Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/19/24)
Still together for Round 5!
We’ve reached the halfway point!
As Best of the Super Juniors 31 hits round five, it’s time to see who stays alive in the blocks, and whose windows get slammed shut!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Kosei Fujita; Bushi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Dragon Dia; Douki wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Taiji Ishimori; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ninja Mack; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS HAYATA; TJP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS SHO; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Blake Christian; Desperado wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Blake Christian: 4-0, 8 points
Titan: 3-1, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-1, 6 points
El Desperado: 2-2, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-2, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-2, 4 points
HAYATA: 2-2, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-3, 2 points
BUSHI: 1-3, 2 points
TJP: 0-4, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 3-1, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-1, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-2, 4 points
SHO: 2-2, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-2, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-2, 4 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 2-2, 4 points
DOUKI: 2-2, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-2, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-4, 0 points
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Nova Fireball burned the Bone Soldier while the 44 Caliber crushed the Infinity Carat Diamond with overwhelming strength! But this match here is personal given how Drilla betrayed The United Empire. Will Akira finally put this War Dog down? Or will it be another Drilla Killa from the Abunai Gaijin?
The bell rings and Drilla dropkicks Akira’s legs! Drilla stomps Akira at the ropes, the ref counts and reprimands, and Drilla finally lets off at 4. The fans boo while Akira clutches his knee, but the ref keeps Drilla back. Akira gets up so Drilla kicks out the leg, stomps it, then digs his boot into it! The ref counts again as they’re in the ropes, and Drilla lets off to get in the ref’s face. Akira gets up to fire a forearm, but there’s no base behind it with the bad leg. Drilla eggs Akira on, Akira throws more forearms, but Drilla trips him. Akira kicks Drilla away with the good leg, but Drilla’s right back! Drilla trips Akira, then DDTS the leg! Then HEEL HOOK!
Akira endures, the fans rally, but Drilla pulls on the leg! Akira crawls along and drags Drilla with him, for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Drilla lets go, but then drags Akira back from ropes! HEEL HOOK! Akira scrambles and has the ROPEBREAK! Drilla lets go at 4, and this time Akira gets away to the outside. The ref checks Akira while Drilla taunts the Fireball. Akira pounds the mat in frustration, hobbles back into the ring, and the fans rally behind him. Drilla stands Akira up to CHOP him! Drilla runs up but Akira ELBOWS from the corner. And ELBOWS again! Akira then tilt-o-whirls to DDT!
The fans fire up while both men are down, then rally up as Akira shakes out the leg. Drilla stands first, though, but Akira blocks the kick! Akira fires forearms and a CHPO! Drilla takes a swing but Akira ducks to fire forearms and a CHOP! The fans cheer while Drilla sputters. Akira tries to run but the bad leg won’t let him take a step! Akira gets frustrated, but then Drilla KICKS the legs out! Drilla taunts Akira, then tells the ref to back up. But Akira catches Drilla to a cradle! TWO, and Drilla ENZIGIRIS Akira down! Drilla kicks Akira around, brings him up, and laughs at his pain. Drilla SLAPS Akira on the back, but Akira trips him! JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!!
Drilla escapes, Akira hobbles up, but Drilla again kicks the leg! HEEL HOOK!! Akira endures while the fans rally up! Akira TAPS, Drilla wins!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by submission (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
Drilla won but he won’t let go! He’s like a dog with a bone! Young Lions get involved, so Drilla lets go, only to THROW the Young Lions out! Then he goes back for Akira for HEEL HOOK!! Akira suffers, the ref reprimands, and Drilla finally lets Akira go. The fans boo but Drilla laughs. Will nothing stop the Abunai Gaijin from tearing through the rest of the block? Will Akira even be able to fight in the BOSJ’s second half?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: BUSHI VS Kosei Fujita!
The Black Mask escaped being last place at TJP’s expense, but the Ichiban Young Punk is riding high after taking down 100 Proof. Will Bushi make round 5 tranquilo? Or will is it still true that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
But as Bushi gets on the apron, Fujita BLASTS him down! Fujita then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and the fans fire up! The fans rally behind “FU-JI-TA!” as he snatches Bushi’s mask cover and throws it down. Fujita puts Bushi in, the bell rings and Fujita sits Bushi up for the PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, Fujita drags Bushi up, and Fujita suplexes, but Bushi fights it! Fujita tries again, Bushi still fights! Bushi then slips free to waistlock, but Fujita elbows free. Fujita whips, Bushi reverses and Bushi dropkicks the legs out! Bushi sits Fujita up to KICK him in the back! Bushi then bumps Fujita off buckles and CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Bushi puts Fujita’s leg in ropes to pull! The ref counts, so Bushi DROPKICKS the leg. The fans rally, Bushi stomps the bad leg, then he ties Fujita up into a TRAILER HITCH! Fujita endures and the fans rally up. Fujita crawls forward, bringing Bushi with him, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Bushi holds on until the ref counts, and then Bushi looms over Fujita. Bushi brings Fujita up, reels him in, but Fujita fights the lift! Fujita CLUBS away on Bushi, but Bushi kicks low. Bushi whips, Fujita reverses and GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita goes to a corner, Bushi goes to the other.
Fujita runs corner to corner to CHOP! Fujita shoves Bushi down, then goes up and out, to springboard in and MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita sits Bushi up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Fujita waistlocks to deadlift! Bushi fights with elbows but Fujita ducks under and hits a GUILLOTINE! Fujita brings Bushi down, they roll, and end up in the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets off and the fans cheer. Fujita then storms up to Bushi, brings him up, and ducks the enzigiri! Deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Fujita as he drags Bushi back up and in.
Fujita suplexes, but Bushi fights that, to FISHERMAN SCREW! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Fujita goes to a corner, hobbles up and finds Bushi. Fujita brings Bushi up to fire forearms. Bushi wobbles, Fujita runs, but Bushi ROCKS him back! Bushi runs but Fujita CHOPS! Fujita roars, runs, but Bushi DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up and Bushi goes to a corner. Fujita stands, Bushi runs up, CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again and Bushi rises. Bushi roars, climbs, and he takes aim. Fujita rises, turns around, MX!! Cover, Bushi wins!
Winner: Bushi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
Maybe The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they do fall! Fujita is now dragged down the ranks, will he be able to climb back up? Will the Black Mask be a dark horse in this race?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS Dragon Dia!
Japones Del Mal has had a roller coaster ride in this round robin, but the Infinity Carat Diamond has only been going one direction: down. Will this finally be Dia’s chance to shine? Or will Douki have back to back wins?
The bell rings, Dia runs up but Douki dodges! Douki wags his fingers, whips, but Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides to then tilt-o-whirl arm-drag! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Dia stalks Douki, and Dia whips corner to corner. Douki reverses, runs up, but Dia trips him into the buckles! Then Dia hops on for a sunset flip! Douki rolls through but Dia KICKS him! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! TWO! Douki is still in this but Dia fires right up! Dia climbs a corner, the fans rally, and Douki rises. D D D D- NO!! Douki stops the 4DT to SAHAWARI SUPLEX! Briding cover, TWO!! Dia escapes and the fans fire up again!
Douki keeps his cool and he drags Dia up. Dia breaks free, CHOPS, but Douki eggs him on. Dia CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Douki HELL STABS! Dia SOBATS! Dia runs up, Douki does the splits! Dia tumbles out, Douki slingshots, but Dia tiger feints the legs out! Then Dia ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Dia storms up on Douki, brings him up, and puts him in the ring. The fans rally, Dia brings Douki up for the leg hook, and END OVER! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives but Dia aims from the corner. The fans rally, Dia runs up, rolls, but into a Gory Especial! But Dia slips free to arm-drag!
Douki stands, BOOTS and goes ot the apron! But Dia avoids Daybreak! Dia is on the apron, he trips Douki, then CORKSCREW SPLASHES! Into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Douki has Dia caught, pulls on the arms, but Dia fights his way around! Douki rolls Dia from ropes, but Dia jackknifes it! TWO!! Dia ghost pins, TWO!! Douki escapes again but Dia wheelbarrows. Douki stops the somersault to full nelson! SUPLEX DE- NO, Dia fights free! Douki dodges an elbow to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Douki drags Dia up! The fans rally as Douki fireman’s carries, and swings, but Dia slips around to REPTILIAN KAI! Ghost pin cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Douki survives! Dia grits his teeth, rises back up, and he goes to a corner! Douki rises and the fans rally up. D D D D- NO! Douki gets around! Dia switches, Douki elbows free, but Dia keeps him from running. Douki kicks free but Dia ducks the enzigiri to ENZIGIRI back! Douki swings, Dia dodges and rolls, REPTILIAN- NO, Douki pops him around, Electric Chair into Wheelbarrow! Full nelson, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!!! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)
A fast and furious fight from the start, but Dia’s determination to hit that DDDDT may have been his undoing! Will Dia ever get points on the board at this rate? Will Douki prove he’s ready to be the Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Kevin Knight VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Jet is flying high, eyeing that top spot, but the Heel Master is looking to reroute him. Will Kanemaru be sipping his whiskey in first class? Or will Knight drop him back in coach?
Of course Kanemaru attacks while Knight’s being introduced! Kanemaru KICKS and CLUBS Knight, the bell rings and Kanemaru whips, but Knight reverses! Knight hurdles, hurdles then DROPKICKS! Kanemaru bails out, Knight kips up and takes his coat off, to then build speed! Kanemaru hurries away but Knight slides out and goes to the corner! Knight PLANCHAS but Kanemaru gets away again! Knight lands on his feet, Kanemaru runs up to dropkick the legs out! Knight writhes, Kanemaru storms up on him, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! The fans boo and Knight flounders away, but Kanemaru goes around the other way.
Kanemaru watches Knight slide in so he slides in. Kanemaru drags Knight up, to SHIN BREAKER! Kanemaru holds on, trips Knight, and ties up the legs into a FIGURE FOUR! Knight endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Kanemaru claims he needs help, so the ref undoes the leglock. Knight clutches his knee, but Kanemaru drags him from ropes. Kanemaru YANKS the bad leg, then he stomps it. Knight hobbles away to ropes but Kanemaru kicks the bad leg more. Kanemaru brings Knight around to whip, then he dropkicks the leg out again! Kanemaru stalks Knight, grabs the leg, and drops an elbow on the knee!
Kanemaru has the leg in a toehold, but Knight endures. Kanemaru pulls on the bad leg, but Knight fights around to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Kanemaru lets off, but he drags Knight from ropes again, to SMASH the knee! Knight writhes, goes to a corner, but Kanemaru stands on the bad knee! The ref counts, Kanemaru lets off, and Kanemaru pushes past the ref. Kanemaru stomps Knight’s leg, stomps him more, then stalks him to a corner. Knight stands, Kanemaru puts the leg in ropes, but the ref counts. Kanemaru pulls until 4, then he stomps Knight down. Kanemaru drags Knight out of the corner, but Knight throws body shots!
Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again. Knight fights the shin breaker this time, but Kanemaru kicks the leg again! SHIN- SUNSET FLIP! TWO! Kanemaru gets up, the fans rally, but Kanemaru kicks Knight. Kanemaru whips, Knight comes back to LARIAT! Knight fights through the pain to rally on Kanemaru! Knight whips, Kanemaru reverses, but Knight goes up and over! Knight then jukes Kanemaru for a SKY 2 HIGH! But he can’t cover from the pain in his leg! The fans fire up as Knight runs and JET SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru is still in this but the fans are behind Knight. Knight drags Kanemaru up and fireman’s carries.
Knight throws Kanemaru but Kanemaru lands on his feet! Kanemaru dropkicks the bad leg! The fans rally, Kanemaru gets the legs and steps through, but Knight cradles! TWO! Kanemaru escapes, Knight goes to a corner. Kanemaru runs up, but into a BOOT! Knight goes up and leaps, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Knight is a little frustrated but the fans rally up as he goes to the corner. Kanemaru rises, Knight runs in, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Then as a weapon as he shoves the ref into Knight! Kanemaru ENZIGIRIS Knight, then goes to his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, but Knight SATELLITE-
NO, Kanemaru slips under, kicks the bad leg, but Knight still pops Kanemaru up! WHISKEY MIST!! Kanemaru then trips Knight, into the FIGURE FOUR! The fans boo and Knight tries, but Knight taps! Kanemaru wins!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
The Heel Master grounds The Jet with a bad wheel, but Knight isn’t out of the running just yet. Will Knight be able to course correct and head for the top? Will Kanemaru continue to mess up plans with these underhanded tricks?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Timesplitter and Bone Soldier both suffered their first losses last round, but they’re still holding the top spots. Who gets put on the bubble while the other gets a little more breathing room?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “KU-SHI-DA!” as he and Taiji circle. They feel things out, Taiji goes for a leg but Kushida does the same. Taiji facelocks, rolls with Kushida, then rolls Kushida, but Kushida slips free. The fans cheer that fast opening exchange and the two reset. Kushida and Taiji feel things out again, tie up, and Kushida wrenches to then snapmare. Kushida gets both arms for a motorcycle stretch, but Taiji rolls over, kicks free, wrenches back, steps over then arm-drags! Kushida kips up to arm-drag! Taiji ghost pins, ONE, and Kushida wants an arm. Taiji throws Kushida down, floats to a lateral press, ONE!
Taiji clamps onto the arm but Kushida slips around to waistlock. Taiji fights but Kushida full nelsons. Taiji fights but Kushida spins him back into the full nelson. Kushida spins Taiji to arm-drag, then hammerlocks. Taiji rolls, headscissors but Kushida kips free. Kushida goes for the legs but Taiji jumps over! Kushida jumps on to body scissor, but Taiji keeps an arm back. Kushida still wants to knuckle lock? Taiji obliges, but then Kushida wants the kimura! Taiji gets free of the body scissors to waistlock but Kushida switches. Kushida then spins to get the arm! Taiji fights off the double wristlock and the fans rally up.
Kushida throws elbows then wrenches Taiji’s arm. Taiji uses ropes to flip through, then he wrenches back. Taiji hammerlocks, spins and wrangles Kushida, but Kushida headscissors! Kushida grabs Taiji’s leg to stop the kip up, and now it’s a modified cradle! KUSHIDA WINS!!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Taiji is absolutely stunned! He got caught by a rather simple move, and now Kushida’s the top of the block! Will Kushida be able to win this whole thing in the blink of an eye? Will the Bone Soldier just have to be quicker on the draw from now on?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: Titan VS Clark Connors!
El Inmortal could not stop All Heat from firing up, but 100 Proof knows what that’s like. However, will Connors add on to the misery with No Chaser? Or will Titan overcome defeat by keeping the faith?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two run in! They RAM shoulders, then fire forearms back and forth! Connors ROCKS Titan, whips, but Titan reverses, TORNADO- NO, Connors stops the DDT, then runs Titan over! The fans applaud the show of strength, but then Connors drags Titan up and TOSSES him out. Connors goes out to bring Titan up and CLUB him. Connors says hey to Drilla on English commentary, then he brings Titan up. Connors says watch this, and he brings Titan to the back of the crowd! Then he goes up the bleachers! But Titan throws body shots and brings Connors back down!
The fans cheer as the two return to floor level, Titan knees low and he brings Connors to the ring. Connors throws body shots now, and he SMACKS Titan off the apron! Then Connors throws a Young Lion into Titan! Shoma Kato sure has seen a lot action for not even being in this tournament. The ref reprimands but Connors drags Titan up. Connors goes after the mask! The ring count climbs, the fans boo, but Connors wrenches Titan’s neck! Connors stands Titan up to POST him! Titan falls, we’re past 10 of 20, and Connors leaves Titan behind. Connors mocks Titan’s pose and even prayer, but Titan slides in at 15!
Connors drags Titan up but Titan fights the suplex. Connors knees low, snapmares Titan, then stomps him! Connors runs up to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud but Connors goes after the mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, and Connors lets off of the laces. Connors stalks Titan, tells fans to shut up, then he brings Titan up. Titan CHOPS! Connors CHOPS back! Titan drops to his knees but Connors stands him up and whips. Titan holds ropes to avoid the powerslam, then BOOTS back! Connors ELBOWS Titan, reels him in, but Titan hangs Connors out to dry! Connors slips to the apron, and he ducks Titan’s punch!
Connors throws Titan down by his mask, but Titan kips up to PELE! Titan then builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit on Connors and the fans fire up! Titan rises, the fans fire up more, and Titan KICKS Connors in the side! Titan brings Connors up to CLUB him, puts him in the ring and covers, TWO! Titan is frustrated but he CLUBS Connors. Connors ROCKS Titan with a forearm! Titan ROCKS Connors in return! Connors ROCKS Titan, Titan ROCKS Connors, and they both stand. Connors fires another forearm but so does Titan! The fans rally as they pick up speed, going back and forth, forearm for forearm!
Connors gets the edge, winds up, but Titan bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire off a strike fest! SOBAT! Titan runs, but Connors goes the other way, JEEP FLIPPER!! The hangtime on that one! Titan flounders around, Connors seethes, and Connors takes aim from a corner. Connors barks, runs in, but Titan BOOTS back! And SOBATS! KICKS! PALM STRIKE! WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up and Titan roars! Titan hurries to get Connors up into a fireman’s carry. Connors fights free and waistlocks but Titan switches. Titan shoves, follows, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans rally up more as Connors flounders to a corner.
Titan aims, throws off an armband and runs, LOCO LARIAT! Titan hurries back up top, aims, and DIVING- NO, Connors dodges the stomps! Connors runs in, Titan dodges, and Connors stops from tackling the ref! Connors runs up again but Titan goes Matrix! CALF KICK! The fans fire up and Titan roars! Titan grabs Connors’ leg, steps through, but Connors SNATCHES the mask!! The fans boo, Connors loses grip of the mask and Titan gets it back! Even Connors isn’t sure what happened, but then he runs up to SPEAR!! Connors drags Titan up, for NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
Connors messing with the mask was just enough to mess up Titan’s flow, and that’s all Connors needed to snatch this win. Connors also Too Sweets Drilla, will nothing stop these War Dogs from running the whole tournament? Will Titan be able to get past this defeat and be tranquilo again?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ninja Mack!
The Ticking Timebomb and American Shinobi are both 2-2, trying to keep up with the top of the block. Hiromu got a big win over Sho just last night, will he get another big win here? Or will the Ninja from Noah turn the tides?
Hiromu taunts Drilla on his way to handing Milano Collection AT-san tonight’s framed picture. The fans rally up already, and Mack makes sure Hiromu notices the “NINJA! NINJA!” chant. The bell rings, the “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” comes through. But then “NINJA! NINJA!” returns. Hiromu waits on Mack but Mack still kneels in his corner. Then Mack somersaults forward, and offers a handshake. Hiromu is a little wary, but he does kneel. The fans cheer as Hiromu shakes Mack’s hand, and Mack puts up his dukes while still kneeling. Hiromu is confused, but they still tie up. They go back and forth while kneeling and the fans rally up!
Mack headlocks, then he grinds Hiromu down. Hiromu headscissors, Mack kips free, but then returns to his knees! The fans cheer, the two tie up again, and Mack waistlocks. Hiromu wrenches free, hammerlocks, but Mack drags him down to a cover. ONE, Hiromu headscissors but Mack kips free again, and they stay on their knees! The fans cheer this unique low style match. They tie up, and Mack arm-drags Hiromu to an armlock! Mack arm-drags free, and it’s back to the knees! They tie up again, Mack fireman’s carries for the takeover, then has the arm. Hiromu arm-drags free again, but Mack’s still on his knees!
Hiromu runs up, Mack trips him, but Hiromu kicks him away. Hiromu headlocks, and now we’re standing as Mack powers up and out. Hiromu RANAS but Mack handsprings through! The fans cheer and the two reset. Hiromu runs up, Mack dodges, but Hiromu RANAS again! Mack still handsprings through! The fans cheer for “NINJA! NINJA!” but Hiromu kicks him. Hiromu whips, Mack reverses, but Hiromu RANAS again, only for Mack to handspring and flip! The fans cheer but Hiromu gets frustrated! Hiromu runs up, but Mack dumps him out! Mack then builds speed, but Hiromu slides in to ELBOW him down!
The fans rally while Mack checks his chin. Mack goes to a corner, Hiromu storms up and CHOPS! Mack scrambles away but Hiromu follows on his knees. Mack turns around, Hiromu CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs, and clotheslines! Hiromu snapmares to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Hiromu walks over to Mack on his knees. Mack CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS back! Mack CHOPS again, Hiromu CHOPS him down! Mack sits up, Hiromu stands him up, and then Hiromu scoops to SLAM! Hiromu clamps on a headscissor squeeze! Mack flails and fights around while fans rally.
Mack reaches out, moves around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go quickly, then mocks the “NINJA! NINJA!” But Mack throws body shots back! Hiromu CHOPS Mack, whips him to ropes, but Mack reverses. Hiromu holds ropes, then runs up to RANA! Mack still handsprings through! Mack says no ranas today, but then Hiromu dropkicks Mack’s leg out! Hiromu smirks and wags his finger, then goes to Mack. Mack KICKS Hiromu away! Mack kips up and SCREW KICKS! Hiromu tumbles out of the ring, Mack builds speed, and SASUKE- NO, Hiromu slides in! Then he SUNSET FLIP- NO, Mack blocks the bomb and flips free!
Mack runs back up, Hiromu TOSSES Mack into the ring, but Mack just rolls and handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL SUNSET FLIP, and then APRON POWERBOMB!! The fans are thunderous while Hiromu writhes and flounders around. Mack hobbles over to bring Hiromu up and into the ring. The fans rally as Mack goes up the corner and takes aim. DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Mack covers again, TWO!! Hiromu is still in this but the fans fire up as Mack drags him to a drop zone. Mack CHOPS Hiromu, goes up the corner again, and fans cheer “NINJA! NINJA!” for the NINJA BOMB onto knees!
Hiromu fireman’s carries and rolls to bring Mack up! TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO! Mack survives the 1.5 but Hiromu still has more in his arsenal! The fans are thunderous as Hiromu runs, but Mack ducks the lariat to backslide! TWO! Mack cradles, TWO! Hiromu wrenches and hooks Mack but Mack slips free! Hiromu RANAS, but again Mack handsprings and flips through! But Hiromu jumps on for TRIANGLE D!! The fans duel as Mack endures, and Mack TAPS!! Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
The American Shinobi may be spring loaded, but he couldn’t bounce back when caught like that! Will the Mack attack just have to fight harder in the second half of this tournament? Will Hiromu blow up the top of the block and return to the finals?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: TJP VS HAYATA!
The Public Enemy is feeling like anything but a leader right now given he’s dead last in the block. But could this halfway point be a turning point for TJP? Or will he be further lost in the Silence of Darkness?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. TJP wrenches, hammerlocks, but Hayata switches that onto TJP. TJP sits down, rolls, and trips Hayata to a toehold. Hayata tries to chinlock but TJP fights it off. TJP pulls on the leg, but Hayata uses his other one to hook TJP for an ARMBAR! TJP sits up quick and turns Hayata over to then float up to a chinlock. Hayata endures so TJP traps an arm, floats and turns Hayata in one motion, and covers, TWO! TJP facelocks Hayata, brings him up to wrench and wristlock, but Hayata slips in to wrench and wristlock in return.
TJP fights up, rolls, spins, cartwheels then drops to TWIST SCISSORS! But Hayata headscissors back! TJP headstands, the fans cheer, and TJP turns Hayata over. TJP rolls back to tie up the legs, BOW ‘N’ ARROW! The fans cheer, but Hayata pops free to cover, ONE! TJP sweeps and covers, ONE! Hayata arm-drags, TJP arm-drags, and both men handspring up! The fans fire up while the two stand off. Hayata and TJP reset, TJP offers a handshake, but Hayata leaves him hanging. TJP and Hayata circle, tie up, and Hayata powers TJP to a corner. The ref counts the break, Hayata lets off slowly, but then he forearms TJP!
TJP puts Hayata in the corner to UPPERCUT! TJP whips corner to corner, Hayata reverses but TJP goes up and over. Things speed up, TJP Spider-Mans to the apron but Hayata HANDSPRING KICKS him down! Hayata then PLANCHAS and down goes TJP! The fans fire up while Hayata stands up. Hayata brings TJP up, then POSTS him! The fans rally for TJP while he crawls, but Hayata drags TJP up, to POST him again! TJP falls back, checks his nose, but Hayata brings him up again. Hayata puts TJP in, the fans applaud, and Hayata stomps TJP around. Hayata clamps on a chinlock and he grinds TJP down.
TJP endures, the fans rally up, and TJP stands. TJP powers up and out, but Hayata runs him over! Things keep moving, TJP hurdles but into an atomic drop! Hayata flips TJP for a cover, ONE! The fans cheer but Hayata keeps calm. Hayata stands TJP up to ROCK him, then has him at ropes. Hayata ROCKS TJP, whips him, but TJP holds ropes. TJP BOOTS back, runs up but Hayata ducks! TJP BOOTS Hayata’s lariat away, then drags him down! TJP traps one arm, has the other, DARK SACRIFICE! The fans fire up with TJP and he watches Hayata rise. TJP SOBATS, SNAP HALF HATCHES, then stands back up!
SNAP HALF HATCH! TJP has two, he gets Hayata up, THREE HATCH AMIGOS! Or maybe Three Kaibigan so it’s Tagalog. The fans rally up as TJP aims from the corner. Hayata stands, TJP runs up to back elbow in the corner! TJP then sits Hayata down so he can scrub Hayata’s face! The fans cheer and TJP goes side to side, to BOOT WASH! The fans cheer more and they want it again! TJP obliges and he scrubs Hayata’s face some more! TJP runs side to side again, for the BOOT WASH! The fans fire up, TJP throws up the crown, and then he stands Hayata up. TJP puts Hayata up in the Tree of Woe, then he goes up the corner.
The fans fire up as TJP aims, WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Hayata is still in this but the fans rally behind TJP. TJP pounds the mat and fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP aims, runs up, but Hayata gets around him to roll him up! TWO! Hayata takes a swing but TJP catches it to spin and FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Not so final but the fans rally behind TJP. TJP goes for the corner and climbs up. But Hayata trips him up first! Hayata CLUBS TJP, climbs up, then brings TJP to the top! TJP fights the superplex! TJP throws body shots, but Hayata crosses the arms! TJP fights that and shoves Hayata down! MAMBA- NO, TJP has to bail out as Hayata moves!
TJP whips, Hayata reverses and PELES TJP down! TJP flounders to a corner, Hayata goes to the other. Hayata runs up to SHOTGUN TJP down! Hayata then scoops to SLAM TJP into the drop zone! SECOND-ROPE SAULT! Cover, TWO! TJP stays in this and the fans fire up again but Hayata says he’ll end it now! Hayata crosses TJP’s arms, reels him in again, but TJP fights the lift! Hayata kicks him, kicks again, then reels TJP in. But TJP RAMS Hayata into the corner! TJP staggers back, runs up, but Hayata dodges! TORNADO- NO, TJP stops the DDT to SUPERKICK! Hayata SUPERKICKS! Hayata runs, into a WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!
TJP and Hayata stir, sit up, and head for each other. TJP fires a forearm, but Hayata gives it back. TJP fires another forearm, so Hayata gives it back! They stand, the forearms keep going and the fans rally up! TJP gets the edge, then runs, but Hayata atomic drops! Hayata runs to BULLDOG! Hayata then hauls TJP up, crosses the arms, but TJP NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Hayata still has TJP’s arms! TJP reels Hayata in! STRAITJACKET DDT!! TJP aims, runs up, ONE BY ONE!! Cover, TWO!! Hayata survives and TJP is stunned! The fans are thunderous as TJP pounds the mat and goes back to a corner.
TJP climbs, MAMBA SPLASH onto knees! Hayata crosses those arms, STRAITJACKET DDT! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and Hayata is furious! The fans are thunderous as Hayata gets TJP up! 403- CRADLE!! TJP WINS!!
Winner: TJP, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hayata earns 0)
TJP snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, and he lives for another round! Will the United Empire’s new leader pull off one of the biggest comebacks in the BOSJ? Will the Silence of Darkness still find a way to shine?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS SHO!
The Sniper of the Skies is neck and neck with the Murder Machine in this race to the top. Will the Soul of PWA Champion get one over on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion? Or will Sho continue to lie, cheat and steal until he’s won it all?
For whatever reason, Sho tries to pester Kosei Fujita by leaning on him, even pushing his shoulder into Fujita’s chest and stomach. Fujita gets annoyed and he shoves Sho away, and Sho pretends like he just got hurt by Fujita! The fans either cheer because that’s what he deserves or boo because they know it’s a farce. The ref argues with Fujita, Eagles defends Fujita’s innocence, but Sho sneaks up behind Eagles. Eagles blocks the low blow! Sho panics, Eagles says shake hands, and they do. And then Eagles bends fingers! The bell rings, Eagles gets up and around to arm-drag! Eagles keeps moving, he hurdles Sho to then RANA! Sho staggers up, into a WHEEL KICK!
Eagles kips up and the fans fire up. Sho bails out, Eagles builds speed, but then he flips off the ropes as Sho moves. The fans cheer while Sho is upset. Sho still wants Fujita removed from ringside, then he snatches Eagles’ belt! And a chair! Sho wants to smash Eagles’ belt! The ref and Eagles say don’t do it! And then Yujiro shows up! The ref stops Tokyo Pimp where he is, but Sho JAMS Eagles with a chair! Eagles sputters and staggers away, Yujiro keeps the ref distracted, and Sho JAMS Eagles again! Sho puts Eagles’ belt next to the Junior Heavyweight belt, and he brings Eagles into the crowd! Sho has fans move aside, but then decides to go to a different section.
Sho keeps having fans clear out, but then he goes to the merch section! Sho SMACKS Eagles off a table! Eagles falls over, Sho steps on Eagles’ neck, but the ref reprimands. Sho leaves Eagles behind and returns to ringside. The fans boo but Eagles stands back up. The ref is busy arguing with Sho about the chair, the count hasn’t started so Eagles makes it back to ringside. But then Sho kicks Eagles, and suplexes him onto the chair! Eagles writhes and Sho leaves him behind again, and now the ring count begins! Eagles pounds the floor in frustration while he’s down at 5 of 20. Eagles stands at 8 and slides in at 9, but Sho stomps him down!
Sho drags Eagles up, whips him to ropes, and Sho kitchen sink knees him down! Sho grins, he stands on Eagles’ stomach and stomps him more! Sho then has the arms so he can DRAGON STOMP the abs! Eagles endures, and Sho shifts into a half straitjacket clutch! Eagles endures, even as Sho digs a knee into the stomach! Eagles pries at the hold, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Sho stands on Eagles’ chest! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Sho steps away. Sho then stomps Eagles and insults Australia. Sho storms up on Eagles in a corner, slaps him around, then stomps him more.
Sho digs his boots in, the ref reprimands and counts, but Sho lets off at 4. Sho grins while he looms over Eagles. Sho talks trash, kicks Eagles, but Eagles throws body shots. Eagles CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Sho kicks low! Sho reels Eagles in to hang him out to dry! Then Sho gut wrenches Eagles off the ropes, for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up but Sho is annoyed. Sho grabs the Soul of PWA belt again, but the ref reprimands. Sho sets the belt down, but then steps on it! The fans boo, Eagles grabs at the belt, but Sho asks what’s wrong. Eagles fires forearms and backs Sho down!
The fans rally but Sho kicks low. Sho whips Eagles to a corner hard, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Sho comes back, but Eagles drops low to get under for the sunset! TWO, but Eagles steps through, only for Sho to kick him in the stomach! Sho then fireman’s carries Eagles, puts him on the top rope, and CLUBS away on Eagles’ side! Sho runs corner to corner and back again, TOP SHELF KNEE! Sho drags Eagles down, covers, TWO! Sho is frustrated but the fans rally up. Sho slashes his throat and vows to end this one. Sho drags Eagles up, reels him in and tucks the arms, STRAITJACKET- NO, Eagles wrenches free and slips around, schoolboy bridge! TWO!
Sho gets up, but Eagles dropkicks the legs out! The fans rally up, Eagles grits his teeth and KICKS Sho in the chest! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles’ stomach hurts, but he runs, only for Yujiro to trip him up! Sho distracts the ref, Yujiro CLAWS Eagles’ eyes! The fans boo but Yujiro holds Eagles in place! Sho runs up, but Eagles ducks and Sho BLASTS Yujiro! Eagles gest around Sho, CHOP BLOCKS then runs, BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Sho tumbles out, the fans fire up and Eagles builds speed. Eagles DIVES and takes out both Sho & Yujiro! The fans fire up while everyone is down, and the ring count starts. Eagles roars and rises at 6 of 20!
Eagles drags Sho up at 10, puts him in at 11, and the fans fire up with Eagles. Eagles springboards in, to MISSILE DROPKICK the legs! The fans fire up, Eagles runs, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sho is still in this, but he flounders away to a corner. Eagles runs up to DOUBLE KNEE! Eagles then rolls, returns, basement 619! Eagles snarls, runs back in, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles stacks Sho, TWO! Sho survives but Eagles drags Sho from ropes. The fans fire up and Eagles steps through, but Sho pulls on Eagles’ scarf! The ref reprimands, Sho lets go, and Eagles SPINNING TOEHOLDS the leg!
The fans fire up while Sho writhes, and Eagles goes up and out. Eagles rallies the fans and he climbs the corner. 450 SPLASH but Eagles has to roll through as Sho moves! Sho runs up, Eagles blocks a kick, but Sho fights the backpack and bends the fingers! Eagles breaks free, SOBATS, then runs, but the ref is a shield! Sho SPEARS Eagles down! The fans rally while Sho has a wild grin on his face. Sho drags Eagles up, tucks the arms, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Sho is furious with the ref but the count was fair. Sho aims his bow, drags Eagles up and reels him back in. Sho pump handles, lifts, but Eagles slips free!
Eagles steps over, ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS and PELES! Sho wobbles and the fans fire up! Eagles cravats, but Sho powers out! Yujiro is there but Eagles BOOTS him! Eagles dodges Sho, waistlocks, but Sho switches. Eagles fights the lift, to cravat and ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! But into the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Sho endures, but Yujiro gest on the apron! Fujita drags him down! Sho crawls for ropes , but Eagles drags him away! Eagles puts on the pressure, but Sho grabs at the ref! Yujiro’s up to something, HE RINGS THE BELL! Eagles thinks he’s won but no, it was a fake out! The fans boo as Eagles is confused!
Sho laughs at Eagles for falling for it, but Eagles just gets the leg again! Sho BOOTS Eagles into the ref! And Yujiro goes after Fujita! Then Yujiro joins Sho in the ring and they beat down Eagles! The fans boo more but Yujiro bumps Eagles off buckles. Yujiro whips corner to corner, then runs in to BOOT! Sho runs in to clothesline! Sho snapmares Eagles and sets him up for Yujiro’s FALLING HEAD- BOOTS! Eagles kicks Yujiro, he kicks Sho, and the fans fire up! Eagles fires off forearms on Yujiro and Sho! Eagles fires a flurry on Sho, but Yujiro kicks low! Yujiro grabs his cane! The fans boo but Eagles dodges! Fujita springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK Yujiro!
The fans are thunderous, but Sho has his Torture Tool! Fujita blocks the wrench attack, and then Eagles wrenches Sho’s arm! They lift Sho up for a MAXXY BOMB!! And then Fujita PLANCHAS Yujiro! The fans are thunderous as Eagles reloads and aims at Sho! HYPERION!! Cover, Eagles wins!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Eagles pulls the trigger and he shoots down the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! This on top of their wins over the War Dogs, will TMDK look to grab up all the Junior Heavyweight gold? Will Sho have to really rethink his game plan to avoid giving out more golden tickets?
Best of the Super Juniors 31 A Block: El Desperado VS Blake Christian!
The Rogue Luchador could not ground The Jet, and now he’s facing the near unstoppable All Heat! Will Desperado get burned again? Or will he bring down THE GCW Champion on his way back to the top?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. Blake taunts the fans calling for “DESPE~!” The two tie up with knuckle locks, then Despe rolls to wrangle Blake and wrench to a wristlock. Blake rolls, cartwheels, slips through and wrenches to then clap with Despe’s hand. Blake wristlocks, hammerlocks, but Despe rolls to wrench and wristlock back. Blake fights up, powers through and waistlocks to then spin, snapmare, body scissor and roll to a cover, TWO! The fans applaud and even Despe claps. Blake mocks Despe clapping for him, and the two reset. They tie up, Despe wrenches and wristlocks but Blake wrenches back.
Despe wrenches, Blake wrenches, repeat, but then Blake CLAWS Despe’s eyes! Blake mocks Despe, whips him to a corner, but Despe reverses. Blake BOOTS back, goes up, but Despe YANKS him down! The fans cheer while Blake writhes. Despe SPLASHES down, covers, ONE! Despe stands on Blake’s leg, Blake reaches for ropes, but Despe stomps the leg! The fans rally as Despe stalks Blake, gets a leg, and he drops an elbow on the knee! Blake tries to fight back, he pulls at the mask, but Despe pulls on the leg! Despe stands up to stomp the leg, but Blake kicks free with the good leg! Despe storms back up but Blake wrenches, hammerlocks and RAMS Despe into buckles!
Blake brings Despe into the ropes, grabs the bad arm, and then turns Despe so that he can stand on the arm and bend it back! Red Shoes reprimands, the fans boo, but Blake STOMPS the arm! Despe flounders away, the fans rally up, but Blake drops down, springboards in, and FLYING LARIATS! Blake mocks the applause then flips everyone off. The fans boo but Blake goes back to Despe. Blake drops KNEES on the elbow! Despe goes to ropes, Blake follows and pulls the arm around the ropes! Red Shoes counts, Blake lets off at 3, then mocks the fans cheering “DESPE~!” Despe throws body shots, then whips, but Blake handsprings and wheelbarrows! Somersault and KNEE DROP!
The fans are torn over the agility, but Blake flips them all off anyway. Despe flops out of the ring while clutching his elbow, but Blake pursues. Blake drags Despe around for a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Blake adds a double wristlock variation, but lets off as Red Shoes reprimands. Red Shoes wants this in the ring, but Blake drags Despe to the corner and wraps the bad arm around the post! Then Blake YANKS Despe into the post! Red Shoes reprimands again, but Blake goes looking for things. Blake brings out chairs! He lets one go to bring the other over, but Red Shoes says don’t do it. Blake lets Red Shoes have that chair, to get the other! Blake JAMS the bad arm!!
The fans boo but Blake sits in the chair to mockingly applaud. Blake then puts Despe’s arm through that chair to bend it! Blake mocks the booing now, but Despe gets free. Blake has the bad arm, he brings Despe around to snapmare, then he steps over for an ARM TWIST! Despe writhes but Blake kicks him around. Despe throws hands but Blake ROCKS him! Blake pulls on the bad arm, claps with Despe’s hand, then clamps on a double wristlock! Despe fights but Blake CLUBS him, brings him along, and body shots him in front of the bleachers. Blake gets space, and comes back with railing! Blake CHUCKS it into Despe!
The fans boo, Red Shoes reprimands, but then Blake wraps Despe’s arms around the railing! Blake ROCKS Despe, wrenches, and UPPERCUTS the arm! The fans boo, Blake gets more space, and he mockingly claps. Blake runs all the way back in, and FLIES over the railing to take out Despe! The fans are again torn because that was still impressive. Blake again mocks the fans cheering on “DESPE~!” and brings Despe up. Blake UPPERCUTS the arm but Despe CLUBS Blake with the other! Blake hits an ELBOW BREAKER on the bad arm! Blake leaves Despe behind to get in the ring, and argues for the count to start.
Red Shoes does start the count, but Despe rises up. Despe reaches the ring at 6, rolls in at 8, and the fans cheer. Blake smirks and storms back up on Despe. Blake wraps the arm around ropes, then YANKS it as he lets off. Blake drags Despe up, then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Blake slashes his throat, vowing to end it now. Blake aims from a corner, runs up, and STEP UP- NO, Despe avoids the stomp! Blake’s leg jams a bit, but he still kicks first. Blake whips, Despe reverses and scoops for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while both men are down! Despe and Blake go to corners, and Despe drags himself up with one good arm.
The fans rally, Despe runs corner to corner, and he ELBOWS Blake! Then Despe reels Blake in to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despe SPLASHES Blake’s leg! Then GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! Now Blake writhes and the fans fire up! Despe nods as the fans rally up behind him. Despe gets the bad leg, YANKS it, then puts on the STRETCH MUFFLER! Blake endures, reaches out, but Despe grabs the arm, NUMERO DOS! Blake flails with his one free arm but Despe drags him back! Blake still fights forward, to the ROPEBREAK! Despe lets go, but “Oops!” he drops knees on the knee! Blake crawls away and Despe shakes the bad arm.
Despe storms up on Blake, whips, but Blake holds ropes! Despe KICKS Blake’s leg and Blake goes to a corner. Despe runs in, Blake dodges and BOOTS! Blake then goes up and out, springboards back in, and he DOUBLE STOMPS the bad arm! Blake wrenches but Despe fights the takedown! Despe scoops, Blake slips free, and Blake staggers to ropes. Despe runs up but Blake dumps him out! Despe is on the apron, Blake blocks his punch to GAMANGIRI! Despe falls to the floor, Blake builds speed, and Blake FLIES! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Both men are down, Red Shoes checks them both, and they’re both okay to continue.
The fans rally as Blake and Despe stir. The ring count starts, Blake rolls closer at 3 of 20. Both men are still down at 5, but Blake drags himself up and in at 9. Despe sits up at 12, hurries over, but the bad arm holds him back! We’re past 15! Despe rises, Blake wants it faster! Despe slides in at 19! Blake springboards in to 450 SPLASH on the back!! Cover, TWO!! Despe survives, but ends up in a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Blake thrashes the arm, puts on as much pressure as he can, but the fans are rallying behind Despe as he fights around! Despe reaches out, claws at the mat, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Blake BITES Despe’s hand!
Red Shoes reprimands and the fans boo but Blake lets Despe go. The match passes 15 minutes, one of the longer matches tonight, and the halfway point of the time limit. Blake goes back to Despe, he throws a forearm, but Despe scowls. Despe fires forearm after forearm, but Blake ROCKS him in return! Blake stands, Despe growls, and Despe throws more forearms! Blake ROCKS him again! Despe glares at Blake, Blake eggs him on, so Despe fires another flurry! Blake UPPERCUTS! Despe KICKS the leg! Blake KICKS the arm! Blake hobbles, wrenches and WRINGS the bad arm out! Blake goes to a corner, slashes his throat, and runs up to STEP UP- SPINEBUSTER!
The fans fire up as both men are down again! Despe roars, he drags Blake up and underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Blake fights it to wrench and PELE the arm! But Despe CHOPS! Blake kips up to SUPERKICK! Despe wobbles, Blake fires up, but Despe ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Blake rebounds to JUMP KNEE!! Blake fires up, runs, but Despe DECKS him!! Despe underhooks for TIGER DRIVER!! Despe then drags Blake back up for PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, Despe wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Blake earns 0)
All Heat finally runs out of steam, but Despe still needs the ice for his arm! It was a fiery main event to be sure, but will this first loss take the air out of Blake’s sails? Or can he get hot again in the next round?
As for Desperado, he gets the mic, and he promises someone will translate this for Blake later. When they faced off in America, Desperado thought there’d be more to follow. Desperado waited so long for this, but it was worth the wait! Thanks for the great match! The fans cheer that! Desperado says he was waiting so long, he could’ve made it to the finals twice and lost twice. Whether or not anyone else has waited for this, he’s waited so long to get this! And if we have to wait any longer, even Despe will get bored of himself! So watch closely, because he’s gonna win the whole thing! The fans cheer that! Will the Rogue Luchador, even with a bad arm, claw his way to the top?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Blake Christian: 4-1, 8 points
El Desperado: 3-2, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-2, 6 points
Titan: 3-2, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-2, 6 points
HAYATA: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points
BUSHI: 2-3, 4 points
Kosei Fujita: 2-3, 4 points
TJP: 1-4, 2 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
KUSHIDA: 4-1, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-2, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-2, 6 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 3-2, 6 points
DOUKI: 3-2, 6 points
SHO: 2-3, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Dragon Dia: 0-5, 0 points
My Thoughts:
Another awesome round for the BOSJ here, though the results weren’t quite so shocking this time. I will say, it seems like Dia is gonna keep riding the bottom of the block until he has to spoil someone’s run. TJP meanwhile gets a great first win in taking down Hayata. If nothing else, maybe there could be a NJPW VS Noah story where TJP challenges for the GHC National Championship. Great match from Kushida and Taiji for the top spot in B Block, and a very fun match from Hiromu and Mack. Hiromu and Kushida each winning is fitting, they’re both great choices for semifinalists. But with a win over Hiromu and Taiji already, Kushida has all but locked in a spot in the semifinals.
Awesome win for Eagles over Sho, and Sho might have to give a lot of people title matches for the Summer. Awesome main event for Desperado and Blake, and a great win for Desperado here. No more undefeateds in this run, and a win over the A Block leader could be a sign that Desperado is going to the semifinals one way or another. However, in more unfortunate news is that Akira did end up legitimately injured during his match, as confirmed by NJPW themselves. Here’s hoping Akira can still compete in the tournament, he was doing great for being 2-3. If not, points by forfeit would go to Hiromu, Douki, Eagles and Sho. B Block is really strong with a lot of 3-2 records right now, free points would really help Hiromu, Douki and Eagles move past Taiji, who lost to Akira anyway.
My Score: 9/10
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Monday nights will never be the same again!
New Year, new home for the WWE! Monday Night Raw’s live on Netflix and in Los Angeles, and it’s time to ACKNOWLEDGE the UNDISPUTED Tribal Chief!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns VS Solo Sikoa; Roman wins and is the Undisputed Tribal Chief.
- WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley; Rhea wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s World Champion.
- Jey Uso VS Drew McIntyre; wins.
- CM Punk VS Seth Rolljns; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
We all are part of history in the making.
Triple H narrates and says, “It’s as real as our ancient yearning. Not merely for a hero, but a villain, as well. Just as they need each other, so do you need them to tell a story. But what of the story of wrestling itself? What if the canvas could speak? Of an ageless carnival with primeval roots that came of age with the most American of institutions: television. As television changed, so did wrestling. And together, they changed America. Truth is, a great swath of American culture of that eternal battle between the Face and the Heel. From ecstasy to humiliation, fame to obscurity, and back again.
“An endless cycle that changed the rules and blurred the lines. Made it harder to distinguish the good guys from the bad. The shoot from the work. The real from the unreal. Because wrestling’s greatest stories, every damn one, has that element of truth. The screens get smaller, but the show gets bigger. Global. From television to streaming, America to the world. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the all real, ever fantastic, never to end, story of WWE.”
The curtain goes down and HHH is there himself! The fans go wild for The Game, and HHH has the mic to tell the 17 THOUSAND PLUS in the Intuit Dome, “LEMME HEAR YOU!” The fans fire up even more, and HHH says in this moment, and this is THE moment, all of them are being seen and heard by the entire globe! “Show them who you are! Tell them that this is the WWE, and we are louder than anything you have ever seen before!” HHH already knows the answer, but he’ll ask them anyway… “ARE… YOU… READY!?” The fans definitely are! Then welcome to Monday Night Raw, and welcome to the Netflix Era!!
Pyro goes off and the fans are even more fired up than they were two seconds ago! Will this first-ever Raw on Netflix tear the house down?
THE ROCK IS HERE!
Scratch that, they’re gonna BLOW the roof off this place! Los Angeles goes wild as The People’s Champion, The Great One, The Most Electrifying Man in ALL of Sports Entertainment, The Final Boss has arrived on Raw! The Rock high-fives the fans as he goes down the ramp, then he makes sure to shake hands with Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and leaves his People’s Championship right with his young daughters in the front row. The Rock then goes to the sponsorship covered ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. The Rock then smiles, raises his legendary eyebrow, and even acknowledges the CHEE-HOO in the crowd.
The Rock says, “Years ago, when The Rock was a little rock, little pebble, and I used to travel these highways all across this country with my dad, WWE Hall of Famer, he’s in Heaven now, The Soul Man, Rocky Johnson, the only way to watch WWE was to either buy a ticket, or you watched it on Saturday morning. You can still buy a ticket, but watching it now is a totally different story. Because right now, around the world, you are watching it on Netflix. And by the way, lemme just take a moment to say that here tonight, in Los Angeles, the Intuit Dome, live on Netflix, we’re making history.
“Tonight is the largest arena gate in the history of the WWE. Congratulations!” The fans cheer that genuine compliment, and Rock says that means FINALLY…! The WWE has come back to Netflix. Okay, he knows everyone’s like, “Wait, no, that’s BS, get to the real one.” Okay, here it comes, and he’ll says it loud and proud. FINALLY… The Rock has come back to Los Angeles! The fans cheer, and he wants to acknowledge some people. When it comes to great partners, you need someone who loves the WWE and loves pro-wrestling and can see the bigger picture. That partner is Netflix. The Rock shouts out the execs up in their skybox.
The fans cheer, but Rock assures them, if this part glitched, he’ll go all Squid Game on them. But now, to acknowledge another man who The Rock has spilt blood with, spilt blood across the country, and ready to do it all over again. This man has carried this company on his back for a year. He has done an amazing job. Cody Rhodes, thank you! The fans cheer as we spot The American Nightmare in the crowd! Cody’s not on the card tonight but you know he was going to be here for this. By the way, Rock wants Cody to tell Mama Rhodes that The Rock said hello.
And lastly, Rock will acknowledge one other man, and that is his cousin, Roman Reigns. The fans fire up for the “O T C! O T C!” The Rock says not only is Roman the Tribal Chief, but he is the ORIGINAL Tribal Chief! And in their culture, let’s get another CHII-HOO~! The fans echo that, and Rock says in Tribal Combat, Rock will be watching, as will the world. The Rock is proudly a High Chief himself, he carries it with pride, respect, and a warrior spirit. He will watch this very closely. Rock loves LA, he loves Netflix, let’s get this show on the road! IF YA SMELLLLLLL~… Wait for it… Rock smirks as the fans fire up a bit more.
…WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKING! Mic drop from The Final Boss, but will he be forced to acknowledge a NEW Tribal Chief? Or can Roman take back the ula fala from Solo Sikoa?
Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns VS Solo Sikoa!
Well, we won’t have to wait long to find out! The Bloodline: Civil War has gone through constant battles, and even a 5v5 WarGames match! But finally, it comes down to the leaders of each side fighting for THE title of Undisputed Tribal Chief! Who will the world truly ACKNOWLEDGE?
The introductions are made, Paul Heyman doing his part for Roman, the ula fala is raised, and it is time for the civil war to end!
The fans already chant “F YOU, SOLO!” Solo hands the ula fala over, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and the fans again chant for “O T C! O T C!” The bell rings, and the two stare down. The fans rally as the two circle, but Solo points to the ula fala and Heyman, saying those will both be his after tonight. The two tie up, go around, and Solo pushes Roman back. Roman powers up to push Solo back, and they go around the ring. The fans rally behind Roman as he pushes Solo. Solo pushes back but Roman uses that to TOSS Solo out! The fans cheer, Roman goes out after Solo, and they tie up again. They run into the post, into barriers, and then the apron! Solo POSTS Roman, the fans boo, but Solo SMACKS Roman off the desk!
Solo talks trash, puts Roman in the ring, then storms in after Roman. Solo LARIATS Roman down but the fans boo. Solo soaks it all up, then talks more trash on Roman. Solo HEADBUTTS Roman down, then HEADBUTTS him again! Solo whips Roman, Roman LARIATS in return! The fans fire up and Roman whisp. Solo reverses but Roman LEAPING LARIATS! The fans fire up more as Solo flounders to a corner. Roman storms up on Solo to fire POINT-BLANK LARIATS! Roman fires shot after shot, and fans count to TEN! The fans cheer and Roman runs, but Solo follows! Solo ROCKS Roman, then snarls.
Solo runs, but Roman ROCKS Solo! Roman runs, BOOTS Solo out of the ring, then hurries out after him. Roman storms up on Solo but Solo UREANGES him on the desk! The fans boo but Solo clears the desk off, then climbs up onto it! Solo looms over Roman, then hops down to pick up a monitor. The fans boo but Solo SMACKS Roman with a monitor! Roman falls over, Solo soaks up the heat, then Solo hops down to go for the steel steps. Solo pulls the steps apart and tells Roman to get up. Roman rises, Solo tells Heyman to watch this. Solo has the steps, and he BATTERING RAMS Roman! Roman falls, clutching his head, but Solo takes a seat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Roman is in the ring, but Solo is bringing a chair! And another chair! Solo stalks Roman, eggs him on, and as Roman stands, Solo runs up to JAM him! The fans boo but Solo SMACKS Roman on the back! Roman writhes, Solo talks trash, and then he SMACKS Roman again! And again! And again! Roman writhes but Solo SMACKS him yet again! Solo raises the one but the fans boo. Solo stalks Roman while Roman crawls, and Solo puts Roman in the corner. Solo rains down fists, and he says he gave Roman everything! He loved him! Solo rains down fists again, and he says he has to take Roman out, for good.
Solo sits Roman up, puts the chair around his head, and the fans freak out already! Solo goes corner to corner while Heyman pleads for mercy. Solo ignores those pleas and he runs in! But Roman dodges! Solo hits only buckles! Roman stands, armed with that chair! He JAMS Solo up now! And SMACKS Solo on the back! And again! And again! And again, and again, and again! Roman SMACKS Solo off the chair now, then does it again! Roman has the other chair, and he’s thinking about it. The fans want tables, but Roman says hold on. Let’s get Rated R first! CON-CHAIR- NO, Solo dodges! Roman loses the chair and Solo LOW BLOWS!
The fans boo but there’s nothing to be done! URENAGE onto the chairs! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Heyman can breathe again. Solo seethes, taunts the fans over their love for OTC, and he just dribbles Roman off the mat! Solo has the chair, but throws it aside. Solo goes outside, looks under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up for that, but Solo hesitates to do anything with the table. Roman hits a DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Solo falls and Roman grits his teeth. Roman looks at the table, and he hears the fans cheering him on. Roman puts the table in the ring! Roman sets the table up and the fans rally.
Roman drags Solo up, but Solo SMACKS him with a kendo stick! Solo grins as he gets the better of Roman there. Solo SMACKS Roman again and again, and he talks trash on Heyman. The fans boo but Solo stands Roman up in the corner. Solo climbs up and he CHOKES Roman with the kendo stick! Solo says he loved Roman, but Roman never loved Solo. No matter what Solo did to prove himself! But wait, Roman bench presses the stick away! The fans fire up, and Roman ROCKS Solo! Then he gets under Solo, to POWERBOMB him through the table!! The fans are thunderous as Roman crawls to the cover, BUT TAMA TONGA YANKS THE REF OUT!
The fans boo but of course Solo’s Bloodline would be here to save him! The Good Bad Guy stares Roman down, but wait! The Samoan Werewolf is here! And he DECKS Roman! And SUPERKICKS him! Jacob Fatu shouts, “I LOVE YOU, SOLO!” IMPALER DDT!! Tama clears the wrecked table out of the ring, and Jacob goes up to hit the BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans boo more but Solo flounders around. Solo finds Roman, drags him up, and SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, the ref is back, TWO?!?! Roman survives and the fans are thunderous! Heyman is praying in thanks, but Solo’s henchmen corner the ref!
Solo has Jacob stand down. And then he SAMOAN SPIKES the ref!! The fans boo but Solo literally kicks the ref out of the ring! Jacob & Tama sit Roman up, but SAMI ZAYN s here! And he’s got Jimmy with him! They brawl with Tama & Jacob at the ramp! The fans fire up as Sami sends Jacob into steel steps! Jimmy POSTS Tama! They step up to Solo, dodge him, and SUPERKICK! Then HELLUVA KICK!! Roman is up, Sami sends Solo to him, SPEAR!! Cover, But where’s a ref?!? A ref slides in to count, TWO?!?! The delay was too much, the battle must continue! Solo regroups with his Bloodline while Sami & Jimmy stand with Roman.
“This is Awesome!” as #BigJim & Honorary Uce DOUBLE DIVE! Down go Tama and Jacob! And now Roman fires up! “OOOAH~!” But KEVIN OWENS ATTACKS!!! STUNNER!!! The Prizefighter hates Roman that much!! Solo covers, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Kevin beats down on Roman, but the fans cheer for Cody! Kevin hauls Roman up, tucks him in, and YES! Cody’s music hits, here comes The American Nightmare! Cody slides in, he and Kevin brawl, but Kevin kicks low! Kevin whips, but Cody springboards! CODY CUTTER!! Kevin tumbles away but Cody pursues! They brawl into the crowd and the fans love it!
Solo and Roman are all alone in the ring, and Heyman shows Roman the ula fala as inspiration. Roman resets, locks ‘n’ loads, SUPERMAN- NO, Solo catches Roman by his neck! SAMOAN- NO, Roan ducks the spike! SPEAR!!! The fans are thunderous again and Roman is going nuts! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR!!! Cover, ROMAN WINS!!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (UNDISPUTED Tribal Chief)
Heyman steps into the ring, and he kneels to humbly present Roman with the ula fala. Roman nods, but wait, here comes The Rock! The Rock literally just said he’d be watching closely, and now he goes back to the ring so he may stand with Roman. Rock tells Heyman he’ll do the honors. Heyman nods and hands the ula fala to Rock, and Rock turns to Roman. Rock puts the ula fala around Roman’s neck, and the fans cheer as these two chiefs stand tall. Rock then takes off his sunglasses to look Roman in the eye, and he offers a handshake. Roman accepts, they hug it out, and the fans cheer again.
Roman is once again, truly and without question, THE Tribal Chief. He raises the one to the sky and LA joins him. Now that Roman has his ula fala back, what is next for The OTC?
It’s almost time…
Almost time to see what WWE is like with CERO! MIEDO! Get ready for PENTA!
The WWE Superstar watch party is going on!
Byron Saxton is hanging out with Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Carmelo Hayes, Austin Theory, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn are having a great time watching all the action.
JOHN CENA IS HERE!
The fans are thunderous as #TheLastTimeIsNow! Cena’s farewell tour begins on the biggest Monday Night Raw ever, but he still pulls off the run down the ramp and the slide into the ring! Cena gets the mic and he says everyone’s talking about it, but you don’t get it until you’re out there. There’s just something different about tonight. And there’s people everywhere! LA shows up, huh? The fans cheer for Cena, and he knows that everyone heard it, but yes, this is the first time in history that Raw is broadcasted around the world at the same time. The difference makers are the fans. The fans chant, “Thank You, Cena!”
Cena says yeah, let the world know! Over the years, he has learned that the fans are very, very smart. And now, the audience has gotten a whole lot bigger. Everyone can see the fans right now. The electricity is felt all around the world! South Korea, Brazil, India, let ’em know, Los Angeles! The fans fire up for that, and Cena thanks Netflix for allowing the world to finally see the experience of MONDAY NIGHT RAW! The fans cheer again, and Cena adds, “Thank you, Monday Night Raw, for allowing me the honor to stand in a WWE ring in Los Angeles, full jorts, for the last time.” Cena could not think of a better place to start the farewell tour than LA.
And it is not just LA’s excitement. Hell, he slept in his car when he was working at Gold’s Gym in Venice. He learned to wrestle at UPW in Orange County. He rented a two-bedroom at 106 and Doredy and that’s 600 feet from here. Inglewood is up to no good! LA is where The Prototype was born! It’s where Cena won his first world title! And for 25 YEARS, LA has allowed Cena the opportunity to perform in this ring. So one last time in the city where dreams are made, he humbly stands before you and thanks you. The fans cheer Cena, and Cena says that’s what this year is about. It is about making moments.
There’s a lot of noise in here, and out of here. A new headline from a new expert on the year ahead. Who does Cena face at Mania, in his last match, etc. Names fly out like Drew McIntyre (boo), CM Punk, Logan Paul, Gunther, Cody Rhodes (YAY!) and everyone wants to know when on the farewell tour does Cena become a history making, record breaking, SEVENTEEN TIME World Champion? Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” But Cena says to be honest, since they’ve alwasy been honest with him, he just doesn’t see it happening. But that’s okay. The reason is, there’s the streak. Not Gunther’s 666, not Roman’s 1316, not even Undertaker’s 21 years at WrestleMania.
Cena means his 2,446 DAYS since he won a match. But that’s okay, he is at peace with it. That’s why they’re doing this! His time is up, their time is now! The fans aren’t so sure but Cena says hey, we’ll have fun on this final year. But as far as a 17th world title, never gonna happen. But hold on now, wait. Cena forgot where he was, this is the WWE. You should never say never. But maybe not never, but that it would take a miracle. He has a better chance at winning an Oscar, and well… But with a streak like his, he can’t just walk into a main event. The only thing he could do is win Money in the Bank, win the Elimination Chamber, or… win the Royal Rumble!
The fans like the sound of all that! Cena realizes what he’s saying, and says hold on, crazy idea. Maybe he can win the Rumble? The fans erupt, and Cena says okay, okay, it’s a long shot, but… Well, you can’t win the lottery if you don’t play! So he should get in the Rumble, right? His last Rumble! No maybe next year! So the best way to say thanks to the fans is to win the Rumble and make history at WrestleMania! Elephant in the room, it sounds impossible. But if you konw Cena, nothing is impossible. And the only time you say “never,” is when you say, “Never Give Up.”
Cena thanks LA. Because now he’s not just going to the Royal Rumble, he’s gonna WIN the Royal Rumble! “YOU WANT SOME? COME GET SOME!!” The fans fire up, can Cena make his last year his best year?
Logan Paul speaks.
The Maverick gets it, you don’t like him. He’s never respected the process or waited his turn. But what really keeps the haters up at night is that he is just so good at this. And now he is dedicating his life to this. No more “side hustle,” no more BS. 100% WWE Superstar, Logan Paul! This is the beginning of the Logan Paul Era.
WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan w/Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez VS Rhea Ripley!
Roman and Solo put an end to their feud, Cena is on his farewell tour, and now, win, lose or draw, the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour comes to an end! Lil’ Liv took almost everything from Mami, but will she be the one to lose it all? Or will Rhea fail to eradicate Liv once and for all?
Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one last time, we see who is on top!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Liv and Rhea stare down. They step up, then they fire hands! The fans fire up as Rhea kicks low, stomps a foot, then KNEES Liv in the head! Liv dodges a lariat but Rhea choke grips her! Rhea lifts Liv to SLAM her back down! Liv tumbles out of the ring, Raquel & Dom go to her side, but Rhea grins as she CANNONBALLS! Down goes Ricky Desperado but Dom gets Liv to safety. Liv gets int he ring, Rhea pursues, but Dom trips her up! The fans boo but Liv KNEES Rhea to the floor! Rhea is on her feet, but Liv goes to the apron. Liv leaps, but Rhea stops the rana!
Rhea lifts Liv to POWERBOMB her on the desk! The fans fire up and Dom panics while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Liv has Rhea down in a corner. Liv stomps away on Rhea, the ref counts, and the fans boo! Liv lets off with a scream, but then Rhea YANKS her into buckles! The fans fire up while Liv is dazed. Rhea runs up, but Liv ELBOWS her away! Liv goes up, up, and FLYING FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this but Liv stays on Rhea with slaps and SMACKS off the mat! Liv grins as she kicks and scuffs Rhea, then kicks her in the side! The fans rally for Rhea but Liv is amused. Liv steps on Rhea, then DOUBLE CHOPS her on the back! Liv DOUBLE CHOPS again, but Rhea is just getting mad.
Rhea stands, Liv SLAPS her, so Rhea eggs her on! Liv SLAPS and SLAPS, but Rhea blocks one to short arm LARIAT! And short arm LARIAT! And then ripcord and mule kick! Then a FACEBUSTER of her own! Rhea runs to KNEE Liv down! The fans fire up with Rhea and she brings Liv in. Rhea tucks the arms in a double pump handle! Flip and suplex! The fans fire up while Liv flounders away. Rhea runs in at the corner, but Liv dodges! Liv scurries away, comes back, but Rhea stops the wheelbarrow! Half nelson SUPLEX! Liv tumbles, Rhea covers, TWO! Liv survives and Rhea grows frustrated, but Dom & Raquel are relieved.
The fans rally while Dom coaches Liv. Rhea rises, she brings Liv around and pump handles again! Half nelson and RIP- NO, Liv slips free to BACKSTABBER! And then Liv RAMS Rhea into buckles! Liv reels Rhea in for a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Rhea is tougher than that but Liv is still frustrated. Dom & Raquel continue to coach Liv but the fans continue to rally behind Rhea. Rhea rises at the ropes, Liv runs up, but Rhea HEADBUTTS her! Liv tries again, ENZIGIRIS Rhea, and then whips. Rhea reverses to slide under and RIPTIDE!! High stack, TWO?!?! Liv survives and shocks everyone, even Dom & Raquel!
Rhea pleads with the ref but no, that was two. Or at least, it was a 2.9. Dom slides the title into the ring! But Rhea knows what that means! Rhea BLASTS Raquel off the apron, but Liv hits FULL METAL OBLIVION! Cover, TWO?!? Rhea survives and now Liv is shocked! Liv looks to Dom and Dom says just hit her again! Liv hauls Rhea up, reels her in, and manages a snap suplex! Una Amiga, and the fans boo. Dom grins as Liv hits Dos Amigas! Liv hits THREE AMIGAS, and she kicks Rhea around. Liv puts Rhea in a drop zone, goes up the corner, and gives some Latina Heat. The fans boo, but Liv aims, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!
Liv is freaking out and Dom is beside himself! Rhea crawls, Liv stalks her, and they go to ropes. Liv runs up, but Rhea stops Oblivion! Rhea shakes her head, grins, and blows a kiss goodnight. URENAGE! Rhea then hauls Liv up, pump handles, RIPTIDE!!! But then she flips Liv over, resets, RIPTIDE!!! Cover, RHEA WINS!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s World Champion)
The fans cheer because finally and for good, Mami is on top! But then Dom sneaks in? What’s he thinking? Rhea turns to see him standing there, and he offers a hug?! What a rat! Snake! Worm! Rhea looks at her title, looks at Dom, and she kisses the title, before she smiles and LOW BLOWS Dom!! The fans cheer as Rhea now hooks Dom up, RIPTIDE!! Dom gets what he deserves and Rhea’s finally leaving him behind once and for all! But now that she reigns supreme, what will be next for Monday Night Rhea?
Wait, The Undertaker’s here?!? And not only that, it’s AMERICAN BADASS TAKER! Rhea grins as she gets to be here for The Phenom’s return! Taker rides by on his motorcycle, goes to the ring and does a quick lap before going back up the ramp. He fist bumps with Mami, and she gets to raise the fist with him! Pyro goes off, Rhea and Taker high-five, and they head out again.
The watch party continues.
The New Day is here, but they’re not as excited as KC Squared or The LWO. Why’re they even here then? Or do they think they can scout Rey Mysterio’s partner for their match next week?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
The Raw General Manager is talking with Bayley, and they shake hands. Cathy Kelley says this is a massive night already, but what else can we expect for the flagship show? But then American Made walks in. Chad Gable says the answer is the continued ascent of him and his elite group of athletes. A former Olympian, a valedictorian, and the man who singlehandedly dismantled The Alpha Academy. He WILL win a singles title, and he will dispel the rumors that he is lacking against luchadores. Give him the best one on the roster! Pearce asks if Gable is sure about that. Gable has never been more sure of anything in his life. Now make it official.
American Made heads out, Pearce excuses himself, he has a call to make. Is Gable going to regret leaving this up to Pearce? Or will Gable show he has no fear?
Travis Scott is here!
The fans go wild as the hit rapper and honorary WWE Hardcore Champion paves the way for Main Event Jey! Los Angeles is ready to YEET, but will Jey smoke the Scottish Terminator like whatever that is Travis has in his hand? Or will McIntyre check another name off his hitlist? We find out, after the break!
Jey Uso VS Drew McIntyre!
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The most ambitious crossover in wrestling history!
NJPW brings the best of AEW, ROH, CMLL and Stardom to the Tokyo Dome for the ULTIMATE wrestling crossover of all time: WrestleDynasty!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – International Women’s Cup Fatal 4 Way: Willow Nightingale VS Athena VS Persephone VS Momo Watanabe; Momo wins and earns a future title opportunity of her choice.
- Kickoff – ROH World Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO; Dustin & Sammy win and retain the titles.
- International Lucha Gauntlet: Taiji Ishimori wins.
- Special Exhibition: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Katsuyori Shibata; Time Limit Draw.
- NJPW Strong & Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championships, Winner Takes All: Mercedes Mone VS Mina Shirakawa; Mone wins and is the new dual champion.
- David Finlay VS Brody King; Finlay wins.
- Shota Umino VS Claudio Castagnoli; Shota wins.
- NEVER Openweight & AEW International Championships Double Title Match: Konosuke Takeshita VS Tomohiro Ishii; Konosuke wins and retains the titles.
- Vacated IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb VS The Young Bucks VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; The Bucks win and are the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Jack Perry; Yota wins and retains the title.
- Kenny Omega VS Gabe Kidd; Omega wins.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ricochet; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kickoff – International Women’s Cup Fatal 4 Way: Willow Nightingale VS Athena VS Persephone VS Momo Watanabe!
AEW’s Babe with the Power, ROH’s Fallen Goddess, CMLL’s Black Widow, and Stardom’s Big Match Peach all battled the best around the world to make it here. But there can only be ONE Best in the World! Who wins the Cup and heads for a golden opportunity?
The bell rings and Momo runs up on Willow, but Willow dodges to then BOOT Momo! Athena hangs back while Persephone runs up. Willow ducks the leg lariat but then Persephone elbows Willow away. Persephone goes after Athena, but Athena TOSSES her up and out! Momo runs up, Athena dodges to then ROCK Willow! Momo CLUBS Athena, TOSSES her onto Persephone, but Willow rolls Momo up! TWO, and Momo CLAWS Willow’s eyes! The ref reprimands, counts, and Momo stops at 4. Momo whips but Willow blocks! Momo ROCKS Willow, whips, but Willow cartwheels and ENZIGIRIS!
The fans fire up and Willow back body blocks Momo in a corner! Then LARIATS! Then snapmares, and BOOTS! Momo is down but Willow stands her back up. Willow straitjackets and torture racks Momo into a RACK DROP! Momo flounders away to ropes, Persephone backslides and BRIDGES Willow, TWO!! Willow escapes but Persephone knees her low. Persephone whips, Willow reverses, but Persephone goes up and over. Willow runs up but Persephone goes Matrix! And then she spider-walks and it spooks Willow a bit. Persephone stands, then gets around Willow to ripcord and scoop!
The fans fire up as Persephone carries Willow around, then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Persephone kips up and the fans fire up, but Athena returns! Athena ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTERS! Athena keeps moving, and she sliding FOREARMS Persephone! Then NECKBREAKER into snap suplex! Persephone flounders and Athena kips up while fans fire up. Athena runs, handsprings and forearm SMASHES in the corner! Athena snapmares Persephone, runs, and PENALTY KICKS! Athena stomps Persephone around, but Momo returns, armed with her baseball bat! The ref stops Momo, Athena runs, but Thekla trips her up!
Athena storms out to argue with Thekla, they were teammates just the other day at the Stardom New Year event! Momo lets go of the bat and goes after Persephone. Momo blocks Persephone’s shot, then fires off a strike fest! Momo then Alabama Lifts Persephone, tucks her in, but Athena returns to LARIAT Momo into a SUNSET BOMB from Persephone! The fans fire up but then Willow SPLASHES Persephone! Cover, Athena breaks it! Athena and Willow meet, rivals from fighting over the ROH Women’s World Championship. Athena runs up, Willow dodges to then tilt-o-whirl RANA! But Athena handsprings through! Only for Willow to BOOT her down!
The fans fire up as Willow fireman’s carries Athena. DEATH VALLEY- NO, Athena handsprings through, then SUPERKICKS! Athena brings Willow in, but Willow suplexes! Willow holds Athena up while she fights off Persephone and Momo at the same time! But Athena slips free to waistlock, only for Willow to pry free and standing switch. Willow feeds Athena to Persephone’s SPEAR! The Black Widow mask is off but Persephone just seems stronger for it! Only for Momo to ROUNDHOUSE Persephone down! The fans rally, Momo brings Willow up, but Willow fights the suplex! Persephone joins in!
Willow fights off both Momo & Persephone to DOUBLE SUPLEX Momo & Persephone! Then she DOUBLE SPLASHES! Cover, but Athena SENTONS it all apart! All four women are down and the fans rally up! Athena rises, sees the others have gone outside, so she builds speed. Momo returns to DROPKICK Athena! Momo goes to the apron to METEORA Willow to the floor! Momo hurries to get Willow up, but Athena climbs a corner! Athena SUPER CANNONBALLS them both down! The fans fire up with Athena, and she shakes the railing! But wait, Persephone is up top! And she SUPER SKY TWISTERS!
The fans fire up but Willow avoided the attack! And she CLOBBERS Persephone! The fans fire up as Willow roars, and she puts Persephone in the ring. Willow goes up a corner, Persephone stands, M ISSILE DROPKICK! Willow runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL, but only gets buckles! Persephone has a wild look on her face as she builds speed! Persephone runs an extra length to then FLY! Down goes Willow and the fans fire up! Persephone puts Willow in, but Willow comes back to kick! Persephone blocks that and spins Willow for a LEG TRAP GERMAN! Bridging cover, but Momo breaks it!
The fans fire up again and Momo storms up on Persephone. Persephone fires forearms first, then whips, but Momo reverses to smack Persephone off buckles! Momo then suplexes Persephone into the Tree of Woe! Willow runs up, but Momo sends her into Persephone! Then Momo KICKS Willow in the back! Momo PENALTY KICKS Persephone, then lifts Willow! B DRIVER!! Cover, but Athena breaks it! The fans rally up while all four women are down again. Athena and Momo stare down, then start shoving! Momo blocks a shot to ROCK Athena, but Athena ROCKS Momo! Momo comes back but Athena ducks the kick!
Momo jumps over the sweep, gets around Athena and full nelsons. Momo lifts but Athena victory roll FACEBUSTERS! Athena has the legs but Momo BOOTS her away! The two get up and start shoving again. But Persephone and Willow run up! Momo dodges Persephone to ROUNDHOUSE her down, but Willow CLOBBERS Athena! Momo runs at Willow but into a SPINEBUSTER! Willow hauls Athena up and whips her into a corner, but Athena goes up! Athena hits Willow and Persephone with a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Athena fireman’s carries Willow for a WASTELAND SLAM!
Athena Alabama Lifts Persephone! And ALABAMA SLAMS her ONTO Willow! Double cover, TWO!! The fans fire up but Athena is frustrated. Athena drags Persephone up but Persephone shoves her, and Willow POUNCES! PERIOD! Persephone and Willow trade shots, then Willow DECKS Momo for good measure. Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER- RANA!! Persephone covers, TWO!! Willow sunset flips it, TWO!! Both women stand, Persephone gets under to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Willow escapes and Persephone can’t believe it! The fans fire up as Persephone rains down fists on Willow!
Persephone roars, goes to the apron, but Athena is there! Persephone ELBOWS Athena, but Athena blocks a kick! Athena slips under, to then APRON CHOKE SLAM!! Both Athena and Persephone land on the outside, and Momo fires off KICKS on Willow! ROUNDHOUSE! Willow wobbles, Momo vows to end it! Momo reels Willow in but Willow fights free. Momo ROUNDHOUSES again! Momo runs, into a wrench and fireman’s carry! Willow roars for the CORNER DEATH VALLEY!! The fans fire up and the ref checks Momo. Willow brings down the straps, but Athena is up top! O-FACE!!! Cover, THEKLA pulls the ref out!!
The fans boo and Athena is pissed again! Guess Thekla’s really on Team Stardom. Because then Momo HOMERUNS Athena’s face!! And then Momo half nelsons and pump handles Athena, for the PEACH THUNDER PLEX!! Bridging cover, MOMO WINS!
Winner: Momo Watanabe, by pinfall (Inaugural International Women’s Cup Winner)
The Big Match Peach comes through in this big match, but not without that assist from the Toxic Spider! Will Momo use the Cup’s golden ticket to finally get the World of Stardom Championship? How will the rest of the best rebound from this chaotic start to the New Year?
Kickoff – ROH World Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO!
The Sons of Texas made it through their most brutal challenge at ROH Final Battle, having overcome The Righteous and taken back Dusty Rhodes’ cowbell. But now, the Heel Master and Murder Machine want to ruin the fun! Will they turn ROH into HOT? Or will the Natural & The Spanish God bring down the House of Torture?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if there’s any honor in WrestleDynasty!
Kanemaru SPITS on the belts, and Dustin storms up! The ref keeps everyone back, and the teams sort out. Dustin starts against Sho and Sho thinks that’s not fair. Sorry, no weight classes in ROH! The bell rings and fans rally up while Dustin offers the Code of Honor handshake. Sho says fine, and he shakes Dustin’s hand. But then he holds on so Kanemaru cdan attack! The fans boo as the House mugs Dustin, then they double whip. But Dustin DOUBLE LARIATS them! And he arm-drags Sho! Dustin bends fingers and Sho apologizes, but Dustin brings him over to CHOP in the corner. Tag to Sammy, and Sammy CHOPS!
The fans cheer as The Sons of Texas then DOUBLE SUPLEX Sho! Sammy spins and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Dustin runs to SHINING WIZARD! Sammy covers, TWO! Sho toughs it out but Sammy goes to a corner. Sammy climbs up, takes aim, and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit, but Kanemaru runs in! Sammy DUMPS Kanemaru out, then baits Sho into the corner! Sammy RAMS Sho, KICKS him away, then ASAI MOONSAULTS Kanemaru down! The fans fire up for Sammy, and he counter punches Sho. Sammy springboards, but Sho steps back and pulls hair! Sho TOSSES Sammy, BLASTS Dustin, and Kanemaru sends Sammy into railing!
The fans boo but then Sho unties the blue buckle pad! The House Special is in play, and Kanemaru puts Sammy in the ring. Sho wrenches and whips Sammy into the bare buckles! The fans boo as Sammy falls back! Kanemaru tags in, he and Sho double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW Sammy! Sho sucker punches Dustin again! Dustin storms in, but The House mugs him, then whips him into the bare buckles! The fans boo more while both Sons of Texas are down. Sho goes out and Kanemaru whips Sammy, to then BACKDROP Sammy! Kanemaru stomps Sammy while Sho grabs the title belts! The ref reprimands, but Kanemaru hits a big suplex! Cover, TWO!
Sammy stays in this but Kanemaru stays on him. Kanemaru scoops and SLAMS Sammy, then tags Sho. The fans rally for Sammy but Sho covers, TWO! Sho covers again, ONE! Sho gets mad at the ref but the count is the count. Sho drags Sammy up, the fans rally, and Sammy reaches for Dustin. Sho keeps Sammy from Dustin and sends him into the bare buckles! Tag to Kanemaru, and Kanemaru trips Sammy to turn him over, BOSTON CRAB! Sammy endures while Kanemaru sits deep on the hold! Sammy fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Kanemaru lets go, and Kanemaru tags Sho.
Kanemaru stomps Sammy, and Sho steps in with the title belt! The ref reprimands, so Sho drops the belt, to step on it! The fans boo the disrespect, but then Sho kicks the belt out of the ring. But Sammy ENZIGIRIS Sho! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Sho and Sammy crawl, but Sho keeps Sammy from Dustin! Sho whips Sammy, but Sammy BLASTS Kanemaru! Sammy BOOTS Sho, then DUMPS him out! Sammy crawls as fast as he can while the fans rally up, but Sho runs in! Sammy dodges to CODE BREAKER! Shoutout to Sammy’s first mentor, Y2J. But then Kanemaru gets in to stop Sammy!
The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Sammy ENZIGIRIS Kanemaru! Hot tag to Dustin! The fans fire up as Dustin rallies on Sho with LARIAT after LARIAT! Dustin whips, Sho reverses, but Dustin says, “Not today!” UPPERCUT, then SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as we get another SNAP POWERSLAM on Kanemaru! Dustin brings Sho up, but Sho bends fingers! The ref reprimands but Sho runs, only for the spear to bounce right off Dustin! Dustin runs, but Kanemaru KICKS him! Sho runs and the SPEAR takes Dustin down this time! Tag to Kanemaru and the House splits the wishbone!
Kanemaru whips Dustin to dropkick the legs! Dustin hobbles, Kanemaru trips him, and then he YANKS the leg! Kanemaru hurries to bring Dustin around by his leg, but Dustin BOOTS him away! Dustin then avoids the dropkick, but Kanemaru avoids the elbow drop! Kanemaru basement dropkicks Dustin in the face! Both men are down and the fans rally for Dustin. Kanemaru crawls, Sho distracts the ref, and Kanemaru gets his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a big swig, then aims, but Dustin smothers Kanemaru! And then whips him at the ref! Kanemaru and the ref dosido, and Kanemaru sends the ref at Dustin!
Dustin stops from colliding with the ref, and takes a deep breath! Dustin barks and the ref is spooked, and Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!! Roll up, TWO!! Dustin escapes but Kanemaru pushes him down! Kanemaru goes up the corner to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Dustin survives and the fans fire up! Kanemaru hurries back up, and he leaps, but Dustin dodges! Sammy hits a CUTTER! Sho is back, but Sammy SUPERKICKS him! Dustin runs to hit Sho with a DESTROYER! Sammy distracts the ref so that Dustin can take a swig of whiskey! Dustin then brings Kanemaru around, WHISKEY MIST!! And then Sammy SUPERKICKS!
Dustin brings Kanemaru around for the FINAL RECKONING! Sammy goes up top, and he adds on the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Sons of Texas win!
Winners: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, by pinfall (still ROH World Tag Team Champions)
DustinPool & Samverine give the House of Torture a taste of their own medicine quite literally! The Sons of Texas are still golden, and they bow in respect and thanks to the Tokyo Dome crowd! Will these two still reign the next time the Forbidden Door opens?
International Lucha Gauntlet!
As NJPW and CMLL keep their friendship going strong, each side sends four of their best into battle for the most fantastico eight man gauntlet possible! And bigger than that, entry after entry will be sent in every few minutes! Brand VS brand aside, who comes out as El Mejor Luchador (the best wrestler)?
First out is CMLL’s Alchemist of Lucha, Hechicero! Who does he start against? It is NJPW’s Japanese Young Punk, Kosei Fujita! The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Hechi spins to wrench and wrangle Fujita. Fujita rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks back, but Hechi powers Fujita down to then get a leg! Hechi rolls and flips over to then trap Fujita’s legs in a modified Crab, and he makes it a cover! TWO as Fujita gest an arm up! Fujita uses his core to sit up then sunset flip, but Hechi knuckle locks and rolls Fujita into another cradle. Fujita fights up but the countdown is here!
Fujita wrenches and hammerlocks but Hechi slips through, and entry three is CMLL’s Soberano Jr! The fans fire up as Soberano walks out with the golden crown of thorns and hurries to the ring. Fujita and Hechi still grapple, but Soberano goes up! CROSSBODY gets Fujita! Then Soberano springboards to FLYING RANA Hechi! Soberano SUPERKICKS Fujita down, then runs corner to corner. Hechi puts Soberano on the corner, then Hechi blocks the gamangiri! Hechi wraps the leg around ropes, pulls, but lets off as the ref counts. Fujita runs up but Hechi ELBOWS him! Hechi victory rolls Fujita and has the legs!
Hechi grabs the arms, and he has Fujita in the MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Soberano adds a FLYING LEG DROP! Fujita is down, Soberano runs and hops on, but Hechi stops the Destroyer! Hechi swings Soberano but Soberano uses it to RANA Hechi out of the ring! Soberano runs to FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Hechi, and the countdown is back! Entry four is NJPW’s Master Wato! Soberano welcomes The Way to the Grandmaster, but he has to GAMANGIRI Hechi first! Wato slides in, dodges Soberano and fires hands! The fans fire up as Wato and Soberano go CHOP for CHOP! Soberano then puts some stank on the CHOP!
Wato fires a flurry of CHOPS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Soberano runs, but Wato blows past him to RANA! Soberano tumbles out, the fans fire up with Wato, and Wato goes out to fire hands! Wato puts Soberano in the ring, stomps away, and the countdown returns again. Entry five is already on the way, and it is MASCARA DORADA 2.0! The fans fire up as Dorada builds up speed, slides in, and he dodges Wato. Dorada handsprings but Wato dodges! Dorada blocks Wato’s chop to knuckle lock and CHOP! Dorada goes up the ropes, pinballs around then ARM-DRAGS Wato away! Things keep moving, Dorada dodges Soberano to then SPIN RANA!
The fans fire up and Dorada runs, tilt-o-whirls on Hechi, and slips free of Hechi’s torture rack to waistlock! Dorada DROPKICKS Hechi into Fujita, then runs up to use Hechi to go up! RANA on Fujita, then a double knuckle lock with Hechi! Dorada pops up and swings around to RANA Hechi! The fans are thunderous as Dorada keeps moving, and he DIVES into Soberano! Then he DIVES onto Hechi! Entry six is here, and it is NJPW’s Taiji Ishimori! The Bone Soldier goes to the apron, springboards but Dorada gets under. Things speed up but Taiji fires haymakers! Taiji whips Dorada, but Dorada reverses.
Taiji handsprings to LETHAL INJECTION! The fans fire up and Taiji brings Dorada up. Taiji wrenches, hammerlocks, then scoops, for a SHOULDER BUSTER! Taiji then waits on Dorada, runs up to tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK! Dorada endures, crawls for ropes, and has the ROPEBREAK! Entry number seven is here, and it is CMLL’s TITAN! El Inmortal represents both CMLL and Los Ingobernables de Japon, and Taiji is ready to test grace against grace! Titan runs up, blocks a shot, then springboards to CROSSBODY! Hechi throws Titan down but Titan kips up to PELE!
Taiji kicks and whips but Titan reverses! Titan goes Matrix to dodge, then he CALF KICKS! The fans fi reup as Dorada runs up, but Titan ripcords, knuckle locks, then CHOPS! Titan hurdles Taiji, mule kicks him, then ROUNDHOUSES Dorada! Titan goes up and up and tightrope walks before he MISSILE DROPKICKS Taiji! Dorada stands Titan up to whip, but Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT! And a roll through into the GOURD BUSTER, then SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Titan, but the final countdown is here! Titan drags Dorada up to snapmare, and he wraps on a GROUND COBRA TWIST!
The final entry belongs to NJPW, and it’s EL DESPERADO! The NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion joining in really changes the dynamic of this! Could someone earn a title shot out of this gauntlet match? Titan CLUBS Dorada to keep him down, and all the other entries get in the ring to await the Rogue Luchador. Then Despy realizes the trouble he got himself into… Despy says okay, hold on! Hold on! Wato runs up, Despy dodges and fire shands, but everyone else rushes out there! It’s a 7v1 mugging on the ramp! Then Hechi leads the charge as the and the others bring Despy into the ring!
The fans rally for Despy but Dorada suplexes him high and hard! Hechi fireman’s carries Despy for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Wato stands Despy up for a fireman’s carry and WASTELAND SLAM! Titan picks Despy up to YOYO BACK SUPLEX! Soberano brings Despy up to fireman’s carry and WASTELAND SLAM! Taiji drags Despy up to fireman’s carry and WASTELAND SLAM! Fujita brings Despy up to scoop, spin and SLAM! The fans rally for Despy but Hechi stands him up to CHOP! Then Hechi runs in for a STEP-UP KNEE! Cover, Wato breaks it! Titan SHOTGUNS Wato! Taiji JUMP KNEES Titan! Dorada KNEES Taiji!
Soberano SUPERKICKS Dorada! Fujita ENZIGIRIS Soberano! Hechi SHOTGUNS Fujita! Hechi goes back to Despy to hammerlock and swing! EL CONJURO BACKBREAKER! Cover, but Fujita KICKS Hechi ont he back! Hechi and Fujita fire off CHOPS, but then Fujtia bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP Hechi! Fujita runs but into a SLEEPER at the ropes! Taiji YANKS Hechi down, Fujita builds speed, and Fujita FLIES! Down goes Hechi! The fans fire up but Taiji builds speed to go up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULT Fujita! Soberano goes up top while Hechi goes after Taiji! Soberano hits a SKY TWISTER! Down goes Taiji and Hehci at the ramp!
The fans fire up as Titan builds speed, but Wato gets in to TOSS him instead! Titan lands on the apron to GAMANGIRI Wato, then he ARIHARA MOONSAULTS the rest! The fans fire up as Wato now fires up! Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes the cluster, but then Dorada slides in! Dorada climbs the ropes to SUPER SHOOTING STAR PRESS! They’re all down on the outside, but Fujita goes after Despy! Deadlift and GERMAN- NO, Despy fights out, switches, EL ES CULERO! TWO!! Fujita SLAPS Despy, and GERMAN- NO, Despy victory rolls, then snatches the leg into a STRETCH MUFFLER!
Fujita throws Despy off, he gets Despy’s leg, QUEEN ANGELITO, into the KAMI SPECIAL!! Desperado endures the Surfboard of the Gods, but then Taiji THROWS the ref onto it all! Then he GEDO CLUTCHES Despy! TAIJI WINS!!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall
The Bone Soldier uses an opportunistic approach, but he’ll just tell you it was by grace! Either way, Taiji not only won this wild gauntlet, he just pinned the champion! But now he has to get outta there because the others are mad! Will Taiji soon prove that he is the Best of the Super Juniors? Or will Despy make sure Taiji pays for everyone else ganging up on him?
Special Exhibition: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Katsuyori Shibata!
The Ace’s Final Road made it through WrestleKingdom and the House of Torture’s many tricks, but he still needed a save from those sore losers. The world was shocked to see The Wrestler back home in NJPW, and now we’re getting a rematch few thought we’d ever get! Will Tanahashi keep the momentum going in his final year? Or will Shibata prove he was always the stronger Musketeer?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. They then break and the fans applaud. The two circle again, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and are in a deadlock! The fans rally as both men push with all their might! Tanahashi finds a point of leverage, but Shibata then pushes Tanahashi back! They go back and forth like that, until Tanahashi manages to push Shibata back step back step. But then Shibata powers up to push Tanahashi all the way to ropes! The ref counts the break, and Shibata lets off clean as the fans cheer. The two go again, and they’re back to a collar ‘n’ elbow.
But then Shibata CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth, and neither man is backing down! The clock is ticking, though! Shibata CHOPS, then eggs Tanahashi on. Tanahsahi CHOPS, CHOPS, but Shibata CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Tanahashi eggs Shibata on so Shibata CHOPS, CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Tanahashi fires back with CHOP after CHOP! Shibata doesn’t back down, he just eggs Tanahashi on! The CHOPS keep going, but then Shibata CHOPS back! We hit the two minute warning already, and Shibata CHOPS Tanahashi against ropes! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again!
Tanahashi turns things around to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! The fans fire up as Shibata gets in Tanahashi’s face! Tanahashi HEADBUTTS! Shibata CHOPS! Shibata has Tanahashi in a corner for MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Last minute here and Shibata CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Both men are stinging red but Tanahashi full nelsons! Shibata breaks that, switches, then he spins Tanahashi just to CHOP! And CHOP! Tanahashi CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, repeat! They’re not stopping with the CHOPS as we hit 30 seconds! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, and the fans fire up! The CHOP fight just keeps going!
The fans rally as the CHOPS go harder and harder! TEN SECONDS LEFT, but the CHOPS are unlimited! TIME’S UP!
Time Limit Draw
The fans cheer as this special exhibition comes to a close. But this was just an appetizer for them, and Shibata shakes hands with Tanahashi. Will we get to see these two go at it for real before Tanahashi’s final year comes to a close?
NJPW Strong & Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championships, Winner Takes All: Mercedes Mone VS Mina Shirakawa!
The CEO has two belts, and technically so does the Fighting Gravure Idol. However, Mone is only putting up the lavender strap against Mina’s RPW gold. Will Mone go from two to three belts? Or will Mina not only be the Queen of Southside but also the Face of NJPW Strong?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who adds to their championship wardrobe!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, go around, and end up in a corner. The ref counts, Mone lets off with a push, and then she does her CEO dance. Mina applauds, then ties up with Mone again. Mina waistlocks, spins Mone around and SOBATS! Mina runs, rolls over the dropdown, then eggs Mone on. Mone runs up but Mina dodges to dropkick a leg out! Mone avoids the next dropkick, but Mina avoids the Penalty Kick! Mina rolls Mone, Mone rolls through, but Mina dodges to slide and shimmy. The fans cheer, but Mone pulls Mina’s hair! The ref reprimands, but Mina whips, only for Mone to springboard and arm-drag!
Mone keeps the arm so she can drag Mina into a CROSSFACE! Mina crawls back, back, and has the ROPEBREAK! Mone lets go of the Statement Maker at 4, then runs to DROPKICK Mina to the floor! The fans rally and Mone builds speed to then DIVE! Direct hit on Mina and the Stardom Young Lionesses! Mone puts Mina in, the fans rally up, and Mone goes up the corner. Mina roars and rises, then she SLAPS Mone! Mina grabs a leg to SUPER DRAGON SCREW Mone down! The fans fire up as Mina runs up, and she dropkicks legs out! Mone flounders while the fans rally, and Mina grabs that leg.
Mina drags Mone to a corner, and then SWINGS the bad leg into the post! The fans cheer and Mina shouts, “WE WANT MINA~!” The fans cheer that, and Mina puts on the CORNER FIGURE FOUR! Mone flails, maybe even taps out, but it doesn’t count given the post is involved! The ref counts, Mina lets go at 4, and Mone scrambles away. Mina fires up and the fans are with her. Mina runs corner to corner at Mone, but Mone ELBOWS back! And BOOTS! And then goes up to DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Mina staggers back, Mone hits a METEORA! Cover, TWO! Mina survives and hurries to her feet! She dropkicks Mone’s legs again!
Mone writhes but Mina storms up on her. Mina picks Mone up and ties up the legs, for a KNEE BUSTER! Mone clutches her legs, but Mina grabs them and fires the fans up! Mina blows a kiss to Mone before she drops an ELBOW on the knee! Then Mina hooks the leg up for a SHIN BREAKER! Mone writhes but Mina KICKS the bad leg! Mone clings to ropes but Mina stands on the leg! The ref reprimands, Mone kicks with her good leg, but Mina stomps Mone down. The fans rally as Mina brings Mone up. Mina hooks up the leg again, SHIN- NO, Mone sunset flips! But Mina rolls thorugh, only for Mone to METEORA!
Mone is frustrated but she fires back up! The fans rally, Mina runs up, but Mone blocks the kick to KNEE her back! Mone then spins Mina to BACKSTABBER! A bit double-edged given the bad leg, but Mone still stands. Mone somersaults to then ELBOW Mina! Mone fires off forearms in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Mone puts Mina in the ropes, CHOPS her, then climbs up for the STOCK DROP! Mone roars and the fans fire up with her! Mina is in the drop zone while Mone goes up the corner. Mina stands, so Mone METEORAS again! NO, Mina rolls through! Mina SMASHES the knee again and again!
Mina steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Mone scrambles and has the ROPEBREAK! Mina lets go but she brings Mone back up. Mina fires off slapping strikes, then runs, springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! Mone stays in this but Mina stays focused. The fans rally up and Mina calls her shot. Mina drags Mone back up, scoops her, but Mone slips through! Mone manages to scoop Mina, for a CIPHER UTAKI! But again, double-edged because of the bad knee! The fans rally, the ref even pounds the mat to signal for the two women to rise. Mina and Mone grab at each other, and they start throwing forearms!
The fans rally as the shots go back and forth! Mina is having fun now as she ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! The forearms keep going, Mone gets the edge, but Mina shakes those off to fire back! Mina ROCKS Mone, ROLLING ELBOWS her, then URA- NO, Mone catches Mina not a Gory Especial! But the legs give out! Mina reels Mone in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again and Mina rises! Mina has Mone’s legs, steps through, but Mone BOOTS her away! Mina returns, but Mone rolls through the jackknife! Mina reels Mone in for a suplex! Una Amiga! Mone brings Mina up for Dos Amigas! And then for THREE AMIGAS!
The fans fire up and Mone roars again! Mone crawls to a corner and drags herself up the ropes. Mina stands, roars, and she blocks Mone’s shot to URAKEN! Mina then climbs up after Mone, and the fans rally as she CLUBS away on her! Mina goes to the very top, and she gives Mone a SUPER IMPALER DDT!! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Mina rises first, and she dares Mone to get up! Mone rises, Mina grabs the bad leg! DRAGON SCREW! Mone flounders around but Mina has her right up, and in an Electric Chair Lift! Mina spins Mone into a FALLING DRAGON SCREW! Then FIGURE FOUR!!
Mone endures and the fans are going wild! Mina thrashes around as much as she can, but Mone SLAPS her! Mina SLAPS back! Mone SLAPS again, but Mina pushes up on the hold! Mone CLUBS at the legs, works to turn this over, and then she has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Mina lets Mone go, only to follow Mone to a corner! Mina goes up top, and she hits Mone with a FLYING SLINGBLADE! Mina hurries to hit an IMPLANT DDT!! Cover, TWO?!? Mone survives and the fans fire up! Mina fires up, calls her shot, and has Mone in a dragon sleeper! GLAMOROUS DRIVER MINA!! Cover, TWO?!?! Mone survives and no one can believe it!
Mina is fuming, but she drags Mone up again. GLAM- NO, Mone slips free! Mina kicks a leg out, then runs, but Mone manages a CODE BREAKER! Mone roars, runs, and SWINGING CODE BREAKERS!! Cover, TWO!! Mina survives and Mone is beside herself! The fans fire up more while Mone pounds the mat. Mone drags Mina up, turns her and Gory Especial, but Mina flips up and over! Mina hooks Mone up in a GORY BOMB!! And then ANKLE LOCK!! Mina leans on that hold, then turns it around into a GLAMOROUS DEATHLOCK!! Mone endures, fights around, makes it a cover, TWO!! Both women stand, and run in!
Mone turns Mina to a backslide, TWO!! Mina trips Mone, but Mone cradle counters!! TWO!!! Mina kicks, Mone blocks! Gory Especial, MONEY MAKER!!! Cover, MONE WINS!!
Winner: Mercedes Mone, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion & NEW RPW British Women’s Champion)
A powerful battle of top stars in the world, but The CEO just keeps on stacking gold! The Queen of Southside belts comes with the RPW belt, Mone almost can’t carry it all! She still shows respect to Mina by offering a handshake, but Mina slaps it away! Will Mina have her revenge the next time she’s in AEW? Will Mone have even more belts by then?
David Finlay VS Brody King!
The Rebel no longer has his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship after losing it to Yota Tsuji, but he can still fight for his pride as “Boss Dog” of Bullet Club. Will Finlay redeem himself from WrestleKingdom’s defeat? Or will the King of Death show that even in the Tokyo Dome, the House Always Wins?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Brody and Finlay circle, tie up, and Brody powers Finlay back. Finlay turns things around and grinds his forearm in Brody’s face. The ref counts but Brody SHOVES Finlay away! Finlay comes back to fire more forearms, but Brody SHOVES him again! Finlay gets up, but Brody CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and Brody swings. Finlay dodges, gets cocky, but Brody BOOTS him! Brody barks then storms up on Finlay, to TOSS him across the way! Brody tells Finlay to get up, then runs corner to corner. Finlay dropkicks the legs out! Brody hits buckles and Gedo cheers!
Finlay brings Brody around, reels him in, but Brody backdrops out with ease! Finlay flounders while Brody shakes out the stars. Brody storms up to DOUBLE CHOP Finlay down! Brody paces around Finlay, stands him up, and CHOPS him down! Finlay bails out to the apron but Brody asks where he thinks he’s going. Brody drags Finlay up by his hair, but Finlay HOTSHOTS him back! Finlay runs in and CHOP BLOCKS a leg out! Gedo cheers again while Finlay clamps on a SLEEPER! Finlay fires crossface forearms, but then Brody blocks ’em! Finlay stomps away on Brody’s legs, then he SMASHES a knee into the mat!
The fans rally for Brody as he stands, but Finlay runs up! Finlay LARIATS Brody and himself up and out of the ring! They both hit the floor, and Finlay grits his teeth as he stands. Finlay leaves Brody behind to then PLANCHA, but Brody catches him! Brody pops Finlay up, but Finlay slips free! Finlay POSTS Brody, and Brody goes to railing. Finlay runs up but Brody sends him crashing into railing! Brody grabs a chair, but he sits it up by the railing. Brody drags Finlay over and ROCKS him! Finlay takes a seat, and Brody CHOPS him against railing! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs up, CROSSBODY against railing!
The fans are thunderous as the chair all but disappears under Brody and Finlay! Brody drags Finlay up and into the ring, then he SENTONS onto Finlay! Brody pushes Finlay to a high stack cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Brody looms over him. Gedo coaches Finlay, the fans rally, and Brody scuffs the “Boss Dog.” Brody sits Finlay up to CHOP him! Brody stalks Finlay to a corner, then CHOPS him again! Finlay falls down and the fans cheer. Brody drags Finlay up while Gedo protests, but Brody DECKS Finlay! Finlay crawls, Brody drags him up, and then CHOPS again! Finlay ends up in a corner and Brody paces.
Brody eggs Finlay on, then stands him back up. Brody whips corner to corner hard, and Finlay bounces off buckles to fall right to the mat! Brody hauls Finlay up to RAM him into more buckles! Finlay flops down while Brody talks trash. Gedo tells Finlay to get up, Brody dares Finlay to get up, and the fans rally up. Brody storms up, blocks a boot, and he CLUBS the leg to then ROCK Finlay! Brody puts Finlay across the top rope, to then CHOP him down! Finlay flops to the apron, but Brody goes out to meet him! Finlay fires forearms, but Brody ROCKS him with just one! Brody stands Finlay up again, but Finlay fires more shots!
Brody ROCKS Finlay again, and the fans fire up! Finlay fires more shots, but Brody ROCKS him, and clamps on the SLEEPER! The ref reprimands, but Finlay CLAWS Brody’s eyes! Finlay is free, and he runs up to CLOBBER Brody against the railing! Gedo is fired up and so are the fans! Brody sputters while Finlay leaves him behind. Finlay gets in the ring, climbs a corner, and he SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit and Brody is sent into the railing! Finlay flounders back up to his feet, and he puts Brody back in the ring. Finlay then runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Finlay shoves Brody from the corner to go up, but Brody YANKS Finlay down!
Brody then fireman’s carries Finlay for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives and the fans cheer, but Brody snarls and grits his teeth. Brody stalks Finlay, talks smack, then stands Finlay up. Brody ROCKS Finlay, and Finlay staggers away. Finlay comes back but Brody ROCKS him again! Finlay staggers around more, but Brody ROCKS him a third time! Gedo coaches Finlay, and Finlay shakes out the stars. But then Brody DECKS him! The ref checks Finlay but Finlay is still in this, somehow. Finlay fires himself up, and he fires a flurry of forearms! Then an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, ducks one lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up, but Brody brings Finlay right into a PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives again, but now Brody is mad! Brody stands Finlay up, to POINT-BLANK LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay is still in this and Gedo fires up again! The fans rally, Brody vows to end this! Brody drags Finlay right up, reels him in, and GONZO- NO, Finlay slips free! Finlay ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay hurries to get Brody up, and runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Finlay has to turn Brody over for the cover, TWO! Brody is still in this and the fans rally up again. Finlay rises up, and he vows to end this!
Finlay stands Brody up, but Brody fireman’s carries! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Brody snarls again and the fans fire up! Brody barks, fans bark with him, and Finlay sits up in the corner. Brody runs in and CANNONBALLS! Brody drags Finlay up, hoists him onto the top rope, and then CHOPS! Brody climbs now, and he has Finlay on the top! Finlay fires body shots, then he climbs up to SUPER SUNSET FLIP ALLEY-OOP! Brody hits buckles, Finlay reels him in! Finlay manages to lift and POWERBOMB Brody!! The fans fire up, as Finlay hits OVERKIL!!! Cover, FINLAY WINS!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall
The saying might be cliche, but it really is about the size of the fight in the dog! Finlay overcomes big bad Brody with sheer determination and not a single underhanded tactic! But then, can Finlay use this as momentum on the road back to the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship? Or maybe even something bigger?
Shota Umino VS Claudio Castagnoli!
The Roughneck went 43 minutes with Zack Sabre Jr, and yet he could not take the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for his own. But that’s secondary now with how The Death Riders are trying to take out Jon Moxley’s original right hand man! Will the Swiss Superman be more like a terminator? Or will Shota still bring about his Paradigm Shift?
Claudio doesn’t even wait for his entrance, he attacks during Shota’s! The fans boo as Claudio knocks Shota down from behind on the ramp! Claudio just looms over Shota while he takes off his jacket, then he sits Shota up to BOOT him! Claudio even TOSSES Shota’s replica world title belt, the one the fans gave him! The fans boo more but hopefully someone gets that back to Shota. Claudio stands Shota up to ROCK him with a forearm, CLUB him on the back, and then UPPERCUT him! They go to ringside, and Claudio pushes Shota in. Claudio then storms in and the bell rings as he stomps Shota some more.
Shota looks up at Claudio with defiance, so Claudio UPPERCUTS! Shota shoves Claudio, fires a flurry of forearms, but Claudio fires those in return! Claudio UPPERCUTS, Shota fires more forearms, and Claudio wobbles! Shota UPPERCUTS, but Claudio pokes Shota in the eyes! Claudio UPPERCUTS, runs, but Shota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Shota while Claudio bails out. Shota takes aim as Claudio goes around the outside, then he PLANCHAS! But Claudio catches Shota! Claudio runs Shota into the POST! And he holds on so he can SNAKE EYES Shota off railing! Then he RAMS Shota back into the railing!
Claudio opens the gate and he sends Shota into the lighting truss! And then into the railing in front of fans! Claudio ROCKS Shota, then looms over him. The fans rally for Shota but there are some Claudio fans. Claudio whips Shota back into railing, and DUMPS him over to ringside! The ref reprimands, this needs to be in the ring, but Claudio hauls Shota up to FLAPJACK off railing! Shota is stuck so Claudio DUMPS him into the commentary area! The fans are torn while Claudio paces in the ring. The ring count starts while Shota is down. Shota sits up at 5 of 20, crawls his way back to the gate, but is still outside at 10.
Shota hobbles at 13, reaches ringside at 15, and rolls in at 16. The fans cheer, but Claudio is on Shota with an UPPERCUT! Claudio gets the legs, trips Shota, but Shota fights free! Claudio comes back to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Claudio scowls, and he deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Cover, TWO! Claudio clamps right on with a CROSSFACE! Shota endures, the fans rally up, but Claudio pulls back on the hold! Shota fights around, but Claudio fishhooks him! The ref reprimands, Claudio lets go, but then he fishhooks Shota in the ropes! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Claudio lets go at 4. To then fishhook Shota more!
The ref tells Claudio to back off, and Claudio lets go again. Shota sputters against ropes while the fans rally up. Claudio brings Shota around and ROCKS him with a forearm! Shota staggers but he grits his teeth. Claudio ROCKS Shota again, but Shota just stares Claudio down this time! Shota fires a forearm, but Claudio fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Claudio runs to BOOT Shota down! Claudio soaks up the cheers and jeers, then he stands Shota up. Claudio CHOPS Shota, CLAWS his eyes and SMOTHERS him against ropes! The ref counts, Claudio stops at 4, to then UPPERCUT again! Claudio whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS!
Claudio ends up on ropes, and Shota hurries to slingshot and APRON DDT! Claudio gets stuck like ZSJ did last night, then flops to the floor! Shota fires up and he stalks after Claudio. Shota stands Claudio up to UPPERCUT, then he puts Claudio on railing! DRAPING DDT to the floor! Shota strikes like a Viper and Claudio clutches his head! The ref checks Claudio but Claudio is still in this. Shota stalks Claudio, puts him in the ring, then aims from the corner. Claudio sits up, into the COAST2COAST! Shota hurries to dragon sleeper and TRIDENT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Shota runs, IGNITION!
Shota hurries to underhook, but Claudio RAMS Shota into a corner! Claudio runs up, Shota dodges, and Shota runs up! But Claudio puts Shota on the top rope, and UPPERCUTS! Shota wobbles, the fans rally up, and Claudio UPPERCUTS again! Shota leans way back, but Claudio climbs up to join him. Claudio drags Shota onto his shoulders for a fireman’s carry! Claudio stands to SUPER MILITARY PRESS SLAM!! Shota writhes and flounders around while the fans are thunderous! Claudio runs and LARIATS Shota down! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans rally up again. Claudio looms over Shota while the fans duel, and Claudio calls for “it!”
Claudio grabs the legs, for a GIANT SWING! The fans count along, and Claudio goes past ten, to go to FIFTEEN, then TWENTY! The fans cheer this special treat in the Tokyo Dome, and Claudio covers, TWO!! Shota survives, but Claudio drags him back to center! Claudio steps through, and he turns Shota over for a SHARPSHOOTER! Shota endures while Claudio sits deep on the hold! Shota powers up, but Claudio drags him away from ropes! Claudio sits deep on the hold again, but Shota refuses to give in! Shota powers up a second time, and he powers his way forward! But Claudio puts on more pressure!
The fans rally, Shota fights forward, and Claudio looses his footing! ROPEBREAK!! Shota survives, but Claudio looms over him. Claudio kicks at Shota mockingly, then he vows to end this! Claudio reels Shota in, Gotch Hold, but Shota fights it! So Claudio stands Shota up to UPPERCUT, and UPPERCUT, and UPPER- NO, Shota has the arms! Claudio fights the backslide, and he spins Shota for a KNEE down low! Shota sputters, goes to a corner, and Claudio runs in. Shota BOOTS Claudio, but Claudio fires off UPPERCUTS from all sides! Shota sits down and the fans fire up again. Claudio fireman’s carries Shota, and he goes up the corner!
The fans rally as Claudio takes aim, but Shota fights with elbows! Claudio sits down on the top rope, and Shota fires HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS from up there! Shota shows Claudio he can still Blackpool Combat Club with the Death Riders! The fans are torn as Shota fires off more shots, then dragon sleepers! SUPER TORNADO DDT!! Shota aims from a corner, powers up his arm, and he runs in to BLAZE BLADE!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives but the fans rally up! Shota underhooks Claudio, but Claudio wrenches out and UPPERCUTS! Claudio shoves Shota, then POP-UP UPPERCUTS! And then the straitjacket! RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?
Shota survives, the fans are thunderous, but Claudio vows to end this! Gotch hold, but Shota wrenches out! Claudio UPPERCUTS, resets, but Shota slips free! Underhooks, but Claudio wrenches out! But Shota turns uppercut into backslide! Claudio rolls through, but into a DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall
#SHOOTER manages to outdraw Claudio in this shootout, and he comes away with that split-second win! Claudio is upset, but then he offers a handshake. Shota reaches out for it, but then Claudio signals for him to shove it! Claudio leaves, but Shota still shows respect with a bow to the crowd. The fans are still uncertain of this aspiring hero, but will Shota show Moxley what it really means to bring about a Paradigm Shift?
NEVER Openweight & AEW International Championships Double Title Match: Konosuke Takeshita VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Alpha of the Don Callis Family only just won the NEVER title off Shingo Takagi to become a double champion, but the Stone Pitbull is coming for it all! Will Ishii take a bite out of Konosuke? Or will he learn firsthand why Konosuke is All Elite?
The introductions are made, both belts are raised, and we see who NEVER gives in!
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. Konosuke and Ishii slowly step up, tie up, and then break. Ishii CHOPS, Callis laughs as Konosuke just stares him down. Konosuke kicks and headlocks, but Ishii powers up and out. Ishii CHOPS but Konosuke keeps going! Konosuke RAMS Ishii, Ishii ROARS then ROCKS Konosuke! Ishii runs, and he RAMS Konosuke! They RAM, and RAM, and RAM shoulders again! They both run, RAM shoulders, then Konosuke rebounds to RUN Ishii over! The fans fire up while Konosuke dusts himself off. Konosuke eggs on Ishii, so Ishii gets up to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP!
Konosuke winds up to ALPHA ELBOW! Ishii staggers, then drops to his knees! Ishii flounders to ropes while fans rally up, and Konosuke stalks Ishii to a corner. Konosuke stands on Ishii, but the ref counts. Konosuke steps off but Callis says no mercy! Konosuke stomps Ishii, drags him up, then ROCKS him again! Ishii goes to the corner, Konosuke ROCKS him again, and then ROCKS him again! But Ishii just eggs Konosuke on! Callis says go ahead, hit him again! Konosuke stomps away, but then Ishii CHOPS! Konosuke BOOTS Ishii down, Callis says they’ll hospitalize Ishii if they have to!
Konosuke runs to KNEE Ishii in the face! Ishii sputters, the fans rally, and Konosuke gives Ishii a kick to the face. Ishii gets mad and he rises up. Konosuke scuffs Ishii again, then BOOST him! Ishii snarls, Konosuke BOOTS him again, but Ishii stands right up! Ishii CHOPS up high, then puts Konosuke in the corner! Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS but the ref counts. Ishii tells the ref to back off, and then Ishii eggs on Konosuke with, “Doshita, champion? <What’s wrong, champion?>” Ishii CHOPS again, then whips, but Konosuke reverses. Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Konosuke! The fans fire up while Ishii storms back over.
Ishii stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke fights the lift with elbows. Ishii still SAIDOS! The fans fire up while Ishii rises. Ishii waits on Konosuke, then runs, but into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Ishii reverses, then Ishii ducks the lariat! Ishii avoids the boot, avoids an elbow, and he ROCKS Konosuke! Ishii runs up at the corner, but Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke goes up, but Ishii avoids the senton! SLIDING- NO, Konosuke gets under the lariat and he deadlifts Ishii for a RELEASE GERMAN!! The ref checks Ishii, and he’s somehow still in this! Konosuke SLIDING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Ishii survives and the fans cheer!
Konosuke grows frustrated, but Callis coaches him. Ishii stirs while the fans rally again. Konosuke hauls Ishii up, BLUE- NO, Ishii slips free! Konosuke blocks a lariat, but Ishii SOUTHPAW LARIATS! Ishii runs up, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Callis argues with the ref. The ref defends the count, so Konosuke powers up the arm. The fans rally again as Ishii rises, and Konosuke runs. Ishii SWATS the lariat, CHOPS Konosuke high again, then has Konosuke in a corner. Ishii hoists Konosuke up top, then climbs up after him! The fans rally, but Konosuke suplexes first! SUPER FALCON ARROW!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans are fired up and Konosuke is shocked! Ishii stirs, the fans rally behind him, but Callis coaches Konosuke to end this. POWER DRIVE- NO, Ishii blocks the knee to fire boxing elbows! Ishii runs, but into a scoop! BASTARD DRIVER!! And then deadlift WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Ishii rises?!? Ishii runs up, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans are thunderous and Konosuke is beside himself! Konosuke hauls Ishii up, reels him in, and suplexes for RAGING- NO, Ishii slips free and wrenches! Ishii gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! But now Konosuke rises!? But Ishii LARIATS! Cover, ONE?!?!?
Both men rise, and then both men fall! The fans are thunderous again for this true battle of Strong Style! Callis fans off Konosuke, and tells the ref to worry more about Ishii! The fans rally up as hard as they can, and the two crawl to each other. They give junkyard dog headbutts, and then talk some trash. Konosuke and Ishii hold each other’s waistbands? And then they start firing forearms! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth, and even at the same time! Ishii DECKS Konosuke!! Ishii wobbles but he nods as he storms back up on Konosuke! But then Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS!! Ishii falls back and the fans fire up again!
Konosuke snarls and vows to end this. Konosuke drags Ishii up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Konosuke drags Ishii onto his shoulder, but Ishii fires elbows! Ishii then turns things around to SUPER STEINER!! The fans are thunderous, who knew Ishii could pull that off? Ishii rises, and he headbutts the buckles! Ishii roars, Callis panics, but Ishii gets moving! LARIAT! Konosuke stays up!? HEADBUTT! ELBOW! But Ishii stays up to HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT, and HEADBUTT!! Ishii then shoves Konosuke to LARIAT! Ishii roars, the fans erupt, and somehow Konosuke stands! But Ishii LARIATS again!! Cover, TWO!!!
The fans are going nuts as Ishii roars and stands again! Ishii brings Konosuke up, but Konosuke suplexes first, to BRAINBUSTER! Konosuke uses Ishii’s move, then gator rolls him, only for Ishii to supelx! Konosuke knees free, but Ishii DECKS Konosuke! Ishii staggers backwards to a corner but the fans give him strength! SLIDING LARIAT! Ishii hurries to bring Konosuke up, suplexes again, but Konosuke slips free! And POISON-RANAS!! Callis is relieved as Konosuke rises, and Konosuke takes off the elbow pad! Just like with Takagi, Konosuke takes aim for a BONE- NO, Ishii ducks! But Konosuke blocks the enzigiri! POWER DRIVER KNEE!!
Ishii stays up!? POWER- NO, Ishii blocks that to ENZIGIRI! Konosuke stays up to BONE ALPHA ELBOW!! And then Konosuke roars, suplexes, RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight & AEW International Champion)
That was a battle truly worthy of the NEVER Division, of AEW, of NJPW, of Strong Style, and so much more! The Don Callis Family will be bringing both these belts back home, but will Konosuke prove he is The Alpha of Wrestling?
Vacated IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb VS The Young Bucks VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
Originally, this was meant to be The Dominator and the Face of Fury defending their gold against Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, but misfortune struck during the World Tag League. Henare is out for an indefinite time, so Khan called upon the Imperial Unit for help. But then in another twist, The United Empire decided it was only fair that the World Tag League winners should get their shot! So last minute as the change is, this is a huge opportunity for Los Ingobernables de Japon! Will Naito & Hiromu win these titles as they intended? Will The Bucks make these titles All Elite? Or will they all be conquered by the United Empire?
It seems Hiromu, in his own eccentric way, is trying to outdo Naito in the entrance attire department. His outfit is more like a mascot costume, if your mascot was an Eldritch horror Funko Pop. Hiromu even struggles getting out of it! The Young Bucks make their entrance last, with far less pomp and circumstance than expected from the highly decorated tag team turned AEW EVPs. But there is a lot of heat thanks to all that fire for their pyro. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and one way or another, we will crown the 106TH IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions!
The fans rally already, and they even cheer the Young Bucks just on the return to NJPW. The ref wants the teams to sort out, then he rings the bell. Khan CLOBBERS Hiromu and fires off on Naito! The Bucks back off, more than willing to let The Empire handle LIJ. Khan drags Naito out of the ring, so Hiromu and Cobb are legal by default. Hiromu fires CHOPS but Cobb ROCKS him in return. Khan stomps Naito at the railing, Hiromu CHOPS Cobb more and more, but Cobb ROCKS him again! Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but then he and Cobb notice The Bucks cheering them both on.
Cobb and Hiromu run up to BLAST The Bucks down! Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS, but then Cobb kicks and whips. Hiromu returns to RANA, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Hiromu! Cobb stands Hiromu up to CHOP, then he whips. The Bucks trip Hiromu up, drag him out, and DOUBLE APRON POWERBOMB him! The Bucks then run in, dodge Cobb, and double kick! Matt gives Nick the boost to DROPKICK Cobb! The Bucks BLAST Khan off the apron, and Matt says, “This is what we freakin’ do, remember?!” The fans fire up, and The Bucks dosido before they DOUBLE DIVE! Matt tacks out Naito and Khan while Nick wipes out Cobb and Hiromu!
Nick puts Hiromu in, whips him to a a corner, then runs up. Nick blocks Hiromu’s boots to put him in the ropes, and then he hits a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Nick holds Hiromu up, and Matt slingshots to DRAPING SENTON! The fans fire up, and then Cobb runs in! Cobb ducks Matt’s haymaker to shove him into Nick! Then Cobb DROPKICKS Matt! The Bucks regroup outside, and Cobb mocks the Bucks’ pose! Cobb runs, but The Bucks return to DOUBLE SUPERKICK! The fans fire up again, they missed seeing that live. Nick runs, Matt gives him the boost to RANA! Cobb tumbles out, Matt helps Nick goes up and up to SKY TWISTER!
Down goes Cobb and the fans fire up, but LIJ regroups to go after Matt! Hiromu kicks, he and Naito whip to then DOUBLE ELBOW, and DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Nick returns but LIJ kicks him now. They double whip but Nick ducks the double elbows. Naito drops down, Hiromu bypasses and CROSSBODIES! Khan returns but LIJ kicks him! They double whip, but Khan gets under the elbows to shove Naito into Hiromu! Khan then REVERSE STOs Naito! Hiromu kicks but Khan blocks, and Khan spins Hiromu to shove him. Khan then clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up behind Khan as he goes after Naito.
Khan fires Mongolian Chop after Mongolian Chop, then feints to UPPERCUT! Naito ends up in the corner and Khan hops up onto his throne! But then Nick runs up, so Khan sends him into Naito! Khan runs, Nick dodges to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE! Cobb is back to whip Nick to a corner and SPLASH! Cobb then runs at Naito to JUMP KICK, leg sweep, and COMBINACION feint to BOOT! The fans fire up as the “Cobb-y Cat” strikes again! Cobb then runs to JUMP KICK Nick, leg sweep, but Nick avoids the rest! Nick RAMS into Cobb, slingshot X-FACTOR, then he MOONSAULTS out onto Hiromu!
The fans fire up again as Matt drags Cobb into position! Nick goes up top, for some RISKY BUSINESS! Cover, TWO! Cobb stays in this but Matt mockingly applauds. Nick pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and The Bucks call for the Superkick Party~! The fans fire up as The Bucks aim at Cobb. But Cobb blocks Nick’s kick to send it into Matt! Then Cobb SUPERKICKS Nick! Naito is back, he dragon sleepers for a NECKBREAKER! Then he runs to basement DROPKICK! Khan returns to BOOT Naito! Hiromu dropkicks Khan’s legs out! Matt runs up but Hiromu BOOTS him! Hiromu runs up, into the NORTHERN LIGHTS!
Matt gets the Polar Express going with NORTHERN LIGHTS after NORTHERN LIGHTS! Naito runs up, but Matt gets them for a DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS! Matt drags Hiromu up, puts him in the ropes, and Nick goes up! DRAPING SWANTON BOMB! High stack, TWO! Hiromu survives but Matt mockingly applauds again, and even says, “Sugoi, sugoi.” Matt drags Hiromu up and Nick climbs. Matt fireman’s carries Hiromu, MORE BANG, but Hiromu avoids Nick’s 450! Hirtomu then trips up Matt, and OVERHEAD SUPELXES Nick into him! Hiromu feeds Nick to Naito and gives him the boost on the TORNADO DDT!
Nick staggers up, Hiromu fireman’s carries for TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, but Khan breaks it! Khan gives Naito a BELLY2BELLY! And he gives Hiromu a BELLY2BELLY! Matt storms up, but into a BELLY2BELLY! Nick is up, Khan gives him a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Khan then calls to Cobb. Cobb hauls Hiromu up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Naito is up, Cobb gives him a GERMAN SUPLEX! Matt staggers up, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Nick is up, Cobb says it is a suplex party! But Nick lands out of the German! Nick mule kicks, he and Matt both mule kick, then they get the wrists! But Matt says hold on, give him a second.
The Bucks catch their breath, to E V P- NO! Cobb blocks the knees to lift both Bucks! The Bucks CLUB free, but then Cobb ducks Matt’s lariat! Cobb waistlocks, Matt grabs Nick, but Cobb DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES The Bucks!! The fans are thunderous and Cobb feeds Matt to Khan’s IRON CLAW! Khan has the Bow ‘n’ Arrow rack, and he spins around and around for the SWINGING SLAM! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, Hiromu breaks it! Khan CLUBS and TOSSES Hiromu, and the Empire brings Matt up. Cobb goes up a corner, but Matt CLAWS Khan’s eyes! Matt CHOPS Cobb, fires haymakers, then climbs up after him.
Matt brings Cobb up, but Cobb fights back with body shots! Matt falls, but Naito storms up! Cobb HEADBUTTS Naito right down! Hiromu CHOPS Cobb! Hiromu climbs and fans fire up, but Matt YANKS Hiromu down! Matt and Hiromu argue, but then they come to an agreement. They both go up to get Cobb, and the fans fire up as they manage to DOUBLE SUPERPLEX him! The fans fire up and then Matt offers a fist bump. Hiromu says this is a “new team!” But then Matt SUPERKICKS Hiromu! The Bucks then focus on Cobb, Nick SHINING WIZARDS, and Matt cravats, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, but Naito breaks it!
Nick CLAWS Naito’s back, kicks him low, then The Bucks whip Naito to a corner. Matt sends Nick in but Naito puts Nick outside! Matt runs up, Naito dodges, Nick GAMANGIRIS Matt! Naito DECKS Nick, then runs up on Matt! CORRIENDO- NO! Matt turns the tilt=o=whirl into a gut wrench! Cobb anchors Nick, but Nick KICKS him away! Only for Hiromu to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Nick into Cobb! DESTINO!! Cover, KHAN BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Khan clamps on HITSUJIGOROSHI! Hiromu runs up so Khan lets Naito go. Hiromu dodges Khan to kick, KICK, and Naito ENZIGIRIS! Cobb DECKS Hiromu!
Cobb JABS Naito, then wrenches and tilt-o- NO! SHOTGUN from Hiromu! Then a SUPERKICK! Naito’s up top to ESPERANZA! Cobb is down, Hiromu intercepts Nick! LIJ double whip, Nick goes up and over, Matt SUPERKICKS Hiromu! Nick backslides Naito, Naito rolls through, but into a E V P TRIGGER!! Cover, KHAN BREAKS IT AGAIN! The fans fire up as Khan proves to be an MVP defender! Nick CLAWS Khan’s back for it, though, and now The Bucks double whip Khan. Khan grabs ropes to avoid the kicks! Khan runs up, The Bucks dodge, and they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Khan stays up on rage alone!
But then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS take him down after all! Matt scoops Khan, Nick goes to the apron, but then Nick ASAI MOONSAULTS Cobb and Hiromu! Nick resets for the MELTZER DRIVER!! Cover, THE BUCKS WIN!!
Winners: The Young Bucks, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Despite their cocky attitude, The Bucks still back up their words with actions! And now Matthew & Nicholas are once again on top of tag team wrestling! Will The Bucks soon make NJPW All Elite?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Jack Perry!
The Gene Blast just took this title off David Finlay, but seeing as he has a bone to pick with The Scapegoat, he had to sweeten the deal. Will Yota knock Hollywood Jack Perry off his high horse? Or will he already lose what he fought so hard to get?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for someone to make a sacrifice!
The bell rings and Yota stares down Jack while the fans rally up. Jack steps up to Yota, and the two tie up. Jack waistlocks, Yota switches then headlocks. Jack powers up and out, but Yota runs him over! Jack gets right up, takes a swing, but Yota dodges to hit a headlock takeover. Jack fights up, powers Yota to ropes then powers out, to then drop down and hurdle. Yota turns hip toss into arm-drag, then sweeps the legs. Jack UP KICKS, then runs in at the corner. Jack blocks a boot but Yota reel shim in for a DOUBLE STOMP! The fans cheer while Jack sputters. Yota goes up, up, but Jack DROPKICKS him out!
Yota hits apron then floor, and Jack snarls. Jack builds speed while fans rally up, and Jack DIVES! Blindside attack and Yota is sent into railing! Jack grins now but the fans boo. Jack shakes the railing to knock Yota over, then he brings Yota up for a whip. Yota hits railing hard, then falls in a heap. Jack refreshes the count, SPITS at the fans, then stands Yota up. Jack CLUBS Yota, then hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans rally for Yota but Jack lets his hair down, just to flick the sweat at the camera. Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Jack smirks as he paces. Jack drags Yota up to CHOP! Jack whips Yota to a corner, then LARIATS!
Jack snapmares, runs, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Yota stays in this, but Jack mockingly claps along. Jack sits Yota up to KICK him in the back, then CHOPS him in the chest! And CHOPS again! Yota falls back but Jack eggs him on. Yota sits up, so Jack CLAWS Yota’s face! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Jack stops just to soak up more heat. Jack goes back to Yota, brings him up and suplexes for a cover, TWO! Jack clamps on a chinlock but the fans rally up. Yota endures, fights to his feet, and fires body shots. Jack CLUBS Yota, then runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER!
Jack writhes, the fans rally up, and Yota catches his breath. Yota storms up to then DECK Jack! And ELBOW him down! And then whip, only for Jack to reverse. But Yota BOOTS Jack down! The fans fire up and Yota hauls Jack up for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Jack stays in this but Yota stays cool. The fans rally, Yota brings Jack up, and Yota whips Jack to a corner. Yota runs up, and he STINGER SPLASHES! Jack falls and the fans fire up! Yota then goes up, up, and MARLOWE- NO, Jack trips Yota up! Jack CHOPS Yota on the back, has him in a Tree of Woe, then runs side to side to basement DROPKICK!
Yota falls out of the Tree but Jack puts him back in the corner. Jack runs to DOUBLE KNEE in the back, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and Jack tells fans to hush. Jack drags Yota up, CLUBS him, then brings him around to put him in ropes. Jack ROCKS Yota in the back, then KNEES him! Yota dangles in ropes, and Jack DRAPING ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and Jack is annoyed but the fans rally up. Jack eggs Yota on, drags him back up, and then short arm LARIATS! Yota stays up, so Jack short arm LARIATS again! Jack tries again, but swings into the BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER and STOMP!
The fans fire up for the Gene Combination, and Yota catches his breath while Jack flounders. Jack goes to a corner and Yota hoists him up top. Yota climbs up to fire forearm after forearm, but Jack pokes Yota in the eyes! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jack CLUBS Yota. Jack hushes the fans, CHOPS Yota on the back, but then Yota fights back! Both men go to the very top, and Yota has Jack for a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Jack survives but the fans fire up with Yota! Yota aims from a corner, grins and runs up, GENE- KNEE!! Jack hits Yota first but both men are down! That “Glass Jawbreaker” knee might’ve gotten busted by the Gene Blaster!
The fans rally up while both men stir, and then both men stand. Yota fires a forearm, but then he staggers back. Jack fires a forearm, but Yota comes back to fire another. Jack CHOPS, the fans fire up, and Yota CHOPS back! The fans fire up more while Jack staggers back to ropes. Yota eggs Jack on while grinning, so Jack puts some stank on the CHOP! Jack pie faces Yota, but Yota stands to CHOP! Jack sputters and drops to his knees, but rises to fire a forearm! Yota gives that back, and they go back and forth! Yota ROCKS Jack, fires a flurry, but Jack knees low! Jack whips, Yota reverses, but Jack leaps to SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!
Jack grows frustrated but the fans fire up! Jack torture racks but Yota slips free, to SUPERKICK! Jack goes to a corner, Yota runs in, but Jack ELBOWS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! And CHOPS! Yota winds up, but Jack ducks and shoves him at the ref! Then LOW BLOW! The fans boo but Jack wrenches and torture racks, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up! Jack is frustrated again but he rolls to a corner. Jack aims as Yota rises, “We all have to sacrifice!” But Yota avoids the knee! Then GENE- NO, Jack dodges Yota’s knee, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Yota rises!
The fans rally up again but Jack BOOTS Yota! Jack runs, but Yota swings! Jack ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then so does Yota! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The Scapegoat tried the tricks he learned from The House of Torture, but he could not cheat the natural order! Yota’s superior size, strength and honor saw him through, but he also eyes The Ace on commentary. Will this Reiwa Musketeer look to challenge one of the Heisei Musketeers in the near future?
Kenny Omega VS Gabe Kidd!
After a frightening battle with diverticulitis, and after being outed as an EVP by the treacherous Elite, The Best Bout Machine also had to deal with a certain Mad Man calling him out. Though to Gabe’s credit, he got The Cleaner’s attention. Will Omega make him regret it? Or will the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion show he’s the best now?
Gabe has a new theme song that’s all his own, no more sharing the War Dogs theme with the boys. But speaking of Tanahashi, Gabe tells The Ace that the only one beating Shibata is Gabe! Gabe shows off his new tattoo, and his new ring gear! It has the NJPW Lion Mark right on the side! Gabe keeps saying he’ll revive the true Strong Style, will that happen here tonight? Well, speaking of new theme song, Omega has one specially made by Final Fantasy 14 & 16 composer, Masayoshi Soken, with vocals by Jason Miller and even special voice over by Nobuo Uematsu. We know this because Omega let us know on social media.
The bell rings and the fans duel between “GABU! GABU!” and “KENNY! KENNY!” The two circle, then Gabe rushes up. Omega avoids Gabe, but then the two feel things out. Gabe SLAPS Omega, talks smack, but Omega tests the waters with shots of his own. The two circle, keep throwing shots, but then Gabe says F Omega, let’s go! They scrap, clinch, and end up on the ropes! The ref counts as the two keep throwing shots, and Omega turns things around on Gabe. Gabe headlocks, Omega powers up and out, but Gabe RUNS Omega over! The fans are torn but things speed up. Omega BOOTS Gabe, but Gabe BOOTS Omega!
Both men get forehead to forehead, then Omega CHOPS! Gabe shakes his head and CHOPS back! Omega felt that one, but he nods. Omega CHOPS Gabe, Gabe shakes his head, and Gabe CHOPS back! Gabe eggs Omega on so Omega CHOPS! Gabe felt that one, and he CHOPS back! Gabe eggs Omega on so Omega fires forearms! Omega CHOPS in a corner, then JABS! The ref reprimands about closed fists, so Omega whips Gabe corner to corner. Omega runs up, ELBOWS Gabe, then brings Gabe around to fireman’s carry. “You! Can’t! Escape!” ROLLING SENTON, then MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Omega still pulls off the classic, but he does have to worry about his stomach. Omega’s fine so he sits Gabe up to KICK him in the back! Omega pie faces Gabe, stomps him around, then sits him up, for another KICK! Gabe writhes again and Omega stalks him. Omega CLUBS Gabe, stomps him, but Gabe glares at him in defiance. Omega stomps Gabe, but Gabe shouts, “KOI YA, ORA!” The fans cheer the use of Japanese, and Omega grins, before he CHOPS Gabe down! Omega watches Gabe rise, then winds up to JAB! JAB! JAB! The ref counts, fans actually boo Omega, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe brings Omega over, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” And as such, Gabe SUPLEXES Omega and himself up and out of the ring!! The fans fire up, the ref has Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney stay back, and the ring count starts. Gabe rises up, but Omega follows, and Gabe RAMS Omega into the apron! The count is 7 of 20, but Gabe whips Omega hard into railing! The ref again has Connors & Drilla stay back, but Gabe fires the fans up. Gabe drags Omega up, RAMS him back into railing, then UPPERCUTS! Gabe storms around to the timekeeper’s table, and he confiscates the table! And even the table next to it!
The ref tells Gabe that this is a regular match, win it in the ring! Gabe tells “AEW b*tch” Bryce to shut his mouth! Gabe then goes back for Omega, but Omega is in the ring! Omega WRECKS Gabe with a dropkick! Then he PLANCHAS! Down goes Gabe and the fans fire up! Omega has to catch his breath, and that impact hurts a bit more than he remembers. Omega puts the railing back in place while he stands, and he brings Gabe around to whip into railing! Gabe falls in a heap and the ref checks him. Omega again catches his breath, and again checks his stomach, but he comes back to fetch Gabe all the same.
Omega SMACKS Gabe off the apron, then SMACKS him again and again and again! Gabe flops over, the fans are torn, but Omega stands tall. Omega brings Gabe up and into the ring, then goes up to join him on the apron. Omega brings Gabe up, but Gabe SMACKS Omega! Both men wobble, but Gabe eggs Omega on. Omega hits back, so Gabe ROCKS Omega! Omega ROCKS Gabe, Gabe HEADBUTTS Omega! Both men wobble, but then Gabe fires up! The fans fire up, too, and Gabe reels Omega in. Omega fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe reels Omega in again, but Omega fights the driver, and he BACKDROPS Gabe!
Gabe ends up stuck on ropes, but then flops down to the apron and then the floor! The fans rally and duel, but Omega says, “Dying time’s here!” Omega hauls Gabe up, RAMS him into railing, and then SNAP DRAGON SUPLEXES Gabe to the floor! The fans fire up as Omega brings out his vicious side! Omega drags Gabe back up, then RAMS him into railing again! Omega reels Gabe in now, he gets the fans fired up, but there are plenty of boos, too. Omega feeds off both cheers and jeers to lift Gabe, and POWERBOMB him through the tables!! Gable writhes, hoisted on his own petard, and the ref calls for help!
Omega hops over railing while Gabe is still down on the floor. Connors & Drilla say this is all Bryce’s fault, but Omega stalks Gabe. Omega drags the wreckage out of the way, other refs finally show up to check Gabe, but Omega drags Gabe away before they can even start! But it’s plain to see that Gabe’s busted open! Omega stands Gabe up and leans him against railing. Gabe resists but Omega rains down fists, then CLAWS at Gabe’s wound! Fans boo but Omega just ignores them while he leaves Gabe behind. The refs finally do check Gabe, but then wait! Omega SPRINGBOARD SWANTON BOMBS!! Omega wipes out Gabe, the War Dogs, and the refs!!
The fans are thunderous, and again Omega finds that move hurts worse than he remembers. Gabe sputters, the crimson mask growing, but he still manages to talk some smack on Omega. Omega clutches his hip as he struggles to rise up. He perhaps went too hard for his first match back, but he still stands. The fans cheer, but then Omega has to sit down. Gabe sits up in a daze, and a Young Lion give Omega an icepack. Omega puts the pack on his hip, but then he kicks the Young Lion away! Omega is perhaps offended by the Young Lion’s assistance, but then he SMACKS Gabe with the icepack! Omega pretends to not know why the fans are upset.
But then Gabe attacks! The fans fire up as Gabe grabs a chair and he JAMS Omega! Then SMACKS him on the back! The fans fire up as the anti-hero paints himself with his own blood, and he sits the fallen hero up. Gabe ROCKS Omega with a right hand, then SMACKS him with another chair! Gabe drags Omega back to ringside, then POSTS him! Gabe hobbles, Connors & Drilla tell “G” to F Omega up! Gabe goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up as Gabe is making this extra hardcore! Gabe BOOTS Omega, brings him around, but Omega tries to back suplex! Gabe fights back with elbows!
Gabe reels Omega in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” Omega grabs railing to fight the suplex, but Gabe CLUBS away on him! BRAINBUSTER through the table!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Gabe sits up cross-legged, calling out Shibata yet again! Gabe mockingly asks where Shibata went, then he busts up what’s left of the busted table! Gabe has a piece of wood, and he SMACKS Omega right in the head! The War Dogs are all fired up as Gabe stands tall, and even the fans are cheering! Gabe tells his boys to go find more furniture, and they all start putting chair after chair into the ring!
The fans are liking where this is going, and now we see Omega is busted open! Gabe BITES the bloody wound! Gabe spits and paces around, then he drags Omega back up. Gabe puts Omega in the ring, and he gathers up all the chairs the War Dogs fetched for him. Gabe kicks Omega, then he stacks chairs. Gabe JAMS Omega up with one, then adds it to the stack. But Omega BOOTS Gabe! And SLAM DUNKS Gabe on the chair pile! The fans rally as Omega, a deep red on his face already, makes his way to a corner. But then he flounders down, the blood loss already slowing him down. But then Omega roars and rises up!
The fans fire up, and Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe climbs up to get Omega, for a SUPERPLEX onto the chair pile!! The fans go nuts while both men take critical damage! Even so, The War Dogs are all fired up seeing Gabe do this to a previous leader of Bullet Club. Gabe rises first, and he dares Omega to get up. Gabe uses a chair to stand, and he brings it over to Omega. Gabe JAMS Omega up, then JAMS him again! Gabe runs up to JAM Omega again! But Omega grabs that chair! Omega HEADBUTTS Gabe! But Gabe swings! Omega dodges the chair shot to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! And now Omega has a chair!
But Gabe HEADSHOTS first! And HEADSHOTS again! But then Omega HEADSHOTS back! And HEADSHOTS again! They’re even now and both men stagger back. The fans rally up as Omega and Gabe crawl towards center. Also, where’s a ref? Not just Bryce but any ref! Gabe and Omega crawl to each other, and Red Shoes hurries out here. Gabe and Omega stand to fire forearms! Red Shoes wants them to stop but they tell him to back off! The forearms keep going, faster and faster, harder and harder! Red Shoes focuses on clearing out the chairs, and Gabe fires shots from all sides! But Omega SLAPS back!
Gabe fires up, but Omega SLAPS again! Gabe gets pissed, but Omega ROCKS him, and then V-TRIGGER! Both men run, both men dodge, but V-TRIGGER hits first! Only for the COMEBACKER to hit last!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! The “GABU! GABU!” is outweighing the “KENNY! KENNY!” Gabe staggers over to Omega, and he fires LARIAT after LARIAT from all sides! Omega staggers, but he CHOPS back! Gabe roars, runs, but Omega gets under! Gabe CLUBS Omega, CHOPS him, then runs, but into a SNAP RANA! Gabe tumbles out and Omega blinks the blood out of his eyes.
The fans fire up as Omega rises! The Terminator Drums return, and Omega builds speed! Omega FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Gabe! The fans are thunderous again as Omega staggers over that way. Omega stands Gabe up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. Omega climbs a corner, takes aim, and BLINDSIDE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Gabe flounders, Omega takes aim, and he runs corner to corner, BLINDSIDE V-TRIGGER! Gabe sputters, Omega reels him in and puts him up top. Omega climbs up and vows to end this! Omega half nelsons, but Gabe resists the full nelson! The fans rally as Omega CLUBS Gabe!
Omega goes up to the very top, and he drags Gabe up to join him! Red Shoes don’t do it, Kenny! Omega doesn’t care, SUPER SNAP DRAGON!! Both men are down while the fans fire up! Omega crawls to a cover, TWO!! Gabe survives, the fans fire up again, but Omega underhooks! JAY DRILLER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Omega’s shoutout to #DemBoys doesn’t finish this, but the fans are thunderous all the same! Omega takes aim at Gabe and says BANG! Omega runs, V-TRIGGER!! And then Electric Chair Lift, but Omega’s core won’t let him! The War Dogs shout for Gabe to rise, and the fans duel as hard as they can!
Omega roars, vows to end this now, and he Electric Chair Lifts Gabe! ONE WINGED- NO, Gabe slips free to COBRA TWIST!! The fans go nuts as Gabe uses Inoki’s move! Omega endures, even as Gabe digs his elbow in and pulls as hard as he can! Gabe roars as he puts all he has into this hold, only for Omega to have the ROPEBREAK! But Gabe GERMAN SUPLEXES! Omega stands, LARIATS, but Gabe stays up! And he O-KNEES Omega down!! Then PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Omega survives and Gabe can’t believe it! The fans are thunderous all the same as Omega manages a wild grin on his face.
Gabe rises, roars, and the fans fire up with him! Gabe brings Omega up, reels him in, and POWER- NO, Omega fights the bomb, but Gabe stops the rana! TIGER DRIVER! And then LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Omega bounces, Gabe covers, ROPEBREAK!!! Omega survives by a literal foot and no one can believe it! The fans rally up as Gabe pounds the mat! Gabe rises, seethes and snarls, and Tokyo Dome is more and more behind him as he goes! Gabe drags Omega up, suplexes, but Omega blocks! Gabe fires body shots, then suplexes, but Omega fights free! Omega wrenches, but Gabe ENZIGIRIS!
Gabe runs up, Omega BOOTS the lariat then KNEES Gabe down! Gabe sputters at the ropes, Omega reloads and runs up, V-TRIGGER!! Omega reels Gabe in, lifts him up, FALLING POWERBOMB!! V-TRIGGER!! Cover, ONE?!!? HOW?!? Fighting spirit is fighting spirit but Gabe is superhuman! He flips Omega off, so Omega grabs those fingers! Gabe says “DO IT!” KAMI-GOYE!! Omega then hauls Gabe up, Electric Chair, ONE WINGED ANGEL!!! Cover, Omega wins!!!
Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall
Whether you hated Omega leaving NJPW to create AEW, or you love Omega for being true to himself, we must all accept that he IS The Best Bout Machine! It seems even Tanahashi was moved to tears by this display of Strong Style. Omega rose like a phoenix to win, but Gabe proved he is NJPW Strong. Will we see these two run it back one day? And either way, what is next for both men in this New Year?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ricochet!
The Frontman made it through 43 minutes against The Roughneck, but now he puts the title on the line against The One & Only. Trevor Mann just showed the world his dark side on AEW Dynamite, but will now shine with gold? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?
Speaking of psycho Trevor, Ricochet BOOTS ZSJ off the apron during his entrance! The fans boo, but Ricochet DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp, the bell rings, and Ricochet puts ZSJ in! Ricochet then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! ZSJ tumbles back out, Ricochet builds speed and SASUKE SPECIALS! Ricochet puts ZSJ back in, to SPRINGBOARD 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans are torn but Ricochet is all fired up! ZSJ finally gets his jacket off, and Ricochet stands him up to CHOP! ZSJ staggers, Ricochet storms up, and Ricochet CHOPS ZSJ in the corner. Ricochet runs corner to corner, but ZSJ puts him on the apron
ZSJ runs up, Ricochet RAMS him, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet! ZSJ traps Ricochet in ropes to KICK Ricochet in the head! Ricochet tumbles out and staggers away, but ZSJ pursues. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet down, then UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet more, then whips him to railing., Ricochet stops himself, ELBOWS back, then uses the railing to QUEBRADA, but into a cravat! ZSJ puts Ricochet on the apron, then NECK TWISTS! The fans fire up while ZSJ holds on! Red Shoes reprimands, ZSJ lets go, and the fans rally up. ZSJ rolls in, brings Ricochet around, and he ties up the legs right into a DEATHLOCK!
ZSJ stands while Ricochet flounders! Ricochet CHOPS from below, but ZSJ just bridges back to put on the pressure! ZSJ then stands to sit Ricochet up, and steps over to add a KIMURA! Ricochet flails around with one arm, and finds the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and the fans cheer. ZSJ sits Ricochet up to KICK him back down! Ricochet snarls as he sits back up, but ZSJ KICKS him again! Ricochet sits up, but ZSJ pushes him down to NECK TWIST! Ricochet writhes, and ZSJ brings Ricochet up. Ricochet UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS in return! Ricochet sits down, but ZSJ brings him up to shove and HEADBUTT low!
Ricochet drops to a knee, but ZSJ brings him up, shoves him to ropes, and HEADBUTTS him in the lower back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS Ricochet, shoves him, but Ricochet rolls off ZSJ’s back! Ricochet dodges to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Ricochet goes to a corner, ZSJ runs up, and ZSJ blocks a boot. But Ricochet ENZIGIRIS! ZSJ runs back in, but Ricochet dodges! Ricochet RAMS ZSJ, goes out to ENZIGIRI, then he springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Ricochet keeps moving, SHOOTING STAR, then somersault and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this and the fans rally up.
Ricochet grows frustrated, but he eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ sits up so Ricochet KICKS him in the back. Ricochet reels ZSJ in, ZSJ fights the lift, so Ricochet CLUBS him! ZSJ sits down, Ricochet CHOPS him! Ricochet reels ZSJ in, hoists him up, but ZSJ fights around to have a SLEEPER! ZSJ is a backpack, but Ricochet RAMS him into buckles! ZSJ still holds on, so Ricochet RAMS him in again! ZSJ still holds on, and Ricochet drops to a knee. Ricochet fights up, RAMS ZSJ into buckles, then runs corner to corner to BACKPACK CANNONBALL! ZSJ lets go and both men are down! TMDK coaches ZSJ from the corner but Ricochet sits up first.
The fans rally as ZSJ and Ricochet both rise up. ZSJ is on his knees, and Ricochet fires a forearm! ZSJ glares at Ricochet but Ricochet fires another forearm! ZSJ stands, Ricochet eggs him on, so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Ricochet fires forearms and UPPERCUTS, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Ricochet UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet at ropes, runs, but into a TIGER WALL KICK! Ricochet fires fast hands, a SOBAT, and a KNEE! Then a DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up and Ricochet runs, to LARIAT again! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but Ricochet fires up! “IKU ZO!” The fans rally and Ricochet runs up, to AX- NO! ZSJ blocks the kick!
ZSJ twists the leg, ANKLE LOCK! Ricochet rolls to throw ZSJ away, then he V-TRIGGERS! Ricochet then lifts ZSJ up, powerbomb to fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and the fans rally up again. Ricochet grows frustrated, goes to a corner, and the fans rally up more. Ricochet loads up, runs up, but ZSJ ducks Spirit Gun! UPPERCUT! Ricochet bounces off buckles and ZSJ fires up again! The fans are with ZSJ as he PENALTY KICKS! But ZSJ is too tired to make the cover! The fans rally for ZSJ as he hobbles a bit. ZSJ brings Ricochet up, full nelsons, but Ricochet fights free!
Ricochet switches, ZSJ switches, but Ricochet elbows free! Ricochet handsprings, but into the SNAP DRAGON! Ricochet’s right up!? But ZSJ ducks the discus to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. ZSJ stands, he brings Ricochet around, and the fans cheer ZSJ on. ZSJ sits Ricochet up for a KICK! Ricochet flops over, but ZSJ hauls him up. ZSJ scoops, Ricochet slips out and inverted suplexes! ZSJ slips out but Ricochet ROCKS him! ZSJ runs, leaps, but into a Gory Especial! Swing and KNEE! Ricochet then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and deadlift into a snap suplex!
Ricochet isn’t done, he drags ZSJ to the apron! APRON SNAP SUPLEX! But Ricochet still isn’t done, he holds on as the two go to the floor! The fans go nuts for the snap suplex to the floor! Ricochets an #OuttaThisWorld Three Amigos and Red Shoes checks ZSJ. ZSJ is somehow still in this, and both men slowly stir. The ring count starts, Ricochet rolls in at 11 of 20, but ZSJ is still down at 13! And at 15! 16! 17! ZSJ staggers up at 18, but leaps in at 19.5!! The fans fire up as ZSJ is safe! Ricochet realizes this and is frustrated again. Ricochet asks if ZSJ is really going to do this. Ricochet and ZSJ talk trash at each other, then head for center.
Ricochet SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ SLAPS Ricochet! The SLAPS go back and forth, and both men stand up! Ricochet grins, and he ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ nods and walks that off. The fans rally up and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Ricochet staggers to ropes, and ZSJ eggs on “Hage <Baldie>.” The fans laugh and Ricochet says okay then. Ricochet flicks his sweat at ZSJ then UPPERCUTS! ZSJ says not good enough, and he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Red Shoes counts as Ricochet is in the corner, so ZSJ backs off. The fans rally up as ZSJ runs in, but Ricochet JUMP KNEES him down! Ricochet snarls and roars!
ZSJ is in a daze but Ricochet storms over to stand him up. Ricochet puts ZSJ in a corner, then puts him up top. Ricochet CHOPS, then climbs. But ZSJ grabs Ricochet for a KIMURA! Then he traps that arm to pull the other! Ricochet endures but Red Shoes reprimands, none of this will count! ZSJ shoves Ricochet down, but Ricochet GAMANGIRIS in return! Ricochet HEADBUTTS, then climbs back up. But ZSJ scoops Ricochet! Ricochet fights, but ZSJ still SUPER ZACK DRIVERS!!! Cover, TWO?!? But into an ARMBAR!! ZSJ has Ricochet’s head caught in a cravat using his feet, and he adds a MOUNTED ARMBAR!
Ricochet endures, fans rally up, and ZSJ shifts to go for the arms again. Ricochet scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go, and he fires the fans back up. ZSJ isolates Ricochet’s arm to STOMP it! Ricochet writhes, but ZSJ stands on his hand! ZSJ isolates that arm, and STOMPS it! Ricochet clutches both his elbows, but ZSJ KICKS him in the chest! And KICKS him again! And KICKS again! Ricochet manages to grab the leg, and he CLUBS the foot! But ZSJ blocks the backhand to PELE the arm! Ricochet ROUNDHOUSES, then SUPERKICKS! ZSJ falls, Ricochet dragon sleepers! Inverted suplex, VERTIGO!! Cover, TWO!!
ZSJ survives but Ricochet hurries to a corner! The fans rally up, Ricochet goes up top, and Ricochet SHOOTING STAR PRESSES! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Ricochet can’t believe it! The fans fire back up while Ricochet vows to end this. Ricochet runs up to AX KICK! And then dragon sleeper for SPINNING VERTIGO!! Cover, TWO?!?! ZSJ survives again but Ricochet roars! The fans rally, but Ricochet calls for “that!” Ricochet climbs up the corner, takes aim, and RICOCHET 630 FLOPS!!! ZSJ avoids disaster, and runs to PENALTY KICK!! The fans are thunderous as ZSJ scoops, SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?!?
ZSJ can’t believe it, but Ricochet survives! The fans rally, ZSJ hauls Ricochet up and hooks the leg, ZACK SAB- NO, Ricochet victory rolls! TWO! ZSJ BOOTS Ricochet! Ricochet DECKS ZSJ! But that’s a closed fist! Ricochet just DECKS ZSJ again! And then winds up, to DECK him again! TMDK and Red Shoes both reprimand, and the fans even boo. Ricochet doesn’t care, he wants to win! Ricochet loads up, SPIRIT- NO, ZSJ catches that arm into an omoplata! ZSJ wants the other arm but Ricochet fights around! He still ends up in CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ pulls on that arm, ZSJ scissors the arms, and Ricochet QUITS! ZSJ WINS!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Ricochet shot first, but he still got bent out of shape! Will The One & Only simply have to go back to AEW and watch out for Swerve’s House?
As for ZSJ, Red Shoes and Hartley Jackson secure the belt around ZSJ’s waist, and TMDK stands with their Frontman. ZSJ then gets the mic to tell Ricochet, “Hold on, wait. Hey, baldie. Ricochet, thank you.” The fans do cheer that respect, and ZSJ say she won again. But ending the same way isn’t the most fun, is it? What should he talk about? His Japanese is slipping. He goes with English for now, and hopes there are some English speakers here. The fans cheer, and ZSJ says he might even do a standup routine.
But ZSJ says that NJPW “is the best professional wrestling company on this round Earth!” The fans cheer that, even those who don’t know that much English. ZSJ says he loves this country, he loves this company, and the future of NJPW is very bright. But right now, that future is effin’ orange! The fans cheer that, and ZSJ continues to say that TMDK will be the top of NJPW for a very, very long time. The young Japanese men, Fujita and Oiwa, will be champions very soon. Oh, wait, Fujita just won the tag titles with Eagles. ZSJ did get kicked in the head a lot, he wasn’t really prepared for this standup routine.
That said, Hartley is still alive so that’s an achievement. Oiwa will be next, that ZSJ promises. ZSJ says that is enough for today, so ZSJ thanks the fans for giving NJPW a great two day weekend! The fans cheer that, and ZSJ says they are TMDK. They are The Mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! ZSJ drops the mic, the fans cheer, and TMDK sits together on the apron. Will 2025 be the mightiest year in NJPW history?
My Thoughts:
An awesome inaugural WrestleDynasty from start to finish, with only a few results being surprising and/or confusing. The International Women’s Cup was great stuff, especially as I was only a little familiar with Momo Watanabe and had barely seen anything of Persephone. I thought Athena was likely to win this cup, but I suppose that was still in the scenario where Athena wasn’t ROH Women’s World Champion. But great win for Momo, that probably builds her up towards something big in Stardom, maybe even a shot at the IWGP Women’s Championship so that she can end Mayu Iwatani’s epic 622 day reign.
Great ROH Tag title match from Sons of Texas VS House of Torture, and it was great for the fans and even Japanese commentary to have so much fun watching Dustin bust out his classic moves. But duh, Dustin & Sammy were winning. That Lucha Gauntlet was not what I expected. For one, it wasn’t purely “luchadores,” or as we associate it, “masked wrestlers,” it was just various guys not doing anything. Plus, it was more akin to AEW’s Casino Gauntlet where they kept adding people. But I loved how Desperado kinda stepped in it by entering last, and it was genius for someone to win off Desperado to set up an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match.
Tanahashi VS Shibata as a five minute “exhibition” that turned into a chop fest was good stuff. It was a good way to have them both interact without having there be a winner and a loser. Maybe we get a proper match for Forbidden Door London or something, especially with this being Tanahashi’s last year as a wrestler. Yota staring down Tanahashi after was an interesting detail, too. Yota VS Perry was a great match, but I figured Yota would win out to retain the title he just won yesterday. Finlay losing the title made me think Brody was going to win today, but I guess not. Finlay overcoming Brody would be the one of the odd choices to me, but I suppose this is still a NJPW event, not an AEW event.
Another odd choice would be Mone winning to be a TRIPLE champion with four physical belts to carry around. Granted, Mone is still doing great work in the ring and outside the ring as a Heel, but even this seems like a lot. Mina not wanting to accept the handshake was a good detail, though, because Mone just seemed condescending in the moment. But now, Mone is going to bring all that hardware to AEW, how is anyone going to beat her? And perhaps the third odd choice is The Young Bucks winning the IWGP Tag titles. Granted, this might’ve been the plan even when it was Khan & Henare, not Khan & Cobb, but it was even more surprising when Naito & Hiromu were added. I suppose The Bucks will be in NJPW to “wait out” the Death Rider stuff in AEW, but that seems even stranger.
Speaking of the Death Riders, great match from Shota and Claudio, and great win for Shota. If The Bucks are hanging out in NJPW, I kinda hope Shota shows up in AEW so that he can fight against Moxley’s Death Riders alongside Rated FTR and/or Darby Allin as Darby makes his “heroic return.” Omega VS Gabe was incredible, especially for Omega’s first match back period. The fans loving Gabe is rather surprising, but I suppose they just appreciate how he wants current NJPW to be more like old school NJPW. Tanahashi getting emotional watching that match was also incredible, I love that he was that impressed and that proud of Omega and Gabe. Honestly, that was worthy of the main event spot.
But speaking of the main event, awesome stuff from ZSJ and Ricochet. Ricochet didn’t bring out psycho Trevor Mann like he did on Wednesday, but this was definitely that super cocky Heel persona he was working on beforehand. Great win for ZSJ, though, and great closing promo. I suppose with Hirooki Goto winning the Ranbo yesterday, we don’t need “A challenger approaches!” happening to close a show, just let TMDK have the moment. Then Goto can confront ZSJ either tomorrow for New Year Dash or sometime else down the line.
My Score: 9.3/10
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