Can the dysfunctional duo take down the champions?

As the Super Junior Tag League hits its halfway point, odd couple Master Wato & El Desperado take on the fearsome Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Hiroyashi Tenzan VS Boltin Oleg, Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima; Makabe, Honma & Tenzan win.
• Shota Umino & Ren Narita VS Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan; Shota & Narita win.
• Six Man Tag: Chaos VS The House of Torture; Chaos wins.
• 2023 Super Junior Tag League: Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC VS Catch 2/2; Catch 2/2 wins.
• 2023 Super Junior Tag League: YOH & MUSASHI VS DOUKI & Taka Michinoku; Douki & Taka win.
• 2023 Super Junior Tag League: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Eagles & Fujita win.
• 2023 Super Junior Tag League: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS Bushi & Titan; Bushi & Titan win.
• 2023 Super Junior Tag League: Master Wato & El Desperado VS Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Wato & Desperado win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Super Junior Tag League Standings.

Intergalactic Jet Setters: 3-1, 6 points
Sho & Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-1, 6 points
Clark Connors & Dan Moloney: 3-1, 6 points
Master Wato & El Desperado: 3-1, 6 points
Yoh & Musashi: 2-2, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC: 2-2, 4 points
Catch 2/2: 2-2, 4 points
Bushi & Titan: 1-3, 2 points
Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita: 1-3, 2 points
Douki & Taka Michinoku: 0-4, 0 points

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC VS Catch 2/2!

The Funky Weapon & The Eternal Dylan Kyle Cox are 2-2, as are TJP & Francesco Akira. Can Taguchi & DKC take down the former tag team champions? Or will they get burned by Public Enemy & Nova Fireball?

The teams sort out and DKC starts against Akira. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and DKC waistlocks. Akira pries free to wrench and wristlock but DKC rolls to trip Akira. DKC ties the legs up, Akira moves around, but DKC floats to a facelock and cover, ONE! Akira gets up and fans applaud the opening exchange. The two reset, tie up, and Akira wrenches to a hammerlock. Akira spins DKC around and leap frogs over, to then drop toehold! Akira shifts to then have a headlock but DKC fights up. DKC wrenches, wristlocks, but Akira spins and trips him! Akira runs, but DKC drops, hurdles, only for Akira to shove!

Akira ducks ‘n’ dodges now to tilt-o-whirl RANA! DKC gets up but Akira DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up with Akira and he drags DKC up to bump off buckles. Tag to TJP, Catch 2/2 double whip, SOBAT, KICK, trip and SHOTGUN! Fans fire up again and TJP covers, TWO! TJP clamps on with a chinlock, DKC pries at the hold and fights up. DKC powers up and out, things speed up, and TJP catches DKC to a spin and backslide! ONE, and TJP has the legs! BOSTON CRAB, but then TJP gets the arms! REVERSE SURFBOARD! DKC endures so TJP drops him to have a DEATHLOCK! And a SNAP!

TJP then shifts to BOW ‘N’ ARROW! DKC endures, TJP puts him in a cover, TWO! DKC escapes but TJP drags him up to put in a corner. TJP stomps DKC down, and the fans rally up as he gives DKC some face scrubs! TJP runs side to side, but the Funky Weapon’s buns are in the way! TJP turns around, DKC runs up, and TJP takes a swing. DKC ducks ‘n’ dodges to DKCANNONBALL! Direct hit and DKC brings TJP around to run and SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! DKC BLASTS Akira for good measure before he brings TJP over. Tag to Taguchi, fans rally up as Taguchi & DKC double whip.

They double elbow TJP down, then fire up as they rain down CHOPS! OSU! Taguchi & DKC run, DOUBLE TOMAHAWS! OSU! Cover, TWO! TJP hangs tough but Taguchi CHOPS him to a corner. Taguchi CHOPS TJP down, going after that bad neck! Taguchi point blank hip attacks, then covers, TWO! Fans rally and Taguchi clamps on with a chinlock. Taguchi digs that knee into the neck, then shifts to a deep motorcycle stretch! TJP endures, Taguchi shifts to a headscissor hold. TJP pushes back to a cover, ONE! Taguchi thrashes around, the fans rally, and TJP pushes back again. TWO, and Taguchi lets go to float to his own cover, TWO!

Taguchi tags DKC and DKC drags TJP up into a neck wrench. TJP endures so DKC clamps on a chinlock. DKC pulls the arms in for a straitjacket stretch! TJP still endures and the fans rally up. TJP fights around, DKC wrangles him, but TJP slips out to the COBRA TWIST! DKC slips out to headlock, facelock, but TJP goes to ropes. DKC lets go, CLUBS TJP, then fires some forearms. DKC whips, TJP holds the ropes, but DKC gets him loose. TJP ducks ‘n’ fakes DKC out! DKC runs in, but into BOOTS! TJP ELBOWS Taguchi, dodges DKC, and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up as TJP crawls for his corner, hot tag to Akira!

Akira dodges DKC, ENZIGURIS, then whips him to ropes. DKC reverses but Akira RANAS! Fans fire up and Akira goes corner to corner, clothesline! Akira keeps going, UPPERCUT! Akira fires up again and goes up the corner! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Fans rally behind Akira as he pounds the mat. Akira drags DKC up, chicken wings the arms, TIGER- NO, DKC fights free! TJP runs in but DKC just shoves Akira into him! Akira and DKC trade forearms, then Akira SUPERKICKS! Both men wobble, Akira gets going, but DKC SHOTGUNS! Akira comes back, DKC catches fastball into wrench and NORTHERN LIGHTS! But DKC can’t hold the bridge!

Fans rally as DKC hurries up, hot tag to Taguchi! But TJP tags back in! MAMBA CROSSBODY, but Taguchi rolls it to a cover! TWO, and TJP goes to a corner. Taguchi runs in, TJP goes up and over, but Taguchi fights off the tornado! Taguchi runs in, TJP ducks and hits a THESZ PRESS! Fans fire up with “T! J P!” TJP runs in, tilt-o-whirls, and has the IRON- NO, Taguchi slips free, but TJP gets him again. But while Akira dropkicks DKC down, Taguchi powers out to have OH MY GAH ANKLE! Taguchi leans on the leg, TJP reaches out, but Taguchi reels him in! Chicken wing, DODON- NO, TJP victory rolls, and steals OH MY GAH ANKLE!!

Taguchi endures, scrambles around, hops up, and TJP hooks him up, IRON OCTOPUS! Taguchi endures but DKC BLASTS TJP! Akira runs up but DKC knees him low! DKC CLUBS Akira, hurries to get Taguchi up, and DKC stands Catch 2/2 up. DKC and Taguchi unleash the KNUCKLE SANDWICHES! Fans fire up as the punches fly in from all sides! Taguchi then HIP ATTACKS Akira out of the ring! Tag to DKC and he brings TJP up. DKC Electric Chair Lifts TJP, Taguchi springboards, HIP ATTACK DOOMSDAY! Cover, TWO! TJP survives the “Shiri Tower” and fans fire up. DKC & Taguchi both call upon the powers of Strong Style!

Taguchi & DKC aim from opposite corners, “ORYA~!” DOUBLE BUM-A-YE!! Cover, Akira breaks it!! Taguchi TOSSES Akira, he and DKC regroup. They drag TJP up, scoop and DKC runs, but Akira trips DKC! TJP fights free, waistlocks, but Taguchi switches and shoves. But Akira tags in off that! They shove Taguchi, into the ALLEY-OOP!! Fans fire up and Catch 2/2 regroups, but DKC waistlocks. Akira elbows free, runs to TJP and TJP puts him on the apron. TJP dodges DKC, gets him in a dragon sleeper, and Akira springboards! DOUBLE STOMP FINAL CUT COMBO!! Catch 2/2 then aims from the corners! 2 BY 2!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!

Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi & DKC earn 0)

A hot win for TJP & Akira! Will this reignite the fire for the United Empire? Can Taguchi & DKC still get that winning strategy right?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: YOH & MUSASHI VS DOUKI & Taka Michinoku!

#MUSAKO may only be 2-2 but that’s far better than the 0-4 staring down Japones Del Mal & The Blue Playmaker. Will Direct Drive & Dream Follower get over the hump here at the halfway point? Or will Douki & Taka finally get on the board?

The teams sort out and Yoh starts against Douki. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They tie up, Yoh waistlocks but Douki wrenches to a wristlock. Yoh rolls, kips and wrenches back, but Douki spins, wrenches and hammerlocks. Yoh reaches back, wrenches and fireman’s carries for the takeover, then headlocks. Douki headscissors, Yoh kips free, and fans cheer the opening exchange. Douki and Yoh reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock but then Douki kicks low! Douki whips, Musashi tags in, and they bypass, drop toehold and basement dropkick! Taka runs in but into a double hip toss!

Yoh & Musashi stands Taka & Douki up, knuckle lock, and they go to corners. Fans fire up as they stereo Shinobi Walk! Then they DOUBLE OLD SCHOOL! They both UPPERCUT Douki & Taka down, sending them out of the ring. Fans rally as #MUSAKO runs, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! They bail out, Taka whips and Douki DIVES! Direct hit and fans fire up! Taka stomps Musashi, drags him up and puts him in the ring. Douki brings Musashi around to turn and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Musashi hangs in there but Douki keeps cool. Douki bumps Musashi off buckles, tags Taka, and they mug Musashi.

Douki & Taka double whip, double CHOP, and then shake hands to DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Douki has Musashi in a Camel Clutch for Taka to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Taka drags Musashi up, brings him over, and bumps him off buckles before he snapmares. Taka digs his knuckles into Musashi’s face, the ref counts, and Taka lets off. Taka kicks Musashi around, stands him up, and whips him to a corner. Taka runs in to SHINING WIZARD, then he pushes Musashi down to cover. TWO, but Taka SHINING WIZARDS again! Cover, TWO! JUST FACELOCK! Douki BLASTS Yoh for good measure as Musashi endures.

Musashi reaches out but Taka CLUBS him down, and pulls way back! Musashi still fights around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while Taka lets go in frustration. Taka drags Musashi up, scoops, but Musashi slips free and ENZIGURIS! Both men are down, Musashi crawls, and fans fire up for the hot tag to Yoh! Yoh rallies on Taka, whips him to ropes, but Taka reverses. Yoh still FLYING FOREARMS! Yoh even HANDSPRING KICKS Douki down! Then Yoh PLANCHAS to take Douki out! Yoh gets back in, to PLANCHA Taka down! Fans fire up with Yoh and he brings Taka up and into the ring.

Yoh brings Taka up, scoops and SLAMS him, then he goes up and up to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Taka hangs tough but Yoh brings him up. Yoh suplexes but Taka slips free. Taka kicks, but into a DRAGON SCREW! Yoh tags Musashi while fans rally up, and #MUSAKO double whip Taka to a corner. Yoh sends Musashi in to ELBOW, then he sets up, POETRY IN MOTION! Feed to Musashi’s NECKBREAKER, which feeds Yoh’s SHOTGUN! Fans fire up with Yoh and he coordinates with Musashi. They get Taka up, but Taka BOOTS Musashi away! Then he BOOTS Yoh down! Musashi kicks and runs, but Taka runs to redirect and BOOT!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Taka crawls, hot tag to Douki! Douki kicks Musashi, whips, but Musashi reverses. Douki RANAS! Musashi goes to a corner, Douki ELBOWS him, then keeps moving! Springboard and BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up with Douki as he brings Musashi up, Gory Especial, into DODON JUTSU! Backslide cover, TWO! Musashi survives but Douki keeps cool. Douki goes to the apron, takes aim, and he slingshots in, DAY- NO, Musashi gets under! Musashi then gets around, but Douki fights the waistlock. Douki kicks, but Musashi ducks the enziguri to run and dropkick the leg! Then he dropkicks Douki down!

Fans fire up, Musashi runs in again, but Douki BOOTS him! Douki is on the apron, he RAMS a shoulder in, DAY- NO, Musashi stays up and suplexes! Douki slips out to roll Musashi up, into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Taka intercepts Yoh with a drop toehold, and JUST FACELOCK! Musako endures stereo submissions! Fans rally up, Musashi kicks around and reaches out, but he’s fading! ROPEBREAK!! The ref counts, Douki lets off in frustration but Taka kicks Yoh out of the ring. Taka & Douki coordinate, and Douki wheelbarrows Musashi! But Musashi BOOTS Taka, and arm-drags Douki!

Yoh DROPKICKS Taka out of the ring! Douki fires off forearms, runs, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Fans fire up and Yoh calls for the end! Musashi goes up, Yoh suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI to the FROG SPLASH! Yoh blocks but Taka gets past, and he breaks the cover! Fans fire up, Yoh kicks Taka out and Musashi scoops Douki, MICHINOKU DRIVER MK II!! Cover, TWO!!! Douki survives Musashi’s take on Taka’s own move! Musashi puts Douki up top, Electric Chair and tuck, but Douki fights free! Musashi elbows Douki and runs, into a LARIAT! But Yoh has Douki! Douki fights the underhooks and feeds Yoh to THE MICHINOKU DRIVER!

Fans fire up as Douki aims from the apron! DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Musashi survives and Douki is furious! Taka & Douki coordinate! Wheelbarrow, SUPER K DE LA LUNA!! Bridging cover, DOUKI & TAKA WIN!!

Winners: Douki & Taka Michinoku, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh & Musashi earn 0)

After going 0-4, they’re finally on the board! Is there still hope for Douki & Taka in this tournament? Will #MUSAKO be completely derailed after this loss?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The Might Don’t Kneel, but they have been falling down. And of all teams to be 3-1, it’s the Murder Machine & Heel Master! Will the Ichiban Sweet Boys be able to rise back up? Or will things get too HOT (House of Torture) for them?

Wait, why does Sho get out of the ring? He snatches a TMDK towel to taunt Fujita with it. Fujita is annoyed and he chases Sho back to his corner. Fujita then returns the TMDK towel to the fan and the crowd applauds. But then the House boys attack during introductions! The bell rings as Sho TOSSES Eagles, and Kanemaru stomps away on Fujita. Fans boo but Kanemaru claws Fujita’s face! The ref reprimands, Sho has Eagles all the way up the ramp. Sho returns, he and Kanemaru double whip but Fujita crisscrosses them! Fujita runs, ducks the double lariats and DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! Tag to Eagles and they double shoulder to double STO!

Eagles sets Kanemaru up, Fujita PENALTY KICKS! Eagles STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Eagles finally takes his shirt off and brings Kanemaru up. Eagles bumps Kanemaru off buckles, tags Fujita, and Fujita brings Kanemaru around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fujita drags Kanemaru back up, UPPERCUTS then whips, but Kanemaru reverses and Sho trips Fujita up! Kanemaru BLASTS Eagles, Sho brings Fujita into the very back row of the crowd, and SMACKS him off chairs! Then he CHOKES Fujita with a chair! Fans boo but Kanemaru does the same thing to Eagles in another part of the crowd!

Kanemaru JAMS Eagles with a chair, Sho stops choking Fujita, and Sho drags Fujita up. Sho drags Fujita back up the aisle, Young Lions make sure the fans stay a safe distance away, and Sho puts Fujita in. Kanemaru stomps Fujita, sits him up and ELBOWS him in the head! Kanemaru whips Fujita hard into the corner! Tag to Sho, and the House boys dig their boots in. The ref counts, they let off, and Kanemaru sits Fujita up. Kanemaru and Sho go side to side, to then DOUBLE BOOT! Sho drags Fujita to a cover, TWO! Fans rally but Sho taunts Eagles. Sho stomps Fujita, drags Fujita up, but Fujita throws body shots.

Sho bumps Fujita off buckles, digs his boot in, but the ref backs him off. Kanemaru tags in, and he drags Fujita out of the ring to scoop and SLAM to the floor! Sho taunts Eagles while Fujita writhes, and the ref has to keep Eagles back. Kanemaru puts Fujita in, Sho DECKS Eagles, and then Kanemaru whips Fujita to back drop him! Then Kanemaru turns Fujita over with the BOSTON CRAB! Fujita endures and fans rally while Sho keeps Eagles out. Fujita fights up, powers his way forward, but Kanemaru sits even deeper! Fujita still fights to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets off while the fans cheer, and Kanemaru stomps Fujita around.

Kanemaru drags Fujita up, bumps him off Sho’s boot, then tags Sho in. Fujita fires back with forearms and elbows! But he gets mugged, and they even claw his face! Sho stomps Fujita down, digs his boot in, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Sho taunts Eagles and Fujita, the fans boo, but Sho just taunts them. Sho scuffs Fujita, eggs him on, but Fujita stands up. Fujita swings, misses, and Sho eggs him on more. Fujita swings but misses more, and Sho stomps him down! Sho whips but Fujita reverses to CHOP! Fans fire up while Sho is stinging! Sho claws the eyes again! Sho runs, but Fujita WHEEL KICKS! Fans fire up while both men are down!

Sho and Fujita crawl, hot tag to Eagles! Eagles RANAS Sho down, then BLASTS Kanemaru! DROPKICK for Sho and the fans fire up with Eagles! Sho rises, and Eagles KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles has the fans rally up, then runs, but into a cheap shot from Kanemaru! Kanemaru stands Eagles up, but Eagles BOOTS Sho, then dodges to send Sho into Kanemaru! Eagles dropkicks Sho’s leg out to BASEMENT DROPKICK LARIAT COMBO! The House boys bail out and Eagles builds speed. Eagles DIVES and the somersault tope hits the House boys down! Young Lions are there to stop Eagles from falling into the front row’s laps!

Fans fire up with Eagles and he drags Sho into the ring. Eagles then runs, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sho hangs tough but Eagles keeps cool. Fans join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Eagles whips but Sho blocks to ROCK Eagles! So Eagles BASEMENT 619s the legs! And springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Sho’s legs out! Eagles steps through, but Sho kicks him away. Sho hobbles up, but Eagles spins him, hooks him up, but Sho CHOKES Eagles with Eagles’ own bandana to stop the backpack! Eagles knees Sho in return, then KICKS him down! Fans fire up as Eagles steps through, but now Sho boots Eagles into the ref!

The ref goes down, and Sho sneaks up to LOW- NO, Eagles blocks the underhanded uppercut! Eagles ROUNDHOUSES Sho, SUPERKICKS him, then ENZIGURIS! Sho goes down, Eagles fires up and has the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL! Fujita intercepts Kanemaru with a KIMURA! SHO TAPS, but there’s no ref to count it!! TMDK would’ve won by now! Wait, here comes the rest of the House! Yujiro, Evil and Dick beat down TMDK’s Sweet Boys! Fans boo as Yujiro kicks Fujita out of the ring. Evil stands Eagles up, he and Dick double whip, and then Dick runs in to back elbow! Yujiro BOOTS and Evil clotheslines!

Evil and Yujiro then set Eagles up for Dick’s DICK CHOP!! Eagles sputters and Sho laughs as he gets his Murder Tool! But Fujita is back, and he DECKS Sho! And DOUBLE SHOTGUNS Evil & Yujiro! Fans fire up as Fujita builds speed! Fujita FLIES! Yikes, a bit scary there, but Fujita still takes Evil & Yujiro down and stands back up! Fans fire up as Fujita then hurries into the ring to BLAST Dick! But Kanemaru kicks Fujita! Kanemaru whips, Fujita reverses but Kanemaru holds ropes. Kanemaru DUMPS Fujita out, and then grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru aims while Sho distracts the ref. Eagles dodges the bottle!

Eagles BOOST, KICKS, and ASAI- NO, Sho slips free! Sho waistlocks but Eagles uses that to hook him up! But then Sho grabs at the ref to stop the backpack! Kanemaru runs up, but Eagles drops, WHISKEY MIST hits Sho!! Eagles ENZIGURIS Kanemaru, Fujita drags him out! Eagles schoolboy bridges Sho, TMDK WINS!!!

Winners: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho & Kanemaru earn 0)

Justice is served! The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and they don’t get cheated, either! Will Eagles & Fujita soon be aiming for the top of the tournament? Will the House boys still find a way to turn up the heat for the Fall?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Intergalactic Jet Setters VS Bushi & Titan!

Kushida & Kevin Knight have been flying high and they don’t look to be stopping yet! Will the flight path to the finals still be on schedule? Or can the Black Mask & El Inmortal make things tranquilo?

The teams sort out and after LIJ fist bumps, Titan starts against Knight The fans rally up as Knight and Titan circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and then Knight trips Titan. Things speed up, Titan hurdles and Knight leaps over. Knight whips Titan to a corner, Titan goes up and over and handsprings away! Fans cheer but then Knight hurdles Titan. Titan BOOTS Knight, leaps, but into a BACKBREAKER! Knight shouts, “Tsuyoi!” Fans cheer and Knight wrenches Titan. Tag to Kushida, and handoff for an ELBOW HOTSHOT! Kushida storms in, wrenches Titan’s arm, and CLUBS the arm. Kushida then traps the arm to drop a knee on the elbow!

Kushida drags Titan up, wrenches an arm and hands it off to Knight, but then Bushi runs in! Kushida kicks him first, wrenches the arm, and adds that to it! Knight DOUBLE ELBOW BREAKERS! Fans cheer while LIJ both writhe. Kushida stomps Bushi, drags Titan up, and CHOPS Titan! Kushida runs but into a SOBAT, dropkick to the leg, and a SUPERKICK! Bushi BLASTS Knight, then Titan KICKS Kushida! Titan stands on Kushida at the ropes, the ref counts, but Titan grabs an arm! The ref counts again, Titan lets off, and he puts Kushida in a corner. Titan snapmares Kushida to then run and BASEMENT BOOT!

Tag to Bushi and he stomps Kushida. Bushi clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Kushida down. Fans rally, Kushida fights up, and Kushida throws elbows. Bushi knees low, snapmares and headscissors! Kushida flails, reaches out, and he rolls to the ROPEBREAK! Bushi lets go to bring Kushida up and turn, NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Kushida is hanging tough but Bushi drags him up. Bushi wrenches, Titan tags in, and Titan goes up. Titan DOUBLE STOMPS Kushida’s arm! Kushida writhes but Titan KICKS him in the leg! Knight storms up but Titan ROCKS him! Bushi stomps Kushida, Titan fires off on Knight in the corner!

Titan kicks Knight out of the ring, then he and Bushi double whip Kushida corner to corner. Titan runs in but Kushida dodges! Bushi kicks and kicks but Kushida reverses to send Bushi into Titan! Fans fire up as all three are down! Kushida crawls his way over, hot tag to Knight! Knight springboards to DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT! Direct hits and Knight fires off hands on Titan! Knight whips, scoops and SLAMS Titan! Then Knight scoops and SLAMS Bushi! Knight scoops and SLAMS Titan on Bushi! Then Knight SPLASHES them both! Fans rally and Knight stalks Titan. Knight brings Titan up and whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO-

NO, Knight blocks the DDT, to pop Titan up for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Knight keeps cool as he tells Titan, “Vamos, amigo! Vamos! <Let’s go, buddy! Let’s go!>” Knight runs in, SATELLITE- NO, Titan denies that DDT, then goes Matrix to dodge the lariat! CALF KICK and Knight ends up in a corner! Fans fire up with Titan, he runs in but Knight puts him up top! Knight CHOPS, then jumps up, but Titan slips under! Bushi shoves Knight down while Titan BLASTS Kushida! Titan tags Bushi, and then KICKS Knight in the side! LIJ double whip, to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER Knight!

LIJ then gets Knight back up, they hang him out to dry, and they each take a corner! MISSILE DROPKICK SANDWICH! Fans fire up and Bushi BLASTS Kushida for good measure. Titan fires up, runs corner to corner, LOCO LARIAT! Bushi runs in, but Knight stops the Code Breaker! Knight ROCKS Bushi, but Titan still springboards in. Knight dodges, comes in and he LEAPS over the double lariats to DOUBLE PELE! Fans fire up and Knight hot tags Kushida! Kushida AX HANDLES Bushi! And LARIATS! And then whips, to hip toss, cartwheel and basement dropkick! Fans fire up and Kushida stands Bushi up.

Knight returns, Kushida Electric Chair Lifts. But Titan kicks Kushida to save Bushi. Knight CLUBS Titan, Titan CLUBS Kushida, Bushi goes after Knight. but Knight and Kushida turn that around. The Jet Setters double whip, LIJ reverses but Jet Setters dosido! DOUBLE SPLASH in the corners! And then JET IN MOTION on Titan! They hoist Titan up, UPPER ROOM RANA! Fans fire up but Bushi kicks Kushida. Bushi CLUBS Kushida, but Kushida waistlocks! Knight runs in, Bushi fights back! Bushi sends Knight to the ropes, but Kushida gives him the BOOST! The crossbody takes Bushi down, Kushida PENALTY KICKS the arm!

Kushida waits as Bushi stands, HOVER- NO, Bushi fights off the armlock! Bushi fires forearms but Kushida KICKS and KICKS the arm! Kushida whips, Bushi reverses, Kushida handsprings, into BACKSTABBER! Fans are thunderous as Titan is back and he swings on Knight! Knight throws Titan by his mask but Titan kips up to PELE! And then Titan DIVES! Direct hit and Knight goes down! Bushi has Kushida now, CODE BREAKER! Titan springboards, ANGEL INMORTAL!! Bushi covers, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Bushi & Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Intergalactic Jet Setters earn 0)

LIJ just beat the team that beat the current champions! Do Bushi & Titan still have a chance at going to the finals? Can Kushida & Knight still course correct before the end?

2023 Super Junior Tag League: Master Wato & El Desperado VS Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Way of the Grandmaster & The Rogue Luchador have won the last two times they were in the main event, because somehow, they’re working as a team! But now they’re up against THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships! Can #DespeWato get the hattrick? Or will they just get hit with a Full Clip?

Par for the course, Desperado does not want to war the team shirt Wato made for him. Wato sighs and sets the shirt in the corner in case Desperado changes his mind. The teams sort out and Wato starts against Drilla. They circle and the fans rally up. The tie up, Wato wrenches and wrenches and CLUBS the arm. Wato wrenches again, hammerlocks, then headlocks. Wato wrenches again but Drilla wrenches to ROCK Wato! Drilla TOSSES Wato out, goes out after him and CHOPS him! And BOOT him! Wato falls over, and Drilla stomps him right in front of the front row! Connors goes after Desperado, then Drilla CHOPS Desperado!

Connors ROCKS Wato, keeps after him as he goes into the crowd, but Wato CHOPS back! Drilla throws Desperado into the ring, and he goes after the mask! Red Shoes reprimands Drilla but Wato DECKS Connors! Drilla lets off the mask but Wato goes after him! Wato CLUBS Drilla, whips him to the corner, but Drilla reverses. Drilla runs in, but into BOOTS! Wato BULLDOGS Drilla down! Fans fire up and Wato KICKS Drilla! And KICKS! And KICKS! Drilla stands but into more KICKS! Connors sneaks a tag, Drilla reverses the whip, and Drilla hurdles, drops, and Connors POUNCES while Drilla BLASTS Desperado!

Connors stomps Wato, drags him up, and snap suplexes! Connors pushes Wato to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Connors is annoyed. Connors drags Wato up to CHOP him down! Connors taunts the fans, stands Wato up, and CHOPS him back down! Fans still rally for Wato but Connors mocks them now. Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Connors drags Wato back up. Connors bumps Wato off Drilla’s boot, then Connors sucker punches Desperado! Desperado hits back, those two brawl, and Connors CLUBS Desperado down! Red Shoes reprimands but Connors goes back to Wato. Tag to Drilla, and Drilla brings Wato around.

Wato breaks free and CHOPS! But Drilla CHOPS Wato down! Drilla eggs Wato on while giving him kicks. Wato snarls, Drilla pushes him around, but Wato CHOPS! And CHOPS! Drilla CHOPS Wato down again! Desperado coaches Wato but Drilla stomps Wato around. Drilla stands on Wato’s fingers, but Wato grits his teeth. Drilla drags Wato up to CHOP again! Wato stays up this time, and he CHOPS! Drilla CHOPS! Drilla eggs Wato on, fans rally up, and Wato KICKS! Drilla CHOPS! Wato KICKS! Drilla CHOPS! Wato KICKS! CHOP! KICK! Drilla wobbles, but he still CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS!

Drilla ripcords but Wato breaks free to KICK Drilla down! Fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Connors and Desperado! Desperado swings, Connors dodges! Connors swings, Desperado dodges! Connors blocks a kick, Desperado dodges the haymaker to whip, but Connors reverses. Desperado ducks ‘n’ dodges and SPEARS! Then Desperado hoists Connors up, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Desperado and he stands Connors up. Desperado gut wrenches but Connors fights the lift! Connors fireman’s carries, but Desperado fights that to knee low! Connors UPPERCUTS! Desperado RAMS into Connors!

Connors blocks the takedown to KNEE Desperado, then runs to SPEAR Desperado down! Fans fire up while both men are down. Connors crawls to the cover, TWO! Fans rally as Desperado is still in this, but Connors snarls. Connors sits Desperado up, to RIP at the mask! Red Shoes reprimands, the fans boo, and Connors lets go. Desperado’s hair is coming out the front of his mask now! Connors stands Desperado up, taunts him, but Desperado fires a forearm. Connors eggs Desperado on so Desperado CHOPS! Connors wags his finger, but Desperado fires more shots! Fans fire up, but then Connors UPPERCUTS Desperado!

Desperado sits up, and he flips Connors off! Fans fire up and Connors grins, as he BENDS the finger! Desperado HEADBUTTS back! Connors falls, Desperado staggers about, but Desperado calls to Wato! Tag and fans fire up! #DespeWato gets Connors up, they double whip, but Connors holds ropes! Connors TOSSES Desperado out, then puts Wato on the apron! But Wato GAMANGIRIS back! Wato springboards to FLYING UPPER- NO, Connors dodges, and Drilla SUPERKICKS! Connors UPPERCUTS, Drilla ENZIGURIS! They lock ‘n’ load, DOUBLE GORE!! Cover, DESPERADO BREAKS IT!

Fans fire up but Drilla stomps away on Desperado! Drilla drags Desperado to TOSS him back out. Drilla stomps Desperado more, and Connors brings Wato up. Tag to Drilla, Drilla brings Wato up and Connors climbs. Fans rally and Desperado trips Connors! Connors lands on his wild rhino while Wato slips out to waistlock Drilla! Drilla fights the German, switches, roll-up and roll through, DRILLA- NO, Wato arm-drags free! Drilla ENZIGURIS Wato, then ducks Wato’s kick to SPINEBUSTER and DOUBLE STOMP! Both  men are down but fans rally up for Wato. Wato and Drilla stir, go for their corners, hot tags to Desperado and Connors!

Desperado and Connors stagger in, and Connors throws a forearm! Desperado ROCKS Connors back! Connors ROCKS Desperado again, but Desperado ROCKS Connors again! They go back and forth, and fans rally up! Desperado ROCKS Connors and Connors staggers back. Connors shakes the ropes, and he ROCKS Desperado again! Desperado comes back to ROCK and ROCK and ROCK! But Connors wrenches to UPPERCUT! Connors whips, but Desperado reverses and RAMS him! Desperado reels Connors in but Connors fights the suplex! Connors wrenches and ROCKS Desperado again!

Connors whips, Desperado reverses and SPINEBUSTERS! Flip and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, ONE?!? Connors roars and fans fire up again! Desperado seethes but he nods at Connors. Desperado drags Connors up, winds up, and ROCKS him with a right! Red Shoes warns about closed fists but Desperado throws more shots! Then he fires forearm after forearm! Connors CHOPS, UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, UPPERCUTS and HAYMAKERS! Desperado ROCKS Connors! Desperado eggs Connors on but Connors flips Desperado off. Desperado BENDS the finger! Desperado whips, Connors reverses and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up as Desperado hangs tough. Connors seethes, he drags Desperado up and reels him in, but Desperado fights the suplex! Connors CLUBS away on Desperado, suplexes again, but Desperado wrenches, trips, cradle, then STRETCH MUFFLER! Fans fire up as Desperado gets an arm, NUMERO DOS! ELEVATED NUMERO DOS! But Drilla drags Red Shoes out before Connors TAPS! Desperado is furious, but he runs into a CHAIR SHOT! Drilla throws that chair to Connors and grabs another for himself. Fans boo as Connors wants more! Drilla fetches a few more, and Connors storms up on Desperado.

Connors RIPS at the mask more and more! It’s almost completely gone at this point! We can see pretty much all of Desperado’s real face! Connors puts Desperado’s face on one chair, and gets the other! Fans rally for Wato but where is he? Connors SMASHES Desperado with the chair!! Drilla gets Red Shoes in, Connors covers, and Red Shoes counts. TWO?!?!? Desperado lives!! Fans are thunderous as Desperado roars, but Drilla GORES him down!! Drilla grabs the title belts and Connors takes one. They aim, but Wato SPRINGBOARD UPPERCUTS Connors! And DROPKICKS Drilla! And then Wato FLIES to take Drilla down!!

Desperado gives a THUMBS UP! He actually compliments Wato! Desperado fires up, and he drags Connors over to one of the belts! Underhooks and PINCHE- NO, Connors fights out to UPPERCUT! LOCO MONO!!! And then, GOLDEN PINCHE LOCO!!! Connors gets smashed on his belt! Desperado calls to Red Shoes, covers, DESPEWATO WINS!!!

Winners: Master Wato & El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors & Moloney earn 0)

Incredible! Not only do the champions fall again, but Desperado worked together with Wato! And he wears the shirt, as a spare mask! Good enough for Wato! Will Connors & Drilla owe more golden tickets after this? Will they lock and load to still take the tournament trophies?

As for Desperado, he gets the mic to say, “Someone needs to translate this to our opponents. Thank you. All that stuff you tried, I was doing that with Suzuki long ago. Eating all that was damn tough, but it was fun as hell. That’s that. Hey, Junior Tag Champions, you wanna bring that? I’ll always be your opponents. Someone will translate that for you.” Fans cheer as Connors & Drilla finally make their exit. Desperado then says, “I think I’m gonna puke so I wanna get outta here. But I’ll say this. I think this here, on the mic, is as important as what happens bell to bell. I know it’s your character to be a pain in the ass, but today… You helped me out.”

Fans applaud that, and Desperado says Wato nods and agrees, but his actions don’t live up to it. “That’s why I still hate you.” But he’ll still say, “Thank you.” Fans cheer that, too! Desperado even offers a handshake! Wato takes it, fans cheer even more, and then Desperado says his head hurts so he’ll take off. Wato can finish this. Wato takes the mic as Desperado hobbles off, and Wato tells “Despe-san, thank you for your continued support. Together, let’s climb this Junior Tag League. From here on out, as a team, we will take this Super Junior Tag League!” Fans cheer and Wato takes a bow, but will he and Desperado use teamwork to make the dream work?

Here are the NEW Super Junior Tag League Standings!

Master Wato & El Desperado: 4-1, 8 points
Intergalactic Jet Setters: 3-2, 6 points
Clark Connors & Dan Moloney: 3-2, 6 points
Sho & Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-2, 6 points
Catch 2/2: 3-2, 6 points
Yoh & Musashi: 2-3, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi & The DKC: 2-3, 4 points
Bushi & Titan: 2-3, 4 points
Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita: 2-3, 4 points
Douki & Taka Michinoku: 1-4, 2 points

My Thoughts:

Another great round of the Super Junior Tag League, with some really great moves in who won and who lost. Catch 2/2 gets back up again, even with TJP’s neck still bothering him. Douki & Taka finally getting on the board was great, they really got that match going hot to lead to that. At the same time, I don’t really see Yoh & Musashi getting to the finals so this loss hasn’t really hurt them. TMDK still making it through all the cheating from The House of Torture was great stuff, great win for them, and it helps bring The House of Torture away from the top spot.

A bit of a shame that the Jet Setters aren’t at the top spot anymore but at the same time, LIJ needed to get back up for their own run to survive, so that’s a fine win for LIJ. And of course, an awesome main event with an awesome moment between Wato and Desperado before they beat the champs. I said last round that those guys feel like shoe-ins for the finals, can’t wait to see them finish strong these last four rounds.

My Score: 8.9/10