NJPW is feeling that California Love!

The Rainmaker and The Ace battle over THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship one more time as NJPW lands in San Jose, California! Will Hiroshi Tanahashi return the shocker from years ago?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff Show – Alex Coughlin VS JR Kratos; Coughlin wins.
• Kickoff Show – David Finlay VS Bobby Fish; Finlay wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Rocky Romero, Josh Alexander, Adrian Quest & Mascara Dorada VS KUSHIDA, Kevin Knight, The DKC & Volador Jr; Kushida, Knight, DKC & Volador win.
• NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Fred Rosser VS KENTA; Kenta wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
• NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The West Coast Wrecking Crew; The MCMG win and retain the titles.
• High Stakes Grudge Match: Jay White VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins and White must leave NJPW.
• Filthy Rules Fight: Tom Lawlor VS Homicide; Lawlor wins.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Clark Connors; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
• IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI VS Mercedes Moné; Mercedes wins and becomes the new IWGP Women’s Champion.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Fred Rosser VS KENTA!

Mr. No Days Off has been on quite the streak as champion, but now he runs into Fang Revived! Will Rosser’s reign continue? Or will he #GoToSleep on the job?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Kenta can force Rosser to take time off!

The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. Kenta keeps his distance and fans cheer him on, so Kenta conducts them. Rosser gets annoyed but Kenta circles with him. They tie up, fight for control, and end up on ropes, then in a corner. The ref counts, Kenta backs away, and resets with Rosser. They feel out another grapple, tie up, and Kenta gets around to a waistlock. Kenta drags Rosser down, but Rosser fights up and gets to ropes. The ref counts, Kenta lets off with a slap! Rosser storms up but Kenta bails out. Rosser goes out after Kenta but Kenta slides back in. Rosser slides in but Kenta stomps away on him!

Kenta kicks Rosser to a corner for more stomps, but Rosser wags his finger. Kenta gives more toying kicks, and Rosser sits up in a huff. Rosser tells Kenta to stop but Kenta gives him another one! Rosser stands up and stares Kenta down! Rosser goes outside, goes over the railing, and he dares Kenta to fight him in the crowd! Fans fire up, Kenta goes out after Rosser, and the brawl is on! San Jose fires up as the forearms fly! Kenta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Rosser sits down and fans fire up more! Kenta revels in it, then he drags Rosser up. Kenta pushes Rosser to railing, runs in, and BOOTS him over!

Fans rally, Kenta goes back to ringside, and he sits Rosser up for more KICKS! Kenta scuffs Rosser, Rosser shakes the railing in anger. A ring count starts, Kenta puts Rosser in, but Rosser slides right back out to BOOT him! Rosser drags Kenta up onto the apron as the ring count restarts. Kenta fights the lift, then he claws Rosser’s eyes! Kenta kicks low, and hits an APRON DDT! Fans fire up while Rosser writhes and Kenta throws off his headband. Kenta steps back inside, sits Rosser and kicks him. Rosser wags his finger, Kenta KICKS! Rosser CHOPS, Kenta KICKS! Kenta eggs Rosser on so Rosser throws a forearm!

Kenta throws a forearm, Rosser throws one back! Kenta ROCKS and KICKS Rosser, then snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Rosser writhes again, Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta pushes Rosser down to drop a knee! And then another! And then he brings the kneepad down, to jump, and then scuff Rosser’s face! Fans cheer the trolling and Kenta brings the kneepad up. Kenta eggs Rosser on, kicks him around, but Rosser gets mad again. Rosser swings, but Kenta spins him into another DDT! Kenta drags Rosser to a cover, TWO! Kenta stands Rosser up, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kenta clamps on with a chinlock!

Rosser endures, pulls hair, but the ref reprimands. Kenta tries to grab hair but Rosser’s bald so no go. Fans rally, Rosser fights up and throws elbows. But Kenta throws Rosser by his head and beard! Fans duel while Kenta drags Rosser back up. Kenta throws haymakers but Rosser stands up. Kenta throws haymakers but Rosser snarls. Kenta SOBATS, runs in, but into a lift! Rosser RAMS Kenta into the corner! Rosser CHOPS and LARIATS, over and over, then he fires off LARIAT after LARIAT! Rosser kicks Kenta’s leg out, then gives a HIP ATTACK! And another! And another! And another! Rosser lets off as the ref counts and fans fire up.

Rosser runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Rosser drags Kenta out, LEG DROP! Then HIP DROP! Cover, TWO! Kenta survives but Rosser keeps focus. Rosser drags Kenta up, fireman’s carries, and runs, but Kenta slips off to rake eyes! Kenta rams Rosser into buckles, then kicks low for a DDT! Three DDTs for Rosser but Kenta isn’t done! Kenta climbs up, Rosser stands, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rosser is still in this but Kenta brings him up. Kenta waistlocks but Rosser throws elbows! Rosser runs in but Kenta dumps him to the apron. Kenta BOOTS but Rosser stays on the apron. Kenta goes out to join him as fans fire up.

Kenta stands Rosser up, waistlocks, but Rosser resists the suplex by holding ropes! Rosser throws elbows, then switches around, APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kenta flops to the floor and fans fire up! Rosser goes to the apron, he leaps, FLYING HIP DROP! Rosser almost wipes himself out, but he drags Kenta up and into the ring. Rosser runs, and he CLOBBERS Kenta! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Kenta is in a daze. Rosser has a leg, he turns Kenta over, but Kenta rolls and drags Rosser down! GAME OVER CROSSFACE! Rosser endures, reaches out, crawls forward, ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets off with his hands but the ref has him let go of the arm with his legs.

Kenta KICKS Rosser in the back, KICKS him again, then stomps him on the apron! Kenta drags Rosser up through the ropes, has him draped, BRAIN KILLER! That’s the fourth DDT, San Jose is DDT City! Rosser is in the corner, Kenta runs in, FLYING BOOT! And then HESITATION DROPKICK! Fans are fired up while Rosser is down and Kenta climbs! COUP DE GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Rosser survives but Kenta starts the night-night hand motion, to then flip the fans off! Kenta slashes his throat, drags Rosser up and fireman’s carries! But Rosser fights free to the CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING!! Rosser has Kenta caught!!

Kenta endures, flails, he drags the ref into things and that forces Rosser to let go of the hold! Rosser is furious and he drags Kenta up. Kenta ROCKS Rosser with a forearm! Rosser ROCKS Kenta back! Kenta comes back, he throws a forearm, but so does Rosser! They go back and forth, no guard! Fans rally, Rosser gets the edge, but then Kenta CROSS COUNTERS! Rosser wobbles, Kenta ROCKS him again and again and again with palm strikes! Rosser blocks a shot, then ROCKS Kenta! And ROLLING ELBOWS!! Kenta’s down, Rosser covers, TWO!! Kenta survives and fans fire up again! Rosser is frustrated but he shakes out the cobwebs.

Fans declare “This is Awesome!” as Rosser HEADBUTTS Kenta! Rosser stands Kenta up, fireman’s carries, but Kenta grabs the ref! Rosser lets Kenta down, and he blocks Kenta’s kick! Rosser turns things around, tries the stepover, but Kenta rolls and sends Rosser into the ref! Fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO! Rosser blocks to get the STF CHICKEN WING!! Kenta taps but the ref is down! Rosser should’ve won by now but no one can call it! And here comes JUICE ROBINSON! Rosser swings on Juice, Juice dodges, and then Juice hits the LEFT HAND O’ GOD!!! But more than that, there appear to be coins spilling all over the place!!

Rosser is out cold in the ropes and Juice runs away! Kenta drags Rosser to the fireman’s carry, GO TO SLEEP!! Kenta wakes the ref up, brings him over, and then covers Rosser! KENTA WINS!

Winner: Kenta, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)

The Booster’s loaded left sets Rosser up for the fall! Rosser’s reign ends, and now Kenta is the third-ever champion! Kenta holds the belt over Rosser, will Kenta make NJPW Strong #JustTooSweet?

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The West Coast Wrecking Crew!

Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are double tag champs with both these and the Impact Tag Team Championships, but Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs don’t care! They wanna bring some gold to Team Filthy, but will they pull it off in their home turf? Or will MCMG be greater than WCWC?

The introductions are made, the NJPW belts are- WAIT, WCWC strikes first! Royce goes after Sabin while Jorel is after Shelley! Jorel stomps away on Shelley and Royce CLUBS Sabin. Royce throws Sabin out and Jorel lets off Shelley, and then Jorel mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Jorel then kicks Shelley around, slaps him around, but Shelley throws him out! And Sabin SUPERKICKS him! Royce runs in but Shelley elbows him away! Sabin goes up top and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up with MCMG and Shelley goes out to open the ropes. Sabin runs but Royce trips him up! And Jorel YANKS Shelley down!

Royce drags Sabin out and suplexes him, then walks around the ring with him! Jorel puts Shelley in the ring, Royce makes it halfway around the ring now while Jorel has Shelley in his own stalling suplex! Fans fire up for this display of strength, and “Roycey” completes his lap before “Relly” SLAMS Shelley down! Royce punctuates things by SLAMMING Sabin on the apron! Sabin flops to the floor, Royce joins Jorel in the ring, and Jorel says it’s photo op time! The WCWC pose, hard to say if anyone takes pictures, but Jorel stands Shelley up. Jorel EuroUppers, then RAMS Shelley into the corner!

Tag to Royce, he sets the leg up, and Jorel runs side to side to KNEE the knee! Jorel then grabs the leg for a DRAGON SCREW, and Royce runs to hit a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Royce clamps onto Shelley and throws down “TEAM! FIL-THY!” elbows! Cover, TWO! Royce keeps the rhythm going with his claps, and he bumps Shelley off buckles. Royce tags Jorel, Jorel runs to DOUBLE KNEE! Shelley staggers into Royce’s BACKBREAKER! Jorel covers, TWO! Jorel clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Shelley down. Fans rally as Shelley endures, and Shelley fights up. Jorel shifts but Shelley kicks a leg!

Shelley fires forearms but Jorel hits a ROLLING ELBOW! Jorel says “West Side!” and DROPKICKS! Jorel then goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Sabin returns and shoves him down! Fans fire up, Jorely crawls, hot tag to Royce! Royce BLASTS Sabin off the apron, runs in, but Shelley catches him for the BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley crawls for his corner, but Jorel runs at Sabin! Sabin ROCKS Jorel first! Jorel staggers, Shelley slides under, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin BOOTS Jorel, runs and LARIATS, then he clotheslines Royce in a corner! Jorel runs in but Sabin hurdles, Jorel RAMS Royce in the corner!

Sabin then reels Jorel in, and he kicks off Royce to TORNADO DDT Jorel! Royce goes outside, Sabin goes to the apron, PENALTY KICK! Sabin keeps moving, he goes up and CROSSBODIES Jorel! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Jorel staggers up. Shelley returns, fans fire up, MCMG BOOT ENZIGURI COMBO! Sabin tries to fireman’s carry but Jorely fights with elbows. Sabin elbows back, ROLLING ELBOWS, and Shelley ROLLING ELBOWS! They SUPERKICK LARIAT COMBO! MCMG whips Jorel out and WRECK Royce at the same time! Shelley opens the ropes for Sabin to DIVE onto WCWC!

Fans are thunderous and Sabin shows Jorel how to point at the hand. Sabin puts Jorel in, fans rally for “MOTOR CITY!” and Shelley sets Jorel up, Sabin is up top, MISSILE DROPKICK COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Sabin brings Jorel up, fireman’s carries, but Jorel slips off! Shelley waistlocks but Jorel RAMS him back into the corner. Sabin runs in, Jorel dodges and the BOOT hits Shelley! Jorel KNEES Sabin! Royce gets in, he fireman’s carries Sabin and Jorel goes up top! Jorel steps on Sabin to drop the ELBOW on Shelley! And then Jorel sets up, Royce DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS Sabin onto Jorel’s knees! Cover, TWO!!

The WCWC can’t believe it but the fans fire up! MCMG regroup but the WCWC roar and stalk up behind them! Double deadlifts, and DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up as Jorel kips up! The WCWC roar again, and they focus on Sabin! Sabin’s on the apron, Royce full nelsons! And then pops Sabin up into a HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Sabin staggers, Jorel FLYING CUTTERS!! Cover, Shelley breaks it in time! Royce ROLLING HAYMAKERS Shelley! Canadian Rack, but Shelley slips off! Shelley sends Royce into Jorel, then atomic drops! DREAM SEQUENCE on Royce!

Fans fire up as the MCMG now focus on Jorel. Shelley swings, misses, but switches. Jorel switches, Sabin helps Shelley get free, and then Sabin hits a CUTTER on Jorel! Fans fire up more and the MCMG double mule kick, hook Jorel up, DIRT BOMB!! Cover, MCMG wins!

Winners: The Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)

The home game doesn’t go WCWC’s way, and Sabin & Shelley stay double tag team champions! Will the Machine Guns continue to have an impact on NJPW Strong?

High Stakes Grudge Match: Jay White VS Eddie Kingston!

The Switchblade’s New Beginning was actually more of an ending. He lost to Hikuleo, and now can NEVER return to Japan! But in his anger, he doubles down! The loser here will NEVER work in or even with NJPW again! Will White prove this is STILL his era? Or will the Mad King follow through on his promise to hurt White like he’s never been hurt before?

The bell rings and fans fire up already. White encourages the fans to get louder, even as they duel between him and Eddie. White eggs Eddie on, but then backs out of the ring. Fans boo as White trolls Eddie but Eddie storms up to the ropes! White scurries away, playing peekaboo at the corner. The ref has Eddie back off, White keeps trolling, so Eddie sits down and dares White to get in. White gets on the apron, Eddie rushes up, but White hotshots him away! White rushes in, but Eddie CHOPS him down! White flounders right out of the ring and fans fire up again. Eddie watches White sputter, and he holds the ropes open for White!

White is upset by that, he slides in, they tie up, and Eddie puts White in the corner. The ref gets between them, but White cheap CHOPS Eddie! White taunts Eddie, bumps him off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, White digs his boot in, but lets off at 4. White CLUBS Eddie against the ropes, then stands him up in the corner to RAM his shoulder in again and again! The ref counts, White lets off to Too Sweet CHOP! Eddie hits an STO! Eddie rains down HEADBUTTS! The ref reprimands about hair pulling so Eddie lets off. Eddie sits White up to SLAP him! Then he stands White up to CHOP him back down!

Eddie stomps White at the ropes, stands on him, but the ref counts. Eddie lets off and fans fire up while White flounders. Eddie grins and tells White to fight back. Eddie stands White up but White throws elbows! Eddie CLUBS White in the chest! Eddie then CHOPS White in the back! Eddie eggs White on and fans rally up. White sits up, Eddie CLUBS him again! Eddie CHOPS White and White staggers back to a corner! White gets up to ROCK Eddie with a forearm, but Eddie CHOPS him back down! Eddie wants White to fight back and fans fire up. Eddie stands White up to half nelson, but White elbows free!

White kicks Eddie’s leg, and DDT! Eddie writhes to the ropes but White still has to catch his breath. Eddie crawls to a corner, fans rally up, and White goes to the opposite corner. White runs in to UPPERCUT! White then brings Eddie around, CORNER HALF HATCH! White grins now as Eddie writhes. White drags Eddie up again, BLADEBUSTER with some stank! Cover, TWO! Eddie survives but White is annoyed. White kicks at Eddie but Eddie eggs him on. White SLAPS Eddie, but Eddie likes that! Eddie SLAPS back, eggs White on, so White rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands, White stops, and he stalks Eddie.

White stands Eddie up, clinches, but Eddie throws elbows. White throws knees, clinches again, but Eddie fires off BACKHAND after BACKHANDE! Then EXPLODER! Fans fire up with Eddie and he stands White up again, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! White is still in this but Eddie keeps cool. Fans rally up while White crawls. Eddie drags White up, half nelsons, but White fights. Eddie shifts to a waistlock, but White fights that, too. Eddie lets go to CHOP White back down! Eddie wants White to get up, and White sits up, into another CHOP! Fans fire up as White sits up and smiles. Eddie smiles, too, and CHOPS White back down!

White sits up again, lip bleeding, but then he drops back to deny Eddie a chop. But Eddie makes White sit up so he can CHOP him! And then again! And again! Fans fire up as Eddie put his weight behind that one! But White sits up and shakes his head. Eddie gives White junkyard dog headbutts, but White comes back. They stand, Eddie CHOPS White and White flops out of the ring! Fans fire up behind Eddie as White uses the railing to stand. White gets back in the ring, Eddie CHOPS him again! White shakes his head as he staggers about, so Eddie CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! White flops to a corner, the smile gone.

White still shakes his head but Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! White sits down but the CHOPS keep coming! Eddie wants White to keep fighting, but White is laughing now! White drags himself up again, steps up to Eddie, and Eddie CHOPS again! White somehow stays up on his feet but he’s sputtering again. Eddie CHOPS again, and White leans against him to stay up. Eddie laughs and spins, but White ducks to then hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down and fans fire up! White crawls to Eddie, drags him up into a waistlock, deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX!! But Eddie stands back up!?

Eddie and White both stagger and stumble, go to opposite corners, but then they run in, White LARIATS Eddie down!! Cover, TWO!! White roars in anger, but he drags Eddie up into the clinch! URENAGE! Cover, TWO!!! Eddie survives and fans are thunderous! White sits Eddie up, finger guns at him, and has the sleeper. But Eddie resists the lift! Eddie powers out to CHOP! White CHOPS! Eddie leans against the corner, White CHOPS again! Too Sweet, CHOP! Eddie takes his straps down and CHOPS back! Fans fire up as both men stagger. White CHOPS, but Eddie CHOPS back! White steadies himself, fans rally up for Eddie, but White CHOPS again!

Eddie clutches his chest, but he CHOPS back again! White falls over! White sits up quick and shakes his head. White CHOPS, Eddie staggers, so White CHOPS again! Eddie roars to CHOP and CHOP! White falls again, Eddie has him in a corner, for MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Eddie stands White up to CHOP again! White turns things around to MACHINE GUN CHOP!! They go forehead to forehead, Eddie pushes White back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP!! White rakes Eddie’s eyes! The ref counts, White lets off at 4, but Eddie swings wild! He almost hits the ref! White rushes in, SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX!!

White slashes his throat, drags Eddie back up, and BLADE- EYES TO THE FACE! Eddie returns the favor, then he pushes the ref away! White LOW BLOWS Eddie!!! Fans boo as White hits BLADERUNNER!!! But Eddie flops outta the ring!! Eddie stays safe and fans are thunderous! White fetches Eddie into the ring, covers, TWO!!! Eddie survives and White argues with the ref! The ref says the count was fair, so White has no choice but to drag Eddie up again. Eddie URAKENS!! Cover, TWO!?!? White survives Eddie’s best shot and no one can believe it! Fans are electric as Eddie sits White up. White pushes Eddie away but Eddie looms over him.

Eddie sits White up again, makes him look up at him, and then offers a fist bump. White looks at the fist, and SPITS at it! So Eddie URAKENS!! AND URAKENS!! White flounders into a corner, somehow stands up, and Eddie shouts at him to fight back. White swings feebly, into a HALF ‘N’ HALF!! White staggers up, into an URAKEN!!! Scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!??!? White survives and San Jose is in shock! White feebly reaches for Eddie but Eddie drags him up. Eddie says it’s okay, and then scoops again, NORTHERN LIGHTS DRIVER!!! Cover, EDDIE WINS!!!!

Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (Jay White MUST LEAVE NJPW)

The Mad King has put the last nail in the coffin of King Switch!! White’s era in NJPW is truly over! But as a show of respect, Eddie wants his song to end so that we can all show our appreciation for what White has done. White pushes the ref and the Young Lions away, and fans chant, “Thank You, Jay!” It is sinking in for Jay White that he has lost what little he had left. White stands, fans cheer and then chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” White gets the mic to say- WAIT! DAVID FINLAY!? SHILLELAGH SHOT!!! The Rebel ruins White’s moment!

Finlay grabs the mic to say, “You had this company by the balls, and you let it go? You had this business in the palm of your hand, and you let me take it from you! Do you have any idea how many years I sat backstage and I thought to myself, ‘I would kill for what Jay White has.’ Well, I stopped thinking about it and I decided that I will kill for what Jay White has! Excuse me, had. Jay, now I mean this from the bottom of my heart: F YOUR ERA! And F CALIFORNIA! And Japan, and Ireland, and anywhere else, because no matter where I go, I’m on the outside! In America, I’m Irish. In Ireland, I’m American. And in Japan, I’m a GAIJIN!

“Well quite frankly, it’s BS and I’m sick of it. Because I don’t just wrestle in a country, I wrestle in a BUSINESS!” Fans tell Finlay to STFU but Finlay says no, THEY should STFU. “You wanna call me the gaijin? My people have been here for FOUR GENERATIONS! How long have any of you been in here?! Huh, how long? Tell me, nobody can tell me. FOUR generations. So I’m telling you all in the back right now. California better here me, Japan better here me. If I find any of in between these ropes, you better have my permission to be there. So you, get that piece of sh*t outta here so we can get a nice clean shot of me to finish.”

Finlay says no more waiting, “this business was born from blood and dirt, and there is absolutely no place on earth a savage like me feels more at home!” The Rebel has issued an ultimatum to all of pro-wrestling, will this be Finlay’s era now?

Filthy Rules Fight: Tom Lawlor VS Homicide!

No disqualifications, no count outs, NO ROPES, and that means there’s no holding back on this one! Will this get downright filthy between these two wild warriors?

Lawlor gets the fans fired up as he spins around, and then takes off his sweats! Lawlor puts his ghi aside but the sweats give him some trouble. Fans cheer as they finally come off, and Lawlor then puts on his MMA gloves. The bell rings and Homicide CLOBBERS Lawlor! Cover, TWO! Homicide CLOBBERS Lawlor from behind, covers, TWO! Homicide argues the count but the ref says the count is fair. Homicide cravats but Lawlor pushes him away. With no ropes, Homicide has to jump to the floor! Homicide gets back to the apron, but Lawlor PENALTY KICKS his arm! Lawlor then hops down and grabs a trash can lid! SMACK to Homicide’s head!

Lawlor SMACKS Homicide again! Fans fire up and Lawlor puts the lid aside to go looking under the ring. Lawlor brings the trash can over to SMACK Homicide on the back! Lawlor snapmares Homicide, fans chant, “We Want Tables!” Lawlor runs around the ring to come back and PENALTY KICK! Lawlor fires up and fans fire up, too! Lawlor brings a chair over, and he SMACKS Homicide on the back! Lawlor puts the chair on the floor, fans rally up “TEAM! FIL-THY! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Lawlor runs down the ramp, but Homicide CHUCKS the chair at him!! Homicide then puts the chair in the ring and drags Lawlor up.

Homicide SMACKS Lawlor with the trash can lid! And then again! Homicide puts the trash can in the ring, too, and he brings Lawlor up. EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Lawlor is still in this but Homicide checks the corner. The turnbuckles are there despite no ropes, so Homicide whips Lawlor into the POST! Lawlor flops down, and Homicide has baking sheets! Homicide SMACKS Lawlor again and again and again, then CLAPS him with both! Homicide stands Lawlor up, Lawlor throws body shots but Homicide knees low. Homicide CLUBS Lawlor, then he hits a DDT! Homicide goes looking again, and he brings out a ladder! Fans like the look of that!

Homicide props the ladder up against the ring, then gets a kendo stick. Homicide SMACKS Lawlor with it, and again! Homicide then goes looking for more, fans want a table but Homicide has FORKS!! Fans are going nuts as Homicide proves they’re metal forks. But Lawlor TACKLES Homicide, ties up the legs, CLOVERLEAF KNEEBAR!! But Homicide stabs at Lawlor’s TOES with the fork!!! Lawlor lets go of Homicide, but stands up into a CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Homicide argues the count but the ref says no, that was still a fair one. Homicide whips but Lawlor reverses and POSTS Homicide! Homicide falls to the floor!

Lawlor leaps off the apron! They crash into the railing! Lawlor stands up and fires up and fans fire up with him. Lawlor puts the ladder all the way in the ring, then grabs a chair. Lawlor SMACKS Homicide in the side, then he fires off haymakers! Lawlor takes off a glove, and he grabs a silver knuckle from the ring kit. Lawlor ROCKS Homicide with the silver knuckles! And again! And again! Homicide staggers away but Lawlor keeps on him! They go back to the ring, and Lawlor stomps Homicide against the post. Lawlor hooks Homicide’s mouth with the turnbuckle!! Fans tell Lawlor he’s sick, but he stands Homicide up.

Lawlor says, “I’m about to act up! Y’all wanna see a Homicide?” Fans fire up and Lawlor runs corner to corner, but Homicide dodges! The punch hits the post!! Homicide CHUCKS another chair into Lawlor’s face!! Lawlor’s hand is busted open but Homicide searches for stuff. He throws out the ropes, and then brings out a WOOD DOOR! Fans thought it was a table but it’s not. The ref reprimands but there’s nothing that can stop this. Homicide hits Lawlor with a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Homicide SMACKS Lawlor with the trash can! Homicide then stands Lawlor up, but Lawlor picks Homicide up, URENAGE on the trash can! Cover, TWO!!

Lawlor keeps his cool as he drags Homicide off the can. Lawlor kicks Homicide down, then goes looking under the ring. Fans still want a table, but Lawlor can’t find one. Fans say, “Use The Door!” so Lawlor gives a thumbs up! He scoops Homicide, but Homicide slips off! Snap suplex! Uno amigo, then another! Dos amigos, and Homicide gets back up. But Lawlor slips around, GERMAN SUPLEX! And another GERMAN SUPLEX! But Homicide fights through to hit another amigo! But Lawlor slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down and fans fire up! Fans chant “USE THE DOOR!” as Homicide clinches.

Lawlor elbows Homicide then ENZIGURIS! V-TRIGGER! Lawlor sits Homicide up and KAMI-GOYES! Then the SLEEPER!! Homicide flails, reaches out, but there are no ropes to use. Fans rally, Homicide fights up and fireman’s carries! Homicide aims, FLYING DEATH VALLEY through the door!!! Fans lose their minds as both men crash down! The ref checks both men in the wreckage, and Homicide sits up first. Homicide puts part of the busted door in the ring, then he brings Lawlor along. Homicide sits Lawlor up but Lawlor throws body shots. Homicide still reels Lawlor in, PILEDRIVER on the door! Cover, TWO!!!

Homicide calls his shot, he turns Lawlor around, but Lawlor slips out of the vertabreaker! Homicide kicks low, reels him back in, but Lawlor fights the lift! He back drops Homicide on the ladder! Homicide writhes, Lawlor gets a chair and CHUCKS it at him! And then runs in, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Homicide is still in this but Lawlor has the piece of door! He SMACKS Homicide back down!! And then he goes to the ladder! Lawlor stands the ladder up, brings a chair along, and he places the chair on Homicide’s face. Lawlor stands the ladder up, says a quick prayer, then climbs! Fans freak out as Lawlor goes to the very top! FALLING HEADBUTT TO THE CHAIR!!!

Both men writhe and fans lose their minds! Cover, TWO!?!? Homicide survives but Lawlor slashes his throat! Lawlor straitjackets for the NASTY KNEE ON THE BRAIN!! And then REAR NAKED CHOKE!!! Homicide flips Lawlor off, then fades out! Lawlor wins!!!

Winner: Tom Lawlor, by submission

That was brutal, that was nasty, and in the end, it was filthy! Lawlor wins big, will he go from here to grab some gold?

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Clark Connors!

The Submission Master is now The Mighty’s Front Man, and he does not kneel. But will he get run over by the Wild Rhino? Or will ZSJ make sure Connors’ 15 minutes of fame are all he gets?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how long Connors’ scene lasts!

The bell rings, the two circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, ZSJ kicks free, and he resets with Connors. Fans rally, the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and they end up on ropes. The ref gets in between them but they don’t break. ZSJ and Connors let off cleanly, and Connors pats ZSJ on the shoulders. ZSJ EuroUppers! So Connors EuroUppers! The EuroUppers go back and forth, ZSJ eggs Connors on and Connors CHOPS! And CHOPS! ZSJ uppercuts, Connors uppercuts, and Connors brings ZSJ up. ZSJ headbutts low, headlocks, but Connors powers out. They RAM shoulders, and Connors eggs ZSJ on.

ZSJ runs, they RAM shoulders, and now ZSJ eggs Connors on. Connors runs, but into a BOOT! ZSJ runs, RAMS Connors, but Connors redirects to run ZSJ over! Fans fire up, Connors throws hands and CHOPS! ZSJ ends up in a corner, Connors CHOPS him again! ZSJ falls over, fans fire up with Connors, but ZSJ says that’s weak stuff. ZSJ gets up, shoulder bumps Connors, then eggs him on. Connors CHOPS him off his feet! Fans fire up and ZSJ sits up, nodding. He admits, that was good. Connors eggs ZSJ on, “C’mon, mate!” ZSJ EuroUppers! Connors CHOPS! ZSJ goes to ropes, Connors whips but ZSJ catches him, spins him, and gets a COBRA TWIST!

Fans fire up for that great exchange, but then Connors hip tosses out! Connors brings ZSJ up but ZSJ snapmares and NECK TWISTS! ZSJ flexes, sits on Connors and keeps the neck lock. ZSJ pats Connors on the stomach but lets off. Connors goes to ropes and fans rally up. ZSJ stands Connors up, trips him, and then stands on one leg as he twists the other! Connors endures as ZSJ tweaks and yanks on the ankle! ZSJ then steps through, SMASHES the other leg, and SMASHES it again! ZSJ then shifts again, Deathlock and some hair pulling, but into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Connors reaches out, ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go quickly.

Connors goes to the corner while fans cheer ZSJ. ZSJ walks up to Connors, gives him toying kicks, then tells off the fans. ZSJ kicks and kicks and kicks, but Connors stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! ZSJ KICKS Connors down! Fans rally and we’re past five minutes. ZSJ bends fingers and twists the wrist! Connors has the ROPEBREAK, but ZSJ lets off with a stomp. ZSJ shouts at the San Jose fans, then stands Connors up to wrench and wristlock. ZSJ flexes, twists the wrist, but Connors throws body shots! ZSJ hits an ELBOW BREAKER, runs, but Connors ducks ‘n’ runs to POUNCE! ZSJ ends up in a corner and fans fire up!

Connors is in the opposite corner and fans rally up. ZSJ and Connors drag themselves up, Connors runs in to ELBOW! Connors whips corner to corner, runs in and RAMS into ZSJ! But ZSJ facelocks for a GUILLOTINE, but Connors RAMS ZSJ back in! Connors whips ZSJ, ZSJ comes back, FLYING GUILLOTINE! Connors stays up while ZSJ has the body scissors, and Connors powers up and out with a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Fans fire up, Connors runs to BOOT ZSJ down! Stacked cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes after being folded up and Connors grows frustrated. Fans rally, Connors brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ blocks the suplex!

Connors keeps trying but ZSJ fights the suplex to then WRING the bad arm! ZSJ tells fans to shut up about PG, they should just go watch “the other show.” ZSJ kicks Connors around but Connors snarls. Connors ROCKS ZSJ, but that’s his bad arm! ZSJ eggs Connors on, so Connors ROCKS ZSJ with the other arm! ZSJ EuroUppers! Connors comes back to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ EuroUppers again! Connors ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ wants the left! So Connors ROCKS him with the left! Connors swings again, but ZSJ blocks to PELE the arm! ZSJ full nelsons, Connors breaks it, but ZSJ GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Connors stands!? ZSJ BOOTS, but Connors rebounds to CLOBBER ZSJ! Connors snap suplexes ZSJ down! Cover, TWO! Connors is frustrated but the fans rally as he aims from the corner. Connors runs in, into a KNEE! He comes back, but ZSJ sprawls the Spear! FUJIWARA, to JIM BREAKS ARMBAR! And then a RINGS OF SATURN variation! But Connors endures, sits up, but gets caught into a TESCO MEAL DEAL WITH A SIDE OF CRAB!! Connors fights, rolls, but into a HALF CRAB!! But Connors still gets the ROPEBREAK! And we’re at ten minutes now! Time is not on Connors’ side and ZSJ revels in it.

ZSJ talks trash on the fans, runs in at Connors, PENALTY- NO! Connors blocks the kick! Connors stands, ZSJ SLAPS him! And SLAPS! Connors eggs him on, ZSJ SLAPS more, but Connors HEADBUTTS! Connors swings, into a SNAP DRAGON! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Connors survives and ZSJ is frustrated. Connors sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! And then another KICK! And another KICK! Connors eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ runs, into a SPEAR!! Connors fires up, whips ZSJ, POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Connors snarls, he brings ZSJ up but ZSJ plays dead. ZSJ then bends the fingers!

Three minutes left, ZSJ SLAPS Connors! ZSJ eggs Connors on, Connors CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks to UPPERCUT the arm! Connors CHOPS again! ZSJ falls over and fans fire up with Connors! Connors runs in, but into an UPPERCUT! Connors comes back, he catches ZSJ to a backslide! TWO!!! Connors hurries to haul ZSJ up, POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as we reach the two minute warning! Connors stands ZSJ up, waistlocks, but ZSJ standing switches. ZSJ trips Connors, body scissors and rolls, JAPAN- NO, Connors grabs ZSJ for a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! ZSJ is turning red already as he fights up!

Connors squeezes tight, ZSJ stands, but ZSJ is fading! Connors hauls ZSJ up, TROPHY- NO, TRIANGLE HOLD! But Connors rolls through, OH MY GAH ANKLE!! ZSJ stands but Connors TWISTS! ZSJ turns, drags Connors down, DISARMER!! Connors taps, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)

With one minute remaining on the clock, ZSJ snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Will The Front Man’s TV time ever run out? But wait, as ZSJ goes up the ramp, Kevin Knight is there to meet him, and it’s clear he wants next. ZSJ asks San Jose, “What do you morons think?” ZSJ tells Knight he’ll think about it, but Knight says it’s only a matter of time.

IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI VS Mercedes Moné!

The Pirate Princess and The Boss–or, CEO now–have met before when they were both in the WWE. But this is a different time and place. Will that mean it will be a different result between them? Or will history repeat itself and prove Moné is money?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the captain of this ship!

The bell rings and fans already chant “This is Awesome!” Fans then chant for “MER-CE-DES! MER-CE-DES!” Mercedes and Kairi circle, and then fans chant for “KAI-RI! KAI-RI!” Mercedes is a little annoyed, but she and Kairi tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, and Mercedes has Kairi in a corner. The ref counts, Mercedes lets off, and then allows Kairi to come back. The two circle again, tie up again, and go around. Mercedes wrenches to wristlock, but Kairi wrenches back. Kairi hammerlocks, Mercedes reaches back to headlock. Kairi throws body shots, powers up and out, but Sasha springboards to arm-drag, roll through, BANK STATEMENT!

Kairi moves around, slips free, and the two stand off. Mercedes lets Kairi know it was that close, but applauds Kairi’s escape. They reset, feel things out, and fans rally for both. Kairi and Mercedes knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and they each hook with their heads to look for leverage. Kairi powers Mercedes back but Mercedes bridges. Mercedes then powers up to push Kairi back, but Kairi bridges! Fans fire up as Kairi then powers up, but Mercedes BOOTS and headlocks! Kairi throws body shots, powers out, and then follows to rebound and RANA! Fans fire up as Kairi SHOTGUNS Mercedes out of the ring!

Mercedes stands up, Kairi goes to the apron, and fans fire up as she FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS! Kairi fires up and fans are with her as she goes back to the apron. The ring count starts, Kairi drags Mercedes up and puts her in, then brings Mercedes up. Kairi CHOPS! Fans fire up while Mercedes is stinging! Kairi stands Mercedes up again, to CHOP her again! Kairi runs in but Mercedes dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP away with both hands! Mercedes stands Kairi up, knuckle locks and goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Kairi tumbles all the way to the other corner, Mercedes runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Mercedes knuckle locks and wrenches while fans duel. Mercedes goes up and up but Kairi trips her! Kairi CLUBS and SLAPS Mercedes into the Tree of Woe, and then she stomps her more! Kairi climbs up, but Mercedes sits up to throw hands! Mercedes gets free, and STEP-UP KNEES Kairi down! Kairi is on the apron, Mercedes stands her up and POSTS her! Then she goes to the other side to HOTSHOT Kairi down! Fans fire up again as Mercedes stalks Kairi. Mercedes brings her up, SLAMS her hand on the apron, and then brings her to a corner. Mercedes YANKS Kairi into the post! Mercedes drags Kairi up, puts Kairi in the ring, covers, TWO!

Mercedes looms over Kairi, kicks her around, and talks some smack. Fans are torn, but then Mercedes SLAPS Kairi down! Mercedes stands on Kairi while motioning she’ll be wearing the belt. But Kairi fires forearms in return! Kairi whips, Mercedes reverses and spins Kairi, DDT! Cover, TWO! But Mercedes has the arm for a top wristlock! Fans rally as Kairi endures, and Kairi kicks her way around. Kairi fights up, rolls Mercedes up, TWO! Mercedes CLOBBERS Kairi! Cover, TWO! Mercedes sighs, and she takes off a leg warmer to SLAP Kairi with it! The ref reprimands but that’s not illegal.

Mercedes CHOKES Kairi on the ropes, lets off, then CHOKES her again! Mercedes STANDS on Kairi, but lets off as the ref counts. Kairi gets out to the railing but Mercedes goes out after her. Mercedes puts Kairi right back in, wrenches and hits an ARM BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mercedes grows frustrated but she cools herself off. Mercedes drags Kairi up and brings her to a corner. Mercedes scoops Kairi to put her in a Tree of Woe, digs her boot in, then wraps Kairi’s arms around ropes! Mercedes pulls Kairi’s arms while digging her boots in! Then she kicks away on Kairi! The ref counts, Mercedes lets off with a BOOT!

Kairi flops out of the Tree, Mercedes brings her out of the ring. Mercedes has Kairi at the corner, but Kairi blocks the yank to YANK Mercedes into the post! Fans rally as Kairi fires up! Kairi stands Mercedes up, whips her into a POST! Mercedes goes tumbling away and fans fire up with Kairi! Kairi wants one more, she whips Mercedes but Mercedes reverses! Kairi hits POST! Both women are down, the ring count is 10 of 20! They stir at 12, fans rally up, and both women drag themselves up at 15! They stagger, Kairi and Mercedes slide in at 19!! Fans fire up, Kairi runs in but into a takedown! Mercedes STOMPS the bad arm!

Mercedes looms over Kairi, drags her up, and back suplexes, just to stick Kairi on the corner. Mercedes CLUBS away on Kairi’s back, then climbs up behind her. Fans rally and duel as Mercedes goes to the very top! But Kairi trips Mercedes up! Now Mercedes is in the Tree! Kairi turns around, for WOE STOMPS!! Fans fire up as Kairi roars! Kairi grits her teeth while Mercedes slowly sits up. Mercedes drags herself up in the corner, she storms up on Kairi but Kairi blocks the kick! Kairi throws Mercedes down, runs, and hits the BLOCKBUSTER! Mercedes stands again, INTERCEPTOR! Kairi is fired up and the fans are thunderous!

Mercedes is in another corner, and Kairi beats the mat. Fans clap along and Kairi stomps around. Time to walk the plank! SLIDING D! Fans fire up again as Kairi climbs up! FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! Cover, TWO! But Kairi snapmares Mercedes, wraps on headscissors, and she adds an arm, it’s a modified TRIANGLE HOLD! Fans are dueling as Mercedes endures! Mercedes rolls and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kairi lets go in frustration but she goes to the apron. Kairi drags Mercedes up, Alabama Lifts, but Mercedes fights free! Mercedes reels Kairi in but Kairi tries another Alabama! Mercedes fights free again and KNEES Kairi down!

Mercedes METEORAS Kairi to the floor!! Fans fire up again and Mercedes drags Kairi up into the ring. Mercedes goes up the corner now, and she METEORAS again!! Cover, TWO!!! Kairi survives and Mercedes is shrieking! Mercedes argues with the ref but that was a fair count! Mercedes takes off the bodice and her leg warmer, she vows to finish this! Mercedes drags Kairi up, wraps on the chinlock, but Kairi drops down to victory roll! TWO!! Mercedes has the roll, TWO!! Kairi swings, but into a SHOTGUN from Mercedes! That did damage to both of them, but they both get up! Kairi swings but Mercedes ducks the backhand! STUNNER!! And then victory roll! TWO!!

Mercedes runs, but Kairi ducks the Meteora to roll her back! ANCHOR HOLD!!! Kairi sits back deep but Mercedes claws her way towards ropes! Fans rally and duel, Mercedes reaches, but Kairi drags her away! Kairi wraps the ANCHOR HOLD on tighter!!! But Mercedes pulls hair! BACKSLIDE, TWO!!! INTO THE BANK STATEMENT!!! Kairi flails, endures, but she can’t see where she is! Kairi kicks around, feels her way, ROPEBREAK!! Mercedes lets go in frustration and San Jose is thunderous! They declare “This is Wrestling!” as Mercedes drags Kairi up. Mercedes CLUBS away on Kairi’s shoulder, then runs, but into the CUTLASS URAKEN!! Cover, TWO!?!?

Kairi is furious but the fans fire up with her! Kairi vows to end this and she drags Mercedes up. Alabama Lift, for the ALABAMA SLAMA!! Kairi then prepares her elbow, but Mercedes grabs a leg with legs! Kairi stomps away on Mercedes but Mercedes gets to the apron. Kairi brings Mercedes into the ropes to CLUB and AX KICK! Mercedes is stuck, Kairi runs, but Mercedes gets free! BAYLEY2BELLY!!! Cover, TWO!!!! Mercedes’ shoutout to her best frenemy and San Jose’s own doesn’t finish it! Mercedes is beside herself, but she drags Kairi back up. Facelock, snap suplex! Una Amiga! Another snap suplex, Dos Amigas!

Mercedes has Kairi up again, gives us some Latina Heat, but Kairi SATELLITE DDTS the third Amiga!!! Both women are down again and fans again say, “This is Awesome!” Mercedes and Kairi crawl to each other, both shaking their heads. The forearms start flying back and forth, then Mercedes SLAPS! Kairi SLAPS, Mercedes returns to forearms! They stand, Kairi pulls hair but Mercedes gets free. Kairi kicks low, URAKEN into the ref! The CEO used the ref as a shield and the ref takes the Cutlass! Mercedes smirks while Kairi checks on the ref. Kairi says Mercedes did that on purpose! Mercedes defends her innocence, but Kairi fires off!

Mercedes runs to the ramp but Kairi is after her! Kairi brings Mercedes up the ramp, CLUBS away on her back and shoulders, then AX KICKS her down! Kairi kicks Mercedes off the ramp! Fans fire up and Kairi goes to the stage. Kairi builds speed and FLIES! But Mercedes catches her! To SMACK her off the stage, and BOOT her down! Fans fire up as Mercedes goes looking under the stage, to bring out a TABLE!!! San Jose’s been hungry for this all night, so Mercedes sets the table! Mercedes drags Kairi up, aiming from the stage. But Kairi fights the suplex, slips under, and gets Mercedes in position, POWERBOMB through the table!!!

San Jose loses their minds and Kairi throws Mercedes’ money all over her! Kairi then drags Mercedes from the wreckage and brings her back to ringside. Kairi puts Mercedes in, climbs the corner, and Kairi prepares that elbow! In-SANE- BOOTS?!?! Mercedes kicks Kairi out of the air and fans lose their minds again! Kairi is down in the drop zone now, and Mercedes drags herself over to the other corner! Mercedes climbs, for a FROG SPLASH onto knees!! Kairi returns the favor, then rushes in, to steal the BANK STATEMENT!!! Kairi is focusing purely on the facelock but that allows Mercedes to crawl! Mercedes BITES the hands!!

Kairi lets Mercedes go but both women are down from exhaustion! Fans are thunderous again as they both sit up, back to back. They hook arms, roll around, stand up, and Mercedes Gory Especials, to the MONEY MAKER!!! Cover, MERCEDES WINS!!!

Winner: Mercedes Moné, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Women’s Champion)

There can only be one inaugural champion, but there can also only be one second champion! The CEO dethrones the Pirate Princess, and she is the captain now! Mercedes makes money and she makes history, adding this title to her already WWE Grand Slam and Hall of Fame worthy career. Will she continue to make history and set records with this belt?

Mercedes does show respect to Kairi by offering a handshake, and Kairi stands to accept it. Then they hug! Fans cheer the sportsmanship, is this just the beginning of a rivalry that will define this title?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Rainmaker’s New Beginning was just the start of a new chapter, as he slayed the Rampaging Dragon to stay on top of the mountain. However, he wanted to up the ante on himself, so he challenged The Ace to this Battle in the Valley! Tanahashi obliged, and promised to return the favor from that “Rainmaker shock” way back when. Will Okada feel an “Ace Shock” here tonight? Or will he make it rain even in the USA?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the best in NJPW!

Fans cheer as Tanahashi takes off the jacket to show off the abs. The bell rings and fans fire up as the two stare down. Fans lose their minds already, and the two icons circle. Okada and Tanahashi feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada gets around but Tanahashi switches. Okada wrenches out but Tanahashi wrenches back. Okada rolls, trips Tanahashi and has the toehold. Fans applaud this opening exchange, but Tanahashi half nelsons to then get the arm. Okada clasps hands to resist, and he stacks Tanahashi, ONE! They stand off and the fans applaud. Okada backs off and the two circle again.

They tie up again, Okada powers Tanahashi back to ropes, but the ref counts the ropebreak. Fans duel, “TA-NA-HA-SHI!” “O-KA-DA!” Okada lets off, fakes the chop, and he pats Tanahashi on the shoulders. Tanahashi storms up but Okada kicks low. Okada headlocks, Tanahashi powers out but Okada runs him over! Fans cheer, things speed up, and Tanahashi arm-drags! Fans cheer again as Tanahashi has the armlock. Okada endures, fights up, but Tanahashi wrenches the arm. Tanahashi throws a body shot, whips, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar!

Okada crawls to the corner, Tanahashi runs in, but Okada dodges the splash! Okada hauls Tanahashi up top, to DROPKICK Tanahashi down! Tanahashi hits the floor and fans fire up! The ref checks Tanahashi but he’s okay to continue. Okada goes out after Tanahashi, and RAMS him into railing! Fans fire up while Okada backs off and the ref checks Tanahashi again. Tanahashi is still okay to continue so Okada drags him up. Okada brings Tanahashi around to RAM him into the apron! The ring count starts, Okada brings Tanahashi to the ramp but Tanahashi throws body shots! Okada kicks low, DDT to the ramp!

Okada stands back up as the count reaches 9 of 20. Okada drags Tanahashi up at 12, brings him around, and puts him in at 13. Fans rally as Okada looms over Tanahashi. Okada bumps Tanahashi off buckles, throws back elbows, then lets off. Okada brings Tanahashi out, and DDTs! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Tanahashi clutches his neck. Okada hears fans chant “GO ACE! GO ACE!” and Tanahashi stands up. Tanahashi throws forearms but Okada eggs him on. Tanahashi throws another forearm, but Okada kicks low and turns Tanahashi for a NECKBREAKER! Okada has a cocky cover but the ref won’t count that.

Fans boo Okada being so smug, but Okada paces around Tanahashi. Tanahashi stands and Okada eggs him on. Tanahashi throws more forearms but Okada eggs him on more! Tanahashi throws another forearm, but Okada ROCKS him with one! Okada wrenches Tanahashi’s arm and whips him corner to corner! Okada runs in, but into BOOTS! Tanahashi fires up to fire off forearms on Okada! Okada UPPERCUTS back! Okada whips, Tanahashi comes back with a FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up with The Ace and he waits on Okada. Okada stands, Tanahashi fires off his strike fest! Then a scoop and SLAM into the drop zone!

Tanahashi goes up the corner, fans fire up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Tanahashi keeps his cool. Tanahashi waits on Okada to stand, and Tanahashi runs, to dropkick the leg out! Tanahashi keeps moving, he blocks a boot! Fans duel but Tanahashi hits a DRAGON SCREW! Okada flops out of the ring and Tanahashi pounds the mat. Fans rally behind that and Tanahashi goes to the corner. Tanahashi climbs, Okada stands, ACES HIGH!! Direct hit and fans fire up again! A ring count starts with both men down. The count reaches 5 of 20 before Tanahashi stands.

Tanahashi hobbles over, he drags Okada up at 8, and he puts Okada in at 9. Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he waits on Okada to stand. Tanahashi runs, but Okada FLAP- NO, Tanahashi fights that off! Tanahashi whips, Okada reverses and FLAPJACKS after all! Both men are down again but fans fire back up. Tanahashi and Okada go to opposite corners as the fans rally. Okada glares at Tanahashi, but Tanahashi glares back. They both run in, and Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Okada clutches his knee, Tanahashi runs back in at the corner, but Okada pops him up! Alabama Lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Okada is frustrated but he drags Tanahashi up. Okada scoops, SLAMS, then goes to the corner. Per the formula, Okada climbs up for the MACHO ELBOW! Okada overshoots just a bit, but he still gives us the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up and Okada brings Tanahashi up! But Tanahashi fights the wristlock! Tanahashi swings, into the MONEY CLIP!! Tanahashi endures, fans rally up, but Okada squeezes tighter! Tanahashi fights his way around, reaches out, but Okada brings him from ropes, into a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Okada has Tanahashi stuck on the mat but Tanahashi still endures!

Fans rally with “LET’S GO, ACE!” and Tanahashi fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go in frustration but fans applaud. Tanahashi sputters but Okada drags him up. Okada has the wrist, he brings Tanahashi around, but Tanahashi catches the short arm lariat! Full nelson, but Okada breaks free! Only for Tanahashi to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Okada escapes but Tanahashi just fires up again! Tanahashi waits on Okada to stand, then he runs, but Okada scoops! Tanahashi fights free, and SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Tanahashi goes right up the corner! HIGH FLY FLOW to Okada’s back!

Tanahashi goes back up and fans fire back up! HIGH FLY FLOW but onto knees! Okada saves himself but it was double-edged given the damage Tanahashi’s done to those legs! Fans rally up again as both men are down. Tanahashi and Okada both rise slowly and they crawl to each other. Tanahashi throws a forearm, but Okada throws one back! Fans duel as Tanahashi throws another forearm, and Okada throws it back! Tanahashi throws a shot, Okada returns it! Tanahashi stands and eggs Okada on! Fans fire up, Okada stands, and Tanahashi gives yet another forearm! Okada comes back to return that forearm!

Tanahashi hits, Okada hits, repeat! They pick up speed, then Okada wobbles! Fans fire up while the ref checks. Okada returns to throw a forearm! Tanahashi gives it back, and they go back and forth again! Okada uppercuts, but Tanahashi fires a strike fest! Fans fire up, as does Tanahashi, but Okada SHOTGUNS Tanahashi down! Okada staggers over, drags her up, but Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Tanahashi runs, into the DROPKICK! Okada roars, fans fire up again, and Okada brings Tanahashi up. Gut wrench, for the LANDSLIDE! Fans fire up again and Okada has Tanahashi in the wristlock! Ripcord, but Tanahashi kicks the bad leg!

Okada still has the wrist, and he shakes his head! But DRAGON PALM catches him first! But Okada still holds the wrist! Fans rally up, Okada swings, into a SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi roars and fans roar with him! Tanahashi goes back up top, and he waits on Okada to stand. HIGH FLY ATTACK into a DROPKICK!?! Okada shoots Tanahashi out of the sky! Now fans roar with Okada, and he ripcords! RAIN- CRADLE!!! TWO!?!?!? Okada escapes by nanoseconds! Tanahashi runs in, into a scoop! Tanahashi slips out, full nelsons, but Okada switches, ripcord, ENZIGURI! And then gut wrench, COBRA FLOWSION!!

Okada fires up, he stands Tanahashi back up, ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!

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

This may not have been a shocker, but it was still another instant classic between NJPW’s very best! Was this truly the last shot for the Once in a Century Talent? Or can he fight his way back before the end?

As for Okada, he puts on the belt and gets the mic as fans chant his name. Okada says, “SAN JOSEEE~! How was NJPW tonight?” Fans cheer because they loved it! Okada says, “This is pro-wrestling. THIS IS NJPW!” Fans cheer that! “Thank you for your support. Tanahashi-san, we showed what NJPW is! Thank you, Tanahashi-san, arigato gozaimashita.” Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Okada continues to say, “Tanahashi-san, let’s bring back our dream tag team. Let’s become IWGP Tag Team Champions!” Fans fire up for that! “Let’s make it rain. Let’s make it…” RAIN!” “Let’s make it!” “RAIN!!” Okada fires up hearing that.

Okada also says this is great stuff, this was awesome, and thanks San Jose for this. “See you next time. And when I return as IWGP Tag Team AND World Heavyweight Champion in San Jose, I will make it rain~!” WAIT! Mercedes makes her way back out! Her match counted as a co-main-event, so she wants to stand side by side with the world champion! Okada gets groovy with her theme, and both top champs hold up their titles! Mercedes gets the mic and thanks San Jose “from the bottom of my heart. NJPW, Stardom, you made my dream come true tonight.

“Now, I heard in the back, Okada, you have a dream team in mind. But me and you have a lot in common, so I think this is the true dream team.” Fans like the sound of that, too. Mercedes says, “I know you like to make it rain, but I like to make money. So what do you say? Is it time to make that money?” Could the top two champs in NJPW find a way to make it rain together?

My Thoughts:

An awesome event for NJPW in the states to bring about big stuff from both main stories in Japan and the big stories from NJPW Strong. Great title match from Rosser VS Kenta, but I did not expect Juice to show up and screw Rosser over. Granted, Bullet Club of course helps out Bullet Club (and I’m sure there’s story there from NJPW Strong I don’t know about since I don’t cover NJPW Strong), but Kenta getting this title is a big move. Kenta will basically be running NJPW Strong now with the stateside Bullet Club members, and that makes sense given the shocker in White VS Kingston. White VS Kingston was an awesome match, but I did not think White was going to lose a match that would exile him from the entirety of NJPW.

Now, White’s NJPW contract is said to be up soon, so it seems he’s not even gonna serve it out on NJPW Strong. White has plenty of options, from the companies NJPW works with in Impact and AEW, to even going all the way to the WWE. As exciting as the latter is, I feel like White will try and make it work in the other companies first. He’s done plenty in Impact, and done a bit in AEW per the Forbidden Door crossover, he could easily continue those stories in full. And on top of that, I did not expect David Finlay of all people to go after White and use that for a Heel turn. I suppose they could use that story in Impact if Finlay still dabbles over there, because this seemed like such a big moment for them both to let it be something that never gets resolved.

As for if White were to actually go to the WWE, I would think he goes straight to the main roster, and he could even join up with Judgment Day. It’d play on the NJPW kayfabe that Finn Balor gave him the nod when it came to White joining and taking over Bullet Club. Then you can have a lot of fun, whether it’s White making Judgment Day even stronger, to usurping it from Finn like Finn did Edge. The betrayal would even fit White’s MO, as he rejected Kenny Omega’s Bullet Club to then betray Chaos and go Bullet Club after all. It may not be the Switchblade Era, but the wrestling world is White’s oyster.

Great tag match from MCMG VS WCWC, in which Royce & Jorel looked strong even in defeat. I’m not as familiar with MCMG’s story in Impact, but I don’t know the likelihood of MCMG losing either set of belts just yet. Everyone agrees they’re a great tag team, I wonder if they try to get in on AEW stories in the same way FTR was getting in on NJPW stories. Then we got some really wild stuff out of the Filthy Rules Fight, and I certainly didn’t think we’d see a door used in place of a table. Lawlor winning makes sense, given what was mentioned about Homicide tearing through Team Filthy. Lawlor shows why he’s leader of Team Filthy, and could be headed for a title after this win.

And then we got great title matches to finish this off. The NJPW World TV title’s 15 minute time limit continues to be a great driving force in the pace and the choreography of these matches, and Connors looks great even in defeat. Kevin Knight stepping up was a nice touch after his team won earlier tonight. NJPW executives themselves said this title was to elevate the younger generation in the roster, so we’re seeing a lot of Young Lion graduates truly getting their 15 minutes of fame.

Kairi VS Mercedes put on an amazing match for the Women’s Championship, and again, I did not see a table spot coming. I do feel bad for Kairi losing, as she only had that title for 90 days with one successful defense. Granted, Kairi fought through the tournament to be crowned champion, but her defense at WrestleKingdom was the shortest match on the card by far. Mercedes is great, but I think this move was mostly for buzz, though Mercedes can obviously connect with the American audience on the fact she speaks English fluently. Okada VS Tanahashi was also awesome, but it was a foregone conclusion Okada would win.

What is truly intriguing is that Okada wants to try that dream team stuff again, and must now target his own Chaos teammates, Goto & Hashi, if he wants to be a double champion. I’m not saying Okada will go Heel, despite some of the meaner tactics he’s been taking lately, but Goto & Hashi are gonna feel some kinda way about this news. And Mercedes standing beside Okada did make for a great photo op, but also her teasing some kind of Mixed Tag run is fun. NJPW works together with AAA and AEW, the current AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions are AEW’s Sammy Guevara & Tay Melo, and I would love to see that feud just for the promos out of Mercedes and Tay. NJPW is definitely positioning itself to have the most buzz in 2023, and is gonna bring its friends along with it.

My Score: 9/10