Sapporo sees The Roughneck VS The Stardust Genius!

Before Tetsuya Naito faces Keiji Muto in his final match ever, we see the Uncontrollable Charisma take on #SHOOTER, Shota Umino! Will the young star be a speedbump in Naito’s 2023 run?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Great-O-Khan VS Oskar Leube; Khan wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Ren Narita & Ryohei Oiwa VS The House of Torture; Suzuki, Desperado, Narita & Oiwa win.
• 8 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Yuto Nakashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tama Tonga, Hikuleo & Master Wato VS Bullet Club; Tanahashi, Tama, Hikuleo & Wato wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi & YOH VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Catch 2/2 VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Catch 2/2 wins and retains the title.
• Will Ospreay VS Taichi; Ospreay wins.
• Tetsuya Naito VS Shota Umino; Naito wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Catch 2/2 VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

TJP & Francesco Akira made it through WrestleKingdom 17 still holding onto the titles, but Japones Del Mal & The Heel Master did get one on them in Super Junior Tag League. That golden ticket is being cashed in now, will Douki & Kanemaru win some gold for #Just4Guys? Or will the United Empire conquer their New Beginnings?

The introductions are made, with Taka Michinoku being on the mic for #Just4Guys. Taka promises victory for all of them tonight, and tells TJP & Akira, “You’re already done!” TJP & Akira then make their entrance, Great-O-Khan waving the Empire’s banner as he already won to open the show. The belts are raised, and we see if the Empire stays standing!

The teams sort out and TJP starts against Kanemaru. Akira gets the fans to chant “T J P!” as he circles with Kanemaru. They tie up, break, then circle again. They tie up, break, and reset again. They knuckle lock, TJP wrenches and wrangles Kanemaru to a top wristlock. Kanemaru rolls back but TJP wrenches him again. Kanemaru kicks low, wrenches TJP’s arm and YANKS it. And YANKS it again! Kanemaru keeps on the wristlock but TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels and drags Kanemaru down to the twist headscissors! Kanemaru reaches up to headscissor back while fans applaud the exchange.

TJP moves around, headstands, and fans applaud as he holds it. TJP then pops free of the headscissors, pats Kanemaru, and slicks his hair back. But Kanemaru kicks the leg! And again! Kanemaru whips, TJP avoids the drop down to kick. TJP headlocks, Kanemaru powers out but TJP handsprings over. Things keep moving, Kanemaru sunset flips but TJP rolls through. Kanemaru avoids the Penalty Kick but TJP MARIPOSAS! Cover, TWO! Akira runs in to BLAST Douki, and then he and TJP double whip Kanemaru. Kanemaru holds ropes, he puts Akira on the apron and Douki trips Akira up! Douki stomps Akira while Kanemaru BOOTS TJP!

TJP ROLLING SOBATS back, runs, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as TJP tumbles out of the ring. Kanemaru whips Douki so he can DIVE onto TJP! Fans fire up as Douki gets back in and Kanemaru whips him to DIVE onto Akira! Taka cheers his guys on along with the fans, and Kanemaru gets TJP’s leg. Kanemaru SMASHES TJP’s knee into the floor! TJP writhes, Khan protests, but Douki whips Akira into railing! Akira slumps down, Kanemaru stomps TJP and SMASHES the knee again! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru argues with him, and TJP slides into the ring. Kanemaru follows and stalks TJP.

Kanemaru stomps TJP’s leg, tags Douki, and Douki gives TJP some stomps. Douki digs his boot into TJP’s bad leg, but lets off as the ref counts. Douki stalks TJP to ropes and wraps the bad leg around them. The ref counts, Douki lets off to run side to side and dropkick the bad leg! TJP falls and fans cheer, and Douki tags Kanemaru. They drag TJP to split the wishbone! Kanemaru drags TJP up, whips him to ropes, and dropkicks the legs out! Kanemaru grabs the leg, and he pulls on a deep CALF KILLER! TJP endures, Akira stomps Kanemaru, but Douki throws Akira out. Kanemaru drags TJP up for a SHIN BREAKER!

Tag to Douki, he stomps TJP’s leg, but TJP shoves him away. Douki kicks the bad leg, and kicks it again. Douki whips TJP to ropes, TJP goes Spider-Man, but Douki rushes in. TJP goes up and over Douki, Akira runs in and TJP jumps over for Akira to WRECK Douki with a dropkick! TJP BLASTS Kanemaru, Akira ASAI MOONSAULTS Douki down! Fans fire up with the Nova Fireball as he puts Douki back in. TJP hobbles over, tags Akira in, and Catch 2/2 double whip. SOBAT, KICK, KICK and SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Akira drags Douki up. Douki fights back but Akira CLUBS him on the back. Akira then RAMS Douki into a corner!

Akira RAMS Douki more, snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Akira drags Douki up, scoops and SLAMS him, then tags TJP. Akira runs to hop up onto TJP’s shoulders! “Take pictures, take pictures!” ELEVATED SENTON! TJP covers but Kanemaru breaks it! Fans rally, TJP drags Douki by a leg and steps through. DEATHLOCK! Fans rally as TJP falls back to SNAP it! And SNAP it again! And then bridge for the MUTA LOCK! Kanemaru stomps TJP down, but Akira kicks Kanemaru back out. TJP drags Douki up and over, Akira holds onto Douki in the ropes for a TARANTULA!

The ref is busy with TJP and Kanemaru, Akira gets away with a bit more than a five count. Akira lets off and TJP covers, TWO! Fans rally up as Douki shakes his head defiantly. Douki fires forearms on TJP but TJP UPPERCUTS him down! TJP drags Douki to the ropes, goes to the apron, and slingshots, but Douki avoids the senton! Douki rushes in, swings into a back suplex, but lands on his feet! Douki dropkicks TJP’s legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down! TJP and Douki crawl for their corners, hot tag to Kanemaru! Akira runs in to intercept! Catch 2/2 double whip but Kanemaru ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOTGUN!

Kanemaru drags TJP and whips him to a corner but TJP reverses. TJP runs but into a BOOT! Kanemaru goes up top to STRONG SCISSORS! TJP tumbles but stands, Kanemaru runs in to dropkick the legs out! Kanemaru gets the bad leg again, for another SHIN BREAKER! And then a SHIN BUSTER as he throws TJP to the mat! And then another SMASH of the knee! Kanemaru steps through, but TJP kicks him away with the good leg. Only for Kanemaru to basement dropkick TJP back down! Kanemaru drags TJP up, scoops and BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru keeps TJP in the drop zone and goes up the corner!

MOONSAULT, but TJP moves! Kanemaru lands on his feet, but Akira runs in to kick him low. Akira runs but Douki gets in to elbow Akira! Douki & Kanemaru both run, but TJP sets up for FIREBALL IN MOTION! Fans fire up with all four men down! Akira bails out with Douki and TJP brings the kneepad down on his bad leg. TJP hobbles after Kanemaru and puts him in a corner. Fans rally as TJP scrubs Kanemaru’s face with his laces. TJP then runs side to side, but Kanemaru gets up to dropkick the bad leg! Fans fire up, Kanemaru has the bad leg and steps through, but TJP makes it a cradle! TWO!! Kanemaru escapes and TJP goes to a corner!

Kanemaru runs in, but TJP goes up and over and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up as Akira takes Douki out! TJP climbs up and aims, MAMBA SPLASH FLOPS!! Kanemaru avoids the dunk, runs in and dropkicks the leg out again! Step through and FIGURE FOUR!! TJP endures, flails, but Douki keeps Akira outside! Khan coaches TJP, TJP reaches out, but Kanemaru thrashes the leg! TJP still fights his way over, but Kanemaru turns him away!! TJP keeps trying, he pries at the hold, but Kanemaru holds onto the leg itself! TJP reaches out one more time, ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up while Kanemaru reluctantly lets TJP go.

Douki tags in and he waits on TJP. TJP gets to a corner, Douki runs in to clothesline! Kanemaru adds on a back elbow! Douki climbs up while Kanemaru scoops for BRITISH- SUPERKICK from Akira! Douki leaps, but TJP gets under! ALLEY-OOP FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Douki survives and fans fire up! Akira drags Douki up and TJP Electric Chair Lifts. Akira climbs, but the bad leg gives out! TJP falls, Akira hops down to get Douki up onto the corner. Akira CLUBS Douki, TJP tries again, and Akira climbs back up. But Kanemaru runs in! Akira MISSILE DROPKICKS Kanemaru, but Douki escapes the Electric Chair!

Douki waistlocks but TJP fights the suplex. Akira chicken wings for TIGER GERMAN! TJP adds on the jackknife bridge! TWO!?!? Douki escapes by nanoseconds and fans are thunderous! Fans rally with “CATCH! NI NI!” as Akira drums the mat. TJP sits Douki up, he and Akira run, but the bad leg gives out again! Akira checks on TJP as he clutches the leg. Akira hurries to go to the apron and tag in. Akira then drags Douki up and reel him in, SPEED- NO! Douki slips free to monkey flip, and ITALIAN STRETCH #32! TJP hurries over but Kanemaru tackles him down! FIGURE FOUR!! Catch 2/2 is enduring dual submissions!!!

Fans are thunderous as TJP reaches out for Akira! Akira is fading, turning red, but TJP keeps rocking the leglock! Kanemaru keeps rocking it back to keep TJP away, but Akira fights his way over! Douki drags Akira away, but Akira jackknifes! TWO!?!?!? And then a spin, Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUSTU!!! Kanemaru dumps TJP out of the ring and runs back in to SHOTGUN Akira!! Kanemaru hurries to scoop and SLAM Akira, to then MOONSAULT!! Douki drags Akira up, to Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUSTU, HENKEI!! Cover, TJP BREAKS IT?! Fans are electric as Kanemaru throws TJP back out!

Douki aims from the apron, slingshots, DAYBREAK!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Akira survives and Duoki can’t believe it! Fans are electric and Douki roars! Douki wheelbarrows Akira, but Akira fights it! Douki powers through, full nelsons, SUPLEX DE LA- NO, Akira lands on his feet! Akira superkicks but Douki blocks! But TJP SUPERKICKS! Akira runs, rolls, RANA DDT!! TJP drags Douki up and Akira heads up the corner! FINAL CUT DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, but Kanemaru breaks it!! Neither team is giving up! Kanemaru hits a SHIN BREAKER on TJP! But TJP dumps Kanemaru out! TJP PLANCHAS to take Kanemaru out!

Akira roars, he brings Douki up, SPEEDFIRE!!!! Akira then aims from a corner, Douki sits up, NOVA FIREBALL!!!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!!!

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

This may be New Beginnings, but there will be NO new champions today! Douki & Kanemaru came so close, will they fight their way to another chance? Will TJP & Akira continue this hot streak until the wheels fall off?

Will Ospreay VS Taichi!

The United Empire is 2-0 tonight, and they already beat two of the #Just4Guys. Now, the Commonwealth Kingpin takes on The Holy Emperor in a showdown of faction leaders! Will the Empire assert complete dominance in NJPW? Or is there still a chance #Just4Guys can rise up?

The bell rings and the two rush each other! They both kick, Ospreay BOOTS but then Taichi BOOTS back! Ospreay rebounds to BOOT again! Taichi BOOTS back, Ospreay BOOTS back, repeat! Ospreay throws a forearm, Taichi KICKS! Forearm, KICK, back and forth, again and again! Ospreay fires a flurry, spins, but into a SOBAT! ENZI- NO, Ospreay ducks it! But then Taichi ducks Hidden Blade! Ospreay BOOTS, whips, but Taichi reverses to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Fans fire up while Ospreay checks his face. Fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” as he brings Ospreay up. Taichi snapmares and KICKS Ospreay in the back!

Taichi paces around Ospreay, stands him up and whips to ropes, for a kitchen sink knee! Taichi KICKS Ospreay in the back again! Cover, ONE!! Ospreay grits his teeth but Taichi brings him back up. Taichi knees low, whips Ospreay to ropes, but Ospreay holds ropes to stop himself. Taichi runs in but Ospreay FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS him! Ospreay runs, and he BOOTS Taichi down! Fans fire up while Taichi bails out. Ospreay PLANCHAS and takes Taichi down! Fans fire up more while Taka checks on Taichi. Ospreay has Taka back off, and he brings Taichi up. Ospreay CHOPS Taichi and Taichi sputters as he staggers away.

Fans rally, Ospreay stalks Taichi, and Ospreay throws big forearms. The ref wants this to get in the ring so Ospreay brings Taichi up onto the apron. Ospreay CLUBS away on Taichi’s back! Ospreay then goes up to the apron to KNEE DROP! Fans fire up, Ospreay covers, ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud, but Ospreay gives toying kicks. Taichi sits up and eggs Ospreay on. Ospreay kicks and kicks but Taichi keeps egging him on. Ospreay drags Taichi up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS him back down! Fans fire up but Taichi is stinging! Ospreay talks some trash, “That’s your boy, huh? That’s your boy? Your boy’s getting f’d up!”

Ospreay goes back to Taichi, drags him up, and wrenches to whip Taichi hard into a corner! Fans rally up, Ospreay drags Taichi up and snapmares him, to KNEE him in the back! But Taichi stays up so Ospreay KNEES him again! Ospreay clamps on a chinlock but Taichi endures the squeeze. Taichi crawls forward as fans rally, but Ospreay cranks the hold. Taichi reaches out and gets the ROPEBREAK! Ospreay lets off fast to drag Taichi right up for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Taichi hangs tough and fans rally up. Ospreay drags Taichi back up, reels him in, but Taichi fights the lift! They fight for control, and Taichi back drops Ospreay away!

Ospreay gets right up to CHOP Taichi! Taichi goes to a corner, Ospreay runs corner to corner, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Ospreay sits up first but Taichi follows. Taichi stands first and he stalks up behind Ospreay. Taichi whips Ospreay to the corner, clotheslines in the corner, then runs, but Ospreay gets around to a waistlock! Taichi fights the lift, breaks free and PELES the arm! Fans fire up as Taichi stands again. Taichi runs, Ospreay ELBOWS the Ax Bomber away! Taichi blocks the kick, ducks another, runs and AX BOMBERS!! Fans are thunderous as Taichi fires up!

Taichi stands up, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Fans fire up more and Taichi aims from the corner. Ospreay stands, but he avoids the kick! Handspring, NEURALIZER! Both men are down again, but Ospreay goes out to the apron. Ospreay aims, springboards, and PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Taichi is still in this but Ospreay stands back up. Fans rally, Ospreay calls his shot, and he has Taichi get up. But Taichi reels him in! Ospreay fights free, Taichi boots the haymaker then runs, but into a Tiger Wall Kick and ENZIGURI! Ospreay wags his finger, waits on Taichi to get up again, and then springboards! OSC- NO, Taichi catches Ospreay!

Ospreay holds onto ropes to avoid the saido! Fans rally and duel as they fight for control, and Ospreay kicks off the ropes to get free. Ospreay BOOTS, whips, but Taichi reverses. Ospreay handsprings, into DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” as he and Ospreay stir. Taichi sits up first and then stands. Ospreay sits up, Taichi BUZZ- NO, Ospreay blocks! Ospreay CLUBS the leg, fires off Kawada Kicks, but Taichi just gets in Ospreay’s face. Taichi kicks low, and gives back those Kawada Kicks! Ospreay gives more Kawada Kicks, but then so does Taichi!

Fans rally up as Ospreay sits down. Taichi eggs Ospreay on, and dares him to give more kicks! Ospreay stands up to fire off more Kawada Kicks! Taichi staggers, but now Ospreay eggs him on. Ospreay wants more Kawada Kicks, so Taichi gives him more! Ospreay snarls, Taichi eggs him on, and Ospreay CHOPS! Ospreay eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS! Taichi eggs Ospreay on, and Ospreay CHOPS! Taichi paces around, Ospreay eggs him on, and Taichi KICKS! Ospreay CHOPS, Taichi KICKS, repeat! Taichi staggers and Ospreay grins. Fans cheer Taichi on, and he KICKS Ospreay again! Ospreay sputters, Taichi fires off Kawada KICKS! Taichi BUZZSAWS!

Fans are thunderous and Taka pounds the mat! Khan coaches Ospreay up but Taichi roars! Fans fire up with Taichi, he drags Ospreay up and reels him in, for a LAST- NO, Ospreay slips out of the bomb to HOOK KICK! Ospreay aims from a corner now as Taka shouts to him. Taichi flounders up, HIDDEN- YOKOZUNA ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives but Taichi keeps focus! Taichi vows to end this and fans fire up again. Taichi drags Ospreay up, Alabama Lifts, but Ospreay fights it off! Ospreay lifts Taichi but Taichi slips free to ROUNDHOUSE! Ospreay SUPERKICKS! Taichi BLINDSIDE AX BOMBERS! And then GAMANGIRIS!

Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Ospreay sits up in a daze while fans rally behind Taichi. Taichi roars, he drags Ospreay up, and he Alabama Lifts. Ospreay fights it, Taichi back drops but Ospreay lands on his feet! Taichi swings but Ospreay catches him and spins him to double underhooks! Canadian Rack, but Taichi fights off Stormbreaker! Ospreay lifts Taichi again, TIGER DRIVER!! Ospreay grins while Akira has returned ringside to join the Empire’s cheering section. Fans rally up, Ospreay stands and brings Taichi up. Ospreay runs, springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Fans are fired up but Ospreay is surprised!

Ospreay shakes his head and grins. He drags Taichi back up, goes for the corner, SUPER OS- NO, Taichi catches Ospreay! Taichi turns Ospreay around, Ospreay RANAS, but Taichi blocks it! To make it a PILEDRIVER!! Ospreay writhes and clutches his neck! Ospreay tells the ref his arm is stinging. Fans rally back up for Taichi and he sits back up. Taichi goes to a corner while Ospreay sits up. Taichi copies Ospreay preparing his arm, for a BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Taichi roars again! Taichi drags Ospreay up, SAIDO, but Ospreay lands on his feet! Ospreay runs, but into a DROPKICK from Taichi!

Fans are thunderous again and Taichi stands Ospreay up! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay survives but Taichi is too tired to be frustrated. Fans rally up and chant harder, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” Taichi and Ospreay stir, and Taichi crawls to a corner. Ospreay sits up and Taichi roars again! Taichi takes aim, for JU- SUPERKICK from Ospreay! POISON-RANA!! Ospreay drags Taichi up, goes to the corner, SUPER OSCU- SLAM DUNK!! Taichi body scissors for the GEDO CLUTCH! TWO?!?! HIDDEN BLADE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Both men are down again and fans are going nuts!

Ospreay drags himself to the corner and slashes his throat, vowing to end this! Ospreay drags Taichi up, underhooks, Canadian Racks, but Taichi slips free! Alabama Lift, BLACK- NO, Ospreay slips out to steal DANGEROUS SAIDO! But Taichi roars and rises again!! But into a FLYING HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, TWO!??! Taichi survives, fans are electric, but off comes Ospreay’s elbow pad! Ospreay aims from a corner, Taichi stands back up, but Ospreay ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Taichi staggers but he comes back. Ospreay throws more forearms! Fans rally as Taichi stays on his feet! Taichi comes back, Ospreay thrwos even more forearms, but Taichi leans against him!

Ospreay fires off more forearms, Taichi staggers about, but he still comes back! Ospreay just keeps throwing forearms! Taichi wobbles, Ospreay even more forearms! Taichi ROCKS Ospreay with just one!! Both men wobble, Ospreay roars to DECK Taichi! The ref has Ospreay back off to check Taichi! A standing count begins! Taichi is still down at 5 but Taka shouts to him. The count reaches 7, Taichi stirs, and Taichi stands at 9! BUT INTO HIDDEN BLADE!!! Ospreay then underhooks and lifts, for STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

The United Empire has conquered the day! Taka and the Young Lions check on Taichi, did Ospreay just slay the Holy Emperor? Will the Commonwealth Kingpin find his way back towards a title?

Tetsuya Naito VS Shota Umino!

The Stardust Genius is preparing to face The Wrestling Genius, Keiji Muto, in his Grand Final, but he’s also looking to settle scores. After all, The Roughneck was part of the dream team of past, present and future stars that defeated Naito and Los Ingobernables de Japon at WrestleKingdom in Tokyo. Will #SHOOTER do it to Naito again? Or will the Uncontrollable Charisma be unstoppable on the way to Muto’s Last Love?

Naito of course takes his time with his entrance attire but Shota is patient. The bell rings, fans rally up, and they chant for “NA-I-TO!” Naito and Shota circle, approach, and feel out the grapple. They back away and circle again, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Shota then wrenches to a wristlock. Naito spins, wrenches and wristlocks in return, but Shota rolls to trip Naito to a toehold! Naito endures, grabs at Shota, but Shota grabs that arm to drag Naito up. But then Naito trips Shota to get a toehold in return. Shota endures now, grabs Naito for a chinlock, then hooks Naito with a leg to bring him down.

Shota pulls on Naito’s arm but Naito clasps hands. Naito fights up, stacks Shota, ONE, but Naito has a HEEL HOOK! Shota gets the ROPEBREAK, Red Shoes calls for it, and Naito lets off. Fans applaud as the two reset. Naito and Shota circle, tie up, and Shota headlocks. Shota grinds the hold, Naito powers up but can’t power out as Shota holds tight. Shota grinds Naito more, but Naito fights back up. Naito pulls hair, Red Shoes reprimands, but Naito headlocks. Shota throws body shots, powers up and out, and things speed up. Shota hurdles but Naito waistlocks. Shota switches, shoves, but Naito holds ropes to avoid the dropkick!

Shota avoids Naito’s basement dropkick, then Shota arm-drags Naito down! Naito headscissors but Shota kips free, and Naito tranquilos! Shota aims a finger gun but Naito raises the fist. Naito rolls out of the ring, Shota waits on him. Naito walks around the way, approaches, but backs away as Shota steps forward. Shota steps back and Naito slides in, and fans applaud as the two circle again. They approach, feel things out, but Naito keeps changing the hands in the knuckle lock. They finally tie up, but Naito kicks low and CLUBS Shota! Naito runs, but Shota hip tosses and basement dropkicks! Then snapmare and SOMERSAULT SENTON!

Shota throws Naito out and builds speed! Naito gets out of the way, so Shota steals tranquilo! Fans applaud but Naito just shrugs it off. Naito takes his time outside, so Shota patiently waits inside. Naito rushes in, Shota scoops him and SLAMS him down! Shota runs, and UPPERCUTS Naito! Cover, TWO! Fans applaud, Shota paces around. Shota stomps Naito, paces, then stomps him again. Naito grins as Shota stomps him again, and fans rally up. Shota slaps Naito around, but Naito claws Shota’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Shota swings, but Naito gets around to pull hair. Shota breaks free, runs in, but into an atomic drop!

Naito throws Shota out, builds speed, and he WRECKS Shota with a dropkick! Shota hits railing, Naito goes out and whips him into more railing! Naito rolls into the ring to leave Shota behind. A ring count starts, Shota stirs, but Naito goes out after him. Naito drags Shota up, whips him into railing again, and Shota ends up stuck! Naito pushes him over, then drags him back up. Naito bends Shota against the railing, for a NECKBREAKER! Shota flops down while Naito leaves him behind again. Red Shoes checks on Shota and Shota stirs. Shota drags himself from the railing as the ring count starts, but he’s still down at 7 of 20.

Shota drags himself around the gate at 11 of 20, stands up at 13, and staggers his way over at 15. Shota slides in at 17, and Naito is on him! Naito turns Shota for a NECKBREAKER, into the LEG HOOK FULL NELSON! Shota endures and fans rally up. Shota kicks around, Naito puts on the pressure, and then Naito starts smacking Shota in the head. Shota keeps fighting and moves around, to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Red Shoes calls for the break, but Naito just lets go with his hands! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito pushes a bit more before finally letting go. Naito drags Shota up, Shota throws hands, but they’re not very strong.

Fans rally, Shota keep throwing forearms but Naito ROCKS and whips Shota to a corner. JUMP KICK, leg sweep, SWINGING DROPKICK! Combinacion Cabron! Fans cheer as Naito poses, and then Naito covers, TWO! Naito kicks at Shota, toying with him. Naito brings Shota up, snapmares him, and then has a cravat neck wrench! Shota endures as Naito pulls on the hold! Fans rally, Shota fights up, and throws body shots! Shota breaks free but Naito CLUBS away on him! Naito reels Shota in but Shota ducks the elbow! Shota runs to RANA! Shota then DROPKICKS Naito! Fans fire up while both men are down.

Fans rally up and Shota stands. Shota goes to a corner, aims at Naito as he stands, and runs in to forearm! And elbow! And whip! Naito reverses but Shota holds ropes. Shota BOOTS back, then dodges Naito to arm-drag him! And elbow him down! Shota keeps moving, BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up with Shota and he storms up on Naito. Shota whips Naito corner to corner, Shota runs in to UPPERCUT! And then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! It wasn’t quite perfect, but fans still rally up. Shota drags Naito, steps through on the legs, and has an STF! Naito endures as Shota pulls back!

Fans rally, Naito crawls forward, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud as Shota lets off quickly. Shota keeps cool as he stalks Naito. Shota stomps Naito, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the neck. Naito goes to a corner, Shota bumps Naito off buckles, then goes up the corner. Shota reels Naito in, for a TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up and Shota aims his finger gun again. Shota waits on Naito to get up, and then kicks low. Shota underhooks but Naito RAMS him into a corner! Naito walks away, Shota rushes him, but Naito catches him to get around! Full nelson, Shota switches, but Naito arm-drags free!

Naito arm-drags Shota again, then headlocks. Fans rally, Shota moves around, and Shota fights up to his feet. Naito CLUBS Shota, whips him to ropes, then ELBOWS him down before basement dropkick! Shota stands up, into a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Naito sits up first, crawls over to Shota and brings him up. Shota breaks free and throws a forearm! Naito throws a forearm back! Shota throws another forearm, but so does Naito! Shota grins, and he gets in Naito’s face. Shota throws a forearm, Naito returns it, and they go faster and faster! Fans rally, Shota gets the edge, but Naito gives all those forearms back!

Shota rebounds off ropes, to SHOTGUN Naito down! Fans fire up while Naito bails out. Shota pounds the mat and fans rally behind him. Shota builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up with Shota! Shota drags Naito back up, but he’s dead weight. Red Shoes checks on Naito and he stirs. Shota brings Naito up and into the ring, then Shota climbs up the corner. Naito stands, Shota leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Shota hurries to bring Naito around by his legs, steps over again, and has the STF back!! Naito endures, fans rally up, but Shota pulls on the hold! Naito crawls forward, Shota CLUBS him on the back, then pulls the hold again!

Naito still reaches out, still fights his way forward, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands Shota, but Shota pulls the hold! Shota lets off after that, then paces around in frustration. Fans rally, Shota drags Naito up, but Naito fights the clinch. Shota knees low, snapmares, and throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Shota has learned much from the Blackpool Combat Club! Shota drags Naito up and clinches, but Naito fights free with elbows of his own! Shota kicks, whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” as he and Shota stir.

Naito sits up, crawls his way over, and he drags Shota up. Naito throws heavy elbow after heavy elbow! Shota staggers to a corner, Naito storms up on him and hoists him up top. Naito climbs up after Shota, for a SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Naito brings Shota up. Naito hammerlocks, but Shota fights free with elbows! Naito hits a flying-mare, to the PLUMA BLANCA!! Shota endures, kicks and flails, moves around, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Naito lets go quickly to bring Shota to a corner. Naito climbs up, ESPERANZA! Fans fire up while Shota sits up in a daze!

Naito goes to the corner, and he watches as Shota slowly stands. Naito runs in, but into an ELBOW! And ENZIGURI! Naito comes back, but into a dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Shota takes Naito down with the twisting neckbreaker, but he holds on! Shota drags Naito up again, another CROSS RHODES!! And then an inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE!! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives and Shota is shocked! Fans rally up, Shota goes to a corner and waits on Naito. Naito rises, Shota runs in, but Naito avoids the swing to ROLLING KICK! And then ENZIGURIS! Shota staggers, Naito hammerlocks and lifts, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!!

Shota survives and fans fire back up! Naito drags Shota up, wrenches, but Shota fights free. Shota roars, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Naito drags Shota up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTI- NO! Shota shifts Naito around and tucks him in! BASTARD DRIVER!!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Naito and Shota stir, fans rally for “NA-I-TO!” and he sits up first. Shota follows, and stands first to bring Naito up in an Alabama Lift! CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives but Shota hurries to a corner! Shota wants Naito to stand, and Naito rises, for the SWINGING NECKBREAKER!! Cover, TWO!!!

Shota roars and fans fire up again! Shota drags Naito up, underhooks, but Naito wrenches out to scoop, VALENTIA!! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Shota and Naito stir, and Naito crawls over to Shota. Naito drags Shota up, and he throws heavy elbows again! Shota drops to his knees then flops to the mat, but he grabs at Naito’s foot. Shota drags himself back up, but Naito gives him more heavy elbows! Shota drops again, but he shakes his head! Fans fire up as Shota fights back up! Shota snarls but Naito gives him even more heavy elbows! Shota falls back down, but he just fires up! Naito gives even more elbows, Shota eggs him on, but Naito ELBOWS him down!!

Shota roars again, but Naito just fires off MORE elbows! Shota drops to his knees again, Naito says he’ll end this now. Naito stands Shota up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but Shota slips free! DEATH RIDER!!! Shota is feeling it now and the fans rally up behind him! Shota drags Naito up, lifts Naito, but Naito slips free and falls to the mat. Shota drags Naito back up, lifts again, for the DEATH SHOOTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Naito survives Shota’s take on the move, but Shota isn’t done yet! Shota underhooks, but Naito slips free to DESTINO!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Shota survives and fans are thunderous!

Naito still has a wild look on his face as he gets back up. Naito stands Shota up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!!! Cover, Naito wins!

Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall

The Roughneck fought as hard as he could for as long as he could, but in the end, the Uncontrollable Charisma could not be stopped! Is it still too soon for the future of NJPW to be the present? As for Naito, he gets his baseball cap, then helps Shota stand up. Shota doesn’t want his help, and he pushes Naito. So Naito TOSSES Shota from the ring! Shota is helped away by Young Lions and Naito gets the mic to say, “Buenas noches, SAPPORO~!” Sapporo cheers, and Naito says, “This was NJPW’s first Hokkaido event of the year, and hopefully everyone’s had a great time. And I’m happy to be showing all of you in Hokkaido Tetsuya Naito’s pro-wrestling here tonight. Gracias, amigos.”

Naito also notes that tomorrow, February 5th, right back here, the main event will be Hiromu Takahashi VS Yoh for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. He hopes everyone will come back to see that. Fans applaud, they surely will. Naito says, “By the way… You all can make noise again.” Fans cheer, they love that fact! Naito says that they should close this show right. For the first time since February 2019, four years ago, we wrap NJPW’s first night back in Sapporo the only right way! Fans do the roll call along with Naito! “Bushi! Sanada! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Y Naito! Nosotros…! LOS! INGOBERRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!”

The Stardust Genius knows how to get the fans fired up, and they chant his name as he poses. Will Los Ingobernables de Japon make 2023 their year? Will Naito send Keiji Muto off in style in just under three weeks?

My Thoughts:

Really good stuff from NJPW for the Sapporo weekend they’ve got going. I skimmed, and I like that in the 8 Man Tag of Not Suzuki-Gun VS House of Torture, Narita was the one to get the win. He and Suzuki had a stare down and Suzuki apparently imparted wisdom on how Narita can reach that top level. Who knows if Narita sticks with Suzuki to learn more about that, but I think teaming with Suzuki in winning efforts against the House of Torture is a sign that Narita is gonna get to that top level at some point. TMDK winning was big given the IWGP Heavyweight Tag and NJPW World TV title matches tomorrow. It was also big because it was their Young Lion recruit, Kosei Fujita, getting the finish.

The other 8 Man Tags give me the feeling that this is the go-home math. Bullet Club lost because Jay White is going to beat Hikuleo and banish him to NJPW Strong in the US, and Kazuchika Okada will retain the world title against Shingo Takagi. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag title match was awesome stuff, and Douki again raises the bar on how great he can be. I would’ve loved to see Douki & Kanemaru win those belts, but perhaps it is too soon for Just4Guys to start taking over. To that point, Ospreay VS Taichi was also an awesome match, but Ospreay wins so that he can get himself back up.

The main event of Naito VS Shota was really good, but the pacing of it left a lot to be desired. It wasn’t as exciting, or at least the fans weren’t as fired up as they were the previous matches. Maybe the previous matches tired the crowd out, but they also got back into it at the end when Shota and Naito really upped things. I did like that Shota borrowed the Hammer ‘n’ Anvil elbows from the Blackpool Combat Club, though. But Naito wins, of course, as Shota still needs some time to really show what this Roughneck character is about. Plus, Naito needs that momentum going into his match with Muto.

My Score: 8.6/10