Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/8/24)
And the trophies go to…!
Will heads for the Tokyo Dome?
Gabe Kidd & Sanada won A Block handedly while Naito & Hiromu came out of B Block’s chaotic finale, but only one team can win World Tag League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask VS Daiki Nagai; Tiger Mask wins.
- Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Shoma Kato & Katsuya Mursahima; Shane & Mikey win.
- Bishamon VS The Filip Brothers; Bishamon wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; LIJ wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture; The Houes of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; TMDK wins.
- 2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are joined by a couple knights of NJPW to stand against The King of Darkness and his army of scumbags! With WrestleKingdom on the horizon, which side of this war wins this crucial battle?
But as The House makes their entrance, Team Ace turns the tables by going after them first! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes right after Evil and The House panics! Yano brawls with Narita, Oleg and Jado take care of Kanemaru and Yujiro, and Tanahashi headlocks Evil. Tanahashi brings Evil to ringside to POST him! Evil falls but Tanahashi drags him back up to wrench and whip into railing! The fans cheer more and Tanahashi CLUBS Evil. Tanahashi whips Evil at more railing, and Evil hits so hard that he tumbles up and over! The rest of the team keeps The House down all around ringside while Tanahashi fetches Evil.
Tanahashi brings Evil into the ring, then follows, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps Evil, throws forearms, and the ref counts. Tanahashi shoves the ref! The President is getting really rough with his employees, but he stalks Evil. Tanahashi drags Evil up to fire a BODY BLOW! And another! Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses, and then Evil gets in the ref’s face so Dick Togo can trip Tanahashi up! Then the House rushes in and BLASTS Team Ace off the apron! The ref reprimands everyone but Evil CHOKES Tanahashi with the tag rope!
The fans boo but The House beats up on Team Ace, and then Evil throws away the evidence of his crime. Dick passes the mic to Evil, and Evil grabs it so he can shout in Tanahashi’s face about just giving up now and sparing himself the embarrassment at WrestleKingdom! Tanahashi tells Evil he’ll never surrender, and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil stops choking Tanahashi and throws the mic away. Evil tags Narita and the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stomps away on Tanahashi’s legs! Narita then clamps on a KNEEBAR! Evil and Yano shout at each other, but Tanahashi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts and Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Tanahashi more, then he tags Tokyo Pimp. Narita & Yujiro have the legs, and they split the wishbone! Yujiro then drops an elbow on the bad leg! Yujiro taunts Tanahashi, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi ends up on ropes, so Yujiro ROCKS him, then CHOPS him! Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, Narita & Sho anchor Tanahashi in place, and Yujiro BOOTS him! The ref reprimands everyone but Yujiro snapmares for a cover! TWO, the fans rally, but Kanemaru tags in. The Heel Master YANKS the leg, then whisp Tanahashi to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out!
Kanemaru hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! The House BLASTS Team Ace again! The ref reprimands and the fans rally up while Tanahashi endures. Honma clears Evil out, and he runs to FALLING KOKESHI on Kanemaru! The fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved, but Narita goes after Honma! The fans boo as Narita TOSSES Honma, but Kanemaru tags Sho. Sho stomps the leg, then DDTS the foot! The fans rally for Tanahashi but Sho scuffs him around. Tanahashi stands up and he fires forearms! Sho CLAWS Tanahashi’s eyes, but Tanahashi CLAWS Sho’s eyes! The ref reprimands them both, but Tanahashi blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Evil gets away before Oleg can get him, and Yujiro attacks from behind! Yujiro & Narita double whip, but Oleg CLOBBERS them both! Kanemaru kicks and whips, but Oleg reverses to scoop Kanemaru! Oleg SMACKS Sho using Kanemaru! Then Oleg SLAMS Kanemaru, and gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then deadlifts Sho for the gut wrench. But Sho bends fingers and wrenches free! Sho runs, SPEARS, but he bounces right off of Oleg!
The fans fire up and Oleg deadlifts Sho again! Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! And another kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oleg drags Sho right up into his arms, then pops him to a fireman’s carry! But Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Sho slips free, but Oleg kicks Sho! Sho runs to dropkick Oleg’s legs! Sho whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! Oleg suffers The House Special, and Evil DROPKICKS Tanahashi! Sho & Evil double whip Oleg into the bare buckles! Oleg hobbles forward, into a DOUBLE- NO! Oleg fights to DOUBLE SUPLEX them first! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, and Tanahashi is adamant about getting in!
Oleg isn’t sure about it, but he tags Tanahashi back! Tanahashi fires a strike fest on Evil, and goes an extra round before the SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up while Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Evil but the ref counts. Tanahashi is not stopping! He SHOVES the ref away! Tanahashi’s rage is getting the better of him as he UPPERCUTS Evil! Tanahashi goes corner to corner, runs back in, but Evil sends him into the ref! And then The House attacks again! Dick stomps away on Tanahashi while Evil recovers! The fans boo and tell Dick to go away!
Narita brings in chairs! Dick stomps Tanahashi more, and the House has all their favorite items! Dick has his Spoiler Choker, Narita with his pushup bar, Sho with the “Torture Tool,” Yujiro with the pimp cane, and Kanemaru with his whiskey bottle. The fans boo as Evil stands on Tanahashi’s face and The House closes in. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and Dick clamps on the SPOILER CHOKER! And then The House CLOBBERS Team Ace with all their weapons! Evil takes aim, but Tanahashi BOOTS him first! Tanahashi THROWS Dick away, but Evil JAMS him up! Tanahashi blocks the chair shot! Tanahashi kicks low, and he SMACKS away on Evil!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi breaks the chair on Evil’s back! Narita runs up, Tanahashi JAMS him first! And then he JAMS Yujiro! And he JAMS Kanemaru! And he JAMS Sho! Then Tanahashi uses the frame to SMACK Evil! The ref is back, he tells Tanahashi to stop, but Tanahashi shoves the ref again! Tanahashi’s rage explodes as he beats Evil down with the chair! Team Ace is DISQUALIFIED!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by disqualification
Tanahashi keeps beating Evil to serve justice, but Young Lions rush in and stop him! Evil writhes, but Tanahashi gets a new chair! Tanahashi SMACKS Evil again and again! His team isn’t even sure what to do, so they let him just BASH away on Evil! Tanahashi tells Evil this is what he gets! One more chair shot! AND THEN ANOTHER! Evil scrambles out of the ring, and Young Lions have to get in Tanahashi’s way to stop the beating! Tanahashi drops the chair to grab the mic, and he shouts, “EVIL, YOU BASTARD! Shut up about my retirement! Oi, oi, you want me to leave so badly? I get it. You want it a year earlier, huh?
“Then in our match on January 4th, I’ll put my career on the line right then!!” The fans are shocked, but Evil says good! And there’s no going back now that he said it! But Tanahashi adds that Evil won’t be able to rely on his goons! It will be a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Now YOU remember that!! Team Ace and The House will wage war once again in the Tokyo Dome! And given Evil only won tonight because Tanahashi lost his cool, will Tanahashi dish out his final justice?
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
Zack Sabre Jr. took the pin when he and Ryohei Oiwa faced Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament, so an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match is set for WrestleKingdom! Will the Roughneck burn The Front Man again with the help of Funky Sauce? Or will we see even now that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and after Shota stares at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his paper replica to compare, he steps up to the champ. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get this WK19 preview. Shota and ZSJ stare down, the fans rally up, and it sounds pretty even between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Shota and ZSJ get their fans even more fired up, and then the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench. Shota wrenches back and he WRINGS ZSJ out! ZSJ UPKICKS, and the two reset. The fans cheer and the two circle again. Shota avoids a leg pick but ZSJ avoids an enzigiri!
Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, then spins ZSJ to underhook! ZSJ flips that but Shota fights the scoop! ZSJ avoids the uppercut but Shota blocks the uppercut! Shota wants the backslide but ZSJ spins that around, only for Shota to arm-drag! But ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free and the fans cheer the standoff! Shota dares ZSJ to take the leg, but ZSJ just pushes the foot away. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, but then each man kicks a knuckle lock apart. ZSJ and Shota back off, and ZSJ dares Shota to bring it. Shota steps back up, they go forehead to forehead, and then ZSJ offers a free shot.
Shota says no, the champ should take the free shot. ZSJ decides to tag in Oiwa instead. Shota says fine, and he tags Taguchi. The fans rally as Taguchi and Oiwa circle. They tie up, Oiwa headlocks, but Taguchi pries the hold. Oiwa clamps on tighter but Taguchi fires body shots. Taguchi powers up and out, but Oiwa runs him over! Things speed up, Taguchi hurdles and DROPKICKS Oiwa down! Cover, TWO! Fujita slides in but Zayne intercepts! Zayne kicks the Japanese Young Punk and then throws him out! Funky Sauce double whip Oiwa to then BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Oiwa.
Taguchi HIP DROPS Oiwa again and again, then uses the ropes to go up, out, and slingshot back in, but he hip drops onto Oiwa’s knees! Taguchi hobbles away and Oiwa storms up to whip. Taguchi reverses, runs up, but Oiwa pops him up onto the top rope! Taguchi is stuck right on the Funky Weapon! The ref checks but Oiwa SHAKES the ropes! Taguchi suffer, then he slowly tilts to one side! Oiwa gut wrenches Taguchi off the ropes! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the butt! Then he UPPERCUTS the butt again! And again! Taguchi falls over and ZSJ tags Fujita. Taguchi backstrokes towards his corner, but Fujita stomps him down!
Fujita drags Taguchi up, CHOPS him, then whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up and CHOPS again! Fujita snapmares Taguchi to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS back! Fujita runs, Taguchi jumps, but Fujita CHOPS the hip attack! Taguchi hobbles away while Fujita says he’s too smart for that. Fujita runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Hot tag to Zayne and he fires forearms on Fujita! Zayne whips, hip tosses, then STANDING MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up while Zayne brings Fujita up.
Zayne fires more elbows, then a mule kick! Zayne runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Fujita goes to a corner, Zayne runs in, but Fujita BOOTS him away! Fujita hops up but Zayne comes back to JUMPING DRAGON RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne storms over to Fujita. Zayne scoops and B AJA BLASTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but the fans rally behind Zayne. Zayne brings Fujita up, straitjackets, but Fujita fights free to CHOP! Zayne BOOTS! Fujita kicks but Zayne ducks! Fujita rolls off Zayne’s back and runs to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Zayne crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota!
The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS Shota, and Shota ROCKS ZSJ! Shota eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS in return! They UPPERCUT back and forth, harder and harder! The fans rally as they now go faster and faster! ZSJ gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Shota roars! Shota UPPERCUTS again and again, ZSJ roars, but Shota UPPERCUTS him down! Shota hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays fired up! Shota clinches ZSJ but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ goes for the arm but Shota waistlocks. ZSJ spins around to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!
Shota endures and stays on his feet, even as ZSJ has the body scissors! The fans duel as ZSJ thrashes, but Shota powers through to suplex ZSJ up and over! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Shota rises, then he brings ZSJ up to dragon sleeper. ZSJ spins and PELES the arm! But Shota blocks a roundhouse to PELE! But ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans rally more! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but ZSJ tags in Oiwa! Oiwa runs in at the corner to DROPKICK! Oiwa has the single leg but Shota fights off the suplex! Oiwa swings but Shota clinches, so now Oiwa fights free!
Shota ROCKS Oiwa, spins, but Oiwa ROCKS Shota! Oiwa runs, into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi calls to Zayne and then BLASTS Fujita! Funky Sauce whips Oiwa to a corner, then Zayne sends Taguchi in. HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes up, Zayne RANAS Oiwa into the butt! Backslide, roll through, KETSUYE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Taguchi signals for that. Taguchi and Zayne use the power of Strong Style, and then “ITADAKIMAAAS~!” Oiwa stands, into a DOUBLE HIP ATTACK SANDWICH! Cover, Fujita breaks it!
Zayne ROCKS Fujita, he and Taguchi double whip, but Fujita ducks the lariats to shove Zayne into Taguchi! Zayne blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Shota dropkicks Fujita’s legs! ZSJ BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, but ZSJ BOOTS him again! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ flounders away and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota tells Taguchi to finish it off, and Taguchi runs at Oiwa! And he sliding kicks! Oiwa tumbles, Taguchi grabs the leg to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Oiwa endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Oiwa gets up to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oiwa fires up and he brings Taguchi around. Oiwa whips, then clamps on a SLEEPER! But Taguchi slips right out! Taguchi has the headlock, but Oiwa slips out to hit a BIG atomic drop! Taguchi hobbles and Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Taguchi flails but he’s fading already! The fans rally and Oiwa spins Taguchi, for THE GRIP!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
The Mullet gets the better of The Funky Weapon, but Shota still dares ZSJ to go for the leg. ZSJ ignores Shota’s bait and just gives him the paper belt. “This is the closest you’ll get to the effin’ title.” ZSJ SLAPS Shota with it! Shota says don’t be rude to the kids! A fan made that for him. Shota dusts off the paper belt, and claims that he’s gonna get the real deal soon enough. ZSJ says yeah, sure. ZSJ will make Shota a real nice toy belt himself so he can keep dreaming. ZSJ mockingly puts something together using his old wrist tape! Shota says wow, thanks. With not even a month left, who will win out when the real belt is on the line?
2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
It’s the moment of truth as The Mad Man & Cold Blooded take on The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tag titles given Henare’s knee injury, but for right now, it’s time to answer one question: Who will be the 2024 World Tag League Champions?
As Naito enters the ring, Gabe stays right at the center, but Naito completely ignores him. Then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, as always, but Gabe and Sanada both stay calm. Gabe paces but Sanada keeps his eyes closed. Hiromu fires up Kumamoto and Naito finally does away with the pants. The teams finally sort out, and Gabe eggs on “the Junior.” Hiromu grins, then he fist bumps Naito, and yes, it seems Hiromu and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion will start! The bell rings and both men run in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but it’s Hiromu who falls! Hiromu gets up to CHOP, but Gabe CHOPS!
The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth already! Hiromu backs down, but for only a moment! Hiromu CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Hiromu backs down again. Gabe eggs him on so Hiromu CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again! Hiromu clutches his chest but he CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again, then braces himself. The CHOPS keep going, then they get forehead to forehead. Gabe winds up to CHOP! Hiromu drops back, and Gabe kicks at him. Gabe eggs Hiromu on so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe spins to CHOP! Hiromu backs down, but runs up to LARIAT!
Gabe stays up, so he and Hiromu both run, but to take out Naito and Sanada! Then Hiromu runs up to kick Gabe low! Hiromu CLUBS Gabe, CHOPS, and Gabe feels that one. Hiromu whips, Gabe reverses, and Sanada gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but the War Dogs double whip. Hiromu grabs ropes to stop, and Naito runs in! Naito CLOBBERS Sanada and Hiromu kicks Gabe! LIJ mugs Gabe then double whips, to DOUBLE CHOP! Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Gabe flounders away while the fans cheer. Hiromu tags Naito and Naito storms up on Gabe.
Naito CLUBS Gabe again and again, then snapmares for a chinlock. Gabe endures the knee in his back, even as Naito digs it in deeper. Naito then shifts to have a headscissors! Naito pushes up to put on the pressure, but Gabe still endures. Naito lets Gabe go and Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu assures Red Shoes it isn’t what he thinks, but then Naito bumps Gabe off Hiromu’s boots! It WAS what it looked like! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands, and Naito tags in Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS Gabe to a corner, then CHOPS again! Naito joins in and they double whip Gabe corner to corner. Gabe comes back, Naito drops down and Hiromu CROSBODIES!
Sanada storms in but Hiromu CROSSBODIES! Hiromu goes out and chases down Gabe, CROSSBODY! Hiromu keeps moving, and Naito sets Sanada up for the CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he goes back to the ring. Gabe storms around in frustration, then pushes his way to No Man’s Land. He eggs Hiromu on, so here he comes! But Sanada was lurking! He attacks first, then sends Hiromu into chairs! Naito and Gabe brawl, and Naito CLUBS Gabe around. Fans are told to move aside, and Naito whips. Gabe reverses and he BOWLS Naito into chairs! Not quite a strike but Gabe just flips off the fans.
Sanada is beating Hiromu down somewhere in the upper deck, and Gabe drags Naito back up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Naito, but Hiromu fights back against Sanada! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s face! Hiromu stops the suplex, then suplexes Sanada! Sanada fights that, and he CLAWS Hiromu’s face again! As for Gabe, he BITES Naito’s forehead, then SMACKS him down! At least they’re at ringside. But then Gabe looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! Gabe sets the table up, but Naito fires forearms on Gabe! Gabe SMACKS Naito again! Gabe hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB through the table!!
The fans go wild as Gabe looms over Naito. Gabe slides in and mocks Naito’s pose! The fans are torn but most boo. Red Shoes reprimands Gabe, and it seems Sanada has retuned to ringside, with Hiromu somewhere in the crowd. A ring count starts, but Gabe SPITS at Naito! The count is 7 of 20 and the spotlight shows Hiromu is still so far away! We pass 10, then 12! Hiromu hobbles at 15 and he’s finally in the aisle! Hiromu runs and slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Gabe drags Hiromu up. Gabe CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, then CHOPS again! And then JABS! Tag to Sanada and he CLAWS Hiromu’s back while Gabe talks trash on Naito.
The fans rally for Hiromu but Sanada stomps him in a corner. Sanada digs his boot in, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. Sanada drags Hiromu up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe quickly runs Hiromu back to the back of the crowd and up the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Hiromu with a straight right hand! Then SMACKS him again! Hiromu flops over and Gabe leaves him behind again. The ring count returns while Hiromu sputters. The fans cheer Hiromu on as he’s up, but he’s still so far away at 10! Then 15! Hiromu returns at 18 to slide in at 19.5!! Sanada is on Hiromu, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! But Naito isn’t at the corner!
Sanada tags Gabe and he stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe drags Hiromu up. The fans rally for Hiromu, but Gabe whips him hard into the corner! Gabe eggs Hiromu on, saying he’s not “Despy” or Douki. Hiromu rises up to CHOP! Gabe snarls but Hiromu CHOPS again! Hiromu roars and he CHOPS! Gabe finally wobbles, but he keeps Hiromu from Naito! Gabe throws Hiromu down by his hair, then he WRECKS Naito with a dropkick! Gabe mocks the tranquilo and the fans boo. Gabe tags Sanada and the War Dogs bring Hiromu up. The fans rally but the War Dogs double whip, only for Hiromu to DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Hiromu crawls, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from Naito! Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, and a punch! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Sanada runs but Hiromu bolts for the corner! Hot tag to Naito! Naito kicks and fires off on Sanada, but Gabe CLUBS him! The War Dogs double whip, but Naito reverses to send Sanada away! Then he sends Gabe into Sanada! Gabe falls, Naito dodges Sanada to arm-drag! And ELBOW! Naito keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! Gabe ROCKS Naito! Gabe whips, Naito reverses and runs up to ELBOW him down! Sanada runs up but is sent into the corner! Naito blocks boots to put Sanada in ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!
Naito hurries to stand Sanada up, turn him, and stall for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Naito does the pose himself. Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that but Naito drags him up. Naito dragon sleepers for another NECKBREAKER, and then it’s the LEG HOOK NELSON! Sanada endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and Sanada kicks around. Naito puts on more pressure, but Sanada has the ROPEBREAK! But of course Naito claims he needs a little help. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets the hold go, and he brings Sanada to a corner. Naito drags Sanada up, reel shim in, but Sanada stops Esperanza! So Naito BOOTS him!
Naito whips corner to corner but Sanada goes up and out, and even to the floor! Naito slides out but Sanada goes to the apron. Naito hurries back up, but Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Naito up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada tags Gabe. Gabe drags Naito up, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! HEADBUTTS! Repeat! Gabe wobbles a bit, but he rolls back and returns to LARIAT! Then SAIDO! Naito gets flung, Gabe hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Gabe drags Naito right up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Gabe seethes. The fans rally for Naito as hard as they can, which annoys Gabe.
Gabe drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Naito but still Naito fights! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Naito’s back, then powers through! But Naito powers out and throws those heavy back elbows! Gabe SPITS at Naito! Naito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe rebounds, Naito dodges, tilt-o-whirl CRADLE! TWO!! Gabe SMACKS Naito, reels him in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Hiromu SUPERKICKS him first! Sanada DROPKICKS Hiromu! Naito dropkicks Sanada’s legs! But Gabe KNEES Naito down! Hiromu fireman’s carries Gabe! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Sanada runs up, into a wrench and FACLON ARROW!
Sanada flounders out and Hiromu brings Gabe over to Naito! BOOSTED TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito brings Gabe back up! Wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, SANADA YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo Sanada but he just soaks up the heat. Hiromu goes to the apron and he CROSSBODIES Sanada down! Hiromu helps Red Shoes up, Naito wrenches Gabe again, DESTIN- NO! TOMBSTONE!! Gabe and Naito are down and the fans rally even harder! There is some dueling in here, but the “GABU! GABU!” is still overwhelmed by the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Both men stir while Red Shoes returns.
Gabe clutches his neck while rolling away from Naito. Naito changes course and rolls for his corner, hot tags to Sanada and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Sanada’s boot but Sanada blocks the lariat! Dragon sleeper, but Hiromu spins that around! Sanada fights the suplex so Hiromu dropkicks a leg out! Hiromu KICKS and fireman’s carries, and flips Sanada into the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins that around, but Hiromu fights a suplex! Hiromu suplexes but Sanada slips free to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! Hiromu endures but Sanada drops back into the body scissors! The fans rally and Hiromu fights around!
Sanada squeezes as tight as he can and Hiromu is fading! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu faintly comes back to life, but Sanada goes to his old ways! Sanada goes up and up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself and the fans rally up! Hiromu feeds off the energy to fire back up. Hiromu runs to HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the lariat, but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER still finds him! Fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Hiromu grows frustrated. The fans rally up behind him and Hiromu drags Sanada up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Sanada slips free.
Sanada waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Sanada grabs at Red Shoes, Red Shoes gets away, and Hiromu avoids the low blow kick! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Sanada, then runs, but Sanada slips around! Sanada shoves Hiromu at Red Shoes and Red Shoes almost ends up falling out of the ring! Sanada whips Hiromu to POP-UP LOW BLOW! And then O’CONNER BRIDGE!! Cover, NAITO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! Naito returns the favor and grins at Sanada. Gabe storms in with a chair! Naito runs and shoves Hiromu out of harm’s way! Naito then dodges Gabe to POP-UP LOW BLOW!! Another bit of returning the favor!
The fans are thunderous as Gabe writhes and rolls out of the ring. Naito drags Sanada up, Hiromu helps, BOOSTED TORNADO- NO! Sanada slips free, but Naito sends him into a SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he fireman’s carries Sanada, for the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and shocks everyone! Hiromu roars and the fans are with him! Hiromu clinches in a dragon sleeper, but Gabe BITES Hiromu’s face! Gabe DECKS Naito, then he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS , and CHOPS! Gabe just UPPERCUTS!
Gabe scoops and SLAMS Hiromu, then goes up the corner! MAD MAN MOONSAULT! Gabe calls to Sanada to get Hiromu, and Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Sanada is furious!! Red Shoes defends his count and the fans are electric for Hiromu! Gabe reels Hiromu in, PILEDRIVER!! Feed to the DEAD- NO, Naito CLUBS Sanada! Naito dodges Gabe, comes back, DESTINO!!! SHINING WIZARD from Sanada!! Sanada hauls Hiromu up but Hiromu pump-handles! HIROMU-CHAN CRA- NO! SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada roars, fans are torn, but he drags Hiromu up.
Sanada clinches, DEAD- NO, Hiromu slips free, wrenches, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE!!! LIJ WINS!!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2024 Champions)
Sanada cannot believe it, but Kumamoto absolutely loves it!! The War Dogs tore through A Block, but it was the team that survived the extra Triple Threat match that takes the whole thing! What does this mean for the combination of Gabe and Sanada in the future? Is there a future for them?
As for LIJ, Naito drags himself into the ring, crawls over to Hiromu, and master and student hug it out! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and LIJ sets them side by side before they stand back up. Naito gets his hat back on while Hiromu rests on the mat again. And after a little water to refresh themselves, Naito gets the mic. “Buenas noches, KUMAMOTOOOO~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “The way things work, it should be Hiromu, the main event winner, on the mic right now. But it looks like he took some damage. In that case, I’ll say my part first.” The fans applaud that.
Naito thanks all the fans that came out to the Grand Messe Kumamoto for the WTL Finals. “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer that, and Naito adds that he won the main event here back in April of 2018. He sent a message to all the fans here that night. Does anyone remember what he said about “having the courage to take that step?” The fans applaud as it seems they do. Naito says, “Make no mistake, we won the World Tag League thanks to Hiromu.” The fans applaud again, and even chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Naito says that Hiromu’s refusal to give up under any circumstance made Naito feel he had to take that step, too.
“And that step brings me to that singles match we were set to have before the pandemic.” Fans are intrigued hearing that. Naito says how about doing it January 4th in the Tokyo Dome? The fans cheer for Hiromu in support of that idea. Hiromu takes the mic now and asks if it takes Naito that long to take a step. The fans chuckle, and Hiromu stands. Hiromu says thanks to that, they were able to enter WTL and win it all. Hiromu thanks Naito for that, both arigato and gracias. The fans applaud, and Hiromu reviews the idea: January 4th, WrestleKingdom, Naito VS Hiromu. “The answer is, of course…! Let’s do it.”
The fans cheer as the match is now set! Hiromu thanks Naito for letting him know this is how he felt! “It’s important to say what we feel, isn’t it? Everyone, do you have something you want to say as well? It could to a friend, a lover, a parent, a teacher, a senpai, a kouhai! I’m reminded once again how important it is to share what we are feeling. Naito-san, do you mind if I tell you something, too?” The fans are again intrigued. “Naito-san, thank you for teaching me how to be a wrestler!” Hiromu bows and the fans applaud. Hiromu then says January 4th can’t come soon enough! “Everyone, we only live once, so enjoy it to the fullest!”
First, think of the life you wanna live, and then enjoy it to the fullest! And during that time, if pro-wrestling can bring you even a bit of joy, Hiromu will be satisfied! So then, let’s have more… The fans echo back, “Moto!” Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO fun in life enjoying pro-wrestling together~! The confetti goes off as the WTL winners must take a different route for WrestleKingdom. Will it be teacher or student who proves themselves the better man in the Tokyo Dome?
My Thoughts:
An awesome finale to WTL 2024, even with a lot of the other matches just kind of filler since there weren’t tag titles to be defended here and a lot of WrestleKingdom 19 stuff to be set up. I made sure to do the 10 Man Tag because it of course fed Tanahashi VS Evil, but I certainly didn’t see it happening that way. Tanahashi going wild because of all the frustration he has with Evil was some great stuff, and a Lumberjack match is a great move so that Tanahashi’s allies, aka all of The House of Torture’s enemies, are gonna be ringside with them. But moving up the retirement stipulation is a shock. Was saying 2026 would be when Tanahashi retires just a smokescreen so this would be more shocking? Or is this the smokescreen to put more drama on a match we’re pretty sure Tanahashi still wins?
The Six Man Tag of TMDK VS Shota & Funky Sauce was really good, and a really good win for Oiwa there. This was all still just secondary to building heat on Shota and ZSJ, but it was rather funny for Shota to have that paper (and I think soft foam?) belt and ZSJ mocking him with the wrist tape. If Shota ends up winning, I think NJPW is guilty of making him their “Super Cena,” their “Cena Wins LOL” guy, and that’s a disservice to Shota and especially Zack. Zack needs to make it through a WK with that belt, let Shota fight his way back up through the New Japan Cup or something.
And awesome, incredible main event with the WTL finals. I figured Naito & Hiromu were winning, just because Gabe’s got his NJPW Strong title and the Kenny Omega match for that Tokyo Dome weekend. Not sure what it means for Sanada, but I don’t think he’s leaving War Dogs already (as funny as that would be). And I suppose with Henare’s knee in question, they’re just going to leave the Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match for another time. Naito VS Hiromu, the World Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ match we never got four years ago for the anniversary show, is a great move for WK19. There’s no place better than WK for a match like that, and they can’t wait on this match with Naito having said he’s getting closer and closer to retiring.
That said, maybe Hiromu wins to put him over and get him into that next level where he’s going for big titles. Granted, NJPW is literal about the “heavyweight” part of the World Heavyweight Championship, and I don’t know if Hiromu’s going to be able to pull off a 205+ frame. He’s already ~195, he’s already 35, but hey, maybe he can get a short reign in just so he can say he was on top of both weight classes in his career.
My Score: 9/10
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It’s an international edition of SmackDown, and MizTV!
With WWE starting a European tour, SmackDown lands in Barcelona, Spain, and the Hollywood A-Lister invites the American Nightmare onto the Most Must-See Talk Show in WWE, MizTV! What will the Undisputed WWE Champion have to say about his next challenge, John Cena?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga VS LA Knight, Jimmy Uso & Braun Strowman; Knight, Jimmy & Braun win.
- Charlotte Flair VS B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Damian Priest VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Priest wins, by disqualification.
- Randy Orton VS Carmelo Hayes; Orton wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS The Street Profits; win(s) and
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Barcelona is all fired up for the NEW WWE United States Champion, “YEAH!” The Mega Star takes a moment to hear all the cheers, then goes right to the ring to stand on the corner. The fans only get louder for “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Knight gets the mic, the fans cheer, and they even sing for “L A~, L A, L A, L A~!” Knight finally says, “YEAH!” The fans echo “YEAH!” so Knight says “YEAH!” “YEAH!” “LEMME TALK TO YA! Right now, you, me, everybody… Los todos… Right now, we’re making history.” “YEAH!” “You talking about the first SmackDown right here in Barcelona.” The fans cheer that!
The fans sing again, “L A~, L A, L A, L A~!” And think about that: the first SmackDown in Spain, and bah gawd, Knight is the US Champion, but BAH GAWD, he’s also worldwide! The fans cheer that, “You Deserve It!” Knight says while he appreciates that, he wants to get right down to business. It was way too long that he stood here without this championship. But finally, bah gawd, it’s back in the hands it should be, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” But then Jimmy Uso makes his way out here?! #BigJim has a mic of his own as he goes right to the ring, the fans cheer him on.
Jimmy says, “Once again, the US Championship is back with the Mega Star. I’m not out here to congratulate you, Uce, I’m out here to tell you… I’m desperate. Desperate. You see, my Road to WrestleMania is running short, Uce. Getting tired of these speedbumps. Tired of the detours popping up. And I figured it out: The only way to start my Road to WrestleMania is to challenge you, right here in Barcelona, for the US title!” The fans like the sound of that! But wait! SOLO SIKOA makes his way out here! And not only does he have Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga behind him, he has a mic in hand!
The fans boo but Solo says if there’s anybody that deserves a US title shot… That man should definitely be… Jacob Fatu! The fans cheer that! A couple weeks ago, Knight stole the pin, that’s why the title did not come home to the family. And oh, “Big brother Jimmy,” how you doing? Good to see you. Why don’t you step aside, since you’re the failure of the family. Jimmy says, “Failure? Uce, the biggest failure I’ve ever done was trust you as my little brother. Hey, not only that, bigger than that is you losing the ula fala to the OTC, Roman Reigns!” The fans cheer that, and they chant for the OTC.
Solo & Jacob step to the apron, but Jimmy & Knight storm up so they fall back. Tama jumps in from behind, VENOM DDT! Then they mug Knight 3v1! The fans boo but HERE COMES BRAUN! The Monster of All Monsters runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Tama, then he gets in the ring to UPPERCUT Jacob! And he DECKS Solo! Braun stomps away on Solo, the fans fire up, and then Knight CLOBBERS Tama! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Solo! Knight ROCKS Jacob, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Jacob, and then Braun LARIATS Jacob up and out! The fans fire up as Knight, Jimmy & Braun stand together, but here comes Nick Aldis!
Aldis says he likes where this is going. He likes that everyone is looking for a fight, and likes that it is three and three. So Barcelona, what do you say to a Six Man Tag? And that starts right now! The fans are thunderous already, but will Solo’s Bloodline survive the Mega Star, #BigJim AND #OneBigSOB?
Six Man Tag: Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga VS LA Knight, Jimmy Uso & Braun Strowman!
SmackDown returns and Knight ROCKS Tama! Tama backs off, Solo tags in, so Knight tags in #BigJim. The fans fire up but Solo kicks Jimmy low. Solo bumps Jimmy off buckles, fires hands, then sits Jimmy down. The fans boo Solo but Solo tells them to shut up. Solo whips, Jimmy goes up and over to UPPERCUT! And CHOP! And CHOP! CHOP! Then Jimmy climbs to rain down fists! The fans count all the way to OCHO before Tama runs up! Jimmy CLOBBERS Tama, BLASTS Jacob for good measure, then UPPERCUTS Solo! Solo catches Jimmy to an URENAGE! The fans boo but Solo roars. Solo then stalks Jimmy to ropes.
Solo CHOKES Jimmy on the ropes, the ref counts, and Solo backs off. Tama sucker punches Jimmy! The fans boo but then Solo tags in Jimmy. The fans do cheer Jacob as he SENTONS onto Jimmy! Jacob is geeked up already, and he drags Jimmy over. Tag to Tama and Tama slingshot SENTONS! Fans join in on “YEHYEHYEHYEH!” and then Tama tags Solo back in. The fans boo as Tama and Solo mug Jimmy. Solo looms over Jimmy, taunts his brother and watches him go to a corner. The fans rally, Solo runs corner to corner, and HIP ATTACKS! Jimmy sputters, Solo fires up, but the fans boo again. Solo looms over Jimmy and talks trash.
Solo CLUBS Jimmy down, tags Jacob in, and Jacob clamps onto Jimmy. The fans rally for Jimmy as he endures the claws in his shoulders. Jimmy fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, and Jacob wobbles. Jacob blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy crawls while the fans rally up. Jacob gets in Jimmy’s way, but Jimmy leaps past to hot tag Knight! Knight LARIATS Jacob and fires off haymakers, “YEAH!” Jacob whips Knight to a corner, then runs up, but Knight dodges! JUMPING NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Knight scoops, but Jacob slips free! Jacob shoves, scoops, but Knight slips free! Kick and DDT! Cover, ONE!?!
Jacob SUPERKICKS Knight, then runs up to LARIAT! Knight falls and goes to a corner. Jacob talks trash, the fans are torn, but Jacob HEADBUTTS Knight! Jacob runs corner to corner but Knight dodges! Jacob hits buckles and falls back! Knight goes up, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up and Knight waits on Jacob, but Solo distracts him and the ref! The ref says to stand down, but Tama gets a cheap shot in! Jacob BODY CHECKS Knight! Braun protests but Knight is down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob snarls, then he tags in Tama. They mug Knight, Tama SPLASHES, then Tama rains down fists! Tama looms over Knight, drags him up and bumps him off buckles before firing fast hands! Tama slithers and goes corner to corner, to STINGER SPLASH! Knight falls and Tama stomps him! Tag to Solo and Solo swaggers over. Solo stomps Knight’s hand, mocks Knight spelling it out, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight backs Solo up, whips, but Solo reverses! Knight crashes hard into buckles and Solo is all geeked up now! Solo goes to Knight, talks trash on him, then brings him up to whip him and ELBOW him! Cover, TWO!
Knight stays in this but Solo stays on him. Solo drags Knight up to wrench and tag Tama. They mug Knight, Tama fires body shots and has Knight against the ropes. Tama snapmares Knight, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Knight crawls but Tama drags him back. Tag to Jacob and Jacob FALLING HEADBUTTS! And FALLING HEADBUTTS! And FALLING HEADBUTTS again! Jacob stays between Knight and his corner as he drops another FALLING HEADBUTT! Jacob then puts Knight in a corner, runs corner to corner, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob is all geeked out again, and he tags Solo in.
Solo rains down fists in the corner as SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally for Knight but Solo soaks up the heat. Solo runs in, but Knight dodges the hip attack! Solo hobbles from hitting buckles, and he hurries to drag Knight up. Back suplex, but Knight lands out, and he hits as BIG back suplex! Both men are down and Barcelona fires up! Solo and Knight crawl, hot tag to Tama! Tama drags Knight back, Knight BOOTS him away! Hot tag to Braun! Braun rallies on Tama, on Jacob, and then TOSSES Solo out! Braun BOOTS Tama out of the ring, and the fans are thunderous! Braun gets the Strowman Express on track!
Braun CLOBBERS Solo, CLOBBERS Jacob, and CLOBBERS Tama! The fans are thunderous as Knight then WRECKS Solo with a dropkick! And Jimmy DIVES onto Jacob! Jacob is sent over the desk! Braun puts Tama in the ring, runs and SPLASHES in a corner! Then a scoop and MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Braun’s team wins!
Winner: LA Knight, Jimmy Uso & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
But then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Braun! But Knight SMACKS Solo off steel steps! And he LARIATS Solo over barriers! Knight is after Solo in the crowd, but Jacob sees Braun and Jimmy are prime for the picking! SUPERKICK on Jimmy! Then a BODY CHECK on Braun! The Samoan Werewolf HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Then he goes to the corner, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! But Jacob isn’t done, he goes up again for another BEST MOONSAULT EVER! #AllGasNoBrakes, and the fans are fired up for Jacob as he goes back up! A third BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Jacob & Tama regroup, but what about Solo?
Wait, Jacob sees Braun get out of the ring! Jacob runs back down and CLOBBERS Braun through barriers!! The fans lose their minds as the Samoan Werewolf may have just demolished the Monster of All Monsters! Will Jacob be the one to take that United States Championship for his own, just as Solo said?
Exclusive sit-down interview with Jade Cargill.
Cathy Kelley met with The Storm before the show began, and Cathy thanks her for taking this interview, her first since the nearly career ending attack at the hands of a former friend in Naomi. How have these last few months been for her? And where is she physically and emotionally? Physically, she’s okay, she’s ready to go. After Elimination Chamber and SmackDown, seeing Naomi cry about all of her struggles as if she is the victim… “How pathetic, thinking that I needed to use anyone to get to where I’m going. As if I needed a handout. Naomi thought she could dictate what I deserve. How is that working out for her right now?”
Cathy says there is clearly a lot of emotions going on right now. Not to harp on Naomi, but everyone wants to know, how did Jade know it was Naomi? And why didn’t Jade alert anyone to that fact sooner? Jade takes a breath, and then says all she can recall from that night is being hit from the back and being thrown onto a car. Then as everything grew dark, seeing Naomi running away… That was her big sis, her best friend. They were The Big 3. Naomi didn’t just attack Jade physically. She attacked Jade’s integrity, her loyalty, her heart. How can you trust anyone after that? And then to see Bianca tag with Naomi as if nothing ever happened…
Jade knew then she’d have to take things into her own hands. But she will admit, Naomi get one thing right: She should’ve pushed Jade harder. Wait, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez are interrupting as they pass by. Cathy asks them to please be considerate but Liv says she doesn’t care. Jade tells them this is not the time. Liv says remember this the next time something happens, because she and Raquel got blamed for it all! Jade says Liv better be thankful she’s holding those titles, because Jade is back, and she promises Liv & Raquel will lose them and never get them back! Oh, is that what Jade thinks? Hilarious.
Well, since Jade is a joke to Liv, Jade doesn’t need a title to take down that ass! See you next week! Liv says fine. Just don’t get thrown onto a car between now and then. Judgment Day laughs their way out, Jade storms off, will Liv & Raquel quickly regret stirring up the Storm?
B-Fab walks ‘n’ talks.
“Barcelona~! <I love the vibe, I love the ambiance, and I love all the love for the WWE.> And for Charlotte, for your sake, I hope you haven’t slept on me. Because I know you’ve accomplished a lot here in the WWE. But like I said, I’m here to build my own legacy. And if my legacy has to start with you, that’s perfect for me. And you know why? Because that’s just how it B. No se nos pronto, adios.” B-Fab is fabulous in any language, but will she pull off an upset that’s universal?
Charlotte Flair VS B-Fab!
SmackDown returns and The Queen of Flair makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. Charlotte stretches with the ropes, then circles with B-Fab. Charlotte smiles as she and B-Fab tie up, and they go around. Charlotte puts B-Fab in the corner, lets off with a pat on the shoulder, and the fans sing for Charlotte. Charlotte and B-Fab reset, tie up again, and they’re in a deadlock. But then Charlotte powers B-Fab back to then arm-drag her away! B-Fab gets up but Charlotte runs her over! Charlotte flexes, the fans are torn, but Charlotte brings B-Fab up. Charlotte CHOPS, the fans “WOO~,” and Charlotte CHOPS again!
Charlotte CHOPS B-Fab to ropes, then brings her around to the ropes. B-Fab dodges the chop to wrench and HOOK KICK! Charlotte staggers away, B-Fab runs up and LARIATS! B-Fab hurries to hook Charlotte up, BOOKEND! Cover, ONE!! Charlotte is tougher than that, and she bails out, but B-Fab eggs her on while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Charlotte drags B-Fab up to snapmare and headscissor! Charlotte hits the HEADSCISSOR DRILLER! She sticks out her tongue to taunt everyone, then she THROWS B-Fab around with the headscissors again and again! Then Charlotte kips up and stands tall. The fans are torn, but Charlotte drags B-Fab to a drop zone. Fans taunt Charlotte with “TIFFY TIME!” and then B-Fab BOOTS her into the buckles! Charlotte is a little dazed, but she storms back up on B-Fab. Charlotte pie faces B-Fab, shoves her around, but B-Fab gets mad! B-Fab blocks a slap to fire haymakers! The fans fire up as B-Fab ROCKS CHarlotte again an dgain!
B-Fab whips Charlotte to a corner, then RAMS into her! B-Fab reels Charlotte in to snap suplex! Charlotte flounders away, the fans fire up for B-Fab, and she runs in, HOOK KICK! B-Fab fires up, the fans are with her, and she whips corner to corner. Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS B-Fab away, then storms in as fans “WOO~!” But B-Fab BOOTS Charlotte! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and B-Fab be frustrated. But B-Fab drags Charlotte up, waistlocks, but Charlotte fights the lift. Charlotte goes to the ropes to buck the O’Conner, and then she SUPERKICKS!? Charlotte brings that outta nowhere, tot hen hit NATURAL SELECTION!
Charlotte says, “Bow down, baby!” Charlotte grabs B-Fab’s legs, steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into the FIGURE EIGHT! B-Fab endures, but she can’t get away, she TAPS! Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But Charlotte holds onto the hold! The ref reprimands, other refs come out here to tell Charlotte to stop, but “It’s Tiffy Time!” The fans cheer as the WWE Women’s Champion rushes out here! She and Charlotte scrap on the mat and Barcelona is fired up for Tiffy Time! Security hurries out here but the fans boo! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Tiff and Charlotte are separated, but then Charlotte throws hands on the guards! She gest free to CLOBBER Tiffy! They scrap inside the scrum of guards, and again these two are separated! The fans sing some Seven Nation Army as Charlotte storms up again!
Tiff drops down, and she drags Charlotte out of the ring! Tiff and Charlotte scrap again, producers are now in the mix, and these two are separated again. Fans are on Team Tiffy here, and she gets loose to LEAP off the steel steps! Down goes Charlotte! Charlotte is now in retreat, but then she gets on the announce desk! FLYING AX HANDLE onto Tiffany! The fans fire up as Charlotte rains down elbows! “This is Awesome!” as Charlotte and Tiff are separated again. Tiff stands tall in the ring, but then she goes up top! Tiffy SUPER SWANTONS onto everyone!! That’s like a strike in bowling! And then Tiff rains down more strikes on Charlotte’s head!
Security pulls these two part yet again, and both women are seething! Tiff and Charlotte are two sides of the same coin, but who will win the jackpot in Las Vegas?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
“For the longest time, I was so focused on the individuals right in front of me. Then I realized, somebody was benefitting from every single time I got screwed. April 7th, 2024, WrestleMania 40, Drew McIntyre defeats Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. A moment four years in the making, a moment absolutely perfect, ’til it wasn’t. I was assaulted from behind, Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, robbing me of my moment. But it doesn’t end there, does it? No, June 15th, Clash at the Castle, my home country, a moment more perfect than perfect until it wasn’t once again.
“Screwed once again, and that vulture picked the bones once again. Fast-forward one month, time to fight fire with fire. MITB, I win the MITB contract. I cash in, and I get screwed once again, and that parasite, that leech, Priest is there to capitalize. Even when you lost the title, you didn’t know how to succeed unless it was off my back. Which brings us to the Royal Rumble. My back was turned, eliminated thanks to Priest. Then Elimination Chamber, my last chance at the title, I Claymore John Cena, I’m about to pin the man who won the match, and Priest, you can’t help yourself, you steal it from behind, so I dropped your arse!
“You want my attention? You’ve got it. This isn’t about the world championships, you took that from me. Twice. This is about putting you down for good, so you can never take anything from me again.” The Scottish Terminator has a new target, will he destroy the Archer of Infamy? Or will that name live forever?
The Miz is here!
The Hollywood A-Lister goes to the ring, ready to host the first-ever international episode of his talk show from here in Barcelona! What will he ask his special guest, Cody Rhodes? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Miz has a mic in hand and a smirk on his face. WAIT! Tiff and Charlotte are back on stage brawling! Miz starts to say hello until he notices that, and then refs, security and producers rush back out! They do everything they can to keep these two apart, but it just isn’t enough! Charlotte KICKS low, then THROWS Tiff into road cases! Tiff is down, so the security all focuses on Charlotte. Wait, Tiff got up on TOP of the stage!? SUPER SWANTON again!! The fans lose their minds as Tiff is the last blonde standing! She even adds stomps on her way out! “This is Awesome!” and Miz agrees! What a way to start MizTV!
So with that being said, Miz says his introduction in Espanol as he welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, MizTV! His guest tonight should have taken Miz’s advice and taken The Rock’s offer. Instead, he got beat up by two great rappers: Travis Scott & John Cena. The fans boo those names, but Miz says this man will face John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, just like Miz. But not like Miz, this man will not beat John Cena. The fans boo more but Miz says ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the “self-proclaimed” quarterback of the WWE, The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up and sing Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!”
Cody gets his pyro, continues down the ramp and high-fives fans before joining Miz in the ring. Miz has the music stop before the second “Whoa” and Miz says he has no time for the singalong. It is time to ask the hard-hitting questions! He already got interrupted by Tiffy Time, so he- Cody kicks Miz low! And hits the RHODES UPPERCUT! And then a CROSS RHODES!! The fans fire up as Cody shuts Miz up and makes this CodyTV! The jacket comes off, Cody shows off his “Barcelona Nightmare” shirt, and says he doesn’t wanna talk to The Miz! He doesn’t wanna talk to anyone unless their name is JOHN CENA!
The fans fire up and Cody says if “you can find it worth your time to join us, John, on the Road to WrestleMania next Monday, just know, I’ll be there, too!” The fans fire up as Cody leaves it at that. We have three days to wait, will Cody and Cena bring the house down in Brussels, Belgium?
Nick Aldis talks with Shinsuke Nakamura.
The SmackDown General Manager reprimands the King of Strong Style for everything that happened last week, Nakamura misting a referee. It’s a good thing Charles Robinson is such a good guy, or this would be a real problem. Nakamura says he just wants his rematch. Nakamura is lucky he’s not suspended! Damian Priest walks over, and he asks where Drew is. Aldis says he doesn’t know, but he was told Drew left the building. Do with that what you will. Priest says of course. Not only is Drew a jackass, he’s also a smart one. Nakamura grumbles in Japanese and Priest asks if he has something to say.
Nakamura mouths off in Japanese but Priest has no idea what that means. But Priest will tell Nakamura something in a language everyone understands. Priest uses Espanol to tell Nakamura that he’s a jackass, and that he’s looking for a fight. Aldis admits he doesn’t really know what either guy said, but he gets what’s going on. If they want a fight, that he can do. Priest says that’s perfect. The Archer of Infamy wants the Scottish Warrior, but will he make an example of this sinister samurai?
Another force of nature is on the horizon.
Fire, thunder, lighting, wind… Who is it that will rise from the ashes?
Damian Priest VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as Priest revels in the cheers of Barcelona. The King of Strong Style makes his entrance, some fans sing along with the song, and the bell rings. The fans are torn as Priest and Nakamura circle. They tie up, Priest’s height advantage gives him leverage and he puts Nakamura in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off, and Nakamura slips away. The fans continue to rally as the two circle again. Nakamura waistlocks, Priest pries free to wrench, but Nakamura cartwheels, wrenches, and hammerlocks. Priest reaches back to headlock, but Nakamura pulls hair. Nakamura puts Priest in the corner, and then fires knees!
The fans rally and duel while Nakamura gives Priest BAD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura then kicks, kicks, but Priest catches the foot! Priest puts Nakamura in the corner for fast hands! The fans fire up, the ref counts, but Priest ROCKS Nakamura! Priest whips corner to corner, then he FLAPJACKS Nakamura down! The fans fire up and Priest runs to LARIAT Nakamura up and out! The fans fire up for Priest more while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Nakamura hits the SLIDING GERMAN! The fans fire up, Nakamura covers, TWO! Nakamura clamps onto Priest with a chinlock and chicken wing, and the fans rally up. Priest fights up, fires body shots, but Nakamura kicks low! Priest blocks the next kick but not the ENZIGIRI! The fans rally as Nakamura aims from a corner. Nakamura goes up, to FLYING- NO, Priest catches him for a FLATLINER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Priest rises, as does Nakamura, and the fans sing. Priest fires counter punches on Nakamura, then KICKS, KICKS, and ROLLING ELBOWS!
Priest winds up to DECK Nakamura! The fans fire up again and Priest aims from a corner. Priest runs up to ELBOW in the corner! And then a BROKEN ARROW! Nakamura bails out, the fans rally for “EL CAMPEON! EL CAMPEON!” Priest goes out and CLOBBERS Nakamura onto the desk! Priest drags Nakamura back into the ring, then drags him up. Priest knuckle locks, climbs up, and he goes Old School for a CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Nakamura slowly rises, Priest winds up, and he runs to COMEBACK- NO, Nakamura ducks, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Priest clasps hands fast but Nakamura CLUBS the grip apart!
Nakamura has the ARMBAR but Priest high stacks! TWO, and Nakamura fires a strike fest! Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest then ducks a kick to COMEBACKER LARIAT! The fans are thunderous as Priest brings down the straps! Priest aims at Nakamura, but DREW MCINTYRE is here! Drew taunts Priest, Nakamura rolls Priest up! TWO, Priest ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! And then “YAO~!” KINSHA- SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! But CLAYMORE! Drew is all after Priest!
Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification
The Scottish Terminator gives Priest the win, but now he throws off his jacket! Drew stands Priest up, but Priest fires hands in return! Drew shoves Priest, but Priest grabs Drew by the neck! Drew CLAWS Priest’s face! The thumbs get Priest in the eyes, and Nakamura KINSHASAS Priest down!! Scottish Warrior and Japanese King of Strong Style stand tall, and Drew just smirks. Nakamura leaves, and Drew rains down fists on Priest! The fans taunt Drew with chants of “C M PUNK!” but Drew has moved past him as he TOSSES Priest! Drew drags Priest up and THROWS him into barriers! And then he runs Priest into more barriers!
This isn’t over, as Drew grabs the steel steps! Drew hoists those over his head, then runs up to RAM Priest down! The ref tells Drew to stop it, the fans sing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” and the Scottish Terminator leaves, having done the damage. But then Priest rises up?! Drew is surprised himself, but he’s also furious! He pushes past the ref to get in and CLAYMORE!! Another shot and Priest is down! Drew tells Priest, “On sight, is it? I took only one opportunity! You screwed me this whole year, took advantage of every one of my moments! I have nothing now but making your life a living Hell!” Then Drew STOMPS Priest’s head!!
Priest writhes in agony while Drew finally leaves. Will this only be the beginning of the punishment for The Punisher?
Backstage interview with #DIY.
Cathy is with the WWE Tag Team Champions, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa. They have a massive defense against the Street Profits tonight, but what makes them so sure that they’re going to walk out of Barcelona still the champions? Ciampa answers that with a question: Why is SmackDown the greatest tag team division in all of wrestling right now? Because DIY is on top! All the other teams are trying to rise up to their level, Profits included. The Profits are the way they are thanks to DIY. DIY made them better, but The Profits are just not good enough. Second place is the story of the Profits.
They want the smoke? More like “We want to choke!” And tonight, Barcelona finds out what WWE already knows: The BTTITW is DIY! And one more question: How do you say, “Moment of silence,” in Espanol? Motor City Machine Gun steps in and Alex Shelley says nobody cares about DIY’s dumbass “moments of silence.” Just like Gargano didn’t care about 20 years of friendship just to secure the titles. Well the joke’s on DIY now, because the entire division is after them. You thought MCMG forgot about what DIY did to win the titles? Hell no! So just remember this: When you’re done with The Profits, there’s unfinished business here.
So go get ’em, guys! Good luck! Bye. MCMG sarcastically see DIY off, but will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins get the better of Johnny Wrestling & The Sicilian Psycho?
Backstage interview with Chelsea Green.
Well, Cathy is first with the “Secret Her-vice,” Piper Niven & Alba Fyre. Piper asks if Cathy has credentials. Chelsea says Cathy’s all clear. The Women’s US Champion steps in and Cathy brings up the Street Fight with Mia Yim and almost lost, if not for the newest member of her security detail. Chelsea stops Cathy there. Has she seen the injustice Chelsea has faced as our first-ever and most dangerous Women’s US Champion? She has been thrown into matches by Nicholas, she put her body in harm’s way against women like Michin no less, and so she did what any great leader would do when she has her back against the law: she brought out a secret weapon.
And now, the Green Administration is in full force! But then in steps Zelina Vega. Wow, Green Administration? Y’know what sounds better to her? #AndNEW Women’s US Champion, Zelina Vega! Piper steps up and says, “Hold up, Habanero. If you want to get to Chelsea, you’re gonna have to go through us.” Zelina says that’s fine by her, “Susia Squad.” Next week, Zelina VS Piper, and then Chelsea and her title are all Zelina’s. Bye~! La Muneca heads out, Piper & Alba already talk strategy. What won’t the Secret Her-vice do to protect the Hot Mess?
Randy Orton VS Carmelo Hayes!
The Viper has Barcelona singing along with Voices as he prepares to humble #H1M for his comments last week. If #MeloDon’tMiss, then will he not miss taking an RKO outta nowhere?
The bell rings and Melo says give it up for Randy Orton. The fans do cheer for Orton, and Melo wants a handshake with the living legend. Orton says hold on, hold on. Only if Melo means it. Melo says he does, so Orton reaches out, but then Melo slicks back his hair. Orton really should’ve known that was coming, he was mentored by the Dirtiest Player in the Game. Orton laughs it off at least. But then Melo shoves Orton! So Orton UPPERCUTS Melo! And bumps him off buckles! And then off more buckles! Orton then climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count along all the way to NUEVE, and Orton hops down to POST Melo! “OLE~!”
The fans cheer while Melo bails out, and Orton gives him a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Melo writhes, the fans cheer for vintage Randy Orton, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Melo has Orton in a headlock. Orton fires body shots, but Melo kicks low. The fans boo but Melo reels Orton in. Melo suplexes, but Orton blocks that! Orton suplexes, Melo slips free, and Melo CHOP BLOCKS! Then he SUPERKICKS! Orton falls, Melo covers, TWO! Melo is frustrated but the fans rally behind Orton. Melo drags Orton into a chinlock but Orton endures. Orton fights up, but Melo thrashes him and leans on the hold. Melo drops back into body scissors and he squeezes tight! Orton endures, the fans rally again, and Orton sits up. Orton fights to his feet, but Melo knees low!
Orton CLUBS Melo, CLUBS him, but Melo mule kicks! Melo whips, Orton bounces off buckles, and Orton LARIATS! The fans fire up as Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and LARIATS again! Then he dodges Melo to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Orton is feeling it now! Melo goes to the apron, Orton storms over, and Orton drags Melo in through the ropes! DRAPING- NO, Melo slips through, gets around, but Orton bucks the O’Conner! Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges, FADEAWAY JUMPER into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives that sudden slam dunk, and he goes back to the apron. Orton has Melo in the ropes again! DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up for Orton and he hears the voices! But Melo hears them, too, and he bails out! The fans boo but Orton just stalks Melo at the apron again. Orton drags Melo up, but Melo HOTSHOTS Orton! Orton staggers, drops to his knees, and Melo grins. Melo hurries up a corner, takes aim, NOTHING BUT- NO, Orton moves! But Melo kicks the legs out! Melo keeps moving, FADE AWAY JUMPER DDT! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives getting dunked on this time, but Melo vows to end this. The fans rally with “SI SE PUEDES!” for Orton while Melo climbs. Melo lines up the shot, but Orton ROCKS him first!
Melo and Orton brawl, Melo HEADBUTTS, but Orton fires haymaker after haymaker! The fans rally, Orton climbs, and Orton brings Melo up, SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Orton rises, the fans rally behind him, and he hears those voices again! Melo stirs, Orton waits, R K- NO! Melo powers out to FIRST- NO, no First 48! But Melo stops the RKO again to FIRST 48! But Orton just RKOS anyhow!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Melo hit most of his shots tonight, but Orton hit the game winner! But then Orton does help #H1M to his feet, and he offers a handshake. Melo pie-faces Orton! So RKO again!! Orton says he was showing respect, so how dare Melo disrespect him back. The fans want that one more time, so Orton lines up a different shot! KEVIN OWENS drags Melo to safety! So Orton just goes after Kevin! The fans fire up as Orton catches Kevin and fires hands! The Prizefighter staggers around, but then he POSTS Orton! Kevin runs away into the night, and Orton is seething. Will Kevin get an RKO all his own soon enough?
Solo’s Bloodline regroups backstage.
Solo says that’s what he’s talking about! Jacob took Braun out, Braun is not on his level! Tama says you know what time it is! Run the play! YEAH! Jacob tells Braun, “Let’s keep it 100! Dawg, you really thought you could get with me? Huh!? You really think you can touch this? Man, HELL NAW! Ey, lemme double back on this again. Remember, live from coast to coast, live from post to post, Braun, I’m about to dog walk yo ass! Next week, Braun, you and me, we about to run this thing back! YADADA MEAN!? FATUUU~!” Solo likes that! Will nothing stop the Samoan Werewolf and the Monster of All Monsters from destroying everything around them?
Gunther is here!
Der Ring General is here in Barcelona, but what does he have to say about his looming World Heavyweight Championship defense? We find out, after the break.
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Will the New Japan Cup stay tranquilo?
Another big night for the New Japan Cup as we have BIG men colliding! Can Boltin Oleg slay the Rampaging Dragon, Shingo Takagi?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Hiroshi Tanahashi, YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima VS Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima, Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano; Nagata, Kojima, Ishii & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS The United Empire; Hontai wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; War Dogs win, by disqualification.
- David Finlay & Gedo VS EVIL & Dick Togo; changed to…
- 12 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Just4Guys VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: TJP VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Moloney wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Boltin Oleg VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture!
Gabe Kidd and the boys owe Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Sho the beating of a lifetime. Not only did the House screw over the War Dogs in the tag match, they made sure the Mad Man lost in the tournament, by a count out! Will tonight be the night the House gets torn down? Or will they just have more tricks up their sleeves?
GABE ATTACKS FIRST! He goes right after Ren during the House’s entrance, and then Chase, Fale & Sanada go after the rest! The fans fire up as the brawl is on all over ringside! Gabe sends Ren into the wall, then back into the wall! Ren tumbles away, Fale is after Yujiro at ringside, and Sanada chases Sho through the crowd! Gabe rains down fists on Ren, then drags him up to bring him around the back. Ren is sent into the merch area! Sho runs away from Sanada, Yujiro turns things around on Fale, hard to tell where Chase and Kanemaru went. But Yujiro grabs a chair! Yujiro JAMS Fale up, but Gabe BOWLS Ren into chairs!
Sanada keeps chasing Sho down but Sho plays hide ‘n’ seek. Gabe drags Ren up, has more fans clear out, and then BOWS Ren into those seats! Sanada spots Sho and the chase is back on! Kanemaru attacks Gabe, but Gabe UPPERCUTS him! Fale sends Yujiro into commentary! Gabe has Ren in a headlock, and then whips him into the POST! Ren tumbles away again but Gabe keeps after him. Yujiro kicks Fale, Gabe puts Ren in the ring, and finally we get the bell! The fans fire up as Gabe storms up on Ren, smothers him in the corner, then fires forearm after forearm! The fans fire up but the ref counts. Gabe lets off to run corner to corner!
But then EVIL & DICK grab Gabe in the corner! They CHOKE Gabe!! The ref sees them and calls the match!
Winners: Bullet Club War Dogs, by disqualification
The King of Darkness hands Gabe the win, but that’s not what this is about anymore! Here comes Finlay & Gedo! There’s no waiting, time for their match now!
David Finlay & Gedo VS EVIL & Dick Togo!
The Rebel CLOBBERS Evil, stomps him out of the ring, and the fans bark it up! The House of Torture regroups on the outside while Finlay & Gedo storm around the ring. Gabe gets back up, the other War Dogs join them in the ring, and then Gabe gets a mic. “Oi, did you forget where we are? Did you little pussies forget where we are?! This is OSAKA! This is War Dog Country!” Gabe barks, Osaka barks with him, and Gabe says, “Did you think we were gonna let you escape? Narita, you little pr*ck! You think I’m gonna let you escape? NO! Roku ni, roku ni! Iku zo, konayarou!!” AKA, TWELVE Man Tag, ya jerks!
And so The House of Torture and the War Dogs brawl again! And yes, it IS a 12 Man Tag, as made official right now! The Bullet Club Civil War has truly begun, but who will walk away the winners?
12 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture!
The bell rings, Finlay and Evil CLAW at each other’s eyes, Gabe is still after Ren, but Evil sends Finlay into railing! Finlay falls over, Evil rips the railing away, and Evil aims for chairs! Finlay fights back and BOWLS Evil into the chairs! Sanada keeps chasing Sho like before, and Finlay rains down fists on Evil! Osaka barks even more, but the ref wants this to be in the ring! Kanemaru saves Evil from Finlay, Gabe keeps after Ren with a chair! Gabe JAMS Ren up, then SMACKS him down! Dick DECKS Gedo! Gabe sends Ren into the wall! Gabe fires haymakers, but Ren CLAWS Gabe’s face! Ren sends Gabe into the wall now!
Evil goes to ringside, he gathers chairs. Ren and Gabe brawl into a back hallway! Evil JAMS Gedo up with a chair! The House soaks up the heat while they bring Gedo up and into the ring. Dick stomps Gedo, the fans boo, but Dick CLUBS Gedo down. The blue buckle pad is taken away while Dick CLAWS Gedo’s eyes! The ref reprimands but he’s also busy with all the brawling on the outside. Dick snapmares Gedo, wrenches and whips, and Gedo hits bare buckles! Then Kanemaru tags in so he and Dick can split the wishbone! Kanemaru KNEES Gedo in the back, ELBOWS him in the head, then drags him up for another ELBOW!
Gedo falls to his knees but Kanemaru CLUBS him down! Evil talks trash while Kanemaru drags Gedo up. Kanemaru puts Gedo in the corner, distracts the ref by pointing to the War Dogs, but Evil CHOKES Gedo with a shirt! The fans boo but the House gets away with it all. Yujiro tags in, and he bumps Gedo off the bare buckles! Gedo staggers and falls back, Yujiro covers, TWO! Gedo is tougher than that and the fans cheer. Yujiro drags Gedo up and RAMS him into the bare buckles! Sho tags in, he stomps Gedo, then drags him up. Sho pulls Gedo’s beard, then CLUBS it! Sho wrenches and whips Gedo back into bare buckles!
Tag to Dick and he taunts Gedo. Dick sits Gedo up to throw hands and talk trash. Gedo swings back but Dick dodges. So Gedo BODY BLOWS! And then he CLAWS Dick’s face! Dick CLAWS Gedo in return! Dick JABS, JABS, and winds up, but Gedo pokes Dick in the eyes! Then Gedo UPPERCUTS! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Dick and Gedo crawl, hot tag to Evil, and the whole House BLASTS the War Dogs! Sanada protests, but he wasn’t even on the apron! The House whips Gedo to a corner, then Kanemaru runs in and ELBOWS! Sho adds a forearm SMASH! Yujiro BOOTS Gedo, Evil LARIATS, then they snapmare Gedo.
Kanemaru distracts the ref, Yujiro & Evil set Gedo up and Dick climbs up! The fans boo but the War Dogs make the save! No Dick Chop tonight! Finlay CLAWS Evil’s eyes, whips him into a corner and UPPERCUTS! Finlay LARIATS again and again and again, and fans bark all the way to TEN! Finlay then hits a GOURD BUSTER! Gedo SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Finlay brings Evil up, but Sho has the “Torture Tool!” Finlay shoves Evil down to go after Sho, but Dick LOW BLOWS Finlay! And he LOW BLOWS Gedo! The fans boo but Sho keeps the ref distracted! MAGIC KILLER on Gedo! Evil covers, House of Torture wins!
Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall
And yet, Sanada still does nothing. He just watched the whole time as Evil cheated the War Dogs out of another win. Is he so Cold Blooded that none of this matters to him? Can the War Dogs win with everyone so out of sorts?
2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: TJP VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Public Enemy got a first round bye, and ends up meeting a rival from the Junior Heavyweight Division. Will TJP be able to conquer this War Dog for the United Empire? Or will he be shot down by 44 Caliber?
Though introduced as “Captain” and “Public Enemy,” TJP is clearly invoking just a bit of the Aswang with the mask and face paint. The bell rings and TJP runs up to SHOTGUN Drilla down! Drilla bails out, TJP PLANCHAS, and down goes Drilla again! The fans fire up and TJP brings Drilla around, to RAM into railing! TJP then whips Drilla into more railing! Drilla falls to the floor, the fans clap for “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP puts Drilla in the ring, and hits a HALF HATCH! Bridging cover, ONE! Drilla goes to a corner, TJP digs his boot in, and the fans rally for the scrubbing! TJP then runs side to side, but Drilla gets up to RAM him!
Drilla RAMS TJP in the corner again and again, then picks him up just to THROW him! The fans bark for Drilla while TJP goes to a corner. Drilla storms up, but TJP CHOSP! Drilla CHOPS and ROCKS TJP on repeat! Drilla whips corner to corner and follows TJP to stay close, so that he can whip corner to corner again. Drilla still follows, and then whips TJP corner to corner hard! TJP tumbles up and out of the ring! The fans fire up while TJP flops down! Drilla goes out after TJP as the ring count begins. Drilla drags TJP up, and whips him into railing! TJP drops to his knees, we’re at 10 of 20, and Drilla leaves TJP behind.
Drilla waits as TJP crawls, but we’re already at 15! TJP rises but leans against the apron at 17. TJP stands at 18 and crawls in at 19! Only for Drilla to scoop and SLAM him! Cover, TWO! TJP is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Drilla stays calm and he drags TJP back up. Drilla CHOPS TJP to a corner, then CHOKES him as he says he’s gonna end TJP! Drilla CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Drilla then snapmares TJP to KICK him in the back! The fans rally while Drilla paces around TJP. Drilla stands on TJP’s hand, then kicks him and stomps him! TJP glares defiantly as Drilla gives more stomps, and TJP CHOPS!
TJP stands, but Drilla SLAPS! TJP SLAPS, Drilla KNEES low! Drilla runs, but into a RANA! The fans fire up while Drilla bails out. TJP builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up! The ring count starts as TJP stands, and he makes his way over to Drilla. TJP drags Drilla up, puts him in the ring at 7, and the fans cheer. The fans rally behind “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP stands Drilla up, but Drilla fires a forearm! Forearms go back and forth, then Drilla fires himself up with barking! Drilla fires more shots, but TJP ducks the discus to fire a strike fest! TJP runs, but Drilla ROCKS him! TJP runs, but Drilla catches him for a suplex!
But TJP’s right up! TJP fires a forearm, Drilla fires back, and the fans rally as the shots go back and forth. TJP fires a flurry, but Drilla blocks the kick! Drilla ripcords TJP, but TJP blocks backhand, and the lariat! TJP SOBATS, but Drilla DECKS TJP! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Drilla is frustrated but the fans rally again. Drilla goes to a corner, TJP goes to another. Drilla runs up, but TJP goes up, only to get caught! DRILLA- NO, TJP slips free, shoves Drilla away, then runs up, TORNADO DDT! Drilla staggers up, but he gets running! GORE!! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up again.
TJP and Drilla stir as the fans rally. Drilla roars and the fans fire up again. Drilla drags TJP up but TJP blocks the lift. Drilla stomps TJP, but then TJP flips over to victory roll! TWO, and Drilla kicks! TJP blocks to spin and fireman’s carries! DETON- NO, Drilla stops that, but TJP ducks the backhand! TJP runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up again and Drilla hauls TJP up! DRILLA- NO, TJP slips free again, and has the IRON OCTOPUS! Drilla endures but he drops to a knee! TJP pulls on the arm, but Drilla fights back to his feet! Drilla reaches out and falls into the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and TJP lets Drilla go.
Drilla goes to the apron, TJP follows him out there, and TJP brings Drilla up. TJP looks to the floor and reels Drilla in! Drilla fights the suplex, fires body shots, and then he reels TJP in! TJP fights the lift, so Drilla ELBOWS him! Drilla goes up, in, and gets running, but TJP avoids the shoulder to KNEE Drilla down! TJP then climbs, for a FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up for “T! J P! T! J P!” once again. TJP goes to a corner, Drilla goes to the other. TJP runs in, ELBOWS Drilla down, then gives him some face scrubbing! The fans rally and TJP goes side to side, for the WASH! Drilla is down so TJP climbs up!
The fans cheer as TJP reaches the top, but Drilla springs up after him! Drilla is on the very top, but TJP fires body shots! Drilla ends up in the Tree of Woe! TJP gives him WOE STOMPS!! Drilla falls out of the Tree, TJP takes aim, and he SHOTGUNS Drilla down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while TJP thinks on what else he must do. TJP goes back to a corner while Drilla flounders. TJP storms up on Drilla, brings him up, and dragon sleepers! EYE OF- NO, Drilla ducks to back suplex! TJP lands out, ducks a backhand, but Drilla catches him to spin and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! GORE!! Drilla covers again, TWO!!!
The fans fire up as TJP survives again! The barking returns as Drilla rises up. Drilla roars, then he drags TJP up. TJP again escapes Drilla Killa and arm-drags Drilla away! Drilla BOOTS TJP, runs, but into a SUPERKICK! TJP runs, but he fakes Drilla out! Drilla still SUPERKICKS back! Drilla runs, TJP hurdles and DOUBLE STOMPS! TJP then suplexes, for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans rally up again. Drilla crawls to a corner, TJP runs up and DROPKICKS him down! TJP hurries up the corner, for the MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?! But into an ANKLE LOCK, that TJP steps over, for the PINOY STRETCH!!
Drilla endures, fights around, reaches out, and he claws at the mat! But TJP drags him back, reels him in, and goes back to the IRON OCTOPUS! Drilla flails, resists, but TJP still hooks the arm! Drilla powers out, ripcords and CHOPS! Then Drilla barks and runs, but TJP fireman’s carries! DETONATION KICK! TJP isn’t done there, and the fans rally for “T! J P! T! J P!” ONE BY- NO, Drilla catches and throws TJP, then hauls him up! DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!
Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Captain tried so hard, but Drilla found a way to hit his target! Will there be nothing to stop this War Dog from taking that Cup?
2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Boltin Oleg VS Shingo Takagi!
As if getting through big Bad Luck Fale wasn’t a challenge, the Kazakhstan Juggernaut now runs into a Rampaging Dragon! Can Boltin put Takagi behind BARS? Or will Takagi soon soar to the third round?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. They circle, feel things out, then grapple. They break, reset, and feel out another clinch. Boltin facelocks but Takagi slips free and uses a leg guard. Boltin just grabs the legs, then goes for the head. Takagi slips away again, but Boltin waistlocks and they end up on ropes. The fans cheer as Red Shoes calls the break. Boltin lets off and the fans cheer again. Takagi and Boltin reset, feel things out, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, but Boltin headlocks. Takagi powers up and out, but Boltin RAMS him! Takagi rebounds and RAMS Boltin!
Both men stay up, so Takagi says go again. They both run, and they both RAM shoulders! Takagi staggers back a step, but he comes back. Boltin RAMS him again, and again! Takagi steadies himself while the fans fire up. Takagi comes back to fire forearm after forearm, but Boltin ROCKS Takagi with one! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, then CHOPS! Boltin CHOPS! Boltin whips Takagi to a corner, runs up, but Takagi dodges, and HIP TOSSES! The fans fire up, Takagi gets moving, and he RAMS Boltin! Boltin runs through the CHOP to then CLOBBER Takagi! The fans fire up and Boltin runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer and Boltin gut wrenches Takagi! Takagi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Boltin lets go, Takagi bails out, and the fans applaud. Takagi takes a moment to catch his breath, then has Boltin back up a bit. Boltin waits on Takagi, and Takagi slowly steps up to the apron. Takagi watches Boltin closely as he steps back inside. Boltin runs up, but Takagi HOTSHOTS him! Takagi then drags Boltin out to whip him hard into railing! Takagi then whips Boltin again, but Boltin reverses. Takagi stops himself, then he gets out of the way! Boltin crashes into railing, and tumbles over! The fans fire up with Boltin right at their feet!
Takagi goes out to stomp Boltin, then he drags him back to ringside. Takagi RAMS Boltin into the apron, then snap suplexes him to the floor! The fans rally and duel a bit while Boltin writhes. Takagi looms near as the ring count starts. Takagi brings Boltin up, puts him in, and the fans applaud. Takagi then slingshots to KNEE DROP! Takagi stands on Boltin at the ropes, but Red Shoes reprimands. Takagi steps off, drags Boltin back up, and he KNEES Boltin against the ropes! And KNEES him again! Boltin falls over, but Takagi SLAMS Boltin’s arm off the mat! And SLAMS it again! And then Takagi SENTONS! Cover, TWO!
Takagi keeps on Boltin with an ARMBAR! Boltin hurries to clasp hands, and he fights around. Takagi pulls on the arm, but Boltin scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and Takagi lets go. Takagi kicks Boltin around, eggs him on, then brings him up. Boltin fires a body shot, Takagi fires a forearm! Takagi CLUBS the bad arm, but Boltin DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Boltin rises again. Boltin stands Takagi up but Takagi fires KNEE after KNEE! Takagi whips, but Boltin reverses to FLAPJACK! Both men are down and the fans cheer again. Boltin rises and he gut wrenches Takagi!
Takagi fights the lift by having a gut wrench on Boltin! But Boltin powers up to SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE, and then THROW! Boltin even kips up! The fans fire up as Boltin watches Takagi go to a corner. Boltin shakes out the bad arm while Takagi rises. Boltin runs in, and he SPLASHES! Boltin scoops and SLAMS Takagi into the drop zone, then he goes up, up, and VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Boltin fires back up! The fans rally, Boltin drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the fireman’s carry! Boltin powers through again, but Takagi slips free! Takagi shoves Boltin to a corner and LARIATS!
The fans fire up and Takagi JABS! CHOPS! JABS! CHOPS! Repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! The fans cheer but then Boltin ROCKS Takagi! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and feints the lariat to DDT! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Takagi rises, stalks Boltin, and brings Boltin up. Takagi suplexes but Boltin blocks! Takagi decides to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT instead! Takagi watches Boltin and the fans rally up again. Boltin stands, Takagi runs in, LARIAT in the corner! Boltin falls to his knees and Takagi roars! The fans fire up and Takagi stands Boltin for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then a JAB!
Takagi hoists Boltin up top, fires a ridge hand chop again and again, then climbs the corner. Takagi goes to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Takagi crawls to a cover, TWO!! Boltin survives that fall but Takagi looks to the camera. The fans rally for “BO-RU-TIN! BO-RU-TIN!” but the “TA-KA-GI! TA-KA-GI!” emerges! As such, Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA! <THE TIME HAS COME!>” The fans fire up, Boltin rises, and Takagi runs, but Boltin CHOPS! The fans rally as Takagi is stinging, but he keeps going! Only for Boltin to CHOP again! Boltin then CHOPS, but Takagi blocks!
Takagi UPPERCUTS and CLUBS the bad arm, then CLUBS it again! Takagi wrenches the arm, for an ELBOW- NO, Boltin gets a SLEEPER on Takagi! The fans fire up as Takagi endures, reaches out, fights forward, but Boltin turns him from the ropes! Takagi slips out the back to hammerlock! Boltin ELBOWS free, runs, but Takagi follows to LARIAT! Takagi runs, but Boltin catches his crossbody! And pops him up for a SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as both men are down, but Boltin rises up already. Boltin fires up, fireman’s carries again, KAMI- NO, Takagi fights that, so Boltin hits a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up again as Takagi stays in this. Boltin stays focused and he brings Takagi up again. Takagi fireman’s carries, but Takagi fires elbows! Takagi is free, he waistlocks, then goes for a nelson! Boltin fights that off on one side, fights it off on the other, then fights off the full nelson! But Takagi waistlocks, then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! SLIDING FOREARM! Boltin sputters but Takagi storms over! Takagi stands Boltin up, but Boltin DROPKICKS again! Only for Takagi to come back and SLIDING LARIAT! Takagi stands Boltin up, pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO?!? Boltin survives and the fans fire up again!
Both men are down and the fans duel, “TA-KA-GI!” “BO-RU-TIN!” Both men slowly rise, and Takagi gives Boltin junkyard dog headbutts. Takagi stands Boltin up to LARIAT! Boltin wobbles, but Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Boltin, but Boltin ROCKS Takagi! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, and LARIATS! Takagi brings Boltin up, but Boltin fireman’s carries! KAMIKAZE!! Cover, TWO?!? The fans are thunderous as Takagi survives! Boltin roars, and he brings Takagi back up! Fireman’s carry, but Takagi flails! So Boltin gives him an F- DDT!! Takagi turns that around and both men are down again!
The fans rally harder as both men crawl to corners. Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire up! Takagi then runs corner to corner, but Boltin meets him! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stagger, but they run back up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Takagi drops to his knees, Boltin fires up, and Boltin runs, but Takagi dodges! PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO!! Boltin is still in this, so Takagi rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Takagi stands Boltin up, but Boltin tries to fireman’s carry! Takagi fires more elbows, but Boltin powers through! KAMI- CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Takagi hurries to run, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO?!!?
The fans are thunderous again as Boltin survives another heavy shot! Takagi grows frustrated, but the fans duel as hard as they can! Takagi roars and brings Boltin back up. Pump handle, torture rack, and LAST FALCON DRIVER!! Cover, Takagi wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
It was a brutal battle worthy of the Cup, but that slight adjustment gave Takagi the edge! And now he is on a collision course for a rematch with Drilla! Will Takagi get even with the War Dog from the New Beginning? Or will he again be shot down by 44 Caliber?
2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb!
The Uncontrollable Charisma kept up with the Prince of Pace in the opening round, but now he runs into the Imperial Unit! Takagi made it through, will the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon join him? Or will Naito take a rather tranquilo Tour of the Islands instead?
Naito takes even more time with his elaborate entrance attire than usual, but Cobb stays calm, as we’ve all seen this before. The pants are put aside, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. Cobb and Naito stare down, then slowly circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Cobb waistlocks. Cobb wrangles Naito the mat, floats all over, then deadlifts with a waistlock, just to THROW Naito aside! The fans applaud but Naito stays calm. Cobb mocks the LIJ fist, then circles with Naito again. Naito headlocks, Cobb endures the grind, and he powers up to lift Naito! Cobb then powers out, they RAM shoulders, and then things speed up.
Naito fakes out the hurdle, then kicks Cobb out of the ring. Naito runs but Cobb is back to arm-drag! The fans fire up while Cobb builds speed, but then Naito trips Cobb up! Not even a chance to mock the tranquilo! Naito then gets in, builds speed, and rolls to tranquilo! The fans cheer as Naito shows how it’s done. Cobb runs back in, but Naito dropkicks his legs out! Cobb tumbles to the outside, Naito hurries out after him, and Naito kicks the legs. Naito whips Cobb, Cobb stops short of the railing, and Cobb kicks Naito. Cobb whips to swing Naito around, and then he sends Naito into railing! Naito tumbles up and over!
The fans rally while Naito writhes, and Cobb casually goes out to fetch him. Cobb brings Naito up, CLUBS him on the back, and Naito leans against railing. Cobb brings Naito around, puppets him into doing the LIJ fist, then he CLUBS Naito down. Naito leans against the timekeeper’s table, but Cobb tells Red Shoes he’s on the way. Cobb puts Naito in the ring and the fans applaud. Cobb shouts out O-Khan on commentary, “You like that?” And “oops,” Cobb steps on Naito! Cobb “apologizes,” then drags Naito up. Cobb ROCKS Naito, Naito ROCKS Cobb, and Naito fires more forearms. Cobb throat chops in return!
Cobb runs, but Naito ELBOWS him! And then arm- NO, Cobb stops the arm-drag to then RAM Naito into a corner! Cobb runs corner to corner and he RAMS into Naito again! Naito staggers and falls while the fans rally up. Cobb cocky covers, TWO! Naito still clutches his stomach but he’s still in this. Cobb stands Naito up to CLUB him down! Cobb then steps on Naito and stands on him! Cobb hangs ten and mocks the LIJ fist while the fans cheer. Cobb takes his time stepping off Naito’s back, and can’t believe this is one half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions. Cobb drags Naito up, then whips him to a corner.
Cobb runs up, for the JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINATION COBB-RON! The fans cheer as the “Cobby Cat” stands over Naito. Cobb then tells Naito, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Cobb raises his fist, is he the one? Naito fires body shots, Cobb doesn’t budge, and then Cobb CHOPS Naito! Cobb THROWS Naito down by his hair, then says “You Can’t See Me!” GACHIMUCHI FLOP as Naito moves! The fans rally up as Cobb’s references are starting to backfire. Naito runs up to ELBOW Cobb, then atomic drop! Naito runs, ELBOWS Cobb down, then keeps moving to basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, Naito whips Cobb to a corner.
Naito runs up, but Cobb dodges the OG Combination Cabron! Cobb hauls Naito up, but Naito fights free! Naito kicks and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up and Naito crawls over to cover. TWO, but Naito clamps on with a cravat! Cobb endures the neck wrench and fights up. Cobb fights to his feet, throws body shots, but Naito throws the heavy elbows! Cobb kneels, Naito brings him back up, and he fires more heavy elbows! Cobb staggers and goes to ropes while the fans rally. Naito storms up, puts Cobb on the top rope, then climbs up, only for Cobb to throw body shots! Cobb brings Naito into a clinch, and he suplexes!
The fans fire up, but Naito fights that to be back on the ropes. Naito fires body shots, then climbs to the very top again! SUPER STEIN- NO!! Cobb stops the steiner and he shouts F that! Cobb hauls Naito up, but Naito still SUPER STEINERS! The fans fire up while both men are down, but Naito crawls after Cobb. Naito pushes Cobb to a corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Cobb in, ESPERANZA! The fans cheer as Cobb is down and Naito rises. Naito watches Cobb stagger to his feet, then runs up, CORRIENDO- NO, Cobb blocks Destino to TOMBSTONE! But he holds on, pops Naito around, and has him for an ATHLETIC PLEX!
The fans fire up as Cobb then FALLING HAMMERS! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Naito survives and Cobb is furious! The fans fire up as Cobb stands Naito up, reels him in, and TOUR OF- DESTINO!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Naito and Cobb slowly rise again, and Naito aims from a corner. Cobb is dazed, Naito runs in and CORRIENDO- NO, Cobb slips free, but Naito fires kicks! Cobb scoops, Naito slips free, and he kicks again! TORNADO CRADLE! TWO!! CORRIENDO SHIKI CRADLE! TWO!! Naito ELBOWS, ENZIGIRIS, and then wrenches!
Tilt-o-whirl and DESTI- NO!! Cobb stops it again for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! But Cobb can’t cover! The fans rally up while both men are down again! Cobb and Naito stir as the fans rally harder, and Cobb growls as he stalks Naito. Cobb brings Naito around to wrench, but Naito ELBOWS free! And ROLLING KICKS! Naito runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Cobb LARIATS Naito down! Cobb powers up, reels Naito in, ATHLETIC PLEX again! Cover, ONE?!?! Naito shows some grit, but Cobb swings! Naito dodges, but Cobb SUPERKICKS! Wrench and RIPCORD TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, COBB WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Naito’s Destino was denied again and again, he is NOT moving on in the New Japan Cup! Will he just have to worry how now, Jeff Cobb has a golden ticket to the tag titles in his back pocket?
As for Cobb himself, he grabs the mic while Naito is still down in the ring. Cobb asks the Young Boys/Young Lions, “Get his ass out the ring!” The Young Lions do as told, and they usher Naito out. Cobb then asks Osaka, “Who thought Naito was gonna beat Jeff Cobb, huh? If you believed the internet that Naito was gonna beat me today, well UH-UH! So I’ll make this short and sweet to Shota, you bald b*tch! Tomorrow, you have a date with destiny! And I’m gonna make it short and sweet so myself and the Great-O-Khan go sell some sweet new United Empire goods.” Then Cobb mocks the LIJ roll call!
“Sai go wa, TJP! Jakob Austin Young! Francesco Akira! Callum Newman! Henare! Great-O-Khan! Jeff Cobb!” The fans cheer, and Khan applauds. Cobb finishes up with, “I don’t know Spanish, I’m gonna skip that part. All that’s left is UNITED EMPIIIRE~!” The fans applaud as clearly, the Imperial Unit still has time on the clock. Will he make the most of it and take that New Japan Cup for his own?
My Thoughts:
A great night for the New Japan Cup here, because we got some really good stuff on top of just the tournament matches. Great stuff with the Bullet Club Civil War story with us actually having just one big 12 Man Tag after all was said and done. But as such, the House of Torture of course won because Sanada was inactive. Like, you could even say him just stalking Sho and not running up on him is a hint that he’s just going to join the House of Torture. Then good stuff in TMDK VS Just4Guys with ZSJ and Taichi interacting ahead of their tournament match tomorrow. That is going to be great stuff.
TJP VS Moloney was really good, but I’m rather surprised TJP didn’t win. I guess TJP’s story is going to be that he really isn’t as capable of a leader as Will Ospreay and that the United Empire could be on the brink of falling apart. But that aside, Moloney winning so we can get a rematch of Moloney VS Takagi is fitting. Takagi VS Oleg was great stuff, and a great showing from Oleg in the loss. Naito VS Cobb was really good, too, and Cobb had a point in his promo. The word just went out that maybe Cobb is going to the WWE, and that’s why we thought Cobb was going to lose. Cobb did deserve this win, no matter what his contract status is.
Now, this doesn’t stop Cobb from going to the WWE in the future, we saw Jonah Rock return to the WWE as Bronson Reed after his G1 Climax run. Also, Cobb has been dropping many WWE references, even some rather strong ones tonight. It’d be so wild if Cobb got in on the Bloodline story as one of the “rogues” alongside Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Makes me wonder what’s going on with Hikuleo. But Cobb can certainly still make a run at the Cup and the tag titles in the near future.
My Score: 8.9/10
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