The most ambitious crossover in wrestling history!

NJPW brings the best of AEW, ROH, CMLL and Stardom to the Tokyo Dome for the ULTIMATE wrestling crossover of all time: WrestleDynasty!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – International Women’s Cup Fatal 4 Way: Willow Nightingale VS Athena VS Persephone VS Momo Watanabe; Momo wins and earns a future title opportunity of her choice.
• Kickoff – ROH World Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO; Dustin & Sammy win and retain the titles.
• International Lucha Gauntlet: Taiji Ishimori wins.
• Special Exhibition: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Katsuyori Shibata; Time Limit Draw.
• NJPW Strong & Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championships, Winner Takes All: Mercedes Mone VS Mina Shirakawa; Mone wins and is the new dual champion.
• David Finlay VS Brody King; Finlay wins.
• Shota Umino VS Claudio Castagnoli; Shota wins.
• NEVER Openweight & AEW International Championships Double Title Match: Konosuke Takeshita VS Tomohiro Ishii; Konosuke wins and retains the titles.
• Vacated IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb VS The Young Bucks VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; The Bucks win and are the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Jack Perry; Yota wins and retains the title.
• Kenny Omega VS Gabe Kidd; Omega wins.
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ricochet; ZSJ wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kickoff – International Women’s Cup Fatal 4 Way: Willow Nightingale VS Athena VS Persephone VS Momo Watanabe!

AEW’s Babe with the Power, ROH’s Fallen Goddess, CMLL’s Black Widow, and Stardom’s Big Match Peach all battled the best around the world to make it here. But there can only be ONE Best in the World! Who wins the Cup and heads for a golden opportunity?

The bell rings and Momo runs up on Willow, but Willow dodges to then BOOT Momo! Athena hangs back while Persephone runs up. Willow ducks the leg lariat but then Persephone elbows Willow away. Persephone goes after Athena, but Athena TOSSES her up and out! Momo runs up, Athena dodges to then ROCK Willow! Momo CLUBS Athena, TOSSES her onto Persephone, but Willow rolls Momo up! TWO, and Momo CLAWS Willow’s eyes! The ref reprimands, counts, and Momo stops at 4. Momo whips but Willow blocks! Momo ROCKS Willow, whips, but Willow cartwheels and ENZIGIRIS!

The fans fire up and Willow back body blocks Momo in a corner! Then LARIATS! Then snapmares, and BOOTS! Momo is down but Willow stands her back up. Willow straitjackets and torture racks Momo into a RACK DROP! Momo flounders away to ropes, Persephone backslides and BRIDGES Willow, TWO!! Willow escapes but Persephone knees her low. Persephone whips, Willow reverses, but Persephone goes up and over. Willow runs up but Persephone goes Matrix! And then she spider-walks and it spooks Willow a bit. Persephone stands, then gets around Willow to ripcord and scoop!

The fans fire up as Persephone carries Willow around, then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Persephone kips up and the fans fire up, but Athena returns! Athena ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTERS! Athena keeps moving, and she sliding FOREARMS Persephone! Then NECKBREAKER into snap suplex! Persephone flounders and Athena kips up while fans fire up. Athena runs, handsprings and forearm SMASHES in the corner! Athena snapmares Persephone, runs, and PENALTY KICKS! Athena stomps Persephone around, but Momo returns, armed with her baseball bat! The ref stops Momo, Athena runs, but Thekla trips her up!

Athena storms out to argue with Thekla, they were teammates just the other day at the Stardom New Year event! Momo lets go of the bat and goes after Persephone. Momo blocks Persephone’s shot, then fires off a strike fest! Momo then Alabama Lifts Persephone, tucks her in, but Athena returns to LARIAT Momo into a SUNSET BOMB from Persephone! The fans fire up but then Willow SPLASHES Persephone! Cover, Athena breaks it! Athena and Willow meet, rivals from fighting over the ROH Women’s World Championship. Athena runs up, Willow dodges to then tilt-o-whirl RANA! But Athena handsprings through! Only for Willow to BOOT her down!

The fans fire up as Willow fireman’s carries Athena. DEATH VALLEY- NO, Athena handsprings through, then SUPERKICKS! Athena brings Willow in, but Willow suplexes! Willow holds Athena up while she fights off Persephone and Momo at the same time! But Athena slips free to waistlock, only for Willow to pry free and standing switch. Willow feeds Athena to Persephone’s SPEAR! The Black Widow mask is off but Persephone just seems stronger for it! Only for Momo to ROUNDHOUSE Persephone down! The fans rally, Momo brings Willow up, but Willow fights the suplex! Persephone joins in!

Willow fights off both Momo & Persephone to DOUBLE SUPLEX Momo & Persephone! Then she DOUBLE SPLASHES! Cover, but Athena SENTONS it all apart! All four women are down and the fans rally up! Athena rises, sees the others have gone outside, so she builds speed. Momo returns to DROPKICK Athena! Momo goes to the apron to METEORA Willow to the floor! Momo hurries to get Willow up, but Athena climbs a corner! Athena SUPER CANNONBALLS them both down! The fans fire up with Athena, and she shakes the railing! But wait, Persephone is up top! And she SUPER SKY TWISTERS!

The fans fire up but Willow avoided the attack! And she CLOBBERS Persephone! The fans fire up as Willow roars, and she puts Persephone in the ring. Willow goes up a corner, Persephone stands, M ISSILE DROPKICK! Willow runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL, but only gets buckles! Persephone has a wild look on her face as she builds speed! Persephone runs an extra length to then FLY! Down goes Willow and the fans fire up! Persephone puts Willow in, but Willow comes back to kick! Persephone blocks that and spins Willow for a LEG TRAP GERMAN! Bridging cover, but Momo breaks it!

The fans fire up again and Momo storms up on Persephone. Persephone fires forearms first, then whips, but Momo reverses to smack Persephone off buckles! Momo then suplexes Persephone into the Tree of Woe! Willow runs up, but Momo sends her into Persephone! Then Momo KICKS Willow in the back! Momo PENALTY KICKS Persephone, then lifts Willow! B DRIVER!! Cover, but Athena breaks it! The fans rally up while all four women are down again. Athena and Momo stare down, then start shoving! Momo blocks a shot to ROCK Athena, but Athena ROCKS Momo! Momo comes back but Athena ducks the kick!

Momo jumps over the sweep, gets around Athena and full nelsons. Momo lifts but Athena victory roll FACEBUSTERS! Athena has the legs but Momo BOOTS her away! The two get up and start shoving again. But Persephone and Willow run up! Momo dodges Persephone to ROUNDHOUSE her down, but Willow CLOBBERS Athena! Momo runs at Willow but into a SPINEBUSTER! Willow hauls Athena up and whips her into a corner, but Athena goes up! Athena hits Willow and Persephone with a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Athena fireman’s carries Willow for a WASTELAND SLAM!

Athena Alabama Lifts Persephone! And ALABAMA SLAMS her ONTO Willow! Double cover, TWO!! The fans fire up but Athena is frustrated. Athena drags Persephone up but Persephone shoves her, and Willow POUNCES! PERIOD! Persephone and Willow trade shots, then Willow DECKS Momo for good measure. Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER- RANA!! Persephone covers, TWO!! Willow sunset flips it, TWO!! Both women stand, Persephone gets under to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Willow escapes and Persephone can’t believe it! The fans fire up as Persephone rains down fists on Willow!

Persephone roars, goes to the apron, but Athena is there! Persephone ELBOWS Athena, but Athena blocks a kick! Athena slips under, to then APRON CHOKE SLAM!! Both Athena and Persephone land on the outside, and Momo fires off KICKS on Willow! ROUNDHOUSE! Willow wobbles, Momo vows to end it! Momo reels Willow in but Willow fights free. Momo ROUNDHOUSES again! Momo runs, into a wrench and fireman’s carry! Willow roars for the CORNER DEATH VALLEY!! The fans fire up and the ref checks Momo. Willow brings down the straps, but Athena is up top! O-FACE!!! Cover, THEKLA pulls the ref out!!

The fans boo and Athena is pissed again! Guess Thekla’s really on Team Stardom. Because then Momo HOMERUNS Athena’s face!! And then Momo half nelsons and pump handles Athena, for the PEACH THUNDER PLEX!! Bridging cover, MOMO WINS!

Winner: Momo Watanabe, by pinfall (Inaugural International Women’s Cup Winner)

The Big Match Peach comes through in this big match, but not without that assist from the Toxic Spider! Will Momo use the Cup’s golden ticket to finally get the World of Stardom Championship? How will the rest of the best rebound from this chaotic start to the New Year?

 

Kickoff – ROH World Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO!

The Sons of Texas made it through their most brutal challenge at ROH Final Battle, having overcome The Righteous and taken back Dusty Rhodes’ cowbell. But now, the Heel Master and Murder Machine want to ruin the fun! Will they turn ROH into HOT? Or will the Natural & The Spanish God bring down the House of Torture?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if there’s any honor in WrestleDynasty!

Kanemaru SPITS on the belts, and Dustin storms up! The ref keeps everyone back, and the teams sort out. Dustin starts against Sho and Sho thinks that’s not fair. Sorry, no weight classes in ROH! The bell rings and fans rally up while Dustin offers the Code of Honor handshake. Sho says fine, and he shakes Dustin’s hand. But then he holds on so Kanemaru cdan attack! The fans boo as the House mugs Dustin, then they double whip. But Dustin DOUBLE LARIATS them! And he arm-drags Sho! Dustin bends fingers and Sho apologizes, but Dustin brings him over to CHOP in the corner. Tag to Sammy, and Sammy CHOPS!

The fans cheer as The Sons of Texas then DOUBLE SUPLEX Sho! Sammy spins and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Dustin runs to SHINING WIZARD! Sammy covers, TWO! Sho toughs it out but Sammy goes to a corner. Sammy climbs up, takes aim, and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit, but Kanemaru runs in! Sammy DUMPS Kanemaru out, then baits Sho into the corner! Sammy RAMS Sho, KICKS him away, then ASAI MOONSAULTS Kanemaru down! The fans fire up for Sammy, and he counter punches Sho. Sammy springboards, but Sho steps back and pulls hair! Sho TOSSES Sammy, BLASTS Dustin, and Kanemaru sends Sammy into railing!

The fans boo but then Sho unties the blue buckle pad! The House Special is in play, and Kanemaru puts Sammy in the ring. Sho wrenches and whips Sammy into the bare buckles! The fans boo as Sammy falls back! Kanemaru tags in, he and Sho double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW Sammy! Sho sucker punches Dustin again! Dustin storms in, but The House mugs him, then whips him into the bare buckles! The fans boo more while both Sons of Texas are down. Sho goes out and Kanemaru whips Sammy, to then BACKDROP Sammy! Kanemaru stomps Sammy while Sho grabs the title belts! The ref reprimands, but Kanemaru hits a big suplex! Cover, TWO!

Sammy stays in this but Kanemaru stays on him. Kanemaru scoops and SLAMS Sammy, then tags Sho. The fans rally for Sammy but Sho covers, TWO! Sho covers again, ONE! Sho gets mad at the ref but the count is the count. Sho drags Sammy up, the fans rally, and Sammy reaches for Dustin. Sho keeps Sammy from Dustin and sends him into the bare buckles! Tag to Kanemaru, and Kanemaru trips Sammy to turn him over, BOSTON CRAB! Sammy endures while Kanemaru sits deep on the hold! Sammy fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Kanemaru lets go, and Kanemaru tags Sho.

Kanemaru stomps Sammy, and Sho steps in with the title belt! The ref reprimands, so Sho drops the belt, to step on it! The fans boo the disrespect, but then Sho kicks the belt out of the ring. But Sammy ENZIGIRIS Sho! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Sho and Sammy crawl, but Sho keeps Sammy from Dustin! Sho whips Sammy, but Sammy BLASTS Kanemaru! Sammy BOOTS Sho, then DUMPS him out! Sammy crawls as fast as he can while the fans rally up, but Sho runs in! Sammy dodges to CODE BREAKER! Shoutout to Sammy’s first mentor, Y2J. But then Kanemaru gets in to stop Sammy!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Sammy ENZIGIRIS Kanemaru! Hot tag to Dustin! The fans fire up as Dustin rallies on Sho with LARIAT after LARIAT! Dustin whips, Sho reverses, but Dustin says, “Not today!” UPPERCUT, then SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as we get another SNAP POWERSLAM on Kanemaru! Dustin brings Sho up, but Sho bends fingers! The ref reprimands but Sho runs, only for the spear to bounce right off Dustin! Dustin runs, but Kanemaru KICKS him! Sho runs and the SPEAR takes Dustin down this time! Tag to Kanemaru and the House splits the wishbone!

Kanemaru whips Dustin to dropkick the legs! Dustin hobbles, Kanemaru trips him, and then he YANKS the leg! Kanemaru hurries to bring Dustin around by his leg, but Dustin BOOTS him away! Dustin then avoids the dropkick, but Kanemaru avoids the elbow drop! Kanemaru basement dropkicks Dustin in the face! Both men are down and the fans rally for Dustin. Kanemaru crawls, Sho distracts the ref, and Kanemaru gets his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a big swig, then aims, but Dustin smothers Kanemaru! And then whips him at the ref! Kanemaru and the ref dosido, and Kanemaru sends the ref at Dustin!

Dustin stops from colliding with the ref, and takes a deep breath! Dustin barks and the ref is spooked, and Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!! Roll up, TWO!! Dustin escapes but Kanemaru pushes him down! Kanemaru goes up the corner to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Dustin survives and the fans fire up! Kanemaru hurries back up, and he leaps, but Dustin dodges! Sammy hits a CUTTER! Sho is back, but Sammy SUPERKICKS him! Dustin runs to hit Sho with a DESTROYER! Sammy distracts the ref so that Dustin can take a swig of whiskey! Dustin then brings Kanemaru around, WHISKEY MIST!! And then Sammy SUPERKICKS!

Dustin brings Kanemaru around for the FINAL RECKONING! Sammy goes up top, and he adds on the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Sons of Texas win!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, by pinfall (still ROH World Tag Team Champions)

DustinPool & Samverine give the House of Torture a taste of their own medicine quite literally! The Sons of Texas are still golden, and they bow in respect and thanks to the Tokyo Dome crowd! Will these two still reign the next time the Forbidden Door opens?

 

International Lucha Gauntlet!

As NJPW and CMLL keep their friendship going strong, each side sends four of their best into battle for the most fantastico eight man gauntlet possible! And bigger than that, entry after entry will be sent in every few minutes! Brand VS brand aside, who comes out as El Mejor Luchador (the best wrestler)?

First out is CMLL’s Alchemist of Lucha, Hechicero! Who does he start against? It is NJPW’s Japanese Young Punk, Kosei Fujita! The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Hechi spins to wrench and wrangle Fujita. Fujita rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks back, but Hechi powers Fujita down to then get a leg! Hechi rolls and flips over to then trap Fujita’s legs in a modified Crab, and he makes it a cover! TWO as Fujita gest an arm up! Fujita uses his core to sit up then sunset flip, but Hechi knuckle locks and rolls Fujita into another cradle. Fujita fights up but the countdown is here!

Fujita wrenches and hammerlocks but Hechi slips through, and entry three is CMLL’s Soberano Jr! The fans fire up as Soberano walks out with the golden crown of thorns and hurries to the ring. Fujita and Hechi still grapple, but Soberano goes up! CROSSBODY gets Fujita! Then Soberano springboards to FLYING RANA Hechi! Soberano SUPERKICKS Fujita down, then runs corner to corner. Hechi puts Soberano on the corner, then Hechi blocks the gamangiri! Hechi wraps the leg around ropes, pulls, but lets off as the ref counts. Fujita runs up but Hechi ELBOWS him! Hechi victory rolls Fujita and has the legs!

Hechi grabs the arms, and he has Fujita in the MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Soberano adds a FLYING LEG DROP! Fujita is down, Soberano runs and hops on, but Hechi stops the Destroyer! Hechi swings Soberano but Soberano uses it to RANA Hechi out of the ring! Soberano runs to FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Hechi, and the countdown is back! Entry four is NJPW’s Master Wato! Soberano welcomes The Way to the Grandmaster, but he has to GAMANGIRI Hechi first! Wato slides in, dodges Soberano and fires hands! The fans fire up as Wato and Soberano go CHOP for CHOP! Soberano then puts some stank on the CHOP!

Wato fires a flurry of CHOPS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Soberano runs, but Wato blows past him to RANA! Soberano tumbles out, the fans fire up with Wato, and Wato goes out to fire hands! Wato puts Soberano in the ring, stomps away, and the countdown returns again. Entry five is already on the way, and it is MASCARA DORADA 2.0! The fans fire up as Dorada builds up speed, slides in, and he dodges Wato. Dorada handsprings but Wato dodges! Dorada blocks Wato’s chop to knuckle lock and CHOP! Dorada goes up the ropes, pinballs around then ARM-DRAGS Wato away! Things keep moving, Dorada dodges Soberano to then SPIN RANA!

The fans fire up and Dorada runs, tilt-o-whirls on Hechi, and slips free of Hechi’s torture rack to waistlock! Dorada DROPKICKS Hechi into Fujita, then runs up to use Hechi to go up! RANA on Fujita, then a double knuckle lock with Hechi! Dorada pops up and swings around to RANA Hechi! The fans are thunderous as Dorada keeps moving, and he DIVES into Soberano! Then he DIVES onto Hechi! Entry six is here, and it is NJPW’s Taiji Ishimori! The Bone Soldier goes to the apron, springboards but Dorada gets under. Things speed up but Taiji fires haymakers! Taiji whips Dorada, but Dorada reverses.

Taiji handsprings to LETHAL INJECTION! The fans fire up and Taiji brings Dorada up. Taiji wrenches, hammerlocks, then scoops, for a SHOULDER BUSTER! Taiji then waits on Dorada, runs up to tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK! Dorada endures, crawls for ropes, and has the ROPEBREAK! Entry number seven is here, and it is CMLL’s TITAN! El Inmortal represents both CMLL and Los Ingobernables de Japon, and Taiji is ready to test grace against grace! Titan runs up, blocks a shot, then springboards to CROSSBODY! Hechi throws Titan down but Titan kips up to PELE!

Taiji kicks and whips but Titan reverses! Titan goes Matrix to dodge, then he CALF KICKS! The fans fi reup as Dorada runs up, but Titan ripcords, knuckle locks, then CHOPS! Titan hurdles Taiji, mule kicks him, then ROUNDHOUSES Dorada! Titan goes up and up and tightrope walks before he MISSILE DROPKICKS Taiji! Dorada stands Titan up to whip, but Titan reverses to TORNADO DDT! And a roll through into the GOURD BUSTER, then SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Titan, but the final countdown is here! Titan drags Dorada up to snapmare, and he wraps on a GROUND COBRA TWIST!

The final entry belongs to NJPW, and it’s EL DESPERADO! The NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion joining in really changes the dynamic of this! Could someone earn a title shot out of this gauntlet match? Titan CLUBS Dorada to keep him down, and all the other entries get in the ring to await the Rogue Luchador. Then Despy realizes the trouble he got himself into… Despy says okay, hold on! Hold on! Wato runs up, Despy dodges and fire shands, but everyone else rushes out there! It’s a 7v1 mugging on the ramp! Then Hechi leads the charge as the and the others bring Despy into the ring!

The fans rally for Despy but Dorada suplexes him high and hard! Hechi fireman’s carries Despy for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Wato stands Despy up for a fireman’s carry and WASTELAND SLAM! Titan picks Despy up to YOYO BACK SUPLEX! Soberano brings Despy up to fireman’s carry and WASTELAND SLAM! Taiji drags Despy up to fireman’s carry and WASTELAND SLAM! Fujita brings Despy up to scoop, spin and SLAM! The fans rally for Despy but Hechi stands him up to CHOP! Then Hechi runs in for a STEP-UP KNEE! Cover, Wato breaks it! Titan SHOTGUNS Wato! Taiji JUMP KNEES Titan! Dorada KNEES Taiji!

Soberano SUPERKICKS Dorada! Fujita ENZIGIRIS Soberano! Hechi SHOTGUNS Fujita! Hechi goes back to Despy to hammerlock and swing! EL CONJURO BACKBREAKER! Cover, but Fujita KICKS Hechi ont he back! Hechi and Fujita fire off CHOPS, but then Fujtia bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP Hechi! Fujita runs but into a SLEEPER at the ropes! Taiji YANKS Hechi down, Fujita builds speed, and Fujita FLIES! Down goes Hechi! The fans fire up but Taiji builds speed to go up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULT Fujita! Soberano goes up top while Hechi goes after Taiji! Soberano hits a SKY TWISTER! Down goes Taiji and Hehci at the ramp!

The fans fire up as Titan builds speed, but Wato gets in to TOSS him instead! Titan lands on the apron to GAMANGIRI Wato, then he ARIHARA MOONSAULTS the rest! The fans fire up as Wato now fires up! Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes the cluster, but then Dorada slides in! Dorada climbs the ropes to SUPER SHOOTING STAR PRESS! They’re all down on the outside, but Fujita goes after Despy! Deadlift and GERMAN- NO, Despy fights out, switches, EL ES CULERO! TWO!! Fujita SLAPS Despy, and GERMAN- NO, Despy victory rolls, then snatches the leg into a STRETCH MUFFLER!

Fujita throws Despy off, he gets Despy’s leg, QUEEN ANGELITO, into the KAMI SPECIAL!! Desperado endures the Surfboard of the Gods, but then Taiji THROWS the ref onto it all! Then he GEDO CLUTCHES Despy! TAIJI WINS!!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall

The Bone Soldier uses an opportunistic approach, but he’ll just tell you it was by grace! Either way, Taiji not only won this wild gauntlet, he just pinned the champion! But now he has to get outta there because the others are mad! Will Taiji soon prove that he is the Best of the Super Juniors? Or will Despy make sure Taiji pays for everyone else ganging up on him?

 

Special Exhibition: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Katsuyori Shibata!

The Ace’s Final Road made it through WrestleKingdom and the House of Torture’s many tricks, but he still needed a save from those sore losers. The world was shocked to see The Wrestler back home in NJPW, and now we’re getting a rematch few thought we’d ever get! Will Tanahashi keep the momentum going in his final year? Or will Shibata prove he was always the stronger Musketeer?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. They then break and the fans applaud. The two circle again, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and are in a deadlock! The fans rally as both men push with all their might! Tanahashi finds a point of leverage, but Shibata then pushes Tanahashi back! They go back and forth like that, until Tanahashi manages to push Shibata back step back step. But then Shibata powers up to push Tanahashi all the way to ropes! The ref counts the break, and Shibata lets off clean as the fans cheer. The two go again, and they’re back to a collar ‘n’ elbow.

But then Shibata CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth, and neither man is backing down! The clock is ticking, though! Shibata CHOPS, then eggs Tanahashi on. Tanahsahi CHOPS, CHOPS, but Shibata CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Tanahashi eggs Shibata on so Shibata CHOPS, CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Tanahashi fires back with CHOP after CHOP! Shibata doesn’t back down, he just eggs Tanahashi on! The CHOPS keep going, but then Shibata CHOPS back! We hit the two minute warning already, and Shibata CHOPS Tanahashi against ropes! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again!

Tanahashi turns things around to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! The fans fire up as Shibata gets in Tanahashi’s face! Tanahashi HEADBUTTS! Shibata CHOPS! Shibata has Tanahashi in a corner for MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Last minute here and Shibata CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Both men are stinging red but Tanahashi full nelsons! Shibata breaks that, switches, then he spins Tanahashi just to CHOP! And CHOP! Tanahashi CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, repeat! They’re not stopping with the CHOPS as we hit 30 seconds! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, and the fans fire up! The CHOP fight just keeps going!

The fans rally as the CHOPS go harder and harder! TEN SECONDS LEFT, but the CHOPS are unlimited! TIME’S UP!

Time Limit Draw

The fans cheer as this special exhibition comes to a close. But this was just an appetizer for them, and Shibata shakes hands with Tanahashi. Will we get to see these two go at it for real before Tanahashi’s final year comes to a close?

 

NJPW Strong & Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championships, Winner Takes All: Mercedes Mone VS Mina Shirakawa!

The CEO has two belts, and technically so does the Fighting Gravure Idol. However, Mone is only putting up the lavender strap against Mina’s RPW gold. Will Mone go from two to three belts? Or will Mina not only be the Queen of Southside but also the Face of NJPW Strong?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who adds to their championship wardrobe!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, go around, and end up in a corner. The ref counts, Mone lets off with a push, and then she does her CEO dance. Mina applauds, then ties up with Mone again. Mina waistlocks, spins Mone around and SOBATS! Mina runs, rolls over the dropdown, then eggs Mone on. Mone runs up but Mina dodges to dropkick a leg out! Mone avoids the next dropkick, but Mina avoids the Penalty Kick! Mina rolls Mone, Mone rolls through, but Mina dodges to slide and shimmy. The fans cheer, but Mone pulls Mina’s hair! The ref reprimands, but Mina whips, only for Mone to springboard and arm-drag!

Mone keeps the arm so she can drag Mina into a CROSSFACE! Mina crawls back, back, and has the ROPEBREAK! Mone lets go of the Statement Maker at 4, then runs to DROPKICK Mina to the floor! The fans rally and Mone builds speed to then DIVE! Direct hit on Mina and the Stardom Young Lionesses! Mone puts Mina in, the fans rally up, and Mone goes up the corner. Mina roars and rises, then she SLAPS Mone! Mina grabs a leg to SUPER DRAGON SCREW Mone down! The fans fire up as Mina runs up, and she dropkicks legs out! Mone flounders while the fans rally, and Mina grabs that leg.

Mina drags Mone to a corner, and then SWINGS the bad leg into the post! The fans cheer and Mina shouts, “WE WANT MINA~!” The fans cheer that, and Mina puts on the CORNER FIGURE FOUR! Mone flails, maybe even taps out, but it doesn’t count given the post is involved! The ref counts, Mina lets go at 4, and Mone scrambles away. Mina fires up and the fans are with her. Mina runs corner to corner at Mone, but Mone ELBOWS back! And BOOTS! And then goes up to DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Mina staggers back, Mone hits a METEORA! Cover, TWO! Mina survives and hurries to her feet! She dropkicks Mone’s legs again!

Mone writhes but Mina storms up on her. Mina picks Mone up and ties up the legs, for a KNEE BUSTER! Mone clutches her legs, but Mina grabs them and fires the fans up! Mina blows a kiss to Mone before she drops an ELBOW on the knee! Then Mina hooks the leg up for a SHIN BREAKER! Mone writhes but Mina KICKS the bad leg! Mone clings to ropes but Mina stands on the leg! The ref reprimands, Mone kicks with her good leg, but Mina stomps Mone down. The fans rally as Mina brings Mone up. Mina hooks up the leg again, SHIN- NO, Mone sunset flips! But Mina rolls thorugh, only for Mone to METEORA!

Mone is frustrated but she fires back up! The fans rally, Mina runs up, but Mone blocks the kick to KNEE her back! Mone then spins Mina to BACKSTABBER! A bit double-edged given the bad leg, but Mone still stands. Mone somersaults to then ELBOW Mina! Mone fires off forearms in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Mone puts Mina in the ropes, CHOPS her, then climbs up for the STOCK DROP! Mone roars and the fans fire up with her! Mina is in the drop zone while Mone goes up the corner. Mina stands, so Mone METEORAS again! NO, Mina rolls through! Mina SMASHES the knee again and again!

Mina steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Mone scrambles and has the ROPEBREAK! Mina lets go but she brings Mone back up. Mina fires off slapping strikes, then runs, springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! Mone stays in this but Mina stays focused. The fans rally up and Mina calls her shot. Mina drags Mone back up, scoops her, but Mone slips through! Mone manages to scoop Mina, for a CIPHER UTAKI! But again, double-edged because of the bad knee! The fans rally, the ref even pounds the mat to signal for the two women to rise. Mina and Mone grab at each other, and they start throwing forearms!

The fans rally as the shots go back and forth! Mina is having fun now as she ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! The forearms keep going, Mone gets the edge, but Mina shakes those off to fire back! Mina ROCKS Mone, ROLLING ELBOWS her, then URA- NO, Mone catches Mina not a Gory Especial! But the legs give out! Mina reels Mone in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again and Mina rises! Mina has Mone’s legs, steps through, but Mone BOOTS her away! Mina returns, but Mone rolls through the jackknife! Mina reels Mone in for a suplex! Una Amiga! Mone brings Mina up for Dos Amigas! And then for THREE AMIGAS!

The fans fire up and Mone roars again! Mone crawls to a corner and drags herself up the ropes. Mina stands, roars, and she blocks Mone’s shot to URAKEN! Mina then climbs up after Mone, and the fans rally as she CLUBS away on her! Mina goes to the very top, and she gives Mone a SUPER IMPALER DDT!! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Mina rises first, and she dares Mone to get up! Mone rises, Mina grabs the bad leg! DRAGON SCREW! Mone flounders around but Mina has her right up, and in an Electric Chair Lift! Mina spins Mone into a FALLING DRAGON SCREW! Then FIGURE FOUR!!

Mone endures and the fans are going wild! Mina thrashes around as much as she can, but Mone SLAPS her! Mina SLAPS back! Mone SLAPS again, but Mina pushes up on the hold! Mone CLUBS at the legs, works to turn this over, and then she has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Mina lets Mone go, only to follow Mone to a corner! Mina goes up top, and she hits Mone with a FLYING SLINGBLADE! Mina hurries to hit an IMPLANT DDT!! Cover, TWO?!? Mone survives and the fans fire up! Mina fires up, calls her shot, and has Mone in a dragon sleeper! GLAMOROUS DRIVER MINA!! Cover, TWO?!?! Mone survives and no one can believe it!

Mina is fuming, but she drags Mone up again. GLAM- NO, Mone slips free! Mina kicks a leg out, then runs, but Mone manages a CODE BREAKER! Mone roars, runs, and SWINGING CODE BREAKERS!! Cover, TWO!! Mina survives and Mone is beside herself! The fans fire up more while Mone pounds the mat. Mone drags Mina up, turns her and Gory Especial, but Mina flips up and over! Mina hooks Mone up in a GORY BOMB!! And then ANKLE LOCK!! Mina leans on that hold, then turns it around into a GLAMOROUS DEATHLOCK!! Mone endures, fights around, makes it a cover, TWO!! Both women stand, and run in!

Mone turns Mina to a backslide, TWO!! Mina trips Mone, but Mone cradle counters!! TWO!!! Mina kicks, Mone blocks! Gory Especial, MONEY MAKER!!! Cover, MONE WINS!!

Winner: Mercedes Mone, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion & NEW RPW British Women’s Champion)

A powerful battle of top stars in the world, but The CEO just keeps on stacking gold! The Queen of Southside belts comes with the RPW belt, Mone almost can’t carry it all! She still shows respect to Mina by offering a handshake, but Mina slaps it away! Will Mina have her revenge the next time she’s in AEW? Will Mone have even more belts by then?

 

David Finlay VS Brody King!

The Rebel no longer has his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship after losing it to Yota Tsuji, but he can still fight for his pride as “Boss Dog” of Bullet Club. Will Finlay redeem himself from WrestleKingdom’s defeat? Or will the King of Death show that even in the Tokyo Dome, the House Always Wins?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Brody and Finlay circle, tie up, and Brody powers Finlay back. Finlay turns things around and grinds his forearm in Brody’s face. The ref counts but Brody SHOVES Finlay away! Finlay comes back to fire more forearms, but Brody SHOVES him again! Finlay gets up, but Brody CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and Brody swings. Finlay dodges, gets cocky, but Brody BOOTS him! Brody barks then storms up on Finlay, to TOSS him across the way! Brody tells Finlay to get up, then runs corner to corner. Finlay dropkicks the legs out! Brody hits buckles and Gedo cheers!

Finlay brings Brody around, reels him in, but Brody backdrops out with ease! Finlay flounders while Brody shakes out the stars. Brody storms up to DOUBLE CHOP Finlay down! Brody paces around Finlay, stands him up, and CHOPS him down! Finlay bails out to the apron but Brody asks where he thinks he’s going. Brody drags Finlay up by his hair, but Finlay HOTSHOTS him back! Finlay runs in and CHOP BLOCKS a leg out! Gedo cheers again while Finlay clamps on a SLEEPER! Finlay fires crossface forearms, but then Brody blocks ’em! Finlay stomps away on Brody’s legs, then he SMASHES a knee into the mat!

The fans rally for Brody as he stands, but Finlay runs up! Finlay LARIATS Brody and himself up and out of the ring! They both hit the floor, and Finlay grits his teeth as he stands. Finlay leaves Brody behind to then PLANCHA, but Brody catches him! Brody pops Finlay up, but Finlay slips free! Finlay POSTS Brody, and Brody goes to railing. Finlay runs up but Brody sends him crashing into railing! Brody grabs a chair, but he sits it up by the railing. Brody drags Finlay over and ROCKS him! Finlay takes a seat, and Brody CHOPS him against railing! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs up, CROSSBODY against railing!

The fans are thunderous as the chair all but disappears under Brody and Finlay! Brody drags Finlay up and into the ring, then he SENTONS onto Finlay! Brody pushes Finlay to a high stack cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Brody looms over him. Gedo coaches Finlay, the fans rally, and Brody scuffs the “Boss Dog.” Brody sits Finlay up to CHOP him! Brody stalks Finlay to a corner, then CHOPS him again! Finlay falls down and the fans cheer. Brody drags Finlay up while Gedo protests, but Brody DECKS Finlay! Finlay crawls, Brody drags him up, and then CHOPS again! Finlay ends up in a corner and Brody paces.

Brody eggs Finlay on, then stands him back up. Brody whips corner to corner hard, and Finlay bounces off buckles to fall right to the mat! Brody hauls Finlay up to RAM him into more buckles! Finlay flops down while Brody talks trash. Gedo tells Finlay to get up, Brody dares Finlay to get up, and the fans rally up. Brody storms up, blocks a boot, and he CLUBS the leg to then ROCK Finlay! Brody puts Finlay across the top rope, to then CHOP him down! Finlay flops to the apron, but Brody goes out to meet him! Finlay fires forearms, but Brody ROCKS him with just one! Brody stands Finlay up again, but Finlay fires more shots!

Brody ROCKS Finlay again, and the fans fire up! Finlay fires more shots, but Brody ROCKS him, and clamps on the SLEEPER! The ref reprimands, but Finlay CLAWS Brody’s eyes! Finlay is free, and he runs up to CLOBBER Brody against the railing! Gedo is fired up and so are the fans! Brody sputters while Finlay leaves him behind. Finlay gets in the ring, climbs a corner, and he SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit and Brody is sent into the railing! Finlay flounders back up to his feet, and he puts Brody back in the ring. Finlay then runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Finlay shoves Brody from the corner to go up, but Brody YANKS Finlay down!

Brody then fireman’s carries Finlay for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives and the fans cheer, but Brody snarls and grits his teeth. Brody stalks Finlay, talks smack, then stands Finlay up. Brody ROCKS Finlay, and Finlay staggers away. Finlay comes back but Brody ROCKS him again! Finlay staggers around more, but Brody ROCKS him a third time! Gedo coaches Finlay, and Finlay shakes out the stars. But then Brody DECKS him! The ref checks Finlay but Finlay is still in this, somehow. Finlay fires himself up, and he fires a flurry of forearms! Then an UPPERCUT! Finlay runs, ducks one lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up, but Brody brings Finlay right into a PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives again, but now Brody is mad! Brody stands Finlay up, to POINT-BLANK LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Finlay is still in this and Gedo fires up again! The fans rally, Brody vows to end this! Brody drags Finlay right up, reels him in, and GONZO- NO, Finlay slips free! Finlay ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay hurries to get Brody up, and runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Finlay has to turn Brody over for the cover, TWO! Brody is still in this and the fans rally up again. Finlay rises up, and he vows to end this!

Finlay stands Brody up, but Brody fireman’s carries! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Brody snarls again and the fans fire up! Brody barks, fans bark with him, and Finlay sits up in the corner. Brody runs in and CANNONBALLS! Brody drags Finlay up, hoists him onto the top rope, and then CHOPS! Brody climbs now, and he has Finlay on the top! Finlay fires body shots, then he climbs up to SUPER SUNSET FLIP ALLEY-OOP! Brody hits buckles, Finlay reels him in! Finlay manages to lift and POWERBOMB Brody!! The fans fire up, as Finlay hits OVERKIL!!! Cover, FINLAY WINS!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

The saying might be cliche, but it really is about the size of the fight in the dog! Finlay overcomes big bad Brody with sheer determination and not a single underhanded tactic! But then, can Finlay use this as momentum on the road back to the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship? Or maybe even something bigger?

 

Shota Umino VS Claudio Castagnoli!

The Roughneck went 43 minutes with Zack Sabre Jr, and yet he could not take the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for his own. But that’s secondary now with how The Death Riders are trying to take out Jon Moxley’s original right hand man! Will the Swiss Superman be more like a terminator? Or will Shota still bring about his Paradigm Shift?

Claudio doesn’t even wait for his entrance, he attacks during Shota’s! The fans boo as Claudio knocks Shota down from behind on the ramp! Claudio just looms over Shota while he takes off his jacket, then he sits Shota up to BOOT him! Claudio even TOSSES Shota’s replica world title belt, the one the fans gave him! The fans boo more but hopefully someone gets that back to Shota. Claudio stands Shota up to ROCK him with a forearm, CLUB him on the back, and then UPPERCUT him! They go to ringside, and Claudio pushes Shota in. Claudio then storms in and the bell rings as he stomps Shota some more.

Shota looks up at Claudio with defiance, so Claudio UPPERCUTS! Shota shoves Claudio, fires a flurry of forearms, but Claudio fires those in return! Claudio UPPERCUTS, Shota fires more forearms, and Claudio wobbles! Shota UPPERCUTS, but Claudio pokes Shota in the eyes! Claudio UPPERCUTS, runs, but Shota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Shota while Claudio bails out. Shota takes aim as Claudio goes around the outside, then he PLANCHAS! But Claudio catches Shota! Claudio runs Shota into the POST! And he holds on so he can SNAKE EYES Shota off railing! Then he RAMS Shota back into the railing!

Claudio opens the gate and he sends Shota into the lighting truss! And then into the railing in front of fans! Claudio ROCKS Shota, then looms over him. The fans rally for Shota but there are some Claudio fans. Claudio whips Shota back into railing, and DUMPS him over to ringside! The ref reprimands, this needs to be in the ring, but Claudio hauls Shota up to FLAPJACK off railing! Shota is stuck so Claudio DUMPS him into the commentary area! The fans are torn while Claudio paces in the ring. The ring count starts while Shota is down. Shota sits up at 5 of 20, crawls his way back to the gate, but is still outside at 10.

Shota hobbles at 13, reaches ringside at 15, and rolls in at 16. The fans cheer, but Claudio is on Shota with an UPPERCUT! Claudio gets the legs, trips Shota, but Shota fights free! Claudio comes back to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Claudio scowls, and he deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Cover, TWO! Claudio clamps right on with a CROSSFACE! Shota endures, the fans rally up, but Claudio pulls back on the hold! Shota fights around, but Claudio fishhooks him! The ref reprimands, Claudio lets go, but then he fishhooks Shota in the ropes! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Claudio lets go at 4. To then fishhook Shota more!

The ref tells Claudio to back off, and Claudio lets go again. Shota sputters against ropes while the fans rally up. Claudio brings Shota around and ROCKS him with a forearm! Shota staggers but he grits his teeth. Claudio ROCKS Shota again, but Shota just stares Claudio down this time! Shota fires a forearm, but Claudio fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Claudio runs to BOOT Shota down! Claudio soaks up the cheers and jeers, then he stands Shota up. Claudio CHOPS Shota, CLAWS his eyes and SMOTHERS him against ropes! The ref counts, Claudio stops at 4, to then UPPERCUT again! Claudio whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS!

Claudio ends up on ropes, and Shota hurries to slingshot and APRON DDT! Claudio gets stuck like ZSJ did last night, then flops to the floor! Shota fires up and he stalks after Claudio. Shota stands Claudio up to UPPERCUT, then he puts Claudio on railing! DRAPING DDT to the floor! Shota strikes like a Viper and Claudio clutches his head! The ref checks Claudio but Claudio is still in this. Shota stalks Claudio, puts him in the ring, then aims from the corner. Claudio sits up, into the COAST2COAST! Shota hurries to dragon sleeper and TRIDENT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Shota runs, IGNITION!

Shota hurries to underhook, but Claudio RAMS Shota into a corner! Claudio runs up, Shota dodges, and Shota runs up! But Claudio puts Shota on the top rope, and UPPERCUTS! Shota wobbles, the fans rally up, and Claudio UPPERCUTS again! Shota leans way back, but Claudio climbs up to join him. Claudio drags Shota onto his shoulders for a fireman’s carry! Claudio stands to SUPER MILITARY PRESS SLAM!! Shota writhes and flounders around while the fans are thunderous! Claudio runs and LARIATS Shota down! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans rally up again. Claudio looms over Shota while the fans duel, and Claudio calls for “it!”

Claudio grabs the legs, for a GIANT SWING! The fans count along, and Claudio goes past ten, to go to FIFTEEN, then TWENTY! The fans cheer this special treat in the Tokyo Dome, and Claudio covers, TWO!! Shota survives, but Claudio drags him back to center! Claudio steps through, and he turns Shota over for a SHARPSHOOTER! Shota endures while Claudio sits deep on the hold! Shota powers up, but Claudio drags him away from ropes! Claudio sits deep on the hold again, but Shota refuses to give in! Shota powers up a second time, and he powers his way forward! But Claudio puts on more pressure!

The fans rally, Shota fights forward, and Claudio looses his footing! ROPEBREAK!! Shota survives, but Claudio looms over him. Claudio kicks at Shota mockingly, then he vows to end this! Claudio reels Shota in, Gotch Hold, but Shota fights it! So Claudio stands Shota up to UPPERCUT, and UPPERCUT, and UPPER- NO, Shota has the arms! Claudio fights the backslide, and he spins Shota for a KNEE down low! Shota sputters, goes to a corner, and Claudio runs in. Shota BOOTS Claudio, but Claudio fires off UPPERCUTS from all sides! Shota sits down and the fans fire up again. Claudio fireman’s carries Shota, and he goes up the corner!

The fans rally as Claudio takes aim, but Shota fights with elbows! Claudio sits down on the top rope, and Shota fires HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS from up there! Shota shows Claudio he can still Blackpool Combat Club with the Death Riders! The fans are torn as Shota fires off more shots, then dragon sleepers! SUPER TORNADO DDT!! Shota aims from a corner, powers up his arm, and he runs in to BLAZE BLADE!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives but the fans rally up! Shota underhooks Claudio, but Claudio wrenches out and UPPERCUTS! Claudio shoves Shota, then POP-UP UPPERCUTS! And then the straitjacket! RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?

Shota survives, the fans are thunderous, but Claudio vows to end this! Gotch hold, but Shota wrenches out! Claudio UPPERCUTS, resets, but Shota slips free! Underhooks, but Claudio wrenches out! But Shota turns uppercut into backslide! Claudio rolls through, but into a DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!

Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall

#SHOOTER manages to outdraw Claudio in this shootout, and he comes away with that split-second win! Claudio is upset, but then he offers a handshake. Shota reaches out for it, but then Claudio signals for him to shove it! Claudio leaves, but Shota still shows respect with a bow to the crowd. The fans are still uncertain of this aspiring hero, but will Shota show Moxley what it really means to bring about a Paradigm Shift?

 

NEVER Openweight & AEW International Championships Double Title Match: Konosuke Takeshita VS Tomohiro Ishii!

The Alpha of the Don Callis Family only just won the NEVER title off Shingo Takagi to become a double champion, but the Stone Pitbull is coming for it all! Will Ishii take a bite out of Konosuke? Or will he learn firsthand why Konosuke is All Elite?

The introductions are made, both belts are raised, and we see who NEVER gives in!

The bell rings and the fans rally up already. Konosuke and Ishii slowly step up, tie up, and then break. Ishii CHOPS, Callis laughs as Konosuke just stares him down. Konosuke kicks and headlocks, but Ishii powers up and out. Ishii CHOPS but Konosuke keeps going! Konosuke RAMS Ishii, Ishii ROARS then ROCKS Konosuke! Ishii runs, and he RAMS Konosuke! They RAM, and RAM, and RAM shoulders again! They both run, RAM shoulders, then Konosuke rebounds to RUN Ishii over! The fans fire up while Konosuke dusts himself off. Konosuke eggs on Ishii, so Ishii gets up to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP!

Konosuke winds up to ALPHA ELBOW! Ishii staggers, then drops to his knees! Ishii flounders to ropes while fans rally up, and Konosuke stalks Ishii to a corner. Konosuke stands on Ishii, but the ref counts. Konosuke steps off but Callis says no mercy! Konosuke stomps Ishii, drags him up, then ROCKS him again! Ishii goes to the corner, Konosuke ROCKS him again, and then ROCKS him again! But Ishii just eggs Konosuke on! Callis says go ahead, hit him again! Konosuke stomps away, but then Ishii CHOPS! Konosuke BOOTS Ishii down, Callis says they’ll hospitalize Ishii if they have to!

Konosuke runs to KNEE Ishii in the face! Ishii sputters, the fans rally, and Konosuke gives Ishii a kick to the face. Ishii gets mad and he rises up. Konosuke scuffs Ishii again, then BOOST him! Ishii snarls, Konosuke BOOTS him again, but Ishii stands right up! Ishii CHOPS up high, then puts Konosuke in the corner! Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS but the ref counts. Ishii tells the ref to back off, and then Ishii eggs on Konosuke with, “Doshita, champion? <What’s wrong, champion?>” Ishii CHOPS again, then whips, but Konosuke reverses. Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Konosuke! The fans fire up while Ishii storms back over.

Ishii stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke fights the lift with elbows. Ishii still SAIDOS! The fans fire up while Ishii rises. Ishii waits on Konosuke, then runs, but into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Ishii reverses, then Ishii ducks the lariat! Ishii avoids the boot, avoids an elbow, and he ROCKS Konosuke! Ishii runs up at the corner, but Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke goes up, but Ishii avoids the senton! SLIDING- NO, Konosuke gets under the lariat and he deadlifts Ishii for a RELEASE GERMAN!! The ref checks Ishii, and he’s somehow still in this! Konosuke SLIDING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO! Ishii survives and the fans cheer!

Konosuke grows frustrated, but Callis coaches him. Ishii stirs while the fans rally again. Konosuke hauls Ishii up, BLUE- NO, Ishii slips free! Konosuke blocks a lariat, but Ishii SOUTHPAW LARIATS! Ishii runs up, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Callis argues with the ref. The ref defends the count, so Konosuke powers up the arm. The fans rally again as Ishii rises, and Konosuke runs. Ishii SWATS the lariat, CHOPS Konosuke high again, then has Konosuke in a corner. Ishii hoists Konosuke up top, then climbs up after him! The fans rally, but Konosuke suplexes first! SUPER FALCON ARROW!! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans are fired up and Konosuke is shocked! Ishii stirs, the fans rally behind him, but Callis coaches Konosuke to end this. POWER DRIVE- NO, Ishii blocks the knee to fire boxing elbows! Ishii runs, but into a scoop! BASTARD DRIVER!! And then deadlift WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Ishii rises?!? Ishii runs up, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans are thunderous and Konosuke is beside himself! Konosuke hauls Ishii up, reels him in, and suplexes for RAGING- NO, Ishii slips free and wrenches! Ishii gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! But now Konosuke rises!? But Ishii LARIATS! Cover, ONE?!?!?

Both men rise, and then both men fall! The fans are thunderous again for this true battle of Strong Style! Callis fans off Konosuke, and tells the ref to worry more about Ishii! The fans rally up as hard as they can, and the two crawl to each other. They give junkyard dog headbutts, and then talk some trash. Konosuke and Ishii hold each other’s waistbands? And then they start firing forearms! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth, and even at the same time! Ishii DECKS Konosuke!! Ishii wobbles but he nods as he storms back up on Konosuke! But then Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS!! Ishii falls back and the fans fire up again!

Konosuke snarls and vows to end this. Konosuke drags Ishii up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Konosuke drags Ishii onto his shoulder, but Ishii fires elbows! Ishii then turns things around to SUPER STEINER!! The fans are thunderous, who knew Ishii could pull that off? Ishii rises, and he headbutts the buckles! Ishii roars, Callis panics, but Ishii gets moving! LARIAT! Konosuke stays up!? HEADBUTT! ELBOW! But Ishii stays up to HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT, and HEADBUTT!! Ishii then shoves Konosuke to LARIAT! Ishii roars, the fans erupt, and somehow Konosuke stands! But Ishii LARIATS again!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans are going nuts as Ishii roars and stands again! Ishii brings Konosuke up, but Konosuke suplexes first, to BRAINBUSTER! Konosuke uses Ishii’s move, then gator rolls him, only for Ishii to supelx! Konosuke knees free, but Ishii DECKS Konosuke! Ishii staggers backwards to a corner but the fans give him strength! SLIDING LARIAT! Ishii hurries to bring Konosuke up, suplexes again, but Konosuke slips free! And POISON-RANAS!! Callis is relieved as Konosuke rises, and Konosuke takes off the elbow pad! Just like with Takagi, Konosuke takes aim for a BONE- NO, Ishii ducks! But Konosuke blocks the enzigiri! POWER DRIVER KNEE!!

Ishii stays up!? POWER- NO, Ishii blocks that to ENZIGIRI! Konosuke stays up to BONE ALPHA ELBOW!! And then Konosuke roars, suplexes, RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight & AEW International Champion)

That was a battle truly worthy of the NEVER Division, of AEW, of NJPW, of Strong Style, and so much more! The Don Callis Family will be bringing both these belts back home, but will Konosuke prove he is The Alpha of Wrestling?

 

Vacated IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb VS The Young Bucks VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!

Originally, this was meant to be The Dominator and the Face of Fury defending their gold against Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, but misfortune struck during the World Tag League. Henare is out for an indefinite time, so Khan called upon the Imperial Unit for help. But then in another twist, The United Empire decided it was only fair that the World Tag League winners should get their shot! So last minute as the change is, this is a huge opportunity for Los Ingobernables de Japon! Will Naito & Hiromu win these titles as they intended? Will The Bucks make these titles All Elite? Or will they all be conquered by the United Empire?

It seems Hiromu, in his own eccentric way, is trying to outdo Naito in the entrance attire department. His outfit is more like a mascot costume, if your mascot was an Eldritch horror Funko Pop. Hiromu even struggles getting out of it! The Young Bucks make their entrance last, with far less pomp and circumstance than expected from the highly decorated tag team turned AEW EVPs. But there is a lot of heat thanks to all that fire for their pyro. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and one way or another, we will crown the 106TH IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions!

The fans rally already, and they even cheer the Young Bucks just on the return to NJPW. The ref wants the teams to sort out, then he rings the bell. Khan CLOBBERS Hiromu and fires off on Naito! The Bucks back off, more than willing to let The Empire handle LIJ. Khan drags Naito out of the ring, so Hiromu and Cobb are legal by default. Hiromu fires CHOPS but Cobb ROCKS him in return. Khan stomps Naito at the railing, Hiromu CHOPS Cobb more and more, but Cobb ROCKS him again! Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but then he and Cobb notice The Bucks cheering them both on.

Cobb and Hiromu run up to BLAST The Bucks down! Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS, but then Cobb kicks and whips. Hiromu returns to RANA, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Hiromu! Cobb stands Hiromu up to CHOP, then he whips. The Bucks trip Hiromu up, drag him out, and DOUBLE APRON POWERBOMB him! The Bucks then run in, dodge Cobb, and double kick! Matt gives Nick the boost to DROPKICK Cobb! The Bucks BLAST Khan off the apron, and Matt says, “This is what we freakin’ do, remember?!” The fans fire up, and The Bucks dosido before they DOUBLE DIVE! Matt tacks out Naito and Khan while Nick wipes out Cobb and Hiromu!

Nick puts Hiromu in, whips him to a a corner, then runs up. Nick blocks Hiromu’s boots to put him in the ropes, and then he hits a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Nick holds Hiromu up, and Matt slingshots to DRAPING SENTON! The fans fire up, and then Cobb runs in! Cobb ducks Matt’s haymaker to shove him into Nick! Then Cobb DROPKICKS Matt! The Bucks regroup outside, and Cobb mocks the Bucks’ pose! Cobb runs, but The Bucks return to DOUBLE SUPERKICK! The fans fire up again, they missed seeing that live. Nick runs, Matt gives him the boost to RANA! Cobb tumbles out, Matt helps Nick goes up and up to SKY TWISTER!

Down goes Cobb and the fans fire up, but LIJ regroups to go after Matt! Hiromu kicks, he and Naito whip to then DOUBLE ELBOW, and DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Nick returns but LIJ kicks him now. They double whip but Nick ducks the double elbows. Naito drops down, Hiromu bypasses and CROSSBODIES! Khan returns but LIJ kicks him! They double whip, but Khan gets under the elbows to shove Naito into Hiromu! Khan then REVERSE STOs Naito! Hiromu kicks but Khan blocks, and Khan spins Hiromu to shove him. Khan then clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up behind Khan as he goes after Naito.

Khan fires Mongolian Chop after Mongolian Chop, then feints to UPPERCUT! Naito ends up in the corner and Khan hops up onto his throne! But then Nick runs up, so Khan sends him into Naito! Khan runs, Nick dodges to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE! Cobb is back to whip Nick to a corner and SPLASH! Cobb then runs at Naito to JUMP KICK, leg sweep, and COMBINACION feint to BOOT! The fans fire up as the “Cobb-y Cat” strikes again! Cobb then runs to JUMP KICK Nick, leg sweep, but Nick avoids the rest! Nick RAMS into Cobb, slingshot X-FACTOR, then he MOONSAULTS out onto Hiromu!

The fans fire up again as Matt drags Cobb into position! Nick goes up top, for some RISKY BUSINESS! Cover, TWO! Cobb stays in this but Matt mockingly applauds. Nick pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and The Bucks call for the Superkick Party~! The fans fire up as The Bucks aim at Cobb. But Cobb blocks Nick’s kick to send it into Matt! Then Cobb SUPERKICKS Nick! Naito is back, he dragon sleepers for a NECKBREAKER! Then he runs to basement DROPKICK! Khan returns to BOOT Naito! Hiromu dropkicks Khan’s legs out! Matt runs up but Hiromu BOOTS him! Hiromu runs up, into the NORTHERN LIGHTS!

Matt gets the Polar Express going with NORTHERN LIGHTS after NORTHERN LIGHTS! Naito runs up, but Matt gets them for a DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS! Matt drags Hiromu up, puts him in the ropes, and Nick goes up! DRAPING SWANTON BOMB! High stack, TWO! Hiromu survives but Matt mockingly applauds again, and even says, “Sugoi, sugoi.” Matt drags Hiromu up and Nick climbs. Matt fireman’s carries Hiromu, MORE BANG, but Hiromu avoids Nick’s 450! Hirtomu then trips up Matt, and OVERHEAD SUPELXES Nick into him! Hiromu feeds Nick to Naito and gives him the boost on the TORNADO DDT!

Nick staggers up, Hiromu fireman’s carries for TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, but Khan breaks it! Khan gives Naito a BELLY2BELLY! And he gives Hiromu a BELLY2BELLY! Matt storms up, but into a BELLY2BELLY! Nick is up, Khan gives him a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Khan then calls to Cobb. Cobb hauls Hiromu up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Naito is up, Cobb gives him a GERMAN SUPLEX! Matt staggers up, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Nick is up, Cobb says it is a suplex party! But Nick lands out of the German! Nick mule kicks, he and Matt both mule kick, then they get the wrists! But Matt says hold on, give him a second.

The Bucks catch their breath, to E V P- NO! Cobb blocks the knees to lift both Bucks! The Bucks CLUB free, but then Cobb ducks Matt’s lariat! Cobb waistlocks, Matt grabs Nick, but Cobb DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES The Bucks!! The fans are thunderous and Cobb feeds Matt to Khan’s IRON CLAW! Khan has the Bow ‘n’ Arrow rack, and he spins around and around for the SWINGING SLAM! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, Hiromu breaks it! Khan CLUBS and TOSSES Hiromu, and the Empire brings Matt up. Cobb goes up a corner, but Matt CLAWS Khan’s eyes! Matt CHOPS Cobb, fires haymakers, then climbs up after him.

Matt brings Cobb up, but Cobb fights back with body shots! Matt falls, but Naito storms up! Cobb HEADBUTTS Naito right down! Hiromu CHOPS Cobb! Hiromu climbs and fans fire up, but Matt YANKS Hiromu down! Matt and Hiromu argue, but then they come to an agreement. They both go up to get Cobb, and the fans fire up as they manage to DOUBLE SUPERPLEX him! The fans fire up and then Matt offers a fist bump. Hiromu says this is a “new team!” But then Matt SUPERKICKS Hiromu! The Bucks then focus on Cobb, Nick SHINING WIZARDS, and Matt cravats, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, but Naito breaks it!

Nick CLAWS Naito’s back, kicks him low, then The Bucks whip Naito to a corner. Matt sends Nick in but Naito puts Nick outside! Matt runs up, Naito dodges, Nick GAMANGIRIS Matt! Naito DECKS Nick, then runs up on Matt! CORRIENDO- NO! Matt turns the tilt=o=whirl into a gut wrench! Cobb anchors Nick, but Nick KICKS him away! Only for Hiromu to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Nick into Cobb! DESTINO!! Cover, KHAN BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Khan clamps on HITSUJIGOROSHI! Hiromu runs up so Khan lets Naito go. Hiromu dodges Khan to kick, KICK, and Naito ENZIGIRIS! Cobb DECKS Hiromu!

Cobb JABS Naito, then wrenches and tilt-o- NO! SHOTGUN from Hiromu! Then a SUPERKICK! Naito’s up top to ESPERANZA! Cobb is down, Hiromu intercepts Nick! LIJ double whip, Nick goes up and over, Matt SUPERKICKS Hiromu! Nick backslides Naito, Naito rolls through, but into a E V P TRIGGER!! Cover, KHAN BREAKS IT AGAIN! The fans fire up as Khan proves to be an MVP defender! Nick CLAWS Khan’s back for it, though, and now The Bucks double whip Khan. Khan grabs ropes to avoid the kicks! Khan runs up, The Bucks dodge, and they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Khan stays up on rage alone!

But then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS take him down after all! Matt scoops Khan, Nick goes to the apron, but then Nick ASAI MOONSAULTS Cobb and Hiromu! Nick resets for the MELTZER DRIVER!! Cover, THE BUCKS WIN!!

Winners: The Young Bucks, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Despite their cocky attitude, The Bucks still back up their words with actions! And now Matthew & Nicholas are once again on top of tag team wrestling! Will The Bucks soon make NJPW All Elite?

 

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Jack Perry!

The Gene Blast just took this title off David Finlay, but seeing as he has a bone to pick with The Scapegoat, he had to sweeten the deal. Will Yota knock Hollywood Jack Perry off his high horse? Or will he already lose what he fought so hard to get?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for someone to make a sacrifice!

The bell rings and Yota stares down Jack while the fans rally up. Jack steps up to Yota, and the two tie up. Jack waistlocks, Yota switches then headlocks. Jack powers up and out, but Yota runs him over! Jack gets right up, takes a swing, but Yota dodges to hit a headlock takeover. Jack fights up, powers Yota to ropes then powers out, to then drop down and hurdle. Yota turns hip toss into arm-drag, then sweeps the legs. Jack UP KICKS, then runs in at the corner. Jack blocks a boot but Yota reel shim in for a DOUBLE STOMP! The fans cheer while Jack sputters. Yota goes up, up, but Jack DROPKICKS him out!

Yota hits apron then floor, and Jack snarls. Jack builds speed while fans rally up, and Jack DIVES! Blindside attack and Yota is sent into railing! Jack grins now but the fans boo. Jack shakes the railing to knock Yota over, then he brings Yota up for a whip. Yota hits railing hard, then falls in a heap. Jack refreshes the count, SPITS at the fans, then stands Yota up. Jack CLUBS Yota, then hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans rally for Yota but Jack lets his hair down, just to flick the sweat at the camera. Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Jack smirks as he paces. Jack drags Yota up to CHOP! Jack whips Yota to a corner, then LARIATS!

Jack snapmares, runs, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Yota stays in this, but Jack mockingly claps along. Jack sits Yota up to KICK him in the back, then CHOPS him in the chest! And CHOPS again! Yota falls back but Jack eggs him on. Yota sits up, so Jack CLAWS Yota’s face! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Jack stops just to soak up more heat. Jack goes back to Yota, brings him up and suplexes for a cover, TWO! Jack clamps on a chinlock but the fans rally up. Yota endures, fights to his feet, and fires body shots. Jack CLUBS Yota, then runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER!

Jack writhes, the fans rally up, and Yota catches his breath. Yota storms up to then DECK Jack! And ELBOW him down! And then whip, only for Jack to reverse. But Yota BOOTS Jack down! The fans fire up and Yota hauls Jack up for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Jack stays in this but Yota stays cool. The fans rally, Yota brings Jack up, and Yota whips Jack to a corner. Yota runs up, and he STINGER SPLASHES! Jack falls and the fans fire up! Yota then goes up, up, and MARLOWE- NO, Jack trips Yota up! Jack CHOPS Yota on the back, has him in a Tree of Woe, then runs side to side to basement DROPKICK!

Yota falls out of the Tree but Jack puts him back in the corner. Jack runs to DOUBLE KNEE in the back, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and Jack tells fans to hush. Jack drags Yota up, CLUBS him, then brings him around to put him in ropes. Jack ROCKS Yota in the back, then KNEES him! Yota dangles in ropes, and Jack DRAPING ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and Jack is annoyed but the fans rally up. Jack eggs Yota on, drags him back up, and then short arm LARIATS! Yota stays up, so Jack short arm LARIATS again! Jack tries again, but swings into the BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER and STOMP!

The fans fire up for the Gene Combination, and Yota catches his breath while Jack flounders. Jack goes to a corner and Yota hoists him up top. Yota climbs up to fire forearm after forearm, but Jack pokes Yota in the eyes! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jack CLUBS Yota. Jack hushes the fans, CHOPS Yota on the back, but then Yota fights back! Both men go to the very top, and Yota has Jack for a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Jack survives but the fans fire up with Yota! Yota aims from a corner, grins and runs up, GENE- KNEE!! Jack hits Yota first but both men are down! That “Glass Jawbreaker” knee might’ve gotten busted by the Gene Blaster!

The fans rally up while both men stir, and then both men stand. Yota fires a forearm, but then he staggers back. Jack fires a forearm, but Yota comes back to fire another. Jack CHOPS, the fans fire up, and Yota CHOPS back! The fans fire up more while Jack staggers back to ropes. Yota eggs Jack on while grinning, so Jack puts some stank on the CHOP! Jack pie faces Yota, but Yota stands to CHOP! Jack sputters and drops to his knees, but rises to fire a forearm! Yota gives that back, and they go back and forth! Yota ROCKS Jack, fires a flurry, but Jack knees low! Jack whips, Yota reverses, but Jack leaps to SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!

Jack grows frustrated but the fans fire up! Jack torture racks but Yota slips free, to SUPERKICK! Jack goes to a corner, Yota runs in, but Jack ELBOWS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! And CHOPS! Yota winds up, but Jack ducks and shoves him at the ref! Then LOW BLOW! The fans boo but Jack wrenches and torture racks, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up! Jack is frustrated again but he rolls to a corner. Jack aims as Yota rises, “We all have to sacrifice!” But Yota avoids the knee! Then GENE- NO, Jack dodges Yota’s knee, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Yota rises!

The fans rally up again but Jack BOOTS Yota! Jack runs, but Yota swings! Jack ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then so does Yota! GENE BLASTER!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

The Scapegoat tried the tricks he learned from The House of Torture, but he could not cheat the natural order! Yota’s superior size, strength and honor saw him through, but he also eyes The Ace on commentary. Will this Reiwa Musketeer look to challenge one of the Heisei Musketeers in the near future?

 

Kenny Omega VS Gabe Kidd!

After a frightening battle with diverticulitis, and after being outed as an EVP by the treacherous Elite, The Best Bout Machine also had to deal with a certain Mad Man calling him out. Though to Gabe’s credit, he got The Cleaner’s attention. Will Omega make him regret it? Or will the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion show he’s the best now?

Gabe has a new theme song that’s all his own, no more sharing the War Dogs theme with the boys. But speaking of Tanahashi, Gabe tells The Ace that the only one beating Shibata is Gabe! Gabe shows off his new tattoo, and his new ring gear! It has the NJPW Lion Mark right on the side! Gabe keeps saying he’ll revive the true Strong Style, will that happen here tonight? Well, speaking of new theme song, Omega has one specially made by Final Fantasy 14 & 16 composer, Masayoshi Soken, with vocals by Jason Miller and even special voice over by Nobuo Uematsu. We know this because Omega let us know on social media.

The bell rings and the fans duel between “GABU! GABU!” and “KENNY! KENNY!” The two circle, then Gabe rushes up. Omega avoids Gabe, but then the two feel things out. Gabe SLAPS Omega, talks smack, but Omega tests the waters with shots of his own. The two circle, keep throwing shots, but then Gabe says F Omega, let’s go! They scrap, clinch, and end up on the ropes! The ref counts as the two keep throwing shots, and Omega turns things around on Gabe. Gabe headlocks, Omega powers up and out, but Gabe RUNS Omega over! The fans are torn but things speed up. Omega BOOTS Gabe, but Gabe BOOTS Omega!

Both men get forehead to forehead, then Omega CHOPS! Gabe shakes his head and CHOPS back! Omega felt that one, but he nods. Omega CHOPS Gabe, Gabe shakes his head, and Gabe CHOPS back! Gabe eggs Omega on so Omega CHOPS! Gabe felt that one, and he CHOPS back! Gabe eggs Omega on so Omega fires forearms! Omega CHOPS in a corner, then JABS! The ref reprimands about closed fists, so Omega whips Gabe corner to corner. Omega runs up, ELBOWS Gabe, then brings Gabe around to fireman’s carry. “You! Can’t! Escape!” ROLLING SENTON, then MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Omega still pulls off the classic, but he does have to worry about his stomach. Omega’s fine so he sits Gabe up to KICK him in the back! Omega pie faces Gabe, stomps him around, then sits him up, for another KICK! Gabe writhes again and Omega stalks him. Omega CLUBS Gabe, stomps him, but Gabe glares at him in defiance. Omega stomps Gabe, but Gabe shouts, “KOI YA, ORA!” The fans cheer the use of Japanese, and Omega grins, before he CHOPS Gabe down! Omega watches Gabe rise, then winds up to JAB! JAB! JAB! The ref counts, fans actually boo Omega, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!

Gabe brings Omega over, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” And as such, Gabe SUPLEXES Omega and himself up and out of the ring!! The fans fire up, the ref has Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney stay back, and the ring count starts. Gabe rises up, but Omega follows, and Gabe RAMS Omega into the apron! The count is 7 of 20, but Gabe whips Omega hard into railing! The ref again has Connors & Drilla stay back, but Gabe fires the fans up. Gabe drags Omega up, RAMS him back into railing, then UPPERCUTS! Gabe storms around to the timekeeper’s table, and he confiscates the table! And even the table next to it!

The ref tells Gabe that this is a regular match, win it in the ring! Gabe tells “AEW b*tch” Bryce to shut his mouth! Gabe then goes back for Omega, but Omega is in the ring! Omega WRECKS Gabe with a dropkick! Then he PLANCHAS! Down goes Gabe and the fans fire up! Omega has to catch his breath, and that impact hurts a bit more than he remembers. Omega puts the railing back in place while he stands, and he brings Gabe around to whip into railing! Gabe falls in a heap and the ref checks him. Omega again catches his breath, and again checks his stomach, but he comes back to fetch Gabe all the same.

Omega SMACKS Gabe off the apron, then SMACKS him again and again and again! Gabe flops over, the fans are torn, but Omega stands tall. Omega brings Gabe up and into the ring, then goes up to join him on the apron. Omega brings Gabe up, but Gabe SMACKS Omega! Both men wobble, but Gabe eggs Omega on. Omega hits back, so Gabe ROCKS Omega! Omega ROCKS Gabe, Gabe HEADBUTTS Omega! Both men wobble, but then Gabe fires up! The fans fire up, too, and Gabe reels Omega in. Omega fights the lift but Gabe CLUBS him! Gabe reels Omega in again, but Omega fights the driver, and he BACKDROPS Gabe!

Gabe ends up stuck on ropes, but then flops down to the apron and then the floor! The fans rally and duel, but Omega says, “Dying time’s here!” Omega hauls Gabe up, RAMS him into railing, and then SNAP DRAGON SUPLEXES Gabe to the floor! The fans fire up as Omega brings out his vicious side! Omega drags Gabe back up, then RAMS him into railing again! Omega reels Gabe in now, he gets the fans fired up, but there are plenty of boos, too. Omega feeds off both cheers and jeers to lift Gabe, and POWERBOMB him through the tables!! Gable writhes, hoisted on his own petard, and the ref calls for help!

Omega hops over railing while Gabe is still down on the floor. Connors & Drilla say this is all Bryce’s fault, but Omega stalks Gabe. Omega drags the wreckage out of the way, other refs finally show up to check Gabe, but Omega drags Gabe away before they can even start! But it’s plain to see that Gabe’s busted open! Omega stands Gabe up and leans him against railing. Gabe resists but Omega rains down fists, then CLAWS at Gabe’s wound! Fans boo but Omega just ignores them while he leaves Gabe behind. The refs finally do check Gabe, but then wait! Omega SPRINGBOARD SWANTON BOMBS!! Omega wipes out Gabe, the War Dogs, and the refs!!

The fans are thunderous, and again Omega finds that move hurts worse than he remembers. Gabe sputters, the crimson mask growing, but he still manages to talk some smack on Omega. Omega clutches his hip as he struggles to rise up. He perhaps went too hard for his first match back, but he still stands. The fans cheer, but then Omega has to sit down. Gabe sits up in a daze, and a Young Lion give Omega an icepack. Omega puts the pack on his hip, but then he kicks the Young Lion away! Omega is perhaps offended by the Young Lion’s assistance, but then he SMACKS Gabe with the icepack! Omega pretends to not know why the fans are upset.

But then Gabe attacks! The fans fire up as Gabe grabs a chair and he JAMS Omega! Then SMACKS him on the back! The fans fire up as the anti-hero paints himself with his own blood, and he sits the fallen hero up. Gabe ROCKS Omega with a right hand, then SMACKS him with another chair! Gabe drags Omega back to ringside, then POSTS him! Gabe hobbles, Connors & Drilla tell “G” to F Omega up! Gabe goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up as Gabe is making this extra hardcore! Gabe BOOTS Omega, brings him around, but Omega tries to back suplex! Gabe fights back with elbows!

Gabe reels Omega in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” Omega grabs railing to fight the suplex, but Gabe CLUBS away on him! BRAINBUSTER through the table!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Gabe sits up cross-legged, calling out Shibata yet again! Gabe mockingly asks where Shibata went, then he busts up what’s left of the busted table! Gabe has a piece of wood, and he SMACKS Omega right in the head! The War Dogs are all fired up as Gabe stands tall, and even the fans are cheering! Gabe tells his boys to go find more furniture, and they all start putting chair after chair into the ring!

The fans are liking where this is going, and now we see Omega is busted open! Gabe BITES the bloody wound! Gabe spits and paces around, then he drags Omega back up. Gabe puts Omega in the ring, and he gathers up all the chairs the War Dogs fetched for him. Gabe kicks Omega, then he stacks chairs. Gabe JAMS Omega up with one, then adds it to the stack. But Omega BOOTS Gabe! And SLAM DUNKS Gabe on the chair pile! The fans rally as Omega, a deep red on his face already, makes his way to a corner. But then he flounders down, the blood loss already slowing him down. But then Omega roars and rises up!

The fans fire up, and Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe climbs up to get Omega, for a SUPERPLEX onto the chair pile!! The fans go nuts while both men take critical damage! Even so, The War Dogs are all fired up seeing Gabe do this to a previous leader of Bullet Club. Gabe rises first, and he dares Omega to get up. Gabe uses a chair to stand, and he brings it over to Omega. Gabe JAMS Omega up, then JAMS him again! Gabe runs up to JAM Omega again! But Omega grabs that chair! Omega HEADBUTTS Gabe! But Gabe swings! Omega dodges the chair shot to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! And now Omega has a chair!

But Gabe HEADSHOTS first! And HEADSHOTS again! But then Omega HEADSHOTS back! And HEADSHOTS again! They’re even now and both men stagger back. The fans rally up as Omega and Gabe crawl towards center. Also, where’s a ref? Not just Bryce but any ref! Gabe and Omega crawl to each other, and Red Shoes hurries out here. Gabe and Omega stand to fire forearms! Red Shoes wants them to stop but they tell him to back off! The forearms keep going, faster and faster, harder and harder! Red Shoes focuses on clearing out the chairs, and Gabe fires shots from all sides! But Omega SLAPS back!

Gabe fires up, but Omega SLAPS again! Gabe gets pissed, but Omega ROCKS him, and then V-TRIGGER! Both men run, both men dodge, but V-TRIGGER hits first! Only for the COMEBACKER to hit last!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! The “GABU! GABU!” is outweighing the “KENNY! KENNY!” Gabe staggers over to Omega, and he fires LARIAT after LARIAT from all sides! Omega staggers, but he CHOPS back! Gabe roars, runs, but Omega gets under! Gabe CLUBS Omega, CHOPS him, then runs, but into a SNAP RANA! Gabe tumbles out and Omega blinks the blood out of his eyes.

The fans fire up as Omega rises! The Terminator Drums return, and Omega builds speed! Omega FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Gabe! The fans are thunderous again as Omega staggers over that way. Omega stands Gabe up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. Omega climbs a corner, takes aim, and BLINDSIDE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Gabe flounders, Omega takes aim, and he runs corner to corner, BLINDSIDE V-TRIGGER! Gabe sputters, Omega reels him in and puts him up top. Omega climbs up and vows to end this! Omega half nelsons, but Gabe resists the full nelson! The fans rally as Omega CLUBS Gabe!

Omega goes up to the very top, and he drags Gabe up to join him! Red Shoes don’t do it, Kenny! Omega doesn’t care, SUPER SNAP DRAGON!! Both men are down while the fans fire up! Omega crawls to a cover, TWO!! Gabe survives, the fans fire up again, but Omega underhooks! JAY DRILLER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Omega’s shoutout to #DemBoys doesn’t finish this, but the fans are thunderous all the same! Omega takes aim at Gabe and says BANG! Omega runs, V-TRIGGER!! And then Electric Chair Lift, but Omega’s core won’t let him! The War Dogs shout for Gabe to rise, and the fans duel as hard as they can!

Omega roars, vows to end this now, and he Electric Chair Lifts Gabe! ONE WINGED- NO, Gabe slips free to COBRA TWIST!! The fans go nuts as Gabe uses Inoki’s move! Omega endures, even as Gabe digs his elbow in and pulls as hard as he can! Gabe roars as he puts all he has into this hold, only for Omega to have the ROPEBREAK! But Gabe GERMAN SUPLEXES! Omega stands, LARIATS, but Gabe stays up! And he O-KNEES Omega down!! Then PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Omega survives and Gabe can’t believe it! The fans are thunderous all the same as Omega manages a wild grin on his face.

Gabe rises, roars, and the fans fire up with him! Gabe brings Omega up, reels him in, and POWER- NO, Omega fights the bomb, but Gabe stops the rana! TIGER DRIVER! And then LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Omega bounces, Gabe covers, ROPEBREAK!!! Omega survives by a literal foot and no one can believe it! The fans rally up as Gabe pounds the mat! Gabe rises, seethes and snarls, and Tokyo Dome is more and more behind him as he goes! Gabe drags Omega up, suplexes, but Omega blocks! Gabe fires body shots, then suplexes, but Omega fights free! Omega wrenches, but Gabe ENZIGIRIS!

Gabe runs up, Omega BOOTS the lariat then KNEES Gabe down! Gabe sputters at the ropes, Omega reloads and runs up, V-TRIGGER!! Omega reels Gabe in, lifts him up, FALLING POWERBOMB!! V-TRIGGER!! Cover, ONE?!!? HOW?!? Fighting spirit is fighting spirit but Gabe is superhuman! He flips Omega off, so Omega grabs those fingers! Gabe says “DO IT!” KAMI-GOYE!! Omega then hauls Gabe up, Electric Chair, ONE WINGED ANGEL!!! Cover, Omega wins!!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall

Whether you hated Omega leaving NJPW to create AEW, or you love Omega for being true to himself, we must all accept that he IS The Best Bout Machine! It seems even Tanahashi was moved to tears by this display of Strong Style. Omega rose like a phoenix to win, but Gabe proved he is NJPW Strong. Will we see these two run it back one day? And either way, what is next for both men in this New Year?

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ricochet!

The Frontman made it through 43 minutes against The Roughneck, but now he puts the title on the line against The One & Only. Trevor Mann just showed the world his dark side on AEW Dynamite, but will now shine with gold? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?

Speaking of psycho Trevor, Ricochet BOOTS ZSJ off the apron during his entrance! The fans boo, but Ricochet DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp, the bell rings, and Ricochet puts ZSJ in! Ricochet then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! ZSJ tumbles back out, Ricochet builds speed and SASUKE SPECIALS! Ricochet puts ZSJ back in, to SPRINGBOARD 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans are torn but Ricochet is all fired up! ZSJ finally gets his jacket off, and Ricochet stands him up to CHOP! ZSJ staggers, Ricochet storms up, and Ricochet CHOPS ZSJ in the corner. Ricochet runs corner to corner, but ZSJ puts him on the apron

ZSJ runs up, Ricochet RAMS him, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet! ZSJ traps Ricochet in ropes to KICK Ricochet in the head! Ricochet tumbles out and staggers away, but ZSJ pursues. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet down, then UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet more, then whips him to railing., Ricochet stops himself, ELBOWS back, then uses the railing to QUEBRADA, but into a cravat! ZSJ puts Ricochet on the apron, then NECK TWISTS! The fans fire up while ZSJ holds on! Red Shoes reprimands, ZSJ lets go, and the fans rally up. ZSJ rolls in, brings Ricochet around, and he ties up the legs right into a DEATHLOCK!

ZSJ stands while Ricochet flounders! Ricochet CHOPS from below, but ZSJ just bridges back to put on the pressure! ZSJ then stands to sit Ricochet up, and steps over to add a KIMURA! Ricochet flails around with one arm, and finds the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and the fans cheer. ZSJ sits Ricochet up to KICK him back down! Ricochet snarls as he sits back up, but ZSJ KICKS him again! Ricochet sits up, but ZSJ pushes him down to NECK TWIST! Ricochet writhes, and ZSJ brings Ricochet up. Ricochet UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS in return! Ricochet sits down, but ZSJ brings him up to shove and HEADBUTT low!

Ricochet drops to a knee, but ZSJ brings him up, shoves him to ropes, and HEADBUTTS him in the lower back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS Ricochet, shoves him, but Ricochet rolls off ZSJ’s back! Ricochet dodges to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Ricochet goes to a corner, ZSJ runs up, and ZSJ blocks a boot. But Ricochet ENZIGIRIS! ZSJ runs back in, but Ricochet dodges! Ricochet RAMS ZSJ, goes out to ENZIGIRI, then he springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Ricochet keeps moving, SHOOTING STAR, then somersault and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this and the fans rally up.

Ricochet grows frustrated, but he eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ sits up so Ricochet KICKS him in the back. Ricochet reels ZSJ in, ZSJ fights the lift, so Ricochet CLUBS him! ZSJ sits down, Ricochet CHOPS him! Ricochet reels ZSJ in, hoists him up, but ZSJ fights around to have a SLEEPER! ZSJ is a backpack, but Ricochet RAMS him into buckles! ZSJ still holds on, so Ricochet RAMS him in again! ZSJ still holds on, and Ricochet drops to a knee. Ricochet fights up, RAMS ZSJ into buckles, then runs corner to corner to BACKPACK CANNONBALL! ZSJ lets go and both men are down! TMDK coaches ZSJ from the corner but Ricochet sits up first.

The fans rally as ZSJ and Ricochet both rise up. ZSJ is on his knees, and Ricochet fires a forearm! ZSJ glares at Ricochet but Ricochet fires another forearm! ZSJ stands, Ricochet eggs him on, so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Ricochet fires forearms and UPPERCUTS, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Ricochet UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Ricochet at ropes, runs, but into a TIGER WALL KICK! Ricochet fires fast hands, a SOBAT, and a KNEE! Then a DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up and Ricochet runs, to LARIAT again! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but Ricochet fires up! “IKU ZO!” The fans rally and Ricochet runs up, to AX- NO! ZSJ blocks the kick!

ZSJ twists the leg, ANKLE LOCK! Ricochet rolls to throw ZSJ away, then he V-TRIGGERS! Ricochet then lifts ZSJ up, powerbomb to fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and the fans rally up again. Ricochet grows frustrated, goes to a corner, and the fans rally up more. Ricochet loads up, runs up, but ZSJ ducks Spirit Gun! UPPERCUT! Ricochet bounces off buckles and ZSJ fires up again! The fans are with ZSJ as he PENALTY KICKS! But ZSJ is too tired to make the cover! The fans rally for ZSJ as he hobbles a bit. ZSJ brings Ricochet up, full nelsons, but Ricochet fights free!

Ricochet switches, ZSJ switches, but Ricochet elbows free! Ricochet handsprings, but into the SNAP DRAGON! Ricochet’s right up!? But ZSJ ducks the discus to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. ZSJ stands, he brings Ricochet around, and the fans cheer ZSJ on. ZSJ sits Ricochet up for a KICK! Ricochet flops over, but ZSJ hauls him up. ZSJ scoops, Ricochet slips out and inverted suplexes! ZSJ slips out but Ricochet ROCKS him! ZSJ runs, leaps, but into a Gory Especial! Swing and KNEE! Ricochet then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and deadlift into a snap suplex!

Ricochet isn’t done, he drags ZSJ to the apron! APRON SNAP SUPLEX! But Ricochet still isn’t done, he holds on as the two go to the floor! The fans go nuts for the snap suplex to the floor! Ricochets an #OuttaThisWorld Three Amigos and Red Shoes checks ZSJ. ZSJ is somehow still in this, and both men slowly stir. The ring count starts, Ricochet rolls in at 11 of 20, but ZSJ is still down at 13! And at 15! 16! 17! ZSJ staggers up at 18, but leaps in at 19.5!! The fans fire up as ZSJ is safe! Ricochet realizes this and is frustrated again. Ricochet asks if ZSJ is really going to do this. Ricochet and ZSJ talk trash at each other, then head for center.

Ricochet SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ SLAPS Ricochet! The SLAPS go back and forth, and both men stand up! Ricochet grins, and he ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ nods and walks that off. The fans rally up and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Ricochet staggers to ropes, and ZSJ eggs on “Hage <Baldie>.” The fans laugh and Ricochet says okay then. Ricochet flicks his sweat at ZSJ then UPPERCUTS! ZSJ says not good enough, and he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Red Shoes counts as Ricochet is in the corner, so ZSJ backs off. The fans rally up as ZSJ runs in, but Ricochet JUMP KNEES him down! Ricochet snarls and roars!

ZSJ is in a daze but Ricochet storms over to stand him up. Ricochet puts ZSJ in a corner, then puts him up top. Ricochet CHOPS, then climbs. But ZSJ grabs Ricochet for a KIMURA! Then he traps that arm to pull the other! Ricochet endures but Red Shoes reprimands, none of this will count! ZSJ shoves Ricochet down, but Ricochet GAMANGIRIS in return! Ricochet HEADBUTTS, then climbs back up. But ZSJ scoops Ricochet! Ricochet fights, but ZSJ still SUPER ZACK DRIVERS!!! Cover, TWO?!? But into an ARMBAR!! ZSJ has Ricochet’s head caught in a cravat using his feet, and he adds a MOUNTED ARMBAR!

Ricochet endures, fans rally up, and ZSJ shifts to go for the arms again. Ricochet scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go, and he fires the fans back up. ZSJ isolates Ricochet’s arm to STOMP it! Ricochet writhes, but ZSJ stands on his hand! ZSJ isolates that arm, and STOMPS it! Ricochet clutches both his elbows, but ZSJ KICKS him in the chest! And KICKS him again! And KICKS again! Ricochet manages to grab the leg, and he CLUBS the foot! But ZSJ blocks the backhand to PELE the arm! Ricochet ROUNDHOUSES, then SUPERKICKS! ZSJ falls, Ricochet dragon sleepers! Inverted suplex, VERTIGO!! Cover, TWO!!

ZSJ survives but Ricochet hurries to a corner! The fans rally up, Ricochet goes up top, and Ricochet SHOOTING STAR PRESSES! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Ricochet can’t believe it! The fans fire back up while Ricochet vows to end this. Ricochet runs up to AX KICK! And then dragon sleeper for SPINNING VERTIGO!! Cover, TWO?!?! ZSJ survives again but Ricochet roars! The fans rally, but Ricochet calls for “that!” Ricochet climbs up the corner, takes aim, and RICOCHET 630 FLOPS!!! ZSJ avoids disaster, and runs to PENALTY KICK!! The fans are thunderous as ZSJ scoops, SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?!?

ZSJ can’t believe it, but Ricochet survives! The fans rally, ZSJ hauls Ricochet up and hooks the leg, ZACK SAB- NO, Ricochet victory rolls! TWO! ZSJ BOOTS Ricochet! Ricochet DECKS ZSJ! But that’s a closed fist! Ricochet just DECKS ZSJ again! And then winds up, to DECK him again! TMDK and Red Shoes both reprimand, and the fans even boo. Ricochet doesn’t care, he wants to win! Ricochet loads up, SPIRIT- NO, ZSJ catches that arm into an omoplata! ZSJ wants the other arm but Ricochet fights around! He still ends up in CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ pulls on that arm, ZSJ scissors the arms, and Ricochet QUITS! ZSJ WINS!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

Ricochet shot first, but he still got bent out of shape! Will The One & Only simply have to go back to AEW and watch out for Swerve’s House?

As for ZSJ, Red Shoes and Hartley Jackson secure the belt around ZSJ’s waist, and TMDK stands with their Frontman. ZSJ then gets the mic to tell Ricochet, “Hold on, wait. Hey, baldie. Ricochet, thank you.” The fans do cheer that respect, and ZSJ say she won again. But ending the same way isn’t the most fun, is it? What should he talk about? His Japanese is slipping. He goes with English for now, and hopes there are some English speakers here. The fans cheer, and ZSJ says he might even do a standup routine.

But ZSJ says that NJPW “is the best professional wrestling company on this round Earth!” The fans cheer that, even those who don’t know that much English. ZSJ says he loves this country, he loves this company, and the future of NJPW is very bright. But right now, that future is effin’ orange! The fans cheer that, and ZSJ continues to say that TMDK will be the top of NJPW for a very, very long time. The young Japanese men, Fujita and Oiwa, will be champions very soon. Oh, wait, Fujita just won the tag titles with Eagles. ZSJ did get kicked in the head a lot, he wasn’t really prepared for this standup routine.

That said, Hartley is still alive so that’s an achievement. Oiwa will be next, that ZSJ promises. ZSJ says that is enough for today, so ZSJ thanks the fans for giving NJPW a great two day weekend! The fans cheer that, and ZSJ says they are TMDK. They are The Mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! ZSJ drops the mic, the fans cheer, and TMDK sits together on the apron. Will 2025 be the mightiest year in NJPW history?

---

My Thoughts:

An awesome inaugural WrestleDynasty from start to finish, with only a few results being surprising and/or confusing. The International Women’s Cup was great stuff, especially as I was only a little familiar with Momo Watanabe and had barely seen anything of Persephone. I thought Athena was likely to win this cup, but I suppose that was still in the scenario where Athena wasn’t ROH Women’s World Champion. But great win for Momo, that probably builds her up towards something big in Stardom, maybe even a shot at the IWGP Women’s Championship so that she can end Mayu Iwatani’s epic 622 day reign.

Great ROH Tag title match from Sons of Texas VS House of Torture, and it was great for the fans and even Japanese commentary to have so much fun watching Dustin bust out his classic moves. But duh, Dustin & Sammy were winning. That Lucha Gauntlet was not what I expected. For one, it wasn’t purely “luchadores,” or as we associate it, “masked wrestlers,” it was just various guys not doing anything. Plus, it was more akin to AEW’s Casino Gauntlet where they kept adding people. But I loved how Desperado kinda stepped in it by entering last, and it was genius for someone to win off Desperado to set up an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match.

Tanahashi VS Shibata as a five minute “exhibition” that turned into a chop fest was good stuff. It was a good way to have them both interact without having there be a winner and a loser. Maybe we get a proper match for Forbidden Door London or something, especially with this being Tanahashi’s last year as a wrestler. Yota staring down Tanahashi after was an interesting detail, too. Yota VS Perry was a great match, but I figured Yota would win out to retain the title he just won yesterday. Finlay losing the title made me think Brody was going to win today, but I guess not. Finlay overcoming Brody would be the one of the odd choices to me, but I suppose this is still a NJPW event, not an AEW event.

Another odd choice would be Mone winning to be a TRIPLE champion with four physical belts to carry around. Granted, Mone is still doing great work in the ring and outside the ring as a Heel, but even this seems like a lot. Mina not wanting to accept the handshake was a good detail, though, because Mone just seemed condescending in the moment. But now, Mone is going to bring all that hardware to AEW, how is anyone going to beat her? And perhaps the third odd choice is The Young Bucks winning the IWGP Tag titles. Granted, this might’ve been the plan even when it was Khan & Henare, not Khan & Cobb, but it was even more surprising when Naito & Hiromu were added. I suppose The Bucks will be in NJPW to “wait out” the Death Rider stuff in AEW, but that seems even stranger.

Speaking of the Death Riders, great match from Shota and Claudio, and great win for Shota. If The Bucks are hanging out in NJPW, I kinda hope Shota shows up in AEW so that he can fight against Moxley’s Death Riders alongside Rated FTR and/or Darby Allin as Darby makes his “heroic return.” Omega VS Gabe was incredible, especially for Omega’s first match back period. The fans loving Gabe is rather surprising, but I suppose they just appreciate how he wants current NJPW to be more like old school NJPW. Tanahashi getting emotional watching that match was also incredible, I love that he was that impressed and that proud of Omega and Gabe. Honestly, that was worthy of the main event spot.

But speaking of the main event, awesome stuff from ZSJ and Ricochet. Ricochet didn’t bring out psycho Trevor Mann like he did on Wednesday, but this was definitely that super cocky Heel persona he was working on beforehand. Great win for ZSJ, though, and great closing promo. I suppose with Hirooki Goto winning the Ranbo yesterday, we don’t need “A challenger approaches!” happening to close a show, just let TMDK have the moment. Then Goto can confront ZSJ either tomorrow for New Year Dash or sometime else down the line.

My Score: 9.3/10