NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/11/24)
Time to see who’s the best!
An explosive start to the round robin!
NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors returns for a 31st year, and it looks to be even more star-studded than ever before! But will this be Hiromu’s redemption? Or is he no longer the Best of the Super Juniors?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia; Akira wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS HAYATA; Hayata wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Ninja Mack; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Blake Christian VS Clark Connors; Blake wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS TJP; Knight wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Titan; Titan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia!
The Nova Fireball starts things off against the Infinity Carat Diamond! Will Akira win for the United Empire and the home team, NJPW? Or will Dragon Dia score one for Dragon Gate?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Dia waistlocks but Akira sits and wrenches free. Dia rolls, wrenches back, but Akira rolls, slips through, wrenches and spins Dia to arm-drag! Akira grinds the arm with a cording hold, but Dia rolls back. Akira gets him for a headlock and takeover, but Dia headscissors. Akira kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. Dia and Akira reset, tie up, and Akira arm-drags! Then he runs Dia over! The fans fire up, Akira gets going, but he hops over the dropdown to whip. Dia ducks the hurdle to tilt-o-whirl arm-drag and DROPKICK! Akira bails out and fans fire up!
Dia builds speed, Akira slides back in and sends Dia out! Akira builds speed but Dia slides back in! Akira lands out safe but turns around as Dia FLIES! Direct hit with the tope conjilo and the fans fire up again! Dia fires up and the fans cheer. Dia drags Akira up and puts him in the ring, then aims from the apron. The fans rally, Dia springboards but Akira gets under! Akira runs in but Dia drop toeholds him to ropes! Dia then dials it up, 619! The fans fire up and Dia slingshot TORNILLO, but onto knees! Akira saves himself with a somewhat double-edged move but the fans rally up. Akira hobbles his way over, brings Dia up, but Dia HIP ATTACKS!
Dia whips Akira to a corner, but Akira comes back to CALF KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dia and Akira go to opposite corners, and Akira runs corner to corner to clothesline! Akira keeps moving, and says “Kon’nichiwa!” before the UPPERCUT! Akira pushes Dia down, goes up and out, and shouts “IKU ZO!” The fans fire up with Akira as he goes up the corner, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dia gets outta that one but Akira just fires up more! Akira pounds the mat, “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” But Dia ducks the Fireball! SOBAT! Dia runs, but Akira clotheslines! Akira runs, but into an ENZIGIRI!
Dia STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Akira is up but Dia reels him in! Fisherman and EMERALD FLOWSION! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives #EndOver and the fans are thunderous! Dia thinks what he has to do now, and he goes to a corner. The fans rally as Dia climbs up and takes aim. Akira stands, Dia leaps in, but Akira gets around him! Dia fights the waistlock, gets free, runs, but into a COLLISION COURSE! The fans fire up with Akira and he drags Dia up! SPEED FIRE! Akira then aims from the corner and pounds the mat! “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
A fiery first match here tonight to be sure! Akira is getting hot at the right time, will he blaze a trail to the top of this tournament? Can Dia withstand the pressure of going down in the first round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS HAYATA!
It’s another crossover match as NJPW’s Black Mask takes on Pro-Wrestling Noah’s Falcon! Will Bushi make things tranquilo in Chiba? Or will he need some Painkillers after tonight?
The moment Hayata puts his coat aside, Bushi SHOTGUNS him down! The bell rings and Bushi stomps away in the corner! The ref has Bushi back off, but Bushi brings Hayata up to CHOP! Bushi whips, Hayata reverses, but Bushi RANAS! Hayata bails out but Bushi builds speed! Hayata returns to ELBOW Bushi down! Things speed up, and Hayata catches Bushi’s hurdle into an atomic drop! Then he runs to SHOTGUN BOOT Bushi down! The fans fire up while Bushi goes to the apron. Bushi goes to the floor, Hayata waits on him. The ref checks Bushi, he seems okay to continue, so Hayata goes out to fetch him, and POST him!
Bushi tumbles, Hayata paces around him, and the ring count climbs. Hayata drags Bushi up at 9 of 20, puts him in at 10, and the fans applaud. Hayata stands on Bushi for a cocky cover, TWO! Hayata drags Bushi up, bumps him off buckles, and Hayata stomps away! Hayata digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Hayata lets off at 4. Hayata drags Bushi up, snapmares, and he clamps on a chinlock! Bushi endures, kicks around, reaches out, but Hayata grinds him into the mat. Bushi still fights and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Hayata lets off and he stomps Bushi around. Hayata brings Bushi up but Bushi CHOPS!
Bushi CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Hayata kicks low but Bushi body blows and dropkicks the legs out! The fans rally while both men are down. Bushi goes to a corner, Hayata runs up but into a BOOT! Bushi runs to RANA and Hayata goes to the apron! The fans rally up again as Hayata stands. Bushi runs to DECK him! Then Bushi builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Hayata! The fans fire up again while Bushi rises! Bushi drags Hayata up and puts him back in. Bushi puts Hayata in a corner to whip corner to corner. Bushi runs in to ELBOW, then he puts Hayata’s leg in the rope! Bushi DROPKICKS the leg, then DRAPING BACKSTABBERS!
Bushi gets Hayata up, blocks his haymaker to spin and DDT him down! Cover, TWO! Hayata is still in this but Bushi SMASHES his knee into the mat! Then dropkicks the leg! Bushi ties the legs up for the ASHIROAD CLOVER! Hayata endures, grabs at Bushi’s mask, but the ref reprimands. Bushi pulls on the leglock and the fans rally up! Hayata fights his way around, reaches out, but Bushi powers him down! Hayata still fights to have the ROPEBREAK! Bushi lets go and the fans rally. Bushi brings Hayata up, has the leg, but Hayata fights the shin breaker with elbows! Hayata goes to a corner, Bushi around in but Hayata dodges to TORNADO DDT!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Hayata grits his teeth, gets to his feet, and storms back to Bushi. Hayata brings Bushi up, says this is it, but Bushi fights the DDT to backslide! Hayata slips free, but Bushi blocks the superkick! Bushi kicks, whips, but Hayata reverses to PELE! Bushi wobbles, Hayata tucks the arms and reels him in, STRAITJACKET DDT!! Cover, TWO! Bushi survives but Hayata gets him back up! 403 IMPACT!! Cover, Hayata wins!
Winner: Hayata, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
Yep, Bushi’s definitely gonna need ibuprofen after that one! But will he be feeling better in time for round two on Monday? Will Hayata continue to show the power of Noah and his GHC National Championship through this tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Ninja Mack!
The Sniper of the Skies returns because The Mighty Don’t Kneel! He also returns as the Soul of PWA Champion! But he’s up against Noah’s American Shinobi! Will Eagles be able to shoot Mack down? Or will this Mack attack send Eagles to the back of the pack?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Robbie. Eagles has them hold on, and we gotta do this right. “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” The fans cheer again and Mack has everyone hold on. “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” The fans join in on “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” The two tie up, go around, and Mack wrenches to a hammerlock. Eagles switches that onto Mack, but Mack reaches down. Eagles keeps his legs back but Mack snapmares free. Mack has an armlock but Eagles fights up. Mack wrenches, wristlocks, but Eagles rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back!
The fans cheer this technical exchange, and Eagles wrenches again. Eagles keeps Mack from the ropes, but Mack backflips and headlocks! The fans cheer for “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” but Eagles powers up and out. Mack ducks the boot, shoves Eagles then hurdles, and backflips to handspring! The fans fire up for the agility as Mack and Eagles take fighting stances. They circle, Mack powers up, but Eagles blocks his strike to wrench, go up and around, then arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles then RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips through! That last part was just Mack showing off. Eagles gets mad and rushes in!
Mack gets around, Eagles bucks the O’Conner, then he puts Mack on the apron. Mack ROCKS Eagles, but Eagles tiger feints to sweep the leg! Eagles then runs to DIVE! Direct hit with the somersault tope and the fans fire up! Eagles goes all the way to the back row and comes back to high-five everyone. Eagles then gets Mack up and puts him against the post, to KICK! The ref wants this in the ring, so Eagles slides in, just to slide back out. Eagles goes after Mack, brings him up and around, and the fans rally up. Eagles aims and KICKS Mack against the post! The fans fire up with Eagles but the ref insists this goes back inside.
Eagles slides in, the slides back out, only for Mack to CHOP! And CHOP! But Eagles clips the legs! Eagles puts Mack in and pounds the mat. The fans rally, Eagles aims from the apron, and he springboards, only for Mack to get clear! Eagles still comes back to dropkick the legs out! The fans rally, Eagles has Mack’s leg and he says “WOO~!” The fans “WOO~!” with him, then he steps through, only for Mack to KICK and KICK and KICK! But Eagles KICKS Mack’s leg! Eagles brings Mack up but Mack fires palm strikes! Mack whips Eagles to a corner, Eagles reverses, but Mack goes up and over and rolls, then comes back to UPPERCUT!
The fans fire up and Mack goes to a corner. “NIN-JA! NIN-JA!” LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Mack is annoyed but he focuses his power. Eagles is still down as Mack runs, jumps up and up and PHOENIX SPLASH onto knees! Eagles saves himself, though a bit double-edged. The fans rally up, Mack goes to a corner and Eagles fires up. Eagles runs in but Mack BOOTS him! Mack runs up but Eagles BOOTS him! Eagles runs in but Mack jumps the lose tiger feint! Eagles avoids Mack’s knee, Mack ducks the roundhouse, but Eagles blocks Mack’s superkick! And hooks him up, only for Mack to roll him up! TWO!!
Eagles runs up, but into a drop toehold! OKLAHOMA ROLL! TWO, Eagles covers, TWO! Eagles runs up, gest around, schoolboy BRIDGE! TWO, but Eagles steps through! Mack counters with a cradle! TWO!! The fans fire up, Mack sunset flips, TWO! Eagles sits on it, TWO! Mack rolls, Eagles rolls through to stack! TWO! Mack has it back, TWO!! GHOST PIN!! TWO!! Eagles has a cradle, TWO!! Mack has a cradle, and stacks it deep! MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
Even Mack is a bit surprised he got that one! It certainly went fast and furious by the end, but will Eagles be able to reload and be ready for next round? Will Ninja Mack prove even an American Shinobi can be the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Ichiban Young Punk of TMDK takes on the Heel Master of the House of Torture! But this is less about who’s the Best of the Super Juniors and more about keeping Fujita away from the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Sho! Will Kanemaru do his part to protect the Murder Machine? Or will Fujita be ready for every trick in the book?
Kanemaru takes a quick swig of whiskey, mists it to the fans, then he rushes Fujita and CLOBBERS him! The fans boo as Kanemaru TOSSES Fujita out, goes out after him, then throws him into open chairs! Young Lions help fans clear out as the bell rings and Kanemaru drags Fujita up. Kanemaru puts Fujita in the ring, whips him to a corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Fujita runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! The fans fire up and Fujita DROPKICKS Kanemaru! Kanemaru bails out but Fujita runs up to PLANCHA! Kanemaru moves, Fujita lands safe on the apron! Fujita kicks but Kanemaru blocks to YANK Fujita down!
Kanemaru pushes Fujita back to the apron, to SUPER KNEE SMASH to the floor! The ref checks on Fujita while Kanemaru paces. The fans rally, and Fujita seems okay to continue, so Kanemaru makes his way back over. Kanemaru rolls into the ring just to refresh the count, then he puts Fujita in. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, whips him to ropes, and he dropkicks Fujita’s leg! Kanemaru gets that leg and steps through for the FIGURE FOUR! The fans rally while Fujita endures! Fujita fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on, so the ref pries at the hold! The ref reprimands and Kanemaru finally sets Fujita free.
Now Kanemaru steps through to knee drop on the knee! Kanemaru then YANKS the bad leg, and drops an elbow on the knee! Kanemaru has a toehold but Fujita endures. The fans rally, even as Kanemaru pulls on the leg! Fujita drags Kanemaru along as he crawls over, and the fans rally again. Fujita reaches out, but Kanemaru drags him away from the ropes, to YANK the leg again! Fujita writhes but Kanemaru stomps him. Kanemaru stands on the leg and makes Fujita suffer, then he stomps the knee! Kanemaru drags Fujita up, has the leg, but Fujita fights back with a headlock! Fujita throws down elbows, but Kanemaru kicks the leg!
Kanemaru kicks Fujita around but Fujita fires forearms! So Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru kicks and whips. Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita rolls to one corner, Kanemaru goes to the other. Fujita slaps his leg into working, and he runs corner to corner, only for Kanemaru to put him on the apron! The leg jams, and then Kanemaru kicks it! Kanemaru runs up but Fujita RAMS into him! Fujita aims, slingshots, but Kanemaru throws the ref into him! Both ref and Fujita fall! Kanemaru checks on the ref as if he didn’t just do that!
With the ref down, Kanemaru goes to get his whiskey! Kanemaru takes another swig, but Fujita springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS! The mist goes flying into the air again, and Fujita fires up! Fujita runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita roars and the fans fire up with him! Fujita waistlocks Kanemaru, drags him up, but Kanemaru grabs the ropes! Fujita CLUBS Kanemaru on the back! Fujita runs, but Kanemaru dropkicks the legs again! Kanemaru SMASHES the knee! And then steps through, to FIGURE FOUR! Fujita endures, the fans rally, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Fujita still fights his way over!
Fujita drags Kanemaru along but Kanemaru thrashes the hold! The fans rally harder, Fujita keeps going, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Kanemaru lets off in frustration. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, reels him in, and scoops to BRITISH- NO, Fujita turns that around! But Fujita’s leg makes it hard to suplex! Kanemaru suplexes back, Fujita slips free, but then the leg jams up! Kanemaru trips Fujita, steps through, but Fujita cradles! TWO!! Kanemaru kicks, Fujita gets around, O’Conner Roll and- Kanemaru grabs at the ref!! All three men drop to the mat, but Fujita still holds onto the waistlock! But Kanemaru gets his whiskey!
The ref sees the bottle, takes it from Kanemaru, but Kanemaru mule kicks the leg! Kanemaru runs, but into a pop-up GERMAN SUPLEX! Fujita brings Kanemaru up and spins him around to suplex, ABANDON HOPE! Cover off the cutter, Fujita wins!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and Fujita proved that here! Will he fight his way up to the top of the block? Will Kanemaru have to apologize to Sho for failing in this first round?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS SHO!
Bullet Club faces Bullet Club as the War Dogs’ 44 Caliber squares off with the House of Torture’s Murder Machine. But it is also champion VS champion as one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions faces THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! Will Drilla killa man just to get that golden ticket? Or will Sho show no mercy, even to a fellow Club member?
Actually, from the look of it, Sho’s trying to be #1 War Dogs fan. He’s wearing one of their merch shirts, is showing off the autograph he got during Drilla’s own meet ‘n’ greet session, and has some really odd props, like a skeleton backpack and a bull skull hat… Drilla digs it all either way. Sho lets the ref check him, and says that the autograph is proof that War Dogs and House of Torture are good friends. The champs shake hands and hold up their belts, which the fans do applaud. The bell rings, and then both champs take aim with their belts! The ref reprimands, each guy claims they were just checking, joking around a little.
Drilla and Sho each back off to put their belts down in their corners, but then they both rush up again! And they both block kicks down low! They both say they’ll have a good clean match, and they set the other man’s foot down. Only to try and block a kick from the other leg! They both say okay, clean break. The ref helps with that as they lower the legs down. But then Sho pulls Drilla’s nose to get a headlock! Sho grinds the hold, Drilla powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Drilla and Sho fire forearms back and forth, and Drilla gets the edge! But then Sho CLAWS Drilla’s eyes! Sho runs, but Drilla hurdles, drops, but avoids the basement dropkick!
Drilla KICKS Sho on the back, scoops him, and laughs before the BACKBREAKER! Sho hobbles up, Drilla whips him corner to corner hard, then reminds Sho this is a clean fight. Drilla drags Sho up, reels him in, but Sho bends fingers! Drilla UPPERCUTS! Drilla runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho then dodges Drilla, bails out, and wants things to cool off. Drilla waits as Sho goes around the outside, but then storms out after him. Sho sneaks the bell hammer?! Drilla pushes the ref aside, Sho JAMS Drilla, then HAMMERS him! Sho CHOKES Drilla, the ref storms over and reprimands, but Sho gives it back to Abe-san, claiming it was Abe’s idea!
Sho then CHOKES Drilla using a camera cable! The ref backs Sho down and reprimands him. Sho CLAWS Drilla’s eyes as he drags him up, and SMACKS him off chairs! Sho leaves Drilla behind while Drilla sits up and the ring count starts. Drilla storms back in but Sho stomps him down! Sho digs his boot in, the ref counts and Sho lets off at 4. Sho CHOKES Drilla, but the ref counts. Sho takes off his shirt, hands it to the ref, and that distraction lets Sho fishhook Drilla into a chinlock! Sho pulls on the hold, it’s almost a choke! Drilla goes to the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Sho lets off. Sho mockingly says there’s no such thing as a clean fight.
Sho kicks Drilla, but Drilla CHOPS! Drilla fires forearms, but Sho CLAWS Drilla’s eyes! Sho runs, Drilla scoops, but Sho slips free! Sho goes to a corner, Drilla runs in but Sho puts him on the apron. Drilla ROCKS Sho, then GAMANGIRIS! Sho flops and flounders, Drilla runs in, but has to hurdle over Sho! Sho keeps going, Drilla DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Sho scrambles to another corner, Drilla runs in, but Sho BOOTS him! Sho runs up but Drilla gets under, ripcord, but Sho blocks the chop! Sho kicks, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! “Clean fight!” DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO!
Drilla is annoyed but the fans rally up behind him. Drilla aims from a corner as Sho rises, and Drilla runs in, but Sho ducks the boot! But Drilla stuffs Sho’s spear to reel him in! Canadian Rack, but Sho CLAWS eyes! The ref reprimands, Sho reels Drilla in and tucks the arms, but Drilla fights the lift! Drilla wrenches out but Sho ducks the chop, to SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Sho is frustrated but the fans rally up again. Sho snarls and drags Drilla up to TOSS him out! Sho goes after Drilla with stomps, and he brings Drilla to the back end of the crowd! Sho SMACKS Drilla off chairs, then pulls down railing to get at the tech area!
Sho dribbles Drilla off the table, then gets space. Sho runs, but Drilla FLAPJACKS him off the table! Drilla leaves Sho behind and wants the count! The count does start as Drilla rests in the ring and Sho crawls his way back! Sho stands at 5 of 20, hobbles his way through the crowd and makes it back to ringside at 10. Drilla tells the ref to go faster! But this just slows the ref down! Wait, Gedo sneaks out here, and he LOW BLOWS Sho!! The Blacksmith gets the better of the Murder Machine and we’re now at 15 of 20! But the ref’s so busy watching Sho that Yujiro Takahashi sneaks in to LOW BLOW Drilla!! Tokyo Pimp evens things up!
The count still climbs, Sho hobbles around, and slides in at 19! Yujiro then goes after Gedo on the outside! Yujiro throws Gedo in, letting Sho get the Torture Tool! WRENCH SHOT!! Cover, Sho wins!!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Drilla earns 0)
Guess they were lying about that clean fight right from the start! Will Bullet Club (not) be fine after all these shenanigans? Or will someone finally catch the House of Torture red handed?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Blake Christian VS Clark Connors!
After becoming GCW World Champion, All Heart is now All Heat, and he looks to use that heat to burn up the block! Will Blake’s career be hotter than ever before? Or will he burn out after facing 100 Proof?
The bell rings, Connors throws up the Too Sweet and barks. He says BANG at Blake, but Blake says hold on. He digs down into his tights, brings out a finger gun, but makes it into a dirty bird! The fans cheer, Connors runs in, but Blake dodges to kick, KICK and he ROCKS Connors in the corner! Blake stomps a mudhole, then gives some Good Vibrations! Blake shouts out the King of Strong Style, then gives a little vafanapoli. Blake goes back for Connors, whips, but Connors reverses, only for Blake to reverse back and RANA! Connors ends up on ropes, so Blake 619s! Then he springboard UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer this fast ‘n’ furious opening, and Blake headlocks to keep Connors down. Connors endures, Blake says this isn’t a War Dog but a puppy. Blake uses the Too Sweet to noogie Connors! Connors fights up, powers up and out, but Blake handsprings over his dropdown! Things keep moving, Blake rolls off Connors’ back to waistlock. Connors elbows free but Blake CLUBS Connors in return! Connors doubles over, Blake dropkicks from between the legs! The fans fire up as Connors wobbles, and Blake brings him back to kip up and whip. Connors reverses, Blake handsprings but Connors gets clear to POUNCE!
Blake tumbles outta the ring from the #JeepFlipper, then Connors goes out after him. Connors throws hands on Blake, and he shouts for fans to move! Young Lions hurry to get fans clear, and Connors BOWLS Blake right into the chairs! Now that was a strike! The fans cheer, but the ref wants Connors to hold on now. Connors storms through, flips hats off fans’ heads, then leaves Blake behind in the wreckage. The fans rally up as Blake rises, but Connors sends a Young Lion into him! Connors slips into the ring and the count begins. Blake sits up, crawls his way back to ringside, and stands at 11 of 20. Blake hobbles over, and slides in at 16!
The fans cheer but Connors is right on Blake. Connors snap suplexes then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Connors keeps on Blake with a half nelson, then full nelsons! Blake endures as Connors thrashes him around, and he pries at the hold. Connors holds tighter, and the fans rally as Blake reaches out, and he gets a ROPEBREAK with a foot! Connors lets go, pushes Blake around, then stands him up to CHOP! Connors whips but Blake holds ropes to block! Connors ROCKS Blake, but Blake still holds ropes! Then Blake CLAWS Connors eyes, and BITES Connors’ forehead! Blake whips, Connors reverses, but Blake handsprings to wheelbarrow, victory roll, and SPLASH!
The fans fire up and Blake keeps going! Blake gets up a corner and aims, MACHO ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Connors survives and bails out but the fans fire up. Blake says don’t cheer, boo him! He then builds speed to FOSBURY FLOP into a REVERSE DDT! It wasn’t the cleanest transition but Blake still takes Connors down! Blake gets Connors back in the ring, then DDTS a leg! Blake mockingly applauds but the fans still cheer, and Blake brings Connors up. Connors headlocks to fight the back suplex but Blake throws body shots. Then Blake hits the BIG back suplex! Blake goes up a corner, aims, and 450- NO, Connors moves!
Blake lands on his feet, but turns around into Connors’ SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Connors grins as he goes to a corner. Connors barks, the fans clap along, and Connors runs in, into a KIOCK! And ENZIGIRI! Blake runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Blake survives being turned inside-out, but Connors drags him back up. Connors reels Blake in, puts his stamp on it, but Blake wrenches free to PELE! Connors wobbles, Blake runs, but into a HEADBUTT! Blake’s right up!? SUPERKICK! The fans fire up, Blake goes up and up and leaps, into an UPPERCUT! Connors runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up again while both men are down! Blake finds the sole of his shoe has split! Blake gets up, Connors kicks low and reels him in! But Blake fights No Chaser to wrench and ROCK Connors! Connors goes to a corner, but comes back to SPEAR!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Blake survives by a literal foot and he bails out, but Connors storms after him. Connors reaches through the ropes but Blake HOTSHOTS him! Blake hurries to grab Connors’ tag title? The ref stops that, but Blake shoves the ref down! And he brings out… BRASS KNUCKLES! Blake aims, but Connors kicks first! NO CHASE- NO, Blake still fights it!
Blake wrenches free, BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!! Blake hides the evidence, then torture racks Connors! The fans boo but Blake hits a ROLLING BURNING HAMMER!! And then a STEP-UP CURB STOMP!! Cover, Blake wins!!
Winner: Blake Christian, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
Talk about heat! Blake’s gonna have everyone upset with him over the lows he resorted to! But will nothing stop the GCW World Champion from taking over NJPW?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Taiji Ishimori!
Japones Del Mal almost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, but he couldn’t fend off all of Sho’s tricks. Will he have an easier time against the Bone Soldier? Or will Taiji prove #ItsReborn?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. They tie up, break, and then Douki trips Taiji. Things speed up but Douki trips Taiji, rolls him back and whips, but Taiji rolls through. They keep going, and Douki arm-drags! Then DROPKICKS! Taiji tumbles out, Douki builds speed and slides, but Taiji ducks under! Taiji fireman’s carries to POST Douki! The fans are torn while Douki writhes. The ref checks and Douki is okay to continue, but Taiji is untying the blue buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is now in play! Douki slowly rises as the ring count starts. Taiji waits on Douki, and Douki stands at 8 to roll in at 9 of 20.
The fans cheer, Taiji storms up on Douki, and Taiji stomps Douki. Taiji wrenches Douki to a wristlock and he digs a knee into Douki’s shoulder. Taiji drags Douki up to wrench, hammerlock, and RAM him into the bare buckles! Douki drops to his knees, the ref reprimands about the bare corner, but Taiji drags Douki up. Taiji wristlocks, then snapmares so he can step over and trap the arm, then rolls Douki into an ARMBAR! Taiji even stomps on Douki’s head! The fans rally as Douki endures and fights around! Taiji stomps Douki more! Douki still fights, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets go at 4.
Douki clutches his arm while the fans rally. Taiji paces around, kicks at Douki, taunts him, but Douki gets up to fire forearms! Taiji CLUBS Douki on the bad arm! Taiji wrenches and hammerlocks to scoop, but Douki slips free! Douki waistlocks, Taiji switches, but Douki throws elbows. Taiji keeps Douki from running but Douki kicks free. Douki then kicks low to DDT! The fans rally up while both men are down! Taiji goes to a corner, Douki shakes out the bad arm. Douki runs in to clothesline! Douki keeps going, but Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Douki to hip toss him! Doui RAMS Taiji, runs and springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG!
Taiji bails out, Douki runs, slides, but he’s ready for Taiji’s duck! Douki runs back in, Taiji throws him to the apron but Douki rebounds off ropes to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Taiji writhes and the fans fire up! Douki shakes out the bad arm and the ring count starts. Douki stands at 5 of 20, fires up and the fans fire up with him. Douki drags Taiji up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud and Douki brings Taiji around. Scoop and swing, SAHARAWI SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Taiji stays in this but Douki stays focused. Douki drags Taiji up, hooks him up, but Taiji fights the Gory Especial!
Douki still lifts but Taiji slips free to CLAW the eyes! Taiji whips, Douki reverses, but Taiji handsprings for the NEURALIZER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Douki and Taiji crawl their way to opposite ends and stand up in the corners. Taiji runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE! Then he wrenches and whips, to WRING and WRING the arm again! Douki writhes, Taiji looms over him. Taiji brings Douki up to then POST him in the open corner! The ref reprimands but Taiji brings Douki around. Taiji hammerlocks, scoops, and SHOULDER BUSTERS! Douki writhes but Taiji catches his breath.
Taiji aims from the corner as Douki slowly rises. Taiji runs in, tilt-o-whirl, but Douki stops that! Douki has Taiji int he gut wrench, but Taiji flips it around! CIPHER U- NO! Douki lands out and then wheelbarrows Taiji! But Taiji arm-drags free! Taiji runs up, but into the Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack! Douki spins around for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! But into ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Taiji endures and the fans fire up! Taiji’s face is already turning purple! Taiji tips over, but he fights back up! Douki only pulls harder on the arms! Taiji stands, steps over to the left, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go in frustration.
The fans rally, Douki says this is it, and he goes to the apron. Taiji stands, Douki slingshots, but into a CODE BREAKER! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Taiji rises, drags Douki up, but Douki HELL STABS! Douki runs, into a PUMP KICK! They both roar, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, but then Douki dodges and comes back to LARIAT! Douki hurries to get Taiji up, torture racks, and he swings for the SWINGING SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again! Douki roars and the fans are with him! Douki gets Taiji’s legs for the wheelbarrow!
Douki brings Taiji up, full nelsons, but Taiji pries free! Taiji switches but Douki elbows free! Taiji ducks ‘n’ dodges to LA MYSTIC- NO, Douki slips free, drags Taiji down, JORGE RIVERA- NO, Taiji slips free, but Douki cradles! TWO!!! Taiji wants Douki’s arms but Douki gets ITALIAN STRETCH!! Douki rolls Taiji from ropes but Taiji rolls Douki to his feet! BLOODY CROSS!!! Cover, Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
Both men turned it up a notch at the end, but it was The Bone Soldier who hits the mark! Will Douki have to work even harder to finally have his moment? Will Taiji make his way back to the top of the division first?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS TJP!
The Intergalactic Jet Setters and Catch 2/2 are no strangers to each other given the battles over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, but each man is still yearning for a moment with THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Will Knight be too fly for the United Empire to conquer? Or will the Public Enemy prove he is a worthy successor to Will Ospreay?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, then tie up. TJP waistlocks, Knight pries free to wrench and wristlock. TJP slips through to wrench and wristlock back. Knight rolls, handsprings and wrenches again. Knight arm-drags TJP down into the wristlock and the fans cheer. TJP gets up, Knight wrenches and wristlocks again, but TJP rolls, wrenches, cartwheels and drops down to SPIN HEADSCISSOR! Knight rolls but TJP floats to a cover, ONE! TJP headlocks, Knight headscissors, and Knight squeezes tight. The fans rally, TJP moves around and headstands. TJP holds it, the fans cheer, and then TJP turns Knight over.
TJP rolls back, hooks up the legs, BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Knight pops free, covers, ONE! TJP trips, covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and the fans cheer. Knight says that was nice, and the two reset. Knight calls for knuckle locks and TJP obliges. They go shoulder to shoulder, then Knight uses his height to power TJP to ropes. Knight pads TJP on the shoulder, then CHOPS! The fans fire up but TJP turns things around to CHOP Knight! TJP whips, Knight reverses then hurdles, hurdles and arm-drags! TJP bails out, Knight fires up and builds speed! But TJP springboards back in to FLYING ARM-DRAG!
Knight tumbles out now, and TJP runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as TJP throws up the crown. TJP goes back for Knight, puts him in the ring, and then slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE! The fans rally, TJP keeps his cool, and TJP brings Knight up. TJP snapmares Knight to then get the legs, step through, and turn Knight over! TJP hooks the legs in the deathlock, and the fans rally up as TJP bridges back, MUTA LOCK! Knight endures and reaches out! TJP lets go to focus on the legs, but Knight rolls things over and gets the ROPEBREAK! TJP lets Knight go, then brings him up to put in a corner.
TJP UPPERCUTS Knight then goes to the opposite corner. The fans rally up, TJP runs in, but Knight puts TJP up top! Knight CHOPS, then says it’s time for the UP- NO, TJP doesn’t want the Upper Room! TJP shoves Knight down but Knight comes back to DROPKICK! TJP wobbles up top and the fans fire up! Knight says now it’s time, for the UPPER ROOM! But TJP springs right up?! TJP runs, Knight scoops but TJP slips free to SOBAT! TJP runs and slips around, crucifix takedown into a ghost pin, ONE! Knight DROPKICKS TJP outta the ring! The fans fire up, Knight builds speed, but TJP moves! Knight uses a very TJP slip out to the apron!
Knight goes to the corner and slingshots over for a PLANCHA! The fans fire up with Knight and he drags TJP up. Knight puts TJP in, springboards, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays cool and he stomps TJP towards a corner. Knight brings TJP up and scoops to SLAM him! Then JUMP SPLASH! Knight says tsuyoi (so strong) and covers, TWO! The fans rally up and Knight wrenches TJP to whip. Knight catches TJP to a COBRA TWIST! TJP endures, Knight flexes and says he’s really, really, really strong! But TJP fights the hold, but Knight shifts to a straitjacket! But TJP bridges and spins to get Knight in an IRON OCTOPUS!
TJP flexes as he says he’s tsuyoi! But Knight powers out! TJP slips behind, trips Knight, and traps an arm to then SNAP the other! Knight writhes from suffering the Sacrifice! TJP goes to a corner, Knight runs in but TJP goes up and over! TORNADO- NO, Knight stops TJP and ROCKS him up top! UPPER- NO, TJP slips under to kick the legs out! Knight tumbles down, but TJP drags him into the Tree of Woe! The fans rally as TJP scrubs Knight’s face! TJP scrubs and scrubs then runs side to side, basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as TJP then goes up top! Knight tries to sit up, but TJP gives him WOE STOMPS first! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Knight stays in this, but TJP pounds the mat. The fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP aims, runs up, but Knight avoids the dropkick! Knight swings, but TJP catches him to a dragon sleeper! Knight drops down to victory roll, TWO! Knight runs up but TJP turns satellite DDT into a FLAPJACK on the top rope! Knight is stuck, TJP goes to the corner and climbs! TJP aims to GUILLOTINE MAMBA SPLASH!! Not the cleanest hit but both men still fall to apron then floor! The ref checks them both, they’re both somehow okay to continue, so a ring count starts. The count reaches 10 of 20 before either man sits up.
TJP drags himself up with the apron skirt, as does Knight. We hit 15, and then both men slide in at 18! TJP and Knight then each go back to the apron and head for each other. TJP throws a forearm, but Knight gives it back! TJP throws another forearm, so Knight gives it back! They go back and forth, shot for shot! TJP SUPERKICKS, then gets space. TJP runs up, but Knight hits an APRON SATELLITE DDT!! Knight falls to the floor and TJP flops into the ring! The fans fire up as Knight rises again! Knight goes up the corner, takes aim, and steals MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! But Knight has the KIMURA!!
The fans fire up as TJP endures the double wristlock! TJP scrambles, reaches out, but Knight rolls him from ropes to crank the KIMURA!! TJP fights up to his feet, rolls Knight into a cradle, TWO!! Knight escapes, but TJP ROUNDHOUSES him! Knight SUPERKICKS back! Then BOOTS! TJP ducks the lariat to run, into a pop-up, but TJP steals the SATELLITE DDT!! TJP gets even with Knight and both men are down! The fans rally up, TJP and Knight go to corners. Knight runs up but TJP goes up and over! TORNADO DDT! TJP aims, “T! J P!” echoes out. TJP runs in, but Knight fireman’s carries! F5!! Cover, TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous as TJP survives! Knight is shocked, but he’s not exactly The Beast. But Knight says he’s a jet, so he’s about to take flight! SATELLITE- NORTHERN LIGHTS!! Bridging cover, TWO!! TJP SUPERKICKS again! Then reloads, runs up, SLIDING KNEE!! Then another SLIDING KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!! Knight survives the “One By One” twice, but TJP gets him into a drop zone! TJP goes up the corner, but Knight hits UPPER ROOM again!! The fans are thunderous as Knight roars! Knight runs back in, SATELLITE DDT!!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)
The Jet even surprises himself as he manages to bring down the three-time Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion! Does this mean it is Knight’s time to shine? Or can TJP rework his game plan and still take the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA!
The Ticking Timebomb will not get his dream of a 10 year streak of him winning the whole tournament, as he fell short last year. But can he at least start on a new threepeat with this one? Or will the Timesplitter make sure history doesn’t repeat itself?
Instead of his usual BOSJ giant notepad, Hiromu hands out headshots of himself, and even has a framed one for Milano Collection AT-san. The fans already chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” The bell rings and the two circle. Hiromu avoids Kushida’s leg trip. Things speed up, Kushida drops then RAMS Hiromu. Kushida runs, Hiromu follows, but Kushida slides out. Hiromu slides out, Kushida slides in, but Hiromu slides back in, and narrowly avoids the Penalty Kick! The fans cheer and Kushida says it was that close. Kushida and Hiromu reset, tie up, and Hiromu trips Kushida. Things speed up again, Kushida jumps but Hiromu catches him!
Hiromu runs at the ropes and he puts Kushida on the apron. Hiromu then builds speed to FLYING SUNSET FLIP, only for Kushida to hold onto ropes! Kushida throws down hands, then drops down to MONKEY FLIP Hiromu away! Hiromu flounders around the corner but Kushida storms after him. Kushida brings Hiromu up but Hiromu shoves him away! Kushida ends up on the laps of the front row, and Young Lions help him up. Hiromu runs in, but Kushida catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT to a chair! Kushida gets Hiromu in the ring, drags him up and wrenches to CLUB the arm, UPPERCUT the arm, then CLUB it again!
Kushida wrenches and wrangles Hiromu with a top wristlock, then shifts around to a hammerlock, but Hiromu gets the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets off, but then drags Hiromu from ropes! Kushida trips Hiromu, turns him over, and has the SEATED SURFBOARD! Hiromu endures even as Kushida pulls him back! Kushida rocks the boat but Hiromu fights against it. Kushida stands, brings Hiromu around and wrenches the arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! Hiromu hobbles away, but Kushida storms up. Hiromu CHOPS, then CHOPS, but Kushida grabs the bad arm! Kushida wrenches again but Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS! Kushida KICKS the arm!
Hiromu goes to a corner, Kushida wraps the bad arm around ropes and pulls! Red Shoes reprimands, Kushida lets off, and then Kushida CHOPS! Kushida wrenches and whips Hiromu corner to corner, but Hiromu reverses. Kushida goes up and over, Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! The fans fire up while Kushida goes to a corner. Hiromu goes to the opposite end, but Kushida runs in! Hiromu dodges, then he clotheslines! Hiromu snapmares and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Hiromu drags Kushida up to fireman’s carry. Kushida fights free, shoves Hiromu to a corner, but HIromu BOOTS!
Hiromu runs, avoids the fastball, then gets around to spin Kushida. Kushida fights the suplex to wrench the arm and bend fingers! But Hiromu fireman’s carries! Kushida still has the arm but Hiromu fights through to CORNER DEATH VALLEY! The fans fire up while Hiromu drags Kushida up and fireman’s carries. TIME- NO, Kushida slips free, victory rolls, but then jumps up to turn Hiromu over, and he PENALTY KICKS the arm! The fans fire up, Kushida jumps, HOVERBOARD!! Hiromu endures as Kushida thrashes the bad arm! Hiromu reaches for ropes, but Kushida goes after that arm! KIMURA!
Hiromu still fights, so Kushida goes back to the bad arm for a KIMURA! Hiromu clasps hands behind his back to fight back, then he manages to switch and shove, ELBOW and ROLLING ELBOW! Kushida winds up, Hiromu blocks the fastball! SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but into the FASTBALL! Both men fall back and Kushida shakes out the right hand. Kushida paces around, brings Hiromu up and reels him in, But Hiromu scoops to a fireman’s carry! Kushida slips free and he KICKS Hiromu’s leg! And KICKS it again! And then whips, but Hiromu reverses. Kushida handsprings, but inot the GERMAN SUPELX!
Kushida gets up but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER hits! Hiromu fires up, the fans are with him, but Kushida drags Hiromu into a cradle! Roll through, BACK TO THE FUTURE!! But both men are down as Kushida couldn’t cradle! Kushida stands, he brings Hiromu up, and BACK TO- NO, Hiromu powers out, to VICTORY ROYALE! A rough landing for Kushida but Hiromu pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans rally up. Hiromu rises and drags Kushida back up. Dragon sleeper, but Kushida slips out of the suplex to backslide! TWO! Hiromu escapes, Kushida rolls him up, TWO! FAST- TRIANGLE D! But Kushida jackknife bridges! TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous as Hiromu escapes! Kushida dodges Hiromu once, but HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER hits on the return! And then fireman’s carry, for TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu grits his teeth, stands Kushida back up, dragon sleeper for TIMEBOMB- NO, Kushida pries at an arm! HANGING KIMURA! Hiromu stays on his feet, but Kushida drags him down! HOVERBOARD!!! Hiromu endures, reaches out, the fans rally as hard as they can and he fights around! But Kushida rolls him from ropes! But Hiromu cradles back! TWO!!! Both men stand, Kushida gets around Hiromu and arm-drags! KIMURA!!
Hiromu endures as Kushida again has the double wristlock! Kushida rolls to keep Hiromu from ropes, then CRANKS the Kimura! HIROMU TAPS, KUSHIDA WINS!
Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
The Timebomb didn’t go off, and now he’s off to a bad start on his redemption run! Will Hiromu be able to rebound and prove he’s still the Best of the Super Juniors? Or is Kushida going to turn back time to when he was on top of the Junior Heavyweight Division?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Titan!
The Rogue Luchador and El Inmortal met in the semifinals of last year’s tournament, so what a perfect choice for the opening round’s main event! Will Desperado redeem himself from losing last year? Or will Titan make sure history does repeat itself here?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and then tie up. They break, tie up again, and Desperado waistlcoks. Titan turns around to facelock but Desperado wrenches free. Titan rolls, kips up, bridges back, then handsprings to arm-drag! Then Titan handsprings up and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength, and Desperado powers Titan back! Titan bridges, powers himself upright, then wrenches to hammerlock. Desperado reaches back to headlock, then he wrenches to hammerlock back. Titan throws elbows, jumps and FLYING-MARES!
The fans cheer as the two stand off again. Desperado also applauds, admitting that was good. The two reset, feel things out again, and then Titan just trips Desperado! Things speed up, Titan handsprings over the dropdown, then gets around to waistlock. Titan ripcords and CHPOS, then knuckle locks as he goes up and up and tightrope walks, to FLYING RANA! Desperado tumbles out, the fans fire up and Titan builds speed! Despe moves, Titan rolls to Fosbury Flop and land on his feet! Despe runs in, Titan dodges, and then Titan runs up to tilt-o-whirl, only for Desperado to turn that into a snap suplex to the floor!
The fans rally while Titan writhes, and Desperado stands. Desperado storms over to Titan, brings him up and RAMS him into the apron! Titan drops to his knees, Desperado brings him back up, and Desperado CLUBS him in the back! Titan drops to his knees again but Desperado brings him up to whip at the ring. But Titan rolls and comes back to DIVE! Direct hit and Desperado tumbles into Young Lions! The fans fire up with Titan, and he stomps Desperado. Titan brings Desperado up, knees low, then knees low again! Titan puts Desperado in, covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Titan looms over Desperado.
Titan stomps Desperado, brings him up and snapmares to run and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Desperado goes to a corner. Titan stomps Desperado, CHOPS him, but Desperado hits back! Desperado body shots, CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! Titan CHOPS in return, eggs Desperado on, so Desperado CHOPS! Titan kicks, kicks and SOBATS! Titan then wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Desperado reverses. Desperado runs in, but into a BOOT! Titan goes up, but Desperado YANKS him down! The fans rally while Desperado gets Titan up, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Titan stays in this and the fans applaud.
Desperado keeps Titan down with a knee pressed against his knee. Titan endures, but Desperado SPLASHES down on the leg! Desperado backs up and Titan clutches the knee. Desperado drags Titan up, but Titan SOBATS! Desperado CHOPS! Titan drops to a knee and the fans rally again. Desperado taunts Titan, stands on his back, then steps all over him. Desperado hooks up the leg, to SNAP LOCK! Titan scrambles away but Desperado stalks after him. Desperado drags Titan up, but Titan fires a forearm! Desperado shakes his head so Titan fires more forearms! Desperado knees low, gut wrenches, but Titan slips free!
Titan shoves, gets Desperado at the ropes, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Titan pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Titan roars! Titan gets Desperado’s legs, ties them up, roll and has the deathlock! But Desperado powers out and gets a leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Titan grabs the ROPEBREAK, but Desperado thrashes until Red Shoes counts! Desperado lets go to then bring Titan up. Desperado kicks the bad leg, whips, but Titan reverses to TORNADO- NO, Desperado DUMPS Titan to the apron! Titan blocks a punch and GAMANGIRIS! But Desperado UPPERCUTS back!
Desperado runs but Titan jumps to BODY SCISSOR THROW Desperado up and out! The fans fire up again and rally as Titan rises. Titan roars, and TOP ROPE ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Despe! The fans fire up again and Titan rises. Titan fires up, brings Desperado up and into the ring, then aims from the apron. The fans rally as Titan then climbs a corner, leaps, but Desperado avoids the double stomps! Titan turns around, into a SPEAR! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up! Both men rise and crawl to each other to get forehead to forehead. Desperado fires a forearm, Titan CHOPS!
Desperado CHOPS, but Titan CHOPS again! They CHOP as they stand, and go back and forth! The fans fire up with every CHOP, then Desperado fires a flurry! But Titan fires off a strike fest, tops it off with a SOBAT, but Desperado ROCKS him! Desperado runs, Titan goes Matrix! CALF KICK! Then Titan whips, but Desperado reverses, to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! But into the STRETCH MUFFLER!! Titan flails, reaches out, but Desperado thrashes the leg! The fans rally and duel as Titan still endures! Titan claws his way over, but Desperado pushes on the leg! Desperado drags Titan back, grabs an arm, NUMERO DOS!!
Titan still fights with his free arm, and he has the ROPEBREAK!! Desperado lets go but the fans fire up again! Desperado underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Titan fights that, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, to then hook Desperado up, only for Desperado to roll! STRETCH MUFFLER, but Titan makes it a cradle! TWO!! Desperado UPPERCUTS! The fans are thunderous as Desperado gets Titan up. Desperado whips, Titan reverses, TORNADO DDT! And roll through to a GOURD BUSTER! SUPERKICK! Both men are down but Titan throws off his elbow pads! Titan skins the cat to the top rope, then aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!!!
Desperado survives, but Titan has his legs all tied up now! Deathlock, and JAVE INMORTAL!! Desperado endures this modified Muta Lock, reaches out with an arm, but Titan grabs it to make it a straitjacket variation! Desperado QUITS, Titan wins!!!
Winner: Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
The Rogue Luchador could not win the rematch, and it is another shocking upset! Will Desperado have to fight even harder if he wants to finally get that BOSJ trophy?
As for Titan, he gets the mic to say en Espanol, “Glory to the Lord!” And then in Japanese, Titan says, “Good morning, everyone!” The fans cheer and Titan says he figured to try some Japanese. But back in Spanish, he notes how one year ago, he reached the BOSJ finals against Master Wato. But he has returned here to NJPW, “back here for these wonderful fans of Japan,” not to just get some points, but to win the entire Best of the Super Juniors 31!! And it’s for all of you, the fans! The fans cheer that! “So, keep watching El Inmortal, Titan. I’m here representing CMLL. I’m here representing Mexican Lucha Libre. And I’m here representing Los Ingobernables de Japon!”
The fans cheer and Titan stands triumphant, but will he continue all the way back to the finals and finally take the trophy home?
Here are the A Block standings!
Titan: 1-0, 2 points
HAYATA: 1-0, 2 points
Blake Christian: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 1-0, 2 points
El Desperado: 0-1, 0 points
TJP: 0-1, 0 points
BUSHI: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Clark Connors: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the B Block standings!
SHO: 1-0, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-0, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-1, 0 points
DOUKI: 0-1, 0 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 0-1, 0 points
Dragon Dia: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie Eagles: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to this year’s BOSJ, and fittingly, a lot of the action was high-speed. There were even some great surprises, as I did not think both Hiromu and Desperado were losing to open the tournament. At the same time, Kushida is an accomplished Super Junior, and he should definitely have a strong showing. Titan likewise wins again to follow up from last year and his incredibly strong showing. I don’t know if Titan makes it back to the finals but there are a lot of rounds to go and he could definitely make it out of the block.
My Score: 8.8/10
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NJPW PPV Results
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Redzone Results & Report! (4/25/26)
Ice High? Or Lights Out?
Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon in the main event!
Tonight in Hiroshima, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi now have their chance to take back the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Taisei Nakahara; Matsumoto wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, Toru Yano, Master Wato & YOH VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO; Shota, Yano, Wato & Yoh win.
- Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Taichi & Masatora Yasuda VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS Ren Narita, Don Fale, Douki & Dick Togo; No Contest.
- Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Hartley win.
- 8 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita; Eagles & Fujita win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon; KOB wins and retains the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
In the closing moments of 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS Ren Narita, Don Fale, Douki & Dick Togo…
Tiger Mask puts Douki back in the ring, only for Douki to bail out. Douki eggs Tiger Mask on, but TORU YANO runs down the ramp to throw Douki back in! Yano’s not part of the match, the ref already doesn’t like that. Tiger hits a SAYANAGI, but then Dick storms in and stomps him! Then the floodgates open and EVERYONE gets in the ring, even Sho, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi! One half of the House already lost to Hontai, they’re gonna get their revenge! It is so chaotic, the ref has no choice but to throw this out as a No Contest!
No Contest, interference
The House clears out the rest of Hontai while Douki CLAWS at Tiger Mask’s face and, well, mask! They all stomp away on the living legend, then stand him up. But Tiger SOBATS Douki! Douki blocks the next kick, and LOW BLOWS Tiger! Then Douki snatches the mask away!! Tiger drops down to cover his face while the fans boo Douki for this disgrace! Young Lions use their shirts to cover Tiger Mask, and out rush Shota, Wato & Yoh! The House retreats, taking the mask as their prize! Hontai helps Tiger Mask stand up, head covered in shirts. Tiger Mask then gets the mic to call out Douki!
Tiger Mask tells Douki, “Is this the only kind of match you can do? So, you can’t do it without using your teammates, you bastard?! I don’t know what to say, but if that’s what you want, then I’ll turn our title match into a LUMBERJACK MATCH!” The fans like the sound of that! Tiger Mask says Douki can choose how many to bring, because it won’t matter! Tiger Mask is gonna sink Douki in this ring, remember that! The fans cheer as the stakes have been raised, but will this gamble only work in the House’s favor? Or can Tiger Mask win the title and retire on top?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita!
Team Super Extreme freed these titles from the House of Torture, but now the Ichiban Sweet Boys have come back around. Will the Sniper of the Skies & Japanese Young Punk once again be golden boys? Or will the Bone Soldier & Mr. X prove they’re still too sweet?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wins the newest chapter in this storied rivalry!
Them teams sort out and TMDK rush Super Extreme! They DOUBLE DROPKICK the champs out, then the bell rings! Eagles builds speed and DIVES onto Super Extreme! The fans cheer as Eagles lands on his feet through his tope cannonball. Eagles puts Taiji in, then he and Fujita double wrench for the MAXXIE BOMB! Cover, TWO! Taiji survive but Fujita tags Eagles. Eagles whips Taiji into Fujita’s ENZIGIRI! Then Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Bridging cover, TWO! Tag back to Fujita and he feeds Taiji to Eagles. But Taiji mule kicks Fujita away! Eagles knees and whips Taiji, but X tags in!
Taiji dodges Eagles to DECK Fujita! Taiji blocks a kick, X gives a kick, and Super Extreme double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Wheelbarrow, VICTORY SPLASH! The fans cheer as X stands Fujita up, and he SMACKS Fujita. X whips Fujita corner to corner, then Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Feed to the DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Fujita stays in this. X drags Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! X snapmares, steps over, and traps an arm to then trap the legs! X pulls Fujita into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Fujita endures, slips down, but X just CRANKS the arm! Fujita writhes but X covers, TWO!
The fans rally as X looms over Fujita. X bumps Fujita off buckles, tags Taiji, then Taiji fires elbows. Taiji wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS, then hammerlocks for a scoop and SHOULDER BUSTER! Fujita writhes again but Taiji covers, TWO! Taiji clamps on with a double wristlock! Fujita endures, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud while Taiji lets go. Taiji tags X and X runs to NO HAND HANDSPRING KICK Eagles! Eagles falls and X goes back to Fujita. X drags Fujita up while the fans rally. Fujita pushes X to fire a forearm, but X eggs him on. Fujita fires more shots, but X SMACKS Fujita!
X suplexes, Fujita slips free, but X elbows back! X whips, Fujita reverses and GAMANGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita crawls and hot tags Eagles! Eagles springboards, X dodges, but Eagles BLASTS Taiji! X runs up but Eagles ELBOWS him away, then RANAS! And WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans join in with “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” Eagles KICKS X, and KICKS, and KICKS! Eagles runs, but Taiji KICKS Eagles at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Taiji steps inside.
Super Extreme double whip, but Eagles reverses to send X away. Eagles ROCKS Taiji, then sends X into him! Then Eagles dodges X, mule kicks, and he runs to BASEMENT DROPKICK LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Eagles and he runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE X! Eagles runs up again, but into an ELBOW! Eagles still basement 619s the legs out! Then METEORA! Cover, TWO! X survives but Eagles stays on him by grabbing the legs. Eagles CLUBS and KICKS and KICKS the leg! X writhes, Eagles goes up and out, and the fans rally as Eagles aims! WARP- NO, X dodges! Eagles runs up but into an UP KICK!
X skins the cat, ROCKS Eagles, then goes up again, only for Eagles to GAMANGIRI! Eagles steps outside and the fans rally up as he climbs! SUPER DUPER STEINER, but X lands out?!? Eagles and X have their own Ospreay and Ibushi moment! X dodges Eagles to SPIN KICK and LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives but the fans fire up again. X rallies the fans as he goes to the corner. X climbs up again, takes aim, and X EX- NO, X has to land out as Eagles moves! X hobbles but Eagles runs up! X dodges, sending Eagles into buckles. X then backslides and bridges, TWO! X SOBATS, but Eagles KNEES low! Eagles kicks, but X blocks!
X spins Eagles but Eagles SOBATS! Eagles runs, but into the Tiger Wall Kick! X hobbles again, but tries a roundhouse, only for Eagles to dodge! X PELES, but into a trap! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Fujita GAMANGIRIS Taiji, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans rally as X endures! Eagles puts on the pressure as X crawls around! X reaches out, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while the ref counts. Eagles lets go in frustration, and then SMASHES X’s knee into the mat again and again! Then DEATHLOCK SMASH! Eagles goes to a corner, calls his shot, and HYPER- NO, X ducks the gamangiri!
Eagles drags X up, but X CHOPS back! Eagles ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and PEL- NO! X ducks the kick, backflips up and over, then deadlifts, but Eagles RANAS! Cover, TWO! X BOOTS Eagles, Eagles BOOTS X, then they each BLAST their partners! The Robbies BOOT at the same time! Eagles rewinds but X handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! The fans fire up while both Robbies are down again! The Robbies crawl, hot tags to Fujita and Taiji! Taiji BOOTS Fujita, Fujita ROCKS Taiji, and the forearms fly! The fans fire up as Taiji fires a flurry! Fujita rebounds to CHOP! Taiji CHOPS! Taiji whips, Fujita reverses, but Taiji handsprings, into a catch!
Fujita slips through and has the legs tied up! NEMOS SPECIAL!! Taiji fights, reaches out, but Fujita powers those arms back! FULL NEMOS SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, pries free of the facelock, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go in frustration but he vows to end it now! Fujita deadlifts Taiji, but Taiji fights the German Suplex with elbows! Fujita blocks one, flips Taiji up and over, but Taiji now fights the standard suplex! Taiji suplexes, to make it a gut wrench! CIPHER UTAKI! The fans fire up as Taiji takes aim, BANG! Taiji drags Fujita up, reels him in, but Fujita wrenches and RANAS! Cover, TWO! High stack, TWO!
Taiji ROCKS Fujita, X joins in, and they double whip. Taiji runs up, blocks boots, and he puts Fujita in the ropes! X ENZIGIRIS, Taiji SLIDING GERMANS! X STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Taiji goes up, 450 SPLASH! Cover, EAGLES CLOBBERS X ONTO IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down! X TOSSES Eagles, then regroups with Taiji. They call for the end and reel Fujita in. BLOODY- NO, Fujita arm-drags ‘n’ ranas free! Fujita DUMPS X out, wrenches and slips around on Taiji, GERMAN SUPLEX! Taiji tumbles while the fans fire up again! The fans rally as Fujita crawls, hot tag to Eagles!
Eagles storms up on Taiji, but Taiji fires body shots! Taiji CHOPS, but Eagles kicks him! Taiji fires more chops, but Eagles BOOTS him again! Taiji stands up to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, but Eagles kicks a leg and ASAI- NO, Taiji turns the DDT into a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY and BASEMENT SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Taiji roars! Taiji fireman’s carries again, and swings Eagles for a BLOODY FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Taiji aims and Eagles rises. Taiji runs up, tilt-o-whirls, but Eagles stops it! Fujita is in, SWEET BUSTER! Cover, X breaks it! Fujita TOSSES X while Eagles drags Taiji to the drop zone.
Eagles goes up, out, and takes aim, but X breaks free of Fujita! X handsprings to PELE Eagles down! The fans fire up as Eagles dangles from the ropes! Fujita runs up but X BOOTS him! X runs up, Fujita wrenches to ROCK him! X CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS, then Fujita ducks a kick! X ducks the haymaker, Fujita blocks to CHOP! X handsprings up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Fujita swings, X handsprings through, PE- NO, Fujita blocks to WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But X is right up?! O’Conner and CHAOS- NO, Fujita elbows free! Fujita runs, but X follows! FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up as X powers up and calls his shot!
X runs, handsprings, but Fujita stops the Injection! Fujita pops X up into the Electric Chair, spins him around, but almost loses his grip! Fujita powers X up and into position! Eagles is up top, cravats, SLICED BREAD BOMB!! The fans fire up again as the Sweet Boys have Taiji! Taiji slips free of a scoop but Eagles CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS, and they DOUBLE CHOP! The Sweet Boys double whip but Taiji tries to crisscross them! The Sweet Boys deny that and DOUBLE KICK COMBO! The fans fire up with the Sweet Boys again as they haul Taiji up. Double torture rack, but Taiji fights free! Taiji fires forearms and elbows, then a CHOP!
Eagles SUPERKICKS but Taiji ducks! Down goes Fujita! Taiji JUMP KNEES Eagles, then runs to handspring and LETHAL INJECTION X!! The fans fire up as Taiji then ripcords Eagles, LA MYSTICA! And BONE LOCK!! Eagles flails, rolls Taiji, TWO! Taiji smothers Eagles in a cover, TWO! Eagles slips around, roll and bridge, TWO! But step through, only for Taiji to cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, Taiji runs up, LA MYSTI- NO! Eagles powers through to SLAP, KNEE, clinch and TURBO BACKPACK!! Eagles crawls to the cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again! Eagles and Fujita regroup, DOUBLE KICK COMBO!
The Sweet Boys DOUBLE BOOT X, then Fujita goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Down goes X, and now Eagles goes up! WARP 4.5!! Then the step through, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Eagles puts on more pressure, Taiji flails, and TAIJI TAPS!! SWEET BOYS WIN!
Winners: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Three times, these teams have fought 2v2. And three times, the Ichiban Sweet Boys come out on top! Will Taiji & X ever bring The Mighty down? Or do Eagles & Fujita just have their number?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon!
Oskar & Yuto-Ice know everyone wants that wrestling high, so they let their challengers sort things out themselves. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi conquered the United Empire on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but will they #GetBackUp to the top of the Heavyweight Tag Division? Or will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter get knocked out instead?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who leaves the Redzone with the gold!
The teams sort out, and while everyone is eager to fight, Yuto starts against Goto. The bell rings, and the fans rally already. The cheers for Ice have the advantage, so Ice takes a swing! Goto dodges, ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto comes back to ROCK Goto! They go forearm for forearm already, but Goto headlocks. Yuto powers up and out but Goto RUNS him over! The fans cheer while Yuto flounders away. Goto kicks and fires off forearms in the corner! The fans fire up with Goto as he whips Yuto corner to corner. Yuto comes right back to CLOBBER Goto! Oskar runs in and BLASTS Yashi! The fans fire up for KOB as they stand Goto up.
KOB double whips but Goto grabs the ropes! Goto DUMPS Oskar out, BOOTS Yuto, then Hashi WRECKS Oskar with a dropkick while Goto RUNS Yuto over! Hashi keeps moving, ZANMAI! Goto drags Yuto back up so he and Hashi can “SE~ NO!” BANG THE DRUM! The fans cheer as Yuto writhes! Hashi flexes while Goto stomps Yuto. Goto bumps Yuto off buckles, tags Hashi in, and they dig their boots in. Red Shoes reprimands, then counts, and Bishamon backs off at 4. Hashi drags Yuto up but Yuto ROCKS Hashi! And ROCKS him again! And again! Hashi spins through to CHOP Yuto! Hashi also SMACKS Oskar!
Oskar snarls but stays on the corner as Hashi CHOPS Yuto! Hashi tags Goto, Goto stomps Yuto, then Goto brings Yuto around to CLUB him down. Goto eggs Yuto on, then whips him to ropes. Yuto reverses, and Oskar catches Goto into a SLEEPER! Yuto BOOTS Goto down, then BLASTS Hashi! The fans rally and duel again as Yuto stands Goto up. Yuto bumps Goto off Oskar’s boot, then tags Oskar in. Oskar steps up and over, still impressive to the fans, and he CHOPS Goto down! Oskar circles Goto, drags him up, and CHOPS him back down! Oskar pushes Goto to the cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Goto toughs it out.
Oskar paces around Goto, drags him up, then THROWS him into the corner! Tag to Yuto and KOB mugs Goto. The fans rally as Yuto snapmares Goto, covers, TWO! Yuto sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! Yuto taunts Goto, kicks him around, and drags him up. Goto CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Yuto SMACKS Goto back down! Tag back to Oskar and he drags Goto around, into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Yuto BLASTS Hashi while Goto endures the stretch! Goto gets one arm free but Oskar keeps on the hold. The fans rally as Goto fights his way over, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Oskar lets go, and Oskar hauls Goto up.
Yuto joins in but Goto BOOTS him away! Oskar shoves Goto to the corner, runs up, but Goto dodges! Oskar hits buckles, and Goto crawls for his corner! Oskar runs up, but Goto avoids the leg drop, brother! Goto continues to crawl while the fans rally up, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hashi runs up on Oskar, ELBOW! Whip and- NO, Oskar reverses to send Hashi into the corner! Oskar runs up, but Hashi dodges the splash! Hashi comes back to LARIAT, then he whips, only for Oskar to reverse again! Hashi sunset flips, but Oskar stays standing! Only for Hashi to avoid the elbow drop! Hashi basement DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up as Hashi BLASTS Yuto! Hashi roars, the fans cheer, and Hashi circles the giant German. Hashi brings Oskar up and reels him in, but Oskar fights the suplex! Oskar powers free, scoops Hashi, but Hashi slips free to CHOP! And ROCK! Hashi roars, runs, but Oskar reels him in! HUGE mat slam, then the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hashi toughs it out but Oskar snarls as he stands back up. Oskar stands Hashi up, and with both hands, HANGING NECK- DDT COUNTER! Hashi turns things around on Oskar and the fans rally up again! Hashi goes to a corner, then he runs up on Oskar, only for Oskar to scoop and SLAM!
The fans fire up while both men crawl, and Oskar hot tags Yuto! Yuto swaggers over to Hashi, stomps him down, then stands him up. Hashi fires body shots but Yuto DECKS him for it! Yuto drags Hashi back up, whips him to ropes, but Hashi DROPKICKS the leg! Yuto falls over and the fans rally again! Hashi crawls, hot tag to Goto! Goto RUNS Yuto over! And ELBOWS him down! And whips, only for Yuto to reverse! Goto still RUNS Yuto over! Goto runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that but Goto brings him right up. But Yuto fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto swings, Yuto fires hands in return!
Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves to SMACK Goto with palm strikes! Yuto backs Goto down to a corner, KNEES him low, then SOBATS! Goto sits, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” DOUBLE KNEES! Yuto then drags Goto to the cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto toughs it out. Yuto stays close, and he sits Goto up. Yuto runs, ICE- NO! Goto blocks the kick! But Yuto ROKCS Goto! Yuto runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Hashi returns to BLAST Oskar! Hashi calls to Goto and they get Yuto up! Fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! The fans rally as Bishamon brings Yuto back up, dragon sleeper and leg lift! But Oskar LCUBS Hashi!
Oskar kicks Goto, runs the ropes, but Goto follows! Goto LARIATS, but Oskar stays up! Hashi SUPERKICKS, but Oskar is still up! Bishamon double whips, but Oskar DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Oskar bails out, but Yuto and Bishamon are all still down. Red Shoes ushers Hashi out of the ring, and he checks as Yuto and Goto crawl to corners. The fans rally up as both men rise. Yuto runs up, but Goto puts him right up top! DRAPING GTR!! But Goto can’t make the cover! The fans rally as both men crawl again, and Goto uses the ropes to stand up. Goto roars, aims, and BUZZSAW!
But Yuto rises to his feet! Goto fireman’s carries, G T W! Cover, TWO! The fans rally again as Yuto survives! Goto dragon sleepers, but Yuto wrenches through. Goto ducks the haymaker, but Yuto blocks the saido, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally as both men are down again! Goto and Yuto crawl, reach out, and hot tag to Hashi and Oskar! They both run up, but Oskar RUNS Hashi over! Oskar motions to calm down, and he grins as he brings Hashi up. Oskar whips Hashi corner to corner hard, and Hashi bounces off the buckles before landing on the mat! Hashi writhes but Oskar storms over to him.
Oskar drags Hashi up, whips corner to corner again, and just as hard! Hashi again bounces off buckles and writhes on the mat. The fans rally while Oskar takes his time walking over to Hashi. Oskar taunts Hashi, stands him up, and whips, but Hashi rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Hashi and Oskar both wobble. Oskar CLUBS Hashi down! Oskar drags Hashi up, Yuto joins in, but Hashi BOOTS Yuto away! Hashi CLUBS away on Oskar, but Oskar blocks the lariat! Yuto ROCKS Hashi, then he and Oskar hit THE RUMBLING BOMB!! Cover, but Goto breaks it! Yuto fires off on Goto, TOSSES him out, then regroups with Oskar.
Yuto & Oskar call for the end, and they haul Hashi up! Feed to Oskar, but Hashi SHOTGUNS him first! Hashi stands but AMBITION RIGHT hits first! Then ICE HIGH! Yuto calls to Oskar and they try again. Feed, scoop, and- GOTO LARIATS YUTO! Hashi victory rolls Oskar! TWO!! Goto PENALTY KICKS Oskar down! The fans fire up as Bishamon still has life! Oskar rises in a corner, and Goto sends Hashi in for a LARIAT! Then Goto adds MURAMASA! Goto climbs, Hashi lifts, and somehow, they hit the DANGEROUS LIBRA!! Cover off the super bulldog, but YUTO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down!
The fans rally up as Goto brings Yuto around. Yuto DECKS Goto, kicks him out, but Hashi LARIATS Yuto! The fans fire up again as Hashi roars! Hashi runs at Oskar in the corner and LARIATS! Then he brings Oskar in, hooks a leg, but Oskar fights the lift! Oskar fires body shots, Hashi staggers back, but Hashi LARIATS again! And SUPERKICKS! Oskar wobbles but he roars as he runs back up! Hashi dodges a boot, and he LARIATS Oskar down! Cover, TWO! Oskar is tougher than that but the fans fire up again. Hashi feeds off the energy and he powers up like Goto would! SUPERKICK! Hashi roars, and he brings Oskar back up!
Hashi hooks the leg, and KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!!! Oskar survives, with Yuto so close and yet so far because of Goto! Goto throws Yuto back out, then brings Oskar back up. The fans fire up as Goto dragon sleepers and Hashi lifts the legs! But Oskar flails and fights free of Hashi! Oskar powers out of the dragon sleeper, but Hashi HEADBUTTS him down! Yuto fires off on Goto, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Hashi is back, FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper! Hashi has the legs, but Oskar has a SLEEPER on Hashi! Hashi is stuck in The Nightmare Hold while Goto fights Yuto off.
Hashi RAMS Oskar into a corner, Goto LARIATS! Hashi LARIATS! Then Hashi goes up while Goto clinches! SUPER GOTO GO TO HUNTER! The fans fire up again as Hashi SMACKS Yuto down! Bishamon roars as they get Oskar back up and in, but Oskar again kicks free! But Hashi CODE BREAKERS! Goto dragon sleepers, Hashi has the legs, and this time for sure! SHOTO!! Cover, YUTO BREAKS IT!!! The fans are thunderous as Yuto saves Oskar with nanoseconds to spare! Red Shoes checks all four guys as they stir, and the fans rally up again. Hashi sits up first, he calls to Goto, and Goto pushes up off the mat.
The fans cheer as Bishamon roars! They stand up, and Hashi brings Yuto around. But Yuto fires forearms and elbows! But then Hashi mule kicks! Goto clinches, Hashi runs, but Yuto sends Goto into Hashi! Then he ROCKS Goto! Goto ROCKS Ice, but Ice ROCKS Goto! The fans get fired up with every forearm! Yuto swings, but Goto spins him, URA GTR! Then Goto runs, but Yuto blocks the lariat to ROUNDHOUSE! Then he blocks the ridge hand! Oskar is up, Yuto sends Goto to him! Scoop and K O B DRIVER!! But they can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous again as Yuto snarls and Oskar rises!
Yuto brings Hashi up, sends him to Oskar, but Hashi ROCKS Oskar first! Then he ROCKS Yuto! Hashi CHOPS Yuto, ROCKS him again and again, then DOUBLE CHOPS! Hashi runs, but Yuto dodges! Oskar scoops! Hashi slips free to SHOVE Oskar into Yuto! Half nelson, KARMA CRADLE! TWO!! CRUELLA!! The fans are thunderous again as all four men are back down! Yuto roars, he drags Hashi up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto anchors Yuto’s leg, then drags himself up. Yuto stares Goto down before he DECKS him! Red Shoes reprimands about closed fists, but Yuto just roars! Feed to Oskar for the scoop, K O B DRIVER!!! Cover, KOB wins!!
Winners: Oskar & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Goto & Hashi put up the fight you’d expect from former tag team champions, but they are still just former tag team champions! What will it take for them to #TurnItAllAround now that they’ve fallen behind?
As for the champs, it takes them a moment to stand back up, but they do stand for Red Shoes to raise their hands in victory. Yuto then sits back down before getting the mic. Yuto calls to Bishamon and asks they wait a moment. Yuto knows normally, the losers have nothing to say, but he wants them to hear this. He was fortunate to see their matches, and knows their philosophy of pushing forward, never giving up, and being able to turn things around. Yuto’s opinion is that even as a Young Lion in the black trunks, he thought of them as incredible strong, warm-hearted, and straightforward guys. The fans applaud that.
Yuto says if Bishamon felt the pure essence of pro-wrestling, then please come again, KOB will do this any time. The fans also applaud that, and Oskar helps Yuto stand up. Yuto continues by saying, “See you again.” Bishamon exits, and Yuto says his body aches and creaks from all that damage. But right now, being alive and being a pro-wrestler is the most fun he’s ever had! He is pretty sure pro-wrestling exists just so Yuto can live. Maybe, you guys who also love pro-wrestling feel the same. The fans cheer that, too! Yuto says he and they are all lucky, cuz pro-wrestling is an escape. If anything happens, they can always come back to wrestling!
Yuto is a huge fan of wrestling! He knows the fans cameramen, the staff, everyone in this company and in this industry in general, are all fans, too! So don’t worry, whatever your crappy reality is, pro-wrestling can save you from it. The fans cheer, that, too! Yuto promises that watching wrestling, you don’t have to think. A false version of himself is rubbish. Only raw emotion shows the real! Just feel! When you want to feel truly alive, watch pro-wrestling! The fans applaud again, and Yuto knows all you guys should just shut up and spend your time and money on Yuto & Oskar! You won’t lose anything, they ARE pro-wrestling!
The fans cheer again, and Yuto says it may vary from person to person. Whether it is work, school, home, or whatever else! As a reward, let’s share pro-wrestling together! Yuto has Oskar by his side, but also all of you “addicts!” The fans applaud, and Yuto says KOB is big money! They’re the best team in the world! And from now on, don’t think, just feel! LET’S GET HIGH! Tch tch, BIG UP! Oskar & Ice continue to reign, will there ever be a team that can keep up with their high?
My Thoughts:
A great Wrestling Redzone in the middle of the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, and I fully admit to forgetting about the first part of said Road to Wrestling Dontaku. Very good stuff in Tiger Mask escalating things for him and Douki, and I believe the House of Torture was also involved in NJPW’s previous Lumberjack Match, so maybe that tradition can replace the Bullet Club War Dogs’ Dog Kennel Cage Match. But it sounds like it’ll just be a reason to have everyone already ringside for when Tiger Mask loses his last chance at the title, because I don’t see NJPW changing tradition. Even so, it’ll be an awesome match with Tiger Mask giving it his all until the very end.
Speaking of, we got that out of the tag title matches tonight. I didn’t think TMDK would win the belts back already, but this adds to the great rivalry between them and Super Extreme. Super Extreme could make number four the one they finally win, it all just fits so well. And great match from KOB VS Bishamon. However, given it was Bishamon, who not only had their run as tag champions but are also Six Man Champions with Boltin Oleg, KOB was naturally winning here. Great stuff for them, and there are some good possibilities for who faces them next, so we’ll see where they go for Dontaku and beyond.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will NJPW make way for a new king?
Callum Newman won the 2026 New Japan Cup, meaning he gets his shot at Yota Tsuji’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Ryogoku Sumo Hall!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – KUSHIDA & Masatora Yasuda VS Tatsuya Matsumoto & Taisei Nakahara; Kushida & Yasuda win.
- Master Wato & Togi Makabe VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Fujita & Hartley win.
- Six Man Tag: Unbound Company VS United Empire; Unbound Company wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS House of Torture; Hontai wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS United Empire; United Empire wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita; Bishamon & Boltin win and retain the titles.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Shota Umino; Time Limit Draw, Konosuke retains the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; Oskar & Yuto win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita w/ Dick Togo!
It was on the Road to the New Beginning that Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi & The Man from Kazakhstan took these titles from TMDK, and now they bring them to the Ryogoku Sumo Hall to face the Lonestar Outlaw, Tokyo Pimp & Souled Out Son of Strong Style. But will Hontai put the House of Torture behind BARS? Or will Chase & Yujiro help Ren become the NEVER Double Champion?
The introductions are made, and then the House attacks! Ren kicks Oleg and tosses him out while Chase & Yujiro beat up on Bishamon! The House kicks everyone out of the ring, then go out after them. Ren CLAWS Oleg’s eyes, then holds him up so Dick Togo can get a shot in! The fans boo but Ren whips Oleg into railing! Yujiro puts Hashi back in the ring, but things are spilling into the crowd! The bell finally rings as Yujiro ROCKS and CHOPS Hashi! Yujiro runs, but Hashi ELBOWS him! Hashi runs and he RUNS Yujiro over! The fans fire up with Hashi while Yujiro bails out. Hashi runs, but Yujiro blocks the dropkick!
Chase helps out, and they hammock THROW Hashi into the railing! The fans boo more but Chase stomps Hashi. Yujiro drags Hashi up and into the ring, then tags Ren. Ren stomps away on Hashi, then drags him up to whip and ELBOW down! Cover, TWO! Ren clamps on with a chinlock to grind Hashi down. The fans rally while Hashi endures, but the ref has to keep Oleg back. Ren lets Hashi go just so he can DROPKICK Oleg’s leg! Oleg hobbles out of the ring while Ren goes back to Hashi. Ren bumps Hashi off Chase’s boot, then tags Chase in. The fans rally for Hashi but Chase snapmares and NECK SNAPS! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud as Hashi stays in this, but Chase stands on Hashi’s hand! Chase mocks the fans cheering Hashi on while he slaps Hashi around. Chase whips Hashi, but Hashi dropkicks the leg! Chase falls and the fans fire up! Hashi crawls over, hot tag to Goto! The fans fire up as the Fierce Warrior CLOBBERS Chase then BLASTS The House! Goto whips Chase to the corner, runs in and hits MURAMASA! Then the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Chase toughs it out but the fans rally for Goto as he stands. Goto goes to fireman’s carry but Chase fights it with elbows. Goto ROCKS Chase, but Chase ROCKS Goto! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans fire up!
Goto DECKS Chase, the fans fire up more, and Goto eggs Chase on. Chase comes back to fire fast hands! Chase winds up, but Goto catches him, spins him, and URA GTR! Goto runs but Chase blocks the lariat to C-TRIGGER! Chase runs but Goto follows, only for Chase to ENZIGIRI! Chase runs, but into a LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto crawls, Chase does, too, hot tags to Ren and Oleg! The fans fire up but Ren dropkicks Oleg’s leg! Then he leg scissors for the cradle, only for Oleg to power right out! Oleg gut wrenches for the Shake, Shake, Shake, and THROW! Ren tumbles, Oleg kips up,a nd Hashi BLASTS Yujiro!
The fans cheer as Oleg has Ren to himself! VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but Oleg drags him up. Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref reprimands, but Oleg breaks free to CHOP! Oleg then fireman’s carries, but Ren CLAWS his face! Oleg still flips Ren over for the TORTURE RACK! DICK RINGS THE BELL! The fans boo as he pulls off that stupid trick! Ren CHOP BLOCKS Oleg, then reels him into the KNEEBAR!! Oleg endures, reaches out, but Ren puts on the pressure! Hashi and Yujiro still brawl, but then Hashi slips in and stomps Ren! Chase kicks Hashi then TOSSES him out! Goto fires off on Chase but Yujiro CLUBS Goto!
Chase & Yujiro double whip to mule kick, KNEE LIFT, then REVERSE DDT! I HATE YOUR FACE KNEE! Goto tumbles out of the ring, Chase distracts the ref, and The House sets Oleg up! Dick climbs for the DICK CHOP! Cover, TWO! But into the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!! Oleg endures, reaches out, and the fans rally as he fights over! Ren lets go, just to drag Oleg back to center! KNEE- NO! Oleg rolls through and waistlocks! But Ren mule kicks the leg! Oleg still pops Ren up for THE VERDICT!! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Oleg and Ren crawl, hot tag to Hashi! The Head Hunter BLASTS The House to isolate Ren!
Hashi SUPERKICKS Ren, then runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up for Hashi and he half nelsons, but Ren spins through to THROW Hashi out! Ren practically tackles the ref so Chase & Yujiro can mug Hashi unseen! Chase JAMS Hashi up with a chair! The fans boo but Yujiro puts Hashi in while Chase hides the evidence. Ren tags Yujiro and Yujiro puts Hashi on the ropes. Yujiro runs up to BOOT Hashi! Then INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and the fans cheer! Yujiro is upset, he drags Hashi up, but Goto LARIATS Yujiro! Chase runs up, Goto fireman’s carries him, but Chase slips free to SHOVE Goto into Hashi!
Chase runs up, but into the HIDDEN GAP! Hashi & Goto fire up, and Hashi LARIATS Yujiro in the corner! Feed to Goto for the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH! The fans fire up again, and Goto dragon sleepers! Hashi has the legs, but Yujiro BOOTS free! And he FISHERMAN BUSTERS Goto! Everyone is down but the fans rally for Hashi! Dick coaches Yujiro as he and Hashi crawl. Yujiro and Hashi stand, and Hashi roars! Hashi ROCKS Yujiro, but Yujiro ROCKS Hashi! The forearms go back and forth, then Hashi CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hashi whips, Yujiro reverses, then Yujiro grabs the ref! Chase SMACKS Hashi with the chair!
Yujiro sits Hashi up, PIMP JUICE!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and the fans fire up again! Yujiro staggers to his feet but he drags Hashi up. Yujiro reels Hashi in, for BIG- NO, Hashi fights the Juice to waistlock! Yujiro elbows away, then runs, but into the HIDDEN GAP LARIAT! Yujiro stays up!? Yujiro runs, but into HIDDEN GAP BOLTIN! Chase runs up, but Oleg feeds him to the fireman’s carry, G T W!! Hashi BLASTS Ren off the apron, and he drags Yujiro up. Oleg RAMS Yujiro into the corner! Hashi LARIATS! Then they feed to Goto for the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper!
Hashi has the legs, but Ren is back! He catches Oleg into a SLEEPER! Hashi SUPERKICKS Ren, and Oleg TORTURE RACKS him! Hashi gives Yujiro a CODE BREAKER! Goto dragon sleepers Yujiro for Hashi to get the legs! “SE~ NO!” SHOTO!! Cover, Hontai wins!!
Winners: Bishamon & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
Oleg also has Ren tapping out to his torture rack! A total victory for the champions! But with that, Oleg gets a mic to call out Ren! He just made the NEVER Openweight Champion tap, so how about a match for that title?! Ren’s in no shape to answer right now, but will Oleg soon become a TRIPLE Champion?
NJPW World Television Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Shota Umino!
The Alpha is ignoring the shade thrown by Kazuchika Okada in AEW as he does his job here in NJPW. Konosuke wants to settle the score with Shota from the G1 Climax, will he do it? Or will Shota’s Second Chapter turn this into The Roughneck Show?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the Face of NJPW World!
Shota fires the fans up before he stares down with Konosuke. The bell rings, both men run up, and Shota dodges a boto! Konosuke dodges a lariat to ELBOW, then he runs, but Shota RAMS shoulders with him! Shota RAMS Konosuke again, they both run and they RAM shoulders again! Shota ROCKS Konosuke, then runs, but into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Shota reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE hits! The fans fire up and Konosuke nods while Shota goes to a corner. Konosuke storms over to ROCK Shota, ROCK him again, but Shota just brushes those off. Konosuke fires another forearm, but Shota turns things around to fire forearms in return!
The fans rally as Konosuke backs Shota down. Shota slaps the hand away, but Konosuke HEADBUTTS him! Konosuke runs, but Shota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Shota stands tall, then he gets a leg to SMASH it on the mat! Shota steps over for the STF! The fans rally as Konosuke endures, and he fights his way forward! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shota lets go cleanly. Konosuke bails out but Shota keeps an eye on him. Konosuke takes a moment while the fans rally, and he stays back as Shota rushes the ropes. Shota storms out after Konosuke, but Konosuke kicks low! And then SLAMS Shota’s arm off the timekeeper’s table!
Konosuke wrenches and lifts for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans cheer while Shota writhes, but Konosuke pushes him into the ring. Konosuke then holds onto an arm as he stands on the apron, and he KNEE DROPS on the arm! The fans are torn while Shota clutches his elbow. Konosuke takes his time before rolling inside, then he looms over Shota. Konosuke drags Shota up, wrenches the arm, and hits an ARMBAR BULLDOG! Shota writhes again while the fans rally up. Konosuke then drags Shota up, snapmares, and clamps on with a top wristlock. Shota endures, even as Konosuke pushes him down, and the fans duel.
Shota fights with kicks but Konosuke puts on the pressure. Shota still kicks, but Konosuke isolates the arm to STOMP it! The fans rally while Shota scrambles away. Konosuke stalks Shota, but the ref has him stay back. Konosuke waits for Shota to sit up, and we hit five minutes. Konosuke wrenches Shota’s arm, hammerlocks it, and RAMS Shota into buckles! Konosuke hammerlocks the arm again, runs Shota corner to corner, but Shota stops short of hitting buckles! Shota fires forearms, but Konosuke eggs him on. Shota fires another shot, but Konosuke CLUBS the arm! Konosuke whips but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Konosuke and Shota rise up, and Shota stalks Konosuke to a corner. Shota fires off forearms and CHOPS on repeat, then whips corner to corner. Shota runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then he hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but the fans still cheer Shota on. Shota drags Konosuke up, reels him in, but Konosuke fights the lift. Konosuke powers up to BACKDROP free! The fans fire up again while Konosuke runs at Shota. Shota drop toeholds Konosuke onto the ropes! Then Shota slingshots for the APRON DDT! Down goes Konosuke, and Shota looks at the belt as it rests on the timekeeper’s table.
Shota nods before going back for Konosuke. Shota drags Konosuke up, then whips, but Konosuke reverses! Shota hits railing! Konosuke then BOOTS Shota down! Shota flops through the gate and Konosuke brings him up. Konosuke has Shota dangling off the railing, but Shota slips free! Shota fires body shots, then he RAMS Konosuke into railing! The fans rally as Shota then TORNADO DDTS to the floor!! Konosuke writhes and clutches his neck, but Shota fires up with the fans! Shota puts Konosuke in the ring, then runs in at the corner for a KNEE STRIKE! Shota then goes corner to corner again, STRIKE KNEE!
The fans fire up again as Shota brings Konosuke around, and puts him up top! Shota climbs up as we hit 10 minutes! Konosuke fires body shots, and he bends Shota’s fingers! Konosuke hits a SUPER HOTSHOT on the arm! Shota falls back and the fans rally harder as Konosuke steps back inside. Konosuke aims from a corner, WAGAMAMA- NO, Shota pops him up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Konosuke survives but Shota roars! The fans rally, Shota runs, but Konosuke BOOTS the lariat! Konosuke full nelsons, then he spins Shota, but Shota wrenches free to swing! Konosuke gets under, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!
But Konosuke doesn’t cover?! He powers up instead, and goes to the corner! Konosuke aims again, for the WAGAMAMA- NO! Shota blocks it! Konosuke fires hands, but Shota DECKS him! The fans are thunderous as Shota drags Konosuke back up. Shota reels Konosuke in, suplexes, but Konosuke fights that to hook a leg! Konosuke steals SECOND CHAPTER!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives The Alpha using his own move! We hit the three minute warning, time is on Konosuke’s side here! Konosuke still wants to finish this himself, but the fans are split down the middle! WAGAMAMA- NO, Shota dodges!
Konosuke SWATS the lariat, ALPHA ELBOWS, but Shota spins to SOUTHPAW LARIAT! Shota aims now, STRIKE- NO, Konosuke counters knee with knee! Both men hobble, Shota LARIATS, but Konosuke just brushes it off! Konosuke runs, and he LARIATS Shota inside-out! We hit the two minute warning and the fans fire up again! A standing count begins, but Konosuke is already rolling to the ropes. Konosuke drags himself up at 6 of 10, Shota sits up at 8, but Konosuke stands at 9! Konosuke swings, but into a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But he’s right back up!? EXPLODER! But Shota’s right back up!
ALPHA ELBOW! ROLLING- FOREARM from Shota! ROLLING- ALPHA ELBOW!! Literally last minute here as both men lean on each other! Konosuke shakes his head, and he drags Shota up! RAGING- NO, Shota fights the fire to scoop! SECOND- NO, Konosuke slips free, INVERTED suplex, but Shota slips free of that! POISON-RANA!! Not the cleanest, but it got the job done! But we have only THIRTY SECONDS LEFT! Shota snarls, rises up, and he runs the ropes, ROUGH- NO, Konosuke dodges Shota dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS hit! They both rebound, ROUGHNECK LARIAT hits!! But Shota has to cover!! TIME IS UP!!!
Time Limit Draw; Konosuke Takeshita retains the title
It was a powerful battle, but nothing was settled as we end with a draw! Will these two look to make this a trilogy in the near future? Wait, wait, wait, who is this mysterious masked man? They wear a nice suit and bowtie, but then CHASE attacks from behind!? The fans boo as the Lonestar Outlaw beats up on Konosuke, then hammerlocks for the HIGH NOON LARIAT! And then a C-TRIGGER! Chase drags Konosuke up again, reels him in, and he underhooks the arms! But Konosuke fights the lift, and Shota runs back in! Shota chases Chase off, but what was up with tuxedo mask over there? Is it all smoke and mirrors so Chase can get his shot at this title?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: OSKAR & Yuto-Ice VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!
The Knock Out Brothers may not have won World Tag League, but they thwarted the challenge from TMDK all the same! But that did nothing to deter “The Chin & The Mullet,” they want another shot! Will this be where Zack & Roy stand tall? Or will everyone in Ryogoku get that wrestling high?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who lights it up!
The teams sort out, and no question that Yuto and Oiwa start. The fans fire up already with the bell, and Yuto ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa ROCKS Yuto! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and Yuto ROCKS Oiwa again! But Oiwa dodges the boot, only for Yuto to buck the O’Conner. Oiwa dodges once but Yuto ROCKS him on return! Yuto whips, then he BOOTS Oiwa down! The fans fire up with Ice, but Oiwa gets mad. Oiwa wrenches and YANKS Yuto’s left arm, Yuto fires a forearm, and repeat! Oiwa lets Yuto go, then arm-drags him! And scoops to SLAM! Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that, but Oiwa arm-drags him again!
Oiwa has the armlock while the fans cheer. Yuto fights up, fights over, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Oiwa lets go, but he tags in ZSJ. ZSJ takes the arm, wrenches, and wrangles Yuto to the mat. ZSJ bends Yuto’s fingers but Yuto kicks his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Oiwa tags in and he ELBOW DROPS on Yuto! Oiwa sucker punches Oskar, but Oskar stays up! Oskar steps inside but Oiwa DROPKICKS him down! Oskar is furious now but ZSJ BOOTS him off the apron! The fans cheer as TMDK stands tall. Oiwa drags Yuto up, ZSJ helps out, and they double wrench again and again and again!
TMDK wrangles Yuto down and isolates the arms, STEREO STOMPS! Oiwa steps on Yuto before he tags in ZSJ, and ZSJ steps on Yuto’s leg. ZSJ twists Yuto’s wrist but Yuto fires body shots. ZSJ wrenches, but Yuto fires more forearms! ZSJ wrenches, Yuto fires even more shots, but ZSJ wrenches again to trap the arm and TWEAK it! Yuto falls back while the fans cheer. ZSJ drags Yuto back up, whips, but Yuto reverses to KNEE low! Yuto runs to SLIDING KICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Yuto crawls, hot tag to Oskar! Oiwa runs in but Oskar CLOBBERS him! And he CLOBBERS ZSJ!
The fans fire up as the German Giant double guzels! But TMDK wrench and wrench and wrench! They double whip, but Oskar breaks the double lariat to DOUBLE LARIAT back! The fans fire up with Oskar as he storms around. Oskar talks trash on ZSJ, then whips him to a corner. ZSJ hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans rally up again as Oskar stalks ZSJ. Oskar has ZSJ in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and again ZSJ falls to the mat! Oskar is right on ZSJ with a deadlift SLAM, and an ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives being thrown around but the fans rally as Oskar fires up.
Oskar scoops but ZSJ slips free, and reels Oskar into the SLEEPER! Oskar flails, he THROWS ZSJ down, then he stands ZSJ up just to CHOP him down! Oskar then aims from a corner, runs up on ZSJ, but ZSJ blocks the boot! ANKLE LOCK! The fans cheer as Oskar hops around! ZSJ keeps him from the ropes, then UPPERCUTS the leg! ZSJ ducks a shot, UPPERCUTS the leg again, then has the ANKLE LOCK! Oskar still hops to the ROPEBREAK! Oiwa tags in, and he CLUBS Oskar’s leg! Oskar falls over while the fans rally up again. Oiwa drags Oskar to center to SMASH the knee off the mat! ZSJ grabs both legs, hooks them up, then STOMPS!
Oskar writhes but Oiwa steps through and ties up the legs, but Oskar BOOTS free! Oiwa tags ZSJ, ZSJ BOOTS Yuto, and Oiwa stands Oskar up. ZSJ storms up but Oskar fires forearms and elbows! Oiwa & ZSJ pinball Oskar with forearms, then LARIAT ENZIGIRI SANDWICH! Oskar roars as he stays standing! Oskar BOOTS Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks the chop! Oskar powers up and lifts for a BACKBREAKER! Yuto runs in and adds a KNEE! The fans fire up again as Yuto feeds ZSJ to Oskar, but Oiwa trips up Yuto! ZSJ fights free of the gut wrench to get the leg! ANKLE LOCK with the GRAPEVINE! Oskar endures while the fans fire up again!
Oskar pries at the hold, Yuto SMACKS Oiwa off the apron, but Oiwa keeps Yuto from saving Oskar! ZSJ shifts around, HALF CRAB! Oskar endures but ZSJ shifts again, DEATHLOCK! ZSJ hooks an arm as part of the hold, then the other arm! Oskar endures this modified surfboard, and he powers his way forward! ZSJ hurries to trap the arms again, but Oskar reaches out! ZSJ half nelsons while keeping the legs tied up, but Oskar powers up again! ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer as Oskar survives and escapes! ZSJ rolls away to the opposite corner while the fans rally up. Oskar drags himself up with the ropes, but ZSJ runs in.
ZSJ blocks a boot, but Oskar just KICKS ZSJ away! Oskar runs up to ELBOW in the corner, then he shoves ZSJ down. Oskar runs, but ZSJ avoids the leg drop! PENALTY KICK! But Oskar uses that to stand back up! Scoop and- No, the leg gives out! ZSJ DROPKICKS Oskar down! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tag to Oiwa! Oiwa runs up to DROPKICK Oskar’s leg! Then CHOP BLOCK the other! Oiwa clamps on but Oskar CHOPS free! Oskar winds up, but Oiwa catches him to spin and sup- NO, Oskar’s too big to suplex! Oskar shoves Oiwa to ropes, then BACKDROPS on the return! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oskar crawls, hot tag to Yuto! The fans fire up for Ice as he stands Oiwa up. Yuto KICKS Oiwa, KNEES him, then SOBATS him in the corner! Yuto gets gangsta, “BOMBACLAT!” METEORA in the corner, then a cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Yuto just fires up again. Yuto sits Oiwa up to run and ICE- NO! Oiwa blocks the kick! Oiwa stands, ROCKS Yuto again and again, then runs. But Yuto mule kicks! Yuto THROWS Oiwa down by his hair, then SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Yuto just fires up again. The fans rally as Yuto aims from the corner. Oiwa rises up, Yuto runs in, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Yuto! And SENTONS!
The fans fire up while both men are down again! Oiwa rises, he brings Yuto up, and he wrenches the arm. Oiwa whips corner to corner, but just to YANK the arm! And WRING it out! Yuto writhes, but Oiwa drags him back up. TENZ- NO, Yuto pulls hair! Yuto BODY BLOWS, then fires SLAP after SLAP! Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP again! Oiwa fires up but Yuto BOOTS him down! The fans are thunderous as Yuto then steps on Oiwa’s head. Yuto steps off to drag Oiwa up, but Oiwa clamps onto an arm! ARM SCREW! Yuto clutches his elbow while he falls over! Oiwa stomps away on Yuto, showing no mercy! The ref wants him to hold on so he can check that arm!
Yuto is able to sit up, but Oiwa wants the arm! Yuto ROCKS Oiwa, Oiwa CLUBS the arm! Yuto ROCKS Oiwa again, but Oiwa CLUBS the arm, and repeat! Oiwa then YANKS the arm to bring Yuto down! The fans rally harder and harder as Oiwa drags Yuto up. The ref has Oiwa hold on, Yuto’s a ragdoll! The arm is still working so Oiwa hauls Yuto up. Oiwa RAMS Yuto into the corner, then wraps the bad arm around the ropes! The ref reprimands as Oiwa pulls on the arm! Yuto suffers until Oiwa stops at 4, but then Oiwa DROPKICKS Yuto down! The fans continue to rally harder and harder, and Oiwa waits on Yuto.
Yuto SHOVES the ref, he’s not letting this arm stop the match! Yuto unwraps the elbow, SMACKS it into the corner, and he makes it work again! Oiwa nods as Yuto steps up. Yuto eggs Oiwa on, so Oiwa CLUBS the bad arm! Yuto fires a shot using that arm, but Oiwa doesn’t budge. Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm, Yuto still tries to fire shots with it. Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm again and again, then hits an ELBOW BREAKER! But Yuto DECKS Oiwa!! Yuto roars as the fans fire up! Yuto fights through the pain and dares Oiwa to get back up. Oiwa rises, and he ducks the buzzsaw! ARM SCREW! Yuto again falls back while clutching that arm!
Oiwa keeps the fans going as he runs corner to corner, but Yuto BOOTS him! Yuto SPITS at Oiwa, so Oiwa LARIATS in the corner! And LARIATS again, and again, and again! The ref has Oiwa back off while Yuto sputters. Oiwa nods, but then runs in, THE GRIP in the corner!! Yuto falls, Oiwa rises, and the fans fire up again! DIVING SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Yuto survives and the fans cheer him on! Oiwa stands Yuto up to ROLLING ELBOW! And ROLLING ELBOW! And then- ROUNDHOUSE from Yuto! Yuto roars, runs, and ICE HIGH! Cover, but ZSJ NECK TWISTS Yuto! The fans fire up for that sadistic save!
Yuto stands to SLAP! And he SLAPS ZSJ down! The fans fire up again as Yuto drags ZSJ up. Ryogoku is thunderous for “AISU! AISU!” But ZSJ PELES the bad arm! Oiwa RAMS Yuto into a corner, ZSJ ENZIGIRIS, Oiwa hits CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, but Oskar breaks it! ZSJ fires UPPERCUTS on Oskar, but Oskar just scoops and SLAMS him! Oiwa LARIATS Oskar, then reels him in for a SUPLEX! NO, Oskar fights free! But Oiwa dodges to LARIAT Oskar up and out! We hit 20 minutes as Oiwa has Yuto. Oiwa winds up, but Yuto blocks The Grip! He ducks the right, but the SOUTHPAW comes through after all!
Oiwa hauls Yuto up for the TENZAN PLEX! Cover, TWO! Yuto survives and the fans rally up again. Oiwa powers up, runs the ropes, and THE GRIP misses! Oskar scoops, but ZSJ saves Oiwa! ZSJ BOOTS Yuto, blocks Oskar’s kick, DRAGON SCREW into the SUPLEX! The fans are thunderous as Oiwa finally manages it! ZSJ coaches Oiwa, then runs to UPPERCUT Yuto! Oiwa LARIATS, then feed to the ZACK DRIVER! Oiwa deadlifts for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Yuto survives and the fans are electric! ZSJ LEAPS onto Oskar for a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! ZSJ tells Oiwa to finish it! THE GRIP gets a KNEE!
Yuto fires up as the fans are electric again! But then Oiwa catches Yuto to a SLEEPER! SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX!! Yuto staggers around, THE- AMBITION RIGHT!! And then CRUELLA!!! Cover, KNOCKOUT BROTHERS WIN!
Winners: Oskar & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
As mighty as Zack & Roy are, they still couldn’t overcome the sheer strength of will inside Oskar & Yuto! Yuto makes sure Oiwa knows that before he tosses Oiwa out of the ring. The fans cheer Yuto on while he grabs a mic. Yuto says, “It feels damn good to beat the piss outta someone I really hate! And just like how I felt when I first set my eyes on pro-wrestling, pro-wrestlers are the best fighters on this planet! The toughest people there are! And there is nothing like feeling it live and raw! There is nothing like making money in this business! There is nothing like making money in pro-wrestling!” The fans cheer that!
Yuto continues by saying he and Oskar won’t change in the future. What they want is the toughest there is! The money, the fights, and that wrestling high! And whether you’re addicted to ’em or you hate ’em, there is no doubt you all get high seeing KOB! So the question is, who is next? Who do the people wanna see? Are there any teams left? The fans have some ideas, but Yuto wants to see for himself. He is calling out a team himself! BISHAMON! Get your asses out here! But wait, we get Great-O-Khan & Henare instead! The fans boo The United Empire, but the Mauler says no, no, no! NO Bishamon! Khan & Henare never lost those titles, so they’re next!
Henare & Khan will take that wrestling high as mana for the United Empire! Yuto says yeah, he likes that! He wants to hit that “mana” hard. But look, Bishamon shows up after all! Goto & Hashi step into the ring to join this conversation. Goto picks up a mic to say, “We were just feeling like we wanted that pro-wrestling high ourselves.” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says that this won’t be an easy high to get. So, Empire, how about they take you out first? Bishamon will prove THEY are the best! Yuto is loving this as much as the fans! He says THIS is the real wrestling high! They won’t hide, they won’t run, they’ll take whoever wins!
But just know that you don’t have to think, just feel! LET’S GET HIGH! Tch tch, BIG UP! KOB is ready for anyone and everyone, but will they be taking on one of the best in Bishamon? Or will the Empire fight their way to what they’ve been owed?
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Callum Newman w/ The United Empire!
The Gene Blast is still a double champion, having defeated Andrade El Idolo back at the New Beginning in USA. But ever since taking over as the United Empire’s leader, The Prince has grown stronger and stronger, slaying giants on his way to taking the New Japan Cup. Will this truly be Callum’s crowning achievement? Or will Yota prove Callum is NOT ready?
The introductions are made by President Tanahashi, then he raises THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Callum tries his intimidation with the sword but Yota just grins. Everyone from the United Empire fist bumps Callum before taking their seats in the front row, but Will Ospreay stays as Callum’s cornerman. The bell rings and the fans are strongly behind Yota. Callum BOOTS Yota, whips, but Yota reverses, only for Callum to sweep the legs! Yota dodges Excalibur to scoop, but Callum slips free. Yota BOOTS Callum, then goes up, up, but Callum avoids the Marlowe Crush! Yota shows Superkick and Callum backs off!
The fans cheer, even as Callum bails out to cool things off. The Callum fans start getting louder as he steps back into the ring. Callum and Yota circle, feel things out, and tie up. Callum powers Yota to the ropes, Red Shoes calls the break, but Callum BODY BLOWS! Callum whips, Yota reverses, but Callum slides out. The fans boo while Callum swaggers around, but Yota DIVES! Direct hit and Callum is sent into railing! The fans fire up with Yota and he brings Callum up. Yota puts Callum in the ring, then storms up behind him. Yota CHOPS Callum, then puts him in the corner. Yota winds up to CHOP again, and Callum grits his teeth.
Yota RAMS into Callum again and again, then brings him around to run him over! The fans cheer while Yota pushes Callum down, ONE! The fans applaud as Callum shows his toughness. Yota stands Callum up, but Callum fires a flurry of forearms! Callum runs, but into the scoop BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud again as Callum toughs it out. Yota goes for the legs but Callum scrambles over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud again, but Yota stomps Callum as he lets go. Red Shoes reprimands but the fans rally up as Yota brings Callum around. Yota fires a flurry of forearms as he has Callum against the ropes.
Yota whips, but Callum reverses, and Callum sweeps the legs to then KICK Yota in the side! Yota clutches his ribs but Callum also has to sit back from the damage done. Callum brings Yota up, around, and stomps him down. Callum mocks the champ before he stomps him again. Callum clamps onto Yota with a chinlock and grinds him down. Callum KNEES Yota in the back, KICKS him again, but Yota grins?! Yota snapmares Callum to KICK him in the back! Callum brushes that off and snapmares Yota for a KICK! Callum shakes out his foot while Yota bails out of the ring. Yota walks off the sting from that shot while the fans rally up.
A ring count starts, and Callum waits as Yota stretches out his back. The count passes 10 of 20, then 15, but Yota rolls in at 16. Callum stomps Yota at the ropes! Callum then stands Yota up to fire forearms and egg him on. Yota fires a forearm, then a flurry, but Callum KNEES Yota in the head! Callum runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the HIP TOSS finds him! The fans cheer while Yota clutches his back again. Callum slowly rises up and goes to the corner, but Yota is on him. Yota whips corner to corner, Callum reverses and runs in, but Yota pops him up to THROW him away! The fans fire up as Yota then puts Callum in a corner, climbs up, and rains down elbows!
The fans rally as Yota goes all the way to TEN! Then Yota reels Callum in for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans continue to rally for Yota as he and Callum slowly rise. Yota CHOPS Callum, CHOPS him again, and CHOPS again! And again! Callum turns things around to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! Yota bumps Callum off buckles to fire off a flurry of forearms! Then Yota CHOPS! Callum sputters while he slumps down, but Yota stands him back up. Yota pops Callum up top, then climbs up after him. The fans rally for Yota as he SUPER STEINERS! Callum writhes, Yota covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Callum stays in this.
Ospreay coaches Callum up but Yota is already on him again. Callum fights the pump handle, elbows free, but Yota fires a forearm! Callum huffs ‘n’ puffs but comes back to fire shots with Yota! Callum fires a flurry, Yota ROCKS Callum, but Callum ELBOWS Yota! Yota winds up, but Callum catches him, to a full nelson. Yota breaks free, only to end up in double chicken wings! TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Yota stays in this, but Ospreay coaches Callum to focus. Callum drags Yota up, brings him in, and vows to end this already! PRINCE- NO, Yota fights the Curse to wrench out, clinch, and BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER!
But Callum avoids the stomp! Callum blocks a shot to ROCK, ROLLING ELBOW, but the GENE TRIGGER hits! Callum HEEL KICKS! Yota SUPERKICKS! Yota then dodges a lariat, but Callum dodges back! GENE TRIGGER! LARIAT!! The fans and even Ospreay fire up as both men are down! Callum shakes out his arm from hitting Yota that hard, then he slowly rises up. Callum brings Yota to the ropes, then the apron. The fans duel, the majority still behind Yota, but Callum calls his shot! Callum goes up the corner, but Yota anchors him! Yota puts Callum in the ropes, KNEES him in the back, then APRON WOE STOMPS!
The fans rally as Callum sputters. Yota aims again, then runs up, CURB STOMP from apron to floor!! Ospreay freaks out and checks Callum but Red Shoes wants him to stay back. Yota sits up and Callum stirs as the ring count climbs. Yota stands at 11 of 20, gives Yuya Uemura a nod on commentary, then puts Callum in at 15. The fans cheer as Yota brings Callum around, wanting to end this in definitive manner. Yota whips Callum corner to corner, but Callum barely makes it there! Yota runs up, and GENE TRIGGERS! Then he reels Callum in, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Yota brings Callum up again.
Yota runs the ropes, and he LARIATS Callum inside-out! The fans fire up with Yota, he brings Callum up, but Callum is a ragdoll! Red Shoes checks on Callum, but Yota runs, only for Callum to make Red Shoes take the CURB STOMP!! The fans go nuts and Yota is stunned! The fans boo as Callum then KNEES Yota down! Callum then waves to the rest of The Empire, and Zane Jay hops the railing! But OSPREAY stops Zane! The fans cheer as Ospreay wants Callum to do this under his own merits. Callum grabs the chair, but Ospreay grabs it back! Ospreay tells Callum he is better than this! He can do this on his own! Don’t betray the code of conduct they’ve set!
Callum and Ospreay tug-o-war with the chair for a moment as Ospreay pleads with Callum. Callum lets the chair go, trusting Ospreay is right. But then Yota uses HIDDEN BLADE?!? Yota just sent a message to the Aerial Assassin with that! Yota loads up, Ospreay warns Callum, but too late! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, but Red Shoes is out cold! Yota would’ve won this twice over! Marty Asami hurries out here, he counts the cover, TWO!! Callum survives thanks to the delay! Red Shoes is carried away by a Young Lion while Marty takes over. Yota reloads, Ospreay warns Callum again, and Callum rises up. Yota runs in again, but Callum uses HIDDEN BLADE!!
Ospreay cheers Callum on while Callum and Yota are both down again! The fans rally and duel as Callum rises up. Callum goes to Yota, sits him up, and eggs him on. Yota fires a forearm and Callum sits back. Callum fires a forearm in return, but Yota manages a smile. Yota fires another forearm, and the fans rally up again. Callum wobbles as he stands, but he still ROCKS Yota! Yota stands back up to ROCK Callum! Callum stumbles but Ospreay coaches him up. The armbands come off, and Callum SPITS at Yota! Callum puts his hands back, Yota winds up, but Callum ROCKS him first! Then Callum fakes the Oscutter to LARIAT!
Callum hooks a leg, FIREBOLT! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up again! Callum huffs ‘n’ puffs but Ospreay coaches him on. Callum goes back to Yota, drags him up, fireman’s carries, but Yota slips free! GERMAN SUPLEX! Callum comes back, Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges, DESTROYER!! Callum staggers, into a GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Callum survives and shocks everyone! Yota shakes it off to go back to his corner. The fans are thunderous as Yota roars, aims, and runs into EXCALIBUR!! Both men are down again as Callum intercepts Yota, and the fans are thunderous again!
Callum undoes his wrist tape to show off the crown tattoo. Callum stalks Yota, drags him up, and winds up the CROWNING LARIAT! But Callum isn’t done with one, he stands Yota back up and vows to end this! Fireman’s carry and MAKE- DDT COUNTER!! Yota will not make way just yet, and he goes to the ropes! The fans rally as hard as they can as Yota goes up the corner, MARLOWE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives again and the fans fire up! Ospreay coaches Callum while Yota roars. Yota brings Callum around, pump handles, and URENAGES! Cover, TWO! Yota is frustrated his new move didn’t end this, but he goes back to the tried ‘n’ true!
Yota aims from a corner, runs in again, and GENE- NO, Callum snatches Yota in a roll-up, but Yota rolls through! CROWNING LARIAT!! High stack, TWO!! Callum hurries to half hatch, for the PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans are electric and Ospreay argues the count, but Callum just seethes as he looms over Yota. Callum drags Yota up again, fireman’s carries, but Yota fights with elbows! Callum still fireman’s carries, MAKE- NO! Yota lands out to HEADBUTT! CROWNING LARIAT!! The fans are electric as Callum fireman’s carries again, MAKE- SUNSET FLIP! Callum rolls through, but Yota reels him in, JUMBO PLEX!!
Yota reloads, GENE- NO, Callum uses Marty as a shield! LOW BLOW!! Fireman’s carry, MAKE WAY!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Champion)
Well, it wasn’t exactly a clean victory, but Callum still did it all on his own! Ospreay is just as excited and proud as anyone that Callum did it! His first New Japan Cup win translates directly to his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship victory! Tanahashi presents the belt to Callum personally, and Marty raises Callum’s hand in victory. Callum takes a moment to kneel on the lion logo with the belt as the moment starts to sink in. Ospreay then joins Callum in the ring to put the belt around Callum’s waist. The fans cheer as the passing of the torch is complete. The two hug it out, brothers in arms through this ordeal.
But wait, who is this dragging Yota out of the ring?! PILEDRIVER on the floor?!? GABE KIDD!?! This Mad Man has been in AEW this whole time, and he takes off his jacket to show off his AEW shirt! Shingo Takagi rushes out here to attack this traitorous dog, but Gabe SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Gabe tells them off. Gabe then DECKS Yota, and he snatches the Global Championship! Gabe CLOBBERS Yota using the belt! Gabe holds up the belt while he drags Yota away, seemingly claiming he owns both now! But back to Callum in the ring, the rest of the Empire joins him at ringside, but then Takagi rolls inside?
Callum tells Takagi to piss off, this is HIS moment! Takagi says okay, okay, sorry. Takagi steps out, but then Takagi steps back in! The fans cheer Takagi on, but then Takagi does slide back out, to snatch the mic first! “Dumbass! Like I’m gonna leave quietly! Callum, Callum, you really did it, huh? But I saw how you did it by the end! Is this how the United Empire does things now? That’s how you’re gonna take THE IWGP Heavyweight Championship? I’m not gonna forgive that! Callum, next, I challenge you! What do you say to that?
“Up until last year, I didn’t have a belt, I didn’t have a faction, and now I have the Unbound Company. Therefore… I have a family to protect! So all that’s missing is that IWGP title!” Takagi has staked his claim, but he hands the mic to Callum to respond. Callum smirks and says, “I have already beaten you once, and I will very happily do it again. For the IWGP title, let’s do it.” The fans applaud that, and now it is only a matter of when and where! Takagi looks to Ospreay, and the Rampaging Dragon nods to the Aerial Assassin, ready to take on his successor. Takagi finally leaves, and Callum gets to speak for himself.
“Oi, oi, oi. Callum Newman, the youngest New Japan Cup winner of all time, and now the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time!” The fans cheer that! There are those that still boo, but Callum says there is nothing anyone can question him about now. He is at the top of NJPW, he’s at the top of British wrestling, he’s the reason Bullet Club died, he is the Kingslayer, the Prince of New Japan! You will make way for him, and kiss the crown! Callum leaves it at that, and the Empire joins him for the photo op, complete with the gold streamers and confetti. The Prince sits on the throne, but will he have to slay a Rampaging Dragon to still reign?
My Thoughts:
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