It iz what it iz. Or iz it?

Mr. Iguana returns to NXT to help his amiga, the NXT Women’s Champion, Lola Vice, against The Culling’s Izzi Dame & Niko Vance!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kali Armstrong VS Jaida Parker; Kali wins.
• Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Jasper Troy; Drake wins.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights; rescheduled.
• Mixed Tag: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana VS Izzi Dame & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears; Izzi & Niko win.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Cutler James & Osiris Griffin w/ DarkState; Cutler & Osiris win.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights; Tony wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony D’Angelo speaks.

The NXT Champion is in the Performance Center as he says, “These guys don’t wanna wait? Well, I’m not waiting, either! Watch this.” Tony CLOBBERS Tavion right onto a table, and then they brawl to the floor! The other superstars and prospects get in there to separate these two, but not for long! Tony eggs Tavion on, Tavion says let’s go! Will Tavion regret escalating things with Tony D? Or will the heat reach new heights?

Kali Armstrong VS Jaida Parker!

The Difference Maker was inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion, and now she wants to prove she belongs on NXT! But did she choose the wrong one in Miss Parker? Or is there about to be a Kali Connection in Orlando?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as Jaida and Kali talk trash. They start shoving, then Kali slips around to shove Jaida. Kali guzels Jaida, talks more trash, but Jaida slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Jaida brings Kali up to waistlock and SLAM again! Jaida gives back that trash talk but Kali ELBOWS free. Kali shoves Jaida to arm-drag, but Jaida counters with a headlock takeover! The fans cheer for “Miss Parker~!” but Kali fights up. Jaida wrangles Kali to a cover, ONE! Jaida stays on Kali with a facelock, but Kali fights up to wrench and headlock back. Kali snapmares then pushes Jaida down, but Jaida avoids the elbow drop!

Jaida runs to slide into the headlock and she grinds Kali down. The fans rally as Kali fights up and fires body shots. Jaida goes to a corner, Kali stomps her, then Kali whips. Jaida reverses to arm-drag! Jaida RUNS Kali over, then wrenches through to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida clamps onto Kali drags her up, and whips. Kali stops herself, but Jaida LARIATS Kali up and out! The fans fire up again and  Jaida runs to slide, only for Kali to block the dropkick! Kali RAMS Jaida into the apron, then swings her around, only for Jaida to send her into the apron! Jaida CLUBS Kali, puts her in the ring, but has to avoid the shoulder!

Jaida KICKS Kali away, then runs up. Kali dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both women fall but the fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida nods, she’s fired up by this competitive match. Jaida fires body shots but Kali fires back. They go shot for shot, harder and harder, then Kali BODY BLOWS! Kali wrenches Jaida, CLUBS the arm, then CLUBS it again. Kali wrenches to WRING Jaida out! Cover, TWO! Jaida toughs it out but Kali brings her up and around. Kali wrenches to WRING Jaida again! Cover, TWO! Kali drags Jaida up again but Jaida ELBOWS her away. Kali runs up to RAM Jaida in the corner! And RAMS her again! Kali runs, but Jaida dodges! Jaida CLUBS Kali, rolls her up, TWO! Jaida drags Kali up but Kali kicks low.

Kali brings Jaida around, whips her to ropes, but Jaida reverses to CLOBBER her! Cover, TWO! Kali toughs it out but Jaida stays on her. Kali body shots Jaida, then scurries to a corner as Jaida comes running back up. Jaida backs off so Kali can stand up, and Kali shoots around to headlock Jaida. Kali hits a headlock takeover, but Jaida headscissors. Kali moves around, pops free, and drops on Jaida for another headlock. Jaida endures the grind and fights to her feet. Jaida fires body shots but Kali hits another takeover. Jaida fights up again, NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally as Jaida fire smore body shots.

Jaida whips corner to corner, Kali reverses, and Jaida hits buckles hard! Kali does push-ups just to show off, then she runs in, into a BOOT! Kali tumbles out of the ring but hurries back to her feet. Kali HOTSHOTS Jaida, then hurries to the apron. Kali springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Kali storms around. Kali JABS! JABS! JABS! Then a two step before she KICKS Jaida’s leg and DECKS her! Kali then KNEE DROPS again and again! Kali runs the ropes to JUMP KNEE DROP! Jaida writhes but Kali grins as she has control. Kali soaks up the cheers and jeers before she storms up on Jaida. Kali RAMS into Jaida again and again, then digs her shoulder in!

The ref counts, Kali backs off, but she pie faces Jaida. Jaida SLAPS Kali! Kali ROCKS Jaida and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Kali backs off, and Kali mocks the high stepping! The fans are torn again, but Kali runs up, and she CLOBBERS Jaida! Kali runs, but Jaida CHOP BLOCKS Kali! Then BACKDROPS her! And BACKDROPS again! Jaida BOOTS Kali down and the fans fire up for “MISS PARKER~!” Jaida runs up, blocks boots, and CHOPS Kali in the ropes! And CHOPS again! Then the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps then drags Kali up. Kali wrenches to kick low, then ROCKS Jaida! Jaida ROCKS Kali in return, the hands fly, but Kali CLUBS Jaida!

Jaida CHOPS Kali, then fireman’s carries! Kali CLAWS Jaida’s eyes, then RAMS her into the corner! But Jaida bucks the O’Conner! Jaida runs up, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Kali fires up and hits the gas! KALI CONNECTION! Cover, Kali wins!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

From Evolve to NXT, Kali is on a five match win streak, and she is running downhill with that momentum! Will she make herself the next contender no matter what? As for Jaida, what will it take for her to finally break through to the next level?

Robert Stone meets with Tony D’Angelo.

The NXT General Manager is upset with the champion over that attack on Tavion, but Tony says he is not the kind of champion waiting on his challengers or looking over his shoulder. He may be the hunted, but he is still a hunter. Stone says no, that’s not how they do this! Do NOT interrupt him, Stone! Give Tony a match with Tavion tonight! Tonight? Yes, he said tonight! Is Stone hearing him? Yes, he is! Done deal! Tony VS Tavion, okay? Go! Tony leaves, but will he regret taking a fight with a hungry hunter? Or will Tavion be made an example for all the others aiming at the gold?

Birthright talks backstage.

Lexis King says, “What happened last week is a travesty. And where did Sean Legacy come from? He wasn’t even supposed to be here!” Stacks asks what this Tate Wilder guy is doing! What happened to paying your dues around here? But in steps Fit Finlay, and Uriah Connors says wassup, pops. Finlay says here’s what’s up: They’re supposed to be upholding tradition, right? Not being outmaneuvered by gamers who have no pedigree and are way below them. Guess who he has on the phone? Arianna Grace says uh oh, is that Mr. Regal? Yes, good guess. At least they got something right.

Finlay has Regal speak. He also says last week was a disappointment, but not to worry, he’s handled it. He sent Charlie back to the Snake Pit in England for training, because next week, it will be a Six Man Tag. Now, make the most of this opporutnity and take care of business. Arianna promises they will. Finlay tells them all to step up. Grace says next week, they’re fighting for their birthright. Will these multigenerational stars prove their families proud? Or will Super Sean, EK Prosper, and Tate Wilder stake their claim to NXT?

He speaks.

“I made my name in my home country of Japan. I’ve faced and defeated many great competitors. I’ve won many titles, but the soul of a warrior is never satisfied. NXT is entering a new era of great opportunity! This is MY moment to strike! Tony, you sit at the top of NXT with the biggest prize in NXT. A prize I want. I did not present you with a gift, I presented you with a proclamation. One day, you and I will do battle for the NXT Championship! It is written in the rising sun! HAHAHA!” NXT, be ready for… NARAKU!

Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Jasper Troy!

Dr. Thirst has been feeling good in and out of the ring, but the MonStar questions why. What has Drake done other than pal around with Swipe Right, THE NXT Tag Team Champions? Will the Carolina Reaper burn Troy for talking down to him? Or is Troy going to prove that size does matter?

The bell rings and Drake runs up, but Toy THROWS him right back! Troy then THROWS Drake to another corner, and he fires haymakers! The fans sing, “Jasper’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Troy backs off as the ref counts, then CLOBBERS Drake! Troy warns Swipe Right, then dares Drake to get back up. Troy scoops Drake, Drake slips free, and Drake KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! Troy blocks that one to throw it back, but Drake ENZIGIRIS in return! Drake whips, but Troy blocks! Troy shakes his head, then whips Drake! Drake ducks, handsprings, but Troy dodges to CLOBBER Drake! Smokes gets on the apron but Troy chases him off!

Now Brad gets on the apron, but Troy chases him off, too. Drake goes up, up, and METEORAS! The fans are torn as Drake is feeling himself, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Drake basement DROPKICKS Troy, then stalks him to a corner. Drake digs his boot in, but he stops as the ref counts 4. Drake backs off to soak up cheers and jeers, then he runs up to DROPKICK Troy again! Drake stomps away, but he stops to drag Troy to the apron. Drake bends Troy’s neck back against the apron edge! The ref reprimands, Drake stops to climb back up, for an APRON KNEE DROP! Troy flounders away while Drake high-fives his boys. Drake then DROPKICKS Troy in another corner! Drake swaggers, then brings Troy up. Drake tries to fireman’s carry but not possible with Troy being twice his size!

Troy CLUBS Drake, HEADBUTTS him, and Drake flounders out to the apron. Troy storms up, but Drake HOTSHOTS him away! Drake hurries back up, and he DUMPS Troy out! Troy lands on his feet, but Drake DIVES! Troy catches Drake in his arms, to then pop him around! But Drake slips free to POST Troy! Drake rolls into the ring, builds speed again, and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Troy! Swipe Right is there to talk some trash, but Troy rolls back into the ring. Drake pursues, runs the ropes, and handsprings for the LETHAL INJECTION! Cover, TWO!! Troy survives and Drake is stunned!

Drake runs to basement DROPKICK! Drake then clamps on with a chinlock, shifts into a SLEEPER, and he grinds Troy down! Troy endures, fights back up, but Drake CLUBS him down! Then Drake CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Drake is fired up as he then rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Drake clamps the SLEEPER back on, and he grinds Troy down to the mat. Troy fights up again, with Drake as a backpack! NXT returns to single picture as Troy RAMS Drake into a corner! Troy is free, but Drake BOOTS him away! Drake spins Troy around, but Troy DECKS him! And DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans fire up as Troy then RAMS Drake into the corner!

Troy whips, Drake goes up and over and handsprings more, to then duck ‘n’ dodge, only for Troy to catch him! Troy swings but Drake makes it a DDT! The fans rally as Drake hobbles to the corner. Drake climbs, grins, but Troy kips up!? Everyone is shocked seeing that! Drake leaps, but into a guzel! CHOKE SLAM! Troy roars, runs, and SENTONS! The fans fire up with Troy while Swipe Right hurries to get Drake outta the ring! Troy rolls out, and he DECKS Smoles! and DECKS Drake! Brad begs for mercy, but Troy grabs him by the neck! Troy gorilla presses Brad, and THROWS him into the ring! But wait, here comes MYKA!

The fans are stunned as Drake’s new boo spins Troy! And scoops him for a SLAM on the floor!! Mighty Myka puts Troy in the ring, then Drake goes up! Drake huts the 450 SPLASH! Cover, Drake wins!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

As if Drake wasn’t smitten with his Amazon girlfriend before, now he’s really in love! Myka helps Drake steal this win, will they make themselves the new power couple of NXT?

Tristan Angels speaks.

“Order, order. One week ago, the winds of change blew through NXT, and emerged Tristan Angels. I am here to bring real class to this brand, and yes, it is true, I was born a seventh generation sheep farmer on a hill in Dorset, England. But I knew from a young age that there was gold running through my veins, and that I was destined for so much more. And of course, I was correct! At just 22 years of age, my name has become synonymous with overachievement internationally. I can sheer a sheep in just under a minute, and I will kick your favorite superstar’s ass even quicker than that. Because when it comes to winning and achievements, I have something of a sixth sense.

“Which is in total contrast to your North American Champion, Myles Borne, who doesn’t even have all five of his. I don’t need to scrape into other people’s moments like Kam Hendrix to feel relevant, nor do I have to go around like that toothless caveman, Shiloh Hill, feeding disgusting racoons out of the palm of my hand. Or slapping my belly to try and make you laugh like Hank ‘n’ Tank. I am the star NXT has been yearning for. And luckily for you all, I am here. Built with shoulders broad enough to carry that burden, rejoice, NXT: Mr. England, Tristan Angels, has officially arrived.”

Zaria is here!

The fans are torn seeing the Agent of Change swagger to the ring, still feeling good after her win over Sol Ruca in their Last Woman Standing grudge match. Zaria grabs a mic and says, “NXT feels… different, doesn’t it? There’s a change in the air, and now it could be anyone’s game. And honestly, for the first time, I’m standing in the middle of the Women’s Division with no one holding me back.” The fans cheer as Zaria says there’s no dead weight, no fake friends. The only one is her, and she is only now realizing this is how it always needed to be. Her, ZARIA, alone. Fans chant “BIG ZA!” and she says she has a clear path to what started it all.

The very thing that came in between her and Sol. The catalyst that is the NXT Women’s North American Championship! “Some people think that that title destroyed everything, but to me, that title is what finally woke me up. Because when you spend enough time around something like that, holding it, defending it, hearing about it, it starts to make you feel like it should be yours!” But speaking of that title, here comes Tatum Paxley! The fans cheer #TuesdayAddams, but she tells Zaria that she understands that this title didn’t just fracture the relationship with Sol, it completely shattered it! But that had nothing to do with Tatum.

And now, Zaria is here, trying to figure out who she is by herself, and that is hard. Tatum gets that more than anyone! But Zaria, if you were to come after this title… It wouldn’t matter if you scorched the earth. Tatum’s ended friendships, too. She’s danced with the devil while putting someone in a casket, all for this title. That doesn’t end with Zaria. But wait, wait, wait! Lizzy Rain is here, and she rocks her way to the ring! “Oi, oi, oi! Look, Zaria, Tatum, you’re right. NXT feels different. It is anyone’s game. And me? Well, I’m the new blood in the locker room, which is why I wouldn’t mind joining in on this bit o’ fun.”

Last week, Lizzy was the talk of the town! And whilst the lineage of this NXT Women’s North American Championship is iconic, how fitting would it be if we added some heavy metal to the gold? Tatum likes that, but wait! Now let’s add Nikkita Lyons! The fans cheer #BigKatKita and she says alright, yes, of course Lizzy was the talk o’ the town! that’s what they call the Lyons Rub! Or maybe the Divine Feline Effect. But uh, all Lyons hears is the new flavor of the month shooting way over her head. And sure, Lizzy set social media on fire last week, but Lyons has seen girls like her come and go. So go touch grass before the new car smell wears off.

Tatum asks what Lyons is talking about. Zaria, Lizzy, if anyone wants- Lyons sings her, “Excuse~ me~!” Kita Multimedia wasn’t done! Lizzy, why do you even have eyes on this title? Lyons isn’t even done with the “Maiden of Metal!” Lyons swings on Lizzy but she ducks it! Zaria ROCKS Tatum, BOOTS Lizzy, then ducks Lyons’ kick to GERMAN SUPELX Lyons away! But Tatum wrenches Zaria, only for Zaria to power out! Fireman’s carry, F5! The Delta Force has been felt, and she holds up the gold. Will no one deny Zaria her glory now that she’s all about herself?

Vanity Project regroups backstage.

They are fired up after Drake’s big win tonight, but they come across Evolve’s Romeo Moreno. He introduces himself, and Drake thinks that name must be ironic or something. Smokes recognizes Romeo! He’s the new kid who likes to paint! Yeah, he says wrestling is art. Brad sarcastically says more new people is exactly what they need around here. Romeo says they’re technically new to NXT, right? Yes, but they’re also champions. But then NOAM DAR steps in! Romeo is excited to see the return of the Scottish Supernova as Noam points out Drake is not a champion. Drake tells Swipe Right that this is Noam Dar, he used to be a big deal almost ten years ago.

Noam says he still is a big deal, “Jacky.” And he is happy to hand out a reminder. That’s what he just confirmed with Mr. Stone. Supernova is back, and time to shake off the rust. Drake looks like the perfect opponent for target practice. So how about it? Next week, Dar VS Drake. And his boys can watch, because they clearly can’t be left alone unsupervised. But then Myka steps in and says they’re with her. Drake says yeah! So if Myka is down for watching Drake “welcome” Dar back, challenge accepted. Vanity Project heads out, and Romeo again fanboys. He loved Dar’s work back in NXT UK, he was watching all the time. Welcome back!

Dar thanks Romeo for that, but did Supernova 11 already bite off more than he can chew?

Tony D’Angelo heads to gorilla.

BUT KAM HENDRIX ATTACKS! Mr. Showtime busts up the wall using Tony, then rains down fists! Refs and Mr. Stone rush in, Kam is dragged away, but is Tony in any shape to have the match he got with Tavion? We’ll have to see, after the break.

NXT returns and Stone hurries to borrow a production staff member’s headset. Stone tells the team that Tony VS Tavion is NOT happening. Kam is kicked out, Tony stormed off, so move up the Mixed Tag Match. Lola & Iguana VS Culling NOW. Yes, now! Make it happen! Stone thanks everyone, then hurries off. What consequences await Kam on the other side of this? And what will our main event be now that there’s been a change to plans?

Mixed Tag: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana VS Izzi Dame & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears!

Well, speaking of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions, it was only natural that Senor Verde would come to the aid of the Mayor of Vice City when she needed it. But will they make sure The Culling learns their place? Or will there be a painful truth in Lola’s near future?

The teams sort out and Iguana starts against Niko. They tie up, but Niko SHOVES Iguana away. The fans rally for Iguana as he resets with Niko, and Iguana dodges to waistlock. Niko bucks Iguana, things speed up, and Niko RUNS Iguana over! Iguana plays dead and Niko isn’t sure what to do. Spears says just be careful. Niko knuckle locks but Iguana kips up! Niko fireman’s carries, but Iguana pops around to a SLEEPER! Then an ELEVATED COBRA TWIST! Niko RAMS Iguana into a corner, then Gory Especials! Lola manages to pass La Yesca to Iguana, and that gives him the power to flip through and arm-drag Niko!

Niko runs up but Yesca SMACKS him! Iguana ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Yesca covers Niko, ONE! Niko is upset but Izzi tags in. Spears has Yesca by the tail, but Iguana snatches her back. But Izzi BOOTS Iguana! Lola THRUST KICKS Izzi! Lola fires off fast hands, then KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! The fans fire up for Lola but she backs off as the ref counts. Lola runs back in, but Izzi dodges! Izzi LARIATS Lola down! The fans boo but Izzi storms up on Lola again to UPPERCUT! Izzi ROCKS Lola, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Lola but Izzi drags her up.

Izzi whips Lola, runs up, and she RAMS into Lola! Izzi whips Lola back the other way, but Lola BOOTS her! Roll up, TWO! Lola BODY BLOWS Izzi, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Lola runs to ropes, slingshots and arm-drags! Izzi tumbles but Lola SPIN KICKS! Izzi bails out, Lola tags Iguana! Niko runs up, Iguana dodges to RANA! Niko tumbles out, and now Iguana goes up, up, and tags Lola before the SUPER SEATED SENTON! Lola SEATED SENTONS Izzi! The fans fire up as Iguana y Lola dance, then they pose on the apron while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lola goes out to fetch Izzi and put her in the ring. Lola runs but The Chair Man stands in the way! Lola turns around, and Izzi BOOTS her down! Izzi drags Lola up, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off buckles again! And again, only for Lola to turn things around! Izzi staggers, Lola waistlocks, but Izzi fights the lift. Izzi wrenches free to kick low, but Lola blocks! Lola SOBATS, then ducks a lariat! Hot tag to Iguana! Niko runs up but Iguana CHOPS! Niko whips, Iguana ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, but into a HAYMAKER! Niko is fired up after his anti-air hits, then he stomps away on Iguana! Niko ROCKS Iguana, and Iguana plays dead again.

Niko stomps Iguana, not falling for that trick again. Niko CHOKES Iguana, steps off, then whips him to a corner. Niko runs up to SPLASH, then he ROCKS Iguana again! Iguana slumps down in the corner, but Niko stomps away. The ref counts, Niko stops, and Niko drags Iguana up. Niko reels Iguana in for a BIG suplex! That’s just Uno Amigo, but Iguana fires body shots! Niko CLUBS Iguana down, then snarls as he steps on him. Niko drags Iguana up to ROCK him with a right! Niko CHOKES Iguana on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts 4. Izzi gets a cheap shot in! Niko covers, TWO! Iguana toughs it out but Niko looms over him.

Niko stands Iguana up, ROCKS him, but Iguana CHOPS in return! Niko KNEES low, CLUBS Iguana, but Iguana CHOPS! Niko ROCKS Iguana again, then eggs him on. Iguana stands up as NXT returns to single picture, and Iguana fires body shots! Niko CLUBS Iguana, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Niko runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Iguana toughs it out but Niko argues the count. The count was fair, so Niko drags Iguana up again. Niko HEADBUTTS, but Iguana HEADBUTTS back! Niko HEADBUTTS, Iguana HEADBUTTS, but Niko ROLLING HEAEDBUTTS! The fans boo as Niko soaks up the heat.

Iguana crawls but Niko hurries to drag him back! Lola reaches out, Iguana ENZIGIRIS Niko away, but Izzi sneaks her way over to YANK Lola down! The fans boo but Izzi SMACKS Lola off steps! Niko gut wrenches to SLAM Iguana down! Cover, TWO! Iguana survives and the fans fire up! Niko reels Iguana in, hoists him up for a Canadian Rack, but Iguana flips through to DDT! The fans fire up while Niko and Iguana crawl, hot tags to Lola and Izzi! Lola KICKS Izzi down, then KICKS her again! And SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Izzi scrambles to a corner but Lola fires the fans up!

But then Niko steps in and stares Lola down. Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Then Iguana SHOTGUNS! Iguana y Lola salsa then dosido, DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer as Lola drags Izzi to a cover, TWO! Izzi survives but the fans rally behind Lola. Lola reels Izzi in but Izzi fights the back suplex. Izzi CLUBS away, then CHOPS! The fans boo but Izzi scoops, only for Lola to slip free and ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, but Niko stops the ref from counting! The ref reprimands, Niko “apologizes,” but here comes Iguana! Niko TOSSES Iguana out, Izzi UPPERCUTS Lola! Cover, TWO! Lola survives and The Culling is frustrated.

The fans rally up, Izzi whips, but Lola turns hip toss into ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Niko runs in but Iguana intecepts! IGUANA RANA into the TRIANGLE HOLD! Lola drags Izzi into a TRIANGLE HOLD, too! But Niko deadlifts Iguana, only for Igauan to RANA Niko outside! Niko holds on and POWERBOMBS Igauan on the floor! Izzi manages the ROPEBREAK! Lola sees what happened to Iguana, but Izzi rolls her up! TWO, and Izzi avoids the uraken to BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, IZZI & NIKO WIN!

Winners: Izzi Dame & Niko Vance, by pinfall

Yes, it seems there was a painful truth, and it was that Lola’s Iguana could not fend off The Culling’s attack dog. Izzi gets her win on Lola, but will she soon take the NXT Women’s Championship?

Tavion Heights is furious.

As far as he knows, Kam Hendrix just cost him a match with Tony D! Myles Borne knows Tavion his pissed, but maybe this is a good thing. What? A good thing?! Myles, Tavion does not need you acting like the opposition right now! No, Tavion, but the match was rather quick. Now he has time to prepare. Myles, Tavion stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready. Stone walks in and tells Tavion that firstly, they kicked Kam out of the building. Secondly, Tony D is still down for the match. Tavion says damn right! He shakes hands with Stone, and now they’re the main event! Tavion heads out, will he earn himself that golden ticket after all?

Stone then spots Zaria storming around, and he hurries over. She asks him who the hell Lyons and Lizzy think they are interrupting Zaria! That Women’s North American Championship is hers! Stone knows she wants that title match, so next week, it will be Zaria & Lyons VS Lizzy & Tatum. A tag team match?! Zaria tells him to look into her eyes: She is DONE with tag matches. Well, if she wants another title opportunity, she’ll take this match. Stone leaves Zaria with little choice, but will she just make sure to take over by any means necessary?

Jaida Parker is raging backstage!

She shouts, “I’m over this! I’m over this!” She is furious that she just can’t get it right! She’s throwing chairs, ripping down labels, then sits down as she starts getting emotional. But then someone says, “I guess what they’re saying about Miss Parker is true.” NATTIE steps in, and she says Jaida’s gone soft. Nattie leaves, but is that her rubbing salt in the wound? Or was that an invitation to the Dungeon?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Cutler James & Osiris Griffin w/ DarkState!

This card’s already been subject to change, so think of this as a surprise bonus. But will the Big Belly Bandits start their comeback to the tag team titles? Or DarkState prove they can still work together for a common goal?

NXT returns as DarkState makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Cutler starts against Tank. They circle as the fans rally up, and Tank slaps his belly to the rhythm of “HANK ‘N’ TANK! HANK ‘N’ TANK!” The two tie up, Cutler waistlocks, but Tank wiggles and swivels and wrenches free to waistlock back. Cutler ELBOWS free, then UPPERCUTS! Tank wobbles, Cutler whips, but Tank BOOTS in return! Tank runs up to slip around and crucifix takedown! Ghost pin, TWO! Tank powers Cutler to ropes, Hank tags in, and Tank whips Cutler to then redirect! Hank ELBOWS Cutler down, cover, ONE! Hank headlocks but Cutler fires body shots.

Hank CLUBS Cutler, armlocks then wrenches, but Cutler ROCKS Hank. Cutler tags Osiris, they double whip, and DOUBLE LARIAT! Osiris drags Hank up, scoops, and SLAMS! Osiris fires up, but Hank UP KICKS! tag to Tank, they dodge Osiris to DOUBLE ELBOW in the corner! Tank goes to suplex but Osiris is a big man! Osiris fires body shots to suplex Tank! And hold him up! The fans cheer as Osiris holds until TEN before the SLAM! Tank’s a big man so that’s impressive in itself. Osiris drags Tank over, tags Cutler, and DarkState mugs Tank. Cutler then whips and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Cutler runs up but Tank dodges! Hank tags in before Tank SPLASHES!

Hank runs in and SPLASHES, to then BULLDOG! Tank SENTONS! Hank goes to the apron, he ELBOWS Osiris away, then climbs up. Cutler UPPERCUTS Hank down! Hank hits apron then the floor! Tank runs up but Osiris blocks a kick! Cutler LARIATS Tank down! Dion grabs a chair, but Saquon says no! Dion is immediately furious, they’re disagreeing every week! Cutler & Osiris go outside to calm these two down, but the ring count is climbing. Hank ‘n’ Tank are still down, DarkState is dysfunctional, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Cutler focuses on what matters as he puts Hank in the ring. Cutler stomps Hank around, tags Osiris, and now Osiris stomps Hank around. Osiris drags Hank up to whip him hard into an open corner. Osiris storms up but Hank fires back! Hank CHOPS, but Osiris KNEES and CLUBS him! Osiris whips Hank corner to corner HARD, and Hank flounders on the mat. Osiris talks some trash, then stalks Hank to bring him up. Osiris whips corner to corner again, but Tank helps Hank take the hit! Hank comes back to CLOBBER Osiris! Both big men are down and crawling, hot tags to Cutler and Tank! Tank dodges to go up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODY!

Tank fires up, fires haymakers on Cutler, then JABS, JABS, JABS! Tank dodges a shot, then cartwheels to dodge another! Tank LARIATS Cutler down! Tank even ducks Osiris’ cheap shot to DECK him! Tank ELBOWS Cutler away, but Osiris trips Tank up! Cutler scoops Tank to BACKBREAKER! Cutler stomps away on Tank, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS into him again and again! The ref counts, Cutler short arm LARIATS before 4. Tag to Osiris, he scoops Tank to SNAKE EYES! Osiris keeps moving and SHOTGUNS Tank down! Cover, TWO! Tank survives but Osiris stays between him and Hank.

Osiris CHOKES Tank on the ropes, stops as the ref counts 4, then storms back over to Tank. Tank fires body shots, but Osiris CLUBS him for it. Osiris puts Tank in the corner, tags Cutler, and they mug Tank. Cutler short arm LARIATS again! Cutler pushes Tank down to a cover, TWO! Cutler clamps onto Tank with a chinbar and chicken wing while NXT returns to single picture. Tank fights up while the fans duel. Dion and Saquon at least agree on coaching Cutler to stay on Tank. Cutler wrangles Tank down, has the chinlock, but Tank fights up, up, but Cutler KNEES low! Cutler CLUBS Tank, then tags Osiris.

Osiris whips for Cutler to reverse, and Osiris SPLASHES! Feed to Cutler for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Osiris scuffs Tank, mocks the belly slapping, then fires body shots! Osiris scoops to SLAM Tank! Osiris pushes Tank around, mocks him again, but Tank rises up. Osiris puts Tank in the corner but Tank fires forearms and elbows! The fans cheer as Tank fights free, but Osiris keeps him from Hank! Osiris whips Tank back in for a LARIAT! Tag to Cutler, he sends Osiris back in, but Tank dodges! Osiris is down, Cutler still gut wrenches, but Tank slips free! Tank rolls to hot tag Hank! Th efans fire up as Hank DOUBLE CHOPS Cutler down!

Hank whips Cutler to CLOBBER him at the ropes! Then he hits a BIG suplex! Hank sets up to SENTON! Osiris storms in but Hank LARIATS Osiris up and out! Hank then goes out to POUNCE! Osiris hits desk! Hank ducks ‘n’ dodges Cutler to BODY CHECK him! Tag to Tank, and they run to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, Osiris breaks it! The fans are torn as Osiris saves the day, then BOOTS Hank! Osiris TOSSES Hank, Tank DUMPS Osiris! Cutler clutches Tank for a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Tag to Osiris and Osiris hauls Tank up! WASTELAND, then VADER BOMB! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT! The fans cheer as now Hank saves the day!

Osiris storms up on Hank to short arm LARIAT! Tag to Cutler, DarkState hauls Tank up! POWERSLAM DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?! Tank survives that devastating combo and DarkState is frustrated again! Cutler talks trash on Tank, but Tank ROCKS him! Cutler ROCKS Tank, Tank ROCKS Cutler, repeat! The fans cheer as Tank elbows, mule kicks, and KNEES! Hot tags to Osiris and Hank! Hank dodges Osiris and Osiris POSTS himself! Hank LARIATS Cutler up and out! cutler drags Hank out to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Osiris is up, but Tank DIVES! But they catch Tank!! And the SLAM him onto Hank!

The fans are torn as DarkState puts Hank in, then Osiris tags Cutler. They haul Hank up, DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! Cover, DarkState wins!

Winners: Osiris Griffin & Cutler James, by pinfall

Despite the dysfunction between Dion and Saquon, Osiris & Cutler held it together and they won out! Will they help the whole team reset and get back to the gold?

Lola Vice returns backstage.

Kelani Jordan is there and she sarcastically says, “Tough loss, champ. And you got pinned by Izzi? She’s definitely gonna want a title shot. But you shouldn’t worry about her. You should be worried about me.” Lola says she’s not in the mood for this, but Lani says don’t act like you forgot: Lani is the only woman to ever tap Lola out, so Lani IS the one to worry about. But Kendal Grey walks in and says Lani knows she ain’t talking about a title match. Oh, of course! Says the woman who had so many opportunities already. Kendal says yeah, and she’s still got her eyes on the title. But last week, Lani hurt Kendal’s best friend, so now it’s Lani’s turn.

Lani says how cute. Lola says Lani needs to handle her own problems first. Lola leaves, but Lani tells Kendal, “Friendships, or championships. Guess we’ll see which one you care about more.” Lani leaves, but will Kendal make sure to sink Lani’s ship?

NXT meets its newest correspondent.

Emily Agard walks ‘n’ talks as she introduces herself, and her first assignment is getting to know Keanu Carver a little better. He said to meet him out here, she’s hoping he’ll let his guard down. Emily says hi to Keanu, and Keanu asks if she’s the one that’s interviewing him. Who the hell even is she? Emily says she’s the new correspondent. Then what does she want? Well, she’s on her first assignment, they sent her here, she just wants to talk. See, this is what they do. They put you in situations you don’t want to be in, and make you talk about stuff you don’t wanna talk about! Like who is this guy? The cameraman…?

Keanu says he doesn’t know them, so he doesn’t care! He’s not talking in front of cameras. Okay, okay, camera down. Emily agrees, they put her in a tough spot to see how she’d handle it, but she has to be honest, she has to go back with something. She did her research on Keanu, and knows he went to Temple University, that he was on the football team. What motivates him in pro-wrestling? Money, straight up. Okay, how so? W-what? What else is Keanu supposed to say? He has said it a thousand times, he’s here to make money for his family so he can feed them. Comments don’t pay the bills. The fans don’t pay his bills! He has people he has to take care of!

And that’s something no one here gets! Keanu isn’t here to be like anyone else! He isn’t here to do fancy tricks and get clout online! He isn’t here for clicks, likes, popularity. He doesn’t need it! He doesn’t need what the others want. Keanu has people he has to take care of, and if no one gets that, he doesn’t know how else to say it. He told Shawn Michaels to his face to give Keanu a chance or just cut him. Wow, he said that? Yeah, straight up. Look, if wrestling don’t work, Keanu will have to find something that will. If wrestling stops feeding his family, Keanu will find something that will. Emily understands that, everyone’s gotta survive.

Keanu says everyone else here in NXT is putting on an act, being something they not. Y’know something about him? He’s been the same guy his whole life. When he was in the barbershop, the sub shop, on the football field, or cracking heads on the streets, it didn’t matter! Keanu is the same person he’s always been, that’s the same person he’s always gonna be. He isn’t here to follow rules or authority, and if you don’t wanna accept it, go ahead, he’ll go his own way, he don’t care. He’s just himself. Emily at least wants to ask one question on the record, just to say she did her job. Yeah, that’s fine. He knows the camera’s been recording the whole time anyway!

Emily tells Jimmy to go ahead, bring his camera up. Then on the record, how did Keanu know about the kanji for war? Keanu went to college, he played football, and while he didn’t go to class all the time, he listened when he did. He just doesn’t brag about it like them other clowns. The thing you don’t know about him is that he smart as hell for real. Now, that’s all you get. Keanu leaves and Emily says nice chat. A man of power, intellect, and heart, Keanu Carver is one of a kind. Will nothing and no one stop Keanu from taking over NXT?

Shiloh Hill vlogs.

Via his Instagram, Shiloh says last week was the best night ever in NXT! Not only did he get the biggest win of his own career against now SmackDown superstar Ricky Saints, but he he also got to celebrate in the crowd with the fans, and his special guest, Jason the dummy! Wait, where IS Shiloh? Was that a “No Trespassing” sign!? Shiloh says Ricky Saints may’ve been a jerk at times, but he was also NXT Champion so it means a lot. The whole night was really chaotic, and not even because of him. HBK said he wanted to throw a stick of dynamite into the locker room, which is kinda crazy cuz Shiloh was warned specifically to NOT bring explosives…

But anyway, tons of new faces, and this Tristan Angels guy who was kinda trash talking Shiloh. Crazy accent to have while trying to roast people, but anyway, Shiloh looked Tristan up. Tristan’s won some men’s beauty pageants in Europe, and he herds sheep. Maybe he should get some normal hobbies. Shiloh tried to find Tristan’s phobias and allergies, but if y’all could help Shiloh come up with insults for male models, British people, or shepherds, that’d be appreciated. #ToothlessAggression is certainly unique, but will he make sure Tristan learns not to judge a book by its cover? Or will the same go for Tristan not being just a pretty face?

Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights!

Alright, let’s try this again. The NXT Champion struck back for last week, and he still owes some receipts, but he’s focused on the Olympian who threw him around just because he wants a title match. Will Tavion earn that opportunity with a win here tonight? Or will Tony just add him to the list of those he’s checked off?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tony and Tavion go around, Tavion waistlocks, then he SLAMS Tony! Tavion holds on, even as Tony fights back up. Tavion wrangles Tony, the fans rally as Tony fights bck up, and Tony switches to SLAM Tavion! Tony keeps the waistlock but Tavion moves around. Tavion stands, rolls free, then single legs Tony. Tony kicks free but Tavion rolls into the fireman’s carry! The fans fire up as Tavion then powers up to THROW Tony away! Tavion fires up but Tony shrugs it off. The two tie up in a clinch and the fans rally up again. The two fight around, Tony manages to SLAM Tavion!

Tony bumps Tavion off buckles, Tavion bumps Tony in return! Tavion ROCKS and whips Tony, but Tony comes back to LARIAT! The fans cheer as Tony bumps Tavion off buckles again, then runs to THROWBACK! Tavion sputters from the cutter but Tony whips to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Tavion toughs it out but Tony hauls him up. Tavion RAMS Tony into a corner, fires knees and forearms, but stops as the ref counts 4. Tavion whips and KNEES low, then GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Tavion hurries to his feet, then goes up the corner. But Tony SHOVES Tavion down! Tavion crashes into barriers and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony huffs ‘n’ puffs while Tavion writhes. The ref checks Tavion but Tony storms out to drag Tavion up, and THROWS him into barriers! Tony stands Tavion up again, and feints putting him in the ring to THROW him back into barriers! Tony puts Tavion in this time, then covers, TWO! Tony drags Tavion up, whips him to the corner, then runs up to RAM him! Tony whips Tavion corner to corner, runs up and RAMS him again! Tony whips back the other way, but Tavion dodges! Tony POSTS himself and tumbles to the outside! Tony writhes and clutches a leg while Tavion catches his breath. Now Tavion goes out after Tony, and KICKS him in the side!

Tavion drags Tony up, and THROWS him into the LED barriers! Tavion then shoves Tony into the ring, covers, TWO! Tony toughs it out but Tavion rains down forearms! Cover, TWO! Tavion is growing frustrated but he drags Tony back up. Tavion clamps on a dragon sleeper and he grinds Tony down. Tavion then switches to a chinlock but Tony fights to his feet. NXT returns to single picture as Tavion CLUBS Tony. Tavion has a SLEEPER on, but Tony fires body shots! Tony is free and runs the ropes, but Tavion scoops him to SLINGSHOT GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives that unique attack, but Tavion runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Tavion grows further frustrated with Tony’s toughness, but he climbs up a corner. Tony is down for the DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Tony survives but Tavion stays on him with another chinlock. The fans rally, Tony fights up, but Tavion CLUBS him again. Tony pries the hold open this time, but Tavion CLUBS Tony again. Tony gets mad now, but Tavion ROCKS him with a forearm! Tony lets the hair down as he goes wild! Tony blocks a shot to ROCK Tavion again and again! Tony GERMAN SUPLEXES, then GERMAN SUPLEXES again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans fire up as Tony runs up, but into a KNEE!

Tavion whips, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Tavion blocks a kick, slips through, and LEG CAPTURE PLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives but Tavion shakes his head. Tavion drags Tony up, but Tony fights the suplex to FOGEDABOUTIT! Cover, TWO!! Tavion survives the buster but Tony snarls. Tony ROCKS Tavion, Tavion ROCKS Tony, and repeat! They go haymaker for haymaker, then Tony ROCKS Tavion! Tavion ROCKS Tony, but Tony JUMP PUNCHES! Tavion runs up to ROCK Tony again! Tony ROCKS Tavion again and again! Tavion dodges a shot, but Tony dodges back! SPEAR!

The fans fire up with Tony and he waits on Tavion! Guzel and DEAD- NO, Tavion pops free, clinches, BELLY2BELLY!! Wait, KAM HENDRIX is here!? He was sent home, what’s he doing defying orders?! Tavion ROCKS Kam, SLINGSHOTS him in, then fires hands! Tavion LARIATS Kam up and out, but now Myles is here? Myles FLIES to take out Kam! The fans cheer as the North American Champion is cashing in his own receipt! Myles throws hands on Kam, they brawl to the back. Tony catches Tavion DEAD TO RIGHTS!! Cover, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

The moment Tavion took his eye off the ball, it was all done! But Tony still shows respect as he helps Tavion to his feet, only for WILL KROOS to CLOBBER them both!! The big man then fireman’s carries Tony, shifts around, BACKPACK CANNONBALL into Tavion! The fans who know sing, “He’s big, he’s bad, he’ll body slam your dad!” But Kroos no more, he introduces himself as Mason Rook, and he has arrived in NXT! Then will Rook soon tower over all of the roster?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for NXT, especially as the follow-up to last week’s with all the new stars coming in. Tony going after Tavion, Kam going after Tony, Tony and Tavion having a great main event match, and then Kam and Myles and Will Kroos (now with his WWE name), all great stuff for both the top and midcard men’s titles. Kam going after Tony seemed a bit random when he went after Myles last time, but it did work out as a way to kayfabe the match card around. Much more creative than the endless string of main events made the night of the show like there wasn’t one already planned. Evil/Naraku also had a good promo, but clearly he’s taking his time getting in the mix.

Great Mixed Tag, and The Culling winning out makes sense, we’re clearly going to get Lola VS Izzi now. Just not sure if it’s on a special TV episode or if there’s an NXT PLE coming up for May. Very good promo from Tristan Angels, great promo in response from Shiloh Hill, they’ll have a very good feud that surely sends the winner after the North American Championship. Great promo from Keanu Carver and the newest news correspondent, Emily. In fact, I wouldn’t mind if she was used to do this “guerrilla journalist” style or whatever you’d call it. Keanu himself can be positioned as a rising anti-hero of NXT. Maybe anti-authority/anti-corporate during these times of TKO just being the cliche of fat cat jerks IRL.

Great match from Kali VS Jaida, and great win for Kali. Jaida going ballistic and Nattie talking to her, that’s definitely going to be a great story there. Certainly better than the latter half of the Nattie VS Maxxine feud. Great promo from Zaria, Tatum, Lizzy and Lyons, and it works in story for Zaria to be reluctantly put in a tag match. I have a feeling Zaria will pin Tatum so that they have the title match, with Lyons and Lizzy feuding on the side. Very good promo from Birthright, that Six Man Tag next week will be really good, and I would think Birthright wins to rebound. The endgame has to involve the Speed Championship or some other title opportunity.

Great tag match from Hank ‘n’ Tank VS DarkState, but that dysfunction of Dion and Saquon was a little forced. Dion and Saquon pouting and facing away from each other was pretty funny, though. DarkState wins, of course, to get them back on track, but it feels like things are still gonna fall apart before they ever get the tag titles. Vanity Project meanwhile is growing stronger, just as I expected. Bayley Humphrey is now Myka Lockwood, and as I predicted last week, she is the muscle for Vanity Project. Her slamming Troy like that was awesome, and of course Drake wins from her help. But way to completely brush over Noam Dar returning. I can only hope Dar stays healthy so he can finally have something more in NXT.

My Score: 8.8/10

Can the Prince slay the Rampaging Dragon?

Callum Newman won the New Japan Cup, won THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but can he survive his first title defense against Shingo Takagi?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Taisei Nakahara; Yasuda wins.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Chase Owens; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
• Ryusuke Taguchi & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Gedo & Daiki Nagai; Gedo & Daiki win.
• OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma; Oskar & Yuto win.
• 10 Man Tag: Hontai VS House of Torture; Hontai wins.
• Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Yuya & Taichi win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; Unbound Company wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS El Desperado & Mistico; Despy & Mistico win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Bolten Oleg VS Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan & Henare; Ospreay, Khan & Henare win and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Callum Newman VS Shingo Takagi; Callum wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Chase Owens w/ Yujiro Takahashi!

Although the Alpha is preparing for his match with Kazuchika Okada at AEW Double or Nothing, he must still fulfill his duties as a champion in NJPW! But will Konosuke still be the star of NJPW World? Or will the Lonestar Outlaw steal the spotlight?

But as Konosuke reaches ringside, Chase runs up! Konosuke avoids his wrecking ball dropkick to then fire forearms! They go back and forth but Konosuke ROCKS Chase! Konosuke stalks Chase around the way, ROCKS him again, and again! Chase KNEES low, then whips, but Konosuke stops short of the railing. Konosuke pops Chase up to SMACK off the railing, then DDTS him on the floor! The fans cheer as Konosuke then drags Chase up and puts him in the ring. The bell sounds and we’re on the clock! Konosuke brings Chase up, headlocks, but Chase endures the grind. Chase pulls hair to power up and out, but Konosuke drops down on the dropdown!

Konosuke has the headlock again, and he grinds Chase down. The fans rally as Chase fights up, and he KNEES low! Chase KNEES Konosuke again, then headlocks in return. Konosuke powers up and out, then hurdles, drops down, and DROPKICKS! The fans cheer as Konosuke then hits another headlock takeover. Chase pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Konosuke grinds the hold but Chase rolls to a cover, ONE! They stand up, and Chase pulls hair again to put Konosuke on the ropes. The ref counts, Chase lets go slowly, but he BOOTS the ropes to jam Konosuke up! Konosuke sputters as he slumps outside, and Chase WRECKS him with a dropkick!

The fans are torn as Chase goes out to bring Konosuke up. Chase scoops to then HOTSHOT Konosuke off the railing! Konosuke coughs and sputters again, but Chase SMACKS him off the apron. Chase drags Konosuke up to the apron now, and he cravats for a SNAPMARE DRIVER on the apron! The fans applaud while Chase puts Konosuke in the ring, then covers, TWO! The fans cheer more as Konosuke stays in this. Chase argues the count but the ref defends it was fair. Konosuke sits up but Chase runs in at the corner for a forearm smash! Then a short arm LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Konosuke shows his grit but Chase just grins.

The fans rally up again as Chase paces around Konosuke. Chase drags Konosuke up, fireman’s carries, but Konosuke fights free. Konosuke ROCKS Chase, but Chase ROCKS Konosuke back! Konosuke ROCKS Chase again, but Chase fires back! They go back and forth until Chase CLAWS Konosuke’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Chase runs, into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Chase reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE finds him! The fans cheer while Chase goes to a corner. Konosuke runs in and JUMP KNEES! Then clinch and EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Chase toughs it out, but Konosuke stays calm.

Konosuke stand Chase up, but Chase fights the lift. Chase CLUBS away, then headlock punches! The ref reprimands, but Konosuke keeps Chase from running the ropes! Chase ROCKS Konosuke for it, then eggs him on. We pass five minutes as Konosuke ROCKS Chase! The fans rally up as Chase fires back! Konosuke staggers to ropes, but he comes back to ROCK Chase! Chase fires fast hands, but Konosuke fires boxing elbows! ROLLING- BACK ELBOW from Chase! Chase cravats but Konosuke powers out! Chase blocks a shot to C-TRIGGER! Then he avoids the boot to I HATE YOUR FACE KNEE! Cover, TWO! Konosuke stays in this but Chase stays on him.

Chase wrenches and hammerlocks, but Konosuke ducks High Noon to spin Chase for a BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Konosuke roars as he rises, and then he gator rolls Chase into a suplex! Chase fights the rest, then bails out! Chase hobbles around the way but Konosuke pursues! HELLUVA KICK against the railing! Konosuke then brings Chase around to APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans rally as Chase crawls, but Konosuke drags him back outside, for another APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans cheer while Konosuke shoves Chase inside, but Yujiro gets a PIMP CANE CHEAP SHOT on Konosuke!

The fans boo Tokyo Pimp as he puts Konosuke in, the ref none the wiser! Konosuke drags himself up at the ropes, but Chase runs up for C-TRIGGER! Then he wrenches, hammerlocks, and HIGH NOON LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! The fans cheer as Konosuke survives! Chase is frustrated but he drags Konosuke up and tucks him in! But Konosuke wrenches free, slips around, only for Chase to grab the ref! Konosuke can’t suplex them both, and Chase sends Konosuke into the ref! The fans boo but now Yujiro storms in so he can stomp away on Konosuke! Yujiro then sets Konosuke up for Chase, but SHOTA UMINO is here!

Shota DECKS Chase, then ROCKS and ROLLING ELBOWS Yujiro! The fans cheer as The Roughneck has evened things up for The Alpha! Shota even cheers Konosuke on, only for the rest of the House to attack! Sho, Kanemaru, Ren, and Dick all stomp Shota, but Konosuke hurries to shield his ally! And then HONTAI rushes out here! Wolf, Yano, Yoh, Wato & Tiger Mask all go after The House! They’ve all got their match later tonight, so this ends up a rather interesting warm-up! The fans cheer as Hontai drags The House out of the ring, and even gets Don Fale, to then gather them all at the ramp side!

The fans cheer Konosuke as he builds speed, and Konosuke FLIES! Air Alpha brings down The House! The fans cheer again as Konosuke gets Chase in the ring while Hontai takes the rest of the House to the back! And we’ve finally hit ten minutes! Konosuke checks on the ref, and then deadlifts him into the ring. The fans cheer, but Chase is up to something! Konosuke ducks the punch, BLUE THUNDER- SPUR KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but Chase hides the evidence quickly. Chase vows to end it now, and he drags Konosuke back up. C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK! Then he brings Konosuke around to tuck him in!

Chase lifts for LAST TES- NO, Konosuke fights the lift, BACKDROPS, but Chase sunset flips! Konosuke rolls through, WAGAMAMA KNEE!! Konosuke then aims from a corner, WAGAMAMA KNEE AGAIN!! Konosuke then hauls Chase up for RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Konosuke wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)

The House of Torture tried and failed to cheat this one away, this is still The Alpha Show! But wait, the lights go down! A video on the tron shows that same mysterious man in suit and mask from last time. He walks into the backstage area of this very arena, but who is it? Where are they going? What do they want? Wait, now they’re IN THE RING! And they CLOBBER Konosuke with some big satchel! WHO IS THIS?! They take off the mask, and IT’S SANADA! The Cold-Blooded Snake is STILL in NJPW! And he drags Konosuke right up for the DEADFALL!! Sanada leaves with a word, but his intent is now clear. Will he make himself the star of NJPW World?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS El Desperado & Mistico!

The Ichiban Sweet Boys only just took these titles back, but they’re already putting them back on the line! Will the Sniper of the Skies & Japanese Young Punk outdraw The Rogue Luchador & The Talisman? Or will these titles soon go internacional?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly mighty!

The teams sort out, and Despy starts against Fujita. The bell rings, and the fans cheer as the two go forehead to forehead. They both talk some trash, Despy slaps Fujita around, but Fujita shoves Despy. Fujita eggs Despy on, Despy fires the fans up, then he CHOPS! Fujita snarls and fires the fans up, then CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, faster and faster, harder and harder! The fans cheer as they CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, but then Despy says stop! Despy ROCKS Fujita, CHOPS him again and again, then eggs him on! Fujita swings, but Despy ducks to headlock. Fujita powers out but Despy reverses!

Despy drops down, then hurdles, but into Fujita’s DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Fujita says he’s smarter than that. Fujita drags Despy over but Despy gets away before the tag. The fans rally as Despy drops back to an open corner. Eagles says Despy can go on and tag Mistico, that’s who Eagles wants to face. Despy dry heaves as he tries to catch his breath, then tags in Mistico. The fans cheer as Mistico steps to Eagles, and Eagles pie faces him. Mistico CHOPS, Eagles CHOPS, and now they CHOP back and forth! The fans rally as they’re already fast ‘n’ furious! Mistico says look! Then he SOBATS! And front kicks!

Mistico whips but Eagles reverses to go up and around for the arm-drag! The fans cheer as things keep moving, and Eagles hurdles to then RANA! Mistico tumbles but rises up, only for Eagles to WHEEL KICK! The fans cheer while Eagles walks over to Mistico. Eagles kicks Mistico in the back, then stands him up to CHOP! Mistico wrenches and whips but Mistico grabs the ropes. Eagles kicks Mistico’s leg, then whips, but Mistico still blocks. Eagles KICKS the leg, then whips, but Mistico handsprings! Eagles dodges but Mistico comes back to springboard RANA! The fans cheer as Mistico then blocks a chop to CHOP!

Mistico knuckle locks, then goes up, up, steadies himself, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans cheer while Eagles tumbles, and Mistico tags Despy back in. Mistico kicks Eagles before he and Despy double whip for DOUBLE ELBWOS! Then they roll Eagles to whip again, DOUBLE BOOTS! They shake hands and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Fujita runs up, but into a mule kick and HAYMAKER! The luchadores double whip Fujita corner to corner, then Mistico sends Despy in. Fujita dodges to RANA Mistico! Despy kicks low, runs, but Fujita trips him! Eagles KICKS, Fujita SENTONS, then Eagles basement DROPKICKS!

Mistico is back but the Sweet Boys DOUBLE ELBOW, then split the wishbone! The fans cheer while Eagles goes to Despy. Eagles stands Despy up, puts him in the corner, then both Sweet Boys dig their boots in. The ref counts, the Sweet Boys stop, and Eagles tags Fujita. The fans rally as Fujita wrenches and whips Despy to the open corner, and CHOPS! Despy is stinging as Fujita snapmares then runs, PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE! Despy is tougher than that but Fujita tags Eagles back in. Eagles ELBOW DROPS on the knee, then pulls on the leg for a toehold! Despy endures, claws at Eagles, then crawls back to the ROPEBREAK!

Eagles lets go, but he traps the leg for a TWIST! Fujita tags in, he brings Despy around to CLUB him on the back. The fans rally as Fujita suplexes Despy up and over! Cover, TWO! Despy is still tougher than that but Fujita stays cool. Fujita stomps Despy, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Eagles but Despy ELBOWS Fujita down while Eagles BLASTS Mistico! Despy fires off forearms on Eagles but Eagles DROPKICKS the legs out! The fans rally as Eagles then winds up and KICKS Despy! And KICKS! And KICKS! Despy eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs the ropes, only for Despy to block the kick!

Eagles fires forearms and UPPERCUTS, then avoids a boot to KNEE low. Eagles whips but Despy reverses for a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Despy crawls his way over to hot tag Mistico! Mistico springboards to CROSSBODY! Fujita kicks Mistico, the Sweet Boys double whip, but Mistico ducks their double elbow to springboard and DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Mistico keeps going, and he handsprings through the double hip toss to DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! Then Mistico runs up, slips around, and shoves Fujita into Eagles! Mistico 619s Eagles down! Then he springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG Fujita!

The fans cheer as Mistico keeps going, and he FLIP RANAS Eagles! Eagles tumbles while the fans rally behind Mistico. Mistico runs up, but Eagles sidesteps, only for Mistico to springboard and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Mistico hurries to LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and Eagles has to check. The fans rally again as Mistico hurries after Eagles. Mistico hushes the fans, and winds up to GAMANGIRI! Eagles wobbles, but Mistico puts him up top. Mistico rallies the fans again before running corner to corner. Mistico goes up, up, but Eagles fires body shots! Mistico falls and Eagles WARP- NO, Mistico dodges!

Mistico runs, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! But Eagles rolls it into a ghost pin! TWO, and Eagles rolls, schoolboy bridge! TWO and the fans cheer again! Eagles SOBATS, BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and both men are down again! Eagles crawls his way over, hot tag to Fujita! Fujita runs up on Mistico, and he CHOPS! Then he snapmares Mistico to go up and out! The fans rally as Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit and Fujita covers, TWO! Mistico survives and the fans fire up, but Fujita vows to end this now. Fujita brings Mistico up, suplexes, but Mistico slips free. Mistico spins Fujita but Fujita ROCKS Mistico! Fujita runs, but Mistico SUPERKICKS him down!

The fans rally as both men crawl. Mistico hot tags Despy! Despy RUNS Fujita over, then scoops to SLAM! Despy hurries to suplex for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fujita stays in this but Despy stays on him. The fans rally up as Despy gut wrenches, GUITARRA- NO, Fujtia slips free! Despy REAR HEADBUTTS, but runs into a drop toehold! Fujita ties up the legs, NEMOS SPECIAL! Despy reaches out, but Fujita grabs his arms! The fans rally as Despy resists, powers up, and makes the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go in frustration but he hurries to waistlock. Deadlift- NO, Despy fights the German Suplex and reaches fo rropes!

Fujita drags Despy back, but Despy ELBOWS free! Fujita CHOPS! Fujita runs, but Despy SPINEBUSTERS! And then high stack, TWO! STRETCH MUFFLER! Fujita scrambles, Mistico runs in and intercepts Eagles! MISTI- NO, Eagles turns it into an ASAI DDT! Eagles then SUPERKICKS Despy down! The fans rally up as Eagles stands Despy up. Despy BODY BLOWS and HAYMAKERS! Despy whips, Eagles reverses, but Despy grabs ropes. Despy DUMPS Eagles out, then builds speed! But Eagles GAMANGIRIS first! Fujita goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Down goes Despy and the fans fire up!

But Mistico builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit into Fujita at the ramp! Mistico helps Despy stand, but Eagles DIVES! The fans fire up as Eagles wipes the luchadores out at the ramp! Eagles & Fujita get Despy in the ring, then they rally the fans. Fujita feeds Despy to the scoop, SWEET BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita vows to end this now, and the Sweet Boys drag Despy up again. The fans rally as the Sweet Boys double torture rack, but Despy fights it! Despy flips through, SHOVES Eagles into Fujita, then Mistico runs up! He gets the boost for the DOUBLE SHOTGUN!

The Sweet Boys bail out, Mistico DIVES to take Eagles out again! Despy DIVES onto Fujita and they both crash into railing!! The fans fire up again as all four men are down around ringside! A ring count starts as the four men stir. We pass 5 of 20, then 10, but no one has even sat up! We hit 15 and the fans rally even harder! Despy stands, roars, and he puts Fujita in at 18! Despy hurries to then gut wrench and GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but Despy wags his finger. The fans rally up again as Despy brings Fujita up. Despy drags Fujita up, underhooks, but Fujita wrenches out. Fujita CHOPS, but Despy KNEES low!

Despy whips Fujita, Fujita reverses, and GAMANGIRI! Both men are down again as the fans continue to rally! Fujita roars, and he vows to finally end it. Fujita drags Despy up, brings him around, and suplexes, only for Despy to fight it! Despy RAMS Fujita to a corner, then ROCKS him! Despy hoists Fujita up top, then goes up to join him! The fans rally as Despy goes for the very top, but Fujita bends his fingers. Fujita HEADBUTTS Despy down, but Mistico runs up to GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI again! The fans fire up as Mistico now climbs the corner. Mistico clinches Fujita as they go to the very top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!

The fans fire up again as Eagles springboards in! Mistico dodges, but Eagles comes back, DESTROYER! Despy runs up, Eagles dodges to ROUNDHOUSE, SUPERKICK, and PELE! But Despy rebounds to SPEAR! All four men are down in the ring now as the fans fire back up! Eagles and Mistico bail out while Despy and Fujita go to corners. Despy roars, runs in, and LARIATS Then he underhooks, PINCH- NO, Fujita fights the lift, then powers out to have the wristlocks. Fujita HEADBUTTS Despy! Fujita then roars as he brings Despy up, for another HEADBUTT! Fujita stands Despy up again, but Despy breaks free to ROCK Fujita!

The fans rally up as Fujita CHOPS! Despy swings, but into a takedown! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Despy fights around, but Fujita shifts to a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Eagles intercepts Mistico, kicks away on the leg, but Mistico KICKS free! Both men run up, Eagles blocks a kick, but Mistico fights free of the backpack! Mistico runs, LA MYSTICA!! Despy powers through the armbar to then get the leg! GROUND DRAGON SCREW, into the STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Fujita flails, Eagles flails, NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! FUJITA TAPS, DESPY & MISTICO WIN!!!

Winners: El Desperado & Mistico, by submission (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Just as The Ichiban Sweet Boys were on top of the world, they come crashing back down! Is this an ill omen on how the Best of the Super Juniors will go for Eagles and Fujita? As for Mistico, he is not just a triple champion but a QUADRUPLE CHAMPION! CMLL World Light Heavyweight, CMLL World Trios, PWR Heavyweight and now IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion! Will he and Despy dominate the 2026 BOSJ and beyond?

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan & Henare!

Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi may have failed to take the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, and the big man from Kazakhstan may have failed to take the NEVER Openweight Championship, they still stand together as trios champions. But will these titles still belong to Bishamon & BARS? Or will Ospreay lead the Dominator & Mauler to victory for the United Empire?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!

The trios sort out and Henare insists he start. Henare wants Oleg, but Hashi insists he start, and the fans applaud. The bell rings, the fans rally, and Hashi and Henare circle. Khan distracts Hashi, Henare CLOBBERS Hashi for it, then Henare BLASTS the Hontai corner. Henare stomps Hashi, drags him up, and ROCKS him! Henare whips, Hashi BOOTS back, and Goto joins in! They RUN Henare over, then ZANMAI! Oleg runs, but Khan trips him up! Ospreay BOOTS Goto, Henare CLUBS Hashi, and The Empire tags things outside. Ospreay SMACKS Goto off apron, Henare sends Hashi into railing, and Khan drags Oleg around to SLAM his bad arm off the timekeeper’s table!

The fans rally as Henare CLUBS Hashi and puts him in the ring. Khan drags Oleg around by his bad arm while Henare stomps Hashi. Khan whips Oleg hard into railing! Henare bumps Hashi off Ospreay’s boot, then tags Ospreay in. The fans cheer as Ospreay CHOPS Hashi down! Ospreay drags Hashi up, scoops, and SPIN-OUT BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Ospreay drags Hashi back up, but Hashi fires body shots! Hashi CHOPS, Ospreay CHOPS, then Ospreay whips, but Hashi hits the BLOCKBUSTER! Ospreay scrambles to tag Henare, and Henare BOOTS Goto down. Then Henare CLOBBERS Hashi!

Henare drags Hashi up, fires forearms, then ROCKS him again. Henare fires off in the corner but Hashi fires forearms and CHOPS in return! Henare CHOPS Hashi down! The fans cheer while Henare roars. Henare then sets up, but Hashi avoids the senton! Henare hobbles but he stomps Hashi down. Henare whips, Hashi DROPKICKS the legs! The fans rally while both men are down. Henare and Hashi crawl, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as Oleg and Henare RAM! And RAM! They both fire up, they both run, and they RAM shoulders again! Henare then ROCKS Oleg, runs, but into a scoop! Oleg Shake, Shake, Shake, and THROW!

Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg BLASTS Khan off the apron, DECKS Ospreay, then goes back to Henare for the VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Henare toughs it out but Oleg drags Henare up. Oleg torture racks, but Henare CHOKES him! The ref counts, but Oleg breaks free! Henare KICKS, and KICKS, then snapmares to KICK Oleg in the back! Then Henare KICKS Oleg in the chest! Henare runs, RUGBY KICK and SENTON! Cover, TWO! Oleg survives and the fans cheer. Henare BLASTS Goto for good measure before he goes back to Oleg. Henare HEADBUTTS, whips, but Oleg stops himself! Oleg BOOTS Henare, then fireman’s carries!

Henare fights free again, then CHOPS! Oleg CHOPS back! Henare CHOPS, Oleg CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up as both men snarl, and Henare CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Oleg CHOPS again! And again! And again! Henare is stinging and he drops to a knee! The fans rally as Oleg storms up, but Henare fires fast hands! BODY BLOW! Henare then runs up to LARIAT in the open corner! Henare runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Oleg dodges, comes back, but Henare LARIATS him down! But wait, Oleg’s right up! And he LARIATS Henare! Henare’s right up, and dodges to then BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as both big behemoths are down! Hot tag to Ospreay, and he PIP PIP CHEERIOS! Then an ELBOW for Goto! Hashi runs up, Ospreay dodges to put Hashi outside, ROLLING ELBOW! The fans fire up with Ospreay and he PLANCHAS to knock Hashi and Oleg down! The fans cheer as the Aerial Assassin still knows how to fly. Ospreay puts Oleg in, brings him around, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Oleg is tougher than that but Ospreay calls his shot. Ospreay aims from the corner, runs up, but Oleg pops him up! Fireman’s carry, VER- NO, Ospreay lands out! PENALTY KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT, but onto knees!

Oleg whips but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up and Ospreay aims again, HIDDEN- NO, Oleg catches Ospreay and THROWS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oleg and Ospreay crawl, hot tag to Goto! The Fierce Warrior LARIATS Ospreay, whips corner to corner, then runs up to MURAMASA! And SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Goto hauls him up for a fireman’s carry. Ospreay fights free but Goto ROCKS him! Goto whips, Ospreay reverses, but Goto puts Ospreay on the apron. Ospreay ROCKS Goto, goes up, and BLINDSIDE CHEERIOS! Then he lifts Goto to LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay checks his neck, then brings Goto up. Ospreay underhooks but Goto fights the lift! Ospreay CHOPS Goto, but Goto snarls. Goto ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay CHOPS again, and repeat! Forearm for CHOP, but then Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks! And a CHOP blocked! Goto ROCKS, whips, but Ospreay handsprings! Goto catches Ospreay to GERMAN SUPELX! Ospreay lands out, but ends up in URA GTR! Goto runs, but Ospreay blows past him! Ospreay avoids Goto, and Henare hits the RAMPAGE! STANDING SKY TWISTER! Cover, HASHI BREAKS IT! The fans fire up but Henare whips Hashi to a corner.

Khan LARAITS, Henare & Ospreay LARIAT ENZIGIRI COMBO! Then they feed Hashi to Khan’s BOOT! Henare LARIATS Goto, fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Ospreay springboards, 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Goto survives and the fans fire up again! Ospreay stays focused as the fans rally up, and Ospreay calls his shot! Ospreay springboards, OSCUTT- NO! Goto blocks, spins, but Ospreay avoids the lariat to HOOK KICK! Another try, but Oleg catches Ospreay to SNAP KAMIKAZE! But then Henare drags Oleg out and sends him into railing! And then more railing! And then- NO, Oleg turns things around, and now Henare hits railing!

The fans fire up as Oleg runs up, but Henare dodges! Henare KNEES Oleg up and over the railing! Both men are down in front of the fans while Goto and Ospreay rise up. Goto roars, runs up, and LARIATS! The fans fire up as Goto pushes Ospreay down. Goto climbs up, takes aim, but Ospreay GAMANGIRIS! Ospreay goes up, but Goto fires body shots! Goto ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay ROCKS Goto, and repeat! Ospreay fires more forearms, but Goto HEADBUTTS! Goto then climbs up onto Ospreay for a SUPER KAI TEN!! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives that super sunset bomb and the fans are thunderous!

Goto and Ospreay stir, then crawl, hot tags to Khan and Hashi! Hashi SHOTGUNS Khan to the corner! Hashi runs up to CHOP and DDT! Cover, TWO! Hashi brings Khan around to the drop zone and the fans fire up! Hashi climbs up but Khan scrambles to the far side. Hashi hops down, and Khan eggs him on, so Hashi goes outside. But Khan kicks and whips Hashi into railing! Khan then snap suplexes Hashi to the floor! Khan grins as he clearly suckered Hashi in. Khan drags Hashi up, puts him in, and calls to Henare. Henare joins Khan and they bring Hashi up. But Hashi fires forearms on them! And CHOSP! But then Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW!

Khan chicken wings Hashi for Henare’s BODY BLOW! Then the ASSISTED POWERBOMB! Double cover, TWO!! Hashi survives but the Monster Rage is boiling over! Henare fireman’s carries, Khan runs, but Hashi slips free! Hashi SHOVES Henare at Khan, then LARIATS Khan! Henare ELBOWS and whips Hashi, but Hashi LARIATS through! Ospreay returns but Hashi dodges, only for Ospreay to slip through the lariat! But Hashi slips free of the bomb to LARIAT after all! The fans are thunderous as Hashi has soloed the Empire! The fans rally up as Hashi crawls, and he roars as he rises again! Hashi brings Khan up and Goto joins in.

Bishamon double whips Khan corner to corner, then LARIAT and CHOP! Hashi sends Khan to Goto but Khan Mongolian Chops! Hashi mule kicks, Goto clinches, GOTO GO TO HUNTER! The fans fire up as Bishamon brings Khan up again! Dragon sleeper, leg lift, but Khan BOOTS free! Goto snap suplexes Khan, but Ospreay fires off on Goto! Ospreay runs, but into HIDDEN GAP! Henare ROCKS and CHOPS away on Bishamon, then runs, into HIDDEN BOLTIN!! The fans are thunderous again as Oleg waits on Bishamon. Bishamon hauls Khan up, has him in place, and Oleg RAMS Khan into the corner!

Oleg sets Khan back up, then DECKS Ospreay! Goto LARIATS, Hashi LARIATS, and now Goto climbs! Hashi hoists Khan up, DANGEROUS LIBRA!! Cover, HENARE CLOBBERS GOTO ONTO IT! The fans cheer as everyone is down around ringside! Goto drags Henare up, but he has a guzel! Guzel on Hashi, too, but Oleg CHOPS Henare! Henare holds onto Bishamon! So Oleg SHOTGUNS Henare! That alone is impressive! Bishamon regroups and they drag Khan up. They set Khan up in the dragon sleeper and leg lift, Oleg runs, but Henare is a step for Ospreay to leap from! HIDDEN BLADE ON OLEG!!

Henare DECKS Hashi, Khan IRON CLAWS Goto! Ospreay SUPERKICKS, then he TOSSES Goto! Ospreay goes up, up, and LEAP OF FAITH onto Goto & Oleg!! Henare waits on Hashi, for the RAMP- DDT!! Hashi turns things around on Henare and the fans are thunderous! Hsahi roars as he gets back up, and he drags Khan to his feet! But Khan BITES Hashi’s arm! The ref counts, but then Khan IRON CLAWS Hashi’s face! Hashi endures the iron grip, but Khan is pushing him down to the mat! Khan DRIBBLES Hashi’s head like a basketball! Hashi fades but is somehow still in this, so Khan hauls him up! ELIMIN- CODE BREAKER!! Cradle cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous again as Khan survives! Hashi hurries to his feet, but Osperay and Goto are brawling outside! Ospreay and Henare leave Goto and Oleg on the outside while Hashi aims, SUPERKICK blocked! Khan KICKS the leg, then BLINDSIDE BOOTS! The fans rally but Khan laughs maniacally! Khan calls to Henare & Ospreay. Ospreay climbs, Henare HEADBUTTS, and then Henare hauls Hashi up! Ospreay aims, HIDDEN BLADE ELIMINATOR BOMB!!! Cover, EMPIRE WINS!!

Winners: Will Ospreay, Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

What an insanely overpowered combo move to finish Hashi! But in the end, the power of the Empire’s founding members shines even brighter now that they hold gold together! Khan grabs the mic to say, “Bow down, you peasants! We beat ‘Bishamontin,’ we have dominated the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions. So next… We shall conquer K O B and the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. And if they want to see us directly, we will forgive them if they dare step in front of us.” In other words, Khan is daring Oskar & Yuto-Ice to appear. And after a moment, they indeed appear!

The Knockout Brothers swagger down to the ramp and into the ring, and they stare down Khan & Henare. Henare has the mic to tell Ice that Henare doesn’t care what anyone says! Those tag titles are theirs, now bring them your mana! Yuto laughs at that and tells Henare that if he wants the mana, Yuto will bring him that wrestling high! They can make some money together! Yuto tells the fans that if they wanna get that wrestling high, then you’ll wanna see Yuto fight Henare! They ARE KOB, and they wanna fight the strongest bastards there are! And that seems to be these two here. Go ahead, challenge them! Because everyone here will put their money down to see it!

You don’t have to think, just feel! Let’s Get High! TCH TCH, Big Up! The champions have spoken, and they’re ready to face fellow champions to prove they’re the best! But will Oskar & Ice make sure to knock out Khan & Henare? Or will the Empire continue to conquer the world?

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Callum Newman VS Shingo Takagi!

From youngest man to win the New Japan Cup to youngest man to win this title, The Prince has proven himself as a powerful wrestler. But to prove himself as truly worthy of this title, he must make it through his first defense. A former heavyweight champion in his own right, the Rampaging Dragon has fought his way back to this moment. But will Takagi once again stand atop the mountain? Or will he suffer the Prince’s Curse?

President Hiroshi Tanahashi is here to make the formal introductions and raise the belt. And now, at the end of Wrestling Dontaku, we see whose heroic journey triumphs over the other’s!

The bell rings and the fans fire up for “TA-KA-GI!” already. Callum stays back, and has a smug grin as he does. Callum wants Takagi to stay back, and Red Shoes has him wait. Callum steps outside, which annoys Takagi. Takagi dares Callum to get in already. Callum taunts Takagi by stepping in, then out, then flipping off the fans. The fans boo, but Callum finally steps inside. Takagi runs up, Callum dodges and fires off forearms! Callum eggs Takagi on so Takagi fires off forearms! Takagi JABS, whips, but Callum reverses. Callum runs up but Takagi puts him on the apron. Callum RAMS into Takagi, then slingshots up and over.

Callum runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then BOOTS, but Takagi rebounds to RUN Callum over! Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds, but Callum avoids the sliding lariat! Takagi ducks the haymaker, but Callum fights the waistlock. Takagi blocks the elbow, and a kick, but Callum ducks a lariat to then springboard, OSC- NO, Takagi denies Callum the cutter! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset. Takagi and Callum circle, feel things out, but Callum backs off to a corner again. Takagi waits, but Callum just goes back to the corner. Callum and Takagi finally tie up, and Takagi powers Callum to the ropes. Callum protests, Red Shoes counts, and Takagi says clean break.

But then Callum pulls hair! Callum body shots, whips, and- NO, Takagi avoids the kick to RAM Callum! Takagi then blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW! Callum tumbles out of the ring while the fans cheer. Takagi eggs Callum on while Callum clutches the knee. Callum shakes out the leg, hobbles around, then rolls in, just to roll back out. Takagi is annoyed again but Callum walks off the leg pain. The ring count starts and the fans rally for Takagi. Callum talks with Jake Lee on commentary. Callum says he has 20, so he’s gonna take his time. Callum hears 13 and rolls back in, just to roll back out. But Takagi pursues!

Takagi CLUBS Callum, POSTS him, then CHOPS him! Callum goes to the ramp but Takagi brings him back around. Takagi puts Callum in, but Callum gets moving, only for Takagi to CLOBBER him! The fans cheer as Callum goes spiraling through the air! Takagi fires up, too, then drags Callum up. Takagi suplexes high and hard, and the fans applaud as he covers, TWO! Callum is tougher than that but Takagi clamps on with a chinlock. Callum endures as Takagi squeezes tight. Takagi grinds Callum down to the mat but Callum fights around, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Takagi lets go, then Takagi KICKS Callum in the back!

Takagi KNEES Callum, then brings him up. Callum fights the back suplex with elbows but Takagi body blows in return. Takagi shoves Callum to then ELBOW, JAB, and- NO, Callum trips Takagi up, for the SLIDING KNEE! Callum gets Takagi in the side and Takagi rolls his way to the apron. The fans rally but Callum pursues. Callum kicks Takagi to the floor, then brings him up for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Takagi writhes, Jake Lee certainly applauds, and Callum mocks Takagi’s pain. Callum stands Takagi up to whip him hard into the railing, then brings him around to whip him into more railing! Then they go out into the crowd!

The fans have to hurry out of the way as Callum pries the railing apart. Callum fires forearms, then he KNEES Takagi into taking a seat. Callum then gets space, and he runs up on Takagi for a DROPKICK through the chairs! The fans cheer that double-edged attack, but Callum manages to stand up from the pile of chairs. Callum then makes another section of fans clear out, just so Callum can sit next to Takagi’s new bride, Natsumi Maki, aka Natsupoi! The fans boo Callum trying to be friendly with her, but then Takagi DECKS Callum anyway! The fans cheer Takagi defending his wife’s honor, then he whips Callum into railing!

The fans rally behind Takagi as he storms over to Callum. Takagi drags Callum up and into the ring, and the fans cheer as Takagi storms up on him again. Takagi CHOPS, Callum CHOPS, and repeat! Callum scowls as he’s stinging from that last one, but he winds up to CHOP again! Takagi JABS, JABS, then swings, but Callum catches the arm! Callum hooks the arm, and he stomps Takagi in the ribs! Callum digs his heel in, then fires punches into it! Red Shoes reprimands, but Callum mocks Takagi with Takagi’s own prayer pose. Callum drags Takagi up, CLUBS him, then snapmares to KICK! Takagi snarls but Callum KICKS him again! Cocky cover, TWO!

Callum mockingly applauds Takagi while he stalks him. Callum stands Takagi up to fire knees. Callum mocks LIJ even, but Takagi fires knees in return! Callum fires a KNEE and Takagi goes to a corner. Takagi snarls and the fans fire up, but Callum kicks and snapmares. Callum runs, but Takagi blocks the kick! Callum CLAWS Takagi’s face, whips him to ropes, but Takagi reverses to then HIP TOSS! The fans fire up for Takagi again while he catches his breath. Callum goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Callum dodges! Callum kicks low, puts Takagi up top, but Takagi kicks back! Then TORNADO DDT! The fans cheer while Callum tumbles away.

Takagi waits on Callum to stand, then he LARIATS Callum up and out! The fans fire up again, and Takagi goes out after Callum. But Callum RAMS Takagi into the apron, then rolls into the ring. The fans rally as Callum builds speed, and Callum FLIES! But Takagi rolls inside! Callum manages to land out of his tope, but then Takagi TOPES onto Callum! The fans fire up as the Rampaging Dragon can still fly! Takagi stands, Natsupoi cheers him on, and he gives a thumbs up. Takagi goes back to Callum as the ring count starts, and he puts Callum in at 6 of 20. Callum staggers to his feet, but Takagi RUNS him over! Takagi scoops, SLAMS, and SENTONS!

The fans applaud and rally as Takagi winds up. Takagi runs up, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS through! The fans cheer as Takagi JABS and CHOPS on repeat! Red Shoes counts as Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, then throws hooks from all sides! Callum takes a swing but Takagi spins him through, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer Takagi on as he starts up the catchphrase, but Takagi dodges Callum’s dropkick to ELBOW DROP! And now “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer and join in with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi then hoists Callum up top, climbs up to join him, but Callum fires body shots!

Callum HEADBUTTS Takagi, but Takagi ELBOWS in return! Takagi ROCKET LAUNCHES Callum from the corner! Takagi then clamps on for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! “OI! OI! OI!” SLIDING- NO, Callum dodges to BUZZSAW, HEEL KICK, then PUNT in the side! Both men are down while the fans rally up again. Takagi clutches his side as he goes to the ropes, but Callum is right on him. Callum pushes Takagi outside, brings him around, and RAMS him into railing! Callum has Abe-san and Tanahashi-kaichou clear out from the timekeeper’s area to then confiscate the table. But Takagi BODY BLOWS and KNEES first!

Takagi aims but Callum BODY BLOWS! Then BACK SUPLEX down through the table!! The fans boo Callum as Takagi is down in the wreckage. Red Shoes checks on Takagi while Callum leaves him behind. Takagi is able to continue, and the ring count starts. Takagi flounders at 3 of 20, rises up at 6, and hobbles his way to ringside by 10 of 20. Takagi needs a moment, but he fires back up as we hit 13. Takagi hears 15 and hobbles his way to the ring. But Callum is on him with FIREBOLT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Takagi as he survives, but Callum continues to taunt the fans. Callum even SPITS at them! The fans boo more but Callum soaks up the heat.

Callum brings Takagi up, and he pump handles, but Takagi fights free! Takagi catches Callum to underhook, but Callum wrenches through! Takagi RAMS Callum into a corner, then ELBOWS him! Takagi runs, blocks a boot but not the ENZIGIRI! Takagi ducks the heel kick to ROCK Callum! Callum comes back to fire a forearm, then he eggs Takagi on. Takagi ROCKS Callum again, but Callum comes back to fire another shot! The forearms go back and forth, and Callum wobbles! Takagi HEADBUTTS, Callum ROCKS, then runs! But Takagi follows to LARIAT at the ropes! And SAIDO! But Callum’s right up to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Takagi’s up, he clinches, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Callum roars, but then he flops over! The fans fire up as both men are down again! Takagi rolls to a corner, Callum goes to the opposite end, and the fans rally up again. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire back up! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Callum BOOTS Takagi, eggs him on, so Takagi LARIATS! Callum staggers back but Takagi eggs him on. Callum BOOTS Takagi, so Takagi LARIATS! Callum stumbles to the ropes but Takagi waits on him. Callum storms up to wind up, but Takagi blocks the boot! BLINDSIDE LARIAT!

Takagi ELBOWS, Callum SOBATS, Takagi JABS, Callum HEEL KICKS! Callum feints the run to LARIAT! Takagi’s right up to LARIAT! The fans fire up as both men flop back down! Takagi rises with “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in! Takagi brings Callum up, pump handles, but Callum pulls hair! Takagi pulls hair in return! Red Shoes reprimands them both, so they both let go. But then they both grab hair again! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON feint for the DDT! But Callum handsprings through to springboard! OSC- TAKAGI CUTTER! And then Takagi steals PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives and the fans fire up again!

Takagi roars as he rises again, and he brings Callum up to run, PUMPING- NO, Callum falls down! The fans boo but Takagi just covers anyway, ROPEBREAK! Callum’s long legs save him, but Takagi waits on Callum to get up. Callum sputters in a daze but he reaches out. The fans rally, Takagi brings Callum up, but Callum is a ragdoll! Takagi drops Callum to let Red Shoes check. Callum is still dazed, but then he SPITS at Takagi anyway! Takagi storms up but into a BODY SHOT! And OSCUTTER 2.0!! Cover, TWO!! Callum’s trickery didn’t finish this off, but he hobbles his way to a corner as the fans rally. Callum takes aim, runs up, but Takagi dodges Excalibur!

Callum collapses, shouting about his knee! It may have jammed from going too hard on the stops! Red Shoes backs Takagi off and Zane Jay checks Callum. Callum says his knee, but Takagi kicks at him. Callum hobbles but he falls over again. Takagi says call it then! The fans boo, but Callum YANKS Red Shoes out! This WAS a trick after all! Zane Jay runs up and CLOBBERS Takagi! Daiki Nagai storms in and SPINEBUSTERS Zane! But JAKE LEE leaves commentary to CLOBBER Daiki! Takagi CLUBS Jake’s leg, but the KITCHEN SINK KNEE finds him! The Silent Jester laughs, but YOTA TSUJI is here! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER,and STOMP!

Callum SUPERKICKS Yota! Callum runs up, EXCALIBUR!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives but Callum hurries to clamp on! Callum steals MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO!!! Callum hurries again, PRINCE’S CURSE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Takagi survives again and the fans are thunderous!! Callum is annoyed, but he drags Takagi up. Takagi grabs at Callum, but Callum fireman’s carries. Takagi flails free, but he drops to the mat! The fans rally for Takagi but Callum sits back and waits. Takagi reaches out as the fans rally harder, but Callum scuffs him. Callum scuffs Takagi again, then fires forearms. Callum is almost toying with Takagi at this point.

Callum winds up to KICK, but that just pisses Takagi off! Takagi sits up, and he takes the KICKS! Callum KICKS again, then SPITS on Takagi! Callum KICKS, but Takagi rolls through to LARIAT! Takagi roars, but Callum SOBATS! Both men sit back down, and Callum unwraps his wrist tape. Callum shows off the crown tattoo, and he hobbles over to Takagi. Callum stands Takagi up, winds up, but Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS POINT-BLANK!! The fans are thunderous again as Takagi stands Callum up! Takagi pump handles, Callum slips free, and he SHOVES Takagi at Red Shoes! Takagi stops short, and he blocks the low blow!

Takagi ducks the roundhouse to pump handle and MADE IN JAPAN!! Takagi isn’t done, he pump handles again, MADE IN JAPAN AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives but Takagi just winds up! Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi roars because he’s not done yet! Pump handle, torture rack, and BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, TWO!?! Callum survives again and Takagi can’t believe it! The fans rally as hard as they can as now even Ospreay is here to coach Callum on! Takagi rises first, he drags Callum up, and Takagi tells Ospreay to watch. Pump handle, torture rack, but Callum CLUBS away!

Takagi LARIATS! Callum staggers around but Takagi storms over to him. Takagi LARIATS again, and Callum rebounds off ropes. Callum slaps at Takagi, but he’s running on fumes at this point. Takagi fires boxing elbows, he has plenty of gas! But Callum ROCKS Takagi! Takagi JABS, then HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up for Takagi as he brings Callum up to DECK him! Takagi roars, the fans cheer, and Takagi drags Callum back around. Callum sputters but Ospreay coaches him up. Takagi brings Callum up to fireman’s carry, but Callum clings to the ropes! Takagi pries Callum free, but Callum grabs Red Shoes! LOW BLOW!! PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, TWO!!

Ospreay is conflicted. He wanted Callum to win, but not quite like that, so he’s relieved this is still going. Callum rises, as does Takagi, and the fans rally up again. Callum winds up, KISS THE CROWN!! Callum then brings Takagi up again, fireman’s carries, and he hits a GO TO SLEEP!! Callum watches Takagi rise up again, and he fireman’s carries for an F- NO, Takagi slips free to HEADBUTT and fire elbows! But Callum KNEES Takagi, then hops up! Takagi slips under, then Takagi hops up!? POISON-RANA!! Callum flounders to ropes, Takagi crawls to the other side! Callum and Takagi roar, PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Callum survives and everyone is shocked! This has passed 35 minutes, but Callum uses Red Shoes as a shield! LOW BLOW!!! And then MAKE WAY!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!

Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Champion)

Yota protests as Callum again dirties up how he wins! Ospreay is still conflicted, but Zane says a win is a win. The rest of the United Empire makes their way out here to stand with their Prince, who still sits upon the throne. Is this going to be the last time Takagi gets a shot at this title? Or is there still hope with the G1 Climax this Summer?

As for Callum, he is handed the title by the Chairman of NUTS, and holds it up for the photo op. Callum then wants to add insult to injury, but Yota stands in his way. The Empire joins Callum in the ring, and Ospreay is the one calling they all stand down. But then Callum LOW BLOWS Yota and BELT SHOTS him down! The fans boo but then Jake sets Takagi up! But then Ospreay steps in! Ospreay says they won, that’s enough! Callum says okay, okay, he won’t do it. But Ospreay should! Ospreay says yeah, right, he’s not doing this BS. Is he with them or not? Yeah, but not like that! Oh, really? C’mon, “Death Rider Billy!”

Ospreay snarls, and he HIDDEN BLADES Takagi down! There, happy? The Empire applauds their former leader, then Callum gets the mic. “Daijobu?” Callum mockingly asks if they’re alright, and the fans boo. Callum then says hey, whether you like it or not, United Empire are the top dogs in this company now! And seeing as Unbound Company wants to ruin his moment ever single time, how about uh… Ignition to Dominion? In just two days’ time, they can settle it! Callum & Jake VS Yota & Takagi. And if the Empire wins, Yota & Takagi can NEVER challenge Callum for the title again. But if either of them pins Callum, then Dominion main event it is. Now F off!

Unbound Company exits, and Callum says the Empire is the best unit in Japan, in the world, and you will all make way for The Prince and Kiss The Crown! Callum leaves it at that, and the streamers fly for his victory. Callum with the top title, Andrade with the Global title, and the trio of Henare, Khan and a now reluctant Ospreay holding the NEVER Six Man titles, will nothing stop the United Empire from conquering the world? Or will this Empire fall apart from within?

My Thoughts:

A great second night of Wrestling Dontaku, with some rather surprising outcomes here and there. Konosuke was of course beating Chase in their match, but the surprise might be that Konosuke has Hontai as his allies here. I wonder if that will add to the dysfunction in Don Callis Family when you consider Andrade is United Empire, but then so is Ospreay, but then as Callum references, Ospreay is hanging out with The Death Riders, who they literally fought a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, I had not predicted Despy & Mistico winning those junior tag titles, and I was iffy on the Empire winning the NEVER titles, but those were great matches and great surprise wins.

Callum winning over Takagi wasn’t quite surprising, though Takagi looked awesome in this match. The fans all wanted Takagi, and they even got “Mrs. Takagi,” Natsupoi, in on the act, all to great effect. But Callum cheating to win helped protect Takagi in the loss while it helped build the dysfunction. I feel like the NEVER Six Man reign will be short given Ospreay can’t keep going back and forth between Japan and the States, but they are certainly going to give us Callum VS Ospreay so that Callum can truly establish himself as not just the leader of the Empire but as the best British/European/gaijin wrestler NJPW has today. We might even see more Empire VS Death Riders, but with a rather unique double turn where Death Riders are Face alongside Ospreay against an all Heel Empire.

My Score: 9.1/10