So Turning Point is truly a question mark to me. Perhaps TNA is palatable to the casual observer, but trying to watch it weekly, this has been a miserable build with story threads held together with chicken wire and prayer. At this point I can only really hope the matches are good quality because nothing has real weight on this card. Everything feels like a filler angle including Trey Miguel and PCO needing to be replaced because of “travel issues”.

My expectations are lower than a Chicago Bears fan, and I still may get disappointed…also…like a Bears fan. Okay I’m not gonna punch down on that fandom, at least you guys got good news with Eberflus getting his walking papers. Let’s find out which way I get surprised!

.@WeAreRosemary wants the TNA Knockouts Championship!

Watch #TNATurningPoint LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/0ovLf8f4ml

Use code TNAFREE for one month free of TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcuYSK pic.twitter.com/uUX1RnVwT4

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) November 30, 2024

Ratings:

• Mike Santana vs Frankie Kazarian: Santana wins via Spin the Block – * 1/2
• Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Match: Joe Hendry vs John Skyler vs Rhino vs Hammerstone vs Brian Myers vs Eric Young: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 1/4
• X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Laredo Kid: Moose retains via Lights Out – ** 1/2
• NoDQ Match: Steve Maclin vs Josh Alexander: Maclin wins via Avalanche K.I.A. into shell casings – *** 1/2
• The Hardyz & Ace Austin vs Kushida, Zachary Wentz & Riddle: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
• 2 out of 3 Falls Match TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Jordynne Grace: Masha retains 2-1 after Package Piledriver – *** 1/4
• TNA World Championship: Eddie Edwards vs Nic Nemeth (c): Nemeth retains via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

Results:

Mike Santana vs Frankie Kazarian

A simple Arm Drag starts things off and Kaz slows things down to complain to the referee…and then an Arm Wringer trade counter spot with a staredown. Aren’t opening matches supposed to hype the crowd with hot action or a big match? Why is this here? Oh my Christ, they go for the Arm Drag during a flurry at the same time and block each other and just keep up with half paced Cruiserweight stuff. I am not sports entertained.

We get typical slow burn moves of a Hip Attack into a pinfall, more weird Arm Drag fascinations which turns into locomotion cradles. This is just slow, boring and there’s no real story between the two, so its just two dudes in the ring doing moves. They try to go for an apron spot which turns into Kaz’s control but he tries the inside out Slingshot DDT and Santana’s head kinda misses the apron and they just crash. Back in Kaz hits his Springboard Leg Drop, but this is a bad match. I really can’t even bring myself to transcribe the action because its basic, lame and I stopped caring almost immediately.

Inane moves that don’t matter, near fall enrages Kaz, Fade to Black gets slipped, a few counters for position and Santana pulls off the Spin the Block to win. No one cares, completely useless match.

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Match: Joe Hendry vs John Skyler vs Rhino vs Hammerstone vs Brian Myers vs Eric Young

This is a gimmick bunch of stuff match, so even if its entertaining not a ton of play by play to be had until things eventually boil down to two or three in the ring. Oh look, Hendry and Skyler are the last two in the ring, Skyler lands a few shots until he tries to run the ropes, eats a Shoulder Tackle and then a Stalling Vertical Suplex into a pinfall but Myers slides in to break up the pinfall and throw both out, so Rhino is Myers’ new dancing partner. Bell clap, Irish Whip, Rhino looks for The Gore, but Hammer rips him out of the ring, EY takes Myers out and then EY and Hammer have some time together.

Hammer is either selling a leg injury really well or he pulled something. Hammer powders, Skyler and Myers team up to beat on EY and play defense of the ring to keep EY isolated. Tandem Suplex from Skyler and Myers but Hendry tries to get into the ring and is promptly dumped out. Hammer limps back in, tries to triple team EY, but is obviously favoring the leg. They try to set up a Tower of Doom, but Hendry connects with a few uppercuts, Rhino Gores Hammerstone and Rhino finishes the Tower of Doom spot. Hendry starts working on the three heels who are still comparatively ok, but Hendry goes for Locomotion Sack of Shits into Kip Ups, Skyler first, then Myers, and after a struggle spot…gets Hammerstone up and over! Myers stops the Standing Ovation, the Heels turn on each other, another Gore for Hammer, Gore for Skyler, Spear from Myers! Myers looks for the Roster Cut, Hendry moves Skyler out of the way and Standing Ovation on Myers! Hendry wins and Myers has to wear the Turkey Suit or get fired.

Tradition continues with Turkey @Myers_Wrestling!

Watch #TNATurningPoint LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/0ovLf8f4ml

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— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) November 30, 2024

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Laredo Kid

Laredo starts with Low Round Kicks, Overhand Chops, tries to Old School walk the ropes, but Moose just shoves him to his demise and starts ragdolling him on the outside. This is the what your parents see when you “rough house” with younger siblings or cousins. Moose throws Laredo back in the ring and aims for the mask, the referee stops him, Jacknife Powerbomb attempt but Laredo slips it, two Enzuigiris, Laredo hits the ropes and a Big Boot stops Laredo from remembering Spanish for a minute. Moose perches him, claws at the mask again, Tree of Woe for some disrespectful stomps and Moose looks for a Spear, but Laredo manages to dodge. Tries to rally an Uno Mas chant for his Hip Attacks, but the crowd doesn’t care. Laredo keeps trying to counter Moose’s power moves with Back Slides, Sunset Cradles, Frankensteiners, but gets caught with a Uranage giving Moose a two count. Lish chokes Laredo on the ropes as Moose distracts the ref, Moose talks smack and then smacks Laredo across the face. Laredo tries to fire up, but he gets insta-dropped by a Moose chop.

Moose charges the corner a few times but Laredo has answers, Missile Dropkick sends Moose to the outside, Senton Atomico from the post to the outside! Laredo throws Moose back in, charges the corner, eats a boot, Moose perches, Laredo tries the Avalanche Frankensteiner but Moose holds on. Laredo gets back up, Laredo Fly! The small delay in making the cover allows Moose to kick out. Laredo goes to the top rope, 450 into Knees, Moose pops up, Lights Out, Kip Up and another! Moose retains as we all expected.

NoDQ Match: Steve Maclin vs Josh Alexander

Maclin comes out hot, lays Josh to the outside, SCUD, and stays on top of him with Chops and the usual “offense around the outside of the ring”. Like this is NoDQ 101. Maclin goes to find a table super early, first time we really hear the crowd all show. Maclin tries to go for a quick Spicolli Driver through the Table but Josh claws the eyes and slips the move, Josh tries to rock Maclin from the apron through the table, but a Slingshot Spear stops Josh’s offense and puts Maclin back in the driver’s seat. Beatings in the corner will continue until morale improves…or until Josh slips to the back and pulls off the German Suplexes that never end. After eating like 8, Maclin returns one back and is somehow up to his feet before Josh. Some corner spots and Josh dodges a charge and Release German sends Maclin neck first into a turnbuckle.

Both roll out of the ring, Josh finds another table, Steve tries to remember where he is. Josh wants to German Maclin into the table, but Maclin blocks, fires back, looks for a Powerbomb but eats a Back Body Drop onto the concrete. Josh wants the Power Bomb, but Maclin counters into the Spicolli Driver into Josh’s table! Maclin finds a trash can, a chair, a box of donuts, 4 hamsters in a shoe, a trash can lid…you know, the essentials. Josh goes for the Ankle Lock out of desperation, but Maclin has been using the Lid like spray bottle for a disobedient dog, and manages to make Josh powder. A Backbreaker gives Josh the advantage, he starts using the outside to further the advantage, throws the trash can on Maclin’s head…punches it and sells his hand hurting. Okay, a little funny, but a little stupid too. Canned Maclin gets sat on the apron so Josh can do his Low Crossbody through the ropes spot and then starts beating the hell out of Maclin with Trash Cans, Lids, burnt dinner rolls…oh and he finds a door. Why has the door become popular in the last few years? Because of GCW crap? Ugh.

Door backfires and Maclin Dropkicks it into Josh and then drops the Elbow in Josh through the Door. Then Maclin starts beating Josh with a tattered piece of door (a weird thing to write even in wrestling). Maclin tries to throw Josh back in, but Josh slips out, wraps Maclin’s leg into the post and then uses pieces of door to work over the leg further. Josh starts goading Maclin to do stuff knowing he’s worked over the leg, so that slows the pace even further…somehow. Josh sets up some chair art, peppers in a few more leg shots, Josh tries to set up the C4 Spike into the chairs, but Maclin counter and Alabama Slams Josh through the chairs. Some cripple fight moments, Josh grabs a chair, Maclin ducks it, kicks him in the gut to grab the chair, tosses the chair at him to hold and then Busaiku Knee into the chair. Maclin looks for Jar Headbutt, Josh Sabus the chair at Maclin. Puts Maclin up on his shoulders for a Torture Rack Bomb but throws Maclin out to into his table he set up in a very messy and dangerous way.

Josh brings Maclin back in, goes for the cover, Maclin kicks out, Ankle Lock but Maclin rolls forward to break the hold and sends Josh into a perched Trash Can. Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs connects! Maclin hits another! And a another! K.I.A…and that’s all…oh Maclin lifts up Josh’s head and says “My terms”. Maclin goes to find the bag of tacks…oh no, they’re shell casings! Maclin tries a KIA into shell casings but Josh kicks him in the dick and takes time to catch his breath. They trade shots in the corner, Josh wants an Avalanche C4 Spike into the Shells, but a Headbutt from the Marine proves deadly, Avalanche KIA into Shell Casings, Maclin wins!

It was slow, but the story it told over the last year or so does help a bit. But between the awful camera work, and generally bad card, its hard for me to get really excited. 

The Hardyz & Ace Austin vs Kushida, Zachary Wentz & Riddle

Ace and Wentz start off, nice quick counters, leg picks, cartwheels, headscissor grabs, just solid Junior stalemate work. After the stalemate, Wentz asks Ace to tag Jeff, the crowd pops and Wentz looks like a kid playing at school and Jeff seems amused also. They even trade Rascalz fingers before locking up, Wentz tries something, chases Jeff out, Matt makes the blind tag as Wentz doesn’t see it so Matt surprises Wentz and we get the double team Hardy Backbreaker/Polish Hammer. Matt hits a Shoulder Tackle but Wentz Kips Up, Arm Drag and Twist, Wentz chases Matt into the corner but Matt moves so Wentz hits the Twists Crossbody from the middle rope. Works Matt to his corner, Kushida tags in, works Matt down and locks in the Liger style Surf Board. Kushida tries to transition to something else, but Matt gets away from him, tags out to Jeff, some double team work allows Jeff to tag Ace and we see some cohesion with the Ace Hardyz. Kushida does manage some space with a Front Dropkick, points to Riddle, the crowd pops and Riddle comes in. Some nice Gutwrench Side Suplexes, FIgherman’s Suplex Hold for two. Wentz tags in, Riddle and Wentz go for a tandem move but Ace manages to fight through and get knees up during Riddle’s Senton. Ace tags in Jeff, and Wentz is getting rocked.

Wentz continues to eat Irish Whips, Dropkicks to the back, Jeff tags out to Matt and Matt eats the Delete Headsmashes, a Rocket Launcher into the middle rope, and now Matt tags out to Ace. Ace with the Front Facelock and Knee in Wentz’s back..tries to keep control but Wentz fights out of the enemy corner, Ricky to Robert to Riddle. Pele, Rip Chord Knee and starts beating on Matt and Ace. T-bone Suplex into a PK on Ace, Bro-Trigger for two! Kushida tries to work on the arm, Ace starts to fight back, Simultaneous High Kicks drop both men. Same time tags Wentz and Jeff are in, Jeff hits all of his classic jams for a two. Twist attempt, but a Jumping Knee from Wentz says no. Kushida tags in, they try to double Jeff but eat a Whisper in the Wind instead. Poetry in Motion takes Wentz out of the ring, Ace takes Riddle off the apron, but Riddle recovers enough to break up the pinfall. Signature spam, Side Effect, Tanaka Punch, Twist of Fate, Jeff and Riddle slowly get to their feet…fist bump and then throw fists. Flurry turns into Jeff hitting a Canadian Destroyer on Riddle! Kushida gets doubled by the Hardyz, Double Back Handspring Elbow levels them both, Plot Twist from the Hardy, Swanton from Jeff on Kushida wins the match!

2 out of 3 Falls Match TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Jordynne Grace

Since its a two out of three falls match, its of course gonna start slow, especially since Riddle and Hardyz popped the crowd pretty hard last match. So some simple tie ups and missed Spinning Backfists makes sense, a snap Spinebuster from Jordynne is an early pinfall attempt. Grace goes for a Powerbomb, Masha slips it, Hook Kick into a Gory Special that she drops into the ropes. Big Knee Lift into a Lariat gives Masha an near fall. Masha then goes to the hair use Snapmares, PK misses, Jordynne powders and Masha sees it so she just dives onto Jordynne in one fluid motion. Jordynne is rocked early, Masha looks for something on the apron, Grace throws Masha back into the ring so Jordynne can recover, but Masha hits the PK through the ropes. Struggling on the apron commences, Round Kicks to the chest and a Push Kick from Masha, but Jordynne hits a Spinning Back Fist and then a Package Piledriver onto the apron. Jordynne finally has some control in the match. Picks up Masha, rolls her back in, Jordynne follows but Masha rolls back out to buy some time.

Jordynne throws forearms, looks for Snake Eyes onto the apron, but Masha slips it and they brawl on the outside. Locomotion Piledriver counters, Masha finally gets the best of it, Package Piledriver from Masha to Jordynne on the floor! Masha breaks the count at 8 and decides their gonna make things definitive. She rolls Jordynne into the ring, goes for the pinfall, but Jordynne kicks out at two. Jordynne fires out of nowhere after a few Round Kicks with Body Slams, Slamovich hits the Back Fist followed by a Buzzsaw Kick, Grace counters a Masha kick into an Air Raid Crash for two. Kinikku Buster attempt but Masha slips it, they struggle, throw fists and then go into locomotion Cradles which Jordynne gets the best of, folds Masha up and scores the first fall. Jordynne 1-0

Masha hits the gas right after the break, two charging Front Kicks, Waterwheel Kick into a near fall. Masha looks for a suplex, Jordynne fights it off, but Masha gets the best of it, throws Jordynne into the corner and locks in some kind of Straight Jacket Double Chicken Wing, but Jordynne fights it off and they trade a few submission attempts before Jordynne pancakes Masha and gets a near fall. Short arm Lariat from Grace for only two. Kudome Valentine attempt from Jordynne but Masha slips it, Body Scissors Cradle from Masha into a Double Stomp and a near 2 count. Masha goes right into the Sleeper Hold, but Jordynne is fighting it off. Masha gets dumped, Kudome Valentine again but this one connects! 1-2-2.9! Juggernaut Driver attempt, but Masha keeps fighting, Enzuigiri from Masha, Tornado DDT into riding it down and locking in a Guillotine Choke! Jordynne refuses to stop, World’s Strongest Slam, Vader Bomb, Juggernaut Driver…countered by Masha with a Small Package and Masha ties it up! TIED 1-1

They both just start punching each other instead of going to the corner for the breather between falls. Referee forces the break, Masha throws kicks, Jordynne throws fists, Thrust Kick, Back Fist, but a Spinning Heel Kick rocks Jordynne so Masha goes for a Back Slide only 2. Running Knee from Masha, Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb into the Package Piledriver from Masha for the decisive fall! Masha wins 2-1

TNA World Championship: Eddie Edwards vs Nic Nemeth (c)

Yet another match that starts slow. Does it make sense, sure, but nothing really starting hot and staying hot makes a fairly lame show just drag further. Just Shoulder Tackles, Drop Toe Holds, Submissions or Amateur Wrestling pinfall attempts, very slow stuff until Eddie just fires across the ring with a Charging Polish Hammer. Eddie puts Nic in the corner, one big NOAH chop and Nic sells like he’s shot in the chest. Nic has been on the receiving end of high impact but simple offense and going for repeated pinfalls. Lish gets involved a little with a rope choke, but we’ve grown to expect that from our Queen of Boston. Another Chop to the chest kills Nemeth, Eddie Irish Whips Nic chest first across…but when Eddie goes for something else Nic slips it and starts stringing together a few moves, Straight to the Heart Elbow Drops, Eddie powders before the 10th elbow, and tries to dodge and play coy.

Eddie dodges a Superkick on the outside and Nic takes out the time keeper. Nic hits the Elbow from the Top Rope eventually, looks to connect with a Superkick in the ring, but Lish causes a distraction and Eddie manages a Knee Breaker and to take back control. Nic tries to fire back up, a few traded punches, they both hit the ropes and do the simultaneous Lariat lay out spot. They get up, trade punches again, Nic levels Eddie with a Headbutt, Lish grabs Nic’s ankle as he tries to continue but the referee sees it all clearly. Even though Eddie rocks Nic, the referee ejects Lish and Eddie is distraught. Nic hops on him and goes for the 10 Count Punches, into a Thesz Press and more punches FameASSer gets countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall! Backpack Stunner from Eddie after the Enzuigiri but only a two count. Eddie stops a Nic flurry, charges forward and eats a FameASSer!

Lish comes back down to the ring to talk shit after being ejected, she tries to hit Nic, but he ducks Eddie’s sneak attack, Eddie stops himself from hitting his wife, Lish grabs the belt, hits Nic with the belt, Eddie hits the Boston Knee Party…but Nic kicks out!? Die Hard Flowsion attempt but Nic slips it into a Danger Zone! Eddie kicks out of the Danger Zone! Fighting Spirit spot, into both spilling over to the outside after a Lariat. TURKEY MYERS COMES OUT! JBL comes out of the crowd! He charges to the ring, lays out Turkey Myers! Lish is beside herself. JBL looks over at Nic and walks away.

Both men pull each other up in the corner, Pop Up, counter, Headbutt, Danger Zone no, Boston Knee Party misses, Superkick into another Danger Zone and Nemeth retains.

Overall Score: 3/10

WrestleCade is a terrible production crew, the camera was bad, the lightning was bad, this reminded me more of the dark rinky dink 2015 era TNA. It also doesn’t help that the first few matches sucked, Xia Brookside looked like a snack and a half on the countdown pre-show, but she jobbed out to day old demon past her prime. Santana and Kaz was a waste of time, a bad match and a worse opener. Turkey Bowl was a mess and with Hammerstone pulling up lame 4 minutes into the match that just annoys me since I love Hammer, and if he’s legit hurt that really blows. Laredo Kid is really just a diversity hire and always has been, they give him no personality, no real momentum, he is just a generic luchador. He’s like Temu Suicide.

Jordynne and Masha was solid but the last fall felt really rushed and awkward, especially with all the slow start matches. The 6 man was more entertaining than it had any business being, but that’s also because Matt Riddle is awesome. Maclin and Josh was good storytelling, just wrapped in a bad show so hard to click into. Main event was fine, over booked, definitely silly, but okay. All in all, if this was a long episode of iMPACT! it would be fine, but this was a PLE/App Event whatever, and that really just gives me no hope for Final Resolution.

Genesis better be the start of new stories and a new booker. Because whoever it is (I think its Dreamer, but don’t know), is terrible and needs to be bumped down to an agent at best. This has been some of the worst story TNA has done these last 8 months. Just pissed away the hype that Scott D’Amore created.

The Ace is in the main event!

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado have yet to score in World Tag League, but perhaps their luck can change here in Round 4! Will Ace & Heater finally get going?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Shoma Kato VS Alex Zayne, Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima; Zayne, Taguchi & Murashima win.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Kenta & Chase win, by disqualification.
• Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Shota, Honma & Tiger Mask win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS The Filip Brothers; Naito & Hiromu win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS Great-O-Khan & HENARE; Khan & Henare win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS EVIL & Ren Narita; Evil & Narita win.
• World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Taichi & Taka Michinoku; Tanahashi & Jado win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Great-O-Khan & Henare: 2-1, 4 points
Evil & Ren Narita: 2-1, 4 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 2-1, 4 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 2-1, 4 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 2-1, 4 points
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-2, 2 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-2, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 0-3, 0 points

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS The Filip Brothers!

There is quite the traffic jam at 2-1, and Los Ingobernables de Japon find themselves in the thick of it! But will they gain some ground in the fourth round? Or will this be when Tome the Taiga & Stevie the Phoenix strike?

Naito again takes his time with his entrance attire, and then the teams sort out. Hiromu notes how both Tome & Stevie are big guys, but he still steps up. LIJ fist bump, the Filip Brothers Too Sweet, and Tome CLOBBERS Hiromu at the bell! The fans rally for Hiromu as he sits up, but Tome stands him up. Hiromu breaks free and runs to RAM Tome! Tome stays up and he tautns Hiromu to try again. Hiromu does, and he RAMS Tome, but Hiromu’s the one who falls to his knees! Tome deadlift suplexes, but Hiromu slips free! And slides under! And stomps a foot! Hiromu runs, but Tome scoops him!

Tome pops Hiromu around, but Hiromu slips free to the apron. Hiromu RAMS Tome, then Naito helps trip Tome up! LIJ drags Tome out to RAM into railing! Naito keeps Tome stuck hanging over the side, and Hiromu goes to the apron. Naito then brings Tome off railing for Hiromu to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Hiromu runs around the way to CROSSBODY Stevie! The fans fire up more and Hiromu smiles as he goes back to the ring. Naito puts Tome in, Hiromu tags Naito, and LIJ double whip Tome to ropes. They DOUBLE COHP Tome down, Naito covers, TWO! Naito clamps right on with a cravat neck wrench!

Tome endures, keeps his shoulders up, but Naito thrashes the hold. Tome fights up but Naito keeps on the hold. Hiromu tags in, LIJ mugs Tome, and the fans rally up. Hiromu CHOPS Tome, then CHOPS again! Hiromu whips but Tome blocks! Tome says he’s too strong! Hiromu just CHOPS! Hiromu whips, Tome reverses, and Stevie grabs Hiromu! Hiromu elbows free but Tome CLOBBERS Hiromu! Tome BLASTS Naito, too, then tags Stevie. The fans rally up as Stevie stomps Hiromu. Stevie scoops, SLAMS, and then ELBOW DROPS on Hiromu! The fans cheer, Stevie drags Hiromu up, and CHOPS!

Hiromu ends up in the Filip corner, and Stevie UPPERCUTS! Tag to Tome but Hiromu fights back! The Filip Brothers mug Hiromu and Tome CHOPS! Tome scoops to then march around, and SLAM to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Hiromu stays in this! Tome argues the count but the ref defends it was fair. Tome drags Hiromu over, tags Stevie, but then has to keep Hiromu from Naito. Tome snapmares and stomps Hiromu, then Stevie runs to BLAST Naito! Stevie KICKS Hiromu in the back! Hiromu writhes while Stevie tags Tome. Tome brings Hiromu around to snapmare, then he tags Stevie.

Tome BASEMENT BOOTS Hiromu, and Stevie KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this and the fans cheer him on. Stevie is annoyed but he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Stevie kicks and CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Stevie bumps Hiromu off buckles, tags Tome, and then stomps Hiromu. Tome snapmares Hiromu into a chinlock! Tome grinds the hold and leans on Hiromu, but Hiromu still fights up. Hiromu fires body shots, gets free, but Tome CLUBS him! Tome runs, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! Hiromu crawls while Tome hobbles, but Tome pulls Hiromu’s hair!

Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, then blocks a punch! DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up as Hiromu crawls, hot tag to Naito! Naito fires hands on Tome, but Stevie storms into CLUB Naito! The Filip Brothers mug Naito while the ref reprimands. The Filip Brothers double whip but Naito reverses to send Tome away, and then he sends Stevie into Tome! Stevie falls but Tome stays up! Tome rushes Naito, Naito dodges and ELBOWS him down! Then basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Naito whips Tome corner to corner and ELBOWS him again! Then Naito turns Tome, holds him, and lets Tome flail a moment before the NECKBREAKER!

The fans cheer as Naito poses, then Naito covers. TWO, but Naito stays cool. Naito stands Tome up to throw those heavy ELBOWS! Naito whips, Tome reverses, but Naito KICKS! Naito runs, but Tome SPINEBUSTERS! Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Stevie calls to Tome, Tome crawls his way over, hot tag to Stevie! Stevie brings Naito up, but Naito fires a forearm! Stevie fires back, they go back and forth! Stevie fires a flurry, but Naito roars and fires right back! The fans fire up as Naito swings, but Stevie catches him to a FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Tome steps in and BLASTS Hiromu!

Stevie hoists Naito up in a fireman’s carry, Tome runs up, BOOT O’ DOOM! The fans rally as Tome builds speed, and TAIGA FLIES onto Hiromu! Stevie covers Naito, TWO! Stevie is a but surprised, but he calls to Tome. They get Naito up, fireman’s carry from Tome, AIR RAID CRASH! Stevie goes up as the fans rally again, and Stevie SHOOTING STARS! Cover, Hiromu breaks it! The fans cheer but Tome TOSSES Hiromu! Naito stirs, Stevie calls the finish! Stevie reels Naito in, lifts him up, but Hiromu SHOTGUNS Tome! Naito RANAS Stevie! Stevie ends up in a corner, and Hiromu runs up to LARIAT!

Feet to Naito’s ELBOW! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Naito atomic drops, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Naito with the ROLLING JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!! Stevie survives but LIJ hauls him back up. Hiromu sets up but Tome CLUBS Naito! Hiromu kicks Tome, then runs, but into a SPINE- DDT!! Hiromu then dropkicks Stevie’s legs! Now they set up, BOOSTED TORNADO DDT!! Naito hurries to drag Stevie back up, then wrenches for the DESTINO!! Cover, LIJ wins!

Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; The Filip Brothers earn 0)

The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb are gaining momentum going into WTL’s second half! Will they come out as an openweight championship team? Can Tome & Stevie still find a roundabout way to the finals?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS Great-O-Khan & HENARE!

The Joker & The Rook have been making moves the last couple of rounds, but now they run into THE IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Will the Dominator & Face of Fury continue to conquer the World Tag League? Or can #YanoBoltin find a way to defy the United Empire?

The teams sort out and Yano wants the ref to hurry with his check. The fans cheer on Khan as he holds up his tag title AND KOPW title, and Yano grows further impatient. Oleg starts for his team, and he wants someone to step up. Henare obliges and the fans rally up. The bell rings and these big behemoths stare down. They slowly approach, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock but its Henare who drops to a knee. Henare fights up and pushes Oleg back, then they go again. Oleg puts Henare on the ropes, but the ref counts. Oleg lets off slowly, and he gives Henare a hard shove on the shoulder! Henare comes back to fire forearms, so Oleg fires back!

The forearms go back and forth as fans rally, then Henare fires a flurry! Henare runs, RAMS Oleg, but Oleg stays up! Oleg CHOPS, runs, and RAMS Henare! Henare steps back, but he ROCKS Oleg in return! Henare runs, RAMS Oleg, but Oleg rebounds to CLOBBER Henare! The fans fire up and Oleg tags Yano. Yano says here goes! He unties a white buckle pad! Yano dodges Henare, SLAPS him on the back of the head, then whips Henare at the corner! Henare reverses, Yano stops himself, and Yano says he’s too smart for that! But then Henare SLAPS Yano on the back of the head! Henare CLUBS Yano, brings him up, but Yano… Oh, there’s no hair to pull.

Yano keeps trying but Henare’s bald head gives him nothing! Yano gets mad, runs, but gets run over! Henare BLASTS Oleg, then he SENTONS Yano! The fans fire up with Henare, and Khan goes after Oleg on the outside! Henare puts Yano in the Empire’s corner to fire body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Tag to Khan and the fans cheer him on, Khan revels in it a moment before he stands Yano up. Mongolian Chop! Mongolian Chop! Mongolian feint and UPPERCUT! Khan has Yano in the corner, and he hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands. Khan grabs Yano’s arms and pulls!

The ref counts, Khan hops down, and then he brings Yano around to Mongolian Chop! Yano is down, Khan has a cocky cover, TWO! The fans still rally behind “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” and Khan conducts it like a choir. Khan drags Yano up, CLUBS him on the neck, then runs, but Yano pulls hair! Khan ELBOWS Yano, kicks and whips, but Yano reverses to THROW Khan down by his hair! The fans rally while Yano crawls, hot tag to Oleg! Oleg CLBOBERS Khan, DECKS Henare, then he deadlift gut wrenches Khan for the Shake, Shake, Shake, then THROW! Oleg kips up, the fans fire up, and Khan goes to a corner. Oleg runs in and SPLASHES Khan against bare buckles!

The fans fire up as Oleg scoops, SLAMS, and then runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Khan writhes. Oleg drags Khan up, fireman’s carries, but Khan slips free. Khan waistlocks, Khan switches, they clinch, and Khan gets under Oleg to lift him up! ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! The fans rally up again while both men are down! Oleg rolls away and Khan rises up. Khan storms his way over, but Oleg clinches! They fight for control, and Oleg SPINEBUSTERS Khan! The fans fire up again as both men crawl to each other. Khan clinches now, but Oleg fights him off. They feel things out, Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!

Khan goes after Oleg again but Oleg clinches. They fight for control again, and Oleg hits a fireman’s carry takeover! The fans cheer this true wrestling display, and the two just go again! Another clinch, another fight for control, and Khan gut wrenches?! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg tumbles away and the fans fire up! Khan crawls for his corner, as does Oleg, hot tag to Henare! Henare KICKS Oleg in the back! And KICKS him again! Oleg writhes but Henare kicks him around. Henare eggs Oleg on, kicks him again, but Oleg rises. BODY BLOW from Henare! The fans rally up as Henare waits on Oleg. Oleg sits up, Henare BUZZSAWS him down!

The fans rally more as Oleg rises again, but into another KICK! Oleg stands?! Henare growls, runs up, but Oleg blocks the kick! Oleg spins Henare around, GERMAN SUPLEX!! Both men are down, Oleg rolls, hot tag to Yano! Yano brings Henare around to whip into a corner. Oleg runs in, but Henare dodges the splash! Yano kicks Henare, but Henare swings !@Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Yano has Henare’s legs! Oleg sets up as Yano CATAPULTS Henare to him! Oleg catches Henare for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Oleg intercepts Khan! Yano covers, TWO!

Henare survives but Oleg throws Khan out. Yano brings Henare up, ONIGO- NO, Henare fights free! And ELBOWS Yano back! Henare runs up, but Yano dodges! Native Knee meets steel buckle! Roll-up, TWO!! Henare escapes, but Yano hurries M U!! TWO!! Henare escapes again but Yano runs, into a LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Henare grits his teeth as he rises up, and Khan sends Oleg into railing! Khan hauls Yano up, Mongolian Chop! BODY BLOW! UPPERCUT! BOOT SUPERKICK COMBO!! Yano falls, and the Monster Rage boils up! Henare hauls Yano up and fireman’s carries!

Khan runs, but Yano slips free! Henare is sent into Khan! Oleg is back to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Oleg gets Khan outta there and Yano runs, BLINDSIDE TACKLE! M U, TWO!! Yano swings, into Henare’s waistlock! Yano grabs at the ref, but Henare blocks the mule kick low blow!! Henare HEADBUTTS, but then blocks the front low blow! Fireman’s carry, Khan is free of Oleg! IMPERIAL DROP!! Cover, EMPIRE WINS!

Winners: Great-O-Khan & Henare, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Yano & Oleg earn 0)

The Joker had to fold, and that puts The Empire back on top! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions continues to lead the way in this second half? Or can the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions still find their way to the finals?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS EVIL & Ren Narita!

The way to the front of this block is starting to clear up, and these two teams are looking to take advantage of that. Will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey prove that The mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will the King of Darkness & Souled Out Son of Strong Style steal back the top spot in B Block?

Oh no, The House attacks during TMDK’s entrance! They wipe Shane out first, then Evil CLOBBERS Mikey! Dick Togo adds on while the fans boo, but Narita grins as he drags Shane around the way. The ref tries to stop Evil from CHOKING Mikey, but this isn’t a match yet! Narita brings Shane out into the crowd on the far side! Evil CLUBS Mikey, CLAWS his face, and he goes into the crowd on that side. Shane is sent into chairs! Narita CHOKES Shane with a chair, and Evil does the same to Mikey! The fans continue to boo but Evil CLUBS Mikey, and Narita drags Shane back up. Narita has a headlock as he brings Shane to ringside.

Evil CLUBS Mikey again, Narita puts Shane in, but Mikey sends Evil into railing! The fans cheer as the bell rings, but Narita stomps away on Shane. Evil hits Mikey in return, but Shane fights against Narita. Narita knees Shane low, then runs, but Mikey trips him up! Shane basement dropkicks Narita, then he BLASTS! And he hits Dick for good measure! Mikey drags Narita out along the apron, and CLUBS him down tot he floor! Shane whips Evil hard into railing! The fans fire up with The Mighty as Shane kicks Evil. Mikey sends Narita into railing, Shane does the same to Evil! Then Mikey chases Dick away!

Shane brings Narita out to the crowd and BOWLS him into open chairs! Mikey chases Evil and throws chairs at him! Evil grabs a chair, he and Mikey CLASH, but Evil is disarmed! Mikey SMACKS Evil, then CLUBS him down! Shane poses as he holds Narita down with a fishhook, and the fans take pictures. Shane stomps Narita down, the ring count finally starts, but Mikey CLUBS Evil along the way back to ringside. Mikey SMACKS Evil off the apron, Shane puts Narita in at 10 of 20, and the fans cheer as Shane steps in. Shane eggs Narita on, then KICKS Narita down! Shane stands Narita up to KICK, BOOT, and reel him in.

Narita fights the back suplex with elbows, then he CLAWS Shane’s face! The ref counts, Narita whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! No blue buckle pad means the Bullet Club Special is in effect! Evil drags Shane out while Narita BLASTS Mikey off the apron! Evil CLAWS Shane’s back, then Dick brings a chair over. Dick JAMS Shane up! The fans boo but Dick gets away with one. Evil kicks Shane around, taunts him, then drags him up. Evil puts Shane in the ring, Narita is there to cover, TWO! Shane stays in this and the fans rally up. Narita tags Evil, then The House splits the wishbone! Shane writhes but Evil scuffs him.

Evil taunts Shane, kicks him around, might even be insulting Zack at the same time. Shane stands up to fire body shots and forearms! The fans rally up as Shane backs Evil down! Shane whips, Evil reverses, and Shane hits bare buckles! Shane falls back and Evil laughs. Tag to Narita and Narita stands on Shane’s neck! The ref reprimands and counts, Shane even has the ropes, so Narita steps off at 4. Narita drags Shane up, brings him around, but Shane fires a forearm! And then CHOPS! And ROCKS! Narita CHOKES Shane, Shane breaks free, but Narita hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Evil runs to BLAST Mikey off the apron!

The ref reprimands but Evil then breaks Shane’s grip! ARMBAR! Shane flails, reaches out, but Evil stays in the way! Shane still finds the ROPEBREAK, and the ref counts! Narita lets go at 4, to then sucker punch Mikey! Narita grins as he stands Shane up, but Shane fights the Half Hatch! Narita knees low, whips, but Shane reverses! Narita hits bare buckles! Evil hurries to tag in, and he storms up to drag Shane back. Shane BOOTS Evil into Narita, which sends Narita back into buckles! Hot tag to Mikey! Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS Evil & Narita! The fans fire up with Mikey, and he runs to LARIAT Evil in a corner! Then he LARIATS Narita in another corner!

Evil runs up but Mikey dodges, so Evil runs into Narita! Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS them again! Mikey TOSSES Narita, then dodges Evil to waistlock. Evil switches, ducks an elbow, but the DDT hits! Cover, TWO! Mikey is annoyed but the fans rally up. Mikey drags Evil up, but Evil fights the back suplex with elbows! Mikey RAMS Evil into the corner, Shane tags in, and Shane UPPERCUTS Evil into position! But Evil BOOTS Shane, ELBOWS Mikey, only for Shane to reel him in! Mikey’s there for ELECTRIC BLUE! Cover, Narita breaks it! Mikey TOSSES Narita out and the fans rally behind Shane!

Wait, Narita sends Mikey into railing! Shane fireman’s carries, but Evil slips free! Evil waistlocks, Shane elbows free then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again and again and again! The fans fire up with every UPPERCUT, and then Shane runs. Evil distracts the ref so Dick can SMACK Shane with the buckle pad! Evil then reels Shane in to FISHERMAN BUSTER! Evil rolls to the corner, tag to Narita! Narita storms up on Shane and whips him corner to corner. Narita runs in to ELBOW, then goes side to side to BOOT! Shane falls but Narita brings him up. Shane fights the Half Hatch, and he suplexes Narita!

Narita fights free, CHOKES Shane, but the ref counts! Shane breaks free, Narita knees low, but Shane reverses the whip, only for Narita to come back, DOWN2DIE! Cover, TWO! Shane survives that knee drop and the fans rally up, but Narita vows to end this! Narita goes up a corner, and he dares Shane to get up. Shane does and UPPERCUTS Narita! Shane climbs but Narita fights the superplex! Narita fires body shots, then he ROCKS Shane! Shane falls back, Mikey tags in, and Shane BOOTS Narita! Dick gets up, Shane knocks him down! Mikey gives Shane the boost and Shane has Narita, SUPERPLEX POWERBOMB!

Mikey runs while Narita sits up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, Evil breaks it! Shane DROPKICKS Evil! The fans cheer as Evil tumbles out! Mikey and Shane coordinate, and they drag Narita up. Mikey scoops, but Narita grabs at the ref! Dick anchors Shane while Narita slips free, and Narita shoves Mikey into Shane! Shane tumbles out of the ring, Narita catches Mikey to then shove him into the ref! And now Dick rushes in! The fans boo as The House stomps away on Mikey! Dick soaks up the heat, then tells the fans off. Evil stands Mikey up so he and Dick can whip into a corner. Dick runs up to ELBOW, Narita runs up to ELBOW!

Evil adds a LARIAT, and then snapmares! Evil & Narita set Mikey up for the DICK CHOP! The fans boo but Evil stands Mikey up. Narita climbs now, for HELL’S GUILLOTINE! Cover, the ref is back to count, TWO!! Mikey survives and the fans fire up! Evil is furious and he drags the ref over. Narita grabs his pushup bar! But Shane is in! Mikey dodges and Shane BOOTS Narita! Shane goes after Evil but Evil gets around, and Evil shoves Shane at the ref! The ref cowers in the corner as Shane stops himself, but Evil LOW BLOWS Shane!! The fans boo but Evil just soaks it all up. Evil drags Mikey up, he and Narita whip Mikey into the bare buckle!

Narita & Evil kick low, and they DOUBLE SUPLEX! But Mikey’s right back up! The fans fire up with Mikey and he LARIATS Evil! Narita kicks low, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up more but Dick has a chair! Mikey takes that from Dick but the ref takes that from Mikey. PUSHUP BAR ATTACK from Narita! DOUBLE CROSSER!! Cover, The House wins!

Winners: Evil & Ren Narita, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shane & Mikey earn 0)

The House used every trick in the book to take down The Mighty, and now they’re right behind The Empire! Will Evil & Narita continue to cheat their way to the top of NJPW? Or can Shane & Mikey make a mighty comeback?

World Tag League 2024 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Taichi & Taka Michinoku!

While all the other teams have been fighting to lead the pack, The Ace & The Heater are just fighting to get on the board! Will this finally be the night we get some air guitar? Or will The Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker bring down President Ace & Master Heater?

The fans cheer Tanahashi’s muscles as he takes off the jacket, but only now does Taichi take off own. The fans cheer Taichi’s muscles, too, and Taichi does the dancing pecs! Tanahashi can’t quite match that, but the overall build is very similar. Taichi teases Tanahashi’s abs aren’t quite as tight as they used to be, but the teams finally sort out. Jado steps up and the fans cheer him on. Taka says he’ll handle this, and the bell rings. Jado and Taka, two great Junior Heavyweights in their day, circle now as Heavyweights. The fans rally, the two tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Jado powers Taka back, but Taka powers up! Jado still puts Taka on ropes!

Red Shoes calls the break, and Jado lets off with some sharp pats on the shoulders. The two reset and go again. Taka powers Jado back but Jado digs in his heels. Jado powers Taka back onto ropes, but Taka turns things around. Red Shoes calls the break, Taka lets off slowly, then he SLAPS Jado! Jado storms up but Taka kicks low! Taka runs, RAMS Jado, but Jado stays up! Taka runs and RAMS Jado again, but still nothing! They RAM again, then Taka fakes a run to poke Jado in the eyes! Taka kicks Jado’s leg, then runs, but Jado RUNS Taka over! The fans fire up with Jado and he tags in Tanahashi.

Jado & Tanahashi double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW Taka down! Taichi runs up but gets double kicked! Jado & Tanahashi double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Taichi tumbles out, and we get an air guitar duet! But Taka & Taichi return to CLOBBER them! The fans are upset but Taichi digs his boots into Tanahashi at the ropes. Taka adds on and they kick Tanahashi out. Taka goes out after Tanahashi, right in front of commentary with Douki watching and supporting his guys. Taka then stands on Tanahashi while Taichi POSTS Jado! Red Shoes reprimands, the ring count starts, and Taka puts Tanahashi in the ring.

Taka storms in and stomps Tanahashi around. Taka fishhooks Tanahashi, twists his nose, but stops as Red Shoes counts. Taka then scrapes his soles off Tanahashi’s face! Taka goes back to the fishhook, then he clamps on a headlock. Taka still smothers Tanahashi so Red Shoes counts! Taka stops at 4, tags Taichi, and fans cheer him on. Taichi stomps Tanahashi, snapmares him, then KICKS him! Tanahashi writhes but Taichi covers, TWO! Taichi drags Tanahashi up, tags Taka, and Taichi stomps Tanahashi. Taka stomps Tanahashi then clamps on a headlock. Tanahashi powers up but can’t power out as Taka holds on!

Tanahashi endures the grind, powers up again, but Taka still holds on tight! Tanahashi tries again but Taka pulls hair! Taka hits a headlock takeover, then shifts into a headscissor squeeze! Taka has Tanahashi’s arm and bends the fingers! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Tanahashi endures, fights around, and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Taka still twists the arm, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. The fans rally for Tanahashi but Taka wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Tag to Taichi but Tanahashi fires forearms on them both! Taka BOOTS Tanahashi, then digs his boot in! Taichi also traps Tanahashi, but stops as Red Shoes counts.

Taichi steps in, taunts Jado, then goes back to Tanahashi. Taichi reels Tanahashi in for a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, but Taichi CLAWS at those abs! Tanahashi endures both insult and injury, but Taichi throws him into the corner! Tag to Taka and Taka stomps Tanahashi! Taka fires knees, but Tanahashi fires forearms! Taka SLAPS Tanahashi back! Tanahashi goes to a corner, Taka runs in, but Tanahashi ELBOWS back! Tanahashi goes up and up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taka and Tanahashi crawl, hot tag to Jado! Jado runs up to run Taka over! And again! Taichi steps in, Jado blocks his kick to DRAGON SCREW!

Jado whips Taka, Taka KICKS back, but Jado LARIATS! The fans fire up and Jado shakes the ropes! Jado gets the energy building and he goes back to Taka. Jado stands Taka up to TOSS him out, then has him on the apron. Taka pokes Jado in the eyes! But Jado blocks the buckle bump to bump Taka off the crossbar! Taka staggers, Jado reels him in through the ropes, for a DRAPING DDT! Cover, Taichi breaks it! The fans rally but Tanahashi kicks and TOSSES Taichi. Tanahashi goes out after Taichi, and Jado pounds the mat. The fans rally behind Jado and he aims at Taka. GUN- NO, Taka stops the cutter to BOOT! And SUPER K!

Both men are down and the fans rally up! Taka crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Jado to BOOT in the corner! Jado staggers, Taichi runs, AX- NO, Jado dodges to LARIAT! Taichi stays up, and the fans fire up as Taichi DOUBLE LARIATS with Jado! And DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! Taichi SOBATS, then BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!! Jado survives and the fans fire up! Taichi BOOTS Tanahashi, then OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims as Jado rises, TENSHO- NO, Jado dodges! Jado knees low, whips Taichi to a corner, then runs up. Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Taichi pushes Jado down, but then brings him back up.

Taichi clamps on the SEITEI JUJIHO!! Jado endures being in the Holy Tomb, but Tanahashi runs up to kick Taichi! Taka storms in but Tanahashi fires shots in return! Tanahashi fires forearms and elbows on Taka and Taichi, but then dodges an Ax Bomber! Tanahashi comes back, but into DOUBLE BOOTS! Taka gets Tanahashi out of the ring while Taichi drags Jado up. Jado’s a ragdoll so Red Shoes checks him. Taichi figures cover, TWO!! Jado is still in this but Taichi covers again, TWO!! A third cover, TWO!!! Jado is still in this and the fans fire up! Taichi rises, and Jado roars back up! Jado eggs Taichi on, so Taichi RIDGE HAND CHOPS!

Jado grits his teeth, but Taichi KICKS! Jado grits his teeth, but he still feels that impact. But then he sits up and eggs Taichi on. Taichi says bet, and he KICKS, KICKS, and CLUBS Jado! Jado feeds off that and stands up! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, but Jado just steps forward! Another chop, and another chop, but Jado is just getting stronger! Taichi kicks low, then runs, but he runs through CHOPS! Taichi comes back, but Jado LARIATS first!! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Taichi and Jado crawl for their corners, hot tag to Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM!

Taka is up but Tanahashi BLASTS him off the apron! Tanahashi roars and brings Taichi up. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Taichi, then goes up the corner. SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Taichi is tougher than that but Tanahashi has the fans behind him. Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Taichi slips around to SAI- NO, Tanahashi fights free! Tanahashi fires a strike fest then whips Taichi to a corner. Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi crawls, reaches out, hot tag to Taka! Taka runs up to BOOT! Taka keeps going to BOOT! Tanahashi roars, fights off the scoop, and TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

Tanahashi gets Taka up again, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Then a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Taichi runs in, LARIAT in the corner! Then a wrench and DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Taka runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Taka clamps on JAST FACELOCK!! Taichi anchors Jado at the ropes but Tanahashi crawls around! Tanahashi endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Taka lets go. Taka drags Tanahashi up to scoop, but Tanahashi slips free! Tanahashi blocks a kick, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up again and Tanahashi ties up Taka’s legs!

Jado steps in to intercept Taichi! Tanahashi has the TEXAS CLOVERHOLD while Jado has Taichi in a CROSSFACE! The fans fire up as Taka & Taichi endure submissions! Taka reaches out, but Tanahashi pulls on the legs! Tanahashi sits deep, but Taka grabs the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Tanahashi lets Taka go, and Jado does the same with Taichi. The fans rally behind Tanahashi has he has a leg, for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Taka writhes, Tanahashi roars, and the fans cheer again. Tanahashi goes up top, but Taka fires a body shot! Taka climbs up, but Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms! Taka UPPERCUTS!

Tanahashi falls off the corner and into the ring! Taka rises, runs in at the corner, SHINING WIZARD! CALF KICK! Taichi intercepts Jado before the SUPER K!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but Taka roars! Taka scoops to MICHI- NO, Tanahashi slips free to SHOTEI! But MICHINOKU DRIVER!!! Cover, JADO BARRELS IN!! The fans fire up as Jado saves the President! But Taichi stomps Jado, and Taka clamps on JUST FACELOCK! Taichi adds a BUZZSAW! Then Taichi clamps onto Jado with SEITEI JUJIHOU!! Tanahashi fights around, reaches out, but Taka grabs that arm, DICK KILLER!!

Tanahashi endures, but Taka grabs the other arm, too! HEAVY KILLER MK3!!! Taka wraps headscissors onto Tanahashi to then get a leg! Tanahashi endures, fights around, but he barely has a limb to use! Tanahashi gets an arm free for a ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer as Taka and Taichi let Tanahashi and Jado go. Taka drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi victory rolls! TWO!! Taka escapes, scoops, but Tanahashi silps free! Tanahashi scoops to steal MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Taka survives his own move, but Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! Taichi is up but Tanahashi ROCKS him! Taichi URAKENS! Tanahashi SLINGBLADES!

Jado is back, and he gives Taichi a GUN STUN!! The fans are thunderous as Tanahashi now climbs up! Taka’s in the drop zone, for the HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, TANAHASHI & JADO WIN!!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Taka earn 0)

Round 4 helped change the fortunes of The Ace & The Heater, and they’re finally on the board! Will Taichi & Taka miss out on the finals because of this loss? Or can they still find their way to the top from here?

As for Tanahashi & Jado, Tanahashi gets the mic, and he declares, “NJPW has returned to MITO Arena!” The fans cheer that! Tanahashi thanks everyone for coming out tonight, and says that while he and Jado are behind, they aren’t going to give up, “so let’s run until the end!” Tanahashi & Jado shake hands on that and the fans cheer. Tanahashi again thanks everyone, and he hands the mic to Jado. The fans cheer Jado on, and Jado kneels. “PHANTASMO~!” Jado hopes El Phantasmo is doing well. Jado also hopes ELP gets well soon and returns to NJPW. The fans cheer that, as we all want The Headbanga to kick cancer’s ass!

Jado says everyone here in MITO, and everyone watching at home, sorry to keep you waiting, but let’s go! Air guitar duet! The fans cheer as Jado & Tanahashi rock out! Jado even drops back on the mat to rock that much harder! The fans cheer for “MOIKAI! MOIKAI!” Tanahashi gets a new air guitar from the fans, and they rock some more! Tanahashi then bashes that guitar like a real rockstar! But the fans want a second encore! The fans throw another air guitar, then Jado gets Milano Collection AT to throw him one. It’s up, up, and Jado makes the catch! We get more rock ‘n’ roll and the fans cheer again.

Three times seems good enough for Jado and Tanahashi, and Tanahashi picks up the mic again. He again thanks the fans, and the fans again cheer. Tanahashi says that from the Tokyo Dome next year (January 4th), and then the year after that, and for the rest of time, please continue to support NJPW! The fans cheer that, too, BUT THE HOUSE OF TORTURE ATTACKS!! The fans boo as Evil, Narita & Dick ruin the ending! Tanahashi fights back, but EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! The fans boo even more, and tell The House to go home, but Evil grabs the mic to tell everyone to shut up!

Evil tells Tanahashi that he’s stepping into retirement, so he needs to stop clinging to the past! He tells the “annoying idiots” to shut up again, and says he’ll give them what they wanted. Then Evil does a mocking “AISHITEMAAASU~!” a la Tanahashi. The fans boo his false love but he just laughs. Evil tells Tanahashi he’s just an eyesore now. Evil will DESTROY Tanahashi at WrestleKingdom, you understand? Then remember it! Mic drop, and The King of Darkness stands over President Ace. Will World Tag League come second to Evil’s goal of taking over NJPW?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Great-O-Khan & Henare: 3-1, 6 points
Evil & Ren Narita: 3-1, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi: 3-1, 6 points
Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg: 2-2, 4 points
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls: 2-2, 4 points
The Filip Brothers: 1-3, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado: 1-3, 2 points
Taichi & Taka Michinoku: 1-3, 2 points

My Thoughts:

A great round for WTL B Block, though maybe with less surprising results after last night and A Block letting their own 0-3 teams finally win. Though over here, it was only Jado & Tanahashi. And surely that was a big moment for some fans in Japan seeing those two longstanding NJPW staples in Jado and Taka face off here. Great win for Tanahashi & Jado to finally score, but we should’ve all figured The House of Torture would ruin the celebration. To me, this keeps moving the math on Tanahashi VS Evil at WrestleKingdom 19 in Tanahashi’s favor so that Evil gets his comeuppance.

As for the tournament, Evil & Narita winning again should’ve perhaps been expected, too, so that Evil can use that momentum in part for WK19. Now, depending on the WTL plans, maybe The House still misses out on the finals, but we’ve still got a few rounds before the end. It feels less like Zack Sabre Jr. will get his wish of TMDK VS TMDK, an LIJ VS LIJ or Empire VS Empire is more likely than that to me. Though, I don’t really see those happening either. With the current Heavyweight Tag Team Champions and the former ones both in this block, it seems a shame that only one can make it to the finals. But given that, I’m leaning towards Shane & Mikey so they can win their title rematch for WK19.

My Score: 8.8/10