi” without a G! He has two G’s, so he wants his shot at the title. At least, he’d like to say that. But he has no objects to Zack. Takagi did lose to ZSJ last time. So then Takagi will wait to challenge the winner of Goto VS ZSJ! The fans like that, too! Takagi says if it’s about G’s, Goto can’t argue Takagi’s point!
The three men all look to each other, and it looks like the deal is struck. Fierce Warrior VS Front Man, and the Rampaging Dragon gets the winner! Who will stand on the summit of NJPW going into the summer? Takagi and ZSJ take their leave, and Goto continues. “Again, thank you very much for coming today!” The fans applaud, and Goto says, “No matter who I’m up against, I will not be defeated. The Goto Revolution is far from over! Follow it until the very end! Let’s end with Goto’s G’s.” The fans chuckle, and Goto says he knows most of the locales had G in their names. But not in Fukuoka…
Even so, Goto still has this IWGP World title around his waist, so no worries there. IKU ZO! The fans cheer, and Goto says, “The G in IWGP is for GOTO!” The streamers fly, and the Fierce Warrior is ready to lead NJPW on! But will things only heat up from here on out?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for Wrestling Dontaku’s finale, and we’re already building towards Dominion next month. I was rather surprised that the Six Woman Tag was so quick. Well, I feel like a lot of Stardom matches on a NJPW show end up like that… But the 10 Man Tag with Tanahashi’s team beating TMDK, and then the 8 Man Tag of LIJ winning, both of those matches felt just as fast/short. I suppose on some level, they did it because we all had a feeling who was winning. Tanahashi’s team wins because he also had special guests Tajiri and Ryota, so that was just a great moment for some longstanding legends.
LIJ winning was apparently to also commemorate their last match as a faction. With Titan being their CMLL member, we only have Hiromu, Takagi and Tsuji. I suppose a trio isn’t necessarily a faction, but I’m surprised they just sprang this dissolution on us. Great match from Yota VS Yuya, but I think they dragged it out a bit at the start. It got hot by the end, and Yota retaining was a great move. Gabe Kidd calling his shot is also a great move, he and Yota are going to have a great rematch from their time limit draw. And then awesome main event from Goto VS Callum, with Callum looking great even in defeat. Callum is definitely on his way, maybe he’ll really build up his power level in the G1 Climax this year.
Great promo to close, with Goto, ZSJ and Takagi establishing the next couple of title shots. I think Goto VS ZSJ has been made for Resurgence this Friday, so they’re getting that right out of the way so Takagi can face the champion at Dominion. At the same time, they kinda have to because Best of the Super Juniors is going to dominate May. Resurgence would be a wild place for a title change since it’s in the US and it’s a true PPV, so I’m not liking ZSJ’s chances.
My Score: 9.1/10
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