The tradition returns again!

NJPW starts the THIRTIETH Best of the Super Juniors tournament! Will Hiromu Takahashi prove he’s still the best? Or will a new top guy emerge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Clark Connors VS Kevin Knight; Connors wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Dan Moloney; Moloney wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS DOUKI; Douki wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira; Wato wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS SHO; Lio wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS TJP; Titán wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Mike Bailey; Bailey wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

This year’s tournament will be even bigger!

While two blocks and ten participants each is the norm, what’s different for this special 30th anniversary is that there will be semifinals! After the ninth round, the TOP TWO in each block will face off, and those will determine the block finalists that battle for the trophy! Who will fight hard and make the cut for this milestone tournament?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Clark Connors w/ Gedo VS Kevin Knight!

The Wild Rhino is now Bullet Club, but he’s still hunting gold. As for The Jet, he is now one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, but he still wants to be the best. Who makes their team proud with an opening round win?

The second Knight is in the ring, he fires off on Connors! Fans fire up, the bell rings and Knight just fires off more shots! Fans rally, Knight bumps Connors off buckles and stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Knight digs his boot in but lets off at 4. Knight finally puts the belt aside to whip Connors to ropes. Connors holds ropes, bails out, but Knight PLANCHAS right out onto him! Fans fire up more and Knight finally takes off the tracksuit jacket. Knight throws it at Connors, then he CLUBS Connors. Knight UPPERCUTS, then follows Connors around the way to ROCK him, and SMACK him off the apron!

Fans rally behind Knight as he keeps after Connors. Knight throws more hands, CLUBS Connors some more, then UPPERCUTS again! The ring count starts, Knight tells Gedo to back off, and he brings Connors around. Connors knees low and he POSTS Knight! The ring count is 10 of 20 but Connors takes his time returning. Connors refreshes the count at 14, then he brings Knight up to POST him at high speed! Fans boo but Connors shouts, “WHAT?!” The count restarts, Connors CLUBS Knight and puts him in the ring at 12. Fans cheer the bit of sportsmanship, but then Connors pushes Knight right out of the ring, to POST him again!

Fans boo but Connors tells them off. Connors looms over Knight, brings him up, pushes him back into the ring, and fans cheer again as this returns to the ring. Gedo taunts Knight, Connors brings him up, and Connors whips Knight hard into a corner! Fans rally for Knight while Connors seethes and paces around. Connors drags Knight up, but Knight throws body shots. Knight chops but Connors CHOPS! Knight sits down in the corner, and Connor stands on Knight’s face! The ref counts, Connor lets off, and he drags Knight back up. Connors whips Knight hard into another corner! Fans fire up and rally while Gedo taunts Knight more.

Connors toys with Knight, then CLUBS him down! Connors sits Knight up to ROCK him with a left. The ref reprimands about the closed fist, but Connors snap suplexes! Connors clamps onto Knight with a chinlock and digs his knee into Knight’s back. Fans rally, Knight endures and fights up. Knight powers up but Connors snapmares and CLUBS him again! And back to the chinlock! Connors fishhooks and the ref reprimands, so Connors lets Knight go. Connors wraps Knight up in a chinlock but fans rally. Knight fights up, throws body shots, but Connors CLUBS him down! Knight roars and rises to fire off forearms!

Fans fire up but Connors UPPERCUTS! Connors whips, Knight reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Knight kips up and fans fire up again! Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS, stomp and UPPERCUT, then stomps a mudhole into Connors! The fans rally, the ref counts, but Knight lets off at 4. Knight drags Connors up, whips him corner to corner, and runs in to SPLASH! Knight puts Connors up top, and he says it’s time! JUMPING SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Knight somersaults into the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this but the fans are behind Knight!

Knight wants Connors to stand, then runs in, SATELLITE- NO, Connors denies the DDT! Knight avoids the spear, to SKY HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives again and Knight is surprised. Gedo is worried but the fans rally again. Knight goes to a corner, he jumps up fast, but Connors SHORYUKENS! Connors goes up after Knight, brings him up, but Knight fights with body shots. Knight shoves Connors away, leaps, but into a POWERSLAM! Gedo says “Show me the No Chaser!” Connors nods and he brings Knight up. Connors powers up but Knight wrenches out! Connors blocks the whip to whip Knight!

Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this and the fans fire back up. Knight says it’s done! Knight aims, runs in, but into the SPEAR!! Connors drags Knight up, reels him in, puts one out, and BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Connors wins!

Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)

#100Proof just gave Knight a stiff shot and a bitter defeat. But Gedo wants there to be a second shot by sending in a chair! Connors stomps Knight down, grabs the chair, and fans boo as he aims at his former friend. Connors still SMACKS Knight down! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER, and ANOTHER, and ANOTHER! Shot after shot, until Connors has had his fill. Gedo demands the ref raise Connors’ hand in victory and the ref obliges. If this is the “Only Killers” Era of Bullet Club, will anyone survive standing against them?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!

The Funky Weapon has been through quite a few of these BOSJ tournaments, but he’s only won one, and that was back in 2012. Will he finally return to the top? Or will Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn?

As he enters the ring, Taguchi offers a handshake. Taiji says no thanks, and Taguchi says okay then. The bell rings, and Taguchi DROPKICKS! And DROPKICKS! He’s still the Master of the Dropkick! Taguchi whips, then DROPKICKS again! Taiji falls out of the ring, Taguchi triangle jumps to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Taguchi stomps Taiji’s legs, grabs one, and SMASHES the knee off the floor! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Taiji. Taguchi brings Taiji up, throws body shots and then kicks the bad leg. Taiji tumbles, but Taguchi baseball slide dropkicks! Fans cheer and the ring count starts.

Taguchi brings Taiji up and in at 4 of 20, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Taguchi steps through to a single leg cover, TWO! OH MY- NO, Taiji gets the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi holds onto the ankle lock until the ref counts 4. Taguchi stomps Taiji, drags him up, and reels him into a SHIN BREAKER! Taiji hobbles, and Taguchi dropkicks the leg out! Then he gets the leg, but Taiji victory rolls! TWO and Taguchi sits back onto the cover, TWO! But Taguchi has the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taiji endures, reaches out, rolls, but Taguchi holds on! Taguchi keeps on that ankle lock!

Fans cheer, Taiji crawls, and Taiji drags Taguchi into the BONE LOCK! Taguchi endures, crawls around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away! But Taguchi uses that to get OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drops an elbow on the leg! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji claws at the mat, it’s not a tap out. Taguchi drags Taiji back into chicken wings! But Taiji pops free, facelocks, only for Taguchi to slip free. Taguchi shoots in, Taiji avoids him and tilt-o-whirls to the MYSTICA! FUJIWARA! Chicken wing, BONE LOCK!! Taguchi still endures, Taiji rolls him away and PULLS! Taguchi TAPS, Taiji wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)

A fast and furious three minutes as Taguchi turned up the seriousness, but it all fell apart! Taiji takes the win, will he also take the block?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: BUSHI VS Dan Moloney!

The Black Mask of Los Ingobernables de Japon takes on The United Empire’s newest recruit! Will Bushi give #DaDrilla a tranquilo “welcome” to NJPW? Or will Dan show us why he’s the #Superbeast?

The bell rings and fans rally for Bushi. Bushi and Moloney tie up, Moloney powers Bushi to ropes, but he lets off quick. Bushi avoids the cheap shot and fans applaud. Moloney and Bushi reset, tie up, and Moloney puts Bushi on the ropes. Bushi turns things around, Moloney turns it around, but then Bushi turns it back around. Bushi rolls back and lounges to taunt Moloney. Moloney runs in, Bushi dodges and kicks low. Bushi ROCKS Moloney, whips him to ropes, then ducks, hurdles, and DROPKICKS Moloney’s dropkick! Fans fire up as Moloney bails out. Bushi builds speed but Moloney DROPKICKS back! Cover, TWO!

Moloney rips Bushi’s shirt off! Fans boo but Moloney has prevented Bushi from using his favorite strategy! Moloney then KICKS Bushi in the back, and he smirks as fans rally up. Moloney drags Bushi up, CHOPS him, and Bushi is stinging already. Fans fire up, Moloney throws up the crown, and he drags Bushi up. Bushi CHOPS, but Moloney eggs him on. Bushi CHOPS and CHOPS, but Moloney CHOPS Bushi off his feet! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Moloney stomps Bushi’s hands. And then his feet! And then his torso! Fans continue to rally but Moloney mocks them and throws the crown up again.

Moloney drags Bushi up, CHOPS him to a corner, and he CLUBS Bushi on the neck. Moloney throws body shots, whips Bushi corner to corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Bushi RANAS Moloney and fans fire up. Both men are down but stirring, and Bushi is up first. Bushi brings Moloney around but Moloney ROCKS him! Bushi ROCKS Moloney, and then gets the edge with those forearms. Bushi reels Moloney in for a BIG back suplex! Both men are back down and fans fire up again. Moloney goes to a corner, Bushi runs in, but Moloney dodges. Moloney comes back in but Bushi SWING KICKS him!

Bushi goes up top while Moloney staggers away. Bushi MISSILE DROPKICKS! And Bushirooni! Fans fire up and Bushi watches Moloney go to the corner. Bushi runs in, elbows Moloney, then brings him out. Moloney swings but into a spin and facelock. Moloney fights and wrenches, but Bushi avoids the chop to dropkick a leg out! Bushi drags Moloney up, has a leg, but Moloney fights free. Moloney CLUBS Bushi then leans on the ropes. Bushi runs in, blocks Moloney’s boot, and puts it in the ropes to DROPKICK the leg! Bushi then has Moloney in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up and Bushi goes to the apron.

Bushi drags Moloney to the ropes again but the ref reprimands. Moloney fights free and ENZIGURIS Bushi down! Fans rally up and Moloney build speed. Moloney WRECKS Bushi with a dropkick! Moloney hurries to put Bushi in, covers, TWO! Moloney scowls but the fans rally up. Moloney slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Moloney drags Bushi up, reels him in, Canadian racks, but Bushi slips free. Bushi ducks the haymaker, Moloney blocks a kick and ducks the enziguri but not the REWIND HEEL! Fans fire up with Bushi and he aims from the corner. Moloney stands, and he blocks the Code Breaker, into a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Bushi survives and fans fire up but Moloney pounds the mat. Moloney stalks Bushi, runs the ropes, and GORE!! Moloney Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Moloney wins!!

Winner: Dan Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)

The United Empire’s newest soldier scores big! Will nothing stop the Empire from taking over the entire tournament?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS DOUKI!

The Timesplitter is the other half of the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, but the Intergalactic Jet Setters aren’t stopping there! Will Kushida prove he is still the Ace of Junior Heavyweight wrestling? Or will Japones Del Mal get a big win for Just5Guys?

The bell rings and the fans duel, “KU-SHI-DA!” “DO-U-KI!” The two feel out a grapple, then Douki avoids the drop toeholds. They go again, Kushida rolls but Douki avoids the takedown. They feel out another grapple, Kushida gets a leg and drags Douki down to float and push to a lateral press. Douki gets away before a count and fans cheer as the two stand off. Kushida and Douki circle again, Kushida jumps on for body scissors and the armmlock, but Douki has the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go quickly and the two reset again. They tie up, Kushida waistlocks but Douki pries the hold to wrench the arm.

Kushida slips through, wrenches back and wristlocks. Kushida hammerlocks, spins Douki and arm-drags. Kushida floats, Douki tries to headscissor hold but Kushida slips out to hammerlock. Fans applaud the technical exchange and Kushida floats into a headlock. Douki fights up, Kushida wrenches and steps over to spin Douki and take him down. Kushida traps the arm to JAM it! Kushida then moves around, ties up the arms in a modified straitjacket, and then twists! Douki has his shoulders down, ONE as Douki manages to push up. But Kushida ties up the legs! Another cover, TWO! Kushida drops back to tweak the arms!

Douki flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Even Kushida applauds as he lets off. Douki shakes out his arms and the two reset. They circle, feel out a grapple, Kushida throws Douki down with an STO. Douki reaches up with his legs but Kushida pushes those away. Kushida flips Douki over, but Douki kips up and arm-drags! Douki wheelbarrows but Kushida turns that around with a pump handle and SLAM, into an ARMBAR! Douki flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Kushida holds on a little longer. Kushida gives Douki kicks as he gets up, and then he dropkicks Douki into the ropes!

Fans boo Kushida’s aggression and start to rally behind Douki harder. Kushida tells Douki the fans are cheering so he should earn it. Kushida then BUZZSAWS Douki in the arm! The ref checks on Douki but Kushida gets the bad arm. Kushida drags Douki up, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Douki ROCKS Kushida with forearms, but Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Kushida wrenches again but Douki rakes eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, Douki lets off, then whips. Kushida reverses to JAM the arm and KICK it! Douki writhes but Kushida drags him up to trip him. Kushida then has the legs, and he turns Douki over for a SEATED SURFBOARD!

Douki endures, even as Kushida pulls him way back! Fans rally, Douki rocks the boat, and he tips it over to put the SURFBOARD onto Kushida! Kushida has one arm free as Douki can’t hold on , but Douki grabs it again. Kushida powers through to turn things back around! Douki endures again, and Kushida stands up as he pulls on the arms. Kushida steps over to add more pressure, but Douki fights up to his feet. Douki tries to power things around but Kushida pulls the arms! Fans rally, Douki moves around and turns Kushida around, but Kushida turns it back around! Douki keeps fighting, turns things around again, but Kushida just turns it back!

But Douki flips to throw Kushida away! Kushida RAMS Douki, Douki RAMS Kushida, repeat! Then Kushida drops, Douki rolls and Douki runs Kushida over! Douki runs to RANA, cover, TWO! Kushida has the unset but Douki rolls through to stack! TWO and Kushida has Douki back in the sunset, TWO! Douki has the prawn hold, TWO!!! Kushida escapes in time! Kushida drop toeholds, La Magistrols, TWO!! Kushida tilt-o-whirls to get the arm, wring and step through, La Magistrol into an O’Conner Bridge! TWO and Douki has the Bridge!! TWO!! Kushida has it back, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as Kushida points out there was tight tugging.

Kushida shoots in, Douki dodges and shoves. Kushida runs Douki over, things keep moving, and Douki follows. Kushida dodges to CROSSBODY! Kushida ducks the lariat to PELE! Fans fire up as Kushida aims, PENALTY KICK to the bad arm! Kushida says it’s time, and he runs in, but Douki blocks the Hoverboard! They waistlock and switch back and forth, and Douki arm-drags! Then he rolls Kushida around, SEATBELT!! DOUKI WINS?!?!

Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

Douki survives with just one arm! Kushida asks commentary, but no, that was Douki’s win. Will Japones Del Mal prove there is no weak link in Just5Guys?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: Master Wato VS Francesco Akira!

The Way of the Grandmaster and the Nova Fireball may be opposites, but they also have things in common. They’ve both been IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and both have yet to be THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Who looks to change all that with a big first win here tonight?

The two start shoving but the ref keeps them back. The bell rings and the two rush in! Wato runs Akira over, covers, ONE! Wato headlocks, fans chant “A! KI-RA!” as Akira powers out. Things speed up, Akira hurdles but Wato shoves him to pop him up. Akira wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Wato comes back into a sweep and cover, ONE! Wato sweeps and covers, ONE! Dropkicks cancel out and both men kip up. Fans fire up and the shoving returns. Akira slaps so Wato STOs! Wato knuckle lock covers, TWO and Akira kips up to DROPKICK Wato out! Akira builds speed, Wato returns to hurdle and run.

Wato RANAS Akira out, then he builds speed, but Akira avoids the dropkick! Akira DIVES and direct hit into Wato and the Young Lions! Fans fire up and Akira talks some trash. Akira drags Wato, RAMS him into the apron, and then Tiger Feint Kicks from the apron! Fans rally, Akira drags Wato back up, and Akira puts Wato in the ring. Cover, TWO! Akira drags Wato up, wrenches and hammerlocks, then tucks the other arm, to roll and GROUND OCTOPUS! Wato endures, fans rally up, and Wato reaches out. Akira pulls on Wato’s arm but Wato gets the ROPEBREAK with a leg. The ref counts, Akira lets off quickly.

Fans rally, Akira talks some trash and he pushes Wato around. Akira CLUBS Wato, talks more trash, then ROCKS him in the back. Wato writhes, and Akira talks more trash. Akira drags Wato up, Wato throws body shots and forearms! Akira DOUBLE CHOPS back! Wato goes to a corner and Akira digs his knee in! The ref counts, Akira lets off, and Akira comes back to stand Wato up. Akira whips Wato corner to corner, runs in, but into BOOTS! Wato runs in to BULLDOG! Fans fire up with Wato, he gets around Akira to ZIGZAG! Fans rally as both men are down! Wato goes to the apron and he aims at Akira.

Akira rises, Wato springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more as Wato brings Akira back up. Akira resists the German Suplex and throws elbows. Wato still reels Akira in, Akira tries to victory roll but Wato sits on it! ONE, and Wato holds on to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Akira lands on his feet! Akira runs in, Wato whips him but Akira reverses to then clothesline in the corner! And SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Akira roars but so does Wato! Akira runs, but Wato follows to ELBOW! Wato runs, Akira dodges and rolls, and turns bomb into SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and fans fire up again!

Akira is surprised but he refocuses. Akira drags Wato up, reels him in and tucks the arm, but Wato fights Speedfire! Akira throws knees, SUPER- NO, Wato blocks the kick! Akira ducks the roundhouse to SUPERKICK after all! Akira runs and builds speed, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and Akira can’t believe it! Akira aims from a corner and he pounds the mat. “A! KI-RA!” runs back in, but Wato ducks the fireball! Roll-up, tuck and- Victory roll! STOMP 182 from Akira!! Akira hauls Wato up but Wato wrenches out to hook and RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, Wato wins!!

Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

Water beats fire, and Wato heats up! Will he wash away the competition to take the block?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS SHO!

The Bad Child essentially faces the man he replaced in both Chaos and as Yoh’s tag team partner. Will Lio prove he’s still the Man of the Hour? Or will the Murder Machine kill Lio’s momentum before it builds?

Sho makes his entrance alone, is the House of Torture going to play fair for once? Wait, EVIL attacks Lio during his entrance! So much for that. Fans boo as Evil stomps away on Lio and smacks him with his own jacket! Sho keeps the ref from doing anything about this and Evil CHOKES Lio! Evil pushes Lio in, Sho apologizes and says they can still have the match. Lio flounders up, he nods and wants this, sot he bell rings. Fans rally for Lio, Sho runs and LARIATS Lio down! Sho drags Lio up, brings him around and up, for the POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Lio is still in this and Sho is upset. Fans rally but Sho stalks Lio.

Sho drags Lio up, brings him back in, tucks the arms and STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Lio survives again! Sho is furious but the ref says his count was fair. Sho says fine, he’ll end this. Sho aims his bow, drags Lio back up and reels him back in, tucks the arms again, SHOCK- NO, Lio fights it! Lio powers up to back drop Sho away! Fans fire up but Evil is back! Evil has a chair, the ref stops him, but Sho gets his “murder tool!” Fans boo as Sho takes aim, but Lio dodges the wrench attack! And dodges it again! Lio baits Sho in, then gets the ref out of the way, so that Sho crashes into Evil and the chair!

Fans cheer and Lio builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Evil! Lio finally takes his mask off and runs from Sho. They go around the way, into the ring, and Lio HANDSPRING KICKS Sho down! Lio keeps moving to DIVE! Direct hit on Sho into the Young Lions! Fans fire up with Lio and he drags Sho up. Lio puts Sho into the ring, climbs up the corner, but Evil returns to anchor Lio! Lio kicks Evil away, ROCKS Sho, then goes up again. Lio leaps but Sho avoids the Final Hour! Lio rolls through, comes back, redirects, but Sho sends the ref in! The ref and Lio crash! Fans boo as Sho takes aim, runs in, and SPEARS!

Fans boo but now Evil slithers in! Sho gets his wrench, fans tell Evil to go away, but Evil drags Lio up. Sho runs in but Lio BOOTS him away! And then LOW BLOWS Evil! Fans cheer as Lio gets the wrench, to CLOBBER Evil! And he CLOBBERS Sho! Lio throws the wrench away, goes up top and takes aim, FINAL HOUR!! Lio wakes the ref for the cover, Lio wins!!

Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)

Justice is served as Lio pulls off the win against half of the House of Torture! Will the BOSJ’s 30th anniversary be Lio’s time?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!

Speaking of Mr. Direct Drive, he faces another former Chaos member. The Sniper of the Skies is now with TMDK, but will he really not kneel? Or will Yoh find a way to shoot down Eagles?

The bell rings and Eagles gets the fans to join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” But then Yoh rolls Robbie up! TWO, and fans boo. Eagles says that’s sneaky but Yoh mocks the Sniper. Eagles wants everyone to calm down and the two circle. They tie up, Eagles wrenches and wristlocks, but Yoh rolls, kips and wrenches back. Yoh wristlocks but Eagles goes to ropes. Eagles flips through to wrench and hammerlock. Yoh reaches back, slips through and fireman’s carry takeovers. Fans rally, Eagles fights up but Yoh wrenches and YANKS the arm. Yoh CLUBS the arm, hammerlocks, but Eagles reaches back.

Eagles headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, wrenches and top wristlocks. Fans applaud that fast string of holds, but Yoh powers Eagles to the ropes. The ref calls the break and Yoh lets off. But then Yoh goes to whip, only for Eagles to block. Eagles grins and keeps holding the ropes. Yoh kicks low and he whips Eagles, but Eagles goes up and around and arm-drags Yoh away! Eagles keeps moving, he hurdles then RANAS and Yoh ends up in a corner. Eagles runs in, Yoh dodges to whip, and things speed up. Yoh drop toeholds, runs but Eagles avoids the basement dropkick. Eagles turns Yoh over but Yoh avoids the knee drop!

Fans fire up as the two stand off, but Eagles aims his finger guns. The two reset and circle again. They rush in, Yoh kicks low, and he kicks Eagles at the ropes. Yoh wrenches and whips, Eagles turns arm-drag into takedown and he rolls to basement dropkick Yoh! Fans cheer and Eagles drags Yoh to a cover. TWO, but Eagles keeps cool. Eagles gets Yoh’s legs, ties them up in a deathlock, and then he rolls Yoh into a stretch! Yoh endures, fans rally up, but Eagles pulls on the legs. Yoh throws forearms but Eagles turns him back over to hold onto one leg. Eagles starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” to SMASH the knee with each “OI OI OI!”

“ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! “ROBBIE!” SMASH! “ROBBIE!” SMASH! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” SMASH SMASH SMASH! Fans cheer as Eagles finishes the combo and lets Yoh go. Eagles then goes to the apron, tells Yoh to get up, and springboards in. Yoh avoids the dropkick but Eagles BOOTS him! Yoh rewinds, 52 FAKEOUT! Yoh runs to basement dropkick! Fans rally up while both men are down. Yoh goes to a corner, and he runs to rally with forearms! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!

Fans fire up, Eagles tumbles out of the ring, and Yoh takes aim. Yoh PLANCHAS and takes Eagles down! Fans fire up more, air guitars and gives it to Hiroshi Tanahashi at commentary. Fans rally up more as Yoh catches his breath. Yoh watches Eagles rise, the ring count is 10 of 20 but Yoh puts Eagles in at 14. Yoh brings Eagles up to scoop, SLAM, and then TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps his focus as the fans rally up again. Yoh drags Eagles up, suplexes, but Eagles knees free! Eagles swings, Yoh dodges, and Yoh suplexes! Eagles slips free, ROLLING CHOP BLOCK! BLINDSIDER LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down again!

Yoh goes to a corner and Eagles watches. Eagles runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Eagles rolls back, BASEMENT 619! Yoh sits down, Eagles METEORAS! Eagles drags Yoh to a high stack cover, TWO! Yoh is still in this but Eagles puts him in the drop zone. Eagles goes up the corner, fans rally, and Eagles 450 but has to roll through! Yoh BOOTS Eagles, runs in, but into a knee! Yoh blocks the roundhouse to ROLLING FOREARM! Yoh full nelsons, Eagles switches and spins Yoh around, clinch to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, but into the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Or as he calls it now, the EAGLE LOCK! But Yoh scrambles forward to the ROPEBREAK!

Eagles lets go in frustration and fans rally up. Eagles gets Yoh’s leg and drags him from ropes, but Yoh kicks at him with the other leg. Eagles KICKS the bad leg! Fans rally, Eagles drags Yoh around again and steps through, but Yoh kicks Eagles away! Eagles comes back, Yoh goes Matrix! Eagles blocks a kick, whips, but Yoh ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cradle cover, TWO!! Eagles escapes and fans fire up some more! Both men slowly rise, and Yoh throws a forearm! Eagles gives it back, so Yoh throws another! Eagles SLAPS Yoh, so Yoh SLAPS Eagles! They both stand, and Eagles SLAPS!

Yoh smirks, SLAPS back, but Eagles forearms! Yoh forearms, they go back and forth and fans fire up! Yoh gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, then runs but into a KICK to the bad leg! But Yoh ducks the roundhouse! Yoh scoops and USHIGOROSHIS! Eagles’ headband flies off from the impact! Yoh crawls to ropes, Eagles goes to a corner. Fans fire up, Yoh roars and tunes up the band! SUPER- NO, Eagles blocks, fires off strikes, but Yoh turns backpack into Electric Chair, only for Eagles to let Yoh down! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Eagles as he SHIRANUIS! Cover, TWO!

Eagles hurries up the corner, 450 LEG SPLASH! Eagles steps through, but Yoh drags him into the STARGAZER! But then Eagles pushes it back into an O’CONNER! TWO!! Step through, but cradle counter! TWO!!! Eagles escapes but Yoh runs in, only for Eagles to dropkick the bad leg!! Eagles aims from the apron, springboards back in, MISSILE DROPKICK to the legs! Eagles fires up and LEG LARIATS Yoh down! Cover, Eagles wins!!

Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)

The Sniper’s got a chipped tooth, but he can count it a badge of honor for having such a killer match! Will the BOSJ belong to TMDK?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Titán VS TJP!

El Inmortal is back in NJPW and ready to rise to the top! But in his way is Public Enemy Number One! Will Titan stay tranquilo? Or will he be conquered by The United Empire?

The bell rings and fans rally for Titan. Titan feeds off that but TJP shrugs it off. They circle, feel things out, and TJP waistlocks. Titan switches, TJP spins around to knuckle lock, but Titan bridges him back. TJP rolls and slips through to then wrangle Titan down with a top wristlock. Fans applaud, and Titan moves around. Titan gets up, rolls, kips up and cartwheels to handspring and wrench back. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, drops, and twisting headscissors, but Titan handsprings through! TJP ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Titan up, but Titan rolls through. TJP kicks and whips, Titan reverses to TORNADO-

NO, TJP denies the DDT! TJP runs in but into a sweep and cover, ONE! TJP sweeps and covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and fans fire up as the two stare down! The two circle, fans rally for “T J P!” and he ties up with Titan. TJP puts Titan in the corner, UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner. Titan reverses but TJP does a gentleman’s headstand in the corner. TJP then headscissors Titan away! Things keep moving, TJP goes Spider-Man in the ropes, then drops as Titan runs in. Titan tumbles out and fans rally as TJP aims. TJP PLANCHAS but Titan dodges! Titan returns to DIVE! Direct hit and fans fire up!

Fans now rally for “TITAN! TITAN!” as he puts TJP in the ring. Cover, ONE!! TJP is hanging tough but Titan keeps on him. Titan whips TJP to ropes, but TJP Spider-Mans and goes to the apron. Titan is wary but he still runs in. TJP slips under, rolls Titan up, steps over and has the arm, to then YANK the other! Titan writhes and clutches the elbow but TJP is on him. TJP SLAMS the bad arm, then sits Titan up. TJP is after the mask for a moment, steps over sot he ref can’t see, and then goes after the mask again! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but TJP stops at 4. TJP stomps Titan down, then drags Titan up.

TJP bumps Titan off buckles, stomps him down, and scrubs Titan’s face with his laces. The fans rally up, TJP runs side to side, and he BOOT WASHES Titan! Fans fire up while Titan drapes out of the ring. The fans want that again, so TJP obliges! He sits Titan in the corner, scrapes his laces off Titan’s face, then goes side to side, for a BIG BOOT WASH! Titan falls all the way out of the ring and fans fire up! TJP soaks up the cheers and he brings Titan up. TJP puts Titan in, covers, TWO! TJP stands Titan up but Titan SOBATS! Titan ROCKS TJP with forearm after forearm! TJP rakes the eyes!

The ref reprimands but TJP scoops Titan for a BACKBREAKER! TJP goes to the apron as fans rally, and TJP slingshots, only for Titan to dodge! Titan GAMANGIRIS TJP, but TJP SUPERKICKS back! TJP runs, but Titan springboards to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Titan goes back to the apron! Titan springboards, TJP intercepts, but Titan uses that to body scissor throw TJP out of the ring! Titan gets back up, fires up, and he QUEBRADAS! Direct hit and the Young Lions are part of the landing! Fans fire up with Titan as he rises back up. Titan puts TJP in, covers, TWO! TJP is still in this but Titan keeps his focus.

Titan drags TJP up, fires off a flurry of strikes, and then powers up, only for TJP to duck and SOBAT! TJP runs, but Titan gets him at the ropes! TJP just hangs Titan out to dry! TJP goes to the corner, climbs up, and GUILLOTINE MAMBA SPLASHES!! TJP puts Titan right back in, takes aim again, and springboards to FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and TJP can’t believe it! TJP pushes Titan into a drop zone, goes back up top, but Titan GAMANGIRIS! Titan powers up, but TJP blocks the punch to ROCK Titan! TJP throws Titan down by his mask, but Titan kips up to PELE!

TJP falls to the apron and fans fire up. Titan climbs up now, takes aim, and APRON DIVING STOMPS!!! TJP sputters while he’s in the ring and Titan fires up outside the ring! Titan hurries back to the corner and aims again! But TJP catches the stomp into an STF! And from there into THE PINOY STRETCH!! Titan endures, reaches out, crawls his way forward, ROPEBREAK!! TJP lets go in frustration and he drags Titan up. TJP fireman’s carries but Titan slips free. TJP elbows, whips, but Titan reverses. Titan goes Matrix to CALF KICK! Titan roars, fans fire up with him, and he reels TJP in.

Titan gut wrenches to a Canadian Rack, and from there he gets a Gory Especial, only for TJP to sunset flip! TWO!! TJP stalks Titan, drags him up and whips, but Titan reverses to use the ropes, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! But Titan holds onto a leg, ties TJP up, and he has the DEATHLOCK! Bridge back, MUTA LOCK!! TJP endures, but TAPS! TITAN WINS!

Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)

TJP is usually the technical master, but he is the one falling to a submission hold! Will Titan use this victory to launch himself to the top?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, B Block: El Desperado VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The Rogue Luchador and the Heel Master used to be tag team partners, as well as allies under Suzuki-Gun. But with that faction’s splitting, Desperado followed Minoru Suzuki into Team Strong Style while Kanemaru followed Taichi into Just5Guys. Who proves they were the stronger teammate all along?

Kanemaru welcomes his old friend into the ring by holding the ropes open. Desperado accepts the favor, but then Kanemaru attacks! Desperado should’ve known better! The bell rings as Kanemaru throws Desperado right out, then SMACKS him off the apron! And again! And again! Red Shoes reprimands but the fans rally up. Kanemaru stomps Desperado, CLUBS him on the neck, but Desperado CHOPS! Kanemaru rakes the eyes! Kanemaru then tells fans to move, so they do, and Kanemaru whips Desperado! Desperado reverses to avoid the chairs, and he reels Kanemaru into a FLAPJACK onto the apron!

Fans rally up, the ring count starts, and Desperado steadies himself. Desperado drags Kanemaru up, SMACKS him off the apron at 11 of 20, then pushes him in at 13. Fans cheer and Desperado stalks Kanemaru. Desperado stomps Kanemaru, CLUBS him on the neck, then headlocks. Kanemaru powers up but can’t power out as Desperado holds tight! Kanemaru rolls Desperado to a cover, ONE! Kanemaru tries again, ONE! Desperado grinds the headlock, but Kanemaru fights up. Kanemaru throws body shots, pries the hold open, but Desperado clamps it back on. Kanemaru keeps fighting, and he throws body shots.

Kanemaru powers out, but Desperado runs him over! Things speed up, but Desperado drops to roll Kanemaru to the headlock. Fans applaud while Kanemaru endures. Kanemaru fights up but Desperado hits the takeover. Kanemaru pulls at the mask but Desperado grinds the headlock. Desperado then shifts to a cravat, but Kanemaru breaks free. But Desperado headlocks right back! Kanemaru throws body shots, hooks the mask, and he powers out to get his own headlock! Desperado powers out but Kanemaru runs him over! Things speed up, but now Kanemaru hops over and gets a leg to SMASH the knee!

Fans applaud the exchange while Kanemaru catches his breath. Desperado clutches his knee but he’s still in this. Kanemaru storms up to stomp Desperado’s leg. Kanemaru stands Desperado up and grabs that leg but Desperado fights free. Desperado runs, but Kanemaru drops and trips Desperado, into the KNEE SMASH! Fans fire up as Kanemaru says he’s smarter than Desperado. Kanemaru stalks Desperado to a corner, stomps the bad leg, then drags Desperado up to whip. Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg out! Desperado flounders to the apron but Kanemaru storms over to him. Kanemaru drags Desperado back in by the bad leg.

Kanemaru drops an elbow on the leg and pulls on the toehold. Desperado endures, flails, drags Kanemaru along and gets the ROPEBREAK! But Kanemaru drags him back to put on the FIGURE FOUR! Desperado endures again, flails around again, and he claws at the hold. Kanemaru puts on the pressure as fans rally up. Desperado still pries at the hold but Kanemaru just puts on more pressure. Desperado drags Kanemaru along again, to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Kanemaru claims he needs help. Desperado endures as Kanemaru plays dumb, but Kanemaru lets go when Red Shoes starts to count.

Desperado bails out of the ring but Kanemaru pursues. Kanemaru gets the bad leg, to SMASH it on the floor! Desperado flounders away and Red Shoes checks him. Desperado doesn’t want this ending the match, and he crawls around the way. Kanemaru pursues, but he refreshes the ring count first. Kanemaru then drags Desperado back up and puts him back in. Fans applaud the sportsmanship and Kanemaru takes his time returning to the ring. Desperado dropkicks his legs as he does! Desperado then reels Kanemaru in, but Kanemaru fights free. Kanemaru kicks Desperado’s leg, but Desperado hits a BIG back suplex!

Fans rally up while both men are down. Desperado hobbles up, stomps to get his bad leg working, and he then drops knees on Kanemaru’s knees! Desperado goes for both legs but Kanemaru kicks him away. Desperado comes back but Kanemaru BOOTS him! Kanemaru runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Desperado slips free of that to trip and roll Kanemaru into the STRETCH MUFFLER CALF SLICER COMBO!! Kanemaru endures and reaches out, but Kanemaru then shifts around to have the STRETCH MUFFLER SOLO! Kanemaru flails but Desperado gets an arm, NUMERO DOS! Kanemaru crawls with his one free arm, but Desperado tries to get that arm, too!

Kanemaru reaches, stretches as far as he can, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado thrashes around but lets off as Red Shoes counts. Now things might be a bit more even. Fans rally up, Desperado gets his bad leg working and he runs in at Kanemaru. Desperado blocks one boot but not the other, and then Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! Kanemaru dropkicks it from behind now! Desperado writhes, and Kanemaru hobbles over to bring him up. SHIN BREAKER! Step through, FIGURE FOUR!! Desperado shouts in pain as he endures, and the fans fire up as he reaches out! Kanemaru thrashes to add pressure!

Desperado fights, pushes back, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go and Desperado bails out again. Kanemaru goes out after him again, and Kanemaru brings Desperado around to POST him! Desperado is down, Kanemaru goes into the ring, and the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 of 20 while Desperado is still down. Desperado sits up at 15, stands at 16, but his bad leg is holding him back! The count is 19, Desperado launches in at 19.9!! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg out! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Kanemaru gets the legs again, but Desperado kicks him away! Table top to a roll-up, TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER!

But Kanemaru rolls Desperado!! TWO!! Kanemaru grabs the leg but Desperado fights him off with a gut wrench! They go around like that, Kanemaru brings the leg up but LOCO MONO hits! Kanemaru comes back, swings, misses, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL!! Cover, TWO!!! Kanemaru survives and Desperado can’t believe it! Fans rally, Desperado slaps his leg and roars! Desperado drags Kanemaru up, underhooks, PINCH- NO, Kanemaru trips him! FIGURE FOUR!!! Desperado flails, crawls, reaches out, but Kanemaru keeps on the pressure! Desperado pries the hold open but Kanemaru SLAPS it back down! DESPERADO TAPS, KANEMARU WINS!!

Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)

The Rogue Luchador could not stop the onslaught on his knee, the Heel Master is the victor! Will the BOSJ soon belong to Just5Guys?

Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Mike Bailey!

Naturally, the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and defending four-time BOSJ Tournament winner closes out opening night! But will the Ticking Timebomb continue that incredible streak? Or will Speedball be Hiromu’s speedbump on the road to another trophy?

Hiromu brings back his picture diary, and for Speedball, it says “Long time no see, it’s been six years.” Speedball appreciates that Hiromu remembers. The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” Mike applauds for Hiromu, and then fans chant for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” Mike thanks Hiromu for that, and then offers a handshake. Hiromu accepts, and fans applaud the show of respect. They even hug! But then Hiromu reels Mike in! Mike slips out, shoves, but Hiromu RAMS Mike! Mike rebounds to run Hiromu over! Things speed up, Mike handsprings then hurdles, but Hiromu leaps over. Mike kips up to KICK Hiromu down!

Fans fire up and rally for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” but Hiromu runs in. Mike dodges to fire off kicks from all sides again and again and again and again! After about a dozen, Mike ENZIGURIS Hiromu down! Fans fire up while Hiromu bails out. Mike builds speed, but Hiromu avoids the dropkick. Mike lands on his feet, to CHOP Hiromu! Mike CHOPS in return! Mike ROCKS Hiromu but Hiromu ROCKS Mike! They brawl outside, go back and forth, and Hiromu ROCKS Mike! Mike staggers away, says hi to a fan and their Daryl plush, then runs back to DROPKICK Hiromu down! Fans fire up as Mike stands up again.

Mike feels that energy and he brings Hiromu up. Mike puts Hiromu in, fans rally up, and Mike climbs a corner. Mike leaps but Hiromu ducks under! Hiromu comes in to clothesline, snapmare, and basement dropkick! Mike bails out but Hiromu goes to the apron, for the JOHN WOO! Fans fire up and Hiromu puts up V for victory. Hiromu then brings Mike up, brings him over, but ignores Red Shoes to go into the crowd, and he RAMS Mike into railing! Fans cheer as Hiromu opens the way to the bleachers. Mike crawls up the steps and Hiromu has him. They go to the upper level, and Hiromu snap suplexes Mike to the floor!

Fans fire up and Hiromu encourages them to get louder a la Sanada. Hiromu gets a lot of space, he aims at Mike, and he runs in, for the JOHN WOO!! Fans fire up more and Hiromu looms over Mike. Hiromu drags Mike up, the ring count starts, and Hiromu brings Mike back to ringside. Hiromu puts Mike in at 10 of 20 and fans cheer. Hiromu fires everyone up, covers Mike, TWO! Hiromu drags Mike up but Mike CHOPS! Hiromu eggs Mike on, so Mike CHOPS! But Hiromu CHOPS Mike off his feet! Hiromu drags Mike up to suplex, but Mike slips out and waistlocks. Mike ducks the elbow but Hiromu catches the haymaker!

Hiromu spins Mike to a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Hiromu drags Mike up to a fireman’s carry. Mike slips out, swings, but Hiromu whips. Mike handsprings, Hiromu dodges, but then Mike dodges Hiromu to SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans fire up again and Mike feeds off the energy. Mike goes to a corner, he aims, and then runs in to SOBAT! And AX KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Fans fire up as Mike’s martial arts take Hiromu down, and then he SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives but Mike says he’ll finish this. Mike powers up as Hiromu rises and the fans rally back up.

Mike aims, but Hiromu blocks the buzzsaw! Mike wrenches out, whips, but Hiromu reverses. Mike handsprings, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans rally back up while both men are down. Hiromu stands, brings Mike up, but Mike fights the fireman’s carry to whip. Hiromu BOOTS, runs, but Mike dodges, only to run into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Hiromu then drags Mike up, fireman’s carry, CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Mike flounders but Hiromu says he’s just getting going! Fireman’s carry, pop-up, and Mike SPIKE-RANAS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu sunset flips, TWO and Mike PENALTY KICKS Hiromu! STANDING MOONSAULT KNEE DROP!

Fans fire up with Mike, he watches Hiromu rise, and then aims again. BUZZSAW!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Mike is shocked! The fans are thunderous and Mike grits his teeth. Hiromu goes to a corner, Mike goes to the opposite. Fans rally, Mike focuses his power, and he runs, spins, but Hiromu blocks! Hiromu shoves Mike, then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes Mike into the corner! Mike has a rough landing and both men are down. Fans rally up as the two stir. Now Hiromu goes to the opposite corner and fires himself up. Fans continue to rally, and Mike rises up again!

Mike turns around slowly, he and Hiromu stare down, and they both rush in! They RAM shoulders, then fire off heavy forearms! Fans rally as the shots go back and forth, and then Mike KICKS Hiromu! Hiromu ROLLING ELBOWS! Hiromu spins again, into a BOOT! Mike spins, Hiromu ducks the roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Fans fire up, Hiromu runs in but Mike dodges. Hiromu elbows, and LARIATS! Hiromu fireman’s carries, and TOSSES Mike to the apron! Hiromu then runs to SUNSET FLIP, but Mike stops the bomb! Mike slingshots in, runs back and BOOTS Hiromu down!

Mike keeps moving, triangle jump MOONSAULT!! Direct hit and fans are thunderous again as both men are down on the outside! Mike catches his breath, but the ring count starts. Mike looms over Hiromu at 10 of 20, goes into the ring and lets Hiromu figure it out. Hiromu’s on the apron at 18, so Red Shoes stops the count. Mike runs in, Hiromu blocks the boot! But Mike breaks free to sweep the legs! Mike then goes out to the apron, has Hiromu’s leg, and backflips, but Hiromu avoids the knee drop! Mike’s knees hit apron! Hiromu grins and runs, to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the floor!!

Fans are thunderous again as Mike looks around in a daze. Red Shoes checks him, but Mike says he’s okay. Hiromu growls and rises, and the fans rally back up. Hiromu drags Mike up, puts him in, and fireman’s carries, for the DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu snarls, he’s still got more to give. Hiromu waits on Mike to stand, then he runs, HIROMU-CHAN- NO, Mike dodges, only to run into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fireman’s carry, but Mike sunset flips! TWO!! Hiromu prawn holds, TWO! Both men hurry to their feet, Hiromu runs in, but into a COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO!!

Mike fires up but he has to flounder to the corner. Fans fire up as Mike slaps some sense into himself. Mike aims, runs in, but Hiromu dodges! Mike BOOTS Hiromu, SUPERKICKS, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu superkicks but Mike uses a heel kick to deflect it! And then Mike SUPERKICKS! Hiromu staggers to a corner, Mike ROLLING ROUNDHOUSES!! Mike goes up the corner, for the ULTIMATE WEAPON KNEE DROP!! Cover, MIKE WINS?!?!

Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)

Even Speedball is shocked! He just pinned the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and the defending BOSJ winner! Is time running out on the Ticking Timebomb?

As for Mike, he shows respect by helping Hiromu sit up and offering another handshake. Hiromu nods and shakes Mike’s hand. Hiromu says he’s ready for them going another round, when and where will that be? Mike then gets the mic to say, “Friends, mes amis, tomodachi. <That was really awesome.> Incroyable. Incredible!” Fans applaud his trilingual ability. Mike says in English, “I have done it. I have defeated the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, the FOUR-TIME Best of the Super Juniors winner.” Fans cheer that because it’s true! Mike says momentum is on his side. He is razor sharp, laser focused, and sure to win the 30th BOSJ!

Mike says that for everyone around the world, “Gracias, thank you, merci, arigato gozaimasu!!” Fans cheer Mike’s confidence and respect, but will we see the Speedball change up the landscape in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Division?

Here are the current A Block standings.

Mike Bailey: 1-0, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-0, 2 points
Lio Rush: 1-0, 2 points
Titán: 1-0, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-1, 0 points
TJP: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the current B Block standings.

Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Dan Moloney: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-0, 2 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-1, 0 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

An awesome opener to what is always a great tournament in NJPW. A real big card with all 10 matches happening, and none of the matches disappointed. Some real good surprise results, like Douki beating Kushida, Moloney beating Bushi, and I think biggest of all, Hiromu not opening this tournament with a win. Mike Bailey is obviously a great talent, so this is a great start for his run. And even if he doesn’t ultimately win the tournament, he has that golden ticket in his back pocket as NJPW honors the tradition of “if you beat the champion in non-title action, you get a title match down the line.”

Other great stuff was Taguchi bringing out his serious side, even though he lost, Lio Rush overcoming the cheating of the House of Torture, and just everything with Desperado and Kanemaru knowing each other so well. With there being semifinals this year so that we get a rematch of the top two in each block, it is of course anyone’s game. With many teams and rivalries split up between the blocks, like Yoh and Sho as rivals but then three United Empire members in here, we could get some pretty wild combinations for the semifinals and finals.

My Score: 8.9/10