NJPW is back in the Tokyo Dome!

As a new year begins, NJPW settles scores from last year with WrestleKingdom 17! Will Switchblade Jay White still be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or will Kazuchika Okada once again make it rain?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Ryohei Oiwa VS Boltin Oleg; Time Limit Draw.
• KOPW 2023 Right to Challenge New Japan Rambo: Shingo Takagi, Great-O-Khan, SHO & Toru Yano advance to the KOPW 2023 match at New Year’s Dash.
• Antonio Inoki Memorial Six Man Tag: Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe VS Tiger Mask, Minoru Suzuki & Tatsumi Fujinami; Nagata, Kojima & Makabe win.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Catch 2/2 VS YOH & Lio Rush; Catch 2/2 wins and retains the titles.
• IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI VS Tam Nakano; Kairi wins and retains the title.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: FTR VS Bishamon; Bishamon wins and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• NJPW World Television Championship Tournament Finals: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ren Narita; ZSJ wins and is the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Karl Anderson VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
• Six Man Tag, Keiji Muto’s Last NJPW Match: Keiji Muto, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Muto, Tanahashi & Umino win.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4 Way: Taiji Ishimori VS El Desperado VS Hiromu Takahashi VS Master Wato; Hiromu wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Kenny Omega; Omega wins and becomes the new IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jay White VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

KOPW 2023 Right to Challenge New Japan Rambo!

Another year in the books for KOPW, but now we start all over again! With the trophy being traded in for a title, who will be the four at the end of this going for gold at New Year’s Dash?

The first two are the Murder Machine, Sho, and The Lion of Hontai, Hikuleo! Sho wants Hiku to take it easy, but the bell rings and the two circle. They approach, Sho pulls the “what’s that?” trick, and then fires off forearms! Hiku doesn’t budge! Sho dodges Hiku’s haymaker and runs the ropes, but into a scoop! Hiku aims for ropes but Sho flails, slips free, and then slides out under the bottom rope! Fans boo, but Hiku goes up and over the top rope! Well, wait, he can’t eliminate himself, can he? Sho still laughs as he leads Hiku on a cat ‘n’ mouse chase, but then Hiku goes the other way and BOOTS Sho down!

Hiku drags Sho up and puts him back in the ring. The countdown is here, and next out is… The King of Darkness, Evil! Sho has reinforcements as Evil, and Dick Togo, rush to the ring! Hiku has Sho up in a choke grip, but Evil slides in to save Sho! The House of Torture works together against Hiku, they double whip him, but Hiku BOOTS Evil! And scoops Sho to give him SNAKE EYES, and a LARIAT! Fans fire up for Hiku as he runs at Evil. Evil pulls the ropes down but Hiku is smarter than that. Hiku stops himself and stomps Evil down! Hiku drags Evil up, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Evil slips out! EVERY- NO, Hiku slips free, FULL NELSON SLAM!

The countdown is back and fourth out is… the Stone Pitbull, Tomohiro Ishii! Evil crawls out of the ring under the bottom rope and Dick checks on him. Ishii storms down to the ring while Hiku grabs at Sho in the corner. Hiku drags Sho around but Sho pushes him away. Ishii throws his shirt at Hiku, and Hiku steps up to him. Hiku mocks Ishii’s height, but then he and Ishii both go after Sho! Ishii holds Sho for Hiku to CHOP! Then BOOT, forearm, and BRAIN- Wait, Ishii turns on Hiku by saving Sho! They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hiku! Ishii stomps Hiku, and the countdown is back. Fifth out is… The Dominator, Great-O-Khan!

Ishii stomps Sho now as Khan makes his way to the ring. Hiku ROCKS Ishii with forearms but Ishii HEADBUTTS back! Sho also bails out under the bottom rope, the House of Torture regroups. Hiku CHOPS Ishii, CHOPS him again, Khan slides in but then slides right out. The Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion is smarter than that. Hiku knocks Ishii down and rains down forearms while Khan shows off his title. Hiku CHOKES Ishii, then drags him up. The countdown is back, and sixth out is… Japones Del Mal, DOUKI! Khan gets in the ring to CLUB Hiku and Mongolian Chop Ishii! Douki tosses his pipe aside to slide in, but Khan is right on him!

Khan whips but Douki RANAS Khan away! Douki keeps moving, SPRINGBOARD BACK ELBOW! Khan bails out, Evil gets in to CLUB Ishii! Douki slides out after Khan. Ishii holds ropes to dump Evil to the apron! Ishii ROCKS Evil but Dick keeps Evil up! Evil rakes Ishii’s eyes! Evil suplexes but Ishii slips free! They’re both on the apron but Dick is pulling on Ishii’s leg! Ishii holds onto ropes, and onto Evil! Evil has to hold onto ropes to keep from being eliminated, too! The countdown is back, and seventh is… Azucar, Rocky Romero! The King Coach is back, and he grabs Evil’s leg! Evil shots to Sho, but Rocky DECKS Dick!

Rocky runs in to KNEE Sho! Rock whips, Sho reverses, but Rocky uses that to ROCK Evil! Sho runs in but Rocky dodges, Sho BLASTS and ELIMINATES Evil!! Sho freaks out but Rocky gets him for a snap suplex! Fans fire up with Rocky and he whips Sho to a corner! Rocky starts up the Forever Clotheslines! The countdown is back, and eighth is… Fang Revived, KENTA! Rocky finally stops the lariats, and he keeps Sho from running away! He power walks to the ring, Sho slips away, but Ishii and Rocky are on guard. Rocky snags Khan as he crawls in, and Ishii is after Kenta! Kenta rakes Ishii’s eyes, then fires off haymakers!

Ishii growls but Kenta keeps throwing hands! Ishii ROCKS Kenta, HEADBUTTS him, and pulls hair! Kenta claws Ishii’s face! The ref reprimands, Kenta puts Ishii through ropes! Ishii fights back but Kenta HOTSHOTS him! The countdown is back and ninth is… The Heel Master, Yoshinobu Kanemaru! Rocky fights off Khan, Hiku mugs Sho on the outside, and Rocky now has Khan’s leg in the ropes. The ref reprimands, Kanemaru slides in and attacks Kenta! Kanemaru CLUBS and ROCKS Kenta but Kenta ROCKS him back! Kanemaru CLUBS Kenta down, then he kicks Rocky. Kenta comes back with forearms but Kanemaru EuroUppers!

Ishii hits Kenta from below, Kanemaru kicks Kenta from behind. Kanemaru EuroUppers again, then CLUBS him on the neck. The countdown is back, and tenth is… The Ultimate Weapon, Aaron Henare! Khan has reinforcements now, and Henare goes right after Ishii! Henare whips Ishii but Ishii comes back to RAM shoulders! And again! And again! The forearms start flying and fans fire up! Kanemaru keeps Kenta down, Khan has Rocky, and Henare gets the edge on Ishii! But Ishii swings! Henare ducks to body shot, but Ishii blocks the kick! Ishii ROCKS Henare, but Henare scoops him for a BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!

Khan calls to Henare and they work together as the countdown is back. Eleventh is… The Funky Weapon, Ryusuke Taguchi! Henare and Ishii keep throwing forearms, Khan saves Henare from a cover. Kanemaru dropkicks Kenta’s legs while the Empire mugs Ishii. Henare puts Ishii on the apron! Ishii fights back against Henare and Khan! But #Khanare hits the SUPERKICK BOOT COMBO! Ishii falls, The United Empire ELIMINATES Ishii! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS Henare! And HIP ATTACKS Khan! Taguchi stomps Khan, Hiku is still after Sho on the outside. Ishii throws forearms on Henare even though he’s out of this!

Taguchi uses his shirt to CHOKE Khan! The ref reprimands, the countdown is back, and twelfth is… The Imperial Unit, Jeff Cobb! The United Empire is growing stronger in this match! Taguchi & Rocky double whip Khan to DOUBLE HIP ATTACK! Cover, but Rocky breaks it? Guess not even former teammates are friends in this match. Hiku goes after Kanemaru but Kanemaru dropkicks his legs out! Sho is helping Rocky from the outside by pulling Taguchi’s hair! Douki returns to help Kanemaru! Dropkick to Hiku’s leg and ENZIGURI! Douki & Kanemaru try but they can’t double suplex Hiku! Hiku DOUBLE SUPLEXES them! Khan covers Kanemaru, but Taguchi stops him!

Hiku TOSSES Douki and ELIMINATES him! Then Hiku TOSSES Kanemaru out and ELIMINATES him, too! Not a good start for the former Suzuki-Gun members. But Cobb CLUBS Hiku! They brawl, the countdown is back, and thirteenth is… Hysterical Shane Haste! Hiku CHOPS Cobb down, Taguchi traps Henare in a corner, and Haste gets in to throw uppercuts on Rocky! Then an INVERTED EXPLODER! Fans fire up, Shane drags Rocky up, and he reels Rocky in for a POWER- RANA from Rocky! Cobb hoists Hiku up, Khan tries to help, but Hiku CLUBS them both away! Rocky covers Haste, TWO!

Rocky kicks Shane while he’s down, the countdown is back, and Kenta is after Taguchi. The fourteenth is… Mikey Nicholls! TMDK is quickly united! Hiku saves Taguchi from Kenta and Henare, Shane keeps after Rocky. Mikey hurries up but Rocky DECKS him! Shane turns Rocky around but Rocky ROCKS him! Rocky knuckle locks, CHOPS, and goes up, but Mikey is there to trip him! Shane DROPKICKS and ELIMINATES Rocky! Taguchi ROCKS Shane, aims from the corner, BUM-A- NO!! THOUSAND YEARS OF DEATH!! Shane counters the Funky Weapon with its one weakness! Mikey scoops Taguchi, for TANK BUSTER! Cover, TMDK ELIMINATES Taguchi!

Khan rolls Mikey up but Shane breaks it! The countdown is back, and fifteenth is… Tokyo Pimp, Yujiro Takahashi! The House of Torture is at full force! The United Empire mugs Shane while Yujiro jogs his way to ringside. Kenta and Mikey brawl with forearms, Hiku goes after Sho, and Kenta claws Mikey’s eyes. Yujiro hits Hiku, brings him around, but Hiku BOOTS him before the cane shot! Cobb ROCKS Hiku, ROCKS him some more, but Hiku choke grips! Khan grabs Hiku with an IRON CLAW! But Hiku choke grips Khan! Cobb SUPERKICKS Hiku! Cobb whips Khan at Hiku, and Khan clotheslines Hiku up and out to ELIMINATE him!

The countdown is back, and sweet sixteen is… The Producer, Toru Yano! The man who helped put KOPW on the map is here! Shane goes after Cobb, he and Mikey hoist Cobb up but Cobb fights out of Thunder Valley! But TMDK still work together, and they DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE Cobb up and out! TMDK ELIMINATES Cobb!! Henare fires off on the Mighty but they mug him back! Mikey scoops Henare and Shane goes up, but Henare shoves Mikey into Shane! Shane tumbles out, Mikey ELIMINATES Shane!! Henare then DECKS Mikey! Khan drags Mikey up, HITSUJIGOROSHI! Henare grabs the legs, FUBUKI!

Khanare carries Mikey to the ropes, they dump him out with MARINE to ELIMINATE him!! The United Empire has two, and they wait on Bullet Club. The countdown is back as Kenta fires off on Khan and then Henare. The seventeenth out is… The Headbanga, El Phantasmo! Bullet Club just grows stronger in this match! But Khan pulls Kenta’s shirt over his head! But Sho goes after Khan by clawing his eyes! ELP takes his time strutting to ringside as Sho stomps Khan down. Kenta joins in on that, and Yujiro hits Yano on the outside. ELP CLAWS Khan’s back! Then he rolls and CLAWS Henare’s back!

Fans fire up as House of Torture and ELP Too Sweet. But Henare throws body shots and a KICK! ELP flounders to ropes, Henare rushes in, but ELP holds the ropes down! Henare tumbles to the apron but he stays up! ELP ROCKS Henare but Henare ROCKS ELP! They brawl with the ropes between them! The countdown is back again as ELP gives Henare PURPLE NURPLES! Henare falls, ELP ELIMINATES Henare! But eighteenth in is… The Holy Emperor, Taichi! He lip syncs his way to the ring while ELP does jumping jacks. ELP slips away as Taichi slides in. Taichi’s the only one in the ring!

Khan and Henare go after the House of Torture, ELP helps turn the tides. Yano slides into the ring but Taichi CLOBBERS him! Khan rushes in, he and Taichi go sumo on this! They clinch as the countdown returns! Taichi THROWS Khan! Fans fire up, but twentieth in is… SHINGO TAKAGI!? Didn’t he say he was done with KOPW?! Perhaps the allure of going back-to-back was too much for him to resist! Taichi is ready for the Rampaging Dragon so that they can continue their feud from 2022! Taichi kicks Khan out so he and Takagi can have the entire ring! They DOUBLE BOMBER! And then again! And again!

Taichi SOBATS, runs, but Takagi clotheslines him at the ropes! Takagi runs, but into a clinch! Takagi resists, but Taichi THROWS him! Fans fire up even more for Taichi! Taichi dares Bullet Club to try something now, so they all get in! ELP, Kenta, Sho & Yujiro surround Taichi, and they all rush him together! They hoist Taichi up, and Takagi joins in! They all dump and ELIMINATE Taichi! Perhaps Taichi was too ambitious. Sho keeps Yano out of the ring while Kenta and Yujiro mug Takagi. ELP and Sho mug Yano, Kenta & Yujiro double whip. Takagi ducks to shove Kenta into Yujiro! Then he clinches Kenta, reels in Yujiro, COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO!

Takagi then DOUBLE PUMPING BOMBERS! Takagi TOSSES and ELIMINATES Yujiro! And then TOSSES and ELIMINATES Kenta! Sho storms up but into ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! ELP CLAWS Daddy Takagi! ELP runs, but into an ELBOW! ELP SUPERKICKS! Takagi JABS! ELP FOREARMS! Takagi YU- NO, ELP begs for mercy from Daddy. ELP says, “Papa!” He wants a hug? Takagi doesn’t trust ELP but the fans want to see the hug. Takagi obliges, and they hug! But then Takagi blocks the dick punch! ELP knees low, whips, but Takagi reverses! ELP goes to the apron, Takagi runs in to BLAST ELP! But ELP lands on the railing!

Yujiro is there, too, he confirms ELP’s feet are on the railing, not the floor! ELP is safe! Takagi stomps Khan while Kenta and Yujiro carry ELP to the ring! ELP is on the apron, he and Takagi start throwing hands! Takagi HEADBUTTS but ELP ROUNDHOUSES! ELP hooks Takagi, Sho runs in, but Takagi BOOTS Sho! Takagi elbows ELP, baits Sho in, and then sends Sho into ELP! ELP wobbles, leg hooked in the ropes! Takagi runs in, ELP holds the ropes! Takagi tumbles to the apron! ELP fires off forearms on Takagi! ELP calls to Sho, Sho runs in again, but Takagi pulls ELP in the way, Sho BLASTS and ELIMINATES ELP!! And that’s it! We have our four!

Winners: Shingo Takagi, Great-O-Khan, Sho & Toru Yano (advance to New Year’s Dash)

The Rampaging Dragon, the Dominator, the Murder Machine, and perhaps by sheer luck, The Producer, all make it to the Fatal 4 Way! Will Takagi pull off the repeat? Will Khan or Sho change the status quo? Or will the Clown Prince return to his former glory?

 

Antonio Inoki Memorial Six Man Tag: Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe VS Tiger Mask, Minoru Suzuki & Tatsumi Fujinami!

To celebrate the legacy of the legend that founded this company, six legends in their own right come together for this match! Even THE Tiger Hattori is calling this special match! Who will best embody Inoki’s Fighting Spirit that Burns here tonight?

The teams sort out and Blue Justice steps up against The Dragon. The fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, clinch, and Nagata puts Fujinami on the ropes. Fujinami turns it around, Hattori calls for the break, and Fujinami lets off clean. Fans applaud as the two reset. They tie up again, Nagata goes for a waistlock but Fujinami switches. Nagata wrenches free to have a wristlock, but Fujinami turns that around on Nagata. Fujinami hammerlocks but Nagata reaches back to facelock. They end up on ropes again, Hattori calls the break, and Nagata lets off. Fans applaud again as the two reset.

Nagata and Fujinami tie up again, and Nagata gets the headlock. Fujinami powers out, Nagata runs Fujinami over, but Fujinami gets back up. Nagata fires off kicks, but Fujinami blocks for a DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer seeing the move from the man who invented it! Fujinami tags Suzuki and fans rally up as two rivals meet again. Suzuki grins, then SLAPS Nagata, but Nagata SLAPS back! Suzuki SLAPS, Nagata SLAPS, the SLAP fight is on! Fans fire up but Suzuki kicks low. Nagata falls over and Suzuki stomps away on Nagata’s leg! Suzuki then drags Nagata up and puts him in the corner. Suzuki CHOPS, then tags Tiger Mask.

Tiger Mask KICKS Nagata, KICKS and SOBATS! Nagata flounders but Tiger stomps him down. Tiger snapmares Nagata and has the motorcycle stretch. Tiger Mask then ELBOWS Nagata in the head and KICKS him in the back! Nagata gets up, throws body shots, but Tiger puts him in the corner. Suzuki holds Nagata so Tiger can fire off haymakers and KICKS! Tag to Fujinami and he stomps Nagata. Fujinami CLUBS Nagata but Nagata hits back with forearms! Fujinami CHOPS, Nagata throws another forearm, repeat! Fans fire up, Fujinami DRAGON PALMS! Tag to Suzuki and he stomps away on Nagata. Hattori counts, Suzuki stands Nagata up.

Suzuki ROCKS Nagata with forearm after forearm, but Nagata ROCKS Suzuki back! Fans cheer as Nagata eggs Suzuki on. Suzuki fires off more forearms, Nagata wobbles, but Nagata ROCKS Suzuki back! Suzuki swings, into the EXPLODER! Fans fire up as Nagata crawls, hot tag to Kojima! Kojima stomps Suzuki in the corner! And fires off Machine Gun CHOPS! Fans fire up but Suzuki eggs Kojima on! Kojima CHOPS, Suzuki talks trash, so Kojima reloads and Machine Gun CHOPS again! Kojima whips corner to corner, runs in and forearm smashes! Kojima shoves Suzuki aside, fans shout along with Kojima, but Suzuki BOOTS Kojima! Suzuki tells the fans to shut up!

Suzuki drags Kojima up but Kojima fires off forearms. Kojima spins but into a knee! Suzuki whips Kojima to a corner to BOOT! Suzuki snapmares Kojima, runs, but Kojima blocks the kick to CLUB the leg! Kojima then ROCKS Suzuki with a forearm! Suzuki eggs Kojima on and the forearms start flying! Fans rally as they go back and forth, faster and faster! Kojima gets the edge, but Suzuki laughs it off. Suzuki DECKS Kojima! Tag to Tiger Mask, he and Suzuki double whip. They dropkick the legs, then DOUBLE KICK! Suzuki then ROCKS Kojima, Tiger SOBATS and TIGER DRIVERS! Cover, TWO!! Kojima is still in this but Tiger looms over him.

Tiger sits Kojima up to CHOP! Then he CHOPS Kojima while he’s down! And again! Tiger stands Kojima up to ROCK him with a right. But Kojima hits back, to hit the COZY CUTTER! Fans fire up, hot tag to Makabe! The Gorilla BLASTS Suzuki and Fujinami! Then he whips Tiger to a corner for a clothesline! Makabe climbs up and rains down fists! Fans clap along as Makabe goes to ten! Makabe laughs, brings Tiger out, but Tiger fights the Northern Lights! Tiger knees low, whips Makabe to ropes, and Fujinami is there to kick low! Makabe kicks back but Fujinami blocks! DRAGON SCREW! Suzuki intercepts Nagata in the corner!

Suzuki whips Nagata and Fujinami gets a leg, DRAGON SCREW! Kojima kicks, but into a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up as Fujinami takes down all three opponents! Suzuki keeps Kojima down with a SLEEPER!, and Tiger catches Makabe in a IRON OCTOPUS! Nagata storms up but Fujinami gets him with a DRAGON SLEEPER! Makabe gets the ROPEBREAK, everyone lets go of the holds. Fans rally up as Suzuki and Fujinami drag Nagata and Kojima out of the ring. Makabe ROCKS Tiger, then runs, but into a crucifix takedown! TWO! Fans rally, Tiger SOBATS, then runs. But Makabe scoops for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up and Makabe slashes his throat. He runs, and he LARIATS Tiger down! Makabe drags Tiger to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Suzuki springs up after him! Suzuki HEADBUTTS Makabe! Then he THROWS Makabe down! Suzuki bails out, pushes Makabe, and Tiger hops up onto Makabe’s shoulders! Makabe throws Tiger off, drags him back up, but Tiger drops to victory roll! But Makabe sits on it! Makabe’s team wins!!

Winner: Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata, by pinfall

A rather shocking end to a fiery match! And in the end, the Gorilla, King of Bread Style and Blue Justice stand tall! But since this was to honor Inoki, no hard feelings here. Everyone shakes hands and bows respect. Suzuki then gives the mic to Fujinami so that he can speak. Fans applaud, and Fujinami wishes everyone a Happy New Year. He says this was a special memorial for Antonio Inoki and is thankful there are so many being a part of it. After this, NJPW will carry on that Fighting Spirit through this incredible card. And he is sure Inoki would appreciate this. “DAAAA~!” Everyone cheers as Inoki’s song plays one more time! Thank you, Antonio Inoki. You will be missed.

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Catch 2/2 VS YOH & Lio Rush!

TJP & Francesco Akira may not have won Super Jr. Tag League 2022, but they did beat Direct Drive & The Bad Child in the round robin. Can Yoh & Lio redeem themselves in the rematch? Or will the Public Enemy & Nova Fireball conquer Chaos to start the new year?

As the champs make their entrance, Yoh FLIES out onto them! Direct hit and down they go! Yoh throws TJP into the ring, Lio whips him to ropes, but TJP stops himself! Yoh runs in, TJP boots him away, then boots Lio! The bell rings, TJP rushes Yoh & Lio, but they both dodge him. They come back, TJP dodges Yoh and chases Lio but Lio dodges TJP. Yoh elbows TJP down while Lio runs, Yoh wheelbarrows Lio for the SPLASH! Fans fire up while TJP bails out to regroup with Akira. But Lio slingshots and MOONSAULTS onto them both! Fans fire up as Lio & Yoh drag Akira & TJP up. Lio ROCKS Akira and runs him up the ramp!

Yoh throws hands on TJP, Lio CLUBS Akira, but then TJP whips Yoh into railing! TJP saves Akira from a suplex! Lio kicks, TJP blocks and flips Lio, but Lio lands on his feet. Lio runs in, but into the ALLEY-OOP to the ramp! And that’s an LED ramp, too! Lio clutches his face while Catch 2/2 throws up the crowns. The ring count starts, Catch 2/2 return to ringside and fetch Yoh at 6 of 20. They put Yoh in the ring, but Yoh fires back with forearms and kicks! Yoh runs, but into a SOBAT, KICK, KICK and SHOTGUN! TJP covers, TWO! Things are finally 1v1 and TJP throws off his shirt. TJP drags Yoh up to bump him off buckles.

Tag to Akira and Akira brings Yoh out to DOUBLE CHOP! Yoh staggers to another corner, Akira whips corner to corner while fans clap “CATCH! NI NI!” Akira runs corner to corner to clothesline Yoh! Akira then turns Yoh around and puts him up top. Akira puts Yoh in a Tree of Woe, then he tags in TJP. TJP knuckle locks with Akira to help him go up and up, then walk the tightrope! SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK! Yoh gets knocked out of the Tree and TJP pushes him out of the ring. Yoh staggers, TJP and Akira go to the apron. Akira hops up onto TJP’s shoulders, “Take pictures! Take pictures!” SUPER ELECTRIC CHAIR SENTON!!

Fans fire up as Akira wipes Yoh out at the ramp! Akira drags Yoh up and puts him back in the ring. TJP drags Akira up, bumps him off buckles, and Akira keeps on Lio as he returns to ringside. Fans rally up and TJP scrapes his boot off Yoh. TJP runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Fans fire up and Akira puts Lio in the ring. TJP adds Lio to the corner for another round of face scrubbing! Then TJP runs, into a SPEAR from Lio! Lio crawls to the red corner and calls to Yoh. Yoh crawls his way over as fans rally up, but TJP stops Yoh with a whip! Yoh reverses and DROPKICKS TJP down! Fans fire up as both men crawl, hot tag to Lio!

The Bad Child, forehead busted up, rolls Akira for the SPIN KICK! TJP kicks low and reels Lio in but Lio slips out of the suplex! Lio goes Matrix, handsprings, and KIKCS to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Lio and he drags TJP up. Lio whips, TJP reverse but Lio slides to a stop. Catch 2/2 run in, Lio dodges to handspring, DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up again and Lio sees TJP bail out. Lio DIVES to knock TJP down at the ramp! Lio gets in again, and DIVES to send Akira into railing! Lio fires up and fans fire up with him as he puts Akira back in the ring. Akira crawls, Lio pounds the mat. Fans rally up and Lio chicken wings Akira.

Lio turns Akira, for the SPINNING KAMIKAZE! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives the swinging Unprettier, and Lio has to wipe the blood from his eyes. Tag to Yoh, and fans rally up as the Men of the Hour tune up the band! But TJP saves Akira from Yoh’s superkick! Akira SUPERKICKS Yoh! Lio mule kicks TJP to then SPIN HEEL KICK! Akira whips Lio but he uses that for the springboard, only to get stuck in the ropes! Akira drags Lio out into a HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Yoh SUPERKICKS Akira after all!! All four men are down and fans fire up again! Yoh stands first and he drags Akira up. Yoh hoists Akira to the top rope then CHOPS him!

Fans rally as Yoh climbs. Yoh stands Akira up, underhooks the arms, but TJP pulls Yoh away with an Electric Chair! But Lio shoves TJP forward, and Yoh grabs Akira again! ELECTRIC CHAIR SUPERPLEX! And then Yoh rolls through, to FALCON USHIGOROSHI!! And Lio is up top, for the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, TJP breaks it!! Fans are thunderous while Yoh is furious! Lio drags TJP up to throw him out. Yoh & Lio high-three, and fans rally up as they bring Akira up. They double whip, for 3K!! But TJP hits a MAMBA SPLASH on Yoh! And a SHOTGUN dropkick on Lio! TJP roars, fireman’s carries Yoh, DETONATION KICK! Cover, TWO!!

All four men are down again and fans are thunderous! TJP helps Akira up, and hoists him up top. Then TJP drags Yoh up and brings him over. TJP Electric Chair Lifts as Akira adjusts, but Yoh POISON-RANAS TJP! Lio rushes in, Akira jumps but Lio gets under! Lio comes back, SPANISH FLY! Yoh brings up TJP, 3K!!! Cover, Akira uses Lio to break it!! Lio is furious and he staggers over to Akira. Lio drags Akira up but Akira SLAPS him! Lio snarls, and he fires off fast hands and a SUPER FOREARM! Lio runs and springboards, to hit RUSH HOUR! Akira flops out of the ring and Yoh fires up! Fans are with him as he drags TJP up!

Yoh underhooks, for DIRECT- NO, TJP turns that into a cradle! CATCH 2/2 WIN!

Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Yoh is shocked! TJP turns things around at the last second and keeps the belts with the Empire! They are still the best Junior Heavyweight tag team, but will they have to be careful it doesn’t get that close again?

 

IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI VS Tam Nakano!

The Pirate Princess became the inaugural women’s champion of NJPW at the Historic X-Over, but she is no stranger to the Shining Stardom Dream. However, this will be the first time they’ve faced each other 1v1, and young Nakano has a lot to prove! Will she shine brightest tonight in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Kairi prove it’s still far too early for Nakano to take the spotlight on the world stage?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the star of women’s wrestling!

The bell rings and fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and then tie up. They go around, Tam powers Kairi back, but Kairi turns it around to put Tam on ropes. The ref counts the break and Kairi lets off. Kairi fakes a chop, to pat Tam on the head. And then she hits Tam with a body blow! Kairi then eggs Tam on, and Tam storms up. Kairi gets around to a waistlock but Tam headlocks. Kairi throws body shots, powers out, but Tam handsprings over the drop down. Kairi runs, Tam dodges, but then Kairi dodges to whip and arm-drag! Tam staggers up, Kairi runs in but Tam goes Matrix to get a roll-up! Kairi rolls through, but Tam basement dropkicks her!

Fans fire up and Tam taunts Kairi with a smile. Kairi grabs Tam by her hair and stands her up. Kairi ROCKS Tam with a forearm, but Tam ROCKS Kairi back! Kairi throws another forearm, but so does Tam! Tam gets the edge, fans fire up, and Tam ROCKS Kairi! Tam runs, but Kairi goes the other way, to SPEAR! Fans fire up with Kairi and she watches Tam go to a corner. Kairi walks the plank, to run and SLIDING D! Fans fire up more as Kairi goes up top! Tam stands, into the KABUKI ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Kairi keeps her cool and she brings Tam up. Kairi Alabama Lifts but Tam fights free! Kairi CHOPS Tam!

Kairi runs, but Tam HEEL KICKS her down! Kairi flops out and now Tam fires up! Fans rally as Tam goes to the corner and climbs! Kairi stands, and Tam SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Kairi and some Young Lionesses! Tam puts Kairi in the ring, drags her up, and reels her into a waistlock. Kairi flails but Tam hits the GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Kairi survives but Tam keeps cool. Tam drags Kairi up, reels her in, and suplexes! But Kairi fights free! DOUBLE HAYMAKERS rock both women! They both roar, Kairi runs in and ducks the roundhouse! But Tam blocks the Uraken! Kairi swings into Tam’s hook and suplex!

Tam holds Kairi up and fans fire up as she slowly turns, for the VIOLET SCREW DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Tam can’t believe it but Kairi survives! Tam drags Kairi around, thrashes her and CLUBS her, hammers away on her back, and then aims, to AX KICK! Tam then stands Kairi up, runs, but into the URAKEN!! Cover, TWO?!!? Tam survives the vicious backhand, but Kairi fires up! Kairi drags Tam up but Tam roars! URAKEN AGAIN!! Tam falls over, Kairi climbs up! Fans fire up for the INSANE ELBOW!! Cover, Kairi wins!

Winner: Kairi, by pinfall (still IWGP Women’s Champion)

Tam fought her heart out, but she could not dethrone the Pirate Princess! Kairi’s reign continues to sail, but wait! The lights go out, and a video plays! Someone is stepping out of a luxury sports car. Money? Moné? It’s… THE BOSS! SASHA BANKS! Or rather, MERCEDES MONÉ! She has come here from the WWE to be in NJPW, and she’s going right to the ring! She stares Kairi down, and Kairi holds up the belt. Fans cheer, and Sasha/Mercedes nods. She offers a handshake, and Kairi accepts it. And then Sasha reels Kairi into a Gory Especial! SPIN-OUT DDT! And then she asks for a microphone.

“Kairi~. Aw… Congratulations on making history. I also know a thing or two about making history. I am here in NJPW and Stardom to make some more. Allow me introduce myself. I’m the Standard, the Conversation, the Blue Print and the CEO of this Women’s Division. So Kairi-san, enjoy your IWGP Women’s Championship while you can. Because at The Battle in the Valley in San Jose, I’m gonna leave you bankrupt, b*tch! And you can bank on Moné.” The Boss has struck first! But will she strike new gold in the new year?

 

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: FTR VS Bishamon!

Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood were once three-belt champions, but they find themselves holding on to their last piece of gold. As for Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, they are coming off a repeat win in the World Tag League! Will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter repeat history again by taking these titles in the Tokyo Dome? Or can FTR #SayYeah to staying on top?

The introductions are made, FTR give the belts a kiss and the belts are raised. Let’s see if FTR is kissing those belts good-bye!

The teams sort out and Hashi starts against Cash. They circle and fans rally up. Hashi avoids Cash as he shoots in, and then the tie up. Hashi powers Cash back and wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Cash reaches out, Hashi keeps him from Dax, so Cash rolls, handsprings and wrenches around to a headlock and takeover! Fans applaud the opening exchange while Hashi kicks around. Hashi fights up to his feet, pries the headlock open but Cash cranks it back on. Hashi keeps trying and prying, and he wraps the headlock onto Cash! Cash powers out and things speed up. Cash drops down, but Hashi comes back to run him over!

Fans rally while Cash stands back up. The two stare down, but Hashi tags out to Goto. Cash talks things over with Dax, then Cash grabs at Goto. Goto gets away, so Cash tags to Dax. Dax and Goto circle now, and Goto avoids Dax as he shoots in. They tie up, Dax powers Goto back but Goto puts Dax on the ropes. Dax turns it around, the ref calls for the break, and Dax lets off. Dax shoves Goto but Goto shoves Dax. They tie up again and Dax ROCKS Goto! Goto ROCKS Dax, Dax ROCKS Goto, repeat! Fans rally up as the forearms fly back and forth, faster and faster! Dax then CHOPS! Dax ROCKS Goto at the ropes, and again!

Dax runs, but Hashi gets in, Bishamon runs Dax over! Then HIP TOSS SENTON! Cash runs in but Goto sends him right out. Dax goes to a corner, Hashi runs in to clothesline! Hashi feeds Dax to Goto but Dax ROCKS Goto first! Dax ROCKS Hashi, too, but Goto dragon sleepers! Hashi gets the legs! But Dax kicks free! Cash trips and drags Hashi out while Dax suplexes Goto! Goto bails out and fans fire up. Cash builds speed!? Cash DIVES to wipe out Bishamon! Fans fire up and Cash puts Goto in the ring. Dax drags Goto up, hoists him up top, and then CHOPS Goto! Dax climbs up, Cash tags in and goes to an adjacent corner.

Dax has Goto for the SUPERPLEX! Cash FLYING SPLASHES! Cover off Power ‘n’ Glory, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up! Cash drags Goto over, tags Dax in, and FTR go to opposite corners now. Goto slowly sits up, FTR runs in to DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! But Goto stays up! Goto ROCKS Dax, ROCKS Cash, but Dax CLUBS Goto and Cash ROCKS Goto! Dax reels Goto in, POWERBOMB, and a roll into Cash’s FULL NELSON SUPLEX! Cash bridges, and Dax jackknifes! But Hashi breaks it!! Fans fire up, but Cash KNEES Hashi out of the ring. Dax drags Goto up, whips him, but Goto KICKS Dax! Goto deflects Cash’s boot to DISCUS LARIAT!

Dax kicks Goto and reels him back in. Goto fights the lift, so Dax stands Goto up to ROCK him! Dax runs, into a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Goto and Dax crawl for their corners, hot tags to Hashi and Cash! Hashi rallies on FTR with forearms and CHOPS! Cash kicks low, whips Hashi to a corner, and then runs in, only for Hashi to dodge! Hashi dropkicks Dax’s legs out and he CHOPS Cash! Hashi reels Cash in, suplexes, but Cash slips free! Tag to Dax, Hashi dodges Cash to SUPERKICK! Dax storms in, blocks the kick to JAB! Dax whips, but Hashi hits the HEADHUNTER!

Fans rally up and Hashi tags Goto. Bishamon calls their shout, they dragon sleeper Dax but Dax kicks free again! Dax ROCKS Goto but Hashi SUPERKICKS! They try the again, but Cash CLOBBERS Hashi! Dax hoists Goto up, BIG RIG!! Cover, Hashi breaks it in time!!! Bishamon survives FTR’s best shot! Cash UPPERCUTS Hashi, then CHOPS him and UPPERCUTS him against ropes! Cash then suplexes, but Hashi fights it! Hashi suplexes Cash, and they tumble out of the ring! Fans are stunned as Hashi clips railing! Dax slashes his throat and he drags Goto up! Dax reels Goto in but Goto fights the lift! Goto back drops Dax away!

But Dax is right up! Dax reels Goto in again, but Goto still resists! Another back drop! But Dax is up again! Goto HEADBUTTS him! Both men wobble, Goto reels Dax in to suplex high and hard! Both men are down, and Goto crawls for his corner. Fans rally, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi fires up, runs, but Dax swats the lariat! Hashi CHOPS, SUPERKICKS, and then full nelsons to the pump handle! Dax slips free but Hashi switches! Dax switches, Hashi switches, but Dax turns around to bring Hashi up, PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Hashi survives but Dax doesn’t hesitate! Fans fire up as Dax lifts Hashi again and Cash is up top! MIND BREAKER!!! Cover, GOTO BREAKS IT!!

Fans are thunderous as all four men are down! Cash staggers up and he snarls. Cash runs in but Goto blocks the lariat! Cash CLOBBERS Goto on the return! Cash mule kicks Goto then throws him out. Dax drags Hashi up, whip him, but Hashi fights off Big Rig with an ax handle! SUPERKICK for Cash! Goto returns to clothesline Cash up and out! Dax storms over to Hashi but Hashi holds him against ropes! Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi SUPERKICKS! Goto dragon sleepers, Hashi hooks the legs, SHOUTO!!!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!!

Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Incredible! Back-to-back World Tag League wins resulting in back-to-back tag title wins! Goto & Hashi are back on top of the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division! Will they make 2023 as big a year as last year? As for FTR, they are now left with NO belts! They do show respect to Bishamon, but when and where will FTR return to NJPW?

 

NJPW World Television Championship Tournament Finals: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ren Narita!

NJPW commemorates FIFTY YEARS with an innovative title division! One way or another, history is made tonight, but who will be the one getting their fifteen minutes of fame?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and in the end, there can only be one inaugural champion!

The bell rings and time is counting down already. The two rush in, ZSJ waistlocks but Narita switches. ZSJ switches, Narita switches, but ZSJ spins around for an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Narita quickly sits up and pushes for a cover but ZSJ’s leg guard keeps him at bay. Narita slips around to go for an arm but ZSJ does the same thing. Narita kicks around, rolls through, but ZSJ avoids the Penalty Kick! ZSJ grabs a leg and trips Narita but Narita kicks him away. ZSJ comes back, but Narita ducks the Penalty Kick! Narita stands, he blocks the hip toss and throws ZSJ down, but ZSJ avoids the stomp! Fans applaud this fast and furious start!

The two cool off and circle. Fans rally and duel, “NA-RI-TA!” “Z S J!” The two feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench and wrap Narita up in a straitjacket stretch! Narita powers up and puts the straitjacket on ZSJ! ZSJ moves around, bridges back, rolls and we return to a Test of Strength knuckle lock. ZSJ and Narita fight for control, but ZSJ KICKS! Narita eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ KICKS again! Narita KICKS, KICKS, fires off palm strikes then a forearm! Narita runs and BOOTS ZSJ down! Fans fire up this second exchange as Narita paces. Narita stands ZSJ up, reels him in, but ZSJ fights the suplex. ZSJ wrenches and WRINGS Narita’s arm!

ZSJ looms over Narita, stands on his face and grabs an arm. ZSJ steps over, twists the wrist and bends the elbow! Narita endures as ZSJ tortures his arm, but then ZSJ isolates the arm into a top wristlock to STOMP it down! Narita clutches his arm, but ZSJ kicks at him. ZSJ kicks and kicks but Narita just snarls. ZSJ grabs the arm, wrenches it, but Narita fires a forearm! ZSJ eggs Narita on so Narita gives more forearms. ZSJ wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, then runs the ropes. Narita OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Fans fire up while both men are down! Narita shakes out the bad arm as he and ZSJ go to opposite corners.

Narita stands, runs in corner to corner, and he back elbows! Narita reels ZSJ into a HALF HATCH! Bridging cover, TWO! Fans rally, Narita shakes out the bad arm and brings ZSJ up. Narita ties ZSJ up in a cobra twist but ZSJ pulls on Narita’s bad arm! ZSJ then switches the cobra twist onto Narita! Narita endures, fights through to switch again, but again the bad arm is ZSJ’s target! ZSJ pulls the arm and hits a hip toss! Then a KICK to the back! Narita just scowls and stands up. Narita knees low, snapmares, and KICKS ZSJ in the back! ZSJ frowns, and Narita sits down, daring him to go again! Fans fire up and ZSJ obliges, he KICKS Narita in the back!

Narita grits his teeth and ZSJ eggs him on. ZSJ sits down, daring Narita to bring it! Narita runs to PENALTY KICK! ZSJ writhes and Narita dares him to get up. Fans rally, ZSJ stands and BOOTS! Narita runs to BOOT! ZSJ and Narita both BOOT! And again! And again! Both men fall but ZSJ is up first! PENALTY KCIK! Cover, ONE?!? PENALTY KICK from Narita! Cover, ONE!!! Narita and ZSJ stagger up and we’re only five minutes in! ZSJ EuroUppers! Narita ENZIGURIS! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Narita and ZSJ stir, Narita drags ZSJ up and throws forearm after forearm! Narita eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ stands up to EuroUpper!

ZSJ EuroUppers again, and again! Narita shakes his head so ZSJ ROCKS him with a forearm! ZSJ swings again, into a FISHERMAN EXPLODER! Bridging cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes and fans fire up as Narita stands. Narita snarls, drags ZSJ up and holds the wrists as he BOOTS and BOOTS! ZSJ uses his chin to trap the foot! ZSJ drags Narita down into a KNEEBAR! Narita sits up, ZSJ TWISTS the leg, but Narita rolls with it to get the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go quickly and fans applaud again. Narita shakes out the leg now but ZSJ is right on it with stomps. ZSJ kicks at the leg, and then at the arm, and then Narita’s chest!

Narita just takes the kicks and eggs ZSJ on. Fans rally and ZSJ gives Narita space. Narita still eggs ZSJ on so the kicks come back. ZSJ KICKS, but Narita just growls through it! ZSJ eggs Narita on so Narita KICKS ZSJ down! Narita sits ZSJ up to KICK again! Cover, TWO! Fans rally more and Narita roars! Narita drags ZSJ up, has the wrists, and reels ZSJ in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Narita still has the wrists, and he uses that to reel ZSJ in again, but ZSJ jumps on for a GUILLOTINE! Narita throws ZSJ down but ZSJ just drags Narita into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Narita fights, ZSJ still has his arm!

Narita pushes forward, kicks at ZSJ’s face, and ZSJ lets go of the arm. ZSJ checks his nose, but Narita swings a BIG forearm! Narita stands ZSJ up but ZSJ wrenches the arm to PELE! ZSJ KICKS the arm, kicks again but Narita blocks! Narita SLAPS ZSJ down! ZSJ sits up in a daze, and Narita drags him into a SLEEPER! ZSJ fights up, fans rally, and ZSJ reaches for ropes. Narita pulls ZSJ away, but ZSJ drops! Narita sits on it, TWO! ZSJ has the arms, EURO CLUTCH! TWO!?! Narita narrowly escapes , but ZSJ BOOTS him! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Narita roars as he rises up! GERMAN SUPLEX! ZSJ is up, but he and Narita both stagger around!

Narita runs, but ZSJ ducks the wheel kick! ZSJ runs in to PENALTY KICK! Narita sits up but ZSJ runs, into a clinch! ZSJ fights the throw and drags Narita down, double wristlock and sunset flip! TWO?!?!?! Narita escapes by a nanosecond!! Fans are thunderous as we now hit ten minutes! Narita staggers up, ZSJ clamps right on! But Narita switches around! ZSJ switches it back! They fight for cobra twist control, but then Narita has a SLEEPER! Into the cobra twist! ZSJ pries free but Narita rolls him to a HEEL HOOK! But ZSJ yanks the arm right into an ARMBAR! NARITA TAPS, ZSJ WINS!!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (Inaugural NJPW World Television Champion)

Narita couldn’t endure, he had to #JustTapOut! And in the New Year, ZSJ has a new look and finally has himself singles gold in NJPW! Will ZSJ create a truly historic reign, 15 minutes at a time?

Hold on, TMDK’s Shane & Mikey are back. They applaud ZSJ and join him in the ring. ZSJ says give him a minute, he has to catch his breath. But wait, TMDK aren’t here to challenge ZSJ, they’re here to offer him a spot in the group! After all, Suzuki-Gun is no more, and the Top Dog did leave for WWE. Will the Submission Master be one of the Mighty? ZSJ sets the belt down, takes the shirt, and he puts it on?!? ZACK IS MIGHTY! The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will they make all of NJPW #JustTapOut?

 

NEVER Openweight Championship: Karl Anderson VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Machine Gun may be part of the WWE, but he still shows up for the bright lights in NJPW! He’s shot down the Good Bad Guy once before, can he do it again? Or is this Tama’s time once and for all?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this title stays in Japan or returns to the States!

But wait, Karl takes the belt back. He taunts Tama that the fans aren’t chanting “TAMA! TAMA!” And then Karl CLOBBERS Tama with the belt!! The fans boo but Karl tells the ref to ring the bell. The bell rings and Tama is on the apron, Karl runs to SHOTGUN Tama off the apron! Tama hits railing, Karl goes out after him to fisherman NECKBREAKER Tama on the railing! Karl then hurries back into the ring and wants the count to take care of this! Fans boo Karl but Karl kneels and apologizes. Karl soaks up the heat as the fans boo more, “That’s a beautiful sound, ain’t it?” The count starts, reaches 5 of 20 but Karl wants it to go faster.

Tama crawls back to the railing at 10 of 20 but Karl goes out after him! Karl brings Tama up the ramp to the LED section, and scoops for APE SHIT to the ramp!! Or rather, the Bernard Driver in honor of Giant Bernard. Either way, Karl mocks the fans by trying to start an “ANDERSON!” chant. Fans boo instead, but Tama starts stirring. Karl is annoyed, but then he pounds the ground. Karl wants Tama to stand, and Tama rises. Karl aims, GUN- NO, Tama SLAMS Karl down! Karl writhes down the ramp and fans fire back up! Tama and Karl both crawl towards ringside, and Karl rolls into the ring. Fans applaud as Tama gets in the ring, but Karl goes to the far side.

Karl stands on the apron, Tama hurries out after him. Tama fires body shots but Karl throws forearms! They brawl on the edge, Tama UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS again! Tama calls his shot but Karl denies the Gun Stun to hit a ROCKET KICK! Tama is down but fans rally up. Karl soaks up the heat again while Tama rolls into the ring. Karl slaps Tama around, saying this is just like back in the day. Karl SLAPS Tama, but Tama throws body shots! Tama ROCKS Karl with forearms but Karl ROCKS Tama back! The forearms go back and forth, Tama UPPERCUTS, then ROCKS Karl again! Fans fire up with Tama, but Karl UPPERCUTS right back!

Tama ends up in a corner, Karl whips him corner to corner, but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Karl! Fans fire up, Tama runs in at the corner, STINGER SPLASH! Tama throws more fast hands and forearms! The ref counts, Tama lets off, and then comes back to DROPKICK! Karl leans against the corner but Tama is right on him. Tama whips corner to corner, then runs in to STINGER- NO, Karl dodges! ROCKET KICK! Karl fireman’s carries Tama, and runs for a TKO! Cover, TWO! Karl hurries up top, Jado warns Tama, and Tama stands. Karl leaps, FLYING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and fans fire up!

Karl paces around in frustration but he watches Tama. Tama stirs, Karl pounds the mat, and fans rally up. Tama rises again, Karl runs in, GUN- NO, Tama blocks, fireman’s carries, and hits S R C! Karl clutches his gut while Tama goes to the corner now. Tama climbs and fans rally, but Karl UPPERCUTS first! Karl climbs up after Tama, digs his elbow in and JAMS Tama in the head! Then he throws forearms! Tama wobbles but Karl brings him up. Karl goes to the very top, and he calls his shot! But Tama resists the super brainbuster! Tama throws body shots, HEADBUTTS Karl and shoves him away! Tama then adjusts to SUPREME CROSSBODY!

Fans fire up again as Karl is down! Tama climbs back up and takes aim, for SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!?! Karl survives but Jado keeps Tama focused. Fans drum along as Jado pounds the apron. Tama takes aim, Karl stands up, GUN- NO! Karl blocks it at the last moment! Karl fireman’s carries now, but Tama slips off! Tama swings, Karl ducks, but then Karl swings and Tama ducks! Tama ducks again, redirects Karl, but Karl follows! GUN- NO! Tama blocks it on the run! Tama spins Karl around but Karl UPPERCUTS! Tama PELES! Karl staggers, swings, misses, and Tama goes up, FLYING GUN STUN!!

Fans are thunderous, and OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama is ready, he pounds the mat! Karl rises, Tama aims again, GUN STUN!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)

Redemption and revenge, all for Tama! He gets even with Bullet Club for rejecting him, and he gets even with Karl for taking this belt from him! Will 2023 now be the Year of the Guerrilla?

 

Six Man Tag, Keiji Muto’s Last NJPW Match: Keiji Muto, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!

Another legend says good-bye, as THE Great Muta, the Pro-Wrestling Master, wraps up his retirement tour. Will he, the Ace and the Roughneck send him off in style? Or will Bushi, Sanada and Tetsuya Naito be able to hang their hat on something at WrestleKingdom?

The teams sort out and fans already chant for “MU-TO! MU-TO!” Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, and Tanahashi shows off the muscles. Fans applaud, and even Muto approves. And so, Muto insists he start! Fans applaud, and then LIJ fist bumps. Muto waits, and it’s Sanada who insists he start! Naito and Bushi oblige, and fans fire up with the bell. Muto and Sanada circle, and Sanada throws up the Too Sweet in honor of nWo Japan! Muto gives the Too Sweet back, but then Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada dropkicks again, and again, and Muto falls! Sanada drags Muto up to whip but Muto reverses.

Sanada goes up and out, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Sanada drags Muto up, scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Sanada hurries to the corner, for the ROUNDING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Muto is still in this but he seems rather surprised by Sanada. Sanada whips, Muto rolls under and comes back to dropkick the legs out! Muto then SHINING WIZARDS Sanada down! Fans fire up and Muto drags Sanada up for a POWERSLAM! Now Muto goes up, but Tanahashi hurries over to caution him! He’s no spring chicken, a moonsault might not be the best thing… Muto still wants to, but he listens to reason.

But then Sanada CLUBS Muto! Sanada whips, but Muto kicks him back! Muto snapmares and runs for the FLASH ELBOW! Fans fire up and Muto tags Tanahashi. Tanahashi drops an elbow of his own! Tanahashi then BLASTS Bushi & Naito! Sanada runs in, but Tanahashi elbows him away to go up and CROSSBODY! Fans fire up with the air guitar, and then Tanahashi drags Sanada up. Sanada ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm but Tanahashi fires off a strike fest! Tanahashi whips, Sanada reverses and Bushi gets a cheap shot in! Naito dropkicks Tanahashi’s legs out, and Sanada basement dropkicks Tanahashi down!

The ref reprimands but Bushi and Naito hit Muto and Umino! Umino goes own, Muto stays up, but Bushi kicks him off the apron. The ref reprimands LIJ more, but Naito whips Umino into railing! Sanada stomps Tanahashi, then he tags Bushi. Bushi stomps Tanahashi around, then drags him up to turn and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bushi stomps Tanahashi then tags Naito. Fans fire up as Naito ROCKS Tanahashi with forearms! Naito has Tanahashi in the corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! SWINGING DROPKICK! Fans fire up for Combinacion Cabron! Muto seems curious about Naito’s pose, and Naito raises the LIJ fist.

Muto reaches up, but then decides not to fist bump. Naito stomps Tanahashi, drags him up, but Tanahashi fires off forearms! Naito staggers, fakes a punch and kicks low! Naito whips, Tanahashi reverses but Naito reverses back. Tanahashi ducks the enziguri and he reels Naito in for a REVERSE DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up and Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Umino! Umino goes up top to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Umino intercepts Sanada with a kick. Umino whips, Sanada reverses but Umino holds ropes. Umino BOOTS Sanada, then baits him in. Sanada runs in but into an arm-drag! Umino then runs to RANA Sanada!

Bushi kicks Umino, runs, but into a scoop and DROP, to a BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Umino kips up and fans fire up! Umino whips Naito corner to corner, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then Umino reels Naito in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Umino keeps focus. Umino shouts out the legends on commentary as he clamps on an STF! Naito endures, crawls, Bushi & Sanada rush in but Tanahashi & Muto intercept! DRAGON SCREWS IN STEREO! Muto then puts Sanada in a FIGURE FOUR while Tanahashi puts Bushi in the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! LIJ endures three different submissions!!

Fans rally, Naito crawls forward but Umino pulls back on the STF! Naito reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and LIJ is let go. Umino drags Naito up and clinches, but Naito fights the lift! Umino kicks low, whips, but Naito reverses to ELBOW! Umino fires up, but runs into an atomic drop! Naito fires off those heavy back elbows, then turns Umino for a NECKBREAKER! Fans rally and Naito crawls, hot tag to Bushi! Fans rally, Bushi climbs, and Bushi MISSILE DROPKICKS! Bushirooni! Umino goes to a corner, Bushi stomps him down. Bushi brings Umino up, spins him around, but Umino wrenches out to spin Bushi! TEST DRIVE!

Umino drags Bushi back up, for an inverted suplex! But Bushi slips out and waistlocks, to feed to Sanada’s DROPKICK! Sanada DROPKICKS Muto off the apron! Tanahashi storms in, he gets around Sanada and turns him for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Naito full nelsons but Tanahashi breaks free for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Bushi dodges, Tanahashi blocks one kick and ducks the enziguri, but the HEEL KICK hits! Bushi runs, into a SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi sets Bushi up and Muto fires up, for the SHINING WIZARD!! Fans are thunderous and Umino tops this off with DEATH RIDER!! Cover, Team Muto wins!

Winners: Keiji Muto, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino, by pinfall

The legend, the icon and the future of NJPW stand tall! Muto exits the ring quickly, not one for sentiment. But surely, everyone agrees in saying, #ThankYouMuto!

 

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4 Way: Taiji Ishimori VS El Desperado VS Hiromu Takahashi VS Master Wato!

The Bone Soldier has been able to hold onto this title for a long time, but now the odds are stacked against him! He has the Rogue Luchador, the Ticking Timebomb and the Way of the Grandmaster coming after him, will one of them take the title? Or will 2023 be REBORN?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the champion can defy the odds!

The bell rings and Hiromu SHOTGUNS Desperado down while Taiji runs away from Wato! Taiji taunts Wato on the outside, but then Hiromu runs to clothesline Wato in the corner! Hiromu snapmares Wato down but Taiji runs in to dropkick Wato first! Hiromu swings on Taiji but Taiji gets around to a waistlock. Hiromu switches, Desperado slides back in, and Hiromu sends Taiji his way. Desperado lifts Taiji, Hiromu runs in, DROPKICK BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Fans fire up as rivals work together, but then Desperado rakes Hiromu’s eyes! Desperado runs, Hiromu elbows him at the ropes. Hiromu runs but Wato hurdles over!

Wato back elbows Hiromu, back hands, but then elbows and back hands Desperado! Wato runs, but into double kicks! Hiromu & Desperado double whip to double shoulder tackle Wato down! Fans cheer as the rivals end up working together again. Hiromu offers a handshake, but Desperado pokes him in the eyes for a cradle! Taiji breaks the cover, then throws hands on Desperado. Taiji and Hiromu work together now and they mug Desperado in the corner. They double whip Desperado corner to corner, and then Taiji whips Hiromu, only to reel him in for a cradle! Wato breaks that! Wato stomps Taiji, Desperado rolls him! TWO!

All four rivals argue, Desperado CHOPS Wato but Wato ROCKS Desperado! Taiji rolls Desperado while Hiromu rolls Wato! Double covers! TWO!! Fans fire up as all four men stand off! Taiji says forget this and he bails out. But there’s no Champion’s Advantage in a Fatal 4. Taiji continues up the ramp while Desperado and Hiromu go after Wato. They double whip, but while Hiromu sets up for a back drop, Desperado elbows Wato down! Desperado and Hiromu argue, they obviously weren’t on the same page. But they put Wato in a corner, and then double whip him corner to corner. But then both Desperado and Hiromu run in!

Hiromu stops Desperado and they argue again. They each pie face the other, but Hiromu runs at Wato. Wato dodges and Hiromu hits buckles. Wato dodges Desperado then shoves him into Hiromu! DOUBLE BULLDOG! Fans fire up with Wato while Taiji just lounges on the ramp. Wato drags Desperado up to ROCK him with a forearm! And another! Desperado wants Wato to hold on, they can work together with Hiromu, against Taiji! Taiji takes notice, and he says bring it on! Desperado leads the charge up the ramp! Desperado runs in first, but into a HIP TOSS! Hiromu runs in, into a tilt-o-whirl SHOULDER BREAKER!

Wato runs in, Taiji dodges, and the SHOTGUN hits Hiromu and Desperado! Taiji grins as he outsmarts all his challengers! Taiji strolls back to the ring and waits on them to return. With all three challengers outside, there’s a ring count! One of them has to get back to stop Taiji from winning by default! They all hurry, they’re back to ringside by 8 of 20, but Taiji is up top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Taiji wipes out all three! The count continues, Taiji slides in at 12. Desperado, Wato & Hiromu stir, but they flounder around past 15! They all stand at 18 and slide in at 19! Taiji covers Desperado, TWO! Taiji is frustrated but the match continues!

Taiji drags Desperado up, whips him to a corner, then runs in. Taiji blocks the boots, puts Desperado in ropes and ENZIGURIS! Then Taiji runs side to side for a SLIDING GERMAN! Fans fire up as Taiji goes up top again. Taiji aims at Desperado, 450, but he has to bail out as Desperado moves! Wato is up top, but Taiji avoids his flying clothesline! Taiji throws a body shot, then whips Wato at Desperado. Desperado steps aside, hits Taiji and whips him into Wato! Desperado rolls Taiji up, TWO! Hiromu leaps at Wato for TRIANGLE HOLD D! And Desperado has the STRETCH MUFFLER, into NUMERO DOS! Dueling submissions are in effect!

Fans rally as Taiji and Wato each endure! Wato is fading, but Taiji fights his way over to ropes! Wato gets a second wind, just as Desperado drags Taiji away! Wato deadlifts Hiromu to POWERBOMB him on Desperado!! Taiji is saved, and fans are thunderous as all four men are down! Taiji clutches a knee as he crawls out to the apron. Wato goes to a corner and stands up. Wato fires up as he has Hiromu alone! Hiromu CHOPS, but Wato CHOPS and CHOPS and KICKS and KICKS! Wato KICKS Hiromu up high, then whips him to ropes. Hiromu reverses, goes around, but Wato dodges to RANA!

Fans fire up as Hiromu bails out. Wato builds speed, but Taiji trips him and drags him out! Taiji hurries but Hiromu SUNSET FLIPS! Taiji flips through the bomb but is sent into the apron! Desperado builds speed, Hiromu gets away, Desperado DIVES to take out Taiji! Wato slides back into the ring to build speed and FLY! Direct hit on Desperado now! Wato drags Desperado and Taiji up but Hiromu is up top! SUPER SENTON!! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down again! The ring count starts now that all four men are on the outside! Hiromu crawls over at 7 of 20, stands at 9, and he drags Wato up. Hiromu puts Wato in at 11 and hurries to get Wato up.

Hiromu fireman’s carries, for a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! And then another fireman’s carry, but Taiji BOOTS him down! Desperado runs Taiji over but Wato BOOTS Desperado! Hiromu dropkicks Wato’s legs out, then dodges Taiji’s clothesline. Taiji comes back with a JUMP KNEE! Desperado storms up but into a body shot! Taiji whips, Desperado reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Wato storms up on Desperado, avoids his haymaker to hit the JUMP NECKBREAKER! Wato roars, he brings Hiromu up, but Hiromu slips out of the scoop! Wato elbows Hiromu, runs, but into POP-UP POWERBOMB! Taiji dragon sleepers Hiromu into BLOODY SUNDAY!

But Desperado drags Taiji away from Hiromu! Taiji fires off fast hands, but Desperado catches the haymaker and spins Taiji around, GUITARA DEL ANGEL!! But that’s not all! Desperado underhooks for PINCHE- NO, Taiji fights off the driver, and Wato SUPERKICKS Desperado down! Wato roars again, and BUZZSAWS Desperado down! Wato fires up more and he brings Desperado up. Wato wrenches, but Desperado slips out, LOCO MONO!! Both men fall, all four men are down, and fans fire up again! The ref checks all four men, they stir, and the fans rally up. A standing count starts, Wato and Taiji crawl to one side.

Desperado and Hiromu go to other corners, the count is 8! Wato staggers up at 9 but leans against ropes. All four men wobble, hobble towards center, and Taiji CLUBS Wato. Wato hits back, Hiromu and Desperado trade CHOPS! Wato and Taiji then hit Hiromu and Desperado! Desperado and Hiromu hit back, so Taiji and Wato hit them again. Desperado rakes Taiji’s eyes, Hiromu SUPERKICKS Desperado! Wato SOBATS Hiromu but he blocks Taiji’s kick. Taiji blocks Wato’s kick, then rakes Wato’s eyes! Taiji whips, Wato reverses, but Taiji handsprings, into a waistlock! Taiji elbows free, but Wato gets around, crucifix takedown, into the MOUSE TRAP DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!

Taiji escapes but Wato just roars! Wato climbs up top, fans rally, but Desperado anchors Wato. Taiji BOOTS Desperado off the apron, ROCKS Wato, then climbs up after Wato. But Hiromu adds on! TOWER OF DOOM!! High stack on Taiji, but Desperado breaks it!! Fans fire up after that close call! Desperado and Hiromu crawl to each other, and they start throwing forearms! Fans rally as the rivals go back and forth! Hiromu gets the edge but then Desperado DECKS Hiromu! Hiromu roars, but into LOCO ELBOW! Desperado stands Hiromu up again for another ELBOW! Desperado reels Hiromu in, TIGER DRIVER!!

Desperado holds onto the underhooks, and he rolls Hiromu back to his feet, for PINCHE LO- NO! Hiromu fights free and fireman’s carries! TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Desperado survives Hiromu’s best shot, but Hiromu fires up! Hiromu drags Desperado up, dragon sleepers, but has to throw Desperado away as Wato SPRINGBOARD FLYING UPPERCUTS!! Wato drags Desperado back up, hooks him up with chicken wings, TIGER SUPLEX into a MOUSE TRAP DRIVER!!! Cover, Taiji drags the ref out!! Taiji stops Wato from winning! And now he has a chair!! Taiji sneaks up on Wato to SMACK him!

Taiji then fetches the ref, gets him in the ring, and Taiji says BANG! Taiji drags Wato up, reels him in, BLOODY- NO, Wato slips free! And he chicken wings Taiji into the MOUSE TRAP DRIVER!!! Cover, but Hiromu dropkicks it apart!! Hiromu saves this match for himself at the last possible second! Hiromu drags Taiji up but Wato stands! Wato ROUNDHOUSES Hiromu, hooks him up, but Hiromu wheelbarrows! Only for Wato to block it! Wato has the waistlock, Hiromu resists, but Wato hits a HIGH ANGLE GERMAN!!! Bridging cover, TWO!??!! Hiromu shocks everyone by surviving that! Fans are thunderous and Wato roars!!

Wato drags Hiromu up, chicken wings, but Hiromu arm-drags free! Wato comes back, tilt-o-whirls, but Hiromu blocks it! Hiromu shifts, TIMEBOMB MK II!!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Taiji could not defy the odds, and as close as Wato came, he is still not there yet! Desperado staggers away backwards, will he struggle to find his footing after Suzuki-Gun’s disbandment? As for Hiromu has the trophy, he has the title, does this truly make him the Best of the Super Juniors?

 

IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay w/ The United Empire VS Kenny Omega!

Parallel paths and a rivalry that has been building for some time finally comes to a head on NJPW’s biggest stage! Will the Commonwealth Kingpin keep his United Empire strong? Or will the Best Bout Machine continue to live up to that name?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly elite!

The bell rings and the two rush in! Omega avoids the boot and lets things cool down. They circle, feel things out, and Omega shoots in. Ospreay counters with a facelock, they go around and now they collar ‘n’ elbow. They go around more, Omega wrenches out to a wristlock. Omega slaps Ospreay around, then wrenches the arm to avoid Ospreay’s hands. Ospreay rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Omega! Omega kangaroo kicks back, headlocks for the takeover, and he denies Ospreay the headscissors! Fans rally as Ospreay keeps trying but Omega keeps the headscissor away. Ospreay fights up and powers out of the headlock, only for Omega to run him over!

But Ospreay kips right back up! Fans fire up as the two stare down, and Ospreay talks a bit of trash. Omega shoves, but Ospreay shoves back. Omega slaps Ospreay but Ospreay SLAPS Omega back! Ospreay fires off on Omega in the corner, but lets off as Red Shoes reprimands. Ospreay whips corner to corner, but Omega BOOTS him away. Omega goes up and over, then comes back to RANA, but Ospreay handsprings through, to RANA back! Fans fire out while Omega bails out, and Ospreay goes to ropes to PLANCHA! Direct hit and then Ospreay rains down fists! Fans fire up while Ospreay stands over Omega.

Ospreay brings Omega up to whip him into railing! Omega writhes, Ospreay stands him up and puts him back in. Ospreay aims from the apron, springboards, but Omega catches him and trips him up! Omega then BLASTS Ospreay off the apron and Ospreay hits railing! Now Ospreay writhes as Omega goes out after him. Fans rally, Omega drags Ospreay up, puts him in the ring, and then CLUBS Ospreay on the back. Omega CLUBS Ospreay more, then stalks him to ropes. Omega ROCKS Ospreay in the back, fireman’s carries, and says, “YOU! CAN’T! ESCAPE!” ROLLING SENTON, and then Omega goes up the corner for the MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Omega is annoyed but fans rally up. Omega drags Ospreay up but Ospreay pushes him away. Omega CLUBS Ospreay, whips him to ropes, and then hits a BIG hip toss! Omega adds a KICK to Ospreay’s back! Omega stands on Ospreay for a cocky cover but Ospreay pushes him away before a count. Omega kicks Ospreay around, stands on Ospreay again, but Red Shoes doesn’t care for cocky covers. Omega paces around and drags Ospreay up. Omega pushes Ospreay to a corner and digs his boot in! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Omega lets off at 4. Omega SLAPS Ospreay on the back, whips him corner to corner hard, and Ospreay bounces off buckles!

Omega says “There’s a difference” as he stares into the camera. Omega then goes to the blue corner and he unties the buckle pad! He may not be Bullet Club anymore but he is using their move! Omega struggles with the straps a bit, but Don Callis distracts Red Shoes so that Omega can finish untying it. Omega then drags Ospreay up. Ospreay deadweights it so Omega stomps him down. Omega aims at the bare corner and fans rally up. Omega stands Ospreay up, whips him in, but Ospreay avoids the buckles! Ospreay elbows Omega, ROCKS him, then ROCKS him again! Omega drops to his knees but Ospreay brings him up. But Omega BOOTS Ospreay into the buckles!

Omega hurries to stand Ospreay up, for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Omega is annoyed again but fans rally up. Ospreay clutches his back while resting on the apron, but Omega drags him back in. Omega springboard stomps Ospreay down, then drags him back up. Omega ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm, then knees low! And again! Callis talks up Omega on English commentary as Omega whips Ospreay to ropes. Ospreay catches Omega to a COBRA TWIST! Ospreay grinds Omega down, then stands him up to pull on the facelock! But Omega powers out with a HIP TOSS! Ospreay staggers up, Omega runs in, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT!

Ospreay runs to BOOT Omega down! Fans fire up, and Ospreay drags Omega up to suplex! Omega knees free, suplexes, but Ospreay hits STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Fans rally up again as Ospreay works to loosen his back. Ospreay and Omega rise, and Ospreay ROCKS Omega with forearm after forearm! Ospreay whips, Omega reverses but Ospreay handsprings for the NEURALIZER! Fans fire up as Ospreay goes to the apron. Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Omega survives the flying forearm but Ospreay keeps his cool. Fans rally again as Ospreay stands and Omega checks his jaw.

Ospreay drags Omega up but Omega resists the bomb lift. Ospreay fires off a sharp Kawada Kick, then CHOPS! Ospreay brings Omega in again, but Omega slips out of the bomb to CHOP! Omega runs, but Ospreay TIGER WALL KICKS and ENZIGURIS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Omega crawls to the apron, Ospreay goes out after him. Ospreay drags Omega up, aiming for the floor! Fans rally up, Omega resists the lift, so Ospreay CHOPS him! Omega shakes his head and CHOPS back! Ospreay CHOPS again! Omega is stinging, but he CHOPS back! Ospreay CHOPS but Omega ROCKS him! Ospreay SUPERKICKS!

Omega holds onto ropes to stay standing, but Ospreay goes to the corner! APRON OSC- NO!! Omega holds the ropes to deny the cutter, and Ospreay crashes down! Omega steadies himself, then goes looking under the ring! Ospreay crawls, but Omega drags him back! Omega drags out a table! And he SLAMS it on Ospreay’s back! Omega puts the table on Ospreay’s back, and stomps it down! Fans fire up as Omega goes to the apron, and he DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS the table!! He stomps a hole right through it!! Ospreay writhes and fans are going nuts as Omega picks the wrecked table up. “HERE’S~ KENNY!!”

Omega grins and he stands back up. Ospreay grits his teeth as he sits up, and he keeps Omega from sliding into the ring! Ospreay throws Omega into railing, then he fires off hands from all sides!! Ospreay brings Omega over to suplex him onto the busted table!! Omega writhes and spasms while fans go nuts again! Ospreay goes to the corner, climbs to to the top, and SUPER SKY TWISTERS!!! Direct hit but Ospreay also hits railing! Fans are thunderous as both men are down. Red Shoes checks, Ospreay stands up and his back seems in good enough shape to continue. Ospreay puts Omega in the ring, and then he climbs up again! BLINDSIDE FLYING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!!!

Omega staggers, Ospreay springboards, OSCUT- NO!! Omega blocks, pushes Ospreay, and BLINDSIDE V-TRIGGERS! Then POISON-RANAS! Then fisherman’s for AOI SHOUDO!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay barely gets that shoulder up but it keeps him in this! Omega flounders his way to ropes, drags himself up, and fans rally as he calls his shot. Omega drags Ospreay up with a half nelson. Omega has the full nelson, but Ospreay breaks free! Ospreay throws elbows, but Omega CLUBS him on the back! Omega CHOPS Ospreay to a corner, then hoists him up top backwards. Omega CHOPS Ospreay on the back, then climbs up after him!

Ospreay resists but Omega throws down elbows! Omega full nelsons but Ospreay still resists! Omega CLUBS away on Ospreay, has the nelson, and fans fire up as Omega stands on the very top! SUPER DRAGON SUPLEX!!! But Ospreay lands on his feet!!! ROBINSON SPECIAL!! Fans are thunderous, Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Omega survives and no one can believe it! Fans rally as hard as they can as both men sit up. Omega crawls to ropes and drags himself up. Ospreay runs in, to HELLUVA KICK Omega against bare buckles! Ospreay then hoists Omega up top, tucks him in, and CHEEKY NANDOS!

And CHEEKY NANDOS again! Ospreay fires off boots but Red Shoes reprimands. Ospreay CHEEKY NANDOS for a third time! Omega flops off the top and to the apron! Fans rally, Ospreay climbs up the corner and brings Omega up to the top rope. Ospreay ROCKS Omega with a forearm, but Omega holds ropes to stay up! Ospreay ROCKS Omega again, but Omega throws a body shot. Ospreay ROCKS Omega again, but Omega throws another body shot. Ospreay hops down to CHOP! Omega flops but holds onto the rope to stay on the apron. Ospreay climbs up again, drags Omega back up, and clinches, only for Omega to throw body shots!

Omega facelocks Ospreay for a TOP ROPE DDT to the bare buckle!!! The United Empire can’t help it, they hurry over to check on Ospreay! Red Shoes reprimands as Akira, TJP, Henare, Cobb and Khan all check on Ospreay. Cobb complains that the DDT should’ve never happened! Fans rally up as Omega sits up. Ospreay also sits up and he is busted open! Red Shoes gets the Empire to return to their seats at ringside. Omega shouts for Red Shoes to count this already. Ospreay stirs but the ring count climbs. It reaches 10 of 20 but Ospreay is at the railing. Ospreay drags himself up at 12, flounders at 14, and the Empire shouts for him to get up!

The fans are thunderous, Ospreay drags himself up again, and he heads for the ring, only for Omega to WRECK him with a dropkick! Omega has the fans rally up and he starts the Terminator Drums! Ospreay manages to stand as Omega builds speed, Omega FLIES!! Direct hit and Omega almost lands on his feet! Omega has a wild look in his eyes while Ospreay reaches out feebly. Omega sets up what’s left of that table and he drags Ospreay up. Omega drags Ospreay over, and SMASHES his face into the table! Omega keeps going until there’s another hole in the wood! Red Shoes reprimands, Omega drags Ospreay back up and into the ring.

Omega drags Ospreay up and reels him in! Omega lifts for a STUFF PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay manages to tip the cover over just enough to escape! Omega is furious, and he rains down fists on Ospreay’s bloody forehead! Red Shoes reprimands but Omega lets off with a scuffing kick. Fans are thunderous again as Ospreay drags himself up. Ospreay has a crimson mask but he refuses to let it end by stoppage! He shoves Red Shoes down, swings at Omega, but into a SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Omega is telling the Empire this is what Ospreay gets, and he drags Ospreay back up. Ospreay is a ragdoll as Omega hits another SNAP DRAGON!

Ospreay tries to stand but he just flops back over! Ospreay is on the ropes, Omega takes aim, BANG! But Ospreay grabs Omega’s leg to keep him from running! Omega stomps away on Ospreay! Ospreay holds on so Omega rains down palm strikes, then he fires off KNEE after KNEE!! Omega underhooks, lifts Ospreay, JAY DRILLER!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK?!?! Ospreay survives by inches and fans are thunderous again! Red Shoes checks Ospreay, but Ospreay refuses to give in. Omega says BANG, V-TRIGGER!!! Ospreay flops right out of the ring!!! Omega grins as he slides out after Ospreay. Omega drags Ospreay up and puts him in the ring.

Omega wants Ospreay to stand, and the fans rally for as much, too! Ospreay flounders, Omega climbs up the corner, and Omega gloats, only for Ospreay to hit the ropes! Omega falls right on his crotch! Ospreay staggers over, ROCKS Omega with a right hand, then goes up after Omega. Ospreay loses his balance moment but he fires off forearms on Omega! Ospreay slams himself to wake up, and he goes up on wobbly legs. Ospreay manages to reach the top, but Omega slips out and trips Ospreay up! Ospreay gets a face full of steel buckle!! Fans lose their minds as Omega crawls away to the far side!

The Empire shouts at Ospreay, but Omega runs in, to BLINDSIDE V-TRIGGER Ospreay into bare buckles!!! Omega shows no mercy as he hoists Ospreay up top! Omega climbs up, he reels Ospreay in for an Electric Chair Lift! But Ospreay fights back! Only for Omega to pop him for a SUPER CROYT’S WRATH!!! High stack cover, TWO!?!? But Omega pops Ospreay in place for a V-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!?!??! Ospreay is still in this, but how?!? Fans are thunderous all over again as Omega looms over Ospreay. Omega drags Ospreay up and V-TRIGGERS!! But Omega won’t let Ospreay fall over, either! V-TRIGGER!!!

Omega still keeps Ospreay up, for another- NO!! Ospreay blocks the V-Trigger! Omega fires off fists but Ospreay just fires up! Omega likes this, and fans are electric! Omega JABS, and JABS, and JABS! Ospreay fires off KAWADA KICKS, a CHOP, then more Kawada Kicks! CHOP, KAWADA KICKS, then CHOP, CHOP! Omega boots the elbow to V-TRIGGER! Omega winds up, but Ospreay slips through the lariat! LIGER BOMB!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?? Omega survives and fans are shocked! Ospreay roars, he drags Omega up and turns him, for the CHELSEA GRIN! Ospreay prepares the arm, for the HIDDEN BLADE! And then another HIDDEN BLADE!

Ospreay runs, goes up the corner, SUPER OSCUTTER!!!! Ospreay crawls to the cover, TWO!?!?!?! Just what are these two made of?!? Fans are electric, Khan waves the Empire’s banner, and Ospreay drags Omega up. Ospreay underhooks, lifts, but Omega slips free! And Electric Chairs, but Ospreay slips around to sunset flip! High stack, TWO, but Ospreay yanks Omega up! STYLES CLASH!!! But Ospreay doesn’t cover, he goes to the corner! Ospreay raises his arm, takes off the elbow pad, and fans are thunderous again! HIDDEN BLADE from the front!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Ospreay is furious, but he fires back up!

The fans rally as hard as they can and Ospreay drags Omega in. Ospreay underhooks, lifts, and STORM- NO, Omega lands free to V-TRIGGER! But Ospreay HIDDEN BLADES!! Fans are electric as both men are down again! Omega holds onto Ospreay’s wrist, and the two rise again. Omega drags Ospreay up and throws a forearm. Ospreay throws it back! Omega throws another, so Ospreay gives it back! Omega forearms, Ospreay forearms, repeat, and the fans are fired up with every shot! Ospreay gets the edge! But Omega shoots around, STRAITJACKET GERMAN!! Cover, TWO!!! But Omega holds onto the wrists!

Omega turns Ospreay around with the wristlocks, and everyone knows what’s coming! Ospreay SPITS at Omega and dares him to do it! KAMI-GOYE!!!!! But then, Electric Chair, and ONE WINGED ANGEL!!!!! Cover, Omega wins!!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall (NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion)

Truly an elite battle of elite wrestlers! But the Cleaner comes out on top to claim this title once again! Will this massive title win be the start of an All Elite Era in NJPW?

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jay White w/ Gedo VS Kazuchika Okada!

Another grand rivalry of NJPW adds a new chapter to its history! The Switchblade has thwarted many a challenger, including the Rainmaker, but nothing lasts forever! Will this still be Jay White’s era? Or will Okada turn his G1 Climax win into a new reign?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we find out who is THE BEST in NJPW!

White mocks Tanahashi by taking off his jacket and showing off the abs. Then White and Gedo get the fans to join in on the Too Sweet. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. White hears the fans chant for “O-KA-DA!” but tells them to hush. White gets the claps going for “O-KA-DA!” but he means it mockingly. Then he says they’re idiots, so they should just chant it. Fans do chant it, and White says Okada needs to thank White. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Okada powers White back. White turns it around to put Okada on the ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. White lets go, but he chest bumps Okada as he lets off.

Fans applaud as Okada keeps his cool. Okada and White reset and circle again. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Okada pushes White back again. White again puts Okada on the ropes but Okada turns it right back around. Gedo protests, Okada lets off slowly, but White SLAPS Okada! White grins, kicks low, then CLUBS Okada! White bumps Okada off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, then throws haymakers! Red Shoes reprimands, White CHOPS and brings Okada out. White knees low, whips, but Okada reverses to BOOT White down! Fans rally, Okada drags White up and Okada CLUBS White down.

Okada drags White back up, to ROCK him with a forearm! Okada brings White up again, for a NECKBREAKER! Okada kicks White, brings him up, and snapmares him along the ropes. Okada runs but Gedo drags White out to safety. Fans boo but Gedo shrugs. Okada rushes out, White slides back in, but Okada is focused on Gedo! White slides back out but Okada kicks him low! Okada CLUBS White, puts him in the ring, then he storms up on Gedo. Gedo says okay, he’ll stay back! Okada goes into the ring, but White gets around to waistlock and SAIDO! Gedo applauds but he’s the only one as White stands back up.

White grabs Okada’s legs and stomps him in the stomach! And again! White flexes and fans are torn. White kicks Okada around, sits Okada up to fishhook his face, but Red Shoes reprimands. White lets off, “apologizes,” and he drags Okada up. White top wristlocks, then he throws a body shot! White then stands Okada up to ROCK him in the back! Fans rally for Okada but White mocks their clapping. White scoops and SLAMS Okada, covers, TWO! White clamps on a chinlock and he pokes Okada with the Too Sweet. Okada endures, fans rally up, and Okada stands up to throw body shots. White ROCKS Okada with a forearm!

Okada swings, White gets around and reels Okada in for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but White kicks Okada out of the ring. White then goes out after Okada, taunts Tanahashi, and he brings Okada up to RAM him into railing! And then into the apron! And then back into the railing! And then back into the apron! White reels Okada in to suplex and APRON GOURD BUSTER! Okada flops right to the floor and White relaxes. White drags Okada up, puts him in the ring, and White brings Okada up to suplex. White hangs Okada out to dry! Okada flops onto the mat, White plays around, and then he drags Okada up for a CORNER HALF HATCH! Cover, ROPEBREAK!

Fans rally while White complains about the slow count. Red Shoes defends his count, so White gets fans to do a call and response of “Too!” “Sweet!” Okada stands, White winds up, and CHOPS! White waits on Okada as he continues the “Too!” “Sweet!” And then the CHOP! White mocks Okada, brings him up, whips him corner to corner, and then swings, but Okada dodges! Okada kicks, but White wrenches out of the DDT! White reels Okada in but Okada back drops free! White stagger sup, swings, but misses! Okada kicks low to DDT! Fans rally up, Okada has White, and he fires off forearms! Okada whips, White reverses but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges to ELBOW White down!

Okada drags White up, whips again, and FLAPJACKS! Fans fire up while White writhes and clutches his ribs. White goes to a corner, Okada goes to the other. Okada runs in corner to corner but Gedo warns White! White dodges and Okada hits buckles! White RAMS into Okada, and again, and again! And again, and again, and again! Red Shoes reprimands but White shoves him away. Fans boo, but Okada hoists White right up to DROPKICK him down to the floor! Fans rally and Gedo coaches White up. Okada goes out after White and drags him up. Okada brings White around, and then to the ramp.

Gedo storms up after Okada and tells him no. But White spins Okada around! Okada avoids the haymaker and kicks low! Gedo storms up but Okada kicks him low! DOUBLE DDT to the ramp! Fans cheer as Okada gets even with the Blacksmith! Okada fires up and the fans fire up with him, and Okada fetches White. White calls to Gedo but Okada drags White into the ring. Okada climbs up the corner, White stands, MISSILE DROPKICK! Okada drags White back up, wrenches his arm, and clamps on the MONEY CLIP! White endures, throws body shots, and he RAMS Okada into a corner! White gets free, but Okada storms up, only to swing into a COMPLETE SHOT!

White drags Okada up with a deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! White mocks Okada, “Rocking the baby,” but fans rally up. Okada stirs but White goes to the opposite corner. Okada stands, White runs in, and White UPPERCUTS! Then suplexes, for BLADE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! White grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally. White hears that and is annoyed. He drags Okada up, but also stands on Okada’s head. White then stands Okada up, but Okada resists the clinch with elbows! White knees low and Okada drops to his knees. White mocks the claps again, then drags Okada back up. Okada UPPERCUTS, then gut wrenches!

White fights with elbows and body shots! Okada lets go, White FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and White scowls. White drags Okada around, sits him up and clamps on a chinlock. White stands Okada up but Okada rams him into a corner! Okada is free, but White CHOP BLOCKS his leg! White gets the bad leg but Okada kicks with the other leg! White flops back, Okada drags himself up the ropes, and White CHOPS! But Okada doesn’t flinch! Okada stares White down, so White CHOPS again! Okada still doesn’t flinch. White pokes Okada with the Two Sweet, then CHOPS! Okada fires off forearm after forearm!

Okada whips and DROPKICKS White right down! Fans fire up as Okada roars! Okada drags White back up, gut wrenches, but White rakes the eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, White stops, but he has the sleeper! But Okada arm-drags free! Okada runs in, spins White, but White ducks the discus to clinch! But Okada fights off Bladerunner to get the MONEY CLIP! White endures, he pries at the hold, but he’s fading! White gets a second wind to fight back up, so Okada gut wrenches him! SPINNING TOMBSTONE! Okada drags White up again, DISCUS LARIAT! Okada roars again and fans fire back up! Okada sits White up, for the MONEY CLIP!!

White is turning red and Okada leans on the hold! Gedo shouts for White to do something, move anything, and White flails around! White reaches out but he’s starting to foam from the mouth! Red Shoes checks, White gets a third wind to get the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go in frustration but the fans rally up. White flops out of the ring but Okada takes aim. Okada builds speed, but Gedo stands in the way! Gedo begs Okada not to do this, but fans boo. Gedo then tries a sucker punch, but Okada blocks and DECKS Gedo! Gedo flounders to where White is, and Okada climbs the corner!? SUPER CANNONBALL takes out White AND Gedo!!

Fans are thunderous as Okada stands back up! Okada drags White up to put him in the ring. Okada drags White up, brings him around and scoops to SLAM! White is in the drop zone, Okada climbs up the corner, and he MACHO ELBOWS! And fans fire up because here comes the Rainmaker Pose! Okada brings White up and in, ripcords, but White deadweights it! Fans boo but White smirks. Okada KICKS White down! White chuckles even though Okada kicks him more. Okada won’t let White play possum forever, and he drags White back up. White pushes Okada away, but that forearm is rather weak. Okada DECKS White with his!

Okada eggs White on, and White drags himself to ropes. White stands, steps up to Okada, and he throws another forearm. Still no good, and Okada DECKS White again! Gedo gets in the ring and distracts Red Shoes! But Okada sees White gearing up for the low blow, so he DECKS White first! Okada drags White around by his arm, stands him up, but White BOOTS! And BOOTS! And SPITS at Okada! Okada is furious, but he swings into an URENAGE!! Both men are down again and fans rally up. White crawls after Okada, clamps onto him with a chinlock, and drags him up. Okada throws elbows to fight the sleeper suplex!

Okada has White on the ropes, he throws more elbows, but White SAIDOS Okada up and out of the ring!! Red Shoes checks on Okada but White hurries to drag Okada back up and in! White flounders after Okada, drags him back up, and SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEXES!! Gedo cheers White on but fans rally for Okada. White drags Okada up and back into the sleeper, and hooks the leg! FISHERMAN BACK SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Gedo is frustrated. But White grabs Okada’s arms, tucks them in, BLACK DRAGON BRAINBUSTER!! White grins and slashes his throat! He drags Okada back up, clinches, BLADE- NO, Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Okada keeps the waistlock, drags White up and now has the wristlock. Gedo panics and White reaches for ropes, but Okada hooks that arm! Backslide, White rolls through, but Okada short arm LARIATS! Okada drags White back up by an arm, for another short arm LARIAT! Okada roars, Gedo freaks out, and fans fire up! Okada ripcords, for the RAIN- NO, White ducks, but comes back into the DROPKICK! Okada ripcords, RAIN- NO! BLADE- NO!! Scoop and LANDSLIDE DRIVER!! Okada drags White back up, ripcords again, RAIN- BLADERUNNER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Okada survives and shocks everyone!

Fans are thunderous as Red Shoes checks both men. White crawls over as Gedo says he just needs one more good shot. White sits Okada up and clinches him. But Okada CLUBS White from below! White just stands Okada up, to short arm LARIAT! White is copying Okada now as he drags Okada back up, for another short arm LARIAT! Fans rally as Okada stirs, but White copies the Rainmaker Pose! White says it’s time, and he ripcords, for the BLADE- NO! Okada sips out, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?? Gedo is going nuts as White somehow survives! White sputters, Gedo pounds the mat to wake him up.

White and Okada stir, and White crawls over to Okada. Okada sits up, he and White are forehead to forehead. Okada throws a forearm! White throws it back! Okada nods and throws another forearm! White flounders, but he comes back to throw another forearm! Gedo fires up, White calls Okada a coward, but Okada and White are forehead to forehead again. The forearms start flying, and White keeps talking trash! Okada grins, White fires up, but Okada ROCKS him! White CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Gedo likes this as White CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Okada falls over and fans fire up more!

White drags Okada up but Okada pushes him away. White CHOPS Okada back down! White keeps telling Okada he’s a coward, and that Okada isn’t going to take this from him! But Okada DECKS White with a forearm! Okada drags White up to ROCK him with forearm after forearm! White flops into the ropes and falls over! Okada eggs White on, White drags himself back up, and the two storm up to each other. White forearms, Okada forearms, repeat, and the fans rally harder with every shot! Okada UPPERCUTS! White wobbles, but Okada brings him around for another UPPERCUT! Okada UPPERCUTS again, but White clinches!

But Okada fights free! Ripcord ENZIGURI! Okada then drags White up, gut wrenches, but White slips free! BLADE- NO, Okada ripcords! NO, White ripcords, Okada STEALS BLADERUNNER?!?! Fans are going nuts and Okada drags White back up! Okada gut wrenches for a SPINNING POWERSLAM!! Fans are thunderous as Okada roars! Okada ripcords, for the RAINMAKER!!!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

The New Year starts with the end of the Switchblade Era! And once again, The Rainmaker reigns! White grabs the title belt, refusing to give it up. Red Shoes grabs the belt and makes it clear White lost. White reluctantly lets go, and the belt is officially given to Okada. When and where will White come back for the top title in NJPW?

As for Okada, he applauds White, and goes to get the mic, but Shingo Takagi gets it first! Takagi tells Okada to hold on! Takagi wishes to interrupt. “Okada, congratulations on becoming the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.” But Takagi didn’t come all the way down here just to say that. One year ago to this day, Takagi lost that title to Okada, and Takagi hasn’t forgotten that. Takagi made up for it with my KOPW reign last year, and he had more than a fitting resumé in 2022. Okada, anyone who watched that match knows how great and strong you are. And the fans definitely got their money’s worth tonight.

Takagi says that this is something worth an even higher ticket price: him challenging Okada for that title! That’s pretty straightforward, so how about they do this on February 11th? AKA New Beginnings in Osaka! And Takagi promises to have the KOPW Championship on top of it! Takagi drops the mic and waits on Okada to respond. Okada picks the mic up, and tells Takagi that he should just get the hell out. Fans cheer for “O-KA-DA!” and Okada says, “TOKYO DOME~! Thank you for your hot, passionate support.” Okada says this was a truly amazing night, and he thanks the fans so much for that.

Okada says he and Jay White fought on another grand stage in NJPW, and White does lead their series 4-1, so Okada knows he’ll have to fight even harder to claw back that difference. But Okada thanks everyone for watching NJPW’s 50th anniversary year, and he gets a bit emotional seeing so many fans in the crowd. Okada asks Antonio Inoki what he thinks about tonight’s matches. Was he watching tonight? Okada hopes Inoki sees that his fighting spirit is here and will continue to burn, so please watch over NJPW as we enter year 51. There is plenty more for NJPW to do the next 50 years and beyond. Inoki, we hope the lights are bright enough for you to see in Heaven.

Okada says as long as the fans support and love NJPW, NJPW will keep fighting for them. And Okada will be the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and continue to make it rain~! Okada drops the mic and fans cheer, but will the Rainmaker be ready for the Rampaging Dragon in Osaka?

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My Thoughts:

Just an incredible event for NJPW to cap their year while starting this new year. I suppose I didn’t need to skip the Young Lion showdown at the very beginning, that was a three minute time limit match, and it looked pretty competitive and fast paced from what I skimmed through. But the New Japan Ranbo was a lot of fun, and what a surprise that Takagi entered that. I’m also surprised Taichi didn’t make the final four, but I do like that they’re giving Khan and Sho a spot in that Fatal 4. I don’t see Sho winning that, it has to be anyone else in that match to win. And that was a really fun Six Man Tag to honor Inoki, though I feel like Makabe getting that pin was semi-botch.

Great match from Catch 2/2 VS Yoh & Lio, and a great finish with TJP snatching that win away. The United Empire is still holding onto those Junior Heavyweight titles, that’s the bit of gold they have and they might be holding onto those for quite some time. Great match from Kairi VS Tam, but I figured Kairi was going to win. And as I had heard the talk of Sasha Banks showing up here, I wasn’t surprised that she confronted Kairi. Sasha calling out Kairi is fitting, but that Gory Especial to DDT is not a good finisher. I didn’t even realize she did the DDT at first. And Sasha’s in NJPW, she can copy a finisher she saw in WWE so long as it isn’t a move someone in NJPW or Stardom already uses. And now I have a reason to put Battle in the Valley on my calendar.

FTR VS Bishamon was a great match for the heavyweight tag titles, but I had a feeling FTR was dropping the belts. This was the time for something that big, and with what’s building for them in AEW, it gives FTR a strong story of having to build back up from nothing after such a great 2022. FTR will beat up Austin & Colten Gunn to get going again, and Goto & Hashi will carry these belts into the various New Beginnings events to give some NJPW teams their chances. Aussie Open wasn’t spotted anywhere tonight, maybe they make a big splash by getting those belts this year.

Great match from ZSJ VS Narita, and while it’s a lot to keep up with when typing it, I really like the pace of the NJPW World TV Division. It truly is a “don’t blink or you’ll miss something,” “thank goodness for rewind technology” type of thing. ZSJ winning is the right choice, he has deserved a singles title for a long time and he is so good as a literal wrestler that he can make this pace work. But the real big development was him joining up with The Mighty in the wake of Suzuki-Gun disbanding and Jonah Rock returning to being Bronson Reed in WWE. ZSJ can help bring TMDK to another level and really establish them as a force in NJPW.

Tama VS Karl was a great match, but with Karl getting busier in WWE, it just makes sense Tama wins the NEVER Openweight title. Tama himself has been deserving of more in a singles run, he can get that going this year and finally come into his own as a singles guy. And it’s not like Guerrillas of Destiny is out of tag team wrestling, as Hikuleo has joined the fold and can team with Tanga Loa when Loa returns from injury. Hell, the three brothers can even go for the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles if they want and reign together. And we got another really fun tribute match with Muto’s team winning over LIJ. I know Naito had been teasing this was his last WrestleKingdom, but this didn’t feel like that. Naito can easily say he’s changed his mind and try everything all over again.

That Fatal 4 Way was great stuff, too, with everyone playing off the rivalries and odd team-ups really well. They really made it look like Wato was gonna get it there with how strong he was before the end, but Hiromu winning out makes sense. He set the record for Best of the Super Junior tournament wins, he has definitely put in the work to be worthy of the title. Ospreay VS Omega for the US title was NUTS! I did not think they were going to go that hard, but what a way for Omega to take that title off of Ospreay. Omega now has the potential to a be a dual champion with the AEW World Trios Championship ladder match next Wednesday, that would be pretty wild.

And of course, another great world title match between Okada and White. In terms of excitement and shock factor, Ospreay VS Omega did better. But the storytelling of Okada and White is a large part of their strength. They know each other so well, the countering back and forth was great, and in the end, of course Okada ends up on top. Okada is still NJPW’s number one guy, they will always circle back to him because of how good he is and how much the fans love him. Now, Takagi showing up to call Okada out was rather surprising, but Takagi being that confident is rather fitting. IWGP World Champion VS KOPW Champion for the first time ever would be really cool, that’ll be big for their Osaka show no matter who wins. At the same time, I think Okada retains, no way his newest reign is only a month and change.

My Score: 9.6/10