Coverage

Andrew’s IMPACT Results & Match Ratings: 4.20.2023

We’ve got the first episode of IMPACT after the New Jersey domination that was the Rebellion PPV. Steve Maclin will have his changing of the guard, Joe Hendry apparently has a title match today and there’s gonna be some X Division 6 man tag craziness!

Published

3 years ago

April 20, 2023

Andrew Balaz

Who do we see step up to potentially challenge for the World Title and/or the Knockouts Title? Since things were messy going in with all the injuries, its safe to say no one has a clue who is going in what direction. What role does Nick Aldis play? Will there be any returning wrestlers? Let’s find out!

Welcome to the NEW Age of The Virtuosa!@DeonnaPurrazzo #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/w8ppboZHt6

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) April 21, 2023

Results:

Time Machine (Kushida, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs Speedball Mike Bailey, Jonathan Gresham & Trey Miguel: Sabin wins via Cradle Shock – *** 1/4
Alisha Edwards vs Tara Rising: Lish wins via X Factor – ** 1/2
Moose w/Brian Myers vs Yuya Uemura w/Bhupinder Gujjar: Moose wins via Lights Out – ** 1/4
Frankie Kazarian vs The Good Hands: Kaz wins via Chicken Wing – N/A
Digital Media Championship: Sheldon Jean vs Joe Hendry (c): Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – **

Ratings:

Time Machine (Kushida, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs Speedball Mike Bailey, Jonathan Gresham & Trey Miguel

Shelley and Gresham start off, hand shake, Arm Wingers, Hammer Locks, Take Overs, just solid quick chain wrestling. Sabin and Bailey are next, and we get more of the Junior style with quick rope running, Arm Drags, up and overs, a lot of counter play until Sabin grabs the arm, tags in Kushida, but then Kushida gets driven into the enemy corner and Trey tags himself in. Back rake and quick cheap shot spots until all of Time Machine start quick tags and trading Arm Wringers looking like they’re gonna rip off Trey’s arm.

Trey rakes the eyes, tags in Bailey and Bailey gets worked over when Trey tries to come in but the ref stops him. Triple High Speed Dirt, a Triple Tandem shot in the corner on Bailey and the dysfunctional aspect of the X Division team is showing clearly. Bailey is getting worked over for numerous minutes, and Trey continues to try and come in, but he makes it too obvious and Bailey eats so much offense. Its not until a small hope spot with a Round Kick gives him a shot. Kushida tags in and Handspring kicks the teammates down, so Time Machine takes advantage. Double Cutters from Kushida and Sabin on Bailey, then 5 Hole Dive wipes out Gresham and Trey as we get the commercial break.

Coming back in Bailey is still eating shots, but a Front Handspring takes out Sabin, combo kicks takes out Shelley, and he finally tags in Gresham. Back and forth Shoulder Tackles, Gresham drops Kushida and then takes out The Guns, some more back and forthuntil Shelley manages to interrupt the Cradle. Kushida and Shelley try some Time Splitters action, but Gresham puts a stop to all of it. Apron misfire when Sabin kicks Shelley instead of Gresham, Trey tries to steal the thunder from Bailey, but Kushida drops Trey, Bailey kicks Kushida mid Hand Spring and then Asai Moonsault from Bailey drops everyone.

Gresham has Kushida tied in the Octopus, but Trey tags himself in. Gresham is annoyed but all of Time Machine gang up on Trey, triple submission moment as we go into another commercial. Trey got his foot on the ropes, and is trading blows with Kushida. Kushida tags in Sabin, Missile Dropkick sends Trey careening into his corner so Speedball tags in. Yakuza Kick from Sabin, sets up a Tornado DDT, but no. Fighting Spirit moment, Knee Lift from Sabin, rope run but Bailey catches him in the Standing Spanish Fly for 2. Backflip Double Knees from Bailey, Tornado Kicks incoming, Sabin catches tries to perch, eats an Enzuigiri. Bailey gets rocked after Sabin slips down, Avalanche German!

Trey fights Gresham for the tag, Trey gets rocked, tries to tag out but Kushida and Sabin pull down Trey’s team. Gresham breaks up the corner spot, Bailey sees Sabin trying to Powerbomb Trey and hits Ultima Weapon on Sabin. Trey is annoyed that he took some of the damage, and complains instead of taking advantage of the situation. Signature spam spot by everyone. Punctuated with triplicate tandem moves into Cradle Shock for the win!

Well this would normally lead to a Sabin getting a shot at the X Division title. So if that’s the outcome, good enough stuff. Now take the title off of Trey dammit.

The things @milanmiracle has to deal with…..@ZickyDice @swinger_johnny @MrsAIPAlisha @MeanGiaMiller #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/slpEfEa1BH

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) April 21, 2023

Alisha Edwards vs Tara Rising

You know, I’m not sure how this will go. Alisha has a little bit of a different personality, so she might be set up for something decent. Okay, she starts slow, methodical and a few Overhand Chops and Hair Tosses don’t look bad. Lish adds a little more attitude, the old lick to the hand before the chops and even blowing a little kiss before charging. Tara gets a foot up, but Lish meets her in the middle with a Lariat.

Lish uses the apron to work over Tara, throws her back in, kick to the gut and a snapping quick X Factor for the win.

This…is probably the best match that Lish has ever had. She continues the post match beating, but Jody Threat makes the save.

Moose w/Brian Myers vs Yuya Uemura w/Bhupinder Gujjar

Time traveling baby Tanahashi gets immediately attacked by Moose but Yuya doesn’t run. He turns things around and stays resilient in trying to snap off quick kicks and Arm Drags. Yuya looks for a Plancha, but Myers pushes Moose out of the way and takes the move to give Moose the opening. Apron Powerbomb from Moose is what the doctor ordered to give Moose the advantage again.

Moose and Myers could really be a great a tag team to bolster a slightly thin division. Moose is leaning on the younger wrestler, choking him with the ropes and just outpowering him. A big Bitch Slap wakes up Yuya, and he catches Moose a few times before Myers tries to trip up Yuya and Moose connects on a Pump Kick to stall the momentum Uemura. Moose slides in the ring and calls for the Count Out but Yuya is in at 6. Strike Exchange happens and Yuya gets the best of things, Flying Forearm sends Moose into the corner, Hip Attack and a reversal being reversed with a back Elbow keeps Yuya in control and a nice Bulldog leads to the Double Overhook Belly to Belly attempt, but no. Moose blocks, tries to attack, miss, German Suplex from Uemura, into an Akiyama Wrist Capture Suplex. Yuya heads to the corner, Moose stops him and drops him, but Yuya follows, meets Moose on top, Avalanche Double Overhook Belly to Belly! 1-2-Myers distracts the referee! Yuya perches, Myers yells at him and Moose tries to run up the corner and catch Yuya but Yuya headbutts him back down. Myers distracts the ref again and Gujjar finally takes out Myers.

Lights Out miss, Roll-Up for 2, Yuya charges Moose but Moose Stun Guns him over the top rope, Lights Out! Moose wins!

The match was hampered a little from the constant interference, but the story of Myers and Moose could’ve really turned a corner here. So all in all solid stuff.

.@RealNickAldis is BACK in IMPACT Wrestling and his sights are set on @SteveMaclin and the IMPACT World Championship! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/jQ2N70crHd

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) April 21, 2023

Hey Look! It’s Jimmy Jacobs! Zombie Princess is still around!

Frankie Kazarian vs The Good Hands

This is a little hard to get invested in. Good Hands have been a goofy job squad, so Kaz winning the handicap match is a little too obvious and not even in the fun way.

Good hands try to start with some decent tag tactics, a little bit of short cuts and team oriented run ins before Kaz starts fighting back. Even has an interesting Figure Four + Cradle combination for a near fall. Meeting of the minds, Slingshot Cutter on Hotch and Chicken Wing on Skyler shocks no one.

.@TheSamiCallihan is coming to DESTROY The Design! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/TFzqhaN2W1

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) April 21, 2023

Digital Media Championship: Sheldon Jean vs Joe Hendry (c)

We’ve seen Jean a few times and this isn’t a terrible spot for him. He’s had a few matches where he’s been competitive but being local talent he loses in the long run. However, the Digital Media title being a new and arguably lower mid card title for now…it makes sense a local guy could get a shot.

Sheldon claws Hendry’s nose and then hits a Twisting Knee Lift to drop Hendry. Sheldon tries to keep things moving but Hendry interrupts that with a few haymakers of his own, bouncing Sheldon out of the corner and catching him with a Cutter. Shoulder Tackles into a Sack of Shit, and Hendry kips up for a camera spot. Standing Ovation, but no, Jean tries to mount something but Hendry cuts him off with a big Lariat. Hendry stomps for momentum, Standing Ovation, and the match is over.

A little too obvious to really buy into or care about the challenger.

Maclin comes out with a few guards in boot camp camo shirts, American flag on the tron and Red, White & Blue streamers adorning the ring…IN CANADA. Beautiful work. Maclin issues an open challenge, but only to a Canadian wrestler. Scott D’Amore’s music hits and I doubt Scott will challenge for the title. But it makes for an interesting moment.

Maclin eggs on D’Amore, and D’Amore acts like he’s getting ready to accept the challenge. Says he’s got a “Perfect Canadian…Perfect Creation One”. So it looks like Under Siege will be PCO vs Maclin. Maclin and his camo goons attack PCO, grab a table and before Maclin can put him through the table, PCO wipes out the security. DDT from PCO, PCO looks for a Powerbomb through the table, but Maclin takes the tactical retreat. However a few of the security goons are still there, so the 2 security guys get driven through the table.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Now I hate Trey’s attempt at what he thinks is wrestling, but the 6 man was fine since he was restricted to most heel garbage and a few quick spots that weren’t overly offensive. The show struggled a little from the wrestling perspective because there was a lot of video packages recapping Rebellion and new champions; plus the matches were supremely predictable or unengaging. Now I enjoyed Lish’s match, but because she’s a heel nothing was super flashy or cool, she just did solid work. So if you come here for wrestling, watch the first like 15 minutes then go home.

Aside from that, stories started to move forward. The Coven has taken interest in Deonna, Sabin pinning Trey means he might be in line for a shot and the finish to the show with PCO being the first challenger for Maclin’s new title reign is pretty hype. Canadian and American fans love PCO, so even if he loses (which is very likely), he will have a ton of fan support as he should, and the story is easy to build since Maclin is a wonderful shit heel.

Thusly, if you enjoy IMPACT stories and wrestlers, this was an alright episode. If you only watch for good wrestling…try again next week.

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Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/21/23)

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Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/20/23)

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/13/26)

Who’s feeling lucky?

Published

27 minutes ago

March 13, 2026

Steven Mitchell

Very superstitious~! Writing on the wall~!

Don’t worry, it IS Friday! But with Revolution on Sunday, ROH is giving us a special bonus episode tonight, free gratis on YouTube!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Ace Austin VS KM; wins.
Marina Shafir VS Danielle Kamela; wins.
Rush VS BEEF; wins.
Persephone VS ???
Wheeler Yuta VS Serpentico; wins.
8 Man Tag: Eddie Kingston, Ortiz & Top Flight VS Roppongi Vice & MXM Collection; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/13/26)

Who’s feeling lucky?

Published

5 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Steven Mitchell

It’s a mighty night for the New Japan Cup!

The New Japan Cup arrives in Osaka as round two continues. Tonight, Hartley Jackson VS Callum Newman, and Hirooki Goto VS Jake Lee!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shota Umino & Masatora Yasuda VS Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi; Chase & Yujiro win.
Six Man Tag: YOSHI-HASHI, Satoshi Kojima & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
Six Man Tag: Hontai VS House of Torture; Hontai wins.
Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma VS WarDragons; WarDragons win.
10 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Callum Newman VS Hartley Jackson; Callum wins and advances.
2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Jake Lee VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Callum Newman w/ Zane Jay VS Hartley Jackson!

The Prince was able to slay one giant German in the first round as he made Oskar “kiss the crown.” But now he runs into TMDK’s giant Aussie! Will Callum find a way to make the mighty kneel? Or will he see that it’s Jackson Number One!

Hartley offers a handshake to show there is sportsmanship here, but Callum just flips him off. The bell rings and Callum runs up to BOOT Hartley! Callum fires off a flurry of forearms, then he mockingly says, “Jackson, gambatte yo. <Do your best.>” Callum CLUBS Hartley, runs the ropes, but Hartley follows, blows past him, then CLOBBERS him! “Jackson Number One!” The fans cheer that! Hartley stands Callum up to CHOP him down! Callum grimaces as he stands back up, but Hartley CHOPS again! Callum stands up faster this time, but Hartley CLUBS him on the back. Hartley then CHOPS Callum in a corner!

Hartley brings Callum out to suplex, but Callum slips free! Callum waistlocks, Hartley switches, but Callum elbows free. Callum then trips Hartley and KNEES him in the side! Hartley rolls away to a corner, clutching his ribs, but Callum says, “Callum Number One!” The fans are torn but Callum walks over to Hartley. Callum digs his knee into Hartley’s face but the ref counts. Callum mocks the ref, then backs off at 4. But then he digs his boots back in! The ref counts, Callum backs off and flexes. Callum KICKS Hartley, KICKS him again, and again! Callum eggs Hartley on and slaps him around. Hartley says, “Kimochi! <Feels good!>”

Callum says okay, and slaps Hartley some more. Hartley says, “Motto! <More!>” Callum fires a forearm, but Hartley dares him to headbutt?! Callum says okay! He brings Hartley out and HEADBUTTS! But Callum’s the one dazed by that! The fans cheer as Callum has to sit down! Hartley brings Callum up to HEADBUTT, and Callum staggers to a corner! Hartley storms up on Callum, ROCKS him with a forearm, then whips corner to corner. Callum sputters but Hartley SPLASHES, then short arm LARIATS! And then SENTONS! The fans cheer while Callum sputters again. Hartley covers, TWO! Callum toughs it out but the fans rally for Hartley.

Hartley drags Callum up, fireman’s carries, but Callum fights free with elbow. Callum staggers, kicks, but Hartley blocks! Callum ROCKS Hartley, ROLLING ELBOWS, then ROUNDHOUSES! The fans applaud as Hartley falls and Callum wobbles. Callum shakes out the remaining stars from those headbutts while Hartley rolls out of the ring. Callum builds speed and DIVES onto Hartley! They both hit railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! The ref checks and Callum stands up. Callum flexes, saying he’s the best. The fans rally for Hartley while Callum goes back for him. Callum stands Hartley up to whip, but Hartley blocks!

Callum kicks Hartley, whips, but Hartley reverses! Callum hits railing hard! The fans fire up as Callum bounces off and crawls on the floor. Hartley rises, and he tells fans to move aside. The fans oblige as Hartley fetches Callum. Callum fires forearms but Hartley ROCKS him in return. Hartley then BOWLS Callum into the chairs! STRIKE! The fans fire up for that one! Hartley nods, then heads over to fetch Callum. Hartley has more fans clear out as they move through the crowd. The fans cheer as Hartley CLUBS Callum, then takes aim! Hartley BOWLS Callum again! Callum slides with a chair for the second STRIKE!

The fans cheer and Hartley bows in thanks. Hartley then makes his way over to fetch Callum again. The ref wants this back in the ring already but Hartley makes Callum take a seat. Hartley CHOPS Callum, then heads back to the ring as the count starts. No, wait, Hartley turns around, and he runs up on Callum! CROSSBODY gutter ball as Callum dodges! Hartley hits chairs instead! Callum hobbles his way to railings to rest against them. Hartley crawls, and manages to take a seat, but Callum runs up to DROPKICK him right back down! The fans rally as the count climbs, and Callum is back in at 10 of 20. Hartley sits up at 11!

The fans rally harder as Hartley struggles to rise! Hartley stands at 15, and he hurries on shaky legs! Hartley returns to ringside at 18! Hartley rolls in at 19.5! Callum is beside himself, but he wants Hartley to wait. Both men sit up into a kneeling position. Callum then fires a forearm! Hartley DECKS Callum in return! Callum sits up again, and fires another forearm. Hartley DECKS Callum again! Now Callum stands and he dares Hartley to do the same. Both men stand, and the forearms keep going back and forth! The fans rally up as the shots go faster and faster! Callum fires a flurry, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry!

Callum flails and throws elbows, but Hartley puts him on the top rope. Hartley ROCKS Callum, and Callum clings to ropes to stay up. Hartley climbs, brings Callum up, but Callum fires body shots! Callum ROCKS Hartley, then hops down to GAMANGIRI! Callum then gets under Hartley, and manages a RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO! Hartley survives but Callum PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Callum aims from a corner! Callum runs again, KNEE STRIKE! Cover, TWO!! Hartley survives again and the fans fire up! Callum grows frustrated but he then mockingly cheers Harltey on again.

Callum reels Hartley in, underhooks, but Hartley might be too big for the lift. Callum KNEES Hartley down! “Callum number one, b*tch!” Callum vows to end this, and he reels Hartley back in. But Hartley fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives and the fans fire up again! Hartley pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he torture racks Callum! BURNING- NO, Callum lands out! Callum BOOTS, HEEL KICKS, but Hartley DISCUS LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Callum sputters while Hartley again rallies the fans. Hartley drags Callum up, but Callum HEADBUTTS!

Both men wobble, Callum rebounds, but Hartley ELBOWS him down! Hartley hurries to cover, TWO!! Callum survives but Hartley hauls him right up! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Callum survives and the fans fire up again! Hartley shouts, “IKU ZO! <Here we go!>” Hartley drags Callum up, but Zane Jay slides a chair into the ring! Hartley picks it up, hands it to the ref, and the ref puts it outside, but Callum LOW BLOWS Hartley!! Then EXCALIBUR!! Cover, Callum wins!

Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Prince needed help this time, but he still slayed another giant! Will Callum soon claim the Cup and the crown?

2026 New Japan Cup Second Round: Jake Lee VS Hirooki Goto!

Similar to Callum Newman, the Silent Jester defeated the Headhunter, but now runs into the other half of Bishamon! Will this Smart Bastard have a plan for taking down the Fierce Warrior? Or will the Goto Revolution rise again?

The bell rings and the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Jake conducts the fans like a choir, and there are “JA-KU! JA-KU!” fans here. Jake calls for silence as the two circle, and then they tie up. They’re in a deadlock but the fans rally again. Goto puts Jake on the ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Goto obliges and the fans applaud. Jake brushes that off and the two reset. They circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. Jake powers Goto to the ropes, Red Shoes calls another break, and Jake lets off slowly. The fans applaud that, and Jake mocks the zanmai “HAI~!” Goto runs up, but Jake blocks the kick!

Jake kicks Goto, whips Goto to ropes, but Goto ducks ‘n’ dodges to then RUN Jake over! The fans cheer while Jake sputters. Goto stomps Jake around, then drags him up. Goto snapmares Jake into the chinlock, digging his knee into Jake’s back. Jake endures but Goto ELBOWS him in the head! Goto stomps Jake around, then brings him up. Goto CLUBS Jake on the neck, then follows him to the ropes. Goto CLUBS Jake again, then CHOPS! Goto whips, Jake reverses and KNEES low! Jake then hoists Goto up, to crotch him on the ropes! Jake mocks Goto’s pain as Goto slumps to the apron. The fans rally as Jake goes to the outside.

Jake aims from the apron as Goto stands, and runs up to PENALTY- NO, Goto blocks the kick! Goto trips Jake and he lands hard on the apron! Goto kicks Jake, then brings him around to whip, only for Jake to reverse! Goto hits railing, but he comes back! Only for Jake to get around, lift, and SLAM Goto on the apron! Jake rolls into the ring and leaves Goto to the count. Goto stirs at 3 of 20, sits up at 7, and Hashi coaches him up. Goto manages to stand at 13, but Jake is already bringing out his black medical glove. Goto rolls in at 17, but Jake stomps him! Jake cocky covers but Red Shoes refuses to count.

Jake argues with Red Shoes, and he changes feet. No, still no good. Jake properly covers Goto, Red Shoes counts, TWO! Jake drags Goto up to CLUB him, then he puts Goto on the ropes. Jake fishhooks Goto for the Bad Vibrations! Jake stops as Red Shoes reprimands, then throws the glove away. Jake stalks Goto, kicks him around, and taunts him while the fans rally. Goto frowns while Jake laughs, and Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Jake kicks low, then whips Goto to the corner. Goto reverses, then runs in, but Jake dodges! Goto hits buckles, then Jake scoops him, to put him in the Tree of Woe!

Jake fires KNEE after KNEE into Goto, then runs corner to corner to KNEE Goto out of the Tree! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto survives. Goto coughs and sputters, but Jake drags him up to whip to ropes, and KNEE! Jake whips again and KNEES! Jake whips a third time, Goto reverses, but Jake still KNEES him low! Jake runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Jake checks his jaw but Goto drags him up. Goto ROCKS Jake with forearm after forearm, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs up and MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Jake is tougher than that but Goto stays focused.

The fans rally as Goto brings Jake up, but Jake fights the fireman’s carry! Jake CLUBS Goto, then waistlocks, but Goto fires elbows. Goto is free, but he runs into another KNEE! The fans are torn while Goto writhes on the mat. Jake catches his breath, then hauls Goto up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto survives but Jake frowns. Jake drags Goto up, bumps him off buckles, then takes aim! Jake runs corner to corner, but Goto ducks the boot! Jake is stuck on the ropes while the fans rally again. Jake hobbles from the corner, but he dodges Goto! Guzel and CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto survives!

Jake is annoyed but he shakes his head as he stands back up. Jake watches Goto crawl back to the corner and reloads. Goto stands, Jake runs in, but Goto again dodges the boot! Dragon sleeper, and DRAPING SHOTO! The fans cheer while both men are down again! The fans rally up as Goto and Jake stir. They both sit up slowly, then head for each other. Both men stand, and Goto fires a forearm! Jake fires back! They trade forearms again and again, picking up speed! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, neither man backing down! Jake ROCKS Goto, CLUBS Goto, then brings him up, only for Goto to HEADBUTT!

Jake drops to his knees while the fans fire up. Goto HEADBUTTS Jake again and again and again! The fans cheer as Goto tops it off with one more HEADBUTT! But Jake goes crazy! We’ve seen Jake bring this out against Yota Tsuji and Yoshi-Hashi, and now this wild joker runs up on Goto! Goto takes a swing but Jake ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Goto spins him around, URA GTR! Goto runs, but into a BOOT! Goto RIDGE HANDS! Jake ROUNDHOUSES! Jake hurries to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! Goto flails, but he’s dropped to a knee! The fans rally harder and harder but Goto is fading! Wait, Goto gets a second wind, but Jake KNEES him low!

Jake reels Goto in, but Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Goto grits his teeth as he rises up, and he storms over to Jake. Goto drags Jake up, fireman’s carries again, G T W! Cover, TWO!! Jake survives and the fans fire up again! Goto catches his breath before he stands up again. Goto roars and the fans are with him! Goto powers up as Jake sits up, but Jake SPITS at Goto! Goto BUZZSAWS Jake down! Then he drags Jake up, dragon sleeper, G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Jester was defiant to the end, but his run in the New Japan Cup ends here! What will it take for Jake Lee to conquer NJPW?

As for Goto, the fans cheer him on as he gets the mic. “Everyone, thank you for coming tonight! I will definitely win this year’s New Japan Cup, and then win THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the belt I have never held before, and then come back here!” The fans cheer that! Goto continues by saying listen up! Follow him as he brings the Goto Revolution to another victory! The fans cheer Goto’s straightforward message, but will he truly stand on the mountaintop he has fought so long to reach?

My Thoughts:

Another very good night for New Japan Cup, though maybe not as fiery as the previous nights. Good stuff in the tune-ups again, good to see Takagi & Drilla back in action as WarDragons again. Very good match from Callum VS Hartley, and Callum is doing really well selling those chair bowling spots. Hartley did get cheated, so that protects him in the loss while building the Heel heat on Callum. Great match from Goto VS Jake, and I’m actually a little surprised this is where Jake loses. His wild joker mode is 1-2, having only worked on Hashi, but Goto is a tried and true choice so it makes sense. And Goto pointing out that, despite having the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship before, he still needs the classic IWGP Heavyweight title is great stuff.