Who will get to wreak Halloween Havoc with the champ?

Tonight, Ethan Page, Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans battle in a Triple Threat to become #1 contender to Trick Williams’ NXT Championship! Who gets to spin the wheel and make the deal with Tricky Two-Time Two Time?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Stephanie Vaquer VS Wren Sinclair; Vaquer wins.
• Gentlemen’s Duel: Lexis King VS Oro Mensah; Lexis wins.
• Nikkita Lyons VS Lola Vice; Lyons wins.
• Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Thea Hail; Ridge wins.
• Ashante THEE Adonis VS Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears; Jensen wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Ethan Page VS Wes Lee VS Je’Von Evans; Ethan wins and will challenge Trick Williams for the title at Halloween Havoc.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT returns a new and improved Capitol Wrestling Center!

Vic Joseph & Booker T welcome us back, and hypes up the card from the main event to the Gentlemen’s Duel, to then plug the recap video package.

Tony D’Angelo sits in the ring at a private table.

The Don has some wine and the North American Championship with him, and the fans cheer him on. Tony says he wanted to come out here, have a big celebration as the NEW NXT North American Champion, and celebrate with the family. Because without the family, he wouldn’t be sitting here today with this title. But he wants to first give a toast to the former champion, Oba Femi. Oba is the longest reigning North American Champion in history, and the man that honestly, did break Tony. Oba is a machine, but Tony needed to win this title. So Tony used Oba’s greatest strength against him: His pride. His pride that he could dominate and break any man that stood against him.

Tony says he baited Oba into thinking he once again broke The Don, and got him right where he wanted him. Tony seized the moment and did the unthinkable by beating Oba! The fans cheer, and Tony smiles. Tony says part of him wants to think this is over. But Tony’s done this long enough to know, far from it. So in the meantime, to Oba. Salud. But speaking of, here comes Oba! The Ruler passes by the roulette wheel on his way to the ring, and Tony stands up, belt in hand. The Family is also there to have Tony’s back as Oba steps between the ropes. Oba says he cannot lie. Tony got him. He did, he really did. Congratulations.

It happened once, but it will not happen again. Because at Halloween Havoc, Oba regains that title, and once again will be The Ruler of NXT! The fans do applaud that. Oba steps away, but then he says, “One more thing. Your little family, yeah? They will not be by your side to help you.” What kind of veiled threat is that? Oba SPINS THE WHEEL! Time to make the deal! And it lands on Tables, Ladders & Scares! Will Oba use this tiebreaker to truly break Tony physically and emotionally once and for all?

Backstage interview with Oro Mensah.

Byron Saxton is with Meta Four’s Main Man, and brings up the Gentlemen’s Duel and its unique rules. Oro wants to have them explained real quick. Byron says first up, you cannot strike the opponent while they have “four points of contact on the ground.” Second, no throwing your opponent over the top rope to the floor. Third, ropebreaks are down from five to a three count. And finally, absolutely NO fighting on the outside. All violations result in disqualification. Wow, pretty wild. What’s Lexis gonna do, though? Who’s he trying to fool? Like he’s not his father’s son. Oro says Lexis is just annoyed he lost at his own game.

But in steps Lexis. That is disappointing to hear. Before last time, Oro said to Lexis, make your father proud. But that would’ve meant cheating! Lexis didn’t cheat, but Oro did. That won’t happen tonight. Tonight will be a fair wrestling match, so may the best man win. Lexis leaves and Oro says he is still not buying it. Has The Drama King turned over a new leaf? Or will Oro be proven right that a cheetah can’t change his spots?

Stephanie Vaquer VS Wren Sinclair!

La Primera has arrived, and she has her in-ring debut against the ambitious yet impulsive member of the No Quarter Catch Crew. Will Wren simply be an example to Roxanne Perez and the rest of the best women’s division today?

NXT returns and #WrenQCC makes their entrance. The bell and the two circle. They tie up, Wren wrenches and hammerlocks but Vaquer squats, uses a leg to break the grip then wrench back. Wren trips Vaquer, headlocks, but Vaquer headscissors. Wren kips free, the fans cheer, but Vaquer gets around to waistlock, wrangle and BRIDGE! TWO! Wren escapes and trips Vaquer to cover, ONE! Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Vaquer keeps on Wren with an armlock but also some hair pulling. Vaquer wrenches, trips and steps through on Wren to then turn her over, DEATHLOCK, move around, bridging cover! TWO!!

The fans cheer as Wren is all tied up and Vaquer flexes. Wren trips Vaquer, and has the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION! Vaquer endures, Wren moves around and around to keep on the pressure! The fans fire up as Wren then shifts into a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Vaquer endures, fights up, but Wren grinds the shoulder. Wren wrenches, but Vaquer rolls, handsrpings and rolls Wren up! TWO and Wren scrambles away to ropes. Vaquer grins, and eggs WRen on> Wren runs up, Vaquer dodges to SUPERKICK! Vaquer stalks Wren to a corner and scrapes her boot off her face! Roxie & Cora are watching, not so impressed, and then they head out.

Vaquer brings Wren up but Wren fires body shots. Wren whips, Vaquer reverses but Wren susent flips! Vaquer stays up to SCRAPE soles off Wrens’ face! Vaquer runs , to drop a LEG brother! Headscissors, and Vaquer just HAMMERS Wren into the mat again and again! Cover, TWO!! Wren stays in this but Vaquer stays cool. Vaquer brings Wren up, brings her around, but Wren CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but Vaqquer fires a forearm! Wren fires back, they go back and forth, WRen CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Vaquer swings, Wren dodges and runs up to run Vaquer over! Then BASEMENT BULLDOG! Wren fires up and the fans rally!

Wren runs up, float around into the BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! The NQCC fire up as Wren puts Vaquer in t aocnrer. Wren LARIATS, then runs, but Vaquer dodges! Vaquer comes back, blocks boots, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! Wren writhes, Vaquer puts her back in the corner, for the METEORA! Vaquer drags Wren up, reels her in, and tucks her in! PACKAGE BACKBREAKER!! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

But before The Dark Angel can celebrate, Roxie & Cora attack! The fans boo, but here comes Giulia! The Beautiful Madness dodges Roxie, DECKS Cora, then DECKS Roxie! Cora returns but gets a HEADBUTT! Roxie CLOBBERS Giulia from behind, then she and Cora double whip. But Giulia DOUBLE SHOTGUNS them down! The fans fire up, Giulia helps Stephanie up, and they DOUBLE BOOT Cora & Roxie out of the ring! Stephanie gets a mic. She tells those two it’ll be them VS Stephanie & Giulia, at HALLOWEEN HAVOC! Roxie says bring it! But will she regret disrespecting the international superstars?

Trick Williams talks with Kelani Jordan backstage.

The NXT Champion says, “Well if it isn’t Tricky Two-Time and the first and only, The Standout herself, Kelani, in the same place at the same time.” They looked good with the gold up in the air, didn’t they? Kelani agrees. And even better, that moment will go down in history. But wait, isn’t Trick finding out who he faces at Halloween Havoc tonight? Yeah, he does. He knows it’s a match with The Young OG, who did his thing against Randy Orton last week, “that no good backbiting” Wes Lee, and “that cockroach who will not leave me alone,” Ethan Page. Either way it goes, Trick knows for sure that it’ll go better than before.

What about The Standout? What’s she got cooking? Kelani isn’t sure, but the way this NXT Women’s Division keeps growing, it could literally be anyone, so she’ll let Ava decide. But one thing she does know is that no one does it like Lani. Talk about it! They do a secret handshake while we see The Fatal Influence watching from the background. Jacy Jayne says they need to pay Ava a little visit. Will these three influence the decision for Halloween Havoc?

Brinley Reece and Karmen Petrovic talk in the concourse area.

Brin says Vaquer & Giulia, whoa! Karmen says yeah, she saw, it was- Ashante THEE Adonis steps in with a rose. He apologizes for messing up their match a few weeks ago, Brinley. Adonisly, he got caught up in the moment. By the way, do they know who that was before? The woman in the crowd? Shawn Spears walks over and can’t believe this is how Adonis talks to women. Adonis sighs but Spears says this is disrespectful. They are ladies, who deserve to be treated with respect. The Chair Man takes the rose and is sure Brooks Jensen feels the same way. Brooks takes the rose now, RIPS it up, and the ladies leave.

Adonis asks if there’s a problem. Spears steps aside so Jensen and Adonis can stare down, but Robert Stone hurries in. He says they are NOT doing this here. To Ava’s office, now! Security backs Stone up, and we look at the rose on the ground. Karmen picks up the pieces? Has Adonis’ style somehow worked out after all?

Gentlemen’s Duel: Lexis King VS Oro Mensah!

We just learned the very stringent rules that guarantee no shenanigans or dirty tactics. But then, who proves they’re the better man through and through?

NXT returns and Oro makes his entrance solo given Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson were just in St. Louis for Raw. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Lexis slips around to headlock but Oro slips free. They tie up again., Lexis waistlocks, but Oro reaches back to headlock for the takeover. Lexis headscissors, squeeze tight, but Oro kips free. Oro headlocks, Lexis fights back to his own headlock, and hits a takeover. Oro headscissors now, and he squeezes tight. Lexis fights around, pops free, and the two tie up again. They go around, Lexis puts Oro on ropes but Oro puts Lexis on ropes. Oro lets go at 2 and the two reset.

Lexis storms up, Oro gets around to waistlock, but Lexis wrenches free to wristlock. Oro rolls, and he reaches up to BOOT Lexis from below. Tavion Heights tweets about this match, saying we’ll see if Lexis paid attention to NQCC when going over the ruleset. Oro storms up on Lexis but Lexis UPKICKS! Lexis whips but Oro reverses to SOBAT! Oro winds up, but Lexis is on all fours so the ref says no hitting! Oro didn’t get the rules, and Lexis rolls Oro up! TWO, and Lexis again has all four on the floor. Oro frowns, and Lexis smirks as he stands, only for Oro to ENZIGIRI! Lexis staggers top ropes, Oro sunset flips him! TWO!

Oro runs but into an arm-drag! Oro arm-drags in return! Lexis blocks a hip toss to hip toss, but Oro turns that into a takedown! Cover, TWO! Oro runs up, hops up, but Lexis fights him! Oro still MONKEY FLIPS, and then he drags Lexis up. Oro whips, Lexis goes up, but has to adjust. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Lexis is frustrated but the fans rally up. Oro SUPER PUNCHES! The ref reprimands about closed fists, that’s an unwritten rule of this match. Oro runs, goes up the ropes, but Lexis SHOVES him! The ref reminds Lexis of the No Ring Out rule and Lexis hurries to keep Oro in! Lexis apologizes, that’s old habits!

Oro is upset, but Lexis runs up. Oro blocks a kick, kicks in return, and then whips. Lexis ducks ‘n’ dodges, hurdles, but Oro comes back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and the two brawl up top! Lexis ROCKS Oro and Oro falls back. Lexis adjusts to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Oro stays in this and Lexis grows frustrated. Lexis drags Oro up, half nelsons and KNEES him low! And again, but Oro blocks! Oro BACKDROPS free! And he dropkicks legs out! Lexis stands, Oro fires CHOP after CHOP after CHOP! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Oro whips, Lexis reverses, but Oro flips to RANA! Lexis staggers up, Oro clinches to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Oro drags Lexis up, but Lexis ducks a lariat to half nelson and fisherman! FISHERMAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Oro survives and the fans fire up!

Lexis pounds the mat in frustration but the fans rally behind him. Lexis brings Oro up, fires forearms, but Oro fires back! Lexis CHOPS, Oro CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up, Lexis UPPERCUTS but Oro UPPERCUTS, repeat! The UPPERCUTS keep going, but Lexis shifts to forearms! Both men wobble, and Oro ROLLING KICKS! Down goes Lexis and the fans fire up! Oro rises, staggers to ropes, and he grits his teeth. Lexis goes to the apron, Oro storms over, but Lexis RAMS into him! Lexis climbs, but Oro TIGER WALL KICKS! Lexis falls into the ring, and Oro goes to the apron! The fans fire up with Oro!

Oro springboards in, FLYING RIDER KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Oro is frustrated but he hauls Lexis up. Lexis slips out of the hammerlock to SUPERKICK! Oro kneels, Lexis runs, but into the LARIAT!! Oro fires up again and the fans are with him! Oro goes to a corner, aims at Lexis as he goes to the other, and runs in corner to corner! MURAMASA hits buckles! Lexis avoids disaster, and he has Oro in the straitjacket! But Oro wrenches, cradles, TWO!! Lexis escapes, Oro clinches, but Lexis trips him! Jackknife, TWO! Oro slips around a lariat to crucifix takedown, TWO! Lexis hooks Oro, body scissors and BRIDGE! LEXIS WINS!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall

A win fair and square, and it goes to The King! Oro can’t believe he got caught, but Lexis offers a handshake. The fans cheer as Oro takes the handshake, and Lexis raises Oro’s hand in return. Have these two buried the hatchet now that Lexis proved he is changing his ways?

Cedric Alexander talks with Je’Von Evans.

“Uncle Ceddy” commends The Young OG on his efforts against Randy Orton. Je’Von says yeah, he really tried out there. But that is some bucket list stuff! Tonight, though, he has to focus on the Triple Threat and getting that title shot. Speaking of titles, Nathan Frazer & Axiom say hey and way to go, OG. That was a hell of a match. Je’Von thanks them for that, and Cedric says Fraxiom should apologize for the tag match they messed up a couple weeks ago. Je’Von says yeah, facts. Fraxiom apologizes, they were just after A-Town Down Under.

But then Wes Lee walks by, and he hopes Je’Von enjoys his 15 minutes of fame. Being in the Triple Threat does not mean Je’Von is ready. That title scene is Wes’s now, so just stay out of his way. Je’Von says honestly, ever since Wes lost his friends, he’s been a little, uh… salty. Just calm down a minute, for real. Wes says when you want to win the NXT Championship, you don’t need friends. How would Wes know? He hasn’t been NXT Championship. Yeah well Wes has had every other title, what’s Je’Von ever had? Oh, well, he just needs two more wins and he’ll be somewhere. That won’t ever happen because he’ll lose to Wes!

Je’Von says he’ll never be like Wes, and Wes says that’s because Je’Von ain’t got the potential to be like him! Axiom & Frazer keep things from going down here, the main event still needs to happen. But will the Young OG be so bouncy, he bounces Wes right out of the picture? Or will the Cardiac Kid crush Je’Von’s hopes and dreams?

The Meta Four speaks.

Lash Legend says Iyo Sky is the Genius of the Sky, and Jakara Jackson says Kairi Sane is the Sky Pirate. They fly high above the clouds and have had success on every level: each former NXT Women’s Champions; former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions; and Iyo was former WWE Women’s Champion. But Meta Four is gonna swat them out of the sky. They don’t care how dangerous Damage CTRL is, because next week, they found ain’t nothing sweet. Miss Jackson & The Bougie Bully eliminate DMG CTRL from the tag title picture, and they’re coming back for Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair. They clack fingernails, but will DMG CTRL make them SKRRR the brakes?

Nikkita Lyons VS Lola Vice!

Guess who’s back, back again. The multi-faceted talent says the “pounce back” is always greater than the setback. Will she finally take over NXT? Or will the Mayor of Vice City tame this Lioness right out the gate?

NXT returns and Lyons makes her entrance. The fans certainly go wild, just call them the Lyons Pride. The bell rings, the fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” as the two circle. Lyons and Loa each test the water with kicks, and they each try a little something something. The two reset, tie up, and Lola waistlocks. Lyons throws Lola off, but Lola comes back to BODY SHOT! And SUPERKICK! Lola shakes her hips, but Lyons stands up. The two go again. Lola waistlocks to headlock, but Lyons stays up. Lyons powers up and out, then CLOBBERS Lola! Lyons shows she can shake it, bake it, and quake it, too!

The two tie up, Lyons wrenches to a wristlock, and she whips Lola, only for Lola to reverse and KICK! Lola whips, KICKS again, and shows off more dance moves. Lola whips to KICK but Lyons scoops! Lyons SLAMS Lola, then scoops her again! Another SLAM, and Lyons brings Lola back up. Lyons whips Lola to a corner, runs up and RAMS into her! And RAMS again! And again! The ref counts, Lyons picks Lola up, and she TOSSES Lola away! Lola staggers up, Lyons runs in, but Lola dodges! Lyons POSTS herself, and Lola brings her in for a SLEEPER! Lola is a backpack and squeezes tight!

The fans rally, Lyons drops to a knee, but she fights back up. Lyons RAMS Lola into buckles, but Lola holds on! Lyons RAMS Lola into buckles again, but Lola won’t let go! Lyons swings around to SLAM Lola down! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Lyons stays focused. The two stand, and Lyons KICKS, KICKS, but Lola TACKLES her! Lola hammers away on Lyons, but Lyons turns things over to hammer back! Lola gets an ARMBAR! Lyons powers up to stack Lola, TWO! Lola has the ARMBAR again, Lyons has the ROPEBREAK! Lola lets go, the fans fire up, and Lola storms up. Lyons ELBOWS Lola, then ROCKS her!

Lyons fires shots from all side, then LARIATS! Lola dodges the next one to SPIN KCIK! KICK! And SPIN- NO, Lyons ducks, lifts, but Lola slips free! Lola fires off LIGHTNING KICKS! The fans fire up, Lola sits Lyons down. Lola soaks up the cheers and jeers, “I’m a Latina~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola snarls, and she KICKS Lyons in the side! Wait, Jaida Parker is here!? The fans fire up but Lola SUPERKICKS Miss Parker down! Lyons SUPERKICKS Lola! Lola tumbles out, the ref keeps Lyons in, HIPNOTIC on Lola!! Jaida puts Lola in after the drive by, and Lyons goes up! Lyons roars, for the VADER BOMB!! Cover, Lyons wins!

Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall

The Lyons Roar wrecks Lola, but Jaida says you’re welcome. Will Lola and Jaida settle things on their end soon enough?

Ava meets with Stephanie Vaquer & Giulia.

The NXT General Manager congratulates Vaquer on her first NXT win, and says yes, the idea of a tag match, Vaquer & Giulia VS Roxie & Cora? Perfect! But in step The Fatal Influence. Jacy says, “Wow. All they had to do was ask and they get whatever they want?” Jazmyn says in that case, they want a North American Championship match with Kelani. Ava’s gotta love that idea, too, right? Ava says no. These two here actually have valid reasons for facing Roxie & Cora. The Fatal Influence just have a request and so they can talk. Fallon says this is the office spinning things like always. Ava says actually, she is fair.

So if The Influence wants a title opportunity, any two of them can take on Giulia & Vaquer next week. The Influence is stuck, but Ava asks, “How bad do you want it?” Fallon says fine! They’ll do it! FINE! The Influencers storm out, will The Dark Angel & Beautiful Madness use Fallon, Jacy and/or Jazmyn as appetizers for The Prodigy & Generation Jade?

Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Thea Hail!

The grudge between Yorkshire Grit and Chase U has NOT been settled, as Ridge has yet to destroy Turbo Terry. Will Ridge finally bury Chase U in the past? Or is there no avoiding a Chase University sized ass kicking!?

NXT returns and Ridge makes his entrance. But then Riley CLOBBERS Ridge at the ramp! Riley gets back in the ring to FLY back out! Down goes Ridge again and the fans fire up! Ridge fires forearms, he pushes Ridge in the ring, and the bell rings. Riley runs up to CALF KICK Ridge down, then CALF KICK again! And SHOTGUN! Ridge ends up in a corner, Riley runs in, and he A-LIST LARITS! The fans fire up, and Riley BULL- NO, Ridge powers out! Ridge whips Riley, Riley goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ridge is tough but Riley keeps on him with forearms.

Ridge whips Riley away, Riley ducks, ducks, and slips around to- NO, Ridge stops the crucifix takedown to AIR RAID CRASH! Ridge throws down hands on Riley, then drags him up. The fans boo but Ridge bumps Riley off buckles, KICKS him in the back, and CLUBS him down! Ridge drags Riley out onto the apron to SLAM him! Ridge runs up to KNEE LIFT! Riley falls to the floor, Ridge refreshes the count, and Ridge soaks up heat. Ridge drags Riley up, scoops him, and sets him on the commentary desk. But Riley KICKS Ridge away! Riley stands, leaps, and TORNADO DDTS to the floor! The fans fire up as Riley has a wild look in his eyes.

Riley rises, puts Ridge back in the ring, and he climbs a corner. The fans fire up as Riley aims, but Ridge is up! Ridge CLUBS Riley, climbs up to join Riley, and he fires hands. Riley SLAPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ridge wobbles, but he comes back to ROCK Riley! Riley wobbles way back, but Ridge sits him up. Ridge clinches, for a SUPER OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans are torn but Ridge roars! Ridge storms up on Riley, brings him in, gut wrench and POWERBOMB! Ridge taunts the fans as he looms over Riley. Ridge drags Riley up, KNEES low, and reels him in for the REDEEMER DDT! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Thea is devastated, but then Ridge beats up on Riley more! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, and Thea shouts at Ridge, but Ridge won’t stop! Ridge TOSSES Riley out hard! Ridge says this is what Chase U gets! Ridge storms out, clears the desk this time, and he almost hits Thea with the hood! Ridge drags Riley up, puts him on the desk, and fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Ridge soaks it all up as he climbs up after Riley. Ridge brings Riley up, Thea right there begging, but wait! ANDRE CHASE IS BACK! Ridge grins as he runs up to meet Chase, but Chase dodges, BOOTS, and rallies with LARIATS!

The fans are thunderous as Chase LARIATS Ridge up and out of the ring! Thea hugs Mr. Chase, and then they both get ready to fight Ridge! Security rushes in to stop this, and Ridge’s rage is boiling! Will Mr. Chase avenge his university himself?

Backstage interview with Tatum Paxley.

Byron Saxton finds Tatum playing with her dolls, and she says he can have this one. He thanks her, and brings up Tatum helping Sol Ruca against Wendy Choo. Did she… Tatum says, “Forget?” Tatum says silly Byron, Tatum never forgets. Tatum didn’t forget that Wendy pretended to be her friend, then played with her dolls, all to stab her in the back. Wendy might’ve forgotten, but Tatum didn’t! Tatum is sure- Wait, OTM interrupts. Jaida says we all saw how she did Lola. And Lola knows has hands, but Jaida is the one on point. Lola is going to learn to- Tatum says rude! Jaida knows she may be playing with Lola right now, but she interrupted Tatum’s time!

Jaida says okay, freak, we don’t doubt Tatum can handle Wendy. But baby girl, Jaida doesn’t play, at all. OTM heads out, and Wendy is lurking in the shadows! Will Wendy give Tatum the sinister slumber party she wants? Will Lola make sure Miss Parker regrets not leaving well enough alone?

Ashante THEE Adonis VS Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears!

The confrontation backstage has been turned into a match! Adonis just wants romance in his life, but will he see that all is fair in love and war? Or will The Chair Man’s follower find that Adonis can be a lover and a fighter?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around in an aggressive collar ‘n’ elbow. Jensen puts Adonis in a corner, gets up on him, but the ref counts. Jensen lets off slowly, but Adonis sucker punches him! Adonis fires hands, stomps a mudhole, then fires more hands. Adonis whips corner to corner but Jensen reverses. Adonis comes back to LARIAT! Jensen stays up, so Adonis dodges and LARIATS again! Jensen falls, Adonis covers, ONE! Adonis stays on Jensen but Jensen FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS! Adonis sputters, the fans boo, but Spears says keep on him! Jensen stomps Adonis and rains down fists!

Jensen smothers Adonis, the ref reprimands, but Jensen stands up, to rain down another punch! Spears coaches Jensen, Jensen ELBOWS Adonis in the head, and Jensen scoops. Adonis CLAWS Jensen’s eyes! Adonis RAMS Jensen into the corner, throws hands, but lets off as the ref counts. Adonis brings Jensen up to CLUB him, but Jensen throat chops! The fans boo, but Jensen sits Adonis up to ELBOW him in the head. Jensen pushes Adonis to a cover, ONE! Jensen stays on Adonis as he grinds wrist tape into Adonis’ face. Jensen shifts to a chinlock, then he HIP DROPS! Jensen mocks the fans as they boo.

Jensen stands on Adonis’ head, lets off as the ref counts, but Adonis fires hands. Jensen kicks low, CLUBS Adonis down, then brings him up. Jensen SMASHES Adonis off his knee, then hauls him up. Jensen whips Adonis but Adonis stops himself. Jensen runs up but Adonis DUMPS him out! Adonis WRECKS Jensen with a dropkick, then slides out to put Jensen back in. Adonis slides in, brings Jensen up, but Jensen throat chops again! Jensen runs, but into a drop toehold! Jensen is put on ropes, and then the AIR DROP hits! Wait, is that Karmen coming out here? She kicks at Spears to back him off!

Karmen then goes to the apron, and she pours the petals on the apron. Adonis wonders what this means, and Karmen backs away. Jensen runs up on Adonis, but Adonis fires hands! Adonis ROCKS Jensen, hammers away in the corner, then goes corner to corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Karmen seems to like what she sees. Adonis goes up a corner, but Spears distracts! Jensen trips Adonis up! DRAPING DDT!! Cover, Jensen wins!

Winner: Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

Jensen says, “They can’t hold me down!” Are the teachings of Shawn Spears actually paying off? Or is it mostly Spears’ direct influence during the match? As for Adonis, he may have lost this match, but has he won the heart of the black belt princess?

Lexis returns backstage.

And he comes across The NQCC. Lexis says he got a huge win, right down the middle, just like he wanted. He also tells Wren, sorry about that loss, that was rough. Lexis shakes hands with Dempsey, tells them to have a good night. Oh, and one more thing. Maybe now Lexis is ready for one of those Rounds matches? Nah, just kidding. Lexis heads out to the parking lot, and he spots Tony D. Lexis says Tony’s looking sharp, looking dapper. Lexis keeps moving but we stick with The D’Angelo Family. Stacks hopes Tony isn’t worried, seeing the look in Oba’s eyes. Tony says don’t worry, that’s just Oba trying to regain a mental edge before their rematch.

Rizzo asks what Tables, Ladders & Scares even means. Luca says it’s basically anything goes. The real concern is Oba threatening them. Luca knows Tony’s got Oba in a couple weeks, but Luca wants to take Oba on next week so Oba can learn the power of this family. Tony says good on him, get it done. The family heads out, but will Luca just be an appetizer before Halloween Havoc?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Ethan Page VS Wes Lee VS Je’Von Evans!

This match came about because A) All Ego blames CM Punk for his loss in Chicago, B) The Cardiac Kid finally settled things with Zachary Wentz, and C) The Young OG took the fight to The Viper and proved why he’s the future of this company. But in the end, only one of them is going to Hershey, Pennsylvania! Who will get to trick-or-treat with Tricky Two-Time Two-Time?

NXT returns and Ethan makes his entrance. The bell rings, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Wes! Je’Von says that’s what he gets, but Ethan ROCKS Je’Von! Ethan whips Je’Von but Je’Von springboards to get around and schoolboy! But Wes rolls Je’Von! Ethan SLAMS Wes down! Ethan brings Wes up, but Je’Von sunset flips over them both! Ethan shoves Wes away, then flails, but grins and says he’s all good. Until Wes winds up! Ethan freaks out, Je’Von finishes the sunset, TWO!  Wes ghost pins Je’Von, TWO! Wes UPKICKS Je’Von, then BODY SHOTS Ethan! Wes pushes Ethan down, runs up on Je’Von, but Je’Von puts him on the apron!

Ethan swings on Je’Von but he wrenches, and says, “Ya boi BOUNCY~!” Je’Von JUMP KICKS Wes to then FLYING ARM-DRAG Ethan! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS Ethan! Wes slithers back in and runs up, DROPKICK for Je’Von! Wes says that’s what Je’Von gets! The fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as Wes scuffs Je’Von. Wes runs up on Ethan, but Ethan puts him on the apron. Ethan ROCKS Wes, catches Je’Von, and FALL AWAY SLAMS him into Wes! Wes goes flying into barriers, Ethan BOOTS Je’Von down! Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that and Ethan grows frustrated. Ethan stalks Je’Von while the fans rally up.

Ethan drags Je’Von up, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Ethan drags Je’Von up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks, but Je’Von slips free! Je’Von spins Ethan, cravats, SLICED BREAD! Not the cleanest, but Je’Von coves, only for Wes to KNEEBOARD SENTON on it! Wes covers Je’Von now, TWO! The fans rally while Wes scowls. Wes drags Je’Von up, DECKS him, then stomps him. Wes kicks Je’Von around, the fans boo, but Wes rains down fists! Je’Von pushes Wes away but Wes drags him up. Wes wrenches but Je’Von ROCKS Wes! Je’Von SLAPS Wes, ROCKS him again, and Ethan eggs them on!

Wes fires shots back on Je’Von, but Je’Von blocks a kick! Ethan says yeah, do it! Je’Von swings Wes’ foot into Ethan! Ethan wobbles, says that’s not what he mean! Wes blocks Je’Von’s kick, and he swings it into Ethan! Ethan falls out of the ring and fans fire up! Wes and Je’Von stare down, Je’Von blocks a shot to SUPER PUNCH! Je’Von storms up, but Wes ROCKS him back! Wes whips, runs, but Je’Von ducks, only for Ethan to trip him! Wes WRECKS Ethan with a dropkick! The fans are torn, but Wes uses the desk to TORANDO- NO! Ethan RAMS Wes into the apron, then TOSSES him onto the desk!

The fans fire up while Ethan grins, but Je’Von FLIES out onto them both!! Everyone falls off the desk and the fans are thunderous! Je’Von says he’s coming for that title, Trick! The fans cheer Je’Von on while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Ethan whips, but Je’Von reverses! Ethan is sent into Wes at the corner! The fans cheer and Je’Von runs in, but Wes and Ethan both move! Je’Von hits buckles and gets stuck up top! The fans fire up again as Je’Von slumps back and the other two stir. Ethan crawls to a far corner, the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” for making this match. Wes snarls and glares at Je’Von but the feeling is mutual. They fire haymakers on each other back and forth! They pick up speed, and the fans rally with every shot! Je’Von ROCKS Wes, but Wes rebounds, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! The fans fire up, and Ethan stands.

Ethan sees the aftermath and he storms up. Ethan stomps away on Wes, he stomps away on Je’Von, and then he drags Je’Von up to scoop and SLAM onto Wes! Ethan drags Wes up, and he suplexes, to GOURD BUSTER onto Je’Von! Wes and Je’Von both sputter, but then Ethan POSTS Wes! Ethan drags Je’Von around, rains down fists, and the fans are torn as he hammers away. Ethan lets off to grab the wrists. RIPCORD POWERSLAM! Cover, Wes breaks it in time! The fans rally up, and Wes fires hands on Ethan! Wes fires shots from all sides, even as he stands. But Je’Von hooks Wes, so Wes ROCKS Je’Von!

Ethan stands, Wes ELBOWS him! Je’Von dodges Wes to SUPER PUNCH Ethan! Wes SUPERKICKS Je’Von! Wes kicks off Ethan to TORNADO DDT Je’Von! Je’Von flounders up to his feet but then falls back over! Wes STANDING SHOOTING STARS onto Ethan! Cover, TWO! The fans are thunderous as this match continues! Wes lines up a shot and he fires hands on Je’Von. Je’Von hits back! Wes fires hands, Je’Von fires back, but Wes KICKS! Je’Von ROCKS Wes! Ethan ROCKS Je’Von! Wes BOOTS Ethan! All three men ROUNDHOUSE! All three men fall and the fans are electric! The ref checks, all three men stir, and this match continues.

Ethan crawls to the apron on one side, Je’Von goes to another corner, and fans want these three to “FIGHT FOREVER!” But someone has to win! Wes sees Ethan go up, so  he rolls to SHORYUKEN! Wes then climbs up, CLUBS away, but Ethan HEADBUTTS Wes down! So Je’Von LEAPS up top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Je’Von keeps moving, TWISTING KICK on Wes!! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and shocks Je’Von! The fans are just as shocked because this place is electric! Je’Von drags Ethan up, brings him around, but Wes is also up. Ethan shoves Je’Von into Wes, then he RUONDHOUSES Je’Von!

Ethan Canadian Racks Je’Von, but Je’Von pops free to RANA! Wes is up top, he METEORAS! Je’Von goes up and up, O G CUTTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! No one can believe Wes survived, but Je’Von won’t stop! Je’Von goes up and up again, but Ethan CLUBS him down! Ethan uses the corner for the crucifix lift, but Wes SUPERKICKS Ethan! Wes climbs up over Ethan to grab Je’Von! But Ethan gets up and under Wes! Wes holds onto Je’Von! SUPER BACK SUPLEX POWERBOMB COMBO!! But Je’Von lands out!? Je’Von runs back up, SUPERKICK! Ethan falls out of the ring! Je’Von sets Wes in the drop zone and climbs!

Je’Von SKY TWISTERS!!! Cover, ETHAN ROLLS HIM! ETHAN WINS!?!?

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

Ethan bails out of the ring and grabs a mic. He has them cut his music so that he can tell Trick Williams, “I’m not going anywhere! If I have air in my lungs, that NXT Championship is mine. I know you’re watching, get out here, and let’s spin this damn wheel!” Trick makes his way out and the fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as hard as they can for the NXT Champion! Ethan spins and we all watch it land on… DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND! Trick says he ain’t scared. He holds up the belt, but then Ethan CLOBBERS him with a stage light!! Ethan holds up the belt and says Trick’s about to see the devil inside him! Will All Ego be all evil if it means getting the title back?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here, and great new look for the Performance Center. Hard to say if it’s really bigger inside, but they did great with the new silver ‘n’ black aesthetic. And we got started on the Halloween Havoc build, but something just seems a little off about each part. Tony’s celebration wasn’t much before Oba interrupted it, but of course they’re having their rematch since things are 1-1. Oba said the family wouldn’t be there for Tony, but a Halloween themed Tables, Ladders & Chairs match doesn’t fit that. A cage match would. But perhaps, with how Luca wants a match with Oba, Oba’s just going to demolish Luca and Stacks in 1v1 matches so that Tony only has Rizzo in his corner.

Vaquer VS Wren was very good, with Wren getting to show her stuff, but maybe a little too much of her stuff when you consider Vaquer is a former CMLL Women’s World & Women’s Tag Team Champion, simultaneously, and was then a NJPW Strong Women’s Champion on top of that. Vaquer of course won, and of course Roxie & Cora attacked her. Giulia therefore of course made the save, but I’m a little surprised we’re making the tag team match for Halloween Havoc and not a title match. Fatal Influence of course wants their match with Kelani, but I feel like they’re eating the loss to Giulia & Vaquer so Giulia & Vaquer can have momentum going into Halloween Havoc.

But even with the Influence about to eat a loss, one of them is surely going after Kelani for the title, maybe even on Halloween Havoc given Kelani is on the poster. Speaking of, Ethan Page is on the poster, so that’s why they made him the #1 contender again. I was really hoping it was either of the other two, but with that promo with Wes, Je’Von and the others, that was a sign they were going to have their own feud first. The Triple Threat was awesome, practically a PLE match in itself, and Ethan stealing the win from Je’Von is a great detail all on its own. Trick VS Ethan in a Devil’s Playground match does make for a great blowoff, but I hope they don’t take the title off Trick so soon after giving it back to him.

As for non-PLE build, we got a good promo from Lash & Jakara calling out Damage CTRL, as I figured would happen. As I put for Raw last night, I hope this all leads to every brand having someone fighting for the Women’s Tag Team Championships at Survivor Series. Lash & Jakara for NXT, DMG CTRL for Raw, and Chelsea & Piper for SmackDown all going after Jade & Bianca as the champions, that’d be some great stuff. Lexis and Oro had an awesome “Gentlemen’s Duel” match, I actually appreciate how those rules change things up while also giving story to Lexis’ Face turn. Lexis winning was also a good move, as it does keep that Face turn going, and maybe Oro comes around on seeing Lexis is trying to make up for his past.

Great match from Lyons and Lola, but I should’ve figured Jaida would cost Lola. Lyons still gets a solid return win, and hopefully she can keep her legs healthy so she can make a run at the gold. I also appreciate that they’re keeping us aware of story going on in the NXTNA exchange as it goes the other direction. It was a Six Woman Tag in which Sol got the pin on Wendy and that Tatum had to save Sol from a Wendy sneak attack. Good stuff with the interview with Tatum being interrupted by Jaida to plug both stories at once, and we’ll get some great grudge matches out of Jaida VS Lola and Tatum VS Wendy.

Great stuff with the Chase U story, as Riley takes the fight to Ridge but still loses. Andre Chase had a great return here to save Riley, and I wonder if Ridge VS Chase in the blowoff makes it to Halloween Havoc. If not, they can still have an awesome grudge match on the NXT after Halloween Havoc, and really give this a big moment for Chase U to stand tall again. And then, I can’t believe I had it right about this Ashante THEE Adonis story. He’s been looking for love, and I do appreciate someone was criticizing his “pickup artist” style, but kinda funny that it was Spears. Adonis VS Jensen was a really good match, and Karmen being the one who is into Adonis is a bit surprising. But good win for Jensen, he could be slow burning his way to a title story, maybe get there by like Royal Rumble season at earliest.

My Score: 8.8/10

Will Ryogoku Kokugikan be tranquilo?

Zack Sabre Jr. has always been innovative, but tonight, he really changes things up! He uses his G1 Climax Right to Challenge TONIGHT instead of at WrestleKingdom! Will The Front Man become the King of Pro-Wrestling?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Hiromu Takahashi VS Mistico; Hiromu wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Intergalactic Jet Setters; Intergalactic Jet Setters win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Bad Luck Fale & Caveman Ugg; Shane & Mikey win and retain the titles.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Ryohei Oiwa; Takagi wins and retains the title.
• NJPW World Television Championship Triple Threat: Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji VS Ren Narita; Narita wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
• Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & El Phantasmo VS House of Torture; Tanahashi, Shota & ELP win.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS SHO; Douki wins and retains the title.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay VS Hirooki Goto; Finlay wins and retains the title.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiromu Takahashi VS Mistico!

The Ticking Timebomb wants to prove he can be more than just The Best of the Super Juniors, which is why he challenged The Prince of Silver & Gold to this rematch! The dual MLW Middleweight & NWA World Historic Middleweight Champion won in Arena Mexico, but will Hiromu redeem himself in Ryogoku Kokugikan? Or will it just be a repeat performance to open the show?

Before the match, Mistico is given a special plaque in honor of his 20 year career in wrestling. The fans applaud and Mistico takes a bow. But then, will his celebrating here be short lived? Meanwhile, Hiromu brings out a model of the new LIJ branded rice cooker now on sale, will Mistico let him cook? Wait, Hiromu opens it up and reveal! He has a Mistico mask! Mistico takes those back and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the two circle. Mistico offers a handshake, Hiromu takes it, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two tie up, Hiromu waistlocks, SLAMS, but Mistico flips over, kips up and arm-drags!

Hiromu sweeps the legs but Mistico reaches up to headscissor! Both men stand, Mistico dodges to arm-drag again! Hiromu sweeps again, covers, ONE! Mistico sweeps but Hiromu throws him away! The fans fire up as the two reset. Mistico runs up, RANAS, and Hiromu tumbles out! The fans rally up as Mistico builds speed! But Hiromu runs in, bypasses Mistico, but Mistico dodges to jump and RANA again! Hiromu is back outside, and Mistico builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Hiromu hits railing! Both men are down as the airhorn goes off, and the fans rally up. Mistico brings Hiromu up, puts him in, and the fans rally again.

Mistico aims from the apron to springboard, but Hiromu moves! Mistico rolls through, Hiromu fireman’s carries, GUTBUSTER DROP! Hiromu ties the legs up in a FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Mistico flails, reaches out, and crawls over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets go. Hiromu stands Mistico up, but Mistico CHOPS! The fans cheer, and Mistico knuckle locks. But Hiromu blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! And back to the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Mistico endures, reaches out, and again has the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu drops into the GRAPEVINE! The ref reprimands, Hiromu lets go, and Mistico bails out.

The fans rally while Hiromu waits on Mistico. Mistico fires himself up, but Hiromu runs out there. Mistico slides in, and now he eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, but into a knuckle lock! Mistico kicks low then goes up, up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up, and Mistico runs in, only to be put on the apron. Mistico GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, FLYING RANA! Hiromu bails out, the fans fire up, and Mistico builds speed to TORNILLO! Down goes Hiromu and the fans fire up again! Yeah that airhorn isn’t annoying at all… Mistico rises, he brings Hiromu into the ring, and covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu stays in this.

Mistico stays calm and he brings Hiromu up. Mistico ROCKS Hiromu, whips him corner to corner, but Hiromu reverses to LARIAT! Hiromu keeps moving but Mistico LARIATS! Mistico rolls back, dodges Hiromu, and SUPER- NO, Hiromu blocks the kick to SUPERKICK back! Hiromu runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Mistico runs up, Hiromu sidesteps and SNAP GERMANS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu storms over to Mistico, puts him on the top rope, and he CHOPS! Mistico wobbles, but he fires forearms in return! Mistico then slips under Hiromu, and GAMANGIRIS! Hiromu wobbles up top, but Mistico climbs!

Mistico goes to the very top, and he brings Hiromu up, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Mistico covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this and the fans rally again. Mistico brings Hiromu up, but ducks a lariat! Mistico comes back for a DESTROYER!! Hiromu staggers around, Mistico builds speed, tilt-o-whirl, but Hiromu stops La Mystica! Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE! TWO!! Mistico gets free of the still technically unnamed hold! Then he dodges Hiromu to springboard CROSSBODY! Another dodge, another tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! But Hiromu rolls through it!?

Hiromu fireman’s carries to KNEE CRUSHER! And then, FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!! Mistico bridges but Hiromu uses that to turn him! The fans rally as Hiromu steps over! It’s a modified Cloverleaf now! Mistico TAPS! Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission

An incredible victory for The Ticking Timebomb! He and Mistico are now 1-1-1, but this submission victory feels extra sweet! When and where will we see these two settle their score? And the way they’re talking about it, will it be Hair VS Mask?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Intergalactic Jet Setters!

These rival teams meet again as 100 Proof & 44 Caliber must defend their gold against Kushida & Kevin Knight! Will the War Dogs take another bite out of these time travelers? Or will Kushida & Knight successfully bring us back to the past when they had these last?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who takes us back to the future!

The teams sort out, and Drilla SHOTGUNS Knight! Connors UPPERCUTS Kushida, Drilla stomps Knight, and the bell rings as Connors TOSSES Kushida out. Drilla goes out after Kushida to CHOP! Connors CLUBS Knight, ROCKS him, then whips. Knight goes up and over, bobs ‘n’ weaves, and he fires fast hands! Knight whips, hurdles, then bypasses. Connors redirects but Knight dodges to DROPKICK! The fans fire up but Drilla knees Knight. Drilla knees Kushida, too, then runs, but the Jet Setters bypass to drop toehold and SPLASH! The fans cheer and Knight says “Macha Tsuyoi~! <Very Strong!>”

The fans rally as Jet Setters double wrench and double whip Connors. Then they both run, slide, and trip Connors. They YANK Connors into the post and pull on the legs! Drilla fights the Jet Setters off, CHOPS Kushida, then CHOPS Knight! Connors goes after Kushida, and he looks under the ring! Drilla has fans clear out, and then he TOSSES Knight over railing, to bowl over the chairs! Connors JAMS Kushida with a chair, then SMACKS him with it! The fans boo but the War Dogs soak up the heat. Connors makes Kushida take a seat, CHOPS him, and Drilla drags Knight up just to ROCK him with a right.

Connors & Drilla aim at Kushida, then Connors runs in. But Kushida catches Connors to a COMPLETE SHOT off the chair! Knight is up, he knocks Drilla aside, and Kushida makes Connors take a seat. Knight runs in, goes up to the apron, and then leaps, DOUBLE STOMP on Connors and the chair! The fans fire up while Jet Setters stand tall. Kushida stomps Drilla, Knight RAMS Drilla into railing, and then Knight puts Connors in the ring. Kushida brings Connors up in an Electric Chair! Knight aims, but Drilla slides in! Drilla GERMAN SUPLEXES Knight! Connors slips down to GERMAN SUPLEX Kushida!

The Jet Setters stagger to their feet, Drilla GORES Kushida while Connors SPEARS Knight! The fans fire up, and the War Dogs have Kushida isolated. Connors stalks Kushida, drags him up, and CHOPS him in a corner. Kushida gets in Connors’ face, so Connors CHOPS again! Connors snapmares Kushida, mockingly checks a watch, and JUMP ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Kushida toughs it out and the fans rally up. Kushida fires body shots, but Connors UPPERCUTS! Connors bumps Kushida off Drilla’s boot, then tags him in. Drilla looms over Kushida, drags him up, and CHOPS! Kushida grits his teeth and gets in Drilla’s face!

Drilla CHOPS again, and then CLAWS Kushida’s face! Drilla knocks Knight off the apron, but Kushida hip tosses! But then no Knight to tag! Drilla drags Kushida away, anchors his leg, then CLAWS Kushida’s back! Drilla turns Kushida over, stands on his neck, and pulls on his head! The ref reprimands, Kushida fights free, and the fans rally up. Drilla stalks Kushida, but Kushida KICKS a leg! And KICKS it again! Kushida runs, but Connors steps in to SNAP POWERSLAM! Drilla BLASTS Knight off the apron! The War Dogs load up and take aim, BANG! DOUBLE- NO Kushida moves and sends Drilla into Connors!

Kushida whips Drilla, then Kushida and Connors both drop down. Drilla rebounds, Connors and Kushida drop again. Kushida then sends Drilla back into Connors! Kushida rolls and rolls, hot tag to Knight! Knight springboards to DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on the War Dogs! But they stop his Satellite DDT! So Knight shifts, DOUBLE DDT! The fans fire up as Knight kips up and flexes! Knight aims at Connors in a corner, but Connors avoids the splash! Drilla runs up, but Knight puts him o the apron! Knight DUMPS Connors out, then PELES Drilla! The War Dogs regroup, but the Jet Setters coordinate!

The Jet Setters run to WRECK the War Dogs with dropkicks! The fans fire up while the War Dogs tumble over railing! Kushida goes out after them, sets them up, and Knight SUPER SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES!! Direct hit on everyone, including some Young Lions! The fans are thunderous as the Jet truly flies! Knight tosses Drilla back to ringside, then into the ring. Kushida is ready, and the two run, SPLASH ENZIGIRI COMBO in the corner! Kushida then tags in and he brings Drilla around. Kushida turns Drilla, Knight slips off the top, but he recovers and CROSSBODIES into the NECKBREAKER anyhow! Cover, Connors breaks it!

The fans rally, Kushida Electric Chair Lifts Connors! Knight jumps, DROPKICK CHAIR DROP! The fans fire up as Kushida says one more! Knight also says, “Moikai! <One more time!>” But Drilla sends Kushida into Knight! Then he SPINEBUSTERS Kushida! Drilla tells Kushida off, goes to the apron before Knight can take off, and he blocks a superkick to SUPERKICK! Knight wobbles, Drilla slashes his throat! Drilla reels Knight in, but Knight fights back! BACKDROP onto the apron! Connors runs up, Knight has him, and Kushida runs in! Connors dodges, the handspring kick hits Knight! Then JEEP FLIPPER sends Kushida flying!

Connors runs up on Knight, Drilla coordinates, HIGH LOW SPEAR on the apron! And we’re only 10 minutes into this! The fans rally up but The War Dogs stalk Kushida. They both slash their throats, ready to end this, but the fans rally for Kushida. Drilla brings Kushida up, but Kushida slips free! Kushida has the arm, puts Drilla in a corner, but Connors runs up. Kushida ELBOWS Connors away, SHOTEIS Drilla, then puts Drilla up top. But Drilla slips under! POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER COMBO! Drilla gets moving, GORE on Kushida! Connors runs, runs, and SPEARS!! Then they aim from the corners! DOUBLE SPEAR COMBO!! Cover, TWO?!?!

The fans are thunderous as Kushida survives! But the War Dogs just have sadistic smiles on their faces. They reload, and Connors climbs a corner. Drilla drags Kushida up, but Kushida jumps on for a HOVERBOARD! Drilla TOSSES Kushida away, but Knight tags in! Knight lurks under the apron while Drilla drags Kushida over. Drilla goes to suplex but Kushida fights it! Knight leap frogs Drilla to BLAST Connors off the corner! Kushida backslides Drilla, Knight adds the jackknife! Cover, JET SETTERS WIN!!!

Winners: Intergalactic Jet Setters, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

The War Dogs get caught off guard, and they lose the belts to the underdogs! Kushida & Knight turned back the clock, but will their future be brighter than ever now?

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Bad Luck Fale & Caveman Ugg!

TMDK and Bullet Club Rogue Army have been battling so much in NJPW Tamashii that it’s spilled over into the main line! But will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey prove that no matter where they fight, The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will The Underboss and his Cro-Magnon cohort conquer them in Ryogoku?

The introductions are made, the IWGP belts are raised, and we see how they do it Down Under!

The teams sort out, but the Rogue Army attacks! Fale is after Mikey, Shane fights off Ugg, and the bell rings. Ugg JUMP KICKS Shane down! Fale corners Mikey while Ugg runs to SPLASH! Big air from Ugg, and Fale runs up to SPLASH Mikey! Feed to Ugg for the gut wrench and SWINGING SLAM! Fale storms up on Shane, Shane fights back, but Fale BODY BLOWS! Fale whips Shane to a corner, SPLASHES, and then sets him up for Ugg’s TWISTING LARIAT! Fale runs to drop the BIG ELBOW! Cover, Mikey breaks it! The fans fire up, but Ugg TOSSES Mikey out! Ugg storms around, Fale sends Mikey into railing!

Ugg goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a table! Ugg sets the table up while Fale sends Mikey into more railing! Fale then brings Mikey over to the table! Fale puts Mikey on the table, Ugg kicks Shane away, and Ugg aims from the apron! CAVEMAN SPLASH through the table!! The fans are thunderous as the Rogue Army has crushed one of The Mighty! Fale scoops and SLAMS Shane, then steps on his back! Fale uses Shane as a surfboard! Fale steps away, Shane writhes, and Ugg tags in. Ugg stalks Shane, drags him up, and brings him around, but Shane CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ugg winds up to CHOP and CLUB Shane!

Ugg stomps Shane, roars and storms around, and the fans rally up. Ugg runs to BOOT Shane into a corner! The fans fire up as Shane flops back down! Ugg drags Shane over, tags Fale in, and Fale throws another BODY BLOW! Fale whips Shane corner to corner, runs in, but Shane BOOTS him! Fale huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Shane BOOTS again! Shane goes up, reels Fale in, and TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Shane crawls, reaches out, but there’s no Mikey! Fale tags Ugg and Ugg runs in, but Shane dodges! Shane BOOTS Ugg, BOOTS him again, and KICKS him! Shane reels Ugg in, but Ugg fights the lift!

Ugg CLUBS away on Shane, runs, and catches Shane’s hurdle! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up and Ugg powers up in the corner. Ugg runs up at Shane, but Shane DROPKICKS his twisting lariat down! Shane aims now, and he runs up, PENALTY KICK! Mikey rises! Shane tags him in! The fans fire up as Mikey fires forearms and CHOPS on Ugg! Ugg ducks a shot, waistlocks, but Mikey throws elbows. Ugg ducks an elbow but Mikey uses that to DDT! Fans fire up as Ugg gets spiked! Mikey WRECKS Fale with a dropkick, and Fale wipes out the timekeeper! SLIDING LARIAT from Mikey to Ugg! Cover, TWO!

Ugg is tough but Mikey keeps on him! Ugg fights the saido with elbows, but Mikey shoves him. Mikey LARIATS, but Ugg stays up! Mikey LARIATS again, but Ugg shakes his head. Ugg ducks the next lariat, waistlocks and- NO, Mikey fights the German Suplex with elbows! Ugg rebounds, into a MIKEY BOMB! Cover, Fale breaks it! Shane ROCKS Fale! Shane fires off, but Fale choke grips! Shane breaks free, ducks the haymaker, and CALF KICKS! Fale staggers, Mikey LARIATS! TMDK reels Fale in, DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up again, and Mikey storms up on Ugg. Ugg CHOPS, CHOPS, and LARIATS!

Ugg CHOPS, CHOPS and LARIATS, but Shane catches him! URENAGE BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Ugg survives and the fans fire up again! TMDK vow to end it now, and the fans rally again. TMDK double gorilla press, for THUNDER VALLEY!! Cover, TMDK wins!

Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Fale & Ugg were big, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall! Shane & Mikey keep these belts, and they also still have the NJPW Strong Tag Team Championships. Will TMDK still be the Undisputed Tag Team Champions through the year?

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Great-O-Khan & Henare have appeared! Well, the KOPW Champion really should be here for King of Pro-Wrestling, and Khan grabs a mic as he and Henare step into the ring. Khan tells TMDK, “Congratulations on the win. You two peasants were able to take care of two big gladiators. You should be proud of yourself, so I’ll give you an even greater honor. It’s coming up to tag league season, so let’s make sure myself and Henare fire up the tag team division.” Henare takes the mic to translate some of that into English, letting TMDK know that this is tag team season!

That means with World Tag League on the horizon, the United Empire plans on becoming IWGP Tag Team Champions! Put ’em up if you got the balls! Shane grabs a mic and says yeah, baby, about time challengers stepped up! TMDK will defend these belts every time! Shane vows TMDK will walk into World Tag League as champions, and walk out THE World Tag League champions, because they are The Mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! Shane & Mikey have accepted the challenge, but will they make it past The Dominator & Face of Fury? Or will The United Empire only grow stronger?

NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The battle of Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK isn’t just in the main event! The Rampaging Dragon gladly welcomed the challenge from “The Mullet,” but also promised to send him flying back to Pro-Wrestling Noah. Will Takagi be a man of his word? Or will Oiwa get a grip on this title on the first try?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Oiwa’s expedition paid off!

The bell rings and Oiwa DROPKICKS Takagi! Oiwa wrenches, hammerlocks, and RAMS Takagi into buckles, then whips him corner to corner! Oiwa whips to YANK the arm, then he clamps on with a top wristlock! Takagi fights but Oiwa makes it SHANKLY GATES! Takagi reaches back for a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The ref counts, Oiwa lets off fast, and the fans cheer. Oiwa goes back to Takagi’s arm and grinds the shoulder. Takagi fires forearms, then whips Oiwa away. ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint to DDT! The fans fire up while Oiwa writhes, and Takagi eggs him on. Takagi RAMS Oiwa, then runs up to ropes to LARIAT Oiwa up and out!

Oiwa staggers into railing, then slumps over. Takagi goes out, drags Oiwa up, and brings him around to whip hard into railing! Oiwa falls back and the fans fire up more as Takagi storms over. Takagi drops a knee on Oiwa’s face, then stands him back up. Takagi fireman’s carries Oiwa, to SNAKE EYES off the apron! The fans fire up with Takagi, and Takagi looms over Oiwa. The ring count starts, Takagi puts Oiwa in, and the fans applaud. Takagi drags Oiwa up to suplex high and hard! Oiwa writhes and the fans rally up. Takagi clamps onto Oiwa for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi scuffs Oiwa, but Oiwa rises up.

Oiwa fires a forearm, but Takagi shakes his head. Oiwa fires another, and another, but Takagi ROCKS him back! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans cheer, Oiwa whips, but Takagi reverses. Oiwa blasts through the double chops to CLOBBER Takagi! The fans fire up with Oiwa, and he drags Takagi up in a gut wrench. Takagi CLUBS Oiwa, then ELBOWS! JABS! But Oiwa LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Oiwa whips and LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Takagi is tougher than that but Oiwa paces around. Oiwa goes to a corner, climbs up, and DIVING SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Oiwa stays focused.

Oiwa stalks Takagi, and clamps on a SLEEPER! Takagi endures, RAMS Oiwa into buckles, and is free. Oiwa runs up, into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up while Takagi catches his breath. Oiwa goes back to a corner, and Takagi runs up. Takagi blocks a boot, LARIATS, and he hoists Oiwa up top! The fans cheer as Takagi climbs, HEADBUTTS, and then SUPER DUPER PLEXES! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Takagi crawls his way over to Oiwa, sits him up, and runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa shows his own toughness, but the fans rally up. Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA! <The time has come!>”

The fans fire up, Takagi drags Oiwa up and pump handles, but Oiwa fights the lift. Takagi knees low, HEADBUTTS, then runs, into a ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa roars and runs, but Takagi LARIATS at ropes! Takagi runs, but Oiwa steps up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Takagi stays up, takes another swing, but Oiwa gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Takagi springs right up! PUMPING BOMBER!! But Oiwa’s right up!? LEG HOOK SAIDO!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Oiwa rises as the fans rally, and he storms up behind Takagi. SLEEPER! Takagi endures, fights free, and CLUBS Oiwa on the back!

Oiwa fires a forearm! And a ROLLING- NO, Takagi knees low, pump handle and MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi rises, and he rallies the fans with, “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi drags Oiwa up, LARIATS, but Oiwa stays up! Takagi fires boxing elbows, but Oiwa roars! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, but OIwa gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover! TWO!! Takagi escapes but Oiwa powers up! Oiwa has the SLEEPER! Takagi is fading, so Oiwa spins, THE GRIP is blocked! Takagi blocks another lariat, but Oiwa still hits THE GRIP!! The fans are thunderous as Oiwa powers up again!

Oiwa has the gut wrench, for the DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans are thunderous again! Oiwa shakes off the frustration to rise up at the ropes. Oiwa storms back to Takagi, hauls him right up, for a SLEEPER! Then THE GRIP but Takagi ducks! Takagi runs, to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives, but Takagi runs up again. Oiwa ducks the lariat to DROPKICK! Takagi goes to ropes, Oiwa brings him around, THE GRIP into a clinch! Takagi powers up to SAIDO!! Oiwa flounders to his feet, into PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi then hauls Oiwa up, for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!

Oiwa survives and the fans are thunderous again. Takagi waits on Oiwa, builds speed, then PUMPING BOMBERS!! But Takagi isn’t done, he hauls Oiwa up into the LAST OF THE DRAGON!! Cover, Takagi wins!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)

Oiwa put on a fight worthy of the NEVER Division, but not enough to take the title. He did win Takagi’s respect, but what will it take for him to reach the next level? As for Takagi, will he be eyeing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship next? Or will someone step in his way first?

NJPW World Television Championship Triple Threat: Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji VS Ren Narita!

History is already being made tonight as this is the first three man match for this title! However, the time limit does NOT change! Will someone win this in 15 minutes or less? Or will this still be the Imperial Unit Show?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if someone can beat the odds in time!

The bell rings, we’re on the clock, and Narita uses ropes as a defense. Cobb and Yota stare down, but then they come to an agreement. They go after Narita in the corner and mug him! Cobb then shoves Yota aside so he can CLUB away on Ren. Yota pushes Cobb aside so he can CLUB away on Ren! The two stay cool to keep the truce, and Cobb CHOPS Ren. Yota CHOPS Ren, and Ren staggers away to a corner. Cobb puts some stank on his CHOP! Ren staggers around more but Yota grins as he CHOPS again! Yota and Cobb seem to be using Ren to one-up each other. But then they double whip, and double shoulder tackle!

Yota runs to SPLASH onto Ren! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Ren flounders out of the ring, and now the big men RAM! And RAM! And fire forearms! The fans rally as the shots go faster and faster. Cobb gets the edge, then whips, but Yota RAMS him! Cobb rebounds to RAM Yota, but Yota comes back! Cobb RUNS Yota over! The fans fire up and Cobb storms over to Yota. Cobb whips, Yota tilt-o-whirls and arm-drags! The fans fire up and Yota brings Cobb up. Cobb’s a bit too hefty to scoop, and he scoops Yota. But Yota slips free, and he scoops Cobb after all! Yota SLAMS Cobb down and the fans fire up! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally more, dueling between Yota and Cobb, and no one for Ren. Yota runs, but Ren trips Yota! Ren yanks Yota out, throws him into railing, and fans boo as Ren dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Ren SMASHES Cobb’s knee off the mat! Ren puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP the knee! The fans rally for Cobb as Ren stomps away on the leg. Then Ren steps through for a KNEEBAR! Cobb endures, grabs at Ren, and Yota storms in to stomp Ren! Ren lets go of Cobb, and Yota brings Ren up to ROCK him with a forearm. Yota kicks low, reels Ren in, and suplexes. Ren slips free, spins Yota around, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!

Yota has the ROPEBREAK right away, the ref reprimands and counts, but Ren holds until 4. Ren stomps Yota down, drags him up, and then runs, but Yota dodges! Ren BOOTS Cobb off the apron, runs up on Yota, but Yota dodges to DIVE onto Cobb! Cobb is sent over railing and into the front row! Ren storms out after Yota to bring him around to whip. Yota hits railing hard, and a camera loses its feed! Ren brings Yota into the crowd to BOWL him into chairs! The fans have to get outta the way, and we can see Cobb flop back to ringside. Ren brings Yota into the ring, stomps him around, then brings him up to wrench an arm.

Ren whips Yota corner to corner, runs up, but Yota dodges! Ren hits buckles, Cobb runs in to UPPERCUT Ren! Yota kicks Cobb, runs, and RAN- NO! Cobb brings Yota up to fireman’s carry, then TOSS away! The fans fire up, and Cobb runs up to DROPKICK! Yota ends up in a corner while the fans rally. Cobb sees Ren in the other corner, and he grits his teeth as he runs in at Yota. Yota dodges Cobb to SPLASH Ren! Yota runs corner to corner but Cobb blocks the monkey flip! Cobb puts Yota up top, blocks a boot, and CHOPS! Ren runs up but Cobb catches him! Cobb fireman’s carries Ren, then he adds on Yota!

The fans fire up as Cobb hits a DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Cobb snarls and the fans rally behind him. Cobb drags Ren up, scoops him, but Yota runs up! Cobb BACKDROPS Yota away, then pops Ren up to GOURD BUSTER him onto Yota! But Ren uses that to cover! Cobb breaks it in time! Ren throws a bit of a fit after failing to snake that one. Cobb runs, but Ren ducks the lariat! Yota SUPERKICKS Cobb, Ren rolls Cobb up! Yota CURB STOMPS Ren! Double cover, TWO!! Ren bails out of the ring and Cobb sits up. Yota fires up, runs, but Cobb hits an URENAGE! FALLING HAMMER! GACHIMUCHI FLOP!

Yota kicks Cobb, reels him in, but Cobb suplexes first! Yota slips free, clinches Cobb, and hits the BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and- NO! Cobb powers up to keep the stomp away! So Yota KICKS and basement DROPKICKS him! Yota fireman’s carries Cobb for the 70 CROSS! Cover, TWO!! Cobb stays in this and the clock is ticking! The fans rally up, Yota nods, and he grins as he stands over Cobb. Yota roars, takes aim from a corner, but Ren is there! Ren pulls Yota’s hair to bring him into a HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts, the fans boo, and Ren lets go at 4. Ren goes up, HELL’S GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP! Cover, Cobb breaks it!

We pass 10 minutes, time is on Cobb’s side. But Ren drop toeholds into a KNEEBAR! Ren has the grapevine, but Cobb finds the ROPEBREAK! Ren lets go in frustration, and he brings Cobb up. Ren brings Cobb in, but Yota hits MAROON CRUSH!! Cover, Ren breaks it! Ren kicks Yota, for the DOUBLECROSS- NO! Yota handstands out! Ren blocks the knee, but not the HEADBUTT! The fans fire up with Yota, and Cobb rises, to scoop and TOUR OF- NO, Yota slips free! Yota runs, to GENE TRIGGER! Cobb flops over, Yota aims from a corner! GENE- TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, REN YANKS THE REF OUT!

The fans boo as the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stops Cobb from winning! And then he LOW- NO! Cobb blocks the shot to fire off forearms! Cobb loads up, and ROCKS Ren! Then ripcord and TOUR- NO, Ren slips free! Three minute warning and Ren has his pushup bar! Cobb storms up, PUSHUP BAR HEADSHOT!! The fans boo but Ren reels Cobb in! DOUBLECROSSER!! The ref is back, Ren covers, REN WINS!

Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)

Ren has the last laugh, because he just stole the show from Cobb! Will this title sink to new lows now that it Souled Out?

The Young Bucks have a video message?!

Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, the AEW World Tag Team Champions, turn around to look at the camera. They tell NJPW that at WrestleDynasty, The Young Bucks are coming back! They pat their titles, and we can consider that a major challenge to any team that wants it! Who will step up to The Elite? Will The Bucks still be bringing the gold when they return to Japan?

Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS The House of Torture!

To celebrate 25 YEARS of The Ace, he is teaming up with The Roughneck & Headbanga to take on their common enemies in Evil, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru! Will The King of Darkness finally be humbled? Or will he ruin Tanahashi’s anniversary by proving Everything is Evil?

Not only are Tanahashi, Shota & ELP making their way through from the crowd, they’re dressed as gladiators ready to battle! Will they strike down Evil, Yujiro & Kanemaru down in the coliseum that is Ryogoku?

The trios sort out and the fans of course cheer for Tanahashi. The House of Torture puts one out, and then they attack! Evil of course goes after Tanahashi, and he throws President Ace out while Tokyo Pimp is after Shota and Heel Master is after ELP. The bell rings, Kanemaru puts ELP back in, and CLUBS him on the back. Kanemaru whips, ELP reverses, then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! ELP kips up, he blocks Yujiro’s kick, and he looks to Tanahashi. Tanahashi explains the mechanics of the move, and ELP hits a DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer, and ELP kips up again! ELP thanks Tanahashi, and then calls for boots.

Tanahashi and Shota put their boots up, and the fans rally as ELP brings Kanemaru up. But Kanemaru turns things around to whip ELP at the blue corner. Surprise! The blue buckle pad disappears! ELP hits bare buckles and the Bullet Club Special strikes again! The ref reprimands Evil but Evil doesn’t care. The fans boo as Kanemaru intercepts Shota and whips him into steel buckles! Tanahashi kicks Kanemaru, fires off forearms, but Evil attacks Tanahashi! Evil & Kanemaru mug Tanahashi, then whip him into the bare buckles! The fans boo but The House soaks up all that heat. Kanemaru CHOKES ELP at the ropes, even as Jado protests.

Kanemaru tags Yujiro, and Yujiro drags ELP up to bring him around and TOSS out of the ring. Evil is there so that he and Dick can mug ELP! The fans boo but Yujiro keeps the ref from seeing that. Evil puts ELP in for Yujiro to cover, TWO! The fans rally but Yujiro covers again, TWO! A third cover, TWO! The fans rally and ELP scrambles away. Yujiro is annoyed but he storms up on ELP. Yujiro brings ELP over, bumps him off Kanemaru’s boot, then tags Kanemaru back in. Kanemaru stomps ELP and kicks him around. ELP just gets mad! ELP stands up, Kanemaru kicks again, and then Kanemaru runs.

Kanemaru dodges ELP, and he dropkicks ELP’s legs out! ELP gets spiked from it! Kanemaru covers, TWO! ELP stays in this and the fans rally up. Kanemaru drags ELP up and ELP fights back! He ROCKS Kanemaru, ROCKS him again, then CHOPS! ELP whips Kanemaru to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru runs up to tilt-o-whirl, but ELP stops the DDT to suplex high and hard! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Evil tags in! Evil BLASTS Tanahashi to deny him the tag! Evil & Kanemaru haul ELP up, double back suplex, but ELP lands out! ELP ELBOWS Yujiro, goes up and over Kanemaru, then under Evil!

But Evil grabs a leg! ELP BOOTS Evil into Kanemaru! Hot tag to Shota! Shota DECKS Evil, arm-drags Kanemaru then dropkicks legs out! Yujiro kicks and whips but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges! Shota dropkicks Yujiro’s legs out, then he WRECKS Dick! The fans fire up with Shota and he brings Evil up. Shota whips corner to corner, runs corner to corner, then UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Evil in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota isn’t quite perfect but he brings Evil up. Shota clinches but Evil fires elbows! Evil whips, Shota reverses, but Evil avoids the dropkick! Shota stands, and Evil whips him into bare buckles!

Evil LARIATS Shota, fireman’s carries him, but Shota slips free. Evil kicks and whips, but Shota reverses to clinch and EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shota and Evil crawl, hot tags to Yujiro and Tanahashi! The fans fire up for Tanahashi as he fires off fast hands on Yujiro. Tanahashi whips, Yujiro reverses but Tanahashi CLOBBERS him with flying forearms! Tanahashi fires up and fires off more shots on Yujiro. The fans rally even harder as Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Yujiro. Tanahashi goes up, and fans fire up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yujiro stays in this but Tanahashi stays focused.

“GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs but Yujiro distracts the ref, and Dick SMACKS Tanahashi with the buckle pad! Kanemaru BLASTS Shota, Evil rolls in and The House brings Tanahashi up. They double whip him to a neutral corner to ELBOW, BOOT, and snapmare. Kanemaru distracts the ref so Dick can climb! The fans boo but the DICK CHOP still lands! Yujiro covers, but ELP & Shota break it! The House TOSS ELP & Shota back out, and Dick distracts the ref now! Yujiro has his pimp cane! But Tanahashi blocks! Yujiro kicks low, but Shota snatches the cane! Shota BOOTS Yujiro, then ROCKS him!

Shota tosses the cane to Evil, and then shouts to the ref! The ref sees Evil with the can and Evil has to defend his partial innocence! Shota then DROPKICKS Evil down! ELP is back, he BOOTS Kanemaru while Shota DECKS Dick! Then Shota & ELP DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down goes The House! The fans fire up as Tanahashi aims at Yujiro! SLINGBLADE! Yujiro is down so Tanahashi goes up! The fans fire up for the HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Team Ace wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & El Phantasmo, by pinfall

A quarter of a century for the Once in a Century Talent, and it is punctuated by victory! ELP & Shota bow down to Tanahashi, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” Tanahashi says okay, okay. He fist bumps with these young, rising stars, and then asks for a mic. The fans cheer on Tanahashi, and he tells everyone welcome from the President of NJPW, Hiroshi Tanahashi. And in a flash, 25 years has gone by. And for 25 years, you’ve all given me your love, support, maybe a few boos. But for all that passion and support, thank you very much. It is great to be here, he wants to be fighting in front of you all forever. He wants to keep fighting forever, but…

Tanahashi takes a deep breath here as he considers his words. Hiroshi Tanahashi is within sight of his finish line. January 4th, 2026… That will be his final day! Yes, he never gets tired, he never feels down, and he never quits. But with that in mind, he will be giving everything he has for one final year! A bittersweet way to go into the 25th year, but then Dick & Evil attack!! The fans boo as Evil & Dick slap Tanahashi around. But ELP gets in to SUDDEN DEATH Dick! ELP stomps away on Evil, but then Ren Narita runs up to CLOBBER ELP with the pushup bar! The fans boo but The House just keeps beating up on President Ace!

Evil grabs the mic now, and even as fans tell The House to go home, Evil tells them to shut up. Evil tells Tanahashi that he won’t even get his last year! It isn’t his place to say when he’s done! Why not just retire now? Evil says HE will decide when Tanahashi is done, because NJPW is his company! Understand that? Then remember it! The King of Darkness wants to trump The Ace by any means necessary, but will he make sure Darkness Falls on the final chapter of Tanahashi’s in-ring career?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS SHO!

Japones Del Mal has had just about enough with The Murder Machine, so this rematch is to end it once and for all! Will Douki finally get some respect on the name? Or will Sho just find a new way to steal the win?

Wait, Sho is CHOKING Douki on the ramp! The ref reprimands but Sho shoves Douki’s robe at him. Sho grabs at the belt but Douki won’t let go! Sho stomps Douki and makes him let go! Sho then stomps the belt!? The ref reprimands and tells Sho to back off. Sho leaves Douki behind to talk trash, and then Sho fetches a chair! The ref tells Sho to stand down, and he takes the chair. Sho even hands the belt to the ref, but then sends a Young Lion into the ref! The fans boo as Sho throws another Young Lion onto the pile! Sho then grabs the chair and grins as he storms up on Douki! HEADSHOT with the chair!

The fans boo but Sho laughs more. Sho drags Douki up, tucks the arms, and hits a STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER to the floor! The fans boo as hard as they can but it doesn’t matter to Sho. Sho puts Douki in the ring, and grins as he stalks him. Sho is armed with his “Torture Tool,” and he looms over Douki. Sho sits Douki up, and UNMASKS him! Cameras are respectful enough to angle things away, but then they notice something curious about Douki’s face. Sho grins as he winds up, but Douki has face paint! He is ONI DOUKI! Douki blocks the wrench attack, and SPITS RED MIST! Douki has the wrench now, and he CLOBBERS Sho!

The fans fire up for this madman Douki, and he drags Sho around! Wheelbarrow and full nelson! The bell rings, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA, and a roll through! DOUBLE SUPLEX DE LA LUNA! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!

Winner: Douki, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Sho tried to humiliate Douki, but he’s the one that looks the fool! This will go down as Douki’s fastest and most dominant win, but we also learn there is something hiding behind that mask. Douki puts his mask back on and calms down. Will everyone learn to respect Douki now? WAIT! Kanemaru is back!? WHISKEY MASK! The House of Torture just doesn’t know when to quit! Kanemaru grabs a chair, takes aim, and he CHOP BLOCKS Douki with it! Kanemaru stomps away on Douki, then holds up the belt. The fans boo as Kanemaru takes aim, but here comes WATO! Master Wato ROUNDHOUSES Kanemaru! Wrench and hook, MOUSE TRAP!

The fans are thunderous as The Way of the Grandmaster has made his way back to NJPW! Wato saves Douki, but then he picks up the title. Wato stares Kanemaru down, then grabs a mic. Wato says, “Everyone, and Douki, it has been awhile. I’m back, I’m healthy, and… I’m challenging you for this IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.” Wato hands the belt back, Douki nods, and the two stare down. When and where will these two reignite their rivalry?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Hirooki Goto w/ YOSHI-HASHI!

The Rebel literally committed Overkill when facing “Headhunter” Yoshi-Hashi, so now the Fierce Warrior looks to avenge his friend! Will Goto add this title to his impressive list of accolades? Or will NJPW still need The Rebel?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wants it more!

The bell rings and the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto uses size to push Finlay back but Finlay turns it around. Finlay has Goto on ropes and the ref calls the break. Finlay lets off slowly, but Goto ROCKS Finlay before he can sucker punch! Goto fires forearms, Finlay fires back, and the fans rally as these two go back and forth. Goto ROCKS Finlay again and again, but Finlay BITES Goto on the forehead! The ref counts, Finlay lets off to whip corner to corner, but Goto reverses. Finlay boucnes off buckles into a hip toss! The fans fire up and Goto runs in to LARIAT at the corner!

Goto snapmares Finlay, and he climbs up! The fans rally, but Finlay BLASTS Goto to the floor! Gedo is happy but the fans are torn. Finlay goes out to taunt Goto’s kids! “Say bye-bye to Daddy!” But Goto CHOPS and CHOPS! Finlay shoves Goto into railing! Goto slumps down, the fans and his kids cheer him on, but Finlay SMOTHERS Goto! The ref counts, Finlay backs off, and he SPITS at the fans! Finlay flips them off as they boo, and then he specifically flips off Goto’s kids! The fans boo more but Finlay drags Goto up. Finlay puts Goto in the ring, then he rains down fists on Goto! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Finlay pushes him away.

Finlay soaks up more heat by flipping everyone off from the corner. Finlay then rains down open palm strikes, just to make a point to the ref. Finlay paces while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Finlay pretends he can’t hear them, then goes back for Goto. Finlay stands Goto up, suplexes and TOSSES Goto away! Finlay gives mocking thumbs up to the kids, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud but Finlay just smirks. Finlay drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS, and CHOPS! Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips, Goto reverses, but Finlay BOOTS from the corner. Finlay runs, Goto follows, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

Finlay staggers back, and Goto LARIATS Finlay up and out! Finlay stumbles into the railing, right in front of the kids! The fans fire up while Goto rests in the ring. Goto rolls out and drags Finlay up, but Finlay RAMS Goto into railing! And maybe a cameraman! Finlay storms over to the apron, to pull the skirt away! Finlay goes under the ring to bring out half a dozen chairs! Finlay puts all those chairs down, right in front of Goto’s kids! The fans boo but Finlay says the kids better watch this! Finlay drags Goto over, reels him in, but Goto fights the bomb! The fans fire up as Goto BACKDROPS Finlay on the chair pile!

The fans fire up while Finlay writhes and Goto stands! Goto roars, and he drags Finlay up to POST him! Goto fires forearms on Finlay against the post, but lets off as the ref counts. Goto opens the gate and he gets some space. The fans fire up as Goto runs back in, to MURAMASA against the post! The fans fire up while Finlay flops over! Gedo panics but Hashi and the fans cheer Goto on. Goto drags Finlay up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, Goto storms in, but Finlay bails out the side. The fans boo, but Goto hops back out. Finlay lifts Goto to a fireman’s carry! And he LAWN DARTS him! But Goto blocks the post!

Finlay runs up, but Goto matadors him into the railing! The fans fire up and Goto brings Finlay up, to then hoist him onto the railing! And he flips Finlay over! The fans fire up for DRAPING SHOTO to the floor! The ref reprimands but Goto gives thumbs up to the kids. Goto’s daughter applauds and his son nods, and Goto drags Finlay back up. Goto puts Finlay in the ring, and the fans fire up as he climbs! Goto aims, for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives all that and Gedo is relieved, but Goto drags Finlay back up. Goto fireman’s carries, but Finlay flails free. Finlay then clinches, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!

Both men are down on the mat and the fans rally up. Gedo coaches Finlay and Finlay crawls around. Finlay finds Goto, heads that way, and Goto clutches his back as he sits up. Finlay grabs Goto by the hair, but Goto fires a forearm! Finlay fires one back! Goto fires another forearm, but Finlay fires back! The two rise up, and Goto ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay ROCKS Goto in return! Goto growls and comes back to ROCK Finlay! Finlay ROCKS Goto, the forearms go faster and faster, back and forth! Finlay gets the edge, then winds up to ROCK Goto! Finlay kicks, Goto deflects but Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS!

Finlay wobbles but he still looms over Goto. Finlay drags Goto up to ROLLING- NO, Goto catches him, spins him, URA GTR! Goto runs, into a LARIAT! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Gedo coaches Finlay to end this, and Finlay brings Goto up, Canadian Rack! CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans fire up! Finlay is annoyed but Gedo is amused. Finlay points to Goto’s kids and then makes Goto look at them. Finlay CLUBS Goto with a crossface forearm! Gedo says he loves it! Finlay sits Goto up again, and CLUBS him back down! Finlay keeps staring down the kids, as he gives another crossface forearm!

Finlay says one more, just for the kids! The fans rally for Goto but Finlay CLUBS him again and again, and again! Finlay slashes his throat, drags Goto up, and BUCKLE BOMBS! But Goto’s right up to LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Goto and Finlay stir, and Goto crawls around. Finlay goes to a corner, drags himself up, and he takes aim. Goto rises, Finlay runs in, but Goto blocks the boot! Goto spins Finlay into a SLEEPER! Finlay snapmares but Goto rolls with him! Goto has the sleeper in tighter! Finlay fights up, and he RAMS Goto into buckles! Goto comes back with a BACKPACK SLEEPER!

The fans rally as Goto squeezes tight! But Finlay turns around, and he climbs the corner! So Goto lets go to TRIP Finlay! Then fireman’s carry, and USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while Finlay writhes, clutching his neck! Goto snarls, and he takes aim, to BUZZSAW! Finlay flounders, stands up, fireman’s carry for G T W!! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and Gedo is relieved, but Goto won’t let up! Goto drags Finlay up and dragon sleepers, but Finlay fights from below! So Goto grabs that arm, brings it down, but Finlay still fights! Goto HEADBUTTS him! Finlay sputters, we 15 minutes, but Goto has determination in his eyes!

Goto suplexes, for SHOTEN KAI!! The fans are thunderous and Goto roars! Goto brings Finlay back up, but Gedo gets on the apron! Finlay spins things around INTO OBLIVION! Hashi YANKS Gedo down now, but Gedo clings to the ropes! Finlay grabs his shillelagh! The fans boo as Finlay CRACKS Goto with the shillelagh!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives and shocks Finlay! The fans are electric, but Finlay gets Goto up! POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!?!?! Goto survives again the fans are electric for the Fierce Warrior! Finlay slashes his throat again, and waves bye to the kids. OVER- NO! Goto slips out, to G T- NO, Finlay backslides!

Finlay suplexes, for OVERKILL!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

The Rebel needed his Blacksmith and his weapon of choice to screw over Goto, but a win is still a win in his book! Finlay mocks the tears of Goto’s daughter, but Hashi guards Goto from the scumbags. Goto consoles his kids, telling them that even in losing, it is alright. However, The Fierce Warrior has yet to reach the highest of heights in NJPW, how much harder must he fight to make it there? And as for Finlay, he just flips everyone off as his way of celebrating. Then he gets a mic to shout, “AND STILL~ IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion~!” He says he can’t hear anyone booing him.

Many men have tried to take this title from Finlay, and every single one of them has failed! But Finlay says his revenge tour is far from over. In fact, there is someone out there who does have a victory over The Rebel, the Savage King, the Boss Dog, and he wants his lick back, b*tch! Finlay says the fans don’t even know what he’s saying so shut up. So please, welcome Finlay’s next challenger, YUYA UEMURA! Finlay starts a Yuya chant but we all know Yuya is hurt. Finlay mocks Yuya that he is afraid of losing to Finlay. Wait, who is that now? It’s TAICHI! The Holy Emperor will not stand for his friend being mocked!

Finlay says right, the guy who couldn’t even make it into this year’s G1! The fans rally for Taichi, and Finlay asks if he has something to say. Finlay drops the mic at Taichi’s feet, and Taichi picks it up. Taichi tells Finlay that he damn well knows Yuya isn’t 100%. Yuya isn’t here, but Taichi is! And sure, Taichi didn’t make it into the G1, and he feels a lot of ways about that. But there are a lot of people that still believe in Taichi! And there is still a lot of pride in Taichi! Taichi will challenge Finlay for that title instead! The fans cheer Taichi on, but then Finlay takes a swing! Only for Taichi to dodge and hit the DANGEROUS SAIDO!

The fans cheer as Gedo freaks out! Taichi holds up the Global Championship as he tells everyone, he will take this title all the way to Tokyo Dome! Will the Holy Emperor put down this Rebel Dog for his arrogance?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ TMDK!

It’s the moment of truth! While the Uncontrollable Charisma could not win the G1 Climax, TMDK’s Front Man practically dominated that tournament! But then, Zack thought to himself, why wait for WrestleKingdom? He wants his title shot now! Will his G1 gamble pay off? Or will NJPW stay tranquilo?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, the return of King of Pro-Wrestling has a historic ending!

As always, Naito takes his time with his special entrance attire. The bell rings and the fans fire up already! Red Shoes assesses the crowd, and it seems rather even, maybe 60-40 in ZSJ’s favor. ZSJ and Naito circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ rolls back, wrenches, and wrangles Naito to the mat. Naito moves as ZSJ twists the wrist, and Naito stands to drop toehold. Naito headlocks but ZSJ pops out the back, and has a cradle, ONE! ZSJ floats to have the arm again, but Naito trips him. Naito drops into a toehold, but ZSJ turns over and reaches back to chinlock. Naito slips out the back to hammerlock and he rolls ZSJ, ONE!

ZSJ shifts around, has one arm, then the other, chicken wing cradle! TWO, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Naito and ZSJ reset, and the fans rally up as the two circle. ZSJ and Naito feel out another knuckle lock, and Naito slips around to waistlock. ZSJ resists the lift, wrenches free, and he double wristlocks to then wrangle Naito into headscissors. ZSJ pushes up to put on the pressure, but Naito moves around. Naito pushes up to pop free, and now he has ZSJ in a butterfly deathlock! But ZSJ sits up to drag Naito down with a facelock! ZSJ floats back to the headscissors, and again pushes up for the squeeze!

The fans rally as Naito endures, and ZSJ drags him away from ropes. ZSJ keeps on the squeeze, but Naito moves around again. Naito pops free, to have a HEEL HOOK! ZSJ endures, and is a bit amused that Naito is trying to play the technical game. ZSJ has Naito’s legs, and he laces his way into a FIGURE FOUR! Naito turns things over but ZSJ uses that to DEATHLOCK CALF KILLER! Naito endures, even as ZSJ twists his foot and ankle! They turn over again, Naito hooks ZSJ’s leg, but ZSJ grabs Naito’s wrists! They’re in a bit of a pickle, but ZSJ slips through to have an ARMBAR! Naito stacks, ZSJ lets go, but now Naito has the short arm scissor!

ZSJ shifts and slips free, and the fans cheer this newest exchange. Naito stays cool, and he resets with ZSJ again. The fans rally up again, and the “ZAKU! ZAKU!” is certainly outdoing the “NA-I-TO!” here. The two tie up, are in a deadlock at center, but Naito finds a point of leverage. ZSJ turns around to put Naito on ropes, but then Naito turns things back around. ZSJ turns things around again, Red Shoes counts the ropebreak, and ZSJ lets off slowly. But Naito SPITS at him! The fans are torn, but ZSJ runs up! Naito dodges, rolls him up, but ZSJ rolls through! ZSJ runs up again, but Naito avoids the Penalty Kick!

ZSJ comes back, Naito ducks the roundhouse and clinches ZSJ into a corner. Red Shoes calls the break, and Naito slowly lets off. Naito pats ZSJ on the shoulders, rolls back to tranquilo, but ZSJ is on him for an ARMBAR! Naito scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. The fans cheer while Naito regrets being nonchalant. ZSJ wrenches and whips Naito, but Naito holds ropes. Naito then DUMPS ZSJ out, and sweeps the leg! ZSJ falls on the apron, and Naito DROPKICKS him to the floor! The fans cheer as Naito goes out to fetch ZSJ. Naito brings ZSJ up to SMACK him off the apron, and RAM him into railing!

ZSJ slumps down but Naito drags him up, to SMACK off the apron, and throw back into railing! ZSJ flops over but Naito drags him up again. Naito puts ZSJ on the apron, then uses a cravat for a neck wrench. Red Shoes reprimands so Naito lets go. Naito hops up onto the apron, turns ZSJ, but ZSJ fights free. ZSJ steps in side, and catches Naito’s shoulder tackle, for a NECK TWIST! A new take on one of ZSJ’s signatures, and he paces while Naito flops on the mat. Naito writhes, but ZSJ walks back over. ZSJ drags Naito around by a leg, then steps through for an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! ZSJ pushes on the knees, then stands up to mock the LIJ fist!

ZSJ bridges back on the hold! Then he sits up to reel Naito in, adding a headscissor and armlock to the hold! Naito still manages to reach out and ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while ZSJ lets go of the hold. ZSJ paces, then brings Naito up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Naito goes to ropes but ZSJ brings him around to UPPERCUT again! Naito falls over, the fans rally and duel, and we pass 10 minutes. ZSJ clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench, but Naito fires body shots. ZSJ RAMS Naito, snapmares and NECK- NO, Naito manages to victory roll! But then Naito NECK TWISTS ZSJ! Fans cheer while both men are down again.

ZSJ and Naito stir, the dueling gets stronger, and Naito brings ZSJ up. Naito ROCKS, kicks, and CLUBS ZSJ before he whips and arm-drags! Then he ELBOWS ZSJ down to basement DROPKICK! ZSJ goes to a corner but Naito is on him. Naito whips corner to corner, runs in to ELBOW, then he puts ZSJ in ropes. DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Naito stands ZSJ up, turns him, and holds him, before the NECKBREAKER! Naito covers, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Naito keeps cool. Naito drags ZSJ up, snapmares and hooks him up, LEG HOOK NELSON! ZSJ endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and ZSJ still fights around.

ZSJ pries at the hold but Naito puts on more pressure. ZSJ powers up but Naito thrashes him! ZSJ kicks and kicks and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts but Naito claims he needs help. Naito reprimands and counts, and Naito lets ZSJ go free. ZSJ rolls to the apron, but Naito storms over to bring him up. Naito brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ wrenches free! HANGING ARMBAR! Red Shoes reprimands while Naito endures. Red Shoes counts and ZSJ lets go at 4. Naito falls back, but ZSJ is on him with a cravat and snapmare. Then NECK TWIST! Naito clutches his shoulder but ZSJ is right back on him, with a basement DROPKICK!

ZSJ takes a moment to catch his breath, and he clamps on with a headscissor squeeze again! Naito pries at the hold but ZSJ shifts to make it a TRIANGLE HOLD! ZSJ even grabs Naito’s other arm for a wristlock, and he pulls back. Naito endures so ZSJ shifts right to an ARMBAR! Naito has the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. We pass 15 minutes, and ZSJ is in control. ZSJ stands Naito up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again! Naito SPITS back, and fires the heavy elbows! ZSJ drops to his knees, but then wrenches to PELE the arm! Naito comes back to ENZIGIRI! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT!

ZSJ whips, Naito reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ tumbles all the way to a corner while the fans fire up! TMDK coaches ZSJ while the fans rally again. Naito crawls his way over to ZSJ, drags him up, and then hoists him up top. Naito climbs up after ZSJ, to SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up while both men are down, but Naito rises. Naito watches ZSJ, runs up, but ZSJ BOOTS first! And UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs, into a headlock takeover, and PLUMA BLANCA! ZSJ fights the modified Koji Klutch, but Naito thrashes him around! ZSJ still works on the escape, using his own long legs to pry at the leg scissor.

Naito fights that method of escape, so ZSJ tries to headscissor Naito. Naito shrugs that off, so ZSJ returns to hooking his leg on Naito’s foot! ZSJ pries but Naito thrashes! ZSJ again kicks his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and Naito lets go of ZSJ. Both men are down, catching their breath, and the fans rally up. Naito drags ZSJ up, and fires those heavy back elbows! ZSJ drops to his knees again, but Naito just fires more elbows! ZSJ staggers away to the corner, so Naito goes over there to join him. Naito drags ZSJ up, reels him in, ESPERANZA! ZSJ flounders and Naito aims from the corner again.

Naito runs up, but avoids the boot! Tilt-o-whirl DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Naito is a bit surprised, but ZSJ is still dazed as we hit 20 minutes. Naito wrenches, but ZSJ jumps into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Then omoplata! Then JIM BREAKS! Naito fights but ZSJ still drags him into CLARKY CAT! ZSJ grabs at a leg, then shifts around! ZSJ pulls way back on that arm! Naito endures, even as ZSJ CRANKS the arm back! The fans are dueling as hard as they can as Naito endures! ZSJ grabs a leg, he has the CLARKY CAT, BAD BALLOON REMIX! Naito endures but he only has one free leg!

ZSJ shifts around again, OG CLARK CAT, but with the deep leg scissor! Naito reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Naito survives by a literal foot and ZSJ is beside himself. ZSJ looks to TMDK, he isn’t sure what he has to do. The fans duel again, and it seems Naito is gaining to make this an even 50-50 split! ZSJ drags Naito up, reels him in, scoops, but Naito fights it to scoop! VALENTIA!! Naito hurries to wrench, tilt-o-whirl, but ZSJ slips out of Destino! GOTCH STYLE PILEDRIVER!!! A shoutout to Suzuki!! ZSJ reaches up as if victorious already, but then he wags his finger. ZSJ knows he has to do more to finish Naito!

ZSJ sits Naito up, runs up, and PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ fires up, the fans are with him, and ZSJ scoops! ZACK- DESTINO!?!? Naito covers, TWO!!! ZSJ survives that sudden turn around!! Naito brings ZSJ up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but ZSJ pops free! ZSJ fires an UPPERCUT, Naito backslides, ZSJ rolls through, TORANDO CRADLE! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes again but Naito runs up, ROLLING KICK! ZSJ wobbles, Naito tries again, but ZSJ LARIATS!! The fans are electric again as ZSJ hauls Naito up! ZACK DRIVER!!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Naito will not go easy into that good night! So ZSJ scoops, SABRE DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?

ZSJ shakes his head, he will not be denied! ZSJ drags Naito up again, fisherman and AOI SHODOU ZSJ DRIVER!!! Cover, ZSJ WINS!!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

Ryogoku erupts and TMDK leaps into the ring! The Front Man did it! He went from G1 Climax Champion to THE champion!! Naito fought as hard as he could to, as he put it, defend NJPW from a rogue upstart who would just use this place as a stepping stone. Naito could not see it through, and he has been dethroned. What is he to do if he wants to return to the Tokyo Dome now?

As for Zack, he celebrates with his guys a little more, before Red Shoes brings him the World Heavyweight Championship. ZSJ stands with belt and trophy as Red Shoes raises his hand in victory! The fans cheer, and Fujita helps fasten the belt onto ZSJ. ZSJ asks for the mic, the mic is brought, and in Japanese, ZSJ says, “Naito-san. Don’t worry. I did win this belt from you, but I’m committed to staying here in NJPW.” The fans cheer that, and even Naito smiles. ZSJ then says, “Naito-san. Muchas gracias, senor.” Naito replies back, “De nada, cabron.” The fans applaud Naito as he heads out, his WrestleKingdom path now unknown.

The fans now cheer on “ZAKU! ZAKU!” and he says, “Ryogoku, I know it sounds lame to repeat myself, but uh, I WON!” The fans cheer that! ZSJ says he really does love this venue. Oh, Sanada is spotted walking in! Nice suit, too. ZSJ notices him, and says long time no see. ZSJ welcomes Sanada into the ring as Sanada grabs himself a mic. Sanada tells ZSJ in English, “Today’s match was so amazing.” ZSJ answers back, “Arigato gozaimashita.” ZSJ even notes Sanada’s looking good. Sanada continues in English, “As for me, it’s last chance to become champion in this year.” The fans like where this is going.

Sanada goes to Japanese to say that in less than a week, October 20th, in London, Royal Quest 4, Sanada has a singles match with ZSJ. So then, would ZSJ be willing to put his title on the line? ZSJ double checks, this Sunday? Sanada uses English to say, “I think next week.” ZSJ in Japanese says, “Yeah, let’s do it.” The fans cheer ZSJ’s no hesitation! They shake hands and these two rivals are adding a golden chapter to the story! ZSJ even adds Sanada’s English was really good. But before Sanada even steps out, here comes Shota! The fans are a bit torn on The Roughneck thinking he can be out here now.

Shota grabs a mic, and he waits out the booing, but ZSJ tells the fans it’s fine, relax. Shota says Tanahashi announced his coming retirement, but Shota’s not waiting around. “Even if I struggle, I will represent NJPW’s Hontai Unit!” maybe this is why fans are torn on him… Shota continues to say, “I’m going after what I want. Zack, allow me to challenge for that belt!” ZSJ tells Shota he gets it. But he’s already busy this week. ZSJ admits Shota is a worthy challenger, he just needs time to think on it. Wait, now someone else is coming out, and ZSJ says hold on just a minute! But it’s Shingo Takagi!

The fans aren’t sure what to make of this! ZSJ keeps saying everyone needs to hold on, but Takagi says YOU hold on, Zack! ZSJ jokes this is turning into a variety show, but Takagi still steps into the ring. Takagi asks where Shota and Sanada were for Destruction in Kobe! Takagi then tells ZSJ congratulations. ZSJ flatly thanks him for it. Takagi says when they were in the G1, they went 1-1. So how about they settle this with the title on the line? ZSJ admits, that is true. Shota points out that if we’re talking the G1, then Shota also has a win over ZSJ, and even over Takagi. Takagi just replies back, “Hah?! What’re you talking about? I tend to forget details which don’t serve my purpose.”

The fans cheer that, but Shota wants to ask how Takagi has a claim here. Takagi says of course he does! Right, Zack? ZSJ has everyone hold on here. ZSJ only just became champion! He is tired, and this is annoying. ZSJ says he’s got “Sana-yan” first. Sanada first, then we’ll worry about the rest. Just give him some time to think about it, okay? Until then, get out of his ring, please. The fans cheer that! Sanada also applauds that decision, starts exiting, and the others follow suit. ZSJ says, “Until next time. Quickly, please. Sana-yan, stop dragging your feet.” ZSJ then jokes speaking Japanese is hard, and Takagi’s accent throws him off.

But now that he has the ring to himself, ZSJ tells the crowd that the “Summer of Zack” is over. Because the ERA OF ZACK is just beginning! The fans cheer that! But sorry, this isn’t just about him. From now on, NJPW belongs to TMDK! TMDK joins ZSJ in the ring as ZSJ says, “Because TMDK is Mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! THANK YOU!” The fans cheer, TMDK puts up their banner, and as the official announcement of Zack as the 11th IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is made, the golden streamers fly! The Front Man is finally the man, will he make this the mightiest reign of all time?

My Thoughts:

An awesome event for NJPW here! This was the first King of Pro-Wrestling event in five years, just going by the thumbnails I have (and haven’t) made. And they made it feel as big as WrestleKingdom, or I suppose a parallel to WWE SummerSlam. No match was something I could skip because it was all important. I didn’t see Hiromu VS Mistico in Arena Mexico but I bet it was just as good as this one. Great win for Hiromu, especially as he’s added a submission to his arsenal. Hiromu VS Mistico 4 with potentially Hair VS Mask, that is going to be awesome again, but I feel like Mistico will win and Hiromu will have to cut his hair. It is getting pretty wild, though, so this could be his excuse.

Great stuff in the Junior Heavyweight Tag title match, though there was the one little botch. It happens when you go fast like these guys do. Jet Setters winning was actually a bit of a surprise, but something about that makes sense given Connors & Drilla had these belts for a little over eight months. Jet Setters will be the champs going into Super Junior Tag League, which is only 10 days away, so they’ll have to really put up fight after fight. Same for Connors & Drilla to earn their rematch, assuming they don’t just go for it at Royal Quest. Great Heavyweight Tag title match, and Ugg is surprisingly athletic, but I figured TMDK would retain.

Great NEVER Openweight Championship match, but of course Takagi retains. Oiwa is doing great already, but he has time to get to a championship. The Triple Threat for the NJPW World TV title was great stuff, definitely unique even for this title division, but how could we not know Narita would cheat? The House of Torture has a championship after failing to get the NEVER Six Man belts, and you can bet The House will find all new ways to help Narita retain, even if it’s just about running out the clock. And then a surprising yet rather lackluster message from The Bucks. They obviously want to put it in our minds that they will battle the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions for WrestleDynasty, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Going back to The House of Torture, they of course lost to Tanahashi and team, but what surprising news that Tanahashi is going to retire at WrestleKingdom 2026. I mean, this day was coming, but you never think it’ll be that close. Evil obviously thinks he’ll cut things short, maybe he and Tanahashi work towards a match for WrestleKingdom 19. Tanahashi can win big at WK19, and then spend the entire year considering who will be his final opponent, so that he can put them over at WK20 and retire from in-ring competition and just be President Tanahashi.

Great stuff from Douki and Sho in that it was mostly Sho’s attack, and then he unleashes this meaner, spookier side of Douki. Douki wins and easily gets rid of Sho, and then they make us think Kanemaru is going to get the next title match, but surprise! Wato is back! Wato VS Douki will be great stuff, but obviously too early to call. Finlay VS Goto was great, but again, should’ve figured Finlay would need to cheat this one. Finlay pulls the typical Heel move of calling out someone that can’t fight him, but good on them to have Taichi step up. Finlay VS Taichi will be great, too, but I’m thinking Finlay finds a way to cheat that match like he did here.

And naturally, awesome stuff from ZSJ and Naito. ZSJ busts out a brand new finishing piledriver, I just kinda threw that name together myself, it certainly won’t be what it’s really called, but great story in the match from start to finish. A great honor for ZSJ to pull off the G1 and world title win, especially with how NJPW is changing things up. I really liked that this also allowed many contenders to speak up since this is an unprecedented situation. I also figured ZSJ would bring the world title home to London for Royal Quest, and I like that they’re giving him his first title defense with it.

But given the choices were Sanada, Shota and Takagi, seems a shame if Sanada’s gonna eat the loss already. Fans seem to be souring on Shota just a bit. I’m not privy to how the Japan Internet Wrestling Community feels, but I can understand if there’s a combination of him being named a Musketeer too soon, being pushed a little too fast, and then as he put it, he’s going to be the de facto Hontai leader with Tanahashi stepping away. American fans have seen it a lot with the likes of “Super” John Cena and early Roman Reigns, so it’s interesting to see it happen in other places. That said, ZSJ is surely going to retain at Royal Quest, and maybe we see Shota and Takagi fight it out to determine who goes next, probably staking a claim for Power Struggle in November.

My Score: 9.3/10