Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (10/8/24)
NXT is in The STL!
The Gateway to the West is the gateway to greatness!
Tony D’Angelo gets one last shot at Oba Femi’s NXT North American Championship! Can he overcome his fear to dethrone The Ruler?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Woman Tag: Kelani Jordan, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS The Fatal Influence; Kelani, Bianca & Jade win.
- NXT North American Championship: Oba Femi VS Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family; Tony wins and becomes the new NXT North American Champion.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom VS A-Town Down Under; Fraxiom wins and retains the titles.
- Je’Von Evans VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Trick Williams is here!
St. Louis fires up for the TWO-TIME (TWO-TIME) NXT Champion as he walks to the ring, and we are back in the Whoop Dat Era! Trick has the mic to say he appreciates the love, but let’s get to business. We’re in St. Louis, Sexyy Red’s waiting in the back, and hey, check it. NXT is reaching new heights. New cities, new network, but Trick wants us to learn his new name: Tricky Two-Times and you say it two times, because he is the NEW NXT Champion! Fans chant ‘WHOOP DAT TRICK!” and Trick is fired up. he knows what it means: He has this brand new baby around his waist, and he knows there are sharks waiting in the locker room, but that doesn’t change a thing!
Wait, someone is calling to Trick from the upper deck? It’s Wes Lee! The fans boo as Wes congratulates Trick, and says we don’t want a celebration for two hours. Especially when Trick’s not the only one with a career defining moment last week. Wes shed some unnecessary weight dragging him down, and he can focus on what he wants, and that is becoming an NXT TRIPLE CROWN by taking that title off Trick. Trick says hold on, “Light Skin.” The accolades should speak for themselves, but Trick knows Wes’s type! The type that backstabs people in the back, pretend like they have friends, Trick went down that road.
And here’s how it ends: With Trick Willy’s hand raised! Wes stops Trick there. Trick is the face of NXT right now, but Wes is gonna say something no one else seems to have the balls to say: Trick ain’t Him, dog. Wes is going to be the one that takes the title from Trick before he even gets comfortable. Then Wes leaves Trick in the dust like Trick’s partner did. But wait! JEY USO makes his way out here! Wes and Trick are stunned but the fans are thunderous, because Main Event Jey comes in from the crowd side! He tells Wes to put it on pause, dawg, it’s a double champ night! The fans bounce and “YEET!” with Jey as he goes to the ring!
Wes is announced but Trick and Jey shake hands and bring it in. Jey lets us know, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Trick says hey, look, Trick appreciates Jey coming here after his big victory last night. “YEET!” Trick knows Jey is tired, “YEET!” And they both look good, “YEET!” They got gold on their waists! “YEET!” Trick is NXT Champ! “YEET!” Jey is IC Champ! “YEET!” And if another bum tries ’em for these belts, you know they gonna WHOOP DAT TRICK! “YEET!!” Trick and Jey lock eyes, and they get on the same page, “WHOOP DAT TRICK! YEET! WHOOP DAT TRICK! YEET!”
Trick and Jey bring it in one more time, and they leave it at that. Will Trick and Jey be the faces that lead WWE into the future?
Six Woman Tag: Kelani Jordan, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS The Fatal Influence!
The Standout had a bad feeling Lola Vice & Jaida Parker would be fighting each other more than they were Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx, so she made sure to have a Plan B. And by that, it was the EST & The Storm! Now the NXT Women’s North American Champion teams with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions to create a golden trio unlike any other! But will they be able to clean up this toxic waste? Or will they all end up under the Influence?
NXT returns as the Fatal Influence makes their entrance, soaking up the heat from St. Louis. The teams sort out, and Kelani starts against the Toxic Cowgirl. They circle, but Jazmyn distracts, so Fallon attacks! Fallon stomps Kelani, tags Jacy, and then Fallon sends Jacy in to back body block! Jazmyn tags in, Jacy snapmares so Fallon can SLIDING FOREARM and then Jazmyn PENALTY KICKS! Cover, ONE!! Kelani is tougher than that, but Jazmyn whips her to ropes. Kelani slides under, then slingshot arm-drags! The fans fire up as Kelani DROPKICKS then kips up! Jacy & Fallon rush in but Bianca DROPKICKS one and Jade BOOTS the other!
The fans fire up as now Kelani, Jade & Bianca all scoop to TRIPLE SLAM! The fans fire up for the flexing, and Fatal Influence regroups outside. They cool off, Jazmyn storms in, but Kelani is right on her for a snapmare and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kelani keeps The Toxic Protege back and wrenches her to a wristlock. Tag to Bianca, and she scoops Jazmyn, to do some squats! The fans fire up for “E S T!” but Jazmyn slips away. Tag to Fallon but Bianca CLOBBERS her! The fans fire up as Bianca whips Fallon but Fallon reverses. Bianca goes up and over and handsprings to say, “Kiss this!” The fans fire up, Fallon runs up, but Bianca backflips up and over!
Bianca RAMS into Fallon, then climbs up to rains down fists! The fans count along, and Bianca goes PAST ten! But Jacy pulls the braid! Bianca backflips to short arm LARIAT! Bianca then wrenches Fallon to suplex, and she holds Fallon up! Then the SLAM! Bianca kips up, the fans fire up, and Bianca waits on Fallon. Handspring and MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bianca stays cool, then tags in Jade! The fans fire up as the StrongEST Duo double whip, to double hip toss and cradle, DOUBLE SLAM! The fans fire up and Jade tags Kelani. Kelani goes up, gets a lift from Jade, MILITARY PRESS SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
The fans stay fired up as Kelani stays on Fallon, but Fallon holds ropes to block the whip! Kelani lets go, but Fallon throat chops! Fallon SLAPS Kelani, headlocks, but Kelani powers out. Jazmyn tags in, Fallon trips Kelani, and Jazmyn BULLDOGS! The fans boo, but The Influence TOSS Kelani out! The ref is busy with so many ladies, Jacy hits a CANNONBALL on Kelani! The Influence is in control as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Jazmyn CLOBBERS Kelani. Jazmyn drags Kelani up, whips her to the Influence corner, then stomps a mudhole. The fans boo, Fallon tags in and feeds Kelani to a LEG SWEEP! Fallon keeps moving, RUNNING FACEBUSTER! Jacy tags in to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Jacy bumps Kelani off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, but the ref counts. Jacy lets off, fans chant for Jade, but Jacy says “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL gets buckles as Kelani moves! The fans fi reup, but Jacy hurries after Kelani! Jacy whips, Kelani reverses. Jacy ducks a kick but not the CALF KICK! The fans fire up while both women are down!
Kelani and Jacy crawl, but they find each other first. They fire forearms and the fans rally behind Kelani. Kelani staggers to a corner, Jacy runs up, but Kelani BOOTS her! Kelani fights the others off, but Jacy back suplexes! Kelani lands out, then JAWBREAKERS! Jazmyn tags in, but Kelani tags Jade! The fans fire up as Jade rallies on the Influencers! She SPIENBUSTERS Jacy, then scoops Fallon for a BACKBREAKER! Jazmyn runs up, into a scoop, and Jade marches around before the FALL AWAY SLAM! Jade kips up, the fans are thunderous, and Jade SPLASHES Jazmyn! Then a SPLAASH for Jacy!
Jade choke grips Jazmyn to CHOKE SLAM!! Jade drags Jazmyn back up, tags Bianca, and the StrongEST Duo combines! DOMINATOR SPALSH! Cover, but Fallon breaks it! Jade SUPERKICKS Fallon! Jacy NECKBREAKER DROPS Jade! Kelani kicks Jacy to X-FACTOR! Jacy tumbles out, Kelani goes up and up to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Jacy & Fallon! Even Bianca is stunned! Jazmyn runs up, dodges, and NYX KICK! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives that toxic Pele, but Jazmyn sweeps the legs! But Bianca blocks the Penalty Kick! “This is Awesome!” as Bianca ALLEY0OOPS Jazmyn!
Tag to Jade, and they hit the STRONGEST PLEX!! Tag to Kelani, and she goes right back up! ONE OF A KIND SAULT!! Cover, Kelani and team win!
Winners: Kelani Jordan, Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall
The champions all stand tall over Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn, and Jacy is furious! NIL or not, will the Fatal Influence have to admit Kelani just has “it?”
Nathan Frazer & Axiom talk backstage.
The NXT Tag Team Champions are ready, tonight is business as usual. As long as they are on the same page, right? Yes…! But then Randy Orton has a question for #Fraxiom. This Je’Von Evans. Just how fast is he? Axiom says Je’Von might be the fastest guy in NXT, really. Frazer says what’s that about? Frazer’s right here. Aw c’mon, you know what Axiom means. Uh, no, he doesn’t. Axiom apologizes for Frazer, and Frazer also apologizes. He is known to be a “hothead” around here. Orton says trust him, he relates. There’s nothing wrong with being a hothead. In fact, sometimes, we all need to find that “dark place.”
See? Orton just said it’s a good thing, so Frazer is taking it and running with it! He heads out, and Axiom sighs. Orton wishes Fraxiom luck, but will they need to rely on their focus instead?
Backstage interview with Giulia.
Sarah Schreiber is with the Beautiful Madness and says it was a tough loss last week to Roxanne Perez. In fact, we’ll be hearing from Roxie, and Cora Jade, momentarily. What does Giulia think they’ll have to say? Giulia says Roxie & Cora are- Knock knock. Um, sorry, they’re in the middle of an interview. But then Sarah and Giulia see who it is. Giulia says, “Hello, old friend. We got it.” Giulia is in a better mood now as she heads out with this mystery person. Could this mean La Primera is in the building?
Roxanne Perez heads to the ring!
Given the controversy she used to retain, St. Louis boos The Prodigy, not that she cares. The NXT Women’s Champion grabs a mic and says, “I thought last week was gonna be the last week that it finally happened: Your international sensation, your ‘chosen one’ was gonna dethrone me and become your NEW~ NXT Women’s Champion. But… NOPE. Because once again, there you guys are, disappointed. And here I stand with this.” Roxie holds up the shiny new NXT Women’s Championship belt, and she says maybe now we’ll believe what she’s been saying since April. Not that she’ll hold her breath. All of us are so predictable!
In no time at all, we’ll prop up someone new, and she’ll drink the tears of the Flavor of the Month. But she doesn’t have to drink alone anymore. Because of an old friendship has started to reignite. Here comes Cora Jade! Cora grabs herself a mic as she joins Roxie in the ring, and says for the past NINE MONTHS, she had to sit at home and listen to everyone talk about how this is the deepest division in the history of NXT, and even the WWE. They were going on and on listing all the women, yet Cora’s name was left off the list. Imagine that. That really, really pissed her off! So when she came back, she wanted to make sure everyone paid for forgetting about Cora Jade.
So when she cost Giulia the title, no one say it coming. Not even Roxie! Though, listen, the woman we used to know was a young girl just trying to make it in NXT/ But the woman you’re looking at now is the woman who is going to make NXT. Roxie deserves to be NXT Women’s Champion! Hell, this is the version of Roxie that Cora always knew she could be. That is why, after so many years, their friendship is finally being mended. And unfortunately, that is really, really bad for the deepest division in WWE. Roxie agrees. She wishes she listened to Cora all those years ago instead of this nobody know-it-alls.
All Cora ever wanted was Roxie to look out for herself. And in pursuit of this title, she finally learned. And she knows that this title shattered their friendship before, but it’ll be what brings them back together. Wait! Here comes Giulia! The fans cheer the rightful champion as she storms to the ring. Cora dares her to get in. She knows they haven’t formally been introduced, but come on in. WAIT! Here comes Stephanie Vaquer!! Now Cora & Roxie are cowering! The Madness and the Primera rush in to brawl it out with the mean girls! Stephanie BOOTS Cora, Giulia HEADBUTTS Roxie, and those two go rolling away!
The fans fire up as Giulia & Stephanie stand side by side. But then they both spot the belt. They both pick it up, and fans are intrigued to see where this is going. Will neither Roxie nor Cora stand atop the mountain with these two icons coming for them?
No Quarter Catch Crew watches this backstage.
Wren Sinclair says Stephanie Vaquer is finally in NXT. And next week, Wren shows her what NXT is all about! Charlie Dempsey and the fellas commend Wren on taking initiative. That is what NQCC needs. Take notes, boys. Dempsey then leads the way, and spots Lexis King sitting with a tablet. What’s he got there? Lexis says he’s rewatching footage of Oro Mensah stealing the win from him. Dempsey asks why Lexis is still obsessed over Oro? Lexis says Dempsey is a wrestling purist, so maybe he can help. Lexis feels like he needs a match where he and Oro can’t cheat the other. Something down the straight and narrow.
Dempsey says there is one thing, but it’s obscure. The Admiral Lord Mount Evans. The what? It’s an other rounds type system like the Heritage Cup. No, Lexis doesn’t wanna do rounds. But hey, it is a “gentlemen’s battle.” Ah! That sounds good. A gentlemen’s duel! Tell him more about it. These two discuss stipulations, will Lexis be able to prove he’s turned over a new leaf with this unique match type?
NXT North American Championship: Oba Femi VS Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family!
Back at No Mercy, The Ruler put fear in the heart of The Don, but after much training and coaching from Rizzo, Stacks & Luca, it seems Tony is ready for another round. Will this be Tony’s moment to shine? Or will nothing, not even renewed determination, stop Oba’s dominance?
NXT returns and Oba makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly inevitable!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as Tony stares down with Oba. But then Oba pie faces Tony! Oba swings, Tony dodges and fires hands! Tony bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire body shots! Tony avoids haymakers, ROCKS Oba, then whips him. Oba bounces off buckles to CLOBBER Tony! Tony staggers up, Oba is on him with a clinch, and he fires knees! Oba scoops, then SLAMS! Oba lines up and drops a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Oba grins as Tony is still in this. Oba headlocks, grinds the hold, and the fans duel as hard as they can. Tony fights up, powers up, but can’t power out as Oba holds tight! Tony endures the grind and pries at the hold.
The fans rally, but Oba thrashes Tony around! Oba hits a headlock takeover, but Tony keeps his shoulders up. The fans rally again, Tony rolls to a cover, TWO! Oba thrashes Tony around again, but Tony still pushes up to his feet. The fans rally, The Family coaches Tony, but Oba hits another takeover! Oba grinds the hold but Tony keeps the shoulders up. Tony stands, fires body shots, and he powers out to whip! Tony then blows past Oba to CLOBBER him! The fans fire up as Tony LARIATS Oba up and out! The Family fires up as Tony aims from the apron. Tony BOOTS Oba, then AX- NO, Oba catches him! APRON CHOKE SLAM!
The fans go nuts and Oba stands tall, but NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Oba grinds Tony down with a backbreaker rack across his knee! Tony endures, pries at the hold, and the fans duel as hard as they can. Oba pushes Tony more, but Tony still powers up! Tony stands, only for Oba to clinch! Tony fires elbows but Oba knees low. Oba reels Tony in, but Tony fights the lift! Tony starts to lift Oba! BACKDROP! The fans fire up while both men are down! Tony crawls to the corner and The Family caoches him up. Wait, they slide a crowbar in? Tony thinks about it, but he says no, that’s the old Tony. Tony stands, Oba runs up, but Tony blocks the punch to fire forearms!
The fans fire up as Tony whips, then SPINE- NO, Oba CLUBS free! Oba runs up to LARIAT Tony and himself up and out! The fans fire up, Tony drags himself onto the apron, and the fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” But Oba CHOPS Tony down, just by reaching up from the ground! Oba grins as he stares The Family down. Stacks dares Oba to do something, and so he CLOBBERS Stacks, into Rizzo! Oba says he isn’t at fault for that, but Tony is pissed all the same! Tony TACKLES Oba, and he rains down fists! The fans are thunderous as Tony THRWOS Oba into railing, SMACKS him off apron, and RAMS him into steel steps!
Tony drags Oba up, to BELLY2BELLY onto the ramp! The fans are fired up as Tony puts Oba in the ring! Tony gets moving, and he SPEARS Oba down!! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and The Family can’t believe it! Tony frowns, brings Oba up, but Oba UPPERCUTS! Tony goes to a corner, Oba runs in, to UPPERCUT again! Oba keeps moving but so does Tony! Tony LARIATS in a corner! Tony runs, into a SHOTGUN BOOT! Oba then CHOKE SLAMS!! Cover, TWO?!? Tony survives and Oba is stunned! Oba frowns, the fans are thunderous as he drags Tony up, and he short arm LARIATS! Oba drags Tony up again, to short arm LARIAT!
Oba does not stop, he drags Tony up to short arm- NO, Tony gets under! Tony GERMAN SUPLEXES! Tony holds on, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans fire up as Tony stands Oba up again. But Oba fights with elbows! Oba then reels Tony in to SHOT PUT! But Oba falls over, too! Oba and Tony are hitting their limits, but “This is Awesome!” as they both rise up again! Tony and Oba are in corners, and Oba runs in! UPPERCUT! Oba hoists Tony up top, then climbs, but Tony fires hands! Oba falls back, Tony adjusts, and Tony leaps, into an UPPERCUT!! Tony falls right out of the ring!
Oba pursues, and he clears the desk! Booker T and Vic Joseph step back, the ref reprimands, but Oba drags Tony to his feet. Oba reels Tony in, but Tony slips free to SPINEBUSTER through the desk!! Both men are down and St. Louis is electric! Tony puts Oba in, and he hurries to SPINEBUSTER again!! Cover, TWO!?!? Oba survives the double whammy and no one can believe it! Tony is beside himself, and he looks to The Family. But then Oba sits up to stare him down! Oba choke grips, and CHOKE- SUNSET FLIP! Tony high stacks, TONY WINS!!!
Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (NEW NXT North American Champion)
Just as it looked like all hope was lost, Tony finds a way! The D’Angelo Family has gold again, and The Don is back on top! Will nothing stop the Family now? As for Oba, this isn’t just his first defeat as champion, but his first defeat in NXT PERIOD! What will The Ruler do now, now that he has no throne?
NXT shares footage from after last week’s episode.
Lola Vice was obviously furious with Jaida Parker over how their match ended, but it just turned into a fist fight! The refs rushed in to stop it, but cut back to present and now Lola is with Ava Raine. Ava knows Lola is heated, and Lola says she wants a match with Jaida. Ava says that’s fine, because Jaida wants a match with Lola. Ava will handle business, but she has a phone call. Ava takes the call, and says yes, send her in. Nikkita Lyons returns! And she is so grateful to be back! Oh, hey, the Latina badass! How- Yeah, yeah, good for Lyons, but Lola is here, this has to wait. Um, no, Lola has to wait, Lyons has a meeting with Ava. Just chill out, touch grass.
Lola tells Lyons that a lot has changed since she’s been gone. Lyons just got cleared, so don’t make Lola put her on the shelf. Ava has them both stand down. Ava and Lyons were going to talk first opponents, but seems she found them. Lola leaves, Ava says it’s good to have Lyons back. Will Nikkita roar back into the ring against The Mayor of Vice City?
Kelani, Bianca & Jade regroup backstage.
They’re all pumped after their big win tonight. The Fatal Influence has nothing on these three. Kelani thanks Bianca & Jade for having her back. She knows those girls aren’t done with her yet, but she’s got it from here. But then in step Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson. Miss Jackson congratulates them on the win, and The Bougie Bully says if they wanna keep coming into their turf, then there needs to be an opportunity at those titles. Jade knew they were running their mouths while she and Bianca were busy hosting Bad Blood. Now, what we won’t do and don’t do is run from a challenge. Bianca agrees.
And since Meta Four wants to go, Bianca & Jade aren’t gonna come to them. If Lash & Jakara think they can run with the big dogs, then they gotta show up on Friday Night SmackDown. Lash & Jakara say bet, and bye. Will Lash & Jakara soon learn why Jade & Bianca are the StrongEST Duo in WWE?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom VS A-Town Down Under!
Nathan Frazer & Axiom have had their ups and downs, but right now they just wanna get even with Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. Will their #NeverSlowDown style help them blow right past these former WWE Tag Team Champions? Or will they be taken out by the Grayson Waller & Austin Theory Effect?
NXT returns as Fraxiom makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly on the same page!
The teams sort out and Axiom starts with Theory. They circle, tie up, and Axiom wrenches to a headlock. Theory powers up and out, then he runs Axiom over! Theory says, “What’d I say? That’s all day!” Theory pie faces Axiom, but Axiom CHOPS back! Axiom then dodges Theory to DROPKICK! Theory staggers to a corner, Axiom tags Frazer. Axiom whips, Theory reverses but Axiom reverses back. Axiom wrenches, clinches, and hooks Theory up in the IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer builds speed, to DROPKICK! Theory flounders to a corner but Frazer storms up on him. Frazer CHOPS, whips, but Theory reverses.
Frazer goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges to slide and arm-drag! And arm-drag! Frazer has the armlock, but Theory fights up. Waller talks trash, and Theory throat chops! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Theory has Frazer’s legs. Theory YANKS Frazer to his feet, but Frazer lands on his feet! Frazer PELES Theory! Tag to Axiom, and the speed blitz starts up! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! BASEMENT DDT! Waller runs in but into kick, KICK and tilt-o-whirl DDT! The fans fire up while Waller bails out. Theory BOOTS Axiom, goes up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs, brings Theory up, but Waller anchors Theory!
Theory pushes Axiom onto ropes, then DRAPING LARIATS! Axiom falls to the floor, Frazer checks on him, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and Axiom leaps from steps to FLYING RANA Waller! Waller tumbles along the floro, Axiom gets in the ring, but Theory YANKS Frazer off the apron! No tag for the champs, and Waller LEG LARIATS Axiom! Tag to Theory and ATDU drags Axiom up. DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! Axiom is tougher than that but ATDU is upset with the ref! Frazer drags Waller out! Frazer DECKS Waller, then hurries up. Theory puts Axiom on the corner, ROCKS him, then climbs to join him. Axiom fights the superplex, fires body shots and forearms, but Theory holds ropes! Axiom finally DECKS Theory, and FROG SPLASHES!
Axiom bounces off the cover, but he hot tags Frazer! Frazer springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS! Frazer CHOPS in a corner, whips, but Theory reverses. Frazer goes up and over with a Quebrada, then keeps moving! Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Theory! Frazer wrenches, reels Theory in, but Theory slips free. Theory shoves, Frazer hits another Quebrada! Frazer has Theory in a dragon sleeper, but Waller runs up! Frazer kicks him, DOUBLE DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO! Theory stays in this but Frazer stays focused. The fans rally, Frazer PLANCHAS Waller! Frazer coordinates with Axiom, but they disagree on what’s next!
Frazer runs to SHOOTING STAR PRESS, onto knees! Theory saves himself, cradles Frazer, TWO!! Frazer PELES, then hot- NO, Waller YANKS Axiom down!! Frazer checks on Axiom, but Theory mule kicks! Underhook and ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives being flipped inside-out, but Theory tags Waller. ATDU drags Frazer up, DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Frazer lands out! Axiom tags in! GAMANGIRI for Waller, FOREARM for Theory! Now Fraxiom coordinate, MISSILE DROPKICK HIGH LOW COMBO!! High stack, TWO!! Waller survives and now Fraxiom is frustrated. The fans rally while ATDU both bail out.
Frazer aims to PLANCHA, but into a forearm! Theory takes Frazer out and Axiom is stunned! Axiom DECKAS Theory, but Waller SOMERSAULT- SLEEPER HOLD!! Axiom has the body scissors locked in! Frazer intercepts Theory to a GUILLOTINE! The fans fire up as ATDU endure double submissions! Theory powers out to GOURD BUSTER Frazer onto Axiom! Theory says A-Town Down, and he hauls Frazer up. But he accidentally smacks Waller! Axiom rolls Waller up, TWO! Waller takes a swing, Axiom ducks, and Theory blocks the shot! ATDU sort things out, and they DOUBLE FOREARM Frazer!
But then Waller dodges, the GOLDEN RATIO hits Theory!! Waller waistlocks but Axiom monkey flips and hits a DESTROYER!! Axiom puts Waller up top, Frazer tags in! Frazer goes to a corner, Axiom goes up! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Then Frazer hits the PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!!
Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
Things weren’t always smooth, but they still turned out alright for Frazer & Axiom! Will no team out there be able to stop these two?
Backstage interview with Ridge Holland.
Sarah Schreiber is now with the Yorkshire Grit and asks his reaction to the video package summing up what he’s done to Chase U. Ridge reminds us that he vowed to run THROUGH Chase U, and that is exactly what he’s done. That is the price they paid for their mediocrity ruining Ridge’s dreams. But then RILEY OSBORNE attacks! They brawl, refs and producers break it up, and Riley says he is NOT afraid of big bad Ridge! But then just what does Turbo Terry plan on doing to bring Ridge down?
Sexyy Red has a live performance!
#GetItSexyy! But wait! Ethan Page interrupts! All Ego says no, no, NO! Sexyy says Ethan has an attitude problem. But Ethan says sorry, Miss, but this concert is canceled. But hey, that’s what she gets for interrupting him last night on Raw. Ethan hasn’t been a champion for one week, and this place has absolutely fallen apart. We have Trick Williams parading around with Ethan’s title, we have a bogus concert going on, and we have Wes Lee letting the Street Fight go to his head, thinking HE is the new #1 contender. And then there’s the GM who is absolutely trying to ruin Ethan’s life.
And on top of it all, we have Je’Von Evans thinking he deserves to wrestle Randy Orton in the main event tonight. No no, Miss Red, Ethan Page deserves to face Randy Orton, and it should be with Ethan Page’s NXT Championship on the line! So hate to break it to you all, this is HIS ring, and he is NOT leaving until he gets his rematch. Sexyy says Ethan just said a bunch of nothing! And wait, here comes Je’Von! The Young OG makes his way to the ring and says Ethan should calm down. Ethan says no, he’s not gonna calm down! Because he doesn’t give a damn that Je’Von is facing Orton next! Then Ethan takes a swing!
Je’Von dodges, to then fire off hands in return! The fans fire up as Je’Von LARIATS Ethan up and out! Sexyy says there you go! She and Je’Von taunt Ethan with some dance moves, and that main event happens, after the break.
Je’Von Evans VS Randy Orton!
NXT returns and The Viper makes his entrance. St. Louis is already fired up for their hometown hero, and he can’t help but smile. The bell rings and the fans cheer on “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton and Je’Von circle, tie up, and Orton headlocks. Je’Von powers up and out, drops down, but Orton avoids the dropkick! Orton wags his finger, and Je’Von gets up in a huff. The fans rally as the two reset. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Orton wrenches, wristlocks, and YANKS the arm. Orton then whips Je’Von to a corner, runs up, but Je’Von goes up and out! Je’Von slingshots in and around, and the two reset again.
The fans rally as they tie up, and Orton headlocks. Je’Von slips out the back, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Je’Von springboards, but Orton dodges again! Je’Von flounders, and Orton again wags his finger. Orton and Je’Von tie up, Orton puts Je’Von in the corner, but he lets off as the ref counts. Orton pats Je’Von on the head, but then blocks a kick. Orton puts that foot down but Je’Von SUPERKICKS! Orton falls, Je’Von pats himself on the head, then DROPKICKS Orton out of the ring! The fans fire up as Je’Von wags his finger, and Orton grins, while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns once again and Je’Von tumbles out of the ring. Orton pursues, and Orton smiles as Je’Von leans on the desk. The fans fire up, and Orton brings Je’Von around. DESK BACK- NO, Je’Von lands on his feet! Then he LEAPS over Orton to reach the apron! Je’Von mule kicks, builds speed, and DIVES! But Orton stuffs it! And then DESK BACK SUPLEXES! Je’Von flops right off the desk but the fans want that again! Orton goes around the way, drags Je’Von up, and brings him back around. DESK BACK SUPLEX! And then another DESK BACK SUPLEX! Je’Von is a ragdoll, but Orton says one more! DESK BACK SUPLEX!!
Orton rolls into the ring to refresh the count while Je’Von writhes on the floor. The fans rally for Randy as he takes his time fetching Je’Von. Orton puts Je’Von in, stalks him, and yet Je’Von fires body shots! Orton CLUBS Je’Von, whips him corner to corner hard, and Je’Von bounces off buckles! Je’Von flounders around, but Orton drags him back up. Orton whips corner to corner again, but Je’Von slides under! Je’Von springboards back in, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Je’Von hurries to CHOP! And ROCK! And CHOP! Je’Von keeps going, then whips, but Orton reverses. Orton runs in, Je’Von goes up and over!
Je’Von runs, rebounds, and SCREW HIGH KICKS! Cover, TWO! Orton is still in this but Je’Von fires himself back up. Springboard, OG- NO! Orton stops Je’Von’s cutter to then whip. Je’Von ducks ‘n ‘dodges, but runs into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Orton stays calm, and the fans rally back up. Orton drags Je’Von up, puts him through ropes, and the fans really fire up now! Orton grins as he has Je’Von dangling, DRAPING DDT! Je’Von is in a daze, the fans are in a craze, but it is Orton who hears the voices in his head! Je’Von rises, Orton aims, but Je’Von SUPERKICKS first!! Both men fall back and the fans fire up!
Je’Von realizes he landed that shot, and now he hurries up a corner! Up, up and O G CUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Orton survives but that was a lot closer than expected! So Je’Von reloads! Up, up, and O G TWISTER into an RKO!! Not the cleanest, but Orton says hold on. R K O!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
The Viper still strikes outta nowhere, with family in attendance to cheer him on. But Je’Von still found a way to shine like the diamond in the rough he clearly is. As such, Orton stands him up, and raises his hand. The fans cheer, is this just the first sign that the Young OG is a future legend in the making?
Ethan Page and Wes Lee meet with Ava in her office.
The NXT GM wants Ethan to understand that she is his boss! She signs off on all his opportunities, so if he wants a title rematch, he has to earn it. Wes says that’s right! But then Ava says same goes for Wes. Therefore, it is a #1 contenders match between Ethan and Wes, winner challenges Trick for the title at Halloween Havoc. And y’know what? After what we just saw, Ava will raise the stakes. Je’Von Evans is in the match, making it a Triple Threat! Ethan and Wes are both upset, but what a big move for NXT! Will The Young OG go from taking an RKO to facing Tricky Two-Time Two-Time?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for NXT as just the second week on CW. A shame ticket sales weren’t enough for the bigger venue they had planned, but I kinda like the look of The Factory for NXT. And clearly they’ve made some big moves towards Halloween Havoc. Very good promos in the NXT Women’s Championship story, and Vaquer’s first in-person moment being a brawl with some top Heels is good stuff. I feel like we should get a tag match of Vaquer & Giulia VS Cora & Roxie before deciding who is challenging Roxie for the title. Though, given Roxie & Cora cheated Giulia, I feel like Giulia should be in it. Maybe they go wild and make it a Fatal 4 Way.
Good segue to #WrenQCC, too, but uh, Wren’s totally getting destroyed by Vaquer in Vaquer’s first NXT match. But then also good segue into a promo with Lexis King. I do like that Lexis is asking for a very specific match type. The “Gentlemen’s Duel” will be a very good match, and a very surprising way to do their blowoff. I have no idea who wins that one but it really depends on if they’re committed to this Lexis King Face turn he’s going through. Great Six Woman Tag, and as I figured, Jazmyn took the loss. They can still set up a Women’s North American Championship story, the Fatal Influence claiming Kelani only won because she had Bianca & Jade.
And then good promo with them and Meta Four, we’ll get a very good tag title match there. But of course Jade & Bianca are going to win that, it’s just their tune-up before facing DMG CTRL. Good promo that was really just the brawl between Lola and Jaida, that match is going to happen at some point, but I do appreciate them giving Lyons a match with Lola for them to go martial artist VS martial artist. Regardless of what anyone thinks of Lyons, I personally hope she can stay healthy this time. If anything, Jaida costs Lola her match against Lyons to add more heat to their grudge match, which could even happen at Halloween Havoc.
Awesome North American Championship match, and of course Tony D wins. This was them leaning heavily into the Rocky 3 parallel, so it was going to go this way. But I do appreciate the minor details they put in. Tony refused the crowbar because he’s a Face right now, and he won because the sunset flip was outta nowhere. He didn’t knock Oba out, he didn’t hit him with a finisher, he just caught him off guard. Tony is that much closer to the Grand Slam, but Oba himself is free to move up to the top title in the near future. Equally awesome tag title match, but of course Fraxiom wins as they’re the NXT team. But again, the details matter. There’s more dysfunction on ATDU, they can play that up on SmackDown, and Fraxiom is open to facing any number of teams.
And great stuff in the NXT Championship story. Great promo to open the show, with Trick hyping up everything and then Wes calling him out. But then Jey showing up just to get everyone fired up was… Well, that’s what it was. Fans love Jey, fans love Trick, if only we could’ve gotten Jey & Trick VS Wes & Ethan tonight. And I’m sorry, but I personally cheered when Ethan interrupted Sexyy Red’s performance. But hey, good Heel Heat for All Ego, great segue with Je’Von showing up to fight Ethan off, and then we got a great main event from Je’Von and Orton. This proves NXT sees big things in Je’Von, and we’re going to get an awesome Triple Threat. I’m leaning towards Wes winning. Ethan just lost the belt, and Je’Von is still young and new so give him more time first.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who will get to wreak Halloween Havoc with the champ?
Tonight, Ethan Page, Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans battle in a Triple Threat to become #1 contender to Trick Williams’ NXT Championship! Who gets to spin the wheel and make the deal with Tricky Two-Time Two Time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne; wins.
- Gentlemen’s Duel: Lexis King VS Oro Mensah; wins.
- Nikkita Lyons VS Lola Vice; wins.
- Stephanie Vaquer VS Wren Sinclair; wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Ethan Page VS Wes Lee VS Je’Von Evans; wins and will challenge Trick Williams for the title at Halloween Havoc.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will Ryogoku Kokugikan be tranquilo?
Zack Sabre Jr. has always been innovative, but tonight, he really changes things up! He uses his G1 Climax Right to Challenge TONIGHT instead of at WrestleKingdom! Will The Front Man become the King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Hiromu Takahashi VS Mistico; Hiromu wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Intergalactic Jet Setters; Intergalactic Jet Setters win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Bad Luck Fale & Caveman Ugg; Shane & Mikey win and retain the titles.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Ryohei Oiwa; Takagi wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship Triple Threat: Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji VS Ren Narita; Narita wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & El Phantasmo VS House of Torture; Tanahashi, Shota & ELP win.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS SHO; Douki wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay VS Hirooki Goto; Finlay wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins and becomes the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiromu Takahashi VS Mistico!
The Ticking Timebomb wants to prove he can be more than just The Best of the Super Juniors, which is why he challenged The Prince of Silver & Gold to this rematch! The dual MLW Middleweight & NWA World Historic Middleweight Champion won in Arena Mexico, but will Hiromu redeem himself in Ryogoku Kokugikan? Or will it just be a repeat performance to open the show?
Before the match, Mistico is given a special plaque in honor of his 20 year career in wrestling. The fans applaud and Mistico takes a bow. But then, will his celebrating here be short lived? Meanwhile, Hiromu brings out a model of the new LIJ branded rice cooker now on sale, will Mistico let him cook? Wait, Hiromu opens it up and reveal! He has a Mistico mask! Mistico takes those back and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the two circle. Mistico offers a handshake, Hiromu takes it, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two tie up, Hiromu waistlocks, SLAMS, but Mistico flips over, kips up and arm-drags!
Hiromu sweeps the legs but Mistico reaches up to headscissor! Both men stand, Mistico dodges to arm-drag again! Hiromu sweeps again, covers, ONE! Mistico sweeps but Hiromu throws him away! The fans fire up as the two reset. Mistico runs up, RANAS, and Hiromu tumbles out! The fans rally up as Mistico builds speed! But Hiromu runs in, bypasses Mistico, but Mistico dodges to jump and RANA again! Hiromu is back outside, and Mistico builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Hiromu hits railing! Both men are down as the airhorn goes off, and the fans rally up. Mistico brings Hiromu up, puts him in, and the fans rally again.
Mistico aims from the apron to springboard, but Hiromu moves! Mistico rolls through, Hiromu fireman’s carries, GUTBUSTER DROP! Hiromu ties the legs up in a FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Mistico flails, reaches out, and crawls over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets go. Hiromu stands Mistico up, but Mistico CHOPS! The fans cheer, and Mistico knuckle locks. But Hiromu blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! And back to the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Mistico endures, reaches out, and again has the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu drops into the GRAPEVINE! The ref reprimands, Hiromu lets go, and Mistico bails out.
The fans rally while Hiromu waits on Mistico. Mistico fires himself up, but Hiromu runs out there. Mistico slides in, and now he eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu runs in, but into a knuckle lock! Mistico kicks low then goes up, up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up, and Mistico runs in, only to be put on the apron. Mistico GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, FLYING RANA! Hiromu bails out, the fans fire up, and Mistico builds speed to TORNILLO! Down goes Hiromu and the fans fire up again! Yeah that airhorn isn’t annoying at all… Mistico rises, he brings Hiromu into the ring, and covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu stays in this.
Mistico stays calm and he brings Hiromu up. Mistico ROCKS Hiromu, whips him corner to corner, but Hiromu reverses to LARIAT! Hiromu keeps moving but Mistico LARIATS! Mistico rolls back, dodges Hiromu, and SUPER- NO, Hiromu blocks the kick to SUPERKICK back! Hiromu runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Mistico runs up, Hiromu sidesteps and SNAP GERMANS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu storms over to Mistico, puts him on the top rope, and he CHOPS! Mistico wobbles, but he fires forearms in return! Mistico then slips under Hiromu, and GAMANGIRIS! Hiromu wobbles up top, but Mistico climbs!
Mistico goes to the very top, and he brings Hiromu up, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Mistico covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this and the fans rally again. Mistico brings Hiromu up, but ducks a lariat! Mistico comes back for a DESTROYER!! Hiromu staggers around, Mistico builds speed, tilt-o-whirl, but Hiromu stops La Mystica! Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE! TWO!! Mistico gets free of the still technically unnamed hold! Then he dodges Hiromu to springboard CROSSBODY! Another dodge, another tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! But Hiromu rolls through it!?
Hiromu fireman’s carries to KNEE CRUSHER! And then, FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!! Mistico bridges but Hiromu uses that to turn him! The fans rally as Hiromu steps over! It’s a modified Cloverleaf now! Mistico TAPS! Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission
An incredible victory for The Ticking Timebomb! He and Mistico are now 1-1-1, but this submission victory feels extra sweet! When and where will we see these two settle their score? And the way they’re talking about it, will it be Hair VS Mask?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Intergalactic Jet Setters!
These rival teams meet again as 100 Proof & 44 Caliber must defend their gold against Kushida & Kevin Knight! Will the War Dogs take another bite out of these time travelers? Or will Kushida & Knight successfully bring us back to the past when they had these last?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who takes us back to the future!
The teams sort out, and Drilla SHOTGUNS Knight! Connors UPPERCUTS Kushida, Drilla stomps Knight, and the bell rings as Connors TOSSES Kushida out. Drilla goes out after Kushida to CHOP! Connors CLUBS Knight, ROCKS him, then whips. Knight goes up and over, bobs ‘n’ weaves, and he fires fast hands! Knight whips, hurdles, then bypasses. Connors redirects but Knight dodges to DROPKICK! The fans fire up but Drilla knees Knight. Drilla knees Kushida, too, then runs, but the Jet Setters bypass to drop toehold and SPLASH! The fans cheer and Knight says “Macha Tsuyoi~! <Very Strong!>”
The fans rally as Jet Setters double wrench and double whip Connors. Then they both run, slide, and trip Connors. They YANK Connors into the post and pull on the legs! Drilla fights the Jet Setters off, CHOPS Kushida, then CHOPS Knight! Connors goes after Kushida, and he looks under the ring! Drilla has fans clear out, and then he TOSSES Knight over railing, to bowl over the chairs! Connors JAMS Kushida with a chair, then SMACKS him with it! The fans boo but the War Dogs soak up the heat. Connors makes Kushida take a seat, CHOPS him, and Drilla drags Knight up just to ROCK him with a right.
Connors & Drilla aim at Kushida, then Connors runs in. But Kushida catches Connors to a COMPLETE SHOT off the chair! Knight is up, he knocks Drilla aside, and Kushida makes Connors take a seat. Knight runs in, goes up to the apron, and then leaps, DOUBLE STOMP on Connors and the chair! The fans fire up while Jet Setters stand tall. Kushida stomps Drilla, Knight RAMS Drilla into railing, and then Knight puts Connors in the ring. Kushida brings Connors up in an Electric Chair! Knight aims, but Drilla slides in! Drilla GERMAN SUPLEXES Knight! Connors slips down to GERMAN SUPLEX Kushida!
The Jet Setters stagger to their feet, Drilla GORES Kushida while Connors SPEARS Knight! The fans fire up, and the War Dogs have Kushida isolated. Connors stalks Kushida, drags him up, and CHOPS him in a corner. Kushida gets in Connors’ face, so Connors CHOPS again! Connors snapmares Kushida, mockingly checks a watch, and JUMP ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Kushida toughs it out and the fans rally up. Kushida fires body shots, but Connors UPPERCUTS! Connors bumps Kushida off Drilla’s boot, then tags him in. Drilla looms over Kushida, drags him up, and CHOPS! Kushida grits his teeth and gets in Drilla’s face!
Drilla CHOPS again, and then CLAWS Kushida’s face! Drilla knocks Knight off the apron, but Kushida hip tosses! But then no Knight to tag! Drilla drags Kushida away, anchors his leg, then CLAWS Kushida’s back! Drilla turns Kushida over, stands on his neck, and pulls on his head! The ref reprimands, Kushida fights free, and the fans rally up. Drilla stalks Kushida, but Kushida KICKS a leg! And KICKS it again! Kushida runs, but Connors steps in to SNAP POWERSLAM! Drilla BLASTS Knight off the apron! The War Dogs load up and take aim, BANG! DOUBLE- NO Kushida moves and sends Drilla into Connors!
Kushida whips Drilla, then Kushida and Connors both drop down. Drilla rebounds, Connors and Kushida drop again. Kushida then sends Drilla back into Connors! Kushida rolls and rolls, hot tag to Knight! Knight springboards to DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on the War Dogs! But they stop his Satellite DDT! So Knight shifts, DOUBLE DDT! The fans fire up as Knight kips up and flexes! Knight aims at Connors in a corner, but Connors avoids the splash! Drilla runs up, but Knight puts him o the apron! Knight DUMPS Connors out, then PELES Drilla! The War Dogs regroup, but the Jet Setters coordinate!
The Jet Setters run to WRECK the War Dogs with dropkicks! The fans fire up while the War Dogs tumble over railing! Kushida goes out after them, sets them up, and Knight SUPER SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES!! Direct hit on everyone, including some Young Lions! The fans are thunderous as the Jet truly flies! Knight tosses Drilla back to ringside, then into the ring. Kushida is ready, and the two run, SPLASH ENZIGIRI COMBO in the corner! Kushida then tags in and he brings Drilla around. Kushida turns Drilla, Knight slips off the top, but he recovers and CROSSBODIES into the NECKBREAKER anyhow! Cover, Connors breaks it!
The fans rally, Kushida Electric Chair Lifts Connors! Knight jumps, DROPKICK CHAIR DROP! The fans fire up as Kushida says one more! Knight also says, “Moikai! <One more time!>” But Drilla sends Kushida into Knight! Then he SPINEBUSTERS Kushida! Drilla tells Kushida off, goes to the apron before Knight can take off, and he blocks a superkick to SUPERKICK! Knight wobbles, Drilla slashes his throat! Drilla reels Knight in, but Knight fights back! BACKDROP onto the apron! Connors runs up, Knight has him, and Kushida runs in! Connors dodges, the handspring kick hits Knight! Then JEEP FLIPPER sends Kushida flying!
Connors runs up on Knight, Drilla coordinates, HIGH LOW SPEAR on the apron! And we’re only 10 minutes into this! The fans rally up but The War Dogs stalk Kushida. They both slash their throats, ready to end this, but the fans rally for Kushida. Drilla brings Kushida up, but Kushida slips free! Kushida has the arm, puts Drilla in a corner, but Connors runs up. Kushida ELBOWS Connors away, SHOTEIS Drilla, then puts Drilla up top. But Drilla slips under! POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER COMBO! Drilla gets moving, GORE on Kushida! Connors runs, runs, and SPEARS!! Then they aim from the corners! DOUBLE SPEAR COMBO!! Cover, TWO?!?!
The fans are thunderous as Kushida survives! But the War Dogs just have sadistic smiles on their faces. They reload, and Connors climbs a corner. Drilla drags Kushida up, but Kushida jumps on for a HOVERBOARD! Drilla TOSSES Kushida away, but Knight tags in! Knight lurks under the apron while Drilla drags Kushida over. Drilla goes to suplex but Kushida fights it! Knight leap frogs Drilla to BLAST Connors off the corner! Kushida backslides Drilla, Knight adds the jackknife! Cover, JET SETTERS WIN!!!
Winners: Intergalactic Jet Setters, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The War Dogs get caught off guard, and they lose the belts to the underdogs! Kushida & Knight turned back the clock, but will their future be brighter than ever now?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Bad Luck Fale & Caveman Ugg!
TMDK and Bullet Club Rogue Army have been battling so much in NJPW Tamashii that it’s spilled over into the main line! But will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey prove that no matter where they fight, The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will The Underboss and his Cro-Magnon cohort conquer them in Ryogoku?
The introductions are made, the IWGP belts are raised, and we see how they do it Down Under!
The teams sort out, but the Rogue Army attacks! Fale is after Mikey, Shane fights off Ugg, and the bell rings. Ugg JUMP KICKS Shane down! Fale corners Mikey while Ugg runs to SPLASH! Big air from Ugg, and Fale runs up to SPLASH Mikey! Feed to Ugg for the gut wrench and SWINGING SLAM! Fale storms up on Shane, Shane fights back, but Fale BODY BLOWS! Fale whips Shane to a corner, SPLASHES, and then sets him up for Ugg’s TWISTING LARIAT! Fale runs to drop the BIG ELBOW! Cover, Mikey breaks it! The fans fire up, but Ugg TOSSES Mikey out! Ugg storms around, Fale sends Mikey into railing!
Ugg goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a table! Ugg sets the table up while Fale sends Mikey into more railing! Fale then brings Mikey over to the table! Fale puts Mikey on the table, Ugg kicks Shane away, and Ugg aims from the apron! CAVEMAN SPLASH through the table!! The fans are thunderous as the Rogue Army has crushed one of The Mighty! Fale scoops and SLAMS Shane, then steps on his back! Fale uses Shane as a surfboard! Fale steps away, Shane writhes, and Ugg tags in. Ugg stalks Shane, drags him up, and brings him around, but Shane CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ugg winds up to CHOP and CLUB Shane!
Ugg stomps Shane, roars and storms around, and the fans rally up. Ugg runs to BOOT Shane into a corner! The fans fire up as Shane flops back down! Ugg drags Shane over, tags Fale in, and Fale throws another BODY BLOW! Fale whips Shane corner to corner, runs in, but Shane BOOTS him! Fale huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Shane BOOTS again! Shane goes up, reels Fale in, and TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Shane crawls, reaches out, but there’s no Mikey! Fale tags Ugg and Ugg runs in, but Shane dodges! Shane BOOTS Ugg, BOOTS him again, and KICKS him! Shane reels Ugg in, but Ugg fights the lift!
Ugg CLUBS away on Shane, runs, and catches Shane’s hurdle! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up and Ugg powers up in the corner. Ugg runs up at Shane, but Shane DROPKICKS his twisting lariat down! Shane aims now, and he runs up, PENALTY KICK! Mikey rises! Shane tags him in! The fans fire up as Mikey fires forearms and CHOPS on Ugg! Ugg ducks a shot, waistlocks, but Mikey throws elbows. Ugg ducks an elbow but Mikey uses that to DDT! Fans fire up as Ugg gets spiked! Mikey WRECKS Fale with a dropkick, and Fale wipes out the timekeeper! SLIDING LARIAT from Mikey to Ugg! Cover, TWO!
Ugg is tough but Mikey keeps on him! Ugg fights the saido with elbows, but Mikey shoves him. Mikey LARIATS, but Ugg stays up! Mikey LARIATS again, but Ugg shakes his head. Ugg ducks the next lariat, waistlocks and- NO, Mikey fights the German Suplex with elbows! Ugg rebounds, into a MIKEY BOMB! Cover, Fale breaks it! Shane ROCKS Fale! Shane fires off, but Fale choke grips! Shane breaks free, ducks the haymaker, and CALF KICKS! Fale staggers, Mikey LARIATS! TMDK reels Fale in, DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up again, and Mikey storms up on Ugg. Ugg CHOPS, CHOPS, and LARIATS!
Ugg CHOPS, CHOPS and LARIATS, but Shane catches him! URENAGE BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Ugg survives and the fans fire up again! TMDK vow to end it now, and the fans rally again. TMDK double gorilla press, for THUNDER VALLEY!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Fale & Ugg were big, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall! Shane & Mikey keep these belts, and they also still have the NJPW Strong Tag Team Championships. Will TMDK still be the Undisputed Tag Team Champions through the year?
Wait a minute, wait a minute. Great-O-Khan & Henare have appeared! Well, the KOPW Champion really should be here for King of Pro-Wrestling, and Khan grabs a mic as he and Henare step into the ring. Khan tells TMDK, “Congratulations on the win. You two peasants were able to take care of two big gladiators. You should be proud of yourself, so I’ll give you an even greater honor. It’s coming up to tag league season, so let’s make sure myself and Henare fire up the tag team division.” Henare takes the mic to translate some of that into English, letting TMDK know that this is tag team season!
That means with World Tag League on the horizon, the United Empire plans on becoming IWGP Tag Team Champions! Put ’em up if you got the balls! Shane grabs a mic and says yeah, baby, about time challengers stepped up! TMDK will defend these belts every time! Shane vows TMDK will walk into World Tag League as champions, and walk out THE World Tag League champions, because they are The Mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! Shane & Mikey have accepted the challenge, but will they make it past The Dominator & Face of Fury? Or will The United Empire only grow stronger?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Ryohei Oiwa!
The battle of Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK isn’t just in the main event! The Rampaging Dragon gladly welcomed the challenge from “The Mullet,” but also promised to send him flying back to Pro-Wrestling Noah. Will Takagi be a man of his word? Or will Oiwa get a grip on this title on the first try?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Oiwa’s expedition paid off!
The bell rings and Oiwa DROPKICKS Takagi! Oiwa wrenches, hammerlocks, and RAMS Takagi into buckles, then whips him corner to corner! Oiwa whips to YANK the arm, then he clamps on with a top wristlock! Takagi fights but Oiwa makes it SHANKLY GATES! Takagi reaches back for a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The ref counts, Oiwa lets off fast, and the fans cheer. Oiwa goes back to Takagi’s arm and grinds the shoulder. Takagi fires forearms, then whips Oiwa away. ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint to DDT! The fans fire up while Oiwa writhes, and Takagi eggs him on. Takagi RAMS Oiwa, then runs up to ropes to LARIAT Oiwa up and out!
Oiwa staggers into railing, then slumps over. Takagi goes out, drags Oiwa up, and brings him around to whip hard into railing! Oiwa falls back and the fans fire up more as Takagi storms over. Takagi drops a knee on Oiwa’s face, then stands him back up. Takagi fireman’s carries Oiwa, to SNAKE EYES off the apron! The fans fire up with Takagi, and Takagi looms over Oiwa. The ring count starts, Takagi puts Oiwa in, and the fans applaud. Takagi drags Oiwa up to suplex high and hard! Oiwa writhes and the fans rally up. Takagi clamps onto Oiwa for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi scuffs Oiwa, but Oiwa rises up.
Oiwa fires a forearm, but Takagi shakes his head. Oiwa fires another, and another, but Takagi ROCKS him back! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans cheer, Oiwa whips, but Takagi reverses. Oiwa blasts through the double chops to CLOBBER Takagi! The fans fire up with Oiwa, and he drags Takagi up in a gut wrench. Takagi CLUBS Oiwa, then ELBOWS! JABS! But Oiwa LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Oiwa whips and LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Takagi is tougher than that but Oiwa paces around. Oiwa goes to a corner, climbs up, and DIVING SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Oiwa stays focused.
Oiwa stalks Takagi, and clamps on a SLEEPER! Takagi endures, RAMS Oiwa into buckles, and is free. Oiwa runs up, into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up while Takagi catches his breath. Oiwa goes back to a corner, and Takagi runs up. Takagi blocks a boot, LARIATS, and he hoists Oiwa up top! The fans cheer as Takagi climbs, HEADBUTTS, and then SUPER DUPER PLEXES! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Takagi crawls his way over to Oiwa, sits him up, and runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa shows his own toughness, but the fans rally up. Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA! <The time has come!>”
The fans fire up, Takagi drags Oiwa up and pump handles, but Oiwa fights the lift. Takagi knees low, HEADBUTTS, then runs, into a ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa roars and runs, but Takagi LARIATS at ropes! Takagi runs, but Oiwa steps up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Takagi stays up, takes another swing, but Oiwa gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Takagi springs right up! PUMPING BOMBER!! But Oiwa’s right up!? LEG HOOK SAIDO!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Oiwa rises as the fans rally, and he storms up behind Takagi. SLEEPER! Takagi endures, fights free, and CLUBS Oiwa on the back!
Oiwa fires a forearm! And a ROLLING- NO, Takagi knees low, pump handle and MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi rises, and he rallies the fans with, “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi drags Oiwa up, LARIATS, but Oiwa stays up! Takagi fires boxing elbows, but Oiwa roars! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, but OIwa gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover! TWO!! Takagi escapes but Oiwa powers up! Oiwa has the SLEEPER! Takagi is fading, so Oiwa spins, THE GRIP is blocked! Takagi blocks another lariat, but Oiwa still hits THE GRIP!! The fans are thunderous as Oiwa powers up again!
Oiwa has the gut wrench, for the DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans are thunderous again! Oiwa shakes off the frustration to rise up at the ropes. Oiwa storms back to Takagi, hauls him right up, for a SLEEPER! Then THE GRIP but Takagi ducks! Takagi runs, to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives, but Takagi runs up again. Oiwa ducks the lariat to DROPKICK! Takagi goes to ropes, Oiwa brings him around, THE GRIP into a clinch! Takagi powers up to SAIDO!! Oiwa flounders to his feet, into PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi then hauls Oiwa up, for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!
Oiwa survives and the fans are thunderous again. Takagi waits on Oiwa, builds speed, then PUMPING BOMBERS!! But Takagi isn’t done, he hauls Oiwa up into the LAST OF THE DRAGON!! Cover, Takagi wins!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
Oiwa put on a fight worthy of the NEVER Division, but not enough to take the title. He did win Takagi’s respect, but what will it take for him to reach the next level? As for Takagi, will he be eyeing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship next? Or will someone step in his way first?
NJPW World Television Championship Triple Threat: Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji VS Ren Narita!
History is already being made tonight as this is the first three man match for this title! However, the time limit does NOT change! Will someone win this in 15 minutes or less? Or will this still be the Imperial Unit Show?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if someone can beat the odds in time!
The bell rings, we’re on the clock, and Narita uses ropes as a defense. Cobb and Yota stare down, but then they come to an agreement. They go after Narita in the corner and mug him! Cobb then shoves Yota aside so he can CLUB away on Ren. Yota pushes Cobb aside so he can CLUB away on Ren! The two stay cool to keep the truce, and Cobb CHOPS Ren. Yota CHOPS Ren, and Ren staggers away to a corner. Cobb puts some stank on his CHOP! Ren staggers around more but Yota grins as he CHOPS again! Yota and Cobb seem to be using Ren to one-up each other. But then they double whip, and double shoulder tackle!
Yota runs to SPLASH onto Ren! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Ren flounders out of the ring, and now the big men RAM! And RAM! And fire forearms! The fans rally as the shots go faster and faster. Cobb gets the edge, then whips, but Yota RAMS him! Cobb rebounds to RAM Yota, but Yota comes back! Cobb RUNS Yota over! The fans fire up and Cobb storms over to Yota. Cobb whips, Yota tilt-o-whirls and arm-drags! The fans fire up and Yota brings Cobb up. Cobb’s a bit too hefty to scoop, and he scoops Yota. But Yota slips free, and he scoops Cobb after all! Yota SLAMS Cobb down and the fans fire up! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally more, dueling between Yota and Cobb, and no one for Ren. Yota runs, but Ren trips Yota! Ren yanks Yota out, throws him into railing, and fans boo as Ren dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Ren SMASHES Cobb’s knee off the mat! Ren puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP the knee! The fans rally for Cobb as Ren stomps away on the leg. Then Ren steps through for a KNEEBAR! Cobb endures, grabs at Ren, and Yota storms in to stomp Ren! Ren lets go of Cobb, and Yota brings Ren up to ROCK him with a forearm. Yota kicks low, reels Ren in, and suplexes. Ren slips free, spins Yota around, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!
Yota has the ROPEBREAK right away, the ref reprimands and counts, but Ren holds until 4. Ren stomps Yota down, drags him up, and then runs, but Yota dodges! Ren BOOTS Cobb off the apron, runs up on Yota, but Yota dodges to DIVE onto Cobb! Cobb is sent over railing and into the front row! Ren storms out after Yota to bring him around to whip. Yota hits railing hard, and a camera loses its feed! Ren brings Yota into the crowd to BOWL him into chairs! The fans have to get outta the way, and we can see Cobb flop back to ringside. Ren brings Yota into the ring, stomps him around, then brings him up to wrench an arm.
Ren whips Yota corner to corner, runs up, but Yota dodges! Ren hits buckles, Cobb runs in to UPPERCUT Ren! Yota kicks Cobb, runs, and RAN- NO! Cobb brings Yota up to fireman’s carry, then TOSS away! The fans fire up, and Cobb runs up to DROPKICK! Yota ends up in a corner while the fans rally. Cobb sees Ren in the other corner, and he grits his teeth as he runs in at Yota. Yota dodges Cobb to SPLASH Ren! Yota runs corner to corner but Cobb blocks the monkey flip! Cobb puts Yota up top, blocks a boot, and CHOPS! Ren runs up but Cobb catches him! Cobb fireman’s carries Ren, then he adds on Yota!
The fans fire up as Cobb hits a DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Cobb snarls and the fans rally behind him. Cobb drags Ren up, scoops him, but Yota runs up! Cobb BACKDROPS Yota away, then pops Ren up to GOURD BUSTER him onto Yota! But Ren uses that to cover! Cobb breaks it in time! Ren throws a bit of a fit after failing to snake that one. Cobb runs, but Ren ducks the lariat! Yota SUPERKICKS Cobb, Ren rolls Cobb up! Yota CURB STOMPS Ren! Double cover, TWO!! Ren bails out of the ring and Cobb sits up. Yota fires up, runs, but Cobb hits an URENAGE! FALLING HAMMER! GACHIMUCHI FLOP!
Yota kicks Cobb, reels him in, but Cobb suplexes first! Yota slips free, clinches Cobb, and hits the BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and- NO! Cobb powers up to keep the stomp away! So Yota KICKS and basement DROPKICKS him! Yota fireman’s carries Cobb for the 70 CROSS! Cover, TWO!! Cobb stays in this and the clock is ticking! The fans rally up, Yota nods, and he grins as he stands over Cobb. Yota roars, takes aim from a corner, but Ren is there! Ren pulls Yota’s hair to bring him into a HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts, the fans boo, and Ren lets go at 4. Ren goes up, HELL’S GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP! Cover, Cobb breaks it!
We pass 10 minutes, time is on Cobb’s side. But Ren drop toeholds into a KNEEBAR! Ren has the grapevine, but Cobb finds the ROPEBREAK! Ren lets go in frustration, and he brings Cobb up. Ren brings Cobb in, but Yota hits MAROON CRUSH!! Cover, Ren breaks it! Ren kicks Yota, for the DOUBLECROSS- NO! Yota handstands out! Ren blocks the knee, but not the HEADBUTT! The fans fire up with Yota, and Cobb rises, to scoop and TOUR OF- NO, Yota slips free! Yota runs, to GENE TRIGGER! Cobb flops over, Yota aims from a corner! GENE- TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, REN YANKS THE REF OUT!
The fans boo as the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stops Cobb from winning! And then he LOW- NO! Cobb blocks the shot to fire off forearms! Cobb loads up, and ROCKS Ren! Then ripcord and TOUR- NO, Ren slips free! Three minute warning and Ren has his pushup bar! Cobb storms up, PUSHUP BAR HEADSHOT!! The fans boo but Ren reels Cobb in! DOUBLECROSSER!! The ref is back, Ren covers, REN WINS!
Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)
Ren has the last laugh, because he just stole the show from Cobb! Will this title sink to new lows now that it Souled Out?
The Young Bucks have a video message?!
Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, the AEW World Tag Team Champions, turn around to look at the camera. They tell NJPW that at WrestleDynasty, The Young Bucks are coming back! They pat their titles, and we can consider that a major challenge to any team that wants it! Who will step up to The Elite? Will The Bucks still be bringing the gold when they return to Japan?
Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS The House of Torture!
To celebrate 25 YEARS of The Ace, he is teaming up with The Roughneck & Headbanga to take on their common enemies in Evil, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru! Will The King of Darkness finally be humbled? Or will he ruin Tanahashi’s anniversary by proving Everything is Evil?
Not only are Tanahashi, Shota & ELP making their way through from the crowd, they’re dressed as gladiators ready to battle! Will they strike down Evil, Yujiro & Kanemaru down in the coliseum that is Ryogoku?
The trios sort out and the fans of course cheer for Tanahashi. The House of Torture puts one out, and then they attack! Evil of course goes after Tanahashi, and he throws President Ace out while Tokyo Pimp is after Shota and Heel Master is after ELP. The bell rings, Kanemaru puts ELP back in, and CLUBS him on the back. Kanemaru whips, ELP reverses, then hurdles, drops and DROPKICKS! ELP kips up, he blocks Yujiro’s kick, and he looks to Tanahashi. Tanahashi explains the mechanics of the move, and ELP hits a DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer, and ELP kips up again! ELP thanks Tanahashi, and then calls for boots.
Tanahashi and Shota put their boots up, and the fans rally as ELP brings Kanemaru up. But Kanemaru turns things around to whip ELP at the blue corner. Surprise! The blue buckle pad disappears! ELP hits bare buckles and the Bullet Club Special strikes again! The ref reprimands Evil but Evil doesn’t care. The fans boo as Kanemaru intercepts Shota and whips him into steel buckles! Tanahashi kicks Kanemaru, fires off forearms, but Evil attacks Tanahashi! Evil & Kanemaru mug Tanahashi, then whip him into the bare buckles! The fans boo but The House soaks up all that heat. Kanemaru CHOKES ELP at the ropes, even as Jado protests.
Kanemaru tags Yujiro, and Yujiro drags ELP up to bring him around and TOSS out of the ring. Evil is there so that he and Dick can mug ELP! The fans boo but Yujiro keeps the ref from seeing that. Evil puts ELP in for Yujiro to cover, TWO! The fans rally but Yujiro covers again, TWO! A third cover, TWO! The fans rally and ELP scrambles away. Yujiro is annoyed but he storms up on ELP. Yujiro brings ELP over, bumps him off Kanemaru’s boot, then tags Kanemaru back in. Kanemaru stomps ELP and kicks him around. ELP just gets mad! ELP stands up, Kanemaru kicks again, and then Kanemaru runs.
Kanemaru dodges ELP, and he dropkicks ELP’s legs out! ELP gets spiked from it! Kanemaru covers, TWO! ELP stays in this and the fans rally up. Kanemaru drags ELP up and ELP fights back! He ROCKS Kanemaru, ROCKS him again, then CHOPS! ELP whips Kanemaru to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru runs up to tilt-o-whirl, but ELP stops the DDT to suplex high and hard! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Evil tags in! Evil BLASTS Tanahashi to deny him the tag! Evil & Kanemaru haul ELP up, double back suplex, but ELP lands out! ELP ELBOWS Yujiro, goes up and over Kanemaru, then under Evil!
But Evil grabs a leg! ELP BOOTS Evil into Kanemaru! Hot tag to Shota! Shota DECKS Evil, arm-drags Kanemaru then dropkicks legs out! Yujiro kicks and whips but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges! Shota dropkicks Yujiro’s legs out, then he WRECKS Dick! The fans fire up with Shota and he brings Evil up. Shota whips corner to corner, runs corner to corner, then UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Evil in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota isn’t quite perfect but he brings Evil up. Shota clinches but Evil fires elbows! Evil whips, Shota reverses, but Evil avoids the dropkick! Shota stands, and Evil whips him into bare buckles!
Evil LARIATS Shota, fireman’s carries him, but Shota slips free. Evil kicks and whips, but Shota reverses to clinch and EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shota and Evil crawl, hot tags to Yujiro and Tanahashi! The fans fire up for Tanahashi as he fires off fast hands on Yujiro. Tanahashi whips, Yujiro reverses but Tanahashi CLOBBERS him with flying forearms! Tanahashi fires up and fires off more shots on Yujiro. The fans rally even harder as Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Yujiro. Tanahashi goes up, and fans fire up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yujiro stays in this but Tanahashi stays focused.
“GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs but Yujiro distracts the ref, and Dick SMACKS Tanahashi with the buckle pad! Kanemaru BLASTS Shota, Evil rolls in and The House brings Tanahashi up. They double whip him to a neutral corner to ELBOW, BOOT, and snapmare. Kanemaru distracts the ref so Dick can climb! The fans boo but the DICK CHOP still lands! Yujiro covers, but ELP & Shota break it! The House TOSS ELP & Shota back out, and Dick distracts the ref now! Yujiro has his pimp cane! But Tanahashi blocks! Yujiro kicks low, but Shota snatches the cane! Shota BOOTS Yujiro, then ROCKS him!
Shota tosses the cane to Evil, and then shouts to the ref! The ref sees Evil with the can and Evil has to defend his partial innocence! Shota then DROPKICKS Evil down! ELP is back, he BOOTS Kanemaru while Shota DECKS Dick! Then Shota & ELP DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down goes The House! The fans fire up as Tanahashi aims at Yujiro! SLINGBLADE! Yujiro is down so Tanahashi goes up! The fans fire up for the HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Team Ace wins!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & El Phantasmo, by pinfall
A quarter of a century for the Once in a Century Talent, and it is punctuated by victory! ELP & Shota bow down to Tanahashi, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” Tanahashi says okay, okay. He fist bumps with these young, rising stars, and then asks for a mic. The fans cheer on Tanahashi, and he tells everyone welcome from the President of NJPW, Hiroshi Tanahashi. And in a flash, 25 years has gone by. And for 25 years, you’ve all given me your love, support, maybe a few boos. But for all that passion and support, thank you very much. It is great to be here, he wants to be fighting in front of you all forever. He wants to keep fighting forever, but…
Tanahashi takes a deep breath here as he considers his words. Hiroshi Tanahashi is within sight of his finish line. January 4th, 2026… That will be his final day! Yes, he never gets tired, he never feels down, and he never quits. But with that in mind, he will be giving everything he has for one final year! A bittersweet way to go into the 25th year, but then Dick & Evil attack!! The fans boo as Evil & Dick slap Tanahashi around. But ELP gets in to SUDDEN DEATH Dick! ELP stomps away on Evil, but then Ren Narita runs up to CLOBBER ELP with the pushup bar! The fans boo but The House just keeps beating up on President Ace!
Evil grabs the mic now, and even as fans tell The House to go home, Evil tells them to shut up. Evil tells Tanahashi that he won’t even get his last year! It isn’t his place to say when he’s done! Why not just retire now? Evil says HE will decide when Tanahashi is done, because NJPW is his company! Understand that? Then remember it! The King of Darkness wants to trump The Ace by any means necessary, but will he make sure Darkness Falls on the final chapter of Tanahashi’s in-ring career?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS SHO!
Japones Del Mal has had just about enough with The Murder Machine, so this rematch is to end it once and for all! Will Douki finally get some respect on the name? Or will Sho just find a new way to steal the win?
Wait, Sho is CHOKING Douki on the ramp! The ref reprimands but Sho shoves Douki’s robe at him. Sho grabs at the belt but Douki won’t let go! Sho stomps Douki and makes him let go! Sho then stomps the belt!? The ref reprimands and tells Sho to back off. Sho leaves Douki behind to talk trash, and then Sho fetches a chair! The ref tells Sho to stand down, and he takes the chair. Sho even hands the belt to the ref, but then sends a Young Lion into the ref! The fans boo as Sho throws another Young Lion onto the pile! Sho then grabs the chair and grins as he storms up on Douki! HEADSHOT with the chair!
The fans boo but Sho laughs more. Sho drags Douki up, tucks the arms, and hits a STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER to the floor! The fans boo as hard as they can but it doesn’t matter to Sho. Sho puts Douki in the ring, and grins as he stalks him. Sho is armed with his “Torture Tool,” and he looms over Douki. Sho sits Douki up, and UNMASKS him! Cameras are respectful enough to angle things away, but then they notice something curious about Douki’s face. Sho grins as he winds up, but Douki has face paint! He is ONI DOUKI! Douki blocks the wrench attack, and SPITS RED MIST! Douki has the wrench now, and he CLOBBERS Sho!
The fans fire up for this madman Douki, and he drags Sho around! Wheelbarrow and full nelson! The bell rings, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA, and a roll through! DOUBLE SUPLEX DE LA LUNA! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
Sho tried to humiliate Douki, but he’s the one that looks the fool! This will go down as Douki’s fastest and most dominant win, but we also learn there is something hiding behind that mask. Douki puts his mask back on and calms down. Will everyone learn to respect Douki now? WAIT! Kanemaru is back!? WHISKEY MASK! The House of Torture just doesn’t know when to quit! Kanemaru grabs a chair, takes aim, and he CHOP BLOCKS Douki with it! Kanemaru stomps away on Douki, then holds up the belt. The fans boo as Kanemaru takes aim, but here comes WATO! Master Wato ROUNDHOUSES Kanemaru! Wrench and hook, MOUSE TRAP!
The fans are thunderous as The Way of the Grandmaster has made his way back to NJPW! Wato saves Douki, but then he picks up the title. Wato stares Kanemaru down, then grabs a mic. Wato says, “Everyone, and Douki, it has been awhile. I’m back, I’m healthy, and… I’m challenging you for this IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.” Wato hands the belt back, Douki nods, and the two stare down. When and where will these two reignite their rivalry?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Hirooki Goto w/ YOSHI-HASHI!
The Rebel literally committed Overkill when facing “Headhunter” Yoshi-Hashi, so now the Fierce Warrior looks to avenge his friend! Will Goto add this title to his impressive list of accolades? Or will NJPW still need The Rebel?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wants it more!
The bell rings and the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Goto uses size to push Finlay back but Finlay turns it around. Finlay has Goto on ropes and the ref calls the break. Finlay lets off slowly, but Goto ROCKS Finlay before he can sucker punch! Goto fires forearms, Finlay fires back, and the fans rally as these two go back and forth. Goto ROCKS Finlay again and again, but Finlay BITES Goto on the forehead! The ref counts, Finlay lets off to whip corner to corner, but Goto reverses. Finlay boucnes off buckles into a hip toss! The fans fire up and Goto runs in to LARIAT at the corner!
Goto snapmares Finlay, and he climbs up! The fans rally, but Finlay BLASTS Goto to the floor! Gedo is happy but the fans are torn. Finlay goes out to taunt Goto’s kids! “Say bye-bye to Daddy!” But Goto CHOPS and CHOPS! Finlay shoves Goto into railing! Goto slumps down, the fans and his kids cheer him on, but Finlay SMOTHERS Goto! The ref counts, Finlay backs off, and he SPITS at the fans! Finlay flips them off as they boo, and then he specifically flips off Goto’s kids! The fans boo more but Finlay drags Goto up. Finlay puts Goto in the ring, then he rains down fists on Goto! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Finlay pushes him away.
Finlay soaks up more heat by flipping everyone off from the corner. Finlay then rains down open palm strikes, just to make a point to the ref. Finlay paces while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Finlay pretends he can’t hear them, then goes back for Goto. Finlay stands Goto up, suplexes and TOSSES Goto away! Finlay gives mocking thumbs up to the kids, then covers, TWO! The fans applaud but Finlay just smirks. Finlay drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS, and CHOPS! Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips, Goto reverses, but Finlay BOOTS from the corner. Finlay runs, Goto follows, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide!
Finlay staggers back, and Goto LARIATS Finlay up and out! Finlay stumbles into the railing, right in front of the kids! The fans fire up while Goto rests in the ring. Goto rolls out and drags Finlay up, but Finlay RAMS Goto into railing! And maybe a cameraman! Finlay storms over to the apron, to pull the skirt away! Finlay goes under the ring to bring out half a dozen chairs! Finlay puts all those chairs down, right in front of Goto’s kids! The fans boo but Finlay says the kids better watch this! Finlay drags Goto over, reels him in, but Goto fights the bomb! The fans fire up as Goto BACKDROPS Finlay on the chair pile!
The fans fire up while Finlay writhes and Goto stands! Goto roars, and he drags Finlay up to POST him! Goto fires forearms on Finlay against the post, but lets off as the ref counts. Goto opens the gate and he gets some space. The fans fire up as Goto runs back in, to MURAMASA against the post! The fans fire up while Finlay flops over! Gedo panics but Hashi and the fans cheer Goto on. Goto drags Finlay up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, Goto storms in, but Finlay bails out the side. The fans boo, but Goto hops back out. Finlay lifts Goto to a fireman’s carry! And he LAWN DARTS him! But Goto blocks the post!
Finlay runs up, but Goto matadors him into the railing! The fans fire up and Goto brings Finlay up, to then hoist him onto the railing! And he flips Finlay over! The fans fire up for DRAPING SHOTO to the floor! The ref reprimands but Goto gives thumbs up to the kids. Goto’s daughter applauds and his son nods, and Goto drags Finlay back up. Goto puts Finlay in the ring, and the fans fire up as he climbs! Goto aims, for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives all that and Gedo is relieved, but Goto drags Finlay back up. Goto fireman’s carries, but Finlay flails free. Finlay then clinches, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!
Both men are down on the mat and the fans rally up. Gedo coaches Finlay and Finlay crawls around. Finlay finds Goto, heads that way, and Goto clutches his back as he sits up. Finlay grabs Goto by the hair, but Goto fires a forearm! Finlay fires one back! Goto fires another forearm, but Finlay fires back! The two rise up, and Goto ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay ROCKS Goto in return! Goto growls and comes back to ROCK Finlay! Finlay ROCKS Goto, the forearms go faster and faster, back and forth! Finlay gets the edge, then winds up to ROCK Goto! Finlay kicks, Goto deflects but Finlay ROLLING ELBOWS!
Finlay wobbles but he still looms over Goto. Finlay drags Goto up to ROLLING- NO, Goto catches him, spins him, URA GTR! Goto runs, into a LARIAT! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Gedo coaches Finlay to end this, and Finlay brings Goto up, Canadian Rack! CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans fire up! Finlay is annoyed but Gedo is amused. Finlay points to Goto’s kids and then makes Goto look at them. Finlay CLUBS Goto with a crossface forearm! Gedo says he loves it! Finlay sits Goto up again, and CLUBS him back down! Finlay keeps staring down the kids, as he gives another crossface forearm!
Finlay says one more, just for the kids! The fans rally for Goto but Finlay CLUBS him again and again, and again! Finlay slashes his throat, drags Goto up, and BUCKLE BOMBS! But Goto’s right up to LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Goto and Finlay stir, and Goto crawls around. Finlay goes to a corner, drags himself up, and he takes aim. Goto rises, Finlay runs in, but Goto blocks the boot! Goto spins Finlay into a SLEEPER! Finlay snapmares but Goto rolls with him! Goto has the sleeper in tighter! Finlay fights up, and he RAMS Goto into buckles! Goto comes back with a BACKPACK SLEEPER!
The fans rally as Goto squeezes tight! But Finlay turns around, and he climbs the corner! So Goto lets go to TRIP Finlay! Then fireman’s carry, and USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while Finlay writhes, clutching his neck! Goto snarls, and he takes aim, to BUZZSAW! Finlay flounders, stands up, fireman’s carry for G T W!! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay survives and Gedo is relieved, but Goto won’t let up! Goto drags Finlay up and dragon sleepers, but Finlay fights from below! So Goto grabs that arm, brings it down, but Finlay still fights! Goto HEADBUTTS him! Finlay sputters, we 15 minutes, but Goto has determination in his eyes!
Goto suplexes, for SHOTEN KAI!! The fans are thunderous and Goto roars! Goto brings Finlay back up, but Gedo gets on the apron! Finlay spins things around INTO OBLIVION! Hashi YANKS Gedo down now, but Gedo clings to the ropes! Finlay grabs his shillelagh! The fans boo as Finlay CRACKS Goto with the shillelagh!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives and shocks Finlay! The fans are electric, but Finlay gets Goto up! POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!?!?! Goto survives again the fans are electric for the Fierce Warrior! Finlay slashes his throat again, and waves bye to the kids. OVER- NO! Goto slips out, to G T- NO, Finlay backslides!
Finlay suplexes, for OVERKILL!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The Rebel needed his Blacksmith and his weapon of choice to screw over Goto, but a win is still a win in his book! Finlay mocks the tears of Goto’s daughter, but Hashi guards Goto from the scumbags. Goto consoles his kids, telling them that even in losing, it is alright. However, The Fierce Warrior has yet to reach the highest of heights in NJPW, how much harder must he fight to make it there? And as for Finlay, he just flips everyone off as his way of celebrating. Then he gets a mic to shout, “AND STILL~ IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion~!” He says he can’t hear anyone booing him.
Many men have tried to take this title from Finlay, and every single one of them has failed! But Finlay says his revenge tour is far from over. In fact, there is someone out there who does have a victory over The Rebel, the Savage King, the Boss Dog, and he wants his lick back, b*tch! Finlay says the fans don’t even know what he’s saying so shut up. So please, welcome Finlay’s next challenger, YUYA UEMURA! Finlay starts a Yuya chant but we all know Yuya is hurt. Finlay mocks Yuya that he is afraid of losing to Finlay. Wait, who is that now? It’s TAICHI! The Holy Emperor will not stand for his friend being mocked!
Finlay says right, the guy who couldn’t even make it into this year’s G1! The fans rally for Taichi, and Finlay asks if he has something to say. Finlay drops the mic at Taichi’s feet, and Taichi picks it up. Taichi tells Finlay that he damn well knows Yuya isn’t 100%. Yuya isn’t here, but Taichi is! And sure, Taichi didn’t make it into the G1, and he feels a lot of ways about that. But there are a lot of people that still believe in Taichi! And there is still a lot of pride in Taichi! Taichi will challenge Finlay for that title instead! The fans cheer Taichi on, but then Finlay takes a swing! Only for Taichi to dodge and hit the DANGEROUS SAIDO!
The fans cheer as Gedo freaks out! Taichi holds up the Global Championship as he tells everyone, he will take this title all the way to Tokyo Dome! Will the Holy Emperor put down this Rebel Dog for his arrogance?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ TMDK!
It’s the moment of truth! While the Uncontrollable Charisma could not win the G1 Climax, TMDK’s Front Man practically dominated that tournament! But then, Zack thought to himself, why wait for WrestleKingdom? He wants his title shot now! Will his G1 gamble pay off? Or will NJPW stay tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, the return of King of Pro-Wrestling has a historic ending!
As always, Naito takes his time with his special entrance attire. The bell rings and the fans fire up already! Red Shoes assesses the crowd, and it seems rather even, maybe 60-40 in ZSJ’s favor. ZSJ and Naito circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ rolls back, wrenches, and wrangles Naito to the mat. Naito moves as ZSJ twists the wrist, and Naito stands to drop toehold. Naito headlocks but ZSJ pops out the back, and has a cradle, ONE! ZSJ floats to have the arm again, but Naito trips him. Naito drops into a toehold, but ZSJ turns over and reaches back to chinlock. Naito slips out the back to hammerlock and he rolls ZSJ, ONE!
ZSJ shifts around, has one arm, then the other, chicken wing cradle! TWO, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Naito and ZSJ reset, and the fans rally up as the two circle. ZSJ and Naito feel out another knuckle lock, and Naito slips around to waistlock. ZSJ resists the lift, wrenches free, and he double wristlocks to then wrangle Naito into headscissors. ZSJ pushes up to put on the pressure, but Naito moves around. Naito pushes up to pop free, and now he has ZSJ in a butterfly deathlock! But ZSJ sits up to drag Naito down with a facelock! ZSJ floats back to the headscissors, and again pushes up for the squeeze!
The fans rally as Naito endures, and ZSJ drags him away from ropes. ZSJ keeps on the squeeze, but Naito moves around again. Naito pops free, to have a HEEL HOOK! ZSJ endures, and is a bit amused that Naito is trying to play the technical game. ZSJ has Naito’s legs, and he laces his way into a FIGURE FOUR! Naito turns things over but ZSJ uses that to DEATHLOCK CALF KILLER! Naito endures, even as ZSJ twists his foot and ankle! They turn over again, Naito hooks ZSJ’s leg, but ZSJ grabs Naito’s wrists! They’re in a bit of a pickle, but ZSJ slips through to have an ARMBAR! Naito stacks, ZSJ lets go, but now Naito has the short arm scissor!
ZSJ shifts and slips free, and the fans cheer this newest exchange. Naito stays cool, and he resets with ZSJ again. The fans rally up again, and the “ZAKU! ZAKU!” is certainly outdoing the “NA-I-TO!” here. The two tie up, are in a deadlock at center, but Naito finds a point of leverage. ZSJ turns around to put Naito on ropes, but then Naito turns things back around. ZSJ turns things around again, Red Shoes counts the ropebreak, and ZSJ lets off slowly. But Naito SPITS at him! The fans are torn, but ZSJ runs up! Naito dodges, rolls him up, but ZSJ rolls through! ZSJ runs up again, but Naito avoids the Penalty Kick!
ZSJ comes back, Naito ducks the roundhouse and clinches ZSJ into a corner. Red Shoes calls the break, and Naito slowly lets off. Naito pats ZSJ on the shoulders, rolls back to tranquilo, but ZSJ is on him for an ARMBAR! Naito scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. The fans cheer while Naito regrets being nonchalant. ZSJ wrenches and whips Naito, but Naito holds ropes. Naito then DUMPS ZSJ out, and sweeps the leg! ZSJ falls on the apron, and Naito DROPKICKS him to the floor! The fans cheer as Naito goes out to fetch ZSJ. Naito brings ZSJ up to SMACK him off the apron, and RAM him into railing!
ZSJ slumps down but Naito drags him up, to SMACK off the apron, and throw back into railing! ZSJ flops over but Naito drags him up again. Naito puts ZSJ on the apron, then uses a cravat for a neck wrench. Red Shoes reprimands so Naito lets go. Naito hops up onto the apron, turns ZSJ, but ZSJ fights free. ZSJ steps in side, and catches Naito’s shoulder tackle, for a NECK TWIST! A new take on one of ZSJ’s signatures, and he paces while Naito flops on the mat. Naito writhes, but ZSJ walks back over. ZSJ drags Naito around by a leg, then steps through for an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! ZSJ pushes on the knees, then stands up to mock the LIJ fist!
ZSJ bridges back on the hold! Then he sits up to reel Naito in, adding a headscissor and armlock to the hold! Naito still manages to reach out and ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while ZSJ lets go of the hold. ZSJ paces, then brings Naito up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Naito goes to ropes but ZSJ brings him around to UPPERCUT again! Naito falls over, the fans rally and duel, and we pass 10 minutes. ZSJ clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench, but Naito fires body shots. ZSJ RAMS Naito, snapmares and NECK- NO, Naito manages to victory roll! But then Naito NECK TWISTS ZSJ! Fans cheer while both men are down again.
ZSJ and Naito stir, the dueling gets stronger, and Naito brings ZSJ up. Naito ROCKS, kicks, and CLUBS ZSJ before he whips and arm-drags! Then he ELBOWS ZSJ down to basement DROPKICK! ZSJ goes to a corner but Naito is on him. Naito whips corner to corner, runs in to ELBOW, then he puts ZSJ in ropes. DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Naito stands ZSJ up, turns him, and holds him, before the NECKBREAKER! Naito covers, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Naito keeps cool. Naito drags ZSJ up, snapmares and hooks him up, LEG HOOK NELSON! ZSJ endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and ZSJ still fights around.
ZSJ pries at the hold but Naito puts on more pressure. ZSJ powers up but Naito thrashes him! ZSJ kicks and kicks and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts but Naito claims he needs help. Naito reprimands and counts, and Naito lets ZSJ go free. ZSJ rolls to the apron, but Naito storms over to bring him up. Naito brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ wrenches free! HANGING ARMBAR! Red Shoes reprimands while Naito endures. Red Shoes counts and ZSJ lets go at 4. Naito falls back, but ZSJ is on him with a cravat and snapmare. Then NECK TWIST! Naito clutches his shoulder but ZSJ is right back on him, with a basement DROPKICK!
ZSJ takes a moment to catch his breath, and he clamps on with a headscissor squeeze again! Naito pries at the hold but ZSJ shifts to make it a TRIANGLE HOLD! ZSJ even grabs Naito’s other arm for a wristlock, and he pulls back. Naito endures so ZSJ shifts right to an ARMBAR! Naito has the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. We pass 15 minutes, and ZSJ is in control. ZSJ stands Naito up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again! Naito SPITS back, and fires the heavy elbows! ZSJ drops to his knees, but then wrenches to PELE the arm! Naito comes back to ENZIGIRI! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT!
ZSJ whips, Naito reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ tumbles all the way to a corner while the fans fire up! TMDK coaches ZSJ while the fans rally again. Naito crawls his way over to ZSJ, drags him up, and then hoists him up top. Naito climbs up after ZSJ, to SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up while both men are down, but Naito rises. Naito watches ZSJ, runs up, but ZSJ BOOTS first! And UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs, into a headlock takeover, and PLUMA BLANCA! ZSJ fights the modified Koji Klutch, but Naito thrashes him around! ZSJ still works on the escape, using his own long legs to pry at the leg scissor.
Naito fights that method of escape, so ZSJ tries to headscissor Naito. Naito shrugs that off, so ZSJ returns to hooking his leg on Naito’s foot! ZSJ pries but Naito thrashes! ZSJ again kicks his way forward, to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and Naito lets go of ZSJ. Both men are down, catching their breath, and the fans rally up. Naito drags ZSJ up, and fires those heavy back elbows! ZSJ drops to his knees again, but Naito just fires more elbows! ZSJ staggers away to the corner, so Naito goes over there to join him. Naito drags ZSJ up, reels him in, ESPERANZA! ZSJ flounders and Naito aims from the corner again.
Naito runs up, but avoids the boot! Tilt-o-whirl DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Naito is a bit surprised, but ZSJ is still dazed as we hit 20 minutes. Naito wrenches, but ZSJ jumps into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Then omoplata! Then JIM BREAKS! Naito fights but ZSJ still drags him into CLARKY CAT! ZSJ grabs at a leg, then shifts around! ZSJ pulls way back on that arm! Naito endures, even as ZSJ CRANKS the arm back! The fans are dueling as hard as they can as Naito endures! ZSJ grabs a leg, he has the CLARKY CAT, BAD BALLOON REMIX! Naito endures but he only has one free leg!
ZSJ shifts around again, OG CLARK CAT, but with the deep leg scissor! Naito reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Naito survives by a literal foot and ZSJ is beside himself. ZSJ looks to TMDK, he isn’t sure what he has to do. The fans duel again, and it seems Naito is gaining to make this an even 50-50 split! ZSJ drags Naito up, reels him in, scoops, but Naito fights it to scoop! VALENTIA!! Naito hurries to wrench, tilt-o-whirl, but ZSJ slips out of Destino! GOTCH STYLE PILEDRIVER!!! A shoutout to Suzuki!! ZSJ reaches up as if victorious already, but then he wags his finger. ZSJ knows he has to do more to finish Naito!
ZSJ sits Naito up, runs up, and PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ fires up, the fans are with him, and ZSJ scoops! ZACK- DESTINO!?!? Naito covers, TWO!!! ZSJ survives that sudden turn around!! Naito brings ZSJ up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but ZSJ pops free! ZSJ fires an UPPERCUT, Naito backslides, ZSJ rolls through, TORANDO CRADLE! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes again but Naito runs up, ROLLING KICK! ZSJ wobbles, Naito tries again, but ZSJ LARIATS!! The fans are electric again as ZSJ hauls Naito up! ZACK DRIVER!!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Naito will not go easy into that good night! So ZSJ scoops, SABRE DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?
ZSJ shakes his head, he will not be denied! ZSJ drags Naito up again, fisherman and AOI SHODOU ZSJ DRIVER!!! Cover, ZSJ WINS!!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Ryogoku erupts and TMDK leaps into the ring! The Front Man did it! He went from G1 Climax Champion to THE champion!! Naito fought as hard as he could to, as he put it, defend NJPW from a rogue upstart who would just use this place as a stepping stone. Naito could not see it through, and he has been dethroned. What is he to do if he wants to return to the Tokyo Dome now?
As for Zack, he celebrates with his guys a little more, before Red Shoes brings him the World Heavyweight Championship. ZSJ stands with belt and trophy as Red Shoes raises his hand in victory! The fans cheer, and Fujita helps fasten the belt onto ZSJ. ZSJ asks for the mic, the mic is brought, and in Japanese, ZSJ says, “Naito-san. Don’t worry. I did win this belt from you, but I’m committed to staying here in NJPW.” The fans cheer that, and even Naito smiles. ZSJ then says, “Naito-san. Muchas gracias, senor.” Naito replies back, “De nada, cabron.” The fans applaud Naito as he heads out, his WrestleKingdom path now unknown.
The fans now cheer on “ZAKU! ZAKU!” and he says, “Ryogoku, I know it sounds lame to repeat myself, but uh, I WON!” The fans cheer that! ZSJ says he really does love this venue. Oh, Sanada is spotted walking in! Nice suit, too. ZSJ notices him, and says long time no see. ZSJ welcomes Sanada into the ring as Sanada grabs himself a mic. Sanada tells ZSJ in English, “Today’s match was so amazing.” ZSJ answers back, “Arigato gozaimashita.” ZSJ even notes Sanada’s looking good. Sanada continues in English, “As for me, it’s last chance to become champion in this year.” The fans like where this is going.
Sanada goes to Japanese to say that in less than a week, October 20th, in London, Royal Quest 4, Sanada has a singles match with ZSJ. So then, would ZSJ be willing to put his title on the line? ZSJ double checks, this Sunday? Sanada uses English to say, “I think next week.” ZSJ in Japanese says, “Yeah, let’s do it.” The fans cheer ZSJ’s no hesitation! They shake hands and these two rivals are adding a golden chapter to the story! ZSJ even adds Sanada’s English was really good. But before Sanada even steps out, here comes Shota! The fans are a bit torn on The Roughneck thinking he can be out here now.
Shota grabs a mic, and he waits out the booing, but ZSJ tells the fans it’s fine, relax. Shota says Tanahashi announced his coming retirement, but Shota’s not waiting around. “Even if I struggle, I will represent NJPW’s Hontai Unit!” maybe this is why fans are torn on him… Shota continues to say, “I’m going after what I want. Zack, allow me to challenge for that belt!” ZSJ tells Shota he gets it. But he’s already busy this week. ZSJ admits Shota is a worthy challenger, he just needs time to think on it. Wait, now someone else is coming out, and ZSJ says hold on just a minute! But it’s Shingo Takagi!
The fans aren’t sure what to make of this! ZSJ keeps saying everyone needs to hold on, but Takagi says YOU hold on, Zack! ZSJ jokes this is turning into a variety show, but Takagi still steps into the ring. Takagi asks where Shota and Sanada were for Destruction in Kobe! Takagi then tells ZSJ congratulations. ZSJ flatly thanks him for it. Takagi says when they were in the G1, they went 1-1. So how about they settle this with the title on the line? ZSJ admits, that is true. Shota points out that if we’re talking the G1, then Shota also has a win over ZSJ, and even over Takagi. Takagi just replies back, “Hah?! What’re you talking about? I tend to forget details which don’t serve my purpose.”
The fans cheer that, but Shota wants to ask how Takagi has a claim here. Takagi says of course he does! Right, Zack? ZSJ has everyone hold on here. ZSJ only just became champion! He is tired, and this is annoying. ZSJ says he’s got “Sana-yan” first. Sanada first, then we’ll worry about the rest. Just give him some time to think about it, okay? Until then, get out of his ring, please. The fans cheer that! Sanada also applauds that decision, starts exiting, and the others follow suit. ZSJ says, “Until next time. Quickly, please. Sana-yan, stop dragging your feet.” ZSJ then jokes speaking Japanese is hard, and Takagi’s accent throws him off.
But now that he has the ring to himself, ZSJ tells the crowd that the “Summer of Zack” is over. Because the ERA OF ZACK is just beginning! The fans cheer that! But sorry, this isn’t just about him. From now on, NJPW belongs to TMDK! TMDK joins ZSJ in the ring as ZSJ says, “Because TMDK is Mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! THANK YOU!” The fans cheer, TMDK puts up their banner, and as the official announcement of Zack as the 11th IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is made, the golden streamers fly! The Front Man is finally the man, will he make this the mightiest reign of all time?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for NJPW here! This was the first King of Pro-Wrestling event in five years, just going by the thumbnails I have (and haven’t) made. And they made it feel as big as WrestleKingdom, or I suppose a parallel to WWE SummerSlam. No match was something I could skip because it was all important. I didn’t see Hiromu VS Mistico in Arena Mexico but I bet it was just as good as this one. Great win for Hiromu, especially as he’s added a submission to his arsenal. Hiromu VS Mistico 4 with potentially Hair VS Mask, that is going to be awesome again, but I feel like Mistico will win and Hiromu will have to cut his hair. It is getting pretty wild, though, so this could be his excuse.
Great stuff in the Junior Heavyweight Tag title match, though there was the one little botch. It happens when you go fast like these guys do. Jet Setters winning was actually a bit of a surprise, but something about that makes sense given Connors & Drilla had these belts for a little over eight months. Jet Setters will be the champs going into Super Junior Tag League, which is only 10 days away, so they’ll have to really put up fight after fight. Same for Connors & Drilla to earn their rematch, assuming they don’t just go for it at Royal Quest. Great Heavyweight Tag title match, and Ugg is surprisingly athletic, but I figured TMDK would retain.
Great NEVER Openweight Championship match, but of course Takagi retains. Oiwa is doing great already, but he has time to get to a championship. The Triple Threat for the NJPW World TV title was great stuff, definitely unique even for this title division, but how could we not know Narita would cheat? The House of Torture has a championship after failing to get the NEVER Six Man belts, and you can bet The House will find all new ways to help Narita retain, even if it’s just about running out the clock. And then a surprising yet rather lackluster message from The Bucks. They obviously want to put it in our minds that they will battle the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions for WrestleDynasty, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Going back to The House of Torture, they of course lost to Tanahashi and team, but what surprising news that Tanahashi is going to retire at WrestleKingdom 2026. I mean, this day was coming, but you never think it’ll be that close. Evil obviously thinks he’ll cut things short, maybe he and Tanahashi work towards a match for WrestleKingdom 19. Tanahashi can win big at WK19, and then spend the entire year considering who will be his final opponent, so that he can put them over at WK20 and retire from in-ring competition and just be President Tanahashi.
Great stuff from Douki and Sho in that it was mostly Sho’s attack, and then he unleashes this meaner, spookier side of Douki. Douki wins and easily gets rid of Sho, and then they make us think Kanemaru is going to get the next title match, but surprise! Wato is back! Wato VS Douki will be great stuff, but obviously too early to call. Finlay VS Goto was great, but again, should’ve figured Finlay would need to cheat this one. Finlay pulls the typical Heel move of calling out someone that can’t fight him, but good on them to have Taichi step up. Finlay VS Taichi will be great, too, but I’m thinking Finlay finds a way to cheat that match like he did here.
And naturally, awesome stuff from ZSJ and Naito. ZSJ busts out a brand new finishing piledriver, I just kinda threw that name together myself, it certainly won’t be what it’s really called, but great story in the match from start to finish. A great honor for ZSJ to pull off the G1 and world title win, especially with how NJPW is changing things up. I really liked that this also allowed many contenders to speak up since this is an unprecedented situation. I also figured ZSJ would bring the world title home to London for Royal Quest, and I like that they’re giving him his first title defense with it.
But given the choices were Sanada, Shota and Takagi, seems a shame if Sanada’s gonna eat the loss already. Fans seem to be souring on Shota just a bit. I’m not privy to how the Japan Internet Wrestling Community feels, but I can understand if there’s a combination of him being named a Musketeer too soon, being pushed a little too fast, and then as he put it, he’s going to be the de facto Hontai leader with Tanahashi stepping away. American fans have seen it a lot with the likes of “Super” John Cena and early Roman Reigns, so it’s interesting to see it happen in other places. That said, ZSJ is surely going to retain at Royal Quest, and maybe we see Shota and Takagi fight it out to determine who goes next, probably staking a claim for Power Struggle in November.
My Score: 9.3/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- Salt Lake Surprise [101524]
Hockey Talk makes its debut for the 2024-25 NHL Season. We kick off the campaign by looking at some early...
Chairshot NFL: So Long Saleh(Week 6 Preview)
After a loss to the undefeated Vikings in London, the Jets fire head coach Robert Saleh amidst a whirlwind of...
Chairshot NFL: Week 4 Preview
Three weeks in and the NFL is a coin toss from game to game as much as ever. Join Balaz...
Chairshot NFL: Week 3 Preview
Balaz and Tunney return for some sweet NFL action. First, we start with the WeaponOftheWeek awards followed by our current...
Chairshot NFL: Week 2 Preview
Andrew and PC introduce their new segment, Weapon Of the Week. In addition the gents rundown their power rankings and...
Bandwagon Nerds #258: Denzelmmu
Agatha All Along has a massive reveal, the Trailer Park goes to a Game 7, and the guys address some...
Bandwagon Nerds #257: John Williams, Jonathan Majors and James Gunn
Agatha All Along, a full trailer park and plenty of news around the Nerd-O-Sphere fill up the docket on this...
Musical Chairs S4: E7- Brand New & Judas Priest [100124]
Musical Chairs returns for Episode 7 of Season 4. This week, the guys cover Brand New and Judas Priest!
Bandwagon Nerds #256: Mephisto…Finally?
The Bandwagon reacts to Mephisto being mentioned by name, looks at the trailer for Thunderbolts, and talks about a huge...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (9/25/24)
Fate awaits in the Coliseum
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (10/15/24)
Spooky season begins!
Mitchell’s NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling Results & Report! (10/14/24)
Who reigns supreme?
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/14/24)
Cody Rhodes is back!
#TheOddity 014: Fat Bear Week
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW WrestleDream Results & Report! (10/12/24)
There's blood in the water!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Mopping up the Bad Blood!
Dave of @AttitudeAgg and AJ of @podcastDWI join us this week as we give our Bad Blood predictions. In addition,...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (10/11/24)
Rocky Romero is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (10/11/24)
Acknowledge... H1M?
DWI Podcast #450: Bladd Bud
Bad Blood review and the Crown Jewel Championship!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 10.10.2024
After Hurricane Helene ruined the tapings last week, we get to see how truncated the Bound For Glory build becomes!
