Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/2/22)
The BIGGEST New Japan Cup ever!

The 2022 New Japan Cup begins!
In honor of the 50th Anniversary, NJPW raises the bar and makes the New Japan Cup a field of FORTY-EIGHT!! Who survives this star-studded first round?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: CIMA VS TAKA Michinoku; Cima wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomoaki Honma VS YOSHI-HASHI; Hashi wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuji Nagata VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Togi Makabe VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Toru Yano VS Taichi; Taichi wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOH; Tanahashi wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi; Naito wins and advances.
- 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Kazuchika Okada VS El Desperado; Okada wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: CIMA VS TAKA Michinoku!
Strong Hearts had a #GLEAT win yesterday on the 50th Anniversary Show, and now “The Flower of Evil” looks to bloom in this tournament! But will the Blue Playmaker trample on his hopes and dreams?
The bell rings and the two circle as fans rally. They each try drop steps but the other stays clear. They tie up with knuckle locks, and Taka wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Cima gets the headlock but Taka slips out to hammerlock. Taka brings Cima to the mat but Cima gets up and wrenches back again. Taka rolls, wrenches and wrings Cima but Cima kicks Taka away! Fans cheer the technical exchange while the two reset. Taka and Cima circle and feel the grapple out again. Taka kicks Cima in the shin! And then stomps him to a corner. Taka throws a knee, wrenches again, and whips corner to corner.
Cima goes up and over and then arm-drags Taka to dropkick him out of the ring! Cima builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Taka hits railing! Fans rally up as Cima gets up and shakes out the arm. Cima drags Taka up, puts him in the ring, and brings him up. Cima fireman’s carries, Wasteland Slam and then omoplata to a modified BUTTERFLY STRETCH! Taka endures as Cima rocks the hold back and forth. Taka reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Cima lets go quickly, and fans rally up. Cima CHOPS Taka, then CHOPS him again! And again! Taka pokes Cima in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Taka drags Cima up.
Taka uppercuts Cima to the corner! Taka then headlocks, brings Cima around, but holds on as Cima tries to power out. Cima tries again but Taka still holds tight. Taka wrenches, headlocks to the takeover, then gets the headscissors on Cima! Taka pushes up for more pressure, but Cima endures. Fans rally and Cima crawls his way over, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets off quickly to stand Cima up for knees. Taka wrenches and whips corner to corner, then runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO, and right back to the headscissor necklock! Cima endures again as Taka also gets the arm! Taka twists the wrist and bends fingers!
Cima reaches out again, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go quickly as fans cheer. Taka stomps Cima’s bad arm but Cima still throws body shots with the good arm. Taka eggs Cima on, Cima fires more shots. Cima whips but Taka reverses for a takedown, JUST FACELOCK! But Cima gets to the ROPEBREAK fast! Taka lets off as fans rally up, and Taka runs in, only to miss! Cima runs in, but into a BOOT! Taka runs, Cima handsprings under and BACKSTABBERS! Fans fire up as Cima gets back up. Cima runs corner to corner to METEORA! And then Cima puts Taka in a drop zone, VADER BOMB KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up while both men are still down. Cima is up first, he CLUBS Taka, then brings him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Taka fakes the eye poke to kick the leg! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Cima survives but Taka fires up! Taka scoops but Cima slips out. Cima kicks and runs but Taka goes the other way to BOOT! Cima kicks first but Taka CALF KICKS then SUPER K! Cover, TWO, to JUST FACELOCK!! Cima scrambles around, reaches out, but Taka rolls him from ropes! Taka CLUBS away, then cranks back on JUST FACELOCK! Cima endures, fans rally up, Taka flips him over to the necklock!
Taka rolls Cima around, and has the legs tied up in a deathlock! Cima endures and crawls with his one free arm. Cima gets a leg free to get the ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go quickly, but says this is over now! Taka drags Cima back up, scoops, but Cima slips out. Cima waistlocks, Taka elbows free, but runs into a BIG dropkick! SNAP SAIDO! Cima keeps going, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cima keeps going, he gets Taka up for PERFECT DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Taka survives again! Cima fires up, goes right to the corner and right up top! METEORA!! Cover, Cima wins!
Winner: Cima, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Another GLEAT win for Cima! Will this Strong Heart continue to beat deeper into the tournament?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomoaki Honma VS YOSHI-HASHI!
Everyone’s Kokeshi and the reunited Great Bash Heel lost to Los Ingobernables de Japon, but the Head Hunter is coming off a big win against the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Will Honma move on through the tournament while also earning GBH a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Or will Hashi be heading to the next round?
The bell rings and the two rush each other! They ram shoulders again and again, then start throwing forearms! Fans rally up as they go faster and faster! Honma gets the edge, runs, rams Hashi but Hashi rams back. Hashi eggs Honma on, then back elbows him. But Honma still runs Hashi over! Honma fires up, runs, KOKESHI flops! Fans rally and Hashi stomps Honma. Hashi then brings Honma up to ROCK with a forearm! And another! Hashi has Honma in a corner, he throws more and more and more forearms, but Honma shoves him back. Hashi CHOPS, and Honma drops against the ropes!
Fans rally up again as Hashi brings Honma up. Hashi CHOPS again, then brings Honma around to suplex and hang out to dry. Hashi runs, and he dropkicks Honma down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Hashi brings Honma up again, but Honma blocks the suplex. Fans rally as the two fight for control, and Honma wrenches to kick Hashi. Hashi swings but into a spin and DDT! Both men are down but fans rally up. Honma rises, drags Hashi up, and he CHOPS Hashi, then CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Honma whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows Hashi, to then BULLDOG! Honma tries again, KOKESHI flops again!
Fans fire back up as Hashi brings Honma up. Honma throws a forearm, but Hashi gives it back. They go back and forth again, faster and faster, and now Hashi gets the edge. Hashi CHOPS, but Honma HEADBUTTS! And now, KOKESHI! Honma goes up top now, he wants another! Hashi stands, but he deflects the Diving Kokeshi! Fans rally up as Honma crawls to a corner. Honma runs in but Hashi CHOPS him! Honma roars, Hashi CHOPS again! Hashi runs into the corner to CHOP, whip and CHOP again! Mule kick, and Hashi goes up! BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Honma is still in this but Hashi fires right up!
Hashi stands Honma back up, full nelson, pump handle, but Honma fights free! Hashi LARIATS point blank, then BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Hashi drags Honma back up, tries again, but Honma slips out of Karma! Honma shoves Hashi but Hashi comes back, Honma boots his clothesline away. But Hashi spins to CHOP! Hashi fires up and runs, but Honma dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT Hashi down! Both men are down again but fans fire up! Honma gets to a corner, Hashi sits up, BASEMENT HEADBUTT! Honma climbs up again, FALLING HEADBUTT!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Honma can’t believe it!
Fans fire up again as Honma gets back up! Honma drags Hashi up, but Hashi blocks the scoop. Fans rally as Honma CLUBS Hashi down. Honma runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but Honma stays standing! Honma drags Hashi back up, but Hashi fires a forearm! They go forehead to forehead, Hashi keeps throwing forearms but Honma gives them back. Fans rally again as they go faster and faster! Honma gets the edge, but Hashi SLAPS! Honma SLAPS so Hashi SLAPS back! Hashi eggs Honma on now, then wrenches an arm. Hashi ROCKS Honma with a forearm, wrenches and CHOPS! Hashi wrenches, but Honma HEADBUTTS!
Honma roars, runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Honma stays up on determination! Hashi LARIATS, runs, and LARIATS Honma down! Cover, TWO!! But Hashi just fires up and gets Honma to his feet. Full nelson, pump handle, KARMA!! Cover, Hashi wins!
Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Head Hunter was able to #GetBackUp after all those headbutts, and now he’s moving on!
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuji Nagata VS Hirooki Goto!
Blue Justice may have lost to the United Empire, but don’t count him out of the Cup! And though the Fierce Warrior is an IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion doesn’t mean he doesn’t want that world title! Will Goto join tag partner Hashi in the next round? Or will Nagata take one step closer to former glory?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle quickly. They tie up, Nagata waistlocks, wrenches an arm, but Goto rolls to wrench back. Nagata kicks Goto away and the two reset. They feel out the grapple, knuckle lock, and Nagata gets around again. Goto wrenches, hammerlocks, but Nagata slips around to facelock then chinlock. Goto slips through to hammerlock Nagata on the mat, then shifts to a chinlock. Nagata slips out the back to hammerlock in return. Goto fights up to his feet, gets the ropes, and the ref calls the ropebreak. Nagata lets go, but KICKS Goto as he backs off. Goto shrugs it off and fans rally up again.
Goto and Nagata reset, feel out the grapple again and tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Nagata headlocks, Goto powers up and out but to get the headlock for his own. Nagata powers out, but Goto runs Nagata over with a shoulder! Goto keeps on Nagata with kicks and forearms but Nagata hits back. Goto ROCKS Nagata and stomps him into the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in but Nagata BOOTS him down! Fans cheer while Goto bails out. Nagata pursues, KICKS Goto and fires forearms against the railing. Nagata brings Goto around to whip into the railing, but Goto boots back! Goto swings, Nagata dodges, Goto hits post!
The ref checks on Goto but he’s okay to continue. Nagata sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! And then KICK him in the chest! The ring count starts, Nagata drags Goto up and into the ring at 7 of 20. Nagata KICKS the bad arm, then stomps the shoulder. Nagata drags Goto back up, wrenches the bad arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! ARMBAR! Goto clasps hands, and his leg gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go at 4, and fans rally up again. Nagata KICKS Goto more, stomps him more, then KICKS him again. Nagata gets the bad arm, wrenches through and bends it against the shoulder. ELBOW BREAKER!
Goto drops to his knees but fans cheer. Nagata KICKS Goto again! Nagata eggs Goto on and Goto grits his teeth, Nagata KICKS him again! Goto glares so Nagata KICKS! Goto blocks the kick to CLUB the knee, then HEADBUTT Nagata down! Fans fire up as Goto gets back up. Nagata gets up and now Goto KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURAMASA! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Goto drags Nagata back up, only for Nagata to go for the double wristlock! Goto CLUBS away on Nagata but Nagata holds on. Nagata then ROCKS Goto, runs, but gets run over!
Goto KICKS Nagata in the back, then catches his breath. Nagata goes outside, Goto pursues, but Nagata mule kicks back. Nagata whips Goto into railing, but Goto comes back to LARIAT! Fans continue to rally and the ring count starts. Goto drags Nagata up with one good arm, CLUBS him, then bumps him off the apron. The count is 10 of 20 but Goto still brings Nagata around to smack off the apron. Goto pushes Nagata in and fans rally as Goto fires himself up. Goto climbs, but Nagata SLAPS him down! Nagata climbs, Goto fires forearms but Nagata eggs him on! Goto keeps throwing forearms, but Nagata ROCKS Goto back!
Nagata keeps throwing forearms, and now they brawl up top! Nagata gets the edge, stands Goto up, SUPER EXPLODER!! Nagata crawls to the cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata grits his teeth as he gets up, but Goto crawls to the corner. Goto drags himself up, Nagata runs in and BOOTS him! But Goto fires off forearms! Nagata ROCKS Goto back, whips corner to corner, but Goto comes back! Goto fights the clinch, Nagata fires more forearms! Nagata runs, Goto follows and LARIATS again! Goto roars, drags Nagata up and fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!
Goto keeps focus as fans rally up again. Goto drags Nagata up and into the dragon sleeper! Nagata powers through to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down again and fans keep rallying! Nagata slowly sits up but Goto follows. Nagata and Goto throw forearms from the mat, then stand to throw faster and faster! Goto ROCKS Nagata, Nagata ROCKS Goto, and they keep going! Goto gets the edge, Nagata wobbles and drops to a knee, Goto KICKS him down! Fans rally again and Goto powers up. Goto runs, but Nagata roars and catches the arm! NAGATA LOCK II!! Goto endures the crossface, crawls around, but Nagata shifts to a DISARMER!
Goto endures as Nagata’s eyes roll back in his head! Goto still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go at 4, and fans are thunderous as Nagata roars! Nagata waits on Goto to rise, and he KICKS Goto again! And again! And again! Nagata has the arm, ELBOW BREAKER! Goto staggers back to a corner, Nagata runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Nagata reels Goto in, SAI- NO! Goto clubs his way free and covers, TWO! Nagata BOOTS, but Goto ducks the enziguri! Goto has the legs, GOTO SHIKI CLUTCH! Goto wins!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Blue Justice looked red hot, but the Fierce Warrior found a way to cool him right off! Both members of #Bishamon are through to the next round! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions encounter each other on the way to the Cup?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Togi Makabe VS Jeff Cobb!
The Rampaging King Kong lost alongside the rest of Great Bash Heel while the Hawaiian Hulk won alongside the United Empire, but fortunes could change. Will Makabe or Cobb power through to the other side?
The bell rings and fans rally as these two tie up. Cobb shoves Makabe back, they tie up again, and they break. Makabe kicks and whips, Cobb reverses but Makabe runs him over! Makabe drags Cobb up to throw him out of the ring, and then goes out after him. Makabe RAMS Cobb into the railing, SMACKS him off the apron, and then whips him, but Cobb reverses! Makabe crashes into the railing! The ring count starts and fans rally up as Cobb brings Makabe up for a headbutt! Cobb gets in the ring just to refresh the count, and he brings Makabe around. Cobb suplexes Makabe, RAMS him into the post, then carries Makabe to POST him again!
Cobb stands on Makabe right in front of the railing, but the ref counts. Cobb steps off, “apologizes,” then drags Makabe up as the ring count starts again. Makabe is dead weight so Cobb just leaves him. Cobb relaxes in the ring as the count climbs. Makabe drags himself up at 14, and in at 16! Fans cheer and Cobb is amused that Makabe made it back. Cobb stomps Makabe down, steps on him, and mocks the applause. Cobb pretends he didn’t see Makabe there, and then he sits Makabe up to JAM his knee into Makabe’s back over and over. Then Cobb hits an uppercut to the back! Cover, TWO!
Cobb hears the fans clapping, and he mocks the rhythm of “MA-KA-BE!” Cobb stands Makabe up, wrenches and Gotch lifts to carry Makabe around! SINGLE LEG SUPLEX! Makabe goes flying and fans cheer the show of strength! Cobb paces while Makabe is still down. Cobb drags Makabe up but he’s dead weight again. Makabe gets up on his own so Cobb stomps him down. Makabe eggs Cobb on so Cobb stomps him more. Cobb winds up but Makabe blocks the kick to LARIAT Cobb down! Makabe watches Cobb get up, and he runs in to corner clothesline! Makabe whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines again!
Makabe climbs up and rains down fists! He gets all ten and laughs as he brings Cobb in. Cobb blocks the suplex, CLUBS and runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Makabe brings Cobb up to whip again. Cobb reverses and Makabe bounces off buckles, Cobb RAMS him back in! Cobb then lifts Makabe, RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Cobb brings Makabe up, but Makabe fires a forearm! Cobb forearms back and they go back and forth! Cobb gets the edge, but Makabe hits back! Makabe runs, gets around, but Cobb blocks the German Suplex! Cobb throws elbows but Makabe CLUBS away!
Makabe runs again, but Cobb LARIATS! Makabe is right back up! And he LARIATS Cobb down! Fans fire up with Makabe and he climbs the corner. KING KONG- NO! Cobb avoids the knee drop and Makabe crashes down! Cobb gets up, goes back to Makabe and stands him up, but Makabe fires forearms! Cobb fires boxing elbows, but Makabe gives back more forearms! Cobb throws even more elbows, but Makabe kicks low. Makabe runs, LARIATS, but Cobb stays up! So Makabe runs again, but into another LARIAT! Cobb gets Makabe up, reels him in, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Rampaging King Kong ain’t got nothing on Cobb! Will even more stars in this massive NJ Cup field end up taking a Tour of the Island in the near future?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Toru Yano VS Taichi!
Another Great Bash Heel rebounding from a loss takes on the Holy Emperor, who is also rebounding from a loss. Yano is once again Mr. KOPW, but could a loss here put Taichi on his dance card?
Fans rally “Y T R!” as Yano puts all his things aside. Miho Abe helps Taichi with his things, and Taichi shows off the dancing pecs. Yano gets impatient with the ref as he does his check, and then the bell rings. Yano is very anxious while Taichi makes sure his hair is nice. Taichi offers Yano a chance to untie a buckle pad? Fans rally up but Yano seems unsure. Taichi stays back, Yano says he won’t fall for that trick! Maybe Taichi should untie a buckle pad at the same time? Taichi says Yano can go first but Yano insists. Taichi sighs and goes to untie the buckle pad, and Yano rolls him up! TWO, and Yano hurries to untie the buckle pad!
Taichi CLUBS Yano, whips him to ropes, but Yano holds ropes. Yano then deflects the boot, SLAPS Taichi and throws him out! Yano goes out after Taichi and brings him up to whip into railing! Miho goes to check on Taichi and Yano goes to look under the ring. Yano brings out a tarp! Fans rally with Yano as he brings the tarp over, but Taichi uses Miho as a shield! Yano can’t harm The Diva, but he decides to bag her! Taichi stops Yano from capturing Miho and kicks Yano to then whip Yano into railing! Taichi CHOKES Yano with both hands! The ref reprimands, Taichi lets off, and Taichi picks up the tarp bag.
Fans fire up as Taichi drags Yano up and puts the tarp around Yano! Taichi then shoves Yano over and hurries back into the ring. The ring count starts while Yano fights the bag! Yano gets up, runs into the apron and then into the railing! The count is 10 of 20, Yano still isn’t sure where he is! Yano bumps into the ring at 15, realizes what he’s touching, and he manages to roll in at 19! But Taichi covers, TWO!! Fans rally up, and Taichi drags Yano up. Taichi reels Yano in, but Yano resists the lift! Taichi keeps trying, but Yano back drops free! Yano and the ref get the tarp bag off him, and fans rally up!
Taichi is upset with the ref, so he puts the ref in the tarp! Yano rolls Taichi up, but the ref can’t see! Yano would’ve won but he has to go save the ref from the tarp! Yano gets the bag off the ref and goes back to Taichi. Yano whips but Taichi reverses. Yano stops from hitting the buckles, but he turns around into a GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up while Taichi waits for Yano to get up. Yano ducks the buzzsaw, and he PANTS Taichi! Taichi covers up, but he always does that to himself so… Yano still tackles Taichi down and rolls him up, TWO!! Taichi gets to the corner and still feels awkward. Yano runs in, but Taichi sends him into the bare buckles!
Taichi gets Yano hooked up, TAICHI GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Taichi resets in the corner, three point stance, RUNNING FOREARM! Cover, Taichi wins!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Producer may have gotten under the Holy Emperor’s skin, he couldn’t get in his head! Taichi still comes out the winner, will he look to take both the KOPW and New Japan Cup trophies?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOH!
The Ace closed out the 50th Anniversary Show with a victory, while Direct Drive opened the show with a loss. But the New Japan Cup is the great equalizer! Who wins and moves on while the other has to watch from the sidelines?
Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. The bell rings and fans clap, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi and Yoh circle, tie up, and Yoh shoots around. Tanahashi blocks but Yoh rolls. They clinch and end up on the ropes, and Tanahashi lets off cleanly. Yoh and Tanahashi tie up again, and Yoh wrenches Tanahashi’s arm to a wristlock. Tanahashi fights through, wrenches back and hammerlocks. Yoh drops to drop toehold and floats to a facelock. Tanahashi slips through to facelock but Yoh slips out, too, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Yoh and Tanahashi circle again as fans rally back up.
They feel out the grapple, knuckle lock, and they go shoulder to shoulder in the test of strength. Tanahashi bends Yoh back but Yoh bridges. Yoh powers back up to go shoulder to shoulder again! Yoh trips Tanahashi, gets a cording hold, but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi fights up, Yoh shifts to a hammerlock then headlock. Tanahashi endures the grind, powers up and wrenches free. Tanahashi has a top wristlock, spins Yoh for a headlock, and he grinds Yoh down. Yoh pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Yoh throws body shots. Yoh tries but can’t power out as Tanahashi holds tight! Fans rally as Yoh endures.
Yoh moves around, fights back up, but Tanahashi grinds the hold more. Yoh still pries the hold open, only for Tanahashi to clamp it on tighter! Fans cheer as Tanahashi thrashes the hold. Yoh endures, fights up and powers Tanahashi to a corner. Tanahashi lets off, Yoh is free, but then Tanahashi throws a body shot! Tanahashi puts Yoh in the corner for more shots, then whips corner to corner. Yoh goes up and over and arm-drags Tanahashi to then dropkick the legs out! Fans rally while both men are down. Yoh gets up while Tanahashi clutches his leg. Yoh stomps the leg, then steps over and YANKS it!
Yoh comes back to basement dropkick Tanahashi’s bad leg! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps on the leg with a HEEL HOOK! Tanahashi endures and fans rally up. Tanahashi drags himself and Yoh back to get the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go cleanly, then stomps Tanahashi’s legs. Tanahashi eggs Yoh on so Yoh stomps the leg more and more! Tanahashi still eggs him on as he gets up. Yoh kicks the bad leg, and then throws forearms. Tanahashi fires forearms in return! Yoh kicks the bad leg again, but Tanahashi blocks! DRAGON- NO! Yoh slips through, only for his next kick to be blocked! DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and fans rally up!
Tanahashi hobbles over to drag Yoh up, and Tanahashi fires off fast strikes. Tanahashi has Yoh in the corner, brings him out to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he hops up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Tanahashi waits on Yoh. Yoh slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, and he dropkicks Yoh’s legs out! Tanahashi gets the legs, TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Yoh endures and reaches out, but Tanahashi drags him from the ropes! Fans rally as Yoh powers up and drags himself back over! But Tanahashi sits deep on the hold! Yoh still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while Tanahashi lets go!
Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “DI-RECT DRIVE!” Tanahashi stomps Yoh’s bad leg. Tanahashi runs, but Yoh uppercuts! Yoh wrenches, Tanahashi dodges, but Yoh blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally as Yoh returns the favor! Tanahashi gets to ropes and drags himself up. Yoh hurries to get the leg while Tanahashi’s in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And then GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Then a roll into STAR GAZER! Tanahashi endures and Yoh wants the other leg, but he keeps on the leg he has! Tanahashi moves around, Yoh drives in elbows! Tanahashi reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
Yoh lets go and fans cheer while both men are down again. Yoh grows frustrated, but he dropkicks Tanahashi’s bad leg again! Tanahashi clutches the knee but Yoh brings him up. Yoh reels Tanahashi in, suplexes, but Tanahashi fights it to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi holds on, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi gets Yoh up, gets the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally while both men are down again. Tanahashi adjusts his kneepads, gets back up, and he fires himself up. Yoh rises, Tanahashi runs, but Yoh slips around! Full nelson, but Tanahashi breaks it! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Tanahashi crawls to a corner and Yoh shakes his head as fans fire up. Yoh runs in at Tanahashi and hits a back elbow! Yoh hauls Tanahashi up to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Yoh CLUBS away on Tanahashi, stands him up, but Tanahashi resists the superplex! Fans rally and Tanahashi throws body shots! Tanahashi ROCKS Yoh with a forearm and Yoh falls to the mat! Yoh slowly gets up and Tanahashi adjusts, but Yoh GAMANGIRIS first! Yoh climbs back up, brings Tanahashi up, SUPERPLEX! And roll through! FALCON- NO! Tanahashi slips free, but Yoh uppercuts! Yoh runs, into a SLINGBLADE!
Fans fire up and Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi waits on Yoh, then runs, but Yoh dodges! Yoh hits a SLINGBLADE back! Fans fire up with Yoh and he brings Tanahashi up! FALCON USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and Yoh roars in frustration! Fans fire up again as Yoh drags Tanahashi up. Yoh full nelsons, but Tanahashi resists! Tanahashi elbows free and Yoh staggers to a corner. Tanahashi runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Yoh flounders his way over and roars again! Yoh drags Tanahashi back up, underhooks the arms, but Tanahashi resists the lift! Tanahashi full nelsons but now Yoh elbows free!
Yoh slips around to backslide, but Tanahashi rolls through! Yoh has the arms, DIRECT- NO! Tanahashi fights free, SHOTEI! Tanahashi blocks the superkick to SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi roars now and he drags Yoh back up. Full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Tanahashi wins!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Ace would not be denied! Tanahashi shows respect to Yoh with a fist bump, but is this just the beginning of Tanahashi’s rise back to the top?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi!
Both LIJ and House of Torture won in big tag matches, but now it’s just down to Uncontrollable Charisma VS Tokyo Pimp. Will Naito keep the Cup tranquilo? Or will he get hit with some Pimp Juice?
As usual, Naito takes his time putting his entrance attire away. Fans rally up as Naito is almost done. The bell rings and Naito stares down with Yujiro. They slowly circle, but then Naito backs off as Yujiro takes a big step. Yujiro still grapples Naito and they end up on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak but Naito turns things around. Yujiro turns things back, the ref wants a clean break. Yujiro pats Naito on the shoulder before backing off. Fans rally up again as the two circle. They tie up and Naito wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Yujiro rolls, wrenches back, but Naito wrenches and hammerlocks.
Yujiro goes to ropes, the ref calls the ropebreak. Naito lets off but Yujiro turns things back around. The ref calls for the break, and again Yujiro pats Naito on the shoulder as he lets off. Naito keeps cool and fans rally up again as they circle again. They feel out the knuckle lock, and Naito kicks low! Naito CLUBS away on Yujiro, whips him to ropes and arm-drags! Naito kicks, snapmares and wraps on a chinlock. Yujiro endures as Naito grinds him down, and Yujiro reaches out to get a ropebreak with his foot! Naito lets off, grinds the hold, then lets off again, just to grind again. The ref reprimands and counts, and Naito lets off for real.
Naito stomps Yujiro, drags him up and cravats for a neck wrench. Yujiro endures, Naito CLUBS him down then whips him. Yujiro holds ropes, Naito runs in, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Naito rolls all the way out the other side, and fans rally up. Yujiro goes out after Naito to drag him up and put him back in. Yujiro stomps Naito, drags him up, and snapmares him down so he can BASEMENT BOOT him! Cover, TWO! Yujiro grows annoyed but fans rally up for “NA-I-TO!” Yujiro wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Naito down. Naito endures, but Yujiro changes up his grip to grind better. Naito reaches out and gets the ropebreak.
Yujiro lets off, and he brings Naito up. Naito throws body shots but Yujiro knees low. Leg sweep FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yujiro is annoyed again but fans keep rallying up. Yujiro drags Naito up, reels him in and fisherman’s, but Naito blocks the lift! Yujiro gets Naito up but Naito knees free! Naito kicks, turns Yujiro and hits the NECKBREAKER! Fans rally up while Yujiro flounders. Naito gets Yujiro up to fire off punches and kicks, then he whips to hip toss and basement dropkick! Naito whips Yujiro to a corner, runs in and JUPM KICKS! Leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON!
Fans fire up while Naito strikes his pose. Cover, TWO! Naito grinds his boot into Yujiro’s head, then brings him up. Yujiro CHOPS, but Naito doesn’t budge. Yujiro CHOPS, then throws forearms. Naito eggs him on so Yujiro throws more forearms. Naito then fires off forearm after forearm in return! Naito CLUBS away on Yujiro, but Yujiro blocks the kick to trip Naito! Yujiro runs, BASEMENT BOOT! Pieter dances while fans rally up, and Yujiro drags Naito up. Yujiro knees Naito against ropes, and again, then backs up to run in and BOOT Naito! Yujiro then reels Naito in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally as Naito is still in this. Yujiro gets up, drags Naito up and reels him in. Naito resists Incolle Slam with elbows, but Yujiro kicks and whips. Naito reverses, kicks back, but Yujiro ducks the enziguri! Yujiro reels Naito back in, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while both men are down. Yujiro grows frustrated but he drags Naito back up. Yujiro fireman’s carries, but Naito fights free! Naito spins Yujiro around, kicks and throws back elbow after back elbow! Yujiro drops to his knees, but Naito brings him back up. Naito throws more back elbows, Yujiro drops again. Fans rally, Naito kicks at Yujiro while he’s down.
Naito brings Yujiro back up, throws more back elbows, but Yujiro ducks to kick back! Yujiro runs, into an atomic drop and ENZIGURI! Yujiro staggers around, Naito has him in the corner. Naito hops up, reels Yujiro in, ESPERANZA! Fans fire up and Pieter is worried as Naito aims from the corner. Yujiro slowly rises, Naito grins and runs in, CORRIENDO- NO! Mule kick! Yujiro swings, but into Naito’s full nelson! Naito hooks a leg but Yujiro slips out to fireman’s carry! MIAMI SHINE! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but both men are down as fans rally up! Yujiro and Naito stir and crawl to opposite corners.
Naito sits up, Yujiro crawls his way over. Yujiro brings Naito up, throws a forearm, but Naito comes back to forearm Yujiro! Yujiro forearms back, but Naito smirks and forearms again! The forearms keep flying back and forth, over and over! Fans fire up as they pick up speed! Yujiro gets the edge, but Naito comes back with more! Yujiro fires off more! Yujiro CLUBS away on Naito’s back! He reels Naito in, but no Pimp Juice as Naito shoves him away! But Yujiro SUPERKICKS back! Yujiro drags Naito up, reels him in, BIG- NO! No Juice! GERMAN SUPELX from Naito! Yujiro flounders up, into Naito’s ROLLING KICK!
Naito whips, Yujiro reverses but Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Naito gets Yujiro on his feet. Naito goes to scoop but Yujiro RAMS Naito into the ref! Yujiro scrambles away but Naito hurries after. But here comes Sho and Evil! They attack Naito and CLUB him down! Then they stomp away on him! Sho and Evil smile but fans rally up for “L I J!” Evil and Sho whip Naito into a corner, then Sho runs in to forearm smash! Evil runs in to clothesline! Naito flops down, but fans still rally up. Evil and Sho drag Naito back up and set him up for Yujiro. Yujiro says he wants to do this himself, fair and square?!
Fans cheer for Tokyo Pimp’s sudden sense of honor! Evil and Sho are rather surprised, but they let Naito down. Yujiro asks they leave, and Evil and Sho leave! Fans are thunderous as Yujiro dares Naito to get up! Naito stands, Yujiro reels him in, for a LOW BLOW! So much for fair and square! House of Torture cracks up at their own trolling, and Yujiro runs to LARIAT Naito down! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and Yujiro is shocked! Sho distracts the ref, Evil gets Yujiro the pimp cane! Yujiro aims, but Naito ducks the cane shot to LOW BLOW Yujiro back! Naito DECKS Sho, then ROLLING JACKKNIFES Yujiro! Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The House of Torture’s joking around just cost them! But then Evil gets in to stomp away on Naito! Young Lions get in but get thrown back out! Evil drags Naito back up, reels him in, but Naito slips free! Naito pops Evil up to LOW BLOW him, too! Naito tranquilos, having thwarted the House of Torture all by himself! But will the King of Darkness look to personally keep Naito from the Cup?
2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Kazuchika Okada VS El Desperado!
The Rainmaker, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, takes on the Rogue Luchador, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! But only one can move on to the next round, who proves they are the superior champion?
Fans cheer as the two champions stare down. The titles are put aside, the bell rings and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” as he and Desperado circle. They approach, stare down, and Desperado points out the height difference. Desperado then stomps Okada’s foot and headlocks him! Okada fights up and powers out, Desperado rams shoulders with him, but neither falls! Desperado runs again, rams Okada again, but still neither falls. Okada runs, Desperado squares up, but Okada still runs him over. Okada drags Desperado up, gut wrenches, but Desperado arm-drags free! And he arm-drags Okada again!
Okada ducks the third time, waistlocks and wristlocks to ripcord, but Desperado ducks the lariat! Desperado rolls Okada up, TWO! But Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER! Okada scrambles to the ropes and Desperado lets him go. Okada gets out of the ring as fans rally up. Desperado waits on Okada and Okada goes around the way. Okada gets in, Desperado slides out to drag Okada out and RAM into the railing! Desperado ROCKS Okada with a haymaker, then whips him hard into railing! Okada drops to his knees, but Desperado drags him up to POST him! The ring count starts as Desperado stomps Okada down.
Desperado puts Okada in and stomps Okada more. Desperado digs his knee into Okada’s back with the chinlock. Okada endures so Desperado shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Desperado stands on Okada, lets off the stretch and runs to fake Okada out and stomp his leg! Desperado SPLASHES the leg, then covers, ONE! Okada still has that heavyweight strength but Desperado keeps cool. Desperado brings Okada up to CLUB him on the neck. Desperado CLUBS Okada down, then brings him in for a suplex. Okada blocks, throws body shots, then RAMS Desperado into a corner. Okada puts Desperado up top but Desperado boots him away!
Desperado runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while Desperado writhes. Okada keeps his cool and drags Desperado up. Okada throws Desperado out, brings him up and whips him hard into railing! Desperado slumps down, Okada drags him back up and whips him hard the other way! Desperado staggers and falls but Okada stalks him around the way. Okada drags Desperado up and into the ring, and he drags Desperado around for a cocky pin. Red Shoes says that is no good after all those railing crashes. Desperado pushes Okada’s foot away anyhow, and Okada drags Desperado up.
Desperado throws body shots but Okada doesn’t budge. Desperado throws more hands but Okada kicks low. Okada turns Desperado for a NECKBREAKER! Okada follows Desperado as he rolls away, and Okada covers. TWO, but Okada clamps on a chinlock. Desperado endures, fans rally up, but Okada pulls back harder on the hold. Desperado fights around but Okada pulls back even harder! Desperado reaches out and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets off quickly and fans rally up more. Okada drags Desperado up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the apron to slingshot senton! Fans cheer while Desperado writhes.
Okada waits on Desperado to get up. Desperado leans against ropes, Okada brings him up, but Desperado CHOPS! Okada doesn’t budge, so Desperado CHOPS and fires forearms. Okada just EuroUppers Desperado off his feet! Okada eggs Desperado on and fans rally up. Desperado drags himself up the ropes, CHOPS again and again, and again and again! Okada knees low, whips Desperado, but Desperado reverses and dodges to dropkick the leg out! Okada falls over and fans fire up while both men are down! Okada manages to get up first, but Desperado kicks the bad leg. And KICKS it again!
Desperado whips, Okada reverses but Desperado dropkicks the leg out again! Desperado hurries to get Okada up, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado still holds the leg, and he SMASHES the knee into the mat! Desperado YANKS the leg, SPLASHES it, then ties it up in an Indian Deathlock, that he turns into a BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Desperado taunts Okada now as he pushes down on the knees. Okada CHOPS and Desperado “falls” to add more pressure. Okada CHOPS again but that only gives Desperado another reason to fall back. Desperado adds more and more pressure, but Okada crawls around to reach out!
Desperado gets the arms and drags Okada away from ropes. Okada throws forearms but Desperado “falls” again! Okada reaches out to get the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off, but “Oops!” He drops knees on the knee. Fans rally while Okada clutches his leg. Desperado drags Okada up, gets the leg, but Okada clubs him away. Desperado keeps Okada from getting away, though, and gives him the SHIN BREAKER! Okada hobbles to a corner, Desperado runs in but Okada dodges! Okada puts Desperado up top and DROPKICKS him to the floor! Desperado writhes on the outside while Okada clutches his leg inside the ring.
Red Shoes starts a ring count but Okada goes out to fetch Desperado. Fans rally up, Okada drags Desperado up and gives him a DDT to the floor! Red Shoes checks on Desperado but he’s okay to continue. Fans rally up, Okada gets in the ring and walks off the pain in his leg. The ring count starts while Desperado is still down. Desperado stirs at 5 of 20, gets to railing at 10 of 20 and uses those to drag himself up at 14. Desperado hobbles over at 16 and in at 17. Okada gets Desperado up to DDT again! Cover, TWO! Desperado is still in this and fans cheer. Okada drags Desperado back up, Alabama lifts, but Desperado flails to fight it!
Okada keeps trying but Desperado finally gets free! Desperado CLUBS Okada, whips him but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but Desperado dodges! Desperado runs in but into a BOOT! Okada runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up! Desperado gets himself to ropes and stands up. Desperado stomps Okada’s leg, then stands on Okada’s face while mocking the Rainmaker Pose! Okada gets up and gets in Desperado’s face. Desperado CHOPS, but Okada doesn’t flinch. Desperado CHOPS again, but still nothing. Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS and finally Okada feels something! Okada SHOTGUN dropkicks back!
Fans fire up as Okada’s chest is turning reddish purple! Okada drags Desperado up and scoops to SLAM him! Okada goes to the corner and climbs up, but Desperado gets under the jump! The leg jams, Desperado CHOP BLOCKS it! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Okada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Desperado brings Okada up, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Desperado goes up top and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Desperado roars in frustration! Fans are thunderous as Desperado gets Okada back up! Desperado underhooks, no Pinche! Alabama lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER!
Fans rally harder than ever and Okada drags Desperado back up. Okada wrenches to the MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures but he’s fading as Okada leans his weight on him! Desperado fights up, arm-drags free and kicks low. Desperado whips, Okada reverses and DROPKICKS! Okada gets up, he gets the arm, MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures again and fans rally, he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go quickly and both men are down, catching their breath. Fans continue to rally, Okada grits his teeth and drags Desperado up. Scoop and SLAM, and Okada goes back up the corner. MACHO ELBOW! And Rainmaker Pose!
Fans fire up as Okada drags Desperado back up. Okada wristlocks, but Desperado elbows free! Okada reels Desperado in but Desperado RAMS Okada into buckles. Desperado runs, blocks the boot, and puts the leg on ropes to dropkick the bad leg! Desperado gets Okada up, has the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up while Okada and Desperado are down again. Desperado staggers over, wants the leg, but Okada boots him away. Desperado kicks the bad leg but Okada elbows Desperado. Okada whips Desperado, DROP- DRAGON SCREW! Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER!! And NUMERO DOS!!
Fans are thunderous again as Okada endures! Okada scrambles around, reaches out, but Desperado rolls him away from ropes! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Okada endures as he has no free limb to fight with!! Fans are electric now, Okada fights to get an arm free! Okada crawls, reaches, but Desperado rolls him again! But Okada uses that to slip out to MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures, fights up, but Okada uses that to ROLLING LARIAT! Okada drags Desperado back into MONEY CLIP! Fans rally, Desperado endures, but Okada cranks the hold! Desperado keeps fighting, but Okada drags him away from ropes!
Desperado reaches, flails, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks, Okada squeezes tight, the arm falls once! Is Desperado still in this? Okada lets Desperado go?! Okada drags Desperado up to short arm LARIAT! Okada dares Desperado to do something and fans rally again. Desperado is awake, Okada dares him to get up! Desperado gets up, for Okada to LARIAT back down! Okada roars, drags Desperado back up and ripcords, but Desperado ROCKS him! PINCHE LOCO!! Rolling underhooks, but Okada powers out to gut wrench! Desperado fights and flails to turn this around, but Okada elbows him away.
Okada ROCKS Desperado! Desperado LOCO MONOS! Desperado roars, drags Okada up and reels him back in, PINCHE- NO! Okada back drops free! Desperado gets up, but into the DROPKICK! But he’s back up again! Okada gut wrenches, LANDSLIDE! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Rogue Luchador gave it his all, but he still falls short! Is the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion still not on that top level yet? What will it take for him to reach that level?
As for Okada, he gets the mic to tell Desperado, “As expected, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is strong, cool, and amazing. But that’s not all a NJPW Junior can be. Juniors can make history, like Sayama and Liger did before. Do what you have to do to make us Heavyweights jealous! You can do that, can’t you?!” Fans cheer that sentiment. As for the crowd, Okada thanks them for their passionate and enthusiastic support today. “Yesterday, pro-wrestling. Today, pro-wrestling. Everyone, thank you so much.”
Okada then points out, “This year’s New Japan Cup is different. The Heavyweight and Junior champions are in it. The fights will only get more exciting from here. Today wasn’t all, we’re just getting started. New Japan will keep delivering, so please keep supporting us!” Fans cheer that sentiment, too, and even clap for “NEW JAPAN! NEW JAPAN!” Okada then says, “If you think Okada’s winning this, clap three times.” They clap three times! Okada says, “Leave it to me. If I don’t win as champion, it won’t be worth it. I will win this New Japan Cup! And I’ll keep making it rain!”
Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion make it through the biggest field in this tournament’s history? Or will he have to watch out for Master Wato in the next round?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW to open this tournament! No Young Lions so no matches to skip, we got a great showing from everyone here. Well, okay, Taka was definitely putting Cima over but it was a very good opening match to the entire tournament. Honma VS Hashi, Nagata VS Goto, Makabe VS Cobb, all great, solid matches. Yano bringing out that tarp bag was great, could’ve even been a hint at a KOPW 2022 match. Taichi getting the win does put the possibility of him facing Yano, but he’s also just moving on in the tournament. In fact, with no Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Taihci gets a by all the way to March 14th, the Sweet Sixteen! Maybe they put in a KOPW match to fill a card out?
Tanahashi VS Yoh was also very good, Yoh looked great but it makes a lot of sense for Tanahashi to move on. He’ll have a good match with Bad Luck Fale next round and surely move on again. Naito VS Yujiro was very good, especially with that clever swerve with House of Torture. But Naito gets the win, maybe LIJ will feud with House of Torture post New Japan Cup, but for now, Naito will get a win off Gedo next round, too. And then Okada VS Desperado, that was definitely a match worthy of the Heavyweight VS Junior Heavyweight champions. Okada won but he said it right, Desperado looked awesome. The Rainmaker is going to bring out the best in Wato but will surely win and face Taichi in the Sweet Sixteen.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The storied rival has its final chapter!
For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
- GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?
No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?
Vic Joseph joins the panel!
The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?
Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.
Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?
Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…
The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!
The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!
Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!
The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!
Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!
The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.
Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!
Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!
Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?
The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!
When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!
The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!
Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!
Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!
Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!
The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!
The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!
Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!
Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.
Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!
Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!
The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.
Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.
Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!
Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!
But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?
GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!
Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?
The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.
Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!
Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!
Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.
Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.
Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!
Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!
The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!
Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!
Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?
The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!
The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.
Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!
The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!
Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!
Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!
The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!
The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!
Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!
Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!
Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!
Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?
My Thoughts:
Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.
And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.
To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.
Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.
Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”
And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Front Man have his Resurgence?
Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, knowing that Shingo Takagi waits at NJPW Dominion!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Strong Survivor: Allan Breeze VS CJ Tino; Tino wins.
- Bea Priestly VS Viva Van; Priestly wins.
- Fred Rosser VS Matt Vandagriff; Rosser wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario; TJP & Templario win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers; The Bucks & Good Brothers win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Ishii wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; Double Pinfall Draw, Goto retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa; AZM wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario!
No longer just for the West Coast, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are World Class! But will they start to take over the world from the West Coast? Or will the Aswang & Lion Warrior conquer them for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly world class!
The teams sort out and then WCWC just attack! The bell rings, the fans boo, but Nelson stomps away on TJP! Isaacs TOSSES Templario, then WCWC double whip TJP. TJP leaps over the double lariat and Templario springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as now TJP & Temp have Isaacs. They double whip him to DOUBLE ELBOW, then roll him into a wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! The fans fire up and Temp SPLASHES the leg! And SPLASHES it again! Then stomps it! Temp wrenches Isaacs, tags TJP, and they double whip to HIP TOSS, then TJP becomes Templario’s weapon for a GOURD BUSTER SPLASH!
The fans cheer and TJP covers, TWO! TJP stays on Isaacs with an UPPERCUT! Isaacs goes to ropes, Nelson talks trash, but TJP tells Nelson to “SUCK IT!” TJP UPPERCUTS Isaacs, whips, but Isaacs catches TJP to a suplex! TJP slips free and wraps on the IRON OCTOPUS! Nelson runs in, CLUBS TJP and BLASTS Templario! Then BOOT and BACKBREAKER, into a BODY CHECK! The fans boo but Isaacs rains down fists! Tag to Nelson and WCWC wrench TJP for a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! TJP staggers, Nelson dropkicks the legs out, then Isaacs deadlift suplexes TJP! Nelson covers, TWO! Nelson rains down forearms while the fans boo!
Nelson rains down fists, the ref reprimands, and Nelson “apologizes.” Nelson taunts Templario, bumps TJP off buckles, then tags Isaacs. Isaacs digs his boot into TJP while Nelson messes with TJP’s hair. Isaacs then BLASTS Templario while Nelson rains down fists! The ref reprimands WCWC but he also has to keep Temp from storming in. Isaacs & Nelson stomp away on TJP in the distraction and the fans boo. Isaacs taunts TJP to go tag Templario, then stomps him down! Isaacs clamps onto TJP’s arms for a motorcycle stretch! TJP endures, the fans rally, but Isaacs pulls on the arms! The fans boo WCWC while TJP still endures.
The fans rally harder for “T J P! T J P!” Nelson hijacks English commentary to talk trash, but TJP fights up to FLIP KICK Isaacs away! Isaacs hurries to whip TJP, but TJP goes Spider-Man to then slip under and RANA! The fans fire up while TJP and Isaacs crawl, hot tags to Templario and Nelson! Templario handsprings, then he fires forearms with Nelson! Templario gets the edge, trips Nelson, and things speed up. Nelson hurdles but Temp shoves. Nelson sunset flips, Temp rolls through but Nelson avoids the basement dropkick! Temp avoids a kick, rolls Nelson, but Nelson rolls through to RAM Temp! Temp comes back to SHOTGUN!
The fans fire up as Nelson tumbles out! Isaacs is in, Temp kicks but Isaacs blocks! Isaacs FLIPS Temp but Temp lands out! Isaacs whips but TJP tags in! Temp slips around Isaacs, shoves him to TJP for BOOTS, then TJP goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! WCWC regroups outside and the fans fire up. Temp holds the way open for TJP to Triangle Jump DROPKICK! Then TJP returns the favor so Temp can DIVE onto WCWC! The fans fire up with the Empire as they put Nelson back in. TJP goes up, up, and MAMBA- NO, Nelson dodges! TJP blocks a shot, SOBATS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Nelson dodges Temp but Temp goes up to DROPKICK back!
Isaacs is in, Temp dodges and V-TRIGGERS! Temp runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Isaacs and Temp bail out and the fans rally as TJP and Nelson go to corners. Nelson throws off the elbow pads and runs up, but into TJP’s TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again as Nelson flounders to the apron. TJP goes up, but Isaacs ROCKS him! Isaacs goes up, and stalling SUPERPLEXES! TJP flounders back up and Isaacs LARIATS him back down! Nelson hits a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up! WCWC is furious, they whip to SPINEBUSTER and CATAPULT, for NO VASELINE!! Cover, Temp breaks it!!
Temp fires off on WCWC then runs, but into DOUBLE ELBOWS! WCWC soak up the heat, but they miss the Templarooni! The fans fire up as Temp dodges and uses Nelson to get up and RANA Isaacs! Temp then whips, Nelson reverses, but Temp drop toeholds Nelson into buckles! Wheelbarrow and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, but Isaacs is back! He POP-UP UPPERCUTS Temp down! The fans boo but Isaacs drags Temp back up. Isaacs whips, Temp reverses, and TJP goes up and over to TORNADO- NO, Isaacs stops that! TJP waistlocks, Isaacs switches, but TJP ducks so Temp’s SUPERKICK hits Isaacs!
Temp runs up on Nelson, Nelson slips around to waistlock Temp, but TJP waistlocks Nelson! Nelson steps through the O’Conner but TJP reaches up to headscissor Nelson forward for Temp to reel in and pick up! EL TEMPLO!! TJP goes up to MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, ISAACS BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! TJP rises and THROWS Isaacs out! TJP aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Isaacs! Temp kicks away on Nelson, ENZIGIRIS, and TJP joins in. TJP Electric Chair Lifts and Temp goes up! Temp tightrope walks, FLYING FOREARM DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Nelson survives and TJP is beside himself!
The fans rally up as TJP rises. Isaacs rolls back in, TJP holds him down with a facelock. Temp steps in, they double suplex, but Isaacs fights that to DOUBLE SUPLEX! TJP & Temp fight that, but Nelson anchors Temp! Isaacs shoves TJP into Temp, but TJP fireman’s carries Isaacs! Isaacs fights free, gut wrenches, but TJP turns that around!? Isaacs turns it back around, SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Nelson whips Temp and pops him up, POWERBOMB! Another catapult, another fireman’s carry, and again, NO VASELINE!! Temp writhes and the fans boo, but WCWC kips up! They keep after Temp with another fireman’s carry.
Nelson and Isaacs take Temp to a corner, and Nelson steps on Temp’s back to- NO, TJP avoids the splash! Temp slips free to ENZIGIRI Isaacs! Nelson CLAWS TJP’s eyes and goes up another corner, to POP THE- NO, TJP catches Nelson to a backslide, but Nelson rolls through to cradle! Temp tips it over, THE UNITED EMPIRE WINS?!?
Winners: TJP & Templario, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Nelson is stunned! He thought he had it, but the Lion Warrior gave Captain TJP the much needed assist! Nelson throws a fit before he and Isaacs storm off. Will all of NJPW, all over the world, soon belong to the United Empire?
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers!
The War Dogs are still coming fresh off their win against The House of Torture, and now claim the right to be called THE Bullet Club! However, the Founding Fathers of Bullet Club seem to take offense. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson reunite with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, will they #ShowUsTheLight? Or will we see that David Finlay, Gedo, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors are the ones that’re #JustTooSweet?
The fans bark for the War Dogs, and then they throw up their Too Sweet. The fans chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” and the Founding Fathers raise theirs, but the War Dogs attack! The bell rings, the fans are torn, but the brawl is on! Things spill out to the outside, Karl fires hands on Gedo, Finlay THROWS Matt over barriers, and then goes after Matt in the crowd! The fans fire up as Karl CLAWS Gedo’s face! Gabe sends Gallows into railing, but Nick TOSSES Finlay to ringside! Connors has Matt now and they brawl. Gedo CLAWS Karl’s face in return! Gabe and Gallows return to ringside, then go up the ramp.
Gabe and Gallows brawl, shout at each other, and then Gabe CHOPS! Gallows UPPERCUITS! Matt ROCKS Connors, and Finlay has Nick on the stage! Nick fights the suplex, then SUPERKICKS Finlay down the stairs! Finlay tumbles, Gallows CLUBS him, and they all set up for Nick to run and FLY! Nick bowls them all over and the fans fire up! Matt puts Connors in and Nick puts him in a corner. The Bucks whip Connors to a corner, then Matt LARIATS! Nick LARIATS! Karl JUMP KICKS! Gallows SPLASHES! Gallows scoops Connors and SLAMS him down! The fans rally up as Matt goes to a corner. He FLIES out onto Gabe & Finlay!
Anderson SENTONS Connors, Gallows SPLASHES, and then the Bucks coordinate! RISKY BUSINESS! The fans fire up for the Founding Fathers, and they call for the Too Sweet! The fans cheer as they wind up, but the War Dogs attack again! Finlay fires off on Matt, Gabe HEADBUTTS Gallows, Gedo has Karl and Connors has Nick! The War Dogs climb up in the corners, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way up to TEN! That’s forty total and the fans cheer! The War Dogs toss everyone out but Karl, and Gedo stomps him. Gabe SMACKS Gallows off railing, and Connors drags Karl up.
Connors whips Karl to the corner hard and Karl falls to the mat! Connors puts Karl in place, runs, and hits an ELBOW DROP! Connors drags Karl up, brings him around, and whips him into Finlay’s boot! Connors tags Gedo but Finlay digs his boots in. The ref counts, Gedo argues with him, but that lets Finlay & Gabe CHOKE Karl! Gedo storms up but Karl CHOPS him first! And CHOPS, but Gedo blocks to poke Karl in the eyes! The fans are torn, but Gedo CLAWS at Karl’s eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, and Gedo stops at 4. Gedo looms over Karl, pulls him back, and CLAWS at his face again!
The fans boo, the ref counts, and Gedo stops at 4. The fans are torn as Gedo throws up the Too Sweet, then he tags Finlay. Finlay stomps Karl to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. The fans rally and duel as Finlay stands Karl up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, runs corner to corner, and UPPERCUTS again! Finlay suplexes and THROWS Karl, then pushes him down for a cocky cover. TWO, but Finlay drags Karl away from his corner. Finlay bends Karl’s fingers while Gabe & Connors BLAST the OGs! Gabe grabs a mic to talk trash during the match! Gabe stomps Karl, and mockingly asks if this is 2013 again, when those “14-year-olds were still cool?”
Gabe mocks the Bucks and say they’re the Young CUCKS, because they’re bigger virgin nerds than anyone in this building! And F YOU, too!! Gabe tells Karl and Gallows that HE’s the resident bald white guy in NJPW now! But then Karl CHOPS Gabe! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe DECKS Karl, the War Dogs BLAST the OGs, then Connors feeds Karl to Finlay. Karl dodges, sends Finlay into Connors, but Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe whips, Karl reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Hot tag to Gallows! The fans fire up as Doc BOOTS Connors, ROUNDHOUSES Finlay, and YAKUZA KICKS Gedo! Gallows whips Connors into Finlay!
Gallows runs to SPLASH them both, then runs to CROSSBODY Finlay & Connors! The fans fire up but Gabe attacks! Gab e BITES Gallows’ head, talks trash, but Gallows UPPERCUTS! Gabe COMEBACK- NO, he runs into the 12 STEP PROGRAM! Both men are down from that modified Sky High and the fans fire up! Hot tags to Finlay and Nick! Connors still jumps in with Finlay but Nick rallies on them with his strike fest combo! SHINING WIZARD for Finlay, then a BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up again and Nick tags Matt. The Bucks mug Gabe, double whip, but Gabe reverses. Nick goes up and Matt SUPERKICKS!
Matt cravats, Nick helps, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Finlay is up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit him first! Matt puts Finlay in the ropes, Nick goes up, DRAPING SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Matt tags Karl. Gallows joins in and the fans rally up. Gallows reels Finlay in, but Connors SPEARS him! Finlay hits Karl with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But he gets DSOUBLE SUPERKICKS again! The Bucks fake Connors out to DOUBLE DDT! Gabe blocks a kick, sends it into Matt, then UPPERCUTS! But Nick SUPERKICKS in return! Gabe rebounds, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!
Gabe rebounds again, to DOUBLE LARIAT! Gallows is back, he and Gabe DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Gabe CHOPs, CHOPS, and UPPERCUTS! Gabe runs, into a GUN STUN!! We never thought that move would return to NJPW but here we are! Finlay flounders, hot tag to Gedo! Gedo JAWBREAKERS Karl, SUPERKICKS, and the rest of the Dogs hold down the OGs! Gedo mule kicks Karl now to GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Karl escapes and the fans fire up! GUN STUN for Gedo!! Gabe runs up, dodges, COMEBACKER!! Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Gabe!
Connors & Finlay mug Gallows, double whip him, then Connors runs in, only for Gallows to DUMP him! Gallows DUMPS Finlay, too! YAKUZA KICK for Gedo, and into the E V P TRIGGER!! Matt says that’s not enough! Nick climbs up to be on Gallows’ shoulders! SUPER T K DRIVER!! The Bucks PLANCHA out to wipe out the Dogs! The Good Brothers top it off with a MAGIC KILLER on Gedo!! Cover, the Founding Fathers win!
Winners: The Young Bucks & Good Brothers, by pinfall
The War Dogs are beside themselves, but the OGs of Bullet Club still got it! The War Dogs step back into the ring, they look at their “senpai” while Gedo is helped to the back. The Bucks say no hard feelings, and offer the Too Sweet. War Dogs throw it up, just to Too Sweet with each other. It seems some things aren’t “4 life” like we thought. But with the Good Brothers back in town, will things be #JustTooSweet no matter where you look?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Stone Pitbull took this title off Gabe in the Windy City Riot, and now he defends it against another of the War Dogs! Will Ishii survive the 44 Caliber? Or will his reign not even last a full month?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got that dog in ’em!
The bell rings and the fans rally as Drilla and Ishii get face to face. Then Drilla fires forearm after forearm! Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, but Drilla RAMS Ishii! Ishii roars so Drilla fires more forearms! Ishii eggs Drilla on and leans into the shots! Drilla keeps throwing shots but Ishii backs him down! The fans rally behind Ishii, and he DECKS Drilla into a corner! The fans fire up and Ishii shakes off those forearms. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, but now Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearms but now Drilla leans into the shots! The fans fire up as Drilla ROCKS Ishii. Drilla runs but Ishii CLOBBERS Drilla!
The fans fire up and Ishii suplexes, but Drilla slips free! Drilla waistlocks, Ishii fires elbows, and things speed up. Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans are torn but Drilla shakes out his arms. Drilla looms over Ishii, kicks him, and CHOPS him! The fans “WOO~” while Ishii wobbles, and Drilla CHOPS again! Drilla CHOPS Ishii to the corner, then CHOPS again! Ishii eggs Drilla on so Drilla winds up and CHOPS! Drilla stomps away on Ishii, the ref counts, but Drilla digs his boot in. The ref counts, Drilla steps off, and the fans rally. Drilla grins and brings Ishii up, but Ishii fires body shots!
Ishii backs Drilla down but Drilla snapmares and KICKS Ishii in the back! Ishii writhes, Drilla covers, TWO! Drilla is annoyed but Ishii is tougher than that. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex! Ishii sputters and rolls to the apron. The fans rally as Drilla storms over to join Ishii. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla pushes Ishii and ELBOWS him down! Ishii LARIATS the legs out from under Drilla! Drilla hobbles up, runs in, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM on the floor! The fans fire up while the ref checks Drilla. Drilla is okay to continue, so Ishii drags him into the ring.
Drilla goes to a corner, Ishii runs in, and LARIATS! Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Drilla! The fans fire up more as Ishii shakes off that damage. Ishii drags Drilla up, but Drilla fights the lift with elbows! Only for Ishii to shift and SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but he’s frustrated with himself. Ishii kicks at Drilla rather mockingly, and Drilla stands in a huff! Drilla ducks the haymaker to ripcord and CHOP! Then he brings Ishii in for a PILE- NO, Ishii fights that, so Drilla grabs tights for a STUFF PILEDRIVER! Ishii writhes but Drilla also grits his teeth from pain, and the fans rally up.
Drilla and Ishii stir, and Drilla rises first. Drilla drags Ishii up, CHOPS and ROCKS him on repeat, and the fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Ishii just stares Drilla down! Drilla CHOPS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii DECKS him! The fans fire up and Ishii finally feels that damage. Ishii clutches a shoulder but he storms up on Drilla. Ishii kicks Drilla, hoists him up top, and then climbs up after him. Ishii stalling SUPERPLEXES! But Drilla’s right up!? The fans fire up and Drilla returns, but Ishii LARIATS! Drilla HAYMAKERS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Drilla ROLLING ELBOWS, then ducks the enzigiri! Drilla runs, but Ishii stuffs the Gore!
Drilla wrenches free of the facelock, but Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla down! The fans fire up while Ishii staggers around. Ishii roars to fire back up and the fans are with him! Drilla slowly rises, Ishii runs, but Drilla catches Ishii to a MADE IN JAPAN!??! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives Drilla using Shingo Takagi’s move and the fans fire up! Drilla goes to a corner while the fans rally up. The fans are on Ishii’s side and that pisses Drilla off. Drilla aims and runs in, but Ishii KNEES him low! Ishii stands Drilla up, but Drilla SUPERKICKS! Ishii rebounds, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Drilla gets moving again, and he GORES Ishii down!! Cover, TWO?!?
Ishii survives and Drilla is beside himself! The fans rally while Drilla and Ishii are down again. Drilla sits up and slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla stands and he brings Ishii up. Drilla reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla swats a lariat, ducks the other, but Ishii ducks the enzigiri to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Drilla and Ishii stir as the fans rally up more. They go to ropes, rise up, and they both run in! DOUBLE LARIATS! Ishii fires boxing elbows, but Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Drilla DROPKICKS! Drilla runs, but Ishii LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!
Drilla survives and the fans rally up! Ishii sits Drilla up, runs, and SLIDING- NO! Drilla catches Ishii into a clinch! URE- NO, Ishii slips free to waistlock! Drilla switches, ripcords and DROPKICKS! Drilla reels Ishii in and suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER!! But Ishii rises?!? His fighting spirit keeps him moving, but Drilla runs to LARIAT! Ishii stays up, UPPERCUTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! Ishii headbutts the buckles to fire up, and the fans are with him! Ishii runs again, to LARIAT!! Drilla tumbles, Ishii pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Drilla survives but Ishii powers back up!
Ishii hauls Drilla up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Drilla slips fere! Drilla shoves, then catches Ishii to wrench and Canadian Rack! DRILLA- NO, Ishii lands out! Drilla avoids a lariat, then another, and GORES!! Cover, ONE!?!? Drilla is shocked and the fans are thunderous! Drilla goes to a corner and he aims again! Drilla runs up, but Ishii turns leg lariat into POWERBOMB! And SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii roars, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Stone Pitbull showed the young pup how it’s done! Will Ishii continue to prove no one is as NJPW Strong as him?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero VS El Phantasmo!
It was just last week at Wrestling Dontaku that The Alpha and Headbanga battled over the NJPW World Television Championship. They went 15 minutes for a time limit draw and both men want more! Will ELP get all he can when he takes this title from Takeshita? Or will Konosuke NEVER lose again?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The bell rings and the one hour time limit is on. ELP and Konosuke circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Konosuke headlocks, ELP powers up and out, but Konosuke runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP stays low then hurdles over, but Konosuke leaps over. Konosuke sidesteps, ELP rolls off Konosuke’s back, but Konosuke reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- NO, ELP sunset flips! But Konosuke rolls through! ELP still reels Konosuke in and tucks the arms, but then Konosuke wrenches free! ELP dodges the lariat, but Konosuke goes Matrix to avoid Sudden Death! The fans fire up as the two are in a standoff!
Konosuke and ELP reset, circle again, and the fans are dueling. Konosuke and ELP step up, and ELP CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and ELP eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke winds up, but then ROLLING ELBOWS! ELP falls, the fans are torn, but Konosuke stands ELP up. Konosuke whips, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! ELP bounces off the cover, and Konosuke is up to LARIAT ELP up and out! The fans are torn but Konosuke builds speed to FLY! Down goes ELP and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and then clamps on with a chinlock.
ELP endures, pries at the hold, but Konosuke shifts to go for an arm. The fans rally as ELP throws body shots, but Konosuke knees low! Konosuke whips, ELP reverses, but Konosuke FLYING UPPERCUTS ELP down! Konosuke clamps onto ELP with a double wristlock! ELP endures so Konosuke changes it to a COBRA CLUTCH! ELP fights around all the same, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Konosuke lets go, ELP goes to a corner, and Konosuke storms up. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP bounces off buckles! The fans rally while ELP writhes on the mat. Konosuke watches ELP as he rolls away to ropes.
Konosuke stalks ELP, drags him up, and wrenches to put him in a corner. Konosuke whips ELP corner to corner, but ELP stops short! Konosuke runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP runs in, but into a BOOT! Konosuke hops up, but ELP GAMANGIRIS him to the floor! The fans fire up and ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Konosuke goes over railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke rises as the ring count starts. ELP aims from the ropes! ELP did this in Japan, he’s gonna do it in California! SUPER DUPER THUNDERKISS!! Direct hit and the front row almost gets wiped out!
A Takeshita fan talks trash while showing off her Konosuke art, but Rocky is mad and throws off his jacket. ELP drags Konosuke up, CHOPS him back over the railing, and the ELP fans all “WOO~!” ELP storms after Konosuke, CHOPS him again, then puts him in the ring. Rocky gets up on the apron! The fans boo and ELP jumps, but Konosuke dodges! Konosuke then sidesteps to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Konosuke reels him in. ELP fights the suplex, but Konosuke powers through to suplex! ELP slips free, straitjackets and torture racks! BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!!
Konosuke survives, but ELP kips up and the fans fire up! ELP tunes up the band and the fans cheer him on. ELP aims at Konosuke, for SUDDEN- NO, Konosuke blocks it to fire off boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- NO, ELP mule kicks, front kicks, but then Konosuke BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Konosuke rebounds but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky coaches Konosuke, the fans rally for ELP, and both men rise. ELP and Konosuke go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! ELP grins as the shots keep going back and forth! Both men stand, and the forearms keep going! Konosuke ROCKS ELP and eggs him on!
ELP returns to ROCK Konosuke, and the forearms fly again! The fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Then DOUBLE FOREARMS send both men staggering back! ELP and Konosuke go to the apron now, and the forearms fly again! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and ELP ROCKS Konosuke! And ROCKS him again! Konosuke just ROCKS ELP in return! And again, and again, and again! Konosuke has ELP up against the corner, and hoists him up! Konosuke drags ELP onto his shoulder, but ELP fights free!
ELP mule kicks, then he reels Konosuke in! Konosuke fights the tuck, so ELP kicks him low! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Konosuke falls to the floor and Rocky is stunned! We pass 10 minutes while ELP rises up. ELP hears the ring count so he refreshes it, then he goes looking under the ring! ELP brings out a table! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands. ELP ignores that to set the table up at ringside. ELP then fetches Konosuke, drags him to the apron, and tucks the arms! Konosuke fights the lift, and ROCKS ELP! Then POWER DRIVE KNEES! Konosuke reels ELP in, but ELP fights the Blue Thunder with elbows! ELP rolls into the ring, but Konosuke avoids the shoulder!
Konosuke KNEES ELP back down and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up the corner, and the fans are already worried about what he’s planning. ELP fights with body shots, and then adjusts his position on the top rope! Konosuke fires body shots, then SUPER LARIATS ELP down!! Konosuke hurries to cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Konosuke is furious! Konosuke drags ELP up, scoops him, but ELP slips free to gut wrench! But Konosuke turns that back around! TOMBSTONE!! But Konosuke holds on! Konosuke stands up, tucks ELP in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up!
ELP shakes his head, defiant against the damage done to him. The fans rally more but Konosuke brings ELP up. But ELP wrenches out, only for the ALPHA ELBOW to knock him down! POWER DRIVE- SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP hits first and the fans fire up! ELP hurries to reel Konosuke in, but Konosuke Alabama Lifts! And he spins ELP around for another BASTARD DRIVER!! And then a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, and ELP is right up!! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!!? WHAT?!?
ELP just runs again, goes up and up, and FLYING- ALPHA ELBOW!!! Cover, ONE!??! The fans are thunderous as both men defy expectations! ELP dodges a lariat to POISON-RANA!! Konosuke stands up but wobbles, and ELP ROLLING ELBOWS!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! HOW?!?! ELP shrugs it off to tune up! SUDDEN DEATH!! SUDDEN DEATH AGAIN!! And then C R 2!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Konosuke survives all of that and the fans are electric! Rocky is freaking out but “This is Awesome!” ELP is up, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! And then a somersault back to the apron, THUNDERKISS 86 SPLASH!!! Cover, ROCKY DRAGS THE REF OUT!!!
The fans boo as Azucar sours the taste of this one! The ref and Rocky argue, but ELP storms out to get Rocky! Rocky runs for it, but ELP SUPERKICKS him! ELP reels Rocky in and POWERBOMBS him through the table!! ELP goes into the ring, but the POWER DRIVE KNEE finds him! And then RAGING- CRADLE!!! TWO!!! Konosuke escapes, dodges, and ROLLING ELBOWS!! And then POWER DRIVE KNEES!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!? Konosuke throws off his elbow pad, winds up, and ALPHA ELBOWS!!! Then the RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
ELP kept his NJPW World TV Championship, but now Konosuke has kept his NEVER Openweight Championship! Is Konosuke going to prove he isn’t just The Alpha of AEW, but the Alpha of the World?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Shane Haste!
The Fierce Warrior took this title from The Front Man at the New Beginning in Osaka, and the Goto Revolution has been on a roll these last few months. ZSJ wants the spotlight back, but there’s also a catch: The winner here must defend against Shingo Takagi at NJPW Dominion in June! Will it be out of the frying pan and into the fire for Goto? Or will this be ZSJ’s resurgence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the G in IWGP is still for Goto!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Goto and ZSJ stare down. Goto and ZSJ then circle, feel things out, and go around. They knuckle lock, then clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. ZSJ shifts to a headlock but Goto wrenches out to wristlock. ZSJ rolls, bridges, spins and wrenches, but Goto headlocks! ZSJ hammerlocks, Goto goes to the ROPEBREAK, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Goto and ZSJ reset, circle again, and the two tie up. ZSJ headlocks, grinds the hold, but Goto powers up and out. Fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” as he RAMS Goto! Goto rebounds to RUN ZSJ over!
ZSJ avoids the elbow drop, Goto avoids the Penalty Kick, and Goto hits a headlock takeover! ZSJ headscissors, Goto kips free and Goto deflects a boot, only for ZSJ to avoid the lariat! The fans cheer and the two reset again. ZSJ and Goto circle, feel things out, and ZSJ RAMS low! ZSJ whips, but Goto blocks a hip toss, only for ZSJ to do the same! ZSJ THROWS Goto down, then clamps on for the NECK TWIST! The fans fire up, and Goto goes to the apron. ZSJ steps outside and NECK TWISTS Goto again! The fans rally while ZSJ sits Goto up on the floor, and KICKS him in the back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS, but Goto CHOPS!
ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Goto CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally while Goto falls back! ZSJ swaggers around a bit, rolls into the ring, and lets the ring count climb. Goto sits up at 7 of 20, stands at 10, and takes a moment before rolling in at 12. ZSJ kneels on Goto, the ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes, but ZSJ SNAPS the fingers! Goto bails out while clutching his hand, but the ring count starts again. ZSJ eggs Goto on, Goto shakes out the bad hand and rolls back in. ZSJ is after the hand again and SNAPS the fingers! ZSJ then wrenches the arm, steps over, and he reaches out to have the other arm! Goto endures this modified motorcycle stretch, but ZSJ wrangles him down!
ZSJ has a DOUBLE MOUNTED ARMBAR! Goto endures, the fans duel, and ZSJ pulls on the arms! Goto kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and kicks at Goto. ZSJ scuffs Goto, taunts him with more kicks, but Goto sits up. ZSJ kicks at Goto while taunting him more and more. Goto scowls and stands up. They shoulder bump each other, but then Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS back, then storms up on Goto in a corner. ZSJ pushes Goto, slaps him around, but Goto SLAPS! Goto CHOPS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and ZSJ uppercuts. Goto reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT!
ZSJ runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto rises, he drags ZSJ up, and he ROCKS ZSJ with forearm after forearm! Goto whips, runs in, and MURAMASA! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Goto stays focused and he brings ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the lift, pulls on an arm, and ZSJ wrenches. Goto fires forearms but ZSJ PELES the arm! Goto staggers, ZSJ runs, but then Goto follows again! Only for ZSJ to wrangle Goto to a FUJIWARA! Goto fights, ZSJ traps that arm, and then gets the other arm again! Goto endures the DOUBLE FUJIWARA! The fans rally, Goto fights around, but ZSJ steps over! Goto still gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but the fans rally back up. Goto sputters but ZSJ stands him up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto, has him on the ropes, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Goto and ZSJ stir, rise up, and Goto brings ZSJ up to ROCK him with a forearm! Goto eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ ROCKS him back! Goto ROCKS ZSJ again, and again, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and repeat! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, and the fans fire up more! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again, but Goto spins him! URA GTR!
Goto runs and LARIATS ZSJ down! The fans fire up and we’re only at ten minutes! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” and considering there’s a one hour limit on this, they can definitely keep going! Goto rises and fires up again. Goto stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops back! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ can’t make the cover and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ and the fans rally again. ZSJ makes it to ropes, stands back up, and he goes to a corner. Goto sits up, ZSJ runs in, PENALTY KICK! Deep stack cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans cheer again. Goto goes to a corner, ZSJ goes back to his, and ZSJ aims again.
ZSJ runs in but Goto puts him in the ropes! Then DRAPING SHOTO!! Both men are down again and the fans still rally! Goto rises and powers up! ZSJ sits up, into the BUZZSAW! Goto then drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI again! Goto roars, the fans fire up, and Goto dragon sleepers, for G T- NO, ZSJ catches the arm, backslides, TWO!! ZSJ steps over, hammerlock and then CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ has the arms trapped again but Goto fights around! ZSJ pushes on the arms for an almost standing Clarky Cat! Goto endures, even as ZSJ pushes down hard on the arms! And has a leg! CLARKY CAT: BAD BALLOON REMIX!!
Goto fights with his free leg, so ZSJ shifts to focus on just an arm, URESHI ARMBAR!! Goto endures, fights with his legs, and still manages the ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go in frustration and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ to keep on Goto and the fans duel. ZSJ waits on Goto to sit up, and then he KICKS! Goto falls over, ZSJ paces, and Goto sits back up. ZSJ KICKS again! Goto falls back over, the fans rally, and ZSJ paces again. Goto sits back up, ZSJ eggs him on, and then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto falls in another heap and the fans continue to rally and duel. ZSJ lines up another shot to KICK, KICK, KICK! Goto blocks!
ZSJ SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires off fast SLAPS! Goto HEADBUTTS him in return! Shane is worried now as Goto HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Goto SLAMS ZSJ down, runs, and LARIATS ZSJ inside-out! The fans fire up as Goto drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Goto shrugs that off to drag ZSJ up and dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down to victory roll, then EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Goto escapes in time, and he clinches to a SLEEPER! Then roll, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! Goto fireman’s carries, ZSJ sunset flips, but Goto rocks it back, TWO!
ZSJ has the sunset flip, TWO!!! Goto narrowly escapes and the fans boo! Goto and ZSJ run back in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Then they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! The fans rally up while both men wobble. Goto eggs ZSJ on, ZSJ runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw and G T- NO, ZSJ slips through, waistlocks, O’Conner BRIDGE, but Goto has a waistlock!! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!?!? The ref has to explain to the timekeeper to ring the bell, and then call it a DOUBLE PINFALL DRAW!!!
Double Pinfall Draw; Goto retains the title
ZSJ is pissed with the ref, and uses a GUILLOTINE CHOKE to take him down!! ZSJ grabs the world title, tosses it down at Goto’s feet, and the fans all call BS! ZSJ undoes his wrist tape, the fans tell the ref he sucks for this one, and Goto stands up to stare ZSJ down. This draw does not sit well with either man, but ZSJ pie faces Goto! ZSJ and Shane storm off while the fans boo, but there’s nothing that can be done about this decision now. Goto survived the rematch with The Front Man, will he be so lucky against the Rampaging Dragon?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa!
The CEO thought she was just getting one or the other for Resurgence, but that Double Count Out Draw in Chicago really upped the ante. Now both High Speed Bomb Girl and Fighting Gravure Idol get their shot, will one of them leave the Golden State wearing gold? Or will she still be #FourBeltsMone?
The introductions are made, the lavender belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Mone mocks Mina and AZM for being shorter than her, but it’s not like Mone is a towering titan herself… The fans boo Mone’s attitude as she calls for a Test of Strength. Mina and AZM tie up with Mone, then with each other. The three way Test of Strength is on, and Mina shimmies and shakes! The fans cheer but Mone is annoyed so she kicks Mina low! Mone then wrenches AZM, Gory Especials, but AZM arm-drags free! Mina arm-drags AZM, then dodges Mone. Mone ROCKS Mina, dodges AZM to arm-drag and lateral press, then rolls into the STATEMENT MAKER! AZM fights the crossface, Mina storms up and rolls things over!
Mina runs, and then slides, to hold hands with Mone and AZM as she does her dance! The fans cheer but both Mone and AZM are annoyed. They roll Mina to a DOUBLE COVER! TWO, Mina double covers them! TWO and everyone stands! AZM runs, trips Mone, and then Mina joins in for a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Mone tumbles out and the fans cheer. Mina has the fans fired up, but things speed up! AZM whips Mina to a corner, runs in, but Mina puts her on the apron! AZM slides in, sunset flips, TWO! AZM keeps moving but Mina catches her to a victory roll! TWO, AZM ducks a kick to roll Mina, but Mina rolls through!
AZM trips Mina, runs, but avoids Mone’s trip to DROPKICK Mina down! AZM kips up, the fans fire up, and then AZM runs again. But Mone trips her up right this time! The fans boo as Mone drags AZM out, SMACKS her off the apron, and throws forearms! AZM fires back, but Mina climbs up! Mina SUPER CROSSBODIES Mone & AZM both down! The fans fire up with Mina as she stands back up! Mina drags Mone up, puts her in the ring, and the fans chant, “We Want Mina!” Mina covers Mone, TWO! Mone is tougher than that and she CHOPS! Mone knuckle locks, goes up, and up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mone does her CEO dance, the fans are torn, but Mone runs in at the corner. DOUBLE KNEES, then she brings Mina out for a facelock. Mina wrenches free to CHOP! Mina fires up, the fans are with her, and Mina knuckle locks to go up, up, shimmy and shake, then CROSSBODY onto AZM! AZM bails back out, Mina and Mone run up, and Mone wrenches to suplex! Una Amiga! Mone hits another suplex, Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! The fans are torn as Mone gives some Latina Heat. Mone runs in at Mina, blocks her boots and puts her in the ropes! AZM runs up, but Mone gives her DEADLY NIGHTSHADE!
Mone puts AZM under Mina, and then hits a DOUBLE STOCK DROP! Cover on Mina, TWO! Cover on AZM, TWO! Back to Mina, TWO! Back to AZM, TWO! Mone grows frustrated but her opponents are just that tough. Mina and AZM bail out and the fans rally. Mone goes to the apron, runs up, and DOUBLE METEORAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Mone smirks. Mone SMACKS Mina off the apron, puts her in, and covers, TWO! Mina is still in this but Mone looms over her. Mone soaks up cheers and jeers, stomps Mina, then drags her up. Mone Gory Especials, but Mina fights to kick at the legs! Mina Gory Especials, for a GORY BOMB!!
Mina SMASHES away on Mone’s knee! Then one BIG SMASH! The fans fire up for Mina and she reels Mone in. Mina hooks up the legs, does her dance, then DOUBLE STOMPS the knees! Mone writhes but Mina steps through, KNEE JAMMER on the left leg! Mina then SLAPS Mone’s leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Mone endures, Mina thrashes around, but AZM DIVING STOMPS Mina! The fans fire up and AZM brings Mina in, only for Mina to power out! AZM kicks low, runs, and uses Mina to get Mone in LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Mone endures, but Mina runs up, only for AZM to drop toehold her onto Mone!
AZM has a DOUBLE FUJIWARA, then shifts to have a DOUBLE RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans fire up as AZM makes them both suffer, but they both push over to a cover! TWO!! AZM BOOTS Mone, BOOTS Mina, and fires up! The fans cheer AZM on as she climbs, but Mone trips her up! Mone calls to Mina and Mina ROUNDHOUSES AZM! Mone & Mina talk it out, and they both climb up! They bring AZM up, but AZM resists their suplex! AZM trips them into a Double Tree of Woe, for DOUBLE WOE STOMPS!! AZM drags Mone away to a drop zone, and then she goes back up! The fans fire up as AZM aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!!
Mone writhes, AZM covers, Mina breaks it! Mina has AZM but AZM blocks the kick! The HEEL KICK still lands, and Mina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but AZM stays up! Mone runs up to DOUBLE BACKSTABBER!! All three women are down and the fans fire up! The dueling is all over the place, and Mone grabs each opponent by their hair. AZM and Mina both break free, and AZM ROCKS Mina! Mina ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! AZM ROCKS Mone! The forearms go around and around, then Mina and AZM mug Mone! The fans fire up as Mina just fires off furious hands! Mina and AZM drag Mone up, double whip, but then AZM ROUNDHOUSES Mina!
AZM tilt-o-whirls at Mone, but Mone fights that to CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as AZM stays in this, but Mone snarls. The chants of “C E O!” and “C E NO!” echo out, but Mone bumps AZM off buckles. Mone fires off forearms, then runs corner to corner! DOUBLE KNEES, and AZM sits down! Mone runs back in and METEORAS! Cover, TWO! AZM is still in this and Mone is frustrated. Mone drags AZM up, vows to end this, and she lifts AZM, only for AZM to RANA! Mina is up top, and she FLYING SLINGBLADES AZM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! Mone covers AZM now, TWO!! Mone grows further frustrated and she hauls AZM up!
AZM fights the Gory Especial, Mina victory rolls Mone! Mina then steps through and has the legs tied up! AZM runs up but Mina spins her, DDT SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans fire up for Mina as she Electric Chair Lifts AZM! Mina spins Azm to hit a FALLING DRAGON SCREW!! Then Mina has the leg, FIGURE FOUR! AZM endures, the fans “WOO~” and Mina puts on the pressure! Mone is back and she METEORAS Mina! The fans are torn but Mone seethes. Mone says this is HER title! She SLAPS Mina, but Mina blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Mina drags AZM over to join Mone, and she has both their legs!
The fans fire up as Mina steps through for a DOUBLE FIGURE FOUR!! That’s rather tricky but she keeps it on! The fans “WOO~” more as Mina thrashes! AZM and Mone endure, keeping each other from tapping! They SLAP Mina, Mina SLAPS them! Mina puts on as much pressure as she possibly can, but Mone and AZM work together to backstroke and ROPEBREAK! Mina lets them both go and the fans fire up again. “This is Awesome!” as Mina goes for Mone, only for Mone to bail out. Mina settles for AZM as we pass 15 minutes. Mina steps through, AZM throws her off! Mina ROLLING ELBOWS, then URAKENS!
Mina runs and SHOTGUN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! AZM survives but Mina is right on her with the IMPALER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! AZM survives yet again and Mina is frustrated. Mina calls her shot and the fans rally up again. Mina drags AZM up, brings her around, dragon sleeper and GLAMOUR- NO, Mone rolls Mina up! TWO! Mina shoves Mone, jackknife bridges, TWO! Mone sunset flips, TWO! Mone Gory Especials but MZM shoves them both over! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Mone Gory Especials but AZM BOOTS Mina! AZM wrangles Mone to the AZM SUSHI ROLL!! TWO!!! Mone escapes, blocks a kick, and KNEES AZM down!
Mone runs up and SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMBS AZM! A shoutout to her Role Model, then she runs back in for DOUBLE KNEES! Mone has the Gory Especial, but AZM kicks off buckles to flip up and over! DESTROYER!!! Mina grabs AZM but AZM rolls through to the SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Mina! Mina fires up, aims, but AZM dodges the uraken to LA MYSTICA!! But Mina wrangles AZM for the GLAMOROUS COLLECTION CRADLE!! But Mone breaks it! Mina TOSSES Mone, ROUNDHOUSES her, then she blocks AZM’s kick! Mone trips AZM, steps through, but AZM drags her down to a cradle! TWO!!!
Mine escapes, AZM has her again, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO, but AZM gives it another try!! AZM WINS!!!
Winner: AZM, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Mone is stunned! She slid in one second too late, and the High Speed Bomb Girl just blew up her reign! The Money Train just got derailed and Mone is furious! She lost a corner piece of her treasure, how will she ever recover? She also argues with Mina, shoves her, and then runs away from her! These two go all the way to the back, will Mina get after Mone for her attitude?
As for AZM, she is now a double champion in her own right! This title can now sit alongside her Artists of Stardom Trios Championship, and then gets the mic to say, “I’m a new champion!” The fans cheer that! AZM says she’s so, so happy! She got her revenge on Mone from last year, and got to be a champion for it! She thanks everyone here tonight and the fans cheer her on. “You Deserve It!” AZM says, “It’s AZM time!” The fans cheer that! AZM is ready ready to make this her NJPW Strong! It won’t be a matter of who will step, but more a matter of who can keep up with the High Speed Bomb Girl!
My Thoughts:
An awesome Resurgence here, NJPW is really doing all they can to make NJPW Strong, well, strong again. Good stuff seeing Bea Priestly back in NJPW/Stardom after her release from WWE. Vince McMahon fumbled her but she’ll be back to what she was doing before moving to NXT UK. And between the IWGP Women’s Championship almost exclusively in Stardom, and a new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion being from Stardom, Bea has her choice of title stories. Speaking of, awesome move making the women the main event given how AZM is the new champion. That was a great Triple Threat, and it worked out for the best. Mone finally loses the belt but wasn’t in the finish, and now she and Mina can bring their animosity to AEW.
Great tag title match, and a rather surprising result with TJP & Templario winning. World Class Wrecking Crew just upgraded themselves to that name, and now they’re no longer champions, that’s kinda wild. But it does feel like the United Empire is making a play to have as much gold as they can, with Khan & Callum also holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Great stuff with the War Dogs tonight. That 8 Man Tag was a fun time, but Gedo was in the match so duh, War Dogs were gonna lose. Plus, it gives Good Brothers a strong win with their return to NJPW. Who knows where this goes, especially with their #ShowUsTheLight gimmick. Ishii VS Drilla was also great stuff, but I figured Ishii would win. Ishii seems to be going through the War Dogs, I wonder if Connors is next.
Konosuke VS ELP was great stuff, especially after we just got great stuff from them last week. ELP retained his title so it made sense Konosuke would retain his. I am not sure who takes this title off Konosuke, but it’ll have to be an insane match to do it. And then a great match of Goto VS ZSJ, but wow I did not think they’d pull that kind of draw. The fans weren’t happy, but I can see that they wanted to keep ZSJ strong but keep the title on Goto. Goto VS Takagi better be a slugfest to make up for it, though.
My Score: 8.9/10
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