Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/18/23)
The G1 keeps it going!
Blocks A and B are back to work!
The G1 Climax had a great opening weekend, but they aren’t stopping there! Will Sanada keep his momentum going against Roughneck Shota Umino?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya VS Chase Owens; Kaito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Great-O-Khan VS KENTA; Kenta wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo VS Gabe Kidd; Kidd wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS Tanga Loa; Taichi wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Ren Narita; Time Limit Draw.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Shota Umino; Sanada wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS El Phantasmo; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings.
Sanada: 1-0, 2 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 1-0, 2 points
Chase Owens: 1-0, 2 points
Ren Narita: 0-0-1, 1 point
Shota Umino: 0-0-1, 1 point
Yota Tsuji: 0-1, 0 points
Hikuleo: 0-1, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings.
Kazuchika Okada: 1-0, 2 points
Taichi: 1-0, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-0, 2 points
Tanga Loa: 1-0, 2 points
Will Ospreay: 0-1, 0 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta: 0-1, 0 points
El Phantasmo: 0-1, 0 points
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya VS Chase Owens!
Both these men won their opening round matches, but someone’s momentum is about to be stopped here and now! Will this still be the GREEN 1? Or will the Crown Jewel outshine the Supernova?
Chase offers a handshake and the fans cheer. Kaito is wary, but Chase says scout’s honor. Fans rally, wanting to see the handshake. The ref accepts, and so Chase waits on Kaito. Kaito steps forward, and he accepts. The fans cheer as the handshake is clean, but then Chase attacks from behind! The bell rings and Chase fires off in the corner. Chase CHOPS, stalks Kaito around the way, and CHOPS him again. Chase whips, Kaito dodges and arm-drags! And dropkicks! Cover, ONE! Kaito arm-drags again! Fans cheer and Chase fights up as Kaito keeps on the armlock. Chase throws a forearm, then scoops, but Kaito slips free!
Kaito scoops and SLAMS Chase, then runs to elbow drop! Cover, ONE! Kaito arm-drags Chase right back down and has another armlock. Chase fights up, pulls hair, but the ref reprimands. They’re on the ropes, the ref counts, and Chase lets off slowly, only to HOTSHOT Kaito! The ref reprimands and Kaito sputters while fans rally up. Chase sits Kaito up and punches him in the head! The ref reprimands but Chase claims he used the palm. Chase sits Kaito up again and headlocks, for “another” palm strike! Chase has Kaito on ropes now and CLAWS his back! The ref reprimands but Chase CHOKES Kaito! And makes him smile!
Chase lets off as the ref counts, and then he brings Kaito up to whip him corner to corner! Kaito hits buckles hard and falls over, and Chase mockingly applauds. Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Chase is annoyed. Chase CLUBS and stomps Kaito, then grabs his fingers to SNAP them! Very villainous of Chase, and then he digs his foot into Kaito’s face. The ref reprimands, Chase brings Kaito up and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Chase keeps Kaito down with a chinlock. Chase squeezes tight but Kaito endures. Chase KNEES Kaito in the back, then scuffs him with his boot.
Chase gives taunting kicks, and he even slaps Kaito around. Chase ROCKS Kaito with a forearm, but Kaito glares at Chase. Chase ROCKS him again, but Kaito shakes his head. Chase throws another forearm but Kaito roars as he ROCKS Chase in return! Chase throat chops! The ref reprimands but Chase runs, into an arm-drag! Kaito has the cording hold, Chase pulls hair, whips free, but Kaito CLOBBERS Chase! Kaito rallies with elbows and a whip, but Chase reverses. Chase runs in but into another elbow! Kaito goes up for a FLYING FOREARM! Fans rally up as Kaito rises and fires up!
Kaito goes up a corner, aims as Chase stands, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Chase stays in this and Kaito keeps his cool. Kaito brings Chase around, chicken wings, but Chase fights free. Chase runs, and he fakes out the dropkick! Chase SUPERKICKS Kaito down! Kaito crawls away to the far corner but Chase runs in to forearm smash! And then back suplex off buckles into the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Kaito survives and fans fire up, but Chase locks ‘n’ loads. Chase says bang, and he reels Kaito in. Chase tucks the arms, but Kaito fights the lift! Chase CLUBS away on Kaito, then tries again. But Kaito back drops free!
Fans fire up as Kaito runs in, but Chase ducks the Shining Wizard! Kaito kicks and whips but Chase reverses. Kaito kicks again runs in, but into a rebound DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Chase can’t believe it but Kaito survives that innovative slam! Chase looms over Kaito as the fans rally, “KA-I-TO!” Chase sits Kaito up to C-TRIGGER! And then he tucks the arms, PACKAGE- RANA from Kaito! cover, TWO!! Chase escapes but even he has to check with the ref! Kaito runs in to JUMP KNEE! And then chicken wings, for TIGER DRIVER 23!! Cover, TWO!?! Chase survives but Kaito fires back up!
Kaito aims from a corner, runs back in, EVOLVED SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Kaito wins!
Winner: Kaito Kiyomiya, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)
Kaito stays in the green as he earns another victory! Will the Supernova keep shining all the way to the end?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Great-O-Khan VS KENTA!
Both these men lost their opening round matches, but now one of them will get on the board! Will the Rev-Pro Wrestling British Heavyweight Champion bring down the DEFY Wrestling Champion? Or will Fang Revived make The Dominator #GoToSleep?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, Khan pushes forward but Kenta uses a leg guard. Khan still makes it to a press but Kenta keeps his shoulders up. Kenta kicks free but Khan moves around to go for another press, only for Kenta to bail out. Fans cheer this opening exchange, and Khan waits on Kenta. Kenta takes his time returning, and Khan sits back to dare him to try something. Kenta steps in, the two circle again, and they feel things out. But then Kenta just claws Khan’s face! Kenta runs, but Khan runs him over! Fans fire up but Kenta bails out again. Khan goes out after him!
The ref says to get this in the ring but Khan pushes him down! Kenta has his Defy belt and CLOBBERS Khan with it! Fans boo but Kenta drags Khan up to whip him into railing! Khan tumbles up and over, and Kenta goes out after him. Kenta brings Khan around by his ponytail, and he goes to the back second, to BOWL Khan into open chairs! The Young Lions rush over, as does the ref. The ref wants this back in the ring but Kenta kicks and stomps Khan around. The ref is more insistent, but Kenta still SMACKS Khan with a chair! Kenta pretends to be heading back, but then he taunts Khan with his arms-crossed pose.
Kenta stomps Khan, drags him up by his ponytail, and brings him back towards ringside. Kenta throws body shots, then POSTS him! The ref tells Kenta to get in the ring and Kenta hops up, only to DIVING STOMP Khan on the ground! Kenta kicks Khan against railing, then KICKS him in the chest! The ring count finally starts as Kenta KICKS Khan again! Kenta brings Khan up and in at 7 of 20, and fans applaud as Kenta steps in. Kenta stands on Khan for a cover, TWO! Fans applaud but Kenta gives Khan mocking kicks. Kenta brings Khan up but Khan ROCKS him with a forearm! Khan runs in at the corner, into a BOOT!
Kenta rushes Khan but Khan catches him into a Cobra Twist! Kenta fights it but Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! Khan then gut wrenches for a BIG suplex! Fans fire up and Kenta flops out of the ring. Khan goes back out after Kenta, drags him up, then whips him into railing! Now Kenta tumbles up and over! Khan goes out after Kenta and fans rally up as Khan brings Kenta around by his hair. Khan BOWLS Kenta into chairs! Fans fire up as Khan drags Kenta under a chair, and sits on him! The ref reprimands as the chair legs choke Kenta! Khan slaps Kenta around, but he still stands back up.
Khan then puts the chair around Kenta’s head! Khan brings Kenta to the very back, to RAM him into the wall! Kenta falls and sputters while fans rally behind Khan. The ref wants Khan to go to the ring, but Khan brings Kenta up and around with a headlock. Khan thrashes Kenta’s head, throws some knees, but Kenta hits back. Khan CLUBS Kenta, aims, but then RAMS Kenta into railing, not the post! Khan borrows a fan’s United Empire towel to CHOKE Kenta! The ring count climbs past 10 of 20, but Khan drags Kenta along with the towel! Khan sends Kenta in at 14 and returns the towel.
Khan steps in, drags Kenta up by his hair, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Khan keeps on Kenta with the HITSUJIGOROSHI! Kenta grabs the ref! Khan is forced to let the hold go, and he’s furious now. But Kenta ducks the haymaker to shove Khan at the ref! Khan stops himself, elbows Kenta away, but Kenta dosidos with Khan to send him back in! Khan elbows Kenta away again, goes up top, FLYING MONGOLIAN- NO, Kenta blocks the chops to spin Khan for a DDT! Fans cheer that wild exchange, but Kenta gets mad at the ref for not taking the hit! Kenta then aims from the corner as Khan stirs.
Kenta runs in to BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and we pass 10 minutes! Kenta slashes his throat, Khan staggers up into the fireman’s carry! But Khan fights free, and he shoves Kenta into the ref! NOW the ref goes down and Kenta’s mad again! Kenta turns around, into the IRON FIST! Fans fire up and Khan drags Kenta up. Khan puts Kenta against ropes, to IRON FIST again! And again! Kenta falls over but Khan isn’t done with him! Khan drags Kenta up, scoops him, and hits the TTD! The Tenzan Tombstone Driver! Khan then fetches the ref, gets him up, and Khan goes to finish this!
Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW and drags Kenta up. ELIMIN- NO, Kenta blocks with a facelock! Khan still powers Kenta up! But Kenta hits a RANA out of it! Cover, with ropes!! KENTA WINS!
Winner: Kenta, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)
The Fang Revived snatches victory from the claw of defeat! Khan can’t believe it, either! Will Kenta have this golden ticket in his back pocket? Or will he still make this the GTS1?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Gabe Kidd!
Another example of two men who lost their opening round, though with impressive showings. Will the young Guerrilla of Destiny bring down the War Dog? Or will Kidd show his true strength?
Well Kidd continues to show his true colors as he CLOBBERS Hikuleo on the ramp! Just like he did to Chase last round! Kidd even kicks Jado down! Kidd rips railings apart, flips off fans, and he drags Hiku up to bring him around. Kidd HEADBUTTS Hiku and tells fans to get outta the way! Kidd tosses chairs around, brings Hiku deep into the seating area, and he makes Hiku take a seat so he can beat on him! Kidd then goes to the other section, grabs a chair, but Hiku BOOTS it into Kidd’s face! Fans fire up with Hiku and rally as he stalks Kidd. Hiku CHOPS Kidd and Kidd staggers into the crowd.
Hiku pursues, more fans have to move aside, and Hiku CHOPS Kidd! Kidd keeps staggering along, and we got to yet another section of the crowd. Hiku DECKS Kidd, and he makes sure fans know to move. Hiku scoops Kidd, aims, but Kidd slips free to CLAW Hiku’s eyes! The ref reprimands, but Kidd grabs someone’s seat and SMACKS Hiku with it! HEADSHOT! Fans boo but Kidd just taunts them. Kidd storms around, grabs more chairs and he starts to pile them on the floor. Kidd isn’t satisfied, he just keeps adding chair after chair! He’s got about ten chairs there! Kidd flips off everyone, they boo, but Hiku choke grips Kidd! CHOKE-
NO, Kidd fights free! Kidd brings Hiku up but Hiku back drops free, and Kidd falls on the chair pile! Fans fire up while Kidd writhes on the floor. Hiku stomps Kidd, drags him up, and brings him back to ringside. But Kidd fights with body shots, so Hiku CLUBS Kidd down! Kidd crawls away but Hiku pursues. They return to ringside after all, and Hiku brings Kidd up to put him in the ring. Fans cheer and Hiku steps in, the bell finally rings! Fans rally, Hiku runs in and SPLASHES! Hiku scoops to SNAKE EYES, but Kidd LARIATS! Hiku stays up to UPPERCUT! Kidd comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Kidd and Hiku are down but the fans rally up. Kidd stands first, he drags Hiku up, and he reels Hiku in, but Hiku fights the lift. Kidd fights the back drop but Hiku gets free. Kidd SPITS at Hiku but fans boo. Kidd eggs Hiku on so Hiku DECKS Kidd! Hiku then waistlocks, but Kidd fights the lift! Fans rally, Hiku reels Kidd back in to GERMAN SUPELX! Kidd rises!? Kidd fires up and runs in, but into a scoop! SNAKE EYES again, for the LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Kidd survives and Hiku is surprised, but Jado says to end it! Hiku choke grips, and he drags Kidd up, but Kidd kicks low! Kidd is free, runs, but into a POWER- OW, more like a driver!
Kidd clutches his head, that wasn’t how that was supposed to go. But Hiku still drags him up with a choke grip, and then CHOKE- NO, Kidd fights it! Kidd CLAWS Hiku’s face, and CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Kidd wraps on a STANDING CROSSFACE! Makes sense, given how tall Hiku is! Fans rally as Hiku endures, claws at the arm, and reaches out, but Kidd pulls him and twists him around! Hiku powers through and still gets the ROPEBREAK! Kidd holds until the ref counts. Fans boo but Kidd shoves the ref down! And then drags Jado in! Kidd DECKS Jado with a forearm! Fans boo, but Hiku grabs Kidd! Kidd LOW BLOWS Hiku!!
The ref missed the low blow while he was attending to Jado! Kidd tucks Hiku in, PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, Kidd wins!!
Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hikuleo earns 0)
Kidd flips everyone off for doubting him against the giant Guerrilla! Will Kidd continue to show how NJPW Strong he is in this tournament?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS Tanga Loa w/ Jado!
The KOPW Champion trumped the IWGP United States Champion last round, while the Silverback went Ape Shit on Kenta. Will Loa add another champion to the short list? Or will the Holy Emperor prove he is the alpha male?
The bell rings and fans rally up with “Let’s Go, Taichi!” Loa and Taichi circle, tie up, and Taichi powers Loa back. Loa powers Taichi back and shoves him down! Fans applaud the show of strength but Taichi stands back up. They approach and Loa eggs Taichi on. Taichi CHOPS, and Loa nods. Loa winds up to ROCK Taichi with a forearm! Fans cheer as Taichi stays up, and CHOPS in return! Loa nods, and ROCKS Taichi again! Taichi CHOPS, Loa grins and nods, and he ROCKS Taichi again! They CHOP and forearm on repeat, but Taichi kicks low and whips. Loa reverses, they RAM shoulders, and fans cheer as neither falls.
Taichi runs and RAMS Loa, but Loa doesn’t budge! Loa grins, runs, but Taichi BOOTS! Taichi runs and BOOTS again! Loa rebounds to BOOT Taichi down! Fans fire up and Taichi bails out. Loa shakes out the leg, it is still tricky, but he goes out to fetch Taichi. But Taichi hits low! And kicks low! Taichi whips but Loa reverses and sends Taichi into railing! Loa runs in but Taichi blocks the boot! Taichi SLAMS the bad leg into a post! Fans rally as Taichi pursues Loa around the way. Loa stands but Taichi kicks the bad leg out! Loa falls over but Taichi puts him back in the ring. The fans cheer as Taichi steps in.
Taichi stomps Loa’s leg, then pulls on the leg into a CALF KILLER! Loa endures, even as Taichi turns him at a deeper angle! Taichi even adds a chinlock to it! The fans rally, Loa fights, but Taichi lets him go. Taichi stomps Loa, eggs him on, and brings him up. Taichi stomps the bad leg, drags Loa around, and works to turn Loa over. Loa resists but Taichi stomps him in the head, and has the HALF CRAB! Taichi sits deep but Loa endures! Loa reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Taichi lets go while fans applaud. Jado rallies the fans while he coaches Loa up, but Taichi gives Loa toying kicks.
Taichi taunts Loa but Loa throws uppercuts! Loa stands to throw forearms, but Taichi wrenches an arm to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Cover, TWO! Taichi keeps his cool and watches Loa go to a corner. Loa drags himself up with the ropes, and Taichi runs in to clothesline! But Loa just growls! Taichi kicks low, gives Kawada Kicks, but Loa just growls! Loa blocks a punch, spins Taichi and kicks low, to scoop and SWINGING SLAM! Loa just manages it with one leg, and the fans rally up again. Loa rises, throws body shots and elbows and uppercuts on Taichi, and Taichi ends up in a corner.
Loa fires up, runs in, and clotheslines! Taichi falls down and fans rally up as Loa walks off the pain. Loa storms up on Taichi, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Taichi flounders, Loa is on him again, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Loa keeps cool and he brings Taichi up for a forearm! And another! Loa whips corner to corner, runs in, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Loa falls and fans fire up! Jado coaches Loa and the fans rally up again. Taichi stands, storms up on Loa, and brings him around, but Loa fights the saido with elbows! Taichi kicks low but Loa throws a forearm! Taichi sobats, Loa uppercuts but Taichi ENZIGURIS!
Fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi roars and fans rally behind him. OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims, Loa sits up, but Loa blocks the buzzsaw! To a KNEE BREAKER! But Taichi SWEEPS the bad leg! Both men are down as we pass 10 minutes! Fans rally, Loa goes to a corner and Taichi goes to the other. Both men stand, fire up, and they run in at each other! DOUBLE LARIATS collide but neither falls! So DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Still neither falls so Loa runs, DOUBLE LARIATS hit, and Taichi falls! Fans fire up as Loa pumps up. Loa runs, but Taichi gets around, DANGEROUS SAIDO!!
Fans rally up, Taichi rises and roars! Taichi vows to finish this, and he brings Loa up. Alabama Lift, but Loa fights that! Loa gets Taichi up but Taichi slips free, to ROUNDHOUSE! But Loa ENZIGURIS! Taichi comes back, but Loa LARIATS first! Loa drags Taichi up, scoops him, but Taichi slips free again! Taichi KICKS the bad leg out! Body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Loa escapes and fans fire up again! Taichi powers up the arm, Loa rises, and Taichi runs to AX- SPEAR!! Loa hits first and Jado says it’s time! Loa roars and he drags Taichi up! APE- NO, Taichi slips free, shoves, and O’Conner into the GEDO CLUTCH! TAICHI WINS!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Loa earns 0)
The KOPW Champion is on a roll! Will Taichi look to secure B Block for Just5Guys? And will he get more subscribers for his YouTube while he’s at it?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Ren Narita!
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Gene Blast fell short against Kaito Kiyomiya, and the Son of Strong Style ended things in a draw with Shota Umino! Will this one end before time runs out?
The bell rings and fans duel already, “YO~TA!” “NA-RI-TA!” The two circle, feel things out, and circle a bit more. They feel out the grapple, Narita shoots in to waistlock but Tsuji switches. Narita switches, Tsuji drops and rolls and the two clinch. Narita goes for an arm but Tsuji waistlocks. Narita wrenches out, wristlocks, but Tsuji spins and wrenches back. Tsuji has the wristlock but Narita spins through to wrench and hammerlock. Tsuji reaches back but Narita cranks the hammerlock. Tsuji drop toeholds and floats to a headlock, but Narita fights up. Tsuji holds onto the hold, and hits a takeover. Narita headscissors, Tsuji kips free, and fans applaud the exchange.
Tsuji and Narita reset, circle, and they tie up. Narita powers Tsuji back, but then Tsuji powers Narita back. Tsuji puts Narita on the ropes, but the ref calls the break. Tsuji lets off slowly, then CHOPS! Fans cheer but Narita brushes that off. The two circle again, and Tsuji kicks low! And CLUBS away on Narita! Tsuji headlocks, but Narita powers up and out, only for Tsuji to run him over! Fans cheer as Tsuji stands on Narita’s face. Narita pushes the foot away but Tsuji scuffs him. Tsuji pushes Narita down, stands on him, but Narita pushes the foot away. So Tsuji sits cross-legged to taunt Narita and his mentor, Shibata!
Narita stands up in a huff but Tsuji is right up to knee Narita low! Tsuji CLUBS away on Narita then stomps him down! Fans rally and Tsuji brings Narita around. Tsuji taunts Narita with slaps, but Narita stands up to knee low and CLUB away on him! Narita TOSSES Tsuji out and fans cheer. Tsuji stands, Narita waits on him, and Tsuji just grins. Tsuji takes his time returning as the ring count climbs. Tsuji waits until 11 of 20, but Narita is right on him! Narita TOSSES Tsuji back out, but Tsuji hurries right back up! Narita BOOTS Tsuji down, and Tsuji almost takes out the timekeeper’s area!
Fans rally up while Narita waits on Tsuji. The ring count starts again, and Tsuji stands at 7 of 20. Tsuji checks his chin, has the ref keep Narita back, and he slides in at 13. Narita rushes in, but Tsuji dodges to then RANA! Narita flops out of the ring and fans fire up for Tsuji! Tsuji builds speed, but Narita slides in to kitchen sink knee! Tsuji is down and Narita stomps him around. Narita bumps Tsuji off buckles, stomps away on him, but the ref counts. Narita hops up to dig both boots into Tsuji’s face! The ref counts, Narita lets off, and he drags Tsuji up. Narita UPPERCUTS Tsuji, whips him, and NECKBREAKER DROPS him!
Tsuji rolls to the apron but Narita goes after him! Narita drags Tsuji up but Tsuji swings, only for Narita to catch him to a SLEEPER in the ropes! The ref counts, Narita lets off at 4 and Tsuji slumps to the floor. Fans rally up and Narita lets the ring count handle this. Tsuji stirs at 5 of 20, but we pass 10! And then 15! Narita goes out to put Tsuji in at 16! Fans cheer as Narita doesn’t want a count-out win! But then Tsuji BLASTS Narita off the apron! Fans fire up, Tsuji builds speed, and he DIVES! In fact, Tsuji hits so hard, he goes over the railing right by commentary! Fans fire up as Tsuji stands! Tsuji then goes around the way to return to ringside.
Tsuji drags Narita up, wrenches his arm, and whips him hard into railing! Narita falls over and Tsuji storms up to him. Tsuji drags Narita up, puts him in the ring, and fans fire up with Tsuji as he steps back in. Tsuji drags Narita up at the 10 minute mark, to scoop and SLAM! Tsuji then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Narita is still in this but Tsuji grins again. Tsuji drags Narita up but Narita CHOPS! Tsuji just smiles, and Narita CHOPS again! And again! Tsuji CHOPS Narita back! Narita sputters, Tsuji runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Narita goes to a corner and drags himself up, then runs in to ELBOW Tsuji in the corner!
Narita HALF HATCH BRIDGES! TWO, but Narita wraps on the SLEEPER! Narita leans on the hold but Tsuji fights up. Narita uses that to go for the Cobra Twist! But Tsuji hip tosses free! Narita stands and clinches, but Tsuji fights the lift and CLUBS Narita! Tsuji runs, into another kitchen sink knee! Narita brings Tsuji up but Tsuji fires forearms! Narita gives them back, and they go back and forth! Narita fires off a flurry, runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Tsuji grins again and fans fire up as he paces around. Tsuji gets Narita’s legs, and turns him over for a BOSTON CRAB! Fans rally as Narita endures!
Narita powers up, crawls forward, reaches out, but Tsuji drags him back! Tsuji sits deep on the hold, but Narita keeps fighting! Narita claws his way around but Tsuji makes it more like a LION TAMER! Narita powers up, but Tsuji sits deep again! And he grabs Narita’s arms?! Narita fights to move forward, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Tsuji lets go and Narita crawls to a corner. Narita stands, and Tsuji throws a forearm. Tsuji eggs Narita on, so Narita throws one back! Tsuji throws another forearm, but Narita throws it back! Tsuji ROCKS Narita, and Narita fires up, but the damage to his back holds him back!
Tsuji runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH! And then he runs Narita over! Tsuji drags Narita up to scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Narita survives and fans fire up! We hit 15 minutes so time is running out. Fans rally and Tsuji feeds off the energy. Tsuji drags Narita up, calls his shot, and he suplexes, only for Narita to fight it! Tsuji powers through, Narita slips out, but Tsuji fights the German Suplex with elbows! Narita uses that to back suplex, but Tsuji lands out of it! Tsuji runs in, into a clinch! But he CLUBS free! But Narita avoids the knee to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!!
Tsuji escapes and Narita is stunned! Fans rally up again, and Narita rises to bring Tsuji up. But Tsuji swings, only for Narita to spin him around! But Tsuji turns that around into the ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!!! Narita survives but fans are thunderous as we reach the three minute warning! Tsuji waits on Narita as the fans rally up. Narita flounders up, Tsuji runs, and CURB STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!! Narita survives again but Tsuji won’t let that stop him! Tsuji roars and the fans stay fired up! Narita rises, Tsuji runs in, but Narita avoids the spear! To JUMP STOMP! Cover, TWO!! And we’re at two minutes!
Narita hurries to get Tsuji up, clinch and DOUBLE WRIST ARM SAULT! But he won’t stop there! Narita rolls through to drag Tsuji up with the wristlocks! But Tsuji V-TRIGGERS! And SUPERKICKS! Narita roars, so Tsuji HEADBUTTS him down! And he grins as he falls over?! Fans are thunderous again as Tsuji stirs and pushes himself back up. But we’re literally at the last minute! Tsuji drags Narita up, hoists him up top, and CHOPS him! Tsuji then climbs up after Narita, but Narita fires forearms! Tsuji throws them back! 30 SECONDS! Narita fires a flurry and he DECKS Tsuji! Narita adjusts as we hit 20 second!
Tsuji GAMANGIRIS! But Narita grabs Tsuji in a SLEEPER!! TEN SECONDS!! TOP ROPE COBRA TWIST!? Narita lets go, roars, and TIME IS UP!
Time Limit Draw, each man gains 1 point
Tsuji still dodges the diving knee, and he clotheslines Narita and himself outta the ring!! And Tsuji grins as he and Narita sputter and sit up. But check the history books, when was the last time someone’s first two matches in the G1 were both time limit draws? Is Narita going to create history in the strangest way possible? Will this draw be what keeps both men from the semifinals?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Will Ospreay!
Remember when Will Ospreay was in Chaos? The Head Hunter remembers. And he might be looking to humble the man who turned his back on them. Will Hashi add onto Ospreay’s loss from the first round? Or will the Aerial Assassin redeem himself in Yamagata?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Hashi as he circles with Ospreay. They tie up, and Ospreay wrenches to a wristlock. Hashi spins through, wrenches back and hammerlocks, but Ospreay headlocks to get free. Ospreay grinds Hashi down, but Hashi fights up and throws body shots. Hashi powers out, they RAM shoulders, and fans cheer as neither falls. Ospreay runs, they RAM shoulders again, but still neither falls. Hashi throws a forearm, Ospreay SOBATS, and Ospreay runs, but Hashi dodges to BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up with Hashi and he drags Ospreay up. Hashi CLUBS Ospreay and follows him to the corner.
Hashi ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm, Ospreay staggers to another corner, and Hashi CHOPS him! Ospreay drops to his knees, fans rally up, and Hashi brings Ospreay up. Hashi CHOPS again and Ospreay staggers to ropes. Ospreay stands but Hashi whips him to ropes. Ospreay holds ropes to stop himself, and then he dumps Hashi out! Ospreay PLANCHAS and down goes Hashi! Fans fire up and Ospreay storms around. Ospreay drags Hashi up, ROCKS him with a right, then follows him around the way, to POST him! Hashi falls over and Ospreay paces again. Ospreay puts Hashi in the ring and fans rally up.
Ospreay stomps Hashi, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Hashi falls back down and Ospreay paces. Ospreay is bleeding from where Hashi chopped him but he stands Hashi up to CHOP him in return! Hashi falls over and Ospreay “has a taste.” Ospreay then high stacks, TWO! Hashi is still in this but Ospreay drags him up. Hashi throws body shots, but Ospreay shoots around to a Cobra Twist! Hashi endures, but Ospreay digs his knuckles into Hashi’s hips! Ospreay throws down elbows then pulls on the Cobra Twist. Hashi endures, fights free, and hip tosses Ospreay down! Fans cheer as Hashi catches his breath.
Hashi brings Ospreay up but Ospreay CHOPS! Ospreay suplexes but Hashi knees free. Ospreay spins Hashi around to ROCK him with a forearm! Ospreay runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs! Hashi then hits a DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down. Hashi and Ospreay rise, and Hashi runs Ospreay over! And UPPERCUTS! Hashi whips, Ospreay reverses, but Hashi comes back to CHOP! And mule kick! And then NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Hashi climbs the corner. Ospreay stands, and Hashi leaps for a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is still in this but Hashi keeps his cool.
Fans rally behind Hashi and he drags Ospreay up. Hashi fisherman’s but Ospreay slips free! Hashi mule kicks, whips, but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Ospreay feeds off that energy as he goes to the apron. Ospreay aims and springboards in, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Hashi is still in this but Ospreay keeps his cool. Ospreay calls his shot, but Hashi reels him in! Ospreay elbows back, and he CHOPS! Hashi staggers, but he comes back to CHOP! Ospreay grits his teeth and CHOPS again! Hashi stares Ospreay down and CHOPS him again!
Fans rally as Ospreay CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth! Ospreay is stinging, and Hashi fires a forearm! Ospreay gives Kawada Kicks in return! Hashi drops, Ospreay stands him up, and CHOPS him again! Hashi SPIN KICKS back! And full nelsons, pump handles, KARM- Ospreay flips out of it?!? Ospreay ROLLING ELBOWS, and ROLLING ELBOWS again! Hashi and Ospreay stagger, and Ospreay mule kicks! Ospreay springboards to OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives but Ospreay prepares the elbow pad! Ospreay aims from a corner, HIDDEN- NO, Hashi ducks it, to BLINDSIDE KNEE!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay and Hashi stir, and Ospreay sits up first. But Hashi stands first, and he fires up! Fans fire up, Hashi runs, but Ospreay swats the lariat to HOOK KICK! And then underhooks, to STORM- NO, Hashi slips free and SUPERKICKS! Hashi runs but Ospreay dodges, only for Hashi to still LARIAT him down!! Fans fire up with Hashi and he hauls Ospreay up, fisherman to the KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Hashi doesn’t lose focus! Hashi brings Ospreay up, for a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay is still in this and fans are thunderous!
Hashi roars, he brings Ospreay up, but Ospreay fights the pump handle. Ospreay ROCKS Hashi while holding onto the wristlock! And again! And again! But Hashi fires up to ROKC Ospreay again and again! But Ospreay HOOK KICKS! But Hashi ducks the roundhouse to UPPERCUT, half nelson, but Ospreay fights the lift! Hashi blocks the superkick to CHOP! Hashi runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives again and fans fire back up! Ospreay prepares his elbow, he aims from the corner, and runs in, into a LARIAT! Ospreay stays up, Hashi runs in, but into a BOOT! Ospreay goes up, Hashi SUPERKICKS!
Hashi fires up and the fans are with him! Hashi goes up, but Ospreay slips under to tuck him in! CHEEKY NANDOS! Into the Electric Chair, SPINNING POWERBOMB!! And then Ospreay goes up top, to CORKSCREW SENTON!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)
Crowns up for the Aerial Assassin! And he truly brought that nickname back with that wild flying finisher! Ospreay has some blood in his mouth but he doesn’t care as he tastes sweet victory. Will Ospreay continue until he conquers the G1 for the United Empire?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Shota Umino!
The Cold Skull got a big win in the opening round main event, and he doesn’t look to stop now. Will he bring the Roughneck to a Skull End? Or will Shota’s Paradigm Shift make big leaps in progress against THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “SHO~TA! SHO~TA!” Sanada shrugs that off as he and Shota circle, and the two tie up. Shota headlocks but Sanada wrenches, only for Shota to clamp on tighter. Sanada endures as Shota thrashes the hold, and he throws body shots. But Shota thrashes the headlock more! Sanada powers up, pulls hair, and Red Shoes reprimands as Sanada powers out. But Shota runs him over! Fans cheer and things speed up. Shota holds ropes to avoid the arm-drag, and then he dodges Sanada to arm-drag and ELBOW him down! Then basement dropkicks! Fans fire up with Shota while Sanada goes to the apron.
Sanada walks around the outside and steadies himself, but Shota eggs him on. Sanada stays outside and the ring count starts. Shota slides out but Sanada slides back in. Shata slides in but Sanada dropkicks him back out! Sanada then goes out after Shota and claws his face! Red Shoes reprimands and Sanada lets off. Sanada brings Shota up and CLUBS him on the back! Sanada then whips but Shota reverses, Sanada hits railing and tumbles over! Shota joins Sanada in No Man’s Land, and stomps him down! Then CLUBS him down! Shota drags Sanada up, but Sandaa throws body shots! And a CHOP!
Shota eggs Sanada on so Sanada throws more CHOPS! Shota ROCKS and CLUBS Sanada, then POSTS him! Sanada flops down while fans rally up behind Shota. Shota drags Sanada up, and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Sanada slumps to the floor and fans rally behind Shota again. Shota slides into the ring and lets the ring count start. Sanada stirs, sits up at 6 of 20, and stands at 11 of 20. Sanada slides in at 13 and Shota is on him for a cover, ONE! Shota keeps on Sanada with a bump off buckles. Shota ROCKS Sanada with a forearm, and another, then another! Shota keeps firing shots, and even UPPERCUTS over and over!
Shota lets off as Red Shoes counts, then he digs his boots in. Red Shoes counts again and Shota lets off. Shota drags Sanada up to a cravat and neck wrench. Sanada endures so Shota turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Sanada is hanging tough but Shota stomps him and taunts the champ. Sanada goes to a corner, Shota brings him up to whip corner to corner. Shota runs in but Sanada dodges! Shota hits buckles, then Sanada hits a BIG back suplex! Fans rally while both men are down. Sanada and Shota stir, and Sanada stands first. Sanada drags Shota up but Shota UPPERCUTS!
Shota whips, Sanada reverses and hurdles, hurdles and DROPKICKS Shota down! Fans fire up as Shota bails out, and Sanada PLANCHAS him down! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages him to get louder. The fans oblige but Sanada wants them even louder! The fans get louder for him and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada goes back to bring Shota up. Sanada puts Shota in, covers, TWO! Fans rally and Sanada brings Shota up t o a fireman’s carry. But Shota slips out to a dragon sleeper! Sanada fights free to kick and whip, but Shota reverses to scoop and DROP, then SLIDING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up with Shota!
Shota drags Sanada up, whips him corner to corner and runs in to UPPERCUT! And then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota hurries up top. Sanada stands, and Shota MISSILE- NO, Sanada gets under! Sanada kicks low, runs, but Shota follows to RANA! Sanada bails out and fans fire up with Shota again. Shota goes to the apron, aims, and runs in to FLYING CANNONBALL! Direct hit, and now Shota gets the fans to fire up more and more! They chant “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and he is satisfied. Shota stomps Sanada, paces around him, and Red Shoes goes out to check Sanada.
Sanada clutches his shoulder but he’s okay to continue. We pass 10 minutes and Shota drags Sanada up. Shota wrenches that bad arm, then wrenches it again! And again! Shota tortures that arm, then hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Fans rally, the ring count starts, and Shota brings Sanada up to put him in at 9 of 20. Shota then climbs, aims, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Direct hit this time! Cover, TWO! Sanada is still in this but Shota doesn’t lose his cool. Shota drags Sanada up, wrenches and clinches, but Sanada fights the lift! Shota UPPERCUTS! Shota eggs on the champ so Sanada CHOPS! Shota UPPERCUTS again!
Sanada staggers but he CHOPS again! Shota UPPERCUTS again! Sanada CHOPS again, Shota UPPERCUTS, and fans rally up as they pick up speed! Shota fires as flurry of UPPERCUTS, then runs, but Sanada dodges to tilt-o-whirl into the dragon sleeper! Fans fire up but Shota powers through, CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on and he drags Sanada up again, CROSS RHODES!! Shota isn’t done there, he brings Sanada up a third time, but Sanada turns it around to MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down again and fans rally up. Sanada kips up! Fans fire up and Sanada brings Shota around to scoop and BACKBREAKER!
Sanada then goes up the corner, and he ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to land out of it as Shota moves! Sanada ROLLING ELBOWS, but Shota catches Sanada for an EXPLODER! Both men are down yet again and the fans rally up. Now Shota kips up! Sanada drags himself up with the ropes, and Shota runs in, and he blocks a boot! ROLLING ELBOW! Shota runs to UPPERCUT! Then Shota goes to the apron, SLINGSHOT DDT! But Shota isn’t done there, he aims and kicks low! It was a fake out to get the underhooks! But Sanada RAMS Shota into the corner! Sanada is free, and he runs back in, but into a BOOT!
Sanada comes back again but into more BOOTS! Shota runs in but Sanada dodges! Sanada QUEBRADA, and then SKULL- NO, Shota rolls through the Skull End to fisherman a leg, and SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and the fans rally back up! Shota keeps his focus on Sanada and hobbles over to the corner. We’re at 15 minutes, Shota TORNADO DDTS! And then he aims, shouting for Sanada to rise! Sanada stands and fans rally up again, IGNITION!! Cover, TWO!??! Sanada survives but Shota just fires up again! Shota brings Sanada up, but Sanada fireman’s carries! And throws Shota into the dragon sleeper!
Shota fights with fists from below, but he still fades! He sits down and Sanada keeps on the Skull End! Fans rally for Shota as Red Shoes checks, but then Sanada stands Shota up in the dragon sleeper! Shota is fading more, but he gets a second wind to lift Sanada up! ELEVATED DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down and the fans rally up again! Shota stands, roars and fans fire up with him! Shota brings Sanada up and we’re at the three minute warning! Sanada wrenches out but Shota ROCKS him! And ELBOWS and spins, into DEAD- NO, Shota slips free to ENZIGURI! But Sanada comes back!
Shota avoids the Shining Wizard to POP-UP UPPERCUT a la Claudio! Sanada drops to a knee so Shota gets the wrists! But Sanada dropkicks a leg out! Sanada runs but Shota DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up with Shota and he hurries to get Sanada back up! Underhooks, but Sanada wrenches out to O’Connor Roll but Shota rolls it back! TWO!!! Sanada escapes and runs in, to POP-UP CUTTER!! Two minute warning!! Fans rally as Sanada drags himself to the ropes. Sanada catches his breath in a corner, runs in, SHINING WIZARD!! But he isn’t done there, he clinches to DEADFALL!!! Cover, Sanada wins!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shota earns 0)
With a minute and a half to spare, the Cold Skull pulls off a hot finish! Will nothing stop the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion from making this his G1?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS El Phantasmo!
The Rainmaker brought down Great-O-Khan, while the Headbanga was brought down by the Head Hunter. Okada is looking to go back to back to back as G1 Climax Champion, but will he keep his momentum up? Or will ELP bring about Sudden Death?
Fans already duel between “O-KA-DA!” and “E L P! E L P!” ELP takes his shirt, and he personally hands it to a young fan in the front row. Fans cheer and chant for ELP more as he and the fan rocker finger high-five. ELP then returns to the ring, the bell rings and fans rally and duel again. ELP pretends to be surprised fans are cheering him on. ELP and Okada shake hands and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two tie up, go around, and ELP wrenches to a waistlock. Okada wrenches out to wristlock, but ELP rolls, trips Okada, and turns him over to tie up the legs. ELP then pulls Okada into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW!
Fans applaud while Okada endures, but Okada pops free to a cover. ONE, and the two stand off as fans applaud. ELP flexes and circles with Okada. ELP gets the fans to cheer for themselves, “YA-MA-GA-TA!” ELP then has them hush, and he starts an “O-KA-DA” chant? Okada doesn’t really react but then ELP turns it back into a chant for himself! “E L P! E L P!” ELP and Okada tie up, Okada puts ELP on ropes but ELP turns it around. ELP lets off, fakes a punch, but pats Okada on the shoulder. He’s copying Okada! But then his shoulder pats become a rhythm, and fans clap along, “E L P!” “O-KA-DA!” Okada is still not amused.
Okada pushes ELP back then ROCKS him! And again! And knees and CLUBS and fires off furious fists! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands as Okada has ELP on the ropes. Okada steps back but ELP throws a forearm! Okada eggs him on, the fans rally, and ELP throws more forearms! And CHOPS! Okada still eggs ELP on, so ELP hushes the fans. ELP fakes the chop to PURPLE NURPLE! Red Shoes reprimands and ELP lets off at 4. ELP ROCKS Okada, whips, but Okada reverses. ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! And then handsprings up! ELP clotheslines Okada outta the ring! Fans fire up and ELP takes aim! PLANCHA, but Okada moves.
ELP lands safe on the apron, but Okada trips him up! ELP hits apron on the way down and Okada watches him get up. Okada then kicks low and DDTS ELP to the floor! Okada leaves ELP behind to roll into the ring. Red Shoes checks ELP but he’s okay to continue, so the ring count starts. Okada waits, the count passes 10 of 20 before ELP stands. ELP staggers, falls over, staggers up again, and falls at 15! ELP staggers up again, and in at 18! Okada drags ELP up and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada stalks ELP to a corner, drags him up, and throws a heavy back elbow! ELP sits down and Okada paces.
Fans rally up but Okada brings ELP up again. Okada throws another heavy back elbow, then whips ELP corner to corner. Okada runs in to jumping back elbow! Kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as ELP hangs in there, but Okada grows annoyed. Okada sits ELP up to put on a straitjacket stretch! ELP endures, even as Okada smothers him with a chinlock attachment. ELP fights but Okada goes full chinlock to pull him back! ELP flails, reaches out, fights up to his feet, and he throws elbows. ELP is free, and he CHOPS Okada! Fans rally, ELP runs but into a BOOT! Okada whips ELP but ELP reverses, only for Okada to duck ‘n’ dodge!
But ELP goes the other direction and he CLOBBERS Okada! Fans rally while both men are down. ELP stirs and kips up! Fans cheer, and ELP hits an atomic drop! ELP CHOPS, scoops, and SLAMS Okada into a drop zone! Fans rally and ELP goes up the corner. ELP aims to DIVING ELBOW! Fans rally up and ELP tunes up the band. Fans clap along, Okada stands, SUDDEN- NO, Okada bails out! So ELP goes out after him! Okada kicks him low! Okada whips but ELP jumps over the railing! Okada runs up but ELP ROCKS him first! ELP hops up and TORNADO DDTS to the floor! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Red Shoes checks Okada, and he’s still okay to continue. ELP pounds the floor mats and fans rally up again. ELP stands, shakes the arm out, and he drags Okada up. ELP puts Okada in the ring, wraps him up, and torture racks, but Okada fights free! Okada wraps ELP up, MONEY CLIP! But ELP RAMS Okada into a corner before it locks in! ELP mule kicks, runs, but into a FLAPJACK! We’re past 10 minutes as both men are down again! Fans rally and duel between “O-KA-DA!” and “E L P!” and it sounds like the ELP fans are stronger! ELP rises first, goes to a corner, but Okada runs in to SHOTGUN ELP down!
Okada drags ELP up, Alabama Lifts him, but ELP clicks his heels to fight free! ELP ROCKS Okada, but Okada blocks the whip! Okada whips, runs in, but ELP goes up and over and rolls, to then duck ‘n’ dodges and springboard, into a DROPKICK from Okada! Fans rally and Okada grabs ELP’s wrist. Okada brings ELP around as fans duel again. Okada short arm LARIATS! And he holds onto the wrist to drag ELP up again. Short- NO, ELP BOOTS Okada! And again! And again! Okada still swings, but ELP dodges, only to run into another DROPKICK! Okada ripcords but ELP fights with elbows! So Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Okada holds onto the waistlock, makes it a wristlock to ripcord, but ELP ducks the lariat! And avoids the dropkick, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and fans rally up again. ELP drags Okada up, straitjackets and torture racks, for the BURNING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but the fans still rally behind ELP! ELP brings Okada up, reels him in, and mocks the Rainmaker pose! But Okada back drops to sit on the cover! TWO!! ELP hits SUDDEN DEATH!! And then he gets Okada up, tucks the arms, C R 2!!! Cover, TWO?!? Okada survives and no one can believe it!
Fans are thunderous while both men are down! ELP drags himself with the ropes and sees Okada’s in the drop zone. ELP goes up the corner, but Okada rolls out of the ring. Fans boo but ELP just changes direction to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and down goes Okada! Fans fire up again and rally behind ELP! We hit 15 minutes as ELP stands up. ELP drags Okada up, puts him in the ring, and he goes up the ropes now! SPRINGBOARD THUNDERKISS onto knees!! Okada brings ELP up, MONEY- NO, ELP arm-drags! SUDDEN- NO, Okada dodges! RAIN- NO, ELP dodge! SUDDEN- NO, Okada scoops!
But ELP turns the scoop around on Okada! TOMBSTONE!! And then the arms are tucked in, C R- NO, Okada powers out to scoop and LANDSLIDE!! And then, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; ELP earns 0)
The Headbanga twitched there at the end, but he did not have enough to survive Okada’s onslaught! However, ELP still shows respect to Okada with a bow before he leaves. ELP is stuck at the back of the Block, will he be able to have better luck in round 3?
As for Okada, he catches his breath and gets the mic to say, “MY SECOND WIN~!” Fans cheer, and Okada then asks Yamagata, “How was it? Are you fired up?” Fans cheer because they did like it! Are they fired up? He wants to hear it! The fans cheer louder, and Okada thanks them all for their “super hot support” today. Okada says “The G1 is all about matches like that, and the sound of all you guys, as well.” Okada knows that this was only his second win in the second round, so he’ll take every match as they come. He’ll make this the best summer ever! “And I’ll make sure you all know that Kazuchika Okada is the best ever, to boot!”
Fans cheer, and Okada says “This sweat, this is G1 sweat. Hey, if you don’t yell, I’ll cool off!” Fans cheer again because they wanna keep this hot! They chant for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” and he says that’s more like it! “This is what wrestling needs! Let’s do it again!” Fans cheer that, too. Okada is looking for his third G1 Climax Championship in a row, because no one’s ever done it! “Who’s gonna be the first? It has to be Okada! I’ll make it three in a row and return to Yamagata as G1 Champion! And once again in Yamagata, I’LL MAKE IT RAIN!!” Fans are fired up for that, but can Okada keep up this momentum?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Sanada: 2-0, 4 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-0, 4 points
Chase Owens: 1-1, 2 points
Ren Narita: 0-0-2, 2 points
Shota Umino: 0-1-1, 1 point
Yota Tsuji: 0-1-1, 1 point
Gabe Kidd: 1-1, 2 points
Hikuleo: 0-2, 0 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 2-0, 4 points
Taichi: 2-0, 4 points
Will Ospreay: 1-1, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-1, 2 points
Tanga Loa: 1-1, 2 points
Kenta: 1-1, 2 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-2, 0 points
El Phantasmo: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great third night for the G1, and a great second round for the A and B Blocks. Some fairly logical results this time around, like Gabe Kidd, Kenta and Ospreay rebounding, Kaito and Taichi winning again, and for that matter, of course Sanada and Okada win as essentially the top two guys in this part of the G1. However, I am really surprised Narita had another time limit draw and with Yota Tsuji this time. Narita neither winning nor losing two matches in a row is a wild move for his first G1 and I’m digging it. Now, I don’t know if I want this a third time, but it’d be wild if he did go three matches in a row with all 20 minute time limit draws.
And going back to Okada winning again, he and ELP had a great main event, that finishing sequence was one of the best tonight, maybe even so far in the G1. ELP continues to show promise, but his only singles achievements are Super J Cup tournament wins, a British J Cup win in Rev-Pro, and being the Rev-Pro Cruiserweight Champion. He has beef with Finlay, he deserves a good feud with Finlay as part of the world finally getting a proper Bullet Club Civil War blowoff match with ELP bringing in like the Guerrillas of Destiny and even Bullet Club Gold from AEW. ELP should be the one to take the NEVER Openweight Championship off Finlay to kickstart a singles push to make ELP a big name in this growing wave of the younger stars.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/14/25)
We have reached the finish line!
Who wins the 2025 World Tag League Championship?
Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji have held it together, but can they take the World Tag League trophies? Or will TMDK make them #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS Hartley Jackson; ELP wins and retains the title.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Katsuya Murashima & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Taichi, Satoshi Kojima, Lance Archer, Alex Zayne & Masatora Yasuda; Taichi, Kojima, Archer, Zayne & Yasuda win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shuji Ishikawa & Shoma Kato VS SHO, Don Fale & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho, Fale & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Shingo Takagi, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Taiji Ishimori VS Yujiro Takahashi, Chase Owens & DOUKI; Takagi, Drilla & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS OSKAR, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai; Tanahashi, Shota & Yuya win.
- David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Finlay & Hiromu win, by disqualification.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato VS EVIL, SANADA & Ren Narita; Yano, Yoh & Wato win and retain the titles.
- 2025 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win and will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS ???
The Headbanga fought hard, but he and Hiroshi Tanahashi couldn’t get to the playoffs. Now he must defend his title, but against who? It’s TMDK’s Hartley Jackson! Now this is a BIG surprise! But can ELP overcome? Or will it be Hartley Jackson Number One?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose 15 minutes of fame are up!
ELP polls the fans, and it sounds pretty even between them. The bell rings and we’re on the clock as the two tie up. Hartley SHOVES ELP away, ELP is a bit stunned, but he comes back. Hartley SHOVES ELP away again, and ELP steadies himself before coming back again. ELP waistlocks, but Hartley’s too big to lift! Hartley switches, ELP fires elbows, but ELP headlocks. Hartley powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and Hartley says, “No, no, no.” ELP runs to RAM Hartley again, but Hartley is solid! ELP runs again to RAM Hartley, but he still doesn’t budge! ELP fires forearms, but Hartley CLOBBERS ELP!
Hartley says, “Jackson Number One!” But ELP mule kicks! ELP whips but Hartley blocks! Hartley whips ELP to a corner hard, and ELP tumbles up and out to the floor! The fans rally, Hartley goes out to stomp ELP, then he opens the gate. Hartley drags ELP out to the crowd, just to scoop and POST him! The fans rally again while ELP writhes. Hartley drags ELP along, opens another gate, and he again brings ELP to the crowd. Hartley scoops, but ELP slips free! ELP POSTS Hartley! The fans cheer while Hartley slumps down. ELP closes the gate and the fans applaud. ELP brings Hartley up, whips, but Hartley blocks again!
Hartley reverses, ELP leaps over railing, then he ROCKS Hartley! ELP jumps up, but he’s caught! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! A bit double-edged with both men down, but the ref checks on ELP. ELP is still in this, and Hartley rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, but ELP slumps against railing at 3 of 20. ELP stands at 5, slumps back down, but crawls his way over at 8. ELP stretches out his back before he rolls in, but Hartley is on him for a cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Hartley is annoyed but the fans rally up. Hartley drags ELP up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS! ELP staggers away to another corner.
Hartley storms up and he CHOPS again! ELP sits down this time, but the fans rally up. Hartley waits on ELP to stand, but ELP dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Hartley swings, ELP dodges, and he CHOPS, fires fast hands, then ROCKS and ENZIGIRIS! Hartley drops to a knee and we pass five minutes! ELP goes to suplex, but Hartley’s too big! Hartley suplexes high and hard in return! Hartley paces, the fans rally up, and Hartley runs, but ELP moves! The senton FLOPS and the fans rally again. ELP storms up to fire forearms, then he whips, but Hartley again blocks! ELP KICKS Hartley’s leg again and again!
ELP whips, Hartley reverses, but ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Somersault and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Hartley is still in this and the fans rally up. ELP brings Hartley up, he still tries, but Hartley is too much to suplex! ELP wrenches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, then covers, TWO! Hartley is still in this, but ELP goes up the corner. The fans cheer as ELP lines up the shot! “Say cheese!” FALLING AX HANDLE! The fans cheer as ELP now air guitars a la Tanahashi! But Hartley runs up! ELP dodges, Hartley hits buckles, and ELP ENZIGIRIS! ELP goes up, TORNADO DDT!
Hartley stands, staggers, then falls! ELP covers, TWO! ELP calls for the Brain Salad! The fans rally up, ELP straitjackets and- NO, Hartley is too big to torture rack lift! Hartley whips ELP to a corner, SPLASHES, then short arm LARITS! SENTON onto knees! Ghost pin, TWO! Mule kick! ELP tucks Hartley in, but Hartley wrenches out! ELP dodges to SUDDEN DEATH! ELP runs, but into a LARIAT! SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up and Hartley hurries, DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Hartley stalks ELP, drags him up, and fireman’s carries!
Hartley goes to the corner, puts ELP up top, and then climbs. Hartley fireman’s carries, but ELP CLUBS free! ELP fires forearms as we hit 10 minutes, and he ROCKS Hartley! ELP SUPER SUNSET FLIP, but Hartley holds onto ropes! ELP avoids the punch! Mule kick to the leg! Mule kick to the other leg! And the corner helps with the torture rack! BRAIN SALAD!! Cover, TWO?!? Hartley survives and the fans fire up! ELP tucks Hartley in, and lifts?! C R 2!! ELP hurries to the apron, climbs up the ropes, and THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
Hartley was definitely a big challenge, but ELP found a way to make it through! The Headbanga Show continues on, but who will be next on the list?
After Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS OSKAR, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai…
A HIGH FLY FLOW on Daiki Nagai scores the win for The Ace and his team! There’s a tense stare down between Hontai and the Knock Out Brothers, but that’s all it is for now. Tanahashi then gets the mic, and he says, “NJPW has finally returned to Kumamoto! Everyone, today was my last match here in Kumamoto, thank you for the support. And from now on, it will be the work of all our young wrestlers to carry NJPW forward! We look forward to your support, and even though we haven’t finished the show… Kumamoto, AISHITEMAAASU~!” The fans cheer President Ace as he and #YuSho make their exit. Shota & Tanahashi even do photo-ops with baby fans.
Tanahashi may not have gone far in his final World Tag League, but he still leaves Kumamoto on top. Now he must prepare for his final WrestleKingdom and his final match with Kazuchika Okada. Will The Ace stay high? Or will he be brought down to earth by The Rainmaker?
David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman!
The Rebel & The Timebomb brawled with The United Empire all over Kagoshima in a Six Man Tag, but that was just the opening salvo! Will Finlay & Hiromu finally humble the Dominator & Prince of Pace? Or will Khan & Callum conquer the Unaffiliated War Dogs?
But turnabout is fair play, Finlay & Hiromu attack the Empire from behind this time! They mug Callum, knock Jakob Austin Young down, then go after Khan! The fans rally while Hiromu CHOPS Callum! And CHOP again! Callum hits Hiromu back, but Finlay brings Khan around to SMACK off the apron! Gedo cheers Finlay on, but Callum CHOPS Hiromu, then CHOKES him using his jacket! Finlay brings Khan up to whip, but Khan reverses to send Finlay into railing! The ref reprimands, Callum drags Hiromu to ringside and whips him into railing! Hiromu hobbles away while Jakob applauds, and Khan has taken things into the crowd!
Khan BOWLS Finlay into chairs and railing! Callum brings Hiromu out to whip, but Hiromu reverses to BOWL Callum! STRIKE! The fans rally for Finlay but Khan tells them to shut up. Finlay fires body shots and forearms, then he HEADBUTTS Khan! And HEADBUTTS again! And again! Khan stumbles into railing, Finlay whips him into the wall! Callum drags Hiromu up to CHOP! Hiromu staggers towards ringside, Callum clears out chairs, and he brings Hiromu up to SMACK off the apron! Finlay drags Khan along, but Khan fires body shots! Khan KNEES low, Callum RAMS Hiromu into railing, and Khan POSTS Finlay!
Callum lounges on the apron for a moment, then he gets Hiromu up. Khan CHOKES Finlay with a chair! Callum puts Hiromu in the ring, wants the bell, but the ref wants him to back off first. Callum waits, and the bell rings as Hiromu sits up. Callum stomps Hiromu down, then rains down forearms! The ref wants to check Hiromu so Callum backs off. Hiromu eggs Callum on, so Callum rains down more forearms! Hiromu still eggs Callum on, so Callum gets the wrists to STOMP Hiromu! Cover, TWO! Callum BLASTS Finlay off the apron, goes back to Hiromu, and fires forearms! Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, but Callum kicks low!
Callum runs, Hiromu dropkicks the leg! Callum stays up, and he BLASTS Finlay again! And he BOOTS Hiromu down! The fans rally, Callum bumps Hiromu off buckles, tags Khan, but Hiromu goes out after Callum! Hiromu goes after Callum, CLUBS him, then whips, but Callum reverses! Hiromu hits railing, Callum brings him around, and whips him back into railing! Khan keeps the ref distracted while Callum puts Hiromu back in. Khan then talks some trash, sits Hiromu up, and DECKS him with a haymaker! And again! And again! The ref reprimands the closed fists but Khan shoves him aside, to then BLAST Finlay off the apron!
Khan rains down more fists, the ref reprimands again, but then Khan BODY BLOWS Hiromu while he’s on the mat! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Khan argues the count, but Gedo still protests the closed fists. Khan scuffs Hiromu, drags him up, and suplexes. Hiromu slips free to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Khan Mongolian Chops! And then IRON CLAW! Hiromu fights the grip, breaks free, and stomps a toe to KICK! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! But Khan stays up! And he IRON CLAWS again! And ELIMIN- NO, Hiromu victory rolls, TWO! But then SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan and Hiromu crawl, hot tag to Finlay! Finlay CLOBBERS Khan, BLASTS Callum, and CLOBBERS Khan again! Finlay whips, Khan reverses, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Callum kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down! Finlay LARIATS Callum up and out! Finlay runs in and UPPERCUTS Khan in the corner! The fans bark with Finlay, and he fires LARIAT after LARIAT! Finlay goes all the way to TEN and the fans fire up. Finlay reels Khan in for a BROKEN ARROW! The fans cheer, Finlay flexes, and Khan writhes. Finlay drags Khan up, reels him in, but Khan fights the lift!
Khan BACKDROPS, Finlay sunset flips, but Khan stays up to IRON CLAW! Khan drags Finlay right up, and THROWS him away! Finlay tumbles to the corner, Khan fires up, and Khan runs in! Finlay BOOTS Khan away, then BOOTS him again! Finlay runs up, ROLLING- IRON CLAW! Khan clinches and lifts, but Finlay slips free and ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up again and Finlay drags Khan up. Finlay lifts to POWERBOMB! The fans fire up again and Finlay vows to end it! Finlay drags Khan up, reels him in but Callum CHUCKS a chair! The ref says that’s it, disqualification!
Winners: David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi, by disqualification
Callum stopped caring about the rules, and that cost the team! But he says fine, all bets are off! He POSTS Finlay! Hiromu goes after him, but Callum whips him into more railing! Callum puts Hiromu in the ring, takes aim with Hiromu’s on GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, and CLOBBERS him! Then Callum SPITS on the title, puts it down, and smears Hiromu’s face in it! Then EXCALIBUR STOMP onto the belt! The fans boo, but Jakob throws Gedo in! Callum says bang bang, PENALTY KICK to the face! The fans boo more, but Callum puts a chair around Gedo’s neck! Finlay has the SHILLELAGH!!
Callum runs away from Finlay, and Finlay snarls as he circles. Finlay is bloodied but he still has fight in him! Callum dares Finlay to do something, so he CLOBBERS Jakob!! And OVERKILL!! Drilla & Shingo are also out here to reinforce Finlay. Callum smirks like it doesn’t even matter, but Finlay grabs a mic. “Callum! Thank you for reminding me! Thank you for painting a little picture in my own effin’ blood! I was beginning to forget who I am. These people were beginning to forget who I am. More importantly, the boy sin the back were beginning to forget who I am! You are marching down a very, very dangerous road.
“Are you absolutely sure you wanna make me a target? Do you really think you can kill me off? Consider this a baptism in my own blood! The Savage King is reborn!! The same Savage King that beat your old leader so bad, he had to limp off into Uncle Tony’s arms! So here’s what I’m gonna do. How ’bout this? At the Tokyo Dome…! At a sold-out WrestleKingdom, I am going to give the Empire a chance. Come get revenge, or come get killed! If there’s one thing about blood, boys, if you’re gonna draw it, you better be damn ready to effin’ spill it!” Finlay has put out the challenge but Callum shrugs it off with a smirk and a finger gun.
Did Callum just get the Empire dragged into another war with the War Dogs? Will this Rebel make sure to put the Empire down once and for all?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato VS EVIL, SANADA & Ren Narita!
The challenge was put out for Tokyo Dome, but the King of Darkness didn’t want to wait! Will Evil become the King of NEVER with the help from the Cold-Blooded, Souled-Out Snakes? Or will The Producer, The Direct Drive & The Way to the Grandmaster stay golden for the holidays?
The introductions are made, but of course the House attacks! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Evil TOSSES Wato while Ren TOSSES Yano! Sanada SMACKS Yoh off buckles, then dumps him out! Ren CHOKES Yano with Yano’s own sash! Evil stomps Wato, Sanada stomps Yoh, and Fale gets a BODY BLOW in since this isn’t a match yet! Ren SMACKS Yano with a water bottle! Sanada puts Yoh in the ring, the bell sounds, and now this is a match! Sanada stands Yoh up, but Yoh fires forearms! Sanada CLAWS eyes, SMACKS Yoh, then headlocks. Yoh powers up and out, drops down, then bypasses to drop toehold!
Yoh keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! But Evil & Ren attack! They double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats to DUOBLE EYE POKE! The fans fire up and Yoh storms over to Sanada. Yoh drags Sanada around by his legs, and then he ties Sanada up, only for SAanada to kick free! Sanada blocks a kick, trips Yoh, and he ties Yoh up! But Yoh kicks free! Yoh dodges Sanada, O’Conner Rolls, and bridges! But Evil YANKS the ref out! Ren BLASTS Wato & Yano, Yoh hurries to check on the ref, but Sanada KICKS the ropes to jam him up! Wait, now Douki & Yujiro are out here to add onto the mugging! The fans boo, but Sanada puts Yoh in the DRAGON SLEEPER!
Wait a minute, KANEMARU is a ref now?! SKULL END!! Kanemaru asks Yoh, and Kanemaru claims Yoh gave up! Sho rings the bell, and the music plays!? Evil drags the belts into the ring while Sho makes the BS announcement! The House of Torture are NOT the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions, but they mug Yano, Yoh & Wato all the same! Sho claims that Yoh, Yano & Wato are NOT going to the Tokyo Dome now! Kanemaru raises everyone’s hands in victory, and the whole House thinks this farce will stand with NJPW officials! The fans boo as the House starts to leave, but Yoh picks up the mic!
“Oi! What’re you idiots talking about? You really think we’ll let you get away with this?! We need to have this happen, NOW! Restart the match!” The fans chant for that, too! And now AARON WOLF is here, and he’s bringing ref Marty Asami! The fans cheer as justice is being served! Asami also lays down the law, telling Kanemaru and all the extra players to back off! But then Ren & Sanada CLOBBER Team Hontai from behind! The fans boo again as the mugging continues, and even Wolf gets in there! Evil CLAWS Wolf’s eyes! Asami shouts at them all to stop it, and the other Young Lions get in there to usher the cornermen out!
Evil, Ren & Sanada are without Fale, Douki, and the rest, but even Wolf has to back down for the time being. The fans rally for Wolf but he’s sent to the back. Things are finally just 3v3, and we do get our restart! Evil TOSSES the blue buckle pad! Evil drags Yano up, whips him to the corner, and Yano hits the bare steel! Evil tags Ren, Ren stomps Yano’s leg and AX HANDLES him down! Ren drags Yano up and whips him back into the bare steel! Tag to Sanada, Sanada drags Yano, and Sanada TOSSES Yano out! Ren sets Yano up for Evil to JAM him up with a chair! Evil puts Yano in the ring and Sanada covers, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yano toughs it out. Sanada tags Evil, Evil brings in a towel, but the ref stops Evil! The ref confiscates the towel, but Evil has the tag rope! Evil CHOKES Yano with the rope, laughs as he gets away with it, then covers, TWO! Yano survives but Evil covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Yano stays in this for the team! Evil tags Ren, and they split the wishbone! Ren drags Yano up, whips him to ropes, and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Ren is annoyed but the fans cheer. Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! The fans cheer, but Ren hits a leg roll! Evil & Sanada BLASTS Yoh & Wato! FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!!
Yano endures, reaches out, but Ren puts on the pressure! Yano still fights his way around, and he makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Ren lets go in frustration. Ren stands Yano up, kicks the leg, then whips. Yano reverse and THROWS Ren down by his hair! The fans rally while both men crawl, hot tag to Wato! Wato BLASTS Sanada & Evil, then he goes after Ren with forearms! Wato ROCKS Ren, whips him, but Ren reverses. Wato RANAS Ren! Evil & Sanada return, they double whip Wato to a corner, then Sanada runs in. Wato dodges and he RANAS Evil! Then he dodges Sanada to RANA Sanada, too!
The fans fire up as The House regroups on the outside! Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes the House! The fans fire up with Wato now and he drags Ren into the ring. Wato then goes up the corner, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but the fans still rally for Wato. Wato waistlocks to GERMAN- NO, Ren fights the lift and switches, SLEEPER! Wato arm-drags free, ducks and ZIGZAGS! The fans fire up, Wato covers, TWO! Ren toughs it out but the fans rally for Wato again. But Ren CHOKES Wato! Wato breaks free, kicks low, then runs, but Evil trips him! Ren tags Sanada while Evil BLASTS Yano & Yoh!
The House double whip Wato to a corner, then Evil LARIATS! Sanada ELBOWS! Ren ELBOWS! Snapmare, and Evil has Yano’s red chair! This is to distract the ref while SHO slithers back out here! Sanada & Ren set Wato up upside-down, Sho goes up, and DICK CHOP! The fans boo but Sanada covers, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up! Sanada drags Wato up and around, fireman’s carries, but Wato slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Wato, runs the ropes, but Wato DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up and Wato crawls for the corner! Hot tag to Yoh! Yoh drags Sanada around, and ties him up in Paradise!
The fans cheer as Yoh hurries to kick and whip Ren into railing! And then he does the same to Sho! The fans fire up and Yoh hurries back into the ring! Yoh encourages the fans to get louder a la the old Sanada, and he DROPKICKS Sanada out of Paradise! The fans cheer again, and Yoh reels Sanada in! FALCON- NO, Sanada slips free! Yoh ELBOWS and ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada FALLING LOW BLOWS! The fans boo, but Sanada gets his guitar! The ref stops Sanada, but this is so Sho can sneak in! SPOILER CHOKER on Yoh! The fans boo but “Dick Togo Junior” scurries away! Ren now distracts the ref, and Sanada takes aim!
But WOLF has Sho in a sleeper! Revenge! Evil is furious, Sanada takes a swing, Yoh dodges! SMASH HIT on the post! Yoh then waistlocks, but Sanada fights the lift! Yoh avoids the low blow, Sanada ROCKS him, but Yoh FALLING LOW BLOWS! Ren freaks out, but Yoh kicks the ropes to JAM Ren up! Yoh then SHOVES Sanada into Ren, and then cradles Sanada! HONTAI WINS!!
Winners: Toru Yano, Yoh & Master Wato, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships)
Justice has truly been served, and then Wolf and Evil are brawling full on! Evil CLAWS at Wolf, the Young Lions get in there and back them both off, but not for long! Evil CLAWS Wolf’s eyes, fires some knees, and things spill into the crowd! Wolf ROCKS Evil! And ROCKS him again! Wolf is not backing down, so Evil THROWS Young Lions at him! Evil drags Wolf up with a headlock, CLAWS his eyes again, but the Young Lions pry him off of Wolf! Evil tells Wolf to know his place, but Wolf isn’t gonna be bullied! They take their fight to the back! Is it all but official that Evil will be defending his NEVER title at WrestleKingdom, too?
Hiroshi Tanahashi joins commentary!
He may have missed out on the finals, and he may have already had his last match in Kumamoto, but he wants to watch this main event match that very well affects the future of NJPW.
2025 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!
Both teams fought hard to make it up the ranks, make it to the playoffs, and make it to this point. The Mad Man & Gene Blast smoothed out the rough patches, but The Chin & The Mullet have always been in sync. Will Gabe & Tsuji make The Mighty kneel? Or will ZSJ & Oiwa be more than #WarReady?
The teams sort out, and while Gabe wants after someone, Yota has him stand down. Yota starts against Oiwa and the bell rings. The fans rally up already as Oiwa and Yota stare down. The “YOTA! YOTA!” seems to outweigh the “OIWA! OIWA!” They slowly circle, feel things out, and while Yota reaches in, Oiwa steps back. They tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow, then Yota wrenches to wristlock. Oiwa rolls, wrenches back, and wristlocks. Yota moves around, the fans rally, and Yota spins to slip through and full nelson. Yota spins Oiwa, snapmares, but Oiwa rolls to wrench. Yota rolls, wrenches, but Oiwa headlocks.
Yota powers up and pries the hold open, to then top wristlock! Oiwa fights it but Yota still powers him down, so Oiwa bridges! The fans cheer as Oiwa stands and headlocks again! Yota endures the grind, powers up, but can’t power out as Oiwa holds on tight! Yota powers up to lift, Oiwa hits the takeover, bu tYota rolls to a cover! ONE, and Yota fights up. Yota fires body shots, powers up and powers out, to then drop down and sidestep! Yota then runs, slips around and arm-drags Oiwa! And leg sweeps! Cover, ONE! Yota hits a takeover, Oiwa headscissors, and Oiwa holds on tight! The fans cheer as Oiwa pushes up for pressure!
Yota fights around, pops out, and he has Oiwa’s legs trapped in a butterfly! Yota floats to a headlock, Oiwa headscissors, but Yota kips free! The fans cheer the standoff! Oiwa and Yota back away, and they take Gabe and ZSJ. The fans rally as Gabe and ZSJ circle, then they step up. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but ZSJ rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks. Gabe spins, slips through, wrenches, and wristlocks. ZSJ hooks a leg, but Gabe puts pressure on the wristlock. ZSJ rolls, hooks the leg again, and even chinbars. Gabe cranks the wristlock again, but ZSJ bridges, spins, wrenches, slips through, and wrangles Gabe with a top wristlock!
Gabe fights up fast, rolls, rolls back, then handsprings! Gabe breaks free, ZSJ avoids the chop, and the fans cheer! ZSJ and Gabe reset, circle again, and test the waters. They tie up, ZSJ wrenches an arm then makes it a COBRA CLUTCH! Gabe fights it, but ends up in a straitjacket! ZSJ digs his head into Gabe’s shoulder blades, then keeps him from the ropes. Gabe powers up to turn the jacket onto ZSJ! ZSJ drops, bridges, scoots under, but Gabe blocks him! Gabe keeps the jacket on ZSJ, but ZSJ tries again! Bridge, spin, waistlock! Gabe switches, ZSJ switches, O’Conner, but Gabe trips ZSJ to a SLEEPER! ZSJ rolls back, has the wrists, but Gabe flips over!
Gabe smothers ZSJ into a cover, TWO!! ZSJ avoids another chop and the fans fire up! Gabe and ZSJ back off in their stalemate, and ZSJ tags Oiwa. Gabe doesn’t tag out, but he pretends like Oiwa isn’t there. Gabe and Oiwa circle, and Gabe eggs Oiwa on. They tie up, Gabe headlocks, but Oiwa powers up and out! Gabe RAMS Oiwa, RAMS him again, and RAMS him again! Oiwa stays up and the fans fire up! Gabe runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Oiwa arm-drags him down! The fans cheer while Oiwa grinds the armlock. Gabe fights around, rises up, and fires forearms! Oiwa grinds the armlock harder and Gabe drops to a knee.
Gabe fights back up, Yota coaches him, and Gabe KNEES low! Gabe whips Oiwa to a corner, but Oiwa dodges, to arm-drag again! Oiwa has the armlock again, and ZSJ BOOTS Yota down for good measure! Red Shoes reprimands, but Gabe fights up. Oiwa wrenches and YANKS the arm! Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm, then RAMS the shoulder! Tag to ZSJ, he steps on Gabe’s arm, and he pulls the arm around to bend the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe endures. ZSJ has the top wristlock, floats to turn Gabe over, and he traps the arm in an omoplata! Then roll to a cover, TWO! ZSJ keeps the arm to wrench, wrench, and he tags Oiwa.
Oiwa takes the handoff and wrenches the arm again. And again, and then he top wristlocks! Oiwa STOMPS the arm down! A very ZSJ move, and Oiwa SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Oiwa keeps Gabe down. Oiwa drags Gabe over and tags ZSJ. TMDK double whip and DOUBLE ELBOW! Then they get the legs, DOUBLE TOEHOLDS! Red Shoes reprimands but they shift to DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS! Yota storms in and stomps them both! Yota coaches Gabe, but TMDK trips Yota up! DOUBLE TOEHOLDS! Then they both top wristlock and STOMP the arms! Yota rolls out of the ring while he writhes.
Gabe sits up, ZSJ kicks him again and again and again. Gabe stands, ZSJ wrenches the arm and wristlocks. ZSJ bends the arm, wrangles Gabe to the mat, and JAMS his own hand into his side! ZSJ twists the arm more, then DOUBLE WRISLTOCKS! Gabe endures while the fans rally, then fights up. ZSJ wrenches, Gabe whips him away, but ZSJ goes up and- CHOP! Yota is back, he and Gabe BLAST Oiwa together! Yota goes out after Oiwa while Gabe CHOPS ZSJ! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Yota sends Oiwa into railing, then stomps him down. Gabe RAMS ZSJ into railing, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!
ZSJ flops down, Gabe shakes out his arms, and Gabe drags ZSJ up to whip him into railing! The ring count starts but Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The count is 8 of 20, Gabe rolls in at 10. ZSJ is still down and the count is climbing. We pass 15, but ZSJ rolls in at 17! The fans cheer, but Gabe is there to CHOP ZSJ in the corner! And CHOP again! Gabe snarls, CHOPS again, and ZSJ drops to the mat! Gabe paces, glares at Oiwa, then tags Yota. Yota BLASTS Oiwa for good measure before he brings ZSJ up. Yota whips ZSJ to a corner, RAMS into him again and again, then CHOPS! The fans cheer and rally up while Yota snapmares ZSJ.
Yota digs his knee into ZSJ’s back while he clamps on the chinlock. ZSJ bends Yota’s fingers, but Yota ELBOWS ZSJ in the head! Yota tags Gabe back in, Gabe drags ZSJ up, and Gabe suplexes. CHASING THE DRAGON!? Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives that but Gabe sends ZSJ to Yota’s scoop, BACKBREAKER! Gabe scoops, SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, Oiwa breaks it! Oiwa stomps Gabe, but Yota kicks and TOSSES Oiwa. Gabe snarls as he looms over ZSJ. Gabe drags ZSJ up to CHOP him to the corner! And CHOP him down! Tag to Yota, he and Gabe stand ZSJ against the ropes to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, and repeat!
The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. The CHOPS continue, and then they stop at 4. Yota & Gabe tell Red Shoes to tranquilo, then they double whip ZSJ. But ZSJ double wrenches and PELES the arms! Hot tag to Oiwa! He DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, and Oiwa runs to LARIAT Gabe in a corner! And he LARIATS Yota in the other corner! Oiwa winds up, Yota ducks the lariat, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Oiwa fires up, he dodges Gabe, and DROPKICKS! Oiwa handsprings and the fans fire up again! Oiwa drags Gabe up, he suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa holds on!? And he suplexes again for the SLAM!
The fans fire up, but Yota RAN- NO! Oiwa stops the rana to LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives but the fans cheer Oiwa’s sheer strength! Oiwa drags Yota up, but Yota fights the Tenzan Plex! Oiwa still tries but Yota sunset flips it! TWO, and Yota clinches! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and STOMP! The fans cheer the Gene Combination while Oiwa sputters. Yota takes a moment to check his own neck, then he sees Oiwa go to the corner. Yota runs corner to corner, and STINGER SPLASH! Then Yota hoists Oiwa up top, and he ROCKS him with a forearm! Yota fires the fans up, and he smiles as he climbs! Yota fires a flurry, but Oiwa fires back!
Oiwa fights the clinch, HEADBUTTS Yota down, and now Oiwa fires up! The fans cheer, but Gabe SMACKS Oiwa! Gabe climbs up, he has Yota move aside, and Gabe has Oiwa on the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Yota covers, TWO! Oiwa is tougher than that, but Gabe barks. The fans bark with Gabe, Yota stands Oiwa up, and Gabe runs up! Oiwa dodges and knees collide! Oiwa then SHOVES Yota into Gabe! Oiwa then gets around, TENZAN PLEX! All three men are down and the fans rally up again! Oiwa crawls, hot tag to ZSJ! ZSJ runs up, tilt-o-whirls, and has the arm for the IRON OCTOPUS! But Yota powers up to BACKDROP free!
ZSJ runs up, but into a FLATLINER! Both men are down and Yota calls to Gabe! Yota rolls, hot tag to Gabe! Gabe puts some stank on the CHOP! ZSJ falls, Gabe covers, TWO!! ZSJ almost didn’t get out of that, but Gabe stands him up. Gabe CHOPS, then CHOPS again! ZSJ staggers around, and Gabe CHOPS again! Gabe eggs ZSJ on, CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks! And top wristlocks to STOMP the arm! Gabe writhes, ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! But Gabe sits up to flip ZSJ off! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS and high stacks! TWO!! Gabe survives and escapes, but ZSJ stays focused. The fans rally up, ZSJ reels Gabe in, scoop and- NO, Gabe fights that to suplex!
ZSJ slips free, Oiwa is there, LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX COMB! EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Gabe is up, but ZSJ BOOTS! Oiwa backslides, ZSJ jackknifes, but Gabe rolls through to cover! Oiwa breaks it!! Oiwa almost didn’t notice the turnaround, but he manages to save this for TMDK. But Gabe ROCKS ZSJ, CHOPS Oiwa, and repeat! Oiwa ducks a chop, puts Gabe in a corner, ENZIGIRI to CHAOS THEORY!! Then the jackknife bridge! YOTA BREAKS IT!! Yota almost didn’t get there in time, but he kicks Oiwa and whips! Wrench and GENE TRIGGER! Oiwa falls, but ZSJ snapmares Yota to NECK TWIST! Gabe BOOTS ZSJ!
ZSJ is on the ropes, the fans rally up even harder, and ZSJ BOOTS Gabe! Gabe BOOTS ZSJ! ZSJ BOOTS Gabe! Repeat! ZSJ rebounds, Gabe blocks a boot to KNEE ZSJ down! The fans are thunderous while everyone is down! Gabe calls to Yota, crawls his way over, and he hot tags Yota! The fans fire up as Yota runs in, but ZSJ dodges the knee! ZSJ comes back, blocks a boot, but Yota uses the British Reel and he DOUBLE STOMPS ZSJ down! The fans fire up again and Yota goes up the corner! MARLOWE- NO, ZSJ avoids the crush! ZSJ runs up, jumps on, GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! But Yota powers through to suplex free!
ZSJ lands out, but Yota avoids the Pele to have the BOSTON CRAB! Simple yet effective and the fans fire up! ZSJ endures, but Yota powers him down! ZSJ still fights forward, but Yota drags him back! ZSJ tucks and rolls, and he drags Yota into the RINGS OF SATURN! Oiwa intercepts Gabe into the ARC CLUTCH!! Gabe endures while ZSJ shifts angles on Yota, CLARKY CAT!! Yota endures, Gabe fights around, ZSJ shifts things again for the BAD BALLOON REMIX!! Gabe THROWS Oiwa onto ZSJ! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down again! We’ve hit 25 minutes, the longest match of this whole tournament, but there’s no limit on this one!
The fans rally up again as ZSJ drags Yota up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Yota, then UPPERCUTS again! Yota wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Yota rises, ZSJ reels him in, scoop and- NO, Yota slips free! And he catches ZSJ to a backslide! Roll through, GENE TRIGGER! ZSJ flops into the corner, Yota runs up, GENE TRIGGER!! Yota roars, the fans fire up, and MARLOWE CRUSH!! But Yota doesn’t cover, he just powers up again! Yota aims from the corner, GENE- NO, ZSJ scoops for the SABRE DRIVER!! But he can’t make the cover! The fans rally as hard as they can as both men crawl! Hot tags to Oiwa and Gabe!
Gabe and Oiwa fire forearms back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally with every shot! Gabe ROCKS Oiwa, ROCKS him again, then looms over Oiwa. Gabe eggs Oiwa on, so Oiwa stands up. Oiwa ROCKS Gabe, but Gabe shakes that off to come back. Gabe ROCKS Oiwa, and Oiwa staggers to the ropes! Gabe shouts for Oiwa to bring it! This is NJPW, get up and fight! Oiwa fires another forearm, and another, and another! That left knocks Gabe down!! The fans fire up while Red Shoes checks. Oiwa storms up, Gabe SHOVES Oiwa away, and Gabe checks his mouth. He lost a tooth!? Gabe stands up, and he SMACKS Oiwa!
Gabe SMACKS Oiwa again, and again, and Oiwa staggers around! Is Gabe trying to knock out Oiwa’s teeth? Oiwa fires forearms in return, then SMACKS Gabe! Oiwa reels Gabe in, DOCTOR- RANA! Gabe runs up and STRAIGHT RIGHT! Then Gabe says, “I’m a Mad Man!” MADMAN BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives but Gabe snarls again! Gabe brings down the kneepad! Oiwa rises up, O- NO! Oiwa flops down! Gabe is annoyed as Oiwa is down, but Gabe hits a three point stance! He runs up like Yota, but Oiwa stops his Gene Blaster! DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as we hit 30 minutes!
Gabe sputters as he sits up, but he reaches out for Oiwa. Gabe and Oiwa are forehead to forehead, and then Gabe SMACKS Oiwa! Oiwa SMACKS back! Gabe fires a flurry of palm strikes, but Oiwa LARIATS! Gabe stays up, ducks ‘n dodges, Yota joins in! WAR BLASTER!!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Yota gets ZSJ up, he and Gabe DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Then DOUBLE KNEE! Yota TOSSES ZSJ out, then he DIVES! Direct hit and ZSJ hits railing! Gabe has Oiwa, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Oiwa survives and Gabe is as shocked as anyone! The fans are thunderous for “OIWA! OIWA!” while Gabe shakes his head.
Gabe says a quick prayer, perhaps asking to forgive what he’ll do next. Gabe runs, Yota is back, but ZSJ trips Yota to an ANKLE LOCK! DOUBLE LARIATS collide and both Gabe and Oiwa stagger away! Yota hops around on one foot as ZSJ has him on the outside! Gabe and Oiwa run up, THE GRIP!! But Gabe pops right up! STRAIGHT RIGHT! But THE GRIP returns!! Cover, TMDK WINS!!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (2025 World Tag League Champions)
Both teams were firing on all cylinders, but truly, the mightier team won out! Yota apologizes to Gabe for failing to get him across the finish line. Will these rivals just have to fight that much harder next time? Will there be a next time?
As for TMDK, they have their hands raised, and then they’re handed the trophies! ZSJ & Oiwa hold those up high while the fans cheer. Then they sit down for a moment to rest and catch their breath. ZSJ makes sure the fans all cheer Oiwa properly for scoring the fall. Oiwa is then handed the mic, and he starts by saying, “TMDK just captured World Tag League! It’s been 15 months since I came back to NJPW, and I haven’t won any championships. To some, it may’ve seemed like I was lingering in the shadows, but now, Zack and I have won the World Tag League trophies! I’m not an NPC, I am a lead character!” The fans cheer that!
Oiwa continues by saying that ever since he came into NJPW, he is glad to fight and get stronger with TMDK. Zack, thank you! The fans applaud as ZSJ side hugs his young sidekick. Oiwa says that in 2025, you cannot stop TMDK’s momentum! And when this year is done, in 2026, TMDK will be at the top and put NJPW on top of the wrestling world! Oiwa vows to stay true to himself and his pro-wrestling style, and that wrestling you saw here tonight was TMDK, that was pro-wrestling! Thank you for all your support, but they’re not done yet! TMDK will keep getting stronger, and will be even tougher the next time you see them in Kumamoto!
So when they come back, Oiwa hopes this entire venue will be decked out in orange! With that, Oiwa does the mic drop, and both he and ZSJ lift the trophies again! The fans cheer and the streamers fly! The streamers are blue and silver, but will The Chin & The Mullet soon be decked out in IWGP Heavyweight Tag gold?
My Thoughts:
Another great event, especially as the 2025 WTL finale. ELP VS Hartley to open with the NJPW World TV title was good stuff, Hartley looked good even in defeat, but ELP retaining is good stuff. ELP could face any number of possible opponents now for WrestleKingdom, I’m sure that’ll be another great match. Tanahashi’s team winning here was the right move, Daiki was there to take that loss, and it was good for Tanahashi’s last Kumamoto match to be a win. Tanahashi is probably going to build more momentum with win after win up until WrestleKingdom, where he more than likely loses to Okada one last time.
Great stuff from Finlay & Hiromu VS Callum & Khan, because of course we got another brawl to be the majority of the segment. Callum disqualifying things was a bit of a surprise, and I kinda dread the possibility of another “Dog Cage” match… The first one was rough and cost Alex Coughlin his in-ring career. The second was alright but it was just to keep things going between War Dogs VS House of Torture in other forms. Again, Finlay’s contract is just about up, will Dog Cage 3 be how they write Finlay out of NJPW? Or will it give away that Finlay is staying in NJPW when the War Dogs/Unaffiliated win?
Really good stuff in the NEVER Six Man title match, and they used overbooking just right here. The House was so involved that of course it was a mess and they tried to literally steal these belts. Aaron Wolf getting involved again telegraphs that we’re getting Evil VS Wolf for WK20 now, but hey, that’s a great spot for Wolf’s first match. Yoh, Yano & Wato probably face another combination of the House of Torture since all the other factions are gonna be busy with other stuff, maybe involving Sho so that Yoh and Sho can continue their feud through these titles.
And we got an awesome, stellar main event for the WTL finals. As I’ve been saying, Gabe & Yota weren’t gonna win, Yota has his match with Konosuke. TMDK winning is awesome for Oiwa, he and ZSJ are going to have another awesome match with the Knock Out Brothers, and that could go either way honestly. Oskar & Yuto-Ice have been doing so well, I wouldn’t be surprised if they retained at their first WK to really solidify themselves. At the same time, TMDK needs a lot going for them right now in the mainstream NJPW. I haven’t seen Shane Thorne & Mikey Nicholls on these shows in a long time, and no idea if they’re helping Tamashii or NJPW Strong, no idea if their contracts are almost up, too. Getting the heavyweight tag titles would be just the spark for TMDK to get going in 2026.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (12/13/25)
The Last Time IS Now!
Thank You, Cena!
After 25 years, The Last Time IS Now as John Cena has his final match PERIOD, against Der Ring General, GUNTHER, on Saturday Night’s Main Event!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cody Rhodes VS Oba Femi; Cody wins, by disqualification.
- Bayley VS Sol Ruca; Sol wins.
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater; Styles & Dragon win.
- John Cena VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G.O.A.T.
Triple H narrates, “The Goat. You hear it so much, you forget what it means: Greatest Of All Time. Is it measured in titles? Records? Or calibrated in time? Games and matches morph into seasons, seasons into years, years into decades. But The GOAT perseveres in a style all his own every damn night, until he’s an era unto himself. John Cena made his WWE debut June 27, 2002. But what marks the intervening quarter-century, and that which makes Cena the GOAT, nothing less than the sacred currency of professional wrestling: The connection. That communion with the crowd. Oh, he sees you. He hears you. He feels you. Loves you. Every last one.” So, for one last time, #ThankYouCena!
Cody Rhodes VS Oba Femi!
While The American Nightmare wants to settle things with the Scottish Terminator once and for all, The Ruler made it clear that “Quarterback Number One” needs to focus on him now! Will the NXT Champion prove he is The Destroyer and the Bringer of War? Or will Cody show us why HE is undisputed?
The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two champions stare down. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock as Cody cannot push Oba back, but then Oba SHOVES Cody! The fans duel and sing as Cody shrugs that off. Cody and Oba reset, circle again, and they tie up. Cody headlocks, shifts, hammerlocks, then ducks an elbow! Oba says it was that close. The two go again, Cody avoids the grapple to headlock, but Oba powers up and carries Cody to the ropes! Oba then powers up and out, but Cody ducks the boot to DROPKICK a leg! But Oba stops the Rhodes Uppercut with a guzel! And an URENAGE BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up and Oba fires body shots on Cody in the corner! Oba HAMMERS Cody, CLUBS him down, and he snarls as the ref counts 4. The fans cheer, Cody goes to a corner, but Oba is right on him. Oba wrenches and whips corner to corner hard! Oba storms up on Cody again, but Cody fires forearms! Oba KNEES low, Cody goes back to a corner, and Oba TOSSES him across the ring! The fans fire up with Oba, and Cody hurries back to his feet. Oba whips corner to corner, but Cody goes up and over! SNAP- NO! Oba blocks the powerslam! Oba scoops to SLAM Cody back! Cover, TWO! Cody toughs it out but Oba stays focused.
Oba brings Cody up to ROCK him with a forearm. Cody goes to a corner, Oba storms up, btu Cody kicks low! Oba UPPERCUTS first! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs and stalks Cody along the ropes. Oba whips, scoops, and he carries Cody with one arm! Oba “takes a puff” and hits the BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Oba drags Cody up and CLUBS him back down! Cody sputters and crawls, but Oba stays close. Oba drags Cody up, lifts, but Cody slips free of the bomb! Cody then dodges and Oba POSTS himself! Cody runs, ROCKS Oba, but Oba stays up! Cody goes up and over, and he SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up with Cody as he stands!
Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Oba survives and Cody is frustrated, but the fans rally up. Cody goes up the ropes again, but Oba catches him this time! Oba whips, Cody reverses, and Cody TOSSES Oba out! Cody runs and DIVES into a FOREARM! The fans fire up while Cody flounders back. Oba rolls in, watches Cody stagger, and Oba runs up! But Cody DUMPS Oba out! Oba staggers, Cody builds speed, and Cody DIVES! Down goes Oba and the fans fire up again! Cody hurries to get back in the ring, but so does Oba! Cody runs up into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody survives and the fans fire up again!
The fans rally, Oba stalks Cody, and he drags Cody up to scoop. Cody slips free, kicks low, and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody goes to the ropes, but Oba LARIATS him out! Oba snarls, the fans fire up, and Oba goes out the side. Oba runs in around the way! Oba CLOBBERS Cody, they BOTH go over the desk! The fans are fired up again, Cody is bleeding from an ear or cheek, and Oba gets him up and into the ring! Oba pops Cody up, SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody survives again and Oba is beside himself! The fans rally up, Oba snarls as he looms over Cody. Oba whips, Cody slips free of the pop-up! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Oba survives! But wait! DREW MCINTYRE IS HERE!! AND HE ATTACKS CODY!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification
The fans boo as the Scottish Terminator just HAD to ruin the match! So much for an “unsafe working environment” when he’s the one on the attack! But now OBA gets in Drew’s face! The fans fire up for this, and Drew says Oba is too dumb to understand what’s going on here. Oba SHOVES Drew! And then CODY CUTTER!! Cody gets the better of Drew, and Oba adds on! CHOKE SLAM! The fans fire up for Oba as he stands up for both himself and Cody Rhodes. Cody shows him respect by giving Oba his title, and raising his hand! The fans cheer, but what will it take for Cody and Drew to finally put this one to bed?
Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Sol Ruca w/ Zaria!
The Role Model has been working on getting back to titles, the same as the Soul Surfer of NXT. But now Sol gets a chance to really show what she’s capable of going against a WWE Grand Slam Champion! Will Bayley get her soul snatched in DC? Or will she prove to everyone else that she’s still got what it takes?
The bell rings and Bayley circles with Sol. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Bayley headlocks. Sol fights around, Bayley shifts to a waistlock, but Sol fights up to switch. Bayley headlocks for the takeover, Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Bayley has the armlock now, CLUBS the arm, and wrenches. Bayley WRINGS the arm, but Sol handsprings through! The fans cheer, the two tie up, Bayley waistlocks then headlocks. Bayley wrenches and YANKS the arm, YANKS it again, then whips. Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges, handsprings and handstand walks, to handspring again! RANA! The fans fire up and Bayley scrambles to a corner!
The fans fire up and Sol waits on Bayley. They circle, tie up, and Sol waistlocks. Bayley switches to YANK the arm again and again, then whips. Sol handsprings through the hip toss to X-FACTOR! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, the fans rally up, and Sol watches Bayley closely. Sol drags Bayley up, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her down! Sol tumbles out the side, Bayley runs up, DAREDEVIL- NO, Sol stops the dropkick! And she spins Bayley around, goes up the apron, handsprings to dodge and then PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up as Sol goes up and ASAI M OONSAULTS! Bayley avoids it to then DECK Sol! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Sol up.
Bayley puts Sol in the ring, storms in after her, and ROCKS her with a forearm. Bayley fireman’s carries but Sol slips free and rolls her up, TWO! Sol stands, trips Bayley, then floats to a cover, TWO! Sol trips Bayley, handsprings over her, then SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Sol TOSSES Bayley out, and then Sol builds speed! Sol handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans are thunderous for the “Sol-suke,” including Zaria! Sol then puts Bayley back in, springboards, but Bayley avoids the splash! Sol belly flops, and Bayley LARIATS her down! The fans rally up while Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs. Bayley staggers around, but she lines up a shot.
Bayley runs up to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB Sol! Cover, TWO! Sol survives but Bayley stays focused. Bayley looms over Sol, sits her up, and KNEES her in the back! Bayley clamps on a chinlock, grinds Sol down, but Sol endures. The fans rally and duel as Sol fights up! Sol fires body shots, rolls Bayley, but Bayley rolls through to KNEE Sol away! Sol staggers to a corner, Bayley runs up again, btu Sol dodges! The knee hits buckles, and Sol mule kicks! ELBOWS! And CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Sol whips to UPPERCUT Bayley down! And UPPERCUT! And then a whip to the corner! Sol SNAP GERMANS Bayley on the rebound!
Sol kips up, the fans fire up, and Sol goes up the corner! Bayley stands, Sol BOOTS her away, then Sol cartwheels, ARCH DDT! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Sol keeps moving! Springboard, but into the BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally up, Zaria coaches Sol and Lyra coaches Bayley. Bayley hoists Sol up, puts her on the top rope, and then in the Tree of Woe! Bayley CLUBS away on Sol, runs corner to corner, and jumps up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Sol survives again and the fans rally up. Sol goes to a corner, Bayley runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Sol runs up, backslide, TWO!!
Bayley and Sol stand up, still hooked up, and Bayley swings Sol around! Step over and- NO, Sol handsprings through the Rose Plant! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives but Sol stays focused. Sol goes to the corner, SOLUL- NO! Bayley YANKS her out of the Snatcher to ROSE PLANT!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Bayley is furious now, and she HAMMERS Sol! The ref counts as they’re still in the ropes, and Bayley drags Sol up. Bayley clinches, SAIDO! Then she drags Sol around to the drop zone! Bayley goes up, up, and MACHO ELBOWS onto knees! Then O’Conner Roll! TWO, Sol goes up, SOUL SNATCHER!! BUT BAYLEY’S HALF OUT OF THE RING!
Sol drags Bayley back in, and Bayley snatches her to a cover! TWO, Sol has it! SOL WINS!!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Even #ZaRuca is shocked as Sol scores! Bayley & Lyra show them respect and they all raise hands in celebration. They also salute to Cena, “You Can’t See Me!”
AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater!
The Phenomenal One & The Boy Wonder are still WWE World Tag Team Champions after their war with the War Raiders, but there could be a new challenge as they face the Young OG & Youngest In Charge. Win or lose, will this match of present and future be absolute cinema?
The teams sort out and Je’Von & Leon DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Then Je’Von FLIES out onto Styles! Leon LEG LARIATS Dragon! Dragon tumbles out, Leon builds speed to FLY over the corner! Direct hit and DC fires up as Leon puts Dragon in! CROSSBODY! Tag to Je’Von and he goes up, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Dragon survives and the fans are fired up again! Je’Von drags Dragon over, tags Leon, and they mug Dragon. Je’Von whips Leon in, SPLASH! Snapmare, cover, TWO! Dragon is tougher than that but Leon drags Dragon up to put him in the corner. Dragon BOOTS Leon, ELBOWS Je’Von, then dodges Leon!
Leon POSTS himself, but Je’Von hurries to run up on Dragon! Dragon DUMPS Je’Von out, crawls, but Leon anchors Dragon! Leon back suplexes, Dragon lands out, and Dragon slips through to lift Leon! LIGER BOMB! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Styles is back! Leon and Dragon crawl, hot tags to Je’Von and Styles! Styles fires the Phenomenal Blitz! LARIAT! SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up with Styles and he runs in at the corner, LARIAT! Then fireman’s carry and USHIGOROSHI! Leon is back, but Styles gets him for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Styles runs in at Je’Von, but Je’Von puts him on the apron!
Je’Von SMACKS Styles down, then builds speed, and he slides, but Styles dodges! Styles throws Je’Von to the apron, but Je’Von goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Styles dodges, Je’Von lands on his feet, but Styles RAMS him into barriers! Dragon runs to FLYING RANA Leon into Styles’ hands! STYLES- SUPERKICK from Je’Von! Dragon runs up, but Je’Von POSTS him! Je’Von & Leon put Styles in the ring, and Je’Von goes up, up, SUPER O G CUTTER!! Je’Von drags Styles over, tags Leon back in! “This is Awesome!” as Leon goes up, SWANTON SPLASH!! Cover, Dragon DROPKICKS Je’Von onto it!
The fans are thunderous as all four men are down. Dragon goes to a corner, he takes off the elbow pad, “This is Awesome!” as Dragon runs up! Je’Von SUPERKICKS, but Dragon V-TRIGGERS! Dragon ducks a roundhouse but not the SUPERKICK! Je’Von handsprings, RED DOT- DRAGON BLADE!! Je’Von tumbles out, Dragon builds speed, and Dragon FLIES! Down goes Je’Von at the ramp! Leon sees Styles is down, so he hurries to reel him in! And he calls his shot! But Styles BACKDROPS free! Leon sunset flips, Styles rolls through, but Leon fights the Clash! Styles still tries, but Leon DUMPS Styles to the apron!
Styles ROCKS Leon! He prepares the elbow pad, for the PHENOMENAL- NO, Styles slips off the rope! Leon covers, TWO!! The ropes might still be a mess from this wild night, but Leon hurries back up top! Styles stands, Leon leaps, but into a POWERBOMB! And then a STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles & Dragon win!
Winners: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
The tag team champions got a lot more out of Je’Von & Leon than they expected, but there’s no question the future of pro-wrestling will be bright! The champs show them great respect, too, and the fans applaud. Will it only be a matter of time before the Youngest In Charge are truly in charge?
The MIZ interrupts?!
He does it by shouting “AWWWWWESOME~!” over commentary talking! “Y’know what would’ve really been awesome? If this Last Time Is Now Tour didn’t pretend like I didn’t exist! Like I didn’t happen! I’ve been a main character in the history of John Cena! But here we are! Here we are, focusing on the new and up-and-coming superstars, when the guy that beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, in this outfit, in this gear, is standing right here! I demand respect! I demand-” R-TRUTH is here! The fans fire up as Truth runs down the ramp a la John Cena and slides right into the ring! He’s even in a baseball cap, shirt, and jorts!
The fans cheer and sing, “What’s Up?” Truth says he saw what Miz did! In the Last Time is Now tournament, Miz did something real inappropriate with Nick Aldis’ balls! He took someone else’s opportunity! And that person… is right here! Truth holds up the lottery ball Miz swapped out! Miz snatches that away from Truth, opens it up, and reads the paper. “Joe Hendry?” “SAY HIS NAME AND HE APPEARS!” And Joe Hendry SPINS into view! Miz says NO! NO! NO! Turn the stupid music off and stop dancing! Miz is so sick of this! STOP CLAPPING! Truth says this is what Miz is asking for, though! Nd Hendry fires hands!
Miz swings, misses, and Hendry catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM! And kip up! And… Truth joins in for the TURN! They even pose for pictures! Hendry joins in with saying, “You Can’t See Me!” TEN KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! And then Hendry guzels for the STANDING OVATION! Cover, Truth count sit, Hendry “wins!” The fans in DC all now believe in Joe Hendry, he’s so prestigious. But will Miz ever be humble enough to let anyone else have the spotlight?
John Cena VS GUNTHER!
All good things must come to an end, and the same is true for the great careers of living legends. Truly, the last time is now, and the only one who doesn’t want to celebrate it is Der Ring General! Gunther won the right to face John Cena, and he wants to make it so that for the first time and the last time, John Cena finally gives up. Will Gunther make Cena’s moment all about him? Or will Cena go out on top in one last main event?
The fans already chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” while waiting on the entrance. And then the lights go down, and the music hits! The tron slideshows as many of the classic John Cena looks from the past 20 years as it can, and Cena tells Stu that this might be weird, but hold on. Cena takes the camera so he can film Stu! Stu asks if Cena’s ready, and Cena says yes! Cena asks the fans if they’re ready, and he shows the towel that says “The Last Time Is Now!” in Washington Wizards style. Cena runs down the ramp, slides into the ring, and the fans erupt with cheers! Cena makes sure to see all sides of the crowd, and again hopes they’re ready for this.
Cena then steps back out to shake hands with Trish Stratus, Eve Torres, RVD, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Michelle McCool, Elias, Kevin Owens, Haku, Booker T, Sami Zayn, and Sami’s son. Cena returns to the ring so we can get the big time main event introductions! The fans are already fire dup, and they only keep it going as the bell rings. Gunther and Cena circle, feel things out, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, the fans all cheer Cena on, and the two break. Cena is surprised there isn’t a “Cena sucks” in the chant but he and Gunther reset. They feel things out again, but Gunther backs off.
Gunther steps out of the ring and the fans boo, but Gunther is doing this just to cool the fans off. Gunther steps back inside, he and Cena tie up again, but the fans tell Gunther off. Gunther UPPERCUTS Cena, stomps him down, then soaks up all that heat. Gunther goes back to Cena, stands him up again, and he UPPERCUTS Cena back down! The fans boo as Gunther puts Cena in a corner. The fans tell Gunther off more, Gunther just CHOPS Cena for it! Gunther stalks Cena to the other corner, and he CHOPS Cena again! Cena falls and sputters, the fans boo Gunther, but Gunther soaks up that heat. Gunther stands Cena up to CHOP him again!
Cena sputters while Gunther looms over him. The fans taunt Gunther with “You Tapped Out!” Gunther shakes his head, and he scoops Cena to SLAM him! Gunther stalks Cena to a corner, and he whips Cena corner to corner hard! Cena flops down but the fans rally behind him again. Cena rises up, but Gunther CHPOS him! Cena catches it! Cena fires haymakers and the fans fire up! Cena whips, Gunther reverses, but Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges, to SHOULDER TACKLE! And SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Cena hits the SPIN OUT BOMB! Cena raises his hand, the fans are thunderous again, and “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!
The fans fire up, Cena waits on Gunther, fireman’s carry and- NO, Gunther slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Gunther runs, to LARIAT! Gunther snarls, drags Cena back up, SLEEPER! Cena fights it, but Gunther squeezes tight! Cena arm-drags free! Drop toehold! S T F!! Gunther endures and the fans are thunderous! Gunther reaches out, crawls forward, but the fans chant “TAP! TAP! TAP!” Cena pulls Gunther back, Gunther still fights, so Cena lets go to get the legs. Gunther BOOTS Cena away! T-REX SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Then the GUNTHER BOMB!! The fans boo but Gunther says it is done!
Cena sputters, sits up slowly, and the fans tell Gunther off again. Gunther aims from the corner, runs up, and LARIATS Cena back down! Gunther wants the ref to either call it or ask Cena. Cena refuses to give up as he sits back up. The fans rally behind Cena, but Gunther runs to LARIAT him back down! Gunther talks trash on the fans while they boo. Gunther paces, circling like a shark with blood in the water. The fans rally for Cena as hard as they can, and Gunther eggs him on. Cena stands, Gunther LARIATS again! Gunther shouts at Cena to give up already. Gunther is foaming at the mouth and the fans say that’s gross.
Cena stands, Gunther runs, LARIAT! Gunther is piling on the punishment as he insists Cena say he’s done. Cena rises up, the fans tell Gunther off again, so Gunther runs again. LARIAT! Cena is still conscious so Gunther looms over him. The fans rally for “SUPER CENA!” That might be the first time ever. Cena dodges a lariat to SHOULDER TACKLE! SHOULDER TACKLE! SPINE OUT BOMB again! FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Gunther staggers, Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! The fans chant “One More Time!” and Cena agrees!
Cena waits, fireman’s carries again, btu Gunther slips free! Gunther CHOPS Cena on the back! Then SLEEPER! Gunther drags Cena down into the body scissors! Cena flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Cena rises, the fans are thunderous, and Cena shoves Gunther away! Cena has the SLEEPER!! The fans are going nuts as Cena has Gunther caught now! Gunther flails, flashbacks to Jey Uso at WrestleMania! Gunther kicks and kicks and fights to the ROPEBREAK! Cena lets go and Gunther bails out! The fans boo, but Cena storms in around the way! Gunther CHOPS! And then APRON BACK SUPLEX!
Cena sputters and slumps back down, but Gunther whips him into steel steps! Cena falls in a heap while the steps are knocked apart! The fans boo but Gunther refreshes the ring count. Gunther brings the other steel steps around, closer to the desk! Gunther then steps up so he can soak up all the heat. Gunther tells DC to shove it, then he fetches Cena. The fans tell Gunther off in return but he just chuckles. Gunther CLUBS Cena to be on the steps, then throws down fists! The fans boo, but Gunther clears the desk! Gunther then goes back up the steps, reels Cena in, but Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT DOWN THROUGH THE DESK!!
The fans are electric as both men are down on the ground! The ref checks both men, and Cena is already rising up! Cena drags Gunther back to ringside, puts him in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Cena covers, TWO!!! Gunther survives and no one can believe it! But the fans all rally for Cena harder than ever before! Cena decides to go for broke, and he climbs the corner! FLYING FAMOUSER!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and both men are down again! The fans let Cena know, “You Still Got It!” Cena says hold on, let’s get one more! The fans cheer as Cena raises his hand. The last one, either way! He needs to hear us all!
The fans are thunderously cheering as Cena sets it up! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” BUT GUNTHER IS UP!! HE BOOTS CENA DOWN!! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then the GUNTHER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!!! Cena survives, but Gunther just drags him around to the drop zone! Gunther goes up top, but Cena UPPERCUTS first! The fans fire up as Cena hops up to get Gunther! Fireman’s carry, and the SUPER ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Gunther survives and everyone is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down. Cena finds the energy to rise up, as does Gunther. Both men stand, and Cena fires a haymaker!
Gunther fires back, so Cena kicks low! Gunther fires a haymaker, Cena fires a haymaker! Gunther UPPERCUTS, Cena UPPERCUTS! The fans rally as both men wobble, and Gunther fires a shot! Cena fires back! Cena eggs Gunther on, then dodges, and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE- NO, Gunther lands out!! And lifts, GUNTHER BOMB!! Gunther goes right to the corner, right up top, GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! CENA SURVIVES! The fans are electric while Gunther wants Cena to get up again! Cena slowly rises, the fans cheer him on, but Gunther clamps on the SLEEPER!! Cena flails, reaches out, but is he fading?!
The fans rally for Cena, they boo Gunther, but Cena gets a second wind! Cena pries the hold open! But Gunther clamps it back on! Cena is fading again! Gunther sits Cena down, wraps on the body scissors, but Cena refuses to give up! A third wind and Cena shifts around! Gunther stays between Cena and ropes, but Cena pries the hold open, and fireman’s carries! But Gunther slips free, back to the SLEEPER!! Cena is turning red, but so is Gunther as they are in this war of attrition! Cena gets a fourth wind, if you will, but Gunther becomes a backpack! Cena stays on his feet, but that look on his face isn’t good… Gunther shifts to get as much weight as he can on Cena!
But Cena still turns around!? And he RAMS Gunther into buckles! Cena is free, but Gunther rushes up to clamp the SLEEPER on! Cena is fading again, and he’s back on the mat! The fans boo Gunther and rally again! Cena gets a fifth wind! Cena has Gunther as a backpack again, RAMS him into more buckles, and is again free! Then fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gunther survives, and then HAS THE SLEEPER!! The fans rally as hard as they have all night, “DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP!” Cena fights up as much as he can with Gunther still latched on! Gunther drags him back down, body scissors are on!
Cena is fading! The ref checks the arm, it drops once! The arm drops twice! Is it over?! The arm… STAYS UP!!! Cena rises from the dead! Gunther shifts to HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOW away!! Then the SLEEPER is back on!! Cena grits his teeth, all of DC and perhaps the entire WWE Universe behind him! But Cena is back on the mat! CENA TAPS?!? Gunther wins!!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
The entire arena is shocked! Over 19 THOUSAND fans witnessed Cena fight beyond human expectations, and not one of them expected Cena to tap out. Many call BS, but those subside so that they can all give Cena one final standing ovation. “Thank You, Cena!” Cena sits up, and he gives a deep bow of respect. Cena is then surprised to see Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and pretty much everyone else walks out from the back. CM Punk and Cody Rhodes each talk with Cena in the ring, and they want to “pay it forward.” They let Cena hold their belts one last time, and the fans all cheer.
Cena is humbled as he looks out at everyone around ringside. The fans continue to cheer, “Thank You, Cena!” while they and the superstars, producers and management all clap. The fans boo a bit seeing HHH on the apron, but they cheer when Cena raises both world titles one last time. Corner to corner, side to side, all 360 degrees, Cena makes sure everyone sees him with the belts one last time. And then the fans boo a bit as HHH and Cena hug it out. HHH then cues up one final tribute video to Cena. #ThankYouJohn. Cena bows to each side of the ring one last time, and he takes off his sneakers and wristbands to leave them in the ring.
The fans cheer once more as Cena slides out of the ring, and heads back up the ramp, high-fiving the front row as he goes. Cena takes one final bow on stage, and salutes. “It’s been a pleasure serving you all of these years.” The fans continue to cheer as Cena then steps back through the curtain and to the backstage area. Truly, thank you, Cena, for 25 years of hustle, loyalty, and respect.
My Thoughts:
An awesome Saturday Night’s Main Event, certainly more like what these should be versus what we usually get. Though, this might have been a unique case since it was Cena’s final match and they also did what were to be “showcase” matches for NXT. Cody VS Oba was a great opener, but I pretty much nailed my prediction of Drew attacking. But great stuff for Oba to help beat up Drew in return. Obviously, we’re going to get Cody VS Drew one last time, maybe in Last Man Standing or I Quit so that they finally have something decisive and noncontroversial. And either way, Oba has established himself to fans who don’t watch NXT, they’ll understand he’s a big deal when he finally gets his call-up.
Great match from Bayley VS Sol, Sol also got to show fans what she’s capable of, and I’m actually rather surprised she won. But perhaps Sol & Zaria can make the jump to the main roster as a tag team to even further add to a pretty powered up tag division. That’d be pretty cool, as it doesn’t seem they want to split these two up, or else we would’ve gotten that on NXT by now. Styles & Dragon VS Je’Von & Leon having such a wild start was great, but also a bit surprising. Even so, Je’Von & Leon got to show what they can do with their aerial moves, but I figured Styles & Dragon would win out as they’re still tag champs.
Miz “interrupting” and being confronted by Truth was some good stuff. It was also a great way to get Joe Hendry back on a main roster special, he might be fast tracked to main roster after this next phase in NXT fighting for that chant at New Year’s Evil. And of course, the main event (despite what stupid fans were speculating would be the opener) was Cena VS Gunther. An awesome main event, of course, really pouring on the false finishes and the drama of that sleeper. The fans obviously made it clear they hated the tap out, and honestly I’m not really for that, either. Obviously Cena was losing, he isn’t one to buck tradition, but Cena doing a pass out with a smile on his face plays so much better than him tapping out with like half a smile on his face.
For that matter, what was that look on Cena’s face in that moment anyway? Cena’s a great actor but I’m not sure he chose the right motivation in this “scene.” Frustrated, upset, reluctant, those are the emotions I’d expect because I’d be like that myself. Not sure if HHH is all to blame, per what the fans were doing, but feels like we need an episode of Unreal on this right away to explain how we got here. In the end, we can’t let this ruin the great night, Cena’s in-ring career has come to an end, and it really makes you look back over the last 25 years and tear up a bit. Truly, for everyone at The Chairshot, #ThankYouCena.
My Score: 9/10
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Classic POD is WAR
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